cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chlordecone altered hepatic disposition of [14C]cholesterol and plasma cholesterol distribution but not SR-BI or ABCG8 proteins in livers of C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract Organochlorine (OC) insecticides continue to occur in tissues of humans and wildlife throughout the world although they were banned in the United States a few decades ago. Low doses of the OC insecticide chlordecone (CD) alter hepatic disposition of lipophilic xenobiotics and perturb lipid homeostasis in rainbow trout, mice and rats. CD pretreatment altered tissue and hepatic subcellular distribution of exogenous [ 14 C]cholesterol (CH) equivalents 4 and 16 h after a bolus intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 5 ml corn oil/kg that contained 10 mg CH/kg. CD pretreatment altered tissue distribution of exogenously administered [ 14 C]CH by decreased hepatic and renal accumulation, and increased biliary excretion up to 300%. Biliary excretion of polar [ 14 C]CH metabolites was not altered by CD. CD pretreatment decreased subcellular distribution of [ 14 C]CH equivalents in hepatic cytosol and microsomes and lipoprotein-rich fraction-to-homogenate ratio. CD pretreatment increased the ratio of [ 14 C]CH equivalents in high density lipoprotein (HDL) to that in plasma and reduced [ 14 C]CH equivalents in the non-HDL fraction 4 h after a bolus lipid dose. CD pretreatment increased plasma non-HDL total CH by 80% 4 h after a bolus lipid dose. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and ATP-binding cassette transporter G8 (ABCG8) proteins were quantified by western blotting in hepatic membranes from control and CD treated mice. Liver membrane contents of SR-BI and ABCG8 proteins were unchanged by CD pretreatment. The data demonstrated that a single dose of CD altered CH homeostasis and lipoprotein metabolism.
Pertussis in adolescents and adults: should we vaccinate?

Background: The incidence of reported pertussis among adolescents, adults, and young infants has increased sharply over the past decade. Combined acellular pertussis vaccines for adolescents and adults are available in Canada, Australia, and Germany and may soon be considered for use in the United States. Objective: To evaluate the potential health benefits, risks, and costs of a national pertussis vaccination program for adolescents and/or adults. Design, setting, and population: The projected health states and immunity levels associated with pertussis disease and vaccination were simulated with a Markov model. The following strategies were examined from the health care payer and societal perspectives: (1) no vaccination; (2) 1-time adolescent vaccination; (3) 1-time adult vaccination; (4) adult vaccination with boosters; (5) adolescent and adult vaccination with boosters; and (6) postpartum vaccination. Data on disease incidence, costs, outcomes, vaccine efficacy, and adverse events were based on published studies, recent unpublished clinical trials, and expert panel input. Main outcome measures: Cases prevented, adverse events, costs (in 2004 US dollars), cost per case prevented, and cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) saved. Results: One-time adolescent vaccination would prevent 30800 cases of pertussis (36% of projected cases) and would result in 91000 vaccine adverse events (67% local reactions). If pertussis vaccination cost $15 and vaccine coverage was 76%, then 1-time adolescent vaccination would cost $1100 per case prevented (or $1200 per case prevented) or $20000 per QALY (or $23000 per QALY) saved, from the societal (or health care payer) perspective. With a threshold of $50000 per QALY saved, the adolescent and adult vaccination with boosters strategy became potentially cost-effective from the societal perspective only if 2 conditions were met simultaneously, ie, (1) the disease incidence for adolescents and adults was > or =6 times higher than base-case assumptions and (2) the cost of vaccination was less than $10. Adult vaccination strategies were more costly and less effective than adolescent vaccination strategies. The results were sensitive to assumptions about disease incidence, vaccine efficacy, frequency of vaccine adverse events, and vaccine costs. Conclusions: Routine pertussis vaccination of adolescents results in net health benefits and may be relatively cost-effective.
Breathing pattern of neonates during nonnutritive sucking

Alteration of the breathing pattern seen during oral feeding has been attributed to the behavioral activity of sucking, repeated swallowing, and laryngeal chemoreceptor stimulation. Because it preserves the behavioral activity of sucking but eliminates the laryngeal chemoreceptor stimulation and repeated swallowing that occurs during nutritive sucking, the effects of nonnutritive sucking was evaluated in 19 term infants. The suck-pause pattern seen during nonnutritive sucking is similar to that of nutritive sucking. None of the variables measured (inspiratory duration, expiratory duration, breathing frequency, and tidal volume) were significantly altered during the overall period of nonnutritive sucking when compared with previously obtained control values. These results suggest that the alteration of breathing pattern observed during oral feeding cannot be accounted for by the behavioral activity of sucking per se. However, when the sucking phases of the nonnutritive period were compared with the intervening pauses, a reduction in the expiratory duration (P less than 0.05) and a reduction in tidal volume (P less than 0.05) were observed. Thus, the breathing pattern of human neonates is indeed altered during the sucking phase of the nonnutritive period; pressure changes associated with sucking may account for this alteration.
Marginal leakage: Entry side and exit side-clinical implications

