cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered Muscle Networks in Post-Stroke Survivors

Muscle networks represent a series of interactions among muscles in the central nervous system’s effort to reduce the redundancy of the musculoskeletal system in motor-control. How this occurs has only been investigated recently in healthy subjects with a novel technique exploring the functional connectivity between muscles through intermuscular coherence (IMC), yet the potential value of this method in characterizing the alteration of muscular networks after stroke remains unknown. In this study, muscle networks were assessed in post-stroke survivors and healthy controls to identify possible alterations in the neural oscillatory drive to muscles after stroke. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was collected from eight key upper extremity muscles to non-invasively determine the common neural input to the spinal motor neurons innervating muscle fibers. Coherence was computed between all possible muscle pairs and further decomposed by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to identify the common spectral patterns of coherence underlying the muscle networks. Results suggested that the number of identified muscle networks during dynamic force generation decreased after stroke. The findings in this study could provide a new prospective for understanding the motor control recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation.
The Utility of Frozen Section Histology in Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Surgeons utilize a combination of preoperative tests and intraoperative findings to diagnose periprosthetic joint infection (PJI); however, there is currently no reliable diagnostic marker that can be used in isolation. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the utility of frozen section histology in diagnosis of PJI. Methods Retrospective analysis of 614 patients undergoing revision total joint arthroplasty with frozen section histology from a single institution was performed. Discriminatory value of frozen section histology was assessed using univariate analysis and evaluation of area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic curve comparing frozen section histology results to the 2018 International Consensus Meeting (ICM) PJI criteria modified to exclude the histology component. Results The sensitivity of the frozen section histology was 53.6% and the specificity was 95.2%. There was 99.2% concordance between the permanent section and frozen section results. The receiver operating characteristic curve for frozen section yielded an AUC of 0.744 (95% confidence interval 0.627-0.860) and the modified ICM score yielded an AUC of 0.912 (95% confidence interval 0.836-0.988) when compared to the full score. The addition of frozen section histology changed the decision to infected in 20% of “inconclusive” cases but less than 1% of total cases. Conclusion In comparison to the modified ICM criteria, intraoperative frozen section histology has poor sensitivity, strong specificity, and acceptable overall discrimination for diagnosing PJI. This test appears to be of particular value for patients deemed “inconclusive” for infection using the remaining ICM criteria.
The Need for Dedicated Microbiology Leadership in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Clinical microbiology laboratories play a crucial role in patient care using traditional and innovative diagnostics. Challenges faced by laboratories include emerging pathogens, rapidly evolving technologies, healthcare-acquired infections, antibiotic-resistant organisms and diverse patient populations. Despite these challenges, many clinical microbiology laboratories in the United States are not directed by doctoral level microbiology-trained individuals with sufficient time dedicated to laboratory leadership. This manuscript highlights the need for medical microbiology laboratory directors with appropriate training and qualifications.
Successful Treatment of Bovine Retained Placenta by Umbilical Cord Injection of Collagenase

Collagen in the uterus is rapidly degraded during early postpartum by enzyme collagenase. However, during placenta retention there is a persistence of type III collagen in the bovine placentome (Biol Reprod 43:229, 1990; Theriogenology 32:485, 1989).
Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity.

Limited evidence has suggested that terpenes found in Cannabis sativa are analgesic, and could produce an “entourage effect” whereby they modulate cannabinoids to result in improved outcomes. However this hypothesis is controversial, with limited evidence. We thus investigated Cannabis sativa terpenes alone and with the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212 using in vitro and in vivo approaches. We found that the terpenes α-humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene produced cannabinoid tetrad behaviors in mice, suggesting cannabimimetic activity. Some behaviors could be blocked by cannabinoid or adenosine receptor antagonists, suggesting a mixed mechanism of action. These behavioral effects were selectively additive with WIN55,212, suggesting terpenes can boost cannabinoid activity. In vitro experiments showed that all terpenes activated the CB1R, while some activated other targets. Our findings suggest that these Cannabis terpenes are multifunctional cannabimimetic ligands that provide conceptual support for the entourage effect hypothesis and could be used to enhance the therapeutic properties of cannabinoids.
Aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention among adults in the United States: Trends, prevalence, and participant characteristics associated with use.

