cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rheological characterization of carbon nanotubes/poly(ethylene oxide) composites

Rheological properties of poly(ethylene oxide) nanocomposites embedded with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated in the present study. It was found that the CNT nanocomposites had a higher effective filler volume fraction than the real filler volume fraction, which yielded a drastic enhancement of shear viscosity. As the CNT loading in the nancomposites increases, non-Newtonian behavior was observed at the low-shear-rate region in the steady shear experiments. Oscillatory dynamic shear experiments showed that more addition of the CNTs led to stronger solidlike and nonterminal behaviors. To identify a dispersion state of the CNTs, field emission scanning electron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy were adopted and thermal analysis was also performed by using differential scanning calorimetry. The existence of percolated network structures of the CNTs even at a low CNT loading was verified by rheological properties and electrical conductivities.
Is antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis cost-effective?

Background. Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis is recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) before undergoing certain dental procedures. Whether such antibiotic prophylaxis is cost-effective is not clear. The authors’ objective is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of predental antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with underlying heart disease.Methods. The authors conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model to compare cost-effectiveness of 7 antibiotic regimens per AHA guidelines and a no prophylaxis strategy. The study population consisted of a hypothetical cohort of 10 million patients with either a high or moderate risk for developing endocarditis.Results. Prophylaxis for patients with moderate or high risk for endocarditis cost $88,007/quality-adjusted life years saved if clarithromycin was used. Prophylaxis with amoxicillin and ampicillin resulted in a net loss of lives. All other regimens were less cost-effective than clarithromycin. For 10 million persons, cl...
Personalized Health Care as a Pathway for the Adoption of Genomic Medicine

While the full promise of genomic medicine may be many years in the future, personalized health care (PHC) can begin solving important health care needs now and provide a framework for the adoption of genomic technologies as they are validated. PHC is a strategic approach to medicine that is individualized, predictive, preventive, and involves intense patient engagement. There is great need for more effective models of care as nearly half of Medicare patients age 65 and older have three or more preventable chronic conditions and account for 89% of Medicare’s growing expenditures. With its focus on reactive care, the current health care system is not designed to effectively prevent disease nor manage patients with multiple chronic conditions. PHC may be a solution for improving care for this population and therefore has been adopted as the delivery platform along with a new personalized health plan tool for 230 multi-morbid, homebound Medicare recipients in Durham, North Carolina who have been high utilizers of health care resources. PHC integrates available personalized health technologies, standards of care, and personalized health planning to serve as a model for rational health care delivery. Importantly, the PHC model of care will serve as a market for emerging predictive and personalized technologies to foster genomic medicine.
Living Radical Photopolymerization Induced Grafting on Thiol-Ene Based Substrates

The formation of reactive substrates with iniferter-mediated living radical photopolymerization is a powerful technique for surface modification, which can readily be used to facilitate the incorporation of a variety of surface functionalities. In this research, the photopolymerization kinetics of novel bulk thiol- ene systems have been compared with those of typical acrylate and methacrylate systems when polymerized in the presence of the photoiniferter p-xylene bis(N,N-diethyl dithiocarbamate) (XDT). In the presence of XDT, the thiol- ene systems photopolymerize more quickly than the traditional acrylate and methacrylate systems by one to two orders of magnitude. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been used to monitor the photografting kinetics of various monomers on dithiocarbamate-functionalized surfaces. Further- more, this technique has been used to evaluate surface-initiation kinetics and to emphasize the influence of bulk substrate properties on grafting kinetics. Finally, photopatterning has been demonstrated on a dithiocarbamate-incorporated thiol- ene substrate with conventional photolithographic techniques. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2134 -2144, 2005
A method for chronically recording brain-stem and cortical auditory evoked potentials from unanesthetized mice

Anesthetizing or sedating animals affords control over movement artifact during electrophysiological recording. However, the use of chemical restraint leads to unwanted side effects such as drug-induced hypothermia. Hypothermia is problematic because BAEP amplitudes and latencies are affected significantly by core temperature changes. Moreover, several recent studies have indicated that anesthetics and sedatives may significantly alter the BAEP and CAEP even in thermoregulated subjects. There is a need, therefore, to develop a practical technique for obtaining chronic BAEPs and CAEPs in restrained, unanesthetized animals. The present report describes a technique that permits the gathering of consistent, reliable evoked potential recordings over time in unanesthetized mice. The preparation is useful for studying the CNS effects of pharmacological agents, pathological conditions, aging and development in the mouse and could be adapted for use with other small animals as well.
Territorial expression of three different trans-genes in early sea urchin embryos detected by a whole-mount fluorescence procedure

