cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modified ACT and CART in severe aphasia

Background: Anagram and Copy Treatment (ACT) and Copy and Recall Treatment (CART) have been shown to improve written communication for those with severe aphasia (Beeson, 1999; Beeson, Hirsch, & Rewega, 2002; Beeson, Rising, & Volk, 2003). More recently, the addition of a spoken repetition component to the CART programme has been suggested to enhance oral naming in moderate aphasia (Beeson & Egnor, 2006; Wright, Marshall, Wilson, & Page, 2008) and in cases with co-existing apraxia of speech (AOS) (de Riesthal, 2007). No studies have investigated the use of a modified ACT and CART with spoken repetition in individuals with severe aphasia and AOS. Aims: The purpose of the study was to examine ACT and CART modified with spoken naming repetition, using visual and auditory stimuli in the ACT sessions and home practice videos in the CART sessions, for individuals with severe aphasia. Methods & Procedures: Three individuals, RC, AC, and MJ, with severe aphasia and coexisting AOS post left middle cerebral artery s...
Waldorf education in an inner-city public school

In 1991, the first public Waldorf school was opened in the inner city of Milwaukee. Based on a week of observations by the authors, this article reports the significant achievements of the school. In classrooms, we observed mostly whole-class lessons well structured around the natural rhythms of body movement, language, and social interaction; most of the children were constantly engaged with the curriculum. Misbehavior was handled directly and lovingly. The children performed remarkably well on standardized tests. Faculty discussions on the nature of Waldorf education and its use in a racially charged and poor neighborhood were both heated and productive.
Hereditary structural alterations of plastids induced by a nuclear mutator gene inArabidopsis

Homozygosity for mutant alleles at thechm locus inArabidopsis induces structural alterations in the plastids. The newly arisen plastid alterations are hereditary, autonomous from the inducer gene, and show maternal transmission only. The mutator action is limited to the plastids but several sites within this organelle become mutable with a very high frequency. The mutations reveal that the plastids have a share in the control of their own structure and function as well as in those of the host cells and organs. The individuality of the plastids was ascertained by genetic and electron microscopic techniques. Within single cells numerous different plastids were revealed. The mutations blocked plastid differentiation at various stages and also produced viable, functional chloroplasts of distinct morphology. Since specific structural alterations can be genetically isolated in homoplastidic forms, one may apply the techniques of the classical cytogenetics to chloroplasts and correlate function with the morphology of this hereditary vehicle in somewhat similar manner as structural alterations of the chromosomes have been correlated with genic expression and pattern of inheritance.
Temperature-dependent property development in hydrogels derived from hydroxypropylcellulose

Hydrogels constitute an important class of responsive materials that are employed in numerous biomedical and personal-care applications, most notably of which are controlled drug delivery, separations and superabsorbency. Since aqueous hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) solutions exhibit lower critical solution behavior, hydrogels produced from this cellulose ether are temperature-responsive, swelling at low temperatures and contracting at high temperatures. If HPC hydrogels are synthesized at temperatures in the single-phase regime, they remain nonporous, whereas those crosslinked in the biphasic regime become microporous. In this work, we employ the modified temperature-induced phase separation (TIPS) protocol to generate nonporous and microporous HPC hydrogels crosslinked at different temperatures. The dynamic mechanical properties and swelling capacities of these hydrogels are reported as functions of crosslinking temperature.
Paleogene accretion of Upper Cretaceous oceanic limestone in northern California

Blocks of pelagic limestone, tectonically incorporated into coastal terrane melange, contain planktonic foraminifers of early Campanian to middle Maestrichtian age (82-69 Ma) typical of low latitudes between 20°N and 20°S. Carbonate concretions from the sheared terrigenous matrix of the melange yield temperate, middle-latitude planktonic foraminifers and dinoflagellates of middle to late Eocene age (49-41 Ma). The pelagic limestone and the basaltic substrate presumably formed on the eastern flank of the Pacific-Farallon spreading ridge in a low-latitude zone of high productivity and migrated northward on the Farallon plate until about 40 Ma when they initially encountered terrigenous turbidites north of lat. 30°N. Northward translation and final accretion were completed by about 25 Ma.
Human dignity and the nature of society

(1971). Human dignity and the nature of society. The Philosophy Forum: Vol. 10, No. 3-4, pp. 213-248.
A possible new mechanism of oxygen affinity modulation in mammalian hemoglobins

Bovine red cells do not contain appreciable amounts of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). Bovine hemoglobin, however, has a particular sensitivity to chloride ions and as a result it can attain oxygen affinity values lower than those measured for human hemoglobin in the presence of 2,3-DPG. The interaction of bovine hemoglobin with anions is modulated by the hydrophobic characteristics of the protein. Comparison of the hydropathy plots of primate and ruminant hemoglobins indicates constant regions of opposite hydrophobicity, which have fixed amino acid differences. A model is proposed for explaining the regulation of oxygen affinity by chlorides, as an alternative to the classic modulation by 2,3-DPG.
Affect and impulsivity in daily risky behavior

