cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of transcallosal inhibition measurements for the lower limb motor cortex in stroke.

Transcallosal inhibition (TCI) is a measure of between-hemisphere inhibitory control that can be evaluated with the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) paradigm. The study of iSP for the lower extremity has been limited possibly due to the close orientation of the lower extremity motor representations. Change in TCI can provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the asymmetry in corticomotor excitability in stroke. Here, we describe a method for iSP quantification and report reliability of iSP parameters for the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in stroke. 26 individuals with stroke attended three sessions where single pulse TMS was used to measure TCI from the lesioned to non-lesioned hemisphere. A double cone coil was used for stimulating the ipsilateral motor cortex while the participant maintained an isometric contraction of the non-paretic TA. Absolute and relative reliability were computed for iSP latency, duration and area. iSP latency showed the lowest measurement error (absolute reliability) and iSP latency, duration and area showed good relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.6). This study suggests that iSP parameters for the tibialis anterior are reliable and attempts to provide a guideline for evaluating TCI for the lower extremity in stroke and other clinical populations.
Desperately seeking sortase.

Directed evolution on the yeast cell surface enables the discovery of sortase variants with altered specificity capable of modifying Aβ peptides under physiologically relevant conditions.
NOMAP: A Pricing Scheme for NOMA Resource Block Selection and Power Allocation in Wireless Communications

Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) is one of the promising solutions for next-generation wireless services to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce latency. However, the issues such as regulating network revenue and ameliorating end-user Quality of Experience (QoE) are still open challenges. In this work, we propose the concept of Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Pricing (NOMAP), to bridge the gap between price and QoE in NOMA resource allocation. The framework was then applied to a NOMA network scenario, and the problems of power allocation and resource block selection were investigated. The main contribution of this paper is to show that higher utilities can be achieved by dynamically pricing the NOMA resource blocks and by allowing the users to have a choice in resource management. In addition, an algorithm to achieve optimality in terms of Nash equilibrium is provided as an implementation example. The simulations carried out using MATLAB showcase the efficacy of the developed NOMAP framework. Furthermore, the results indicate that the proposed pricing significantly outperforms the traditional uniform pricing schemes.
WHERE ARE THE HELPFUL BYSTANDERS? ECOLOGICAL NICHE AND VICTIMS’ PERCEPTIONS OF BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

This study explores an emergent area of bystander research by describing associations between bystander involvement and community or microsystemic support factors across different types of victimizations. A total of 1703 adults and adolescents were surveyed about bystander presence, bystander actions, and bystander safety across 9 forms of victimization. They were also surveyed about 3 community-level factors—collective efficacy, support for community youth, informal community support—and 2 microsystemic factors—social support and tangible family resources community and microsystemic support scores were not typically associated with bystander presence. Higher community and microsystemic support scores, particularly support for community youth, informal community support, and social support, were commonly associated with perceiving bystanders as helpful to the situation. Support scores, especially collective efficacy, were also associated with bystander safety for some victimization types. Our exploratory findings show a relationship between bystander helpfulness and characteristics of the victim's community and microsystem, especially for victimization types that are typically public, like peer aggression.
Review of Remedy and Reaction: The Peculiar American Struggle over Health Reform

Health reform's history in the United States has taken unexpected turns over the past century, often reflecting political and philosophical divisions underlying US society. Paul Starr, a Pulitzer Prize author for his book The Social Transformation of American Medicine (1984), has written a thoroughly readable and carefully documented history of health reform from the perspective of a historian, sociologist and a participant in health reform's policy debates.
Severe neurological consequences of subclavian steal in the setting of cardiogenic shock

A woman in her 70s was found lying prone, with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and in cardiogenic shock. She was obtunded, answering ‘No’ to all questions, and was observed to have anisocoria with a pinpoint right pupil, 5 mm left pupil, decreased right corneal reflex and nystagmus. Head CT scan was unremarkable, but CT angiogram of the chest demonstrated an occluded left subclavian with reconstitution proximal to the left vertebral artery origin (figure 1 and …
Purification of a site-specific endonuclease, I-Sce II, encoded by intron 4 alpha of the mitochondrial coxI gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract We have purified to near homogeneity a site-specific, double-stranded DNA endonuclease (I-Sce II) encoded by intron 4 alpha (aI4 alpha) of the yeast mitochondrial coxI gene. Our purification starts with a high salt extract of mitochondria isolated from a yeast strain that overproduces the enzyme because of a block in splicing of aI4 alpha. The final step of purification is an affinity column consisting of covalently bound double-stranded DNA multimers of a synthetic sequence, 5'-TTGGTCATCCAGAAGTAT-3', which contains the I-Sce II cleavage/recognition site. Typical yields of enzyme are 3-5% with a specific activity of approximately 500,000 units/mg, where 1 unit of activity cleaves 50 ng of DNA substrate/h at 30 degrees C. I-Sce II has a monomer molecular mass of 31 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Active enzyme purifies as a 55-kDa species, which we presume to be a homodimer. I-Sce II monomer comigrates with an in vivo synthesized mitochondrial translation product made in the strain that overproduces the enzyme. We conclude that I-Sce II is derived by proteolytic processing of a precursor polypeptide, p62, encoded by an in-frame fusion of coxI exons 1-4 with the downstream aI4 alpha reading frame. I-Sce II is most active at pH 7.5 and at 20-30 degrees C. Endonuclease activity is sensitive to salt and is dependent upon Mg2+ or Mn2+, but is unaffected by inclusion of ATP or GTP. I-Sce II is the first intron-encoded protein to be purified and characterized from yeast mitochondria.
Abstract W P3: Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Endovascular Therapy for IV tpa Ineligible Patients Who Present Within the IV tpa Time Window

