cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anodic Stripping Voltammetry on a Carbon-based Ion-Selective Electrode.

Abstract In this study, we demonstrated the unique capability of carbon-based ion-selective electrode (ISE) to perform highly sensitive square wave anodic stripping voltammetry, while maintaining all the properties of an ISE, in terms of sensitivity, detection limit, response time and selectivity. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry involves deposition and dissolution steps of metal ions, which means adsorption and desorption of metal ions on the conductive ion-selective membrane without losing its ion-sensing property. To demonstrate this capability, we chose a Ca2+ ion-selective microelectrode (µISE) as a potentiometric method and Cu2+-stripping voltammetry as an amperometric method. The carbon-based ISE surface is capable of quantifying nanomolar to micromolar Cu2+ in both a standard acetate buffer and a complex water sample. The Ca2+-µISE also showed a Nernstian slope of 29 mV/log [Ca2+] and a detection limit of 1 µM within the linear range of 1 µM to 10 mM. It thus opens an opportunity to use the low detection limit of anodic stripping voltammetry and the high selectivity of ISE-based potentiometry.
Soviet Unconventional Conflict Policies and Strategies in the Third World

Not surprisingly, the United States and the Soviet Union were fre­ quently involved in these conflicts. The United States was involved directly in at least 22 major unconventional conflicts in the Third World between 1960 and 1987, and the Soviet Union participated in at least 25 during the same period.3 In at least eighteen instances, both the United States and the Soviet Union were involved in the same major conflict, almost always supporting different sides.4 Many additional "minor" conflicts have also taken place. If U.S. and Soviet involvement in "minor" unconventional conflicts in the Third World, such as U.S. support for the Bolivian government in its eventually successful effort to end Che Guevara's insurgency and Soviet support for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman in its effort to overthrow Oman's government, are included, the scope of superpower involvement in unconventional conflicts in the Third World far surpasses even those figures presented above. Given the frequency of superpower involvement in unconventiona l Third World conflicts, it is understandable that many policy-makers and analysts in the West have sought to dissect and understand the forces that lead to and influence that involvement.5 This study follows in that tradi­ tion and seeks both to provide an understanding of Soviet conceptions of unconventional conflict in the Third World and to analyze actual Soviet policies and strategies in unconventional Third World conflicts. SOVIET CONCEPTIONS OF UNCONVENTIONAL CONFLICTS IN THE THIRD WORLD The Kremlin has been and remains extremely concerned about and interested in both U.S. and Soviet policies in the Third World, and about the role of both superpowers in conventional and unconventional con­ flict there.' Unfortunately, however, any analysis of Soviet conceptions of unconventional conflict in the Third World is complicated by the sim­ ple fact that the Soviets reject "unconventional conflict" as an analytical tool. Further, they decry as unacceptable and misleading both "lowintensity conflict" (LIC) and "counter-terrorism," two of the major subsets of unconventiona l conflict. The reasons that the Kremlin takes these positions require further clarification.
Effect of warm-up on running performance.

(1970). Effect of Warm-Up on Running Performance. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 116-119.
The capsular polysaccharide of Bacteroides fragilis comprises two ionically linked polysaccharides.

Recently, we have shown that the capsular polysaccharide of Bacteroides fragilis NCTC 9343 is composed of an aggregate of two discrete large molecular weight polysaccharides (designated polysaccharides A and B). Following disaggregation of this capsular complex by very mild acid treatment, high resolution NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that polysaccharides A and B consist of highly charged repeating unit structures with unusual substituent groups (Baumann, H., Tzianabos, A. O., Brisson, J.-R., Kasper, D.L., and Jennings, H.J. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 4081-4089). Presently, we report that the capsular polysaccharide of B. fragilis represents a complex structure that is formed as a result of ionic interactions between polysaccharides A and B. Electron microscopy of immunogold-labeled organisms (with monoclonal antibodies specific for polysaccharides A and B) demonstrated that the two polysaccharides are co-expressed on the cell surface of B. fragilis. We have shown that the purified capsule complex is made up exclusively of polysaccharide A and polysaccharide B (no other macromolecular structure was detected) in a 1:3.3 ratio and that disaggregation of this complex into the native forms of the constituent polysaccharides could be accomplished by preparative isoelectric focusing. Structural analyses of the native polysaccharides A and B showed that they possessed the same repeating unit structures as the respective acid-derived polysaccharides. The ionic nature of the linkage between polysaccharides A and B was demonstrated by reassociation of the native polysaccharides to form an aggregated polymer comparable to the original complex. The distinctive composition of this macromolecule may provide a rationale for the unusual biologic properties associated with the B. fragilis capsular polysaccharide.
INDUCTION OF LYSOGENIC MICROCOCCUS LYSODEIKTICUS

Field, A. K. (Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.) and H. B. Naylor. Induction of lysogenic Micrococcus lysodeikticus. J. Bacteriol. 84:1129–1133. 1962.—Between 50 and 60% of log-phase cells of Micrococcus lysodeikticus strain ML 53-40, lysogenic for N5 bacteriophage, were induced by an optimal dose of ultraviolet light. Induction of dilute cell suspensions caused a subsequent 200- to 800-fold increase in infective-center concentration. Cells in the stationary growth phase and cells adapted to a chemically defined medium were also induced by ultraviolet irradiation. Dimethyl sulfate induced the lysogenic culture to about the same extent as did ultraviolet light, whereas β-propiolactone was less effective.
A comparison of pediatric, adolescent, and adult testicular germ cell malignancy.

