cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Recent Use of Theory Within Stepparent and Adolescent Relationship Research

Abstract Forty two empirical studies over a 10 year period, on stepparenting adolescents, were assessed regarding their usage of theory. Although a majority of the authors responsible for the evaluated articles utilized some type of theory in their studies, 50% did not employ theory explicitly in either the introduction or discussion sections. Systems the ory and role theory, were the most frequent explicitly used perspectives. The findings of this study suggest that the link between theory and re search in family studies, more specifically in regard to stepfamilies and adolescents, needs more attention and focus. The authors of this article recommend future researchers utilize theories more explicitly to guide and connect ideas in regard to their empirical studies.
Anaerobic Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase Diversity in the Homoacetogenic Hindgut Microbial Communities of Lower Termites and the Wood Roach

Anaerobic carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) is a key enzyme in the Wood-Ljungdahl (acetyl-CoA) pathway for acetogenesis performed by homoacetogenic bacteria. Acetate generated by gut bacteria via the acetyl-CoA pathway provides considerable nutrition to wood-feeding dictyopteran insects making CODH important to the obligate mutualism occurring between termites and their hindgut microbiota. To investigate CODH diversity in insect gut communities, we developed the first degenerate primers designed to amplify cooS genes, which encode the catalytic (β) subunit of anaerobic CODH enzyme complexes. These primers target over 68 million combinations of potential forward and reverse cooS primer-binding sequences. We used the primers to identify cooS genes in bacterial isolates from the hindgut of a phylogenetically lower termite and to sample cooS diversity present in a variety of insect hindgut microbial communities including those of three phylogenetically-lower termites, Zootermopsis nevadensis, Reticulitermes hesperus, and Incisitermes minor, a wood-feeding cockroach, Cryptocercus punctulatus, and an omnivorous cockroach, Periplaneta americana. In total, we sequenced and analyzed 151 different cooS genes. These genes encode proteins that group within one of three highly divergent CODH phylogenetic clades. Each insect gut community contained CODH variants from all three of these clades. The patterns of CODH diversity in these communities likely reflect differences in enzyme or physiological function, and suggest that a diversity of microbial species participate in homoacetogenesis in these communities.
A Novel Non-Platinum Group Electrocatalyst for PEM Fuel Cell Application

Abstract Precious-metal catalysts (predominantly Pt or Pt-based alloys supported on carbon) have traditionally been used to catalyze the electrode reactions in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. However as PEM fuel systems begin to approach commercial reality, there is an impending need to replace Pt with a lower cost alternative. The present study investigates the performance of a carbon-supported tantalum oxide material as a potential oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for use on the cathode side of the PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. Although bulk tantalum oxide tends to exhibit poor electrochemical performance due to limited electrical conductivity, it displays a high oxygen reduction potential; one that is comparable to Pt. Analysis of the Pourbaix electrochemical equilibrium database also indicates that tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) is chemically stable under the pH and applied potential conditions to which the cathode catalyst is typically exposed during stack operation. Nanoscale tantalum oxide catalysts were fabricated using two approaches, by reactive oxidation sputtering and by direct chemical synthesis, each carried out on a carbon support material. Nanoscale tantalum oxide particles measuring approximately 6 nm in size that were sputtered onto carbon paper exhibited a mass-specific current density as high as one-third that of Pt when measured at 0.6 V vs. NHE. However, because of the two-dimensional nature of this particle-on-paper structure, which limits the overall length of the triple-phase boundary junctions where the oxide, carbon paper, and aqueous electrolyte meet, the corresponding area-specific current density was quite low. The second synthesis approach yielded a more extended, three-dimensional structure via chemical deposition of nanoscale tantalum oxide particles on carbon powder. These catalysts exhibited a high ORR onset potential, comparable to that of Pt, and displayed a significant improvement in the area-specific current density. Overall, the highest mass-specific current density of the carbon-powder supported catalyst was ˜9% of that of Pt.
The Ultimate Resolution Criterion For Out-Of-The-Cockpit Visual Scene Generation In Real Time

Visual system resolution is the first important criterion mentioned in a functional specification for the real time dynamic simulation of any visual system. This criterion has a profound effect on the estimation of the cost and the complexity of any dynamic visual system design of very wide field of view. What is essential in terms of static and dynamic resolution of the simulated visual system for proper pilot training in tactical combat missions is described in this paper, around a spectrum of highly relevant conjectures such as the physical limit of computer processing, innovations in digital image processing, and the speed of perception in visual information processing by the human brain.
Diabetes and its negative impact on outcomes in orthopaedic surgery

An estimated 285 million adults (aged 20-79 years) worldwide were diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus (DM) in 2010, and this number is projected to grow to 439 million adults by the year 2030. Orthopaedic surgeons, regardless of their subspecialty interest, will encounter patients with DM during their career since this epidemic involves both developed and emerging countries. Diabetes results in complications affecting multiple organ systems, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes after orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of DM and its potential for impacting orthopaedic surgery patients. Diabetes adversely affects the outcome of all orthopaedic surgery subspecialties including foot and ankle, upper extremity, adult reconstructive, pediatrics, spine surgery and sports medicine. Poorly controlled diabetes negatively impacts bone, soft tissue, ligament and tendon healing. It is the complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, and end stage renal disease which contributes to adverse outcomes. Well controlled diabetic patients without comorbidities have similar outcomes to patients without diabetes. Orthopaedic surgeons should utilize consultants who will assist in inpatient glycemic management as well as optimizing long term glycemic control.
Surgical treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.

