cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous position and vibration control of an active surface telescope using displacement actuators

The design of large, high performance structures has led to problems with structural control. A specific example of such a problem occurs in the simultaneous position and vibration control of active surface structures, such as large radio telescopes. This type of structure features a precision surface which has significant mass, but which does not contribute stiffness to its supporting backstructure. The surface is connected to the backstructure via a large number of positioning actuators, and these actuators serve to maintain the precise surface figure in the presence of disturbances to the structure. Previous work has addressed the problem of simultaneous positioning of the active surface elements and suppressing structural vibrations using independent modal space control. However, the previous work has been limited to surfaces which employ force actuators. While it is possible to implement control for such a structure, it has the disadvantage that the decoupling of the system requires knowledge of the support structure in absence of the active surface, which is difficult to obtain experimentally. This work investigates the problem of simultaneously controlling backstructure vibration and active surface positioning using displacement actuators. In this type of system it is shown that it is still possible to decouple the problem modally, allowing for a straightforward controller. Additionally, it is shown that this problem decouple using the model of the complete system, and is thus suitable for practical applications in which experimental measurement data is used to verify the theoretical model of the system. Because the controller design is based upon the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the model, this allows for a more accurate controller design. A method for decoupling the system is presented, and the effects of the control on other modes is investigated.
Reducing the effects of shot noise using nanoparticles

We report a hybrid nano-lithographic approach to minimizing the effects of line-edge roughness and shot noise in nano-hole patterning. Photoresist polymers were reflowed around nanoparticles deposited by self-assembly and simple etch chemistry. The method extends the transistor contact hole patterning limits to <20 nm.
Dental microwear in adult and still-born guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abstract Scanning electron microscope analyses of dental microwear showed that (1) microscopic striations are not caused by tooth-tooth contact, and (2) the model of striation formation used by Ryan (1979a, J. dent. Res. 58 , 525–530; 1979b, Am. J. phys. Anthrop. 50 , 155–168) to make directional interpretations of jaw movement is incorrect.
The role of estrogen in bone growth and maturation during childhood and adolescence

Twenty years ago it was believed that pubertal growth was stimulated by testicular androgen in boys and by adrenal androgen in girls. Estrogen, which was used to inhibit growth in excessively tall girls, was not thought to have growth-promoting effects. We hypothesized that estrogen has a biphasic effect on epiphyseal growth, with maximal stimulation at low levels. We showed that the administration of low doses of estrogen, corresponding to a serum estradiol level of about 4 pg/ml (15 pmol/l) caused more than a 60% increase over the prepubertal growth rate in both boys and girls. To test the hypothesis that estrogen is the principal mediator of the pubertal growth spurt in boys, we administered the aromatase inhibitor, testolactone, to boys with familial male-limited precocious puberty. Testolactone produced near normalization of both growth velocity and bone maturation, despite levels of serum testosterone that remained within the adult male range. The observation that low levels of estrogen stimulate growth and bone maturation suggested that estrogen might explain the more rapid epiphyseal maturation of prepubertal girls compared to boys. To determine whether prepubertal girls have higher estrogen levels than prepubertal boys, we developed an ultrasensitive recombinant cell bioassay for estrogen with a sensitivity of 0.02 pg/ml (0.07 pmol/l) estradiol equivalents. Prepubertal girls had approximately eight-fold higher levels of serum estradiol than did prepubertal boys (0.6 +/- 0.6 pg/ml (SD) (2.2 +/- 2.2 pmol/l) vs 0.08 +/- 0.2 pg/ml (0.29 +/- 0.73 pmol/l), P < 0.05). We concluded that the pubertal growth spurt of both sexes is driven primarily by estrogen, and that the more rapid epiphyseal maturation of prepubertal girls (vs boys) may be explained by their higher estradiol levels.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after nontransplant cardiac surgery.

We present the case of a patient in whom a reversible neurocognitive deficit developed after aortic valve replacement surgery. The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been described in relation to a variety of medical and postoperative conditions, but it has not been previously reported as a complication of nontransplant cardiac surgery. Major features, diagnosis, and management of PRES are described.
Necessity of protein kinase C activity for maintenance of acetylcholine receptor function at snake twitch fibre endplates