Background Testicular germ cell tumors (T-GCTs) occur from infancy to adulthood, and are the most common solid tumor in adolescent and young adult males. Traditionally, pediatric T-GCTs were perceived as more indolent than adult T-GCTs. However, there are few studies comparing these groups and none that specifically evaluate adolescents. Methods An institutional database of T-GCT patients was reviewed and patients were categorized into Pediatric, aged 0–12 years, Adolescent, aged 13–19 years, and Adult, older than 20 years, cohorts. Demographics, tumor characteristics, disease stage, treatment, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between groups. Results Overall, 413 patients (20 pediatric, 39 adolescent, 354 adult) met study criteria and were followed for a median of 2.0 years (0.1–23.6). Adolescents presented with more advanced stage than children (P = 0.018) or adults (P = 0.008). There was a higher rate of events in Adolescents (13, 33.3%) than in Adults (61, 17.2%) or Children (2, 10.0%). Three-year EFS was 87.2% in the Pediatric group, 59.9% in Adolescents and 80.0% in Adults (P = 0.011). In a multivariate analysis, controlling for stage, IGCCCG risk, and histology, the hazard ratio (HR) for an event was: 1 (Reference) for Adults, HR = 0.82 (95% CI 0.19–3.46; P = 0.33) for the Pediatric group, and HR = 2.22 (95% CI 1.21–4.07; P = 0.01) for Adolescents. Five-year OS was 100% in the Pediatric group, 84.8% in Adolescents, and 92.8% in Adults (P = 0.388). Conclusion Lower EFS in adolescent T-GCT patients was observed than in either children or adults. Elucidating factors associated with inferior outcomes in adolescents is an important focus of future research. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:446–451. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Less is more: Nutrient limitation induces cross-talk of nutrient sensing pathways with NAD + homeostasis and contributes to longevity

Nutrient sensing pathways and their regulation grant cells control over their metabolism and growth in response to changing nutrients. Factors that regulate nutrient sensing can also modulate longevity. Reduced activity of nutrient sensing pathways such as glucose-sensing PKA, nitrogen-sensing TOR and S6 kinase homolog Sch9 have been linked to increased life span in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and higher eukaryotes. Recently, reduced activity of amino acid sensing SPS pathway was also shown to increase yeast life span. Life span extension by reduced SPS activity requires enhanced NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form) and nicotinamide riboside (NR, a NAD+ precursor) homeostasis. Maintaining adequate NAD+ pools has been shown to play key roles in life span extension, but factors regulating NAD+ metabolism and homeostasis are not completely understood. Recently, NAD+ metabolism was also linked to the phosphate (Pi)-sensing PHO pathway in yeast. Canonical PHO activation requires Pi-starvation. Interestingly, NAD+ depletion without Pi-starvation was sufficient to induce PHO activation, increasing NR production and mobilization. Moreover, SPS signaling appears to function in parallel with PHO signaling components to regulate NR/NAD+ homeostasis. These studies suggest that NAD+ metabolism is likely controlled by and/or coordinated with multiple nutrient sensing pathways. Indeed, cross-regulation of PHO, PKA, TOR and Sch9 pathways was reported to potentially affect NAD+ metabolism; though detailed mechanisms remain unclear. This review discusses yeast longevity related nutrient sensing pathways and possible mechanisms of life span extension, regulation of NAD+ homeostasis, and cross-talk among nutrient sensing pathways and NAD+ homeostasis.
Dose rate, total dose and neutron radiation testing of COTS and military microcircuit devices

Radiation testing on a variety of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and military devices has been performed for the prompt narrow and wide pulse dose rate, total dose gamma and neutron environments. Many of the devices reported on are those used for microprocessor and processor peripheral support applications.
Numerical performance of some finite element schemes for analysis of seepage in porous elastic media

Several finite element schemes for analysis of seepage in porous elastic media, based on different spatial and temporal discretization, were implemented in computer programs. Their numerical performance is evaluated by comparison with the exact solution for Terzaghi's problem of one-dimensional consolidation.
Serial magnetic resonance imaging of the West Nile virus encephalitis

