cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying MRONJ-affected bone with digital fusion of functional imaging (FI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT): case reports and hypothesis

Surgical debridement of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) lesions is far less predictable than lesion resection. Margins for surgical debridement are guided by surrogate markers of bone viability, such as bleeding and bone fluorescence, which limit debridement to visibly necrotic bone. In contrast, surgical resection is extensive, including a substantial portion of surrounding bone. The concept that the MRONJ lesion is a composite of affected but viable ("compromised") and necrotic bone is supported by histopathological data. Hence, removing only the necrotic bone during lesion debridement could inadvertently leave behind residual compromised bone in the lesion, subsequently contributing to persistence or reestablishment of the lesion. Using 2 case reports, this manuscript illustrates a novel assessment of the MRONJ lesion to enable demarcation of both the compromised and necrotic portions of the lesion. This assessment uses tumor-surveillance functional bone imaging data that may already be available for cancer patients with MRONJ and fuses these data digitally with computed tomography/cone-beam computed tomography imaging of the jaw obtained during MRONJ assessment. If validated, preoperative functional imaging-based assessment of the MRONJ lesion could enable surgeons to eliminate both the compromised and nonviable portions of the lesion precisely with conservative debridement, matching surgical resection in outcome.
The Value of a Post Hoc Power Analysis

To The Editor: I am writing in regard to "Type-II Error Rates (Beta Errors) of Randomized Trials in Orthopaedic Trauma" (2001;83:1650-5), by Lochner et al. This paper addresses a very important issue, namely, that of designing studies that have adequate statistical power to detect clinically meaningful differences. Unfortunately the paper's primary focus is the calculation of "post hoc power" for studies on fracture care that were reported in the literature between 1968 and 1999. The concept of post hoc power makes little sense from a statistical point of view, although it admittedly has appeal for researchers who are trying to find an explanation for their inability to find significant results in their research studies. A second problem in the paper is an example that is very misleading in terms of the relative sample sizes that are needed for studies with a power of 80% compared with those needed for studies with a power of 95%. Finally there are a few errors in some of the equations that appear in the Appendix. On page 1653, the authors stated that "study power can be calculated before the start of a clinical trial to assist with the determination of sample size or after the completion of a study to determine whether the negative findings were true or due to chance." The reference cited in support of this statement is a paper by Goodman and Berlin1. The first part of this statement is essentially correct. However, in several places in their article (e.g., in the abstract and in the opening paragraph), Lochner et al. used the term "true difference" in discussing the calculation of power. Of course the "true difference" is really an unknown quantity, and a better point of reference in the calculation of power is a clinically meaningful difference. For … Corresponding author: Mohit Bhandari, MD, MSc, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre, 1200 Main Street West, Room 2C12, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada, bhandari{at}sympatico.ca
Curationism: How curating took over the art world and everything else by David Balzer

Today, everything from cultural events to the food offered by restaurants seems to be ‘curated’. My local radio station, for example, proudly touts that songs are ‘curated, not programmed’. What’s ...
Neuroscience: From embryo mutation to adult degeneration.

Mutations in embryonic blood-cell precursors called erythro-myeloid progenitors cause abnormal activation of their descendants — immune cells called microglia — leading to neurodegeneration in mice. See Letter p.389 Microglia—immune cells in the brain—derive from yolk-sac erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs), which are distinct from haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Frederic Geissmann and colleagues show that mosaic expression of a mutant BRAF, which activates the RAS–MEK–ERK pathway and causes tumours when expressed in HSCs, results in expansion of tissue-resident macrophages and late-onset neurodegeneration when expressed in EMPs. They show in a mouse model that neurobehavioural abnormalities, astrogliosis, deposition of amyloid precursor protein, synaptic loss and neuronal death are driven by ERK-activated microglia and can be prevented by BRAF inhibition. These results show that, in mice, activation of the MAP kinase pathway in microglia can cause neurodegeneration. These findings may explain the neurodegeneration observed in patients with histiocytosis—disorders of myeloid cell expansion associated with somatic mutations in the RAS–MEK–ERK pathway, such as the BRAF mutation studied here.
Girls and computer science: experiences, perceptions, and career aspirations

AbstractThe purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine ways to promote computer science (CS) among girls by exploring young women’s experiences and perceptions of CS as well as investigating factors affecting their career aspirations. American girls aged 10–16 participated in focus group interviews as well as pre-, post-, and follow-up surveys while attending a CS camp. The analysis of data revealed that although the participants were generally positive about the CS field, they had very limited knowledge of and experience with CS, leading to little aspiration to become computer scientists. The findings also indicated that girls’ affinity for and confidence in CS were critical factors affecting their motivation for pursuing a CS-related career. The study demonstrated that participation in the CS camp motivated a small number of participants to be interested in majoring in CS, but the activity time was too short to make a significant impact. Based on the findings, we suggest that providing CS progra...
Sturgeon genetics and cytogenetics: a review related to ploidy levels and interspecific hybridization

