cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adrenal Medullary Implants Reduce Transsynaptic Degeneration in the Spinal Cord of Rats Following Chronic Constriction Nerve Injury

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury causes abnormal sensory processing, possibly due in part to neuroplastic changes in the CNS. Following chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve, transsynaptic degeneration is suggested by the presence of “dark neurons” found in superficial laminae of spinal cord. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that grafts of adrenal medullary cells into the spinal subarachnoid space can reduce abnormal pain due to peripheral nerve injury. A possible mechanism for these beneficial effects is the reduction or interruption of excitotoxic events that lead to pathological CNS changes. In order to examine this, 2 weeks after unilateral sciatic nerve ligation using a chronic constriction injury model, animals received either adrenal medullary or control striated muscle tissue implanted in the lumbar subarachnoid space. Control striated muscle-transplanted animals with nerve injury displayed thermal hyperalgesia and elevated numbers of dark neurons in the superficial dorsal horn, compared to intact animals. These dark neurons were increased bilaterally, but predominantly ipsilaterally, to nerve injury. In contrast, in animals with adrenal medullary transplants, reduced numbers of dark neurons were found in parallel with reduced hyperalgesia. The low numbers of dark neurons in these animals were similar to age-matched unoperated controls. Two months after nerve ligation, dark neurons were not found in animals with nerve injury, although abnormal ruffled-appearing neurons were still present in untransplanted animals, suggesting partial recovery of damaged spinal neurons. The results of this study suggest that spinal adrenal medullary transplants can attenuate the neuropathological events perpetuating nerve-injury-induced pain by enhancing recovery of spinal neurons from excitotoxic insult.
A Highly Dynamic ER-Derived Phosphatidylinositol-Synthesizing Organelle Supplies Phosphoinositides to Cellular Membranes

Polyphosphoinositides are lipid signaling molecules generated from phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) with critical roles in vesicular trafficking and signaling. It is poorly understood where PtdIns is located within cells and how it moves around between membranes. Here we identify a hitherto-unrecognized highly mobile membrane compartment as the site of PtdIns synthesis and a likely source of PtdIns of all membranes. We show that the PtdIns-synthesizing enzyme PIS associates with a rapidly moving compartment of ER origin that makes ample contacts with other membranes. In contrast, CDP-diacylglycerol synthases that provide PIS with its substrate reside in the tubular ER. Expression of a PtdIns-specific bacterial PLC generates diacylglycerol also in rapidly moving cytoplasmic objects. We propose a model in which PtdIns is synthesized in a highly mobile lipid distribution platform and is delivered to other membranes during multiple contacts by yet-to-be-defined lipid transfer mechanisms.
Transformation of alveolar type 2 cells to type 1 cells following exposure to NO2.

Abstract This research was undertaken to study the fate of Type 2 cells after they have divided. To accomplish this, male rats were exposed to NO 2 to increase the number of dividing Type 2 cells. Dividing cells were labeled with 3 H-TdR and studied with autoradiographic techniques in the electron microscope for up to 14 days after labeling. The results show that initially most of the 3 H-TdR labeled cells were Type 2. However, by 2 days there was a decrease in frequency of labeled Type 2 cells and a large increase in labeled Type 1 cells. The new frequencies of labeled alveolar epithelial cells were stable from 2 through 14 days. This evidence supports the interpretation that Type 2 cells may transform into Type 1 cells. In addition, it was shown that under the conditions of this experiment: (1) the time for transformation was about 2 days, and (2) during this process an intermediate cell type was present.
Vibrational analysis of nucleic acids. I. The phosphodiester group in dimethyl phosphate model compounds: (CH3O)2PO2-, (CD3O)2PO2-, and (13CH3O)2PO2-

Normal coordinate analyses and vibrational assignments are presented for the dimethyl phosphate anion [(CH3O)2PO2-] and its deuteriomethyl [(CD3O)2PO2-] and carbon-13 [(13CH3O)2PO2-] derivatives in the gauche-gauche conformation. The dimethyl phosphate anion, which is the simplest model for the nucleic acid phosphodiester moiety, exhibits many of the spectral complexities of DNA and RNA and has previously resisted a complete and consistent vibrational analysis. In the present study we make use of new experimental data on the dimethyl phosphate isotopomers, including Raman depolarization measurements, to develop a consistent valence force field for normal modes of the C--O--P--O--C phosphodiester network and its hydrogenic substituents, as well as for stretching and bending modes of the O--P--O network of the anionic phosphodioxy group (PO2-). The force field established for dimethyl phosphate incorporates one significant nonbonded force constant, introduced from ab initio calculations, to account for interaction between the two ester C--O bonds. This study resolves previous problematic assignments for conformation-sensitive symmetric (in-phase) and asymmetric (out-of-phase) skeletal stretching modes of the ester linkages and demonstrates substantial anharmonicity in the hydrogen-stretching vibrations of the methyl substituents. New assignments are proposed for Raman bands of the phosphodioxy group, which may serve as potential indicators of structure and interaction of the DNA phosphates.
The effects of postseason break on stabilometric performance in female volleyball players