From 1960 through 1968, we examined 117 patients with carcinoma of the tonsil. Of these 117 patients a choice of the primary treatment modality existed for 96 patients, and 68 percent had surgery as their initial treatment. The absolute five-year survival for all patients undergoing surgical procedures designed to cure was 48 percent. Tonsillar cancers are neither anaplastic nor markedly radiosensitive. The incidence of local recurrence in seven published series in which the primary tonsillar cancer was treated with radiation averaged 49 percent. We believe that the local recurrence rate of 19 percent in our surgical series reflects our dependence on frozen tissue examination and suggests that surgery offers a good chance of eradicating operable tonsillar carcinoma.
Wavelet Transform Preprocessing for Temperature Constrained Cascade Correlation Neural Networks

Wavelet transform (WT) preprocessing offers two advantages: data compression and noise reduction. Wavelet compression increases the training rate of a neural network and allows neural network models to be obtained from data that otherwise would be prohibitively large. Two types of WT compressions have been studied: linear and nonlinear. Linear wavelet compression in which data are compressed by frequency usually provides better compression efficiency. Nonlinear wavelet compression in which data are compressed by amplitude is useful when the information cannot be easily represented by low-frequency components. The reduction of noise is important in the multivariate analysis because many methods overfit the data if care is not taken. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a sensing technique that can generate large amounts of data in short-time monitoring events. The temperature constrained cascade correlation neural networks (TCCCN) are a powerful chemometric method for pattern recognition. The IMS data of s...
Suppression of the Oncogenic Transcription Factor FOXM1 by Proteasome Inhibitors

The oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is one of the key regulators of tumorigenesis. We found that FOXM1 upregulates its own transcription and its protein stability depends on its interaction with the chaperone nucleophosmin. We also determined that FOXM1 is negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor p53. We identified the thiazole antibiotics Siomycin A and thiostrepton as inhibitors of transcriptional activity and FOXM1 expression via proteasome inhibition. In addition, we found that all tested proteasome inhibitors target FOXM1. We showed synergy between thiostrepton and bortezomib in different human cancer cell lines and in vivo. We generated isogenic human cancer cell lines of different origin with wild-type p53 or p53 knockdown and we demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors induce p53-independent apoptosis in these cells. Using RNA-interference or proteasome inhibitors to inhibit FOXM1 we found that suppression of FOXM1 sensitized human cancer cells to apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents or oxidative stress. We encapsulated thiostrepton into micelle-nanoparticles and after injection we detected accumulation of nanoparticles in tumors and in the livers of treated mice. This treatment led to inhibition of human xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our data indicate that targeting FOXM1 increases apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth.
Causes of excessive bitewing exposureResults of a survey regarding radiographic equipment in New York

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of excessive exposure in those dental practices that were found to use exceptionably high levels of radiation in bitewing radiography. Study design. Using the parameters of the Dental Exposure Normalization Technique survey, certified radiation equipment safety officers conducted on-site inspections of 186 intraoral x-ray machines in 77 dental facilities. Results. In 23 facilities, the safety officers identified 43 units (23.1%) that delivered entrance exposures greater than 10% in excess of the upper limit of recommended exposures. For each of 27 (63%) of these units, the cause of the elevated exposure was clearly identifiable. Conclusions. The factors contributing to increased exposure, listed from most frequent to least frequent, were as follows: improper processing, kilovoltage miscalibration, use of D-speed techniques with E-speed film, use of newly installed units with default timer settings that were too high, exposure timer failure, and insufficient half-value layer. Only 18% of the facilities surveyed reported using E-speed film. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:513-7)
Going all the way: ethical clarity and ethical progress.

Morrisssey (2012) presents a reasonable proposal for expanding viable kidney donation by means of procuring both kidneys prior to withdrawing life support, as an alternative to protocols for donati...
Microstructure, order and fluidity of 1,2-bis(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC), a polymerizable lipid, by ESR and NMR.

