cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and Reliability of Open Reduction Internal Fixation in Delayed Distal Radius Fracture Management

Purpose Current guidelines recommend that open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for distal radius fractures (DRFs) be performed within 4 weeks of injury. Delayed DRF management (4 weeks or more) is traditionally subject to corrective osteotomy. We report a 5-year single-surgeon series of delayed DRFs that were treated by ORIF rather than osteotomy. Methods We performed a retrospective review on all patients admitted to a single tertiary care center with a DRF requiring ORIF (2007–2012). Institutional review board approval was obtained. Patients were divided into an early group (EG) (surgery less than 4 weeks after injury) and delayed group (DG) (surgery after 4 or more weeks). Data collected included demographics, injury pattern, intraoperative parameters, and pre- and postoperative x-ray findings. Subjective and objective functional data were determined using a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score and Mayo Wrist Score. Results A total of 171 patients (EG = 54; DG = 117) underwent ORIF from 2007 to 2012 and met inclusion criteria. Both groups had similar age, gender, and racial demographics. Of these, 117 patients in the delayed group underwent ORIFs at 40 ± 13.9 days (range, 28–146 days) after injury. Preoperative fracture patterns were radiographically equivalent. A dorsal approach was required more frequently in the EG (7.4%) compared with DG (1.1%). The Orbay maneuver was performed at a significantly higher rate in the DG (55.8%) compared with the EG (38.8%). Blood loss, tourniquet times, intraoperative complications, radiographic parameters, articular incongruency rates, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and Mayo Wrist Score were not statistically significant between groups. Conclusions No significant differences were found in intraoperative technique, operative time, postoperative radiographs, and subjective outcome measures in patients treated with early versus late ORIF. Despite the current belief that primary ORIF in delayed DRF is technically impossible and warrants an osteotomy, our series indicates that ORIF is indeed a viable option in DRFs as late as 5 months after injury. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV
Diversion of Catalytic C-N Bond Formation to Catalytic Oxidation of NH3 through Modification of the Hydrogen Atom Abstractor

We report that (TMP)Ru(NH3)2 (TMP = tetramesitylporphryin) is a molecular catalyst for oxidation of ammonia to dinitrogen. An aryloxy radical, tri-tert-butylphenoxyl (ArO·), abstracts H atoms from ...
Biochemical approaches for tight junction

Abstract Tight junction creates a paracellular pathway allowing ion and solute permeation on the basis of size and charge. Studies of tight junction permeability involve measurements of flux rates of ions, solutes, and water, and of transepithelial resistance and transepithelial potential. This chapter describes the key approaches used to measure tight junction permeabilities in a variety of cell and tissue models, which include, electrophysiological recording of cell cultures, epithelial tissues, epithelial ohmmeter measurement, impedance recording, flux assays, and measurement of water permeability in Ussing chamber.
Engaging Racially and Ethnically Marginalized Youth as Stakeholders of Outdoor Public Environments

Marginalized youth represent a stakeholder group whose views are often overlooked in decisions directly influencing outdoor public environments. Given that urban youth often rely on these spaces for physical and emotional well-being, social interactions, and both cultural and social identity, their input should be incorporated into the design process of these spaces. Yet, the inclusion of youth into the design process is not easy. Society typically depicts youth as a vulnerable population who must be protected; youth are also regarded as a group with limited knowledge or interest to be informed collaborators, which has traditionally limited their ability to participate in decision making. Marginalized youth face an additional set of challenges in terms of their involvement in community-level decision-making processes, such as intimidation and discrimination by those in power, a lack of economic resources, and structural barriers. This chapter examines how community planners can foster the inclusion of marginalized youth into the design of outdoor public environments. In doing so, the chapter answers four key questions: (1) How do marginalized youth benefit from inclusion in the design process? (2) How does society benefit from the inclusion of marginalized youth in public design processes? (3) What does an inclusive design process look like? (4) What can community planners do to ensure that the voices of marginalized youth are heard during the design process?
Cenobamate: A New Adjunctive Agent for Drug-Resistant Focal Onset Epilepsy:

ObjectiveTo review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of oral cenobamate in the treatment of uncontrolled focal epilepsy.Data SourcesThe PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched usi...
The Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG): Factors Related to Having Bariatric Surgery in a Large Integrated Healthcare System.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity, but currently, only 1–2% of all eligible patients undergo surgery each year. This study examined which factors were associated with a patient receiving bariatric surgery after referral in a real-world healthcare setting. The current study used the baseline survey and electronic medical record (EMR) data from the Bariatric Experience Long Term (BELONG) study (n = 1975). Predictors of who did (n = 1680) and who did not (n = 295) have surgery were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Participants (n = 1975; 42.4% response rate) were primarily women (84%) and either non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic (60%). In the fully adjusted multivariate model, the strongest predictors of having surgery were being a woman (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 2.15, 4.68; p < .001) and losing at least 5% of their body weight in the year before surgery (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 2.28, 4.38; p < .001). The strongest predictors of not having surgery were a ≥ BMI 50 kg/m2 (OR = .39; 95% CI = .27, .56; p < .001) and having a higher physical comorbidity burden (OR = .84; 95% CI = .75, .94; p = .004). Practices such as 5–10% total weight loss before surgery and selection of patients with safer operative risk profiles (younger with lower comorbidity burden) may inadvertently contribute to under-utilization of bariatric surgery among some demographic subpopulations who could most benefit from this intervention.
Transforming Growth Factor-β Regulation of Epithelial Proliferation

