cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Harvesting renewable energy from Earth’s mid-infrared emissions

Abstract It is possible to harvest energy from Earth's thermal infrared emission into outer space. We calculate the thermodynamic limit for the amount of power available, and as a case study, we plot how this limit varies daily and seasonally in a location in Oklahoma. We discuss two possible ways to make such an emissive energy harvester (EEH): A thermal EEH (analogous to solar thermal power generation) and an optoelectronic EEH (analogous to photovoltaic power generation). For the latter, we propose using an infrared-frequency rectifying antenna, and we discuss its operating principles, efficiency limits, system design considerations, and possible technological implementations.
α-Synuclein immunoreactivity in neuronal nuclear inclusions and neurites in multiple system atrophy

We examined neuronal and oligodendroglial nuclear inclusions and neurites in the pontine base of multiple system atrophy brains using an antibody to alpha-synuclein. Immunohistochemistry showed alpha-synuclein positive inclusions in the nuclei of some neurons and oligodendroglia. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the labeled inclusions were composed of bundles of tightly packed straight filaments with a diameter of 10-20 nm. The filaments were similar, if not identical, in morphology and immunoreactivity, to those found in the soma of neurons and oligodendrocytes with glial cytoplasmic inclusions. In addition, similar immuno-positive filaments were found in dendrites or unmyelinated axons, but not in myelinated axons. The functional significance of these inclusions in terms of transcriptional and axonal dysfunction is unknown.
Effects of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on the metabolism of benz[a]pyrene by rabbit endometrial cells in primary culture

Abstract The direct effects of estrogen (17β-estradiol) and progesterone on the metabolism of [ 3 H]benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP) by primary cultures of rabbit endometrium epithelial cells were studied. 17β-Estradiol (10 −7 M) did not affect the metabolism of [ 3 H]BP, expressed as the formation of water soluble metabolites of [ 3 H]BP, during a 24-h incubation period. However, progesterone (10 −7 M) inhibited the formation of water-soluble metabolites of [ 3 H]BP and the inhibitory effect was not prevented by 17β-estradiol. Progesterone did not appear to affect the relative distribution of the major conjugate types (sulfate esters and glutathiones) that comprised the water-soluble metabolites of [ 3 H]BP. The results, which showed that progesterone acted to inhibit the metabolism of BP by endometrial cells, suggest additional evidence of a role for the ovarian hormone in the modulation of the carcinogenic efficacy of chemical carcinogens in a hormone-responsive tissue.
Sox2 Is Required for Maintenance and Differentiation of Bronchiolar Clara, Ciliated, and Goblet Cells

The bronchioles of the murine lung are lined by a simple columnar epithelium composed of ciliated, Clara, and goblet cells that together mediate barrier function, mucociliary clearance and innate host defense, vital for pulmonary homeostasis. In the present work, we demonstrate that expression of Sox2 in Clara cells is required for the differentiation of ciliated, Clara, and goblet cells that line the bronchioles of the postnatal lung. The gene was selectively deleted in Clara cells utilizing Scgb1a1-Cre, causing the progressive loss of Sox2 in the bronchioles during perinatal and postnatal development. The rate of bronchiolar cell proliferation was decreased and associated with the formation of an undifferentiated, cuboidal-squamous epithelium lacking the expression of markers of Clara cells (Scgb1a1), ciliated cells (FoxJ1 and α-tubulin), and goblet cells (Spdef and Muc5AC). By adulthood, bronchiolar cell numbers were decreased and Sox2 was absent in extensive regions of the bronchiolar epithelium, at which time residual Sox2 expression was primarily restricted to selective niches of CGRP staining neuroepithelial cells. Allergen-induced goblet cell differentiation and mucus production was absent in the respiratory epithelium lacking Sox2. In vitro, Sox2 activated promoter-luciferase reporter constructs for differentiation markers characteristic of Clara, ciliated, and goblet cells, Scgb1a1, FoxJ1, and Agr2, respectively. Sox2 physically interacted with Smad3 and inhibited TGF-β1/Smad3-mediated transcriptional activity in vitro, a pathway that negatively regulates proliferation. Sox2 is required for proliferation and differentiation of Clara cells that serve as the progenitor cells from which Clara, ciliated, and goblet cells are derived.
Detection of endogenous Snf1 and its activation state: application to Saccharomyces and Candida species