We have developed a new procedure for detection of the protein product of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter genes in whole mounted sea urchin embryos. The position of a commercially available anti-CAT antibody is visualized by video or confocal microscopy, and thus the spatial domains of exogenous reporter gene expression can be determined with regard to the intact three-dimensional structures of the embryo. We show that in pluteus stage embryos CAT protein expression patterns for SM50·CAT or CyIIIɑ·CAT reporter genes are similar to those previously obtained by in situ hybridizations with radioactive probes. Taking advantage of the superior resolution of cellular CAT expression patterns using the antibody visualization method, we found for the first time that, in addition to the expression in aboral ectoderm, some cells in the ciliated band of the pluteus express CyIIIɑ·CAT. The expression of a new fusion construct, CyIIɑ·CAT, was also examined. As expected from the localization of endogenous CyIIɑ mRNA, CAT protein was expressed under control of the CyIIɑ promoter in gut and skeletogenic mesenchyme cells.
Anthropomorphic Differences Between the Distal Femora of Men and Women

There is debate about whether distinct designs of femoral components for men and women are needed based on morphologic and size differences between genders. We asked whether anthropomorphic differences exist between the distal femoral dimensions in women and men. We measured the distal femora of 100 women and 100 men intraoperatively after preparation for prosthetic implantation. The measured dimensions included the anteroposterior height from the posterior edge of the medial femoral condyle to the flush anterior cut, the mediolateral width at the transepicondylar axis, the anterior and posterior edges of the anterior chamfer, and the medial and lateral trochlear flanges. These measurements were compared between genders using independent-samples t test. The aspect ratio (a measure of the shape of the distal femur), the ratio between the anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions, was calculated for men and women to determine whether there is a shape difference between genders. The mean aspect ratio was larger for women than for men (0.84 [range, 0.57–1.03] versus 0.81 [range, 0.066–1.34], respectively). The standard deviation and range of each measurement of size and morphology suggest variability not only between genders but also within genders. Whether the aspect ratios and variations will reflect clinically important differences in outcomes after TKA with available prostheses will require additional study.
Enhanced antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of tannic acid by thermal processing

Thermally processed tannic acid (PTA) showed stronger antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity by Rancimat® and disc diffusion tests than fresh tannic acid (FTA). Soybean oil treated with PTA had 33–84% longer induction period (IP) of oxidation (8.0–14.7 h) than FTA treated oil (6.0–8.0 h), while untreated oil (control) showed only 5.9 h IP. The IP was increased (p < 0.05) with increased processing time up to 15 min, with no changes thereafter. The PTA samples had strong antimicrobial activity (inhibition zone diameter ⩾12 mm) on 10 tested human pathogens while the FTA samples showed antimicrobial activity only on two strains, Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and Enterobacter sakazakii MSDH over 1- and 2-day incubation periods. 13C NMR spectra showed that PTA had a higher content of hydrolysed aromatic carboxylic acid groups than FTA. The results showed that thermally processed tannic acid for 15 min had about 67% higher antioxidant capacity and about 50% higher antimicrobial activity than its fresh counterpart. Thermal processing could be useful for enhancing antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity of hydrolysable polyphenols in natural plants.
Expression of PTHrP and its cognate receptor in the rheumatoid synovial microcirculation

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a multifunctional peptide that acts as a vasodilator as well as possible regulator of vascular development, is produced in increased amounts in the rheumatoid synovium. To understand whether PTHrP can contribute to the development and function of the rheumatoid microcirculation, studies were undertaken to identify and compare vascular sites of expression of PTHrP and its cognate receptor in the rheumatoid synovium and/or in cultured rheumatoid synovial endothelial cells. Endothelial cells, including apoptotic cells, as determined by TUNEL staining, were the primary site of vascular PTHrP expression in the rheumatoid synovium, a result confirmed in vitro in rheumatoid synovial microvascular endothelial cells. In contrast, the PTH/PTHrP receptor was primarily located in pericytes and smooth muscle cells within the vasculature. These results are consistent with a possible paracrine pathway for PTHrP action in the synovial microcirculation, wherein PTHrP peptides secreted by the synovial endothelium could act on surrounding PTH1R-positive pericytes and smooth muscle cells.
Lightning Overvoltage Analysis and Calculation of 330kV Overhead Transmission Line

Lighting is one of the important reasons of transmission line trip accident. For 330kV and above ultra high voltage transmission line, lighting flashover more frequently occur. To reduce tripping rate effectively and fundamentally, lightning over voltage level should be analyzed besides anti-pollution flashover. In this paper, a simplified equivalent circuit model of a 330kV overhead transmission lines is established. The lightning over voltage of the transmission is analyzed and calculated. Method to reduce the lightning overvoltage is discussed.
Evaluation of psychiatric consultation-liaison in primary care settings.

