cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Distribution in Loessial Fragiudalfs as Affected by Relief

Topographic effects on P form and distribution were determined in three loessial toposequences. Loring soils (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Typic Fragiudalfs) were sampled in the top- and midslope positions. Slopes ranged from 1 to 2% in the topslope and 9.5 to 13% in the midslope pedons. Phosphorus distribution reflected changes in topographic position and the influence of fragipan horizons (Btx) in the pedons. Nonoccluded, occluded, organic, and total P decreased while Ca-P increased as slope increased. Nonoccluded exceeded occluded P in the topslope Bt horizons, while occluded P dominated in the Btx horizons. Occluded P dominated midslope Bt and Btx horizons. Results suggest a loss of P and a reduction in weathering intensity as slope increased. Significant correlations were found between nonoccluded and occluded P and clay, dithionite- and oxalate-extractable Fe, and total Fe while Ca-P and organic P were correlated with pH and base saturation in the topslope pedons. In the midslope pedons, significant correlations were found between occluded P and clay and dithionite-extractable Fe while Ca-P and organic P were correlated with pH, base saturation, and organic matter. Maximum clay and total P occurred in similar Bt horizons in all topslope pedons. Changes in P distribution occurred into and below the Btx horizons, suggesting these changes occurred prior to and during fragipan formation.
A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of heart rate during cocaine administration in humans

We developed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model of the heart rate response to cocaine consisting of the sum of the baseline heart rate, a chronotropic drug effect, and a conditioned heart rate response. The conditioned response was modeled as having a monoexponential decline. Cocaine's chronotropic effect was modeled as obeying a maximum (Emax) drug-effect relationship without tachyphylaxis. The model was tested by fitting the kinetic and heart rate data from an earlier study. The data from five subjects in that study were well fit by the model: mean Emax, 64 beats/min, and mean drug concentration producing 50% of Emax, 838 ng cocaine/ml. The data from the other three subjects in that study were fit well, employing a linear rather than an Emax drug effect relationship: mean effect coefficient, 0.035 beats/min/ng cocaine/ml. The findings emphasize the importance of conditioning in the responses to psychoactive drugs. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1991) 49, 426–432; doi:10.1038/clpt.1991.50
Healthy characters? An investigation of marketing practices in children's food advertising.

Abstract Objective To determine the nutritional quality of foods advertised with familiar children's characters and health-related messages. Design Children's programming aired on the most popular broadcast and cable channels during 2011 was sampled to form a composite weekday and weekend day. All food advertisements (ads) included in this programming were content analyzed. Participants Five hundred seventy-seven food ads. Variables Measured Familiar characters promoting products were either trade or licensed characters. A product's nutritional quality was determined using the United States Department of Health and Human Services' categorizations, based on the frequency foods should be consumed. Health cues were present when a food was claimed to be healthy, physical activity was depicted, or the product was associated with fruit. Analysis Frequencies and chi square analyses were conducted; P Results Nearly three quarters (73%) of food ads targeting children use a familiar character. The majority of these ads (72%) promote foods of low nutritional quality, yet 53% employ a health-related message. Conclusions and Implications Familiar characters proliferate in food advertising to children, yet marketers do not adhere to recommendations that characters promote strictly healthy foods. Future research is needed to investigate effects and inform policy decisions in this realm.
Temporal versus spatial variation in leaf reflectance under changing water stress conditions

Leaf reflectance changes associated with changes in water stress were analyzed in two separate experiments. Results indicate that the variation in reflectance among collections of leaves of a given species all at the same level of water stress is at least as great as the variation in reflectance associated with changes in water stress for a given leaf collection of that species. The implications is that results from leaf reflectance-water stress studies have only limited applicability to the remote sensing of plant canopy water stress.
Ado and additional comments on the interfacial inhomogeneous regions near a biological membrane

Abstract The non-linear differential equations, relating concentration and electric potential profiles in inhomogeneous interfacial regions, resulting from the inclusion of the contributions from ion-ion interaction energy terms to the limiting expression for the chemical potential of an ion are presented. The analysis of these equations is shown to imply the necessary existence of a dielectric profile in the inhomogeneous region. The resulting relations between the surface charge density and the electric potential difference for the system are presented with illustrative numerical calculations. The magnitude of the inhomogeneous region is shown to extend up to 23 A for a uni-normal electrolyte solution and to 75 A for a 0.1 N solution of electrolytes, when the surface potential is about −50 mV with respect to the bulk solution. The calculation of the electric potential profile, the charge density profile and the concentration profile based on the assumed validity of an expression for dielectric profile is included.
Self-assembled targeted nanoparticles: evolution of technologies and bench to bedside translation

