cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OXYCEPHALY AND ALLIED CONDITIONS IN MAN AND IN THE RABBIT

Craniosynostosis and the pathological complex with which it is associated in the rabbit are not identical with the abnormalities seen in man; but apparently the two sets of conditions have enough in common to warrant the conclusion that they probably have a common mode of origin. The evidence so far obtained shows that in the rabbit these conditions are hereditary. The factors for the production of the cranial abnormalities are widespread, but the occurrence of deformities is comparatively rare in a general animal population. In-breeding and selective matings, however, tend to increase their frequency and also the frequency of other abnormalities with which they may be associated, either by chance or by close genetic relationship in the germ plasm. In this way, a pathological complex is built up and perpetuated. In so far as the cranial abnormalities are concerned, it seems now that oxycephaly and related conditions are variations resulting from a displacement or division of primary ossification centers controlled by hereditary factors.
Insights into the chemistry of new particle formation and growth events in Pittsburgh based on aerosol mass spectrometry.

New particle formation and growth events have been observed in several urban areas and are of concern due to their potential negative effects on human health. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the chemistry of ultrafine particles during the growth phase of the frequently observed nucleation events in Pittsburgh (∼100 events per year) and therefore infer the mechanisms of new particle growth in the urban troposphere. An Aerodyne aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) and two SMPS systems were deployed at the U.S. EPA Pittsburgh Supersite during September 2002. Significant nucleation events were observed in 3 out of the 16 days of this deployment, including one of the 10 strongest nucleation events observed in Pittsburgh over a period of 15 months. These events appear to be representative of the climatology of new particle formation and growth in the Pittsburgh region. Distinctive growth of sulfate, ammonium, organics, and nitrate in the ultrafine mode (33−60 nm in a vacuum aerodynamic diameter or ...
Peacemaking in Burundi: Conflict Resolution versus Conflict Management Strategies

ABSTRACT. Peacemakers are faced with a difficult decision when engaging in negotiations to end conflict: should they adopt a conflict resolution strategy that seeks to address the fundamental drivers of conflict (root causes) or pursue a more limited strategy of conflict termination that seeks to respond to the symptoms of violence? This article investigates this question through a case study of the Burundian civil war of the 1990s. It analyzes externally facilitated peace negotiations in order to explore the types of issues that were brought into the process, to ask when and why certain issues were or were not considered, and to investigate the effects of the choices made in negotiating strategies. The lessons of the Burundi case suggest that fundamental issues must be addressed if a conflict is to be fully resolved rather than just managed. Delaying the resolution of root causes until after peacemakers have exited the situation can enable powerful groups to avoid addressing the issues. After the peacema...
D-Lactate Specific Pyridine Nucleotide Lactate Dehydrogenase in Animals

A survey of representative invertebrates has revealed the presence of pyridine nucleotide-linked (D)-lactate dehydrogenase in a number of groups. All species studied contained either D(D)-or (L)L-lactate dehydrogenase, but no species contained both enzymes. The (D)-lactate dehydrogenase from Limulus polyphemus has been purified and has a molecular weight of 65,000.
An Examination of Dividend Policy in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

Abstract We examine the potential role that agency costs have on dividend payout policy in the restaurant industry. Specifically, we hypothesize that dividends serve to constrain the actions of management. Interest payments also have the same effect, and in a sense, may act as an effective substitute for dividend payments. Furthermore, the larger number of firm owners, the greater the need for dividends to control agency costs. Our findings show significant differences in debt ratios and the number of shareholders between restaurant firms that pay dividends and those that do not.
Bridging the Gap between Prison and Community Employment: An Initial Assessment of Current Information

The majority of prison inmates return to the community. Once in the community they are faced with limited legitimate income potential based on education, skills and ex‐offender stigma. This article assesses baseline information concerning available prison to community employment programs – programs that start inside the prison and link directly to community employment. Data was collected using a web‐based survey distributed to state departments of corrections. Major areas of focus include: numbers and types of existing programs, numbers of inmates participating in such programs, as well as evaluation of program effectiveness.
Optimization in equilibrium headspace GC/FTIR

For the trace analysis of volatile components in a nonvolatile matrix, the headspace sampling technique offers the potential to lower detection limits in GC/FTIR experiments. Optimization of chromatographic operating parameters for Headspace GC/FTIR is discussed, aiming at the best compromise between maximum chromatographic resolution and highest S/N ratio of the infrared spectra. It is shown that the combination of headspace sampling with cryogenic capillary head trapping is able to provide Headspace GC/FTIR with the best performance in terms of sensitivity and chromatographic resolution.
Perturbation of nuclear lamin A causes cell death in chondrocytes.

