cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advancements in the surgical and alternative treatment of arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Surgical and nonsurgical treatment of arthritis is a rapidly developing and evolving field. It is vital for clinicians to keep up on the latest advances. This review focuses on clinical trials or large prospective studies over the past year that evaluated orthopedic surgical techniques for the treatment of arthritis and new nonsurgical therapies that may prevent the need for surgical intervention. Increasing attention has also been focused on the relation between surgeon or hospital case load and the quality of outcomes after surgery. RECENT FINDINGS No fewer than 10 studies have been published over the past year evaluating the use of hyaluronic acid (a visco-supplement) or corticosteroid injections as alternative treatments to knee arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee. Joint replacement research has explored minimally invasive and computer-guided or robot-guided joint replacement surgery, the best operative choice for advanced shoulder arthritis (hemiarthroplasty compared with total shoulder replacement), the role of patellar resurfacing during total joint replacement, and the use of bisphosphonates for retention of bone density after joint replacement. SUMMARY The increasing attention on high-quality surgical trials should continue to improve surgical options based on sound research for patients with arthritis. Future research should continue to improve the available high-quality research for treatment choices.
A study of the Bailey-Orowan equation of creep

A new method was developed to study the Bailey-Orowan equation of creep,ec=r/h, whereec is the creep rate,r is the recovery rate andh is the work-hardening coefficient. The method was to vary the strain rate,e, around the creep rate,ec, and to measure the corresponding stress rate,σ. In a plot of stress rate against strain rate, a straight line was obtained. The slope of the straight line was equal toh, and the intersection of the straight line with the stress axis was equal to −r, as in the equationσ=−r+he. The creep test under a constant stress is a special case of this equation when the stress rate,σ, is zero. The above measurement was carried out within a very small stress variation, less than 1% of the total stress, so that the values ofr andh were not disturbed. The creep test was performed on Type 316 stainless steel. The creep rate was shown to be equal to the ratior/h, but the value ofh was approximately equal to Young's modulus at the testing temperature, rather than, as is commonly believed, to the work-hardening coefficient.
Continuation of the Schrödinger Equation for Higher Angular-Momentum States to D Dimensions and Interdimensional Degeneracies

The application of the techniques of dimensional scaling, and in particular the 1/D expansion, to higher angular-momentum states of multi-electron atoms requires the generalized Euler angles, which multiply with increasing D to be “factored out” of the wave function. The factorization must be performed in a way that produces from the Schrodinger equation a tractable set of differential equations which admit continuation in the dimension D. In two recent works the authors have achieved the necessary factorization of the wave function by generalizing the Schwartz expansion to N electrons in D dimensions. The present paper applies the N-electron D-dimensional Schwartz expansion to the two-electron problem in D dimensions. The resulting set of coupled differential equations in the internal variables admit continuation in D, enabling the methods of dimensional scaling to be applied to higher-angular-momentum states. In addition, the coupled differential equations clearly show the complete spectrum of exact interdimensional degeneracies of the two-electron system.
Thermal design concept for a high resolution UV spectrometer

The thermal design concept described has been developed for the High Resolution UV Spectrometer/Polarimeter to be flown on the Solar Maximum Mission. Based on experience gained from a similar Orbiting Solar Observatory mission payload, it has been recognized that initial protection of the optical elements, contamination control, reduction of scattered light, tight bulk temperature, and gradient constraints are key elements that must be accommodated in any thermal control concept for this class of instrument. Salient features of the design include: (1) a telescope door providing contamination protection of an aplanatic Gregorian telescope; (2) a rastering system for the secondary mirror; (3) a unique solar heat absorbing device; (4) heat pipes and special radiators; (5) heaters for active temperature control and optics contamination protection; and (6) high precision platinum resistance thermometers. Viability of the design concept has been established by extensive thermal analysis and some subsystem testing. A summary of analytical and test results is included.
Depression and all-cause mortality in persons with diabetes mellitus: are older adults at higher risk? Results from the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes Study.

Objectives To compare the strength of the association between depression and mortality between elderly and younger individuals with diabetes mellitus. Design A survival analysis conducted in a longitudinal cohort study of persons with diabetes mellitus to test the association between depression and mortality in older (≥65) and younger (18-65) adults. Setting Managed care. Participants Persons aged 18 and older with diabetes mellitus who participated in the Wave 2 survey of the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD) Study (N = 3,341). Measurements The primary outcome was mortality risk, which was measured as days until death using linked data from the National Death Index. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Results After controlling for age, sex, race and ethnicity, income, and other comorbidities, mortality risk in persons with diabetes mellitus was 49% higher in those with depression than in those without, although results varied according to age. After controlling for the same variables, mortality risk in persons aged 65 and older with depression was 78% greater than in those without. For those younger than 65, the effect of depression on mortality was smaller and not statistically significant. Conclusion This analysis suggests that the effect of depression on mortality in persons with diabetes mellitus is most significant for older adults. Because there is evidence in the literature that treatment of depression in elderly adults can lead to lower mortality, these results may suggest that older adults with diabetes mellitus should be considered a high-priority population for depression screening and treatment. © 2014, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2014, The American Geriatrics Society.
Molecular analysis of a t(11;14)(q23;q11) from a patient with null-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

