cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The case against aggressive treatment of type 2 diabetes: critique of the UK prospective diabetes study.

# The case against aggressive treatment of type 2 diabetes: critique of the UK prospective diabetes study {#article-title-2} #### Summary points During the course of the UK prospective diabetes study the length of follow up was changed, and changes seem to have been made to the end points and the groups under analysis These changes are not in keeping with accepted scientific principles and make the results of the trial suspect An independent review of the trial's design and analysis is needed The results of the study do not justify aggressive treatment of type 2 diabetes I searched Medline (Ovid's CD version) from 1976 to March 2000, using various combinations of the keywords “UKPDS” and “prospective diabetes study” and the names of the principal authors of the study's reports. I reviewed the resulting articles for any description of the design of the UKPDS. I reviewed reference lists for other references. The authors have presented various end points over the life of the study (box). The UKPDS grew originally out of the authors' interest in the use of basal rather than postprandial glucose in monitoring diabetes. They concluded, “A prospective controlled trial of different ways of obtaining basal normoglycaemia is needed to determine whether the improved control of mild diabetes is beneficial.”3 In the first report of the study, published in 1983, the authors set out their rationale: “If, after dietary therapy, the fasting plasma glucose continues to be raised, there is little information available to determine whether one should continue with diet alone, or add a sulphonylurea, biguanide or insulin.”4 Specific end points were not laid out in this original description but were set out the following year in a letter discussing the paper. 4 5 The authors later argued (1999) that this “brief letter” had only “minor differences in wording.”6 It seems, however, that the letter was written specifically to clarify the vagueness and ambiguities of the … Correspondence to: R Holman
Rapid dopaminergic and GABAergic modulation of calcium and voltage transients in dendrites of prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

The physiological responses of dendrites to dopaminergic inputs are poorly understood and controversial. We applied dopamine on one dendritic branch while simultaneously monitoring action potentials (APs) from multiple dendrites using either calcium-sensitive dye, voltage-sensitive dye or both. Dopaminergic suppression of dendritic calcium transients was rapid (<0.5 s) and restricted to the site of dopamine application. Voltage waveforms of backpropagating APs were minimally altered in the same dendrites where dopamine was confirmed to cause large suppression of calcium signals, as determined by dual voltage and calcium imaging. The dopamine effects on dendritic calcium transients were fully mimicked by D1 agonists, partially reduced by D1 antagonist and completely insensitive to protein kinase blockade; consistent with a membrane delimited mechanism. This dopamine effect was unaltered in the presence of L-, R- and T-type calcium channel blockers. The somatic excitability (i.e. AP firing) was not affected by strong dopaminergic stimulation of dendrites. Dopamine and GABA were then sequentially applied on the same dendrite. In contrast to dopamine, the pulses of GABA prohibited AP backpropagation distally from the application site, even in neurons with natural Cl− concentration (patch pipette removed). Thus, the neocortex employs at least two distinct mechanisms (dopamine and GABA) for rapid modulation of dendritic calcium influx. The spatio-temporal pattern of dendritic calcium suppression described in this paper is expected to occur during phasic dopaminergic signalling, when midbrain dopaminergic neurons generate a transient (0.5 s) burst of APs in response to a salient event.
A proposal to evaluate the effectiveness of closed laboratories in the computer science curriculum

This paper proposes an experimental study to compare the effectiveness of a closed laboratory co-requisite for CS1 when the laboratory corequisite is taught by the same instructor as the lecture and when it is not. The published research in the area of effectiveness of closed labs is reviewed and the plan for an experimental study is detailed.
3D graphics programming for Windows 95

A book/CD-ROM package teaching how to use the Direct3D API to create real-tim 3D graphics. Coverage includes working with color, making movies, the DirectDraw interface, and debugging, with b&w illustrations and a glossary. accompanying CD-ROM contains DirectX 2 SDK, sample code, examples, and C++ w
Bone imaging demonstration of osseous lesions and hepatic uptake: Amyloid and renal dialysis effect

A 64-year-old woman, with amyloid related kidney failure (On renal dialysis) had a bone scan because of pain in the right upper femur. The 99m Tc-MDP images revealed marked hepatic uptake. In addition, there was right proximal femoral concentration of radiotracer, which corresponded to a fracture site. As an added finding, the same femor demonstrated circumferential uptake at the lower pole. This region fractured on next day. A biopsy of the fracture site revealed amyloid staining. The plasma aluminum level was elevated, consistent with long-term dialysis. Hepatic uptake of bone imaging agent might be related to amyloid deposition or the elevated aluminum concentration.
Edge effects on PN code chip time tracking loop with smart antenna

This paper employs a smart antenna algorithm to improve pseudonoise (PN) code chip time tracking loop (PNCTL), and analyzes its root-mean-square-chip-time-jitter (RMS) for a third generation (3G) wideband code division multiple access wireless communications system (W-CDMA). The edge effect may happen frequently in a mobile environment and causes a sudden change in the direction of arrival angle (DOA) at a receiver when a transmitter moves around a building corner. The objective of this paper is to analyze the edge effect on the RMS performance of the PNCTL with a smart antenna. This paper concludes that the smart antenna can still significantly improve the PNCTL performance even under realistic edge effect and mobile fading environments.
Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with active Wegener's granulomatosis.

