cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite element modeling of the transient response of viscoelastic beams

A procedure is presented for computing the transient response of a multiple degree of freedom finite element model of a beam system containing a viscoelastic material. A complex, frequency and temperature dependent shear modulus is used in representing the properties of this material. The beam is struck with an arbitrary transient input pulse, which is transformed to the frequency domain via the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm. The frequency dependent response of the beam may then easily be computed. Applying the inverse fast Fourier transform to this result then yields the transient, damped response of the complete beam system. This `approximate' approach is compared against an exact, modal solution for a system with viscous damping and excellent correlation is observed between the two. Finally, a procedure is presented to incorporate the finite element code ANSYS into the prediction procedure. Through the use of this code, a model constrained layer damped beam may be analyzed to obtain its transient response to an applied load.
Immune Adherence Hemagglutination: Further Observations on Demonstration of Antibody to Varicella-Zoster Virus

The immune adherence hemagglutination test for measurement of antibody to varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus is well suited to performance in a routine serology laboratory. This test is useful in assessing susceptibility to varicella, measuring antibody to V-Z virus in globulin preparations, and evaluating some effects of passive immunization. Since the complement-fixation test for antibody to V-Z virus lacks sensitivity and the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen test is not readily available, the immune adherence hemagglutination test may be of practical value in patient management. The immune adherence HA (IAHA) test may be used to measure specific antibody directed against varicella-zoster (V-Z) virus [1]. Seroconversion with persistence of antibody after varicella and fourfold or greater rises in antibody titer after zoster in normal individuals have been demonstrated. The IAHA test is performed by mixing of antigen, serum, complement, and human type O red blood cells (RBC). A positive reaction is indicated by agglutination of RBC, me
Sexually Dimorphic Fin Regeneration in Zebrafish Controlled by Androgen/GSK3 Signaling

Summary Certain fish and amphibians regenerate entire fins and limbs after amputation, whereas such potential is absent in birds and limited in mammals to digit tips [1, 2]. Additionally, regenerative success can change during life stages. Anuran tadpoles gradually lose the capacity to regenerate limbs [3, 4], and digit regeneration occurs more effectively in fetal mice and human children than adults [5–8]. Little is known about mechanisms that control regenerative capacity. Here, we identify an unexpected difference between male and female zebrafish in the regenerative potential of a major appendage. Males display regenerative defects in amputated pectoral fins, caused by impaired blastemal proliferation. This regenerative failure emerges after sexual maturity, is mimicked in androgen-treated females, and is suppressed in males by androgen receptor antagonism. Androgen signaling maintains expression of dkk1b and igfbp2a , which encode secreted inhibitors of Wnt and Igf signaling, respectively. Furthermore, the regulatory target of Wnts and Igfs, GSK3β, is inefficiently inactivated in male fin regenerates compared with females. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 in males increases blastemal proliferation and restores regenerative pattern. Our findings identify a natural sex bias in appendage regenerative capacity and indicate an underlying regulatory circuit in which androgen locally restricts key morphogenetic programs after amputation.
External spinal orthotics

A great variety of spinal orthoses are available to neurological surgeons involved in the evaluation and management of spinal disorders. Each of the orthoses has certain advantages and disadvantages, and enough information about the biomechanical principles of spinal instability and spinal orthoses exists to make possible rational application of the appropriate orthosis. Based on this information, recommendations have been formulated for selecting the proper orthosis for the control of each spinal region, depending on the results sought through the use of an external orthosis.
Decisions, Decisions: Why Thomas Hunt Morgan Was Not the “Father” of Evo‐Devo

Although the construction of neo‐Darwinism grew out of Thomas Hunt Morgan’s melding of Darwinism and Mendelism, his evidence did not soley support a model of gradual change. To the contrary, he was confronted with observations that could have led him to a more “evo‐devo” understanding of the emergence of novel features. Indeed, since Morgan was an embryologist before he became a fruit‐fly geneticist, one would have predicted that the combination of these two lines of research would have resulted in early formulations of concepts relevant to evolutionary developmental biology. It is thus of interest to review Morgan’s thought processes and arguments for at first rejecting both Darwinism and Mendelism, and then for later dismissing data that would have yielded a model of rapid morphological change in favor of a model of change based on the accumulation of minor mutations and their morphological consequences.
Which Depressed Patients Should Receive Antidepressants

Antidepressants lead to improvement in about 70% of unselected patients with a depressive syndrome. However, many of these patients would also improve with the passage of time alone or with support and counselling. Although antidepressants are generally well tolerated, they can be expensive and are not devoid of adverse effects. Accordingly, it is worthwhile considering which patients are most likely to benefit from these drugs.
Targeted cleavage: tuneable cis-cleaving ribozymes.

Posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression has become a popular method for studying gene function and elucidating networks of gene expression. A number of tools are available that allow investigators to regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally, including RNAi, antisense oligonucleotides, DNAzymes, and ribozymes (1). Each of these methods relies on complementary basepairing between the inhibitory agent and the target mRNA. In addition, these methods require efficient delivery of short nucleic acids to cells through either carrier molecules or the introduction of genes that encode the inhibitory molecules for expression in the cells of interest (1). A unique nucleic acid inhibitor must be developed for every target of interest and, in many instances, a panel of the appropriate nucleic acid inhibitors has to be tested to achieve the desired knockdown levels of the target (2, 3).
Immunocytochemical localization of thymosin-α1 in thymic epithelial cells of normal and myasthenia gravis patients and in thymic cultures

Thymosin alpha 1 (alpha 1) is a potent thymic polypeptide hormone. With antibodies against synthetic thymosin alpha 1, indirect immunofluorescence was applied to human normal thymus and to hyperplastic, thymomatous or "involuted" thymus of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. Alpha 1 was localized only in the epithelial cells, lying singly, grouped, in Hassall's corpuscles or proliferated in thymomas. In contrast to normal thymus, which had fewer and more weakly stained cells, MG hyperplastic thymus had many strongly positive epithelial cells: this was markedly evident in thymomas. "Involuted" MG thymus had a few but brightly stained cells lying within the fatty tissue. In tissue cultures of human thymus, anti-alpha 1 stained the epithelial cells, but not fibroblasts. These findings: (a) demonstrate the origin of the thymic hormone alpha 1 to be the thymic epithelial cell; (b) raise the possibility that excess alpha 1 may act pathologically to facilitate and perpetuate the dysimmune mechanism in MG; (c) may partially explain the beneficial effect of thymectomy in MG patients of any age; and (d) suggest that epithelial cells may be autonomous for the production of alpha 1 as evidenced by their positivity in tissue culture.
The structure and allosteric regulation of mammalian glutamate dehydrogenase

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a homohexameric enzyme that catalyzes the reversible oxidative deamination of l-glutamate to 2-oxoglutarate. Only in the animal kingdom is this enzyme heavily allosterically regulated by a wide array of metabolites. The major activators are ADP and leucine, while the most important inhibitors include GTP, palmitoyl CoA, and ATP. Recently, spontaneous mutations in the GTP inhibitory site that lead to the hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HHS) syndrome have shed light as to why mammalian GDH is so tightly regulated. Patients with HHS exhibit hypersecretion of insulin upon consumption of protein and concomitantly extremely high levels of ammonium in the serum. The atomic structures of four new inhibitors complexed with GDH complexes have identified three different allosteric binding sites. Using a transgenic mouse model expressing the human HHS form of GDH, at least three of these compounds were found to block the dysregulated form of GDH in pancreatic tissue. EGCG from green tea prevented the hyper-response to amino acids in whole animals and improved basal serum glucose levels. The atomic structure of the ECG-GDH complex and mutagenesis studies is directing structure-based drug design using these polyphenols as a base scaffold. In addition, all of these allosteric inhibitors are elucidating the atomic mechanisms of allostery in this complex enzyme.
Gender effects in attitudes about family violence

We present results of perceptions of family violence from 176 telephone interviews conducted in a Standard Metropolitan Area in Northwest Arkansas. Four research questions are examined: (1) How do men and women differ in their perceptions about the seriousness and causes of family violence? (2) Do men and women differ in their acceptance of specific acts of interpersonal violence and does the gender of the aggressor and victim affect gender perceptions? (3) Do men and women differ in their views about the effectiveness of different intervention agencies? (4) Do men and women differ in their willingness to report acts of child abuse and does the gender of the parent and child affect the likelihood of reporting? Results indicate that females consider the problem as more serious and view public responses to family violence as more effective. Both male and females are more tolerant of acts of aggression and violence if directed by a woman toward a man. Females are more likely to report child abuse but there are significant interactions between the respondent's gender and the gender of the parent and child.
Mechanical Stress Patterns in the Human Proximal Tibial Growth Plate During the Stance Phase of Normal Gait

Since the mid 1800’s clinicians and researchers have considered the effect of mechanical stresses on bone growth and the development of growth disorders [1]. However, the specifics of this relationship remain poorly understood. Both clinical and experimental evidence support the concept that magnitude, frequency and duration of loads are critical in defining the response of cartilage to pressures [2, 3]. Yet, the range of physiologic pressures in the growth plate has not been identified, and most models of growing bones have considered single quasi-static loading conditions and/or elastic material models that can not accurately represent time dependence [4, 5]. It was the goal of this study to implement loading conditions representing an entire stance phase of gait in a two-dimensional model of the proximal tibia of a normal child. A poroelastic material model was used in order to identify the variations in growth plate pressures in both time and location, and investigate the potential for fluid flow within the growth plate.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Modeling the Influence of Water Content on Soil Vapor Extraction