The stress-response Snf1 protein kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a powerful model for studies of the eukaryotic Snf1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family. Central to studies of Snf1 are methods that determine its activation state under various physiological and genetic conditions. Here, we have developed a convenient and sensitive method for immunoblot analysis of endogenous yeast Snf1 and its activation-loop threonine (Thr210) phosphorylation. The method employs readily obtainable reagents and yields results that faithfully reflect the environmental and genetic conditions tested. Using our method, we have obtained evidence that Snf1 remains stress-regulated in reg1 Delta cells, revealing the existence of a Snf1 signalling mechanism(s) that is independent of Reg1-PP1 phosphatase. In addition to strains of common laboratory S. cerevisiae backgrounds, we have applied the method to two pathogenic Candida species, C. glabrata and C. albicans. We have detected proteins whose gel mobilities, immune properties and regulation patterns are consistent with those expected for the corresponding Snf1 homologues. Because Snf1 activation is a sensitive marker of several types of stress, including artifactual stresses associated with common cell harvesting and protein extraction procedures, the convenient and efficient protein extraction method described here should be advantageous for SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analyses of stress-regulated and other proteins from various yeast species.
An Overview of Machine Learning

Learning is a many-faceted phenomenon. Learning processes include the acquisition of new declarative knowledge, the development of motor and cognitive skills through instruction or practice, the organization of new knowledge into general, effective representations, and the discovery of new facts and theories through observation and experimentation. Since the inception of the computer era, researchers have been striving to implant such capabilities in computers. Solving this problem has been, and remains, a most challenging and fascinating long-range goal in artificial intelligence (AI). The study and computer modeling of learning processes in their multiple manifestations constitutes the subject matter of machine learning.
Vesicoureteral reflux and ureteroceles

Purpose: We quantified the burden of vesicoureteral reflux and ureteroceles in the United States by identifying trends in the use of health care resources and estimating the economic impact of the diseases.Materials and Methods: The analytical methods used to generate these results were described previously.Results: Annual inpatient hospitalizations for vesicoureteral reflux increased slightly between 1994 and 2000 from 6.4/100,000 to 7.0/100,000 children, although this trend did not attain statistical significance. Inpatient hospitalization for ureteroceles remained relatively stable between 1994 and 2000 at an average of approximately 2,818 cases annually (1.0/100,000 to 1.1/100,000 children). The rates of visits to physician offices doubled during the 1990s for commercially insured children (12/100,000 in 1994 and 26/100,000 in 2002) and children covered by Medicaid (43/100,000 in 1996 and 85/100,000 in 2000). Overall the rate of ambulatory surgery visits by commercially insured children increased from...
Optimization of conical thrust nozzles.

Efficiency of conical thrust nozzles with various lengths and cone angles, determining optimization coefficient
Sample introduction for inductively coupled plasmas and flames

Abstract An often neglected aspect of atomic spectrometry, the sample introduction step, has recently made substantial progress through developments in both theory and practice.
A simple procedure for obtaining large quantities of tubulin subunits from newborn mouse brain.

Abstract A simple, efficient two-step procedure of DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography followed by hydroxyapatite column chromatography for purification of α- and β-tubulin subunits from newborn mouse brain is described. Stored frozen mouse brains can be used as a convenient starting material. Differential elution of α and β subunits from hydroxyapatite was achieved using a linear gradient of 0.2–0.3 M phosphate buffer containing 2 M urea, 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate and 1 mM dithiothreitol. 20 mg of α-tubulin (purity: >85%) and 16 mg of β-tubulin (purity >95%) completely separated from each other can be obtained in one experiment.
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF MARINATED CHICKEN BREAST MEAT

Chicken breast muscle was marinated and tumbled in solutions of 7% NaCI and 1.2% of disodium pyrophosphate (DSPP), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), or glass phosphate. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to measure storage modulus and Tan b as samples were heated from 25 to 75C. For untreated samples, four thermal transitions were noted with the most significant transition at 55.8C. Addition of NaCI and phosphate reduced the number of distinct events, and decreased the major transition to temperatures around 46-48C. Uncooked, marinated samples had lower G' and Tan δ. Treated samples also showed an increase in G' over the 25-45C range. Heating caused the greatest changes in treated samples, with values of G' 75C and Tan δ 75C similar to untreated samples. Different phosphate types resulted in significant differences in G' and Tan δ values. G' values correlated well with Young's modulus, but not with Warner-Bratzler shear values or expressible moisture. Results are discussed in terms of changes in muscle proteins resulting from exposure to NaCI and phosphates, as well as to heat.
National Party Efforts to Recruit State Legislators to Run for the U.S. House

We explore factors that influence the chances that a state legislator will be the target of national party recruitment to run for the U.S. House. Using data from a sample of legislators in 200 U.S. House districts, we find that national party contact reflects strategic considerations of party interests. State legislators serving in professional institutions and in competitive districts are most likely to be contacted by national party leaders. In addition, the analysis suggests that national party leaders may be sensitive to the potential costs to the state legislative party: legislators in institutions that are closely balanced between the parties are slightly less likely to be contacted.
GENETIC STUDIES IN INBRED RATS. III. HISTOCOMPATIBILITY TYPE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF SOME MUTANT STOCKS

