cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of Stress in the Self-Assembly of Nanostructures

There is great interest in fabricating quantum dots and quantum wires, both for fundamental studies and as possible device structures. Many fabrication strategies have been proposed, with varying degrees of success. One possible approach is “self-assembly”, where a system is chosen which spontaneously forms structures with desirable properties. In this paper, I summarize some recent theoretical results, which suggest ways in which stress may play a role in the self-assembly of quantum dots or quantum wires. I do not attempt to summarize, or even cite, the very extensive experimental literature; for this the reader is referred to other papers in these proceedings.
Rectal cancer patients younger than 50 years lack a survival benefit from NCCN guideline-directed treatment for stage II and III disease.

Background The incidence of rectal cancer in patients younger than 50 years is increasing. To test the hypothesis that the biology in this younger cohort may differ, this study compared survival patterns, stratifying patients according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline-driven care and age. Methods The National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients treated with curative-intent transabdominal resections with negative surgical margins for stage I to III rectal cancer between 2004 and 2014. Outcomes and overall survival for patients younger than 50 years and patients 50 years old or older were compared by subgroups based on NCCN guideline-driven care. Results A total of 43,106 patients were analyzed. Younger patients were more likely to be female and minorities, to be diagnosed at a higher stage, and to have travelled further to be treated at academic/integrated centers. Short- and long-term outcomes were significantly better for patients younger than 50 years, with age-specific survival rates calculated. Younger patients were more likely to receive radiation treatment outside NCCN guidelines for stage I disease. In younger patients, the administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for stage II and III disease was not associated with an overall survival benefit. Conclusions Age-specific survival data for patients with rectal cancer treated with curative intent do not support an overall survival benefit from NCCN guideline-driven therapy for stage II and III patients younger than 50 years. These data suggest that early-onset disease may differ biologically and in its response to multimodality therapy.
Beyond-use date: establishment and maintenance.

With the introduction of United States Pharmacopeia Chapters and , the long-standing concept of drug stability (beyond-use dates and expiration dates) came to the forefront of pharmacy compounding practice. Beyond-use date extension can only be done if end-point sterility testing is done on compounded sterile preparations. It is not for everyone and can only be accomplished by using an analytical approach. This article discusses the unique skill set required by pharmacists to accomplish and maintain these processes.
Static Testing and Recording

The engineer generally thinks of the practical, quantitative properties of materials as single, approximate values such as those found in a handbook1 or encyclopedia.2 Such values represent selected or average results culled from the technical literature, where the data come from standardized tests, especially those of the ASTM.3 The tests are generally performed on comparatively large specimens, although some so-called microspecimens can be used when there is a severely limited amount of material.4 A standard test piece is prepared as specified, and the piece is subjected to the pertinent forces or influences under standardized conditions, producing a number which is then widely accepted.
The Role of Abnormal Hemispheric Specialization in Autism

In 1974 Rutter speculated that left hemisphere dysfunction may play a significant role in autistic symptomology. He based this supposition on the fact that autistic children often exhibit an uneven pattern of cognitive abilities suggestive of left hemisphere dysfunction. When the autistic child shows peak skills, they are usually in areas of functioning traditionally associated with the right hemisphere, such as visuospatial abilities and pattern recognition. In contrast, the autistic child’s most pronounced deficiencies are in areas of functioning traditionally associated with the left hemisphere, such as the use of spoken and gestural language. Around the same time, Ricks and Wing (1975) made a similar speculation based on their finding that autistic children had specific difficulties in the use of symbols. In the last decade, several investigators have explored the role of abnormal hemisphere development in the syndrome of autism. Indeed, there now exist numerous studies of many aspects of brain functioning in autistic children. It is clear from these studies that, while left hemisphere dysfunction may play a role in autistic symptomology, it is only one piece in a complex and nonunitary neurological basis of autism. However, since many of the core symptoms of autism, such as impairments in the use of symbols, may involve dysfunction at the cortical level, it is important that this aspect of brain functioning be explored fully.
Effect of Elective Sigmoidectomy for Diverticulitis on Bowel Function Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Diverticular disease is common worldwide. A subset of these patients will choose to undergo elective surgical resection because of symptoms or complicated disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in bowel function after elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed patients seen at our institution from May 2015 to July 2018 who underwent elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. We used the Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire, a validated questionnaire that assesses bowel function in five domains and a global function score (scores 0-100, with higher score indicating worse function). We obtained questionnaire data at baseline, as well as at postoperative follow-up, and a paired t-test was used to compare. Results Forty-nine patients met criteria for inclusion in this study. The median time between questionnaire completion was 70 days (interquartile range: 56 to 85). The mean age was 60 ± 12 years, with 57% female patients. Thirty-six (73%) patients underwent sigmoidectomy alone and 13 (27%) underwent sigmoidectomy with fistula repair. Six patients (12%) had a diverting loop ileostomy in addition to sigmoidectomy and underwent a subsequent reversal. Overall, there were no differences in any of the five domains or the total Colorectal Functional Outcome score from baseline to postintervention. Conclusions In our cohort, bowel function did not significantly change in the early postoperative period after elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. Surgeons should counsel patients, especially symptomatic ones, that bowel function will likely be no different at time of postoperative follow-up.
Desperately Seeking Therapies for Cerebral Malaria