Abstract 1. The extent of recovery of endplate sensitivity following a 5 or 10 min exposure to carbachol was determined from measurements of miniature endplate current (m.e.p.c.) amplitudes in voltage-clamped snake twitch fibre endplates. M.e.p.c. amplitude recovery was dependent on the carbachol concentration (0.27-5.4 mM) and duration of application. Staurosporine pretreatment (0.5 microM for approximately 15 min) further decreased the extent of m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery. 2. The decrease in m.e.p.c. amplitude at control endplates exposed to high concentrations of agonist (5.4 mM carbachol for 10 min) was due to an apparent decrease in postsynaptic receptor density, not to a change in the conductance of the acetylcholine (ACh)-activated channels. 3. Pretreatment with either 1 microM lavendustin A or 50 microM KN-62 had no effect on m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery, whereas pretreatment with either 0.5 microM staurosporine, 50 microM sphingosine, or 0.5 microM calphostin C significantly reduced m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery following carbachol exposure. 4. Sphingosine and staurosporine produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the extent of m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery, but had no effect on m.e.p.c. characteristics in the absence of carbachol. In addition, this decrease in m.e.p.c. amplitude was not due to the presence of a subpopulation of small amplitude m.e.p.cs. 5. Prolonged treatment (18-20 h) of muscles with 200 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), to down regulate protein kinase C, resulted in a significant reduction in m.e.p.c. amplitudes following exposure to carbachol. Conversely, treatment with 200 nM 4 alpha PMA, an inactive analogue, had no effect on m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF X-IRRADIATED NaCl

The electrical resistance of Harshaw sodium chloride crystals exposed at room temperature to x-ray doses sufficient to produce about 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ $F$ centers/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ has been measured as a function of time at constant temperatures between 150 and 200\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The effects of previous heat treatment of the crystals, x-ray dose, temperature of measurement, and preliminary optical bleaching have been observed. Initially the resistance of irradiated crystals is much greater than that of unirradiated ones. The resistance of the colored crystals at first decreases rapidly (for about 10 to 100 minutes, depending on the temperature). In the case of crystals used as received from Harshaw, the resistance even falls slightly below that of the normal uncolored crystals. Subsequently the resistance again increases, reaching a constant value (after about 50 to 1000 minutes) higher than for the normal crystal. If the crystals are optically bleached before the measurement, the resistance increase recovers very much more slowly. The behavior can be restored to normal by annealing above 250\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The slow resistance increase is seen as evidence for the production by the x-rays of excess positive-ion vacancies.
Closure of large orbital‐maxillary defects with free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps

The treatment of advanced cancer of the maxillary sinus often requires extensive ablation and orbital exenteration that results in large full-thickness defects of the upper cheek and orbital regions. Reconstruction of such defects with local flaps is usually difficult because of the need for a large flap. Several regional flaps such as the deltopectoral flap, the temporal flap, and the shoulder flap may be used, but these techniques frequently require surgery in stages and result in severe deformity of the donor site. The island pedicled, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap may be rotated up to the orbital region; however, the uncertain blood supply to the skin in the distal area of the pectoralis may cause unexpected marginal necrosis of the flap. Reconstruction of large orbital-maxillary defects can readily be accomplished in one stage using microsurgical free transfer of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. The thoracodorsal artery and vein that form the nutrient pedicle of the flap approaches 2 mm in external diameter and up to 10 cm in length, allowing greater versatility in head and neck reconstruction. The muscle may be used to fill the orbital and maxillary cavities and will accept a skin graft on its deep surface. The donor defect is closed primarily and the resulting scar is well concealed beneath the arm. If necessary, extremely large flaps may be transferred by harvesting the entire latissimus dorsi muscle and the overlying skin based on the thoracodorsal system.
Molecular properties of neurotoxin receptor sites associated with sodium channels from mammalian brain

Neurotoxins that act at specific receptor sites on voltage-sensitive sodium channels have been used as molecular probes to identify and purify protein components of sodium channels from mammalian brain. Photoreactive derivatives of scorpion toxin have been prepared and used to covalently label sodium channels in intact synaptosomes. Two polypeptides, α with Mγ approximately 270,000 and β with Mγ approximately 38,000, are specifically labeled indicating that they are components of the scorpion toxin receptor site on the sodium channel. The sodium channel can be solubilized with retention of specific binding of [3H] saxitoxin using nonionic detergents such as Triton X-100. The solubilized saxitoxin receptor has molecular weight of 316,000 ± 63,000 and binds 0.9 g of Triton X-100 and phospholipid per g of protein. The solubilized receptor can be purified 750-fold by ion exchange chromatography, wheat germ lectin/Sepharose chromatography and sucrose gradient sedimentation to a final specific activity of 1488 pmol/mg. Analysis of the polypetide chain composition of the most highly purified fractions indicates that α and β comprise 65% of the protein of these fractions and are only the polypeptides whose presence correlates with saxitoxin binding activity. These studies lead to a working hypothesis of sodium channel structure in which the intact channel is comprised of a complex with Mγ of approximately 316,000 containing one mole of α (Mγ approximately 270,000) and one to three moles of β (Mγ approximately 38,000).
Implications of postseismic gravity change following the great 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake from the regional harmonic analysis of GRACE intersatellite tracking data

