cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication-wavelength (1.55 μm) laser-induced refractive index change in nematic liquid crystalline films

We have studied the optical nonlinearities of aligned nematic liquid crystalline films in the near IR communication spectral region (1.55 micrometers ). The measured refractive index coefficients are on the order of 10-3 cm2/W. The origins of the refractive index changes are thermal indexing effect and director axis reorientation. Phase modulation of several (pi) s can be generated with mW-power near IR lasers in micron thick films.
Structure of Lithium Methoxide

RECENTLY, Bradley has proposed a theory which correlates and predicts the structures of metallic alkoxides1. At the moment, Bradley's theory cannot be fully developed because of the lack of direct structural information. In particular, it is not known whether lithium methoxide is ionic, as generally assumed, or whether it is a giant polymer2. This communication describes the structure of lithium methoxide, which is shown to be similar to that of lithium hydroxide3. Although the structure has some features reminiscent of a giant two-dimensional polymer, it would normally be considered ionic.
Electron-Transfer Oxidation by Phase-Separating Reagents.

The design, characterization, and utilization of robust metal-based oxidants with large solubility differences between the oxidized and reduced forms are presented. The active oxidants, which are soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons, precipitate rapidly and quantitatively upon use and then can be easily separated for recharging and reuse. The systems described illustrate an approach to developing environmentally benign oxidation reagents.
Norepinephrine activates extracellular-regulated kinase in cortical neurons.

Abstract Background Previous studies demonstrate that indirect activation of monoamine receptors by antidepressant treatment increases neurotrophic factors that activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade; however, it is also possible that these monoamine receptors influence the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway independent of neurotrophic factors. The influence of norepinephrine on the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase is characterized. Methods Primary cerebral cortical cultures were prepared from embryonic day 18 rat brains and were subsequently incubated with norepinephrine in the absence or presence of agents acting as noradrenergic receptors or as intracellular signaling proteins. Levels of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase were determined by immunoblot. Results The results demonstrate that incubation with norepinephrine produces a time- and dose-dependent activation of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase and that this increase is dependent on activation of α2- and β-adrenergic receptor subtypes. In addition, the results demonstrate that norepinephrine activation of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated protein kinase is dependent on a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, a receptor tyrosine kinase, and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Conclusions The findings suggest that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade by norepinephrine can occur via a tyrosine kinase-dependent signaling pathway but independent of classical second-messenger or Src-dependent kinases.
Challenges in the transition of care for adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a childhood disorder. However, in those diagnosed with ADHD as children, inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can persist into adulthood, causing significant functional impairment and emotional distress, even if the condition no longer meets diagnostic criteria. This review examines the developmental and psychosocial factors to consider in adolescents with ADHD and the strategies that facilitate the transition from pediatric to adult care. Our findings are based on PubMed database searches conducted on November 29, 2011, that identified articles pertaining to ADHD and continuity or transition in medical care for adolescents published in English within the 5-year period preceding this date. Adolescents with ADHD face specific burdens associated with transitioning into adulthood that can impede the achievement of academic and occupational goals. The main finding of the literature review was that ADHD treatment rates decline sharply from childhood through young adulthood, despite the fact that functional impairment often persists. Moreover, although psychosocial therapy can play an important role in resolving functional difficulties and encouraging patient adherence to pharmacotherapy, the existing literature focuses mainly on pharmacotherapy as first-line treatment for ADHD. Therefore, careful, advanced planning to ensure continuity of medical and psychiatric care is essential. This planning involves the pediatric service that has been providing care, the adult service that will assume the responsibility of providing care, the young person with ADHD, and the family. Although recommendations for planning initiatives have been developed by a variety of professional organizations, they do not seem to be routinely implemented for the transition of ADHD care. Such careful advanced transition planning can ensure continuity of treatment, encourage treatment adherence, and help young individuals adjust to new life circumstances and avoid negative educational, social, and vocational results. Guidelines designed to facilitate this transition of care may be helpful.
Effects of the menstrual cycle on urodynamic work-up: should we change our practice?

The aim of this study was to compare urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters during follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle of women with lower urinary tract symptoms. Fifteen women were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. The subjects underwent urodynamic work-up, including filling urethrocystometry, urethral pressure profile and Valsalva leak-point pressure, cough stress test and subjective assessment of severity of symptoms in the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Mean age was 37 years (range 18–43), mean parity 1 (range 0–3). Five women were found to have genuine stress urinary incontinence, 6 detrusor instability, 3 mixed incontinence and 1 urethral instability. Clinical diagnosis did not change and the urodynamic parameters were not statistically different in the two separate evaluations. A trend toward worsening of symptoms in the luteal phase in women with detrusor instability was identified. Our study suggests that the menstrual cycle does not significantly affect the work-up of women with lower urinary tract complaints.
Ross-Konno procedure with interrupted aortic arch repair in a premature neonate

A 1,700-g premature baby who presented with interrupted aortic arch type B, hypoplastic aortic annulus, severe subaortic stenosis, and large ventricular septal defect underwent successful surgical repair. A Ross-Konno operation was used to address the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, hypoplastic aortic annulus, and ventricular septal defect. The interruption was repaired with a direct anastomosis.
Characteristics of respondents and nonrespondents in a prospective study of osteoporosis.

