cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Aging on Muscle Strength and Muscle Fiber Characteristics With Special Reference to Eccentric Strength

It is well established that aging seriously reduces isometric and concentric muscle strength due to atrophy, deterioration of mechanical properties, and motor unit loss. However, there is limited information on the impact of aging on eccentric strength despite the fact that such forces play an equally important role during daily activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of aging on three expressions of muscle strength (isometric, concentric, and eccentric) in relation to muscle fiber characteristics, with special emphasis on eccentric force. Sedentary but healthy men (age range 18-80 years, n = 60) and women (20-74 years, n = 30) were tested for maximal effort isometric, concentric, and eccentric (1.05, 2.09, 3.14 rads.s-1) quadriceps strength, body composition, and muscle fiber characteristics of the vastus lateralis (men only). There was a significant (p .05) with Type II muscle fiber area, respectively. The correlation between age and fat-free mass/force ratio ranged from r = .39 to .43 in men and r = .27 to .50 in women. The data suggest a relative preservation of eccentric strength with aging in men and women that seems to be independent of muscle mass or muscle fiber type or size.
Contrasting Models of White House Staff Organization: The Eisenhower, Ford, and Carter Experiences

Analysts of the presidency agree that White House staffs may be organized along one of three lines: a competitive model, a hierarchical model, or a collegial model. This article details the interaction patterns of the Eisenhower, Ford, and Carter senior White House staffs in an empirical test of the basic assumptions of these models of staff organization. These three administrations represent very different conceptual approaches to the problem of staff interaction. The results of the analysis of private and group meeting access by the senior staff with the President clearly indicate that our models do not capture the full range of staff interaction and that other factors need to be given more serious consideration in our conceptualizations of the operation of the White House.
DIFFERENTIATION OF GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI WITH A COMMON R ANTIGEN INTO THREE SEROLOGICAL TYPES, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE BACTERICIDAL TEST

In further study of streptococci having the R antigen, the bactericidal test has been used instead of the mouse protection test in investigating the type-specific M antigens of these organisms. The results have been confirmed by M anti-M precipitin tests, and a correlation between the M and T antigens of the strains has been shown. On the basis of a specific M antigen, type 28 has been shown to comprise Griffith's strain Small and four other R-containing strains. A number of other strains previously thought to belong to type 28 on the basis of R antigen reactions have now been identified as belonging either to type 2 or to a new type, designated 48, which shows a one-way cross-relationship to type 13. The bactericidal test is suggested as a useful method for assessing M antigen in group A streptococci and for establishing type-specificity by means of a biological test which is more widely applicable than the standard mouse protection test.
PDA-assisted low glycemic index dietary intervention for type II diabetes: a pilot study.

Epidemiological and dietary intervention studies suggest that a low-glycemic index (GI) diet is beneficial for blood glucose control; however, long-term clinical utility of the low GI diet has not been fully investigated. To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a nutritionist-delivered low-GI dietary intervention, with the support of a personal digital assistant (PDA), for adult patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes. The low-GI intervention consisted of six counseling sessions and the use of a PDA-based food database with GI scores for 6 months. Study outcomes included feasibility measures, glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c), GI and glycemic load (GL) score of self-reported dietary intake, body weight, depression and quality of life (QOL). Measures were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Of 31 adult patients approached, 15 met study eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Thirteen patients (87%) completed all study assessments. Findings included decreases in average HbA1c (−0.5% P=0.02), body weight, hip circumference, blood pressure, dietary GI and daily caloric intake. Diabetes impact scores also decreased. All but one participant completed all components of the intervention. There were mixed reports regarding the usefulness of the PDAs; however, participants offered helpful suggestions for further development. Results of this pilot study support the feasibility of implementing a nutritionist-delivered, PDA-assisted low-GI dietary intervention for patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes. Encouraging initial efficacy data require further testing in the context of a randomized clinical trial.
Computer Tracking of Moving Point Targets in Space

An adaptive algorithm based on the maximum likelihood ratio is described in this correspondence. The algorithm detects low-intensity targets and tracks their paths. The charged-coupled device (CCD) mosaic sensor collects photons from the targets and the sky background. The algorithm computes the noise statistics, simulates the target pattern, correlates the received data with the target patterns, compares with the corresponding threshold, and prints out the positions and paths of the targets when present.
Catarrhine primate divergence dates estimated from complete mitochondrial genomes: concordance with fossil and nuclear DNA evidence.

