cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Approaches of Immunotherapy

Allergic diseases affect millions of adults and children in the United States. Allergen immunotherapy has been a treatment option for diseases such as allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and venom allergy for the last 100 years. In the last 25 years, alternative approaches to traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy have been developed. The purpose of these new therapies is two-fold: to improve safety and to improve the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. Aluminum hydroxide has been used as an adjuvant to standard immunotherapy, but due to concerns about side effects, its use has been decreasing. The modification of allergens into allergoids has been an effective therapy in Europe, but at this time no preparations are available for use in the United States. Toll-like receptors have demonstrated mixed results with early trials in the United States, showing promise with the use of a TLR4 agonist, while a TLR9 agonist had disappointing results. Early studies with the use of virus-like particles with and without allergens have shown additional promise, and further trials are currently underway. These novel approaches may improve the immunologic response and often the clinical outcomes for the management of allergic diseases.
Contextual life stress and coping strategies as predictors of adjustment to breast cancer survivorship.

Background/Purpose: The study presented here examined the influence of contextual life stress and coping strategies on change in adjustment over the year following completion of treatment for breast cancer. We also investigated whether contextual stressful life events moderate the relationship between coping strategies and adjustment, such that cancer-specific emotional approach coping processes would predict better psychosocial outcomes only in the context of lower life stress and would have less impact on adaptation in the context of heightened life stress.Methods: In a sample of women (n = 558) who had recently completed treatment for nonmetastatic breast cancer and were part of a psychoeducational intervention trial to facilitate the transition to survivorship, life stress in the year prior to study entry, cancer-specific coping strategies, and general and cancer-specific adjustment were assessed at baseline, and adjustment outcomes (i.e., vitality, depressive symptoms, cancer-specific distress, personal growth) also were assessed at 6-month (n = 417) and 12-month (n = 397) follow-up.Results/Conclusions: Although cross-sectional relationships between life stress and adjustment were demonstrated, findings suggest that contextual life stress does not appear to have a direct influence on change in adjustment in the first year after breast cancer treatment. Instead, life stress interacted with cancer-specific coping to predict adjustment, such that cancer-specific emotional approach coping was adaptive only under conditions of low contextual life stress.
The Normal Family of Linear Systems

Abstract The normal family of linear (time-variant) n-ports is introduced as the most natural extension of ordinary scalar driving-point immittance behaviour. The normality induces a certain symmetry and simplicity which merits due emphasis in future n-port research investigations. As an application of the concept of normality the overdamped-underdamped criterion is extended to n-ports. Also, an interesting problem of maximal power transfer is solved and the absolute energy invariant index calculated. This paper invites attention to the development of circuit synthesis procedures based on the algebraic structure of the normal family.
Histology and ultrastructure of the human flexor tendon sheath

Twenty human flexor tendons and their sheaths were studied to determine the gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural morphology of their surfaces. Specimens were obtained at the time of autopsy or at the time of reconstructive and reparative surgery. The flexor tendon sheath consists of a noninterrupted layer of parietal synovium reinforced externally at intervals by dense bands of collagen, the annular and cruciform pulleys, and the palmar plates of the respective finger joints. The sheath contents are independently covered by a second similar layer of visceral synovium. These two layers are continuous at the proximal cul-de-sac, the vincula origins, and the tendon insertions. While the synovial cells lining the pulleys and tendons differ quantitatively from those of the membranous portion of the sheath, they are morphologically identical. The presence of a visceral synovial layer covering each tendon may indicate a key role of the synovial cell in tendon healing.
T1-T2 vocal cord carcinoma: A basis for comparing the results of radiotherapy and surgery

This is an analysis of 304 patients with invasive, previously untreated T1-T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx treated with radiotherapy between October 1964 and December 1984. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up and 82% had at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients were excluded from the analysis of local control if they died within 2 years of treatment with the primary site continuously disease-free. Patients were staged according to the AJCC system and stratified by the surgical procedure that would have been required to resect the tumor. Stage T2 was subdivided into two subsets: T2a (normal mobility) and T2b (decreased mobility). The rates of local control with radiotherapy and the ultimate rates of local control, including patients salvaged surgically for a local recurrence, were as follows: T1, 159 of 171 (93%) and 166 of 171 (97%); T2a, 50 of 65 (77%) and 63 of 65 (97%); and T2b, 31 of 43 (72%) and 38 of 43 (88%). The rate of local control for patients with T1 lesions limited to one cord was not influenced by tumor extension to the anterior commissure. The overall incidence of serious complications was 5 of 304 (1.6%). The 5-year determinate survival rates were as follows: T1, 130 of 134 (97%); T2a, 43 of 46 (93%); and T2b, 29 of 33 (88%).
Complement and humoral immunity.

