cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-time conversion of tissue-scale mechanical forces into an interdigitated growth pattern

Abstract The leaf epidermis is a dynamic biomechanical shell that integrates growth across spatial scales to influence organ morphology. Pavement cells, the fundamental unit of this tissue, morph irreversibly into highly lobed cells that drive planar leaf expansion. Here we define how tissue-scale cell wall tensile forces and the microtubule-cellulose synthase systems pattern interdigitated growth in real-time. A morphologically potent subset of cortical microtubules span the periclinal and anticlinal cell faces to pattern cellulose fibers that generate a patch of anisotropic wall. The result is local polarized growth that is mechanically coupled to the adjacent cell via a pectin-rich middle lamella, and this drives lobe formation. Finite element pavement cell models revealed cell wall tensile stress as an upstream patterning element that links cell- and tissue-scale biomechanical parameters to interdigitated growth. Cell lobing in leaves is evolutionarily conserved, occurs in multiple cell types, and is associated with important agronomic traits. Our general mechanistic models of lobe formation provide a foundation to analyze the cellular basis of leaf morphology and function.
Light at night during development in mice has modest effects on adulthood behavior and neuroimmune activation.

Abstract Exposure to light at night (LAN) can disrupt the circadian system, thereby altering neuroimmune reactivity and related behavior. Increased exposure to LAN affects people of all ages – and could have particularly detrimental effects during early-life and adolescence. Despite this, most research on the behavioral and physiological effects of LAN has been conducted in adult animals. Here we evaluated the effects of dim LAN during critical developmental windows on adulthood neuroimmune function and affective/sickness behaviors. Male and female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to dim LAN [12:12 light (150 lx)/dim (15 lx) cycle] during early life (PND10-24) or adolescence (PND30-44) [control: 12:12 light (150 lx)/dark (0 lx) cycle]. Behaviors were assessed during juvenile (PND 42-44) and adult (PND60) periods. Contrary to our hypothesis, juvenile mice that were exposed to dim LAN did not exhibit changes in anxiety- or depressive-like behaviors. By adulthood, adolescent LAN-exposed female mice showed a modest anxiety-like phenotype in one behavioral task but not another. Adolescent LAN exposure also induced depressive-like behavior in a forced swim task in adulthood in both male and female mice. Additionally, developmental LAN exacerbated the hippocampal cytokine response (IL-1β) following peripheral LPS in female, but not male mice. These results suggest female mice may be more susceptible to developmental LAN than male mice: LAN female mice had a modest anxiety-like phenotype in adulthood, and upon LPS challenge, higher hippocampal IL-1β expression. Taken together, developmental LAN exposure in mice promotes a modest increase in susceptibility to anxiety- and depressive-like symptoms.
Advanced Psychodrama Directing

Advanced psychodrama directing techniques are presented in this chapter. These advanced interventions offer a depiction of the level of clinical sophistication demonstrated by expert psychodrama directors. The awareness of group sociometry within the psychodrama enactment is described while portraying the multiple layers of object relations activated for participants in a psychodrama session. Advanced techniques for involving audience group members and deepening the emotional involvement of auxiliary role players are discussed. Also included in this chapter are an overview of clinical role assignments, facilitating moments of multiple protagonists, and constructively using projective identification in the group process. Content from the Therapeutic Spiral Model is offered, specifically the practice of prescribing strengths-based roles and considerations for safely facilitating scenes with trauma-based roles. Multiple strategies are offered for de-roling when more emotionally charged roles are played by group members.
High-Efficiency Conversion of Ionic Liquid-Pretreated Woody Biomass to Ethanol at the Pilot Scale

