cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immediate and Sustained Effects of Interventions for Changing Physical Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract Objectives To examine the immediate and sustained effects of interventions for changing physical activity behavior in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to explore factors that might moderate intervention effects on physical activity behavior (eg, intervention type and duration, type of physical activity measurement, intensity of theory integration [degree of theory used in study design], and study quality). Data Sources Systematic searches were conducted in 4 databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar, in October 2017 and October 2018. Updated searches were conducted in September 2019 with 2 additional databases (Embase and Scopus) and enhanced search terms. Study Selection Studies were included that (1) incorporated a randomized controlled trial design of interventions that targeted change in physical activity behavior in adults with MS, namely, exercise training and behavioral intervention (alone and combined); (2) included self-reported and/or device-measured physical activity as an outcome; and (3) contained pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data Extraction Data were extracted for immediate (pre- to post-intervention) and sustained (pre-intervention to follow-up) physical activity outcomes and study characteristics. Weighted mean effect sizes were expressed as standardized mean differences (SMD). Heterogeneity between each categorical moderator was compared using Q between statistics. Data Synthesis The mean SMD was 0.56 for immediate changes (n=24) and 0.53 for sustained changes (n=7) of physical activity outcomes. Self-reported physical activity measures yielded larger effects (SMD, 0.64; n=22) than those of device-measured physical activity (0.26; n=7). There appeared to be larger immediate effects of behavioral interventions (SMD, 0.71; n=9) than exercise training (SMD, 0.53; n=7) and combined interventions (0.37; n=8). Conclusions Current evidence demonstrates that interventions are efficacious for increasing and potentially sustaining physical activity behavior in adults with MS. The effects appear to be optimized based on the delivery of behavioral interventions alone, and these interventions may be capable of supporting long-term behavior change.
Anti-phosphatidylserine monoclonal antibody, 3G4, enhances the anti-tumor effects of docetaxel against human breast cancer

1498 Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an anionic phospholipid that resides almost exclusively on the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of mammalian cells under normal conditions. We have demonstrated that PS is selectively expressed on the outer leaflet of tumor vascular endothelium but not in normal vessels, possibly due in part to exposure to stress conditions in the tumor microenvironment, making PS an excellent candidate for tumor vascular targeting. We have developed a monoclonal anti-PS antibody, 3G4. When injected into tumor bearing mice, 3G4 localize specifically to tumor endothelium. In preclinical studies, 3G4 alone significantly inhibits tumor growth in a variety of rodent tumor models. Up to 50% regressions were seen in syngeneic and human tumors, including human breast carcinomas. Docetaxel is the most effective single cytotoxic drugs against breast cancer. It binds to microtubule and inhibits microtubule depolymerization, results in disrupted cell mitosis and proliferation and induces apoptosis, therefore PS exposure. In this study, we evaluated whether 3G4 can enhance the therapeutic effect of docetaxel in an orthotopic human MDA-MB-435 breast tumors model. In vitro, docetaxel increased PS exposure on endothelial cells. In vivo, docetaxel significantly increased PS exposure on tumor vessels, fifty-six percent tumor blood vessels were PS positive in docetaxel treated group compared with 35% in control group. Tumor growth was inhibited by 93% in the combination treated group, as compared with 68% and 60% in groups treated with docetaxel and 3G4 alone, respectively (P
Active learning in a hands-on Physics lab: a pilot study to fine-tune instruction and student assessment methodology

Active learning in the form of a hands-on Physics laboratory for first-year undergraduate Electrical and Electronics Engineering students is the subject of this research. Instruction and student assessment methodologies are examined in order to get answers to a number of research questions that will hopefully aid and guide instructors in the reform of the course structure and delivery and in the fine-tuning of student assessment methods. Student performance across all course components and activities for year 2018-19 is analyzed through linear and non-linear methods; outcomes are compared to those of year 2017-18, where meaningful. Descriptive statistics and linear regression results imply that the lecturing and the active-learning (laboratory) parts of the course need to get more tightly interconnected in terms of the material taught and the active-learning approaches adopted. Non-linear processing (clustering) results identify clusters of students that require attention from the part of the instructors and lead instructors to fine-tune assessment methods and set thresholds for success/failure or grading. A predictive use of the clustering results is also possible, as discussed in the conclusions.
The New Science of Autonomous Human-Machine Teams (a-HMT): Interdependence Theory Scales

