cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The hand-reversal illusion revisited.

The hand-reversal illusion is a visuomotor illusion that is commonly seen in children’s play. When participants attempt to lift a designated finger while their hands are cross-folded, they are likely to erroneously lift the matched finger of the other hand; however, such errors are rare when subjects close their eyes. Based on the fact that the illusion disappears without visual input, researchers previously concluded that the illusion depends upon visual and proprioceptive conflict (Van Riper, 1935). Here, we reevaluated this visual-proprioceptive conflict hypothesis by obtaining reaction time measurements because, in the original study, subjects might have relied on a strategy of responding more slowly to minimize making errors. We found that the impairment due to cross-folding one’s hand persisted in the absence of the visual input, as evidenced by delayed response times. Further, we found that such impairment occurred when the fingers of only one hand were tested, indicating that the impairment was not due to left-right confusions of the hands during tactile identification or response selection. Based on these results, we suggest that the illusion is not solely due to the conflict between visual and proprioceptive information. Instead, we propose that the unusual configuration itself that involves a reversal of the left and right hands in external space also contributes to the impaired motor response.
Reframing the Learning Disabilities Experience Redux

AbstractThis article describes an independent study project for college students with learning disabilities that facilitates a reframing of the learning disabilities experience. By engaging in a systematic process of self-discovery and self-actualization, a number of students have indicated that the
Subclinical orthostatic hypotension as a biological marker for low self-esteem in children

Individuals who effectively regulate or mildly increase their systolic blood pressure (SBP) in response to an orthostatic challenge exhibit healthier affective status, cognitive functioning, and better quality of life. Thus, increased SBP in response to an orthostatic challenge serves as a proxy for several underlying changes. This study examined the relationship between SBP regulation and self-esteem in children. Data were collected from 92 boys and girls, aged 8–11 years. Systolic, diastolic, and pulse measurements were obtained after 5 minutes of remaining supine and again after 1 minute of standing. Children also provided affective ratings on the Children's Depression Inventory. The Negative Self-Esteem subscale was examined for this study. A multiple regression analysis revealed that poorer orthostatic regulation was associated with higher levels of negative self-esteem among children aged 8–11 years. Thus, orthostatic BP regulation may serve as a biological marker for poor self-esteem in children. T...
LIZARD ERYTHROCYTIC VIRUS IN EAST AFRICAN CHAMELEONS

Giemsa-stained peripheral blood films from 9 of 50 flap-necked chameleons, Chamaeleo dilepis, and 1 of 18 Fischer’s chameleons, Bradypodion fischeri, collected in Tanzania had intraerythrocytic inclusions. In C. dilepis, acidophilic inclusions were associated with the albuminoid vacuoles reported in typical pirhemocytonosis of saurians. Under transmission electron microscopy, the acidophilic inclusions were aggregations of partially or completely formed viral particles consistent with those of the family Iridoviridae. Enveloped viral particles were 140 to 180 nm in diameter, with a mean of 159 nm (SD, 12). Albuminoid vacuoles were not seen in the B. fischeri infection, in which erythrocytes contained multiple acidophilic inclusions of variable shape. Viral particles in B. fischeri were 156.3 to 200.0 nm in diameter; the mean was 180 nm (SD, 18). This represents the first confirmation of the viral identity of pirhemocyton in a lizard. We recommend that the epithet pirhemocyton no longer be used as a generi...
A chemically-defined screening platform reveals behavioral similarities between primary human mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells

Chemically defined substrates, which rigorously control protein–surface and cell–surface interactions, can be used to probe the effects of specific biomolecules on cell behavior. Here we combined a chemically-defined, array-based format with automated, time-lapse microscopy to efficiently screen cell–substrate interactions. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiolates bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) units and reactive terminal groups were used to present cell adhesion peptides while minimizing non-specific protein interactions. Specifically, we describe rapid fabrication of arrays of 1 mm spots, which present varied densities of the integrin-binding ligand Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro (GRGDSP). Results indicate that cell attachment, cell spreading, and proliferation exhibit strong dependencies on GRGDSP density for both human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, relative spreading and proliferation over a broad range of GRGDSP densities were similar for both primary cell types, and detailed comparison between cell behaviors identified a 1 : 1 correlation between spreading and proliferation for both HUVECs and hMSCs. Finally, time-lapse microscopy of SAM arrays revealed distinct adhesion-dependent migratory behaviors for HUVECs and hMSCs. These results demonstrate the benefits of using an array-based screening platform for investigating cell function. While the proof-of-concept focuses on simple cellular properties, the quantitative similarities observed for hMSCs and HUVECs provides a direct example of how phenomena that would not easily be predicted can be shown to correlate between different cell types.
It is time to move forward with Waldenström