With a diverse and widely distributed global resource base, woody biomass is a compelling organic feedstock for conversion to renewable liquid fuels. In California, woody biomass comprises the largest fraction of underutilized biomass available for biofuel production, but conversion to fuels is challenged both by recalcitrance to deconstruction and by toxicity toward downstream saccharification and fermentation due to organic acids and phenolic compounds generated during pretreatment. In this study, we optimize pretreatment and scale-up of an integrated one-pot process for deconstruction of California woody biomass using the ionic liquid (IL) cholinium lysinate [Ch][Lys] as a pretreatment solvent. By evaluating the impact of solid loading, solid removal, yeast acclimatization, fermentation temperature, fermentation pH, and nutrient supplementation on final ethanol yields and titers, we achieve nearly full conversion of both glucose and xylose to ethanol with commercial C5-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We then demonstrate process scalability in 680 L pilot-scale fermentation, achieving >80% deconstruction efficiency, >90% fermentation efficiency, 27.7 g/L ethanol titer, and >80% ethanol distillation efficiency from the IL-containing hydrolysate post fermentation. This fully integrated process requires no intermediate separations and no intermediate detoxification of the hydrolysate. Using an integrated biorefinery model, current performance results in a minimum ethanol selling price of $8.8/gge. Reducing enzyme loading along with other minor process improvements can reduce the ethanol selling price to $3/gge. This study is the largest scale demonstration of IL pretreatment and biofuel conversion known to date, and the overall biomass-to-ethanol efficiencies are the highest reported to date for any IL-based biomass-to-biofuel conversion.
Assessment of Rod, Cone, and Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cell Contributions to the Canine Chromatic Pupillary Response.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a chromatic pupillometry protocol for specific functional assessment of rods, cones, and intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in dogs. Methods Chromatic pupillometry was tested and compared in 37 dogs in different stages of primary loss of rod, cone, and combined rod/cone and optic nerve function, and in 5 wild-type (WT) dogs. Eyes were stimulated with 1-s flashes of dim (1 cd/m2) and bright (400 cd/m2) blue light (for scotopic conditions) or bright red (400 cd/m2) light with 25-cd/m2 blue background (for photopic conditions). Canine retinal melanopsin/Opn4 was cloned, and its expression was evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results Mean ± SD percentage of pupil constriction amplitudes induced by scotopic dim blue (scDB), scotopic bright blue (scBB), and photopic bright red (phBR) lights in WT dogs were 21.3% ± 10.6%, 50.0% ± 17.5%, and 19.4% ± 7.4%, respectively. Melanopsin-mediated responses to scBB persisted for several minutes (7.7 ± 4.6 min) after stimulus offset. In dogs with inherited retinal degeneration, loss of rod function resulted in absent scDB responses, followed by decreased phBR responses with disease progression and loss of cone function. Primary loss of cone function abolished phBR responses but preserved those responses to blue light (scDB and scBB). Although melanopsin/Opn4 expression was diminished with retinal degeneration, melanopsin-expressing ipRGCs were identified for the first time in both WT and degenerated canine retinas. Conclusions Pupil responses elicited by light stimuli of different colors and intensities allowed differential functional assessment of canine rods, cones, and ipRGCs. Chromatic pupillometry offers an effective tool for diagnosing retinal and optic nerve diseases.
TCPW with bulk repeat in next generation wireless networks

Wireless links are error-prone. In next generation wireless networks, link capacities will still grow. It is known that in such configurations the performance of current TCP variants degrades severely. In this paper we propose a new transmission strategy for TCP in high error situations- bulk repeat (BR). We apply BR to TCP westwood (TCPW). BR has only three sender-side modifications to TCP, i.e. bulk retransmission, fixed retransmission timeout and intelligent window adjustment. BR permits efficient recovery from multiple losses in the same congestion window. To discriminate error from congestion loss, a loss discrimination algorithm (LDA), based on spike and rate gap threshold, is used. Simulation results in wireless network scenarios show that TCPW BR improves throughput performance up to an order of magnitude over TCPW and newreno when the error rate is high (>5%). The results also show that TCPW BR has satisfactory fairness and friendliness to TCP newreno.
Conformational analysis—CXIII : The isomeric cyclooctadienes

Abstract 1,3-Cyclooctadiene, and 1,4- and 1,5-isomers were studied by the force field method. The former is calculated to be a mixture of two conformations, one of which has a C2 axis, and one is irregular (C1). There are for the 1,4-isomer two conformations, a boat-boat and a boat-chair, both of which have Cs symmetry. The 1,4-isomer is substantially all in the boat-chair conformation, while the 1,5-isomer is known to be preferentially a twist-boat (C2) conformation. The calculations indicate the 1,3-isomer is much more stable, followed in turn by the 1,4- and the 1,5. An experimental measurement of the equilibrium between the isomers was also made, and is in semi-quantitative agreement with the calculations.
Formalizing Approximate Objects and Theories: Some Initial Results

This paper introduces some preliminary formalizations of the approximate entities of [McCarthy, 2000]. Approximate objects, predicates, and theories are considered necessary for human-level AI, and we believe they enable very powerful modes of reasoning (which admittedly are not always sound). Approximation is known as vagueness in philosophical circles and is often deplored as a defective aspect of human language which infects the precision of logic. Quite to the contrary, we believe we can tame this monster by formalizing it within logic, and then can "build solid intellectual structures on such swampy conceptual foundations." [McCarthy, 2000].We first introduce various kinds of approximation, with motivating examples. Then we develop a simple ontology, with minimal philosophical assumptions, in which to cast our formalization. We present our formalization, and show how it captures some ideas of approximation.
A Database System for Engineering Design

Advantages claimed for the relational model in the classical data processing domain include ease of use, data independence, increased productivity, and multi-file correlation. These advantages also hold for design applications. However, engineering applications impose several additional requirements.
Academic libraries and development: A bibliometric analysis of LIS journals relating to funding

