cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of donepezil on the cognitive ability early in the course of recovery from traumatic brain injury.

Objective To investigate the effect of donepezil on cognitive ability in patients who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, would enhance cognitive recovery beyond that of usual care in an acute rehabilitation facility. Methods This retrospective, longitudinal analysis included 55 patients who were non-randomly prescribed donepezil during acute care and compared them to 74 patients who received usual rehabilitation treatment. All 129 patients completed neuropsychological assessment at two time points. Donepezil was increased from 5 to 10 mg 7-10 days after initiation and maintained until follow-up cognitive assessment. Main outcomes Primary cognitive abilities of interest included processing speed, attention and memory. Cognitive and functional abilities were assessed by a standard neuropsychological battery for TBI. Results Propensity scores were used to adjust for differences between groups. Mixed effect model analysis showed no significant differences between treatment and control groups on all neuropsychological subtests over time. Conclusions Acute administration of donepezil did not significantly improve measures of cognitive or functional ability beyond that of treatment as usual in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI.
Nature-inspired sensors

Biomimetic devices that mimic butterfly wing nanostructures will help the fight against glaucoma.
Theories of Competing Risks and Multiple Decrement Life Tables

When death occurs, a natural human tendency is to attempt to ascribe it to some cause. A little reflection, however, leads one to the conclusion that it is not always easy to ascribe a death to a particular underlying cause, except perhaps in special circumstances of accidents or violence. Much remains to be discovered, in terms of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors, as to why some people enjoy longer lives than others. Factors underlying individuality in human longevity will not be considered in this chapter; rather, attention will be focused on information that may gleaned from official mortality statistics.
Measurement of Telomeric DNA Content in Human Tissues

Telomeres, nucleoprotein complexes at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, are 10-12 kbp in length in somatic cells, but as small as 1-2 kbp in rapidly growing cancer cells. Southern blot analysis is currently the standard method for the measurement of telomere length. However, accurate determinations are not possible when DNA is broken or scant. To avoid these problems, a slot blot assay that quantitates the relative content, instead of length, of telomere DNA was developed. The relative contents of telomere DNA determined by this slot blot assay were directly proportional to the relative lengths of telomere DNA determined in parallel by Southern blot analysis. Relative telomere DNA content could be measured in samples containing as little as 15 ng of total DNA. Relative telomere DNA content, but not length, also was unaffected by breakage of DNA into fragments 1 kbp or less in length.
The role of pH fronts, chlorination and physicochemical reactions in tumor necrosis in the electrochemical treatment of tumors: A numerical study

Abstract The electrochemical treatment (EChT) of cancerous tumors is a relatively noninvasive and efficient anti-tumor therapy. However, EChT has yet to receive widespread adoption–this is not only due to the lack of clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy, but also due to the lack of detailed three-dimensional models that consider more realistic tissue conditions. Thus, the preconditions for the widespread adoption of EChT are a thorough understanding of its underlying mechanisms of action and the ability to predict them. To this end, in this paper, we develop and describe comprehensive 2D mathematical models of the EChT process, encapsulating more realistic geometries and tissue conditions. Our analysis proceeds in two steps. First, we consider the surrounding tissue as a sodium chloride solution containing a bicarbonate buffer system. Next, we add another layer of complexity by integrating the buffer capacity of organic components to the previous bicarbonate buffer system to represent a more realistic tissue condition. The latter model also considers all the chlorination reactions that occur near the anode electrode. Finally, we separately investigate the effects of applied current on the temperature profile inside the tissue during electrolysis. The results show that tumor necrosis scales non-linearly as a function of the Coulomb dosage. Parametric studies confirmed that in very low current densities applied at the electrodes, chlorine reactions are an important source of H + ion generation, but at higher current densities, it is mainly the electrolysis that contributes to lesion size. In summary, should the model be further developed to consider more realistic tissue conditions in 3D, it can be used by practitioners to predict the effects of various factors in the EChT process in advance of treatment.
A Philosophical Analysis of Interrituality

‘Interrituality’ is a new and somewhat inchoate term invented to refer to the category of rituals that connect one religion to another. Religious practices performed by one group can be shared, borrowed, intertwined, or entangled with the practices done by other groups in innumerable ways and therefore scholars need to ask: which cases should be counted as examples of interrituality and which should not? To answer this question, this chapter seeks to make four points. First, I propose that the centrality of rituals to religious groups should lead to a shift in how we define ‘religion.’ Second, I propose a definition of interrituality that helps us distinguish it from other kinds of interreligious borrowing or syncretism. Third, I argue that scholars should recognize three types of interrituality, which I label mutual interrituality, mimetic interrituality, and one-sided interrituality. And last, I argue that interrituality is a ‘prototype concept’ in the sense that the mutual examples of the category are central, primary, and intuitive, whereas the mimetic and one-sided examples are peripheral, secondary, or less intuitive. My hope is that these proposals help make ‘interrituality’ an even more useful conceptual tool for the emerging field of interreligious studies.
Optimizing Integrated Electrode Design for Irreversible Electroporation of Implanted Polymer Scaffolds

