cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a Response to Epistemic Nihilism

This chapter develops an account of epistemic nihilism – roughly, the rejection of truth’s intrinsic or instrumental value in favor of statements that reject or obscure truth to secure an advantage for the speaker – by examining three instances of such nihilism: lying, bullshit, and trolling. It further argues that epistemic nihilism, exacerbated by changes in the media landscape, can pose a significant threat to liberal democratic institutions and ideals by undermining the democratic ideal of good faith engagement on a level playing field, while also encouraging undemocratic actions (e.g., terrorism) among interlocutors who take the nihilist’s claims seriously. Finally, this chapter argues that in extreme cases, we are justified in denying epistemic nihilists a platform from which to speak by drawing a parallel with vexatious litigant laws that deny individuals the right to petition courts for redress on the grounds that abuse of that right results in significant harm to both individuals and the legal system itself.
Current Understanding of the Pathophysiology and Approach to Tension-Type Headache.

Purpose of review Description of headache dates back thousands of years, and to date, tension-type headache (TTH) remains the most common form of headache. We will review the history and current understanding of the pathophysiology of TTH and discuss the recommended clinical evaluation and management for this syndrome. Recent findings Despite being the most prevalent headache disorder, TTH pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Patients with TTH tend to have muscles that are harder, more tender to palpation, and may have more frequent trigger points of tenderness than patients without headache. However, cause and effect of these muscular findings are unclear. Studies support both peripheral and central mechanisms contributing to the pain of TTH. Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, while the focus of evaluation is to rule out possible secondary causes of headache. Treatment options have remained similar over the course of the past decade, with some additional studies supportive of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. An approach to TTH has been outlined including historical context, evolution over time, and the best evidence regarding our current understanding of the complex pathophysiology and treatment of this disease.
Fiber Laser Sensor Detection of Acoustic Emissions from Stress Corrosion Cracking in Aluminum

We demonstrate a fiber laser sensor used to detect acoustic emissions generated by stress corrosion cracking in sensitized aluminum. Several performance metrics closely match those of industry standard piezo-electric sensors.
Electronic Scanner Services

Electronic scanner services are data-collection systems that capture brand sales information from scanner systems at retail store checkouts and sell that information to brand manufacturers and retailers. The retail scanner systems read the universal product codes (barcodes) on each item purchased and tabulate information on brand sales. Unlike scanner panels, which capture data on the purchases of individuals and households, electronic scanner services provide aggregate data for individual store locations, retail chains, and metropolitan areas. The scanner systems provide data with a great deal of detail including brand names, package sizes, and prices. The electronic scanner services industry is dominated by AC Nielsen and Information Resources Inc. Both companies collect data from carefully selected samples of retail store locations and conduct statistical analysis to estimate brand sales at the account (retail chain) and market levels. Scanner data services are shifting emphasis toward customer-level data, which allows for more precise measurement of purchase behavior. The leading company in customer-level data collection in retailing is DunnHumby, Inc. Keywords: scanner data; retailing; sales promotion; point-of-purchase marketing; customer databases
Detection of mutations in human type I collagen mRNA in osteogenesis imperfecta by indirect RNase protection.

A method for detecting a wide variety of mutations within type I collagen has been developed and evaluated on a series of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. RNA, extracted from the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment of cultured fibroblasts from affected individuals, is hybridized with antisense single-stranded cDNA to the α1(I) mRNA. The hybrid is digested with RNase A and T1 under varying degrees of stringency. The resistant RNA bands are separated by electrophoresis in agarose, transferred to nitrocellulose, and hybridized with antisense cRNA colinear with the protecting probe. This approach is capable of detecting previously defined mutations such as 252-base pair deletion and a 1-base pair mismatch within the α1(I) mRNA. The method appears to be particularly useful in detecting abnormalities of RNA processing that behave as an insert or deletion within the mature mRNA. The procedure should be generally applicable for the identification and localization of any mutation within an entire gene if the gene is expressed as an RNA and a complete cDNA for the mRNA is available.
MATCHING AND MARKET DESIGN: AN INTRODUCTION TO SELECTED TOPICS*

This paper provides a survey of the research in matching and market design. We discuss both basic theories and recent advances. Emphasis is placed on applications of the theory to practical problems.
Temporal and Magnitude Dependence in Earthquake Recurrence Models

The effects of temporal and magnitude dependence among seismic recurrences, which are ignored in the conventional Poisson earthquake model, are studied. The potential impact of non-Poissonian assumptions on practical hazard estimates are considered. A broad set of recurrence models with memory are analyzed using convenient second-moment time-magnitude statistics to parameterize a general class of semi-Markov models. The conventional time- and slip-predictable models are included and studied as special cases. Conditions are identified under which the Poisson model provides a sufficient engineering hazard estimate. i.e., either conservative or unconservative by a factor of no more than three. The Poisson approximation is found to be sufficient for all but what is expected to be a small subset of the cases encountered in practice.
Hydrolytic metal with a hydrophobic periphery: titanium(IV) complexes of naphthalene-2,3-diolate and interactions with serum albumin

