cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectome-Wide Phenotypical and Genotypical Associations in Focal Dystonia.

Isolated focal dystonia is a debilitating movement disorder of unknown pathophysiology. Early studies in focal dystonias have pointed to segregated changes in brain activity and connectivity. Only recently, the notion that dystonia pathophysiology may lie in abnormalities of large-scale brain networks appeared in the literature. Here, we outline a novel concept of functional connectome-wide alterations that are linked to dystonia phenotype and genotype. Using a neural community detection strategy and graph theoretical analysis of functional fMRI data in human patients with the laryngeal form of dystonia (LD) and healthy controls (both males and females), we identified an abnormally widespread hub formation in dystonia, which particularly affected the primary sensorimotor and parietal cortices and thalamus. Left thalamic regions formed a delineated functional community that highlighted differences in network topology between LD patients with and without family history of dystonia. Conversely, marked differences in the topological organization of parietal regions were found between phenotypically different forms of LD. The interface between sporadic genotype and adductor phenotype of LD yielded four functional communities, which were primarily governed by intra-modular hub regions. Conversely, the interface between familial genotype and abductor phenotype was associated with numerous long-range hub nodes and an abnormal integration of left thalamus and basal ganglia. Our findings provide the first comprehensive atlas of functional topology across different phenotypes and genotypes of focal dystonia. As such, this study constitutes an important step towards defining dystonia as a large-scale network disorder for understanding of its causative pathophysiology and the identification of disorder-specific markers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The architecture of the functional connectome in focal dystonia was analyzed in a large population of patients with laryngeal dystonia. Breaking with the empirical concept of dystonia as a basal ganglia disorder, we discovered large-scale alterations of neural communities that are significantly influenced by the disorder9s clinical phenotype and genotype.
Studies of Permafrost and Gas-Hydrates as Possible Sources of Atmospheric Methane at High Latitudes

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has identified permafrost and gas-hydrates as important high-latitude methane sources. Two preliminary studies that address onshore and nearshore permafrost and gas-hydrates as possible methane sources are summarized here: (1) In a search for evidence for possible decomposing gas-hydrates, the contents of methane and other hydrocarbon gases were measured in 17 surface-sediment samples from Harrison Bay, Alaska. This bay is situated near an onshore area of known gas-hydrate occurrences. Geophysical surveys indicate offshore permafrost and gas anomalies in the sediment. However, our sediment samples did not contain unusually high methane contents (4.4–20.2 µL per liter of interstitial water), and so these samples provided no compelling evidence for gas-hydrate decomposition. (2) The gas composition of ice in permafrost was measured at two sites near Fairbanks, Alaska. In the air of a tunnel where ice in permafrost is subliming, methane contents of about 13 parts per million by volume (ppmv) were measured, whereas outside the entrance to the tunnel, methane contents were only 1.7 ppmv. One ice sample from the tunnel contained about 40 µL of methane per liter of melted ice (water). At the second site, samples from a core of permafrost contained as much as 6300 µL of microbially derived methane (δ13C =-74%o) per liter of melted ice (water). These preliminary results indicate that the methane content of shallow permafrost can vary. Under conditions of global warming, thawing permafrost may, indeed, be a high-latitude source of methane.
Alterations in cathepsin H activity and protein patterns in human colorectal carcinomas.

Our analyses of cathepsin H activity levels and protein forms in human colorectal cancers compared to matched control mucosa support the concept that altered proteinase expression patterns may reflect both cancer stage and site. Cathepsin H-specific activity was significantly increased in colorectal cancers compared to control mucosa (P = 0.003; n = 77). Highest specific activities and cancer/normal ratios (C/N) for activity were measured in Dukes' B and C stage carcinomas, cancers involved in local spread and invasion to lymph nodes. In contrast, cathepsin B and L activities analysed in the same paired extracts had been shown to be most frequently elevated in earlier stage carcinomas (Dukes' A and B), confirming that cathepsin H demonstrates a distinct pattern of expression during colorectal cancer progression. Although cathepsin H activities were most commonly elevated in Dukes' C cancers at all colon sites, both specific activity and C/N ratios were significantly higher for cancers of the left colon compared to other colon locations. A subset of 43 paired extracts analysed on Western blots also revealed consistent changes in cathepsin H protein forms in cancers. Normal mucosa typically showed a strong protein doublet at 31 and 29 kDa while cancers demonstrated decreased expression or total loss of the 31 kDa protein (90% of cases), equal or increased expression of the 29-kDa protein (67% of cases) and the new appearance or up-regulation of a cathepsin H band at 22 kDa (78% of cases). C/N ratios for cathepsin H enzyme activity correlated significantly with C/N ratios for the 29 kDa mature single-chain protein form (P< 0.001), with increased activity most commonly associated with elevated expression of 29-kDa cathepsin H but also with up-regulation of the 22-kDa band, suggesting a shift to more fully processed, mature active cathepsin H protein forms in cancers. Changes in cathepsin H expression were also detected by immunohistochemistry as elevated cathepsin H staining in tumour epithelial cells. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign
An SDN-Based Approach to Support Dynamic Operations of Multi-Domain Heterogeneous MANETs