Sturgeons (Chondrostei: Acipenseriformes) display markedly disjunction distributions with a wide distribution in the northern hemisphere. Their unique benthic specializations and conserved morphology, evolutionary age, the variation in their basic diadromous life history, and the large public interest due to their near extinction or critically endangered status make sturgeons and paddlefishes interesting groups for molecular and cytogenetic studies. From altogether 27 acipenseriform species, seventeen species are supposed to be critically endangered, two species are classified as endangered, four species are vulnerable and other species are near threatened or in low-risk (IUCN Red list 2010). Sturgeons are characteristic by a relatively high number of chromosomes in cell nuclei and differences in ploidy levels. Sturgeons displayed a strong tendency for interspecific and inter-generic hybridization under altered environmental conditions as well as under conditions of artificial propagation. Almost 20 inter-specific sturgeon hybrids were described. The decrease of natural populations and tendencies leading to restocking may result in uncontrolled restocking, production of hybrid specimens (even with non-native species) and decrease of natural genetic diversity of species in their original distribution area. Identification of parental species of natural hybrids by modern methods of molecular biology is still not easy. Here, we attempt to briefly summarize the major aspects of sturgeon genetics and cytogenetics related to ploidy levels and interspecific hybridization.
The Evolving Role of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy.

Throughout various eras of breast cancer therapy, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) has played an important role in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. PMRT decreases locoregional recurrence and may improve overall survival in patients with tumors over 5 cm or positive lymph nodes. As novel cancer therapies improve survival in breast cancer, the role of radiation therapy is evolving. Individualized recommendations for PMRT dependent on pathologic response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy are under investigation. This review summarizes the role of PMRT during breast cancer therapy and discusses open questions that may change the landscape of future breast cancer treatment.
Optimal Algorithms for Online Convex Optimization with Multi-Point Bandit Feedback.

Bandit convex optimization is a special case of online convex optimization with partial information. In this setting, a player attempts to minimize a sequence of adversarially generated convex loss functions, while only observing the value of each function at a single point. In some cases, the minimax regret of these problems is known to be strictly worse than the minimax regret in the corresponding full information setting. We introduce the multi-point bandit setting, in which the player can query each loss function at multiple points. When the player is allowed to query each function at two points, we prove regret bounds that closely resemble bounds for the full information case. This suggests that knowing the value of each loss function at two points is almost as useful as knowing the value of each function everywhere. When the player is allowed to query each function at d+1 points (d being the dimension of the space), we prove regret bounds that are exactly equivalent to full information bounds for smooth functions.
Leaky-mode Band Dynamics of Photonic Crystal Slabs

We present analytical and numerical results on the formation of the second (leaky) stop band of photonic crystal slabs. We show that Bragg processes generated by spatial Fourier harmonics control the band transition dynamics.
Mathematical Research and National Education

In our days we focus strongly on the interrelation between research and production. Between these two fields there is actually a very tight relation (osmosis), a dialectical union, while each is maintaining its own identity.
Achievement of Students With IEPs and Associated Relationships With an Inclusive MTSS Framework

The present study investigated the effectiveness of an equity-based inclusive school reform model nested within a multitiered system of support (MTSS) framework on the improvement of math and readi...
Spleen participation in partial MHC class II construct neuroprotection in stroke

Pathological progression of stroke in the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS) is characterized by multiple converging signalling pathways that exacerbate neuroinflammation-mediated secondary cell death. This creates a need for a novel type of immunotherapy capable of simultaneously lowering the synergistic inflammatory responses in the PNS and CNS, specifically the spleen and brain. Previously, we demonstrated that partial major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II constructs can be administered subcutaneously to promote histological and behavioural effects that alleviate common symptoms found in a murine model of transient stroke. This MHC class II manipulates T cell cytokine expression in both PNS and CNS, resulting in dampened inflammation. In our long-standing efforts towards translational research, we recently demonstrated that a potent next generation mouse-based partial MHC class II construct named DRmQ (DRa1L50Q -mMOG-35-55) similarly induces neuroprotection in stroke rats, replicating the therapeutic effects of the human homolog as DRhQ (DRa1L50Q -human (h)MOG-35-55) in stroke mice. Our preclinical studies showed that DRmQ reduces motor deficits, infarct volume and peri-infarct cell loss by targeting inflammation in this second species. Moreover, we provided mechanistic support in both animal studies that partial MHC class II constructs effectively modulate the spleen, an organ which plays a critical role in modulating secondary cell death. Together, these preclinical studies satisfy testing the constructs in two stroke models, which is a major criterion of the Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria and a key step in effectively translating this drug to the clinic. Additional translational studies, including dose-response and larger animal models may be warranted to bring MHC class II constructs closer to the clinic.
Chapter 26 – Autism Spectrum Disorders

In this chapter, we will first introduce the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), then discuss ASD from the perspective of brain networks, and finally review what we know about the mechanisms and etiology of ASD. The toolbox “Psychiatry” provides helpful background about psychiatry in general.
Ice giant seismology: prospecting for normal modes.

