cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoporous Thermosets with Percolating Pores from Block Polymers Chemically Fixed above the Order–Disorder Transition

A lamellar diblock polymer combining a cross-linkable segment with a chemically etchable segment was cross-linked above its order–disorder temperature (TODT) to kinetically trap the morphology associated with the fluctuating disordered state. After removal of the etchable block, evaluation of the resulting porous thermoset allows for an unprecedented experimental characterization of the trapped disordered phase. Through a combination of small-angle X-ray scattering, nitrogen sorption, scanning electron microscopy, and electron tomography experiments we demonstrate that the nanoporous structure exhibits a narrow pore size distribution and a high surface to volume ratio and is bicontinuous over a large sample area. Together with the processability of the polymeric starting material, the proposed system combines attractive attributes for many advanced applications. In particular, it was used to design new composite membranes for the ultrafiltration of water.
Bioelectricity generation from three ornamental plants: Chlorophytum comosum, Chasmanthe floribunda and Papyrus diffusus

In the present study, bioelectricity generation using a living plant in soil was achieved by converting solar energy into electricity on the principles of plant photosynthesis. The plants Chlorophy...
Effect of CO2 on the Interfacial and Transport Properties of Water/Binary and Asphaltenic Oils: Insights from Molecular Dynamics

We conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the effect of supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) on the interfacial and transport properties of water–oil systems. The oil phase was resembled by employing different binary hydrocarbons (paraffin + aromatic), namely, benzene + hexane, benzene + octane, xylene + hexane, and xylene + octane. Furthermore, we added an asphaltene to the system composed of xylene and hexane to study the interfacial behavior of the heaviest fraction of oil (asphaltene) in the presence of CO2. The simulations were performed under the operating conditions of 100 bar and 350 K. The results showed that aromatics, CO2, and asphaltenes accumulated at the interface at low CO2 mole fractions (xCO2). However, when xCO2 increased, it displaced the aromatics away from the interface and toward the bulk. At very high xCO2, the aromatics accumulated at the oil bulk. Similarly, asphaltene molecules stacked at the interface at low xCO2, and as xCO2 increased, some of the asphalt...
SNAG: Spoken Narratives and Gaze Dataset

Humans rely on multiple sensory modalities when examining and reasoning over images. In this paper, we describe a new multimodal dataset that consists of gaze measurements and spoken descriptions collected in parallel during an image inspection task. The task was performed by multiple participants on 100 general-domain images showing everyday objects and activities. We demonstrate the usefulness of the dataset by applying an existing visual-linguistic data fusion framework in order to label important image regions with appropriate linguistic labels.
Early Communication Development of Children with Auditory Brainstem Implants

The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is an auditory sensory device that is surgically placed on the cochlear nucleus of the brainstem for individuals who are deaf but unable to benefit from a cochlear implant (CI) due to anatomical abnormalities of the cochlea and/or eighth nerve, specific disease processes, or temporal bone fractures. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized a Phase I clinical trial to determine safety and feasibility of the ABI in up to 10 eligible young children who are deaf and either derived no benefit from the CI or were anatomically unable to receive a CI. In this paper, we describe the study protocol and the children who have enrolled in the study thus far. In addition, we report the scores on speech perception, speech production, and language (spoken and signed) for five children with 1-3 years of assessment post-ABI activation. To date, the results indicate that spoken communication skills are slow to develop and that visual communication remains essential for post-ABI intervention.
Safety During Offshore Drilling Operation

