cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proposed Computing Facilities for Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory

The current computing facilities at TUNL have been in operation for 14 years. Design considerations for a new computer system, to be installed and operational by mid 1980, are discussed. The new large memory 32 bit minicomputers appear to provide the most cost effective way of handling the data acquisition and analysis needs of a medium size nuclear physics laboratory.
White matter hyperintensities, exercise, and improvement in gait speed: does type of gait rehabilitation matter?

Objectives: To examine whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in tracts in older adults with mobility impairment are linked to outcomes of gait rehabilitation interventions. Design: Twelve-week randomized controlled single-blind trial. Setting: University-based mobility research laboratory. Participants: Ambulatory adults aged 65 and older with mobility impairment. Intervention: A conventional gait intervention focusing on walking, endurance, balance, and strength (WEBS, n = 21) and a task-oriented intervention focused on timing and coordination of gait (TC, n = 23). Measurements: Self-paced gait speed was measured over an instrumented walkway before and after the intervention, and WMH and brain volumes were quantified on preintervention brain MRI using an automated segmentation process. A white matter tract atlas was overlaid on the segmented images to measure tract WMH volumes, and WMH volumes were normalized to total brain volume. Aggregate WMH volumes in all white matter tracts and individual WMH volumes in specific longitudinal tracts (superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and fronto-occipital fasciculus) and the cingulum were measured. Results: Gait speed gains in the TC group were of the same magnitude, independent of WMH volume measures in all except the cingulum, but in the WEBS group, gain in gait speed was smaller with greater overall tract WMH volumes (P < .001) and with greater WMH volume in the three longitudinal tracts (P < .001 to .02). Conclusion: Gains in gait speed with two types of gait rehabilitation are associated with individual differences in WMHs. Task-oriented therapy that targets timing and coordination of gait may particularly benefit older adults with WMHs in brain tracts that influence gait and cognition.
Reply to: "NOX-4 is expressed in thickened pulmonary arteries in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis"

Reply to: "NOX-4 is expressed in thickened pulmonary arteries in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis"
Numerical-Perturbation Method for the Nonlinear Analysis of Structural Vibrations

A numerical-perturbation method is proposed for the determination of the nonlinear forced response of structural elements. Purely analytical techniques are capable of determining the response of structural elements having simple geometries and simple variations in thickness and properties, but they are not applicable to elements with complicated structure and boundaries. Numerical techniques are effective in determining the linear response of complicated structures, but they are not optimal for determining the nonlinear response of even simple elements when modal interactions take place due to the complicated nature of the response. Therefore, the optimum is a combined numerical and perturbation technique. The present technique is applied to beams with varying cross sections. ~ 4Y large-amplitude deflection of a beam or a plate which is restrained at its ends or along its edges results in some midplane stretching/One must account for this stretching with nonlinear strain-displacement relationships. The nonlinear equations of motion describing this situation were the basis of a number of earlier investigations and are the basis for the present paper as well. The purpose of the present paper is to present a new scheme for determining the response to a harmonic excitation. Emphasis is placed on the case when the frequency of the excitation is near a natural frequency. A convenient way to attack this nonlinear problem involves representing the deflection curve or surface with an expansion in terms of the linear, free-oscillation modes. The deflection is then determined in two steps. First, the damping, the forcing, and the nonlinear terms are deleted and the linear modes (eigenfunctions) and natural frequencies (eigenvalues) are determined. Second, the time-dependent coefficients in the expansion are obtained from a set of coupled, nonlinear, ordinary, second-order differential equations, the linear modes being used to determine the coefficients in these equations. (The procedure is described in detail in Sec. II.) Generally, one cannot obtain the linear modes analytically for structural elements having complicated boundaries and composition, and one cannot easily determine the character of the timedependent coefficients through numerical integration of the set of nonlinear equations. (The results obtained in the present numerical example are typical of the complicated manner in which the steady-state amplitudes of the various modes making up the response can vary with the amplitude and the frequency of the excitation.) Consequently, an optimal procedure involves a numerical method to determine the linear, free-oscillation modes and an analytical method to determine the time-dependent coefficients. The present procedure combines either a finiteelement or a finite-difference method with the method of multiple scales (see, for example, Ref. 1). The following brief review mentions representative examples of the work that was and is
Acetaldehyde alters coagulation protein function

Acetaldehyde is the first metabolite of ethanol and has the potential to react with proteins and alter their function. This study evaluated the function of clotting proteins that had been preincubated with acetaldehyde as compared to those incubated with buffer or ethanol as controls. Thrombin, fibrinogen, thromboplastin, or whole plasma were preincubated with 1.8-447 mM acetaldehyde, 1.7-429 mM ethanol, or buffer for varying time periods prior to use in a clotting assay. Clot formation was measured with an automatic fibrometer. Acetaldehyde prolonged the clotting time but ethanol did not. These experiments indicate that circulating acetaldehyde would have the potential to react with proteins of the clotting system and alter their function. Therefore, it is possible that not all of the abnormalities in coagulation in alcohol abusers result from inadequate hepatic synthesis. Perhaps some of the deranged coagulation may be the result of the interaction of acetaldehyde with coagulation proteins.
Throwing the baby out with the bathwater? Moral status and rights-based moral obligations.

