cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of dynapenia in older adults through the use of grip strength t‐scores

Introduction: The aim of this study was to generate reference values and t-scores (1.0–2.5 standard deviations below average) for grip strength for healthy young adults and to examine the utility of t-scores from this group for the identification of dynapenia in older adults. Methods: Our investigation was a population-based, general community secondary analysis of cross-sectional grip strength data utilizing the NIH Toolbox Assessment norming sample. Participants consisted of community-dwelling adults, with age ranges of 20–40 years (n = 558) and 60–85 years (n = 390). The main outcome measure was grip strength using a Jamar plus dynamometer. Results: Maximum grip strengths were consistent over the 20–40-year age group [men 108.0 (SD 22.6) pounds, women 65.8 (SD 14.6) pounds]. Comparison of older group grip strengths to those of the younger reference group revealed (depending on age strata) that 46.2–87.1% of older men and 50.0–82.4% of older women could be designated as dynapenic on the basis of t-scores. Conclusions: The use of reference value t-scores from younger adults is a promising method for determining dynapenia in older adults. Muscle Nerve 51: 102–105, 2015
High Levels of Myogenic Tone Antagonize the Dilator Response to Flow of Small Rabbit Cerebral Arteries

Background and Purpose —Pressure and shear stress exerted by flowing blood are two mechanical forces that play a major role in the regulation of vascular tone. We sought to evaluate the interaction between pressure and flow in isolated rabbit cerebral arteries. Methods —Responses to intraluminal flow of isolated pressurized rabbit posterior cerebral arteries were investigated at low, medium, and high levels of myogenic tone by setting the luminal pressure at 40, 60, and 80 mm Hg, respectively. Results —At both low and medium levels of myogenic tone, flow induced dilation. The response was significantly larger at 40 than at 60 mm Hg. At the high level of myogenic tone, the response to flow consisted of a combination of an initial transient dilation followed by sustained constriction. Flow-induced dilation but not flow-induced constriction response was endothelium dependent. Removal of the endothelium inhibited the dilator response by ≈80%. Flow-induced dilation was inhibited (≈40%) by N ω-nitro-l-arginine (100 μmol/L) but not by indomethacin (10 μmol/L). Endothelium removal not only decreased the amplitude of flow-induced dilation but also promoted the appearance of flow-induced constriction at low and medium levels of myogenic tone. Conclusions —The intraluminal pressure and in consequence the level of myogenic tone at which flow is applied determine the nature of the response of the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel wall.
“To Trust in My Root and to Take That to Go Forward”: Supporting College Access for Immigrant Youth in the Global City

Increasing numbers of immigrant youth are coming of age within global cities that are characterized by growing inequalities and few opportunities for social mobility. These youth face numerous educational obstacles that complicate college and labor market access. This article draws from an ethnographic study of public high schools serving low-income, recently arrived immigrant students and explores how the schools provide students with the academic skills and social capital to support college going. It considers how the schools attempt to create new understandings and expectations of the educational possibilities available to low income immigrant students, thus creating a social imaginary that resists the racialized hierarchies of the global city. [immigrant students, English-language learners, college access, social capital, globalization]
Quantum-state resolved products via vacuum ultraviolet photostimulated desorption from geologic calcite

We report the results of a photostimulated desorption (PSD) study of neutral CO products from room temperature geologic calcite utilizing fluences < 300 μJ/cm 2 of 157-nm excimer laser radiation. At this wavelength. we are coincident with an intense absorption peak (absorption coefficient = 4.39 x 10 5 cm - 1 ) such that most excitation occurs near or at the crystal surface. Detailed product state distributions are obtained using (2 + I ) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization. The CO translational energy can be characterized by a temperature, T= 105 + 10 K. significantly lower than that of the substrate. The CO rotational and vibration state distributions appears thermalized to the surface. This maybe contrasted with our previous study of CO PSD from room temperature calcite done using 193-nm and 213-nm excitation. Bulk UV absorption decreases by two orders of magnitude at these wavelengths and excitation occurs throughout numerous bulk crystal layers. In those studies, CO translational energy could be characterized by a temperature of T= 110 K with product internal energy distributions which showed both thermal and non-thermal components. This seemed to indicate a rapid, scattered release from the surface. Broadly similar PSD results over a range of excitation wavelengths and crystal absorptivities confirms a final surface state decay mechanism in the production of product CO. Subtle variations may reflect state differences in desorption for excitations occurring near or within the band gap and those occurring more deeply within the 'charge-transfer' band.
The mucosal collar revisited.