Abstract Recently, a lot of efforts have been done by the industry and science to minimize the potential risks arising from process incidents centering on the offshore drilling operations. Offshore drilling operations are commonly characterized by potentially hazardous conditions with severe consequences and are quite different from the onshore drilling operations. The complex nature of offshore drilling rigs, their design features, and the intricacies of offshore drilling operations contributes to the risks faced by a large segment of workforce in this sector. The consequences of such risks include damage to assets and the environment. The Macondo deepwater Gulf of Mexico blowout and spill that occurred in 2010 and the Piper Alpha in the North Sea that occurred in 1998 can be cited as examples of the worst offshore disasters witnessed in the world. These incidents resulted in huge losses of both human and financial resources. Unfortunately, despite all the efforts that have been put in place to avert accidents of this nature but have failed to prevent these unfortunate events. Furthermore, it has become pertinent that new methods should be developed to investigate the cause of offshore accidents. These efforts should cover the provision of an accurate dynamic framework that propagates the accurate safety measures derived from both the academic and practical viewpoints that able to reduce the occurrence of accidents. This chapter has compiled a summation of more than 17 years of rich experience in the oil and gas industry, with the inclusion of offshore drilling operations to develop key concepts and guidelines that will help researchers, scholars, and the experts for a better understanding of safe offshore drilling operations and associated risks from operational and occupational perspectives. Thus, the primary objective of this chapter is to explain safety in the offshore drilling operations from the operational and occupational aspects. This statement will be supported by a hypothetical scenario from the Sultanate of Oman on how to ensure safe, sustained practices while drilling an offshore well, which can be used as a model of excellence of safe offshore drilling operation. The latter part of this chapter includes the presentation of an overview prescribed by the contemporary HSE management system that is commonly used by the oil and gas industry. It also illustrates description of common occupational accidents that have been witnessed in the industry.
The effects of cerebral amyloid angiopathy on integrity of the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), in which amyloid accumulates predominantly in the walls of arterioles and capillaries, is seen in most patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and may contribute to compromise of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function seen in AD. We investigated the effects of CAA on BBB integrity by examining the expression of the endothelial marker CD31, basement membrane protein collagen IV (COL4), tight junction protein claudin-5, and fibrinogen, a marker of BBB leakage, by immunohistochemistry in the occipital cortex of autopsy brains with AD and capillary CAA (CAA type 1; n = 8), AD with noncapillary CAA (CAA type 2; n = 10), and AD without CAA (n = 7) compared with elderly controls (n = 10). Given the difference in pathogenesis of capillary and noncapillary CAA, we hypothesize that features of BBB breakdown are observed only in capillary CAA. We found decreased expression of CD31 in AD subjects with CAA types 1 and 2 compared with AD without CAA and an increase in COL4 in AD without CAA compared with controls. Furthermore, there was increased immunoreactivity for fibrinogen in AD with CAA type 1 compared with controls. These findings suggest that capillary CAA is associated with morphologic and possibly physiologic alterations of the neurovascular unit and increased BBB permeability in AD.
Cytoplasmic TRADD Confers a Worse Prognosis in Glioblastoma

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)-associated death domain protein (TRADD) is an important adaptor in TNFR1 signaling and has an essential role in nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and survival signaling. Increased expression of TRADD is sufficient to activate NF-κB. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of NF-κB activation as a key pathogenic mechanism in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults.We examined the expression of TRADD by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and find that TRADD is commonly expressed at high levels in GBM and is detected in both cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution. Cytoplasmic IHC TRADD scoring is significantly associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) both in univariate and multivariate analysis but is not associated with overall survival (n = 43 GBMs). PFS is a marker for responsiveness to treatment. We propose that TRADD-mediated NF-κB activation confers chemoresistance and thus a worse PFS in GBM. Consistent with the effect on PFS, silencing TRADD in glioma cells results in decreased NF-κB activity, decreased proliferation of cells, and increased sensitivity to temozolomide. TRADD expression is common in glioma-initiating cells. Importantly, silencing TRADD in GBM-initiating stem cell cultures results in decreased viability of stem cells, suggesting that TRADD may be required for maintenance of GBM stem cell populations. Thus, our study suggests that increased expression of cytoplasmic TRADD is both an important biomarker and a key driver of NF-κB activation in GBM and supports an oncogenic role for TRADD in GBM.
Cadogan–Sundberg indole synthesis

The Cadogan reaction refers to the deoxygenation of o-nitrostyrenes 1 or o-nitrostilbenes with trialkyl phosphite or trialkylphosphine and subsequent cyclization of the resulting intermediate nitrene 2 to form indoles 3.
Indications and Outcomes of Single-Pedicle vs 2-Pedicle Thigh Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction

ImportanceFlap choice and design are crucial to the success of free flap reconstruction of the head and neck. These are dependent on donor and recipient site characteristics. ObjectiveTo demonstrat...
Californium-252 as a Source of Subthermal Neutrons

Radiography with subthermal (cold) neutrons is becoming increasingly interesting to those concerned with the evaluation of new composite structural materials. A subthermal neutron beam of sufficiently high intensity for radiography is difficult to obtain from common neutron sources. Californium-252 as a source of subthermal neutrons was explored and found to be an extremely efficient source, but one of still marginal applicability without further novel source development.
Femtosecond laser-induced melting and shaping of indium nanostructures on silicon wafers

We study the modification of indium semi-spherical nanostructures with radii of around 175 nm on silicon wafers into linear microstructures more than 2 μm long in the direction of polarization of laser pulses (1.56 μm, 150 fs, up to 7.5 nJ and 30 000 laser pulses with 8 MHz repetition rate). The experimental results and a rudimentary analysis confirm that melting occurs from intense laser pulses. In short, we demonstrate that melting of the indium droplet followed by trapping in high spatial frequency laser induced periodic surface structures on a silicon substrate cause nanostructure modification. The understanding of the modification process, melting, and moving in the nano-grating structured field, pave the way to design nanostructures of arbitrary shapes at the sub-wavelength scale.We study the modification of indium semi-spherical nanostructures with radii of around 175 nm on silicon wafers into linear microstructures more than 2 μm long in the direction of polarization of laser pulses (1.56 μm, 150 fs, up to 7.5 nJ and 30 000 laser pulses with 8 MHz repetition rate). The experimental results and a rudimentary analysis confirm that melting occurs from intense laser pulses. In short, we demonstrate that melting of the indium droplet followed by trapping in high spatial frequency laser induced periodic surface structures on a silicon substrate cause nanostructure modification. The understanding of the modification process, melting, and moving in the nano-grating structured field, pave the way to design nanostructures of arbitrary shapes at the sub-wavelength scale.
Implementing a Warm Handoff Between Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Clinicians.

