cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parietal and Frontal Cortex Encode Stimulus-Specific Mnemonic Representations during Visual Working Memory

Working memory (WM) enables the storage and manipulation of information in an active state. WM storage has long been associated with sustained increases in activation across a network of frontal and parietal cortical regions. However, recent evidence suggests that these regions primarily encode information related to general task goals rather than feature-selective representations of specific memoranda. These goal-related representations are thought to provide top-down feedback that coordinates the representation of fine-grained details in early sensory areas. Here, we test this model using fMRI-based reconstructions of remembered visual details from region-level activation patterns. We could reconstruct high-fidelity representations of a remembered orientation based on activation patterns in occipital visual cortex and in several sub-regions of frontal and parietal cortex, independent of sustained increases in mean activation. These results challenge models of WM that postulate disjoint frontoparietal "top-down control" and posterior sensory "feature storage" networks.
The Dynamic Loop Hypothesis of Movement Control

It is generally believed that in some way the cerebellum functions as a type of computer that is particularly concerned with the smooth and effective control of movement. It is assumed that in the cerebellum there is integration and organization of the information flowing into it along the various neural pathways and that the consequent cerebellar output either goes down the spinal cord to the motoneurones—and so participates directly in the control of movement—or else is returned to the basal ganglia and to the cerebral cortex, there to modify the control of movement from these higher centers.
Using Logic Programming to Test Module Specifications in Early Stages of Software Development

To build a complete software system, it is widely recognized that a proper decomposition of the system into modules can facilitate the software construction process. Such decomposition can be accomplished by modeling software modules as Abstract Data Types (ADTs). ADTs can be formally specified by using Bartussek and Parnas' TRACE. We investigate the feasibility and practicality of translating TRACE specifications into Prolog programs, keeping a TRACE-like format, in such a way that can actually be executed. Besides exercising the specification before any implementation, we can run both the actual implementation and the TRACE specification and then verify whether the implementation matches the specification. Additionally, we can partially avoid the maintenance of test-case databases as the specification itself will provide output according to a given input. An experiment has been carried out.
A Novel Method of Increasing Medical Student Nutrition Awareness and Education

Medical nutrition education in most US medical schools is lacking, despite an epidemic of lifestyle related chronic conditions and high rates of malnutrition in hospitals. In a unique response to this deficit, students at Boston University School of Medicine have created a novel student interest group entitled Student Nutrition Awareness and Action Council (SNAAC). This student group is unique in that it focuses on interprofessional collaboration and development of concrete practice skills and works to fill educational gaps. The goal of SNAAC is to increase medical student knowledge, attitude, and skills in medical nutrition through providing extracurricular activities and partnering with official medical school curriculum committees. To accomplish this, SNAAC has developed a multipartite group overseen by a mentoring team composed of a physician nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, and a mental health provider. SNAAC provides nutrition oriented opportunities for members and the student body at large. Participation is high because it fills an educational gap, offers a unique focus on expanding nutrition awareness and education, and provides opportunities for student leadership and professional development. We encourage other medical schools to use the SNAAC student involvement model to increase nutrition awareness and facilitate the incorporation of medical nutrition in their curriculum.
Ultra-compact HII regions embedded in infrared sources

The formation of an ionized region and its subsequent interaction with surrounding neutral material can occur in either the very early or very late stages of stellar evolution. Both newborn and old stars are often surrounded by thick dust clouds and the interaction of a newly formed compact HII region with this circumstellar material can take place either: (1) in a site of star formation where a compact HII region develops in a dark molecular cloud or (2) when a star is in transition from a red-giant to a planetary nebula and an ionized nebular shell interacts with the remnant circumstellar envelope of the red-giant progenitor. Although both types of objects are likely to be first identified as infrared or molecular line sources, yet they can be distinguished in the following ways: (1) Infrared emission: dust grains surrounding young stars are likely to be primordial and not ejected by the stars themselves. The infrared spectrum is often broad (extending to the far infrared) and spatially extended (Harvey et al. 1979). On the other hand, circumstellar envelopes formed by mass loss from red-giants have strong density gradients (n∝r-2) and emit strongly only in the near and mid-infrared. (2) Molecular lines (e.g. CO) associated with young stars have line widths between 5 and 10 km s-1, much narrower than the Doppler-broadened lines observed in circumstellar envelopes (∆⋁~20–40 km s-1, Zuckerman et al. 1978) Since the total mass in star-forming clouds is large (10-103 M⨀) compared to circumstellar envelopes (0.1-1 M⨀), molecular line strengths are higher in proto-stellar objects. Maser lines, when present, are also often more energetic in young objects.
Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland.

