cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of neurulation and interkinetic nuclear migration by concanavalin A in explanted early chick embryos.

Abstract Effects of concanavalin A (Con A) were tested in chick embryos explanted at stages 4–7 and cultured for 24 hr. Con A (12–24 μg/ml) blocked neural tube formation by inhibiting interkinetic nuclear migration, irrespective of the stage at explanation. Somites, although less numerous than controls, were almost normal in appearance. Blastodermal expansion, heart development, and blood island formation usually were unaffected. Light microscopic and autoradiographic studies showed that the application of Con A (16 μg/ml or lower) caused no obvious variations in cell morphology, mitotic activity, and uptake of [ 3 H]thymidine and [ 3 H]uridine. The grafting experiments showed that Con A (16 μg/ml) strongly inhibited the differentiation of Hensen's node grafts, but not their neural inducing capacity. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Con A was reversible, i.e., embryos retained the ability to recover from sublethal effects of Con A when, after 4–5 hr of treatment, subcultured on plain nutrient medium.
Transport of iron and transferrin synthesis by the seminiferous epithelium of the rat in vivo.

The transport of radioactive iron across the seminiferous tubules was analyzed in vivo by light-microscope quantitative radioautography. At 5 mm after a single intratesticular injection of 55Fe-transferrin, a strong labeling of the basal aspect of the seminiferous epithelium was observed. Between 30 mm and 2 h, the labeling on the basal aspect of the seminiferous epithelium decreased. This decrease was accompanied by a substantial increase of the radioautographic reaction over the cellular elements in the adluminal compartment. These results were consistent with the demonstration of 59Fe associated with meiotic sperinatocytes and differentiating spermatids isolated by velocity sedimentation from testes injected with 59Fe-transferrin. Furthermore, after a single intratesticular injection of 59Fe- labeled human transferrin, radiolabeled rat transferrin was immunoprecipitated from homogenates of isolated tubules with a specific antibody and appeared as a single radioactive band on fluorographs of urea/polyacrylamide gels. Similarly, 59Fe-labeled rat transferrin but not ‘25ltransferrmn was immunoprecipitated from rete testis fluids of testes infused with either 59Fe- or ‘251-labeled human transferrin. Finally, the synthesis of testicular transferrin in vivo was demonstrated in fluorographs of immunoprecipitated transferrin after an intratesticular injection of 35S-metbionine in rats whose livers were excluded from the general circulation by ligation of both the hepatic artery and the portal vein. Thus, our results demonstrated a unidirectional system of iron transport from the basal compartment of the seminiferous epithelium to the germ cells in the adluminal compartment involving two distinct transferrins, i.e., a serum transferrin and a
A simple nearest-neighbor flocking rule

The original flocking model proposed and simulated by Reynolds [1987] and recently analytically verified to be convergent in a modified form by Tanner et. al. demands tracking and combining the movement parameters of a potentially large number of neighboring agents. We investigate an alternative simplification of the verified model wherein only two nearest neighbors are taken into account in a way that minimally preserves the convergence properties. We find that this choice also simplifies the geometry of the converged state from an amorphous distribution to a line. We speculate that this method might serve as the basis for forming more structured equilibrium distributions.
Elastic block ciphers: method, security and instantiations

We introduce the concept of an elastic block cipher which refers to stretching the supported block size of a block cipher to any length up to twice the original block size while incurring a computational workload that is proportional to the block size. Our method uses the round function of an existing block cipher as a black box and inserts it into a substitution- permutation network. Our method is designed to enable us to form a reduction between the elastic and the original versions of the cipher. Using this reduction, we prove that the elastic version of a cipher is secure against key-recovery attacks if the original cipher is secure against such attacks. We note that while reduction-based proofs of security are a cornerstone of cryptographic analysis, they are typical when complete components are used as sub-components in a larger design. We are not aware of the use of such techniques in the case of concrete block cipher designs. We demonstrate the general applicability of the elastic block cipher method by constructing examples from existing block ciphers: AES, Camellia, MISTY1, and RC6. We compare the performance of the elastic versions to that of the original versions and evaluate the elastic versions using statistical tests measuring the randomness of the ciphertext. We also use our examples to demonstrate the concept of a generic key schedule for block ciphers.
Development of a BPM lock-in diagnostic system

A system has been developed for the acquisition and analysis of high rate, time coherent BPM data across the Jefferson Lab's Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF). This system will allow the acquisition of Beam Position Monitor (BPM) position and intensity information at a rate in excess 7 KHz for approximately 200 BPMs in a time synchronous manner. By inducing minute sinusoidal transverse beam motion in the CEBAF injector, with known phase relative to the synchronized BPM acquisition, it is possible to derive several types of useful information. Analysis of the BPM intensity data, which is proportional to beam current, by beating the signal with an in-phase sinusoidal representation of the transverse kick can localize beam scraping to a particular BPM. Similarly, real-time optics information may be deduced with an analysis of BPM position data. This paper will detail the frequency lock-in technique applied and present status.
The stigma of mental illness on children of color

