cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ipsilateral corticocortical projections related to binaural columns in cat primary auditory cortex

Projections from the high-frequency representations of auditory cortical fields A and P were autoradiographically labeled using anterograde transport of a mixture of tritiated proline and leucine. A single injection of isotope into either cortical field resulted in multiple regions of dense labeling within ipsilateral AI. As the result of an injection of radioactive label into field A in one experiment, densely labeled regions were found to be systematically related to the binaural map throughout the high-frequency representation of AI. Contralateral dominant suppression responses were located in regions of dense labeling while summation responses were located in regions of less dense labeling. In contrast, it was previously found that callosal axon terminations were more densely concentrated in summation columns than in contralateral dominant suppression columns (Imig and Brugge, '78). Thus, the two classes of binaural columns differ with respect to the density of innervation they receive from these ipsilateral and contralateral populations of neurons. In other experiments in which isotope was injected into field A, a systematic relationship between density of ipsilateral labeling and binaural response class was only seen in a portion of AI; in other regions no relationship was evident. A simple interpretation of these data follows. Within a contiguous territory in field A is a population of neurons whose axons provide more dense innervation to contralateral dominant suppression columns than to summation columns in ipsilateral AI. Injections of radioactivity confined to this territory result in a systematic relationship between the density of labeling and the binaural map throughout AI. Outside this territory is a population of neurons whose axon terminations are not systematically related to the binaural map in AI. Isotope injections which engage both territories may result in a systematic relation between density of labeling and the binaural map in one portion of AI, while in another, no relationship may be evident. There is some indication that projections from field P may also be related to binaural columns in AI in the same manner as are the projections from field A.
International study of expert judgment on therapeutic use of benzodiazepines and other psychotherapeutic medications: I. Current concerns

Although clinical experience influences psychotropic drug treatment world-wide, it has been underutilized because it has not been systematically gathered and widely disseminated. An international survey was conducted to help remedy this situation. One of the major objectives was to develop a representative body of expert judgment and opinion on the clinical use of benzodiazepines in relation to other psychotherapeutic medications that might be used for the same purposes. A select international panel of psychiatric experts on the pharmacotherapy of the anxiety and depressive disorders (N = 73) was constituted on the basis of progressive peer nominations. The peer selection process began with primary nominators from 44 countries. Judgments and opinions about psychotherapeutic medications were elicited from the Expert Panel via a self-administered questionnaire. Completion rate: 90 per cent (66/73). Outcomes bear directly on current therapeutic and regulatory concerns. Topics addressed include: special indications for use, abuse liability, dependence potential, duration of treatment, high-risk treatments, and adverse effects. Although sometimes divided, agreement was generally high and indicative of a good benefit to risk ratio for the benzodiazepines. Expert judgments were more positive than would have been anticipated from media reports, public concern, and recent regulatory postures. The following inferences can be drawn from this body of expert judgment and opinion: (1) qualitative differences in abuse liability among the benzodiazepines are minimal; (2) physical dependence at therapeutic doses is not a major clinical problem; (3) when physical dependence occurs, it can be readily managed clinically by the treating physician; (4) the relative abuse liability of the benzodiazepines as a class is low. These expert evaluations do not support or justify the imposition of stronger or differential restrictions on the benzodiazepines. The data help define the reasonable limits within which clinical guidelines and regulatory mandates can be meaningfully promulgated.
Property taxation, Nash equilibrium, and market power

Abstract Differences in tax policy arise from differences in the number of jurisdictions in a metropolitan area. Following Wildasin [4] and Bucovetsky [2] the tax rates in the jurisdictions are determined in a Nash game in the tax rate. The tax rate and public service level as well as the welfare of residents increase as the number of jurisdictions in the metropolis decreases.
Photoinitiation of multifunctional acrylates via ferrocene-alkyl chloride charge transfer complexes

The propensity for ferrocene-alkyl chloride charge transfer complexes (CTCs) to photoinitiate free-radical polymerization of multifunctional acrylates was determined using photodifferential scanning calorimetry. Also, the effects of varying ferrocene (ferrocene, methoxyferrocene, and cyanoferrocene) and alkyl chloride (dichloromethane and benzyl chloride) derivatives were evaluated with regard to the overall polymerization rate and conversion. Furthermore, relative polymerization rates of traditional free-radical Type I and Type II photoinitiators were compared to those of the ferrocene-alkyl chloride CTCs. Semi-empirical quantum mechanical analysis of the complexation reaction was performed using PM3, indicating a thermodynamic preference of complexations involving benzyl chloride, and corroborated the reported complexation mechanism. In order to explain the varying polymerization rates, the association constants for each complex were determined, whereupon complexation of each ferrocene derivative with dichloromethane was found to be more facile than similar complexation with benzyl chloride due to steric considerations. Substituent effects were more pronounced for the benzyl chloride complexes relative to those involving dichloromethane where steric constraints caused deviation from the expected effect. Thus, the cyanoferrocene-benzyl chloride CTC was determined to be the most effective photoinitiator examined with regard to semi-empirical analysis, complexation kinetics, and polymerization rate.
Low temperature atomic layer deposition of highly photoactive hematite using iron(III) chloride and water

