cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic Suppression of Hypothalamic Cell Proliferation and Neurogenesis Induces Aging-Like Changes in Sleep-Wake Organization in Young Mice.

Abstract Aging is associated with sleep–wake disruption, dampening of circadian amplitudes, and a reduced homeostatic sleep response. Aging is also associated with a decline in hypothalamic cell proliferation. We hypothesized that the aging-related decline in cell-proliferation contributes to the dysfunction of preoptic–hypothalamic sleep–wake and circadian systems and consequent sleep–wake disruption. We determined if cytosine-β-D-arabinofuranoside (AraC), an antimitotic agent known to suppress hypothalamic cell proliferation and neurogenesis, causes sleep–wake instability in young mice. The sleep–wake profiles were compared during baseline, during 4 weeks of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) + 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) or AraC + BrdU infusion into the lateral ventricle, and 8 weeks after treatments. The sleep–wake architecture after AraC treatment was further compared with sleep–wake profiles in aged mice. Compared to aCSF + BrdU, 4 weeks of AraC + BrdU infusion significantly decreased (− 96%) the number of BrdU + cells around the third ventricular wall and adjacent preoptic–hypothalamic area and produced a) sleep disruption during the light phase with decreases in non-rapid eye movement (nonREM) (− 9%) and REM sleep (− 21%) amounts, and increased numbers of shorter ( 5 min; 19 versus 26 episodes/12 h) nonREM sleep episodes; and b) wake disruption during the dark phase, with increased numbers of shorter (138 versus 91 episodes/12 h) and decreased numbers of longer active waking (17 versus 24 episodes/12 h) episodes. AraC-treated mice also exhibited lower delta activity within nonREM recovery sleep. The sleep–wake architecture of AraC-treated mice was similar to that observed in aged mice. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis that a decrease in hypothalamic cell proliferation/neurogenesis is detrimental to sleep–wake and circadian systems and may underlie sleep–wake disturbance in aging.
A study of graphite/PEEK under high temperatures

An experimental evaluation of graphite/PEEK, APC-2, was carried out on specimens with various size holes acting under tension and compression loading. Quasiisotropic symmetrical laminates were tested at RT, 121, 135, and 149°C, and the Pipes three-parameter failure criterion was correlated with experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy photographs were used to determine specific notch effects on failure modes.
Evaluation of In Silico Multifeature Libraries for Providing Evidence for the Presence of Small Molecules in Synthetic Blinded Samples.

The current gold standard for unambiguous molecular identification in metabolomics analysis is comparing two or more orthogonal properties from the analysis of authentic reference materials (standa...
The development of an in-house affiliate marketing network - a case study

The aim of this case study is to present the influence of some organisational and managerial activities on the structure of an in-house affiliate marketing network. The data has been obtained particularly based on interviews with the affiliate marketing manager during a period of over two years. The influence of incentives, monitoring, and enforcement carried out within the operation of in-house affiliate marketing on the evolution of a respective affiliate marketing network is demonstrated. This case study enriches the literature devoted to affiliate marketing by the identification and specification of how managerial activities affect relationships and structure in the affiliate marketing network.
Participant and Study Partner Reported Impact of Cognition on Functional Activities in Parkinson's Disease.

Introduction Cognitive dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and associated with reduced functional abilities and increased dependence. To date, however, little is known about the relationship between performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and cognitive stages in PD, and there are conflicting reports as to whether declines in specific cognitive domains predict IADL impairment. Methods Participants with PD were drawn from the Pacific Udall Center and included in the study if both participant and study partner IADL ratings and cognitive tests were completed (n = 192). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether participant and/or study partner rating predicted mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Correlations are reported for the relationship between participant/study partner IADL reports as well as for specific cognitive tests. Results Although both participant and study partner ratings of IADL performance were associated with a diagnosis of PD with dementia, only participant self-rating of functional ability was significantly associated with a diagnosis of PD with mild cognitive impairment. Functional ability correlated most strongly with measures of processing speed, auditory working memory, and immediate verbal recall for both the participant and study partner ratings. Conclusion For participants with PD in the early stages of cognitive decline, self-rating may be more sensitive to the impact of cognitive changes on IADL function than ratings made by a knowledgeable study partner. Changes in executive function, processing speed, and learning may indicate a higher likelihood of IADL impairment. Careful assessment of cognition and IADL performance is recommended to permit individualized interventions prior to significant disability.
Effects of crucible wetting during solidification of immiscible Pb-Zn

