cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SFM Tip-Assisted Hydrolysis of a Dithiobis(succinimido undecanoate) Monolayer Chemisorbed on a Au(111) Surface

This paper reports on the use of a scanning force microscope (SFM) for the tip-assisted base hydrolysis of an ester-terminated alkanethiolate monolayer on Au(111). We have found that contact imaging accelerates the base hydrolysis of a dithiobis(succinimido undecanoate) monolayer relative to the surrounding unimaged area. It is proposed that (1) the mechanical disruption by the SFM probe tip of the steric barrier imposed by the neighboring adsorbates facilitates access of hydroxide ions to the buried acyl carbons in the adlayer, and (2) the surface area hydrolytically transformed by this disruption can be controlled by the SFM imaging conditions. Findings in support of our conclusions are presented, and potential implications to nanotechnology are briefly discussed.
DIFFERENCES IN THE DISPOSITION OF ENDOGENOUS AND EXOGENOUS SUBSTANCES BY CELLS.

DURING recent years, evidence has been accumulating that cells often may discriminate between a substance that they synthesize and the same substance that is preformed and assimilated from the environment. This capacity to respond differently to a compound introduced from the extracellular fluid, as compared to that formed within the cell, may be attributable to the compartmentation of intracellular events.
Histologic differences between cryothermic and hyperthermic therapies

Minimally invasive cryothermic and hyperthermic therapies are being increasingly used to destroy dysfunctional and neoplastic tissues in several organ systems. This report morphologically compares the acute tissue response that follow cryothermic and microwave therapy in porcine kidneys. Three cryothermic and hyperthermic groups of treated kidneys were pooled from other studies for evaluation: 1) in vitro treated non-perfused, 2) in situ treated with 2-hour post in vivo perfusion, and 3) in situ treated with 3-day or 7-day post in vivo perfusion. The cryolesions showed uniform central coagulative-type necrosis and interstitial hemorrhage. The hyperthermic lesions showed central thermal fixation and a rim of coagulative necrosis. The cryothermic and hyperthermic lesions both had a similar narrow transition zone of partial cell injury. The cryothermic lesions developed a wound healing response that advanced into the central lesion. In contrast, the heat-treated tissues lacked a prominent wound healing response and appeared to resist breakdown/repair by the body. Thus, the tissue effects of and response to cryothermic and heat injury appear to be different.
Literacy in Decline: Untangling the Evidence

National assessments of U.S. high school students' writing and other verbal abilities do not show that literacy has declined substantially in recent years. In fact, scores have been relatively stable since the 1980s. The proportion of students with solid writing and reading abilities has held fairly steady but remained small during the past 25 years. During this period, however, the proportion of high school graduates who enter higher education has soared. Thus, more students with weak verbal abilities now enter college. Initiatives that encourage people to continue their education have succeeded, whereas initiatives to improve writing, reading, and reasoning abilities have not. The complex causes of entering college students' weak verbal abilities include social and cultural forces as well as decisions by educational institutions. By understanding the complicated history of this issue and reframing it in positive terms, business and technical communication faculty can help effect change.
Parvovirus particles and movement in the cellular cytoplasm and effects of the cytoskeleton

Cell infection by parvoviruses requires that capsids be delivered from outside the cell to the cytoplasm, followed by genome trafficking to the nucleus. Here we microinject capsids into cells that lack receptors and followed their movements within the cell over time. In general the capsids remained close to the positions where they were injected, and most particles did not move to the vicinity of or enter the nucleus. When 70 kDa-dextran was injected along with the capsids that did not enter the nucleus in significant amounts. Capsids conjugated to peptides containing the SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal remained in the cytoplasm, although bovine serum albumen conjugated to the same peptide entered the nucleus rapidly. No effects of disruption of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, or microtubules on the distribution of the capsids were observed. These results suggest that movement of intact capsids within cells is primarily associated with passive processes.
“Sonoelasticity” images derived from ultrasound signals in mechanically vibrated tissues

A method has been developed for detecting and imaging the relative "stiffness," or elasticity of tissues. Externally applied vibration at low frequencies (10-1000 Hz) is used to induce oscillations within soft tissues, and the motion is detected by Doppler ultrasound. The results are displayed in a format resembling conventional Doppler color flow mapping, and are termed "sonoelasticity images." Preliminary experiments indicate that these novel images may be useful for detecting hard tumors in the prostate, liver, breast, and other organs.
Vesicular monoamine transporter 2: role as a novel target for drug development.

