cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impaired two-tone processing at rapid rates in male rats with induced microgyria

We previously reported that adult male rats with bilateral induced microgyria exhibit deficits in rapid auditory processing, which appear similar to auditory processing deficits seen in individuals with developmental language disabilities. The current study was designed to further elaborate that finding using an improved paradigm in which stimulus duration was uncoupled from testing experience and learning effects. Specifically, two-tone stimuli with durations of 540, 390, 332 and 249 ms were all presented within a single test session in a modified operant conditioning paradigm. Subjects were tested over a period of 12 days using this variable-stimulus format. Results confirmed microgyric male rats were impaired only in processing two-tone stimuli presented at rapid rates (i.e., 249 ms duration). Thus the current results support the previously observed link between focal malformations and deficits in rapid auditory processing.
Numerical Properties of the Discrete Gas Cavity Model for Transients

Wylie's discrete gas cavity model offers a simple way to simulate transients in liquids with a small amount of free gas, and to model vaporous and gaseous cavitations. It uses a constant and gas-free wave speed to avoid interpolations and a weighting factor to control numerical oscillations. The model has an intriguing ability to capture features associated with pressure-dependent wave speeds. We describe a von Neumann analysis on this model, shows why the need for the weighting factor and how to select it, and explains why the model exhibits variable wave speed features
Industrial Feudalism Reconsidered: The Effects of Unionization on Labor Mobility

In recent years, sociologists have increasingly investigated the ways in which institutional or organizational features of the labor market constrain workers' mobility patterns throughout the economy. Building on this work, this article analyzes union effects on patterns of job mobility. It finds that the union effects vary by type of union and by type of job change, with industrial unions promoting the incidence of intrafirm occupation changes and craft unions decreasing the incidence of interoccupation moves. Apparently, unions operate to lend coherence and stability to careers by binding their members more closely to organizational and occupational structures.
The role of framing effects in performance on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART)

This study examined the impact of framing effects on performance in the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Seventy-two undergraduate participants were assigned to play the BART as either a gains task in which they had to pump up an animated balloon in order to win money (Group GBART) or as a losses task in which pumping up the balloon was necessary to avoid losing money (Group LBART). Each group went through the BART three times, playing for themselves, for their best friend, and for a charity president. Although there was no effect of the recipient on BART performance, individuals in the LBART group showed riskier performance (pumped up the balloon more) than GBART participants. Furthermore, GBART performance was significantly correlated with scores on the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale while LBART scores were not. These findings support the idea that framing effects can affect performance on behavioral tasks aimed at measuring personality traits.
Nonscalar elastic light scattering from continuous random media in the Born approximation.

A three-parameter model based on the Whittle-Matern correlation family is used to describe continuous random refractive-index fluctuations. The differential scattering cross section is derived from the index correlation function using nonscalar scattering formulas within the Born approximation. Parameters such as scattering coefficient, anisotropy factor, and spectral dependence are derived from the differential scattering cross section for this general class of functions.
Some comments on the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.

Abstract One of the important problems of electrophysiology is to provide a suitable model for the axon membrane. The relation of some of the Hodgkin-Huxley empirical equations to certain common functions in statistical mechanics is examined, and it is shown that the rate constants a n and a m can be considered as averaging functions. An illustrative abstract model is proposed, and it is shown that this leads directly to the empirical equations. The treatment suggests possible guidelines for the formulation of a useful physical theory.
Anterior cricoid split

The anterior cricoid split is an operation in the pediatric otolaryngologist's armamentarium for dealing with failed extubation in the neonate or very young infant. Successful extubation requires careful patient selection taking into account comorbidities and gestational age. This article describes the indications and technique for anterior cricoid split and explores limited indications and potential keys for success.
New model for focus-exposure data analysis

The paper introduces an improved, physics-based function for fitting lithographic data from focus-exposure matrices. Unlike simple polynomial functions, the coefficients of this equation offer physical insight into the meaning and nature of the data. Derivation of this equation from first principles of the physics of lithographic imaging is presented. Examples based on typical experimental data are shown and the advantages of using a physics-based fitting function is described based on improved fitting and noise filtering.
Convergence of weighted sums of random variables with long-range dependence (

Abstract Suppose that f is a deterministic function, {ξ n } n∈ Z is a sequence of random variables with long-range dependence and BH is a fractional Brownian motion (fBm) with index H∈( 1 2 ,1) . In this work, we provide sufficient conditions for the convergence 1 m H ∑ n=−∞ ∞ f n m ξ n → ∫ R f(u) d B H (u) in distribution, as m→∞. We also consider two examples. In contrast to the case when the ξn's are i.i.d. with finite variance, the limit is not fBm if f is the kernel of the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot process. If however, f is the kernel function from the “moving average” representation of a fBm with index H′, then the limit is a fBm with index H+H′− 1 2 .
Cost-effectiveness of endodontic molar retreatment compared with fixed partial dentures and single-tooth implant alternatives.