Abstract Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of salivary glands is a group of rare tumors that are histologically identical to benign mixed tumors and that inexplicably metastasize. A review of the literature revealed that it usually occurs after multiple local recurrences, and the interval between diagnosis of primary pleomorphic adenoma and metastases ranges between 3 and 52 years. The most common site for metastasis is bone, followed by the head and neck and lung. No histologic or molecular parameters exist at the present time that could predict the development of metastasis in these neoplasms. Metastasectomy confers significant survival advantage over nonoperative treatment for localized and accessible metastases, but there is no definite treatment protocol available in cases of widespread metastases.
Non-Linear, Non-Binary Cyclic Group Codes

New cyclic group codes of length 2/sup m/ -1 over (m - j)-bit symbols are introduced. These codes may be systematically encoded and decoded algebraically. The code rates are very close to RS codes and are much better than BCH codes (a former alternative). The (m - j )-binary tuples are identified with a sub-group of the binary m-tuples which represent the field GF(2/sup m/). Encoding is systematic and involves a two stage procedure, the usual linear feedback register (using the division or check polynomial), and a small table look up. For low rates, a second shift register encoding operation may be invoked. Decoding uses the Reed-Solomon error correcting procedures for the m-tuple alphabet, i.e., the field elements GF(2/sup m/).
Behavior of unbonded post-tensioning monostrand anchorage systems under short duration, high amplitude cyclical loading

Abstract This study evaluates the behavior of monostrand post-tensioning anchorages under both monotonic and short duration high amplitude (post-yield) cyclical loading representative of use in self-centering structural applications designed to provide seismic resistance. Anchorages from two different manufacturers were tested in coupled and uncoupled configurations. In addition, a modified wedge geometry was evaluated to determine if the performance of the system could be improved. Strain within the strand was recorded using extensometers and strain gages for different samples. A detailed evaluation of the relationship between the strain within the strand and the elongation measured by the testing frame was conducted to ensure that the strain within the strand was calculated accurately throughout the tests. The results of this research indicate that the strain within the strand is not linearly related to the elongation recorded by the testing frame, and a more accurate method was developed to allow for this conversion. Additionally, it was determined that couplers did not significantly affect the capacity of the system, but the capacity was affected by the manufacturer of the anchorage system and the loading regime used to test the sample. Based upon the observed variations in capacities, this study recommends the design of monostrand post tensioned systems using cast anchorages should be limited to a strain of 0.01 mm/mm.
Effects of Schistosoma mansoni on the Neutral and Polar Lipids in the Liver, Spleen, and Small Intestine of Mice as Determined by High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography

The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify various neutral and polar lipids in certain organs of mice using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Four mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni and three control mice were used for this study. At 6 weeks postinfection, the mice were necropsied, and the liver, spleen, and small intestine were removed and prepared for lipid analysis. Lipids were separated on laned, preadsorbant Analtech HPTLC-HLF 20 × 10-cm silica gel plates. Neutral lipids were separated using petroleum ether-diethyl ether-glacial acetic acid (80:20:1) mobile phase and were detected by spraying with 5% ethanolic phosphomolybdic acid detection reagent. Polar lipids were separated with chloroform-methanol-deionized water (65:25:4) mobile phase and detected using 10% cupric sulfate in 8% phosphoric acid reagent. The analyzed neutral lipids were free sterols, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols. Using HPTLC, no significant differences were found in these lipids between ...
Trying to understand why horrible things happen: attribution, shame, and symptom development following sexual abuse

This study concerns the nature of specific attributions for sexual abuse and their relation to psychological distress over time. Participants (80 children and 57 adolescents) were seen within 8 weeks of discovery of the abuse and 1 year later They described why they believed the abuse happened, rated the extent to which internal and external attributions for the abuse event applied to them, and completed measures of general attribution styleforeveryday events, shame for the abuse, and symptoms of depression, PTSD, and self-esteem. Parents and teachers rated behavior problems. Abuse-specific internal attributions were consistently related to higher levels of psychopathology and were particularly importantforpredicting PTSD symptoms and parent and teacher reports of internalizing behavior problems, even after controlling for age, gender, abuse events, and general attributional style. Shame also was an important predictor of symptom level and mediated the relation between abuse-specific internal attributions and PTSD symptoms.
Group 13 trihalide complexes of 9-fluorenone: a comparison of methods for assigning relative Lewis acidity

