cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear growth dynamics and the origin of fluctuating asymmetry

The nonlinear, complex nature of biosynthesis magnifies the impacts of small, random perturbations on organism growth, leading to distortions in adaptive allometries and, in particular, to fluctuating asymmetry. These distortions can be partly checked by cell-cell and inter-body part feedback during growth and development, though the latter mechanism also may lead to complex patterns in right-left asymmetry. Stress can be expected to increase the degree to which random growth perturbations are magnified and may also result in disruption of the check mechanisms, thus exaggerating fluctuating asymmetry.
Influence of Surface Relaxation and Multi-Dislocation Strain Field Interactions on X-Ray Topographic Images of Dislocations in Semiconductor Materials

Analysis of the white beam synchrotron x-ray topographic contrast behavior of screw dislocations comprising slip bands in silicon, observed under low absorption conditions, is presented. For both individual and groups of dislocations, observed “Direct Image” contrast at the surface intersections of dislocation lines, on reflections for which g·b=0, could be accounted for using equi-misorientation contour analysis using displacement fields which take surface relaxation effects into account. This contrast is shown to be a sensitive function of the local stress environment. In addition, diffuse area contrast observed within and in the vicinity of slip bands on such reflections is also observed to be very sensitive to long range strain fields associated with adjacent slip bands and other defects in the local slip band environment.
Gasification of graphite by the channeling action of metal catalysts

The channeling action of metal catalysts during graphite gasification is studied. A comprehensive model is developed using all available data in the literature. The dependence of the channeling velocity on the inverse of the particle diameter under oxidation over Pd is shown to be due to slower diffusion of carbon atoms through the catalyst bulk. On the other hand the proportionality of the channel propagation rate to the surface area of the particle available for reaction under hydrogenation over Ni is shown to be due to a slower surface reaction. In both cases increase of the channel depth retards the motion of the catalytic particle.
Stationary phase contributions to retention in high-performance anion-exchange protein chromatography: ligand density and mixed mode effects

Several anion-exchange stationary phases (based on polyethyleneimine-coated silica) were synthesized so as to vary in ligand density and hydrophobicity. These materials were first examined for hemoglobin-binding capacity and then evaluated chromatographically. Protein binding, retention and resolution increased concomitantly with ligand density. Ferritin (molecular weight 440,000) could not be eluted from the more highly-charged surfaces, but was desorbed from a low ligand density support. The above parameters also varied with the hydrophobic character of the stationary phase. Retention and resolution increased as more hydrophobic moieties were added. Data from a non-ionic hemoglobin-binding assay correlated reasonably well with anticipated matrix hydrophobicities. Possible explanations and applications of the observed phenomena are discussed.
Collectivity, Distributivity, and the Interpretation of Plural Numerical Expressions in Child and Adult Language

Sentences containing plural numerical expressions (e.g., two boys) can give rise to two interpretations (collective and distributive), arising from the fact that their representation admits of a part–whole structure. We present the results of a series of experiments designed to explore children's understanding of this distinction and its implications for the acquisition of linguistic expressions with number words. We show that preschoolers access both interpretations, indicating that they have the requisite linguistic and conceptual machinery to generate the corresponding representations. Furthermore, they can shift their interpretation in response to structural and lexical manipulations. However, they are not fully adult-like: unlike adults, they are drawn to the distributive interpretation and are not yet fully aware of the lexical semantics of each and together, which should favor one or another interpretation. This research bridges a gap between a well-established body of work in cognitive psychology ...
Fabrication of 5-20 nm thick β-W films

A technique to fabricate 5 to 20 nm thick sputter deposited β W films on SiO2 and Si substrates is presented. This is achieved by growing tungsten on a 5 nm SiO2 layer or in an oxygen controlled environment by flowing 2 sccm of O2 during deposition. Resistivity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and reflectivity studies were performed to determine the phase and thickness of tungsten films. These results demonstrate a technique to grow this film on bare Si or a SiO2 substrate, which can enable growth on the bottom of a write unit in a non-volatile spin logic device.
Performance of Molecular-Beam Epitaxy-Grown Midwave Infrared HgCdTe Detectors on Four-Inch Si Substrates and the Impact of Defects

We are continuing development of the growth of midwave infrared (MWIR) HgCdTe by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on 4-in. Si substrates and the fabrication of state-of-the-art detectors and focal plane arrays (FPAs). Array formats of up to 2048 × 2048 and unit cells as small as 20 µm have been made. We regularly measure response operability values in excess of 99% on these arrays. These values typically exceed expectations, with the number of outages corresponding to as-grown defect densities four times lower than what we measure. We have investigated this operability discrepancy and now can account for it. Comparisons of measured properties were used to establish trends between defect occurrence and pixel operability. These correlations show that a combination of defect removal and low-impact defects provide the explanation. Having this knowledge will allow for better operability predictions and assist in efforts to reduce defect impact on FPA performance.
Evaluation and Treatment of Sagittal Plane Instability and Deformity in the Previously Operated Lumbar Spine