Aims: Consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks by young people presents concerns about the effects on perceived intoxication and risk behaviors. Emergency Department (ED) visits due to energy drinks have risen drastically. Among youth with past-year alcohol use who visited an ED, we assessed frequency of consuming alcohol mixed with energy drinks or consuming both on the same occasion (Combined), reasons for and consequences of Combined use, and relationships with drug use and other risk behaviors. Methods: Youth aged14–20 completedpast-year surveys at the ED visit. Among 439 drinkers, mean age was 18.6 years (SD=1.4), 41% were male and 73% were Caucasian. We grouped patients into those who drank alcohol, but not energy drinks (Non-users; 41%, n=178), those who drank alcohol and energy drinks on separate occasions (Separate; 23%, n=103), and those who Combined (36%, n=158). Results: In Combined users, consequences included feeling jittery (71%), trouble sleeping (46%), and increased energy followed by a crash (35%). Reasons for combining were: hiding the flavor of alcohol (39%), liking the taste (36%), and staying awake (32%). Combined users had the highest rates of risk behaviors (e.g., drug use, multiple sex partners, sex after drinking, driving after drinking, alcohol use severity [AUDIT]). Multinomial logistic regression indicated that compared to Non-users, Combined users were more likely to bemale, have had sex after using alcohol/drugs, have used drugs, and have higher AUDIT scores. Combined users, compared to the Separate users, had significantly higher AUDIT scores. Separate users compared to Non-users weremore likely to bemale, and had lower AUDIT scores. Conclusions: Combining energy drinks and alcohol use is a marker for involvement in other risk behaviors among drinking youth. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine longitudinal relationships of energy drink use on substance use problem trajectories. Financial support: NIAAA 018122.
Initial experiments of a new permanent magnet helicon thruster

A new design for a permanent magnet helicon thruster is presented. Its small plasma volume (∼10 cm3) and low power requirements (<100 W) make it ideal for propelling nanosatellites (<10 kg). The magnetic field reached a maximum of 600 G in the throat of a converging-diverging nozzle and decreased to 0.5 G, the strength of earth's magnetic field, within 50 cm allowing the entire exhaust plume to develop in the vacuum chamber without being affected by the chamber walls. Low gas flow rates (∼10 sccm) and high pumping speeds (∼10,000 l/s) were used to more closely approximate the conditions of space. A parametric study of the thruster operational parameters was performed to determine its capabilities as both a thruster and as a plasma source for magnetic nozzle experiments. The plasma density, electron temperature, and plasma potential in the plume were measured with Langmuir probes, double probes, and emissive probes. These measurements characterized the ion acceleration mechanism which produces thrust. Thrust measurements were made with an innovative micronewton thrust stand. Measurements were compared to predictions made with fluid theory and particle-in-cell simulations.
Fasting Prevents Experimental Murine Colitis Produced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium and Decreases Interleukin-1β and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Messenger Ribonucleic Acid

Cytokines and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are involved in the induction and/or perpetuation of inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of fasting on inflammatory bowel disease was studied in a mouse experimental model of acute colitis caused by adding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to drinking water. Animals were either fed ad libitum or fasted (water only) for 2 days before death. Inflammation and tissue damage, measured as a colitis activity score, were markedly reduced in fasted (2.4 +/- 0.1) compared to fed (5.3 +/- 0.1) DSS animals (P < 0.0001). Colon interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IGF-I, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were quantified by Northern blot hybridization and expressed as a percentage of mRNA abundance in fed controls. In DSS mice, IL-1 beta mRNA was elevated in the fed group (954 +/- 155%; P < 0.001), but was suppressed in fasted animals (71.1 +/- 11%). IGF-I mRNA also was elevated in fed DSS mice (421 +/- 71%; P < 0.01). This increase was attenuated in fasted DSS mice (202 +/- 17%; P < 0.01 compared to fed DSS mice). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA was increased in fed DSS mice (162 +/- 15%; P < 0.01), but was not significantly lower in fasted animals. By in situ hybridization, IL-1 beta mRNA was localized to the lamina propria of colonic mucosa in fed DSS animals, but was not detectable in other groups. We conclude that fasting has a protective effect on the progression of acute DSS, induced colitis. This is associated with decreased expression of IL-1 beta and IGF-I mRNAs in the colon.
Response surface study of the performance of lean NOx storage catalysts as a function of reaction conditions and catalyst composition

Abstract NOx storage and reduction (NSR) catalysts containing Pt, Ba and Fe were studied as a function of reaction conditions and catalyst composition using response surface methodology combined with high-throughput experimentation. The concentrations of the reactant gases and the reactor temperature were varied to probe their effect on catalyst performance, as quantified by lean NOx storage and N2O production. An empirical model relating the catalyst performance to five reaction condition variables and three metal weight loading variables has also been developed. It was found that the temperature and the concentrations of the reducing agents, i.e. carbon monoxide and ethylene, had the strongest effect on the lean NOx storage. It was also found that the Pt and Ba weight loadings had a much greater effect than Fe weight loadings on the performance of NSR catalysts. This model provides insight about the factors controlling the NOx conversion by NSR catalysts and also predicts the optimum catalyst composition for given reaction conditions and vice versa. As an additional study, the relationship between sulfur poisoning, nitrous oxide production, and exotherm generation was also explored.
Outcomes of combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency.