Nanoparticles (NPs) have become an important tool in many industries including healthcare. The use of NPs for drug delivery and imaging has introduced exciting opportunities for the improvement of disease diagnosis and treatment. Over the past two decades, several first-generation therapeutic NP products have entered the market. Despite the lack of controlled release and molecular targeting properties in these products, they improved the therapeutic benefit of clinically validated drugs by enhancing drug tolerability and/or efficacy. NP-based imaging agents have also improved the sensitivity and specificity of different diagnostic modalities. The introduction of controlled-release properties and targeting ligands toward the development of next-generation NPs should enable the development of safer and more effective therapeutic NPs and facilitate their application in theranostic nanomedicine. Targeted and controlled-release NPs can drastically alter the pharmacological characteristics of their payload, inc...
Calculating radiation absorbed dose for pheochromocytoma tumors in 131-I MIBG therapy.

Abstract A protocol for calculating radiation absorbed dose to pheochromocytoma tumors during treatment with 131 I-labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is described. The technique calls for (a) obtaining tumor volumes from Computed Tomography and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (b) computing energy absorbed by assuming complete beta-particle absorption and a standard shape for gamma-ray absorption and (c) scaling from tracer to therapy dose rate by the ratio of administered activities. Also a 131 I time-activity curve is obtained from planar, Anger-camera, conjugate-view images of the tumor and a known-strength source, both over a series of days. In addition, to correct for any systematic errors in the calculated uptakes, a larger activity of 123 I MIBG is administered separately and quantitative Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPELT) is undertaken. A known-strength source also undergoes SPECT to calibrate the tomograms. Correction for Compton scattering is accomplished by the dual-energy-window technique. The subtraction fraction was found to be 0.7 for the 12″ crystal camera and the mean reduction in tumor counts for seven tumors from Compton correction was 0.76. The normalization factor needed to bring the conjugate-view activities into agreement with the SPELT values ranged from 0.74 to 1.06. A test study on an anthro~morphic phantom indicated that the error in resultant activities might be estimated as ± 13%. Application o the protocol led to the calculation of real, or potential (when decision was finally made to not administer therapy radiation absorbed dose to seven tumors in three patients from an administration of about 8 GBq of MIB . For two metastatic tumors in a 19-year old patient who did not have her primary cancer resected, the calculated) radiation absorbed dose was 170 and 180 Gy. For the four metastatic deposits evaluated in two older patients, both of whom had their primary tumor surgically removed, the values ranged from 18 to 31 Gy.
Obreros y Sindicatos Chicanos: Varieties of Chicano Working-Class History

Chicano historians have begun to refocus their attention on the histories and experiences of Chicano and Chicana workers, who comprise two thirds of the twenty-five million Latinos in the United States and one of America's largest and fastest-growing racial minority groups. At one time peripheral to the dominant concerns of American historians, the study of Chicana/o workers is emerging together with the study of America's other minority laboring classes as a new and vibrant area of research. Many existent studies are the outgrowth of revisionist writing of the 1970s and early 1980s. This scholarship focused attention on a group of workers generally excluded from studies of American workers. Work by Chicana/o historians Vicki L. Ruiz, Zaragosa Vargas, Emilio Zamora, Mario T. Gar c?a, and others provides information about the wide range of experiences of Chicana/o workers.1 The reconstruction of the everyday lives of these wage workers, their world-views, values, and habits, provides a critical assessment of the rich diversity of their experiences. Much of this history of working-class struggle and action unfolded in Texas. Historically, Texas has been the largest contributor of Chicana/o labor to other states, and Tejano (Texas Mexicans) workers have played an integral role in the regional and national economies of the United States from the turn of the century well into the post-World War II years. Te j ano laborers fared miserably in the Lone Star state. These minority wage work ers experienced repression, discrimination, segregation, and integration. This is the historical perspective of David Montejano's prize-winning book Anglos and Mexicans in the Making of Texas. Borrowing from the world
Electrical properties of be-implanted GaA1-xPx

Abstract Hall effect and resistivity measurements on Be implanted GaAs 1- x P x (x∼0.38) indicate that essentially 100% doping efficiency may be obtained for normal Be concentrations after a 900°C anneal using either SiO 2 or Si 3 N 4 as an encapsulant. The temperature dependence of hole mobility in these samples exhibits impurity banding effects similar to those reported in heavily Zn doped GaAs. Hall effect measurements in conjunction with successive thin layer removal techniques indicate there is no significant diffusion of the implanted Be during anneal for a fluence of 6×10 13 ions/cm 2 .
Nocturnal hypothermia in the Inca dove, Scardafella inca

