cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motility and Chemotaxis

To possess a functioning flagellar motility system, three things are requisite: a propeller, a motor, and a system of navigation. In this chapter, the swimming and swarming systems are considered separately. There is a central processing system that is shared by both flagellar systems, i.e., chemotaxis, and it allows the bacteria to detect signals in their environment and respond by modifying their movement. Various types of polar flagellar genes and polar flagellar and linked chemotaxis genes have been provided in the chapter. Chemotaxis integrates environmental signaling to modulate behavior by biasing movement toward more favorable conditions or away from unfavorable environments. Chemotaxis integrates environmental signaling to modulate behavior by biasing movement toward more favorable conditions or away from unfavorable environments. One consequence is that not just motility, but also chemotaxis is important for survival and colonization. In Vibrio cholerae, a number of studies show differential expression of various motility and chemotaxis genes under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Bacterial chemotaxis has been most extensively studied in organisms with a few (~6 to 10) peritrichously arranged flagella, e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Bacillus subtilis. In swimmer cells, the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) localize to both poles; in the swarmer cells, MCPs are found at the poles and at intervals along the cell body. The result is that polar flagellar function influences expression of cell surface polysaccharide, which has important consequences for biofilm formation and host colonization.
A Unified Model of Requirements Elicitation

Effective requirements elicitation is essential to the success of software development projects. Many papers have been written that promulgate specific elicitation methods. A few model elicitation in general. However, none have yet modeled elicitation in a way that makes clear the critical role played by situational knowledge. This paper presents a unified model of the requirements elicitation process that emphasizes the iterative nature of elicitation as it transforms the current state of the requirements and the situation to an improved understanding of the requirements and, potentially, a modified situation. One meta-process of requirements elicitation, selection of an appropriate elicitation technique, is also captured in the model. The values of this model are: (1) an improved understanding of elicitation helps analysts improve their elicitation efforts and (2) as we improve our ability to perform elicitation, we improve the likelihood that systems we create will meet their intended cus-tomers' needs.
The White Earth Constitution, Cosmopolitan Nationhood, and the Fruitful Ironies of Relational Sovereignty

When informed by the work of indigenous writers and intellectuals, efforts to reimagine structures and processes of political organization and affiliation might foster reconfigured, enhanced, and expanded recognitions of Native sovereignties while also facilitating the deliberation and pursuit of justice in various contexts and on various scales. This essay explores this possibility by focusing first on some of the ways in which Native writing is currently studied within the academy and second on a particularly noteworthy piece of Native writing: the Constitution of the White Earth Nation. The essay suggests that in its narration of tribal sovereignty as both inherent and federated the Constitution of the White Earth Nation regards indigenous nationhood as a cosmopolitan endeavor.
Screening Mammography Would Have Been Initiated Regardless of the CNBSS

I respectfully disagree with Drs. Jha and Ware’s concluding statement “The CNBSS is compelling enough to never start mammograms for breast cancer but not compelling enough to stop screening.” In addition, the assumption that “If the CNBSS was the first RCT in screening for breast cancer, it is unlikely that screening would have been approved” goes against our standard methods of critical review. Regardless of the order in which data are published, we still have an obligation as scientists to uphold rigorous methodology (1). Our clinical decisions are dependent upon this adherence to proper randomized controlled trial design. Drs. Jha and Ware describe the many problems with the Canadian National Breast Screening Study (CNBSS) including improper randomization, low sample size, and poor quality of mammograms. The problems significantly discount the validity of the study and call into question the results. A well-designed CNBSS would have had the results of the physical examination unknown to the personnel allocating patients to the screened group vs. the control group. Because the allocation was unblinded, a disproportionate number of advanced cancers were placed in the screening group resulting in poor outcomes. The CNBSS was not designed with enough statistical power to evaluate the benefit of screening in the two age groups (40–49 and 50–59). A tenet of quality research is to prospectively design the study to include enough patients to show statistical significance. This was not adhered to in the CNBSS (2). Finally, the poor quality of mammograms is a significant factor in patient outcome. The United States Congress recognized the importance of minimum standards. In an effort to make sure that facilities in the United States were conforming to providing quality mammography, the Mammography Quality Standards Act was passed in 1992 (3). This act requires facilities to maintain accreditation with submission of images to prove adequate image quality and to undergo annual Mammography Quality Standards Act administration. No other area in radiology has been held to the same expectations as mammography, underscoring the importance of high-quality imaging and the potential for variance at each site. It is widely recognized that poor-quality mammography leads to missed cancers. Missed cancers result in no change in mortality. To assume that we would have relied on the results of the CNBSS with the accompanying significant faults described previously, is misguided. A poorly designed study is a poorly designed study, regardless of the presence or absence of other published data.
Distribution of Tardigrades within a Moss Cushion: Do Tardigrades Migrate in Response to Changing Moisture Conditions?