Abstract Objectives. The mucosal collar was designed to achieve a cosmetically normal-appearing, circumcised phallus during hypospadias surgery. The original technique has been modified and refined since its introduction by Firlit in 1987. Herein, we provide a detailed description of the procedure as it is now performed. Methods. From 1987 to 1998, more than 500 mucosal collars were created by the senior author as a routine component of the hypospadias repair. Results. The mucosal collar produced a cosmetically normal-appearing, circumcised phallus in all cases. No associated morbidities attributable to the collar occurred. Conclusions. The mucosal collar is a simple procedure to master and reproducibly yields a normal-appearing, circumcised phallus. The techniques used for urethroplasty are independent of the creation of the collar and will never preclude its use. We believe that the cosmetic outcome is unequaled by other techniques and that the collar should be used in all hypospadias surgery, regardless of the type of repair.
More savvy than we can hope to be: a generational lens on ICTs in the changing workplace

We take a generational lens to the study of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the changing U.S. workplace. Specifically, we draw from a broader qualitative study on generational difference in the workplace to explore the questions: How is the interplay between generational differences and ICTs reshaping the culture and boundaries of work and the workplace? We present two preliminary findings related to differences in (1) socio-emotional associations with ICTs and (2) the socio-technical structure in the work-life relationship. In conclusion, we discuss potential implications of these changes, as well as critical questions to be addressed in future research around generational differences and the role of ICTs in the changing U.S. workplace.
On the underlying source of energetics of bending of hydrogen bonds

Abstract Quantum chemical methods are used to assess the importance of a number of factors contributing to H bond strength. The electrostatic component appears to reproduce fairly well the energetic cost of bending an H bond, either an ionic one such as (H2OH⋯OH2)+ or a neutral pair as in HOH⋯OH2. Expansion of the full Coulombic interaction into its multipole series yields insights into the underlying cause of these distortion energies, in addition to the fundamentally different clustering behavior of K+ and the nearly spherical NH+4. The correction to the electrostatic term that arises at the correlated level appears to be at least as important as dispersion, and to be considerably more anisotropic.
Population Differentiation in the Open Sea: Insights from the Pelagic Copepod Pleuromamma xiphias

Although a number of recent studies of marine holoplankton have reported significant genetic structure among populations, little is currently known about the biological and oceanographic processes that influence population connectivity in oceanic plankton. In order to examine how depth preferences influence dispersal in oceanic plankton, I characterized the genetic structure of a copepod with diel vertical migration (DVM) (Pleuromamma xiphias), throughout its global distribution, and compared these results to those expected given the interaction of this species' habitat depth with ocean circulation and bathymetry. Mitochondrial COI sequences from 651 individuals from 28 sites in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans revealed highly significant genetic differentiation both within and among ocean basins. Limited dispersal among distinct pelagic provinces seems to have played a major role in population differentiation in this species, with strong genetic breaks observed across known oceanographic fronts or current systems in all three ocean basins. The Indo-West Pacific (IWP) holds a highly distinct genetic population of this species that was sampled in both the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans. This suggests that the IWP does not act as a strong barrier to gene flow between basins, as expected, despite the relatively shallow water depth ( 400 m) diel migration of this species. A pattern of isolation by distance was observed in the Indian Ocean with genetic differentiation among samples down to spatial scales of ∼800 km, indicating that realized dispersal in P. xiphias occurs over much smaller spatial scales than in previously reported oceanic holoplankton. Given its highly regionalized population genetic structure, P. xiphias may have some capacity to adapt to local oceanographic conditions, and it should not be assumed that populations of this species in distinct pelagic biomes will respond in the same way to shared physical or climatic forcing.
Spinal projections of renal afferent nerves in the rat.

Abstract This study was designed to describe renal afferent information with respect to its intraspinal projections, convergence with cutaneous inputs, ascending projections, and modulation by descending fiber tracts. Extracellular recordings were made from neurons in the spinal gray while electrically stimulating the renal nerves in chloralose-anesthetized, artificially ventilated rats. Almost all neurons ( n = 119) were spontaneously active. Some responses consisted of high-frequency bursts while others consisted of fewer than 6 action potentials. Response onset latencies to renal nerve stimulation were consistent with activation by thinly myelinated or unmyelinated afferents. Several neurons in deeper laminae were inhibited by stimulation of renal afferents. Most neurons were located in laminae IV and V. Some were located in laminae I, VII and VIII. All neurons were located at spinal levels T 10 to L 1 . Most neurons responded to both noxious and non-noxious mechanical cutaneous stimuli from relatively large receptive fields on the ipsilateral flank. Response latencies to cutaneous electrical stimulation were shorter than those to renal nerve stimulation. Neurons in intact and spinally transected rats responded with similar onset latencies and durations to renal nerve stimulation. However, neurons in spinally transected rats exhibited prolonged responses to cutaneous stimulation. Axons of 25% of the neurons projected through the cervical spinal cord in the ventrolateral funiculus. They had conduction velocities of 12–32 m/s. These data provide the first electrophysiological description of spinal projections of renal afferent fibers in the rat.
An efficient transformation method for estrogen-inducible transgene expression in Catharanthus roseus hairy roots