The properties of ice giant normal mode oscillations, including their periods, spatial structure, stratospheric amplitudes and relative influence on the external gravity field, are surveyed for the...
Prospects for the Regional Cooperation in Central Asia

The purpose of the article is to study the regional cooperation of the countries of Central Asia (CA) among themselves and with other regions, as well as finding ways to improve it. The study revealed that regional cooperation is still at a low level. Significant trading partners of Central Asia are currently the EU, China, Russia, and Turkey. The participation of the countries of the region in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Chinese "Belt and Road" initiative (BRI) did not lead to the expected results. The observed decline in trade in Central Asia is associated mainly with a decline in world prices for raw materials and not a change in physical volumes.
US Federal Data Policy: An Update on The Federal Data Strategy and The Evidence Act

IntroductionThe US federal data landscape is evolving through the implementation of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 and the 2020 Action Plan of the Federal Data Strategy (FDS). The Act and Plan seek better data governance; making data accessible and useful for the American public, businesses, and researchers; and improving how the government uses data to make decisions and for program oversight. Objectives and ApproachThis paper provides a brief overview of the Evidence Act, describing what has already been implemented and what is forthcoming and how it involves population data linkages. We will also describe the FDS, using the Five Safes framework to categorize its priorities for federal agencies. ResultsWe explain how the Evidence Act established new roles for Chief Data, Evaluation, and Statistical Officials. We describe efforts to set learning agendas and data inventories in agencies. We point to some successes, such as new repositories for tools and metadata, and progress on forming an advisory committee to explore how the US could build a National Secure Data Service. We tie the FDS action plan to these Evidence Act efforts, showing how agencies and communities of practice are expected to develop over time. We focus on the ten actions that involve shared solutions across government that focus on ethics, privacy, tools and standards. Conclusion / ImplicationsThis paper shares updates on US federal data policy that started with the 2016 Commission for Evidence-based Policymaking, up through the current administration’s efforts to leverage data as a strategic asset. We highlight accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges for federal policy, noting how political will and funding ultimately affect progress.
An Examination of How Social and Technological Perceptions Predict Social Media News Use on WeChat

The decision to use a particular social media application for news is affected by many factors, but less is understood is how a platform’s technological features promote or impede people’s social m...
RESEARCH ARTICLE: Pharmacy students and faculty perceptions of online team-based learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This survey study aimed to describe student and faculty experiences and perceptions regarding the sudden shift to delivery of online team-based learning (TBL) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Data such as perception of engagement and effectiveness of online TBL, challenges and recommendations for improving the online TBL experience were collected. Results: Eighteen (58.1%) faculty and 154 (75.9%) students completed the survey. Most students did not feel more engaged with their teammates or instructors using the online format and only one faculty member responded he/she felt more engaged with students via the online TBL format. Forty-one (26.7%) students responded they felt the online TBL improves knowledge retention, while no faculty responded they felt online TBL improved students’ knowledge retention. The top challenges described include lack of student engagement and technological difficulties. Conclusion: This study showed that a lack of training and preparation for the sudden online TBL transition led to decreased student motivation and engagement.
Promoting an Empathic Dialectic for Therapeutic Change: An Integrative Review

This integrative review is focused on a formulation of therapeutic empathy. We describe the “empathic dialectic” as therapists’ capacity to emotionally resonate with patients’ internal states, such as during ruptures, and to coregulate their own and the patients’ states through mentalization. The first aim was to provide a theoretical framework for the empathic dialectic, by summarizing background literature on the empathic process, intersubjectivity, rupture repair, relational psychoanalysis, and attachment. The second aim was to conduct an integrative review of peer-reviewed articles published between the years of 2016 and 2021. After conducting a review of 28 articles, we sought to identify (1) research that supports the existence of an empathic dialectic, (2) evidence that therapists’ attachment influences the empathic dialectic, and (3) implications of the empathic dialectic for training and supervision. Results pointed to the central role of therapists’ attachment security in the empathic dialectic, and the negative repercussions of therapists’ insecurity when mentalization is underdeveloped. Results also highlighted the role of supervision as a means of enhancing trainees’ self-awareness of their attachment, and its impact on the alliance. As the American Psychological Association embraces a clinical competencies model in its accreditation of clinical psychology doctoral programs, the importance of attaining an integrative understanding of therapeutic empathy has become increasingly imperative. To this end, we conclude by promoting the empathic dialectic as a key clinical competency, and providing further recommendations for training and supervision.
High-brightness LWIR quantum cascade lasers

Long-wave infrared (LWIR, λ≈8−12µm) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are drawing increasing interest, as they provide the possibility of long-distance transmission of light through the atmosphere owing to the reduced water absorption. However, their development has been lagging behind the shorter wavelength QCLs due to much bigger technological challenges. In this Letter, through band structure engineering based on a highly localized diagonal laser transition strategy and out-coupler design using an electrically isolated taper structure, we demonstrate high beam-quality single-mode LWIR QCLs with high-brightness (2.0MWcm−2sr−1 for λ≈10µm, 2.2MWcm−2sr−1 for λ≈9µm, 5.0MWcm−2sr−1 for λ≈8µm) light extraction from a single facet in continuous-wave operation at 15°C. These results mark an important milestone in exploring the lighting capability of inter-sub-band semiconductor lasers in the LWIR spectral range.
Scripture as Word of God: Evangelical Assumption or evangelical question?

