cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a force-feedback interface for robotic assisted interventions with real-time MRI guidance

Efficient and intuitive interfacing of the interventionalist to the information and tools available from image-guided robotic assisted surgeries is required to achieve the full benefit of these technologies. Ongoing research has been performed into the use of forbidden region guided fixtures (FRVF) for human-in-the-loop control of image-guided procedures via haptic force-feedback devices (FFD). Although commercially available FFD provide sufficient degrees-of-freedom (DoF), collaborating clinicians, as well as the results of our previous work indicate that these systems are not completely intuitive for controlling fixed-point access interventional tool which have a remote center of motion. Within this context, we introduce a new FFD which is designed with the same DoF constraints as a fixed-point access interventional tool. The device is tested in a clinical simulation of a robot assisted trans-apical valve implantation under guidance from real-time magnetic resonance imaging. Pre-acquired real-time images are used in the clinical simulation to dynamically update the FRVF and therefore provide guiding forces to allow the operator to see the safe boundaries of operation via a visualization interface and physically feel them through the FFD. Inertial and gravity compensation and per DoF dynamic response of the physical prototype are validated and the frequency response of the system demonstrates it is adequate for tactile sensing. During clinical simulation the operator was successfully able to maneuver the tool within the safe path to the region of interest with the guidance of visual and force-feedback.
Self-Assessment of Gerontology Teaching Practice: A First-Step in Enhancing Student Learning

This article discusses self-assessment of gerontology teaching practice. Through a process of self-reflection one may find insight into their teaching and, concomitantly, develop best-practices for enhancing student learning in gerontology. A self-assessment framework is presented, illuminating best-practices in the areas of the lecture-discussion cycle and teacher-student interactions. The self-assessment areas and reflective questions, while not exhaustive, will hopefully lead gerontology professors to a more expansive inquiry of their teaching practice and the impact it has on student learning. Regular self-assessment of teaching practice may lead to more effective instruction in undergraduate or introductory gerontology courses as well as enhancement of student learning outcomes.
On the effects of irrigation and urbanisation on the annual range of monthly-mean temperatures

¶Weather station data indicate that large-scale irrigation of an arid region in southeastern Australia decreased the annual range of monthly-mean temperatures by 1–2 K. Such decrease is consistent with an observed increase in dewpoint, by about 1 K. Urbanisation may reduce the annual range but generally increases it.
Structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of peptidomimetic SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitors.

Structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of peptidomimetic severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus chymotrypsin-like protease inhibitors are described. These inhibitors were designed and synthesized based upon our X-ray crystal structure of inhibitor 1 bound to SARS-CoV 3CLpro. Incorporation of Boc-Ser as the P4-ligand resulted in enhanced SARS-CoV 3CLpro inhibitory activity. Structural analysis of the inhibitor-bound X-ray structure revealed high binding affinity toward the enzyme.
Muscarinic cholinergic stimulation increases cyclic GMP levels in rat hippocampus.

— Muscarinic cholinergic agonists increase cyclic GMP levels in a number of neural tissues. Since the rat hippocampus receives a cholinergic innervation from the septum, we decided to test whether cyclic GMP levels of the rat hippocampus are increased by bethanechol, a muscarinic cholinergic agonist. Incubation of rat hippocampi with varying concentrations of bethanechol showed that the increase in cyclic GMP levels is concentration-dependent, 500 pwbethanechol producing a maximum increase of 490% over control values. The bethanechol-evoked increases were blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine, and were calcium-dependent. It is concluded that at least some of the cells projecting to the rat hippocampus form muscarinic cholinergic synapses which act via a cyclic GMP-dependent mechanism.
Down-regulation of Transcobalamin Receptor TCblR/CD320 by siRNA Inhibits Cobalamin uptake and Proliferation of Cells in Culture

The clinical phenotype of cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency is dictated by the essential role of this vitamin in two key enzymatic reactions. Multiple proteins and receptors participate in the absorption, transport and delivery of this vitamin to tissue cells. Cellular uptake of Cbl is mediated by transcobalamin (TC), a plasma protein and a transmembrane receptor (TCblR) with high affinity for TC saturated with Cbl. Knockdown of TCblR with siRNA results in decreased TC-Cbl uptake. The ensuing Cbl deficiency leads to an increase in doubling time and decreased proliferation of these cells. The study confirms the seminal role of this receptor in the cellular uptake of Cbl and its down-regulation as a potential strategy to inhibit proliferation of cancer cells.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic analysis of the concentration- dependent metabolism of halothane