Background: Cutaneous manifestations are common in Wegener's granulomatosis and may occur at any time during the illness. Objective: Our purpose was to describe the relation of the appearance of cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis to activity and other manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis. Methods: Three patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who had recent onset of skin lesions are reported. Data regarding the relation of their cutaneous disease to their systemic disease was collected. Results and conclusion: In each case, onset of the skin lesions of biopsy-proven cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis was associated with activation of the systemic features of Wegener's granulomatosis.
Leukoerythroblastic anemia in metastatic prostate cancer. Clinical and prognostic significance in patients with hormone-refractory disease.

Background. The clinical and prognostic significance of leukoerythroblastic anemia (LKEA) in patients with metastatic prostate cancer and, in general, patients with disseminated solid tumors is poorly understood. Therefore, the authors studied a population of patients with metastatic prostate cancer refractory to hormonal therapy to assess the incidence, clinical features, and prognostic implications of LKEA. Methods. The medical records of 106 patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer metastatic to bone seen at the Tucson Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 1985 and 1991 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical and laboratory data, number of packed erythrocyte transfusions required, and length of survival from the time of diagnosis of hormone-refractory disease until last follow-up visit or death were investigated in 91 identified patients. Results. Twenty-six of 91 patients (28.6%) were found to have LKEA. LKEA developed before or at the time of diagnosis of hormone-refractory disease in 8 patients and after diagnosis of hormone-refractory disease in 18 patients. The presence of LKEA was associated with significantly lower hemoglobin levels and platelet (Plt) counts and significantly higher total bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase values (P 220 U/l), and laboratory evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) were more common in patients with LKEA than in those without LKEA (P < 0.01). Microangiopathic hemolysis was seen in only 2 of 91 patients (2.1%). Patients with LKEA had significantly greater transfusion requirements compared with patients without LKEA (P < 0.0001), but the median survival length was not significantly different (9 months versus 11 months, respectively). The presence of DIC and LDH levels of 500 U/l or greater in patients with LKEA was associated with a poor prognosis. Conclusions. LKEA is a relatively common finding in patients with hormone-refractory metastatic prostate cancer and is associated with greater transfusion requirements. Its presence, however, does not affect survival significantly.
Development of a tool to assess teachers’ level of reflective practice

This article describes the development, validation process, and construction of an instrument to assess a teacher’s level of reflection. It discusses the need for a commonly shared language to categorize the various levels involved in becoming a critically reflective teacher. The research design for the creation of the Survey of reflective practice: A tool for assessing development as a reflective practitioner initially called for identifying individuals who had conducted research on the development of reflective practice and then soliciting their expert judgment in establishing specific descriptors to define levels of reflective practice utilizing an online interactive format. The aim of this assessment tool is to provide a way to gauge how a prospective or practicing teacher is progressing as a reflective practitioner to serve as a vehicle for facilitating the development of structures to mediate higher order reflection.
Shape and function

We propose a modeling system for generic objects in order to recognize different objects from the same category with only one generic model. The representation consists of a prototype, represented by parts and their configuration. Parts are modeled by superquadric volumetric primitives which are combined via Boolean operations to form objects. Variations between objects within a category are described by allowable changes in structure and shape deformations of prototypical parts. Each prototypical part and relation has a set of associated features that can be recognized in the images. These features are used for selecting models from the model data base. The selected hypothetical models are then verified on the geometric level by deforming the prototype in allowable ways to match the data. We base our design of the modeling system upon the current psychological theories of categorization and of human visual perception.
Altered tissue tropism of human-avian reassortant influenza viruses

Avian influenza viruses replicate to high titers in the cells lining the intestinal tract of birds; however, human strains do not. A series of reassortant viruses with all six internal genes from an avian strain and one or both genes for the surface antigens from a human strain failed to transit and infect the intestinal tracts of ducks. However, these reassortants did replicate in the bursa of ducks after rectal inoculation. These studies provide the first evidence that the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are critical for the enterotropism of avian viruses but are not essential for replication in other avian tissues.
Source limitations in scanned projection radiography

AbstractLine -scanned projection radiographic systems provide improved detection of low contrast objects by reducingscattered radiation and through the use of wide dynamic range detectors. However, because of the narrow sourcecollimation required for line scanning, the maximum photon flux achievable with scanned radiography is limited.Experiments have been conducted to determine the relationship between source collimation, radiation dose,spatial resolution, and low contrast detectability using a General Electric CT /T 8800 computed tomographicscanner modified for scanned projection radiography. A contrast /detail phantom was scanned using threedifferent source collimators and at different radiation exposures. Because the source collimation influencesboth the photon flux and spatial resolution, optimal collimation will depend upon the subject thickness anddesired contrast and spatial resolution. Results are presented to show these tradeoffs as well as comparethe performance of scanned projection radiography to conventional film radiography.IntroductionA projection radiograph is the projection onto a two -dimensional surface of volumetric x -ray attentuation
Kinesics: The Value of Gesture in Language and in the Language Classroom.