Abstract During 1981–1982, a cohort of elderly Japanese Americans living in Hawaii was recruited for an epidemiologic study of osteoporosis. The male subjects were simultaneously being examined for an epidemiologic study of heart disease. Baseline data collected from both the men and women at a previous heart disease examination were used to compare responders vs nonresponders. The target population for the osteoporosis study consisted of 1685 men and 1594 women. Of these, 1379 men (81.8%) and 1105 women (72.0%) participated in the initial osteoporosis examination. For each sex, nonrespondents were older and had higher systolic blood pressure levels than did the respondents. Male nonresponders had a higher stroke prevalence and more frequent recent use of vasodilator medicine. Female nonresponders had a less frequent history of having ever taken female hormones than did the responders. The responders and nonresponders were reasonably similar in other respects, as indicated by the comparison of more than 40 other variables. This suggests that nonresponse bias is probably not a major influence in exposure-disease associations in this osteoporosis cohort. We believe this is the first published report dealing with nonresponse characteristics in a cohort study of osteoporosis.
The location of retinal in the purple membrane profile by neutron diffraction.

The trans-membrane location of retinal in the purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium, has been determined by low-angle neutron scattering studies on aqueous dispersions of the membranes. The membrane was bleached and regenerated with deuterated and with hydrogen-containing retinal. The modified retinal was obtained by extraction from bacteria grown in a totally deuterated medium. The determination of the retinal position is based on the differences in neutron scattering between a purple membrane sample with normal, protonated retinal and another sample with deuterated retinal. A distinct scattering density difference between the two preparations was observed. A direct structure determination was used with the retinal localized from a Fourier difference density profile. We conclude that the β-ionone ring portion of the retinal is situated centrally in the membrane.
A perturbation bound for the eigenvalues of a singular diagonalizable matrix

Abstract Let A be a singular, diagonalizable matrix with group inverse A # , and let A + E be a perturbation of A . We show that each eigenvalue μ of A + E is an O(∥ A # E ∥ 2 ) relative perturbation of a nonzero eigenvalue of A , unless it is small enough in magnitude to be treated as an O(∥ E ∥ 2 ) perturbation of the zero eigenvalue of A .
A compact six-channel integrated circuit EEG telemeter.

Abstract 1. 1. The lightweight head-mounted telemeter described permits artifact-free EEG recording during laughter. 2. 2. By utilizing pulse position modulation and reduced battery voltages it has been practical to use integrated circuits without excessive battery drain. 3. 3. Clip-on rechargeable battery packs facilitate recording for fairly long periods. 4. 4. The use of low noise pre-amplifiers with “micropak” transistors has made it practical to telemeter small amplitude EEGs from normal subjects. 5. 5. Either needle or disc electrodes can be used. Depth electrodes can be used with external attenuators. 6. 6. Since the transmitter is crystal controlled, it has virtually no frequency drift. 7. 7. With the addition of external networks, the telemeter can be used for respiration, electrocardiogram and galvanic skin response recording.
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain Management

This article outlines the role of spinal cord stimulation in contemporary chronic pain management. The anatomical and neurophysiological correlates of stimulation of the intraspinal structures are discussed. The most common indications are presented, including failed back syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, and spinal cord injury, etc. The most common complications are presented, including paralysis, infection, electrode migration, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and pain. Spinal cord stimulation is one of the most effective techniques available in the management of severe chronic pain that has been refractory to other more conservative modalities.
Carbon mass balance methodology to characterize the growth of pigmented marine bacteria under conditions of light cycling

A carbon mass balance methodology employing minimal measurements was applied to heterotrophic and photoheterotrophic marine bacteria grown under constant dilution and exposed to 12-h intervals of light or darkness. Carbon mass balance calculations using measurements taken every 3 h closed to within 93-103% using dissolved organic carbon, biomass carbon and CO2 production data only, indicating that background interference from dissolved inorganic carbon variations in the amended seawater medium was not significant. Neither strain was observed to sustain a net CO2 fixation using paramagnetic measurement of oxygen uptake rates (OUR), indicating a need for more sensitive on-line measurement techniques for OUR. Photoheterotrophic growth demonstrated lower carbon-mole biomass yields (0.41+/-0.026 vs. 0.64+/-0.013 mol mol(-1)) despite higher specific glucose uptake rates (0.025 vs. 0.02 mol mol(-1) h(-1)), suggesting that bioreactor-based study of marine bacteria can present growth modes that are different from those encountered in the marine environment.
Derivative curve in evaluation of pupillary reflex response to light