Abstract 1. 1. When derived of food and/or water Inca doves experience pronounced nocturnal hypothermia, the depth of which is independent of T A and reflects nutritional state. 2. 2. Nocturnal hypothermia results in considerable conservation of both energy and water, the magnitude depending upon depth of hypothermia. 3. 3. Body temperature fluctuations operate on a strict circadian schedule even in the absence of photoperiodic clues, denoting precise endogenous control.
Legal Advocacy for Domestic Violence Survivors: The Power of an Informative Relationship

This article uses data from interviews with domestic violence survivors and advocates to show how legal advocacy for survivors can be successful when it responds to women's relational needs by offe...
Evaluation of a proposed test method to measure surface and volume resistance of static dissipative packaging materials

This investigation examined a proposed method to provide a reliable and reproducible test to measure and evaluate the virtual surface and virtual volume resistance of packaging materials used to protect products from electrostatic discharge. The method also tests the ability of materials to dissipate electric charge as a result of conductivity between two points on the same side of a surface or on opposite sides of that material. The measurements provide a means to compare different materials and their ability to protect products from electrostatic discharge. The study found that the LDPE extruded foam cushion showed the highest virtual surface resistance, followed by the nylon/PE laminate, HDPE and LDPE air-cell bubblewrap material tested.
Allocentric and Idiocentric Self-Description and Academic Achievement among Mexican American and Anglo American Adolescents.

Open-ended interviews assessing the type and importance of self-descriptors were conducted with Mexican American and Anglo American adolescents. Consistent with previous work in cross-cultural self-description, Mexican Americans were more likely to give allocentric responses than Anglo Americans were. Different patterns of results from the ethnic groups emerged when total importance versus average importance ratings were used, suggesting that previous methods of determining importance on the basis of response quantity may not provide a complete picture of idiocentric and allocentric self-description. In addition, ratings of grade point average and perceived academic competence were positively related to idiocentrism and negatively related to allocentrism.
Application of microencapsulation for toxicology studies: I. Principles and stabilization of trichloroethylene in gelatin-sorbitol microcapsules

Microencapsulation is an innovative, alternative means of incorporating volatile, reactive, and/or unpalatable chemicals into animal feed for toxicologic studies. For such usage, the materials in the microcapsule shell must not adversely affect the laboratory animals, and the encapsulation process must not alter the chemical under study. Trichloroethylene (TCE), a volatile chemical identified in drinking water, was encapsulated in gelatin-sorbitol microcapsules. The concentration of TCE ranged from 40 to 43% (ww) and most particles (∼85%) were between 300 and 420 μm in diameter. Under optimum storage conditions, loss of TCE from the microcapsules was less than 1% per month. Less than 2% of the TCE was lost from microcapsules held in uncovered petri dishes at ambient temperature and humidity for 14 days. Microencapsulated TCE was mixed with NIH-07 rodent feed at a level of 50 mg microcapsules/g feed (equivalent to 20.6 mg TCE/g feed) and stored at room temperature for 7 days in an open container or for 21 days in a sealed container. There was no detectable loss of TCE from the feed blends stored under these conditions. Thus, the stability of TCE in gelatin-sorbitol microcapsules is adequate for dosed-feed toxicity studies of this chemical.
Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy of hepatic masses

Imaging-guided biopsy of hepatic masses has become the standard for diagnosis. This article reviews the computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the more common benign and malignant hepatic masses. This is followed by a description of the procedure from preprocedure work-up to postprocedure care, with a discussion of indications, contraindications, complications, and technique.
The un-unified standard model

Abstract We explore the phenomenology of a nonstandard electroweak theory in which left-handed quarks and leptons transform as doublets under separate SU(2) gauge groups. Spontaneous symmetry breakdown results in two charged and two neutral massive vector bosons. The lightest charged and neutral gauge bosons behave like the W and Z of the standard SU(2) × U(1) electroweak model. The heavier W and Z, which can be as light as several hundred GeV, couple primarily to quarks. If they exist in an appropriate mass range, these can be seen at FNAL. Our theory predicts small deviations in the properties of the Z from the standard model norms which will be visible at SLC and LEP.
Determinants with orthogonal polynomial entries

We use moment representations of orthogonal polynomials to evaluate the corresponding Hankel determinants formed by the orthogonal polynomials. We also study the Hankel determinants which start with p"n on the top left-hand corner. As examples we evaluate the Hankel determinants whose entries are q-ultraspherical or Al-Salam-Chihara polynomials.
The impact of contraceptive methods on the onset of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis within the menstrual cycle

