cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Optimization in Multibody Dynamics System With FEM Model on Engine Components

This paper describes the structural optimization technique with FEM optimization technology. The design shape of engine components have been optimized with consideration of dynamic effects. In the conventional approach of structural optimization in a Multibody Dynamics (MBD) system, the loads on FEM models of components as boundary conditions for subsequent shape optimization were used to be an output from MBD analysis. When an MBD system was optimized in MBD analysis, the body properties were used to be optimized instead of component shape. In this study a special modeling approach is followed to capture the loads easily and accurately with respect to contact behavior of metal bearings existing in engine components in order to improve the conventional approach with rigid elements. This approach is applied to the piston-crankshaft system of a one-cylinder engine. Topology optimization is performed to detect the effective design parameters of connecting rod (con-rod) shape to reduce weight prior to the shape optimization. Shape optimization of the con-rod results in a 6% weight reduction under the condition of critical compression loading just after the TCD (top dead center) of the combustion process. Furthermore, the structure modification for a piston based on an FE model also inside MBD analysis is performed. The base vectors of FEM morphing technology are used as design variables instead of body properties. These techniques are advanced approaches of structure modification based on FE model for MBD system.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Meta-analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation using the sperm chromatin structure assay

Meta-analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship of sperm DNA fragmentation on pregnancy outcome using in-vivo fertilization, IUI, routine IVF and ICSI. Couples with no known infertility problems were 7.0 times (CI 3.17, 17.7) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was <30% (n = 362, P = 0.0001) using in-vivo fertilization. Infertile couples using IUI were 7.3 times (CI 2.88, 18.3) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if their DFI was <30% (n = 518, P = 0.0001). With routine IVF, infertile couples were approximately 2.0 times (CI 1.02, 2.84) more likely to become pregnant if their DFI was <30% (n = 381, P = 0.03). For ICSI and/or routine IVF, the results showed a non-significant trend where infertile couples were 1.6 times (CI 0.92, 2.94) more likely to achieve a pregnancy/delivery if the DFI was <30% (n = 323,P = 0.06). The in-vivo and IUI meta-analyses were similar, indicating that IUI infertility patients with <30% DFI have as good a statistical probability of obtaining a pregnancy/delivery as in-vivo presumably fertile couples with the same DFI. These meta-analyses show that the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay infertility test was significantly predictive for reduced pregnancy success using in-vivo, IUI and routine IVF, and to a lesser extent ICSI fertilization.
Incorporating movement in species distribution models

Movement in the context of species distribution models (SDMs) generally refers to a species’ ability to access suitable habitat. Movement ability can be determined by some combination of dispersal ...
Increasing BAK expression in pancreatic cancer: A novel method of chemosensitization

Abstract Introduction: Bak is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, central regulators of the induction of apoptosis. We have previously shown that bak protein levels are decreased in some pancreatic cancer specimens which correlates with worse survival. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine mechanisms of bak transcriptional regulation, and 2) to determine whether restoration of bak protein levels would alter apoptotic sensitivity to chemotherapy. Methods: The putative bak promoter was cloned as a 2.7 kb fragment from Chromosome 6p21 into a firefly luciferase reporter construct. Essential regions were characterized by PCR-directed deletion mutational analysis in the MIA-PaCa-2 and Panc-1 human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Levels of bak in these cell lines was determined by Western blotting. Overxpression of bak was achieved in the MIA-PaCa-2 cell line by creating stably transfected subclones expressing bak cDNA under control of a constitutively active CMV promoter. The cytotoxic response of these subclones and their parental control to taxol and gemcitabine was compared by MTT assay. Results: Deletion analysis of the bak promoter activity revealed two distinct regions responsible for the transcriptional repression of bak in these human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Enforced overexpression of bak in Mia-PaCa-2 sensitized cells to the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Restoration of bak protein levels represents a possible mechanism of enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents in this lethal malignancy. Identification of the signaling mechanisms responsible for the transcriptional repression may allow for the identification of novel targets appropriate for directed molecular therapy.
Complex germline rearrangement of BRCA1 associated with breast and ovarian cancer.

Germline mutations in BRCA1 predispose to breast and ovarian cancer. Most germline BRCA1 mutations are small insertions, deletions, or single base pair (bp) substitutions. These mutation classes are rarely found as somatic mutations in BRCA1. On the other hand, somatic deletions of multiple mega-base pairs (Mb) including BRCA1, as reflected by loss of heterozygosity, occur frequently in both inherited and sporadic breast and ovarian cancers. To determine whether deletions or rearrangements of hundreds to thousands of bps might contribute to inherited mutation in BRCA1, we developed a Long PCR strategy for screening the entire genomic BRCA1 locus in high-risk families. We evaluated genomic DNA from one high-risk family of European ancestry with BRCA1-linked cancer in which no genomic mutations had been detected using conventional methods. Long PCR revealed a complex mutation, g.12977 ins10 del1039 (based on GenBank L78833), comprising an inverted duplication and deletion in BRCA1 that removes portions of exon 3 and intron 3, including the 5' splice site for intron 3. As a result of the deletion, exon 3 is skipped, leading to a truncated protein and disease predisposition. Unlike previously reported large germline deletions in BRCA1, neither breakpoint resides within an Alu element. The g.12977 ins10 del1039 mutation was not detected among 11 other breast cancer families, nor among 406 breast cancer patients unselected for family history.
Spatial ordering of organic and inorganic charge centers in as-made high-silica zeolites determined by multidimensional {1H} → 2H CPMAS NMR correlation spectroscopy