In this paper, we introduce an Software Defined Networking (SDN)-based approach to support the network operations of heterogeneous hierarchical multi-domain MANETs. Our approach can seamlessly interconnect heterogeneous MANETs and reduce routing decision loads of gateway routers by decentralizing the SDN Controllers in the mid-tier level of the network between the Network Operation Center (NOC). To assess the feasibility of our proposed approach, we setup an emulation environment using the Common Open Research Emulator (CORE), and implement our designed system via the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), additionally integrating OLSRv2, OSPF - MDR, Babel, and others. Designing a set of test scenarios, we then carry out an extensive performance evaluation of our approach. Our experimental results show significant network performance improvements at the gateway routers with respect to overhead, packet loss ratio, and Round-Trip Time (RTT).
Laser-induced color printing on semicontinuous silver films: red, green and blue

Coloration using semicontinuous metal films has been explored recently and has shown far-reaching interest as a result of being inexpensive, environment-friendly, and non-bleaching. In this paper, we demonstrate the generation of bright colors through laser modification of semicontinuous Ag films. A palette of colors is obtained from blue through green, orange, up to red, and the potential exists to obtain other hues through varying the scan speed, number of pulses, energy density, power, and exposure time. This unique process can be applied to the macroscopic, mesoscopic and nanoscopic printing of innovatory fade-free artistic images as one example of application.
The Urban Soundscape: Analysing the Spatiotemporal Distribution of Acoustic Events and its Influence on the Racial/Ethnic Composition of New York City Neighbourhoods

Past research has shown that the effects of prolonged exposure to urban acoustic noise are both detrimental to mind and body. In recent years, studies have also indicated that the socially disadvantaged are more susceptible to environmental hazards such as noise pollution. This paper aims to fill a gap in literature through the evaluation of urban soundscapes by analysing the spatiotemporal patterns of acoustic events within selected New York City (NYC) neighbourhoods and comparing the datum to the socio-economic data of the urban environments. In this paper, the author aims to address this question, ‘Does racial/ethnic composition of each neighbourhood influence how acoustic events are distributed, and in what way does this relate to the socio-economic status of each location?’ This study focuses on seven neighbourhoods within the New York City metropolitan area, each location representing one of the seven levels of noise metadata found on NYC’s 311 noise map. The ambient soundscape of each location was recorded for 30 minutes over four different time intervals across three days, comprising in a total of 45 hours of raw data. Acoustic events were extracted and annotated for saliency and classed according to soundscape components, which were then compared against the racial/ethnic demography of NYC. The findings in this study partially aligned with past research in which communities of lower socio-economic status with higher proportions of non-Caucasian communities were susceptible to higher levels of noise exposure. Additionally, this study also aligned with the hypothesis that high numbers of acoustic events negatively correlate to the socio-economic composition of neighbourhoods.
Vitamin D and Kidney Stones

This review explores the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and lithogenesis. A causal relationship has been assumed despite myriad studies demonstrating that therapeutic doses of vitamin D do not increase lithogenic risk. Select stone formers may be at increased risk for recurrence with vitamin D supplementation, possibly from CYP24A1 gene mutations. Additionally, the evidence for who is vitamin D deficient, and the benefits of supplementation in those not at risk for rickets, is sparse. Concerns may be avoidable as vitamin D screening appears unnecessary in most patients, and superior pharmacology is available which increases bone density, while decreasing stone formation.
Valid ranges for using the cross-power spectral density phase angle for moderator temperature coefficient sign determination

The value of the moderator temperature coefficient (MTC) of reactivity is contained in correlations between fluctuations of the neutron flux and core-exit coolant temperature. The absolute magnitude of the MTC is obtained from noise analysis by using the root-mean-square method and the frequency response function technique. Both approaches are used in conjunction with the phase angle method, which determines the MTC sign, to obtain complete information about the MTC. Analytical expressions that are derived show that a limitation exists on the range of MTC values for which the cross-power spectral density phase angle can be used to establish the MTC sign. This research shows that small positive values of the MTC (an unstable condition) can result in a {minus}180-deg phase angle shift, contrary to earlier studies that indicated a stable reactor. The range of sign determinate MTC values is dependent on the driving noise source. Simulated noise data are generated for different MTC values and analyzed to verify the theoretical work. A comparison of the indeterminate regions to allowable MTC values for an operating pressurized water reactor is also presented.
Anxiety in patients with permanent cardiac pacemaker aged > 60 years old