Nanostructured hematite (α-Fe2O3) has been widely studied for use in a variety of thin film applications including solar energy conversion, water oxidation, catalysis, lithium-ion batteries, and gas sensing. Among established deposition methods, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a leading technique for controlled synthesis of a wide range of nanostructured materials. In this work, ALD of Fe2O3 is demonstrated using FeCl3 and H2O precursors at growth temperatures between 200 and 350 °C. Self-limiting growth of Fe2O3 is demonstrated with a growth rate of ∼0.6 A per cycle. As-deposited, films are nanocrystalline with low chlorine impurities and a mixture of α- and γ-Fe2O3. Post-deposition annealing in O2 leads to phase-pure α-Fe2O3 with increased out-of-plane grain size. Photoelectrochemical measurements under simulated solar illumination reveal high photoactivity toward water oxidation in both as-deposited and post-annealed films. Planar films deposited at low temperature (235 °C) exhibit remarkably high photocurrent densities ∼0.71 mA cm−2 at 1.53 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) without further processing. Films annealed in air at 500 °C show current densities of up to 0.84 mA cm−2 (1.53 V vs. RHE).
Running Government Like a Business: Implications for Public Administration Theory and Practice

The public sector faces increasing demands to run government like a business, importing privatesector concepts such as entrepreneurism, privatization, treating the citizen like a “customer,” and ma...
Improved theory of the muon anomalous magnetic moment

A new theoretical value ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=11659202(20)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ is reported for the muon anomalous moment, based on the first complete calculation of the ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{4}$ QED term and improvements of the ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{3}$ QED term and various hadronic contributions. The remaining error is mostly due to the experimental inputs needed for evaluation of the hadronic vacuum polarization effect. Further improvement of this error seems possible. Thus the electroweak theory may be tested at the one-loop level if measurement of ${a}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ is improved by an order of magnitude.
Soft tissue expansion in the management of the rare craniofacial clefts

Management of the rare craniofacial clefts requires correction of both the soft tissue and skeletal hypoplasia. Tissue expansion of adjacent and distant soft tissue has been used to reconstruct these facial clefts with like quality tissue. Additionally, such soft tissue expansion permits tension free reconstruction of the skeletal clefts by osteotomy and bone graft.
Microbiological studies of thermal habitats of the central volcanic region, North Island, New Zealand

Abstract This account of studies on the algae and bacteria of North Island thermal areas records temperature, pH and species found in these microbial habitats, with special attention to organisms living at the highest temperatures. Thermal features were studied at Rotorua (Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu), Waiotapu (Tourist Reserve and Lady Knox Geyser), Orakei Korako, Taupo Spa, Waikite Springs, Wairakei thermal valley, Wairakei geothermal field, Tikitere, Ketetahi, Lake Rotokawa (Taupo region), Waimangu, De Brett Thermal Hotel (Taupo). The upper temperature limit for blue‐green algae in New Zealand is 60–65°c, and the species living at the thermal limit is generally Mastigocladus laminosus, although in some cases Phormidium sp. or Synechococcus sp. was found. The Synechococcus sp. characteristic of high temperatures (73–74°c) present in North America was not found in New Zealand. In virtually all boiling pools (99–101°c) with pH values in the neutral and alkaline range bacteria were found, but in acidic boi...
V-Lynx: bringing the World Wide Web to sight impaired users

The World Wide Web (WWW) project merges the techniques of networked information and hypertext to make an easy but powerful global information system. A client program called a browser is used to access documents in the WWW system and present them all as parts of a seamless hypertext information space. However, today's browsers are primarily graphically or text oriented, which makes the whole system inaccessible to sight- impaired users. In this project we wanted to extend an existing browser with voice output. This extension would allow the sight- impaired to use, at least, textual data, which, at present, forms the bulk ofinformation available over the Web. Our browser should be able to read the document a line or paragraph at a time, read only the first sentence in a paragraph for quick scanning of the document, convey the document structure (headings, emphasized text,lists, hyperlinks), and allow for easy navigation while inside and between documents.
Spatial distributions of phrenic and medial gastrocnemius motoneurons in the cat spinal cord.