Objective : Aspirin has been widely utilized over several decades for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention among adults in the United States. We examined trends in aspirin use among adults aged ≥40 years from 1998 to 2019 and assessed factors associated with its use for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention. Methods : Using 1998-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we obtained weighted prevalence of aspirin use among adults aged ≥40 years for each year and examined trends in use over this period. Using multivariable logistic regression and utilizing data from 54,388 respondents aged ≥40 years in the 2019 data, we assessed factors associated with aspirin use for secondary prevention and for primary prevention stratified by the number of traditional ASCVD risk factors reported (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, and cigarette smoking). Results : Aspirin use prevalence increased from 29.0%(95%CI, 27.9%-30.2%) in 1998 to 37.5%(36.9%-38.0%) in 2009. However, use has slightly declined over the last decade: 35.6%(34.6%-36.6%) in 2011 to 33.5%(32.5%-34.6%) in 2019. In 2019, among respondents without cardiovascular disease (CVD), 27.5%(26.4%-28.6%) reported primary prevention aspirin use while 69.7%(67.0%-72.2%) of respondents with CVD reported secondary prevention aspirin use. Of concern, 45.6%(43.5%-47.7%) of adults aged ≥70 years without CVD reported primary prevention aspirin use. Additionally, among individuals without any self-reported traditional ASCVD risk factor, males (adjusted odds ratio(aOR):1.60, 95%CI:1.12-2.27), persons aged ≥70 years (aOR:3.22, 95%CI:2.27-4.55), and individuals with healthcare coverage (aOR:2.28, 95%CI:1.17-4.44) had higher odds of primary prevention aspirin use compared to females, persons aged 40-69 years, and individuals without healthcare coverage, respectively. Females were less likely than males to report secondary prevention aspirin use (aOR:0.64, 95%CI:0.50-0.82). Conclusion : Aspirin use has slightly declined over the last decade. A significant proportion of adults aged ≥70 years reported primary prevention aspirin use in 2019. Since current guidelines do not recommend primary prevention aspirin use among adults aged ≥70 years, such use should be discouraged.
On the interpretation of Caribbean paleo-temperature reconstructions during the Younger Dryas

[1] A conundrum exists regarding whether the sea-surface temperatures decreased or increased over the southern Caribbean and the western Tropical Atlantic region during the Younger Dryas when the North Atlantic cooled substantially and the Atlantic thermohaline circulation was weakened significantly. Despite the proximity of core locations, some proxy reconstructions record a surface cooling, while others indicate a warming. We suggest that this seemingly paradoxical finding may, at least partially, be attributed to the competing physical processes that result in opposing signs of temperature change in the region in response to weakened North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Our coupled ocean-atmosphere model experiments indicate that the temperature response over the southern Caribbean and Western Tropical Atlantic regions is complex and can vary considerably in small spatial scales, depending on the nature of physical processes that dominate.
A robust traction controller design using the theory of variable structure systems

A robust vehicle traction control algorithm which includes anti-skid braking and anti-spin acceleration is proposed. The scheme is a non-linear feedback control system in which the theory of variable structure systems (VSS) has been utilized to design the controllers. The control system, brake controller and engine controller are discussed in detail. The effectiveness of this new algorithm is demonstrated by experiments on anti-skid braking. >
MAN‐MACHINE SYMBIOSIS: Fusing systems theory and cybernetics to define the total information requirements of modern organizational activity

There is a growing need for integrative concepts that can assist in organizing and making information responsive to the data demands of individuals in the contemporary industrial setting. Recent investigations and technological advances offer encouragement that this requirement can be met. One such response may well embrace both cybernetics and systems rationale. The essential tool that will be used in the translation of this approach to practical communicative and control techniques is the electronic computer.
Oral lichen planus: the evidence regarding potential malignant transformation.

Abstract. A critical review of the literature was undertaken to determine if there is valid data to support the contention that oral lichen planus represents a disease with significant potential for malignant degeneration. Although there are reports alleging such a relationship, there is insufficient documented evidence to state with any degree of confidence that oral lichen planus, in itself, represents a premalignant state.
How Movies Created the Financial Crisis

Narrative makes sense out of reality and can forcefully persuade listeners to a particular point of view. Artists in general have a narrative of business which springs from their belief that at least some aspects of business are antithetical to art. Filmmakers add to this a resentment of the constraints capital places on their art. Film is particularly persuasive because of its vivid images and because of the consistency of filmmakers’ anti-capitalist perspective on business. Filmmakers’ negative portrayal of capitalists has helped to prepare the public to believe that capitalists - and not government, economic cycles, greedy people or business generally - caused the financial crisis. This will help the public accept a regulatory agenda built on this premise, specifically including the regulation of hedge funds.
Nuclear Power Technology Requirements for Nasa Exploration Missions

Future exploration of the Moon and Mars will mandate developments in many areas of technology. In particular, major advances will be required in planet surface power systems and space transportation systems. Critical nuclear technology challenges that can enable strategic self-sufficiency, acceptable operational costs and cost-effective space transportation goals for NASA exploration missions have been identified. Critical technologies for surface power systems include stationary and mobile nuclear reactor and radio-iso-tope heat sources coupled to static and dynamic power conversion devices. These technologies can provide dramatic reductions in mass leading to operational and transportation cost savings. Critical technologies for space transportation systems include nuclear thermal rocket and nuclear electric propulsion options which present compelling concepts for significantly reducing mass, cost or travel time required for Earth-Mars transport.
Numerical geometry of map and model assessment.