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginal discharge. Low-dose oral contraceptives are no longer thought to increase the absolute risk of episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis. This study investigates the possible impact that hormonal contraception may have on the timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective chart review of reproductive-aged women seen at the Women's Health Care Clinic at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center, data from the records of 448 symptomatic women who had 507 episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were extracted and analyzed for timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis was based on symptoms, physical findings, and microscopy. Onset was divided into five physiologic ranges within an idealized 28-day menstrual cycle. Comparisons among groups were made with use of χ 2 and p RESULTS: No differences were found in the onset of symptoms within the idealized menstrual cycle ranges between women using hormonal birth control methods and those using nonhormonal ones. The distribution was remarkably uniform throughout the cycle with the exception of the first few days (during menses). CONCLUSION: The timing of onset of symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis within a woman's menstrual cycle is not affected by her method of birth control. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1376-80.)
Sensitivity and Dynamics of Bioreceptor-based Biosensors

Bioreceptors can provide the basis for specific and sensitive biosensors. There are many sources of bioreceptors in nature for biochemicals of interest in biotechnology and biomedicine. These bioreceptors (antibodies, enzymes, membrane proteins, binding proteins) can be modified and produced in large quantities using modern biotechnological techniques. The characteristics of the biosensor can also be fine-tuned by modifying the structure of the analog-analyte, which will also provide several orders of magnitude of range sensitivity with a given bioreceptor. The ultimate sensitivity of the biosensor may be limited by the dissociation kinetics of the reaction between analyte and bioreceptor because there is a trade-off between sensitivity and sensor response rate to changes in analyte concentration.
Childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder and cingulate epilepsy

Abstract There are no reports of an association between obsessive-compulsive disorder and cingulate epilepsy in childhood. We report the behavioral, cognitive, and EEG findings in a young girl with medically resistant seizures and severe obsessive-compulsive symptomatology. Her Scalp EEG and neuropsychological test scores suggested right frontal lobe dysfunction. The intractability of her seizures and progressive intellectual and psychosocial deterioration prompted evaluation for excisional surgery. Intracranial EEG recording demonstrated a focal seizure origin in the right anterior cingulate gyrus. Cingulotomy resulted in freedom from seizures and significant improvement in her obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Annexin A5-Functionalized Nanoparticle for Multimodal Imaging of Cell Death

Techniques for visualizing cell death can provide noninvasive assessment of both disease states and response to therapeutic intervention. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a multimodal imaging nanoplatform for the detection of cell death. In this study, we evaluated 111 In-labeled annexin A5–conjugated core-cross-linked polymeric micelles (CCPMs) for multimodal imaging of cell death in various disease models. Three different models were conducted, including tumor apoptosis, hepatic apoptosis, and inflammation. Both micro single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography (mSPECT/CT) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) were performed. Biodistribution and immunohistochemistry assays were carried out to validate the selectivity of cell death imaging. In all disease models, cell death was clearly visualized by both mSPECT/CT and FMT. In contrast, there was relatively low signal in the corresponding tissues of control mice. Moreover, the radioactive signal from 111 Inlabeled annexin A5–CCPM colocalized with its fluorescence signal, and both signals were confined to regions of dying cells. 111 Inlabeled annexin A5–CCPM allows visualization of cell death by both nuclear and optical techniques at the whole-body level as well as at the microscopic level. It has the potential to aid the diagnosis of disease states or tissue responses involving abnormal cell death.
Demonstration of a 1550-nm photon-counting receiver with ≪ 0.5 detected photon-per-bit sensitivity at 187.5 Mb/s

We implemented a photon-counting optical receiver using a periodically-poled lithium niobate waveguide and an emulated array of silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes. We achieved a sensitivity of < 0.5 detected photons/bit at 187.5 Mb/s.
Impact of organic nitrates on urban ozone production

Urban O3 is produced by photochemical chain re- actions that amplify background O3 in mixtures of gaseous nitrogen oxides (NOx) and organic molecules. Current think- ing treats NOx and organics as independent variables that limit O3 production depending on the NOx to organic ratio; in this paradigm, reducing organics either has no effect or re- duces O3. We describe a theoretical counterexample where NOx and organics are strongly coupled and reducing organ- ics increases O3 production, and illustrate the example with observations from Mexico City. This effect arises from chain termination in the HOx and NOx cycles via organic nitrate production. We show that reductions in VOC reactivity that inadvertently reduce organic nitrate production rates will be counterproductive without concurrent reductions in NOx or other organics.
End Tidal CO2 Tension: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension vs Pulmonary Venous Hypertension and Response to Treatment