Serum albumin, the most abundant protein in human plasma (700 μM), binds diverse ligands at multiple sites. While studies have shown that serum albumin binds hard metals in chelate form, few have explored the trafficking of these metals by this protein. Recent work demonstrated that serum albumin may play a pivotal role in the transport and bioactivity of titanium(IV) complexes, including the anticancer drug candidate titanocene dichloride. The current work explores this interaction further by using a stable Ti(IV) complex that presents a hydrophobic surface to the protein. Ti(IV) chelation by 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene (H2L1) and 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene-6-sulfonate (H2L2) affords water soluble complexes that protect Ti(IV) from hydrolysis at pH 7.4 and bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The solution and solid Ti(IV) coordination chemistry were explored by aqueous spectropotentiometric titrations and X-ray crystallography, respectively, and with complementary electrochemistry, mass spectrometry, and IR an...
Rat testis steroid sulfatase. 2. Kinetic study.

Abstract The cleavage of pregnenolone sulfate (Km = 0.3 × 10−5 M/L) by rat testis tissue was demonstrated to be more facile than the cleavages of 5-androsten-17β-ol-3β-sulfate (Km = 0.5 × 10−5 M/L), 17β-estradiol-3-sulfate (Km = 1.2 × 10−5 M/L), estrone sulfate (Km = 2 × 10−5 M/L), and 17β-acetyl-5-androstene-3β-sulfate (Km = 3 × 10−5 M/L) respectively. This ranking is confirmed in comparisons with inhibition studies and previously reported data. The preferred pregnenolone sulfate cleavage is inhibited most efficiently by 5-pregnene-3β, 20α-diol. These findings are consistent with the concept of a single steroid sulfatase enzyme to which either substrates or unconjugated steroid inhibitors bind competitively, to an extent partially determined by substituents at C17 as well as the conformations at C5 and C3.
Reducing HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users in Residential Detoxification

This study of 632 drug injectors enrolled in eight residential detoxification centers within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network tested three interventions to reduce drug and sex risk behaviors. Participants were randomized to: (a) a two-session, HIV/HCV counseling and education (CE interventions added to standard treatment offered no improvement in risk behavior outcomes.
Organizational and morphological features of cat sacrocaudal motoneurons

We have investigated the organizational and morphological features of motoneurons from cat sacrocaudal spinal cord, the portion of the neuraxis that innervates the tail. This information is pertinent for development of a new model of spinal cord injury. An understanding of sacrocaudal circuitry is essential for physiological and behavioral assessment of the effects of sacrocaudal lesions. Observations from Nissl-stained sections corroborated Rexed's cytoarchitectural scheme. Putative motoneurons were located within two regions of the ventral horn: the ventromedial nucleus (lamina IX) and the nucleus commissuralis. To map motoneuron pools, choleratoxin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate was injected into each dorsal tail muscle. The dorsomedial muscle was innervated by ipsilateral nucleus commissuralis motoneurons. The dorsolateral and intertransversarius muscles were innervated by ipsilateral lamina IX and nucleus commissuralis motoneurons. Cell bodies of retrogradely labeled sacrocaudal motoneurons ranged from 22 to 82 μm in diameter; the unimodal distributions peaked between 45 and 50 μm. Dendritic trees of motoneurons, revealed by retrograde labeling or by intracellular injection with horseradish peroxidase, were extensive. Five to eight primary dendrites originated from the cell body. Dendritic branches extended throughout the ipsilateral ventral gray matter, with processes spreading into the surrounding white matter and the base of the dorsal horn. Dendrites from motoneurons with their soma in the lateral portion of lamina IX formed a longitudinal plexus at the gray/white border. Medial dendrites from motoneurons in the nucleus commissuralis formed bundles in the ventral gray commissure and spread throughout the contralateral ventral horn. It is speculated that contralateral dendrites subserve synchronized co-contraction of medial muscles from both sides of the tail.
Beyond cumulative risk: Distinguishing harshness and unpredictability as determinants of parenting and early life history strategy.