Abstract The distribution of tardigrades within the layers of the cushion moss Grimmia alpicola Hedwig, 1801 was investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the tardigrade species present within the moss layers during both wet and dry periods and to determine if migration occurred in response to changing moisture conditions. Samples of the moss were removed from concrete caps on brick fence posts before and after rainfall and separated into two sections (top and bottom). The tardigrades from each layer and moisture condition were identified to species. Data for each species were statistically analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare the numbers of individuals present in the top and bottom layers of the moss under both wet and dry conditions. Five tardigrade species were identified, including two species new to science: Macrobiotus sp. n.; Milnesium tardigradum Doyere, 1840; Echiniscus viridissimus Peterfi, 1956; Echiniscus perviridis Ramazzotti, 1959; and Echiniscus sp. n. The new species will be described in a forthcoming paper. No significant differences were found in the numbers of individuals of four of the five species in each layer within the moss or for each moisture condition. Only one species, E. viridissimus , was significantly more frequent in the top layer of the moss, regardless of moisture condition. Migration within the moss cushion was not detected in any of these five species as a result of changes in moisture conditions. In xeric moss species, it may not be beneficial for tardigrades to migrate to avoid desiccation. Instead, they apparently undergo anhydrobiosis in both the top and bottom layers of the moss cushion.
An atlas of low-resolution near-infrared spectra of normal stars

We present spectra of O to M stars, luminosity classes V, III, and Ib in the wavelength range 5800-8900 A, at approxiamtely 15 A resolution. We give identifications of the main spectral features and show that the stars follow well defined morphological sequences in both temperature and luminosity. This wavelength region and resolution, combined with the high sensitivity of silicon-based detectors, are very useful for spectral classification.
Combination valproate—carbamazepine therapy in partial epilepsies resistant to carbamazepine monotherapy

Eighteen patients with poorly controlled partial epilepsy on carbamazepine monotherapy at maximum tolerated doses were treated with valproate adjunctive therapy. Both medications were maintained for at least 3 months at the highest tolerated doses. Three patients had >50% decrease in seizure frequency on bitherapy; six patients were moderately improved, with a 22–44% decrease in seizure frequency; the remaining nine patients were unchanged or worsened; with up to a 49% increase in seizure frequency. Five of six patients with more than four seizures per month improved on bitherapy. Four patients had a shift of predominant seizure type from tonic—clonic to complex partial; two of these patients were moderately improved and two had an overall increase in seizures. Clinical toxicity was common on bitherapy, managed by a reduction in carbamazepine dose in most patients. We conclude that valproate—carbamazepine bitherapy may be beneficial in approximately half of patients who have failed high-dose carbamazepine monotherapy; however, marked improvement is infrequent. Valproate—carbamazepine bitherapy is also frequently associated with clinical anticonvulsant toxicity at the beginning of bitherapy, but this is generally easily managed with medication adjustment.
Electrical structure of the central Cascadia subduction zone: The EMSLAB Lincoln Line revisited

Abstract The EMSLAB experiment was an ambitious onshore–offshore magnetotelluric (MT) transect of the Cascadia subduction zone. When completed (1985–1988), it was the largest experiment of its kind. Modeling and inversion capabilities at the time were, however, not sufficiently sophisticated to handle a fully regularized inversion of the data, including the seafloor data and bathymetric constraints, with the main final model presented based on trial and error forward modeling of the responses. Moreover, new data collected as part of the Earthscope USArray program are of higher quality due to improvements in instrument technology, and augment the original EMSLAB data set, presenting an opportunity to revisit the structure in this part of the subduction system. We have integrated the original wide-band MT data as well as several long-period stations from the original EMSLAB data set and invert these in conjunction with EMSLAB seafloor responses and new Earthscope data on land. This new composite data set has been analyzed in several ways, within a two-dimensional geometry in which conductivity is assumed to be invariant along a strike direction roughly coincident with that of the subduction zone. We have solved for fully smooth regularized models, as well as solutions that allow discontinuities in conductivity along the top surface of the descending slab. Finally, we have tested specific features in the EMSLAB model, notably a moderately shallow (~30 km depth) forearc conductor. A feature similar to this shallow conductor is a consistent and required feature in our new inversion models, but the new models highlight the connection between the slab and what is interpreted to be an accumulation of aqueous fluids in the deep crust. The depth (~40 km) at which the conductor intersects the slab suggests that the fluids are released by the transition of hydrous basalt to eclogite at upper greenschist facies and higher metamorphic grade. The nose of the mantle wedge has a conductivity consistent with a dry peridotite composition and thermal models of the system. At a depth of around 80 km the mantle intersecting the slab shows a slight increase in conductivity. This increase is not sufficient to require the presence of melt, but a conductor indicative of melt can be inserted into the model at this depth without compromising the fit.
Linearized augmented-plane-wave calculation of the electronic structure and total energy of tungsten.