SUMMARY Eight mutant stocks of rats were typed for their histocompatibility (Ag-B) and red cell (Ag-C) antigens and were evaluated for their antibody responses to poly(Glu52Lys33Tyr15). The antibody responses were those predicted from the histocompatibility type, except for the B stock. These animals made a high antibody response, although their histocompatibility alleles were those normally associated with a low response.
Representation Theory of Artin Algebras II

(1974). Representation Theory of Artin Algebras II. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 269-310.
Changes in Conserved Region 3 of Escherichia coliς70 Reduce Abortive Transcription and Enhance Promoter Escape

Abstract Mutations within the Escherichia coli rpoD gene encoding amino acid substitutions in conserved region 3 of the ς70 subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase restore normal stress responsiveness to strains devoid of the stress alarmone, guanosine-3′,5′-(bis)pyrophosphate (ppGpp). The presence of a mutant protein, either ς70(P504L) or ς70(S506F), suppresses the physiological defects in strains devoid of ppGpp. In vitro, when reconstituted into RNA polymerase holoenzyme, these ς mutants confer unique transcriptional properties, namely they reduce the probabilities of forming abortive RNAs. Here we investigated the behavior of these mutant enzymes during transcription of the highly abortive cellular promoter, gal P2. No differences between mutant and wild-type enzymes were observed prior to and including open complex formation. Remarkably, the mutant enzymes produced drastically reduced levels of gal P2 abortive RNAs and increased production of full-length gal P2 RNAs relative to the wild-type enzyme, leading to greatly reduced ratios of abortive to productive RNAs. These results are attributed mainly to a decreased formation of unproductive initial transcribing complexes with the mutant polymerases and increased rates of promoter escape. Altered transcription properties of these mutant polymerases arise from an alternative structure of the ς70 region 3.2 segment that permits efficient positioning of the nascent RNA into the RNA exit channel displacing ς and facilitating ς release.
An Examination of the Effects from Surface Texture on the Strength of Fiber Reinforced Plastics

Surface texture and process defects resulting from net-shape machining of Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRPs) are often ignored in a design analysis of component parts. The authors recently proposed a mathematical model which defines the effects of surface texture on the strength of engineering components in terms of an effective stress concentration factor (KT). In this study, a verification of the proposed model for FRP materials is presented using results from a comprehensive experimental analysis on the flexure strength of graphite/epoxy and graphite/bismaleimide laminates. The effects of surface texture resulting from three methods of machining were evaluated using this new approach. The proposed model was also compared with the predictive capabilities of existing theoretical models in the evaluation of the experimental data. It was found that the proposed model successfully predicted the reduction in flexure strength of FRP laminates resulting from net-shape machining over a large range in surface qual...
Changes in brain glycogen during slow-wave sleep in the rat.

: During slow-wave sleep, rat brain glycogen increases within a few minutes to about 70% above waking levels. Upon awakening, the increment is lost within 2–5 min. After repeated episodes of sleep, brain glycogen levels are comparable to those observed after only a single episode of sleep. Liver glycogen is unaffected by slow-wave sleep.
On the requirement for protein synthesis during corticotropin-induced stimulation of cholesterol side chain cleavage in rat adrenal mitochondrial and solubilized desmolase preparations

Abstract Following simple homogenization, significant amounts of mitochondrial-derived, cholesterol side chain cleaving enzyme (desmolase) activity are recovered in rat adrenal 105 000 × g- supernatant fraction. Corticotropin administration enhances soluble desmolase activity, and cycloheximide potentiates this effect. The lipid droplet fraction which has no desmolase activity markedly enhances pregnenolone synthesis in the soluble desmolase preparations, presumably by supplying free cholesterol substrate. Corticotropin, particularly with cycloheximide pretreatment, enhances lipid fraction activity. Thus increased cholesterol availability may largely explain the corticotropin effect on the soluble desmolase system. Since protein synthesis is required for corticotropin activity in intact mitochondria, but not in calcium-swollen mitochondria or the soluble enzyme system, the labile protein apparently required during corticotropin action may function to overcome a “barrier” which exists only in the intact mitochondria and restrains cholesterol side chain cleavage.
How to Compare Homology Concepts! Class Reasoning about Evolution and Morphology in Phylogenetics and Developmental Biology

