cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron beam effective source surface distances for a high energy linear accelerator.

Abstract The design of the Varian Clinac 1800 linear accelerator electron applicator system does not allow clearance for all head and neck patients to be treated at the standard calibration distance of 100 cm. Discrepancies have been found between dose calculations using the inverse square law for extended distances and their measured data. A 4 × 4 cm2 applicator at an energy of 9 MeV, for example, had dose differences of 13 and 23% at distances of 105 and 110 cm SSD. Because of these discrepancies, effective source surface distances (SSDeff) were determined for all the standard electron energies and applicators of a Clinac 1800. These effective source surface distances ranged from 41.6 cm to 92.6 cm for the 4 × 4 cm2 cone/6 MeV electron beam through the 25× 25 cm2 cone/20 MeV electron beam. A summary of these distances and an analysis of the clinical use of both a best fit SSDeff and a common SSDeff for patient dosimetry calculations is presented.
Efficacy of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery in treatment of recurrent uterine sarcoma.

e17122Background: Uterine sarcomas including leiomyosarcoma are among the most aggressive forms of gynecologic malignancy with characteristically poor response to systemic chemotherapy. This study ...
HAMR Versus PMR: A Comparative Study of Signal-Noise Performance

A micromagnetic simulation-based comparative study between perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) and heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) has been performed. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is adopted as the metric of comparison, and various system parameters are considered, including fly-height (FH), write-track distance, and rotary motion of the head-stack-assembly (skew). It is found that even a HAMR system with a wide 60 nm full-width at half-maximum thermal profile demonstrates better SNR performance when compared to an optimized PMR system at a magnetic FH of 8 nm. The impact of skew on a single reader system is found to be minor for both PMR and HAMR, but the impact on a dual reader 2-D recording system differs substantially. In particular, the resolution for small bit detection depends greatly on reader shield orientation to the HAMR-written curved transition beneath the read free layer.
Are Patients Electronically Accessing Their Medical Records? Evidence From National Hospital Data.

Substantial policy effort has been directed at improving patients’ ability to access and use electronic health records. Using nationwide data from 2,410 hospitals for the period 2014–16, we examine...
MHD Modeling of Shock Physics Experiments with the Phelix Portable High Magnetic Field Drive

The PHELIX portable pulsed power driver has recently completed a set of experiments examining the response of granular material to convergent shock loading. Here a nearly 4 MA peak current is delivered to a Z-pinch load with a quarter wave cycle time of ~3 us. This produces B ~ 0.30 MG field at the surface of a ~3 cm diameter, 1 mm thick, 3 cm tall Al liner. The liner is accelerated to ~800 km/s before shock impacting a target cylinder filled with fine-grain CeO2 powder. Design and analysis simulations are performed with 2D MHD Lagrangian/ALE code to predict the liner performance and material response. Computational results are compared to the PHELIX Faraday rotation measurements for load current as well as proton radiographic imaging of the evolution of the density profile in the CeO 2 .
Perceived and Collective Norms Associated with Sexual Violence among Male Soldiers

The present study explores perceived and collective social norms pertaining to consent for sexual activity, comfort with sexism, stereotypes about rape, attitudes regarding relationships, and the use of dating apps. Data were collected via an anonymous online questionnaire administered to 338 active duty male soldiers between the ages of 18 and 24 at an Army post in the mid-South region of the United States. Analyses examined the extent soldiers accurately perceived the collective norms of their peers. Men were inaccurate in their estimation of the extent to which other male soldiers followed principles of consent in their sexual behaviors, such as stopping the first time a woman says “no” to sexual activity, stopping sexual activity even if aroused, and garnering a verbal affirmation for sex. Soldiers were inaccurate in their perception of peer norms regarding indicators of sexual interest and consent, including the belief that when a woman lets a man kiss her she wants to have sex, and if a woman wears a sexy dress she’s asking for sex. Soldiers were also inaccurate in their estimations of other male soldier’s comfort with sexism including feeling uncomfortable with sexist comments or sexual jokes that put down women. In addition, soldiers underestimated men’s preference for a good relationship with one woman rather than many sexual partners and overestimated their peers’ use of dating sites to locate sexual partners. These findings highlight the need to correct misperceived norms regarding dating and sexual activity among soldiers.
The Fifth Estate: Canaries in the Institutions of Liberal Democracies

The popular story of coal miners bringing a canary deep into the coal mines to warn of dangerous levels of poisonous gases might have a modern day parallel. Liberal democracies across the world saw the diffusion of the Internet in the twenty-first century giving rise to a Fifth Estate – a collectivity of networked individuals who could use the Internet to hold institutions across all sectors of society more accountable (Dutton 2009). Might the rise of a Fifth Estate have been a sign of the vitality and openness of liberal democratic institutions to the Internet? Likewise, might the demise of the Fifth Estate signal dangerous risks to open access to information and to freedom of expression and assembly so central to liberal democracies? If so, can its vitality be empirically monitored?
The TRIM9/TRIM67 neuronal interactome reveals novel activators of morphogenesis