Abstract This article considers eight methodologic issues in the evaluation of psychiatric consultation-liaison services in primary care settings. What should be evaluated—standardized treatment regimens administered to highly selected patient groups or individualized treatments administered to heterogeneous patient groups? How can patient groups be selected to test for generic outcomes resulting from individualized treatments? When should randomized designs be employed? Should patients or physicians be randomized? How should diagnostic classification of study subjects be accomplished? What outcomes should be measured? How can study design be accommodated to patient flow in clinical settings? What resources are required to establish a productive program of research in liaison psychiatry?
Review of III‐nitride optoelectronic materials for light emission and detection

We will review the significant achievements relating to optoelectronic devices based on III-nitrides at the center for quantum devices (CQD). Based on GaN/InGaN multiple-quantum well structures, we demonstrated blue laser diodes at a wavelength of ∼405 nm. This achievement was particularly significant at the time, because while no defect reduction technique was used, a fairly low threshold current density was achieved (3.8 kA/cm2). In the past few years, however, the interest has shifted towards shorter wavelength light emitters, i.e. ultraviolet LEDs and LDs. Lower crystalline quality and unsatisfactory doping levels of AlGaN compound semiconductors posed serious challenges en route to the realization of UV light emitters. However, steady progress in the growth of AlGaN and AlN epilayers made it possible to overcome some of the difficulties. To date, we have been able to demonstrate UV LEDs at wavelengths as short as 265 nm (corresponding to ∼45% Al in AlxGa1–xN) with optical output powers of over 5 mW. We have addressed the n-type AlGaN doping problem by using a Si–In co-doped scheme. We also employed high-quality AlGaN/AlN superlattice templates for the reduction of defects. We have also demonstrated 280 nm UV LEDs with output powers of over 6 mW and external quantum efficiencies of over 0.25%. Despite all the success in the realization of short-wavelength UV LEDs, UV laser diodes at these short wavelengths are yet to be realized. The main difficulties are the low material quality, high device resistance leading to excessive heating of the device, realization of smooth cavity mirrors, and issues related to the cracking of the material. We have also demonstrated different types of photodetectors in the UV range of the spectrum: photoconductors, MSM photodetector, Schottky barrier photodetectors, and p–i–n photodiodes to name a few. The most promising type of photodetector for realization of UV imaging focal plane arrays is the p–i–n photodiode. Realization of high-efficiency AlGaN-based p–i–n photodiodes becomes more difficult when considering the need for the collection of the light from the backside of the substrate. However, similar to our back-emission UV LED structure, we have demonstrated back-illuminated p–i–n solar-blind photodiodes with external quantum efficiencies as high as 68% under no applied bias and 74% under –5 V of bias. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Insight through molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area calculations into the binding affinity of triclosan and three analogues for FabI, the E. coli enoyl reductase.

Keeping pace with emerging drug resistance in clinically important pathogens will be greatly aided by inexpensive yet reliable computational methods that predict the binding affinities of ligands for drug targets. We present results using the molecular mechanics Poisson−Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method to calculate the affinity of a series of triclosan analogues for the E. coli enoyl reductase FabI, spanning a 450000-fold range of binding affinities. Significantly, a high correlation is observed between the calculated binding energies and those determined experimentally. Further examination indicates that the van der Waals energies are the most correlated component of the total affinity (r2 = 0.74), indicating that the shape of the inhibitor is very important in defining the binding energies for this system. The validation of MM-PBSA for the E coli FabI system serves as a platform for inhibitor design efforts focused on the homologous enzyme in Staphylococcus aureues and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Polyacrylic desalination membranes. II. Reverse osmosis performance

A new class of polyacrylic membranes has been tested under reverse osmosis conditions on dilute (1%–4%) salt solutions. Fluxes up to 0.2 gal-mil/ft2-day at greater than 98% rejection have been achieved. The effect of membrane composition on product flux and salt rejection is discussed. Increased fluxes at even higher rejection should be possible by proper selection of the type and concentration of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and crosslinking monomers. It is concluded that improved membranes should have as high as possible a concentration of hydrophilic groups, distributed randomly through a lightly crosslinked, rubbery polymer matrix.
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF HAN CHINA