ABSTRACT Kinesics, the study of gesture and facial expression in a language system, has only recently received attention as an important subfield of semiotics or linguistics; however, the role played by gestures is undoubtedly as old as spoken language itself, if not older. Gestures are an integral part of everyday communication, sometimes accompanied by verbal language, sometimes standing alone. They make up a stock that is known (at least implicitly) to the members of a community, yet they often go unnoticed when talking about (and teaching) language, culture, and communication. This article shows the role that gestures play in language systems, evaluates them as a full-fledged semiotic system, and then shows the value of gestures in the foreign language classroom.
Convergence of gradient projection routing methods in an asynchronous stochastic quasi-static virtual circuit network

The convergence of the gradient projection algorithms for optimal routing in virtual circuit data networks proposed by D.P. Bertsekas (1982) is studied. The routing model explicitly takes into account stochastic generation and termination of virtual circuits, distributed asynchronous routing updates, inaccurate flow measurement, and delays in forwarding control packets. The problem of assigning paths for incoming sessions (or virtual circuits) to implement the gradient projection algorithms is also studied. A metering rule based on deficiency in a desired number of virtual circuits is proposed and analyzed. It is shown that the proposed metering rule is better than a randomized rule in some sense. The gradient projection routing algorithms implemented either by the metering rule or the randomized rule are shown to converge to a neighborhood of a long-term optimal routing. >
Scavenging of Aerosol Particles by a Failing Water Drop and Calculation of Washout Coefficients

Abstract Collection efficiencies of falling water drops ranging from 0.094 to.O.254 cm in radius for silver chloride aerosol particles in nitrogen ranging from 0.15 to 0.6 μm in radius have been measured. The drops accelerated for distances ranging from 30 to 515 cm prior to entrance into the scavenging chamber. Results were extrapolated to terminal velocity. The results for the slower moving drops (30 cm acceleration distance) agreed roughly with the predictions of a theory based upon collection by Brownian diffusion. However, near terminal velocity, Brownian diffusion theory did not account for the results. Instead, for each value of particle radius a, the collection efficiency was a sharply increasing function of the impaction parameter P. Results by other workers for particles of different density agreed approximately with our values, provided comparisons were made at the same values of aρ½ where ρ is the particle density. Calculations of washout coefficient indicated that the half-life of 0.1-μm aero...
Control of reciprocal and non-reciprocal action of vagal and sympathetic efferents: study of centrally induced reactions.

Abstract The mechanism of control of reciprocal and non-reciprocal action between parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves was investigated. Simultaneous recordings were made from both vagal and sympathetic nerves innervating the heart of responses evoked by hypothalamic stimulation in chloralose-anesthetized dogs. Four patterns of responses could be elicited by repetitive stimulations of various sites within the hypothalamus: 1. (1) A reciprocal pattern of cardiac vagal and sympathetic discharges accompanied by a rise in blood pressure, heart rate and a 2 to 8-fold increase in muscle blood flow. The vagal activity completely ceased, while sympathetic discharges were greatly augmented. These changes occurred quickly and often lasted throughout the stimulation, preventing baroreceptor reflex from breaking through. This pattern is similar to the cardiovascular component of the “defense reaction”. 2. (2) A reciprocal pattern of discharges accompanied by a depressor response and bradycardia; the vagal discharges increased while those of the sympathetic efferents decreased. 3. (3) A non-reciprocal pattern of response in which activity of the two efferents increased. The blood pressure was elevated and heart rate decreased. 4. (4) A non-reciprocal pattern of action of the two efferents in which discharges of both nerves were depressed; the blood pressure decreased and heart rate increased. Factors affecting these response patterns were found to be: (a) secondarily occurring reflex responses due to baroreceptor activation or deactivation. These baroreceptor-related reactions always showed reciprocal changes between vagal and sympathetic nerve activity; (b) the level of tonic activity of the autonomic nerves, e.g. during a high level of tonic activity inhibitory action became less effective while the excitatory effect was greater. Thus central states maintaining influenced the pattern of reaction and the relationship between activity in these two efferent nerves. Single pulse stimulations of the hypothalamic regions from which different patterns were evoked, when stimulated repetitively, yielded patterns which were basically reciprocal and biphasic; in vagus efferents an inhibitory phase was followed by an excitation of tonic activity, while in sympathetic an excitation was followed by an inhibition. The degree and duration of these excitatory and inhibitory phases differed, depending on the site of stimulation, but only to a minor degree, and the basic pattern remained unchanged. The implication of these findings is that the hypothalamus can organize both reciprocal and non-reciprocal patterns of activity in the two autonomic limbs in response to varied afferent stimuli. Probably only subtle changes in the central states or influences on neurons of the autonomic system suffice to result in different response patterns. No pattern of response is fixed within the central control complex.
Guest-dependent high pressure phenomena in a nanoporous metal-organic framework material.