Abstract Spectroscopic labeling studies of the gel phase and tubule phase of 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sfi-glycero-3-phospho-choline (DC8,9PC) show that there is less chain mobility in the segments between the polar head-group and the diacetylene groups than in the segments between the diacetylenes and the terminal CH3 group. This lends support to the view that the diacetylene groups divide the molecule into two regions which have different packing arrangements and suggests that each region makes a separate contribution during the phase change of these lipids to form tubular microstructures. High-power deuterium NMR using deuterium-enriched 1,2-bis(hexadecanoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phospho-choline as a probe gives an order parameter of S = 0.46 in the hydrated tubule phase at 22° C. ESR spectra of 5-, 12-,and 16-(4,4-dimethyl-3-oxazolidinyloxy or doxyl)stearic acid labels (DSAL) and 1-palmitoyl-2-(12-doxylstearoyl)phosphatidylcholine spin-label (PCSL) show that the fluidity for the lipid bilayers of the DC8,9PC tubule phase increases with distance of the doxyl group from the hydrophilic region of the bilayer. 5-DSAL, which is a probe of the phospholipid head group, gives an order parameter in the tubule phase of S = 0.38. Spectral evidence of ordering of the tubules by a magnetic field is observed by a change in the linewidth of the spectra.
Family resemblances in serum uric acid level

There is substantial relation between individuals' serum uric acid level and their heights and weights. Even when the association of uric acid level with height/weight is partialed out, significant resemblances in uric acid level are found between biologically related persons (parents and offspring; siblings) but not between spouses. When the association of height/weight is partialed out, uric acid level does not have a significant association with measures of cognitive ability or with educational or occupational attainment.
Possible consequences of absence of "Jupiters" in planetary systems.

The formation of the gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn probably required the growth of massive ∼ 15 Earth-mass cores on a time scale shorter than the ∼ 107 time scale for removal of nebular gas. Relatively minor variations in nebular parameters could preclude the growth of full-size gas giants even in systems in which the terrestrial planet region is similar to our own. Systems containing “failed Jupiters,” resembling Uranus and Neptune in their failure to capture much nebular gas, would be expected to contain more densely populated cometary source regions. They will also eject a smaller number of comets into interstellar space. If systems of this kind were the norm, observation of hyperbolic comets would be unexpected. Monte Carlo calculations of the orbital evolution of region of such systems (the Kuiper belt) indicate that throughout Earth history the cometary impact flux in their terrestrial planet regions would be ∼ 1000 times greater than in our Solar System. It may be speculated that this could frustrate the evolution of organisms that observe and seek to understand their planetary system. For this reason our observation of these planets in our Solar System may tell us nothing about the probability of similar gas giants occurring in other planetary systems. This situation can be corrected by observation of an unbiased sample of planetary systems.
8-(3-Chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC) is a selective A2-adenosine antagonist in vitro and in vivo

An adenosine antagonist, 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC), was shown previously to be 520-fold selective for A2a-adenosine receptors in radioligand binding assays in the rat brain. In reversing agonist effects on adenylate cyclase, CSC was 22-fold selective for A2a receptors in rat pheochromocytoma cells (Kb 60 nM) vs. A1 receptors in rat adipocytes (Kb 1.3 μM). Administered i.p. in NIH mice at a dose of 1 mgkg, CSC shifted the curve for locomotor depression elicited by the A2a-selective agonist APEC to the right (ED50 value for APEC shifted from 20 μgkg i.p. to 190 μgkg). CSC had no effect on locomotor depression elicited by an ED50 dose of the A1-selective agonist CHA. CSC alone at a dose of 5 mgkg stimulated locomotor activity by 22% over control values. Coadministration of CSC and the A1-selective antagonist CPX, both at non-stimulatory doses, increased activity by 37% (P < 0.001) over CSC alone, suggesting a behavioral synergism of A1- and A2-antagonist effects in the CNS.
Genomic structure, chromosomal mapping, and muscle-specific expression of a PH domain-associated intronless gene, cded/lior

The aim of our study was to isolate novel gene(s) involved in cell differentiation and embryonic liver development. Mouse cded/lior was identified from subtraction hybridization of embryonic liver cDNA libraries as well as an adult mouse liver genomic DNA library. The full open reading frame of cded/lior encodes a 131-amino acid protein with 71.88% overall similarity to the PH domain of rat PLC-γ1. A gapped search with the C-terminal region of CDED/LIOR revealed a 36–41% similarity to several proteins related to signal transduction and cell replication, such as ORC1 and KSR. Northern blot analysis of adult mouse tissues shows a strong 2.6-kb transcript restricted to heart and skeletal muscle. RT-PCR utilizing cded/lior-specific primers demonstrates cded/lior mRNAs in heart, brain, and liver tissue throughout mid-embryonic mouse gestation. cded/lior maps to the distal end of mouse Chromosome (Chr) 2. Analysis of the genomic structure for cded/lior demonstrated a single exon gene that is not an alternatively spliced isoform of PLC-γ1. Analysis of the cded/lior promoter region revealed a high GC-content, high ratio of CpG/GpC, multiple GC-boxes, the lack of a TATA box, CTF/NFI element, and two MyoD-MCK binding sites. These characteristics are also found in several genes important in the regulation of cell growth or DNA synthesis, such as transforming growth factor-β1, c-Ha-ras, nerve growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and DNA polymerase β. These results suggest that cded/lior is a mesoderm/muscle-specific transcript that may be involved in the mesodermal inductive and regulatory interactions required for liver formation and embryonic development.
The Transport and Growth of Soot Particles in Laminar Diffusion Flames

The Transport and Growth of Soot Particles in Laminar Diffusion Flames Abstract-The formation, growth and burnout of soot particles is examined in a series of ethene/air laminar diffusion flames. D...
Salvage Radiotherapy After Postprostatectomy Biochemical Failure: Does Pretreatment Radioimmunoscintigraphy Help Select Patients with Locally Confined Disease?

