cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thoracic Extradural Intraspinal Synovial Cyst Causing Progressive Myelopathy: A Case Report.

Synovial cysts of the spine are cystic dilatations of the synovial sheath that are found commonly in the lumbar spine, less frequently in the cervical spine, and rarely in the thoracic spine1-3. These cysts are extradural and intraspinal and originate from the facet capsules as a result of degeneration of the facet joints; they are known as synovial, juxtafacet, ganglion, or ligamentum flavum cysts2 . These cysts cause radiculopathy and/or myelopathy by narrowing the spinal canal or foramen, thereby compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots4-7. We report an extremely rare case of an intraspinal extradural synovial cyst of the thoracic spine causing progressive myelopathy at the T1-T2 level. The patient discussed in this report was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A sixty-one-year-old white man was admitted to the hospital with a chief symptom of progressive gait disturbances and lower-extremity weakness and numbness, which he had been experiencing for three weeks. Symptoms began as a “heavy feeling” in both lower limbs, and the numbness progressed up both lower limbs to the midparts of the thighs over the three-week period. The patient was still able to perform normal daily activities until the last couple of days before admission, when the numbness and tingling began to shoot down the lower limbs, causing gait disturbances, and flexing the neck caused shooting pain down to the toes. The day before admission, the patient had difficulty rising from a seated position. He reported that he felt as though he had “truncal instability” when walking. On admission, the difficulty with walking and standing worsened and quickly progressed to the patient being wheelchair-bound within one hour. He stated that he did not have any other symptoms such as …
Salman Rushdie and Zulfikar Ghose in the Literary Marketplace

The transnational circulation of contemporary literary fiction depends upon a multifaceted set of organizational developments which implicate publishing in global trends in capital and media concentration and in market expansion in the content and trademark industries. It also entails a series of value-regulating mechanisms that shape our ways of reckoning with the products available to us within this complex and shifting system. James F. English and John Frow group such mechanisms within the ‘the literary-value industry’, defined as ‘the whole set of individuals and groups and institutions involved not in producing contemporary fiction as such but in producing the reputations and status positions of contemporary works and authors, situating them on various scales of worth’.1 Agents involved in this process include prize adjudicators, syllabus-makers and list-makers, book-club participants, librarians, theorists, and journalists. In what follows, I draw attention to some of the features of value regulation within the field of postcolonial literary production as I see it. My specific interest is in thinking about how the mechanisms of evaluation at work within this system influence writers’ self-understandings, so that it becomes increasingly problematic to separate out and distinguish among their literature’s content, its availability for transnational product circulation, and its relative consecration as a valued work.2
Adaptive frequency-shaped sliding mode control for narrow-band disturbance rejection

Narrow-band disturbances will generate vibrations at multiple frequencies and cause significant performance degradation in modern high precision control systems. This paper proposes an adaptive frequency-shaped sliding mode control (AFSSMC) algorithm to deal with such disturbances. The proposed AFSSMC incorporates a peak filter with varying central frequencies to shape the sliding surface and thus provides on-line frequency-dependent control allocation. An extended state observer (ESO) is designed to estimate both the states and the disturbances. The disturbance estimate is utilized to identify the peak frequencies of the disturbance and adaptively tune the peak filter in AFSSMC; the state estimate is utilized to generate the control signal. The evaluation is performed on a simulated hard disk drive, and the effectiveness is validated.
The most popular physics meme ever

The term "meme" comes from the Greek word mimeme ("that which is imitated"), and it denotes an entity (such as an idea or symbol) that propagates from mind to mind within a culture.
Reciprocal regulation of IL-17 and IL-22 secretion by CD4 T cells through the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

CD4 T cells are critical for host defense against microorganisms and direct immune responses by differentiating into specialized subsets. While Th17 cells secreting IL-17 and IL-22 contribute to vaccine immunity, they have also been implicated in autoimmune inflammation. Our goal is to understand how endogenous factors regulate Th17 cell cytokine secretion. Murine models have demonstrated that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) can directly promote Th17 cell differentiation or provide systemic anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting that pleiotropic functions of AhR may be dependent the ligand and/or cell type studied. Tryptophan metabolites have been identified as endogenous AhR agonists that can modulate T cell immunity. Here, we examined a potential link between tryptophan metabolism and the AhR on cytokine secretion by primary human CD4 T cells cultured under Th17 conditions. L-tryptophan decreased IL-17 secretion and RORgt expression in T cells, but did not significantly affect IL-22 secretion. Similar results were observed with the tryptophan metabolite L-kynurenine. Conversely, AhR blockade decreased IL-22 with no effect on IL-17 secretion. These data suggest that IL-17 and IL-22 production are reciprocally regulated in human CD4 T cells through tryptophan availability and the AhR, and provide an avenue for therapeutic modulation of pro-inflammatory T cell responses.
Relevance Theory in the Performance of Revelation 17–19:

Relevance theory (RT) describes human communication as a cognitive process that tends to maximize contextual effects while minimizing processing effort. From an RT perspective, translation is a com...
Urban Emissions and Regional Air Quality in India

Satellite observations from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument are used in support of model evaluation of seasonal average results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Model evaluation was conducted with the purpose of identifying regional biases in model output compared to tropospheric columns. Comparison with tropospheric column NO 2 , an anthropogenic indicator, reveal that there are uncertainties regarding the emissions inventory input to CMAQ. Results have implications for developing accurate model inputs to produce accurate model output for relevant health impact assessments, which are increasingly important with increasing population, urbanization, and pollution in the region.
Bounds on quantum confinement effects in metal nanoparticles

Quantum size effects on the permittivity of metal nanoparticles are investigated using the quantum box model. Explicit upper and lower bounds are derived for the permittivity and relaxation rates due to quantum confinement effects. These bounds are verified numerically, and the size-dependence and frequency-dependence of the empirical Drude size parameter is extracted from the model. Results suggest that the common practice of empirically modifying the dielectric function can lead to inaccurate predictions for highly uniform distributions of finite-sized particles.
Accommodating individuals with traumatic brain injury: An analysis of employer-initiated cases handled by the Job Accommodation Network.

Background The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has provided customized accommodation information to employers, individuals with disabilities, and their representatives (e.g., family, rehabilitation counselors, union representatives) since 1983. For each inquiry where such information is sought, detailed records are maintained regarding the type of inquiries made and the information provided. Objective The objective of the current study is to present a descriptive analysis of the employer-initiated cases related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) handled by the accommodation specialists at JAN during the five years from 2012 through 2016. Methods Records related to instances of TBI as recorded by the JAN accommodation specialists were reviewed. Information pertaining to the type of business, occupational category, limitations being experienced by the individual, and issues discussed with the accommodation specialist are presented. Results The type of businesses and the occupational categories indicated by the employer were broad ranging, although there was a preponderance of cases in the area of Public Administration. Limitations related to cognition were the most frequent for which employers sought accommodation information. The largest category for the type of issues discussed was related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-pertinent legislation. Conclusions The incidence of employers seeking accommodation information for individuals who have incurred a TBI is very low (0.5%). Findings support those of other authors such as Ponsford and Spitz (2015), in that accommodation information was most frequently requested for individuals in professional (i.e., office-type jobs), rather than for laborer positions.
Anatomy of the Pancreas and Biliary Tree

As diagnostic modalities for benign and malignant diseases of the pancreas and hepatobiliary structures improve, surgical and other minimally invasive procedures with curative intent become increasingly more common. Anatomic variations of the pancreatobiliary tree and its vasculature are exceedingly common. Precise knowledge of the relevant anatomy is of utmost significance both for diagnosis and interventional treatment of such diseases. In this chapter we outline the embryological development of the hepatobiliary tree and pancreas and describe the pertinent surgical anatomy with emphasis on frequently occurring variants that must be anticipated in order to prevent unnecessary complications.
Update 2017 on Target Fabrication Requirements for High-Performance NIF Implosion Experiments

AbstractExperiments and analysis in the 2 years since the 2015 Target Fabrication Meeting have resulted in further evolution of the requirements for high-performance layered implosions. This paper is a status update on the experimental program and supporting modeling, with emphasis on the implications for fabrication requirements. Previous work on the capsule support has continued, with various other support options being explored in experiments and modeling. Work also continues on ablator composition nonuniformities, with important new results from CH experiments on Omega, and the first three-dimensional X-ray transmission measurements of Be capsules on the National Ignition Facility. Work on hohlraums continues to include near-vacuum hohlraums and U hohlraums without a gold lining. Overall, the understanding that has been achieved, along with the progress in fabrication technology, represents good continuing progress toward the goal of fusion in the laboratory.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of radiation cystitis

There are very few reports of radiation cystitis treated with hyperbaric oxygen. It appears to be the only form of treatment that reverses the basic vascular pathophysiology induced by radiation. This article reviews the development of the treatment and known cases in which it has been used.
From Splendour and Admiration to Ruin and Condescension: Western Travellers to Iran from the Safavids to the Qajars

This essay charts Western perceptions of Iran between 1600 and 1900 through the prism of ruins. It distinguishes three periods: the reign of the Safavids, when Iran's many ruins hardly undermined t...
A Metaphysics of Psychopathology