Abstract Introduction One of the most challenging situations in dentistry is a failed root canal treatment case. Should a failed root canal–treated tooth be retreated nonsurgically or surgically, or should the tooth be extracted and replaced with an implant-supported restoration or fixed partial denture? These four treatment alternatives were compared from the perspective of cost-effectiveness on the basis of the current best available evidence. Methods The costs of the four major treatment modalities were calculated using the national fee averages from the 2009 American Dental Association survey of dental fees. The outcome data of all treatment modalities were retrieved from meta-analyses after electronic and manual searches were undertaken in the database from MEDLINE, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus up to April 2010. The treatment strategy model was built and run with TreeAge decision analysis software (TreeAge Software, Inc, Williamstown, MA). Results Endodontic microsurgery was the most cost-effective approach followed by nonsurgical retreatment and crown, then extraction and fixed partial denture, and finally extraction and single implant–supported restoration. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that endodontic microsurgery was the most cost-effective among all the treatment modalities for a failed endodontically treated first molar. A single implant–supported restoration, despite its high survival rate, was shown to be the least cost-effective treatment option based on current fees.
A CW mid-infrared hybrid silicon laser at room temperature

We report the first CW room temperature mid-infrared (λ=2.0μm) laser heterogeneously integrated on silicon. Molecular (polymer-free) wafer bonding of InP to Si is employed. III-V tapers transfer light from a hybrid III-V/silicon optical mode into a Si waveguide mode. Polished Si facets form a Fabry-Perot laser cavity.
Comparison of labial and mechanical interruption for measurement of aerodynamic parameters

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis To directly compare the mechanical and labial interruption techniques of measuring subglottal pressure (P s ), mean flow rate (MFR), and laryngeal resistance (R L ). Methods Thirty-four subjects performed 10 trials with both mechanical and labial interruption. P s and MFR were recorded, whereas R L was calculated by dividing P s by MFR. Coefficients of variation were calculated to compare intrasubject precision. A subset of 10 subjects performed the tasks twice with 30 minutes between sessions. Bland-Altman plots were used to determine intrasubject repeatability for each of the methods. Results Mechanical interruption produced coefficients of variation for P s , MFR, and R L of 0.0995, 0.127, and 0.129, respectively. Labial interruption produced coefficients of variation of 0.102, 0.147, and 0.169, respectively. P values were 0.824 for P s , 0.159 for MFR, and 0.043 for R L . The Bland-Altman plots revealed comparable repeatability between the two methods. The 95% confidence intervals of the Bland-Altman plots for mechanical interruption were (−0.050, 0.072), (−0.543, 1.832), and (−2.498, 10.528) for MFR, P s , and R L . Confidence intervals for labial interruption were (−0.018, 0.031), (0.057, 2.442), and (−3.267, 10.595) for MFR, P s, and R L . Conclusions Mechanical interruption produced higher precision when measuring R L because of more reliable airflow measurements. Mechanical and labial interruption showed comparable repeatability. Further research into using mechanical interruption clinically is warranted.
Effect of Epoxy Molding Compound on the Electrical Performance of Microelectronic Devices

The epoxy mold compound (EMC) used in encapsulated microelectronic devices affects the thermal, electrical and mechanical performance of the devices. Although many studies have been conducted to test the reliability, thermal and mechanical aspects of the problem not much literature can be found analyzing the impact of the mold compound on the electrical performance of the devices. In this paper we present the results of carefully designed experiments that evaluate the effects of the EMC in the electrical performance of high-power high-frequency laterally diffused metal oxide silicon transistors.
Enthalpy and Entropy of Hydration of Bovine Crystallins

Transparency of the lens of the eye is the result of a short range order in the packing of crystallin molecules within the fiber cells. Short range order depends on crystallin-crystallin as well as water-crystallin interactions. Light scattering measurements can provide information on the hydration of crystallins. Light scattering intensities were obtained as a function of scattering angle, concentration, and temperature on dilute solutions of beta H, beta L, and gamma fractions of bovine lens crystallins. The temperature dependence of the second virial coefficient was negative for the beta crystallin fractions and positive for the gamma fraction as well as that for alpha crystallin (Wang, X., and Bettelheim, F. A. (1989) Proteins Struct. Funct. Genet. 5, 166-169). The partial molar enthalpy values of the solutions were negative for the beta crystallin fractions, indicating a tendency for homo- and heterodimer and -oligomer association. The enthalpy values were positive for the alpha and gamma fractions. The negative values of the enthalpy of solutions differentiate the beta crystallins from the other crystallins. The partial molar entropy values of solutions of beta L and gamma fractions were identical, those of the oligomeric beta H fraction were higher, whereas those of alpha crystallin were a magnitude larger than those of the smaller crystallin molecules.
Transformation kinetics during continuous cooling

