cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computed Tomography Scanning and Delirium in Elder Patients

Objective: 1) To examine the ordering of head CT scans in elder patients with delirium and cognitive impairment; and 2) to report CT scan findings associated with these conditions. Methods: This was a 2-part study. Part 1 was a prospective, observational study of 560 adults >70 years of age evaluated at 3 separate EDs using a 200-hour stratified sampling process at each ED. During Part 1, the frequencies of specific findings (i.e., delirium, impaired consciousness, and impaired cognition) and CT scan rates for these groups were determined. Part 2 was a retrospective analysis of CT scan reports and medical records (n = 279) for patients >70 years of age in the prospective sample (n = 79) and from a sample (n = 200) of CT scans obtained at a fourth ED. Part 2 examined clinical findings detected in the ED to determine those factors that were associated with acute findings on CT scan. Results: Part 1: There were 333 (59.4%) patients prospectively classified as having impaired cognition, impaired consciousness, or delirium; 79 (23.7%) of these patients had a head CT scan. Of these 3 groups, delirious patients were more frequently scanned (p < 0.001). Part 2: Of 279 CT scans, 42 (15.0%) were positive for an acute condition (hemorrhage, hematoma, space-occupying lesion, infarct). Of 42 positive scans, 40 (95.1%) were found in the 102 (36.6%) patients with either impaired consciousness or a new focal neurologic finding detected in the ED. Conclusions: Considerable variability in ED CT scan ordering exists for elder patients with neurologic findings. Impaired consciousness and/or new focal neurologic signs are associated with acute findings on CT scan in elder patients. Acute CT abnormalities are uncommon in elder ED patients with other neurologic findings. Additional prospective evaluation is warranted prior to guideline development for CT scans in this patient population.
Origin of the thermoelectric behavior of steel fiber cement paste

Abstract Carrier scattering dominates the origin of the Seebeck effect in steel fiber cement. The scattering sites include the fiber–matrix interface, which is like a pn junction, since the fiber and cement paste have opposite signs of the absolute thermoelectric power. The scattering results in positive and negative values of the absolute thermoelectric power, depending on the fiber content.
Argument for a Durkheimian theory of the communicative

Dans la perspective du developpement et de l'avenir de la communication en tant que discipline specifique, l'A. s'interesse aux theories de la communication, et plus precisement a l'apport d'Emile Durkheim dans la production de travaux en communication et a sa contribution a la theorie de la communication en general
Exact stiffness matrix of a nonuniform beam—II. Bending of a timoshenko beam

Abstract The exact bending stiffness matrix is developed for an arbitrary nonuniform beam including shear deformation. The current development is based upon Timoshenko's beam theory. The coefficients of the bending stiffness matrix require the evaluation of only three integrals. These coefficients are evaluated for a uniform beam (verification) and a nonuniform beam with either linearly or quadratically varying cross-section dimensions. Numerical results are presented to assess the interaction of taper rate and shear deformation on the behavior of short beams having a circular cross-section with linear taper and also short beams having a rectangular cross-section with either linear taper or two different types of simple quadratic taper.
Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins Kill Bacteria by Inducing Oxidative, Thiol, and Metal Stress

Mammalian Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs) are a family of evolutionary conserved bactericidal innate immunity proteins, but the mechanism through which they kill bacteria is unclear. We previously proposed that PGRPs are bactericidal due to induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a mechanism of killing that was also postulated, and later refuted, for several bactericidal antibiotics. Here, using whole genome expression arrays, qRT-PCR, and biochemical tests we show that in both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis PGRPs induce a transcriptomic signature characteristic of oxidative stress, as well as correlated biochemical changes. However, induction of ROS was required, but not sufficient for PGRP killing. PGRPs also induced depletion of intracellular thiols and increased cytosolic concentrations of zinc and copper, as evidenced by transcriptome changes and supported by direct measurements. Depletion of thiols and elevated concentrations of metals were also required, but by themselves not sufficient, for bacterial killing. Chemical treatment studies demonstrated that efficient bacterial killing can be recapitulated only by the simultaneous addition of agents leading to production of ROS, depletion of thiols, and elevation of intracellular metal concentrations. These results identify a novel mechanism of bacterial killing by innate immunity proteins, which depends on synergistic effect of oxidative, thiol, and metal stress and differs from bacterial killing by antibiotics. These results offer potential targets for developing new antibacterial agents that would kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Standardization of IgG subclass antiserums for use with sensitized red cells.

