cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
See how they turn: false depth and motion in Hughes's reverspectives

'Reverspectives' is one of many titles given to a remarkable class of Patrick Hughes's paintings that share two basic properties: (1) They are painted on a set of intersecting planar surfaces, rather than a single flat surface. (2) The perspective produced by the painting elicits the percept of a depth configuration that is the reverse of the actual depth configuration, as dictated by the construction of the multi- planar combination of surfaces (hence the name reverspective). As a result of these two properties, reverspectives appear to turn vividly as viewers walk past the paintings. This strange motion, which can rarely be observed in flat-canvas paintings unless they elicit strong perspective depth, can be explained by a neural process that matches up kinesthetic information about the viewer's own motion to changes in the retinal images. In this paper I study the role played by the perspective painting, by comparing percepts elicited by conventional Hughes reverspectives to those elicited by the same multi-planar surfaces that are left blank (unpainted). I examine differences in the two precepts in terms of the critical distance, i.e. that viewing distance for which the depth percept switches from veridical to reverse. This paradigm is one example in which the adoption of a depth schema determines the interpretation of motion signals.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hydrogen isotopic evidence of rhyolitic magma degassing during shallow intrusion and eruption

Deuterium and water contents of rhyolite obsidian tephra clasts and lava flows sampled in the western USA decrease within each eruptive sequence, from D- and H2O-rich, explosive (Plinian) eruptions, to D- and H2O-depleted lava flows. These changes result not from volatile gradients in the magma, but rather from progressive in situ degassing; involvement of meteoric water is excluded.
Modeling traumatic brain injury in vitro: Functional changes in the absence of cell death

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by deformation in response to mechanical loading of the head. An extended biological cascade is initiated by the deformation and results in delayed cell death and dysfunction. Using an in vitro model of TBI based on organotypic brain slice cultures, we have quantitatively studied the relationship between tissue deformation and outcome. In the current study, we asked the question whether low levels of tissue strain would affect brain tissue function as measured by electrophysiological recordings. In response to 5% and 10% biaxial Lagrangian strain the maximal evoked response was decreased and the current to elicit a half maximal response was increased. These results indicate that less neurons were firing in response to an electrical stimulus and that they were less excitable. These results suggest that functional alterations of neuronal networks occurs at lower strains than those required to induce cell death.
Fast, Long-Lived Features in the Polar Stratosphere

The analysis method of Salby (1982) is applied to Stratospheric Sounding Unit brightness temperatures from the TIROS-N and NOAA-6 satellites. The resulting spectra are used to present further evidence for the wave two and three oscillations found by Prata (1984) and to demonstrate the existence of a wave four feature. Maps of synoptic reconstructions of the brightness temperature fields from the spectra are then used to further characterize the warm pools.
Thermalizing an impulse

Abstract We study the propagation of an impulse through a finite chain of N elastic beads in which the grain diameters progressively shrink by a factor q. We show that it should be possible to construct “tapered” chains that can effectively thermalize shock waves.
Optimizing temporary perioperative cardiac pacing.

doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2004.03.033 T emporary perioperative cardiac pacing (TPCP) is indicated after cardiac surgery for treatment of heart block or sinus bradycardia. However, TPCP protocols are often arbitrary, lacking routines to maximize cardiac output (CO) and stroke volume (SV). TPCP parameters which can be optimized include heart rate (HR), ventricular pacing site (VPS), and atrioventricular delay (AVD). Also relevant is variable right ventricular–left ventricular delay (RLD) which recently has become available in some permanent pacemakers designed for biventricular pacing (BiVP). Real-time measurement of SV with ultrasonic transit-time aortic flow probes (UFPs) or arterial pulse contour systems make optimization of CO and SV during changes in TPCP feasible. Dramatic and possibly life-saving benefits of TPCP optimization have been anecdotally reported. Although the theory and practice of TPCP optimization (POPT) will continue to advance, review of current information can lead directly to patient benefits.
Use and Abuse of RNAi to Study Mammalian Gene Function

For decades, scientists studying mammalian cells could only marvel at the genetic tools available to scientists who studied organisms such as yeasts or drosophila. However, many genes linked to human diseases do not have orthologs in such model organisms, or they require an appropriate cellular context to display their disease-relevant phenotypes. The wish for a facile method to disrupt gene function in somatic mammalian cells appeared to be granted with the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) (or short hairpin RNA, shRNA), which brought with them great promise—particularly for discovering novel drug targets through the use of genetic screens ( 1 – 3 ). However, the honeymoon is now over, and although some new discoveries have been made, the yield has fallen far short of expectations. Many drug targets identified by means of si/shRNA technology in academic laboratories are not robust when tested in industrial laboratories ( 4 , 5 ). Avoiding this fate requires a more sophisticated interpretation of si/shRNA results, especially in the context of high-throughput screens.
TEM-like optical mode of a coaxial nanowaveguide.