We present a comprehensive model and simulation results to assess the impact of changing water content on nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) mass transfer, vapor phase retardation, and slow desorption during soil vapor extraction (SVE). Contaminant mass transfer and water and energy transport processes for a one-dimensional, nonisothermal, and single contaminant component system are considered. Literature-derived relationships are used to express the fraction of soil surface area exposed to the vapor phase and the NAPL–gas mass transfer rate expression as a function of water saturation. Simulations are presented for two scenarios: (i) low water saturation, where soil drying is expected and direct vapor sorption to soil may be important, and (ii) high water saturation, where NAPL mass transfer to the gas phase is rate-limited and the gas flow rate is very low. At low water saturation slow desorption controls long tailing in the effluent concentration and the cleanup time. Also, when dry air is purged through the system, water evaporation occurs, the temperature decreases, and hence, desorption rates decrease. The NAPL mass transfer rates were negligibly affected by water evaporation because time scales of the NAPL volatilization were much smaller than time scales of the water evaporation. At high water saturation, NAPL is trapped by water and NAPL mass transfer to the gas phase is limited by diffusion through water films. For this case, NAPL mass transfer is slow and thus controls concentration tailing and cleanup times.
Use of 1,2,3-trisubstituted cyclopropanes as conformationally constrained peptide mimics in SH2 antagonists ☆

Abstract Novel conformationally constrained phosphotyrosine pseudopeptide derivatives of the tetrapeptide pY-E-E-I were prepared and evaluated as SH2 binding antagonists.
Brauer Algebras and Centralizer Algebras for SO(2n, C)

Abstract In 1937, Richard Brauer identified the centralizer algebra of transformations commuting with the action of the complex special orthogonal groups SO (2 n ). Corresponding to the centralizer algebra E k (2 n ) = End SO (2 n ) ( V ⊗ k ) for V = C 2 n is a set of diagrams. To each diagram d , Brauer associated a linear transformation Φ( d ) in E k (2 n ) and showed that E k (2 n ) is spanned by the transformations Φ( d ). In this paper, we first define a product on D k (2 n ), the C -linear span of the diagrams. Under this product, D k (2 n ) becomes an algebra, and Φ extends to an algebra epimorphism. Since D k (2 n ) is not associative, we denote by D k (2n) its largest associative quotient. We then show that when k ≤ 2 n , the semisimple quotient of D k (2n) is equal to E k (2 n ). Next, we prove some facts about the representation theory of E k (2 n ). We compute the dimensions of the irreducible E k (2 n )-modules and give some branching rules.
Linking Retroelements to Autoimmunity

In this issue, Stetson et al. (2008) report a mechanism by which host cells avert an autoimmune response to self-nucleic acids. They show that the nuclease Trex1 prevents the accumulation of DNA derived from endogenous retroelements that, if left unchecked, trigger elevated production of type I interferons leading to autoimmunity.
The effects of Spanish home language use on the scholastic performance of Hispanic pupils

Abstract This study looked at the home language use patterns of Hispanic families in an urban setting to determine the differences between academic achievement, language development, and psychosocial adjustment of children whose families have maintained Spanish as the main home language (additive bilingual home environment) and children who come from homes where a switch to English has occurred (subtractive bilingual home environment. For this study, 108 subjects were selected based on their ability to meet criteria established to control for (a) initial home language, (b) length of enrolment in school, and (c) socio‐economic status. All the subjects were enrolled in the fifth or sixth grade at a large East Los Angeles elementary school during the 1982–83 year. A series of independent t tests was used to compare the two groups of primary interest on school measures of academic achievement (English reading proficiency, mathematics, Spanish reading vocabulary, and academic grade point average), language dev...
Polarized axonal surface expression of neuronal KCNQ channels is mediated by multiple signals in the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 C-terminal domains

The M channels, important regulators of neuronal excitability, are voltage-gated potassium channels composed of KCNQ2–5 subunits. Mutations in KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 cause benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC), dominantly inherited epilepsy and myokymia. Crucial for their functions in controlling neuronal excitability, the M channels must be placed at specific regions of the neuronal membrane. However, the precise distribution of surface KCNQ channels is not known. Here, we show that KCNQ2/KCNQ3 channels are preferentially localized to the surface of axons both at the axonal initial segment and more distally. Whereas axonal initial segment targeting of surface KCNQ channels is mediated by ankyrin-G binding motifs of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, sequences mediating targeting to more distal portion of the axon reside in the membrane proximal and A domains of the KCNQ2 C-terminal tail. We further show that several BFNC mutations of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 disrupt surface expression or polarized surface distribution of KCNQ channels, thereby revealing impaired targeting of KCNQ channels to axonal surfaces as a BFNC etiology.
Differential molecular sieving permits visualization of hexokinase isoenzymes following electrophoretic separation in high resolution acrylamide gels.