Many of the current comparisons of taxic phylogenetic and biological homology in the context of morphology focus on what are seen as categorical distinctions between the two concepts. The first, it is claimed, identifies historical patterns of conservation and variation relating taxa; the second provides a causal framework for the explanation of this conservation and variation. This leads to the conclusion that the two need not be placed in conflict and are in fact compatible, having non-competing epistemic purposes or mapping the same extensions in the form of monophyletic groupings (see Roth, The biological basis of homology 1–26, 1988; Sluys, J Zool Syst Evol Res 34:145–152, 1996; Abouheif, Trends Ecol Evol 12:405–408, 1997; Brigandt, J Exp Zool 299:9–17, 2003, Biol Philos 22:709–725, 2007; Assis and Brigandt, Evol Biol 36:248–255, 2009). This article argues that moves in this direction miss the essential disagreement between these concepts as they have been developed in the context of the debate concerning the best concept for evolutionary investigation. We should rather see these concepts employing a common fundamental methodological approach to homology, but disagreeing about how to apply the methodology effectively. Both concepts employ class reasoning, which pursues homologies as units of generalization—more precisely, as sources of reliable and relevant group-bound information in the form of shared underlying causes. The dispute can be better understood by two poles that structure such reasoning: the need for a reliable basis for projections about the causal history of shared structures, and the desire to identify homologous characters with more informative and specific causal information relevant to generalizing about evolutionary processes. Judgments in favor of one or the other in turn have affected the scope or extension of these competing homology concepts.
Social Reactions to the Survivor of a Suicide in the Family: A Review of the Literature

This article reviews the available literature on reactions to family members surviving another member's suicide. Three factors determining the reaction of others to persons bereaved by suicide are investigated: 1) the cause of death, 2) characteristics of the deceased, and 3) characteristics of the respondent. The perceptions that persons bereaved by suicide have of the way others view them are reviewed. Methodological flaws and limitations of the current research are noted, with suggestions for the direction of future research. Tentative generalizations and suggestions for clinical practice are also made.
Theory of vortices and monopoles on a sphere

We present the theory of a vortex-monopole Coulomb gas on a two-dimensional sphere. We discuss the structure of Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transitions and show they are the same as in the planar case. The effective Lagrangian induced by vortices and monopoles is constructed and shown to require quantization of monopole charge and to exhibit a generalized form of vortex-monopole duality.
Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy

The cognitive-behavioral family therapy (CBFT) approach is introduced, described and illustrated in this paper. The approach maintains that the family-related cognitions held by individuals play an important role in shaping what they expect from family life and how they experience, functton in, and react to it. The paper describes how, during the five steps of CBFT, a therapist can help individuals become more aware of their family-related cognitions and how these affect their feelings, behaviors and family interactions. As family members learn more about their cognitions and why they behave as they do in the family, and as they learn more about their family's dynamics, they become better able to engage in effective communication and problem-solving with each other.
Vagus nerve stimulation reduces cardiac electrical instability assessed by quantitative T-wave alternans analysis in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy

SummaryObjective The cardiac component of risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and alterations in cardiac risk by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are not well understood. We determined changes in T-wave alternans (TWA), a proven noninvasive marker of risk for sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiovascular disease, and heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of autonomic function, in association with VNS in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Methods Ambulatory 24-h electrocardiograms (N = 9: ages 29–63, six males) were analyzed. Results Mean TWA during the interictal period was 37 ± 3.1 μV (mean ± SEM) in lead V1 for nine patients monitored following implantation of the VNS system (n = 7) or battery change (n = 2). Of these, six patients also monitored prior to implantation (n = 5) or battery change (n = 1) showed abnormally high TWA levels pre-VNS (60.0 ± 4.3 μV), which were significantly reduced by 24.3 μV (to 35.7 ± 4.8 μV, p = 0.02) after VNS settings were adjusted for desired clinical response. TWA in four (67%) of the six patients was reduced in association with VNS to levels below the 47-μV cut point of abnormality. The decrease in TWA was correlated with VNS intensity (r = 0.88, p < 0.02). In addition, low-frequency HRV was reduced by 60% (805.61 ± 253.96 to 323.49 ± 102.74 msec2, p = 0.05) and low-to high-frequency HRV ratio by 32% (3.34 ± 0.57 to 2.26 ± 0.31, p = 0.025), indicating a change in autonomic balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance. Significance This is the first report that elevated levels of TWA in patients with drug-refractory partial-onset seizures were reduced in association with VNS, potentially by improving sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. VNS may have a cardioprotective role at stimulation settings typically used for seizure control. These findings indicate the utility of TWA for tracking improvement in cardiac status in this population.
Motion-Planning for the Axis-Control of Miniature Spacecraft Using Microactuators

A motion-planning algorithm for control of an axis of miniature spacecraft using microactuators is presented in this paper. The axis determines the orientation of the spacecraft except for its spin about the axis. This work is motivated by a novel attitude control technique for miniature spacecraft using pseudo-wheels proposed in our prior work. A pseudo-wheel achieves net orientation changes using a sequence of fully reversed partial rotations by utilizing the non-commutative property of finite rigid body rotations. Finding the sequence for a desired change in orientation constitutes the inverse kinematics problem. Our prior work presented an approximate method for this problem for which the existence of the solution is not proved. In this paper, we simplify the problem by considering only the orientation of an axis attached to the spacecraft ignoring the spin about it. For this simplified problem, an accurate algorithm is presented using a technique called pair-wise rotation method, and the existence of the solution is proved. Several numerical experiments have been carried out to validate the new motion-planning algorithm. An axis-control has much practical utility for spacecraft in applications such as pointing solar panels or a camera.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Hemivertebra Excision for Congenital Scoliosis