Abstract It is shown that transformations which nucleate heterogeneously will quite often obey a rule of additivity and transform nonisothermally according to simple rate laws which can be calculated from isothermal transformation data.
Review of Transportation for Livable Cities by Vukan R. Vuchic

A statement in this book leaps out to the reader early on: ‘‘The increasing car dependency is not sustainable. If present trends in urbanized areas are allowed to continue and worsen, the United States...@will be# in a very unfortunate situation vis-a-vis its peer countries.’’ Sustainability and transportation are two words that haven’t been used together very often in transportation planning. Transportation systems are planned and built with concerns about costs and safety and seldom are they examined in terms of their long-term impact on communities and the environment. This book presents a serious discussion of the role of transportation in the future of cities, the role of the automobile, and transportation policy. This book deals with the relationship between land use and transportation. It discusses how transportation and land-use policies led to the current situation in the United States and how changes in policy could change the future. The book includes an overview of the status of transportation in U.S. cities, a review of past policies and practices, a comparison of transportation policies in the U.S. and peer countries, some misconceptions about transportation, and policies for creating livable cities and how to implement them. It is a well thought out and reasoned book. Dr. Vuchic states that there are four levels of transportation planning: Level I: Individual facilities design, such as for a roadway segment; Level II: Model systems planning, for a network or system of an individual mode; Level III: Multimodal planning for a combination or balance of different modes; and Level IV: City/ transportation planning, looking at how to coordinate a combination of modes with an urban structure and economy. He states that too often planning is done at Level I or II and seldom does it ever get to Level IV. The book essentially advocates for a movement to Level IV planning where the relationship between land use and transportation is the driving force for planning the future. The book has an international perspective. It provides a comparison between U.S. policies and those in peer countries in West-
How do we decide how much to reveal

How do we decide how much to share online given that information can spread to millions in large social networks? Is it always our own decision or are we influenced by our friends? Let's isolate this problem to one variable, private information. How much private information are we sharing in our posts and are we the only authority controlling how much private information to divulge in our text messages? Understanding how privacy behavior is formed could give us key insights for choosing our privacy settings, friends circles, and how much privacy to sacrifice in social networks. Before analyzing end users' privacy behavior, we had the intuition that privacy behavior might be under the effect of network phenomena. Christakis and Fowler's network analytics studies [2] showing that obesity spreads through social ties and smoking cessation is a collective behavior [3], influenced us to further investigate network properties of privacy behavior.
Generalized reciprocal imitation in children.

SUMMARY Experiment 1 assessed generalized imitation in kindergarten and first grade children. First grade children imitated adults at a high rate only after being imitated by one of them. Kindergarten children also imitated both adults when no consequences were programmed. Experiment 2 explored generalization across tasks. There was a significant difference in imitative performance between tasks. In general, the children imitated the adult significantly less often when modeling responses were different from those used for induction. Children imitated by the adult copied the adult's responses significantly more often than children not imitated, provided that the adult's modeling responses were the same as those imitated before. When demonstrating dissimilar responses, the children who had been imitated avoided copying the adult.
Do oral corticosteroids reduce the severity of acute lower respiratory tract illnesses in preschool children with recurrent wheezing

Background Oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are recommended for severe wheezing episodes in children. However, limited evidence supports this intervention in preschool children with outpatient wheezing illnesses. Objective We sought to investigate whether OCSs reduce symptom scores during acute lower respiratory tract illnesses (LRTIs) in preschool children with recurrent wheeze. Methods We performed post hoc and replication analyses in 2 outpatient cohorts of children aged 1 to 5 years with episodic wheezing participating in clinical trials. We compared symptom scores during LRTIs that were or were not treated with OCSs, adjusting for differences in disease and episode severity covariates. We stratified episodes by severity by using a propensity model. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) of total symptom scores among the more severe episodes. Results Two hundred fifteen participants from the Acute Intervention Management Strategies trial experienced 798 acute LRTIs, 112 of which were defined as severe based on propensity scores. The AUCs of total symptom scores did not differ between the episodes that were (n = 70) and were not (n = 42) treated with OCSs ( P = .46) nor was there an OCS treatment effect on individual symptom scores. Similar analyses of the Maintenance Versus Intermittent Inhaled Corticosteroids in Wheezing Toddlers trial, involving 278 participants with 133 severe LRTIs, confirmed the above findings ( P = .46 for AUC of total symptoms score comparison). Conclusion In 2 separate cohorts of preschool children with episodic wheezing, OCS treatment during clinically significant LRTIs did not reduce symptom severity during acute LRTIs, despite asthma controller medication use during most episodes. These findings need to be confirmed in a prospective randomized controlled trial.
The laminar sensitivity of cat striate cortex to penicillin induced epileptogenesis.