The nanoporous metal−organic framework material Cu3(1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate)2(H2O)3•{guest} exhibits anomalous compression under applied pressure that is associated with the hyper-filling of the pore network. This behavior involves a dramatic transition between a “hard” regime (bulk modulus, Khard ≈ 118 GPa), where the pressure-transmitting fluid penetrates the framework cavities, and a “soft” regime (Ksoft ≈ 30 GPa), where the guest-framework system compresses concertedly. Not only is the duality in compressibility triggered by the availability of potential guests but the size/penetrability of the guest molecules determines the pressure at which the hard−soft transition occurs. Specifically, the observed compression behavior depends on the size of the pressure-transmitting fluid molecules, the sample particle size (i.e., the extent of the pore network), and the rate at which the pressure is increased. The unprecedented pressure-induced phenomena documented here, illustrates the exotic high-pressure b...
Synthesis, processing and properties of nanophase aluminide

Abstract This paper presents recent results on the production and properties of compacts of ultrafine powders of γ-TiAl. Metallic vapor was produced by magnetron sputtering of a TiAl target and inert gas-mediated condensation of nanometer sized particles. After collection, the particles were compacted in situ under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction and hardness as a function of sintering time and temperature. Greater than 95% density was achieved in the compacts after sintering for 2 h at 450 °C at which time the average grain size was still less than 20 nm. Hardness was measured as a function of grain size, and normal Hall-Petch behavior was observed, but only at grain sizes above approximately 30 nm, at which point a hardness of 12 GPa was measured. At finer particle sizes the hardness decreased with decreasing grain size.
Recent Trends in Copper In Situ Leaching

The recovery of copper by leaching techniques has been practiced for centuries. In the U:iited States at the present time approximately 25 percent of the primary copper production is derived frnm leaching activities. Most of this production results from massive dump and heap leaching activitie: associated with large open-pit mines. Historically a small portion of copper is produced from small scale in situ leaching operations treating low-grade rock left from earlier mining activities. In situ leaching technology because of its intrinsic advantages over conventional mining and milling is being considerec as a viable option for recovering copper from both oxide and sulfide deposits. This paper reviews the development of copper in situ leaching, and discusses both commercial and experimental projects. Hydrometallurgical extraction of copper by in situ leaching requires interfacing such technologies as solution chemistry, hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and rock mechanics. Both physical and chemical parame...
Management of Cervical Esophageal Injury After Spinal Surgery

Background Esophageal injury is a rare but catastrophic complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. Cases of esophageal perforation may be discovered intraoperatively, or as late as 10 years after surgery. In the current study we aim to review the principles of care and provide an algorithm that can be employed for successful management of this complex problem. Methods We performed a retrospective, Institutional Review Board-approved review of esophageal injuries resulting from anterior cervical spine surgery that were managed at our institution between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2009. We collected demographic information, perioperative data, and final outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results We identified 6 patients who met our criteria. All patients presented with esophageal leaks, neck abscesses, and osteomyelitis. Similarly, all had been treated prior to transfer, without resolution of their leak. After debridement, removal of hardware, long-term antibiotic therapy, maximization of nutrition, and supportive care, 80% of patients resumed oral intake (median time 66.5 days). Mortality was 16.7%. Conclusions Neck exploration with removal of hardware, debridement, and open neck wound management are the basic principles of care. Management is often prolonged and requires multiple procedures; however, with persistence, closure is possible in the majority of patients. Our report serves as a guide for the treatment of this devastating problem.
The Cauchy Problem for Differential Equations of Infinite Order

or slightly more general problems, as we will see in Section 2. A surprising fact is that we do not need to assume that f (z) is a function; that is, we can solve (1.1) when f (z) is any formal power series. In Section 2, we study problem 1.1 when g(z) and z+,(z) are entire functions of one variable, which do not grow too fast at infinity. We also show that, in a certain sense, our choices for g(z) and us(z) are optimal. Finally, we easily extend the results to problems in several variables. In Section 3 we introduce the Fourier-Bore1 transform which is closely related to the classical Fourier transform and use it to solve problem (1.1) when the formal power series defines an analytic function. These solutions are of a kind considerably different from those obtained in Section 2. In Section 3, we consider problems of the form
A Comparison of Multi-Attribute Generalizability Strategies.