1. Previous studies with the halothane analogue and chlorofluorocarbon replacement 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123) have shown that there are concentration dependent, sex-specific differences in the rate of uptake during inhalation exposure in rat. Since it is well established that there are sex-specific differences in the control of enzyme activity in drug metabolism, male and female rats were exposed by inhalation to halothane concentrations ranging from 500 to 4000 ppm. 2. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model describing the concentration dependent reduction in uptake and metabolism of halothane in male and female rats was developed. The in vivo metabolic rate constants obtained were : for male rats, Km 0 4 mg litre (2 03 mu mol litre) and Vmaxc 9 2 mg kg h (46 6 mu mol kg h); for female rats, Km 0 4 mg litre (2 03 mu mol litre) and Vmaxc 10 2 mg kg h (51 7 mu mol kg h) . 3. An equation describing the concentration-dependent decrease of hepatic metabolism of halothane successfully ...
A combustion driven shock tunnel to complement the free piston shock tunnel T5 at GALCIT

A combustion driven shock tunnel was designed and built at GALCIT to supply the hypersonic facility T5 with 'hot' hydrogen for mixing and combustion experiments. This system was chosen over other options for better flexibility and for safety reasons. The shock tunnel is described and the overall efficiency of the system is discussed. The biggest challenge in the design was to synchronize the combustion driven shock tunnel with T5. To do so, the main diaphragm of the combustion driven shock tunnel is locally melted by an electrical discharge. This local melting is rapidly followed by the complete collapse of the diaphragm in a very repeatable way. A first set of experiments on supersonic hydrogen transverse jets over a flat plate have just been completed with the system and some of the preliminary results are presented.
Muon transverse ionization cooling: Stochastic approach

Transverse ionization cooling of muons is modeled as a Brownian motion of the muon beam as it traverses a Li or Be rod. A Langevin-like equation is written for the free particle case (no external transverse magnetic field) and for the case of a harmonically bound beam in the presence of a focusing magnetic field. We demonstrate that the well-known muon cooling equations for short absorbers can be extrapolated to the useful case of a long absorber rod with a focusing magnetic field present.
Naturalistic activation of barosensitive afferents release substance P in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the cat.

The role for substance P (SP) in baroreceptor transmission in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) remains an area of active research. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether naturalistic activation of barosensitive afferent fibers in the glossopharygneal and vagus nerves release SP in the caudal NTS. Experiments were performed on chloralose anesthetized, artificially ventilated and paralyzed cats. A microdialysis probe was stereotaxically positioned unilaterally in the NTS. Dialysate samples were collected and SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) was measured by radioimmunoassay. Barosensitive afferents were mechanically activated by inflation of a balloon catheter positioned in the thoracic aorta at heart level. Graded balloon inflation produced increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 33±5 mmHg and 60±3 mmHg (P<0.05) and evoked proportional baroreflex decreases in heart rate of 8±3 b.p.m. and 19±3 b.p.m. (P<0.05). This was accompanied by increases in SP-LI of 16±3% and 39±8%, respectively (P<0.05). A positive linear relationship was found between changes in MAP and SP-LI (slope=1.73 fmol/μl/mmHg, r2=0.62) that was completely abolished following barodenervation. These findings provide evidence that naturalistic activation of pressure-sensitive afferents in the glossopharygneal and vagus nerves release SP in a region of the NTS that receives primary afferent projections from aortic, carotid sinus and cardiac receptors in the cat.
Inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase by n-butyl gallate

Abstract The effect of n-butyl gallate (NBG) on COMT activity was investigated in vitro (beef liver enzyme) and indirectly in vivo (effect on 15 min. haloperidol-induced formation of rat striatal homovanillic acid). As compared to other known COMT inhibitors, NBG is potent both in vitro (Ki 1.7 × lO −6 M) and in vivo (complete blockade of HVA rise with 50 mg/kg), but its duration of action is very short in vivo (15–45 min.)
Robust shape reconstruction from combined shading and stereo information

In this research, we first show that single-image shape from shading (SFS) algorithms share an inherent limitation in the accuracy of reconstructed surfaces due to the property of the reflectance map. That is, surface orientations can be accurately recovered if they lie along the gradient direction of the reflectance map function, but cannot be easily recovered if lying along the tangential direction. Then, we consider two methods which incorporate stereo information with shading to improve the performance. One is to use multiple images taken under different lightening conditions known as photometric stereo, and the other is to incorporate the height information obtained from images taken from different viewing angles known as the geometric stereo. With photometric stereo, we compensate the weakness of each reflectance map by combining several reflectance maps in a proper way in the gradient space and hence improve the accuracy of the results. With geometric stereo, absolute heights at sparse feature points are obtained and used as constraints on the resulting surface so that the ambiguity can be resolved. Simulation results for several test images are given to show the performance of our new robust algorithms.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Normalized distorted-wave Born approximation for soft potentials in atom-surface scattering

In recent papers Armand and Manson have dealt with atom-surface scattering from a soft-exponential corrugated potential. In this work, we present a normalized distorted-wave Born approximation whose results compare well with exact calculations by Armand. This approximation may reproduce the intensities of the main beams for He scattering from dense metallic surfaces where the corrugations are not too large.
A Bayesian hierarchical model for inference across related reverse phase protein arrays experiments

