cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reorganization of α-actinin and vinculin in living cells following ATP depletion and replenishment

Abstract Although it is known that the depletion of cellular ATP induces a dramatic, reversible disruption of microfilament structures, the morphological pathway remains obscure. I have studied this process by following directly the dynamic redistribution of fluorescently labeled α-actinin and vinculin which had been microinjected into living mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Before treatment, microinjected α-actinin displayed characteristic distribution along stress fibers, whereas vinculin was localized predominantly at adhesion plaques. The first response after adding NaN3 and 2-deoxyglucose was the retraction of lamellipodia, followed, over a period of 2 h, by a dramatic contraction of stress fibers and loosening of focal contacts. Vinculin plaques shrank from an elongated shape to small aggregates. During recovery, which was initiated by removing NaN3 and 2-deoxyglucose from the medium, lamellipodia appeared rapidly and α-actinin dispersed from contracted aggregates. Some partially dispersed aggregates later served as initiation sites for the formation of stress fibers. The recovery of vinculin plaques occurred predominantly through direct elongation, and focal contacts developed concomitantly. A small fraction of vinculin aggregates, however, moved into the perinuclear region without developing into adhesion plaques, and some new vinculin plaques formed de novo. Possible mechanisms involved and relationships to disruptions induced by other agents are discussed.
Improved results on estimating and extending the radius of an attraction ball

Abstract Ostrowski provided the sharp sufficient condition ρ ( F ′ ( x ∗ ) ) 1 for x ∗ to be an attraction point, for a nonlinear mapping differentiable at a fixed point x ∗ [1] . This result provides no estimate for the size of the attraction ball. Recently, Catinas [2] provided such an estimate in terms of ‖ F ′ ( x ∗ ) ‖ 1 in a Holder continuity setting. We show that the results by Catinas remain valid in a weaker setting by simply replacing the Holder by the center-Holder continuity assumption. The radius of convergence of Picard’s iteration is extended, which allows a wider choice of initial guesses. Moreover the estimates of the distances ‖ x 0 − x ∗ ‖ are more precise, which lead to the computation of fewer iterates to achieve a desired accuracy. We also provide examples where our results apply, whereas those by Catinas [2] do not, or where our results are better.
A Self-supporting Metal Fresnel Zone-plate to focus Extreme Ultra-violet and Soft X-Rays

IN the wave-length region between 10 A. and 1000 A., ordinary lenses and mirrors fail as imageforming devices because the transmissivity and reflectivity of materials are very low. In this region diffraction offers a means of bending rays and focusing them.
International energy lending: who funds fossil fuels, who funds energy access for the poor?

Energy demand is surging in the developing world, and international organizations play an important role in the funding of energy projects. However, there is virtually no empirical analysis of how different organizations choose their project portfolios. This article examines the energy funding of different international organizations, with a particular focus on the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) and International Finance Corporation (IFC). We use data on 888 projects in 128 recipient countries funded by nine major international organizations during the years 2008–2011. Relative to other organizations, the IDA is found to invest less in fossil fuels and more in projects that improve energy access for the poorest people. The IFC emphasizes fossil fuels while downplaying the importance of energy access. Overall, fossil fuels now receive only a minority of energy funding. However, energy access is only emphasized in a tiny minority of projects.
Aspects, mechanism, and biological relevance of mitochondrial protein nitration sustained by mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase

The goal of this study was to explore the occurrence of nitrated proteins in mitochondria given that these organelles are endowed with a mitochondrial nitric oxide (NO·) synthase and considering th...
Run-time voltage detection circuit for 3-D IC power delivery

An advantage of 3-D integrated circuits is the possibility to integrate heterogeneous technologies on separate device planes. The device planes are fabricated in different technologies operating at distinct power supply voltages. A mechanism to detect and set the power supply voltage of each domain within each device plane of a 3-D IC is described. The detection of the power supply voltage is achieved through the placement of a ring oscillator circuit in each voltage domain. The current is supplied at the set voltage to the device plane through dedicated power modules comprising of a frequency to voltage converter and a dependent voltage source placed on a dedicated power plane. The functionality of the supply voltage detection and delivery circuits is verified through SPICE simulation of the device plane (22 nm technology) and power plane (45 nm technology). The implementation of the proposed circuits for 3-D IC design facilitate a plug-and-play approach for the integration of heterogeneous technologies.
Surgical site infections after arthroscopy: Outbreak investigation and case control study.