ObjectiveTo compare surgical outcomes between pharyngeal flap, sphincter pharyngoplasty, and combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty in the management of pediatric velopharyngeal insufficiency.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsAfter exclusion of children with velocardiofacial syndrome, 96 patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2008 and 2012 were identified. Surgical interventions were categorized as pharyngeal flap, sphincter pharyngoplasty, and combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty. Main outcome measures included perceptual speech analyses, complications, and surgical revision rates.ResultsOf the 96 reviewed patients, 38 (39.6%) underwent pharyngeal flap, 20 (20.8%) sphincter pharyngoplasty, and 38 (39.6%) combined Furlow palatoplasty and sphincter pharyngoplasty. Choice of surgical intervention was based on patient characteristics, observed palatal length, and formal speech assessments...
A Novel Method for Direct Site-Specific Radiolabeling of Peptides Using [18F]FDG

We have used the well-accepted and easily available 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) tracer as a prosthetic group for synthesis of 18F-labeled peptides. We herein report the synthesis of [18F]FDG-RGD (18F labeled linear RGD) and [18F]FDG-cyclo(RGDDYK) (18F labeled cyclic RGD) as examples of the use of [18F]FDG. We have successfully prepared [18F]FDG-RGD and [18F]FDG-cyclo(RGDDYK) in 27.5% and 41% radiochemical yields (decay corrected) respectively. The receptor binding affinity study of FDG-cyclo(RGDDYK) for integrin αvβ3, using αvβ3 positive U87MG cells confirmed a competitive displacement with 125I-echistatin as a radioligand. The IC50 value for FDG-cyclo(RGDDYK) was determined to be 0.67 ± 0.19 μM. High-contrast small animal PET images with relatively moderate tumor uptake were observed for [18F]FDG-RGD and [18F]FDG-cyclo(RGDDYK) as PET probes in xenograft models expressing αvβ3 integrin. In conclusion, we have successfully used [18F]FDG as a prosthetic group t...
The formation and stability of [EuP5W30O110]12− and [AmP5W30O110]12−

Abstract A comparison of the standard reduction potentials of Eu 3+ and Am 3+ , as well as their similar ionic radii, suggest that Am in the Preyssler anion, [AmP 5 W 30 O 110 ] 12− , may be reduced under an applied potential. However, cyclic voltammetric studies performed in a noncomplexing electrolyte, together with XANES and EXAFS data, consistently demonstrate that Am is trivalent when encrypted in [AmP 5 W 30 O 110 ] 12− . There is no evidence of Am 3+ reduction, even at the lowest potentials probed. A comparison of bond distances of the trivalent Am analog, determined from EXAFS spectroscopy, with those of other tetravalent f ions shows a correlation with ionic radii that appears independent of the charge on the ion.
Consequences of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration

The retina resides in an environment that is primed for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and resultant oxidative damage. The retina is one of the highest oxygen-consuming tissues in the human body. The highest oxygen levels are found in the choroid, but this falls dramatically across the outermost retina, creating a large gradient of oxygen towards the retina and inner segments of the photoreceptors which contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This micro-environment together with abundant photosensitizers, visible light exposure and a high energy demand supports a highly oxidative milieu. However, oxidative damage is normally minimized by the presence of a range of antioxidant and efficient repair systems. Unfortunately, as we age oxidative damage increases, antioxidant capacity decreases and the efficiency of reparative systems become impaired. The result is retinal dysfunction and cell loss leading to visual impairment. It appears that these age-related oxidative changes are a hallmark of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which, in combination with hereditary susceptibility and other retinal modifiers, can progress to the pathology and visual morbidity associated with advanced AMD. This review reassesses the consequences of oxidative stress in AMD and strategies for preventing or reversing oxidative damage in retinal tissues.
Cyclic GMP protects endothelial progenitors from oxidative stress