Background CO 2 excretion is impaired in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) due to underlying vascular obstruction and increased dead space. Our aim was to determine whether resting end tidal CO 2 (E tco 2 ) could differentiate patients with PAH from those with pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH) or patients without pulmonary hypertension (PH) and whether successful treatment of PAH resulted in higher E tco 2 values. Methods We performed E tco 2 measurements for five breaths at rest and after a 6-min walk test (6MWT) in patients seen at our pulmonary vascular center. Mean E tco 2 values were correlated with 6-min walk distance and right-sided heart catheterization data. Results We enrolled 84 patients with PAH, 17 with PVH without left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and seven with no PH and no severe alterations in pulmonary function testing. E tco 2 was significantly lower in patients with PAH than in those with no PH and PVH ( P tco 2 correlated with the pulmonary artery diastolic pressure-to-pulmonary artery occlusion pressure gradient ( r = −0.50, P = .0002) and pulmonary vascular resistance ( r = −0.44, P = .002). E tco 2 after 6MWT correlated with walk distance ( r = 0.34, P = .003). In patients with prostaglandin therapy escalation, E tco 2 increased in those who had clinical improvement, whereas in patients who did not improve clinically, E tco 2 failed to rise ( P = .04). Conclusions E tco 2 is a promising tool to differentiate patients with PAH from those with PVH or no PH, correlates with diagnostic and prognostic hemodynamic indicators, and may increase with successful treatment of PAH.
Searching for One Versus Two Identical Targets: When Visual Search Has a Memory

A recent study has suggested that observers' visual explorations of the external world can proceed unimpaired when the visual environment precludes the operation of memory processes (as, for instance, when the display elements change locations every 100 ms). One theoretical limitation of this study was that distractors were the only elements that had the potential to be tagged during visual search. The present study sought to clarify the amnesic-search hypothesis by investigating whether memory processes can guide search in other contexts in which targets also have the potential to be tagged. Accordingly, the experimental conditions of the previous study were repeated using a different search task in which observers had to decide whether one target or two were present among a variable number of similar distractors. Under these search conditions, the present findings provided strong evidence that memory processes can guide visual search.
Fatigue alters in vivo function within and between limb muscles during locomotion

Muscle fatigue, a reduction in force as a consequence of exercise, is an important factor for any animal that moves, and can result from both peripheral and/or central mechanisms. Although much is known about whole-limb force generation and activation patterns in fatigued muscles under sustained isometric contractions, little is known about the in vivo dynamics of limb muscle function in relation to whole-body fatigue. Here we show that limb kinematics and contractile function in the lateral (LG) and medial (MG) gastrocnemius of helmeted guineafowl ( Numida meleagris ) are significantly altered following fatiguing exercise at 2 m s −1 on an inclined treadmill. The two most significant findings were that the variation in muscle force generation, measured directly from the muscles9 tendons, increased significantly with fatigue, and fascicle shortening in the proximal MG, but not the distal MG, decreased significantly with fatigue. We suggest that the former is a potential mechanism for decreased stability associated with fatigue. The region-specific alteration of fascicle behaviour within the MG as a result of fatigue suggests a complex response to fatigue that probably depends on muscle–aponeurosis and tendon architecture not previously explored. These findings highlight the importance of studying the integrative in vivo dynamics of muscle function in response to fatigue.
Characterization of PEBBLEs as a Tool for Real-Time Measurement of Dictyostelium discoideum Endosomal pH

The measurement of intracellular ion concentration change is important for understanding the cellular mechanisms for communication. Recently developed nanosensors, (Photonic Explorers for Biomedical use with Biologically Localized Embedding) PEBBLEs, have a number of advantages for measuring ions in cells over established methods using microelectrodes, unbound fluorescent dyes, or NMR. PEBBLE sensors have been shown to work in principle for measuring dynamic ion changes, but few in vivo applications have been demonstrated. We modified the protocol for the fabrication of pH sensing PEBBLEs and developed a protocol for the utilization of these sensors for the monitoring of dynamic pH changes in the endosomes of slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum (D. discoideum). Oregon Green 514-CdSe Quantum Dot PEBBLEs were used to measure real-time pH inside D. discoideum endosomes during cAMP stimulation. Endosomal pH was shown to decrease during cAMP signaling, demonstrating a movement of protons into the endosomes of D. discoideum amoebae.
Computerized detection of masses in digitized mammograms using single-image segmentation and a multilayer topographic feature analysis

Rationale and Objectives. We developed and evaluated a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme for masses in digitized mammograms. Methods. A multistep CAD scheme was developed and tested. The method uses a technique of single-image segmentation with Gaussian bandpass filtering to yield a high sensitivity for mass detection. A rule-based multilayer topographic feature analysis method is then used to classify suspected regions. A set of 260 cases, including 162 verified masses, was divided into two subsets; one set was used to set the rule-based classification and one was used to test the performance of the scheme. Results. In a preliminary clinical study, the implemented detection scheme yielded 98% sensitivity with a false-positive detection rate of less than one false-positive region per image. Conclusion. Single-image segmentation methods seem to have high sensitivity in selecting true-positive mass regions in the first stage of a CAD scheme. A multilayer topographic image feature analysis method in the second stage of a CAD scheme has the potential to significantly reduce the false-positive detection rate.
Nano-Surface Modification on Titanium Implants for Drug Delivery

