cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbonic Anhydrase III Contributes to Fatigue Tolerance and Recovery of Skeletal Muscle

Carbonic anhydrase III (CA3) is a metabolic enzyme with a potential role in regulating intracellular pH. CA3 is highly expressed in slow twitch skeletal muscles. Here we demonstrated that mouse tibialis anterior (TA), a fast twitch muscle, also expresses a high level of CA3 while its myofilament protein contents were similar to that of CA3-negative extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle. To investigate the function of CA3 in muscle contractility and tolerance to fatigue, we studied skeletal muscles of CA3 knockout (Car3-/-) mice. Sciatic nerve stimulation-generated in situ contractility of EDL and TA muscles were examined in comparison with wild type controls. The results of isometric twitch and tetanic contractions showed no significant difference between TA and EDL muscle of wild type mice or between Car3-/- and wild type TA muscles. Nonetheless, intermittent fatigue treatment revealed faster fatigue and slower recovery of wild type TA muscle than that of wild type EDL muscle. Car3-/- TA muscle exhibited slower and less fatigue but also slower recovery than that of wild type TA muscle, whereas the ultimate level of force recovery was unchanged. It is suggested that CA3 increases the sensitivity of muscle to fatigue, which might serve as an acute physiological protection. In the meantime, Western-blot detected a low molecular weight fast troponin T (TnT) variant specifically in TA muscle of adult Car3-/- mice, suggesting a chronically adaptive response through alternative RNA splicing. The role of CA3 in fatigue tolerance and recovery of skeletal muscle suggests a molecular therapeutic target for functional enhancement.
Evidence for the Vectorial Nature of Drug (Substrate)-stimulated ATP Hydrolysis by Human P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the ATP-binding cassette multidrug transporter, exhibits a drug (substrate)-stimulatable ATPase activity, and vanadate (Vi) inhibits this activity by stably trapping the nucleoside diphosphate in the Pgp.ADP.Vi conformation. We recently demonstrated that Vi-induced 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP trapping into Pgp in the absence of substrate occurs both in the presence of 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ATP (following 8-azido-ATP hydrolysis) or 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP (without hydrolysis) and, the transition state intermediates generated under either condition are functionally indistinguishable. In this study, we compare the effect of substrates on Vi-induced 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP trapping into Pgp under both non-hydrolysis and hydrolysis conditions. We demonstrate that whereas substrates stimulate the Vi-induced trapping of 8-azido-[alpha-(32)P]ADP under hydrolysis conditions, they strongly inhibit Vi-induced trapping under non-hydrolysis conditions. This inhibition is concentration-dependent, follows first order kinetics, and is effected by drastically decreasing the affinity of nucleoside diphosphate for Pgp during trapping. However, substrates do not affect the binding of nucleoside diphosphate in the absence of Vi, indicating that the substrate-induced conformation exerts its effect at a step distinct from nucleoside diphosphate-binding. Our results demonstrate that during the catalytic cycle of Pgp, although the transition state, Pgp x ADP x P(i) (Vi), can be generated both via the hydrolysis of ATP or by directly providing ADP to the system, in the presence of substrate the reaction is driven in the forward direction, i.e. hydrolysis of ATP. These data suggest that substrate-stimulated ATP hydrolysis by Pgp is a vectorial process.
Studies on the role of basic fibroblast growth factor in vivo: Inability of neutralizing antibodies to block tumor growth

Affinity-purified polyclonal rabbit antibodies prepared against recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) neutralized the ability of bFGF to stimulate plasminogen activator (PA) production and endothelial cell migration in vitro. After iodination and intraperitoneal injection of the antibodies in mice, approximately 76% of the maximum circulating level of 125I-anti-bFGF antibodies (AF) was found as intact IgG after 24 hr. Furthermore, the circulating 125I-AF retained the ability to bind bFGF. Studies were performed to determine whether the growth of three different murine tumors (CT26, EHS, or B16/BL6) could be inhibited with affinity-purified neutralizing antibodies against bFGF. Tumors were injected subcutaneously in syngeneic mice, and neutralizing antibodies against bFGF were injected daily into the peritoneum. All studies, which varied in tumor burden, antibody dose, and study length, indicated that neutralizing antibodies against bFGF had no effect on tumor size, tumor growth, or tumor histology.
Opportunities and options for facilitating and evaluating access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities

Federal regulations concerning the development and implementation of alternate assessments based on modified achievement standards include a set of safeguards intended to ensure that eligible students have access to grade-level general curriculum. These regulations concerning curricular access and opportunity to learn for students with disabilities may prove difficult for educational researchers and policymakers to operationalize and evaluate. This article provides a historical and policy context for efforts to ensure curricular access. In addition, this article reviews research on potential indicators of (or ways of measuring) access to the general curriculum and opportunity to learn. Finally, best practices for facilitating and evaluating access to the general curriculum are discussed.
Knowing in nursing: a concept analysis