Background and Purpose: Outcomes in patients treated with endovascular therapy who present within the time window for IV tPA, but do not receive IV tPA, are poorly characterized. This information may be necessary in the planning of randomized trials. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected endovascular stroke database was performed to identify all patients who arrived within the time window for IV tPA (≤4.5 hours) who had significant neurologic deficits, but were not treated with IV tPA due to contraindications. Procedural, safety and clinical outcomes were assessed by determining rates of recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation and 90-day independent outcome (mRS 0-2). Results: Out of 961 patients entered in our endovascular stroke database, we identified 163 {mean age 69±1 years; median baseline NIH Stroke Scale 17 IQR 14-21; occlusion site: MCA-M1 82 (50%); MCA-M2 18 (11 %), ICA-T 33 (20 %), Basilar artery 15 (9 %), ACA-A1 2 (1%), ICA-intracranial 8 (5%)}. The main contraindic...
Percussive Penetration of Unconsolidated Granular Media in a Laboratory Setting

This controlled study examined the feasibility of a simple percussive approach to drilling through unconsolidated regolith deposits on Mars. The experiments showed that the approach is feasible at the low power levels and low confining pressures used, and that the rate of impact is more important to the penetration rate than is the mass of the impactor (hammer). More massive impactors tend to lower energy efficiency, as they do in terrestrial pile-driving. Unexpectedly, penetration plotted against applied energy tends to cluster into parallel linear trends. Within a given cluster, penetration is very sensitive to applied energy, while between clusters, the same penetration requires different energy levels. The clusters are separated by gaps whose widths may be related to the average grain size of the material being penetrated. The layered nature of natural sedimentary deposits is reflected in the cumulative energy-penetration plots, which could thus serve to record bedding thickness and frequency during Mars exploration. This study has shown that percussive drilling using a down-the-hole hammer design may be feasible in unconsolidated fine regolith near the ground surface.
Indigenous archaeology as complement to, not separate from, scientific archaeology

Defining Indigenous Archaeology is as difficult as defining “Indigenous”. In some areas the term “Indigenous” is applied to people who existed in an area prior to colonization (“Geography”); in other areas it is applied to people who are to those people whose ancestors created the culture being (“Descendancy”); in others it is applied to the community of people who live in the area where the archaeology is being conducted (“Proximity”). This paper recognizes that Archaeology, however defined, has characteristics that add to the scientific study of the human past; that Indigenous Archaeology is not meant to supplant scientific archaeology but to add to archaeology’s powers. In this paper I will provide an overview of Indigenous Archaeology, examine some of the in trying to discuss its many facets as a single disciplinary approach to the of the past, and then close with an examination of the in the generalized approach to the study of the past by partnering with communities and organizations.
Interactivity and Political Communication: New Media Tools and their Impact on Public Political Communication

Based on the interactivity theory, this study examines relationships between people’s political media commentary online and through traditional methods. Data from Pew Research Center (N= 2,253) shows that those who were actively participated in political discourse using traditional methods were more likely to make statements on newspaper websites and using social media about politics. Higher level of education also predicted participation in political communication in the new media environment.
Opportunities and Impediments for Open GIS

The field of GIS (S for Systems, Sciences, Services, and Studies) is at a cross-road in the early 2010s. Aiming to link the multiple visions for the next phase of GIS development, this article suggests that the emerging open GIS should serve as a guiding concept. Contextualized in the broader literature of open science, this article proposes open GIS should include eight dimensions related to data, software, hardware, standards, research, publication, funding, and education. For the GIS community, open GIS offers four exciting opportunities: (1) technology-driven opportunities for addressing challenges posed by the (spatial) big data deluge; (2) application-led opportunities for confronting the problems of a rapidly changing planet; (3) curiosity-inspired, crowd-powered opportunities for the development of an open and geographic citizen science; and (4) education-focused opportunities for implementing the vision of a spatial university. Although there are academic, legal, social/political, and environmental impediments for the practice of open GIS, open GIS will become increasingly important in shaping our research and educational agendas in the future.
dBug: systematic evaluation of distributed systems