Drawing on life history theory, Ellis and associates' (2009) recent across- and within-species analysis of ecological effects on reproductive development highlighted two fundamental dimensions of environmental variation and influence: harshness and unpredictability. To evaluate the unique contributions of these factors, the authors of present article examined data from a national sample 1364 mothers and their children participating in the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Harshness was operationalized as income-to-needs ratio in the first 5 years of life; unpredictability was indexed by residential changes, paternal transitions, and parental job changes during this same period. Here the proposition was tested that these factors not only uniquely predict accelerated life-history strategy, operationalized in terms of sexual behavior at age 15, but that such effects are mediated by change over the early-childhood years in maternal depression and, thereby, observed maternal sensitivity in the early-elementary-school years. Structural equation modeling provided empirical support for Ellis et al.'s (2009) theorizing, calling attention once again to the contribution of evolutionary analysis to understanding contemporary human parenting and development. Implications of the findings for intervention are discussed.
Comparison of Design Preferences for Mobile Phones and Blood Glucose Meters

Mobile Phones and Blood Glucose Meters are widely used personal digital input/output devices of great aesthetic and functional importance to their users. Interactive Genetic Algorithms (IGAs) are used to test for aesthetic preference links between these two devices. IGAs mimic natural selection by repeatedly having a human tester select designs they find the most aesthetically pleasing to serve as the parents of the next generation. The web-based IGA was used by 22 participants; varying button spacing, screen size, and radius of phones and glucose meters over 8 trials. Several links were found between the devices, specifically the screen-area to keypad-area ratio, and screen height to screen width ratio. IGAs show promise as a tool for designers to use a similar product to reduce the risk in a new product’s design by building on user’s current aesthetic experience.
An Assessment of the Utility of the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 for Social Work Practice

The objective of this article was to analyze the structure of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which is often used to measure children’s emotional and behavioral problems. Considering its poten...
Characterization of in vitro and in vivo mutations in non-conserved nucleotides in the ribosomal RNA recognition domain for the ribotoxins ricin and sarcin and the translation elongation factors

Abstract The sarcin/ricin domain in 23 S/28 S rRNA is crucial for ribosome function, since it constitutes at least part of the binding site for the elongation factors and hence is essential for binding aminoacyl-tRNA and for translocation. The domain is also the site of action of ricin and sarcin and analysis of the effect of mutations in the RNA on recognition by the cytotoxins has helped to define the structure and to understand the function of the region. We have constructed deletions, separately, of pairs of non-conserved, juxtaposed but non-hydrogen-bonded nucleotides that correspond to C4317 and C4331, and to U4316 and C4332, in an oligoribonucleotide that mimics the sarcin/ricin domain in rat 28 S rRNA. The deletions had no effect on the depurination of A4324 by ricin nor on the cleavage of the phosphodiester bond on the 3′ side of G4325 by sarcin. However, simultaneous deletion of the four nucleotides decreased cleavage by sarcin but did not affect depurination by ricin. Removal of the non-canonical A4318·A4330 pair abolished recognition by both toxins. Deletion from oligoribonucleotides, that reproduce the sarcin/ricin domain of Escherichia coli 23 S rRNA, of U2653 and C2667 (equivalent to U4316, C4317 and C4331, C4332 in 28 S rRNA), or substitution of guanosine for U2653 (designed to form a Watson-Crick G2653·C2667 pair), reduced cleavage by sarcin whereas depurination by ricin was slightly increased. An increase in the stability of the mutant oligoribonucleotides may be the basis of the impairment in sarcin action. The tm for the wild-type RNA is 60 °C; for the double-deletion mutant U2653Δ/C2667Δ it is 65 °C; and for the U2653G transversion it is 69 °C. Expression of a mutant 23 S rRNA gene lacking U2653 and C2667 is lethal and a U2653G transversion mutation impairs growth. The mutant ribosomes are less active in protein synthesis than the wild-type and ribosomes with the U2653G mutation are resistant to sarcin. The binding of EF-G to oligoribonucleotides with a U2653/C2667 double deletion is reduced and an effect on the affinity of the factor for the sarcin/ricin domain may account in part for the decrease in ribosome efficiency. The results stress the potential importance in rRNA structure and function of non-conserved nucleotides, and suggest that the sarcin/ricin domain in ribosomes requires a region of structural flexibility for optimal efficiency.
Convolution spectral imaging

Abstract A new method of spectral imaging is introduced. It is based on a well-known threedimensional chemical-shift imaging technique in which spatial and chemical-shift data are collected separately. The new method, however, mixes spectral information into each spatial dimension. This is accomplished in part by requiring that the magnitude of the controlled inhomogeneity introduced by the applied gradients be smaller than the magnitude of the inherent inhomogeneity which gives rise to the chemical-shift phenomenon. This has the benefit of producing a greater signal-to-noise ratio than techniques in which the spectral information is obliterated by large applied gradients. A second requirement of the new method is that the length of a time delay, during which chemical-shift encoding occurs, and the amplitude of a gradient, during which spatial encoding occurs, are changed in concert with each other. This simultaneous stepping in the encoding dimension and reduced applied gradient amplitudes in each dimension have the effect of creating modulation functions whose Fourier transforms are the convolutions of functions of spatial position and spectral frequency. The new technique is therefore called “convolution spectral imaging.” Because the spectral information does not comprise a separate dimension of a data set, a reduction in the number of dimensions required for acquisition and display occurs. This reduces both measurement time and processing requirements. Convolution spectral imaging is most effective when the spectral resonances of the sample are well-separated and when the sample dimensions are small. Thus the technique may be best suited for microscopic NMR imaging at high magnetic field strengths.
Comparison of the measured phase diagrams in the force-temperature plane for the unzipping of two different natural DNA sequences.