In psychiatry, few question the legitimacy of asking whether a given psychiatric disorder is real; similarly, in psychology, scholars debate the reality of such theoretical entities as general intelligence, superegos, and personality traits. And yet in both disciplines, little thought is given to what is meant by the rather abstract philosophical concept of "real." Indeed, certain psychiatric disorders have passed from real to imaginary (as in the case of multiple personality disorder) and from imaginary to real (as in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder). In this book, Peter Zachar considers such terms as "real" and "reality" -- invoked in psychiatry but often obscure and remote from their instances -- as abstract philosophical concepts. He then examines the implications of his approach for psychiatric classification and psychopathology. Proposing what he calls a scientifically inspired pragmatism, Zachar considers such topics as the essentialist bias, diagnostic literalism, and the concepts of natural kind and social construct. Turning explicitly to psychiatric topics, he proposes a new model for the domain of psychiatric disorders, the imperfect community model, which avoids both relativism and essentialism. He uses this model to understand such recent controversies as the attempt to eliminate narcissistic personality disorder from the DSM-5. Returning to such concepts as real, true, and objective, Zachar argues that not only should we use these metaphysical concepts to think philosophically about other concepts, we should think philosophically about them.
Accuracy of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance of Absolute Myocardial Blood Flow With a High-Field System: Comparison With Conventional Field Strength

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) first pass (FP) perfusion measures of absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) with a 3.0-T magnet and compare these measures with FP perfusion at 1.5-T with absolute MBF by labeled microspheres as the gold standard. Background First-pass magnetic resonance (MR) myocardial perfusion imaging can quantify MBF, but images are of low signal at conventional magnetic field strength due to the need for rapid acquisition. Methods A pig model was used to alter MBF in a coronary artery during FP CMR (intracoronary adenosine followed by ischemia). This produces an active zone with a range of MBF and a control zone. Microspheres were injected into the left atrium with concurrent reference sampling. FP MR perfusion imaging was performed at 1.5-T (n = 9) or 3.0-T (n = 8) with a saturation-recovery gradient echo sequence in short-axis slices during a bolus injection of 0.025 mmol/kg gadolinium–diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Fermi function deconvolution was performed on active and control region of interest from short-axis slices with an arterial input function derived from the left ventricular cavity. These MR values of MBF were matched to microsphere values obtained from short-axis slices at pathology. Results Occlusion MBF was 0.21 ± 0.26 ml/min/g, adenosine MBF was 2.28 ± 0.99 ml/min/g, and control zone MBF was 0.70 ± 0.22 ml/min/g. The correlation of MR FP CMR with microsphere was close for both field strengths: 3.0-T, r = 0.98, p Conclusions Absolute MBF by FP perfusion imaging is accurate at both 1.5- and 3.0-T. Signal quality is better at 3.0-T, which might confer a benefit for estimating MBF in ischemic zones.
Thermal Management in Many Core Systems

High power densities and operating temperatures in multi-processor systems impose a number of undesirable effects, including performance degradation, high operational and cooling costs, and reliability deterioration leading to system failures. Many-core systems bring exciting opportunities in design and system management owing to the ample hardware parallelism, while introducing novel challenges due to their complexity and the highly variant workload that is expected to run on these systems. Efficient thermal monitoring and management, designing thermally-aware architectures, and multi-level parameter optimization can alleviate some of the undesirable thermal effects while maintaining the desired performance and energy levels. In particular, these techniques aid in the evolution of green computing systems. This chapter provides a qualitative discussion on thermal management techniques for many-core systems. We will elucidate the following questions in detail: What are the specific design challenges in monitoring the temperature of large-scale systems? How can we exploit the multi-level optimizations at runtime in response to the dynamic behavior of the processor’s workload? How do emerging workloads affect the thermal distribution on many-core systems?
The next decade in cardiovascular surgery

Less than a generation ago only a few hardy souls had the courage to deny that the summit in Cardiovascular Surgery had been attained. As late as 1947 Castiglione listed repair of heart wounds, myocardial revascularization, blood vessel anastomosis, repair of aneurysms, closure of the patent ductus and resection of the constrictive pericardium as significant advances. He cited the latter two as the best surgical accomplishments in heart disease. The record was not unimpressive but the story was bleak since it exhibited not even an inkling of the intellectual dissatisfaction and investigative effort which produced the advances which daily contribute so much to human welfare. Anyone who has been active in this field through this period of explosive progress has a perspective radically different from previous generations. It is clear that the surface hardly has been scratched and that the summit is not discernible in the forseeable future. From the defects which become apparent with each day’s experience with these brilliant achievements one can identify these areas in which improvement can be expected rather promptly.
Five-membered rings. Phospholes: Early Literature 1953–1994