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in the repair of damaged blood vessels and/or in the growth of new ones in ischemic tissues. Elevated levels of oxygen radicals, which accumulate in the ischemic tissue, could compromise the angiogenic potential of EPCs. To determine if oxidative stress alters the angiogenic response of EPCs and to identify possible cellular targets that protect EPCs from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, we have investigated vascular development in embryonic bodies (EBs) under hyperoxic conditions. Murine EBs at differentiaton day 2 were cultured for 3 days under normoxic (21% O(2)) or hyperoxic (60% O(2)) conditions. Hyperoxic EBs showed a moderate reduction in Pecam-1, Vegfr-2, eNOS and Tie2 mRNA levels compared to normoxic EBs. However, immunostaining of hyperoxic EBs with antibodies against PECAM-1 after 1 week recovery at room air revealed a defective vasculature completely deficient in branches, while normoxic EBs developed a normal vascular plexus. Oxygen-induced defective vascular development correlated with a dramatic decrease in soluble guanylyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase (Pde) 4B and Pde4C mRNAs. Oxidative stress did not affect the expression of adenylyl cyclase 6 and Pde5. The abnormal vascular development caused by hyperoxia was reverted by pharmacological treatments that increased cGMP levels, such as 8-bromo-cGMP or 4-{[3',4'-(methylenedioxy)benzyl]amino}-6-methoxyquinazoline, a specific inhibitor of PDE5. These results indicated that oxidative stress inhibits vascular development from EPCs through its effects on levels of cyclic nucleotides and suggested that therapies that target cyclic nucleotide turnover may be useful in protecting vascular repair under oxidative conditions.
Current Data with Pemetrexed in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Pemetrexed (Alimta®) is a novel multitargeted antifolate that inhibits 3 enzymes involved in folate metabolism and purine and pyrimidine synthesis. These enzymes are thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. This agent has broad antitumor activity in phase II trials in a wide variety of solid tumors. In non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), single-agent activity has been documented in the first- and second-line settings. Promising activity has also been demonstrated when pemetrexed is combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine. A pivotal phase III study in mesothelioma has been presented, indicating the superiority of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in this disease. Approval for pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin in advanced mesothelioma is expected within the next 12 months. This review discusses the activity of pemetrexed in NSCLC.
Motion-based projection generation for 4D-CT reconstruction

A method for reducing streaking artifacts in 4D-CT reconstruction by generating additional projections is proposed. This method uses optical flow to track anatomy motion across the complete set of projections and then uses this information to compute interpolated projections while compensating for breathing motion. Original and interpolated projections, all belonging to one respiratory phase, are used to reconstruct a 4D-CT volume. Experimental results showed that the proposed method reduces artifacts and blurring in reconstructed 4D-CT volumes and improves the image quality.
Modulation of T lymphocyte differentiation antigens: influence of aging.

Abstract In vitro modulation of human T lymphocyte surface differentiation antigens T3, T8, and T4, by their respective monoclonal antibodies, was studied as a function of donor age. Kinetic studies performed on lymphocytes from young adults indicated that modulation is dependent on concentration of antibody used and duration of culture. OKT3 modulates T3 rapidly (maximum at less than 24 hr) and relatively completely (79% at the highest concentration of antibody used). By 48 hr, regeneration of the T3 antigen is apparent. T8 modulation by OKT8 is slower (continued modulation at 48 hr) and less complete than is T3 modulation by OKT3. OKT4 does not modulate the T4 antigen. In elderly individuals modulation of T3 by OKT3 is preserved whereas modulation of T8 by OKT8 is significantly reduced (24 ± 8% at 48 hr vs 53 ± 4% for young controls). These observations document further age-related changes in properties of human T suppressor cells.
Low Hubble constant from the physics of type Ia supernovae.

Two physical methods for determining luminosities and distances of type Ia supernovae, the spectral fitting expanding atmosphere method and the ${}^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ radioactivity method, depend on the interval between the times of explosion and maximum brightness, but in differing ways. By requiring consistency between the two methods we derive blue and visual absolute magnitudes ${M}_{B}\ensuremath{\simeq}{M}_{V}\ensuremath{\simeq}\ensuremath{-}19.74\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.45\mathrm{mag}$ which, together with the ridge line of type Ia supernovae in the magnitude-redshift diagram, constrain the Hubble constant to be ${50}_{\ensuremath{-}10}^{+12}\mathrm{km}{\mathrm{s}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{Mpc}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Characteristics of GaN stripes grown by selective-area metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

We report on the selective-area metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of GaN stripes in the size range of 50 to 125 urn and the characterization of the morphology, topography, and optical properties of these stripes. GaN films (∼1–3 μm) grown on (0001) sapphire are used as the substrates. Excellent surface morphology is achieved under optimized growth conditions which include a higher V/III ratio than broad area growth. It is found that, under certain growth conditions, (0001) terraces of ~5 µm in width develop at the edges of all stripes, independent of stripe size and orientation. The selectively grown GaN yields stronger band-edge emission than the “substrate” GaN which indicates an improvement in optical quality. However, the donor-acceptor pair recombination (or conduction band to acceptor transition) and yellow emission are also enhanced in certain areas of the stripes. The spatial correlation of these emission bands is established by cathodoluminescence wavelength imaging, and the origin of these emissions is speculated.
Anticipatory feeding behaviour in the bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Abstract The feeding behaviour in a laboratory colony of bullfrogs was studied by means of timelapse photography. It was found that the animals evidently anticipate the time and place of feeding, since they aggregate near the feeding site in advance. It is shown that this behaviour is a conditioned response, the conditioned stimulus being the start of a working day. The response does not occur on holidays, and can be manipulated by changing the time and site of feeding. The animals learn such a change fairly rapidly; acquisition of the new response takes some five to seven trials, extinction of the old response three to four trials. Re-learning of a previously extinguished response takes longer, and seems to involve a latent period during which no anticipatory activity is evident. The significance of the results for understanding frog survival is discussed.
Management of Gunshot Wounds to the Hand: A Literature Review