The closely related mammalian TGFβs (TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3) are potent inhibitors of proliferation of many cell types in vitro. TGFβ1 has also been demonstrated to be growth inhibitory in vivo for epithelial, endothelial, myeloid and lymphoid cells. Utilizing skin keratinocytes as a model system for studying the mechanism of TGFβ1-induced growth inhibition, it has been demonstrated that TGFβ1 rapidly inhibits transcription of the c-myc gene. Antisense c-myc oligonucleotides were found to inhibit proliferation of the keratinocytes as effectively as TGFβ1, indicating that TGFβ1 suppression of c-myc expression is an important component in the mechanism of TGFβ growth inhibition. Studies utilizing DNA tumor virus transforming gene constructs have provided evidence for the necessity of the retinoblastoma gene product, pRb, or a related protein, in the pathway for TGFβ1 suppression of c-myc transcription. Thus, TGFβ1 may act through a tumor suppressor gene product, pRb, to negatively regulate transcription of a protooncogene, c-myc, and subsequently inhibit cell proliferation.
Approximated consistency for the Automatic Recording Problem

In constraint optimization, global constraints play a decisive role. To develop an efficient optimization tool, we need to be able to assess whether we are still able to improve the objective function further. This observation has lead to the development of a special kind of global constraints, so-called optimization constraints [2,5]. Roughly speaking, an optimization constraint expresses our wish to search for improving solutions only while enforcing feasibility for at least one of the constraints of the problem.
Star Metrics and the Science of Science Policy

STAR METRICS is a data platform that is being voluntarily and collaboratively developed by U.S. federal science agencies and research institutions to describe investments in science and their results. It initially emerged as a result of reporting requirements associated with the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; it has developed in response to a recognized need to begin to systematically document federal investments in science and their immediate and long-term results. The eventual goal is to draw information from existing data on scientific and economic activities as well as from research institutions' and federal science agencies' systems to provide data that can be used for a more scientific analysis of science investments and their outcomes.
MDA7: a novel selective agonist for CB2 receptors that prevents allodynia in rat neuropathic pain models.

Background and purpose: There is growing interest in using cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor agonists for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In this report, we describe the pharmacological characteristics of MDA7 (1-[(3-benzyl-3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-6-yl)carbonyl]piperidine), a novel CB2 receptor agonist. Experimental approach: We characterized the pharmacological profile of MDA7 by using radioligand-binding assays and in vitro functional assays at human cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and CB2 receptors. In vitro functional assays were performed at rat CB1 and CB2 receptors. The effects of MDA7 in reversing neuropathic pain were assessed in spinal nerve ligation and paclitaxel-induced neuropathy models in rats. Key results: MDA7 exhibited selectivity and agonist affinity at human and rat CB2 receptors. MDA7 treatment attenuated tactile allodynia produced by spinal nerve ligation or by paclitaxel in a dose-related manner. These effects were selectively antagonized by a CB2 receptor antagonist but not by CB1 or opioid receptor antagonists. MDA7 did not affect rat locomotor activity. Conclusion and implications: MDA7, a novel selective CB2 agonist, was effective in suppressing neuropathic nociception in two rat models without affecting locomotor behaviour. These results confirm the potential for CB2 agonists in the treatment of neuropathic pain. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 1104–1116; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.340; published online 1 September 2008
Electromagnetic modeling and hardware measurements of simultaneous switching noise in high speed systems

This paper discusses the modeling of simultaneous switching noise in high speed systems. Various methods have been presented and the accuracy of these methods has been verified through measurements in both the frequency and time domain. These measurements include experimental test vehicles and functional products.
Outcomes of Adult Dual Kidney Transplants by KDRI in the United States

UNOS guidelines provide inadequate discriminatory criteria for kidneys that should be transplanted as single (SKT) versus dual (DKT). We evaluated the utility of the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) to define kidneys with better outcomes when transplanted as dual. Using SRTR data from 1995 to 2010 of de novo KTX recipients of adult deceased-donor kidneys, we examined outcomes of SKT and DKT stratified by KDRI group ≤1.4 (n = 49 294), 1.41-1.8 (n = 15 674), 1.81-2.2 (n = 6523) and >2.2 (n = 2791). DKT of kidneys with KDRI >2.2 was associated with significantly better overall graft survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.96] compared to single kidneys with KDRI >2.2. DKT was associated with significantly decreased odds of delayed graft function (top 2 KDRI categories) and significantly decreased odds of 1-year serum creatinine level >2 mg/dL (top 3 KDRI categories). Among SKT and DKT from KDRI >2.2 there were 16.1 and 13.9 graft losses per 100 patient follow-up years, respectively. KDRI >2.2 is a useful discriminatory cut-off for the determination of graft survival benefit with the use of DKT; however, the benefit of increased graft years was less than half of single kidneys from donors in the same KDRI range.
Microbial Interference Between Indigenous Yeast and Lactobacilli in the Rodent Stomach