Abstract Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the causes of increased post-arthroscopy surgical site infections (SSIs) and to define risk factors for infection. Type of Study: Outbreak investigation and case control study at a university-affiliated community hospital from 1994 to 1996, with surveillance through 1999. Methods: Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were collected on 27 post-arthrocopy SSIs from 1994 through 1999. Risk factors for SSI were identified by case-control analysis and presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Initial investigation revealed an increased annual rate of post-arthroscopy SSIs in 1995 (1.3%). Infection control deficiencies were identified, and feedback was provided to surgeons and staff. Instrument sterilization was standardized, flash sterilization prohibited, and preoperative shaving discouraged. Case-control analysis of 10 cases (from 1994 to 1996) found a statistically significant increase in risk of SSI with intra-articular corticosteroid joint injection (OR, 9.33; 95% CI, 1.6 to 64.9); other risk factors did not reach statistical significance. SSI rates dropped after feedback and education (0.34% in 1996). Continued surveillance revealed 2 smaller outbreaks, in December 1997 (1997 rate, 1.13%) and September 1998 (1998 rate, 1.09%). Case-control analysis of the 17 cases occurring in 1997 through 1999 was also performed. The 1997 outbreak appeared to be related to preoperative razor shaving ( P = .003), which was then prohibited by hospital policy. One scrub nurse was also associated with 75% of these cases, which were culture-positive for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus . The cases in the 1998 outbreak shared prolonged procedure duration and conversion to arthrotomy. Of 27 cases, 24 required repeat hospitalization and repeat surgery, at an average excess cost of $9,154.84 per case. All received prolonged courses of intravenous or oral antibiotics. Conclusions: Post-arthroscopy SSIs are associated with significant morbidity and cost. Although small numbers make finding statistical significance difficult in case-control studies, infection control and CDC-recommended interventions can lower SSI rates. Careful definitions, ongoing surveillance, and long-term follow-up are helpful in reporting results of infection control interventions. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 2 (February), 2003: pp 172–181
The Motherhood Wage Penalty: Which Mothers Pay It and Why?

Studies of the motherhood wage penalty typically focus on the “pure” effect of children, holding all else equal. But as all parents know, the arrival of a child means that nothing stays the same. One change especially salient to labor economists is that many mothers exit the work force. Absences from the labor market are likely to reduce wages because general and firmspecific skills depreciate and workers lose rents associated with good job matches. Low-skilled workers may be less vulnerable to such earnings erosion, since they have less human capital and their wages reflect less rent. If so, these workers may escape a motherhood wage penalty. Conversely, we would expect highly skilled women to experience the largest penalties for exiting the labor force to care for their children.
Low-Voltage Fluorescent Lamps

FLUORESCENT lamps have been developed, simple in design, and operating through suitable ballast from 115- and 230-volt a-c circuits. They are tubular in form, and the fluorescent material is energized by a hot-cathode positive-column electric discharge. Just as a transformer converts one voltage to another, the fluorescent powder adhering to the inner wall of the bulb converts the invisible ultraviolet radiation present in a low-pressure mercury discharge into visible radiation, or light. Recent progress in the development of these lamps has resulted from the gradual increase in knowledge pertaining to hot cathodes, to the production of short-wave ultraviolet, and to the manufacture of efficient fluorescent powders. These advances have been applied in a lamp to produce colored light many times more efficiently than do present light sources. In addition, fluorescence makes possible for the first time an efficient, practicable, low-wattage white light matching daylight in appearance. Much of the development has been concentrated on the electrical characteristics of the lamps, and on the design of efficient ballast equipment. The lamps described are in one of several classes which are under development. In some respects they are experimental and may be changed before being commercialized.
Polymer adsorption on magnetic particles

Abstract Adsorption of PVC-SO 4 on the magnetic particles used to make magnetic tape was correlated with the dispersion quality of magnetic paint. Total adsorption and type of bonding was determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dispersion quality was indicated by AC susceptibility. Two TGA peaks were observed at about 450 and 770°C corresponding quantitatively to weak hydrogen bonding and strong chemical bonding, respectively. Acidic particles displayed mainly the lower temperature weight loss because the acidic sites could only hydrogen-bond to the acidic polymer. The other particles, being more neutral and basic, chemically bonded to the polymer and displayed high temperature weight loss behavior. The dispersion quality was directly proportional to the total amount of adsorbed polymer, whether by chemical or hydrogen bonding demonstrating that good dispersions do not necessarily yield good physical properties in the final tape product.
PROTON-PROTON SCATTERING AT 105 MEV AND 75 MEV

The proton-proton differential scattering cross section has been measured at 105 Mev and at 75 Mev by using the internal beam of the Harvard cyclotron. Scintillation counters detected the scattered and recoil protons in coincidence while the beam current was monitored by measuring the absolute activity of ${\mathrm{C}}^{11}$ formed in the polyethylene scattering foil. The cross section as a function of angle in the center-of-mass system appears to be isotropic within statistical deviation. It has the values 5.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ and 6.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at 105 Mev and 75 Mev respectively, with an estimated error of twenty percent.
Folding and Stability of Mutant Scaffolding Proteins Defective in P22 Capsid Assembly