[1] We report Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite observations of coseismic displacements and postseismic transients from the great Sumatra-Andaman Islands (thrust event; Mw ∼9.2) earthquake in December 2004. Instead of using global spherical harmonic solutions of monthly gravity fields, we estimated the gravity changes directly using intersatellite range-rate data with regionally concentrated spherical Slepian basis functions every 15-day interval. We found significant step-like (coseismic) and exponential-like (postseismic) behavior in the time series of estimated coefficients (from May 2003 to April 2007) for the spherical Slepian functions. After deriving coseismic slip estimates from seismic and geodetic data that spanned different time intervals, we estimated and evaluated postseismic relaxation mechanisms with alternate asthenosphere viscosity models. The large spatial coverage and uniform accuracy of our GRACE solution enabled us to clearly delineate a postseismic transient signal in the first 2 years of postearthquake GRACE data. Our preferred interpretation of the long-wavelength components of the postseismic gravity change is biviscous viscoelastic flow. We estimated a transient viscosity of 5 × 1017 Pa s and a steady state viscosity of 5 × 1018–1019 Pa s. Additional years of the GRACE observations should provide improved steady state viscosity estimates. In contrast to our interpretation of coseismic gravity change, the prominent postearthquake positive gravity change around the Nicobar Islands is accounted for by seafloor uplift with less postseismic perturbation in intrinsic density in the region surrounding the earthquake.
Mixing It Up

Micro's editor in chief introduces the topics covered by the four articles in this general-interest issue: an interconnection network using highly integrated photonic technology; the ManySim simulation framework for future large-scale chip-multiprocessors; the SimWattch simulation framework, which integrates the Simics functional simulator with the SimpleScalar/Wattch microarchitecture simulators; and self-configuring embedded systems.
SYMMETRY: an interactive graphics computer program to teach symmetry recognition

Abstract SYMMETRY is a computer program that will draw two-dimensional motifs and patterns on the screen of a cathode-ray-tube (CRT) terminal. The program enables users to test for the presence of symmetry elements in these patterns by superimposing rotated, reflected, or glide-reflected patterns on the original.
Effect of different isolates of Beauveria bassiana on field populations of Lygus hesperus

Abstract Lygus hesperus (Knight) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a particularly damaging pest of many crops in the Western United States. Current control tactics are chemically based and there is some concern over resistance building up in populations. Based on previous laboratory studies conducted in California and Mississippi, USA, two new isolates of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) were selected for field-testing against L. hesperus in California. Alfalfa plots were treated with one of three isolates of B. bassiana (a commercial isolate, an isolate from CA (WTPB2) or an isolate from MS (TPB3)) or the chemical pesticide Warrior T. More than 75% of the adults collected from plots 3 days after application with B. bassiana were infected but no differences in percentage infection occurred among fungal treatments. In addition, approximately 30% of the insects collected from control plots or plots treated with Warrior T were also infected. PCR analysis using SSR markers revealed that the isolate causing most of the infections in fungus treated plots was the isolate applied. A mix of infections was found in control plots and plots treated with Warrior T. Despite high levels of infection, no significant reductions of adult populations occurred until 10–14 days after application when plots treated with Warrior T or B. bassiana had about half the numbers of adult L. hesperus as the control plots.
Modeling of atmospheric temperature fluctuations by translations of oscillatory random processes with application to spacecraft atmospheric re-entry

Abstract The presence of random fluctuations of air temperature within the Earth’s atmosphere is a well-documented phenomenon. During the past seventy years there have been numerous experimental efforts to accurately measure air temperature as a function of altitude and, through careful data analysis, provide statistics describing these fluctuations and the associated fluctuations in temperature gradients. In addition, several researchers suggest the presence of atmospheric layers or “sheets” where the statistics describing fluctuations in air temperature can vary significantly from layer to layer. Herein, we propose a model to represent fluctuations of air temperature within a layered atmosphere. The model is a special type of inhomogeneous non-Gaussian differentiable random process and can be calibrated to available data on the marginal statistics and spectral content of the fluctuating temperature field, as well as the associated first derivative of the process representing fluctuations in temperature gradients. Properties of the proposed model are presented, and statistical realizations of the fluctuating temperature field and its gradient are computed and presented for illustration. The random vibration response of a spacecraft falling to Earth through these fluctuating conditions is then considered to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed model.
Oral and serum IL-6 levels in oral lichen planus patients.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to compare IL-6 levels in oral exfoliated mucosal cell samples and in serum in subjects with oral lichen planus versus controls. Study design Ten patients with ulcerative OLP, 10 with reticular OLP, and 10 control subjects were recruited at a University Oral Medicine Clinic. Using smear tissue culture brushes, oral samples were collected from lesional sites for OLP patients and from buccal mucosa for controls into vials with 300 μL PBS. After centrifugation, the supernatants were aspirated for cytokine ELISA assay and protein assay. Venous blood was processed to serum for ELISA assay. Oral IL-6 was expressed as both pg/mL and pg/μg protein, and serum IL-6 was expressed as pg/mL. Results The mean oral IL-6 levels were higher in the ulcerative OLP group (11.19 ± 5.34 pg/mL) than in the reticular OLP (1.05 ± 0.34 pg/mL) and control (0.52 ± 0.29 pg/mL) groups. There were significant differences between ulcerative OLP and reticular OLP groups ( P P P P Conclusion Both oral and serum IL-6 levels were higher in patients with ulcerative OLP. An oral exfoliated cell technique may be a useful and sensitive method to measure IL-6 in patients with OLP as it provided results consistent with those found in peripheral blood.
Atrophy and Other potential factors affecting long term deep brain stimulation response: A case series