In the central nervous, system, vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is the only transporter that moves cytoplasmic dopamine (DA) into synaptic vesicles for storage and subsequent exocytotic release. Pharmacologically enhancing DA sequenstration by VMAT2, and thus preventing the oxidation of DA in the cytoplasm, may be a strategy for treating diseases such as Parkinson's disease. VMAT2 may also be a novel target for the development of treatments for psychostimulant abuse. This review summarizes the possible role of VMAT2 as a therapeutic target, VMAT2 ligands reported in the literature, and the structure-activity relationship of these ligands, including tetrabenazine analogs, ketanserin analogs, lobeline analogs, and 3-amine-2-phenylpropene analogs. The molecular structure of VMAT2 and its relevance to ligand binding are briefly discussed.
HINODE SOLAR OPTICAL TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS OF THE SOURCE REGIONS AND EVOLUTION OF TYPE II SPICULES AT THE SOLAR POLAR LIMB

We examine solar spicules using high-cadence Ca II data of the north pole coronal hole region, using the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) on the Hinode spacecraft. The features we observe are referred to as "Type II" spicules by De Pontieu et al. in 2007. By convolving the images with the inverse-point-spread function for the SOT Ca II filter, we are able to investigate the roots of some spicules on the solar disk, and the evolution of some spicules after they are ejected from the solar surface. We find that the source regions of at least some of the spicules correspond to locations of apparent-fast-moving (~few × 10 km s–1), transient (few 100 s), Ca II brightenings on the disk. Frequently the spicules occur when these brightenings appear to collide and disappear. After ejection, when seen above the limb, many of the spicules fade by expanding laterally (i.e., roughly transverse to their motion away from the solar surface), splitting into two or more spicule "strands," and the spicules then fade without showing any downward motion. Photospheric/chromospheric acoustic shocks alone likely cannot explain the high velocities (~100 km s–1) of the spicules. If the Ca II brightenings represent magnetic elements, then reconnection among those elements may be a candidate to explain the spicules. Alternatively, many of the spicules could be small-scale magnetic eruptions, analogous to coronal mass ejections, and the apparent fast motions of the Ca II brightenings could be analogs of flare loops heated by magnetic reconnection in these eruptions.
Finite element study of time‐dependent Maxwell's equations in dispersive media

In this article, we consider the time-dependent Maxwell's equations in a bounded domain when dispersive media are involved. The Crank-Nicolson scheme is developed to approximate the electric field equation by Nedelec edge elements and is proved to be optimal convergent in energy norm. The analysis is carried out for Debye medium, but the same results hold true for other dispersive media such as plasma and Lorentz medium. Furthermore, our analysis extends straightforward to cases when a dispersive medium and a simple medium (such as air) are coupled. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 65N30, 35L15, 78-08. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Anomalous Origin of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery from the Right Common Iliac Artery A Case Report

The authors discuss a 69-year-old man who presented for preoperativc assessment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortogram demonstrated a 3.5-cm infrarenal fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm with anomalous origin of the inferior mesenteric artery off the fight common iliac artery. A literature review indicates that this specific type of anomalous origin has not been reported.
Cortical atrophy detected by computed tomography in gasoline station attendants

Abstract Background: To evaluate the contribution of leaded gasoline in the presence of abnormal calcifications or cortical atrophy seen in computed tomographies (CT) of the head of occupationally exposed professionals working in the centre of Athens. Methods: One hundred and twenty-two head CTs from gas station employees and traffic-exposed professionals (taxi and bus drivers) were analyzed for evidence of cortical atrophy or abnormal calcifications. Blood lead level (BLL) of these lead occupationally exposed groups was compared with 37 non-exposed subjects. Results: All three occupationally exposed-to-lead groups had similar blood lead levels compared to the non-exposed group and within the currently accepted norms for lead. No abnormal calcifications were found. Cortical atrophy was more frequently seen in the gas station employees group using univariate and multivariate analysis. In the logistic regression model gas station employment had a stronger impact in developing cortical atrophy [odds ratio of 6.43 (1.46–28.3, 95% CI)] than BLL [odds ratio of 1.4 (1.01–2.05, 95% CI)]. Conclusions: These results show that employment in gasoline stations may be associated with detectable cortical atrophy in imaging studies and suggest the contribution of a leaded gasoline to its development.
Salivary micelles: Identification of complexes containing MG2, sIgA, lactoferrin, amylase, glycosylated proline-rich protein and lysozyme

Micelles represent macromolecular structures in saliva and the aim of this study was to identify salivary proteins that occur in these globular particles. Micelles were isolated from whole saliva (WS) collected from three individuals and analysed in different experiments. Samples were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses, hydrolysed to determine their amino acid composition and total protein concentration, examined by scanning electron microscopy and examined on Western blots probed with a panel of antibodies directed against salivary proteins. On Coomassie Brilliant Blue stained gels, the banding pattern of whole saliva and micelles was similar but the intensity of bands was quite different. Amino acid analysis confirmed that the amino acid composition of micelles was distinct from that of whole saliva. Scanning electron microscopy showed that micelles exhibit a complex pattern consisting of individual particles or clusters of particles with different sizes and shapes. Micelles contain proteins with high (MG2 and secretory IgA), intermediate (lactoferrin, amylase and glycosylated proline-rich protein (PRP)) and low (lysozyme) molecular weight that were immuno-detected on blots probed with specific antibodies. Micelles represent particulate multicomponent structures in whole saliva that contain a subset of salivary proteins known to be important components of the innate immune system and are likely to play an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis in the oral environment.
Large-scale InP photonic integrated circuit packaged with ball grid array for 2D optical beam steering

