cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leadership in neurology: a social network analysis.

Editor's Note Traditionally, most career development articles, such as those in the NeuroGenesis feature in this journal, are aimed at junior faculty members who are just starting out in the field. Of course, career development is not a process that stops once one has been promoted beyond the junior ranks, but is rather a continual effort to refine the characteristics of one's academic position until it approximates more and more closely one's ideal job description, even at the most senior levels. This research article by Amar Dhand and colleagues analyzes the origins of occupants of two positions that represent in their own distinct ways the pinnacle of American neurology – the presidencies of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association – and should be of interest to readers at all stages of their careers. – NeuroGenesis Editor. Objective Two important leadership posts in American neurology are the presidents of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Neurological Association (ANA). In this article, we use social network analysis, based on graph theory, to map the professional ties of presidents of the AAN and ANA since 1948. We examined whether institution ranking was related to being president of either organization, and whether there were core groups of presidents, institutions of employment during presidency, or training programs (residency and fellowship) in the combined and separate AAN and ANA networks. Methods Using archival data, we constructed a series of relational tables of the presidents and their affiliations. We used a chi-square analysis to test the relation between institution ranking and organization affiliation. For network data, we used a 2-mode analysis with measures of node, dyad, and network characteristics. Results ANA presidents were more likely to be employed at ranked institutions compared to AAN presidents. Ten presidents bridged both organizations, and therefore had the highest centrality in the combined network. Presidents trained in a core group of similar residency and fellowship programs that included Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, and Mayo Clinic for AAN presidents, and Harvard, Columbia, Yale, and University College London for ANA presidents. In contrast, during their presidency, AAN and ANA presidents worked at a diffuse set of institutions without a core group. Interpretation Training programs are leadership hubs, and should be targeted to develop future presidents and influence trends in the neurology leadership network. Ann Neurol 2014;75:342–350
Consequences and Institutional Determinants of Unregulated Corporate Financial Statements: Evidence from Embedded Value Reporting

I analyze Embedded Value (EV) reporting by firms with life insurance operations to assess the impact of unregulated financial reporting on transparency and to examine the institutional characteristics that promote unregulated reporting. Under EV accounting the present value of future cash flows from in-force contracts is included in shareholders’ equity, and profit is calculated as the change in equity between two periods. In contrast to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), this approach produces higher shareholder’s equity and recognizes income at contract inception. I find firms that adopt EV reporting exhibit a decline in information asymmetry, with the decline increasing as EV reporting evolves to address methodological deficiencies and to permit more comparability across firms. The decrease in information asymmetry is contingent on providing an audit certification, and larger for firms that commit to providing EV reports. Moreover, I document that EV reporting is more widespread in countries with more hostile takeovers, managers that do not avoid volatile income measures, regulators that are less likely to intervene in the product market and analysts that believe EV disclosure to increase the value of their information intermediation function.
Aphidophagy by Coccinellidae: Application of biological control in agroecosystems

Coccinellids and aphids interact in a wide range of agricultural and forest habitats and the value of coccinellid predation for aphid suppression in these systems varies from a minor role to significant reductions leading to within-season control. Although aphid-feeding coccinellids rarely play a role in the long-term regulation of population dynamics of aphid species within agroecosystems, they are effective predators reducing within-season densities of selected species of aphid pests. For example, conserving Coccinellidae through the presence of non-target aphid prey has resulted in reliable suppression of target aphid pests in cereal grain crops. Methods to manipulate within field-distributions of Coccinellidae have been developed (e.g., semiochemically based lures, artificial food sprays) and associations with flowering plants and extrafloral nectaries have been documented, but these components have yet to be integrated into biological control systems based on experimental assessments of the numerical, reproductive, and functional responses of these predators. A comparative discussion of the management of the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) and the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) highlights the importance of documenting levels of pest mortality by coccinellids. Recently, the planting of transgenic cotton varieties has reduced insecticide use in cotton, thereby allowing predaceous Coccinellidae to be incorporated into IPM treatment decisions for A. gossypii. Detailed long-term field research was required to include coccinellid predation into economic thresholds for management of the cotton aphid. In contrast, the relatively recent pest status of the soybean aphid in North America has resulted in a series of studies showing the variation in the role of predation by Coccinellidae and other natural enemies across the aphid’s North American range. Our understanding of coccinellid predation in aphid suppression will ultimately be enhanced through comprehensive behavioral studies that include manipulative laboratory experimentation, field studies and molecular techniques to analyze coccinellid feeding behavior and enhance our understanding of intercrop movement and their dispersal among crop and non-crop habitats.
A Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Screen Reveals Protein Kinase Cβ as a Direct RUNX1 Target Gene