Hemivertebrae result from a failure of complete formation of the vertebral body and present as a challenging clinical entity. Progression and ultimate curve magnitude is associated with the degree of segmentation. An accurate assessment and a close follow-up are necessary to make appropriate treatment decisions. The goal of any intervention is to stop progression and provide the smallest degree of deformity at skeletal maturity. If a high degree of deformity is anticipated, intervention should be attempted sooner rather than later. In these cases, an in situ fusion may be appropriate. Single-stage hemivertebra excision is an effective method of both correction and stabilization; however, the procedure is technically demanding.
Electronic structure of zinc-blende-wurtzite interfaces: ZnS-ZnS (111-0001) and ZnSe-ZnSe (111-0001)

Self-consistent pseudopotential calculations are performed for two zinc-blende-wurtzite interfaces: ZnS-ZnS (111-0001) and ZnSe-ZnSe (111-0001). The role of a change in structural symmetry across the interface is examined. Localized states are found, but these states have energies which are inside the bulk continuum. The projected band structures for the wurtzite and zinc-blende forms of ZnS and ZnSe are calculated.
Cause and Remediation of Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions from a Sodium-Based Flue Gas Desulfurization Sludge Disposal Pond

A flue gas desulfurization (FGD) sludge disposal pond with a history of H 2 S emissions to the atmospgere war studied to determine the cause of emissions and remediation strategies. The pond received sludge and associated waters from a single-pass Na 2 CO 3 flue gas scrubber unit. The pond water is a sodic alkaline brine with large SO 3 and S 2 O 3 concentrations (>5000 mg L -1 ), and hence, an elevated chemical O 2 demand. The pond water H 2 S concentrations are small as a result of periodic H 2 O 2 additions. The sediments, however, have as much as 3500 mg L -1 H 2 S in the pore water. The production of H 2 S appeared to originate from the sediments and diffuses through the anodic water column with little oxidation. Large concentrations of the reduced sulfur species SO 3 and S 2 O 3 were present as a result of the flue gas derivatization process and incomplete oxidation of H 2 S. The pond was reconstructed to circulate the water through an air injection system that war designed to oxidize the SO 3 and S 2 O 3 to SO 4 , and thereby reduce the chemical O 2 demand. After the installation of the air injection system, emissions of H 2 S ceased and the concentrations of SO 3 and S 2 O 3 were reduced by at least a factor of 10 within 3 to 4 wk. The production of H 2 S in the sediments, however, did not appear to be affected, nor did it appear that it will be reduced in the future by the air injection system
Modern computer-aided maintenance of manufacturing equipment and systems: review and perspective

This paper examines various methods in modern computer-aided maintenance including machine monitoring, fault detection and fault diagnostics. A perspective on proactive maintenance by monitoring the degradation of manufacturing equipment and systems is presented and illustrated. If the behavior of manufacturing equipment and systems can be monitored and measured adaptively then an early warning of possible faults can be generated. By doing this, maintenance personnel can perform early diagnostics and part replacement during regular maintenance hours. The paper also addresses the research needs based on the industrial perspective. The author believes that the development of in-process monitoring of machine degradation and faults is one of the most important research tasks for increasing machine uptime and improving production quality.
Immediate postoperative cortisol levels accurately predict postoperative hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumors

Accurate assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is critical for the appropriate management of patients with pituitary adenoma after transsphenoidal surgery. We examine the role of immediate postoperative cortisol levels to assess hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) axis function post-operatively. We performed preoperative cortrosyn stimulation test (CST) and measured immediate postoperative serum cortisol levels in 100 patients undergoing 104 transsphenoidal surgeries. These results were compared to those of the CST at 4-6 weeks postoperatively, which served as a measure of HPA axis function. The ability of immediate postoperative, day of surgery (DOS) cortisol levels to predict normal HPA axis function was determined using standard predictive analytic methods and confusion matrix calculations. We found that postoperative, DOS cortisol level > or =15 microg/dL is a sensitive and accurate predictors of normal postoperative HPA axis function, with a sensitivity of 98%, an accuracy of 97%, and a positive predictive value of 99%. Our data suggest that an immediate, postoperative, DOS cortisol level > or =15 microg/dL predicts distant, normal, post-operative HPA axis function following transsphenoidal surgery.
Facilitating written work using computer word processing and word prediction.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether occupational therapy intervention that focused on teaching children to use word processing, either alone or with word prediction, was effective in improving the written communication skills of children with learning disabilities and handwriting problems. Method A single-subject alternating treatments design was replicated across three children in grades 4 and 5. During the baseline phase the children wrote stories by hand; during the intervention phase, the children wrote stories, alternating among handwriting, word processing, and word processing with word prediction. Dependent variables focused on percentages of legible words, percentages of correctly spelled words, total amount written, and rate of writing. Data were analyzed by visual inspection. Results Results were variable. Two children had clear improvements in legibility when using either word processing alone or with word prediction. These same children demonstrated clear improvements in spelling when using word prediction. Though rate of writing was best for two children when using handwriting, relative to total amount produced, one method was not clearly preferable to another. Conclusion Occupational therapy intervention involving word processing with word prediction improves the legibility and spelling of written assignments completed by some children with learning disabilities and handwriting difficulties. It is important to evaluate each child individually and provide training and ongoing support for technology use.
A stroke of silence: tinnitus suppression following placement of a deep brain stimulation electrode with infarction in area LC

