cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural bases of visual deficits during aging.

Visual abilities decline during normal (non-pathological) aging. Many of these visual declines cannot be attributed to optical changes and must therefore be due to changes in the retina or central visual pathways. These include declines in visual acuity and spatial contrast sensitivity (especially under low luminance levels), suprathreshold contrast vision and contrast gain, temporal-frequency contrast sensitivity and resolution, spatial-temporal interactions, hyperacuity, binocular processing, and sensitivity to motion. Certain aspects of these vision deficits and comparisons with neurophysiological and lesion-behavior studies in monkeys suggest hypotheses about the nature and location (e.g. magnocellular vs parvocellular pathways, specific visual structures, and so on) of the neural deficits. Despite the well-documented psychophysical deficits, available anatomical studies in humans and monkeys suggest that aging has only relatively minor effects on the retino-geniculo-striate pathway. Retinal photoreceptor losses are relatively restricted to rods, and there is compensation among the remaining rods for those that are lost. Although some retinal ganglion cells appear to be lost, the loss is small relative to individual-to-individual variability. In addition, there appear to be no massive cell losses in the LGN or striate cortex. Physiological results in the monkey LGN suggest that the functional properties of LGN neurons, and therefore their retinal inputs, are not significantly affected by aging. Retinal pattern-evoked ERG studies in humans likewise suggest that the physiological properties of the retina are little affected by aging. Comparisons between pattern-evoked ERG and cortical evoked potentials in the same individuals suggest that some neural change occurs between the retina and striate cortex, but the location and nature of this change is not known. Thus, we are far from being able to answer the question, What are the neural bases of visual deficits during aging? There are several possible reasons for this: (1) The neurobiological methods that have been brought to bear on the question have been fairly limited. (2) Investigations of neural changes may not have been guided sufficiently by what is known about the psychophysical changes that occur with aging. (3) Existing studies may not have examined the correct locations in the visual system. (4) There is large individual-to-individual variability in the effects of aging and, with the small samples of individuals that typically are available in neural studies of aging, the variability could obscure detection of aging-related changes. Suggestions are offered for ways in which future research can solve these problems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Prediction of galactic cosmic ray modulation by CME at solar cycle 23 maximum

Abstract The results of a preliminary study of the high rigidity galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and sunspot numbers (SSN) data strings for six solar cycles are presented. A scheme is developed for predicting the size of the solar cycle modulation of GCR well in advance. We apply it to cycle 23 which started in May 1996.
Mechanism of water splitting and oxygen-oxygen bond formation by a mononuclear ruthenium complex.

Density functional theory (DFT) predicts a detailed mechanism for the reported potential photocatalytic system for solar hydrogen production from water, (P-da-PNN)RuH(CO) (1, P-da = dearomatized at the phosphorus side arm, PNN = (2-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)-6-diethylaminomethyl)pyridine) (Science 2009, 324, 74). In the initial thermal reaction, the coordination of a water molecule is followed by cleavage of an O−H bond and aromatization of the PNN ligand to form (PNN)RuH(CO)(OH) (3′), the most stable complex in the reaction. This low-barrier step is followed by the rate-determining dearomatization and formation of H2. Next, a second water molecule is activated, resulting in the formation of the cis-dihydroxo complex (PNN)Ru(CO)(OH)2 (7), which photolytically eliminates H2O2. Time-dependent DFT calculations predict that the breaking of the two strong Ru−O bonds and the formation of the O−O bond in this photolytic reaction involve low-energy triplet states and singlet–triplet crossings. Rather than reg...
Lowering Medical Costs Through the Sharing of Savings by Physicians and Patients: Inclusive Shared Savings

Current approaches to controlling health care costs have strengths and weaknesses. We propose an alternative, “inclusive shared savings,” that aims to lower medical costs through savings that are shared by physicians and patients. Inclusive shared savings may be particularly attractive in situations in which treatments, such as those for gastric cancer, are similar in clinical effectiveness and have modest differences in convenience but substantially differ in cost. Inclusive shared savings incorporates features of typical insurance coverage, shared savings, and value-based insurance design but differs from value-based insurance design, which merely seeks to decrease or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Inclusive shared savings offers financial incentives to physicians and patients to promote the use of lower-cost, but equally effective, interventions and should be evaluated in a rigorous trial or demonstration project.
Balance as a predictor of ankle injuries in high school basketball players.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine if a preseason measurement of balance while in a unilateral stance could predict susceptibility to ankle injury in a cohort of high school basketball players. Predicting risk for ankle injury could be important in helping to reduce the risk of thes
Exacerbated egg‐induced immunopathology in murine Schistosoma mansoni infection is primarily mediated by IL‐17 and restrained by IFN‐γ

