cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of botulinum toxin type A injection on compound muscle action potential in an in vivo rat model.

Serial measurements were performed on the compound muscle action potential (CV) amplitude and the force generated by the rat lower hind limb flexors to investigate the time course of intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®). Thirty animals were used in this in vivo rat model. CMAP amplitude and muscle force were measured at predetermined intervals for 28 weeks. Compound muscle action potential amplitude and force declined markedly the first 5 to 7 days after injection of BOTOX but recovered in a near linear manner. The response magnitude and recovery rate were dose-dependent. Recovery of CMAP amplitude preceded recovery of muscle force. No clear evidence of a systemic effect on the untreated leg or a concentration effect was found. CMAP amplitude mlay be useful in determining optimal timing of repeat injections in treating neuromuscular disorders
Detection of quiescent cardiac phases in echocardiography data using nonlinear filtering and boundary detection techniques.

We describe an algorithm to detect cardiac quiescence within a heartbeat using nonlinear filtering and boundary detection techniques in echocardiography images. The motivation for detection of these quiescent phases is to provide improved cardiac gating to obtain motion-artifact-free images of the heart at cardiac computed tomography (CT). Currently, cardiac gating is provided through electrocardiography (ECG), which does not provide information about the instantaneous mechanical state of the heart. Our goal is to test if information about the actual mechanical motion of the heart obtained from B-mode echocardiographic data could potentially be used for gating purposes. The nonlinear filtering algorithm presented involves anisotropic diffusion to smoothen the homogeneous regions of the B-mode images while preserving image edges that represent myocardial boundaries. Following this, we detect the boundary of a particular region of interest (ROI) using a thresholding step. The positional changes of this ROI are then observed for quiescent phases over multiple cardiac cycles using the ECG’s R-R interval. In a pilot study, seven subjects were imaged in the apical, four-chamber view, and quiescence of the interventricular septum was primarily observed in the diastolic region of the ECG signal. However, the position and length of quiescence vary across multiple heartbeats for the same individual and for different individuals as well. The center of quiescence for the seven patients ranged from 51 to 84 % and did not show a trend with heart rates, which ranged from 54 to 83 beats per minute. The gating intervals based on such analysis of echocardiographic signals could potentially optimize cardiac CT gating.
Extraction and immunocytochemical characterization of viable mononuclear inflammatory cells from brains of mice with chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection

A method which combined mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of brain parenchyma with Percoll density gradient centrifugation of the resulting tissue suspension was developed for the extraction of viable mononuclear inflammatory cells from the brains of mice. This method was used to extract mononuclear inflammatory cells from the brains of normal mice and mice chronically infected with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection with T. gondii was found to result in a 5- to 7-fold increase in the number of mononuclear cells which could be extracted from mouse brains. Immunocytochemical characterization of the extracted mononuclear cell fractions using monoclonal antibodies against T cell subsets and monocyte/macrophages revealed that the numbers of helper T cells, cytotoxic/suppressor T cells, and monocyte/macrophages present in mouse brain increased markedly after infection with T. gondii. This method may prove useful in identifying the cells responsible for inhibition of growth of tumor cells in the brain which has been observed after infection with T. gondii in mice.
Kinetics of Precipitation of α‐Al2O3 in Polycrystalline Supersaturated MgO ‐ 2Al2O3 Spinel Solid Solution

Etude par diffraction RX, microsonde electronique et microscopie electronique a balayage et transmission; mise en evidence d'un processus controle par croissance ou par nucleation en fonction de la temperature. Role des joints de grains et des reactions a l'interface; comparaison aux resultats sur les monocristaux
The White Leader Prototype: A Critical Analysis of Race in Public Relations

This article introduces the theoretical concept of the White leader prototype through an analysis of race in the public relations field. Critical race, Whiteness, ideological, and public relations theories are united to explicate the White leader prototype as a theoretical concept able to account for racial imbalance at leadership levels in public relations. A descriptive case study illustrates that race may be the most salient factor influencing leadership ascension in public relations. Although the White leader prototype is theorized in the context of the United States, the concept has global significance because it is applicable to other circumstances where diverse groups of people coexist.
The Jahn-teller effect for Cr2+ in II–VI crystals

Abstract The EPR spectrum for Cr 3+ in cubic ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, and CdTe has been measured. For each crystal, a static tetragonal Jahn-Teller distortion is present in the ground state. Stress alignment studies indicate ∼500 cm −1 for the Jahn-Teller energy. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are observed to differ widely from one compound to the other. An explanation for this variation is offered in terms of ligand admixtures into the Cr 2+ wavefunction.
Trivariate, Stereological Length–Radius–Orientation Unfolding Derived and Applied to Alumina–Silicon Carbide Whisker Composites