Large-scale InP photonic integrated circuit containing 1×32 optical phased array packaged with ball grid array has demonstrated two-dimensional (2D) optical beam steering.
Inmate support for “flat-time” sentencing and related proposals: A research note

Currently, a good deal of debate about the use of determinate sentences and attendant proposals is taking place within academic, legislative, and professional circles. This study examines these pro...
In vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of antimicrobial-coated vascular grafts

The serious medical consequences and costly management of infections associated with vascular grafts have prompted an expanding interest in examining the preventive efficacy of antimicrobial-coated vascular grafts. The purpose of antimicrobial coating of vascular grafts is to reduce bacterial colonization of the device and, hopefully, the occurrence of clinical infection. In this study we demonstrated that expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts coated with minocycline and rifampin provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in vitro, as reflected by zones of inhibition, against Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also showed in a rabbit model that subcutaneously placed minocycline/rifampin-coated vascular grafts have lower rates of staphylococcal device colonization (1/24 = 4% vs. 8/30 = 27%, p = 0.033) and device-related infection (0/24 = 0% vs. 6/30 = 20%, p = 0.028) than uncoated grafts. These promising results encourage the clinical evaluation of vascular grafts coated with minocycline and rifampin.
Understanding the redox shuttle stability of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene for overcharge protection of lithium-ion batteries

3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-dimethoxybenzene (DBDB) has been synthesized as a new redox shuttle additive for overcharge protection of lithium-ion batteries. DBDB can easily dissolve in carbonate-based electrolytes, which facilitates its practical use in lithium-ion batteries; however, it has poor electrochemical stability compared to 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-dimethoxybenzene (DDB). The structures of DBDB and DDB were investigated using X-ray crystallography and density functional calculations. The structures differ in the conformations of the alkoxy bonds probably due to the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond in the case of DBDB. We investigated reaction energies for decomposition pathways of neutral DBDB and DDB and their radical cations and found little difference in the reaction energies, although it is clear that kinetically, decomposition of DBDB is more favorable.
Size identifiability of compartmental models

Abstract The problem of determining the size of a compartmental model from the impulse response is studied. A number of examples are presented to show that the size cannot always be so determined. Sufficient conditions for this determination are given and then shown to hold almost surely for irreducible matrices.
Regeneration of resistance and ion transport in rabbit corneal epithelium after induced surface cell exfoliation

Exposure of the rabbit corneal surface to a 20-μm digitonin-0.9% NaCl solution leads to permeabilization of the most superficial cells of the stratified epithelium. The devitalized cells exfoliate spontaneously from the corneal surface. Detergent exposure limited to 4–8 min leads to permeabilization and rapid exfoliation of a monolayer of surface cells. Consistent with the presence of the epithelial paracellular permeability barrier in this cell layer, their permeabilization results in complete loss of transepithelial resistance (R t ). Within minutes after detergent removal an initial recovery ofR t can be noticed indicating generation of a new paracellular permeability barrier by the viable subsurface cells. This recovery proceeds rapidly andR t reaches within 70 min a maximum equal to > 90% of the preexfoliation values (=2.43 kΩ·cm2,n=22). TheR t recovery is fully blocked in a reversible manner by 10 μm dihydrocytochalasin B. The recovery is not affected by inhibition of protein synthesis with 5 μm cycloheximide. When the ocular surface is treated again with digitonin the permeabilization and exfoliation of a monolayer of cells and loss ofR t are repeated. After the second detergent exposure an initial recovery ofR t occurs as before within minutes. However, the pace ofR t recovery is much slower: 4–5 hr are required to reach a stable maximalR t values amounting to about 73% of initial control. This recovery can be fully blocked by 5 μm cycloheximide indicating that protein synthesis is required for generation of tight junctions by the second subcellular layer. With only a fraction ofR t recovered, short-circuit currents amounting to, at least, 50% of control values and attributable in part to cell-to-tear movement of Cl− through the apical surface can be measured. This suggests that apical-type Cl− channels are either present in the apically facing membrane of subsurface cells or that they are rapidly inserted in it from preexisting intracellular pools immediately following the devitalization of the surface cells by digitonin.
Truck driver environmental and energy attitudes - an exploratory analysis

