cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detrital zircon uranium-lead geochronology of the Schoonover Sequence (Golconda Allochthon, Nevada): Alternative paleogeography of the Havallah-Schoonover Basin with implications for Antler-SLaB-Sonoma orogenesis

Abstract Detrital zircon U Pb data (N = 3; n = 713) from the Lower Mississippian Schoonover Sequence support an alternative two-source provenance model for Carboniferous strata of the Golconda Allochthon that may have significant implications for late Paleozoic paleogeography and tectonism along the western margin of Laurentia. Existing models invoke derivation of quartzofeldspathic material within Schoonover-Havallah strata by erosion of the Roberts Mountain Allochthon coupled with simultaneous derivation of the volcanic component from the offshore Eastern Klamath-Northern Sierra arcs. Deposition of these two components occurred in a parautochthonous extensional basin that formed between the latest Devonian to Early Mississippian Antler and Permo-Triassic Sonoma compressional orogenies. In our alternative model, the quartzofeldspathic component of the ca. 350 Ma Schoonover Sequence was derived by erosion of Canadian passive margin strata and metamorphic equivalents exposed north of the submerged Peace River Arch; volcanic contributions were derived from the Yukon-Tanana Arc. This model implies that deposition of strata comprising the Roberts Mountain and Golconda allochthons occurred in transient, transtensional marine basins formed within a sinistral transcurrent plate boundary; local plate tectonic reorganization ended deposition in a given basin, followed by southward tectonic translation of basin strata. In this alternative model, the Antler and the Sonoma orogenies represent tectonic bookends of a single, ca. 100-Myr-long sinistral transcurrent orogeny. Continuous sinistral transcurrent deformation along the jagged western edge of Laurentia produced local stress variations that accommodated deposition in transtensional basins while deformation and translation of basin strata occurred along transpressional fault strands. A protuberance in the continent's rifted edge formed a barrier to continued southward transport along the inner edge of the transcurrent plate boundary, forcing far-traveled strata to sequentially pile up and form the Roberts Mountain and Golconda allochthons. Between allochthon emplacement, the focus of sinistral deformation stepped outboard within the broad Southwestern Laurentian Borderland (SLaB). The relative tectonic quiescence permitted local deposition of overlap and successor strata above the Roberts Mountain but below the subsequently overlying Golconda Allochthon; these strata record, however, multiple unconformities and deformation events indicating that deformation across the broad SLaB region continued between the Antler and Sonoma orogenies.
Electrophysiological Characterization of Glioma using a Biomimetic Spheroid Model

Gliomas are the most common form of primary cancer in adults. Depending on the glioma subtype, they cause brain tumor-associated epilepsy (BTAE) in 30-90% of patients. Recently, it has been shown that gliomas form synapses with nearby neurons, which they use to drive their growth. Gliomas themselves also express neurotransmitter receptors. We hypothesized that glioma in isolation may also have its own characteristic electrical activity in response to drugs that are known to modulate synaptic activity in neurons. We generated human glioma spheroids (GS) and performed field potential recordings using multielectrode arrays, in the absence and presence of pro-seizure and anti-seizure drugs, followed by a wash-out period. Statistical differences were determined by one-way or two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test. The mean firing rate (MFR) of the GS increased from baseline with pro-seizure drug exposure (p<0.01) and returned to baseline levels after the wash-out period from both pro-seizure drugs (p<0.01). The anti-seizure drugs did not significantly alter the MFR of the GS from baseline conditions. The results indicate that GS in isolation are electrically active and they respond to neurotransmitter receptor-modulating drugs. Future studies will be performed to further characterize the electrical activity of glioma with respect to synaptic connectivity and network among glioma cells, and between glioma and other types of brain cells, to better understand their role in BTAE.
Recellularization and Integration of Dense Extracellular Matrix by Percolation of Tissue Microparticles

Cells embedded in the extracellular matrix of tissues play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis while promoting integration and regeneration following damage or disease. Emerging engineered biomaterials utilize decellularized extracellular matrix as a tissue-specific support structure; however, many dense, structured biomaterials unfortunately demonstrate limited formability, fail to promote cell migration, and result in limited tissue repair. Here, we developed a reinforced composite material of densely packed acellular extracellular matrix microparticles in a hydrogel, termed tissue clay, that can be molded and crosslinked to mimic native tissue architecture. We utilized hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels, amorphously packed with acellular articular cartilage tissue particulated to ~125-250 microns in diameter and defined a percolation threshold of 0.57 (v/v) beyond which the compressive modulus exceeded 300kPa. Remarkably, primary chondrocytes recellularized particles within 48 hours, a process driven by chemotaxis, exhibited distributed cellularity in large engineered composites, and expressed genes consistent with native cartilage repair. We additionally demonstrated broad utility of tissue clays through recellularization and persistence of muscle, skin, and cartilage composites in a subcutaneous in vivo mouse model. Our findings suggest optimal strategies and material architectures to balance concurrent demands for large-scale mechanical properties while also supporting recellularization and integration of dense musculoskeletal and connective tissues. Table of Contents Entry We present a new design framework for regenerative articular cartilage scaffolds using acellular extracellular matrix particles, packed beyond a percolation threshold, and crosslinked within chondroinductive hydrogels. Our results suggest that the architecture and the packing, rather than altering the individual components, creates a composite material that can balance mechanics, porosity to enable migration, and tissue specific biochemical interactions with cells. Moreover, we provide a technique that we show is applicable to other tissue types.
Clinical Outcomes of a False-Positive Antenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum.