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a detailed review of early literature on the five-membered ring system containing a phosphine unit. Wittig and Geissler who announced the synthesis of the dibenzophosphole derivative in 1953 are mentioned at the outset. The construction of the pentaphenyl derivative came six years later, and the complexity of these derivatives prevented detailed study of the ring system. Many phospholes are now known, and there has been great development in the synthesis and study of a fascinating array of metallic derivatives and coordination complexes. Research in phosphole chemistry continues unabated, and it is a major part of contemporary phosphorus chemistry. The chapter discusses experimental structural methods including diffraction analysis, spectroscopy, spectrometry, and dipole moments. Thermodynamic effects provide information on physical properties, thermal stability, basicity of phospholes, resource energies, and basicity of phospholide ions. Reactivity of C.N.-3 phospholes is discussed in detail, as is the reactivity and synthesis of phospholes with C.N.-4. Reactivity of phospholes with C.N.-2 and C.N.-5 is included in the chapter. Reactivity of ring substituents, ring syntheses, and phosphole synthesis by ring transformation are discussed. The syntheses of particular types of phospholes are also describedconsidering themas precursors for other phosphorus heterocycles.
Retrospective Analysis of Emergency Computed Tomography Imaging Utilization at an Academic Centre: An Analysis of Clinical Indications and Outcomes.

Abstract Purpose To explore resource utilization through evaluation of computed tomography (CT) imaging trends in the emergency department by examining common indications/outcomes for imaging in this setting. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical indications/outcomes for all CT imaging in 3 emergency departments over a 1-year period was conducted. Scans were divided by body part and the most common indications for each type of scan were determined. Clinical outcomes from each study were extracted from final interpretations by the reporting radiologist. Results A total of 4556 CT scans were performed in the emergency department over a 1-year period. A total of 3.6% of all-comers to our emergency departments underwent CT scan as part of their investigation. There were 2107 head CTs (46%), 1296 (28%) abdominal CTs, 468 (10%) CTs of the chest, 408 (9%) CTs of the neck/spine, and 101 (2%) extremity CTs performed. The most common clinical indication for performing a CT head was focal neurological defect comprising 1534 (73%) of all CT heads. Twenty-four percent of abdominal CTs were for investigation of right lower quadrant pain, followed by flank pain (19%). Chest pain and shortness of breath were the most common indications for CTs of the chest (315 [75%]) with 10% of these examinations for this indication positive for pulmonary embolism. Trauma was the most common indication for neck CTs (296 [73%]) and extremities (70 [69%]). Nil acute was the most common final interpretation in all categories (79% CT heads, 75% neck CTs, 38% abdominal CTs, 43% chest CTs). Conclusions Nil acute was the most common diagnosis; however, serious clinical outcomes were identified 40% of the time. Cross-sectional imaging remains an integral tool for triage and diagnosis in this environment as the cost of missing a diagnosis in this setting has a great impact on patient care.
Probing reflectivity profiles with a random sensing matrix (Conference Presentation)

In contrast to conventional imaging systems that map an object point by point, measurements with random sensing functions in combination with computational reconstruction may afford novel imaging architectures. Here we demonstrate imaging of axial reflectivity profiles using random temporal-spatial encoding created by modal interference in a multimode fiber (MMF). Light from a broadband source (∆λ = 60nm) centered at 1310nm is split into a sample and a reference arm. In the sample arm, light in a single spatial mode is reflected by the axial reflectivity profile of the sample and coupled back into the same spatial mode. The reference light propagates through a MMF and interferes with the sample light in an off-axis geometry on a camera for holographic recording. Since the MMF supports various guided modes with distinct propagation constants, the short-coherence sample light only interferes with the spatial modes of the reference light that have matching path length. During an initial calibration procedure, interference patterns of a mirror reflection in the sample arm are recorded for varying axial mirror positions. Once this random sensing matrix (RSM) is established, the axial reflectivity profile of an object in the sample arm can be reconstructed from a single interference pattern by the multiplication with the inverse of RSM. By using a 2m long 0.22 NA MMF and tailoring the coupling regime within the MMF, we achieved axial ranging more than a centimeter. Flexible integration of polarization sensing or multi-focus imaging in a single snapshot could be envisioned in this random imaging architecture.
Thinking from Justification Towards a New Perspective – in and with Martin Luther