Abstract The complement system was discovered almost a century ago as an important effector in antibody-dependent killing of microorganisms. Since this early period much was learned about the biochemistry and structure of complement proteins and their function in mediating inflammation. More recently, a prominent role for complement was identified in linkage of innate and adaptive immunity . In this review, I will discuss our current understanding of the importance of complement in enhancing the humoral immune response to both model antigens and pathogens. As discussed below, it is evident that the complement system participates in marking of “foreign” pathogens and “presenting” them to B cells in a manner that enhances both antibody production and long-term memory. In this special issue of Vaccine , we see examples of how complement is critical in the immune response to bacterial and viral pathogens. Moreover, the finding that most organisms have co-evolved proteins to evade complement detection underscores its importance in host protection.
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis during childhood: Importance of brain biopsy diagnosis

Twelve consecutive pediatric patients 1 day to 11 years of age with suspected herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis underwent brain biopsy. Five were proved to have HSV encephalitis; seven had subdural empyema, malignant glioma, enteroviral encephalitis, (one each), and presumed viral encephalitis, non-HSV (four). Neither epidemiologic, clinical, nor noninvasive laboratory tests were able to help differentiate the two groups of patients. The EEG was more sensitive than the CT scan in demonstrating focal lesions in early HSV encephalitis. In patients with HSV encephalitis, the mean time from hospital admission to appropriate antiviral chemotherapy was 3 days, and the outcome of HSV encephalitis was uniformly poor. In patients with febrile encephalitis-like syndromes with CSF plecytosis, focal neurologic signs, or other localizing test results (EEG, CT), anticipatory antiviral chemotherapy and brain biopsy are the only hope to prevent the poor outcome associated with HSV encephalitis, to exclude other treatable conditions, and to avoid multiple types of unnecessary empiric therapies.
Effects of Advanced Maternal Age and Race/Ethnicity on Placental Weight and Placental Weight/Birthweight Ratio in Very Low Birthweight Infants

To study the association of advanced maternal age (AMA) and race/ethnicity on placental pathology in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Retrospective analysis of placental pathology of inborn singleton VLBW infants from a regional level 3 NICU between July, 2002 and June, 2009. Subjects were stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Statistical analysis included One-way ANOVA, Chi Square and multivariable analyses. A total of 739 mother/infant dyads were included. AMA was associated with a decrease in placental weight and placental weight/birthweight ratio. Black/Non-Hispanic mothers ≥35 had a lower placental weight (p = 0.01) and lower placental weight/birth weight ratio (z-score, −0.45 ± 0.71 vs −0.04 ± 1.1, p = 0.01) compared to Black/Non-Hispanic mothers <35 years of age. After controlling for gestational age, race/ethnicity, maternal diabetes, maternal smoking, maternal hypertension and clinical chorioamnionitis, AMA, but not race/ethnicity, remained independently associated with placental weight/birthweight ratio z score (full model r2 = 0.22, p < 0.01). In our study sample of VLBW infants, placental weight and placental weight/birthweight ratio were lower in mothers of advanced maternal age compared to mothers <35 years of age. Our data suggest that maternal age affects placentation in VLBW infants, which could influence maternal and neonatal outcomes.
On the emulation of flowcharts by decision tables

Any flowchart can be emulated by a decision table, whose complexity depends on that of the flowchart. It may be necessary, however, to introduce a new control variable with associated tests and sets or to permit changes in execution sequences provided action-test independence holds. Two measures of decision table complexity are discussed and interrelated. Finally, conditions and procedures for reducing complexity are presented.
Spatial and Temporal Control Contribute to Step Length Asymmetry During Split-Belt Adaptation and Hemiparetic Gait.

Background. Step length asymmetry (SLA) is a common hallmark of gait poststroke. Though conventionally viewed as a spatial deficit, SLA can result from differences in where the feet are placed relative to the body (step position strategy), the timing between foot strikes (step time strategy), or the velocity of the body relative to the feet (step velocity strategy). Objective. The goal of this study was to characterize the relative contributions of each of these strategies to SLA. Methods. We developed an analytical model that parses SLA into independent step position, step time, and step velocity contributions. This model was validated by reproducing SLA values for 25 healthy participants when their natural symmetric gait was perturbed on a split-belt treadmill moving at either a 2:1 or 3:1 belt-speed ratio. We then applied the validated model to quantify step position, step time, and step velocity contributions to SLA in 15 stroke survivors while walking at their self-selected speed. Results. SLA was pr...
Genetic studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

AbstractBoth Freud [1] and Janet [2] thought it likely that constitutional or genetic factors were important in the pathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Although for the most part their evidence was anecdotal and descriptive, over the next several decades it stimulated a series of more systematic family studies in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The potential significance that genetic studies have in contributing to our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disorder has become increasingly clear with recent advances in molecular biology. The evidence that genotypic factors are important in the phenotypic expression of psychiatric symptoms has been gathered from four basic sources: twin studies, family studies, adoption studies, and genetic linkage studies. There have been no adoptive studies in OCD, and linkage studies have only just begun. This article will critically review existing family and twin studies. It will also focus on the methodologic implications of the heterogeneity a...
A 60GHz Phased Array in CMOS

This work comprises an array of 4 phase shifters and antennas operating at 60GHz for a beamforming system. Pass gates form the switching core for a phase selector circuit which is replicated to build up a vector modulator phase shifter. The final beam accuracy is better than 2deg for a 16-way system. The die area is 2.7mm times 2.8mm, the buffers take 240mA from a 1.2V supply, the pass gates take no power
Peer and maternal influences on the expression of foot-clasp mounting by juvenile male rhesus monkeys.