Abstract Accurate divergence date estimates improve scenarios of primate evolutionary history and aid in interpretation of the natural history of disease-causing agents. While molecule-based estimates of divergence dates of taxa within the superfamily Hominoidea (apes and humans) are common in the literature, few such estimates are available for the Cercopithecoidea (Old World monkeys), the sister taxon of the hominoids in the primate infraorder Catarrhini. To help fill this gap, we have sequenced the entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes from a representative of three cercopithecoid tribes, Cercopithecini (Chlorocebus aethiops), Colobini (Colobus guereza), and Presbytini (Trachypithecus obscurus), and analyzed these new data together with other catarrhine mtDNA genomes available in public databases. Molecular divergence date estimates are dependent on calibration points gleaned from the paleontological record. We defined criteria for the selection of good calibration points and identified three points meeting these criteria: Homo-Pan, 6.0 Ma; Pongo-hominines, 14.0 Ma; hominoid/cercopithecoid, 23.0 Ma. Because a uniform molecular clock does not fit the catarrhine mtDNA data, we estimated divergence dates using a penalized likelihood and a Bayesian method, both of which take into account the effects of rate differences on lineages, phylogenetic tree structure, and multiple calibration points. The penalized likelihood method applied to the coding regions of the mtDNA genome yielded the following divergence date estimates, with approximate 95% confidence intervals: cercopithecine-colobine, 16.2 (14.4-17.9) Ma; colobin-presbytin, 10.9 (9.6-12.3) Ma; cercopithecin-papionin, 11.6 (10.3-12.9) Ma; and Macaca-Papio, 9.8 (8.6-10.9) Ma. Within the hominoids, the following dates were inferred: hylobatid-hominid, 16.8 (15.0-18.5) Ma; Gorilla-Homo + Pan, 8.1 (7.1-9.0) Ma; Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus-P. p. abelii, 4.1 (3.5-4.7) Ma; and Pan troglodytes-P. paniscus, 2.4 (2.0-2.7) Ma. These dates were similar to those found using penalized likelihood on other subsets of the data, but slightly younger than several of the Bayesian estimates.
On a conjecture of milner on k-graphs with non-disjoint edges

Abstract The following theorem is proven. It is a slight generalization of a conjecture of Eric Milner. Consider two families, one consisting of k and the other of l element subsets of an n element set. Let each member of one have nonempty intersection with each member of the other and let k+l be less than or equal to n. Then either there are no more than ( ( n − 1 k − 1 ) ) members of the first family or there are fewer than ( ( n − 1 l − 1 ) ) members of the second.
Synthesis of platinum nanowheels using a bicellar template.

Disk-like surfactant bicelles provide a unique meso-structured reaction environment for templating the wet-chemical reduction of platinum(II) salt by ascorbic acid to produce platinum nanowheels. The Pt wheels are 496 ± 55 nm in diameter and possess thickened centers and radial dendritic nanosheets (about 2-nm in thickness) culminating in flared dendritic rims. The structural features of the platinum wheels arise from confined growth of platinum within the bilayer that is also limited at edges of the bicelles. The size of CTAB/FC7 bicelles is observed to evolve with the addition of Pt(II) complex and ascorbic acid. Synthetic control is demonstrated by varying the reaction parameters including metal salt concentration, temperature, and total surfactant concentration. This study opens up opportunities for the use of other inhomogeneous soft templates for synthesizing metals, metal alloys, and possibly semiconductors with complex nanostructures.
The politics of education provision in rural Native Alaska: the case of Yukon Village1

In this paper, I address the role of educational service provision as a mode of post‐colonial assimilation and encapsulation in Native Alaska (USA). I argue that these services have historically served State interests above local interests, implemented with little regard for indigenous values or priorities. The role of education provision in one Alaskan village is then analyzed. By comparing the attitudes of non‐Native teachers with village parents, I argue that educational provision remains highly politicized and conflictual. I show too that as a result, social development is stymied, as the educational system cannot be fully effective until a culturally appropriate educational environment—developed with, rather than for, Alaska Natives—is implemented.
Evaluation of Top-Down Cracks in Asphalt Pavements by Using a Self-Calibrating Ultrasonic Technique

To select the optimal strategy for treatment of a cracked asphalt pavement, it is important to determine the extent of cracking (partial depth or full depth). This paper presents the results of an explanatory study aimed at examining the applicability of the ultrasonic technology for evaluation of cracks and longitudinal joints in flexible pavements. It was shown that this technology, which has been used successfully for many years for the evaluation of concrete structures, could provide a simple, quick, and objective procedure for evaluation of surface distresses in asphalt concrete pavements. The results of laboratory testing and field testing at the Minnesota Road Research Project test facility demonstrate the potential of this technology.
Obesity and caloric intake: The national Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 1971–1975 (HANES I)