In this article I present a new perspective on the theological concept of justification, by focusing not on the content (the meaning) but on the form (the condition of formulation) of this concept. I start with the semantic overabundance related to justification, with specific reference three meanings: the forensic, the effective, and the ontological-theotic. Then, I confront these meanings with Luther's idea of justification as in his De servo arbitrio (1525). Thanks to this, I stress that the theological concept of justification plays a meta-conceptual function: it affirms the priority of divine justification over any standard condition of conceptualization and thinkability of justification – in specific, the structure of imputative justice. This leads to a reconsideration of the role of this concept as "articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae".
Preparation of SNAP f-Beads for Colocalization Single-Molecule Spectroscopy (CoSMoS) of RNA-Protein Complexes

The SNAPf-tag is a chemical tag that allows rapid and highly specific covalent labeling of proteins even in the full complexity of the cellular environment. The SNAPf-tag has been instrumental to study native RNA-protein complexes at single-molecule resolution in their cellular environment as efficient labeling of the RNAs and proteins of interest is essential for this colocalization single-molecule spectroscopy (CoSMoS) technique. However, removal of excessive benzylguanine dye after the labeling reaction has remained challenging. Here, we describe a strategy to remove excessive benzylguanine dye using SNAPf-tag coated beads as sponges.
Concepts of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual/gender minority (LGBTQ+) persons may be encouraged or discouraged by ideologies about sexual orientation and gender identity. Current concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity may be grouped into three broad categories. One is based on empirical, psychological, and biological science, which have found that sexual orientation and gender identity are partially heritable, have no necessary connection to mental illness, and cannot be intentionally influenced by anything that happens after birth. Another category is modern progressive views, mostly grounded in constructivism and critical theory. These support accepting LGBTQ+ and other oppressed groups’ authority about their own experiences and calling people what they want to be called. The third is conservative ideologies, which generally hold that LGBTQ+ persons are disordered and dangerous, especially to children, unless they take steps to either change their nature or play a role prescribed for it.
Proximity to coal-fired power plants and neurobehavioral symptoms in children

Background Coal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution that can impact children's health. Limited research has explored if proximity to coal-fired power plants contributes to children's neurobehavioral disorders. Objective This community-based study collected primary data to investigate the relationships of residential proximity to power plants and neurobehavioral problems in children. Methods 235 participants aged 6-14 years who lived within 10 miles of two power plants were recruited. Exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) was measured in children's homes using personal modular impactors. Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multiple regression models were performed to test the hypothesized associations between proximity/exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Geospatial statistical methods were used to map the spatial patterns of exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Results A small proportion of the variations of neurobehavioral problems (social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) were explained by the regression models in which distance to power plants, traffic proximity, and neighborhood poverty was statistically associated with the neurobehavioral health outcomes. Statistically significant hot spots of participants who had elevated levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and social problems were observed in the vicinity of the two power plants. Significance Results of this study suggest an adverse impact of proximity to power plants on children's neurobehavioral health. Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out in the US, health concern about exposure from coal ash storage facilities remains. Furthermore, other countries in the world are increasing coal use and generating millions of tons of pollutants and coal ash. Findings from this study can inform public health policies to reduce children's risk of neurobehavioral symptoms in relation to proximity to power plants.
Melody, not Beat Perception, Predicts Rhythmic Error Detection

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among beat perception, error detection, and musical experience. We presented monophonic rhythms using a piano timbre along with two measur...
Ensemble smoother assimilation of hydraulic head and return flow data to estimate hydraulic conductivity distribution

[1] Numerical groundwater models, frequently used to enhance understanding of the hydrologic and chemical processes in local or regional aquifers, are often hindered by an incomplete representation of the parameters which characterize these processes. In this study, we present the use of a data assimilation algorithm that incorporates all past model results and data measurements, an ensemble smoother (ES) to provide enhanced estimates of aquifer hydraulic conductivity (K) through assimilation of hydraulic head (H) and groundwater return flow volume (RFV) measurements into groundwater model simulation results. On the basis of the Kalman filter methodology, residuals between forecasted model results and measurements, together with covariances between model results at measurement locations and nonmeasurement locations, are used to correct model results. Parameter estimation is achieved by incorporating model parameters into the algorithm, thus allowing the correlation between H, RFV, and K to correct the K fields. The applicability of the ES is demonstrated using a synthetic two-dimensional transient groundwater modeling simulation. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to show the performance of the ES in regard to measurement error, number of measurements, number of assimilation times, correlation length of the K fields, and the number of stream gage locations. Results show that the departure of the K fields from a reference K field is greatly reduced through data assimilation and demonstrate that the ES scheme is a promising alternative to other inverse modeling techniques because of low computational burden and the ability to run the algorithm entirely independent of the groundwater model simulation.
Rumble: Prevalence and Correlates of Group Fighting among Adolescents in the United States