Title. Knowing in nursing: a concept analysis. Aim. This paper is a report of an analysis of the evolution of the concept of knowing in nursing. Background. Following the seminal contribution of Carper in 1978, knowing has been discussed with increasing frequency in the nursing literature with reference to the development of nursing knowledge. Various patterns of knowing, as well as research focused on reflection on experience, have been the foundation for activities and research designed to improve practice as well as patient care in clinical, community, education, cultural and administrative settings. Methods. Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis provided the framework for this analysis. The data source was a search of literature published from 1978 to 2007. Three aims guided the analysis: to understand how the concept of knowing is used in nursing, how it is used in other health-related disciplines and how the concept has evolved into the current interpretation. Discussion. Analysis revealed that knowing in nursing refers to a uniquely personal type of knowledge constructed of objective knowledge interfaced with the individual’s subjective perspective on personal experience. Knowing is a dynamic process and a result of personal reflection and transformation as the individual lives and interacts in the world. Its antecedents are experience, awareness and reflection. The consequences are understanding, finding meaning and transformation. Conclusion. This analysis illuminates an area in which nursing has carved out its own niche in healthcare research. The concept of knowing in nursing practice and research reflects a focus on the individual experience of health and illness.
Rescue of Familial Cardiomyopathies by Modifications at the Sarcomere Level and Ca2+ Fluxes

Familial cardiomyopathies are commonly linked to missense mutations, deletions or truncations in sarcomeric, cytoskeletal, or intermediate filament proteins and give rise to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Although in the last two decades much information about the pathophysiology of genetically linked HCM and DCM has been provided by studies using transgenic animal models, there is still no therapy to prevent the development of the disease and increase survival in patients with HCM or DCM. Our emphasis here is on development of new therapies for treatment of HCM and DCM linked to mutations in thin filament proteins that are associated with increased and decreased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+ respectively. We hypothesize that direct modifications of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and/or alteration in Ca2+ fluxes can serve as new therapeutic targets. Therefore if 1) HCM is associated with increased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+, interventions that desensitize the myofilament to Ca2+ may serve as potential new therapeutic targets and 2) DCM is associated with decreased myofilament sensitivity to Ca2+, interventions that sensitize the myofilament to Ca2+ may serve as potential new therapeutic targets. There are several possible targets within myofilament proteins for altering myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, in particular troponin I. Alterations in Ca2+ regulation by modification of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (Serca2) or phospholamban levels are additional potential targets for HCM and DCM.
Call for Book Proposals: International Series on Consumer Science

This book series will be published by Springer in the next several years. Three unique features of the series are reflected from its title. (1) ‘‘Consumer’’ in the title refers to individuals and families. The purpose of the series is to address current and important economic issues faced by consumers to help improve their well-being. (2) We use ‘‘Consumer Science’’ in the title instead of consumer economics, consumer psychology, consumer sociology, consumer politics, etc., because we would like to promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to addressing important consumer economic issues. (3) We use ‘‘International’’ in the title because we envision the series will serve international audiences in a long term. Currently, we have a dozen books underway addressing consumer economic issues from a variety of perspectives and contributed by scholars from diverse academic fields. If you are interested in contributing a book to this series, please send a tentative title and brief description of the book, intended audiences, and a short bio of the author (or editor if you decide to publish an edited volume) to the series editor, Jing Jian Xiao at: jfei.editor@gmail.com.
Early initiation of enteral feeding in cancer patients after outpatient percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided gastrostomy catheter placement.

Abstract Purpose To report the results of early enteral feeding in patients with cancer after outpatient placement of a percutaneous fluoroscopy-guided gastrostomy (PFG). Materials and Methods From January 2008 through December 2008, 121 consecutive patients with cancer underwent outpatient placement of a PFG for nutrition. Of these patients, 118 patients met criteria for early feeding, and 113 were successfully fed early (after at least 3 hours). Of the patients fed early, 5 had insufficient follow-up for further analysis leaving 108 patients for outcomes analysis. After placement of the PFG, patients were put on low-wall suction via the PFG for 1 hour followed by feeding via the PFG at least 3 hours after placement. Follow-up evaluation was done the next business day. The medical records were reviewed for 30-day outcomes of early feeding, technical aspects of the procedures, and complications. Results After placement of the PFG, 98% (118 of 121) of patients met criteria for early feeding, and 93% (113 of 121) of patients were successfully fed early. The median time between the end of the procedure and initiation of feeding was 4 hours (interquartile range, 3.7–4.4 h). The 30-day minor complication rate was 14% (15 of 108), and the 30-day major complication rate was 1% (1 of 108). No complications were directly attributable to early feeding. Conclusions Early initiation of tube feedings after outpatient placement of a PFG was well tolerated in patients with cancer and carried comparable risks to previously reported results using traditional delayed feeding protocols. Early feeding provided patients with prompt enteral nutrition and eliminated the need for routine hospital admission after the procedure.
The ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum of dimeric gold(III) chloride in the gas phase. An equilibrium study of vapours formed by gold-chlorine-water mixtures