The effective treatment of lumbar spinal sagittal deformity in the previously operated spine, which requires careful preoperative evaluation, thoughtful surgical planning, and meticulous operative technique is described. The configuration of the deformity and its flexibility can be determined with clinical and radiographic evaluations. This helps the surgeon to decide on the necessity, type, and location of any osteotomies. Instrumentation constructs are designed to maintain spinal alignment, to maximize the likelihood of achieving solid arthrodesis, and to minimize the probability of developing a junctional syndrome. With careful planning and execution, revision surgery for lumbar sagittal deformity can be performed safely and effectively and have a beneficial impact on a patient’s quality of life.
Identification of the RecA protein-loading domain of RecBCD enzyme

Genetic recombination in Escherichia coli is stimulated by the recombination hotspot Chi (chi), a regulatory element that modifies the activities of the RecBCD enzyme and leads to loading of the DNA strand exchange protein, RecA, onto the chi-containing DNA strand. The RecBC enzyme, which lacks the RecD subunit, loads RecA protein constitutively, in a manner that is independent of chi. Using a truncated RecBC enzyme lacking the 30 kDa C-terminal domain of the RecB subunit, we show that this domain is necessary for RecA protein-loading. We propose that this domain harbors a site that interacts with RecA protein, recruiting it to single-stranded DNA during unwinding. This ability of a translocating enzyme to deliver material (RecA protein) to a specific target site (the chi sequence) parallels that of other cellular motor proteins.
Culture, Personality and Evolution1

T HE purpose of this paper is to attempt to show the relationship between environmental stress, physiological change, and human evolution. With this in mind I shall start from two relatively well-established empirical findings on the differences between lower animals and Homo sapiens. 1. Man differs from lower animals in the great variability of his genetically determined mechanisms for governing intraspecific interaction. Stated another way, man differs from lower animals in his enormous reduction of genetically determined innate response mechanisms. In fact, whatever genetically determined mechanisms man has for governing intraspecific relations are so obscured by cultural and idiosyncratic factors that it is at present almost impossible to describe rigorously any stable interpersonal response pattern that is valid for the species. Here, of course, as in all other aspects of his life, man is approached by the higher primates (Riesen 1954; Yerkes and Yerkes 1929). 2. Man differs from lower animals in the enormous increase in the varia-
Spatial phase and frequency in motion capture of random-dot patterns.

A square matrix of spots (A) was presented in rapid alternation with an uncorrelated matrix (B). If the square arrays are superimposed spatially one sees random incoherent motion. However, incoherent motion was seen only if the outer edges were exactly aligned. If the outline of matrix A is shifted horizontally by 1 ° in relation to B, then the edges are seen to oscillate to and fro. Surprisingly, all the dots in the matrix were seen to 'adhere' to the edges and to move horizontally (Ramachandran, 1981). We then aligned the edges again to produce incoherent motion and superimposed a sine-wave grating on the pattern. If the grating was moved horizontally then all the spots 'adhered' to it and moved horizontally as well. This illusion ('motion capture') was optimal (a) at a 90° spatial phase shift of the grating; (b) at low spatial frequencies ( < 0.5 cycles); and (c) when the grating was alternated in step with the dot patterns. Density modulated gratings were just as effective. We conclude that the unambiguous motion signal derived from the grating is applied spontaneously to the dots as well.
Resonant intrachannel pulse interactions in dispersion-managed transmission systems

Nonlinear intrachannel interactions in a transmission system with strong periodic dispersion management are investigated. An analytical model that describes the fluctuation of the temporal position and amplitude of the main signal and ghost pulse generation at zero bits due to intrachannel crosstalk is developed. Intrachannel nonlinear effects are found to be a resonant process which is induced by periodic forcing due to lumped amplification assisted by temporal phase matching. Explicit formulae to estimate transmission impairments such as timing and amplitude jitter are provided based on the analytical model. The role of distributed amplification to suppress intrachannel nonlinear effects is also discussed. A more fundamental analytical framework which enables one to evaluate intrachannel crosstalk over a wide regime of system configurations is also presented.
Irradiance from an Aperture with a Truncated-Gaussian Field Distribution