: The only IgG subclass antiserums standardized for use with red cells are those sold by the Netherlands Red Cross. Their recommended method is a sedimentation antiglobulin test (AGT) not generally used in the USA. Some years ago we tested the antiserums for sensitivity and specificity using the routine centrifugatlon AGT and found the methods comparable. More recently, we have become concerned since the antiserums are being used by a variety of methods other than the recommended procedure. It is well-known that it is difficult to prepare subclass antiserums without contaminating antibodies to other IgG markers. Thus, we thought it worthwhile to standardize the antiserums with particular emphasis on specificity using several different technics. We found that some methods that have been used to define the subclass of red cell-bound IgG were inappropriate, and led to many false positive results.
Temperature dependences of Cr +3 radiative and nonradiative transitions in ruby and emerald

The sequence of ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{+3}$ temperature effects in ruby and emerald deduced by Kisliuk and Moore is analyzed quantitatively by the quantum-mechanical single-configurational-coordinate model. The energy parabolas are positioned so that the thermal Franck-Condon weights account both for the positions and shapes of the optical bands and, through the nonradiative rates, for the thermal quenchings of emissions. Parabola phonon energies near 500 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ explain the overall optical-band shapes disregarding fine structure, and larger phonon energies near 800 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ explain the nonradiative rates. Relative to the small-offset parabolas, the large-offset $^{4}T_{2}$ and $^{4}T_{1}$ parabolas have to be downshifted by a few $kT$ units with increasing temperature to take into account effects of lattice thermal expansion. The $^{4}T_{2}$ downshift enhances $^{4}T_{2}$ thermal repopulation from $^{2}E$. In the single-ion model used, quantum losses occur only above 450\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K due to thermally activated $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{4}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{4}A_{2}$ processes, and the $^{4}T_{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{4}A_{2}$ transitions occur at energies closer to the $^{4}T_{2}$ parabola minimum than to the $^{4}T_{2}$, $^{4}A_{2}$ crossover. Forster's sequence of ruby temperature effects and the different quantum efficiencies reported for excitation into $^{2}E$ and $^{4}T_{2}$ are not possible in the model.
Single-snippet analysis for detection of postspike effects.

Corticomotoneuronal cells (CMN), located predominantly in the primary motor cortex, project directly to alpha motoneuronal pools in the spinal cord. The effects of CMN spikes on motoneuronal excitability are traditionally characterized by visualizing postspike effects (PSEs) in spike-triggered averages (SpTA; Fetz, Cheney, & German, 1976; Fetz & Cheney, 1980; McKiernan, Marcario, Karrer, & Cheney, 1998) of electromyography (EMG) data. Poliakov and Schieber (1998) suggested a formal test, the multiple-fragment analysis (MFA), to automatically detect PSEs. However, MFA's performance was not statistically validated, and it is unclear under what conditions it is valid. This paper's contributions are a power study that validates the MFA; an alternative test, the single-snippet analysis (SSA), which has the same functionality as MFA but is easier to calculate and has better power in small samples; a simple bootstrap simulation to estimate SpTA baselines with simulation bands that help visualize potential PSEs; ...
An extension of Holder's inequality

Abstract For a(1) ⩾ a(2) ⩾ ··· ⩾ a(n) ⩾ 0, b(1) ⩾ b(2) ⩾ ··· ⩾ b(n) ⩾ 0, the ordered values of ai, bi, i = 1, 2,…, n, m fixed, m ⩽ n, and p ⩾ 1 it is shown that ∑ 1 n a i b i ⩽ ∑ 1 m a p (i) 1 p ∑ 1 m−k−1 b q (i) + b q [m−k] (k+1) q p 1 q where 1 p + 1 q = 1, b [j] = b (j) + b (j + 1) + ··· + b (n) , and k is the integer such that b (m − k − 1) ⩾ b[m − k] (k + 1) and b (m − k) b [m − k + 1] k . The inequality is shown to be sharp. When p
Fever of Unknown Origin in the Returning Traveler

The returning traveler with fever presents a diagnostic challenge for the health care provider. When evaluating such a patient, the highest priority should be given to diseases that are potentially fatal or may represent public health threats. A good history is paramount and needs to include destination, time and duration of travel, type of activity, onset of fever in relation to travel, associated comorbidities, and any associated symptoms. Pretravel immunizations and chemoprophylaxis may alter the natural course of disease and should be inquired about specifically. The fever pattern, presence of a rash or eschar, organomegaly, or neurologic findings are helpful physical findings. Laboratory abnormalities are nonspecific but when corroborated with clinical and epidemiologic data may offer a clue to diagnosis.
Antigen-specific T cell trafficking into the central nervous system.

Abstract The initiation step of cell-mediated immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS) involves the trafficking of the antigen-specific T cells into the brain. To study this trafficking, we developed an in vivo system for studying antigen-specific responses in the CNS. In this assay, T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice having 95% of T cells specific for a defined antigen-pigeon cytochrome c (PCC) were cannulated intraventricularly for PCC antigen infusion and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. Upon PCC infusion into the CNS, the number of α/β TCR+ Vβ3+ Mac1− cells in the CSF was characterized. We found that infusion of antigen into the CSF induced an increased number of antigen-specific T cells in the CNS and activation of antigen-specific T cells in the peripheral blood. Hence, the drainage of CNS antigen into the periphery might play an important role in sustaining autoimmune reactivity in CNS inflammatory diseases.
Language Planning for Equal Educational Opportunity in Multilingual States: The Case of India

This article develops the interface between language policy and planning and equal educational opportunity (EEO). Tracing the trajectory of the development “equal educational opportunity” as a normative ideal, this study argues that language policy must serve to promote “actualist” conceptions of EEO. To do this, acquisition planning, as a component of language planning, must respect the first languages of children in school through the provision of multilingual education. Otherwise, EEO is not served. The study uses the complex case of India and its “three-language formula” to explore the interface between language policy and planning as it relates to EEO, noting the possibilities and challenges that this interface raises in the Indian context.
Fast-scanning, dispersion-adjustable reference delay for OCT using fiber Bragg gratings.