Evidence is presented for the spatial ordering of the organic and inorganic charge centers in the as-made tectosilicates nonasil, SSZ-23, and ZSM-12. This result is based on two-dimensional 2H−{1H} NMR correlation spectroscopy experiments, which show correlation between the silanol protons of the defect site and the N-methyl groups of the structure-directing agent. The two-dimensional NMR spectra for all samples suggest that the deuterons of the methyl groups adjacent to the organic charge center are preferentially ordered relative to the defect site. Experiments performed on a sample synthesized in D2O are consistent with the interpretation of the two-dimensional NMR experiments. The results also suggest that Coloumbic organic−inorganic forces influence the location of the charge-compensating defect site in all-silica zeolites. Moreover, we suggest an additional role for certain cationic structure-directing agents in zeolite synthesis, controlling the location of T+3 atoms in the zeolite framework.
Adaptable multiple neural networks using evolutionary computation

The architecture of an artificial neural network has a significant influence on its performance. For a given problem, the proper architecture is found by trial and error. This approach is time consuming and may not always produce the optimal network. In this reason, we can apply the evolutionary computation such as genetic algorithm to implement the automation of network's structure as well as the biological inspiration in neural networks to successfully adapt varying input environment. Moreover, we examine the performance of combining multiple evolving networks that are more likely to model the neurophysiology of the human brain. In the combining module, all individual networks or selected individual networks in the population are used. Also, the dynamic data set is used to provide the networks with diversity and generalization. In this model, each evolving individual network is designed to have a specific feature set and neuron connection links for given data. Then, the results are combined through the combining module to improve the generalization performance of the single network. The Iris and Austrian credit data are used in the experiment.
Effects of amiloride on calcium uptake by myocytes isolated from adult rat hearts

Abstract Amiloride at high concentrations inhibits the uptake of Ca by rat heart myocytes containing elevated levels of intracellular Na and retards the development of Ca-dependent hypercontracture in these cells. In contrast, amiloride enhances the net uptake of Ca in Ca-tolerant myocytes containing normal levels of Na. The results suggest that amiloride may inhibit NaCa exchange across the sarcolemma of cardiac myocytes.
New quasi-cyclic codes over F5

Abstract One of the most important problems of coding theory is to construct codes with best possible minimum distances. In this paper, we use the algebraic structure of quasi-cyclic codes and the BCH type bound on the minimum distance to search for quasicyclic codes over F 5 , the finite field with five elements, which improve the minimum distances of best-known linear codes. We construct 15 new linear codes of this type.
Nitric oxide dioxygenase function and mechanism of flavohemoglobin, hemoglobin, myoglobin and their associated reductases.

Abstract Microbial flavohemoglobins (flavoHbs) and hemoglobins (Hbs) show large NO dioxygenation rate constants ranging from 745 to 2900 μM −1 s −1 suggesting a primal NO dioxygenase (NOD) (EC 1.14.12.17) function for the ancient Hb superfamily. Indeed, modern O 2 -transporting and storing mammalian red blood cell Hb and related muscle myoglobin (Mb) show vestigial NO dioxygenation activity with rate constants of 34–89 μM −1 s −1 . In support of a NOD function, microbial flavoHbs and Hbs catalyze O 2 -dependent cellular NO metabolism, protect cells from NO poisoning, and are induced by NO exposures. Red blood cell Hb, myocyte Mb, and flavoHb-like activities metabolize NO in the vascular lumen, muscle, and other mammalian cells, respectively, decreasing NO signalling and toxicity. HbFe(III)–OO , HbFe(III)–OONO and protein-caged [HbFe(III)–O NO 2 ] are proposed intermediates in a reaction mechanism that combines both O-atoms of O 2 with NO to form nitrate and HbFe(III). A conserved Hb heme pocket structure facilitates the dioxygenation reaction and efficient turnover is achieved through the univalent reduction of HbFe(III) by associated reductases. High affinity flavoHb and Hb heme ligands, and other inhibitors, may find application as antibiotics and antitumor agents that enhance the toxicity of immune cell-derived NO or as vasorelaxants that increase NO signalling.
Radiative electron capture by Cl ions incident on C and Cu foils

Radiative-electron-capture (REC) cross sections for 40--80 MeV Cl ions incident on thin C foils are reported and compared with previous results using Cu targets. We find that the measured REC cross section per K vacancy scales according to the number of ''free'' electrons on the target atom, i.e., those bound target electrons with a velocity much less than the incident projectile velocity. Comparison is made with the free-electron theory of Bethe and Salpeter and good agreement is obtained. Experimental and theoretical results are compared with those of Lindskog et al., and consideration is given to different ways of computing the theoretical REC cross section.
Revision of the genus Phyrella (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) with the description of a new species from Guam.