Objective Mutations in LMNA encoding the A-type lamins cause several diseases, including those with features of premature aging and skeletal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of lamin A in cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and the effects of its overexpression on chondrocyte senescence and apoptosis. Methods Human chondrocyte-like cells (SW-1353) were used. RNA isolated from human OA and non-OA cartilage was used for profiling messenger RNA expression, using Affymetrix microarray analysis. The effects of lamin A overexpression on mitochondrial function and apoptosis were examined by assessing mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, and cytochrome c release, and with a TUNEL assay. Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression. Results Lamin A expression was markedly elevated in OA cartilage samples compared with non-OA control samples. Western blot analysis confirmed increased expression of lamin A in OA compared with non-OA cartilage. Interleukin-1β treatment inhibited lamin A accumulation, whereas treatment with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) caused a marked increase in lamin A accumulation. These effects of exogenous PGE2 on lamin A expression were mediated via the EP2/EP4 receptors. Transfected chondrocytes that expressed lamin A displayed markers of early senescence/apoptosis. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that lamin A is up-regulated in OA chondrocytes, and that increased nuclear accumulation of lamin A in response to catabolic stress may account for the premature aging phenotype and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes.
Synthesis and biological activity of some 1-N-substituted 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glycopyranosylamine derivatives and related analogs

Abstract Several 1-N-substituted derivatives [haloacetyl-, glycyl-, (dimethyl)aminoacetyl-, azidoacetyl-, trifluoroacetyl-, and trifluoromethylsulfonyl-] of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-β- d -glucopyranosylamine (1) were synthesized as potential metabolic inhibitors of cellular-membrane glycoconjugates. Several fully acetylated derivatives were found to inhibit growth of mouse mammary adenocarcinoma TA3, leukemia L-1210, or leukemia P-288 cells at 1–0.01m M concentration in vitro. Some of these derivatives were less active after O-deacetylation. Analogs of 1 in which NH2-1 was replaced by OH- or OAc-1 were also active on the same cell systems. The growth-inhibitory activity was correlated with inhibition of the incorporation of 2-amino-deoxy- d -glucose and l -leucine into a macromolecular fraction.
Histochemical studies on glycogen deposition in uterus of the rat. III. Effect of starvation.

SummaryRelatively short periods of fasting result in the rapid disappearance of glycogen from the liver and skeletal muscle of hypophysectomized animals. The present experiments have demonstrated that, in spite of the depletion of carbohydrate reserves in the starved hypophysectomized castrate rat, estrogen promotes the deposition of glycogen in the uterine musculature in amounts comparable to those deposited in well-nourished animals. In this respect this action of estrogen on the uterus is analogous to that of certain of the hormones of the anterior hypophysis and adrenal cortex on the deposition of glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscle.
Speech dysfunction of obstructive sleep apnea. A discriminant analysis of its descriptors.

We have previously demonstrated a relationship between abnormal speech and obstructive sleep apnea in a small subject sample. The present study was designed to replicate the previous one with a much larger population, analyze the perceptual characteristics of the speech quality, and determine the degree to which each of three descriptors of speech abnormality contributed to the perception of speech abnormality. Ten graduate students in speech pathology listened in two 1.5 hour sessions to 252 random speech samples presented on a master tape. There were 81 subjects comprised of 27 sleep apnea patients, 27 matched chronic obstructive pulmonary disease control patients, and 27 matched normal control subjects. Rating the speech along an equally-appearing interval scale from 1 to 7, the judges heard abnormal resonance, articulation or phonation in 74 percent of the sleep apnea subjects, 53 percent of the COPD subjects, and 7 percent of the normal subjects (significant difference by χ 2 test at the .01 level of confidence). Discriminant function equations based on these speech descriptors correctly identified 96.3 percent of the normal subjects and 63.0 percent of the sleep apnea subjects. Analysis of abnormal speech resonance, articulation and phonation may identify obstructive sleep apnea or may provide insight into its pathology.
DNA Replication of First-Generation Adenovirus Vectors in Tumor Cells

A major role of the early gene 1A and 1B products (E1A and E1B) in adenovirus infection is to create a cellular environment appropriate for viral DNA replication. This is, in part, achieved by inactivation of tumor suppressor gene products such as pRb or p53. The functions of these same cellular proteins are also frequently lost in tumor cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that tumor cell lines with deregulated p53 and/or pRb pathways might support replication of E1A/E1B-deleted, first-generation adenovirus vectors (AdE1-). Here, we analyzed the impact of virus uptake, cell cycling, and the status of cell cycle regulators on AdE1- DNA synthesis. Cellular internalization of AdE1- vectors varied significantly among different tumor cell lines, whereas nuclear import of incoming viral DNA appeared to be less variable. Replication assays performed under equalized infection conditions demonstrated that all analyzed tumor cell lines supported AdE1- synthesis to varying degrees. There was no obvious correlation bet...
Paleo-climate of the Boise area, Idaho from the last glacial maximum to the present based on groundwater δ2H and δ18O compositions