Bacteriophage P22 scaffolding subunits are elongated molecules that interact through their C termini with coat subunits to direct icosahedral capsid assembly. The soluble state of the subunit exhibits a partially folded intermediate during equilibrium unfolding experiments, whose C-terminal domain is unfolded (Greene, B., and King, J. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 16135–16140). Four mutant scaffolding proteins exhibiting temperature-sensitive defects in different stages of particle assembly were purified. The purified mutant proteins adopted a similar conformation to wild type, but all were destabilized with respect to wild type. Analysis of the thermal melting transitions showed that the mutants S242F and Y214W further destabilized the C-terminal domain, whereas substitutions near the N terminus either destabilized a different domain or affected interactions between domains. Two mutant proteins carried an additional cysteine residue, which formed disulfide cross-links but did not affect the denaturation transition. These mutants differed both from temperature-sensitive folding mutants found in other P22 structural proteins and from the thermolabile temperature-sensitive mutants described for T4 lysozyme. The results suggest that the defects in these mutants are due to destabilization of domains affecting the weak subunit-subunit interactions important in the assembly and function of the virus precursor shell.
A genetic algorithms framework for estimating individual gene contributions in signaling pathways

With the rapid advancements in our data acquisition capabilities and the increased availability of gene interaction databases a variety of pathway analysis tools have been proposed. However, all these methods are dependent on the quality of the available pathways. These pathways were designed to describe the general mechanism of a particular disease or biological process. The known pathways encompass the results of many biological experiments and even though they represent our current understanding of those particular biological processes, they are still generally considered sketchy and incomplete. One piece of information that is generally missing regards the role or importance of a gene in a given pathway which we refer to as the gene contribution. We propose here a method, based on genetic algorithms, to objectively quantify the contribution of each gene. Using a pool of 24 data sets from 12 different conditions divided in train and test groups, we show how an impact pathway analysis method achieves significantly better results with the newly estimated gene contributions when compared with both the initial default contributions, as well as randomly selected gene contributions.
Community Stabilization and Violence Reduction: Lessons from Darfur

Ravaged by years of conflict and environmental decline, Darfur’s economy has been unable to create sufficient opportunities for youth, creating a link between social instability and high concentration of youth without productive employment. In 2011, the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) designed a community stabilization and violence reduction programme to bridge a critical gap between the increasing ‘youth bulge’ and the government's capacity to deliver youth empowerment and job creation solutions to youth in Darfur, leading to militarization of youth. The programme offers vocational skills training and temporary employment of youth through implementation of community-based labour intensive projects (CLIPs). Youth are targeted in particular, since they are an essential part of the solution to resolving the conflict in Darfur. Youth tend to be directly involved in hostilities and are seen to be most likely to return to the battlefield. At the same time, youth are often the community members most open to engaging in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding activities. Since the conception of the programme in 2011, a total of 58 projects were implemented in 45 communities, and directly targeted over 9,000 youth. In a situation where the peace agreement is non-inclusive and the level of violence against unarmed civilians is high, CLIPs have played an important role in community stabilization and violence reduction in Darfur, building trust, contributing to a secure environment and helping build the foundation for longer term peace and development. As recognition of its contribution to peace and stability in Darfur, in October 2014, UNAMID’s CLIPs programme received the UN 21 Award for Outstanding Vision.
Radioimmunotherapy of the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a promising new therapeutic modality for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. General principles of RIT are discussed and the various monoclonal antibodies (MAB) and radionuclides used to date in clinical trials are reviewed. Important determinants of radiolabeled MAB biodistribution include spleen size, tumor burden, and the preinfusion or coinfusion of unlabeled MAB. Clinical trials using RIT for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are summarized. The results from these trials are promising and show that a variety of MAB, radionuclides, and study designs have resulted in high response rates with a number of durable partial and complete responses at both myeloablative and nonmyeloablative doses in patients with recurrent or refractory disease. Determinants of efficacy and toxicity are discussed and the dosimetry of RIT is reviewed. The biology of RIT and relative efficacy of RIT compared with conventional external beam radiation therapy is discussed. Areas of active research and approaches for increasing the therapeutic index of RIT are reviewed. Important areas of future research are discussed that may ultimately potentiate efficacy and decrease the toxicity of RIT, and help determine how to optimally combine RIT with other therapeutic modalities.
Mitochondrial ATP synthase: A bioinformatic approach reveals new insights about the roles of supernumerary subunits g and A6L