In schistosomiasis, the severity of CD4+ T-cell-mediated hepatic granulomatous inflammation against parasite eggs varies considerably in humans and among mouse strains. In C57BL/6 mice, pronounced exacerbation of immunopathology induced by immunization with schistosome egg Ag in CFA (SEA/CFA) substantially recapitulates the natural high pathology seen in CBA mice; both are associated with a significant elevation of Th17- and Th1-cell-derived proinflammatory cytokines. We now investigated the relative contribution of the effector cytokines IL-17 and IFN-γ in pathology development of 7 wk-infected, SEA/CFA-immunized, IL-17−/−, IFN-γ−/−, and IL-17/IFN-γ−/− mice. In IL-17−/− mice there was significant reduction of immunopathology despite increased levels of IFN-γ, whereas in IFN-γ−/− mice, markedly exacerbated immunopathology correlated with an increase in IL-17. In IL-17/IFN-γ−/− mice, complete resistance to SEA/CFA-induced disease exacerbation was associated with a reduction in IL-23p19, IL-1β, CXCL1 and iNOS, and with an increase in IL-5, IL-10 and Relmα. IL-17 and IFN-γ were derived from distinct CD4+ T cells in which production of each cytokine was suppressed by the other. Our results indicate that severe immunopathology in murine schistosomiasis is mainly driven by IL-17 and regulated by IFN-γ; however, in the absence of IL-17, IFN-γ is capable of exerting a limited, yet significant, pathogenic function.
Mixing Characteristics of a Two-Phase Flow (Gas-Liquid) Microchannel Mixer

Multiphase phase flows occur in many engineering and bio-medical applications. Bubble formation in microchannels can be beneficial or harmful depending upon their influence on the operation and performance of microfludic devices. Potential uses of bubble generation found in many applications such as microreactors, micropump, and micromixers. In the present work the flow and mixing process in a passive microchannel mixer were numerically investigated. Effects of velocity, and inlet width ratio (Dgas /Dliquid ) on the two phase flow were studied. Numerical results are obtained for 2-dimensional and 3-dimesional cases with a finite volume CFD code and using structured grids. Different liquid-gas Reynolds number ratios (Reliquid /Regas ) were used ranging from 4 to 42. In addition, three values of the inlet width ratio (Dgas /Dliquid ) were used. Results for the 3-D cases capture the actual shape of the air bubble with the thin film between the bubble and the walls. Also, increasing Reliquid increases the rate of the development of the air bubble. The bubble length increases with the increase of Dgas /Dliquid . For the same values of Re, the rate of growth of the bubble increases with the increase of Dgas /Dliquid . Finally, a correlation is provided to predict the length of the bubble with liquid-gas Reynolds number ratio (Reliquid /Regas ) and tube width.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
How dynein and microtubules rotate the nucleus

In living cells, a fluctuating torque is exerted on the nuclear surface but the origin of the torque is unclear. In this study, we found that the nuclear rotation angle is directionally persistent on a time scale of tens of minutes, but rotationally diffusive on longer time scales. Rotation required the activity of the microtubule motor dynein. We formulated a model based on microtubules undergoing dynamic instability, with tensional forces between a stationary centrosome and the nuclear surface mediated by dynein. Model simulations suggest that the persistence in rotation angle is due to the transient asymmetric configuration of microtubules exerting a net torque in one direction until the configuration is again randomized by dynamic instability. The model predicts that the rotational magnitude must depend on the distance between the nucleus and the centrosome. To test this prediction, rotation was quantified in patterned cells in which the cell's centrosome was close to the projected nuclear centroid. Consistent with the prediction, the angular displacement was found to decrease in these cells relative to unpatterned cells. This work provides the first mechanistic explanation for how nuclear dynein interactions with discrete microtubules emanating from a stationary centrosome cause rotational torque on the nucleus.
Polarization reversal of stored proton beams in the Indiana Cooler

A spin flipper of reliable and robust long‐term operation was developed and has been used successfully at the Indiana University Cooler Storage Ring. To reverse the polarization of the stored beam, the frequency of a rf solenoid is swept adiabatically across a depolarizing resonance frequency. Depolarizing sidebands to the resonance are eliminated by shorting out the ring’s bunching rf cavity prior to the frequency sweep. With the spin flipper it is no longer necessary to dump the stored beam and to refill the ring with protons of opposite spin state. Rather, beam accumulation continues without reversing the spin at injection, and instead the polarization of the stored beam is flipped periodically. Thus the luminosity is significantly increased when the flipper is used.
Response of Natural and Factitious Hosts to the Ectoparasite Euplectrus plathypenae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

We tested natural and factitious host insects for their physiological responses to stinging by the gregarious ectoparasite, Euplectrus plathypenae Howard, and observed hosts injected with tissue from the lower reproductive tract of the female parasitoid. Tests included eight recorded lepidopteran hosts and larvae of 36 other species of Lepidoptera not previously recorded as hosts, plus 19 species in six other orders. The arrestment of development produced by E. plathypenae was expressed in all natural hosts and in most, but not all, insects outside the natural host range of the parasite.
Control of polymerization in the dispensing cartridge of automixing impression systems

Abstract Continued polymerization of impression material stored in a previously used dispensing cartridge of an automixing impression system can lead to untoward results. This article discribes a simple technique that will help overcome the problem.
Approach-Avoidance Conflict: I. Empirically Determined Speed-of-Locomotion Approach Gradients

16 male rats were trained to approach the distinctive end of a 20-ft. runway for a 25% sucrose solution, and their running speed was determined over successive 6-ft. segments of the maze. After 5 d...
Assortative mating, or who marries whom?