In this issue of Blood, Roccaro et al demonstrate high expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) mutation in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), a marker of tumor aggression and drug resistance.1 In vivo analysis with an anti-CXCR4 antibody reversed this aggression, setting the stage for prospective studies in this forgotten disease.
Imaging of an object behind a random phase screen using light of arbitrary coherence

We have considered the imaging of an object located an arbitrary distance behind a random phase screen and illuminated with light of arbitrary spatial coherence. The limiting cases of smooth and diffuse objects illuminated with either spatially incoherent or spatially coherent light are evaluated in detail.
Interleukin-1ß elevation during the postpartum period

During the postpartum period, women frequently report increased fatigue, which, if severe, may interfere with maternal-child bonding, delay a new mother’s return to her activities of daily living, and contribute to depression. Several studies have sought to determine psychosocial contributions to fatigue during the postpartum period, but few evaluate any physiological changes that may contribute to fatigue during this time. The following study was designed to test whether the potent, proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1s), known to be a physiological mediator of fatigue in several clinical and experimental conditions, is elevated in women during the postpartum period and whether it might be related to symptoms of fatigue. Levels of fatigue and the urinary excretion of IL-1s were measured in 26 women over 4 weeks postpartum. Correlations between fatigue and activation of the inflammatory response were investigated. Results demonstrated a significant elevation in IL-1s during the postpartum period compared to control participants (p < .05) and a significant, although delayed, correlation between IL-1s elevation and fatigue (p < .05). These results suggest that activation of the inflammatory response, as reflected by elevation in urinary IL-1s, occurs in association with postpartum fatigue. Studies to explore further this association and to identify specific mechanisms of action are needed.
Adenocarcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct in a cat.

A scirrhous adenocarcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct was shown by histopathological examination to be the cause of obstructive jaundice in an 11-year-old female Siamese cat. In addition to icterus, the cat's clinical signs included depression, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, weight loss and dehydration. Symptomatic therapy relieved the anorexia, constipation, dehydration and depression, but jaundice, weight loss and occasional vomiting continued during the 2-month course of illness. Serum cholesterol and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) remained elevated and serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) values progressively increased from the cat's initial presentation to its death 2 months later. At necropsy the tumour was found to involve only the extrahepatic bile duct. Neoplasia of the extrahepatic biliary system has been reported only twice in domesticated animals (Patnaik et al., 1975; Feldman, Strafuss & Gabbert, 1976).
A weighted l 1 -minimization approach for sparse polynomial chaos expansions.

This work proposes a method for sparse polynomial chaos (PC) approximation of high-dimensional stochastic functions based on non-adapted random sampling. We modify the standard l1l1-minimization algorithm, originally proposed in the context of compressive sampling, using a priori information about the decay of the PC coefficients, when available, and refer to the resulting algorithm as weighted l1l1-minimization. We provide conditions under which we may guarantee recovery using this weighted scheme. Numerical tests are used to compare the weighted and non-weighted methods for the recovery of solutions to two differential equations with high-dimensional random inputs: a boundary value problem with a random elliptic operator and a 2-D thermally driven cavity flow with random boundary condition.
Quantum Confinement and Optical Gaps in Si Nanocrystals

Quasiparticle gaps, self-energy corrections, exciton Coulomb energies, and optical gaps in Si quantum dots are calculated from first principles using a real-space pseudopotential method. The calculations are performed on hydrogen-passivated spherical Si clusters with diameters up to 27.2 \AA{} ( $\ensuremath{\sim}800\mathrm{Si}$ and H atoms). It is shown that (i) the self-energy correction in quantum dots is enhanced substantially compared to bulk, and is not size independent as implicitly assumed in all semiempirical calculations, and (ii) quantum confinement and reduced electronic screening result in appreciable excitonic Coulomb energies. Calculated optical gaps are in very good agreement with absorption data.
Molecular Characterization of Maize Inbreds with Expired U.S. Plant Variety Protection

Maize inbred lines with expired Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) certifi cates are publicly available and potentially represent a new germplasm resource for many public and private breeding programs. However, accurate pedigree and genetic background information for ex-PVPA maize inbreds is necessary if they are to be effectively utilized in breeding efforts. We have used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to evaluate the relationships and population structure among 92 ex-PVPA inbred lines in relation to 17 well-known public inbreds. Based on unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean clustering, principal components analysis, and model-based clustering, we identifi ed six primary genetic clusters represented by the prominent inbred lines B73, Mo17, PH207, A632, Oh43, and B37. We also determined the genetic background of ex-PVPA inbreds with confl icting, ambiguous, or undisclosed pedigrees. We assessed genetic diversity across subsets of ex-PVPA lines and concluded that the ex-PVPA lines are no more diverse than the public set evaluated here. Additionally, all alleles present in the ex-PVPA inbreds, for the 614 SNPs included in this study, are also found in public temperate maize germplasm.
Enhancement of cytotoxicity of bleomyein by dithiocarbamates: Formation of bis(dithiocarbamato) Cu(II)