We are describing best practices and assessment strategies for the atomic interpretation of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) maps. Multiscale numerical geometry strategies in the Situs package and in secondary structure detection software are currently evolving due to the recent increases in cryo-EM resolution. Criteria that aim to predict the accuracy of fitted atomic models at low (worse than 8A) and medium (4-8 A) resolutions remain challenging. However, a high level of confidence in atomic models can be achieved by combining such criteria. The observed errors are due to map-model discrepancies and due to the effect of imperfect global docking strategies. Extending the earlier motion capture approach developed for flexible fitting, we use simulated fiducials (pseudoatoms) at varying levels of coarse-graining to track the local drift of structural features. We compare three tracking approaches: naive vector quantization, a smoothly deformable model, and a tessellation of the structure into rigid Voronoi cells, which are fitted using a multi-fragment refinement approach. The lowest error is an upper bound for the (small) discrepancy between the crystal structure and the EM map due to different conditions in their structure determination. When internal features such as secondary structures are visible in medium-resolution EM maps, it is possible to extend the idea of point-based fiducials to more complex geometric representations such as helical axes, strands, and skeletons. We propose quantitative strategies to assess map-model pairs when such secondary structure patterns are prominent.
Los desastres en Latinoamérica: vulnerabilidad y resistencia

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WAY THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY IS USED IN CERTAIN STUDIES OF DISASTERS IN LATIN AMERICA. INCORPORATING THE CAPACITY FOR RESISTANCE WOULD PRODUCE A FAR MORE ACCURATE, EVALUATION OF THE PHENOMENON OF THE DISASTERS THAT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE CONTINENT, LEND GREATER IMPORTANCE TO THE PROCESSES OF COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION, HELP ESTABLISH MORE STABLE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MODELS AND CONFIRM THE USEFULNESS OF STUDIES ON THE REACTION OF CULTURES TO DISASTERS.
Structural and Functional Differences in the Promoter and 5′ Flanking Region of Ldh-B Within and Between Populations of the Teleost Fundulus heteroclitus

We have investigated the mechanisms underlying differences in the transcriptional regulation of lactate dehydrogenase-B (Ldh-B) between northern and southern populations of a teleost fish, Fundulus heteroclitus. A 1-kb region immediately 5' of the gene was sequenced from populations throughout the species range. There were two major allele classes in the sample, one containing alleles from Maine and another containing those from Florida. Populations from intermediate localities contained both allele classes. Some individuals from Georgia had sequences intermediate between the two classes, representing either ancestral alleles or recombinants. Tests of neutrality were applied to determine whether observed variation was consistent with neutral expectations. Significant deviations from neutral expectations were detected for the 5' flanking region, but not for other loci. The functional consequences of flanking sequence variation were assessed by transfection of reporter gene constructs into cultured cells and injection into living fish. Consistent with observed variation in Ldh-B transcription rate between populations, significant differences in reporter gene activity were driven by flanking regions from northern and southern populations both in cell culture and in vivo. This functional differentiation, coupled with departures from neutral expectations, suggests that selection may have acted on the regulation of Ldh-B in F. heteroclitus.
Fracture Energy and Aftershocks

Summary The b-value of the frequency-magnitude relationship for aftershocks increases with the fracture energy yo of the mainshock according to the empirical relationship, b = 0.06 log yo + 0.48 I', = 0.53 where rc is the correlation coefficient. Thus for large yo, a fair proportion of the aftershocks will have small magnitudes while the converse is true for small yo. Also, the duration in days t,, over which M, 2 3 events occur increases with fracture energy according to the equation, log I, = 0.55 log yo - 2-41 rc = 0.92. The San Fernando aftershocks form a pattern in which the fresh fractures fall to the outside of the frictional ruptures. This is not true on the western side where numerous frictional ruptures occur implying that this region is not the western boundary of the fault. This region could well be a downstep of the fault plane with left lateral strike slip motion (Whitcomb et al. Allen et a!.). For the San Fernando aftershocks the local magnitude ML, increases with the fracture energy while the radius R is a free parameter. This is in good agreement with the results of Randall,
Species Richness and Centrarchid Abundance in Littoral Habitats of Three Southern U.S. Reservoirs

Abstract Species richness and centrarchid abundance associated with coarse woody debris (CWD), residentially developed habitats (DEV), and undisturbed (UND) habitats in Lake James (North Carolina), Lake Hickory (North Carolina), and Fishing Creek Lake (South Carolina) were evaluated by use of a boat-mounted electrofisher in spring, summer, and fall of 1999–2000. Species richness and centrarchid abundance were generally higher in CWD and DEV habitats than in UND habitat during most seasons in all reservoirs. Higher species richness and centrarchid abundance in CWD and DEV habitats were probably related to greater habitat complexity than in UND habitat, which made these two habitats more desirable to fish. My findings indicate the beneficial role of complex littoral structure on the distribution of fish in these reservoirs and the need for natural resource managers, riparian landowners, and reservoir owners to work cooperatively to protect and enhance habitat where possible.
The correlation of agglomerate strength with size