Autonomous submarines. Drone wingmen. Hypersonic missiles. The evolution of autonomous human-machine teams (A-HMT) is occurring when the rapidity of making decisions have become central to military defense, operating complex systems, transportation, etc. Social science, however, offers little guidance for the science of A-HMTs. The problem with social science is its basis in rational methodological individualism (MI), likely at the root of its replication crisis and its inability to make predictions. MI has impeded the generalization of every theory that has used it, e.g., game theory, additive aggregation economics, assembling automata, political science and philosophy. In the laboratory and field, MI’s rational collective theory tellingly fails in the presence of conflict, where interdependence theory thrives. Recently, however, social science has experimentally reestablished the value of interdependence to human team science, especially for the best of science teams, but not theoretically, making the results important but ad hoc. By rejecting MI in favor of interdependence theory, a phenomenon difficult to control in the laboratory, we have hypothesized for teams, found and replicated that the optimum size of a team minimizes its member redundancy. With interdependence theory, we have also found that, proportional to the complexity of the barriers faced by a team to completing its mission, intelligence is critical to a team’s maximum entropy production (MEP); that whereas physical training promotes physical skills and whereas book knowledge promotes cognitive skills, these two skill sets are orthogonal to each other, resolving a long-standing experimental and theoretical conundrum; and, lastly, that the best determinations of social reality, decisions by a team, and decisions for the welfare of a society are based on the interdependence of orthogonal effects: the social harmonic oscillation of information driven by orthogonal pro-con poles, alternatively presenting one argument before an audience of neutral judges countered by its opposing argument. From this foundation, unlike traditional models based on MI, interdependence theory scales to integrate wide swaths of field evidence, e.g., bacteria gene and business mergers seeking MEP, but, if failing, leading to collapse (weak entropy production, WEP). Instead of predictions which fail in interdependent situations, the way forward for autonomous systems is to limit autonomy with checks and balances, similar to how free humans limit autonomy.
Therapeutic TVs for Crossing Barriers in the Brain

Brain disorders are at the leading edge of global disease burden worldwide. Effective therapies are lagging behind because most drugs cannot reach their targets in the brain because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The new development of a BBB transport vehicle may bring us a step closer to solve this problem.
Effectiveness of online OurRelationship and ePREP programs for low-income military couples.

OBJECTIVE Military couples need and desire relationship interventions. Online interventions improve access; however, their effectiveness within the military population is untested. Using a subsample from a larger randomized controlled trial of OurRelationship and ePREP online relationship programs for low-income couples, this study examined baseline characteristics of military compared with civilian couples enrolled (Aim 1), treatment effects within military couples (Aim 2), and treatment differences between military and matched civilian participants (Aim 3). METHOD Military couples (n = 90 couples) in which 1 or both partners were active duty (11%) or veterans (89%) were selected from the larger randomized controlled trial along with a matched civilian sample selected using propensity scores. RESULTS No differences were found between military and civilian couples regarding baseline individual or relationship functioning. Program completion was lower among military couples (57%) compared with civilians (71%), whereas program satisfaction was equally positive. Among military couples, relationship satisfaction, conflict, emotional support, and breakup potential were significantly improved after treatment (between-groups d = 0.31-0.46) and maintained at follow-up; intimate partner violence and individual functioning domains did not improve. When comparing military and civilian samples, there was a pattern of stronger treatment impacts on individual functioning for civilians, although only the impact on insomnia evidenced a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS These online relationship interventions improved relationship functioning for military couples. More research is needed to test these interventions among clinically impaired military populations and to explore potential for improving program completion and effects on relationship violence and individual wellbeing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Verification of generalized scaling laws: Two centrifuge tests of a liquefiable sloping deposit

Abstract Two centrifuge experiments were conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to evaluate and assess the validity of the generalized scaling laws. The experiments were performed within the framework of the Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Project (LEAP) and consisted of testing a saturated sloping deposit subjected to a tapered base input acceleration. The two tested models reflected consistent soil conditions but were built based on different scaling principles. The first model observed the conventional scaling laws for centrifuge physical modeling. The second model reflected the generalized scaling laws. The two tested models exhibited consistent response before liquefaction. The generalized scaling model showed a higher susceptibility to liquefaction and had a higher rate of pore pressure buildup.
Comparison of all-polyethylene and metal-backed modular tibial components in endoprosthetic reconstruction of the distal femur.

INTRODUCTION All-polyethylene (AP) tibial components have demonstrated equivalent or improved long-term survivorship and reduced cost compared with metal-backed (MB) components in primary total knee arthroplasty; however, there is a lack of data comparing these outcomes in the setting of an oncologic endoprosthetic reconstruction. METHODS A total of 115 (88 AP:27 MB) patients undergoing cemented distal femur endoprosthetic reconstruction following oncologic resection were reviewed. Mean age was 40 years and 51% were females. Cumulative incidences of all-cause revision, tibial component revision, reoperation, and infection were calculated utilizing a competing risk analysis with death as the competitor. Mean follow-up was 14 years. RESULTS The 10-year cumulative incidence of all-cause revision was 19.9% in the AP group and 16.3% in the MB group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.93, p = 0.88). The cumulative incidence of tibial component revision was significantly lower in AP compared with MB at 10 years (1.1% vs. 12.5%, HR = 0.18, p = 0.03). There was no difference in infection-free survival when comparing the two groups (p = 0.72). CONCLUSIONS Reconstruction utilizing an MB or AP tibia component resulted in equivalent overall outcome; however, the tibial component in the AP group was less likely to be revised. AP tibial component should be considered for all primary oncologic reconstructions in the distal femur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Therapeutic.
The Impact of Investors' Status and Information Presentation on Investors' Judgments*