RUNX1 (also known as AML1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor that functions as a tumor suppressor and developmental determinant in hematopoietic cells. Target promoters have been identified primarily through the use of differential expression strategies and candidate gene approaches but not biochemical screens. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation screen, we identified protein kinase Cβ as a direct RUNX1 target gene and demonstrate that endogenous RUNX1 binds the chromatinized protein kinase Cβ promoter of U937 cells. A phylogenetically conserved RUNX1-binding site within the PKCβ promoter binds RUNX1 in electrophoretic mobility shift analyses and confers RUNX1 responsiveness on a heterologous promoter. Changes in RUNX1 activity affect endogenous protein kinase Cβ expression, and a dominant-negative form of RUNX1 protects U937 cells from apoptotic stimuli previously shown to be dependent on protein kinase Cβ. This protection can be reversed by the ectopic expression of protein kinase Cβ. Together these findings demonstrate that protein kinase Cβ is a direct, downstream target of RUNX1 and links RUNX1 to a myeloid apoptotic pathway.
The Validity of Construction Workers' and Students' Perceptions of Each Other: A Research Note

Following the spring 1970 confrontations between undergraduate college students and construction workers in lower Manhattan, a study of attitudes of a sample of undergraduates and construction workers was conducted. One hunderd Columbia University undergraduates and 100 apprentice construction workers were asked to indicate their level of agreement with 10 statements which were intended to embody “basic American tenets”. The respondents within each group were also asked to predict the attitude that a member of the other group would hold. A “liberal/conservative” dichotomy was developed for the instrument by having independent judges categorize each of the 10 items as representing a “liberal” or a “conservative” attitude. The expectations that student responses would be more liberal than construction worker responses and that each group would perceive this difference were tested and supported. The expectation that students perceive construction workers to be even more conservative than the workers report themselves to be was also supported. But the construction workers did not demonstrate the expected exaggeration of the students' liberalism.
Structure of interfaces in the lamellar TiAl : effects of directional bonding and segregation

In this paper we first analyze the effect of covalent bonding upon the structure of stacking fault type planar defects on (111) planes and γ/γ interfaces in the lamellar TiAl. A remarkable finding of ab initio LDA based calculations is that the anti-phase domain boundary (APB) is not a metastable fault in TiAl. The main reason why this has not been found in studies employing central-force potentials is that the covalent bonding naturally leads to a rather high APB energy and, consequently, to an instability. A combination of atomistic calculations and HREM observations revealed that the covalent character of bonding, in particular the d-bond between Ti atoms, also remarkably affects the local atomic structure of the ordered twin with APB. The propensity for preservation of these bonds induces an asymmetry in the structure of this interface. A similar effect has also been found in the complex stacking fault (CSF). Understanding of this phenomenon is crucial when interpreting HREM observations. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo calculations presented in this paper suggest that in Ti-rich alloys a significant segregation takes place to some γ/γ interfaces leading to the formation of a very narrow region of the DO 19 -Ti 3 Al in their cores.
Effects of x-irradiation on glycogenolysis, glycogenesis and gluconeogenesis in the rat.

Abstract In the x-irradiated and fasted rat, the liver undergoes, during the first 8–10 hr. postirradiation, a fall in glycogen similar to that seen in the nonirradiated, fasted rat. This is followed in the irradiated animal by a striking increase in the liver glycogen which reaches a maximum in about 50 hr. There follows a precipitous fall with the glycogen values reaching abnormally low values in 75–80 hr. A similar rapid rise and fall in the liver glycogen was seen when fasting preceded the irradiation. A comparable increase, but progressively smaller influence, is seen when the total body x-irradiation is decreased to 250 r. Blood-sugar values increased to high normal nonfasting levels during the period of fasting and simultaneous with excessive glycogen synthesis. The blood-sugar levels began falling as the liver glycogen values fell. Excess glucose is handled normally as indicated by tolerance tests. Adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy prevented these changes in the x-irradiated rats indicating a strong gluconeogenic influence. X-irradiation of one of a pair of parabiot rats produced this same glycogenic effect in the irradiated animal with a reflection of the effect in the nonirradiated animal of the pair.
Synthesis of 7‐[123I]iodotacrine: a potential SPECT agent to map acetylcholinesterase

9-Amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (Tacrine), a cognitive enhancer, is an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. The synthesis of no-carrier-added 7-[123I]iodotacrine, was accomplished in four steps for potential use in mapping acetylcholinesterase. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In-situ XRD study of the succinonitrile-lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) phase diagram

Abstract The salt lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) when dissolved in plastic crystal succinonitrile has been demonstrated to have particularly good conductivity even at room temperature. In-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements have previously proved invaluable in interpreting the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) behavior, but the practical lower temperature limit of approximately − 45 °C was higher than the − 100 °C starting temperature of the DSC measurements, and the important crystalline to plastic crystal transition of succinonitrile. An improved cryo-flow system capable of capillary sample temperatures down to − 192 °C without icing can now easily match the DSC conditions. The previously puzzling DSC behavior of the succinonitrile–LiTFSI phase diagram at low temperatures has now been explained, with a surprising formation of a TFSI-rich adduct on heating from − 100 °C even at concentrations as low as 2 mol%.
DYNAMIC DISTRIBUTION OF CHEMOATTRACTANT RECEPTORS IN LIVING CELLS DURING CHEMOTAXIS AND PERSISTENT STIMULATION