This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of "dBug" - a tool that leverages manual instrumentation for systematic evaluation of distributed and concurrent systems. Specifically, for a given distributed concurrent system, its initial state and a workload, the dBug tool systematically explores possible orders in which concurrent events triggered by the workload can happen. Further, dBug optionally uses the partial order reduction mechanism to avoid exploration of equivalent orders. Provided with a correctness check, the dBug tool is able to verify that all possible serializations of a given concurrent workload execute correctly. Upon encountering an error, the tool produces a trace that can be replayed to investigate the error. We applied the dBug tool to two distributed systems - the Parallel Virtual File System (PVFS) implemented in C and the FAWN-based key-value storage (FAWN-KV) implemented in C++. In particular, we integrated both systems with dBug to expose the non-determinism due to concurrency. This mechanism was used to verify that the result of concurrent execution of a number of basic operations from a fixed initial state meets the high-level specification of PVFS and FAWN-KV. The experimental evidence shows that the dBug tool is capable of systematically exploring behaviors of a distributed system in a modular, practical, and effective manner.
Mechanical and optical characterization of thermal microactuators fabricated in a CMOS process

Microelectromechanical actuators with large vertical deflections are desirable for microactuation and sensing applications, such as tactile stimulators for telerobotics, micropositioners, and microflaps for airflow control. Thermally actuated cantilever beams provide large deflections at low voltages and low power. Cantilever beams using silicon micromachining have been fabricated in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process. The beams were tested using a microscope-based laser interferometer and a weight-balance force tester, both of which were specifically designed and built for analysis of microelectromechanical devices. Measurments were taken of cantilever beam deflection, maximum operating frequency, and operation under load. Cantilevers 300 micrometers long and 100 micrometers wide with a 2.6 K(Omega) polycrystalline silicon heating resistor were capable of deflecting loads of up to 15 mg with a 6 volt drive. The same cantilevers were tested for fatigue endurance under a 5 mg load, producing a 5 micrometers deflection that remained unchanged after 75 hours of continuous operation with a 6 volt peak, 0.33 Hz square wave drive signal.
Inertial instability and sea spirals

[1] The ubiquitous occurrence of submesoscale cyclonic spirals in the sea as inferred from space imagery is interpreted in terms of the inertial instability of a horizontally sheared current in the oceanic mixed layer. The instability is shown to weaken anticyclonic current shear while enhancing cyclonic shear, which, in turn, becomes unstable and creates a cyclonic vortex; concurrently, surface tracer particles concentrated along the evolving cyclonic shear are wound up into a spiral, mimicking the spiral slick patterns seen in the imagery. The entire process, investigated with a fully nonlinear nonhydrostatic 3D numerical model, is contrasted with the baroclinic frontal process considered previously. The differences point to a clear need for field observations of this significant phenomenon, which are presently almost totally lacking.
Generation of Monoclonal Antibodies to Integrin-associated Proteins EVIDENCE THAT α3β1 COMPLEXES WITH EMMPRIN/BASIGIN/OX47/M6

The α3β1integrin forms complexes with other cell-surface proteins, including transmembrane-4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins (e.g. CD9, CD53, CD63, CD81, and CD82). To identify additional cell-surface proteins associated with α3β1 integrin, a monoclonal antibody selection protocol was developed. Mice were immunized with integrin α3β1-containing complexes isolated from HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, and then 712 hybridoma clones were produced, and 95 secreted antibodies that recognized the HT1080 cell surface. Among these, 12 antibodies directly recognizing integrin α3 or β1 subunits were eliminated. Of the remaining 83, 16 co-immunoprecipitated proteins that resembled integrins under non-stringent detergent conditions. These 16 included 15 monoclonal antibodies recognizing EMMPRIN/basigin/OX-47/M6, a 45–55-kDa transmembrane protein with two immunoglobulin domains. The EMMPRIN protein associated with α3β1 and α6β1, but not α2β1 or α5β1, as shown by reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments. Also, association with α3β1 was confirmed by cell-surface cross-linking and immunofluorescence co-localization experiments. Importantly, EMMPRIN-α3β1 complexes appear not to contain TM4SF proteins, suggesting that they are distinct from TM4SF protein-α3β1 complexes.
A new technique of pinealectomy for adult rats

A new technique of pinealectomy for rats is described which brings the pineal into view of the experimenter facilitating its removal and also allows for completely parallel sham operations.
THE DENSE SIMPLE SETS ARE ORBIT COMPLETE WITH RESPECT TO THE SIMPLE SETS

Abstract We prove conjectures of Herrmann and Stob by showing that the dense simple sets are orbit complete w.r.t. the simple sets.
Comparison of infrapubic versus transcrotal approaches for inflatable penile prosthesis placement: a multi-institution report