A new method of simultaneously unfolding lengths, radii, and orientations of chopped fibers or whiskers embedded in composites with an axis of symmetry is presented. The technique makes use of previously derived stereological results for the unfolding of lengths and radii of chopped fibers that are randomly oriented. An equation relating the trivariate size–shape–orientation distribution to the orientation of elliptical sections appearing on a vertical plane is derived. The procedure is demonstrated on an alumina–silicon carbide whisker composite material. A functional form for the distribution of whiskers in hot pressed ceramic matrix composites is proposed.
Defect model in thin dielectric films

Abstract This paper summarizes the basic features of a newly proposed defect model for thin dielectric films. An application of this model in estimating the defect density is discussed, and the results are presented.
Impact of Cocaine on Human Placental Function Using an In Vitro Perfusion System

The transport of cocaine from the maternal to fetal circulation and the effect of cocaine on placental function was investigated in vitro using dually perfused term human placentae with recirculation of both maternal and fetal pefusates. In the first experimental group (n = 5,2 hr), after addition of 3H-cocaine and 14C-inulin to the maternal circulation, steady state concentrations were achieved within 20 min on the maternal side. However, in the following 100 min, uptake of 3H-cocaine remained higher than of the 14C-inulin on the maternal side. 3H-Cocaine was transported more rapidly than 14C-inulin into the fetal circulation and was detected within 10–15 min of initiation of perfusion. In the second experimental group (n = 6), the maternofetal permeability of 14C-inulin was determined in the same placental perfusion in both the absence (control period, 2 hr) and presence of cocaine (test phase, 2 hr) with its 3H-tracer. After the addition of cocaine (2–3 mg/L), the transfer of 14C-inulin was reduced from 6.59 to 3.64 mL/gm per min (p < .001), indicating that cocaine alters placental permeability. In addition to its effect on placental permeability, cocaine decreases the rate of release of hCG into the maternal circulation—reduced from 3.11 (control period) to 1.62 IU/min (test phase, p < .01).
Heat capacities of aqueous HCI, NaOH, and NaCl at 283.15, 298.15 and 313.15 K: ΔC°p for ionization of water

A Flow microcalorimeter and a vibrating-tube densimeter were used for measurements leading to apparent molar heat capacitics and apparent molar volumes of dilute aqueous solutions of HCl, NaOH, and NaCl at 283.15, 298.15 and 313.15 K. Molalities ranged from 0.03 to 0.4 mol kg−1. Infinite-dilution partial molar heat capacities and volumes were obtained by extrapolation. These results were used to obtain values for ΔC°p and ΔV° for ionization of H2O at the above three temperatures. The use of correction factors relating observed heat capacities per unit volume to standard values is discussed.
Epidural hematomas in children.

Study objective: To describe the presentation, management, and outcome of children with traumatic epidural hematoma. Design: Retrospective chart review. Type of participants: Fifty-three children diagnosed with traumatic epidural hematoma on computed tomography scan who were treated at Children's Hospital in Boston between 1980 and 1990. Main results: Twenty-four of 53 children developed an epidural hematoma after a fall of less than 5 ft. At the time of diagnosis, 51 of 53 children had one or more symptoms of vomiting, headache, or lethargy. Twenty-six patients were alert, 21 were responsive to verbal or painful stimuli, and five were unresponsive or posturing. Twenty-one (40%) had acute neurologic deterioration before surgery; however, 20 (38%) were alert with normal vital signs and neurologic examinations at diagnosis. All patients survived, and at the time of discharge 45 had normal examinations and eight had neurologic abnormalities; at follow-up only four of these eight had persistent (although mild) abnormalities. Conclusion: Although often dramatic in presentation, epidural hematoma may occur after relatively minor head trauma and in alert children with nonfocal neurologic examinations. In our study, incidence of neurologic sequelae increased if abnormal neurologic examination or depressed mental status was present at diagnosis. The outcome of children in this study is improved from that of previous studies, perhaps due to increased use of computed tomography and higher incidence of low- or moderate-impact trauma in this series.
A comparison of two algorithms for robot learning from demonstration

Robot learning from demonstration focuses on algorithms that enable a robot to learn a policy from demonstrations performed by a teacher, typically a human expert. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of two learning from demonstration algorithms, Interactive Reinforcement Learning and Behavior Networks. We evaluate the performance of these algorithms using a humanoid robot and discuss the relative advantages and drawbacks of these methods with respect to learning time, number of demonstrations, ease of implementation and other metrics. Our results show that Behavior Networks rely on a greater degree of domain knowledge and programmer expertise, requiring very precise definitions for behavior pre- and post-conditions. By contrast Interactive RL requires a relatively simple implementation based only on the robot's sensor data and actions. However, Behavior Networks leverage the pre-coded knowledge to effectively reduce learning time and the required number of human interactions to learn the task.
CXCR4 signaling in the regulation of stem cell migration and development