Introduction: A cardiac pacemaker is a small implanted device to control abnormal heart rhythms. According to estimates, 3 million individuals worldwide live with an implanted permanent pacemaker (PPM) while about 600 thousand pacemakers are implanted, annually. Purpose : to explore anxiety of pacemaker recipients as well as all the associated demographic and self-reported characteristics. Material and Method : 100 outpatients with PPM were enrolled in the study. Collection of data was performed by the completion of the “Self-rating Anxiety Scale Zung (SAS)” which included patients' characteristics. Results : From the 100 participants 65% were men, 66% were >70 years old, 60% married, 50,5% of primary education and 90% lived in Attica. In terms of anxiety, 50% of recipients scored less than 48 on SAS scale (wide of range: 20-80) indicating mild to low levels of anxiety. Regarding associated factors, anxiety was found to be statistically significantly associated with gender (p=<0,001), understanding of provided information (p=<0,001), understanding of precautions in electromagnetic fields (p=0,021), desire for more frequent and long term follow-up and devise assessment (p=<0,001 and p=<0,001, respectively). Conclusions : Though pacemaker is an opportunity to prolong survival, however systematic assessment of anxiety and all the associated factors is considered to be of primary importance in clinical pacemaker settings.
A prospective study analyzing both inflation and deflation preference for commonly available inflatable penile prostheses.

Despite popularity, satisfaction rates of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) use can be improved by evaluating the ability to operate devices in the preoperative setting. The purpose of this study was to prospectively analyze the preference of three commonly available IPPs. In total, 125 IPP-naive men 60 years of age or older were prospectively recruited from an outpatient Urology clinic from June 2019 to January 2020. A questionnaire standardized to all encounters was utilized to collect demographics, selected medical information, and key pinch strength. Participants were then asked to rank three models in terms of preference (from 1 to 3, 1 representing most preferred) for each inflation and deflation in a double-blinded manner. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, a Chi-square test and multivariable logistical regression analysis. The results demonstrated preference for Coloplast Titan (44%) for inflation, and preference for AMS 700 (40%) for deflation. Men who preferred the Coloplast Titan inflation had a lower chance of preferring the AMS 700 MS deflation (OR = 0.29; p = 0.010) and Coloplast Titan Touch deflation (OR = 0.27; p = 0.012). Preference for Coloplast Titan was weakly associated with participant history of coronary artery disease (OR = 5.96, p = 0.006) and osteoarthritis (OR = 3.04, p = 0.044). Neither key pinch strength nor age was associated with preference for a particular model. IPP-naive men over 60 years favor Coloplast Titan for inflation and AMS 700 for deflation, and men who preferred the Coloplast Titan for inflation were less likely to choose the AMS 700 MS or Coloplast Titan Touch for deflation. Further studies should aim to confirm these findings.
The Government's Economic Response to the COVID Crisis

The Federal Reserve Board (the â€œFedâ€) and Treasury Department, along with a host of other administrative agencies, have undertaken massive, unprecedented action
Effects of yoga-related mind-body therapies on cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives Considering dementia has no definite curative intervention available through modern medical management, alternative therapeutic symptomatic interventions are needed urgently. This systematic review with meta-analysis evaluated whether yoga-related practices, as a preventive mind-body therapy, is effective for the management of cognitive decline in older adults. Methods Seven electronic databases (Abstracts in Social Gerontology, Age Line, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using specified inclusion criteria to identify original studies that investigated the effects of yoga-related mind-body therapies on cognitive function, in the context of aging. A meta-analysis was also carried out calculating the overall effect sizes, expressed as standardized mean differences (i.e., d). Results Twelve studies, including 912 participants (73.9% female; 239 with and 673 without cognitive impairment) were selected for this review; eleven were randomized controlled trials. One study had a high risk of bias and was excluded from the meta-analysis. Studies involved a wide variety of yoga practices with a common focus on meditative postural exercises. Results revealed significant beneficial effects on memory (Cohen's d = 0.38), executive function (Cohen's d = 0.40), and attention and processing speed (Cohen's d = 0.33). No adverse effects were reported. Discussion Yoga-related mind-body interventions for older adults appear to be safe, feasible, and effective alternative practice for maintenance of cognitive functions both in age- and disease-related cognitive decline. Practicing yoga can be a useful part of daily routine to maintain cognitive function in older adulthood. Suggestions for further research were discussed.
Development and evolution of a robotic surgical technique for the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Abstract Objective We describe the development and evolution of a surgical technique that uses the robotic da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, Calif) for the transaxillary approach to repair the disabling thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). We report our patient outcomes associated with the use of this robotic technique. Methods We present a retrospective review and analysis of data collected from a 16-year experience of a single surgeon using a robotic surgical system and technique for TOS surgery. From the initial design of an endoscope attached to a microvideo camera in 1982 to the adoption of the monorobotic arm with integrated voice in 1998, the main objective of the transaxillary approach has always been to improve visualization of congenital cervical anomalies of the scalene muscles. From February 2003 to December 2018, we performed 412 transaxillary decompression procedures using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. The surgical procedure has been described in further detail and includes the following steps: (1) positioning of the patient into a lateral decubitus position and using a monoarm retractor; (2) creation of a mini-incision in the axillary area and creation and maintenance of the subpectoral anatomic working space; (3) placement of endoscopic ports and engagement of the robotic instrumentation; (4) dissection of extrapleural and intrapleural soft tissue; (5) creation of the “floater” first rib; (6) excision of the cervical bands and first rib; and (7) placement of thoracostomy tubes for drainage and closure of the incisions. Results None of the patients died, and no patient experienced permanent neurovascular damage of the extremity. Of the 306 patients, 22 (5% of 441 operations) experienced complications. One patient developed postoperative scarring that required a redo operation with a robotic-assisted transaxillary approach. Conclusions With its three-dimensional visual magnification of the anatomic area, the endoscopic robotic-assisted transaxillary approach offers safe and effective management of disabling TOS symptoms. The endoscope facilitates observation of the cervical bands and the mechanism (pathogenesis) of the neurovascular compression that causes TOS, thereby allowing complete excision of the first rib, cervical bands, and scalene muscle. We sought to develop and perfect this robotic approach. The present study was not intended to be a comparative study to nonrobotic TOS surgery.
Alchemical fictions