In recent years, US federal and state regulators have developed policies and programs designed to encourage tractor-trailer drivers to reduce engine idling as a way to cut down on diesel emissions and fuel consumption. It has proven difficult, however, to target education and outreach to truck drivers, partially because little is known about them. Based on a nationwide interview survey of over 350 drivers, the link between drivers' environmental and energy attitudes and their adoption of idle-reduction measures is examined. Cluster analysis shows that truckers with some college and with college completion consistently expressed agreement with pro-environmental statements. A logit model indicates that concerns over fuel consumption, resource depletion, and cost are associated with an interest in idle-reduction alternatives among owner-operators, but not with purchases. Costs of technology and fuel are the driving considerations affecting the adoption of idle-reduction strategies.
End-to-end template jumping by the reverse transcriptase encoded by the R2 retrotransposon

The reverse transcriptase encoded by the non-long terminal repeat retrotransposon R2 has been shown to be able to jump from the 5'-end of one RNA template (the donor) to the 3'-end of a second RNA template (the acceptor) in the absence of preexisting sequence identity between the two templates. These jumps between RNA templates have similarity to the end-to-end template jumps described for the RNA-directed RNA polymerases encoded by certain RNA viruses. Here we describe for the first time the mechanism by which such end-to-end template jumps can occur. Most template jumps by the R2 reverse transcriptase are brought about by the enzyme's ability to add nontemplated (overhanging) nucleotides to the cDNA when it reaches the end of the donor RNA. The enzyme then anneals these overhanging nucleotides to sequences at the 3'-end of the acceptor RNA. The annealing is most efficient if it involves the terminal nucleotide(s) of the acceptor RNA but can occur to sites at least 5 nucleotides from the 3'-end. These end-to-end jumps are similar to steps proposed to be part of the integration reaction of non-long terminal repeat retrotransposons and can explain chimeric integration products derived from multiple RNA templates.
The effect of prior surgical disconnection of the anterior mediobasal hypothalamus on LHRH release in vitro

Abstract The degenerative responses of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)-containing neurons within the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) after knife cut lesions (FC) made in the frontal plane of the retrochiasmatic hypothalamus include a reduced number of LHRH-immunoreactive (ir) nerve terminals in the median eminence, reduction in LHRH content of the MBH and growth of novel irLHRH-containing neural processes into FC scar tissue. We have now investigated basal and secretogogue-evoked LHRH release in vitro from the preoptic area-MBH (POA-MBH) of adult male rats at 10 or 60 days after FC. Basal LHRH release rate (P 2-fold relative increase in LHRH release for all groups; however, the total amount of LHRH released by FC hypothalami was less (P
Dissipation of 4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) in a rice field

The dissipation of the herbicide 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) in a California rice field was investigated. Samples of water, rice plants and mud were collected at intervals for 20 days and analysed for MCPA by established methods for plants and mud, and by a novel method utilising XAD-2 macro-reticular resin for water. Water residues declined to less than 0.01 parts/106 of MCPA within 14 days after application; plant residues declined from 20 parts/106 to 1 part/106 within 20 days; mud residues remained constant at about 0.1 parts/106. Photolysis of dilute aqueous MCPA solutions with either sunlight or an indoor photoreactor yielded 4-chloro-2-methylphenol as the major product; o-cresol and 4-chloro-2-formylphenol also were identified. While photosensitisation was observed with water taken from the rice field, microbial degradation proceeded at an even faster rate. All environmental compartments except air contained measurable amounts (>0.01 parts/106) at some time, but water contained the bulk of the applied MCPA whose eventual disappearance was shown to be due to biological and chemical degradation and not dilution.
Long-term sensitization of apomorphine-induced rotation behavior in rats with dopamine deafferentation or excitotoxin lesions of the striatum

Abstract Following unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced deafferentation or unilateral kainic acid (KA) lesions of the striatum, rats displayed rotation behavior in response to apomorphine (0.25 or 1 mg/kg, SC, for 6-OHDA- and KA-lesioned rats, respectively). Three days following the initial apomorphine injection, rats were challenged under identical conditions with the same dose of apomorphine received previously. A third trial with apomorphine was again repeated after 3 days. Two more sets of behavioral data, each consisting of three trials, were collected under the same conditions as the first. Each set was separated by a period of 5–6 weeks. Following the second trial of the first set, rats showed a significant increase in the maximal number of rotations, demonstrating behavioral sensitization. Following the two 5-week intervals, rats were still sensitized to apomorphine, showing behavioral responses similar to the sensitized responses observed after the initial trials. Thus, the postsynaptically mediated sensitization of apomorphine-induced rotation behavior in 6-OHDA- or KA-lesioned rats is a long-lasting phenomenon. That lesions producing postsynaptic dopaminergic hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity can both show long-lasting sensitization may indicate multiple mechanisms underlying the sensitization.
Analysis of nucleotides directly from TLC plates using MALDI-MS detection