Purpose Radioimmunoscintigraphy (RIS) has the potential to demonstrate early recurrences after prostatectomy and might be useful in selecting patients for salvage radiotherapy (RT). Methods A total of 82 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate were treated with salvage RT between 1988 and 2005, for an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after prostatectomy. Of the 82 patients, 32% had Gleason score 6 or less disease, 54% Gleason score 7 disease, 70% had Stage pT3 disease, 55% had positive margins, and 5% had pathologic lymph node involvement. The median pre-RT PSA level was 0.63 ng/mL. Of the 82 patients, 47 (57%) had a pre-RT RIS (ProstaScint) scan, which was used for both patient selection and target delineation. The RT regimen was a median dose of 66 Gy to the prostate bed. Also, 64% received androgen deprivation therapy. Biochemical failure was defined as a PSA level >0.1 ng/mL and increasing. Results Patients with a pre-RT RIS scan had a lower preoperative PSA level ( p = 0.0240) and shorter follow-up ( p = 0.0221) than those without RIS. With a median follow-up of 44 months, the biochemical control rate was 56% at 3 years and 48% at 5 years. Margin status was the only factor associated with biochemical control on univariate ( p = 0.0055) and multivariate ( p = 0.0044) analysis. Patients who had prostate bed-only uptake on RIS ( n = 38) did not have improved outcomes, with biochemical control rates of 51% at 3 years and 40% at 5 years. Conclusion Patients treated with salvage RT had modest responses. Patients who were selected for treatment with RIS did not have better biochemical outcomes. Our results indicated that patients with positive margins were most likely to benefit from salvage RT.
The NIOSH Total Worker Health™ Program: An Overview

Objective:The objective of this article was to provide an overview of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health™ (TWH™) Program that was launched by the institute in 2011.Methods:This article describes the TWH™ concept, relevant issues, and the NIOSH Progr
Juxtaglomerular granular cells and nephron autoregulation

Histological study of serially sectioned glomeruli in rat and mouse kidneys possessing different aggregates of juxtaglomerular granular cells has revealed that between 15 and 29% of glomeruli in control animals are not associated with these granular cells and that almost universal association occurs only when the granular cells are greatly increased. Thus, a significant number of nephrons in control rats are not continuously autoregulated through a local renin-angiotensin mechanism, assuming that a lack of granules is associated with a lack of synthesis and release of renin. This association between granular cells and glomeruli is usually greater in the outer half than in the inner half of the cortex regardless of the content of granular cells; although the difference is not as great as prior reports indicate. Stimuli which either increase or decrease granularity of juxtaglomerular cells produce a similar and parallel response in both cortical regions, suggesting that control or regulation of granular cells is the same in both areas. It further suggests that the reported difference in filtration rates between superficial and deep glomeruli following sodium loading and sodium deprivation is not mediated through a differential alteration of juxta-glomerular cell granularity. A linear regression equation was developed by which the per cent of all glomeruli associated with granular cells may be estimated from given mean juxtaglomerular granular cell indices (GCI).
Oxygen-Tension Based Indices as Predictors of Survival in Critically III Dogs: Clinical Observations and Review

Summary With respiratory therapy in critically ill veterinary patients becoming more commonplace, a consistent Indicator of pulmonary function status is necessary. Although calculation of the pulmonary shunt fraction correlates well with the degree of pulmonary dysfunction, lts detetmination requires placement of a pulmonary arterial catheter, an invasive procedure that may not be practical in many clinical situations. Using Information obtained from the atterial blood gas, many other oxygen-tension derived Indices have been suggested as noninvasive measurements of the efficiency of pulmonary gas exchange, lncluding the alveoiar-arterial oxygen tension difference, the ratio of arterial to alveolar oxygen tension, the ratio of arterial to inspired oxygen tension, and the ratio of alveolar-arterial gradient to arterial oxygen tension. A total of 427 blood gas values from 195 different patients were evaluated. A loglstic regression model using a stepwise algorithm was constructed to assess potential multicollinearity and interaction between factors. The only factors that contributed significantly to the model predictive of survival were age (p < 0.015), base excess (p < 0.029), and the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (p < 0.014).
Vaginal birth after cesarean success in high-risk women: a population-based study