We consider inference for functional proteomics experiments that record protein activation over time following perturbation under different dose levels of several drugs. The main inference goal is the dependence structure of the selected proteins. A critical challenge is the lack of sufficient data under any one drug and dose level to allow meaningful inference on dependence structure. We propose a hierarchical model to implement the desired inference. The key element of the model is a shared dependence structure on (latent) binary indicators of protein activation.
Prionohydrus, a New Genus of Noterini Thomson (Coleoptera: Noteridae) from South America with Three New Species and Its Phylogenetic Considerations

A new genus of Noterini, Prionohydrus Gomez and Miller gen. n., and three new species are described from South America: Prionohydrus matogrossensis Gomez and Miller sp. n. from Brazil and Prionohydrus marc Gomez and Miller sp. n. and Prionohydrus ubercornis Gomez and Miller sp. n. from Venezuela. The new genus was scored for characters presented in a recent phylogenetic analysis of the family, and key morphological characters are illustrated, including male and female genitalia. A parsimony analysis of these data resulted in a single, most parsimonious solution, with members of the new genus resolved as sister to Mesonoterus Sharp with moderate support. Prionohydrus is similar to Mesonoterus and can be distinguished from this and other Noterini based on a combination of the following: 1) distal attachment of protarsus to protibia; 2) posterior protibial spine present; 3) single, weakly curved, apical protibial spur present; 4) last abdominal tergum with large medial spine flanked by numerous setae; 5) posterior mesotibial spur strongly serrate; 6) anterior metatibial spur strongly serrate; 7) prosternal process narrow, rounded apically, and widest near the middle; 8) prosternum longitudinally broad and glabrous; 9) weak, angular setae along posterodistal margin of metafemur present; 10) pronotal bead moderately broad; 11) cluster of setae at apex of medial metacoxal lobe present; and 12) antenna of males expanded, from slightly incrassate to strongly incrassate.
Wii Fit Balance Intervention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the impact of the Nintendo® Wii Fit™ (Nintendo of America, Redmond, WA) on functional and perceived balance measures in an older adult population over a 4- or 8-week program. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five participants (71.60±7.79 years old) from a local senior center played Wii Fit (balance games, hula hooping, and yoga) for 30 minutes 2 days per week in either a 4-week (n=16) or 8-week (n=9) program. An additional nine participants served as a control group. These participants were independent, community-dwelling healthy overweight older adults (mean body mass index, 27.19±4.99 kg/m2). Functional balance measures included the 8-foot time up-and-go, 30-second chair stands, and the Berg Balance Scale and perceived balance were measured using the following scales: Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, Falls Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. Results: A paired t test showed signifi...
Seizure recurrence and risk factors after antiepilepsy drug withdrawal in children with brain tumors.

Summary: Purpose: To study seizure outcome after antiepilepsy drug (AED) withdrawal in brain tumor patients and to analyze risk factors for seizure recurrence. Methods: Brain tumor patients with seizures and at least one attempt at AED discontinuation were identified from the hospital database and neurology clinic records. After defining study variables, patient charts were abstracted for clinical and demographic data. Statistical analyses used log-rank tests and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Sixty-two patients discontinued AEDs at a median time of 5.6 years from the first seizure (range, 1.2–19.6 years). Median time since AED withdrawal was 2.3 years (range, 0.4–15.1 years). Seizures recurred in 17 (27%) patients within a median time of 0.8 years (range, 0.06–7.7 years). Median seizure-free period before AED withdrawal was 1.3 years (range, 0.1–11 years). More than one tumor resection and whole-brain radiation treatment (WBRT) were associated with seizure recurrence, whereas posterior fossa tumor location was correlated with reduced seizure recurrence risk. At seizure recurrence, control was easily reestablished in 10 patients with AED reinstitution and after dose adjustment in five; two patients with poor drug compliance continue to have seizures. In 48 patients who had an EEG before AED withdrawal, spikes or slow waves did not correlate with seizure recurrence. Conclusions: AED withdrawal can be successfully achieved in majority of carefully selected patients. WBRT and multiple tumor resections seem to be associated with an increased hazard for seizure recurrence.
Individual Differences in Online Spoken Word Recognition: Implications for SLI.

