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The Islamic State in the West African province (ISWAP) has gained prominence in Lake Chad Basin by filling in the security, service delivery, and governance gaps in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. This has won the group recruits and support in some communities, entrenching it in the region. Using the security-development-Governance nexus conceptual framework, this mixed methods study explores viable counter-terrorism measures in the Lake Chad Basin. The paper argues that although a military option is viable, combating underlying state failures and applying soft counter-terrorism measures will go a long way in restoring the state-community trust needed to defeat ISWAP.

The cross-roads that have been crystallized by global positions on the war in Ukraine reignite the Cold War. The West is united in asserting, sometimes crudely, its geopolitical positions in international affairs. It has over the past decade and a half decided to bring Russia into West’s fold in defence of a US - anchored western international order. Russia has also decided to fight back and assert its independence from this order. In the process, the west has threatened the strategic security of Russia and Russia has also flouted the national sovereignty of its western neighbours that the West tries to use to bring Russia into submission. The expansion of NATO westward, like its expansion south with the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya is not an innocent expansion of a regional body but an extension of a highly problematic security complex in defence of Western dominance of the world order.

The cross-roads that have been crystallized by global positions on the war in Ukraine reignite the Cold War. The West is united in asserting, sometimes crudely, its geopolitical positions in international affairs. It has over the past decade and a half decided to bring Russia into West’s fold in defence of a US - anchored western international order. Russia has also decided to fight back and assert its independence from this order. In the process, the west has threatened the strategic security of Russia and Russia has also flouted the national sovereignty of its western neighbours that the West tries to use to bring Russia into submission. The expansion of NATO westward, like its expansion south with the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya is not an innocent expansion of a regional body but an extension of a highly problematic security complex in defence of Western dominance of the world order.

Ugandan women have managed to emancipate themselves and reach key positions of power in the public sector. However, they still struggle to exert decisive influence in the fight against corruption. This mixed methodology research analyses the root causes of the corruption and their effect on the role of women in fighting this scourge. It concludes that despite achieving greater transparency, the women in power in Uganda have been overwhelmed by the collective perception that the country’s elites are engaged in corrupt practices and by the need for political survival in a patrimonial political system. Nevertheless, when given space and agency, they have been transformative. Such was the case with the fight against HIV and the changes Allen Kagina inspired in the Revenue Authority and the National Roads Authority.

Xenophobic attacks have long been prevalent in post-independence Africa, as shown by the expulsion of Ugandans of Asian origin from Uganda in 1972. Post-apartheid South Africa has experienced continuous xenophobic attacks on Africans since 2008. In both cases the attacks were not framed as xenophobic by the state. Instead, they were framed within a socio-economic context, where the targeted groups were criminalized and securitised by the general population. The goal of this qualitative study is to analyse the drivers and social justice goals of xenophobia in urban spaces. This is done by looking into case studies of the 1972 Ugandan-Asian expulsion in Uganda, and the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa (2008–2019). The case studies provide key debates surrounding the drivers and social justice goals of xenophobic attacks in both Uganda and South Africa. The paper thus examines the relative deprivation in both countries, which assists in explaining the onset of the xenophobic attacks. Findings are that although the Ugandan-Asian debacle and xenophobic attacks in South Africa were triggered by drivers such as income inequality, inter-group hatred, racism, poverty, unemployment and competition for resources, the quest for social justice emanating from historical socio-economic grievances was deeply entrenched in both cases. Yet the paper further argues that rather than addressing social injustice, xenophobia perpetuates it by creating new victims and shielding the governments from the spotlight on their failings especially in addressing poverty, inequality, and overall access to economic opportunities to mention but a few. The paper recommends a need for political will to tackle xenophobia and the socio-economic challenges and a need for community dialogue and inter-community linkages crucial when dealing with grievances.