The marginal leakage along the proximal walls of Class II amalgam restorations was studied. The influence of the direction of the bur rotation to tooth structure in cavity preparation was the primary concern of investigation. Also, the effect of different cavity wall finishing techniques created by exit and entry action of the rotating bur and that of two different types of amalgam on the marginal leakage was studied. The degree of marginal leakage was not significantly different among any of the treatment groups.
Microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm: Naunces of the technique based on experiences with 100 patients and review of the literature

Abstract Background Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm offers a relatively low-risk opportunity to treat cranial nerve hyperactivity-compression syndromes, which are associated with severe, disabling facial pain and spasm. Although a number of publications have described the technique in detail, combining the technical nuances from different schools of thought or neurosurgical training in an effort to increase the safety and efficacy of this procedure would be beneficial to the surgeon. Methods The nuances of technique and operative findings from performing this procedure for the last 100 cases have been reviewed and combined. The author has reflected on his experience performing microvascular decompression operation. Findings The specifics of operating room set-up, positioning, craniotomy, and intradural microsurgical methods are provided, including managing postoperative care and complications. Conclusion In the presence of alternative methods of therapy, microvascular decompression operations should be performed with low risk to the patient. There is a learning curve involved with this operation and the surgeon should remain always critical of his/her performance and aspire for a “perfect” result.
Modal properties of three-dimensional helical planetary gears

Abstract The structured modal properties of single-stage helical planetary gears with equally spaced planets are categorized and mathematically proved. Compared to prior two-dimensional analyses of spur gears, this study examines the three-dimensional motion of the helical gears and shafts. A lumped-parameter model is formulated to obtain the equations of motion. The gear-shaft bodies are modeled as rigid bodies with compliant bearings at arbitrary axial locations on the shafts. A translational and a tilting stiffness account for the force and moment transmission at the gear mesh interface. The derived modal properties generalize those of two-dimensional spur planetary gears; there are twice as many degrees of freedom and natural frequencies due to the added tilting and axial motion. All vibration modes are categorized as rotational–axial, translational–tilting, and planet modes. The modal properties are shown to hold even for configurations that are not symmetric about the gear plane, due to, for example, shaft bearings not being equidistant from the gear plane.
Two new species of sand burrowing amphipod crustaceans from Long Island sound and the New York Bight (Amphipoda: Haustoriidae)

Acanthohaustorius bousfieldi n. sp. andA. similis n. sp. (Amphipoda: Haustoriidae) are described from the offshore bottom sands of the New York Bight and Long Island Sound regions.
Kinetics of gas-solid reactions in α-zirconium phosphate. H+/Na+ mixed diffusion coefficients☆

Abstract The rates of reaction between gaseous HCl and sodium ion exchanged phases of α-zirconium phosphate have been measured. The reactions are diffusion controlled and were fit by an equation for diffusion in a sphere from a well stirred fluid of limited volume (Carman and Haul equation). Diffusion coefficients were of the order of 10−15–10−12 cm2/sec in the temperature range 25°–220°C. These coefficients are in the same range as those determined from self-diffusion studies but are several orders of magnitude smaller than those obtained from rates of exchange. Possible reasons for this discrepency are given.
Dose-Response Hyperplasia and Neoplasia from Feeding N-2-Fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) to BALB/c Mice for Varying Time Intervals

SummaryHyperplasia induced by N-2-fluorenylacetamide requires the continuous presence of the chemical for its maintenance. Feeding the chemical at levels of 8 to 86 ppm results in a dose-response related urinary bladder hyperplasia and, after 9 to 12 months, in bladder neoplasia at the higher dose levels. Neoplasia of the lungs, liver, parotid gland, lacrimal gland, harderian gland, and submaxillary gland was also observed. Measurement of oncogenic viruses revealed no synergism with 2-FAA and no relationship between virus counts and neoplasia. Calcareous pericarditis was observed and most general toxicological effects occurred in the liver. A pronounced sex difference in response was observed with the males giving greater responses than the females in all instances.
Bond insertion, complexation, and penetration pathways of vapor-deposited aluminum atoms with HO- and CH3O-terminated organic monolayers