Indigenous yeasts grow in layers in the mucus on the secreting epithelium of the stomachs of some strains of rats and mice raised under conventional conditions. Likewise, indigenous lactobacilli appear in layers on the nonsecreting epithelium of the stomachs of rats and mice. The two microbial layers can coexist in the same animals. When I gave such rodents penicillin solution in the place of drinking water, the lactobacilli disappeared, and the yeast from the secreting epithelium colonized the nonsecreting epithelium within 24 hr. The yeast remained in layers on the nonsecreting, as well as the secreting epithelium, as long as penicillin was administered. There is no inflammatory reaction or any sign that the yeast invaded below the keratin layer. When the penicillin treatment was discontinued, within 5 to 8 days the indigenous lactobacilli again colonized the nonsecreting epithelium. Concomitantly the yeast was displaced from the keratinized tissue and once more could be found only on the secreting epithelium. Only 2 days were required, however, for the bacteria to recolonize the keratin layer and displace the yeast when the mice were given indigenous lactobacilli in pure culture immediately after the penicillin treatment was discontinued. The lactobacilli must displace the yeast from the nonsecreting epithelium by interfering either with multiplication of the yeast on the tissue or with attachment of the yeast cells to the keratin layer. This interference must proceed continuously during normal life since the yeast never populates the nonsecreting epithelium as long as the lactobacilli are present.
Actin organization during the cell cycle in meristematic plant cells: Actin is present in the cytokinetic phragmoplast

The distribution and organisation of F-actin during the cell cycle of meristematic root-tip cells of Allium was investigated using a rhodamine-labelled phalloidin to stain F-actin in isolated cell preparations. Such preparations could, in addition, be stained for tubulin by immunofluorescence, enabling a comparison between F-actin and microtubule distributions in the same cell. In interphase, an extensive array of actin-filament bundles was present in the cytoplasm of elongating cells, the bundles generally following the long axis of the cell and passing in close proximity to the nucleus. In contrast, the interphase microtubule array occupied the cortex of the cell and was oriented at right angles to the actin bundles. In smaller, isodiametric cells, microfilament arrays were present but less well developed. During cell division, phalloidin-specific staining was seen in the cytokinetic phragmoplast, and co-distributed with microtubules at all stages of cell plate formation; however, neither the pre-prophase band nor the mitotic spindle were stained with phalloidin. Co-distribution of F-actin and microtubules only occurs, therefore, at cytokinesis. The relationship between microfilaments and microtubules is discussed, together with the possible role of actin in the phragmoplast.
Math in motion: Using CBRs to enact functions

This article reports on results of an exploratory study on undergraduate pre-service teachers' understanding of graphical representations of motion functions. The study described pre-service teachers' explorations using a CBR device. Preservice teachers' growth was studied in two dimensions: (a) in their learning of the mathematics involved and (b) in their learning of the pedagogy related to the mathematics and the technology used. Through their interaction with the device, pre-service teachers were able to overcome common misconceptions with respect to the mathematics and also to develop pedagogical insights regarding the teaching of the concepts. MATH IN MOTION: USING CBRS TO ENACT FUNCTIONS
Laboratory Detection and Submillimeter Spectrum of the NaS Radical (X2Πi)

The sodium sulfide radical NaS has been observed in the laboratory for the first time using millimeter/submillimeter direct absorption spectroscopy. Twelve rotational transitions originating in both the Ω = 1/2 and 3/2 sublevels of this species in its X2Πi ground state were recorded in the frequency range 200-400 GHz. Splittings arising from lambda-doubling interactions were resolved in both spin-orbit components and were particularly large (~2.9 GHz) in the Ω = 1/2 substate. The data were analyzed using a2Π Hamiltonian, and rotational, spin-orbit, and lambda-doubling parameters were determined. NaS may be detectable in the late-type star IRC +10216, given the observation of CS, SiS, NaCl, and NaCN in this object.
The role of aromatic side chain residues in micelle binding by pancreatic colipase. Fluorescence studies of the porcine and equine proteins

