cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ME2. My practical approach to the electrodiagnosis of peripheral neuropathies

Polyneuropathy consists of the triad of sensory changes in a glove and stocking distribution, distal weakness, and hyporeflexia. Certain types of neuropathy may show widespread sensory symptoms, and others may begin with more prominent proximal weakness. Positive sensory symptoms result from ectopic impulse generation and auto excitation of myelinated afferent fibers. In general, but not always, normal muscle stretch reflexes speak against peripheral neuropathy. Acute pandysautonomic neuropathy characteristically shows severe postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction, with relative or complete sparing of motor and sensory function. Milder autonomic dysfunction also accompanies most peripheral neuropathies, but manifests clinically detectable symptoms only in a few conditions, such as diabetes, amyloidosis, Guillain- Barre syndrome, porphyria, and familial dysautonomia. A detailed history often reveals general medical conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, renal disease, malignancies, sarcoidosis, polyarteritis nodosa, amyloidosis and infectious processes such as diphtheria and leprosy. Inflammatory neuropathies include the Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinative neuropathy. Metabolic neuropathies result from nutritional deficiencies or the toxic effects of drugs or chemicals. The family history is essential in establishing the type of inherited conditions associated with polyneuropathy. Sometimes a patient's own account may not provide enough information, necessitating independent examination of family members. For some patients with an unequivocal diagnosis of polyneuropathy, extensive studies may fail to uncover the exact etiology. Hereditary and immune mediated polyneuropathy account for most such cases. Anatomic diagnosis depends on clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluation, but few specific patterns of peripheral nerve involvement characterize a given disorder. Nerve conduction and electromyographic studies delineate the extent and distribution of the lesions and differentiate two major pathologic changes in the nerve; axonal degeneration and demyelination. An index based on multiple electrophysiologic measures against standard norms may provide a better overall estimation as reported in the assessment of diabetic polyneuropathy. Electrodiagnosis, as discussed in detail during our workshop, helps delineate the locations and patterns of abnormalities, but these studies alone rarely distinguish clinical types of neuropathies or establish the exact etiology in a given case. Arriving at a specific diagnosis and establishing a course of therapy depend heavily on clinical, electrophysiologic and histologic assessments.
Clinical/Commercial Genetic Testing in UM

To better stratify the metastatic risk of uveal melanoma and ultimately to stratify this patient population appropriately for different metastatic screening protocols and for adjuvant treatment trials, investigators explored cytogenetic analysis of the primary tumor. The outcome of this important research is the advent of primarily two commercial tests. One is a chromosomal analysis available by Impact Genetics. The laboratory analyzes chromosome copy number using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 8 to detect monosomy, disomy, or trisomy status. The second commercial test uses cytogenetic analysis of the tumor DNA termed gene expression profiling (GEP). GEP testing is now available commercially as the DecisionDx-UM test from Castle Biosciences. This chapter explains the science behind the tests, the significance of the reported test results, and a look at the future.
The Equations of Motion

In this chapter we develop the basic equations of fluid mechanics. These equations are derived from the conservation laws of mass, momentum and energy. We begin with the simplest assumptions, leading to Euler’s equations for a perfect fluid. These assumptions are relaxed in the third section to allow for viscous effects which arise from the molecular transport of momentum. Throughout the book we emphasize the intuitive and mathematical aspects of vorticity; this job is begun in the second section of this chapter.
QUANTIFYING THE ROLE PLAYED BY SUNK CAPITAL COSTS IN REAL-OPTIONS MODELS

Sunk capital costs are essential in generating hysteresis in real-options models that examine firms' decisions under uncertainty. The standard results show that greater uncertainty, in the presence of sunk capital costs, dampens firms' economic activity across a wide range of decision variables. In empirical examination of these models, there is a considerable lack of evidence on the conditioning effects of sunk capital costs. In this paper, I first detail alternative ways to use publicly available data to construct measures of sunk capital costs. The data reveal substantial differences across industries in their magnitudes of sunk capital costs. Second, I provide some evidence that the presence of higher sunk capital costs significantly exacerbates the effects of uncertainty.
Developing Digital Media Materials – A Team Approach

During 1998-99, BYU Broadcast Services Division developed a digital media teaching resource for faculty and students of Civilization 201/202 courses at BYU. A project team was organized with 1 full time project manager, a part time associate project manager, graduate student instructional designer, and 6-8 student graphic artists, researchers, production managers, and technical assistants. During the production of more than 6000 digital media objects, the team also created a multimedia project development process that has become a model for future courseware development efforts at BYU. Project conclusions highlighted the following recommendations: Capture what is currently being done in the class. Then establish course instructional objectives with the faculty member. As the team works to assess digital media needs, identify areas or concepts that difficult to teach using traditional methods. Digital images used to replace slides in the classroom were no more effective than the slide itself. But they were often easier to use and thereby were of value. But digital media proved to be particularly effective when trying to teach difficult concepts. Poster will include demonstration of process.
Disseminated adenovirus infection in an immunocompromised host: Pitfalls in diagnosis