We study propagation of electromagnetic waves in a nano-coaxial waveguide for frequencies around and below the surface plasmon frequency. We show, that for frequencies sufficiently lower than the surface plasmon frequency, the waveguide supports a plasmon polariton mode that resembles, and indeed reduces to the conventional TEM mode of the conventional coaxial transmission line, known in the radiotechnology.
Design and preliminary results of a semitranspiration cooled (Lamilloy) liner for a high-pressure high-temperature combustor

A Lamilloy combustor liner was designed, fabricated and tested in a combustor at pressures up to 8 atmospheres. The liner was fabricated of a three layer Lamilloy structure and designed to replace a conventional step louver liner. The liner is to be used in a combustor that provides hot gases to a turbine cooling test facility at pressures up to 40 atmospheres. The Lamilloy liner was tested extensively at lower pressures and demonstrated lower metal temperatures than the conventional liner, while at the same time requiring about 40 percent less cooling air flow. Tests conducted at combustor exit temperatures in excess of 2200 K have not indicated any cooling or durability problems with the Lamilloy linear.
Nuclear track-formation models and the response of BP-1 detectors

The mechanism of nuclear track formation in solids is poorly understood, despite decades of experience with nuclear track-etch detectors. One of the roadblocks has been the lack of precision tests of track-formation models. Here we exploit the unparalleled resolution of a glass nuclear track-etch detector, BP-1, to test track-formation models. By the use of calibration beams, we have corrected all signals for fluctuations in detector response, eliminating a possible source of systematic error. Within this dataset we compared signals due to the same particle charge over a large range of Lorentz factor. We show from a variety of lines of evidence that the response of BP-1 is not a simple function of total energy loss nor of other quantities derived from total energy loss such as restricted energy loss. A generic feature of a large class of models is a significant relativistic rise, which we do not observe. We show that an empirical hybrid model fits the response of BP-1 detectors over a wide range of charge and energy.
Analysis of improvement in individual rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, based on the findings in patients treated with placebo

A composite index for estimating improvement in individual rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during trials of slow-acting, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) was developed by analyzing the responses of 130 placebo-treated participants in Cooperative Systematic Studies of Rheumatic Diseases studies. If responses in 4 of 6 selected measures were required for improvement (by greater than or equal to 20% for morning stiffness, Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint pain/tenderness score, and joint swelling score, and by greater than or equal to 2 grades on a 5-grade scale, or from grade 2 to grade 1 for patient's and physician's overall assessments of current disease severity), few placebo-treated patients qualified as improved, whereas significantly more DMARD-treated patients demonstrated improvement. The proposed index appears to be useful in estimating the probability that an RA patient will improve if taking a placebo during a DMARD trial, and may be a useful tool for analysis of DMARD studies.
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Structural Motifs: From Solution to Gas Phase

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is involved in important metabolic reactions where the biological function is intrinsically related to changes in conformation. In the present work, FAD conformational changes were studied in solution and in gas phase by measuring the fluorescence decay time and ion-neutral collision cross sections (CCS, in a trapped ion mobility spectrometer, TIMS) as a function of the solvent conditions (i.e., organic content) and gas-phase collisional partner (i.e., N2 doped with organic molecules). Changes in the fluorescence decay suggest that FAD can exist in four conformations in solution, where the abundance of the extended conformations increases with the organic content. TIMS-MS experiments showed that FAD can exist in the gas phase as deprotonated (M = C27H31N9O15P2) and protonated forms (M = C27H33N9O15P2) and that multiple conformations (up to 12) can be observed as a function of the starting solution for the [M + H]+ and [M + Na]+molecular ions. In addition, changes in the r...
Formulation, in vitro evaluation and study of variables on tri-layered gastro-retentive delivery system of diltiazem HCl.

AbstractContext: Tri-layered floating tablets using only one grade of polyethylene oxide (PEO) would enable easy manufacturing, reproducibility and controlled release for highly soluble drugs.Objective: To evaluate the potential of PEO as a sole polymer for the controlled release and to study the effect of formulation variables on release and gastric retention of highly soluble Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ).Methods: Tablets were compressed with middle layer consisting of drug and polymer while outer layers consisted of polymer with sodium bicarbonate. Design of formulation to obtain 12 h, zero-order release and rapid floatation was done by varying the grades, quantity of PEO and sodium bicarbonate. Dissolution data were fitted in drug release models and swelling/erosion studies were undertaken to verify the drug release mechanism. Effect of formulation variables and tablet surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy were studied.Results and discussion: The optimized formula passed the criteria o...
Development of a simplified system for clinical evaluation of occlusal interrelationships. Part II. Storage of the information.