Fluorescence techniques have been employed to study the interaction of porcine and equine colipase with pure taurodeoxycholate and mixed micelles. Nitrotyrosine-55 of porcine colipase is obtained by modification with tetranitromethane (low excess, in the presence of taurodeoxycholate) of the protein followed by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. Verification of the residue modified was obtained by h.p.l.c. peptide purification and sequence analysis. Reduction and quantitative reaction with dansyl chloride yields a fluorescent derivative that is twice as active in conjunction with lipase as is native colipase and that exhibits a strong emission band at 550 nm. Addition of micellar concentrations of taurodeoxycholate causes a 4.3-fold increase in the emission maximum as well as a 70 nm blue shift to 480 nm. Inclusion of oleic acid to form a mixed micelle reduces these spectral effects. Scatchard analysis of the data yield a Kd of 6.8 X 10(-4) M and a single colipase-binding site for taurodeoxycholate micelles. The data, by analogy to a phospholipase system, are consistent with a direct insertion of dansyl-NH-tyrosine-55 into the micelle. The presence of a single tryptophan residue (Trp-52) in equine colipase provides an intrinsic fluorescent probe for studying protein-micelle interaction. The emission maximum of horse colipase at 345 nm indicates a solvent-accessible tryptophan residue which becomes less so on binding of micelles. A blue shift of 8 nm and a 2-fold increase in amplitude is indicative of a more hydrophobic environment for tryptophan induced by taurodeoxycholate micelles. There is also a decrease in KSV for acrylamide quenching in the presence of micelles, which further supports a loss of solvent accessibility. The most dramatic pH effects are observed with KI quenching, and may indicate the presence of negative charges near Trp-52.
Transforming Access to Finance in Developing Countries Through Mobile Phones: Creating an Enabling Policy Framework

Technology, and in particular the spread of real-time communications networks, permits banks to delegate last mile cash management and customer servicing functions to third-party retail outlets. By making basic deposit, withdrawal, and payment functions available securely through retail shops that exist in every village and neighborhood, there is an opportunity to dramatically increase the physical footprint of banks and to transform the basic economics of low-balance savings. Banking regulations need to be adapted to these new possibilities of banking beyond bank branches. We highlight three specific areas where sharpened regulatory analysis would help strike a better balance between maximizing the opportunities of these models and containing risks.
Collecting efficiency of a cylindrical mirror electron energy analyzer with pre-retarding lens

The electron collecting efficiency of a cylindrical mirror energy analyzer incorporating retardation of the electrons prior to analysis has been determined over the range 0 to 30 eV by two methods. The first method requires the use of a vacuum ultraviolet monochromator to produce monoenergetic electrons of different energies; the second method involves measuring the energy-brightness relationship of the retarding optics and should be applicable to any deflection analyzer with pre-retarding optics. The results of the two methods are compared and the limitations of the latter method are discussed.
Initiation in Cuban Santería

Born into an Episcopalian family where people cultivated intimate and intense relationships with God, I have been exploring the popular Afro-Cuban religion Santeria with both an intellectual and religious interest since 1987. This true story is adapted from Living Santeria: Rituals and Experiences in an Afro-Cuban Religion, published bythe Smithsonian Institution Press in 2002.
Integrated Control Strategy in the United States and its Practical Implementation1)

A major research effort in the United States to develop practical integrated control programs for six major agro-ecosystems utilizing, among a broad array of tactics, systems analysis is described. Problems associated with the implementation of pest management systems are outlined with examples given from tobacco programs in North Carolina and cotton programs in California and Texas.
A comparative study of quality practices and results in India, China and Mexico

Abstract In this paper we compare quality management practices in three different countries: India, China and Mexico. Various constructs representing quality management practices and quality results were conceptualized. Using a questionnaire survey instrument, data was collected in India, China, and Mexico. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to analyze the data. The MANOVA results point to statistically significant differences with respect to quality practices among these countries. Top management support turned out to be a very significant factor affecting all quality practices while information and analysis as well quality assurance practices were affected by length of quality experience in organizations.
Directivity in NGA earthquake ground motions: Analysis using isochrone theory

We present correction factors that may be applied to the ground motion prediction relations of Abrahamson and Silva, Boore and Atkinson, Campbell and Bozorgnia, and Chiou and Youngs (all in this vo...
Simple models for the stability of a crack in a cantilever beam subject to impact

Abstract The use of simple models to study the structural dynamics and crack stability of a cracked cantilever beam subject to impact is demonstrated. A rigid-perfectly plastic material model is used, and the J -integral and tearing modulus concepts are employed in simple forms. Concise algebraic expressions provide means for validating some of the assumptions made, and they are shown to be capable of capturing the salient phenomena involved in the problem.
Parallel electric fields in a diverging flux tube with upward current: Nature of quasi-static fields