The mitochondrial ATP synthase is a membrane protein complex which couples the proton gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane to the synthesis of ATP from ADP + Pi. The complex is composed of essential subunits for its motor functions and supernumerary subunits, the roles of which remain to be elucidated. Subunits g and A6L are supernumerary subunits, and the specific roles of these subunits are still matters of debate. To gain insight into the functions of these two subunits, we carried out the alignment and the homolog search of the protein sequences of the subunits and found the following features: Subunit g appears to have isoforms in animals, and the transmembrane domain of the animal subunit g contains a completely conserved acidic residue in the middle of a helix on the conserved side of the transmembrane helix. This finding implicates the conserved acidic residue as important for the function of subunit g. The alignment of A6L protein sequences shows a conserved aromatic residue at the N-terminal domain with which the N-terminal MPQL sequence comprises a unique MPQLX4Ar motif that can signify the protein A6L. The conserved aromatic residue may also be important for the function of A6L.
Computation and modeling of eddy currents in tape-wound square-loop cores

Eddy currents in tape-wound cores are classified into microscopic and macroscopic eddy currents. The latter, denoted by i e , exists during mode II among three switching modes. Inherent peak \dot{\phi} versus F for a high F = F_{D} drive is computed from measured \dot{\phi}_{m}(F_{D}) and \phi_{m}(F_{D}) , the \dot{\phi} and φ when \dot{\phi} is maximum. The expected line density of reversed-domain nucleation centers is computed from \phi_{m}(F_{D}) . A switching tape-wound core is equivalent to one with "ferrite-core" characteristics that is loaded by a resistance R_{e} = \dot{\phi}/i_{e} . A special computer program was developed to compute i_{e}(\phi,F_{D}) and R_{e}(\phi,F_{D}) , the higher F D , the wider and lower the resulting U shaped R_{e}(\phi) . Domain-pattern models are proposed. Accordingly, n_{p}(\phi,F_{D}) domains in which \phi \cdot p(\phi,F_{D}) is generated are encircled by macroscopic eddy currents where n_{p} \geq 0 and 1 \geq p \geq 0 . The semiempirical model R_{e}(\phi,F_{D}) = R_{ez}(F_{D})/{1 - [\phi/\phi_{m}(F_{D})]} , where R ez is R e at \phi = 0 , is proposed. The functions describing \phi_{m}(F_{D}) and R_{ez}(F_{D}) include a total of five parameters besides.
Ways to constrain the away side jet in Au + Au collisions in PHENIX

Abstract We discussed methods used by the PHENIX to constrain the flow background in the two particle jet correlation. Both the background level and elliptic flow can be reliably decomposed from the jet contribution. We found the jet bias is negligible in PHENIX, when the reaction plane is measured at BBC acceptance ( 3 | η | 4 ) .
A Cyclone/Anticyclone Couplet over North America: An Example of Anticyclone Evolution

Abstract A detailed case study has been made of a cyclone/anticyclone couplet over North America during early winter, 11–18 November 1969. The anticyclone was the dominant member of the couplet in this case. Objective analyses of the wind and mass fields were carried out in both the isobaric and isentropic coordinate systems. Calculated quantities which are discussed include quasi-geostrophic vertical velocity and height tendency, potential vorticity, and quasi-Lagrangian kinetic energy budgets. The movement of the cold, polar anticyclone out of its source region in Alaska southeastward to the Gulf of Mexico is seen to be thermally steered. During this stage the anticyclone moves toward the region of descent forced by the low level cold advection. As the anticyclone recurves and begins to move northeastward along the cut coast of the United States, it becomes a warm, dynamic system. The forcing directing the movement is that of differential vorticity advection. The static stability structure of the anticy...
A Whale Shark Rammed by a Vessel Off the Pacific Coast of Western Panama

ON May 30, 1932, a whale shark was caught on the bow of the United Fruit Company's steamer Talamanca in lat. 8° 14' N. and long. 82° 46' W., in the Pacific near Burica Point on the western boundary of Panama. This information was communicated to the U.S. Hydrographic Office by the second officer of the ship (whose name was not given), and was passed on to me by Admiral W. R. Gherardi, hydrographer. Accompanying the account was a splendid photograph showing a whale shark hung on the stem of the vessel.
Mild, solvent-free omega-hydroxy acid polycondensations catalyzed by candida antarctica lipase B.

Immobilized Candida antarctica Lipase B (Novozyme-435) was studied for bulk polyesterifications of linear aliphatic hydroxyacids of variable chain length. The products formed were not fractionated by precipitation. The relative reactivity of the hydroxyacids was l6-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid approximately 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid approximately 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (DPavg congruent with 120, Mw/Mn 6-hydroxyhexanoic acid (DPavg congruent with 80, Mw/Mn < or = 1.5, 48 h, 90 degrees C). Remarkable improvements in molecular-weight buildup resulted from leaving water in the reaction. By 4 h, without application of vacuum, the DPavg for 12- and 16-carbon hydroxyacids was about 90. In contrast, with identical substrates and water removal, the DPavg at 4 h was about 23. Large differences in the molecular-weight build up of 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid were observed for catalyst concentrations (%-by-wt relative to monomer) of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 10. Nevertheless, by 24 h, with 1% catalyst containing 0.1% lipase, poly(12-hydroxydodecanoic acid) with Mn 17 600 was formed. For 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid polymerization at 90 degrees C, the catalyst activity decreased by 7, 18, and 25% at reaction times of 4, 24, and 48 h, respectively. Furthermore, the retention of catalyst activity was invariable as a function of the substrates used.
PEACE PROFILE: Abdul Ghaffar Khan's Nonviolent Jihad