The interaction of vapor-deposited Al atoms with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of HS−(CH2)16−X (X = −OH and −OCH3) chemisorbed at polycrystalline Au{111} surfaces was studied using time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Whereas quantum chemical theory calculations show that Al insertion into the C−C, C−H, C−O, and O−H bonds is favorable energetically, it is observed that deposited Al inserts only with the OH SAM to form an −O−Al−H product. This reaction appears to cease prior to complete −OH consumption, and is followed by formation of a few overlayers of a nonmetallic type of phase and finally deposition of a metallic film. In contrast, for the OCH3 SAM, the deposited Al atoms partition along two parallel paths: nucleation and growth of an overlayer metal film, and penetration through the OCH3 SAM to the monolayer/Au interface region. By considering a previous observation that a CH3 terminal group favors penetration as ...
Influence of combustion parameters on instability in solid propellant motors. I - Development of model and linear analysis.

A model is developed for the unsteady-state combustion of a solid propellant subject to acoustic pressure oscillations in the intermediate frequency range. The solution for perturbations is obtained and arranged in a matrix form which can be conveniently altered to accommodate model modifications. The acoustic admittance calculated from the model is found to depend strongly on only four parameters, the activation energies of a surface reaction and the flame reaction, the order of the flame reaction, and the surface temperature. A relationship is found between the frequency at which the maximum in the acoustic admittance occurs and the surface temperature and the surface activation energy.
Predicting Burnout, Conflict Management Style, and Turnover among Clergy.

Typically, the literature on clergy burnout employs an individual model and describes the pastoral role from the perspective of multiple demands or offers prescriptions for recovery. Although some literature examines the systemic nature of clergy burnout, little attention is paid to the internal psychological dynamics surrounding social expectations of the clergy role. Bowen's concept of differentiation of self offers insight into the relationship between self and role within the context of the clergy-congregation emotional system. A sample of clergy (N = 343) are surveyed to examine the impact of differentiation of self and role on burnout, conflict management style, and tenure. The analyses indicate clergy functioning at higher levels of differentiation of self and role experience lower perceived burnout and prefer a collaborative conflict management style. This perspective offers potential avenues of response for professionals who interact with clergy regarding burnout and conflict.
Novalis radiosurgery for metastatic spine tumors.

For many cancers, the spine is the most frequent site of metastatic disease. Many patients develop neurologic manifestations of spinal cord or cauda equina compression, presenting with complaints that include back pain, weakness, sensory deficits, and bowel and bladder changes [1]. Left untreated, a large percentage of these patients become paraplegic. It is well known that effective treatment at a time when the patient is still ambulatory leads to the best chance for maintenance of excellent quality of life [2]. The goals of therapy for patients with spinal metastases include pain control; the prevention, stabilization, or restoration of neurologic deficits; and local control of neoplastic progression. Although bony instability secondary to metastatic disease and its potential for neurologic compromise is a significant concern with these patients, this article does not address this issue. To date, standard treatment for metastatic spine tumors has included pain medications and steroids, surgical decompression, radiation therapy, and, in certain circumstances, chemotherapy, with the mainstay of therapy for neoplastic spinal cord compression associated with neurologic deficit being surgical decompression followed by radiation therapy. The surgery-based strategy is used primarily for patients with spinal instability or compression fracture with retropulsion into the spinal canal or the acute onset and progression of neurologic symptoms secondary to spinal cord compression. The effectiveness of these paradigms is well established when administered while patients remain ambulatory. In the general population of patients with neoplastic spine disease with or without symptomatic spinal cord compression, however, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using generous margins (one or two vertebral segments) has been the primary treatment and also has been well established. In this population, varying degrees of pain relief and
Comparison of private versus academic practice for general surgeons: a guide for medical students and residents

Abstract Background Medical students and residents often make specialty and practice choices with limited exposure to aspects of professional and personal life in general surgery. The purpose of this study was to portray practice composition, career choices, professional experiences, job satisfaction, and personal life characteristics specific to practicing general surgeons in the United States. Study design A 131-question survey was mailed to all female members (n = 1,076) and a random 2:1 sample of male members (n = 2,152) of the American College of Surgeons in three mailings between September 1998 and March 1999. Respondents who were not actively practicing general surgery in the United States and both trainees and surgeons who did not fit the definition of private or academic practice were excluded. Detailed questions regarding practice attributes, surgical training, professional choices, harassment, malpractice, career satisfaction, and personal life characteristics were included. Separate five-point Likert scales were designed to measure influences on career choices and satisfaction with professional and personal matters. Univariate analyses were used to analyze responses by surgeon age, gender, and practice type. Results A response rate of 57% resulted in 1,532 eligible responses. Significant differences between private and academic practice were noted in case composition, practice structure, and income potential; no major differences were seen in malpractice experience. Propensity for marriage and parenthood differed significantly between men and women surgeons. Overall career satisfaction was very high regardless of practice type. Some differences by surgeon gender in perceptions of equal career advancement opportunities and of professional isolation were noted. Conclusions This study offers a comprehensive view of general surgery to enable more informed decisions among medical students and residents regarding specialty choice or practice opportunities.
Diabetes insipidus as a complication of leukemia: A case report with a literature review