In this report, a bone marrow transplant recipient with rapidly fatal gastroenteritis is presented. The presence of intranuclear inclusions on postmortem light microscopic examination of liver, lung, and small bowel tissue was considered diagnostic of cytomegalovirus infection. However, electron microscopic examination of liver tissue demonstrated adenovirus infection. This was confirmed by isolation of an adenovirus type 2 with unusual laboratory features from liver, lung, colon contents, serum, esophageal swab, and oral ulcerations. Results of a complement fixation test for antibodies to adenovirus performed on postmortem serum samples were negative, and a titer of 1:4 was noted for antibody against cytomegalovirus. This case illustrates the diagnostic pitfalls that may be encountered in establishing a specific viral diagnosis in severely ill patients.
Understanding Chinese Battered Women in North America

SUMMARY Spouse abuse is an ignored, invisible, but significant problem in the Chinese community. This paper describes the experience of Chinese battered women in North America and provides suggestions for culturally sensitive and competent interventions for them. The discussion is based on an extensive review of the literature regarding Chinese battered women. In understanding the experience of Chinese battered women and their strategic responses to the abuse, helping professionals are urged to consider cultural, contextual, as well as individual factors including family dynamics. A three-tier model of intervention for treatment of spouse abuse in the Chinese community is proposed that targets the individual battered women, the family system, and the larger community.
OPERATIONS RESEARCH STUDY OF WATER RESOURCES

Applications of systems methodology to water problems of the Tucson basin are summarized. Natural recharge is estimated by means of a discrete convolution relation in which the unit impulse response of an aquifer is derived from basic hydro-dynamic laws. A temporal model of sequences of wet and dry periods during the summer thunderstorm season is based on a multiple linear regression equation that relates total rainfall amount during the wet period to the duration of the wet period and volume of peak rainfall. A spatial model predicts point rainfall frequency of maximal and minimal amounts of thunderstorm rainfall. A static management model allocates Tucson groundwater, Avra Valley water, Colorado River water, and reclaimed waste water to municipal, industrial, and agricultural users within a pricing framework. For a range of pricing policies the model clearly demonstrates the opportunity costs to the community by use of higher-priced water supplies such as Colorado River water in lieu of Tucson groundwater. The role of worth of data studies in relation to data analysis, model building and management studies is also introduced.
The afferent and efferent callosal connections of retinotopically defined areas in cat cortex

We compared the callosal afferent and efferent connections of different retinotopic loci within a given visual cortical area as well as the connectivity patterns among similar retinotopic loci in different visual areas. Small injections (75 nl) of a mixture of horseradish peroxidase and [3H]leucine were made through a recording pipette at injection sites identified by retinotopic mapping. A small locus of cortex within a callosally connected region had precise reciprocal connections with the homotopic locus in the contralateral hemisphere. This small locus also was callosally connected with a variable number of heterotopic loci. Both reciprocal and nonreciprocal heterotopic callosal connections were found. Homotopic and heterotopic connections appeared to have a high degree of retinotopic fidelity. Precisely homotopic connections were present not only between locations on the vertical meridian representations at the left and right area 17/18 borders but also, for example, between mirror-symmetrical points on the peripheral horizontal meridian representation in the left and right posteromedial lateral suprasylvian areas. In several experiments, we found that both callosal neurons and terminals in the homotopic cortex were grouped into two to three distinct clusters ranging from 600 to 900 micrometers in width. Callosal neurons with homotopic connections were primarily pyramidal cells in lower layer III and upper layer IV. Outside of areas 17 and 18, there was a significant number of pyramidal and fusiform-shaped callosal neurons in layers V and VI. The majority of callosal terminals were located in layers II, III, and IV.
The Government of Social Life in Colonial India: Liberalism, Religious Law, and Women's Rights

From the early days of colonial rule in India, the British established a two-tier system of legal administration. Matters deemed secular were subject to British legal norms, while suits relating to the family were adjudicated according to Hindu or Muslim law, known as personal law. This important new study analyses the system of personal law in colonial India through a re-examination of women's rights. Focusing on Hindu law in western India, it challenges existing scholarship, showing how - far from being a system based on traditional values - Hindu law was developed around ideas of liberalism, and that this framework encouraged questions about equality, women's rights, the significance of bodily difference, and more broadly the relationship between state and society. Rich in archival sources, wide-ranging and theoretically informed, this book illuminates how personal law came to function as an organising principle of colonial governance and of nationalist political imaginations.
Custom Thickness Bare Die Availability of Any Product Through Device Extraction, Thinning, and UBM Pad Re-Conditioning