Recently collected material from Australia, Japan and Guam allowed us to revise Phyrella and describe Phyrella mookiei sp. nov. We redefine the genus based on combined morphological and molecular analyses. Phyrella unlike most dendrochirotids eviscerate posteriorly. The number of tentacles is variable (14–20), as is the degree of fragmentation of the calcareous ring, calling into question the separation of Phyllophorinae and Semperiellinae, and suggest that Semperiella and Thyonidiella are synonymous with Phyrella . We recognize five species in Phyrella ( Phyllophorus trapezus Clark, 1932, Phyllophorus fragilis Mitsukuri & Ohshima, 1912 (synonymized with Thyonidiella oceana Heding & Panning, 1954), Phyllophorus thyonoides Clark, 1938, Semperiella drozdovi Levin & Stepanov, 1999, and Phyrella mookiei ), assign three others provisionally ( Lipotrapeza ambigua Cherbonnier, 1988 (synonymized with Phyllophorus contractura Cherbonnier, 1988 and Thyonidiella cherbonnieri Rowe & Richmond, 2004), Phyllophorus bedoti Koehler, 1895, and Orcula tenera Ludwig, 1875), considering the last two species inquirenda. Phyrella aculeatus (Ludwig, 1894), is transferred to Euthyonidiella . Orcula (Phyllophorus?) dubia Bedford, 1899, Thyonidiella exigua Cherbonnier, 1988 and Thyonidiella kungi O'Loughlin, 2012 are provisionally transferred to Phyllophorus sensu lato , the first is considered species inquirenda . Molecular phylogenetic analysis recovers a well-supported Phyrella , but suggests that some genera and subfamilies of Phyllophoridae are not monophyletic.
A Combined Analytic and Numerical Method for Predicting Solid Layer Growth in a Static Melt Crystallizer

The kinetics of crystallization limit the rate at which crystal growth can occur without incorporation of undesired impurity. If the rate of heat transfer exceeds the mass transfer rate of the impurity, the impurity can solidify, contaminating the product. One would like to specify a rate of crystallization and determine the temperature profile of the crystallizer wall that would prevent this result. Recently, we have developed a computational method for solving the problem in which the melt is fully stirred. In this article, we extend our research to the case in which the melt is static, which is more realistic and in line with industrial crystallization procedures.
Managing Items in an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

This article describes the process for selecting, preparing, loading, retrieving, and maintaining items in the William F. Ekstrom Library's automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) at the University of Louisville. The authors discuss what items were initially loaded into the Robotic Retrieval System (RRS), the preparation and software support necessary to make the items findable in the OPAC, required maintenance of the system, and advantages and disadvantages of using an automated storage and retrieval system to store collections.
Changes in prepyriform evoked potential with food deprivation and consumption.

Abstract Measurements on six cats of the mean absolute amplitude of prepyriform spontaneous activity disclosed that major changes took place under four conditions: (a) closure of the nostrils; (b) food deprivation; (c) food consumption; and (d) arousal from rest to readiness for overt action. These implied that measurable cortical activity was dependent on factors including stimulus input to the cortex, attentiveness to the input, motivation, and the initiation of an overt response. A search was made for concomitant changes in prepyriform evoked potential, on the assumption that constant intensity, afferent electrical stimulation would provide the basis for measuring changes in excitability of the cortex. Variations in attentiveness of the cats to the stimuli were reduced by daily electrical stimulation leading to habituation; several weeks of stimulation were required to achieve long-term stability. Two types of change were then observed in the frequency-response curves: an over-all increase in amplitude with deprivation; and a decrease in peakedness of the curves with the onset of food consumption. These two changes were also found in potentials evoked in cats made attentive to the electrical stimulus by conditioning to press a bar for milk on receipt of the stimulus. They were obscured by overlapping changes in the evoked potential of the type previously correlated with changes in attention. Separation of the change with attention from the change with consumption depended on the use of behavioral conditions that separated the alerting from the performing stages of the conditional response. Separation of the change with motivation in attentive cats was inadequate.
Integration Grid Errors for Meta-GGA-Predicted Reaction Energies: Origin of Grid Errors for the M06 Suite of Functionals

We have assessed integration grid errors arising from the use of popular DFT quadrature schemes for a set of 34 organic reaction energies. The focus is primarily on M05-2X and the M06 suite of functionals (M06-L, M06, M06-2X, and M06-HF). M05-2X, M06, and M06-2X outperform popular older DFT functionals for the reaction energies studied and offer accuracies comparable to results from perturbative hybrid DFT functionals. However, these new functionals are more sensitive to the choice of quadrature grid than previous generations of DFT functionals. Errors in predicted reaction energies arising from the use of the popular SG-1 integration grid, which is the default in the Q-Chem package, are significant. In particular, M06-HF reaction energies computed with the SG-1 grid exhibit errors ranging from −6.7 to 3.2 kcal mol−1, relative to results computed with a very fine integration grid. This grid sensitivity is not a general problem for meta-generalized gradient approximation functionals, but is instead due to ...
Shock Wave–Boundary Layer Interaction from Reflecting Detonations