Abstract The compressive strength of dried sand spheres held together by NaCl crystal bridges was investigated. Agglomerate diameter, sand particle size, drying temperature and salt concentration were varied. Compressive strength L was correlated with pellet diameter D by the equation: L=kD n The values obtained forthe parameters k and n were interpreted in terms of the mode of crystallization of the salt and the distribution of the salt bridges. A simple model is presented to explain the variation of the exponent n with the uniformity of binding in agglomerates.
Antiproliferative Effects of the Enantiomers of Flurbiprofen

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recognized for inhibiting growth of colon tumors in animal models, and for reducing the risk of colon cancer in humans. The mechanisms involved have not been established, but are thought to be related to reduced prostaglandin biosynthesis. The present study investigates the effect of COX-inhibiting and non-COX-inhibiting enantiomers of flurbiprofen on rat colonocyte proliferation. Intestinal ulceration was used as a surrogate indicator of COX inhibition. Sprague Dawley rats were treated orally with 6.3 mg/kg of R- or S-flurbiprofen or vehicle. Colonocyte labeling index and small bowel ulcer index were measured. R-flurbiprofen and S-flurbiprofen significantly reduced colonocyte labeling index, by 34% and 23% respectively, compared with vehicle. R-flurbiprofen caused minimal ulcer formation (4.48 mm 2 ) compared with S-flurbiprofen (94.4 mm 2 ). These findings suggest that R-flurbiprofen-mediated control of colonocyte proliferation is independent of prostaglandin biosynthesis.
Online constrained optimization with recourse

We study online packing and covering problems, stated as zero-one linear programs. This class of problems includes maximum cut, bipartite matching, and set cover. In the packing problem, variables arrive in an online fashion. Upon arrival of v, the weight of v in the objective function and in any constraints involving v is revealed and the algorithm may update its solution. In the covering problem, constraints arrive in an online fashion. We allow the relaxation that the algorithm may change the value of each variable a constant number of times, k. We give an algorithm for OnlinePacking(k) and prove that for any @e>0, there exists some k equal to [email protected]?(1/@e) such that the algorithm gives a ([email protected]) approximation for OnlinePacking(k). We then show near-tightness for several cases. We also prove that no deterministic algorithm exists for OnlineCovering(k) that achieves a competitive ratio less than 3/2.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF INCONTINENT ILEOVESICOSTOMY MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE LOWER URINARY TRACT DYSFUNCTION

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated the extended 5-year followup outcome of incontinent ileovesicostomy.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of 25 men and 13 women with a mean age of 44.9 years who underwent incontinent ileovesicostomy, including the original 23 patients whom we reported on in 1993. Mean followup was 52 months. We compared the incidence of complications before and after ileovesicostomy as well as long-term urinary tract status.Results: Before ileovesicostomy the incidence of serious complications associated with an indwelling catheter was significant, including poor bladder compliance in 50% of cases, urosepsis in 45%, hydronephrosis in 21%, renal struvite calculi in 18%, urethrocutaneous fistula in 18%, autonomic dysreflexia in 13% and bladder calculi in 2%. After conversion to ileovesicostomy our data show that 83 to 91% of this high risk population maintained a normal upper urinary tract and normal bladder storage compliance.Conclusions: Compared with preoperative status the inciden...
Surgical-orthodontic treatment planning for simultaneous mobilization of the maxilla and mandible in the correction of dentofacial deformities

Abstract Simultaneous mobilization of the maxilla and mandible is indicated for the optimal correction of specific dentofacial deformities, as discussed in the preceding publication. 1 Because of the added complexity of this type of surgical-orthodontic treatment, it is important to determine the absolute need for surgery and to construct a detailed blueprint of the specific changes to take place at the time of surgical intervention as well as those to be made by the orthodontist prior to initiation of any treatment . The intent of this article is to describe a technique of treatment planning which includes cephalometric prediction tracings, model surgery, determination of orthodontic-surgical sequencing, splint construction, and specific sequencing of surgery. When followed, these guidelines will enable the surgeon and the orthodontist to accurately determine the need for simultaneous mobilization of both the maxilla and the mandible and provide more predictable and stable results when it is performed.
Development of Phage-Based Single Chain Fv Antibody Reagents for Detection of Yersinia pestis

Background Most Yersinia pestis strains are known to express a capsule-like antigen, fraction 1 (F1). F1 is encoded by the caf1 gene located on the large 100-kb pFra plasmid, which is found in Y. pestis but not in closely related species such as Yersinia enterocolytica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. In order to find antibodies specifically binding to Y. pestis we screened a large single chain Fv antibody fragment (scFv) phage display library using purified F1 antigen as a selection target. Different forms of the selected antibodies were used to establish assays for recombinant F1 antigen and Y. pestis detection.
Characterization of vorticity in fluids by a spatially shaped laser beam