Abstract By utilizing the microinjection of low nanoliter volumes of convulsant drug and recording from the injection site, we have been able to electrophysiologically identify a layer of cat striate cortex that is most sensitive to the epileptogenic effects of penicillin. This band encompasses cortical depths of approximately 1000–1250 μm when the smallest volumes of penicillin are injected. Comparable penicillin injections made either superficial to or deeper than this were not as effective in producing epileptiform alterations in normal activity. Histochemical marks made at the site of these injections have identified cortical cytoarchitectonic layer IV as the site of maximal neocortical penicillin sensitivity. The vulnerability of layer IV to penicillin epileptogenesis may be related to certain distinctive anatomic features of this layer.
The extent of the present

One of the principal objections to a tensed or dynamic theory of time is the ancient puzzle about the extent of the present. Three alternative conceptions of the extent of the present are considered: an instantaneous present, an atomic present, and a non-metrical present. The first conception is difficult to reconcile with the objectivity of temporal becoming posited by a dynamic theory of time. The second conception solves that problem, but only at the expense of making change discontinuous. The third conception is the most plausible: that "the present" is a non-metrical notion which must be completed by the mention of some event or interval in order to have a measure, in which case what is present varies with one's context.
A linear model for predicting the washout of pollutant gases from industrial plumes

A simplified method for predicting the washout of gaseous constituents from industrial plumes has been developed. This method is a linearized version of a more general treatment given previously. It is based upon an application of conventional mass-transfer theory in conjunction with existing plume dispersion models and accounts for reversibility of the adsorption process and liquid-phase mass-transfer resistance. The method presented in this paper is sufficiently simple to permit hand calculation, if necessary. This model is recommended for calculation of washout of gases from plumes under conditions where the gas exhibits physical or pseudophysical adsorption behavior. It is expected to apply with reasonable accuracy for gases with linear solubility relationships; accuracy for situations involving other gases is expected to be less satisfactory, depending upon the degree of deviation from this idealized behavior.
Unifying view of recent LALR(1) lookahead set algorithms

Since the introduction of LALR parsing, several algorithms have been presented for the computation of the lookahead sets needed to produce an LALR parser. The algorithm in Aho and Ullman[1] has perhaps received the widest exposure. The recent algorithms by DeRemer and Pennello[2] and Park, Choe, and Chang[4] are the most efficient.A new algorithm has been developed from an algorithm originally based on the Aho and Ullman algorithm and subsequently modified to take advantage of the efficiencies introduced by the DeRemer and Pennello algorithm. The new algorithm performs better than the Park, Choe, and Chang algorithm, and both perform better than the DeRemer and Pennello algorithm. The reasons for the relative performances are easily understood when the algorithms are presented in a common light.
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma in the reproductive age group.

BACKGROUND A retrospective review of women age ≤ 40 years with epithelial ovarian carcinoma was undertaken to determine whether patient age and tumor grade are independent prognostic factors for survival, to investigate the survival rate for young women with ovarian carcinoma, and to characterize these young women in terms of reproductive capability. METHODS The tumor registry of the Massachusetts General Hospital was used to identify cases of ovarian carcinoma diagnosed between January 1980 and July 1996. Patient records and pathology were reviewed. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the independent effect of each variable on survival. RESULTS Ninety-two tumors epithelial tumors were identified with 46 (50%) classified as borderline. In the univariate analysis, stage (P 2 cm, P < 0.001), and age (< 30 years vs. 31–40 years; P = 0.019) were found to be significant prognostic factors for survival. However, in the multivariate analysis only tumor grade (with borderline tumors assigned a grade of 0) and stage were significant predictors of survival (P < 0.01 for both). The 5-year survival rate for carcinoma patients with advanced disease was 22.9%. Patients with borderline tumors were more likely be diagnosed during an evaluation for infertility and were more likely to have successful live births after carcinoma treatment. CONCLUSIONS Young women with advanced epithelial carcinoma have a 5-year survival rate similar to that quoted in the literature, despite the use of more aggressive chemotherapeutic regimens. Patients with borderline tumors of any stage have an excellent prognosis for preserving fertility options. Cancer 1999;85:2623–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Chain Migration and Residential Segregation of Internal Migrants in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil

This paper focuses on the geography of internal migration to and settlement within the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo. Specifically, the research objectives are to: (1) document the major flows of internal migration into the Sao Paulo metropolitan area; (2) map both short- and long-term migrant patterns of settlement within the Sao Paulo metropolitan area; and (3) approximate to what extent particular migrants from specific sending areas spatially concentrate in certain neighborhoods within the metropolitan area using both non-spatial and spatial measures of segregation. The key feature of our theoretical argument is that migrant networks evolve, accumulate, and generate higher than expected levels of internal migration to particular neighborhoods. As internal migrants become increasingly concentrated and a dynamic feedback process emerges between origin and destination, the metropolis becomes both segmented and segregated.
Circadian rhythms of heart rate in freely moving and restrained American lobsters, Homarus americanus