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine publication patterns of scholarly literature related to academic libraries and development (i.e. funding), including publication trends over a five-year period, core journals and authorship, so that library directors and library development officers will have a basic collection of relevant resources. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consisted of journal article searches in three databases relating to the field of library information science with 2006-2010 as the date limiter. The primary search terms came from the topic of this study and were joined to secondary-level search terms by using the Boolean operator: AND. Secondary-level keywords originated from the literature review and the search process. Results were stored in an Excel file based on pre-determined categories and were evaluated based on the research questions. Findings – There were 106 articles published on the topic of academic libraries and development authored by 164 individual...
Structural analysis of the ITER vacuum vessel from disruption loading with halo asymmetry

Static structural analyses of the ITER vacuum vessel were performed with toroidally asymmetric disruption loads. Asymmetric halo current conditions were assumed to modify symmetric disruption loads which resulted in net lateral loading on the vacuum vessel torus. Structural analyses with the asymmetric loading indicated significantly higher vessel stress and blanket support forces than with symmetric disruption loads. A recent change in the vessel support design which provided toroidal constraints at each mid port was found to be effective in reducing torus lateral movement and vessel stress.
Studies of the ISM in the Vela Supernova Remnant

Recent observations of the Vela SNR in the ISM species Ca II and Na I are presented and discussed in the context of the “break-down” of the Spitzer-Routly effect. Variations in line profiles with time are demonstrated, eventually through a statistical approach a description of cloud structure will be possible. The IS lines in ∼ 70 sightlines are used to determine an accurate distance to the Vela SNR of 250 ± 30 pc. Finally a discussion of future observations are given relating information obtained from measurements of near-by ISM to more distant intergalactic medium.
Experimental studies of granitoids from the Central and Southern Coast Ranges, California

The mineral phase relationships have been determined in the presence of excess water to a water pressure of 10 kb for three quartz diorites, a granodiorite, and a quartz monzonite from the Central and Southern Coast Ranges of California. Water pressure-temperature curves were constructed to locate the beginning of melting and the disappearance of K-feldspar, quartz, biotite, plagioclase and hornblende. Results indicate that plagioclase is the silicate liquidus phase in all granitoids studied at low water pressures, while hornblende or biotite is the silicate liquidus phase at high water pressure. New data illustrate the potent effect of water pressure on magma composition at temperatures 50° to 100°C above the solidus. At a water pressure of 1 kb, magmas are granitic to quartz monzonitic, while at water pressures of 10 kb, they are granodioritic to quartz dioritic.
The landscape of disaster resilience indicators in the USA

The landscape of disaster resilience indicators is littered with wide range of tools, scorecards, indices that purport to measure disaster resilience in some manner. This paper examines the existing qualitative and quantitative approaches to resilience assessment in order to delineate common concepts and variables. Twenty seven different resilience assessment tools, indices, and scorecards were examined. Four different parameters were used to distinguish between them—focus (on assets baseline conditions); spatial orientation (local to global), methodology (top down or bottom up), and domain area (characteristics to capacities). There is no dominant approach across these characteristics. In a more detailed procedure, fourteen empirically based case studies were examined that had actually implemented one of the aforementioned tools, indices, or scorecards to look for overlaps in both concepts measured and variables. The most common elements in all the assessment approaches can be divided into attributes and assets (economic, social, environmental, infrastructure) and capacities (social capital, community functions, connectivity, and planning). The greatest variable overlap in the case studies is with specific measures of social capital based on religious affiliation and civic organizations, and for health access (measured by the number of physicians). Based on the analysis a core set of attributes/assets, capacities, and proxy measures are presented as a path forward, recognizing that new data may be required to adequately measure many of the dimensions of community disaster resilience.
Warfarin-fluconazole. I. Inhibition of the human cytochrome P450-dependent metabolism of warfarin by fluconazole: in vitro studies.

The antifungal agent fluconazole was found to be a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (P450) 2C9 (Ki = 7-8 microM), the principal enzyme responsible for the clearance (85%) of the more potent anticoagulant (S)-warfarin to the inactive (S)-7- and (S)-6-hydroxywarfarin metabolites in vivo. Fluconazole was also found to be a potent inhibitor of the P4503A4-catalyzed formation of (R)-10-hydroxywarfarin (Ki = 15-18 microM) as well as the low KM P450 enzymes responsible for the formation of (R)-6-, (R)-7-, and (R)-8-hydroxywarfarin (Ki = 2-6 microM). By contrast, experiments with the P4501A2 inhibitor furafylline and cDNA-expressed P4501A2 indicate that fluconazole is a weak inhibitor of this enzyme (Ki > 800 microM), as measured by the inability of fluconazole to significantly suppress the P4501A2-dependent 6-hydroxylation of (R)-warfarin. The prediction generated from these studies, that fluconazole is a potent in vivo inhibitor of warfarin metabolism, , is tested in complementary studies reported in the accompanying article, "Warfarin-Fluconazole II".
High-tone bulk acoustic resonator integrated with surface micromachined FBAR filter on a single chip