Measuring the speed and direction of vortices is of great importance in fluid dynamics. We report on the use of a CW laser beam with a superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes generated by a phase mask imprinted on a two-dimensional spatial light modulator. The shaped beam is then guided and scattered of a sample which is rotated; the rotational frequency is extracted from spectral analysis of the scattered light. This method allows for virtually real-time determination of vorticity characterization in a fluid.
Base sequence complexity of the polyadenylated and nonpolyadenylated stored RNA in Blastocladiella zoospores

The sequence complexity of Blastocladiella emersonii DNA and zoospore stored RNA was measured using DNADNA reassociation and RNA excess/tracer DNA hybridization. The base sequence complexity of the single-copy DNA (scDNA) was estimated to be 1.86 × 107 nucleotide pairs. The sequence complexity of the zoospore total RNA represented 8 × 106 nucleotides (NT), or 42% of the scDNA sequence complexity. The zoospore poly(A+)RNA fraction was found to contain base sequence complexity equivalent to 4.7 × 106 NT by poly(A+)RNA excess/scDNA hybridization and 5.7−7.6 × 106 NT by poly(A+)RNAcDNA hybridization. The average poly(A+)RNA base sequence complexity of 5.2–6.2 × 106 NT represented 65–78% of the zoospore total RNA complexity. The poly(A+)RNA fraction was made up of at least three frequency classes; of these, greater than 95% of the sequence complexity was represented by only 32% of the poly(A+)RNA. A complex nonpoly(A)RNA fraction was also found in zoospores. This RNA fraction represented 4 × 106 NT of base sequence complexity, or about 50% of the zoospore total RNA sequence complexity; however, only 106 NT or 25% of its sequence complexity was held in common with the zoospore poly(A+)RNA fraction. When corrected for this overlap, the sum of the poly(A)-containing and nonpoly(A)RNA fractions (8–9 × 106 NT) agreed well with the total RNA complexity (8 × 106 NT).
"The Laureat Hearse Where Lyric Lies": Hunt, Hazlitt, and the Making of Romantic Apostasy, 1813

(2002). 'The Laureat Hearse Where Lyric Lies': Hunt, Hazlitt, and the Making of Romantic Apostasy, 1813. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 233-250.
The Deprofessionalization of Everyone

Abstract Historical and cross-cultural data call into question the concept of profession as formulated by British and American sociologists. A common underlying theme, however, is the monopolization of esoteric knowledge as a basis for professional authority. Because of the rapid proliferation of knowledge and technology, Daniel Bell has forecast a professionalized society, in which knowledge will be a source of power. This paper projects an alternative hypothesis based on several societal trends, using medicine as the prototypical profession and providing some cross-cultural evidence. These trends include an erosion of the knowledge monopoly as a result of rising levels of public schooling and sophistication and specific patient education, as well as computerization—which changes accessibility patterns—and new divisions of labor, which disseminate practice skills and information more widely. The consequences are decline of trust in professional decisions and diminution of professional power and authority...
s, m, L, XL . . .

Methods of surveillance for Barrett’s oesophagus Although the early detection of high grade dysplasia, the precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, remains a primary task in the management of patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, several other key end points of screening and surveillance need to be considered (table 1). As dysplasia is rarely visually recognised during routine fibreoptic or video endoscopy, extensive four quadrant biopsy sampling every 1–2 cm of the entire mucosal surface using jumbo biopsy forceps (Seattle protocol) has been extensively practised, validated, and is currently recommended.1 In a recent report by the pioneers of this approach, the use of this systematic jumbo biopsy protocol every 1 cm in patients with high grade dysplasia who eventually developed cancer, 100% of cancers were detected.2 However, because the technique is labour intensive and requires a therapeutic endoscope, it is used by less than 20% of US gastroenterologists.3 Recently, many strategies and innovative techniques have been developed to improve the sensitivity of dysplasia detection and to overcome the problems of sampling error. Such approaches aim at enhancing the image contrast of the mucosa, detecting biochemical changes associated with dysplasia, and increasing the image resolution. The purpose of all of these approaches has been to improve from the small degree (S) of resolution and tissue penetration to medium (M), large (L), or even extra large (XL) levels of refinement, sensitivity, and specificity not only for dysplasia but also for a wider range of end points of screening and surveillance (table 1). For the uninitiated endoscopist, these novel techniques are briefly described here and summarised in table 2. Chromoendoscopy uses a standard video endoscope to visualise the mucosal surface after application of a dye, such as methylene blue or indigo carmine.4 High magnification endoscopy employs a special endoscope that has additional lenses …
Further observations on a method for estimating hominoid dental developmental patterns

Several recent studies have concluded that early hominines resembled apes in patterns of dental ontogeny and have inferred from this conclusion that they were ape-like in other aspects of growth and development as well. Prior to their employment on fossil juveniles, the comparative methods used in these studies were not first tested for their predictive accuracy in distinguishing modern humans from apes on the basis of proposed patterns of dental ontogeny. We find that 92% of a sample of 48 modern children are classified as ape-like or nonhuman by the criteria employed in one of these studies and overlap entirely with fossil juvenile dental patterns. The use of these methods to characterize early hominines as "ape-like" or distinctly divergent from humans is thus shown to be unwarranted.
Isolation and characterization of an immortalized oral keratinocyte cell line of mouse origin

