cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
More on Non-Epistemic Seeing

On the most minimal version, the thesis of non-epistemic seeing must amount to something like 'S's seeing something does not entail S's having any beliefs (making judgments, knowing) about what he sees'. The non-epistemic theorist's task is clear: he must provide a case in which we all agree without reservation that S sees something, and in which we also allow that S has no beliefs (makes no judgments, knows nothing) about what he sees. In an earlier paper,' I examined two sorts of putative cases of nonepistemic seeing. In this paper, I wish to examine a third sort of case. The first sort involved S mistaking something in his visual field for something else. The hunter mistaking his companion for a deer is a classic example. These are clearly cases of seeing, but the very fact that guarantees this, viz. the misidentification, also excludes the cases from being ones in which S has no beliefs about what he sees. To identify something correctly or incorrectly surely entails having a belief about it. The second sort of case involves S looking right at something (being 'visually confronted' is perhaps a more neutral expression), something which we see easily, but for which there is some indication that S does not see. Dretske's cuff link case is a good example of this sort.2 There, S is searching for his missing cuff links. Later, we lead S to his bureau drawer where the cuff links are lying in plain view and point them out to him. Now, while the misidentifications in the first sort of case are not uncommon, I dare say that everyone has at sometime experienced something like the circumstances of the cuff link case. We don't understand how we could have overlooked the object of the search, but we did; 'I must have looked right at it, but I just didn't see it.' The point is simply that this second kind of case also fails to support the non-epistemic thesis. The cases are not clearly cases of seeing; they are debatable. In sum, there is a range of cases in support of non-epistemic seeing which fail either because beliefs about what is seen are present, or, though such beliefs are absent, seeing is absent as well. The proposed instances of non-epistemic seeing that I will now examine must fail, if they ate failures, for the reasons just outlined. But although they are not logically distinct from previous cases in that sense, they will repay separate examination. The examples to be considered might be called 'camouflage cases'. They generally involve S's being visually confronted by something the appearance of which is so like its surroundings that S fails to respond to
The ongoing challenge: an accurate assessment of supply linked to demand to create an enterprise-wide end to end detailed central supply chain plan

Organizations can be viewed as an ongoing sequence of loosely coupled decisions where current and future assets are matched with current and future demand across the demand-supply network at different levels of granularity ranging from a placing a lot on a tool to an aggregate capacity plan across a five year horizon. Since the early 1990s detailed enterprise wide central planning has become a key member of this "decision suite." Despite its importance, most organizations execute central planning with "limited levels of accuracy or intelligence." Early in the evolution of "central planning engines" IBM determined that "extended accuracy" was an important component of supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction and made a substantial investment to develop a central planning engine which could handle the scope (complexity) and scale (size) of large organizations. This paper covers the value from this investment and the technical details of combining heuristics and optimization.
Complexes of heparin with elastomeric positive polyelectrolytes

A new elastomeric heparin complex containing from 7 to 16% of heparin was synthesized from commercially available polyether diisocyanates. Chemical analysis and solubility measurements of intermediates as well of the final product showed beyond doubt that an ionic bond was formed between heparin and the quaternized polyether polyurethane. The solubility of the heparin complex in specific solvents systems permitted to cast films or form coatings on commercial plastics. The films and the coatings were found to be non-thrombogenic and whole human blood could be stored in 1/8 or 3/16″ID coated tubing for at least 24 hr without occurence of clotting. The values of tensile strength, elongation at break and of the shear modulus as a function of temperature showed that the heparinized complexes were endowed with desirable mechanical properties under ambient conditions.
A tandem michael reaction-cycloalkylation utilizing 2-nitropropane: a facile route to the acid component of insecticidal pyrethroids

Treatment of three representative β-substituted-α-cyanoacrylates (2) with 2-nitropropane and potassium carbonate in refluxing ethanol afforded stereoselectively cyclopropanoid precursors (4) to 3-substituted-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acids (7).
Gauge symmetry breaking by Thirring interaction in fermionic construction of superstring models

Abstract Generalized abelian Thirring interacting fermions are used to construct modular invariant superstring solutions. A large class of solutions is found by requiring the model to reduce to one of the modular invariant free fermionic solutions in the limit that the Thirring interactions are set to zero. In these solutions, the Thirring interaction has the effect of reducing the symmetry group of the correspondig free fermionic solutions.
Heat Transfer Predictions of Film Cooled Stationary Turbine Airfoils