Two generalizability theory strategies are appropriate for analyzing multiple attributes: the first is an integrated design that includes the attributes as a facet; the other involves a strategy of analyzing variance and covariance components on "specific" attributes. Sums of squares, mean squares, and variance components of the integrated design are shown to be simple functions of their specific design counter parts. Of particular interest is a relationship showing that integrated design variance components not involving attributes are identical with the average respective covariance components across attributes. An illustration is provided to demonstrate the relationships, strengths, and weaknesses of each strategy.
The Effect of Color on Viewers' Ratings of Paintings:

Sixty college students rated digitized facsimiles of 20 paintings on 12 semantic differential scales. The paintings represented two classes of content, landscape and portrait, and two styles, tradi...
Kevlar support for thermal isolation at low temperatures

A cryogenic support has been developed that rigidly attaches two U‐shaped aluminum beams to each other with strands of Kevlar. The Kevlar creates a very strong and stiff coupling between the beams while allowing only a very small heat to flow between them. Measurements at room temperature and at 77 K confirm the stiffness and strength of the support
Low-density plasma formation in aqueous biological media using sub-nanosecond laser pulses.

We demonstrate the formation of low- and high-density plasmas in aqueous media using sub-nanosecond laser pulses delivered at low numerical aperture (NA = 0.25). We observe two distinct regimes of plasma formation in deionized water, phosphate buffered saline, Minimum Essential Medium (MEM), and MEM supplemented with phenol red. Optical breakdown is first initiated in a low-energy regime and characterized by bubble formation without plasma luminescence with threshold pulse energies in the range of Ep ≈ 4–5 μJ, depending on media formulation. The onset of this regime occurs over a very narrow interval of pulse energies and produces small bubbles (Rmax = 2–20 μm) due to a tiny conversion (η < 0.01%) of laser energy to bubble energy EB. The lack of visible plasma luminescence, sharp energy onset, and low bubble energy conversion are all hallmarks of low-density plasma (LDP) formation. At higher pulse energies (Ep = 11–20 μJ), the process transitions to a second regime characterized by plasma luminescence and large bubble formation. Bubbles formed in this regime are 1–2 orders of magnitude larger in size (Rmax≳100 μm) due to a roughly two-order-of-magnitude increase in bubble energy conversion (η ≳ 3%). These characteristics are consistent with high-density plasma formation produced by avalanche ionization and thermal runaway. Additionally, we show that supplementation of MEM with fetal bovine serum (FBS) limits optical breakdown to this high-energy regime. The ability to produce LDPs using sub-nanosecond pulses focused at low NA in a variety of cell culture media formulations without FBS can provide for cellular manipulation at high throughput with precision approaching that of femtosecond pulses delivered at high NA.
Temperature dependent fatigue rates in thin-film ferroelectric capacitors

Abstract A series of fatigue measurements have been performed on PZT capacitors over temperatures ranging from 78K to 423K. The polarization loss is approximately proportional to the logarithm of the number of fatigue cycles, but the fatigue rate shows a strong temperature dependence, particularly at low temperatures. The capacitors fatigue very little at 78K but fatigue rapidly at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the fatigue rate fits an Arrhenius function with an activation energy of 0.043 eV. This data does not support the common interpretation that logarithmic decay results from an aggregate of exponentially decaying species uniformly distributed in activation energy. An alternative model is proposed that attributes fatigue to the formation of opposing domains to relieve the Coulombic and stress energy of charged defects. The result is stable defect/domain structures that resist electrical switching. The observed activation energy is presumed to pertain to the transport of electronic ch...
How near is near? The distance perceptions of residents of a nuclear emergency planning zone

This paper reports the results of a study conducted within the emergency planning zone (EPZ) of the Nine Mile Point (NMP) nuclear complex located in Oswego County, New York. An EPZ is the area in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant for which detailed plans are implemented for the management of emergencies and for the communication of the risks of nuclear energy production. EPZs are subdivided into emergency response planning areas (ERPAs) according to distance from the plant. This study aimed at discovering how residents of the NMP EPZ perceived distance to the nuclear plant. Distance was conceptualized in five different and complementary ways: estimated straight line distance, estimated driving distance, actual straight distance, actual driving distance and perceived distance. The results indicate that people living at a very short distance from the nuclear plant perceive and estimate distance differently than people living farther away. These results have policy implications and suggest alternative an...
Quantitative 3D measurement of the nanostructural features that dictate mesoscale performance properties of nanocomposites