The authors report on a case of tinnitus suppression following deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease. A perioperative focal vascular injury to area LC, a locus of the caudate at the junction of the head and body of the caudate nucleus, is believed to be the neuroanatomical correlate. A 56-year-old woman underwent surgery for implantation of a DBS lead in the subthalamic nucleus to treat medically refractory motor symptoms. She had comorbid tinnitus localized to both ears. The lead trajectory was adjacent to area LC. Shortly after surgery, she reported tinnitus suppression in both ears. Postoperative MRI showed focal hyperintensity of area LC on T2-weighted images. At 18 months, tinnitus localized to the ipsilateral ear remained completely silenced, and tinnitus localized to the contralateral ear was substantially suppressed due to left area LC injury. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a discrete injury to area LC that resulted in bilateral tinnitus suppression. Clinicians...
In situ nanotomography and operando transmission X-ray microscopy of micron-sized Ge particles

To design an inexpensive, non-toxic, practical replacement to the internal combustion engine, significant advances in battery technology are required. Germanium anodes offer more than four times larger capacity than presently used graphite anodes. Yet large volume changes during operation severely limit their lifetime. To understand the origin, dynamics, and failure mechanisms of these and other electrode materials, it is essential to image batteries under operating conditions. Using transmission X-ray microscopy the morphology and electron density changes in Ge anode particles are tracked during operation. We observe significant size dependence on the cycling characteristics of Ge particles. Only Ge particles with diameters larger than a few microns display cracks during cycling. Small Ge particles experience volume expansion and cracking before their larger counterparts, but rapidly lose electrical contact. With in situ nanotomography, we demonstrate unambiguously for the first time the fracturing of alloying anode materials into completely unconnected pieces. Moreover, we show that the density changes due to lithiation are consistent with partial transformation into a Li15Ge4-like phase. Our results demonstrate the significant value in linking electrochemical performance studies with morphological evolution to understand failure mechanisms and encourage more systematic searches for a viable high capacity anode material.
“Pracademics”: Mixing an Academic Career with Practical Politics

College professors are evaluated for promotion and tenure on the basis of their accomplishments in three areas: teaching, research, and service. All too often, however, service is considered the poor cousin of the trio. In political science in particular, we believe that this imbalance is detrimental to the individual scholar, our students, the discipline, and the general public. The goal of this symposium is to contribute to what we see as a nascent revitalization and rehabilitation of service—especially public service—as a respectable and integral part of a political science career. We encourage our colleagues to engage the political world more often, more directly, and more reflectively, and we encourage the profession—the APSA, our departments, and our colleagues—to value such engagement institutionally and through our social norms.
Boundary element modeling of biomolecular transport.

Abstract The boundary element (BE) methodology has emerged as a powerful tool in modeling a broad range of different transport phenomena of biomolecules in dilute solution. These include: sedimentation, diffusion (translational and rotational), intrinsic viscosity, and free solution electrophoresis. Modeling is carried out in the framework of the continuum primitive model where the biomolecule is modeled as an arbitrary array of solid platelets that contains fixed charges within. The surrounding fluid is modeled as a electrodynamic/hydrodynamic continuum which obeys the Poisson and low Reynolds number Navier–Stokes equations. Ion relaxation (the distortion of the ion atmosphere from equilibrium) can also be accounted for by solving the coupled ion transport equation (for each mobile ion species present), Poisson, and Navier–Stokes equations in tandem. Several examples are presented in this work. It is first applied to a detailed model of 20 bp DNA and it is concluded that it is not necessary to include a layer of bound water to reconcile experimental and model translational diffusion constants. With regards to diffusion, the BE approach is also applied to a 375-bp supercoiled DNA model (without ion relaxation), and also 20–60-bp DNA fragments with ion relaxation included in order to assess the magnitude of the electrolyte friction effect under a number of different salt/buffer conditions. Attention is then turned to modeling the electrophoretic mobility of three different cases. First of all, we consider a sphere with a central charge large enough in magnitude to insure that ion relaxation is significant. Excellent agreement with independent theory is obtained. Finally, it is applied to modeling short DNA fragments in KCl and Tris acetate salts. Quantitative agreement is achieved when the salt is KCl, but the calculated (absolute) mobility in Tris acetate is substantially higher than the experimental value. The interpretation of this is that there is an association between Tris + and DNA (perhaps hydrogen bonding) not accounted for in our modeling that is responsible for this discrepancy.
Talking About Politics: Gender and Contextual Effects on Political Proselytizing