Abstract Most published studies have failed to show a greater food intake in obese subjects than in nonobese. However, the sample sizes in most of these studies are small and the methodologies open to question. HANES I is based on a probability sample of 20,749 people, representative of the civilian noninstitutional population of the U.S. We analyzed a subsample of 6219 nonpregnant adults whose diet was not influenced by illness or drugs and who stated that their intake, estimated by dietary interview, represented their usual pattern. Neither the caloric intake nor the caloric intake adjusted for physical activity level and age was higher in the obese subjects. This suggests that, unless estimates of food intake differ in accuracy between obese and nonobese subjects, factors other than overeating should be given increased consideration in the etiology of obesity.
Concurrent Validity of the Minnesota Child Development Inventory with High-Risk Infants

Investigated the validity and clinical utility of the Minnesota Child Development Inventory (MCDI) as a developmental screening instrument with a sample of 280 premature infants identified as medically and socioeconomically high risk for developmental delays. Correlational analyses demonstrated significant correlations between the MCDI scales and the criterion Bayley Mental Age Equivalent score. Results of a moderator multiple regression analysis indicated that parent and child characteristics have a statistically significant "moderating" influence on the validity of the MCDI although the clinical significance of this finding may be minimal. A prediction-performance matrix analysis revealed a high degree of classification specificity (92%) but a relatively low sensitivity rating (56%). Findings suggest that the MCDI is a valid and useful screening instrument for high-risk infants but should be used diagnostically only in conjunction with other measures.
αdβ2 Integrin Is Expressed on Human Eosinophils and Functions as an Alternative Ligand for Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM-1)

The β2 family of integrins, CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and αd, are expressed on most leukocytes. We show that the newest member of this family, αd, is expressed on human eosinophils in peripheral blood, and surface expression can be upregulated within minutes by phorbol ester or calcium ionophore A23187. Culture of eosinophils with interleukin 5 (IL-5) leads to a two- to fourfold increase in αd levels by 3–7 d without a change in α4 integrin expression. Eosinophils isolated from late phase bronchoalveolar lavage fluids express αd at levels similar to that seen after 3 d of IL-5 culture. Regarding αdβ2 ligands, in both freshly isolated and IL-5–cultured eosinophils, as well as αdβ2-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, αdβ2 can function as a ligand for vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). This conclusion is based on the ability of monoclonal antibodies to αd, β2, or VCAM-1 to block cell attachment in static adhesion assays. In experiments with eosinophils, the relative contribution of αdβ2 integrin– mediated adhesion is enhanced after IL-5 culture. These experiments demonstrate that αdβ2 is an alternative ligand for VCAM-1, and this integrin may play a role in eosinophil adhesion to VCAM-1 in states of chronic inflammation.
Effects of intranasal azelastine on the response to nasal allergen challenge.

Objectives/Hypothesis Azelastine, a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist, is available for topical administration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of topical intranasal azelastine on the early-phase and the late-phase allergic responses and on nasal hyper-responsiveness to methacholine. Study Design Double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study in 20 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis, out of their allergy season. Methods Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or two puffs of azelastine twice a day (548 μg/d) for 2 weeks followed by nasal challenge with allergen. Twenty-four hours later, while still receiving treatment, subjects underwent a nasal lavage and a nasal challenge with methacholine. End points included symptom scores, levels of mediators and number of eosinophils in nasal lavages, and the weight of secretions after methacholine challenge. Results Compared with placebo, treatment with intranasal azelastine resulted in significant reductions in allergen-induced sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching, nasal congestion, and levels of albumin during the early-phase response (P <.05). Azelastine had no effect on levels of histamine or tryptase during the early-phase response. There was a significant eosinophil influx 24 hours after challenge, which was not inhibited by azelastine. Treatment with azelastine had no effect on the levels of albumin, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and eosinophil cationic protein during the late-phase response. However, azelastine did show a significant inhibitory effect on the methacholine response 24 hours after nasal allergen challenge (P <.05). Conclusions The effects of intranasal azelastine are similar to those of oral second-generation antihistamines.
179 Impact of cancer mutations on protein binding and activity

Missense mutations play an important role in carcinogenesis, however, their effect on biomolecular interactions remains unclear. We describe a new framework that uses experimental evidence on structural complexes, the atomic details of binding interfaces, and evolutionary conservation to map the set of human protein–biomolecular interactions (Shoemaker et al., 2012; Tyagi et al., 2012). To analyze the impact of missense cancer mutations on protein interactions, we model the affected protein complexes and estimate the change in binding energy upon mutations. We find that although some missense mutations overstabilize protein complexes, overall, they are destabilizing mostly affecting the electrostatic component of binding energy. Our analysis allows to stratify cancer-related interactions, identify potential driver genes, and propose two dozen additional cancer biomarkers. Furthermore, we observe that interactions of proteins with mutations mapped on interfaces have higher bottleneck properties compared to...
Observed seasonal to decadal scale responses in mesospheric water vapor