Objective: Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is critical to reduce maternal morbidity. While clinical outcomes of women with PAS have been extensively described, little information is available regarding the women who undergo cesarean delivery with a presumptive PAS diagnosis which is not confirmed by histopathologic examination. We sought to examine resource utilization and clinical outcomes of this group of women with a false-positive diagnosis of PAS. Study design: Retrospective analysis of patients with prenatally diagnosed PAS cared for between 2015 and 2020 by our multidisciplinary PAS team. Maternal outcomes were examined. Univariate analysis was performed and a multivariate model was employed to compare outcomes between women with and without histopathologically confirmed PAS. Results: A total of 162 patients delivered with the pre-operative diagnosis of PAS. Of these, 146 (90%) underwent hysterectomy and had histopathologic confirmation of PAS. Thirteen women did not undergo the planned hysterectomy. Three women underwent hysterectomy but pathologic examination did not confirm PAS. In comparing women with and without pathologic confirmation of PAS, the false positive PAS group delivered later in pregnancy (34 vs. 33 weeks of gestation, P=0.015) and had more planned surgery (88% vs. 47%, P = 0.002). There was no difference in skin incision type or hysterotomy placement for delivery. No significant difference in either the estimated blood loss or blood components transfused was noted between groups. Conclusion: Careful intraoperative evaluation of women with pre-operatively presumed PAS resulted in a 3/149 (2%) retrospectively unnecessary hysterectomy. Management of women with PAS in experienced centers benefits patients both in terms of resource utilization and avoidance of unnecessary maternal morbidity, understanding that our results are produced in a center of excellence for PAS. We also propose a management protocol to assist in the avoidance of unnecessary hysterectomy in women with the pre-operative diagnosis of PAS.
New Perspectives on the Legal History of the Middle East? Rediscovering Jacques Berque, the “Field Historian”

This article explores Jacques Berque's early works on the legal history and anthropology of the Maghreb, originally published between 1936 and 1958 and republished about a decade ago. In the midst of the current debates about legal reform in the Middle East and North Africa, this paper argues that both Berque's method and his theoretical contributions can serve as a powerful framework to better approach the phenomenon of legal pluralism in the region. Developed at a time when the study of law was strictly divided between Orientalists, anthropologists, and social historians, Berque's truly interdisciplinary method sought to transcend the prevailing barriers and dichotomies by holistically apprehending the “legal life” of the populations studied. Such an approach subsequently allowed him to explore issues of legal and normative pluralism by focusing on the multiple symbioses between sharī‘a and customary law and by considering the region's legal history as a succession of creations, destructions, and revivals of these syntheses.
Constrained Regularization for Ill Posed Linear Operator Equations, with Applications in Meteorology and Medicine.

Abstract : The relationship between certain regularization methods for solving ill posed linear operator equations and ridge methods in regression problems is described. The regularization estimates we describe may be viewed as ridge estimates in a (reproducing kernel) Hilbert space H. When the solution is known a priori to be in some closed, convex set in H, for example, the set of nonnegative functions, or the set of monotone functions, then one can propose regularized estimates subject to side conditions such as nonnegativity, monotonicity, etc. Some applications in medicine and meteorology are described. We describe the method of generalized cross validation for choosing the smoothing (or ridge) parameter in the presence of a family of linear inequality constraints. Some successful numerical examples, solving ill posed convolution equations with noisy data, subject to nonnegativity constraints, are presented. The technique appears to be quite successful in adding information, doing nearly the optimal amount of smoothing, and resolving distinct peaks in the solution which have been blurred by the convolution operation. (Author)
Chapter 22 – The Role of Training in Reinforcement Learning

ABSTRACT In reinforcement learning, an automated learning agent acquires the ability to perform tasks based on evaluative feedback from a critic. Unfortunately, in multi-step tasks this feedback is sparse and only weakly informative. In preliminary research reported here, feedback from a critic was augmented with additional information from a human training agent. Such information provides the learner with richer feedback and allows the learning agent to acquire its task much more quickly. In addition to reporting preliminary results with a human trainer, this chapter reviews other work of this type and identifies general issues in the design of automated training agents to complement reinforcement learning.
An Empirical Examination of Symptom Substitution Associated With Behavior Therapy for Tourette's Disorder