Conventional heat transfer design methods for high temperature gas turbine airfoils decouple the internal and external flow. Thermal boundary conditions from these decoupled analyses are applied to the blade surfaces to predict turbine life. Typically, the domain for the external flow includes the hot gas path and the film cooling holes while the domain for the internal flow includes the internal flow passages and film cooling holes. The solid blade itself couples the external and internal flow and heat transfer. Since film cooling flow physics can play a significant role on the overall turbine blade heat transfer, there has been increased interest in capturing these effects by including the hole geometry in the solution procedure. Ideally, the complete turbine blade heat transfer analysis would be provided by efficient CFD simulations for the coupled problem including the internal passages, film cooling holes and hot gas path. By prescribing both the external flow and internal flow inflow/outflow boundary conditions, the hole physics can be included in the solution. The current paper presents results obtained for coupled simulations of the NASA C3X vane and VKI rotor which models the internal passages, hole geometries and hot gas path. In both cases, cooling is achieved by rows of pressure-side, leading-edge and suction-side film cooling holes. The rows are independently fed by span-wise, constant area plenums. The former has a total of 152 cylindrical cooling holes whereas the later has a total of 110 cylindrical/shaped holes. In addition, the C3X vane consists of 10 internal radial cooling passages of cylindrical cross-section. The simulations were conducted with the Shear Stress Transport (SST) model on a grid that extended into the viscous sub-layer along all surfaces. The computed surface pressure and external heat transfer coefficient distributions at mid-span are compared to experimental data for both cases. Internal heat transfer predictions are also presented and discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
p53 Keeps Bystanders at the Gates

The inappropriate expansion of self-reactive "bystander" T cells can contribute to autoimmune disease. In this issue of Immunity, Watanabe et al. (2014) demonstrate that the tumor suppressor p53 prevents the cytokine-dependent proliferation of T cells in the absence of cognate antigens.
Group contribution methods for molecular mixtures. II. Computer simulation results

Abstract This paper reports results from molecular dynamics computer simulations performed on model molecular mixtures composed of monomers + rigid dimers, monomers + flexible dimers, and monomers + flexible tetramers. The simulations were performed at constant density and either constant energy or constant temperature; we demonstrate two methods by which the temperature in such systems can be accurately controlled. Results are reported for the configurational internal energy and the site—site pair distribution functions. These results are used in the following paper to test ideas underlying group contribution methods.
Mutation analysis of large tumor suppressor genes LATS1 and LATS2 supports a tumor suppressor role in human cancer

In recent years, human cancer genome projects provide unprecedented opportunities for the discovery of cancer genes and signaling pathways that contribute to tumor development. While numerous gene mutations can be identified from each cancer genome, what these mutations mean for cancer is a challenging question to address, especially for those from less understood putative new cancer genes. As a powerful approach, in silico bioinformatics analysis could efficiently sort out mutations that are predicted to damage gene function. Such an analysis of human large tumor suppressor genes, LATS1 and LATS2, has been carried out and the results support a role of hLATS1//2 as negative growth regulators and tumor suppressors.
Treatment of relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic transplantation: a single center experience.

Abstract Relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic transplantation has a poor prognosis and most reports have focused on the role of second transplantations in relapsed patients. We report our single-institution experience on the management of relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic transplantation. We aimed to describe the outcome of relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic transplantation at our institution and investigate whether maneuvers intended to augment donor T cell allogeneic reactivity were associated with durable graft-versus-leukemia effects. We analyzed 310 patients with acute leukemia who received allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell transplants from HLA-matched donors between 1982 and 2005 (229 with acute myelogenous leukemia, 81 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia). Mean post-transplant follow-up was 5 years (range, 0.5-22 years). Factors associated with relapse incidence, therapy for relapse, response to treatment, and post-relapse survival were assessed. One hundred of 310 patients (32%) with acute leukemia relapsed after transplantation, including 28 of 81 patients (35%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 72 of 229 (31%) with acute myelogenous leukemia at a median of 136 days after transplantation. Median post-relapse survival periods were 51 days for the 69 patients who received chemotherapy/supportive care, 84 days for 11 recipients of donor lymphocyte infusions, 303 days for 13 recipients of second transplants, and 442 days for 7 patients treated with interferon-α and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. A multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that a longer time to relapse after transplantation, peripheral blood as source of stem cells, and initial post-relapse therapy with cytokines, donor lymphocyte infusions, or second transplants were associated with improved post-relapse survival (P
Infinitesimal perturbation analysis for second derivative estimation and design of manufacturing flow controllers

A simulation-based numerical technique for the design of near-optimal manufacturing flow controllers for unreliable flexible manufacturing systems uses quadratic approximations of the value functions that characterize the optimal policy and employs stochastic optimization to design the key coefficients of the quadratic approximations. First and second derivative estimates that drive the optimization algorithm are obtained from a single sample path of the system via infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA). Extensive computational experience is reported for one, two, and three-part-type production systems. The relative performance of first-order and second-order stochastic optimization algorithms is investigated. The computational efficiency of these algorithms is finally compared to conventional controller design algorithms based on state-space discretization and successive approximation.
Stress Encountered by Significant Others of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