In this paper we obtain an analytical expression for the irradiance pattern, in both the far field and near field, associated with the field propagating from an aperture with a truncated-gaussian field distribution. This is accomplished by evaluating the diffraction integral subject to the Fresnel approximation. Numerical results are presented, which indicate how the patterns vary as the width of the truncated-gaussian field distribution changes.
Effect of 4-Aminopyrazolopyrimidine and Aminoglutethimide on Cholesteryl Metabolism and Steroidogenesis in the Rat Adrenal

The interrelationship between adrenal cholesteryl ester metabolism and steroidogenesis was examined by using 4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine (4-APP) and aminoglutethimide under in vivo and in vitro conditions. In vivo administration of 4-APP resulted in a reduction of plasma corticosterone and a diminished steroidogenic response to injected ACTH. After a 4-day recovery from 4-APP treatment, basal corticosterone levels remained low, but responsiveness to ACTH administration was observed. These steroidogenic effects were correlated with changes in plasma and adrenal cholesterol concentrations. Administration of aminoglutethimide prevented depletion of adrenal cholesteryl esters which occurred in response to 4-APP treatment alone, and also prevented the stress-induced cholesteryl ester depletion in response to unilateral adrenalectomy. Adrenal cell suspensions were used to study further the effect of aminoglutethimide and 4-APP on adrenal cholesterol metabolism. Suspensions prepared from 4-APP-treated animals were...
Exploring the Hypothesis of Ethnic Practice as Social Capital: Violence Among Asian/Pacific Islander Youth in Hawaii

BACKGROUND: Studies of youth violence have usually examined social capital using qualitative methods, but remain limited by small sample sizes. In addition, few studies examine violence among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) youth, even though they are one of the fastest-growing youth populations in the USA. AIMS: To contribute to a better understanding of culture and ethnicity in youth violence among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by quantifying ethnic forms of social capital. METHODS: We use an n = 326 sample of three API groups from Oahu, Hawaii. Defining social capital as ethnic practice, we test Filipino, Hawaiian and Samoan forms of youth social capital on intimate and non-intimate violence. RESULTS: Bivariate findings associate lower violence with language ability among Filipinos, coming-of-age practices among Hawaiians, and community leader engagement among Samoans. Multivariate tests showed language to be the strongest correlation. Bivariate tests also suggested potentially risky forms of social capital. CONCLUSIONS: RESULT: s lead us to hypothesize that social capital that deliberately places individuals within their respective ethnic communities are risk-reducing, as are those that promote formal ethnic community structures. Those that formalize ethnic practice and social capital into commercial activities may be associated with higher risk of violence. Given the relatively small sample size and the exploratory approach for the present investigation, further research is needed to determine whether the findings can be replicated and to extend the findings of the present preliminary study. Language: en
Concordance in Attachment States of Mind and Styles with Respect to Fathers and Mothers.

It is believed that by adulthood, independent attachments to the mother and the father coalesce into a single state of mind with respect to attachment. If true, states of mind with respect to mothers and fathers should be concordant. Fifty-six young adults were administered two versions of the Adult Attachment Interview, each of which asked about their relationship with one parent. State of mind with respect to the father was significantly related to state of mind with respect to the mother, as were attachment styles regarding the two parents. Perceptions of attachment styles were not very related to corresponding states of mind but were related to inferred loving from a parent.
Femoral neck fracture following groin irradiation

Abstract Purpose : The incidence and risk factors are evaluated for femoral rneck fracture following groin irradiation for gynecologic malignancies. Methods and Materials : The radiation therapy records of 1313 patients with advanced and recurrent cancer of the vagina, vulva, cervix, and endometrium, treated at the mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology from 1954 to 1992, were reviewed. Median follow-up was 12.7 years. From this group, 207 patients were identified who received irradiation to the pelvis and groins with anterposterior-posterior anterior (AP-PA), 18 MV photons. Data were reviewed regarding irradiation dose to the fermoral neck and other presumed risk factors including age, primary site, stage, groin node status, menopausal status, estrogen use, cigarette use, alcohol consumption, adn osteoporosis. Results : The per-patient incidence of fermoral neck fracture was 4.8% (10 out of 207). Four patients developed bilateral fractures. However, the cumulative actuarial incidence of fracture was 11% at 5 years and 15% at 10 years. Cox multivariate analysis of age, weight, and irradiation dose showed that only irradiation dose may be important to developing fracture. Step-wise logistic regression of presumed prognostic factors revealed that only cigarette use and x-ray evidence of osteoporosis prior to irradiation treatment were predictive of fracture. Conclusion : Femoral head fracture is a common complication of groin irradiation for gynecologic malignancies. Fractrue in our database appears to be related to irradiation dose, cigarette use, and x-ray evidence of osteoporosis. Special should be given in treatment planning (i.e., shielding of femoral head/neck and use of appropriate electron beam energies for a portion of treatment) to the incidence of this complication.
How Cyber Changes the Laws of War