Over the past six decades, behavior therapy has been a major contributor to the development of evidence-based psychotherapy treatments. However, a long-standing concern with behavior therapy among many nonbehavioral clinicians has been the potential risk for symptom substitution. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate symptom substitution in response to behavioral treatments, largely due to measurement and definitional challenges associated with treated psychiatric symptoms. Given the overt motor and vocal tics associated with Tourette's disorder, it presents an excellent opportunity to empirically evaluate the potential risk for symptom substitution associated with behavior therapy. The present study examined the possible presence of symptom substitution using four methods: (a) the onset of new tic symptoms, (b) the occurrence of adverse events, (c) change in tic medications, and (d) worsening of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Two hundred twenty-eight participants with Tourette's disorder or persistent motor or vocal tic disorders were randomly assigned to receive behavioral therapy or supportive therapy for tics. Both therapies consisted of eight sessions over 10 weeks. Results indicated that participants treated with behavior therapy were not more likely to have an onset of new tic symptoms, experience adverse events, increase tic medications, or have an exacerbation in co-occurring psychiatric symptoms relative to participants treated with supportive therapy. Further analysis suggested that the emergence of new tics was attributed with the normal waxing and waning nature of Tourette's disorder. Findings provide empirical support to counter the long-standing concern of symptom substitution in response to behavior therapy for individuals with Tourette's disorder.
Application of the Weil representation: diagonalization of the discrete Fourier transform

We survey a new application of the Weil representation to construct a canonical basis of eigenvectors for the discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The transition matrix from the standard basis to the canonical basis defines a novel transform which we call the discrete oscillator transform (DOT for short). In addition, we describe a fast algorithm for computing the DOT in certain cases.
Neutrophil deficiency and dysfunction in HIV-infected patients

This paper describes abnormal neutrophil function in HIV-infected patients, as well as the in vitro effect of filgrastim (granulocyte colony stimulating factor) on neutrophil function in HIV infection. Research shows that HIV-infected patients have a variety of defects in neutrophil function, including abnormalities in chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and bacterial killing. Activation of neutrophils may also contribute to neutrophil dysfunction in HIV infection; it appears that neutrophils are activated at all stages of HIV disease, and this activation may result in a decreased ability to respond to a second stimulus in patients with CD4+ counts less than 200/cu mm. Accelerated neutrophil apoptosis (programmed cell death) may also contribute to impaired neutrophil function. Administration of filgrastim 300 microg s.c. daily or every other day for eight days to HIV-infected patients with CD4+ cell counts less than 200/cu mm resulted in a marked decrease in the rate of apoptosis compared with baseline. Since neutrophil activation, accelerated apoptosis, and functional defects appear to be reversible with administration of filgrastim, filgrastim may potentially be useful in preventing and treating secondary infections in HIV-infected patients.
A Distributed Model for Border Traps in $\hbox{Al}_{2} \hbox{O}_{3}-\hbox{InGaAs}$ MOS Devices

A distributed border trap model based on tunneling between the semiconductor surface and trap states in the gate dielectric film is formulated to account for the observed frequency dispersion in the capacitance and conductance of Al2O3/InGaAs MOS devices biased in accumulation. The distributed circuit model is more physical and descriptive than previous lumped circuit border trap models in the literature. The distributed model correctly depicts the frequency dependence of both capacitance and conductance data in accumulation. A border trap volume density is extracted from the quantitative agreement with measured data.
Loop shaping for iterative control of batch processes

The article formulates an iterative learning control (ILC) design problem and modal analysis approach in the frequency domain that uses the Fourier transform. Following that, the controller design specifications are formulated in a frequency domain form. Next, the LQ/LTR controller design procedure is presented where the quadratic penalty weights are used to recover the design specifications. Finally, a simulated example of ILC in a highly nonlinear batch thermal process illustrates an application of the developed approach.
Grain Boundary Barriers in Germanium

High resistance at crystal grain boundaries in $n$-type germanium is investigated. The resistance is symmetrical with respect to the direct on of the current and resembles the characteristics of a rectifier in the blocking direction. Such barriers are also photosensitive. The barrier is eliminated when the material is converted to $p$-type by nucleon bombardment or heat treatment. A theory is developed assuming the existence of surface states at the boundary. The ability of the barriers to withstand high voltages, around 100 volts, is explained by showing that the surface charge increases with increasing voltage. The dc conductance of the barrier, measured at different temperatures, agrees with theory in the dependence on temperature as well as in the order of magnitude. At sufficiently low temperatures the barriers show a capacitance independent of the frequency, whereas at higher temperatures the barrier admittance is strongly frequency dependent. These results are in agreement with the theory, showing that at low temperatures the current across the boundary is mainly carried by electrons, the hole current becoming increasingly important as the temperature is raised. The height of the potential barrier above the Fermi level is determined and found to be independent of temperature. A small difference in the measured breakdown voltage for the two directions of current is attributed to a difference in impurity concentration on the two sides of the boundary, which is confirmed by the ac measurements. The number of electrons on the boundary states is found to be of the order ${10}^{12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ at the breakdown, which may be the saturation of the boundary states. However, the field at breakdown is only a few times lower than the critical value for the onset of the Zener current, and this mechanism cannot be definitely ruled out.
A framework for research in database management for statistical analysis or a primer on statistical database management problems for computer scientists