Abstract The 9-fluorenone complexes MX3(9-fluorenone) [M=B, X=Cl (1); M=Al, X=Cl, Br (2), I (4), M=Ga; X=Cl (5), Br (6), I (7) and AlBr3(9-fluorenone)2 (3) have been prepared and characterized by NMR, IR and UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography (1, 2, 3, 5 and 6). Complexes of MgCl2 (8), HgCl2 (9), ZrCl4 (10) and SnCl4 (11) were characterized by IR and UV–vis spectroscopy, while the unusual mixed vanadium(IV,V) compound, VO(Cl)(9-fluorenone)2(H2O)(μ-O)(VOCl2) (12) has been structurally characterized. Solution ligand dissociation energies for MX3(9-fluorenone) were determined by variable temperature 1H-NMR spectroscopy. For all the compounds, ΔSD is large and positive, as would be expected from a dissociative process. A correlation of the results for the five structurally characterized compounds MX3(9-fluorenone) (M=B, X=Cl; M=Al, X=Cl, Br; M=Ga, X=Cl, Br) was used to examine the suitability of the following parameters to measuring Lewis acidity: IR νCO, UV λmax, and 13C-NMR δCO, Keq at 298 K, ΔH, ΔG, and a variety of structural parameters. Parameters determined from X-ray crystallography appear to be controlled by inter-ligand repulsion or the ionic radii of the metal atom. The change in the νCO band upon coordination provides a reasonable ordering for a specific metal (i.e. AlI3≈AlBr3>AlCl3), but does differentiate simply between 1:1 and 1:2 complexes. Unexplainably, the shift in the δCO in the 13C-NMR appears to be the complete opposite of other trends. It appears important to differentiate, the ability of a Lewis acidic compound to bind a Lewis base from the effect the metal compound has upon that Lewis base once coordinated. In this regard, the Keq at 298 K and ΔG would appear to be the best measures of the ability of a Lewis acid to bind a specific Lewis base, while the Δλmax for the 9- fluorenone complexes provides a good indication as to the effect of a Lewis acid on a particular Lewis base.
The Neurospora crassa CPS-1 polysaccharide synthase functions in cell wall biosynthesis

The Neurospora crassa cps-1 gene encodes a polysaccharide synthase with homology to the Cryptococcus neoformans hyaluronic acid synthase Cps1p. Homologs of the cps-1 gene are found in the genomes of many fungi. Loss of CPS-1 results in a cell wall defect that affects all stages of the N. crassa life cycle, including vegetative growth, protoperithecia (female mating structure) development, and conidia (asexual spore) development. The cell wall of cps-1 deletion mutants is sensitive to cell wall perturbation reagents. Our results demonstrate that CPS-1 is required for the incorporation of cell wall proteins into the cell wall and plays a critical role in cell wall biogenesis. We found that the N. crassa cell wall is devoid of hyaluronic acid, and conclude that the polysaccharide produced by the CPS-1 is not hyaluronic acid.
The Development and Validation of a Revised Version of the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale

A 24-item shortened version of the 98-item Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) was developed to provide a more efficient index of statistics or mathematics course-related anxiety. The revised scale, which yielded a coefficient alpha reliability estimated at .98, was correlated .97 with a full scale MARS. It shows a pattern of relationships with state, trait, and test anxiety parallel to that of full scale MARS. Further, the relationship with mathematics achievement was consistent for both the revised and full scale MARS. A principal axes factor analysis of revised MARS identified two clear factors, labeled "Learning Mathematics Anxiety" and "Mathematics Evaluation Anxiety." Revised MARS appears to be an attractive substitute for full scale MARS for statistical or mathematical course-related uses.
Clinicopathologic correlations in multiple myeloma: a case series of 190 patients with kidney biopsies.

Background: Renal involvement is common in multiple myeloma. In this study, we examined kidney biopsy findings in patients with multiple myeloma and correlated them with their clinical renal and hematologic characteristics. Study Design: Case series. Setting & Participants: 190 Mayo Clinic patients with multiple myeloma who underwent kidney biopsy between 1997-2011 were identified from our kidney biopsy database. Patients had an established diagnosis of multiple myeloma or multiple myeloma was diagnosed shortly after the results of kidney biopsy, which prompted bone marrow biopsy. Predictors:Myeloma cast nephropathy (MCN), AL amyloidosis, and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD). Outcomes & Measurements: Renal morphologic changes, clinical renal and hematologic characteristics at kidney biopsy, renal and patient outcomes. Results: Paraprotein-associated lesions were seen in 73% of patients; non‐paraprotein-associated lesions, in 25%; and no pathology, in 2%. The most common paraprotein-associated lesions were MCN (33%), MIDD (22%), and amyloidosis (21%). The most common non‐paraprotein-associated lesions were acute tubular necrosis (9%), hypertensive arteriosclerosis (6%), and diabetic nephropathy (5%). Patients with MIDD were younger than those with MCN or amyloidosis. Urine paraprotein size and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were higher in MCN than amyloidosis or MIDD. Nephrotic syndrome was more common in amyloidosis than MIDD. Percentage of albuminuria was highest in amyloidosis and lowest in MCN. Median kidney survival from kidney biopsy was 20, 30, and 51 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P 0.2). Median patient survival from multiple myeloma diagnosis was 44, 58, and 62 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P 0.4). Limitations: Retrospective nature. Conclusions: The spectrum of renal lesions in multiple myeloma is more heterogeneous than previously reported. Clinical features favoring amyloidosis over MIDD include older age, absence of kidney failure, presence of nephrotic syndrome, absence of hematuria, and 50% albuminuria. Am J Kidney Dis. 59(6):786-794. © 2012 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Prevalence and tissue distribution of Besnoitia darlingi cysts in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) in Michigan