Many industrial uses for liquid phase miscibility gap alloys are proposed. However, the commercial production of these alloys into useful ingots with a reasonable amount of homogeneity is arduous because of their immiscibility in the liquid state. In the low-g environment of space gravitational settling forces are abated, thus solidification of an immiscible alloys with a uniform distribution of phases becomes feasible. Elimination of gravitational settling and coalescence processes in low-g also makes possible the study of other separation and coarsening mechanisms. Even with gravitational separation forces reduced, many low-g experiments have resulted in severely segregated structures. The segregation in many cases was due to preferential wetting of the crucible by one of the immiscible liquids. The objective was to analyze the wetting behavior of Pb-Zn alloys on various crucible materials in an effort to identify a crucible in which the fluid flow induced by preferential wetting is minimized. It is proposed that by choosing the crucible for a particular alloy so that the difference in surface energy between the solid and two liqud phases is minimized, the effects of preferential wetting can be diminished and possibly avoided. Qualitative experiments were conducted and have shown the competitive wetting behavior of the immiscible Pb-Zn system and 13 different crucible materials.
The Impact of Parameterized Lateral Mixing on the Antarctic Circumpolar Current in a Coupled Climate Model

AbstractThis study examines the impact of changing the lateral diffusion coefficient ARedi on the transport of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The lateral diffusion coefficient ARedi is po...
An Empirical Study of Key Generation in Cryptographic Ransomware

Ransomware acquire the leverage necessary for ransom extraction via encryption of irreplaceable data. Successful encryption requires secure key generation and therefore comprehension of key generation strategies deployed in ransomware is critical for developing effective response and recovery solutions. This paper presents a systematic study of key generation strategies observed in modern ransomware with the goal of facilitating swift identification of cryptographically insecure and operationally nonviable key routines in novel threats. Empirical evidence of the identified strategies is provided in the form of code snippets and disassembly of real-world ransomware. Additionally, the identified strategies are mapped to a timeline based on the actual ransomware samples where these strategies were observed. Finally, a list of 10 questions provides guidance in recognizing the critical intricacies of key generation and deployment in novel ransomware.
Scaling of Transition State Vibrational Frequencies and Application of d-Band Theory to the Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi Relationship on Surfaces

Semiempirical energy relations provide a means of estimating thermodynamic properties. Specifically, linear scaling relationships (LSRs) and Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) relationships correlate ads...
Underground Archaeology: Photogrammetry and Terrestrial Laser Scanning of the Hypogeum of Crispia Salvia (Marsala, Italy)

The convergence of issues such as safety, lighting, and physical accessibility with problems of archaeological conservation make underground contexts particularly difficult to study, preserve, and make accessible to the public. The Hypogeum of Crispia Salvia at Marsala (Italy) is a particularly apt case study as the frescoed burial site, unique in all of Sicily, is now built over by an apartment complex that can only be accessed through scheduled tours. The authors, in partnership with the local archaeological authorities, harnessing the power of machine learning, created a digital model of this underground burial space using terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry. This is part of a larger ongoing effort to re-document important subterranean heritage sites of Sicily in order to make them accessible to both researchers and the public, increasingly important in a historic moment where even local mobility is limited due to a global pandemic.
Three-Year Changes in Low-Income Children's Physical Activity: Prospective Influence of Neighborhood Environment and Parent Supportive Behavior

Objectives To prospectively evaluate parent supportive behaviors (PSB) for child physical activity (PA) and neighborhood environment variables on changes in child PA over 3 years. Study design Secondary data analysis of the Now Everybody Together for Amazing and Healthful Kids-Works study with 534 parent-child (age 2-4 years) dyads randomized to a community-based pediatric obesity prevention intervention for 3 years (92% retention). PSB and neighborhood environmental variables were examined in relation to changes in child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), light and sedentary activity, and screen time. Child and parent accelerometry data were collected at visit 0, 12, 24, and 36 months. Mixed multivariate models were used to examine independent and interactive effects of parent-level and neighborhood-level variables on changes in child PA outcomes. Results PSB significantly interacted with visit on change in child MVPA (β = 0.12) and sedentary behaviors (β = -0.18). Over 3 years, a 1-unit increase in PSB was associated with an average increase of 4.3 minutes/day of MVPA and an average decrease of 6.5 minutes/day of sedentary time. Significant main effects were observed for PSB and 3-year change in child screen time (β = -0.05). The children of parents with higher PSB at baseline watched an average of 1.8 fewer minutes/day of screen time compared with parents with lower baseline PSB. Neighborhood-level variables were not significantly associated with changes in child PA outcomes. Conclusions Parents who increase their supportive behaviors for their child's PA have children who are more physically active and less sedentary over time. Interventions to increase preschool-age children's PA may enhance their effectiveness by targeting parents' supportive behaviors for their child's PA.
Outcomes with brachytherapy based dose escalation for gleason 8 versus 9-10 prostate cancer: An NCDB analysis