While the localization of chemoattractant receptors on randomly oriented cells has been previously studied by immunohistochemistry, the instantaneous distribution of receptors on living cells undergoing directed migration has not been determined. To do this, we replaced cAR1, the primary cAMP receptor of Dictyostelium, with a cAR1-green fluorescence protein fusion construct. We found that this chimeric protein is functionally indistinguishable from wild-type cAR1. By time-lapse imaging of single cells, we observed that the receptors remained evenly distributed on the cell surface and all of its projections during chemotaxis involving turns and reversals of polarity directed by repositioning of a chemoattractant-filled micropipet. Thus, cell polarization cannot result from a gradient-induced asymmetric distribution of chemoattractant receptors. Some newly extended pseudopods at migration fronts showed a transient drop in fluorescence signals, suggesting that the flow of receptors into these zones may slightly lag behind the protrusion process. Challenge with a uniform increase in chemoattractant, sufficient to cause a dramatic decrease in the affinity of surface binding sites and cell desensitization, also did not significantly alter the distribution profile. Hence, the induced reduction in binding activity and cellular sensitivity cannot be due to receptor relocalization. The chimeric receptors were able to "cap" rapidly during treatment with Con A, suggesting that they are mobile in the plane of the cell membrane. This capping was not influenced by pretreatment with chemoattractant.
The distribution of cortisone‐14C in pregnant mice

The distribution of the teratogenic steroid cortisone was studied in pregnant A/J mice by whole-body autoradiography to ascertain whether sites of localization in the pregnant females or embryos might suggest a mechanism of teratogenic action. A high concentration of radioactivity was found in maternal kidney, liver, bile, and intestinal contents and uterine cavity fluid. Maternal ovary and adrenal had much less activity but nevertheless a slightly higher activity than blood. There was no other prominent accumulation in either mothers or off spring. The concentration in the embryonic palatal buds was no higher than that in any other embryonic area, and the concentrations in embryonic tissues were less than those in maternal tissues. The remarkable accumulation in the uterine luminal fluid appeared to result from active secretion by the yolk sac. Addition of carrier cortisone or pretreatment of the pregnant mice with ouabain or mercuhydrin did not significantly alter the pattern and intensity of distribution. Pretreatment with cobaltous chloride decreased the concentration of radioactivity in the fetuses.
DNA vaccination with vaccinia virus L1R and A33R genes protects mice against a lethal poxvirus challenge.

Previously we found that passive transfer of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to either the vaccinia virus (VACV) L1R or A33R gene product protected mice from challenge with VACV. The L1R-specific MAbs, which bind the intracellular mature virion (IMV), neutralized virus in cell culture, whereas the A33R-specific MAbs, which bind extracellular enveloped virions (EEV), did not. To investigate whether a protective response could be generated by vaccination with these genes, we constructed and evaluated DNA vaccines expressing the VACV L1R and/or A33R genes under control of a cytomegalovirus promoter. Mice were vaccinated with DNA-coated gold beads by using a gene gun and then challenged with VACV (strain WR) intraperitoneally. Mice vaccinated with L1R alone developed neutralizing antibodies and were partially protected. Mice vaccinated with a combination of both genes loaded on the same gold beads developed a robust anti-A33R response; however, no neutralizing antibody response was detected, and the mice were not protected. In contrast, when mice were vaccinated with L1R and A33R loaded on different gold beads, neutralizing (presumably anti-L1R) and anti-A33R antibody responses were detected, and protection was markedly improved. Our results indicated that vaccination with both L1R and A33R proteins, intended to evoke mechanistically distinct and complementary forms of protection, was more effective than vaccination with either protein by itself.
Implantable Drug Delivery Systems (IDDS) After Failure of Comprehensive Medical Management (CMM) Can Palliate Symptoms in the Most Refractory Cancer Pain Patients

Background: A randomized clinical trial of implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) plus comprehensive medical management (CMM) versus CMM alone in 200 patients with refractory cancer pain showed better clinical success with IDDS. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether IDDS could help the most refractory patients failed by expert CMM. Patients and Methods: This was a planned longitudinal prospective analysis of 30 of 99 (30%) patients for whom CMM failed who crossed over to IDDS by 6 months, as part of the randomized clinical trial. Patients had a pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 5 or more despite CMM with 320 mg or morphine-equivalent opioids and adjunct drugs for 1 month. The intervention was an implantable intrathecal programmable pump with opioids and local anesthetics. Clinical success was measured as a 20% change in pain VAS score and NCI CTEP drug toxicity scales. Results: Clinical success was achieved with pain scores and drug toxicity scores significantly reduced by 27% (p = ...
The effect of additives on the aerosolization of JP-5 jet fuel