Objective To establish an oral epithelial cell line of mouse origin for molecular and biochemical assays.
Speaker perspective and reference in young children

When speakers choose a word, they choose the perspective from which they wish to present an entity or an event. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that young children accept multiple perspectives from an early age. That is, they know that two terms can refer to the same entity, as shown by their comprehension and production of multiple terms for the same referent. A total of 36 children aged 2;2 to 4;8 answered questions about pictures that required shifts in level (e.g., from cat to animal or the reverse) or domain (e.g., from dog to sailor or the reverse). Even the youngest two-year-olds managed both tasks: they understood multiple terms for the same referents and also produced second terms for referents that had already been labelled. These data support a many-perspectives view of lexical acquisition over a single-perspective view.
Inhibition of Factor Xa : a potential target for the development of new anticoagulants.

Anticoagulant therapy plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of pathologic arterial and venous thrombosis. There is increasing enthusiasm in the inhibition of Factor Xa as a target to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation because of its central and ‘upstream’ position in the coagulation process. The indirect, selective, parenteral Factor Xa inhibitor fondaparinux sodium (synthetic pentasaccharide) has been studied extensively in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. In an overview of four studies in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery, fondaparinux sodium was associated with a 55% reduction in recurrent thromboembolism, albeit with a modest increase in bleeding. Preliminary results from phase II studies of fondaparinux sodium in patients with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes have been promising and have led to the initiation of two large phase III trials, which are currently underway. Idraparinux sodium, a long-acting synthetic pentasaccharide, is currently being investigated as a once-weekly alternative to other long-term anticoagulants. DX-9065a and razaxaban are two of many direct selective Factor Xa inhibitors currently in development. DX-9065a has been studied in phase II trials in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and in those with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes. Razaxaban has been studied in a phase II trial in patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. Data from these trials, although preliminary and based on small numbers of patients, suggest that direct selective Factor Xa inhibition may provide effective anticoagulation, perhaps without excessive bleeding. Inhibition of Factor Xa is a promising target for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis in both the venous and arterial circulation. Ongoing investigation with numerous oral and parenteral inhibitors of Factor Xa will establish the potential of Factor Xa as a target for therapeutic anticoagulation.
Successful Application of Ground-Penetrating Radar for Quality Assurance-Quality Control of New Pavements

The successful application of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a quality assurance-quality control tool to measure the layer thicknesses of newly built pavement systems is described. A study was conducted on a newly built test section of Route 288 located near Richmond, Virginia. The test section is a three-lane, 370-m-long flexible pavement system composed of a granular base layer and three different hot-mix asphalt (HMA) lifts. GPR surveys were conducted on each lift of the HMA layers after they were constructed. To estimate the layer thicknesses, GPR data were analyzed by using simplified equations in the time domain. The accuracies of the GPR system results were checked by comparing the thicknesses predicted with the GPR to the thicknesses measured directly from a large number of cores taken from the different HMA lifts. This comparison revealed a mean thickness error of 2.9% for HMA layers ranging in thickness from 100 mm (4 in.) to 250 mm (10 in.). This error is similar to the one obtained from the...
Age-associated changes in granulosa cell transcript abundance in equine preovulatory follicles

Age-related changes in follicle paracrine signalling are not defined, and follicular gene transcript abundance could predict oocyte viability. Granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles of mares considered Young (n=12; 4-14 years), Mid-aged (n=9; 15-19 years) and Old (n=14; 20-27 years) were evaluated for transcript abundance related to systemic and follicle-specific pathways. Gene transcript abundance for receptors of insulin, adiponectin and peroxisome proliferating factor-γ were higher or tended to be higher in Mid-aged or Old than Young mares. Transcript abundance for interleukin (IL)-6 was elevated in Old versus Young mares, and IL-6 signal transducer was elevated in Old versus younger groups. Expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member 1A was higher in Mid-aged than Young mares, whereas TNF-inducible gene 6 protein mRNA tended to decrease in Mid-aged versus Young and Old mares. Genes for LH receptor and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein tended to be increased in Old versus Mid-aged and Young mares, respectively. Young and Old mares had higher mRNA for tissue-type plasminogen activator than Mid-aged mares. Thioredoxin-2 mRNA was higher in Old than younger groups. We observed age-related changes in mRNA of receptors for metabolic hormones, inflammatory processes, steroidogenic hormones, tissue remodelling and mitochondrial function, which could contribute to and/or mark alterations in follicular function and fertility.
APF® Pitch-Halving for 22nm Logic Cells using Gridded Design Rules

