cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spirituality in the context of life-threatening illness and life-transforming change.

Objective Individuals with life-threatening illness often engage in some form of spirituality to meet increased needs for meaning and purpose. This study aimed to identify the role of spirituality in persons who had reported positive, life-transforming change in relation to life-threatening cancer or cardiac events, and to connect these roles to palliative and supportive care. Method A purposive sample of 10 cardiac survivors and 9 cancer survivors was recruited. Once the participants had given informed consent and passed screening in relation to life-transforming change and distress, they engaged in a semistructured one-hour qualitative interview on the theme of how their life-transforming change occurred in the context of their life-threatening illness. In the present article, our phenomenological analysis focuses on participants' references to purpose and meaning in their lives, with particular attention to the role and context of participants' spirituality. Results Participants mentioned spirituality, meaning, and purpose in many contexts, including connecting with family and friends, nature, art, music, and sometimes creating a relationship with God. Participants often accessed spirituality by enhancing connections in their own lives: with a higher power, people, their work, or themselves. These enhanced connections gave participants greater meaning and purpose in their lives, and substantially helped participants to adjust to their life-threatening illnesses. Significance of results Understanding the roles and contexts of spirituality among patients with a life-threatening illness allows us to develop better palliative and supportive care plans. Spiritually oriented supportive care may include support groups, yoga, meditation, nature, music, prayer, or referral to spiritual or religious counselors. A quantitative scale is needed to help healthcare clinicians assess the spiritual and coping needs of individuals with life-threatening illness.
Ibuprofen effects on Alzheimer pathology and open field activity in APPsw transgenic mice

We previously showed the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen suppresses inflammation and amyloid in the APPsw (Tg2576) Tg2576 transgenic mouse. The mechanism for these effects and the impact on behavior are unknown. We now show ibuprofen's effects were not mediated by alterations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression or oxidative damage (carbonyls). Six months ibuprofen treatment in Tg+ females caused a decrease in open field behavior (p < 0.05), restoring values similar to Tg- mice. Reduced caspase activation per plaque provided further evidence for a neuroprotective action of ibuprofen. The impact of a shorter 3 month duration ibuprofen trial, beginning at a later age (from 14 to 17 months), was also investigated. Repeated measures ANOVA of Abeta levels (soluble and insoluble) demonstrated a significant ibuprofen treatment effect (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis showed that ibuprofen-dependent reductions of both soluble Abeta and Abeta42 were most marked in entorhinal cortex (p < 0.05). Although interleukin-1beta and insoluble Abeta were more effectively reduced with longer treatment, the magnitude of the effect on soluble Abeta was not dependent on treatment duration.
Recovery of deformed polymers. III. Thermal properties

Measurements of heat capacity as a function of temperature are used to evaluate the changes in heat content of three deformed polymers during isothermal annealing treatments. The polymers investigated are the same as those used in previous studies of length recovery, viz., amorphous polycarbonate (PC) and semicrystalline polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). Cold‐drawn PC is characterized by a smaller heat content than the undrawn material, while drawn PE and PP have larger heat contents than their undrawn forms. In all cases, the differences between the original and drawn states are of the order of a few cal gm−1. These differences are observed to anneal out completely in the case of PC heat treated in the vicinity of its glass transition, while only incomplete recovery is observed in the case of PE and PP. Activation‐energy spectra characterizing the recovery process are derived from the variation of heat content with annealing time. The spectra are centered about 22.6 kcal (g atm)−1 for PC, about ...
PORTABLE HYPERSPECTRAL TUNABLE IMAGING SYSTEM (PHyTIS) FOR PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Hyperspectral remote sensing can provide contiguous spectra of scenes made up of dozens to hundreds of narrow wavebands, across the visible and near-infrared portions of the spectrum. This emerging technology provides spatial and spectral information that can be acquired simultaneously. Presented here for use in agricultural research is the Portable Hyperspectral Tunable Imaging System (PHyTIS). It is a computer-controlled, liquid-crystal tunable filter, digital imaging system designed to extract spectra of typical agronomic scene components (endmembers) such as sunlit and shaded leaves and soil for spectral mixture analysis. Results from a scene acquired in a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field showed that scene components could be successfully unmixed and area of each quantified. Image processing and hyperspectral remote sensing can identify endmembers to quantify crop biophysical parameters, to derive fractional cover maps, and could be used as inputs to plant, soil, and evapotranspiration models.
Divergence Conditions and the Equal-Time Current-Current Commutators

The equal-time current-current commutation relations are deduced from equations for the divergence of the currents including electromagnetic and weak interactions, and canonical assumptions for equal-time commutators of electromagnetic and of weak boson fields.
MacMARCKS, a novel member of the MARCKS family of protein kinase C substrates