Malaria is a deadly infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium spp. that takes an estimated 435,000 lives each year, primarily among young African children. For most children, malaria is a febrile illness that resolves with time, but in ∼1% of cases, for reasons we do not understand, malaria becomes severe and life threatening. Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most common form of severe malaria, accounting for the vast majority of childhood deaths from malaria despite highly effective antiparasite chemotherapy. Thus, CM is one of the most prevalent lethal brain diseases, and one for which we have no effective therapy. CM is, in part, an immune-mediated disease, and to fully understand CM, it is essential to appreciate the complex relationship between the malarial parasite and the human immune system. In this study, we provide a primer on malaria for immunologists and, in this context, review progress identifying targets for therapeutic intervention.
Finasteride and Suicide: A Postmarketing Case Series.

Background: In 2011, depression was added to the product labeling of finasteride in the USA. The US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System database contains at least 36 death cases for finasteride. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical histories and symptoms reported by a series of 6 suicide victims who took finasteride for treatment of androgenic alopecia. Methods: Medical records and autopsy reports were provided by family members of the cases. Relevant information was extracted according to guidelines for submitting adverse event reports. Results: An important pattern of symptoms was common among all cases who committed suicide in the setting of finasteride use – insomnia and persistent sexual dysfunction after medication discontinuation. Insomnia and fatigue/tiredness were some of the most debilitating symptoms. Apart from 1 case who had hyperlipidemia, there was no documentation of concomitant medication use with finasteride or any baseline medical or psychiatric diagnoses prior to starting finasteride. The findings of this postmarketing series may not be generalizable to the population of men who committed suicide in the setting of finasteride use due to small sample size and bias. Associations between medication use and symptoms cannot prove causality. Conclusion: Men under the age of 40 who use finasteride for alopecia are at risk for suicide if they develop persistent sexual adverse effects and insomnia. Further research is needed to establish whether finasteride has a causal relationship to suicide.
Young adults’ perspectives on advance care planning: Evaluating the Death over Dinner initiative

We investigated how death attitudes and experience relate to perspectives on advance care planning (ACP) in young adulthood, and whether attending a Death over Dinner event affects perspectives on ...
Abstract A21: Increasing use of adjuvant radiation for parathyroid carcinoma is associated with improved survival outcomes: A population-based study

Objectives: Parathyroid carcinoma is rare and treatment for these cancers varies between institutions. The primary purposes of this study were to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate current practice patterns in the use of adjuvant radiation for parathyroid cancers and to investigate the efficacy in a population-based setting. Methods: There were 508 patients treated surgically for parathyroid cancer from 1973 to 2013 identified in the SEER database. Patients with metastatic disease and other prior malignancies were excluded. Three hundred and twenty-one patients (63%) had local disease, while 187 had regional lymph node involvement (37%). Of these patients, 78 (15%) were treated with adjuvant radiation. 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary outcomes. Results: Treatment with adjuvant radiation therapy was significantly associated with improved 5-year DSS (94% versus 89%; p=0.045) and OS (81% versus 74%; p=0.036). Improved DSS and OS were significant after controlling for other known covariates on multivariate analysis (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.87, p Conclusion: Adjuvant radiation appears to provide a survival benefit for patients with parathyroid carcinoma. Utilization of adjuvant radiation is increasing over time for these patients. Citation Format: Richard B. Cannon, Patrick S. Carpenter, Luke O. Buchmann, Jason P. Hunt, Shane Lloyd, Ying Hitchcock, Marcus M. Monroe. Increasing use of adjuvant radiation for parathyroid carcinoma is associated with improved survival outcomes: A population-based study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-AHNS Head and Neck Cancer Conference: Optimizing Survival and Quality of Life through Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research; 2019 Apr 29-30; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(12_Suppl_2):Abstract nr A21.
A Smart-Farming Ontology for Attribute Based Access Control

With the advent of smart farming, individual farmers have started adopting the concepts of agriculture 4.0. Modern smart farms leverage technologies like big data, Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, etc. The use of these technologies has left these smart farms susceptible to cyber-attacks. In order to help secure the smart farm ecosystem in this paper, we develop a smart farming ontology. Our ontology helps represent various physical entities like sensors, workers on the farm, and their interactions with each other. Using the expressive ontology we implement an Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) system to dynamically evaluate access control requests. Furthermore, we discuss various use cases to showcase our access control model in various scenarios on a smart farm.
Defying the Rally During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Regression Discontinuity Approach.