Abstract Introduction The addition of brachytherapy (BT) in high risk prostate cancer is supported by Level 1 evidence. Whether all high risk patients benefit from BT to the same extent is unknown. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to investigate overall survival (OS) differences between GS 8 and 9-10 treated with external beam radiation (EBRT) only or BT +/- EBRT. Materials and Methods We included localized prostate adenocarcinoma definitively treated with radiation between 2004-2014. Patients were stratified into various radiation treatment groups: EBRT 7560 - 8640 cGy, EBRT 5940 - 7540 cGy, and BT +/- EBRT. All EBRT only and BT +/- EBRT patients received ADT. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess OS. Propensity score matching was used to account for differences between groups. Median survival was determined based on Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results 30,698 patients were included. On multivariable analysis among GS 8 patients, BT was associated with improved OS compared to 7560 - 8640 cGy (HR–0.80 (95% CI 0.70-0.92, P = 0.002). In Gleason 9-10 BT did not result in improved OS compared to 7560 – 8640 cGy (HR- 0.91 (95% CI 0.79 – 1.05, P = 0.212). Results remained significant with propensity score matching and removing patients with medical comorbidities. Conclusion BT was associated with improved OS when compared to 7560 – 8640 cGy in GS 8, but not in Gleason 9-10 disease. This hypothesis generating study suggests there may be variable benefit with BT in high risk prostate cancer patients on OS. Future prospective studies are needed to investigate whether the benefit of BT is similar across all high risk prostate cancer patients.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Flavin-Dependent Siderophore-Interacting Protein from Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen with a high mortality rate due to multi-drug-resistant strains. The synthesis and uptake of the iron-chelating siderophores acinetobactin (Acb) and preacinetobactin (pre-Acb) have been shown to be essential for virulence. Here, we report the kinetic and structural characterization of BauF, a flavin-dependent siderophore-interacting protein (SIP) required for the reduction of Fe(III) bound to Acb/pre-Acb and release of Fe(II). Stopped-flow spectrophotometric studies of the reductive half-reaction show that BauF forms a stable neutral flavin semiquinone intermediate. Reduction with NAD(P)H is very slow (k obs, 0.001 s-1) and commensurate with the rate of reduction by photobleaching, suggesting that NAD(P)H are not the physiological partners of BauF. The reduced BauF was oxidized by Acb-Fe (k obs, 0.02 s-1) and oxazole pre-Acb-Fe (ox-pre-Acb-Fe) (k obs, 0.08 s-1), a rigid analogue of pre-Acb, at a rate 3-11 times faster than that with molecular oxygen alone. The structure of FAD-bound BauF was solved at 2.85 A and was found to share a similarity to Shewanella SIPs. The biochemical and structural data presented here validate the role of BauF in A. baumannii iron assimilation and provide information important for drug design.
Lessons learned from value-based pediatric appendectomy care: A shared savings pilot model.

Abstract Purpose We aim to assess the healthcare value achieved from a shared savings program for pediatric appendectomy. Methods All appendectomy patients covered by our health plan were included. Quality targets were 15% reduction in time to surgery, length of stay, readmission rate, and patient satisfaction. Quality targets and costs for an appendectomy episode in two 6-month performance periods (PP1, PP2) were compared to baseline. Results 640 patients were included (baseline:317, PP1:167, PP2:156). No quality targets were met in PP1. Two quality targets were met during PP2: readmission rate (−57%) and patient satisfaction. No savings were realized because the cost reduction threshold (−9%) was not met during PP1 (+1.7%) or PP2 (−0.4%). Conclusions Payer-provider partnerships can be a platform for testing value-based reimbursement models. Setting achievable targets, identifying affectable quality metrics, considering case mix index, and allowing sufficient time for interventions to generate cost savings should be considered in future programs.
NetzDG and the German Precedent for Authoritarian Creep and Authoritarian Learning