The display of adultlike foot-clasp mounts by male rhesus monkeys occurs during the 1st year of life in animals reared with their mothers in social groups where peer interaction is possible 24 hr per day. In contrast, this form of mount is rarely displayed if infants are separated from their mothers at 3 months of age and allowed daily .5-hr periods for peer interaction. To distinguish between maternal and peer access-time influences upon the development of this response, we housed rhesus monkeys with their mothers and allowed either .5-hr or 24-hr daily access to peers in the presence of their mothers during the 1st year of life. Male infants restricted to .5-hr periods with peers rarely or never foot-clasp-mounted peers, although 3 of 6 males foot-clasp-mounted their mothers. In contrast, males given 24-hr access to peers regularly mounted peers using the foot-clasp mount. Males from the 2 groups did not differ in total frequencies of all mount types displayed, only in the display of foot-clasp mounts. After maternal separation at the end of the 1st year, rearing effects on the display of mounting persisted into the 2nd year. Males that received 24-hr daily peer access during the 1st year continued to foot-clasp-mount peers whereas .5-hr males failed to do so, indicating that the experience of mounting one's mother with the adult posture was not sufficient to support peer-oriented foot-clasp mounting at a later age. In addition to deficits in peer-oriented foot-clasp mounting. .5-hr infants displayed higher frequencies of threat and withdrawal behaviors to peers and presented to peers less frequently than did infants from the 24-hr rearing condition. These results contradict a motor deficiency hypothesis to account for the rare display of foot-clasp mounts to peers by males receiving .5-hr daily access to peers during the 1st year of life. Instead, data support the view that .5-hr animals either failed to develop positive response patterns necessary for the execution of the foot-clasp mount, or learned negative patterns of social interaction that prevented the display of this cooperative behavior.
A bis-alkylating triplex forming oligonucleotide inhibits intracellular reporter gene expression and prevents Triplex unwinding due to helicase activity

Triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) have the ability to site specifically modulate gene expression through the formation of triple helix DNA. The HER-2/neu promoter contains a strategically located triplex target sequence, and has been successfully targeted in vitro, with little success in vivo. A TFO was conjugated at both its 5' and 3' ends to an alkylating agent (phenylacetate mustard) in an attempt to stabilize the triple helix intracellularly. In vitro assays demonstrated that the bis-conjugate bound the duplex and alkylated the target guanine residues with high efficiency. The bis-conjugate suppressed promoter activity by 60-70% in cancer cells using a plasmid with a preformed triple helix, and the suppression was minimal when the nitrogen mustard was conjugated at only one end. Helicase assays demonstrated that helicase activity can unwind the TFO at the unalkylated end of the triple helix, which may leave the unwound oligonucleotide susceptible to nuclease degradation or ineffective at inhibiting transcription initiation. Our findings indicate that dual alkylation of the target sequence is required to suppress the intracellular activity of a reporter plasmid with a preformed triple helix, likely due to greater stability of the triple helix within cells and inhibition of helicase activity.
Use of a low-dose ACTH stimulation test for diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in dogs.

Background: Although definitive diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism usually is made by an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test using 250 μg/dog of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin/tetracosactrin), increased costs have prompted a search for less-expensive diagnostic methods. Hypothesis: A low-dose ACTH stimulation test (5 μg/kg) will distinguish between dogs with nonadrenal illness and hypoadrenocorticism. Additionally, administration of cosyntropin will not affect the results of another ACTH stimulation test performed 24 hours later. Animals: Eight healthy adult dogs and 29 hospitalized dogs with suspected hypoadrenocorticism. Methods: In this prospective study, each healthy dog received 4 ACTH stimulation tests. Dogs received either 5 μg/kg or 250 μg/dog of cosyntropin on day 1 and the alternate dose on day 2. The opposite dosing sequence was used after a 2-week washout period (days 15 and 16). Dogs with suspected Addison's disease received 2 ACTH stimulation tests, 24 hours apart, using either a dose of 5 μg/kg cosyntropin or 250 μg/dog on the 1st day and the alternate dose on the 2nd day. Results: In healthy dogs, poststimulation cortisol concentrations on days 2 and 16 and days 1 and 15 were equivalent (90% confidence interval [CI]: 86.7–101.2%). In dogs with suspected Addison's disease, mean (±SD) cortisol responses to ACTH in the 5 μg/kg dose (16.2±7.7 μg/dL) and 250 μg/dog dose (15.9±6.3 μg/dL) were statistically equivalent (90% CI: 91.2–105.4%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Low-dose ACTH stimulation testing distinguishes between dogs with nonadrenal illness and hypoadrenocorticism. Additionally, the administration of 2 ACTH stimulation tests on consecutive days does not affect results of the second test.
Memory for frequency of occurrence in retarded and nonretarded persons