Objective To describe three DBS cases which presented with new side effects or loss of benefit from stimulation after long-term follow-up and to discuss the potential contributing factors.
Global notes: brain drain or brain power – human resources in a globalized world

In my previous commentary on the 10/90 Gap, I discussed the severe shortage of manpower in the field of health research in developing countries.1 I also pointed out that capacity building of health professionals in conducting research is one of the major goals of Global Health Research Forum. Interestingly, shortage of highly skilled professionals has been a problem for both developing and developed countries. Indeed, the problem of losing skilled scientists from Britain was noted as early as 1950s. It was the British Royal Society that coined the expression 'Brain Drain' to describe the outflow of scientists and technologists from UK to US and Canada.2
Growth response of axenic Entamoeba histolytica to hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.

SYNOPSIS Entamoeba histolytica required CO2 for growth in axenic culture while growth was inhibited by H2. The organism was tolerant to 5% O2 in the gas phase and it was able to detoxify products of O2 reduction in the medium. The ameba did not require a negative oxidation-reduction potential for axenic growth. However, little or no free O2 was present in media exposed to 5% O2 in the gas phase. Growth was improved by adding yeast extract to the medium.
Optimizing imaging time for improved performance in oncology PET studies.

Abstract Purpose: The potential for improving the diagnostic performance of static positron imaging tomography (PET) by judiciously choosing optimum post-injection imaging times is investigated. Procedures: Dynamic and whole-body scan data, from 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) oncological studies, are analyzed for changing standardized uptake value (SUV) behavior with increasing post-injection times at either single- or multiple-bed positions. Model-based interpretations address d(SUV)/dt, shown to correlate with SUV, and the contrast ratio for a tumor and its surroundings. A method for correcting measurements to a standardized time is given. Results: Both data and model-based equations suggest that starting data acquisition later than the average 55 ± 15 (SD) minutes post-injection reported in the FDG literature can improve contrast ratios. Considerations for choosing an optimum time from a clinical standpoint are listed. Conclusions: It is concluded that the appropriate time for each particular protocol can be found with the aid of the information presented here. True optimization, however, remains a complex issue. (Mol Imag Biol 2002;4:238–244)
Stents Are Associated With Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections in Patients Undergoing Airway Interventions for Malignant Airways Disease

Background Long-term complications of therapeutic bronchoscopy include infections and airway restenosis due to tumor. No studies have compared the incidence rates of infection in patients with stents with those without stents. We hypothesized that patients with stents would have a higher incidence of lower respiratory tract infections than would patients without stents. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, covering the period September 2009 to August 2011, of patients who had therapeutic bronchoscopy for malignant airways disease. Outcomes recorded were lower respiratory tract infection and airway restenosis by tumor. Results Seventy-two patients had therapeutic bronchoscopy for malignant airways disease. Twenty-four of these patients had one or more stents placed. Twenty-three of the 72 patients (32%) developed lower respiratory tract infections. Stents were associated with an increased risk of infection (hazard ratio [HR], 3.76; 95% CI, 1.57-8.99; P = .003). The incidence rate of lower respiratory tract infection was 0.0057 infections per person-day in patients with stents vs 0.0011 infections per person-day in patients without stents. The incidence rate difference, 0.0046 infections per person-day, was significant (95% CI, 0.0012-0.0081; P = .0002). Restenosis due to tumor overgrowth was associated with more severe obstruction at baseline (obstruction ≥ 50% vs P = .013). Conclusion Therapeutic bronchoscopy with stent placement is associated with a higher risk of infection than is therapeutic bronchoscopy alone. If ablative techniques reopen the airway and there is a good chance that the tumor may respond to chemotherapy and/or radiation, a strategy of initially holding off on stenting may be warranted.
Has work replaced home as a haven? Re-examining Arlie Hochschild's Time Bind proposition with objective stress data.