In our digital age, how do governments both combat hate speech and terrorism, while continuing to protect civil liberties? And who makes the rules – platforms themselves? National governments? International institutions? When it comes to establishing policies to protect people on and off-line, many open questions remain. Governments have largely outsourced content moderation, platform policing, and digital policy to the private sector, often leaving the bulk of the work to the platforms themselves. Against this backdrop, governments have traditionally used two main tools to shape policy: threats of regulation and voluntary compliance programs. However, increasingly frustrated with the ineffectiveness of voluntary commitments, governments are taking a larger role in both defining hate and violent speech online, and clarifying the role that platforms must play. In 2017, after a series of right-wing extremist attacks linked to online hate speech, Germany passed the “Network Enforcement Act” (NetzDG), with the aim of improving the enforcement of law in social networks. NetzDG requires social media platforms with more than two million users to establish user-friendly complaint-reporting mechanisms, remove manifestly unlawful conduct within 24 hours, and deliver transparency reports twice a year. Importantly, NetzDG forces platforms to proactively report hate speech to law enforcement without a court order under penalty of fine. It is the first example of a European state using an aggressive approach to social media regulation, by making content moderation laws compulsory, rather than voluntary. This paper examines NetzDG's global proliferation. It argues that NetzDG’s reproduction in various hybrid and authoritarian regimes is doubly problematic––it is both an indication of authoritarian creep into democratic regimes and an instance of authoritarian learning from democratic regimes. Part One describes NetzDG’s history and specificities. Part Two provides background on the challenges of content moderation. It discusses the big questions that inform the debate about NetzDG specifically and digital regulation more broadly. Part Three explores the global repercussions. First, it describes NetzDG as an example of democratic backsliding in Germany. It then uses the case studies of Russia, Singapore, and Turkey to demonstrate how authoritarian and hybrid regimes justify illiberal actions by invoking the practices of liberal democracies. Throughout, this paper underscores the dangers of a one-size-fits-all digital governance regime, urging states to consider the global and long-term effects of their policies
The New EU Copyright Directive––Good news or?

While it might pose a financial burden on OSPs to accommodate for the Directive, the legal benefits to their users and right holders far outweigh this consequence. Like the legend of Robin Hood, where a thief takes from the rich to relieve the poor, smaller businesses will take just-remuneration from big tech companies for their artistry. But unlike Robin Hood, this “taking” is completely legal under the EU’s new copyright directive.
THE DUAL ROLE OF STUDENTS PURSUING A HIGHER DEGREE AND PROVIDING CARE TO THEIR CHILDREN AND FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the psychological well-being of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight their experience as caregivers. A total of 1444 college students responded to the questionnaire on the impact of COVID-19 on their lives. Qualitative responses from 25 female and 7 male college students who serve as caregivers were analyzed. Data were assessed using thematic analyses. The analysis revealed that college students’ caregiving experiences impacted every aspect of their lives, including psychological health, academic performance, and career. Students who served as caregivers indicated that the mandated "Stay-at-Home" order resulted in homeschooling children, working from home, and attending school via online at home, limiting space for work, school, childcare, and homeschool. This led to increased stress, difficulty finding childcare, a drop in GPA for some, fear of delayed graduation, and financial distress. Conclusion: University students serving as caregivers were negatively affected during the pandemic. These individuals play a significant role in the workforce; therefore, rethinking resources and policies promoting their success as they serve their loved ones is in society's best interest. Article visualizations:
Second Circuit 2000-2001 Personal Jurisdiction Developments

During the 2000-2001 survey year, federal courts in the Second Circuit published approximately fifty personal jurisdiction opinions. The majority of the opinions handed down in federal district courts dealt with diversity matters and involved the application of New York State's long-arm statute. There were, however, several significant circuit court opinions. One involved the district court's premature personal jurisdiction dismissal of a matter without consideration of whether the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act ("FSIA") applied. Another involved a human rights claim under the Alien Tort Claims Act and the question of whether foreign companies were doing business in New York based on their maintenance of an Investors Relations Office in New York. A third set forth important guidelines for a district court's rejection of a personal jurisdictional challenge, while another reminded the bench and bar that circuit court review of district court dismissals for want of personal jurisdiction are de novo.
Crimes Against Humanity: Historical Evolution and Contemporary Application

This book traces the evolution of crimes against humanity (CAH) and their application from the end of World War I to the present day, in terms of both historic legal analysis and subject-matter content. The first part of the book addresses general issues pertaining to the categorization of CAH in normative jurisprudential and doctrinal terms. This is followed by an analysis of the specific contents of CAH, describing its historic phases going through international criminal tribunals, mixed model tribunals and the International Criminal Court. The book examines the general parts and defenses of the crime, along with the history and jurisprudence of both international and national prosecutions. For the first time, a list of all countries that have enacted national legislation specifically directed at CAH is collected, along with all of the national prosecutions that have occurred under national legislation up to 2010.
Polypeptide components of an excitable plasma membrane.