Abstract The purposes were (a) to determine if mentally retarded persons are deficient in automatic processing, (b) to test the Hasher and Zacks (1984) intelligence-invariance criterion for automaticity, and (c) to assess the effects of the nature of the stimulus on automatic processing. Mentally retarded and nonretarded persons estimated frequency of occurrence of words, stick pictures, photographs and semantically encoded photographs in a study-test paradigm. They saw a study list of one type of item presented on slides at a 3-s or 5-s rate under instructions to remember the items for free recall. In the test phase, they recalled items and then estimated frequencies (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4). The were differences between the groups in free recall, and pictorial items were recalled better than words. The accuracy of frequency estimates was higher for pictorial items than for words. Frequency estimates of the retarded and nonretarded were equal for words, but the nonretarded were superior to the retarded in accuracy on pictorial items. The results were discussed in terms of the Hasher and Zacks position and the more recent theorizing of Greene (1986) and Begg, Maxwell, Mitterer, and Harris (1986).
Oceans and human health initiative takes shape at NOAA

A new $8-million research initiative that will focus on the relationship between oceans and human health—which the U.S. Congress mandated be established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—could help to fill in important research gaps in this area, if the program can overcome some internal challenges. At a workshop held 9 October to begin determining the scientific scope and structure of the initiative, some participants said that the challenges include questions about NOAAs commitment to supporting external research by the academic community Another concern voiced was that the study of marine-based pharmaceuticals and bioactive agents should receive more focus within the program.
Galectin-3 binding potentials of mouse tumor EHS and human placental laminins.

Abstract Galectin-3, a lectin which binds to polylactosamine chains of laminin, has been implicated as a modulator of cell to laminin interactions. In this study, we analyzed the relative binding of galectin-3 to mouse tumor and human placental laminins. Using gel overlay experiments, we have demonstrated that galectin-3 preferentially binds to mouse tumor compared to human placental laminin. We have also demonstrated by Western blotting assays that mouse tumor laminin copurifies with endogenous mouse galectin-3. Lastly, we have demonstrated by periodate Schiff staining that mouse tumor has more sugar residues than human placental laminin. These analyses may explain why laminins purified from normal and tumor cells.
Modelling rock–water interactions in flooded underground coal mines, Northern Appalachian Basin

Inverse geochemical modelling was used to investigate rock–water interactions in flooded underground coal mines in northern Appalachia, USA. In early flooding, Pittsburgh seam mine waters are usually acidic ( c. pH 3), with dissolved metals Fe and Al ranging from 10 to >100 mg l −1 . Within a few decades, however, waters in fully flooded mines usually have pH of about 7 S.U., and alkalinity >300 mg l −1 CaCO 3 Eq. Eh shifts from oxidizing ( c . 500 to 700 mv) to reduced (−100 to −200 mv) conditions. Sodium concentrations may increase an order of magnitude; sulphate and iron concentrations may also increase. Water samples were collected from several mine-pools in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. A conceptual model was developed based on quantitative hydrology, mine-pool chemistry, mining conditions and mineralogy. The model was tested with the geochemical code PHREEQC. Simulations included mixing recharge and acid mine waters, precipitation–dissolution reactions involving carbonates, sulphates, oxy-hydroxides and sulphides, and ion adsorption and exchange. Na exchange was a dominant process in all models. Carbonates are orders of magnitude undersaturated in the juvenile mine-pool, but near saturation in the mature mine-pool, suggesting they are a primary source of acid neutralization and alkalinity. The mature mine-pool is simultaneously near equilibrium with iron sulphide, iron carbonate and iron oxy-hydroxide mineral phases. The rapid change in mine-pool water quality has substantial implications for management of these systems. Corresponding author eperry@osmre.gov
Synthesis of a Novel Antiretroviral Thymidine Analog: 1-(2-Deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-4-acetylimidazolin-2-one (Imidine)

Abstract The total synthesis of imidine (8), a novel isomer of thymidine is described. Depending on the coupling method used, either the anomeric mixture of the protected desired nucleoside, or the positional isomer 14 is obtained.
On the formation of necks in an Al13%Si eutectic alloy

Abstract An Al-13%Si eutectic alloy was tested at an elevated temperature of 557 °C at constant strain rate. Marked deviations from uniform deformation occurred in the specimens tested at three different strain rates of 1 × 10−5, 5 × 10−4 and 1 × 10−2 s−1 at elongations as low as approximately 50%. At a strain rate of 1 × 10−2 s−1, a diffuse neck formed up to an elongation of 100%. Thereafter, the neck became sharp and catastrophic. At strain rates of 5 × 10−4 and 1 × 10−5 s−1, failure occurred by the formation and subsequent growth of sharp necks within the gauge length. These results are consistent with a genuine decrease in the value of the strain rate sensitivity index m with a decrease in strain rate.
Long-term nutritional outcome after pediatric intestinal transplantation.