A case of a 35-year-old woman with acute myeloblastic leukemia and concurrent diabetes insipidus is presented. At necropsy, bilateral infarcts were found in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei with only sparse leukemic infiltrates in the area. Twenty reported cases of diabetes insipidus in association with leukemia are reviewed. The 13 cases in which autopsy findings are mentioned demonstrated essentially two types of lesions in the supraoptico hypophyseal system: 1. leukemic infiltrates in one or more components of the system in nine cases, and 2. thrombosis of small vessels in the hypothalamic nuclei and the posterior lobe of the hypophysis in two cases. The present report adds a third case to the second category. The mechanism responsible for these lesions is not clear. Generalized intravascular coagulation or local leukostasis are suggested as pathogenetic possibilities.
Linking air pollution exposure with thrombosis

To the editor: We read with interest the review by Franchini and Mannucci examining the link between exposure to particulate matter air pollution (PM) and an increased tendency toward thrombosis.[1][1] In their discussion of the potential mechanisms by which PM might induce thrombosis, the
Paleoecology of an Exceptionally Preserved Arthropod Fauna from Lake Deposits of the Miocene Barstow Formation, Southern California, U.S.A

Abstract A unique aquatic arthropod Konservat Lagerstatte occurs in lacustrine-derived carbonate concretions within the Miocene Barstow Formation of southern California. Faunal elements are primarily aquatic, salinity-tolerant, autochthonous predaceous diving beetle larvae, fly larvae and pupae, mosquito and thrip larvae, and fairy shrimp. Three-dimensional preservation of soft tissues is via replacement by silica-based minerals as well as calcite, celestite, apatite, and gypsum. The fauna occurs in three beds (each 1–3 m thick) within an approximately 100 m sequence of predominantly microlaminated mudstone deposited in a saline-alkaline lacustrine environment. Faunal composition is consistent between sites and concretion beds, but faunal composition and diversity changed significantly during lake history, corresponding to differences in brine chemistry as well as preservational facies, resulting from the shift toward a more nearshore regime. The changes in lake chemistry and subsequent changes in fauna i...
Maps in birds: representational mechanisms and neural bases

The often extraordinary navigational behavior of birds is based in part on their ability to learn map-like representations of the heterogeneous distribution of environmental stimuli in space. Whether navigating small-scale laboratory environments or large-scale field environments, birds appear to be reliant on a directional framework, for example that provided by the sun, to learn how stimuli are distributed in space and to represent them as a map. The avian hippocampus plays a critical role in some aspects of map learning. Recent results from electrophysiological studies hint at the possibility that different aspects of space may be represented in the activity of different neuronal types in the avian hippocampus.
Hypertension in African Americans with Heart Failure: Progression from Hypertrophy to Dilatation; Perhaps Not

Aim Concentric hypertrophy is thought to transition to left ventricular (LV) dilatation and systolic failure in the presence of long standing hypertension (HTN). Whether or not this transition routinely occurs in humans is unknown. Methods We consecutively enrolled African American patients hospitalized for acute decompensated volume overload heart failure (HF) in this retrospective study. All patients had a history of HTN and absence of obstructive coronary disease. Patients were divided into those with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and reduced LVEF. LV dimensions were measured according to standard ASE recommendations. LV mass was calculated using the ASE formula with Devereux correction. Results Patients with normal LVEF HF were significantly older, female and had a longer duration of HTN with higher systolic blood pressure on admission. LV wall thickness was similarly elevated in both groups. LV mass was elevated in both groups however was significantly greater in the reduced LVEF HF group compared to the normal LVEF HF group. Furthermore, gender was an independent predictor for LV wall thickness in normal LVEF HF group. Conclusion In African American patients with HF our study questions the paradigm that concentric hypertrophy transitions to LV dilatation and systolic failure in the presence of HTN. Genetics and gender likely play a role in an individual’s response to long standing hypertension.
The sometimes pernicious role of theory in science