OEM bare die availability, when possible, presents business challenges with respect to lead-times, minimum order quantities, and required thicknesses for the target applications. Until recently, there has been no capability available to provide an economical, low or high volume manufacturable process for the production of bare die from packaged devices. Specifically, the die can be harvested from any package, the original bonds removed completely, the pads reconditioned with a UBM (Under Bump Metal) electroless process, and the die delivered in a condition which allows it to be used identically to an OEM bare die. The die can also be custom thinned up to 75 um if required by the application, while maintaining the same functionality and reliability compared to a die which has been diced from a wafer. The proposed process is extremely valuable for any organization requiring quick turn, low-volume quantities of bare die for prototyping or higher volumes for production manufacturing. The bare die can be custo...
Malignant neoplasms metastatic to gingivae

Malignant neoplasms metastatic to the gingivae are rare. Our review of the literature revealed only eight acceptable examples. We are reporting two additional cases. One patient was a 58-year-old man with an adenocarcinoma of the lung which metastasized bilaterally to the maxillary gingiva. The second patient was a 27-year-old man with a synovial sarcoma which metastasized to multiple sites in the maxillary and mandibular gingiva. Clinically, gingival metastatic lesions are most often confused with hemangioma, pyogenic granuloma, giant-cell granuloma, and pepripheral fibroma. They usually occur late in the course of the disease and are associated with metastatic deposits in many other organs and tissues. Death usually occurs in a few weeks or months after discovery of the gingival metastasis.
Integrated management of Phytophthora capsici on solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops: current status, gaps in knowledge and research needs

Abstract Phytophthora capsici is an oomycete pathogen of vegetable crops worldwide, causing crop losses exceeding 50% and possibly resulting in crop failure. Extensive research has been conducted on various facets of this pathogen since it was first described in 1922. Information from past research efforts has enhanced the understanding of the biology and management of P. capsici. However, this pathogen remains a continuous challenge to vegetable production. This mini-review succinctly provides (i) an appraisal of the current state of management approaches and outlines a framework for designing an integrated management system for P. capsici; and (ii) identifies knowledge gaps and delineates new research perspectives for control of this pathogen.
Recent results from studies of electron beam phenomena in space plasmas

The paper examines selected results from experiments, performed in 1980s, involving the ejection of beams of electrons from spacecraft. Special attention is given to the basic processes associated with the spacecraft charging, passive current collection, beam-atmosphere interactions, beam-plasma interactions, and neutral gas emission. Consideration is also given to future experiments on active electron beam ejections in space.
Interactions of x-rays and light in the production of the electroretinogram.

Electroretinograms in response to single flashes of X-rays and of light were recorded in order to show the basic ability of the retina to respond to these two types of stimulus. The ability of the retina to recover completely from short flashes of X-rays at different frequencies of stimulation was established. This adaptation differed from that observed in another experiment in which X-rays and light were delivered concomitantly and partial adaptation was observed. Flashes of X-rays delivered to the retina during exposure to light and flashes of light delivered to the retina during exposure to X-rays revealed a pattern of inhibition followed by adaptation. The pattern of adaptation was different in these two situations, but in both situations the retina was incapable of becoming sufficiently adapted so that it could produce an electroretinogram of maximal amplitude under these conditions.
Recombinant clotting factors.

The recombinant era for haemophilia began in the early 1980s with the cloning and subsequent expression of functional proteins for both factors VIII and IX. Efficient production of recombinant clotting factors in mammalian cell culture systems required overcoming significant challenges due to the complex post-translational modifications that were integral to their procoagulant function. The quick development and commercialization of recombinant clotting factors was, in part, facilitated by the catastrophic impact of viral contamination of plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates at the time. Since their transition into the clinic, the recombinant versions of both factor VIII and IX have proven to be remarkable facsimiles of their plasmaderived counterparts. The broad adoption of recombinant therapy throughout the developed world has significantly increased the supply of clotting factor concentrates and helped advance aggressive therapeutic interventions such as prophylaxis. The development of recombinant VIIa was a further advance bringing a recombinant option to haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Recombinant DNA technology remains the platform to address ongoing challenges in haemophilia care such as reducing the costs of therapy, increasing the availability to the developing world, and improving the functional properties of these proteins. In turn, the ongoing development of new recombinant clotting factor concentrates is providing alternatives for patients with other inherited bleeding disorders.
Scales of observation of riparian forests and distributions of suspended detritus in a prairie river