Abstract Background/Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term nutritional status of a large population of children after intestinal transplantation and to identify factors associated with nutritional outcomes. Methods: Longitudinal anthropometric data are maintained in a database registry for all patients referred to our Intestinal Care Center (ICC). Z-scores for weight and height were calculated biannually over a maximum of 2 years, and associations between baseline and follow-up laboratory measures and growth were evaluated for patients greater than 6 months post intestinal transplant. Results: Since the inception of the ICC in December 1996, 24 pediatric patients (18 boys, 18 white) received an isolated small bowel or small bowel/liver transplant (median age, 3.2 years). The majority of cases (75%) had been diagnosed with surgical short bowel syndrome and were dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at the time of transplant. Of the 23 patients who survived the initial postoperative period, 87% were weaned from TPN to an amino-acid or peptide-based enteral formula or solid food within 3 months. A positive trend in z-scores for weight and height/length was observed in only 30% and 26% of patients, respectively, during the follow-up period. Although mean albumin levels increased significantly from 2.8 to 3.1 mg/dl by 6 months posttransplant ( P [lt ] .01) no difference in alkaline phosphatase was found over time. Steroid doses were weaned within 3 to 4 months after transplantation but not discontinued. The cumulative survival rate was 91% at 1 year and 86% at 2 years posttransplant, whereas those weaned from TPN achieved 100% and 94% survival, respectively. Conclusions: Attainment of positive linear growth remains a challenge in the pediatric transplant population despite successful liberation from TPN, protein anabolism, and high survival rates. Further investigation into alternative methods of nutritional evaluation and manipulation as well as the use of growth factors to enhance the growth process need to be investigated.
Oxonium ion‐initiated polymerization of tetrahydrofuran

The kinetics of polymerization of tetrahydrofuran was studied, with the use of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate as initiator and dichloroethane as solvent. Conversion versus time and degree of polymerization versus time were measured at 0°C. at various monomer and initiator concentrations. The data were systematized by means of a kinetic equation, and the absolute rate constants for initiation and propagation were determined.
On some problems of M.Z. Nashed on outer inverses

Abstract While not every linear operator on a Banach space has a generalized inner inverse, the situation for outer inverses is different. Every operator on a Banach space has an outer inverse. That answers one problem posed by M.Z. Nashed.
Air Pollution implications of inversion descent in mountain valleys.

Abstract Observations of vertical temperature structure in Colorado's deep Gore River Valley indicate that deep inversions that build up within the valley during the night descend into the valley during the hours following sunrise. Direct and indirect evidence indicates that this phenomenon may be a fairly common feature of valley meteorology. This inversion descent will have important implications for dispersal of any pollutant that is emitted into a very stable nocturnal inversion layer since the material may be dispersed after sunrise during inversion descent. A hypothesis is presented to explain the observations, emphasizing the role of the locally-generated upslope flows in removing mass from under the inversion, resulting in inversion descent. The implications of the hypothesis are investigated using a simple air pollution model based on considerations of mass-continuity and advection. The model predicts pollutant concentration as a function of time for locations along the sidewalls of an idealized valley cross-section.
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection in healthy urban employees from Greece: seroprevalence and associated factors.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in healthy company employees from Greece with the aim of assessing the prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and identifying risk factors for this herpesviral infection. Serum samples obtained from 955 subjects were tested for antibodies to HHV-8 by the K8.1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations between HHV-8 serostatus and potential risk factors were examined using t-test, chi square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. HHV-8 prevalence was 7.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0%, 9.5%) and it increased with age from 6.5% among or =50 years old subjects (P = 0.006). HHV-8 seropositivity was independently associated with endoscopic examination (odds ratio (OR): 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.70; P = 0.026), HBsAg positivity (OR: 5.16; 95% CI: 2.02, 13.20; P = 0.001) and age (OR > or =50 years old vs. <50 years old: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.52; P = 0.006). No statistically significant associations between HHV-8 positive status and gender, occupational status, surgery, transfusion, tattoos/body piercing, multiple sex partners, weakness/fatigue, HCV status were observed. HHV-8 is prevalent in Greece. The strong association between HBV infection and HHV-8 positive status supports the hypothesis of an association between these two viral infections. The association between HHV-8 seropositivity and endoscopic examination requires further investigation.
Study time, recall time, meaningfulness, and recognition latency in paired-associate learning