The role of theory in science is discussed in the context of understanding brain function. Historically, theories of brain functions have oscillated between localization and anti-localization beliefs. In the last 50 years, the important discoveries of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), feature extracting neurons and synaptic growth led many to orthodoxy. Research became more and more focused upon the elements comprising the nervous system and their interconnections. The mainstream belief became that many brain functions including consciousness were localized, certain kinds of brain injuries produced irreversible functional deficits. Contrary scientific challenges were discouraged by the omnipresence of such theory. Examples of theoretical "Einstellungen" in the areas of ARAS, coma, treatment of brain injuries and consciousness are given, as well as signs that the pendulum is swinging back to an approach to the system as a whole rather than a focus on its parts.
SPEED: a molecular-evolution-based database of mammalian orthologous groups

Motivation: The abundance of nucleotide sequence information available has expanded horizons of inquiry for molecular evolution; however, the full potential of whole-genome analysis has not been realized because of inadequate tools. Here, we present one of the first toolkits to aid multidisciplinary high-throughput analysis. Summary: SPEED was created to integrate molecular evolutionary data with existing genetic resources and provide a straightforward user interface to 17 352 orthologous gene groups, containing representatives from eight mammalian species and an avian outgroup. Availability: See http://bioinfobase.umkc.edu/speed/ for access Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: A larger version of the data model and a site map are available online.
Metronomic topotecan for colorectal cancer: a promising new option

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the fourth most common malignant neoplasm in the USA. Depending on the stage at diagnosis, liver and lung metastases occur in about 20–70% and 10–20% of patients, respectively. Unfortunately, distant metastases are the major cause of death for patients with advanced CRC. Despite use of standard therapies for metastatic CRC, treatment has only minimally improved survival, resulting in a medium survival of ∼2 years. As current chemotherapeutic drugs are used at maximum tolerated doses or high dose in standard therapies, toxicity remains a major issue for patients. Therefore, if the standard therapies could have prolonged breaks between successive cycles of drug administration, this could allow for recovery from toxic side effects. To solve this problem, Dr. Timothy Browder at Harvard Medical School first proposed metronomic chemotherapy to minimise toxicity by targeting the tumour-associated endothelium via frequent use of chemotherapeutic drugs at low doses over a longer period of time. Although the definition of metronomic chemotherapy varies, it now generally refers to the continuous administration of traditional chemotherapy, sometimes on a daily basis, at relatively low, minimally toxic doses, for longer periods. This emerging approach has been extensively evaluated in clinical trials and animal models.1 Hackl et al 2 report for the first time that metronomic oral topotecan therapy in adjuvant and metastatic settings prolongs survival and reduces liver metastasis in mouse models of metastatic CRC. Their findings provide a rational for clinical trials of metronomic oral topotecan …
A computer simulation of radio-frequency ablation of the endocardium

A computer simulation of radio-frequency (RF) ablation of the endocardium is performed. The objective is to quantify some of the parameters affecting lesion growth, and to obtain theoretical data which can be used as a guide to maximize the lesions obtained with the procedure. The model under consideration consists of a block of heart tissue with the catheter electrode making contact at a right angle on one side (endocardium) and a large grounded electrode on the other side. An RF electrical current flows between the electrodes, heating the tissue. The simulations provide information on the time evolution of the tissue temperature, lesion dimension and tissue resistance. A first set of calculations is based on an applied RF voltage that maintains the maximum tissue temperature at 100/spl deg/C. The results reveal that: 1) the lesions achievable by RF ablation are considerably larger than those obtained with a hot-tip catheter of the same size; 2) increasing the electrode radius enlarges the lesion because of an associated increase in contact surface area; 3) an increase in electrode length also enlarges the lesion because of the larger convective losses to the blood flow; 4) a large difference in temperature may exist between the electrode and the tissue because of the cooling effect of the blood flow; and 5) the lesions grow as long as power is applied. Other simulations in which the RF voltage is constant show that the lesions can be enlarged by lowering the applied voltage while increasing the duration. Agreement and discrepancies between the simulations and reported experimental results are identified. Finally, suggestions for improving the procedure are given. >
A neural network based identification-control paradigm via adaptive prediction

A neural-network-based control scheme with an identification-prediction-control paradigm for a linear (nonlinear) single-input single-output (SISO) system is proposed. A Hebbian or projection learning algorithm is used for neuronal identification of the system, an adaptive d-step ahead prediction method is derived for anticipating its dynamic behavior, and the control law is obtained on the basis of the prediction. Therefore, one has two control loops: the inner loop for identification and the outer loop for control. The proposed control architecture has better performance in the case of linear processes. It is emphasized that the learning mechanisms of artificial neural networks can relax some restrictions on the process. >
Age Related Differences in Diffusion Tensor Indices and Fiber Architecture in the Medial and Lateral Gastrocnemius