Local-density-functional calculations of the energy bands, equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, and cohesive energy have been performed using a newly developed self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave (LAPW) program. Scalar-relativistic effects are included for the band states, and the core-level states are treated fully relativistically in a central-field approximation. Excellent agreement is obtained with the experimental lattice constant and bulk modulus. Generally good agreement is obtained with the scalar-relativistic pseudopotential results of Bylander and Kleinman. In this context, the impact of various approximations used in including the core states is assessed, and these findings are related to the frozen-core and pseudopotential approximations, especially with regard to the treatment of the somewhat overlapping 5p semicore states and their effect on ground-state properties. Comparison with the recent LAPW results of Jansen and Freeman yields remarkably consistent values of the total energy at the equilibrium volume and provides a strong check on the accuracy of these two independently developed bulk LAPW programs.
Computed tomography in the management of orbital infections associated with dental disease

Two patients developed orbital infection secondary to dental infections. In one patient the infection spread from maxillary premolar and molar teeth to the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossa and then through the inferior orbital fissure to the subperiosteal space. A subperiosteal abscess in the posterior orbital wall developed, which subsequently spread within the muscle cone. In the second patient infection of an anterior maxillary tooth caused a pansinusitis and unilateral orbital cellulitis. In both patients computed tomographic scanning of the orbit proved valuable in localising the infection and, in one case, planning a surgical approach to the orbit. The infection in both patients responded to treatment, with no permanent visual impairment. Appropriate antibiotics and prompt identification and surgical drainage of orbital abscesses are essential for the preservation of vision in cases of orbital infection.
Voice search - Information access via voice queries

Summary form only given. Voice search is the speech understanding technology underlying many spoken dialog applications that provide users with the information they request with a spoken query. The information normally exists in a large database, and the query has to be compared with an unstructured field in the database to obtain relevant information. The popular applications include directory assistance, music/video management, business and product reviews, stock price quote, and conference information systems. This talk discusses the challenges of voice search in the acoustic modeling, pronunciation modeling, language modeling, spoken language understanding and dialog management, and surveys the technological solutions to these challenges.
Are mentor relationships helping organizations? An exploration of developing mentee‐mentor‐organizational identifications using turning point analysis

This study employed turning point analysis to examine developing mentor relationships and the association between mentor relationships and individual‐organizational relationships. Graduate students from three communication departments reported turning points which they experienced during the early development of their mentor relationships. Findings indicated that many turning points occurred of which have previously been assumed to occur in later stages of relationship development. Some types of turning points were associated with greater changes in identification with the mentors. Others were associated with greater changes in identification with the departments. Results call broad phase models of mentor relational development into question. Secondly, results indicate that mentor relationships are not necessarily associated with individual‐organizational relationships. Mentor relationships, then, should not be assumed to benefit organizations.
CO oxidation over Pd and Cu catalysts II. Unreduced bimetallic PdCl2$z.sbnd;CuCl2 dispersed on A1203 or carbon

Abstract Specific activities for CO oxidation by molecular oxygen over unreduced PdCl2:CuCl2 catalysts are higher than on the reduced bimetallic catalysts. This activity is further enhanced by 1–3 orders of magnitude by addition of H2O vapor to the feed, thus producing very active catalysts at 300 K. The role of the water is twofold: it dissolves the Pd and Cu precursor compounds in a very thin, two-dimensional aqueous layer on the support surface and it also reacts directly with PdCICO, which was identified by IR spectroscopy. Based on this picture, the use of a higher surface area, more hydrophobic carbon support gave the most active catalyst of all. Based on the species detected by IR spectroscopy and their interactions with the reactants as well as a complete kinetic study coupled with recent results reported in the literature, reaction models applicable to the presence and absence of H2O vapor are proposed. Both O2 and H2O are oxidants in the former sequence whereas only molecular oxygen is involved in the catalytic cycle in the latter situation. The principal role of Cu is the reoxidation of Pd(O) when H2O vapor is present, as in the Wacker process, whereas it appears to be involved as a reactive intermediate also containing Pd, CO, and O2 in the absence of H2O vapor.
Juvenile green frog (Rana clamitans) predatory ability not affected by exposure to carbaryl at different times during larval development

