cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of structural phase transitions on Superconductivity and magnetism in substituted derivatives of La2CuO4

Abstract Structural (neutron and x-ray diffraction) and magnetic (neutron diffraction and magnetic susceptibility) measurements of materials derived from La 2 CuO 4 by isovalent and aliovalent substitution in the La 3+ site have been performed. Such substitutions permit the tilts of the CuO 6 octahedra (about the (110) and (1 1 0) axes of the undistorted 14/mmm structure), and the hole concentration in the CuO layers, to be independently varied. The results of these measurements, in combination with those from other research groups, demonstrate that all four tilt structures, HTT (high temperature tetragonal, 14/mmm), LTO1 (low temperature orthorhombic 1, Bmab), LTO2 (low temperature orthorhombic 2, Pccn) and LTT (low temperature tetragonal, P4 2 /ncm), support bulk superconductivity, with T c ( HTT ) > T c ( LTO 1) > T c ( LTO 2) > T c ( LTT ) at the same hole concentration. Furthermore, there is a strong suppression of superconductivity when the doped carrier concentration is 1/8 hole per Cu 2+ in the LTT and LTO2 phases of these materials. The reason for this T c suppression is not established. Finally, the magnetic structures adopted by the Cu 2+ spins in the insulating phases, determined by neutron diffraction, are also influenced by the tilts of the octahedra. This may reflect a structural dependence of interlayer and intralayer magnetic anisotropies.
Optimized variable source-profile approach for source apportionment

Abstract An expanded chemical mass balance (CMB) approach for PM2.5 source apportionment is presented in which both the local source compositions and corresponding contributions are determined from ambient measurements and initial estimates of source compositions using a global-optimization mechanism. Such an approach can serve as an alternative to using predetermined (measured) source profiles, as traditionally used in CMB applications, which are not always representative of the region and/or time period of interest. Constraints based on ranges of typical source profiles are used to ensure that the compositions identified are representative of sources and are less ambiguous than the factors/sources identified by typical factor analysis (FA) techniques. Gas-phase data (SO2, CO and NOy) are also used, as these data can assist in identifying sources. Impacts of identified sources are then quantified by minimizing the weighted-error between apportioned and measured levels of the fitting species. This technique was applied to a dataset of PM2.5 measurements at the former Atlanta Supersite (Jefferson Street site), to apportion PM2.5 mass into nine source categories. Good agreement is found when these source impacts are compared with those derived based on measured source profiles as well as those derived using a current FA technique, Positive Matrix Factorization. The proposed method can be used to assess the representativeness of measured source-profiles and to help identify those profiles that may be in significant error, as well as to quantify uncertainties in source-impact estimates, due in part to uncertainties in source compositions.
Expression of Full-length Polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin Disrupts Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cells

We reported previously that normal Huntingtin is associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF) signaling complex (Liu, Y. F., Deth, C. R., and Devys, D. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 8121-8124). To investigate the potential role of normal and polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin in the regulation of growth factor receptor-mediated cellular signaling and biological function, we stably transfected full-length Huntingtin containing 16, 48, or 89 polyglutamine repeats into PC12 cells where cellular signaling mechanisms, mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF) or EGF receptors, are well characterized. Expression of polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin, but not normal Huntingtin, leads to a dramatic morphological change. In clones carrying the mutated Huntingtin, both NGF and EGF receptor-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and Akt are significantly attenuated, and NGF receptor-mediated neurite outgrowth is blocked. Co-immunoprecipitation studies show that the associations of NGF or EGF receptors with growth factor receptor-binding protein 2 (Grb2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase are significantly inhibited. NGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of NGF receptors (TrkA) is also consistently suppressed. Our data demonstrate that polyglutamine-expanded Huntingtin disrupts cellular signaling mediated by both EGF and NGF receptors in PC12 cells. It is known that Huntington's disease patients exhibit an extremely low incidence of a variety of cancers and are deficient in glucose metabolism. Thus, our results may reflect an important molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis of the disease.
The polarized electronic spectra and electric field spectra of benzo-diazoles. I. 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole

Abstract The analyses of the polarized spectra of the S 1 - S o transition of 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole (BSD) dispersed in two different host crystals: naphthalene and p -dichlorobenzene have yielded (1) the assignment of the S 1 state as B 2 , and (2) the vibronic coupling activity by b 2 fundamentals. VibronicaUy induced intensity by b 2 fundamentals accounts for only a small fraction of the overall intensity, but the intensity of phonon sidebands amounts to about 80% of the total intensity. The phosphorescence spectrum and the singlet-triplet absorption have been observed. Electric field spectra have been used to (1) measure the change of dipole moments upon excitation: 1Δμ(S 1 - S o )I = 3.35 D and IΔμ(T 1 - S o ) I = 2.26 D, (2) establish the identity of low frequency bands (19 - 111 cm −1 ) as phonon sidebands, and (3) probe the nature of vibronic activity.
Early Life Origins of Obesity : Role of Hypothalamic Programming