COVID-19 broke out in the period that Uganda was due to have presidential and parliamentary elections, posing a very precarious human security challenge. The ruling party (National Resistance Movement; NRM) faced the challenge of passing power to the Speaker of parliament if elections were not to be held. To mitigate the public health challenges and maintain power, the government acquiesced to an election process without public campaigns. Instead, campaigns were to be held over the radio, TV, and social media in what came to be known as 'scientific elections.' However, in a country hamstrung by massive political and bureaucratic corruption and an entrenched regime that uses violence against opponents, little attention was paid to the fairness of the process, especially in terms of access to media resources by the opposition. Conversely, as elections are about crowds and showmanship, the Ugandan Electoral Commission struggled with the ever-evolving electoral campaign process, especially as large spontaneous crowds sprang up on the campaign trail of the political candidates. The opposition needs a large crowd for legitimacy and a show of popularity. To mitigate this, the ruling party used violence against opposition members as an excuse to enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the prevention of COVID-19, yet its candidates were left to gather crowds. This radicalized some of the opposition that used media outlets to call for violence and ethnic cleansing. This qualitative study delves into the extent to which the 'scientific elections' process was designed to produce a fair outcome of the 2021 elections in Uganda. This study uses the rational choice theory to explore the calculations of different stakeholders. The study relies on secondary data, especially available in media outlets, but also primary data through reports and social media and speeches of key figures in the political landscape in Uganda. The study finds that the Independent Electoral Commission was caught between two highly sophisticated opponents and did not have the capacity and agency to enforce the rules in the political game. In the end, the key facets of the 'scientific elections' process were found wanting and did not produce a fair outcome of the 2021 elections in Uganda.

Introduction. This meta-analytical study of primary research on early literacy explores and summarizes patterns of correlation between performance on Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) task and measures of specific reading skills. This is the first large-scale meta-analysis intended to verify claims of the double-deficit hypothesis of relative independence of naming speed and phonological awareness factors in developmental dyslexia and to systematically map specific connection between RAN performance and various literacy competencies. Method. Two-hundred-forty-one primary studies identified through systematic searches of related empirical literature yielded 1551 effect sizes of two types – cross-sectional (correlations at the same time) and longitudinal (when measures of RAN and reading were considerably separated in time), reflecting RAN-to-reading correlations for seven independent outcome types. Results. The overall weighted average effect sizes were: r+ = 314, k = 1254 and r+ = 343, k = 297, respectively. Subsequent moderator variable analyses further explored RAN-to-reading associations dependent on RAN type, particular reading skills, age of learners and other factors. Among the strongest and most consistent in both sub-collections were correlation between symbolic RAN and reading speed and between non-symbolic RAN and reading comprehension, whereas both RAN types were strongly associated with decoding skills and reading composite measures. Discussion. Patterns of RAN-to-reading correlation provided insufficient support for the double-deficit hypothesis, but were suggestive of perceiving RAN as a measure of “pre-reading” skills, an “equal among equals” correlate of reading performance. The study also emphasizes the important role of both automatic and controlled cognitive processes for successful RAN task performance in its connection to reading competency.

This research aimed to address health and food security challenges affecting Los Angeles and beyond in our own backyard. One possible way to combat these challenges is through biotechnology. The purpose of this research was to characterize the arable soils at Los Angeles Pierce College and their potential uses. The methods employed were collection of soil physical and chemical properties, cultivation of soil microorganisms, and 16S rDNA sequencing with a citizen science platform. Statistical analysis in R revealed associations between field conditions and life in the soil. The testing of plant-based antimicrobial agents on antibiotic-resistant bacteria revealed that plant oils could be more efficacious for control than common antibiotics. We found evidence of plant growth-promoting, antibiotic-producing, and bioremediating bacteria in different fields with distinct microclimates based on the 16S rDNA taxonomy results and inferred functional profiles. The major findings included an abundance of Streptomyces, Bacillus, Methylobacteria, and others with desirable functions. Numerous Streptomyces isolates cultivated on selective media demonstrated the ability to reduce nitrate. These results will empower future trials and product development by identifying target soil microorganisms and the most viable fields.

Quantitative research evaluating the effect of peacekeeping operations usually links conflict abatement to the number of casualties in order to measure mission success. Such an approach is incomplete as security concerns extend far beyond the number of conflict related deaths. This narrow understanding of mission success leaves a significant assessment gap. Therefore this study is the first which presents comprehensive data using a wider understanding of violence and peace. We apply 11 indicators measuring security comprehensively. These range from the number of battle death, to violence against civilians, domestic unrest as well as domestic governance and political stability. In contrast to the mainstream quantitative literature our analysis shows that conflict often persists even with the deployment of peacekeepers. The absence of war (decline of battle death) does not automatically equate for non-violence and peace. In order to explain variation between cases we are also exploring the significance of different peacekeeping types, the size of developmental aid, rents from natural resources and the role of governance on conflict.

