cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Value Conflict, Group Affect, and the Issue of Campaign Finance

The issue of campaign finance reform creates a potential conflict between the democratic values of expression and equality. Using a unique experiment embedded in a national survey of the American electorate, we examine the extent to which group affect influences citizens' commitment to these values and how it contributes to the resolution of value conflict. We find that citizens' commitment to the values of expression and equality in the campaign finance system is structured by their feelings toward those whose rights and influence are perceived to be at stake. Our analysis further shows that the effects of group affect are conditioned by issue frame. The effects of group affect are less pronounced when campaign finance is framed as an issue of political expression and rights than when it is framed in terms of political equality and influence. Finally, we find that affective information contributes to the resolution of value conflict by helping citizens to make tradeoffs between competing values in judgment situations.
All too skeptical theism

Skeptical theism contends that, due to our cognitive limitations, we cannot expect to be able to determine whether there are reasons which justify God’s permission of apparently unjustified evils. Because this is so, the existence of these evils does not constituted evidence against God’s existence. A common criticism is that the skeptical theist is implicitly committed to other, less palatable forms of skepticism, especially moral skepticism. I examine a recent defense against this charge mounted by Michael Bergmann. I point out that the Bergmannian skeptical theist is unable to determine concerning any event or feature of the world whether that feature or event is good or evil all-things-considered. Because of this the skeptical theist must abandon any attempt to act in such a way that the world becomes better rather than worse as a result. These, I claim, are seriously skeptical conclusions, and should cause us to be skeptical about skeptical theism itself.
The effects of sulfur and oxygen on the catalytic activity of molybdenum carbide during dry methane reforming

Abstract The sulfur tolerance of bulk Mo 2 C catalyst has been evaluated for dry methane reforming (DMR) at 1050 °C, in the presence of dimethethylsulfide (DMS) at sulfur concentrations as high as 500 ppm. In addition, the effect of coupling the exothermic partial oxidation of methane with the highly endothermic reforming reaction was also investigated. It was determined that both DMS decomposition and partial oxidation take place in the gas phase, upstream of the catalyst bed, with CS 2 as the primary DMS decomposition product. The CS 2 was found to reversibly adsorbs on the catalyst surface, resulting in a stable but decreased activity. This conclusion was corroborated by examining the effects of DMS concentration, temperature, and in situ regeneration, and all are consistent with the occurrence of reversible sulfur chemisorption. Evidence is also presented to show that sulfur adsorption during DMR changes the redox chemistry of the catalyst, resulting in a slow oxidation of the surface. On the other hand, stable activity was maintained with oxygen in the feed and is attributed to lower CO 2 concentrations under these conditions. Comparison experiments with a supported Rh catalyst gave superior results with respect to sulfur tolerance during DMR, suggesting that sulfur poisoning of noble metal catalysts may not be a serious problem at the high temperatures used in methane reforming.
Prolactin-releasing activity of porcine intestinal peptide (PHI-27)

Abstract Porcine intestinal peptide (PHI), a twenty-seven amino acid peptide isolated from porcine gut extracts, is a close structural homolog of the secretin family hormones. The structural and biological similarities of PHI to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) together with its presence in the rat hypothalamus suggested a possible role for the peptide in the control of prolactin (PRL) secretion. PHI induced significant, dose-related stimulations of PRL release from cultured, dispersed rat pituitary cells in vitro . The minimum effective dose is 10 7 molar, compared to 10 9 molar for VIP. No interactive effect with thyrotropin-releasing hormone was observed; however, PHI partially overcame the dopamine inhibition of PRL release.
Flocks, herds, and schools: A quantitative theory of flocking

We present a quantitative continuum theory of ``flocking'': the collective coherent motion of large numbers of self-propelled organisms. In agreement with everyday experience, our model predicts the existence of an ``ordered phase'' of flocks, in which all members of even an arbitrarily large flock move together with the same mean velocity $〈\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{v}〉\ensuremath{\ne}0.$ This coherent motion of the flock is an example of spontaneously broken symmetry: no preferred direction for the motion is picked out a priori in the model; rather, each flock is allowed to, and does, spontaneously pick out some completely arbitrary direction to move in. By analyzing our model we can make detailed, quantitative predictions for the long-distance, long-time behavior of this ``broken symmetry state.'' The ``Goldstone modes'' associated with this ``spontaneously broken rotational symmetry'' are fluctuations in the direction of motion of a large part of the flock away from the mean direction of motion of the flock as a whole. These ``Goldstone modes'' mix with modes associated with conservation of bird number to produce propagating sound modes. These sound modes lead to enormous fluctuations of the density of the flock, far larger, at long wavelengths, than those in, e.g., an equilibrium gas. Our model is similar in many ways to the Navier-Stokes equations for a simple compressible fluid; in other ways, it resembles a relaxational time-dependent Ginsburg-Landau theory for an $n=d$ component isotropic ferromagnet. In spatial dimensions $dg4,$ the long-distance behavior is correctly described by a linearized theory, and is equivalent to that of an unusual but nonetheless equilibrium model for spin systems. For $dl4,$ nonlinear fluctuation effects radically alter the long distance behavior, making it different from that of any known equilibrium model. In particular, we find that in $d=2,$ where we can calculate the scaling exponents exactly, flocks exhibit a true, long-range ordered, spontaneously broken symmetry state, in contrast to equilibrium systems, which cannot spontaneously break a continuous symmetry in $d=2$ (the ``Mermin-Wagner'' theorem). We make detailed predictions for various correlation functions that could be measured either in simulations, or by quantitative imaging of real flocks. We also consider an anisotropic model, in which the birds move preferentially in an ``easy'' (e.g., horizontal) plane, and make analogous, but quantitatively different, predictions for that model as well. For this anisotropic model, we obtain exact scaling exponents for all spatial dimensions, including the physically relevant case $d=3.$
The Gut Microbiome: A New Frontier in Autism Research