The incidence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and this worldwide epidemic represents an ominous predictor of increases in diseases such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological and animals studies suggest that maternal obesity and alterations in postnatal nutrition are associated with increased risks for obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Furthermore, there is also growing appreciation that developmental programming of neuroendocrine systems by the perinatal environment represents a possible cause for these diseases. This review article provides a synthesis of recent evidence concerning the actions of perinatal hormones and nutrition in programming the development and organization of hypothalamic circuits that regulate body weight and energy balance. Particular attention is given to the neurodevelopmental actions of insulin and leptin.
Exact nonperturbative renormalization

We propose an exact renormalization group equation for lattice gauge theories, which has no dependence on the lattice spacing. We instead relate the lattice spacing properties directly to the continuum convergence of the support of each local plaquette. Equivalently, this is formulated as a convergence prescription for a characteristic polynomial in the gauge coupling that allows the exact meromorphic continuation of a nonperturbative system arbitrarily close to the continuum limit.
Investigating Conflict, Power, and Status Within and Among Groups

This article investigates the concepts and perspectives of conflict, power, and status developed across the disciplines of political science, psychology, and sociology. Although the different disciplines, at times, have different assumptions about actors and interactions, there is a great deal of similarity. This similarity allows one to uncover some general principles that apply to group behavior. This article advocates and illustrates using institutional rules to analyze the research within and across areas.
Polyurethane toughened polylactide

Brittle polylactide (PLA) was toughened by introducing 5 wt % of a poly(ɛ-caprolactone)(PCL) diol- and triol-based polyurethane (PU) network. The extent of cross-linking of the PU was varied by changing the ratio between diol and triol. The effects of the PU content and its crosslink density on the mechanical properties and the toughness of PU/PLA blends were investigated. Maximum toughness of PU/PLA blends, an order of magnitute higher than that of pure PLA, could be achieved by the use of a proper amount of PU and a proper extent of cross-linking.
Video-based beam position monitoring at CHESS

CHESS has pioneered the development of X-ray Video Beam Position Monitors (VBPMs). Unlike traditional photoelectron beam position monitors that rely on photoelectrons generated by the fringe edges of the X-ray beam, with VBPMs we collect information from the whole cross-section of the X-ray beam. VBPMs can also give real-time shape/size information. We have developed three types of VBPMs: (1) VBPMs based on helium luminescence from the intense white X-ray beam. In this case the CCD camera is viewing the luminescence from the side. (2) VBPMs based on luminescence of a thin (~50 micron) CVD diamond sheet as the white beam passes through it. The CCD camera is placed outside the beam line vacuum and views the diamond fluorescence through a viewport. (3) Scatter-based VBPMs. In this case the white X-ray beam passes through a thin graphite filter or Be window. The scattered X-rays create an image of the beam’s footprint on an X-ray sensitive fluorescent screen using a slit placed outside the beam line vacuum. For all VBPMs we use relatively inexpensive 1.3 Mega-pixel CCD cameras connected via USB to a Windows host for image acquisition and analysis. The VBPM host computers are networked and provide live images of the beam and streams of data about the beam position, profile and intensity to CHESS’s signal logging system and to the CHESS operator. The operational use of VBPMs showed great advantage over the traditional BPMs by providing direct visual input for the CHESS operator. The VBPM precision in most cases is on the order of ~0.1 micron. On the down side, the data acquisition frequency (50-1000ms) is inferior to the photoelectron based BPMs. In the future with the use of more expensive fast cameras we will be able create VBPMs working in the few hundreds Hz scale.
Automated technology mapping

Logic "mapping," or "transformation," refers to the process of converting a logic design from one form of specification to another. The output is usually a specific technology implementation and the input could range from a previous technology implementation to a high-level design language. Motivated initially by the problem of test case generation for new technologies, a logic transformation system, known as the Technology Mapping System (TMS), was developed. This system has focused on the problem of technology-to-technology mapping involving gate array or standard cell logic families. TMS makes use of an intermediate notation, called GLN, and uses several forms of "rules" to control the mapping process. This paper discusses the history and general operation of TMS, and makes a comparison of transformations from different types of sources.
Comparison of base inclination in ribo-AU and deoxyribo-AT polymers

The inclination angle between the base normal and the helix axis is measured for ribo-AU polymers by using flow linear dichroism (LD), and compared to measurements for deoxyribo-AT polymers under dehydrating conditions. The CD of the DNA polymers under the dehydrating conditions is not the same as the corresponding RNA polymers, which are presumed to be in the A form. However, the LD indicates that poly(dAdT)-poly(dAdT) can assume the A form in 80% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, although poly(dA)-poly(dT) retains B form structure in this dehydrating solvent. The inclination angles are similar for B form poly(dAdT)-poly(dAdT) and poly(dA)-poly(dT), and these parameters are also similar for A form poly(rArU)-poly(rArU) and poly(rA)-poly(rU). All inclination axes are similar.
Production of growth-enhancing particles in a plastic-lined shrimp pond