MARCKS is a specific protein kinase C (PKC) substrate that binds both calmodulin and actin and is phosphorylated during phagocyte activation, neurosecretion, and growth factor-dependent mitogenesis. We report here on MacMARCKS, a MARCKS homolog, whose synthesis is dramatically increased in macrophages when these cells are exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. We have purified rabbit MacMARCKS and cloned its cDNA from rabbit and mouse. The effector domains of MacMARCKS and MARCKS are nearly identical, and both proteins bind calmodulin in a phosphorylation-regulated manner. MacMARCKS and MARCKS also share a second, highly conserved region also found in the internalization domain of the mannose-6-phosphate receptor. Our data suggest the existence of a family of PKC substrates that are targeted to different subcellular locations and that function to integrate PKC and calcium/calmodulin-dependent signals in the control of the plastic actin cytoskeleton.
BONE LESIONS IN FOUR DOGS WITH VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS

Skeletal radiographs of four dogs with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis were reviewed. The dogs had lived in the Mediterranean area for six to 36 months prior to returning to the United States, where they lived for an additional six to 41 months before clinical signs appeared. Clinical findings included lameness, fever, cutaneous lesions, muscle atrophy, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and weight loss. The dogs exhibited two distinct radiographic patterns. Periosteal proliferation and increased intramedullary radiopacity of long and flat bones occurred in two dogs. Osteolysis of bones of the carpus, tarsus, and stifle was noted in two dogs. Differences in radiographic appearance were presumed to be due to different hematogenous routes of infection. Leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs that have traveled in endemic areas and exhibit the described radiographic changes.
UNREWARDED EXPLORATION AND MAZE LEARNING

32 rats were given exploration time in a straight alley and a T-maze prior to a critical run. Just prior to this run 16 of the rats were fed in a replica goal box and 16 were shocked. The rats demo...
Natural history as stamp collecting: a brief history

Abstract The endeavour of natural history has often been ridiculed as “mere stamp collecting” by those unwilling to see anything scientific in naturalists' work. This paper traces some of the ways the term “stamp collecting” has been used in scientific literature. It discusses how the term can be seen as a reflection of the changing methodological context in which science has been done in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It also points to the importance of considering the relative status of certain sciences not as a problem of what type of science is better or more important but as a problem of scientific communities competing for both resources and prestige.
Language Use in a Bilingual Community

sures are heavily dependent on speed of response. Also, Word Frequency Estimation seems likely to be more easily designed to reflect the existence of domain related differences in degree of bilingualism than are either flexibility or dominance tests. This fact may be of importance in studying communities in which bilingualism is characterized by diglossia, i.e., where differential patterns of language use exist in different domains of social interaction.'3
Assessment of image guided accuracy in a skull model: comparison of frameless stereotaxy techniques vs. frame-based localization.

The use of image-guided systems (IGS) for brain biopsy has increased in neurosurgical practice. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of a plastic, disposable burr hole mounted guide for stereotactic biopsy using an IGS and compare the results of different targeting methods with those of frame based localization. MRIs were performed on a skull model with mounted fiducials with a stereotactic frame in place and data was loaded onto the Stealth IGS. The model was placed in a Mayfield head holder and fixed to the OR table. Registration of imaging to physical space was carried out. Using three different targeting methods on the Stealth IGS, the distance between the target and the predicted position of the target, the offset error, was measured in three dimensions and confirmed by 2 observers. A sum of squares for the 3 offset errors in all planes was used to calculate the summed vector error. The same MRI dataset used with the Cosman–Roberts–Wells (CRW) stereotactic frame for comparison. The summed vector error was calculated in the same manner to compare the accuracy of targeting with these guides to the frame-based CRW system. For frameless stereotaxy using the “Straight- guide 4 2D” targeting method the mean error was 2.58 ± 0.51 mm (n=12). The vector error was 5.23 ± 0.54 (n=4). For the registration set and target using the “Offset- guide 4 2D” targeting method the mean error was 1.66 ± 0.36 mm (n=12). The vector error was 3.32 ± 0.72 (n=4). The best localization was obtained with the “probe’s eye” planning and targeting. The mean error was 0.33 ± 0.16 mm (n=12). The vector error was 1.0 ± 0.28 (n=4). We found a statistical difference between the different techniques (P<0.001) (Kruskal–Wallis One Way Analysis of Variance on Ranks). An all pairwise multiple comparison procedure (Holm–Sidak method) found an overall significance level = 0.05. For the frame-based CRW the mean error from the target was 1.03 ± 0.19 mm (n=18) and the mean target localization error vector was 2.23 ± 0.14 (n=6). We found a statistically significant difference between NDT guide “Probes Eye” vs. the MR-CRW (P=0.003, Mann–Whitney Rank Sum Test). These results indicate that using MR imaging, surgical planning software and the skull mounted Navigus-DT with the probe’s eye view option for targeting, localization accuracy appears to fall within acceptable ranges compared with frame-based methods which have been the standards for stereotactic brain biopsy and functional neurosurgery. Furthermore, there may be considerable differences in accuracy between different targeting methods.
The role of macroscopic plastic deformation in fretting fatigue life predictions