Introduction: Lowering opioid prescription doses and quantity decreases the risk of chronic opioid usage. A tool was inserted into the brief operative note for the surgeon to assess the severity of pain associated with the procedure. We studied surgeon adherence to current opioid-prescribing recommendations., Methods: Retrospective cohort study with 5486 patients were included in the study population. Each patient's prescription was scored yes or no for adherence on total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) and days prescribed with the selection in the brief operative note. The entire study population was tested for an increase from the null-hypothesis "benchmark" value of 75% using a one-sided exact binomial test of a single proportion with P < 0.05. This procedure was repeated for subgroups, with P < 0.01., Results: Adherence to guidelines was higher than the 75% benchmark for "total MMEs prescribed" (79.5%; P < 0.001), but lower for "number of days prescribed" (63.5%; P > 0.999). Surgeries with severe predicted pain showed the highest adherence toward total MMEs prescribed at 87.1%, followed by moderate (80.5%) and mild (74.5%). Severe cases also showed the highest adherence in number of days prescribed (92.4%). Adherence to total MMEs prescribed was highest among attending physicians (88.1%) and lowest among residents/fellows (76.6%)., Conclusions: Adherence to current guidelines was 79.5% for MMEs prescribed but only 63.5% for days prescribed. Compliance with guidelines was better for severe procedures than mild or moderate. Differences were seen across surgical departments. While an improvement from previous reports, further improvement is needed to reduce the number of days of opioids prescribed and increase compliance with recommended guidelines., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The original version of this Article contained an error in Figure 1b, where the blue '(ZIF-4-Zn) 0.5 (ZIF-62) 0.5 blend' data curve was omitted from the enthalpy response plot. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the translation of an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) bypass protocol to the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)., Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, which included all patients who had a prehospital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) performed by ambulance crews. Analysis of those who were identified as having STEMI and who subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed., Results: A total of 152 patients had a 12-lead ECG performed during the pilot study period (February 24, 2016-August 31, 2016) with 118 included for analysis. Mean patient age was 52 years. There were 87 male (74%) and 31 female (26%) patients. Twenty-nine patients suffered a STEMI, and data were available for 11 who underwent PCI. There was no mortality, and no major adverse cardiac events were reported. The median door-to-balloon (D2B) time was 73 min (range 48-124), and 81% of patients had a D2B time < 90 min. Discharge data were available for six patients: All were discharged home with no impediments to rehabilitation., Conclusion: This pilot study has demonstrated agreement with the existing literature surrounding prehospital ECG and PCI activation in an unstudied STEMI population and in a novel clinical setting. It has demonstrated a D2B time of < 90 min in over 80% of STEMI patients, and a faster mean D2B time than self-presentations (mean 77 min vs. 113 min), with no associated mortality or major adverse cardiac events., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The liquid and glass states of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently become of interest due to the potential for liquid-phase separations and ion transport, alongside the fundamental nature of the latter as a new, fourth category of melt-quenched glass. Here we show that the MOF liquid state can be blended with another MOF component, resulting in a domain structured MOF glass with a single, tailorable glass transition. Intra-domain connectivity and short range order is confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and pair distribution function measurements. The interfacial binding between MOF domains in the glass state is evidenced by electron tomography, and the relationship between domain size and T g investigated. Nanoindentation experiments are also performed to place this new class of MOF materials into context with organic blends and inorganic alloys.

The layering of ionic liquids close to flat, charged interfaces has been identified previously through theoretical and some experimental measurements. Here we present evidence for oscillations in ion density ('layering') in a long chain ionic liquid (1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide) near the interface with mica using two complementary approaches. Neutron reflection at the ionic liquid-mica interface is used to detect structure at a single interface, and surface force balance (SFB) measurements carried out with the same ionic liquid reveal oscillatory density in the liquid confined between two mica sheets. Our findings imply the interfacial structure is not induced by confinement alone. Structural forces between two mica surfaces extend to approximately twice the distance of the density oscillations measured at a single interface and have similar period in both cases.