ObjectivesCare transitions between hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are associated with disruptions in patient care and high risk for adverse events. Communication between hospital-based and SNF-based clinicians is often suboptimal; there have been calls to foster direct, real-time co
Nail Reactions to Anticancer Therapies

Anticancer therapies, including cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted biologic therapies are well known to cause adverse reactions in the skin. The effect of anticancer treatments on the nails has only recently been appreciated. Although the nail changes are often asymptomatic, they can be associated with pain or functional impairment. Many of the cytotoxic chemotherapies result in changes to the nail bed or nail plate, while the newer targeted therapies tend to affect the periungual region. This chapter highlights how to recognize and manage the nail changes seen with cytotoxic chemotherapies as well as targeted therapies.
Abscisic and Jasmonic Acids Contribute to Soybean Tolerance to the Soybean Aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura)

Plant resistance can provide effective, economical, and sustainable pest control. Tolerance to the soybean aphid has been identified and confirmed in the soybean KS4202. Although its resistance mechanisms are not fully understood, evidence suggests that enhanced detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an active system under high aphid infestation. We further explored tolerance by evaluating the differences in constitutive and aphid-induced defenses in KS4202 through the expression of selected defense-related transcripts and the levels of the phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), JA-isoleucine (JA-Ile), cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), and salicylic acid (SA) over several time points. Higher constitutive levels of ABA and JA, and basal expression of ABA- and JA-related transcripts were found in the tolerant genotype. Conversely, aphid-induced defenses in KS4202 were expressed as an upregulation of peroxidases under prolonged aphid infestation (>7 days). Our results point at the importance of phytohormones in constitutive defense in KS4202 tolerance to the soybean aphid. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of tolerance will assist breeding for soybean with these traits, and perhaps help extend the durability of Rag (Resistance to Aphis glycines)-mediated resistance genes.
Surgeons and Surgical Trainees Underestimate the Total Charges and Reimbursements Associated With Commonly Performed General Surgery Procedures

Introduction Surgical care contributes significantly to the fiscal challenges facing the US health care system. Multiple studies have demonstrated surgeons’ lack of awareness of the costs associated with individual portions of surgical care, namely operating room supplies. We sought to assess surgeon and trainee awareness of the comprehensive charges and reimbursements associated with procedures they perform. Methods We administered a voluntary anonymous survey to attending surgeons, general surgery residents, and fourth-year medical students who applied to general surgery residencies. We compared charge and reimbursement estimates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open inguinal hernia repair to the actual values. Additionally, we assessed the importance placed on the financial aspects of surgical care. Results We had an overall response rate of 94% (n = 45). A majority of attendings, residents, and medical students underestimated charges and reimbursements for open inguinal hernia repair and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of charge or reimbursement estimates between attendings, residents, and students for herniorrhaphy or cholecystectomy (Charge: hernia p = 0.08, cholecystectomy p = 0.30; Reimbursement: hernia p = 0.47, cholecystectomy p = 0.89). Years of training as an attending or resident did not predict accuracy of charge or reimbursement estimates for hernia repair or cholecystectomy (p > 0.3 for all regressions). The median (interquartile range) charge estimate for inguinal hernia repair was −$5914 (−$7914 to −$2914) from the actual charge, 45.8% of the true value, and the median reimbursement estimate was −$4519 (−$5369 to −$1218) from actual reimbursement, 27.3% of the true value. The median charge estimate for cholecystectomy was −$5734 (−$8733 to +$1266) from the actual charge, 58.3% of the true value, and the median reimbursement estimate was −$4847 (−$6847 to +$153) from actual reimbursement, 38.2% of the true value. Conclusions Surgeons and their trainees underestimate the charges and reimbursements associated with commonly performed procedures.
Reachability Analysis of Dual Active Bridge DC-DC Converters