Abstract The excitable axonal membrane from garfish olfactory nerve has been purified by density gradient centrifugation using a modification of the Ficoll-sucrose method of Day et al. (Day, E. D., McMillan, P. N., Mickey, D. D., and Appel, S. H. (1971) Anal. Biochem. 39, 29). Three fractions are obtained with densities ranging from 1.051 to 1.064 g per ml. The membrane contains approximately 28% protein and the polypeptide chain composition has been analyzed on polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The phosphorylated intermediate of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase has a molecular weight of 100,000 and the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity is more than 90% of the total ATPase activity in the membrane.
Future challenges for mems failure analysis

Abstract MEMS processes and components are rapidly changing in device design, processing, and, most importantly, application. This paper will discuss the future challenges faced by the MEMS failure analysis as the field of MEMS (fabrication, component design, and applications) grows. Specific areas of concern for the failure analyst will also be discussed. 1. Introduction MEMS research is a relatively young field compared to ICs. MEMS design, fabrication, packaging, and reliability testing are still in their infancy and require constant revision and improvements now and over the next several years. MEMS failure analyisis (in this context) is a younger field than MEMS fabrication and design. Although MEMS have been around for a number of years, with failure analysis support for production, packaging, testing, and field operation, the tools and techniques required to properly diagnose the root cause of failure need to be upgraded and designed specifically for MEMS failure mechanisms. MEMS failure mechanisms can be as unique as the devices themselves. In ICs, considerable efforts are taken in handling and testing to properly characterize and assess device performance and compare the performance to device specifications. One major difference between ICs and MEMS testing is the environmental conditions. In many instances, ICs are tested in various environments ranging from various temperature and humidity conditions to vacuum and inert gas. In MEMS technology, similar handling and testing procedures are implemented, but the device is required to work with a given environment [1]. Varying the test environment can dramatically change device sensitivity and functionality. The added complexity of mechanical motion requires added care in handling and testing. Fortunately, MEMS has the advantage of leveraging IC FA tools and techniques for MEMS analysis. However, as the number of devices and applications grow, the MEMS failure analyst must become more diverse and multi-disciplinary in their knowledge base to properly diagnose the root cause of failure. This has become clearly evident in the failure analysis of thermally versus electrostatically driven actuators, microbiological and microfluidic devices, optical and RF components, and the wide array of sensors available for use.
Risk Management in the Post‐SOX Era

Since the initial disclosure of accounting irregularities at Enron in late 2001, the landscape of audits for both domestic and foreign companies listed in the United States has undergone substantial change. These changes include the demise of Arthur Andersen and the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX). Together these changes have significantly increased the amount of work required to issue an audit report for US registrants and resulted in an unprecedented increase in the number of auditor resignations. I extend the audit literature by investigating how Big 4 audit firms make client continuance decisions in the post-SOX era. My findings indicate that Big 4 audit firms have become more critical of the client continuance decision and this heightened concern and/or the additional audit requirements of SOX has resulted in the threshold for client continuance increasing post-SOX. Interestingly, almost 70 percent of the Big 4 resignation clients move down in auditor class, and in the years immediately following the resignation, they continue to perform poorly.
Edge detection: wavelets versus conventional methods on DSP processors

Edge detection is a cornerstone in any computer, robotic or machine vision system. Real time edge detection is a pre-process to many critical applications, such as assembly line inspection and surveillance. Wavelets-based algorithms are replacing traditional algorithms, especially the Haar wavelet because of its simplicity. The Haar algorithm uses a multilevel decomposition to produce image edges corresponding to high frequency wavelet coefficients. In this paper, a real time edge detection algorithm based on Haar is analyzed and compared to conventional edge detectors. Other implemented and compared algorithms are the traditional Prewitt algorithm, and, from a newer generation, the Canny algorithm. The real time implementation of all algorithms is accomplished using TI TMS320C6711 card. In case of Haar, the multilevel decomposition improves the results obtained with noisy images. The results show that the Haar-based edge detector has a low execution time with accurate edge results, and thus represents a suitable algorithm for on-line vision system applications. Canny has produced the thinnest edges, but is not suitable for real time processing using the 6711, and falls short in edge results compared to the Haar results. The wavelet-based algorithm has outperformed other edge detectors.
Electrophysiology of acanthocephalan body wall muscles.

Body wall muscles of an acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus were studied by means of scanning and light microscopy and intracellular recording of potentials. Three types of spontaneous potential changes were found: larger (L) potentials which usually exhibited overshoot and were as large as 65 mV; smaller symmetric (A) potentials approximately 15 mV in amplitude; and even smaller asymmetric (S) potentials which sometimes reached 10 mV. The potentials recorded depended upon the position of the electrode in the anterior-posterior, as well as the medialateral, axis. Tetrodotoxin eliminated L but not S potentials. Ouabain lengthened the time for depolarization of L potentials and depolarized the membrane potentials. It is suggested that the rete system activates the body wall muscles in Acanthocephala.
Methanogenesis from Sucrose by Defined Immobilized Consortia