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging technology for non-thermal ablation of solid tumors. This study sought to integrate electrodes into microporous poly(caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds previously shown to recruit metastasizing cancer cells in vivo in order to facilitate application of IRE to disseminating cancer cells. As the ideal parallel plate geometry would render much of the porous scaffold surface inaccessible to infiltrating cells, numerical modeling was utilized to predict the spatial profile of electric field strength within the scaffold for alternative electrode designs. Metal mesh electrodes with 0.35 mm aperture and 0.16 mm wire diameter established electric fields with similar spatial uniformity as the parallel plate geometry. Composite PCL-IRE scaffolds were fabricated by placing cylindrical porous PCL scaffolds between two PCL dip-coated stainless steel wire meshes. PCL-IRE scaffolds exhibited no difference in cell infiltration in vivo compared to PCL scaffolds. In addition, upon application of IRE in vivo, cells infiltrating the PCL-IRE scaffolds were successfully ablated, as determined by histological analysis 3 days post-treatment. The ability to establish homogeneous electric fields within a biomaterial that can recruit metastatic cancer cells, especially when combined with immunotherapy, may further advance IRE technology beyond solid tumors to the treatment of systemic cancer.
Future-Proofing Navies for Uncertainty

Naval planners face a future rendered uncertain by competing priorities that result from competing visions of the international future at sea. To this must be added radical technological and legal change. Managing the consequent problems will require a holistic and considered maritime approach, effective selling of the sea, strategic patience, clarity in operational priorities and cost-effective acquisition and fleet management systems.
Identification and characterization of Javanese root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) suppressive soils in Florida

Abstract In Florida, Javanese root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) is widely distributed and causes extensive damage to a number of economically important crops. Soil fumigants are commonly used to manage this soilborne pest; however, increasing societal concerns regarding the negative effects of these products on environmental and human health are driving a shift towards more sustainable management options. Of particular interest are naturally occurring nematode suppressive soils. Identifying farming practices and ecological factors that enable suppressive organisms to function and persist in soil will support the implementation of natural biological control. In this study, we evaluated suppressiveness to M. javanica in 12 soils from Florida. Using next-generation sequencing technology, we characterized the bacterial and fungal communities in these soils to further understand how those communities may contribute to nematode suppressive soils. In spring 2018, soil was collected from multiple geographic regions, production systems, and management practices within the state of Florida. In a soil-based suppressiveness assay, soil collected from 7 out of 12 of the sites reduced the recovery of inoculated J2-stage M. javanica relative to that of soil that had been steam-pasteurized. In a plant-based suppressiveness assay, all soils reduced root galling on cucumber by M. javanica relative to that of their steam-pasteurized counterparts. Contrary to other studies on pathogen suppressive soils, enhanced soil bacterial and fungal diversity was not associated with suppressiveness to M. javanica. Differences in soil fungal community composition was a stronger driver of suppressiveness than bacterial community composition, with the fungal orders Xylariales, Mortierellales, and Agaricales showing positive correlation with nematode suppressiveness across 64 % of the sites surveyed. Overall, Florida soils hold considerable potential to naturally regulate M. javanica populations. The use of soil management practices that promote the abundance and activity of suppressive microorganisms may reduce horticultural reliance on soil fumigants.
The Seasons of the Forge: A Structural History, 2001–2012

This chapter outlines the history of the Forge from its first appearance through its growth and development over the course of more than a decade before being closed to new posts by its owners. It discusses the nature of participation at the Forge, and describes the culture of the Forge as well as the response to the Forge by outside observers within the broader TRPG culture. It pays some attention to the experiences of marginalization and exclusion reported by some people. It describes the structural changes implemented by the Forge’s administrators to shape the discourse of the Forge, and briefly discusses the larger ‘Forge Diaspora’ initiated to supplement the Forge as a community. It concludes with a rhetorical appraisal of an online conversation about what happened to the Forge.
Norwegian Fitness Industry: From Bodybuilding to a Public Health Partner

In Norway, the fitness industry has evolved from small gyms to a large exercise and wellness industry that now is considered an important partner for public health work. The current conceptualization of fitness in Norway covers aspects of physical activity, exercise, health and wellbeing. The industry has grown substantially during the past 30 years, however flattening out the past five years. More than 30% of the Norwegian population report to participate in fitness centre activities on a weekly basis; this is the largest market penetration in Europe. The industry needs, however, to increase formal competency in exercise science among employees such as personal trainers and group fitness instructors to realize its potential for public health work in the Norwegian welfare model.
Abstract 16868: Conditional Renal Tubule Specific Deletion of KDM6a Gene Causes Hypertension in Mice

Objective: Aging-associated downregulation of Klotho is partly due to epigenetic upregulation of H3K27me3 in the kidney. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of KDM6a, a d...
Abstract 16592: Excessive MCU-Mediated Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake During Chronic Stress Impairs Cardiac Contractility

Calcium (Ca2+) uptake into the mitochondrial matrix occurs via the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter channel (mtCU) and tunes mitochondrial metabolism to meet acute changes in cellular ATP demand. Howev...
The oronasopharyngeal space and renewed formalization of the functional matrix hypothesis.