[1] Using one-dimensional (1-D) particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of a diverging magnetic flux tube, the spatial distribution of parallel electric field in response to an applied potential drop is studied. Hot and cold plasma populations as appropriate for the upward current region are included. Simulations start with an initially empty flux tube representing an auroral density cavity. The cavity refills with plasmas flowing from the ionosphere at the bottom and the magnetosphere at the top. The ionospheric cold ions are significantly accelerated by means of plasma expansion processes in the cavity. When an appropriate warm secondary electron population at the ionospheric boundary is included in the simulations, a significant feature of the expanding ionospheric plasma is a rarefaction shock (RFS) near the bottom of the density cavity. Dynamics of the shock and its role in setting up a low-altitude double layer (DL) are examined. Even after the shock's decay due to the heating of the ionospheric cold electrons by wave-particle interactions, electron heating at low altitudes sustains the enhanced role of plasma expansion in upward acceleration of ions. The applied potential drop does localize like that in a strong DL, but only rarely a strong monotonic DL forms; often the DL is highly dynamic and evolves continually via plasma turbulence consisting of both electron and ion timescales. Averaging the fast fluctuations at the electron timescales, the potential distribution across the quasi-static DL yields oscillatory and spiky parallel fields, which evolve with ion-acoustic and ion hole turbulence. We compare our results with observations from satellites.
Prospective assessment of biofeedback for the treatment of paradoxical puborectalis contraction.

Eighteen patients with chronic constipation were diagnosed as having paradoxical puborectalis contraction (PPC) as the cause for their constipation. The diagnosis of PPC was made after office evaluation, colonic transit study, manometry, cinedefecography, and electromyography (EMG). These 18 patients had a mean duration of symptoms of 26.9 years; none of these patients had unassisted bowel movements. Fourteen patients had a mean of 4.6 laxative-induced bowel evacuations per week, and 11 patients had a mean of 4.4 enema-induced bowel evacuations per week. Patients underwent a mean of 8.9 one-hour EMG-based biofeedback sessions. At a mean follow-up of 9.1 (range, 0.5–12) months, these 18 patients had a mean of 7.3 unassisted bowel actions per week ( P <0.0001). In addition, persistent laxative use was reported by only two patients, and, in both cases, this was once a week or less ( P <0.001). Similarly, enema use was reported by only three patients, one once weekly and the other two thrice weekly ( P <0.002). No biofeedback-related complications were identified. EMG-based biofeedback is a valuable technique associated with an 89 percent success rate in the treatment of PPC.
Experimental Investigation of a System With Multiple Nearly Identical Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorbers

This paper presents experimental results from tests completed on a rotor system fitted with nearly-identical circular path centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers. A brief review of theoretical background for the absorbers is given along with an overview of the test apparatus. The experimental results for one absorber and for four absorbers are presented and compared with theoretical predictions and expectations. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first time that systematic, controlled experiments that monitored both the response of the absorbers and the rotor have been undertaken.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Why Supervisors Behave as They Do: Relationship of Beliefs, Socialization, and Practice.

Regular education and special education supervisors were studied to determine: (1) what supervisors believe to be important aims for education; (2) what types of issues supervisors focus on in practice; (3) how beliefs are related to issues identified in practice; and (4) how socialization influences the selection of particular supervisory issues. The findings of this study indicate that supervisors hold a wide range of beliefs about the aims of education with an emphasis on meeting societal needs and developing cognitive skills. This contrasts sharply with supervisors’ practice which focuses, for the most part, on managerial issues. Socialization and assumptions about teaching seem to most strongly influence practice. 1The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Richard LePan, Ralph Reynolds and Robert Bullough, Jr for their critical reviews and suggestions during the preparation of this article. Funding for the research was provided through a grant awarded by the Research Committee, Graduate Schoo...
Monogenic inheritance of catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in the rat -- biochemical and genetic studies.

Abstract Catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT) activities in the livers and kidneys of Fischer-344 (F-344) inbred rats were only 58 and 59 per cent, respectively, of those in the same organs of inbred Wistar-Furth (W-F) rats. Breeding experiments were performed to study possible mechanisms of inheritance of COMT activity in these animals. COMT activities in livers and kidneys of F1 (hybrid) animals (N = 36) were intermediate between those of the parental strains, but were closer to W-F (N = 22) than to F-344 (N = 22) values. The results of studies of F2 generation (N = 147) and backcross (N = 171) animals were compatible with the autosomal recessive inheritance of low COMT activity. 25.8 per cent of the F2 animals fell into a “low” COMT group when enzyme activities in both liver and kidney were used for phenotypic classification. This result is compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance of the trait “low” COMT. Statistical estimates of the number of genes involved in the control of COMT activity in these rats were also compatible with monogenic inheritance. Because of the possibility that there might be genetically determined differences in the biochemical properties of COMT in F-344 and W-F rats, COMT activities in tissue homogenates of liver from the two strains were compared with regard to thermal stability, electrophoretic behaviour, apparent Michaelis-Menton ( K m ) constant for substrates, and responses to three COMT inhibitors (tropolone, S -adenosyl-l-homocysteine, and calcium). No differences in thermal stability, R f values after electrophoresis, apparent K m values for substrates or 50 per cent inhibitory concentrations of the enzyme inhibitors for hepatic COMT were detected between the two strains of rats.
Brain Activity in Adults Who Stutter: Similarities across Speaking Tasks and Correlations with Stuttering Frequency and Speaking Rate.