(1968). AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF HAN CHINA. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 155-162.
Patency of the interatrial septum in children undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Catheter passage into the left atrium from the right atrium greatly facilitates invasive cardiovascular evaluation and reduces the risks attendant on cardiac catheterization studies. We reviewed 371 consecutive cardiac catheterizations to establish the presence of natural interatrial communications. Catheter course, pressure equalization, and left-to-right atrial shunt on recirculation angiography were considered to determine intact interatrial septum (IIS), patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD). During the first year of life, 88% of infants had PFO or ASD; in 12%, the interatrial septum was intact. In children 1–10 years old, 49% had IIS, 27% had PFO, and 24% had ASD. In children 10–21 years old, 24% had PFO, or ASD. Though there seems to be a greater likelihood of ISS in those with left heart obstruction, hemodynamic factors did not completely explain the timing of closure of the foramen ovale. Presence of an interatrial communication allows catheter entrance into all left heart structures including the aorta; therefore, in patients with PFO or ASD, retrograde arterial procedure or transseptal puncture technique can be avoided when performing left heart catheterization. This appears possible in 88% of those under 1 year of age, in 51% of those 1–10 years old, and in 24% of children 10–21 years old.
Probing Structural Selectivity of Synthetic Heparin Binding to Stabilin Protein Receptors

As one of the most widely used drugs worldwide, heparin is an essential anticoagulant required for surgery, dialysis, treatment of thrombosis, cancer, and general circulatory management. Stabilin-2 is a scavenger clearance receptor with high expression in the sinusoidal endothelium of liver. It is believed that Stabilin-2 is the primary receptor for the clearance of unfractionated and low molecular weight heparins in the liver. Here, we identify the modifications and length of the heparin polymer that are required for binding and endocytosis by both human Stabilin receptors: Stabilin-2 and its homolog Stabilin-1 (also found in liver endothelium). Using enzymatically synthesized 35S-labeled heparan sulfate oligomers, we identified that sulfation of the 3-OH position of N-sulfated glucosamine (GlcNS) is the most beneficial modification for binding and endocytosis via both Stabilin receptors. In addition, our data suggest that a decasaccharide is the minimal size for binding to the Stabilin receptors. These findings define the physical parameters of the heparin structure required for efficient clearance from blood circulation. These results will also aid in the design of synthetic heparins with desired clearance rates.
Improved Method for Microdetermination of Plasma Vitamin E in Laboratory Rats

The method generally used to assay human serum for vitamin E (tocopherol) was found to be inapplicable to rat plasma. However, a modified fluorometric method was suitable for both human and rat plasma. This microassay is relatively rapid and reproducible and was utilized to monitor the onset of the tocopherol-deficiency state in rats fed a vitamin-free diet.
Contextual analyses of children's responses to an integrated Chinese music and culture experience

The present research investigated the effects of an interdisciplinary program on Chinese music and culture, based on a sociocultural approach to multicultural music education. The program was introduced to 250 fifth- and sixth-grade children in three schools in New York, USA. Reports and questionnaires were collected from the teachers, students, evaluator and administrator. Documentation of students’ work was also examined. Qualitative analysis was conducted to study the context and effects of the program on each school. Results imply that whether multicultural music education experience can lead to positive cultural understanding and attitude depends on many factors, including teachers’ attitude, teaching approach, and the students’ learning environment. It was suggested that a flexible student-centered curriculum using the sociocultural approach can enhance the positive effects of multicultural music education. The effects include an increase in cultural and musical knowledge, learning motivation, posit...
Performance and optimization of a derated ion thruster for auxiliary propulsion

The characteristics and implications of use of a derated ion thruster for north-south stationkeeping (NSSK) propulsion are discussed. A derated thruster is a 30 cm diameter primary propulsion ion thruster operated at highly throttled conditions appropriate to NSSK functions. The performance characteristics of a 30 cm ion thruster are presented, emphasizing throttled operation at low specific impulse and high thrust-to-power ratio. Performance data and component erosion are compared to other NSSK ion thrusters. Operations benefits derived from the performance advantages of the derated approach are examined assuming an INTELSAt 7-type spacecraft. Minimum ground test facility pumping capabilities required to maintain facility enhanced accelerator grid erosion at acceptable levels in a lifetest are quantified as a function of thruster operating condition. Approaches to reducing the derated thruster mass and volume are also discussed.
Estimation of beam pointing parameters using return signal statistics : atmospheric turbulence effects

Beam pointing is critical for laser ranging and imaging applications. Recently a technique has been developed that applies maximum likelihood estimation theory to estimate beam pointing parameters namely jitter and boresight from the statistics of the signal reflected from the target. In this paper we investigate the effect of atmospheric turbulence on this estimator through a wave optics computer simulation. The estimator was developed for vacuum propagation of a Gaussian beam, so its performance under these conditions was unknown. It was found that the estimator tends to provide a value that is associated with a combination of mechanical beam jitter and turbulence wander effects. In general, the estimator produces a value that is larger than the mechanical jitter. This work leads the way to a new estimator that incorporates both mechanical jitter and turbulence effects.
Biocompatible high-moment FeCo-Au magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia treatment optimization