Abstract A 30 ka paleo-climate record of the Boise area, Idaho, USA has been delineated using groundwater stable isotopic compositions. Groundwater ages are modern (cold batholith), 5–15 ka (thermal batholith) , 10–20 ka (frontal fault) , and 20–30 ka (Snake River plain thermal). The stable isotopic composition of groundwaters have been used as a surrogate for the stable isotopic composition of precipitation. Using δ2H and δ18O compositions, local groundwater lines (LGWL's) were defined for each system. Each LGWL has been evaluated with defined slopes of 6.94 and 8, respectively, and resulting deuterium excess values (d) were found for each groundwater system for each slope. Time dependent changes in moisture source humidity and temperature, and Boise area recharge temperatures, calculated from stable isotopic data and the deuterium excess factors, agree with previous paleo-climate studies. Results indicate that from the last glacial maximum to the present time the humidity over the ocean moisture source increased by 9%, sea surface temperature at the moisture source increased 6–7°C, and local Boise temperature increased by 4–5°C. A greater increase of temperature at the moisture source as compared to the Boise area may impart be due to a shift in the moisture source area.
Recent progress in clinical and basic pertussis research.

Over the last decade, substantial progress has been made in the field of pertussis research. This includes better understanding of virulence mechanisms and their influence on the pathogenicity of Bordetella pertussis, increased awareness of the broad spectrum of disease and more insight into the host's immune response to infection, improved diagnostic tools, development, evaluation, introduction and implementation of several acellular pertussis vaccines and better understanding of the epidemiology of pertussis in adolescents and adults. CONCLUSION: The major achievements in the field of pertussis research are reviewed and discussed. They have great impact on the current and future practice of paediatric, adolescent and adult medicine.
Results of radical nephrectomy for peripheral well-circumscribed renal cell carcinoma

Recently, several authorities have argued that, whenever surgically feasible, parenchyma-conserving surgery rather than radical nephrectomy should be the preferred treatment for renal cell carcinoma. They affirm that the results reported following partial nephrectomy are as good as those reported following radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. However, parenchyma-conserving surgery is usually performed only for relatively small, well-circumscribed tumors that do not involve the collecting system extensively or the renal hilum. To determine the results when radical nephrectomy is used to manage similar tumors, we reviewed the clinical records and arteriograms of 111 patients with renal cell carcinoma. Review of the arteriograms showed that parenchyma-conserving surgery could have been performed in 10 cases (9%). The disease-free survival rate for these 10 patients after radical nephrectomy was 100 percent, and they had no local recurrences. On the basis of these data, we believe that radical nephrectomy remains the best treatment for all patients who have renal cell carcinoma and a normal contralateral kidney.
Active perception for legged locomotion: every step is an experiment

A legged robot can use its legs not only for locomotion but also to identify the material properties and shape of the terrain it traverses. The author formulates active perception techniques based on force/torque sensing to identify terrain stiffness and surface friction, and he presents the results of applying the techniques to characterize terrain transversability. He also describes purposeful contact sensing to update geometric terrain maps in a process that might be called 'shape from kicking,' that is, he describes how a walking robot can actively conduct perceptual experiments by stepping on and kicking things. He also specifies how the results of the experiment may benefit a robot walking over rugged terrain. >
Controlled decoration of carbon nanotubes with nanoparticles

We present an efficient gas-phase route to decorate both single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes with nanoparticles based on electrostatic force directed assembly. We show that, in addition to an intrinsic nanoparticle size selection, the packing density and the final size distribution of nanoparticles docking on nanotubes can be controlled during the assembly process. Our method enables in situ coating of nanotubes with nanoparticles. Due to the inherent material-independent nature of the electrostatic force, various compositions of such nanoparticle–nanotube structures can be produced using this new technique. These novel structures will enable new opportunities for exploring nanoscience, nanotechnology, and biotechnology.
Thermoresponsiveness of Integrated Ultra‐Thin Silicon with Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels

Stimuli-sensitive polymer materials have limited device functionality, design and manufacturing flexibility although they are pushed to enable smart device applications. Here we demonstrate the capability of integrating thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels with silicon nanoribbons, and enable the stiff silicon ribbons to become adaptive and drivable by the soft environmentally sensitive substrate, such as becoming mechanically stretched and compressed on temperature change. These and related soft/hard smart devices and systems may open new opportunities in biomedical applications.
Physicochemical and biological controls on primary and net community production across northeast Pacific seascapes