Purpose To investigate age related changes in diffusion tensor indices and fiber architecture of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius (MG and LG) muscles using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Materials and Methods The lower leg of five young and five senior subjects was scanned at 3 Tesla and DTI indices extracted using three methods: region of interest, histogram, and tract based. Tracked fibers were automatically edited to ensure physiologically relevant tracks. Pennation angles were measured with respect to the deep and superficial aponeuroses of both muscles. Results The three methods provided internally consistent measures of the DTI indices (correlation coefficient in the range of 0.90–0.99). The primary, secondary, and tertiary eigenvalues in the MG and LG increased significantly in the senior cohort (P < 0.05), while the small increase in fractional anisotropy with age was not significant (MG/LG: P = 0.39/0.85; 95% confidence interval: [−0.059/−0.056, 0.116/0.064]). Fiber lengths of MG fibers originating distally were significantly decreased in seniors (P < 0.05) while pennation angles decreased with age in the MG and LG but this was not significant. Conclusion Fiber atrophy and increased fibrosis have opposing effects on the diffusion indices resulting in a complicated dependence with aging. Fiber architectural changes could play a role in determining aging muscle function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:941–953. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and applications of on-wafer diode noise sources

A set of wafer-probable diode noise source transfer standards are characterized using on-wafer noise-temperature methods developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, CO. We review the methods for accurate measurement and prediction of on-wafer noise temperature of off-wafer and on-wafer noise source standards. In analogy with the excess noise ratio (ENR) for hot noise temperatures, we introduce a representation for cold noise temperatures called the cold noise ratio (CNR), which is expressed in decibels. The ENR and CNR noise source representations share the property that the difference between off-wafer and on-wafer values may be approximated by the probe loss. We present measurements of the on-wafer ENR and reflection-coefficient information for a preliminary set of on-wafer diode transfer standards at frequencies from 8 to 12 GHz. Such transfer standards could be used in interlaboratory comparisons, as a noise calibration verification tool, as direct calibration artifacts, or as the basis for a new "noise-source probe" conceptualized here.
On the optimization aspects of parameterized neurocontrol (PNC) design

Neural-networks are fast gaining acceptance as a new technology for manufacturing control. The applications of the technology are diverse and can be classified into two broad categories: neural-networks as process models and as controllers. Much has been written on the first topic, and in this article we focus on the second. We review several ways of developing neural-network controllers, concluding with the concept of parameterized neurocontrollers (PCN's). The PNC concept allows a neural-network controller to be developed once by extensive off-line optimization and then used over a range of professes and performance criteria without any further application-specific retraining. The concept is illustrated with a simple example. Throughout this article, we view neural-network control design as a nonlinear optimization problem and discuss related aspects such as the choice of cost function, the type of optimization algorithm, and the intimate connection between the two.
Exploring the Within-Person Coupling of Reading Vision and Cognition in the Elderly

This study examined the within-person relationship between reading vision and cognitive functioning. Analysis was conducted on 36 community-dwelling elderly (age range = 60-87) who completed a reading vision task and three cognitive tests (i.e., Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task (AVLT), Letter Series, and Number Comparison) twice a day over 60 consecutive days. Significant within-person variability was found for the reading vision measure. Additionally, a main effect was found for reading vision and performance on the AVLT and Number Comparison task; such that on occasions when reading vision was poor, cognitive performance suffered.
Economic Coercion as an Instrument of Foreign Policy: U.S. Economic Measures Against Cuba and the Dominican Republic

The application of economic sanctions against Rhodesia and the results of that effort raise the question of the effectiveness of economic coercion as an instrument of foreign policy. A review of U.S. economic coercion against Cuba, in effect since June 1960, and against the Dominican Republic during the period 1960–1962 may be timely and instructive. By exploring the steps leading to the application of U.S. economic coercion, its objectives, and its concrete impact on the target states it may be possible to develop some useful generalizations about the role of economic weapons as tools of foreign policy.
Motion of Brownian molecular motor: nanoscale-based modeling, analysis, and control

By modeling the "Brownian ratchet", it is possible to explain how living cells move and change shape. The importance of Brownian motion is its versatility in explaining a wide range of biological. processes that occur at the molecular level. This paper reports model developments, simulation, and analysis of control mechanisms in nanobiomotors.
Optoelectronic Simulation of the Klein Paradox based on Negative Refraction Phenomenon

Having shown elsewhere [1] that the Klein paradox for the Klein-Gordon (KG) equation of spin-zero particle manifests exactly the same kind of wave propagation and negative refraction phenomena, which also exist in the scattering of TM (transverse-magnetic)–polarized electromagnetic (EM) wave incident on a left handed medium (LHM), we show in this paper that it is possible to simulate the Klein paradox, using this peculiar feature of LHMs. Real time control and processing of certain quantum systems, involving controlled pair production rate and distribution, among others, could be achieved by this optoelectronic simulator using appropriate transformations and approximations.
Seizure propagation and ATP depletion in the rat stroke model.