The 22nm logic technology node with dimensions of ~32nm will be the first node to require some form of pitch-halving. A unique combination of a Producer APF(R)-based process sequence and GDR-based design style permits implementation of random logic functions with regular layout patterns. The APF (Advanced Patterning Film) pitch-halving approach is a classic Self-Aligned Double Patterning scheme (SADP) [1,2,3,4] which involves the creation of CVD dielectric spacers on an APF sacrificial template and using the spacers as a hardmask for line frequency doubling. The Tela CanvaTM implements Gridded Design Rules (GDR) using straight lines placed on a regular grid. Logic functions can be implemented using lines on a half-pitch with gaps at selected locations.
Thermal Chemistry of Nitrogen in Kerogen and Low-Rank Coal

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to identify the forms of nitrogen present in Green River Type I and Bakken Type II kerogen concentrate samples and to follow the changes in nitrogen forms in the tars and chars produced upon pyrolysis. Pyrrolic nitrogen is the most abundant form of nitrogen, followed by pyridinic, amino, and quaternary types. XPS results show that upon devolatilization at 510 °C, the resultant kerogen tar and char contain mostly pyrrolic and pyridinic forms while amino groups are preferentially released into the tar. A portion of the quaternary nitrogen initially present in the Bakken kerogen appears in the 510 °C char and tar. Similar transformations were found for low-rank coal. These transformations occur at lower temperatures at long pyrolysis times for both kerogen and low-rank coal. Severe pyrolysis of the devolatilized kerogen char (T = 630−810 °C) results in the appearance of an asymmetric carbon (1s) line shape indicative of very large polynuclear “graphitic-like” u...
Amino acids of the organic matrix of neogastropod shells

Abstract 1. 1. Analyses of the organic matrix of the shell of the neogastropods Littorina irrorata, Polinices duplicatus, Thais floridana, Pila virens, Campeloma decisum and Nassarius obsoletus have shown differences in amino acid content between the soluble and insoluble fractions of each species as well as interspecific differences in both fractions. 2. 2. Glycine, glutamic and aspartic acids, serine and alanine were present in highest concentration in both soluble and insoluble fractions. 3. 3. The soluble fraction of each species had a higher aspartic and glutamic acid content than the insoluble fraction. 4. 4. Glycine, phenylalanine and tyrosine were consistently higher in the insoluble fraction than in the soluble fraction. 5. 5. The insoluble matrix of the shell of Nassarius differed from that of the other five species in containing unusually high or low concentrations of several of the amino acids. 6. 6. The soluble and insoluble fractions of molluscan shell matrix are thought to have different functions in shell formation.
Characterization of the liver kinase B1-mouse protein-25 -Ste-20-related adaptor protein complex in adult mouse skeletal muscle

In liver, the AMP-activated protein kinase kinase (AMPKK) complex was identified as the association of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), mouse protein 25 (MO25α/β), and Ste-20-related adaptor protein (STRADα...
Decoherence in Josephson-Junction Qubits due to Critical Current Fluctuations

We compute the decoherence caused by $1∕f$ fluctuations at low frequency $f$ in the critical current ${I}_{0}$ of Josephson junctions incorporated into flux, phase, charge, and hybrid flux-charge superconducting quantum bits (qubits). The dephasing time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$ scales as ${I}_{0}∕\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\Lambda}{S}_{{I}_{0}}^{1∕2}(1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz})$, where $\ensuremath{\Omega}∕2\ensuremath{\pi}$ is the energy-level splitting frequency, ${S}_{{I}_{0}}(1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz})$ is the spectral density of the critical-current noise at $1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}$, and $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\mid}{I}_{0}d\ensuremath{\Omega}∕\ensuremath{\Omega}d{I}_{0}\ensuremath{\mid}$ is a parameter computed for given parameters for each type of qubit that specifies the sensitivity of the level splitting to critical-current fluctuations. Computer simulations show that the envelope of the coherent oscillations of any qubit after time $t$ scales as $\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}{t}^{2}∕2{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{2})$ when the dephasing due to critical-current noise dominates the dephasing from all sources of dissipation. We compile published results for fluctuations in the critical current of Josephson tunnel junctions fabricated with different technologies and a wide range in ${I}_{0}$ and area $\mathcal{A}$, and show that their values of ${S}_{{I}_{0}}(1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz})$ scale to within a factor of 3 of $[144{({I}_{0}∕\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{A})}^{2}∕(\mathcal{A}∕\ensuremath{\mu}{\mathrm{m}}^{2})]{(\mathrm{pA})}^{2}∕\mathrm{Hz}$ at $4.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. We empirically extrapolate ${S}_{{I}_{0}}^{1∕2}(1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz})$ to lower temperatures using a scaling $T(\mathrm{K})∕4.2$. Using this result, we find that the predicted values of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}$ at $100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$ range from $0.8\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}12\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$, and are usually substantially longer than values measured experimentally at lower temperatures.
The Role of Mothers' and Fathers' Parental Control and Coparenting in Toddlers' Compliance.