This paper is intended to introduce those familiar with database management issues to the problems of managing large statistical databases. We begin with a characterization of statistical databases based on the structure and use of the data in the database. Several data management problems are then described. In particular, we discuss the problem of repetitive computations on large segments of the database during the lifetime of a statistical analysis. The organization of a data management system which avoids this problem by caching previously computed results and automatically maintaining their integrity is presented. We conclude with a list of problems that this organization raises and a discussion of related work.
Protection of human cultured cells against oxidative stress by Rhodiola rosea without activation of antioxidant defenses.

Abstract Rhodiola rosea root has been long used in traditional medical systems in Europe and Asia as an adaptogen to increase an organism's resistance to physical stress. Recent research has demonstrated its ability to improve mental and physical stamina, to improve mood, and to help alleviate high-altitude sickness. We have also recently found that R. rosea is able to extend the life span of Drosophila melanogaster. The mode of action of R. rosea is currently unknown; it has been suggested by some to act as an antioxidant, whereas others have argued that it may actually be a pro-oxidant and act through a hormetic mechanism. We found that R. rosea supplementation could protect cultured cells against ultraviolet light, paraquat, and H2O2. However, it did not alter the levels of the major antioxidant defenses nor did it markedly activate the antioxidant response element or modulate heme-oxygenase-1 expression levels at relevant concentrations. In addition, R. rosea extract was not able to significantly degrade H2O2 in vitro. These results suggest that in human cultured cells R. rosea does not act as an antioxidant and that its mode of action cannot be sufficiently explained through a pro-oxidant hormetic mechanism.
The Choice of Wave-lengths for Achromatism in Telescopes

DURING the past summer, in the Transactions of the Optical Society, Mr. J. W. Gifford has directed attention anew to the question as to the two wave-lengths most suitable for achromatising telescope objectives. Mr. Gifford has constructed telescopes in which the paraxial focal length for the D and E lines is the same, and, judging by the performance of such objectives, he considers such a choice superior to the more customary choice of the C and F lines. By a different path I have been led to a similar judgment, at least for telescopes of large aperture.
When Walls are No Longer Barriers: Perception of Wall Height in Parkour:

Through training, skilled parkour athletes (traceurs) overcome everyday obstacles, such as walls, that are typically insurmountable. Traceurs and untrained novices estimated the height of walls and reported their anticipated ability to climb the wall. The traceurs perceived the walls as shorter than did novices. This result suggests that perception is scaled by the perceiver's anticipated ability to act, and is consistent with the action-specific account of perception.
Gas chromatography of chloride and bromide as phenylboronic acid/mercuric nitrate derivatives with microwave induced plasma atomic emission detection

Abstract Capillary column gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID) or microwave induced plasma atomic emission detection (MIP-AED) were examined for the determination of chloride, using phenylboronic acid as derivatizing reagent. Phenylboronic acid and mercuric nitrate were used in a 1:1 molar ratio to produce phenylmercuric chloride (PMC). The limit of detection for chloride as PMC using FID was 3.3·10 −10 g and using AED, measuring the mercury response at 185 nm, it was 6.25·10 −11 g. Under the conditions used, chloride and bromide (as PMC and PMB) failed to separate adequately, but they could be determined by GC-AED using the wavelenghts 478 nm and 479 nm for bromide and chloride, respectively. The specific detection limits for bromide and chloride obtained from bromine and chlorine responses were 2.9·10 −9 g and 1.8·10 −9 g per injection.
The role of lipoproteins in steroidogenesis by human luteinized granulosa cells in culture.