/1p;&-3qChromosome 11, band q23, is the frequent site of recurring cytogenetic rearrangements in human leukemia. We have cloned and sequenced the breakpoint junctions from a patient who had null-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with a t(11;14)(q23;q11). The chromosome 14 breakpoints occurred within the TCRD locus, close to two diversity segments. The chromosome 11 breakpoint occurred between two head-to-head heptamer sequences, and junctional diversity was evident at both derivative junctions, suggesting involvement of the V(D)J recombinase. The TCRA/D locus on the normal chromosome 14 had undergone a Vδ2-Dδ3-ΨJα joining. Two phage clones with this VDJ rearrangement were isolated; one of these contained an intra-Jα region deletion. Two clones with the derivative 11 junction were isolated; one of these had a similar, but not identical, deletion. A heptamer-nonamer recognition sequence (located ∼70 kb 5′ to Cα), not associated with a TCR gene coding segment, was found in the immediate vicinity of both 5′ breakpoints. We have designated this sequence 5′del for 5′ deleting element. An intra-Jα region deletion involving this heptamer-nonamer was previously identified in the leukemia cells recovered from a patient who had T-cell ALL. Fifty kilobases of DNA on 11q23 surrounding the breakpoint were cloned and analyzed. No CpG islands or conserved sequences were identified within this region. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that this 11q23 breakpoint mapped distal to the MLL gene associated with the recurring breakpoints in the 4;11, 9;11, and 11;19 translocations, distal to the RCK gene associated with an 11;14 translocation, and proximal to the ETSI gene, which is located at 11q24. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heterotaxin: A TGF-β Signaling Inhibitor Identified in a Multi-Phenotype Profiling Screen in Xenopus Embryos

Disruptions of anatomical left-right asymmetry result in life-threatening heterotaxic birth defects in vital organs. We performed a small molecule screen for left-right asymmetry phenotypes in Xenopus embryos and discovered a pyridine analog, heterotaxin, which disrupts both cardiovascular and digestive organ laterality and inhibits TGF-β-dependent left-right asymmetric gene expression. Heterotaxin analogs also perturb vascular development, melanogenesis, cell migration, and adhesion, and indirectly inhibit the phosphorylation of an intracellular mediator of TGF-β signaling. This combined phenotypic profile identifies these compounds as a class of TGF-β signaling inhibitors. Notably, heterotaxin analogs also possess highly desirable antitumor properties, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and tumor cell proliferation in mammalian systems. Our results suggest that assessing multiple organ, tissue, cellular, and molecular parameters in a whole organism context is a valuable strategy for identifying the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds.
Gun Liner Emplacement

The development of a process to emplace a refractory metal liner inside a gun tube is described. The process consists of filling the liner with an elastomeric material and then slipping this arrangement into the gun tube. The ends of the liner are plugged with plastic disks and pressure is applied to the elastomeric material by a load frame. Plastic deformation of the gun tube results in residual radial stresses that induce a frictional bond between the liner and gun tube. Efforts are described to increase the bond strength through increasing the coefficient of friction.
Holy Intoxication to Drunken Dissipation: Alcohol among Quichua Speakers in Otavalo, Ecuador

Holy Intoxication to Drunken Dissipation: Alcohol among Quichua Speakers in Otavalo, Ecuador. Barbara Y. Butler. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico press, 2006. 452 pp.
Measurement of the tropospheric hydroxyl radical by long-path absorption

Results are presented of an experiment employing a laser source and very high resolution ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy to measure the concentration of OH in a clean environment with a sensitivity limit of about 200,000/cu cm (0.01 pptv), with random noise near 50,000/cu cm. This is a factor of 10 lower than the peak values expected in winter and should easily show the seasonal rise to a summer peak 100 times larger than the sensitivity limit. The experiment is to be run under both (normally) clean tropospheric conditions and during the (occasionally) polluted upslope conditions.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Role of medullary structures in the functional adaptation of renal insufficiency