TRIM9 and TRIM67 are neuronally-enriched E3 ubiquitin ligases essential for appropriate morphogenesis of cortical and hippocampal neurons and fidelitous responses to the axon guidance cue netrin-1. Deletion of murine Trim9 or Trim67 results in neuroanatomical defects and striking behavioral deficits, particularly in spatial learning and memory. TRIM9 and TRIM67 interact with cytoskeletal and exocytic proteins, but the full interactome is not known. Here we performed the unbiased proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) approach to define TRIM9 and TRIM67 protein-protein proximity network in developing cortical neurons and identified neuronal putative TRIM interaction partners. Candidates included cytoskeletal regulators, cytosolic protein transporters, exocytosis and endocytosis regulators, and proteins necessary for synaptic regulation. A subset of high priority candidates was validated, including Myo16, Coro1A, SNAP47, ExoC1, GRIP1, PRG-1, and KIF1A. For a subset of validated candidates, we utilized TIRF microscopy to demonstrate dynamic colocalization with TRIM proteins at the axonal periphery, including at the tips of filopodia. Further analysis demonstrated the RNAi-based knockdown of the unconventional myosin Myo16 in cortical neurons altered axonal branching patterns in a TRIM9 and netrin-1 dependent manner. Future analysis of other validated candidates will likely identify novel proteins and mechanisms by which TRIM9 and TRIM67 regulate neuronal form and function.
Characteristics of Human Behavior in Force Modulation while Performing Force Tracking Tasks

In designing a human-computer interface, it is vital to understand the principle behind motion generation in humans. Previous research has mostly focused on kinematics and not kinetics. In this paper, we present the characteristics of human behavior while performing force tracking tasks. Here we present a preliminary study in which three type of measurements were conducted with three healthy young adult male subjects to characterize force modulation (discrete, rhythmic, and target transition). Subjects were instructed to control the force exerted to the load cell during a force pursuit tracking task. The visually-guided discrete attempt investigated human behavior when the target changed discretely (every 5 seconds). The rhythmic attempt investigated human behavior when the target changed continuously and periodically (every 1 second). The target transition required subjects to alter the behavior of the input force. The results suggest the following: the differential value of the force generated by a human is sufficiently large, while the response speed is based on visual information; humans can predict future reference to a small degree and attempt to improve or correct their force; and the rule of superimposition comes into effect with regard to the differential value of force.
Revisiting Sex Offender Registration and Notification: Does Awareness Differ Across Community Type?:

In recent decades, sex offender registry and notification has become ubiquitous across the United States. Although researchers have attempted to evaluate the awareness of registered sex offenders, ...
Time to say goodbye: The impact of anthropomorphism on selling prices of used products

Abstract In this research, we investigate the impact of anthropomorphism on used product transactions. The results of three experiments with different types of products and in different types of transaction channels (i.e., online auctions and fixed-price selling formats) provide converging evidence that anthropomorphism leads sellers to set higher selling prices for their used products. In this research, we theorize that this outcome occurs because sellers develop strong emotional connections with their anthropomorphized products and hesitate to end the relationship. We also highlight an important boundary condition for this core effect. We demonstrate that this effect of anthropomorphism occurs when sellers have positive attitudes toward the past.
Listening to Heartbeat: the pulse of ecofeminism in a picturebook

Using an ecofeminist theoretical frame along with critical content analysis of visual images, this article examines the environmental discourse of the picturebook, Heartbeat, written and illustrate...
Keyhole Superior Interhemispheric Approach to Midline Meningiomas of the Far Frontal Region of the Anterior Skull Base: Cadaveric Study and Illustrative Cases.

Objective Unique challenges can present in the treatment of small to mid-sized meningiomas that arise from the region of the anterior most aspect of the falx cerebri including its junction with the anterior skull base, what we call the far frontal region. Although this region of the anterior skull base is considered in the surgical approach of olfactory groove meningiomas invading this space, important differences exist between these tumors and those of the far frontal region. Methods Toward refining surgical selection, our cadaveric study details a minimally invasive keyhole superior interhemispheric approach to the far frontal region and 2 illustrative cases show the feasibility of this approach. Results Our cadaveric study defines 5 steps of the approach from the incision, craniectomy, dural opening, approaching the skull base and ipsilateral exposure, and finally falcine resection and bilateral skull base exposure. Two illustrative cases with the approach confirmed visualization of the full extent of tumor and gross total resection with preservation of the unaffected olfactory bulb. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, our anatomic study is distinctively unique in quantifying the working distance of the keyhole superior interhemispheric exposure and refining visualization of the far frontal region. We discuss these benefits and limitations (i.e., substantial involvement of tumor beyond midline) and differences with large meningiomas of the olfactory groove and far frontal region with significant posterior or lateral extension for which conventional exposures are appropriate.
Nail Manifestations in COVID-19: Insight into a Systemic Viral Disease