Abstract 1. 1. Differential molecular sieving is the concept applied to bring together isoenzymes of ATP: D -hexose-6-phosphotransferase (hexokinases) with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in acrylamide gels by utilization of their dissimilar electrophoretic mobilities. 2. 2. The hexokinase isoenzymes migrate and separate in gels with pore sizes selected to entrap glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in their interstices. The locations of the bands of specific activity are visualized by fluorescence of NADPH under long wave, ultraviolet radiation. 3. 3. A new discontinuous electrochemical system has been devised to deliver protective thiol groups into the gel. Cysteine (trailing ion) and SO 4 2− (leading ion) form a sharp moving boundary. 4. 4. The high resolution of the system has permitted visualization of a rapidly migrating, high K m hexokinase in murine spleen, fat, kidney and lymph nodes. Hexokinase Types I and II, were observed in all tissues tested, but Type IV was seen only in the liver. 5. 5. The importance of glucose concentration effects on hexokinase activity is emphasized by inactivation of slowly migrating low K m hexokinase Types I and II following exposure to 200 mM glucose during preparation of extracts.
Conformational analysis of medium-ring ketones

Abstract The conformations of cyclooctanone, cyclooctane-1,5-dione, cyclononanone, ayclodecanone, cyclodecane-1,6-dione, and cycloundecanone are discussed.
The Science of Illusion-making in Aimé Césaire's La tragédie du roi Christophe and Une tempête

This essay considers Cesaire’s theater from the point of view of performance, by focusing on two works from his trilogy on decolonization: La tragedie du roi Christophe and Une tempete . The ability to create illusions, including the scientific knowledge necessary to do so, is portrayed as a European instrument, which can be used either negatively, to deceive the characters with the objective of exploiting them, or positively, as a means of raising consciousness in a manner that provokes development. The making of illusions by the different characters unlocks a game of mise en abyme , which leads to the establishment of a metatheatrical discourse about the role of theater in economic development. Ultimately, the frequent representation of illusion-making as a scientific or technical practice reflects Cesaire’s views about the transfer of Western cultural elements—including both theater and modern technologies—to the former colonies in the era of decolonization.
Scattering-induced Optical Polarization in Thick Accretion Disks

A general formalism for calculating the linear polarization induced by scattering within the central funnel of a thick accretion disk is presented, and it is shown that multiple photon reflections off the funnel walls can produce polarization values of up to about 10 percent, with the polarization position angle aligned parallel to the disk symmetry axis. It is suggested that this process is responsible for the observed optical polarization levels in X-ray-selected BL Lac objects (XBLs), which generally show linear polarization percentages P less than about 10 percent. According to this interpretation, XBLs with high optical polarization are viewed at an angle of less than about 60 deg to the funnel axis and their projected polarization vectors should be preferentially aligned with the associated radio jets. The possible relevance of this model to Seyfer 1 galaxies and quasars is also discussed.
On being excommunicated from the European view of minority influence: A reply to Perez et al.

I agree with Perez et al.'s (in press) assessment of the literature on minority influence. While there are crucial differences between majority and minority influence research, I think the time has come for a reconsideration of the necessity and fruitfulness of the extreme dichotomy between majority and minority influence. The Clark (1990) study is only a step in that direction.
67ZN QCPMG SOLID-STATE NMR STUDIES OF ZINC COMPLEXES AS MODELS FOR METALLOPROTEINS

Zinc plays a key role in the active binding site for a range of important metalloproteins. For example, Zn{sup 2+} is important for the function of pencillamine, insulin, carboxypeptidase A, thermolysin, and phospholipase C. To understand the enzymatic function of these metalloproteins, it is of interest to study the Zn{sup 2+} coordination environment with a variety of ligands, i.e., N, O, and S donor atoms. Information on Zn{sup 2+} complexation may potentially be obtained from liquid-state {sup 67}Zn NMR (isotropic chemical shifts, {delta}{sub iso}; T{sub 1} and T{sub 2} relaxation). However, the large {sup 67}Zn line width and poor receptivity will prevent useful data from being obtained on biological compounds via liquid-state NMR. Furthermore, the Zn{sup 2+} coordination is particularly reflected in the {sup 67}Zn (I = 5/2) quadrupole coupling, an interaction which may be obtained only indirectly from liquid-state relaxation studies. Solid-state {sup 67}Zn NMR is a more direct and informative probe for the local structure but is unfortunately associated with broad line shapes due to a large quadrupole moment. In this paper the authors demonstrate that {sup 67}Zn QCPMG NMR represents a feasible approach to study Zn{sup 2+} coordination in model complexes for metalloenzymes.
Fusion of active and passive sensors for fast 3D capture