Abstract A great deal of attention has been paid to the use of magnetite nanoparticles as heating elements in the research of magnetic fluid hyperthermia. However, these particles have a relatively low magnetization and as a result, have low heating efficiency as well as difficulties in detection applications. To maximize heating efficiency we propose and show the use of high-moment Fe(Co)–Au core-shell nanoparticles. Using a physical vapor nanoparticle-deposition technique the high-moment nanoparticles were synthesized. The water-soluble particles were placed in an AC magnetic field of variable magnetic field frequencies. The temperature rise was measured and compared to theory.
Infarction of the choledochus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas: A unique complication of the hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is associated with multiple nonrenal manifestations. A unique case is described of a 3-year-old boy who presented with a classic diarrheal prodrome followed by massive necrosis of the biliary tree and common bile duct, pancreas, and the left lobe of his liver. This complication of HUS has not been reported in the English-language literature.
Ureteral injuries from external violence: the 25-year experience at San Francisco General Hospital.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We review our 25-year experience with traumatic ureteral injury, for which the approach to management differs from the far more common iatrogenic injury.Materials and Methods: Review of our trauma data base disclosed 36 patients with 38 ureteral injuries (33 penetrating [24 gunshot, 9 stab wounds] and 5 blunt) from 1977 to 2003, a period during which we treated approximately 4,000 traumatic genitourinary injuries.Results: The site of injury was the upper ureter in 70%, mid in 8% and distal in 22%. Major intra-abdominal injuries were often associated, but hematuria and hypotension were not consistent findings (75% and 50%, respectively). Excretory urograms performed in 24 patients was diagnostic in only 40%. Computerized tomography and retrograde pyelogram were diagnostic in 4 of 4 and 1 of 1 injuries, respectively (100%). Overall, diagnosis was by radiographic findings in 13 of the 36 injuries (36%) and by laparotomy in 23 (64%). Management was with stenting in 2 patients, primary closure...
Multisensor-based robotic manipulation in an uncalibrated manufacturing workcell

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of locating a part moving on a rotating disc conveyor with the aid of a single CCD camera and conveyor encoders and subsequently manipulating the part with a robot manipulator. The precise position and orientation of the disc conveyor with respect to the robot manipulator is assumed to be a priori unknown. Likewise the position and orientation of the camera with respect to the robot is also assumed to be a priori unknown. In order to manipulate the rotating part, the robot controller relies on data obtained from multiple sensors. Among the various sensors that have been used in this paper, we have a single CCD camera which is held fixed in the workspace of the robot and which is able to detect features of the part as it rotates with the conveyor. Likewise, the camera is also able to detect features of the end-effector as it moves in the workspace. Additionally, the conveyor is assumed to be equipped with an encoder that measures the angular position of the rotating disc. What makes the robotic manipulation problem hard is that the precise position of the camera and the robot are a priori assumed to be unknown. Thus, the path that the end effector needs to follow is not a priori known in the coordinates of the robot but needs to be computed during the course of the manipulation. In this paper, a new multisensor fusion scheme is proposed that performs this computation. The advantage of the scheme is that it greatly weakens requirement on the image processing speed. Overall, our algorithm is able to handle lack of calibration between the robot, the camera and the conveyor, advantage of which is that it significantly shortens the setup time of the manufacturing workcell. The paper touches upon both the theory and the experiments.
Principles for a surgical career: lessons from the Normandy beaches.

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to France to attend the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion on D-day. One might ask what lessons does the D-day invasion provide for a surgical career? My reply is, more than you might expect. The first lesson occurred to me before we even reached France. The pilot announced over the loudspeaker, “Ladies and gentleman, we are making our final approach to Charles deGaulle International Airport and will be landing in Paris in fifteen minutes.” Approximately a minute later, the steward came over the speaker and announced, “Ladies and gentleman, I wanted to alert you to the fact that we have a special guest on board with us today. Major Harding is returning to Normandy where he has not been since he was part of the D-day invasion seventy years ago.” The airplane cabin erupted in applause. The Major did not stand or look for attention, he wore no medals. He seemed almost embarrassed by the attention. Like so many of what Tom Brokaw has dubbed as “the Greatest Generation,” it was his humility that was evident. Humility—the first lesson from Normandy for a surgical career. The second lesson is preparation. General Dwight Eisenhower and the Allied Command orchestrated the maneuvers of almost 160,000 troops from 12 countries and 6930 ships from 8 navies. They did this without a single laptop; they could not text or tweet. All the elaborate planning was done with pen, pencil, and paper. Years later, Secretary of State James Baker would recall something he had learned as an undergraduate—the 6 Ps (poor preparation predicts piss poor performance). A surgeon must prepare for the operating room not just by reviewing the
Glomerulonephritis in malignant extra-renal neoplasms. Experimental study on mice using the method of immunofluorescence.