Summary The development of a simplified system for evaluation of occlusal interrelationships has been discussed in two parts. Part I concerned itself with data obtained from a Patient Questionnaire and through clinical examination. Part II has dealt primarily with the method of transcription of collected information and with data processing keypunch instructions. It is anticipated that this method of data collection will provide the vehicle for an ongoing, broad-base study of occlusal and temporomandibular joint/muscle interrelationships.
Developing medical student competence in lifelong learning: the contract learning approach

Summary How contract learning may be used in the introduction to clinical medicine is described, with the goal to develop and enhance self-directed learning skills and attitudes of first- and second-year medical students. Essential tasks associated with successful self-directed learning are cited, and the contract method is described as a means for providing medical students with the opportunity to practise these tasks in the study of gerontology. The procedures followed in the implementation of the contract learning method are described, and its impacts on both need and motivation to continue learning about ageing and skills in directing independent learning projects are analysed and discussed. In addition, the implications of early preparation for doctor's lifelong learning are discussed.
Pharmacologic features of proton pump inhibitors and their potential relevance to clinical practice

In conclusion, PPIs differ slightly in their PK and PD properties and in their propensity to interact with other medications. Inhibition of acid secretion is a function of proton pump inhibition, and PPIs work in a similar fashion to achieve this goal. PK/PD principles can be used to optimize PPI therapy when considering issues related to administration, such as timing of drug delivery relative to the number of active pumps and the drug's AUC.
Pyrethroid Insecticides as Phosphatase Inhibitors

In this study we tested the hypothesis that pyrethroid insecticides inhibit calcineurin directly and that inhibition is unaffected by the immunophilin cofactors necessary for calcineurin inhibition by cyclosporin A and FK506. The type II pyrethroid insecticides cis-cypermethrin (c-Cyp), trans-cypermethrin, deltamethrin (Delt), and fenvalerate A alpha (Fen), as well as the type I pyrethroid insecticides cis- and trans-permethrin and S-bioallethrin, were unable to inhibit the phosphatase activity of purified calcineurin under conditions of maximal activation by Ca2+ and calmodulin. Furthermore, c-Cyp, Delt, and Fen did not affect the Ca2+ dependence of calcineurin at 0.1 microM of calmodulin, indicating that Ca2+ binding to calmodulin was not affected by these agents. c-Cyp, Delt, and Fen also failed to inhibit calcineurin phosphatase activity in rat brain supernatant and cultured IMR-32 cells, although potent inhibition was displayed by both cyclosporin A and FK506 in each of these systems. Neither the Ca2+-dependent nor the okadaic acid-inhibitable phosphatase activity toward a 24-amino acid 32P-phospho-peptide substrate was affected by any of the pyrethroid insecticides, indicating that neither type-1 or type-2A phosphatase nor calcineurin is inhibited by pyrethroids. To determine if these results were dependent upon experimental conditions, experiments were repeated using polyethylene glycol-treated glass tubes in place of the standard polypropylene tubes. Regardless of the type of tube, no inhibition of calcineurin by any of the pyrethroid insecticides was observed. These data indicate that the pyrethroid insecticides are not effective inhibitors of calcineurin or other phosphatases.
Toward in vitro models of brain structure and function

The development of effective tissue-engineered models of the brain remains an elusive challenge because of its inherent complexity. Such models would be extremely important to understanding brain development, and for exploring therapeutic options for disorders of the CNS, including the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and related damage to the brain. One million, seven hundred thousand TBIs occur in the United States annually (1). These in vitro models would also be invaluable test beds for drug-discovery investigations and in toxicology evaluations. In PNAS, Tang-Schomer et al. (2) describe a promising model of a cortical tissue mimic and demonstrate its applications to a better understanding of response to TBI.
Isolation of pituitary fibroblast growth factor by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC): partial chemical and biological characterization.

Bovine pituitary fibroblast growth factor has been purified 222,000-fold to homogeneity by a combination of differential salt extraction, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography on Mono S column. Pituitary FGF is a single-chain polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 15,800 and an isoelectric point of 9.6. It is highly active in triggering the proliferation of bovine and human vascular endothelial cell [half-maximal stimulation at 23–40 pg/ml (1.5–2.6 pM) and saturation between 140 and 280 pg/ml (9.3–18.6 pM)]. It displays a similar activity on bovine vascular smooth muscle cells, corneal endothelial cells, granulosa and adrenal cortex cells, and rabbit costal chondrocytes.
Hy‐wire measurements of atmospheric potential

A method for directly measuring the electric potential drop across the lowest portion of the atmosphere by using an apparatus called Hy-wire is described. The Hy-wire system consists of a long, high-voltage, insulated conductor connected at the top to a wire-mesh braid and terminated at the bottom inside a large-diameter corona ball mounted on 1 m Teflon legs. The system impedance is near 10 billion ohms, while the grounded mode, Hy-wire draws about 10 micro-a at 500 m altitude. Around-the-clock measurements with characteristic peaks near 1530 and 1900 UT of potentials near 125,000 volts are presented, with total daily average potential near 90,000 volts at 507 m altitude. The experimental weather conditions varied from clear to local fog, except that there was only trace precipitation. The data have been interpreted in terms of the possible source of the potential variations; neither a local nor a global source is clearly indicated.
Remediation of uranium contaminated soils with bicarbonate extraction and microbial U(VI) reduction