Inflatable penile prostheses (IPP) are associated with excellent long-term outcomes. To date, no study has evaluated the significance of surgical approach on IPP intraoperative variables. High-volume surgeons placing the Titan 0-degree prosthesis from March-July 2012 completed questionnaires including pre-/intraoperative variables. Intraoperative data were compared between surgeons performing an infrapubic versus transcrotal approach for total length of prosthesis, proximal and distal measurements, rear-tip extender (RTE) length, reservoir size and fill volume and ability to place the reservoir in the space of Retzius. Forty-six surgeons placed 256 IPPs, with a median of 5 (range 1-10) inserted. Transcrotal placement was performed most commonly (80%). Revision procedures accounted for 13% of cases, with 19% previously undergoing robotic-assisted prostatectomy. Compared with infrapubic, transcrotal placement resulted in a longer total prosthesis (22.3 cm vs 20.6 cm, P < 0.0001), increased proximal dilation (10.1 cm vs 8.6 cm, P < 0.0001), longer RTEs (1.9 cm vs 1.2 cm, P < 0.0001) and larger reservoir fill volume (79 cc vs 71 cc, P = 0.0003). No differences were noted in distal measurements or ability to place the reservoir in the space of Retzius. Compared with the infrapubic approach, high-volume surgeons placing the Titan 0-degree IPP transcrotally achieved increased proximal dilation with an ~1-2-cm-longer prosthesis inserted.
Spatial scale, rather than nature of task or locomotion, modulates the spatial reference frame of attention

Visuospatial attention is strongly biased to locations that had frequently contained a search target before. However, the function of this bias depends on the reference frame in which attended locations are coded. Previous research has shown a striking difference between tasks administered on a computer monitor and those administered in a large environment, with the former inducing viewer-centered learning and the latter environment-centered learning. Why does environment-centered learning fail on a computer? Here, we tested 3 possibilities: differences in spatial scale, the nature of task, and locomotion may each influence the reference frame of attention. Participants searched for a target on a monitor placed flat on a stand. On each trial, they stood at a different location around the monitor. The target was frequently located in a fixed area of the monitor, but changes in participants' perspective rendered this area random relative to the participants. Under incidental learning conditions, participants failed to acquire environment-centered learning even when (a) the task and display resembled those of a large-scale task and (b) the search task required locomotion. The difficulty in inducing environment-centered learning on a computer underscores the egocentric nature of visual attention. It supports the idea that spatial scale modulates the reference frame of attention. (PsycINFO Database Record Language: en
Defending the Paradigm

Recent attacks on Africana studies follow a historic path of institutionalized racism in the academy and its custodians questioning the discipline’s relevance. These ongoing attacks demonstrate thi...
708-2 Are All Defects Created Equal? Relative Prognostic Implications of Fixed and Reversible Hypoperfusion in Patients with Temporally Remote Myocardial Infarction

Little is known regarding the prognostic implications of exercise myocardial perfusion scans in patients late after myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, we studied 399 patients who underwent rest TI-201/exercise sestamibi SPECT more than one year after MI (mean 9 ± 7, range 2–37 years) who were followed up for more than 1 year (mean follow-up 21 ±6 months). Exercise and rest scans were visually assessed in 20 myocardial segments using a 5 point scale (0 = normal, 4 = no uptake). An infarct zone was defined as a region within a vascular territory with a rest score of g 1. A difference ≥1 between stress and rest scores for a segment was defined as ischemic. All patients were followed up for at least one year after their test. 25 hard events (HE; cardiac death or repeat MI) occurred (6.3% HE rate). A large proportion of patients had ischemia by scan (66%, 263/399) or subendocardial MI (no fixed defects; 44%, 177/399). Patients with ischemia outside an infarct zone (n = 209) and inside an infarct zone (n = 85) both had an event rate of 7%. HE rates were as follows. Reversible Defects g 2 6/66 (9%) 3/51 (6%) 4/53 (7.5%) 1–2 3/31 (10%) 0/19 (0%) 4/45 (9%) 0 2/80 (2.5%) 0/15 (0%) 3/39 (8%) Fixed Defects 0 1–2 g 2 There was no difference in HE rates between patients with only large fixed defects and only reversible defects. Conclusions (1) In patients with temporally remote infarction, the presence of large fixed defects confers high HE rates similar to reversible defects (possibly due to the risks of late infarct remodeling). (2) Ischemia within and outside infarct zones denotes similar high risk for adverse outcomes.
Gross feature detection in remotely sensed CAMS imagery using a multi-paradigm software approach

Abstract Rules used to classify regions in images that have been remotely sensed from airborne or satellite platforms are not universal truths even for gross feature detection (i.e., trees, man-made objects, water, etc.). The classification of each pixel in a data set obtained from an aerial or satellite image can be a difficult and time-consuming process for both a computer and a human. Consequently, throughout the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) information systems researchers are seeking innovative approaches that will assist human experts in the time-consuming endeavor of classifying remotely sensed data. This article reports on a study, commissioned by the director of NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Mississippi, to investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in the classification of remotely sensed data collected using the Calibrated Airborne Multispectral Scanner (CAMS). The study resulted in the development of a proof-of-concept software system that takes a multi-paradigm software approach to gross feature detection in remotely sensed CAMS data.
Cloning and deletion mapping of the recF dnaN region of the Escherichia coli chromosome