Children and adolescents who have been designated as mentally ill, mentally retarded, juvenile delinquent, poor, homeless, or sexually abused at some point in their lives experience a great deal of difficulty in removing such labels. Society has persisted in using these labels even when the designated person is engaged in many of the things taken for granted among "normal" persons of their age and culture. The author discusses the stigma that results from unreliable, invalid, unstandardized identification of psychiatric disorders, particularly among children from ethnic minority groups. Research is needed that improves clinical information processing, particularly among the multicultural population of the United States. For too long majority-based norms have been the focus of research, with little consideration given to the creative adaptations that have occurred among ethnic minority groups.
The Practice of Recording Music: Remixing as Recoding

L'article examine les dilemmes esthetiques et culturels apportes par le remixage de musique ancienne pour la creation de sons nouveaux
An Analysis of the Shift-in-Purpose Approach to Fourth Amendment Jurisprudence in Delaware

Over the past three years, the Delaware Supreme Court has issued a series of opinions analyzing police encounters with citizens and the encounters’ effects on subsequent motions to suppress. In these opinions, the Court has attempted to clarify the murky Fourth Amendment line where a consensual encounter may turn into something different. This article discusses those cases in the context of a Fourth Amendment continuum, and it proposes a straightforward framework counsel may use to explore the underlying encounter and aid the trial court’s analysis of a motion to suppress. Adopting the proposed “shift in purpose” framework could help prosecutors, defense counsel, and the trial judge determine whether and at what point (if at all) a police officer has violated a person’s rights under the Fourth Amendment or the Delaware Constitution. The article then examines additional doctrines that may apply when there has been such a violation. Finally, the article concludes with a brief examination of the Delaware Supreme Court’s recent decision in Moore v. State, which applied some of these principles.
TOPOCLIMATIC CONTROLS IN AN ALPINE FELLFIELD AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The interaction of topography and ambient atmospheric conditions and their combined effect on surface climate are studied in the alpine fellfield on Niwot Ridge, Colorado Front Range. Insolation, net shortwave and all-wave radiation, surface and air temperatures, ground heat flux, wind speed, and evapotranspiration are analyzed in order to characterize moisture and energy exchanges. The spatial pattern of daily energy and moisture fluxes is influenced more by cloud cover than topographic position. The daily radiation load is usually highest on east-facing slopes because clear mornings are commonly followed by cumulus development during midday and early afternoon. In the dominant westerly wind regime, wind speeds on east-facing slopes are lower than elsewhere. Strong insolation produces high rates of evapotranspiration from the thin, sandy/gravelly fellfield soil when moisture is abundant. After a few consecutive precipitation-free days, large radiation loads produce high surface temperatures, especially o...
Landscape network congruency at the ecoregion scale: can we expect corridor ‘umbrellas’?

ABSTRACTConservation planners are faced with numerous choices regarding ‘what to connect’ when modeling landscape networks on an ecoregion scale. A simplifying assumption is often that coarse-scale corridors may provide overlapping or ‘umbrella’ effects for multiple conservation scenarios. To examine this, we assessed differences in connectivity models arising from four different conservation scenarios for the transboundary Northern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion (330,000 km2). Models resulted in networks comprised of varying levels of connectedness, suggesting the presence of local connectivity at several sub-ecoregion scales, but diminished ecoregion-scale connectivity. Our results also indicate that selecting ‘what to connect’ at the ecoregion scale strongly influences the location and extent of modeled corridors. Further, our evidence suggests that landscape networks derived for one scenario are not likely to produce far-reaching corridor umbrellas or highly coincident landscape networks for alternativ...
ET1D: New One Dimensional P- and S-Wave Velocity Models for the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone

A joint hypocenter-velocity inversion for the eastern Tennessee seismic zone (ETSZ) has produced one-dimensional P - and S -wave velocity models for the upper crust. The models, called ET1D, are based upon P - and S -wave arrival times from 492 earthquakes recorded by regional seismic networks. P - and S -wave velocity models were computed independently. The final 1D velocity models display a systematic increase of velocity with depth and a stable V p / V s ratio between 1.72 and 1.74. Relocation using ET1D reduced scatter in hypocenter locations, primarily through changes in focal depth. Relocated hypocenters also had reduced RMS residuals, horizontal errors, and vertical errors relative to values obtained with the velocity model presently used for hypocenter determinations in the ETSZ. ET1D was extended to include the entire crust to allow this model to be used for routine hypocenter determinations in the ETSZ.
Interpretation of Traumatic Lumbar Puncture

The records of two cohorts of children who received lumbar puncture (LP) for suspected meningitis at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, were reviewed retrospectively to determine the value of a ratio of observed to predicted (O:P) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cells (WBC) after a traumatic LP in the differentiation of children with and without meningitis.
Introduction to special issue on critical physical geography