The human gut harbors a complex community of microbes that profoundly influence many aspects of growth and development, including development of the nervous system. Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing methods have led to rapidly expanding knowledge about this gut microbiome. Here, we review fundamental emerging data on the human gut microbiome, with a focus on potential interactions between the microbiome and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and consider research on atypical patterns of feeding and nutrition in ASD and how they might interact with the microbiome. Finally we selectively survey results from studies in rodents on the impact of the microbiome on neurobehavioral development. The evidence reviewed here suggests that a deeper understanding of the gut microbiome could open up new avenues of research on ASD, including potential novel treatment strategies.
Coherent mid-infrared broadband continuum generation in non-uniform ZBLAN fiber taper

A simple method is described for efficient, asymmetric and coherent continuum generation in the mid-infrared region based on the dynamics of a stabilized soliton in the vicinity of a second dispersion zero of a nonlinear fiber. The mechanism involves nonlinear soliton compression, Raman self-frequency shift and resonant emission of a dispersive (Cherenkov) wave in a non-uniformly tapered ZBLAN fluoride fiber pumped by a low-power compact femtosecond laser at 1.55 microm. The fiber taper features a continuous shift of the second zero dispersion wavelength, which facilitates the progressive shift in the wavelength of the dispersive wave generated by the stabilized soliton. Numerical solution of the generalized nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which accounts for the exact wave-length dependence of dispersion and nonlinear coefficients, shows robust generation of near-octave continuum spanning 1.5-3 microm wavelength range.
Ethanol exposure induces oxidative stress and impairs nitric oxide availability in the human placental villi: a possible mechanism of toxicity.

Abstract Objective: We undertook this investigation to explore the effects of ethanol exposure on nitric oxide synthase levels and nitric oxide release. Our hypothesis was that ethanol exposure modifies nitric oxide activity within the placenta as a result of oxidative stress. Study Design: Four 10-g samples of term normal human placental villous tissue were perifused with nonrecirculating Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium and 25-mmol/L N-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N′-[2-ethanesulfonic acid] with 0-, 50-, 100-, or 200-mmol/L ethanol. After 2 hours of exposure, tissue was removed, fixed, and frozen for analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for subtype I or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), subtype II or inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and subtype III or endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) localization. Western blot analysis was performed for eNOS quantitation. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase levels were measured by electroimmunoassay and kinetic assay, respectively. Nitric oxide release was analyzed by a Sievers nitric oxide analyzer. Results: Immunohistochemical examination confirmed that only eNOS was localized to the syncytiotrophoblasts. After ethanol exposure, eNOS protein expression increased 2.5- to 3.0-fold over that of the control. Tissue cyclic guanosine monophosphate content and nitric oxide release into the effluent were decreased, whereas superoxide dismutase levels were increased at higher ethanol levels ( P Conclusion: Ethanol exposure appears to induce oxidative stress, which may account for the decreased nitric oxide release, because nitric oxide may be shunted toward scavenging free radicals. Increased eNOS protein expression may be a response to the increased demand for nitric oxide. Decreased nitric oxide availability could adversely affect placental blood flow regulation, which could, in turn, account for the growth restriction seen in ethanol-exposed fetuses. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:682-8.)
Interaction of deoxyhemoglobin with the cytoplasmic domain of murine erythrocyte band 3.