The regulated migration of stem cells is a feature of the development of all tissues and also of a number of pathologies. In the former situation the migration of stem cells over large distances is required for the correct formation of the embryo. In addition, stem cells are deposited in niche like regions in adult tissues where they can be called upon for tissue regeneration and repair. The migration of cancer stem cells is a feature of the metastatic nature of this disease. In this article we discuss observations that have demonstrated the important role of chemokine signaling in the regulation of stem cell migration in both normal and pathological situations. It has been demonstrated that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is expressed in numerous types of embryonic and adult stem cells and the chemokine SDF-1/CXCL12 has chemoattractant effects on these cells. Animals in which SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling has been interrupted exhibit numerous phenotypes that can be explained as resulting from inhibition of SDF-1 mediated chemoattraction of stem cells. Hence, CXCR4 signaling is a key element in understanding the functions of stem cells in normal development and in diverse pathological situations.
High turnover rates in pH-dependent alkene epoxidation using NaOCl and square-planar nickel(II) catalysts

Transition-metal-catalyzed transfer of oxygen atoms to organic substrates is of interest in the study of bioinorganic mechanisms and the development of efficient catalysts for laboratory and industrial organic synthesis. Certain nickel(II) catalysts have recently joined the plethora of metalloporphyrin complexes capable of facilitating this reaction using OCl{sup {minus}}, PhIO, or KHSO{sub 5} as terminal oxidant. Here, we report an unusual pH dependence of the OCl{sup {minus}}-based reactions which leads to dramatic rate accelerations in olefin epoxidation at reduced pH.
Three-Photon Excited Fluorescence Imaging of Unstained Tissue Using a GRIN Endoscope

We present a three-photon GRIN endoscope system capable of imaging a field of view of 200 μm diameter at 4 frames/s. Ex vivo images of unstained mouse lung are shown.
INTERACTION (ALLELOPATHY) BETWEEN MARINE DIATOMS: THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA AND PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM1

Two marine diatoms were studied singly and in mixed culture. Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hust.) Hade & Heimdal was capable of a higher growth rate (μmax) than Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin. In two-species batch cultures P. tricornutum took over in the latter portion of the exponential phase, possibly due to allelopathy. The filtrate from this species caused an initial lag phase and a reduced terminal population density for T. pseudonana. Two-species continuous cultures showed verification of these interactions. At high dilution rate (i.e., high growth rate) P. tricornutum washed out when added at low density, whereas T. pseudonana maintained constant cell density. However, when sufficient density of P. tricornutum was added as a contaminant, both species washed out. At a lower dilution rate P. tricornutum increased in density when added and eventually reached a stable population; T. pseudonana then washed out.
Prolonged preservation of the blood-perfused canine heart with glycolysis-promoting solution.

Abstract Background . Prolonged ischemia and inadequate myocardial preservation remain significant perioperative risk factors in cardiac transplantation. Long-term preservation techniques that have been effective in small rodent hearts have not been as effective in larger animal models or in clinical studies. We developed a cardioplegia solution formulated to promote high-energy phosphate production from glycolysis and determined its efficacy in a blood perfused canine heart model subjected to 24 hours of ischemia. Methods . Hearts harvested from adult dogs (n = 6 per group) were flushed with a histidine-buffered cardioplegia solution containing glucose or University of Wisconsin solution. The hearts were maintained at 4°C for 24 hours then reperfused with autologous blood. After reperfusion, left ventricular pressures were measured with an intracavitary balloon at varying balloon volumes and compared with control nonischemic hearts. Predicted stroke volume and ejection fraction were calculated at an end-systolic pressure of 70 mm Hg and end-diastolic pressure of 15 mm Hg. Results . Developed pressure was better preserved in the hearts that received histidine-buffered solution (93 ± 9 versus 38 ± 7 mm Hg, p p Conclusions . The highly buffered glycolysis-promoting cardioplegia solution provided effective preservation of the blood perfused canine heart with superior recovery of pump performance after 24 hours of hypothermic ischemia compared with University of Wisconsin solution in this model.
Effects of the tottering mutation in the mouse: Multiple neurologic changes

The homozygote mutant mouse tottering (chromosomal designation tg) is distinguished from the heterozygote by an ataxic gait and the occurrence of spontaneous stereotypic seizures. We determined the effects of this mutation on other neurally controlled behaviors. Three behaviors were studied: swimming ability, balance on the rotorod, and activity in the open field. Swimming ability was greatly reduced (P < 0.001) in () mice compared with wild type (+/+) mice when rated on a scale designed to measure “swimming success,” whereas scores for “vigor” were normal. Heterozygotes (tg/+) had normal swimming “vigor” but showed a bimodal distribution on the “success” scale. Open field activity of () mice was significantly less (P < 0.002) compared with heterozygote littermates. Homogyzous tottering mice were unable to maintain balance on a rotating wooden rod (rotorod test), whereas heterozygotes readily learned this task. Brain weights of 8-week-old mice were examined and found to be equal except for the cerebellum, which weighed less in () mice. No significant differences in the degree of impairment between sexes or the age of testing were found. These results suggest a widespread involvement of the tg gene mutation in normal mouse behavior; however, other interpretations have not been ruled out.
Thermal and photo-induced desorption, dissociation, reactions of H2S adsorbed on Si(111) 7 × 7