1. Detrital inputs from riparian forests can provide the main source of energy to aquatic consumers in stream communities. However, the supply of coarse organic detritus to stream communities is difficult to predict. Patchy riparian inputs and connectivity between reaches have complicated studies and disrupted patterns of the distribution of suspended coarse particulate organic matter within streams and rivers. 2. In this study we emphasize the importance of spatial and temporal scales in determining potential distribution of instream leaf litter. Although large pulses of detritus are transported by streams during storm flows, the main supply of benthic leaf litter used by shredders and of suspended particulate organic matter used by filter feeders is transported during prolonged periods of baseflow. The local, fine-scale distribution of this organic matter is determined by the location and continuity of leaf litter sources (riparian vegetation) and specific features of channel roughness (such as woody debris, roots and rocks). 3. Viewing riparian vegetation at several scales results in variable conclusions regarding the amount of potential source area of leaf detritus. The percentage of suspended whole leaves at sites in the Little Washita River, Oklahoma, U.S.A. was best explained by the percentage of riparian forest cover in 500 m and 1000 m reaches upstream of the sites, as viewed by remote sensing imagery. The amount of leaf fragments was best explained by distance downstream along the longitudinal gradient. Ash-free dry mass of suspended coarse particulate matter did not correlate with any measures of riparian cover. 4. Our results suggest that leaves originate over longer reach lengths than those generally considered as source areas. Scale is an important consideration in studies of riparian patterns and related instream processes because of the need to integrate point dynamics as well as upstream influences.
Contrast material for combined abdominal and pelvic CT : can cost be reduced by increasing the concentration and decreasing the volume ?

The purpose of this study was to determine if enhancement provided by a smaller volume of a more concentrated nonionic contrast agent is equivalent to that provided by a larger volume of a less concentrated nonionic agent on dynamic, incremental abdominal and pelvic CT.During a 4-month period, 168 patients undergoing dynamic incremental abdominal and pelvic CT received 150 ml iopamidol-300 (45 g iodine). During the following 4 months, 119 patients received 125 ml ioversol-320 (40 g iodine). The same automated injector and scanning parameters were used for both groups. Absolute enhancement of the liver at three levels and of abdominal and pelvic vessels was calculated and analyzed by using Student's t-test.Arterial and venous enhancement in the upper part of the abdomen, at the level of the iliac crest, or in the pelvis was not significantly different with the two contrast agents. Both ioversol and iopamidol provided the same mean enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma at the level of the hepatic veins (45 ...
Arbitration of employment-discrimination lawsuits: Legalities, practicalities, and realities

Abstract Arbitration agreements can be an effective, cost-effective way to settle employment disputes-but not all courts agree about what constitutes an enforceable contract.
Ethnic issues in Teaching the Psychology of Women

There is an increasing need to include consideration of ethnic issues in teaching the psychology of women. This article recommends specific topics to provide more in-depth treatment of ethnic perspectives for teaching the psychology of women class. In addition, questions designed to facilitate discussion of the gender-ethnicity interaction as well as guidelines for directing such discussions are presented. The recommended topics and discussion questions should be considered only a beginning in the effort to develop a multiethnic perspective.
Representing the sporting past in museums and halls of fame

Representing the sporting past in museums and halls of fame, edited by Murray G. Phillips, London, Routledge, 2012, 267 pp., £70.19 (hardcover), ISBN 978-0415883757 Sports museums and sports halls ...
A Hybrid Optimization Method Research for Aeroengine Performance Seeking Control

According to the optimization control modes of performance seeking control (PSC) in aeroengine, the aeroengine performance optimization problems which were described as a linear programming problem are studied. In respect that the linear programming is only guaranteed to converge to a local minimized and nonlinear method is much more computation, a hybrid algorithm based on linear programming (LP) and Model-Assisted Pattern Search (MAPS) is provided in this paper. And the hybrid optimization method is used for aeroengine control. Digital simulations are conduced in maximum thrust mode and minimum fuel mode in this paper. Simulation results demonstrate that the engine performance can be improved further and calculation time can be reduced rapidly by using hybrid algorithm.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Synergistic Antiproliferative Effects of Combined γ -Tocotrienol and PPAR γ Antagonist Treatment Are Mediated through PPAR γ -Independent Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Cells.

Previous findings showed that the anticancer effects of combined γ-tocotrienol and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist treatment caused a large reduction in PPARγ expression. However, other studies suggest that the antiproliferative effects of γ-tocotrienol and/or PPARγ antagonists are mediated, at least in part, through PPARγ-independent mechanism(s). Studies were conducted to characterize the role of PPARγ in mediating the effects of combined treatment of γ-tocotrienol with PPARγ agonists or antagonists on the growth of PPARγ negative +SA mammary cells and PPARγ-positive and PPARγ-silenced MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Combined treatment of γ-tocotrienol with PPARγ antagonist decreased, while combined treatment of γ-tocotrienol with PPARγ agonist increased, growth of all cancer cells. However, treatment with high doses of 15d-PGJ2, an endogenous natural ligand for PPARγ, had no effect on cancer cell growth. Western blot and qRT-PCR studies showed that the growth inhibitory effects of combined γ-tocotrienol and PPARγ antagonist treatment decreased cyclooxygenase (COX-2), prostaglandin synthase (PGDS), and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthesis. In conclusion, the anticancer effects of combined γ-tocotrienol and PPARγ antagonists treatment in PPARγ negative/silenced breast cancer cells are mediated through PPARγ-independent mechanisms that are associated with a downregulation in COX-2, PGDS, and PGD2 synthesis.
Second-harmonic generation from a Ag(111) surface at the interband transition region: Role of the dielectric function.