Larval exposure to pesticides can occur at different times during development and can negatively impact amphibian fitness. We examined the effects of larval green frog (Rana clamitans) exposure to carbaryl at 2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks of development on juvenile predatory ability. We did not find evidence that predatory ability was affected by exposure to carbaryl, which suggests that carbaryl does not have latent effects on the predatory performance of green frogs in subsequent life stages. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1618–1620. © 2011 SETAC
Plutonium hydrolysis and the double double-point

There is uncertainty about the numerical value of the first hydrolysis constant of the tetravalent plutonium ion. A new method for discriminating between the claims is illustrated. It suggests the traditional estimates of that constant are closer to its true value than a singular result based on a few solvent-extraction experiments. A previously unnoticed multiple point in aqueous Pu chemistry is illustrated.
Erratum to: Healing Men and Community: Predictors of Outcome in a Men's Initiatory and Support Organization

The following statement was omitted from the article: Our collaboration with a MKPI training center began in 1996, after three of the authors completed the TAW. The research team was purposefully composed of both members and non-members of the organization, as well as men and women. We believe there are several advantages to our research that derive from this relatively diverse team of collaborators. Because there are several members of the organization on the team (CB, KM, and CA), we can build upon insiders’ experiential knowledge. This was helpful in gaining access to and establishing cooperative and trusting relationships with members and leaders of the organization, in designing a contextually valid survey measure of MKPI beliefs, and in recruiting participants and conducting interviews with them. The team also contains the perspective and balance of several non-members, including a co-author (EM) with potentially more objective viewpoints on the research questions, methods, and data interpretations. The nature of the collaborative research relationship with this organization has been described in a previous publication (Mankowski 2000).
Identifying Critical Non-Catalytic Residues that Modulate Protein Kinase A Activity

Background Distal interactions between discrete elements of an enzyme are critical for communication and ultimately for regulation. However, identifying the components of such interactions has remained elusive due to the delicate nature of these contacts. Protein kinases are a prime example of an enzyme with multiple regulatory sites that are spatially separate, yet communicate extensively for tight regulation of activity. Kinase misregulation has been directly linked to a variety of cancers, underscoring the necessity for understanding intramolecular kinase regulation. Methodology/Principal Findings A genetic screen was developed to identify suppressor mutations that restored catalytic activity in vivo from two kinase-dead Protein Kinase A mutants in S. cerevisiae. The residues defined by the suppressors provide new insights into kinase regulation. Many of the acquired mutations were distal to the nucleotide binding pocket, highlighting the relationship of spatially dispersed residues in regulation. Conclusions/Significance The suppressor residues provide new insights into kinase regulation, including allosteric effects on catalytic elements and altered protein-protein interactions. The suppressor mutations identified in this study also share overlap with mutations identified from an identical screen in the yeast PKA homolog Tpk2, demonstrating functional conservation for some residues. Some mutations were independently isolated several times at the same sites. These sites are in agreement with sites previously identified from multiple cancer data sets as areas where acquired somatic mutations led to cancer progression and drug resistance. This method provides a valuable tool for identifying residues involved in kinase activity and for studying kinase misregulation in disease states.
Analysis of nutritional shift-up of Streptococcus faecium.

Summary Three-dimensional reconstruction methods were applied to electron micrographs of Streptococcus faecium to study the initiation of cell wall growth sites during a nutritional shift-up experiment. Upon lowering the mass doubling time from 76 to 33 min by the addition of excess glutamate, the formation of new cell wall growth sites was studied in relation to other growth parameters (autolytic capacity, cell number, mass, RNA, DNA and peptidoglycan). The findings from these studies, to be described below, support a model in which new sites are introduced when cells grow to a relatively constant, growth-rate-independent size, while the rate at which sites form and grow increases with growth rate. In this model, chromosome synthesis does not regulate the formation of new sites of cell wall growth, but existing sites cannot be completed until rounds of chromosome synthesis are completed.
Coordinated motion control of multi-arm robot systems with optimal load distribution

Abstract Two coordinated motion controllers with optimal load distribution for multi-arm robot systems are developed in this paper. The optimal load distribution is achieved by minimizing the energy consumption of the multi-arm robot systems. In order to make the actual motion trajectory of either the robot joints or the object in the systems track the given desired trajectory, two trajectory tracking controllers in the robot joint space and the object Cartesian space are designed on the basis of the optimal load distribution. The proposed controllers can certainly make the actual motion trajectory of either the robot joints or the object track the given desired trajectory, asymptotically.
Application of Amphiphilic Catalysts, Ultrasonication, and Nanoemulsions for Biodiesel Production Process