We envision a conference room of the future where depth sensing systems are able to capture the 3D position and pose of users, and enable users to interact with digital media and contents being shown on immersive displays. The key technical barrier is that current depth sensing systems are noisy, inaccurate, and unreliable. It is well understood that passive stereo fails in non-textured, featureless portions of a scene. Active sensors on the other hand are more accurate in these regions and tend to be noisy in highly textured regions. We propose a way to synergistically combine the two to create a state-of-the-art depth sensing system which runs in near real time. In contrast the only known previous method for fusion is slow and fails to take advantage of the complementary nature of the two types of sensors.
Micromachined fiber optic pressure sensor for in-vivo biomedical applications

A high sensitivity, batch fabricated, micromachined pressure sensor with interferometric readout is described. The transducer consists of a fiber V-groove, a 45 degree(s) stationary mirror and a silicon membrane, which are micromachined in two separate silicon wafers by anisotropic etching in KOH solution. The 45 degree(s) mirror provides a means of directing the light to and from the membrane with a horizontally mounted fiber, which is compatible with etched V-groove fiber alignment and positioning. A Fabry-Perot optical cavity is formed between the end of the fiber and the silicon membrane. The generated optical interference fringes are used to detect and measure the change in membrane deflection. The pressure range of operation and sensitivity are dictated by the thickness, size and material of the membrane and the wavelength of the light source. The sensor described here is designed for implantation in living bone tissue for the detection of necrosis. The ultimate, minimum size for this sensor is dictated by the diameter of one, single mode fiber, e.g. 125 microns.
Study of Carrier Generation in Titanyl Phthalocyanine (TiOPc) by Electric-Field-Induced Quenching of Integrated and Time-Resolved Fluorescence

We have studied the influence of electric field and humidity on photoconductivity and fluorescence in particles of highly photoconductive Y-form TiOPc dispersed in a poly(vinylbutyral) polymer matrix. Both integrated and time-resolved fluorescence quenching by electric field were measured. Integrated fluorescence quenching showed a linear dependence at low applied fields and a linear correlation with carrier generation efficiency. Time-resolved fluorescence decays were analyzed by fitting the data to a sum of two exponentials representing fast and slow fluorescence components. Qualitative features of fluorescence decay were the same for low and high humidity levels. The amplitude and lifetime changes of the two fluorescence components upon the application of the electric field are in agreement with theory which describes energy transfer between free and trapped exciton states. These results indicate that carrier generation in Y-TiOPc originates from both relaxed and nonrelaxed intrinsic excited singlet st...
The detection of ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at the parts per billion level with coated piezoelectric crystal detectors

Abstract Ucon-75-H-90,000 and Ucon-LB-300X are the new substrates used on the piezoelectric crystal detectors. On exposure to nitrogen dioxide these substrates form new compounds on the crystal which are sensitive to nitrogen dioxide and ammonia. With these coatings it is possible to detect nitrogen dioxide and ammonia in the parts per billion range. Some problems are caused by atmospheric moisture and high concentrations of organic pollutants.
Large-format HgCdTe focal plane arrays for dual-band long-wavelength infrared detection

Raytheon Visions Systems (RVS) is furthering its capability to deliver state-of-the-art high performance large format HgCdTe focal plane arrays (FPAs) for dual-band long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detection. Missile seekers are designed to acquire targets of interest at long ranges and discriminate targets from clutter. The use of dual-band long wavelength infrared detector technology provides the ability for these seekers to combine these operations into the same package with enhanced performance. Increasing the format size of dual-band longwavelength FPAs and tailoring the detector design for specific long-wavelength bands enables seekers to be designed for increased field-of-view, longer target acquisition ranges, and improved accuracy. This paper will review in further detail the aspects of detector design, MBE wafer growth, wafer fabrication, and detector characterization that are contributing to development and demonstration of high performance large format dual-band LWIR FPAs at RVS.
Effect of plasma medium on the radiation efficiency of a ferrite-based four-element microstrip antenna array

The radiation efficiency of a ferrite-based four-element microstrip antenna array is studied both numerically and experimentally inside a plasma medium. Multiresonance peaks are observed with enhanced radiation efficiency in the region where the plasma frequency is less than the operating frequency of the array. This is contrary to the results achieved so far for other antenna arrays, including the microstrip antenna array on dielectric substrate. The experimental findings are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The finding is of paramount significance for satellite and space vehicle communications. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 16: 138–141, 1997.
Ultrastructural investigation of the mechanism of muscle attachment to the gastropod shell