Objective. Group fighting is portrayed as a piece of Americana among delinquent youth, but the behavior produces significant multifaceted negative consequences. The current study examines the heterogeneity and correlates of group fighting using national-level data. Method. Employing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health between 2002 and 2013 (n = 216,852), we examine links between group fighting and temperamental, parental, and academic factors as well as other externalizing behaviors (i.e., violence, crime, substance use). Results. The prevalence of group fighting in the United States is 14.8% with 11.33% reporting 1–2 group fights and 3.46% reporting 3+ group fights. A clear severity gradient in school functioning and academic performance, sensation seeking, parental disengagement, violence and delinquency, and substance use disorders is seen in the normative, episodic, and repeat offender groups. Conclusions. Youths who participate in 3+ group fights display the exceptionality and severity of other serious/chronic/habitual antisocial youth which suggests that group fighting should be considered a significant indicator of developing criminality.
Separation of Escherichia coli penicillin-binding proteins into different membrane vesicles by agarose electrophoresis and sizing chromatography

Abstract Membrane vesicles from the envelope of Escherichia coli were separated by electrophoresis through dilute agarose and by sizing chromatography through Sephacryl S-1000. These techniques revealed that proteins were associated with different subsets of vesicles. In particular, dilute agarose electrophoresis clearly separated the inner membrane penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) into different vesicle groups. Vesicles containing PBPs 4, 6, 7, and 8 migrated rapidly through agarose; vesicles with PBPs 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 5 eluted later. With the exception of PBP 4, which migrated with PBPs 1 through 5, chromatography through Sephacryl S-1000 was able to distinguish the same two vesicle sets, though the extent of separation was poorer than with agarose. The existence of these associations among vesicles and proteins suggests that there is an organization to the inner membrane of E. coli which is not observed when membrane vesicles are separated solely on the basis of density in sucrose gradients.
Extra-Network Organizational Reputation and Blame Avoidance in Networks: The Hurricane Katrina Example

Research on public service networks has identified a variety of mechanisms to foster coordination, including trust and reciprocity norms. This article argues that network actors are also driven by a desire to avoid blame. Network membership is often a political responsibility rather than a voluntary act, and members may be at least as attuned to their extra-network organizational reputation as to their intra-network reputation, creating an incentive to utilize blame avoidance strategies when failure occurs. Blame avoidance strategies undermine intra-network trust and coordination, representing a significant threat to the implementation of public policy. To illustrate the potential of the concept for network theory, blame avoidance strategies are identified under the conditions of high political risk and task salience, as represented by the crisis response network in the U.S. disaster of Hurricane Katrina.
A compact spiral Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Modulator on SOI process

A compact, spiral Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Modulator with 9CHz 3d B-band width has been demonstrated. The spiral MZ1 structure allows for high density integration and reduces the cost by wrapping two 3mm long phase shifters in a 550μm×650μm silicon area.
Polypropylene stabilization: during γ-irradiation and during post-γ storage☆

Abstract The effects of additives on the stability of γ-irradiated polypropylene film have been examined, both during irradiation and after prolonged post-irradiation reaction up to the embrittlement point. Additives were drawn from the tetramethylpiperidine family and compared with a conventional blocked phenol. Oxidation products from the polymer were determined by FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemical derivatization. Polymer physical degradation was measured by an instrumented bend test. Although the stabilizers had very little effect on the radical products or oxidation products measured immediately after γ-irradiation, very different oxidation product levels and distributions were found at the onset of brittle failure. Brittle failure occurred at a very low level of total oxidation products for the well-stabilized samples as compared to the unstabilized samples. Nevertheless ketonic product levels were very similar in all cases and the levels of carboxylic acid and groups appreciably higher for the stabilized samples.
Cytochrome c peroxidase complexed with cytochrome c has an unperturbed heme moiety.

Transient resonance Raman, Raman difference, circular dichroism (CD), and optical absorption studies have been carried out on the electrostatic complexes formed by yeast cytochrome c peroxidase (CC...
Polymer cell culture substrates with micropatterned carbon nanotubes.

This article presents study of the interactions between cells and micropatterned carbon nanotubes on a polymer cell culture substrate. The polymer substrates with patterned carbon nanotubes were fabricated using an imprint process, whereby the nanotubes were pressed into a polymer layer at high temperature. The patterned substrates featured 28 different nanotube patterns of microscale lanes and circles, where the feature sizes ranged from 9 to 76 μm. Osteoblast-like cells were seeded on the substrates and cell alignment was quantified via fluorescent and electron microscopy. Many patterns were fabricated on each polymer substrate, allowing 28 different experiments on each cell culture substrate, which were tested over 10,000 cells. The cell response to the patterned nanotubes showed a maximum alignment to the microlane patterns of 55 ± 6% and no significant alignment to microcircle patterns. This work enables the study of cell response to a wider range of patterns featuring both the micro and nano length scales. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a prospective randomized study comparing continuous supplemental oxygen via the nasal or oral route.