Thirty years of research has uncovered the broad principles that characterize spoken word processing across listeners. However, there have been few systematic investigations of individual differences. Such an investigation could help refine models of word recognition by indicating which processing parameters are likely to vary, and could also have important implications for work on language impairment. The present study begins to fill this gap by relating individual differences in overall language ability to variation in online word recognition processes. Using the visual world paradigm, we evaluated online spoken word recognition in adolescents who varied in both basic language abilities and non-verbal cognitive abilities. Eye movements to target, cohort and rhyme objects were monitored during spoken word recognition, as an index of lexical activation. Adolescents with poor language skills showed fewer looks to the target and more fixations to the cohort and rhyme competitors. These results were compared to a number of variants of the TRACE model (McClelland & Elman, 1986) that were constructed to test a range of theoretical approaches to language impairment: impairments at sensory and phonological levels; vocabulary size, and generalized slowing. None of the existing approaches were strongly supported, and variation in lexical decay offered the best fit. Thus, basic word recognition processes like lexical decay may offer a new way to characterize processing differences in language impairment.
RealNav: Exploring natural user interfaces for locomotion in video games

We present a reality-based locomotion study directly applicable to video game interfaces; specifically, locomotion control of the quarterback in American football. Focusing on American football drives requirements and ecologically grounds the interface tasks of: running down the field, maneuvering in a small area, and evasive gestures such as spinning, jumping, and the “juke.”
Design and implementation of Home Automated Telemanagement platform for interactive biking exercise (iBikE HAT)

Geriatric rehabilitation facilitates therapeutic interventions whose purpose is to restore functional ability or enhance residual functional capability in elderly people with disabling impairments. Despite great demand for such interventions, limited research has been conducted in utilizing telemedicine to promote geriatric rehabilitation. Previously we reported successful implementation of physical telerehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis. In this article, we seek to extend our experience in implementing physical telerehabilitation systems to supporting home-based exercise in older adults. The goal of this report is to describe design and implementation of a geriatric telerehabilitation system facilitating safe cycling exercise at senior citizen homes.
Sex offender notification and fear of victimization

Abstract Research on sex offender notification statutes was limited, and what did exist suggested notification resulted in increasing fear of victimization (Phillips, D. M. (1998). Zevitz, R. G. & Farkas, M. A. (2000c). Nonetheless, existing research failed to provide a direct measure of fear of victimization, or a comparison group to determine whether community members receiving notification were more fearful of victimization than community members, residing in the same neighborhood, who had not received notification. Additionally, existing research did not differentiate between fear of victimization for self (personal fear) and fear of victimization for others (altruistic fear). Warr (Warr, M. (2000) argued that the “strongest indictment” of the fear-crime literature was the failure to consider altruistic fear. By comparing emotional responses to specific types of victimization between groups of notified and not-notified community members, at the multivariate level, notification was significantly related to personal fear, but not altruistic fear. At the bivariate level, however, notification was related to one type of altruistic fear—sexual victimization.
Stage-modified responses to thyroid hormone in anurans.

Abstract Tadpoles from a single clutch of Rana pipiens eggs were cultured at different temperatures in order to achieve at a single time a broad span of developmental stages (I+ through XII) and sizes (20–60 mm). They were placed in dl -thyroxine solutions at concentrations of 50 μg/liter, and maintained at 23°C, until death ensued (approximately 14 days for the largest, and 22 days for the smallest, animals). Initially all animals grew, the larger animals less than the smaller. Tail shortening occurred in all, with latent periods being least in the large and greatest in the small tadpoles. Also, changes in limb characteristics (a measure of metamorphic progress) were much greater in the small than in the large animals, before tail shortening began. After tail shortening began, changes in limb form and rate of tail loss were much alike for tadpoles of all sizes. The differences in latent period correlate inversely with stage and size, and thus compel the conclusion that capacity (i.e., sensitivity) of the tail to respond to thyroid hormone stimulation increases with developmental stage.
Zombies and International Relations: A Simple Guide for Bringing the Undead into Your Classroom

Interest in zombies is booming across campuses. International Relations (IR) scholars have likewise begun to pay attention to the undead, as the zombie invasion scenario—envisioned in a variety of movies, television shows, and books—brings to bear many of the key issues and controversies of international relations theory. Here I provide some concrete suggestions for incorporating zombies into undergraduate classes. Drawing from a leading book in this genre (World War Z), I sketch out some of the ways that the zombie wars can be applied to key issues taught in introductory-level IR classes. I then provide specific suggestions to incorporating these insights into the classroom, including discussion guides and simple role-playing exercises.
Effects of time-specific F-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum inoculation overlays on prelay ts-11-strain M. gallisepticum vaccination on digestive and reproductive organ characteristics of commercial egg-laying hens