Efficient genetic engineering of the medicinal plant, Catharanthus roseus, is essential in improving the production of the pharmaceutically important anticancer compounds, vinblastine and vincristine. Here we optimize several steps in the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of C. roseus, including antibiotic selection and Agrobacterium elimination parameters. With the optimized protocol, stable transgenic hairy root cultures expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under control of the estrogen-inducible XVE system were established with a transformation efficiency of 33 %. The estrogen-inducible system has not been previously tested in C. roseus hairy roots but offers several advantages as an inducible system. Prior to induction, low basal levels of Gfp are observed. Upon induction with 5 mM 17β-estradiol, Gfp transgene expression is highly and rapidly induced within 1 h, increasing after 24 h. Strongest GFP expression is observed in the meristematic root tips and is sustained over 5 days in the presence of estradiol. Neither the 17β-estradiol induction nor the estrogen-inducible system elicits a defense response in C. roseus hairy roots.
Energy, diversity and development in economic systems; an empirical analysis

Abstract As economic systems develop over time they tend to become more complex with more structure and greater throughputs, assuming favorable conditions. Energy use increases as more economic sectors develop and more channels for flow are opened. Economic diversity, as measured by the number of economic sectors using energy and the equatability of flows between them, generally increases. As diversity increases the efficiency of generating outputs with a given amount of energy also increases. Development capacity, the product of system energy throughput and diversity of flows, is a measure of the potential system output and is calculated for selected countries. Capacity changes over time are shown to relate to changes in economic output in selected countries. Two distinct development strategies become evident, one which promotes energy use and one which emphasizes diversity and the sustainability of each is examined. While most countries utilize a mix of the two, developing countries generally rely more on increasing energy use to increase output while developed countries tend to become more diverse as a means of increasing outputs. Sustainability is enhanced by strategies which promote diversity and resource use efficiency in economic systems.
ExSciTecH: Expanding volunteer computing to Explore Science, Technology, and Health

This paper presents ExSciTecH, an NSF-funded project deploying volunteer computing (VC) systems to Explore Science, Tecenology, and Health. ExSciTecH aims at radically transforming VC systems and the volunteer's experience. To pursue this goal, ExSciTecH integrates and uses gameplay environments into BOINC, a well-known VC middleware, to involve the volunteers not only for simply donating idle cycles but also for actively participating in scientific discovery, i.e., generating new simulations side by side with the scientists. More specifically, ExSciTecH plugs into the BOINC framework extending it with two main gaming components, i.e., a learning component that includes a suite of games for training users on relevant biochemical concepts, and an engaging component that includes a suite of games to engage volunteers in drug design and scientific discovery. We assessed the impact of a first implementation of the learning game on a group of students at the University of Delaware. Our tests clearly show how ExSciTecH can generate higher levels of enthusiasm than more traditional learning tools in our students.
Melting Point Behaviour of Glacier Ice

IN their communication1, Radd and Oertle draw attention to the modified Clapeyron equation in connexion with the depression of the freezing point of glacier ice. Their account, however, is too general. Their use of the term “unconfined” in relation to the liquid phase can be misunderstood by glaciologists and geologists.
The Cramer-Rao bound for pole and amplitude estimates of damped exponential signals in noise

Expressions are derived for the Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs) of the parameters of an exponential model with one set of poles and multiple sets of amplitude coefficients. The poles of this model may lie anywhere in the complex plane. The CRB for pole angle is log-symmetric about the unit circle with minimum on the unit circle, while the CRB for pole magnitude has its minimum inside the unit circle for finite-length datasets and is not symmetric. Simulation results show that error-standard-deviation ellipses about poles turn out to be circular. The CRBs for estimates of the amplitude coefficients of real and imaginary parts are also available. >
Effects of methylprednisolone on collagen biosynthesis in healing acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract The use of methylprednisolone to limit the myocardial damage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may retard the progression of infarct healing and cause scar thinning. 1,2 It is unknown whether biochemical alterations in scar formation also accompany defective healing. To better understand the nature of altered healing in the evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions, we investigated experimentally whether alterations in collagen content, major genetic subtypes and cross-links occur late during healing, following early treatment with methylprednisolone after AMI.
A solid organ transplant elective course for pharmacy students.