Ankle sprain is a common injury in volleyball. Poor stabilometric performance (SP) is associated with high risks of sustaining ankle sprain. Balance training can improve SP and reduce ankle sprain, but no research has studied the effects of detraining on SP in highly trained athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of one-month postseason break on SP in female volleyball players. Eleven NCAA female volleyball players participated in two eye-closed single-leg stance tests before and after a one-month postseason break. Stance time, center of pressure (COP) area, COP standard deviation, and COP mean velocity were assessed during the tests. During the postseason break, subjects conducted self-selected exercise and the average training duration was 87% lower compared to the competition season. Subjects demonstrated significant increases in anterioposterior (A/P) COP standard deviation (1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.4 cm, p = 0.05), mediolateral (M/L) COP velocity (6.5 +/- 1.5 vs. 7.1 +/- 1.3 cm/s, p = 0.05), and overall COP velocity (10.1 +/- 2.0 vs. 11.6 +/- 1.9 cm/s, p = 0.02) after postseason break. SP decreased in highly trained female volleyball players after one-month postseason break. The decrease in SP indicated a possible increased risk for ankle sprain injury.
Image-Guided Adrenal and Renal Biopsy

Image-guided biopsy is a safe and well-established technique that is familiar to most interventional radiologists. Improvements in image guidance, biopsy tools, and biopsy techniques now routinely allow for safe biopsy of renal and adrenal lesions that traditionally were considered difficult to reach or technically challenging. Image-guided biopsy is used to establish the definitive tissue diagnosis in adrenal mass lesions that cannot be fully characterized with imaging or laboratory tests alone. It is also used to establish definitive diagnosis in some cases of renal parenchymal disease and has an expanding role in diagnosis and characterization of renal masses before treatment. Although basic principles and techniques for image-guided needle biopsy are similar regardless of organ, this paper highlights some technical considerations, indications, and complications that are unique to the adrenal gland and kidney because of their anatomic location and physiological features.
Ethnoracial Variation in Women’s Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence

While intimate partner violence (IPV) has been acknowledged as a national public health concern, little research exists that directly assesses differential exposure to IPV for distinct ethnoracial groups. The current study compared the rate, severity, and type of IPV exposure across samples of White, African American, and Latina women (N = 180). Participants reported rates of exposure to violence on measures of physical assault, psychological aggression, injury, and sexual coercion; each subscale contained items denoting both mild and severe levels of violence. Multiple regression analyses indicated that women's frequency of exposure to sexual coercion, and severe and injurious violence significantly differed based on participants' ethnoracial identification, such that Latina women experienced disproportionate levels of violence relative to White and African American peers. Mothers' monthly income, level of education, general health, and relationship status also emerged as significant predictors of violence exposure. Results support the development of culturally sensitive adaptations of IPV interventions, targeting not only Latina populations but also women who are single, low-income, and educationally underserved.
Denoising and deblurring of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging data

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging is a powerful tool to obtain chemical information from images of heterogeneous, chemically diverse samples. Significant advances in instrumentation and data processing in the recent past have led to improved instrument design and relatively widespread use of FT-IR imaging, in a variety of systems ranging from biomedical tissue to polymer composites. Various techniques for improving signal to noise ratio (SNR), data collection time and spatial resolution have been proposed previously. In this paper we present an integrated framework that addresses all these factors comprehensively. We utilize the low-rank nature of the data and model the instrument point spread function to denoise data, and then simultaneously deblurr and estimate unknown information from images, using a Bayesian variational approach. We show that more spatial detail and improved image quality can be obtained using the proposed framework. The proposed technique is validated through experiments on a standard USAF target and on prostate tissue specimens.
Tonal and Nagual In Otomi Thought: Totemic Symbols of Caring

The terms “tonal” and “nagual” refer to the supernatural companion animals in which Mesoamerican Indians believe. The meaning of the companion animals for one group of Indians, the Otomi of the Sierra Norte de Puebla. is analyzed. Most of the data for analysis comes from the teachings of a practicing Otomi shaman. The conclusion is that there is only one superhuman animal belief, which is described at different times with the two Nahuatl-Spanish words “tonal” and “nagual.” Both companion animal images symbolize a feeling of concern for the sick patient and are utilized by shamans in curing rituals.
A New Method to Leak Test Piping Joints

A new device to leak test piping joints is described. The test is done external to the unpressurized pipe while the joints are easily accessible. Typically it would be done before burial of the pipe and completion of the entire system. It is adaptable to metal or plastic piping systems and a variety of joint types. The device was tested on butt fusion welds in polyethylene piping, a type of pipe commonly used in the distribution systems of natural gas utilities. Test results show that the device is as reliable as a standard soap bubble test, or a pressure test, both of which require the system to be hermetically sealed and pressurized. A trained mechanic can do this test in the field in about 20 minutes.
Use of chiral capillary electrophoresis and circular dichroism for the determination of absolute values of Δε for diimine transition metal complexes