The relationship (or lack thereof) between physical and human geography is a longstanding discussion within our field. In PiPG alone there have been dozens of articles that raise the issue over more than three decades. Some authors call for physical/human synthesis (e.g. Bracken and Oughton’s 2009 special issue of Area; Clifford, 2002; Harrison et al.’s 2008 special issue of Geoforum; Massey, 1999; Thornes, 1981); others are less convinced that deep integration is feasible, or even desirable (e.g. Demeritt, 2009; Johnston, 1983; Johnston, 2012; Thrift, 2002). But even a brief review of the literature makes two points glaringly clear: this discussion has been going on for decades and, given its regular reoccurrence, it would seem we have remarkably little to show for it. A great deal of ink and angst has been expended on the topic of integrating our field, and yet physical and human geography appear to have remained stubbornly, and in some cases hostilely, separate. Given that long and not notably effective history, why would you bother to read this special issue? Because the articles that follow depart from every paper cited above in one very important way: instead of calling for integrated work, they do it, demonstrating the scientific and political utility of integrating critical human and physical geography in practice. Individually or in teams, the authors in this special issue work across the divide, combining insights from geomorphology, ecology, and biogeography with approaches from participatory action research, political ecology, science and technology studies, and environmental history. While these authors hail from disparate geographic fields, the broad approach they share is critical physical geography (Lave, 2014; Lave et al., 2014), a new field that combines
Bringing Sexy Back: Sexuality and Intimacy Concerns in an Advanced Heart Failure Population Receiving Palliative Care Consultation

s S19 of gastric bypass is deemed too high, such as individuals with HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). Our program collaborated with our weight loss clinic to offer LSG to patients meeting clinical indications. We report our experience in patients with HF and LVAD who underwent LSG. Methods: 12 morbidly obese patients, 9 with HF and 3 with LVAD, underwent LSG since 9/2013. A retrospective review of the medical record was conducted to evaluate the effects of LSG on weight, BMI, NYHA class, ejection fraction (EF), VO2 max, and diuretic dosing. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results: There were NO deaths or complications requiring reoperation. Weight loss was 33.9 ± 14.5 kg at 6 months and 37.9 ± 13.5 kg at 1 year. BMI fell from 45.9 ± 4.7 to 34.9 ± 3.8 at 1 year. NYHA class improved from III to II, and VO2 max improved from 11.4 ± 2.4 to 13.2 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min. EF was 23.4% ± 11.2 pre-LSG and 27.3% ± 11.9 at 1 year post-LSG. Daily diuretic dose requirements fell from 108 ± 124 mg of furosemide to 46 ± 70 mg. No patients with HF have required LVAD or HTX after LSG. 1 patient with LVAD underwent HTX and 1 is nearly eligible due to LSG facilitated weight loss. Conclusion: LSG appears to be safe and effective for weight loss in obese LVAD and HF patients. Patients had significant improvement in functional status and reduced daily need for diuretics. LSG facilitated HTX in a patient with LVAD due to adequate weight loss. Although no patients with HF required HTX or LVAD, the fall in BMI may allow some of them to be eligible for future HTX. Additional studies are needed to further delineate the safety and efficacy of LSG in obese patients with HF or VAD.
Electrochemical Ion-Exchange Regeneration and Fluidized Bed Crystallization for Zero-Liquid-Discharge Water Softening.

This research investigated the use of an electrochemical system for regenerating ion-exchange media and for promoting the crystallization of hardness minerals in a fluidized bed crystallization reactor (FBCR). The closed-loop process eliminates the creation of waste brine solutions that are normally produced when regenerating ion-exchange media. A bipolar membrane electrodialysis stack was used to generate acids and bases from 100 mM salt solutions. The acid was used to regenerate weak acid cation (WAC) ion-exchange media used for water softening. The base solutions were used to absorb CO2 gas and to provide a source of alkalinity for removing noncarbonate hardness by WAC media operated in H+ form. The base solutions were also used to promote the crystallization of CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 in a FBCR. The overall process removes hardness ions from the water being softened and replaces them with H+ ions, slightly decreasing the pH value of the softened water. The current utilization efficiency for acid and base pr...
The influence of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment on the level of plasma ADH of children with nocturnal enuresis