The first section reviews how much and what kind of assortative mating occurs. It considers the genetic consequences of any departure from random mating, then discusses the effects of consanguinity or inbreeding on the offspring. Suffice it to say here that these effects are generally unfavorable, so that one may say that forgenetic reasons a high similarity between spouses is not favored. The next section discusses the social consequences of marital choice in terms of theories and research related to mate selection and marital adjustment. At this point, we may summarize two opposing views of what makes for a good marriage: (1) psychological similarity and (2) complementariness of needs of husband and wife. We will see that most of the evidence tends to support the first view, so we can say that for social reasons similarity between spouses is favored. Another topic touched on is whether marriage leads to an increase in similarity over time, or, in genetic terms, to a partial convergence of phenotypes, which could lead to an overestimation of the degree of genotypic similarity. Next, the theory is discussed that homogamy for socioeconomic status is responsible for the observed correlations between abilities and between beauty and brains. The final section summarizes some research on factors influencing the personal preferences for personality and physical type which govern the selection of potential mates.
Tests for the Validity of the X-Ray Crystal Method for Determining N and e with Aluminum, Silver and Quartz

The principal objections to the x-ray crystal method of determining $N$ and $e$ are that the presence of a mosaic effect or superstructure will not affect the lattice parameters as determined by x-ray diffraction but will affect the density, and further that the x-rays measure the lattice constant of only a very superficial layer which might not be characteristic of the interior of the crystal. The crystal structure of two polycrystalline metals, silver and aluminum, and one single crystal, powdered quartz, were precisely measured with the Seeman-Bohlin spectrograph. The crystallites were small enough so that the radiation penetrated them completely and the effect of distortion of the metal crystals on the density and crystal structure was investigated. The following values of $N$ and $e$ were found where the two different values for quartz are for two different values of the molecular weight of silicon and the error is that due to internal consistency only. When the results of Tu are expressed in absolute units we find After examining these deviations from a consistent value of $N$ and $e$ and the effect of distortion on the metal crystals the authors believe that there is perhaps a small mosaic (or superstructure) effect that renders the value of $N$ and $e$ uncertain by 0.04 percent and that the best value of $e$ is perhaps slightly lower than that obtained with macroscopic calcite, say 4.801 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0002 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ e. s. u.
Chemical Damage in Wool Part III: Effects of Aqueous Chlorine

A study of the wet properties of wool exposed to low concentrations of aqueous chlorine under a variety of conditions is reported. Fiber stress-strain data are presented showing the effects of variations in the concentration of chlorine, pH. temperature, time of exposure, and agitation. Comparisons of cystine-cysteic acid percentages as inter preted from paper chromatograms are presented. Alkali solubilities of chlorine-damaged samples were determined, and their relation to other properties is noted.
Confronting Rhetorical Disability A Critical Analysis of Women's Birth Plans

Through its analysis of birth plans, documents some women create to guide their birth attendants' actions during hospital births, this article reveals the rhetorical complexity of childbirth and analyzes women's attempts to harness birth plans as tools of resistance and self-education. Asserting that technologies can both silence and give voice, the article examines women's use of technologies of writing to confront technologies of birth. The article draws on data from online childbirth narratives, a childbirth writing survey, and five women's birth plans to argue that women's silencing, or rhetorical disability, during childbirth both prompts and limits the birth plan as an effective communicative tool. The data suggest that the birth plan is not consistently effective in the ways its authors intend. Nonetheless, this analysis also demonstrates that the rhetorical failure of the birth plan can be read as, and thereby transformed into, rhetorical possibility.
Female choice and extra-pair paternity in a traditional human population.

Seeking out extra-pair paternity (EPP) is a viable reproductive strategy for females in many pair-bonded species. Across human societies, women commonly engage in extra-marital affairs, suggesting this strategy may also be an important part of women's reproductive decision-making. Here, I show that among the Himba 17 per cent of all recorded marital births are attributed by women to EPP, and EPP is associated with significant increases in women's reproductive success. In contrast, there are no cases of EPP among children born into ‘love match’ marriages. This rate of EPP is higher than has been recorded in any other small-scale society. These results illustrate the importance of seeking EPP as a mechanism of female choice in humans, while simultaneously showing it to be highly variable and context-dependent.
Test Generation Costs Analysis and Projections