Au sein de l'evangelisme, il existe actuellement une distinction subtile et nuancee entre la Parole de Dieu et la Sainte Ecriture. L'objectif de cet article est de presenter, analyser et critiquer trois recentes argumentations evangeliques de la Sainte Ecriture en relation a la revelation/Parole de Dieu, et de proposer un modele revelationnel christocentrique dans lequel il y ait une place pour le langage humain ecrit dans et comme Parole de Dieu.
A Review of “Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing”

Shelly and Miller are pioneers in the movement to define and describe a Christian worldview for nursing. The previous edition of this book, published in 1999, was the first of its kind and an impor...
A band separation filter for the 225-400 MCS band

The idealized insertion loss characteristics of a band separation filter is shown in Figure 1 with a block diagram of the physical configuration. Filters of this type have been built using lumped constant elements, however, these are not suitable at UHF when power handling capacity of the order of a kilowatt is required. In this paper the design of a band separation filter utilizing transmission line components is discussed. The results of VSWR, insertion loss and power tests performed on a filter of this type are presented.
Inertia conditions for the minimization of quadratic forms in indefinite metric spaces

We study the relation between the solutions of two minimization problems with indefinite quadratic forms. We show that a complete link between both solutions can be established by invoking a fundamental set of inertia conditions. While these inertia conditions are automatically satisfied in a standard Hilbert space setting, which is the case of classical least-squares problems in both the deterministic and stochastic frameworks, they nevertheless turn out to mark the differences between the two optimization problems in indefinite metric spaces. Applications to H∞-filtering, robust adaptive filtering, and approximate total-least-squares methods are included.
Game of detections: how are security vulnerabilities discovered in the wild?

There is little or no information available on what actually happens when a software vulnerability is detected. We performed an empirical study on reporters of the three most prominent security vulnerabilities: buffer overflow, SQL injection, and cross site scripting vulnerabilities. The goal was to understand the methods and tools used during the discovery and whether the community of developers exploring one security vulnerability differs--in their approach--from another community of developers exploring a different vulnerability. The reporters were featured in the SecurityFocus repository for twelve month periods for each vulnerability. We collected 127 responses. We found that the communities differ based on the security vulnerability they target; but within a specific community, reporters follow similar approaches. We also found a serious problem in the vulnerability reporting process that is common for all communities. Most reporters, especially the experienced ones, favor full-disclosure and do not collaborate with the vendors of vulnerable software. They think that the public disclosure, sometimes supported by a detailed exploit, will put pressure on vendors to fix the vulnerabilities. But, in practice, the vulnerabilities not reported to vendors are less likely to be fixed. Ours is the first study on vulnerability repositories that targets the reporters of the most common security vulnerabilities, thus concentrating on the people involved in the process; previous works have overlooked this rich information source. The results are valuable for beginners exploring how to detect and report security vulnerabilities and for tool vendors and researchers exploring how to automate and fix the process.
OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE HALF-METALLIC LA3/4CA1/4MNO3

We studied the electronic structure and optical properties of the low temperature (T = 0 K for the calculation) ferromagnetic phase of La3/4Ca1/4MnO3 using a self-consistent ab-initio LCAO method. We employed a local density potential. The calculated electronic structure suggests that the material is in a half-metallic state. The calculated average magnetic moment for the half-metallic phase is 3.75 μB per Mn. This value is very close to the experimental values of 3.7 μB per Mn. The real part of the optical conductivity, σ1(ω), from the direct band transitions, is predicted. The calculated optical conductivity shows that for photon energies below 2.4 eV, the electronic states of minority spin do not contribute to the optical transitions.
SYMPOSIUM ON OFFICE EVALUATION OF INTELLIGENCE AND SPECIAL SENSES: OFFICE DETECTION OF HEARING DEFECTS IN CHILDREN