The surface layer of titanium implants, i.e. titanium dioxide, is responsible for the inertness of titanium-based implants within the human body. However, their cytocompatibility properties and long-term efficacy are limited without further surface engineering since the average functional lifetime of an orthopedic implant is only 10 to 15 years. In this study, an electrochemical method known as anodization was used to create titania nanotubular structures on titanium implant surfaces. These nanotubes were about 60 nm wide (inner diameter) and 200 nm deep. In vitro studies found that anodized surfaces consisting of titania nanotube arrays were favored by bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) compared to unanodized surfaces. These titania nano-tubular structures were utilized here as novel drug release delivery systems. It is proposed that the system designed here can have multi-functional drug release to inhibit infection and wound inflammation while increasing new bone formation. For this purpose, antibiotic drugs (penicillin and streptomycin) were loaded into these nanotubular structures by physical adsorption. To mediate interactions between drug molecules and nanotube walls, anodized titanium nanotubes were modified by silanization to possess amine or methyl groups on their surface instead of -OH groups. Results showed increased hydrophobicity of chemically modified titania nanotubes (methyl > amine > hydroxyl terminated surface). These drug loaded substrates were soaked in phosphate buffered solution in a simulated body environment to determine drug release behavior. Buffer solutions were collected and replaced every day. The eluted drug amounts were measured spectroscopically. Results showed more antibiotic penicillin and streptomycin released from chemically modified nanotubes compared to unanodized titanium substrates; specifically, titania anodized nanotubes functionalized with −OH groups did quite well. In this manner, this study advances titanium currently used in orthopedics to possess drug release behavior which can improve orthopedic implant efficacy.
Energy and civilization: A history of energy production and consumption in a global cultural, technological and economic context

The value in identifying current trends and viewing them in a historical light is that the results can be used to inform ongoing policy and investment decisions. This paper highlights historic and current patterns in human population, energy use, and culture, with technological development as both a facilitating and resultant factor. It is shown that there is a positive relationship between national energy consumption per capita and two human well-being indicators. It is also shown that, although many of the trends of the past such as increasing energy productivity in all economic sectors and increasing aggregate energy consumption are still in effect on a global basis, others, such as United States energy consumption, are beginning to shift.
Vascular Precursors: Origin, Regulation and Function

Series Editor: Karen K. Hirschi ATVB In Focus Vascular Precursors: Origin, Regulation and Function Articles in this series: •Hirschi KK. Vascular Precursors: Origin, Regulation and Function. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1078–1079. •Kumar AHS, Caplice NM. Clinical potential of adult vascular progenitor cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1080–1087. •Dimmeler S. Regulation of bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cell mobilization and maintenance. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1088–1093. •Yoder MC. Is endothelium the origin of endothelial progenitor cells? Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1094–1103. •Corselli M, Chen C-W, Crisan M, Lazzari L, Peault B. Perivascular ancestors of adult multipotent stem cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1104–1109. •Iacobas I, Vats A, Hirschi KK. Vascular potential of human pluripotent stem cells. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol . 2010;30:1110–1117. In this miniseries, we discuss the phenotype, origin, and specialized microenvironment (niche) of distinct populations of stem and progenitor cells that exhibit vascular potential. Their usefulness and effectiveness for clinical therapies are also described. We have learned a great deal about postnatal vascular …
Abstract 202: Dysregulation of the Small Organic Carnitine Transporter and Carnitine in Heart Failure

Introduction: Advanced heart failure (HF) is characterized by metabolic abnormalities. We have recently shown myocardial lipid species to be significantly decreased in non-diabetic HF. The finding of deficient carnitine species has directed us to examine a key gene SLC22A5 the high-affinity carnitine transporter. Known mutations of this gene lead to primary carnitine deficiency and cardiomyopathy. Methods: Left ventricular samples procured at the time of orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) from non-diabetic idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) n=16, and brain-dead organ donors without a history of diabetes or HF (NF) n=18 formed the study sample. All hearts received in situ cold cardioplegia. Lipids including carnitines were quantitated with liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) following the Folch extraction method. mRNA expression data of target genes including SLC22A5 from a separate study of n=117 DCM patients and n=67 NF patients p≤0.05 were analyzed. Results: Representative trends for all carnitine species assayed were shown to be significantly reduced in DCM. The figure below represents the mRNA expression between DCM and NF patients. There was a statistically significant reduction of SLC22A5 expression in the DCM population (Figure: \***|p≤ 0.0001, dots 95th percentiles). Conclusions: A statistically significant deficiency of carnitine species and a reduction in the expression of the carnitine transporter SLC22A5 was demonstrated in non-diabetic HF. Future studies will attempt to resolve the mechanisms behind these observations. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
A frequency-domain stability chart for nonlinear feedback systems