Abstract The UV-vis absorption spectrum of Au2Cl6(g) is reported. Maxima are observed at 222, 244 and 460 nm. Spectral data are used to derive equilibrium and thermodynamic constants for vaporization reactions in the gold-chlorine system. In gold-chlorine-water mixtures, no evidence is found for the presence of complexes of gold(III) chloride and water in the vapour phase.
Generalization between binary odor mixtures and their components in the rat.

Abstract We have adopted a conditioning paradigm to investigate generalization between odor mixtures and components. Rats were conditioned to find a reward buried in odor-scented cups. The conditioned odor was either a mixture (O1 + O2) or a pure component (O1). Once they learned the task to criterion, they were tested in random sequence for response to that O1, O1 + O2 and to an unrelated odor (O3). Generalization was consistently the strongest from O1 to O1 + O2 or from O1 + O2 to O1. Furthermore, the degree of generalization depended on the odorants used as O1, O2, and O3. This latter finding in a particular indicates that this assay can be used to assess properties of mixtures, which could arise at either peripheral or more central locations.
Measurement of the Cd-CdS liquidus

Abstract The Cd-CdS liquidus has been measured between 700°C and 1250°C. In the low temperature region, the liquidus rises exponentially with temperature similar to that observed in III–V semiconducting compound systems.
Prevalence and treatment of hepatitis C virus genotypes 4, 5, and 6.

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 4–6 (with the previously named genotypes 7–9 included as subtypes of genotype 6) is distributed and studied less widely than genotypes 1–3. However, genotypes 4–6 are very common in geographic areas where chronic hepatitis C is highly prevalent. In fact, the majority (87%) of the 169.7 million HCV-infected individuals worldwide are from western Pacific countries (62.2 million), southeast Asia (32.3 million), Africa (31.9 million), and eastern Mediterranean countries (21.3 million). It is among this large population outside of the Americas and Europe that these less well known genotypes are found: genotype 4 in Egypt and Africa, genotype 5 in South Africa, and genotype 6 in southeast Asia. The existing literature, although limited, suggests that patients with chronic hepatitis C genotypes 4–6 may exhibit different clinical courses and treatment outcomes. Ethnicity-related factors may contribute to the presence of more advanced disease in patients with genotype 4, who also tend to have a poor response to interferon-based therapy. HCV genotype 5 appears to be an easy-to-treat virus with response rates similar to those of genotypes 2 and 3 after a 48-week course of therapy. Response to treatment in patients with HCV genotype 6 may be at an intermediate level between that seen with genotype 1 and genotype 2 or 3. The optimal duration of treatment (24 vs 48 wk) for HCV genotype 6 is unclear and currently is under investigation.
Vertebral arch defects in the lumbar vertebrae of pre-historic American Eskimos. A study of skeletons in the American Museum of Natural History, chieely from Point Hope, Alaska

The incidence of lumbar vertebral arch defects was studied in 295 Eskimo skeletons now in the American Museum of Natural History, New York, which were obtained from adjacent burial grounds at Point Hope, Alaska. One burial ground containing 47 skeletons was used by the Ipiutak at about the start of the Christian era. The other burial ground was used by the Tigara a thousand years later and contained 248 skeletons. The lesion is a separation of the vertebral arch from the vertebral body. It usually involves the fifth lumbar vertebra but may involve others and more than one. The present incidence in the United States is about 7%. Among the Tigara the incidence was 45% and more than twice that of the Ipiutak, 21%. The youngest case was in a child of five and the deformity was uncommon before adult life. The incidence and extent of the lesion increased with age suggesting an hereditary weakness as an etiological factor. No other etiological factor could be determined although several were considered. The clinical disability could not be determined but it seemed to have no effect on longevity.
Path-Goal Theory: A Successful Columbia Records Story

This analysis applies the principles of path-goal theory to a renowned music recording company, Columbia Records. By and large, path-goal theory posits that leaders can positively inspire the performance, contentment, and motivation of their employees by clarifying the path on how to achieve performance goals, bestowing rewards for achieving these goals, and removing obstacles that are stopping employees from achieving these goals. A major conclusion of this analysis is that, by thoroughly applying the multiple styles and tenets that path-goal theory offers, Columbia Records executives and chairmen have made this music recording company the most successful in history.
The Scramble for the Amazon and the Lost Paradise of Euclides da Cunha

Susanna B. Hecht. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013. xvi and 612 pp., maps, photographs, bibliography, index. $45.00 cloth (ISBN: 978-0-226-32281-0); $7.00–$36.00 electronic (ISBN: 978...
Free-Energy Simulations of the Retinal Cis → Trans Isomerization in Bacteriorhodopsin†