Objective. To develop and implement a solid organ transplant elective course for second- and third-year pharmacy students, and assess its impact on students’ knowledge in the management of medications, adverse effects, and complications in organ transplantation patients.Design. Topics related to the care of solid organ transplant patients were covered in depth. Students were required to complete a group presentation focusing on common infectious disease topics encountered in solid organ transplant patients.Assessment. Students’ solid organ transplantation knowledge was assessed using examinations quizzes, a group presentation, and class participation. With an average class grade of 87%, students demonstrated knowledge of the course material. Most students felt that their knowledge increased significantly with regard to the course objectives.Conclusion. Students who completed the elective course significantly improved their confidence and knowledge regarding solid organ transplantation, felt more prepared ...
The effects of cooling, freezing, and thawing on cardiac and skeletal muscle of the turtle, Chrysemys picta

Abstract 1. 1. Seven adult painted turtles, after freeze anesthesia and pithing, were subjected to a prolonged cooling and freezing, followed by thawing and rewarming to room temperature. A 6 cm in diameter hole in the plastron allowed recording of ventricular temperature and tension plus the EKG. Stimulating electrodes and a thermocouple inserted a hind leg were used to monitor the responsiveness of the leg musculature. 2. 2. This preparation allowed simultaneous recording of ventricular contraction and EKG in relation to heart temperature and of leg muscle contraction relative to leg temperature. In spite of added insulation, the legs cooled and froze quicker and also thawed faster than did the body cavities. 3. 3. Both muscle tension and contraction time were strongly temperature dependent during cooling. Although the leg muscles continued to function for several minutes after the onset of ice formation, they ceased to respond at an average exotherm temperature of −0.6°C. Recovery of responsiveness, noted in five of the seven turtles, was slow and only first noted at temperatures ranging from 1.9 to 17.4°C. 4. 4. Cardiac tension and contraction times were likewise temperature dependent, and the contractions continued for several minutes after the onset of ice formation, eventually ceasing at an average exotherm temperature of −0.62°C. Some of the turtles showed a dramatic (i.e. ten-fold) slowing of the heart during the exotherm. Recovery of heart beat during the thaw was rapid and occurred at an average temperature of −0.4°C. The tensions during warming were higher than the corresponding tensions during cooling, perhaps due to a partial desiccation of the ventricle. 5. 5. The EKG was the most persistent of the responses monitored, and, in at least four turtles, continued well past the point of cessation of cardiac contractility. The explanation for this uncoupling of electrical and mechanical activity remains uncertain.
Definition of Molecular Configuration by the Use of π*←π Shakeup Satellites in the X-Ray Photoelectron Spectra of Oxygen-Bridged binuclear Copper(II) Complexes

X-Ray photoelectron spectoscopy has been used to study the structure and bonding of Binuclear oxygen-bridged copper(II) complexes. The aromatic onstituency of the complexes gives rise to π*←π shakeup satellites in the spectra of the ring carbons and the adjacent oxygen atoms. The O ls π*←π shakeup satellite peak positions were determined relative to the main core level lines in samples with known structure, allowing alkoxy and phenoxy bridging to be differentiated. The methodology was applied to a Binuclear copper(II) o-hydroxybenzylamine complex of previously undefined molecular structure.
Gene–Physical Activity Interactions: Overview of Human Studies

Physical activity level is an important component of the total daily energy expenditure and as such contributes to body weight regulation. A body of data indicates that the level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of excessive weight gain, in weight loss programs, and particularly in the prevention of weight regain. Most studies dealing with potential gene-physical activity interaction effects use an exercise and fitness or performance paradigm as opposed to an obesity-driven model. From these studies, it is clear that there are considerable individual differences in the response to an exercise regimen and that there is a substantial familial aggregation component to the observed heterogeneity. Few studies have focused on the role of specific genes in accounting for the highly prevalent gene-exercise interaction effects. Results for specific genes have been inconsistent with few exceptions. Progress is likely to come when studies will be designed to truly address gene-exercise or physical activity interaction issues and with sample sizes that will provide adequate statistical power.
Detection of adhesion of superantigen-activated T lymphocytes to human endothelial cells by ELISA.

Abstract A sensitive ELISA using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) reactive with surface molecules specific for various leukocytes was devised to measure the adhesion of these cells to cultured monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Superantigens, staphylococcal enterotoxin B or toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 were used to activate human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The extent of adhesion of these cells to endothelial cells was assayed by measuring the optical density produced by a complex of peroxidase-labeled streptavidin, biotin-conjugated F(ab')2 antimouse Ig and monoclonal antibody specific for leukocytes on fixed leukocytic cells that had adhered to endothelial cells. This method was fast and sensitive, and because the detection is by a specific marker on the cell of interest, it can be used in preparations of unseparated mixtures of cells. An increase in adhesion of superantigen-activated CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes to endothelial cells may contribute to the pathologic mechanism of sup...
Renal effects of low to moderate doses of dopamine in newborn piglets

Abstract Purpose : Administration of dopamine to adult animal and human subjects results in increased renal blood flow, and it may also enhance the glomerular filtration rate. However, renal hemodynamic effects of exogenous dopamine in the neonate are unclear. In this study, we examined the renal actions of low to moderate doses of exogenous dopamine in newborn piglets. Methods : The animals were anesthetized, catheterized for vascular access and urine collection, and assigned randomly to a control group or treatment groups receiving dopamine infusion at 2, 5, or 10 μg/kg/min. Data were collected at baseline, during dopamine infusion, and 1 hour after cessation of infusion. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), cardiac index (Cl), and renal blood flow (RBF) were determined. Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) was calculated. Results : Dopamine did not alter renal blood flow nor did it significantly alter Cl in spite of a modest increase in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. There was a statistically significant increase in GFR at 10 μg/kg/min and in FENa at all doses. Conclusions : Low doses of dopamine produce significant natriuresis probably by direct action on renal tubules and at moderate doses via, both, increase in GFR and a direct tubular effect. Low and moderate doses of dopamine do not increase RBF as seen in adult animals, possibly because of immaturity of dopaminergic receptors in newborn piglets.
Design of an analogy beamformer for very high frequency ultrasound transducer arrays