The azimuthal-angle dependence and the frequency dependence of second-harmonic generation (SHG) measured at the interband transition region of a Ag(111) surface have been examined using a theoretical model developed by Sipe, Moss, and van Driel [Phys. Rev. B 35, 1129 (1987)]. The analyses of the experimental results provide strong evidence that the dramatic variation of the second-harmonic signal with frequency at 2\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}=3.87 eV is primarily caused by the sharp change of the dielectric function. The dispersion of the dielectric function affects both the azimuthal angle and the frequency dependence through different radiation efficiencies of the isotropic and anisotropic components of the generated second-harmonic field. The observed SHG features at 3.9 eV can be adequately accounted for by the presence of the interband transitions, and it is not necessary to invoke other surface electronic transitions for their assignments.
Access to Work: The Effects of Spatial and Social Accessibility on Unemployment for Native-Born Black and Immigrant Women in Los Angeles

AbstractThis study contributes to the debates on both spatial mismatch and “social-network” mismatch by considering the independent effects of spatial and social accessibility on the unemployment of less-educated native-born black and immigrant women. These groups experience relatively high unemployment yet differ in their residential patterns and the hypothesized capacities of their social networks. Using detailed geographic census data matched to travel data, I calculated an accessibility index to measure spatial job accessibility and used information on neighborhood characteristics and household composition to assess social accessibility. The results indicate that better spatial accessibility to jobs is associated with lower unemployment among native-born black and foreign-born Mexican and Vietnamese women; no association was detected among the remaining immigrant groups. The analysis yielded no empirical support for the advantages that residence in an enclave may provide female immigrant residents in ...
Ergonomics evaluation of a foam rubber grip for tool handles

Abstract An important consideration in tool design is the avoidance of hand discomfort and a reduction of work efficiency by using proper grip designs. To measure grip force distribution on a tool handle, Force Sensing Resistors were calibrated, placed on two different types of grip (wood and foam) and interfaced to a personal computer. The results, using six common garden tools - loppers, hedge shears, shovels, leaf rakes, hoes, garden rakes - indicated a very uneven distribution in grip force, but with the foam grip providing a more uniform distribution. Unfortunately, in most cases, the tool grip force was greater for the foam grip due to the deformation of the foam and a ‘loss of control’ feeling in the subjects. However, most subjects strongly preferred the foam grips.
Mathematical Insights of Mode Localization in Nearly Cyclic Symmetric Rotors With Mistune

In this paper, we develop a mathematical analysis to gain insights of mode localization often encountered in nearly cyclic symmetric rotors with mistune. First, we conduct a Fourier analysis in the spatial domain to show that mode localization can appear only when a group of tuned rotor modes form a complete set in the circumferential direction. In light of perturbation theories, these tuned rotor modes must also have very similar natural frequencies, so that they can be easily reoriented when the mistune is present to form localized modes. Second, the natural frequency of these tuned rotor modes can further be represented in terms of a mean frequency and a deviatoric component. A Rayleigh-Ritz formulation then shows that mode localization occurs only when the deviatoric component and the rotor mistune are about the same order. As a result, we can develop an effective visual method — through use of the deviatoric component and the rotor mistune — to precisely identify those modes needed to form localized modes. Finally, we show that curve veering with respect to engine orders is not a necessary condition for mode localization to occur in the context of free vibration. Not all curve veering leads to mode localization, and not all modes in curve veering contribute to mode localization. A numerical example confirms the findings above.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Generation of microparticles using CO2 and CO2‐philic antisolvents

Precipitation using a compressed antisolvent (PCA) is a demonstrated technology for generation of monodisperse ultrafine particles. Microparticle precipitation using CO 2 -philic antisolvents was studied with the ultimate goal of developing fundamental approaches to tailor microparticle generation. The ability to micronize small solutes and polymeric systems using CO 2 -philic liquid antisolvents is compared to precipitation with compressed CO 2 and traditional antisoluents. Analogies are made between PCA and CO 2 -philic antisolvent precipitation based on thermodynamic driving forces and the dynamics of the spray process. Analysis of the interfacial gradient energies of the miscible solvent-antisolvent systems indicates that the spray process is dominated by turbulent mixing and not atomization. The similar microparticle morphologies of amorphous and semicrystalline poly(lactic acid) (PLA) obtained using liquid CO 2 -philic antisoluents and compressed CO 2 suggest that a similar demixing mechanism dominates microparticle formation at these operating conditions.
Oh no!: they want me to support students' computers...?