Role of medullary structures in the functional adaptation of renal insufficiency. Hydrogen and potassium balance are maintained during renal insufficiency by an adaptive increase in the secretion of these ions per functioning nephron. Previous work from our laboratory has linked this enhanced potassium excretion to an increased specific activity of Na-K-ATPase in the outer medulla. The present studies were designed to examine the role of the renal medulla in these functional responses during renal insufficiency. Control rats were compared to two experimental models of renal insufficiency having similar reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—65% nephrectomized rats and rats with one kidney removed and a papillectomy performed on the remaining kidney. During an acute KC1 infusion, urinary potassium excretion of the papillectomized rats did not rise above that of control rats in the absence of an increase in Na-K-ATPase in the red medulla. In contrast, potassium excretion increased markedly in nephrectomized animals in association with a 25% increase in Na-K-ATPase in the red medulla. Following acute NH 4 Cl loading, total ammonium excretion was 50% less in the papillectomized rats than in the nephrectomized animals. These data demonstrate the important role of medullary structures in enhanced potassium and hydrogen ion excretion during renal insufficiency and support the relationship between medullary Na-K-ATPase and potassium secretion. Role des structures medullaires dans l'adaptation fonctionnelle de l'insuffisance renale. Les bilans d'ions H + et de potassium sont maintenus au cours de l'insuffisance renale par une augmentation adaptative de la secretion de ces ions par chaque nephron fonctionnel. Des travaux anterieurs de notre laboratoire ont lie cette augmentation de l'excretion de potassium a une augmentation de l'activite specifique de Ca Na-K-ATPase de la medullaire externe. Ce travail est destine a etudier le role de la medullaire renale dans ces reponses fonctionnelles au cours de l'insuffisance renale. Des rats controles ont ete compares a ceux de deux modeles d'insuffisance renale ayant des reductions similaires du debit de filtration glomerulaire (GFR): des rats nephrectomises a 65% et des rats nephrectomises d'un cote et papillectomises de l'autre. Au cours d'une perfusion aigue de KCl l'excretion urinaire de potassium des rats papillectomises ne depasse pas celle des rats temoins en meme temps que la Na-K-ATPase de la medullaire rouge n'augmente pas. Au contraire l'excretion de potassium augmente de facon importante chez les animaux nephrectomises en meme temps que la Na-K-ATPase de la medullaire rouge augmente de 25%. Apres une charge aiguen en NH 4 Cl l'excretion totale d'ammoniaque est inferieure de 50% chez les animaux papillectomises par rapport aux nephrectomises. Ces observations demontrent le role important des structures medullaires dans l'augmentation de l'excretion du potassium et des ions H + au cours de l'insuffisance renale et sont en faveur de la relation entre la Na-K-ATPase medullaire et la secretion de potassium.
Percutaneous cryoablation vs open and robot assisted partial nephrectomy: cost and clinical analysis

Percutaneous cryoablation vs open and robot assisted partial nephrectomy: cost and clinical analysis M. Chehab, S.A. Vartanian, J. Ciacci, X. Li, H. Korman, A. Krishnan; Radiology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI; Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI; Urology, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI
Surface phonon frequencies for magnesium oxide

Abstract Surface phonon branches and the surface excess distribution of frequencies f S (ω) have been calculated for the (001) face of MgO with a rigid shell model for a fifteen-layer film. Comparison with the f S (ω) obtained by Rieder and Horl from neutron scattering shows agreement with some features as well as the need for further experimental work.
Peptide YY administration into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus of the rat evokes cardiovascular changes by non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic mechanisms.

Summary 1 Microinjection of peptide YY (PYY) (0.23–2.3 nmol) into the posterior hypothalamic nucleus (PHN) of conscious rats evokes a dose-dependent pressor response and a bradycardia. 2 The increase in mean arterial pressure evoked by 2.3 nmol of PYY was not blocked by intravenous pretreatment with: (i) the nicotinic ganglionic receptor antagonist pentolinium (PENT, 10 mg kg−1) alone, or in combination with the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (MeATR, 1 mg kg−1); (ii) the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (PRAZ, 0.2 mg kg−1); (iii) the V1-vasopressin receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)]AVP (AVPX, 20 μg kg−1); (iv) the combination of AVPX, PENT and MeATR; (v) the combination of PRAZ, AVPX, PENT, MeATR, and the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (0.3 mg kg−1); or (vi) the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist ZD 7155 (1 mg kg−1). 3 Adrenal demedullation inhibited the PYY-evoked responses of drug-naive rats, and rats pretreated with the combination of PENT, MeATR and AVPX. 4 Transection of the splanchnic nerve innervating the adrenal medullae attenuated the bradycardia, as did ZD 7155, but not the PYY-evoked pressor response. 5 Systemic pretreatment of rats with the neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonist BIBP 3226 (1 mg kg−1) blocked the PYY-evoked cardiovascular changes, but not those evoked by microinjection of carbachol (5.5 nmol) into the PHN. 6 These results suggest that the cardiovascular changes evoked from the PHN by PYY requires the presence of the adrenal medullae, which are stimulated by: (i) a hormone to release an NPY-like substance that evokes the pressor response, and (ii) the splanchnic nerve to evoke the release of a substance that results in the bradycardia.
Hundred Months of Solitude: Myth or Reality in Law and Development?