This essay investigates the relationship between historical or quasi-historical figures and the literary characters they eventually become. It uses medieval understandings of character, temporality and textual afterlives as a way of approaching various transformations in Hilary Mantel’s early novel, Fludd, and Colm Toibin’s more recent The Testament of Mary.
Better Nutrition Care for Patients on Hemodialysis: One Step at a Time

One of the most encountered complications of ESKD, especially for patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis, is the subtle but clinically important progressive deterioration of nutritional status. This unique state of metabolic and nutritional derangements, termed protein-energy wasting (PEW), is
Global Mindset Initiative Paper 4: Research Infrastructure and Study Design

To determine “what works, for whom, and under what conditions,” interventions need to be studied in diverse and heterogeneous samples. At an international scope, this degree of heterogeneity is unlikely in a single study and instead requires conducting multiple studies of the same intervention across the globe. In this paper, we provide an overview of the infrastructure required to coordinate such a series of studies, including the methodological and measurement developments that would be needed. We also discuss implications of this shared focus for the design of individual studies and the analyses of outcomes across studies. Throughout, we situate these needs in the context of developing a teacher mindset intervention that is intended to be implemented broadly in classrooms around the world.
High-Q Slot-Waveguide-Based Ring Resonator on a 3C-SiC-on-Insulator Platform for Ultrasensitive Sensing Applications

We present a new platform for integrated photonic sensing, for the first time, using high-Q SiC slot-ring resonators with Qs of 17,400. We experimentally demonstrate device's capability for bulk sensing with a sensitivity of 264 nm/RIU and for biomolecular layer sensing through troponin biomarker detection.
Taxation of Same-Sex Couples After United States v. Windsor: Did the IRS Get it Right in Revenue Ruling 2013-17?

The tax world for same-sex couples changed dramatically on June 26, 2013, when the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in United States v. Windsor. The Court ruled that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. As a result the IRS would be required to recognize same-sex spouses as validly married for tax purposes. There were three major issues facing the IRS after Windsor: (1) Which marriages should be recognized for tax purposes? (2) How much retroactive effect should be given to the decision? (3) Should marriage equivalent statuses such as registered domestic partnerships and civil unions be treated the same as marriages? On August 29, 2013, the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 2013-17 which answered these three questions. This essay asks whether or not the IRS got it right in the ruling and concludes that for the most part it did. However, serious questions are raised by the fact that the IRS refuses to recognize registered partnerships and civil unions as marriages. The essay concludes that more thought should be given to this issue.
Thromboembolic Complications Following Spine Surgery Assessed with Spiral CT Scans: DVT/PE Following Spine Surgery.

Spine surgery is associated with a significant risk of postoperative pulmonary embolism (PE) and/or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The goal of this study was to determine which symptoms and risk factors were associated with spiral CT scans positive for PE and/or DVT in the postoperative spine surgery patient. We conducted a retrospective review of all spine patients who underwent a postoperative CT to rule out PE during the period of March 2004–February 2006. The type of surgical procedure, risk factors, symptoms prompting scan ordering, anticoagulation, and treatment were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to determine significant predictors of a positive CT in this patient population. Of the 3,331 patients that had spine surgery during the study period, 130 (3.9%) had a spiral CT scan to rule out PE and/or proximal DVT. Thirty-three of the 130 (25.4%) CT scans were positive for PE only, five (3.8%) for PE and DVT, and three (2.3%) for DVT only. Only 24.5% (32) patients had risk factors for thromboembolic disease, and of these, a history of PE and/or DVT was the only significant risk factor for a positive scan (p = 0.03). No presenting symptoms or demographic variables were noted to have a significant association with PE and/or DVT. The type of surgical procedure (i.e., anterior, posterior, and percutaneous) was not associated with an increased risk for PE and/or DVT. Patients who are undergoing spine surgery with a history of thromboembolic disease should be carefully monitored postoperatively and may benefit from more aggressive prophylaxis.
Female Domestic Violence Toward Male Partners: Exploring Conflict Responses and Outcomes