Mesoscale performance properties of nanocomposites are dictated by the nanoscale structure developed in the composite during processing, combining nanoscale contributions over a mesoscale volume. In this artilce, for the first time, we present a procedure that deduces the fully 3D process-induced nanostructural features of carbon nanofiber/polymer composites responsible for the mesoscale performance. In particular, we have developed a method for obtaining the nanofiber orientation in 3D Euclidean space from 2D projections provided by a transmission electron microscope. The 3D Euler angles we obtain are used to construct orientation tensors, the measure of nanostructure that has the most significant influence on mesoscale performance properties. Our measurement method is benchmarked by using numerically generated 3D samples to compare orientation tensor components known a priori with those generated using our procedure. A significant contribution of the procedure is its ability to produce quantitative 3D measurements of the evolution of nanostructure in space and time. The method is successfully applied to observe the effect of extensional rheology on nanofiber orientation. It is shown that orientation tensor data obtained from our experimental method accurately fits the predictions of the fiber orientation evolution equation proposed by Folgar and Tucker. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1495–1503, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simulations of Modulation of the Current in a Field Emitter Caused by a CW or Pulsed Laser

Solutions of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation show that the tunneling current in a field emitter may be modulated by means of a laser. The steady-state response is calculated with Floquet methods, and the transient response is determined with a product formulation that does not require the use of absorbing boundary conditions or wave packets. The steady-state response contains a series of resonances, but when the full distribution of energies in a metal is considered the resulting effect is a broad peak that is typically centered in the blue end of the visible spectrum, but may be shifted by varying the applied static field. The transient solutions show that the response of the electrons to the optical fields is delayed by the semiclassical tunneling time, which is defined as the time for traversing the inverted barrier.
Electronic transport properties of linear homocatenated indium chains

The electronic transport properties of linear homocatenated indium chain were estimated through first-principle calculations. Long chains comprising four or five indium atoms exhibited a large transmission peak at the Fermi level, which enhanced their conductance. This peak was caused by enhanced σ-conjugation in the indium main chain. Due to σ-conjugation, the conductance did not monotonously attenuate under tunneling upon extension of molecular length. Therefore, homocatenation in indium chains is a promising candidate for molecular conduction.
Enhanced Superoxide Production in Renal Outer Medulla of Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats Reduces Nitric Oxide Tubular-Vascular Cross-Talk

Studies were conducted to determine whether the diffusion of NO from the renal medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) to the contractile pericytes of surrounding vasa recta was reduced and, conversely, whether diffusion of oxygen free radicals was enhanced in the salt-sensitive Dahl S rat (SS/Mcwi). Angiotensin II ([Ang II] 1 micromol/L)-stimulated NO and superoxide (O(2)(*-)) production were imaged by fluorescence microscopy in thin tissue strips from the inner stripe of the outer medulla. In prehypertensive SS/Mcwi rats and a genetically designed salt-resistant control strain (consomic SS-13(BN)), Ang II failed to increase either NO or O(2)(*-) in pericytes of isolated vasa recta. Ang II stimulation resulted in production of NO in epithelial cells of the mTAL that diffused to vasa recta pericytes of SS-13(BN) rats but not in SS/Mcwi rats except when tissues were preincubated with the superoxide scavenger TIRON (1 mmol/L). Ang II resulted in a greater increase of O(2)(*-) in the mTAL of SS/Mcwi compared with SS.13(BN) mTAL. The O(2)(*-) diffused to adjoining pericytes in tissue strips only in SS/Mcwi rats but not in control SS-13(BN) rats. Diffusion of Ang II-stimulated O(2)(*-) from mTAL to vasa recta pericytes was absent when tissue strips from SS/Mcwi rats were treated with the NO donor DETA-NONOate (20 micromol/L). We conclude that the SS/Mcwi rat exhibits increased production of O(2)(*-) in mTAL that diffuses to surrounding vasa recta and attenuates NO cross-talk. Diffusion of O(2)(*-) from mTAL to surrounding tissue could contribute to reduced bioavailability of NO, reductions of medullary blood flow, and interstitial fibrosis in the outer medulla of SS/Mcwi rats.
Symptomatic behavior of an electric arc with a superimposed flow.

DC electric arc in superimposed gas flow behavior in arc tunnel, discussing electrode geometry
Interfacial electrochemical analysis on LiCoO2/carbon nanotubes layers as cathode active composite in aqueous electrolytes

Abstract Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to quantify and characterize different compositions of layered LiCoO 2 electrodes fabricated with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) additions and fixed binder content. Different LiCoO 2 /CNT ratios in aqueous solutions resulted in charge transfer and capacitance behavior at the interface. The CNT particles influenced the interfacial mechanisms; low scan rates revealed non reversible reactions, and different electrode compositions influenced the functionality of the particles according to the LiCoO 2 /CNTs ratios and surface characteristics. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) helped to determine the active state and identify the important potential peaks when LiCoO 2 is mixed with CNT. A deterministic model based upon the impedance signal was performed; lithium intercalation inside the composite cathode is normalized and included in the faradaic current. Conservation of charge is considered for the cathodic process by a balance of the charge–discharge natural process on the electrode introducing kinetic parameters that describe the interfacial behavior. The model was validated with experimental data demonstrating the influence of the CNT in the capacitive mechanisms.
Estimate of fatty acid turnover in porcine adipose tissue.