Hand trauma resulting from firearms is becoming more common in civilian life. In the past, as in wartime, infection was a main source of concern following firearm-related hand injuries, whereas in current civilian life with modern medical care, infection rates are actually low for such injuries. As infection is now of lesser concern, the focus should shift to improve functional outcomes. This review summarizes available literature regarding the management of gunshot wounds to the hand, with particular focus on functional outcomes. In conducting this review, we found that there is not comprehensive information regarding management of gunshot wounds to the hand, and literature discussing functional recovery of the hand is limited. Given the current evidence related to management of gunshot wounds to the hand, we believe that early debridement, antibiotic treatment, reconstruction, and rehabilitation offer patients the best chance for full functional recovery.
The Forgotten Radical History of the March on Washington

"The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which occurred fifty years ago this August 28, remains one of the most successful mobilizations ever created by the American Left. Organized by a coalition of trade unionists, civil rights activists, and feminists—most of them African American and nearly all of them socialists—the protest drew nearly a quarter-million people to the nation's capital. Composed primarily of factory workers, domestic servants, public employees, and farm workers, it was the largest demonstration—and, some argued, the largest gathering of union members—in the history of the United States."
Molecular effects in tritium β decay: Transitions to the discrete electronic states of the HeT + molecule

The energies and wave functions for the lowest six electronic $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ states of the ${\mathrm{HeT}}^{+}$ molecule have been obtained for 0.6\ensuremath{\le}R\ensuremath{\le}4.0 bohr. The overlap integrals between these wave functions and those for the ground state of the ${\mathrm{T}}_{2}$ molecule have been calculated. The results show that the probability of ${\mathrm{T}}_{2}$ decaying into ${\mathrm{HeT}}^{+}$ discrete electronic states amounts to 0.852, with the lowest six states accounting for 0.8422.
Primate Granulosa Cell Response via Prostaglandin E2 Receptors Increases Late in the Periovulatory Interval

Successful ovulation requires elevated follicular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels. To determine which PGE2 receptors are available to mediate periovulatory events in follicles, granulosa cells and whole ovaries were collected from monkeys before (0 h) and after administration of an ovulatory dose of hCG to span the 40-h periovulatory interval. All PGE2 receptor mRNAs were present in monkey granulosa cells. As assessed by immunofluorescence, PTGER1 (EP1) protein was low/nondetectable in granulosa cells 0, 12, and 24 h after hCG but was abundant 36 h after hCG administration. PTGER2 (EP2) and PTGER3 (EP3) proteins were detected by immunofluorescence in granulosa cells throughout the periovulatory interval, and Western blotting showed an increase in PTGER2 and PTGER3 levels between 0 h and 36 h after hCG. In contrast, PTGER4 (EP4) protein was not detected in monkey granulosa cells. Granulosa cell response to PGE2 receptor agonists was examined 24 h and 36 h after hCG administration, when elevated PGE2 levels present in periovulatory follicles initiate ovulatory events. PGE2 acts via PTGER1 to increase intracellular calcium. PGE2 increased intracellular calcium in granulosa cells obtained 36 h, but not 24 h, after hCG; this effect of PGE2 was blocked by a PTGER1 antagonist. A PTGER2-specific agonist and a PTGER3-specific agonist each elevated cAMP in granulosa cells obtained 36 h, but not 24 h, after hCG. Therefore, the granulosa cells of primate periovulatory follicles express multiple receptors for PGE2. Granulosa cells respond to agonist stimulation of each of these receptors 36 h, but not 24 h, after hCG, supporting the hypothesis that granulosa cells are most sensitive to PGE2 as follicular PGE2 levels peak, leading to maximal PGE2-mediated periovulatory effects just before ovulation.
Adhesion and Friction Evaluation of Textured Slider Surfaces in Ultra-Low Flying Head-Disk Interfaces

To achieve extremely high-density magnetic recording of 1 Tbit per square inch using conventional technologies, the distance between the recording slider and the rotating disk needs to be less than 5 nm. For successful operation, disk and slider surfaces must also be extremely smooth with root-mean-square roughness values of few angstroms. However, ultra-low flying super smooth head-disk interfaces may be exposed to a significant amount of intermittent contact, adhesion, stiction and friction that can cause the interface to collapse. In order to circumvent such problems, many novel techniques have been proposed, such as laser zone texturing, contact pads and surface microtexturing. A reliable method to reduce adhesion and friction in ultra-low flying head-disk interfaces is to control the area of contact and roughen the interface, which allows the slider to fly at sub-5 nm with minimal contact. A technique known as preferential texturing provides a unique roughening of the air-bearing surface, where parts of the surface are removed, i.e., subtractive texturing process. In this paper, the effect of preferential texturing (roughening) of slider air-bearing surfaces on the adhesion and friction forces are investigated using quasi-dynamic models. The simulation results show that surface texturing reduces adhesion and friction by reducing the effective area of contact between the slider and media surfaces and by preferentially roughening the interface. The simulation results of friction compare favorably with experimental data.
The spinal muscular atrophy mouse model, SMAΔ7, displays altered axonal transport without global neurofilament alterations