Free-energy profiles for ground-state cis --> trans isomerization of retinal in vacuum, in solution, and in the protein bacteriorhodopsin are calculated using free-energy simulations. The free-energy barriers in the protein were 9 kcal/mol for ionized Asp85 and 14 kcal/mol for neutral Asp85, significantly lower than those found in solution (18 kcal/mol) or vacuum (19 kcal/mol). Therefore, bacteriorhodopsin can be said to act as a catalyst in the isomerization. The barrier in the protein is due mainly to stabilization of the transition state through favorable nonbonded interactions with the protein part of the system, with internal strain and interactions with solvent playing minor roles. The protonated Asp85 simulation models the behavior of the system in the N --> O transition. Our calculated 14 kcal/mol barrier and 4-ms relaxation time for this process are in excellent agreement with experimentally measured values of 12 kcal/mol and 5 ms, respectively. The ionized Asp85 simulation models two hypothetical processes: the N --> O transition with a proton removed from Asp85 and the initial BR568 --> L transition on the ground-state energy surface. The cis-trans isomerization barrier in this system is 9 kcal/mol, the lowest of all the studied cases. The presence of the charged carboxylate group in the ionized Asp85 system leads to strong stabilization of the transition state by interactions with the surroundings and changes the distance between Asp85 and the Schiff base proton compared to the corresponding distance in the neutral Asp85 system. This suggests that the protonation of Asp85 plays an important role in regulating access to the Schiff base proton. For both Asp85 ionization states the calculated cis-trans free-energy difference was close to 0, indicating that the protein can accommodate both retinal isomers equally well. The computed negligible difference between the N and O free-energy levels is in accord with experimental data.
Design for Lean Manufacturing: Incorporating Lean Considerations During Product Development

Lean has become a “must-use” philosophy for businesses today. Lean manufacturing focuses on the elimination of waste in manufacturing operations. Similarly, companies have started using lean engineering to eliminate wastes from their engineering processes. Both lean manufacturing and lean engineering yield dramatic improvements in quality, cost, and delivery. However, the philosophy of lean (manufacturing and engineering) revolves around the continuous improvement of existing processes. Costs associated with continuous improvement can be significantly reduced by incorporating “lean” considerations when designing a product, process, or manufacturing system. This is known as design for lean manufacturing (DfLM). DfLM guides the design of a product, process, or a manufacturing system to enable lean operations when in production, just as design for assembly (DFA) guides the design of a product to allow easier assembly during production. Currently, there are no guidelines that would help a product or process designer in considering to lean operations during design. Note that usage of the word “product” in this paper must be interpreted in a literary sense and not as a “widget.” The “product” of a manufacturing engineering process is a complete manufacturing system. In this paper, we consider manufacturing system design and propose a novel set of structured DfLM guidelines for designing a manufacturing system. These guidelines will be a valuable resource for manufacturing engineers to guide manufacturing system design for new products to enable lean operations once the system is in production. DfLM guidelines for system design also will help plant engineers and rapid continuous improvement managers to assess existing manufacturing systems and identify and prioritize improvement efforts. The proposed DfLM guidelines are then validated for accuracy, completeness, and redundancy by using them to evaluate an existing benchmark manufacturing system. The initial DfLM guidelines show promise for use in designing manufacturing systems that are easy to manage, flexible, safe, build quality into the products, optimize material flow, fully utilize all resources, maximize throughput, and continuously produce what the customer wants just in time. Similar guidelines can be proposed for product and process design to further enhance the efficiency of operations and reduce the overhead of continuous improvement efforts.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Using satellite remote sensing to monitor rocket launch induced pollution

With the expected increase in the number of rocket launches, it is becoming necessary to monitor the pollution associated with their exhaust plumes. In this article, we attempt to use satellite remote-sensing data sets to detect rocket plumes. Specifically, we check to determine whether a plume that is seen in satellite true colour imagery is captured by the aerosol optical thickness spatial distribution. This leads to better assessment of rocket exhaust properties. Terra and Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS satellite data sets are used to observe the rocket plumes. We select case studies with various booster combinations liquid propellant only or a combination of liquid and solid propellants. We also discuss the difficulties in identifying rocket plumes from remote-sensing data sets. However, our results from this work demonstrate a unique capability in monitoring human-made pollution and the extent the pollution can spread to surrounding areas.
Chronic effects of Campylobacter infection.

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis and chronic sequelae, such as reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), are known to follow uncomplicated infections. While little is known about reactive arthritis following Campylobacter infection, our knowledge on the pathogenesis of Campylobacter-induced GBS is expanding rapidly and is summarized in this review.
Formation of Anthocyanin in Leaves of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana-a Photoperiodic Response.