STATISTICAL studies undertaken in many communities of this country show rather marked variation as to the percentage of children suffering from significant handicaps in communication. However, none of those making such surveys would feel it an exaggeration if one ventured to state that the instance of handicapping impairments of hearing range somewhere between 1 and 2% in the preschool and early school age children. The number of crippling hearing problems apparently is growing. This growth paradoxically seems to be proportional to the improvement in the obstetrician9s and pediatrician9s ability to save children, particularly children born after severe trauma, and premature children. The national picture of the hearing handicapped child is changing. Thirty years ago our deaf schools were filled with children whose hearing impairments were caused by sequelae of meningococcic meningitis or of other infections that involved the ears. This no longer pertains, and we are faced today with a population of children whose hearing handicaps include lesions not localized to the middle or inner ear on even to the auditory nerve. Very few of these children arc completely deaf. They suffer either distorted hearing as the result of damage to the end-organ, or, due to some central damage they are unable to understand speech because they cannot properly comprehend on synthesize speech patterns without special training. Often such youngsters suffer from multiple neurologic handicaps. Many children have an amazing ability to learn communication both from an auditory and a speech point of view, provided that their problem is detected early and carefully evaluated, and that they are placed in a well-designed training program. After the age of 6 on 7 years, children with such injuries can rarely be trained with as good results as are obtained in the preschool group. Early detection therefore is of the utmost importance.
Immunomodulatory agents and other medical therapies in inflammatory bowel disease

The medical armamentarium for inflammatory bowel diseases continues to expand despite the uncertain etiologies of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. To date, almost all of the medications in use have multiple sites of activity or are regarded as nonspecific suppressants of the chronic intestina
Jesper Svedberg (1653–1735): Watcher on Sion's Walls

This remarkable man (father of an even more remarkable son, Emanuel Swedenborg) is familiar to students of Swedish church history through the works of Tottie, 1 Annerstedt, 2 Cornelius, 3 Pleijel, 4 and others, but now he makes himself known to us more intimately through his autobiography, published at long last, and edited by Dr. Gunnar Wetterberg, Librarian of Lund University. 5 He tells us that, because “children like to have their ancestors' portraits and see what they were really like,” 6 he undertook, in his old age, this “Jesper Svedberg's biography written by himself, truthfully and in detail, and read through annually and augmented, to remind himself of God's good and strange providence. Bequeathed to his children and descendents for the necessary instruction in how to traverse the world happily,—to whom may God give his grace!” 7 He states, somewhat naively, “No one can know me better than I myself, especially since, with God's grace, I take sufficient care that self-love shall not blind me and lead me astray.” 8 (In spite of which “sufficient care,” the work has been disrespectfully described as a biography “written by a onesided, enthusiastic, and uncritical admirer” 9 !) He made seven copies, one for each of his children, of which four are still extant. To one who has leafed through the 1100 folio pages of the Linkoping MS, struggling hopelessly to decipher the faded script, with its peculiar spelling and sentence structure, Dr. Wetterberg's achievement seems nothing short of miraculous!
Synthesis of 1‐([18O2]‐2‐nitro‐1‐imidazolyl)‐3‐methoxy‐2‐propanol ([18O2]‐misonidazole)

A short, efficient synthesis for 1-(2-[18O2]-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-3-methoxy-2-propanol ([18O2]-misonidazole) from 2-aminoimidazole is described. The required 18O-labeled sodium nitrite (82.6 atom %) was conveiently synthesized by the treatment of sodium nitrite with DOWEX 50W (H+) in H218O. When 2-aminoimidazole reacted with excess of 18O-labeled sodium nitrite in the presence of sulfuric acid containing copper sulfate in H218O, the 18O-labeled 2-nitroimidazole was formed with a reasonable yield (43%). [18O2]-Misonidazole (70 atom %) was achieved with good yield by the coupling of sublimed 18O-labeled 2-nitroimidazole with freshly distilled 1,2-epoxy-3-methoxypropane in ethanol in the presence of a catalytic amount of anhydrous potassium carbonate under reflux for one hour. The desired product was purified by recrystalization and TLC, and characterized by 1H NMR and mass spectra. The 18O content and distribution of synthetic 18O-labeled misonidazole was determined from the FAB-MS spectra.
Substructure of CuNi alloys

Abstract It is shown that CuNi alloys contain Ni rich and Cu rich clusters even when furnace cooled from a high temperature to room temperature. The inapplicability of the Rigid-Band model to this system seems to be still an open question.
Dispersal Mode and Ability Affect the Spatial Turnover of a Wetland Macroinvertebrate Metacommunity

Dispersal limitation is an important element of metacommunity dynamics, but measuring dispersal is complicated because many communities are composed of species that vary in dispersal strategy and ability We explored how macroinvertebrate community structure varied through the growing season and across habitat types in the Muskegon River mouth wetland complex. We then measured the effect of dispersal mode and ability on the structure of these communities. Macroinvertebrates were categorized as having no, poor, or strong ability to either fly or swim. We found that community structure was closely related to micro-habitat type (i.e., sediment, water column, plant stems) and that communities composed of strong flyers had higher cross-site similarity than those composed of poor or non-flyers.Strong swimmers had higher cross-site similarity than poor or non-swimmers. Prior studies have focused on body size or a multivariate measure of dispersal ability to measure the effect of dispersal on metacommunity structure rather than the direct measures that we used. Our results suggest that while micro-habitat strongly influenced community structure in general, both dispersal mode and dispersal ability affected the spatial organization of macroinvertebrate metacommunities in the Muskegon River mouth wetland complex.
Plasma packet propagation in microchannels