This study was directed toward identifying and describing the perceived stress and coping responses of family and nonfamily significant others of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Identification of the similarities and differences among the responses given by family and nonfamily significant others was one of the primary purposes of this research. Using an exploratory research design, the investigator conducted structured interviews with one family and one nonfamily significant other identified in earlier interviews with twenty-five cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in ambulatory care settings. Significant others were asked to identify stressful events related to treatment factors, relationship factors, and perception of the patient's condition. Reported coping responses to events perceived as stressful were categorized into those behaviors that reduced or eliminated the stressful event or those that altered the appraisal of the event without changing the event itself. Statistical analyses reve...
Contrasted abyssal basalt liquidus trends: evidence for mantle major element heterogeneity

Abstract Natural submarine basalt glasses define liquidus trends which may be summarized as curvilinear regression lines in the normative plagioclase-pyroxene-olivine ternary. Individual basalt suites separated in time or space may differ in major element composition; these differences translate into systematic differences in normative plagioclase, leading to efficient discrimination of individual trends in this ternary. Comparison of two contrasted sets of trends to available experimental and petrographic data confirms the similarity of the natural basalt trends to those predicted by 1-atm experiments, in general agreement with earlier studies based on whole-rock data. These contasted liquidus trends are believed to reflect major element heterogeneity and varying degrees of melting of the mantle source. This major element heterogeneity is not simply correlated with heterogeneity in incompatible trace elements, and like incompatible trace element heterogeneity, there is growing evidence that it may vary abruptly in space and time. The existence of these compositionally contrasted basalt suites must be considered in petrogenetic modelling; specifically, they will introduce scatter in most generalized variation diagrams, and will increase the likelihood of “misfits” in fractionation calculations utilizing parent and residual compositions drawn from different suites.
Hormone therapy in transgender adults is safe with provider supervision; A review of hormone therapy sequelae for transgender individuals

Introduction Some providers report concern for the safety of transgender hormone therapy (HT).
The actions of serotonin on frog primary afferent terminals and cell bodies.

The actions of serotonin (5-HT) were studied in the isolated frog spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion preparations. 2. In the spinal cord, 5-HT increased the spontaneous activity recorded from dorsal roots, facilitated evoked spinal reflexes and produced fast and slow primary afferent depolarization (PAD). 3. A direct action of 5-HT on primary afferent terminals is likely since 5-HT induced PAD remained in the presence of I/~M tetrodotoxin and 2mM Mn 2+. 4. The direct action of 5-HT on primary afferent terminals was blocked by methysergide and attenuated by concentrations of Mn -~+ in excess of that required to block transmitter release. 5. Cell bodies of the dorsal root ganglion were also depolarized by 5-HT. A slow hyperpolarization occasionally followed the initial depolarization. The depolarizing action of 5-HT in the dorsal root ganglion was also attenuated by treatment with Mn 2. 6. It is concluded that 5-HT acts directly on frog primary afferents and that this influence may involve a calcium sensitive process. The dorsal root ganglion response to 5-HT appears to be a suitable model of the afferent terminal response.
Computing planar Voronoi diagrams in double precision: a further example of degree-driven algorithm design

Geometric algorithms use numerical computations to perform geometric tests, so correct algorithms may produce erroneous results if insufficient arithmetic precision is available. Liotta, Preparata, and Tamassia, in 1999, suggested that algorithm design, which traditionally considers running time and memory space, could also consider precision as a resource. They demonstrated that the Voronoi diagram of n sites on a U × U grid could be rounded to answer nearest neighbor queries on the same grid using only double precision. They still had to compute the Voronoi diagram before rounding, which requires the quadruple-precision InCircle test. We develop a "degree-2 Voronoi diagram" that can be computed using only double precision by a randomized incremental construction in O(n log n log U) expected time and O(n) expected space. Our diagram also answers nearest neighbor queries, even though it doesn't even use sufficient precision to determine a Delaunay triangulation.
Consent for donation after cardiac death: a survey of organ procurement organizations.