A process for concentrating uranium from contaminated soils in which the uranium is first extracted with bicarbonate and then the extracted uranium is precipitated with U(VI)-reducing microorganisms was evaluated for a variety of uranuum-contaminated soils. Bicarbonate (100 mM) extracted 20–94% of the uranium that was extracted with nitric acid. The U(VI)-reducing microorganism,Desulfovibrio desulfuricans reduced the U(VI) to U(IV) in the bicarbonate extracts. In some instances unidentified dissolved extracted components, presumably organics, gave the extract a yellow color and inhibited U(VI) reduction and/or the precipitation of U(IV). Removal of the dissolved yellow material with the addition of hydrogen peroxide alleviated this inhibition. These results demonstrate that bicarbonate extraction of uranium from soil followed by microbial U(VI) reduction might be an effective mechanism for concentrating uranium from some contaminated soils.
Interpolation and Divisibility of Meromorphic Matrix Functions

We construct a meromorphic matrix function with given spectral data in the form of null and pole functions, coupling matrix, and left annihilator at every point in the domain of definition of the function. Based on these results, descriptions are given of minimal divisibility of meromorphic matrix functions in terms of restrictions (appropriately understood) of their spectral data.
Constraints and Spandrels in Gould's Structure of Evolutionary Theory

Gould's Structure ofEvolutionary Theory argues that Darwinism hasundergone significant revision. Although Gouldsucceeds in showing that hierarchicalapproaches have expanded Darwinism, hiscritique of adaptationism is less successful. Gould claims that the ubiquity of developmentalconstraints and spandrels has forced biologiststo soften their commitment to adaptationism. Iargue that Gould overstates his conclusion; hisprincipal claims are compatible with at leastsome versions of adaptationism. Despite thisweakness, Gould's discussion of adaptationism –particularly his discussions of the exaptivepool and cross-level spandrels – shouldprovoke new work in evolutionary theory and thephilosophy of biology.
Glucose sensing in the pancreatic beta cell: a computational systems analysis

Pancreatic beta-cells respond to rising blood glucose by increasing oxidative metabolism, leading to an increased ATP/ADP ratio in the cytoplasm. This leads to a closure of KATP channels, depolarization of the plasma membrane, influx of calcium and the eventual secretion of insulin. Such mechanism suggests that beta-cell metabolism should have a functional regulation specific to secretion, as opposed to coupling to contraction. The goal of this work is to uncover contributions of the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial processes in this secretory coupling mechanism using mathematical modeling in a systems biology approach. We describe a mathematical model of beta-cell sensitivity to glucose. The cytoplasmic part of the model includes equations describing glucokinase, glycolysis, pyruvate reduction, NADH and ATP production and consumption. The mitochondrial part begins with production of NADH, which is regulated by pyruvate dehydrogenase. NADH is used in the electron transport chain to establish a proton motive force, driving the F1F0 ATPase. Redox shuttles and mitochondrial Ca2+ handling were also modeled. The model correctly predicts changes in the ATP/ADP ratio, Ca2+ and other metabolic parameters in response to changes in substrate delivery at steady-state and during cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations. Our analysis of the model simulations suggests that the mitochondrial membrane potential should be relatively lower in beta cells compared with other cell types to permit precise mitochondrial regulation of the cytoplasmic ATP/ADP ratio. This key difference may follow from a relative reduction in respiratory activity. The model demonstrates how activity of lactate dehydrogenase, uncoupling proteins and the redox shuttles can regulate beta-cell function in concert; that independent oscillations of cytoplasmic Ca2+ can lead to slow coupled metabolic oscillations; and that the relatively low production rate of reactive oxygen species in beta-cells under physiological conditions is a consequence of the relatively decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. This comprehensive model predicts a special role for mitochondrial control mechanisms in insulin secretion and ROS generation in the beta cell. The model can be used for testing and generating control hypotheses and will help to provide a more complete understanding of beta-cell glucose-sensing central to the physiology and pathology of pancreatic β-cells.
Individual differences in ocular level empathic accuracy ability: The predictive power of fantasy empathy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics associated with the ability to accurately read the mental states of others through cues provided by the ocular region. Our results indicate that this type of empathic accuracy is uncorrelated with gender, self-esteem, Big Five personality, and a number of empathy-related traits. However, fantasy empathy was positively correlated with this ability, suggesting that imagination is one means through which people learn about and consider others’ mental states.
Quantum dissipation in unbounded systems