Conventional wisdom often claims that nonviolent movements—especially when successful—will emerge from a peaceful culture, with people confronting a genteel enemy. That may sometimes be true, but i...
Effects of temperature on the spores of thermophilic actinomycetes

The effects of temperature on the germination properties of spores of thermophilic actinomycetes were examined. Temperatures above and below the growth temperature of 55° C were found to produce marked changes in the germination properties of spores. High temperatures caused reductions in the germinative activities of spores. However, heated spore populations regained original germinative activities after maintaining them for suitable periods of time at 25°C. Recovery from the effects of heat on spore germination was also observed at 4°C, but at a much slower rate compared with 25°C. Spores of two strains of thermophilic actinomycetes, grown and prepared at 55°C, failed to germinate. Storage of dormant (nonactivated) spore populations at different temperatures demonstrated a low temperature requirement for the activation of these spores; while little or no activation occurred at 55°C, rapid activation took place at 25°C. Heating the spores at 80°C for 30 min slightly delayed the activation (rates) of spores at 25°C. The requirement of low temperature for spore activation was strain dependent and was influenced by the composition of the germination medium.
Lower Rydberg 2 F states of the lithium atom: Finite-nuclear-mass calculations with explicitly correlated Gaussian functions

Variational non-relativistic calculations are performed for the four lowest Rydberg 2F states (1s2nf, n = 4, … , 7) of the main isotope of the lithium atom (7Li). The finite-nuclear-mass approach is employed and the wave functions of the states are expanded in terms of all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussian function. A total of 140 Gaussians are used for each state. The calculated relative energy of the two lowest states is compared with the experimental value, which is the only value available in the literature. The two results agree within a few wavenumbers.
Quantitative measure of selectivity of hydrogenation of triglycerides

Graphs have been prepared using a digital computer that allow the quantitative determination of the degree of selectivity for the hydrogenation of cottonseed, peanut, corn, soybean and linseed oils. Use of these graphs requires only a knowledge of the composition of the initial (unhydrogenated) oil and that of the hydrogenated oil plus simple calculations. If the exact composition of the initial oil is unknown, a typical composition can generally be assumed.
Modeling the fracture behavior of piezoelectric materials using a gradual polarization switching model

Abstract Polarization switching experiments conducted on polycrystal piezoelectric materials indicate that the polarization switching is gradual (occurs over a range of applied electrical and mechanical loads). An empirical model that considers the gradual change in the polarization direction is proposed to capture the polarization switching phenomena and apply it to modeling the fracture behavior of piezoelectric materials. Changes in the dielectric constants (measured from a 90° polarization switching experiment) and the polarization direction are used to estimate the amount of domain switching for an applied electric field. To model polarization switching in a generalized state of stresses and electric fields, the applied electric field (during the experiment) is converted to the corresponding value of internal energy density causing polarization switching. Internal energy density is used as the parameter to estimate the amount of domain switching and the resulting gradual change in the polarization direction. The gradual polarization switching model computes changes in the material properties and spontaneous strain contributions (arising from crystal shape change in the switching domains) based on the current polarization direction. A finite element solution procedure that incorporates the gradual polarization switching model is developed and interfaced with ABAQUS. Stress–strain variations obtained from the compression experiments and FEA are compared for PZT-4 (Zr/Ti = 52/48) and PZT-5H (Zr/Ti = 53/47). The C(T) specimen that was used in Mode-I fracture experiments is analyzed with a slit crack assumption. Microscopic observations of the region near the crack tip of a C(T) fracture specimen is used to capture the actual crack geometry generated by the machining process. A finite element model with the actual crack geometry is used to investigate the influence of finite dimensions of the crack cavity on the size of the polarization switching zones in the vicinity of the crack tip and its effects on the opening stress and the stress intensity ahead of the crack tip.
MANAGEMENT OF HOGH-RISK MELANOMA

Improved treatment options for patients with high-risk melanoma are of great importance for clinicians who participate in the care of these patients. There remains an overall lack of response to existing treatment options, which continues to fuel the efforts of basic scientists and clinicians to pursue other approaches for the treatment of melanoma that is no longer limited to the skin. Continued investigation into the innovative and concurrent use of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy holds significant promise for improved outcomes in the management of patients with this devastating disease.
Rapid and accurate automatic titration of calcium and magnesium in dolomites and limestones use of edta titran and automatic derivative spectrophotometric end-point termination