A modification of the Popov criterion for absolute stability is presented. A new chart, designed to facilitate the application in practice of the new criterion, is introduced and its use is discussed. The range of use of the chart is then extended to encompass a previously published generalization of the Popov criterion. Then a procedure for use of the chart in conjunction with a Nichols chart in a simple and straightforward engineering procedure for designing absolutely stable single-loop nonlinear feedback systems is presented. An example is included to illustrate the procedure described.
The effect of various finish line preparations on the marginal seal and occlusal seat of full crown preparations

The influences of the marginal design of a full crown on the occlusal seat and marginal seal of a cemented full crown restoration was examined. Under the conditions of the study, the featheredge and parallel bevel preparations demonstrated the best marginal seal, followed in order by the full shoulder, 45-degree shoulder, and finally the 90-degree shoulders with 30-degree and 45-degree bevels. With regard to seating of the restoration, the 90-degree full shoulder demonstrated the best seat, followed in order by the 45-degree shoulder, 90-degree shoulder with 45-degree bevel, featheredge, 90-degree shoulder with 30-degree bevel, chamfer with parallel bevel, and finally 90-degree shoulder with parallel bevel.
Sleep, psychological distress, and stress arousal in women with fibromyalgia

The purpose of this investigation was to compare self-reported sleep quality and psychological distress, as well as somnographic sleep and physiological stress arousal, in women recruited from the community with self-reported medically diagnosed fibromyalgia (FM) to women without somatic symptoms. Eleven midlife women with FM, when compared to 11 asymptomatic women, reported poorer sleep quality and higher SCL-90 psychological distress scores. Women with FM also had more early night transitional sleep (stage 1) (p < 0.01), more sleep stage changes (p < 0.03) and a higher sleep fragmentation index (p < 0.03), but did not differ in α-EEG-NREM activity (a marker believed to accompany FM). No physiological stress arousal differences were evident. Less stable sleep in the early night supports a postulate that nighttime hormone (e.g., growth hormone) disturbance is an eitiologic factor but, contrary to several literature assertions, α-EEG-NREM activity sleep does not appear to be a specific marker of FM. Further study of mechanisms is needed to guide treatment options. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 20: 247–257, 1997
An adventure in dermatology: A personal history

This adventure in dermatology took place between 1960 and 1962. An immigration ruling forced Dr Bernard Gordon, a Canadian, to spend 2 years abroad before he could legally live and practice in the United States. Dr Gordon had just completed a 3-year residency at the New York University Skin and Cancer Unit. Dr Gordon met with his mentor, Dr Marion Sulzberger, for advice. This world-famous dermatologist took an interest in his situation and was able to arrive at an extraordinary solution. Dr Sulzberger consulted with his many dermatology colleagues and made arrangements for Dr Gordon to work abroad. He would spend 1 year in Caracas, Venezuela, teaching and conducting research in tropical skin diseases. The second year would be spent in Europe, beginning with 3 months in Madrid, Spain, followed by 3 months in Geneva, Switzerland, and concluding with 6 months at the Hopital Saint Louis in Paris, France. Dr Gordon worked with the leading dermatologists at each hospital. These 2 years abroad led to a deeper understanding of world dermatology and lasting friendships.
Effect of mercury and cadmium on germination of Spartina alterniflora Loisel seeds at various salinities.

Abstract Spartina alterniflora seeds were germinated in solutions containing mercury or cadmium at various salinity levels for 30 days under controlled conditions. Daily counts of epicotyl emergence were used to calculate an intial rate of germination (first 5 days), time for seeds treated with metal and salt to yield 50% of untreated seeds (distilled water treatment) and total germination at the end of the experiment (30 days). Seeds remaining ungerminated after 30 days were put through a series of washings and treatments to remove metal and salinity stresses. This was done in such a way so that osmotic and toxic effects could be identified. Results indicated both mercury and cadmium reduce the germination rate, total performance and long-term viability after an initial stimulation of germination. Increases in the detrimental effect were directly correlated with increases in salinity level and metal concentration. Findings also indicate some salt (possibly chloride ion) toxicity to S. alterniflora seeds.
Microstructural Characterization of Longitudinal Magnetic Recording Media

The optimization of disc manufacturing conditions is required to increase the storage capacities of magnetic recording media, which is strongly related to both magnetic properties and microstructural features. Analyzing the microstructure requires transmission electron microscopy (TEM), since the small grain sizes of the media prevent other tools from characterizing them. This paper discusses several fascinating characteristics of TEM in understanding and analyzing the properties of the recording media.
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease and dual positivity for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in a patient with membranous nephropathy

We present the case of a 50-year-old man who underwent kidney biopsy for nephrotic syndrome. In addition to a membranous pattern, anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) staining was noted before manifestations of anti-GBM disease. Hematuria and renal failure ensued 2 weeks later. In addition, he had simultaneous circulating levels of anti-GBM antibody and both perinuclear (P-) and cytoplasmic (C-) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA).
A new understanding of antibiotic action via solid-state NMR of cells with uniform isotopic labeling.