While circadian rhythms of locomotion have been reported in the American lobster, Homarus americanus, it is unclear whether heart rate is also modulated on a circadian basis. To address this issue, both heart rate and locomotor activity were continuously monitored in light-dark (LD) cycles and constant darkness (DD). Lobsters in running wheels exhibited significant nocturnal increases in locomotor activity and heart rates during LD, and these measures were significantly correlated. In DD, most lobsters exhibited persistent circadian rhythms of both locomotion and heart rate. When heart rate was monitored in restrained lobsters in LD and DD, most animals also demonstrated clear daily and circadian rhythms in heart rate. Overall, this is the first demonstration of circadian rhythms of heart rate in H. americanus, the expression of which does not appear to be dependent on the expression of locomotor activity.
Metal−Olefin Interactions in M(CO)5(cycloolefin) (M = Cr, Mo, W; Cycloolefin = Cyclopropene to Cyclooctene): Strain Relief and Metal−Olefin Bond Strength

Density functional theory calculations on the title compounds indicate that metal−olefin bond strengths follow the trend for cyclic olefin strain energies. It was found, however, that the proportionality between metal−olefin bond energy and strain energy is not evenly distributed throughout the olefin series. For instance, cyclopropene and cyclobutene are expected to bind to the metal much more weakly than would be anticipated on the basis of their strain energies. A bond energy decomposition analysis reveals that the metal−olefin interaction is responsible for strain relief in the cycloolefins by means of the rehybridization of the olefinic carbons. However, the geometrical changes accompanying this rehybridization, namely CC elongation and olefin pyramidalization, involve an energetic cost that is paid at the expense of the bonding interaction energy. Nonpyramidalized strained olefins such as cyclopropene and cyclobutene undergo large conformational changes, to the detriment of their large attractive in...
Is cauda equina syndrome being treated within the recommended time frame

BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but devastating medical condition requiring urgent surgery to halt or reverse neurological compromise. Controversy exists as to how soon surgery must be performed after diagnosis, and clinical and medicolegal factors make this question highly relevant to the spine surgeon. It is unclear from the literature how often CES patients are treated within the recommended time frame. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CES patients are being treated in compliance with the current guideline of surgery within 48 hours and to assess incidence, demography, comorbidities, and outcome measures of CES patients. METHODS: We searched the 2003 to 2006 California State Inpatient Databases to identify degenerative lumbar disk disorder patients surgically treated for CES. An International Classification of Disease, ninth revision, clinical modification, diagnosis code was used to identify CES patients with advanced disease. RESULTS: The majority (88.74%) of California's CES patients received surgery within the recommended 48-hour window after diagnosis. The incidence of CES in surgically treated degenerative lumbar disk patients was 1.51% with an average of 397 cases per year in California. CES patients had worse outcomes and used more healthcare resources than other surgically treated degenerative lumbar disk patients; this disparity was more pronounced for patients with advanced CES. CES patients treated after 48 hours had 3 times the odds of a nonroutine discharge as patients treated within 48 hours (odds ratio = 3.082; P < .001). CONCLUSION: In California, patients are being treated within the recommended 48-hour time frame.
P-91: Parametric Evaluation of Computer Displays for Optimized Display Data Transmission

Display sub-system is among the highest power consuming entity on a computer platform and the energy efficiency of the display pipeline has a significant impact on the battery life, especially in mobile devices. Traditional display sub-systems expend a lot of energy to maintain the stable images on the screen by transmitting the entire screen contents to display even if there is little or no change in the screen. This paper characterizes the computer generated screen updates for different type of workloads by two independent techniques: HW & SW and presents an analysis of the screen updates. Our data shows that typically only less than 20% of the screen content changes and there is 20–200ms idle time period between active frames. Future display technologies can take advantage of this redundancy in screen contents to save power on the display sub-system.
Communication cost optimization for cloud Data Warehouse queries

Read-Optimized databases are well suited for read intensive Data Warehouse applications. In addition, data in these applications grow rapidly and hence need a dynamically scalable environment like Cloud. Cloud provides a flexible environment where user can load data, execute queries and scale resources on demand. However, cloud has its own challenges. To reduce the inter-node communication during the execution of query, tables are horizontally partitioned on join attribute and then related partitions are stored on the same physical system. In cloud environment it is not possible to ensure that these related partitions are always stored on the same physical system. As the resources are scaled up, the number of nodes involved increases, resulting in the increased inter-node communication. This becomes critical when we have huge data (in Tera or Peta bytes) stored across a large number of nodes. So with the increase in number of nodes and data size, the communication message size increases. All these factors result in increased bandwidth usage and performance degradation. When the number of joins in a query increases, the performance will further degrade. These problems emphasize a need for good storage structure and query execution plan. In this paper we propose a storage structure PK-map and a query processing algorithm. We show, through experiments, that this approach not only decreases the inter-node communication overhead but also decreases the work load of joins.
A Remark on Independence Results for Sharply Bounded Arithmetic