In this work, we consider the critical force required to unzip two different naturally occurring sequences of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at temperatures ranging from 20 ° C to 50 °C, where one of the sequences has a 53% average guanine-cytosine (GC) content and the other has a 40% GC content. We demonstrate that the force required to separate the dsDNA of the 53% GC sequence into single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is approximately 0.5 pN, or approximately 5% greater than the critical force required to unzip the 40% GC sequence at the same temperature. In the temperature range between 20 and 40 °C the measured critical forces correspond reasonably well to predictions based on a simple theoretical homopolymeric model, but at temperatures above 40 °C the measured critical forces are much smaller than the predicted forces. The correspondence between theory and experiment is not improved by using Monte Carlo simulations that consider the heteropolymeric nature of the sequences.
Incoherent Microwave Radiation from a Plasma in a Magnetic Field

The microwave emission from a plasma in a magnetic field is calculated theoretically using Kirchhoff's radiation law for cases when characteristic waves do not couple within the plasma. Experimental observations of radiation temperatures and cyclotron radiation line breadth and shape are cited to illustrate applications of the theory to experiment.
Neonatal anoxia induces transitory hyperactivity, permanent spatial memory deficits and CA1 cell density reduction in developing rats

Physical and reflex development, spontaneous behavior in open field and spatial memory abilities have been studied in rats after neonatal anoxia. Histological analysis of the hippocampal fields have been carried out in selected animals at the end of the testing period. No differences between control and anoxic rats were recorded in the physical and reflex development. Hyperacvity in open field was present in anoxic animals only transiently between P20 and P45. Spatial memory abilities, tested at two developmental stages by means of a maze and a water maze, appeared to be defectual not only during the hyperactivity period but also in adulthood. The histological analysis of the different hippocampal fields demonstrated a significant difference between anoxic and control rats in the cell density of the CA1 field. The present data demonstrate that neonatal anoxia, besides determining only transitory defects in open field behavior, profoundly affects cognitive abilities and cell density in CA1 hippocampal field. These results might be of relevance in the interpretation of the substrate of the cognitive impairment seen in hyperactive children that are exposed to hypoxia at birth.
Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom: Transforming Education

Abstract In the twenty-first century, we are experiencing a paradigm shift in learning environments because of an underlying change in epistemology. Never in the history of the planet has information been more readily available. With the click of a key we can find answers to just about any question. When the questions are factual, based on common knowledge, we can be relatively confident about the answers.
A Combinatorial Solution for scheduling spatial multiplexing in MIMO-based ad hoc networks

In a MIMO-based ad hoc network, the conflict relation between transmissions is fundamentally changed due to the multiple packet reception capability of MIMO nodes. A MIMO node can receive from multiple data streams at the same time, which significantly increases data throughput. To fully utilize the additional spectrum capacity enabled by the MIMO technology, it is important that transmissions from different nodes are coordinated. The coordination scheme needs to consider both data stream multiplexing and transmission time scheduling for a maximum performance gain. In this paper, we use an optimization framework to jointly consider MIMO link spatial multiplexing and scheduling while the routing information is given. A linear program-based algorithm is proposed, and simulation results show it is advantageous over the spatial multiplexing scheme without joint design of scheduling.
Rethinking ferrule – a new approach to an old dilemma

The ‘ferrule effect’ is a long standing, accepted concept in dentistry that is a foundation principle for the restoration of teeth that have suffered advanced structure loss. A review of the literature based on a search in PubMed was performed looking at the various components of the ferrule effect, with particular attention to some of the less explored dimensions that infl uence the effectiveness of the ferrule when restoring severely broken down teeth. These include the width of the ferrule, the effect of a partial ferrule, the infl uence of both, the type of the restored tooth and the lateral loads present as well as the well established 2 mm ferrule height rule. The literature was collaborated and a classifi cation based on risk assessment was derived from the available evidence. The system categorises teeth according to the effectiveness of ferrule effect that can be achieved based on the remaining amount of sound tooth structure. Furthermore, risk assessment for failure can be performed so that the practitioner and patient can better understand the prognosis of restoring a particular tooth. Clinical recommendations were extrapolated and presented as guidelines so as to improve the predictability and outcome of treatment when restoring structurally compromised teeth. The evidence relating to restoring the endodontic treated tooth with extensive destruction is defi cient. This article aims to rethink ferrule by looking at other aspects of this accepted concept, and proposes a paradigm shift in the way it is thought of and utilised.
Polarimetric imaging and blood vessel quantification