The derivative of the pupillary response to light is an accurate portrayal of the rate of change of pupillary size. It is computed electronically from the pupillary diameter with which it is recorded simultaneously. This paper explains the derivative, its applications, and its possible uses. We encourage further investigation and use of the derivative.
Assessment of the Importance of Similarity in Carbon Source Utilization Profiles between the Biological Control Agent and the Pathogen in Biological Control of Bacterial Speck of Tomato

Bacterial speck of tomato, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, was used to determine whether similarity in carbon source utilization between a preemptive biological control agent and the pathogen was significant in determining the ability of the bacterium to suppress disease. Similarity in carbon source utilization was quantified as the ratio of the number of tomato carbon sources utilized in vitro by the biological control agent to the number of tomato carbon sources utilized in vitro by the target pathogen (the niche overlap index [NOI]). Suppression of the disease was quantified as the percent reduction in disease severity compared to the pathogen-only control when nonpathogenic bacteria were applied to foliage 48 h prior to the pathogen. In the collection of 36 nonpathogenic bacterial strains, there was a significant (P < 0.01), but weak (r2 = 0.25), correlation between reduction in disease severity and similarity in carbon source utilization, suggesting that similarity in carbon source use was significant in determining ability to suppress disease. The relationship was investigated further using catabolic mutants of P. syringae strain TLP2, an effective biological control agent of speck. Catabolic mutants exhibited lower levels of similarity (NOI = 0.07 to 0.90) than did wild-type TLP2 (NOI = 0.93). With these catabolic mutants there was a significant (P < 0.01), and stronger (r2 = 0.42), correlation between reduction in disease severity and similarity in carbon source utilization. This suggests that similarity in carbon source utilization was a more important component of biological control ability for the catabolic mutants than for the nonpathogenic bacteria. Together, these studies indicate that suppression of bacterial speck of tomato was correlated with nutritional similarity between the pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria and suggest that preemptive utilization of carbon sources was probably involved in the biological control of the disease by both the naturally occurring nonpathogenic bacteria and the catabolic mutants.
Analysis of cDNA for human erythrocyte ankyrin indicates a repeated structure with homology to tissue-differentiation and cell-cycle control proteins

Analysis of complementary DNA for human erythroid ankyrin indicates that the mature protein contains 1,880 amino acids comprising an N-terminal domain binding integral membrane proteins and tubulin, a central domain binding spectrin and vimentin, and an acidic C-terminal 'regulatory' domain containing an alternatively spliced sequence missing from ankyrin variant 2.2. The N-terminal domain is almost entirely composed of 22 tandem 33-amino-acid repeats. Similar repeats are found in yeast and invertebrate proteins involved in cell-cycle control and tissue differentiation.
Sarcocystis in Mice Inoculated with Toxoplasma-Like Oocysts from Cat Feces

Sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis muris were observed in mice after inoculation with Toxoplasma-like oocysts found in feces of a stray cat. Cats that were fed mice infected with the oocysts shed similar oocysts in their feces. Sarcocysts were found histologically in about 50 percent of mice inoculated with 40,000 or more oocysts and examined 42 days or longer after exposure. Most inoculated mice developed low Toxoplasma dye-test antibody titers 3 to 4 weeks after exposure, but Toxoplasma antibody was usually not detectable in infected cats.
A highly neutron-deficient vanadium isotope: 44V

Abstract Vanadium-44, with a half-life of 90±25 ms, has been produced by the 40 Ca( 6 Li, 2n) 44 V reaction induced by 18.5 MeV lithium ions; β-delayed α-particles of 3.05± 0.20 MeV (c.m.) were observed with a production cross section of ≈ 100 nb.
Inhibition of ethanol-induced platelet activation by agents that elevate cAMP.