The local solvation environment of uracil dissolved in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate has been studied using neutron diffraction techniques. At solvent:solute (ionic liquid:uracil) ratios of 3:1 and 2:1, little perturbation of the ion-ion correlations compared to those of the neat ionic liquid are observed. We find that solvation of the uracil is driven predominantly by the acetate anion of the solvent. While short distance correlations exist between uracil and the imidazolium cation, the geometry of these contacts suggest that they cannot be considered as hydrogen bonds, in contrast to other studies by Araújo et al. (J. M. Araújo, A. B. Pereiro, J. N. Canongia-Lopes, L. P. Rebelo, I. M. Marrucho, J. Phys. Chem. B 2013, 117, 4109-4120). Nevertheless, this combination of interactions of the solute with both the cation and anion components of the solvents helps explain the high solubility of the nucleobase in this media. In addition, favourable uracil-uracil contacts are observed, of similar magnitude to those between cation and uracil, and are also likely to aid dissolution., (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Oscillatory neurons integrate their synaptic inputs in fundamentally different ways than normally quiescent neurons. We show that the oscillation period of invertebrate endogenous pacemaker neurons wanders, producing random fluctuations in the interspike intervals (ISI) on a time scale of seconds to minutes, which decorrelates pairs of neurons in hybrid circuits constructed using the dynamic clamp. The autocorrelation of the ISI sequence remained high for many ISIs, but the autocorrelation of the ΔISI series had on average a single nonzero value, which was negative at a lag of one interval. We reproduced these results using a simple integrate and fire (IF) model with a stochastic population of channels carrying an adaptation current with a stochastic component that was integrated with a slow time scale, suggesting that a similar population of channels underlies the observed wander in the period. Using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models, we found that a single integrator and a single moving average with a negative coefficient could simulate both the experimental data and the IF model. Feeding white noise into an integrator with a slow time constant is sufficient to produce the autocorrelation structure of the ISI series. Moreover, the moving average clearly accounted for the autocorrelation structure of the ΔISI series and is biophysically implemented in the IF model using slow stochastic adaptation. The observed autocorrelation structure may be a neural signature of slow stochastic adaptation, and wander generated in this manner may be a general mechanism for limiting episodes of synchronized activity in the nervous system., (Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.)

In order to study the ability of coupled neural oscillators to synchronize in the presence of intrinsic as opposed to synaptic noise, we constructed hybrid circuits consisting of one biological and one computational model neuron with reciprocal synaptic inhibition using the dynamic clamp. Uncoupled, both neurons fired periodic trains of action potentials. Most coupled circuits exhibited qualitative changes between one-to-one phase-locking with fairly constant phasic relationships and phase slipping with a constant progression in the phasic relationships across cycles. The phase resetting curve (PRC) and intrinsic periods were measured for both neurons, and used to construct a map of the firing intervals for both the coupled and externally forced (PRC measurement) conditions. For the coupled network, a stable fixed point of the map predicted phase locking, and its absence produced phase slipping. Repetitive application of the map was used to calibrate different noise models to simultaneously fit the noise level in the measurement of the PRC and the dynamics of the hybrid circuit experiments. Only a noise model that added history-dependent variability to the intrinsic period could fit both data sets with the same parameter values, as well as capture bifurcations in the fixed points of the map that cause switching between slipping and locking. We conclude that the biological neurons in our study have slowly-fluctuating stochastic dynamics that confer history dependence on the period. Theoretical results to date on the behavior of ensembles of noisy biological oscillators may require re-evaluation to account for transitions induced by slow noise dynamics.

The electrochemical reduction of 1-bromo-4-nitrobenzene (p-BrC6H4NO2) at zinc microelectrodes in the [C4mPyrr][NTf2] ionic liquid was investigated via cyclic voltammetry. The reduction was found to occur via an EC type mechanism, where p-BrC6H4NO2 is first reduced by one electron, quasi-reversibly, to yield the corresponding radical anion. The radical anions then react with the Zn electrode to form arylzinc products. Introduction of carbon dioxide into the system led to reaction with the arylzinc species, fingerprinting the formation of the latter. This method thus demonstrates a proof-of-concept of the formation of functionalised arylzinc species.