Conceptualization of the functional matrix hypothesis (FMH) by Melvin L. Moss [1,2] remains a pillar of orthodontic theory to explain compensatory growth of the craniofacial skeletal complex. Funct...
Listening to our peers so we can listen to our patients: a survey of racism experienced by gynecologic oncologists

Objectives: To examine the role of race and ethnicity in the professional experiences and development of physicians in gynecologic oncology. Methods: We conducted a survey of US physician members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Participants were queried about demographics, perceived role of their self-identified race and ethnicity on daily professional activities, development, and experiences with discrimination. Responses were collected on a continuous scale from 0-100, where 0 is strongly disagree and 100 is strongly agree. For the analysis, we dichotomized the continuous response to a binary outcome where the collected response > 50 is 1, and 0 otherwise. All survey responses and demographic and outcome questions were analyzed descriptively using frequency (percent). The outcome questions were also summarized by whether participant self-identified as White/non-White, and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed to test independence. Results: The survey was sent to 1455 members; 21% (309) responded. A total of 80 respondents were excluded because none of the outcome questions were answered. Of the 229 remaining respondents, 69% (159) were female. A total of 78 percent (178) identified as White/Caucasian, 11% (26) as Black, 1% (2) as American Indian or Alaska Native, 10% (22) as Asian, and 5% (11) as Hispanic/Latino. Median age was 42 years (range, 30-82). A total of 14 (32) were trainees. Demographics can be found in Table 1. Non-white respondents (NW) were more likely to report negative experiences in their medical training and/or professional career (p Download : Download high-res image (189KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Gynecologic oncologists appear to have different professional experiences associated with their race/ethnicity. NW respondents more commonly report negative and discriminatory experiences. However, in this national survey, gynecologic oncologists across all race/ethnicities recognize the inequalities and disparities that exist and appear to be motivated to address them.
COVID vaccine acceptance in inner-city minority cancer population

134Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment risking increase in cancer-related mortality. COVID vaccines offer hope to control pandemic and ensure uninterrup...
Social Disparities and Social Distancing During the Covid Pandemic

While social capital is commonly held to support collective action, according to Putnam (2000) and Bourdieu (1986) social disparities may result in the formation of narrow social bonds that serve to exacerbate existing social cleavages and may serve as an impediment to effective collective action. Motivated by this insight, we examine the relationship between social disparities and social distancing during the initial, pre-vaccine period of the Covid pandemic in the US. Using a panel of weekly, county-level observations, we find that income, educational and racial disparities are associated with a statistically significant decrease in the social distancing. This result is robust to controls for a wide variety of socioeconomic variables as well as to the contemporaneous infection rate and a commonly used measures of social capital. Our results are consistent with Putnam and Bourdieu’s claims regarding the role of social disparities in the formation of social capital and suggest gains to the development of measures that capture different forms of social capital.
Privatization Versus Groundwater Central Management

A group of free market natural resource economists argue that the current system of limited property rights for groundwater users should be replaced by a new system of freely transferable property rights This, they contend, would provide the more efficient allocation of groundwater resources and help alleviate the water scarcity problem in the United States Their case for privatization is critically appraised Groundwater hydrology, common property, contamination, and other third party effects are examined to determine the set of circumstances under which privatization would work best The following alternatives to the full privatization plan are also examined central management, legal reform, and “French style” privatized management of water systems
Simulation of a common oligogenic disease with quantitative risk factors. GAW9 problem 2: the answers.

For Problem 2, simulated family data were provided for a common oligogenic disease that was defined by imposing a threshold, T, on a quantitative trait, Q1. Every individual with a value of Q1 > T (where T = 87.5) was defined as affected. Participants were told that three other quantitative traits (Q2, Q3, and Q4) and an environmental factor (EF) also were thought to be associated with the disease as intervening variables, and that 12 candidate loci (C1 - C12) were postulated to influence traits associated with the disease. The tasks for GAW9 were to characterize the genetic and environmental contribution to Q1 (and the disease), Q2, Q3, and Q4, and to localize any single genes that had detectable effects. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization and Properties of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Polymer Nanocomposites