McCullough and Chervenak (2008) have made a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding moral status and abortion with their article, “A Critical Analysis of the Concept and Discourse o...
TEM observation of the high-temperature metal-insulator transition in Cr-doped V2O3

Abstract The high-temperature metal-insulator transition in Cr-doped V 2 O 3 , (V 1− x Cr x ) 2 O 3 , was investigated by TEM at a composition x = 0.006. Boundaries between the metallic phase and the insulator phase were observed between room temperature and 150°C by both heating and cooling and their crystallographic features were investigated. Boundaries are low-index planes and their orientations are such that the change of dimension by the transition in the direction parallel to the specimen surface is zero. This indicates that the orientation of the boundary is determined by the condition of minimum strain energy. Misfit dislocations parallel to the specimen surface were found to exist under this condition. The motion of the boundaries is fast, but the boundaries can be trapped by defects or at those places where the area of boundaries becomes minimum. The observation is consistent with the existence of the temperature hysteresis of the transition and the discontinuous change of the resistivity-temperature curve of this transition.
Advances in nondietary management of children with atopic dermatitis.

: This paper discusses recent advances in therapy of atopic dermatitis (AD), excluding those that include dietary management. Some of these therapies are anecdotal, experimental, or somewhat controversial. It is important to emphasize that physicians should not try what is new without first having given standard therapy a long and reasonable chance to succeed. This is important because AD does not last forever, and in many patients, mild disease heals spontaneously.
Why Laundry, Not Hegel? Social Class, Transition to College, and Pathways to Adulthood

This article is part of a larger study looking at upper-middle-class, college-bound high school seniors and their parents as they go through the college application process. The seniors we interviewed expect college to be a transformative experience that will affect their identities. But they also know they will experience upheavals in the routines of everyday life as they face changes of place, changes in responsibility for tasks, and changes in familial relationships. At this point of upheaval their anxiety is focused more on issues such as how to get their laundry done than on whether they will understand thinkers such as Hegel. These college-bound students also see their ongoing transition to adulthood as a gradual, emerging process. The connection between social class and pathways to adulthood is explored.
The hemisphere-cylinder at an angle of attack

The investigation of the flow over a cylinder with a hemispherical nose at an angle of attack is presented. Experiments were conducted in a 6 ft x 6 ft low-turbulence tunnel. The focus of this research is the separated region as well as the evaluation and testing of a new diagnostic tool, a fiber-optic laser-Doppler probe. A two-fold contribution is offered. On one hand, pressure distributions are provided along a fine grid over the body. On the other hand, a feasibility study is presented on the use of a fiber-optic LDV probe which can obtain data from inside the model.
Size dependence of the static polarizabilities and absorption spectra of Ag n ( n = 2 – 8 ) clusters

Static polarizabilities and optical absorption spectra of ground state structures of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{n}$ clusters $(n=2--8)$ are investigated from first principles within static and time-dependent density functional theory. The static polarizabilities of the clusters with less than 7 atoms exhibit even-odd oscillations. The polarizabilities of ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{7}$ and ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{8}$ are very close and noticeably lower. This change in the behavior of the static polarizability is correlated with the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional structures at $n=7$. The optical spectra calculated within the time-dependent local density approximation indicate sharp excitations in the 3--5 eV region. These are associated mainly with $s$ electrons, although $d$ electrons also affect the spectra by quenching the oscillator strengths through screening of the $s$ electrons and by getting partially involved in the excitations. The calculated optical spectra are in good agreement with the available experimental data and results from earlier theoretical studies.
MO‐B‐301‐01: Update on the ACRˈs Upcoming FFDM QC Manual

Digital mammography has become the technology of choice for breast imaging with many FDA‐approved systems already available and more on the way. Currently the FDA requires facilities to use quality control manuals published by the FFDM unit manufacturer. The ACR is close to finishing a FFDM QC Manual that will be used as a single manual to accredit all FFDM systems regardless of manufacturer or detector type. This lecture will present the content of the ACR QC Manual that include sections for the Radiologist, Technologist, and Medical Physicist. QC tests and documentation will be covered along with a section to highlight the significant differences from manufacturer manuals to the ACR manual. Learning Objectives: 1. To introduce the upcoming ACR FFDM QC Manual. 2. To detail the radiologist, technologist and medical physicist roles and responsibilities. 3. To introduce the technologist and medical physicist QC tests.
The effects of short- and long-term exposure of chick embryos to neutral red on the frequency of sister-chromatid exchange.