We have examined the efficacy of supplemental oxygen in preventing episodes of significant arterial desaturation (SpO2
Half-lives of oat mRNAs in vivo and in a polysome-based in-vitro system

We have used a cell-free polysome-based in-vitro mRNA-degradation system to investigate the halflives of plant cell mRNAs. In order to establish the fidelity of the in-vitro system, we used cordycepin to determine the in-vivo half-lives of β-tubulin and actin mRNAs in the primary leaves of 4-d-old etiolated oat (Avena sativa L.) seedlings. The in-vitro rank order of half-lives for phytochrome A (45 min), β-tubulin (105 min), and actin (220 min) mRNAs mimicked the in-vivo rank order. A pulse of red light given to excised etiolated primary leaves caused an in-vivo reduction in the half-life of β-tubulin mRNA. The selectivity of the polysome-based system was further demonstrated by the decrease in the half-life of β-tubulin mRNA (from 105 min to 60 min) induced by a pulse of red light given to the etiolated oat seedlings prior to isolation of polysomes. Red light did not affect the apparent half-lives of phytochrome A or actin mRNAs.
Tolerance and Cancer: A Critical Issue in Tumor Immunology

Self-antigens are the most relevant and abundant antigens to which the host's immune system must be tolerant. Induction and maintenance of tolerance to self-antigens is mediated by several mechanisms that prevent inappropriate damage to normal tissues. However, these same mechanisms may impose potential barriers for the full development of effective immune responses against antigens expressed by tumors. A critical issue in tumor immunology is whether antigen presented by a progressively expanding tumor cell population results in T-cell tolerance. Utilizing a T cell receptor transgenic mice specific for a model tumor antigen expressed on a B-cell lymphoma, recently we have obtained direct evidence supporting the existence of tumor-induced antigen-specific tolerance. A better identification and understanding of the factor(s) involved in tumor-induced tolerance has clear implications for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies aimed at safely breaking tolerance, for example, releasing the brakes on antitumor immune responses while still limiting the induction of undesirable autoimmune responses.
The earth transformed program

The authors summarize the results of the international symposium “The Earth as Transformed by Human Action” held at Clark University, USA, in October 1987 with the purpose of inventorying human impact and environmental changes over the last three centuries. There are suggestions on the comparison of driving forces and environmental changes on the regional and global scales, and on the conceptualization of the human dimensions of global change. Some perspectives of the further development of the international and interdisciplinary “Earth Transformed” project are also discussed.
Prejudgments of those who eat a “healthy” versus an “unhealthy” food for breakfast

The general public has acquired the belief that some foods promote healthfulness while others cause disease and death. Do these beliefs about foods influence our perceptions of those who routinely eat a “good” or a “bad” food? For the present study we attempted to expand our understanding of the impact of categorical thinking concerning the health value of foods. Respondents were given a description of a man (or woman) who typically eats pie (or oatmeal with fruit and nuts) for breakfast then asked to rate the target individual on 42 descriptors. Although considered more humorous and less boring, pie (compared to oatmeal) eaters were generally judged negatively. Further, women (compared to men) who eat pie were considered less likeable, healthy, and athletic. A specific food's reputation for healthfulness can apparently impact our judgments of the individuals who routinely eat the food.
Clinical and Laboratory Findings in Patients with Nonobstructive Intraventricular Pressure Differences

Clinical and laboratory findings were examined in eight patients with nonobstructive intraventricular pressure differences resulting from catheter entrapment in obliterated apical portions of the left ventricular cavity. Cardiorespiratory symptoms were reported by six of the eight patients; three had angina pectoris, and two had experienced syncope. A soft systolic ejection murmur was noted at the cardiac apex or left sternal edge, or at both sites, in each patient at rest or following exercise; no patient had a bifid systolic arterial pulse contour. Paradoxical splitting of the second heart sound with respiration did not occur. In five patients the cardiac index was substantially elevated. In four, an intraventricular pressure difference was present in the basal state, while in the remaining four a pressure difference was elicited by the Valsalva maneuver and isoproterenol. In each patient the arterial pulse pressure consistently increased in the beat following a ventricular extrasystole, and angiographic evidence of left ventricular outflow obstruction was not observed. In all patients, obliteration of the apical portion of the left ventricular cavity during systole was demonstrated angiographically to result from an extreme degree of systolic emptying. Left ventricular hypertrophy was demonstrated angiographically in six patients, four of whom exhibited asymmetric hypertrophy, predominantly involving the interventricular septum. In two patients no abnormality of the left ventricular cavity contour was apparent. These clinical, hemodynamic, and angiographic findings allow differentiation of patients with nonobstructive pressure differences from those with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
Design and operation of a force-reflecting magnetic levitation coarse-fine teleoperation system