Abstract The initial stage of H2S adsorption on Si(111) 7×7 at 68 K is completely dissociative. Adsorption in molecular form takes place only after the surface is saturated with decomposition products: H, HS and S. Chemisorbed H2S desorb at 101 K (99 K for D2S); ice multilayers sublimate at 89 K. Annealing to room temperature results in coverage composed of chemisorbed hydrogen and sulphur atoms. Annealing to T ≥ 460 K results in formation of SiS2. Electronic EEL spectra of adsorbed H2S show a red shift of the absorption maximum of ΔE = 0.65 eV compared to gas phase. Under photon irradiation H2S decomposes and desorb, yielding H2 and H2S with HS fragments remaining on the surface. Coverage and photon wavelength dependences reveal two mechanisms for the photo-induced processes. The first, valid for high coverages, involves direct excitation of H2S, leading to dissociation and desorption. The second, characteristic for submonolayer coverages, involves a substrate mediated mechanism.
Reduced immunosuppression in pediatric liver-intestine transplant recipients with CD8+CD28- T-suppressor cells.

Abstract Twelve pediatric liver ( n = 7), liver-kidney ( n = 1), and small bowel ( n = 4) transplant recipients, median age 6.5 years (1–21), who received rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (rATG) and steroid-free tacrolimus/sirolimus, were screened for the presence of CD8+CD28− T suppressor cells. Four control liver transplant recipients, median age 15 years (5–20), in whom conventional immunosuppression without rATG was successfully discontinued for at least 1 year, were also screened as a reference population. Median time to CD8+CD28− T-suppressor cells analysis was 16 months (2–24) in rATG subjects and 168 months (16–228) in no-immunosuppression subjects. Nine of 16 patients demonstrated the presence of CD8+CD28− T-suppressor cells in the circulation, whereas seven patients did not. CD8+CD28− T-suppressor cells were present in 4/4 children with no immunosuppression, and absent from three of four subjects with acute cellular rejection, all of whom experienced more than one acute cellular rejection episode. In the reduced immunosuppression group ( n = 8), four children demonstrated presence of CD8+CD28− T-suppressor cells in the circulation and four did not. The presence of donor-specific T-suppressor cells in the circulation may characterize transplant recipients, in whom graft function can be maintained with minimal or no immunosuppression. Such assays may also permit safe evaluation of prospective immunosuppression withdrawal strategies.
Evaluation of contrast agents for enhanced visualization in optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE To identify and evaluate the use of contrast agents in optical coherence tomography (OCT) for ophthalmic applications. METHODS Three agents-prednisolone acetate (PA), triamcinolone acetonide (TA), and lipid-based artificial tears (LBAT)-were tested in cadaveric porcine eyes imaged with hand-held spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT). Anterior segment imaging was performed in triplicate with each agent at three sites: corneal epithelial surface, corneal wound interface, and anterior chamber. OCT characteristics of the three agents at each ocular site were analyzed. Quantitative intensity (i.e., brightness) analysis was performed with image analysis software. Institutional review board approval was obtained for imaging in human subjects undergoing cataract surgery. PA was applied to the corneal surface, and SD-OCT imaging was performed of the corneal surface and wound interface immediately after cataract surgery. RESULTS All agents provided increased reflectivity. PA and LBAT showed a smooth bright reflectivity profile, whereas TA had a granular profile. Improved visualization of tissue interfaces was noted. Maximum and mean intensity of reflectance were higher for all agents compared with controls (P < 0.05). PA showed topical and wound interface contrast enhancement in human subjects after cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS Significant OCT contrast enhancement was achieved with improved visualization of tissue interfaces. Each agent had a unique reflectivity profile. Future applications of OCT contrast agents might include evaluation of wound stability, intraocular fluidics, and ocular surface disease.
Behavior problems of residents with dementia in special care units

The prevalence and correlates of behavior problems were assessed among 614 residents with dementia living in 70 special care units (SCUs) throughout the country. We assessed behavior problems at admission, using a comprehensive measure of behavior problems, the Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist-Nursing Home version. Overall, behavior problems were quite prevalent, with some problems reported for > 90% of the sample. Emotional distress was a frequent area of concern, second only to memory-related problems. Although the overall number of behavior problems was not associated with cognitive impairment, age, or gender, item analyses revealed relationships between these variables and individual behavior problems. The applicability of these findings to the care of the SCU resident is discussed.
Hierarchical confidence bounds for the exponential failure model

Abstract Confidence bounds for the parameter and the reliability function are derived for the exponential failure model, from the hierarchical Bayesian view. The parameter of the exponential is considered as a random variable with a gamma function as a prior. Furthermore, the scale parameter of the gamma prior is assumed to be a random variable with a uniform as a hyperprior. Under these assumptions confidence bounds are derived for the exponential parameter and reliability function. Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to compare the classical confidence bounds to the hierarchical Bayes.
An empirical earthquake prediction model