We report on the use of two matched linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in the reference arm of a Michelson interferometer as a means to achieve variable optical delay. We demonstrate that the properties of a linearly chirped FBG can be exploited to achieve millimeters of optical delay with physical stretches of the FBG on the order of tens of microns; this allows for optical delay line configurations that are easily driven by piezo-electric actuators.
INHIBITION OF THE 26 S PROTEASOME BY POLYUBIQUITIN CHAINS SYNTHESIZED TO HAVE DEFINED LENGTHS

Abstract Ubiquitin is a covalent signal that targets cellular proteins to the 26 S proteasome. Multiple ubiquitins can be ligated together through the formation of isopeptide bonds between Lys48 and Gly76 of successive ubiquitins. Such a polyubiquitin chain constitutes a highly effective proteolytic targeting signal, but its mode of interaction with the proteasome is not well understood. Experiments to address this issue have been limited by difficulties in preparing useful quantities of polyubiquitin chains of uniform length. We report a simple method for large scale synthesis of Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains of defined length. In the first round of synthesis, two ubiquitin derivatives (K48C-ubiquitin and Asp77-ubiquitin) were used as substrates for the well characterized ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2-25K. Diubiquitin blocked at the nascent proximal and distal chain termini was obtained in quantitative yield. Appropriately deblocked chains were then combined to synthesize higher order chains (tetramer and octamer in the present study). Deblocking was achieved either enzymatically (proximal terminus) or by chemical alkylation (distal terminus). Chains synthesized by this method were used to obtain the first quantitative information concerning the influence of polyubiquitin chain length on binding to the 26 S proteasome; this was done through comparison of different length (unanchored) polyubiquitin chains as inhibitors of ubiquitin-conjugate degradation.K 0.5 was found to decrease ∼90-fold, from 430 to 4.8 μm, as the chain was lengthened from two to eight ubiquitins. The implications of these results for the molecular basis of chain recognition are discussed.
Retinoid and growth factor receptor signaling in APL

Comment on Lal et al, page [1669][1] In this issue, Lal and colleagues report a novel action of retinoic acid in altering cell growth and differentiation by altering RNA translation due to activation of p70 S6 kinase through a PI3-kinase– and mTOR-dependent pathway. This highlights a growing
Comparative functional expression of nAChR subtypes in rodent DRG neurons.

We investigated the functional expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in heterogeneous populations of dissociated rat and mouse lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by calcium imaging. By this experimental approach, it is possible to investigate the functional expression of multiple receptor and ion-channel subtypes across more than 100 neuronal and glial cells simultaneously. Based on nAChR expression, DRG neurons could be divided into four subclasses: 1) neurons that express predominantly alpha3beta4 and alpha6beta4 nAChRs; 2) neurons that express predominantly alpha7 nAChRs; 3) neurons that express a combination of alpha3beta4/alpha6beta4 and alpha7 nAChRs; and 4) neurons that do not express nAChRs. In this comparative study, the same four neuronal subclasses were observed in mouse and rat DRG. However, the expression frequency differed between species: substantially more rat DRG neurons were in the first three subclasses than mouse DRG neurons, at all developmental time points tested in our study. Approximately 70-80% of rat DRG neurons expressed functional nAChRs, in contrast to only ~15-30% of mouse DRG neurons. Our study also demonstrated functional coupling between nAChRs, voltage-gated calcium channels and mitochondrial Ca2+ transport in discrete subsets of DRG neurons. In contrast to the expression of nAChRs in DRG neurons, we demonstrated that a subset of non-neuronal DRG cells expressed muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and not nAChRs. The general approach to comparative cellular neurobiology outlined in this paper has the potential to better integrate molecular and systems neuroscience by uncovering the spectrum of neuronal subclasses present in a given cell population and the functionally integrated signaling components expressed in each subclass.
Freshman/Senior Design Education*

This paper describes experience with a change in the aircraft design course at Virginia Tech. In the past this course was the so-called ‘capstone’ design course for seniors. In the spring semester of 1993 freshmen were included on the design teams. There were several purposes for the change. First, as part of Virginia Tech’s participation in the NSF-sponsored SUCCEED coalition, we wanted to increase freshmen enthusiasm for engineering, and thus improve retention rate. We also wanted freshmen to understand the need to take all the engineering science courses required in the sophomore and junior years. Finally, we wanted to prepare students for the senior-level design course, which students were finding difficult because the orientation was so different from the engineering science courses. The results of this experience have been completely positive. Both the freshmen and senior members of the design teams want to see this approach continued. Finally, it appears that the quality of course did not suffer. Design teams with freshmen members placed first and third in the AIAA/General Dynamics Undergraduate Team Aircraft Design competition.
Muscarinic receptor transcript and protein density in hypertrophied and atrophied rat urinary bladder.