This paper describes a novel high-tone bulk acoustic resonator (HBAR) integrated with a surface micromachined FBAR (film bulk acoustic resonator) filter on sapphire substrate. The single-mode HBAR exhibited a loaded quality factor (Q/sub loaded/) of 3,580 at 2.5 GHz with a total size (including the contact pads) of 0.8/spl times/0.4/spl times/0.4mm/sup 3/. The integrated narrow band FBAR filter provides adequate suppression (>4dB) of the unwanted modes in the HBAR. This high Q and small size resonator is ideally suited for Pierce oscillator for voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) above 2 GHz.
Same page, different books: : Extending representational gaps theory to enhance performance in multiteam systems

Multiteam systems are increasingly used by organizations, but are difficult to coordinate effectively. Building from theory on representational gaps, we explain why coordination between teams in multiteam systems can be hindered by inconsistencies that exist between them regarding the definition of shared problems. We argue that frame-of reference training, an intervention that is theorized to reduce representational gaps, can facilitate coordination and subsequent performance in multiteam systems. We studied the effects of frame-of-reference training on multiteam system coordination and performance in 249 multiteam systems comprised of specialized teams. Supporting our expectations, we found that: (a) frame-of-reference training had a positive effect on multiteam system performance by enhancing between-team coordination; (b) within-team coordination improved the relationship between frame-of-reference training and between-team coordination, ultimately improving multiteam system performance; and (c) the patterns by which within-team coordination leveraged our intervention depended on teams' specific functions. Our findings extend representational gaps theory, highlight the interdependencies between team-level and system-level coordination, and demonstrate the utility of frame-of-reference training in a new setting
Computerized system for a nutritional support service.

Abstract The development of a computerized system for the assistance of a nutritional support service (NSS) is described. A cooperative program exists between the NSS and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, whose computer system is used to support the activities of the NSS. A record is maintained on each patient followed by the NSS (15–20 patients per day). Demographic and anthropometric data, nutritional disorder(s), laboratory data, nutritional support therapy, patient response criteria, and concomitant drug therapy are components of the computer program. Computer reports are provided to the NSS for daily rounds. An automated nutritional assessment program has also been developed. Computer assistance has proven to be a valuable tool to support the patient care, education and research program of the NSS.
EVIDENCE OF EARLY MULTISTRANGE HADRON FREEZE-OUT IN HIGH ENERGY NUCLEAR COLLISIONS

Recently reported transverse momentum distributions of strange hadrons produced in Pb(158A GeV ) on Pb collisions and corresponding results from the relativistic quantum molecular dynamics approach are examined. We argue that the experimental observations favor a scenario in which multi-strange hadrons are formed and decouple from the system rather early at large energy densities (at about 1 GeV/fm{sup 3} ). The systematics of the strange and nonstrange particle spectra indicate that the observed transverse flow develops mainly in the late hadronic stages of these reactions. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Pioneer maps Venus' surface

On the basis of extensive radar data returned by NASA's Pioneer Venus spacecraft, scientists for the first time have mapped nearly the entire cloud-shrouded planet and identified huge continent-sized features—including mountains as high as Everest and deep rift valleys. Pioneer Venus has now mapped about 83% of the planet's surface and by month's end will have covered 93%. Prior to Pioneer, less than 1% of Venus' topography had been measured by ground-based radar. Venus' surface has never been seen because of the clouds which permanently cover the planet.
Incorporation of Cyclic Phosphazene Trimers into Saturated and Unsaturated Ethylene-like Polymer Backbones

The synthesis of well-defined cyclolinear phosphazene polymers via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) has been demonstrated. This work extends the range of properties achievable in cyclolinear phosphazenes synthesized via ADMET and provides an assessment of the synthetic limitations. A series of tetraphenoxy and tetramethoxyethoxyethoxy functionalized phosphazene trimers have been synthesized that bear two alkene side chains, which together form the diene structure necessary for ADMET. The alkene chains vary in length from three carbons to 11 carbons. This has allowed the influence of the negative neighboring group effect to be examined as well as steric factors as they apply to the metathesis of phosphazene monomers. Moreover, the role of different catalysts is discussed together with the influence of the nonolefinic phosphazene substituents on the reactivity of the monomers. The influence on bulk polymer properties of the incorporation of different amounts of cyclic phosphazene per average polymer chain, ...
EPR studies of a nonphotosynthetic mutant of Rhodospirillium rubrum

Abstract The EPR properties of P870 and the primary electron acceptor in chromatophores from R. rubrum and a nonphotosynthetic mutant have been compared. Using steady-state illumination in the presence of various electron donors, it has been found that the primary acceptor in the mutant strain accumulates in the reduced state even under aerobic conditions while this behavior does not occur with the wild-type strain. The properties of the photoreduction of a bound iron-sulfur center which most likely functions in a substrate-linked dehydrogenase are the same in both strains. These results are discussed in terms of the requirement for a component (rhodoquinone) which regulates the redox state of the primary electron acceptor during normal photosynthetic growth but is not required during dark aerobic growth.
A computational model for the rise and dispersion of wind-blown, buoyancy-driven plumes—I. Neutrally stratified atmosphere