A beamformer is described that is used to process the data from a high frequency linear array with frequencies up to 75MHz. This unit is one part of a test system, which has the capability to characterize ultrasound transducer arrays up to 128 elements. This beamformer consists of three stages: delay unit, delay switches and summing unit. They have the following characteristics: the delay and summing units are realized in the analog domain, utilizing 4-zone dynamic focusing, and dynamic aperture switching with very wide bandwidth. The delay unit consists of a set of fixed delays with 5 ns resolution, and a set of adjustable delay lines with a resolution of 1 ns. A set of 4:1 multiplexers is used to switch the different delays for different focusing zones. In our system, the focal range is divided into 4 zones consisting of a near, middle, far and fourth zone with a different set of delays for each zone. Dynamic aperture switching is accomplished by sequential selection of the multiplexer network. The aperture is set according to the focusing zone. For near zone, middle zone, far zone and fourth zone focusing, apertures are set to 8,12,16 and 16 elements respectively. In the last stage, very wide band summing amplifiers are used with surface mount resistor networks to decrease phase errors. Test signals have been generated. The multiplexing system and delay lines have been characterized. The beamformer lateral and axial resolution have been characterized by a simulated phantom utilizing the FIELD program. The future work is to interface the beamforming architecture with a high frequency array.
One-step synthesis and characterization of zirconia-sulfate aerogels as solid superacids

Zirconia-sulfate (ZrO2-SO2−4) aerogels were prepared in a one-step synthesis by the sol-gel method followed by supercritical drying. Sulfuric acid was mixed with zirconium n-propoxide in n-propanol and reacted with water and nitric acid to form a zirconia-sulfate cogel. Supercritical drying with carbon dioxide removed the alcohol solvent forming a high surface area aerogel. This preparation method combined the two steps of zirconia support formation and sulfate promotion. The effect of changing sulfate content and activation temperature was systematically studied by nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, n-butane isomerization, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy, pyridine adsorption, and thermogravimetry. Sulfate ions, in an ionic, inactive low temperature state, were initially trapped in the bulk of the aerogel. Coincident with crystallization of the zirconia support, sulfate was expelled onto the surface and transformed into an "activated" covalent sulfate species which helped to form strong Bronsted acidity. A minimum density of sulfate groups was required to create this Bronsted acidity which was necessary for n-butane isomerization. Increasing sulfate content retarded the support crystallization and increased the activation temperature required to generate maximum catalytic activity. This aerogel synthesis permitted unique preparative flexibility allowing for sulfate to be introduced into the bulk and for crystallization to be retarded to high temperatures, thus establishing the relationship between crystallinity, sulfate structure and content, and the acidity and activity of the catalyst. This work demonstrated the importance of the preparative parameters on the formation of a solid superacid.
From normal to anomalous diffusion in comb-like structures in three dimensions

Diffusion in a comb-like structure, formed by a main cylindrical tube with identical periodic dead ends of cylindrical shape, occurs slower than that in the same system without dead ends. The reason is that the particle, entering a dead end, interrupts its propagation along the tube axis. The slowdown becomes stronger and stronger as the dead end length increases, since the particle spends more and more time in the dead ends. In the limiting case of infinitely long dead ends, diffusion becomes anomalous with the exponent equal to 1/2. We develop a formalism which allows us to study the mean square displacement of the particle along the tube axis in such systems. The formalism is applicable for an arbitrary dead end length, including the case of anomalous diffusion in a tube with infinitely long dead ends. In particular, we demonstrate how intermediate anomalous diffusion arises when the dead ends are long enough.
Elastic neutralino-matter scattering

Abstract The lightest neutralino is a natural candidate for the dark matter in the Universe. It is very nearly a pure bino or a symmetric or antisymmetric higgsino over a wide region of parameter space of the supersymmetric standard model. We consider here their elastic scattering off of matter in the laboratory. We find that while binos are very much like photinos, the symmetric or antisymmetric higgsinos would be invisible to proposed laboratory detectors.
What do unions do?—Evaluation and commentary