Aims Our previous studies showed that bladder hypertrophy shifts the muscarinic receptor subtype mediating contraction from M3 towards M2 along with increased M2 and decreased M3 protein concentration. We quantified mRNA for M1 through M5 receptors to determine whether the changes in M2 and M3 protein levels was due to changes in transcription. Methods Bladder hypertrophy was induced by bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), major pelvic ganglion electrocautery (DEN), and major pelvic ganglion decentralization (DEC). Bladder atrophy was induced by ureteral diversion (DIV). Additional groups included denervated and diverted (DEN-DIV), sham operated (SHAM), and normal (NOR) controls. Transcripts were quantified using a multiplex ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and receptor protein density was determined by immunoprecipitation. Receptor transcripts were expressed per unit total RNA. Results Although all five receptor subtype transcripts were detected in all experimental groups, the densities of M1, M4, and M5 were much lower than for the M2 and M3 subtype. There were more M2 receptor transcripts than all the others, consistent with M2 protein determinations. M2 transcripts were significantly increased in DEN and BOO bladders. Surprisingly, M3 transcripts were also significantly increased in BOO. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) between protein density and transcript density for the M2 but not the M3 receptor among the different experimental groups. Conclusions Changes in mRNA concentration are reflected by changes in protein density for the M2 receptor but not for the M3 receptor. Extrapolation of functional effects from transcript density data is invalid for M3 mediated bladder contractions. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural glaucomatous progression before and after occurrence of an optic disc haemorrhage

Background An optic disc haemorrhage (DH) has been associated with subsequent structural glaucoma progression, but it is unknown if there is structural progression prior to a DH. We evaluated a cohort of patients to determine whether structural progression occurs before a DH, after a DH or is simply associated with a DH. Methods Eyes meeting inclusion criteria were placed into two groups. Group 1 included eyes that each had a baseline photograph of the optic nerve and a photograph with a DH at follow-up. Group 2 included eyes that each had a photograph of the optic nerve with a DH at baseline and a photograph at follow-up. Flicker images were created and graded by two ophthalmologists for structural glaucomatous change. We compared the proportion of structural progressors between Groups 1 and 2. Patient characteristics were also compared between the two groups. Results 49 patients and 51 unique eyes were included. Groups 1 and 2 had 28 and 38 sets of photographs, respectively. The proportion of global progression in Groups 1 and 2 were 21.4% and 39.5%, respectively (p=0.12). No significant differences in any structural progression feature and patient characteristics (besides age at time of DH (p=0.04) between the two groups were found. Conclusions Patients show structural glaucomatous progression before and after the event of a disc haemorrhage without significant differences. This suggests that a DH is an ongoing structural progression in glaucoma and may not be a discrete event that leads to subsequent progression.
Skinning rational B-spline curves to construct an interpolatory surface☆

Abstract Skinning is a process by which a set of curves (called generator curves) is interpolated to form a surface. The standard skinning algorithm for polynomial B-spline curves is fairly straightforward and has the desirable property that the created surface is as smooth as the generator curves. Tiller has generalized this algorithm to rational B-spline curves in a way that preserves the simplicity of the algorithm but does not guarantee that the surface will be as smooth as the generator curves. In this paper, we explain how discontinuities can arise, derive the exact conditions under which the surface will be smooth, examine possible modifications to the skinning algorithm, and describe in detail the algorithm that we feel is best.
Isolation of Ambient Particles of Known Critical Supersaturation: The Differential Activation Separator (DAS)

A field-deployable instrument has been developed that isolates from an ambient aerosol those particles that have critical supersaturations, Sc, within a narrow, user-specified, range. This Differential Activation Separator (DAS) consists of two continuous flow diffusion chambers housed within a single enclosure. Particles are introduced into the upstream chamber referred to as the CCN remover (CCNR) near the centerline between a warm, water-soaked, plate and a cool, continuously circulated, water bath. Those particles that activate at the resulting peak supersaturation, Sp, grow quickly and fall into the water bath. The remaining aerosol enters the second chamber referred to as the CCN separator (CCNS), which differs from the CCNR primarily in the use of a salt solution in the lower bath. The imposed temperature differential establishes an Sp slightly higher than that maintained in the upstream chamber, while the presence of a salt solution at the lower boundary results in a subsaturated region in roughly...
Availability analysis of blade server systems