Objective Do people set aside their partisan differences and rally around elected officials during a pandemic? President Trump's delegation of responsibility to the states during the COVID-19 pandemic placed governors on the frontlines of the battle; some have shined and garnered positive national attention, others have wilted under the pressure of the national spotlight. Methods We use regression discontinuity design and exploit a discontinuity in the state's political events to assess the support of a governor's response to the pandemic. Results Using survey data from Florida's registered voters, we find that Governor DeSantis's approval dropped by 7 percentage points following his "Safer at Home" order press conference on April 1. Conclusion Our results suggest that under certain circumstances partisanship can blunt a "rally around the flag" effect. This finding provides context to understanding when and under which circumstances elected officials can expect increases (or decreases) in public support.
Ophidiomycosis, an emerging fungal disease of snakes: Targeted surveillance on military lands and detection in the western US and Puerto Rico

Wildlife disease surveillance and pathogen detection are fundamental for conservation, population sustainability, and public health. Detection of pathogens in snakes is often overlooked despite their essential roles as both predators and prey within their communities. Ophidiomycosis (formerly referred to as Snake Fungal Disease, SFD), an emergent disease on the North American landscape caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, poses a threat to snake population health and stability. We tested 657 individual snakes representing 58 species in 31 states from 56 military bases in the continental US and Puerto Rico for O. ophiodiicola. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola DNA was detected in samples from 113 snakes for a prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI: 14.4-20.3%), representing 25 species from 19 states/territories, including the first reports of the pathogen in snakes in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico. Most animals were ophidiomycosis negative (n = 462), with Ophidiomyces detected by qPCR (n = 64), possible ophidiomycosis (n = 82), and apparent ophidiomycosis (n = 49) occurring less frequently. Adults had 2.38 times greater odds than juveniles of being diagnosed with ophidiomycosis. Snakes from Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia all had greater odds of ophidiomycosis diagnosis, while snakes from Idaho were less likely to be diagnosed with ophidiomycosis. The results of this survey indicate that this pathogen is endemic in the eastern US and identified new sites that could represent emergence or improved detection of endemic sites. The direct mortality of snakes with ophidiomycosis is unknown from this study, but the presence of numerous individuals with clinical disease warrants further investigation and possible conservation action.
Feasibility of remote assessment of the binaural intelligibility level difference in school-age children

This work evaluated the feasibility and reliability of remotely assessing masked speech recognition and the binaural intelligibility level difference (BILD) in children. Participants were 28 children (6–17 years) and 11 adults (22–45 years) with self-reported normal hearing. A three-alternative forced-choice word recognition task was completed using participants' personal hardware (headphones and computer) and custom software that uploaded results to a central database. Results demonstrate that assessment of masked speech recognition and the BILD is feasible and generally reliable in a remote setting. Variability of results across individuals would likely have been reduced by distributing or specifying appropriate headphones.
Modeling framework to support decision making and control of manufacturing systems considering the relationship between productivity, reliability, quality, and energy consumption

Abstract Different formalisms and modeling frameworks have been developed to capture the discrete behavior of manufacturing systems. However a purely discrete model does not capture the continuous variables of machine-level operation. Previous research in modeling manufacturing systems has studied the quantity-quality and quantity-reliability coupling of production environments but their relationship to energy consumption is often not considered. This work presents a framework that extends the state-of-the-art in modeling manufacturing systems to support decision making for control at both machine- and system-level variables using hybrid models. The modeling strategy considers the coupling between productivity, quality, reliability and energy consumption and leverages the current plant floor data extraction capabilities to develop data-driven models. A novel control strategy is presented that considers the effect of various machine- and system-level variables over different performance metrics and balances them using multi-objective optimization. This framework was validated using a combination of real and simulated data of a production representative environment. The optimal set of control variables is obtained using simulation-based optimization to support plant floor decision making by studying process variables, maintenance actions, or system reconfiguration. Results show the effect of different control variables and the ability to reduce energy consumption while improving productivity. The implementation of the modeling and control framework presented here has the potential to impact the operations of manufacturing system by reducing cost and improving productivity.
Determination of Nine Trace Elements in Plant Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in Mixed Mode