Abstract Circular dichroism (CD) alone cannot be used to derive absolute values of Δ e for optically active transition metal (TM) complexes in the frequent instances in which pure, resolved standards are unavailable. In the past, this has led to discrepancies in the literature regarding the most appropriate value for use in assessing optical purity. We have recently shown that capillary electrophoresis (CE), employing a chiral selecting agent in the buffer, is a highly effective means to fully resolve the Λ and Δ enantiomers of [M(diimine) 3 ] n + complexes. In this extension to that work, CE peak areas for optically active (but not optically pure) TM complexes are used in combination with CD spectra that are independently obtained for the same samples to extrapolate absolute circular dichroism values, Δ e , for the pure Δ and Λ isomers. Examples are provided for a variety of tris- and bis-diimine systems, including different coordinated metal (e.g., Cr, Ni, Ru, Co) and ligand (e.g., bipyridine, phenanthroline, oxalato, cyano, etc.) combinations rendering outer sphere complex charges of 0, +1, +2 and +3. Based on the absolute values for Δ e presented in this report, accurate measurement of optical purity for a number of [M(diimine) 3 ] n + and cis -[M(diimine) 2 X 2 ] n + systems is now possible via routine CD analysis.
Creativity as a Characteristic of Giftedness: Teachers See It, then They Don't

In this study, teachers saw giftedness as greatly varied, but having the common characteristic of creativity. However, when observing for nomination to gifted programs, teachers focused on classroom performance to a greater degree than creativity. Thus their observations more closely matched the official definition rather than their personal conceptions. The teachers had not actively worked to align the official conception more closely with their own. This inaction was attributed to lack of experience with gifted education, avoiding harm to children, and being patient with change.
Observations on embedding verbs, evidentiality, and presupposition

This paper discusses the semantically parenthetical use of clause-embedding verbs such as see, hear, think, believe, discover and know. When embedding verbs are used in this way, the embedded clause carries the main point of the utterance, while the main clause serves some discourse function. Frequently, this function is evidential, with the parenthetical verb carrying information about the source and reliability of the embedded claim, or about the speaker's emotional orientation to it. Other functions of parenthetical uses of verbs are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the parenthetical uses of verbs which are standardly assumed to require their complements to be presupposed. It is demonstrated that when so used, these verbs are in no way presuppositional; that is, there is no presumption, or even pretense, that their complements have common ground status. It is further demonstrated that this loss of presuppositionality is not accompanied by a lack of commitment on the part of the speaker to the truth of the complement, as in the standard cases of non-presuppositional uses of these predicates. It is argued that this non-presuppositional use of factive verbs provides support for the (minority) view that presupposition is not a conventional property of lexical items.
Taziyeh as Theatre of Protest

Some two decades before the th century came to an end, a massive revolution shook an ancient land to its foundations. What was later to be called the “Islamic Revolution” in Iran took much of the world by surprise. The surprise lay not so much in the event but in the manifestly religious signs of its mobilization. The Revolution was led by a high-ranking cleric, Ayatollah Khomeini, and organized by the clerical class, which demanded the establishment of an Islamic Republic. Some two centuries into “Enlightenment Modernity,” a project that had extended its colonial shadow to the four corners of the globe, a religious revolution of sudden and inexplicable ferocity brought a corrupt monarchy and its military to their knees. Why and whence a religious revolution? Why now, at this particular juncture in history, when God was long since proclaimed dead at the European site of Enlightenment Modernity? In a series of articles published in the Italian daily Corriere d’ella Sera (), Michel Foucault sought to explain the Islamic Revolution to himself and to the rest of the world. The leading critic of modernity had come to see how, in his estimation, it was being challenged at one particular periphery of its European origin.
An approach to switching control beyond nearest neighbor rules

Current approaches to distributed control involving many robots generally restrict interactions to pairs of robots within a threshold distance. While this allows for provable stability, there are performance costs associated with the lack of long-distance information. We introduce the acute angle switching algorithm, which allows a small number of long-range interactions in addition to interactions with nearby neighbors. We show that the acute angle switching algorithm provides an improvement in performance while retaining the quality of provable stability.
Antidune and chute and pool structures in the base surge deposits of the Laacher See area, Germany