Abstract The May spinning top aerosol generator was used to generate aerosols from neat Navy jet fuel and selected dispersions of three types of polymer additives in the jet fuel. The additives selected were Oppanol B-200, a Vistanex Series, and a proprietary antimisting additive designated as FM-9. The mass median diameter (MMD) of the droplets produced was studied as a function of additive concentration and spinning top velocity for each additive. In the case of each additive, the MMD significantly increased with concentration at constant RPS. The effect of the Oppanol B-200 was comparable with that of FM-9 with respect to its influence on the MMD.
Effects of Variation in Root Temperature on Heat Lost from a Thermally Non-Symmetric Fin

Abstract A discussion of the variation of the heat lost from a fin is presented the root temperature of which is T = Tw + a cosm (πy'/21), 0 ⩽ m ⩽ 5, and surface convection coefficients of which are constant but unequal. The range of parameters are 0 ⩽ B2 ⩽ b1 ⩽ l, B1 = 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 where B1 and B2 are the Biot numbers of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively. A fin justification criterion (fin heat loss greater than or equal to three times the no-fin heat loss) is used to discuss fin effectiveness. The results are (1) the heat lost from the fin decreases as m increases, a > 0; (2) tip Biot number is not an important factor in heat lost for large B1 and B2 and (3) as a increases (m constant) the heat lost increases almost linearly.
Stability of limit cycles in frictionally damped and aerodynamically unstable rotor stages

This paper deals with the stability of limit cycles (Steady-State Oscillations) associated with the multi-degree-of-freedom model of a frictionally damped and aerodynamically unstable rotor stage. By using the first order averaging technique, a generalized criterion has been established to sort out those unstable limit cycles which govern the maximum transient amplitude beyond which the rotor stage becomes unstable.The stability of the remaining steady-state solutions is analyzed by linearizing the averaged system of differential equations. Numerical results are discussed for three-, four- and five-bladed disks.
Cancer pain and its impact on diagnosis, survival and quality of life

Cancer pain significantly affects the diagnosis, quality of life and survival of patients with cancer. During the past decade, preclinical and clinical data has begun to provide insight into the mechanisms that drive and mask cancer pain and the mechanisms by which anti-neoplastic agents induce peripheral neuropathy. Developing a mechanism-based understanding and mechanism-based therapies to treat cancer-associated pain and sensory neuropathy, and incorporating these into mainstream cancer research and therapy, will be crucial to improving the quality of life and survival of patients with cancer.
Use of radio occultation to probe the high-latitude ionosphere

Abstract. We have explored the use of COSMIC data to provide valuable scientific information on the ionospheric impacts of energetic particle precipitation during geomagnetic storms. Ionospheric electron density in the E region, and hence ionospheric conductivity, is significantly altered by precipitating particles from the magnetosphere. This has global impacts on the thermosphere–ionosphere because of the important role of conductivity on high-latitude Joule heating. Two high-speed stream (HSS) and two coronal mass ejection (CME) storms are examined with the COSMIC data. We find clear correlation between geomagnetic activity and electron density retrievals from COSMIC. At nighttime local times, the number of profiles with maximum electron densities in the E layer (below 200 km altitude) is well correlated with geomagnetic activity. We interpret this to mean that electron density increases due to precipitation are captured by the COSMIC profiles. These "E-layer-dominant ionosphere" (ELDI) profiles have geomagnetic latitudes that are consistent with climatological models of the auroral location. For the two HSS storms that occurred in May of 2011 and 2012, a strong hemispheric asymmetry is observed, with nearly all the ELDI profiles found in the Southern, less sunlit, Hemisphere. Stronger aurora and precipitation have been observed before in winter hemispheres, but the degree of asymmetry deserves further study. For the two CME storms, occurring in July and November of 2012, large increases in the number of ELDI profiles are found starting in the storm's main phase but continuing for several days into the recovery phase. Analysis of the COSMIC profiles was extended to all local times for the July 2012 CME storm by relaxing the ELDI criterion and instead visually inspecting all profiles above 50° magnetic latitude for signatures of precipitation in the E region. For 9 days during the July 2012 period, we find a signature of precipitation occurs nearly uniformly in local time, although the magnitude of electron density increase may vary with local time. The latitudinal extent of the precipitation layers is generally consistent with auroral climatology. However, after the storm main phase on 14 July 2012 the precipitation tended to be somewhat more equatorward than the climatology (by about 5–10° latitude) and equatorward of the auroral boundary data acquired from the SSUSI sensor onboard the F18 DMSP satellite. We conclude that, if analyzed appropriately, high-latitude COSMIC profiles have the potential to contribute to our understanding of MI coupling processes and extend and improve existing models of the auroral region.
Sulfur amino acid requirements of larvae of sitophilus oryzae (coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Larvae of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, had an absolute dietary requirement for l -methionine whereas l -cystine was not required for larval growth and development. 2. 2. l -cystine and l -homocystine spared suboptimal levels of l -methionine and the addition of l -cystathionine always improved the rate of larval development providing nutritional evidence for the presence of the cystathionine pathway in this species. 3. 3. Sitophilus oryzae utilized methionyl-amino acid peptides in lieu of dietary l -methionine and also utilized d -methionine but not as efficiently as l -methionine. 4. 4. Inorganic sulfate, in the form of MgSO4, did not replace l -methionine nor did it spare suboptimal levels of l -methionine. 5. 5. The use of chlortetracycline in the amino acid diet to remove the symbiotic bacteria present in S. oryzae was not successful; concentrations that resulted in decreased numbers of bacteria resulted in larval and pupal mortality whereas concentrations that did not cause mortality did not remove the bacteria. As a result, the possible role of the symbiote in the metabolism of the sulfur amino acids was not determined.
Controller Synthesis for Reusable Agents of Consensus Networks