Most books in the social sciences quietly slip into oblivion soon after publication. Very few remain frequently cited 20 years later and only a handful merit a retrospective symposium. One of these books is Freeman and Medoff’s What Do Unions Do? When it was published, a reviewer (Mitchell, 1985: 253) labeled the book “a landmark in social science research.“ Two decades later this verdict still rings true. The authors of WDUD should be justifiably proud.
The Diazoxide Derivative 7-Chloro-3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-S,S-dioxide Augments AMPA- and GABA-Mediated Synaptic Responses in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Abstract The diazoxide derivative 7-chloro-3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-S,S-dioxide (IDRA21) enhances memory and learning in rodents, most likely by potentiating AMPAergic synaptic activity. We examined IDRA21's effect upon AMPAergic synaptic currents and whole-cell glutamate currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons to determine whether IDRA21 was a partial modulator of AMPA receptor desensitization and deactivation. Comparable to cyclothiazide, IDRA21 prolonged AMPAergic autaptic currents (5.6 times control, EC50150 μM) and slowed the rate of AMPA deactivation (3 times control) following 1-ms applications of 1 mM glutamate to excised, outside-out membrane patches. IDRA21 also augmented autaptic GABA currents by 27 ± 8.1%, although it had two opposing effects, reducing the peak amplitude versus prolonging autaptic GABA currents. IDRA21 (200 μM) inhibited whole-cell GABA currents elicited by exogenously applied 1 mM GABA by 41 ± 11%. At sufficient concentrations, IDRA21 reduced AMPA receptor desensitization and slowed the rate of deactivation, most consistent with full agonist activity with lower potency compared to cyclothiazide. IDRA21 slightly augments GABAergic synaptic currents.
Silent period induced by cutaneous stimulation.

Abstract An electrical stimulus applied to a cutaneous nerve during isometric muscle contraction causes a suppresson of EMG acivity (silent period) followed by a rebound. Te extent of inhibition is related to the stimulus intensity as the silent period is more evident when stimulation is perceived as painful. The silent period is present in different limb and cranial muscles after stimulation of the same cutaneous nerve and in the same muscle after stimulation of distant cutaneous nerves. It also synchronously in antagonist muslces. Within the silent period induced after cutaneous stimulation the maximal inhibition on the opponens pollicis motor neuron pool, as tested by the motor response evoked after transcranial cortical stimulation, occurs between 50 and 70 msec. Using the double stimulus technique to study the recovery cycle, the silent period is present at interstimulus intervals as low as 100 msec, and does not habituate with trains of stimuli at frequencies up to 5 Hz. Our results suggest that motor neuron inhibition from nociceptive stimulation may be mediated by Renshaw cells directly activated by high threshold cutaneous afferents.
Direct minimization of the energy by simultaneous variation of parameters in nonorthogonal basis functions. II. Real STOS for first row atoms

The parameter optimization method of Part I is applied to the exponents of real STOS of first row atoms. In addition to minimum basis ground states, some independently optimized excited states are discussed in the case of Be. Local minima on the energy versus parameter surface are found in 4-configuration functions for the ground state of N. They are not present in either the simpler minimum basis function or in a more complete 8-configuration function.
Lethal and subchronic effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on Enchytraeus albidus in spiked artificial soil

Abstract The effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) exposure in spiked artificial soil on the survival and reproduction rate of the white potworm Enchytraeus albidus were studied. Based on the initial concentrations, TNT in freshly spiked soil decreased enchytraeid survival (21-day LC 50 =422±63 (SD) mg/kg, N =3) and fecundity (42-day EC 50 =111±34, N =4). Data also indicated that TNT was 5–10 times more lethal to juveniles than adults, and lethality was less pronounced in TNT-spiked soils aged for 21 days. A time-dependent decrease in the TNT concentrations, as well as a concomitant increase in the levels of 2- and 4-aminodinitrotoluene, was observed during the 42-day toxicity test. Taken together, TNT (or one of its metabolites) is more lethal to juvenile than adult enchytraeids. This effect may explain, at least in part, the ability of TNT to decrease fecundity as determined using the enchytraeid mortality–reproduction test.
Zones of narrative safety: Promoting psychosocial resilience in young people

This essay discusses the potential of narrative expression as a method of primary prevention to promote psychosocial resilience in young people. Conceptual perspectives from resilience research are examined as rationales for “zones of narrative safety,” defined as sites of expression, listening, and reflection in formal and informal activities structured to be supportive and caring. The role of narrative in integrative processes is highlighted, and practical strategies in schools and communities are used to illustrate how narrative formats are applied for the purpose of fostering competence in youths. Further study of such strategies is needed for design of effective prevention programs in different contexts.
Solving the magnification irony in microscope-based reflected light image analysis of conifer tree rings