During the course of experiments on the metabolisnm of Kalanchoe in short and long days (5, 8,11 ) it was noticed that the leaves of plants induced to flower became red, especially at the apical end and on the underside. Nonflowering plants, i.e. those kept in long days, showed only slight and delayed reddening along the leaf margins. However, it was observed that when the leaves of plants on long day were boiled in HCl, a deep red color developed in the solution. This indicates presence of a leuco-anthocyanidin (1) and suggests that the photoperiod might be causing conversion of this compound to the red anthocyanin. Since the flowers whose formation is induced by exposure to short days are also bright red, it appeared further that the photoperiodic stimulus may exert a systemic effect which would lead to the formation of anthocyanin simultaneously in several parts of the plant. A detailed study was therefore made to determine: A, if the anthocyanins in flower and leaf were the same, or related, B, if the reaction is indeed a true response to photoperiod, C, the nature of the metabolic change involved. Although anthocyanins very commonly appear in the leaves of young growing shoots, especially of woody plants, and also in mature fully grown leaves (autumn colors) their appearance in leaves in direct association with flowering seems to have been less commonly noticed. It is not uncommon, however, for plants with red or blue flowers to develop anthocyanin in the midribs or petioles of the leaves, while those with white flowers do not.
Journal writing: enlivening elementary linear algebra

ABSTRACT This paper examines the various issues surrounding the implementation of journal writing in an undergraduate linear algebra course. A discussion of sample journal entries and an interactive sequence of messages between an instructor and a student are presented first. Then, using these representatives as a backdrop, issues are raised concerning the journaling process with particular attention paid to questions concerning individual or corporate responses, prompts, and openness. Finally, the benefits of incorporating journal writing into an undergraduate mathematics course are identified and supported with students' comments from their journals and their reflections on the process. The identified benefits include: (a) opening lines of communication; (b) personalizing the learning environment; (c) organizing ideas; and (d) self-evaluating learning. As a result, evidence provided in this paper forms a case for the inclusion of writing activities, specifically journaling, in advanced undergraduate mat...
A modified cell-cluster theory for the solid state with application to the harmonic model

Abstract A modified cell-cluster theory for calculating the specific free energy of a solid is applied to a harmonic model of a perfect monatomic crystal corresponding to the two dimensional triangular lattice with nearest neighbor interactions only. This technique starts with the single particle (Einstein) theory and then evaluates corrections from correlated motion of larger and larger sets of contiguous particles. In the high temperature limit the general harmonic theory leads to an expression for the Helmholtz free energy, F N , in the form, F N /NkT=−2lnT ∗ +D N with T ∗ =kT/hv 0 . For the Einstein model D N =1.0986... while the modified cell-cluster technique carried through sixth order give D N =0.8565 ... The technique is also applied to a one dimensional harmonic model. From these and earlier studies we are led to the conclusion that a cell cluster theory is an appropriate method for treating anharmonic forces in a solid particularly at high temperatures and pressures.
A headband for classifying human postures

a real-time method using only accelerometer data is developed for classifying basic human static postures, namely sitting, standing, and lying, as well as dynamic transitions between them. The algorithm uses discrete wavelet transform (DWT) in combination with a fuzzy logic inference system (FIS). Data from a single three-axis accelerometer integrated into a wearable headband is transmitted wirelessly, collected and analyzed in real time on a laptop computer, to extract two sets of features for posture classification. The received acceleration signals are decomposed using the DWT to extract the dynamic features; changes in the smoothness of the signal that reflect a transition between postures are detected at finer DWT scales. FIS then uses the previous posture transition and DWT-extracted features to determine the static postures.
A Threshold Rule Applied to the Retrieval Decision Model.

The retrieval decision problem is considered from the viewpoint of a decision theory approach. A threshold rule based on a suggested rule for indexing is considered and analyzed for retrieval decisions. The threshold rule is seen as a good descriptive measure of what a reasonable retrieval system should be able to accomplish. A retrieval mechanism of randomly drawing documents is analyzed to determine the relative strength of the threshold rule. The Neyman-Pearson lemma is shown to yield a better a priori decision rule for retrieval; maximize precision subject to a fixed level of recall, instead of setting a lower limit upon precision, as does the threshold rule. The threshold rule is seen as a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for effective retrieval. A sufficient condition for the threshold rule illustrates the relationship between it and the rule derived from the Neyman-Pearson lemma. Finally, a new measure of information retrieval system performance is presented, based on the threshold rule.
An algorithm for entering mathematical functions as input to a fortran program

Abstract An algorithm which emulates the function of an HP45 calculator is presented to input mathematical functions as data into a compiled FORTRAN program. This algorithm obviates the need to reprogram and recompile subroutines containing functions which frequently need to be changed.
A cerebellar thalamic cortical circuit for error-related cognitive control.