As predicted by resource-based models of political participation, women's increasing education and labor-force involvement have led to rates of political activity equal to or exceeding rates for men. But NES election study data reveal a sizable gender gap persisting from 1972 to 1994 in efforts to influence others' votes. An alternative contextual model is postulated to account for increased levels of political proselytizing by women when female candidates are on the ballot for major elective office. Logistic regression is used to predict whether a respondent will attempt to influence others' votes, and whether the presence of female candidates in the respondent's state or congressional district (1990-1994) improves the prediction. In 1992, the presence of women candidates was associated with higher levels of political involvement, internal political efficacy, and media use by both sexes, but the effects of candidate gender were stronger for women. In the congressional elections of 1990 and 1994, however,...
American Society of Clinical Oncology Recommendations for the Initial Hormonal Management of Androgen-Sensitive Metastatic, Recurrent, or Progressive Prostate Cancer

Purpose To develop a clinical practice guideline for the management of men with metastatic, recurrent, or progressive carcinoma of the prostate. The focus of this document is on the use, combinations, and timing of various forms of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the palliation of men with androgen-sensitive disease. Methods An expert panel and writing committee were formed. The questions to be addressed by the guideline were determined, and a systematic review of the literature was performed, which included a search of online databases, bibliographic review, and consultation with content experts. A priori criteria were used to select studies for analysis and study authors were contacted when necessary. Results There were 10 randomized controlled trials, six systematic reviews, and one Markov model available to inform the guidelines. Conclusion A full discussion between practitioner and patient should occur to determine which therapy is best for the patient. Bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hor...
Neutrophil-mediated phagocytic host defense defect in myeloid Cftr-inactivated mice.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common and deadly inherited disease, caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that encodes a cAMP-activated chloride channel. One outstanding manifestation of the disease is the persistent bacterial infection and inflammation in the lung, which claims over 90% of CF mortality. It has been debated whether neutrophil-mediated phagocytic innate immunity has any intrinsic defect that contributes to the host lung defense failure. Here we compared phagosomal CFTR targeting, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) production, and microbial killing of the neutrophils from myeloid Cftr-inactivated (Myeloid-Cftr−/−) mice and the non-inactivated control (Cftrfl10) mice. We found that the mutant CFTR that lacked Exon-10 failed to target to the neutrophil phagosomes. This dysfunction resulted in impaired intraphagosomal HOCl production and neutrophil microbial killing. In vivo lung infection with a lethal dose of Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused significantly higher mortality in the myeloid CF mice than in the controls. The myeloid-Cftr−/− lungs were deficient in bacterial clearance, and had sustained neutrophilic inflammation and stalled transition from early to late immunity. These manifestations recapitulated the symptoms of human CF lungs. The data altogether suggest that myeloid CFTR expression is critical to normal host lung defense. CFTR dysfunction in neutrophils compromises the phagocytic innate immunity, which may predispose CF lungs to infection.
Caviar: Classification via aggregated regression and its application in classifying oasis brain database

This paper presents a novel classification via aggregated regression algorithm - dubbed CAVIAR - and its application to the OASIS MRI brain image database. The CAVIAR algorithm simultaneously combines a set of weak learners based on the assumption that the weight combination for the final strong hypothesis in CAVIAR depends on both the weak learners and the training data. A regularization scheme using the nearest neighbor method is imposed in the testing stage to avoid overfitting. A closed form solution to the cost function is derived for this algorithm. We use a novel feature - the histogram of the deformation field between the MRI brain scan and the atlas which captures the structural changes in the scan with respect to the atlas brain - and this allows us to automatically discriminate between various classes within OASIS [1] using CAVIAR. We empirically show that CAVIAR significantly increases the performance of the weak classifiers by showcasing the performance of our technique on OASIS.
Particles and fields in the outer solar system

Space probe missions to the outer planets can provide in situ measurements of the electromagnetic fields, the charged and neutral particles, and the cosmic rays in the unexplored regions of the outer solar system and the local interstellar medium. The physics of these distant regions is now known only through theoretical and model extrapolation of observations made near 1 AU and through remote sensing. These methods have inherently large uncertainties and shortcomings. We review here the relevant solar system physics, the astrophysics, and the plasma-physics questions associated with the media in the remote solar system, and we indicate what in situ measurements are needed to resolve remote sensing ambiguities, to verify or reject theoretical predictions, and to provide data not obtainable by existing methods.
Effect of Ozone on Concentrations of Lysozyme in Phagocytizing Alveolar Macrophages