Abstract The longitudinal distributions of both phrenic and medial gastrocnemius motoneurons were quantitatively studied in the cat spinal cord. Both populations of motoneurons were retrogradely labeled by applying horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the cut central ends of the appropriate peripheral nerves. The longitudinal positions of all labeled motoneurons in each motor column were determined; these data then were used to generate longitudinal distribution histograms and spatial interval distributions (SIDs), the latter being analyzed further by means of power spectra. In three of four cats, longitudinal clustering of phrenic motoneuronal cell bodies was revealed by the presence of a narrow central peak in the SID and the presence of subsidiary peaks. In the fourth cat, only a smaller central peak was observed. Power spectral analysis of the three SIDs having subsidiary peaks revealed that the mean longitudinal distance between clusters was 0.95 mm (range 0.52 to 1.22 mm). The analyses also revealed that on average a phrenic motoneuronal cluster contained 17 motoneurons, and the mean longitudinal length of a cluster was 450 μm. Using single, small-volume injections of HRP into the diaphragm, we concluded that not all the phrenic motoneurons with a a single cluster innervate muscle fibers in a discrete region of the diaphragm. Similar quantitative analyses of the distribution of medial gastrocnemius motoneurons did not reveal clustering in this motor column. We suggest that the fundamental differences in the spatial distributions of motoneurons within these two motor columns may be related to differences in the functional organizations of motoneurons innervating axial versus appendicular musculature, i.e., diaphragm versus medial gastrocnemius.
Means-Testing In Medicare

ABSTRACT: The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 introduces means-testing of premiums and benefits in two ways. It will means-test the Part B premium, sett...
Modulation of Angiogenic Endothelial Permselectivity by the cAMP Pathway

Abstract The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick embryo provides an accessible model of normal angiogenesis in vivo. Previously, we reported a rapid reduction in CAM microvascular permeability to macromolecules between Days 4.5 and 5.0 of the normal 21-day gestation (V. Rizzo et al., 1995, Microvasc. Res. 49, 49–63). Here, we tested the hypothesis that activation of the cAMP signaling pathway at Day 4.5 would acutely increase permselectivity prior to normal differentiation of CAM endothelial barrier properties at Day 5.0. Changes in interstitial optical intensities due to extravasation of a graded series of FITC-dextrans (20, 40, and 70 kDa) were evaluated by computer-assisted image analysis, and endothelial ultrastructure was monitored by transmission electron microscopy. The cAMP analogue 8-bromo-cAMP (10 −4 and 10 −3 M) and forskolin (10 −5 and 10 −4 M), an adenylyl cyclase activator, acutely decreased permeability of the graded FITC-dextran series in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, the nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX (10 −4 M) served to increase basal restriction of the 20- and 40-kDa tracers. Further, Rp-cAMPS (10 −4 M), a cAMP antagonist for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, abolished the effects of both 8-bromo-cAMP (10 −3 M) and forskolin (10 −4 M) on FITC-Dextran 40 restriction. In all cases, ultrastructural presentation of both the endothelial cell junctions and the vesicles remained unchanged. The present results are consistent with the concept that exogenous cAMP activation decreased permeability of the angiogenic CAM endothelium at Day 4.5 without concomitant ultrastructural changes in the transendothelial macromolecular exchange pathways. Whether endogenous activity of cAMP contributes to normal differentiation of CAM endothelial barrier properties between Days 4.5 and 5.0 remains to be tested.
Developmental patterns and family predictors of adolescent weight concerns: a replication and extension.

Objective: We examined how weight concerns changed across adolescence and whether within-person changes in parent–adolescent relationships were longitudinally linked to within-person changes in adolescent weight concerns. Method: Participants were mothers, fathers, and the two eldest adolescent siblings from 201 families. Adolescents rated their weight concerns on five occasions across 7 years. Parents rated their acceptance of and conflict with their adolescents, and adolescents rated their depressive symptoms, a year prior to each weight concern measurement. Results: Although girls' weight concerns increased from early to late adolescence and then leveled off, boys' weight concerns remained relatively unchanged. Moreover, controlling for adolescents' depressive symptoms, when mothers reported less acceptance of and fathers reported more conflict with their adolescents than usual, adolescents reported more weight concerns than usual in the following year. Discussion: Findings highlight the vulnerability of adolescents and the role of both mothers and fathers in the etiology of weight-related problems. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2012.
Electrochemistry of sub-monolayer silver deposits on single crystal RuO2 (110), (001) and (111) electrodes

Abstract Asymmetric stripping peaks for sub-monolayer Ag films deposited on RuO2 single crystal electrodes have been observed for (110) and (001) surfaces where both Ru and O sites are available on the ideal surface. Interpretation of this observation in terms of irreversible and quasi-reversible adsorption of silver leads to an interaction coefficient g close to −4 which may result in the formation of Ag islands (new phase) due to the strong attractive lateral forces. On the other hand, a symmetric Ag stripping peak is characteristic for the RuO2 (111) surface where only Ru sites are available on the ideal surface. This indicates a reversible adsorption process for which the value of g was determined to be −1. The weaker lateral attraction forces seem to be associated with the different geometrical arrangement of Ag adatoms on different crystallographic faces of the RuO2 single crystals rather than with increased substrate-adatom interactions since no major shifts in the peak potential were observed.
Antiviral Chemotherapy for Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Since the identification of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the etiologic agent of AIDS, progress has been made in identifying steps in the life cycle of the virus and the interactions between the virus and the host cell that may serve as targets for antiviral agents. Such information provides the basis for a rational approach to the development of anti-HIV drugs and suggests that combinations of drugs acting at different sites in the HIV life cycle can be studied. In vitro synergy has been demonstrated for several such combinations. While many compounds have shown promise in vitro, only zidovudine (AZT), a 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogue, has demonstrated efficacy in a controlled clinical trial and has been licensed for the treatment of certain subsets of patients with HIV infection. However, other drugs are in phase I and II clinical trials in the United States as well as abroad. In the United States, a national program for the timely identification and preclinical and clinical study of agents with activity against HIV has been established and promises to serve as an effective mechanism for the development of effective chemotherapy against HIV.
Redeployment of trigeminal motor axons during metamorphosis