Abstract We consider consensus problem over networks where each agent is modeled as a class of LTI systems. The objective is to make certain output of each agent converge to the (weighted) average of their initial conditions. To solve this consensus problem, we equip each plant with a local dynamic output-feedback controller. The system configuration allows us to decompose the networked system into subsystems characterized by the eigenvalues of Laplacian associated with the network topology. Having recognized that all the eigenvalues of Laplacian are bounded in a circle region, we cast each eigenvalue as an norm bounded uncertainty and use the robust control framework to evaluate the stability of each subsystem. We derive the sufficient condition to ensure that only the zero eigenvalue of Laplacian can touch the boundary of the circle. Based on that condition, we develop sufficient conditions to guarantee the marginal stability of the overall system, which allows us to use LMI approach to synthesize the controller and establish the convergence property of the system. Fianlly, we adopt a two-degree of freedom controller to improve the performance of the system as well as save the controller output energy.
Multisystemic therapy treatment of substance abusing or dependent adolescent offenders: Costs of reducing incarceration, inpatient, and residential placement

The development of more effective and less costly family- and community-based services to serve as alternatives to out-of-home placements of children is an important priority in the reform of mental health services for children and adolescents. Within the context of a randomized trial with 118 substance abusing or dependent juvenile offenders, we examined the incremental costs of multisystemic therapy (MST) and related these costs to observed reductions in days of incarceration, hospitalization, and residential treatment at approximately 1 year postreferral. Results showed that the incremental costs of MST were nearly offset by the savings incurred as a result of reductions in days of out-of-home placement during the year. The need to validate effective treatments for youth with serious clinical problems and to link the costs of treatment
Bilin deletions and subunit stability in cyanobacterial light-harvesting proteins

Light-harvesting in cyanobacteria and red algae is a function of the biliproteins, which have covalently bound bilin chromophores. The biliproteins are assembled with linker proteins into the phycobilisome, a large complex that resides on the surface of the photosynthetic membranes. Early steps in the phycobilisome assembly pathway include the folding of biliprotein alpha- and beta-subunits, covalent modification of subunits by bilin attachment and formation of the primary assembly unit, the alphabeta heterodimer. The potential role of bilins in subunit structure and assembly is examined in this study by site mutagenesis of biliprotein genes. Phycocyanin subunits from Synechocystis sp. 6701 that were unable to bind chromophores at specific sites were generated by changing the codons for bilin-binding cysteines to alanine residues. The altered genes were then expressed in a phycocyanin-minus mutant of the transformable Synechocystis sp. strain 6803. Single and multiple chromophore deletions cause specific and reproducible variations in phycobilisome-associated phycocyanin that do not correlate with transcript levels. Sedimentation equilibrium studies with purified proteins showed that bilin absence reduces the strength of alphabeta interaction in the heterodimer. These results suggest that phycocyanin instability in bilin-deletion mutants is a consequence of diversion of unassembled alpha- and beta-subunits to a degradation pathway. Attachment of the central bilin, which is common to all biliprotein subunits, may facilitate alphabeta interaction by completing the final stage of subunit folding and stabilizing the contact domains of binding partners in the heterodimer.
Computer-based man-job matching: Current practice and applicable research

IN THIS article, we describe and compare current practice and applicable research in the area of computer-based man-job matching systems. Our purpose, besides being informative, is to point out that a good deal of applicable research has not been incorporated, for the most part, into the current systems and that this state of affairs is undesirable and unncessary. A comparison of current practice with the applicable research indicates that future computer-based matching systems will be much more sophisticated than those presently operating. This is not to suggest that the present systems should not have commenced operation until more sophisticated systems, based on the most recent research, were ready for implementation. There are at least four reasons why the contrary is true.
Threshold of sediment movement by open ocean waves: observations