Ethanol activates phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in human platelets resulting in the mobilization of intracellular calcium and shape change (Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 260, 480-492, 1988). Preincubation of platelets with agents that increase levels of cAMP (i.e., forskolin, prostacyclin) inhibited these responses to ethanol in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect was potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isomethybutylxanthine. When added after ethanol, these agents also reversed platelet shape change and lowered cytosolic free calcium to basal levels. The results demonstrate a direct inhibitory effect of cAMP on the ethanol-induced activation of phospholipase C.
Cohesive paragraphs, Part 2

Editor's note: This column is the fourth in a series of tutorials adapted from Joseph M. Williams' book Style: Toward Clarity and Grace . Part 1 of this article appeared in the August 2001 issue Regarding topics, Williams (1995) states and then gives the following wonderful example: “Here's the point. In the clearest writing, the topics of most sentences and clauses are their grammatical subjects. But what's more important than their grammatical function is the way topics control how readers read sentences, not individually, but in sequences, and the way that writers must therefore organize sequences of topics. The most important concern of a writer, then, is not the individual topics of individual sentences, but the cumulative effect of the sequence of topics.” Consider these illustrative discussions of the role of topics:
Overwintering and Seasonal Patterns of Feeding and Reproduction in Phyllotreta cruciferae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the Northeastern United States

The life history of the agricultural pest Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), including location of overwintering sites, time of spring emergence, reproductive phenology, and seasonal changes in feeding and responsiveness to yellow sticky traps, was studied in the northeastern United States from 2001 to 2003 to provide growers with information to improve their management of flea beetle populations in Brassica crops. Samples of leaf litter, organic debris, and soil were collected from a variety of vegetation types to determine the location of flea beetle overwintering sites surrounding agricultural fields. Significantly more P. cruciferae were found in the leaf litter beneath shrubs and brush or in wooded areas than in grass, within-field debris, or in soil samples taken within each vegetation type. Weekly dissections of field-collected female beetles suggested the occurrence of a partial second generation by P. cruciferae in 2003. In laboratory assays of beetles collected weekly from Brassica fields in Massachusetts, both adult beetle feeding on Brassica foliage and beetle responsiveness to yellow sticky traps shows two peaks (June and August) that corresponded to the first and second generations. Beetle catch on yellow sticky traps was highly correlated (2002: R2 = 0.8; 2003: R2 = 0.6) with the mean number of feeding holes on injured plants.
Cold-induced hemolysis in a hypertonic milieu.

Suspension of human erythrocytes at 37° C in an environment made hypertonic by increasing concentrations of sodium chloride and sucrose was followed by hemolysis when the temperature was lowered to 0° C. Two distinct stages were involved in this hemolytic phenomenon, the first being incubation with hypertonic solute at some temperature above 20° C with an increasing effect up to 45° C, and the second stage consisting of lowering the temperature below 15° C with increasing hemolysis down to 0° C. The rate of cooling was not an important factor, but the presence of ions reduced the extent of cold-induced hemolysis in hypertonic sucrose. No significant release of membrane phospholipid and cholesterol accompanied this hemolysis. The solubilization of membrane protein components was investigated, with some differences appearing on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis between hypertonic and isotonic supernatants. Spectrin could not be identified in solubilized form. Correlation of the temperatures of note in these studies with results from the literature on other biological effects of temperature-induced phase transitions in membrane lipids strongly points to the conclusion that such transitions are involved in the mechanism of cold-induced hypertonic hemolysis. It is postulated that the hypertonic milieu has resulted in membrane-protein alteration damage which prevents normal adaption to the new physical state of the membrane lipids during cooling.
The duration of sleep promoting efficacy by dual orexin receptor antagonists is dependent upon receptor occupancy threshold

Drugs targeting insomnia ideally promote sleep throughout the night, maintain normal sleep architecture, and are devoid of residual effects associated with morning sedation. These features of an ideal compound are not only dependent upon pharmacokinetics, receptor binding kinetics, potency and pharmacodynamic activity, but also upon a compound’s mechanism of action. Dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) block the arousal-promoting activity of orexin peptides and, as demonstrated in the current work, exhibit an efficacy signal window dependent upon oscillating levels of endogenous orexin neuropeptide. Sleep efficacy of structurally diverse DORAs in rat and dog was achieved at plasma exposures corresponding to orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) occupancies in the range of 65 to 80%. In rats, the time course of OX2R occupancy was dependent upon receptor binding kinetics and was tightly correlated with the timing of active wake reduction. In rhesus monkeys, direct comparison of DORA-22 with GABA-A modulators at similar sleep-inducing doses revealed that diazepam produced next-day residual sleep and both diazepam and eszopiclone induced next-day cognitive deficits. In stark contrast, DORA-22 did not produce residual effects. Furthermore, DORA-22 evoked only minimal changes in quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) activity during the normal resting phase in contrast to GABA-A modulators which induced substantial qEEG changes. The higher levels of receptor occupancy necessary for DORA efficacy require a plasma concentration profile sufficient to maintain sleep for the duration of the resting period. DORAs, with a half-life exceeding 8 h in humans, are expected to fulfill this requirement as exposures drop to sub-threshold receptor occupancy levels prior to the wake period, potentially avoiding next-day residual effects at therapeutic doses.
Contractile properties of rabbit fast and slow muscles in steroid myopathy