As a consequence of the degeneration and replacement of the jaw muscle fibers in the leopard frog, Rana pipiens, trigeminal motoneurons innervate different targets before and after metamorphosis. This investigation examined the morphological correlates of the reassignment of trigeminal motoneurons during the initial phases of myofiber turnover. Specifically, silver-cholinesterase histochemistry and electron microscopy were used to 1) identify the fate of motor axons within the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) applied to degenerating larval myofibers and 2) to determine the origin(s) of the motor axons that innervate the postmetamorphic muscle fibers of the jaw. The results demonstrate that the NMJs are retained on larval myofibers throughout their degeneration and are readily identifiable on the residual larval basal laminae that remain after involution of the sarcoplasm. Light and electron microscopic observations provide evidence that both pre- and post-synaptic elements are present on the degenerating fibers. Furthermore, morphometric analyses indicate that the preponderance (86%) of motor axons supplying adult muscle fibers originates from the larval NMJs. This condition suggests that metamorphic redeployment of trigeminal motoneurons occurs through the resumption of growth at the axon terminal supplying larval muscle rather than through the proximal collateralization of these axons and resorption of larval terminals. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermal conductivity of zirconium

Abstract A correlation for the thermal conductivity of zirconium as a function of temperature has been developed from a statistical analysis of zirconium thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity measurements from 1951 to present. The recommended equation for the thermal conductivity of zirconium in W m−1 K−1 from 298 through 2000 K is: k = 8.8527 + 7.0820 x 10 −3 T+ 2.5329 X 10 −6 T 2 + 2.9918 x 10 3 T −1 . One standard deviation uncertainties of this fit to the data range from 5 to 9.5%, depending on temperature.
Group interventions for men who batter: A summary of program descriptions and research

This article provides a summary of the latest research on men's group interventions for men who batter their intimate partners. The major components of current programs are described, along with studies on treatment effectiveness. Evidence for the effectiveness of treatment combined with a coordinated community response is also presented. Several related topics are covered, in particular methods for enhancing treatment motivation and culturally competent practice.
Sex differences in spatial and non-spatial Y-maze performance after chronic stress

Chronic restraint is known to alter hippocampal CA3 dendritic morphology and spatial memory in male rats. The present study examined whether female rats, which exhibit different anatomical adaptations to chronic stress than those of males, would also show spatial memory impairments. Male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were restrained for 6 h/day for 21 days, a time frame previously demonstrated to cause hippocampal CA3 dendritic atrophy. The day after the last restraint session, rats were tested on a Y-maze, a habituation task that can be used to assess spatial memory. Chronic stress impaired Y-maze performance in both sexes without affecting levels of locomotion as measured by total arm entries in the first minute. However, Y-maze performance of stressed females improved in 2–5 min when chronically stressed males continued to show poor Y-maze performance. The enhanced Y-maze performance of chronically stressed females occurred when total arm entries were higher compared to the entries made by males. Therefore, correlations were performed between total arm entries and spatial memory in 1 and 2–5 min. In the first minute when control females demonstrated functional spatial memory, female controls with the lowest locomotor levels exhibited the best performance. The correlations for stressed females were not significant, and neither were the correlations for any group in 2–5 min. Overall, these results show important sex differences in response to chronic stress with females exhibiting an ability to recover quickly from deficits in Y-maze performance.
Optical Response of High-Dielectric-Constant Perovskite-Related Oxide

Optical conductivity measurements on the perovskite-related oxide CaCu3Ti4O12 provide a hint of the physics underlying the observed giant dielectric effect in this material. A low-frequency vibration displays anomalous behavior, implying that there is a redistribution of charge within the unit cell at low temperature. At infrared frequencies (terahertz), the value for the dielectric constant is approximately 80 at room temperature, which is far smaller than the value of approximately 10(5) obtained at lower radio frequencies (kilohertz). This discrepancy implies the presence of a strong absorption at very low frequencies due to dipole relaxation. At room temperature, the characteristic relaxation times are fast (less than or approximately 500 nanoseconds) but increase dramatically at low temperature, suggesting that the large change in dielectric constant may be due to a relaxor-like dynamical slowing down of dipolar fluctuations in nanosize domains.
6 Does Kant Have Anything to Teach Us about Environmental Ethics