Grey tuffs of late Pleistocene age form broad fans radiating from the Laacher See basin. They were derived from phreatomagmatic outbursts, and transported in turbulent pyroclastic flows, in contrast with the underlying white pumice tuffs of air fall origin. Flow origin of the grey tuffs is inferred from the well-bedded plane parallel to cross-bedded tephra characteristic of base surge deposits, and a variety of other sedimentary structures, as well as grain size distributions. We recognize a tentative sequence of five main kinds of dune structures or cross-bedded strata. With some reservations these may be compared with the high flow-regime alluvial bedforms produced experimentally in flumes. Most of the cross-bedded structures in the Laacher See deposits resemble antidunes, with steep stoss sides and very low-dipping lee sides. Upcurrent migration of antidune crests is dominant close to the source, but changes to downcurrent migration at greater distances, presumably because of decay in flow energy. The most spectacular cross-bedding is somewhat similar to chute and pool structures formed under experimental condition in alluvial flumes, but not recognized in ancient sedimentary rocks. We suggest that these structures of the Laacher See tuffs formed during deposition from phreatic pyroclastic flows of very high flow energy and high sediment concentration. The antidunes apparently formed at lesser flow velocity than chute and pool structures, although interpretation of velocity conditions by examination of the deposits is difficult because of other factors such as the cohesiveness of wet material erupted by explosive phreatic volcanic activity. The large wave lengths of the dune-like structures, however, suggest unusually high velocities. The Laacher See magmas were of phonolitic to tephritic composition, and may have erupted with greater explosive energy and in greater volume than comparable basaltic eruptions.
Effect of the connectivity on the performance of Cooperative Network Coding

Cooperative Network Coding is a novel technology that synergistically integrates Network Coding with cluster-based Cooperative Communications to produce enhanced network reliability and security features, while improving the throughput. In this paper, we consider the effect of the connectivity on the performance of wireless sensor networks using Cooperative Network Coding, and we present scenarios where the values of the connectivity optimize the throughput. Generally, Cooperative Network Coding provides its optimal throughput when the number of nodes in the first cluster connected to the source node is equal to the number of source packets, the number of nodes in cluster i+1 connected to the node (i, j) is at least 4 and the destination node is connected to all the nodes in the last cluster. However, if for any reason the connectivity of nodes between two adjacent clusters is reduced, Cooperative Network Coding can increase its performance by connecting all the nodes in the first cluster to the source node.
A Surrogate Measure of Cortical Bone Matrix Density by Long T2 -Suppressed MRI.

Magnetic resonance has the potential to image and quantify two pools of water within bone: free water within the Haversian pore system (transverse relaxation time, T2> 1 ms), and water hydrogen-bonded to matrix collagen (T2 ∼ 300 to 400 μs). Although total bone water concentration quantified by MRI has been shown to scale with porosity, greater insight into bone matrix density and porosity may be gained by relaxation-based separation of bound and pore water fractions. The objective of this study was to evaluate a recently developed surrogate measurement for matrix density, single adiabatic inversion recovery (SIR) zero echo-time (ZTE) MRI, in human bone. Specimens of tibial cortical bone from 15 donors (aged 27 to 97 years; 8 female and 7 male) were examined at 9.4T field strength using two methods: (1) 1H ZTE MRI, to capture total 1H signal, and (2) 1H SIR-ZTE MRI, to selectively image matrix-associated 1H signal. Total water, bone matrix, and bone mineral densities were also quantified gravimetrically, and porosity was measured by micro-CT. ZTE apparent total water 1H concentration was 32.7 ± 3.2 M (range 28.5 to 40.3 M), and was correlated positively with porosity (R2 = 0.80) and negatively with matrix and mineral densities (R2 = 0.90 and 0.82, respectively). SIR-ZTE apparent bound water 1H concentration was 32.9 ± 3.9 M (range 24.4 to 39.8 M), and its correlations were opposite to those of apparent total water: negative with porosity (R2 = 0.73) and positive with matrix density (R2 = 0.74) and mineral density (R2 = 0.72). Porosity was strongly correlated with gravimetric matrix density (R2 = 0.91, negative) and total water density (R2 = 0.92, positive). The strong correlations of SIR-ZTE-derived apparent bound water 1H concentration with ground-truth measurements suggest that this quantitative solid-state MRI method provides a nondestructive surrogate measure of bone matrix density. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Differential effects of osteopontin on the cytotoxic activity of macrophages from young and old mice

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted phosphoprotein found in body fluids (e.g. plasma, urine, milk) and in mineralized tissues. Its expression is increased in many transformed cells and in normal cells exposed to various cytokines. When stimulated with the inflammatory mediators lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma, mouse macrophages secrete nitric oxide (NO) as a cytotoxic agent effective against microbial invaders and tumour cells. This report documents (1) that thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages, activated with the inflammatory mediators, produced less NO and exhibited reduced cytotoxicity towards target cells when they were obtained from old animals than when they were obtained from young animals; and (2) that OPN was able to inhibit both the induced NO synthesis and cytotoxicity, but more effectively in macrophages from the young animals than those from the old animals. This may be due to the observed higher level of OPN expression in macrophages from old animals.
Guiding Teachers in the Use of a Standards‐Based Mathematics Curriculum: Teacher Perceptions and Subsequent Instructional Practices After an Intensive Professional Development Program