Demonstration of lysozyme by the immunoperoxidase method was used to determine whether ozone-induced defects in phagocytic killing of inhaled Staphylococcus aureus by rat alveolar macrophages were associated with absence of this important bactericidal enzyme. Rats were infected with aerosols of S. aureus and then exposed for 5 hr to 2.5 ppm of ozone. Left lungs were cultured for staphylococci; right lungs were stained for lysozyme and bacteria. Compared with control animals, rats exposed to ozone showed diminished rates of bacterial killing; a larger percentage of extracellular, uningested bacteria; an increased number of intracellular staphylococcal clumps; and absence of lysozyme in macrophages permitting staphylococcal proliferation. These results, in which absence of enzyme activity occurred in macrophages subjected to the dual insults of ozone exposure and ingested bacteria, provide an explanation for the inability of phagocytes to kill ingested bacteria after exposure to ozone.
Growth Hormone Suppression of Pancreatic Polypeptide Secretion

Effects of GH treatment on human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP) secretion and glucose homeostasis were evaluated in seven GH-deficient children with chronological ages of 7–15 yr and bone ages of 5–13 yr. Both before and after long term GH therapy, blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum hPP, insulin, and glucose concentrations throughout a 24-h period during which meals were taken. In addition, serum glucose and hPP responses to insulin tolerance tests (ITT) were determined on four occasions: 1) before GH treatment, 2) 2 h after the last of three daily injections of GH, 3) 2 h after the last injection of GH (0.1 IU/kg, im), three times each week for 8 weeks), and 4) 72 h after withdrawal of GH. Fasting serum hPP concentrations were also obtained in 15 short-normal children. Mean fasting hPP concentrations were slightly but not significantly greater in the seven GH-deficient children than in the short-normal children with equivalent bone ages. In the GHdeficient children, long term GH therapy s...
C1 plumb line and cervical sagittal balance predict the outcome of cervical laminectomy and fusion

Abstract The C1 plumb line (C1PL) is a vertical line extended from the anterior aspect of C1 representing the gravity vector of the weight of the head. The hypothesis of this study is that forward translation of the C1PL is associated with worse outcome of cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF). Retrospective study of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent CLF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy from C3 to C7 most commonly between 2006 and 2008. Patients had at least 1-year follow-up. Trauma was excluded. Outcomes were assessed with Neck Disability Index (NDI), radiographs were reviewed and measured by a blinded observer. Measurements included the C1 plumb line (C1PL), occipital condyle plumb line (OCPL), and cervical lordosis. The interobserver correlation coefficient was increased in C1PL versus OCPL. Mean preop C1PL was 58.9mm, SD=23 ( P = 0.02). The mean C1PL increased (average 12mm) after cervical laminectomy and fusion surgery. There was a significant difference ( P = 0.009) in change in C1PL between patients with NDI score 40 (22.3mm and SEM 2.3). In conclusion, sagittal balance of the cervical spine was related to patient-reported outcome. Patients with moderate or severe neck pain had more forward sagittal imbalance (C1PL, 10cm) compared to patients with mild neck pain (C1PL, 2cm).
Hydrothermal time analysis of tomato seed germination responses to priming treatments

Controlled hydration of seeds followed by drying (seed priming) is used to break dormancy, speed germination, and improve uniformity of radicle emergence. To date, empirical trials are used to predict optimal priming conditions for a given seed lot. Since priming is based upon seed water relations, it was hypothesized that the sensitivity of germination to reduced water potential before priming might be mechanistically related to, and therefore predictive of, priming responsiveness. Analyses of germination of 13 tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seed lots at two temperatures (15°C and 20°C) and three water potentials (0, -0.28 and -0.43 MPa) showed that seed lot germination responses could be quantitatively characterized by parameters derived from thermal time, hydrotime, and hydrothermal time models (R 2 = 0.73-0.99). Six of the seed lots were primed at two temperatures (15°C and 20°C) and three water potentials (-1.0, -1.5 and -2.0 MPa) for various durations, dried, and their subsequent germination rates analysed according to hydropriming time and hydrothermal priming time models. The responses of germination rates to priming were characterized by hydropriming time (θ HP ) and hydrothermal priming time (θ HTP ) constants and the minimum water potential (ψ min ) and temperature (T min ) for achieving a priming effect. The values of ψ min and T min varied relatively little among tomato seed lots, and the generalized values of ψ min = -2.39 MPa and T min =9.10°C accounted for 74% (15°C), 57% (20°C), and 62% (across both temperatures) of the increase in germination rates following priming. Nonetheless, while the hydrothermal time models described germination patterns both before and after priming, there was relatively little predictive relationship between them.
Transpulmonary speed of sound input into the supraclavicular space

The transpulmonary speed of sound input at the mouth has been shown to vary with lung volume. To avoid the disadvantages that exist in certain clinical situations in inputting sound at the mouth, w...