Error detection and behavioral adjustment are core components of cognitive control. Numerous studies have focused on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a critical locus of this executive function. Our previous work showed greater activation in the dorsal ACC and subcortical structures during error detection, and activation in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) during post-error slowing (PES) in a stop signal task (SST). However, the extent of error-related cortical or subcortical activation across subjects was not correlated with VLPFC activity during PES. So then, what causes VLPFC activation during PES? To address this question, we employed Granger causality mapping (GCM) and identified regions that Granger caused VLPFC activation in 54 adults performing the SST during fMRI. These brain regions, including the supplementary motor area (SMA), cerebellum, a pontine region, and medial thalamus, represent potential targets responding to errors in a way that could influence VLPFC activation. In confirmation of this hypothesis, the error-related activity of these regions correlated with VLPFC activation during PES, with the cerebellum showing the strongest association. The finding that cerebellar activation Granger causes prefrontal activity during behavioral adjustment supports a cerebellar function in cognitive control. Furthermore, multivariate GCA described the “flow of information” across these brain regions. Through connectivity with the thalamus and SMA, the cerebellum mediates error and post-error processing in accord with known anatomical projections. Taken together, these new findings highlight the role of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway in an executive function that has heretofore largely been ascribed to the anterior cingulate-prefrontal cortical circuit.
The National Ignition Facility: the world's largest optical system

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), a 192-beam fusion laser, is presently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with an expected completion in 2008. The facility contains 7,456 meter-scale optics for amplification, beam steering, vacuum barriers, focusing, polarization rotation, and wavelength conversion. A multiphase program was put in place to increase the monthly optical manufacturing rate by up to 20x while simultaneously reducing cost by up to 3x through a sub-scale development, full-scale facilitization, and a pilot production phase. Currently 80% of the optics are complete with over 50% installed. In order to manufacture the high quality optics at desired manufacturing rate of over 100 precision optics per month, new more deterministic advanced fabrication technologies had to be employed over those used to manufacture previous fusion lasers.
Controlled evaporative self-assembly of hierarchically structured bottlebrush block copolymer with nanochannels

The toluene solution of a bottlebrush block copolymer, polystyrene–polylactide (PS–PLA), was confined in a cylinder-on-flat geometry, from which the consecutive “stick-slip” motion of the three-phase contact line of the PS–PLA solution was effectively regulated as toluene evaporated, thereby yielding gradient stripes at the microscopic scale. Subsequent selective solvent vapor annealing led to the formation of hierarchically structured PS–PLA in which the lamellar nanodomains of PS–PLA normal to the substrate were obtained within the microscopic stripes. After the selective removal of the PLA block by enzymatic degradation, nanochannels were yielded within the stripes. This facile approach of combining the controlled evaporative self-assembly with subsequent solvent vapor annealing opens up a new avenue to rationally organize and engineer self-assembling building blocks into functional materials and devices in a simple, cost-effective and controllable manner.
Electronically steerable antenna using superluminal waveguide and tunable negative capacitors

In this paper, a tunable negative capacitor with effective capacitance ranging from −7pF to −12pF was designed and tested. This negative capacitor was simulated as periodically attached to a microstrip line and superluminal propagation was observed. Based on phase matching condition, such a microstrip line acts as a leaky wave antenna without the problem of beam squint. Further, we use the tunable negative capacitors to control the radiation angle of this leaky wave antenna.
Too many men: the violence problem?

There is a strong intuitive expectation in both popular lore and conventional evolutionary thinking that more males lead to more violence. Here, we untangle the logic behind this widely held notion with a specific focus on humans. We first review the relation between the intensity of sexual selection in human populations and the adult sex ratio (ASR), and find that it is more in line with recent reformulations of sexual selection theory than with conventional models. We then turn directly to the patterning of violence across human societies in relation to the sex ratio. Although the ‘more men, more violence’ expectation is not met, it is clear that the patterning of violence is undertheorized and we offer recommendations for steps forward.
Exchange correction to the dielectric function in the local exchange approximation

An explicit form for the exchange correction to the dielectric function matrix of a system of Bloch electrons is obtained in the local exchange ($X\ensuremath{\alpha}$) approximation. The result is compared with corrections proposed by other authors. Numerical results are presented for aluminum.
Maternal zinc restriction affects postnatal growth and glucose homeostasis in rat offspring differently depending upon adequacy of their nutrient intake.