The present work is concerned with the differences in how shock and detonation waves inside pipes or ducts reflect from closed ends. One of the motivations for the present study is that the large pressure rise associated with a detonation poses a hazard to pipes that contain flammable mixtures [1]. A detonation impinging normally on a planar wall creates a reflected shockwave to bring the flowat the wall to rest [2] and produces pressures 2.4 times that of an incident Chapman-Jouguet (CJ) detonation [3]. In examining the material deformation produced by reflected detonation loading [4] an inconsistency was discovered between the measured pressure jump across the reflected shock wave and the measured speed of the shock, with the measured pressure being as much as 25% below that predicted by the shock jump relations for the given shock speed. This was theorized to be due to bifurcation of the reflected shock wave associated with shock-wave boundary layer interaction.
Making Sense of Multicultural Education: A Synthesis of the Various Typologies Found in the Literature

This article offers a synthesis of the multiple approaches and definitions of multicultural education offered in the literature. The article suggests that the presence of so many similar typologies only serves to confuse the reader and obscure the meaning of multicultural education. This confusion is problematic, as it leaves educators in a place of uncertainty about effective educational practice.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: a potential late consequence of respiratory syncitial virus bronchiolitis.

Study Objectives To examine the hypothesis that children who suffered from severe respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis during infancy may be at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) later in childhood. Methods Survey of Kosair Children's Hospital medical records allowed for identification of potential candidates for the study. Twenty-one randomly selected children (mean age ± SD: 5.2 ± 1.5 years) with a history of verified RSV-induced bronchiolitis during their first year of life underwent overnight sleep study (NPSG). Children recruited from the general population with no history of RSV bronchiolitis served as a control group. After matching for age, gender, ethnicity, gestational age at birth, body mass index (BMI) z scores, household cigarette smoking, history of asthma and allergies, 63 control subjects (mean age ± SD: 5.1 ± 0.7 years) were also studied. Results Children who had RSV bronchiolitis as infants had significantly higher obstructive apnea/hypopnea index compared to controls (2.3 ± 1.9 vs. 0.6 ± 0.8 /hr total sleep time (TST); P < 0.05). In addition, significantly higher respiratory arousal indices were apparent among children with previous RSV bronchiolitis compared to controls (1.3 ± 1.0 vs. 0.1 ± 0.2 /hr TST; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in the lowest SpO2, ETCO2, and sleep indices. Conclusions RSV bronchiolitis may contribute to the pathophysiology of OSA in vulnerable children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1186–1191. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A note on the correlation and information energy of interval-valued fuzzy numbers

Abstract This note gives counterexamples showing that Wang and Li's (Fuzzy Sets and Systems 103 (1999) 169–175) results on correlation and information energy of interval-valued fuzzy numbers are not valid.
Effect of hysteresis on the performance of deformable mirrors and methods of its compensation

The bandwidth of a servo controlling a deformable mirror should be determined by the time delays introduced by integration, read out, and analysis of the signals recorded by the wavefront detector. However, many types of piezoelectric actuators used in the construction of deformable mirrors exhibit considerable hysteresis which destabilizes the servo and requires a reduction in the stable system bandwidth. The effect of various degrees of hysteresis on the overall servo performance will be discussed together with methods of its compensation. These methods include `passive correction,' in which the effect of hysteresis is modeled by the servo system and `active correction,' in which the shape of the mirror is continuously measured with a wide bandwidth servo and is used as the error signal. We discuss both types of correction and present experimental results.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Current status of computed radiography in emergency departments

This study reports the findings of a computed radiography (CR) imaging experience questionnaire sent to 35 emergency departments (ED) in North America. A total of 25 responses to the questionnaire were received corresponding to a return rate of 71%. The median daily workload was 71 patient examinations and the average number of films per patient examination for the 21 facilities was 3.0±0.8. A total of 91% of respondents printed to film all ED trauma images obtained with CR with only one ED claiming to be filmless. CR in the ED was easy to use and had significant benefits of reducing examination repeat rates, permitting a prompt availability of radiographic images, improving image quality, providing improved operational efficiency, and eliminating lost films. Major limitations of CR were deemed to be limited viewing stations, CR costs, and inefficient patient ID entry. Radiology departments were very happy with the introduction of CR into the ED setting with approximately half being highly satisfied and half somewhat satisfied. The degree of satisfaction by ED personnel was similar with about half being highly satisfied, 40% somewhat satisfied, and the remainder neutral. The fact that not a single respondent was in any way dissatisfied shows that CR can play a useful role in the ED setting.
Acquired Word Value, Verbal Learning and Retention: Replication and Extension