This paper presents a reachability analysis approach for dual active bridge (DAB) converters in the presence of heterogeneous uncertainties induced by manufacturing tolerance, temperature, humidity, etc. The novelty of this paper includes: 1) it gives a comprehensive introduction of how to build a hybrid automata model for a DAB converter, and use the hybrid automata model for the purpose of reachability analysis through SpaceEx; 2) it develops the procedures of building the SpaceEx model for an arbitrary model by using Atom Text Editor; and 3) different non-deterministic input values are incorporated in the reachability analysis to further improve the performance. Test results validate the effectiveness and excellent performance of the presented method.
Immigration and democracy: by Sarah Song, New York, NY, Oxford University Press, 2019, 244 pp., $34.95 (hardback), ISBN 9780190909222

In this rewarding book on the ethics and politics of immigration Sarah Song sensibly tries to navigate a middle way between proponents of open borders and defenders of restrictionist policies. This...
Metabolic Triggers of Invariant Natural Killer T-Cell Activation during Sterile Autoinflammatory Disease

Ample evidence exists for activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in a sterile manner by endogenous ligands or microbial antigens from the commensal flora, indicating that iNKT cells are not truly self-tolerant. Their controlled autoreactivity state is disturbed in many types of sterile inflammatory disease, resulting in their central role in modulating autoimmune responses. This review focuses on sterile iNKT-cell responses that are initiated by metabolic triggers, such as obesity-associated inflammation and fatty liver disease, as a manifestation of metabolic disease and dyslipidemia, as well as ischemia reperfusion injuries and sickle cell disease, characterized by acute lack of oxygen and oxidative stress response on reperfusion. In the intestine, inflammation and iNKT-cell response type are shaped by the microbiome as an extended "self". Disease- and organ-specific differences in iNKT-cell response type are summarized and help to define common pathways that shape iNKT-cell responses in the absence of exogenous antigen.
Effect of highly effective modulator therapy on quality of life in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Background Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor is a highly effective modulator that improves function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, resulting in improved pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We hypothesize that improvements in lung function are associated with improvements in health-related quality of life and sinonasal health. The aim of this study is to measure the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor on patient-reported sinonasal and overall quality of life, and to determine the relationship between changes in these 2 outcome measures. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at an accredited adult CF care center. Participants completed the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), a validated patient-reported outcome metric for CF patients, at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Results Forty-three individuals completed the study. There was significant improvement in nearly all domains of the SNOT-22 and CFQ-R after 3 months of therapy. SNOT-22 improved from 34.8 to 24.4 (p = 0.000003). Mean baseline FEV-1 improved from 65% to 76% predicted (p = 0.0000005). The greatest effect was seen in those participants previously taking modulator therapy. Linear regression between the change in SNOT-22 individual domains and the CFQ-R respiratory domain revealed the strongest correlation between the extranasal domain score and the respiratory domain of the CFQ-R (R2 = 0.24). Conclusion CF patients taking elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor experience a significant improvement in both sinonasal and health-related quality of life.
HETEROGENEITY IN 12CO/13CO ABUNDANCE RATIOS TOWARD SOLAR-TYPE YOUNG STELLAR OBJECTS

Author(s): Smith, RL; Pontoppidan, KM; Young, ED; Morris, MR | Abstract: This study reports an unusual heterogeneity in [12C16O]/[13C16O] abundance ratios of carbon monoxide observed in the gas phase toward seven ∼solar-mass young stellar objects (YSOs) and three dense foreground clouds in the nearby star-forming regions, Ophiuchus, Corona Australis, Orion, and Vela, and an isolated core, L43. Robust isotope ratios were derived using infrared absorption spectroscopy of the 4.7 μm fundamental and 2.3 μm overtone rovibrational bands of CO at very high spectral resolution (λ/Δλ ≈ 95,000), observed with the Cryogenic Infrared Echelle Spectrograph (CRIRES) on the Very Large Telescope. We find [12C16O]/[13C16O] values ranging from ∼85 to 165, significantly higher than those of the local interstellar medium (ISM) (∼65-69). These observations are evidence for isotopic heterogeneity in carbon reservoirs in solar-type YSO environments, and encourage the need for refined galactic chemical evolution models to explain the 12C/13C discrepancy between the solar system and local ISM. The oxygen isotope ratios are consistent with isotopologue-specific photodissociation by CO self-shielding toward the disks, VV CrA N and HL Tau, further substantiating models predicting CO self-shielding on disk surfaces. However, we find that CO self-shielding is an unlikely general explanation for the high [12C16O]/[13C16O] ratios observed in this study. Comparison of the solid CO against gas-phase [12C16O]/[13C16O] suggests that interactions between CO ice and gas reservoirs need to be further investigated as at least a partial explanation for the unusually high [12C16O]/[13C16O] observed.
Covid, Colleges, and Classes

At the start of the 2020 school year, some colleges chose to reopen in person while others offered primarily online classes. Why? Colleges with higher shares of revenue independent of students being on campus were less likely to reopen in person. Larger shares of revenue attributed to in-person activities, such as dorms and dining halls, led schools to reopen in person. Public and private colleges responded differently to key determinants. Public colleges were influenced by political pressures and the fraction of students from out of state, while private schools responded to the severity of COVID in their local community.
Investigation of monotherapy and combined anticoronaviral therapies against feline coronavirus serotype II in vitro.