Empirical observations are used to derive analytic formulae for test volumes, parallel fault simulation costs, deductive fault simulation costs, and minimum test pattern generation costs for LSSD logic structures. The formulae are significant in projecting growth trends for test volumes and various test generation costs with increasing gate count G. Empirical data is presented to support the thesis that test volume grows linearly with G for LSSD structures that cannot be partitioned into disjoint substructures. Such LSSD structures are referred to as "coupled" structures. Based on empirical observation that the number of latches in an LSSD logic structure is proportional to the gate count G, it is shown that the logic test time for coupled structures grows as G/sup 2/. It is also shown that (i) parallel fault simulation costs grow as G/sup 3/ (ii) deductive fault simulation costs grow as G/sup 2/, and (iii) the minimum test pattern generation costs grow as G/sup 2/. Based on these projections some future testing problems become apparent.
Adherence-Inhibitory Intestinal Immunoglobulin A Antibody Response in Baboons Elicited by Use of a Synthetic Intranasal Lectin-Based Amebiasis Subunit Vaccine

We designed an amebiasis subunit vaccine that is constructed by using four peptide epitopes of the galactose-inhibitable lectin heavy subunit that were recognized by intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies from immune human subjects. These epitopes are contained in the region encompassing amino acids 758 to 1134 of the lectin heavy subunit, designated LC3. Baboons (Papio anubis) are natural hosts for Entamoeba histolytica; naturally infected baboons raised in captivity possess serum IgA antibodies to the same four LC3 epitopes as humans. Uninfected, seronegative baboons received four intranasal immunizations at 7-day intervals with the synthetic peptide vaccine (400, 800, or 1,600 μg per nostril) with cholera toxin (20 μg) as the adjuvant. As determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), each dose of the peptide vaccine elicited antipeptide serum IgA and IgG and intestinal IgA antibody responses in all six immunized baboons by day 28, 7 days after the last immunization (P, <0.01 for each dose compared to the cholera toxin control). The peptide vaccine elicited serum IgG and intestinal IgA antibodies that recognized purified recombinant LC3 protein (P, <0.008 and 0.02, respectively) and native lectin protein (P < 0.01). In addition, an indirect immunofluorescence assay with whole trophozoites (P < 0.01) and Western blot analysis confirmed that serum IgG antibodies from vaccinated baboons recognized native lectin protein on the surfaces of axenic E. histolytica trophozoites or from solubilized amebae. All four synthetic peptides were immunogenic; the vaccine elicited dose- and time-dependent responses, as determined by ELISA optical density readings indicating the production of serum and intestinal antibodies (P, <0.02 for antipeptide and antilectin antibodies). As a positive control, intranasal immunization with purified recombinant LC3 protein with cholera toxin as the adjuvant elicited a serum anti-LC3 IgA and IgG antibody response (P, 0.05 and <0.0001, respectively); however, no intestinal anti-LC3 IgA antibody response was observed (P = 0.4). Of interest, serum IgA and IgG antibodies elicited by the recombinant LC3 vaccine did not recognize any of the four putatively protective LC3 peptide epitopes. Both serum and fecal antibodies elicited by the peptide vaccine exhibited neutralizing activity, as determined by their dose-dependent inhibition of the galactose-specific adherence of E. histolytica trophozoites to Chinese hamster ovary cells in vitro (P, <0.001 for each group of antibodies compared to the control). In summary, a lectin-based intranasal polylysine-linked synthetic peptide vaccine was effective in eliciting an adherence-inhibitory, intestinal antilectin IgA antibody response in baboons. Future studies with the baboon model will determine vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic E. histolytica intestinal infection.
Ecological Energetics of the Spider Tarentula kochi (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Tarentula kochi Keyserling had a 2-year life cycle and 2 populations which matured in alternate years and utilized 2 size classes of prey. The spiders had 12 instars, and each was 35–40 days long in the field at a temperature of 15°C. The molting of spiders from one instar to the next was not synchronized with other spiders of the same instar in the field. Spiders overwintered twice (6th instar and adult). The spiders matured in the fall in response to shorter day length. The shortage of food in the field probably limited growth. The duration of an instar was decreased 1.65 days per degree between 12 and 30°C and decreased with increasing feeding rate. The rate of development in the field was increased by higher microclimate temperatures and reduced by lower feeding rates. The surface temperatures of the litter were a mean 1–4°C warmer than air temperature with maximum difference of 23°C. The temperature about 1 inch below the surface of the litter was 4°C lower than surface temperature in less shaded areas and 8°C lower in more shaded areas. There was a direct correlation between the amount of litter and spider density. Spider activity was greatest during the coolest part of the daylight hours. The ecological “zero” was about 10°C, since spiders could not molt at this temperature. The population densities of eggs, 7th instar, and male spiders were estimated at 72,000, 4914, and 1170 per 1.5 acre, respectively, and mortality approximated a logarithmic decrease. The sex ratio was 1:1 T. kochi occupied 45% of the 1.5-acre study area, and all stages were distributed throughout the area occupied. The adult males and 7th-instar spiders traveled 12 and 3 ft per day respectively. Females produced a mean 48 mg of eggs and this fact accounted for the increase in weight of the females between November and April and the increase in weight of the females over the males. The individual efficiency (wt gain/ingestion) and ecological efficiency (wt gain/prey captured) were 32.5 and 19.1%, respectively. The young spiders had a smaller capacity for ingestion, required more frequent meals, and had a lower chance of survival than larger spiders. The mortality balanced the increased ingestion with age and seemed to be optimal for a population living on a fixed level of available prey biomass. The population energy budget indicated that the biomass of T. kochi dying equaled only 20% of the biomass of the prey captured by T. kochi . Cannibalism could have been the only mortality factor. Cannibalism would allow a population to adjust its density to available prey and maintain itself during periods of low prey density, and would shunt the biomass of small prey captured by the 1st-year population into the 2nd-year population, where it would contribute to reproduction.
Eocene vegetation and ecosystem fluctuations inferred from a high-resolution phytolith record