Abstract Progesterone secretion by primary cultures of luteinized human granulosa cells was markedly reduced when the cells were incubated in lipoprotein-deficient medium. Addition of LDL, but not HDI 3 , to cells cultured in lipoprotein-deficient medium stimulated progestin secretion. The effects of LDL were dosedependent and saturable ( K m = 5.5 μg LDL protein/ml). LDL also stimulated [ 3 H]oleate incorporation into cellular sterol esters, with half maximal stimulation occurring at LDL concentrations of 10 μg protein/ml. The cultured cells bound and internalized [ 125 I]-LDL in a dose dependent and saturable manner ( K m = 5–10 μg LDL protein/ml). [ 125 ]-LDL uptake was specific in that unlabeled LDL, but not unlabeled HDL 3 , competed with labeled LDL for uptake. [ 125 I]-HDL 3 was also taken up by the cells, but by a lower affinity mechanism. We conclude that luteinized human granulosa cells utilize LDL-carried cholesterol for progestin synthesis, and that LDL is taken up via a specific, high affinity process.
Tensile properties of PRD-49 fiber in epoxy matrix

Recently a high-modulus and high-strength organic fiber, identified as PRD-49-III by the manufacturer, became commercially available. To assess the fiber performance and its potential as a reinforcement for fiber composites, the tensile properties of the fiber in an epoxy matrix were determined. During this study over 6000 fiber/epoxy strands were made using the filament winding process; these strands were representative samples taken from over 60 lb of single-end fiber. The fiber uniformity, its strength distribution at room and LN2 temperature, stress-strain characteristics, and the strain rate effect on the fiber strength were evaluated.
Two Major Attempts to Articulate an Authentic Role for Christ’s Humanity in Salvation

This paper cites selected works of Theodore of Mopsuestia and Karl Rahner as examples of a functional approach to Christology. While presuming the presence of a metaphysical unity in Christ, they c...
The important role of the apoptotic effects of zinc in the development of cancers

Zinc is a trace element that is essential for the normal function of cells. It is a cofactor for the structure and function of a wide range of cellular proteins including enzymes, transcription factors, and structural proteins. Recent studies have shown that zinc plays a role in the development of various cancers. Unfortunately no established common relationships of zinc with cancer development and progression have been identified. Zinc is known to have systemic effects such as regulation of the immune system as well as direct cellular effects resulting in regulation of gene expression, bioenergetics, metabolic pathways, signal transduction and cell invasion. Zinc is also reported to regulate cell proliferation and growth. In this review presentation we focus on the effects of zinc that are involved in the regulation of apoptosis in malignant cells. We selected the apoptotic effects of zinc because zinc is reported to both induce apoptosis in some cancers and to protect other cancer cells against apoptosis induced by other factors. The effects of zinc in the regulation of apoptosis appear to be cell type specific. More importantly the reported effects of zinc on cancer cells must be viewed from the perspective of the physiological regulation of zinc homeostasis. Thus one must be mindful of the experimental conditions under which zinc effects are investigated relative to the physiological and pathological conditions of cellular zinc distribution and concentrations that can exist in situ.
The Social Ecology of Drug Treatment

The examination of clients and staff members perceptions of treatment environments is an area in which insufficient research has taken place. This study reports the results of an attempt to evaluate perceptions of treatment environments within the Comprehensive Drug Program of Dade County (Miami) Florida. The Moos Community Oriented Programs Environment Scale (COPES) was given in a self-administered form to a sample of 238 clients and fifty-five staff members in eight treatment programs. Analysis revealed that the perceptions of drug clients toward their treatment environments were generally more positive than those of clients in other types of medical and psychiatric treatment and that perceptions tended to vary directly with the extent and continuity of contact between clients and staff members. Finally, it is suggested that the evaluation of perceptions of treatment environments be made an essential aspect of treatment evaluation.
Sector fragmentation and aggregation of service provision in the water industry.

This study analyzes the structure of the water industry in Peru. It investigates economies of scale and cost inefficiencies in 43 water providers during the years from 1996 to 2005. Different water sources in different geographical regions directly affect the production technology of the sector, making a regional cost frontier model appropriate. In 2005, 48.7% of the population of Peru lived in poverty, and 43.87% of the water produced was lost. These large proportions support the assumption that water producers allow water to be lost as a way to satisfy the water demands of the poorest segment of the population. Findings indicate a cost rise of 0.10% for each 1% increase of joint production of both outputs: water lost and produced. This result may be suggestive of a price the utility pays for allowing unauthorized connections in the network. From the perspective of the board of directors, this cost increase is the political cost of gaining municipal votes from the poorest segment of the population. Economies of scale are larger for utilities operating in the forest than in other regions. This has important implications for any future consolidation process that may be undertaken when the sector is opened to private participation.
Dynamic mechanical signatures of aged LX-17-1 plastic bonded explosive