Color photographs, previously rated either as very pleasant or as indifferent, were learned as responses to nonsense syllables. Ss used their own labels for photographs for responding. Next these syllables were learned as responses to two-digit numbers. Syllable-recall was tested either immediately or after 7 days. Pleasantly-paired syllables were learned faster than those indifferently paired. This difference was partly attributed to faster learning of the pleasant photos in Phase 1 but was partly due to some independent Phase 2 process. No difference was found in rate of forgetting for the differently treated syllables.
Using a Student-Led Support Group to Reduce Stress and Burnout Among BSW Students

This study evaluates the efficacy of using a student-led support group to decrease levels of stress and reduce burnout among BSW students. The exploratory mixed-methods study used a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale measuring levels of stress, a single item measuring burnout, and narrative journal entries submitted by students. This was part of a larger study that also explored the efficacy of using a student-led group to increase students' knowledge of group work. Although limited in its scope, this research suggests that student-led group work increases the knowledge process and reduces level of burnout among social work students.
Elastic and inelastic scattering of 18O by 16O and 18O

Abstract Angular distributions have been measured for the elastic and inelastic scattering of 18 O by 16 O and 18 O at laboratory bombarding energies of 42 and 52 MeV. The inelastic scattering data are analyzed in terms of collective excitations using a coupled channel approach. Deformation parameters are obtained for the strongly excited states. The relationship between the strength of inelastic scattering and the amount of structure in the elastic scattering distributions is discussed.
Improving measurement accuracy of Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) for a new scanning PSD microscopy system

Measurement accuracy of Position Sensitive Detector (PSD) can be greatly affected by inaccuracies in interface circuits, system connections, outside environmental changes and the semi-conductive properties of the sensor. The presence of these factors causes noises and distortions that heavily degrade the performance of the PSD and any system built on it. This work addresses improving measurement accuracy of the PSD by using various correcting methods and filters to eliminate signal noises throughout the system and also develops a distortion rectifying methodology to rectify pincushion-type radial distortion associated with the PSD devices, which would enhance measurement accuracy in a larger active area of the PSD. Experimental validation demonstrates the effectiveness of these accuracy improvement methods. The improved PSD system can be further used for a proposed scanning PSD microscopy system. The system is capable of scanning an object in scale of a few micrometers for rapidly measuring the dimensions of the object based on the vanishing effect and the multi-channel photo-current feedback mechanism. Preliminary results show the measurement performance of the proposed microscopy.
Analyzing exact fractal time series: evaluating dispersional analysis and rescaled range methods

Precise reference signals are required to evaluate methods for characterizing a fractal time series. Here we use fGp (fractional Gaussian process) to generate exact fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) reference signals for one-dimensional time series. The average autocorrelation of multiple realizations of fGn converges to the theoretically expected autocorrelation. Two methods commonly used to generate fractal time series, an approximate spectral synthesis (SSM) method and the successive random addition (SRA) method, do not give the correct correlation structures and should be abandoned. Time series from fGp were used to test how well several versions of rescaled range analysis (R/S) and dispersional analysis (Disp) estimate the Hurst coefficient (0 0.9. R/S-detrended overestimates H for time series with H 0.7. Estimates of H(Ĥ) from all versions of Disp usually have lower bias and variance than those from R/S. All versions of dispersional analysis, Disp, now tested on fGp, are better than we previously thought and are recommended for evaluating time series as long-memory processes.
On the effects of topography on planetary atmospheric circulation.

Abstract The generation and deflection of winds by topography are considered in an effort to understand the general circulation of the Martian atmosphere. The low radiative time constant and large topographical variations associated with Mars are incorporated in the analytical model. The results of the analysis are applied to a large symmetrical mountain for both summer and equinox conditions, noting the effects of the topography and variability of the Cariolis parameter. A discussion of the relevance of the model to Mars is included in the summary.
An in-situ forming resorbable hydrogel for endovascular drug delivery

Purpose To evaluate drug load and release from a new in-situ gelable resorbable hydrogel and to assess its bioresorability. Materials and Methods Doxorubicin loaded hydrogels were prepared via mixing 1mL 2 wt% carboxymethyl chitosan (CCN), 0.5mL 2 mg/mL Doxorubicin, and 1 mL 2wt% oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) in 20 mL glass vials. Tetracycline loaded (10% payload) hydrogels were prepared in a similar fashion. Vials were placed in the refrigerator (5°C) for 20 hours for full gelation. 15 mL PBS (0.01M, pH=7.4) was added into each vial of drug-loaded hydrogel. Vials were then placed on a shaker (50 stroke/min) in incubator at 37°C. At fifteen predetermined time points, 0.5 mL aliquot was taken out from the vial and replaced with 0.5 mL fresh PBS. Drug concentrations in aliquots were measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Tetracycline release was also measured at three different pH levels (2, 6, and 7.4) by adjusting the pH of PBS with HCl. Resorption study was performed with hydrogel pieces prepared from 0.5 mL CMC and 0.5 mL CCN solutions (2 wt%) at 37°C in a lysozyme solution (4 mg/mL in a PBS solution). On days 3, 5, 7 and 10, samples were retrieved, rinsed and freeze-dried. The percentage of weight loss was determined. All experiments were done in triplicates. Results Doxorubicin and tetracycline were successfully loaded into hydrogel without disruption of gel formation with no change in gelation time (p=NS). The drug release from doxorubicin loaded hydrogels peaked at 48 hours whereas it peaked at 24 hours for tetracycline release and continued to at least 96 hours. The release followed a curve indicating a gradual drug release which was seen across different pH levels. Tetracycline release followed more protracted course in more acidic solutions. Degradation occurred with 50% weight loss within approximately 4 days and total resorption in 12 days. Conclusion CCN/OCMC hydrogel possess the ability to slowly release drugs after loading. The resorbable hydrogel provides a novel delivery scaffold and completely degrades after delivery.
Are supply-side drug control efforts effective? Evaluating OTC regulations targeting methamphetamine precursors