The temporal and spatial evolution of low temperature plasma packets has been examined in microchannels fabricated in nanoporous alumina (Al 2 O 3 ). Patterned by conventional photolithographic techniques, microchannels having width of 200 ∼ 250 µm and depth of 110 ∼ 120 µm were etched and various channel arrangements (such as spirals, intersecting sinusoids, and “switchyard” geometries) have been tested successfully. Plasma propagation is monitored by a gated, intensified CCD detector that views the channels through a planar ITO electrode. Experiments with Ne at 500 Torr reveal plasma packets that propagate within the channels at velocities as large as several tens of km-s−1. The fundamental processes responsible for this behavior, as well as potential applications of specific microchannel array geometries, will be discussed.
A Pulsed High-Voltage Generator Utilizing a Monolithic PZT Element and Evaluation of Nonlinear Piezoelectric Behavior in Transient Mode

This paper presents a monolithic pulsed high-voltage (HV) generator utilizing a single piezoelectric element (PZT51 disk, 5 mm in diameter and 740 μm thick) with electrodes series-connected via a flexible polyimide cable. The design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of the HV generator are described. In response to transient mechanical load, the HV generator is evaluated within the stress range from 1 to 5 MPa, and the corresponding peak output voltages vary from 100 to 900 V. Performance comparison between single-electrode pair HV generator and three-electrode pair device indicates series-connected electrodes on a monolithic PZT element greatly boost the output voltage under the same mechanical load conditions. In further tests, the generated high-voltage pulses exceed 1.35 kV and are successfully used to initiate microdischarges on monolithically patterned electrodes across a 75 μm air gap. The measured capacitance of the test HV generator is 25 pF and the calculated charge delivered to the terminal electrodes in each discharge is 34 nC. The nonlinear piezoelectric property of the PZT51 in transient mode is studied. We experimentally obtain a linear increase of the effective piezoelectric coefficient as the applied pressure increases within the range from 1 to 5 MPa. [2012-0356].
Yawed long-rod armor penetration

Summary The terminal ballistic behavior of ductile tungsten alloy long-rod penetrators is examined as impact yaw is increased from values of approximately zero to those which cause penetration performance to significantly decrease. The impact signatures remaining in the target crater from high yaw impacts are examined and used to identify the physical mechanisms which cause penetrator performance to degrade. A threshold limit of penetrator yaw beyond which penetration performance decreases is derived. An empirically based model which quantifies the decrease in penetration due to yaw once this threshold limit is exceeded is presented for impacts with normal incidence semi-infinite RHA targets. The results from a computational effort using the HULL code to simulate high yaw impacts are presented and compared with the empirical penetration degradation model.
STUDIES ON SODIUM IN BONE

dium. A comparison of values obtained in adults by the isotopic dilution technique with those reported for carcass amalysis revealed that only ahout two-thirds of the total body sodium content exchanged readily with radiosodium. Only a few attempts have been made to partition the total body content between the skeletal and nonskeletal tissues. In man, the skeleton contains 32 to 44% of total body sodium; in monkeys, 55%; in dogs and rabbits, 39 to 44%; and in rats, 21%. Data are tabulated for relation of bone sodium content to age, effect of marrow on analytical values, comparison of cortical and cancellous, sodium content of ancient bone, sodium content of cartilage, radiosodium exchange in bone and cartilage, and net change in bone sodium content. (B.O.G.)
Functional and Protein Processing Insights from a Truncation Mutation in Subunit III of Cytochrome c Oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

A human mitochondrial DNA mutation in the Cytochrome c Oxidase (COX) subunit III (SIII) gene causes a truncation after its three n-terminal transmembrane helices and results phenotypically in severe lactic acidosis episodes. We created the equivalent mutation at position I115 in SIII of R. sphaeroides COX (I115stop). Truncated SIII enzyme was expressed and purified, and SDS-PAGE showed an absence of full length SIII and a doublet band of lower molecular weight which was immunoreactive to a SIII site-specific antibody. MALDI-TOF determined these peptide masses to be 12919 m/z and 11462 m/z, results consistent with a I115 truncation in SIII (12915 m/z) and subsequent proteolytic processing after F101 (11461 m/z). Wildtype COX subunit II is known to undergo protease processing in vivo, yielding different forms of the subunit (IIA, IIC). SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF showed higher levels of the less-processed IIC form in I115stop mutant preparations as compared to wildtype, which had higher levels of the IIA form. Functional assays show the I115stop mutant has a maximal electron transfer activity that is approximately 30% of wildtype (480±90 e-/s∗mol versus 1670±180 e-/s∗mol) and exhibits suicide inactivation similar to a form of the enzyme lacking SIII altogether (I/IIOX). The first three helices of SIII putatively contain conserved lipid binding sites, so the electron assays were then conducted in the presence of exogenous lipids. The I115stop mutant exhibited a greater stimulation of activity due to lipid than I/IIOX (23% versus 5%). Additionally, protection from suicide inactivation by lipid was 2.4 fold greater in the I115stop mutant than I/IIOX. Taken together, the results indicate that the truncation mutation alters native subunit II c-terminal processing, and they support the hypothesis that SIII is involved in functional lipid binding.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in older adults: a systematic review of the psychotherapy treatment literature