Two trials were conducted to determine the effects of a prelay ts-11-strain Mycoplasma gallisepticum (ts-11MG) vaccination alone or in conjunction with F-strain M. gallisepticum (FMG) inoculation overlays at 2 different age periods during lay on the digestive and reproductive organ characteristics of commercial egg-laying hens. In each trial, the following 4 treatments were utilized: sham vaccination at 10 wk of age, ts-11MG vaccination at 10 wk of age, ts-11MG at 10 wk of age overlaid by FMG inoculation at 22 wk of age, and ts-11MG at 10 wk of age overlaid by FMG at 45 wk of age. Necropsies were performed at the end of both trials (58 wk of age), using 2 birds from each of 4 replicate units per treatment, to observe treatment effects on the following parameters: liver weight, liver lipid and moisture concentrations, incidence of fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome, ovary weight, number of mature ovarian follicles, and the total and segmental weights, lengths, and histologies of the oviduct and small intestine. Treatments affected only vaginal length as a percentage of total oviduct length. Vaginas were relatively longer in hens that had only been vaccinated with ts-11MG at 10 wk in comparison to all the other treatment groups, including controls. Except for relative vaginal length, the digestive and reproductive organs of layers were not influenced by the ts-11MG and FMG treatment regimens imposed in this study. These results confirm that when coupled with FMG inoculations during lay, prelay ts-11MG vaccinations may be a practical substitute for prelay FMG inoculations for providing continual protection against field-strain M. gallisepticum infections in layers.
The Israeli peace movement from the outbreak of the intifada to an uncertain future: An annotated bibliography

On 1 April 1978, the Israeli peace movement burst into world consciousness when an estimated 25,000 Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv to urge the administration of Prime Minister Menachem Begin to continue peace negotiations with Egypt. A grassroots group called Peace Now is credited with organizing and leading that demonstration. Today, the “peace camp” refers to left‐wing political parties and organizations that hold dovish positions on the Arab‐Israeli conflict and the Palestinian issue. While some figures in the Labor Party view themselves as the peace movement's natural leader, political parties further to the left like the Citizens Rights Movement (CRM) and Mapam are more dovish. In the last 10 years, many grassroots peace organizations have, like Peace Now, formed outside the political party system, with the goal of influencing public opinion and eventually having an impact on policy makers. Peace Now is still the largest, most visible and influential of those organizations.
The nebraska constitutional convention

“The mountain was in labor, and Jove was afraid; but it brought forth a mouse.” … You may think this a too pessimistic view, but the author has given the facts from which to judge.
Neurology Was There in 1848

The year 1848 was a time of political volatility in Europe. Frequent revolutions pitted the working and middle classes against reactionary governments seeking to regain and sustain social, political, and economic privilege. In the United States, the American Medical Association (AMA), which had been founded 1 year earlier, sought to organize physicians and to establish standards of medical practice and medical education. Although not yet a specialty in the modern sense of the word, neurology was there. Schiller 1 has concluded that the antecedents, or roots, of neurology resided in the conception of an organ system having a unique structure and function. Also, observations regarding neural electrical activity and theories related to neurophysiology had been proposed. 2 Varieties of electrotherapy had been used for at least 100 years. 1 The gross morphological features and some of the basic anatomical characteristics of the central and peripheral nervous systems had been recognized. The morbid anatomy of the nervous system had been described by Boyd, 3,4 Carswell, 5 and Cruveilhier, 6 and texts dealing with “nervous system disease” had appeared. Medical specialization had begun with the segregation of patients with certain organ-specific diseases in special hospitals, a phenomenon most evident in the early 19th century in Paris, France. 7
Remote Measurement of Gases Using Differential-Absorption Lidar

The entire left column was incompletely printed. It should read thus: used to measure ambient concentrations of C2 H4 with a sensitivity of +/-1.6 ppb,as reported by Murray and Van der Laam.
Measurement of Handwriting Factors

Alston (1988) suggests quantification of handwritings for educational purposes is necessary to assess students' progress. Electronic digital callipers aided by a three-power magnifier lamp give accurate metric measurements so that interrater reliab&ty is greater than 95%. The following 17 factors in handwriting are routinely and accurately measured: at which angle lines move across the page, slant of letters, width of letters, space between words, space between lines, heights of letter "aJ" heights of letter "1," heights of lower loop of letter "g," heights of letter 'IfJ'' widths of letter "t" crossing, heights of letter "t" crossing, left margins, right margins, total margins for same paragraph, difference between margins, pressure of writing on the page, and quality of writing on the page. This measurement guide has been used to study the handwritings of college students and their- families. We have reported Pearson product-moment correlations of parentlchild pairings that suggest an inherited influence for "space between words" (Peeples & Morris, 1985). Subsequent work suggests three more of these measured factors are both inherited and highly correlated among themselves (height of the t-crossing, height of the letter "f" and height of the letter "a"). The following two paragraphs can be used in collecting uniform samples from large groups of subjects. This sample of my handwriting must have within it all the twenty-six bterr of the English alphabet. Therefore, it is necessary to include something silly, such as "The quick red fox jumps over the lozy brown dog." Also, because nrtmbers may be useful in this research program, I will write 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0. If I had my way, I would travel to the /ar ends of the earth. Preferably, I would take the proverbial "Slow boat to China" and see the sights of all parts of the world at my leisure. If I can't see the whole wide world, I want to begin in Italy before Spring.
THE PRIMARY REACTION OF PLANT PHOTOSYSTEM II