This paper describes the design and operation of a coarse-fine teleoperation system with bilateral force reflection. The system uses a 6-DOF magnetic levitation device (MLD) master to control a 6-DOF fine-positioning MLD slave mounted on a 6-DOF coarse positioner arm. Coarse-fine teleoperation expands the workspace of the slave MLD while retaining its frictionless characteristics, fine position resolution and high bandwidth. Several modes of operation are explored. In unilateral coarse-fine mode (UCF) the master controls the wrist position which in turn controls the coarse positioner. In master deadband rate control mode (MDRC) the master position controls the coarse positioner velocity while wrist position is used to reflect contact forces to the master. In symmetric bilateral control (SBC) mode the wrist and master servo to each other's positions providing force reflection during fine manipulation. Operation of each system mode is investigated during a simple assembly task.
Clinical and arteriographic features of Prinzmetal's variant angina: Documentation of etiologic factors

Coronary arteriography performed in 17 patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina demonstrated high grade fixed obstructions in 9 patients (Group I) and insignificant or no fixed lesions in 8 patients (Group II). Group I consisted mostly of middle-aged or elderly men with S-T segment elevations in various sites; Group II included five younger women with S-T segment elevations in inferior electrocardiographic leads. In Group I patients, arteriography revealed a discrete high grade lesion located proximally in a major coronary artery in four patients and multivessel involvement in five patients. In Group II patients, spontaneous spasm was documented in three patients and spasm was pharmacologically provoked in two others during arteriography. The current study indicates that spasm is the responsible pathogenetic mechanism of myocardial ischemia in some patients with Prinzmetal angina and that this mechanism may be suspected from the clinical characteristics of these patients.
Meaningful Voices: How Psychologists, Speaking as Psychologists, Can Inform Social Policy

Kitzinger and Wilkinson (2004) posit that social advocacy can be argued for within both a discourse of equal rights and a discourse of mental health. They suggest that psychological evidence, because it is bound to a discourse of mental health, is currently not useful in advancing the campaigns for equal marriage rights. In our response to their argument, we (1) agree that the currently available psychological evidence is limited; (2) make the case that it is still important for psychologists to produce evidence that speaks to this debate; and (3) suggest how psychologists, still speaking as psychologists, can produce evidence that speaks to this debate through underutilized theoretical and methodological approaches to relevant issues. The authors analyze a key statement by United States President George W. Bush on the meaning of marriage and the available psychological literature on same-sex relationships to support their position.
Comparability of essay question variants

Abstract Writing task variants can increase test security in high-stakes essay assessments by substantially increasing the pool of available writing stimuli and by making the specific writing task less predictable. A given prompt (parent) may be used as the basis for one or more different variants. Six variant types based on argument essay prompts from a large-scale, high-stakes North American writing assessment and six based on issue prompts from the same test were created and evaluated in the research section of the test administrations in the winter of 2009. Examinees were asked to volunteer to write an essay on one of the new prompt/variant tasks. Essays were obtained from 7573 examinees for argument prompts and 10,827 examinees for issue prompts. Results indicated that all variant types produced reasonably similar means, standard deviations, and rater reliabilities, suggesting that the variant strategy should be useable for operational administrations in high stakes essay assessments. Variant type did not interact with gender, ethnicity, or language (self-report that English or another language is the examinee's “best” language).
Detection of hydrogen with SnO2-coated ZnO nanorods

Abstract SnO 2 -coated ZnO nanorods on c -plane sapphire substrates were synthesized by pulsed laser deposition. The thickness of the polycrystalline SnO 2 was ∼10 nm, as determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, while the diameter of the ZnO nanorods was ∼30 nm. The sensitivity of the SnO 2 /ZnO structures to hydrogen was tested by depositing Ti/Au Ohmic contacts on a random array of the nanorods and measuring the current at fixed voltage. There was no response to 500 ppm H 2 in N 2 at room temperature, but we obtained a sensitivity of ∼70% at 400 °C. The SnO 2 /ZnO structures exhibit drift in their recovery characteristics and for sequential detection of hydrogen, as generally reported for SnO 2 thin film sensors.