Properties of the reactions of dithiocarbamates and their Cu(II) or Fe(III) complexes with Ehrlich cells were determined and related to their effects on the inhibition of cell proliferation caused by bleomycin and Cu bleomycin. In complete culture medium containing Eagle's minimal essential medium plus Earles salts and 2.5% fetal calf serum, dimethyl- and diethyldithiocarbamates and their copper complexes inhibit cell proliferation and cause cell death. The copper complexes are more effective agents. Ferric tris-diethyldithiocarbamate is also a cytotoxic species. In contrast, when cells are exposed to dimethyldithiocarbamate or its copper complex in Ringer's buffer under metal-restricted condition, washed, and then placed in complete medium, the copper complex is much more active in inhibiting cell growth. The difference is magnified when dihydroxyethyldithiocarbamate and N-methylglucamine dithiocarbamate and their copper complexes are compared in complete media. Incubation of bleomycin or copper bleomycin with Ehrlich cells in Ringer's buffer with or without dimethyldithiocarbamate or bis-dimethyldithiocarbamato Cu(II) leads to no enhancement of cytotoxicity from combinations of agents, except when the two copper complexes are present. Diethyl- or dimethyldithiocarbamate readily extracts copper from Cu(II)bleomycin and iron from Fe(III)bleomycin when ethylacetate is present to remove the tris-dithiocarbamato Fe(III) complex from aqueous solution. When bis-dimethyldithiocarbamato Cu(II) is incubated with Ehrlich cells, copper is released from the complex and bound to high molecular weight and metallothionein fractions. A reductive mode of dissociation of the copper complexes in cells is supported by ESR experiments. Reactions of diethyl- and dimethyldithiocarbamato Cu(II) with thiol compounds demonstrates one possible mechanism of reduction of these complexes.
Pairwise interactions and the ground state of ordered binary alloys

Abstract The ground state energy and superstructures of b.c.c. and f.c.c. Ising model systems with first and second neighbor interactions have been examined. A large variety of superstructures with symmetries as low as monoclinic and stoichiometries as strange as A6B are a natural consequence of the search for lowest energy. For non-stoichiometric alloys, two-phase mixtures of ordered structures of adjacent stoichiometries are often the state of lowest energy. These features seem to correspond more closely to those of real systems than would be expected from the usual first neighbor only Ising model.
GABA Agonists enhance morphine and fentanyl antinociception in rabbit tooth pulp and mouse hot plate assays

Parallel experiments in the rabbit tooth pulp and mouse hot plate paradigms were performed to elucidate the effect of pretreatment with the GABA mimetic compound muscimol (M) and diazepam (DZ) on the antinociceptive effect of both morphine sulfate (MS) and fentanyl citrate (F). The ED50 values for F in both rabbits and mice were lowered significantly (p ≤ 0.05) by pretreatment with either i.v. DZ or M in rabbits or i.p DZ or i.v. M in mice. There was a significant 7-fold shift of the F dose-response curve after pretreatment with M in rabbits and a 3-fold shift in mice compared to controls; a 10-fold shift after pretreatment with i.v. DZ in rabbits and a 2-fold shift after i.p DZ in mice. The ED50 values for MS in both rabbits and mice were lowered significantly (p ≤ 0.05) by pretreatment with i.v. muscimol but not DZ (p ≤ 0.18). Similarly, pretreatment with i.v. M, in rabbits and mice, but not i.v DZ in rabbits or i.p DZ in mice, significantly shifted the dose-response curves of MS to the left compared to controls. DZ and M i.v. significantly prolonged the duration of antinociception (rabbit) of an ED98 dose of MS and ED90 dose of F. Time to 50% maximal possible antinociceptive effect (MPE) increased from 240 min for MS + vehicle to 425 min for MS + DZ, and over 450 min for MS + M. Time to 50% MPE increased from 25 min for F + vehicle to 38 min for F + DZ. Similar results were observed for F + M. DZ pretereatment enhances the antinociceptive potency of 2X ED50 of F. In general, the average % MPE of F + DZ was twice tha tof F + vehicle over the first 20 min postopioid injection. A similar trend was noted following 2 × ED50 pf MS, whereas scopolamine had no significant effect. These results suggest that GABAA agonists, both direct M and indirect DZ enhance the antinociceptive effect of the opioids F and MS. since naloxone completely reversed this effect and scopolamine had no significant effect, this implies that GABAA agonists enhance opioid antinociception by an opioid and not a cholinergic mechanism.
Behavioral Response of Resident Jamaican Birds to Dry Season Food Supplementation1