Abstract We have monitored seismic activity induced by impoundment of Lake Jocassee in northwest South Carolina for about two years. Low-level shallow activity was recorded. The larger felt events (2.0 ⩽ ML ⩽ 2.6) were found to be associated with precursory changes in one or more of the following; number of events, tS/tp ratio values and radon concentrations in groundwater. The microearthquakes in the precursory period were accurately located in time and space, and their location pattern was used to develop an empirical earthquake prediction model. The precursory period consists of two phases; α-phase or a period of slow (or no) increase in seismicity, and β-phase, a period when the activity increase is more rapid. The main shock was found to be located within a cluster, a “target” area defined by the location of events in the β-phase. There is a general absence of seismic activity in the “target” area in the α-phase. The main shock occurred soon after a period of quiescence in the seismic activity in the β-phase. The magnitude of the shock, ML is given by: ML = 2 log D − 0.07, where D is the duration of the precursory period in days. The model was successfully tested with data for a magnitude 2.3 event on February 23, 1977 which was also accompanied by radon and ts/tp anomalies.
Locality in the creation of electron-positron pairs

We examine the mathematical solutions of the Dirac equation to predict the spontaneous electron-positron pair creation from the vacuum. The Dirac equation contains a position and time-dependent scalar potential to approximate the effect of an external force on the vacuum. We focus on forces that are localized in space as well as in time and find that the resulting creation process is also localized in time but delocalized in space. This illustrates that the Dirac equation can show nonlocal behavior as it predicts that particles can be created even in spatial regions where the force is zero. We also examine the spatial distribution of the created particles and show that for spatially extended force fields it is proportional to the square of the position dependence of the force. But when the force field is narrower than the Compton wavelength, the created electron density approaches a universal shape invariant form that is independent of the strength of the force for sufficiently weak field strength.
A diagram for simultaneous fracture and flow

Abstract A diagram is offered, together with the questions, is it roughly the right shape? And. can field observations help reveal whether it is the right shape?
The Effect of Mean Stress on Fatigue Crack Propagation in Plates Under Extension and Bending

Mean stress effect on fatigue crack propagation in thin plates under fluctuating plane extension and cylindrical bending
Manipulation of potential punishment parameters in the treatment of self-injury.

The self-injurious behavior (SIB) of a blind, profoundly retarded male was observed within a field setting as multiple forms of punishment were applied. The effects of hair-tug punishment were first systematically examined, then hair-tug and electric shock punishment were administered in varing ratios (of punishment deliveries per SIB response) supplemented by continuous restraint contingencies and made contingent on recurrent antecedents of SIB cycles. Treatments were applied over six months of consecutive daily sessions ranging from 30 min to 8 hr duration. Posttreatment followup observations were taken 12, 24, and 34 months after treatment. Partial suppression was produced as a direct function of hair-tug punishment in the initial phase. A generally progressive decrement was produced on already lowered SIB rates with the succeeding components of the treatment package. Extended periods of total SIB suppression occurred as punishment was rendered contingent on antecedent components of each SIB response cycle. Followup observations of nearly 3 yr duration indicated total suppression generalized over all settings in which the subject functioned. The findings were related to the contrasting limits prevailing in most reports of punishment-based SIB suppression.
Gender and race in the state house: The legislative experience

Abstract Women and minorities are now an integral part of state legislatures throughout the country. The results from surveying a nationwide sample of 230 state legislators show that women and black legislators differ from their male and white colleagues in their perceptions of the legislative experience. Women and blacks believe they must pay close attention to women's and minority concerns while at the same time demonstrating policy breadth. Black women legislators are especially keen to the roles of both women and minorities. White male legislators see little difference between their own experiences and those of their female and minority colleagues.
Delivering Healthy Babies: Transportation and Healthcare Access

(2000). Delivering Healthy Babies: Transportation and Healthcare Access. Planning Practice & Research: Vol. 15, No. 1-2, pp. 17-29.
The Stereoselecttve Synthesis of Pseudoguianolide-Type Ring Systems

Abstract Recently we reported a new synthetic approach to hydroazulenes based upon the efficient and highly selective solvolysis-cyclization of a trans, trans-1, 6-cydodecadienyi p-nitrobenzoate (equation 1).2
Authorization in multilevel database models

Abstract In a multilevel database architecture, authorization rules may be written at the conceptual level or at the external level. We analyze here the consistency of authorization rules written at these two levels. We assume that the conceptual level model is of the entity-relationship type and the external model is relational. The validation of access requests against authorization rules is also discussed.
Pediatric Research in Office Settings at 25: A Quarter Century of Network Research Toward the Betterment of Children's Health