In this issue of the Biophysical Journal, Nygaard et al. (1) describe an exciting new solid-state NMR approach to probe the composition of whole bacterial cells and their cell-wall fractions. Use of uniform 13C and 15N labeling as well as magic-angle spinning and rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) selection of either Gly or non-Gly 13C signals allows for NMR detection of many chemical functionalities including polysaccharide and protein (2–5). In my view, the most exciting result is the striking differences among unfiltered 13C NMR spectra of whole bacterial cells grown with different antibiotics, as displayed in Fig. 7 in the article.
Pharmacodynamic analysis of an agonistic antibody to the costimulatory receptor GITR

GITR/TNFRSF18 is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily preferentially expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and activated T effector cells. Antibody agonists to GITR claim two distinct mechanisms to overcome the repressive tumor microenvironment and drive anti-tumor efficacy in vivo: receptor agonism (forward signaling) on T effector cells and FcγR-mediated Treg depletion. We sought to better understand the contribution of these two mechanisms using pharmacodynamic readouts relating target coverage, Treg depletion and efficacy using isotypic variants of a surrogate antibody against mouse GITR, DTA-1. First, target coverage was determined in spleen, tumor and draining lymph node following treatment with a single dose of mouse IgG2a DTA-1. In this study, efficacy correlated with doses that covered >90% GITR-expressing intratumoral leukocytes and depleted >90% intratumoral Tregs at 24 hours post-dose. Though displaying equivalent agonistic activity in vitro and achieving a similar level of target coverage, the mouse IgG1 N297A variant of DTA-1 neither depleted Tregs nor displayed anti-tumor activity in vivo, in confirmation of recent literature. To further explore the influence of Fc engagement, additional DTA-1 isotypic variants were generated and tested in vivo. In this study, we confirmed that preferential engagement of Fcγ receptors was necessary for optimal activity, as the mouse IgG1 DTA-1 variant failed to regress tumors. Additionally, we identified a variant with enhanced Treg depletion properties, however, the enhanced depletion did not translate to improved anti-tumor efficacy. Lastly, we sought to understand if mouse IgG2a DTA-1-would enhance the effect of PD-1 / PD-L1 blockade in vivo. Using the MC38 tumor model, we observed synergistic tumor regression in the combination group versus either monotherapy. Given the likely non-overlapping mechanism of the antibodies, the results suggest that an ADCC-enabled agonistic GITR antibody could provide benefit to human cancer patients in combination with, or refractory to, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors
An Autopsy of Scientific Evidence in a Post-Daubert Scientific Evidence Landscape

Acknowledging the process by which scientific knowledge is acquired, these approaches required a trial judge to delve into the scientific validity of the expert's methodology, presuming it to be indicative of evidentiary reliability... When an expert's methodology has been generally accepted in the scientific community for the particular purpose involved in a case, courts have readily admitted the testimony under Daubert... The expert's choice of methodology under the first prong of Daubert must amount to scientific knowledge... When an expert's conclusions are not commensurate with the underlying methodology, they may be properly excluded under Daubert because they do not rely on scientific knowledge and are thus unhelpful to the jury... It is amply clear that trial judges do not enjoy their assignments under Daubert. Courts employ a gamut of proxies and distinctions to get around the first prong of Daubert. Some of the common ones are: classifying scientific evidence as not being novel to circumvent Daubert; finding scientific evidence to be insufficient without addressing admissibility; reclassifying expert testimony as not relating to a science; and declaring proffered expert testimony to be lay opinion.
Color Quality of White LEDs

This chapter provides an overview of the fundamentals of chromaticity and color rendering, the two important aspects of color quality of light sources for general illumination. There is a special focus on the use of solid state light sources. The section on chromaticity discusses chromaticity coordinates and diagrams, correlated color temperature (CCT), Duv, and specifications for color differences. The section on color rendering discusses object color evaluation, the color rendering index (CRI) and the shortcomings thereof, and color quality beyond CRI, introducing the color quality scale (CQS), a proposed alternative metric. The chapter also discusses luminous efficacy of radiation and the color characteristics used for single-color LEDs. Finally, future considerations on color quality for white LED developments are given.