We used plot-level manipulations and analyses to test the effects of food availability on the behavior and condition of resident dry-forest birds in Jamaica. Two control plots were monitored in each of 2 yr. Food was supplemented on five plots over 2 yr with piles of cut oranges distributed around plots, which served as a direct source of carbohydrates and water, and an indirect source of ground arthropods due to increased above-ground activity. We reduced ants on five plots over 2 yr; however, we found no difference in total ground arthropod biomass between control and reduction treatments, so we pooled these plots for analysis. We selected nine focal resident bird species for study of relative abundance, body condition, and breeding condition. Birds were sampled prior to, and 5 to 6 weeks after the initiation of treatments. Seven of nine species had higher relative abundance following food supplementation. Three species were recaptured more frequently in supplementation plots than in control plots. These abundance and persistence responses did not cause any changes in body condition. In one species, Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola), food supplementation resulted in higher concentrations of individuals in breeding condition. These results demonstrate a functional response to dry-season food availability and suggest a limiting mechanism. This study helps explain mechanisms by which bird populations respond to resource availability, and is the first successful plot-level food supplementation experiment for tropical forest birds.
Learning to solve insight problems

A series of seven insight problems was given to 28 male and 28 female college students. Each problem required that an object be used in a novel manner to reach solution, but both the critical object and its required use varied across problems. Subjects showed moderate improvement in performance on the second half of the problem series. Males solved more quickly than females; relatively stable and predictable individual differences in performance were observed. Results support the conclusions that insight problems form a class involving common abilities and that general transfer effects can occur if suffici6ent practice is given.
Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Micropenis: Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Adult Penile Size. • 403

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Micropenis: Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Adult Penile Size. • 403
The Structure and Biosynthesis of Phosphatidyl Inositol in Cauliflower Inflorescence

Phosphatidyl inositol has been isolated from cauliflower inflorescence and soybean. Analysis of the fatty acid distribution showed that unsaturated fatty acids were preferred at position 2, and that saturated fatty acids were preferred at position 1. Mitochondrial preparations from cauliflower inflorescence were capable of synthesizing phosphatidyl inositol from myo-inositol and cytidine diphosphate diglyceride. The optimal pH for the reaction was 9.0. Metal ions were required for the reaction: Mn 2+ ions were optimally effective at 1.5 mm, and Mg 2+ ions were maximally effective at 30 mm. The maximal rate in the presence of Mn 2+ was 9 times as great as that in the presence of Mg 2+ . Phosphatidyl inositol could also be synthesized when cytidine diphosphate diglyceride was replaced by cytidine triphosphate, but the pH optimum then shifted to 8.1.
Measurement of DNA breakage in spermiogenic germ-cell stages of mice exposed to ethylene oxide, using an alkaline elution procedure.

DNA breakage in spermiogenic stages of the mouse was studied after exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO), using an alkaline elution technique. At daily intervals over a 23-day period following i.p. injection of 100 mg EtO/kg, mature spermatozoa were recovered from treated ([3H]dThd-labeled) and control ([14C]dThd-labeled) animals, lysed together on polycarbonate filters, and the DNA was eluted with a high pH (12.2) buffer. Elution of germ-cell DNA from EtO-exposed animals increased (more DNA strand breaks) in stages sensitive to the genetic effects of EtO (late spermatids to early spermatozoa). The stage-related pattern of EtO-induced DNA breakage paralleled the pattern of sperm alkylation and protamine alkylation found to be produced by EtO in an earlier study (Sega and Owens, 1987). At 9 days posttreatment (sperm sampled were in late-spermatid stages at the time of EtO exposure) the amount of sperm DNA eluted did not change significantly over a pH range of 11.6-12.8, indicating that, at the time of assay, DNA breaks were already present in the sperm.
The dying patient: Establish his role to improve care

Dr. Noyes is associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Psychiatrists and other physicians, families, even dying persons themselves used to regard death as an accepted and natural event. 1 Now, however, dying persons and their relatives regard death as an unwelcome and even an unnecessary event to be denied and opposed at all costs, rather than one to be accepted as natural. This changed attitude, possibly caused by an illusion of environmental mastery stemming from technologic advances, has created an atmosphere in which the event now seems the accidental product of disease. It has made death the doctor's enemy and encouraged physicians to treat fatal illness as though it were curable. As this attitude and the practices supported by it have gained sway, the care of dying persons has deteriorated. Persons with incurable illnesses have increasingly experienced isolation and indignity in institutions. In the hands of physicians, they have sometimes received neglectful and sometimes overzealous treatment.2.3 Society appears to have lost an appreciation of the appropriate social role once successfully occupied by dying persons.· Too often, this role has become confused with the sick role. In an effort to reduce confusion and point the way to improved care of dying individuals, this article will describe the dying role and distinguish it from the more commonly recognized sick role.
Curriculum models in teacher education: The liberal arts and professional studies