Nail manifestations are 1 of the several extrapulmonary findings associated with COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nail changes, however, have been largely ignored and not yet summarized. This article is intended to increase awareness of nail manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, which occur weeks to months after acute infection and the periungual pernio-like changes may occur concomitantly with infection. An electronic search was carried out in PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Scopus databases. The following keywords and all of their possible combinations were used to identify studies: "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "Coronavirus," "2019-ncov," "nail," and "nails." Six case reports were included in this study. Manifestations identified included red half-moon sign, transverse orange nail lesions, Mees' lines, and Beau's lines. Though largely nonspecific, these findings can be recognized with the onset of symptom onset or as late as 16 weeks following the disease. Some of these findings are shared with other conditions associated with a proinflammatory state. Nail changes offer unique insight into the pathophysiologic basis for SARS-CoV-2 and they may serve as diagnostic clues.
An effective nucleation rate for oxide precipitation in Czochralski silicon and a simple framework for multi-step anneal calculations

Abstract A simple and physically consistent quantitative model of oxide precipitate nucleation in Czochralski-Silicon (Cz-Si) can significantly improve predictions of wafer characteristics during fabrications of semiconductor devices or solar cells. Towards that end, a classical nucleation theory based nucleation rate expression is developed for oxide precipitation in Cz-Si wafers in which vacancy supersaturation is not high. The precipitate morphology is assumed to be thin flat plates. The estimates of critical cluster sizes from new model corroborate the theory that thermal donors or some other embryonic form of oxygen clusters can be precursors of oxide precipitates. The new model predicts effective nucleation rates which are in agreement with previously reported data. The nucleation rates predictions from the new model and diffusion limited growth of precipitate plates of constant thickness are used in a simple framework to calculate precipitate densities after multi-step anneals reported previously in literature. The modeled precipitate densities are found to be in reasonable agreement with corresponding experimental values.
A combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by amoxicillin-resistant haemophilus influenzae.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a fixed combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in 33 patients with chronic or recurrent respiratory tract infections (R.T.I.), mainly bronchitis. In two patients bronchopneumonia was diagnosed, and in one cystic fibrosis. The patients were treated with 750 mg of the drug combination (500 mg amoxicillin/250 mg clavulanic acid) t. i. d. for seven or ten days. Good clinical success was obtained in 17 patients and a clear improvement in another eight. The most frequently isolated micro-organism was Haemophilus influenzae; of the 22 strains isolated, 20 were resistant to 2 mg/l amoxicillin but sensitive to the combination of 2 mg/l amoxicillin and 1 mg/l clavulanic acid. Side-effects were reported in nine patients; two patients discontinued treatment for this reason. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a useful therapeutic addition to the existing forms of treatment for amoxicillin-resistant respiratory tract infections.
Prognostic significance of tumor mitotic rate in T2 melanoma staged with sentinel lymphadenectomy.

Background and Objectives Tumor mitotic rate (TMR) is an important prognostic variable for patients with thin melanoma. However it remains unclear what the significance of TMR is for more deeply invasive melanoma pathologically staged with a sentinel lymph node biopsy. We sought to determine the prognostic value of TMR in clinically node-negative T2 melanoma patients staged with sentinel lymphadenectomy. Methods A prospective IRB-approved database of cutaneous melanoma patients treated from 09/01/1997–03/01/2011 was used to identify patients with T2 melanoma staged with a SLN. Associations were evaluated using Fisher's Exact test, and Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results Three hundred thirteen T2 patients were included. 19% had ulceration, 11% a positive sentinel node (SLN), and 10% recurred. 44% of patients had TMR ≥1/mm2. TMR ≥1/mm2 did not predict SLN status. TMR ≥1/mm2 was significantly associated with recurrence in SLN negative patients; only 3% of those with TMR <1/mm2 developed a recurrence compared to 16% of those with TMR ≥1/mm2 (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Although TMR ≥1/mm2 is not associated with risk of SLN involvement in T2 melanoma, it is a significant risk factor for recurrence when SLN negative. As such, TMR could be used to stratify follow-up regimens in SLN negative T2 patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:711–715. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The possible role of ticks as vectors of leptospirae: I. Transmission of Leptospira pomona by the argasid tick, Ornithodoros turicata, and the persistance of this organism in its tissues