This paper studies tuning heterogeneous transesterification catalysis and process for easy catalyst separation and enhanced reaction rate. Multibond metal alkoxides and ultrasonic pretreatment are employed to produce nanoemulsions with large interfacial area, which have the potential to be easily separated. With aluminum isopropoxide or titanium isopropoxide as the catalyst and surfactant, transparent alcohol/oil emulsions can be formed in less than four minutes and can significantly enhance the transesterification reaction rate. The micelle size was observed to be as low as 5.1 nm. Partially polymerized titanium isopropoxide also showed good catalytic activity and considerable amphiphilic properties in forming nanoemulsions. Viscosity and apparent vapor pressure reduction were also observed. The alcohol/soybean oil molar ratio was a main factor for apparent vapor pressure reduction.
Optimization of Finite‐Element Software Using Data‐Compression Techniques

: In the past there has been a great amount of effort directed toward improving the performance of finite-element analysis (FEA) software through improvements in equation-solving techniques. In contrast, little attention has been given to the area of improving the input/output (I/O) transfer rate between program core and disk storage. This paper presents a method for improving the performance of FEA software by reducing the quantity of data that must be transferred between program core and disk. This is accomplished by using data-compression techniques to compress the data during program execution, resulting in substantial decreases in program execution time and disk space usage. The paper presents a compressed I/O library written in C and the installation of the library into two FEA programs written in C and in Fortran. Results are given for personal computer, workstation, and supercomputer platforms.
Optical correlation noise reduction: experimental techniques

An experimentally based technique is presented which improves the signal to noise ratio in the detector plane of an optical correlator. The technique utilizes off-line processing by a digital computer at the current stage, but optical and hybrid architectures can be envisioned which would allow the processing to be done in real time (speed of detector).
The production of soluble and cellular interleukin-2 receptors by cord blood mononuclear cells following in vitro activation.

ABSTRACT. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) were investigated for their capacity to generate both cellular and soluble, supernatant interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) following cellular activation in vitro. Soluble IL-2R were measured in cell-free supernatants and in detergent-solubilized cell extracts with a “sandwich“ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CBMC and adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated with phytohemagglutinin or the murine monoclonal antibody OKT3. CBMC and adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells generated cellular and soluble IL-2R in response to both activators. Peak values for supernatant IL-2R were observed on day 7, while peak values of cell-associated IL-2R occurred on day 5, followed by a decline on day 7. With the exception of supernatant IL-2R production induced by OKT3 stimulation, CBMC produced IL-2R in amounts comparable to adult mononuclear cells. Cord blood plasma also contained amounts of IL-2R comparable to that found in adult sera/ plasma. Thus, CBMC appear largely immunocompetent with regard to the expression of IL-2R.
Effect of surgical technique on in vitro posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract Purpose To compare the effect of different cataract extraction surgical techniques on residual lens epithelial cell (LEC) density and cell regrowth rates using an in vitro model of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Setting Comparative Ophthalmology Research Laboratories, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Methods Lens capsule explants were prepared from freshly enucleated canine globes after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), phacoemulsification, or phacoemulsification followed by capsule vacuuming. Initial cell density on the capsule and cell proliferation were determined by phase contrast microscopy. The effects of the surgical technique on time to confluent growth of the cells across the posterior lens capsule were determined. Results Residual cell density on the remaining anterior capsule immediately after lens removal was 31.6% ± 19.3%, 16.1% ± 8.9%, and 7.7% ± 5.7% in the ECCE, phacoemulsification, and phacoemulsification/capsule-vacuuming groups, respectively. Time to confluence (range 5.0 to 6.3 days) was not significantly different among the 3 groups when the lens capsules were cultured in serum-supplemented media. The confluence rate was significantly longer (by approximately 5 to 7 days) in the phacoemulsification/capsule-vacuuming group than in the other 2 groups when the capsules were cultured in serum-free media. Conclusions Phacoemulsification with and without anterior and equatorial capsular vacuuming led to less initial LEC density in the capsular bag than ECCE. However, because cell proliferation rates among the 3 groups were only marginally affected, near 100% removal of LEC at the time of cataract extraction may be necessary to prevent PCO.
Within- and among-population level differences in response to chronic copper exposure in southern toads, Anaxyrus terrestris

Environmental contaminants are implicated in the global decline of amphibian populations. Copper (Cu) is a widespread contaminant that can be toxic at concentrations just above the normal physiological range. In the present study we examined the effects of chronic Cu aqueous exposure on embryos and larvae of southern toads, Anaxyrus (Bufo) terrestris. Measurable levels of Cu were found in larvae, with tissue concentrations up to 27.5 μg Cu/g dry mass. Aqueous concentrations of Cu as low as 10 μg/L significantly reduced survival to the free-swimming stage and no larvae reached metamorphosis at concentrations above 15 μg/L. Clutches from populations with prior Cu exposure had the lowest survivorship. Among several populations there was significant variation in survivorship at different levels of Cu. More data are needed to understand the underlying causes of within- and among-population resilience to anthropogenic stressors.
Clinical Study and Treatment of Varicose Veins

The widely different kinds of varices are easy to differentiate if the underlying anatomy and physiology are understood. Appropriate therapy is wholly dependent upon this understanding. Surgery is a reasonably definitive therapy of primary varices, but secondary varices usually require rest, elevation and elastic support.
117 Can Platelet‐Rich Plasma Gels Enhance Epithelization of Deep Partial Thickness Wounds?