This paper describes a technique for allowing the magnification of a microscope to be changed and still obtain quantitative reflectance values for low-magnification reflected light image analysis of conifer tree rings. A remotely controllable digital camera is used to capture images, and a multireflectance gray standard is used to calibrate the luminance response of the camera across a range of reflectances. The imaging system was tested by measuring two conifer rings of differing widths and densities at several different levels of magnification. Upon adjusting the camera and converting gray values to true reflectances, the earlywood maximum and late-wood minimum reflectances of each ring were essentially identical across all magnification settings. Total ring widths were also equal across all magnification settings. The "magnification irony" is solved for microscope-based reflected light image analysis of conifer tree rings, and reflected light image analysis of conifer tree rings should become more prominent in future dendrochronological investigations.
A semirigid stent for use after auricular cartilage graft harvest

Use of auricular cartilage as an interpositional graft after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discectomy has gained attention in recent years.lM7 However, formation of a hematoma after procurement of an auricular cartilage graft has been associated with several deleterious effects, most notably cauliflower deformity of the pinna.6 Because the cartilaginous auricular dome acts as a framework for the overlying soft tissues, stenting is generally performed postoperatively to prevent hematoma formation. Stenting after auricular cartilage procurement is commonly performed by sandwiching the soft tissues of the pinna between several cotton bolsters.’ While pressure is effectively applied in this manner, precise support for soft-tissue anatomy is not provided. Converse has used dental compound material and molded it for use as a pressure dressing in the treatment of auricular hematoma.* However, a search of the literature did not disclose any previous report of the use of elastic impression material in the fabrication of auricular stents. We have developed a technique for auricular stenting that involves the fabrication of a semirigid splint from common dental impression materials and a cotton roll. The technique has the advantages of ease of fabrication, with ready availability of materials, and good patient acceptance. In addition, because the stent duplicates the preoperative appearance and form of the helix, it functions as a mold for the healing soft tissues. Preoperative appearance is thus precisely duplicated.
American sociology’s changing interests as reflected in two leading journals

This study involves an analysis of the major topics published in theAmerican Journal of Sociology andAmerican Sociological Review from the 1890s through the 1970s. The data indicate that the discipline focused initially on its self-definition and major social problems, moving to more theoretical and methodological matters during the 1930s. The war years reflect a major concern with political matters, shifting to economic issues and the problems of minorities in later decades. The limitations of these normative and economic interests are discussed.
Millimeter Wave Trends

In the period since the mid-70's there have been rapid technology advances for the millimeter-wave field, and these have led to investigations of phenomenology (target and background signatures, and propagation effects in smoke, dust, or inclement weather). Extensive use of this information is now being made in applications such as communications, radar, guidance, imaging, electronic warfare and radio astronomy.l Sources are available which can in some cases provide an order of magnitude more power, significantly longer life-times, or complex waveforms such as pulse compression or coherent MTI for radar applications, and in addition usable power has become available at higher frequencies. Furthermore, over a period of years the sensitivities of receivers have improved dramatically, with noise temperatures for uncooled mixers decreasing by nearly an order of magnitude, and cooled mixers reaching noise temperatures below 75°K near 100 GHz. The use of such structures as beam-lead detectors has improved the mechanical performance and reliability, too. Progress has been made in component development, also, with particular activity in quasioptical components, specialized transmission lines (such as suspended substrate micro-strip, fin-line, dielectric image line, and insular guide), and integrated and monolithic circuits. The following discussion reviews much of the recent technical progress in the field, and then gives a summary of several major application areas, such as missile guidance.
THEORETICAL STUDIES OF THE MECHANISM FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF SILSESQUIOXANES.1. HYDROLYSIS AND INITIAL CONDENSATION

The mechanisms for the hydrolysis of SiHCl3 to form HSi(OH)3 and the condensations of SiH3OH and HSi(OH)3 are studied by using ab initio electronic structure methods including electron correlation ...
Transient upregulation of PGC-1α diminishes cardiac ischemia tolerance via upregulation of ANT1

Prolonged cardiac overexpression of the mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha disrupts cardiac contractile function and its genetic ablation limits cardiac capacity to enhance workload. In contrast, transient induction of PGC-1alpha alleviates neuronal cell oxidative stress and enhances skeletal myotube anti-oxidant defenses. We explored whether transient upregulation of PGC-1alpha in the heart protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The transient induction of PGC-1alpha in the cardiac-restricted inducible PGC-1alpha transgenic mouse, increased PGC-1alpha protein levels 5-fold. Following 25 min of ischemia and 2h of reperfusion on a Langendorff perfusion apparatus, contractile recovery and the rate pressure product was significantly blunted in mice overexpressing PGC-1alpha vs. controls. Affymetrix gene array analysis showed a 3-fold PGC-1alpha-mediated upregulation of adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1). As ANT1 upregulation induces cardiomyocyte cell death we investigated whether the induction of ANT1 by PGC-1alpha contributes to this enhanced ischemia-stress susceptibility. Infection with adenovirus harboring PGC-1alpha into cardiac-derived H9c2 cells significantly upregulates ANT1 without changing basal cell viability. In response to anoxia-reoxygenation injury cell death is significantly increased following PGC-1alpha overexpression. This detrimental effect is abolished following siRNA knockdown of ANT1. Similarly, the attenuation of ANT-1 in the presence of PGC-1alpha overexpression preserves the mitochondrial membrane potential in response to hydrogen-peroxide stress. Interestingly, the isolated knockdown of ANT1 also protects H9c2 cells from anoxia-reoxygenation injury. Taken together these data suggest that transient induction of PGC-1alpha in the murine heart decreases ischemia-reperfusion contractile recovery and diminishes anoxia-reoxygenation tolerance in H9c2 cells. These adverse phenotypes appear to be mediated, in part, by PGC-1alpha induced upregulation of ANT1.
Brain metastases in breast cancer: clinical and pathologic characteristics associated with improvements in survival.