The partial pressure of oxygen constitutes an important factor in the regulation of human erythrocyte physiology, including control of cell volume, membrane structure, and glucose metabolism. Because band 3 is thought to be involved in all three processes and because binding of hemoglobin (Hb) to the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3) is strongly oxygen-dependent, the possibility that the reversible association of deoxyhemoglobin (deoxyHb) with cdb3 might constitute an O2-dependent sensor that mediates O2-regulated changes in erythrocyte properties arises. While several lines of evidence support this hypothesis, a major opposing argument lies in the fact that the deoxyHb binding sequence on human cdb3 is not conserved. Moreover, no effect of O2 pressure on Hb–band 3 interactions has ever been demonstrated in another species. To explore whether band 3–Hb interactions might be widely involved in O2-dependent regulation of erythrocyte physiology, we undertook characterization of the effect of O2 on band 3–H...
Finding the missing link: Disulfide‐containing proteins via a high‐throughput proteomics approach

Top-down proteomics have recently started to gain attention as a novel method to provide insight into the structure of proteins in their native state, specifically the number and location of disulfide bridges. However, previous techniques still relied on complex and time-consuming protein purification and reduction reactions to yield useful information. In this issue of Proteomics, Zhao et al. (high-throughput screening of disulfide-containing proteins in a complex mixture, Proteomics 2013, 13, 3256-3260) devise a clever and rapid method for high-throughput determination of disulfides in proteins via reduction by tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine. Their work provides the foundation necessary to undertake more complex experiments in biological samples.
Sprouty 2 disturbs FGFR3 degradation in thanatophoric dysplasia type II. A severe form of human achondroplasia

Thanatophoric dysplasia is a member of the achondroplasia family of human skeletal dysplasias, which result from FGFR3 mutations that exaggerate this receptor's inhibitory influence on chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in the skeletal growth plate. We have previously reported that defective lysosomal degradation of activated receptor contributes to the gain-of-function of the mutant FGFR3. We now provide evidence that this disturbance is mediated by the receptor's kinase activity and involves constitutive induction and activation of Spry2. Our findings suggest that activated Spry2 may interfere with c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination of FGFR3 by sequestering c-Cbl. They provide novel insight into the pathogenesis of this group of human skeletal dysplasias and identify a mechanism that potentially could be targeted therapeutically.
Presacral and retroperitoneal lymph node involvement in urothelial bladder cancer: results of a prospective mapping study.

Purpose: We evaluated the incidence of positive lymph nodes in the presacral and retroperitoneal regions in patients who underwent radical cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for urothelial bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: As part of a prospective mapping study, 143 patients underwent radical cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for urothelial bladder cancer between 2006 and 2010. Lymph nodes from 6 separate regions were labeled, including bilateral pelvic and common iliac, presacral and retroperitoneal. We evaluated pathological features, treatment outcomes and cancer specific survival in patients with or without lymph node positive disease in the presacral and retroperitoneal regions.Results: A median of 37 lymph nodes (IQR 27–49) were removed. Overall 52 (36%) patients had positive lymph nodes, of whom 24 (46%) had metastatic disease in the presacral or retroperitoneal region. Four patients (3%) had an isolated solitary positive lymph node in these 2 templates. Two...
Fabrication of Ag-sheathed Bi2Sr2CaCi2Ox tapes using a modified electrophoretic deposition method

Abstract Ag-sheathed Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O x (BSCCO) tapes were fabricated by a novel method which involves a combination of electrophoretic deposition and mechanical consolidation techniques. The critical current density of BSCCO tapes, measured using SQUID magnetometry, was found to be approximately 10 5 A/cm 2 at 5 K. The mechanical properties and c -axis texturing of the BSCCO films in superconducting tapes was found to be improved by using BSCCO powders of smaller sizes and by introducing an interlayer of Ag-particles. Peel tests conducted on these samples suggested that the improvement in the fracture strength was related to the plasticity of the Ag-particle interlayer.
Economic process accounting. Full disclosure

Recent economic events may be forcing the current system of public disclosure of financial information to an evolutionary cusp. The current system of disclosure has been developing over the last seven decades. It was born in an effort to introduce governance to markets without interfering with their useful processes. A choice was made against government regulation and for required public disclosure backed by an independent auditor function. The realization of the degree of auditor independence envisioned and needed has been evasive. It now seems necessary to enhance the disclosure aspect of the system to offset the weakness of achievable auditor independence. This article suggests that fairly minor changes in currently used accounting information systems can support public disclosure of the actual measurements taken by accountants on economic processes. These values should be disclosed to support the accountant-adjusted values, much like a physician's disclosure of medical test results supports his or her diagnosis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Convergence of Algorithms with Implications for Stochastic and Nondifferentiable Optimization

Studies of the convergence of algorithms often revolve around the existence of a function with respect to which monotonic descent is required. In this paper, we show that under relatively lenient conditions, "stage-dependent descent" not necessarily monotonic is sufficient to guarantee convergence. This development also provides the impetus to examine optimization algorithms. We show that one of the important avenues in the study of convergence, namely, the theory of epi-convergence imposes stronger conditions than are necessary to establish the convergence of an optimization algorithm. Working from a relaxation of epi-convergence, we introduce the notion of â-compatibility, and prove several results that permit relaxations of conditions imposed by previous approaches to algorithmic convergence. Finally, to illustrate the usefulness of the concepts, we combine stage-dependent descent with results derivable from â-compatibility to provide a basis for the convergence of a general algorithmic statement that might be used for stochastic and nondifferentiable optimization.
Measure for Mis-measure: A Response to Gartzke & Li*