Reforms in mathematics education call for K-12 teachers to employ standards-based pedagogies, which embody the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics' principles and standards. In order to effectively support teachers' implementation of standards-based curricula, professional development must be provided that meets teachers' needs. The professional development program in this study focused on the implementation of a standards-based mathematics curriculum entitled Investigations in Number, Data, and Space (Investigations). This study uses Guskey's framework as a guide to examining teachers' perceptions of the impact of the professional development that they received; their perceptions of mathematics teaching and learning; and how elements of the professional development translated into practice. Twenty-two participants were randomly selected from the 53 professional development participants to be interviewed and observed during their mathematics teaching. Using a constant comparison method, the data sources in this study highlighted themes surrounding teachers' experiences with professional development and the implementation of the curricula. The analysis of the data sources in this study highlighted themes surrounding teachers' experiences with professional development: teachers as learners, teachers as self-evaluators, shifting paradigms, enactment of professional development content into practice, and the influence of the state standardized mathematics test. The results of this study have several implications for future professional development and also highlight some of the more general issues that teachers face when attempting to enact new knowledge and skills into their practice.
Hooking Mortality of Northern Pike Angled through Ice

Abstract Short-term (48-h) hooking mortality was examined for 185 northern pike Esox lucius angled through ice on baited still lines from three Wisconsin lakes. Mortality from capture with size-4 treble hooks baited with live fish was negligible (< 1%); however, mortality associated with pike hooks (also known as Swedish hooks) baited with rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax was substantial (33%). Additionally, mortality was greater for deeply hooked fish, and for fish exposed to short handling times. Pike hooks were associated with a higher percentage of deeply hooked fish than were treble hooks, but hooking location alone did not fully explain the difference in mortality between hook types. Of fish that bled at capture, 84% survived. The length of time that northern pike were allowed to run with the bait plus the time associated with hooking and landing the fish was unrelated to either mortality or hooking location. The use of pike hooks may not be compatible with management of northern pike fisheries if minim...
Patterns of developmental and heritable change in methylation of the Suppressor-mutator transposable element

Genetic inactivation of the Suppressor-mutator (Spm) element is correlated with methylation of sequences surrounding the element's transcription initiation site. Several stages in the development of the plant have been identified during which element methylation is reproducibly altered. Loss of element methylation occurs during development of the embryo and early in vegetative growth of the tiller. Element methylation increases during vegetative growth and during development of male and female inflorescences. The susceptibility of element methylation to change during development correlates with the genetic stability of the element's phase of activity. Increases in methylation of sites both upstream and downstream of the Spm element's transcription initiation site parallel increases in the genetic stability of the inactive phase. These results strengthen the likelihood that methylation of C residues within specific regions of the element is important in maintaining the element in an inactive phase and is a component of the molecular mechanism that regulates element expression in plant development.
Acoustooptic Coherent Mode Coupling in Polarization-Maintaining Fiber and Its Application as a Variable-Polarization-Dependent Loss Element

In this letter, we investigate coherent acoustooptic coherent mode coupling from the LP01 core mode to LP1m cladding mode of a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) induced by two acoustic gratings. We show narrowband variable attenuation along either birefringent axis of the PMF by varying the relative phase between the two acoustic gratings. By launching two acoustic gratings at different frequencies, variable attenuation and low crosstalk along either birefringent axis within the acoustooptic coupling bandwidth are demonstrated
Void growth in metals: Atomistic calculations

Molecular dynamics simulations in monocrystalline and bicrystalline copper were carried out with LAMMPS (Large-scale Atomic/ Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator) to reveal void growth mechanisms. The specimens were subjected to tensile uniaxial strains; the results confirm that the emission of (shear) loops is the primary mechanism of void growth. It is observed that many of these shear loops develop along two slip planes (and not one, as previously thought), in a heretofore unidentified mechanism of cooperative growth. The emission of dislocations from voids is the first stage, and their reaction and interaction is the second stage. These loops, forming initially on different {1 1 1} planes, join at the intersection, if the Burgers vector of the dislocations is parallel to the intersection of two {1 1 1} planes: a h 110 i direction. Thus, the two dislocations cancel at the intersection and a biplanar shear loop is formed. The expansion of the loops and their cross slip leads to the severely work-hardened region surrounding a growing void. Calculations were carried out on voids with different sizes, and a size dependence of the stress threshold to emit dislocations was obtained by MD, in disagreement with the Gurson model which is scale independent. This disagreement is most marked for the nanometer sized voids. The scale dependence of the stress required to grow voids is interpreted in terms of the decreasing availability of optimally oriented shear planes and increased stress required to nucleate shear loops as the void size is reduced. The growth of voids simulated by MD is compared with the Cocks–Ashby constitutive model and significant agreement is found. The density of geometrically necessary dislocations as a function of void size is calculated based on the emission of shear loops and their outward propagation. Calculations are also carried out for a void at the interface between two grains to simulate polycrystalline response. The dislocation emission pattern is qualitatively similar to microscope observations.
POPULATION REGULATION: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES OF OPEN VS. CLOSED SYSTEMS