Abstract The effect of chronic administration of corticosteroids on the contractile properties of muscle has not been studied despite the regular occurrence of skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy in steroid myopathy. Two muscles, the predominantly fast-twitch-glycolytic extensor digitorum longus and the predominantly slow-twitch-oxidative soleus muscle of rabbits, were studied to determine if there is a differential effect dependent on the fiber type composition of the muscle. The fast-twitch-glycolytic extensor digitorum longus showed a loss of muscle mass associated with an alteration in contractile properties manifested by slower relaxation. The slow-twitch-oxidative soleus muscle was relatively unaffected by steroid treatment. Isometric contraction in the longus muscle was weaker in the treated animals but showed normal strength when measurements were normalized by comparing contractile data based on the cross-sectional area of the control and treated muscles. The findings suggest the possibility that the alteration in contractile properties could be related to changes in myosin or other contractile protein components of the fast-twitch-glycolytic extensor digitorum longus muscle. Changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum, although less likely, are not excluded by the present data.
In-situ study of the decomposition of pyrite in an oxygen atmosphere

Abstract In-situ 57 Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy has been used to study the decomposition of mineral pyrite of various sizes and pyrite in coal in an oxygen atmosphere at different temperatures between 25 and 400 °C. The study has shown that the oxidation of pyrite in Illinois No. 6 (IL6) coal occurs in three steps: 1. (1) to iron sulphates between 25 and 310 °C; 2. (2) to γ—Fe 2 O 3 between 310 and 325 °C; and 3. (3) to α—Fe 2 O 3 between 325 and 400 °C. For mineral pyrite, the oxidation has been found to be dependent on the particle size and results in the formation of iron sulphates and α—Fe 2 O 3 . From the amount of conversion of pyrite in the IL6 coal (almost 100%) and the mineral pyrite (maximum of 7 ± 2%) it has been concluded that the oxidation of the two types of pyrite is entirely different and the oxidation of pyrite in coal is highly influenced by the coal constituents.
Wavelet approximations for computationally efficient FM demodulation

We present a framework for the use of stationary phase approximations to a Morlet wavelet transform as a device to generate computationally efficient algorithms for extracting modulation information in frequency modulated (FM) signals. Presented here are two specific FM estimators generated from this approach that may be implemented in terms of filter banks with very few filters.
Characterization of PIV Seed Particles for Flow in Porous Media

The ability to perform particle image velocimetry (PIV) in porous media presents many challenges in order to minimize the inherent errors in the process. Index of refraction matching is one method to visualize the entire region of interest. One important question is the available signal to noise ratio when using an index of refraction technique that may have small differences of index between the liquid and solid phases. Scattering that will occur at the phase interfaces are enhanced as the index mismatch increases. Consequently the highest intensity seed scattering is desired along with reduction of unwanted interface scattering. This paper examines four seed types: silver coated hollow glass spheres, polystyrene spheres, dyed polystyrene spheres, and fluorescent filled polystyrene spheres and the scattering power of each is measured in a porous media environment. It is found that the silver coated spheres coupled with the use of P polarized light provides the best scattering intensity coupled with low noise background. Also seed size required, based on Stokes number criterion, to follow inertial flows in porous media is presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The work–family support roles of child care providers across settings

Abstract This paper presents a qualitative investigation of the work–family support roles of a sample of 29 child care providers serving low-income families in the Chicago area (16 family, friend, and neighbor providers (FFN), 7 licensed family child care providers (FCC), and 6 center-based teachers). Providers report offering low-income parents substantial logistical (flexible hours, help with routines) and economic help (flexible fees, help with subsidies) managing work and family, in addition to their care of children. For FFN providers, support was often provided in the context of significant stress and burden. FCC providers and center-based teachers were often constrained in their help-giving by ambivalence regarding professional guidelines and institutional constraints. Findings from this study may inform future research on the effects of child care on children and parents, and models of child care quality.
Viewpoint dependent imaging : an interactive stereoscopic display

Design and implementation of a viewpoint Dependent imaging system is described. The resultant display is an interactive, lifesize, stereoscopic image. that becomes a window into a three dimensional visual environment. As the user physically changes his viewpoint of the represented data in relation to the display surface, the image is continuously updated. The changing viewpoints are retrieved from a comprehensive, stereoscopic image array stored on computer controlled, optical videodisc and fluidly presented. in coordination with the viewer's, movements as detected by a body-tracking device. This imaging system is an attempt to more closely represent an observers interactive perceptual experience of the visual world by presenting sensory information cues not offered by traditional media technologies: binocular parallax, motion parallax, and motion perspective. Unlike holographic imaging, this display requires, relatively low bandwidth.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Persistence of Teacher-Induced Learning