Summary: Cerebral infarction was produced in rats by internal carotid injection of 35 μplastic microspheres. Electroencephalograms were recorded through the scalp and from the thalamus. Regional concentration of endogenous brain ATP was studied by the histochemical bioluminescent method. Following embolization, a specific pattern of seizure propagation is noted. Spike activity appears first in the contralateral hemisphere, then the contralateral thalamus, infarcted thalamus, and finally the cortex. The results of these present experiments suggest that seizure activity following an evolving focal ischemic injury in the brain appears in the face of lowered ATP content. RESUMEN Se han producido infartos cerebrales en ratas mediante la inyeccion en el interior de la carotida interna de microesferas de plastico de 35 μ. Se registraron electroencefalogramas a traves del cuero cabelludo y del talamo. Utilizando el metodo de bioluminiscencia histoquimica se determino la concentracion regional de ATP cerebral endogeno. A partir de la emboliza-cion se noto un parton especifico de propagacion del ataque. En primer lugar aparece una actividad de puntas en el hemisferio contralateral, despues en el talamo contralateral, en el talamo infartado y finalmente en la corteza. El resultado de estos experi-mentos sugiere que la actividad comicial que sigue a un insulto isquemico cerebral en evolucion se produce en presencia de una reduccion del contenido de ATP. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ein zerebraler Infarkt wurde bei Ratten durch Injektion von 35 μ-grosen Plastik-Mikrospharen in die A. carotis interna erreicht. Die EEG-Ableitung erfolgte von der Schadeloberflache und vom Thalamus. Die regionale Konzentration endogenen Hirn ATP's wurde durch die histochemische Bioluminiszenz-Methode erreicht. Nach Embolisierung wurde ein spezifisches Bild der Anfallspropagierung bemerkt. Die Spike-Aktivitat erschien zuerst in der kontralateralen Hemisphare, dann im kontralateralen Thalamus, im infarzierten Thalamus und schlieslich im Cortex. Die Ergebnisse dieser Experimente Legen die Vermutung nahe, das die Krampfaktivitat nach einen fokalen ischiamischen Insult des Gehirns angesichts eines verminderten ATP-Gehalts auftritt.
Gender, Threat/Control-Override Delusions and Violence

This study brings together the threat/control-override perspective and the literature on gender and stress coping to argue that gender moderates the association between threat delusions and violence. We suggest that men are more likely than women to respond to stressors such as threat delusions with violence. We test these ideas using data from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, a multi-wave study of post-discharge psychiatric patients. Within-person results from two-level hierarchical models support the idea that men and women cope with threat delusions differently. Specifically, we find that men are significantly more likely to engage in violence during periods when they experience threat delusions, compared with periods when they do not experience threat delusions. In contrast, women are significantly less likely to engage in violence during times when they experience threat delusions, compared with periods when they do not. We discuss these findings in light of the literature on gender and stress coping.
Ethics of clinician communication in a changing communication landscape: guidance from professional societies.

BACKGROUND Cancer experts engage in public communication whenever they promote their research or practice, respond to media inquiries, or use social media. In a changing communication landscape characterized by new technologies and heightened attention to cancer controversies, these activities may pose ethical challenges. This study was designed to evaluate existing resources to help clinicians navigate their public communication activities. METHODS We conducted a systematic, qualitative content analysis of codes of ethics, policy statements, and similar documents disseminated by professional medical and nursing societies for their members. We examined these documents for four types of content related to public communication: communication via traditional media; communication via social media; other communication to the public, policy, and legal spheres; and nonspecific language regarding public communication. RESULTS We identified 46 documents from 23 professional societies for analysis. Five societies had language about traditional news media communication, five had guidance about social media, 11 had guidance about other communication domains, and 15 societies offered general language about public communication. The limited existing guidance focused on ethical issues related to patients (such as privacy violations) or clinicians (such as accuracy and professional boundaries), with less attention to population or policy impact of communication. CONCLUSIONS Cancer-related professional societies might consider establishing more specific guidance for clinicians concerning their communication activities in light of changes to the communication landscape. Additional research is warranted to understand the extent to which clinicians face ethical challenges in public communication.
The recursive polarized dual calculus