The 14-yr (1991-2005) time series of mesospheric water vapor from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) are analyzed using multiple linear regression (MLR) techniques for their6 seasonal and longer-period terms from 45S to 45N. The distribution of annual average water vapor shows a decrease from a maximum of 6.5 ppmv at 0.2 hPa to about 3.2 ppmv at 0.01 hPa, in accord with the effects of the photolysis of water vapor due to the Lyman-flux. The distribution of the semi-annual cycle amplitudes is nearly hemispherically symmetric at the low latitudes, while that of the annual cycles show larger amplitudes in the northern hemisphere. The diagnosed 11-yr, or solar cycle, max minus min, water vapor values are of the order of several percent at 0.2 hPa to about 23% at 0.01 hPa. The solar cycle terms have larger values in the northern than in the southern hemisphere, particularly in the middle mesosphere, and the associated linear trend terms are anomalously large in the same region. Those anomalies are due, at least in part, to the fact that the amplitudes of the seasonal cycles were varying at northern mid latitudes during 1991-2005, while the corresponding seasonal terms of the MLR model do not allow for that possibility. Although the 11-yr variation in water vapor is essentially hemispherically-symmetric and anti-phased with the solar cycle flux near 0.01 hPa, the concurrent temperature variations produce slightly colder conditions at the northern high latitudes at solar minimum. It is concluded that this temperature difference is most likely the reason for the greater occurrence of polar mesospheric clouds at the northern versus the southern high latitudes at solar minimum during the HALOE time period.
Reproduction of Agricultural Land on the basis of Ecological and Economic Rehabilitation

Abstract Negative processes of land degradation and violations not only reduce the area, the quality and the cost of agricultural land, but also have a negative impact on the economic efficiency of agricultural production. Despite the crisis in Russian agriculture, instability of the economic situation in general, there is an objective need to intensify the activities of the expanded reproduction of agricultural land. Reproduction cannot be achieved only by revegetation and reclamation of disturbed and degraded land. It must come from an integrated environmental-economic approach of technological methods, measures of economic support and impact of legislative instruments on land users. It is proposed to expand the system in order to reproduce disturbed and degraded agricultural lands with the help of «ecological and economic rehabilitation».
Mises limit load for simply supported conical sandwich shells under internal pressure

A variational method for calculating the lower and upper bounds on the safety factor of perfectly plastic simply supported conical sandwich shells subjected to a uniform internal pressure and obeying Mises yield criteria is presented. The solutions obtained by the proposed method are compared with those obtained by means of the classical method using the two-moment limited interaction yield condition based on Tresca yield criterion.
Comments on first aid for victims of choking. An extension of remarks made upon receiving the 1986 Howland award. Acceptance of the Howland award 1986.

Comments on First Aid for Victims of Choking An Extension of Remarks Made upon Receiving the 1986 Howland Award Acceptance of the Howland Award 1986
Theoretical and Practical Approaches for Prediction of Drug–Polymer Miscibility and Solubility

Crystallization of drugs formulated in the amorphous form may lead to reduced apparent solubility, decreased rate of dissolution and bioavailability and compromise the physical integrity of the solid dosage form. The purpose of this work was to develop thermodynamic approaches, both practical and theoretical, that will yield a better understanding of which factors are most important for determining the ability of polymers to stabilize amorphous active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Lattice based solution models were used to examine miscibility criteria in API-polymer blends. Different methods were used to estimate the Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter for model API-polymer systems consisting of felodipine or nifedipine with poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). These were melting point depression and determination of solubility parameters using group contribution theory. The temperature and enthalpy of fusion of crystalline API alone and the fusion temperature of the API in the presence of the polymer were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The resultant thermal data were used to estimate the reduced driving force for crystallization and the solubility of the API in the polymer. Flory‐Huggins theory predicts that, for typical API-polymer systems, the entropy of mixing is always favorable and should be relatively constant. Due to the favorable entropy of mixing, miscibility can still be achieved in systems with a certain extent of unfavorable enthalpic interactions. For the model systems, interaction parameters derived from melting point depression were negative indicating that mixing was exothermic. Using these interaction parameters and Flory‐Huggins theory, miscibility was predicted for all compositions, in agreement with experimental data. A model was developed to estimate the solubility of the API in the polymer. The estimated solubility of the model APIs in PVP is low suggesting that kinetic rather than thermodynamic stabilization plays a significant role in inhibiting crystallization. The thermodynamics of API-polymer systems can be modeled using solution based theories. Such models can contribute towards providing an understanding of the compatibility between API and polymer and the mechanisms of physical stabilization in such systems.
A conserved Mediator–CDK8 kinase module association regulates Mediator–RNA polymerase II interaction