Context: Despite the increasing number of policies governing organ donation after cardiac death (DCD), nothing is presently known about the informed consent process for DCD. Without guidelines, org...
Large eddy simulation of turbulent flows by a least-squares finite element method

The least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) based on first-order formulations of governing equations has been used successfully for incompressible and compressible flows and transport processes. It has not been applied to turbulent flows. In this work, large eddy simulation (LES) with dynamic subgrid-scale models is used to simulate turbulent flows. The LSFEM is implemented to solve the filtered LES equations for turbulent flows and transport processes. Numerical experiments have been carried out for three types of turbulent flows, turbulent channel flow, transitional recirculating flow, and thermal convective turbulent flow. Numerical results are compared with experimental data or direct numerical simulation results. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The two-dimensional free-space Green’s function and its derivatives in a tangent-normal system

Abstract The two-dimensional free-space Green’s function, G ( 2 ) , and its derivatives, are used extensively in the formulation of scattering and diffraction problems through its presence in single- and double-layer potentials, and their use in integral equations. The vast majority of the results from elementary classical mathematical physics for G ( 2 ) is based on Cartesian coordinate-space, either directly as a Hankel function in coordinate-space or through a transform, such as the Weyl transform, also based on Cartesian coordinate-space. However, if the geometry of the problem is not Cartesian, for example in scattering from a rough surface, there are difficulties in using a transform representation for G ( 2 ) which depends on Cartesian geometry, as the standard Weyl transform does. Here we formulate transform-space representations using a tangent-normal coordinate system. The result for G ( 2 ) is a new Weyl-type tangent-normal transform representation from which the results for the vector derivatives of the single-layer potential, the double-layer potential, and the vector derivatives of the double-layer potential follow quite simply. The latter three results can be expressed in terms of two new spectral functions in tangent-normal space, S 1 and S 2 . The overall results are new representations for G ( 2 ) and its derivatives which may be useful in integral equation formulations of scattering problems for non-Cartesian geometries.
Are We Training Our Residents to Perform Open Gall Bladder and Common Bile Duct Operations

Introduction In the new era of resident work hour restrictions and an emphasis on minimally invasive surgery, experience in performing open biliary surgery is diminishing. We sought to review our resident operative experience to determine if it appears adequate for a well-trained general surgeon. Methods The case logs of the General Surgery, Oncology, and Trauma/Emergency General Surgery (EGS) services were reviewed for a 1-year period. All biliary procedures that included the potential for gallbladder or bile duct surgery were reviewed. Results We performed 745 laparoscopic cholecystectomies last year on our General Surgery, Oncology, and Trauma/EGS services. Conversion to open procedure was 4.5% (16/364) on our elective services and 6% (23/381) on our Trauma/EGS services. Effective clearance of common bile duct stones performed retrograde by endoscopy and transhepatically by interventional radiology limited our residents’ experience performing common bile duct surgery for stones to 13 performed laparoscopically and 10 performed open. Other operations that included open cholecystectomies and common bile duct procedures were pancreatico-duodenectomy (87), biliary bypass (22), biliary resection/reconstruction (20), hepatic lobectomy (48), sphincteroplasty and ampullectomy (6). Conclusions The small number of conversions from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomies and the few common bile duct explorations performed for stone disease would be inadequate to train our six categorical surgical residents to perform open cholecystectomies and common bile duct procedures without a training program that augments this by providing a strong hepato-biliary-pancreatic experience. Programs without a strong hepato-biliary-pancreatic program should review their residents’ operative experience.
Interest rate changes and the timing of debt issues

Abstract There is much recent interest in the role of market timing in firm financial decisions. Using a large detailed sample of corporate public debt issues, private placements, Rule 144A issues and bank loans over the period 1970–2006, we investigate the relationship between interest rate changes and issues of floating and fixed-rate debt. Our results indicate that both past and future rates are associated with issuance decisions. We examine whether firms are able to lower their cost of capital by anticipating future rate changes, controlling for firm characteristics and market conditions. Our findings suggest that evidence of timing success is dependent on the time interval and type of debt examined. Over the longest time intervals available in our data, we do not find evidence of timing ability for fixed-rate or floating-rate debt issues.
Polygonal Plate Modeling

Abstract The paper presents an overview of an integral equation and method of moments (MM) solution to the problem of radiation and/or scattering from a three dimensional perfectly conducting body of general shape. The method is based upon a surface patch MM solution of the electric field integral equation for the surface currents representing the body. The shape of the body is described in terms of a number of polygonal plates, which are (automatically) further segmented into quadrilateral patches for the purpose of defining the MM surface patch modes. Examples are shown which illustrate the ability of the method to treat complex and realistic shapes.
Elbow Capsulectomy for Posttraumatic Elbow Stiffness