Abstract The complex shear modulus of the plastic bonded explosive (PBX) LX-17-1 from stockpile returns, core tests and historical billets was measured over the temperature range from −150 to 120°C at five frequencies from 0.1 to 10 Hz. LX-17-1 is composed of 92.5% insensitive high explosive triaminotrinitro-benzene (TATB) and 7.5% plastic binder, KF-800. Three relaxations were observed as peaks in the loss modulus and tangent delta in various samples of LX-17-1. The low temperature β-relaxation, a very broad relaxation, occurred between −50 and −65°C depending on sample history. The glass transition of the binder was observed as a peak in the loss modulus at 30 ± 2°C at 1 Hz. No evidence of plasticization or anti-plasticization caused by the explosive filler or binder crystallization was observed. When LX-17-1 was stored above its glass transition, the binder crystallized and occasionally the α-relaxation, associated with melting of the crystal, could be resolved as a peak in the loss tangent at approxim...
Temperature-Sensitive Surfaces Prepared by UV Photografting Reaction of Photosensitizer and N-Isopropylacrylamide

A thermal-sensitive surface was prepared on the surface of a silicone wafer (substrate) by an ultraviolet photografting reaction between a photosensitizer, (N,N‘-diethylamino)dithiocarbamoylpropyl(trimethoxy)silane, and N-isopropylacrylamide. Ellipsometery measurement revealed a thin grafting layer (∼44 A) consisting of a single terminal poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) chain on the surface of the silicone wafers. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that the grafting layer was composed of the PNIPAAm structure. The properties of the grafting layer can be adjusted and manipulated by varying the photopolymerization time and the concentration of the monomer. Increasing the photopolymerization time and the concentration of the monomer increases both the thickness of the grafting layer and the wettability of the surface. The characteristics of the temperature-sensitive surface were investigated by dynamic contact angle as a function of temperature. The remarkable change on advancing contact angle c...
Is unrecognized bipolar disorder a frequent contributor to apparent treatment resistant depression

Abstract Background There is widespread clinical belief that unrecognized bipolar disorder (BD) is a frequent contributor to apparent treatment resistant depression (TRD). This review attempts to assess the degree to which prevailing empirical data supports that view. Methods All English-language articles published between January 1998 and January 2008 that focused on adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and BD bearing on the question “Is unrecognized BD a frequent contributor to apparent TRD in patients initially diagnosed with MDD?” were reviewed. Results 196 articles were reviewed; the preponderance of the data suggested: 1) TRD populations demonstrate high rates of hidden bipolar disorder, 2) there is not sufficient evidence to unequivocally support or reject the hypothesis that patients who relapse despite continued antidepressant treatment are likely to have bipolar spectrum disorder, 3) patients initially diagnosed with MDD do not demonstrate high rates of switching to mania or hypomania when treated with antidepressants and 4) in patients diagnosed with BD, antidepressants are not robustly effective and are poorly tolerated. Limitations The main limitation of this review is that none of the individual studies were designed to test our primary hypothesis. Conclusions This review provides at least moderate support to the hypothesis that BD is a contributor to apparent TRD. Thus, clinicians treating MDD are urged to search for “soft” signs of bipolarity and to be prepared to alter diagnosis and treatment strategies accordingly.
Energy Conservation/Envelope Theory Interventions to Help Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Objectives: Treatment approaches for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been controversial. This paper provides the theoretical and conceptual background for the Energy Envelope Theory to assist patients and reviews evidence of its treatment efficacy. Methods: Over a 15-year period, efforts were directed to develop a non-pharmacologic intervention that endeavored to help patients to self-monitor and self-regulate energy expenditures and learn to pace activities and stay within their energy envelope. Conclusions: Studies show that the energy envelope approach, which involves rehabilitation methods, helps patients pace activities and manage symptoms and can significantly improve their quality of life.
Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in patients with cancer

Abstract Patients with systemic cancer may have altered mental status without evidence of metastases, strokes, or metabolic encephalopathies. Six such patients are described whose EEGs showed continuous generalized epileptiform discharges in the absence of clinical signs of seizures. Two patients had never had any clinical evidence of seizures and four had seizures that were thought to have stopped before the EEG. Three patients were confused and three were stuporous or comatose. In some patients the nonconvulsive epileptic activity may have been directly related to the cancer; three had findings suggestive of possible paraneoplastic encephalopathies. Anticonvulsants led to an improved mental status in four patients, but all except one died. Nonconvulsive generalized status epilepticus may explain altered mental status in some patients with cancer and anticonvulsant medication treatment can be beneficial.
Sensor‐based obstruction avoidance technique for a mobile robot

This article describes a sensor-based obstruction avoidance technique. This technique, if implemented on the on-board computer of a mobile robot, would enable the robot to move through an unknown environment. The proposed approach is driven by sensory data. The robot thus senses and adapts to the changes in the environment. The software also does path planning. As more information about the environment is obtained the robot's path planning capabilities improve. Illustrative examples are used to describe the algorithms.
Practical considerations of process corner evaluation for deep-sub micron technology nodes using the example of its impact on electromigration

In this paper a practical approach of investigating reliability performance over a specific process window is described. Based on an example of electromigration robustness evaluation, we present the calculation methods which need to be applied to correctly take reliability performance variation into account. This method also provides the possibility to investigate extreme corner reliability even failing the overall requirements so that the complete process window can be budgeted to fulfill the reliability requirement on the process.
Psychological sequelae of combat violence: A review of the impact of PTSD on the veteran's family and possible interventions.