The successful development and marketing of commercial high-availability systems requires the ability to evaluate the availability of systems. Specifically, one should be able to demonstrate that projected customer requirements are met, to identify availability bottlenecks, to evaluate and compare different configurations, and to evaluate and compare different designs. For evaluation approaches based on analytic modeling, these systems are often sufficiently complex so that state-space methods are not effective due to the large number of states, whereas combinatorial methods are inadequate for capturing all significant dependencies. The two-level hierarchical decomposition proposed here is suitable for the availability modeling of blade server systems such as IBM BladeCenter®, a commercial, high-availability multicomponent system comprising up to 14 separate blade servers and contained within a chassis that provides shared subsystems such as power and cooling. This approach is based on an availability model that combines a high-level fault tree model with a number of lower-level Markov models. It is used to determine component level contributions to downtime as well as steady-state availability for both standalone and clustered blade servers. Sensitivity of the results to input parameters is examined, extensions to the models are described, and availability bottlenecks and possible solutions are identified.
Bibliographic Instruction in Psychology: A Review of the Literature.

Academic librarians are frequently called upon to provide instruction in relatively unfamiliar disciplines. This article presents introductory information for librarians providing bibliographic instruction (BI) in the field of psychology. Its primary purpose is to identify key readings from the library science and psychology literature that provide a basis for informed delivery of psychology BI. These works are fully identified in the list of references at the end of this article. Because the primary purpose of discipline‐specific bibliographic instruction is to teach the skills necessary for retrieval of the products of scholarship in that discipline, we begin with a discussion of scholarly communication and documentation, which describes how scholars and researchers within psychology communicate research findings and theoretical developments in the discipline. The major emphasis of this article is on formal, group instruction rather than individualized instruction, although much of the information will be applicable to both types.
Inhibition of DNA repair by trifluoperazine

We examined the possible role of calmodulin in the excision repair of ultraviolet light-induced pyrimidine dimers in damaged DNA by means of specialized assay systems. These assays included bromodeoxyuridine photolysis, dimer chromatography and cytosine arabinoside incorporation in conjunction with hydroxyurea. The calmodulin antagonist, trifluoperazine, and the calcium-chelating agent, EGTA, were employed to ascertain what affect calmodulin played in the repair process. Normal human fibroblast cells were used in all studies described in this report. After exposure to 10 J/m2 of 254 nm light, we observed a decrease of about 30% in the number of single-strand breaks produced in the presence of 25 microM trifluoperazine (1.9 vs. 3.3) in controls although the numbers of bases re-inserted in the repaired regions were similar (64 vs. 72). Measurement of thymine-containing dimers remaining throughout a 24 h time period indicated a 30% difference in the excision of dimers when tested with either EGTA or trifluoperazine. We also observed a significant decrease in the number of cytosine arabinoside arrested repair sites in the presence of either EGTA or trifluoperazine. The results are discussed with relation to the possibility of calmodulin altering the initial incision by repair endonuclease.
Elevation of intracellular calcium levels in spiral ganglion cells by trimethyltin

The neurotoxicant, trimethyltin (TMT) produces cochlear impairment at far lower dose levels and far more rapidly than it does central nervous system effects. The initial effects of TMT in the cochlea, in vivo, are consistent with disruption of the inner hair cell type-1 spiral ganglion cell synapse although it is uncertain whether the effect is on presynaptic and/or postsynaptic units. This synapse is believed to be an excitatory glutamatergic one, providing the possibility that TMT could induce an excitotoxic process resulting in elevations in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). The objective of this study was to determine whether TMT had direct toxic effects on the postsynaptic spiral ganglion cells studied in primary culture and to identify the role of extracellular calcium in such an effect. The marker of interest was the effect of this agent on [Ca2+]i levels as determined using quantitation of the fluorescent calcium dye, Fura-2. TMT did induce a marked and sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i level in the spiral ganglion cells that appeared to have a rapid initial phase and a slower saturating phase. Studies performed using calcium-free medium showed that elevation of [Ca2+]i in spiral ganglion cells by TMT was attenuated but not entirely blocked. Further, the L-type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, was able to inhibit the initial increase in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that at least this phase of the TMT effect was mediated by calcium channels, although nifedipine had no significant effect on the time to reach the maximal [Ca2+]i level. Parallel control experiments performed using application of exogenous glutamate and depolarizing K+ concentrations also produced elevation in [Ca2+]i levels. The data indicate that TMT elevates [Ca2+]i in isolated spiral ganglion cells both by increasing extracellular uptake via Ca2+ channels and also by releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Thus TMT ototoxicity appears to include a direct postsynaptic toxic event.
Anterior opercular cortex lesions cause dissociated lower cranial nerve palsies and anarthria but no aphasia: Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome and "automatic voluntary dissociation" revisited.