Background: Platelets are a rich source of proteins and growth factors that are instrumental in the initiation and modulation of tissue repair. The clinical use of crude platelet preparations has been around for decades. However, the use of autologous platelet gel (APG) for the treatment of wounds has become familiar practice in only the past 10 years. Platelet gels have been associated with accelerated vascular ingrowth, increased fibroblastic proliferation, and accelerated collagen production.x3 Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of APG using a porcine wound healing model. Methods: Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was obtained using a fully automated, easy-to-use devise. APG was created from PRP and autologous thrombin. Deep partial thickness wounds were created on specific pathogen-free pigs. Wounds were either treated with APG and covered with a polyurethane dressing, were treated only with a polyurethane dressing, or were left untreated. Wounds were assessed for epithelization using a well-established salt-split technique. Results: Wounds treated with APG enhanced the rate of epithelization as compared to both polyurethane and untreated controls. Conclusions: This study shows that an autologous platelet rich gel can stimulate and enhance epithelization of deep partial thickness wounds. Additional preclinical and clinical studies that examine mechanisms of action are warranted.
Biological psychiatry and psychiatric nursing in America

Abstract First psychiatry and then psychiatric nursing have moved into an era of psychobiology. In many cases, psychiatric nurses are leaving behind their appreciation of the mind-body-brain connection in favor of a purely biological approach to the etiology and treatment of mental illness. This article is an attempt to show the interrelatedness of these concepts and includes a clinical case example of an “endogenously” depressed man who was treated for a period of 15 years.
The reading, writing, and arithmetic of the medical literature, part 1

Objective To offer suggestions that will help clinicians improve their scrutiny of the medical literature and apply these suggestions to their own medical writings. Data Sources Literature searches began at the National Library of Medicine's online database and were traced to primary sources. Study Selection All referenced information in this article was cited from primary sources. Results Objective criteria should be used when assessing the quality of clinical research reports and writing accurate, substantive reports. When reading or writing a journal article, authors should ask themselves if it meets the following standards of high quality: Is the topic or problem important and relevant to current practice? Is the stated reason for the study design valid? Is the description of the study methods clear enough to allow for replication by other researchers? What interventions are being compared, and is the comparison reasonable? Is the number of patients in the study sufficient to show a statistically significant difference? Do the study results have clinical relevance? Are new findings described in relation to the literature? Are both positive and negative aspects of the study addressed? Is the existing literature cited sufficiently? Do the results support the conclusions? Conclusion Reading and interpreting the medical literature require a set of skills that can be learned. Similarly, good medical writing skills can be developed. Achieving these skills should enhance the clinician's practice of medicine.
Hereditary pancreatitis presenting in childhood: Case report with family studies

A 12-year-old boy presented with recurrent abdominal pain and failure to thrive and was shown to have chronic calcific pancreatitis. Investigations failed to show any of the demonstrable causes of pancreatitis, but on family study four close paternal relatives were found to have had chronic pancreatitis, three with radiological calcification. No definable cause for pancreatitis had been determined in any of these relatives.
Towards Understanding Emotion's Effects on Memory

Emotion can exert powerful influences on memory for events. The recent surge of behavioral and functional neuroimaging studies of emotional episodic memory has produced a wealth of new findings and theoretical approaches. Kensinger (2009) reviews recent studies, focusing on two key questions: what factors determine the particular aspects of an event that will be influenced by emotion, and, what is the role of valence in modulating emotional memory effects? This commentary touches on some points raised in this thought-provoking and timely review and attempts to place them in a broader context.
Perceptual alternation in obsessive compulsive disorder—implications for a role of the cortico-striatal circuitry in mediating awareness.