Abstract 1. 1. Adult and nymphal Ornithodoros turicata that had fed on hamsters or air-sacs of embryonated chicken eggs infected with Leptospira pomona transmitted leptospirae to guinea pigs in 15 of 35 transmission experiments. 2. 2. After an infectious blood meal, leptospirae penetrate the gut wall into the hemocele of the tick; here multiplication occurs and infection extends to the salivary glands, central ganglion, coxal organs, and tissues of the excretory and genital systems. 3. 3. Leptospirae were also found in developing egg follicles but no evidence of transovarial transmission was obtained. The coxal fluids of infected ticks regularly contained large quantities of L. pomona. 4. 4. The ability of the argasid tick, O. turicata, to preserve and transmit L. pomona for a period of at least 518 and 232 days, respectively, suggests that this species of tick may serve as a vector of leptospirosis in nature.
Observations of Long-tailed Weasel, Mustela frenata , Hunting Behavior in Central West Virginia

Using infrared video-surveillance systems during 1999–2000, we observed attempts by two individual Long-tailed Weasels ( Mustela frenata ) to depredate female Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) and their clutch of eggs. Neither female was captured despite Long-tailed Weasel attacks on multiple nights, but all eggs from one nest were either consumed or cached over a two-night period. Although Long-tailed Weasels have been shown to return quickly to areas of abundant prey, return visit behavior to locations where weasels were unsuccessful or only partially successful are poorly described.
Nuclear Structure and Decay Data in the Electronic Age

The advances made in electronic dissemination of nuclear structure and decay data are described.
The effects of learning goal orientation, developmental needs awareness and self-directed learning on career satisfaction in the Korean public sector

This study examines the effects of learning goal orientation and developmental needs awareness and self-directed learning on career satisfaction of 291 employees in the Korean public sector. Based on structural equation modelling analysis, we found that learning goal orientation and developmental needs awareness accounted for 55% of the variance in self-directed learning and that the three antecedents explained 14% of the variance in career satisfaction. Developmental needs awareness fully mediated the relationship between learning goal orientation and career satisfaction. Learning goal orientation and developmental needs awareness had significant effects on self-directed learning. Contrary to widely held beliefs, however, the relationship between self-directed learning and career satisfaction turned out to be non-significant in the Korean public sector, where career mobility is low and learning/performance-focussed culture and human resources practices are limited.
A numerical assessment of the durability of thermal barrier systems that fail by ratcheting of the thermally grown oxide

Interactions between cracks induced in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) upon thermal cycling have been calculated. The interactions are motivated by displacement instability in the thermally grown oxide (TGO). The results indicate that the energy release rate G cycles as the temperature changes, with the largest value arising at ambient temperature. It increases on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Cracks that converge from neighboring imperfections exhibit a minimum energy release rate prior to coalescence. Equating this minimum to the toughness of the TBC provides a criterion for coalescence and failure. Imposing this criterion allows the change in crack length upon cycling and the number of cycles to failure to be ascertained. This simulation capability is used to explore various influences on durability. The roles of the heating/cooling rate and the high temperature hold time are assessed, demonstrating substantial variation in durability, especially when the bond coat is relatively soft. The trends from these simulations are compared with experimental results for furnace cycle and burner rig tests. Improvements in the durability upon increasing the high temperature strength of the bond coat and upon decreasing the growth stress in the TGO are established, as well as the influence of the geometric imperfections in the bond coat. Some effects of the thermal expansion misfit between the bond coat and the substrate are explored.
Isolation of penicillin-susceptible mutants from penicillinase-producing strains of M. pyogenes.

SummaryTwelve of 13 strains of M. pyogenes which produce penicillinase yielded non-penicillinase-producing mutants which were susceptible to penicillin. This apparent spontaneous type of mutation occurs at a high rate of frequency. Cultivation of a strain of this organism at 45° C significantly increased the number of mutants. No evidence of reversibility of the mutation was obtained.
Enhanced p-Type Conductivity of Nitrogen Doped ZnO by Nano/Micro Structured Rods and Zn-Rich Co-Doping Process

We report the formation of p-type nitrogen doped ZnO (ZnO:N) grown by thermal-evaporation deposition. We found that the ZnO nano/micro structured rods can improve nitrogen doping. In addition, co-doping with metal (excess Zn in this study) can enhance nitrogen doping through a Zn-rich process. The effects of nitrogen precursors on the electrical and optical properties of ZnO:N were investigated. This study shows that growth process plays a critical role in the electrical properties of ZnO:N.
Does Theory Drive the Items or Do Items Drive the Theory

At the heart of the argument-based approach to test validation as it has been presented by Kane (1992, 2004, 2006) is a relatively simple premise: test validity is demonstrated by linking the score...
Oncocytoma of kidney

Two cases of oncocytoma of the kidney are presented. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of this rare tumor are described and compared with those of renal cell carcinoma.
Urea, altered renal function, and vasopressin in Reye-Johnson syndrome