Abstract This review of the literature reveals that veterans' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to combat violence affects veterans' familial relationships and the psychological adjustment of family members. Previous study within other trauma populations has conceptualized the negative impact of an individual's traumatic stress on his/her family members as “secondary traumatization.” This review examines the processes by which secondary traumatization occurs within combat veterans' families. Research has identified PTSD as mediating the effect of veterans' combat experience on the family. Veterans' numbing/arousal symptoms are especially predictive of family distress; while, to a lesser extent, veterans' anger is also associated with troubled family relationships and secondary traumatization among family members. Empirical modeling of additional factors involved in secondary traumatization is needed. Marital/family interventions have largely focused on improving relationships and reducing veterans' symptoms, rather than targeting improvements in the psychological well-being of the spouse and children. Interventions directly addressing the needs of significant others, especially spouses, are advocated. The potential for increased effectiveness of PTSD interventions and possible cost-savings attained by improving relationships and reducing caregiver burden are also discussed.
Policy advocacy organizations: A framework linking theory and practice

The practice of policy advocacy by organizations has outpaced its theoretical development. Yet the importance of a theoretical grounding for advocacy campaigns has increased with the need for accountability and an understanding of advocates' contributions to policy development. This article synthesizes practitioner and academic literature on policy advocacy and proposes a conceptual framework of policy advocacy inputs, activities, and outcomes. Five distinct advocacy strategies are hypothesized: enhancing a democratic environment, applying public pressure, influencing decision makers, direct reform, and implementation change. This framework provides guidelines for organizations to strategically engage policy processes, while directing a research agenda on advocacy organizations.
Evaluating the progress of engineered tidal wetlands

Abstract New terminology is needed for the assessment of wetland restoration projects, focusing on progress towards ecological goals rather than the yes/no alternative of success versus failure. Mitigation projects should be evaluated based on ‘compliance’ of specific mitigation criteria. Peer-reviewed assessments of wetland restoration projects have focused on appropriate parameters (topographic, hydrologic, soil, vegetation, and animal components); however, for the most part, they have evaluated small, newly restored wetlands over the short-term with little repeated sampling. Future assessments should focus on understanding problems at a particular site by identifying cause–effect mechanisms. We review a case study from San Diego Bay where detailed assessments led to the identification of problems and subsequent management alternatives. We also recommend the use of two novel approaches: experimentation and the evaluation of ecosystem resiliency to unplanned disturbances. These assessments will provide a better understanding of ecosystem functioning and enhance current comparisons of natural and restored systems. A stronger science base for wetland restoration and adaptive management do not guarantee that restoration targets will be reached; however, these approaches will identify the causes of problems and allow us to predict whether or not restoration targets can be reached in a timely manner.
Abnormal regional brain function in Parkinson's disease: truth or fiction?

Abstract Normalization of regional measurements by the global mean is commonly employed to minimize inter-subject variability in functional imaging studies. This practice is based on the assumption that global values do not substantially differ between patient and control groups. In this issue of NeuroImage , Borghammer and colleagues challenge the validity of this assumption. They focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and use computer simulations to show that lower global values can produce spurious increases in subcortical brain regions. The authors speculate that the increased signal observed in these areas in PD is artefactual and unrelated to localized changes in brain function. In this commentary, we summarize what is currently known of the relationship between regional and global metabolic activity in PD and experimental parkinsonism. We found that early stage PD patients exhibit global values that are virtually identical to those of age-matched healthy subjects. SPM analysis revealed increased normalized metabolic activity in a discrete set of biologically relevant subcortical brain regions. Because of their higher variability, the corresponding absolute regional measures did not differ across the two groups. Longitudinal imaging studies in this population showed that the subcortical elevations in normalized metabolism appeared earlier and progressed faster than did focal cortical or global metabolic reductions. The observed increases in subcortical activity, but not the global changes, correlated with independent clinical measures of disease progression. Multivariate analysis with SSM/PCA further confirmed that the abnormal spatial covariance structure of early PD is dominated by these subcortical increases as opposed to network-related reductions in cortical metabolic activity or global changes. Thus, increased subcortical activity in PD cannot be regarded as a simple artefact of global normalization. Moreover, stability of the normalized measurements, particularly at the network level, makes these metabolic indices suitable as imaging biomarkers of PD progression and the treatment response.
Electrophysiological Investigation of Hydrostatic Pressure Mechanotransduction by Urothelial Cell Lines