A method of inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS) in mixed mode was established to determine the trace elements in plant samples,such as vegetables,fruit and rice.After digested by HNO3+H2O2,nine trace elements of As,Hg,Pb,Cd,Cr,Se,Cu,Ni and Zn in the samples were analyzed by using the technology of the collision/reaction cell with kinetic energy discrimination(KED) to eliminate the interference of mass spectrometry.74Ge,115In and 209Bi were also used to eliminate the matrix interference.The results indicated that the linear range of the method was beyond two orders of magnitude and the linear correlation coefficient was not less than 0.999 2.The limits of detection(LOD) were in the range of 0.8-40 μg/kg with RSDs of 0.6%-5.8%.The established method was used to determine the three certified reference materials of rice flour(GBW10010),spinach(GBW10015) and apple(GBW10019),and the analysis results were all in material reference range.The method was simple,rapid and accurate,and was suitable for the determination of multi-elements in plant samples simultaneously.
Starship Life Support

The design and mass cost of a starship and its life support system are investigated. The mission plan for a multi generational interstellar voyage to colonize a new planet is used to describe the starship design, including the crew habitat, accommodations, and life support. Only current technology is assumed. Highly reliable life support systems can be provided with reasonably small additional mass, suggesting that they can support long duration missions. Bioregenerative life support, growing crop plants that provide food, water, and oxygen, has been thought to need less mass than providing stored food for long duration missions. The large initial mass of hydroponics systems is paid for over time by saving the mass of stored food. However, the yearly logistics mass required to support a bioregenerative system exceeds the mass of food solids it produces, so that supplying stored dehydrated food always requires less mass than bioregenerative food production. A mixed system that grows about half the food and supplies the other half dehydrated has advantages that allow it to breakeven with stored dehydrated food in about 66 years. However, moderate increases in the hydroponics system mass to achieve high reliability, such as adding spares that double the system mass and replacing the initial system every 100 years, increase the mass cost of bioregenerative life support. In this case, the high reliability half food growing, half food supplying system does not breakeven for 389 years. An even higher reliability half and half system, with three times original system mass and replacing the system every 50 years, never breaks even. Growing food for starship life support requires more mass than providing dehydrated food, even for multigeneration voyages of hundreds of years. The benefits of growing some food may justify the added mass cost. Much more efficient recycling food production is wanted but may not be possible. A single multigenerational interstellar voyage to colonize a new planet would have cost similar to that of the Apollo program. Cost is reduced if a small crew travels slowly and lands with minimal equipment. We can go to the stars!
Two soluble forms of bovine carboxypeptidase H have different NH2-terminal sequences

Carboxypeptidase H is an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of many peptide hormones. Development of a rapid isolation procedure led to the purification of two soluble forms from acidic extracts of bovine pituitary glands. These two forms differed in apparent molecular size (56 and 53 kDa). Both forms were found in the anterior lobe while only the 53-kDa form was found in posterior lobe. Digestion with N-glycosidase F demonstrated that these two forms are not due to alternative glycosylation of a common polypeptide core. Both forms bind antibodies raised against a COOH-terminal peptide of the full-length protein showing that the difference between them is not due to proteolysis at the COOH terminus. These results also argue against the idea that proteolysis of COOH-terminal domains converts the membrane-associated form of this protein into a soluble form. NH2-terminal sequence analysis demonstrated different NH2 termini. The NH2-terminal sequence of the 56-kDa form begins at the site predicted for signal peptide cleavage. Ion-exchange chromatography resolved the 56-kDa form from the 53-kDa form. The two forms were catalytically active with very similar properties. These results show that bovine carboxypeptidase H can be posttranslationally processed at alternative sites and provide evidence against the idea of a prosequence that must be removed before enzyme activity can be expressed.
Encapsulation of Nisin and Lysozyme in Liposomes Enhances Efficacy against Listeria monocytogenes

The efficacy and stability against Listeria monocytogenes of nisin and lysozyme encapsulated in phospholipid liposomes was evaluated. Antimicrobial-containing liposomes were prepared by hydrating dried lipids with buffer containing nisin, nisin plus the fluorescence probe calcein, or calcein and lysozyme. Mixtures were then centrifuged and sonicated, and encapsulated liposomes were collected using size-exclusion chromatography. Antimicrobial concentration in liposomes was determined by bicinchoninic acid assay prior to determination of antimicrobial activity against strains of L. monocytogenes. When nisin was encapsulated in liposomes, protein concentrations of 0.39, 0.27, and 0.23 mg/ml for phosphatidylcholine (PC), PC-cholesterol (7:3), and PC-phosphatidylglycerol (PG)-cholesterol (5:2:3), respectively, were obtained. Encapsulation of nisin with calcein yielded protein concentrations of 0.35, 0.39, and 0.28 mg/ml for PC, PC-cholesterol, and PC-PG-cholesterol, respectively. Encapsulation of calcein with lysozyme resulted in protein concentrations of 0.43, 0.26, and 0.19 mg/ml for PC, PC-cholesterol, and PC-PG-cholesterol, respectively. Encapsulated nisin in 100% PC and PC-cholesterol liposomes inhibited bacterial growth by >2 log CFU/ml compared with free nisin. Growth inhibition with liposomal lysozyme was strain dependent, with greater inhibition observed for strains 310 and Scott A with PC-cholesterol and PC-PG-cholesterol liposomes. Inhibition of L. monocytogenes indicated the potential of liposomes to serve as delivery vehicles for antimicrobials in foods while improving stability of antimicrobials.
Trois tombes de Marie Madeleine