This paper examines the impact of investors' status (current, prospective) on their evaluation of information varying in valence (positive, negative) and in presentation mode (simultaneous, sequential). MBA graduates rated the relevance of positive and negative company information and the attractiveness of the company as an investment. Results indicate that, consistent with loss buffering, investors' investment attractiveness ratings are more favorable when negative and positive information are simultaneously (compared to sequentially) presented. Second, consistent with gain-savoring, investors' relevance and investment attractiveness ratings are more favorable when positive information is presented sequentially (compared to simultaneously) with other positive information. Third, consistent with multiple loss aversion, current (but not prospective) investors' relevance and attractiveness ratings are more favorable when negative information is presented sequentially (compared to simultaneously) with other negative information.
The Overseas Chinese Communities in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

In this chapter we present historical overviews and analyses of current data on the overseas Chinese populations in the three Southeast Asian countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines and in the three Pacific countries of the United States, Canada, and Australia. We also present and discuss current data on the numbers of overseas Chinese throughout the world and its major regions, and we note how these distributions have changed over the past decades. We also present a discussion of the different types of emigrations from China and show how they figured into the immigrations of Chinese into the six Southeast Asian and Pacific countries just noted. In our chapter, we define an overseas Chinese person as a Chinese individual who resides outside the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau. We discuss and justify this definition in more detail in our chapter. We show that in around 2018, there were nearly 48.7 million overseas Chinese residing in over 149 countries. Also, of the three Southeast Asian countries receiving the major focus in our chapter, Indonesia has the most Chinese of all the countries in the world, almost 8.4 million. The other two Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia and the Philippines, have, respectively, the third largest number of overseas Chinese (6.6 million) and the seventh largest number (1.5 million). The United States has the fourth largest number of Chinese of all the countries in the world (4.6 million). The other two Pacific countries of Canada and Australia have, respectively, the sixth largest number of Chinese (1.6 million) and the eleventh largest number (0.95 million).
Why do parents use screen media with toddlers? The role of child temperament and parenting stress in early screen use.

Abstract Considering child characteristics may be an important piece to understanding parental decision-making for children’s screen use. The current cross-sectional study examined the mediating role of maternal parenting stress in the relation of child temperament to young children’s screen use. Recognizing the multidimensional aspects of temperament, three mediated pathways for three temperament domains (i.e., negative affectivity, surgency, and effortful control) were tested. Mothers of toddlers, 18–36 months (N = 296), completed an online survey, reporting on child temperament, total parenting stress, and child screen use. The results showed that mother-child dynamics were related to toddlers’ screen use. Toddlers’ negative affectivity and effortful control were each associated with toddlers’ screen use through maternal parenting stress. Higher negative affectivity was associated with higher maternal parenting stress, which in turn, was related to greater screen use in toddlers. Toddlers’ lower effortful control was related to higher maternal parenting stress, which in turn, was associated with greater screen use. Toddlers’ surgency was not related to either maternal parenting stress or toddlers’ screen use. The findings from this study contribute to an understanding of media-related parenting in toddlerhood and may help with the development of strategies for supporting healthy media habits in families with young children.
Glenoid "Pear Restoration" with the Traditional Latarjet versus Congruent Arc Modification: CT Assessment of Coracoid Morphology for Preoperative Planning:

Objectives:The concept of the “inverted pear” glenoid was introduced by Lo and Burkhart as an indicator of significant attritional glenoid bone loss that predisposes patients to recurrent instabili...
Early postoperative serum hyperamylasemia: Harbinger of morbidity hiding in plain sight?