By cloning a 3.6-kb EcoRI fragment of the Escherichia coli chromosome with pBR322 we located more precisely recF relative to dnaN. By deletion mapping we localized functional recF to a 1.65-kb region of the cloned fragment and allowed rough mapping of the C terminus of dnaN. Cloned recF+, separated from functional flanking genes dnaN and gyrB, complemented chromosomal recF mutations presumably by coding for a cytodiffusible product. The protein encoded by dnaN was observed as a band on a polyacrylamide gel from minicells. Identification of a recF protein was not made.
EMI obscuration of buried UXO by geophysical magnetic permeability, anthropogenic clutter, and by magnitude disparities

For UWB (30 Hz - 100 kHz) electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor discrimination of unexploded ordnance (UXO), we evaluate first the effects of significant magnetic permeability in the surrounding soil. Measured data and theoretical arguments suggest that ground effects can often be accounted for by using a simple halfspace analytical solution. Thus, when target responses are strong enough, free-space target signature shapes can still be used for discrimination if properly compensated. At the same time, even in artificially well-mixed, physically smoothed settings, local variations in soil permeability can be a significant source of signal clutter. Cases with multiple UXO’s beneath dispersed small metallic clutter are also considered as instances in which clutter may dominate. In simulations of two comparably sized UXO’s at comparable depths with a signal to clutter ratio (SCR) of ~ 20, UWB data distinguishes the two objects reliably over a ground surface measurement grid. For similar cases but with the objects at significantly different depths relative to one another, one cannot distinguish the deeper target, even with the same noise level and with UWB data. Measurements illustrate the level of EMI SCR to be expected from dispersed small metallic items collected from a firing range. For cases with a single piece of clutter and a much more massive UXO immediately below, simulations show almost complete obscuration of the UXO, in both frequency and time domains. This is not caused by signal blockage but results from different degrees of proximity to the sensor, i.e. from the consequent signal magnitude disparity.
Therapy of AIDS and AIDS-related syndromes

Abstract The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become an important health problem around the world. It is estimated at this writing that more than one million Americans have been exposed to the HTLV III/LAV, the etiologic agent of AIDS. Because HTLV III/LAV causes progressive and severe immune deficiency resulting in death due to opportunistic infections and certain malignancies (especially Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas), the treatment for those already exposed to HTLV III/LAV includes approaches that would result in destruction and/or containment of HTLV III/LAV and the reconstitution and/or immune enhancement of the host. In this brief review. Sudhir Gupta will present the ‘state of the art' of the genomic structure of the HTLV III/LAV and the treatments against HTLV III/LAV (anti-viral) and those resulting in immunoreconstitution/immunopotentiation of the host.
Automated Detection of Trichloroethylene by Fourier Transform Infrared Remote Sensing Measurements

Passive Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) remote sensing measurements are used to implement the automated detection of trichloroethylene (TCE) vapor in the presence of a variety of infrared background signatures. Through the use of a combination of bandpass digital filtering and piecewise linear discriminant analysis, this detection procedure is applied directly to short segments of the interferogram data collected by the FT-IR spectrometer. Data employed in this work were collected during open-air/passive cell terrestrial and passive cell laboratory measurements. Infrared backgrounds employed included terrain, low-angle sky, and water backgrounds, in addition to laboratory blackbody measurements. Other potentially interfering chemical species present were carbon tetrachloride, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These data are used to assemble two data sets of differing complexity. Optimization studies are performed separately with each data set to study the influence of filter ...
Chitinase: a Novel Target for Blocking Parasite Transmission?

In many species of blood-sucking arthropod, the internal tissues are covered by chitinous material that may hinder parasite invasion. To circumvent this potential barrier, therefore, parasites have developed mechanisms that involve the enzyme chitinase. In this review, Mohammed Shohobuddin and David C. Kaslow examine the relationship between chitinase and parasite transmission.
To structure, or not to structure?