Abstract This paper explores questions concerning curriculum collaboration between professional education faculty and liberal arts faculty. To this end, the paper examines three curriculum models currently used by teacher preparation institutions to structure the relationship between professional education and liberal arts course work: Integrated, Collaborative, and Segmented. Each generic model is described and then evaluated in terms of its inherent strengths and weaknesses, and a case example of each is elaborated. The paper proposes interconnectedness and pedagogical relevance as normative criteria for assessing teacher education programs. Under these criteria, the collaborative model seems to be the most efficacious curriculum model for teacher education.
Parental smoking exposure and adolescent smoking trajectories

OBJECTIVE: In a multigenerational study of smoking risk, the objective was to investigate the intergenerational transmission of smoking by examining if exposure to parental smoking and nicotine dependence predicts prospective smoking trajectories among adolescent offspring. METHODS: Adolescents ( n = 406) ages 12 to 17 and a parent completed baseline interviews (2001–2004), and adolescents completed up to 2 follow-up interviews 1 and 5 years later. Baseline interviews gathered detailed information on parental smoking history, including timing and duration, current smoking, and nicotine dependence. Adolescent smoking and nicotine dependence were assessed at each time point. Latent Class Growth Analysis identified prospective smoking trajectory classes from adolescence into young adulthood. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between parental smoking and adolescent smoking trajectories. RESULTS: Four adolescent smoking trajectory classes were identified: early regular smokers (6%), early experimenters (23%), late experimenters (41%), and nonsmokers (30%). Adolescents with parents who were nicotine-dependent smokers at baseline were more likely to be early regular smokers (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.33) and early experimenters (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.25) with each additional year of previous exposure to parental smoking. Parents’ current non-nicotine–dependent and former smoking were not associated with adolescent smoking trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to parental nicotine dependence is a critical factor influencing intergenerational transmission of smoking. Adolescents with nicotine-dependent parents are susceptible to more intense smoking patterns and this risk increases with longer duration of exposure. Research is needed to optimize interventions to help nicotine-dependent parents quit smoking early in their children’s lifetime to reduce these risks.
Swallowing Disorders in the Ambulatory Medical Setting

ObjectivesThe aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore the nationwide number and demographics of patient visits due to dysphagia and to investigate potential differences in their manageme...
The role of perceptual reference frames in visual field asymmetries.

(Received 5 June 1986; accepted 25 May 1987) Abstract-The direct access model of hemispheric asymmetry was tested in a letter reelection (normal of reflected) judgement task. In the baseline condition letters were presented in their upright orientation, and reaction times were faster to letters presented in the right visual field than to those presented in the left visual field. In two other conditions the slides, and thus the letters, were rotated + 90" clockwise (Rotated + 90) from upright or ~ 90 counterclockwise (Rotated ~ 90). This resulted in the letters in both rotated conditions being shown in the upper or lower visual field through the saggital plane but rotated 90". Despite this fact a "right field" advantage was again found when the right field was defined relative to the orientation qfthe tops ofthe rota/cd lettrrs (lower visual lield in the Rotated +90 condition and upper visual field in the Rotated -90 condition). These results demonstrate that the internal representation of locations in space is more important in predicting visual field asymmetries, at least in the present task, than the field of stimulus presentation relative to the fovea.
Dual-energy CT for the diagnosis of gout: an accuracy and diagnostic yield study.

Objectives To assess the accuracy of dual-energy CT (DECT) for diagnosing gout, and to explore whether it can have any impact on clinical decision making beyond the established diagnostic approach using polarising microscopy of synovial fluid (diagnostic yield). Methods Diagnostic single-centre study of 40 patients with active gout, and 41 individuals with other types of joint disease. Sensitivity and specificity of DECT for diagnosing gout was calculated against a combined reference standard (polarising and electron microscopy of synovial fluid). To explore the diagnostic yield of DECT scanning, a third cohort was assembled consisting of patients with inflammatory arthritis and risk factors for gout who had negative synovial fluid polarising microscopy results. Among these patients, the proportion of subjects with DECT findings indicating a diagnosis of gout was assessed. Results The sensitivity and specificity of DECT for diagnosing gout was 0.90 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.93), respectively. All false negative patients were observed among patients with acute, recent-onset gout. All false positive patients had advanced knee osteoarthritis. DECT in the diagnostic yield cohort revealed evidence of uric acid deposition in 14 out of 30 patients (46.7%). Conclusions DECT provides good diagnostic accuracy for detection of monosodium urate (MSU) deposits in patients with gout. However, sensitivity is lower in patients with recent-onset disease. DECT has a significant impact on clinical decision making when gout is suspected, but polarising microscopy of synovial fluid fails to demonstrate the presence of MSU crystals.
Some physical properties of rutin.