The general purpose of this study was to investigate domestic violence within a conflict framework. Specifically, the association between conflict-based, communication response and outcome behaviors and the frequency and severity of female domestic violence towards male partners was examined. Participants were 153 female volunteers who reported on a range of communication responses and outcomes for both self and partner. The contribution of relationship distress was controlled for and also examined as a moderator. Relationship distress was not found to be a significant moderator. Results showed that seven communication response variables and four outcome variables were significantly associated with the frequency and/or severity of female domestic violence. Relative to nonviolent relationships, relationships with female violence had more male and female unilateral verbal aggression, more mutual verbal aggression, more male verbal aggression/female calms things down, more male demand/partner withdraw, more mutual avoidance, and less constructive relative to destructive communication. Relationships with female violence also had poorer resolution of problems and more emotional distance after problem arguments and discussions than their nonviolent counterparts.
AREVA Fuel Condition Index for a Pressurized Water Reactor

Three factors are considered paramount in fuel performance; these are the heat flux, crud layer and oxide thickness. Both the crud layer and the oxide thickness may be affected by plant chemistry.
Detection of a Novel Transcription Factor for the Aα Fibrinogen Gene in Response to Interleukin-6

The three fibrinogen genes belong to the class II hepatic acute phase proteins that are regulated in part by members of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines and glucocorticoids. The common DNA sequence that characterizes this group of proteins is a hexanucleotide CTGGGA residing in the promoter regions of these genes. Investigations of IL-6 control of the Aα fibrinogen gene by electrophoretic mobility shift assays using a 30-base pair DNA probe containing the CTGGGA element revealed that a novel protein is associated with this site during non-IL-6-stimulated conditions. Sensitive time-course studies of IL-6 stimulation using primary hepatocyte cultures, high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and site-directed mutagenesis show that upon IL-6 stimulation of hepatocytes, this DNA binding protein transiently leaves the CTGGGA site and binds 12 base pairs downstream but then begins to re-associate with the original DNA site at 1 h and is completed by 2 h. A recently characterized and cloned IL-6-activated transcription factor, Stat-3, which has been reported to bind a CTGGGAA site in the α-2 macroglobulin gene, another member of the class II acute phase proteins, does not bind to the CTGGGA sequence in the Aα fibrinogen gene. These findings reveal the presence of a previously undefined IL-6-regulated event, which involves a new DNA binding protein and demonstrates for the first time additional details of the kinetics of IL-6 control of fibrinogen gene expression.
The Enthymeme: An Analysis of Sexist Advice Animals

Advice animal memes are popular online jokes that utilize images juxtaposed with humorous text. This essay shows how the enthymemes of advice animal memes are detrimental to audiences because they require one to acquire a sexist mentality to understand the jokes. Over time, this mindset is reified, making users believe the material. This essay involves an analysis of sexist advice animal memes, Overly Attached Girlfriend and Good Girl Gina, and the rhetorical situation toprove how people are concretizing the memes’ sexist concepts. A possible solution for harmful memes, counter-meming, is also explored.
VITAL-Bone Health: rationale and design of two ancillary studies evaluating the effects of vitamin D and/or omega-3 fatty acid supplements on incident fractures and bone health outcomes in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL).

Rationale Although vitamin D is widely used to promote skeletal health, definitive data on benefits and risks of supplemental vitamin D alone on bone are lacking. Results from large, randomized controlled trials in the general population are sparse. Data on the effects of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) on bone are also limited.
INHIBITION OF 12‐O‐TETRADECANOYLPHORBOL‐13‐ACETATE‐INDUCED TUMOR PROMOTION IN MURINE SKIN BY SYSTEMIC EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET IRRADIATION