Suspended organic particles produced in an intensive shrimp pond with an earthen substratum can significantly enhance shrimp growth. However, the role of the substratum in eliciting this effect is unknown. It was hypothesized that clay particles, derived from the substratum, are important in transferring suspended organic particles to the pond bottom where they become available to shrimp. To test this hypothesis, it was determined if suspended particles, produced in a plastic-lined pond without an earthen substratum, can improve shrimp growth. Juvenile Penaeus vannamei were reared in 120-liter microcosm tanks at a density of 40 shrimp/m2. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted in which triplicate tanks received flow-through water from either a 337-m2, plastic-lined pond used for intensive shrimp culture or from a seawater well. In addition, shrimp were fed either a commercial diet ad libitum or were unfed. After 14 days, there was a highly significant water source effect on shrimp growth (P < 0.001). Growth rates of shrimp in pond water + feed (1.20 g/wk) were 62% greater than growth rates of shrimp in well water + feed (0.74 g/wk). Unfed shrimp in pond water grew 0.23 g/wk, whereas unfed shrimp in well water lost weight (−0.045 g/wk). These results indicate that algal-clay flocculation is not an important mechanism in eliciting the growth-enhancing effect of shrimp pond water and that particles suspended in pond water may not need to interact with the substratum in order to contribute to shrimp growth.
Health Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse

PURPOSE: This article provides a summary for advocacy, court testimony, assessment, treatment, prevention, and further research studies in the field of childhood sexual abuse. FINDINGS: A literature review identifies the psychiatric, social, and disease disorders to which this population is predisposed. Adult survivors experience more depression, obesity, autoimmune disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, fibromyalgia), eating disorders, and addictions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A holistic perspective allows understanding of health consequences for survivors. A model through which to consider these phenomena is presented. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse must be assessed and addressed by healthcare professionals. Language: en
Analysis of the Performance of Decentralized Sensor Network with Correlated Observations

In this paper, we study the performance of a decentralized sensor network in the presence of correlated additive Gaussian noise. We propose a parallel genetic algorithm approach to simultaneously optimize both the fusion rule and the local decision rules in the sense of minimizing the probability of error. Our results show that the algorithm converges to a majority-like fusion rule irrespective of the degree of correlation and that the local decision rules play a key role in determining the performance of the overall system in the case of correlated observations. We also show that the performance of the system degrades with increase in the correlation between the observations
Pharos: enable physical analytics through visible light based indoor localization

Indoor physical analytics calls for high-accuracy localization that existing indoor (e.g., WiFi-based) localization systems may not offer. By exploiting the ever increasingly wider adoption of LED lighting, in this paper, we study the problem of using visible LED lights for accurate localization. We identify the key challenges and tackle them through the design of Pharos. In particular, we establish and experimentally verify an optical channel model suitable for localization. We adopt BFSK and channel hopping to achieve reliable location beaconing from multiple, uncoordinated light sources over shared light medium. Preliminary evaluation shows that Pharos achieves the 90th percentile localization accuracy of 0.4m and 0.7m for two typical indoor environments. We believe visible light based localization holds the potential to significantly improve the position accuracy, despite few potential issues to be conquered in real deployment.
Bacterial metabolism of hydroxylated biphenyls.

Abstract Isolates able to grow on 3- or 4-hydroxybiphenyl (HB) as the sole carbon source were obtained by enrichment culture. The 3-HB degrader Pseudomonas sp. strain FH12 used an NADPH-dependent monooxygenase restricted to 3- and 3,3'-HBs to introduce an ortho-hydroxyl. The 4-HB degrader Pseudomonas sp. strain FH23 used either a mono- or dioxygenase to generate a 2,3-diphenolic substitution pattern which allowed meta-fission of the aromatic ring. By using 3-chlorocatechol to inhibit catechol dioxygenase activity, it was found that 2- and 3-HBs were converted by FH23 to 2,3-HB, whereas biphenyl and 4-HB were attacked by dioxygenation. 4-HB was metabolized to 2,3,4'-trihydroxybiphenyl. Neither organism attacked chlorinated HBs. The degradation of 3- and 4-HBs by these strains is therefore analogous to the metabolism of biphenyl, 2-HB, and naphthalene in the requirement for 2,3-catechol formation.
Outcome of long-term hospitalization for asthma in children☆