This paper introduces the Recursive Polarized Dual Calculus (RP-DC), based on Wadler's Dual Calculus. RP-DC features a polarized form of reduction, which enables several simplifications over previous related systems. It also adds inductive types with recursion, from which coinductive types with corecursion can be defined. Typing and reduction relations are defined for RP-DC, and we consider several examples of practical programming. Logical consistency is proved, as well as a canonicity theorem showing that all closed values of a certain family of types are canonical. This shows how RP-DC can be used for practical programming, where canonical final results are required.
A new method of forming a thin single-crystal silicon diaphragm using merged epitaxial lateral overgrowth for sensor applications

Merged epitaxial lateral overgrowth (MELO) of silicon was combined with an SiO/sub 2/ etch stop to form a 9- mu m-thick and 250- mu m*1000- mu m single-crystal Si membrane for micromechanical sensors. When epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) silicon merges on SiO/sub 2/ islands, it forms a local silicon-on-insulator (SOI) film of moderate doping concentration. The SiO/sub 2/ island then acts as a near-perfect etch top in a KOH- or ethylenediamine-based solution. The silicon diaphragm thickness over a 3-in wafer has a standard deviation of 0.5 mu m and is precisely controlled by the epitaxial silicon growth rate ( approximately=0.1 mu m/min) rather than by conventional etching techniques. Diodes fabricated in the substrate and over MELO regions have nearly identical reverse-bias currents, indicating good quality silicon in the membrane. >
Difficult Dialogues About Race and Poverty in Teacher Preparation

Poverty continues to be a vexing problem in the United States. Despite the fact that many have recovered from the great recession of 2008, many people, disproportionately people of color still feel the effects of poverty. Perhaps, most troubling is the manner in which poverty affects children. US schools see the effects of poverty in many ways, from homelessness, lack of access to medical attention, lack of academic preparation, and limited parental engagement. The challenge remains that many educators are ill equipped to fully understand and respond to the harsh circumstances that poverty causes for children. In this chapter, the authors examine the racialization of poverty, discuss some of the pertinent literature around poverty, and then offer critical race theory and intergroup dialogue as analytical tools to help preservice and inservice teachers acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions to adequately teach and talk about students living in poverty.
Investor Competition over Information and Stock Returns

Drawing upon recent research on the governance effect of information competition among informed investors, we hypothesize a cross-sectional variation in future stock returns that is conditional on information competition. Measuring competition using the concentration of institutional ownership, we show one-quarter-ahead and one-year-ahead returns are increasing in the intensity of information competition. This relationship stems from competition among short-term institutional investors and is more pronounced for stocks with high valuation uncertainty and/or when managerial incentives are more aligned with stock prices. We also find that intense information competition is associated with superior operating performance and more favorable earnings news in the next four quarters. Overall, the results suggest that equity prices and corporate performance are related to competition among informed investors.
Individualized Fitness Program

(1979). Individualized Fitness Program. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 50, No. 9, pp. 35-37.
Recent progress in immunotherapy for malignant glioma: treatment strategies and results from clinical trials.

Background: Despite advances in surgical and adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy strategies, malignant gliomas continue to be associated with poor prognoses. Methods: We review immune-mediated treatment approaches for malignant glioma and the relevance of recent clinical trials and their outcomes. We specifically address the increasing evidence implicating the role of cytotoxic T cells in ensuring adequate immune-mediated clearance of neoplastic cells and the need for the optimization of therapies that can elicit and support such antitumor T-cell activity. Results: The poor outcome of this disease has spurred the search for novel experimental therapies that can address and overcome the root biological phenomena associated with the lethality of this disease. The use of immunotherapy to bolster the otherwise impaired antitumor immune responses in glioma patients has received increasing attention. Conclusions: An effective treatment paradigm for malignant gliomas may eventually require a multifaceted approach combining two or more different immunotherapeutic strategies. Such scenarios may involve the use of local cytokine gene therapy to enhance glioma-cell immunogenicity in conjunction with dendritic cell-based active vaccination to stimulate systemic tumoricidal T-cell immunity. Given the heterogeneity of this disease process and the potential risk of immunoediting out a selected, treatment-refractory tumor cell population, the concurrent use of multiple modalities that target disparate tumor characteristics may be of greatest therapeutic relevance. Several immune-mediated treatment approaches for malignant brain tumors, as well as the relevance and outcomes from recent clinical trials, are reviewed.
Thoracic Incidental Findings in Preoperative Computed Tomography Evaluation for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Background:Many older patients with aortic stenosis are excluded from surgical intervention due to multiple comorbidities. For these patients, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a viable treatment alternative. Cardiothoracic computed tomography (CT) provides detailed anatomic assessme