Four groups of 24 undergraduates each learned one of two lists of eight paired associates in which half of the response terms were composed of low-meaningfulness (M) CVCs and the other half high-M CVCs. Within the two levels of equated M. two response terms of each level had short recognition latencies (RL), the other two, long RLs. Each group learned one list under one of four combinations of study time and recall time, viz, 1-sec study and 1-sec recall, 1-sec study and 3 1/2-sec recall, 3 1/2-sec study and 1-sec recall, or 3 1/2-sec study and 3 1/2-sec recall. The difference between the learning rates of high- and low-M pairs was greater under the 1-sec recall condition than under the 3 1/2-sec condition, results accounted for on the basis of Martin’s perceptual encoding hypothesis. Although high-M pairs were learned in fewer trials than low-M pairs, no differences were found between the number of trials to learn the short- and long-RL pairs.
Further follow-up of results of treatment in 90 laparotomy-negative stage I and II Hodgkin's disease patients: Significance of mediastinal and non-mediastinal presentations

Abstract A preliminary report described the results of radiotherapy treatment in 90 patients with laparotomy-negative stage I and II Hodgkin's disease. 15 This group has now been followed a minimum of five years. The maximum follow-up is just over ten years. The findings in the preliminary report are now confirmed. The projected ten year survival is approximately 93%; the projected ten year disease free survival is about 60%. None of the patients received total nodal radiotherapy. More than half of the patients received no elective irradiation below the diaphragm and some of them received less than full mantle treatment. Present philosophy in the management of Hodgkin's disease is tentatively based on combining the results of the treatment of patients variously staged, either with or without laparotomy or with or without lymphangiography. Analysis of patterns of failure in patients who have had a laparotomy strongly suggest that a more conservative radiotherapy approach than is currently the norm in most institutions can be equally effective. Indications for a combined chemotherapy/ radiotherapy program for mediastinal presentations is discussed.
Default-Mode Activity during a Passive Sensory Task: Uncoupled from Deactivation but Impacting Activation

Deactivation refers to increased neural activity during lowdemand tasks or rest compared with high-demand tasks. Several groups have reported that a particular set of brain regions, including the posterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex, among others, is consistently deactivated. Taken together, these typically deactivated brain regions appear to constitute a default-mode network of brain activity that predominates in the absence of a demanding external task. Examining a passive, block-design sensory task with a standard deactivation analysis (rest epochs vs. stimulus epochs), we demonstrate that the default-mode network is undetectable in one run and only partially detectable in a second run. Using independent component analysis, however, we were able to detect the full default-mode network in both runs and to demonstrate that, in the majority of subjects, it persisted across both rest and stimulus epochs, uncoupled from the task waveform, and so mostly undetectable as deactivation. We also replicate an earlier finding that the default-mode network includes the hippocampus suggesting that episodic memory is incorporated in default-mode cognitive processing. Furthermore, we show that the more a subject's default-mode activity was correlated with the rest epochs (and "deactivated" during stimulus epochs), the greater that subject's activation to the visual and auditory stimuli. We conclude that activity in the default-mode network may persist through both experimental and rest epochs if the experiment is not sufficiently challenging. Time-series analysis of default-mode activity provides a measure of the degree to which a task engages a subject and whether it is sufficient to interrupt the processes—presumably cognitive, internally generated, and involving episodic memory—mediated by the default-mode network
Research Spotlight: Designing nature-based mitigation to promote multiple benefits

By promoting the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, policymakers have a unique opportunity to mitigate climate change while providing social and environmental benefits. Here we highlight how nature-based mitigation strategies for multiple benefits can be supported by three key areas of scientific research, drawing upon examples of research by Conservation International and its partners. First, monitoring of ecosystems can quantify the magnitude of emissions released from conversion and degradation, and can inform prioritization and planning efforts. Second, understanding the synergies and tradeoffs between climate change mitigation and other ecosystem benefits can aid in designing policy instruments, selecting management techniques and geographically targeting actions. And third, research on the design of policies, incentives and practices can enhance mitigation initiatives’ provision of both climate and noncarbon benefits. Achieving multiple benefits can in turn increase the sustainabili...
Histone H3 phosphorylation near the nucleosome dyad alters chromatin structure

Nucleosomes contain ∼146 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone protein octamer that controls DNA accessibility to transcription and repair complexes. Posttranslational modification (PTM) of histone proteins regulates nucleosome function. To date, only modest changes in nucleosome structure have been directly attributed to histone PTMs. Histone residue H3(T118) is located near the nucleosome dyad and can be phosphorylated. This PTM destabilizes nucleosomes and is implicated in the regulation of transcription and repair. Here, we report gel electrophoretic mobility, sucrose gradient sedimentation, thermal disassembly, micrococcal nuclease digestion and atomic force microscopy measurements of two DNA-histone complexes that are structurally distinct from nucleosomes. We find that H3(T118ph) facilitates the formation of a nucleosome duplex with two DNA molecules wrapped around two histone octamers, and an altosome complex that contains one DNA molecule wrapped around two histone octamers. The nucleosome duplex complex forms within short ∼150 bp DNA molecules, whereas altosomes require at least ∼250 bp of DNA and form repeatedly along 3000 bp DNA molecules. These results are the first report of a histone PTM significantly altering the nucleosome structure.
Cloudifying Apps - A Study of Design and Architectural Considerations for Developing Cloudenabled Applications with Case Study