Abstract Many differences in brain activity have been reported between persons who stutter (PWS) and typically fluent controls during oral reading tasks. An earlier meta-analysis of imaging studies identified stutter-related regions, but recent studies report less agreement with those regions. A PET study on adult dextral PWS ( n = 18) and matched fluent controls (CONT, n = 12) is reported that used both oral reading and monologue tasks. After correcting for speech rate differences between the groups the task-activation differences were surprisingly small. For both analyses only some regions previously considered stutter-related were more activated in the PWS group than in the CONT group, and these were also activated during eyes-closed rest (ECR). In the PWS group, stuttering frequency was correlated with cortico–striatal–thalamic circuit activity in both speaking tasks. The neuroimaging findings for the PWS group, relative to the CONT group, appear consistent with neuroanatomic abnormalities being increasingly reported among PWS.
Using cargo-bot to provide contextualized learning of recursion

This paper presents a new method of teaching recursion in which students first play a video game to contextualize recursive operations. Results from a controlled experiment with 47 high school students taking AP Computer Science A indicate that this instructional strategy produces significant improvements in students' understanding of recursion. Additionally, survey results show that nearly every student enjoys the learning activity and is confident in his or her ability to accomplish the recursive exercises.
Optical polarized reflectance characterization of thin aerogel and xerogel films

Advancement of porous dielectric materials like aerogels and xerogels for thin film devices demands sample characterization. Profilometers have been used to determine thickness, while the index of refraction and other optical properties are often determined using conventional ellipsometry. Commercial ellipsometers can be unreliable due to the low surface reflectivity (< 1%) of aerogel and xerogel films. A simple interferometric method. termed the polarized reflectance technique for thickness and index, is used to simultaneously measure the index of refraction and thickness of thin aerogel and xerogel films of SiO 2 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , and composite materials with an accuracy of ±0.5%.
Oviposition rhythm of individualDrosophila melanogaster

Individually-housedDrosophila melanogaster show a gradual bimodal rise in egg production with a major crest shortly after dusk. The crest drifts toward noon after 2 to 3 days. The rhythm is hourglass.
Household chemical exposures and the risk of canine malignant lymphoma, a model for human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Background Epidemiologic studies of companion animals offer an important opportunity to identify risk factors for cancers in animals and humans. Canine malignant lymphoma (CML) has been established as a model for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Previous studies have suggested that exposure to environmental chemicals may relate to development of CML.
Chalcogenide chemistry in ionic liquids: nonlinear optical wave-mixing properties of the double-cubane compound [Sb7S8Br2](AlCl4)3.

The new cation [Sb7S8Br2]3+ has a double-cubane structure and forms as the [AlCl4]− salt from the ionic liquid EMIMBr−AlCl3 (EMIM = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) at 165 °C. The compound is noncentrosymmetric with space group P212121 and exhibits second-harmonic and difference-frequency nonlinear optical response across a wide range of the visible and near-infrared regions.
Interrogating interfacial organization in planar bilayer structures.

The field of biomimetic planar lipid membranes is finding increased importance as the need to devise sensing systems for biologically important species increases. We approach this area with an eye toward understanding how to interrogate local organization in these complex media. Our primary tools for this purpose are spectroscopy and electrochemistry, where imbedded reporter molecules serve as the information transducers. We use Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) and Langmuir−Schaefer (LS) methods to construct planar lipid membranes on hydrophilic solid substrates (Au for electrochemistry, SiOx for spectroscopy). Pyrene tethered to the substrate acts as our probe and AC voltammetry was used to evaluate its redox kinetics, showing slow, distance independent electron transfer between the pyrene moieties and the electrode for both monolayer and bilayer systems. Time-resolved fluorescence data indicate that tethered pyrene resides in a highly rigid environment and that the addition of the top lipid leaflet improves the o...
Spatial properties of dark- and light-adapted visual fields of butterfly interneurones

Abstract Visual fields of protocerebral interneurones in butterflies in response to white, punctate flashes were recorded to obtain quantitative information about changes in field size and structure during light adaptation. The average width of restricted fields is reduced from 50-32°, the average height from 51-25 (Fig. 4). An adaptation index, relating changes in response density to the reduction in field area demonstrates three types of behaviour during light adaptation: (a) fields which get very diffuse, (b) fields with no major structural changes and (c) fields with a concentration of their densely responding area, losing diffuse regions (Figs. 4e and 5). Smaller visual fields are concentrated in the lower frontal part of the butterfly's field of vision, which is represented most extensively in the insect visual system (Fig. 6). The possible functional significance of the findings is discussed with respect to pattern vision, tracking, and fixation. It is suggested that the large field (probably movement detecting) neurones are involved in course control and stabilization, whereas small field neurones are specialized for detection and identification of small objects.
Mean-square displacements of surface atoms: c(2×2) overlayers on Ni(100)