Using innovative data with objective and subjective measures of stress collected from 122 employed men and women, this paper tests the thesis of the Time Bind by asking whether people report lower stress levels at work than at home. The study finds consistent support for the Time Bind hypothesis when examining objective stress data: when participants were at work they had lower values of the stress hormone cortisol than when they were at home. Two variables moderated this association – income and children at home – such that the work as haven effect was stronger for those with lower incomes and no children living at home. Participants also, however, consistently reported higher subjective stress levels on work days than on non-work days, which is in direct contrast to the Time Bind hypothesis. Although our overall findings support Hochschild's hypothesis that stress levels are lower at work, it appears that combining work and home increases people's subjective experience of daily stress.
Properties of blends of starch and synthetic polymers containing anhydride groups

Corn starch was blended with styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA), ethylene-propylene-g-maleic anhydride copolymer (EPMA), and corresponding nonfunctional polystyrene and ethylene propylene copolymers. The concentration of starch in the blend was varied between 50 and 80% by weight. The torque generated during blending is reported increasing starch content for starch/SMA blends: the reverse was true for starch/EPMA blends. The torque was higher for the blends of the anhydride functional polymers compared to the blends of corresponding nonfunctional polymers. Water absorption of the blends increased with an increase in the starch content. Starch/SMA blends made at higher mixer speed or time were more water sensitive. Blends containing EPMA absorbed less water than SMA blends containing the same weight fraction of starch. Tensile strengths of blends containing functional groups were superior compared to the blends made from nonfunctional polymers. When the starch contents increased from 60 to 70%, the tensile strength remained unchanged for SMA blend but increased for EPMA blend. All samples supported the growth of microorganisms, which increased with increasing starch content. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relationship between synaptic vesicles, Golgi apparatus, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum: a developmental study using the zinc iodide-osmium technique

Routine electron microscopy and a zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide technique (ZIO), recently found to be specific for synaptic vesicles, were used to study the origin of synaptic vesicles during postnatal development in the lumbosacral enlargement of the albino rat. In immature nervous tissue, a large number of vesicles, indistinguishable from synaptic vesicles (S vesicles), were found in the Golgi apparatus and in different portions of the axon where they were often intermingled with elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). Ten to twenty percent of these S vesicles within the Golgi apparatus as well as the majority of these vesicles in all parts of the axon were positive to ZIO. Much of the SER in axons was also positive. The number of vesicles and elements of the SER showed some decrease in the non-terminal portion of axons on day 21 and even more of a decrease in adult neurons. These data suggest that synaptic vesicles are produced in the Golgi apparatus and SER in immature neurons. The decrease in S vesicles and SER in adult neurons suggests a drop in synaptic vesicle production after synaptogenesis has ended. In addition, the material that has been studied shows that ZIO staining is not limited to synaptic vesicles during development since oligodendroglia and endothelial cells are also stained during this period.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of the phenide, benzyl and phenoxide anions, with ab initio calculations

Abstract The 351 nm photoelectron spectra of the phenide, benzyl and phenoxide anions are reported. Information obtained for phenyl radical includes an adiabatic electron affinity (EA) of 1.096(6) eV, two vibrational modes at 600(10) and 968(15) cm −1 , and an excited electronic state at ⩽ 1.7 eV. For benzyl, the radical EA is 0.912(6)eV, a vibration appears at 514(15)cm −1 , and another is possibly present at 1510(25)cm −1 . Phenoxyl radical has an EA of 2.253(6)eV, exhibits a vibration at 515(15) cm −1 , and possibly another at 1490(25) cm −1 . The first excited state of phenoxyl radical appears at 1.06(5) eV above the ground state. Ab initio calculations using GAUSSIAN 88 are used to elicit geometries, normal modes of the active vibrations, and help confirm the presence of various vibrations. Combining our results with previous measurements we find gas-phase acidities for benzene and toluene of 399(2) kcal mol −1 and 380.5(1.5) kcal mol −1 respectively, and a hydrogen bond dissociation energy for phenol of 86.5(2)kcal mol −1 .
Societal Isolation, Violent Norms, and Gender Relations: A Reexamination and Extension of Levinson's Model of Wife Beating

This article reanalyzes cross-cultural data on wife beating using Murdock and White's Standard Cross-Cultural Sample. Geographic isolation, violent norms, and intergender competition over material and intimate resources and rewards emerge as significant sources of cross-cultural variation in spouse abuse. The conclusion, which provides a provocative foundation for future research, is that wife beating is more common in cultures that embrace the use of violence and that promote competition between husbands and wives.
Enhanced Microdialysis Extraction Efficiency of Ibuprofen in Vitro by Facilitated Transport with β-Cyclodextrin