Some accounts of mental content represent the objects of beliefas structured, using entities that formally resemble the sentencesused to express and report attitudes in natural language; others adopta relatively unstructured approach, typically using sets or functions. Currently popular variants of the latter include classical andneoclassical propositionalism, which represent belief contents as setsof possible worlds and sets of centered possible worlds, respectively;and property self-ascriptionism, which employs sets of possibleindividuals. I argue against their contemporary proponents that allthree views are ineluctably plagued by generation gaps: they eitherovergenerate beliefs, undergenerate them, or both.
Design of ABC Triblock Copolymers near the ODT with the Random Phase Approximation

Leibler's random phase approximation for block copolymers, modified so as to be applicable to linear multiblock copolymers, has been quantitatively compared to data from three linear ABC/ACB triblock copolymer melts: poly(cyclohexylethylene-b-ethylene-b-ethylethylene) (CEEE)/CEEE, poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) (SIO)/ISO (Macromolecules 2001, 34, 6994−7008;Macromolecules 2002, 35, 7007−7017), and poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-dimethylsiloxane) (SID)/ISD (Macromolecules 2002, 35, 3189−3197). The RPA calculation provides the mean-field static structure factor for a disordered block copolymer melt, which can be used to anticipate the scattering behavior and spinodal stability limit temperature (Ts); in the context of mean-field theory, the spinodal should lie near the order−disorder-transition temperature (TODT). We find that the RPA spinodal temperature semiquantitatively matches the magnitude and temperature dependence of the ODT as a function of molecular weight (in CEEE/CEEE) and composition (SIO...
Effects of nano-second electrical pulses (nsPEFs) on cell cycle progression and susceptibility at various phases

Exposure to nano-second pulsed electrical fields (nsPEFs) has been shown to cause poration of external and internal cell membranes, DNA damage, and blebbing of the plasma membrane. Recovery from nsPEF exposure is likely dependent on multiple factors, including exposure parameters, length of time between pulses, and extent of cellular damage. As cells progress through the cell cycle, variations in DNA and nucleus structure, cytoskeletal arrangement, and elasticity of cell membrane could cause nsPEFs to affect cells differently during different cell cycle phases. To better understand the impact of nsPEF on cell cycle, we investigated CHO cell cycle progression following varying intensities of nsPEFexposures. Cell populations were examined post exposure (10 ns pulse trains at 100, 150, or 200kV/cm) by analysis of DNA content via propidium iodide staining and flow cytometric analysis to determine cell cycle phase. Populations exhibited arrest in G2/M phase, but not in G1 phase at 1h post-exposure that increased in severity and duration with increasing exposure dose. Recovery from arrest was complete after 12h, and populations did not exhibit an increase in apoptosis as a result of exposure. Post exposure arrest in G2/M phase may indicate that nsPEF-induced damage is not significant to cause G1 arrest or that mitotic checkpoints are more important regulators of cell cycle progression after nsPEF exposure.
Exploring organizational culture and climate in community coalitions

There is little research on the effects of organizational culture and organizational climate in community coalitions. This study investigated School Readiness Coalitions during their formative period to test the association between indicators of organizational culture and climate and the influence on collaborative capacity to plan services. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis found three factors to explain 48% of the variance in coalition collaborative capacity to plan services. Findings suggesting a constructive culture that is both supportive and individualistic include sufficient autonomy to make decisions and contributions; and a positive coalition climate for members was dependent on job satisfaction in their home organization enabling, which then translated to working and planning together as a group. Further research is needed to understand the complexity in the coalition context than previously recognized.
High-field 13C NMR spectroscopy of tissue in Vivo. A double-resonance surface-coil probe

A double-resonance surface-coil NMR probe is described for performance of high-field (8.5 T) proton decoupled carbon-13 experiments with tissue in vivo. The probe may be accommodated in standard, 89 mm i.d. clear bore, commercial spectrometers and is suitable for studies utilizing small laboratory animals such as mice, hamsters, and rats. A coaxial coil design is employed (10 mm diameter 13C coil, 20 mm diameter 1H coil) which provides ca. 40 dB attenuation between the 13C observe and 1H decouple channels. The inherent efficiency of the surface-coil configuration provides a sensitivity comparable to a commercial probe of the same nominal dimension (10 mm Helmholtz coil) and assures adequate decoupling in conductive samples with ca. 3–5 W power. In the absence of 13C isotopic enrichment, NMR spectra of rat leg, liver, and brain in vivo provide signalto-noise sufficient for 10 min time resolution. Administration of 100 mg of 90% 13C-labeled glucose into a peripheral vein of a ca. 300 g rat resulted in a liver glucose resonance which could be monitored with good signal-to-noise and 3 min time resolution.
Weight loss in patients with advanced cancer: effects, causes, and potential management.

Purpose of review The past 2 years have yielded interesting observations that have challenged our understanding of and approach to treating cancer-associated weight loss in patients with advanced, incurable malignancies. This review provides an update of such observations and places them within the context of previous work. Recent findings The mechanisms that underlie cancer-associated weight loss remain elusive, but recent studies suggest that this weight loss might be mediated by downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-1; macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 has also been implicated. Although recent clinical trials have not provided major additions to the armamentarium of palliative approaches, such laboratory-based findings provide targets for future palliative trials. Summary The limited palliative options available to patients with cancer-associated weight loss underscore the need for continued laboratory and clinical investigation.
Complementary field component of radiation from a Cassegrain subreflector