The ultrastructure of the muscle-shell attachment was investigated in the land pulmonate snails Helix aspersa, Anguispira altemata, in the freshwater pulmonate Laevipex sp., and in the freshwater prosobranch Pomacea paludosa. In all cases, a collagenous intercellular matrix and a specialized epithelium (tendon cells) intervene between the columellar muscle and the shell. These tendon cells are characterized by hemidesmosomes at both apical and basal ends, connected by thick bundles of microfilaments. The tendon cells do not insert into the shell directly by microvilli, as formerly thought, but by an extensive network of extracellular organic fibers.
Domain-specific Web service discovery with service class descriptions

This paper presents DynaBot, a domain-specific Web service discovery system. The core idea of the DynaBot service discovery system is to use domain-specific service class descriptions powered by an intelligent Deep Web crawler. In contrast to current registry-based service discovery systems -like the several available UDDI registries - DynaBot promotes focused crawling of the Deep Web of services and discovers candidate services that are relevant to the domain of interest. It uses intelligent filtering algorithms to match services found by focused crawling with the domain-specific service class descriptions. We demonstrate the capability of DynaBot through the BLAST scenario and describe our initial experience with DynaBot.
Stepchildren of the state: educating enfants de troupe in the French army, 1800-1845.

Throughout the 19th century, the French army supported and educated the sons of common soldiers known as “enfants de troupe”. The army's chief objectives were to tap this manpower pool for its own uses and to boost army morale by showing that it cared for the families of its defenders. However, during the period 1830‐1845, many officers became increasingly concerned with caring for the children's well‐being, and with providing them with an education beyond practical military training. This concern paralleled similar civilian movements to limit child labor and institute universal primary education, yet the differing cultures and needs of the army and of civilian societies resulted in different approaches to education. Ultimately, the army chose to embrace mutual education with a heavy emphasis on practical training in administrative duties. While officers placed increased emphasis on academic training and on the physical well‐being of the children, the army continued to exploit “enfants de troupe” as “chil...
Comparison of lateral rectus muscle re-recession and medial rectus muscle resection for treatment of postoperative exotropia.

Purpose To compare the outcomes of unilateral lateral rectus muscle re-recession and medial rectus muscle resection for treatment of recurrent or persistent exotropia. Design Retrospective nonrandomized clinical trial. Methods setting: Hospital-based clinical practice. patient population: Forty patients with recurrent or persistent exotropia following bilateral lateral rectus muscle recessions. intervention: Fourteen patients were treated with unilateral medial rectus muscle resection and 26 with unilateral lateral rectus muscle re-recession. main outcome measures: Outcomes were considered successful if the patients had deviations less than 10 prism diopters (PD) at last follow-up. All patients were followed for at least 1 year postoperatively. Results The mean preoperative deviations were 17.4 PD in the medial rectus muscle resection group and 18.1 PD in the lateral rectus muscle re-recession group. Successful outcomes were achieved in 9 of 14 patients (64%) treated with medial rectus muscle resection and 19 of 26 patients (73%) treated with lateral rectus muscle re-recession. There was no statistically significant difference between these outcomes. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years in the medial rectus muscle resection group and 2.9 years in the lateral rectus muscle re-recession group. Conclusions Surgery on a single muscle can be used to treat moderate-angle recurrent or persistent exotropia. Unilateral re-recession of the lateral rectus muscle and medial rectus muscle resection have equivalent success rates.
A Model for the Transportation of Hazardous Waste

Many decision problems, such as the transportation of hazardous waste, can be modeled by networks. However, due to the imprecise nature of much of the information decision makers have available, it is sometimes difficult to determine a best approach to the problem. To alleviate this problem, a network model that combines both precise and imprecise information is presented for the transportation of hazardous waste. The properties of the network model are investigated and solution procedures are presented.
Gender Role Beliefs and Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men in Chile and the U.S.

We compared the relationship between gender role beliefs and antigay prejudice in Chile and the United States. Participants were Chilean and American university students. In Study 1, Chileans were more prejudiced than Americans, and men were more prejudiced than women. In Study 2, gender role beliefs mediated cultural and sex differences in prejudice. Chileans held more traditional gender role beliefs and were more antigay than Americans. Men were more prejudiced than women, particularly in their attitudes toward gay men. Further, sex differences in attitudes toward lesbians and gay men were completely mediated by gender role beliefs. Nationality differences in attitudes toward lesbians were completely mediated, and nationality differences in attitudes toward gay men were partially mediated, by gender role beliefs.
Minimum-variance synthetic discriminant functions

The conventional synthetic discriminant functions (SDF’s) determine a filter matched to a linear combination of the available training images such that the resulting cross-correlation output is constant for all training images. We remove the constraint that the filter must be matched to a linear combination of training images and consider a general solution. This general solution is, however, still a linear combination of modified training images. We investigate the effects of noise in input training images and prove that the conventional SDF’s provide minimum output variance when the input noise is white. We provide the design equations for minimum-variance synthetic discriminant functions (MVSDF’s) when the input noise is colored. General expressions are also provided to characterize the loss of optimality when conventional SDF’s are used instead of optimal MVSDF’s.
Neurons in the vagal complex of the rat respond to mechanical and chemical stimulation of the GI tract