Maternal zinc restriction affects postnatal growth and glucose homeostasis in rat offspring differently depending upon adequacy of their nutrient intake
Frames and the experiential basis of the Moving Time metaphor

It is not satisfactory to analyze temporal metaphors such Moving Ego (e.g. We are approaching the end of the year) and Moving Time (e.g. The end of the year is approaching) simply as mappings from SPACE to TIME. In this case, the intuitively obvious experiential basis of Moving Ego leads to a paradox if applied (with suitable adjustments) to Moving Time. Frame analysis makes possible an adequate account of the experiential basis of both metaphors.
Metastatic testicular cancer presenting as spinal cord compression: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Testicular cancers are heterogenous neoplasms often found in young adults. They tend to metastasize to the chest, retroperitoneum, or neck, but rarely to the long bones or skeleton. However, they can cause neurologic compromise and should be considered in young male patients who present with symptoms of a spine lesion and no known primary cancer. METHODS Two patients presented with back pain and a rapid progression of lower extremity weakness. Both underwent radiographic workup and emergency surgery. Metastatic workup revealed testicular cancer and widespread metastases. RESULTS Both patients improved neurologically after surgery, but neither regained the ability to ambulate independently. They both underwent chemotherapy. One patient is alive at 1 year follow-up; the other died 9 months after surgery of widespread metastases. CONCLUSIONS Vertebral metastases from testicular tumors, although rare, should be considered in young men presenting with spinal cord compression. Work-up should include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Urgent intervention may be required, as these two cases show that loss of neurologic function can be rapid and permanent.
Intramolecular exchange of coordinated and dangling phosphines in pentacarbonyl group 6 complexes of 1,1,2-tris(diphenylphosphino)ethane

The linkage isomers, (OC) 5 M[κ 1 -PPh 2 CH 2 CH(PPh 2 ) 2 ] 1 and (OC) 5 M[κ 1 -PPh 2 CH(PPh 2 )CH 2 PPh 2 ] 2 (M = Cr, Mo and W) exist in equilibrium at room temperature. Equilibrium constants for 1Cr ⇌ 2Cr , 1Mo ⇌ 2Mo and 1W ⇌ 2W at 25 °C in CDCl 3 are 2.61, 5.0 and 4.74, respectively. Enthalpy favors the forward reaction (Δ H = −13.5, −12 and −12.2 kJ mol −1 , respectively) while entropy favors the reverse reaction (Δ S = −37.6, −28 and −28.2 J K −1 mol −1 , respectively). Isomerization is much faster than chelation with 1Mo ⇌ 2Mo ≫ 1W ⇌ 2W > 1Cr ⇌ 2Cr . Enthalpies of activation for 1Cr ⇌ 2Cr and 1W ⇌ 2W are 119.0 and 92.6 kJ mol −1 , respectively, and entropies of activation are 1.4 and −28.2 J K −1 mol −1 , respectively. Isomerization is 10 4 times faster for these complexes than for (OC) 5 M[κ 1 -PPh 2 CH 2 CH 2 P( p -tolyl) 2 ]. A novel mechanism is proposed to account for the rate differences. The X-ray crystal structure of 2W shows that the phosphorus atom of the short phosphine arm lies very close to a carbon atom of the W(CO) 4 equatorial plane (3.40 A) which could allow “through-space” coupling, accounting in part for the observation of long-range J PC and J PW coupling. The X-ray structure of (OC) 5 W[κ 1 -PPh 2 C( CH 2 )PPh 2 ] 5W has been determined for comparison to 2W .
Palliation und Supportivtherapie beim inkurablen Nierenzellkarzinom

In Erganzung des vorhergehenden Beitrags zur Therapie des metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms sollen im Folgenden palliative Therapiemasnahmen (Tabelle 1) und schmerztherapeutische Konzepte im engeren Sinne dargestellt werden. Nach Seaman et al. finden sich bei bis zu 30% der Nierenzellkarzinome schon zum Zeitpunkt der Primardiagnose ossore Metastasen [17]. Abgesehen von Einzelfallen ist eine Heilung beim metastasierenden Nierenzellkarzinom definitiv nicht moglich. Das mediane Uberleben fur Patienten mit ossaren Metastasen betragt 11,8 Monate [2]. Dementsprechend haben alle in dieser Situation durchgefuhrten Masnahmen rein palliativen Charakter, also das Ziel, die Tumormasse zu verkleinern, tumorbedingte Folgeerscheinungen zu beseitigen bzw. deren Entstehung zu verhindern. Letztlich verfolgen alle Behandlungsverfahren demnach allein die Herstellung oder Stabilisierung von Lebensqualitat [5]. Diese fatale Situation resultiert daraus, dass bislang alle Mono- bzw. Polychemotherapiekonzepte versagt haben, was damit zusammenhangt, dass das Nierenzellkarzinom uber bisher unuberwindliche Chemotherapie-Resistenzmechanismen ( multiple drug resistance ) verfugt. Die Ansprechraten der alleinigen Chemotherapie sind derart gering, dass diese therapeutische Modalitat zumindest derzeit von vornherein obsolet ist [23].
Influence of a Perspective Cockpit Traffic Display Format on Pilot Avoidance Maneuvers

The perspective projections of cockpit displays of traffic information on CRTs as a means of presenting vertical separation information to airline pilots were experimentally studied. Identical sets of traffic encounters were viewed by pilots either using a plan-view or perspective traffic display which presented identical separation information. The pilots maneuvered somewhat earlier with perspective displays and maneuvered more frequency in the vertical dimension. Another feature of the maneuver pattern was the absence of a tendency to turn toward an intruding aircraft. The previously observed bias toward horizontal maneuver is probably not based on the procedural reasons often given, but probably reflects the poorer presentation of vertical separation on previously used traffic displays.
Shaping and bending of the avian neuroepithelium: morphometric analyses.