Abstract Factors which affect urea synthesis and handling are examined in RJS. BUN and blood ammonia are increased in untreated patients but no correlation between these two metabolites was found. In fatal outcomes a two-fold rise in the peak BUN was frequently seen. The total plasma amino acid concentration in RJS is nearly three and one-half times that of control subjects reflecting the increased amino acid load presented to the liver for processing. The total plasma amino acid concentration in untreated patients is even higher than that observed in a patient with liver failure. A significant reduction in arginine and an increase in ornithine levels are found in many patients. Ornithine is not a significant component of muscle actinmyosin protein whereas arginine is present nearly to the same extent as lysine. These findings suggest that the hydrolysis of arginine from the breakdown of protein by arginase (reportedly normal or increased in activity in RJS) could contribute to urea formation. Glomerular filtration rates as determined by creatinine clearances are both low and high in untreated patients. The urinary excretion of urea based on creatinine is nearly twice that of sick controls in untreated patients. Na and K excretion at comparable urine osmolarities are significantly diminished in untreated RJS patients. A peculiar pattern of an abrupt drop in urea excretion despite the presence of increased urea in the blood as well as the observation of a similarly acute drop in urea excretion in a child with varicella are presented and discussed in the light of observations of increased vasopressin levels in RJS patients above stage I.
More on Haecceitism and Possible Worlds

Anti-haecceitism is the thesis that the universe could not be non-qualitatively different without being qualitatively different. Haecceitism is the denial of anti-haecceitism.1 In “Haecceitism, Anti-Haecceitism, and Possible Worlds” I argued that there are no non-tendentious definitions of “haecceitism” and “anti-haecceitism” using possibleworlds talk. For any candidate definition of “anti-haecceitism” that uses possibleworlds talk there is some theory of possible worlds relative to which that definition is not equivalent to anti-haecceitism. The most promising definition of “anti-haeceitism” that I discussed was
Crisis management effectiveness indicators for US meat and poultry recalls

Abstract Policy makers within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) complement the role of meat and poultry plant managers in food recalls. The increasing frequency and scale of recalls raise questions whether sufficient attention is placed on these events. Three measures of recall effectiveness are introduced to evaluate this public-private crisis management process. Managerial and technical variables are compared to these measures of effectiveness. Results from regression models suggest that recalls carried out by the smallest sized plants, those that took place after Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point implementation, and recalls involving processed products are more effective. Little evidence of differences was found in the effectiveness of the crisis management process between meat plants compared with poultry plants or for plants that are part of a larger firm. Despite USDA’s stated focus on recalls with more severe public health consequences, there is no evidence that Class I or microbiological recalls are more effectively managed.
The pharmacokinetics of methamphetamine self-administration in male and female rats

Background Because methamphetamine (METH) pharmacokinetics after single iv doses show significant differences between male and female rats, we hypothesized that pharmacokinetic differences in METH disposition could be a contributing factor to the patterns of METH self-administration behaviors in rats.
PREMATURE REVERSAL OF HEART-BEAT IN BOMBYX

(1) Premature reversal of direction of heart-beat in Bombyx was induced in spinning larvae and those about to spin by blocking the 3 most posterior pairs of spiracles with Brunswick black, in accordance with the experiments of Yokoyama. (2) This method and the injection of lactic and other acids paralyze the muscles of the body wall and heart in that region, thus preventing forward and permitting backward beating. (3) Attempts to produce periodic reversal in the larva in the early days of the 5th stage by Yokoyama's methods failed. (4) The application of ether, alcohol, or xylol to the 3 posterior pairs of spiracles, or immersion of these segments in alcohol, was effective in inducing premature reversal at the close of the 5th stage, exclusively forward beating being resumed as soon as narcosis disappeared. (5) Amputation of the posterior end of the body of the larva, including the end of the dorsal vessel in abdominal segments 7 and 8, did not prevent forward peristalsis. (6) Amputation of head and thorax from the abdomen of a pupa did not interfere with normal periodic reversal in the abdomen. (7) Thus periodic reversal in the dorsal vessel takes place without the intervention of any terminal ganglia. (8) The suggestion of Yokoyama and earlier writers (Bataillon, Fischer) that general acidosis initiates normal backward beating is not corroborated. (9) The metabolic gradient of the larval dorsal vessel is never lost, but intermittently neutralized in the prepupa, pupa and adult by increased metabolic action at two other points: the central node (in the young pupa) and the aorta with its mesothoracic pulsating vesicle (in the adult). (10) These gradients are adaptations to the large influx of hemolymph into the dorsal vessel at three principal regions.
Leibniz on the Logical Order of Time

As regards the question of the nature of time, Leibniz's account of monads raises the question of whether they have a temporal order and what this temporal order derives from. His account is generally taken to be an attempt to ground the asymmetric direction of time in a non-temporal sequence, such a chain of causes or reasons. The problem is whether such chains can ground temporal sequences without presupposing what it is that they are supposed to ground. Is his attempt circular, as many commentators have argued? A case can be made that monadic states can be individuated without presupposing time, which would enable him to account for temporal sequences in terms of a non-temporal one.
Molecular evolution and selection pressure in alpha-class carbonic anhydrase family members