Abstract A direct automatic derivative spectrophotometric EDTA titration procedure for determination of calcium and magnesium in Dolomites and Limestones is described. Calcium is automatically titrated in the presence of magnesium at pH 13 using Calcon as indicator, and the total amount of calcium and magnesium at pH 10 using Eriochrome Black T as indicator The method is simple, precise and accurate, and requires less than 5 min for both titrations. The subjective evaluation of end-points is eliminated and the attention of the operator is not required because the titrations are automatically terminated at the end-point.
Neurostructural impact of co-occurring anxiety in pediatric patients with major depressive disorder: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Abstract Background Depressive and anxiety disorders are among the most frequently occurring psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents and commonly present occur together. Co-occurring depression and anxiety is associated with increased functional impairment and suicidality compared to depression alone. Despite this, little is known regarding the neurostructural differences between anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder (MDD). Moreover, the neurophysiologic impact of the presence of anxiety in adolescents with MDD is unknown. Methods Using voxel-based morphometry, gray matter volumes were compared among adolescents with MDD (and no co-morbid anxiety disorders, n =14), adolescents with MDD and co-morbid anxiety (“anxious depression,” n =12), and healthy comparison subjects ( n =41). Results Patients with anxious depression exhibited decreased gray matter volumes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) compared to patients with MDD alone. Compared to healthy subjects, adolescents with anxious depression had increased gray matter volumes in the pre- and post-central gyri. Limitations The current sample size was small and precluded an analysis of multiple covariates which may influence GMV. Conclusions Gray matter deficits in the DLPFC in youth with anxious depression compared to patients with MDD and no co-occurring anxiety may reflect the more severe psychopathology in these patients. Additionally, the distinct gray matter fingerprints of MDD and anxious depression (compared to healthy subjects) suggest differing neurophysiologic substrates for these conditions, though the etiology and longitudinal trajectory of the differences remain to be determined.
Investigation of digoxin, quinidine, and disopyramide interactions in rats utilizing parotid saliva, blood, and other tissues

Blood, parotid saliva, heart, liver, and kidney concentrations of digoxin and quinidine were determined in rats chronically treated with digoxin and in nontreated (control) rats after the administration of quinidine (20 mg/kg ip) and disopyramide (10 mg/kg ip). The results indicated that digoxin concentrations increased significantly and proportionally in parotid saliva and plasma after quinidine, but did not increase after disopyramide. With the exception of the liver, which showed an increase in digoxin concentrations, tissue concentrations of digoxin did not differ from control animals. In rats pretreated chronically with digoxin, quinidine concentrations in plasma, parotid saliva, or heart tissue did not differ significantly from control animals, but were significantly lower than controls in liver and kidney tissues. The results presented here lend additional support to the hypothesis that the increase in digoxin plasma concentration following quinidine administration is primarily due to interference with renal excretion and displacement of digoxin by quinidine binding sites. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that disopyramide has little or no effect on plasma digoxin levels in rats.
Providing contextual information to pervasive computing applications

Pervasive computing applications are increasingly leveraging contextual information from several sources to provide users with behavior appropriate to the environment in which they reside. If these sources of contextual information are used and deployed in an ad hoc manner however they may provide overlapping functionality, fail to provide needed functionality, and require the use of inconsistent interfaces by applications. To overcome these problems, we introduce a contextual information service that provides applications with contextual information via a virtual database. Unlike previous efforts, our service provides applications a consistent, lightweight, and powerful mechanism for obtaining contextual information, and includes explicit support for the on demand computation of contextual information. We show, via example applications and a contextual information service prototype that we have implemented, how this approach can be used to allow proactive applications to adapt their behavior to match a user's current environment.
Modifying metal–polymer nanostructures using UV exposure

Metals have a variety of behaviors when deposited onto diblock copolymer films, in particular, poly(styrene-b-methylmethacrylate). Silver is known to form nanowires, whereas gold forms ellipsoidal nanoparticles of different sizes on each of the blocks, and chromium creates a uniform film on PS-b-PMMA. We show that with UV light we can alter the separation between silver nanowires, by making each wire narrower. We also demonstrate the effects of UV light on PS-b-PMMA coated with thin layers of gold and chromium, as observed with atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. We have found that UV exposure increased corrugation of such metal–polymer hybrids by removing PMMA domains, but did not remove metal residing on top of those domains. The ability to manipulate the morphology of these nanomaterials has potential application in areas such as electronics and sensor technology.
Utilizing the Integrated Problem-Centered Metaframeworks Perspective to Help Families Cope with Chronic Physical Pain: A Case Illustration