Mounting evidence suggests that obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) results from functional aberrations of the fronto-striatal circuitry. However, empirical studies of the behavioral manifestations of OCD have been relatively lacking. The present study employs a behavioral task that allows a quantitative measure of how alternative percepts are formed from one moment to another, a process mimicking the brain state in which different thoughts and imageries compete for access to awareness. Eighteen patients with OCD, 12 with generalized anxiety disorder, and 18 normal subjects participated in the experiment, in which they viewed one of the three Schroder staircases and responded by pressing a key to each perceptual reversal. The results demonstrate that the patients with OCD have a higher perceptual alternation rate than the normal controls. Moreover, the frequency of perceptual alternation is significantly correlated with the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive and the Hamilton anxiety scores. The increase in the frequency of perceptual reversals cannot easily be accounted for by learning or by different patterns of eye fixations on the task. These results provide further evidence that an impairment of the inhibitory function of the cortico-striatal circuitry might underlie the etiology of OCD. The implications of the results for a general role of the cortico-striatal circuitry in mediating awareness are discussed.
Left turning (swivel) in medicated chronic schizophrenic patients.

Abstract 34 medicated schizophrenic inpatients, 34 normal control subjects, 18 affective disorder patients (four in manic phase), nine schizoid personality disorder subjects, and nine anxiety/histrionic disorder patients were tested on a two-button task which required turning 180° to collect coin reinforcers. Schizophrenic patients turned consistently left (16 times) significantly more (nine of 34) than normal controls, all of whom turned consistently right (φ 2 =10.37, P =0.005). Schizophrenic patients also turned left significantly more than the 18 affective disorder subjects, all of whom turned consistently right (φ 2 = 5.76, P = 0.02). All schizoid personality disorder subjects turned consistently right, and eight of nine anxiety/histrionic disorder subjects turned consistently right. Left turning was not correlated with any other variables measured, including handedness, demographic, diagnostic and symptom variables. Left rotation has been previously measured during free ambulation in acute, non-medicated patients (Bracha, Biol. Psychiatry 22 (1987), 995–1003). Left turning bias in a subset of medicated, chronic schizophrenic inpatients may be linked to an underlying asymmetric striatal dopaminergic activity, specifically, an ipsilateral hypoactivity or contralateral hyperactivity, which would lead to left turning and right hemi-spatial neglect.
Rodent Allergen in Los Angeles Inner City Homes of Children with Asthma

Recent studies have examined the presence of mouse allergen in inner city children with asthma. Researchers have found high levels of rodent allergen in homes sampled in the northeast and midwest United States, but there has been considerable variation between cities, and there have been few studies conducted in western states. We evaluated the frequency of rodent sightings and detectable mouse allergen and the housing conditions associated with these outcomes in inner city homes in Los Angeles. Two hundred and two families of school children, ages 6–16 living in inner city neighborhoods, participated in the study. Families were predominantly Latino (94%), and Spanish speaking (92%). At study entry, parents completed a home assessment questionnaire, and staff conducted a home evaluation and collected kitchen dust, which was analyzed for the presence of mouse allergen. Fifty-one percent of homes had detectable allergen in kitchen dust. All 33 families who reported the presence of rodents had detectable allergen in the home and were also more likely to have increased levels of allergen compared to those who did not report rodents. Unwashed dishes or food crumbs, lack of a working vacuum, and a caretaker report of a smoker in the home were all significantly associated with a greater risk of rodent sightings or detectable allergen (P < 0.05). Detached homes were significantly more likely to have detectable allergen. The prevalence of allergen is common enough that it may have public health implications for asthmatic children, and detectable allergen was not routinely identified based on rodent sightings. Many of the predictors of rodent allergen are amenable to low-cost interventions that can be integrated with other measures to reduce exposure to indoor allergens.
A Three-Component Coupling Approach to Cyclopentanoids

A new approach to 2,3-disubstituted cyclopentenones has been developed. This approach consists of a two-step protocol involving the cyclization of a Z-vinyl bromide under Barbier type conditions to form a cyclopentenol, which is then oxidatively rearranged to generate the cyclopentenone. The Z-vinyl bromide is in turn derived from a ruthenium catalyzed three-component coupling of an alkyne, an enone, and a HBr equivalent. A range of 2,3-disubstituted cyclopentenones has been generated, including short syntheses of jasmone and dihydrojasmone. Further applicability of this strategy is shown in the total syntheses of tetrahydrodicranenone B, rosaprostol, and a selective COX-2 inhibitor.
Rupture of a large ophthalmic segment saccular aneurysm associated with closed head injury: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE Although each year approximately 30,000 to 50,000 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage in the United States are caused by the rupture of intracranial saccular aneurysms, there is little information in the literature documenting the association of aneurysmal rupture with closed head injury. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 61-year-old woman presented after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries, including a severe closed head injury. Computed tomography revealed a diffuse basal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography revealed the source as a large aneurysm arising from the ophthalmic segment of the left carotid artery. INTERVENTION After the patient was stabilized for her multiple injuries, she underwent craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm. She recovered without developing new neurological deficits. CONCLUSION Although the association of head trauma and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is rare, the presence of significant basal subarachnoid blood on a computed tomographic scan should alert the physician to the possibility of a ruptured aneurysm.
Channel capacity maximization in cooperative cognitive radio networks using game theory