Background As breast cancer patients live longer with control of systemic disease, survival after the diagnosis of brain metastases (BM) also appears to be improving. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of 112 breast cancer patients diagnosed with BM from 1997 to 2007 and correlated clinical and pathologic characteristics including hormone receptor (HR) and Her2/neu status with outcomes. Findings Median time to BM diagnosis (TTBM) was 38 months (range, 0–204 months). TTBM was shorter for patients with HR− versus HR+ disease (median 28.8 vs. 61.2 months, P < 0.001, Wilcoxon test). No difference in TTBM was observed for patients with HER2− versus HER2+ disease (median 37.4 vs. 34.9 months, P = 0.81). Median survival after the diagnosis of BM was 14.4 months. There was no significant difference in median survival after BM diagnosis for patients with HR+ versus HR− cancers (19.9 vs. 11.0 months, P = 0.18, log rank) or for patients with HER2+ versus HER2− disease (23.1 vs. 13.3 months, P = 0.11, log rank). Survival was significantly longer in patients with stable or responding systemic disease at BM diagnosis compared to patients with progressing systemic disease (31 vs. 6.3 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that HR positivity, age <50, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) ≥80, and stable or responding systemic disease at BM diagnosis were associated with improved survival. Interpretation Subsets of patients with breast cancer BM are surviving longer. Control of systemic disease was most strongly associated with improved outcomes, and HER2/neu overexpression did not shorten survival after the diagnosis of BM.
Error probabilities of fast frequency-hopped FSK with self-normalization combining in a fading channel with partial-band interference

Error probability analysis is performed for a binary orthogonal frequency-shift-keying (FSK) receiver using fast frequency-hopped (FFH) spread-spectrum waveforms transmitted over a frequency-nonselective slowly fading channel with partial-band interference. Diversity is performed using multiple hops per data, bit. A nonlinear combination procedure referred to as self-normalization combining is used by the receiver to minimize partial-band interference effects. Diversity is found to completely negate degradation of the self-normalized receiver caused by partial-band interference and offers definite receiver performance improvement when the direct signal component is weak. The self-normalized receiver is sensitive to fading channels. For severe channel fading, the performance of a conventional noncoherent binary FSK receiver is generally either equivalent or superior to that of the self-normalized receiver. >
Detection, characterization and functional assessment of reperfused Q-wave acute myocardial infarction by cine magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract The capability of dynamic gradient-refocused magnetic resonance imaging (cine MRI) to detect, localize and functionally assess acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 25 patients at a mean time interval of 7 days after AMI was evaluated. Fifteen asymptomatic volunteers were also examined to determine the specificity of the observations. Upon presentation, each patient received intravenous thrombolytic therapy, underwent immediate cardiac catheterization and had percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty performed when coronary reperfusion was absent. Twenty-four of the patients had documented coronary reperfusion at a mean interval of 259 ± 129 minutes. Global ejection fraction and regional wall motion abnormalities were evaluated at 7 days by cine MRI, left ventriculography and radionuclide angiography. Twenty patients with both an absolute decrease in myocardial signal and a matched regional wall motion abnormality had AMI properly identified by cine MRI. In contrast, the finding of both decreased signal intensity and a matched regional wall motion abnormality was absent in the group of asymptomatic volunteers. The ejection fraction by cine MRI correlated better with the ejection fraction by left ventriculography (r = 0.94, standard error of the estimate = 3.6) than did the ejection fraction by radionuclide angiography (r = 0.82, standard error of the estimate = 5.8). The regional wall motion concordance rate in comparison to left ventriculography was similar for both cine MRI (69%) and radionuclide angiography (65%). These findings suggest that cine MRI may play an important role in the future detection and functional characterization of AMI.
Small-world networks and the conformation space of a short lattice polymer chain

We map the conformation space of a short lattice polymer chain to a network, where i) the vertices of the network have a one-to-one correspondence to the conformations of the chain, and ii) a link between two vertices indicates the possibility of switching from one conformation to the other by a single Monte Carlo move of the chain. We find that the geometric properties of this network are similar to those of small-world networks, namely, the diameter of conformation space increases, for large networks, as the logarithm of the number of conformations, while locally the network appears to have low dimensionality.