cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transcephalic de potential and scotopic critical flicker frequency

The relationship between the transcephalic DC potential (TCDC) and scotopic critical flicker frequency (CFF) was investigated in two groups of clinically normal male Ss. Comparisons of those Ss shifting in TCDC in a positive direction vs those shifting negatively and/or less positively were made. There was a replicable significant association between negative shifters prior to the scotopic CFF task and performance on that task.
SE1: Healthy Radios: Radio & microwave devices for the health sciences

More than a century ago, Guglielmo Marconi made the first transatlantic radio transmission which forever changed the way people exchange information with one another. Scientist and engineers have spent the better part of the last century developing more efficient radio circuits, systems and software for wireless communication. Recently, the scientific community has begun exploring the use of radio-frequency circuits for bio-medical applications. These “Healthy Radios” can be categorized into two sub-topics. The first is the use of radios to communicate sensed information from the human body to the outside world. The second is the use of traditional radio circuits for medical analysis. The first two speakers in the “Healthy Radios” session will explore using radio circuits for biomedical sensing and diagnosis, such as early-cancer detection and Protein and DNA analysis. The next two speakers will describe current work on communication with radios links for body area networks (BAN) and implantable devices. This session will conclude with an overview on the state-of-the-art in CMOS medical imaging.
The role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in normal prostate growth and disease.

Estrogens have significant direct and indirect effects on prostate gland development and homeostasis and have been long suspected in playing a role in the etiology of prostatic diseases. Direct effects are mediated through prostatic estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) with expression levels changing over time and with disease progression. The present review examines the evidence for a role of estrogens and specific estrogen receptors in prostate growth, differentiation and disease states including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for growth regulation via these pathways.
IL-22 induced cell proliferation is regulated by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade

Abstract Objective Interleukin 22 (IL-22), a relatively new cytokine has been found to induce significant proliferation of human keratinocytes and fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) and thus plays an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which are characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and FLS respectively. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade plays crucial role in cell growth and survival. Therefore our objective was to see the regulatory role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade in IL-22 induced proliferation of keratinocytes and FLS. Methods Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and FLS were isolated from skin of healthy volunteer’s undergone plastic surgery and synovial tissue of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and RA patients respectively. IL-22 induced proliferation of NHEK and FLS was measured by MTT assay. Phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR was determined by western blot assay and further confirmed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results We observed that IL-22 induced significant proliferation of NHEK and FLS which was effectively inhibited by dual kinase (PI3K/mTOR) inhibitor, NVP-BEZ235 and specific mTOR inhibitor, Rapamycin. In NHEK and FLS, IL-22 significantly induced phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR which was effectively blocked by Rapamycin and NVP-BEZ235. Further we did RT-PCR in NHEK and found that IL-22 significantly upregulated AKT1 and MTOR gene. Conclusion These results show that IL-22 induced proliferation of NHEK and FLS is dependent on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This novel observation provides the scope to develop new therapeutics targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Synthesis and crystal structures of five new rhenium acetamidate complexes

Abstract Syntheses are reported of five rhenium(III) cluster complexes with acetamidate ligands: [(C 4 H 9 ) 4 N] 2 [{Re 2 Cl 6 (μ-1,2-NHCOCH 3 )} 2 ] ( 1 ), [(C 2 H 5 ) 4 N][Re 3 Cl 8 (μ-1,2-NHCOCH 3 )(μ-2,3-NHCOCH 3 )]·2.5(C 4 H 10 O) ( 2 ), [(C 4 H 9 ) 4 N] 2 [Re 3 Cl 10 (μ-1,2-NHCOCH 3 )] ( 3 ), [(C 4 H 9 ) 4 N] 2 [{Re 3 Cl 8 (μ-1,2-NHCOCH 3 )(OH)} 2 ]·1.7(C 4 H 10 O) ( 4 ), and (C 4 H 9 ) 4 N[Re 3 Cl 9 (H 2 O)(μ-1,2-NHCOCH 3 )]·C 3 H 6 O ( 5 ). The acetamidate ligands in these complexes arise via reactions of acetonitrile–rhenium halide species (either dirhenium or trirhenium chloride clusters) and water. Coordination activates the nitrile to hydrolysis; proton loss and chelation of the acetamidate ligand with displacement of chloride ion leads to the products. Initial formation of a rhenium(III) acetonitrile complex can be assisted using a halide acceptor, Ag + , to generate an open coordination site on the metal. The reaction with K 4 Mo 2 Cl 8 and Ag + ion in acetonitrile gives Mo 2 Cl 4 (NCCH 3 ) 4 ( 6 ). The use of MALDI mass spectrometry in support of synthetic efforts and as a characterization tool is described, and the molecular structures of 1 – 6 were established using X-ray crystallography.
DETERMINATION OF ACETAMINOPHEN, CAFFEINE, AND BUTALBITAL IN A COMMERCIAL TABLET DOSAGE FORM BY MICELLAR ELECTROKINETIC CHROMATOGRAPHY

A micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method was developed to analyze acetaminophen (AP),caffeine (CF), and butalbital (BB) simultaneously in a commercial tablet dosage form. Uncoated fused silica capillary (70 cm × 50 μm i.d, 50 cm to detector) was used for the separation at an applied voltage of 20 kV. A phosphate run buffer (pH 9, 0.05 M) containing 0.05 M sodium dodecyl sulphate was used for analysis. Separations of the analytes were achieved within 12 min at ambient temperature with detection set at 220 nm. Calibration curves were prepared for AP (260-520 μg/mL), CF (30–64 μg/mL) and BB (40–80 μg/mL) by the internal standard method with methyl–p–hydroxybenzoate as internal standard. Correlation coefficients of calibration curves were greater than 0.990. A five second hydrodynamic injection was used for analysis. Tablet powder equivalent to one tablet weight was extracted with absolute methanol in an ultrasonic bath for 30 min. The methanol extract was diluted with water and injected into th...
Electron-Optical Study of Alteration to Smectite in the Cheto Clay Deposit

Volcanic ash of latitic composition in the Pliocene Bidahochi formation of northeastern Arizona has been altered in place to smectite clay. The Cheto clay, a 4-ft thick bed of high-quality activable smectite, offers an excellent opportunity for electron-optical study of the alteration processes in volcanic glass shards, spherulites, and aggregates in the tuff. No completely unaltered tuff remains in the exposed bed, but transitional materials showing progressive alteration from vitric tuff toward massive smectite have been collected and examined petrographically, electron-optically, and by X-ray diffraction. The partly altered tuff shows several clearly identified structures relatable to the fresh material: spherical to subspherical spherulites, conchoidally fractured subtriangular to irregular vitric shards dominated by smoothly curved pitted surfaces, massive essentially structureless glass, and columnar fused aggregates which appear interstitial to the shards. Upon alteration these aggregates display an irregular comb-like structure from a planar base in cross-section, and a hackly polygonal to random texture normal to the comb structures. X-ray diffraction reveals only montmorillonite in the materials examined, although minor quartz and plagioclase feldspar have been reported elsewhere in the partially altered ash. Argillization of the vitric tuff involves several phenomena: (1) the development of layering or banding in the glass; (2) the development of a braided surface aspect perhaps related to banding; (3) the inception of arcuate subparallel lineations on internal curved surfaces of the glass; (4) the growth of pseudohexagonal, weakly curled flakes whose boundaries appear threadlike on glass surfaces, and (5) the growth of grossly hexagonal matted granular networks in completely altered glass. Bladed, comb-like smectite develops along interfaces between glass and more resistant shards and from fused columnar aggregates in the original material. The mechanism appears to be one of essentially pervasive nucleation and growth of smectite in the devitrifying glass with the early development of preferred orientation of individual smectite crystallites. This orientation, manifested in layering and braiding, may reflect simple response to the space problem or response to cryptostruetures and polymerization in the original glass. Relic structures relatable to the unaltered vitric tuff are not obliterated and can be discerned even in the completely altered ash.
The finite-temperature densities of states for half-metallic ferromagnets

A unitary spinor transformation is used to show that the spin-down density of states (DOS) of half-metallic ferromagnets becomes nonzero at finite temperatures. In a strict sense, this thermally activated spin mixing means that half-metallic ferromagnetism is limited to zero temperature. Similar effects are created by crystal imperfections, interfaces, and surfaces. The calculations, which imply that the finite-temperature resistivity of an individual spin channel is never infinite, are used to discuss recent experimental work on half-metallic oxides and Heusler-type alloys.
In vitro susceptibilities of aerotolerant Campylobacter isolates to 22 antimicrobial agents.

We evaluated the in vitro activities of 22 antimicrobial agents against 78 human and animal isolates belonging to two aerotolerant Campylobacter species, C. cryaerophila and C. butzleri, using a broth microdilution technique. An additional 10 antimicrobial agents were included at concentrations found in selective Campylobacter media. Strains of C. cryaerophila belonged to two DNA hybridization groups: DNA hybridization group 1A, which includes the type strain of C. cryaerophila, and DNA hybridization group 1B. The aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and one tetracycline (minocycline) demonstrated the most activity against all DNA hybridization groups (C. cryaerophila DNA groups 1A and 1B and C. butzleri). Most isolates were resistant to cephalosporin antibiotics, with the exception of cefotaxime, and were variably susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. C. cryaerophila DNA hybridization group 1A isolates were generally susceptible to the tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, azithromycin, erythromycin, and roxithromycin and moderately susceptible to clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and ampicillin-sulbactam. The MICs of tetracyclines were higher for C. butzleri and C. cryaerophila DNA hybridization group 1B isolates than for C. cryaerophila DNA hybridization group 1A isolates, but most strains were still susceptible to doxycycline and tetracycline; all isolates were susceptible to minocycline. C. butzleri and C. cryaerophila DNA hybridization group 1B isolates were generally resistant to the macrolide antibiotics (including erythromycin), chloramphenicol, clindamycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Differences in antimicrobial susceptibility between aerotolerant Campylobacter species and more common Campylobacter species, e.g., C. jejuni, suggest that different treatment strategies may be necessary. Strains of all three DNA hybridization groups of aerotolerant Campylobacter isolates were susceptible to colistin, polymyxin B, and rifampin at concentrations commonly used in selective media. These results suggest that primary isolation methods for Campylobacter species may need to be modified to include aerotolerant Campylobacter strains.
Responses of Emperor Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) to encounters with ecotourists while commuting to and from their breeding colony

Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) were studied at the Snow Hill breeding colony in November 2006 to determine the effect of people on penguins traveling between the colony and the sea to forage. We tested the null hypothesis that the presence and number of people had no effect on the trajectory of movement or the number and duration of pauses. The distances at which penguins noticed people (mean 35.6 m), changed direction (mean 22.8 m), and the number and duration of pauses increased significantly with increases in the number of tourists in their path, which explained more than 50% of the variance. Undisturbed penguins usually tobogganed on their ventral surface over the ice. When penguins noticed people, they usually stood up and often called. In 10 min observation periods, penguins traveling more than 200 m from people paused an average of <1 min vs. 3.8 min for those passing near people, increasing the energetic cost of commuting. After passing people, penguins rarely stopped. Penguins response to people varied by time of day; later in the day they responded less quickly, changed directions when closer to people, stopped for less time, and passed by people closer than they did earlier in the day. We suggest that the effect of ecotourists on traveling penguins can be partly mitigated by having people walk in small, tight-knit groups, by having people stop moving whenever traveling penguins are within about 25 m to allow the penguins to choose the direction of their passage, and by keeping the visitor pathway separate from the penguin paths insofar as possible.
Association of country, sex, social class, and life cycle to locus of control in western European countries

Relatively few studies have focused on causal factors in the development of locus of control. Here nine western European countries are studied to assess the hypothesis that the society in which one lives is important in the scores on locus of control. The data indicate greater variation resulting from country of residence on locus of control than that from the variables of life cycle, sex, and social class. Findings regarding these latter variables are congruent with previous research. In addition, being single was related to having an external locus of control.
Primary care screening for cognitive impairment in elderly veterans.

The objective of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of a primary care screening procedure for identifying cognitive impairment in elderly veterans, in comparison with 4 brief standardized neuropsychological tests. The sample included 100 primary care patients who met age and other criteria requiring screening for cognitive impairment. The results indicated that 3 of the tests significantly discriminated normal from mildly impaired status on the Dementia Rating Scale, but the existing procedure failed to correctly identify any cases in the entire sample. Correct classification rates were near 80% for the Mini-Mental State Exam, Clock Drawing Test, and both Trail Making Test (TMT)-A and TMT-B, with high specificity but variable sensitivity. TMT-B produced good results across eight predictive validity indicators when a cutoff of 3 minutes to completion (1 SD) was used to identify cases. There was no evidence to support the current interview-based screening procedure. Additional research with b...
The heat transfer limit of step-graded metal felt heat pipe wicks

Abstract The heat transfer limit of two control metal fit wicks and two step-graded metal felt wicks was measured and compared to theoretical values. The wicks were planar and fabricated from 316 stainless steel. The working fluid was both water and methanol. The non-graded control wicks were measured to be at or near the wick’s capillary heat transfer limit. The step-graded wicks failed much earlier than the theoretical capillary limit for each wick. Additional tests and analyses were conducted determining the failure to be caused from vapor formation within the step-graded wicks whereas the fine top layer trapped the vapor, resulting in failure.
The Statistical Properties of Unpolarized Light

In a beam of monochromatic unpolarized light the electric field vector at a point traces out an ellipse whose size, eccentricity, and orientation are slowly varying functions of time. The statistical properties of the parameters of this ellipse are investigated. It is shown that the quantity S which is defined as twice the product of the principle axes of the ellipse divided by the sum of the squares is uniformly distributed between zero and one. It therefore has median value 12 which corresponds to a ratio of minor to major axis equal to .268. Hence fairly thin ellipses predominate. The square root of the sum of the squares of the semi-major and semi-minor axes, R, is statistically independent of S and has the distribution function (r3/2p4) exp (−r2/2p2) where 2p2 is the average value of R2.
Lossless and Dissipative Current-Carrying States in Quasi-One-Dimensional Superconductors

We present a global stability analysis of possible states in narrow current-carrying superconductors below ${T}_{c}$ within time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory. A reversible superconducting-to-normal transition may take place at a current density ${j}_{c}$ lower than the maximum supercurrent ${j}_{max}$. Localized phase slip occurs spontaneously in a narrow range below ${j}_{c}$.
Horn Fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.), Overwintering:

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.), is an ectoparasitic blood feeder mainly on cattle. Its cosmopolitan distribution extends from boreal and grassland regions in northern and southern latitudes to the tropics. Stress and blood loss from horn flies can reduce cattle weight gain and milk production. Horn flies show substantial plasticity in their response to winter. Populations in warmer, lower latitudes have been reported to overwinter in a state of dormancy, but most overwinter as active adults in normal or reduced numbers. As latitudes increase, winters are generally colder, and correspondingly, larger percentages of horn fly populations become dormant as pharate adults (a post-pupal, pre-emergent stage) or die. Reports on the effect of elevation on horn fly dormancy at high elevations were contradictory. When it occurs, dormancy takes place beneath cattle dung pats and in the underlying soil. The horn fly’s mode of dormancy is commonly called diapause, but the collective research on horn fly diapause (behavioral and biochemical) is not conclusive. Understanding the horn fly’s overwintering behaviors can lead to development of pre-dormancy insecticide spray strategies in colder latitudes while other strategies must be determined for warmer regions.
Interactive parallel visualization framework for distributed data

A framework for parallel visualization at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is being developed that utilizes the IBM Scaleable Graphics Engine (SGE) and IBM SP parallel computers. Parallel visualization resources are discussed, including display technologies, data handling, rendering, and interactivity. Several of these resources have been developed, while others are under development. These framework resources will be utilized by programmers in custom parallel visualization applications.
Effect of litter moisture and brooding temperature on body weights of turkey poults experiencing poult enteritis and mortality syndrome

Studies were conducted to determine the influence of the interactions among litter moisture (high [HiM]> or =40% vs low [LoM]< or =20%), brooding temperature (high [HiB] = 38 C vs normal [NrB] = 34 C), and development of poult enteritis and mortality syndrome (PEMS) as indicated by body weights, relative weights of lymphoid organs, and mortality in Control [C] vs Infected [I] groups. There was a significant interaction between litter moisture and brooding temperature that had a significant influence on BW. The brooding temperature main effect was not significant, but there was a significant litter moisture effect on BW. Body weights were suppressed by PEMS infection, but infected poults brooded at HiB on LoM had significantly greater BW than those brooded at NrB and HiB on HiM. Main effects showed that there were significant litter moisture- and brooding temperature-mediated responses for BW. Relative weights of lymphoid organs revealed significant disease main effects but no effect due to brooding temperature and litter moisture. There was a significant effect of disease and brooding temperature with regard to mortality. The results from this study suggest that litter moisture influences productivity and mortality associated with PEMS, but brooding temperature has the greatest influence on PEMS-associated mortality. Therefore, higher brooding temperature for turkey poults being placed into a facility where they may be at risk for PEMS exposure is recommended.
The dynamic mechanical behavior of graphites

Abstract The stress-amplitude independent internal friction and dynamic elastic modulus of pitch-bonded natural graphite crystals and various grades of commercial graphites were measured from 4 to 750°K at frequencies in the range of 0.6 to 10 kcps. For these materials, the internal friction, which was an order of magnitude larger than that previously reported for asdeposited pyrolytic carbon and vitreous carbons, is primarily characterised by a broad peak (designated as the α peak) centered near room temperature, accompanied by an elastic modulus relaxation. The peak characteristics, including a reduction in peak height by annealing or lowdose reactor irradiation (4 × 10 15 nvt), closely corresponded to that previously observed for the Bordoni peak in fcc metals. Similar to the suggested mechanism in metals, the α peak may be associated with the motion of basal plane dislocations. The investigation also revealed the presence of a small relaxation below 60°K in some graphites, and, in one case, a very sharp peak above room temperature. It is assumed that the former may be associated with impurities. The latter peak, which anneals out, is similar in some respects to a few cited cases in metals.
Visual sensations during megavoltage radiotherapy to the orbit attributable to Cherenkov radiation

During megavoltage photon and electron beam radiotherapytreatment involving the eye, patients commonly report visual sensations; “nerve stimulation” is the conventional explanation. We propose that the phenomenon can be attributed to Cherenkov radiation inside the eye. The threshold electron energy for Cherenkov radiation in water is 260 keV . The human retina is able to perceive approximately 5–14 visible photons in 0.001 s . A single 500 keV electron traversing 1 mm of water will induce nearly 15 Cherenkov visible range photons. We propose that a portal image involving the eye will produce sufficient Cherenkov radiation to be detected by the retina.
GNSS Multipath and Jamming Mitigation Using High-Mask-Angle Antennas and Multiple Constellations

Multipath and jamming interference affects the accuracy, availability, and continuity of global navigation satellite systems. The U.S. Global Positioning System and the Russian Global'naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) are being joined by the European Galileo and the Chinese BeiDou. An increasing number of satellites in multiple constellations enable users to use high-mask-angle antennas (HMAAs) to mitigate interference signals coming from a low-elevation angle. This paper studies the optimal antenna mask angle that maximizes the suppression of interference but still maintains the performance of a single constellation with a low-mask-angle antenna. This paper first proves a novel lower bound on the expectation of dilution of precision (DOP) and derives closed-form formulas that relate the lower bound to the antenna mask angle and the number of satellites. Then, through extensive simulations, a variety of optimal mask angles are obtained with respect to different constellation settings, different DOP metrics, and different assumptions of range accuracy. The numerical results highly agree with our theory. Both of them show that two constellations can match the performance of one constellation with a 5 $^{\circ}$ –14 $^{\circ} $ higher mask, and three constellations can match the performance of one constellation with an 11 $^{\circ}$ –23 $^{\circ} $ higher mask, depending on the DOP metric and the range error model used. The numerical results also show that using HMAAs is more beneficial to users interested in positioning accuracy than to users interested in time transfer accuracy.
Clock buffer polarity assignment with skew tuning