High molecular weight nonionic polymer-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in different concentrations has been incorporated into the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) structure during precipitation of quasicrystalline C-S-H from aqueous solution. Ca/Si = 0.7 and various PVA concentrations (0.05-0.75 g/g Ca salt) were used for a series of C-S-H-polymer nanocomposite (C-S-HPN) materials synthesis. Synthetic C-S-H and C-S-HPN materials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The compositions and structures of the C-S-H and C-S-HPN materials were studied by SEM and FTIR spectra. FTIR spectra confirms the presence of PVA in C-S-HPN materials. The SEM and AFM micrographs of C-S-H and C-S-HPN materials with different PVA contents exhibit the significant differences in their morphologies.
An Estimate of the Amount of Microtubule Protein in the Isolated Mitotic Apparatus

The microtubule content of the isolated mitotic apparatus of sea-urchin eggs ( Arbacia punctulata has been investigated by electron microscopy. Cross-sections were made through asters or spindles of flat-embedded mitotic apparatuses of known mitotic stage and specific orientation in the block. Cross-sections between chromosomes and poles of five metaphase half-spindles revealed approximately 2000-2300 sectioned microtubules. The number was somewhat higher in three anaphase half-spindles examined, approximately 2400-2600. A method was devised for calculating the total number of microtubules in an aster, based upon the number of microtubules appearing in cross-sections. Application of this method to selected mitotic apparatuses enabled calculation of the total number of microtubules in metaphase mitotic apparatuses of average dimensions. Using a 13-protofilament model of the microtubule and existing data on possible monomer sizes and molecular weights, the total amount of microtubule protein in the isolated mitotic apparatus was calculated. The values obtained are in the range of about 1-2 x 10 -8 mg microtubule protein per isolated mitotic apparatus. These values are close to those reported for the 4-5s protein of the isolated mitotic apparatus, but are considerably lower than the amount of 22s protein. The results are discussed with respect to cellular factors which determine microtubule number, and the possible sources and origin of mitotic microtubule protein.
Synthetic PET imaging for grasping: from primate Neurophysiology to human behavior

Synthetic PET imaging is a technique for using computational models derived from primate neurophysiological data to predict and analyze the results of human PET studies. This technique makes use of the hypothesis that is correlated with the integrated synaptic activity in a localized brain region. In this chapter, we describe the Synthetic PET imaging approach, and demonstrate how it is applied to the FARS model to parietal-premotor interactions underlying primate grasp control. The Synthetic PET measures are interactions underlying primate grasp control. The Synthetic PET measures are computed for a simulated conditional/non-coditional grasping experiment, and then compared to the results of a similar human PET study. We then show how the human PET results may be used to further constrain the computational model.
The effect of terrain on foot pressures during walking.

Background: High plantar pressures are associated with the development of foot ulcers in people with diabetic neuropathy. The effect of terrain on plantar pressures during walking has not been fully explored. Methods: Twenty 23- to 40-year-old subjects with no known musculoskeletal pathology walked across three terrains: padded carpet (R), grass (G), and concrete (C) while wearing Novel Pedar (Novel Electronics Inc. GMBH, Munich, Germany) insoles with and without shoes. Pressures were collected at 50 Hz. The sole of the foot was divided into: heel (H), lateral midfoot (LM), medial midfoot (MM), big toe and first metatarsal head (BT), and lateral toes and metatarsal heads (LT). Repeated measures ANOVA identified differences in pressures, forces, and contact areas across terrains. Post hoc Bonferroni adjustments were used to accept an overall alpha level of 0.05.Results: Peak pressure (PP), maximal mean pressure (MMP) and pressure time integral (PTI) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) when walking barefoo...
Projected Risk of Population Declines for Native Fish Species in the Upper Mississippi River

Summary Conservationists are in need of objective metrics for prioritizing the management of habitats. For individual species, the threat of extinction is often used to prioritize what species are in need of conservation action. Using long-term monitoring data, we applied a Bayesian diffusion approximation to estimate quasi-extinction risk for 54 native fish species within six commercial navigation reaches along a 1350-km gradient of the upper Mississippi River system. We found a strong negative linear relationship between quasi-extinction risk and distance upstream. For some species, quasi-extinction estimates ranged from nearly zero in some reaches to one in others, suggesting substantial variability in threats facing individual river reaches. We found no evidence that species traits affected quasi-extinction risk across the entire system. Our results indicate that fishes within the upper Mississippi River system face localized threats that vary across river impact gradients. This suggests that conservation actions should be focused on local habitat scales but should also consider the additive effects on downstream conditions. We also emphasize the need for identification of proximate mechanisms behind observed and predicted population declines, as conservation actions will require mitigation of such mechanisms. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Protein kinases as mediators of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is an enzyme that participates in a myriad of cellular processes and whose activity has been linked to cell growth and transformation, differentiation, motility, insulin action, and cell survival to name a few. Direct links between PI3K action and human diseases have
Cardiorespiratory responses of healthy subjects to calisthenics performed on land versus in water.