Research Findings: This study examined the unique and relative contributions of mothers' and fathers' parental control and coparenting to toddlers' committed compliance with parents in both dyadic parent–child and triadic family play contexts. Sixty-eight mostly middle-class, 2-parent families with toddlers (16–37 months) were observed in a university laboratory setting. There were positive associations among mothers' gentle guidance, balanced coparental engagement, and child committed compliance with mothers. However, there was no association between any parental control or coparenting variable and child compliance with fathers. Unique contributions of fathers' control and coparenting, beyond mothers' parenting, were found for children's compliance with mothers but not with fathers. Practice or Policy: The findings highlight the importance of taking the family relationship context into account when assessing parenting behaviors and toddlers'compliance.
Biosynthesis of Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Cytochrome P-450 in Human Fetal Adrenal Cells in Culture*

An immunoglobulin G fraction from antiserum raised against cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome P-450scc) purified from bovine adrenocortical mitochondria cross-reacted with human fetal adrenal cytochrome P-450scc in an Ouchterlony double diffusion system. This property of the immunoglobulin G fraction was used for the immunoisolation of cytochrome P-450acc of human fetal adrenal cells in culture. The molecular weight of the immunoisolate from [35S] methionine-labeled human fetal adrenal cells was similar to that of purified bovine adrenocortical cytochrome P-450scc (49,000). However the molecular weight of cytochrome P-450scc immunoisolated from an in vitro translation system programmed by human fetal adrenal RNA was approximately 54,000, about 5,000 larger than that of the immunoisolate from radiolabeled cells. The rate of synthesis of cytochrome P-450scc by human fetal adrenal cells in culture, when incubated with ACTH (10-6 M) for 36 h, was 2.5-fold greater than that by fetal a...
Choreography conformance via synchronizability

Choreography analysis has been a crucial problem in service oriented computing. Interactions among services involve message exchanges across organizational boundaries in a distributed computing environment, and in order to build such systems in a reliable manner, it is necessary to develop techniques for analyzing such interactions. Choreography conformance involves verifying that a set of services behave according to a given choreography specification that characterizes their interactions. Unfortunately this is an undecidable problem when services interact with asynchronous communication. In this paper we present techniques that identify if the interaction behavior for a set of services remain the same when asynchronous communication is replaced with synchronous communication. This is called the synchronizability problem and determining the synchronizability of a set of services has been an open problem for several years. We solve this problem in this paper. Our results can be used to identify synchronizable services for which choreography conformance can be checked efficiently. Our results on synchronizability are applicable to any software infrastructure that supports message-based interactions.
A targeted glucocorticoid receptor antisense transgene increases thymocyte apoptosis and alters thymocyte development.

Abstract The exquisite sensitivity of thymocytes to steroid-induced apoptosis, the steroidogenic potential of thymic epithelial cells, and the ability of steroid synthesis inhibitors to enhance antigen-specific deletion of thymocytes in fetal thymic organ cultures suggest a role for glucocorticoids in thymocyte development. To address this further, transgenic mice that express anti-sense transcripts to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) specifically in immature thymocytes were generated. The consequent hyporesponsiveness of thymocytes to glucocorticoids was accompanied by a reduction in thymic size, primarily owing to a decrease in the number of CD4 + CD8 + cells. While an enhanced susceptibility to T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated apoptosis appeared to be partially responsible for this reduction, thymocyte loss could also be detected before thymocytes progressed to the CD4 + CD8 + TCRαβ-expressing stage. These results suggest that glucocorticoids are necessary for survival and maturation of thymocytes, and are consistent with a role for steroids in both the transition from CD4 − CD8 − to CD4 + CD8 + cells and the survival of CD4 + CD8 + cells stimulated via the TCR.
The Concurrent and Longitudinal Effects of Child Disability Types and Health on Family Experiences

This study examines the concurrent and longitudinal effects of children’s disability types and health on family experiences, namely, parent divorce, mother’s unemployment, and receipt of social welfare. The parent and school staff survey data for 1999 and 2004 from the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study were analyzed, when the ages of children with disabilities ranged from 6 to 17. Weighted logistic regressions using Taylor Series Linearization were used to model the concurrent associations and longitudinal association between children’s disability types and health and family experiences. Models were adjusted to account for other children in the family with disabilities, sociodemographic characteristics, and other family experiences variables. Family experiences varied significantly by disability type in 1999. Compared with families of children with learning disabilities, parents of children with emotional disturbances were 81% more likely to get divorced, and 2.5 times more likely to receive welfare from 1999 to 2004. Mothers of children with a secondary disability were 81% more likely to be unemployed than those of children without a secondary disability. These findings indicate that specific disability types in children have an influence on family experience, and that some of those influences may persist over time. Families of children with emotional disturbances appear to be particularly at risk for negative family experiences. Clinicians, educators, and policymakers should be aware of the complex needs of families of children with disabilities when considering the types of services and supports provided to both children with disabilities and their families.