Michael Walzer’s Just and Unjust Wars anticipated many problems and developments in the laws of war. But it understandably did not anticipate how the Internet and associated computer and telecommunications revolutions would change war or the laws that govern it. In 1977, the year Walzer’s book was published, Arpanet, the Internet’s precursor, had been operating in practical secrecy with a crude packet-switching system for just eight years; the first e-mail system was five years old; and Vinton Cerf and Bob Kahn had used the term ‘Internet’ for the first time in a paper on the transmission control protocol just three years earlier. No one at this time, or for more than a decade, would worry much about the internal security vulnerabilities of this developing communications system. The wake-up call for security, such as it was, came in 1988, when Robert Tappan Morris, a graduate student at Cornell, introduced a worm on the Internet that was designed to determine the Internet’s size but that inadvertently shut down about 10 percent of the 60,000 computers then connected to it (Orman 2003). This event startled the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the futuristic Department of Defense (DoD) research wing. DARPA had given its financial support to what became the Internet to ensure that military communications could withstand nuclear attack. But suddenly its young creation seemed vulnerable from within.
The effect of different types of anesthesia on digitalis toxicity

Abstract This investigation was undertaken in order to determine whether or not the type of anesthetic agent used modified the cardiotoxicity of either ouabain or acetylstrophanthidin. Ouabain toxicity was greater in animals anesthetized with chloralose and urethane than it was in animals anesthetized with pentobarbital. The toxicity of acetylstrophanthidin was the same under both types of anesthesia. It is suggested that these results can be explained by an interplay between differences in the pharmacological actions of the digitaloid substances studied and differences in the pharmacological actions of the anesthetics under question. The results of this study are significant for two reasons. They reinforce the importance of carefully choosing an anesthetic agent(s). All anesthetics do not produce identical pharmacological actions. Drugs that produce anesthesia can modify an animal's response to other drugs. There is a need for more information on the interaction between anesthetics and other drugs. This has clinical as well as experimental applicability. The differences between anesthetic agents with regard to interactions with catecholamines have been long recognized. 26,27 However, there appears to be little information on such differences between anesthetics with regard to other drugs. This study also points out the need for further study of the specific pharmacological actions of different digitaloid substances. It appears as though different cardenolides may have different potentials for increasing sympathetic activity. With further study, other differences may be found. The existence of differences in the pharmacological actions of different cardiac glycosides should increase the chances of finding a therapeutically useful cardioactive steroid that produces less toxicity than the agents that are currently in use. For example, the finding of a difference between digitaloid substances in ability to increase sympathetic outflow would improve the possibility of the development of a cardiotonic digitaloid substance that has little ability to increase sympathetic outflow. The new compound should have less potential for producing cardiac arrhythmias. Such a substance might be expected to be very useful clinically because the margin of safety should be larger than that of a similar compound that produces a significant increase in sympathetic outflow in addition to its direct positive inotropic effects.
The Ends on Herpesvirus DNA Replicative Concatemers Contain pac2 cis Cleavage/Packaging Elements and Their Formation Is Controlled by Terminal cis Sequences

Herpesviruses have large double-stranded linear DNA genomes that are formed by site-specific cleavage from complex concatemeric intermediates. In this process, only one of the two genomic ends are formed on the concatemer. Although the mechanism underlying this asymmetry is not known, one explanation is that single genomes are cleaved off of concatemer ends in a preferred direction. This implies that cis elements control the direction of packaging. Two highly conserved cis elements named pac1 and pac2 lie near opposite ends of herpesvirus genomes and are important for cleavage and packaging. By comparison of published reports and by analysis of two additional herpesviruses, we found that pac2 elements lie near the ends formed on replicative concatemers of four herpesviruses: herpes simplex virus type 1, equine herpesvirus 1, guinea pig cytomegalovirus, and murine cytomegalovirus. Formation of pac2 ends on concatemers depended on terminal cis sequences, since ectopic cleavage sites engineered into the murine cytomegalovirus genome mediated formation of pac2 ends on concatemers regardless of the orientation of their insertion. These findings are consistent with a model in which pac2 elements at concatemer ends impart a directionality to concatemer packaging by binding proteins that initiate insertion of concatemer ends into empty capsids.
A non-iterative motion vector based global motion estimation algorithm