The study aim was to identify factors associated with vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in high-risk women. This is a population-based retrospective cohort study of all births in Ohio during 2006 and 2007. High-risk patients were defined as singleton gestations in women with one previous cesarean who had ⩾1 of the following risk factors: body mass index (BMI)⩾30, hypertension, or diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to estimate the relative influence of each factor on successful VBAC. A total of 280 882 births were analyzed: of them, 79 084 (27.1%) were high-risk pregnancies and 8658 (10.9%) women had undergone one previous cesarean; 1433 (16.6%) underwent a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Of them, 974 (68.0%) had a successful VBAC, whereas 459 (32.0%) did not. Factors significantly associated with VBAC success were as follows: a prior vaginal delivery; pregnancy weight gain ⩽30 lbs; Caucasian race; and labor augmentation. High-risk women with one prior cesarean are unlikely to undergo a TOLAC, but have a high rate of VBAC.
Design, fabrication and testing of active carbon shell mirrors for space telescope applications

A novel active mirror concept based on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials is presented. A nanolaminate facesheet, active piezoelectric layer and printed electronics are implemented in order to provide the reflective surface, actuation capabilities and electrical wiring for the mirror. Mirrors of this design are extremely thin (500-850 µm), lightweight (~ 2 kg/m^2) and have large actuation capabilities (~ 100 µm peak- to-valley deformation per channel). Replication techniques along with simple bonding/transferring processes are implemented eliminating the need for grinding and polishing steps. An outline of the overall design, component materials and fabrication processes is presented. A method to size the active layer for a given mirror design, along with simulation predictions on the correction capabilities of the mirror are also outlined. A custom metrology system used to capture the highly deformable nature of the mirrors is demonstrated along with preliminary prototype measurements.
On the existence of surface miscibility gaps in CuAg alloys

Abstract This paper reports the existence of a surface miscibility gap in a Cu-0.3at%Ag alloy. Equilibrium surface composition measurements at temperatures in the range 425–580° C have demonstrated that a surface phase transition associated with this miscibility gap results in an abrupt change from a copper-rich to a silver-rich surface (or vice versa) in the vicinity of 500° C. The progress of the transition has also been followed by Auger line scans performed with a high-resolution probe. These have clearly shown the formation and growth of silver-rich patches in a copper-rich surface, and vice versa, in the vicinity of the transition temperature.
Better Surge Protection Extends URD Cable Life

Many utilities are replacing URD cables after 10 to 15 years of service despite an original life expectancy of three times that. There is compelling evidence that part, at least, of the problem is lightning surges. Test data confirms that impulse voltages less than the breakdown value can cause partial breakdown and eventual failure. The progressive weakening of cable insulation by these surges can be greatly retarded by using surge arresters with the superior protective characteristics of zinc oxide technology. These same arresters protect in the conventional manner. Field experience suggests that protective margins of at least 100 percent are needed based on rated cable BIL. The zinc oxide arresters can provide this.
Effects of variation of prosthesis size on cement stress at the tip of a femoral implant.

With the resurgence of the use of bone cement in total hip arthroplasty, a renewed interest in techniques or designs that may reduce cement fixation failure has arisen. Analysis of the stresses at the tip of the prosthesis may suggest strategies to reduce loosening. This study analyzed stresses in the cement near the tip of a femoral component as a function of cement thickness, using a three-dimensional finite element model. A section of an idealized circular femoral shaft with implanted prosthesis and cement was modeled with loading conditions representing the stance phase of gait. Increasing cement thickness from 2 to 5 mm by reducing the prosthesis diameter from 15 to 9 mm is predicted to reduce stress significantly in the cement mantle of a femoral implant. Peak tensile stresses are reduced 45%, whereas peak von Mises and shear stresses are reduced 40%. Such a reduction in stress can increase fatigue life by an order of magnitude. Peak interface tensile stresses occur on the medial side at the tip of the prosthesis in a transverse direction, indicating likelihood of failure due to debonding. The shear and tensile stresses predicted by our model greatly exceed the fatigue endurance limit values for both bulk cement and the cement-prosthesis interface, indicating the likelihood of premature fatigue failure, even allowing for considerable uncertainty. These analytical results suggest that the surgeon should adopt a strategy of selecting a prosthesis that permits a 5-mm cement mantle near the tip of the prosthesis. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Did I really see that? The complex relationship between the visual stimulus and visual perception.

Summary Laryngeal imaging uses optical and electronic means to visualize the larynx. Understanding some of the issues related to how the human visual system operates and how imaging systems interact with the visual system can help clarify some of the artifacts that arise from these technologies. This article describes how the visual system can construct coherent perceptions from limited information, how it adjusts to current situations, and how the perception of any one part of the image depends upon the light levels around each point. In particular, the limited field of view and stroboscopic nature of the images can lead to many distortions from laryngeal imaging. This article also describes the way that imaging systems sample the image, and the lack of stability inherent in an imaging system. The article concludes with some observations and recommendations to improve the ability to use imaging systems in the diagnosis of laryngeal pathology.
Density-based separation of liposomes by glycerol gradient centrifugation