Abstract Approximate solubility of rutin in common solvents and solvent‐water mixtures has been determined at room temperature and near boiling temperatures. Data are presented showing the formation of rutin solvent complexes. Rutin of high purity, free of quercetin and other flavonoids, has been prepared using this principle. Values for the optical rotation of rutin in various solvents and water‐solvent mixtures are given.
Calcitriol in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Calcitriol was compared with placebo in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in a double-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial of 24 months' duration. Adjustment was made in dietary calcium to maximize the dose of calcitriol. The study was completed by 15 patients who received placebo and 12 patients who received calcitriol. The calcitriol group had positive slopes (compared with negative slopes for the placebo group) for total body calcium, bone mineral content of the radius, bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, and radiographic absorptiometry of the middle phalanges. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant for each of these measurements. The fracture rate in the treatment group was 250 per 1,000 patient-years as compared with 333 for the placebo group. The mean dose of calcitriol was 0.8 micrograms per day. Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and perhaps nephrolithiasis were observed as complications of treatment. Calcitriol increased bone mineral density by decreasing bone resorption, but not by increasing bone formation. Future studies should concentrate on treatment with oral calcitriol in lower doses. It would also be of interest to examine parenteral administration of calcitriol. It is possible that bone formation can be increased by achieving higher serum levels of the drug, whereas complications may be avoided by using a non-oral route of administration.
Risk factors for adolescent smoking: parental smoking and the mediating role of nicotine dependence.

Background Parental smoking and early-emerging nicotine dependence symptoms are well-documented risk factors for adolescent smoking. However, very little is known about the mediating pathways through which these risk factors may act, or whether parental smoking may cause or signal early-emerging nicotine dependence symptoms.
Analysis of the irradiation data for A302B and A533B correlation monitor materials

The results of Charpy V-notch impact tests for A302B and A533B-1 Correlation Monitor Materials (CMM) listed in the surveillance power reactor data base (PR-EDB) and material test reactor data base (TR-EDB) are analyzed. The shift of the transition temperature at 30 ft-lb (T{sub 30}) is considered as the primary measure of radiation embrittlement in this report. The hyperbolic tangent fitting model and uncertainty of the fitting parameters for Charpy impact tests are presented in this report. For the surveillance CMM data, the transition temperature shifts at 30 ft-lb ({Delta}T{sub 30}) generally follow the predictions provided by Revision 2 of Regulatory Guide 1.99 (R.G. 1.99). Difference in capsule temperatures is a likely explanation for large deviations from R.G. 1.99 predictions. Deviations from the R.G. 1.99 predictions are correlated to similar deviations for the accompanying materials in the same capsules, but large random fluctuations prevent precise quantitative determination. Significant scatter is noted in the surveillance data, some of which may be attributed to variations from one specimen set to another, or inherent in Charpy V-notch testing. The major contributions to the uncertainty of the R.G. 1.99 prediction model, and the overall data scatter are from mechanical test results, chemical analysis, irradiation environments, fluence evaluation, and inhomogeneous material properties. Thus in order to improve the prediction model, control of the above-mentioned error sources needs to be improved. In general the embrittlement behavior of both the A302B and A533B-1 plate materials is similar. There is evidence for a fluence-rate effect in the CMM data irradiated in test reactors; thus its implication on power reactor surveillance programs deserves special attention.
DNA synthesized at pachytene in Lilium: A non-divergent subclass of moderately repetitive sequences

Moderately repetitive sequences of Lilium DNA synthesized during pachytene consist of families that have a considerably lower divergence than those of total genomic middle repeat DNA, the latter having an average divergence of 10%. 80% of the sequences synthesized during the early phase of pachytene and 100% of those synthesized during the latter phase of pachytene reassociate with perfect or near-perfect fidelity. Except for the small amount of DNA synthesized during early pachytene, pachytene middle repeat sequences are non-divergent and thus constitute a distinctive subset of total moderately repetitive DNA. The modal length of pachytene and total middle repeat sequences are similar. In contrast to earlier measurements based on isotope incorporation, the modal length is of the order of 1500–2000 base pairs, ten times the previously estimated size. Calculations based on the new length lead to the conclusion that pachytene middle repeat sequences account for 1% of the genome.
Languages and grammars of action and interaction: Some further results

This paper continues the work reported in Skvoretz and Fararo (1980) by advancing proofs for results that were only previously conjectured. The proofs show that under conditions of relatively wide generality, actions and interactions can be seen to have a language-like structure; that is, generated by grammars of action and interaction. From a systems viewpoint, the concern is with the temporal structure of the activity of living systems–organisms, groups, and/or organizations. The theory is applicable at any level of analysis to the extent that the actions of units at each level can be appropriately specified. The theory shows how a potentially infinite number of distinct strings of action and interaction can be produced by finite means available to an acting unit. Substantively, the theory offers a more sophisticated basis for the study of the structure of the activity of living systems, even when that activity contains apparently “creative” elements that would seem to argue against a structural analysis (Turner, 1962).
Transmission Line Formulation for Optical Maser Amplification