Radical anions of 1-bromo-4-nitrobenzene (p-BrC6H4NO2) are shown to be reactive in the room temperature ionic liquid N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, ([C4mPyrr][NTf2]), by means of voltammetric measurements. In particular, they are shown to react via a DISP type mechanism such that the electrolysis of p-BrC6H4NO2 occurs consuming between one and two electrons per reactant molecule, leading to the formation of the nitrobenzene radical anion and bromide ions. This behaviour is a stark contrast to that in conventional non-aqueous solvents such as acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide or N,N-dimethylformamide, which suggests that the ionic solvent promotes the reactivity of the radical anion, probably via stabilisation of the charged products.

Objectives. To identify factors associated with academic help-seeking behavior among student pharmacists at a public university.Methods. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted to explore in depth perceptions of facilitators of and barriers to the help-seeking behavior and academic achievement of student pharmacists who had received a D or F grade in any year. A 4-part survey instrument was developed and administered to all student pharmacists and included sections for (1) attitudes and academic help-seeking behavior, (2) health status, (3) demographics, and (4) open comments. A structural equation modeling approach was used to assess relationships among domains of interest.Results. Three student focus groups noted that helpfulness of faculty members and school administrators were 2 prominent facilitators of help-seeking behavior and academic achievement. Diminished quality of life caused by stress and depression was the primary barrier to help-seeking and achievement. Three hundred four (68.6%) student pharmacists completed the survey instrument. Academic help-seeking behavior was influenced mostly by perceived academic competence and perceived faculty helpfulness. In contrast, ambivalence and perception of help-seeking as threatening were 2 factors that were negatively associated with academic help-seeking behavior.Conclusions. Academic help-seeking behavior was positively related to greater perceived academic competence and positive relationships among student pharmacists and faculty members.

We report the simultaneous measurement of temperature and humidity by analysing square wave voltammetric responses of two ferrocene derivatives, decamethylferrocene (DmFc) and 1,2-diferrocenylethylene (bisferrocene, BisFc) in 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate ([Moepyrr][FAP]). These two molecules produce three peaks in square wave voltammetry. Through study of the peak potentials of BisFc/BisFc(+) (vs. DmFc/DmFc(+)) and BisFc(+)/BisFc(2+) (vs. DmFc/DmFc(+)) over a temperature range of 298 K to 318 K and humidity range of 1% to 50% using square wave voltammetry, the temperature and humidity dependences of the relative peak potentials were investigated. A reliable method to calculate the humidity and temperature based on the voltammetric experiment is characterised and demonstrated.

The high mechanical mismatch between stiffness of silicon and metal microelectrodes and soft cortical tissue, induces strain at the neural interface which likely contributes to failure of the neural interface. However, little is known about the molecular outcomes of electrode induced low-magnitude strain (1-5%) on primary astrocytes, microglia and neurons. In this study we simulated brain micromotion at the electrode-brain interface by subjecting astrocytes, microglia and primary cortical neurons to low-magnitude cyclical strain using a biaxial stretch device, and investigated the molecular outcomes of induced strain in vitro. In addition, we explored the functional consequence of astrocytic and microglial strain on neural health, when they are themselves subjected to strain. Quantitative real-time PCR array (qRT-PCR Array) analysis of stretched astrocytes and microglia showed strain specific upregulation of an Interleukin receptor antagonist - IL-36Ra (previously IL-1F5), to ≈ 1018 and ≈ 236 fold respectively. Further, IL-36Ra gene expression remained unchanged in astrocytes and microglia treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) indicating that the observed upregulation in stretched astrocytes and microglia is potentially strain specific. Zymogram and western blot analysis revealed that mechanically strained astrocytes and microglia upregulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, and other markers of reactive gliosis such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurocan when compared to controls. Primary cortical neurons when stretched with and without IL-36Ra, showed a ≈ 400 fold downregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 11b (TNFRSF11b). Significant upregulation of members of the caspase cysteine proteinase family and other pro-apoptotic genes was also observed in the presence of IL-36Ra than in the absence of IL-36Ra. Adult rats when implanted with microwire electrodes showed upregulation of IL-36Ra (≈ 20 fold) and IL-1Ra (≈ 1500 fold) 3 days post-implantation (3 DPI), corroborating in vitro results, although these transcripts were drastically down regulated by ≈ 20 fold and ≈ 1488 fold relative to expression levels 3 DPI, at the end of 12 weeks post-implantation (12 WPI). These results demonstrate that IL receptor antagonists may be negatively contributing to neuronal health at acute time-points post-electrode implantation., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The electrode potentials for the two one electron oxidations of 1,2-diferrocenylethylene (bisferrocene, BF) were studied relative to that of the one electrode oxidation of decamethylferrocene in a variety of RTILs. The difference in these potentials was found to be very sensitive to the anion component of the ionic liquid showing the scope of these solutes as 'designer media' to tune the thermodynamic properties of solutes dissolved in them.