. …Research during the past five years has resulted in considerable advances in our understanding of the primary reaction (the initial light-induced charge separation) of plant Photosystem II (the reaction responsible for the oxidation of H2O to O2). The primary reaction appears to involve the photooxidation of a specialized chlorophyll a and the concomitant photoreduction of a specialized plastoquinone. Evidence for this formulation of the Photosystem II reaction center and a discussion of the kinetic and oxidation-reduction properties of the reactants are reviewed.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Tuberous Sclerosis

A 28-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis presented with sudden onset of dyspnea and discomfort in the right chest and back. On examination she had tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxia, with an absence of breath sounds on the right side. An anteroposterior chest radiograph showed a complete pneumothorax (Panel A, arrowheads), which resolved with a tube thoracostomy. Computed tomographic scans of the chest from previous hospitalizations showed a diffuse cystic intrapulmonary disease pattern consistent with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (Panel B, arrows). After successful pulmonary re-expansion, the patient was discharged, but she returned within 1 week with bilateral pneumothoraxes. Pleurodesis was successful on the . . .
Down-regulation of hepatic LDL receptor expression in experimental nephrosis

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is invariably associated with elevation of plasma total and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that nephrotic LDL hypercholesterolemia is, in part, due to acquired LDL receptor (LDLR) deficiency. To this end, hepatic LDLR mRNA (Northern blot analysis) and protein mass (Western blot analysis) were measured longitudinally before and during the course of puromycin-induced NS. In addition, the rate of LDLR gene transcription by isolated hepatic nuclei was determined using nuclear run-on assay. Hepatic LDLR mRNA remained virtually unchanged during the 30-day course of the study period. However, after an insignificant rise on day 5, LDLR protein mass gradually declined to a level which was significantly below the baseline values (P < 0.05 ANOVA). This was accompanied by a normal rate of LDLR mRNA synthesis excluding impaired gene transcription as a cause. The fall in hepatic LDLR protein was associated with a marked rise in plasma total and LDL cholesterol concentrations but no rise in hepatic tissue cholesterol concentration. The latter observation is indicative of impaired hepatic cholesterol uptake and provides functional evidence for the demonstrated acquired LDLR deficiency in the NS animals. Likewise, our findings elucidate the molecular basis of the previously reported impaired LDL clearance in NS. In conclusion, severe hypercholesterolemia in rats with experimental NS is associated with and perhaps, in part, is due to down-regulation of LDL receptor expression.
Closure temperature in cooling bi-mineralic systems: I. Definition and with application to REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer

Abstract Closure temperature is an important concept to many diffusion related problems involving cooling. The basic idea and formulation were outlined in the seminal work of Dodson for cooling mono-mineralic systems. The Dodson’s equation has been widely used to calculate closure temperatures for igneous and metamorphic rocks that contain more than one mineral. The purpose of this study is to examine closure temperatures in cooling bi-mineralic systems and to investigate the physical meaning of temperatures calculated using the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer. We conduct numerical simulations of diffusive redistribution of trace elements between two coexisting minerals under prescribed cooling using temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients and mineral–mineral partition coefficients. Following Dodson’s treatment, the closure temperature in bi-mineralic systems can be defined by the evolution of either average trace element concentrations in the two minerals or their ratio. The latter defines an effective partition coefficient. Closure temperatures calculated based on the two definitions are compared for a range of cooling rates, grain sizes, mineral proportions, and temperature-dependent partition coefficients and diffusion coefficients. Temperatures defined by the effective partition coefficient are recommended. Application to diffusive redistribution of rare earth elements (REE) in orthopyroxene–clinopyroxene systems demonstrates that closure temperature differences among REE are small and hence their average value may be used as the closure temperature for the cooling two-pyroxene system. The average closure temperature of REE in the two-pyroxene system is essentially the same as the temperature calculated using the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer and practically independent of pyroxene modal abundance in the system. Differences in temperatures calculated using the REE- and major element-based two-pyroxene thermometers can be used to infer cooling rate of two-pyroxene bearing mafic and ultramafic rocks.
ENHANCED OXIDATION OF MOLYBDENUM DISILICIDE UNDER TENSILE STRESS: RELATION TO PEST MECHANISMS.