Chronic physical pain is one of the leading causes of psychological trauma and often results in depression, anxiety, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Psychological trauma is the fifth most common psychiatric disorder, the number one cause of suicide, and one of the leading causes of chronic physical pain. It is generally recognized that chronic pain involves psychological traumatic factors, whether as a manifestation of pain, or as a premorbid condition for pain (Grant, 2001). Since there are very few studies utilizing family therapy for treating the psychological trauma of chronic physical pain, our manuscript and case study illustrates the need for, and the importance of, developing systemic models such as the Integrated Problem-Centered Metaframeworks Perspective and the Systemic Inventory of Change—a self-report measure accompanying Integrated Problem-Centered Metaframeworks Perspective—that can assess, treat, and measure outcomes for family’s experiencing the psychological trauma of chronic ...
Fatty Acid Composition of Free-Living Anabaena and Nostoc Cyanobacteria and of Cyanobionts from Different Azolla Species

Total cellular fatty acids of 10 strains each of free-living, nitrogen-fixing Nostoc and Anabaena cyanobacteria grown for 12 days on BG11-N-free medium, and of 10 cyanobionts isolated from seven species of 14 to 18-day old Azolla plants grown under controlled conditions were determined by GLC-mass spectroscopy. Significant differences existed between free-living Anabaena and Nostoc isolates. Ratios of total unsaturated 16-carbon fatty acids/total saturate acids (Classes A+B) was greater than 0.5 for Anabaena and less than 0.5 for Nostoc. Free-living strains of Nostoc could also be distinguished from cyanobionts of Azolla by fatty acid composition. Ratios of Class C/A+B (unsaturated/saturated) were greater than 2 for free-living isolates and less than 2 for cyanobionts. Many of these fatty acids may be reflective of evolutionary trends in the development of the cyanobacteria, and can be used for taxonomic differentiation.
Crosstalk study of an integrated ultrasound transducer array, with a micromachined diaphragm structure

The impact of micromachining on crosstalk effects in ultrasound transducer arrays on an Si chip was investigated. Three linear arrays with different substrate structures were designed and fabricated with Si micromachining: (1) solid substrate; (2) large diaphragm window; and (3) small diaphragm window (SW). Responses of transducer elements from each array were measured and the fast Fourier transform was performed to obtain the directivity pattern of these array elements at various frequencies. The data at 5 MHz were curve-fit to calculated directivity patterns based on an established crosstalk model with fours fitting parameters. These parameters allow a quantitative comparison of crosstalk characteristics of the three arrays. The curve-fit results indicate that the SW structure provides the best interelement isolation and thus the least crosstalk. >
SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY IN MALE RATS IN RELATION TO TESTIS HORMONE

The preparation by McGee (6) of extracts of bull testes that stimulated growth of the comb of castrated cocks and the subsequent advances in the purification of these extracts by Gallagher and Koch (1, 2) are now well known. Similarly, through the publications of Moore and his associates (7, 8, 9), it has been demonstrated that these extracts prevent the onset of castration changes in the mammal, or repair them if administered subsequent to castration damage [Vatno (14), Heller (4)]. Several mammalian test methods have been utilized, all of which have dealt with the accessory organs of reproduction. Since it is necessary to know that these preparations are effective in preventing all changes known to follow castration before arriving at the conclusion that they contain the complete hormone, I have made a study of the spontaneous activity in the rat in relation to its hormone state to learn whether voluntary activity can be successfully used as a hormone indicator.
Directed Amination of Non‐Acidic Arene CH Bonds by a Copper–Silver Catalytic System

New methods for direct arylation, alkylation, and oxygenation of sp2 carbon-hydrogen bonds in directing-group containing benzenes have resulted in efficient synthetic routes to functionalized arenes.[1] In contrast, direct amination reactions that do not proceed via nitrenoid intermediates[2] are relatively rare. In most cases, palladium catalysis is used for aminations.[3a-p] Furthermore, majority of publications describe intramolecular C-N bond formation.[3a-i] Typically, protected amines or hydroxylamine derivatives are used to install nitrogen moiety. Simple amine coupling partners are employed only rarely. Several deprotonative, copper-catalyzed thiazole and oxazole aminations have been reported.[4b,c,e] Yu has reported a method for palladium-catalyzed benzamide amination by employing a removable auxiliary.[3k] We disclose here a method for an auxiliary-assisted amination of non-acidic benzamide β-C–H bonds and benzylamine derivative γ-C–H bonds that is catalyzed by copper(II) acetate.
Elemental composition of human semen is associated with motility and genomic sperm defects among older men