The subarctic–subtropical transition zone in the North Pacific represents the second largest sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the world ocean, yet the relative importance of physical and biological processes in this uptake is debated. In a step toward understanding the spatiotemporal variability of environmental, physiological, and ecological factors that contribute to the efficacy of the biological pump, near-continuous measurements of net primary production (NPP), net community production (NCP), export efficiency (NCP : NPP), and several physiological and ecological variables were collected across subarctic, transition, and subtropical seascapes of the Northeast Pacific during August and September of 2008. Whereas hydrographic variability (e.g., temperature, salinity, and mixed layer) dominated at basin scales, the effects were balanced or subsumed by biomass or taxa effects within individual seascapes. Fluorescence diagnostics suggested that the transition seascape was neither iron nor macronutrient limited. NPP and NCP were strongly spatially coupled in both the transition (r 5 0.70; p , 0.0001) and subtropics (r 5 0.68, p , 0.0001); however, the strength of individual drivers as determined through multiple linear regression (MLR) varied across seascapes. NPP in the transition seascape was driven primarily by nano- and microphytoplankton biomass, whereas NCP appeared to be driven by changes in salinity, temperature, and to a lesser degree, diatom-specific biomass. Although NPP was low in the subtropics, mesoscale changes in hydrographical factors and shifts in community structure from picoto microphytoplankton contributed to moderate NCP and high export efficiency. Spatial variability in the relative importance of hydrography, phytoplankton community structure, and NPP in driving NCP illuminates regional sensitivity of the biological pump to future climate conditions.
Basic Biological Sciences Comparison of the Predominant Cultivable Microflora in the Dental Plaque of Macaca mulatta (Rhesus) and Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus)

The predominant cultivable bacteria in the supra-gingival plaque of Old World monkeys were similar to those in human plaque. A significant inter-animal species difference was observed in the absolute and relative concentrations of specific microbial populations. Streptococcus mutans serotype c was found primarily in rhesus plaque and serotype e in cynomolgus plaque.
Equation‐oriented flowsheet simulation and optimization using pseudo‐transient models

Tight integration through material and energy recycling is essential to the energy efficiency and economic viability of process and energy systems. Equation-oriented (EO) steady-state process simulation and optimization are key enablers in the optimal design of integrated processes. A new process modeling and simulation concept based on pseudo-transient continuation is introduced. An algorithm for reformulating the steady-state models of process unit operations as differential-algebraic equation systems that are statically equivalent with the original model is presented. These pseudo-transient models improve the convergence of EO process flowsheet simulations by expanding the convergence basin. This concept is used to build a library of pseudo-transient models for common process unit operations, and this modeling concept seamlessly integrates with a previously developed time-relaxation optimization algorithm. Two design case studies are presented to validate the proposed framework. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 4104–4123, 2014
Hypolipidemic effect of pregnancy in the rabbit

New Zealand white rabbits showed large decreases in plasma cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations during the second half of pregnancy. All lipoproteins (very low density, low density, and high density) participated in the decrease. Very large decreases in plasma cholesterol concentrations were observed even when the animals were maintained on high cholesterol diets. Increases in plasma cholesterol concentrations, after the intravenous administration of Triton WR 1339, were at least as great in pregnant as in nonpregnant animals. It is concluded that the decrease in plasma cholesterol concentrations is not the result of impaired plasma lipoprotein production.
FFT algorithms for vector computers

The adaptation of the Cooley-Tukey, the Pease and the Stockham FFT's to vector computers is discussed. Each of these algorithms computes the same result namely, the discrete Fourier transform. They differ only in the way that intermediate computations are stored. Yet it is this difference that makes one or the other more appropriate depending on the application. This difference also influences the computational efficiency on a vector computer and motivates the development of methods to improve efficiency. Each of the FFT's is defined rigorously by a short expository FORTRAN program which provides the basis for discussions about vectorization. Several methods for lengthening vectors are discussed, including the case of multiple and multi-dimensional transforms where M sequences of length N can be transformed as a single sequence of length MN using a 'truncated' FFT. The implementation of an in place FFT on a computer with memory-to-memory architecture is made possible by in place matrix-vector multiplication.
Social Power and Attitude Strength Over the Life Course

Past findings indicate that middle-aged adults in the United States tend to be more resistant to attitude change than younger and older adults, but little is known about why this is so. The authors propose that midlife adults’ disproportionate occupation of high-power social roles (which call for resoluteness) may partly explain their heightened resistance to persuasion. Using nationally representative data sets, the article first documents that in various domains the possession of social power peaks in midlife. It next documents that middle-aged adults place a high value on resoluteness, which suggests that they have internalized powerful role norms. Next, it shows that directly activating the concept of social power increases the perceived value of resoluteness. Finally, it demonstrates that the possession of powerful social roles partially mediates the relationship between age and resistance to persuasion. This work is the first to uncover a mechanism responsible for changes in attitude strength over t...
Development of an integrated TQM-based system for university accreditation requirements