Vezelay, Saint-Maximin et Magdala sont loin d’etre les seuls lieux ou Marie Madeleine est censee etre enterree. Mais ce sont les plus importants, et chacun livre un apercu des manieres dont preservation, pratique religieuse, interets commerciaux et recherche historique peuvent coexister, meme lorsqu’ils poursuivent des buts qui leur sont propres. Dans chaque cas, l’ecologie de ces interets varies a permis aux sites culturels d’etre preserves, et ouvre des perspectives a la pratique, a l’avenir, d’une ecologie plus equilibree et progressiste.
Aging of the human photoreceptor mosaic: evidence for selective vulnerability of rods in central retina.

Purpose Because previous studies suggested degeneration and loss of photoreceptors in aged human retina, the spatial density of cones and rods subserving the central 43 degrees of vision as a function of age was determined. Methods Cones and rods were counted in 27 whole mounted retinas from donors aged 27 to 90 years with macroscopically normal fundi. Photoreceptor topography was analyzed with new graphic and statistical techniques. Results Changes in cone density throughout this age span showed no consistent relationship to age or retinal location, and the total number of foveal cones was remarkably stable. In contrast, rod density decreased by 30%, beginning inferior to the fovea in midlife and culminating in an annulus of deepest loss at 0.5 to 3 mm eccentricity by the ninth decade. Space vacated by dying rods was filled in by larger rod inner segments, resulting in a similar rod coverage at all ages. At the temporal equator, cone density declined by 23%, but rods were stable throughout adulthood. Conclusions The stability of both rod coverage and rhodopsin content despite decreasing cell number suggests plasticity of the adult rod system and that age-related declines in scotopic sensitivity may be due to postreceptoral factors. There is no evidence for the massive loss of foveal cones required to explain even modest decrements in acuity, consistent with evidence that visual deficits at high photopic levels may be largely due to optical factors. Why the rods of central retina, which share a common support system and light exposure with the neighboring cones, are preferentially vulnerable to aging remains to be determined.
Factors influencing survival in Stage I ovarian cancer

Abstract A total of 271 patients with Stage I epithelial cancer of the ovary were treated at the Mayo Clinic from 1950 through 1966. Data related to various forms of treatment show that many factors in addition to the stage of the lesion influence survival. Among these are cell type, grade of malignancy, and gross characteristics of the lesion. These factors should be considered in the selection of the proper treatment of the specific lesion. Such individualized treatment should give a highly satisfactory survival.
Qualitative Analysis of Dynamic Circuits

The sections in this article are 1 Passivity 2 Stationary or Equilibrium Points 3 State Equations and Uniqueness and Existence of Solutions 4 Simple First- and Second-Order Nonlinear Dynamic Circuits 5 No Finite Escape-Time Criteria 6 Eventually Uniformly Boundedness of Trajectories 7 Stability of Equilibrium Points 8 Lyapunov Functions and Lyapunov's Direct Method 9 Content, Co-Content, Energy, and Co-Energy of Two-Terminal Elements 10 Using Content and Energy to Derive the Qualitative Behavior of Dynamic Circuits 11 Unique Asymptotic Behavior 12 Qualitative Behavior of Dynamic Circuits Driven by Periodic Inputs 13 Manley–Rowe Equations 14 Duality
Corporate Political Activity: A Review and Research Agenda

Corporate political activities, or corporate attempts to shape government policy in ways favorable to the firm, are commonly employed by firms across countries. We review recent scholarly work from management, political science, economics and sociology in the area of corporate political activity (CPA), paying particular attention to the literature published since Shaffer’s [Shaffer, B. 1995. Firm-level responses to government regulation: Theoretical and research approaches. Journal of Management, 21: 495–514] review. To integrate this literature we provide a model of the antecedents of CPA, the different types of CPA, how firms organize to implement CPA and the outcomes of CPA both for public policy and firm performance. We conclude our review by proposing an agenda for future research in the area.
Observable and Subjective Factors Associated with Attempted Suicide in Later Life