Objectives: Older adults represent the fastest growing segment of the US and industrialized populations. However, older adults have generally not been included in randomized clinical trials of psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review examined reports of psychological treatment for trauma-related problems, primarily PTSD, in studies with samples of at least 50% adults aged 55 and older using standardized measures.Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on psychotherapy for PTSD with older adults using PubMed, Medline, PsychInfo, CINAHL, PILOTS, and Google Scholar.Results: A total of 42 studies were retrieved for full review; 22 were excluded because they did not provide at least one outcome measure or results were not reported by age in the case of mixed-age samples. Of the 20 studies that met review criteria, there were: 13 case studies or series, three uncontrolled pilot studies, two randomized clinical trials, one non-randomized concurrent control study a...
Occurrence of Late Blight Caused by Phytophthora infestans on Potato and Tomato in Alaska.

Phytophthora infestans, causal agent of late blight, was included in a list of plant pathogens found in Alaska in 1934 (1). No notes of symptoms, extent of disease, or dates were recorded. The only reference to the location was given as Wrangell, a town in southeast Alaska with subsistence gardening. Neither P. infestans nor late blight was noted again in the state for another 59 years. Late blight first appeared in Alaska's major potato-growing region in south-central Alaska's Matanuska Valley in 1995. Subsequent outbreaks have been sporadic, occurring only in 1998, 2005, and 2006. Each of these outbreaks was identified from rapidly enlarging brown foliar lesions with branched sporangiophores and lemon-shaped sporangia (~25 × 30 μm). The 1995 and 1998 potato late blight outbreaks in Alaska were not sampled extensively nor have they previously been formally reported. We recovered single isolates of P. infestans from symptomatic potato foliage in the 1995 and 1998 outbreaks. In 2005, symptomatic foliage wa...
Enhancement of equine infectious anemia virus virulence by identification and removal of suboptimal nucleotides

Pathogenicity was reportedly restored to an avirulent molecular clone of equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) by substitution of 3' sequences from the pathogenic variant strain (EIAV(PV)). However, the incidence of disease in horses/ponies was found to be significantly lower (P = 0.016) with the chimeric clone (EIAV(UK)) than with EIAV(PV). This was attributable to 3' rather than 5' regions of the proviral genome, where EIAV(UK) differs from the consensus EIAV(PV) sequence by having a 68-bp duplication in the 3' LTR and arginine (R(103)) rather than tryptophan (W(103)) at position 103 in the second exon of rev. In EIAV(UK) recipients the duplication was rapidly eliminated and R(103) replaced by W(103) in the viral population. Furthermore, removal of the 3' variant sequences from EIAV(UK) (EIAV(UK3)) resulted in an equivalent (P = 0.013) disease potential in Equus caballus to EIAV(PV). The 68-bp duplication and/or R(103) may limit peak viral RNA accumulation during acute infection.
Reactivity and interface characteristics of titanium-alumina composites

The reaction kinetics between α-Ti alloys and single crystal sapphire, the phase composition and morphology of the reaction-zone, and the phase compatibility in the system Ti-Al-O were investigated as part of a study to determine the feasibility of fabricating useful Al2O3-reinforced titanium matrix composites. In the temperature range 650 to 1000° C titanium reduces Al2O3 to form a complex reaction layer consisting of two distinct zones; an inner zone adjacent to the Al2O3 of a TiO phase containing isolated particles of (Ti, Al)2O3, presumably, and an outer zone of a Ti3Al phase adjacent to the Ti matrix. The isothermal growth of the reaction layer follows a parabolic rate law. The temperature dependence of the rate constants fits an Arrhenius equation yielding activation energies of 50 to 52 kcal/mol. The high Al alloys, except Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Mo-2Zr, reacted more rapidly than pure Ti indicating that Al diffusion through the reaction zone may be the rate-limiting step.
The Sequence-specific DNA Binding of NF-κB Is Reversibly Regulated by the Automodification Reaction of Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 *