Abstract Background The clinical significance of postoperative serum pancreatic enzyme elevation after pancreatoduodenectomy is understudied. We hypothesized that elevation in serum enzymes predicts morbidity and mortality after pancreatoduodenectomy. Methods Retrospective review of 677 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy at a single institution from 2013 to 2019. Patients were categorized based on serum enzyme concentrations. Patient characteristics, drain amylase, and outcomes among groups were compared. Results In total, 415 of 677 patients had postoperative serum amylase concentrations measured. Of these, 243 (59%) were normal, 96 (23%) were classified as postoperative serum hyperamylasemia, and 76 (18%) were classified as postoperative acute pancreatitis. Major morbidity was lower among patients with normal enzyme concentration (10%) and higher in patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (23%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (18%) (P = .008). Patients with normal enzymes were less likely to develop postoperative pancreatic fistula (5%) compared with patients with postoperative serum hyperamylasemia (26%) and postoperative acute pancreatitis (21%) (P Conclusion Elevated serum pancreatic enzyme concentration occurs frequently after pancreatoduodenectomy and is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Serum enzyme concentration should be considered in management after pancreatoduodenectomy.
The Play of Art: Propensity and Pedagogy in Contemporary Chinese Early Childhood Education

The standard educational gesture—in defense of its perceived secondary status relative to the “real world”—is to embed everything within its purview, such that even conceiving education as an art b...
Affinity Switch during Proteasome Core Particle Maturation that Regulates Pba1–Pba2 and Regulatory Particle Association

The proteasome is a large protease complex which degrades ubiquitinated proteins. It consists of a core particle (CP) that contains the proteolytic active sites and a regulatory particle (RP) that ...
A New Approach for Monitoring Voltage Security of the General Large Power System

A two level cellular structure in both the parameter space and the state space is identified. This allows a new approach for the security monitoring of the large power system from a different perspective through the concept of a feasibility region. The boundary of the feasibility region is composed of surface sections (defined by algebraic equations) of only three types. So the boundary and its distance from the operating point can be computed to directly measure the security of the operating point. A rudimentary power system is used to introduce and explain the new concepts.
Metacognition and Coaching: How to Develop a Thinking Athlete

Metacognition is a broad term used to describe the cognitive processes associated with learning, and it relates to the act of thinking about our own thinking. This article addresses several strategies that can be used to optimize metacognitive processes as they specifically relate to the performance of physical skills in a competitive athletics setting.
Optimal design of a redundant high current DC/DC converter

This paper discusses an optimal design of a highly efficient redundant paralleled multiphase buck converter with active current sharing scheme. “N+1” redundant power supplies are commonly employed in high-reliability and fault-tolerant systems. To achieve high performances, active current sharing and remote voltage sensing are typically implemented in redundant paralleled DC/DC power supplies. A detailed modeling of the current sharing scheme and implementation of remote voltage sensing are discussed in paper. A 12V input, 5V/100A output prototype is implemented to validate the design concepts. Comprehensive experimental results show good current sharing performance and dynamic voltage response, and a peak efficiency of 94.89% of this redundant converter is realized.
Apamin-Sensitive Small Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels, through their Selective Coupling to Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels, Are Critical Determinants of the Precision, Pace, and Pattern of Action Potential Generation in Rat Subthalamic Nucleus Neurons In Vitro

Distinct activity patterns in subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons are observed during normal voluntary movement and abnormal movement in Parkinson's disease (PD). To determine how such patterns of activity are regulated by small conductance potassium (SK)/calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels and voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels, STN neurons were recorded in the perforated patch configuration in slices, [which were prepared from postnatal day 16 (P16)-P30 rats and held at 37 degrees C] and then treated with the SK KCa channel antagonist apamin or the SK KCa channel agonist 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone or the Cav channel antagonists w-omega-conotoxin GVIA (Cav2.2-selective) or nifedipine (Cav1.2-1.3-selective) [corrected]. In other experiments, fura-2 was introduced as an indicator of intracellular calcium dynamics. A component of the current underlying single-spike afterhyperpolarization was sensitive to apamin, phase-locked to calcium entry via Cav2.2 channels, and necessary for precise, autonomous, single-spike oscillation. SK KCa/Cav2.2 channel coupling did not underlie spike-frequency adaptation but limited activity in response to current injection by encoding the accumulation of intracellular calcium, maintained the characteristic sigmoidal frequency-intensity relationship and generated a post-train afterhyperpolarization. In addition, SK KCa channels terminated rebound burst activity more effectively in neurons with short-duration bursts ( 100 msec), presumably through their activation by Cav3 channels. Cav1.2-1.3 channels were not strongly coupled to SK KCa channels and therefore supported secondary range and long-duration rebound burst firing. In summary, SK KCa channels play a fundamental role in autonomous, driven, and rebound activity and oppose the transition from autonomous, rhythmic, single-spike activity to burst firing in STN neurons.
Investigation of a Potential Source of Difficulty in the Use of the AutoAnalyzer

An investigation of the deleterious action of alkaline ferricyanide on the glass heating coil of the AutoAnalyzer showed not only an increase in fragility of the coil with use but a substantial increase in coil volume, a change which can cause standard readings to exceed acceptable limits.
Efficient association discovery with keyword-based constraints on large graph data

In many domains, such as social networks and chem-informatics, data can be represented naturally in graph model, with nodes being data entries and edges the relationships between them. We study the application requirements in these domains and find that discovering Constrained Acyclic Paths (CAP) is highly in demand. In this paper, we define the CAP search problem and introduce a set of quantitative metrics for describing keyword-based constraints. We propose a series of algorithms to efficiently evaluate CAP queries on large-scale graph data. Extensive experiments illustrate that our algorithms are both efficient and scalable.
Changes in intracellular hydrogen ion activity in acute experimental salicylate intoxication.