This paper presents the results of a case-control study of the relationship of socio-economic status (SES), relational system, service availability, perceived quality of life, and affective balance to attempted suicide. Subjects were white suicide attempters (N(7)34) and controls (N = 118) age 50 and above. Discriminant function analysis indicated that lower SES, less help available in a crisis, belonging to fewer organizations, and greater availability of services from a community mental health center were associated with classification as an attempter. Also, more negative emotions, fewer positive emotions, and dissatisfaction with oneself and one's finances predicted membership in the attempter group. The role of these factors as risk factors for and consequences of a suicide attempt is discussed.
Use of a modified, high-sensitivity, anodic stripping voltammetry method for determination of zinc speciation in the North Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Zinc speciation is considered to be an important determinant of the biological availability of zinc. Yet in oceanic surface waters, characterization of zinc speciation is difficult due to the low concentrations of this essential micronutrient. In this study, an anodic stripping voltammetry method previously developed for the total determination of cadmium and lead was successfully adapted to the measurement of zinc speciation. The method differs from previous zinc speciation anodic stripping voltammetry methods in that a fresh mercury film is plated with each sample aliquot. The fresh film anodic stripping voltammetry method was compared to competitive ligand exchange cathodic stripping voltammetry in a profile from the North Atlantic Ocean. Results using the fresh film anodic stripping voltammetry method were similar to those determined using the cathodic stripping voltammetry method, though ligand concentrations determined by fresh film anodic stripping voltammetry were generally slightly higher than those determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry. There did not seem to be a systematic difference between methods for the estimates of conditional stability constants. The ligand concentration in the North Atlantic profile ranged from 0.9 to 1.5 nmol L−1 as determined by fresh film anodic stripping voltammetry and 0.6 to 1.3 nmol L−1 as determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry. The conditional stability constants determined by fresh film anodic stripping voltammetry were 109.8–1010.5 and by cathodic stripping voltammetry were 109.8–1011.3.
Immunoregulatory mechanisms of macrophage PPAR-γ in mice with experimental inflammatory bowel disease

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) is widely expressed in macrophages and has been identified as a putative target for the development of novel therapies against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Computational simulations identified macrophages as key targets for therapeutic interventions against IBD. This study aimed to characterize the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of macrophage PPAR-γ in IBD. Macrophage-specific PPAR-γ deletion significantly exacerbated clinical activity and colonic pathology, impaired the splenic and mesenteric lymph node regulatory T-cell compartment, increased percentages of lamina propria (LP) CD8+ T cells, increased surface expression of CD40, Ly6C, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in LP macrophages, and upregulated expression of colonic IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, IL-22, IL1RL1, CCR1, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, and MHC class II in mice with IBD. Moreover, macrophage PPAR-γ was required for accelerating pioglitazone-mediated recovery from dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis, providing a cellular target for the anti-inflammatory effects of PPAR-γ agonists in IBD.
Activation of STAT3 by the c-Fes Protein-tyrosine Kinase

STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) are transcription factors that contain SH2 domains and are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation, often in response to cytokine stimulation. Recent evidence indicates that the transforming tyrosine kinases encoded by the v-Src, v-Abl, and v-Fps oncogenes can induce STAT activation, suggesting that their normal cellular homologs may contribute to STAT activation under physiological conditions. In this report, we provide direct evidence that c-Fes, the normal human homolog of v-Fps, potently activates STAT3. Transient transfection of human 293T cells with STAT3 and Fes resulted in strong stimulation of STAT3 DNA binding activity. In contrast, only modest activation of STAT5 by Fes was observed in this system, indicative of possible selectivity. To determine whether Fes-induced STAT3 activation is dependent upon endogenous mammalian kinases, co-expression studies were also performed in Sf-9 insect cells. Fes also induced a dramatic increase in STAT3 DNA binding activity in this system, whereas no activation of STAT5 was observed. As a positive control, both STAT3 and STAT5 were shown to be activated by the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase in Sf-9 cells. Fes induced strong tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 in both expression systems, consistent with the gel-shift results. Fes and STAT3 have been independently linked to myeloid differentiation. Results presented here suggest that these proteins may cooperate to promote differentiation signaling in response to hematopoietic cytokines.
Sterolins ABCG5 and ABCG8: regulators of whole body dietary sterols

ABCG5 and ABCG8 are two ATP-binding cassette half-transporters that belong to the G family members. They were identified as proteins that are mutated in a rare human disorder, sitosterolemia, and their identification led to the completion of the physiological pathways by which dietary cholesterol, as well as noncholesterol sterols, traffics in the mammalian body. These proteins are likely to function as heterodimers, and current evidence suggests that these proteins are responsible for the majority of sterol secretions into bile, thus may define the long sought-after biliary sterol transporters. This review will focus on some of the backgrounds of this physiology, the genetics and regulation of these genes, as well as our current understanding of their functions. This review will also highlight the current limitations in our knowledge gap.
COMPARISON OF DUST EXPOSURES IN PENNSYLVANIA ANTHRACITE AND BITUMINOUS COAL MINES.