Systemic effects of UVB irradiation (280-320 nm) have been shown to prevent subsequent chemical tumorigenesis induced by an initiation-promotion protocol. The present investigation was designed to determine whether initiation or promotion is prevented by UV irradiation. Groups of 25 B6D2F1/J mice received 12 weeks of intermittent dorsal UVB radiation treatments administered before, or 3 weeks after, initiation with a single application of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene on the ventral skin. All mice were promoted ventrally with 5 micrograms 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) applied three times weekly throughout the experiment. UV irradiation consisted of five 30-min exposures per week to a bank of 6 Westinghouse FS40 sunlamps. UV irradiation applied before or after initiation resulted in a decrease of 18-16 tumors per group of 25 mice, for a reduction of 61 and 50%, respectively, at 24 weeks after the first TPA treatment. Thus, prevention of tumor development was similar whether the UV influence was present or not during initiation. This finding suggests that the UV prevention of promotion could account for UV inhibition of skin tumors induced by an initiation-promotion regimen. Consistent with this concept, pretreatment of mice with dorsal UVB radiation was found to reduce DNA synthesis after exposure to TPA by 46%, although it did not decrease tritiated benzo[a]pyrene binding to DNA, in ventral epidermis. Thus, UVB irradiation systemically reduced TPA-induced tumor promotion in murine skin.
NMR study of proton transfer interactions in the system pyridine +HCl (0%–95%)

Pyridinium chloride, which has proven useful in a number of molten salt studies where it serves as a strong chloride donor Lewis base, is freely soluble in both excess acid and excess base. To probe the proton transfer interactions involved, proton NMR studies have been performed on pyridine+HCl solutions in the composition range 0%–95% HCl at temperatures ranging from −100°C to 200°C. This system is rich in examples of the way in which competing hydrogen bonding interactions can affect the magnetic environment of the involved protons. The most obvious of these is the increased magnetic shielding that develops in the vicinity of the N–H+ proton of the pyridinium cation as excess HCl competes for the Cl− ions, initially to form HCl2− anion and later to form more extended HCl⋅⋅⋅HCl−2 aggregates. As excess pyridine is added to PyHCl a shift in the opposite direction occurs, due either to the formation of symmetrical [Py–H–Py]+ species, to the repression of PyHCl autodissociation, or to a combination of both ...
Metronome-conditioned hypnotic-relaxation in the treatment of test anxiety

Self-report and test performance measures demonstrated the successful treatment of a college student's test anxiety in a foreign language laboratory testing situation. The treatment procedure was based upon metronome-conditioned relaxation in which the beats of a metronome were paired with hypnotic-relaxation instructions. The student then used the beating metronome to counteract testelicited anxiety. The metronome was successfully faded out, demonstrating lack of long-term dependence on the external device.
Micromagnetic study of magnetization reversal in ferromagnetic nanorings

We present results of micromagnetic simulations of thin ferromagnetic rings undergoing magnetization reversal. This geometry is one of few examples in micromagnetics in which the transition states have been found analytically in a one-dimensional (1D) model. According to this model, at low fields and large ring sizes, the energetically preferred transition state is a localized magnetization fluctuation (instanton saddle). At high fields and small ring size, the preferred saddle state is a uniformly rotated magnetization (constant saddle). In the first part of this paper, we use numerical micromagnetic simulations to test these predictions of the 1D analytical model for more realistic situations including a variety of ring radii, annular widths and magnetic fields. The predicted activation energies for magnetization reversal are found to be in close agreement with numerical results even for rings with a large annular width where the 1D approximation would be expected to break down. We find that this approximation breaks down only when the ring's annular width exceeds its radius. In the second part, we present new metastable states found in the large radius limit and discuss how they provide a more complete understanding of the energy landscape of magnetic nanorings.
Value as a Moderator in Subjective Well‐Being

We investigated individual differences in the processes of subjective well-being (SWB). There were considerable individual differences in the domain that was most strongly associated with global life satisfaction. Individuals also differed significantly in the types of activities that they found satisfying. Moreover, these individual differences in the patterns of SWB were systematically related to value orientations. A 23-day daily diary study revealed that intraindividual changes in satisfaction were strongly influenced by the degree of success in the domains that individuals value. The present findings highlight the meaningful individual differences in the qualitative aspects of subjective well-being.
Dressed quarks and proton's spin

The effect on the proton spin of mixing gluon and sea quark configurations is studied in a perturbative treatment based on the MIT bag model. As little as 29% of the proton spin is found to remain as the intrinsic spin of quarks when they are “dressed” by gluons.
A mechanism for hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism in chronic renal disease.

Abstract Selective aldosterone deficiency in chronic renal disease has been attributed to damage to the renin-producing mechanism. Four patients with selective aldosterone deficiency and chronic renal diseases were studied. These patients had hypertension, increased extracellular fluid volume, and increased total exchangeable sodium, unlikely concomitants of a clinical syndrome in which primary reduction in angiotensin generation led to deficient aldosterone secretion. In two patients who were treated with furosemide to produce sustained diminution in extracellular fluid volume, the gradual increase in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone indicated that physiologic suppression, not disease-induced damage, had been preventing elaboration of renin by juxtaglomerular apparatus. Salt and water retention associated with renal disease is proposed as the initial physiologic aberration.
Coordinating Care: A Major (Unreimbursed) Task of Primary Care

Care coordination is the information exchange among care providers and also between providers and patients and families, and it is perhaps the most problem-ridden facet of primary care. In this iss...
Altered Neutrophil Function in Localized Juvenile Periodontitis: Intrinsic or Induced?

Localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) is an aggressive periodontal disease of familial nature. Neutrophils from a majority of patients with this disease exhibit decreased Chemotaxis with increased adherence, oxidative burst, and degranulation in response to opsonized bacteria. It is proposed that the biological basis for these altered neutrophil functions in LJP may be due either to intrinsic cell abnormalities or to the effect of factors present in the sera of LJP patients, which can modulate neutrophil functions. LJP neutrophils exhibit a lower number of receptors for chemoattractants and GP-110 molecules which are known to facilitate Chemotaxis. Furthermore, these cells exhibit lower signal transduction in response to a biological stimulus. These observations suggest that intrinsic cellular defects may be responsible for altered neutrophil functions in LJP. However, healthy neutrophils, when treated with very low concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, also exhibit the characteristics of altered or "defective" LJP neutrophils. Additionally, healthy neutrophils, when treated with LJP serum, also exhibit many of the characteristics associated with LJP neutrophils. Attempts to identify these factors have shown that cytokines like TNF-α and/or IL1 β in LJP sera may be at least partially responsible for modulating neutrophil functions in LJP. These cytokines are primarily produced by activated macrophages, indicating a role for these cells in the etiology of LJP. The hyper-responsiveness of these cells to an immunologic challenge can result in local increases in cytokines leading to excessive bone loss and tissue damage at the site of infection, while systemic elevations in cytokines would lead to decreased neutrophil Chemotaxis, both of which are observed in LJP. Present evidence indicates that neutrophil functions are indeed altered in the majority of LJP patients. However, the biological basis for the alteration may not be due to the neutrophils themselves but, rather, a consequence of an inherent hyperactive immune response during the host-pathogen interaction. J Periodontol 1996;67:337-344.
Aging and Sexuality: How Much Do Gynecologists Know and Care?

Enhanced knowledge and healthy attitudes toward aging sexuality can help promote the perception that full sexual expression is part of the entire extent of adulthood. We sought to determine gynecologists' knowledge and attitude regarding sexuality in older women. A total of 141 gynecologists in five hospitals responded to the survey: Aging Sexual Attitude and Knowledge Scale (ASKAS). No correlation was found between respondents' knowledge and attitude (r = .06, p = .54); no correlation found between respondents' age and knowledge (r = .20, p = .02), but 20% of the variance in attitude could be explained by age (beta 0.20, p = .02). Neither gender, ethnicity, level of training, nor hospital location demonstrated a significant correlation to either knowledge or attitude scores.
Low voltage picoliter droplet manipulation utilizing electrowetting-on-dielectric platforms

Picoliter droplets actuated on an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWD) actuator are demonstrated. In this study, the physical scaling of electrodes for 33 μm and 21 μm EWD devices resulted in droplets of 12 pl and 5 pl being dispensed respectively in conjunction with 3 μm SU8 gaskets. The stacked multi-layer insulators in the actuators consisted of 200 nm tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and 200 nm parylene C films deposited and coated with 70 nm of CYTOP. The voltages for dispensing droplets on chips without any external pressure sources are 17.1 Vrms and 22 Vrms for these two sets of devices. A 12 pl droplet can be split into two 6 pl daughter droplets at 18.7 Vrms with 33 μm electrode devices. Droplet manipulation is also demonstrated with paramagnetic beads and buffer solutions with proteins. In addition, electrodes with interlocking protrusions and special featured reservoir gasket are designed to facilitate droplet dispensing on these scaled EWD devices. In order to improve sealing of the two-piece sandwich EWD structure, a soft material, Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA), was coated on the top plate along with pressure on top. We demonstrate that based on fundamental theories and experiments, the dimensional scaling of EWD devices has not yet met a limitation as long as the EWD device can be sealed well.
The phantom class: A viable approach of providing for gifted and talented high school science students

What can high schools do to challenge and motivate their most gifted and talented science students? This was the question that we attempted to answer in a two‐year study of fourteen of the most successful schools in the Metropolitan New York region. Our investigation showed that these fourteen schools had developed “phantom classes” that did not use textbooks, did not administer tests, and conducted very few observable sessions. These classes simply required the students to conduct independent research studies, in most cases outside of their schools. These efforts produced 362 awards in the Westinghouse Talent Search over a seven‐year period.
A mixed neutral system

On demontre des resultats d'existence et d'unicite pour le systeme d'equations differentielles fonctionnelles suivant: x'(t)=f(t,x)+Σ j=1 m F j (t,x)x'(t+p j )
Protein Folding: Is Hierarchical versus Nonhierarchical a Productive Issue?