The purpose of this note is to show that the independence results for sharply bounded arithmetic of Takeuti [4] and Tada and Tatsuta [3] can be obtained and, in case of the latter, improved by the model-theoretic method developed by the author in [2].
Osteoblast function and bone histomorphometry in a murine model of Rett syndrome

Abstract Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder due to mutations affecting the neural transcription factor MeCP2. Approximately 50% of affected females have decreased bone mass. We studied osteoblast function using a murine model of RTT. Female heterozygote (HET) and male Mecp2-null mice were compared to wild type (WT) mice. Micro-CT of tibia from 5 week-old Mecp2-null mice showed significant alterations in trabecular bone including reductions in bone volume fraction (− 29%), number (− 19%), thickness (− 9%) and connectivity density (− 32%), and increases in trabecular separation (+ 28%) compared to WT. We also found significant reductions in cortical bone thickness (− 18%) and in polar moment of inertia (− 45%). In contrast, cortical and trabecular bone from 8 week-old WT and HET female mice were not significantly different. However, mineral apposition rate, mineralizing surface and bone formation rate/bone surface were each decreased in HET and Mecp2-null mice compared to WT mice. Histomorphometric analysis of femurs showed decreased numbers of osteoblasts but similar numbers of osteoclasts compared to WT, altered osteoblast morphology and decreased tissue synthesis of alkaline phosphatase in Mecp2-null and HET mice. Osteoblasts cultured from Mecp2-null mice, which unlike WT osteoblasts did not express MeCP2, had increased growth rates, but reductions in mRNA expression of type I collagen, Runx2 and Osterix compared to WT osteoblasts. These results indicate that MeCP2 deficiency leads to altered bone growth. Osteoblast dysfunction was more marked in Mecp2-null male than in HET female mice, suggesting that expression of MeCP2 plays a critical role in bone development.
50 TeV high-field VLHC with a low field injector

The 50 TeV very large hadron colliders studied at the 1996 Snowmass workshop were taken to have an injection energy of 3 TeV. As the injection energy increases, the cost and complexity of the final injector increases, while that of the collider decreases. In this paper, we would like to consider the extreme case of a full energy injector. Presumably, this produces the maximum benefit, in terms of technical simplification and cost reduction, for the collider, at the cost of having to build a rather large injector. We consider the specific case of a 50 TeV high-field radiation-damped collider (12.5 T magnets), whose injector is a 50 TeV low-field (2 T magnets) machine. We discuss the general advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
Reconfigurable patch antennas for steerable reflectarray applications

Reconfigurable reflectarrays have been designed with patch elements which can vary the reflected phase by varying the height of the patches. These patches have been designed using a periodic method of moments simulation. Reflectarrays incorporating elements of varying heights have been built and tested. The first design is a 33 element array comprised of stacked patches which operates at 7.31 GHz. The second design is a 120-element dipole array over a ground plane which operates at 5.2 GHz. Microelectrical, mechanical systems actuation technology could be used to implement these designs and a potential concept is suggested
Can We Use Platform Information Remotely

Section 2 described mechanisms for accumulating measurements of software state. In this section, we treat the issue of conveying these measurement chains to an external entity in an authentic manner. We refer to this process as attestation, though some works use the phrase outbound authentication. We also discuss privacy concerns and mitigation strategies that arise when sharing this information with third parties.
INNERVATION OF THE HYPOPHYSIS

Certain lines of investigation on the physiology of the hypophysis indicate that a better knowledge of the nerve supply to this important organ is urgent. Most of our information on this subject has naturally been gleaned from work done on the common laboratory mammals. Due to species differences there is danger in generalizing too freely from observations made on a particular animal. Hence data obtained directly from man is of special importance in human physiology and clinical medicine.
Modeling volcano growth on the Island of Hawaii: Deep-water perspectives

Recent ocean-bottom geophysical surveys, dredging, and dives, which complement surface data and scientific drilling at the Island of Hawaii, document that evolutionary stages during volcano growth are more diverse than previously described. Based on combining available composition, isotopic age, and geologically constrained volume data for each of the component volcanoes, this overview provides the first integrated models for overall growth of any Hawaiian island. In contrast to prior morphologic models for volcano evolution (preshield, shield, postshield), growth increasingly can be tracked by age and volume (magma supply), defining waxing alkalic, sustained tholeiitic, and waning alkalic stages. Data and estimates for individual volcanoes are used to model changing magma supply during successive compositional stages, to place limits on volcano life spans, and to interpret composite assembly of the island. Volcano volumes vary by an order of magnitude; peak magma supply also varies sizably among edifices but is challenging to quantify because of uncertainty about volcano life spans. Three alternative models are compared: (1) near-constant volcano propagation, (2) near-equal volcano durations, (3) high peak-tholeiite magma supply. These models define inconsistencies with prior geodynamic models, indicate that composite growth at Hawaii peaked ca. 800–400 ka, and demonstrate a lower current rate. Recent age determinations for Kilauea and Kohala define a volcano propagation rate of 8.6 cm/yr that yields plausible inception ages for other volcanoes of the Kea trend. In contrast, a similar propagation rate for the less-constrained Loa trend would require inception of Loihi Seamount in the future and ages that become implausibly large for the older volcanoes. An alternative rate of 10.6 cm/yr for Loa-trend volcanoes is reasonably consistent with ages and volcano spacing, but younger Loa volcanoes are offset from the Kea trend in age-distance plots. Variable magma flux at the Island of Hawaii, and longer-term growth of the Hawaiian chain as discrete islands rather than a continuous ridge, may record pulsed magma flow in the hotspot/plume source.
p -Quinone methides are the major decomposition products of catechol estrogen o -quinones