Objective:To realize therapeutic effect of moxibustion with needles to primary nocturnal enuresis(PNE) of serum antidiuretic hormone(ADH).Methods:This study was prospectively planned to detect serum ADH and serum osmolality at 10am and 11pm and morning(7am) and afternoon(3pm) urine osmolality in 25 PNE children before and after moxibustion with needles therapy.Results:In PNE group,the peak value of ADH level of 11pm actually occurred was much lower than serium ADH level of 10am.There appeared that a very significant difference existed between these 2 levels(P0.05).In therapeutic group,however,serum ADH(11pm) and ADH(10am) levels were nearly in a same range and no significant difference could be observed with respectively(P0.05).It appeared that ADH(11pm) of PNE group was much lower than that of therapeutic group and there existed a very significant difference between ADH(11pm) levels(P0.05) and no significant difference could be observed between ADH(10am) levels of these 2 groups(P0.05).The osmolality of first morning urine(7am)specimen in PNE group was significantly lower than therapeutic group(P0.01) and no significant difference could be observed between 3pm urine of the 2 groups(P0.05).Serum osmolality was no significant difference in the 2 groups(P0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion with needles has obvious effect on improving PNE children′s Symptoms,and the mechanism may be that Moxibustion with needles therapy stimulate serum antidiuretic hormone′ releasing.
Effects of the CCK receptor antagonist L364,718 on pancreatic growth in adult and developing animals

Although exogenous administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) or dietary manipulation to increase circulating CCK have previously been shown to promote pancreatic growth, the role of CCK in controlling normal pancreatic development remains unclear. A potent CCK receptor antagonist, L364,718, was administered to rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters to block the effect of endogenous CCK. Animals were given continuous infusions of L364,718 (25 nmol.kg-1.h-1), CCK octapeptide [(CCK-8) 200 pmol.kg-1.h-1], or both CCK-8 and L364,718 for 14 and 28 days. Adult (4-mo-old) and young (4-wk-old) animals were used. CCK-8 and L364,718 were administered via separate, subcutaneously implanted mini-osmotic pumps. Infusions of CCK-8 alone for 28 days resulted in a 21.7% increase in wet pancreatic weight in 4-wk-old rats and a 22.7% increase in 4-wk-old guinea pigs (both P less than 0.001 compared with controls). Similar increases were found in DNA, RNA, and total protein contents. Coadministration of L364,718 totally blocked the trophic effects of exogenously infused CCK-8 in rats and guinea pigs. Administration of L364,718 alone in hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats for 14 and 28 days failed to alter the normal growth of the pancreas gland as measured by these parameters. Although elevated levels of CCK appear to promote a potent trophic response in the growing pancreas, this regulatory peptide does not appear to be an essential trophic factor for the normal growth of the exocrine pancreas in these animals.
Nitric oxide inhibitors facilitate the induction of hippocampal long-term potentiation by modulating NMDA responses

1. The effects of the competitive nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine (L-NOArg), on synaptically activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) currents and the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) were studied in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. 2. Application of 10 microM L-NOArg increased the amplitude of NMDA currents by approximately 50% in the presence of 2 mM extracellular Mg2+. This augmentation occurred within minutes of L-NOArg administration and was readily reversible on removal of the drug. L-arginine (100 microM) overcame the enhancement produced by L-NOArg. 3. At 5-100 microM, 10-25-min applications of L-NOArg facilitated the induction of LTP produced by a single 100 Hz X 300 ms tetanus. In control slices, the 100 Hz X 300 ms tetanus was insufficient to induce LTP. The development of LTP in L-NOArg-treated slices was inhibited by 50 microM D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (D-APV), and the effects of L-NOArg were overcome by 10-fold higher concentrations of L-arginine but not by D-arginine. 4. Hemoglobin, an agent that binds NO extracellularly, also facilitated NMDA currents and the development of LTP when administered at 10 microM. 5. These results suggest that tonically released NO modulates the threshold for LTP in the CA1 hippocampal region and are consistent with prior studies indicating that untimely activation of NMDA receptors and release of NO inhibit LTP.
Integrating geriatrics and oncology.

Abstract Background. A geriatric education retreat in oncology was held in February 1997 to develop a plan to integrate geriatrics into oncology. Methods. A group of 42 geriatricians and medical oncologists convened to assess the means of incorporating the contents of geriatrics into oncology training. The basic science and clinical aspects of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers in older persons and the geriatric aspects of aging were presented. Results and conclusions. This comprehensive review of the problems of aging and cancer provided encouragement to representatives of both disciplines to stimulate further research and clinical training relating to the problems of aging and cancer. The overall conclusions considered means to reach this goal.
42. EEG in coma and prognosis

Coma and encephalopathy pose major clinical challenges in management and prognostication. Delays in diagnosis worsen outcome. The EEG reveals a variety of patterns typical of encephalopathy and coma that correspond to different levels of consciousness, stages of evolution, etiologies and prognosis. A recognition of EEG patterns that include different dominating frequencies (alpha, beta, theta, delta), their variability over time, different morphologies, the existence of sleep elements, reactivity to external stimuli, and the correlation of these EEG elements to underlying causes, can guide the intensivist and clinician towards optimal treatment strategies. Following cardiac arrest, when there is encephalopathy and coma, there are various EEG patterns that can complement the clinical examination and other diagnostic studies, and that are indicative of ultimate outcome, are diagnosic of intercurrent seizures, or can be indications of the futility of treatment. EEG can rapidly, safely and inexpensively guide clinicians and families towards the optimal understanding of encephalopathy and coma syndromes that are challenging and stressful to family and treatment teams, alike.
The Construction of Hinduism in America