There is growing interest in promoting health for people with disabilities, yet evidence regarding community-based interventions is sparse. This paper describes the design details of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will test the effectiveness of a multi-component behaviorally based, intervention to promote exercise adoption (over 6 months) and maintenance (up to one year) among wheelchair users and includes descriptive data on participant characteristics at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to either a staff-supported intervention group or a self-guided comparison group. The primary study aim is to assess the effectiveness of the multi-component behaviorally based intervention for promoting physical activity adoption and maintenance. The RCT will also assess the physical and psychosocial effects of the intervention and the complex interplay of factors that influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Therefore, the primary outcome derives from participant reports of weekly exercise (type, frequency, duration) over 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes collected on four occasions (baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months) included physiological outcomes (VO(2) peak, strength), disability-related outcomes (pain, fatigue, participation), and psychosocial outcomes (exercise self-efficacy, exercise barriers, quality of life, depression, mood). This study will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of a multi-component behaviorally based intervention for promoting exercise adoption among people with mobility impairments that necessitate wheelchair use., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ionic liquids have been used in combination with ball milling on a range of chlorophosphoramidite reagents to phosphitylate nucleosides and 2-deoxynucleosides. The enhanced stability offered by the ionic liquid mediated processes combined with efficient mass transfer induced by ball milling has enabled excellent yields to be obtained even when using small dialkyl amino groups as well as the more commonly used diisopropylamino protection., (© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011)

Neural interfaces are connections that enable two-way exchange of information with the nervous system. These connections can occur at multiple levels, including with peripheral nerves, with the spinal cord, or with the brain; in many instances, fundamental biophysical and biological challenges are shared across these levels. We review these challenges, including selectivity, stability, resolution versus invasiveness, implant-induced injury, and the host-interface response. Subsequently, we review the engineered solutions to these challenges, including electrode designs and geometry, stimulation waveforms, materials, and surface modifications. Finally, we consider emerging opportunities to improve neural interfaces, including cellular-level silicon to neuron connections, optical stimulation, and approaches to control inflammation. Overcoming the biophysical and biological challenges will enable effective high-density neural interfaces for stimulation and recording.

In the present work, the multivariate kinetic complexation of a new synthesized ligand, 1-(2''-hydroxyl cyclohexyl)-3'-[aminopropyl]-4-[3'-aminopropyl]piperazine (Pizda) and Cu(2+) in 50% ethanol-water solution is investigated using the UV-vis stopped-flow technique and state-of-the-art multi-wavelength numerical analysis. Model-based least squares fitting analysis or hard modeling is a specific part of chemometrics which is based on mathematical relationships for describing the measurements. Some recent developments include the incorporation of the effects of non-ideal experimental conditions into the fitting algorithm so it can substantially simplify experimental procedures. In this study no buffers are required because pH changes are taken into computations. Some 21 multi-wavelength kinetic measurements, taken at various initial concentrations of [H(+)] were analyzed globally, i.e. simultaneously applying an all inclusive reaction mechanism and a common set of species spectra. Using numerical analysis, the pH of the experimental solutions was allowed to vary as a consequence of the proceeding reactions. This enabled the complete kinetic analysis of the formation and dissociation of Cu(Pizda)(n+). Here protonation equilibria have been directly incorporated into the rate law, so thus variable pH values have been allowed during each measurement. Using the independently estimated stability constants (from spectrophotometric and potentiometric measurements) for the Cu(Pizda)(n+) complexes, a total of six rate constants and one protonation constant could be elucidated. The results of the analysis include the concentration distribution and spectra of all chemical species involved in the reaction. A low standard deviation and residual profiles obtained validate the results.

Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive technique useful for investigating autonomic function in both humans and animals. It has been used for research into both behaviour and physiology. Commercial systems for human HRV analysis are expensive and may not have sufficient flexibility for appropriate analysis in animals. Some heart rate monitors have the facility to provide inter-beat interval (IBI), but verification following collection is not possible as only IBIs are recorded, and not the raw electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Computer-based data acquisition and analysis systems such as Po-Ne-Mah and Biopac offer greater flexibility and control but have limited portability. Many laboratories and veterinary surgeons have access to ECG machines but do not have equipment to record ECG signals for further analysis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether suitable HRV data could be obtained from ECG signals recorded onto a MiniDisc (MD) and subsequently digitised and analysed using a commercial data acquisition and analysis package. ECG signals were obtained from six Thoroughbred horses by telemetry. A split BNC connecter was used to allow simultaneous digitisation of analogue output from the ECG receiver unit by a computerised data acquisition system (Po-Ne-Mah) and MiniDisc player (MZ-N710, Sony). Following recording, data were played back from the MiniDisc into the same input channel of the data acquisition system as previously used to record the direct ECG. All data were digitised at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. IBI data were analysed in both time and frequency domains and comparisons between direct recorded and MiniDisc data were made using Bland-Altman analysis. Despite some changes in ECG morphology due to loss of low frequency content (primarily below 5 Hz) following MiniDisc recording, there was minimal difference in IBI or time or frequency domain analysis between the two recording methods. The MiniDisc offers a cost-effective approach to intermediate recording of ECG signals for subsequent HRV analysis and also provides greater flexibility than use of human Holter systems.

Background: Night terrors have been classically described in children. Night terrors occurring in adults have been linked to psychopathology. Recent descriptions of sleep panic attacks have raised questions about their relationship to night terrors., Method: Evaluations from a medically affiliated sleep disorders program were reviewed to identify adult patients presenting with events consistent with night terrors. Eleven patients were identified, 10 of whom had polysomnographic evaluation, and their records were reviewed for information relevant to night terrors and psychiatric symptoms. Six of these patients were available for further assessment which included inquiry regarding sleep events, a Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for psychiatric disorders, and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory II (MCMI-II) for personality-related measurements., Results: In the original sample, night terror episodes featured confused behaviors, motor activity, and absent or fragmented recall. Polysomnography documented arousals from slow wave sleep in 9 of 10 patients. All of the original patients reported psychiatric symptoms. All 6 patients who received the subsequent structured evaluation met lifetime criteria for Axis I conditions (most commonly affective and substance use disorders) and had elevated scores on the personality scales of the MCMI-II. Night terrors were not limited to psychiatric episodes., Conclusion: Night terrors occur in adults that are similar to episodes described in children. While distinct from sleep panic attacks, night terrors appear to occur in adults with histories of psychopathology.

During the clinical latency phase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease the central nervous system may be infected and begin to manifest subtle dysfunction. Our early investigations demonstrated persistent alterations in the sleep architecture of HIV-infected asymptomatic men. The major aims of this study were to delineate alterations of sleep architecture in asymptomatic HIV-infected men, to identify and describe sleep behavior complaints and to seek a correlation between objective sleep parameters and subjective complaints of sleep behavior. The study sample consisted of 24 men, 14 HIV-infected and 10 HIV-negative, age-matched controls. The protocol included a comprehensive history and physical, two polysomnograms, urine toxicity, detailed written sleep questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Test and the Beck Depression Inventory. Our results indicated that sleep architecture differed from controls in that wakefulness, slow-wave sleep [SWS-stage 3 and 4 nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep] and stage rapid eye movement (REM) sleep were more evenly dispersed throughout the night. In particular, SWS was prevalent during the second half of recorded sleep. The observed changes in the NREM/REM cycle could not be explained on the basis of underlying psychopathology. Just as the course of individuals with HIV infection varies, it is expected that sleep abnormalities will vary. Considering the known relationships between NREM stage 3 and 4 and immune system function, it is possible that the observed alterations in the NREM/REM cycle are related to coincident changes in immunologic function. Quantitative measures of NREM sleep, especially SWS and REM sleep, are perhaps of greater significance than relative measures of sleep stages.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