Barbieri & Peters (B&P) question Gartzke & Li's (G&Ls) conclusion that the contradictory findings between Barbieri and Oneal & Russett on the trade-conflict question can be explained by their use of alternative measures. There are problems with G&L's analysis. First, G&L's findings are based on analyses with measures incompatible with Barbieri's. Second, G&L adopt measures that are not truly dyadic. Third, G&L draw erroneous conclusions from their mathematics. B&P explain these problems and present empirical analyses that show that even when controlling for economic openness, as G&L propose, dyadic interdependence is still positively associated with conflict. B&P find support for G&L's conclusion that openness promotes peace.
When is prophylactic thyroidectomy indicated for patients with the RET codon 609 mutation

Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A), and prophylactic thyroidectomy has generally been recommended before the age of 5 years. Patients with codon 609 mutations develop MTC at a later age and therefore the timing of prophylactic thyroidectomy is less clear. We report a three-generation family with C609Y RET mutation where members having prophylactic or therapeutic thyroidectomy call the current recommendations for age at thyroidectomy into question. Sixteen family members underwent thyroidectomy, for which clinical, laboratory, and pathological data were analyzed. A literature review of RET codon 609 mutations was carried out. Data were collected from 16 patients from this 38-member kindred. None of these affected members had pheochromocytoma, and one had a parathyroid adenoma. Nine of 16 patients had MTC (mean age 44.7 years, range 29–59 years) and elevated basal calcitonin levels; 6 of these 9 had lymph node metastases. Two patients had C-cell hyperplasia (CCH) at ages 18 and 37 years, and five patients had normal thyroid pathology (mean age 16 years, range 5–37 years). In the literature, a family with C609Y mutation was reported, with 15 members having MTC (mean age 42 years, range 21–59 years), and 6 with CCH (mean age 24 years, range 15–37 years). The youngest patient with C609Y RET mutation and MTC was 21 years old, and the youngest patient with CCH was 15 years old at diagnosis. These data suggest that patients with RET C609Y mutations can delay thyroidectomy until 10–15 years of age, with annual calcitonin screening prior to thyroidectomy.
Structural Elements in IGP Synthase Exclude Water to Optimize Ammonia Transfer

In the complex pathway of histidine biosynthesis, a key branch point linking amino acid and purine biosynthesis is catalyzed by the bifunctional enzyme imidazole glycerol phosphate (IGP) synthase. The first domain of IGP synthase, a triad glutamine amidotransferase, hydrolyzes glutamine to form glutamate and ammonia. Its activity is tightly regulated by the binding of the substrate PRFAR to its partner synthase domain. Recent crystal structures and molecular dynamics simulations strongly suggest that the synthase domain, a (β/α)8 barrel protein, mediates the insertion of ammonia and ring formation in IGP by channeling ammonia from one remote active site to the other. Here, we combine both mutagenesis experiments and computational investigations to gain insight into the transfer of ammonia and the mechanism of conduction. We discover an alternate route for the entrance of ammonia into the (β/α)8 barrel and argue that water acts as both agonist and antagonist to the enzymatic function. Our results indicate that the architecture of the two subdomains, most notably the strict conservation of key residues at the interface and within the (β/α)8 barrel, has been optimized to allow the efficient passage of ammonia, and not water, between the two remote active sites.
High-pressure experimental trace-element partitioning between clinopyroxene and basaltic melts

Clinopyroxenes play an important role in determining the distribution of trace elements in magmatic systems. In order to evaluate the extent and source of variation of clinopyroxene-silicate melt partition coefficients (D), experiments were conducted on natural basalts (picrite, alkaline basalt, nephelinite, high-alumina basalt; 1235–1300°C; 1–2.8 GPa) doped with a multi-element spike (Ti, Cr, V, Sr, Y, Zi, Nb, Ta, Hf, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy and Yb) and water (2%). Trace-metal concentrations were determined by synchrotron XRF (SXRF) microprobe and a subset of samples were analyzed by SXRF superconducting wiggler and ion microprobe (IMP). Mid-range D-values (by IMP) for clinopyroxene in a picritic starting composition at 1300°C and 1 GPa are: Dti, 0.273; DV, 2.77; DCr, 7.32; DSr, 0.079; DY, 0.376; DZr, 0.089; DNb, 0.003; DHf, 0.179; DTa, 0.010; DLa, 0.03; DCe, 0.054; DNd, 0.112; DSm, 0.201; DDy, 0.280; and DYb, 0.255. D-values for Ta and Zr are lower than adjacent D-values for REE (La and Nd, respectively) on a spider diagram; however, there is no decoupling observed between DTi, DHf and adjacent DREE (DY,Yb). Many of the experiments resulted in sector-zoned augite, and these constrain the nature of crystal chemical controls on partitioning at fixed T,P,X. Sector-zoned augite in an alkaline basalt at 1250°C and 1 GPa shows enrichment in Ti, Al, Ca, Cr, trace HFSE and REE and depletion in Si, Mg and Fe in the fast-growing (100) sector relative to the slower growing (010) sector. Reverse-zoning in incompatible elements in the (100) sector adjacent to normally-zoned (010) sectors confirms that sector zoning in augite arises from differences in surface kinetic processes (adsorption-desorption) during crystal growth. A positive correlation between IVAl and HFSE concentrations emphasizes the importance of coupled substitution involving highly charged cations in M sites and Al in T sites.
The heuristic value of experimental systems: the case of immune hemolysis.