In recent years trajectory based methodologies have become increasingly popular for evaluating the time evolution of quantum systems. A revival of the de Broglie--Bohm interpretation of quantum mechanics has spawned several such techniques for examining quantum dynamics from a hydrodynamic perspective. Using techniques similar to those found in computational fluid dynamics one can construct the wave function of a quantum system at any time from the trajectories of a discrete ensemble of hydrodynamic fluid elements (Bohm particles) which evolve according to nonclassical equations of motion. Until very recently these schemes have been limited to conservative systems. In this paper, we present our methodology for including the effects of a thermal environment into the hydrodynamic formulation of quantum dynamics. We derive hydrodynamic equations of motion from the Caldeira-Leggett master equation for the reduced density matrix and give a brief overview of our computational scheme that incorporates an adaptive Lagrangian mesh. Our applications focus upon the dissipative dynamics of open unbounded quantum systems. Using both the Wigner phase space representation and the linear entropy, we probe the breakdown of the Markov approximation of the bath dynamics at low temperatures. We suggest a criteria for rationalizing the validity of the Markov approximation in open unbound systems and discuss decoherence, energy relaxation, and quantum/classical correspondence in the context of the Bohmian paths.
The Prize and Its Promise: an Historic Perspective of The Nobel Prizes in Medicine With Emphasis on Pediatric Awards † 1926

Since their inception in 1901 the Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Physiology(MP because WW II ended in 1945, we used this as marker.Results<: 165 scientists received MP immunity(Metchnikoff and Ehrlich, 1908); pertussis (Bordet, 1919); early development of the embryo (Spemann 1935); poliomyelitis virus culture (Enders, Robbins, and Weller, 1954); and genes controlling early embryonic development (Lewis, Nusslein-Volhard and Wieschaus, 1995). Although all prize-winning scientists were of exceptional caliber, some discoveries did not stand the test of time: phototherapy for tuberculosis (Finsen 1903); artificial induction of cancer(Fibiger 1926); fever therapy using malaria infection for neurosyphilis(Wagner-Jauregg, 1927); and lobectomy for personality disorders (Egas Moniz and Hess, 1949). However, the awards made for pediatric topics have had lasting impact. Three Nobel laureates, Thomas Weller, Frederick Robbins (both 1954), and Carlton Gajdusek (1976), had received formal pediatric training. We will present an historical perspective on the prize-winning discoveries which had major impact on the growth of pediatrics.
Classification of behaviorally defined disorders: biology versus the DSM.

Three levels of investigation underlie all biologically based attempts at classification of behaviorally defined developmental and psychiatric disorders: Level A, pseudo-categorical classification of mostly dimensional descriptions of behaviors and their disorders included in the 2013 American Psychiatric Association’s Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5); Level C, mostly categorical classification of genetic and environmental causes (etiologies) of Level A disorders; and Level B, the pathophysiologic—both categorical and dimensional—biologic mechanisms underlying Level A “diagnoses” which comprise hierarchically interacting molecular, cellular, and neural networks and major brain pathways orchestrated by Level C etiologies. Besides modest numbers of effective psychotropic medications and their derivatives, major advances in treatment have addressed the behavioral symptoms of Level A-defined developmental and psychiatric disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health proposes support for a new biologically based Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) classification; its goal is to apply to behaviorally defined Level A developmental and psychiatric disorders the biologically based Level C and Level B research strategies that have greatly accelerated treatment and prevention of medical disorders. It plans to supplement effective educational and behavioral symptom-based interventions with faster, more potent and specific biologic therapies and, hopefully, to discover how effective behavioral interventions alter brain function. This commentary raises the question of whether a hybrid nosology that maps biology onto behavior is attainable. At a minimum, such a nosologic effort requires greater in-depth and better informed dialog between investigators of behavior and biology than occurs typically, and more realistic communication of the implications of research results to the public.
Developing directly photodefinable substrate guiding layers for block copolymer directed self-assembly (DSA) patterning

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers has gained significant attention in recent years as a possible alternative for large area fabrication of future sub-30 nm lithographic patterns. To achieve this patterning, at least three critical pieces are needed: (1) a block copolymer with sufficient immiscibility of the two blocks to drive phase separation at the low molecular weights required to achieve such small phase domains, (2) a method for selectively removing one of the blocks after phase separation to achieve formation of a relief pattern, and (3) a method for producing the templated surfaces used to guide and register the phase separated patterns on the substrate of interest. Current methods for achieving the patterned substrate template, whether they are of chemoepitaxial or graphoepitaxial nature, are generally complex involving a large number of steps that are not easily applied to a variety of different substrate surfaces. For example, numerous substrates have been studied to provide neutral wettability to the styrene-methacrylate (PS-b- PMMA) block copolymers, such as random styrene-methacrylate copolymer films (PS-r-PMMA) or self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified surfaces, which induce perpendicularly oriented morphologies for PS-b-PMMA self-assembly. In the case of chemical epitaxy processes, a layer of photoresist is generally then coated on such neutral substrate films and patterned to render commensurability to the periodicity of the PS-b-PMMA being used. The open (i.e. space) regions in the resist are then exposed to alter their chemistry, e.g. soft X-ray or oxygen plasma exposures have been used, to achieve hydrophilicity which should preferentially wet PMMA. Finally, the resist is stripped and the block copolymer is coated and assembled on the template surface. Obviously such multi-step processes would not be preferred if alternatives existed. As a step toward that goal of making DSA processes simpler, a photodefinable substrate film that can be used for PS-b-PMMA self-assembly has been developed in this work that is coated, exposed, and baked in a manner analogous to current optical photoresists. The polymer resin for this material is a form of protected poly(hydroxystyrene) that is cross-linkable. The new material is suitable for DSA processes using both solvent and thermal annealing methods. Results of PS-b-PMMA DSA on this new material will be discussed.
Nurses and Legislative Involvement