The primary objective of this research was to develop a computer-based system to assist universities in the engineering accreditation process through the application of total quality management methodologies such as quality function deployment, the analytical hierarchy process and statistical process control. The first step was to develop a conceptual model which integrated the three methodologies as the foundation for the subsequent development of a prototype computer-based system. This resulting system allows user to plan and organise course content with consideration of ABET Engineering Criteria 2000 Criterion 3 requirements. The system also provides users with the capability of varying the priorities of desired educational outcomes. The users can then observe corresponding changes in course content to meet these objectives in order of their priority. This system represents an initial step toward developing a suite of computer applications to support the accreditation process.
Synthesis and bioluminescence of difluoroluciferin.

Abstract A new synthesis route to firefly luciferin analogs was developed via the synthesis of 5′,7′-difluoroluciferin. As a luciferase substrate, it produces maximal bioluminescence at a much lower pH than is optimal for native luciferin, and at lower pH it gives much more of the red-shifted emission that is characteristic of the phenolate. These features are attributed to the enhanced acidity of the o,o-difluorophenol.
Time evolution of fast ions created in an expanding helicon plasma

High levels of ion production (~1013 cm-3 plasma density) by helicon plasma sources and supersonic ion exit speeds (between 8 and 15 km/s) have generated considerable interest in the possibility of a helicon source electric double layer thruster. Pulsing the helicon discharge might solve important thruster issues such as plasma detachment, turbulent cross-field diffusion, and antenna heating. Therefore, for thruster applications, an understanding of the temporal evolution of the ion velocity distribution function (ivdf) downstream of an expanding helicon source is needed to choose the optimal operational parameters (duty cycle, pulse length, input power, driving frequency, etc.) to obtain the desired specific impulse along the expansion direction while minimizing the ion energy in the perpendicular direction. We report on laser induced fluorescence measurements of the temporal evolution of the argon-ion velocity distribution function in the expansion region of a pulsed helicon plasma. The measurements were taken in the expansion region, 19 cm downstream of the helicon source. Temporal resolution of 1 ms allowed investigations of different plasma pulse lengths and duty cycles. It was revealed that below a threshold pressure of ~2 mTorr, the ivdfs show a bimodal structure comprised of a slow ion population that appears simultaneously with the inception of the rf pulse and a fast ion population (~7-8 km/s axial flow speed) that appears few tens of ms later.
Pharmacy student and preceptor perceptions for the first advanced pharmacy practice experience

Abstract Objective To compare perceptions of pharmacy students and preceptors regarding student preparedness to deliver patient care on the students' first advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE). Methods A 56-item student questionnaire and a 53-item preceptor questionnaire were developed and distributed to students and preceptors after student completion of the first APPE. Students and preceptors rated students in overall preparedness (five-point Likert scale) and preparedness for specific activities (four-point Likert scale). Results Ninety-six (66%) students and 61 (34%) preceptors completed the questionnaires. In overall preparedness, the mean reported by students was 3.59/5 (SD = 1.03) and the mean reported by preceptors was 3.75/5 (SD = 1.02). In preparedness for specific activities, the students rated themselves significantly higher than the preceptors in 22 of 46 specific activities. Conclusion Students and preceptors consider students somewhat prepared for APPEs. For the future, a continuous quality improvement activity should include patient case studies designed to allow students to identify untreated medical conditions and improper medication selection.
Special session - team training to promote constructive (not destructive) conflict

Advancing technology increases the need for engineering students to perform effectively on multidisciplinary teams. While conflict is a normal, and even necessary, component of team dynamics, if not managed effectively it can lead to destructive (rather than constructive) outcomes. An action science approach to group and individual effectiveness can help teams handle conflict constructively. This session uses a "teach the teacher" approach to give participants a basic understanding of skills underlying the approach. It provides practice in action science through a set of learning modules. These skills can be brought back and integrated into the participants' courses to provide student teams effective ways to handle conflict
Individuation: the N = 1 revolution

This commentary looks to evaluate the opportunities that are offered by the differences between individuals and how a focus on this issue will influence the future design of all human–machine systems. It is probable that a continuing increase in computational power and associated memory storage capacities will lead to circumstances in which each and every single person can be coded as, and treated as, a separate individual and therefore not necessarily as a representative part of any group, sample or population. This ascending focus on the individual will serve to subdue the demand for nomothetic pronouncements and encourage the use of idiographic case representations. Arguably, this is a trend that is already being witnessed. A fully achieved state of this focus on the individual, or ‘individuation’ as it has been termed here, will have important impacts on research in the social, psychological and neurosciences, as well as assessment in all studies of living beings. This tide of progress may be inhibite...
Clever Tricks For Use With ACCOS V