Abstract The first case of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in North America was detected in New York in the summer of 1999. Since then, there has been increasing number of WNV infections in this country. In a small number of cases, the virus infects the brain causing meningoencephalitis that can prove fatal. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in our patient showed gradual progression of the disease from the basal ganglia, thalami to the rhombencephalon.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide and methanol on platinum surfaces decorated with ruthenium

Ruthenium is the most active and stable promoter of platinum known for low-temperature fuel cell anode reactions such as the oxidation of methanol and CO. The mechanism of promotion by Ru, including bifunctional and ligand effects, is discussed in this selective review. Also examined are effects of surface structure, Ru distribution, and Ru oxidation state. For this purpose, some review of the mechanism of CO and methanol oxidation on Pt/Ru surfaces is provided. The review concentrates on pure Pt nanoparticles and bulk electrodes modified by deposition of Ru, although some discussion of Pt/Ru alloys and Pt-modified Ru electrodes is included in order to address and discuss all aspects of promotion by Ru.
PRIVATE POWER IN INDONESIA

Abstract The Asian currency crisis led to the collapse of agreements that Indonesia had negotiated for private electric power only a few years earlier. The ensuing struggle with investors created bad publicity and cost the country several hundred million dollars. As Indonesia in 2007 was designing a new law that would pass the constitutional test and encourage private investors in electric power, it was not clear that officials had fully understood the lessons of the earlier disputes. The original problems lay less in the legal framework than in lack of information about deals elsewhere, in the personal interests of highly placed individuals, and in the institutional structure and procedures for negotiations. The resulting power purchase agreements produced high electricity prices, imbalanced allocation of risks and rewards, and unwillingness to use the most effective defences when disputes arose. Learning from the past should help officials avoid similar mistakes in the future.
A Comparison of Subsidized Guardianship and Child Welfare Adoptive Families Served by the Illinois Adoption and Guardianship Preservation Program

This study compares the outcomes of 113 subsidized guardianship families and 733 child welfare adoptive families served by a therapeutic counseling program for adoptive/guardianship families at risk of child placement or dissolution. No significant differences are found in the percentage of children in placement at the end of services or the level or parental commitment to their children. Children in subsidized guardianship families are more likely to be minority children who are older at removal from their birth families and at placement with their current families. Also they are less likely to have a history of abuse than children in adoptive families.
Removing bias from solvent atoms in electron density maps

Atomic structures of proteins determined via protein crystallography contain numerous solvent atoms. The experimental data for the determination of a water molecule's O-atom position is often a small contained blob of unidentified electron density. Unfortunately, the nature of crystallographic refinement lets poorly placed solvent atoms bias the future refined positions of all atoms in the crystal structure. This research article presents the technique of omit-maps applied to remove the bias introduced by poorly determined solvent atoms, enabling the identification of incorrectly placed water molecules in partially refined crystal structures. A total of 160 protein crystal structures with 45 912 distinct water molecules were processed using this technique. Most of the water molecules in the deposited structures were well justified. However, a few of the solvent atoms in this test data set changed appreciably in position, displacement parameter or electron density when fitted to the solvent omit-map, raising questions about how much experimental support exists for these solvent atoms.
Grain growth in Zr–Fe thin films during in situ ion irradiation in a TEM

Abstract In situ ion-beam irradiation was used to study irradiation induced grain growth in co-sputter-deposited Zr/xFe (0% ⩽ x ⩽ 4.5%) nanocrystalline thin films. Samples were irradiated with 500 keV Kr ions to fluences in excess of 1016 ions/cm2 (on the order of 80–100 dpa), at irradiation temperatures ranging from 20 K to 573 K. The average grain size increased monotonically with ion fluence until it reached a saturation value which depends both on temperature and on the presence of Fe. Similarly to thermal grain growth, the ion irradiation induced grain growth curves could be best fitted with curves of the type: L n - L 0 n = K Φ . Grain growth at 20 K is similar to that which occurs at 298 K. Above 298 K, the rate of grain growth increases with irradiation temperature.
Understanding the effects of pre-processing on extracted signal features from gait accelerometry signals

Gait accelerometry is an important approach for gait assessment. Previous contributions have adopted various pre-processing approaches for gait accelerometry signals, but none have thoroughly investigated the effects of such pre-processing operations on the obtained results. Therefore, this paper investigated the influence of pre-processing operations on signal features extracted from gait accelerometry signals. These signals were collected from 35 participants aged over 65years: 14 of them were healthy controls (HC), 10 had Parkinson?s disease (PD) and 11 had peripheral neuropathy (PN). The participants walked on a treadmill at preferred speed. Signal features in time, frequency and time-frequency domains were computed for both raw and pre-processed signals. The pre-processing stage consisted of applying tilt correction and denoising operations to acquired signals. We first examined the effects of these operations separately, followed by the investigation of their joint effects. Several important observations were made based on the obtained results. First, the denoising operation alone had almost no effects in comparison to the trends observed in the raw data. Second, the tilt correction affected the reported results to a certain degree, which could lead to a better discrimination between groups. Third, the combination of the two pre-processing operations yielded similar trends as the tilt correction alone. These results indicated that while gait accelerometry is a valuable approach for the gait assessment, one has to carefully adopt any pre-processing steps as they alter the observed findings. HighlightsGait accelerometry is a popular approach for an instrumented walking analysis.Acquired recording typically need to be preprocessed to remove artifacts.The effects of preprocessing need to be understood.Wavelet denoising has no effects.Tilt correction can potentially enhance group discriminations.
Altered Energy Balance May Account for Growth Failure in Rett Syndrome