Specimens of Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in Michigan were examined over 1 year to document the presence of Besnoitia darlingi cysts. Cyst morphology, prevalence, seasonal variation, and tissue sites of isolation were studied. Histology and ultrastructural features of the detected cysts and bradyzoites were consistent with B. darlingi. In the opossums, B. darlingi had intracellular tissue cysts. Tissue cysts had a mean diameter of 560 microm and were separated from the host tissue by a thick (5-20 microm) cyst wall. Overall prevalence of B. darlingi cysts in opossums was 10.9% (15/137). Variations in the prevalence were detected during spring (3/17; 17.6%), summer (10/34; 29.4%), and fall (2/60; 3.3%). No cysts were detected in the specimens examined during winter (0/26; 0%). Numerous B. darlingi cysts were detected in ears, conjunctiva, tongue, abdominal muscles, diaphragm, stomach, heart, liver, kidney, lung, and spleen. Cysts were detected mainly in adult female opossums that were debilitated. Ear was the most frequent organ from which the cysts were reported (10/15; 66.7%) when compared individually with other body tissues (P<0.05).
Proton temperature anisotropy in the polar wind

The steady state flow of a fully ionized H(+)-O(+) electron plasma along geomagnetic field lines in the high-latitude topside ionosphere is studied. The theoretical formulation is based on a 13-moment system of transport equations, and allows for different species temperatures parallel and perpendicular to the geomagnetic field and nonclassical heat flows. For subsonic and supersonic flows, an appreciable H(+) temperature anisotropy occurs at all altitudes above 1500 km, and tends to be regulated at high altitudes. The direction of the temperature anisotropy is related to the direction of the H(+) heat flow to some extent; for supersonic flow an upward flow of heat from the lower ionosphere is required, while for subsonic flow solutions can be obtained with a downward H(+) heat flow. For subsonic flow, H(+)-H(+) collisions have an important effect on the H(+) stress and heat flow balance at all altitudes between 1500 and 12,000 km.
Radiation intensity imaging measurements of methane and dimethyl ether turbulent nonpremixed and partially premixed jet flames

Abstract Quantitative time-dependent images of the infrared radiation intensity from methane and dimethyl ether (DME) turbulent nonpremixed and partially premixed jet flames are measured and discussed in this work. The fuel compositions (CH 4 /H 2 /N 2 , C 2 H 6 O/H 2 /N 2 , CH 4 /air, and C 2 H 6 O/air) and Reynolds numbers (15,200–46,250) for the flames were selected following the guidelines of the International Workshop on Measurement and Computation of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames (TNF Workshop). The images of the radiation intensity are acquired using a calibrated high speed infrared camera and three band-pass filters. The band-pass filters enable measurements of radiation from water vapor and carbon dioxide over the entire flame length and beyond. The images reveal localized regions of high and low intensity characteristic of turbulent flames. The peak mean radiation intensity is approximately 15% larger for the DME nonpremixed flames and 30% larger for the DME partially premixed flames in comparison to the corresponding methane flames. The trends are explained by a combination of higher temperatures and longer stoichiometric flame lengths for the DME flames. The longer flame lengths are attributed to the higher density of the DME fuel mixtures based on existing flame length scaling relationships. The longer flame lengths result in larger volumes of high temperature gas and correspondingly higher path-integrated radiation intensities near and downstream of the stoichiometric flame length. The radiation intensity measurements acquired with the infrared camera agree with existing spectroscopy measurements demonstrating the quantitative nature of the present imaging technique. The images provide new benchmark data of turbulent nonpremixed and partially premixed jet flames. The images can be compared with results of large eddy simulations rendered in the form of quantitative images of the infrared radiation intensity. Such comparisons are expected to support the evaluation of models used in turbulent combustion and radiation simulations.
Defining the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in head and neck and thoracic malignancies: implications for future therapeutic approaches.

Although the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway has been most extensively studied in hematopoietic cells and hematologic malignancies, it is also activated in epithelial tumors, including those originating in the lungs and head and neck. The canonical pathway involves the activation of JAK following ligand binding to cytokine receptors. The activated JAKs then phosphorylate STAT proteins, leading to their dimerization and translocation into the nucleus. In the nucleus, STATs act as transcription factors with pleiotropic downstream effects. STATs can be activated independently of JAKs, most notably by c-Src kinases. In cancer cells, STAT3 and STAT5 activation leads to the increased expression of downstream target genes, leading to increased cell proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis, and immune system evasion. STAT3 and STAT5 are expressed and activated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) where they contribute to cell survival and proliferation. In HNSCC, STATs can be activated by a number of signal transduction pathways, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), α7 nicotinic receptor, interleukin (IL) receptor, and erythropoietin receptor pathways. Activated STATs are also expressed in lung cancer, but the biological effects of JAK/STAT inhibition in this cancer are variable. In lung cancer, STAT3 can be activated by multiple pathways, including EGFR. Several approaches have been used to inhibit STAT3 in the hopes of developing an antitumor agent. Although several STAT3-specific agents are promising, none are in clinical development, mostly because of drug delivery and stability issues. In contrast, several JAK inhibitors are in clinical development. These orally available, ATP-competitive, small-molecule kinase inhibitors are being tested in myeloproliferative disorders. Future studies will determine whether JAK inhibitors are useful in the treatment of HNSCC or lung cancer.
On the interpretation and interpretability of quantitative structure-activity relationship models.