ObjectivesFeline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by genetic mutants of feline enteric coronavirus known as FIPV, is a highly fatal disease of cats with no currently available vaccine or US Foo...
Disaster Documentation Revisited: The Evolving Damage Assessments of Emergency Management in Oregon

This report revisits a previous case study focused on the computing machinery and design of communication that are employed at the local, county, regional, state, and federal levels in Oregon to collect, review, and publish damage assessments of disasters and other emergency events. Since the last report, emergency managers throughout Oregon have faced numerous disaster incidents, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ice storms, flooding, and some of the worst heat waves, drought conditions, and megafires on record, with the threat of more to come in the years ahead. After years of research and development, fueled by lessons learned from a catastrophic wildfire season, a new generation of damage assessment tools and shared services has been pushed to the fore, ones which integrate geographic information systems and relational spatial databases not only to help assess damage but also automate and coordinate workflows. This revisitation explores the urgency and impetus for change and analyzes the Oregon Damage Assessment Project, a statewide initiative of the Office of Emergency Management to standardize shared tools and services for government agencies, partner organizations, and the public at large.
Heaven in Conflict: Franciscans and the Boxer Uprising in Shanxi

One of the most violent episodes of China's Boxer Uprising was the Taiyuan Massacre of 1900, in which rebels killed foreign missionaries and thousands of Chinese Christians. This first sustained scholarly account of the uprising to focus on Shanxi Province illuminates the religious and cultural beliefs on both sides of the conflict and shows how they came to clash. Although Franciscans were the first Catholics to settle in China, their stories have rarely been explored in accounts of Chinese Christianity. Anthony Clark remedies that exclusion and highlights the roles of Franciscan nuns and their counterparts among the Boxers-the Red Lantern girls-to argue that women's involvement was integral on both sides of the conflict. Drawing on rich archival records and intertwining religious history with political, cultural, and environmental factors, Clark provides a fresh perspective on a pivotal encounter between China and the West.
The Case Method of Analysis For Marketing Management Classes: A New Theoretical Conceptualization

The writer offers a new approach for case method teaching which incorporates the more direct application of marketing theories to actual problem-solving scenarios. A matrix model for analyzing cases distinguishes between the form of analysis and the substance of a problem and concomitant alternative approaches to solution.
Yearning: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics

For bell hooks, the best cultural criticism sees no need to separate politics from the pleasure of reading. Yearning collects together some of hooks's classic and early pieces of cultural criticism from the '80s. Addressing topics like pedagogy, postmodernism, and politics, hooks examines a variety of cultural artifacts, from Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing and Wim Wenders's film Wings of Desire to the writings of Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison. The result is a poignant collection of essays which, like all of hooks's work, is above all else concerned with transforming oppressive structures of domination.
Controlling Wine Malolactic Fermentation with Nisin and Nisin-Resistant Strains of Leuconostoc oenos.

Abstract The polypeptide nisin (100 U/ml) prevented malolactic fermentation in wines by indigenous or intentionally added lactic acid bacteria. Nisin (100 U/ml)-resistant mutants of Leuconostoc oenos were obtained and used with nisin in wine to carry out a pure-culture malolactic fermentation in the presence or absence of other lactic acid bacteria. Nisin degradation by mutants was not observed, and residual nisin was detectable in wines 4 months after it was added. Results indicated that nisin or nisin with resistant bacterial starter cultures can be used to control malolactic fermentation in wines.
Nanobiotechnology: An Engineer's Foray into Biology

Abstract This book chapter concentrates on applications of nanotechnologies in the field of biological/medical research. The chapter is presented in two parts. In the first part, a brief overview of state-of-the-art nanofabrication technologies is provided, including bottom–up methods, top–down methods, and replication-based methods. The working principles, advantages and limitations of each technology are presented and discussed. The commonly-used nanomaterials for these nanofabrication technologies are also reviewed. Considering the increasingly rapid growth of this interdisciplinary field, several representative emerging nanofabrication technologies are demonstrated and the future direction is commented. The second part of the chapter focuses on applications of nanotechnologies in typical biomedical research fields, including biosensing, bioactuating, drug delivery and therapeutics. Since the nanodevices and nanosystems are similarly in size with many biological entities and possess a number of unique characteristics different from their micro/meso/macroscale counterparts, they can be used to address many unsolved problems in the biological/medical field. Several successful nanoengineered devices and systems are elucidated. The fabrication, characterization and measurement of the nanosystems are demonstrated, with an emphasis of the interaction between these nanosystems and the subject biological entities. These nanosystems are drawn from the technologies reported in scientific literatures, which are being used in research or under the way of commercialization. These examples are expected to provide the readers a big picture of current development and potential perspective of nanobiotechnology. Meanwhile, we would convey via this book chapter the importance of technologies fusion among different research disciplines upon development of the interdisciplinary field.
Exploration in Coinland