Abstract:This paper constructs a statistical model of learning that suggests a systematic way of measuring the persistence of treatment effects in education. This method is straightforward to implement, allows for comparisons across educational treatments, and can be related to intuitive benchmarks. We demonstrate the methodology using student-teacher linked administrative data for North Carolina to examine the persistence of teacher quality. We find that teacher-induced learning has low persistence, with three-quarters or more fading out within one year. Other measures of teacher quality produce similar or lower persistence estimates.
A quantitative analysis of donor site morbidity after vascularized fibula transfer

Eleven patients with free vascularized fibula graft transplants to the upper extremity were studied for donor-side morbidity effects. Based on their surgical follow-up times, the patients were divided into either group 1 (5 +/- 2 months) or group 2 (21 +/- 8 months) to examine the effects of surgical trauma more closely. Gait evaluation was performed using two walkways containing different ground conditions. Knee and ankle-foot motion was measured using a three-dimensional electrogoniometer. Basic temporodistance factors and ground reactions were obtained from foot switches, instrumented floor mats, and a force plate. A modified Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer was used to quantitate ankle-foot strengths. Moderate knee and ankle-foot motion changes were seen while walking on the level, sideslope, and ramp in patients evaluated less than 10 months after their surgical procedure. Minimal joint motion effects were discovered in patients with follow-up times longer than 10 months. Muscle strengths were significantly impaired in both groups, especially foot inversion and eversion. An inverse relationship existed between the length of resected fibula and ankle evertor muscle strength. Donor side morbidity does not appear to be caused by surgical soft-tissue trauma exclusively. These patients need to be studied for several more years to determine the long-term functional effects of free vascularized fibular graft transfer.
Bilateral knee synovial osteochondromatosis: A case report

©2014 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved. Synovial osteochondromatosis (SOC) is a rare and benign monoarticular arthropathy characterized by multi-nodular cartilaginous proliferation in the synovium of the joint, tendon sheath or bursa.1 All major joints including the knee particularly can be affected, followed by the hip, elbow, wrist, ankle, and shoulder joints. Patients usually present in the second to fifth decades of life. Typical symptoms include pain, antalgic gait, locking, and a restricted range of motion. This condition is often considered a metaplastic process, and is usually self-limiting.
The Image Beyond the Image: G. W. Pabst's Pandora's Box (1929) and the Aesthetics of the Cinematic Image-Object

In the fifth section of his Aesthetic Theory (1970), Theodor Adorno turns to the theater of the German playwright Frank Wedekind in constructing his theory of “corporeal” art. Adorno explains that ...
A fast and efficient method for simultaneous X and Y in situ hybridization of human blastomeres.

To use a 6-hr fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) procedure involving fluorochrome-labeled probes to determine the gender of blastomeres from arrested biopsied human embryos.
University Students and the “All Nighter”: Correlates and Patterns of Students' Engagement in a Single Night of Total Sleep Deprivation

This study evaluated the self-reported patterns, motivations, and correlates of engagement in a single night of total sleep deprivation (SN-TSD) in a sample of 120 university students at a 4-year liberal arts college. Participants' mean age . was 20.1 years; the sample was 63% female. Measures included the Owl-Lark Scale of circadian preference; the Beck Depression Inventory; and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); as well as self-reported usual bedtime, rise time, and total sleep time. Students' cumulative grade point averages (GPAs) were also obtained; these were reported from the university registrar. Sixty percent of students surveyed reported engaging in SN-TSD once or more since coming to college. No differences between genders or among class standing with respect to use of SN-TSD were detected. Engagement in SN-TSD was associated with later self-reported bedtimes, evening preference, and poorer academic achievement as measured by GPA. A trend for increased symptoms of depression was detected; sleep quality as measured by the PSQI was not related to engagement in SN-TSD.
Amino acid sequence homology among fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases

Abstract The hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate is a key reaction of carbohydrate metabolism. The enzyme that catalyzes this reaction, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, appears to be present in all forms of living organisms. Regulation of the enzyme activity, however, occurs by a variety of distinct mechanisms. These include AMP inhibition (most sources), cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation (yeast), and light-dependent activation (chloroplast). In the present studies, we have made a comparison of the primary structure of mammalian fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase with the sequence of peptides isolated from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Escherichia coli , and spinach chloroplast enzymes. Our results demonstrate a high degree of sequence homology, suggesting a common evolutionary origin for all fructose-1,6-bisphosphatases.
Association of focal adhesion kinase with Grb7 and its role in cell migration.