To provide a better understanding of the etiology of subjective sleep complaints in HIV-infected individuals, a study to evaluate sleep/wake disturbances in 10 healthy HIV-infected male volunteers was performed. All subjects were HIV-infected but had no history of AIDS-related infections, and considered clinically asymptomatic. Interviews and sleep questionnaires revealed sleep complaints in nine subjects. Five healthy HIV-seronegative male subjects, with no history of sleep complaints, were also evaluated. Sleep architecture analyses detected that, in comparison to published normative data and to negative controls, there was a significant increase in the total percentage of slow wave sleep (SWS) and an increase in the percentage of SWS in the later sleep cycles. When compared with normative data, an increase in stage 1 shifts, rapid eye movement (REM) periods, and arousals were also observed in the HIV-infected group. Significant decreases in sleep latency, total percentage stage 2 sleep, and average REM durations were also observed in the HIV-infected group compared with normative data. These sleep architecture abnormalities could not be attributed to known sole primary sleep disorders, first night effect, medications, anxiety or depression. This study indicates that sleep disturbances occur early in the course of HIV infection and suggests that the observed alterations of sleep physiology may be a consequence of central nervous system involvement and/or immune defense mobilization in the early phases of HIV infection.

Lysosomotropic amino acid esters and amides kill Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes by a mechanism which probably involves enzymatic hydrolysis of the compounds and rapid accumulation of less permeant amino acid within the parasites. We show here that, in agreement with this model, the proteinase inhibitors antipain and chymostatin prevented the killing of intracellular and isolated parasites by L-leucine methyl ester (Leu-OMe). Survival of Leishmania within macrophages was assessed microscopically, and that of isolated amastigotes was measured by tetrazolium (MTT) reduction. Near maximal protection of intracellular parasites was obtained after 24 h incubation of macrophage cultures with 50 micrograms ml-1 antipain or chymostatin. Incubation for greater than 1 h with chymostatin or greater than 4 h with antipain alone resulted in loss of viability of the parasites. Protective activity was only slightly diminished by 20 h chase of isolated parasites in inhibitor-free medium. Two synthetic chymostatin analogues, Z-Val-Phe-Sc and Z-Ile-Phe-Sc, protected isolated amastigotes at 4 or 10 micrograms ml-1. With the exception of Trp-NH2, the toxicity of which was only minimally inhibited, antipain and chymostatin also prevented parasite destruction by other amino acid derivatives. Finally, in concentration-dependent fashion, the inhibitors reduced the accumulation of [3H]leucine in isolated amastigotes incubated with [3H]Leu-OMe. Since uptake of labelled ester was unaffected, we postulate that protection involves inhibition of the parasite enzymes which hydrolyse the amino acid derivatives.

Methsuximide (MSM; Celontin) was administered for 8 weeks to 26 patients with complex partial seizures (CPS) refractory to phenytoin and carbamazepine and phenobarbital or primidone. A 50% or greater reduction in CPS frequency was obtained in eight patients. MSM therapy was continued chronically in these eight patients, and five continued to have a 50% or greater reduction in CPS frequency after 3 to 34 months of follow-up. Drowsiness, gastrointestinal disturbance, hiccups, irritability, and headache were the common side effects of MSM. No serious toxicity occurred. N-desmethylmethsuximide was the principal substance detected in plasma and had the following pharmacokinetic values: accumulation half-life, 49.7 hours; time to steady state, 10.4 days; elimination half-life, 72.2 hours; therapeutic range of plasma concentration, 10 to 30 mg per liter. Plasma concentrations of phenytoin and phenobarbital derived from primidone rose significantly (p less than 0.05) after addition of MSM.