Abstract A multi-dimensional computational model for the rise and dispersion of a wind-blown, buoyancy-driven plume in a calm, neutrally stratified atmosphere is presented. Lagrangian numerical techniques, based on the extension of the vortex method to variable density flows, are used to solve the governing equations. The plume rise trajectory and the dispersion of its material in the crosswind plane are predicted. It is found that the computed trajectory agrees well with the two-thirds power law of a buoyancy-dominated plume, modified to include the effect of the initial plume size. The effect of small-scale atmospheric turbulence, modeled in terms of eddy viscosity, on the plume trajectory is found to be negligible. For all values of buoyancy Reynolds number, the plume cross-section exhibits a kidney-shaped pattern, as observed in laboratory and field experiments. This pattern is due to the formation of two counter-rotating vortices which develop as baroclinically generated vorticity rolls up on both sides of the plume cross-section. Results show that the plume rise can be described in terms of three distinct stages: a short acceleration stage, a long double-vortex stage, and a breakup stage. The induced velocity field and engulfment are dominated by the two large vortices. The effect of a flat terrain on the plume trajectory and dispersion is found to be very small. The equivalent radii of plumes with different initial cross-sectional aspect ratios increase at almost the same rate. A large aspect-ratio plume rises slower initially and then catches up with smaller aspect-ratio plumes in the breakup stage. The Boussinesq approximation is found to be valid if the ratio of the density perturation to the reference density is less than 0.1.
Childhood asthma hospitalizations and ambient air sulfur dioxide concentrations in Bronx County, New York.

The association between asthma hospitalizations and ambient sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentrations was examined in a case-control study in Bronx County, New York. Cases comprised 2629 children aged 0-14 yr who were admitted to hospitals for asthma. There were 2236 controls who were admitted for reasons other than asthma. Daily ambient SO2 concentrations were categorized into quartiles of both average and maximum levels and various exposure windows (i.e., day of admission and 1-, 2-, and 3-d lags). Cases were exposed to higher daily average concentrations of SO2 than controls. The authors compared the highest exposure quartile with the lowest, and the odds ratios were 1.66, 1.90, 2.05, and 2.21 (all p0.01 for same-day, 1-, 2-, and 3-d lags, respectively), with a similar finding for daily SO2 maximum exposure. The results suggest a consistent positive association between SO2 exposure and hospitalizations for childhood asthma.
Commodity Agriculture, Civic Agriculture and the Future of U.S. Farming.

Commodity agriculture and civic agriculture represent two distinct types of farming found in the U.S. today. Commodity agriculture is grounded on the belief that the primary objectives of farming should be to produce as much food/fiber as possible for the least cost. It is driven by the twin goals of productivity and efficiency. Civic agriculture, on the other hand, represents the rebirth of a more locally oriented agriculture and food system. Using data from the 1992 and 1997 Censuses of Agriculture and other secondary data sets, we examine factors and conditions associated with the presence and growth of both types of agriculture. Our findings show that civic agriculture is associated with particular commodities and with specific social, economic and demographic characteristics of localities. Commodity agriculture, on the other hand, is more sensitive to the classic economic factors of production, namely, land, labor, and capital.
Applications of Nonlinear Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (NLEIS)

This paper reviews the use of nonlinear electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (NLEIS) in the analysis of SOFC electrode reactions. By combining EIS and NLEIS, as well as other independent information about an electrode material, it becomes possible to establish quantitative links between electrochemical kinetics and materials properties, even when systems are unstable with time. After a brief review of the method, this paper summarizes recent results analyzing the effects of Sr segregation in thin-film LSC electrodes.
A Comparison of Living Singly and in Male‐female Pairs in the Prairie Vole, Microtus ochrogaster

We measured potential advantages of living singly as contrasted to in male-female pairs in a free-living population of the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) in a high food habitat. Whereas adult females survived longer when living in a pair than when living singly, adult males survived longer when single and wandering throughout the study site than when paired. Estimated total number of offspring produced that survived to adulthood and became reproductive was similar for paired females (0.32 female and 0.36 male offspring/female) and females living singly (0.34 female and 0.25 male offspring/female). There was no correlation between the proportion of unpaired adult males in the population and either adult population density, adult sex ratio, or proportion of females that were living singly. These results support the hypothesis that living in pairs evolved in the original low food habitat of the prairie vole and represents a basic behavioral trait that is retained regardless of food resources in the habitats now occupied.
Future Effects of Ozone on Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Policy Using a Global Biogeochemical Model