T hank you for publishing the article by Montgomery on health care and politics (Montgomery, 2012). The author provides concise information on how nurses can get involved in health policy issues. Reaching out to elected legislators and establishing a professional relationship is great advice. Nurses often devote all their professional energy to the care of patients, while never considering policy issues that affect their practice. As we approach a new horizon in health care delivery, it’s imperative that nurses take an active role in health policy issues. I look forward to the remaining installments in this three-part series by Montgomery, and I’m proud to be a member of a nursing organization that accepts political advocacy as part of our professional responsibility. Betsy Mulvaney, RNC Tolono, IL
Stability and harvesting of competing populations with genetic variation in life history strategy

The dynamics of competing populations are investigated using discrete non-linear models with age structure. Necessary and sufficient stability conditions for the coexistence equililbrium between two competing non-interbreeding species are developed. An extension of this result shows that coexistence, which is not necessarily stable, occurs in terms of a simple geometric rule on a two dimensional phase plane, provided that each species reaches a stable equilibrium state in the absence of the other species. In the interbreeding case, analytical results are derived for a one locus, two allele model. Sufficient conditions for the stability of polymorphic equilibria are obtained. It is also shown that if both the homozygous genotypes have stable equilibria at fixation, then genetic coexistence occurs when the equilibrium heterozygous zygote production rate is overdominant. Harvesting can lead to the extinction of one of a pair of competing species, or to loss of genetic diversity in a panmictic population. When catchability increases sufliciently with body size, then harvesting preferentially removes the most productive genotypes, and this causes a reduction in the maximum sustainable yield of the population. Harvesting can also reverse the relative fitness of genotypes, since a rare inferior genotype in an unexploited population may be more lit under fishing.
Visual recognition using concurrent and layered parameter networks

A vision system to recognize 3-D objects is presented. A novel notion of generalized feature makes it possible to develop a homogeneous architecture to support recognition from simple partial features to complex feature assemblies and 3-D objects. Layered concurrent parameter transforms vote for feature hypotheses on the basis of image data and previously reconstructed features. Recognition networks, motivated by connectionist systems, collect votes, fuse evidence from various sources and ensure global consistency. In addition, they provide an integrated solution to the segmentation problem. The highly modular design allows fundamentally different types of features to interact in a coherent way, utilizing redundancies for more robust recognition. Within this paradigm, a system extracts planar patches, patches of quadrics of revolution, and the intersection curves of these surfaces (lines and conic sections in three-space) from a depth map. Reconstructed features index into a model database to form consistent object hypotheses. Experimental results detailing the recognition behavior or real depth maps are included. >
CD8+CD45RA+CCR7+FOXP3+ T Cells with Immunosuppressive Properties: A Novel Subset of Inducible Human Regulatory T Cells

CD8 T cells stimulated with a suboptimal dose of anti-CD3 Abs (100 pg/ml) in the presence of IL-15 retain a naive phenotype with expression of CD45RA, CD28, CD27, and CCR7 but acquire new functions and differentiate into immunosuppressive T cells. CD8+CCR7+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) express FOXP3 and prevent CD4 T cells from responding to TCR stimulation and entering the cell cycle. Naive CD4 T cells are more susceptible to inhibition than memory cells. The suppressive activity of CD8+CCR7+ Tregs is not mediated by IL-10, TGF-β, CTLA-4, CCL4, or adenosine and relies on interference with very early steps of the TCR signaling cascade. Specifically, CD8+CCR7+ Tregs prevent TCR-induced phosphorylation of ZAP70 and dampen the rise of intracellular calcium in CD4 T cells. The inducibility of CD8+CCR7+ Tregs is correlated with the age of the individual with PBLs of donors older than 60 y yielding low numbers of FOXP3(low) CD8 Tregs. Loss of CD8+CCR7+ Tregs in the elderly host may be of relevance in the aging immune system as immunosenescence is associated with a state of chronic smoldering inflammation.
Calculation of Critical Experiments involving U(37)O2F2 Solution