Purpose To determine factors associated with diminished elbow function and upper-extremity–specific health status after elbow capsulectomy for posttraumatic stiffness. Methods Forty-six adult patients with posttraumatic elbow stiffness were evaluated an average of 48 months after open capsular excision. A second capsular excision was performed in 9 patients (29%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Score, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores after all procedures. Results The average improvement in ulnohumeral motion after the index surgery for capsular release was 53°. (The average flexion was 98°.) The 9 patients who had subsequent repeat elbow contracture release gained an additional 24°, leading to a final average flexion arc for the entire cohort of 103°. Multiple linear regression identified the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons pain score, persistent ulnar nerve dysfunction, and duration of follow-up evaluation after the initial capsular release as independent predictors of a higher Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score; flexion arc and pain score as independent predictors of the Mayo Elbow Performance Index; and flexion arc, forearm arc, pain score, and persistent ulnar neuropathy as independent predictors of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Conclusions Open elbow capsulectomy for posttraumatic elbow stiffness restores a near-100° flexion arc on average. Second elbow releases provide limited additional motion in most patients. Final motion influences physician-based rating scales but not patient-specific health status (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire), which is dominated by pain and persistent ulnar neuropathy. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
IgE basement membrane zone antibodies induce eosinophil infiltration and histological blisters in engrafted human skin on SCID mice

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is characterized by the deposition of IgG in the basement membrane zone, infiltration of eosinophils, and blister formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a potential role of IgE basement membrane antibodies in the histological findings of BP. LABD97 is a component of the shed ectodomain of bullous pemphigoid antigen 2. We have developed an IgE hybridoma to LABD97 antigen. This hybridoma was injected subcutaneously in SCID mice with engrafted human skin. A subcutaneous hybridoma secreting IgE antibodies developed. An IgE mouse hybridoma to trinitrophenyl was used as a control. Human grafts and mouse skin were examined grossly over 21 days, histologically, and immunopathologically at day 21 after injection of the hybridoma. A visible subcutaneous tumor developed in 10–14 days. Erythema and intense scratching developed 2–3 days before the tumor in test mice, but not in controls. At day 21, 16/16 test mice developed intense eosinophil infiltration and degranulation of the human mast cells within the grafts and 13/16 developed histological, but not clinically visible, basement membrane blisters. Human skin grafts of control mice and normal mouse skin on the test mice and control mice did not develop any histological abnormalities. IgE antibodies to LABD97 recapitulate the histological inflammatory process seen in BP.
Investigations in Hansen's planetary theory

Hansen planetary theory representing position of disturbed planet as deviation in time and space from position of fictitious planet with Keplerian motion
An a posteriori certification algorithm for Newton homotopies

A Newton homotopy is a homotopy that involves changing only the constant terms. They arise naturally, for example, when performing monodromy loops, moving end effectors of robots, and simply when trying to compute a solution to a square system of equations. Previous certified path tracking techniques have focused on using an a priori certified tracking scheme which means that the stepsize is constructed so that the result automatically satisfies some conditions. These schemes use pessimistic stepsizes that can be much smaller than those used by heuristic tracking methods. This article designs an a posteriori certification scheme that uses the result of a heuristic tracking scheme as input to produce a certificate that the path was indeed tracked correctly, e.g., no path jumpings occurred. By using an a posteriori approach, each step can be certified independently and thus certification of the path can be performed in parallel. Examples are presented demonstrating the efficiency of this a posteriori certification approach.
Chronic Back Pain Is Associated with Decreased Prefrontal and Thalamic Gray Matter Density

The role of the brain in chronic pain conditions remains speculative. We compared brain morphology of 26 chronic back pain (CBP) patients to matched control subjects, using magnetic resonance imaging brain scan data and automated analysis techniques. CBP patients were divided into neuropathic, exhibiting pain because of sciatic nerve damage, and non-neuropathic groups. Pain-related characteristics were correlated to morphometric measures. Neocortical gray matter volume was compared after skull normalization. Patients with CBP showed 5-11% less neocortical gray matter volume than control subjects. The magnitude of this decrease is equivalent to the gray matter volume lost in 10-20 years of normal aging. The decreased volume was related to pain duration, indicating a 1.3 cm3 loss of gray matter for every year of chronic pain. Regional gray matter density in 17 CBP patients was compared with matched controls using voxel-based morphometry and nonparametric statistics. Gray matter density was reduced in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right thalamus and was strongly related to pain characteristics in a pattern distinct for neuropathic and non-neuropathic CBP. Our results imply that CBP is accompanied by brain atrophy and suggest that the pathophysiology of chronic pain includes thalamocortical processes.
A Technique for Non-Invasive His-Purkinje System (HPS) Recording