Immanuel Kant's thought typically is represented as hostile to environmental concerns, but his aesthetics offers significant resources for environmental ethics. His account of the disinterestedness of taste raises the possibility of a manner of motivating a noninstrumental and responsive-rather than self-interested and consumerist-attitude toward nature. The aesthetic consciousness thus can help situate us within rather than pit us against the natural world. Kant's thinking about the beautiful and the sublime point to an ambiguous conception of subjectivity, a picture of the subject who experiences itself both as immersed within a meaningful world and as raised above a world to which it is morally superior. Such a conception may orient investigations in environmental philosophy by providing a more realistic view of the relationship between human beings and nature than do either dualistic or monistic theories.
Breathless: Schools, Air Toxics, and Environmental Justice in California

The exposure of children to environmental disamenities has emerged as a key policy concern in recent years, with some analysts and activists suggesting that minority children are disproportionately impacted. Utilizing a dataset that combines air toxics at the census tract level with school-based demographic and other information, this article indicates disparate exposures for students of color in California schools and suggests that there may be negative impacts on one measure of academic performance, even after controlling for other factors usually associated with test scores. Policy implications include a special focus on school remediation and strengthening overall efforts to reduce emissions “hot spots.”
State-space formulation of feedback theory

A general relationship is presented between the general null difference matrix with respect to the state A-matrix of a linear system for a general reference matrix and the null return difference matrices with respect to the A-matrix and with respect to the general reference matrix. >
Ultrafast relaxation processes in nanostructured materials

Time-resolved dynamics of an InAs/InGaAs quantum-dots-in-a-well detector are measured at 3.9, 7.5, and 10 /spl mu/m. This technique enables us to track carrier relaxation from three to two to zero dimensions for the first time.
Avidin-Biotin Micropatterning Methods for Biosensor Applications

High-resolution patterning methods have been developed to immobilize functional proteins onto a silicon dioxide surface for biosensor applications. Antibody lines, as small as 5 μm in width, with intervening 5 μm spacings, were patterned on oxidized silicon wafers using avidin-biotin chemistry. The N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester of photoactivatable biotin was covalently bound to a self assembled monolayer (SAM) of 3-amino-propyltriethoxysilane (3-APTS) after irradiation by 350 nm ultraviolet (UV) light from a 25 W Hg arc lamp. The patterned layers were evaluated using fluorescent imaging of Alexa-488 conjugated avidin and two fluorescence-conjugated antibodies. This technique allows binding of any biotinylated compound without exposure to harmful UV light, extreme pH, toxic chemicals, or high salinity.
Coronary Aneurysms in Kawasaki’s Disease Detected by Magnetic Resonance Coronary Angiography

A20-year-old woman with a history of Kawasaki’s disease as a child and coronary aneurysms underwent cardiac MRI for reevaluation before an intended pregnancy. The patient regularly participated in athletic activities, and the physical examination was unremarkable. The ECG showed normal sinus rhythm and nonspecific T-wave abnormalities in the precordial leads. MRI (1.5-T ACS-NT, Philips Medical Systems) revealed normal left ventricular size and function. During an exercise stress test performed at the scanner with an MRI-compatible ergometer, the patient achieved 90% maximal predicted heart rate with …
Three-Dimensional Compton Imaging Using List-Mode Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization

Compton imaging is a gamma ray imaging technique that has many possible applications including homeland security and medical imaging. Using the Compton scattering formula the origin of a scattered gamma-ray can be localized to a point on the surface of a cone using a minimum of two position and energy measurements. List-mode Maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) is an iterative statistical algorithm that makes successive approximations to the most probable source distribution that would have led to the observed data. Conventional MLEM is often performed in two dimensions, which still requires knowledge of the source-to-detector distance. We propose iteration over all three spatial dimensions in order to maximize the probability in three-dimensional space. This paper reports on the development of a three-dimensional MLEM (3DMLEM) algorithm to reconstruct images from a Compton imager in three dimensions for single, multiple and line sources. Several techniques for reducing convergence times are also discussed.
Oncogenic amino acid substitutions in the inhibitory rap-1A protein cause it to adopt a ras-p21-like conformation as computed using molecular dynamics.

Abstract rap–1A is a membrane-bound G-protein in the ras superfamily that, like the ras-p21 protein, is activated by binding GTP in place of GDP. When activated, however, this protein inhibits the action of ras-p21, which is to induce mitogenesis in cells. A chimeric protein containing ras-p21 residues 1–65 and rap-1A residues 66–184 becomes ras-p21-like in its activity. The critical changes in sequence that result in this transformation are G26N, I27H, E30D, K31E, and E45V. All of these substitutions occur in or around a critical effector domain of p21 that is involved in interacting with GTPase activating protein (GAP), raf-p74 protein and inositol-3-hydroxy kinase. Using molecular dynamics, we have computed the average low energy structures for each of the three proteins, ras-p21, rap-1A and mutant rap1A, called rap-M, that contains these critical amino acid substitutions. We find that rap-M more closley superimposes on ras-p21 (rms deviation 1.9 A) than on wild-type rap-1A (rms deviation 3.4 A). In pa...
How Frequently Do Four Methods for Mechanically Aligning a Total Knee Arthroplasty Cause Collateral Ligament Imbalance and Change Alignment from Normal in White Patients? AAOS Exhibit Selection.