Sonicated liposomes of soybean phospholipids (asolectin) distribute nearly throughout a 19-22% (v/v) glycerol gradient when centrifuged to near equilibrium. Upon recentrifugation on an identical gradient, liposomes selected from several positions in such a gradient migrate as narrow bands to positions close to their original positions, indicating that the liposome distribution in the first gradient is the result of a density-based fractionation. Molecular sieve chromatography, turbidity, and trapped volume measurements indicate that the liposome densities are qualitatively related to their size, with the larger liposomes more dense than the smaller ones. Size estimates obtained by electron microscopy of negatively stained preparations indicate that the fractionation is effective for liposomes with diameters ranging from 200 to 600 A, with maximum efficiency in the range 200-300 A where the majority of the liposomes is found. Interestingly, high concentrations of liposomes improve the efficiency of the fractionation procedure. The size dependence of liposome density is shown not to be due to differential glycerol permeability or lipid composition, and is therefore most likely due to variations in the specific volumes of the individual phospholipid molecules owing to the curvature of the liposomes. Finally, freezing of the glycerol gradient fractions in liquid N2 and storage at -70 degrees C does not modify the size of the isolated liposomes. It is suggested that glycerol density gradient fractionation of liposomes could be a useful general method for obtaining liposomes of reasonably uniform size in large quantities and high concentrations.
Separation of large-scale photospheric Doppler patterns

Mount Wilson solar Doppler data spanning January 1967 to March 1984 are refit with an expanded set of functions representing the line-of-sight components of rotation, limbshift and meridional flow. The ‘ears’ are not included, and a constant term, formerly regarded as the relative instrumental zero, is reclassified as representing an aspect of the limbshift. The long-standing problem of crosstalk among the fit-determined coefficients is eliminated by orthonormalization with respect to the solar disk of the function space representing each motion class. Examination of the new coefficients shows clear evidence for their variation over the solar cycle: for the rotation coefficients, this variation is a low mode torsional oscillation, and for the limbshift, it appears consistent with the suppression of small-scale convection by magnetic activity. The meridional flow is found to be poleward and slightly faster at low latitudes. Also seen in all coefficients is a dramatic reduction of day-to-day scatter following recent major modifications to the Mount Wilson 150-ft tower spectrograph.
Detection and classification of buried targets and sub-bottom geoacoustic inversion with an AUV carried low frequency acoustic source and a towed array

An innovative bottom acoustic survey technique involving an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is presented. In this technique, the AUV carries a low frequency broadband acoustic source and a towed acoustic array and operates close to the seabed. The proposed technique has great potential to improve the capability of detecting and classifying buried or half buried targets, and providing a more reliable sub-bottom geoacoustic inversion method over a large area for geological and geophysical surveys. Specifically, since the source and the receiving array are very close to the seafloor, a variety of surface and reflected waves with good SNR is expected to be received by the hydrophone array. All of these waves have their own unique acoustic characteristics, which can be used for seafloor and sub-bottom geoacoustic inversion. Results from numerical simulations based on synthetic data will be presented to demonstrate how the geometric and physical properties of the seafloor, sub-bottom, and buried targets influence the received echoes in either the time domain, the frequency domain, or both. The simulation results will be discussed..
Nuclear data sheets for A = 101*

Nuclear structure information available to May 1979 has been reviewed. The level properties obtained from decay and reaction experiments are shown in the drawings. Experimental methods, references, and comments are given in the text.
How would they choose? Online student preferences for advance course information

Nearly 30% of higher education students now take at least one online course in which the instructor and students are physically separated and electronic means are used to facilitate the learning experience. ‘Anytime, anywhere’ is a powerful draw that prompts students to seek online learning experiences. Yet with an attrition rate between 10 and 20% higher than traditional courses, how can universities ensure online course success? While significant research has investigated attrition, little if any has examined preventing attrition through effective course selection. Students enrolled in a completely online graduate programme in educational technology responded to a survey designed to record preferences for advance online course information – including visual representation of that information. Respondents rated collaboration, necessary synchronous attendance, and total time invested by prior students, as priority relative to their decisions about enrolling in an online course.
First principles determination of elastic constants and chemical bonding of titanium boride (TiB) on the basis of density functional theory

First principles calculations of anisotropic elastic constants of titanium boride (TiB) have been performed using the computational implementation of density functional theory (DFT). TiB has orthorhombic crystal structure, thus, nine independent elastic constants need to be determined to completely characterize its polycrystalline elastic behavior as well as elastic anisotropy. TiB, especially in the whisker form, has attracted attention recently as reinforcement in metal matrix composites, wear resistance coatings and has potential as monolithic material due to its high hardness and elastic modulus coupled with its electrically conducting nature. In this study, the elastic constants were determined using the WIEN2K computational implementation of the full-potential-linear-augmented-plane-wave (FLAPW) method and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Nine independent elastic distortions of the unit cell were employed to determine the anisotropic elastic constants. Internal atomic relaxations after elastic distortions have been shown to have significant effects on the numerical values of elastic constants. Polycrystalline elastic moduli were determined from the elastic constants and were compared with that extrapolated from experimental data. The nature of chemical bonding and the electronic charge density distribution in TiB have also been explored to explain the high hardness and high stiffness values as well as the nature of elastic anisotropy.
Risk factors for human exposure to raccoon rabies during an epizootic in Connecticut.