Electrocardiograms were recorded from human volunteers using bipolar chest electrodes and standard leads I, II and III. The chest lead signals were amplified approx. 105 times, filtered and time-averaged over 128 consecutive beats. For signal conditioning and averaging, an analog- and digital microprocessor-based system was employed. The noise reduction resulting from the averaging technique permitted extraction of microvolt-range activity in the P-Q segment of the heart cycle otherwise regarded as silent. The recorded waveforms were triangular, approx. 5 msec in duration and 3-6 microvolts in amplitude. They preceded the ventricular depolarization complexes by 25–45 msec. On some volunteer patients, the externally-recorded waveform was compared with an internal electrogram recorded from an indwelling catheter. The correlation of events corresponding with internally-recorded His bundle activity was promising.
Role of the Reversible Xanthophyll Cycle in the Photosystem II Damage and Repair Cycle in Dunaliella salina

The Dunaliella salina photosynthetic apparatus organization and function was investigated in wild type (WT) and a mutant (zea1) lacking all β,β-epoxycarotenoids derived from zeaxanthin (Z). The zea1 mutant lacked antheraxanthin, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin from its thylakoid membranes but constitutively accumulated Z instead. It also lacked the so-called xanthophyll cycle, which, upon irradiance stress, reversibly converts violaxanthin to Z via a de-epoxidation reaction. Despite the pronounced difference observed in the composition of β,β-epoxycarotenoids between WT and zea1, no discernible difference could be observed between the two strains in terms of growth, photosynthesis, organization of the photosynthetic apparatus, photo-acclimation, sensitivity to photodamage, or recovery from photo-inhibition. WT and zea1 were probed for the above parameters over a broad range of growth irradiance and upon light shift experiments (low light to high light shift and vice versa). A constitutive accumulation of Z in the zea1 strain did not affect the acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus to irradiance, as evidenced by indistinguishable irradiance-dependent adjustments in the chlorophyll antenna size and photosystem content of WT and zea1 strain. In addition, a constitutive accumulation of Z in the zea1 strain did not affect rates of photodamage or the recovery of the photosynthetic apparatus from photo-inhibition. However, Z in the WT accumulated in parallel with the accumulation of photodamaged PSII centers in the chloroplast thylakoids and decayed in tandem with a chloroplast recovery from photo-inhibition. These results suggest a role for Z in the protection of photodamaged and disassembled PSII reaction centers, apparently needed while PSII is in the process of degradation and replacement of the D1/32-kD reaction center protein.
Potential clinical utility of partial body weight support on treadmill walking time in persons with intermittent claudication: a single case report.

Intermittent claudication can seriously limit an individual's walking capacity. Walking programs are known to improve this limitation but could be limited by a person's ability to carry his or her own full body weight to perform the walking. We theorized that decreasing body weight, through mechanical unloading, might allow longer pain-free walking, thus potentially accelerating exercise training. This case report describes the effect of partial body weight support (PBWS) on walking time in a patient with claudication. A 60-year-old male with calf pain that prevented him from walking long distances or walking quickly was studied. The patient completed three treadmill walking tests (0%, 25%, and 50% PBWS) until claudication pain stopped him or 15 minutes elapsed. The participant walked 4:31 minutes at 0% PBWS with a pain rating of 3/4. He walked the full 15 minutes under each support condition with the same or less claudication pain (3/4 for 25% PBWS, 2/4 for 50% PBWS). This case reports the successful use...
Classification of genes differentially expressed during water-deficit stress in Arabidopsis thaliana: an analysis using microarray and differential expression data.

Many changes in gene expression occur in response to water‐deficit stress. A challenge is to determine which changes support plant adaptation to conditions of reduced soil water content and which occur in response to lesions in metabolic and cellular functions. Microarray methods are being employed to catalogue all of the changes in gene expression that occur in response to specific water‐deficit conditions. Although these methods do not measure the amount or activities of specific proteins that function in the water‐deficit response, they do target specific biochemical and cellular events that should be detailed in further work. Potential functions of approx. 130 genes of Arabidopsis thaliana that have been shown to be up‐regulated are tabulated here. These point to signalling events, detoxification and other functions involved in the cellular response to water‐deficit stress. As microarray techniques are refined, plant stress biologists will be able to characterize changes in gene expression within the whole genome in specific organs and tissues subjected to different levels of water‐deficit stress.
Free fatty acid oxidation in insulin resistance and obesity

The growing worldwide epidemic of obesity and diabetes portends a significant increase in cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, and there is growing evidence that these conditions independently increase the risk of heart failure. Changes in myocardial substrate utilization develop in obesity and insulin resistance, and are characterized by increased fatty acid oxidation and utilization, and decreased glucose utilization. This paper will review the evidence for altered myocardial fatty acid utilization in obesity and insulin resistance, review mechanisms that are responsible, and discuss the relative contributions of systemic and myocardial insulin resistance in the regulation of fatty acid utilization in the heart.
Preparation and reactivity of terminal gold(I) amides and phosphides