The mechanical disintegration of molybdenum disilicide in air or oxygen at temperatures of 300° to 600°C, known in the literature as “pest”, is ascribed here to stress enhanced oxidation at the tips of Griffith flaws, eventually leading to brittle fracture. Stress-free single crystals of molybdenum disilicide, which are not ordinarily subject to pest, were shown to exhibit delayed failure in four-point bend tests under the conditions that lead to pest in polycrystals. The delayed failure times showed the same temperature and oxygen pressure dependence as the times to onset of pest disintegration in polycrystals. Pest in polycrystals occurs even in the absence of an applied stress, due to the high residual stresses which are introduced upon cooling this highly anisotropic material from the melt during fabrication. Nonetheless, the superposition of an applied stress, over and above the residual stress, was shown to decrease the time to pest failure compared to unstressed specimens. The absence of pest above 600°C, and the longer times required for pest disintegration as temperature is increased above about 500°C, is explained by the presence of plastic deformation in the matrix, which tends to reduce stress concentration at the tips of flaws and to counteract the flaw sharpening effect of stress enhanced oxidation. Slip was readily observed at 600°C. The delayed failure results were consistent with the general Charles-Hillig model for the mechanical failure of brittle materials that react chemically with their environment.
Stereoselectivity of intramolecular SN' cyclizations of alkyllithium reagents on methoxy alkenes.

The cyclization of alkyllithium reagents onto methoxy alkenes has been investigated. The alkyllithium reagent was generated by reductive lithiation of an alkyl nitrile. In an unbiased substrate, a methoxy leaving group attached to a stereogenic secondary carbon atom led to the cyclization product with high optical purity. The configuration of the product demonstrated that the cyclization had proceeded with high syn-SN‘ selectivity. Previously we have shown that 2-lithiotetrahydropyran reagents cyclize to form spirocycles with the alkene cis to the pyran oxygen. Substrates were prepared to evaluate the importance of the configuration of the secondary allyl methyl ether against the α-alkoxy alkyllithium configuration. In the matched case (cyano acetal 38), a very selective cyclization ensued. In the mismatched case (cyano acetal 39), the spiro ether selectivity dominated. The syn-SN‘ selectivity overcame the normal E selectivity in the cyclization and accounted for the major product, Z-alkene 45. Thus the s...
Nanocrystal Diffusion in a Liquid Thin Film Observed by in Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

We have directly observed motion of inorganic nanoparticles during fluid evaporation using a transmission electron microscope. Tracking real-time diffusion of both spherical (5−15 nm) and rod-shaped (5 × 10 nm) gold nanocrystals in a thin film of water−15% glycerol reveals complex movements, such as rolling motions coupled to large-step movements and macroscopic violations of the Stokes−Einstein relation for diffusion. As drying patches form during the final stages of evaporation, particle motion is dominated by the nearby retracting liquid front.
Sustained high influenza vaccination rates and decreased safety concerns among pregnant women during the 2010-2011 influenza season.

Abstract Objective Intense efforts to vaccinate pregnant women against 2009 H1N1 influenza resulted in much higher vaccine uptake than previously reported. We surveyed postpartum women to determine whether high vaccination rates were sustained during the 2010–11 influenza season. Methods We performed cross-sectional surveys of postpartum women delivering at our institution during February–April 2010 and February–March 2011. The surveys ascertained maternal characteristics, history of influenza vaccination, and reasons for lack of vaccination. Results During the 2010–11 season, 165 (55%) of 300 women surveyed reported receiving influenza vaccination, compared to 191 of 307 (62%) during 2009–10 (p = 0.08). Vaccination by an obstetrical provider was common, but decreased compared to 2009–10 (60% vs. 71%, p = 0.04). While most women (76%) in 2010–11 reported that their provider recommended influenza vaccination, significantly more reported lack of discussion about vaccination (24% vs. 11%, p Conclusion The vaccination rate among pregnant women at our institution was relatively sustained, although fewer providers appear to be discussing influenza vaccination in pregnancy. Concern about vaccine safety, the primary barrier during 2009–10, was much less prominent.
The mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Abstract The need for sustainable asphalt highway design and construction is becoming a priority within the asphalt transportation industry. This trend is necessitated by the high diminishing rate of construction materials, pressing demand on existing landfill sites, rising dumping fees, and reduced emissions into the environment. Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) as sustainable aggregates in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is therefore investigated in this research project. The objective of this study is to characterize the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with recycled concrete aggregates for low volume roads (herein, the equivalent standard axle load number is low). In this study, the RCA is substituted for Michigan traprock virgin aggregates (VA) in a light traffic volume HMA (control mix) at the rate of 25, 35, 50 and 75. The hybrid VA-RCA HMA is then assessed using the Superpave™ mix performance specifications. The rutting potential using Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA), Dynamic Modulus ( E ∗), Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) for moisture susceptibility, Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) resilient modulus and the Construction Energy Index (CEI) are determined to evaluate the field performance suitability or otherwise of the mix. All 4 hybrid VA-RCA HMA mixes passed the minimum rutting specification of 8 mm. The master curves for the hybrid mixes showed that the dynamic stiffness of the hybrid mixes were less than that of the control 4E1 mix, and it decreased when the RCA increased in the mix. In terms of moisture susceptibility, the tensile strength ratio increased with decreasing RCA; with only the 75% of RCA in the mix failing to meet the specification criterion. The compaction energy index proved that using RCA would save some amount of compaction energy. It is recommended that a certain amount of RCA in HMA is acceptable for low volume roads.
Inducing a definition of ‘hope’ through the use of grounded theory methodology