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from decreased levels of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) protein. Reduced SMN1 levels are linked to pathology at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which includes decreased vesicle density and organization, decreased quantal release, increased endplate potential duration, and neurofilament (NF) accumulations. This work presents a first study towards defining molecular alterations that may lead to the development of NMJ pathology in SMA. Fast, anterograde transport of synaptic vesicle 2 (SV2-c) and synaptotagmin (Syt1) proteins was reduced 2 days prior to the observed decrease in synaptic vesicle density. Moreover, reduced accumulation of SV2-c or Syt1 was not due to reduced protein expression or reduced kinesin activity. Dynein levels were reduced at times that are consistent with NF accumulations at NMJs. Furthermore, NF distribution, from cell body to sciatic nerve, appeared normal in SMA∆7 mice. Taken together, these results suggest that reduced axonal transport may provide a mechanistic explanation for reduced synaptic vesicle density and concomitant synaptic transmission defects, while providing evidence that suggests NF accumulations result from local NMJ alterations to NFs.
Evidence-based medicine in the management of chronic pain using noninvasive brain stimulation.

1 ISSN 1758-1869 10.2217/PMT.12.55 © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd Pain Manage. (2012) 2(6), 1–3 Evidence-based medicine (EBM), widely cited from the words of David Sackett as the “conscientious, explicit and judicious use of the best available evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients,” dates back as early as the 18th century [1]. Thomas Beddoes (1760–1808), an English physician and philanthropist, acknowledged the need for systematic data collection that could be easily retrieved and shared with other practitioners. As more people become concerned with the quality of care provided, the practice of EBM has shifted from the moral imperative of the physician’s commitment to lifelong learning to the standard practice of medicine. There are several steps clinicians need to master and consider prior to deciding whether or not their current standard of care should be changed. Defining a clinical problem and formulating a solid question is the first step towards a successful search. Gathering available literature and assessing the quality of the studies for validity, reliability and relevance requires strong statistical literacy, as complex study designs involve sophisticated statistical analyses that are not always easy to decode [2]. Assembling all of this information is critical to defining whether or not the research outcome is applicable to the targeted population. Over the past several years, the amount of medical literature has rapidly expanded and clinicians are presented with the daunting task of searching hundreds of journals in order to identify high-quality studies. Numerous criteria that rank different levels of evidence according to the particular study design and its inherent limitations have been developed to aid physicians in grading and labeling the strength of evidence. In general, hierarchical stratification places randomized controlled trials at the top of the evidence-based pyramid, followed by cohort or case–control studies and taking the lowest place of evidence are case reports and expert opinions [3]. The application of EBM principles to chronic pain management is critical. Chronic pain causes substantial disability, creates an economical burden and directly impacts the quality of life and productivity of those affected. Despite the wide range of opiod and nonopioid analgesics available for the management of chronic pain, there
Self-induced subcutaneous air mimicking a gas-forming infection

We describe three cases of self-induced soft-tissue gas among inmates at a prison. This behavior was specifically designed to gain hospitalization and relied on the simulation of a necrotizing soft-tissue infection. Two cases were treated by surgical exploration only. The third case was treated non-surgically after the etiology was suspected. The possibility of self-induced injury or manufactured physical signs is high in the prison population, and the presence of isolated physical signs or symptoms should be cause for suspicion. The inmates in these cases used manufactured signs and professed symptoms to extract themselves successfully from a prison environment.
Refinements in the technique of liposuction.

. While liposuction can be used to change the contour of practically the entire body, it has limitations. Because of the nature of the technique employed during the procedure, it also has a certain inherent possibility for complications. One hopes to avoid these by using sound judgment in choosing patients and by employing prudence and good technique during surgery. In addition, the surgeon's artistry is of paramount importance; one truly performs plastic (plastikos = to mold) surgery when resculpturing a patient's body.
Anisotropic mechanical behavior of keratin tissue from quill shells of North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)