We applied a polarimetric analysis to retinal imaging, to examine the potential improvement in characterizing blood vessels. To minimize the reflection artifact of the superficial wall of the blood vessel, we computed depolarized light images by removing the polarization retaining light reaching the instrument. These depolarized light images were compared to images from the average of all the light. Michelson contrast was computed for the vessel profiles across arteries and veins, and was higher for the depolarized light images. Depolarized light images provide one step towards improving the characterization of retinal blood vessels.
Mirage effects in the marine layer across Chesapeake Bay

Atmospheric effects deleteriously impact free space laser communications. Beam wander, distortion and beam bending can affect pointing and tracking in particular. Mirages are an example of these effects. In June 2006, a campaign was conducted across the Chesapeake Bay by the Naval Research Laboratory to quantify effects of mirages at the marine layer. We imaged a series of lights positioned strategically on a tower across the bay, at Tilghman Island, approximately ten miles away from NRL's Chesapeake Bay Detachment (NRL-CBD). Recorded images were subject to displacement and distortion as functions of temperature, humidity, dew point, and other meteorological parameters. Results from the experiment will be presented and phenomenology discussed.
Prostaglandin F2α radioimmunoassay utilizing polyethylene glycol separation technique

Abstract A radioimmunoassay for Prostaglandin F which utilizes polyethylene glycol to separate antibody-bound and free prostaglandin is described. The detailed procedure for extraction and chromatographic fractionation of the “E” and “F” series is presented. The recoveries of labeled prostaglandin obtained at each step of the procedure compared favorably with the 68% overall recovery figure for the complete assay. Data on the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and reproducibility of the assay are presented. PgF levels in plasmas obtained from normal males and females, pregnant females in the third trimester and females in labor have been determined. Ovarian and uterine tissue levels of Prostaglandin F are also included.
A Surfeit of Cycles

Chaotic sets are organized about ‘skeletons’ of periodic orbits in the sense that every point on a chaotic set is arbitrarily close to such an orbit. The orbits have the stability property of saddles: attracting in some directions; repelling in others. This topology has implications for changing climates that evidence pronounced variability on time scales ranging from decades to tens of thousands of years. Among these implications are the following: 1. A wide range of periodicities should be (and are) observed. 2. Periodicities should (and do) shift - often abruptly - as the evolving climatic trajectory sequentially shadows first one periodic orbit and then another. 3. Models that have been ‘tuned’ (parametric adjustment) to fit trajectorial evolution in the vicinity of one periodic orbit are likely to fail when the real system moves to another region of the phase space. 4. In response to secular forcing, chaotic sets simplify via the elimination of periodic orbits. If one accepts the reality of anthropog...
Effect of multilevel sequential stenosis on lower extremity arterial duplex scanning

Background The sensitivity of lower extremity arterial duplex scanning in detecting a >50% stenosis may be decreased in extremities with multilevel sequential stenosis. Patients and methods The results of lower extremity arterial duplex scanning of the common femoral, upper and lower superficial femoral, above- and below-knee popliteal arteries, and tibioperoneal trunk in 80 extremities of 44 patients were compared to those of arteriography. Thirty-one arterial segments in 27 extremities had a >50% stenosis. The stenoses were categorized as first order (first or only stenotic segment in the extremity, n=23) and second order (stenosis occurring distal to a >50% stenosis, n=4, or occlusion, n=4). Results The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of duplex scan detection of a >50% arterial stenosis or occlusion were 86%, 96%, and 67% for the common femoral artery; 95%, 98%, and 95% for the upper superficial femoral artery; 97%, 90%, and 88% for the lower superficial femoral artery; 84%, 90%, and 87% for the above-knee popliteal artery; 47%, 98%, and 90% for the belowknee popliteal artery; and 25%, 100%, and 100% for the tibioperoneal trunk. Duplex scanning detected 18 (78%) of the 23 first-order stenoses compared to only 1 (13%) of the 8 second-order stenoses in limbs with multilevel sequential disease ( P P Conclusions Duplex scanning was highly sensitive in detecting lower extremity first-order stenoses. Low peak systolic velocities at secondorder stenoses of limbs with multilevel sequential disease significantly decreased the sensitivity of duplex scanning.
Seismic collapse risk of light-frame wood construction considering aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties

Collapse of light-frame wood buildings in earthquakes causes casualties and economic losses. The collapse risk of buildings under seismic loads are uncertain because of aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties in both ‘demand’ and ‘capacity’. Both sources of uncertainties are considered in this study to investigate their effects on the collapse risk of wood structures due to seismic loads. Record-to-record uncertainty and effect of spectral shape (e) of ground motion records are examined. Uncertainties in structural resistance are represented in typical wood-frame shear walls, which are modeled by a hysteresis model with 10 parameters, each of which is treated as a random variable. Epistemic uncertainty that is introduced by the modeling process is examined in this study. The implications of inclusion of all sources of uncertainties on collapse risk are investigated and discussed in the context of comparing with the collapse risk in concrete and steel structures. It is found that the resistance uncertainty as well as modeling uncertainty have significant impacts on the seismic collapse risk of light-frame wood buildings. Some previous studies that neglected the effect of resistance uncertainty in seismic performance evaluation may lead to unconservative results.
Solubility of Anthracene in Ternary 1,4-Dioxane + Alcohol + 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane Solvent Mixtures at 298.15 K

Article on the solubility of anthracene in ternary 1,4-dioxane + alcohol + 2,2,4-trimethylpentane solvent mixtures at 298.15 K.
Quality of clinical practice guidelines for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background Several studies have reported that clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in a variety of clinical areas are of modest or variable quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of an international cohort of CPGs that provide recommendations on pharmaceutical management of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Methods and Findings We searched the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) on February 15th and June 4th, 2012 for CPGs meeting inclusion criteria. Two independent assessors rated the quality of each CPG using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Twenty-four guidelines were evaluated, and most had high scores for clarity and presentation. However, scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, and applicability domains varied considerably. The majority of guidelines scored low on editorial independence, and only seven CPGs were based on an underlying systematic review of the evidence. Conclusions The overall quality of CPGs for glycemic control in DM2 is moderate, but there is substantial variability among quality domains within and across guidelines. Guideline users need to be aware of this variability and carefully appraise and select the guidelines that they apply to patient care.
Aligned nanowires and nanodots by directed block copolymer assembly

The directed self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) is a promising route to generate highly ordered arrays of sub-10 nm features. Ultradense arrays of a monolayer of spherical microdomains or cylindrical microdomains oriented parallel to the surface have been produced where the lateral ordering is guided by surface patterning and the lattice defined by the patterning can be commensurate or incommensurate with the natural period of the BCP. Commensurability between the two can be used to elegantly manipulate the lateral ordering and orientation of the BCP microdomains so as to form well-aligned arrays of 1D nanowires or 2D addressable nanodots. No modification of the substrate surface, aside from the patterning, was used, making the influence of lattice mismatch and pattern amplification on the size, shape and pitch of the BCP microdomains more transparent. A skew angle between incommensurate lattices, defining a stretching or compression of the BCP chains to compensate for the lattice mismatch, is presented.
Biochemical markers: Clinical aspects

Abstract Protein-calorie malnutrition is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Several biochemical indices are proposed as markers of nutritional status in this patient population. These include relatively simple biochemical measures such as serum albumin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, as well as more complex and not readily available parameters, such as transferrin, prealbumin, and insulin-like growth factor 1. However, none of these parameters alone has been shown to be the optimal indicator of nutritional status of patients with end-stage renal disease. Specifically, the biochemical markers utilized for nutritional purposes are influenced by many non-nutritional factors. Therefore, an appropriate assessment of nutritional status should include simultaneous measurements of several markers, continuous evaluation of these markers, and a good clinical judgement.
The role of aging reactions in the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of an HSLA steel

Hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility, as measured from room temperature precharged tensile specimens, indicates that the type, extent, and morphology of carbide precipitation are all important in determining the degree and mode of degradation. At equivalent charging conditions, embrittlement is virtually eliminated by aging to produce fine scale clustering of Ti(C, N), even when concurrent with cementite precipitation. High temperature aging (> 500 °C) results in exclusive precipitation of the alloy carbide, but also in a total loss of ductility due to a fracture mode transition to intergranular. This is shown to be associated with metalloid (P, S) segregation to grain boundaries accompanying depletion of Ti in solution. Intermediate behavior is observed in microstructures produced by high temperature quenching or aging at temperatures (∼ 400 °C) where only cementite precipitation is observed.
Modification and introduction of a specific radioactive label into the erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins.

Abstract A specific radioactive label was introduced into the sialoglycoproteins of the erythrocyte membrane by sequential sodium periodate oxidation and tritiated sodium borohydride reduction. This was achieved whether the sialoglycoproteins were isolated, present in situ within the intact erythrocyte, or the isolated erythrocyte membranes. The label is found in the oligosaccharide chains of the sialoglycoproteins predominantly in residues which were formerly those of bound sialic acid. The method appears selective for the sialoglycoproteins and certain, as yet unidentified lipid components.
Concepts of thresholds in standards setting. An analysis of the concept and its application to industrial air limits (TLVs).