Carbonic anhydrases (CA) are ubiquitous, and their involvement in diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and glaucoma is well known. Most members of this family of metalloenzymes convert carbon dioxide to bicarbonate with the help of a Zn(2+) cofactor. While the expression patterns and kinetic activities of many of these isozymes have been studied, little is known about the differences in the conservation patterns of individual residues. To better understand the molecular evolution of the CA gene family, we created multiple sequence alignments and analyzed the selection pressure (dN/dS ratios) on surface and active site residues in 248 mammalian sequences of the 14 known family members. Using the values found for amino acids of known functional importance (i.e. the three histidines that bind the zinc cofactor) as our baseline, we were able to identify other regions of possible structural and functional importance.
Cerebral hemodynamics and cognitive decline: swimming against the current.

The aging of our population means the incidence of cognitive impairment will continue to rise over the next decades, bringing urgency to our obligation to unravel this condition's complex pathophysiology. The prevailing conception about diseases such as Alzheimer dementia, stroke, and frontal temporal dementia is that progressive cognitive dysfunction, once identified, is an irreversible process, leading inexorably to a state of total dependence, and to family and societal burden. Any advance in our knowledge, including the prospect that cognitive decline may have a potentially treatable pathophysiology, creates some light in an otherwise apparently dark tunnel.
Telemedicine system evaluation and a collaborative model for multi-centered research

Evaluating telemedicine systems and services is a complex task. Safety and efficacy must be measured in a relatively controlled laboratory environment, while measurement of clinical utility and medical effectiveness requires extensive field testing. The need for large clinical trials to demonstrate utility and effectiveness presents a dilemma. Substantial numbers of cases are needed to achieve statistically valid results, yet most telemedicine programs are based in rural settings with small patient populations. One potential solution is to pool data from multiple programs by using common data collection instruments and protocols. A promising model for the performance of multi-centered collaborative telemedicine research is described. The Clinical Telemedicine Cooperative Group (CTCG) is based on the successful use of collaborative research by clinical oncology research groups such as the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG).
Simulation analysis of real-time task scheduling

In a distributed real-time command, control and communication (C/sup 3/) system, tasks execute to fulfil both local and system-wide computational goals. Satisfying system-wide goals imposes requirements on local tasks to operate in a predictable manner, within restricted timing ranges. In addition, local tasks themselves may vary within a wide operational envelope in terms of their criticalities of performance. Traditional solutions to scheduling use mechanisms such as FIFO, round-robin, or simple priority, to provide sequencing. These techniques are not adequate in a time-constrained environment, where failure could lead to catastrophic results. This paper surveys a collection of scheduling algorithms and examines their performance via simulation for a class of real-time C/sup 3/ tasks. Our valve-phase-deadline (VPD) algorithm is described and analyzed against five well-known schedulers. >
Infrared (ATR) Study of Hydrogen Bonding in Solutions Containing Water and Ethylene Carbonate

The structure and hydrogen bonding of water in solutions containing EC at different concentrations were examined using infrared (ATR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the OH stretch vibrations of water was performed using several different techniques, and the results were compared to similar analyses found in the literature. Factor analysis and curve fitting show two concentration-dependent regions wherein the structure of water in the mixture is critically disrupted and hydrogen bonding is significantly changed.
Age-Friendly Environments and Self-Rated Health: An Exploration of Detroit Elders

While a number of organizations and government entities have encouraged the development of more "age-friendly" environments, to date there has been limited research linking these environment features to elder outcomes. Using a representative sample of older adults living in Detroit, this study examined the association between age-friendly environment factors and self-rated health. Results indicated that access to health care, social support, and community engagement were each associated with better self-rated health, while neighborhood problems were associated with poorer self-rated health. Moreover, individual-level income and education no longer predicted self-rated health once age-friendly environment factors were taken into account. These findings highlight the need for more research documenting the effects of age-friendly environments, particularly across diverse contexts and populations.
Nanotribology studies of carbon surfaces by force microscopy

Abstract The frictional properties of different types of carbon surfaces, graphite, diamond, hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H), and C60 buckminsterfullerene, are studied in air at low loads (below 1.5 μN) by friction force microscopy. The different types of carbons have frictional coefficients varying from 0.01 to 0.8, demonstrating the ability of friction force microscopy to distinguish between the different types of carbon. For a-C:H carbon on a magnetic disk surface, the surface topography greatly influences the observed friction, complicating the interpretation of the friction force for this practical surface.
The impact of vitrification on murine germinal vesicle oocyte In vitro maturation and aurora kinase A protein expression

Purpose Investigate the effect of vitrification on in vitro maturation (IVM) and expression of Aurora kinases A, B, and C in germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes.
A COMPARATIVE ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE HUMAN KNEE AND SIX ANIMAL SPECIES