Abstract Fretting damage resulting from contacts under cyclic tangential loading is modeled using the finite element method. Plane strain line contact between a rigid circular cylinder and a semi-infinite elastic—plastic half space is analyzed to predict cyclic strain response. The boundary between active plasticity and elastic shakedown is illustrated as a function of tolerable strain ranges and the amount of strain hardening present. Purely elastic and elastic—plastic analyses are contrasted via cyclic total strain ranges and fatigue life predictions based on a uniaxial strain life model. The results indicate that plasticity acts to concentrate regions of intense cyclic straining at the surface, near the edges of contact. It is shown that the presence of plastic straining, despite its small amplitude, can significantly alter lifetime predictions from those generated from purely elastic analyses.
Regional quantification of cerebral venous oxygenation from MRI susceptibility during hypercapnia

There is an unmet medical need for noninvasive imaging of regional brain oxygenation to manage stroke, tumor, and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxygenation imaging from magnetic susceptibility in MRI is a promising new technique to measure local venous oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) along the cerebral venous vasculature. However, this approach has not been tested in vivo at different levels of oxygenation. The primary goal of this study was to test whether susceptibility imaging of oxygenation can detect OEF changes induced by hypercapnia, via CO2 inhalation, within selected a priori brain regions. Ten healthy subjects were scanned at 3T with a 32-channel head coil. The end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was monitored continuously and inspired gases were adjusted to achieve steady-state conditions of eucapnia (41±3mmHg) and hypercapnia (50±4mmHg). Gradient echo phase images and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pcASL) images were acquired to measure regional OEF and CBF respectively during eucapnia and hypercapnia. By assuming constant cerebral oxygen consumption throughout both gas states, regional CBF values were computed to predict the local change in OEF in each brain region. Hypercapnia induced a relative decrease in OEF of -42.3% in the straight sinus, -39.9% in the internal cerebral veins, and approximately -50% in pial vessels draining each of the occipital, parietal, and frontal cortical areas. Across volunteers, regional changes in OEF correlated with changes in ETCO2. The reductions in regional OEF (via phase images) were significantly correlated (P<0.05) with predicted reductions in OEF derived from CBF data (via pcASL images). These findings suggest that susceptibility imaging is a promising technique for OEF measurements, and may serve as a clinical biomarker for brain conditions with aberrant regional oxygenation.
Quality Analysis of Massive High-Definition Video Streaming in Two-Tiered Embedded Camera-Sensing Systems

This paper presents the quality analysis results of high-definition video streaming in two-tiered camera sensor network applications. In the camera-sensing system, multiple cameras sense visual scenes in their target fields and transmit the video streams via IEEE 802.15.3c multigigabit wireless links. However, the wireless transmission introduces interferences to the other links. This paper analyzes the capacity degradation due to the interference impacts from the camera-sensing nodes to the main aggregation link (AL), that is, the link from AL transmitter to AL receiver. For the study, IEEE 802.15.3c specific path-loss and antenna models are used for more precise evaluation. Finally, the quality analysis results are presented in terms of the number of cameras in a cell, beamwidth, the transmit power at camera sensor nodes, and the transmit power at AL nodes. With the listed factors, the analysis quantifies the actual video quality degradation in the presented camera sensing system.
Reaction-Induced Spreading of Metal Oxides onto Surfaces of Oxide Supports during Alcohol Oxidation: Phenomenon, Nature, and Mechanisms

Reaction-induced spreading of bulk metal oxides onto surfaces of oxide supports during alcohol oxidation, a new phenomenon occurring at temperatures much lower than that required for thermal spreading, has been extensively investigated with Raman spectroscopic and fixed-bed catalytic studies. The reaction-induced spreading kinetics were accelerated by reaction of gaseous components with metal oxides to form mobile complex compounds and found to depend on temperature, gaseous component, metal oxide, and oxide support. Increasing the reaction temperature increases the metal oxide spreading rate. The efficiencies of converting three-dimensional bulk metal oxides into two-dimensional surface metal oxide species by different gaseous components are methanol ≫ ethanol > 2-butanol, water ≫ oxygen. The high reaction-induced spreading efficiency of methanol is related to the high volatility and stability of its metal−methoxy complexes. Reaction-induced spreading of CrO3, MoO3, V2O5, Re2O7, and Cr2O3 during alcohol ...
Aging and cognition: Methodological differences in outcome

A series of longitudinal and cross sectional studies, collected as part of the Seattle Study, were reanalyzed. A longitudinal sequential analysis (N = 232), wherein subjects were measured every seven years for four time periods, was completed on the Primary Mental Abilities test. Cohort differences were at least as strong as age differences; cohorts were generally relatively stable over the measured periods, showing little cognitive decline. A cross-sectional sequential analysis (N = 2813) was completed for the same time periods; decline with age was more evident than with the longitudinal sequential analysis. A cross-sectional analysis for the fourth time period (N = 611) showed the most marked decline of all. Interpretation of outcome was highly dependent on the analysis used.
MMPI-168 Norms and Profile Sheets for Bright Young College Graduates.