Several commercially available optical design and analysis programs have been written with the express intention of being as versatile as possible. The program writers' concern for versatility has not been without just cause--optical systems are becoming more sophisticated every day. Off-axis elements, steep aspherics, tilted and decentered components, and holographic lenses, for example, are rapidly becoming de rigueur for the modern optical system. The need to simulate these requirements on standard design programs has become a must. ACCOS V is a prime example of an optical design program with the ability to design and analyze "wierd" systems. In addition to the computer program, a certain amount of ingenuity is required on the part of the designer. This paper discusses some tricks useful for simulating "wierd" systems on ACCOS V plus tricks that are probably suitable for most other design programs as well.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Risks of Different Testosterone Preparations: Too Much, Too Little, Just Right

tio [HR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.18-1.35), hospitalization (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.13-1.19), and death (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.15-1.56) compared with testosterone gel or patch formulations. The outcomes of the analysis support the hypothesis that intermittent pharmacologic levels of testosterone, which are inevitable with an injectable depo-testosterone administration every 2 to 3 weeks, result in an association with an increase in the combined outcome of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and death. The absolute risk between testosterone therapy groups was small in this epidemiologic analysis, but the risk does raise concern considering the marked increase in testosterone prescriptions both in the United States and internationally 5 and prior associations in large data sets of increased risks in men receiving vs those not receiving treatment. 3,4 In addition, Layton and colleagues 1 did not include a comparison group of men not receiving testosterone, so overall risks and benefits of the therapy cannot be compared between the groups. Layton et al 1 acknowledge the limitations of the study, including lack of information concerning the indication for treatment and only partial data concerning testosterone levels before initiating or during therapy. However, their findings are consistent with those of other large epidemiologic studies 3,4 and the recent alarming US Food and Drug Administration report that more than 25% of testosterone prescriptions in the United States are written without determination of a level and that more than 30% of patients receiving testosterone therapy do not have follow-up laboratory testing. 5 Taken together, these
Perceiving gloss in surfaces and images

Color Appearance Models are successfully used to model the color perception differences seen when the same stimuli are presented on different media, e.g. hard copy or a self-luminous display. It is currently unknown if the similar effects are present in gloss perception and if there is need for Gloss Appearance Models. Gloss communication, and the higher level material appearance communication is becoming more important everyday with the increase in customized manufacturing and the need for the costumer to preview a final product while short-runs, time and cost constraints prohibit the use of hard-copy proofs. Three experiments are proposed in order to analyze this phenomenon. The Gloss matching performance of observers on real objects is first going to be studied. Then, the same experiment will be repeated with synthetic images. Finally, a cross-media matching experiment will be performed, where the observers will have to match a real material with synthetic representations. The same trend was observed in the experiment using only real objects and in the cross-media situation, where a high matching accuracy was obtained for low gloss samples, and the gloss of mid and high gloss samples was underestimated. The same accuracy for low gloss samples was obtained for the experiment with only synthetic images, but mid and high gloss samples were overestimated. The sensitivity of the observers was higher when only real samples were used, it decreased when the display was used due the lack of visual disparity and multiple viewing conditions, and it was lowest on the last experiment, influenced by the multiple media and the above limitations.
A Novel Role for Cet1p mRNA 5′-Triphosphatase in Promoter Proximal Accumulation of RNA Polymerase II in Saccharomyces cerevisiase

Yeast mRNA 5′-triphosphatase, Cet1p, recognizes phosphorylated-RNA polymerase II as a component of capping machinery via Ceg1p for cotranscriptional formation of mRNA cap structure that recruits cap-binding complex (CBC) and protects mRNA from exonucleases. Here, we show that the accumulation of RNA polymerase II at the promoter proximal site of ADH1 is significantly enhanced in the absence of Cet1p. Similar results are also found at other genes. Cet1p is recruited to the 5′ end of the coding sequence, and its absence impairs mRNA capping, and hence CBC recruitment. However, such an impaired recruitment of CBC does not enhance promoter proximal accumulation of RNA polymerase II. Thus, Cet1p specifically lowers the accumulation of RNA polymerase II at the promoter proximal site independently of mRNA cap structure or CBC. Further, we show that Cet1p’s N-terminal domain, which is not involved in mRNA capping, decreases promoter proximal accumulation of RNA polymerase II. An accumulation of RNA polymerase II at the promoter proximal site in the absence of Cet1p’s N-terminal domain is correlated with reduced transcription. Collectively, our results demonstrate a novel role of Cet1p in regulation of promoter proximal accumulation of RNA polymerase II independently of mRNA capping activity, and hence transcription in vivo.
Protocol stack-based telecom emulator