Abstract The chick embryo was used to study the effects of neutral red (NR) on the frequency of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) in specific tissues exposed to this mutagen for short and long periods as development proceeded. In short-term trials, aqueous NR at doses of 10, 25 and 100 μg was injected in 3-day and 6-day embryos. In each case, embryos were also treated with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for a 24-h period (two cell cycles) and harvested at 4 days and 7 days, resp. A long-term exposure (about 8 cell cycles) was achieved by exposing embryos to NR from day 3 to day 7 of incubation. At a NR dose of 25 μg, the chronic exposure resulted in a doubling of the rate of SCE (11.4/cell) over that observed in embryos exposed for only 24 h at either days 3–4 (6.0/cell) or days 6–7 (6.0/cell). At 100 μg of NR, the same relationship held with SCE rates of 14.2/cell for the chronic exposure versus rates of 8.0/cell (3–4 days) and 6.9/cell (6–7 days). At 10 μg of NR, no such accumulation of SCE occurred upon long-term treatment. These results show an enhanced SCE response upon growth of embryonic cells in the presence of NR for several days. This may be the result of the persistence of past lesions with the addition of more lesions upon continued exposure to NR.
Stromomyoma of the uterus

We present a solitary uterine tumor that occurred in a 28-year-old woman who complained of vaginal bleeding. Grossly, the tumor was well circumscribed and composed of lobulated tissue that varied from yellow, tan and soft, to white and rubbery. At the light microscopic level, areas identical to those described and interpreted as sex-cord differentiation in a group of closely similar uterine tumors were found and obtained for electron microscopic study. Ultrastructurally, there were two basic types of cells, neither of which can be interpreted as sex-cord derivatives. Cells that closely resembled the predominant components of Clement and Scully's group I tumors were similar to the normal endometrial stromal cells. Cells that formed plexiform cords demonstrated features diagnostic of smooth muscle cells. Cellular contents in cells comprising the tubular structures resembling that interpreted as indistinguishable from that of a Sertoli-cell tumor (tubular androblastoma) were probably smooth muscle cells. We propose the term "Stromomyoma" to designate this peculiar uterine tumor. The similarity between our tumor and those reported in the literature raises the possibility that "uterine tumor resembling" ovarian sex-cord tumors" are actually stromomyomas.
Trends in prehospital delay time and use of emergency medical services for acute myocardial infarction: Experience in 4 US communities from 1987-2000

Background Prolonged delay in seeking care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with decreased use of time-dependent treatments and increased mortality and morbidity. Methods Time from symptom onset to arrival at hospital and emergency medical service use were abstracted from medical records of 18 928 patients hospitalized for AMI and captured in the community surveillance component of the ARIC study from 1987 to 2000. A cut point of 4 hours was used to assess clinically relevant delay time recommendations for treatment with current therapies. Results In 2000, the overall proportion of persons with delays from symptom onset to hospital arrival of ≥4 hours was 49.5%. Blacks and women consistently delayed longer than whites and men. Between 1987 and 2000, there was no statistically significant change in the proportion of patients delaying ≥4 hours (relative change +0.6% in men, −7.4% in women, −2.3% in whites, −8.9% in blacks, −7.9% in persons with diabetes, and −0.8% in persons without diabetes); however, there is a noticeable narrowing of gaps between sex, race, and diabetes status over the study period. The percentage of those who used emergency medical services increased significantly over the study period (1987 37.1%, 2000 44.5%, P ≤ .0001). Conclusions Many patients continue to experience prolonged delays from onset of symptoms to hospital arrival. Delay time for hospitalized AMI changed little in the ARIC communities from 1987 to 2000. New public health strategies should be developed to facilitate rapid access to acute care for AMI.
Waiting for Balancing: Why the World Is Not Pushing Back

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many observers predicted a rise in balancing against the United States. More recently, the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 has generated renewed warnings of an incipient global backlash. Indeed, some analysts claim that signs of traditional hard balancing can already be detected, while others argue that in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, U.S. grand strategy has generated a new phenomenon known as soft balancing, in which states seek to undermine and restrain U.S. power in ways that fall short of classic measures. There is little credible evidence, however, that major powers are engaging in either hard or soft balancing against the United States. The absence of hard balancing is explained by the lack of underlying motivation to compete strategically with the United States under current conditions. Soft balancing is much ado about nothing: the concept is difficult to define or operationalize; the behavior seems identical to traditio...
Molecular dynamics simulations of spallation in metals and alloys