At the start of the academic year in 2003, students with virus-ridden computers inundated the Simmons College Help Desk. They dropped off their machines, making it difficult for the Help Desk team to determine priorities. Technicians were virtually unable to serve faculty and staff, despite an unwritten policy that students were only provided phone support. In addition, students whose residence hall room network ports had been turned off, whether for compromising the network or for a file sharing violation, became confused, frustrated, and often irritated about what had happened and what to do. In the absence of written policies, student expectations were that the Help Desk was there exclusively to serve their needs. The solution: Self-Help Clinics, and written guidelines establishing what support is available to students.This paper describes the issues and events that led Technology at Simmons College to devise the clinics, and how the clinics have grown and changed since their inception in January 2004. It also describes the process of establishing written guidelines for support, and the ongoing challenges we face in providing limited support to students.
Performance of a high-force controllable MR fluid damper-liquid spring suspension systems

In this study a compact compressible magneto-rheological (MR) fluid damper-liquid spring (CMRFD-LS) with high spring rate is designed, developed and tested. The proposed device consists of a cylinder and piston-rod arrangement, with an annular MR fluid valve. The internal pressures in the chambers on either side of the piston develop the spring force, while the pressure difference across the MR valve produces the damping force, when the fluid flows through the MR valve. A fluid mechanics-based model is conducted to predict the behavior of the damper device under sinusoidal input. The device is studied under oscillatory vibrations for various frequencies and applied magnetic fields. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Important lessons in opioid selection.

The case report by Kharlamb and Kourlas[1][1] described a 45-year-old woman suffering from what was presumed to be failed back syndrome associated with lower extremity radiculopathy. The patient’s medical history included depression, anxiety, and possible bipolar disorder. The patient was
An association matrix model of context-specific vertical vergence adaptation

The plasticity of the oculomotor system can be demonstrated experimentally through vertical vergence adaptation, in which an open-loop (non-binocular feedback) vertical vergence response is trained to vary with eye position along a single meridian (such as horizontal conjugate eye position). During context-specific adaptation, vertical vergence is trained to vary along two eye position meridians. In this condition, a unique combination of information from two separate pathways is necessary to produce the correct vertical vergence response. Context-specific adaptation experiments were conducted in three adapting planes (midsaggital, frontoparallel, and transverse). Midsaggital plane stimuli were associated with horizontal vergence and vertical conjugate eye position, frontoparallel plane stimuli were associated with horizontal and vertical conjugate eye position, and transverse plane stimuli were associated with horizontal vergence and horizontal conjugate eye position. As a means of investigating whether ...
Crystal structure of the chromophore binding domain of an unusual bacteriophytochrome, RpBphP3, reveals residues that modulate photoconversion

Bacteriophytochromes RpBphP2 and RpBphP3 from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris work in tandem to modulate synthesis of the light-harvesting complex LH4 in response to light. Although RpBphP2 and RpBphP3 share the same domain structure with 52% sequence identity, they demonstrate distinct photoconversion behaviors. RpBphP2 exhibits the “classical” phytochrome behavior of reversible photoconversion between red (Pr) and far-red (Pfr) light-absorbing states, whereas RpBphP3 exhibits novel photoconversion between Pr and a near-red (Pnr) light-absorbing states. We have determined the crystal structure at 2.2-Å resolution of the chromophore binding domains of RpBphP3, covalently bound with chromophore biliverdin IXα. By combining structural and sequence analyses with site-directed mutagenesis, we identify key residues that directly modulate the photochemical properties of RpBphP3 and RpBphP2. Remarkably, we identify a region spanning residues 207–212 in RpBphP3, in which a single mutation, L207Y, causes this unusual bacteriophytochrome to revert to the classical phenotype that undergoes reversible photoconversion between the Pr and Pfr states. The reverse mutation, Y193L, in the corresponding region in RpBphP2 significantly diminishes the formation of the Pfr state. We propose that residues 207–212 and the spatially adjacent conserved residues, Asp-216 and Tyr-272, interact with the chromophore and form part of the interface between the chromophore binding domains and the PHY domain that modulates photoconversion.
Spatial-mode cleanup of a pulsed laser beam through mutually pumped phase conjugation with a cw reference.