A bacterial consortium capable of sucrose degradation primarily to CH4 and CO2 was constructed, with acetate as the key methanogenic precursor. In addition, the effect of agar immobilization on the activity of the consortium was determined. The primary fermentative organism, Escherichia coli, produced acetate, formate, H2, and CO2 (known substrates for methanogens), as well as ethanol and lactate, compounds that are not substrates for methanogens. Oxidation of the nonmethanogenic substrates, lactate and ethanol, to acetate was mediated by the addition of Acetobacterium woodii and Desulfovibrio vulgaris. The methanogenic stage was accomplished by the addition of the acetophilic methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri and the hydrogenophilic methanogen Methanobacterium formicicum. Results of studies with low substrate concentrations (0.05 to 0.2% [wt/vol]), a growth-limiting medium, and the five-component consortium indicated efficient conversion (40%) of sucrose carbon to CH4. Significant decreases in yields of CH4 and rates of CH4 production were observed if any component of the consortium was omitted. Approximately 70% of the CH4 generated occurred via acetate. Agar-immobilized cells of the consortium exhibited yields of CH4 and rates of CH4 production from sucrose similar to those of nonimmobilized cells. The rate of CH4 production decreased by 25% when cysteine was omitted from reaction conditions and by 40% when the immobilized consortium was stored for 1 week at 4°C.
High rates of fatigue and sleep disturbances in dystonia

Background: Nonmotor symptoms in dystonia are increasingly recognized to impair the quality of life. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of fatigue and sleep disturbances in dystonia and to ascertain their impact on quality of life using standardized questionnaires. Methods: Dystonia patients presenting to a Botulinum toxin clinic were prospectively administered Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) for assessment of fatigue and sleep disturbances. Health-related Quality of life (HRQOL) was determined using MOS SF-36 scale and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Results: Ninety-one patients with dystonia participated (66 women, 25 men, mean age 60 ± 17 years). Nine subjects had generalized dystonia, 18 segmental dystonia and 64 had focal dystonia. Moderate to severe fatigue was present in 43% of the cohort (FSS), excessive daytime...
Optical-model analysis of the 208Pb(p, n)208Bi (IAS) reaction

Abstract The isobaric analog of the 208 pb ground state was populated in the 208 Pb(p, n) 208 Bi(IAS) reaction. The proton (p) decay of the IAS was used to obtain the IAS neutron angular distributions at proton bombarding energies of 24.8, 30.5 and 38.6 MeV by detecting the neutrons in coincidence with the p. DWBA analyses were performed for these data along with the data obtained at 50 MeV by the Rutherford Laboratory using a macroscopic interaction. Both complex and real form factors were found which adequately reproduce the data. These macroscopic form factors have rms radii more than 1 fm larger than the rms radius for the folded microscopic interaction. A possible interpretation for a complex form factor is presented.
Update on the epidemiology of the rheumatic diseases

Epidemiologic studies continue to enhance our understanding of the rheumatic diseases. Such studies now indicate that 26 million American women are at risk for osteoporotic fractures. Contrary to previous recommendations, the identification and treatment of patients at risk for osteoporosis may be v
Application of the time-dependent Hartree grid method to inelastic molecular scattering problems

Abstract A time-dependent Hartree grid wavepacket propagation method (in which each degree of freedom is represented by a numerical grid, and evolved according to one-dimensional mean field equations) is successfully utilized to calculate S-matrix elements for collinear atom—Morse oscillator scattering. The possibility of developing a convergeable configuration-interaction scheme based upon zeroth-order time-dependent Hartree evolution is briefly discussed.
Coronal Leakage: Bacterial Penetration through Obturated Canals Following Post Preparation

Coronal leakage of bacteria through unsealed, apically obturated canals is investigated using a new in vitro model system. Coronal leakage of bacteria from saliva into root canal filling materials is a potential cause of failure. This problem may be more pronounced when only a small volume of obturating material remains in the canal, such as after post preparation. In this study, coronal leakage of bacteria through unsealed, apically obturated canals was investigated using a new in vitro model system.
VOIDING DYSFUNCTION AFTER BILATERAL EXTRAVESICAL URETERAL REIMPLANTATION

AbstractPurpose: Voiding dysfunction has been reported after bilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation. We evaluate the incidence and duration of voiding dysfunction, and the effects of minimizing surgical dissection in a cohort of children after bilateral extravesical reimplantation.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 33 consecutive children who underwent bilateral extravesical ureteral reimplantation for reflux. Preoperative and postoperative radiological studies, and postoperative post-void residuals were reviewed. Of the 33 patients 11 underwent ureteroneocystostomy using a modified Lich-Gregoir technique with ureteral advancement and 22 underwent a modified procedure in which the detrusor dissection was minimized and the obliterated umbilical artery was preserved. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics. Postoperative surgical success and signs of voiding dysfunction were evaluated and compared between groups.Results: The average length of time until...
John Nash's Delusional Decade: A Case of Paranoid Schizophrenia