Abstract We report on the results of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of the mechanical behavior of two-dimensional metallic systems. The specific impact phenomenon studied is that in which a flyer of mass M moving with x-velocity v impacts a target of mass 2M moving with x-velocity −v/2. Simulations of such a spallation experiment have been performed for a generic metal, modelled with an embedded atom potential and also for a Cu-Ni alloy system, modelled with truncated Lennard-Jones potentials. Our simulations indicate cold-welding upon impact, and shock wave generation, followed by rebound from the boundaries. The alloy was less ductile than the generic metal and consequently the system came apart due to the cooperative effect of the reflected shock waves.
Examining the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic postural stability measures in differentiating among ankle instability status

Abstract Background Dynamic postural stability is defined as the ability to transition from a dynamic movement to a stable condition over one's base of support. Measures of dynamic stability have been used extensively to classify ankle instability status and assist clinicians with ankle injury interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if current methods of quantifying dynamic stability are accurate in differentiating among healthy, coper, and unstable ankles. Methods One hundred ninety four Division-I collegiate athletes (football, volleyball, field hockey, men's/women's soccer, men's/women's lacrosse, men's/women's basketball) volunteered for this study. Participants were categorized into healthy, coper, and stable groups by a self-reported questionnaire and previous history of ankle injuries. Dynamic postural stability was assessed using the Multi-Directional Dynamic Stability Protocol by jumping and landing single-legged onto a force platform from four different directions. Receiver operator curves were used to analyze the accuracy of current techniques of calculating dynamic stability among groups. Findings None of the existing methods were found to be accurate in differentiating ankle instability status in any of the jump landings. Interpretation Researchers have commonly used these existing methods to quantify dynamic postural stability. None of the current calculation techniques worked with our jump landing protocol. Researchers need to pay attention to the protocol and calculation technique pairings in that using inaccurate measures of dynamic postural stability makes any findings of that research ineffective. Therefore, this challenges researchers to develop a more accurate calculation to quantify dynamic postural stability, or develop a jump landing protocol that exposes sensorimotor deficits in the more able-bodied population.
Transmission measurements of multiple photon absorption in SF6.

Measurements of the average number of photons absorbed by SF6 from unfocused CO2 laser pulses are reported as a function of integrated intensity, pressure, and laser wavelength. Measurements extend from very low excitations to well above the dissociation threshold. The importance of anharmonic splittings, which are mixed extremely rapidly by collisions, is emphasized by the pressure and wavelength dependences.
Understanding the Language of the Occupy Movement A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis

In the expanding area of narrative inquiry, researchers often battle with the decision of how to analyze/interpret data. The aim of this article is to propose the use of cognitive linguistics as a tool in narrative analysis using as a case illustration interviews conducted in October/November 2011 with participants in the Occupy movement (Occupy). Results expose important metaphors/metonymies that reveal much about the perception of the movement by its inceptors. Not only did the analysis present the movement as a war and a force against government corporations, oppression, and inequality, but it was also seen as a strong structure and a family/community that needed to be awakened, fed, heard, seen, and felt. The contribution of this article lies not only in a greater understanding of Occupy but also in a demonstration of the value that an in-depth cognitive linguistic analysis has to offer in narrative inquiry.
Media coverage of management of the black bear Ursus thibetanus in Japan

Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus are threatened in Japan but are generally considered to be nuisance animals because of the damage they cause to agriculture and property, and because they cause human casualties. We analysed media coverage of black bears in Japan to understand social discourse and potential influences on public perceptions about conservation of bears. Content analysis of a total of 348 articles in a local and a national newspaper revealed that the number of articles regarding black bears and the proportion of negative articles that describe the risks posed by bears increased concomitant with a rise in sightings of bears. Local newspapers included more articles about the risks posed by bears than national newspapers. This potentially reflects and can amplify local residents' perceptions of risk. The proportion of thematic and episodic articles was unrelated to increases in bear appearances. More extensive communications with media representatives by biologists, government officials and police are needed to enhance public knowledge of bears and lead to broader perspectives on their management.
Ray treatment of wave propagation on thin‐walled curved elastic plates with truncations

Thin elastic plates form the building blocks in whole, or in part, for many structures of current interest. The acoustic response of such plates can be found from thin plate or shell equations. It has recently been shown (A. D. Pierce, IUTAM Meeting, Galway, Ireland, 1988) how time‐harmonic point force excitation of a thin circular cylindrical elastic tube of uniform thickness and composition in vacuum can be modeled equivalently as line source excitation in a homogeneous anisotropic medium, and how the exact Fourier spectral integral representation of the field in the radiation zone can be reduced by asymptotics to distinct ray contributions that account for the anisotropy. For the cylindrical geometry, the thin shell equations yield three fundamental wave types established, at high frequencies, by compression, bending, and shear. By appealing to concepts of spectral localization, these results are extended here to allow for weak deviations brought about by variable radius of curvature, variations in thickness and(or) material properties, and edge truncations or joints. The treatment is approximate, based on localization of wave phenomena that occur at sufficiently high frequencies. Modifications for fluid loading have also been considered. The tools are adiabatic spectral transforms as well as uniform and nonuniform asymptotics with their ray or mode interpretations, as performed within the context of an equivalent inhomogeneous anisotropic medium with boundaries or interfaces. In essence, the aim of this study is to formulate for the acoustic response of a class of curved sections of thin plates a geometrical theory of diffraction.
Improving the efficiency of undersea laser communications