Abstract Enforcement efforts are the primary approach to reduce illegal drug use in the U.S., but evidence on their effectiveness is mixed. We provide new evidence on the effectiveness of enforcement efforts by using rich administrative records and the staggered implementation of state laws targeting over-the-counter medicines that can be used to produce methamphetamine. We estimate that the regulations reduced the number of methamphetamine laboratories operating in a state by 36%. We find no evidence of changes in methamphetamine consumption or arrests for drug possession, suggesting people were able to find methamphetamine produced elsewhere. Though we find evidence suggesting methamphetamine producers responded to regulation by obtaining precursors from neighboring states that lacked laws, they do not appear to have systematically moved production to neighboring states. This suggests that production shifted over national borders.
Offender Rehabilitation: Examining Changes in Inmate Treatment Characteristics, Program Participation, and Institutional Behavior

The efficacy of offender rehabilitation has been a topic of much debate over the past few decades. While much of the corrections literature has focused on program effectiveness, less attention has been placed on the expansion and delivery of services to incarcerated offenders, and whether the advances that have been made with regard to rehabilitation have changed the nature of treatment delivery to inmates. Using data from three time points collected as part of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) survey of state inmates, this paper examines the criminogenic needs of offenders and how those needs have changed over time, the role inmate needs play in driving participation in institutional programs, and whether inmates with unmet treatment needs commit a disproportionate number of institutional infractions. The results suggest that inmate needs have changed substantially over the past decade, with the most extensive needs concentrated in a small proportion of inmates. Consequently, correctional institutio...
Ester substituted bithiophenes. Abnormally low dihedral angle and rotation barrier due to dipolar stabilization

Abstract Ab initio calculations [3−21G (*) ] on dimethyl 2, 2′-bithiophene-4, 4′-dicar☐ylate ( 3 ), dimethyl 2, 2′-bithiophene-3, 4′-dicar☐ylate ( 4 ) and dimethyl 2, 2′-bithiophene-3, 3′-dicar☐ylate ( 5 ) have revealed that in 4 there is an abnormally small dihedral angle between the thiophene rings and an abnormally low barrier to rotation around the thiophene-thiophene single bond. This is due to a favorable coulombic interaction of the negative carbonyl oxygen and the positive sulfur of the adjacent ring which helps to flatten and bend the ground state and lower the rotation barrier. Ab inito calculations [3–21G (*) ] show a favorable coulombic interaction between the negative carbonyl oxygen and the positive sulfur of the adjacent ring in dimethyl 2, 2′-bithiophene-3, 4′-dicar☐ylate ( 4 ), which helps to flatten the ground state considerably and substantially lower the thiophene-thiophene rotation barrier. Download full-size image
Sex recognition in the leopard gecko,Eublepharis macularius (Sauria: Gekkonidae) Possible mediation by skin-derived semiochemicals

Male leopard geckoes,Eublepharis macularius, rely on skin-derived semiochemicals to determine the sex of conspecifics. Males respond to other males with agonistic behavior while females elicit courtship behavior from males. While females were shedding, males responded to them with agonistic behavior. The same females were courted both before and after shedding. An initial survey of hexane-extracted skin lipids from male and female geckoes revealed fatty acids common to both sexes. Several steroid analogs of cholesterol were unique to males while long-chain methyl ketones were unique to females. Results are discussed in the context of skin lipids serving as pheromones in reptiles.
Synthetic strategies for dinuclear platinum complexes containing inequivalent coordination spheres. Design of complexes capable of specific attack at one platinum center

Abstract Synthetic strategies to dinuclear bis(platinum) complexes with inequivalent Pt coordination spheres are outlined. The isomeric pair of complexes containing formally a [PtCl2(Me2SO)(amine)] coordination sphere linked to a [PtCl2(amine)2] moiety giving a bis(platinum) complex [{PtCl2(NH3)}-NH2(CH2)4H2N-{PtCl2(Me2SO)}] (cis/cis complex I, trans/trans complex II) has been prepared. Displacement reactions using pyridine on the tetra-iodo derivative of I gives evidence of selective substitution on the [PtI2(H2NR)(Me2SO)] coordination sphere. Isomerisation of [{trans-PtCl2(Me2SO)}2NH2(CH2)4NH2] to the dinuclear cis derivative can occur initially in a reaction which is competitive with bridge cleavage.
Depletions of central norepinephrine by intraventricular xylamine in rats.