The MMPI-168 is an efficient abbreviated administration of the standard Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory that is especially recommended for screening purposes. The MMPI profiles for bright young college graduates do not conform to the general norms that are used in most clinical applications. For some purposes, it may be more important to know how an individual compares to his own reference group than to a population from which he is expected to differ. Percentile norms for MMPI-168 clinical scales based on a sample of 731 medical school applicants are presented in this article.
Photonic Crystal Fiber Tip Sensor for High-Temperature Measurement

We demonstrate a temperature sensor consisting of a 2-D, Silicon (Si), Photonic Crystal (PC) attached to the facet of a standard single-mode optical fiber. The 2-D PC sensors are fabricated on standard Si wafers, using a single mask and a combination of isotropic and anisotropic etching, and microassembled onto the facets of the optical fibers by Si-welding. The temperature of the Si-PC sensor is monitored by measuring its reflectance spectrum in the 1250 to 1650 nm wavelength range. The measured reflectivity peak shift is 0.11 nm°C in the 100°C to 700°C temperature range. The observed spectral shift and temperature sensitivity are significantly higher than high-temperature fiber Bragg grating sensors, and comparable to long-period fiber gratings sensors. The high sensitivity, combined with compactness and robust structure, give these sensors strong potential for use in harsh environments.
Identification of ATP Citrate Lyase as a Positive Regulator of Glycolytic Function in Glioblastomas

Glioblastomas, the most malignant type of glioma, are more glycolytic than normal brain tissue. Robust migration of glioblastoma cells has been previously demonstrated under glycolytic conditions and their pseudopodia contain increased glycolytic and decreased mitochondrial enzymes. Glycolysis is suppressed by metabolic acids, including citric acid which is excluded from mitochondria during hypoxia. We postulated that glioma cells maintain glycolysis by regulating metabolic acids, especially in their pseudopodia. The enzyme that breaks down cytosolic citric acid is ATP citrate lyase (ACLY). Our identification of increased ACLY in pseudopodia of U87 glioblastoma cells on 1D gels and immunoblots prompted investigation of ACLY gene expression in gliomas for survival data and correlation with expression of ENO1, that encodes enolase 1. Queries of the NIH's REMBRANDT brain tumor database based on Affymetrix data indicated that decreased survival correlated with increased gene expression of ACLY in gliomas. Queries of gliomas and glioblastomas found an association of upregulated ACLY and ENO1 expression by chi square for all probe sets (reporters) combined and correlation for numbers of probe sets indicating shared upregulation of these genes. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed correlation between ACLY and ENO1 in 21 glioblastomas (p < 0.001). Inhibition of ACLY with hydroxycitrate suppressed (p < 0.05) in vitro glioblastoma cell migration, clonogenicity and brain invasion under glycolytic conditions and enhanced the suppressive effects of a Met inhibitor on cell migration. In summary, gene expression data, proteomics and functional assays support ACLY as a positive regulator of glycolysis in glioblastomas.
Replacing the Mouse Androgen Receptor with Human Alleles Demonstrates Glutamine Tract Length-Dependent Effects on Physiology and Tumorigenesis in Mice

Polymorphism in the length of the N-terminal glutamine (Q) tract in the human androgen receptor (AR) has been implicated in affecting aspects of male health ranging from fertility to cancer. Extreme expansion of the tract underlies Kennedy disease, and in vitro the AR Q tract length correlates inversely with transactivation capacity. However, whether normal variation influences physiology or the etiology of disease has been controversial. To assess directly the functional significance of Q tract variation, we converted the mouse AR to the human sequence by germline gene targeting, introducing alleles with 12, 21, or 48 glutamines. These three "humanized" AR (h/mAR) mouse lines were grossly normal in growth, behavior, fertility, and reproductive tract morphology. Phenotypic analysis revealed traits that varied subtly with Q tract length, including body fat amount and, more notably, seminal vesicle weight. Upon molecular analysis, tissue-specific differences in AR levels and target gene expression were detected between mouse lines. In the prostate, probasin, Nkx3.1, and clusterin mRNAs trended in directions predicted for inverse correlation of Q tract length with AR activation. Remarkably, when crossed with transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, striking genotype-dependent differences in prostate cancer initiation and progression were revealed. This link between Q tract length and prostate cancer, likely due to differential activation of AR targets, corroborates human epidemiological studies. This h/mAR allelic series in a homogeneous mouse genetic background allows examination of numerous physiological traits for Q tract influences and provides an animal model to test novel drugs targeted specifically to human AR.
Comparative aspects of steroid hormone metabolism and ovarian activity in felids measured noninvasively in feces