The goal of a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model is to encode the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity or physical property. Based on this encoding, such models can be used for predictive purposes. Assuming the use of relevant and meaningful descriptors, and a statistically significant model, extraction of the encoded structure–activity relationships (SARs) can provide insight into what makes a molecule active or inactive. Such analyses by QSAR models are useful in a number of scenarios, such as suggesting structural modifications to enhance activity, explanation of outliers and exploratory analysis of novel SARs. In this paper we discuss the need for interpretation and an overview of the factors that affect interpretability of QSAR models. We then describe interpretation protocols for different types of models, highlighting the different types of interpretations, ranging from very broad, global, trends to very specific, case-by-case, descriptions of the SAR, using examples from the training set. Finally, we discuss a number of case studies where workers have provide some form of interpretation of a QSAR model.
Analysis and design considerations for manufacturable and reliable 0.18-micron N-MOSFETs

As MOSFET dimensions are scaled, innovative techniques are required to overcome many problems specific to short-channel devices, while retaining the performance enhancement that justifies scaling to smaller dimensions. We present a design methodology and an analysis investigating the design approaches and the trade-offs for simultaneously obtaining high performance, reliable, and manufacturable 0.18 micron n-channel MOSFETs. The results of two-dimensional numerical device simulations of three candidate structural approaches that have been selected based on scalability, reliability, manufacturability, and performance considerations are discussed. The influence of effects such as velocity overshoot and inversion layer quantization on the device behavior and the trends and trade-offs are described.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF MEMBRANE ADHESION BY REVERSIBLE MOLECULAR BONDS

We present a simple statistical-mechanical model for membranes adhering by thermally fluctuating, reversible molecular bonds. The free energy of the molecular bonds, which interact through the membrane tension, can be related to that of the one-component two-dimensional Coulomb plasma in the grand-canonical ensemble. Using the known properties of the Coulomb plasma, we compute the macroscopic membrane-membrane adhesive potential. We find that, unlike existing theories of membrane adhesion, thermal fluctuations assist adhesion and that the weak-adhesion potential has an unexpectedly long, temperature-controlled range.
Gene expression alterations in human prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a disease with a great degree of variation in biological aggressiveness and clinical prognosis. Although more than 30% of the older-aged male population develops prostate cancer, defined by histologic examination, a large number of these cases does not reach the stage displaying clinical symptoms. Among those patients with clinical prostate cancer, only a fraction of cases demonstrate life-threatening biological aggressiveness. Parallel to the clinical complexity of this disease, abnormalities in the prostate cancer genome have been reported in 21 of 23 pairs of human chromosomes, but none can be accountable for the dominant event in the development of prostate cancer. In order to understand the genetic nature of this disease, a comprehensive analysis of its gene expression patterns is needed. This article will review several recent publications in the area of gene expression analysis using microarray technology. I will discuss some of our findings in the area of gene expression alteration in benign prostate tissue adjacent to prostate cancer. The implication of these studies in potential clinical application will be explored.
Nuclear receptors and drug disposition gene regulation

In this minireview, the role of various nuclear receptors and transcription factors in the expression of drug disposition genes is summarized. Specifically, the molecular aspects and functional impact of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), nuclear factor-E2 p45-related factor 2 (N(r)f2), hepatocyte nuclear factor 1alpha (HNF1alpha), constitutive androstane receptor (LAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR(alpha)), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha), vitamin D receptor (VDR), liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH1), liver X receptor (LXR(alpha)), small heterodimer partner-1 (SHP-1), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) on gene expression are detailed. Finally, we discuss some current topics and themes in nuclear receptor-mediated regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters.
When bodies are weapons: Masculinity and violence in Sport:

This paper utilizes a feminist theoretical framework to explore the contemporary social meanings of sports violence. Two levels of meaning are explored: first, the broad, socio-cultural and ideolog...
Does direct admission from an emergency department with on-site neurosurgical services facilitate time critical surgical intervention following a traumatic brain injury in children?