A clock polarity assignment method is proposed that reduces the peak current on the vdd/gnd rails of an integrated circuit. The impacts of (i) the output capacitive load on the peak current drawn by the sink-level clock buffers, and (ii) the buffer/inverter replacement scheme of polarity assignment on timing accuracy are considered in the formulation. The proposed sink-level-only polarity assignment is performed by a lexi-search algorithm in order to balance the peak current on the clock tree. Most of the previous polarity assignment methods that do not include clock tree resynthesis lead to an undesirable increase in the worst corner clock skew. Hence, a skew-tuning scheme is proposed that reduces the clock skew through polarity refinement and not through clock tree resynthesis. The proposed polarity assignment method with the skew-tuning scheme is implemented within an industrial design flow for practicality. Experimental results show that the worst-case peak current drawn by the clock tree can be reduced by an average of 36.5p. The worst corner clock skew is increased from 60.7ps to 76.2ps by applying the proposed polarity assignment method. The proposed skew-tuning scheme reduces the worst-case clock skew from 76.2ps to 61.5ps, on average, with a limited degradation in the peak current improvement (36.5p to 31.2p, on average).
Synthetic-perturbation tuning of MIMD programs

Synthetic-perturbation tuning (SPT) is a novel technique for assaying and improving the performance of programs on MIMD systems. Conceptually, SPT brings the powerful, mathematical perspective of statistically designed experiments to the interdependent, sometimes refractory aspects of MIMD program tuning. Practically, synthetic perturbations provide a much needed quick-change mechanism for what otherwise would be ad hoc, hand-configured experiment setups. Overall, the technique identifies bottlenecks in programs directly as quantitative effects upon a measured response. SPT works on programs for both shared and distributed memory and it scales well with increasing system size.
Analysis of vitamin D status at two academic medical centers and a national reference laboratory: result patterns vary by age, gender, season, and patient location

Testing for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has increased dramatically in recent years. The present report compares overall utilization and results for 25(OH)D orders at two academic medical centers - one in New York and one in Iowa – in order to characterize the vitamin D status of our inpatient and outpatient populations. Results are also compared to those from a national reference laboratory to determine whether patterns at these two institutions reflect those observed nationally. Retrospective data queries of 25(OH)D orders and results were conducted using the laboratory information systems at Weill Cornell Medical College / New York Presbyterian Hospital (WCMC), University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), and ARUP Laboratories (ARUP). Chart review was conducted for cases with very high or low serum 25(OH)D levels in the WCMC and UIHC datasets. The majority of tests were ordered on females and outpatients. Average serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in female versus male patients across most ages in the WCMC, UIHC, and ARUP datasets. As expected, average serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in outpatients than inpatients. Serum 25(OH)D levels showed seasonal periodicity, with average levels higher in summer than winter and correlating to regional UV index. Area plots demonstrated a peak of increased 25(OH)D insufficiency / deficiency in adolescent females, although overall worse 25(OH)D status was found in male versus female patients in the WCMC, UIHC, and ARUP datasets. Surprisingly, improved 25(OH)D status was observed in patients starting near age 50. Finally, chart review of WCMC and UIHC datasets revealed over-supplementation (especially of ≥ 50,000 IU weekly doses) in the rare cases of very high 25(OH)D levels. General nutritional deficiency and/or severe illness was found in most cases of severe 25(OH)D deficiency. 25(OH)D status of patients seen by healthcare providers varies according to age, gender, season, and patient location. Improved 25(OH)D status was observed later in life, a finding that may reflect the previously described increased use of vitamin D-containing supplements in such populations. Severe vitamin D deficiency is much more common than vitamin D toxicity.
Delayed Cavernous Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Absorbable Plate Following Transsphenoidal Surgery: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Bioabsorbable plates are frequently utilized in the repair of skull base defects following transsphenoidal operations. Traumatic intracranial pseudoaneurysms are a rare complication of transsphenoidal surgery. To date, iatrogenic carotid pseudoaneurysm associated with the use of an absorbable plate has been reported once. Results A 57-year-old man with a large nonfunctional pituitary macroadenoma underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal operation with gross total resection. An absorbable plate was placed extradurally to reconstruct the sellar floor. He experienced delayed repeated epistaxis, followed by a right middle cerebral artery distribution embolic stroke. Computed tomorgraphy (CT) angiogram 6 weeks postoperatively revealed a 6 × 4 mm pseudoaneurysm located on the medial wall of the right cavernous internal carotid artery. Stent coiling was used to successfully obliterate the pseudoaneurysm, and the patient fully recovered. Conclusion Delayed erosion of the carotid artery wall caused by a plate used to reconstruct the sellar floor may manifest with epistaxis or embolic stroke. The authors' preference is to avoid insertion of a rigid plate for sellar floor reconstruction in the absence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, unless it is required to buttress a large skull base defect. Short-segment embolization with stent coiling is the preferred treatment option for carotid pseudoaneurysms following transsphenoidal operations.
A note on Chomsky on form and function