Abstract Children whose asthma continues to be poorly controlled with outpatient management are often referred to a long-term hospital program for care. Although these programs have been in existence since the 1950s, there has been no systematic study of their effectiveness. The purpose of the present study was to determine outcome in 103 children discharged consecutively after a long-term hospitalization. These children had both severe asthma and significant psychologic problems. Eighty-three of the 103 children had required continuous or frequent intermittent steroids for asthma control. In the year before admission, they had been hospitalized for asthma a mean of 2.6 times for 11.8 days and had had 4.6 visits to emergency rooms and 6.6 visits to physician offices for acute wheezing. Use of medical resources for asthma decreased significantly in the year after long-term hospitalization compared to the year before hospitalization (hospitalization: −34%, p p p p p
Potential hydrodynamic origin of frictional transients in sliding mesothelial tissues

Steady-state and transient variations in frictional force observed in tribological experiments of mesothelial tissues sliding in lubricant were analyzed with a mathematical model to test the hypothesis that such phenomena are manifestations of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and, importantly, do not require physical contact between the sliding surfaces. The model incorporates three phenomena characteristic of elastohydrodynamic lubrication: thinning of the liquid layer between sliding surfaces under a normal load (“squeeze-out”), thickening of the liquid layer due to hydrodynamic pumping, and smoothing of the elastic surfaces caused by hydrodynamic pressure gradients. Observations in soft mesothelial tissues sliding in lubricant showed variations in steady state friction with velocity, load, and lubricant viscosity. In non-steady sliding, the decay rate of frictional transients at the start of rotation varied with velocity, the amplitudes of these transients varied with the preceding periods without rotation, and frictional force varied during sinusoidal sliding. Model simulations were qualitatively similar to experimental results, supporting these mechanisms. Higher lubricant viscosity increased lubricating layer thickness and lowered friction at low speeds and increased friction at high speeds, supporting hydrodynamic pumping. We conclude that the frictional variations seen with sliding mesothelial tissues are consistent with elastohydrodynamic lubrication without contact between the sliding surfaces.
45 watts average power, 3 ps, 1.3-GHz repetition rate Yb-fiber amplification system

Pulses from harmonically-mode-locked fiber laser were amplified in Yb-fiber to average power of 45 watts in good-quality 3-ps-pulses, at 1.3-GHz repetition rate in a near diffraction-limited-beam. 15-watts-average-power at 520 nm is produced by second-harmonic generation.
Hydra: A framework and algorithms for mixed-initiative UAV-assisted search and rescue

We demonstrate a testbed and algorithms for collaborative human and automated (or mixed-initiative) decision making within the context of outdoor search and rescue. Hydra is a networked simulation tool that allows n human and k automated agents operating under different assumptions to share control over m unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with cameras, with the goal of locating a hidden subject thetas as quickly as possible. The agents are modeled on a pre-defined hierarchy of authority, and the search space is characterized by varying degrees of obstructions. Search is based on iterating the following cycle of four steps: 1) all agents generate image requests based on their individual probability density functions (pdfs), 2) Hydra collects requests and computes an optimal assignment of images to the UAVs, 3) Hydra processes the resulting image data and specifies whether or not the subject was detected, and 4) all agents update their pdfs. We propose initial models and algorithms under this framework, and we show via simulations of a scenario with three agents and one UAV that our method performs 57.7 percent better than a theoretical upper bound for a single agent and UAV.
The Role of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) in Bipolar Spectrum Disorders

Bipolar spectrum disorders are characterized by highs and lows of mood, energy, motivation, cognition, and activity. The behavioral approach system (BAS) dysregulation theory provides an integrated model for understanding psychosocial and biological features of bipolar disorders. The theory emphasizes the role that sensitivity to rewards and goals plays in bipolar disorder. We review theory and evidence for the BAS-dysregulation model of bipolar disorders. We consider whether high BAS sensitivity is a correlate of, vulnerability factor for, and predictor of the course of bipolar spectrum disorders. We also discuss BAS-relevant life events as triggers of bipolar mood episodes. Finally, we address the implications of the BAS model for treatment and prevention of bipolar disorders and suggest directions for further research.
Diversity of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea and Bacteria in the Sediments of a Hypernutrified Subtropical Estuary: Bahía del Tóbari, Mexico

Nitrification within estuarine sediments plays an important role in the nitrogen cycle, both at the global scale and in individual estuaries. Although bacteria were once thought to be solely responsible for catalyzing the first and rate-limiting step of this process, several recent studies have suggested that mesophilic Crenarchaeota are capable of performing ammonia oxidation. Here we examine the diversity (richness and community composition) of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) within sediments of Bahia del Tobari, a hypernutrified estuary receiving substantial amounts of ammonium in agricultural runoff. Using PCR primers designed to specifically target the archaeal ammonia monooxygenase α-subunit (amoA) gene, we found AOA to be present at five sampling sites within this estuary and at two sampling time points (January and October 2004). In contrast, the bacterial amoA gene was PCR amplifiable from only 40% of samples. Bacterial amoA libraries were dominated by a few widely distributed Nitrosomonas-like sequence types, whereas AOA diversity showed significant variation in both richness and community composition. AOA communities nevertheless exhibited consistent spatial structuring, with two distinct end member assemblages recovered from the interior and the mouths of the estuary and a mixed assemblage from an intermediate site. These findings represent the first detailed examination of archaeal amoA diversity in estuarine sediments and demonstrate that diverse communities of Crenarchaeota capable of ammonia oxidation are present within estuaries, where they may be actively involved in nitrification.
A novel localization algorithm based on received signal strength for mobile wireless sensor networks