The methodology for the detection of picogram quantities of nucleotides directly from TLC plates without the use of radioactive labeling has been developed. The method couples thin-layer chromatography (TLC) separation with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) detection. The TLC/MALDI coupling protocol was studied and optimized for the separation and detection of deoxyribonucleotides. Several ammonia based solvents were examined as potential extraction solvents for the TLC/MALDI coupling protocol. It was found that in order to obtain maximum MALDI signal intensity and minimal analyte spreading, the extraction solvent should produce Rf-values for the analytes in the range of 0.3–0.4. Rf-values above this range led to extensive analyte spreading and those below this range resulted in poor extraction. Various MALDI matrices and co-matrices were investigated, the best results were obtained using 2′,4′,6′-trihydroxyacetophenone (THA) as a matrix. The extraction solvent chosen was an ammonium hydroxide/methanol (100 mM/30%, Rf = 0.28–0.38) solvent system which was found to provide the best sensitivity, minimal lateral spreading and excellent matrix transfer. Using the optimized coupling protocol, the detection limits for the deoxyribonucleotide monophosphates were established at or better than 10 picograms.
Reflecting on Role Play in Geographic Education: The Case of the Banana War.

Abstract Debates over the nature and extent of globalization raise many issues to be addressed in a geographic education. In this paper, I briefly review case method instruction and role-play as teaching strategies suitable for material on globalization and other geographic subject matter, and then sketch an overview of an undergraduate geography role-play that treats themes of globalization and agricultural trade. The role-play revolves around a real-world trade dispute, referred to as the Banana War, that was waged between the United States and the European Union during much of the 1990s over who could sell how many bananas to Europe. I conclude the paper by reflecting on the contributions of, limitations to and possibilities for case method instruction and role-play in geographic education.
A Mechatronic System for Quantitative Application and Assessment of Massage-Like Actions in Small Animals

Massage therapy has a long history and has been widely believed effective in restoring tissue function, relieving pain and stress, and promoting overall well-being. However, the application of massage-like actions and the efficacy of massage are largely based on anecdotal experiences that are difficult to define and measure. This leads to a somewhat limited evidence-based interface of massage therapy with modern medicine. In this study, we introduce a mechatronic device that delivers highly reproducible massage-like mechanical loads to the hind limbs of small animals (rats and rabbits), where various massage-like actions are quantified by the loading parameters (magnitude, frequency and duration) of the compressive and transverse forces on the subject tissues. The effect of massage is measured by the difference in passive viscoelastic properties of the subject tissues before and after mechanical loading, both obtained by the same device. Results show that this device is useful in identifying the loading parameters that are most conducive to a change in tissue mechanical properties, and can determine the range of loading parameters that result in sustained changes in tissue mechanical properties and function. This device presents the first step in our effort for quantifying the application of massage-like actions used clinically and measurement of their efficacy that can readily be combined with various quantitative measures (e.g., active mechanical properties and physiological assays) for determining the therapeutic and mechanistic effects of massage therapies.
The electrochemical reduction of VO2+ in acidic solution at high overpotentials

Abstract An investigation has been carried out to attempt to understand the unusually low apparent symmetry factor observed during the reduction of V(5) at higher overpotentials at carbon electrodes (typically 460 mV decade −1 ). This reaction is of interest because it occurs in vanadium redox-flow batteries (VRBs) during discharge. Polarisation curves were measured using a rotating disk electrode (RDE). The reaction was not solution mass transport controlled, was pH independent (ca from 0 to 1), and the observed Tafel slope was unaffected by V(5) concentration over a range from 0.031 to 280 mM. Electrode double layer capacitance measurements were also carried out in sulphuric acid with and without vanadium. These tests showed that the presence of V(5) caused a suppression of the normal carbon surface quinone pseudocapacitance, as well as the appearance of two new pseudocapacitance peaks, one around 0.175–0.2 V and the other around 0.675–0.725 V versus SCE. The observed results do not appear consistent with a precipitated film causing diffusion limitations or causing IR drop. A model is developed to try to explain the data, which involves electron transfer through an adsorbed layer of vanadium.
Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable polymers containing phenazine

The synthesis and characterization of two thermally stable polymers containing a polybenzimidazole and a ladder polymer structure are described. The tetraamino derivative of phenazine required for these syntheses was obtained by the reduction of the commercially available diamino, dinitro derivative of benzene. The polybenzimidazole polymer was synthesized by condensing tetraaminophenzine with terephthaldehyde in dimethylacetamide solvent. The resulting polymer had an intrinsic viscosity of 0.94 g/dl in methanesulfonic acid solvent. The TGA of the polymer showed it to be stable up to 4708C. The ladder polymer was prepared by reacting tetramainophenazine with dihydroquinone in polyphosphoric acid at a temperature of 1468C. The polymer formed a brittle, free-hanging film when cast from methanesulfonic acid. The molecule exhibited high degree of crystallinity and had a tendency to form dendritic-shaped structures. Doping with 15% iodine resulted in a conductivity of 9 £ 10 27 mho/cm. It was thermally stable in air, showing a 10% weight loss at 4108C. q 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
New therapies for treating Down syndrome require quality of life measurement