It has become commonplace in the anti-generative literature to portray Chomsky as denying that any systematic relationship exists between linguistic form on the one hand and meaning and function on the other and, in particular, that the latter might exert any direct influence on the former. The purpose of this note is to challenge such portrayals by making reference to some of Chomsky's relevant published statements over the past three and one half decades.
Biological properties of a kringleless tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) mutant

Abstract We have previously described a recombinant t-PA mutant (mt-PA) which lacks the double kringle domains. Purified mt-PA (specific activity comparable to melanoma cell derived t-PA (nt-PA)) exhibits fibrin specificity similar to nt-PA but is inhibited 50 to 80% less than nt-PA by a human platelet PA inhibitor. The biological properties of mt-PA, nt-PA and urokinase (u-PA) were studied in a human plasma circulation system. [125I] fibrinogen whole blood Chandler loop thrombi were suspended in a chamber perfused by plasma (50 ml) circulated at 120 ml/min. The plasminogen activators were given as a bolus (20% of the total dose) and followed by a 4 h constant rate infusion. Samples obtained were analysed for [125I] fibrin degradation products, plasminogen and fibrinogen. At 5h, thrombolysis (% total thrombus [125I]) released was: nt-PA (100u/ml) 51±710 (mean ±s.d.), mt-PA (100u/ml) 79±7%, u-PA (500u/ml) 88±12%. Plasminogen and fibrinogen values (% of control) were: nt-PA 63±90/ plasminogen, 68±19% fibrinogen; mt-PA 69±7% plasminogen, 72±23% fibrinogen; u-PA 34±8% plasminogen, 21±8% fibrinogen. In saline control studies, no thrombolysis and no plasminogen and fibrinogen changes occurred. Thus, mt-PA appears to be a more efficient thrombolysic agent than nt-PA; the two plasminogen activators cause comparable plasminogen and fibrinogen depletion. 100 u mt-PA is comparable to 500u u-PA/ml but as expected, u-PA extensively depletes both plasminogen and fibrinogen.
Improvements to the Johnson–Allard model for rigid-framed fibrous materials

Abstract Measurements of the surface impedance and the physical parameters of seven glass wool samples and six polyester fibre samples with flow resistivities between 4100 and 69,900 Pa s m −2 have been made. Comparisons of measured absorption coefficients and those predicted from the Johnson–Allard formulae using the measured and deduced physical parameters show discrepancies that exceed 20% for some samples and frequencies. By modifying the Johnson–Allard formula for effective density and by introducing a correction factor that is a function of flow resistivity based on data fitting, it has been found possible to improve the predictions. However, it has also been found that a similar modification of the formula for bulk modulus is necessary to reduce the discrepancies with data to below 5% in the frequency range between 800 Hz and 5 kHz.
Femoral shaft reconstruction using tissue-engineered growth of bone

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles and methods of engineering and the life sciences to the development of biologic substitutes. Bovine periosteum-derived cells were cultivated in vitro, put onto bioresorbable polymer fiber constructs, and allowed to grow until most of the fibers were coated with multiple layers of osteoblasts. Standardized 9-mm nonhealing defects were created in 24 male athymic rat femurs and bridged with titanium miniplates. In 12 animals, the defects were filled with polymer constructs containing periosteum-derived cells (experimental group); in another 12 animals, the defects were either left unfilled (control group I) or filled with polymer templates alone (control group II). After 12-week in vivo implantation, the new bone produced bridged the surgically created defects completely in seven of 10 cases. The animals of the control groups did not show significant bone formation in the gap. Histologic evaluation revealed bone formation in all experimental specimens with rests of cartilage islands showing hypertrophying chondrocytes indicative of enchondral bone formation. Tissue-engineered growth of bone resulted in healing of large segmental bone defects in an orthotopic site in an animal model. The findings of this study support potential applications of the technique of tissue-engineered growth of bone to clinical situations where local bone formation is needed.
Molecular beam study of the apparent activation barrier associated with adsorption and desorption of hydrogen on copper