Perfusing the duodenum with acid solutions dramatically reduces gastric motility and acid secretion. We propose that the presence of acid in the proximal small intestine initiates a vagovagal reflex that excites inhibitory neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and reduces the activity of the neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNV). However, results from several investigations suggest that the relevant circuit may not be as simple as we had believed. The present study was designed to address this dilemma by employing intracellular and extracellular recording and intracellular labeling techniques to provide direct information on the activity of neurons in the NST and DMNV during and after intestinal exposure to acid solutions. The results obtained prove that NST and DMNV neurons respond to HCl in the duodenum. In some instances, these neurons were very stimulus specific, although the majority of the cells in our sample (47% of NST neurons and 86% of DMNV neurons) also responded to distension of the stomach and/or duodenum. It is important to note, however, that many of the more broadly responsive neurons in the dorsal vagal complex were able to distinguish between mechanical and chemical stimulation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Most of the NST neurons that responded to duodenal perfusion with HCl were excited by this stimulus. Conversely, activity of most of the DMNV neurons decreased after the onset of the HCl stimulus. These findings verify the existence of a vagovagal reflex pathway initiated by duodenal perfusion with acid. Presumably, this reflex would decrease gastric motility and acid secretion, reducing the amount of acid that enters the duodenum and ultimately protecting the intestinal mucosa.
Referral without access: for psychiatric services, wait for the beep.

Study objective We examine access to care for acute depression by insurance status compared to access for acute medical conditions in 9 metropolitan areas in the United States. Methods Using an audit study design, trained research assistants posing as patients referred from a local emergency department (ED) for treatment of depression called each clinic twice, with differing insurance status. The main outcome measure was the ability to schedule a mental health appointment within 2 weeks of the ED visit. Results In 45% of 322 calls to mental health clinics, the research assistant reached an answering machine compared with 8% of calls to medical clinics. As a result, only 31% of callers with depression vignettes were able to determine whether they could get an appointment versus 78% of callers with medical complaints. When they reached appointment personnel by telephone, 57% of depression callers successfully arranged an appointment (39% within 14 days). Among depression callers who reached appointment personnel, 67% of privately insured and 33% of Medicaid callers were able to make an appointment, for overall appointment rates of 22% and 12%, respectively. Appointment success for the uninsured was comparable to that of Medicaid patients. The high percentage of callers who encountered answering machines prevented us from completing the designed analysis of paired calls to individual clinics. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the process for obtaining urgent follow-up appointments is systematically different for patients seeking behavioral health care than for those with physical complaints. The use of voicemail, in lieu of having a person answer the telephone, is much more prevalent in behavioral than physical health settings. More work is needed to determine the effect of this practice on depressed individuals and vulnerable populations.
Problem solving in the Anthropocene

Despite the technological advances that characterize the Anthropocene, it will be necessary to address and solve some key environmental problems in order to mitigate societal risks and avoid undesi...
Improved T2* Imaging without Increase in Scan Time: SWI Processing of 2D Gradient Echo

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: 2D gradient-echo imaging is sensitive to T2* lesions (hemorrhages, mineralization, and vascular lesions), and susceptibility-weighted imaging is even more sensitive, but at the cost of additional scan time (SWI: 5–10 minutes; 2D gradient-echo: 2 minutes). The long acquisition time of SWI may pose challenges in motion-prone patients. We hypothesized that 2D SWI/phase unwrapped images processed from 2D gradient-echo imaging could improve T2* lesion detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2D gradient-echo brain images of 50 consecutive pediatric patients (mean age, 8 years) acquired at 3T were retrospectively processed to generate 2D SWI/phase unwrapped images. The 2D gradient-echo and 2D SWI/phase unwrapped images were compared for various imaging parameters and were scored in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, 2D gradient-echo imaging detected T2* lesions in 29 patients and had normal findings in 21 patients. 2D SWI was more sensitive than standard 2D gradient-echo imaging in detecting T2* lesions ( P CONCLUSIONS: 2D SWI and associated phase unwrapped images processed from standard 2D gradient-echo images were more sensitive in detecting T2* lesions and delineating normal venous structures and nonpathologic mineralization, and they also helped distinguish calcification at no additional scan time. SWI processing of 2D gradient-echo images may be a useful adjunct in cases in which longer scan times of 3D SWI are difficult to implement.
Blind and Confused