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of cognitive deficits. Using mouse models and therapies for Alzheimer disease, researchers are exploring therapies that may improve cognitive function in people with DS. These developments shift the health economic paradigm of understanding DS from determining the appropriate screening tool to the effect of therapy on quality of life in those with DS. To date, there are no validated quality of life instruments for DS. Research should begin to develop instruments that can evaluate changes in quality of life in therapeutic trials and beyond.
Optical Properties of Instant Tea and Coffee Solutions

The optical properties of soluble tea and coffee were studied using thin-layer transreflectometry with samples backed by white and black reflecting surfaces. The red, green, and blue transreflectance readings and the calculated internal transmittances, and scattering and absorption coefficients provided information relating to the effect of electrolytes on brew color, to changes in light transmittance and scatter on incremental addition of nondairy creamer to samples dissolved in distilled water and in mineralized water, and to the separate effects of pH and dissolved electrolytes on colorimetric and visual characteristics of the brews. The application of Kubelka-Munk analysis provided physical explanations for visually perceived attributes and reinforced the proposition that with judicious application, even from‘abridged’ data, such an analysis can be a valid and powerful tool.
Direct sequencing of the human microbiome readily reveals community differences

Culture-independent studies of human microbiota by direct genomic sequencing reveal quite distinct differences among communities, indicating that improved sequencing capacity can be most wisely utilized to study more samples, rather than more sequences per sample.
A framework for an integrated tool set for object-oriented analysis of application software development

The object-oriented approach is promising in the rapid development of application software for either sequential or distributed parallel systems. Although automation in object-oriented code generation has been realized by various CASE tools, automation in object-oriented analysis is still immature. In this paper, a framework for building an integrated tool set for providing partial automation in object-oriented analysis is presented for significantly reducing the development effort. The analyses starts from the initial problem statements with user's close participation and the support of CASE tools. Then, the corresponding results are further verified and updated by examining the graphical representations generated from the textual specifications. These analysis diagrams can be passed to the object-oriented design phase for further refinement.
Detection and tracking of region-based evolving targets in sensor networks

Sensor networks have emerged as a promising technology for large-scale, real-time monitoring in complex environments. This paper develops in-network algorithms for the detection and tracking of region-based targets and events. We deal with such issues as network topology, event boundary detection, region merging, and region simplification and smoothing. Simulation experiments confirmed that our algorithms are efficient and accurate.
In the Age of Mabo: History, Aborigines and Australia

In the Age of Mabo: History, Aborigines and Australia, Bain Attwood. ed. Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 1996.193 pp.
Functional outcomes after total claviculectomy as a salvage procedure. A series of six cases.

Background: Total claviculectomy has been used for the treatment of tumor, infection, nonunion, and vascular compromise. Given its limited indications, few reports on the outcome after claviculectomy exist. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the function of the shoulder, with use of a modern scoring system, after total claviculectomy. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of six patients who had undergone unilateral claviculectomy was performed after an average duration of follow-up of 5.7 years. The indication for surgery had been an infection at the site of a clavicular nonunion for three patients, nonunion with subclavian vein compression for two, and pain after a failed medial clavicular excision for one. The preoperative and postoperative evaluations included testing of the range of motion, strength, and stability as well as determination of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score on the basis of a functional questionnaire. Results: Range of motion was improved slightly or unchanged following claviculectomy. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 18 (range, 5 to 35) preoperatively to 88 (range, 75 to 95) postoperatively. The mean pain level (with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst pain) decreased from 9.5 preoperatively to 1.5 postoperatively. Postoperatively, strength testing showed improvement from grade 4- (of 5) to 5 in all planes tested except extension (in which it remained at grade 4). Patient satisfaction was high, with a mean of 9.0 on a 10-point scale. There were five complications, including one subclavian vein laceration requiring vascular repair, two deep infections, and two superficial infections. Conclusions: Despite a high complication rate, the functional outcomes following claviculectomy were good in this group of six patients. Total claviculectomy may be a useful salvage procedure for clinical situations in which the restoration of normal clavicular osseous anatomy is impossible. Patients can expect acceptable pain relief and few or no deficits in activities of daily living. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Exploring the interplay of yield, area, and performance in processor caches

The deployment of future deep submicron technology calls for a careful review of existing cache organizations and design practices in terms of yield and performance. This paper presents a cache design flow that enables processor architects to consider yield, area, and performance (YAP) together in a unified framework. Since there is a complex, changing trade-off between these metrics depending on the technology, the cache organization, and the yield enhancement scheme employed, such a design flow becomes invaluable to processor architects when they assess a design and explore the design space quickly at an early stage. We develop a complete set of tools supporting the proposed design flow, from injecting defects into a wafer to evaluating program performance of individual processors in the wafer. A case study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design flow and developed tools.
Modulation of triggered activity by uncoupling in the ischemic border. A model study with phase 1b-like conditions.