A thorough understanding of the ecosystem factors that can act as drivers of vegetation change, an important factor for projecting impacts of future climate change, requires adequately distinguishing between plant community changes that occur on the local scale or over ecological time scales, and long-term trends. Phytolith assemblages have the potential to provide this information, but little work has been done so far to test their ability to do so in deep time. We examined vegetation patterns inferred from phytoliths (plant silica microfossils) from a single section of the Renova Formation, Timberhills region, Montana, dated to 39.2 ± 3 Ma (late middle Eocene). The section is composed of fl uvial sediments overprinted by paleosols including Alfi sols, Entisols, Inceptisols, and composite paleosols. Phytolith assemblages from 27 paleosol samples were used to reconstruct a high-resolution vegetation history for the area and were compared with paleosol data. Phytoliths are predominantly from forest plants and include tropical elements such as palms (Arecaceae) and gingers (Zingiberales), suggesting a paratropical forest . The high-resolution sampling records heterogeneous vegetation including shifts among closed forest, moderately open forest (forest gaps, edges, and woodland), and grass-dominated habitats. Grasses are interpreted as early open-habitat plants tolerant of drier conditions, but they appear to be replaced by forest vegetation with time, resulting in poor correspondence between paleosol type and phytolith assemblage at some stratigraphic levels, where paleosol morphology indicates a forest ecosystem and the phytolith assemblages indicate a changing grass-forest mixture as a function of depth within the profi les. This is the fi rst study that has used phytoliths to construct a high-resolution record of vegetation from deep time, and we demonstrate that dense sampling and multiproxy approaches to paleo environmental reconstruction are necessary to capture vegetation heterogeneity in time and across microhabitats.
Use of Potassium Canrenoate to Suppress Ouabain-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias in Dogs

Potassium canrenoate, a steroidal compound and a specific antagonist of aldosterone, had (1) a potent protective effect against ouabain-induced ventricular tachycardia in intact closed-chest dogs and (2) a potent antiarrhythmic effect in abolishing ventricular bigeminy and ventricular tachycardia due to ouabain intoxication in dogs. Conversion of ouabain-induced arrhythmias was usually associated with an improvement in atrioventricular conduction, but no significant alterations in blood pressure or myocardial contractility occurred. Equivalent doses of potassium chloride failed to delay the occurrence of or to abolish the ouabain-induced ventricular tachycardia. Therefore, the antiarrhythmic activity of potassium canrenoate does not seem to be related to the potassium ion in the molecule. Since the compound combines both antiarrhythmic and diuretic activity, potassium canrenoate may be a valuable clinical agent for patients on digitalis therapy.
NON-SINUSOIDAL BENDING WAVES OF SPERM FLAGELLA•

The analyses of flagellar movement stimulated by Sir James Gray's (1955) photographic study of the movement of sea-urchin spermatozoa have used sine waves as a convenient mathematical model for the active bending waves of flagella. Machin (1958), following a suggestion of Pringle (1957), outlined an attractively simple model for the mechanical co-ordination of bending elements distributed along a flagellum to give propagated sine waves. However, in a later paper, Machin (1963) showed that these bending elements must behave non-linearly, in which case the bending waves will probably not be sinusoidal. Brokaw & Wright (1963) presented photographs showing that in at least one case-the large posterior flagellum of the dinoflagellate Ceratium-the bending waves are not sine waves, but instead contain regions of constant bending, forming circular arcs, separated by shorter unbent regions. In this paper photographs of flagellar bending waves of spermatozoa from marine invertebrate representatives of three animal phyla will be presented and discussed with reference to the description of bending waves proposed by Brokaw and Wright. Differences have been observed between the spermatozoa of these three species in respect of their movements under certain experimental conditions, but the common features of their movements will be emphasized in this paper.
Basic mechanisms of generalized absence seizures