The premises on which the concept of thresholds of toxicologic response rest are presented and discussed In light of recent, seemingly conflicting evidence from nontoxicologic quarters. Review of the metabolic factors governing toxicologic response, particularly homeostasis and adaptation, makes a good case for the existence of thresholds for chemical substances generally. Possible exceptions are certain natural body metabolities and long-wave ionizing radiation. Finally, the procedures that have to be taken to modify thresholds for the development of appropriate industrial air standards are presented.
Harmonic distortion from nonlinear systems with broadband inputs: applications to lung mechanics.

We present a simple index, extended harmonic distortion (k d ), to represent the degree of system nonlinearity under sparse pseudorandom noise inputs (SPRN). The frequencies in a SPRN waveform are neither harmonics nor sums or differences of the other component frequencies. Expressed by percentage, thek d is the square root of the ratio of output power at non-input frequencies to the total output power. We evoke three simple corrections to recover the truek d under imperfect SPRN inputs. Simulations on two block-structured nonlinear models (Wiener and Hammerstein) demonstrate the necessity and effectiveness of these corrections especially for the Wiener-type nonlinearity. By applyingk d to pressure-flow data of dog lungs, we found that the nonlinear harmonic interactions from a lung arise primarily from its tissues most likely the processes governing the tissue stiffness. This nonlinearity, assessed fromk d , is stronger at higher tidal volumes and enhanced (but to a lesser degree) during bronchoconstriction. We conclude that since thek d approach avoids the necessity for multiple-input measurements and lengthy data records, it may be useful for tracking the dynamic variations in nonlinearities of a physiological system.
Note on the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability of stratified fluids

In this paper the conditions under which the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in stratified fluids is absolute or convective are investigated. It is first shown that at transition from convective to absolute instability two double roots of the dispersion relation coalesce. Based on this property an analytical condition for absolute instability is derived. It is found that the instability is absolute for almost all values of the flow velocity and stratification. Convective instability is found only for a narrow range of flow velocities over the instability threshold when the density ratio parameter, r=ρ1/(ρ1+ρ2), lies in the range 1/3<r<1/2. The different behavior near the instability threshold can be related to the signs of the group velocities of the two waves which coalesce to create the instability: For r<1/3, the group velocities of the two waves have opposite signs, and the resulting instability is absolute, whereas for 1/3<r<1/2, the two waves have group velocities with the same sign, and the instability is convective. This result is also shown to be reflected in the form of the amplitude equation at the instability threshold, which is the linearly unstable Klein–Gordon equation.
Congenital coxa vara.

Abstract Congenital or infantile coxa vara is a condition of the neck of the femur in which there is retardation of ossification resulting in the typical deformity. This condition gives rise to an uncertain prognosis. Ossification can be encouraged by decreasing the coxa vara by doing an osteotomy. In the event of complete disability because of pseudo-arthrosis and non-union as seen in late and neglected cases stability can be re-established with a Whitman reconstruction operation even though the function of the hip joint is impaired.
RAT HEART LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE

Abstract Rat heart lipoprotein lipase was highly purified by affinity chromatography using heparin-Sepharose 4B. When extracts of acetone powder were applied to columns, lipase activity was firmly bound to the gel matrix and was later eluted with 1.5 M NaCl. At this stage the eluted enzyme was purified 1500-fold. Dise gel electrophoresis yielded a single protein band corresponding with the enzyme activity. The apparent molecular weight was 60,000. The purified enzyme was highly unstable; however, its activity could be partially stabilized by glycerol or ethylene glycol. In studying the purified enzyme we observed: (i) a cofactor in serum was required for full enzymatic activity; ApoLp-Glu could be substituted for this cofactor; (ii) ApoLp-Ser was inhibitory to lipase activity; (iii) NaCl and protamine sulfate also markedly inhibited the lipase activity; (iv) heparin stimulated the enzymatic activity.
Diverging patterns with endogenous labor migration

Abstract The standard neoclassical model cannot explain persistent migration flows and lack of cross-country convergence when capital and labor are mobile. Here we present a model where both phenomena may take place. Assuming increasing returns and perfect capital mobility, the driving forces behind labor migration are the size and the composition of the workforce. The size of the workforce produces divergence: a larger workforce in one country implies higher wages, the wage gap induces in-migration and this makes the wage gap even larger. In this case migration is only beneficial for the labor importing country. The evolution in the composition of the workforce due to migration may have opposite effects. In one case in-migration keeps the wage of skilled workers high enough to induce people to qualify for skilled jobs. This improves the composition of labor in the receiving country only and it makes divergence a likely outcome. In another case labor migration keeps the relative wage of unskilled workers in the rich country high enough to induce all migrants to take unskilled jobs and reduce the skilled-to-unskilled ratio in that country. Then, migration is beneficial to the country which was first exporting labor.
Mechanisms involved in the respiratory depressant actions of nicotine in anesthetized rats