Noninvasive fecal assays were used to study steroid metabolism and ovarian activity in several felid species. Using the domestic cat (Felis catus) as model, the excretory products of injected [14C]estradiol (E2) and [14C]progesterone (P4) were determined. Within 2 days, 97.0 +/- 0.6% and 96.7 +/- 0.5% of recovered E2 and P4 radioactivity, respectively, was found in feces. E2 was excreted as unconjugated estradiol and estrone (40%) and as a non-enzyme-hydrolyzable conjugate (60%). P4 was excreted primarily as non-enzyme-hydrolyzable, conjugated metabolites (78%) and as unconjugated pregnenolone epimers. A simple method for extracting fecal steroid metabolites optimized extraction efficiencies of the E2 and P4 excretion products (90.1 +/- 0.8% and 87.2 +/- 1.4%, respectively). Analysis of HPLC fractions of extracted fecal samples from the radiolabel-injected domestic cats revealed that E2 immunoreactivity coincided primarily with the unconjugated metabolized [14C]E2 peak, whereas progestogen immunoreactivity coincided with a single conjugated epimer and multiple unconjugated pregnenolone epimers. After HPLC separation, similar immunoreactive E2 and P4 metabolite profiles were observed in the leopard cat (F. bengalensis), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), and snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Longitudinal analyses demonstrated that changes in fecal E2 and P4 metabolite concentrations reflected natural or artificially induced ovarian activity. For example, severalfold increases in E2 excretion were associated with overt estrus or exogenous gonadotropin treatment, and elevated fecal P4 metabolite concentrations occurred during pregnant and nonpregnant (pseudopregnant) luteal phases. Although overall concentrations were similar, the duration of elevated fecal P4 metabolites during pseudopregnancy was approximately half that observed during pregnancy. In summary, steroid metabolism mechanisms appear to be conserved among these physically diverse, taxonomically related species. Results indicate that this hormone-monitoring approach will be extremely useful for elucidating the hormonal regulatory mechanism associated with the reproductive cycle, pregnancy, and parturition of intractable and endangered felid species.
Mirounga angustirostris (Northern elephant seal)

The metaphase of the male was donated by Dr. U. Arnason, Lund, Sweden, a culture of fibroblasts from the female was also supplied by this author. He has provided quantitative measurements of this species and identified the X with tritiated thymidine. The tenth pair of autosomes has satellites.
The biphotonic photoionization of chlorpromazine during conventional flash photolysis: spin trapping results with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide.

A novel combination of conventional flash photolysis and electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping has been used to demonstrate that photoionization of chlorpromazine (CPZ), and the concomitant production of hydrated electron, occurs through a stepwise biphotonic mechanism during conventional flash photolysis at wavelengths above 290 nm. The production of hydrated electron in the flash photolysis experiment has been monitored and quantified through the use of the spin trapping agent 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-A'-oxide (DMPO). The effects of nitrous oxide, varying concentrations of CPZ and DMPO, and a range of flash intensities on the ESR spectra of the observed spin adducts of DMPO are discussed. The use of ESR spin trapping to monitor hydrated electron yields in flash photolysis experiments has the potential to permit the use of a much wider range of flash intensities than is typically possible with conventional optical experiments. Thus, there is a greater possibility of distinguishing between monophotonic and biphotonic processes.
Chemo-tactile predator avoidance responses of the common Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna

The Antarctic limpet, Nacella concinna, has the ability to escape predation by the predatory sea star, Neosmilaster georgianus. When the sea star comes into contact with the limpet, the limpet undergoes characteristic behaviors that include extension of its pallial tentacles, raising its shell in a mushroom-like fashion, rotation, and flight. These behaviors were not observed until the sea star physically contacted the limpets and were not induced by the omnivorous sea star, Odontaster validus, which occupies the same habitats as Ne. georgianus. Crude hydrophilic extracts from Ne. georgianus, but not from O. validus, induced the escape behaviors, indicating that this response is chemical as well as tactile. These putative escape behaviors displayed by Na. concinna may contribute to avoidance of predation by Ne. georgianus.
Cryptococcal meningitis and AIDS

Dr. William G. Powderly provides a comprehensive review of the state of our knowledge regarding cryptococcal infection in persons with infection due to human immunodeficiency virus type 1. The introduction of fluconazole and itraconazole increased insight into prognostic factors affecting these patients. The need to suppress this fungal infection in individuals with impaired immunity has greatly altered the management of cryptococcal meningitis; therapy for this condition was established by the landmark study conducted by the Mycosis Study Group in 1979 (Bennett JE, Dismukes WE, Duma RJ, et al. A comparison of amphotericin B alone and combined with flucytosine in treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. N Engl J Med 1979;301:126-31). In this AIDS commentary Dr. Powderly clearly outlines the progress made through clinical investigations and the problems that remain to be resolved.
Stress-induced diffusion of macromolecules