The CDK8 kinase module (CKM) is a conserved, dissociable Mediator subcomplex whose component subunits were genetically linked to the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) and individually recognized as transcriptional repressors before Mediator was identified as a pre-eminent complex in eukaryotic transcription regulation. We used macromolecular EM and biochemistry to investigate the subunit organization, structure and Mediator interaction of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CKM. We found that interaction of the CKM with Mediator's middle module interferes with CTD-dependent RNAPII binding to a previously unknown middle-module CTD-binding site and with the holoenzyme formation process. Taken together, our results reveal the basis for CKM repression, clarify the origin of the connection between CKM subunits and the CTD and suggest that a combination of competitive interactions and conformational changes that facilitate holoenzyme formation underlie the mechanism of transcription regulation by Mediator.
In vivo three‐dimensional reconstruction of rat brain axonal projections by diffusion tensor imaging

The in situ assessment of axonal projections of the brain has been severely limited by the lack of noninvasive techniques to study this type of anatomy. We show here that in vivo three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of axonal projections can be achieved using a rapid 3D high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging technique combined with a recently designed fiber reconstruction algorithm. As a first example, neuronal pathways in the rat brain were probed. Eight well-known fiber projections; genu and splenium of corpus callosum, internal and external capsule, fimbria, anterior commissure, optic tract, and stria terminalis were tracked and shown to be in agreement with the location of these known axonal projections. The experiment took 2 hr and shorter times should be possible in the clinical situation. By combining anisotropy information with fiber tracking, the anisotropy of individual projections was also documented. Magn Reson Med 42:1123–1127, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Possible Climate Change Impacts on Ozone in the Great Lakes Region: Some Implications for Respiratory Illness

Many long-range climate and air quality projections suggest that concentrations of certain atmospheric pollutants at ground level will increase. Local levels of gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone, as well as various kinds of aerosolized particulate matter are already increasing in some areas. Some of these may cause or exacerbate asthma, respiratory distress, and ultimately cardiopulmonary function. While links to respiratory diseases often involve additional factors, the mechanism for increased risk is well established. However, possible links between air pollution and respiratory disease have not been well studied in the Great Lakes region. Certain results suggest that air pollutants are but some of the many factors that are involved in the etiology of respiratory diseases. Furthermore, different studies have produced results that are inconsistent. Indeed, a simple link between air pollution and climate change has not been well studied at all for any part of the world. Ozone and meteorological data were examined for the period May through September 1986 to 1995 for southeastern lower Michigan. Each day was cataloged as one of nine different synoptic types defined in terms of sea-level pressure, surface vorticity, and windspeed. Ozone concentrations and exceedences (maximum 8-h average concentrations > 80 ppb) for each of the nine synoptic types were also determined. This synoptic ozone climatology revealed that southwesterly anticyclonic flow occurred 16% of the time and accounted for 40% of the ozone exceedences. A linear regression formula was also developed using 13 meteorological variables that are typically linked to high ozone levels in general. This formula reproduced ozone values that agreed well with observed ones [r = 0.76]. The synoptic climatology procedure and the linear regression formula were then applied to output from the Canadian and Hadley models, two General Circulation Models used during the First U.S. National Assessment, to evaluate how conditions that are favorable for high ozone levels may change by the end of this century. Results from both models suggest that southwesterly flow cases, which correlate with high ozone levels at the present time, may become more frequent and lead to decreased air quality and a possible increase in the reported incidence of respiratory disease.
Manufacturing of Hybrid Composites and Novel Methods to Synthesize Carbon Nanoparticles

In following are presented the characterization results of nanostructured hybrid composites using alumina matrix reinforced with nanostructured particles of Ni, Ti and soot. The soot used in this work is the byproduct from the synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) or fullerene and contains traces (<1wt%) of either CNT or fullerene. Ni and Ti are used in this work for their inherent catalytic ability for heterogeneous nucleation of carbon nanostructures (nanotubes, fullerenes). The hybrid composites are produced by a combination of methods including mechanical milling, sonication, and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Mechanical milling is conducted in high energy mills, the milled and as manufactured powders are sonicated to assure their dispersion, homogeneity and promote percolation of the components during sintering. Mechanical milling and SPS have positive effects to promote the synthesis of different carbon nanoparticles. For instance, it is observed that mechanical milling of fullerene soot sponsors the synthesis of nanostructured diamond particles and using SPS can be synthesized diamond too and fullerene. Although, it is important to notice that SPS conditions are critical to the amount and type of synthesized particles. The use of CNT soot sponsors porosity, hence lower density resulting in an ideal material for membrane and porous media applications. The results of characterization (X-Ray diffraction, electron microscopy (scanning and transmission)) and the mechanical properties (Vickers microhardness) are discussed accordingly.
A selective decrease in the number of GABAergic somata occurs in pre-seizing monkeys with alumina gel granuloma