In the urethane-pentobarbital anesthetized rat, the respiratory depressant and lethal effects of intravenously infused (-)-nicotine (120 micrograms/kg/min) or (+)-nicotine (600 micrograms/kg/min) were effectively prevented by pretreatment with the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, whereas the lethal effect of (-)-nicotine (120 micrograms/kg/min) was not altered by bilateral adrenalectomy. Further, pretreatment with either the nicotinic ganglion-blocker, mecamylamine, a secondary amine, or the quarternary nicotinic ganglion-blocker, hexamethonium, completely prevented the lethal effects of (-)-nicotine (120 micrograms/kg/min). These data suggest that central opioidergic and nicotinic processes are involved in nicotine's respiratory depressant and lethal effects.
Block copolymers and conventional lithography

The lithographic process is arguably the key enabling technology for the digital age. Hundreds of millions of devices can be fabricated on a single chip because patterns with features as small as 50 nm can be written with a remarkable level of perfection, in registration with the underlying substrate, and with complex geometries. As the drive to pattern at ever shrinking length scales continues, however, new imaging materials may be required to meet manufacturing constraints. We highlight some of the recent advances in integrating self-assembling block copolymers into the conventional lithographic process to address issues of resolution and process control.
Plant physiology of the "missing" carbon sink.

Plant physiology is deeply entwined with climate change. On one hand, many plant processes are climate sensitive. Plants are potential victims of climate change, threatened by novel conditions that stress natural ecosystems and tax the creativity of agronomists. On the other, plants are also major
Biphasic action of ethanol on contraction of skeletal muscle.

Abstract Ethanol (160–640 mM) produces a biphasic action on the indirectly stimulated rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation. This consists of a potentiation followed by a blockade of muscle contraction. Concomitant with the increase in the force of contraction was the appearance of multiple neural action potentials recorded antidromically in response to a single nerve stimulation. In stimulated curarized muscle only blockade was observed. There was no difference in the degree of blockade between directly and indirectly stimulated preparations. We conclude that the potentiation of muscle contraction strength is produced by a facilitatory action of the drug on the motor nerve terminal and the blockade of contraction is produced by an action of the drug directly on the muscle fibers.
Suppression of lysyl oxidase gene expression by methylation in pelvic organ prolapse.

Introduction and hypothesis We measured promoter methylation in the LOX gene in women with pelvic organ prolapse and in women without prolapse.
Hyperbolic heat-conduction problems - Numerical simulations via explicit Lax-Wendroff-based finite element formulations

The paper describes numerical simulations for hyperbolic heat-conduction problems involving non-Fourier effects via explicit self-starting Lax-Weiidroff-based finite element formulations. For cases involving extremely short transient durations or for very low temperatures near absolute zero, the classical Fourier diffusion model for heat conduction breaks down since the wave nature of thermal energy transport becomes dominant. Major difficulties in numerical simulations include severe oscillatory solution behavior in the vicinity of the propagating shocks. The present paper describes an alternate methodology and different computational perspectives for effective modeling/analysis of hyperbolic heat-conduction models involving non-Fourier effects. In conjunction with the proposed formulations, smoothing techniques are incorporated to stabilize the oscillatory solution behavior and to accurately predict the propagating thermal disturbances. The capability of exactly capturing the propagating thermal disturbances at characteristic time-step values is noteworthy. Numerical test cases are presented to validate the proposed concepts for hyperbolic heat-conduction problems.
Attentional Models of Multitask Pilot Performance Using Advanced Display Technology

In the first part of the reported research, 12 instrument-rated pilots flew a high-fidelity simulation, in which air traffic control presentation of auditory (voice) information regarding traffic and flight parameters was compared with advanced display technology presentation of equivalent information regarding traffic (cockpit display of traffic information) and flight parameters (data link display). Redundant combinations were also examined while pilots flew the aircraft simulation, monitored for outside traffic, and read back communications messages. The data suggested a modest cost for visual presentation over auditory presentation, a cost mediated by head-down visual scanning, and no benefit for redundant presentation. The effects in Part 1 were modeled by multiple-resource and preemption models of divided attention. In the second part of the research, visual scanning in all conditions was fit by an expected value model of selective attention derived from a previous experiment. This model accounted for 94% of the variance in the scanning data and 90% of the variance in a second validation experiment. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance on choosing the appropriate modality for presenting in-cockpit information and understanding task strategies induced by introducing new aviation technology.
Friction characteristics of coated tungsten carbide cutting tools

Abstract A series of experiments has been carried out to explain the lower frictional characteristics of carbide tools coated with TiN relative to those coated with TiC. The reason for the higher friction of TiC appears to lie in the tendency for C to diffuse from the TiC coating into the thin layer of steel that transfers to the tool surface, thus strengthening it. No such strengthening mechanism is evident when TiN is the coating.