A novel approach to increase microdialysis recovery (extraction efficiency, Ed) by facilitated transport through the microdialysis membrane is described. This new approach facilitates mass transport into the microdialysis probe by inclusion of a complexation agent in the microdialysis perfusion fluid. In these studies, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (0.25−2.0 w/v%) was included in the microdialysis perfusion fluid consisting of a Ringer's solution (155 mM NaCl, 4.0 mM KCl, 2.4 mM CaCl2). β-CD forms known inclusion complexes with 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid (ibuprofen). Ibuprofen Ed was significantly enhanced (1.5−2.0 times) through different microdialysis membrane materials. The effect of microdialysis membrane material (polycarbonate/polyether, AN-69, cuprophan), pH, β-CD concentration, and ibuprofen concentration on the Ed was examined. Only the polycarbonate/polyether membrane was able to give an Ed greater than 100%. In general, a maximum increase in Ed was found when 0.5 w/v% β-CD was included in the p...
Maintenance treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer

SUMMARY Metastatic colorectal cancer is now commonly treated with doublet chemotherapy plus targeted chemotherapy and initially was used until progression or development of unacceptable toxicities. However, even in responding patients it is difficult to continue the treatment for more than 4–6 months due to toxicities, such as neutropenia, sensory neuropathy and asthenia or hand and foot syndrome. This is detrimental for the quality of life and patients often want a break off of intensive therapy. Maintenance treatment as a strategy to decrease the toxicity without compromising survival outcome has become the standard of care. This manuscript will discuss different strategies for maintenance and the evidence to support them.
Index Selection Using Milk Yield, Somatic Cell Score, Udder Depth, Teat Placement, and Foot Angle

Abstract Milk yield, somatic cell score, udder depth, teat placement, and foot angle were evaluated in an index (sire index with 50 daughters) to improve an aggregate genotype that included milk yield, clinical mastitis, milking labor, and laminitis. Parameters and economic values were from the literature when available. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for various parameters. Selection for milk yield, somatic cell score, udder depth, teat placement, and foot angle would improve efficiency of response in the aggregate genotype by 1 to 4% over selection for milk yield alone. Most improvement in efficiency of indexes compared with selection for milk yield alone came from adding either somatic cell score, udder depth, or both. Standardized index coefficients for milk yield were three to four times the sum of the standardized coefficients for somatic cell score, udder depth, teat placement, and foot angle when all were included in the index. Index coefficients were always negative for somatic cell score and positive for udder depth, teat placement, and foot angle. Selection for lower somatic cell scores, higher udders, and closer teat placement would help to reduce or to eliminate undesirable correlated responses in milking labor and mastitis associated with selection for increased milk yield.
A simple construction of Stein’s complementary series representations

We given an elementary construction of Stein's complementary series for GL(2n) over an arbitrary local field F , and determine their restrictions to the "mirabolic" subgroup P2n _ GL(2n 1, F) K F2nI . Taken together with the results in [S], this allows one to calculate the adduced representation Az for an arbitrary irreducible, unitary representation 7r of GL(n, C) . The purpose of this paper is (1) to give an elementary construction of Stein's complementary series representations [St] for GL(2n , F), and (2) to explicitly identify their restriction to the "mirabolic" subgroup P2n GL(2n 1, F) x 2n-1 F. The main point is that the Bernstein-Zelevinsky theory of the (highest) derivative [B] gives an answer to (2) for nonarchimedean F (where analogous representations were constructed by Godement); namely that the restriction corresponds to the Stein (Godement) representation for GL(2n 2, F) with the same parameter. For archimedean fields it is not known (at least to the author) how to extend the above arguments to answer (2). However, it is reasonable to expect that the answer should be the same for all fields. Having "guessed" the answer to (2), it seems clear that one should try an inductive argument (on n ) to prove it. Such an argument is given in ?2 and leads to the construction referred to in (1) above. The interesting feature of this argument is that it uses almost nothing from [B] or [St], and reduces the problem to the representation theory of GL(2, F) where the corresponding facts are well known (and easy to prove). 1. STATEMENT OF THE MAIN THEOREM 1.1. Let F be a local field. We begin by describing the degenerate series studied by Stein and Godement. Received by the editors October 17, 1988 and, in revised form, February 20, 1989. 1980 Mathematics Subject Classification (1985 Revision). Primary 22E46, 22E45, 22E50.
Utilization of electron acceptors for anaerobic mannitol metabolism by Lactobacillus plantarum. Compounds which serve as electron acceptors

In a chemically defined medium under anerobic conditions Lactobacillus plantarum grew on glucose, but was unable to grow with mannitol as the carbon source. Mannitol was a suitable carbon source, provided 1 of 11 compounds (pyruvic acid, α-ketobutyric acid, α-ketovaleric acid, α-ketocaprylic acid, acetic acid, acetyl phosphate, acetaldehyde, citric acid, axoloacetic, malic acid, and fumaric acid) was added to the medium as an electron acceptor. The extent of mannitol fermentation was proportional to the concentration of available electron acceptor. The reduced products of the electron acceptor compounds were identified and possible pathways for the metabolism of electron acceptors were proposed. Strains from two other species of lactobacilli which ferment mannitol appear to use different electron acceptor pathways.
Chick pulmonary Wnt5a directs airway and vascular tubulogenesis