To determine whether alterations in energy balance account for growth failure in Rett syndrome, we measured dietary energy intakes, fecal fat losses, activity patterns, and sleeping as well as quietly and actively awake metabolic rates in Rett syndrome girls and healthy controls. Dietary energy intakes and fecal fat losses did not differ between the groups. Metabolic rates while sleeping and quietly awake were 23% lower (P < .05) in Rett syndrome girls than in controls; metabolic rates while actively awake did not differ between the groups. However, because of the 2.4-fold greater time (P < .001) spent in involuntary motor movement, energy expenditure associated with activity was twofold greater (P < .05) in Rett syndrome girls than in controls. Although total daily energy expenditure of the two groups did not differ significantly, energy balance was less positive in the Rett syndrome girls than in the controls. This small difference in energy balance, if sustained over months to years, is sufficient to account for growth failure in Rett syndrome girls.
Linear complementarity problems solvable by A single linear program

It is shown that the linear complementarity problem of finding az inRn such thatMz + q ? 0, z ? 0 andzT(Mz + q) = 0 can be solved by a single linear program in some important special cases including those whenM or its inverse is a Z-matrix, that is a real square matrix with nonpositive off-diagonal elements. As a consequence certain problems in mechanics, certain problems of finding the least element of a polyhedral set and certain quadratic programming problems, can each be solved by a single linear program.
Roles of tropospheric and boundary layer forcing in the diurnal cycle of convection in the U.S. southern great plains

[1] This study examines the roles of the tropospheric large-scale forcing, surface sensible and latent heat fluxes and convective inhibition in the diurnal variation of convection in the U.S. Southern Great Plains using data from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program. It is shown that the diurnal variation of the tropospheric large-scale forcing has a strong in-phase relationship with convection, whereas the diurnal variations of surface sensible and latent heat fluxes as well as the thermodynamic properties of the near-surface air are nearly out of phase with that of convection. Both the single column version and the full global model of the NCAR CCM3 are used to test the roles of the tropospheric and boundary layer forcing in the observed diurnal variation of convection. When convection is parameterized based on the tropospheric large-scale forcing, the diurnal variation of convection is in good agreement with the observations.
Differential C-erbB-2 and VEGF expression following BCG immunotherapy in superficial papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) is generally regarded as an effective immunotherapy for superficially invasive papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The exact mechanism(s) which underlie its efficacy are unknown. As C-erbB-2 oncoprotein and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown to be over-expressed in TCC of the bladder, it has been postulated that they may be important in its pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to 1.) differentially evaluate the effect of BCG immunotherapy in treated and untreated cohorts on the immunohistochemical expression of C-erbB-2 and VEGF in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of superficial and superficially invasive (Stage Ta-T1) transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Immunolabeling intensity was assessed independently by two pathologists and reported as a mean labeling index. The results confirm previous studies that 1.) both c-erbB-2 and VEGF are over-expressed in these tumors MLI = 90.1 and 45.7 respectively, 2.) that VEGF is an early and sensitive indicator of TCC, and 3.) that BCG has a salutary effect on papillary TCC, 66% vs. 89% recurrence rate, P = .04. Our findings show that 1.) C-erbB-2 expression is decreased in patients tumors which show response to BCG (45.7 to 38.5), P = 0.15, 2.) that BCG administration has no effect on the expression of VEGF. While the decrement in c-erbB-2 immunostaining observed in those patients who received BCG contrasts with the increase in c-erbB-2 immunolabeling observed in patients who did not receive BCG, the differences were not statistically significant and could reflect tumor grade or stage regression associated with BCG therapy. However, this study suggests that BCG differentially influences the expression of C-erbB-2 and VEGF.
Software engineering and computer science: the impending split?