Human Reproduction sperm defects among older men. Running title: PIXE Analyses of Sperm of Old Men Elemental composition of human semen is associated with motility and genomic T.E. Schmid 1,2,3,4 , P.G. Grant 5,6 , F. Marchetti 1,2,7 , R.H. Weldon 3 , B. Eskenazi 3 , and A.J. Wyrobek 1,2 Biosciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, USA Health, University of California in Berkeley, Berkeley, USA 94704 Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Germany, 81675 Laboratory,Livermore, USA 94550 Canada, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0K9 Please send correspondence to: Andrew J. Wyrobek, Ph.D. Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab 1 Cyclotron Road Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Email: ajwyrobek@lbl.gov Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA 94720 Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Current affiliation: Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Radiation Oncology, Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Current affiliation: PGG Consulting, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Current affiliation: Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health
Diffuse gingival enlargement

Diffuse gingival enlargement is defined as an excessive growth of periodontal tissue. It can be considered a relatively common finding, as thousands of patients have been described in the literature. Patients may seek medical attention because of pain, tenderness, interference with speech and/or mastication, halitosis, or unsightly appearance, or gingival enlargement may be an unexpected finding on routine physical examination. Diffuse gingival enlargement has numerous causes, including poor dental hygiene, medications, serious systemic illnesses, genetic conditions, other specific physiologic states, or it may be idiopathic. Given the large number of possible underlying conditions, the work-up of a patient presenting with diffuse gingival enlargement may seem daunting. We present a systemic review of diffuse gingival enlargement, including an algorithm that can be used to direct the work-up of patients presenting with this condition.
Sky Cover from MFRSR Observations

Abstract. The diffuse all-sky surface irradiances measured at two nearby wavelengths in the visible spectral range and their modeled clear-sky counterparts are the main components of a new method for estimating the fractional sky cover of different cloud types, including cumuli. The performance of this method is illustrated using 1-min resolution data from a ground-based Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR). The MFRSR data are collected at the US Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility (ACRF) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site during the summer of 2007 and represent 13 days with cumuli. Good agreement is obtained between estimated values of the fractional sky cover and those provided by a well-established independent method based on broadband observations.
Effect of carrier diffusion on the nonlinear response of optical waveguides

Using a self-consistent numerical method, we calculate the carrier-density-dependent changes in the propagation constant of a TE mode in a symmetric slab semiconductor waveguide. By modeling the nonlinearity with the plasma theory, the effect of transverse carrier diffusion on the nonlinear response of a waveguide is investigated for typical waveguide parameters.
The impact of deliberate reflection with WISE-MDTM modules on critical thinking of nurse practitioner students: A prospective, randomized controlled pilot study

Objective : Nurse practitioner (NP) students at our graduate school of nursing use WISE-MDTM simulation modules in the curriculum. This prospective randomized controlled pilot study was undertaken to evaluate critical-thinking outcomes associated with adding metacognitive deliberate-reflection guidance to the learning strategy with WISE-MD TM simulation modules. Methods : Of 33 NP students randomly assigned to intervention and control groups, 16 completed the study. The intervention group received WISE-MD TM learning modules with specific guidance or deliberate reflection. Controls used the modules with instructions for periodic free-thought reflections. Students’ tape-recorded reflections were categorized according to author-developed critical-thinking categories. Data were analyzed using NVIVO TM . Students’ feedback was collected by post-intervention anonymous survey. Results : Critical thinking outcomes (student responses to exercises after free-thinking or deliberate-reflection guidance) did not differ between groups. However, the intervention group demonstrated a higher level of critical thought after deliberate-reflection guidance. Post-intervention quantitative and qualitative feedback from both groups endorsed the value of the WISE-MD TM modules for NP education. Conclusions : Despite no difference in unprompted outcomes between groups, the intervention group often verbalized more thoughtful clinical decision-making. We speculate that the deliberate-reflection guidance intervention utilized with students throughout only two modules was insufficient for them to internalize the critical-thinking process. We propose using free-thought reflections with one or two WISE-MD TM modules to identify struggling students’ clinical decision-making process. These students’ remediation plan could include recording their deliberate-reflection process while viewing WISE-MD TM modules. Students would be guided to verbalize and record their critical-thinking processes for faculty review until students sufficiently integrate the process into their clinical decision-making.
New technology and power definitions make accurate revenue metering possible in the presence of harmonic distortion

Modern digital metering technology and advances in power definition theory have made it possible to produce revenue meters that measure the correct quantities even in non-sinusoidal conditions. These developments are reflected in the designs of several metering integrated circuits and in the IEEE 1459–2000 power definitions standard [1]. These advances now need to be included in metering standards and adopted by meter manufacturers, a process that should be advanced by utility metering engineers. This paper discusses appropriate power definitions for revenue metering in non-sinusoidal conditions, and demonstrates that readily available single-phase metering chips can implement the ‘fundamental power’ definitions in the IEEE Standard. Freed from the limitations of obsolete technology, it rests now with metering engineers to articulate their needs and with standards organizations to incorporate suitable test requirements into metering standards.