A method of cleaning up the spatial mode of a pulsed laser beam without using a pinhole is proposed and demonstrated. The method consists of performing mutually pumped phase conjugation (MPPC) between the pulsed laser beam and a cw reference, thereby transferring the desirable spatial mode of the cw beam onto the pulsed beam. In these experiments MPPC is observed in a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal between the beams from a Q-switched flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser and a diode-pumped cw Nd:YAG laser, both operating at 532 nm. The experimental results showed convincing spatial-mode cleanup of the pulsed beam, with an ~3% conversion efficiency. A method of significantly increasing the overall efficiency is discussed. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first reported MPPC between pulsed and cw laser beams.
Promoting Labor's Heritage of Solidarity: The Great Labor Arts Exchange

and more. Faced with the plethora of scholarship in each of these fields, we all tend to focus on one or two of these interlocking issues in our own work. We do so at our own peril. The analyses provided by each of these sets of scholarship will enrich our thinking, writing, and teaching. If we cannot read everything on every topic (and no one can any more), then we will have to be more aggressive in finding other ways of sharing our attempts to integrate these issues into our work, and more open to new angles on old topics.
Crude oil price volatility and unemployment in the United States

This study focuses on the issue of whether fluctuations in the price of crude oil have affected employment and the rate of unemployment in the U.S. After reviewing previous assessments of the issue, the existence of an empirical relationship between the rate of unemployment and crude oil price volatility is established using tests for cointegration. Subsequently, the nature of the relationship is estimated with results suggesting that at least three full years are required before measurable impacts of a percentage change in the real price of crude oil on the change in unemployment are exhausted. Finally, the structural stability of the functional relationship between change in unemployment and volatility of the price of crude oil and the percentage change in gross national product is examined.
Can Response Order Bias Evaluations

Abstract Response-order effects can bias evaluations. Measurement error is introduced by order effects, and this, in turn, can affect associations between variables. This study attempts to identify types of questions in mail questionnaires which are susceptible to order effects and illustrates the consequences of response-order effects on associations. Data from a Cooperative Extension Service evaluation showed order effects for multiple response and attributive questions but not for single response ones. Aspects of question complexity and social desirability may contribute to order effects. In at least one instance, response-order effects were found to influence associations between items and thus, the substantive conclusions.
Prolonged incubation in seawater induces a DNA-dependent protein phosphorylation activity in Arbacia punctulata eggs

Various protein kinases are activated in eggs in response to fertilization. We have previously shown that the induction of DNA-dependent protein phosphorylation activity in the sea urchin eggs is triggered by fertilization. The present study demonstrates that the activation of a DNA-dependent serine/threonine kinase in unfertilized eggs of Arbacia punctulata can be achieved without fertilization. Prolonged incubation in seawater resulted in the activation of the eggs with concomitant induction of DNA-dependent protein phosphorylation activity. The activated eggs when fertilized show a slight increase in the phosphorylation activity 10-min post-insemination. The activity gradually declines as the first and second cleavages proceed. The cytoplasmic extracts of the blastulae, gastrulae, and plutei lack the enzyme activity. These findings reveal that not only fertilization but also egg activation serves as a signal for the induction of a DNA-dependent protein phosphorylation activity in sea urchin eggs suggesting that sperm-entry is not required for the induction of the enzyme activity.
A novel phloem-specific gene is expressed preferentially in aerial portions of Vicia faba

We have isolated a gene from bean (Vicia faba L.), called Vein1, that encodes a novel protein. The Vein1 cDNA was isolated as a result of a differential screen for genes that are expressed in leaves but not in the most common cell type, the mesophyll cell. Northern blot analysis revealed that Vein1 transcripts are differentially expressed in the plant with expression in leaves, stems and sepals but not in petals, mesophyll cells or roots. In situ hybridization studies of stem and leaf sections indicate that the expression of Vein1 is localized to the phloem tissue. Interestingly, Vein1 was differentially expressed in stem tissue with the highest expression in the oldest internodes. The deduced Vein1 protein sequence does not share homology with any known protein sequences. The 17 kDa Vein 1 protein is highly hydrophilic and contains a histidine-rich motif, where six out of seven amino acids are histidines. The function of Vein1 is unknown, although the expression patterns suggests that it may play a role in mature phloem tissue in the aerial parts of the plant.
Minimum weight web-core sandwich panels subjected to uniaxial compression.

Analytical methods are developed by which web-core sandwich panels can be designed with minimum weight while retaining their structural integrity (i.e., structurally optimum) for a given load index, panel length and width, and specified face and web materials. These methods also provide a means for rational material selection through the comparison of weights of the minimum weight construction for various material system as a function of load index, and an assessment of weight penalties associated with the use of commercially available thicknesses. The methods account for both isotropic and orthotropic face and core material as well as various boundary conditions. Numerical results clearly show the weight savings associated with the use of second generation composite materialssuch as boron-epoxy and graphite-epoxy.
Nature of the Pulsating Radio Sources

Pulsations of the non-degenerate envelope of a white dwarf driven by hydrogen burning at the edge of the isothermal core are considered as a possible model for pulsars. The model provides a natural explanation for the pulsation mechanism and is consistent with observational evidence.
The Greek Hyperinflation and Stabilization of 1943–1946: A Comment on Makinen