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been implicated to play a key role in integrin-mediated signal transduction in cell migration. Grb7 is an Src homology (SH) 2-containing and pleckstrin homology domain-containing molecule, which shares significant homology with the Caenorhabditis elegans gene for Mig-10 involved in cell migration during embryogenesis. Here, we report that the SH2 domain of Grb7 can directly interact with FAK through Tyr-397, a major autophosphorylation site in vitro and in vivo. This interaction is cell adhesion-dependent, suggesting that the FAK-Grb7 complex is involved in integrin signaling. Using tetracycline-regulated expression system, we showed that overexpression of Grb7 enhanced cell migration toward fibronectin, whereas overexpression of its SH2 domain alone inhibited cell migration. In addition, we found that phosphorylation of FAK or p130cas was not affected by the expression of either Grb7 or its SH2 domain alone, suggesting that Grb7 is downstream of FAK and does not compete with Src for binding to FAK in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that the FAK-Grb7 complex plays a role in cell migration stimulated by integrin signaling through FAK.
The effect of crystal symmetry on the maximum polarization of polycrystalline ferroelectric materials

In polycrystalline ceramics, the degree of domain orientation in all possible crystal orientations contributes to the total realizable polarization. The extent to which domains are oriented towards an applied field can be described by a polarization distribution function. Such representations are calculated and presented in the present work for several different crystal systems including monoclinic symmetries that exhibit a polarization rotation mechanism. The relationship between the polarization distribution functions and the attainable macroscopic polarization is also developed for polycrystalline ceramics that are initially randomly oriented. In these cases, polarization rotation allows a significant degree of preferred orientation parallel to the electric field (>1000 multiples of a random distribution). However, the fraction of single crystal polarization that can be achieved (97.5%) is only marginally better than those of higher crystal symmetry.
pQCD versus AdS/CFT tested by heavy quark energy loss

We predict the charm and bottom quark nuclear modification factors using weakly coupled perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD) and strongly coupled AdS/CFT drag methods. The log(pT/MQ)/pT dependence of pQCD loss and the momentum independence of drag loss lead to different momentum dependences for the RAA predictions. This difference is enhanced by examining a new experimental observable, the double ratio of charm to bottom nuclear modification factors, Rcb = RcAA/RbAA. At LHC the weakly coupled theory predicts Rcb → 1, whereas the strongly coupled theory predicts Rcb ~ 0.2 independent of pT. At RHIC the differences are less dramatic, as the production spectra are harder, but the drag formula is applicable to higher momenta, due to the lower medium temperature.
Technology management: Fundamental issues for engineering education?

Abstract Although technology management has been a subject of concern in recent years, its importance to the technical community is not well established. The fundamental implications of technology management for the engineering profession is explored. A definition of technology is sought that best communicates the full implications of the term. In particular, the importance of knowing “how to apply” in contrast to understanding the “scientific fundamentals” is developed as a basis for defining technology. It is concluded that the current attention being given to technology management has significant fundamental implications for engineering and business education. Technology management is shown to focus attention on the importance of decision making processes for engineers and managers. It is concluded that including decision making as a fundamental engineering process may provide a new basis for structuring the “non-science” part of engineering curricula and provide a link between engineering and business curricula. Coupling this with a recognition of the differing characteristics of what is defined as Science Knowledge and Application Knowledge may provide a new paradigm for better preparing engineering students for entering professional practice and also provide a new basis for planning professional development and life long learning.
Extracorporeal Life Support for the Treatment of Viral Pneumonia: Collective Experience From the ELSO Registry

Abstract Viral pneumonia is the most common indication for pediatric extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Despite this fact, no previous studies have directly stratified patient outcome according to vival etiology. Methods: Using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry database, the authors reviewed the national experience of patients undergoing ECLS with culture or serologically demonstrated viral pneumonia and compared outcome parameters according to viral etiology. Results: Patients differed with respect to age and weight according to the viral type. Patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, median age 3 months), herpes simplex virus (HSV, 0.13 months), cytomegalovirus (CMV, 2.5 months), and adenovirus (0.6 months) were younger than those with other viruses (5.5 months). The patient groups did not significantly differ with respect to pre-ECLS Pao 2 mean airway pressure (MAP), oxygenation index (OI), mode, or duration of ECLS. The overall survival of patients with viral pneumonia was 57%, although patients with RSV or CMV were found to have a 67% survival. Patients infected with HSV and adenovirus had a significantly lower survival rate (31% and 25%, respectively) when compared with those with RSV. In addition RSV pneumonia was associated with fewer cardiovascular complications than several of the other viral types. When comparison was made between survivors and nonsurvivors, a higher last pre-ECLS MAP and increased incidence of elevated creatinine and renal failure requiring dialysis were noted among nonsurvivors. Conclusion: ECLS remains an important modality in the treatment of neonatal and pediatric patients with respiratory failure secondary to viral pneumonia. The survival rate of these patients varies according to the type of viral infection.
Safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius.