A framework for analysis of stress-induced diffusion is presented. Diffusion of macromolecules is considered to be driven by gradients of entropic potential arising from distortion of the molecular conformation by deformation, as well as by gradients of concentration of individual molecular weight species. Resulting concentration profiles in circular capillary flow have been calculated for a system containing a single macromolecular species. Significant variations in concentration with capillary radius are predicted at full development. Estimates of the dynamics of development of these profiles indicate that the length to diameter ratios needed to see a measurable effect are proportional to the Peclet number, which may be quite large for macromolecular fluids depending on the geometry and flow velocity of the system. This effect may have implications in the rheology, chromatography, and technological uses of macromolecular fluids.
Evaluation of Parameters of Oxidative Stress after In Vitro Exposure to FMCW- and CDMA-Modulated Radiofrequency Radiation Fields

Abstract Hook, G. J., Spitz, D. R., Sim, J. E., Higashikubo, R., Baty, J. D., Moros, E. G. and Roti Roti, J. L. Evaluation of Parameters of Oxidative Stress after In Vitro Exposure to FMCW- and CDMA-Modulated Radiofrequency Radiation Fields. Radiat. Res. 162, 497–504 (2004). The goal of this study was to determine whether radiofrequency (RF) radiation is capable of inducing oxidative stress or affecting the response to oxidative stress in cultured mammalian cells. The two types of RF radiation investigated were frequency-modulated continuous-wave with a carrier frequency of 835.62 MHz (FMCW) and code division multiple access centered on 847.74 MHz (CDMA). To evaluate the effect of RF radiation on oxidative stress, J774.16 mouse macrophage cells were stimulated with γ-interferon (IFN) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) prior to exposure. Cell cultures were exposed for 20–22 h to a specific absorption rate of 0.8 W/kg at a temperature of 37.0 ± 0.3°C. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring oxidant ...
Tetracycline treatment of periodontal disease in the beagle dog

The flora of periodontal pockets < 6 mm and the rate of alveolar bone loss of one diseased site in each of eighteen adult beagle dogs were compared during a 6 month pretreatment period and a subsequent 12 month tetracycline treatment period. The dogs were divided into the following three groups and treated as follows: untreated controls (5), 250 mg tetracycline daily (5), and 500 mg tetracycline daily (7). An attempt was made to correlate the flora in deep periodontal pockets and the subsequent rate of alveolar bone loss in untreated control beagles and beagles treated with tetracycline (250 mg per day and 500 mg per day). The bacterial flora and the rate of bone loss of one site in each dog was compared during a six-month pretreatment period and a subsequent twelve-month tetracycline treatment period. The cultivable flora was classified according to cellular morphology. Gram stain, and atmospheric tolerance. The periodontal pocket flora was predominantly a Gram negative anaerobic flora at all time periods throughout the study. The flora of the untreated control dogs spontaneously shifted to a more Gram negative flora at 18 months of the study. In the treated dogs, after six months of tetracycline treatment, there was a significant shift to a more Gram negative flora which returned to baseline proportions after twelve months of treatment. A decrease in the numbers of bacteria sensitive in vitro to tetracycline was found in the course of the treatment period. No significant relationship was found between the cultivable flora of a specific site and the rate of alveolar bone loss for that site. The data suggest that in advanced periodontal disease in the beagle dogs studied a Gram negative anaerobic flora was predominantly cultivated. Broad groupings of bacteria cultivated from each site did not correlate with the rate of alveolar bone loss of each site.
Bend propagation drives central pair rotation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella.

Regulation of motile 9+2 cilia and flagella depends on interactions between radial spokes and a central pair apparatus. Although the central pair rotates during bend propagation in flagella of many organisms and rotation correlates with a twisted central pair structure, propulsive forces for central pair rotation and twist are unknown. Here we compared central pair conformation in straight, quiescent flagella to that in actively beating flagella using wild-type Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and mutants that lack radial spoke heads. Twists occur in quiescent flagella in both the presence and absence of spoke heads, indicating that spoke–central pair interactions are not needed to generate torque for twisting. Central pair orientation in propagating bends was also similar in wild type and spoke head mutant strains, thus orientation is a passive response to bend formation. These results indicate that bend propagation drives central pair rotation and suggest that dynein regulation by central pair–radial spoke interactions involves passive central pair reorientation to changes in bend plane.
Tunable photonic bandgap structures for optical interconnects

As continued progress towards faster, low power consuming microelectronic devices becomes increasing difficult due to the scaling challenges of electrical interconnects, it becomes even more critical to explore alternative technologies. Tunable porous silicon photonic bandgap structures are viable building blocks for optical interconnects, which present a possible long term solution to the interconnect problem. Forming the structures on a silicon platform provides the advantage of easier integration with current semiconductor processing techniques. In this work, tuning of the optical properties is controlled by liquid crystals (LCs) that are infiltrated into the silicon matrix. Active tuning is demonstrated both out-of-plane, with one-dimensional porous silicon photonic bandgap microcavities, and in-plane, using two-dimensional porous silicon photonic bandgap structures.
Relationship between surface structure, growth mechanism, and trace element incorporation in calcite