We present lattice-dynamical calculations of the mean-square displacements of the adsorbate and first-layer substrate atoms for c(2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2) S and O overlayers on Ni(100). To be consistent with available structural information and to reproduce the observed surface-phonon dispersion data on these systems, surface force constants between Ni atoms are chosen to be different from the value in the bulk. It is found that for sulfur atoms the mean-square displacement in the plane parallel to the surface is larger than that along the surface normal. The opposite is the case for the oxygen atoms. The underlying Ni atoms in the two systems also display dissimilar anisotropies in the three orthogonal directions. We have examined the relative strengths of the mean-square relative displacements between the adsorbate and the first- and second-layer substrate atoms for both systems and explored the effect of the variation of the surface force constants on these quantities. These results have been brought in contact with available surface extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure data on these systems.
Studies on the Effect of Radio-Frequency Waves on Biological Macromolecules

The effect of radio-frequency electric fields on various biologic materials was examined. Particularly, the effects on alcohol dehydrogenase and DNA were carefully investigated. To avoid the effects of heating, a pulsed electric field was used, and samples were also rigorously cooled. The activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and the structure of DNA were not altered, however, even by the prolonged irradiation at high-field intensity between 1 and about 60 Mc/s.
Effects of Eyewitness Evidence on Plea-Bargain Decisions by Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys1

The present experiment tested the relative impact of two types of eyewitness evidence (identification and non identification) on plea-bargain decisions by prosecutors and defense attorneys. A hypothetical case involving a robbery was mailed to three prosecutors and three defense attorneys in each of 47 states. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive a case in which an eyewitness claimed: (a) the defendant was the criminal (identification), (b) the defendant was not the criminal (non identification), or (c) it was not possible to tell whether the defendant was the criminal (control). Similar to findings with jurors, both prosecutors and defense attorneys underutilized the non identification information in making their plea-bargain decisions. In the case of the prosecutors, there was evidence that the underutilization of eyewitness non identification was at least partially mediated by the prosecutors' predictions of juror reaction to the evidence.
Colonoscopy: Reducing faecal incontinence following colonoscopy

Faecal incontinence can occur in patients who have undergone a colonoscopy. The incidence of postexamination faecal incontinence in a large Norwegian cohort has now been reported, and the risk of faecal incontinence found to be reduced if CO2 is used instead of air to insufflate the colon.
Recall and recognition effects of brand name imagery

The strategic marketing decision regarding the selection of a brand name has long been an area neglected by academic researchers. This study attempts to apply psychological theory to this important strategic decision area. Specifically, the applicability of a dual-coding theory of memory to brand name recall/recognition is tested in an experimental setting. Results indicate, on average, a significant one hour and two day recall/recognition advantage of high imagery over low imagery brand names across a variety of product categories.
Factorization of Coupling to Regge Poles

In the application of the Regge-pole hypothesis to relativistic two-body scattering processes, we consider the position α(t) of the pole in the complex angular momentum plane (as a function of the crossed energy variable t) and also the coupling strength b(t) of the Regge trajectory to the particles involved.
SEM analysis of interactions between Pt, Au, and AgPd capsules and barium-yttrium-copper superconductors

Abstract Quantitative compositional maps are used to determine the nature and extent of chemical reactions between melted BaO-Y2O3-CuO material and capsules of Pt, Au, and Ag70Pd30. All three capsule materials are reactive with barium-yttrium-copper superconductor compositions. The effect of the reactions on the results of phase equilibria experiments is discussed.
Does midazolam inhibit the development of acute tolerance to the analgesic effect of alfentanil

Alfentanil-midazolam analgesic interactions were studied in rats with continuous infusions or bolus injections of the drugs. Analgesia was determined by measuring the threshold of motor response to noxious pressure. The continuous constant-rate infusion of alfentanil demonstrated that after an initial peak, the analgesia profoundly declined due to the development of acute tolerance. When alfentanil (250 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) was given together with midazolam (3 mg.kg-1.h-1), the decline in the analgesic effect of alfentanil was attenuated. Following the 4 h period of the constant-rate (250 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) infusion of alfentanil, when acute tolerance was already developed, midazolam (3 mg.kg-1) given as a bolus injection enhanced the alfentanil-induced anesthesia. At the same time, when alfentanil was given as a bolus injection (30 micrograms.kg-1) with or without midazolam (3 mg.kg-1) also by bolus injection, no changes were seen to indicate an enhancement of the analgesic effect of alfentanil by midazolam. The results suggest that midazolam attenuates the development of acute tolerance to the analgesic effect of alfentanil.
Packing nearly-disjoint sets