Previous studies have shown that a loss of GABAergic neuronal somata is associated with a loss of GABAergic terminals at chronic cortical epileptic foci in monkeys. The present study was undertaken to determine whether GABAergic neuronal loss occurs prior to the onset of clinical seizures in monkeys that were treated with alumina gel but did not display seizures. Seven adolescent (Macaca mulatta) monkeys received alumina gel implants into the left pre- and post-central gyri, specifically centered in hand-face regions of sensorimotor cortex. Three other monkeys were used as controls. Two of these were surgical controls and the third was a normal animal. Three monkeys (pre-seizing) were sacrificed 2-4 weeks after the alumina gel implant but prior to clinically active seizures. Three other monkeys with chronic seizure activity (chronically seizing) were sacrificed 3-6 months after the implant. Tissue sections were taken from an area adjacent to the alumina gel granuloma (focus), from a site distal to it (parafocus) and from the non-epileptic contralateral side. Sections from all monkeys were processed for glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) immunocytochemistry and then examined with a light microscope. In addition, adjacent sections were stained with a Nissl stain and the total number of neurons was counted in these sections. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in the number of GAD-positive cells in the pre-seizing and chronic animals. The pre-seizing monkeys showed a significant loss of 23-44% at the focus in contrast to the total number of neurons which did not change significantly. The loss of GAD-positive cells was greater in the chronic animals that showed significant losses at both the focus and parafocus, 42-61% and 15-26%, respectively. It is important to note that the chronic monkeys displayed an 11-61% significant loss of total neurons at the epileptic focus. The surgical control animals showed no seizure activity and no significant loss of total neurons or GAD-positive cells. The main finding of this study indicates that a selective loss of GAD-positive neuronal somata occurs in pre-seizing monkeys with alumina gel implants. This finding is consistent with the previously reported loss of GABAergic terminals in pre-seizing monkeys. Since virtually all monkeys treated with alumina gel develop seizures, the results of this study add further support to the hypothesis that GABA neuronal loss plays a causal role in focal epilepsy.
ISO 9000 Certification in the UK: A Study of the Role Played by the Information Systems Organization

AbstractThis study focuses on the role that information systems (IS) personnel play in the ISO 9000 certification process in the United Kingdom (UK). The objective is to study if IS personnel in the UK are involved in certification activities and to examine the impact of their involvement on internal benefits to their organization. We also compare IS involvement in the UK against that found in United States.ISO 9000 certification, once a European initiative, has evolved into a global quality objective. The number offirms certifying to ISO 9000 standards is growing dramatically each year worldwide. The UK has been a driving force in the European Union in terms of the development of quality standards, and dominates Europe in the number offirms certified.This study reveals that a great majority of ISO 9000 certification activities are completed without significant IS involvement. Quality managers in the UK identify multiple areas where greater IS involvement is desired. The findings also provide some evidenc...
Absorption imaging performance in a future Talbot-Lau interferometer based breast imaging system

A grating-based x-ray multi-contrast imaging system integrates a source grating G0, a diffraction grating G1, and an analyzer grating G2 into a conventional x-ray imaging system to generate images with three contrast mechanisms: absorption contrast, differential phase contrast, and dark field contrast. To facilitate the potential translation of this multi-contrast imaging system into a clinical setting, our group has developed several single-shot data acquisition methods to eliminate the necessity of the time-consuming phase stepping procedure. These methods have enabled us to acquire multi-contrast images with the same data acquisition time currently used for absorption imaging. One of the proposed methods is the use a staggered G2 grating. In this work, we propose to incorporate this staggered G2 grating into a state-of-the-art breast tomosynthesis imaging system to generate tomosynthesis images with three contrast mechanisms. The introduction of this staggered G2 grating will reject scatter and thus improve image contrast at the detector plane, but it will also absorb some x-ray photons reaching detector, thus increasing noise and reducing the contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Therefore, a key technical question is whether the CNR and dose efficiency can be maintained for absorption imaging after the introduction of this staggered G2 grating. In this paper, both the CNR and scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) of absorption imaging were investigated with Monte Carlo simulations for a variety of staggered G2 grating designs.
A model for the deformations and thermodynamics of liquids involving a dislocation kinetics

A model for the deformation and thermodynamics of liquids is developed that depends on dislocation kinetics. The approach uses concepts from statistical mechanics to model a stochastic evolution equation for a scalar dislocation density function. The dislocation density is used in an idealized model for the discrete discontinuous deformation due to dislocation motion and dislocation creation kinetics. The total deformation functional for a liquid is modelled as a continuum deformation of an idealized lattice structure plus the discontinuous deformation due to dislocation kinetics. This results in a thermodynamic model that has an elastic response from the continuum lattice structure and a fluid response from the dislocation kinetics. In the thermodynamics, a generalized internal energy functional is assumed to exist and to have a dependence on the functions of entropy, continuum lattice strain, scalar dislocation density, velocity, and mass density. The continuum lattice strain is termed the recoverable strain and its conjugate variable is the thermodynamic stress. The conjugate variable to the scalar dislocation density is the thermodynamic chemical potential for a dislocation configuration, somewhat analogous to Gibbs' treatment of chemical potential for various mass species. This model implies that a liquid and a crystalline solid have analogous deformation and thermodynamic responses. Their differences appear in the dislocation densities and in the dislocation chemical potentials. To illustrate the deformation response analogy, some solutions are developed for simple laminar shear flows. Also, using some concepts primarily from Kuhlmann-Wilsdorf's melting model, a definition for a specific dislocation creation heat equivalent is given. This thermodynamic formalism suggests that the melting process can be modelled as the consequence of a continuous change in the dislocation density function.
Modes of photodynamic vs. sonodynamic cytotoxicity