Les etudiants en sciences biomedicales sont souvent preoccupes par la question de savoir comment la connaissance scientifique est construite, et comment relier la theorie a la pratique. L'immunologie offre de nombreux exemples qui permettent de repondre a ces questions a l'aide d'approches historiques et ethnographiques
RATE OF pH DECLINE IN BEEF MUSCLE STORED AT ABOVE‐ AND BELOW‐FREEZING TEMPERATURES

A highly significant linear relationship exists between pH decline and lactic acid accumulation during development of rigor mortis in beef stemomandibularis muscle at both -3°C and 15°C. No acceleration of the “overall” rate of rigor development was observed in these muscles as the storage temperature was reduced from 0 to -3°C. It was observed, however, that the rate of rigor development over the first 5-7 hr of storage was greater at both 0 and -2°C than at 15°C. The complex, nonlinear rates of pH decline, especially at 0 and -2°C were mathematically evaluated using spline analysis to define the rates of rigor development during storage.
Evaluating the Use of Data Transformation for Information Visualization

Data transformation, the process of preparing raw data for effective visualization, is one of the key challenges in information visualization. Although researchers have developed many data transformation techniques, there is little empirical study of the general impact of data transformation on visualization. Without such study, it is difficult to systematically decide when and which data transformation techniques are needed. We thus have designed and conducted a two-part empirical study that examines how the use of common data transformation techniques impacts visualization quality, which in turn affects user task performance. Our first experiment studies the impact of data transformation on user performance in single-step, typical visual analytic tasks. The second experiment assesses the impact of data transformation in multi-step analytic tasks. Our results quantify the benefits of data transformation in both experiments. More importantly, our analyses reveal that (1) the benefits of data transformation vary significantly by task and by visualization, and (2) the use of data transformation depends on a user's interaction context. Based on our findings, we present a set of design recommendations that help guide the development and use of data transformation techniques.
Structure-constrained sparse canonical correlation analysis with an application to microbiome data analysis

Motivated by studying the association between nutrient intake and human gut microbiome composition, we developed a method for structure-constrained sparse canonical correlation analysis (ssCCA) in a high-dimensional setting. ssCCA takes into account the phylogenetic relationships among bacteria, which provides important prior knowledge on evolutionary relationships among bacterial taxa. Our ssCCA formulation utilizes a phylogenetic structure-constrained penalty function to impose certain smoothness on the linear coefficients according to the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa. An efficient coordinate descent algorithm is developed for optimization. A human gut microbiome data set is used to illustrate this method. Both simulations and real data applications show that ssCCA performs better than the standard sparse CCA in identifying meaningful variables when there are structures in the data.
P 98. The aberrant motor and premotor cortex in essential tremor

Introduction Essential tremor (ET) probably represents the most common movement disorders in adults. Dysfunction of cerebellar system involving cerebello-rubral-thalamic loop was mostly suggested in the pathogenesis of ET. However, tremor eliminated after cerebral vascular insults over the corresponding motor cortex were reported in some patients. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated regional cortical activity in accordance with the tremor frequency and the tremor easily being reset by single magnetic shock over primary motor cortex, implying the cerebral cortex may participate in the tremor generation. Objectives To investing the mechanisms response for alternating the amplitude of electromyogram (EMG) response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) after prior conditioning of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), a well-known efficient intervention tool producing transient plastic change over regional cortex, to primary motor cortex (M1) or premotor cortex (PM) in patients with ET. Materials and methods We compared the physiological parameters including motor evoked potential (MEP), cortical silent period (CSP) and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) before and after applying cTBS of 600 pulses at an intensity of 80% action motor threshold to M1 or PM in normal control (NC) and patients of ET. Results (1) Although cTBS given to either M1 or PM was capable of producing suppression effect on the motor cortical excitability in ET patients, the effects lasted much shorter as compared to those on NCs. (M1 cTBS, Fig. 1 ; PM cTBS, Fig. 2 ) (2) The amount of intra-cortical inhibition was decreased in NCs after applying cTBS on either M1 or PM. In contrast, no signify change was found after applying the same method to ET patients. (3) CSP was insignificantly prolonged by either M1 or PM cTBS in control group but not in ET patients. Conclusions In this study, we failed to clarify the role of PM in the pathogenesis of ET. However, reduced plasticity and less modifiable motor cortical inhibitory circuits in response to M1 and PM TBS supported the theory of GABA defect in ET.
Vibrational Sum-Frequency Spectroscopy of Alkane/Water Interfaces: Experiment and Theoretical Simulation