This paper proposes a novel localization algorithm with mobile anchors in order to balance the complex technology for distance estimates with the accuracy of the localization. Based entirely on comparison of the received signal strength transmitted by mobile anchors, the static nodes can acquire their positions without estimating these distances directly from other nodes. This proposed algorithm decreases the complexity of the hardware equipment, reduces the number of the static nodes in the course of their self-localization, and also improves the accuracy of localization result. Meanwhile, this algorithm is distributed and scalable since all computations and communications are purely local. We validate our approach through both analysis and simulated results, which demonstrates the performance outperforms the conventional methods.
Fast and long retention-time nano-crystal memory

A threshold-shifting, single transistor memory structure with fast read and write times and long retention time is described. The structure consists of a silicon field-effect transistor with nano-crystals of germanium or silicon placed in the gate oxide in close proximity of the inversion surface. Electron charge is stored in these isolated 2-5 nm size nano-crystals which are separated from each other by greater than 5 nm of SiO/sub 2/ and from the inversion layer of the substrate surface by less than 5 nm of SiO/sub 2/. Direct tunneling of charge from the inversion layer and its storage in the nano-crystal causes a shift in the threshold voltage which is detected via current sensing. The nano-crystals are formed using implantation and annealing or using direct deposition of the distributed floating gate region. Threshold shift of 0.3 V is obtained in Ge-implanted devices with 2 nm of SiO/sub 2/ injection layer by a 4 V write pulse of 300 ns duration. The nano-crystal memories achieve improved programming characteristics as a nonvolatile memory as well as simplicity of the single poly-Si-gate process. The V/sub T/ window is scarcely degraded after greater than 10/sup 9/ write/erase cycles or greater than 10/sup 5/ s retention time. Nano-crystal memories are promising for nonvolatile memory applications.
Limitations of the femoral artery pulsatility index with aortoiliac artery stenosis: An experimental study***

Relationships between femoral artery pulsatility index (PI) (a number calculated from Doppler-derived arterial blood velocity waveforms) and three directly measured physiologic parameters (proximal artery stenosis, blood pressure index (BPI), and blood flow) were studied in a canine model. All combinations of stenoses were constructed, including 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% reduction in a cross-sectional area in the infrarenal aorta and/or left common iliac artery of 14 animals. PIs, BPIs, and mean blood flows were measured for each stenosis pattern at both the right (control) and left femoral arteries. Three groups were studied--group I, the left femoral artery remained open; group II, the left femoral artery was ligated; and group III, a left femoral arteriovenous fistula was constructed. Correlations between reductions in femoral artery PI and increasing arterial stenosis as well as decreasing BPI and blood flow were obtained. However, positive correlations were weak and only recognized when high-grade stenoses were present. Moreover, these correlations were further influenced by the multiplicity of stenoses present as well as flow velocity into the distal arterial bed. These data suggest that PI lacks the sensitivity to be a clinically useful diagnostic test.
Alteration in angiogenic and anti-angiogenic forms of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in skeletal muscle of patients with intermittent claudication following exercise training

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to identify whether peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients had increased muscle concentration of angiogenic VEGF-A, anti-angiogenic VEGF₁₆₅b or VEGF receptor 1 (VEGF-R1) when compared with control subjects, and (2) to evaluate whether exercise training in PAD patients was associated with changes in muscle concentration of VEGF-A, VEGF₁₆₅b or VEGF-R1. At baseline, 22 PAD and 30 control subjects underwent gastrocnemius muscle biopsy. Twelve PAD patients were treated with supervised exercise training (SET) and underwent muscle biopsy after 3 weeks and 12 weeks of training and had sufficient tissue to measure VEGF-A, VEGF₁₆₅b and VEGF-R1 concentrations in skeletal muscle lysates by ELISA. Muscle concentrations of VEGF-A and VEGF₁₆₅b were similar in PAD patients versus controls at baseline. At both time points after the start of SET, VEGF-A levels decreased and there was a trend towards increased VEGF₁₆₅b concentrations. At baseline, VEGF-R1 concentrations were lower in PAD patients when compared with controls but did not change after SET. Skeletal muscle concentrations of VEGF-A are not different in PAD patients when compared with controls at baseline. SET is associated with a significant reduction in VEGF-A levels and a trend towards increased VEGF₁₆₅b levels. These somewhat unexpected findings suggest that further investigation into the mechanism of vascular responses to exercise training in PAD patients is warranted.
Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autistic Disorder