Abstract Porcupine quills are composed of keratin proteins fabricated during quill growth into a cylindrical outer shell with an interior foam core. In the present research, the tensile and nanomechanical properties of quill shells from North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) were tested in the axial and circumferential directions at relative humidities of 65% and 100%. At 65% relative humidity, the mean axial elastic modulus and strength of the shell were found to be significantly greater than the corresponding circumferential elastic modulus and strength. Increasing the relative humidity to 100% decreased the measured moduli and strengths and increased the fracture strains due to the plasticizing effects of the absorbed water molecules. Fracture morphologies after tensile testing revealed a three layer structure for the quill shells. The elastic modulus and hardness of the inner quill shell layer were found to be larger than the middle and outer layers by nanoindentation testing. An extensive amount of fibrous cortical cell structure was found aligned parallel to the growth direction of the quill and accounted for the higher moduli, strength and hardness measurements in the axial direction compared to the circumferential direction. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a fine structure of 3–4 μm diameter cortical spindle cells composed of 7 nm diameter intermediate filaments. The unfolding process of α-helices within the intermediate filaments was quantitatively measured by in-situ infrared spectroscopy technique.
An angular position A-C electromotive-force transducer and its application to null-type recorders

THE measurement of process variables by means of a-c excited primary elements has been somewhat neglected. The general use of potentiometric systems has resulted largely from their excellent performance characteristics and their adaptability to a wide range of primary elements. It is generally true, however, that for a given measurement application an a-c system is simpler and hence less expensive. No provision need be made for d-c to a-c conversion, cold junction compensation, or for battery standardization.
Properties of the satellite DNA associated with the chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis

Chloroplasts of the algal flagellate Euglena gracilis were isolated by sucrose gradient sedimentation of crude lysates and were shown to be enriched with a satellite DNA component. The satellite and principal DNA components were separated in a cesium chloride density-gradient and compared with respect to buoyant density, thermal denaturation, base composition and molecular weight distribution. The satellite DNA (ρ = 1·685 g/cc) had a lower melting temperature than the principal DNA (ρ = 1·707 g/cc). Consistent with this was a high adenine—thymine content; 76% as compared to 47% in the principal DNA. However, the principal DNA contained 2·3 mole per cent of the rare base 5-methylcytosine, whereas none could be detected in the satellite DNA. The molecular weight range of the principal DNA was 20 to 40 million. More than half of the satellite DNA appeared in a comparable molecular weight range; but the remainder was less heterogeneous, with lower molecular weight of 2·6 million. The component of small molecular weight is probably not a breakage product of the larger one.
Effects of CF2 group pyramidalization in the 1,1,3,3‐tetrafluoropropenyl anion

Ab initio calculations with the 6–31G* basis set were carried out on planar and pyramidalized geometries of the 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropenyl anion and on two geometries with one CF2 group rotated out of conjugation. Structures with at least one pyramidalized CF2 group are substantially lower in energy than the corresponding unpyramidalized structures for both rotated and unrotated geometries. At the MP2/6–31G* level of theory, three structures of approximately equal energy all lie 17–18 kcal mol−1 below the planar C2v structure. These include a Cs geometry with one CF2 group rotated out of conjugation, an unrotated C1 structure with unequal CC bond lengths and an unrotated, pyramidalized C2 structure with equal CC bond lengths.
Histidyl residues at the active site of the Na/succinate cotransporter in rabbit renal brush borders

Mono-, dicarboxylic acid-, andd-glucose transport were measured in brush border vesicles from renal cortex after treatment with reagents known to modify terminal amino, lysyl, ɛ-amino, guanidino, serine/threonine, histidyl, tyrosyl, tryptophanyl and carboxylic residues. All three sodium-coupled cotransport systems proved to possess sulfhydryl (and maybe tryptophanyl sulfhydryl, disulfide, thioether and tyrosyl) residues but not at the substrate site or at the allosteric cavity for the Na coion. Histidyl groups seem to be located in the active site of the dicarboxylic transporter in that the simultaneous presence of Na and succinate protects the transporter against the histidyl specific reagent diethylpyrocarbonate. Lithium, which specifically competes for sodium sites in the dicarboxylic acid transporter, substantially blocked the protective effect of Na and succinate. Hydroxylamine specifically reversed the covalent binding of diethylpyrocarbonate to the succinate binding site. The pH dependence of the Na/succinate cotransport is consistent with an involvement of histidyl and sulfhydryl residues. We conclude that a histidyl residue is at, or is close to, the active site of the dicarboxylate transporter in renal brush border membranes.
An operating system for distributed processing: DPPX

The Distributed Processing Programming Executive (DPPX) is a new, full-function operating system designed to support distributed processing with the IBM 8100 Information System. The functional requirements of distributed processing and their solutions in DPPX are discussed. The structure of the operating system is outlined, and its advantages are analyzed. Highlighted are particular characteristics of the DPPX structure that uniquely support distributed processing.
Delayed Hypersensitivity to Thimerosal in Soft Contact Lens Wearers

Thirty-eight patients were examined because of ocular redness, irritation, and corneal changes apparently related to soft contact lens wear. The corneal changes were transient and ranged from faint epithelial opacities to a coarse, punctate epithelial keratopathy. Solutions containing thimerosal had been used by all of the patients for lens care, and 31 responded to an ocular challenge with a thimerosal-preserved lens lubricant. Twenty-seven of these 31 also reacted to thimerosal patch testing. The 31 resumed lens wear with relief of symptoms by using unit-dose, preservative-free saline for lens storage and thermal disinfection. A hypersensitivity to thimerosal was assumed responsible for the clinical findings.
Time estimation, knowledge of results and drug effects.