Continues the psychoanalytic study of mathematical genius John Nash in Capps (2003) by focusing on the decade, during his thirties, when he was most delusional. Explores the connections between the content of his delusions and his life history and immediate circumstances, with particular attention to the way in which his delusions reflected the bisexual confusion discussed in the previous essay. Uses Freud's analysis of the mechanism of paranoia in his Dr. Schreber study to account for the nature and progression of Nash's delusions.
Systemic Iron Overload Associated with Welder's Siderosis

Welding involves exposure to fumes, gases, radiation, electricity, noise, and heat. Herein, we describe 2 welders presenting with lung infiltrates and elevated liver enzyme levels. Both of these patients had pulmonary siderosis ("welder's lung") on lung biopsy along with evidence of systemic iron overload. Evaluation for genetic hemochromatosis and other known causes of iron overload was unrevealing. Welding with chronic inhalation of iron particles maybe an under-recognized source of systemic iron overload.
Influence of calcium on internal heat necrosis of Atlantic potato

While Atlantic is the cultivar of choice of potato chip processors for the mid-Atlantic region, susceptibility to internal heat necrosis (IHN) greatly increases grower risk of economic loss from unsalable tubers. Yield, tuber calcium levels, and percentage of tubers with IHN of several cultivars from a common seed source were examined at two locations. The percentage of tubers with IHN were significantly higher for Atlantic while the tuber Ca concentration was lower than those of Superior. Both the percentage of tubers with IHN and tuber Ca concentration was higher in New Jersey than Virginia. Lower Ca levels were found in tubers with necrotic medullary tissue than in those without.
Genotype differences in catecholamine concentrations in hypothalamus, intramedial hyperstriatum ventrale, and optic tectum of newly hatched chicks.

This study was designed to compare catecholamine concentrations among three brain areas of four pureline populations of visually isolated chicks. The purelines used were a commercial male line, a fertility selected line, an unselected fertility control line, and unselected White Jersey Giants. In general, male chicks had significantly larger brain weights than females. Six catecholamine-related compounds (norepinephrine, epinephrine,l-DOPA, dopamine, DOPAC, and MHPG) were measured via HPLC-ECD. No significant differences in neurochemical concentration were observed for any line or brain area due to sex of the chick. The hypothalamus (HT) contained the greatest concentration of catecholamines in all lines, followed by the intramedial hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV) and optic tectum (OT). The HT exhibited consistent lateralization in all lines with the right HT containing ca. 30% more catecholamines than the left HT. While no consistent lateralization was observed among the other brain areas, the IMHV exhibited significantly different degrees of lateralization among the populations. Neuronal activity, as measured by MHPG:NE and DOPAC:DA ratio varied by line within each brain area. There were line differences for MHPG:NE in the HT, IMHV, and OT, while line differences for DOPAC:DA were observed in the HT. Since differences among purelines have been demonstrated in this study, care must be given to precisely define the genotype of chicks used in behavioral and neurochemical research.
The extent of single firm dominance in U.S. manufacturing industries: Reply

Myupper bound leading firm share estimates are not affected by Daskin's criticisms. In particular, my central conclusion that dominant firms are rare in U.S. manufacturing industries is unchanged. However, his criticisms of mylower bound estimates are generally correct; better ways can be found to compute these. In addition, I made a computational error which prevented him from replicating my previously reported lower bound results. Fortunately, the results are relatively insensitive to the computational algorithm. As demonstrated above, there is little quantitative impact and less qualitative impact.5 His assertion that his criticisms raiseserious questions about validity of my empirical work is incorrect.
Visual profiles: a critical component of universal access

This research focuses on characterizing visually impaired computer users performance on graphical user interfaces by linking clinical assessments of low vision with visual icon identification. This was accomplished by evaluating user performance on basic identification and selection tasks within a graphical user interface, comparing partially sighted user performance with fully sighted user performance, and linking task performance to specific profiles of visual impairment. Results indicate that visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field and color perception were significant predictors of task performance. In addition, icon size and background color significantly influenced performance. Suggestions for future research are provided. Keywords
Hydrolysis of A- and B-type crystalline polymorphs of starch by α-amylase, β-amylase and glucoamylase 1