James A. Gardner's Legal Imperialism' is primarily a description of the legal ideology of North American (United States)' lawyers who were involved in legal assistance programs in Latin America from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. The use of the term imperialism in the title is somewhat misleading. There is no real discussion of the relationship between values and assumptions implicit in legal assistance programs on the one hand and factors contributing to Latin American economic and social dependency on the other.3 Imperialism is relevant only in the cultural sense of North American lawyers designing programs to export a North American image of the lawyer as social engineer and pragmatic problem solver. The subtitle, American Lawyers and Foreign Aid in Latin America, conveys a more accurate picture of the book. Law and development did not really emerge as a significant component of development assistance efforts until the middle of the 1960s-the decade of development programming.' In 1966, the Ford Foundation (Ford) decid-
Highly regioselective generation of “thermodynamic” enolates and their direct characterization by NMR☆

Addition of 2-methylcyclohexanone to 1.05 equiv of KH suspended in THF, followed by treatment with 1.25 equiv of BEt3 gives potassium enoxyborate 2a as a 90–95% regioisomerically pure species, as judged by its 1H and 13C NMR as well as by GLC analysis of the silylated products, while the use of KN(SiMe3)2 in place of KH gives 1a as a 90–95% pure substance. The KH-BEt3 procedure also gives 4 and 5 as 91 and 85% regiochemically pure species, respectively.
Botulinum toxin A injections in children: Technique and dosing issues

Information is presented on the current state of administering botulinum toxin A injections in the pediatric population based on review of scientific publications cited in MEDLINE and PubMed that involved the use of botulinum toxin A in patients under the age of 19. Studies were selected if they contained nearly complete information on botulinum toxin dosing and injection technique within the article. In addition, consensus articles from pediatric task forces were selected for review. Information regarding botulinum toxin A dosing and injection technique was gathered from the material and method sections of the selected studies or from tables in consensus articles. Information was collected in regard to the total amount of botulinum toxin used, commercial brand of botulinum toxin used, dilution of the toxin, volume of toxin preparation, needle size, localization technique, adverse reactions, and whether sedation was used. There is currently a range of dosing and injections techniques in the literature when using botulinum toxin A in children. Body weight, muscle size, location of muscle, and degree of spasticity are all considered to determine total amount of botulinum toxin injected. Concentration and volume of the diluted toxin can affect the amount of spread of the toxin after injection. Injection techniques also vary and are not well reported. Use of electromyographic, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound guidance is employed in children for difficult to locate individual muscle groups. Use of sedation also varies between medical centers.
Geographical dimensions of terrestrial net and gross primary productivity

The paper presents a comparative summary of previous attempts by the author to assess and map global primary productivity using environmental parameters as predictors. The individual components of the productivity process, net production, gross production, dark respiration as well as their regional rates are computed for 10 degree latitudinal belts. A new version of the Miami Model (Lieth, 1973, 1975) is presented predicting net primary productivity from an increased number of averages of temperature and precipitation. Net primary productivity values in form of dry matter accumulation and caloric energy equivalents are compared.
Sensitivities & functional gains for a flexible aircraft-inspired model

Aeroelastic wing micro-autonomous aerial systems (MAAS) concepts are being explored for military and civilian applications. However, on the whole, the issues of control of MAAS are largely unexplored. Controllers designed using methods applicable to larger aircraft are unlikely to realize the agile flight potential of flexible wing MAAS airframes. In this paper, the authors use two Euler-Bernoulli beams connected to a rigid mass to model an aeroelastic wing MAAS. They employ Continuous Sensitivity Equation Methods to examine the sensitivity of the controlled state with respect to variation of the H ∞ control parameter, with the primary goal being to gain insight into the flexible dynamics of the system in order to exploit the flexibility for control purposes. Further, the authors examine functional gains in order to determine optimal sensor placement while taking advantage of the flexibility of the MAAS model.
When to access the capital markets

Accessing capital in public equity markets is a tricky business. Here are a few do's and don'ts when planning an initial public offering.
Effects of focal ankle joint cooling on unipedal static balance in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability

Abstract Application of cryotherapy over an injured joint has been shown to improve muscle function, yet it is unknown how ankle cryotherapy affects postural control. Our purpose was to determine the effects of a 20-min focal ankle joint cooling on unipedal static stance in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). Fifteen young subjects with CAI (9 males, 6 females) and 15 healthy gender-matched controls participated. All subjects underwent two intervention sessions on different days in which they had a 1.5 L plastic bag filled with either crushed ice (active treatment) or candy corn (sham) applied to the ankle. Unipedal stance with eyes closed for 10 s were assessed with a forceplate before and after each intervention. Center of pressure (COP) data were used to compute 10 specific dependent measures including velocity, area, standard deviation (SD), and percent range of COP excursions, and mean and SD of time-to-boundary (TTB) minima in the anterior–posterior (AP) and mediolateral directions. For each measure a three-way (Group–Intervention–Time) repeated ANOVAs found no significant interactions and main effects involving intervention (all P s > 0.05). There were group main effects found for mean velocity (F (1,28) = 6.46, P = .017), area (F (1,28) = 12.83, P = .001), and mean of TTB minima in the AP direction (F (1,28) = 5.19, P = .031) indicating that the CAI group demonstrated greater postural instability compared to the healthy group. Postural control of unipedal stance was not significantly altered following focal ankle joint cooling in groups both with and without CAI. Ankle joint cryotherapy was neither beneficial nor harmful to single leg balance.
[Clinical investigation of intermediate- and high-purity antihaemophilic factor (factor VIII) concentrates].