Abstract 1. 1. Knowledge of results can obscure the effects of a drug on time estimation, particularly when 10 s is estimated. The effect of such knowledge on 1 s estimation differs from the effect on 10 s estimation. 2. 2. Secobarbital was the only drug which produced significant directional effects when tested with a nonparametric technique of moderate power. The effects of alcohol were found to be variable. The performance under d-amphetamine could not be discriminated from the performance under placebo. 3. 3. Under the conditions of the present experiment, the one second estimation schedule appears more sensitive to drug effects than the 10 s schedule. 4. 4. Timing responses were found to be sequentially dependent: within limits, succesive interresponse times are positively correlated, a finding which warrants further study and elucidation.
Boundedly rational user equilibria (BRUE): Mathematical formulation and solution sets

Abstract Boundedly rational user equilibria (BRUE) represent traffic flow distribution patterns where travellers can take any route whose travel cost is within an ‘indifference band’ of the shortest path cost. Those traffic flow patterns satisfying the above condition constitute a set, named the BRUE solution set. It is important to obtain all the BRUE flow patterns, because it can help predict the variation of the link flow pattern in a traffic network under the boundedly rational behavior assumption. However, the methodology of constructing the BRUE set has been lacking in the established literature. This paper fills the gap by constructing the BRUE solution set on traffic networks with fixed demands connecting multiple OD pairs. According to the definition of the ɛ-BRUE, where ɛ is the indifference band for the perceived travel cost, we formulate the ɛ-BRUE problem as a nonlinear complementarity problem (NCP), so that a BRUE solution can be obtained by solving a BRUE-NCP formulation. To obtain the whole BRUE solution set encompassing all BRUE flow patterns, we firstly propose a methodology of generating various path combinations which may be utilized under the boundedly rational behavior assumption. We find out that with the increase of the indifference band, the path set that contains boundedly rational equilibrium flows will be augmented, and the critical values of indifference bands to augment these path sets can be identified by solving a family of mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) sequentially. After these utilized path sets are attained, the BRUE solution set can be obtained when we assign all traffic demands to these utilized paths. Various numerical examples are given to illustrate our findings.
Silicon nitride biaxial pointing mirrors with stiffening ribs

Gold-coated silicon nitride mirrors designed for two orthogonal rotations were fabricated. The devices were patterned out of nitride using surface micromachining techniques, and then released by a sacrificial oxide etch and bulk etching the silicon substrate. Vertical nitride ribs were used to stiffen the members and reduce the curvature of the mirrored surfaces due to internal stress in the nitride and the metal layer. This was accomplished by initially etching the silicon substrate to form a mold that was filled with nitride to create a stiffening lattice-work to support the mirrored section. Mirror diameters ranging from 100 µm to 500 µm have been fabricated, with electrostatic actuation used to achieve over four degrees of tilt for each axis.
World City Networks and Hierarchies, 1977-1997 An Empirical Analysis of Global Air Travel Links

The world's great cities are important nodes in the world economy. Major theorists (Friedman, Sassen, Castells) conceptualize global cities as the command and control centers for contemporary global capitalism. The authors' research offers a view of the global system based on a careful examination of the relations and connections between world cities and how those patterns change over time. Formal network analysis allows the authors to interpret data on flows of airline passengers between the world's great cities for six time points between 1977 and 1997, focusing on the changes in network characteristics (especially centrality hierarchies and clique membership) for the entire global city system. Although New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, and a few other major European and North American metropolises dominate this urban hierarchy throughout the two decades, the network roles and positions of other places shift considerably. The article concludes that research on world city networks once again demonstrates t...
Structural Analysis of PAX7 Rearrangements in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract In the pediatric cancer alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the common 2;13 and less frequent 1;13 translocations fuse PAX3 and PAX7, respectively, with FKHR to produce chimeric genes. To compare structural features of these rearrangements, we cloned and mapped a 64-kb genomic region containing PAX7 exons 5 through 8. With the use of Southern blot methodology, rearrangements of the 30-kb PAX7 intron 7 were detected in 9 of 9 PAX7-FKHR-positive cases. Similar to our t(2;13) studies, the t(1;13) breakpoints were randomly distributed within the seventh intron. In contrast with the > 90% frequency of reciprocal rearrangements in the t(2;13), reciprocal rearrangements involving the 3′ PAX7 region were detected in only 4 of 9 cases. Furthermore, we detected PAX7-FKHR genomic amplification in 10 of 11 cases, in contrast with the 5% frequency of PAX3-FKHR amplification. The differences in occurrence, reciprocity, and amplification between the PAX3-FKHR and PAX7-FKHR fusions indicate important differences in the mechanism of the two associated chromosomal translocation events.