Generalized absence seizures are neurophysiologically, pharmacologically, and developmentally unique and comprise the primary seizure type in a number of different absence epilepsy syndromes. Over the last 10 years, the availability of a number of animal models of generalized absence seizures and of sophisticated in vitro electrophysiological techniques that allow investigation of cortical and thalamic networks has begun to shed light on the pathogenesis of this disorder. The basic underlying mechanism appears to involve thalamocortical circuitry and the generation of abnormal oscillatory rhythms from that particular neuronal network. Biochemical mechanisms operative within thalamocortical circuitry during this neuronal oscillation seem to entail phase-locked -aminobutyric acid (GABA)B-mediated inhibition alternating with glutamate-mediated excitation. The basic cellular mechanism operative within this tension between excitation and inhibition appears to involve the T-type calcium current. Local circuitry within the thalamus may influence these oscillatory rhythms by GABAA-mediated inhibition. Pharmacological factors at play external to thalamocortical circuitry include cholinergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic mechanisms. Pathways that utilize these various neurotransmitters project onto the thalamus and/or cortex from sites distant to those structures and may modulate the process either up or down. Perturbation of one or more of these neuronal networks may lead to abnormal neuronal oscillatory rhythms within thalamocortical circuitry, with a resultant generation of bilaterally synchronous spike wave discharges that characterize generalized absence seizures. Our increasing understanding of the basic mechanisms that underlie generalized absence seizures promises to allow, for the first time, a rational design of drug treatment for a seizure disorder based on the pathogenesis of that disorder.
Compositions of fuzzy relations with hedges II

We continue our previous paper and explore an extension of compositions of fuzzy relations. The extension consists in modifying the standard formulas for composition by particular unary functions on the set of truth degrees. We study fuzzy relational equations using the new composition operators. As a particular example, the new operators lead to a decomposition of a fuzzy relation into a crisp relation and a fuzzy relation. We provide solvability criteria for several types of fuzzy relational equations. In addition, we present a connection between the new compositions and a particular type of data dependencies.
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes in Children and Adolescents: The Therapeutic Challenge

Data are presented comparing non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in youth. Children and adolescents with NIDDM were predominantly Mexican-American, presented less frequently in ketoacidosis, had a greater frequency of family history of diabetes, had higher BMIs (27.4 vs 16.6 kg/m2), and had higher frequency of acanthosis nigricans (67% vs 1.2%). Logistical, social, and cultural challenges facing the physician treating children and adolescents with NIDDM are discussed, and treatment options for NIDDM in youth are briefly reviewed.
Higher-Order Piezoelectric Plate Theory Derived from a Three-Dimensional Variational Principle

A three-dimensional mixed variational principle is used toderive a Kth-order two-dimensional lineartheory for an anisotropichomogeneouspiezoelectric(PZT)plate.Themechanicaldisplacements, theelectricpotential,theinplane components of the stress tensor, and the in-plane components of the electric displacement are expressed as a e niteseries of orderK inthethickness coordinate bytakingLegendrepolynomialsas thebasisfunctions. However, the transverse shear stress, the transverse normal stress, and the transverse electric displacement are expressed as a e nite series of order (K +2) in the thickness coordinate. The formulation accounts for the double forces without moments that may change the thickness of the plate. Results obtained by using the plate theory are given for the bending of a cantilever thick plate loaded on the top and the bottom surfaces by uniformly distributed 1) normal tractions and 2) tangential tractions. Results are also computed for the bending of a cantilever thick PZT beam loaded by 1) a uniformly distributed charge density on the top and the bottom surfaces and 2) equal and opposite normal tractions distributed uniformly only on a part of the beam. The seventh-order plate theory captures well the boundary-layer effects near the clamped and the free edges and adjacent to the top and the bottom surfaces of a thick orthotropic cantilever beam with the span to the thickness ratio of two. Also, through-the-thickness variation of the transverse shear and the transverse normal stresses agree well with those computed from the analytical solution of the three-dimensional elasticity equations. The governing partial differential equations are second order, so that Lagrange basis functions can be used to solve the problem by the e nite element method.
Electron microscopy study of individual grain boundaries in Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 thin films

We study the structural, chemical, and electronic properties of individual grain boundaries in Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) using combined electron microscopy techniques including scanning electron microscopy-based cathodoluminescence (CL)-spectrum imaging and scanning transmission electron microscopy-based Z-contrast imaging and energy-dispersive spectroscopy profiling. Two representative grain boundaries have been studied. We find that the grain boundary that exhibits a redshift in the CL spectrum image is found to link to a ZnSe second phase. The grain boundary showing no redshift in the CL spectrum image is not linked to any secondary phase. The stability of CZTSe cross-section samples with storage time is also discussed.
Using an iPad® App to Improve Sight Word Reading Fluency for At-Risk First Graders

We used a multiple baseline across word lists design nested within a multiple baseline across participants design to examine the effects of instruction delivered using an iPad® app on sight word fluency and oral reading fluency of six first graders identified as at risk for reading failure. In Study 1, three students participated in teacher-directed iPad® instruction to learn sight words. In Study 2, three other students participated in self-mediated iPad® instruction. We measured sight word fluency and oral reading fluency in both studies; In addition, we measured academic engagement in Study 2. Results showed increases in sight word fluency during the iPad® instruction, but limited gains were seen in oral reading fluency. The three participants in Study 2 consistently achieved high levels of engagement during the iPad® instruction compared with engagement during independent reading time. The benefits of using technology in the classroom and directions for future research are discussed.
Plant Species Associated with a Regionally Rare Hemiparasitic Plant, Pedicularis lanceolata (Orobanchaceae), Throughout Its Geographic Range