Crystal growth and coprecipitation experiments demonstrate the manner in which surface structure and, in turn, crystal structure influence growth mechanism and trace element incorporation in calcite. Dominant {1014} faces grow by the spiral mechanism, producing asymmetric polygonized growth hillocks comprised of two pairs of nonequivalent vicinal faces. Trace elements Mg, Mn, and Sr are differentially incorporated into structurally distinct growth steps that comprise the nonequivalent vicinal faces. The resulting trace element distributions represent intrasectoral zoning patterns and are found to be consistent with face symmetry. Lateral spreading rates are also different for nonequivalent growth steps at a given degree of supersaturation, and the rate anisotropy is dependent on the Ca2+:CO32− ratio in the growth solution. A rounding transition associated with changes in kink site density occurs preferentially on only one pair of equivalent growth steps, further demonstrating the importance of step-specific kinetics and affinities on {1014} faces. Growth on other forms, including {0112}, {1120}, and {0001}, does not result in differential partitioning of trace elements and intrasectoral zoning, which is consistent with each of their surface symmetries and allowed growth mechanisms. However, sectoral zoning of Mg, Mn, and Sr occurs between these nonequivalent sectors, as well as {1014}. We present a model detailing the geometry and coordination of elementary kink sites to explain both the differential incorporation and the rate anisotropy between nonequivalent growth steps on individual {1014} faces. The model, constrained by face symmetry, accounts for affinities of different trace elements among four structurally distinct kink sites at which incorporation is preferred. The model also explains the observed differences in growth step velocity, as well as the in situ observations of growth step velocities by atomic force microscopy. Trace element incorporation on the dominant {1014} faces of calcite is controlled by the detailed structure of the interface, which varies spatially on a face, as well as with external conditions. Consequently, our observed trace element distributions violate equilibrium partitioning, and it is likely that many trace element distributions in natural carbonates also may not reflect equilibrium.
Quartz Gabbro and Anorthositic Gabbro: Markers of Offset along the San Andreas Fault in the California Coast Ranges

Large-scale lateral movement on the San Andreas fault zone is suggested by the distribution of gabbroic rocks that may be slivered remnants of oceanic crust. Distinctive and unusual hornblende quartz gabbro and anorthositic gabbro that are virtually identical both petrographically and chemically are exposed at Logan and Gold Hill in the Coast Ranges along the San Andreas fault. The hornblende quartz gabbro is made up of labradorite to bytownite plagioclase, hornblende, and quartz, with very minor biotite and pyroxene, and accessory metallic opaques and apatite. The coarse-grained anorthositic gabbro with anorthositic layers and associated gneiss is made up mainly of labradorite to bytownite plagioclase, hornblende, lesser clinopyroxene, and, locally, orthopyroxene. The present 100 mi of separation between these two gabbro bodies is probably due to displacement along the San Andreas fault of what was originally one gabbro mass. Somewhat similar quartz gabbro and anorthositic gabbro associated with ultramafic rocks near Eagle Rest Peak in the San Emigdio Mountains may represent a source for the Logan and Gold Hill slivers. This suggests a minimum right-lateral movement of about 200 mi on the San Andreas fault zone. Anorthositic gabbro clasts from Cretaceous conglomerate in the Gualala area have strong resemblance to gabbroic rocks at Logan, Gold Hill, and Eagle Rest Peak and speculatively suggest 350 mi of right-lateral movement on the fault zone. It is tentatively suggested that the gabbro clasts of Gualala may have been shed from a large area of exposed gabbroic oceanic crust, pieces of which occur as fault slivers at Gold Hill and Logan. It is further suggested that the Eagle Rest Peak locality may be a relatively in-place exposure of this gabbroic oceanic crust that lies near a continental-oceanic interface. This interface, thought to represent a fossil subduction zone between Franciscan and Sierran basements, appears to be overlain depositionally by Eocene sedimentary rocks. If these Eocene deposits do “seal over” the possible subduction zone, it suggests that movement on such a zone ceased before the Eocene deposition, and that the new and different pattern of right-lateral movement on the San Andreas fault zone probably began sometime later.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PATHOGENIC SPIROCHETES AND SPIROCHETOSES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MECHANISMS OF HOST RESISTANCE.