Abstract Between 8 and 25 March, 1973, a sequence of bottom photographs, sediment samples, bottom current measurements, and bottom pressure measurements was recorded continuously at several locations on the Washington continental shelf. Concurrently, wave conditions were recorded at 35-m depth on the summit of Cobb Seamount 465 km west of the shelf experiment. During the sampling period the bottom turbidity at 167 m on the shelf varied significantly in response to the magnitude of wave activity, and these data are used to evaluate the threshold wave conditions necessary to iniatiate the observed sediment movement. The bottom oscillatory velocity, orbital diameter of wave motion, and the mean sediment size occurring at the shelf location are compared. For unconsolidated silt-sized sediment the expression ρU 2 1 10 (ρ 8 − ρ)gD = 0.13 d 0 D 1 2 where ϱ8 and ϱ are the sediment and fluid densities, d0 is the horizontal excursion of water particles at the sea floor, D is the grain diameter, and U 1 10 the higher 10% of bottom oscillatory velocities, describes the threshold of grain motion as observed.
On the numerical implementation of an elastoplastic two surface material model

Abstract This paper evaluates the Lade elastoplastic model for sands for the purpose of its implementation into a finite element formulation using the displacement approach. The functions for the two yield surfaces are provided, with an explanation of the difficulties encountered in numerical implementation. Numerical methodologies are presented to consider both the elastic and plastic scaling of the stress increment as well as the strain softening mechanism of the model. Results of these methods are compared with laboratory data obtained from various triaxial tests.
The Potential of Dental-Protective Chewing Gum in Oral Health Interventions

ABSTRACT Background The authors provide an overview of chewing gum as a delivery vehicle for dental-protective agents, highlighting xylitol and its potential application in caries-prevention programs for children. Types of Studies Reviewed The authors reviewed selected clinical investigations and previous reviews associated with chewing gum containing substances such as calcium, bicarbonate, carbamide, chlorhexidine, fluoride and xylitol and their effects on reducing caries. They searched the MEDLINE database by using the key words “dental caries,” “oral health,” “calcium,” “bicarbonate,” “carbamide,” “chlorhexidine,” “fluoride” and “xylitol.” Results Chewing gum is being used as a delivery vehicle for substances such as calcium, bicarbonate, carbamide, chlorhexidine, fluoride and xylitol to improve oral health and reduce caries. These substances exhibit properties that are protective of the oral environment and mediate common oral diseases. The debate for advocating xylitol use in caries prevention is advancing; however, chewing gum use by young schoolchildren in the United States is hindered by choking hazard concerns and lack of specific xylitol dosing recommendations. Clinical Implications The use of chewing gum containing dental-protective substances, particularly xylitol, in caries-prevention programs can reduce the tooth decay epidemic. Chewing gum use by children in the school setting should be reconsidered.
Intravascular ultrasound-based imaging and drug delivery

An ideal solution for the diagnosis and treatment of a vascular disease must involve high-resolution imaging, quantitative characterization of the lesion, and the means to provide a comprehensive and versatile therapy that can be completed within a single catheterization procedure. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides real-time, radiation-free imaging and assessment of atherosclerotic disease in terms of anatomical, functional, and molecular information. In this paper we explore the potential of IVUS for diagnosis, therapy, and therapeutic monitoring. In addition, we propose to integrate microfluidic devices directly within a catheter to enable on-demand production of microbubbles for IVUS applications. We have demonstrated that 1) IVUS can perform molecular imaging; 2) IVUS imaging of in situ-produced microbubbles results in a 15 dB increase in lumen contrast; 3) IVUS acoustic radiation force in an ex vivo swine carotid artery model increases delivery of a model drug 17-fold; 4) in situ-produced microbubbles can deliver a model drug to cells under physiologically relevant flows; 5) IVUS in combination with microbubbles can successfully enhance gene delivery in vivo; and 6) IVUS can improve optical methods for estimating model drug delivery.
Co-occurrence of essential tremor and Parkinson's disease: clinical study of a large kindred with autopsy findings

A multigenerational family complex with an admixture of essential tremor (ET) and PD is presented. Medical information obtained either by historic documentation and/or examination was available for five generations and included 36 members. Of these, 11 family members had tremor of the limbs and/or head. In all these instances ET made its first appearance at an early age, usually prior to the second decade of life. In one case focal dystonia of the hand, a possible prelude to PD occurred, while in three brothers of the third generation, two of them identical twins, classical Parkinson's disease (PD) developed. They had ET develop at an early age, which persisted and in their 50s began showing evidence of PD. Two decades later the twin brothers succumbed to cancer of the colon and at autopsy typical findings of PD with cell loss in the substantia nigra and Lewy-body formation positive for alpha-synuclein by immunohistochemistry was found. Additionally, more than the usual number of senile plaques and neurofibrillatory tangles were present without clinical evidence of dementia or significant decline in cognitive function. This unusual set of clinical and pathological circumstances can hardly be attributed to chance occurrence and raise the question of a specific genetic mutation and/or clustering, which may link ET with PD.
First report of Sclerotinia minor infecting Ipomoea hederacea and I. coccinea in Texas.