A preliminary evaluation of under-water data-rates achievable assuming near Poisson channel capacity achieving codes with pulse-position modulation and photon counting shows that to achieve 10’s to 100’s bits per second at a distance of 1 km requires 1-2m diameter collection areas with conventional blue laser transmitters and photomultiplier tubes. At distance of 200 m the data-rates increase to 6 Mb/s. A simple model is presented to show the rapid decrease in irradiance as a function of range in different types of deep-sea water where additive background noise can be neglected.
Lower limb force production and bilateral force asymmetries are based on sense of effort

Previous research suggests that individuals use a sense of effort, more than proprioceptive feedback, to gauge force production in their upper limbs. We have adopted an isometric force matching task to determine if force asymmetry between lower limbs during bilateral force production results from a neural mechanism related to sense of effort. We hypothesized that subjects attempting to produce equal lower limb forces would generate equal percentages of their bilateral maximum voluntary strength rather than equal absolute limb forces. Ten subjects performed isometric lower limb extensions on an exercise machine. Subjects attempted to match forces in their lower limbs at three different submaximal levels (20, 40, and 60% of their weaker limb peak force during bilateral maximum voluntary contraction). Subjects received visual feedback of only the target and stronger limb force. Results showed that subjects consistently produced less force in their weaker limb during all force matching levels when normalized to their unilateral maximum voluntary contraction force (ANOVAs 20% P = 0.0473, 40% P = 0.0012, 60% P = 0.0007). As predicted by our hypothesis, normalizing force magnitudes by bilateral maximum voluntary contraction forces revealed no significant differences between limbs at all force levels (ANOVA P = 0.8490). Regardless of whether humans produce maximal or submaximal forces, limb force asymmetry appears to be related to neural factors rather than differences in mechanical capabilities between the limbs. Our findings have implications for bilateral asymmetries during movement in healthy and neurologically impaired populations.
Ectomesenchymal hamartoma (benign "ectomesenchymoma") of the VIIIth nerve: case report.

WE REPORT A previously undescribed hamartoma of the Vlllth nerve, consisting of adipose tissue, Schwann cells associated with myelinated nerve fibers, well-differentiated smooth and striated muscle fibers, and rare ganglion cells. The tumor was found in 35-year-old Caucasian female who presented with right-sided hearing loss. The mass, which we designate an ectomesenchymal hamartoma, most likely developed from pluripotent neural crest cells (ectomesenchyme), which are capable of differentiating into a variety of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal cell types. The development of the neural crest, the concept of ectomesenchyme, and the histogenesis of this tumor are reviewed. (Neurosurgery 37 :1 204-1207, 1 995)
Active Synchronization and Carrier Phase Locking of Two Separate Mode-Locked Femtosecond Lasers

Two independent mode-locked femtosecond lasers are synchronized to an unprecedented precision. The rms timing jitter between the lasers is 4.3 fs observed within a 160 Hz bandwidth over tens of seconds, or 26 fs within a 50 kHz bandwidth. Novel multi-stage phase-locked loops help to preserve this ultrahigh timing resolution while setting on arbitrary delay between the two pulse trains (0–5 ns). Under such synchronization, phase locking between the carrier frequencies of the two femtosecond lasers has been achieved. It is also demonstrated that the same level of synchronization can be achieved with two lasers at different repetition frequencies.
Female smokers have the highest alcohol craving in a residential alcoholism treatment cohort

Abstract Background Cigarette smoking among female and male alcoholics has not been extensively studied as a factor related to intensity of alcohol craving during residential treatment and corresponding sobriety length. Methods This retrospective cohort study assessed self-reported sobriety outcomes in patients with alcohol dependence at 3-month intervals over 12 months after completion of a 30-day residential treatment program. Demographic and clinical variables were collected including smoking status, alcohol craving utilizing the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), and alcohol relapse. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, ANOVA, Tukey's test, Kaplan–Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models as appropriate. Results Of the 761 alcohol-dependent study subjects, 355 (47%) were current smokers. Alcohol craving intensity was higher in smoking females compared to nonsmoking females ( p = 0.0096), smoking males ( p p p = 0.0003). Conclusions In this study, female alcoholic smokers experienced the highest level of alcohol craving in an alcohol treatment setting. Interestingly, this did not translate into higher rates of post-treatment relapse. Further research is warranted to explore the neurobiological basis for sex differences in this highly prevalent comorbidity.
Combined visual and haptic search of remote object identification