With the emergence of Cloud Computing technology many enterprises started moving their applications to the cloud to gain the benefits of hosting applications online versus having to have physical hardware or build out infrastructure. This new technology trend presents new challenges to application developers to enable applications in the cloud. Building applications for the cloud requires a major paradigm shift and new thinking about the application design, system architecture and needs an emphasis on leveraging massive scale. Building scalable applications for the cloud requires solid engineering and design by addressing the Statelessness, Redundancy, Resiliency, Server failures, New database approach, security, fast-changing platforms and dealing with different frameworks. While cloud deployments can abstract developers from having to deal with infrastructure issues, developers can focus on innovation and business logic instead of worrying about plumbing and infrastructure such as the operating systems, hardware etc. This paper is targeted towards cloud application developers and architects who are responsible for developing brand new cloud applications as well as migrating existing applications to clouds. The focus of this paper is to highlight design principles and best practices applicable to application development in cloud environment.
Dynamic studies of running half-plane and cruciform cracks

Abstract The dynamic problems of a crack running perpendicularly into a half-plane surface and a cruciform crack running in an unbounded solid under the action of moving point forces are analyzed. The cracks are treated as dislocations distributed w.r.t. Speed, so that the problems reduce to singular integral equations with Dirac functions as non-homogeneous terms. By extracting physically significant limit cases with analytical solutions, the terms are removed, and the resulting equations solved numerically by a standard technique. Dynamic stress intensity factor and crack opening data are presented. For the cruciform crack, this data is compared with that for the plane crack limit case.
Natural resonance structures and aromaticity of the nucleobases

Natural resonance theory (NRT) and nucleus- independent chemical shift (NICS) analyses have been applied to the standard nucleobases adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil, and thymine. The molecular electron densities were obtained from density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP level and ab initio calculations at the HF, MP2, and CCD levels. Compared with the dominance of the two Kekule structures in benzene, the structural modifications in the forms of endocyclic heteroatoms and exocyclic substituents introduce various degrees of charge separation in nucleobases. As a result, the leading resonance structures for cytosine, uracil, and thymine are found to be covalent structures, but their weightings decrease to ~30% in the NRT expansion. For adenine and guanine, the covalent structures have weightings of ~20%, and the leading ionic resonance structures have weightings of as high as about 8%. Methods that include electron correlation effects, B3LYP, MP2, and CCD, give smaller weightings for the covalent structures than HF. However, MP2 and CCD results often include “strange” resonance structures with connections between unbonded vicinal atoms, making DFT at the B3LYP level the better choice for calculating these molecules’ electron density. The NICS at the ring center shows that the six-membered rings in cytosine, uracil, thymine, and guanine are nonaromatic with NICS within − 3 to − 1 ppm, while it is − 7.3 ppm for the six-membered ring in adenine. The NICS of the five-membered rings of adenine and guanine is around − 12 ppm, a slight decrease from the value of − 15.0 ppm for pyrrole.
Evaluating ethical decision‐making models: a review and application

Purpose – The paper seeks to evaluate the prescriptive value of ethical decision‐making models.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores various types of models in the ethics literature in concert with knowledge from the decision sciences literature to develop a tentative list of evaluative criteria that might be applied to prescriptive models. It then applies these criteria to one prescriptive model from the ethics literature, developed by Petrick and Quinn, in an attempt to demonstrate the value of more comprehensive evaluation. It closes by considering future research aimed at the evaluation of ethical decision‐making models as well as research needed to validate the Petrick and Quinn model.Findings – This critique finds that the Petrick‐Quinn judgment integrity model satisfies most of the criteria discussed in the ethical decision‐making literature. The primary opportunities for refining the Petrick‐Quinn model as a prescriptive framework for ethical decision making are: articulating the operat...
Diphenylhydantoin and Dexamethasone-Induced Changes of Plasma Cortisol: Comparison of Patients with and Without Glaucoma

ABSTRACT The inhibitory effect of diphenylhydantoin on dexamethasone suppression of plasma cortisol appeared to be less in 27 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma as compared to 31 individuals without glaucoma.
CT guided celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve neurolysis.

ABSTRACT The use of computed tomography (CT) as an aid in performing splanchnic and celiac plexus neurolysis is described. Using CT to guide placement of the needle tips, a transcrural technique was developed that permits direct neurolysis of the celiac ganglia. Computed tomography monitored the extent of spread of neurolytic agent into adjacent tissues and detected abnormal needle positions that may have resulted in serious complications.
Speech-associated attitudes of stuttering and nonstuttering children.