Abstract Purpose Animal models are an indispensable tool for developing and testing new clinical applications regarding the treatment of acute injuries and chronic diseases of the knee joint. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the anatomy of the intra-articular structures of the human knee to species commonly used in large animal research studies. Methods Fresh frozen cow (n = 4), sheep (n = 3), goat (n = 4), dog (n = 4), pig (n = 5), rabbit (n = 5), and human (n = 4) cadaveric knees were used. Passive range of motion and intra-articular structure sizes of the knees were measured, the structure sizes normalized to the tibial plateau, and compared among the species. Results Statistically significant differences in the range of motion and intra-articular structure sizes were found among all the species. Only the human knee was able to attain full extension. After normalization, only the pig ACL was significantly longer than the human counterpart. The tibial insertion site of the ACL was split by the anterior lateral meniscus attachment in the cow, sheep, and pig knees. The sheep PCL had two distinct tibial insertion sites, while all the other knees had only one. Furthermore, only in human knees, both lateral meniscal attachments were located more centrally than the medial meniscal attachments. Conclusions/clinical relevance Despite the relatively preserved dimensions of the cruciate ligaments, menisci, and intercondylar notch amongst human and animals, structural differences in the cruciate ligament attachment sites and morphology of the menisci between humans and animals are important to consider when selecting an animal model.
Substitution of arginine with proline and proline derivatives in melanocyte-stimulating hormones leads to selectivity for human melanocortin 4 receptor.

A new series of melanotropin analogues with His or Arg residues in the core pharmacophores of MTII, SHU9119, and Ac-NDP-γ-MSH-NH2 replaced by Pro or trans-/cis-4-guanidinyl-Pro derivatives were designed and synthesized to introduce selectivity toward the human melanocortin 4 receptor (hMC4R). Analogues 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 were found to be hMC4R selective. Second messenger studies have demonstrated that analogues 1 and 2 are insurmountable inhibitors of MTII agonist activity at the hMC4R. Molecular modeling studies suggest that the hMC4R selectivity is due to a β-turn shift induced by the Pro ring that makes the global minimum structures of these analogues resemble the NMR solution structure of the hASIP melanocortin receptor binding motif. Substitution of His in MTII also provided functional selectivity for the hMC3R or the hMC4R. These findings are important for a better understanding of the selectivity mechanism at the hMC3R/hMC4R and the development of therapeutic ligands selectively targeting the hMC4R.
Semantic constraints and judged preference for interpretations of ambiguous sentences

It is proposed that the degree of sensibleness of sentences is determined by semantic constraints which may be more or less satisfied. Such continuous semantic constraints were examined in two experiments in which subjects judged the likelihood of obtaining each of the interpretations of ambiguous sentences. The sentences were factorially generated by independently varying the degree to which semantic constraints for each interpretation were satisfied. In one experiment, the semantic constraints were manipulated by varying critical words within the ambiguous sentence; in the other experiment, a preceding context sentence was used. The results of both experiments supported the hypotheses that the judged likelihood was a direct function of the relative sensibleness of the interpretations, that semantic constraints determined the degree of sensibleness of each interpretation, and that these semantic constraints are continuous restrictions which are independent of each other and stable from sentence to sentence in which they occur.
Within fluid cognition: Fluid processing and fluid storage?

Blair describes fluid cognition as highly related to working memory and executive processes, and dependent on the integrity of frontal-lobe functioning. However, the literature review appears to neglect potential contributions to fluid cognition of the focus of attention as an important information-storage device, and the role of posterior brain regions in that kind of storage. Relevant cognitive and imaging studies are discussed.
Mechanism and Function of the Outer Membrane Channel TolC in Multidrug Resistance and Physiology of Enterobacteria.

TolC is an archetypal member of the Outer membrane Efflux Protein (OEP) family. These proteins are involved in export of peptide and small molecule toxins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Genomes of some bacteria such as Pseudomonas species contain multiple copies of OEPs. In contrast, enterobacteria contain a single tolC gene, the product of which functions with multiple transporters. Inactivation of tolC has a major impact on enterobacterial physiology and virulence. Recent studies suggest that the role of TolC in physiology of enterobacteria is very broad and affects almost all aspects of cell adaptation to adverse enviroments. We review the current state of understanding TolC structure and present an integrated view of TolC function in enterobacteria. We propose that seemingly unrelated phenotypes of tolC mutants are linked together by a single most common condition – an oxidative damage to membranes.
Anatomical structures in the Leksell pallidotomy target.

Objective: Because interruption of pallidal outflow signals by pallidotomy is believed to play an important role in the motor improvement in Parkinson’s disease, the anatomical rela
Effects of occipital neocortical lesions upon visual discriminations in the cat.