Extract: This study was devised to ascertain (1) the extent and direction of changes in intracellular hydrogen ion activity in unmodified salicylate intoxication, and (2) whether an intracellular metabolic acidosis was unmasked or decompensated when the PCO2 was maintained at normal levels. Sixteen mongrel dogs were studied in 3 groups: 1. Controls; 2. Salicylate intoxicated dogs (given 300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate intravenously; and 3. Mechanically hyperventilated dogs given no salicylate. Skeletal muscle intracellular hydrogen ion activity was determined at intervals in each group using 14C-labelled 2,4-dimethyl oxazolidinedione, tritiated water and 36Cl ion. In the controls the intracellular hydrogen ion activity did not deviate significantly from the average value of 130.9 nEq/1* over periods ranging from 4–12 hours. In group 2, intracellular hydrogen ion activity fell from a presalicylate value of 129.7 nEq/1 to 102.1 at 2 hours, 87.0 at 3 hours, and 81.5 at 4 hours. When 2–4% CO2 was given and the Pco2 was stabilized at 30–40 mm Hg, the intracellular hydrogen ion activity returned to normal. In the group 3 dogs it fell from 136.8 nEq/1 to 87.7 over 4 hours and also returned to normal when CO2 was given. Results from 3 representative dogs are shown in figure 2. The authors conclude that (1) intracellular hydrogen ion activity falls significantly in salicylate intoxication due to salicylate-induced hyperventilation, and (2) no major metabolic acidosis could be demonstrated within the cells when the PCO2 was held at normal levels.
Collective information practice: emploring privacy and security as social and cultural phenomena

As everyday life is increasingly conducted online, and as the electronic world continues to move out into the physical, the privacy of information and action and the security of information systems are increasingly a focus of concern both for the research community and the public at large. Accordingly, privacy and security are active topics of investigation from a wide range of perspectives--institutional, legislative, technical, interactional, and more. In this article, we wish to contribute toward a broad understanding of privacy and security not simply as technical phenomena but as embedded in social and cultural contexts. Privacy and security are difficult concepts to manage from a technical perspective precisely because they are caught up in larger collective rhetorics and practices of risk, danger, secrecy, trust, morality, identity, and more. Reductive attempts to deal with these issues separately produce incoherent or brittle results. We argue for a move away from narrow views of privacy and security and toward a holistic view of situated and collective information practice.
Elasticity and safety of alkoxyethyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives

Cyanoacrylate glues are easily applied to wounds with good cosmetic results. However, they tend to be brittle and can induce local tissue toxicity. A series of cyanoacrylate monomers with a flexible ether linkage and varying side-chain lengths was synthesized and characterized for potential use as tissue adhesives. The effect of side-chain length on synthesis yield, physical and mechanical properties, formaldehyde generation, cytotoxicity in vitro and biocompatibility in vivo were examined. The incorporation of etheric oxygen allowed the production of flexible monomers with good adhesive strength. Monomers with longer side-chains were found to have less toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. Polymerized hexoxyethyl cyanoacrylate was more elastic than its commercially available and widely used alkyl analog 2-octyl cyanoacrylate, without compromising biocompatibility.
Conjugation of paramecium multimicronucleata, powers and mitchell

Microscopic examination of both living and stained forms indicates that the so-called ‘multivacuolate’ and ‘amicronucleate races of Paramecium caudatum’ belong to the species Paramecium multimicronucleata. The published accounts of the morphology and cultural characteristics of the various forms are compared and provide additional evidence. A more complete description is given, including distinctive characters previously omitted. The conjugation process of P. multimicronucleata in general resembles that of P. caudatum, most of the differences being due to the presence of four micronuclei instead of one. These each divide twice with characteristic figures, twelve of the sixteen daughter nuclei then degenerating. One of the remaining four splits to form a single pair of functional pronuclei in each cell. The two migratory pronuclei interchange as in P. caudatum. The synkaryon divides three times, and probably seven of these nuclei degenerate. The remaining one apparently undergoes two divisions. In most cases by six to eight hours after the conjugants separate two micronuclei of the four thus produced form enlarged macronuclear anlagen, the other two remaining as micronuclei. Each anlage divides within the next two or four hours, producing four macronuclear and four micronuclear analagen. Two fissions, each preceded by a division of the micronuclei, restore vegetative conditions. The process described above is compared with conjugation in P. bursaria, P. caudatum, and P. putrinum.
Product liability cost as a marketing tool