Global motion compensation (GMC) is a coding tool introduced in MPEG-4 advanced simple profile (ASP); it can improve the coding efficiency on video sequences with global motion. Conventional pixel-domain iterative global motion estimation (GME) algorithms for estimating the perspective transform model parameters are very computationally demanding, and thus its applicability is restricted. A fast non-iterative GME algorithm is proposed for estimating the perspective transform global motion parameters from the motion vectors (MV) obtained from the block matching process. The proposed algorithm first fits multiple global motion models from groups of input MVs, then, a robust estimate is formed by a histogram-based postprocessing. Simulation results show the proposed algorithm can achieve superior coding performance while using much fewer computations compared to the iterative approaches.
Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone: The Role of Caregivers and Their Awareness of the Violence Adolescents Experienced During the War

This article explores the role of caregivers in the reintegration of former child soldiers from Sierra Leone. Using data on 282 youth and their respective caregivers, our aim is to focus on the caregiver-child relationship after reintegration. We investigate the extent to which caregivers know about child soldiers' experiences of direct and indirect violence, as well as involvement in war activities. We further examine variables that might shape the degree of caregiver knowledge of child's war experiences. Finally, we examine if caregiver knowledge of war experiences is associated with child's psychosocial outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of developing thoughtful programs that consider the needs of the child in the context of the family and caregivers with whom he or she is reunified.
Effect of collision‐partner selection schemes on the accuracy and efficiency of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method

The effect of the collision-partner selection scheme on the accuracy and the efficiency of the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method is investigated. Several schemes that reduce the mean collision separation, including the fixed sub-cell scheme, the transient adaptive sub-cell scheme, and the virtual sub-cell scheme, are evaluated. Additionally, a new scheme is proposed that limits the population from which collision partners are selected based on the distance traveled by a simulator and performs near-neighbor collisions using this population. These collision-partner selection schemes are assessed for Fourier flow (heat conduction between parallel plates) and a standard hypersonic benchmark problem (Mach 15.6 nitrogen flow over a 25–55° biconic). The new limited-selection near-neighbor scheme has superior performance compared to the other schemes for both flows and reduces both the spatial and temporal discretization errors relative to random-selection and nearest-neighbor collision-partner selection schemes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum to: miR-29b defines the pro-/anti-proliferative effects of S100A7 in breast cancer

Erratum After publication of [1] it came to the authors’ attention that in the abstract. The sentence “In the present study, we show that S100A7 significantly downregulates the expression of miR-29b in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells (represented by MCF7), and significantly upregulates miR-29b in ER-negative cells (represented by MDA-MB-231)”. Was Incorrect, the correct statement is “In the present study, we show that S100A7 significantly upregulates the expression of miR-29b in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells (represented by MCF7), and significantly downregulates miR-29b in ER-negative cells (represented by MDA-MB-231)”.
Exome Sequencing Unravels Novel Candidate Genes in Familial Multiple Sclerosis (P2.219)

Objectives: Use of exome sequencing and bioinformatics as a cheaper, comprehensive tool to identify rare mutations in small Multiple Sclerosis (MS) family pedigrees. Background: MS is an inflammatory central nervous system disease affecting 2 million people worldwide. Most MS cases are sporadic but there is a higher incidence of MS in close relatives. Thus, the cause of MS is likely multifactorial, with contribution from both environmental and genetic factors. Families with MS offer a unique opportunity to elucidate MS genetics. Methods: We performed exome sequencing on 21 individuals from 4 unrelated families with MS. We also evaluated epidemiologic data pertaining to these individuals9 smoking, birth place and subsequent residence latitude. Results: A total of 133,064 variants were shared among 8 unaffected and 13 affected family members of the 4 MS families. To narrow the list of candidates, we excluded variants with low quality scores, those commonly found in 1000G database, and variants with tolerable mutations. To refine the candidate list, we relied on pedigree inheritance information and literature searches for genes with association to MS, other inflammatory/autoimmune disorders, and genes involved in inflammation. Our approach resulted in 12 novel candidate MS variants. Of affected individuals, most were born and resided at higher latitudes and most were either smokers or exposed to second hand smoke. Conclusions: Exome sequencing and bioinformatics allow for a faster, cheaper approach to rare variant discovery. Using this technology, we identified 12 new gene variants. Further studies 1) in a larger family cohort , 2) in a separate larger MS dataset of sporadic MS, and 3) downstream experimental approaches, will explore gene candidate biology. The discovery of new MS genes and understanding how genes interact with environmental factors will enhance the field of MS and allow for new gene-based guided therapies . Study Support: R25 Disclosure: Dr. Melamed has nothing to disclose. Dr. You has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baranzin has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono and Novartis as an advisory board member and/or consultant. Dr. Steinman has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, MedImmune, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Receptos, Raptor Pharmaceutical, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Dr. Snyder has nothing to disclose. Dr. Han has nothing to disclose.
Neutrophils in the Tumor Microenvironment