AbstractObjectives. To compare the proportion of trauma craniotomies performed within 4 hours of presentation to emergency departments (ED) with and without on-site neurosurgery. Design. A retrospective cohort analysis of data collected prospectively between January 2005 and April 2010 from patients with traumatic brain injury who were admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following traumatic brain injury. Methods. Times for admission to ED, PICU and theatre were obtained through analysis of prospectively collected data management systems. Emergency department admission to neurosurgical theatre lag time was calculated using Microsoft Excel. Statistical analysis was performed using R (version 2.11.0). Subjects. Fifty-seven cases were identified. Twenty patients were admitted directly from ED to an on-site neurosurgical unit. The remaining 37 were transferred from regional EDs. Results. Thirty-one craniotomies were performed. Thirteen in-patients admitted directly to hospital with neurosurge...
Nonlinear rotational maneuver and vibration damping of NASA SCOLE system

Abstract We treat the question of large rotational maneuver and vibration stabilization of NASA Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) system. The mathematical model of SCOLE system includes the dynamical equations for rigid body slew maneuver and three-dimensional vibration of the flexible beam and the reflector with an offset mass. The design approach taken here is to decompose the rigid mode control from vibration stabilization. Feedback input (Shuttle torque)-output (attitude angles) map linearization technique is used for designing attitude control system for large-angle slewing. Linearization of the input-output (i-o) map is accomplished by nonlinear inversion theory. It is shown that attitude control system asymptotically decouples the flexible dynamics and a linear feedback law is easily designed for vibration suppression. For the synthesis of the control law an observer is designed. Simulation results are presented to show that in the closed-loop system large angle maneuvers can be accomplished using only the measured state variables.
Mutations affecting sensitivity of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum to DNA-damaging agents.

We describe 22 new mutants of D. discoideum that are sensitive to DNA damage. These mutants were isolated on the basis of sensitivity to either temperature, γ-rays, or 4-nitroquinolone-1-oxide (4NQO). The doses of γ-rays, ultraviolet light (UV), and 4NQO required to reduce the survival of colony-forming ability of these mutants to 10% (D10) range from 2% to 100 % of the D10s for the nonmutant, parent strains. For most of the mutants, those which are very sensitive to one agent are very sensitive to all agents tested and those which are moderately sensitive to one agent, are moderately sensitive to all agents tested. One mutant is sensitive only to 4NQO. Linkage relationships have been examined for 13 of these mutants. This linkage information was used to design complementation tests to determine allelism with previously characterized complementation groups affecting sensitivity to radiation. 4 of the new mutants fall within previously identified complementation groups and 3 new complementation groups have been identified (radJ, radK and radL). Other new loci probably also exist among these new mutants. This brings the number of characterized mutants of D. discoideum which are sensitive to DNA-damaging agents to 33 and the number of assigned complementation groups to 11.
A Case of Individual Rights versus the Common Good: "Right versus Right":

Recently, in her capacity as a supervisor the author was presented with the following ethical dilemma: Her supervisee was seeing a client who told her that he was going to seekadmission to the author's counseling program. In addition, the supervisee expressed grave concerns about the client's ability to work as a counselor because of his alcohol problems-binge drinking and blackouts-and denial of the problems. This article addresses the following questions: What are a supervisor's ethical responsibilities to his or her supervisee and to the client? What are his or her ethical responsibilities as a faculty member with information about a potential student? Could there be legal implications of using this information to deny admission to the program?
Antiglobulins in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

With initial hopes of establishing a diagnostic test for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), five types of immunoadsorbents were used to search for occult antiglobulins in sera from children. The immunoadsorbents included glutaraldehyde-aggregated globulin, heat- and glutaraldehyde-aggregated globulin, Affi-Gel-bound globulin, Sepharose-bound globulin, and bromoacetyl cellulose-bound globulin. The glutaraldehyde-aggregated immunoadsorbents retained nonspecific protein. The Affi-Gel, Sepharose, and bromoacetyl cellulose adsorbents were effective and specific, but the Affi-Gel and bromoacetyl cellulose were impractical for routine use. Sepharose-bound globulin was selected for use in a survey of 52 patients with JRA and 8 normal children. Materials resembling occult antiglobulins, measured as acid elutable protein, were found in normal children as well as in children with JRA. Only a small proportion of children with JRA had statistically elevated levels of such occult anti-globulins. The protein adsorbed to Sepharose-bound globulin consisted of IgM, IgG, and IgA, and had latex fixation activity in 2 of 5 tested sera from normal children and in 27 of 52 sera from children with JRA. Thus the presence of antiglobulins per se is not diagnostically helpful in distinguishing children with JRA.
Long-period grating fiber sensor with fiber Bragg grating demodulator

In this paper, we demonstrate long-period grating fiber sensors incorporated with fiber Bragg grating demodulation. The sensor exhibit high sensitivity to temperature and strain and are able to respond to dynamic measurands in real-time. The simple demodulation makes long-period grating fiber sensor useful for strain and temperature sensing applications.
The kinetics of some substitution reactions of a 7-coordinate niobium(V) complex