By definition, a population is regulated if it persists for many generations with fluctuations bounded above zero with high probability. Regulation thus requires den- sity-dependent negative feedback whereby the population has a propensity to increase when small and decrease when large. Ultimately, extinction occurs due to regulating mechanisms becoming weaker than various disruptive events and stochastic variation. Population reg- ulation is one of the foundational concepts of ecology, yet this paradigm has often been challenged, during the first half of the 20th century when the concept was not clearly defined, and more recently by some who study demographically open populations. The history of ecology reveals that earlier manifestations of the concept focused mostly on competition as the mechanism of population regulation. Because competition is often not evident in nature, it was sometimes concluded that population regulation was therefore also absent. However, predation in the broadest sense can also cause density dependence. By the 1950s, the idea that demographic density dependence was essential (but not suffi- cient) for population regulation was well established, and since then, challenges to the general concept have been short lived. However, some now believe that metapopulations composed of demographically open local populations can persist without density depen- dence. In particular, some recent manifestations of the Recruitment Limitation Hypothesis all but preclude the possibility of regulation. The theory of locally open populations indicates that persistence always relies on direct demographic density dependence at some spatial and temporal scale, even in models re- portedly demonstrating the contrary. There is also increasing empirical evidence, especially in marine systems where competition for space is not self evident, that local density de- pendence is more pervasive than previously assumed and is often caused by predation. However, there are currently insufficient data to test unequivocally whether or not any persistent metapopulation is regulated. The challenge for more complete understanding of regulation of metapopulations lies in combined empirical and theoretical studies that bridge the gap between smaller scale field experiments and larger scale phenomena that can pres- ently be explored solely by theory.
A kinetic analysis for the free-radical crosslinking of saturated polymers†

A general expression for the crosslinking efficiency in saturated polymers by added free-radical initiators is derived on the basis of a steady-state kinetic treatment of the following reactions: (a) dissociation of initiator to form R· radicals; (b) transfer to produce P· polymer radicals; and (c) the three recombination reactions of P· and R· radicals, only one of which (P· + P·) produces a polymer crosslink. The instantaneous crosslinking efficiency (crosslinks formed per molecule of initiator decomposed) is given by: C = (k[I]1/2 + 1)−2, where [I] is the instantaneous concentration of initiator and k is constant for a given polymer–initiator system at constant temperature. Depending on the value of k[I]1/2 compared to unity, C may vary from zero to unity. An average value C of C and therefore the crosslink concentration for any degree of decomposition of the initiator is given by an integrated form of the above expression. These kinetic expressions are confirmed by experimental results on the crosslinking of a polydimethylsiloxane polymer by benzoyl peroxide at 125°C. (previously reported work) and by dicumyl peroxide at 170°C. (present work). Both experiment and theory suggest that with polymers such as dimethylsiloxanes, which are more resistant to free-radical attack, ionizing radiation may have unique advantages over conventional chemical initiators for the production of polymer radicals for crosslinking or graft polymerization.
The use of methadone for narcotic blockade.

Resume— Methadone, une drogue narcotique, peut etre utilisee comme un agent antinarcotique s'il est administre aux patients dans une dose constante, orale, journaliere. La drogue bloquee, les intoxiques a l'heroine ne peuvent plus l'utiliser pour obtenir l'euphorie. Ils sont dans un etat normal fonctionnel et sont capables de devenir des membres responsables de leur communaute. En traitant 750 cas d'intoxiques a l'heroine, tenaces, dans les quatres dernieres annees, on a eu 90% de succes. Zusammenfassung— Methadon, eine narkotische Medizin, kann als antinarkotisches Mittel verwendent werden, wenn es Patienten in gleichbleibenden, oralen, taglichen Dosen verabreicht wird. Derartig blockierte Heroinsuchtige konnen dieses Rauschgift nicht mehr zur Erzielung von Euphorie benutzen. Sie befinden sich in einem normalen, funktionellen Zustand und sind in der Lage, verantwortungsvolle Mitglieder ihrer Gemeinschaft zu werden. Mit dieser Behandlung wurde ein 90% Erfolg bei 750 eingefleischten Heroinsuchtigen wahrend der vergangenen vier Jahre erzielt.
High resolution cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a model-based approach

Presents a model-based method for dynamic cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. This method represents temporal variations of MR signals from the beating heart by a temporal generalized series, which enables sparse sampling of the (k,t)-space. Various issues related to basis selection and parameter estimation are discussed. Experimental and simulation results are also presented to show that the proposed method can obtain high-resolution time-sequential images from a time-varying object with periodic or aperiodic cyclic signal variations.
Epicardial Atrial Ablation Using a Novel Articulated Robotic Medical Probe Via a Percutaneous Subxiphoid Approach.