Recent studies suggest that the synthesis of protein-bound ADP-ribose polymers catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates eucaryotic gene expression, including the NF-κB-dependent pathway. Here, we report the molecular mechanism by which PARP-1 activates the sequence-specific binding of NF-κB to its oligodeoxynucleotide. We co-incubated pure recombinant human PARP-1 and the p50 subunit of NF-κB (NF-κB-p50) in the presence or absence of βNAD+ in vitro. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that, when PARP-1 was present, NF-κB-p50 DNA binding was dependent on the presence of βNAD+. DNA binding by NF-κB-p50 was not efficient in the absence of βNAD+. In fact, the binding was not efficient in the presence of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) either. Thus, we conclude that NF-κB-p50 DNA binding is protein-poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation dependent. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis revealed that PARP-1 physically interacts with NF-κB-p50 with high specificity in the absence of βNAD+. Because NF-kB-p50 was not an efficient covalent target for poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, our results are consistent with the conclusion that the auto-poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction catalyzed by PARP-1 facilitates the binding of NF-κB-p50 to its DNA by inhibiting the specific protein·protein interactions between NF-κB-p50 and PARP-1. We also report the activation of NF-κB DNA binding by the automodification reaction of PARP-1 in cultured HeLa cells following exposure to H2O2. In these experiments, preincubation of HeLa cells with 3-AB, prior to oxidative damage, strongly inhibited NF-κB activation in vivo as well.
Detectable Levels of Cytochrome c and Activated Caspase-9 in Cerebrospinal Fluid after Human Traumatic Brain Injury

Background The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis has been proposed as one mechanism of cell death after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study tested the hypothesis that cytochrome c and activated caspase-9 are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after severe TBI and that their presence correlates with mitochondrial injury and severity of neurologic outcome.
Why Happiness is of Marginal Value in Ethical Decision-Making

In the last few decades psychologists have gained a clearer picture of the notion of happiness and a more sophisticated account of its explanation. Their research has serious consequences for any ethic based on the maximization of happiness, especially John Stuart Mill’s classical eudaimonistic utilitarianism. In the most general terms, the research indicates that a congenital basis for homeostatic levels of happiness in populations, the hedonic treadmill effect, and other personality factors, contribute to maintain a satisfactory level of happiness over the long run for a large percentage of any population, and relatively independently of the circumstances of the population. Consequently, although there are certainly ethical reasons to address the conditions of persons and populations, it is of marginal value to base such decisions on improvements in their levels of happiness. The happiness of others is not a sensible criterion for ethical decision-making.
Intraabdominal pressure monitoring during fluid resuscitation.

Purpose of reviewElevated intraabdominal pressure is commonly encountered in the critically ill, has detrimental effects on all organ systems, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Serial intraabdominal pressure measurements are essential to the diagnosis, management, and fluid
Improved stage and grade-specific progression-free survival rates after radical prostatectomy in the PSA era.

Objectives Since the initiation of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, the progression-free survival (PFS) rates after radical prostatectomy have markedly improved. However, few studies have evaluated whether PFS has improved for stage and grade-matched patients. Our objective was to examine differences in PFS after radical prostatectomy between the pre-PSA era (before 1992) and the PSA era, controlling for tumor stage and grade. Methods From 1983 to 2003, 3456 men underwent radical prostatectomy by one surgeon. The 10-year PFS rates were calculated for each era and stratified by pathologic tumor stage and grade. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to show biochemical PFS over time. Results The proportion of patients with pathologically organ-confined disease increased from 64% to 69%, consistent with stage migration. The PFS rate in the PSA era was 87%, 63%, 58%, and 31% versus 71%, 63%, 47%, and 19% in the pre-PSA era for Stage pT2R0, pT3R0, pT2-T3R1, and pT3c/N1 disease, respectively. The PFS rate stratified by Gleason grade in the PSA era was 84%, 63%, and 37% versus 66%, 49%, and 32% in the pre-PSA era for Gleason grade less than 7, 7, and 8 to 10, respectively. The 10-year PFS rate for organ-confined disease improved from 70% in the pre-PSA era to 86% in the PSA era. Conclusions Patients treated with radical prostatectomy in the PSA era have improved survival outcomes when controlling for pathologic stage and grade. This is likely attributed to the earlier detection of cancer through PSA screening, better identification of patients amenable to curative therapy, and the effects of lead-time bias.
Some aspects of the structure and dynamics of the terrestrial magnetosphere.

The suggestion that the sun continuously emits corpuscular radiation (the “solar wind”) was made by Biermann (1951, 1952, 1957 and 1961) as an explanation of the fact that gaseous comet tails tend to trail directly away from the sun. It had been known for many years that magnetic storms must be the result of isolated bursts of corpuscular radiation, and the fact that some aurora and geomagnetic disturbance always occur at high latitudes may be considered as additional evidence that the radiation is continuous. Biermann’s suggestion was taken up by Parker (1958, 1960a, 1960b and 1961), who examined the dynamics of the solar wind and showed that it may be considered as a hydrodynamic expansion of the solar corona and a direct consequence of supplying heat to maintain the corona at its observed temperature. There is certainly no possibility that the sun has a static corona as suggested by Chapman (1957 and 1959).