Nurse researchers have become increasingly concerned with the development, testing and continued refinement of reliable and valid instruments which can index phenomena of interest to nursing. A primary step in the measurement of such phenomena is the systematic initiation of conceptualization processes which yield adequate construct definitions. Adequate construct definitions facilitate efforts toward precise measurement. Presented in this article is a description of how grounded theory methodology guided conceptualization processes to induce a construct definition of 'hope'. The data-based example is from a study of 25 adolescents (both well and hospitalized adolescents) who participated in defining 'hope'. Results include a definition of hope consisting of four categories which seem to form a continuum of degree. The induced definition is used to demonstrate rules which have been put forth in the social science literature to guide the formulation of construct definitions. The relationship between processes of conceptualization and measurement is further demonstrated by examples of scale items to index hopefulness in adolescents. The scale items reflect the four categories of the induced definition of hope and comprise the inductively developed 'Hopefulness Scale for Adolescents'.
Congenital hypoplasia of the thumb with absence of the extrinsic extensors, abductor pollicis longus, and thenar muscles.

An unusual congenital anomaly of the thumb has been seen in 10 hands of eight patients. It consists of skeletal hypoplasia, instability gf'the metacarpophalangeal joint, absence of the extrinsic extensors and abductor, and adduction contracture Qf the first web space. Surgical reconstruction consisted of transfer of the extensor indicis proprius, the palmaris longus, and the abductor digiti minimi, as well as ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint and release of the web space contracture. Useful grasp and pinch were provided for all patients. The patients were followed from 2 to 5 years.
Vapor-liquid equilibria for polyatomic fluids from site-site computer simulations: pure hydrocarbons and binary mixtures containing methane

Abstract de Pablo, J.J., Bonnin, M. and Prausnitz, J.M., 1992. Vapor-liquid equilibria for polyatomic fluids from site-site computer simulations: pure hydrocarbons and binary mixtures containing methane. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 73: 187-210. Densities and enthalpies of vaporization for several alkanes have been calculated by dividing the molecules into sites (or groups) and then using Monte Carlo simulation with site-site Lennard-Jones potential energy functions. The properties of uniphase systems have been determined from simulations in the isobaric-isothermal ensemble. The properties of saturated (two-phase) systems have been computed by simulations in the Gibbs ensemble. The intermolecular potential energy functions used in these simulations are similar to those presented by Jorgensen, Madura and Swenson (1984, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 106: 6638). However, to cover an appreciable range of external conditions, the characteristic energy ϵ used here is a linear function of site density. Site-site potential functions provide the microscopic analog of group contribution methods for estimation of thermodynamic properties. Good agreement with experiment is achieved for several pure hydrocarbons and for a few binary mixtures containing methane.
The history of examination of reflexes

In the late 1800s, Wilhelm Erb, Joseph Babinski, William Gowers, and others helped develop the neurologic examination as we know it today. Erb was one of the first to emphasize a detailed and systematic neurologic exam and was co-discoverer of the muscle stretch reflex, Gowers began studying the knee jerk shortly after it was described, and Babinski focused on finding reliable signs that could differentiate organic from hysterical paralysis. These physicians and others emphasized the bedside examination of reflexes, which have been an important part of the neurologic examination ever since. This review will focus on the history of the examination of the following muscle stretch and superficial/cutaneous reflexes: knee jerk, jaw jerk, deep abdominal reflexes, superficial abdominal reflexes, plantar reflex/Babinski sign, and palmomental reflex. The history of reflex grading will also be discussed.
Optical filters, reflectors and polarizers fashioned with periodic leaky-mode resonant layers

Examples of optical devices based on periodic leaky-mode resonant layers are presented. A single-layer element provides narrowband bandpass and bandstop filters and wideband reflectors and polarizers.
The effect of communication deficits on anxiety symptoms in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are life-long developmental disorders characterized by impairments in the development of reciprocal social and communication skills, abnormal language development, and a restricted repertoire of behaviors and interests. While it has been known for some time that children with ASD can evince elevated rates of anxiety symptoms, little research has been conducted on whether deficits in communication skills affect the range of anxiety symptoms in infants and toddlers with ASD. This study represents a first attempt to determine whether deficits in communication skills have an effect on the expression of anxiety in infants and toddlers with autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified. Seven hundred thirty-five infants were evaluated with respect to the nature and extent of anxiety symptoms and developmental functioning. Both receptive and expressive communication skills appeared to play a significant role in the manifestation of anxiety symptoms.