Abstract Introduction and aim There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius. No study has detailed this injury or treatment strategy in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius. Methods A total of 21 geriatric patients with open fractures of the distal radius treated with a single definitive procedure were identified from a prospectively collected database. We reviewed patient demographics, injury characteristics and treatment specifics. Our primary outcome was surgical-site infection defined by need for antibiotics or repeat surgery. Our secondary outcome was need for other re-operation. Patients were contacted and functional scores obtained. Results Patients were followed up for an average of 26 months. One deep infection and one nonunion occurred, and they required repeat surgery. Four minor operative complications occurred, including stiffness requiring manipulation and prominent fixation devices requiring removal. Patients maintained an average wrist flexion–extension arc of 89° and pronation–supination arc of 137°. The average QuickDASH (shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire) score was 17.4, indicating minimal disability of the upper extremity. Conclusions Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius yields adequate functional results with low risk of major complications.
Multilayer coil planet centrifuge for analytical highspeed counter-current chromatography

A compact portable model of a high-speed counter-current chromatograph enables efficient analytical separations of microgram sample quantities within 10 min. A series of preliminary experiments was conducted to study retention of the stationary phase of various two-phase solvent systems in short coils with different helical diameters. Under the optimal experimental conditions, analytical capability of the apparatus was successfully demonstrated in separation of flavonoids from a crude sea buckthorn ethanol extract in a multilayer coil with a total capacity of 8 ml.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allogeneic HCT) for treatment of pediatric Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)†

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) with best available donor for children with Philadelphia positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has previously been considered standard practice. Since the introduction of imatinib into the treatment of this disease, the role of allogeneic HCT is more uncertain. Procedure We investigated the impact of remission status, graft source, and imatinib use on transplant outcomes for 37 children with Ph+ ALL who received an allogeneic HCT at the University of Minnesota between 1990 and 2006. The median age at HCT was 7.47 (range; 1.4–16.4) years. Thirteen patients received imatinib therapy pre- and/or post-HCT (imatinib group) and 24 patients, received either no imatinib (n = 23) or only post-HCT relapse (n = 1) (non-imatinib group). Results There was no difference in disease-free survival (DFS) or relapse between the imatinib and non-imatinib groups at 3 years (62%/15% vs. 53%/26%; P = 0.99; 0.81, respectively). There was no significant difference in transplant outcomes between matched related donor or unrelated donor (umbilical cord blood or matched unrelated marrow) recipients whereas patients receiving allogeneic HCT in first remission (CR1) had superior DFS and less relapse compared to patients transplanted in ≥CR2 (71%/16% vs. 29%/36%; P = 0.01; P = 0.05). Conclusions Based on this retrospective analysis at a single institution, the use of imatinib either pre- and/or post-transplant does not appear to significantly impact outcomes for children with Ph+ ALL and allogeneic HCT with the best available donor should be encouraged in CR1. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1289–1294. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An optimized protocol for high-throughput in situ hybridization of zebra finch brain.

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a sensitive technique for documenting the tissue distribution of mRNAs. Advances in non-radioactive methods based on chromogenic detection of digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled probes have increased spatial resolution compared to emulsion autoradiography, and when paired with high-resolution digital imaging have allowed for the large scale molecular profiling at cellular resolution within a histological context (e.g. Allen Brain Atlas, GenePaint.org; (Visel et al. 2004; Lein et al. 2007). However, technical challenges restrict the number of genes that can be investigated in a small laboratory setting. This protocol describes a low cost, small footprint, high-throughput ISH procedure for 10 μm sections developed to document brain gene expression in zebra finches (http://www.zebrafinchatlas.org). It uses DIG-labeled riboprobes synthesized from cDNA templates available through the Songbird Neurogenomics Consortium (Replogle et al. 2008) and is based on previously described protocols for radiolabeled riboprobes (Clayton et al. 1988; Mello and Clayton 1994; Mello et al. 1997) that we have adapted for DIG-labeled (Lovell and Mello 2011; Lovell et al. 2013). Conditions have now been further optimized to produce cellular labeling approaching the resolution of immunohistochemical methods, low background, and compatibility with high-resolution digital imaging. This protocol allows a technician to process ~180 slides per week, and can be scaled to accommodate a broad range of tissues for which cryosections can be obtained.
Estimation of particulate charging and migration for pulsed precipitator applications

Abstract A simulation is described which permits the evaluation of dispersed particulate behaviour under the transient ion density and space-charge fields appropriate to the operation of electrostatic precipitators with pulsed energization. Field, field-assisted diffusion and pure diffusion charging mechanisms are used to describe the charging and a novel stochastic scheme is introduced to evaluate particle charge density distributions in both space and time when turbulent diffusion is important. Supporting experimental measurements are introduced to measure the particle charge distributions and to estimate the spatial changes in dust concentrations as a result of the migration processes within a precipitator.