De Bruijn and Erdős proved that ifA 1, ...,A k are distinct subsets of a set of cardinalityn, and |A i ∩A j |≦1 for 1≦i n, then some two ofA 1, ...,A k have empty intersection. We prove a strengthening, that at leastk /n ofA 1, ...,A k are pairwise disjoint. This is motivated by a well-known conjecture of Erdőds, Faber and Lovasz of which it is a corollary.
The weakest failure detector for wait-free dining under eventual weak exclusion

Dining philosophers is a classic scheduling problem for local mutual exclusion on arbitrary conflict graphs. We establish necessary conditions to solve wait-free dining under eventual weak exclusion in message-passing systems with crash faults. Wait-free dining ensures that every correct hungry process eventually eats. Eventual weak exclusion permits finitely many scheduling mistakes, but eventually no live neighbors eat simultaneously; this exclusion criterion models scenarios where scheduling mistakes are recoverable or only affect performance. Previous work showed that the eventually perfect failure detector (◊P) is sufficient to solve wait-free dining under eventual weak exclusion; we prove that ◊P is also necessary, and thus ◊P is the weakest oracle to solve this problem. Our reduction also establishes that any such dining solution can be made eventually fair. Finally, the reduction itself may be of more general interest; when applied to wait-free perpetual weak exclusion, our reduction produces an alternative proof that the more powerful trusting oracle (T) is necessary (but not sufficient) to solve the problem of Fault-Tolerant Mutual Exclusion (FTME).
Ventilatory Drive in Normal Man during Semistarvation

The effects of reduced caloric intake on ventilatory drive were investigated in normal volunteers. During a ten-day semistarvation period, six subjects (group 1) received parenterally an amino acid solution providing 550 kcal/d sufficient to prevent a negative nitrogen balance. Six subjects (group 2) received in addition a safflower oil solution providing a total caloric intake of 1,100 kcal/d. Hypoxic ventilatory drive was estimated by an index (parameter A) of the relation between minute ventilation (VE) and hypoxia. In group 1, mean values (+/- SEM) of A decreased significantly from 161.5 (+/- 42.0) to 48.9 (+/- 12.0) by day 10 (p less than 0.05), indicating a severe depression of hypoxic drive despite a positive nitrogen balance. In group 2, A did not change significantly (p greater than 0.05) from control values indicating a preserved hypoxic ventilatory drive. In both groups, the slopes of the line relating VE to arterial PCO2 (delta VE/delta PaCO2) did not change significantly during the ten-day semistarvation period consistent with preservation of the hypercapnic ventilatory drive. These data indicate that during periods of starvation, parenteral administration of aminoacids in an amount sufficient to maintain nitrogen balance is inadequate to prevent depression of respiratory control mechanisms unless a minimum daily caloric intake is achieved.
Catalytic destruction of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) with a Pt/Rh monolithic automotive exhaust catalyst

Abstract The destruction of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was studied using a Pt/Rh monolithic automotive catalyst. Inlet temperatures to the catalyst ranged from about 450 to about 775 K, and the amount of oxygen in the feed ranged from 0 to about 120% of stoichiometric. The presence of carbon dioxide, water and i -octane (2,2,4-trimethyl pentane) in the feed was also investigated. The decomposition of MTBE into methanol and i -butene (2-methyl-1-propene) was kinetically significant at these conditions. Both methanol and i -butene were present in the effluent from the catalyst at all operating conditions. Carbon dioxide and water had no significant effect on the kinetics of MTBE disappearance. The rate of MTBE destruction was faster than the oxidation of i -octane.
Intracranial self-stimulation reward thresholds during morphine withdrawal in rats bred for high (HiS) and low (LoS) saccharin intake.

Abstract Rationale Sweet preference is a marker of vulnerability to substance use disorders, and rats selectively bred for high (HiS) vs. low saccharin (LoS) intake display potentiated drug-seeking behaviors. Recent work indicated that LoS rats were more responsive to the negative effects of drugs in several assays. Objective The current study used the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure to investigate the anhedonic component of morphine withdrawal in male HiS and LoS rats. Methods Rats were administered morphine (10 mg/kg) or saline for 8 days. To evaluate withdrawal effects, reward thresholds were measured 24 and 28 h following the 8th morphine injection (spontaneous withdrawal) and again for 4 days following daily acute morphine and naloxone (1 mg/kg) administration (precipitated withdrawal). Results 24 h following the final morphine injection, reward thresholds in LoS rats were significantly elevated compared to reward thresholds in LoS controls, indicating spontaneous withdrawal. This effect was not observed in HiS rats. LoS rats also showed greater elevations of reward thresholds on several days during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal compared to their HiS counterparts. Conclusions LoS rats were more sensitive to morphine withdrawal-mediated elevations in ICSS thresholds than HiS rats. While these differences were generally modest, our data suggest that severity of the negative affective component of opiate withdrawal may be influenced by genotypes related to addiction vulnerability.
Implications of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial in the clinical management of lumbar disk herniation.

What information does the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial offer for patients with lumbar radiculopathy and for their clinicians?