Yet, there has never been a unified or singular Hinduism in America. Rather, the story of Hinduisms in America provides an important example for the ways a religious tradition is imagined in America. In the 18th and 19th century, Americans described religion in India as ‘heathenism’, ‘Hindoo religion’, ‘Hindu religion’, and ‘Brahmanism’. By the end of the 19th century, figures like Swami Vivekanada brought the idea of ‘Hinduism’, a world religion, to America. In the 20th century, Hindu immigrants from South Asia began to build temples and practice their own forms of Hinduism throughout the United States.
Standard end-user/supplier technical power distribution equipment designs for use within oil & gas facilities

This paper presents a standardized approach to the design of power distribution equipment for use within oil & gas facilities. This paper describes the interaction between end-user, contractor and power distribution equipment suppliers and how the standard designs will be constructed to support oil & gas plants and projects around the globe. These designs involve development of pre-agreed "standard" technical power distribution equipment specifications between the end-user and supplier(s) aligned with the supplier's standard. Power distribution equipment may include but are not limited to low and medium voltage ANSI and IEC transformers, switchgear, and motor control centers. These end-user/supplier specifications will also comprise of pricing for the various types of power distribution equipment and services to support their procurement on projects. These resulting arrangements will offset the need to bid and permit the end-user to pre-select a supplier early on a project to support the design of power distribution equipment. This paper will also demonstrate how these standard equipment designs can positively impact equipment safety, quality, design, engineering, reliability and end-user, supplier, & contractor costs.
Imposed Lack of Fit as a Means of Enhancing Space Truss Design

Space trusses with a high degree of static redundancy, such as double-layer grids, are highly sensitive to imperfections. Substantial reductions in load-bearing capacity are caused primarily by random lack of fit (LOF) of members, associated with brittle-type compressive member buckling. A substantial increase in load-bearing capacity and/or reduction in weight can be achieved by imposing lack of fit on selected members in a controlled manner. Such prestressing by imposed lack of fit utilizes the compressive capacity of nominally tensile members and can be used to compensate for the deleterious effect of random lack of fit.A simple algorithm is presented for obtaining LOF patterns that minimize weight or maximize load-bearing capacity for a class of trusses in which members' cross-section properties are proportionally fixed. The algorithm is based on the flexibility method of structural analysis and on the simplex method of linear programming. Some illustrative examples suggest the possibility of doubling...
The Ultimate Matthew Effect for Sheng

The Matthew effect is simply the accrual of social benefits or detriments over time. This paper explores the social science term not only from a linguistic perspective but also with an ecological aspect. Sheng, like other urban vernaculars, germinated in a superb hotbed of language mixing. Speakers of different languages were forced to co-exist, and a need for an unmarked ecological corridor emerged. This article, however, is more concerned with the disadvantages faced by first language speakers. By asserting that Sheng is nothing but a game or slang, the “educated” not only hinder education of native speakers, but also deny them status as a minority community in their own country, the ultimate Matthew effect.
A Pluralist Before Her Time: Simone Weil on the World Religions

Simone Weil’s reflections on the world religions bulk large in her writings. She was, indeed, a pluralist ahead of her times, since she expressed her, sometimes controversial, views on the world religions in the’thirties and’forties. She argued, for example, that the Greek’s understanding of suffering implied the notion of grace and denigrated Judaism for dismissing a priori the historical texts of the Hebrew Bible. Weil’s thoughts bear a striking similarity to today’s comparative theology, as expressed by such theologians as F.X. Clooney . Weil notes that Western concepts should not be imposed on non-Western religions. Her understanding of religious pluralism gives today’s theologians a new way of doing theology and offers hope for the future of interreligious dialogue.
Barriers to community garden success: demonstrating framework for expert consensus to inform policy and practice.

Abstract Community gardens receive much attention for the benefits offered to participants and their communities. However, research has documented a variety of barriers and challenges that community gardeners and support organizations face in establishing and maintaining gardens. These issues may dilute service providers’ impact, by reducing their attention to the more pressing factors that result in garden failure. Additionally, access to resources to mitigate these challenges and barriers differ from region to region. This demonstrates a significant need to identify the most pervasive barriers, challenges and obstacles in order to refine the focus of support programs and provide concentrated efforts to better position community gardens for success. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the use of a framework to inform the development of policies and programs that stakeholders, including Extension, can adopt for overcoming the most frustrating impediments to success. It did so by using an underused but appropriately matched tool, the Delphi technique, which can easily be adopted by community garden stakeholders. Because the types of stakeholders are diverse and challenges are complex, the objectives were to determine whether consensus could be achieved and whether a core set of barriers exist. The group agreed upon four barriers, with the highest level of agreement centering on the challenge of time demand for community engagement.
The Development of Mid-Wavelength Photoresponsivity in the Mouse Retina.