The emergence of rabies among terrestrial wildlife poses increasing but poorly defined risks to people. In particular, events leading to human exposure to rabies virus via mammalian reservoirs rema...
An improved dilution refrigerator cold trap

Abstract Problems with blockage of the cold trap in a high circulation rate dilution refrigerator have been traced to the production of propene gas by breakdown of the rotary pump oil. A design is presented for an improved cold trap which eliminates the need for frequent cleaning. A brief discussion of some other attempted solutions is included.
Seasonal differences in self-grooming in meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus

We determined whether seasonal differences exist in the amount of time meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, self-groom when they encounter the scents of conspecifics. To do so, we used voles that were born and reared under long photoperiod (LP) and short photoperiod (SP). LP voles represent those found in free-living populations during the spring and summer breeding season, whereas SP voles characterize those found in free-living populations during the fall and winter nonbreeding season. Experiment 1 showed that LP male and female voles self-groomed more in response to odors of LP opposite-sex conspecifics as compared to those of other LP and SP conspecifics, suggesting that they may be self-grooming to signal sexual interest or excitement to potential mates. Experiment 2 demonstrated that SP males self-groomed more in response to scents of LP female voles and those of SP males as compared to scents of LP males and SP females, whereas SP females spent similar amounts of time self-grooming in response to scents of LP males, LP females, SP females, and SP males. These seasonal differences in self-grooming may reflect differences in the messages produced by groomers when they broadcast their odors as well as differences in the meaning of such odors to opposite-sex conspecifics. Alternatively, these data may be associated with seasonal differences in sexual motivation of the groomers when exposed to scents of particular conspecifics.
Comparative dosing and efficacy of continuous-release nifedipine versus standard nifedipine for angina pectoris: Clinical response, exercise performance, and plasma nifedipine levels

Abstract To assess the dosing equivalency and the early and late antianginal efficacy of a gastrointestinal therapeutic system for once-daily, continuous-release nifedipine (N-GITS), 10 patients with stable angina pectoris, who were previously receiving chronic treatment with nifedipine, completed a 12-week trial comparing N-GITS with standard nifedipine. All patients (nine men and one woman; mean age 54 ± 2 [SEM] years) who were receiving standard nifedipine (mean dose 40 ± 5 mg/24 hr) for more than 2 weeks (mean 8 ± 2 months, range 2 to 36 months) were switched to an equivalent once-daily dose (39 ± 5 mg/24 hr) of N-GITS. Standard nifedipine and N-GITS were compared by symptom-limited exercise treadmill tests with a baseline test (A) performed 3 hours after a standard dose of nifedipine. Exercise tests were also performed after 2 weeks of treatment with N-GITS 3 hours (B) and 24 hours (C) after the drug was given, and after 12 weeks of treatment with N-GITS, 24 hours after dosing (D). Results of exercise tests showed no significant difference in mean exercise time—(A) 422 ± 25 vs (B) 426 ± 36 vs (C) 438 ± 35 vs (D) 487 ± 37 seconds. Likewise, there was no significant mean difference in peak double product, resting heart rate, peak exercise heart rate, or resting or maximal systolic blood pressure for any of the exercise test points. Furthermore, five patients (50%) reported side effects with standard nifedipine (all vasodilator-flushing, dizziness, or both), which resolved after treatment with N-GITS (p ± 0.05). Only one patient (10%) reported side effects with N-GITS (ankle edema). In summary, in patients with angina pectoris, N-GITS at equivalent doses maintains similar exercise performance compared to standard nifedipine without evidence of tolerance and with less nifedipine vasodilator side effects at lower drug levels.
Update on Keloid Management: Clinical and Basic Science Advances.

Background: Keloids are benign, fibroproliferative lesions that represent abnormal healing resulting in excessive fibrosis. They are composed of mainly type III (early) or type I (late) collagen. Some of the symptoms include pruritus, tenderness, and pain. Often, they are very difficult to treat and prevent from recurrence. In contrast to hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the margin of the wound. The Problem: There is very limited evidence on the best wound management for minimizing scarring. Multiple available therapeutic modalities have been used for the treatment of keloids; however, high-recurrence rates continue to be reported. Unsuccessful treatment of keloids leads to psychological impact on the patients and increased economic burden. Basic/Clinical Science Advances: Currently, there are biological and antineoplastic agents that can potentially treat and prevent excessive scar formation. Some of them have been used as "off label" therapies, and others are still in the experimental phase suc...
Opacification: solving the fundamental problems

Abstract This report describes some of the fundamental problems associated with the Opacification program in the Polaroid SX-70 photographic integral system. Phthalein dyes which at a pH of 14 absorbed over the visible spectrum, were stable in alkali for over a year, had pK a values above 13 and were immobile in the photographic system were synthesized to solve these problems.
Regional hemodynamic effects of prostaglandin A1 in the conscious dog