Abstract A tension is emerging in academia between those who view computing as a science and those who view computing as an emerging engineering discipline. By the year 2000, computing may separate into two academic disciplines, software engineering and computer science, paralleling the split of computer science from mathematics in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Educators must recognize the true needs of the practitioner community, or risk fragmenting and weakening the still new and rapidly evolving field of computing. Actions today will determine if computing will compete with or be subsumed by software engineering, rather than complement it.
Apolipoprotein E Enhances MicroRNA-146a in Monocytes and Macrophages to Suppress Nuclear Factor-κB–Driven Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Rationale: Apolipoprotein E (apoE) exerts anti-inflammatory properties that protect against atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. However, mechanisms by which apoE suppresses the cellular activation of leukocytes commonly associated with atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood. Objective: To test the hypothesis that apoE suppresses inflammation and atherosclerosis by regulating cellular microRNA levels in these leukocytes. Methods and Results: An assessment of apoE expression among such leukocyte subsets in wild-type mice revealed that only macrophages and monocytes express apoE abundantly. An absence of apoE expression in macrophages and monocytes resulted in enhanced nuclear factor-κB signaling and an exaggerated inflammatory response on stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. This correlated with reduced levels of microRNA-146a, a critical negative regulator of nuclear factor-κB signaling. Ectopic apoE expression in Apoe –/– macrophages and monocytes raised miR-146a levels, whereas its silencing in wild-type cells had an opposite effect. Mechanistically, apoE increased the expression of transcription factor purine-rich PU-box–binding protein 1, which raised levels of pri-miR-146 transcripts, demonstrating that apoE exerts transcriptional control over miR-146a. In vivo, even a small amount of apoE expression in macrophages and monocytes of hypomorphic apoE mice led to increased miR-146a levels, and inhibited macrophage proinflammatory responses, Ly-6C high monocytosis, and atherosclerosis in the settings of hyperlipidemia. Accordingly, cellular enrichment of miR-146a through the systemic delivery of miR-146a mimetics in Apoe –/– Ldlr –/– and Ldlr –/– mice attenuated monocyte/macrophage activation and atherosclerosis in the absence of plasma lipid reduction. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that cellular apoE expression suppresses nuclear factor-κB–mediated inflammation and atherosclerosis by enhancing miR-146a levels in monocytes and macrophages.
The relationship of seizures to retrograde amnesia in hippocampectomized rats.

Abstract Rats with electrolytic lesions of the hippocampus were trained in a step through passive avoidance task. One group of these rats received electrocortical stimulation (ECoS) following footshock. It was found that the hippocampectomized rats were capable of learning the passive avoidance task. Of the animals receiving ECoS after footshock, only those exhibiting electrographic seizures had retrograde amnesia (RA). There were no histological differences in the lesions of rats with RA and rats not showing RA.
Issues and questions to consider in implementing secure electronic patient–provider web portal communications systems

Abstract Purpose Patients are increasingly interested in using Internet-based technologies to communicate with their providers, schedule clinic visits, request medication refills, and view their medical records electronically. However, healthcare organizations face significant challenges in providing such highly personal and sensitive communication in an effective and user-friendly manner. Methods Based on the literature and our experience in providing a secure web-based patient–provider communication portal in primary care clinics, a framework was developed that identifies key issues and questions to consider in implementing secure electronic patient–provider communications systems. Results The framework serves to categorize the many lessons learned from our implementation process and the specific issues and questions healthcare organizations need to consider in implementing such systems related to seven areas: strategic fit and priority; selection process & implementation team; integration into communications and workflows; HIPAA issues & clinic policies; systems implementation & training; marketing & enrollment; on-going performance monitoring. Conclusion The framework provides a useful guide for organizations looking to implement secure electronic patient–provider communication systems.
Defect-sealing synthesis of vertically oriented ordered mesoporous silica membranes

Vertically oriented ordered mesoporous silica membranes have been successfully synthesized in our laboratory in the form of silica plugs filling the macron-sized straight pores of hydrophobic track-etched polycarbonate membrane support. However, these membranes have shown gaps between the plugs and support pore wall which make the membranes unfeasible for use. This paper reports on techniques of synthesis of defect-free ordered mesoporous silica membranes by filling the gaps with microporous silica. Here, the elimination of defects is achieved by filling the membrane gaps with an alkoxysilane followed by exposure to humid air to allow controlled hydrolysis and condensation resulting in the formation of microporous silica within the gaps. Molecular probing gas permeation and helium/nitrogen (or oxygen) binary separation tests, coupled with surface characterization methods, show that the final membranes contain ordered mesopores of about 2.7 nm pore diameter, running through the membrane, with gaps sealed by microporous silica having a pore size <0.55 nm.
Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems in Patients Scheduled for Elective Surgery