Background: Mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty can create a tight collateral ligament in 0° of extension, instability in a compartment between 0° of extension and 90° of flexion that is uncorrectable by collateral ligament release, and changes in limb and knee alignment from normal. The goal of the present study was to calculate the frequency and range of these undesirable consequences. Methods: Four methods of mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty were simulated on fifty normal three-dimensional bone models of the lower extremity from white subjects. Each method resected the distal aspect of the femur and proximal aspect of the tibia perpendicular to their respective mechanical axes. Setting the posterior joint line perpendicular to the anteroposterior axis of the trochlear groove (Method 1), parallel to the transepicondylar axis (Method 2), externally rotated 3° with respect to the posterior condylar axis (Method 3), and parallel to the tibial resection in 90° of flexion with the use of gap-balancing (Method 4) aligned internal-external rotation of the femoral component. Results: The proportion of total knee arthroplasties requiring a ≥2-mm release of a tight collateral ligament was 34% for the medial collateral ligament and 30% for the lateral collateral ligament. The proportion of total knee arthroplasties with ≥2 mm of instability between 0° of extension and 90° of flexion was 56% in the medial compartment and 6% in the lateral compartment for Method 1, 74% and 6% for Method 2, and 42% and 0% for Method 3. Method 4 did not cause ligamentous instability. The proportion of arthroplasties with a ≥2° change from normal was 58% for limb alignment and 58% for knee alignment. Conclusions: Surgeons should be aware that, when using the four methods of mechanically aligning a total knee arthroplasty, they will frequently have to manage a wide range of collateral ligament imbalances that are complex, cumulative, and uncorrectable by collateral ligament release, and a wide range of changes in limb and knee alignment from normal. Patients who perceive these changes in stability, limb alignment, and knee alignment may be dissatisfied and require counseling.
An analytical model to select the fleet size for MAST systems

The mobility allowance shuttle transit (MAST) system is a hybrid transit system in which vehicles are allowed to deviate from a fixed route to serve flexible demand. A mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation for the static scheduling problem of multi-vehicle MAST (m-MAST) system is proposed in this paper. Based on the MIP formulation, we analyze the impacts of time headways between consecutive transit vehicles on the performance of a two-vehicle MAST system. An analytical framework is then developed to model the performance of both one-vehicle and two-vehicle MAST systems, which is used to identify the critical demand level at which an increase of the fleet size from one to two vehicles would be appropriate. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to find out the impact of a key modeling parameter w 1 on the critical demand.
Prevention of arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the central third patellar tendon autograft

A retrospective analysis was performed to explain the decreasing incidence of postoperative arthrofibrosis of the knee in 191 consecutive patients who had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the central third patellar tendon from 1987 through 1991. Follow-up data were available on 188 patients (98%). Age, sex, time interval from injury, preoperative motion, and concomitant meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy were evaluated for their significance as risk factors. Twenty-two of 188 patients (12%) developed arthrofibrosis; the incidence was lower when the acute anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was delayed at least 3 weeks from the injury, and when preoperative extension was 10 degrees or better. Age, sex, preoperative flexion, and need for concomitant meniscal surgery were not risk factors. The postoperative motion protocol evolved during the study period. Group 1 patients were braced in 45 degrees of flexion for 1 week before passive extension was allowed. In Group 2, motion was started after 48 hours. Group 3 patients were braced in full extension, with motion starting with 24 hours. With these changes, the incidence dropped from 23% to 3%. Decreases in the incidence of arthrofibrosis with modifications in operative technique and postoperative analgesia were not statistically significant.
An assessment of finite sample performance of adaptive methods in density estimation

Abstract Kernel density estimation is a powerful tool for exploratory data analysis. Adaptive methods can improve the appearance of these curve estimates by smoothing away spurious “wiggles”. The finite sample performance of several location dependent bandwidths is studied by simulation. The mean integrated squared error (MISE) of the adaptive methods is compared to the MISE of a well-respected constant bandwidth often referred to as the Sheather–Jones plug-in (SJPI). A surprising fact is that the MISE performance of the SJPI is often quite close to that of the adaptive methods. In addition, an alternative visual error criterion is used to rate performance as an experienced data analyst might. Many interesting questions concerning the implementation of these adaptive approaches are addressed.
Robust Stability of Polynomials with Affine Coefficient Perturbations and Degree Dropping