A 62-year-old man developed confusion and was diagnosed as having encephalitis. The etiology was not identified. He continued to have cognitive impairment but remained clinically stable. Five months later, he woke with bilateral vision loss. On neurological examination, he had no light perception bilaterally. The remainder of the neurological examination results were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed multiple brain lesions. He was treated with steroids and plasmapheresis, with mild improvement in vision. He was then transferred to a long-term care facility, where he developed increasing confusion and ultimately died. An autopsy was performed; the differential diagnosis, neuropathology, and final diagnosis are discussed here.
Can we vaccinate against atherosclerosis

A large body of evidence implicates the immune system in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Both active and passive immunizations have been tested as immunomodulation strategies to confer protective effect against atherogenesis. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the complex role and the potential for immune modulation therapy via active immunization for atherosclerosis.
HOW LEADER–MEMBER EXCHANGE INFLUENCES EFFECTIVE WORK BEHAVIORS: SOCIAL EXCHANGE AND INTERNAL–EXTERNAL EFFICACY PERSPECTIVES

In this article, we propose and test an integrative theory of leader–member exchange (LMX) that extends our understanding of the mechanisms affecting LMX and important organizational outcomes. We argue that LMX enhances job performance and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) through 2 sets of processes. As a result of a social exchange process, high LMX managers encourage reciprocal obligations. These obligations are manifested as subordinate commitment to their supervisors. This commitment, in turn, prompts more OCBs and higher job performance. Through a second process, high LMX supervisors enhance their subordinates’ self-efficacy and means efficacy, thereby improving job performance. Results of a field study support our predictions. Theoretical and practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Degradation of homovanillate by a strain of Variovorax paradoxus via ring hydroxylation.

A newly isolated strain of Variovorax paradoxus could grow on homovanillate and several monohydroxylated phenylacetic acids. During growth on homovanillate, the organism formed separate NAD(P)H-dependent hydroxylases with activity towards 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillate. Homovanillate hydroxylase catalysed a typical monooxygenase reaction and had little activity towards 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid. GC-MS and TLC analysis suggested that homovanillate was 1-hydroxylated to yield a dihydroxymonomethoxyphenylacetic acid which served as a substrate for homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. Methanol, but not formaldehyde, was released either during ring-cleavage or subsequent metabolism of the ring-cleavage product.
Stochastic Switching in Gene Networks Can Occur by a Single-Molecule Event or Many Molecular Steps

Due to regulatory feedback, biological networks can exist stably in multiple states, leading to heterogeneous phenotypes among genetically identical cells. Random fluctuations in protein numbers, tuned by specific molecular mechanisms, have been hypothesized to drive transitions between these different states. We develop a minimal theoretical framework to analyze the limits of switching in terms of simple experimental parameters. Our model identifies and distinguishes between two distinct molecular mechanisms for generating stochastic switches. In one class of switches, the stochasticity of a single-molecule event, a specific and rare molecular reaction, directly controls the macroscopic change in a cell's state. In the second class, no individual molecular event is significant, and stochasticity arises from the propagation of biochemical noise through many molecular pathways and steps. As an example, we explore switches based on protein-DNA binding fluctuations and predict relations between transcription factor kinetics, absolute switching rate, robustness, and efficiency that differentiate between switching by single-molecule events or many molecular steps. Finally, we apply our methods to recent experimental data on switching in Escherichia coli lactose metabolism, providing quantitative interpretations of a single-molecule switching mechanism.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval Summary: Enzalutamide for the Treatment of Patients With Chemotherapy-Naïve Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved enzalutamide for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). At the prespecified interim analysis, a statistically significant improvement in overall survival was demonstrated for patients in the enzalutamide arm compared with patients in the placebo arm. The overall benefit-risk profile supports the expanded indication for enzalutamide. On September 10, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved enzalutamide for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Enzalutamide was initially approved in 2012 for use in patients with mCRPC who had previously received docetaxel. The current approval was based on the results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in 1,717 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with chemotherapy-naive mCRPC. Patients were assigned to receive either enzalutamide 160 mg or placebo orally once daily. The coprimary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), which was assessed by independent central radiology review. At the prespecified interim analysis, a statistically significant improvement in OS was demonstrated for patients in the enzalutamide arm compared with patients in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-0.84). The median OS was 32.4 and 30.2 months in the enzalutamide and placebo arms, respectively. A statistically significant prolongation of rPFS was observed in patients in the enzalutamide arm (HR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.14-0.21). In addition, the time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy was prolonged in the enzalutamide arm (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.30-0.40), with median times of 28.0 and 10.8 months in the enzalutamide and placebo arms, respectively. The safety profile was similar to that previously reported for enzalutamide. Adverse reactions of interest included seizure, hypertension, and falls. Enzalutamide should be discontinued if a seizure occurs during treatment. The overall benefit-risk profile supports the expanded indication for enzalutamide.