Abstract Results of a two-year study of dust conditions in Pennsylvania coal mines, including 24 anthracite and 14 bituminous coal mines are presented. Determinations of airborne concentrations, particle size distribution, and free silica content were made on more than 1400 samples. Dust in anthracite mines had, in general, more free silica and smaller particle size. Mechanized mines were not significantly different from non-mechanized mines in dust production. Exceptions to these generalizations are discussed.
The resonating valence bond state in La2CuO4 and superconductivity

The oxide superconductors, particularly those recently discovered that are based on La2CuO4have a set of peculiarities that suggest a common, unique mechanism: they tend in every case to occur near a metal-insulator transition into an odd-electron insulator with peculiar magnetic properties. This insulating phase is proposed to be the long-sought “resonating-valence-bond” state or “quantum spin liquid” hypothesized in 1973. This insulating magnetic phase is favored by low spin, low dimensionality, and magnetic frustration. The preexisting magnetic singlet pairs of the insulating state become charged superconducting pairs when the insulator is doped sufficiently strongly. The mechanism for superconductivity is hence predominantly electronic and magnetic, although weak phonon interactions may favor the state. Many unusual properties are predicted, especially of the insulating state.
Propagation properties of striplines periodically loaded with crossing strips

A rigorous dyadic Green's function formulation in the spectral domain is used to study the dispersion characteristics of signal striplines in the presence of metallic crossing strips. A set of coupled vector integral equations for the current distribution on the conductors is derived. Galerkin's method is then applied to derive the matrix eigenvalue equation for the propagation constant. The dispersion properties of the signal lines are studied for the two cases of finite and infinite length crossing strips. The effects of the structure dimensions on the passband and stopband characteristics are investigated. For crossing strips of finite length, the stopband is mainly affected by the period, the crossing strip length, and the separation between the signal and the crossing strips. For crossing strips of infinite length carrying traveling waves, attenuation along the signal line exists over the whole frequency range of operation. >
Functional Transitions Between Epileptiform-Like Activity and Associative Memory in Hippocampal Region CA3

Clinical and experimental observations indicate that the hippocampus is critical in the formation of declarative memories. Interestingly, electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that the region also has a particularly low seizure threshold, where globally synchronous synaptic activity can occur. By using a detailed biophysical model of area CA3, it is shown how septal cholinergic modulation, through three distinct mechanisms, can interact with intrinsic and synaptic conductances to influence population behavior. A dissection of each mechanism demonstrates a variety of population firing activity ranging from fully synchronized behavior to a mixture of repetitive bursting and oscillations in reduced subsets of neurons, ideal for forming accurate associations during a learning and recall task.
Assessment of three-dimensional high-definition visualization technology to perform microvascular anastomosis

Summary Background and aim Traditional visualization techniques in microsurgery require strict positioning in order to maintain the field of visualization. However, static posturing over time may lead to musculoskeletal strain and injury. Three-dimensional high-definition (3DHD) visualization technology may be a useful adjunct to limiting static posturing and improving ergonomics in microsurgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the benefits of using the 3DHD technology over traditional techniques. Methods A total of 14 volunteers consisting of novice and experienced microsurgeons performed femoral anastomoses on male Sprague-Dawley retired breeder rats using traditional techniques as well as the 3DHD technology and compared the two techniques. Participants subsequently completed a questionnaire regarding their preference in terms of operational parameters, ergonomics, overall quality, and educational benefits. Efficiency was also evaluated by mean times to complete the anastomosis with each technique. Results A total of 27 anastomoses were performed, 14 of 14 using the traditional microscope and 13 of 14 using the 3DHD technology. Preference toward the traditional modality was noted with respect to the parameters of precision, field adjustments, zoom and focus, depth perception, and overall quality. The 3DHD technique was preferred for improved stamina and less back and eye strain. Participants believed that the 3DHD technique was the better method for learning microsurgery. Longer mean time of anastomosis completion was noted in participants utilizing the 3DHD technique. Conclusions The 3DHD technology may prove to be valuable in improving proper ergonomics in microsurgery. In addition, it may be useful in medical education when applied to the learning of new microsurgical skills. More studies are warranted to determine its efficacy and safety in a clinical setting.
Methylation of platinum complexes by methylaquo(3,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazolyl)cobamide. Kinetics and mechanism

The facile methyl-transfer reaction of methylaquo(3,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazolyl)cobamide with platinum complexes requires platinum in both oxidation states (i.e. PtCl42− and PtCl62−). The reaction occurs with ∼1:1 stoichiometry between PtCl62− and methylaquo(3,5,6-trimethylbenzimidazolyl)cobamide. The sole corrinoid product is H2OB+12 in its base-off form. Carbon-13 NMR is used to show that 85% of the methyl-transfer products are (CH3)PtCl52−, and 15% are ethane. Kinetic and spectrophotometric studies show that PtCl42− complexes with the methylcorrinoid prior to the rate-limiting methyl-transfer step, with k = 0.88 s−1 and K = 330 M−1 (23 °C, 1.0 M Cl−). Detailed mechanism for the CoC bond cleavage is discussed.
Taylor-Couette instability of travelling waves with a continuous spectrum