Neutrophils are the first responders to sites of acute tissue damage and infection. Recent studies suggest that in addition to neutrophil apoptosis, resolution of neutrophil inflammation at wounds can be mediated by reverse migration from tissues and transmigration back into the vasculature. In settings of chronic inflammation, neutrophils persist in tissues, and this persistence has been associated with cancer progression. However, the role of neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment remains controversial, with evidence for both pro- and anti-tumor roles. Here we review the mechanisms that regulate neutrophil recruitment and resolution at sites of tissue damage, with a specific focus on the tumor microenvironment. We discuss the current understanding as to how neutrophils alter the tumor microenvironment to support or hinder cancer progression, and in this context outline gaps in understanding and important areas of inquiry.
The Functional and Structural Outcomes of Arthroscopic Iliopsoas Release

Background:Arthroscopic release of the iliopsoas tendon may alleviate pain associated with internal snapping hip, but previous reports of physical function, hip strength, and muscle atrophy after surgery are mixed.Hypothesis:The hips of patients who underwent arthroscopic iliopsoas release would demonstrate significantly reduced hip flexion strength and iliopsoas muscle volume when compared with their contralateral hips and the hips of patients who underwent hip arthroscopy without psoas release.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Eighteen patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with iliopsoas release for symptomatic internal snapping hip and concomitant femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and/or chondrolabral damage (release group) and 18 patients who underwent arthroscopy for FAI and/or chondrolabral damage without iliopsoas release (control group) were evaluated at a mean of 21 months (range, 16-30 months) postoperatively. Magnetic resonance images were performed and segmented to calc...
Confocal laser method for quantitative evaluation of critical optical properties of toric intraocular lenses.

Purpose To present a proof-of-concept study on the development and implementation of an innovative confocal laser method platform for precise quantitative evaluation of critical optical properties unique to toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Optical Therapeutics and Medical Nanophotonics Laboratory, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods The optical properties of hydrophobic toric IOLs were evaluated with a confocal laser method that was modified to isolate the 2 planes of focus that are observed with toric IOLs. Results The results show the confocal laser method has the potential to measure the orthogonally separated optical powers and then calculate them to the commonly referenced spherical equivalent and cylinder powers of toric IOLs with high accuracy (≤1 μm of focal length measurement). Furthermore, the proposed confocal laser method design includes a new component for precise differentiation of the 2 focal planes and isolation of the 2 focal points, and thus for accurate measurement of the anterior cylinder axis of toric IOLs. Conclusion The modifications to the confocal laser method platform enabled the quantitative evaluation of optical properties attributed to toric IOLs. Financial Disclosure None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
An Approach for Finding Multiple Area of Specialization Configuration Advisories

Area of specialization supervisors dynamically configure a set of air traffic control resources so that air traffic in the area can operate safely and effi ciently. These resources include airspace sectors, air traffic control positions staffed by controllers, and physical air traffic control equipment. In this paper, we motivate and demonstrate an approach for finding multiple advisories that can assist area supervisors as they accomplish this task. The first motivating factor is that a preference for multiple good and also distinct advisories has been documented in similar contexts, including some air traffic management problems. The second factor that motivates our approach is that the model, problem statement, and algorithm used to generate a single advisory are incomplete and do not perfectly represent reality. The third factor, which we speculate is primarily a result of the second factor, is that area supervisors have indicated a preference for multiple (usually two or three) advisories over a single advisory. Area supervisors have further indicated that each proposed advisory should be different from the other proposed advisories. We investigate the set of advisories that perform best according to a particular objective function for some realistic problem instances. The best few advisories are typically not meaningfully different and therefore should not be presented together to supervisors, and this is the fourth and final factor that motivates our approach. Based on these motivating factors, we define a problem statement which requests multiple good advisories that are all sufficiently different from each other. We briefly describe a heuristic algorithm that was developed for this problem. To more concretely illustrate and motivate the proposed approach, we present the advisories provided by this algorithm for a sample problem instance. We also demonstrate that the proposed heuristic can find feasible second advisories for as many realistic problem instances (15 of 18) as a nearly-exhaustive search. When executed on a desktop workstation computer, the proposed heuristic returns advisories for these realistic problem instances in less than one second per problem instance.
Gold Bipyramid Nanoparticle Dimers

An aqueous synthesis of gold bipyramid dimers is presented. The methodology, its selectivity, and the characterization of the resulting structures with optical dark-field and scanning electron microscopy are presented and discussed. In the bowtie orientation, the dimers exhibit a 20% red shift in their plasmon resonance as compared to the individual particles, with a weak dependence on the interparticle separation. From the analysis, it was found that the in situ absorption peaks that develop during the assembly can be assigned to specific dimer structures, which has not been shown previously. Last, the kinetics of the assembly are analyzed.
Reproduction and Duration of Placental Scars in The Prairie Vole and The Eastern Vole