Smokers are at increased risk of postoperative complications. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; or electronic cigarettes) could be a useful tool to reduce harm in the perioperative period. This pilot study examined the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of smokers scheduled for elective surgery regarding ENDS. This was a cross-sectional survey of current cigarette smokers who were evaluated in a preoperative clinic before elective surgery at Mayo Clinic. Measures included demographic characteristics, smoking history, 2 indices assessing the perception of how smoking affected health risks, ENDS use history, and 3 indices assessing interest in, perceived benefits of, and barriers to using ENDS in the perioperative period. Of the 112 smokers who completed the survey, 62 (55%) had tried ENDS and 24 (21%) reported current use. The most commonly stated reason for using ENDS was to quit smoking. Approximately 2 in 3 participants would be willing to use ENDS to help them reduce or eliminate perioperative cigarette use, and similar proportions perceived health benefits of doing so. Of the factors studied, only attempted to quit within the last year was significantly associated with increased interest in the perioperative use of ENDS (P=.03). Compared with participants who had tried ENDS (n=62), those who had never tried ENDS (n=50) had a significantly increased interest in the perioperative use of ENDS. A substantial proportion of patients scheduled for elective surgery had tried ENDS and would consider using ENDS to reduce perioperative use of cigarettes.
Human-robot physical interaction with dynamically stable mobile robots

Developed by Prof. Ralph Hollis in the Microdynamic Systems Laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University, Ballbot is a dynamically stable mobile robot moving on a single spherical wheel providing omni-directional motion. Unlike statically stable mobile robots, dynamically stable mobile robots can be tall and skinny with high center of gravity and small base. The ball drive mechanism is a four motor inverse mouse-ball setup. An Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU) and encoders on the motors provide all information needed for full-state feedback. Ballbot has three legs that provide static stability when powered down and is capable of auto-transitioning from the statically stable state to the dynamically stable state and vice versa. It is also capable of yaw rotation about its vertical axis. An absolute encoder provides the relative angle between the IMU and the ball drive unit.We wish to demonstrate Human-Robot Physical Interaction with dynamically stable mobile robots using Ballbot as an example. The balancing controller on Ballbot is extremely robust to disturbances like shoves, kicks and collisions with furniture and wall. Due to its dynamic stability, Ballbot can be moved around with very little effort. Physically directing a heavy statically stable mobile robot can be a difficult task, whereas Ballbot can be moved around with just a single finger. Similarly, while moving, Ballbot can be stopped with very little effort. We have developed some basic behaviors that enable Ballbot to detect human intentions with the physical interaction it has using just the encoder and IMU data. For example, given a soft push, Ballbot tries to stick to its position on the floor, whereas, when given a hard push, it moves away from its current location and station-keeps at a different point on the floor. We also present our initial results in developing a Learn-Repeat behavior in Ballbot, where in during the Learn mode, the user drives Ballbot around and it remembers the path travelled, and during the Repeat mode, Ballbot attempts to repeat the path learnt. We are in the process of adding stereo cameras and laser range finders to the robot, which will help us explore and extend more areas of Human-Robot Interaction.
Targeting the Sonic Hedgehog Pathway in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT) may occur sporadically or associated with the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. It is a benign aggressive tumor of odontogenic epithelial origin with a high rate of recurrence. A primary human keratocystic odontogenic tumor cell population, KCOT-1, has been established from a tumor explant culture. The KCOT-1 cells were characterized by growth rate, gene expression profiles of major tooth enamel matrix proteins (EMPs), amelogenin (AMELX), enamelin (ENAM), ameloblastin (AMBN), amelotin (AMTN), tumor-related proteins enamelysin (MMP-20), kallikrein-4 (KLK-4), and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM) using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Cytokeratin 14 (CK14) was examined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, expression of the members of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway, SHH, patched (PTCH-1), smoothened (SMO), GLI-1, and GLI-2 and of the NOTCH signaling pathway, NOTCH-1, NOTCH-2, NOTCH-3, JAG-2 (Jagged-2), and Delta-like-1 (DLL-1) were evaluated. KCOT-1 cells were treated with SMO antagonist cyclopamine. We found that cyclopamine significantly arrested the growth of KCOT-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner and that the effects of cyclopamine were abolished by adding SHH protein. The protein expression of the SHH pathway was down-regulated by cyclopamine, further confirming that cyclopamine inhibits the SHH signaling pathway; SHH down-regulation correlated with the down-regulation of the NOTCH signaling pathway as well. In conclusion, using an established KCOT-1 cell population, we characterized the gene expression profiles related to the EMPs, SHH, and NOTCH signaling pathway and confirmed that cyclopamine significantly arrested the growth of KCOT-1 cells and may be a viable agent as a novel therapeutic.
Some cerebellar effects on the electrocorticogram.