Abstract The kinetics of the replacement of BPHA- (HBPHA is benzoylphenylhydroxylamine) in NbO(BPHA) 3 by tropolone, 8-quinolinol, and several derivatives of 8-quinolinol were studied in chloroform and dichloroethane. The rates of the reactions in chloroform had half-lives between 1 and 15 min at 25°C. The absorbance changes used to monitor the reactions exhibited first order kinetic behavior. The rates of the reactions with 8-quinolinol and some of its derivatives decreased as the concentrations of these entering ligands were increased. The reaction rates were enhanced by water, alcohols, acids, and n -butylamine. In dry C 2 H 4 Cl 2 the rates were inhibited by pyrrole and pyridine. A possible mechanism is developed to account for the observed behavior.
Pulsed laser stereo photography of electrically exploded bridges

A technique is described for obtaining short exposure (approximately 8 ns) high resolution photomicrographs of electrically exploded bridges using a pulsed laser for bridge illumination and band-pass filters to eliminate the intense self light. Two cameras are described, one for a small field of view (approximately 1 mm) and one for a relatively large field of view (approximately 20 mm). A carbon disulfide cell and a fiber-optic light guide are used to essentially eliminate speckle, which normally limits the resolution of laser photographs of diffuse surfaces. A series of photomicrographs showing the detailed burst characteristics of both flat and round bridges are shown.
Quasi-epitaxy of a Tris(thieno)hexaazatriphenylene Derivative Adsorbed on Ag(110): Structural and Electronic Properties Probed by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to study the structure of monolayers of tris{2,5-bis(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-thieno}[3,4-b,h,n]-1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaaza-triphenylene adsorbed on a clean Ag(110) single-crystal surface. The molecules adsorb flat on the surface, forming two-dimensional islands within which intermolecular interactions constrain the molecules to form rows of molecular pairs. The balance between intermolecular and molecule–substrate interactions leads to two specific orientations of these rows at +11° and −11° from the [001] direction of the Ag(110) surface. A comparison between observed and calculated local densities of states shows an antiparallel azimuthal orientation of the molecules within the closely associated pairs. The structure of the full monolayer shows that the intermolecular interaction overcomes the interaction with the substrate, resulting in a reorientation of the rows along various directions.
Integrating Federated Searching into Your Information Literacy Curriculum: A How-To Guide

Building on previously published research analyzing federated searching in light of the ACRL Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education, the author presents ideas for the integration of federated searching into existing curricula, regardless of learning level.
Characterizing change in the variability of surface air temperature records: a comparative approach

An accurate and comprehensive characterization of surface air temperature (SAT) variability is important for numerous purposes: studies on climate and climate change, the evaluation of climate model outputs, research on the impacts of changes in variability, etc. In this paper, SAT variability is considered from two di erent points of view: a measure of dispersion referring to the values in the time series, but ignoring their temporal sequence (the standard deviation); and a measure of persistence, for which the succession of the values in the time series is important (the exponent H established with Haar wavelet analysis). This paper uses daily minimum and maximum temperature records from Canadian stations in the Atlantic region and finds that: (i) SAT pattern variability can be assessed with the help of distinct methods applied together, in ways that might not be possible with any of the applied methods used separately; (ii) SAT pattern variability changes significantly over time; (iii) oscillations on scales from years to decades in both standard deviation S and the H exponent take place; (iv) the temporal change in SAT variability is reflected di erently by the two applied methods: general statements concerning increases or decreases in variability should not be made without specifying the applied measure of variability.
Health Belief Model deterrents of social support seeking among people coping with eating disorders

Abstract Background Eating disorders have the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric diagnosis ( Sullivan, 1995 ). Understanding what prevents people from seeking or accessing that which can help them manage these disorders is critical to improving eating disorder outcomes. This study identifies specific barriers and deterrents individuals living with eating disorders perceive when deciding if and when they will seek eating disorder-specific social support. Methods 34 men and women living with eating disorders were recruited and interviewed regarding their experiences with managing their disorders, including reasons why they may forego seeking social support to help cope with these conditions. Results Participant-reported reasons as to why they would forego seeking social support for the management of their eating disorders were framed against the five main constructs of the Health Belief Model. These include (a) perceived susceptibility to a health threat, (b) perceived severity of the health threat, (c) perceived benefit of protective health behaviors, (d) perceived self-efficacy with these protective behaviors, and (e) perceived barriers to performing these behaviors. Limitations It could be argued that since this study does not focus solely on one type of eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, the barriers to social support may differ depending upon the characteristics inherent to the specific disorders. Conclusions Findings can be used to inform and improve therapeutic interventions to produce better long-term outcomes among people struggling with eating disorders.
Optimum distribution system harmonic filter design using a genetic algorithm