Twenty-five years ago, Robert Haggerty, MD, then newly elected as President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), made the formation of a national pediatric practice-based research network an integral part of his presidency. His reasons for promoting this idea were compelling. Family medicine already had begun recruiting and maintaining stable cohorts of practices to examine issues of importance in primary care. In pediatrics, however, primary care issues were being addressed largely by academic medical center investigators who did not have access to typical pediatric populations and who did their studies on samples drawn from the urban inner city environment. Inspired by the early work of a handful of family medicine networks, Dr Haggerty foresaw a stable network of pediatric practices to conduct research in “real world” settings, rather than in the academic settings where condition severity and comorbidity, as well as available technology and treatments, were atypical, limiting the generalizability of findings. 1 The envisioned end product was the generation of new, compelling, and generalizable research to improve the health of the nation’s children. From Dr Haggerty’s vision sprang Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS)—a network that began with a modest 100 practices, and 25 years later, includes over 700 practices, active in every state, as well as in the District of Columbia, 2 Canadian provinces, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Fig 1—PROS map). The mission of PROS is to improve the health of children by conducting collaborative practice-based research to enhance primary care practice. In the service of that mission, with core support from the AAP and the Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health Bureau, PROS has conducted more than 30 national studies, changed policy and practice, and contributed to the betterment of children’s health. This article reviews the policy and practice changes realized, discusses key lessons learned along the way, and describes new horizons for the network, as it embarks on its next quarter century.
Interaction of β‐cyclodextrin with Enantiomers of Limonene and Carvone

The inclusion complexes of β-cyclodextrin with two pairs of chiral flavor compounds, limonene and carvone, were used to evaluate the chiral interaction. Thermal transition was examined by DSC and crystalline properties by x-ray diffractometry. The overall DSC thermograms and X-ray diffraction patterns were very similar between the chiral isomers. A difference of about 3 joules/g complex was observed between the chiral isomers of both limonene and carvone. The only apparent difference in X-ray diffraction patterns between chiral complexes occurred at a θ of 11.8°.
A Patent System for Both Diffusion and Exclusion

Public policy analysis of optimal patent regimes is often framed as a tradeoff between static and dynamic efficiency. In this analytical framework, weak patent protection and strict antitrust policy are taken to be directed toward static concerns, while protection of intellectual property through strong patent laws is taken as a reflection of broader social concerns for long-run growth and technological progress. This characterization has some truth, but the magnitude of the conflict between static and dynamic efficiency, can easily be exaggerated. In this article, I want to argue that weak patent protection need not be inimical to economic growth and, conversely, that strong patent protection need not be an enemy of diffusion. Appropriately structured patent law and antitrust rules can together ensure incentives for R&D and also induce cooperation among firms in diffusing R&D results through licensing and other means. At the same time, cooperation among firms at the R&D stage can counterbalance weak patent protection by internalizing spillovers from ongoing R&D programs, and such cooperation may also produce additional spillovers from the existing knowledge.
Laser polarization and reflectance characterization of selected target and background material

This paper describes the relative polarization and reflectance characterization of background and selected target items to demonstrate the differences material type and source wavelength have on these measurements. The advanced reflectance and polarization instrument (ARPI) was modified to allow three lasers with different wavelengths to be used. This allowed for similar spot size, location, and angles to be used to collect the measurements. ARPI was used to collect polarized and cross-polarized returns from the polarized laser source at an incident angle of 0, 5, 10, and 20 degrees. These measurements were used to calculate the relative percent polarization and percent reflectance. Analysis of the measured relative polarization and reflectance consists of single wavelength and multiwavelength comparisons with man-made and background items. A direct comparison is made between natural and man-made materials and different wavelengths of light. This careful comparison of differences between wavelengths will demonstrate which of the wavelengths produces the best and most consistent separation between background and manmade items. Our preliminary analysis shows that most man-made items give different polarization and reflectance returns than background items. Also, the analysis shows nominal variability between the three different wavelengths for background items and man-made items.
Components in T4-infected cells associated with phage assembly.

Abstract Three acid-soluble components have been detected in E. coli infected with bacteriophage T4D. These components first appear in infected cells at 11 minutes after infection (at 37 °), and two of them are incorporated into mature phage particles from which they can be released by osmotic shock as well as by trichloroacetic acid extraction. The properties of these components indicate that they are polypeptides of several thousand molecular weight. They thus appear to correspond, at least in part, to the acid-soluble peptide fraction in T2H phage particles described earlier by Hershey (1957) . Conditionally lethal (amber) mutants of T4D blocked in head formation fail to produce all three of the components in a nonpermissive host. This is true for mutants affected in any of six different genes. By contrast, mutants blocked in other kinds of assembly functions are able to produce the components. This finding suggests that the appearance of the components is associated with formation of the phage head. A delay of several minutes between the incorporation of a labeled amino acid into protein and the appearance of label in the acid-soluble components indicates that that these components arise from a precursor. These findings suggest that during phage maturation a protein is encapsulated with the phage DNA and is subsequently fragmented to yield the acid-soluble components which remain trapped inside the phage head. Some possibilities are discussed concerning the relation of this process to phage maturation.
Structural dynamics of the M4 transmembrane segment during acetylcholine receptor gating