Coinland is a meaning-oriented approach to facilitating the learning of arithmetic principles. Algorithms based on those principles, such as those used to carry out operations like milti-digit subtraction, emerge for the student through a process of guided exploration, rather than inculcation. The visual representation is applicable to topics from counting to elementary division. This paper treats only subtraction. An alternative visual representation, Numberland, facilitates the important transfer of concepts for use outside the computer environment.
Dexamethasone potentiates high-affinity β-agonist binding and Gsα protein expression in airway smooth muscle

Corticosteroids enhance β-adrenergic responses by actions at both β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) and post-β-AR sites. The present study investigated the effects of dexamethasone on β-AR density, high-affini...
Non‐medical prescription use increases the risk for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology: results from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Aims Given the rising rates of the non-medical use of prescription medications (NUPM) and strong cross-sectional associations between psychopathology and NUPM, we examined whether a history of NUPM increased the risk for onset and recurrence of psychopathology. Design Longitudinal data are from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC). Setting The NESARC is a nation-wide, household-based survey. Participants A total of 34 653 US resident participants who completed both NESARC waves were included in analyses. Measurements Primary measures were history of NUPM and Axis I psychopathology at wave 1. Wave 1 personality disorder diagnosis and sociodemographic characteristics were used as control variables. Findings Design-based logistic regression analyses indicated that life-time and past year NUPM at wave 1 increased risk for onset of psychopathology among those with no history of psychopathology at baseline, with particular risk for non-NUPM substance use and bipolar disorders. Life-time and past year NUPM were associated with recurrence of alcohol and non-NUPM substance use disorders among those with these diagnoses at baseline. In contrast, life-time and past year NUPM was associated with the onset of all examined disorders among those with a different diagnosis at baseline. Conclusions Non-medical use of prescription medications is a consistent risk factor for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology.
Kinetic analysis of DNA and RNA strand transfer reactions catalyzed by vaccinia topoisomerase

Vaccinia topoisomerase binds duplex DNA and forms a covalent DNA-(3'-phosphotyrosyl) protein adduct at the sequence 5'-CCCTT downward arrow. The enzyme reacts readily with a 36-mer CCCTT strand (DNA-p-RNA) composed of DNA 5' and RNA 3' of the scissile bond. However, a 36-mer composed of RNA 5' and DNA 3' of the scissile phosphate (RNA-p-DNA) is a poor substrate for covalent adduct formation. Vaccinia topoisomerase efficiently transfers covalently held CCCTT-containing DNA to 5'-OH-terminated RNA acceptors; the topoisomerase can therefore be used to tag the 5' end of RNA in vitro. Religation of the covalently bound CCCTT-containing DNA strand to a 5'-OH-terminated DNA acceptor is efficient and rapid (krel > 0.5 s-1), provided that the acceptor DNA is capable of base pairing to the noncleaved DNA strand of the topoisomerase-DNA donor complex. The rate of strand transfer to DNA is not detectably affected by base mismatches at the 5' nucleotide of the acceptor strand. Nucleotide deletions and insertions at the 5' end of the acceptor slow the rate of religation; the observed hierarchy of reaction rates is as follows: +1 insertion > -1 deletion > +2 insertion >> -2 deletion. These findings underscore the importance of a properly positioned 5'-OH terminus in transesterification reaction chemistry, but they also raise the possibility that topoisomerase may generate mutations by sealing DNA molecules with mispaired or unpaired ends.
Transverse energy and multiplicity distributions in collisions at 60 and 200 GEV per nucleon

Abstract Transverse energy and multiplicity distributions from several CERN heavy ion experiments are presented. The large degree of nuclear cascading is shown. Nuclear stopping and the energy density reached in central collisions are discussed.
Spherical mean solutions of stochastic wave equation

The paper is concerned with solutions of a multi–dimensional wave equation perturbed by a spatially dependent white noise. A spherical mean representation of the solutions is given. Based on such a representation, the regularity properties of the classical and generalized solutions are studied.The dependence of the solution regularity on the smoothness of the noise and the spatial dimension is determined.
SnB version 2.2: an example of crystallographic multiprocessing

The computer program SnB implements a direct-methods algorithm, known as Shake-and-Bake, which optimizes trial structures consisting of randomly positioned atoms. Although large Shake-and-Bake applications require significant amounts of computing time, the algorithm can be easily implemented in parallel in order to decrease the real time required to achieve a solution. By using a master–worker model, SnB version 2.2 is amenable to all of the prevalent modern parallel-computing platforms, including (i) shared-memory multiprocessor machines, such as the SGI Origin2000, (ii) distributed-memory multiprocessor machines, such as the IBM SP, and (iii) collections of workstations, including Beowulf clusters. A linear speedup in the processing of a fixed number of trial structures can be obtained on each of these platforms.
Distribution of ova in the rat uterus.