Nucleophilic terminal gold(I) amides have been prepared and their reactivity toward a variety of electrophiles has been explored. For the first time these frequently proposed intermediates were isolated and shown to be unreactive in the amination of π-bonds. The first crystallographically determined terminal group 11 metal phosphide was also synthesized. Preliminary DFT studies have been conducted to understand the structure and reactivity of these complexes.
Characterization of polyacetylene/low density polyethylene composites prepared by in-situ polymerization

The results of thermal, mechanical, and conductivity studies of polymer composites prepared by polymerization of acetylene in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films impregnated with a Ziegler–Natta catalyst are presented and discussed. The enthalpy of melting of the LDPE component decreases as the amount of polyacetylene (CH)x grown in the matrix increases and is rationalized as being due to entanglement effects, although grafting cannot be unequivocally ruled out. Composites prepared well below the melting point of the LDPE matrix possess enhanced tensile moduli and tensile strengths at break, compared with pristine LDPE; this suggests reinforcement of the LDPE amorphous regions by the (CH)x chains. Measurements of electrical conductivity as a function of (CH)x content for a series of iodine-doped composites reveal an apparent percolation threshold at ca. 3 wt % (CH)x.
Physician-Patient Colorectal Cancer Screening Discussions by Physicians' Screening Rates

Background: Most physicians report routinely recommending colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but many eligible patients are not screened. To better understand this finding, we explored the relationship between the content of hypothetical patient-physician CRC screening discussions and CRC screening rates in physicians’ practices. Methods: Semistructured interviews, including role-playing, with 24 primary care physicians explored their CRC screening approach with average-risk patients. Qualitative analysis examined physician-reported components of the CRC screening discussion, then compared findings between physicians with high (>60%, n 16) and low (<45%, n 8) CRC screening rates (based on HEDIS criteria). We conducted no statistical tests because of the small sample size and its exploratory aims. Results: High screeners used dramatic language (eg, patient stories) and mentioned risk of death, disability, or surgery from CRC in screening discussion role-plays more often than low screeners. High screeners frequently offered fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy as equally acceptable screening options. High screeners more commonly described solutions for overcoming CRC screening barriers. Conclusions: Encouraging providers to use risk-specific messaging about the consequences of CRC, offering screening option choices, and promoting a problem-solving approach to surmount barriers are potential strategies for increasing CRC screening rates. (J Am Board Fam Med 2012;25:771‐781.)
More than just a pretty face: Men's priority shifts toward bodily attractiveness in short-term versus long-term mating contexts

Abstract Studies of physical attractiveness have long emphasized the constituent features that make faces and bodies attractive, such as symmetry, skin texture, and waist-to-hip ratio. Few studies, however, have examined the reproductively relevant cues conveyed by faces and bodies as whole units. Based on the premise that fertility cues are more readily assessed from a woman's body than her face, the present study tested the hypothesis that men evaluating a potential short-term mate would give higher priority to information gleaned from her body, relative to her face, than men evaluating a potential long-term mate. Male and female participants ( N =375) were instructed to consider dating an opposite sex individual, whose face was occluded by a "face box" and whose body was occluded by a "body box," as a short-term or long-term mate. With the instruction that only one box could be removed to make their decision about their willingness to engage in the designated relationship with the occluded individual, significantly more men assigned to the short-term, compared to the long-term, mating condition removed the body box. Women's face versus body information choice, in contrast, was unaffected by the temporal dimension of the mating condition. These results suggest that men, but not women, have a condition-dependent adaptive proclivity to prioritize facial cues in long-term mating contexts, but shift their priorities toward bodily cues in short-term mating contexts.
A Treatment Algorithm for the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: 2008 Update

Chronic HBV infection is an important public health problem worldwide and in the United States. A treatment algorithm for the management of this disease, published previously by a panel of U.S. hepatologists, has been revised on the basis of new developments in the understanding of the disorder, the availability of more sensitive molecular diagnostic tests, and the licensure of new therapies. In addition, a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of new treatments has led to the development of strategies for reducing the rate of resistance associated with oral agents and optimizing treatment outcomes. This updated algorithm was based primarily on available evidence by using a systematic review of the literature. Where data were lacking, the panel relied on clinical experience and consensus expert opinion. The primary aim of antiviral therapy is durable suppression of serum HBV DNA to low or undetectable levels. Assays can now detect serum HBV DNA at levels as low as 10 IU/mL and should be used to establish a baseline level, monitor response to antiviral therapy, and survey for the development of drug resistance. Interferon alfa-2b, lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir, peginterferon alfa-2a, telbivudine, and tenofovir are approved as initial therapy for chronic hepatitis B and have certain advantages and disadvantages. Although all of these agents can be used in selected patients, the preferred first-line treatment choices are entecavir, peginterferon alfa-2a, and tenofovir. Issues for consideration for therapy include efficacy, safety, rate of resistance, method of administration, and cost.
Exploring plain language guidelines