ObjectiveMinimally invasive epicardial atrial ablation to cure atrial fibrillation through the use of a percutaneous subxiphoid approach currently has a lack of dedicated technology for intraperica...
Adaptive discrete-time sliding mode control of infinite-dimensional systems

The theory of sliding mode control has been mainly developed for finite-dimensional continuous-time systems governed by ordinary differential equations. The concept is generalized for discrete-time implementation in infinite-dimensional systems differential equations in Banach spaces. The distributed parameter identification method is developed for thermal processes along with an adaptive discrete-time control algorithm.
Aflatoxin B1 and/or Hepatitis B Virus Induced Tumor Spectrum in a Genetically Engineered Hepatitis B Virus Expression and Trp53 Haploinsufficient Mouse Model System for Hepatocarcinogenesis

The authors investigated the spectrum of tumors and Trp53 mutations in genetically engineered models using the FVB/N mouse that expressed the hepatitis B virus genome and/or carried a Trp53 null and wildtype allele and/or were exposed to aflatoxin B1. Liver tumor incidence was increased when all three risk factors were present. Without aflatoxin B1 exposure, neither Trp53 haploinsufficiency nor HBV expression affected liver tumor development. Liver tumor prevalence increased with aflatoxin B1 exposure (p < .001), as thirteen of fourteen mice with liver tumors were initiated with aflatoxin B1. Liver tumors were more frequent in males (12/190) than females (2/170). Seventy-three mice developed sarcomas. Trp53 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased sarcoma incidence in males and females (p < .001). In Trp53 haploinsufficient mice, the HBV transgene increased the risk of sarcoma in males and females (p < .001). Lymphoma was significantly increased in Trp53 haploinsufficient FVB/N mice. There was no loss of heterozygosity at the wildtype Trp53 locus in twenty-five sarcomas or four hepatocellular tumors examined. No mutations were identified in the mRNA (exons 2-11) of Trp53 in six liver neoplasms or twenty-four sarcomas. In this model system, HBV expression affected only hepatocellular neoplasia in association with both aflatoxin B1 initiation and p53 haploinsufficiency.
Exact and approximate spectra for trapezoidal FM

The intensity spectrum for an FM signal modulated by a trapezoidal waveform is given in terms of Fresnel integrals. The numerical results, as observed with a finite resolution filter, are compared with the quasi-stationary model, which is asymptotically valid for large values of the FM index. The size of the discrepancy relative to the asymptotic model depends on the resolution of the spectrum analyzer viewing the FM signal.
What about Alice? Peripheral neuropathy from taxane-containing treatment for advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

In this review, we discuss the plight of Alice, a patient with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who struggles with taxane-related peripheral neuropathy (PN). Using this unique point of view helps us to appreciate the implications of PN on daily activities as well as the difficulty in decision-making regarding continuation of treatment. In addition, published reports of phase 3 trials are reviewed to identify the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced PN as well as the assessment tools used in these studies. A literature review spanning the years 1998–2012 was performed. Phase 3 studies and a meta-analysis of taxane-based therapy in advanced NSCLC were selected for review for their findings regarding the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced PN. In total, 16 phase 3 studies and 1 meta-analysis were reviewed. Use of grading scales and PN assessment tools was inconsistent across the studies, and some studies did not report PN at all. The true incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced PN in clinical trials may be masked by nonstandardized reporting; thus, a more standardized approach to grading, assessing, and reporting PN in clinical trials is greatly needed to allow for appropriate comparisons across studies. Understanding chemotherapy-induced PN from the patient’s perspective as well as the development of PN at the clinical trial level will help health care providers anticipate the development of PN and improve their ability to manage it.
Cardiac Effects of Angiotensin II

The injection of angiotensin II, 1.0 mcg./Kg., into pentobarbital anesthetized dogs produced a significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and myocardial blood flow, a slight increase in the force of right ventricular contraction, and no significant effects on heart rate. Cardiac output was initially decreased; but within 80 to 100 seconds after angiotensin II administration, a secondary rise was noted. The rise in diastolic pressure was significantly greater than that of the systolic pressure at the 5 per cent level. The coronary flow increase appeared to be dependent entirely on the increase in diastolic blood pressure. In coronary perfusion studies, angiotensin II produced myocardial vasoconstriction when injected either intravenously or intra-arterially. These effects were mediated by both direct musculotropic actions and the sympathetic nervous system since acute sympathectomy reduced, but did not abolish, the activity of angiotensin II. The sympathetic component of the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II appear to be via the alpha receptors since nethalide markedly potentiated the activity of angiotensin II. The effect of pretreatment with phenoxybenzamine, atropine, or dichloroisoproterenol on the cardiovascular responses to angiotensin II was also evaluated.
Role of Gly117 in the cation/melibiose symport of MelB of Salmonella typhimurium

The melibiose permease of Salmonella typhimurium (MelBSt) catalyzes symport of melibiose with Na+, Li+, or H+, and bioinformatics analysis indicates that a conserved Gly117 (helix IV) is part of th...
Sleep Disturbances in Cancer: A Review

Sleep problems are one of the major complaints in patients with cancer, before treatment, while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and after the completion of cancer treatment. As in other medically ill patients, disturbed sleep in cancer patients may be an im portant contributor to poor quality of life, to their tolerance to treatment, and to the development of mood disorders, particularly depression. Disruptions in circadian rhythms also affect sleep. The degree of sleep disruption found in patients with cancer is not trivial. Objectively recorded sleep and biological rhythms confirm that these are major problems in cancer patients. Sleep Med Res 2015;6(2):45-49
Defining the Differences in Transverse Plane Trajectories for Thoracic Pedicle Screw Insertion: Anatomic Versus Medial.