Critical experiments were conducted at the Oak Ridge Critical Experiment Facility (ORCEF) to determine the critical concentration for an unreflected 69.2-cm-diameter sphere of UO{sub 2}F{sub 2}, at an enrichment of {approx}37 percent U{sup 235}, by weight. These experiments were a continuation of previous efforts to determine critical dimensions for fissile materials in simple geometry. Some of the earlier experiments in this vessel have been published as part of the OECD handbook. The reports concerning these experiments have only recently become available. Until August 2005, Refs. 2 and 3 were still classified. These documents, along with experimental logbooks and unclassified papers available on the experimental campaign and facility are being used to generate a computer model for this critical experiment.
Electronic Advocacy and Social Welfare Policy Education

Abstract The rapid increase in the number of low-cost computers, the proliferation of user-friendly software, and the development of electronic networks have created the “informatics era.” The Internet is a rapidly growing communication resource that is becoming mainstream in the American society. Computer-based electronic political advocacy by social workers attempting to influence public policy has proliferated in recent years. Advocacy using high-tech lobbying tools has spread to all social policy debates. Despite this exploration of electronic advocacy, scholars have made little effort to study this area. This paper will discuss the following four dimensions: (1) definition of computer-based electronic advocacy, (2) advantages of computer-based electronic advocacy, (3) challenges of computer-based electronic advocacy, and (4) incorporating computer-based electronic advocacy into social welfare policy education.
First-Time Parents’ Prenatal to Postpartum Changes in Health, and the Relation of Postpartum Health to Work and Partner Characteristics

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prenatal to postnatal changes in first-time parents’ physical and mental health, and to describe social and health predictors of parents’ postpartum health. Methods: This prospective study surveyed 261 expectant fathers and mothers during pregnancy and again at 6 months’ postpartum regarding their health, partner, and work characteristics. Postpartum changes in health were evaluated by paired t tests, and predictors of postpartum health were determined using multiple regression analyses. Results: Both fathers and mothers experienced significant postpartum declines in perceived quality of life. In addition, fathers reported an increase in the number of days ill and a decrease in general health and vitality after childbirth. Mothers perceived an increase in vitality despite their diminishing sleep. Parents’ postpartum health was associated with mothers’ partner satisfaction, fewer illness days, and certain work characteristics, such as total work time and the balance of work between mothers and fathers. Conclusions: Both mothers and fathers experienced declines in health that persisted at least 6 months after the birth of their first child. Notably, postpartum health was associated with partner satisfaction and work characteristics. This information might be used to develop interventions for improving parents’ health during this vulnerable time.
Façade to Street to Façade: Negotiating Public Spatial Legality in a World Heritage City

All UNESCO urban World Heritage sites are strictly regulated. In Antigua, Guatemala, this includes building facades and streets, as well as the use of public places. Homeowners and building owners, however, challenge regulations by using unapproved paints, signs, and building materials. Residents modify building facades to accommodate cars and open walls to effectively blend home-based businesses with the street. At the same time, street vendors contest regulated public spaces by behaving inappropriately by selling goods on public streets rather than designated marketplaces. Rather than conceive of property owners and vendors behavior as outside and in contrast to the building and street vending regulations, I reframe their actions within what I am calling urban spatial permissiveness, a concept I derive from Roy's (2004) theory of the unmapping—flexible regulation—of urban space. Antigua offers an ethnographic setting that shows how regulations are not always rigidly enforced but are negotiated to deal with everyday contingencies that relate to residents' and vendors' rights to the city (Harvey 2008). By way of conclusion I consider Foucault's concept of governmentality as a negotiated process, in order to argue that relationships between building regulations and public space usage reveal the limits of legality and strict enforcement policies.
A model of microbial growth in a plug flow reactor with wall attachment

A mathematical model of microbial growth for limiting nutrient in a plug flow reactor which accounts for the colonization of the reactor wall surface by the microbes is formulated and studied analytically and numerically. It can be viewed as a model of the large intestine or of the fouling of a commercial bio-reactor or pipe flow. Two steady state regimes are identified, namely, the complete washout of the microbes from the reactor and the successful colonization of both the wall and bulk fluid by the microbes. Only one steady state is stable for any particular set of parameter values. Sharp and explicit conditions are given for the stability of each, and for the long term persistence of the bacteria in the reactor.
Future of the voluntary service organization.