Abstract Cats were trained on flux, equal-contour-pattern, unequal-contour-pattern and visual cliff discriminations. The stimuli used in the pattern discriminations either increased or decreased in the number of intersections. Subsequently, the animals were subjected to surgery with the intent to remove the neocortex from the lateral, posterolateral, suprasylvian, suprasplenial and splenial gyri. Postoperatively, all cats relearned the flux, visual cliff and unequal-contour-pattern discriminations. The most medial portions of area 17 were spared in these animals. Two of the cats also relearned the equal-contour-pattern discriminations. Different but additional sparing was noted in area 19. The results in terms of varying the number of intersections were equivocal.
Ranging Patterns in Relation to Seasonality and Frugivory Among Cercopithecus campbelli, C. petaurista, and C. diana in the Taï Forest

My objective is to better understand the influences of seasonality and frugivory on ranging patterns for 3 guenon species of the Tai Forest: Cercopithecus campbelli, C. petaurista, and C. diana). Over a 17-mo period, I gathered data on the daily path length, home range size, and home range use for 2 habituated groups of each species. The ranging patterns of the 3 species were very similar to each other and across seasons. Further, the ranging patterns were not closely related to fruit abundance or consumption. Each species had a long-ranging strategy with long daily ranges relative to home range size and little repeated use of areas on successive days, which may relate to territory and boundary patrols, especially for Cercopithecus diana. I compare them with other guenon communities and demonstrate that the ranging patterns of the 3 species are more similar than the ranging patterns of sympatric guenons in other communities. I discuss the results in relation to the association of Cercopithecus campbelli and C. petaurista with C. diana for antipredator benefits.
Intratympanic gentamicin therapy for vertigo in nonserviceable ears.

Abstract Purpose: Intratympanic ototoxic agents have become a widely accepted means of managing vertigo in patients with Meniere's disease while preserving residual hearing. We investigated expanding the indications for intratympanic gentamicin to include control of vertigo in patients without serviceable hearing in the involved ear caused by a variety of end-organ pathologies. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective series of 6 patients suffering from vertigo caused by end-organ disease, in an ear without serviceable hearing. Two patients suffered from delayed endolymphatic hydrops, 3 from Meniere's disease, and 1 from poststapedectomy vertigo. These patients chose unilateral vestibular ablation with serial intratympanic gentamicin injection rather than labyrinthectomy for a variety of reasons. Conventional electronystagmography (ENG) testing and audiometry were completed on all patients. The ENG testing included bithermal calorics and rotational testing. All patients had a magnetic resonance image with gadolinium to exclude retrocochlear or central pathology. Rotational testing was repeated before each injection and at the conclusion of therapy to assess changes in the peripheral vestibular response. The patients' subjective response to therapy was followed. Results: Follow-up has been 10 to 69 months with successful control of vertigo in all patients. Conclusions: Intratympanic gentamicin therapy offers a minimally invasive, ambulatory, low morbidity, cost-effective means of managing vertigo in patients with nonserviceable hearing. (Am J Otolaryngol 2001;22:111-115. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)
Monitoring of the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in South Carolina Using Pheromone Traps

Adult European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), males responded preferentially to traps baited with a blend of 3% Z- and 97% E-11-tetradecenyl acetate in the South Carolina coastal plain. In the Piedmont area of the state, this response was reversed in favor of a 97Z:3E isomeric blend. Pheromone traps caught fewer ECB moths than blacklight traps and catch initiation usually lagged several days behind that of the blacklight traps. Commercial pheromone lures attracted ECB males, but sticky wing traps were relatively inefficient. The Albany Heliothis Scentry cone trap captured significantly more moths than did a modified Heliothis cone trap, a modified boll weevil trap, the International S.P.I. moth trap, or the Pherocon 1C wing trap.
Title: Comparison of characteristics in study participants and nonparticipants in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study

Purpose Differences between study participants and nonparticipants are a concern in epidemiologic studies. Study results may be biased if those participating are not representative of the reference population for whom the research in question is targeted. The purpose of this study is to compare demographic characteristics of individuals who choose or refuse to participate in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study. Methods Louisiana Healthy Aging Study is a population-based study which examines the determinants of healthy aging in adulthood in eight Louisiana parishes. The Louisiana Voter Registration File (VRF) and Medicare Beneficiary Enrollment Data Files (CMS) were used to generate sampling populations of age 20 to 64 and age 65 and older, respectively. An introductory letter with a prepaid postcard was mailed to potential participants and a follow-up letter was sent after two weeks of lag time from initial attempt. Potential subjects who did not respond to the mailing were contacted by phone to check on their potential interest in study participation. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine what factors were associated with those participating in the study. Results Overall, 1729 potential subjects have been identified. Participation rate declined with age (p Conclusion Studies involving in-clinic examination may under-represent elderly, especially those with health and physical difficulties, even transportation is offered. However, gender and race do not seem to affect the decision to participate in research studies.