This study evaluated the oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate response curves for standardized upper- and lower-extremity exercise on land and in water. Forty healthy subjects performed one upper-extremity and one lower-extremity exercise at three selected cadences on land and in water. Steady-state heart rate was determined by electrocardiographic radiotelemetry and expressed as a percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate (% APMHR). Percentage of age-predicted maximal heart rate was used as the criterion measure of relative exercise intensity. Oxygen consumption was determined by the open-circuit method. Results indicated systematic increases in VO2 from 2 to 9 metabolic equivalents (METs) (1 MET = 3.5 mL O2.kg-1.min-1) and % APMHR from 45% to 73% with increased cadence. The VO2 responses were highest during water exercise, whereas % APMHR was greater during land exercise. Based on the magnitude of the responses, water calisthenics appear to be of sufficient intensity to elicit training adaptations. Training studies are needed to document these changes.
Mapping Everyday: Gender, Blackness, and Discourse in Urban Contexts

This article argues that by using theories of the spatial to understand how situated materiality (i.e., place) and contestations of identity matter when conceiving global and curricular space, educators may interrupt and rearticulate practices and systems of oppression. By focusing on globalization writ large, there is danger of leaving important concerns of the local unattended, and thereby failing to see how processes of globalization exacerbate problematic and oft-hidden curricular issues. Such diversions typify the most insidious quality of the current form of globalization; that is: an articulation of ubiquitous, uniform, and systemically oppressive social scripts. Through the contestation of such scripts, this article focuses on the achievement of better spaces when gender and race are involved. We offer a discussion of curriculum where students write about and argue against the dominant representations of their lives in Washington, DC. Concluding meditations stress that a new conceptual frame is ne...
On the development of fusion power

To harness the power of the sun for practical commercial applications, fusion research has been pursued for more than thirty years. The road has been filled with surprises, some up, some down, some sideways. The decade of the 1950’s produced great expectations as ideas for magnetic confinement development flourished. Basic approaches introduced during this period include the magnetic mirror proposed by York in the US and Budker in the USSR, the Stellarator proposed by Spitzer in the US, the tokamak proposed by Tamm and Sakharov in the USSR, and the toroidal Z-pinch proposed by Ware and Thoneman in England and by Tuck in the U.S. Intense theoretical work began and flourished as experimental results regarding confinement, stability, and heating were produced. Slowly, through the late 1950’s and the decade of the 1960’s, the underpinnings for the science of plasma physics were formed both experimentally and theoretically, and contributions were forthcoming on an international scale. Yet as progress was made toward overcoming difficulties (such as the minimum-B configuration developed by Ioffe and co-workers in the USSR to stabilize the simple magnetic mirror), new obstacles in the form of both macroand micro-instabilities were being discovered. Further, calculations related to reactor performance were not always encouraging. Results showed that magnetic mirrors would produce little more in fusion power than is required to sustain the plasma. Breakeven is Q = 1, where Q is the ratio of fusion power produced to power injected into the plasma to sustain its operation. To account for inevitable inefficiencies, a practical reactor must have a Q value of at least five,
What is the optimal vitamin D level for health

Physicians are well aware of the traditional role of vitamin D on calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone health [1]. Vitamin D deficiency during the developmental years leads to rickets; later in life, its deficiency leads to osteomalacia, and probably contributes to osteoporosis [2]. In the elderly at least, deficient levels of vitamin D leads to reduced neuromuscular performance and an increased risk of falls. Through this increased risk of falls, and most likely by a reduction in bone mass, vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of fractures [3]. Fractures in the elderly could be catastrophic. Even in young, healthy military recruits, low vitamin D levels predict a higher occurrence of stress fractures, and supplementation with vitamin D and calcium reduced fractures in a randomized intervention study [4,5]. If consequences of vitamin D deficiency were limited to muscular–skeletal health, this would be important enough. However, in the past several decades, a large and ever-increasing number of studies has documented that inadequate vitamin D levels may contribute to a wide range of adverse health conditions. All of the above raises the question: why should a single vitamin be so important? A brief evolutionary perspective may be informative. The human species evolved largely in tropical conditions, where abundant sunlight throughout the year and the warm climate requiring minimal clothing resulted in vitamin D levels that far exceed what most people experience today. The survival advantage conferred by light skin as our ancestors migrated to higher latitudes is generally believed to have resulted from the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels
Silver(I) clusters of the sterically-hindered bidentate ligand, 3-(dimethylphenyl)silyl-2-pyridinethiol. The crystal and molecular structures of [Ag(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2,Ph)]6 and [Ag8(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph)6][Ag(NO3)2]2·2CH3OH·CH2Cl2