Fatty acid turnover in the domestic pig was estimated by measuring the half-life of linolenic acid depletion in adipose tissue depots which had been made abnormally high in linolenic acid by feeding large quantities of linseed oil. The measured half-life of linolenate in 8- to 12-month-old pigs was 300 days. The apparent half-life of linolenate in muscle lipids was less than that of subcutaneous backfat.
Utility of the SLUMS as a Cognitive Screening Tool Among a Nonveteran Sample of Older Adults

Objectives To investigate the concurrent validity of the Saint Louis University Mental Status examination (SLUMS) by comparing the ability of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the SLUMS to predict performance on standard neuropsychological measures of memory and executive functioning. Design Cross-sectional. Setting University-based research clinic. Participants Community-dwelling adults (N = 170) age 60 years and older (M age = 73.08; SD = 8.18). Measurements The Trail Making Test (TMT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), MMSE, and SLUMS. Results The distributional properties of the SLUMS and the MMSE were directly compared. The SLUMS showed statistically a smaller mean, lower rank scores, and less skewness than the MMSE. Comparisons of the correlations of the screening tests with the neuropsychological measures indicated that the SLUMS demonstrated stronger relationships with the TMT compared with the MMSE. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the ability of the SLUMS and the MMSE to predict scores on common neuropsychological tests after controlling for demographic variables. Results demonstrated that the SLUMS significantly predicted performance across all measures over the MMSE and demographic variables, with the exception of the WCST's perseverative errors. However, the MMSE does not add to the prediction of neuropsychological functioning over the SLUMS. Conclusion Although the SLUMS and the MMSE are strongly correlated, the SLUMS significantly adds to the prediction of neuropsychological measures beyond the MMSE scores. Our findings suggest that the SLUMS may be an appropriate measure to use as a screening tool among older adults and may have fewer ceiling effects than the MMSE.
Numerical and experimental comparisons of the self-pressurization behavior of an LH2 tank in normal gravity

Abstract In optimizing the design of cryogenic storage facilities for future in-orbit or on-surface applications the boil-off and the self-pressurization rates must be accurately predicted for different g-levels and for a variety of heat loads and distributions. In this paper, a two-phase CFD model is presented that describes the self-pressurization behavior of a flightweight partially full LH2 tank in normal gravity. Existing experimental data at different fill levels are used to assess the predictive capability of the model. The model’s predictions indicate favorable agreement with the experimentally measured pressure histories. Small deviations are observed for the median fill level cases where it is suggested that a non-uniform heat load may be the source of this discrepancy.
Activities in San Francisco and beyond

The 2000 AGU Fall Meeting was the first for Biogeosciences as a full-fledged section of AGU. Thanks to the efforts of the many members who organized and participated in sessions, this meeting was a successful event. There were 25 sessions sponsored by Biogeosciences, including over 580 abstracts, and another 17 sessions were co-sponsored by the Section. Highlights of the meeting included a plenary session entitled “Biogeosciences: Expanding Horizons in Understanding Earth and Planetary Systems.” This was a series of overview talks covering a spectrum of topics within the biogeosciences, ranging from new modeling results on past snowball Earth events, to evidence that the magnetite in the Mars meteorite was biogenic, to magnetic sensory systems in fish, to land-atmosphere coupling and climate change.
Electrical brain stimulation as a Pavlovian conditioned inhibitor.

Abstract Rabbits received differential conditioning in a Pavlovian conditioned inhibition pardigm utilizing electrical brain stimulation (ESB) as CS-. The reference response was the nictitating membrane reflex elicited by electric shock to the infraorbital region of the eye. A 1200 Hz tone served as the reinforced CS, and a compound consisting of the same tone plus ESB was the nonreinforced CS. The major findings from a series of three experiments were as follows: (a) ESB served as a true conditioned inhibitor when inhibitory potential was assessed in summation and retardation tests and contrasted with pseudoconditioned inhibition controls; (b) the effectiveness of ESB as a conditioned inhibitor was not related to locus (hypothalamus, lateral geniculate, medial geniculate nucleus) of stimulation; and (c) tests of stimulus generalization following conditioned inhibition training indicated that concurrent ESB lowered the (concave downward) generalization gradient along the audiofrequency dimension. The fact that concurrent ESB did not eliminate or invert the gradient suggests that the 1200 Hz tone retained its excitatory potential in the presence of the inhibitory CS. These findings were related to a hierarchial neuronal model of inhibitory stimulus control.
Herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2. Type and strain specific characteristics affecting virus plaque formation.