Objective:To review clinical trials and reports describing the efficacy and safety of atypical antipsychotics (olanzapine, ziprasidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole) in the treatment of autistic or other pervasive developmental disorders.Data Sources:English-language publications from the MEDLINE database (1966–February 2007) including clinical trials, case reports, and retrospective series were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Relevant data were extracted from studies of selected atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of autistic disorder in children, adolescents, and adults. Most literature found was in the form of case reports or case series; however, several open-label and double-blind trials were also identified.Data Synthesis:Autistic disorder is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder with limited treatment options. Nonpharmacologic approaches may be the most beneficial, but pharmacologic agents are needed for some patients with significant behavioral manifestations of the disorder. The aty...
Are Large Side Holes Associated with Reduced Rates of Pancreatic Stent Occlusion? Results of a Prospective Study

Context Pancreatic stents are frequently clogged at the time of removal. There is limited data regarding the factors associated with stent occlusion. Objectives To estimate the frequency of stent occlusion at the time of removal, to study the accuracy of endoscopic prediction of occlusion, and to determine the factors associated with clogged pancreatic stents. Setting Consecutive patients at 4 academic medical centers undergoing removal of a previously placed pancreatic stent were prospectively enrolled. Patients A total of 68 patients were enrolled between August 2007 and July 2008. Interventions Following removal, stent occlusion was immediately assessed by complete lack of water flow from the duodenal end and side holes of the stent. Main outcome measure Survival analysis was performed using a Kaplan-Meier and Cox Regression model. Results Indications for stent placement included chronic pancreatitis (n=23), pancreatic duct leak (n=7), prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (n=28), pseudocyst drainage (n=1), pancreas divisum (n=8), and pancreatic duct stricture without chronic pancreatitis (n=1). Standard Geenen ® (Cook Endoscopy, Winston-Salem, NC, USA) pancreatic stents were placed in 53 patients (77.9%). The majority of stents (42, 61.8%) were completely occluded at the time of removal. Median time to stent occlusion was 35 days (95% CI: 30-40 days). Stent type, diameter, length, number of small side holes, and indication for placement were not predictive of subsequent stent occlusion. However, stents with at least 4 large, flange-associated side holes were 54% less likely to be clogged upon removal (HR=0.46, P=0.029). Conclusions Pancreatic stents are mostly occluded as early as 1 month after insertion. Larger side holes may prevent stents within the pancreas from becoming clogged.
Impact of an early education multimedia intervention in managing nutrition-related chemotherapy side effects: a pilot study

The purpose of the educational intervention was to measure changes in knowledge, perceived benefit of nutrition, and perceived self efficacy in handling side effects of chemotherapy before and after viewing a 15 minute DVD among patients with cancer. A convenience sample of 14 (4 male, 10 female, 61 ± 9 years) patients with cancer, early to chemotherapy, participated in the study. Participants completed a survey with demographic, knowledge items, and perceived health belief and self efficacy statements; viewed the DVD; and were then sent home with a one page handout. Two weeks after the nutrition education intervention, a second survey was completed including an item about tips used. Change was measured using paired t-test and wilcoxon signed rank tests. The mean score on the four knowledge items significantly increased (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted in statements intended to evaluate changes in perceived health beliefs. However, perceived knowledge and skills related to managing side effects increased (p < 0.05). All participants responded that the DVD was informative and most (n = 11, 79%) responded that it was useful. The majority reported (n = 10, 71%) a tip they used from the DVD. This short multimedia nutrition education intervention was found primarily to increase knowledge and could form a useful component of counseling services for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Use of fourier transforms to define landscape scales of analysis for disturbances: a case study of thinned and unthinned forest stands

Various disturbances such as disease and management practices causecanopy gaps that change patterns of forest stand structure. This study examinedthe usefulness of digital image analysis using aerial photos, FourierTranforms,and cluster analysis to investigate how different spatial statistics areaffected by spatial scale. The specific aims were to: 1) evaluate how a Fourierfilter could be used to classify canopy gap sizes objectively, 2) determinewhich statistics might be useful for detecting and measuring disturbanceimpacts, and 3) examine the potential for this method to determine spatialdomains in a pair of ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa) stands in the Black Hills of South Dakota,USA.The eventual goal is to develop an operational method of assessing the impactsof natural disturbances such as disease. Results indicated that several spatialmetrics discriminated between harvested and unharvested stands. We hypothesizethat these metrics will be useful as spatial measures of disease impact if theanalyses are performed on specific size classes of forest gaps.
Human Influences on Water Quality in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands

A better understanding of relationships between human activities and water chemistry is needed to identify and manage sources of anthropogenic stress in Great Lakes coastal wetlands. The objective of the study described in this article was to characterize relationships between water chemistry and multiple classes of human activity (agriculture, population and development, point source pollution, and atmospheric deposition). We also evaluated the influence of geomorphology and biogeo- graphic factors on stressor-water quality relationships. We collected water chemistry data from 98 coastal wetlands distributed along the United States shoreline of the Lau- rentian Great Lakes and GIS-based stressor data from the associated drainage basin to examine stressor-water quality relationships. The sampling captured broad ranges (1.5-2 orders of magnitude) in total phosphorus (TP), total nitro- gen (TN), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll a (Chl a), and chlo- ride; concentrations were strongly correlated with stressor metrics. Hierarchical partitioning and all-subsets regression analyses were used to evaluate the independent influence of different stressor classes on water quality and to identify best predictive models. Results showed that all categories of stress influenced water quality and that the relative influence of different classes of disturbance varied among water quality parameters. Chloride exhibited the strongest relationships with stressors followed in order by TN, Chl a, TP, TSS, and DIN. In general, coarse scale classification of wetlands by morphology (three wetland classes: riverine, protected, open coastal) and biogeography (two ecopro- vinces: Eastern Broadleaf Forest (EBF) and Laurentian Mixed Forest (LMF)) did not improve predictive models. This study provides strong evidence of the link between water chemistry and human stress in Great Lakes coastal wetlands and can be used to inform management efforts to improve water quality in Great Lakes coastal ecosystems.
Authors, Speakers, Readers in a Trio of Sea-Pieces in Herman Melville's John Marr and Other Sailors

Much recent interest in Herman Melville's poetry involves reassessing its position both within the Melville canon and within or against various literary traditions. This essay considers the range of stances, speakers, and personae in John Marr and Other Sailors With Some Sea-Pieces (1888) and its resonances of past works as evidence that Melville is more committed to a public audience and less oppositional or adversarial to established traditions than a number of scholars have proposed. A study of topical and rhetorical interdependencies in a sequence of poems in the volume uncovers dynamic affinities, whether by direct influence or otherwise, with William Shakespeare, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Alfred Tennyson, and Walt Whitman, participants in Melville's own recurring urge to tell of things that cannot be told. Through a communion of voices, “The AEolian Harp,” “To the Master of the ‘Meteor,’” and “Far Off-Shore” display varying and alternating expressions of this urge as part of a rhetorical project that invites readers to interact and ultimately acquiesce in essential limits of accessing and telling the truth.
Topographic organizations of taste-responsive neurons in the parabrachial nucleus of C57BL/6J mice: An electrophysiological mapping study

The activities of 178 taste-responsive neurons were recorded extracellularly from the parabrachial nucleus (PbN) in the anesthetized C57BL/6J mouse. Taste stimuli included those representative of five basic taste qualities, sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Umami synergism was represented by all sucrose-best and sweet-sensitive sodium chloride-best neurons. Mediolaterally the PbN was divided into medial, brachium conjunctivum (BC) and lateral subdivisions while rostrocaudally the PbN was divided into rostral and caudal subdivisions for mapping and reconstruction of recording sites. Neurons in the medial and BC subdivisions had a significantly greater magnitude of response to sucrose and to the mixture of monopotassium glutamate and inosine monophosphate than those found in the lateral subdivision. In contrast, neurons in the lateral subdivision possessed a more robust response to quinine hydrochloride. Rostrocaudally no difference was found in the mean magnitude of response. Analysis on the distribution pattern of neuron types classified by their best stimulus revealed that the proportion of neuron types in the medial vs. lateral and BC vs. lateral subdivisions was significantly different, with a greater amount of sucrose-best neurons found medially and within the BC, and a greater amount of sodium chloride-, citric acid- and quinine hydrochloride-best neurons found laterally. There was no significant difference in the neuron-type distribution between rostral and caudal PbN. We also assessed breadth of tuning in these neurons by calculating entropy (H) and noise-to-signal (N/S) ratio. The mean N/S ratio of all neurons (0.43) was significantly lower than that of H value (0.64). Neurons in the caudal PbN had a significantly higher H value than in the rostral PbN. In contrast, mean N/S ratios were not different both mediolaterally and rostrocaudally. These results suggest that although there is overlap in taste quality representation in the mouse PbN, taste-responsive neurons still possessed a topographic organization.
Anti-tubulin Agents

Commercial anti-tubulin fungicides belong to three structural classes: benzimidazoles, N-phenylcarbamates, and benzamides. These compounds inhibit microtubule assembly by binding to β-tubulin. Benzimidazoles are used primarily to control ascomycete pathogens and have encountered serious resistance problems and loss of efficacy in the field. The N-phenylcarbamate diethofencarb displays negatively correlated cross-resistance to benzimidazoles and was introduced to control benzimidazole-resistant strains of Botrytis and other fungi. However, this strategy led to selection of strains resistant to both chemistries. Resistance to benzimidazoles and N-phenylcarbamates in lab or field mutants is due primarily to mutations in β-tubulin, and positive or negative cross-resistance between these classes of compound is frequently observed depending on the particular mutation and compounds. The benzamide class of fungicides, which includes zoxamide and ethaboxam, is only used commercially to control oomycete diseases, and there are no reports to date of resistance in the field. Cross-resistance between the benzamide zoxamide, benzimidazoles, and diethofencarb in β-tubulin mutants from Ascomycetes and competitive binding assay data show that all three structural classes bind to the “colchicine” site on β-tubulin, a region targeted also by many experimental anticancer and herbicidal compounds. Recent structural studies of β-tubulin are providing new insights into binding of anti-tubulin fungicides and resistance mechanisms.
Perspectives: The Possible Misdiagnosis of a Crisis