The mechanism of catechol estrogen-induced carcinogenesis could involve alkylation of critical cellular macromolecules by electrophilic quinoids. The o-quinones formed from peroxidase/P450-catalyzed oxidation of catechol estrogens have previously been implicated as the ultimate carcinogens. In the present study, we have shown that additional reactive intermediates can be produced from isomerization of the catechol estrogen o-quinones to highly electrophilic p-quinone methides (QMs). The o-quinones of the catechol estrogens were incubated at 37 degrees C (pH 7.4) in the absence of GSH. Aliquots were removed at various times and combined with GSH. The GSH adducts were isolated and characterized by 1H-NMR, UV, and electrospray mass spectrometry. The o-quinone of 2-hydroxyestrone isomerized to two QMs; a QM stabilized by one alkyl substituent in the B ring, 2-OHE-QM1 (3-hydroxy-1-(10),3(4),5(6)-oestratrien-2,17-dione) and one having two alkyl substituents on the methylene group in the C ring, 2-OHE-QM2 (2-hydroxy-1(2),4(5),9(10)-oestratrien-3,17-dione). Only one QM was observed from the o-quinone of 4-hydroxyestrone, 4-OHE-QM2 (4-hydroxy-1(2),4(5),9(10)- oestratrien-3,17-dione) which is analogous to the C ring analog (2-OHE-QM2) from the o-quinone of 2-hydroxyestrone. The GSH adduct of 4-OHE-QM2 decomposed at pH 7.4 to give 9(11)-dehydro-4-hydroxyestrone as the major product. Finally, the disappearance of the estrogen o-quinone GSH adducts correlated with the formation of the GSH conjugates of the QMs. These data suggest that in cells with low levels of GSH, the formation of these potent electrophiles represents the major reaction pathway for estrogen o-quinones. The implications of the o-quinone/QM pathway for the in vivo effects of catechol estrogens are not known; however, given the direct link between excessive exposure to endogenous estrogens and the enhanced risk of breast cancer, the potential for formation of additional reactive intermediates needs to be explored.
GERMINATION AND RELATIVE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CORN MEAL AND CORN CHIPS

Microbiological assay showed a significant increase in niacin (P < 0.05) and riboflavin (P < 0.01) in corn meal made from germinated corn as compared to the control corn meal. The thiamine content (microbiologically determined) remained the same as that in the control meal. The relative nutritive value (as determined by Tetrahymena pyriformis W) of the corn meal made from germinated corn was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (86%).than that of the control corn meal (69%). Processing the germinated corn meal into corn chips, decreased the levels of vitamins and %RNV but these values remained higher than the control chips., Bitterness and an earthy flavor were defects in the corn chips made from germinated corn.
Magic Angle Spinning NMR Investigations of the Human Voltage Dependent Anion Channel

In humans, transport of metabolites through the outer mitochondrial membrane is controlled by a 283 residue, 31 kDa pore-forming protein, the voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC). In addition to providing a main pathway for metabolite trafficking through the outer membrane, VDAC is postulated to play a critical role in cell apoptosis. VDAC interacts with the Bcl-2 family of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins that control the permeability of the outer membrane to apoptotic signals including the release of cytochrome c.Recently, the solution NMR structure of human VDAC-1 (hVDAC1) reconstituted in detergent micelles has been reported by two groups, revealing a 19-stranded β-barrel with a short α helix at the N terminus. While these structures are consistent with previous sequence analysis and biophysical studies, there are indications that interactions of the protein with a lipid bilayer are essential for its proper structure as well as function.Accordingly, we have undertaken studies on hVDAC1 reconstituted in DMPC bilayers with magic angle spinning (MAS) solid state NMR (SSNMR). hVDAC1 forms structurally homogeneous two-dimensional microcrystals as judged by high resolution 13C/15N MAS spectra. In addition, uniformly 13C and 15N labeled hVDAC1 in 2D DMPC cyrstals exhibit well resolved multidimensional MAS spectra that allow group assignments, structural analysis, and comparison of chemical shifts with the solution spectra.
Altered receptor subunit expression in rat neocortical malformations