The mean number of embryos in 134 prairie voles was 3.89 with a range of 2 to 7. Corresponding values in 153 eastern voles were 4.46 and 1 to 9. The mode was four in both species. An estimated 89.4% and 93.0% of the ova liberated were implanted in the prairie voles and the eastern voles, respectively. Prairie voles breed throughout the year at Terre Haute, Indiana. Pregnant eastern voles were taken in all months but January. The percentage of pregnant females was lowest in the winter and highest in the spring for both species. There was no significant difference between the mean number of young per litter produced in captivity and the mean number of embryos in the uteri of either species. Placental scars disappeared at about 42 to 45 days in the prairie vole and in about 44 to 49 days in the eastern vole.
Abstract 1127: Lack of MAPK activation in significant number of uveal melanomas with somatic mutation inGNAQandGNA11

Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between MAPK activation and somatic mutation in GNAQ and GNA11 genes in uveal melanoma (UM) and to investigate the potential utility of MEK inhibition as a target for therapy of UM in tumors with GNAQ and GNA11 mutations. Methods: Sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were utilized for detection of activating mutations in codon 209 of the GNAQ and GNA11 genes in 44 primary UMs. The expression of phospho p44/42 MAPK (pERK1/2) was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 44 UMs. In addition, the expression of pERK1/2 and pMEK 1/2 were studied using Western blot analysis in 17 primary UMs (14 with GNAQ or GNA11 mutations) and five UM cell lines (C918, 92.1, OCM3, MEL202, MEL270). Three of the UM cell lines (92.1, MEL202 and MEL270) have GNAQ codon 209 mutations. The effect of three different selective MEK inhibitors (U126, PD98059 and PD184352) on UM cell proliferation and apoptosis were studied. Results: The majority (30/44, 68.2%) of the primary UM tumors showed somatic mutation in codon 209 of either the GNAQ or the GNA11 genes. With the exception of one tumor, the mutations in either gene were mutually exclusive. Of the 30 UM primary tumors with GNAQ and/or GNA11 mutation, pERK1/2 expression was absent in 26.7%, weak in 33.3%, moderate in 23.3%, and high in only 16.7%. Western blot showed no pMEK1/2 expression in 6/14 (42.9%) of UM with either GNAQ or GNA11 mutations. Two of the UM cell lines with GNAQ mutation showed weak pERK1/2 expression. In addition one showed no pMEK1/2 expression while the other one showed very weak pMEK1/2 expression. Selective MEK inhibitors slowed UM cell proliferation but didn9t induce significant apoptosis in UM cell lines regardless of GNAQ status. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a significant number of UM with somatic mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 showed no MAPK pathway activation. In UM, MEK inhibition is mostly cytostatic suggesting that selective MEK inhibitors alone may not be sufficient to control UM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1127. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1127
Maintenance of Constant Wave Parameters by Sperm Flagella at Reduced Frequencies of Beat

1. Treatment of Ciona spermatozoa with low concentrations of Triton X-100 (less than 0·01 %) causes them to beat at lower than normal frequencies. The wavelength of the flagellar bending waves remains constant over the range from 10 to 40 Hz. There is a small increase in wavelength at lower frequencies; in the range of 1·5-6·2 Hz, the wavelength averaged 114% of the normal value for Ciona spermatozoa. The angle of bend of the bent regions of the flagellar bending waves remained constant within ± 10% over this range of frequencies. 2. Decapitated sperm flagella from Lytechinus beat at a continually declining frequency as they exhaust their content of ATP. Both wavelength and bend angle retain normal values until the frequency falls below about 8 Hz. Both parameters increase at lower frequencies, with a sharp increase below 3 Hz. 3. ATP-reactivated spermatozoa from Lytechinus show relatively small changes in wavelength and bend angle as the frequency is varied over the range from 5 to 25 Hz by varying the ATP concentration. 4. Constancy of wavelength over a wide range of frequencies is consistent with the hypothesis that wavelength is determined by the relative values of viscous bending resistance within a flagellum and external viscosity. 5. No satisfactory explanation is available at present for the constancy of bend angle over a wide range of frequencies nor for the changes in wave parameters which are observed at low frequencies.
BIM-based Damage Estimation of Buildings under Earthquake Loading Condition☆

Abstract In this study, it is tried to provide an estimation of damages imposed to a prototype office building as a result of earthquake occurrence. For this purpose, first a model is developed in BIM and then its properties are exported to a structural analysis software (opensees) in order to evaluate the structure's response under specific loading condition. Next, the outcome of opensees is used to identify the building's Damage State (DS). Then, the associated costs with each damage state are estimated by Performance Assessment Calculation Tool (PACT) provided by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Finally, a Life Cycle Environmental Assessment is performed to identify the environmental impacts of the damages imposed to the building as a result of earthquake. For this purpose, embodied energy of the building is calculated and then based on the damage probability, the total embodied energy losses are calculated.
Platelet Counts Vary by Ethnicity, Sex, and Age: Analysis of NHANES III Data.