SOCIAL WORK For long, social planners and policy-makers have periodically viewed with alarm the future of voluntary service organizations (VSOs), especially in their relationship to the governmental sector. VSO refers to a local, nongovernmental, nonprofit organi zation governed by an elected board of di rectors and mainly supported by contribu tions and fees, although it may receive some financial support from public funds. Its primary purpose is the regular provision of social services by staff. Perhaps because of vested interests, lack of research data, and a heavy ideological overlay, most of the literature on the subject is impressionistic or hortatory. Only a few of the analysts who have attempted to eval uate the character, mission, and future of VSOs have paid any attention to an or ganizational perspective.1 In assessing the capabilities of VSOs to perform the roles usually ascribed to them and the constraints that may deter them from doing so, this article utilizes some sen sitizing concepts derived from organization theory. Drawing both on this theoretical framework and an analysis of current trends, the author develops hypotheses about the distinctive character of VSOs and the ra
Paregoric Intoxication with Pulmonary Edema in Infancy

This report describes a 3-week-old infant with paregoric intoxication and pul monary edema. The pulmonary edema associated with opiod use is treatable even though the precise mechanism of its formation remains undefined. The report emphasizes that the medical rationale involved in the use of paregoric is unclear. The use of this preparation in pediatric patients should be abandoned in view of such serious complications.
The clinical role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

Abstract Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer type in men in the United States. Efforts are increasing to evaluate and to discover diagnostic and therapeutic markers for prostate cancer patients. One of these, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), is a transmembrane protein highly expressed in all types of prostatic tissue, especially cancer. The radio-immunoconjugate form of the anti-PSMA monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7E11, known as the ProstaScint ® scan, is currently being used to diagnose prostate cancer metastasis and recurrence. Early promising results from various Phase I and II trials have utilized PSMA as a therapeutic target. Recently, PSMA expression in endothelial cells of tumor-associated neovasculature has been described. PSMA's possible role in malignant angiogenesis newly expands the realm of its possible beneficial uses, especially as new anti-PSMA mAbs continue to be developed and refined.
Adenoviral Infections in Children: The Impact of Rapid Diagnosis

Background. Adenovirus (ADV) infections were difficult to diagnose in the past, and many infections were unrecognized. Direct fluorescent assay (DFA) for the rapid diagnosis of ADV infection, as part of a viral respiratory panel, became available at Primary Children’s Medical Center (Salt Lake City, UT) in December 2000. Objective. To describe children with ADV infection diagnosed by DFA and viral culture and document the impact of rapid ADV testing on patient care. Methods. DFA testing for respiratory viruses including ADV was performed on nasal wash specimens with parallel viral culture. Chart review was performed for all ADV-positive patients identified from microbiology records between December 2000 and May 2002. Results. Of 1901 patients positive for respiratory viruses, 143 (7.5%) were ADV-positive by DFA or culture. The mean age of ADV-positive children was 23 months; 90% were ≤60 months old. Eighty percent were previously healthy, and 56% required admission with a mean length of stay of 3.4 days. The most common diagnoses included fever (31%), bronchiolitis (24%), and pneumonia (14%). Other conditions included suspected Kawasaki disease (KD) and hepatitis. Forty-six percent of ADV-positive children were given antibiotics at presentation, but only 2 (1.4%) had documented bacterial infection (one had Escherichia coli urinary tract infection and one had Moraxella catarrhalis bacteremia). Thirty-six percent of children had a change in management based on positive ADV DFA. In children with suspected KD ( n = 5), 100% had positive ADV DFA, and immune globulin was withheld in 4. One immunocompetent patient with fulminant liver failure received cidofovir treatment after a positive ADV DFA and recovered before liver transplant. Conclusions. ADV is a common infection in young children and often results in admission and unnecessary antibiotic therapy. Identifying ADV as the cause of illness can favorably impact care and in some instances may be life-saving. DFA testing for ADV should be considered for infants and children requiring admission for fever, respiratory illness, suspected KD, and hepatitis.
Effects of gas-solid reaction on liquid defiltration in a MCM-41

Through a pressure-induced infiltration experiment, it is validated that the degree of hydrophobicity of the nanopore surfaces of a MCM-41 can be increased through gas–solid treatment. Compared with the effects of liquid–solid treatment, the infiltration pressure does not vary much while the defiltration pressure is higher, indicating that the reversibility of confined liquid motion is improved; that is, the sorption curve is less hysteretic. The liquid composition and the post-treatment procedure also have considerable influences on the infiltration and defiltration behaviors.
Integrating ‘psychosocial’ factors into a theoretical model for work-related musculoskeletal disorders

The psychosocial aspects of jobs, in addition to their biomechanical aspects, have demonstrated significant relationships with work-related musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders (WRMSDs). Current models that seek to explain these associations build on the stress paradigm and propose that job strain impacts WRMSDs through increases in muscle tension; alterations in endocrine, immune, neurological and vascular systems that condition tissue injury and repair; and higher cognitive processes that alter symptom awareness and evaluation. These models vary in the emphasis placed on worker characteristics as opposed to work stressors. The paper provides a critical review of these models and draws on concepts advanced in the field of occupational safety to propose a modification of these approaches. The model advanced here integrates psychosocial and biomechanical risk factors as characteristics of work environment and emphasizes the role of management systems and the work environment as key sources of strain. Strain, as indicated by the physiological, behavioural and other responses of the worker, in turn influences WRMSDs and related outcomes as well as worker performance and productivity. The integrated model also takes into account the importance of viewing the work environment as a dynamic phenomenon with interaction among risk factors and between workers and managers.