Both ovaries of female rats were exteriorized and, with the remainder of the rat in a protective lead shield, were subjected to 800 r of x rays at 60 days of age. Comparable irradiation was given to only the left ovary in other animal and some of these were unilaterally castrnted by the removal of the right ovary. In others, unilateral ovariectomy was done without irradiation of the left ovary. Other females were untreated. Distribution of implantation sites was recorded in 86 pregnancies, of which 44 were first pregnancies. Explorations revealed implantations in a total of 123 uterine horns out of a possible 162. The number of ova in a given horn varied from one to 14. The average was 7.8 ova in a single horn in 60 pregnancies produced by untreated ovaries, and 4.2 in a single horn in 63 pregnancies produced by irradiated ovaries. Although irradiation reduced the average number of implanting ova, the distribution patterns in those uteri supplied by irradiated ovaries were not affected. This reduction resulted in 27 uterine horns having only one or two implantation sites. In contrast, owing to irradiation or to unilateral castration, the opposite ovary produced 9 or more implantations inmore » 29 pregnancies. This incidence of either a smaller or larger number of implantations in a single uterine horn is significantly greater (45%) than normal. Distribution was not related to the number of implanting ova. Slightly more than half of the uterine horns had regular spacing. Irregularities were numerous. There was a tendency for ova to implant more frequently in the cervical half of the uterus. It is suggested that distribution is dependent on random scatter at the time implantation is initiated.« less
Mini-Lab Activities: Inquiry-Based Lab Activities for Formative Assessment

Students everywhere love chemistry demonstrations, especially if they involve explosions. But have you ever wanted to move beyond the "wow" factor and find a way to incorporate active student learning into your demos? What if you could get them to think more deeply about what they're observing, and then find out if they really understand what they’ve experienced? Those questions initiated our quest to create “interactive demos” at the US Air Force Academy Department of Chemistry. Over the past year and a half, this effort has evolved into inquiry-based learning activities. We now refer to these activities as “mini-labs”, because they also contain the additional dimension of a simple formative assessment of a student’s knowledge and awareness of chemical principles. The “Mini-Lab” was conceived of as an idea to help instructors easily add inquiry-based learning activities to their curriculum by providing an array of activities that are easy to implement and not supply-intensive and that are designed around...
Struvite and Prebiotic Phosphorylation

Struvite, MgNH(4)PO(4).6H(2)O, rather than apatite or amorphous calcium phosphate is precipitated when phosphate is added to seawater containing more than 0.01M NH(4)(+) ions. Struvite may have precipitated from evaporating seawater on the primitive earth, and may have been important for prebiotic phosphorylation.
THE BACTERICIDAL PROPERTIES OF THE QUATERNARY SALTS OF HEXAMETHYLENETETRAMINE : III. THE RELATION BETWEEN CONSTITUTION AND BACTERICIDAL ACTION IN THE QUATERNARY SALTS OBTAINED FROM HALOGENACETYL COMPOUNDS.

The extension of the study of the quaternary salts of hexamethylenetetramine to those obtained by the addition of this base to the most varied types of substances containing aliphatically bound halogen has demonstrated that the introduction of the hexamethylenetetramine nucleus in this manner results in the production of bactericidal substances or enhances the bactericidal action if already present. In particular it was found possible by the use of the halogenacetyl group, XCH(2)CO, as a connecting link, to furnish primary and secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines, alcohols, and hydrocarbons of the most varied character with the hexamethylenetetramine molecule and to study the relation between chemical constitution and bactericidal action in the series of substances so prepared. Because of the variety of chemical types studied, the results are too involved for a detailed summary here. Many of the substances were found to be very powerful bactericides, and in a number of instances derivatives of purely aliphatic nature were found to possess an unusual bactericidal power. Bacillus typhosus, streptococcus, meningococcus, and gonococcus were the microorganisms used for the tests, and striking instances of partial specificity were observed. This specificity was found to favor not one species alone, but instances were found in which each of the types of bacilli was shown to be especially susceptible to one or another of the particular types of compound employed. The source of this partial specificity is to be sought not in the hexamethylenetetramine nucleus itself but in the molecule to which it is attached. The action of some of the substances was tested in the presence of serum or protein and was found to be not at all or only slightly inhibited. In other cases marked inhibition occurred. The factors controlling the serum- or protein-compatibility of these substances are likewise to be sought in that portion of the molecule other than the hexamethylenetetramine.
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Distribution and protected area coverage of endemic taxa in West Africa's Biafran forests and highlands