Abstract Background: The possibility of variation in platelet count by age and genetic background has not been examined. Identification of subpopulations with elevated platelet counts, within what is traditionally considered a normal range, may identify a group with excessive morbidity or mortality. Furthermore, platelet count differences may suggest populations in which genetic polymorphisms in regulatory proteins such as the thrombopoietin receptor influence platelet production. We hypothesized that there were differences in platelet count by ethnicity, sex and age not explained by environmental factors. Objective: To demonstrate differences in mean platelet counts by ethnicity, sex, and age while controlling for variables known to influence platelet count. Methods and Design: We used data from the National Health, Nutrition and Examination Survey III (NHANES III), which is a multistage probability sample of the United States population with data collected between 1988 and 1994. Using appropriate weighting for the complex sampling design, the geometric mean platelet count was calculated for the total population and the population stratified by ethnicity, sex, and age, while controlling for C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, iron-deficiency, serum folate, markers of alcohol intake, presence of hepatitis B or C antibodies, and diabetes mellitus. Other potential influences, such as medications, were found not to affect the predicted counts and not included in the models. Results: The lowest mean platelet counts were among whites (259 K/ml [95% C.I. 255–264 K/ml]) and the highest were in non-Hispanic blacks (275 K/ml [95% C.I. 270–280 K/ml]) with Mexican-Americans having intermediate values (266 K/ml [95% C.I. 261–272 K/ml]), when controlled for age and sex. Older men and women of each ethnicity consistently had lower mean platelet counts, with 60–69 years olds having mean counts approximately 7 K/ml lower than young adults (p=0.015) and 70–90 year olds having mean counts 19 K/ml lower than young adults (p Conclusion: Mean platelet counts differ by ethnicity, sex, and age and these differences are not explained by covariates known to influence platelet count. This suggests that genetic influences on the platelet count are operative. These data also suggest that there may be a hormonal regulation of platelet count. The decline with age may reflect decreased stem cell function with age; alternatively, there may be a survival advantage to having a lower platelet count. Longitudinal studies of platelet count with aging are indicated.
Factors Affecting Learners With Disabilities–Instructor Interaction in Online Learning:

Little research is available documenting the success of students with various types of disabilities in online classroom environments. This study investigates which factors associated with learners with disabilities impact student outcomes in an online learning environment. Forty learners with disabilities participating in online higher education coursework were asked to respond to an electronic survey of 20 questions. Results indicated that there were two factors: (1) the teaching and social presences and (2) the facilitating and supporting of individual communication related to interaction among learners with disabilities and their instructors that impacted students’ perceived learning achievement and class satisfaction. Respondents also indicated that social interaction factors, such as social presence, were correlated with less perceived learning achievement and satisfaction. This study has potential value because it found factors related to learner–instructor control that may predict students with dis...
A Little Anthropomorphism Goes a Long Way.

Objective:We investigated the effects of exogenous oxytocin on trust, compliance, and team decision making with agents varying in anthropomorphism (computer, avatar, human) and reliability (100%, 5...
Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Substance Use Disorder: Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Sample

Objective A relationship between aggression and substance use has been debated for many years. While substance use increases the risk of aggressive behavior, no studies have reported on the relationship between impulsive aggression and substance use/disorder, specifically. Methods We analyzed data from the community-based National Comorbidity Survey Replication (N = 9,282 subjects) in order to examine the relationship between current DSM-5 intermittent explosive disorder (IED), a disorder of impulsive aggression, and current substance use disorders (SUDs), overall, and with regard to alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use disorders and nondisordered use. Results Occurrence of current SUD was elevated in current IED versus non-IED adult subjects, and onset of IED preceded that of SUD in 92.5% of comorbid IED + SUD cases. This relationship was not due to the presence, or absence, of current depressive or anxiety disorders. Examination of the severity of IED and of SUD revealed that the presence of IED increases SUD severity but that the presence of SUD does not increase IED severity. Conclusions Subjects with IED are at increased risk of developing SUD, compared with those without IED. This suggests that history of recurrent, problematic, impulsive aggression is a risk factor for the later development of SUD rather than the reverse. If so, effective treatment of impulsive aggression, before the onset of substance misuse, may prevent, or delay, the development of SUD in young people.