Histologic and immunofluorescence studies were done in the murine kidneys (strain C3HAvy) suffering a spontaneous cancer of the liver.
Structure of an agonist-bound ionotropic glutamate receptor

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate most excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and function by opening their ion channel in response to binding of agonist glutamate. Here, we report a structure of a homotetrameric rat GluA2 receptor in complex with partial agonist (S)-5-nitrowillardiine. Comparison of this structure with the closed-state structure in complex with competitive antagonist ZK 200775 suggests conformational changes that occur during iGluR gating. Guided by the structures, we engineered disulfide cross-links to probe domain interactions that are important for iGluR gating events. The combination of structural information, kinetic modeling, and biochemical and electrophysiological experiments provides insight into the mechanism of iGluR gating.
Transform method of processing for speckle strain-rate measurements

We have developed a highly sensitive method for measuring thermal expansion, mechanical strain, and creep rates. We use the well-known technique of observing laser speckle with a pair of linear array cameras, but we employ a data-processing approach based on a two-dimensional transform of the speckle histories from each camera. This technique can effect large gauge sizes, which are important in the assessment of the spatial statistics of creep. Further, the algorithm provides simultaneous global estimates of the strain rates at both small- and large-scale sizes. This feature may be of value in the investigation of materials with different short- and long-range orders. General advantages of our technique are compact design, modest resolution requirements, insensitivity to slow surface microstructure changes (as seen with oxidation), and insensitivity to zero-mean-noise processes such as turbulence and vibration. Herein we detail the theory of our technique and the results of a number of experiments. These tests are intended to demonstrate the performance advantages and limitations of the transform method of processing speckle strain-rate data.
Seismic multiattribute analysis for shale gas/oil within the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Shale in a submarine volcanic terrain, Maverick Basin, South Texas

AbstractWe conducted seismic multiattribute analysis by combining seismic data with wireline logs to determine hydrocarbon sweet spots and predict resistivity distribution (using the deep induction log) within the Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. Our investigations found that hydrocarbon sweet spots are characterized by high resistivity, high total organic carbon (TOC), high acoustic impedance (i.e., high brittleness), and low bulk volume water (BVW), suggesting that a combination of these log properties is required to identify sweet spots. Although the lower Austin Chalk and upper and lower Eagle Ford Shale intervals constitute hydrocarbon-sweet-spot zones, resistivity values and TOC concentrations are not evenly distributed; thus, the rock intervals are not productive everywhere. Most productive zones within the lower Austin Chalk are associated with Eagle Ford Shale vertical-subvertical en echelon faults, suggesting hydrocarbon migration from the Eagle Ford Shale. Although the quality ...
Correlates of high school freshman girls' reported reasons for engaging in sexual intercourse.

BACKGROUND: Intrapersonal and external factors, including social pressures and the desire for acceptance from peers, influence sexual activity among adolescents. This study examined how personal characteristics, risky behaviors, normative beliefs, household factors, and engagement in extracurricular activities were related to high school freshman girls' reported reasons for having sexual intercourse. METHODS: Baseline data were analyzed from 158 girls enrolled in high school-based abstinence-only-until-marriage education programs during their freshman year. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with Pressures and Reasons for Engaging in Sex Scale (PRESS) scores. RESULTS: Results indicate that girls with high PRESS scores were significantly more likely to have had sex (OR = 4.29), consumed alcohol within the previous year (OR = 6.13), reported strict household rules (OR = 1.49), and thought more girls their age had sex (OR = 1.67). CONCLUSION: School- and family-based interventions should be developed to encourage and strengthen parent-teen communication within the household and reinforce self-worth and positive self-perceptions among adolescent girls. Language: en
EPR and In Vivo EPR: Roles for Experimental and Clinical NMR Studies

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Measurement of the Concentration of Oxygen, Especially in Tissues In Vivo, by EPR Oximetry 3 Measures of Redox Metabolism and/or Distribution of Drugs by EPR 4 Measurement of the Viability of Cells, Especially by EPR Microscopy 5 Measurement of the Concentration and Distribution of Contrast Agents, Especially In Vivo 6 Conclusions 7 Biographical Sketches Related Articles
A Standardized Test for the Identification and Characterization of Melanins Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy

Melanins are complex, incompletely understood polymeric pigments that historically have been difficult to investigate with common chemical, histochemical, and physicochemical techniques. Because these pigments uniquely contain a stable population of organic free radicals, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a particularly effective method for studying them, and a set of qualitative EPR criteria has been established for their identification. However, a number of practical problems have arisen in applying these criteria to identify and characterize unknown pigments in relatively scarce pathological specimens, indicating that a standardized approach is needed. As reported here, a standardized EPR test for melanin based on the EPR criteria has been developed, guided by the requirements that it be sensitive, accurate, simple, and easy to interpret. It has been evaluated using the well-characterized synthetic melanin prepared by alkaline autooxidation of 5,6-dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa) and initially applied to the identification and characterization of an unknown pigment purified from an unusual malignant lung tumor.
The Role of Normal Flora in Giardia lamblia Infections in Mice

The presence of normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract is thought to protect against colonization by pathogens. Only a few specific examples of this protection have been demonstrated for bacterial pathogens and protozoan infections. Mice from one commercial breeding farm were found to be less susceptible to infection with Giardia lamblia than were isogenic mice from another facility. When mice were housed together, resistance to infection was readily transferred to normally susceptible mice. After resistant mice were treated with neomycin, differences in susceptibility to infection were shown to be due to differences in the resident flora present in these mice. These results suggest the possible use of probiotic therapy for prevention of G. lamblia infections and may help explain some of the variability of outcomes seen in G. lamblia infections in humans.
Response of Pteromalus cerealellae to conspecific odor: Evidence for female- and male-produced pheromones?

Abstract Pteromalus cerealellae (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is an ectoparasitoid of several pests of stored products. We investigated the role of semiochemicals in mediating intraspecific communication in this parasitoid using electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral bioassays. Responses of virgin male and female P. cerealellae were tested to airborne volatiles from live male and female conspecifics and to whole body extracts of both sexes. Females showed significantly greater EAG responses than males to whole body extracts of both sexes. Results from Y-tube olfactometer bioassays demonstrated significant attraction of both sexes to live conspecifics of the same (intrasexual attraction) or opposite sex (cross attraction). Females also showed significant attraction to whole body extracts of females, but not to the extract of males. These findings provide preliminary evidence for possible existence of a female-produced sex pheromone and close range cuticular chemicals by both sexes of P. cerealellae , which may play a role in courtship and species recognition. Further studies are needed to characterize these chemicals and determine their roles in the behavioral ecology of P. cerealellae .
EEG changes associated with autistic spectrum disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are an etiologically and clinically heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The pathophysiology of ASD remains largely unknown. One essential and well-documented observation is high comorbidity between ASD and epilepsy. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most widely used tool to detect epileptic brain activity. The EEG signal is characterized by a high temporal resolution (on the order of milliseconds) allowing for precise temporal examination of cortical activity. This review addresses the main EEG findings derived from both the standard or qualitative (visually inspected) EEG and the quantitative (computer analyzed) EEG during resting state in individuals with ASD. The bulk of the evidence supports significant connectivity disturbances in ASD that are possibly widespread with two specific aspects: over-connectivity in the local networks and under-connectivity in the long-distance networks. Furthermore, the review suggested that disruptions appear more severe in later developing parts of the brain (e.g., prefrontal cortex). Based on available information, from both the qualitative and quantitative EEG literature, we postulate a preliminary hypothesis that increased cortical excitability may contribute to the significant overlap between ASD and epilepsy and may be contributing to the connectivity deviations noted. As the presence of a focal epileptic discharge is a clear indication of such hyperexcitability, we conclude that the presence of epileptic discharges is a potential biomarker at least for a subgroup of ASD.
Behavioral depression produced by an uncontrollable stressor: Relationship to norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels in various regions of rat brain

Abstract This paper presents two experiments that continue efforts to determine the neurochemical changes responsible for stress-induced behavioral depression. These expriments measured active motor behavior in a swim tank as well as levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT) in various brain regions of rats after the animals had (a) been exposed to electric shocks they could control (Avoidance-escape condition), or (b) received the same shocks with no control over them (Yoked condition), or (c) received no shock (No-shock condition). In the first experiment, measures were taken 90 min after the shock session ended. In the swim test, Yoked animals showed a depression of active behavior relative to the other groups. From measures of monoamine levels, the change found to be most closely related to this post-stress behavioral depression was in NE in the locus coeruleus (LC), where Yoked animals showed a considerable depletion of NE. In the second study, the same measures were taken 48 h and 72–96 h after the stress session. Yoked animals tested at 48 h post-stress showed motor depression, but those tested after 72–96 h did not. NE in the LC was significantly depleted in Yoked animals tested at 48 h post-stress but showed only slight (and non-significant) depletion in those tested 72–96 h post-stress. These results, together with others, suggest that large stress-induced depletion of NE in the LC is involved in mediating behavioral depression brought about by severe stress. It is further suggested that the time course for behavioral recovery and for the disappearance of NE depletion in the LC that was seen in Yoked animals after stress parallels the time course previously reported by other investigators for induction of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes — tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) — in the LC, so that induction of TH and DBH activity may be a neurochemical mechanism to bring about recovery from poststress behavioral depression.
InGaAs-AlGaAs-GaAs strained-layer quantum-well heterostructure square ring lasers