Abstract Molecular beam techniques are employed to study the adsorption and desorption of H2 on the (100), (110), and stepped (310) crystal faces of copper. Each crystal is exposed simultaneously to a supersonic molecular beam of H2 (energy variable from 1.6 to 10.7 kcal/mole) and a highly dissociated beam of deuterium. The majority of the H2 molecules are scattered from the surface (i.e., are not adsorbed), while a portion of the remaining molecules adsorb dissociatively and react catalytically with adsorbed deuterium atoms to form HD molecules. These HD molecules desorb, and their angular distribution is measured by a rotatable mass spectrometer. For all three crystal faces, the distributions of desorbed HD deviate significantly from diffuse emission and are in excellent agreement with the results of our previous permeation study. From the dependence of the HD signal on the energy and incident angle of the H2 beam, it appears that there are substantial energy barriers to adsorption, with these barriers depending on crystallographic orientation and acting essentially perpendicular to the surfaces. Both the energy dependence of the dissociative adsorption probability and the shapes of the HD angular distributions are nearly identical for the stepped (310) and (100) surfaces, thereby suggesting that ledge sites are not the principal regions responsible for adsorption of hydrogen on copper. The estimated adsorption probabilities versus energy are “S” shaped curves which appear to level off at values considerably less than unity. A comparison of our results with a very simple model with a single energy barrier to adsorption is qualitatively but not quantitatively satisfactory. An interpretation which includes a distribution of energy barriers is suggested.
Algebraic approach for the calculation of polyatomic Franck–Condon factors: application to the vibronically resolved absorption spectrum of disulfur monoxide (S2O)

Abstract Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) has been employed to probe the C 1 A ′ ← X 1 A ′ ( π * ← π ) absorption system of jet-cooled disulfur monoxide (S 2 O) molecules. Vibronically resolved features possessing up to 8 quanta of excitation in the ν 2 ′ S–S stretching mode of the C state have been characterized, with the onset of rapid predissociation for v 2 ′ ⩾4 being manifest in the widths of band contours. Measured vibronic intensities are in good accord with predictions derived from a Lie algebraic (or vibron) treatment of Franck–Condon factors for the corresponding S 2 O emission spectrum.
Quantum effects on winding configurations in SU(2)-Higgs theory

We examine the quantum corrections to the static energy for Higgs winding configurations in order to ascertain whether such corrections may stabilize solitons in the standard model. We evaluate the effective action for winding configurations in Weinberg-Salam theory without U(1)-gauge fields or fermions. For a configuration whose size a{lt}m{sup {minus}1}, where m=max{l_brace}m{sub W},m{sub H}{r_brace}, m{sub W} is the W mass, and m{sub H} is the Higgs-boson mass, the static energy goes like g{sup {minus}2}m{sub W}{sup 2}a[1+b{sub 0}g{sup 2}ln(1/ma)]{sup c{sub 0}/b{sub 0}} in the semiclassical limit. Here g is the SU(2)-gauge coupling constant and b{sub 0},c{sub 0} are positive numbers determined by renormalization-group techniques. We discuss the limitations of this result for extremely small configurations and conclude that quantum fluctuations do not stabilize winding configurations where we have confidence in SU(2)-Higgs theory as a renormalizable field theory. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Nutrition Effects on Ocular Diseases in the Aging Eye

Purpose. We reviewed the data from the clinical trials of nutritional supplements for the treatment of age-related cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to determine future directions of research and treatment.
Genetic structure of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) populations north and south of Cape Hatteras

Genetic divergence among samples of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus, Linnaeus) was estimated to evaluate the effect of Cape Hatteras, a well-known zoogeographic barrier in the western Atlantic Ocean, on intraspecific gene flow. Previous studies based on meristic and morphometric variation and tagging data suggested that gene flow might be limited among summer flounder populations north and south of Cape Hatteras, although the high vagility of both juveniles and adults suggests otherwise. We analyzed genetic diversity revealed in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region in samples of juveniles and adults collected in 1992 to 1996 from coastal sites from Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts to Charleston, South Carolina. In contrast to previous morphological studies, analyses of mtDNA variation reveal no significant population subdivision centered around Cape Hatteras.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Induces miR-132 and miR-212 to Regulate Cellular Morphology and Migration in Immortalized LβT2 Pituitary Gonadotrope Cells

GnRH induces expression of miR-132 and miR-212, which reduce expression of p250RhoGAP, leading to Rac activation, changes in cellular morphology and increased migration.
Islet cell carcinoma of the pancreas. A study of 98 patients

In 98 patients with histologically proved pancreatic islet cell carcinoma who were studied between 1950 and 1987, 55 had functioning tumors and 43 had nonfunctioning tumors. Both patient groups were compared in regard to age at presentation, metastases, and survival. Mean age at diagnosis was 51.1 years for the 55 men and 47 years for the 43 women. At diagnosis, 51 of the patients had regional disease and 47 had distant metastases. When matched for age, sex, and extent of disease, survival did not differ significantly in cases of functioning and nonfunctioning tumors. The patients' ages and the extent of disease at presentation were the most significant factors in prognosis and survival.
Opposing effect by cytokines on Fas-mediated apoptosis in A549 lung epithelial cells.