Abstract Because we are marketing in an increasingly competitive global economy, it is imperative that product liability be addressed as a competitive advantage for the selling firm. In the development and management of products, especially technical products, i.e., electronic components, product liability costs (PLC) can be substantial. However, the PLC element in marketing management and product development has been lightly treated relative to its importance, including the absence of stress on the need for the manufacturer and supplier to work as a team in PLC estimation of new products. The purpose of this article is to develop a PLC simulation model that provides management decision makers with a competitive tool with which to secure market position and to gain and maintain market share.
The American Headache Society: Looking Back

Dr. Kunkel, a former president and member of the American Headache Society from its most formative days, shares some personal recollections about the emergence of the society from a small group of like-minded individuals through to its period of rapid growth in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Neuroendocrine tumours of the appendix

Summary Neuroendocrine tumours account for the majority of appendiceal neoplasms. Most are classical carcinoid tumours, which in large part are clinically benign, although larger tumours may present with metastatic disease and can be fatal. Appendiceal carcinoid tumours are usually enterochromaffin cell (EC) tumours that have an insular growth pattern and express serotonin. Less common are L cell tumours that have trabecular architecture and express enteroglucagon. Tubular carcinoids are small, benign carcinoid tumours composed of compressed tubules; these may be variants of L cell tumours with prominent acinar architecture. Goblet cell carcinoids are distinctive tumours of the appendix composed of clusters of mucinous goblet-like cells that variably express neuroendocrine markers. These tumours purportedly are more aggressive than classical carcinoid tumours. However, the biologically malignant tumours are characterized by carcinomatous growth patterns and are more appropriately diagnosed as mixed carcinoid–adenocarcinoma or even signet ring cell carcinoma. High grade neuroendocrine carcinomas rarely occur in the appendix and carry a poor prognosis.
Wu's castle: teaching arrays and loops in a game

We are developing games to teach introductory computer science concepts to increase student motivation and engagement in learning to program. Wu's Castle is a two-dimensional role playing game that teaches loops and arrays in an interactive, visual way. In this game, the player interactively programs magical creatures to create armies of snowmen. The game provides immediate feedback and helps students visualize the execution of their code in a safe environment. We tested the game in a CS1 course, where students could earn extra credit to play Wu's Castle. Our results show learning gains for game players, compared both through pre- and post-tests differences and improved performance on relevant final exam questions when compared to students who did not play the game. The results of this study suggest that Wu's Castle implements good practices for teaching programming within a game.
Decomposition of Three-Dimensional Objects into Spheres

Algorithms are presented for converting between different three-dimensional object representations: from a collection of cross section outlines to surface points, and from surface points to a collection of overlapping spheres. The algorithms effect a conversion from surface representations (outlines or surface points) to a volume representation (spheres). The spherical representation can be useful for graphical display, and perhaps as an intermediate representation for conversions to representations with other primitives. The spherical decomposition also permits the computation of points on the symmetric surface of an object, the three-dimensional analog of Blum's symmetric axis. The algorithms work in real coordinates rather than in a discrete space, and so avoid error introduced by the quantization of the space.
Further Evidence against the Construct Validity of the Firo-B Scales:

Rearranging Salminen's 1991 correlations between the interpersonal need scales of Schutz's FIRO-B and parallel self-ratings indicates that only one of six FIRO-B scales satisfied the convergent and discriminant criteria for construct validity that Campbell and Fiske provided in 1959. Augmenting a growing body of negative reports regarding the contruct validity of FIRO-B and related measures, these adverse findings heighten concerns about this family of instruments.
Implementation policy considerations for achieving year-round operability of biodiesel programs

Abstract Implementing biodiesel in fleet vehicles has been a challenge to many agencies. Issues related to pricing, availability, fuel quality, and winter operability have made it difficult to maintain successful programs. In addition, fuel efficiency and impact on equipment are additional concerns that need to be considered. Thus, a study was undertaken to establish best practices for implementation of biodiesel programs that sought information on existing biodiesel programs, practices, and lessons learned. A list of best practices was complied, with added inputs from literature review, and prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. This paper describes the study and provides specific recommended practices for ensuring fuel quality and year-round operability. The recommendations will assist with the implementation of successful biodiesel programs in both the public and private sectors.
Denitrification in salt marsh sediments: Evidence for seasonal temperature selection among populations of denitrifiers.