The hydrolysis of A-type and B-type spherulitic polycrystalline amylose (degree of polymerisation ∼ 20) by glucoamylase 1 (Aspergillus niger), by β-amylase (sweet potato) and by α-amylase (Aspergillus oryzae) has been examined by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and microscopy (polarised light and scanning electron). B-type structure is hydrolysed more slowly than A-type by all enzymes probably due to surface area effects. A-type shows no discernible spherulitic structure after partial hydrolysis, whereas the B-type spherulites retain a large amount of visible spherical structure. Glucoamylase l-treated B-type crystals retain their positive birefringence, appear smooth, exhibit a 40% decrease in melting energy and retain crystallinity. On the other hand, α- and β-amylase treatment of B-type spherulites results in spherulites that are not birefringent, show extensive small pits (β-amylase) or several very large pits (α-amylase), exhibit an 83% (β-amylase) and 87% (α-amylase) decrease in melting energy and lose a substantial amount of crystallinity. A-type crystals show no change in melting energy of the solid material after partial hydrolysis by any enzyme, and fully retain crystallinity of the remaining material. The results demonstrate that the pattern of enzyme attack depends on the crystal type, and that each enzyme has a specific mode of attack on B-type amylose even in chemically homogeneous spherulites of a single crystalline type.
Novel gene-by-environment interactions: APOB and NPC1L1 variants affect the relationship between dietary and total plasma cholesterol.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Plasma cholesterol level is a key risk factor in CVD pathogenesis. Genetic and dietary variation both influence plasma cholesterol; however, little is known about dietary interactions with genetic variants influencing the absorption and transport of dietary cholesterol. We sought to determine whether gut expressed variants predicting plasma cholesterol differentially affected the relationship between dietary and plasma cholesterol levels in 1,128 subjects (772/356 in the discovery/replication cohorts, respectively). Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within three genes (APOB, CETP, and NPC1L1) were significantly associated with plasma cholesterol in the discovery cohort. These were subsequently evaluated for gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions with dietary cholesterol for the prediction of plasma cholesterol, with significant findings tested for replication. Novel GxE interactions were identified and replicated for two variants: rs1042034, an APOB Ser4338Asn missense SNP and rs2072183 (in males only), a synonymous NPC1L1 SNP in linkage disequilibrium with SNPs 5′ of NPC1L1. This study identifies the presence of novel GxE and gender interactions implying that differential gut absorption is the basis for the variant associations with plasma cholesterol. These GxE interactions may account for part of the “missing heritability” not accounted for by genetic associations.
Characterizing phenotype with tracer based metabolomics

In the post-genomic era, a pressing challenge to biological scientists is to understand the organization of gene functions, the interaction between gene and nutrient environment, and the genesis of phenotypes. Metabolomics, the quantitation of low molecular weight compounds, has been used to provide a phenotypic description of a cell or tissue by a set of metabolites. Gene function is hypothesized from its correlation with the corresponding set of macromolecules by transcriptomics or proteomics. Another approach to genotype–phenotype correlation is by the reconstruction of genome-scale metabolic maps. The utilization of specific pathways as predicted by reaction network analysis provides the phenotypic characterization of a cell, which can be plotted on a phenotypic phase plane. Tracer based metabolomics is the experimental approach to reaction network analysis using stable isotope tracers. The redistribution of the isotope tracer among metabolic intermediates is used to identify a finite number of pathways, the utilization of which is characteristic of the phenotypic behavior of cells. In this paper, we review tracer based metabolomic methods for the construction of phenotypic phase plane plots, and discuss the functional implications of phenotypic phase plane analysis. Examples of phenotypic changes in response to differentiation, inhibition of signaling pathways and perturbation in nutrient environment are provided.
Emerging leadership opportunities for professional communication: Integrating social justice into research and across the curriculum

Previous research has indicated that in professional communication research, social justice principles play substantive yet often veiled, tacit roles. For instance, residing within professional communication research on matters of public policy are multiple opportunities to meaningfully engage social justice principles. Beyond research, additional engagement opportunities exist within professional communication instruction. The dearth of explicit accentuation of social justice principles in professional communication scholarship and perhaps also teaching raises important questions: How can professional communication researchers and instructors redefine and transcend the borders between their work and social justice? In what ways are professional communication scholars and practitioners uniquely situated to forge explicit connections between their work and social justice? How might professional communication faculty transcend teaching highly utilitarian courses? How might instructional content on broad social justice impacts enrich and enliven professional communication instruction? After providing social justice definitions, this paper focuses on answers to those questions. Each professional communication researcher or instructor role is buffeted by a brief explanation of specific cases in which connecting explicitly to social justice constructs would expand and enhance research or teaching. Professional risks and benefits for making such linkages are also discussed.
14.6-22.2 GHz LC-VCO in 65 nm CMOS technology for wideband applications

For ultra-wideband RF systems, a wide frequency tuning range of an LC-VCO is highly desired. Presented is an LC-VCO operating at 20 GHz with differentially tuned MOS varactors. A simple voltage converter is used to generate the differential tuning voltages without compromising the VCO gain or phase noise. When implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology, the VCO achieves 14.6-22.2 GHz tuning range and exhibits a worst-case phase noise of -96 dBc/sqrt(Hz) at 1 MHz offset across the entire frequency range. The VCO core consumes 4 mA of current from a 0.65 V supply and occupies approximately an area of about 0.06 mm 2 .