Abstract The present study was made on cats maintained under d-tubocurare or di-hydro-beta erythroidin. 1. 1. Cerebellar stimulation can alter the electrical activity of both sensory and motor areas of the cerebrum. 2. 2. Changes in cerebral activity following cerebellar stimulation usually indicate more pronounced “activation” patterns; rarely, slow waves and spindles follow such stimulations. 3. 3. Localized areas of the cerebellum can influence localized cerebral areas. 4. 4. Possible relationships of the cerebellum to the diffuse activating system is discussed.
SAP97 concentrates at the postsynaptic density in cerebral cortex

SAP97, a PDZ-containing protein, is reported to concentrate in axon terminals, where its function remains unknown. Using highly specific new antibodies, we show that SAP97 in rat cerebral cortex is associated with heteromeric AMPA receptors via a selective biochemical interaction between SAP97 and the GluR1 subunit. Using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate cellular and synaptic colocalization of SAP97 and GluR1, and show that SAP97 concentrates at synapses that contain GluR1 but not necessarily GluR2 or GluR3. Using quantitative postembedding immunogold electron microscopy, we find that SAP97 is at highest concentration within the postsynaptic density of asymmetric synapses. These data suggest that SAP97 may help to anchor GluR1-containing AMPA receptors at the synapse. As a multifunctional scaffolding protein, SAP97 may organize components of AMPA-related intracellular signalling pathways, including those associated with calcium-permeable homomeric GluR1 channels.
Problems in evaluating the economics of ecological agriculture

Abstract Our knowledge of how ecological agriculture compares economically with conventional practices is very incomplete despite the increasing attention the subject has received in the past decade. Five kinds of problems make the question very complex: (1) the definition of “ecological agriculture” is at best a loose one, and often it is not clear how this concept differs from several others with similar goals, such as “low-input” agriculture; (2) ecological agriculture can be applied on a scale ranging from an individual field up to the entire agriculture of a region, with each scale having different economic implications; (3) it is difficult to take account of the farmer's management ability when evaluating the success of an ecological farming system; (4) economic comparisons of farming systems depend on whether the viewpoint is that of the individual farmer, of society, or of future generations; (5) economic comparisons vary according to what is assumed regarding agricultural subsidies and whether there are price differentials for the same product produced by different methods. Economic analyses done so far have not been extensive enough to deal with these many sources of variation. Moreover, there may never be agreement among researchers regarding certain assumptions (especially item (4) above) that involve values and individual priorities, not scientific truths. Prudence is called for in asserting generalizations based on the limited research results currently available.
Potato glycoalkaloids: chemistry, analysis, safety, and plant physiology

Abstract Potatoes, members of the Solanaceae plant family, serve as a major, inexpensive food source for both energy (starch) and good-quality protein, with worldwide production of about 350 million tons per year. U.S. per capita consumption of potatoes is about 61 kg/year. Potatoes also produce potentially toxic glycoalkaloids, both during growth and after harvest. Glycoalkaloids appear to be more toxic to man than to other animals. The toxicity may be due to anticholinesterase activity of the glycoalkaloids on the central nervous system and to disruptions of cell membranes affecting the digestive system and other organs. The possible contribution of glycoalkaloids to the multifactorial aspects of teratogenicity is inconclusive. Possible safe levels are controversial; guidelines limiting glycoalkaloid content of potato cultivars are currently being debated. This review presents an integrated, critical assessment of the multifaceted aspects of the role glycoalkaloids play in nutrition and food safety; che...
Plasma membranes from isolated liver cells.

Abstract Plasma membranes have been prepared from isolated rat or guinea pig liver cells by a method established for whole liver. However, plasma membranes of liver cells isolated by disruption of the tissue with collagenase and hyaluronidase are in some detail dissimilar to those obtained from whole liver. This was indicated by lower cholesterol content and low specific activities of some marker enzymes.
Rapid production of positron emitting labeled compounds for use in cardiology PET studies

Large scale clinical application of positron emission tomography requires a variety of short-lived positron emitting radionuclides to be produced in Curie quantities up to 20 times per day. Rapid routine production of these radiopharmaceuticals requires the collaboration of engineers and chemists to achieve production targetry compatible with high beam current (up to 100 μA) and radionuclide production in a chemical form compatible with the rapid radiochemical synthesis. Chemical processing is further complicated by the need to repeat the procedures several times per day and maintain sterility within the shielded area. At our cyclotron facility primary production targets for 11C, 13N, 15O, and 18F (half lives from 2 min to 2 h) are mounted on a vertical gantr that indexes to position the required target on the beam line. Target changes are handled under microprocessor control remotely from the control room such that all valves, cooling, evacuation of target manifold, and testing of interlocks are handled automatically. This system enables us to change targets, energy and particles in less than five minutes. Since the installation of the cyclotron up to fifteen batches of routine radiopharmaceuticals have been produced per day with very low radiation doses to all personnel involved. These radiopharmaceuticals will be used to measure perfusion, metabolism and other biochemical functions in man non invasively with PET.
Trilateral commission and Latin American economic development