Abstract A coarse-grained simulation accessing relevant folding timescales for β-lactoglobulin was corroborated experimentally and reveals a dynamic role for nonnative structures dictated by local propensity vis-a-vis the large-scale context. This picture prompts us to shift focus, leaving aside the hierarchical vs. nonhierarchical controversy.
National Stuttering Association members' opinions about stuttering treatment.

Abstract As stuttering support groups, such as the National Stuttering Association (NSA), have gained prominence and visibility, it has become increasingly important for speech–language pathologists (SLPs) to learn about the people who participate in such groups. This article presents results of a brief survey completed by 200 members of the NSA to examine the opinions of support group members regarding the field of speech–language pathology and stuttering treatment options. Results indicate that NSA members hold a variety of opinions, both positive and negative, about the resources available to them. Findings highlight a number of ways in which SLPs can work with stuttering support groups, both to learn more about the needs of people who stutter and also to provide needed information about treatment options that are available for people who stutter. Educational objectives: The reader will learn about and be able to describe (1) the role of support groups in stuttering treatment; (2) the people who are members of the NSA; and (3) their opinions about various issues related to stuttering and its treatment.
Alternative models for ordinal logistic regression

Armstrong and Sloan have reviewed two types of ordinal logistic models for epidemiologic data: the cumulative-odds model and the continuation-ratio model. I review here certain aspects of these models not emphasized previously, and describe a third type, the stereotype model, which in certain situations offers greater flexibility coupled with interpretational advantages. I illustrate the models in an analysis of pneumoconiosis among coal miners.
Differential effects of SPARC and cationic SPARC peptides on DNA synthesis by endothelial cells and fibroblasts

SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine), also known as osteonectin, is an extracellular Ca+2-binding glycoprotein that inhibits the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine and delays the onset of S-phase in synchronized cultures of bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells. This effect appears not to be dependent on the functional properties of SPARC associated with changes in cell shape or inhibition of cell spreading. In this study we investigate the conditions under which cell cycle modulation occurs in different types of cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, a transformed fetal BAE cell line, and bovine capillary endothelial cells exhibited a sensitivity to SPARC and a cationic peptide from a non-Ca+2-binding region of SPARC (peptide 2.1, 0.2-0.8 mM) similar to that observed in BAE cells. In contrast, human foreskin fibroblasts and fetal bovine ligament fibroblasts exhibited an increase in the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine in the presence of 25 microM-0.2 mM peptide 2.1; inhibition was observed at concentrations in excess of 0.4 mM. This biphasic modulation could be further localized to a sequence of 10 amino acids comprising the N-terminal half of peptide 2.1. A synthetic peptide from another cationic region of SPARC (peptide 2.3) increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation by BAE cells and fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. In endothelial cells, a stimulation of 50% was observed at a concentration of 0.01 mM; fibroblasts required approximately 100-fold more peptide 2.3 for levels of stimulation comparable to those obtained in endothelial cells. The observation that SPARC and unique SPARC peptides can differentially influence the growth of fibroblasts and endothelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner suggests that SPARC might regulate proliferation of specific cells during wound repair and remodeling.
Non-equilibrium thermodynamic simulation of metal uptake in the bacterial electrical double-layer

A non-equilibrium thermodynamic (Onsager) formalism is presented for modeling transport processes in the bacterial electrical double-layer. This formalism is then applied to model the time-dependent metal uptake within the bacteria electrical double-layer that occurs in response to gradients in concentration and electrostatic potential. The formal development of the equations is presented along with an efficient numerical procedure to solve the system of equations for spherical geometry. Numerical results are given for two values of ionic strength, I=0.1 and 0.001 M and a bulk trivalent tracer concentration of 1×10−6 M. Equilibrium distribution of the trivalent tracer cations was shown to be reached very rapidly, in about 2 ms at I=0.1 M and 0.2 s at I=0.001 M. Therefore diffusion–conduction was demonstrated to be a highly efficient mechanism of ionic transport on the nanoscale for the conditions at which electrostatic metal uptake is significant.
Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease: use doxycycline with an appropriate beta-lactam while we wait for better data.

Treatment of infertility is glamorous gynecology. Tubal microsurgery, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilization are available only to women who can afford them. This multimillion-dollar high-technology medical industry is the impressive product of the science and practice of a growing body of specialists—membership in the American Fertility Society has increased from 5746 in 1976 to more than 10 000 in 1986. Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the most important preventable cause of infertility, afflicting an estimated 1 million American women yearly, is not glamorous gynecology. In this issue ofThe Journal, Grimes et al 1 document the sorry state of affairs for what must be one of the most neglected areas of American medicine. Their analysis of data from a national survey of office-based private physicians shows that from 1966 through 1983, most women with suspected PID were treated on an outpatient basis and most received a single drug.