The paper describes the concept and implementation of a telecom emulator that features both reconfigurability and high-speed processing. The emulator can be easily transmuted into any telecom system as a real node. It has two innovative system design concepts. The first is to divide the specification into simplified processes based on the open system interconnection (OSI) reference model. The second is the use of a sophisticated hardmacro and its software-callable driver. We implemented a prototype system called ATTRACTOR and applied it to some telecom applications. The applications were able to be implemented in a short design time and were operated in real computer network environments.
Subacute Posttraumatic Ascending Myelopathy After an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury from a Gunshot Wound to the Spine: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) is a rare event that occurs after spinal cord trauma or ischemia. SPAM is defined as progressive loss of spinal cord or nerve root function days to weeks after the initial trauma that cannot be attributed to mechanical instability. Because of the rarity of this condition, there is no clear understanding of its cause, natural history, or treatment guidelines for patient management. Case Description Here, we present the first reported case of SPAM after a gunshot wound to the spine. In this case, the patient presented with a mild spinal cord injury that recovered after surgery but then progressed to a more severe spinal cord injury many days later. Magnetic resonance imaging before and after his new symptoms supported the diagnosis of SPAM. Conclusions This case demonstrates that spinal cord injury is a dynamic lesion, both in the immediate postinjury stage and in the subacute time interval as well. This is the first reported case of SPAM that occurred after the resolution of incomplete SCI and only the second that occurred after a gunshot wound.
Some Properties of Ag-Sn-Hg Alloys

A study has been conducted to characterize Ag-Sn-Hg alloys with respect to various physical and mechanical properties. Amalgams containing from 0 up to 26 wt% Sn were prepared by the normal trituration and condensation technique. Properties such as structure, strength, expansion, fracture, and corrosion were investigated and correlated. The study showed that maximum expansion in the alloys could be associated with internal voids and consequently minimum strength and vice versa. Fracture in the low tin content alloys was predominately intergranular whereas for the normal amalgam (26 wt% Sn) inter- and intragranular fracture were observed. The existence of a γ2 network through the bulk of dental amalgam is shown, and it is verified that this is the primary corrodable constituent in the material.
Toward social media based writing

Although text-based digital communication (e.g. email, text messaging) is the new norm, American teens continue to fall short of writing standards, claiming school writing is too challenging and that they have nothing interesting to share. However, teens constantly and enthusiastically immerse themselves in social media, through which they regularly document their life stories and voluntarily share them with peers who deliver feedback (comments, "likes," etc.) which has been demonstrated to impact self-esteem. While such activities are, in fact, writing, research indicates that teens instead view them as simply "communication" or "being social." Accordingly, through a review of relevant literature, interviews with teachers, and focus groups with students, this research offers recommendations for designing technology that infuses school writing with the aspects of social media that teens find so engaging--including multi-platform access to personal informatics, guided prewriting tools, and structured peer feedback--with the ultimate goal of improving student writing.
Fedex in the Chinese Express Delivery Market: Face-Off in the Forbidden City

This case is appropriate for strategy courses and courses that focus on competitive dynamics. It follows FedEx from when it was the only international express-freight-delivery company with direct flights into such key Chinese cities as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen and a virtual monopoly over South China’s international express delivery market up to the competitive events that had taken some of the shine off FedEx operations in China. Leadership in the fast-growing, highly competitive Chinese express delivery market was key to FedEx’s international strategy. Some of the issues students must decide are what these agreements and joint ventures could mean to FedEx’s business in China and how it should respond to the increasingly crowded market.
A new species of Lissocidaris (Echinodermata: Echinoidea: Cidaridae) from the Philippines: convergent evolution among smooth-spined cidaroids

Lissocidaris xanthe sp. nov. Coppard & van Noordenburg, 2007 occurs at depths of between 150 m and 250 m near Mactan Island in the Philippines. It is distinctive in having aboral interambulacral spines that measure more than twice the test’s horizontal diameter at the ambitus. The neck of each spine is typically white and unconstricted. Oral primary interambulacral spines have serrated edges. Large globiferous pedicellariae have moderately narrow valves, each valve with a narrow longitudinally oval opening beneath a large terminal tooth. It is similar to the type species of Lissocidaris (L. fusca) in having smooth, aboral interambulacral spines, the smooth surface formed by dense, anastomosing cortical hairs that coalesce to form a continuous crust between longitudinal ridges. Smooth spines are also found in two other cidaroid genera: Calocidaris and Compsocidaris. However, in these genera, the glossy surface results from the cortex being devoid of hairs; this provides a marked example of convergent evolution.
Surviving the End of the World: A Mathematical Model of the Zombie Apocalypse