Objective Triggered beats during regional ischemia may depend upon the electrical source and sink charge interactions between adjacent regions of normal and ischemic cardiac tissue that are partly controlled by electrical coupling. Methods To study these relationships, we modified parameters in the Luo-Rudy dynamic membrane equations to reflect physiologic conditions associated with phase 1b arrhythmias. Superthreshold delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) formed after pacing. Coupling contributions were then examined using: (i) a single phase 1b myocyte connected via a variable resistance to a single normal myocyte, and (ii) a multicellular fiber with a 1-cm segment of phase 1b myocytes connected to a 1-cm normal segment having resistance changes that were confined to the ischemic segment. Integration of ionic, capacitive and coupling currents during DAD initiation allowed charge quantification. Results In cell pairs, phase 1b myocyte DADs were suppressed at resistances where normal myocyte pacing resulted in phase 1b myocyte excitation. Coupling charge requirements limited capacitive charging in the phase 1b myocyte, which occurred in combination with diastolic hyperpolarization that shifted transmembrane potential from threshold. In multicellular fiber simulations, DADs were suppressed with strong coupling in the phase 1b segment. Moderate uncoupling of that segment allowed superthreshold DAD formation away from the border that initiated action potential propagation in the normal segment. With severe uncoupling, propagation failed at the border. Conclusions These findings support the clinical and experimental observation that intermediate uncoupling is an important contributor to phase 1b arrhythmogenesis.
Regulation of stemness and stem cell niche of mesenchymal stem cells: implications in tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from adult tissues have been considered a candidate cell type for cell-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These multipotent cells have the ability to differentiate along several mesenchymal lineages and possibly along non-mesenchymal lineages. MSCs possess considerable immunosuppressive properties that can influence the surrounding tissue positively during regeneration, but perhaps negatively towards the pathogenesis of cancer and metastasis. The balance between the naive stem state and differentiation is highly dependent on the stem cell niche. Identification of stem cell niche components has helped to elucidate the mechanisms of stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Ultimately, the fate of stem cells is dictated by their microenvironment. In this review, we describe the identification and characterization of bone marrow-derived MSCs, the properties of the bone marrow stem cell niche, and the possibility and likelihood of MSC involvement in cancer progression and metastasis.
Strength‐Limiting Surface Damage in Single‐Crystal Sapphire Imaged by X‐ray Topography

X-ray topography was used in an effort to understand the relationship between microstructure and fracture strength in single-crystal sapphire bend bars. The bars were indistinguishable using standard optical characterization techniques, but X-ray diffraction topography revealed that they could be separated into two distinct types. The first type had an oriented microstructure consisting of a pattern of linear features parallel to the long axis of the bars. This microstructure was attributed to fabrication damage. The second type was well-polished, nearly damage-free sapphire. Fracture strength data showed that the damaged bars had strengths less than 70% of the bars without damage.
Instruction and Time‐on‐ Task: a Review

(1981). Instruction and Time‐on‐ Task: a Review. Journal of Curriculum Studies: Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 289-303.
Detection of Early Pregnancy Forms of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin by Home Pregnancy Test Devices

Background: Home pregnancy testing devices claim >99% diagnostic accuracy for pregnancy and utility on the first day of the missed menses or earlier. We investigated the forms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in early pregnancy urines, the diagnostic accuracy claim, and the abilities of 15 devices to detect the different forms of hCG. Methods: We measured the concentrations of regular hCG and hyperglycosylated hCG (H-hCG, a large hCG variant) in 592 urines. Fifteen home devices were tested according to manufacturers’ instructions with regular hCG and H-hCG diluted in urine. Results: H-hCG was the principal hCG-related molecule in pregnancy urine in the 2 weeks following the missed menses (61% and 50% of total immunoreactivity in the 4th and 5th completed weeks of pregnancy, respectively). Of 15 home test devices, 2 had a detection limit of 6.3 IU/L for regular hCG, but poorer detection of H-hCG. Two devices detected 13 IU/L regular hCG, one with similar detection and one with poorer detection of H-hCG. Ten devices detected 25 IU/L regular hCG, 6 with poorer detection of H-hCG. One device detected 50 IU/L regular hCG, but better detected H-hCG. Overall, 9 of 15 devices did not detect H-hCG as well as regular hCG. Conclusions: H-hCG is the principal hCG immunoreactivity in early pregnancy urine. Home tests vary widely in detection limits for regular hCG (6.3–50 IU/L), and 9 of 15 devices (60%) had poorer detection limits for H-hCG than for hCG. The variation in analytical detection limits appears contradictory to the common claim for all devices of >99% detection of pregnancy on the first day of the missed menses or earlier. We suggest that manufacturers calibrate devices for both hCG and H-hCG and determine the detection rates for pregnancy rather than the proportion of positive results at arbitrary hCG concentrations.
Exact solitary water waves with capillary ripples at infinity