Summary. Intermediate- and high-purity antibaemophilic factor (factor-VIII) concentrates developed by the American National Red Cross (ANRC) have undergone extensive clinical investigation. When administered to severely affected haemophiliacs, the recovery in vivo and the metabolic half-disappearance time were similar to those achieved with plasma.
The chemistry of photographic developers as studied by electron-spin resonance

The suitability of esr for elucidating reation mechanisms in developer autoxidation processes and during silver halide development has been demonstrated by several authors for hydroquinone and other [18–20] developer solutions. This method enables the scientist to “observe” radical reactions directly and in many cases to unequivocally determine reaction mechanism and rates. Thus esr has provided the explanation for the unusual development kinetics of lith developers. It can be expected that further work will allow us to correlate the sensitometric properties of lith film/ developer systems with their radical kinetics and eventually lead to systems offering improved convenience and reliability.
Relationship of Catalase Activity to Virulence in Pasteurella pestis

Summary1. Optimal conditions for catalase activity in P. pestis were determined and the catalase activity of 14 virulent and 11 a virulent strains was measured.2. The catalase activity of virulent strains was significantly greater than that of the avirulent strains.3. The possibility of using catalase activity as a screening test for determining virulence in vitro has been indicated.
Measuring memory monitoring with judgements of retention (JORs).

Most prior research has examined predictions of future memory performance by eliciting judgements of learning (JOLs). In six experiments, we explored monitoring with an alternative prospective meas...
Assessment of synchrony relationships between the native left ventricle and the HeartMate left ventricular assist device.

Abstract Background: It has been suggested that the cardiac cycle becomes synchronized with the LVAD. Synchronization between the left ventricle and the LVAD may be important for ventricular unloading and coronary flow. In this study, we assessed the synchrony between the cardiac and LVAD cycles. Methods: We studied 24 patients with HeartMate LVAD support. Native heart rate from an electrocardiogram and LVAD rate were measured at rest and peak exercise. Three patients underwent simultaneous invasive pressure measurement from the left ventricle and the aorta, and 3 patients underwent simultaneous recording of electrocardiogram and LVAD electrical signal. Results: Resting heart rate was significantly higher than LVAD rate (96 ± 17 vs 66 ± 15 beats [b]/min, p r = 0.25). Peak heart rate was significantly higher than LVAD rate (142 ± 16 vs 102 ± 14 b/min, p r = 0.31). Electrical signal recording confirmed the absence of cardiac–LVAD synchrony. Pressure measurements revealed a cyclical intraventricular pressure variation, determined by the relationship between the cardiac and LVAD cycles. Intraventricular pressure was lowest when left ventricular systole occurred during pump filling and highest when left ventricular systole occurred during pump ejection. Conclusions: The cardiac and LVAD cycles are not in synchrony at rest or at peak exercise. However, a cyclical variation in left ventricular pressure exists, dependent upon the phasic relationship of the cardiac–LVAD cycles, which significantly effects ventricular loading. Better understanding of this relationship may be important in developing assist devices for optimal left ventricular unloading and improvement of myocardial recovery.
Photoperiodic Mediation of Seasonal Breeding and Immune Function In Rodents: A Multi-Factorial Approach

SYNOPSIS. Winter is energetically-demanding; thermoregulatory demands increase when food availability usually decreases. Physiological and behavioral adaptations, including termination of breeding, have evolved among nontropical animals to cope with winter energy shortages. Presumably, selection for mechanisms that permit physiological and behavioral anticipation of seasonal ambient changes have led to current seasonal breeding patterns for many populations. Energetically—challenging winter conditions can directly induce death via hypothermia, starvation, or shock; surviving these demanding conditions likely evokes significant stress responses. The stress of coping with energetically-demanding conditions may increase adrenocortical steroid levels to the extent that immune function is compromised. Individuals would enjoy a survival advantage if seasonally-recurring stressors could be anticipated and countered by shunting energy reserves to bolster immune function. The primary environmental cue that permits physiological anticipation of season is daily photoperiod, a cue that is mediated by melatonin. However, other environmental factors, such as low food availability and ambient temperatures, may interact with photoperiod to affect immune function and disease processes. Laboratory studies of seasonal changes in mammalian immune function consistently report that immune function is enhanced in short day lengths. Prolonged melatonin treatment mimics short days, and also enhances immune function in rodents. In sum, melatonin may be part of an integrative system to coordinate reproductive, immunologic, and other physiological processes to cope successfully with energetic stressors during winter. Social factors influence immune function and changes in social interactions may also contribute to seasonal changes in immune function. The mechanisms by which social factors are transduced into immune responses are largely unspecified. In order to understand the optimization of immune function it is necessary to understand the interaction of factors, on both mechanistic and functional levels, that affect immunity.
Importin α-Mediated Nuclear Import of Cytoplasmic Poly(A) Binding Protein Occurs as a Direct Consequence of Cytoplasmic mRNA Depletion