Direct measurements of bacterial denitrification in salt marsh sediments near Woods Hole, Massachusetts were made over a 10-month period using a simple and precise gas-chromatographic technique. Based on laboratory experiments at 5°, 10°, and 20°C, it is shown that seasonal temperature variations select for at least two distinct populations of denitrifiers.In situ incubations suggest that resident populations of denitrifying bacteria are cold-sensitive. Salt marsh denitrifying bacteria are not optimally adapted to their thermal environment, but to temperatures 5°-10°C higher. In these water-logged muds, rates of bacterial denitrification (0.3-1.5μg N2/gm sediment-hr) are up to three orders of magnitude greater than maximum potential rates of insitu bacterial and algal nitrogen fixation.
Primary Induction of Human CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Interferon-γ-Producing T Cells after Smallpox Vaccination

This study measured the ability of a standard smallpox vaccine, given by scarification (by bifurcated needle), to induce primary human vaccinia virus-specific cytotoxic and interferon (IFN)-gamma-producing T lymphocyte responses. Because protection against smallpox may be mediated in part by T cell memory responses induced by vaccination, an analysis of the induction of primary human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and IFN-gamma-producing T cell responses was performed. Although smallpox is no longer an epidemic threat under natural conditions, vaccination is still recommended for persons working with vaccinia viruses in the laboratory and for those who may be at risk from the potential use of smallpox virus as a bioterrorism agent. The results demonstrate that smallpox vaccine given by bifurcated needle induces strong vaccinia virus-specific CD8(+) CTL and IFN-gamma-producing T cell responses and provide baseline information useful for planning the immunologic assessment of future smallpox vaccines.
Parallel reduction to hessenberg form with algorithm-based fault tolerance

This paper studies the resilience of a two-sided factorization and presents a generic algorithm-based approach capable of making two-sided factorizations resilient. We establish the theoretical proof of the correctness and the numerical stability of the approach in the context of a Hessenberg Reduction (HR) and present the scalability and performance results of a practical implementation. Our method is a hybrid algorithm combining an Algorithm Based Fault Tolerance (ABFT) technique with diskless checkpointing to fully protect the data. We protect the trailing and the initial part of the matrix with checksums, and protect finished panels in the panel scope with diskless checkpoints. Compared with the original HR (the ScaLAPACK PDGEHRD routine) our fault-tolerant algorithm introduces very little overhead, and maintains the same level of scalability. We prove that the overhead shows a decreasing trend as the size of the matrix or the size of the process grid increases.
Sex differences and similarities in preferred mating arrangements

Over 90% of men and women marry, but as many as 50% of married men and women have affairs. Thus, in a self-reported study of ideal mating arrangements, in which costs associated with infidelity are eliminated, it was hypothesized that men and women would prefer a mating arrangement of monogamy with the option of casual, extra-pair sex. Unexpectedly, men and women (n ¼463) overwhelmingly preferred strictly monogamous mating arrangements when forced to select one such ideal arrangement. A hypothesized sex difference did emerge, however, with men more than women rating as more interesting those arrangements that included casual sex or partner variety. The discussion addresses several evolutionarily plausible accounts for the current results, and integrates the current results with existing theories about sex differences and similarities in mating psychology and behavior.
Enhanced Synonymous Site Divergence in Positively Selected VertebrateAntimicrobial Peptide Genes

Nonrandom patterns associated with adaptively evolving genes can shed light on how selection and mutation produce rapid changes in sequences. I examine such patterns in two independent families of antimicrobial peptide genes: those in frogs, which are known to have evolved under positive selection, and those in flatfishes, which I show have also evolved under positive selection. I address two recently proposed hypotheses about the molecular evolution of antimicrobial peptide genes. The first is that the mature peptide region is replicated by an error-prone polymerase that increases the mutation rate and the transversion/transition ratio compared to the signal sequence of the same genes. The second is that mature peptides evolve in a coordinated fashion with their propieces, such that a change in net charge in one molecular region prompts an opposite change in charge in the other region. I test these hypotheses using alternative methods that minimize alignment errors, correct for phylogenetic nonindependence, reduce sequence saturation, and account for differing selection pressures on different regions of the gene. In both gene families I show that divergence at both synonymous and nonsynonymous sites within the mature peptide region is enhanced. However, in neither gene family is there evidence of an increased mutational transversion/transition ratio or coordinated evolution. My observations are consistent with either an elevated mutation rate in an adaptively evolving gene region or widespread selection on "silent" sites. These hypotheses challenge the assumption that mutations are random and can be measured by the synonymous substitution rate.
Simulation of the initial development of an inhomogeneous structure upon cooling an elastomeric polypropylene from a homogeneous melt