Type and strain specific characteristics associated with plaque formation by the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) were studied. The relative efficiency of plaque formation in different cell lines, the effect of pH of the overlay medium on the efficiency of plaque formation and the sensitivity of the plaque assay to overlay additives varied with the individual virus strains,i.e. was independent of HSV type. The addition of methyl cellulose to the overlay medium enhanced the sensitivity of the plaque assay for most of the herpes simplex type 1 strains (HS-1) but not the herpes simplex type 2 strains (HS-2), suggesting a type-related effect. The plaque diameters produced by the HS-2 strains were consistently larger than those produced by the HS-1 strains. Furthermore, this type specific characteristic was enhanced when the overlay medium was fortified with HEPES buffer.
How the Right Usurped the Queer Agenda: Frame Co‐optation in Political Discourse

This article draws on a case study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and queer politics in Vermont to explain the conditions under which radical discourse gains and loses a public voice. In contrast to claims that the marginalization of queer discourse is due to silencing by LGBT rights activists or to litigation strategies, we argue that variation in queer discourse over time is the result of the co-optation of queer discourse and goals by opponents. Extending the social movement literature on frame variation, we argue that opponents co-opt discourse when they adopt aspects of the content of a movement's discourse, while subverting its intent. We show that conservative LGBT rights opponents co-opted queer discourse. As a result, queer positions lost their viability as the discursive field in which those arguments were made was fundamentally altered. Because queer positions became less tenable, we see the withdrawal of queer discourse from the mainstream and alternative LGBT media. Our work both supports and builds on research on frame variation by demonstrating how discourse can change over time in response to the interplay between changing aspects of the political and cultural landscape and the discourse of opponents.
Myristoylation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan and proteins occurs post-translationally in human colon carcinoma cells

We have recently shown that the heparan sulfate proteoglycan of human colon carcinoma cells is acylated with both myristate and palmitate, two long-chain saturated fatty acids. In this study we show that cycloheximide did not significantly inhibit the incorporation of myristic acid into either proteoglycan or total protein pool. This lack of inhibition occurred under a condition in which protein synthesis was inhibited greater than 90%. Cycloheximide, on the other hand, did not affect the incorporation of [3H]myristic acid into fatty acid nor the intracellular interconversion of myristate to palmitate. Characterization of fatty acyl moiety in the proteoglycan and protein by reverse-phase HPLC revealed that approximately 60% of the covalently bound fatty acids was myristate and the remaining 40% was palmitate. These results indicate that in human colon carcinoma cells myristoylation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan and proteins occurs post-translationally, presumably in the Golgi complex.
Spacing of promoter elements regulates the basal expression of the soxS gene and converts SoxR from a transcriptional activator into a repressor

SoxR protein of Escherichia coli governs a global response against superoxide-generating agents (such as paraquat) or nitric oxide, and provides broad antibiotic resistance. A redox signal activates SoxR post-translationally to trigger transcription of a second regulatory gene, soxS. Activated and non-activated SoxR bind the soxS promoter with the same high affinity, but only the activated protein stimulates soxS transcription. SoxR acts by an unusual mechanism of positive control: the protein binds the soxS promoter between near-consensus -10 and -35 elements that are separated by an unusually long 19 bp (versus the optimal 17 bp). We have constructed and analyzed site-specific deletions that alter the promoter element spacing. Reducing the spacer length to 16-18 bp dramatically elevated basal expression of soxS in vivo and in vitro, and nearly eliminated additional activation by SoxR in response to paraquat. More strikingly, shortening the spacer converted SoxR from an activator into a repressor regardless of paraquat treatment. Gel mobility-shift assays show that repression by SoxR of the promoters with 17 and 16 bp spacers is due to interference with binding by RNA polymerase. Thus, activated SoxR remodels the unusual configuration of the wild-type soxS promoter into a highly active form, probably by compensating for the suboptimal distance between the -10 and the -35 elements.
Law and Unified Social Theory

An economist who talks about unified theory to lawyers and social scientists gets welcomed rather like the British expedition to Afghanistan in 1840. The Afghanistanis preferred to fight rather than join the British empire, and many social scientists are similarly disposed towards the economics empire. Like the nineteenth-century British, however, economics imperialism has succeeded remarkably. Economic models of rational behaviour have affected all the social sciences in the last thirty years, as well as history, philosophy, and law. Everyone in social science, whether friend or foe of economics, should want to understand its success.
Formulation of phase-field energies for microstructure in complex crystal structures

The unusual properties of many multifunctional materials originate from a structural phase transformation and consequent martensitic microstructure. Phase-field models are typically used to predict the formation of microstructural patterns and subsequent evolution under applied loads. However, formulating a phase-field energy with the correct equilibrium crystal structures and that also respects the crystallographic symmetry is a formidable task in complex materials. This paper presents a simple method to construct such energy density functions for phase-field modeling. The method can handle complex equilibrium structures and crystallographic symmetry with ease. We demonstrate it on a shape memory alloy with 12 monoclinic variants.