The processing and optical characteristics of an InGaAs-AlGaAs-GaAs strained-layer quantum-well heterostructure square ring laser (4 /spl mu/m width and 50-/spl mu/m/side length) with two output waveguides and two narrow physical gap couplers are described. The ridges and the total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors of the square ring lasers are fabricated by two photolithographic steps with a single SiO/sub 2/ mask and planarized with polyimide such that the TIR mirrors are etched through the active region while the ridge waveguides are not. Single longitudinal mode operation is observed with a side mode suppression ratio of 20 dB. Asymmetric characteristics of emission spectra from the two output waveguides demonstrates that the square ring lasers operate in traveling wave modes. >
Improving Energy Retrofit Decisions by Including Uncertainty in the Energy Modelling Process

Currently, many investment decisions concerning energy retrofits are made directly based on the outcomes of energy simulations. However, there are various uncertainties inherent in the energy retrofitassessment process, both at the energy simulation and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) levels, which can result in inaccuracy of energy performance forecasts and therefore, inappropriate investment decisions. Through a case study, this paper presents a procedure for deriving and including the uncertainty associated with various factors in energy retrofit option assessment and clearly demonstrates how to generate probability distributions for final financial outcomes required for investment decision-making such as NetPresent Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). These distributions provide decision makers with more insight into the risks associated with achieving the expected outcomes. The simulation process proposed in this paper could be used by modelers to improve the level of confidence associated with simulation outcomes and enhance the quality of investment decisions concerning energy retrofit. An existing office building is selected and multiple calibrated energy base models are developed to evaluate a combination of lighting controls as a new energy retrofit option. The paper demonstrates the calibration process of the base models and a LCCA of the lighting controls package. Analysis was conducted to examine how evaluating retrofit options with multiple base models could impact the financial outcomes and improve the final investment decisions. The financial metrics are compared with the results of modeling using a single base model. The results show that this approach could have the potential to and may alter are trofit decision from ‘no go’ to ‘go’.
Tropical Cyclone Simulations with the Betts Convective Adjustment Scheme. Part I: Model Description and Control Simulation

Abstract A new convective parameterization scheme proposed by Betts is tested in a tropical cyclone model. The convective adjustment scheme adjusts the local temperature and moisture structures towards the observed quasi-equilibrium thermodynamic state and includes nonprecipitating shallow convection as well as deep convection. The numerical model used for this study is an axisymmetric, primitive equation, hydrostatic, finite difference model with 15 vertical levels and a horizontal resolution of 20 km. The spectral radiation boundary condition, which uses a different gravity wave speed for each vertical mode, is implemented in the model. It is shown that the convective scheme is capable of simulating the developing, rapidly intensifying, and mature stages of a tropical cyclone from a weak vortex. At the mature stage, the minimum surface pressure and maximum low level tangential wind speed are around 923 mb and 58 m s−1. During the early developing stage, the latent heat release is from the convective par...
Unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for transfusion-dependent thalassemia

Thalassemia major is characterized by severe anemia dependent on red cell transfusions from infancy. Conservative management requires a safe source of compatible blood throughout life, strategies to combat iron overload, monitoring and treatment of transfusion-related complications, and management of cardiac and/or hepatic dysfunction from iron accumulation. Complications can result in premature morbidity and mortality. Stem cell transplantation is curative, but outcomes depend on the availability of a histocompatible donor, recipient age, and disease-related complications. Successful transplantation requires stable donor engraftment and donor-derived erythropoiesis and a low incidence of graft-versus-host disease, organ toxicities, and mortality. This translates to a cure with good quality of life and life span. Since recipients are at a high risk for graft rejection (prior transfusions, immunocompetency), myeloablative transplants have been the norm. Recent modifications to standard preparative regimens have significantly reduced transplant toxicities, resulting in >80% disease-free survival in children. Aiming to further reduce regimen-related toxicities, such as veno-occlusive liver disease and sterility, a recent trial explored reduced-intensity conditioning in unrelated donor (URD) transplants utilizing marrow or umbilical cord blood in patients without suitable familial donors. This report summarizes advances in URD transplantation for thalassemia, focusing on conditioning regimen nuances.