A Dutch version of the Communication Attitude Test (Brutten, 1985) was used to assess the speech-associated attitudes of 70 stuttering and 271 nonstuttering Belgian children of elementary and middl...
Characterization and Modification of Surface Topography by Sequential Laser Peening Biodegradable Magnesium-Calcium Alloy

The development of biodegradable implants has had a beneficial effect on in-vivo treatment of patients with various bone ailments. Currently, biodegradable implants are mainly made of polymers, such as PLA or PMMA. However, these polymer based implants usually have unsatisfactory mechanical strength and are prone to considerable amounts of wear [1]. An alternative to polymers is a biodegradable magnesium-calcium (Mg-Ca) alloy which has the ability to gradually dissolve and absorb into the human body after implantation. The similar properties of Mg to bone indicate it is an ideal implant material to minimize the damaging effects of stress shielding. The critical issue that hinders the application of Mg implants is poor corrosion resistance to human body fluids. Sequential laser shock peening (LSP) of a biodegradable Mg-Ca alloy was initiated to create a superior surface integrity for improving implant performance. LSP is an innovative surface treatment method to impart deep compressive residual stresses across a broad area of an implant. The high compressive residual stress has great potential to slow corrosion rates and improve wear and fatigue performance. Also, LSP produces a unique surface topography. Structural surface modifications are an effective way to alter the implant/tissue interface in order to improve biocompatibility.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Off-Design Transonic Rotor-Inlet Guide Vane Unsteady Aerodynamic Interactions

The unsteady aerodynamic interactions of a transonic rotor with an upstream inlet guide vane (IGV) row under off-design operating conditions are investigated. The rotor-generated IGV unsteady aerodynamics are quantified when the IGV reset angle causes the rotor to be on the verge of becoming transonic and the vane exit metal angle is nearly aligned with the detached rotor shocks, that is, at the vane maximum modal force excitation. This is accomplished through experiments in a 1 1 2-stage axial-flow compressor, with detailed data acquired and analyzed. These data define the 90% span transonic rotor-generated forcing function to the IGVs, the resulting vane steady and unsteady aerodynamic response, and the time-variant vane-to-vane flow field over one interaction cycle.
Qualitative Vision-Based Path Following

We present a simple approach for vision-based path following for a mobile robot. Based upon a novel concept called the funnel lane, the coordinates of feature points during the replay phase are compared with those obtained during the teaching phase in order to determine the turning direction. Increased robustness is achieved by coupling the feature coordinates with odometry information. The system requires a single off-the-shelf, forward-looking camera with no calibration (either external or internal, including lens distortion). Implicit calibration of the system is needed only in the form of a single controller gain. The algorithm is qualitative in nature, requiring no map of the environment, no image Jacobian, no homography, no fundamental matrix, and no assumption about a flat ground plane. Experimental results demonstrate the capability of real-time autonomous navigation in both indoor and outdoor environments and on flat, slanted, and rough terrain with dynamic occluding objects for distances of hundreds of meters. We also demonstrate that the same approach works with wide-angle and omnidirectional cameras with only slight modification.
Specialization of the rural: Reinterpreting the labor mobility of rural young women in post‐Mao China

In this article I examine rural Chinese women's migration to the cities before and after the post-Mao reform. I argue that rural young women's pursuit of a modern identity during the more recent migration has to be understood in the context of a changed rural-urban relationship resulting from China's postsocialist development in an era of flexible accumulation. I analyze how a contradiction between freedom and violence dialectically constitutes the search for a new, modern subjectivity by rural young women in China today.
Conversion diversion: participation in a social HMO reduces the likelihood of converting from short-stay to long-stay nursing facility placement.

Objectives To determine the effect of a Social Health Maintenance Organization (S/HMO) on diverting older adults admitted into a nursing facility from converting to long-stay placement. Design Members of the SCAN S/HMO and those in Medicare Fee-For-Service were compared on successful discharge to the community after being admitted to nursing facilities between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2003. Setting Skilled nursing facilities in 4 counties in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside). Participants Data (N = 4635) were extracted from Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 records for nursing facility residents in the S/HMO or the Medicare Fee-for-Service 5% sample who were aged 65 and older with an episode of care greater than 14 days. Measurements Predisposing, enabling, and need measures were used to predict successful discharge to the community within 90 days. Results After controlling for selected sociodemographics, comorbidities, behavioral issues, mental health conditions, and other risk factors, being enrolled in the S/HMO increased the likelihood of successful discharge by 26%. Conclusion With systemic increases in short-stay patients, research on diversion must look past the avoidance of unnecessary entry to nursing facilities, to the successful transition of short-stay residents to the community. As described in this study, the S/HMO model is an important but largely unaddressed method of avoiding the conversion to long-stay.