Most explanations of the 2007-08 financial crisis - including excessive leverage, subprime mortgages, exotic derivatives, reckless risk taking, and easy money that spawned a housing bubble - are inconsistent with elementary principles of finance. The author explains the inconsistencies and suggests an alternative diagnosis that is fully compatible with rationality.
The Spelling-Reading Connection and Dyslexia: Can Spelling be Used to Teach the Alphabetic Strategy?

Dyslexic children are believed to have difficulty in decoding because they are deficient in phonological skills. Their reading is apt to rely on memorized words rather than on the alphabetic strategy in which unknown words can be sounded out and blended. While the literature suggests that spelling promotes alphabetic decoding in normal young readers because it increases phoneme segmentation skills, there is little systematic attempt to examine the effects of spelling instruction as a method of teaching this strategy to dyslexic children, nor have researchers who have looked at the spelling-reading connection examined the kinesthetic effect of handwritten spellings. The present study explores the effects of spelling instruction on three dyslexic fourth graders using a multiple-baseline single subject design. Results indicate that specific words were successfully memorized using a variety of methods (i.e., analytic reading, spelling with naming letters while copying words by hand, spelling with phoneme segmentation on the computer and by hand). Generalization of patterns to nonsense words was relatively poor, but showed dramatic improvement when spelling training included a phonemic segmentation component using the computer.
We Have Arrived

APTA President Ben Massey shared the 2001 Presidential Address with members and other participants during the Opening Plenary at PT 2001: Annual Conference & Exposition of the American Physical Therapy Association, June 20, 2001. As part of Massey's enthusiastic and motivational presentation, he introduced a new 60-second video, “We Live for Moments Like These,” that APTA has developed for members to use as a promotional tool. The video is now available to members at cost and also can be viewed from the APTA Web site at [www.apta.org][1]. When I ran for election a little more than a year ago, I did so with pride and passion and a profound commitment to this profession and our Association. I was prepared for the work that would be required of the job, but I was not as prepared for what I would experience in return. I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of you this past year. And your pride, and your passion, and your commitment have inspired me. I am so proud to be a member of a profession that transforms and restores people's lives. And I am equally proud to be part of an association membership who stands up for the public we serve—and who goes after what we believe in. The images you just viewed [in APTA's new video “We Live for Moments Like These” are extraordinary. And what is perhaps equally extraordinary is that these are the images of everyday physical therapy—from making it possible for a grandmother with debilitating arthritis pain to hold her grandchild to enabling a prima ballerina who has been injured to return to the stage. Yes, any one of you could have been featured in this video for the extraordinary things that you do every single day, that you do with skill and expertise and a unique body of knowledge backed by scientific proof, that you do with heart, and soul, and passion. [Massey BF Jr. 2001 APTA Presidential Address: We have arrived! Phys Ther. 2001;81:1830-1833.] [1]: http://www.apta.org
The 'Choosing Wisely' campaign and ALLSA's ethical responsibilities : ethics

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation instituted the 'Choosing Wisely' campaign in 2011 following a challenge issued by Howard Brody. He challenged professional medical organisations in the USA to compile a 'Top Five' list for their specialty. This list should consist of five diagnostic tests or treatments that are very commonly ordered by members of that specialty, are very expensive and have been shown not to provide any meaningful benefit to patients. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) compiled a Top Five list; I have borrowed from their list and added my own suggestions for an ALLSA Top Five list. I also discuss the role that ALLSA has played and could continue to play in promoting good and ethical allergy practice in South Africa.
Superconductors: Exponential boost for quantum information.

Quantum computers will one day wildly outperform conventional machines. An experimental feat reveals a fundamental property of exotic superconductors that brings this quantum technology a step closer.
Evaluating the 239Pu Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum Induced by Thermal to 30 MeV Neutrons

We present a new evaluation of the 239 Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) induced by thermal to 30 MeV neutrons. Compared to the ENDF/B-VII.1 evaluation, this one includes recently published experimental data as well as an improved and extended model description to predict PFNS. For instance, the pre-equilibrium neutron emission component to the PFNS is considered and the incident energy dependence of model parameters is parametrized more realistically. Experimental and model parameter uncertainties and covariances are estimated in detail. Also, evaluated covariances are provided between all PFNS at different incident neutron energies. Selected evaluation results and first benchmark calculations using this evaluation are briefly discussed.