Cognitive radio network (CRN) has created a significant research interest due to the unique opportunistic spectrum sharing of the channels when not used by the licensed users (known as white spaces). In this paper, we make a unique endeavor in developing a Game theoretic spectrum sharing strategy to compute maximum channel capacity under the following constraints: (i) quality of an available channel with respect to its neighboring channels and (ii) transmission power limitation so as not to interfere with licensed users. Such maximization is achieved by allocating multiple available channels to each unlicensed user. The availability of channels differs from one user to another depending upon its location with respect to the transmission range of the licensed user. We discuss allocation strategies of unused white spaces among the cognitive users to maximize the channel capacity. We introduce a cooperative N-person Game among N unlicensed users in a CRN to identify strategies that help achieve Nash equilibria. In addition, the knowledge of idle durations and transmission rate of available channels can also be utilized for designing an efficient spectrum allocation technique. Hence, with this information, we develop another Game theoretic strategy to allocate a single channel to each unlicensed user and identify the strategy which achieves Nash equilibrium. Extensive experimental results of the strategies proposed are also presented.
The therapeutic window of hypothermic neuroprotection in experimental ischemic neuropathy : Protection in ischemic phase and potential deterioration in later reperfusion phase

Hypothermia will neuroprotect peripheral nerve from ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, but the therapeutic window of hypothermic neuroprotection has not been defined. Unilateral IR injury was produced by the ligation and release of nooses tied around supplying arteries to the right sciatic-tibial nerve of the rat. Using this model, 114 rats were divided into 12 groups according to the delay (0, 1, 3, and 4 h) and the depth of hypothermia (28, 32, and 35 degrees C). All rats were subjected to 3 h ischemia and 7 days reperfusion followed by behavioral, electrophysiological, and pathological evaluations. We demonstrated significant hypothermic neuroprotection with both deep (28 degrees C) and mild (32 degrees C) hypothermia initiated during ischemia (0 and 1 h delay), but not hypothermia initiated during reperfusion (3 and 4 h delay) in both behavioral and electrophysiological evaluations. In addition, the pathologically significant differences were observed between deep hypothermia (28 degrees C) and normothermia (35 degrees C) initiated during ischemia. We conclude that the therapeutic window of hypothermic neuroprotection is optimal during the intraischemic period and that mild and deep hypothermia provide neuroprotection. Prolonged delay of hypothermic treatment results in worsening of IR injury.
Non-destructive characterization of microdamage in cortical bone using low field pulsed NMR.

Abstract The microcracking and damage accumulation process in human cortical bone was characterized by performing cyclic loading under four-point bending at ambient temperature. A non-destructive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin–spin ( T 2 ) relaxation technique was applied to quantify the apparent changes in bone porosity as a function of cyclic loading and prior damage accumulation, first to unloaded cortical bone to quantify the initial porosity and then to fatigued cortical bone that was subjected to cyclic loading to various levels of modulus degradation and microdamage in the form of microcracks. The NMR T 2 relaxation time and amplitude data of the fatigued bone were compared against the undamaged state. The difference in the T 2 relaxation time data was taken as a measure of the increase in pore size, bone porosity or microcrack density due to microdamage induced by cyclic loading. A procedure was developed to deduce the number and size distributions of microcracks formed in cortical bone. Serial sectioning of the fatigued bone showed the formation of microcracks along the cement lines or within the interstitial tissue. The results on the evolution of microdamage derived from NMR measurements were verified by independent experimental measurements of microcrack density using histological characterization techniques. The size distribution and population of the microcracks were then utilized in conjunction with an analytical model to predict the degradation of the elastic modulus of cortical bone as a function of damage accumulation.
Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms of PMDD occur during the last week of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and usually abate at the onset of menses. About 3-8% of all menstruating women experience PMDD, which can lead to significant functional impairment. Several randomized, controlled trials have assessed the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of PMDD. The SSRIs were found to significantly improve symptoms, particularly psychological or behavioral symptoms, during the luteal phase in women with PMDD. Also, SSRIs were found to improve the quality of life in women with PMDD. Headache, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety were often reported as adverse effects. A decrease in libido or sexual dysfunction also was reported. In recent studies, intermittent SSRI therapy was found to be effective treatment for PMDD and allows a woman to take the drug for only 14 days each month. Intermittent SSRI therapy should be recommended before continuous daily dosing of SSRIs in the treatment of PMDD.