The vibrational spectra of interfacial water at a series of alkane/water interfaces have been measured using vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy. The OH stretching modes of water have been used to characterize the water−water and alkane−water interactions present at these hydrophobic/aqueous interfaces; these results are then compared with previous studies of the CCl4/H2O interface. The results for all alkanes examined are similar and have general spectral characteristics that coincide with the CCl4/H2O interface. All spectra show weaker hydrogen bonding interactions than have been observed for the vapor/water interface. Molecular dynamics calculations are used to complement the experimental results in obtaining a more complete picture of the interfacial interactions.
Dose and time-dependent effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition on fracture-healing.

Background: Fracture-healing is impaired in mice lacking a functional cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene or in rats continuously treated with COX-2 inhibitors. These observations indicate that COX-2 is a critical regulator of fracture repair. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat pain associated with musculoskeletal trauma and disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit COX-2 function and in so doing can impair fracture-healing. The goal of the present study was to determine how variations in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy ultimately affect fracture-healing. Methods: Closed femoral fractures were made in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with different doses of celecoxib (a COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) or were treated for different periods before or after fracture with celecoxib. Eight weeks after the fracture, healing was assessed with radiography and destructive torsional mechanical testing. The effect of celecoxib treatment on fracture callus prostaglandin E2 and F2α levels was determined as a measure of cyclooxygenase activity. Results: Celecoxib doses as small as 2 mg/kg/day reduced fracture callus mechanical properties and caused a significant increase in the proportion of nonunions. Similarly, treatment with celecoxib at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for just five days reduced fracture callus mechanical properties and significantly increased the proportion of nonunions. Conversely, celecoxib therapy prior to fracture or initiated fourteen days after fracture did not significantly increase the proportion of nonunions. Celecoxib treatment at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day reduced fracture callus prostaglandin E2 and F2α levels by >60%. Conclusions: COX-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy during the early stages of fracture repair significantly reduced fracture callus mechanical properties at later stages of healing and increased the proportion of nonunions in this animal model. Clinical Relevance: Celecoxib therapy in the therapeutic range used by humans significantly impaired fracture-healing if administered during the first two weeks after a fracture in this animal model. However, celecoxib therapy prior to fracture or after the early stages of fracture-healing did not impede healing. These observations indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy during the early stages of fracture-healing probably should be avoided.
Mechanisms of catalyst action in the TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation and cis–trans isomerization of maleic and fumaric acid

Abstract The partial photocatalytic degradation of maleic acid has been investigated with the purpose of elucidating the mechanism of catalyst action for some of the early transformations. In particular, it is proposed that the photocatalytically induced cis–trans isomerization of maleic acid and fumaric acid is initiated by adsorption-dependent reductive electron transfer. An investigation into the involvement of superoxide in the oxygenation reactions observed near neutral and higher pH clearly demonstrates that superoxide does not initiate the chemistry.
Are human immunodeficiency virus test reports clear to clinicians

All physicians, regardless of their specialty, will be ordering and interpreting larger numbers of tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the near future. Estimates provided by nearly 1000 US laboratories enrolled in the Centers for Disease Control's Model Performance Evaluation Program for HIV-1 antibody testing 1 indicate that these laboratories performed between 23 and 32 million tests for HIV-1 antibody in 1988. The reasons for increased HIV testing are manifold. Not only are millions of HIV antibody tests being performed in mandated screening programs (such as those for blood donors and military recruit applicants), but clinical uses of the test are also on the rise. The availability of effective medical intervention at earlier stages of HIV infection, such as the administration of zidovudine to patients who are asymptomatically infected to prevent onset of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and the recommendation to use sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim or aerosolized pentamidine for Pneumocystis carinii
Acquisition of Ly49 Receptor Expression by Developing Natural Killer Cells

The formation of the repertoire of mouse natural killer (NK) cell receptors for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules was investigated by determining the developmental pattern of Ly49 receptor expression. During the first days after birth, few or no splenic NK cells express Ly49A, Ly49C, Ly49G2, or Ly49I receptors. The proportion of Ly49+ splenic NK cells gradually rises to adult levels during the first 6–8 wk of life. The appearance of appreciable numbers of splenic Ly49+ NK cells coincides with the appearance of NK activity at 3–4 wk. After in vivo transfer, NK cells not expressing specific Ly49 receptors can give rise to NK cells that do, and cells expressing one of these four Ly49 receptors can give rise to cells expressing others. Once initiated, expression of a Ly49 receptor is stable for at least 10 d after in vivo transfer. Hence, initiation of Ly49 receptor expression occurs successively. Interestingly, expression of one of the receptors tested, Ly49A, did not occur after in vivo transfer of Ly49A− cells. One possible explanation for these data is that the order of Ly49 receptor expression by NK cells is nonrandom. The results provide a framework for evaluating models of NK cell repertoire formation, and how the repertoire is molded by host class I MHC molecules.
Real-time collaboration tools for digital ink