The transition state structures that link the stable end states of allosteric proteins are largely unresolved. We used single-molecule kinetic analysis to probe the dynamics of the M4 transmembrane segments during the closed open isomerization of the neuromuscular acetylcholine receptor ion channel (AChR). We measured the slopes (phi) of the free energy relationships for 87 mutants, which reveal the open- versus closed-like characters of the mutated residues at the transition state and hence the sequence and organization of gating molecular motions. phi was constant throughout the length of the alpha subunit M4 segment with an average value of 0.54, suggesting that this domain moves as a unit, approximately midway through the reaction. Analysis of a hybrid construct indicates that the two alpha subunits move synchronously. Between subunits, the sequence of M4 motions is alpha-epsilon-beta. The AChR ion channel emerges as a dynamic nanomachine with many moving parts.
Phytanyl-glycerol ethers and squalenes in the archaebacterium Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum.

The lipids of a thermophilic chemolithotroph,Metbanobacterium thermoautotropbicum, have been analyzed by chromatographic techniques and identified by infrared spectrometry and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Of the total chloroform soluble lipids 79% and 21% are polar and non-polar lipids, respectively. The major components of the polar lipids are dialkyl ethers of glycerol or its derivatives. The nature of the glycerol ether alkyl groups was found to be that of the saturated tetraisoprenoid hydrocarbon phytane. The non-polar lipids of the chloroform soluble fraction consist principally of three series of C20, C25 and C30 acyclic isoprenoid hydrocarbons, the major components being squalene and a continuous range of hydrosqualene derivatives, from dihydrosqualene up to and including decahydrosqualene. These data establish thatM. tbermoautotropbicum contains predominantly non-sapo-nifiable lipids as doHalobacterium, Halococcus, Sulfolobus andTbermoplasma. In particular, the composition of the chloroform soluble lipids ofM. tbermoautotropbicum is quite similar to that ofHalobacterium cutirubrum. The results strongly support the recent proposal, based on 16S rRNA sequence homologies, that the extreme halophiles and methanogens share a common ancestor. In addition, it is pointed out that the occurrence of phytane and related polyisoprenoid compounds in ancient sediments can no longer be considered unequivocally as indicative of past photosynthetic activity. Finally, speculations are made concerning the possible role of and evolutionary significance of the presence of squalene and hydrosqualenes in these organisms. To our knowledge this is the first report of squalene and hydrosqualenes in a strictly anaerobic microorganism.
Acute coronal plane scaphoid fracture and scapholunate dissociation from an axial load: a case report.

Coronal fractures of the scaphoid are rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Axial load injuries that result in a complete coronal fracture of the scaphoid associated with an acute scapholunate dissociation are exceedingly rare. In our patient the radiographic finding of wide scapholunate dissociation was obvious; however, the coronal scaphoid fracture was not recognized initially nor suspected. During surgery the coronal scaphoid fracture was identified, reduced anatomically, and fixed with a compression screw. The scapholunate ligament also was repaired. A good result was obtained with return to sports with extension of 60° and flexion of 70°, grip strength equal to that of the uninjured wrist, and no radiographic problems (arthrosis, avascular necrosis, nonunion).
A Synthesis of the Carbon Skeleton of Maoecrystal V

An enantioselective synthesis of the maoecrystal V (1) carbon skeleton is described. The key transformations include arylation of a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound with a triarylbismuth(V) dichloride species, oxidative dearomatization of a phenol, and a subsequent intramolecular Diels−Alder reaction.
High-pressure polymorphism of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin): Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to elucidate the high-pressure polymorphic behavior of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), an important pharmaceutical compound known as aspirin. Using a diamond anvil cell (DAC), single crystals of the two polymorphic phases of aspirin existing at ambient conditions (ASA-I and ASA-II) were compressed to 10 GPa. We found that ASA-I does not transform to ASA-II, but instead transforms to a new phase (ASA-III) above ∼2 GPa. It is demonstrated that this transformation primarily introduces structural changes in the bonding and arrangement of the acetyl groups and is reversible upon the release of pressure. In contrast, a less dense ASA-II shows no transition in the pressure range studied, though it appears to exhibit a disordered structure above 7 GPa. Our results suggest that ASA-III is the most stable polymorph of aspirin at high pressures.
Role of Mesoporous TiO2 Surface States and Metal Oxide Treatment on Charge Transport of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Photovoltaic performance of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was enhanced by 19 and 69 % compared to untreated DSSC by treating the nanoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) by ultra thin Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and Hafnium oxide (HfO2) grown by atomic layer deposition method. Activation energy of dark current, obtained from the temperature dependent current-voltage (I-V-T), of the untreated DSSC was 1.03 eV on the other hand the DSSCs with Al2O3 and HfO2 surface treatment showed 1.27 and 1.31 eV respectively. A significant change in the activation energy of dark current, over 0.24 eV for Al2O3 treatment and 0.28 eV in case of HfO2 treatment, suggest that density and activity of surface states on nanoporous TiO2 was suppressed by ALD grown metal oxides to result improved photovoltaic performance. Further the enhanced DSSC performance was confirmed by external quantum efficiency measurement in the wavelength range of 350-750 nm.
An Enzymatic Fluorometric Assay for Adenylate Cyclase Activity