Tissue repair is determined by many signals provided in the local environment. Central to this process is the commitment of the parenchymal cell to undergo apoptosis, survive, or proliferate following inflammation. We hypothesize that lung epithelial cell apoptosis is influenced by exposure to cytokines released into the alveolar microenvironment during the inflammatory process. In this investigation we demonstrate that interferon (IFN)- γ and interleukin (IL)-1 β have opposing effects on Fas-mediated apoptosis in A549 cells, a human lung epithelial cell line. Exposure to IFN- γ before Fas activation significantly increased caspase activity, caspase processing of CK-18, a key cytoskeletal protein in epithelial cells, and increased the appearance of apoptotic nuclei. Induction of Fas-mediated death by IFN- γ was 3-fold higher than with Fas activation alone. In contrast, pretreatment with IL-1 β before Fas activation completely inhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that IFN- γ and IL-1 β...
Spectroscopy, persistent hole burning, and holographic applications of naphtophthalocyanine/haloanthracene systems

We report on the spectroscopic and hole burning properties of free-base naphtophthalocyanine with and without 1-chloranthracene in polymer host. These materials exhibit a strong 0-0 absorption band in the region 800 nm matching the wavelength range of most semiconductor and Ti:Sapphire lasers. The materials studied feature two persistent hole burning photochemical mechanisms, i.e. one-photon proton tautomerization, and two-photon-gated hole burning likely due to donor-acceptor electron transfer. The last mechanism includes the long living intermediate state. The hole width at 1.5 K is about 300-400 MHz depending on the hole burning conditions, while the inhomogeneous width is about 107 MHz. Holographic storage is an important potential application of these materials. We demonstrated 10 plane wave holograms angularly multiplexed at one frequency channel in a spectral hole burning medium. It was shown that the M/# is still a valid system metric and the measured M/# in one frequency channel is about 0.01. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Do Relationship Styles Moderate Influences of Perceived Maternal Support on Early Adolescents’ Well-Being?

This study was designed to examine whether the impact of adolescents’ perceptions of maternal support on their well-being hinges on their self-perceived styles of relating to their mother. Early adolescents (N = 174, 88 girls, M age 13.04 years) in England were assessed for perceptions of maternal support (emotional support, autonomy support), self-perceived styles of relating to their mother (preoccupied, avoidant), and well-being (self-reported depression, peer social competence, and peer-reported internalizing, externalizing problems). As expected, adolescents with a preoccupied (avoidant) style of relating to their mother were vulnerable to (unaffected by) their perceptions of her. Results attest to the power of relationship styles in affecting how early adolescents process information about their mothers in a manner that has implications for their well-being.
Effect of lateral deafferentation on the morphology and catecholamine content of the mediobasal hypothalamus

Abstract In female rats, the effect of parallel cuts along the lateral edges of the mediobasal hypothalamus on the fine structure of this area was studied. The catecholamine content of the whole hypothalamus was also determined. Two days after the cuts, degenerated neural elements were found in the neuropil of the arcuate nucleus and in a few instances in apposition to cell bodies in this nucleus. There were additional degenerative changes in the deep layers of the median eminence, and a few degenerated elements near the primary plexus of the portal vessels. The norepinephrine content of the hypothalamus was reduced significantly, while the dopamine content was not. This suggests that at least part of the degenerated neural elements were norepinephrine-containing neurons.
Finite-amplitude thermal convection and geostrophic flow in a rotating magnetic system

An electrically conducting Boussinesq fluid is confined between two rigid horizontal planes. The fluid is permeated by a strong uniform horizontal magnetic field and the entire system rotates rapidly about a vertical axis. By heating the fluid from below and cooling it from above the system becomes unstable to small perturbations when the adverse temperature gradient becomes sufficiently large. Attention is restricted to small values of the Ekman number E and the ratio q of the thermal and magnetic diffusivities (see (1.2) and (1.3) below). In this parameter range marginal convection is steady and its character depends on the relative sizes of the Coriolis and Lorentz forces as measured by the parameter λ (see (1.1) below). When λ [ges ] 2/3 ½ , motion consists of a single roll, whose axis is perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. On the other hand, when λ ½ , two distinct rolls are possible: the axis of each roll lies oblique but with equal angle to the applied magnetic field. Only the latter case is discussed here. Once the Rayleigh number R exceeds its critical value R c only one of the two sets of single rolls remains stable, while its squared amplitude increases linearly with R – R c . For certain values of the parameters λ and τ (see (1.6) below) a second critical value may be isolated at which the system becomes unstable to unidirectional geostrophic flow perturbations aligned with the applied magnetic field. The instability sets in as either a steady or oscillatory shear flow dependent on the values taken by λ and τ. In both cases, after the secondary instability sets in, the roll amplitude remains largely insensitive to further increase in the Rayleigh number with the consequence that the geostrophic flow is stabilized. The amplitude of the shear, on the other hand, increases with R , adjusting its magnitude to ensure stability of the convection rolls.
On the statistics of randomly broken objects

Abstract The irregular breaking or fragmentation of objects frequently plays an important role in practical and natural processes, and in the generation of theoretical models of complex systems. In this paper the statistics of three processes, the remaining piece breaking process introduced previously by Derrida and Flyvbjerg and two different cascade breaking processes are explored. Mass distribution functions of the fragmentation products of these processes are calculated for certain special cases and general formulas are derived which relate the moments of the mass distribution functions to the breakage distribution function at each step in the process.