Abstract The initial development of inhomogeneity upon stepwise cooling from the melt has been investigated in an elastomeric polypropylene (elPP), with isotactic and atactic blocks in the same chain. The simulation employs coarse-grained chains, with one bead for each repeating unit, on a high coordination lattice. Short-range intramolecular interactions are described by a rotational isomeric state model. Intermolecular interactions are derived from the behavior of pairs of molecules of propane in the gas phase. Analysis of the rates of equilibration of the simulations shows that there is sufficient time for local conformational relaxation at all temperatures studied from 298 to 473 K. However, at the lower temperatures there is insufficient time for the more extensive rearrangement of the chains required for development of the intermolecular interactions that would stabilize crystals of the isotactic blocks. Therefore the simulation is appropriate for the investigation of any heterogeneity that might develop before the onset of significant crystallization of the isotactic blocks. The fraction of C–C bonds in different rotational isomeric states changes very little over the temperature range covered. Intermolecular pair correlation functions have similar shapes when calculated for all beads, or for just those beads that appear in isotactic blocks. Nevertheless, there is greater heterogeneity in the elPP at 298 K than in isotactic polypropylene at the same temperature and thermal history. The heterogeneity of elPP can be detected by an analysis of the orientations of pairs of coarse-grained bonds and also from an analysis of the dynamics of individual beads. This heterogeneity of elPP, which appears before the onset of significant crystallization of the isotactic blocks, has contributions from individual 3 1 helices in the isotactic blocks and from strongly extended chain segments in those portions of the atactic blocks that are rich in racemo diads.
ON THE THEORY OF COLLECTIVE MOTION

Abstract Using the theory of point transformations, Tomonaga's method of describing collective motion is extended to the three-dimensional case. As point transformations are canonical transformations, we can derive canonical momenta conjugate to the collective coordinates. Applying this method, nuclear surface oscillations are investigated. The correspondence with the work of Bohr and the comparison with the earlier work are discussed.
Iron supplementation for menstruating female blood donors

Depletion of body iron stores is a major factor limiting regular blood donations by menstruating females. To determine if regular iron supplementation would solve this problem, we conducted a double-blind study in which menstruating female donors were randomly placed into one of three groups: one taking 39 mg elemental iron, a second taking 39 mg of iron plus 75 mg vitamin C, and a third taking 100 mg vitamin C daily. The women were requested to donate every 8 weeks for at least 1 year. Blood samples were taken on each donation for measurements of hemoglobin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin. In the two groups taking iron supplements hemoglobin and ferritin increased from baseline values and the TIBC decreased. The vitamin C control group showed decreases from baseline for hemoglobin and ferritin and increases in TIBC. Differences between groups taking iron supplements and the group not taking supplements were highly significant. Drop-out from the study was due to various causes; however, iron intolerance was uncommon. Minimal daily iron supplementation was beneficial in maintaining body iron stores and hemoglobin levels in menstruating females on a schedule of blood donation as often as every 8 weeks.
The effect of condensation on vibrational anharmonicity as determined by the vapor pressure isotope effect

Abstract Consideration of the continuing successes of the theory of condensed phase isotope effects in the harmonic approximation leads to the conclusion that relative changes expected in anharmonic constants on condensation are constrained to be of the same order of magnitude or smaller than the corresponding changes in harmonic force constants. Benzene-deuterobenzene isotope efforts are analyzed in an illustrative example and a brief discussion of other cases, including CS 2 and CHCl 3 , is given.
Sunbelt Capital and Conservative Political Realignment in the 1970s and 1980s

Elite theorists disagree over whether the recent conservative shift in U.S. politics results from a rightward shift of the capitalist class as whole or from the political ascendance of an ultracons...
Understanding the formation of the SRS Stokes spectrum in fused silica fibers

Spectral characteristics of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in optical fibers are examined in a regime (nanosecond pulses or longer) for which effects such a self-phase modulation, cross-phase modulation, and group velocity dispersion are negligible. An XeF excimer laser was used to pump a multimode fused silica UV optical fiber to observe SRS multiple-order Stokes generation. A theoretical model in which SRS is the only nonlinear effect induced was developed to simulate the SRS spectra of excimer laser pumped silica fibers. Good agreement has been achieved on spectral characteristics of SRS between the computer simulation and experimental results, which clarifies several puzzling features observed in experiment. The most important parameters to the evolution of SRS spectra in fibers were found to be the Raman gain curve, and the linewidth and temporal profile of the input pump. >
Carbon nanotube synthesis in supercritical toluene.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were synthesized in supercritical toluene at 600 °C and ∼12.4 MPa using ferrocene, Fe, or FePt nanocrystals as growth catalysts. Toluene serves as both the carbon source for nanotube formation and the solvent. In contrast to vapor-phase synthetic routes, the supercritical solvent provides high precursor concentration and a homogeneous reaction environment with dispersed growth catalyst particles. Both carbon filaments and MWNTs are produced by this approach, and a growth mechanism is proposed to explain the factors that determine the nanotube versus filament morphology. The plasmon energies of the π and π + σ valence electrons were measured using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) of individual carbon fibers and MWNTs as a characterization tool to complement the imaging data obtained from electron microscopy.