Thus while the Trilateral Commission has been successful in identifying problem areas, each of the Trilateral countries has been unable to subordinate the immediate interests of its major economic components for the historic interests of the whole. While the Trilateral Commission has been successful in formulating an outlook that encompasses the major capitalist countries, that ideology has not been the operative basis of policies. While the Trilateral Commission's influence is manifest in the frequent summit meetings, the decisive decisions that shape the course of each country are taken elsewhere. Finally, and most fundamental of all, the Trilateral Commission has not been able to contain social and national revolution — to put the Third World in its place. For, above all else, the most basic challenge to Trilateralism is the emerging mass democratic social revolutions which are challenging the social relations upon which Trilateral power rests. The Trilateral adaptations to this struggle — the attempt to contain it within the framework of conservative civilian regimes (Frei in Chile, APRA in Peru, Estenssoro in Bolivia) is doomed to failure: the demands of the newly aroused mass movements far exceed the bounds compatible with these regimes. The scheme of so-called “viable democracies” is neither viable nor democratic — in any popular sense. The export oriented free market economies and industrialization from outside and above promoted by the Trilateralists will be the first to succumb as these popular forces move from opposition to power. Let us make no mistake, the present crisis of the Trilateral countries is just beginning.
A Cross National Examination of Inquiry and Its Relationship to Student Performance in Science: Evidence from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006.

Abstract We investigated the relationship between four inquiry-based teaching practices (use of: (1) models or applications, (2) hands-on activities, (3) interaction and (4) independent investigations) and science achievement for 15-year olds across eight countries participating in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2006. Within each country, we find consistent evidence that students reporting more frequent use of independent investigations have lowered achievement in science; however, students reporting higher frequency with which science lessons emphasize models or applications tend to have higher achievement. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of hands-on activities and interaction was mixed. Our findings highlight the importance of lessons that have applications to the real world and that have investigations which are directed and scaffolded versus purely discovery-based.
Risk and Protective Factors for Recent Alcohol Use among African-American Youth

A total of 7488 7th-12th grade African-American students completed a survey assessing factors associated with recent alcohol use. Results indicated that 13.6% used alcohol in the past month. A series of odds ratios revealed that making good grades, participating in school activities, attending church, and having parents/teachers talk about the dangers of alcohol and set/enforce rules regarding alcohol were associated with decreased recent use. Participating in risky behaviors such as getting into trouble, skipping school, and having friends who use alcohol and other drugs was directly related to recent use. Prevention specialists should encourage parents/teachers to engage youth in family, school, and community activities to deter alcohol use. Results may assist youth health professionals in developing prevention programs aimed at African-American youth.
Vornoi polyhedra as structure probes in large molecular systems—VII. Channel identification

Abstract The use of Voronoi polyhedra as a tool in identifying channels and crypts in atomic assemblies is presented and discussed.
Endothelial function in individuals with coronary artery disease with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus

The goal of this study was to determine if individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had greater endothelial dysfunction (ED) than individuals with only CAD. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), calculated as percentage increase in brachial artery diameter in response to postischemic blood flow, was measured after an overnight fast in 2 cohorts. The first cohort included 76 participants in the Northern Manhattan Study with CAD; 25 also had T2DM. The second cohort was composed of 27 individuals with both T2DM and CAD who were participants in a study of postprandial lipemia. Combined, we analyzed 103 patients with CAD: 52 with T2DM (T2DM+) and 51 without T2DM (T2DM−). The 52 CAD T2DM+ subjects had a mean FMD of 3.9% ± 3.2%, whereas the 51 CAD T2DM− subjects had a greater mean FMD of 5.5% ± 4.0% (P < .03). An investigation of various confounders known to affect FMD identified age and body mass index as the only significant covariates in a multiple regression model. Adjusting for age and body mass index, we found that FMD remained lower in T2DM+ subjects compared with T2DM− subjects (difference, −1.99%; P < .03). In patients with CAD, the concomitant presence of T2DM is independently associated with greater ED, as measured by FMD. This finding may be relevant to the greater early and late morbidity and mortality observed in patients with both CAD and T2DM.
Equilibrium of water between gelatin solution and ice

The equilibration of water between aqueous gelatin solution and physically separate cakes of ice was observed. Typically, the water content of the solutions reached a nearly steady value several times before final equilibrium, reasons for which are discussed. The equilibrium gelation concentrations were found to be 72 ± 1%, 77 ± 2%, and 80 ± 3% at −10, −21, and −33°C., respectively, in moderately good agreement with predictions based on the vapor pressure measurements of Bull at higher temperatures.
A Reexamination of Autonomy in Light of New Manufacturing Practices

Individual and/or group autonomy have long been considered critical dimensions of job design in participative work settings. Autonomy has typically been defined as discretion over pace of work and work methods (Hackman & Oldham, 1980), and in an effort to provide autonomy, buffers have traditionally been inserted into the work flow to break task interdependencies. The use of such buffers, however, runs counter to today's new manufacturing practices of just-in-time (JIT) inventory and standardized work. This paper, therefore, examines the effects of introducing such practices on levels of autonomy in different operations. In mature sociotechnical plants where employees have become accustomed to independent decision making, the introduction of process controls can diminish individual autonomy. But, there is an opportunity to exchange individual decision making with a form of collective autonomy which is limited to task design as opposed to task execution. Furthermore, individuals can still retain autonomy i...