Wnt5a is an important factor patterning many aspects of early development, including the lung. We find pulmonary non-canonical Wnt5a uses Ror2 to control patterning of both distal air and vascular tubulogenesis (alveolarization). Lungs with mis/overexpressed Wnt5a develop with severe pulmonary hypoplasia associated with altered expression patterns of Shh, L-CAM, fibronectin, VEGF and Flk1. This hypoplastic phenotype is rescued by either replacement of the Shh protein or inhibition of fibronectin function. We find that the effect of Wnt5a on vascular patterning is likely to be through fibronectin-mediated VEGF signaling. These results demonstrate the pivotal role of Wnt5a in directing the essential coordinated development of pulmonary airway and vasculature, by affecting fibronectin levels directly, and by affecting the fibronectin pattern of expression through its regulation of Shh. Data herein suggest that Wnt5a functions in mid-pulmonary patterning (during alveolarization), and is distinct from the Wnt canonical pathway which is more important in earlier lung development.
Molecular systematics of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae: phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and Plastid rpoC1 intron sequences

Evolutionary relationships among representatives of Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) subfamily Apioideae have been inferred from phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS 1 and ITS 2) and plastid rpoC1 intron sequences. High levels of nucleotide sequence variation preclude the use of the ITS region for examining relationships across subfamilial boundaries in Apiaceae, whereas the rpoC1 intron is more suitably conserved for family-wide phylogenetic study but is too conserved for examining relationships among closely related taxa. In total, 126 ITS sequences from subfamily Apioideae and 100 rpoC1 intron sequences from Apiaceae (all three subfamilies) and outgroups Araliaceae and Pittosporaceae were examined. Phylogenies estimated using parsimony, neighbor-joining, and maximum likelihood methods reveal that: (1) Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae is monophyletic and is sister group to Apiaceae subfamily Saniculoideae; (2) Apiaceae subfamily Hydrocotyloideae is not monophyletic, with some members strongly allied to Araliaceae and others to Apioideae 1 Saniculoideae; and (3) Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae comprises several well-supported subclades, but none of these coincide with previously recognized tribal divisions based largely on morphological and anatomical characters of the fruit. Four major clades in Apioideae are provisionally recognized and provide the framework for future lower level phylogenetic analyses. A putative secondary structure model of the Daucus carota(carrot) rpoC1 group II intron is presented. Of its six major structural domains, domains II and III are the most, and domains V and VI the least, variable.
Bouncing ion clusters in the Earth's magnetosphere

Mirroring clusters of ions have been observed by the UCSD auroral particles experiment on ATS 6. The dayside clusters are confined to the equatorial region, while the nightside events are low pitch angle and presumably associated with auroral processes. The bounce period of the clusters allows determination of the ion mass, and heavy ions have been observed.
Alternanthin, a C-glycosylated flavonoid from Alternanthera philoxeroides

Abstract The structure of alternanthin, a novel C -flavone glycoside from Alternanthera philoxeroides , has been deduced through the application of NOE difference and homonuclear correlation spectroscopy. The isolate contains the extremely rare sugar boivinose. A new method is described for the unambiguous assignment of the attachment of a sugar moiety to C-6 or C-8 of the flavone nucleus.
The Bologna Process and Internationalization for Higher Education in the U.S.

When U.S. colleges and universities internationalize, there are policy implications branching out of the change process and affecting nearly all higher education areas within the university or college. Government, state, and local entities all have a vested interest in internationalizing in the 21st century because of the growing interconnectedness that the world now shares. Schools of business are usually one the first areas on U.S. college and universities to invest in international programming, whether for outbound study abroad students to Europe or Asia, or receiving international students for a short-term exchange program or degree-seeking opportunities.
Preferential accumulation of [3H] corticosterone in chick brain during embryonic development.

In the present study, we examined the distribution of [3H]corticosterone ([3H]B) in chick embryonic brain during development using two different routes of administration: intracerebral and intraocular. After injection of 1 μCi into the brain of 8-day embryos, [3H]B was preferentially accumulated in the retinas, whereas regions such as cerebral hemispheres, optic tecta, and midbrain showed lower amounts of [3H]B. In 14-day embryos, a slightly higher amount of [3H]B was found in retinas and midbrain in comparison with other regions of the brain. After injection into the eye, [3H]B seemed to easily diffuse to brain regions and to preferentially accumulate in the opposite eye and very slowly diffused to other brain areas. The accumulation of the hormone in the retina parallels the presence of hormone receptors reported by others. A correlation between the preferential accumulation of hormone and its action is proposed.
Plasma-deposited fluorocarbon films on silicon studied by ellipsometry