Abstract Typically, non-native invasive plant species are considered a threat to rare native plants, but this generalization may not hold true for rare parasitic plants that depend upon host plants to complete their life cycles. It is essential to know what plant species a particular hemiparasitic species associates with in the field, in order to determine host plant preferences and to make broader inferences about host plants. Pedicularis lanceolata is a hemiparasite that is regionally rare in New England and the southeastern margins of its range, but more abundant in the core of its range in the Midwest. I sought to compare the species associated with P. lanceolata in the core and margins of its range to determine if marginal populations have different associates from core populations. I hypothesized that P. lanceolata may be rare in the eastern United States because it encounters fewer suitable associates, and potentially more competitive invasive species, at the margins of its range than at the center...
Pitted morningglory interference in drill-seeded glyphosate-resistant soybean

Abstract Field experiments were conducted from 1997 through 1999 to evaluate interspecific interference between pitted morningglory at 0, 10, 16, and 62 plants m−2 and drill-seeded, glyphosate-resistant soybean as influenced by soybean population and a single glyphosate application of 1.12 kg ai ha−1. Photosynthetic rate of soybean was not influenced by pitted morningglory density or glyphosate use 2 wk after treatment (WAT). Photosynthetic rate of soybean 12 WAT was reduced by 21 and 91% with 62 treated and untreated pitted morningglory plants m−2, respectively, whereas 10 treated and untreated pitted morningglory plants m−2 had no effect on the soybean photosynthetic rate. Pitted morningglory photosynthetic rate 2 and 12 WAT was reduced by 64 and 80%, respectively, when treated with glyphosate. The reduction in the photosynthetic rate of glyphosate-treated pitted morningglory was partially attributed to shading by soybean, whereas untreated plants were fully exposed to sunlight. Glyphosate-treated pitte...
Processing let alone coordination in silent reading

Processing research on coordination indicates that simpler conjuncts are preferred over more complex ones, and that positing ellipsis structure in the second conjunct is taxing to process when a simpler non-ellipsis structure exists. The present study investigates let alone coordination, which is argued to require clausal ellipsis in the second conjunct. It is proposed that the processor always projects a clausal structure for the second conjunct for the ellipsis, obviating a general preference for a less complex conjunct. Experiment 1 consists of several sentence-completion questionnaires testing whether a DP or VP conjunct is preferred in let alone structures as in John doesn’t like Mary, let alone (Sue | love her). The results found a bias towards VP remnants that was weakly affected by syntactic placement of the focus particle even, as well as by prior context. Experiment 2 examined the effect of remnant type on eye movements during silent reading, revealing only distinct processing patterns, rather than major processing penalties, for different remnant types, and a general facilitation when even was present to signal upcoming scalar contrast.
Studies on thermoelectric figure of merit of Na-doped p-type polycrystalline SnSe

SnSe has attracted some attention due to the recent report of record high thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) of ∼2.6 at about 923 K in single crystals. Even though the ZT is high in single crystal SnSe, it was very low in its polycrystalline form due to the very low electrical conductivity (<103 S m−1) from 300 K to 700 K. In this work, we report studies on enhancement of electrical conductivity by Na doping to optimize the carrier concentration in polycrystalline SnSe prepared by melting and hot pressing. A room temperature carrier concentration of ∼2.7 × 1019 cm−3 was obtained in 2 atm% Na-doped SnSe samples with the highest power factor obtained in 1.5 atm% Na-doping. A peak ZT of ∼0.8 was achieved at 773 K along the hot pressing direction and the average ZT was improved.
Painless wakeful peribulbar block achieved safely with a single transconjunctival injection

This single-injection, peribulbar technique provides a painless and efficacious block without the need for intravenous supplements. One hundred consecutive patients achieved lid akinesia and complete akinesia and anesthesia of the globe by the transconjunctival route. Only 1% needed a supplemental injection, and complications were minor and infrequent.
Medicolegal aspects of automobile injuries.