It is hoped that this review will provide a stimulus to research in antispirochetal resistance by furnishing a survey of past research and discussion and by pointing out possible pathways of future investigation. An ulterior motive, perhaps, is to stir up interest in the spirochetes themselves by stressing their qualities apparently unique among microorganisms.
Ripken Products: A Case For Learning Activity-Based Costing

This case enables cost accounting students to understand two important and related topics: design flaws inherent in traditional absorption costing systems and the fundamentals of activity-based costing (ABC). The focused approach requires only one class session to cover both topics. Ripken Products, a fictional manufacturer, uses absorption costing to cost its products. The company allocates manufacturing overhead using a budgeted manufacturing overhead rate based on direct labor cost. The company president decides to discontinue a product with a reported zero gross profit. A student intern suggests that the company could improve the accuracy of its costing for individual products if it assigned manufacturing overhead using activity-based costing. Students learn to calculate product costs using ABC, and then they explore reasons for significant differences between ABC costs and the company’s reported costs. Students discover the logical flaws of allocating overhead costs arbitrarily using traditional absorption costing methods. They also learn why assigning overhead costs based on traceable consumption of resources leads to more accurate product costing.
The open opercular sign: Diagnosis and significance

Four children with varying clinical manifestations, but with the unifying feature of severe developmental delay, had bilateral enlargement of the sylvian fissure confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Subsequently, we examined 125 consecutive MRI scans of the heads of pediatric patients, looking for this insular exposure, and did not find it. Pathological correlation in 1 child revealed arhinencephaly and abnormal gyral formation; another is known to have migrational abnormalities. We suggest that the open operculum is a sign of arrested development and is associated with other anomalies and a poor prognosis.
A ladybug exploration strategy for distributed adaptive coverage control

A control strategy inspired by the hunting tactics of ladybugs is presented to simultaneously achieve sensor coverage and exploration of an area with a group of networked robots. The controller is distributed in that it requires only information local to each robot, and adaptive in that it modifies its behavior based on information in the environment. The ladybug controller is developed as a modification to a basic coverage control law, first for the non-adaptive case, then for the adaptive case. Stability is proven for both cases with a Lyapunov-type proof. Results of numerical simulations are presented.
"If I can't do it once, why do it a hundred times?": Connecting volition to movement success in a virtual environment motivates people to exercise the arm after stroke

We are attempting to develop therapeutic technology that individuals with substantial arm weakness and minimal hand function after stroke can use to improve their movement ability without the continuous presence of a rehabilitation therapist. We have developed a device called Therapy WREX (T-WREX) that is comprised of four main features: 1) a passive, gravity-balancing arm support (based on WREX ?Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton) that allows a wide range of arm motion 2) a grip sensor that detects even trace amounts of grasp 3) virtual reality exercises that simulate activities of daily living, and 4) software that provides feedback about task performance. Initial clinical testing indicates that chronic stroke patients can significantly improve their movement ability with T-WREX. We have also found that patients strongly prefer using T-WREX for therapy compared to conventional, self-directed, tabletop exercises. This paper reports the results of a follow-up survey conducted with 11 subjects to gain further understanding about the basis for this preference. The results suggest that subjects prefer T-WREX because it is more interesting, and because it allows them to be more successful with their movement attempts. Further, each of the four features of TWREX had significant value to the subjects, suggesting that their combination is synergistic.
Managing persons with dementia in the nursing home: high touch trumps high tech.

American medicine is driven by the desire to provide newer and ever more expensive medicines, which too often provide small advances or even retrogressive outcomes. Over the past decade the enthusiasm to use drugs to treat the cognitive and the behavioral symptoms of dementia has grown. At the same time, numerous studies have suggested that excellent outcomes can be obtained with aggressive psychosocial programs. Unfortunately, while the uptake of medication use has been large, the universal introduction of psychosocial interventions has been inconsistent at best. This editorial will attempt to make the case that drugs (both cognitive enhancers and behavioral modifiers) are overused and that they should be replaced by psychosocial interventions.
Parasomnias in Adults

The term parasomnia, meaning “around sleep,” refers to a group of disorders that are characterized by “unpleasant or undesirable behavioral or experiential phenomena that occur predominantly or exclusively during the sleep period” (1). Parasomnias have been categorized by the sleep state from which they arise, for example, nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or those that are not specific to sleep state. They can also be categorized based on whether they are primary disorders of the sleep state from which they arise (e.g., sleepwalking) or are secondary to other medical or psychiatric disorders (e.g., nocturnal panic attacks). REM sleep behavior disorder and childhood parasomnias are covered elsewhere.
Lithium and clozapine in suicidality: shedding some light to get out of the dark

Abstract Introduction: Suicide is currently on the rise with rates increasing alarmingly during the past decade. There are many risk factors for suicidal behavior, and mental illness is at the top ...
Detection of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Inhibitors in Canine Aqueous Humor

Enzyme substrate-based analysis of canine aqueous humor was used to determine plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity. Commercially available, antibody-based methods for detection of PAIs are not cross-reactive with canine fibrinolytic mediators. Substrate-based enzymatic assays are not dependent upon the cross-reactivity of a primary antibody, but rather on specific enzyme-substrate interactions. The mean value (±1 SD) for PAI concentration in aqueous humor of dogs was 4.2 ± 1.1 IU/ml (n = 20). The median value for PAI concentration was 4 IU/ml. The distribution of PAI values was positively skewed with a range of values from 2.7 to 6.9 IU/ml. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the mean PAI concentrations determined for male and female dogs.