Abstract The refractive index (at 632.8 nm, He-Ne laser light) of fluorocarbon films on silicon, deposited either inadvertently in the course of SiO 2 contact hole reactive ion etching with CF 4  X vol.%H 2 ( X ⩽40) or deliberately in a CF 4 50vol.%H 2 glow discharge, was determined by ellipsometry. The best fit of the data gives a complex refractive index of 1.48-i0.003. The calculated refractive index was used to measure film thicknesses of fluorocarbon films deposited under a great variety of experimental conditions. Complementary results were provided by helium ion backscattering measurements. The results obtained by the two methods compared favorably. Ellipsometry therefore represents a probe which can be used to determine rapidly the fluorocarbon contamination state of a silicon wafer after reactive ion etching in CF 4 -H 2 . The extension of the present method to characterize films deposited by reactive ion etching processes utilizing other etching gas combinations is discussed.
Limited impact of the breast self-examination movement: a Latin American illustration.

Abstract Analysis of data obtained through a survey of women in Monterrey, Mexico, indicates that the transfer of breast self-examination (BSE) technology from the medical community to the Monterrey public has been inefficacious. Only 1 in 200 women reported monthly breast self-examination performed correctly and at the optimal time of the month. Among women who reported examining their breasts monthly, transfer of BSE technology, whether by medical or non-medical sources, was unrelated to knowledge of correct time and method of BSE. Personal instruction of BSE technology by physician failed to produce the desired response since 80% of the respondents were taught BSE technique in ‘one-shot’, short sessions. The findings indicate that, ultimately, the success of BSE in improving disease outcomes rests with the medical community more than with the patient population. Success will only follow more intense initial instruction and persistent reinstruction of women in BSE. The implications of these findings for current research seeking to evaluate BSE influence on cancer outcomes are noted.
Efferent fibers in the frog optic nerve

Abstract Activity was recorded extracellularly from units in the retina and optic nerve of curarized frogs. The objectives were, firts, to seek and characterize changes in unit receptive field properties resulting from experimentally induced changes in efferent influence on the retina; and, second, to identify efferent units in the nerve itself. Where necessary, statistical techniques were used. “Off” and “on-off” afferent units exhibited changes in both spontaneous and visual-stimulus produced activity, in association with auditory or cutaneous stimulation. Changes in receptive field size and organization were also associated with extravisual stimulation. The activity of efferent units in the proximal part of the cut optic nerve was observed and recorded, displaying in some cases changes such as adaptation and off responses, in association with extravisual stimulation. The results suggest a link between a class of efferent responses to extravisual stimuli and the sensitivity of retinal units; more specifically, the authors have concluded that efferent activity influences an inhibitory component in the retina common to three of the known functionally classified types of visual afferent fibers. The link between efferent fibers and ganglion cells is postulated to be the processes of amacrine cells.
First pregabalin and now duloxetine for fibromyalgia syndrome: closer to a brave new world?

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined by the presence of chronic, widespread pain and tender points. Research implicating hypersensitization of central neural pathways in the pathogenesis of FMS pain has led to the development of medications that treat FMS by modulating synaptic activity, including duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin—all of which have undergone successful clinical trials. Duloxetine and milnacipran are selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors that improve pain by increasing the activity of antinociceptive pathways. Pregabalin is an α2δ calcium channel antagonist that reduces pain by limiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. While treatment of FMS pain is important, effective FMS management requires identification and treatment of all symptoms experienced by individual FMS patients, which can include fatigue, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, the lack of standardization in FMS trial design and controversy surrounding the disorder have complicated the development of integrated therapeutic regimens that could bring about a brave new world of effective management of FMS.
Liquid embolic agents in the treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations.

Liquid Embolic Agents in the Treatment of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations Jay U. Howington, MD, Charles W. Kerber, MD, L. Nelson Hopkins, MD, FACS* Department of Neurosurgery and Toshiba Stroke Research Center, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, 3 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA Departments of Radiology and Neurosurgery, University of California at San Diego, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
Exploring How Perceived Threat And Self-Efficacy Contribute To College Students’ Use And Perceptions Of Online Mental Health Resources

Drawing from prior fear-appeal and information seeking research, this study explored how perceived threat and self-efficacy predicted college students’ use and perceptions of online mental health resources. Results showed that perceived vulnerability was a modest, yet robust predictor of visiting any Internet website and joining an online support group, while self-efficacy modestly predicted greater perceived usefulness and trust for online support groups. Although numerous interactions emerged between self-efficacy and perceived threat, the impact of these relationships on use and perceptions of these services varied significantly. In particular, at higher levels of self-efficacy, perceived severity negatively predict use of online services yet also positively predicted trust in these resources. Furthermore, results showed that vulnerability was only associated with favorable judgments of web services at lower levels of efficacy. Overall, the findings suggest that self-efficacy and perceived threat play a small, yet significant role in explaining online mental health information seeking outcomes; however, the exact nature by which these factors operate together to influence one’s use and larger impressions such resources remains unclear.