Abstract We compared effects of ultrasound-induced vs. photodynamic cytotoxicity in cell culture. The photodynamic effects mediated by mesoporphyrin caused a delayed toxic reaction, the presence of a “shoulder” on the dose-response curve, indicating the capacity for limited repair of photodamage. In contrast, ultrasound-induced loss of viability resulted from rapid cell destruction and was proportional to the time of sonication. Photodynamic damage to cells before exposure to ultrasound potentiated cell breakage but did not affect the clonogenicity of the surviving cell population. Photodamage after exposure to ultrasound decreased the viability of cells which had survived ultrasonic treatment.
Drama for Schools: Impact of a Drama-Based Professional Development Program on Teacher Self-Efficacy and Authentic Instruction

Drama for Schools (DFS) is a research-driven professional development program that uses drama-based instructional strategies to make sustainable improvements in the learning culture of a classroom, school, and school district. This article introduces the DFS program and reports findings on how 27 teachers experienced the program and worked with DFS strategies. Results show that authentic instruction improved as a result of the DFS program, with increases sustaining over time. Teacher evaluations indicate that DFS succeeded in efforts to integrate the arts into the curriculum, raise student engagement, encourage teacher collaboration, and develop hands-on instructional strategies. DFS teachers did not report much change in their own identities as teachers, perhaps due to the already high levels of instructional self-efficacy. Discussion includes consideration of research and pedagogical issues that arose in the evaluation of this drama-based professional development program.
The transition from phase locking to drift in a system of two weakly coupled van der pol oscillators

Abstract We investigate the slow flow resulting from the application of the two variable expansion perturbation method to a system of two linearly coupled van der Pol oscillators. The slow flow consists of three non-linear coupled odes on the amplitudes and phase difference of the oscillators. We obtain regions in parameter space which correspond to phase locking, phase entrainment and phase drift of the coupled oscillators. In the slow flow, these states correspond respectively to a stable equilibrium, a stable limit cycle and a stable libration orbit. Phase entrainment, in which the phase difference between the oscillators varies periodically, is seen as an intermediate state between phase locking and phase drift. In the slow flow, the transitions between these states are shown to be associated with Hopf and saddle-connection bifurcations.
Valproate monotherapy in partial seizures

Abstract Results of a retrospective study in 30 patients indicate that, contrary to the findings of some earlier studies, valproate monotherapy is highly effective in the treatment of partial seizures, especially those that become secondarily generalized. In 22 of these 30 patients (73 percent), valproate monotherapy either abolished seizures (12 patients) or reduced their frequency by at least 51 percent (10 patients), whereas eight patients experienced minimal or no reduction in seizure frequency. All these patients had previously experienced treatment failure with carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital—either alone or combined—because of lack of efficacy or unacceptable side effects. In these patients, failure to have a response to valproate therapy appeared to be related to the type of seizure (simple partial seizures alone/complex partial seizures alone, without secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures) and longer duration of uncontrolled seizures. Although these results cannot be generalized to all patients with partial seizures, they do indicate that a double-blind randomized trial of valproate in patients with all types of partial seizures is warranted.
Some imaging parameters of the oblique dipole layer cardiac generator derivable from body surface electrical potentials

The goal of noninvasively imaging the cardiac electrical generator is considerably complicated by the conductive anisotropy of the cardiac muscle. The ventricular surface activation map has been previously presented as a description of the cardiac generator in image form, but the integral equation defining its relationship to the body surface potentials is valid only under the less accurate uniform dipole layer hypothesis. Using an argument from differential geometry, which allows the integral equation approach to be bypassed, it is shown that the critical points of this map can be localized on the heart surface from the body surface potential in a manner fully consistent with the oblique dipole layer model. Thus, in principle, a realistic and useful image-like output is possible in a limited way even without explicit information regarding conductivity anisotropy. The realization of this output will require improvements in the temporal resolution presently available from existing body surface potential mapping systems. >
Does the experience of the writer affect the evaluative components on the standardized letter of recommendation in emergency medicine