The nonlinear evolution of a continuous spectrum of travelling waves resulting from the growth of unstable disturbances in circular Couette flow has been investigated. Numerical solution of the governing integro-differential equations for different initial conditions shows that the equilibrium states of Taylor-vortex, wavy-vortex or spiralvortex flows are not unique, but depend on the initial disturbance. The presence of multiple solutions at a fixed Reynolds number for a given Taylor–Couette geometry has been known since Coles’ seminal contribution in 1965. The current study indicates that the equilibrium state of flows on a stable bifurcation branch is a natural consequence of nonlinear wave resonance and is dependent on the initial conditions. The resulting wavenumber can take any value within an accessible finite band. Since such multiple solutions have also been found numerically for mixed-convection flows and experimentally for several other flows, there is evidence to support the conclusion that a non-uniqueness in the sense of Coles is a generic property for all fluid flows.
Bacillus thuringiensis a potential control agent for the Colorado potato beetle

In laboratory tests conducted to determine the effectiveness of the exotoxin ofBacillus thuringiensis against the Colorado potato beetle,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), applications sprayed on tomato foliage at dilutions ranging from 10−1 through 10−4 killed 90% of the 1st and 2nd stage beetle larvae. As the dosage decreased, the time to achieve this level of mortality increased from 4 to 9 days. Adult beetles were not killed by these treatments; however they did cease feeding. In field tests, the highest dosages ofB. t. sprayed on either tomato or potato plants provided adequate or nearly complete protection when applied weekly. Young larvae that ingested sub-lethal doses developed into adults with atrophied mouthparts and antennae, transformations of the paired parts of the labial palps into an unpaired part, the appearance of a tarsal-like claw on a palp, and malformation of the cranial sclerities.
An automated method for determining buoyant density of nucleic acids using a preparative ultracentrifuge

We present a technique for analytical buoyant density sedimentation of nucleic acids which is performed in a preparative ultracentrifuge, in contrast to an analytical ultracentrifuge. Following centrifugation in a preparative rotor, small cylindrical quartz tubes are optically scanned; upon completion of the scan the data are processed immediately by a microcomputer and the buoyant density of the nucleic acid is calculated. Experimental data are presented employing several different deoxyribonucleic acids banded in neutral and alkaline cesium sulfate. Results are independent of rotor speed, location of bands within the gradient, and loading density of the cesium sulfate solution. Derived buoyant density values agree within 0.5% of previously published values.
Synemin isoforms differentially organize cell junctions and desmin filaments in neonatal cardiomyocytes

Intermediate filaments (IFs) in cardiomyocytes consist primarily of desmin, surround myofibrils at Z disks, and transmit forces from the contracting myofilaments to the cell surface through costameres at the sarcolemma and desmosomes at intercalated disks. Synemin is a type IV IF protein that forms filaments with desmin and also binds α-actinin and vinculin. Here we examine the roles and expression of the α and β forms of synemin in developing rat cardiomyocytes. Quantitative PCR showed low levels of expression for both synemin mRNAs, which peaked at postnatal day 7. Synemin was concentrated at sites of cell-cell adhesion and at Z disks in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Overexpression of the individual isoforms showed that α-synemin preferentially localized to cell-cell junctions, whereas β-synemin was primarily at the level of Z disks. An siRNA targeted to both synemin isoforms reduced protein expression in cardiomyocytes by 70% and resulted in a failure of desmin to align with Z disks and disrupted cell-cell junctions, with no effect on sarcomeric organization. Solubility assays showed that β-synemin was soluble and interacted with sarcomeric α-actinin by coimmunoprecipitation, while α-synemin and desmin were insoluble. We conclude that β-synemin mediates the association of desmin IFs with Z disks, whereas α-synemin stabilizes junctional complexes between cardiomyocytes.
Associating color appearance with the cone chromaticity space

Abstract A cone chromaticity space, a transform of a colorimetric specification system into coordinates that represent cone excitations, does not provide color appearance information. Boynton and Olson (Color Research and Application 12, 94–105, 1987) gathered color naming for the 424 Optical Society of America Uniform Color Scales (OSA-UCS) color samples. Here, a computational algorithm was developed that converts OSA-UCS sample values into L, M, S cone excitations based on the 1964 CIE 10° Standard Observer. This makes it possible to plot the cone chromaticities associated with the eight color names used by Boynton and Olsen’s observers to describe the non-dark appearing colors.