Abstract The reaction of Ag(NO3) with excess HSC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph yields the hexanuclear [Ag6(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph)6], a species exhibiting a molecular “paddlewheel” structure with a central Ag6S6 drum. In contrast, the reaction of excess Ag(NO3) with HSC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph under otherwise identical conditions produces [Ag8(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph)6][Ag(NO3)2]2·2CH3OH·CH2Cl2. The eight silver centres of the [Ag8(SR)6]2+ central core exhibit hexagonal bipyramidal geometry, with the two silver ions of the [Ag(NO3)2]− units associated as two weakly interacting appendages. Crystal data [Ag6(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph)6]: orthorhombic Pbca, a = 17.576(3), b = 18.634(3), c = 25.845(6) A, V = 8464.4(11) A3, Z = 4, Dcalc, = 1.66 g cm−3; structure solution and refinement based on 2945 reflections (Mo-Kα, λ = 0.71073 A) converged at R = 0.0420. [Ag8(SC5H3N-3-SiMe2Ph)6][Ag(NO3)2]2: triclinic P 1 , a = 13.103(3), b = 14.766(3), c = 15.600(3) A, α = 63.88(1), β = 80.27(2), γ = 72.35(1)°, V = 2580.5(9) A3, Z = 1, Dcalc = 1.95 g cm−3; 5251 reflections, R = 0.0392.
Shuttlebox avoidance to intense white noise: Acquisition and the Kamin effect in rats

Experiment I demonstrated shuttlebox avoidance conditioning using intense white noise as a UCS. Ten rats were given 25 trials a day for 6 days. Escape latencies declined and avoidance responses increased over trial blocks. Experiment II provided support for a functional similarity between shock as a UCS and intense noise as a UCS by demonstrating the Kamin effect following incomplete shuttlebox training to noise. Separate groups of rats were given 25 trials followed by an additional 25 trials either 0, 1, 4, or 24 h later. The U-shaped Kamin effect was evident in the avoidance measure. A similar but inverted U-shaped function was obtained for the escape latency measure. Escape latencies were longer on retraining than on original training at 1 h but not at 0, 4, or 24 h after original training.
The Effects of Ulnar Collateral Reconstruction on Major League Pitching Performance

Objectives:A tremendous stress is placed on the elbow while pitching a baseball. Due to these stresses, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers are at increased risk for Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries. Previous studies have been limited in sample size, but have shown most players return to previous uninjured statistical levels after undergoing UCL reconstruction. We sought the largest cohort of MLB pitchers who have undergone UCL reconstruction and hypothesized that MLB pitchers do not return to their pre-injury statistical level after undergoing UCL reconstruction.Methods:The statistics for 168 major league pitchers, who threw at least one season at the Major League level and subsequently underwent UCL reconstruction, were reviewed. Statistical data including earned run average (ERA), walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP), win percentage, innings pitched, and salary were compared for the 3 years before and 3 years after undergoing UCL reconstruction. This data was compared to 178 age matched c...
Real‐time operation of mobile robots using linear image arrays

A vision system using a pair of Linear Image Arrays is proposed for use with mobile robots for factory environments. This vision system was developed to perform the function of guidance, navigation, and obstacle detection. Using a standard 16-bit microprocessor for all of the computing tasks, low cost, small size, and low power consumption can be obtained. Real-time operation is achieved by using line images, which provide less data than two-dimensional images. However, this results in the need for special image processing techniques. Guidance and navigation are achieved using a new technique called the difference of medians, a robust method of detecting and locating known features in line images. Obstacle detection is performed by locating feature points in thresholded images and determining the distances to these feature points by template matching. A distance map is then generated, from which obstacles can be located. the algorithms used are chosen for their efficiency, with the result that a pair of images can be analyzed in less than 0.5 s.
Low frequency fatigue in human quadriceps is fatigue dependent and not task dependent.

Abstract It is well accepted that a low intensity/long duration isometric contraction induces more low frequency fatigue (LFF) compared to a high-intensity/short-duration contraction. However, previous reports examined the intensity/duration of the contraction but did not control the level of fatigue when concluding fatigue is task dependent. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a long duration/low intensity fatiguing contraction would induce greater LFF than a short duration/high-intensity contraction when the quadriceps muscle was fatigued to similar levels. Eighteen healthy male subjects performed quadriceps contractions sustained at 35% and 65% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) on separate days, until the tasks induced a similar amount of fatigue (force generating capacity=45% MVC). Double pulse torque to single pulse torque ratio (D/S ratio) was obtained before, immediately and 5min after fatigue along with the electromyographic (EMG) signal from vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF). The D/S ratio significantly ( p p >0.05) even though the endurance time for the 35% fatigue task (124±39.68s) was significantly longer ( p =0.05) than that of the 65% task (63±17.73s). EMG amplitude and median power frequency (MPF) analysis also did not reveal any significant differences between these two sessions after fatigue. These findings indicate that LFF fatigue is fatigue dependent as well as task intensity/duration dependent. These findings assist us in understanding task dependency and muscle fatigue.
Barrel rotation and prostration by vasopressin and nicotine in the vestibular cerebellum