Abstract It is proposed that a hybrid sensory feedback system comprising a visual peripheral corn- ponent together with a haptic component corresponding to that of visual foveal information, is equivalent to that of full visual sensory feedback. Such a system is constructed and the abilityof subjects to percieve objects using it is investigated by observing and dassifying their searchstrategy. Although the provision of a peripheral component provides advantages over a purelyhaptic system, it is concluded that subjects rely heavily on the haptic data, and the resulting hybrid system is not equivalent to full vision. Background The focus of this work is directed towards the next generation of underwater remotely operatedvehicles (ROV's) in which sensory information from the remote work head on the ocean floor is fedback to the human operator on the surface, a shown in figure 1. I_f the quality of the feedback is high, the operator experiences a sense of telepresence, enabling him to perform the mission in a natural manner. Although visual feedback is obviously themost important sensory signal, divers confirm that the quality of direct visual contact with the
Spinally administered dynorphin A produces long-lasting allodynia: involvement of NMDA but not opioid receptors.

The endogenous opioid peptide dynorphin A has non-opioid effects that can damage the spinal cord when given in high doses. Dynorphin has been shown to increase the receptive field size of spinal cord neurons and facilitate C-fiber-evoked reflexes. Furthermore, endogenous dynorphin levels increase following damage to the spinal cord, injury to peripheral nerves, or inflammation. In this study, sensory processing was characterized following a single, intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) in mice. A single intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) (3 nmol, i.t.) induced mechanical allodynia (hind paw, von Frey filaments) lasting 70 days, tactile allodynia (paint brush applied to flank) lasting 14 days, and cold allodynia (acetone applied to the dorsal hind paw) lasting 7 days. Similarly, dynorphin A (2-17) (3 nmol, i.t.), a non-opioid peptide, induced cold and tactile allodynia analogous to that induced by dynorphin A (1-17), indicating the importance of non-opioid receptors. Pretreatment with the NMDA antagonists, MK-801 and LY235959, but not the opioid antagonist, naloxone, blocked the induction of allodynia. Post-treatment with MK-801 only transiently blocked the dynorphin-induced allodynia, suggesting the NMDA receptors may be involved in the maintenance of allodynia as well as its induction. We have induced a long-lasting state of allodynia and hyperalgesia by a single intrathecal injection of dynorphin A (1-17) in mice. The allodynia induced by dynorphin required NMDA receptors rather than opioid receptors. This result is consistent with results in rats and with signs of clinically observed neuropathic pain. This effect of exogenously administered dynorphin raises the possibility that increased levels of endogenous dynorphins associated with spinal cord injuries may participate in the genesis and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
Nonequivalent Group Designs

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 16, pp. 10655–10660, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd., with revisions made by the Editor.
Single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1052501 associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the most prevalent clonal plasma cell proliferative disorder, present in over 3% of the population aged 50 years and older, with a rate of progression to malignancy of 1% per year. (Kyle, et al 2006, Kyle, et al 2002) MGUS has been shown to precede MM in almost all cases. (Landgren, et al 2009b) We, and others, have shown evidence for a familial component to MGUS, with first-degree relatives of MM or MGUS probands having a 2.5 fold increased risk of MGUS, indicative of an underlying genetic predisposition. (Landgren, et al 2009a, Vachon, et al 2009) While several genetic variants have been identified for MM, none have been identified that are associated with MGUS. (Greenberg, et al 2012) Broderick et al. (Broderick, et al 2011) recently conducted the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MM using case-control studies from the United Kingdom and Germany and identified three novel loci at 3p22.1 (rs1052501 in ULK4), 7p15.3 (rs4487645) and 2p23.3 (rs6746082) associated with risk of MM, although the latter did not reach genome wide significance (p<5×10−8). Here, we investigate whether these three loci for MM risk are also associated with risk of MGUS in order to provide evidence that genetic variation influences MM through MGUS. We also attempt to replicate the association of these loci with MM within a case-control study of MM.
Meta analysis, clinical psychology, and social policy

Abstract Meta-onalysis can have a considerable impact on policy research and analysis. It has been particularly fruitful in deriving summary statistics that one can easily communicate to non-professional policy leaders. It surely will be a very useful technique at the stage of policy analysis and review where one attempts to assess what is scientifically known about a particular policy alternative. Several methods and issues are discussed that could lead meta-analysis to be an even more powerful and meaningful procedure for policy research.
An assessment of regional preparedness of volunteer firefighters for weapons of mass destruction incidents