Abstract Background The Standardized Letter of Recommendation (SLOR) was developed in an attempt to standardize the evaluation of applicants to an emergency medicine (EM) residency. Objective Our aim was to determine whether the Global Assessment Score (GAS) and Likelihood of Matching Assessment (LOMA) of the SLOR for applicants applying to an EM residency are affected by the experience of the letter writer. We describe the distribution of GAS and LOMA grades and compare the GAS and LOMA scores to length of time an applicant knew the letter writer and number of EM rotations. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all SLORs written for all applicants applying to three EM residency programs for the 2012 match. Median number of letters written the previous year were compared across the four GAS and LOMA scores using an equality of medians test and test for trend to see if higher scores on the GAS and LOMA were associated with less experienced letter writers. Distributions of the scores were determined and length of time a letter writer knew an applicant and number of EM rotations were compared with GAS and LOMA scores. Results There were 917 applicants representing 27.6% of the total applicant pool for the 2012 United States EM residency match and 1253 SLORs for GAS and 1246 for LOMA were analyzed. The highest scores on the GAS and LOMA were associated with the lowest median number of letters written the previous year (equality of medians test across groups, p p p = 0.002; p = 0.005). Number of EM rotations was not associated with GAS and LOMA scores. Conclusions SLORs written by less experienced letter writers were more likely to have a GAS of “Outstanding” ( p p
Control of Synaptic Depression by Glutamate Transporters

The role of glutamate transporters in the regulation of synaptic depression was examined in the avian nucleus magnocellularis. Repetitive stimulation of presynaptic auditory nerve fibers resulted in acute depression of EPSCs. Pharmacological blockade of glutamate transport in glial cells enhanced residual glutamate in the synaptic cleft and markedly increased the extent of depression at stimulus frequencies above 20 Hz via a postsynaptic mechanism. Glutamate pyruvate transaminase, a glutamate scavenger, accelerated the decay of the EPSC and reduced synaptic depression, indicating that transporters are not completely effective in rapid removal of glutamate. Regulation of residual transmitter by glia may thus serve to control synaptic strength in a frequency-dependent manner.
Carbon Radiation Shielding for the Habot Mobile Lunar Base

Radiation is the leading showstopper for long duration human exploration of the lunar surface. The need for an effective and safe radiation shielding material has become the “Holy Grail” of radiation protection research. This paper reports the results for one material in particular – carbon – in the “Bioshield” particle accelerator test of candidate radiation shielding at Brookhaven National Laboratory, sponsored jointly by NASA and the Italian Space Agency. Shielding samples were bombarded by both Iron and Titanium nuclei beams at1 GeV/n relativistic energy. This paper reports the results for Fe. The target behind the shielding was a lymphocyte culture; created using advanced cytogenetic techniques (premature chromosome condensation and fluorescence in situ hybridization). The shielding samples included aluminum, PMMA acrylic/Lucite, polyethylene, and lead. The Habot Mobile Lunar Base Project at NASA-Ames Research Center provided the carbon-shielding sample because of its potential to provide a suitable shielding material to apply to the exterior of the Habot. The specific material tested is “CCAT CC-1, Carbon-filled carbon.” This particular formulation has the advantage that the manufacturer controls the density to .01 g/cm. The density of this sample is 1.65 gm/cm. The carbonfilled carbon performed successfully, providing the second best dose reduction after polyethylene and the best overall reduction in radiobiological damage to the lymphocyte culture. This experiment suggests that carbon composites present important advantages for space habitat construction.
Alloyed path-pattern scheme for branch prediction

For more accurate branch prediction, global as well as local histories have been studied and a need for hybrid history has emerged. Not only do different parts of a program require different types of histories, but some branches dynamically vary the type of history. To solve this problem, schemes involving dynamic selectors as opposed to static have been proposed. Initially, history represented the directions of previous branches (pattern based). Then came the idea of storing the target addresses of previous branches, thus predicting based on the path (path-based). The path- and pattern-based schemes do have their drawbacks. The paper studies a potential problem faced by the path- and pattern-based schemes and alleviates it by presenting a new scheme, in which the path and pattern histories are alloyed. This scheme is proposed as opposed to having two predictors, path-based and pattern-based, and a selector that dynamically predicts between them. Alloying path and pattern, eliminates the problem of selecting between the two schemes and instead merges the information. It also diminishes the shortcoming of the two schemes and thus acts as a double-edged sword.
An evaginated odontoma in an American Negro: report of case

The anomaly is characteristic of the dentition of persons of Mongoloid race or descent. This is the first reported case in an American Negro. An evaginated odontoma was found in an 11-year-old boy—the first reported case in an American Negro. Almost all previous cases have occurred in persons of Mongoloid descent. Although there is a strong tendency for genetic inheritance, the anomaly can occur randomly.