Purpose: Photoreceptors in the mouse retina express much of the molecular machinery necessary for phototransduction and glutamatergic transmission prior to eye opening at postnatal day 13 (P13). Li...
Developmental Neurotoxicity of Alcohol: Effects and Mechanisms of Ethanol on the Developing Brain

Abstract Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) encompasses all the consequences of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy in the offspring. Central nervous system dysfunctions and structural and functional brain abnormalities are the most deleterious consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure leading to cognitive and behavioral impairment that affect individuals throughout life. This chapter describes the cognitive, neurobehavioral, and brain structural abnormalities identified in humans following in utero alcohol exposure. This chapter also describes FASD animal models used in research to increase the understanding of the consequences of alcohol exposure during gestation on the developing brain. Finally, this chapter describes the cellular/molecular mechanisms involved in the developmental neurotoxicity of alcohol as well as the interventions that have been proposed and are currently under investigation to improve the consequences of in utero alcohol exposure.
Countermeasures for Radioactively Contaminated Forests in the Russian Federation

A special system of countermeasures to ensure safe radiological management of contaminated forests has been introduced recently in contaminated territories of the Russian Federation. This contamination consists of long lived radionuclides. These territories include 133 forest management units with 350 forestries (forest management sub-units). The area contaminated due to the Chernobyl and East Ural accidents is estimated to be at about 1 and 0.5 million hectares, respectively. About two million hectares have been contaminated in the Altay region and in the Mount Altay Republic due to weapons testing at the Semipalatinsk Testing area. In addition, the Federated forest Service is responsible for forest management of vast territories contaminated by other, smaller scale nuclear accidents.
Human Nature and Research Paradigms: Theory Meets Physical Therapy Practice.

Human nature is a very complex phenomenon. In physical therapy this complexity is enhanced by the need to understand the intersection between the art and science of human behavior and patient care. A paradigm is a set of basic beliefs that represent a worldview, defines the nature of the world and the individual’s place in it, and helps to determine criteria used to select and define research inquiry. A paradigm guides scientific inquiry, not only in the manner in which an investigation is performed, but also in how the investigator defines truth and reality and how the investigator comes to know truth or reality. A paradigm guides the types of research questions that will be posed, the methodological approach to the inquiry, and criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of the inquiry. Research plays an important role in enabling physical therapists to fully embrace the values of the profession, including evidence-based practice and clientcentered care, in making informed clinical decisions. However, to do so, the research provided must include not only the views of the researchers, but also the lived experiences of the clients as well. This paper provides the reader with a solid foundation in the positivist/post-positivist, constructivist, and critical theorist research paradigms and how they apply in physical therapy practice. Research perspectives in physical therapy are explored, as are implications for future practice in physical
Dynamic Modeling and Vibratory Response of Human Subjects in Heave Mode

Summary Transient and steady-state response data from human subjects exposed to vibrations in heave mode have been found to be of much use in analysis and proper design of hand-held tools, automobiles, mass-tranait vehicle suspension systems, and passenger elevators and machinery. This paper discusses a sixteen-mass lumped-parameter dynamic model of human subjects which reproduces measured response peaks at various resonance frequencies and reasonably conforms to the experimental response curves at the remaining frequencies.
Beneficial Effects of Kaempferol after Developmental Traumatic Brain Injury Is through Protection of Mitochondrial Function, Oxidative Metabolism, and Neural Viability.

Abstract Oxidative energy metabolism is depressed after mild/moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) during early development, accompanied by behavioral debilitation and secondary neuronal death. A T...
Does modality matter? A comparison of aspiring leaders’ learning online and face-to-face

Expectations for online distance delivery of higher education courses and programmes are increasing globally, begging the question, ‘Does modality matter?’ Pedagogic research comparing online and f...
Tracking disease progression in familial and sporadic frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Recent findings from ARTFL and LEFFTDS.

Author(s): Rosen, Howard J; Boeve, Bradley F; Boxer, Adam L | Abstract: IntroductionFamilial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (f-FTLD) due to autosomal dominant mutations is an important entity for developing treatments for FTLD. The Advancing Research and Treatment for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ARTFL) and Longitudinal Evaluation of Familial Frontotemporal Dementia Subjects (LEFFTDS) longitudinal studies were designed to describe the natural history of f-FTLD.MethodsWe summarized recent publications from the ARTFL and LEFFTDS studies, along with other recent publications describing the natural history of f-FTLD.ResultsPublished and emerging studies are producing data on all phases of f-FTLD, including the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of disease, as well as the transitional phase when symptoms are just beginning to develop. These data indicate that rates of change increase along with disease severity, which is consistent with commonly cited models of neurodegeneration, and that measurement of biomarkers may predict onset of symptoms.DiscussionData from large multisite studies are producing important data on the natural history of f-FTLD that will be critical for planning intervention trials.
The factorial validity of the Cornell Critical Thinking Tests: A multi-analytic approach