A fundamental problem in control theory is concerned with stability of a given linear system. The system designer often wants to know if all roots of the systems characteristic polynomial are located in a pre-specified region in the complex plane (the left-half plane, or the open unit disc are important examples of such regions). In many applications the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are functions of independent physical parameters (as, for example, coefficients of friction, spring constants, etc.). The design of a control system is generally based on a simplified model, and the true values of the physical parameters may differ from the assumed values. Consequently, it is of interest to derive the maximum allowable perturbations of the parameters while maintainig the stability of the system. In many recent papers this problem has been addressed for a special case of families of monic polynomials. In this paper we consider families of polynomials whose coefficients are affine functions of the parameters, and we do not make any special assumptions concerning the leading coefficient. This particular setting enables one to investigate systems which have a singular behavior for some values of the parameters. In particular we cover the case where the leading coefficient of some polynomials vanish. Conditions under which the "degree dropping" does not affect the evaluation of stability radii are provided.
Relationships Between Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Achievement in Young Learning Disabled Students

This study investigates the relationships between both the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Sarason General Anxiety Scale for Children and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (subtests of Mathematics, Reading Recognition, and General Information). Eighty-eight kindergarten through sixth-grade learning disabled children placed in the regular classroom with resource help were tested individually by a certified learning disabilities teacher. Pearson product-moment coefficients of correlation between all variables were determined for the total sample and for each sex. Significant relationships were found between (a) self-esteem and Mathematics, Reading Recognition, and General Information achievement scores for the total group and females, (b) self-esteem and Reading Recognition and General Information achievement scores for males, (c) general anxiety and General Information achievement scores for the total group and for males (negative direction), and (d) general anxiety and self-esteem for the ...
Secure smart homes using Jini and UIUC SESAME

We discuss our approach to constructing a dynamic and secure smart home environment and tackling the challenges associated with it. We envision a smart home as an active environment populated with smart, dynamically configurable consumer devices capable of interacting with humans and other smart devices. In such a dynamic and active environment, there is a great need for an agile, lightweight, distributed security mechanism. This security mechanism needs to be programmable and able to evolve as rapidly as the environment itself. Yet, this mechanism should be able to adapt to environments with scarce resources. We present Tiny SESAME to meet these challenges while utilizing Jini/sup TM/ technology from Sun Microsystems to handle the common parts of distributed devices. Tiny SESAME is a lightweight component-based, Java-implementation of a subset of SESAME. SESAME is an extension to Kerberos that supports public key technologies, access control, and delegation of access rights. We discuss our Tiny SESAME and how it could be integrated with handheld and consumer devices.
Interictal Infraslow Activity in Stereoelectroencephalography: From Focus to Network.

Purpose Infraslow activity (ISA) occurring during the interictal state in focal epilepsy is largely unstudied. In this exploratory analysis, the authors aimed to characterize features of interictal ISA in a cohort of patients studied by stereoelectroencephography. Methods The interictal stereoelectroencephography records for 15 consecutive adult patients were retrospectively analyzed, after application of both conventional (1.6-70 Hz) and infraslow (0.01-0.1 Hz) bandpass filters. Visual analysis was complemented by time-frequency analysis to quantify the change in ISA power over hours. Linear correlation coefficient (R) calculations were used to map interictal connectivity in the infraslow band. Results Interictal ISA background fluctuations were present throughout the interictal state in all patients, manifesting as recurrent and stereotyped oscillations. These oscillations had an apparent modulatory effect on conventional-band activities and spikes ("spike-crested oscillations"). In the infraslow band, the correlations between electrode contacts were shown to have a stable structure over time. Conclusions Infraslow activity exists as a fundamental component of wideband cortical dynamics in focal epilepsy, with features suggestive of scale-free (1/f) dynamics: evidence of phase-amplitude coupling and functional connectivity in the infraslow band. Rather than viewed as a focal paroxysmal activity, interictal ISA may be better understood as a network process, although this requires further study.
Autologous endometrial transplants within Millipore filters in monkeys

Abstract Surgically removed fragments of monkey endometrium were autologously transplanted within Millipore filter chambers into various tissue spaces. When the pore size admitted only tissue fluids and chemicals, but no formed elements, the endometrium maintained histologic evidence of viability for 48 hours. The true viability of this tissue was established by removing the fragments from the filter chamber after 48 hours, directly implanting them in the tissue spaces, and demonstrating active growth at subsequent surgical exploration. The evidence is strong that endometrial tissue fragments shed at the time of a menstrual period are viable and capable of implantation and growth. These experiments suggest an ability of endometrium to survive the time of retrograde tubal transport, a time without active vascularization for nourishment.
The old model still works: face-to-face university extension after disaster