The aim of this study was to determine whether the primary sites for the action of vasopressin and nicotine in producing barrel rotation and prostration in rats were located in the modular cerebellum, i.e., lobule X. When arginine vasopressin was administered into either the fourth ventricles or directly into the nodular cerebellum via chronically implanted cannulae, the rats displayed intermittent barrel rotation and clonic convulsions. The administration of nicotine into the same areas resulted in prostration, atonia and, occasionally, clonic convulsions. A few days after the nodular cerebellum was lesioned with kainic acid, the motor disturbances resulting from either agent were virtually abolished. Histologic studies revealed that kainic acid had destroyed Purkinje and other large neurons, but had left the granular neurons relatively intact. The administration of procaine into either the fourth ventricles or nodular cerebellum blocked the behavioral responses of either vasopressin or nicotine given into the fourth ventricles. It was concluded that the nodular cerebellum is a primary site for the motor disturbances produced by vasopressin and nicotine.
Applying behavioral theory to practice: an examination of the behavioral momentum metaphor

This paper discusses some of the difficulties that arise in the practical applications of theories derived from specific experimental settings. Nevin's metaphoric extension of the physical concept of momentum to modifying behavior (i.e., behavioral momentum) is used as a recent example. Problems in the application of behavioral momentum are discussed, alternative analyses are offered, and methods for further testing the process are suggested. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Anaphase-Promoting Complex Regulates the Abundance of GLR-1 Glutamate Receptors in the Ventral Nerve Cord of C. elegans

Abstract The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) is a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets key cell cycle regulatory proteins for degradation. Blockade of APC activity causes mitotic arrest [1, 2]. Recent evidence suggests that the APC may have roles outside the cell cycle [3–6]. Several studies indicate that ubiquitin plays an important role in regulating synaptic strength [7–13]. We previously showed that ubiquitin is directly conjugated to GLR-1, a C. elegans non-NMDA ( N -methyl-D-aspartate) class glutamate receptor (GluR), resulting in its removal from synapses [13]. By contrast, endocytosis of rodent AMPA GluRs is apparently regulated by ubiquitination of associated scaffolding proteins [12, 14]. Relatively little is known about the E3 ligases that mediate these effects. We examined the effects of perturbing APC function on postmitotic neurons in the nematode C. elegans . Temperature-sensitive mutations in APC subunits increased the abundance of GLR-1 in the ventral nerve cord. Mutations that block clathrin-mediated endocytosis blocked the effects of the APC mutations, suggesting that the APC regulates some aspect of GLR-1 recycling. Overexpression of ubiquitin decreased the density of GLR-1-containing synapses, and APC mutations blunted this effect. APC mutants had locomotion defects consistent with increased synaptic strength. This study defines a novel function for the APC in postmitotic neurons.
Optical hole burning with finite excitation time

This paper extends earlier calculations [M. Yamanoi and J. H. Eberly, Phys. Rev. A 34, 1609 (1986)] of hole burning using continuous excitation to the finite excitation time used in experiments on Pr:${\mathrm{LaF}}_{3}$. Both Gaussian-Markov (GM) and random-telegraph (RT) dephasing models are studied. For the GM model, a new feature is the appearance of nutation structure near the center of the hole for a 400-\ensuremath{\mu}sec excitation time. In contrast for RT, a similar, although much weaker, structure appears in the wings of the hole. It is noted that for finite excitation times, a detuning as well as the usual intensity dependence of the dephasing time appears.
Mechanism-based inactivation of the flavoprotein cyclohexanone monooxygenase by S oxygenation

The FAD-dependent enzyme cyclohexanone oxygenase carries out biological Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of ketones and aldehydes with O2 as cosubstrate. Sulfides are enzymically oxygenated to sulfoxides but thiolactones appear to be enzymically processed to acyl sulfoxides which are reactive acylating and then sulfenylating agents, inducing mechanism-based inactivation.
Single-pulse gas thermometry at low temperatures using two-photon laser-induced fluorescence in NO–N 2 mixtures

A technique suitable for measuring fluctuating temperatures in supersonic turbulent flows of N(2) seeded with NO has been demonstrated in a nonflowing cell. The method relies on the two-photon excitation of two selected rovibronic transitions in the NO gamma(A(2)Sigma+,'=0?X(2)II,''=0) band. Measurements between 155 and 295 K in N(2) mixtures containing 300 parts in 10(6) NO were obtained with single-pulse errors below 4% rms.
Intestinal fatty acid binding protein: A specific residue in one turn appears to stabilize the native structure and be responsible for slow refolding