Sclerotinia blight, caused by the soilborne fungus Sclerotinia minor Jagger, is a major disease of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in parts of west Texas. Previous reports have indicated that annual weed species may serve as collateral hosts for S. minor (2). Several Ipomoea spp. are commonly found in peanut fields throughout the region. In September of 2007, Ipomoea hederacea and I. coccinea plants with bleached, shredded stems, and signs of black sclerotia were collected from a field known to be infested with S. minor. Symptomatic stem sections were rinsed in tap water, surface disinfested in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, air dried, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Pure cultures of S. minor consisting of white, fluffy mycelia and small (<2 mm), black, irregular sclerotia were consistently recovered. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by wound-inoculating healthy I. hederacea and I. coccinea transplants (n = 3) with agar plugs obtained from the edges of actively growing S. minor cultures. Pla...
A Visit to the Doctor

At that visit to my doctor, I learned what it is to be in need and be taken care of, and I was left with a new awareness of the awesome gift I had been given as a physician.
Nucleus accumbens opioid, GABaergic, and dopaminergic modulation of palatable food motivation: contrasting effects revealed by a progressive ratio study in the rat.

The current studies were designed to evaluate whether incentive motivation for palatable food is altered after manipulations of opioid, GABAergic, and dopaminergic transmission within the nucleus accumbens. A progressive ratio schedule was used to measure lever-pressing for sugar pellets after microinfusion of drugs into the nucleus accumbens in non-food-deprived rats. The mu opioid agonist D-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Glyol5-enkephalin and the indirect dopamine agonist amphetamine induced a marked increase in break point and correct lever-presses; the GABA A agonist muscimol did not affect break point or lever-presses. The data suggest that opioid, dopaminergic, and GABAergic systems within the accumbens differentially modulate food-seeking behavior through mechanisms related to hedonic evaluation of food, incentive salience, and control of motor feeding circuits, respectively.
Cu2+ site in photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodobacter capsulatus, and Rhodopseudomonas viridis.

The interaction of metal ions with isolated photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) from the purple bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodobacter capsulatus, and Rhodopseudomonas viridis has been investigated with transient optical and magnetic resonance techniques. In RCs from all species, the electrochromic response of the bacteriopheophytin cofactors associated with QA-QB → QAQB- electron transfer is slowed in the presence of Cu2+. This slowing is similar to the metal ion effect observed for RCs from Rb. sphaeroides where Zn2+ was bound to a specific site on the surface of the RC [Utschig et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 8278]. The coordination environments of the Cu2+ sites were probed with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, providing the first direct spectroscopic evidence for the existence of a second metal site in RCs from Rb. capsulatus and Rps. viridis. In the dark, RCs with Cu2+ bound to the surface exhibit axially symmetric EPR spectra. Electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM...
Characterizing Polyurethane Foam as a Sink for or Source of Volatile Organic Compounds in Indoor Air

Polyurethane foam (PUF) is widely used in indoor consumer products. Despite strong potential interactions with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the effect of PUF on indoor concentrations of VOCs has not been examined. This study determines the behavior of PUF as a potential sink for or source of VOCs in indoor air. A flexible polyether-type foam and eight aromatic VOCs ranging in molecular weight from naphthalene to benzene were studied. Rapid determinations of PUF-air partition coefficient (\IK\N) and PUF-phase diffusion coefficient (\ID\N) were achieved using a dynamic microbalance procedure. A diffusion model was applied to interpret the experimental data. The PUF sample was assumed to conform to semi-infinite cylindrical geometry with solid-phase diffusion being the rate limiting step. The results indicate that sorption of VOCs by PUF is fully reversible. For the VOCs studied, \IK\N can be correlated with vapor pressure and \ID\N with molecular free surface area. Humidity appears to reduce the extent of sorption and slow the sorption kinetics. These findings should facilitate the prediction of the source/sink behavior of PUF and the related impact on VOC concentrations in the indoor environment.
Growth of GaAs1 − xNx on GaAs(100) by chemical beam epitaxy

Abstract GaAs 1 − x N x films have been grown using chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). Triethylgallium, As 2 and atomic nitrogen generated in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma were used as the Ga, As and N sources, respectively. The maximum nitrogen content in GaAs 1 − x N x obtained in this study was x = 0.026 . As a supplemental method to secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction techniques for measuring the nitrogen fraction, we present preliminary results from transmission electron microscopy studies which involved the use of microdiffraction and electron energy loss spectroscopy to probe local regions of the films.
Feigning sexual desire: Consenting to unwanted sexual activity in heterosexual dating relationships