Summer 2015 marks ten years since the landfall of Hurricane Rita, which wrought massive destruction on coastal Louisiana communities. In the small town of Delcambre, in the central coast of Louisiana, the relationship with Sea Grant Extension helped spur that community toward recovery through a variety of community development activities. Most notably, engagement with the university resulted in the Port of Delcambre receiving a $2.2 million grant to rebuild fisheries infrastructure and rebuild the economic tax base of the community. Although Delcambre is not urban, it is a stellar example of the success of long-term community recovery. This paper provides support for establishing and maintaining partnerships with higher education by recounting the role of University Extension in stimulating community recovery.
Chirurgisch induzierte Angiogenese: Ischämie führt zur Freisetzung von endogenem bFGF aus anliegendem normal perfundierten Muskelgewebe

Chronische Wunden stellen sowohl therapeutisch als auch okonomisch ein erhebliches Problem dar. Sowohl klinische als auch tierexperimentelle Beobachtungen zeigen, das die Transposition eines gut durchbluteten Muskellappens auf ischamisches Gewebe zur Revaskularisation des schlecht durchbluteten Gewebes fuhrt und somit zur deutlich beschleunigten Wundheilung beitragt [1]. Angiogenese, das Einsprossen neuer Kapillaren, ausgehend von bereits existierenden Gefasen, ist eine mogliche Erklarung dieses Phanomens. In den letzten Jahren wurden eine Reihe von Wachstumsfaktoren identifiziert, die wahrend der Neovaskularisation eine Rolle spielen [2]. Ein Faktor mit besonders groser angiogener Potenz ist dabei vor allem basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF). Ziel unserer Studie war es zu untersuchen, ob unter den oben genannten Bedingungen nach Muskellappentransfer auf ischamisches Gewebe: 1. Angiogenese induziert wird, 2. bFGF dabei eine Rolle spielt, 3. die Freisetzung von endogenem bFGF aus nicht ischamischen Gewebe durch die benachbarte Ischamie hervorgerufen wird
The Growth in the Elderly Inmate Prison Population: The Role of Determinate Punishment Policies

State and federal prison systems have experienced an unprecedented and accelerating growth in their elderly inmate populations over the past three decades. While aging inmates have significant oper...
Patient-centric analysis of dialysis access outcomes

Objective Dialysis access literature has traditionally focused on fistula patency as the primary outcome measure, but this approach falls short in describing the entire spectrum of dialysis access care. Using our prospectively maintained vascular access data base, a comprehensive, patient-centered analysis of arteriovenous access placement and interventions, central venous catheter use, and associated complications is performed. Methods Twenty-six patients receiving 39 arteriovenous fistula (AVF), eight prosthetic grafts and 52 catheters were followed longitudinally for an average of 4.1 yrs to determine the time of initial cannulation, need for revision, and the time of abandonment for each AV access. Access complications secondary to infection, thrombosis, stenosis, and aneurysmal degeneration were tabulated. The time of permanent dialysis catheter placement and removal was collected, along with infection and thrombotic complications related to their use. Results Fifty-four percent of the AVFs matured without the need for intervention, while 13% required revision to promote maturation. One-third of the AVFs failed primarily or following revision and were never used for dialysis. Fistulae were initially cannulated an average of 9.5 months following implantation and lasted 27.2 months before abandonment. AVF revisions were performed an average of 7.5 months following maturation and provided an additional 19.8 months of usability. Fifty percent of prosthetic grafts could be used without intervention, while 25% were used only after revision and 25% were abandoned without being used. Grafts were accessed an average of 2.7 months after implantation and lasted 14.1 months after the initial cannulation. Twenty-three patients received a total of 52 catheters during the study, with an average implantation time of 6.5 months. Sixty-three percent of the catheters developed one or more complications, for a rate of 1.3 complications per year of indwelling catheter. Conclusion The current study provides a novel approach for the comprehensive evaluation of access care for patients undergoing hemodialysis through the development of a patient-centric approach to examine the complexities and shortcomings in dialysis access care. Despite some difficulties in achieving fistula maturation, an AVF prevalence rate was 66%, meeting the 65% goal set by the Fistula First Initiative. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the remainder of the dialysis support was provided by catheters, with a 27% catheter prevalence rate.
Relationship between Language Development and Articulation Disorders in Children with Repaired Clefts of Lip and Palate

異常構音が存在するために構音訓練の開始を予定している唇顎口蓋裂群と構音訓練を必要とする異常構音は存在しないと判定された唇顎口蓋裂群および正常児群の3群にWPPSI知能診断検査を行い, 3群間に差がみられるか検討した.その結果, 3群とも言語性知能指数 (以下, VIQ) が動作性知能指数 (以下, PIQ) より有意に低く, 唇顎口蓋裂の2群は, 正常児群に較べて, PIQ-VIQの差が有意に大きかった.唇顎口蓋裂の2群間に差はなかった.正常児群に較べて, 唇顎口蓋裂児群2群のPIQ-VIQの差が有意に大きいという結果によって, 唇顎口蓋裂児群2群に構音に限らない言語発達の遅れがあることが示唆された.