The intestinal fatty acid binding protein is one of a class of proteins that are primarily beta-sheet and contain a large interior cavity into which ligands bind. A highly conserved region of the protein exists between two adjacent antiparallel strands (denoted as D and E in the structure) that are not within hydrogen bonding distance. A series of single, double, and triple mutations have been constructed in the turn between these two strands. In the wild-type protein, this region has the sequence Leu 64/Gly 65/Val 66. Replacing Leu 64 with either Ala or Gly decreases the stability and the midpoint of the denaturation curve somewhat, whereas mutations at Gly 65 affect the stability slightly, but the protein folds at a rate similar to wild-type and binds oleate. Val 66 appears not to play an important role in maintaining stability. All double or triple mutations that include mutation of Leu 64 result in a large and almost identical loss of stability from the wild-type. As an example of the triple mutants, we investigated the properties of the Leu 64 Ser/Gly 65 Ala/Val 66 Asn mutant. As measured by the change in intrinsic fluorescence, this mutant (and similar triple mutants lacking leucine at position 64) folds much more rapidly than wild-type. The mutant, and others that lack Leu 64, have far-UV CD spectra similar to wild-type, but a different near-UV CD spectrum. The folded form of the protein binds oleate, although less tightly than wild-type. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies using electrospray mass spectrometry indicate many more rapidly exchangeable amide protons in the Leu 64 Ser/Gly 65 Ala/Val 66 Asn mutant. We propose that there is a loss of defined structure in the region of the protein near the turn defined by the D and E strands and that the interaction of Leu 64 with other hydrophobic residues located nearby may be responsible for (1) the slow step in the refolding process and (2) the final stabilization of the structure. We suggest the possibility that this region of the protein may be involved in both an early and late step in refolding.
Laterality of hand use pays off in foraging success for wild chimpanzees

The aim of this study was to see if behavioral lateralization in hand use benefits a lateralized organism in nature. We recorded wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Gombe, Tanzania, fishing for termites (Macrotermes spp.), an extractive foraging task using elementary technology. We compared individual apes who were completely lateralized, using only one hand or the other for the task, versus those who were incompletely lateralized, using either hand. Exclusively lateralized individuals were more efficient, that is, gathered more prey per unit effort, but were no different in success or error rate from incompletely lateralized apes. This is the first demonstration of a payoff to laterality of behavioral function in primates in conditions of ecological validity.
Foreign aid and insurrection

This paper analyses the allocative and distributive effects of foreign aid within a positive theory of insurrections. In this theory, foreign aid causes a reallocation of resources from production to an intensified struggle over distributive shares. Moreover, although the ruler of the recipient economy regards foreign aid as just another possible source of income for his parasitic clientele, the threat of insurrection induces a policy response that increases the income of the general population. The analysis shows how these allocative and distributive effects depend on the technology of insurrection.
BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION FOR METACHROMATIC LEUCODYSTROPHY

An 11-month-old boy with late infantile metachromatic leucodystrophy was given a bone-marrow transplant (BMT) from an HLA-identical sister; 6 months later his cerebrospinal fluid leucocytes were exclusively of donor origin. Coupled with the patient's continued developmental progress, as assessed 33 months after the procedure, the findings suggest that BMT may be an effective treatment for some congenital metabolic disorders which affect the central nervous system.
Application of neural network computing to the solution for the ground-state eigenenergy of two-dimensional harmonic oscillators

Abstract In this Letter, we teach a neural network the solution of the Schrodinger equation for some model potential energy functions. The network can then predict eigenvalues of other test cases with an error of few percent.
Total hip arthroplasty via the less invasive anterolateral abductor splitting approach

Built on a firm belief in minimizing soft tissue injury and speeding recovery, and driven by marketing by industry and surgeons and patient cosmetic concerns, advances in instrumentation and prosthetic design have made performing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) easier through smaller incisions. Surgeons have long depended on the anterolateral abductor splitting approach for a low rate of dislocation and ease of component placement. With the advent of specialized instrumentation the anterolateral technique can be easily accomplished via a smaller skin incision and a relatively less invasive approach. The long-term results of these techniques remain to be seen. However, the short-term goals of shorter hospital stays, less blood loss, and a quicker return to more normal function have been obtained using this approach. Furthermore, no increase in acute complications has been observed and radiographic measures are equivalent to a more open approach.
A simulation optimization-based decision support tool for mitigating traffic congestion

Traffic congestion has grown considerably in the United States over the past 20 years. In this paper, we develop a robust decision support tool based on simulation optimization to evaluate and recommend congestion mitigation strategies to transportation system decision-makers. A tabu search-based optimizer determines different network design strategies on the road network while a traffic simulator evaluates the goodness of fit. The tool is tested with real-world traffic data.