Abstract This paper presents a technique for the anticipation of harmonic distortion as well as selection and placement of filters on distribution systems which have multiple harmonic sources and constantly changing characteristics caused by compensating capacitor switching and load impedance changes. The purpose is to predict and reduce harmonic voltage distortion for all buses in the system to comply with IEEE Standard 519. A genetic algorithm is used in this technique and shows itself an effective tool in optimizing a multivariable objective function.
Trends and outcomes in the hospitalization of older americans for cardiac conduction disorders or arrhythmias, 1991-1998

OBJECTIVE: To identify epidemiological trends and measure outcomes in elderly patients hospitalized for cardiac conduction disorders or arrhythmias. DESIGN: Review of the standard 5% samples of the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review Files to characterize 144,512 discharges from 1991 through 1998 in which the principal diagnosis was a conduction disorder or arrhythmia, using the corresponding Enrollment Databases for denominator data. SETTING: Short-stay hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older in the standard 5% sample. MEASUREMENTS: Diagnosis-specific trends and rates; discharges by year; cumulative age-, race-, and sex-specific discharge rates; mean length of stay in hospital and in intensive care; mean Medicare reimbursement to the hospital; case-fatality rate in hospital; discharge destinations of patients discharged alive. RESULTS: Annual hospitalizations for sinoatrial node dysfunction, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular fibrillation increased more rapidly than did the elderly Medicare beneficiary population. Hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of ventricular extrasystoles or asystole showed steep secular declines. Discharge rates for sinoatrial node dysfunction, a group of rhythms with a nonsinus pacemaker, atrial fibrillation, Mobitz I, or complete atrioventricular block all increased steeply and continuously with patient age. In contrast, discharge rates for atrial flutter or ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation peaked among 75- to 84-year-old patients. White men were at uniquely high risk of hospitalization for atrial flutter or ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, and, among the white majority, men had higher discharge rates than women for nine of the 11 commonest rubrics. Whites, particularly white women, had the highest discharge rates for atrial fibrillation. Blacks, especially black women, were at disproportionate risk for hospitalization for the group of nonsinus pacemaker rhythms. Diagnosis-specific mean resource costs were strongly correlated with each other and with mean Medicare reimbursement but not with case-fatality rate. CONCLUSION: Medicare claims data demonstrated striking differences among and within diagnoses of heart blocks or arrhythmias in terms of the populations at greatest risk for hospitalization. This variation should be explored further to generate and test hypotheses about differential causation or delivery of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:763–770, 2001.
Growth of an Initial Mass Function Cluster in a Turbulent Dense Core

A simple model of condensation growth and collapse in a turbulent dense core yields a distribution of stellar masses that matches the main features of the stellar initial mass function (IMF). In this model, stars in the "flat" and "power-law" parts of the IMF come from condensations with negligible and substantial growth, respectively. The mass accretion rate of a condensation is proportional to its mass, and the probability of stopping accretion is equal in every time interval, so the growth is exponential and its duration follows a Poisson distribution. For mass growth e-folding time taugrow and mean duration taustop, the stellar mass m has a probability density per logarithmic mass interval of approximately m-x, where x identical withtaugrowstaustop. This power-law relation matches the IMF when taugrow approximately taustop, as is expected if each of these times is set by the same properties of the surrounding core gas. We specify exponential growth arising from Bondi accretion onto a stationary Bonnor-Ebert sphere, in a core heated and stirred by associated stars. This growth is exponential, unlike the Bondi accretion onto a star, but "slow," with taugrow greater than the free-fall time of the condensation by a factor of approximately 4. We specify random stopping as due to sudden turbulent compression, which causes the condensation to collapse and stop accreting. For these mechanisms, a core with a density of 104 cm-3 grows a cluster of approximately 100 IMF-following stars with a mass range of 1-25 M middle dot in circle in 1.4 Myr, in accord with the masses and ages of embedded clusters.
Influence of climatic variability on local population dynamics of a Sonoran Desert platyopuntia

Age-based population dynamics of Opuntia engelmannii, a shrubby cactus with flattened cladodes, were investigated at a Sonoran Desert site protected from grazing since 1907. Demographic statistics were determined from births and deaths on six permanent vegetation plots mapped four times between 1968 and 2001. Moderate longevity (13–56 years) and modest per capita annual survival (0.9298) were associated with fairly rapid turnover; cycles of population growth and decline were thus evident over relatively short periods. Age–frequency distribution, determined for subpopulations in two neighboring habitats in 1996 and 2003, was used to calculate residual regeneration, an index of the difference between observed cohort size and idealized survivorship. Establishment peaks occurred in the late 1970s, the mid-1980s, and the early to mid-1990s and coincided with increased winter moisture in the years before germination, ample summer rain in the year of germination, and decreased drought in the years after germination, reflecting favorable conditions for fruit production, seed germination, and seedling survival. Regionally, pulses and gaps in establishment coincide with the frequency and amplitude of large-scale climatic phenomena that affect cycles of moisture and drought on decadal and interdecadal scales. Because of local factors, however, subpopulations within a few km of one another can experience virtually identical climates yet differ strikingly in age structure and density.