Anarthria and bilateral central facio-linguovelo-pharyngeo-masticatory paralysis with “automatic voluntary dissociation” are the clinical hallmarks of Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome (FCMS), the corticosubcortial type of suprabulbar palsy. A literature review of 62 FCMS reports allowed the differentiation of five clinical types of FCMS: (a) the classical and most common form associated with cerebrovascular disease, (b) a subacute form caused by central nervous system infections, (c) a developmental form probably most often related to neuronal migration disorders, (d) a reversible form in children with epilepsy, and (e) a rare type associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Bilateral opercular lesions were confirmed in 31 of 41 patients who had CT or MRI performed, and by necropsy in 7 of 10 patients. FCMS could be attributed to unilateral lesions in 2 patients. The typical presentation and differential diagnosis of FCMS provide important clues to lesion localization in clinical neurology. FCMS is a paretic and not an apraxic disorder and is not characterized by language disturbances. Its clinical features prove divergent corticobulbar pathways for voluntary and automatic motor control of craniofacial muscles. Precise clinico-neuroradiological correlations should facilitate the identification of the structural substrate of “automatic voluntary dissociation” in FCMS.
Assessing the Effects of Culture on Managerial Attitudes: A Three-Culture Test

Cross-cultural studies are inherently difficult because the typical research design fails to differentiate cultural from other environmental influences. The present study uses a research design that attempts to isolate the influence of culture. Japanese, Chinese and Mexican managers, their ethnic-American counterparts, and Anglo-Americans are used to test the model. Results indicate unique persistent cultural characteristics with the cultural effect varying among the three groups of managers.
Epigenetics in clinical practice: the examples of azacitidine and decitabine in myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia

Randomized trials have clearly demonstrated that the hypomethylating agents azacitidine and decitabine are more effective than 'best supportive care'(BSC) in reducing transfusion frequency in 'low-risk' myelodysplasia (MDS) and in prolonging survival compared with BSC or low-dose ara-C in 'high-risk' MDS or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 21-30% blasts. They also appear equivalent to conventional induction chemotherapy in AML with >20% blasts and as conditioning regimens before allogeneic transplant (hematopoietic cell transplant, HCT) in MDS. Although azacitidine or decitabine are thus the standard to which newer therapies should be compared, here we discuss whether the improvement they afford in overall survival is sufficient to warrant a designation as a standard in treating individual patients. We also discuss pre- and post-treatment covariates, including assays of methylation to predict response, different schedules of administration, combinations with other active agents and use in settings other than active disease, in particular post HCT. We note that rational development of this class of drugs awaits delineation of how much of their undoubted effect in fact results from hypomethylation and reactivation of gene expression.
Observation of peaked 2p σ molecular-orbital X-ray spectra

Abstract Measured continuum X-ray spectra in 5 to 56 MeV Br + V collisions are compared with theoretical calculations of 2p σ molecular-orbital X-rays. Peaks are seen at low projectile energies, whose intensities are in good agreement with theory.
Children exposed to disaster: I. Epidemiology of post-traumatic symptoms and symptom profiles.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the range and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms exhibited by children after exposure to a natural disaster. Method Three months after Hurricane Hugo struck Berkeley County, South Carolina, 5,687 school-aged children were surveyed about their experiences and reactions related to the storm. Self-reports of PTSD symptoms were obtained by use of a PTSD Reaction Index. Results Significant variation in the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was found across race, gender, and age groups. Self-reported symptoms were used to derive a post-traumatic stress syndrome classification according to DSM-III-R guidelines for the diagnosis of PTSD. More than 5% of the sample reported sufficient symptoms to be classified as exhibiting this post-traumatic stress syndrome. Females and younger children were more likely to receive this classification. At the symptom level, females reported more symptoms associated with emotional processing and emotional reaction to the trauma. Males were more likely to report symptoms related to cognitive and behavioral factors. Younger children were more likely to report symptoms overall. Conclusions Children exposed to a high magnitude natural disaster report sufficient symptoms to establish a DSM-III-R derived classification of a PTSD syndrome. Differences between gender, age, and race groups appear to be related to differential risk of exposure, reporting biases, as well as a differential risk for developing posttraumatic symptoms.
The PcoC copper resistance protein coordinates Cu(I) via novel S-methionine interactions

The E. coli copper resistance protein PcoC enhances survival of a bacterium under conditions of extreme copper stress. This small protein has no cysteines, but does have an unusual methionine-rich sequence motif, suggesting that methionine ligation may be important in Cu binding. It is shown that PcoC binds both Cu(I) and Cu(II), in addition to binding Hg(II) and Ag(I). Previously crystallographic studies of PcoC had shown that the apo protein adopts a β-barrel fold typical of that seen for blue-copper electron-transfer proteins. However, in contrast with electron-transfer proteins, where the Cu(I) and Cu(II) structures are nearly identical, X-ray absorption spectra show that the structures of the Cu site in reduced and oxidized PcoC are dramatically different. Cu(II) PcoC has a tetragonal Cu structure in which the Cu is coordinated to O or N ligands, including at least two histidine ligands. Cu(I) PcoC has a trigonal site with two methionine ligands. This is the first well-characterized example of a meth...
The Biomechanisms of Metal and Metal-Oxide Nanoparticles' Interactions with Cells