The optical maser amplifier is treated from the point of view of distributed lines. Transmission line analogues are set up generally for a system consisting of air, reflector, active medium, reflector, and air again. It is postulated that, in the active medium, the growth of the wave can be looked upon as due to the presence of an effectively negative conductivity. The problem is discussed for three media: air, ruby, air, and the five-media case: air, reflector, ruby, reflector, and air. Calculations are carried out showing that the five-layer case for special conditions can be reduced to a three-layer case. Equations for amplification and oscillation are developed which give the same results as Maiman’s criteria for oscillation and Smiley’s Fabry–Perot analysis for gain. The effective length of the line is estimated and one-dimensional wave propagation is justified on the basis of the small spreading angle. Some of the more recent predictions of gain as a function of length and negative attenuation factor are explained in terms of the impedance matching of an electromagnetic wave in air to the impedance seen at the front surface of the crystal.
Role of intra-aortic counterpulsation in cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction.

IACP has played an important role in the evolution of the therapy of cardiogenic shock. Although IACP has not developed to an independent treatment modality, it is an essential adjunct to facilitate e
Creating a Place for Dying: Gerontopia

The place chosen by palliative care patients for dying is typically examined according to functional aspects of practical equipment and housing modification. This qualitative research reports on how the environment negatively impairs or positively enables and empowers patients through individual meaning, control/preference, and sensory perception. Of application for designers, health care providers, and families, this narrative study of caregivers provides specific attributes and examples of place making for palliative care environments. The article concludes with a discussion on imagining gerontopia—an individual's ideal environment in which to grow old and die.
Simple multi-particle model of ion dynamical broadening.

Abstract The existing analytical models of ion dynamical broadening, while working relatively well at high densities, become progressively more inaccurate at low densities. We have developed a new analytical model that is free from this shortcoming and is also simpler than most of its predecessors. Our model is based on dynamic characteristics of the multi-particle ion microfield introduced by Chandrasekhar and von Neumann. These characteristics are used for separating the entire ensemble of microfields into two parts that act differently on radiating atoms/ions: a dynamic part, that is then treated in the impact approximation, and the remaining part, treated in the quasistatic approximation. It turns out that this model not only is simpler and faster than the previous analytical models, but also is practically as accurate as simulation models. The comparison with the experiments shows that our model is universal: it yields a good agreement with the experiments over five orders of magnitude density range where the experimental results are available.
NuRD and Pluripotency: A Complex Balancing Act

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are defined by two essential features--pluripotency and self-renewal--whose balance requires the concerted action of signal transduction pathways, transcription factor networks, and epigenetic regulators. Recent findings have implicated the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex in the sophisticated choreography of ESC regulatory pathways.
Significance or importance: what is the question?

The term ‘significance’ is a technical term in statistics used to determine the crossing of an arbitrary probability threshold in the process of making an inference from a sample characteristic to ...
Mycosis fungoides beginning in childhood and adolescence

Mycosis fungoides is a form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma usually occurring in mid to late adulthood. We report 12 patients with mycosis fungoides whose eruption began before age 20 years, including one patient with histologic documentation at 5 years of age. The onset of mycosis fungoides during the first two decades may be more common than is generally recognized and should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic dermatoses in children and adolescents.
Precious Corals (Coralliidae) from North-Western Atlantic Seamounts

Two new species belonging to the precious coral genus Corallium were collected during a series of exploratory cruises to the New England and Corner Rise Seamounts in 2003―2005. One red species, Corallium bathyrubrum sp. nov., and one white species, C. bayeri sp. nov., are described. Corallium bathyrubrum is the first red Corallium to be reported from the western Atlantic. An additional species, C. niobe Bayer, 19 6 4 originally described from the Straits of Florida, was also collected and its description augmented.
An open-label conversion study of pramipexole to ropinirole prolonged release in Parkinson's disease

Ropinirole prolonged release (PR) is a once daily oral dopamine agonist approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). The goal of this 4 week, open-label study was to determine the most effective conversion ratio with the fewest adverse effects (AEs) when switching from pramipexole to ropinirole PR. Sixty patients with PD taking pramipexole were converted overnight to ropinirole PR at ratios of 1:3, 1:4, or 1:5 such that 20 consecutive subjects were enrolled in each group. Ropinirole PR dose adjustments were allowed to maintain efficacy or to reduce AEs. An overnight switch from pramipexole to ropinirole PR was found to be well tolerated and AEs were typical for a dopamine agonist. The most common AEs were worsening of PD symptoms, dizziness, somnolence, and nausea, the majority of which resolved after dose adjustments. Thirteen subjects discontinued ropinirole PR before 4 weeks. These subjects were taking a significantly greater dose of pramipexole, the majority greater than 4 mg/day, and tended to have longer disease durations. A conversion ratio of 1 mg of pramipexole to 4 mg of ropinirole PR resulted in the fewest discontinuations of ropinirole PR, the fewest dose adjustments and the largest percentage of subjects that preferred ropinirole PR.
The influence of gait speed on local dynamic stability of walking