Exposure of plants to ozone inhibits photosynthesis and therefore reduces vegetation pro- duction and carbon sequestration. The reduced carbon storage would then require further reductions in fossil fuel emissions to meet a given CO2 concentration target, thereby increasing the cost of meeting the target. Simulations with the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM) for the historical period (1860-1995) show the largest damages occur in the Southeast and Midwestern regions of the United States, eastern Europe, and eastern China. The largest reductions in carbon storage for the period 1950-1995, 41%, occur in eastern Europe. Scenarios for the 21st century developed with the MIT Integrated Global Systems Model (IGSM) lead to even greater negative effects on carbon storage in the future. In some regions, current land carbon sinks become carbon sources, and this change leads to carbon sequestration decreases of up to 0.4 Pg C yr −1 due to damage in some regional ozone hot spots. With a climate policy, failing to consider the effects of ozone damage on carbon sequestration would raise the global costs over the next century of stabilizing atmospheric concentrations of CO2 equivalents at 550 ppm by 6 to 21%. Because stabilization at 550 ppm will reduce emission of other gases that cause ozone, these additional benefits are estimated to be between 5 and 25% of the cost of the climate policy. Tropospheric ozone effects on terrestrial ecosystems thus produce a surpris- ingly large feedback in estimating climate policy costs that, heretofore, has not been included in cost estimates.
Abstract 4346: Formulation and characterization of a nanoparticulate drug delivery system for cancer therapy.

Most anticancer agents are not targeted to neoplastic cells. As a result, the development of dosage forms and drug delivery systems containing anticancer drugs capable of targeting cancer cells is highly desired. Our research investigated an albumin-based nanoparticulate delivery system as a platform technology for the delivery of anticancer agents. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was used as the model drug. Drug-encapsulated nanoparticles were prepared by microencapsulation through spray-drying and were characterized for their physicochemical properties. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the stability of the encapsulated drug. Additionally, Zeta potential measurements were used to assess the colloidal stability and surface properties of the nanoparticles. Dissolution studies were carried out to examine the release profile of the drug from the nanoparticles. The in vitro efficacy of the drug-loaded nanoparticulate drug delivery system was analyzed in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Raman spectroscopy data suggested that the drug is stable in the nanoparticulate drug carrier. Nanoparticles have Zeta potential measurements of approximately -30 mV, suggesting that the system is stable in an aqueous environment. Dissolution studies showed that the drug was released from the nanoparticles at a sustained rate over a period of over 24 hours. In vitro data in MCF-7 cell line indicated that there was more than 10% more inhibition of cell viability when doxorubicin was used with the biodegradable polymeric carrier. Similar results were observed from clonogenic studies. Additionally, our in vitro data suggested that cell death induced by the drug-loaded nanoparticles was caused by apoptosis. Hence, the data suggest that biodegradable albumin nanoparticles are capable of targeting cancer cells. Citation Format: Kunal P. Desai, Jay V. Patel, Duc P. Do. Formulation and characterization of a nanoparticulate drug delivery system for cancer therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4346. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4346
Cytochrome P-450 metabolites in endothelin-stimulated cardiac hormone secretion

We examined the role of cytochrome P-450-arachidonate (CYP450-AA) metabolites in endothelin-1 (ET-1)-stimulated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and pro-ANP-(1-30) secretion from the heart. 17-Octa...
Constant Pressure-controlled Extrusion Method for the Preparation of Nano-sized Lipid Vesicles

Liposomes are artificially prepared vesicles consisting of natural and synthetic phospholipids that are widely used as a cell membrane mimicking platform to study protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, monitor drug delivery, and encapsulation. Phospholipids naturally create curved lipid bilayers, distinguishing itself from a micelle. Liposomes are traditionally classified by size and number of bilayers, i.e. large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs), small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). In particular, the preparation of homogeneous liposomes of various sizes is important for studying membrane curvature that plays a vital role in cell signaling, endo- and exocytosis, membrane fusion, and protein trafficking. Several groups analyze how proteins are used to modulate processes that involve membrane curvature and thus prepare liposomes of diameters <100 - 400 nm to study their behavior on cell functions. Others focus on liposome-drug encapsulation, studying liposomes as vehicles to carry and deliver a drug of interest. Drug encapsulation can be achieved as reported during liposome formation. Our extrusion step should not affect the encapsulated drug for two reasons, i.e. (1) drug encapsulation should be achieved prior to this step and liposomes should retain their natural biophysical stability, securely carrying the drug in the aqueous core. These research goals further suggest the need for an optimized method to design stable sub-micron lipid vesicles. Nonetheless, the current liposome preparation technologies (sonication, freeze-and-thaw, sedimentation) do not allow preparation of liposomes with highly curved surface (i.e. diameter <100 nm) with high consistency and efficiency, which limits the biophysical studies of an emerging field of membrane curvature sensing. Herein, we present a robust preparation method for a variety of biologically relevant liposomes. Manual extrusion using gas-tight syringes and polycarbonate membranes, is a common practice but heterogeneity is often observed when using pore sizes <100 nm due to due to variability of manual pressure applied. We employed a constant pressure-controlled extrusion apparatus to prepare synthetic liposomes whose diameters range between 30 and 400 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were used to quantify the liposome sizes as described in our protocol, with commercial polystyrene (PS) beads used as a calibration standard. A near linear correlation was observed between the employed pore sizes and the experimentally determined liposomes, indicating high fidelity of our pressure-controlled liposome preparation method. Further, we have shown that this lipid vesicle preparation method is generally applicable, independent of various liposome sizes. Lastly, we have also demonstrated in a time course study that these prepared liposomes were stable for up to 16 hours. A representative nano-sized liposome preparation protocol is demonstrated below.
Possible application of functional imaging of the human auditory system in the study of acclimatization and late onset deprivation.