The urothelium is the epithelial lining of the ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. Recent discoveries have suggested that in addition to providing a barrier function to urine, the urothelium actively participates in sensory functions related to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli, and releases chemical signals in response[1]. In addition to a sensitivity to cell membrane stretch caused by wall tension upon bladder filling, in vitro studies by our group have shown that urothelial cells may be sensitive to hydrostatic pressure directly without requiring membrane stretching [2]. Specifically, primary cultures of rat bladder urothelial cells exposed to 10 cmH2O pressure on rigid substrates released significantly greater amounts of ATP compared to the baseline control without exposure to pressure. Moreover, this ATP response by rat urothelial cells to pressure was inhibited by pre-treatment of cells with ruthenium red, a non-specific antagonist of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, suggesting a potential involvement of these channels in pressure mechanotransduction. Further understanding of the mechanisms, however, is needed to improve treatment of bladder dysfunction such as overactive bladder.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
What Are We Treating with Chronic Opioid Therapy

The recent increase in the number of patients taking opioids chronically for pain has not yielded the expected benefits in reduction of symptoms and improved function. Chronic pain patients typically respond well initially to opioid medications, but regular use is associated with adverse psychological and physical effects. Patients with significant psychiatric comorbidity and substance use issues are more likely to stay on opioids and to receive higher doses. In the common rheumatological conditions of fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, opioid treatment is of limited benefit because of lack of efficacy and prominent side effects. Chronic opioid therapy may be more usefully regarded as a form of comfort care, reserved for those patients who have exhausted other treatments and prospects of recovery.
Rates of hydroxyl radical reactions with some HFCs

Relative rate constants for OH reactions with some HFCs have been determined at 298 K by a technique which measures the loss of HFC greater than OH. The following ratios were determine: k(152a)/k(CH4) = 5.2 +/- 0.5, k(CH4)/k(125) = 3.9 +/- 0.5, k(CH4)/k(134a) = 2.1 +/- 0.2, k(134a)/k(125) = 2.0 +/- 0.2, and k(C2H6)/k(152a) = 6.2 +/- 1.0. These results are in good agreement with literature values for the absolute rate constants except for HFC 134a, where a slower rate constant is indicated.
Classification power of multiple-layer artificial neural networks

Feedforward networks are artifical neural networks composed of successive layers of neurons. In this paper we use mathematical and geometric analysis to investigate properties of classifiers feedforward networks composed of neurons having threshold activation functions. The focus of this investigation is the relationship between the classification power of these networks and the number of layers composing them. We show that regions classifiable by simple twolayer classifiers also known as perceptrons are closed under region complementation and a limited form of region intersection. The proof of these results leads to a method for constructing twolayer classifiers for complicated regions. 1© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
HIV-1 Nef Protein Downregulation of CD4 Surface Expression: Relevance of the Ick Binding Domain of CD4

Abstract HIV Nef protein downregulates the surface expression of CD4 on T-cells but its mechanism of activity is unknown. We have analyzed the relevance of different portions of the CD4 molecule with respect to the activity of Nef. Upon transfection of Jurkat T-cells that express Nef or do not express Nef with constructs that include different domains of the CD4 molecule, we demonstrated that Nef downregulation of CD4 requires the first 30 amino acids of the CD4 cytoplasmic tail and that the Ick-binding domain of CD4 was at least partially responsible for this effect. Furthermore, upon transfection of U-937 cells with an Ick-expressing plasmid we showed that CD4 downregulation by Nef is significantly more efficient when Ick is present. Finally, by measuring the rate of CD4 endocytosis by a novel flow cytometric method we showed that the effect of Nef on CD4 surface expression resulted from accelerated CD4 internalization.
Modification of lipoperoxidative effects of dichloroacetate and trichloroacetate is associated with peroxisome proliferation

Abstract Pretreatment of male B6C3F1 mice with clofibric acid (CFA) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in the drinking water results in a marked decrease in the lipoperoxidative response as measured by the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in mouse liver homogenates following acute dosing with TCA or dichloroacetic acid (DCA). Pretreatment with TCA or CFA also increased palmitoyl-CoA oxidase activity, microsomal 12-(ω) hydroxylation of lauric acid and expression of P450 4A isoforms. At the doses utilized, DCA-pretreatment did not increase the level of P450 4A protein, or markers of peroxisome proliferation. However, DCA-pretreatment did result in enhanced levels of TBARS, following acute dosing with DCA, compared to controls. Pretreatment with DCA, TCA, or CFA did not alter p-nitrophenol hydroxylation (an assay specific for P450 2E1), and no increases in immunodetectable P450 2E1, 4A, 1A1/2, 2B1/2 or 3A1 protein were observed. Assays from CFA- and TCA-pretreated mice suggest that the reduction in the TBARS response seen in TCA-pretreated animals results from activities associated with peroxisome proliferation. This might result from the induction of systems efficient in scavenging of peroxide intermediates or detoxification of aldehyde by-products of lipid peroxidation.