The importance and use of digital ink in formulas and diagrams is well recognized, and currently utilized by scientific and technical users of penenabled computers. Similarly, there is a growing recognition as to the utility of collaborative tools that allow multiple users to edit a document, either simultaneously or asynchronously. Finally, more people are using real-time communication tools to enhance problem-solving teamwork and productivity in commercial and educational environments. But the ability to perform all of these tasks simultaneously is poorly supported by current software solutions. In this paper, we explain how real-time collaboration tools for digital ink should provide the potential for increased technical productivity, along with the results of functional software testing that was performed by several students and a teacher in efforts to identify those features most necessary for their effective use.
Thrombin products: economic impact of immune-mediated coagulopathies and practical formulary considerations

Thrombin has demonstrated utility in aiding surgical hemostasis since its introduction more than 60 years ago. It is used across a wide variety of surgical procedures by virtually every specialty. Only recently have new equally effective and safe products entered the market, causing decision makers to evaluate formulary selection among products with otherwise modest differences. This evaluation includes identifying costs beyond those of acquisition and storage, as well as indirect factors such as monitoring or specialized distribution requirements. One factor to consider specifically in selection of topical thrombin products is the potential for patients to develop an immune-mediated coagulopathy (IMC) after exposure to bovine-derived thrombin. Costs due to adverse drug events fall into the category of indirect costs and, in some instances, can be substantial if bleeding due to IMC occurs.
Are we stalled part way through a major evolutionary transition from individual to group

This commentary poses an evolutionary hypothesis about the nature of the human condition: that we are stalled part way through a major evolutionary transition from individuals to groups, a transition that may never be completed but that has already shaped our history, politics, psychology, and social life. The conditions causing the transition to stall include the decreasing congruence of group boundaries with kinship boundaries, growth in group size, increasing interdependence of groups, membership of individuals in several types of groups, divided loyalties of individuals among groups, and the emergence of institutions as novel entities uncoupled from the individuals who temporarily belong to them. Those conditions combine to decrease the ability of cultural group selection to effect genetic change in group-oriented traits. The theory supporting this hypothesis deals with major transitions (e.g., Maynard Smith and Szathmary 1995), hierarchical selection (e.g., Price 1970, 1972; Frank 1995, 2003; Rice 2004), conflicts and conflict resolution (e.g., Burt and Trivers 2006), and gene-culture coevolution (e.g., Boyd and Richerson 2005; Richerson and Boyd 2005). The evidence is diverse. It comes from biological anthropology (e.g., Hill and Hurtado 1995), behavioral economics (e.g., Hammerstein 2003; Bowles 2004; Henrich et al. 2004), evolutionary psychology (e.g., Barkow et al. 1992), and history. The research programs it suggests are at least in anthropology, history, and political science.
Note on 'The calculation of the probability of detection and the generalized Marcum Q-function'

A highly reliable, accurate, and efficient method of calculating the probability of detection, P/sub N/(X,Y), for N incoherently integrated samples, where X is the constant received signal-to-noise ratio of a single pulse and Y is the normalized threshold level, is presented. The useful range of parameters easily exceeds most needs. On a VAX/11 computer with double precision calculations, better than 13-place absolute accuracy is normally achieved. There is a gradual loss of accuracy with increasing parameter values. For example, for N=10/sup 9/, and with both NX and Y near 10/sup 7/, the accuracy can drop to ten places. The function P/sub N/(X,Y) can be equated to the generalized Marcum Q-function, Q/sub m/( alpha , beta ). The corresponding limits on alpha and beta are roughly 4500 for the 13-place accuracy and 60000 for ultimate (INTEGER*4) limit. >
Impact of fatness, fitness, and ethnicity on the relationship of nocturnal ghrelin to 24-hour luteinizing hormone concentrations in adolescent girls.

Context: Ghrelin is related to energy balance that regulates food intake. Objective: The aim was to explore whether ghrelin would be linked to differences in fitness in adolescent girls, whose menstrual cycles are sensitive to changes in energy balance. Methods: A total of 72 girls, ages 14–21 yr, including five with amenorrhea, were studied in the follicular phase. LH was sampled every 10 min over 24-h, and ghrelin was measured hourly between 2300 and 0300 h. Body composition was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Fitness was characterized by reported frequency of exercise per week and by maximal oxygen consumption with “high” vs. “low” fitness groups defined from maximal oxygen consumption norms for this population. Data were analyzed with SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Results: Ghrelin was related to percent body fat (P = 0.038; R2 0.07), weekly exercise (P = 0.032; R2 0.07), and 24-h mean LH (P = 0.002; R2 0.13). The ghrelin relationship with LH was more pronounced in the low-fitness...
Hierarchically organized Petri net state space for reachability and deadlock analysis