Recent studies have found the cytoplasmic poly(A) binding protein (PABPC) to have opposing effects on gene expression when concentrated in the cytoplasm versus in the nucleus. PABPC is predominantly cytoplasmic at steady state, where it enhances protein synthesis through simultaneous interactions with mRNA and translation factors. However, it accumulates dramatically within the nucleus in response to various pathogenic and nonpathogenic stresses, leading to an inhibition of mRNA export. The molecular events that trigger relocalization of PABPC and the mechanisms by which it translocates into the nucleus to block gene expression are not understood. Here, we reveal an RNA-based mechanism of retaining PABPC in the cytoplasm. Expression either of viral proteins that promote mRNA turnover or of a cytoplasmic deadenylase drives nuclear relocalization of PABPC in a manner dependent on the PABPC RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). Using multiple independent binding sites within its RRMs, PABPC interacts with importin α, a component of the classical import pathway. Finally, we demonstrate that the direct association of PABPC with importin α is antagonized by the presence of poly(A) RNA, supporting a model in which RNA binding masks nuclear import signals within the PABPC RRMs, thereby ensuring efficient cytoplasmic retention of this protein in normal cells. These findings further suggest that cells must carefully calibrate the ratio of PABPC to mRNA, as events that offset this balance can dramatically influence gene expression.
Structural Changes in 238Pu-Substituted Zirconolite on Recovery from the Metamict State

238 Pu-substituted zirconolite (CaPuTi 2 O 7 ) was held at ≈350 K for a time sufficient to allow self-irradiation damage to convert the material to the metamict condition. Samples were then stored at 875 K, while dimensional and microstructural changes were monitored by dilatometry and transmission electron microscopy. Densification proceeded sporadically over a period of ≈400 days, attaining a final value of 4 vol% as a result of crystallization. The material was found to be friable at an intermediate stage of recovery, apparently as a result of internal strains. Evidence is presented that CaPuTi 2 O 7 can exist in more than one metamict state, depending on extent of prior damage and thermal history.
Comments on "GMSK with differential phase detection in the satellite mobile channel

The error probability results shown by I. Korn (see ibid., vol.38, no.11, p.1980-6, 1990) indicate that the error floor is higher for systems with decision feedback (DF). It was concluded that DF gives a lower error probability only for smaller values of the normalized bandwidth B/sub t/T of the premodulation Gaussian filter, higher values of the ratio of powers in the direct and diffuse signal components K, and a lower range of signal-to-noise ratio. It is shown that this conclusion is not correct by theoretically analyzing the case of the land mobile channel where K=0 (or - infinity dB) and deriving a simple closed-form expression for the error probability for 1 bit differential detection with DF. It is shown that DF reduces the error probability for all values of B/sub t/T and signal-to-noise ratios. The formula derived can be easily evaluated not only for Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK) but for all partial-response continuous-phase-modulation (PRCPM) signals. >
Multiprocessor architectures for embedded system-on-chip applications

Real-time multimedia applications that involve processing of video and audio streams demand computational performance of a few Giga operations per second, which cannot be obtained using a single processor. An embedded system intended for such an application must also support networking and IO interfaces, which are best handled by dedicated interface processors that are coordinated by a housekeeping processor. Dedicated processors may also be necessary for parsing and processing video/audio stream and, video/graphics rendering. In this paper, we provide an overview of multiprocessor architectures that are evolving for such embedded applications. We argue that the VLSI design challenges involved in designing an equivalent uniprocessor solution for the same application may make such a solution prohibitively expensive, making multiprocessor SoC an attractive alternative.
Will the best GaAs digital technology please stand up

A report is given of a panel discussion in which an attempt was made to predict the future of GaAs digital/linear technologies. Attention was given to whether a single GaAs technology will emerge as the dominant one; to whether several GaAs technologies will survive, each needed for niche applications; and to how these technologies ultimately compare in performance/cost to Si. The panel was selected to represent ion-implanted MESFET, epitaxial MODFET, and HBT (heterojunction bipolar transistor) technologies, as well as the device physics and application viewpoints. >
Evolutionary models of color categorization. I. Population categorization systems based on normal and dichromat observers

The evolution of color categorization is investigated using artificial agent population categorization games, by modeling observer types using Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test performance to capture human processing constraints on color categorization. Homogeneous populations of both normal and dichromat agents are separately examined. Both types of populations produce near-optimal categorization solutions. While normal observers produce categorization solutions that show rotational invariance, dichromats' solutions show symmetry-breaking features. In particular, it is found that dichromats' local confusion regions tend to repel color category boundaries and that global confusion pairs attract category boundaries. The trade-off between these two mechanisms gives rise to population categorization solutions where color boundaries are anchored to a subset of locations in the stimulus space. A companion paper extends these studies to more realistic, heterogeneous agent populations [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A26, 1424-1436 (2009)].
Overview and performance of a waveguide ECR plasma cathode with permanent magnets