Abstract An unresolved issue in the measurement of critical thinking is the underlying factor structure of available instruments. The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests Level X ( Ennis, Millman, & Tomko, 2005 ) is a widely used assessment of critical thinking in educational settings for students in grades 4−14. Perhaps due to the scale’s intentional complex factor structure with overlapping dimensions, there is surprisingly limited empirical evidence available on its dimensionality to guide score-based decisions. Based on elementary student data (N = 2265), we used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to examine the instrument’s factor structure and compare results across procedures. ESEM yielded an interpretable factor solution that demonstrated measurement invariance across independent samples, whereas EFA and CFA procedures resulted in substantial item reduction and fewer interpretable factors. Implications for research on critical thinking assessment are discussed.
Ambiguous Rhetoric and Legislative Accountability

Work on candidate positioning suggests that ambiguous statements help candidates by broadening their appeal and providing leeway to take different positions once in office. While experimental resea...
Feasibility Study of a Stretchable Antenna Conformed on an Expandable Cylindrical Surface

Stretchable antennas are valuable to a wide range of applications, from biomedical field to transportation or weather forecast. The objective of this paper is to present a feasibility study for designing a stretchable antenna that has a better tradeoff between the gain and stretchablity, compared to previous studies. As the antenna under study is conformed to a cylindrical surface, the potential applications include integration with tires or balloons.
Improved non-perturbative renormalization without cNGI☆

Recently, a method for O(a) improvement of composite operators has been proposed which uses the large momentum behavior of fixed gauge quark and gluon correlation functions (G. Martinelli et al., hep-lat/0106003). A practical problem with this method is that a particular improvement coefficient, cNGI, which has a gauge non-covariant form, is difficult to determine. Here I work out the size of the errors made in improvement coefficients and physical quantities if one does not include the cNGI term.
Towards personalized medicine: Photoacoustic imaging of glutathione enables companion diagnosis and targeted treatment of lung cancer

Companion diagnostics (CDx) represent a new frontier in personalized medicine that promises to improve treatment outcomes by matching therapies to patients. Currently, these tests are limited in scope and cannot report on real-time changes associated with disease progression and remediation. To address this, we have developed the first photoacoustic imaging-based CDx (PACDx) for the selective detection of elevated glutathione (GSH) in lung cancer. Since GSH is abundant in most cells, we utilized a physical organic approach to precisely tune the chemical reactivity to distinguish between normal and pathological states. In blinded studies, PACDx was applied to identify mice bearing lung tumors. Moreover, we designed a matching prodrug, PARx, that utilizes the same mechanism to release a chemotherapeutic with a PA readout. We demonstrate that PARx can inhibit tumor growth without off-target toxicity in a lung cancer xenograft model. We envision that this work will establish a new standard for personalized medicine by employing a unique imaging-based approach.
Lactoferrin for the treatment of age-associated inflammation - A pilot study.

Background Chronic inflammation (CI) is a common trait of aging associated with adverse outcomes including mortality. We hypothesized that recombinant human Lactoferrin (rhLf) would reduce chronic inflammation of aging. Methods Thirty-six community dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to rhLf or placebo treatment in 1:1 ratio for 3 months. IL-6, sTNFR1, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Complete Blood Count (CBC) were measured at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Physical and cognitive measures were completed at same timepoints, including 4-m walking speed (m/s), grip strength (kg), 6-min walking distance (m), home activity measured by accelerometer, trail making test - Part A (s) and - Part B (s), and Digit symbol substitution test (number correctly coded). Primary outcomes were differences in IL-6 and sTNFR1 concentrations evaluated by generalized linear model with log-link and gamma family distribution, controlling for baseline cytokine concentrations. Results rhLF was well-tolerated. There were a significant number of abdominal complaints and increased drop-out rate in placebo group. Participants in rhLf arm had non-significant lower mean percent increase in IL6 at 3 months (rhLf mean IL-6 6% lower than control, P = 0.843), and sTNFaR1 (rhLf mean 2% lower than control, P = 0.36). No significant changes were observed for the cognitive or physical measures. Conclusion Treatment with rhLf did not significantly alter serum IL6 or sTNFR1 concentrations of older adults. This study may have been underpowered to detect difference, but provided evidence that a larger sample-size could more definitively determine the effect of rhLF on age-associated CI.
In Situ Observation of Fracture Behavior of Bamboo Culm