Petri nets are a versatile tool for modeling and analyzing parallel and distributed computing systems. However state explosion is a major impediment to their analysis and practical applications. To cope with this problem, this paper proposes a method for constructing hierarchically organized state space (HOSS) of a bounded Petri net. Using the HOSS, the authors obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for reachability and deadlock, and algorithms to test if a given state (marking) is reachable from the initial state and if there is a deadlock state (a state with no successor states). >
Superdense Coding for Dual-Quantum Channel Quantum Key Distribution

We propose an enhancement to the BB84 protocol that uses superdense coding over dual-quantum channel. The enhanced protocol offers higher key efficiency, real-time detection of the man-in-the-middle attack, and high resistance to the photon number splitting attack.
Anodic Oxidation of Metallic Superconducting Precursor

Since the discovery of the high temperature, TCceramic superconductor of cuprate, different techniques have been used to prepare superconducting oxides with good ductibility and strength. Recently, Yurek et al.1–4 developed method of high temperature oxidation of a metallic alloy (a metallic precursor) that contains the metallic constituents of the ceramic and a noble metal to produce flexibility and strength to the final product. After oxidation, BaCuO2, Yb2BaCuO5, YbBa2cu3Ox, Yb2Ba4Cu8Oxand Yb2Ba4Cu7Oxhave have been observed by X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission microscopy5,6. The proportions of the different phases in the oxidized samples depend critically on the processing parameters (annealing and cooling temperatures and gas compositions).
The First Boundary Value Problem for Nonlinear Diffusion

Recent progress on understanding the asymptotic behavior of solutions to nonlinear diffusion equations in bounded domains is surveyed. Both positive and zero lateral boundary data have been considered.
Wipe and flexion reflexes of the frog. I: Kinematics and EMG patterns

1. We evaluated the hypothesis that the neural control of complex motor behaviors is simplified by building movement sequences from a series of simple neural "building blocks." In particular, we compared two reflex behaviors of the frog, flexion withdrawal and the hindlimb-hindlimb wipe reflex, to determine whether a single neural circuit that coordinates flexion withdrawal is incorporated as the first element in a sequence of neural circuits comprising the wipe. The neural organization of these two reflexes was compared using a quantitative analysis of movement kinematics and muscle activity patterns [electromyograms (EMGs)]. 2. The three-dimensional coordinates of the position of the foot over time and the angular excursion of hip, knee, and ankle joints were recorded using a WATSMART infrared emitter-detector system. These data were quantified using principal-components analysis to provide a measure of the shape (eigenvalues) and orientation (eigen-vector coefficients) of the movement trajectories. The latencies and magnitudes of EMGs of seven muscles acting at the hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed over the interval from EMG onset to movement onset, and EMG magnitudes during the initial flexion of the limb. These variables were compared during flexion withdrawal and the initial flexion movement of the limb during the hindlimb-hindlimb wipe reflex (before the onset of the frequently rhythmic portion when the stimulus is removed) when the two reflexes were elicited from comparable stimulus locations. 3. In both the flexion reflex and the initial movement segment of the wipe reflex, the foot moves along a relatively straight line. However, the foot is directed to a more rostral and lateral position during flexion than during wipe. All three joints flex during flexion withdrawal, whereas during the wipe, the knee and ankle joints flex but the angular excursion of the hip joint may vary. The different orientations of the movement trajectories are associated with EMG patterns that differ in both timing and magnitude between the two reflexes. 4. The differences in the kinematics and EMG patterns of the two reflexes during unrestrained movements make it unlikely that the neural circuit that coordinates flexion withdrawal is incorporated as the first element in the sequence of neural circuits underlying the wipe reflex. 5. Unlike the wipe reflex, during flexion withdrawal there is no apparent constraint on the accuracy of placement at the end of the movement, yet the animals nevertheless achieved consistent final positions of both the foot and of each joint. The implications of these findings with respect to the controlled variables are discussed.
Pressor response during cystomanometry in spinal injury patients complicated with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia.

AbstractHerein attention is focused on the documentation of high blood pressure response with detrusorsphincter dyssynergia in spinal cord injury patients and with its amelioration after extended sphincterotomy. During cystomanometric evaluation of the bladder the monitored blood pressure response in 53 spinal injury patients, 27 non-dyssynergic spinal injury patients and 18 non-spinal injury patients was compared. A high correlation was observed among the magnitudes of blood pressure increase, level of injury and the severity of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia in spinal injury patients. During cystomanometry blood pressure increases of >20mm. Hg systolic and 10mm. Hg diastolic in normotensive paraplegics (below T5) and also in non-spinal injury patients were significant to suspect detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. In normotensive tetraplegic patients blood pressure increases of >40mm. Hg systolic and 20mm. Hg diastolic were significant to suspect detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. The mechanism of blood pressu...