A waveguide electron cyclotron resonance (ECR)-heated plasma cathode has been developed as a long-lived alternative to the thermionic emitter-based hollow cathode assembly (HCA) for space applications, primarily as a neutralizer source for electric propulsion systems used on long-term missions. The use of a microwave discharge as an electron source could avoid lifetime limitations of the well-established HCA, which arise from erosion of the emissive insert and evaporation of impregnate material in the insert. The device to be presented utilizes traveling microwaves, as opposed to direct heating from a wire antenna, to generate the source discharge. As a result, this plasma source also avoids lifetime constraints associated with other microwave plasma cathodes due to antenna erosion.
A note on estimating the false discovery rate under mixture model

Abstract In this note, we focus on estimating the false discovery rate (FDR) of a multiple testing method with a common, non-random rejection threshold under a mixture model. We develop a new class of estimates of the FDR and prove that it is less conservatively biased than what is traditionally used. Numerical evidence is presented to show that the mean squared error (MSE) is also often smaller for the present class of estimates, especially in small-scale multiple testings. A similar class of estimates of the positive false discovery rate (pFDR) less conservatively biased than what is usually used is then proposed. When modified using our estimate of the pFDR and applied to a gene-expression data, Storey's q-value method identifies a few more significant genes than his original q-value method at certain thresholds. The BH like method developed by thresholding our estimate of the FDR is shown to control the FDR in situations where the p-values have the same dependence structure as required by the BH method and, for lack of information about the proportion π 0 of true null hypotheses, it is reasonable to assume that π 0 is uniformly distributed over (0,1).
Unusual Presentation of a Rare Cancer: Histiocytic Sarcoma in the Brain 16 Years After Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a very rare hematopoietic neoplasm that has been reported in association with other hematological malignancies. Presentation of HS in the central nervous system is even less common. Diagnosis of HS requires the presence of histiocytic markers and the systematic exclusion of markers of other cell lineages. Primary HS central nervous system tumors are aggressive and generally have poor outcomes. There are no standard treatment guidelines due to lack of clinical trials and a limited number of case reports. Here we present a unique case with two primary histiocytic lesions in the brain, refractory to systemic and radiation therapies, that developed after being treated for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia 16 years prior.
Issue Voting and Immigration: Do Restrictionist Policies Cost Congressional Republicans Votes?

Objective I test the hypothesis that Latino voters were less likely to support Republican incumbents with strong anti-immigration records in the 2006 congressional elections in comparison to Republicans with less restrictive records. I also test whether non-Hispanic white voters were similarly sensitive to incumbent immigration records when determining vote choice. Method To examine these questions, I created hierarchical models in which incumbent immigration records, individual views on immigration, and an interaction between the two were used to predict vote choice in the 2006 midterm elections. Individual-level data were provided by the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and incumbent immigration records were provided by NumbersUSA. Results This analysis found little or no evidence suggesting that Latino voters are less likely to support Republican incumbents with anti-immigration records. There was evidence suggesting that vote choice among non-Hispanic whites was influenced by incumbent records on immigration, but the effect varied according to the respondent's own views on immigration. Conclusion This study found no evidence that incumbent Republicans could increase their share of the Latino vote by embracing less restrictive immigration policies. In fact, doing so may cost them votes among non-Hispanic whites.
An Initial Examination of Maintenance Behaviors in Gay and Lesbian Relationships

The present study is an initial examination of the relationship maintenance behaviors used by gay male and lesbian couples to sustain their relationship. The study replicates the open-ended survey approach used by Dainton & Stafford (1993) to explore the maintenance behaviors of heterosexual couples. In general, gay and lesbian partners were found to utilize many of the same basic maintenance behaviors that have been found in prior research on heterosexual couples. Importantly, several `unique' maintenance behaviors emerged, such as being `out' as a couple to one's social networks and seeking out gay/lesbian supportive environments as a means of strengthening the relationship in the face of social stigma. These behaviors appear to take on particular salience for gay and lesbian couples as a stigmatized group in maintaining their intimate relationships. In general, the findings question common assumptions as to differences between same-sex and heterosexual long-term relationships.
Performance on the Boston Naming Test in English-Spanish bilingual older adults: some considerations.