Humans are increasingly exposed to nanoparticles (NPs) in medicine and in industrial settings, where significant concentrations of NPs are common. However, NP interactions with and effects on biomolecules and organisms have only recently been addressed. Within we review the literature regarding proposed modes of action for metal and metal-oxide NPs, two of the most prevalent types manufactured. Iron-oxide NPs, for instance, are used as tracers for magnetic resonance imaging of oncological tumors and as vehicles for therapeutic drug delivery. Factors and theories that determine the physicochemical and biokinetic behaviors of NPs are discussed, along with the observed toxicological effects of NPs on cells. Key thermodynamic and kinetic models that explain the sources of energy transfer from NPs to biological targets are summarized, in addition to quantitative structural activity relationship (QSAR) modeling efforts. Future challenges for nanotoxicological research are discussed. We conclude that NP studies based on cell culture are often inconsistent and underestimate the toxicity of NPs. Thus, the effect of NPs needs to be examined in whole animal systems.
An Intensive Intervention for Improving Gait, Balance, and Mobility in Individuals With Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study of Activity Tolerance and Benefits

Abstract Fritz SL, Merlo-Rains AM, Rivers ED, Peters DM, Goodman A, Watson ET, Carmichael BM, McClenaghan BA. An intensive intervention for improving gait, balance, and mobility in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury: a pilot study of activity tolerance and benefits. Objective To determine the tolerance to and benefits of an intensive mobility training (IMT) approach for individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). Design Prospective pretest-posttest study with 6-month follow-up. Setting University research laboratory. Participants A volunteer sample of individuals with ISCI (N=15; >6mo postinjury and able to walk at least 3.05m with or without assistance). Follow-up data were collected for 10 of the participants. Interventions Participants received IMT for 3h/d for 10 weekdays, participating in activities that encouraged repetitive, task-specific training of their lower extremities in a massed practice schedule. Main Outcome Measures Amount of time spent in therapeutic activities and rest was used to assess participants' tolerance to the intervention. Treatment outcomes were assessed pretest, posttest, and 6 months after the intervention and included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), 6-minute walk test, gait speed, and Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory. Results Individuals in the higher functioning ISCI group (BBS score ≥45 and gait speed ≥0.6m/s) spent more time in the intensive therapy on average than individuals in the lower functioning ISCI group. Effect sizes were comparable for changes in balance and mobility assessments between the lower and higher functioning groups, with the largest effect sizes observed for the DGI. Conclusions This dosage of IMT may be a more appropriate treatment approach for higher functioning ISCI individuals, as they were better able to tolerate the length of the session and demonstrated higher effect sizes postintervention.
Bring Back the WPA: Work, Relief, and the Origins of American Social Policy in Welfare Reform

When people think of the origins of American social policy, they usually think of the 1935 Social Security Act, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's second New Deal. That legislation created both old-age insurance, now commonly known as social security, and Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), recently known as welfare. Though central to today's social policy, these programs were somewhat marginal to New Deal social policy because they dealt with special categories of “unemployable” citizens. The key concern of New Deal social policymakers was instead with those deemed “employable,” and their problems were addressed mainly by another and much less studied program from the second New Deal: the “Works Program” operated mainly by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The lack of attention to the WPA has had important consequences for understandings of American social policy.
The Graphical Representation of Quantitative Research Synthesis Residual Variation

In the process of fitting a quantitative synthesis model the assumption of homogeneous effect size variation is typically assessed through omnibus test statistics. Whether individual studies fit the model may be answered by testing the extent to which the sample estimates deviate from the modelled population estimate. It is proposed that graphical representations may facilitate the analysis of effect size residual variation. This strategy is applied to data concerning techniques for the teaching of writing composition skills.
Dynamics of Newly Established Elk Populations

Abstract The dynamics of newly established elk (Cervus elaphus) populations can provide insights about maximum sustainable rates of reproduction, survival, and increase. However, data used to estimate rates of increase typically have been limited to counts and rarely have included complementary estimates of vital rates. Complexities of population dynamics cannot be understood without considering population processes as well as population states. We estimated pregnancy rates, survival rates, age ratios, and sex ratios for reintroduced elk at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA; combined vital rates in a population projection model; and compared model projections with observed elk numbers and population ratios. Pregnancy rates in January (early in the second trimester of pregnancy) averaged 54.1% (SE = 5.4%) for subadults and 91.0% (SE = 1.7%) for adults, and 91.6% of pregnancies resulted in recruitment at 8 months. Annual survival rates of adult females averaged 0.96 (95% CI = 0.94–0.98) wi...
Mechanical stimuli and nutrients regulate rapamycin‐sensitive signaling through distinct mechanisms in skeletal muscle