After some period of experience with a single hearing aid, speech recognition performance may increase for material presented to the aided ear. Conversely, performance may decline for material presented to the unaided ear. Improved performance for the normally aided ear beyond that observed at the i
Simple method for rapid measurement of trichloroethylene and its major metabolites in biological samples.

A simple and rapid, yet sensitive technique was developed for concurrent measurement of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its major metabolites (i.e., trichloroacetic acid, trichloroethanol and dichloroacetic acid) in blood and in solid tissues. The method involves addition of an esterizer (water, sulfuric acid, methanol; 6:5:1; v/v/v) to blood or tissue homogenate in sealed vials, and subsequent gas chromatographic headspace analysis. The procedure should be useful in medical monitoring of TCE exposure as well as in experimental work, notably pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies pertaining to TCE carcinogenesis.
On the evaluation of the J-integral by a plastic crack tip element

Two crack tip elements are formulated for a stationary, mode I plastic crack in planar structures using hybrid assumed stress approach, based on the secant modulus and the Newton-Raphson schemes, respectively. The stress distribution in the crack tip element is assumed to be the HRR field superimposed by the regular polynomial terms. The formulated (hybrid) crack tip elements are compatible with the isoparametric element so that they can be used conveniently along with the conventional displacement-based finite elements. The intensity of the HRR stress field, the J-integral, is determined directly from the finite element equations together with the nodal displacements. The dominance of the HRR stress field at the crack tip is pertinent to the present approach, which depends on geometry and loading conditions. Since the J-integral is globally path-independent for nonlinear elastic materials (deformation plasticity model), in order to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the methodology as compared to the contour integration approach, numerical studies of common plane-stress cracked configurations are performed for these materials. The results indicate that for a sufficiently small crack tip element size, J from the present approach correlates well, within 6 percent difference, with that from the contour integration for a wide range of material hardening coefficients if the HRR zone exists at the crack tip. These highly accurate results for J from the crack tip stresses could not be achieved without using (newly) modified variational principles and a refined numerical technique. It should be emphasized that the present methodology also can be applied to cracks in J 2 flow materials under HRR dominance. In such case, the J integral may not be globally path independent, and hence it now must be determined from the stress and strain fields near the crack tip.
On sufficient conditions for cost rate function unimodality in periodic review (s , S) inventory models

The cost rate function that arises in the stationary analysis of a class of periodic review regenerative inventory systems is known to be unimodal if the renewal density of the underlying demand sequence is decreasing. We prove that the same result holds, under zero leadtimes, if the renewal density is concave increasing.
Developing collaborative research agreements.

Academic nurse researchers will tell you that collaborative evidence-based research is a labor-intensive undertaking that demands high levels of commitment, time, and effort. Bedside nurse researchers will agree, but they also may tell you that conducting collaborative evidence-based research demands such high levels of commitment, time, and effort that they were unable to successfully complete their research project. Conducting evidencebased research at the bedside almost always has to be collaborative. Successfully completed research requires the participationofindividualswithvariedskillsetswhoarelikely to be balancing multiple demands. 1 Collaborative research efforts offer several benefits over individual research. 2 Examples of these benefits include the
An active-learning assignment involving peer-to-peer presentations to improve pharmacy students' attitudes and knowledge of dietary supplements

Objective. To design and implement a small-group self-guided active-learning format for a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) curriculum, and assess changes in first-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students' attitudes and knowledge of CAM. Design. Students received an overview CAM lecture from a faculty member, and brief presentations with defined parameters on natural products from their peers. Assessment. Based on pre- and post-intervention survey responses, the percentage of students who strongly agreed about the importance of CAM in pharmacy practice increased from 28% to 55% and the percentage of students who agreed or strongly agreed about the harmful effects of dietary supplements increased from 60% to 96%. Overall, students' attitude toward and self-assessed knowledge of dietary supplements improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention survey. Conclusion. Small-group self-guided learning of CAM, followed by peer presentations on dietary supplements, was successful in significantly improving pharmacy students' attitude toward and knowledge of CAM.
Future perspectives in adolescent oncology.