Gollan, Fennema-Notestine, Montoya, and Jernigan (this issue) present a timely and clinically relevant study that examines the impact of bilingualism on the performance on the Boston Naming Test in older adults. In light of the methodology employed, we weigh different potential interpretations of the findings and make recommendations for future studies. (JINS, 2007, 13, 212–214.)
Cardiac troponin T mutations: correlation between the type of mutation and the nature of myofilament dysfunction in transgenic mice

1. The heterogenic nature of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) in humans suggests a link between the type of mutation and the nature of patho-physiological alterations in cardiac myocytes. Exactly how FHC-associated mutations in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) lead to impaired cardiac function is unclear. 2. We measured steady-state isometric force and ATPase activity in detergent-skinned cardiac fibre bundles from three transgenic (TG) mouse hearts in which 50, 92 and 6 % of the native cTnT was replaced by the wild type (WT) cTnT, R92Q mutant cTnT (R92Q) and the C-terminal deletion mutant of cTnT (cTnT(DEL)), respectively. 3. Normalized pCa-tension relationships of R92Q and cTnT(DEL) fibres demonstrated a significant increase in sensitivity to Ca2+ at short (2.0 microm) and long (2.3 microm) sarcomere lengths (SL). At short SL, the pCa50 values, representing the midpoint of the pCa-tension relationship, were 5.69 +/- 0.01, 5.96 +/- 0.01 and 5.81 +/- 0.01 for WT, R92Q and cTnT(DEL) fibres, respectively. At long SL, the pCa50 values were 5.81 +/- 0.01, 6.08 +/- 0.01 and 5.95 +/- 0.01 for WT, R92Q and cTnT(DEL) fibres, respectively. 4. The difference in pCa required for half-maximal activation (DeltapCa50) at short and long SL was 0.12 +/- 0.01 for the R92Q (92 %) TG fibres, which is significantly less than the previously reported DeltapCa50 value of 0.29 +/- 0.02 for R92Q (67 %) TG fibres. 5. At short SL, Ca2+-activated maximal tension in both R92Q and cTnT(DEL) fibres decreased significantly (24 and 21 %, respectively; P < 0.005), with no corresponding decrease in Ca2+-activated maximal ATPase activity. Therefore, at short SL, the tension cost in R92Q and cTnT(DEL) fibres increased by 35 and 29 %, respectively (P < 0.001). 6. The fibre bundles reconstituted with the recombinant mutant cTnT(DEL) protein developed only 37 % of the Ca2+-activated maximal force developed by recombinant WT cTnT reconstituted fibre bundles, with no apparent changes in Ca2+ sensitivity. 7. Our data indicate that an important mutation-linked effect on cardiac function is the result of an inefficient use of ATP at the myofilament level. Furthermore, the extent of the mutation-induced dysfunction depends not only on the nature of the mutation, but also on the concentration of the mutant protein in the sarcomere.
How to initiate evacuation movement in public buildings

Research and experience show that occupants tend to ignore fire alarm signals and continue their activities in large public buildings. Alternative means to alert the public in the event of an emergency and to initiate evacuation movement are discussed. The use of a standardized Temporal‐Three fire alarm signal is advocated to ensure occupant recognition of the fire alarm. Also, a communication system combined with closed‐circuit televisions (CCTVs) is recommended to convey precise information to the public. Building managers are considered responsible for developing a fire safety plan, and for ensuring that employees are well trained and that communication among staff is efficient in order to transmit information to the public that will prompt fast and safe evacuation movement.
Multi-UAV Cooperative Surveillance with Spatio-Temporal Specifications

We present a path planning algorithm for time-critical cooperative surveillance using a set of unmanned aerial platforms. The unique constraints imposed by maneuver limits and body-fixed cameras make the problem quite challenging. An Integer Programming(IP)-based strategy for successfully operating within these constraints is developed. IP is applied over a receding planning horizon with terminal cost to reduce the computational effort of the planner and to incorporate feed-back. The main contribution of the paper is the incorporation of highly constrained motion and sensor capabilities of the vehicles in the mathematical programming formalism. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach
Pathologic and biologic response to preoperative endocrine therapy in patients with ER-positive ductal carcinoma in situ

Background Endocrine therapy is commonly recommended in the adjuvant setting for patients as treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, it is unknown whether a neoadjuvant (preoperative) anti-estrogen approach to DCIS results in any biological change. This study was undertaken to investigate the pathologic and biomarker changes in DCIS following neoadjuvant endocrine therapy compared to a group of patients who did not undergo preoperative anti-estrogenic treatment to determine whether such treatment results in detectable histologic alterations.
Mental Health and Family Out-of-Pocket Expenditure Burdens

A growing literature finds that a significant fraction of American families experience high or "catastrophic" burdens of medical spending. Families facing mental health problems may be especially vulnerable to high burdens. This study uses data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to determine the annual and within-year concentration of medical spending and the extent to which mental health treatment contributes to high out-of-pocket burdens among families with and without mental health problems. On average, families incurred 44% of non-mental health and 37% of out-of-pocket mental health treatment expenditures in a single month. Families with one or more members experiencing mental health problems were more likely to have periods of high out-of-pocket spending burdens. However, this study found that mental health treatment itself contributes little to high out-of-pocket spending burdens. Most of the burden was due to other medical conditions and lower average incomes among families with mental health problems.