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been identified as a growth factor and nutrient-sensitive molecule that controls the translational machinery and cell growth. Rapamycin-sensitive (RS) signaling events have also been shown to be necessary for mechanical load-induced growth of skeletal muscle, but the mechanisms involved in the mechanical activation of RS signaling are not known. The finding that mechanical stimuli induce nutrient uptake in skeletal muscle raises the possibility that mechanically induced RS signaling is mediated via a nutrient-dependent mechanism. To investigate this hypothesis, skeletal muscles (ex vivo) were stimulated with nutrients or intermittent mechanical stretch and the phosphorylation of p70S6k [P-p70(389)], PKB [P-PKB], mTOR [P-mTOR(2481)], and p38 [P-p38] was assessed. In comparison to vehicle-treated controls, both nutrient and mechanical stimuli induced P-p70(389), neither stimulus altered P-PKB or P-mTOR(2481), and only mechanical stimuli induced P-p38. The nutrient and mechanically induced increase in P-p70(389) was blocked by rapamycin, but only nutrient-induced signaling to P-p70(389) was blocked by wortmannin. Furthermore, the mechanically induced increase in P-p70(389) was not impaired by the removal of exogenous nutrients. Taken together, these results indicate that exogenous nutrients are not required for mechanically induced RS signaling and that nutrient and mechanical stimuli activate RS signaling through distinct upstream mechanisms.
Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Neuropalliative care

Palliative medicine, as defined by World Health Organization, is the specialty that recognizes and attempts to prevent or alleviate physical, social, psychological, and spiritual suffering.1 Understanding the principles of palliative care should be an essential component of neurologic training, as the trajectory of many neurologic illnesses is progressive and incurable.2 Given the delicate nature of many of the conversations that neurologists have with patients at the time of diagnosis or during acute illness and hospitalization, expertise in discussing a patient's wishes, handling difficult conversations, and providing adequate symptom-based management is critical. Neurologists are often viewed as consulting physicians; however, patients living with chronic neurologic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or sequelae of stroke often consider their neurologist as one of their primary physicians. Therefore, neurologists are positioned in both the outpatient and inpatient care settings not only to address symptoms referable to the disease but also to improve overall quality of life for patients and caregivers and to facilitate end-of-life care.
The Road to Mobocracy: Popular Disorder in New York City, 1763-1834

"The Road to Mobocracy" is the first major study of public disorder in New York City from the Revolutionary period through the Jacksonian era. During that time, the mob lost its traditional, institutional role as corporate safety valve and social corrective, tolerated by public officials. It became autonomous, a violent menace to individual and public good expressing the discordant urges and fears of a pluralistic society. Indeed, it tested the premises of democratic government.Paul Gilje relates the practices of New York mobs to their American and European roots and uses both historical and anthropological methods to show how those mobs adapted to local conditions. He questions many of the traditional assumptions about the nature of the mob and scrutinizes explanations of its transformation: among them, the loss of a single-interest society, industrialization and changes in the workforce, increased immigration, and the rise of sub-classes in American society. Gilje's findings can be extended to other cities.The lucid narrative incorporates meticulous and exhaustive archival research that unearths hundreds of New York City disturbances -- about the Revolution, bawdy-houses, theaters, dogs and hogs, politics, elections, ethnic conflict, labor actions, religion. Illustrations recreate the turbulent atmosphere of the city; maps, graphs, and tables define the spacial and statistical dimensions of its ferment. The book is a major contribution to our understanding of social change in the early Republic as well as to the history of early New York, urban studies, and rioting.
The basis of statistical quantum mechanics

In classical mechanics the state of a dynamical system at any particular time can be described by the values of a set of coordinates and their conjugate momenta, thus, if the system has n degrees of freedom, by 2n numbers. In quantum mechanics, on the other hand, we have to describe a state of the system by a wave function involving a set of coordinates, thus by a function of n variables. The quantum description is, therefore, much more complicated than the classical one. Let us consider, however, an ensemble of systems in Gibbs' sense, i.e. not a large number of actual systems which could, perhaps, interact with one another, but a large number of hypothetical systems which are introduced to describe one actual system of which our knowledge is only of a statistical nature. The basis of the quantum treatment of such an ensemble has been given by Neumann. The description obtained by Neumann of an ensemble on the quantum theory is no more complicated than the corresponding classical description. Thus the quantum theory, which appears to such a disadvantage on the score of complication when applied to individual systems, recovers its own when applied to an ensemble. It is the object of the present note to examine this question more closely and to show how complete the analogy is between the quantum and classical treatments of an ensemble.
Long-Term Survival of Grazing-Incidence Metal Mirrors for Laser Fusion

The grazing incidence metal mirror is a promising option for the final optic in a laser-driven inertial fusion energy power plant. It has been pursued as an alternative to multi-layer dielectric mirrors based on expectations of higher radiation damage resistance. Aluminum offers high reflectivity over a broad range of wavelengths extending deep into the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, and thus offers special advantages for an excimer laser driver. In this article, we describe the fundamental phenomena of laser-induced metal mirror damage and lifetime, strategies for mirror fabrication, our experimental facility and techniques, and the results of fabrication and test campaigns over the past several years.