The fracture behavior of bamboo culm under three-point bending has been studied using a micromechanical tester in conjunction with an optical microscope which enabled in situ observation of crack initiation and propagation in the microarchitecture of fiber bundles, parenchyma cells, and vascular bundles. Fiber orientation was found to strongly influence the bamboo’s fracture behavior. When loading was orientated along fiber bundles, fracture occurred in a brittle manner, whereas when loading was applied perpendicular to fiber bundles, cracks propagated in a trans-parenchyma cell manner accompanied by crack bridging and fiber pulling-out. The cracks preferred to propagate in the fashion of trans-parenchyma cells and inter-fibers. The findings inform future simulation and modeling with correct boundary conditions and parameters, and provide additional design guidelines for developing high-performance bamboo-like composites.
Evolution of WDM in transport networks

Summary form only given. The initial application of WDM technology in long distance transport networks has been a large success. It solved a severe capacity problem quickly, and at a cost much lower than possible with the alternatives available. This tutorial will examine WDM networking systems, both present and future, from the point of view of a telecommunications network operator. It will first examine today's WDM network applications, including the service drivers, the economic factors, and the way it is integrated with other elements of the transport solution. It then moves on to examine how the role of WDM systems will change in the future. What services will expand WDM technology deployment beyond long-distance network applications? What problems will it solve? How will WDM compare with other alternatives? Finally, how will WDM transport solutions fit in with the other networking layers to create an overall transport solution? It will attempt to predict the evolution of WDM networking technology, moving from today's primarily transmission technology, to a fully functional networking layer. How will this be accomplished in an evolutionary way, continually solving real network problems, and doing so in an economical way?.
Equilibria in the fibrinogen-fibrin conversion. IX. Effects of calcium ions on the reversible polymerization of fibrin monomer.

An investigation was made of the role of calcium ions in the reversible stage of fibrin polymerization, using a direct and relatively simple approach. Purified fibrin monomer in solution (7.5 mg/ml) in 1.0 m NaBr (pH 5.3) was polymerized by raising the pH to 5.7–7.7 by the addition of aliquots of standard NaOH solution and the rate and total extent of proton release during polymerization were measured potentiometrically. In the presence of added CaCl2 (10−5-10−2 m) the rate of proton release was increased and the clotting time was decreased. The profile of equilibrium proton release vs pH of polymerization was also shifted, the maximum being increased and occurring at a lower pH. Sedimentation velocity studies in the intermediate pH range (5.7–6.0) showed that the altered profile of equilibrium proton release was due to a broadening of the pH range of polymerization, and that polymerization remained reversible in the presence of CaCl2. At pH 5.3, where fibrin is essentially monomeric, addition of CaCl2 resulted in the release of protons and small increases in sedimentation coefficient and reduced viscosity. Under the same conditions, a similar release of protons was observed from fibrinogen, but there was no effect on its sedimentation coefficient. It was concluded that the proton release at pH 5.3 was due mainly to binding of calcium ions to fibrinogen and fibrin monomer. The effect of CaCl2 on the sedimentation coefficient of fibrin at pH 5.3 was found to decrease with decreasing protein concentration, indicating that it was the result of a small extent of polymerization, rather than a conformational change. Added MgCl2 had no effect on fibrin monomer at pH 5.3 and no significant effect on the rate or extent of proton release during polymerization at higher pH, indicating that there are specific binding sites for calcium ions in fibrinogen and fibrin. The observed effects of bound calcium ions on reversible fibrin polymerization are explained most simply in electrostatic terms.
Public Interventions Supporting Innovation in Small and Medium-Size Firms. Successes or Failures? A Probit Analysis

The aim of this work is to investigate the probability of success or failure of public interventions, made to support the development of some Italian firms. The great number of small and medium-size enterprises, placed in the Canavese area, north of Turin, Italy, has suffered, in the nineties, of a gap in technological innovation in their production. The Consortium for the Canavese Technological District (CCTD), a public local association established in 1993 specifically to support the firms of the area, has supplied them with some technological, innovative services, sustaining their growth. More exactly, some research centres, named Centres of Competence, were created, with the pre-existing structures of the Polytechnic of Turin and of the firm RTM (placed in Vico Canavese, Province of Turin): their targets were to supply innovative services to the local firms and to place technical machineries at the disposal of the local units, to support their innovation and competitiveness. The present research analyzes a central point: which has been the impact of these services? Which is the probability that a public o private intervention to innovate has success and brings economic growth to the involved firms? This objective is achieved with a Probit Model, built on a panel of 103 firms, that covers a 6-year range (from 1999 to 2004) and contains their balance-sheets data and the technical information regarding their collaborations with the Centres; the results highlight the role of a solid patrimonial stability, of the choice of the right innovations to apply to the production processes as well as the importance of a high previous technological status of the involved enterprises.
A Review of “Return to the Sea: The Life and Evolutionary Times of Marine Mammals“

Marine mammals are charismatic and iconic representatives of the oceans. With a long evolutionary history, they are textbook examples of evolutionary processes that have adapted them to a life in a...