Abstract A series of neurochemical studies evaluated the selectivity of the depletions of norepinephrine produced by intraventricular injections of xylamine. Brain monoamines were assayed by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. With ether anesthesia, bilateral injections of 50 or 100 μg xylamine reduced hippocampal levels of norepinephrine and serotonin without affecting striatal dopamine or serotonin. The depletion of hippocampal norepinephrine was significant as soon as 24 h. Animals treated with the combination of 20 mg/kg fluoxetine and 100 μg xylamine had selective depletions of central norepinephrine with no significant changes in serotonin.
Reaction-bonded silicon nitride synthesis: experiments and model

A mathematical model to describe the reaction-bonded synthesis of silicon nitride is described. The process involves formation of a network of whiskers and flakes that progressively detach from the reacting solid silicon particles and cause product densification and macropore filling. In turn, this hinders nitrogen diffusion into the bulk of the compact and slows the nitridation rate at higher conversion levels. Based on the particle-pellet concept for noncatalytic gas-solid reactions, the model accounts for diffusion in both the individual particles and the macropores, as well as fracture of product layer from volume expansion. A comparison between model predictions and experimental data for different reaction conditions is made. This comparison leads to a better understanding of the structural changes (porosity and pore size) that occur during the silicon nitridation process.
Local interlayer tunneling between two-dimensional electron systems in the ballistic regime

We study a theoretical model of virtual scanning tunneling microscopy (VSTM) [A. Sciambi, M. Pelliccione, M. Lilly, S. Bank, A. Gossard, L. Pfeiffer, K. West, and D. Goldhaber-Gordon, arXiv:1008.0668 (unpublished); A. Sciambi, M. Pelliccione, S. R. Bank, A. C. Gossard, and D. Goldhaber-Gordon, Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 132103 (2010)]: a proposed application of interlayer tunneling in a bilayer system to locally probe a two-dimensional electron system (2DES) in a semiconductor heterostructure. We consider tunneling for the case where transport in the 2DESs is ballistic and show that the zero-bias anomaly is suppressed by extremely efficient screening. Since such an anomaly would complicate the interpretation of data from VSTM, this result is encouraging for efforts to implement such a microscopy technique.
Preference for male traits in female wolf spiders varies with the choice of available males, female age and reproductive state

Individual variation in female preference for male traits may influence mate choice, especially if benefits and costs of choosiness vary with the range of available males or reproductive timing. We examined variation in female preference for male leg tuft size in Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz) wolf spiders with video playback. Dichotomous (simultaneous) choice test experiments included all possible combinations of four stimuli (i.e., modified versions of the same video male stimulus): average tuft size (control), reduced (−25%), enlarged (+25%), and no tufts (removed). Females exhibited a directional preference for larger tuft size independent of the nature of the choice (except for reduced tufts vs no tufts where no difference was seen). Female preference in the short term (over a period of 4 days) was also highly repeatable for control vs reduced tufts, but not for control vs enlarged tufts. Responses of females in ‘no-choice’ presentations of a single (control) male stimulus varied with age post-maturity; females were less receptive in weeks 1 and 2, highly receptive at week 3, and less thereafter. Mated females were least receptive and most aggressive towards a male stimulus. Females offered choices repeatedly at different ages post-maturity consistently preferred the control male vs reduced tufts over all 3 weeks but varied in their preference for enlarged tufts vs control male. In the first 2 weeks, females preferred the enlarged tuft male stimulus, but showed no preference by the third week. Females tested in week 4 showed no preference in either choice. Results suggest that the potential interaction between female preference for male traits and female reproductive timing may be a critical consideration in mate choice.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Expression in Follicular-Patterned Thyroid Lesions Caveats for the Use of Immunohistochemical Studies

To determine its usefulness as a specific diagnostic marker for follicular carcinomas (FCs) vs other follicular-patterned thyroid lesions and possible application to fine-needle aspiration specimens, we immunohistochemically studied peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) expression in histologic sections (FC, 13 cases; follicular adenoma [FA], 11; follicular variant of papillary carcinoma [FVPC], 9) and surrounding thyroid tissue by using a PPARγ monoclonal antibody. Positivity (detected by nuclear staining) was scored as absent, weak, moderate, or strong. When only moderate or strong nuclear staining was considered positive, 9 FCs (69%), 3 FAs (27%), and 2 FVPCs (22%) demonstrated positive nuclear immunoreactivity. The sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemical detection of PPARγ expression in FCs were 69% and 75%, respectively. In nonlesional surrounding tissue, moderate to strong positive staining was seen in focal areas of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in 6 of 33 cases (FC, 2; FA, 3; FVPC, 1); diffuse moderate staining was detected in surrounding tissue in the absence of lymphocytic thyroiditis in 4 cases (12%; FC, 3; FA, 1). Staining in the follicular-patterned lesions and surrounding nonlesional thyroid was specific with peptide blocking experiments.
A method for the determination of electrolytic hydrogentritium separation factors