We prove the existence of solitary water waves of elevation, as exact solutions of the equations of steady inviscid flow, taking into account the effect of surface tension on the free surface. In contrast to the case without surface tension, a resonance occurs with periodic waves of the same speed. The wave form consists of a single crest on the elongated scale with a much smaller oscillation at infinity on the physical scale. We have not proved that the amplitude of the oscillation is actually nonzero; a formal calculation suggests that it is exponentially small.
Democracy or death? Will democratisation bring greater regional instability to East Asia?

Abstract The article challenges the view that democratisation is a recipe for regional disorder in East Asia. This view is not supported by evidence. Critics of democratisation fail to consider a number of mitigating factors that may check the destabilising consequences of democratisation while accentuating its peace-causing effects. These factors are not necessarily other liberal forces, like economic interdependence, or regional institutions, although these do matter. Certain dynamics associated with democratisation, such as focus on economic rebuilding for regime legitimation, positive nationalism (‘democratic pride’), involvement of civil society, etc., may lessen the potential for inter-state conflict. These mitigating factors do not necessarily correspond with the normative and institutionalist logic underpinning the democratic peace theory, and they have been largely overlooked by the critics of that theory. After identifying them, this paper shows that the East Asian experience does not show that ...
Calcium retention in relation to calcium intake and postmenarcheal age in adolescent females

Achievement of maximal calcium retention during adolescence may influence the magnitude of peak bone mass and subsequently lower the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium retention is generally considered to reach a plateau at a certain calcium intake. To test this hypothesis, calcium balance was measured in 35 females with a mean (+/-SD) age of 12.7 +/- 1.2 y (range: 12-15 y) who consumed from 841 +/- 153 to 2173 +/- 149 mg Ca/d. Subjects ate a basal diet that included a fortified beverage containing different amounts of calcium citrate malate. Twenty-one subjects were studied at two dietary calcium intakes with use of a crossover design. Results from a previous study in 14 subjects who were studied at only one calcium intake were included in the data analysis. Calcium retention was modeled as a nonlinear function of calcium intake that included a parameter representing mean maximal retention. Mean maximal calcium retention was 473 mg/d (95% CI: 245, 701 mg Ca/d). At higher postmenarcheal ages, maximal calcium retention was lower but the intake required to achieve this was not affected. Calcium intake explained 79% and 6%, respectively, of the variation in fecal and urinary calcium excretion. Intake of 1200 mg Ca/d, the recommended dietary allowance for calcium published in 1989, resulted in a mean calcium retention that was 57% of the maximal value (95% CI: 25%, 89%). Intake of 1300 mg Ca/d was the smallest intake that allowed some adolescent females to achieve 100% of maximal calcium retention (95% CI: 26%, 100%). These data support the idea that calcium retention plateaus at a certain calcium intake although it continues to increase at intakes > 2 g/d.
Mixing Behavior of Absolutely Unstable Axisymmetric Shear Layers Forming Side Jets

Recently it has been shown that low-density axisymmetric jets can become absolutely unstable and develop highly coherent vortical structures in the near-field shear layer [1],[2],[3]. These jets have several unusual properties when compared to jets which are convectively unstable. The vortical structures grow quickly with downstream distance and rapidly develop three-dimensional structure. Intense pairing of alternate structures is observed. Perhaps the most interesting of all behaviors is the observation of strong ejections of jet fluid, termed “side jets”, into the ambient surroundings [1],[4],[5]. Their formation is attributed to the generation of strongly coupled pairs of longitudinal vortices in the developing shear layer [5],[6].
Chemical Signals and Kin Recognition in Spiny Mice (Acomys cahirinus)

It follows from kin selection theory that the ability to influence the transmission of one’s alleles into future generations would be enhanced in organisms who can readily distinguish between close relatives and unrelated conspecifics (Hamilton, 1964). Recognition of kin allows for preferential allocation of resources to such individuals (i.e., nepotism), which in turn increases the likelihood of survival and successful reproduction by the recipients--who share a large proportion of alleles with their related benefactor (e.g., Alexander, 1979). Likewise, optimal choice of mates, for example, reaching an appropriate balance between extreme outbreeding and incestuous mating, could be facilitated by discerning close kin (Bateson, 1983; Shields, 1983).