The prevalence rates of unwanted sexual activity indicate that a substantial proportion of both men and women are at risk for experiencing unwanted (nonconsensual) sexual activity. However, little is known about the extent to which men and women consent to unwanted sexual activity, such as when a person indicates willingness to engage in a sexual activity at a time when he or she experiences no sexual desire. In the current study, 80 male and 80 female U.S. college students involved in committed dating relationships kept diaries of their sexual interactions for two weeks. More than one third (38%) of the participants reported consenting to unwanted sexual activity during this period. The most common motives for engaging in this behavior were to satisfy a partner's needs, to promote intimacy, and to avoid relationship tension. Most participants reported positive outcomes associated with these motives. The results indicate that previous estimates of the prevalence of unwanted (nonconsensual) sexual experien...
Effects of Temperature, Wetness Duration, and Leaflet Age on Infection of Strawberry Foliage by Phomopsis obscurans

Temperature, leaf wetness, and leaflet age effects on infection of strawberry foliage by Phomopsis obscurans were examined in controlled-environment experiments. A mid-season ('Honeoye') and early-season ('Earliglow') cultivar were used. Tested temperatures were 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C, and tested wetness periods were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 h. Leaflets were labeled based on age: 0 to 1, 2 to 6, and 7 to 14 days old. Effects of temperature, wetness duration, and leaflet age on the logit of disease incidence and severity were quantified using a linear mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Age, wetness duration, and their interaction significantly affected these measures of disease. Disease intensity decreased dramatically with increasing leaflet age at the time of infection, indicating a decrease in susceptibility with maturation of foliage, and increased with increasing wetness duration. Temperature only affected disease incidence with 'Honeoye'. A prediction model was developed for leaflet infection based on ANOVA results. Coefficients of determination were approximately 0.8 for both cultivars and measures of disease (incidence and severity), indicating that disease could be described accurately based on environmental conditions and leaflet age.
Long-term results after conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus in pediatric liver transplantation for acute and chronic rejection.

UNLABELLED Tacrolimus is beneficial in liver transplantation for reversing steroid-resistant acute rejection, and for controlling the process of chronic rejection in allograft recipients receiving Cyclosporine- (CyA) based regimens. Very little is known about the long-term efficacy of tacrolimus in pediatric transplantation after conversion from CyA. Our study examines the long-term outcome after conversion to tacrolimus for acute or chronic rejection in pediatric liver transplant (LTx) recipients. METHOD Seventy-three children (age < 18 years) receiving their primary LTx under CyA between August 1989 and April 1996 were converted to tacrolimus for ongoing acute rejection (n=22, group I) or chronic rejection (n=51, group II). Mean age at the time of conversion was 10.2+/-5.5 years with a mean interval from LTx to conversion of 3.5+/-2.9 (range 0.5-10.1 years). There were 33 boys and 40 girls. All patients were followed until June 1999. Mean follow-up was 97.3+/-17.4 months (range 62.4-118.9 months). RESULTS Overall 5-year actual patient survival was 78.1% and 8-year actuarial survival was 74.6%. Patients converted to tacrolimus therapy to resolve acute rejection (group I) experience significantly better patient and graft survival at 5 and 8 years than those converted to resolve chronic rejection (group II). Eight-year patient survival and graft survival was 95.5 and 90.9% for group I compared to 74.6 and 53.5% for group II, respectively (long rank P=0.035 and 0.01, respectively). Nearly 75% of children were weaned off steroids after conversion. There was a marked improvement in hypertension, gum hyperplasia, hirsutism, and cushingoid appearance. One child in group I (4.5%) and four children in group II (7.8%) developed posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder after conversion. There was an improvement in growth in children who were less than the age of 12 years at the time of conversion and who were weaned off steroids; more significantly girls responded more favorably than boys. CONCLUSION The benefit of transplantation is maintained long-term after conversion to tacrolimus for acute or chronic rejection. The response rate was significantly better in group I as compared with group 11. Marked improvement in growth, hypertension, and reversal of the brutalizing effects of CyA was noted after conversion to tacrolimus. The results suggest that early conversion of pediatric liver transplant patients is warranted for the treatment of acute and chronic rejection, and for improvements in quality of life.
Relations among the light-cone quark models with the invariant meson mass scheme and the model prediction of the η − η ′ mixing angle

We analyze the relations among the light-cone quark models which are based on the invariant meson mass scheme. We find that the difference from the Jacobi factor in model wave functions is substantially reduced in the numerical predictions for the physical observables once the best fit parameters are chosen. The difference in the choice of radial wave function [e.g., harmonic oscillator (HO) wave function versus power-law wave function] is, however, still appreciable even though the best fit parameters are used. We also observe an excellent agreement between the HO model predictions and the experimental data on the radiative decays of pseudoscalar $(P)$ and vector $(V)$ mesons and $P\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ processes, if we use the constraint obtained by the axial anomaly plus partial conservation of axial-vector current relations and choose the $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ mixing angle ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{SU}(3)}$ $\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{-}19\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.$