The focus of this study was to examine the role of walking velocity in stability during normal gait. Local dynamic stability was quantified through the use of maximum finite-time Lyapunov exponents, λMax. These quantify the rate of attenuation of kinematic variability of joint angle data recorded as subjects walked on a motorized treadmill at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the Froude velocity. A monotonic trend between λMax and walking velocity was observed with smaller λMax at slower walking velocities. Smaller λMax indicates more stable walking dynamics. This trend was evident whether stride duration variability remained or was removed by time normalizing the data. This suggests that slower walking velocities lead to increases in stability. These results may reveal more detailed information on the behavior of the neuro-controller than variability-based analyses alone.
Propafenone‐induced drug fever in the absence of agranulocytosis

Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug used in the treatment of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Adverse reactions necessitating discontinuation of the medication are common. Propafenone-induced drug fever has not been definitively proven. We present a case report of drug fever secondary to propafenone, confirmed with rechallenge.
Saddle-point approximations and space-time Martin boundary for nearest-neighbor random walk on a homogeneous tree

The purpose of this note is to identify the space-time Martin boundary for a nearest-neighbor random walk on a homogeneous tree. For simplicity we shall only consider trees of a certain type, to wit, Cayley graphs of free products of the two-element group ℤ2. However, the techniques developed here are applicable also to certain other trees, e.g., Cayley graphs of finitely generated free groups, and the space-time Martin boundaries in such cases admit similar descriptions.
Myocarditis and sudden, unexpected death in childhood.

(1988). Case 5 Myocarditis and Sudden, Unexpected Death in Childhood. Pediatric Pathology: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 443-446.
The Effect of Pollution Aerosol on Wintertime Orographic Precipitation in the Colorado Rockies Using a Simplified Emissions Scheme to Predict CCN Concentrations

AbstractThe impacts of enhanced CCN concentrations on various cloud and precipitation systems are potentially significant both to the large-scale climate system and local precipitation patterns. Precipitating stable orographic cloud systems are particularly susceptible to increases in CCN as parcel lifetimes within these clouds are typically short compared to clouds of similar depth. As such, even small perturbations to the precipitation efficiency within these clouds can have substantial impacts. In the mountainous regions of the western United States, where water resources are derived primarily from orographic precipitation during the cold season, this effect is of particular interest. The aims of this study are twofold. The first part is focused on the implementation of a simplified aerosol emissions scheme into the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). This scheme uses aerosol output from the Weather Research and Forecast Chemistry model (WRF-Chem) to initialize aerosol sources in RAMS. The sec...
Baclofen overdose mimicking brain death

AbstractContext. Brain death guidelines should be used with caution in patients with drug intoxication. It is often suggested that physicians use five half-lives of a drug when observing a patient with an overdose. We report two cases of baclofen intoxication where brain death was entertained as an explanation for prolonged coma, with arousal seen days later, suggesting that routine use of a 5-half-life observation period is insufficient with baclofen intoxication. Case presentation. A 40-year-old woman was found unresponsive by her family. Baclofen was found to be the responsible overdose. The patient had absent brain stem reflexes and was intubated and in the ICU for several days. Although EEG and Apnea test were inconclusive, the patient was thought to be brain dead and organ procurement was arranged. On hospital day 5, the patient started having purposeful movements. The patient had progressive arousal and was eventually transferred without neurologic sequelae to psychiatry. The second patient also ha...
Low salinity induces reversible tissue regression in the estuarine sponge Microciona prolifera (Ellis & Solander)

Abstract Explants of Microciona prolifera (Ellis & Solander) maintained in laboratory culture at either 20‰ or 15‰ salinity retained a normal tissue organization. Expiants gradually transferred to 10‰ underwent tissue regression during which flagellated chambers, canals, subdermal spaces and oscula disappeared. When the expiants were gradually returned to 20‰ these structures redeveloped. Reproductive activity in the expiants appeared to be normal at 20‰, somewhat slowed at 15‰, and inhibited at 10‰.
Determination of focusing properties of solar collectors by an integral formula

Abstract An analytical procedure is derived for determining the distribution of energy at the focal plane of a mirror such as is used in a solar collector system. The method is a general one that permits any shape of emitting and reflecting surfaces, and is an analytical equivalent of the conventional ray-tracing procedure of geometrical optics. The advantage provided is that the calculation of intensity of collected radiation at a given point can be performed on a digital computer in less than 15 seconds whereas one man-week is required for graphical ray tracing. The solution takes the form of an exact double integral which gives directly the intensity of reflected radiation at any given point for an arbitrary Lambert surface emitting at least partially to an arbitrary reflecting surface. The double integral has been programmed on a digital computer to evaluate the performance of solar collectors.