Study objectives: We assess the training and preparedness of the volunteer fire departments in western New York to deal with incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Methods: A survey was developed and mailed to the 238 volunteer fire companies of the 8 counties of western New York (Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming). The surveys were number coded to protect the identity of the responding company and were sent to the attention of the fire company chief. Three separate mailings were sent consecutively at 1-month intervals. The remaining fire chiefs who did not reply were contacted by telephone, at which time they were asked to verbally respond to the survey. The data was entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. A point system was applied to the objective portion of the study to assign a training level score of 0 to 5 points, 5 points signifying that more than 50% of the company took specified New York State Fire Academy courses, performed a general disaster drill, a WMD drill, recently reviewed their disaster plan, or purchased WMD-related equipment. The subjective portion of the study consisted of a scale ranging from 1 to 5 that assessed the company's preparedness as indicated by the fire chief, 1 point being completely unprepared to 5 points equaling complete preparedness. Results: The response rate to the survey was 184 companies of 238, or 77% total response. This number represents 5,784 volunteer firefighters. There was a direct correlation between training level scores to the fire chief's perceived preparedness score. A Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.428 was obtained, with a P value less than .01. Conclusion: Preparedness for weapons of mass destruction incidents is directly related to the amount of training activity performed. Despite receiving training, the companies who achieved the highest training score still only felt moderately prepared, which supports the need for more training opportunities to be provided to volunteer firefighters.
Intranasal noninhaled carbon dioxide for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Background Noninhaled intranasal carbon dioxide (CO2) has been shown to be effective in the abortive treatment of migraine headache. Migraine headache is associated with trigeminal neuronal activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide, events also implicated in allergic rhinitis. Intranasal CO2 might inhibit trigeminal neuronal activation and suppress the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide. Objective We studied whether noninhaled intranasal CO2 would be effective in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Methods We conducted a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Treatment consisted of either CO2 (verum) or air (placebo) at a 2:1 ratio administered in each nostril for 60 seconds per nostril at a flow rate of 10 mL/s. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in total nasal symptom score (TNSS), the sum of congestion, rhinorrhea, itching, and sneezing scored on a 0- to 5-point scale, at 30 minutes. Results Eighty-nine subjects received treatment, 60 with CO2 and 29 with placebo, and all subjects completed the study. CO2 resulted in a statistically significant improvement in TNSS at 30 minutes over placebo (absolute changes of 5.0 for CO2 and 2.2 for placebo, P = .00019). Improvement from baseline in TNSS (CO2 vs placebo) was statistically significant at 10 minutes and remained so for 24 hours. Conclusion Two 60-second intranasal CO2 treatments resulted in rapid (10 minutes) and sustained (24 hours) relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyographic studies of tensor veli palatini muscles in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

One of the factors that induces eustachian tube dysfunction caused by the invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is paralysis of the tensor veli palatini muscle. Electromyography (EMG), computed tomography (CT), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to study the tensor muscle and the related paratubal structures and parapharyngeal space. This study, from 44 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, showed that 67% of tensor muscles on the side of the symptomatic ear yielded abnormal electromyographic waveforms, which usually indicated a neurogenic disorder. In the majority of the abnormal EMG cases, CT or MRI often revealed that the pharyngobasilar fascia and the tensor muscle were compressed anterolaterally and the upper prestyloid parapharyngeal space was infiltrated. It was found that an abnormal electromyogram of the tensor muscle generally suggested a more advanced T stage and eustachian tube dysfunction. Otitis media with effusion in the stage I cases was usually not caused by paralysis of the tensor muscle. The invasion of some early cancers, especially localized on the torus tubarius, could also cause the effusion.
Bra Soks: An Inside Story of the Rise of the National Union of Mineworkers at Vaal Reefs Gold Mine

Abstract I interviewed Oliver Sokanyile for two days in Umtata in 1995. Although he never achieved a national reputation, he was an important early local actor in the early days of the NUM at Vaal Reefs. When the NUM arrived in 1982, Sokanyile joined. He was elected as Western Transvaal regional chairman at the first NUM National Congress in Klerksdorp. In 1985, when the union rank and file took control after the 1984 strike, Sokanyile was demoted to treasurer. Thenceforth, nonetheless, until he was fired after the 1987 strike, Sokanyile, a shrewd strategist, remained one of the most prominent union leaders at Vaal Reefs. Younger union leaders, who knew him as Bra Soks, spoke of him with tremendous respect. His story provides a window into the early years of the NUM at the local level and perhaps speaks to some pressing issues facing the NUM at the moment.
Minimizing the number of late jobs on unrelated machines

We consider the problem of preemptively scheduling a set of independent jobs with release times on an arbitrary number of unrelated machines so as to minimize the number of late jobs. We show that the problem is NP-hard in the strong sense, giving the first strong NP-hardness result for this problem.
Surface plasmon studies of oxidized Ba films