The effect of the induced currents on the subreflector can be evaluated by the method of stationary phase and gives, to a first approximation, the specularly reflected radiation. The radiation at an angle of interest, as thus calculated, is found to be supplemented by the backlobe of the radiation directed at the complementary angle.
Halogenations of Anthracenes and Dibenz[a,c]anthracene with N-Bromosuccinimide and N-Chlorosuccinimide1

Halogenation of dibenz[a,c]anthracene (1) by NBS in CCl(4) affords the products of 9- and 10-monobromination in the ratio of 9:1. The reaction is accelerated by iodine, and HBr effects rearrangement of 9-bromo product to the sterically less crowded 10-bromo isomer. The mechanism is proposed to involve reversible addition of Br(2), followed by elimination of HBr. Reaction of NCS with 1 in CCl(4) requires addition of HCl and affords exclusively 9-chlorination. The different reactivities of NBS and NCS are ascribed to the relative amounts of free halogen produced (due to differences in N-X bond strengths involving Br and Cl), and the different sizes of the halogens. Under similar conditions, NCS chlorinates 9-bromoanthracene (2a) to afford 9,10-dichloroanthracene and 9-bromo-10-chloroanthracene in the ratio of 65:35. This reaction ostensibly occurs by addition of Cl(2) to 2a, followed by preferential loss of HBr rather than HCl. 9-Methylanthracene (3) affords exclusively 9-(bromomethyl)anthracene with NBS in the absence of iodine, but mainly (67%) 9-bromo-10-methylanthracene in the presence of iodine. Chlorination of 3 with NCS in the presence of HCl also affords mostly (65%) nuclear halogenation. Nuclear bromination of anthracene, 9-methylanthracene, and dibenz[a, c]anthracene by NBS in the absence of added HBr is accelerated by iodine. This effect is probably due to an increase in the amount of bromine produced from NBS in the presence of iodine.
Is Higher Music Faster? Pitch–Speed Relationships in Western Compositions

We conducted four tests of the conjecture that higher musical pitch coincides with faster musical speeds in composition and performance. First, a ‘notewise’ examination of Western musical scores tested whether longer (i.e., slower) notes tend to have lower pitches. Results were genre-dependent, with three of six sampled styles exhibiting the predicted effect. A second study considered an independent sample of Western music part-by-part and found that lower musical voices tend to have significantly fewer notes than higher voices. The third study used instrumental recordings to directly measure event onset densities in notes per second. A strong correlation ( r s = .74, p tessitura ) was found. Finally, a fourth study indicated that Baroque ornaments are more likely to appear in higher musical parts. Considered together, these four studies suggest a pitch-speed relationship that is most evident when the methodology preserves the notion of musical ‘line.’ We outline several possible origins for the observed effect.
Mesenchymal stem cells from adipose and bone marrow promote angiogenesis via distinct cytokine and protease expression mechanisms

Using a fibrin-based angiogenesis model, we have established that there is no canonical mechanism used by endothelial cells (ECs) to degrade the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), but rather the set of proteases used is dependent on the mural cells providing the angiogenic cues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originating from different tissues, which are thought to be phenotypically similar, promote angiogenesis through distinct mechanisms. Specifically, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) promote utilization of the plasminogen activator-plasmin axis by ECs as the primary means of vessel invasion and elongation in fibrin. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) serve a purpose in regulating capillary diameter and possibly in stabilizing the nascent vessels. These proteolytic mechanisms are more akin to those involved in fibroblast-mediated angiogenesis than to those in bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC)-mediated angiogenesis. In addition, expression patterns of angiogenic factors such as urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were similar for ASC and fibroblast-mediated angiogenesis, and in direct contrast to BMSC-mediated angiogenesis. The present study illustrates that the nature of the heterotypic interactions between mural cells and endothelial cells depend on the identity of the mural cell used. Even MSCs which are shown to behave phenotypically similar do not stimulate angiogenesis via the same mechanisms.
Diaphanous regulates myosin and adherens junctions to control cell contractility and protrusive behavior during morphogenesis

Formins are key regulators of actin nucleation and elongation. Diaphanous-related formins, the best-known subclass, are activated by Rho and play essential roles in cytokinesis. In cultured cells, Diaphanous-related formins also regulate cell adhesion, polarity and microtubules, suggesting that they may be key regulators of cell shape change and migration during development. However, their essential roles in cytokinesis hamper our ability to test this hypothesis. We used loss- and gain-of-function approaches to examine the role of Diaphanous in Drosophila morphogenesis. We found that Diaphanous has a dynamic expression pattern consistent with a role in regulating cell shape change. We used constitutively active Diaphanous to examine its roles in morphogenesis and its mechanisms of action. This revealed an unexpected role in regulating myosin levels and activity at adherens junctions during cell shape change, suggesting that Diaphanous helps coordinate adhesion and contractility of the underlying actomyosin ring. We tested this hypothesis by reducing Diaphanous function, revealing striking roles in stabilizing adherens junctions and inhibiting cell protrusiveness. These effects also are mediated through coordinated effects on myosin activity and adhesion, suggesting a common mechanism for Diaphanous action during morphogenesis.
Uncertainty During Breast Diagnostic Evaluation: State of the Science