Abstract Study Design Comparing thoracic pedicle screw trajectories, screw lengths, and starting points by examining osteologic specimens. Objective Describe a medial screw trajectory (MST) compared to a screw trajectory along the anatomic pedicle angle (APA) in terms of trajectory, screw length, and starting point. Summary of Background Data Although thoracic pedicle screw insertion is commonly used for posterior fusion and instrumentation, there is little data to quantify an MST that avoids the great vessels and allows for greater screw purchase. Methods Thirty adult female skeleton thoracic vertebral columns from the University of New Mexico Maxwell Museum of Anthropology Osteology Collection were photographed from axial and right and left lateral views from T1 to T12. Axial plane measurements included APA and MST (both measured from the midline), screw lengths, and APA/MST intersection on the superior articular facet (SAF). The MST was defined as an insertion angle through the midpoint of the pedicle isthmus intersecting the anterior midpoint of the vertebral body. The intersection of each trajectory with the SAF was measured in relation to the lateral base of the SAF, reported as a percentage of the SAF base width from the lateral SAF border. Results At every vertebral level, the APA was different from the MST for angle, screw length, and SAF intersection (p Conclusions The MST was approximately 8° to 10° greater at T1–T10 (19° at T11 and 25° at T12) than the traditional APA insertion angle. This resulted in a much more lateral starting point on the SAF and longer screw length, greatest at T12.
Breastfeeding: An Unknown Factor to Reduce Heart Disease Risk Among Breastfeeding Women

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding confers many health benefits not only to babies but also to their lactating mothers. Breastfeeding is a notable protective factor in the Gail model for breast cancer and is protective for heart disease. Although individuals in the Appalachian region have lower risk of developing breast cancer, their risk of heart disease is elevated compared with the national value for the United States. Subjects and Methods: We surveyed 155 predominantly breastfeeding mothers of toddlers under 3 years old, recruited through parenting groups, daycares, and county extension in Appalachian West Virginia. Participants were asked their perceived comparative risks for breast cancer and heart disease and why they felt their risk was higher, same, or lower than that of the general population. Results: For breast cancer, 29.7% felt their risk was lower than the general population. For heart disease, 26.5% felt their risk was lower than the general population. Although these risks were highly cor...
An equity analysis of fuel tax and VMT fee based on the revenue-neutral principle

Facing the challenges of the existing fuel tax system to sustainably support future transportation needs in the states, scholars and government officials are studying a vehicle miles travelled (VMT) fee system to replace or supplement the current fuel tax system. As is often the case with policy changes, concerns over the distributional impact of the VMT fee have been voiced by groups, especially those representing low-income households. Using the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, we calculate and compare the fuel tax and VMT fee that each household is paying or would pay if the revenue-neutral principle is applied, examine the burdens of the fuel tax and a VMT fee, and estimate the change from paying the fuel tax to paying a VMT fee. Our empirical results show that a revenue-neutral VMT fee would on average produce small income redistribution from the rich to the poor.
Effects of follower load and rib cage on intervertebral disc pressure and sagittal plane curvature in static tests of cadaveric thoracic spines

The clinical relevance of mechanical testing studies of cadaveric human thoracic spines could be enhanced by using follower preload techniques, by including the intact rib cage, and by measuring thoracic intervertebral disc pressures, but studies to date have not incorporated all of these components simultaneously. Thus, this study aimed to implement a follower preload in the thoracic spine with intact rib cage, and examine the effects of follower load, rib cage stiffening and rib cage removal on intervertebral disc pressures and sagittal plane curvatures in unconstrained static conditions. Intervertebral disc pressures increased linearly with follower load magnitude. The effect of the rib cage on disc pressures in static conditions remains unclear because testing order likely confounded the results. Disc pressures compared well with previous reports in vitro, and comparison with in vivo values suggests the use of a follower load of about 400N to approximate loading in upright standing. Follower load had no effect on sagittal plane spine curvature overall, suggesting successful application of the technique, although increased flexion in the upper spine and reduced flexion in the lower spine suggest that the follower load path was not optimized. Rib cage stiffening and removal both increased overall spine flexion slightly, although with differing effects at specific spinal locations. Overall, the approaches demonstrated here will support the use of follower preloads, intact rib cage, and disc pressure measurements to enhance the clinical relevance of future studies of the thoracic spine.