Adenylate cyclase, the catalytic protein that converts ATP to cAMP, plays a fundamental role in adrenergic signal transduction. Adenylate cyclase activity (pmol cAMP/mg/min) is generally assayed by measuring radiolabeled cAMP generated from [alpha-32P]ATP. Although sensitive, the radioactive approach is costly and time consuming. Given safety and environmental concerns, we developed a highly sensitive fluorometric assay for adenylate cyclase activity. This assay depends upon the breakdown of cAMP by phosphodiesterase to AMP, and the subsequent stimulation by AMP of glycogen phosphorylase a. Radioactive and fluorescence methods were compared using the same ventricular membrane preparations from five different rabbit hearts. Theophylline, used in the fluorometric assay, increased basal adenylate cyclase activity. However, adenylate cyclase kinetics, the dose response to isoproterenol, and the "fold" stimulation (agonist stimulated/basal adenylate cyclase activity) after isoproterenol (10(-6)M), guanylyl-5'-imidodiphosphate (GppNHp) (10(-4)M), and NaF (10(-2)M) were nearly identical with both methods. Adenylate cyclase activity can be measured with the fluorometric assay in samples as small as 10 micrograms of membrane protein. In summary, this new fluorometric assay is highly sensitive, safer, less costly, and less time consuming than radioactive assays for adenylate cyclase activity.
Production of a Chemically-Bound Dimer of 2,4,6-TNT by Transient High Pressure

We report experimental observations of a chemically bound dimer of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) produced by high-pressure shock waves. The experimental observations were made with a time-of-flight (...
Application of a unimoment technique to a biconical antenna with inhomogeneous dielectric loading

Except for the most trivial cases, antenna radiation problems involving inhomogeneous media escape analytical solution. For these problems, it is necessary to seek computer solutions. To this end, we have investigated Mei's [1] "unimoment" technique as it applies to a biconical antenna immersed in an inhomogeneons medium. The technique is used in conjunction with finite difference methods to analyze some dielectric loading schemes with the goal of improving performance of the biconical antenna. The technique is shown to be sufficiently general to allow analysis of any rotationally symmetric antenna inside an inhomogeneous medium by using more flexible finite element methods. Results of experimental investigations bear out the validity of the technique.
West Hollywood: a city is born

Abstract West Hollywood has an unusual population mix — a large majority of renters, and high percentages of senior citizens and homosexuals. This short article looks at how their combined concerns helped them to form a unique coalition and establish the city. Not only have they eased their own problems, but they are managing the city efficiently by subcontracting to private companies, showing that self-determination in local government can work.
Electrochemical Investigation of Nano-Electrodes for Biomedical Sensing Applications in the Brain

Using neural probing devices implanted in the brain, neural activity from neural cells can be recorded in-vivo for long term periods. This research goal is to develop and investigate a neural sensing device using nanotechnology which can enhance the quality and longevity of sensing. In this research, two neural electrode designs were employed with nanostructures, which distinguish them from 2-dimensional planar electrode configuration. According to electrochemical simulation, high molecular confinement has been observed on vertically aligned nanowire electrodes, especially those with grid structures. The efficacy of the 3-dimensional nanoelectrode is also discussed in this paper, depending on the molecular diffusion on nanoelectrodes.
Evidence for covalent binding between copper ions and cyclodextrin cavity: a vibrational circular dichroism study.

Abstract Vibrational absorption and circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were obtained for parent cyclodextrins, hydroxyl deuterated α-cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin–copper complexes, and for the cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with Methyl Orange, methyloxirane, 1-propanol, and substituted cyclohexanones, in the solution phase. Changes in the VCD spectra, reflecting perturbations of cyclodextrin cavity, were found in the case of an inclusion complex with Methyl Orange, but for the remaining inclusion complexes measurable changes in VCD were not found. Significant changes observed in the VCD spectra of cyclodextrin–copper complexes suggest that the covalent binding of copper ions to the hydroxyl groups of cyclodextrin is involved.
Coherent 2-Dimensional VCSEL Arrays

Coupled 2-dimensional (2D) arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been pursued for more than two decades (Yoo et al., 1990). Recently, VCSEL arrays defined by introducing an etched photonic crystal (PhC) into the top facet (Danner et al., 2003) or with multiple implantation apertures (Lehman et al., 2007) have demonstrated coherently coupled in-phase operation. Moreover, we have found that variable phase between the array pixels is possible and influences the coherence and far field pattern, where the latter can enable beam steering applications.