Purpose/objectives To present the state of the science on uncertainty in relationship to the experiences of women undergoing diagnostic evaluation for suspected breast cancer. Data sources Published articles from Medline, CINAHL, PubMED, and PsycINFO from 1983-2008 using the following key words: breast biopsy, mammography, uncertainty, reframing, inner strength, and disruption. Data synthesis Fifty research studies were examined with all reporting the presence of anxiety persisting throughout the diagnostic evaluation until certitude is achieved through the establishment of a definitive diagnosis. Indirect determinants of uncertainty for women undergoing breast diagnostic evaluation include measures of anxiety, depression, social support, emotional responses, defense mechanisms, and the psychological impact of events. Conclusions Understanding and influencing the uncertainty experience have been suggested to be key in relieving psychosocial distress and positively influencing future screening behaviors. Several studies examine correlational relationships among anxiety, selection of coping methods, and demographic factors that influence uncertainty. A gap exists in the literature with regard to the relationship of inner strength and uncertainty. Implications for nursing Nurses can be invaluable in assisting women in coping with the uncertainty experience by providing positive communication and support. Nursing interventions should be designed and tested for their effects on uncertainty experienced by women undergoing a breast diagnostic evaluation.
Percutaneous treatment of severe diffuse stenosis in heavily calcified infrarenal abdominal aorta using iliac extender endoprosthesis

Severe, concentric calcific stenosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) is an uncommon but technically challenging problem. In diffuse, heavily calcific lesions are generally not treated with balloon expandable or self-expanding stents. There is concern of aortic rupture, incomplete apposition, and underexpansion. Such lesions are mostly treated with aortobifemoral or extra-anatomic bypass surgery. Using three case examples, we describe the feasibility of endovascular treatment for severely calcific IAA with use of iliac extender limbs of commercially available aortic stent grafts and discuss the role of preprocedural CT scan in case planning. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melting transition and properties of the plastic crystal and fluid phases of N2 deposited on graphite.

A Monte Carlo method using both constant-pressure and constant-surface-density ensembles, with free surface and deformable periodic boundary conditions is employed to examine the melting and orientational behavior of partial and complete monolayers of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ on graphite. A simple argument concerning the ability of these systems, or lack of it, to fluctuate and expand in the plane of the substrate is sufficient to explain the drastic change in melting temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{M}}$, as the adlayer surface density is increased toward monolayer completion. The calculated average orientation of the ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ molecules is parallel to the substrate plane at all temperatures investigated, 30\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}95 K, although out-of-plane orientational fluctuations increase substantially with increasing T. The nature of the melting transition of partial and complete monolayers is discussed, and it is shown that a small 256-molecule patch with free-surface boundary conditions exhibits nearly asymptotic behavior. Various order parameters and distributions are calculated to interpret system behavior.
Biomarkers related to severe hypoglycaemia and lack of good glycaemic control in ACCORD

Aims/hypothesis In patients with diabetes, intensive glycaemic control reduces microvascular complications. However, severe hypoglycaemia frequently complicates intensive glycaemic control. Blood biomarkers that predict successful intensification of glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes without the development of severe hypoglycaemia would advance patient care. In patients who received intensive treatment for type 2 diabetes from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study, we hypothesised that insulin deficiency and islet autoantibodies would be associated with severe hypoglycaemia and failure to achieve near-normal glycaemia (HbA1c <6.0% [42 mmol/mol]).
Chemical vapor deposition coating for micromachines

Two major problems associated with Si-based MEMS devices are stiction and wear. Surface modifications are needed to reduce both adhesion and friction in micromechanical structures to solve these problems. In this paper, we will present a process used to selectively coat MEMS devices with tungsten using a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process. The selective W deposition process results in a very conformal coating and can potentially solve both stiction and wear problems confronting MEMS processing. The selective deposition of tungsten is accomplished through silicon reduction of WF6, which results in a self-limiting reaction. The selective deposition of W only on polysilicon surfaces prevents electrical shorts. Further, the self-limiting nature of this selective W deposition process ensures the consistency necessary for process control. Selective tungsten is deposited after the removal of the sacrificial oxides to minimize process integration problems. This tungsten coating adheres well and is hard and conducting, requirements for device performance. Furthermore, since the deposited tungsten infiltrates under adhered silicon parts and the volume of W deposited is less than the amount of Si consumed, it appears to be possible to release stuck parts that are contacted over small areas such as dimples. Results from tungsten deposition on MEMS structures with dimples will be presented. The effect of wet and vapor phase cleans prior to the deposition will be discussed along with other process details. The W coating improved wear by orders of magnitude compared to uncoated parts. Tungsten CVD is used in the integrated-circuit industry, which makes this approach manufacturable.