T HE PRECEDING pages of this special issue on adolescents has been but a brief review of a number of aspects of adolescent oncology care. The focus has been on the patient’s response to diagnosis and treatment. and the appropriate medical and nursing intervention. Many other factors that will impact on the future care of adolescents with cancer have not been addressed but deserve some brief discussion. The question of who should manage the medical care of teenagers has always been controversial but will likely be hotly debated in light of the current economic climate. Several years ago adult oncologists who diagnosed a teenager with a malignancy would not hesitate to refer him to a pediatric oncologist. This was particularly true if the teenager had a tumor typically seen in the childhood years. Even young adults diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma. or acute lymphocytic leukemia were routinely referred to children’s oncology services for their treatment and management. Now many institutions are desperate to keep any patient able to pay their bills by third party insurance payments or federal funds. They are reticent to lose any “paying” patient and may attempt to treat diseases not in their realm of expertise. Services needed by teenagers tie. adolescent groups, hospital schools, job and college counseling. vocational rehabilitation, etc) are not always present in adult hospitals. Pediatricians and pediatric nurses do not feel clinicians used to caring for adults always appreciate the broad range of problems adolescents with cancer routinely have. They are not prepared to spend the extra time needed to keep teenagers coming back week after week for therapy, especially when so many adolescents are unenthusiastic about accepting or continuing their recommended treatment. Children’s hospitals are not currently regulated by diagnosis-related group (DRG) regulations. Ongoing studies by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions are investigating the feasibility of applying DRG guidelines to pediatric care. If they conclude that it would be a workable system, it might be put in place within the next 2 to 3 years. The impact on adolescent oncology care is, of course, unknown. Adolescents with cancer may not automatically be
Surface Effects in the MOCVD of Copper

Recent findings concerning the surface chemistry of Cu(I)) and Cu(II) betadiketonate precursors on metal and TiN surfaces are reviewed. Interactions of Cu(I) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (L) (Cu(I)(hfac)(L); L=Lewis base) with the surface result in an adsorbed Cu(I)hfac intermediate. Cu(II)(hfac)2 adsorbtion yields the Cu(I)hfac intermediate plus adsorbed hfac. Subsequent exposure to atomic hydrogen volatilizes the adsorbed hfac and results in the reduction of Cu(I) via disproportionation: 2Cu(I)(hfac) ⇒ Cu(0) + Cu(II)(hfac)2 (desorbed). These results demonstrate that disproportionation can occur on contaminant free surfaces under UHV conditions, and that the mechanisms for Cu(I) and Cu(II)/H2 film growth are similar. Implications for selectivity and low temperature deposition are explored. Potential shortcomings of TiN as an adhesion/diffusion barrier are also discussed.
Botulinum toxin treatment of acute sixth and third nerve palsy

Thirty-four patients with acute sixth nerve palsy and nine patients with acute third nerve palsy were treated with botulinum toxin injection to the antagonist, nonparalytic horizontal rectus muscle. In a control group of 52 patients with acute sixth nerve palsy not treated with botulinum in the acute stage, only 16 (31 %) recovered spontaneously and did not require surgery. Twenty-two of the 31 surviving patients who could be followed with acute sixth nerve palsy had lateral rectus recovery and surgery was avoided. Four required prisms in their glasses to obtain fusion. Nine patients developed chronic sixth nerve palsy and required surgery. In this group of acute sixth nerve palsy patients, eleven were bilateral. Seven of these eleven developed chronic sixth nerve paralysis, and required strabismus surgery. This suggests the prognosis for recovery following botulinum treatment in cases of acute bilateral sixth nerve palsy is not as good as in the unilateral cases. Botulinum toxin treatment does not appear to be effective in chronic sixth nerve palsy, as judged by results of treatment in one patient known to have a chronic palsy. Nine of nine patients with acute third nerve palsy had medial rectus recovery with fusion horizontally in primary gaze. None have required surgery. Only four of nine showed improvement in vertical rotations. The remaining five patients avoid vertical diplopia by a compensatory chin position. Botulinum toxin treatment of patients with acute sixth and third nerve palsy appears beneficial. However, since some in this group of patients may recover spontaneously, a randomized, double-blind study may be necessary to more definitively determine the effectiveness of this therapy.
Odd-even crossover in a non-Abelian ν=5/2 interferometer

We compute the backscattered current in a double point-contact geometry of a quantum-Hall system at filling fraction ν=5/2 as a function of bias voltage in the weak backscattering regime. We assume that the system is in the universality class of either the Pfaffian or anti-Pfaffian state. When the number of charge e/4 quasiparticles in the interferometer is odd, there is no interference pattern. However, the coupling between a charge e/4 quasiparticle and the edge causes it to be absorbed by the edge at low energies. Consequently, an interference pattern appears at low bias voltages and temperatures, as if there were an even number of quasiparticles in the interferometer. We relate this problem to that of a semi-infinite Ising model with a boundary magnetic field. Using the methods of perturbed boundary conformal field theory, we give an exact expression for this crossover of the interferometer as a function of bias voltage. Finally, we comment on the possible relevance of our results to recent interference experiments.