Abstract Electron loss spectroscopy (ELS) studies of both monolayer and thick (≧ 40 A) Ba films on W and Ir show that the different states of oxidation of these films can be characterized by the energy of the Ba surface plasmon loss peak. Consistent with other studies of the surface plasmons of alkali metal films, the reduction in energy upon oxidation is interpreted as a removal of free electrons from the surface Ba to localized oxygen bonds. Although the Ba surface plasmon is lost with heavy oxidation, it still exists on both well activated thick oxide and dispenser cathodes, indicating that the surface Ba on these cathodes remains partially metallic. Using free electron theory to estimate the Ba-O charge transfer a semiquantitative evaluation of the Ba-O dipole is made, assuming the Helmholtz equation applies. The results imply that the plane of the surface Ba is ≦0.1 A above the plane of the oxygen on the surface for both dispenser and oxide cathodes. This is contrary to recent interpretations of angle dependent Auger measurements on dispenser cathodes which suggest that Ba lies significantly above the oxygen on these surfaces. In general, it is demonstrated that the surface plasmon technique provides a means of evaluating the surface chemistry of cathodes that is much more surface sensitive than other electron spectroscopy methods commonly used.
Stability and functionality of cysteine-less FOF1 ATP synthase from Escherichia coli

All 21 native cysteines in the Escherichia coli FOF1 ATP synthase were replaced by alanines. In isolated E. coli membranes, ATP-dependent proton pumping, turnover of ATP hydrolysis and steady-state transition state thermodynamic parameters of the cysteine-less enzyme were similar to wild-type. The cysteine-less enzyme was solubilized in n-octyl β-d-glucopyranoside, purified by affinity chromatography, and reconstituted into pre-formed liposomes made from E. coli lipids. The properties of the reconstituted, purified enzyme were not significantly different from the membranous enzyme. These data demonstrate that cysteine-less FOF1 is biochemically stable and has functionality similar to wild-type.
Applications of the classic dermal fat graft in primary and secondary facial rejuvenation.

Volumetric facial aging occurs primarily as a descent of facial soft tissues, followed by their secondary atrophy. Proper volumetric facial rejuvenation, therefore, demands effective superior redistribution of fallen soft tissues, for which the author prefers malar imbrication. Only then do augmentative adjustments become appropriate, including solid facial protheses, “soft-tissue” fillers, dermal fat grafts, free-fat micrografts, and Erol's “tissue-cocktail.” Of these, the author prefers the time-honored dermal fat graft for all primary volumetric augmentations within the surgical field, reserving free-fat micrografts for adjustments outside the field and those performed secondarily. Dermal fat grafts are added to the face in three categories: “camouflage” grafts from the anterior face lift discard specimen to correct contour irregularities in the sculpted subcutaneous cheek in half of patients; “transition” grafts from the suprapubic abdomen to the zone between the midface and lower face in 5 percent of patients with an emaciated quality to their aging; and “secondary” grafts from the abdomen in occasional patients with volumetric deformities following inexpert face lift and other forms of trauma. All grafts were harvested, prepared, and placed according to 10 straightforward technical principles. The grafts were highly effective and predictable in their ability to augment contour; none of 283 total grafts were regarded as a treatment failure. The use of such grafts was extremely safe, with complications limited to cyst formation in 1.5 percent of grafts, all of which were treated nonoperatively. The use of the dermal fat graft is seen as safe, effective, and convenient when the subcutaneous plane of the face is exposed during facial rejuvenation. The majority of grafts were derived from the face lift discard specimen. Although those that came from outside the head and neck presented extra inconvenience and operative time, their use was limited to occasional and challenging circumstances that justified extra investment. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 109: 788, 2002.)
Optical characteristics of natural waters protect amphibians from UV-B in the U.S. Pacific Northwest

Increased exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has been proposed as a major environmental stressor leading to global amphibian declines. Prior experimental evidence from the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW) indicating the acute embryonic sensitivity of at least four amphibian species to UV-B has been central to the literature about amphibian decline. However, these results have not been expanded to address population-scale effects and natural landscape variation in UV-B transparency of water at amphibian breeding sites: both necessary links to assess the importance of UV-B for amphibian declines. We quantified the UV-B transparency of 136 potential amphibian breeding sites to establish the pattern of UV-B exposure across two montane regions in the PNW. Our data suggest that 85% of sites are naturally protected by dissolved organic matter in pond water, and that only a fraction of breeding sites are expected to experience UV-B intensities exceeding levels associated with elevated egg mortality. Thus, the spectral characteristics of natural waters likely mediate the physiological effects of UV-B on amphibian eggs in all but the clearest waters. These data imply that UV-B is unlikely to cause broad amphibian declines across the landscape of the American Northwest.