Purpose: Identification of changes in neurotransmitter function in animal models of epilepsy provides a basis for rational drug development and an understanding of the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis. We investigated changes in the efficacy of the benzodiazepine type I agonist zolpidem and the polyamine site N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ifenprodil in a rat model of microgyria. Methods: Neonatal freeze lesions were used to produce a microsulcus in the normally lissencephalic rat neocortex with anatomical similarities to human polymicrogyria. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were made from visually identified layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in acutely prepared brain slices from nonlesioned and lesioned rats. Results: The effect of 20 nmol/L zolpidem on the decay time constant of inhibitory postsynaptic currents was significantly less in neurons from brain slices containing the freeze lesion. A higher concentration (100 nmol/L) of zolpidem was equally efficacious in lesioned and nonlesioned cortex. In lesioned cortex, the threshold for evoking epileptiform discharges was significantly increased in the presence of 10 μmol/L ifenprodil. This effect was significant in both intrinsic hyperexcitability and partial disinhibition with 2 μmol/L bicuculline in lesioned cortex. Ifenprodil had significantly less effect on the threshold of discharges evoked in control cortex in the partial disinhibition model. Conclusions: The decreased sensitivity of γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors to 20 nmol/L zolpidem in the freeze-lesion model is consistent with a delayed or arrested maturation in this animal model. These data support a delay in the developmental switch from a2 to al subunits in γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors of neocortical pyramidal cells in lesioned cortex. The increased ifenprodil sensitivity of the threshold for evoking epileptiform discharges in both control and disinhibited slices containing the microsulcus is explained by a delay in the expression of the 2A (NR2A) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit. Delayed development may be a hallmark of this type of cortical dysplasia.
Triple Helicate-Tetrahedral Cluster Interconversion Controlled by Host-Guest Interactions.

A unique ligand design allows the formation of both an M2 L3 triple helicate and an M4 L6 tetrahedron (M=Ti, Ga; L=ligand based on 2,6-diaminoanthracene). Although the tetrahedron is entropically disfavored, a strong host-guest interaction with Me4 N+ is enough to drive the equilibrium towards the tetrahedron. Remarkably, the helicate can be quantitatively converted into the tetrahedron simply by addition of Me4 N+ (shown schematically).
CD8+ T Cell–Independent Tumor Regression Induced by Fc-OX40L and Therapeutic Vaccination in a Mouse Model of Glioma

Despite the growing number of preclinical and clinical trials focused on immunotherapy for the treatment of malignant gliomas, the prognosis for this disease remains grim. Although some promising advances have been made, the immune response stimulated as a result of immunotherapeutic protocols has been inefficient at complete tumor elimination, primarily due to our lack of understanding of the necessary effector functions of the immune system. We previously demonstrated that a tumor lysate vaccine/Fc-OX40L therapy is capable of inducing enhanced survival and tumor elimination in the GL261 mouse glioma model. The following experiments were performed to determine the mechanism(s) of action of this therapy that elicits a potent antitumor immune response. The evidence subsequently outlined indicates a CD8+ T cell–independent and CD4+ T cell–, NK cell–, and B cell–dependent means of prolonged survival. CD8+ T cell–independent tumor clearance is surprising considering the current focus of many cancer immunotherapy protocols. These results provide evidence for CD8+ T cell–independent means of antitumor response and should lead to additional examination of the potential manipulation of this mechanism for future treatment strategies.
Suction Catheter Size: An Assessment and Comparison of 3 Different Calculation Methods

BACKGROUND: Current American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) clinical practice guidelines recommend a suction catheter to endotracheal tube ratio (SC/ETT) based on the external diameter of the SC and the internal diameter of the ETT. An SC/ETT ratio of < 50% is consistent with the current recommendation. We theorized that a more satisfactory assessment of SC/ETT ratio could be accomplished using volume or area formulas and expansion of diameter recommendations. Some respiratory care texts recommend an SC/ETT ratio that exceeds the clinical practice guideline standard. METHODS: We calculated the internal volume and cross-sectional area of various ETT sizes, the external volume and cross-sectional area of various SC sizes, and the SC/ETT ratios. We also measured negative pressures created by suction in a lung model, during multiple suction maneuvers. RESULTS: Volume and area calculations provide an alternative method for determining the SC/ETT ratio. A volume or area ratio of 50% corresponds to a diameter ratio of 70%. Negative pressures during suctioning remain low at the new ratios, so a larger SC than current clinical practice guidelines still allows adequate air passage between the SC and ETT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support an alternative SC/ETT ratio when pairing SCs and ETTs.
A fast linear shape from shading

A method for computing depth from a single shaded image is presented. Discrete approximations for p and q using finite differences are used, and the reflectance in Z/sub ij/ is linearized. The method is faster, since each operation is purely local. In addition, it gives good results for spherical surfaces, in contrast to other linear methods. >