Some basic elements of law relevant to the treatment of vehicle-related injury are presented— the Good Samaritan clause, the definition of liability in surgery, warranty, and informed consent. The stepwise development of a court case and the surgeon’s duties to the court are also outlined, in the manner of both reassurance and as a caveat to the reader.
Developmental venous anomalies of the brain in children — imaging spectrum and update

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are the most common vascular malformation of the brain and are commonly identified on routine imaging of the brain. They are typically considered incidental findings, usually with no clinical significance. However the increasing identification of DVAs as a result of improved imaging technology has led to recognition of their association with a variety of abnormal imaging findings and clinically important conditions. This pictorial essay explores the suspected embryological origin, associated imaging features, and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of DVAs in the pediatric population. This paper emphasizes newer physiological imaging data, which suggest that DVA drainage has less physiological flexibility than otherwise normal venous drainage development.
Agreeing Not to Disagree: Iterative Versus Episodic Forms of Political Participatory Behaviors

People talk about politics with others who may or may not share their views. These conversations shape their understanding and engagement with politics. However, studies have resulted in a conundrum in the relationship between disagreeable discussion and participation. Some studies suggest that the relationship is likely contingent on the type of participation. In addition, considering the characteristics of one’s social networks alongside exposure to disagreement serves to extend our understanding of how communication matters for political engagement. Our results suggest that episodic forms of participation, such as voting or protesting, are not directly impacted by exposure to disagreement, whereas iterative forms, including certain forms of civic engagement and expressive behaviors, are enhanced by exposure to political disagreement, particularly among those with larger discussion networks.
Current Status Investigation and Protection Suggestion of Ancient Pinus bungeanain He-Luo Region

Ancient trees are valuable,rare,and irreplaceable natural resources with high ecological,economic,and cultural value,and are significant in tourism,scientific research,and historical research.The current status of ancient Pinus bungeanais investigated in this paper.The data of distribution,tree ages,approximate height,trunk circumference,crown breadth,growth altitude,and cultural tales has been collected,and the protection approaches are discussed based on the living environment and interference factors.
Development and prevention of metastasis.

Metastatic spread of malignancy is the primary cause of treatment failure and subsequent death in cancer patients. All cancers have the capability to metastasize, however, there are notable exceptions which rarely if ever metastasize. These include basal cell carcinoma, or cancers which are primarily locally invasive such as primary brain cancers. Is metastasis is an earlier process in cancer progression than originally hypothesized? Over 70% of patients have occult or overt metastatic disease at the time of presentation. Thus, the overwhelming proportion of patients have disease which is not surgically resectable for cure at the time of diagnosis
pH-susceptibility of HLA-DO tunes DO/DM ratios to regulate HLA-DM catalytic activity

The peptide-exchange catalyst, HLA-DM, and its inhibitor, HLA-DO control endosomal generation of peptide/class II major histocompatibility protein (MHC-II) complexes; these complexes traffic to the cell surface for inspection by CD4+ T cells. Some evidence suggests that pH influences DO regulation of DM function, but pH also affects the stability of polymorphic MHC-II proteins, spontaneous peptide loading, DM/MHC-II interactions and DM catalytic activity, imposing challenges on approaches to determine pH effects on DM-DO function and their mechanistic basis. Using optimized biochemical methods, we dissected pH-dependence of spontaneous and DM-DO-mediated class II peptide exchange and identified an MHC-II allele-independent relationship between pH, DO/DM ratio and efficient peptide exchange. We demonstrate that active, free DM is generated from DM-DO complexes at late endosomal/lysosomal pH due to irreversible, acid-promoted DO destruction rather than DO/DM molecular dissociation. Any soluble DM that remains in complex with DO stays inert. pH-exposure of DM-DO in cell lysates corroborates such a pH-regulated mechanism, suggesting acid-activated generation of functional DM in DO-expressing cells.
Multi-modal journey planning in the presence of uncertainty

Multi-modal journey planning, which allows multiple types of transport within a single trip, is becoming increasingly popular, due to a strong practical interest and an increasing availability of data. In real life, transport networks feature uncertainty. Yet, most approaches assume a deterministic environment, making plans more prone to failures such as major delays in the arrival. We model the scenario as a non-deterministic planning problem with continuous time and time-dependent probabilities of non-deterministic effects. We present new hardness results. We introduce a heuristic search planner, based on Weighted AO* (WAO*). The planner includes search enhancements such as sound pruning, based on state dominance, and an admissible heuristic. Focusing on plans that are robust to uncertainty, we demonstrate our ideas on data compiled from real historical data from Dublin, Ireland. Repeated calls to WAO*, with decreasing weights, have a good any-time performance. Our search enhancements play an important role in the planner's performance.
Recurrent meningitis in a child with bilateral cochlear implantation associated with a petrous apex encephalocele: a case report and literature review

AbstractTo report a case of pediatric recurrent meningitis that is associated with an underlying petrous apex encephalocele in a patient with bilateral cochlear implants and reviews the literature of similar petrous apex lesions. A 5-year-old girl presented during her third episode of meningitis. Her first episode of meningitis left her with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss for which she received cochlear implants. During her assessment, she was found to have a petrous apex encephalocele, which was successfully repaired via a middle cranial fossa approach. Literature review demonstrates that petrous apex cephaloceles (PAC) are associated with meningitis, particularly in children. No previous reports exist of PAC in patients with cochlear implants. This case illustrates the importance of identifying an underlying anatomic abnormality in recurrent meningitis. PAC are rare abnormalities that can cause cerebrospinal fluid leaks leading to intracranial hypotension, cranial neuropathies, and infect...