Abstract A new method for the determination of electrolytic H/T separation factors is described. Copper or mercury was used as the test electrode. Vacuum systems, used in previous methods, were eliminated in the present technique. Instead, helium was used to carry the electrolytically evolved gases (H 2 and HT) into an oxidation train and also to carry the resulting water over into a collection system, whereafter the activity of the tritium was measured. The method has an accuracy of ± 6%.
Stevewoodia minutum, a new genus and species of Scolytidae (Coleoptera) From the West Indies. Studies on West Indian Scolytidae (Coleoptera) 6

A new genus of Scolytidae (Coleoptera), Stevewoodia, from St. Lucia in the Lesser Antilles, is herein named and described. The type species, Stevewoodia minutum sp. n. is also named. The genus is named in honor of the late Steven L. Wood for his many contributions to the systematics of the Scolytidae.
Differential Geometry Meets the Cell

A new study by Terasaki et al. highlights the role of physical forces in biological form by showing that connections between stacked endoplasmic reticulum cisternae have a shape well known in classical differential geometry, the helicoid, and that this shape is a predictable consequence of membrane physics.
Comparative effects of adrenal regeneration hypertension on non-arteriosclerotic and arteriosclerotic Sprague-Dawley vs spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract Adrenal regeneration hypertension (ARH) was induced in virgin and breeder, spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The blood pressure of the previously normotensive, virgin, SD rats and the SD breeder rats with preexistent mild hypertension became greatly elevated. ARH caused an increase in the preexistent severe hypertension in SHR virgin and breeder rats. Serum enzymes, e.g., CPK, SGOT and LDH, were greatly elevated concomitant with the finding of old and new foci of myocardial necrosis. ARH produced a dichotomous metabolic effect, i.e., elevated cholesterol, glucose, and corticosterone levels in SD rats but reduced levels in SHR rats. The zonae glomerulosae of the regenerated adrenal glands of SD rats were devoid of lipid whereas the zonae glomerulosae of SHR rats were full of lipid. Intact SHR breeder rats develop arterial lesions confined to their reproductive organs but after ARH treatment, they were found to have aortic, coronary and renal arterial lesions which were similar to those which occur, spontaneously, in SD breeder rats. It is suggested that changes in the spectrum of adrenal steroids produced during ARH may contribute to the diverse metabolic changes and the alterations in the usual cardiovascular degenerative changes found in these two strains.
Balloon Catheter Dilatation of Benign Esophageal Strictures in Children

PURPOSE This retrospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation of benign pediatric esophageal strictures MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2000 and 2005, 272 esophageal balloon dilatations were performed in 49 children, aged 18 days to 18 years. Chart and primary physician record reviews were used to assess complications, age-appropriate food intake, and dysphagia. Efficacy was calculated by time to recurrent symptoms requiring repeat balloon dilatation. Durability was assessed by the frequency of dilatations RESULTS Seventy-seven percent of patients required a second dilatation within 9 months. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) demonstrated no significant difference for efficacy in relation to patient age ( P = .76) or stricture cause ( P = .56). A decrease in the number of dilatations occurred over time to achieve longer symptom-free intervals. Patients underwent an average of 5.6 dilatations with an average total intervention time of 2 years. Patients were able to remain symptom free for a mean of 110 days. The procedure had a success rate of 100%, the only major complication being an esophageal perforation (complication rate, 0.37%) in a patient with a stricture secondary to correction of a tracheoesophageal fistula CONCLUSIONS Balloon esophageal dilatation in children is an effective and safe first-line therapy. Complications are quite rare and manageable. Although cures are unusual, most children require less than one dilatation every 6 months. It is concluded that fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation should be the primary method of treating benign esophageal strictures
Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) increases post-prandial duodenal motor activity in humans

The effects of peripherally administered Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) on post-prandial gastrointestinal motility were studied in normal subjects. Pressure activity was monitored for 90 min pre-and 120 min post-prandially in the antrum and duodenum in 8 healthy male volunteers (mean age 45.5 years). Subjects received, on separate days, ovine CRF (0.6 nmol/kg) or vehicle, infused intravenously over 5 min, 15 min after the beginning of the meal. In all subjects, CRF infusion transiently increased the frequency of contractile events to the frequency of the duodenal slow wave (11.7 ± 0.3 cpm). The postprandial duodenal mobility index (MI) after CRF infusion was significantly greater (7.72 ± 0.29) when compared to vehicle infusion (4.34 ± 0.14) (mean ± SEM; P < 0.001). However, the fraction of propagated contractile events was not altered significantly after CRF when compared to vehicle. In contrast, the antral post-prandial MI was not affected by the CRF application. Serum cortisol levels increased significantly at 60 and 90 min post-CRF injection. These data indicate that CRF transiently switches the post-prandial duodenal motor activity to a band of non-propagated high frequency contractions, but does not affect antral contractions.