Based on the last National Assessment of Adult Literacy survey (2003) conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Educational Statistics, an estimated 43% (93 million) of the U.S. adults age 16 and older has below or basic literacy skills . Many government agencies adopt a policy of using plain language guidelines when preparing documents for the public. This study used the Delphi Technique to explore how government health communication professionals (n =11) define “plain language” and what they consider to be the main guidelines for writing in “plain language.” Participants agreed on only six plain language items throughout the study: (1) Write for audience's level of understanding of the subject matter, (2) Write for the literacy level of the target population, (3) Present information in a logical order, (4) Use simple sentence structure, (5) Define unfamiliar concepts, and (6) Use correct grammar and sentence structure. No standard exists on how to write in plain language for health care documents, which may be why health communicators have varied ideas on what plain language means and what guidelines should be followed.
A gold surface phase: Its formation and properties on thin films of gold

Abstract Resistance measurements and electron microscope examinations of thin gold films are presented which indicate that a surface phase forms when the films are annealed in certain gases at 350 °C. The phase is an epitaxially-oriented hexagonal network with 5.3 A sides and a formation energy of 0.12 eV. It is stabilized by the adsorption of gas into its lattice. This absorbed gas flattens the top surfaces of the films, producing specular scattering of conduction electrons and stabilizing them during annealing. This is especially true when the absorbed gas is oxygen. Increased surface tension (due to forces of attraction which may exist between adjacent gas-filled hexagonal cells) would account for these phenomena. When phase-covered surfaces are placed in different gases, the ambient gas replaces the previously incorporated gas. The energy barrier for oxygen incorporation is 0.73 eV. The phase forms very slowly on air-exposed films at room temperature.
Haemodynamic and ADH responses to central blood volume shifts in cardiac-denervated humans.

Hemodynamic responses and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) were measured during body position changes designed to induce blood volume shifts in ten cardiac transplant recipients to assess the contribution of cardiac and vascular volume receptors in the control of ADH secretion. Each subject underwent 15 min of a control period in the seated posture, then assumed a lying posture for 30 min at 6 deg head down tilt (HDT) followed by 20 min of seated recovery. Venous blood samples and cardiac dimensions (echocardiography) were taken at 0 and 15 min before HDT, 5, 15, and 30 min of HDT, and 5, 15, and 30 min of seated recovery. Blood samples were analyzed for hematocrit, plasma osmolality, plasma renin activity (PRA), and ADH. Resting plasma volume (PV) was measured by Evans blue dye and percent changes in PV during posture changes were calculated from changes in hematocrit. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were recorded every 2 min. Results indicate that cardiac volume receptors are not the only mechanism for the control of ADH release during acute blood volume shifts in man.
The Colonial Famine Plot: Slavery, Free Trade, and Empire in the French Atlantic, 1763–1791

This essay examines the use of famine-plot rhetoric in the course of disputes over free trade in the French Atlantic during the late eighteenth century. Seeking to discredit officially sanctioned trade monopolies, French plantation owners frequently suggested that the control exercised by metropolitan merchants over transatlantic commerce was responsible for food shortages among the enslaved population of the colonies. In reality, the planters themselves bore primary responsibility for malnutrition in the French Caribbean, thanks to their reliance on the slave trade and support for the expansion of plantation agriculture. While proponents of the colonial famine plot accepted that plantation slavery had made it impossible for the resources available in the colonies to sustain the growing enslaved population, they remained committed to the plantation system. In advocating expanded free trade as the best means to ensure the continued growth of the colonies, French planters anticipated a response to the environmental problems caused by colonial expansion that became increasingly prevalent among proponents of European imperialism during the nineteenth century.
Socialized medicine: individual and communal disease barriers in honey bees.

Honey bees are attacked by numerous parasites and pathogens toward which they present a variety of individual and group-level defenses. In this review, we briefly introduce the many pathogens and parasites afflicting honey bees, highlighting the biology of specific taxonomic groups mainly as they relate to virulence and possible defenses. Second, we describe physiological, immunological, and behavioral responses of individual bees toward pathogens and parasites. Third, bees also show behavioral mechanisms for reducing the disease risk of their nestmates. Accordingly, we discuss the dynamics of hygienic behavior and other group-level behaviors that can limit disease. Finally, we conclude with several avenues of research that seem especially promising for understanding host–parasite relationships in bees and for developing breeding or management strategies for enhancing honey bee health. We discuss how human efforts to maintain healthy colonies intersect with similar efforts by the bees, and how bee management and breeding protocols can affect disease traits in the short and long term.