Abstract Changes in the size and shape of the neuroepithelium were meaured from serial transverse sections of 30 plastic-embedded chick embryos at stages 4–11. The neural plate folds into a neural tube during this period. Changes in volume, length, apical and basal widths, apical and basal surface ares, and thickness of the neuroepithelium were measured and correlated with the amount of folding that had occurred. These measurements were made to provide data for comparison with those available from other systems, to gain insight into the mechanisms of shaping and bending of the neuroepithelium, and to obtain normal parameters for eventual comparison with those obtained from embryos with induced neural tube defects. During stages 4–11, the volume, length, apical and basal surface areas, and lateral thickness of the neuroepithelium increase, whereas apical and basal widths and median thickness of the neuroepithelium decrease. Models are presented to demonstrate the effects of possible changes in neuroepithelial cell number, position, and size on the shaping of the neural plate.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging: An Approach for Fuel Equivalence Ratio Imaging:

This paper describes dopants, apparatus, and procedures which can be used for planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging of the fuel/oxygen equivalence ratio, the most important mixture parameter in combustion studies. The lifetime imaging techniques described here provide data beyond the data available from conventional intensity imaging, and should allow the equivalence ratio to be determined in real time in a two-dimensional slice of a fuel spray. Lifetime imaging methods require the sequential gating of two 2-D detectors during the fluorescence decay. Proof-of-concept experiments indicate that lifetimes ranging from 5 to 50ns can be imaged with good accuracy. The requirements for fluorescent dopants and considerations for use under flame conditions are also discussed.
Nested Mesoscale Large-Eddy Simulations with WRF: Performance in Real Test Cases

AbstractThis paper assesses the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) as a tool for multiscale atmospheric simulations. Tests are performed in real and idealized cases with multiple configurations and with resolutions ranging from the mesoscale (gridcell size ~10 km) for the real cases to local scales (gridcell size ~50 m) for both real and idealized cases. All idealized simulations and the finest real-case simulations use the turbulence-resolving large-eddy simulation mode of WRF (WRF-LES). Tests in neutral conditions and with idealized forcing are first performed to assess the model’s sensitivity to grid resolutions and subgrid-scale parameterizations and to optimize the setup of the real cases. An increase in horizontal model resolution is found to be more beneficial than an increase in vertical resolution. WRF-LES is then tested, using extensive observational data, in real-world cases over complex terrain through nested simulations in which the mesoscale domains drive the LES...
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY WITH THE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER ISRADIPINE: AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE FOR THE DIABETIC PATIENT WITH HYPERTENSION A Review

Abstract Treatment of hypertension in diabetic patients or patients with impaired glucose tolerance requires a specialized approach. Such hypertensive, glucose-impaired patients often have multiple medical problems, possibly from common causes, such as renal impairment, atherosclerosis, electrolyte disturbance, neuropathy, or cardiac dysfunction. Antihypertensive therapy in these high-risk, medically compromised patients must reduce blood pressure while having a beneficial or neutral effect on the diabetic state and other coexisting diseases with possible catastrophic end points. Isradipine is a second-generation, dihydropyridine-type calcium channel blocker shown to be efficacious, safe, and well tolerated in the treatment of diabetic patients with hypertension. In clinical trials of patients with insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, monotherapy with isradipine normalized blood pressure in a majority of patients with minimal adverse reactions and no clinically significant alteration of heart rate. More importantly, isradipine had either a neutral or a beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. In studies of nondiabetic patients with hypertension, isradipine has been shown to facilitate renal function by decreasing renal vascular resistance, increasing renal plasma flow, and maintaining or improving glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction. These physiological effects may benefit patients with coexisting diabetes and hypertension, in whom end-stage renal disease is a common consequence. Studies to evaluate the effects of isradipine on a number of parameters or conditions important to the diabetic patient, including serum lipids, atherosclerosis, and proteinuria, are currently in progress.
An improved colorimetric assay for polyols

Abstract A new assay for polyols was developed that minimizes interference by sugars. It is based on oxidation of alditols to formaldehyde by acidic periodate, reduction of the excess periodate with l -rhamnose, and a short-time determination of the formaldehyde with the Nash reagent. When glycerol was added to various crude biological materials and was assayed, recovery was 90–106%.