Abstract Prostaglandin A 1 (PGA 1 ) administered intravenously in a dosage range of 0.01 to 1.0 μg per kilogram of body weight to unsedated, conscious dogs previously instrumented with Doppler ultrasonic or electromagnetic flow transducers caused dose-dependent decreases in arterial pressure and total systemic resistance and elevations in cardiac output and heart rate. PGA 1 caused increases in blood flow and decreases in resistance in the left circumflex coronary, superior mesenteric, renal, and external iliac vascular beds. At the maximum dose of 1.0 μg per kilogram of body weight, when marked arterial hypotension had occurred, left circumflex coronary flow increased 74 per cent and mesenteric flow increased 76 per cent above control values while renal and iliac flows increased by only 14 per cent and 44 per cent, respectively. Thus PGA 1 , in doses tolerated by conscious dogs, increased cardiac output and blood flow to the left coronary, mesenteric, renal, and external iliac beds. At the dose of 1.0 μg per kilogram of body weight, which produced prominent arterial hypotension, the greatest relative increases in flow were observed in the coronary and superior mesenteric beds, while flow increased less in the iliac bed and least in the renal bed.
Ileal dysgenesis coexisting with multiple enteric duplication cysts in a child—MR enterography, CT, and Meckel scan appearances

There are numerous causes of iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal tract bleeding in children. While a very thorough history may elucidate common etiologies, such as cow’s milk protein-induced colitis and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, other less frequent causes often present a diagnostic challenge. We present the MR enterography (MRE), CT and Meckel scan findings of ileal dysgenesis coexisting with multiple enteric duplication cysts in a young child who presented with chronic iron deficiency anemia, recurrent gastrointestinal tract bleeding and unexplained bowel perforation. In this case, MRE was able to identify and characterize each individual lesion and directly guide appropriate surgical management.
Proofs of the Goldstone theorem for nonrelativistic systems

Abstract A proof of the nonrelativistic Goldstone theorem recently published in this journal is shown to be incorrect. The conditions involved in previous analysis of the theorem and omitted in this proof are therefore still relevant.
Superiority of magnesium cardioplegia in neonatal myocardial protection

Abstract Background . We have shown that magnesium can offset the detrimental effects of normocalcemic cardioplegia in hypoxic neonatal hearts. It is not known, however, whether magnesium offers any additional benefit when used in conjunction with hypocalcemic cardioplegia. Methods . Twenty neonatal piglets underwent 60 minutes of ventilator hypoxia (FiO 2 8% to 10%) followed by 20 minutes of normothermic ischemia on cardiopulmonary bypass (hypoxic-ischemic stress). They then underwent 70 minutes of multidose blood cardioplegic arrest. Five (Group 1), received a hypocalcemic (Ca +2 0.2 to 0.4 mM/L) cardiologic solution without magnesium, whereas in 10, magnesium was added at either a low dose (5 to 6 mEq/L, Group 2) or high dose (10 to 12 mEq/L, Group 3). In the last 5 (Group 4), magnesium (10 to 12 mEq/L) was added to a normocalcemic cardioplegic solution. Function was assessed using pressure volume loops and expressed as percentage of control. Results . Compared to hypocalcemia cardioplegic solution without magnesium (Group 1), both high- and low-dose magnesium enrichment (Groups 2 and 3) improved myocardial protection resulting in complete return of systolic (40% vs 101% vs 102%) ( p p p p p p Conclusions . Magnesium enrichment of hypocalcemic cardioplegic solutions improves myocardial protection resulting in complete functional preservation. However, magnesium cannot prevent the detrimental effects of normocalcemic cardioplegia when the heart is severely stressed. This study, therefore, strongly supports using both a hypocalcemic cardioplegic solution and magnesium supplementation as their benefits are additive.
The dependency of microstructure and properties of nanostructured coatings on plasma spray conditions

Abstract In this paper, Al2O3-13 wt.% TiO2 coatings formed via a plasma spray approach using reconstituted nanosized Al2O3 and TiO2 powder feeds are described. Effects of various plasma spray conditions on the microstructure, grain size, phase content and microhardness of the coatings have been evaluated. It is found that phase transformation of nanosized Al2O3 and TiO2 during heat treating, sintering and thermal spraying is, in general, identical to that of micrometer-sized counterparts. Furthermore, the particle temperature during thermal spray could be divided into three regimes, i.e. low, intermediate and high temperature regimes, according to the characteristics of the coating produced from the nanopowder. The hardness and density of the coating increase with the spray temperature. The phase content and grain size of the coating also exhibits a strong dependency on the spray temperature. The coating sprayed using nanopowder feed displays a better wear resistance than the counterpart sprayed using commercial coarse-grained powder feed. The observed phenomena are discussed in terms of physics of thermal spraying, mechanisms of coating growth and phase transformation of the oxides.