The idea of the undead returning to plague the living is prevalent throughout history and in a wide variety of cultures. The earliest recorded occurence of zombies in mythology seems to be in the Epic of Gilgamesh one of the oldest written stories in existence when the goddess Ishtar declares that she will “let the dead to go up and eat the living.”[2] Norse mythology include draugar, animated corpses living in the tombs where they were laid to rest. Chinese lore has the Jiang Shi, a corpse that rises at night to prey on the living. Perhaps the most widely recognized zombie is the Voodoo zombie, a person brought back from the dead by a sorcerer or using magic. The zombie as it is known in western culture today, however, has its origin in George A. Romero’s film Night of the Living Dead. Released in 1968, the film introduced zombies as they are thought of now mindless, insatiable monsters that strike in hordes.[3] Since the release of Romero’s cult classic, zombies have experienced a rapidly expanding popularity in pop culture. From books like World War Z to television shows such as The Walking Dead and video games Call of Duty has a zombie fighting game that gives players the chance to fight a zombie Romero zombies are among us.
Computing nash equilibrium in interdependent defense games

Roughly speaking, Interdependent Defense (IDD) games, previously proposed, model the situation where an attacker wants to cause as much damage as possible to a network by attacking one of the sites in the network. Each site must make an investment decision regarding security to protect itself against a direct or indirect attack, the latter due to potential transfer-risk from an unprotected neighboring site. The work introducing IDD games discusses potential applications to model the essence of real-world scenarios such as the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot. In this paper, our focus is the study of the problem of computing a Nash Equilibrium (NE) in IDD games. We show that an efficient algorithm to determine whether some attacker's strategy can be a part of a NE in an instance of IDD games is unlikely to exist. Yet, we provide a dynamic programming algorithm to compute an approximate NE when the graph/network structure of the game is a directed tree with a single source, and show that it is an FPTAS. We also introduce an improved heuristic to compute an approximate NE on arbitrary graph structures. Our experiments show that our heuristic is more efficient, and provides better approximations, than best-response-gradient dynamics for the case of Internet games, a class of games introduced and studied in the original work on IDD games.
Management of hearing in pediatric NF2.

OBJECTIVE This study will demonstrate an individualized approach to hearing preservation and tumor management in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). The unique nature of each case discussed will provide valuable guiding principles for the treating surgeon. PATIENTS Pediatric patients under the care of the senior authors presenting with bilateral vestibular schwannoma and NF2. INTERVENTIONS Interventions used for hearing optimization, in conjunction with surgical interventions, include use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic agents such as bevacizumab. RESULTS Pediatric patients with NF2 present a unique and difficult challenge to the neurotologist. These children are still developing physically, mentally, and socially. They generally have a poorer prognosis and diminished life expectancy. Considerations of utmost importance include management of the tumor with the goal of minimizing outcomes such as significant bilateral hearing loss, facial paralysis, and injury to other cranial nerves, which would be detrimental to the quality of life. These patients are best served by a team of physicians who can provide individualized patient care. The team can proactively develop the treatment strategy before initial tumor resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hearing results, tumor control. CONCLUSION Each patient with NF2 is unique; methods to preserve hearing must be individually tailored to preserve optimal hearing and avoid disruption of the development of the pediatric patient.
A Study of the Genus Gesomyrmex Mayr, and a Description of a Species New to the Genus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The genus Gesomyrmex is of particular interest to the myrmecologist because only four living species and one variety have been known and these very rare insects probably represent “vanishing relicts of a group of Formicidae with huge eyes and 8-jointed antennae which was represented by numerous species during the Oligocene and Miocene Tertiary.” (Wheeler, 1921, p. 114)
Measuring Aerosol Particle Concentration in Clean Rooms and Particle areal Density on Silicon Wafer Surfaces

Particle deposition velocity is the name given the coefficient relating particle buildup on a silicon wafer surface to the aerosol particle concentration adjacent to that surface. This paper reviews methods of measuring: (1) aerosol particle concentration and (2) surface particle areal density. High flow rate (1 cfm) optical particle counters are most suitable for clean room aerosol measurements, and laser scanners can detect surface particles as small as 0.2 to 0.3 µm, although the optical properties of the surface on which the particles rest play an important role in the detection. The aerosol particle measurement can be easily extended to 0.01 to 0.02 µm; no practical instrumentation yet exists for measuring ultrafine (<0.1 µm) surface particles.
Can Technology Improve the Quality of Colonoscopy

In order for screening colonoscopy to be an effective tool in reducing colon cancer incidence, exams must be performed in a high-quality manner. Quality metrics have been presented by gastroenterology societies and now include higher adenoma detection rate targets than in the past. In many cases, the quality of colonoscopy can often be improved with simple low-cost interventions such as improved procedure technique, implementing split-dose bowel prep, and monitoring individuals' performances. Emerging technology has expanded our field of view and image quality during colonoscopy. We will critically review several technological advances in the context of quality metrics and discuss if technology can really improve the quality of colonoscopy.