The forests and highlands along the southern portion of the Nigeria-Cameroon border and on the island of Bioko have long been recognized as being biologically diverse. This region (referred to as the Biafran forests and highlands) is a center of endemism for a wide variety of taxa including, but not limited to, primates, anuran amphibians, birds, freshwater fish, butterflies, dragonflies, and trees. Though these groups have diverse distributions, conservation efforts have to date largely been focused on lowland areas. We conducted a GIS-based analysis of point locality records for three groups characterized by high endemism (primates, anuran amphibians, birds) in order to examine both their spatial and altitudinal distribution throughout the study area. We also evaluated the distribution of existing and potential protected areas relative to highland areas and the distribution of endemics. Our analysis suggests that the existing protected area system provides poor coverage of montane habitats and their associated endemic taxa. Complementarity analysis suggests that, if the protected area network were expanded to include a small number of highland sites, coverage of endemic taxa could be significantly improved. Many of these important highland sites are currently under intense pressure from habitat loss and hunting. If the full range of biodiversity present in the Biafran forests and highlands is to be preserved, new protected areas should be gazetted that take the varied distributions of the regions endemic taxa into account.
13C-NMR investigation of protein synthesis during apoptosis in human leukemic cell lines.

In order to evaluate the role of protein synthesis in apoptosis, (13)C-NMR has been used to study the levels of protein synthesis in three different human leukemic cell lines in the presence and absence of dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. Measurements were done on one dexamethasone-sensitive (CEM-C7-14) and two different dexamethasone-resistant variants (CEM-4R4 and CEM-ICR27-4). The incorporation of (13)C-labeled amino acids into cellular proteins, which reflects the level of new protein synthesis, was monitored by (13)C-NMR spectroscopy. In the absence of dexamethasone, the level of protein synthesis was found to be significantly different among the three cell lines. Dexamethasone caused a significant reduction ( congruent with 60-87%) in the level of protein synthesis in dexamethasone-sensitive CEM-C7-14 cells, while having no significant effect on protein synthesis in dexamethasone-resistant CEM-4R4 cells. Dexamethasone treatment caused a significant enhancement of the level of protein synthesis in the CEM-ICR27-4 cells. Synthesis of proteins was found to occur during apoptosis, albeit at a low level, suggesting a role for the synthesis of specific proteins in the mechanism of apoptosis.
Assessment of patient satisfaction in activities of daily living using a modified stanford health assessment questionnaire

Patient satisfaction in performing activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed by using a self-administered questionnaire modified from the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). The HAQ includes questions to determine a patient's degree of difficulty and need for help and assistive devices in ADL. A modification of the HAQ (MHAQ) was developed to include questions concerning perceived patient satisfaction regarding the same ADL, along with perceived change in degree of difficulty. In order to add additional questions while maintaining the length of the questionnaire in a format suitable in routine care, the number of ADL included in the MHAQ was reduced from 20 to 8. Information regarding degree of difficulty derived from 8 questions in the MHAQ is comparable with that derived from 20 questions in the HAQ. The response of a patient that a specific activity is associated with difficulty in functional capacity was not inevitably associated with the absence of patient satisfaction; 43.7% of patients responding "with some difficulty" and 19.1% of patients responding "with much difficulty" expressed satisfaction with their functional capacity. A major determinant of expression of patient satisfaction was perceived change in difficulty: 81.4% of patients noting that their function was "less difficult now," in contrast to 16.9% of patients responding "more difficult now," expressed satisfaction. These studies suggest that data regarding patient satisfaction and perceived change in difficulty can be assessed to more completely characterize patients' functional status in ADL.
Science avant-garde.

Suggested citation for this article: Potter P. Science avant-garde. [Internet]. 2012 Nov [date cited]. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1811.AC1811
Identification and Characterization of the Human HCG V Gene Product as a Novel Inhibitor of Protein Phosphatase-1†

The catalytic subunit of mammalian protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) is known to bind to a number of regulatory subunits, whose functions include the targeting of the catalytic subunit to the molecular proximity of its substrate proteins. In addition, PP1 is potently inhibited by several inhibitory polypeptides that include inhibitor-1 and inhibitor-2. In this study the yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen a human cDNA library for putative PP1-binding proteins. Ten putative positive clones were identified, one of which was found to be a partial cDNA of the hemochromatosis candidate gene V (HCG V) whose function was previously unknown. The full-length protein of 126 amino acid residues was expressed in Escherichia coli as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein and also as a nonfusion protein. The recombinant protein inhibited recombinant and rabbit muscle protein phosphatase-1 with IC50s of ca. 1 nM, but did not inhibit PP2A. The term inhibitor-3 is proposed for this novel inhibitor. It is extremely hy...