In a recent article in this JOURNAL (Sept. 1986, pp. 795-806) Gail Makinen contended that "the Greek hyperinflation started during the Axis occupation and was the result of an excessive reliance by the puppet government on the inflation tax. The Greek government undertook three stabilization efforts spread over eighteen months before price level stability was achieved. The final effort involved fiscal reform and the creation of an independent supracentral bank." The purpose of this comment is to point out that his conclusions about the Greek hyperinflation and stabilization programs are questionable, and to a lesser extent factually incorrect. In tracing the origins of hyperinflation, Makinen asserts not only that "the Greek hyperinflation . . . was the result of an excessive reliance by the puppet government on the inflation tax," but also that "the Greek puppet government by choice or necessity did not tax to cover its expenditures." On the contrary, from the beginning of the country's occupation by the Axis forces, the Greek government, faced with declining public revenues, attempted to maintain a strong fiscal stance by imposing higher consumption taxes and lowering tax exemptions. Concurrently, it imposed taxes on farmers, to be paid in money or in kind.' Nevertheless these tax measures proved ineffective. They were strongly resisted by the general population because most Greeks realized that much of any additional government revenues would simply pay the expenses of the enemy occupation forces. Makinen then says that the first stabilization program, of November 11, 1944, was hastily conceived. I submit that failure did not result from its being "prepared . . . in haste," but was brought about by the strong opposition that surfaced six days before the first stabilization program on the part of the Swedes and the Americans with regard to the Greek government's proposal to sell war relief supplies in order to raise revenues. Acting on behalf of the International Red Cross, the Swedes would not consent to relief supplies being sold at predetermined prices. This greatly contributed to the failure of the first stabilization program.2 Makinen constructs real balances by dividing the volume of notes in circulation by the market price of the gold sovereign. This price index is inappropriate in this case since it was strongly influenced by government policies. The central bank actively intervened in the gold market from November 1944 to August 1945; its draconian open-market operations in gold sovereigns prevented the market price of the gold sovereign from reflecting the general price level accurately.3 Nevertheless, Makinen assumes that the price of gold sovereigns moves in tandem with the cost of living, suggesting that these two variables are highly correlated. In order to test the assumption, I ran a regression
Conditional Deletion of β-Catenin Reveals Its Role in Liver Growth and Regeneration

Background & Aims: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a role in liver growth and development. To address this conclusively, we used a conditional knockout approach to delete β-catenin in the liver. Methods: Floxed β-catenin (exons 2–6) mice were intercrossed with Albumin-Cre recombinase transgenic mice; considerable β-catenin deletion was evident 15 days after birth by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses. Results: Although these mice were viable, there was a significant decrease in their liver weight/body weight ratio by 14% at 1 month and 28%–35% by 2–6 months of age, which was sustained throughout their normal life span. There was an accompanying decrease in basal hepatocyte proliferation showed by Ki-67 staining. Additional analysis revealed several known and novel genes to be down-regulated in these mice that play a role in normal liver homeostasis. When subjected to two-thirds partial hepatectomy, the Ctnnb1loxp/loxp; Alb-Cre+/− mice were sick and lethargic, especially during the first 2–3 days only. These mice display a 2-fold decrease in the number of Ki-67– or PCNA-positive cells at the time of peak hepatocyte proliferation at 40 hours, which coincided with decreased cyclin A, D, and E expression. However, a rebound increase in hepatocyte proliferation was evident in the knockout mice at 3 days. Also, increased apoptosis was observed in the knockout livers during regeneration at all stages. Conclusions: Thus, β-catenin is essential for normal liver growth and development. Also, although regeneration is delayed in the absence of β-catenin, it does occur suboptimally, showing its redundancy in the liver.
A KeyServer for faculty, not just labs

Academic lab managers have been using Sassafras's KeyServer software for more than a decade to manage software licenses. KeyServer is server-based license management software that allows lab managers to install dozens of licensed software packages on most or all of their lab computers, even if they own just a few licenses for each software package.This paper describes the use of KeyServer in a non-lab environment. The School of Architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon installed a new KeyServer to reduce software costs for faculty computers. Faculty in our school, as they have become more comfortable with technology, have begun to purchase and use more advanced and more expensive software; if this trend continues, the potential expenditure is quite large, a problem in a time of tighter than usual budgets. Our goal was to maximize the availability of new software packages while minimizing software costs to departments in the school. Once a program is on the KeyServer, the marginal cost of providing an additional program to a faculty member is effectively zero.If this faculty KeyServer proves successful, we hope to create a student KeyServer next year. For a minimal fixed cost, students would have access to a much wider variety of software, in current, legal versions, than they currently have.