cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro-CT analysis of sea sponge pore architecture as a model of a cell-populated synthetic tissue scaffold

Sponges consist of a tissue skeleton that provides structure for its elaborate pore system of canals and chambers. Sponges have been noted for their remarkable ability to support cellular life within these pores. For that reason, their structure is of great interest to us since our goal is to create a scaffold that supports cell vitality beyond diffusion depth from the scaffold surface. In the sponge this is achieved by convective transport of nutrients through the pore system. Hence, understanding of the architecture of sea sponges has the potential to aid in the production of better design of porous, cell-populated, synthetic tissue scaffolds. Pore geometry affects depth and distribution of the solute transport needed to sustain the cells lining the pores. To explore this aspect we need accurate 3D measurements of pore architecture and interconnectivity. Three-dimensional micro-CT imaging can be used to characterize the desired microarchitecture labyrinthine pore structure of a sea sponge. The sea sponge was collected, dried, and then rotated in small angular measurements inside the scanner as an x-ray image was obtained at each angle of view. Reconstructed cross-sectional images of the sponge consisted of up to 10 7 cubic voxels, 20μm on a side. After reconstruction, Analyze 8.1 was used to display and generate measurements of the sponge's pores. The pores were subjected to a sequence of morphological erosion and dilation operations, each of which either removed or added one layer of voxels from the outer surface of the segmented pore. Hence, each erosion removed 40μm from the diameter of a pore. Progressive erosions were used to calculate pore volume and to disconnect pores from adjacent pores, thereby identifying connecting throats(s) as well as their diameter. Along with diameter, individual pore volume and surface area were also computed. Results show that the throats were predominately 264±129μm in diameter. Preliminary data show complex pore structures can be analyzed with morphological erosion and dilation image analysis techniques to provide significant quantitative data. Such data has provided information about throat identification and diameter, as well as pore volume and surface area. Ground work has also been laid for computing flow path of least resistance through the pore labyrinth from any point in the labyrinth.
Decreased Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Content Is Responsible for Defective Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Canine Heart Failure

Background —Altered excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in canine pacing-induced heart failure involves decreased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca uptake and enhanced Na/Ca exchange, which could be expected to decrease SR Ca content (CaSR) and may explain the reduced intracellular Ca (Cai) transient. Studies in other failure models have suggested that the intrinsic coupling between L-type Ca current ( I Ca,L) and SR Ca release is reduced without a change in SR Ca load. The present study investigates whether CaSR and/or coupling is altered in midmyocardial myocytes from failing canine hearts (F). Methods and Results —Myocytes were indo-1–loaded via patch pipette (37°C), and Cai transients were elicited with voltage-clamp steps applied at various frequencies. I Ca,L density was not significantly decreased in F, but steady-state Cai transients were reduced to 20% to 40% of normal myocytes (N). CaSR, measured by integrating Na/Ca exchange currents during caffeine-induced release, was profoundly decreased in F, to 15% to 25% of N. When CaSR was normalized in F by preloading in 5 mmol/L external Ca before a test pulse at 2 mmol/L Ca, a normal-amplitude Cai transient was elicited. E-C coupling gain was dependent on CaSR but was affected similarly in both groups, indicating that intrinsic coupling is unaltered in F. Conclusions —A decrease in CaSR is sufficient to explain the diminished Cai transients in F, without a change in the effectiveness of coupling. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that increase CaSR may be able to fully correct the Ca handling deficit in heart failure.
A discriminative stimulus produced by 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-piperazine (mCPP) as a putative animal model of anxiety

1. This study compares behavioral responses to serotonergic (5HT) agonists and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in two behavioral paradigms used as animal models of anxiety. PTZ and mCPP were compared for behavioral effects in elevated plus-maze and interoceptive discriminative stimuli they produce. 2. PTZ is a known anxiogenic drug. The discriminative stimuli of mCPP were selected for comparison because this drug produces "anxiety" in human subjects and "anxiety-like" behaviors in rats, and is a potent agonist at 5HT1B/2C receptors and a partial agonist at 5HT2A receptors. 3. In rats trained to discriminate mCPP (1.4 mg/kg, training dose) from saline, PTZ substituted for the mCPP suggesting the "anxiety-like" properties of the mCPP stimulus. The mCPP stimulus was blocked in a dose-related manner by methysergide, a 5HT2A/2C antagonist but not by the anxiolytic diazepam. TFMPP (a 5HT agonist) and DOI (a 5HT2A/2C agonist) substituted for mCPP, but 1-NP (a 5HT1 agonist and 5HT2C/2A antagonist) did not. 4. In animals trained to discriminate PTZ (16 mg/kg) from saline, mCPP and DOI substituted for PTZ, while TFMPP and 1-NP do not. 5. In the elevated plus maze, time spent on the open arms was reduced by mCPP, DOI and PTZ but there was no significant dose effect of TFMPP, or 1-NP. 6. Methysergide blocked the "anxiety-like" behavior in the EPM. 7. These data suggest that the discriminative stimuli produced by mCPP are based upon its selective actions on 5HT receptors and their use in behavioral pharmacology may offer another tool in studying pharmacology of 5HT based anxiogenic and anxiolytic drugs.
4733 Outcome of long term home enteral nutrition in patients with malignant dysphagia.

Background:Patients with a variety of malignancies may have severe dysphagia due to direct involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, the central nervous system, or as a result of antitumor therapies. In this setting enteral nutrition may be lifesaving and may be required for prolonged periods of time. Currently, neoplastic diseases account for approximately one-half of all patients receiving home enteral nutrition. Methods: A review of the records of all patients with malignant dysphagia who received home enteral nutrition for greater than 1 year was undertaken. For each patient the following factors were identified: age, primary cancer, type of enteral access, calories received, duration of therapy, complications, and need for tube replacement. Results: 82 patients were studied. Their mean age was 61 years (range 18-84). Primary cancers were as follows: head and neck 59 (71.9%), gastroesophageal 14 (17.0%), central nervous system 3 (3.6%), ovarian 2 (2.4%), and others 4 (4.9%). Enteral access devices used for long term feeding included percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) in 30 (36.6%) patients, low profile endoscopic button gastrostomy tube (PEGbutton) in 29 (35.3%) patients, percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube (PEJ) in 9 (10.9%) patients, low profile endoscopic button jejunostomy tube (PEJ-button) in 6 (7.3%) patients, surgical jejunostomy tubes in 8 (8.7%) patients. On average, patients received 1978 cal/day (range: 500-3000) and were maintained on home enteral nutrition for 976 days (range: 367-3026). Complications at the tube site were: infection in 4 patients (4.8%), significant leakage in 2 patients (2.4%), and bleeding in 1 patient (1.2%). Metabolic and gastrointestinal complications were: 15 patients (18.2%) with diarrhea which required change of formula, 10 patients (12.2%) with constipation, 10 patients (12.2%) with hyperglycemia, and 1 patient (1.2%) with hyponatremia. Average lifespan of the enteral access devices was: PEG = 690 days, PEG button = 1701 days, PEJ = 591 days, PEJ button = 902 days, and surgical jejunostomy = 1114 days. Conclusions:Home enteral nutrition is a safe and effective means of long term nutritional support in patients with severe malignant dysphagia.
Implications of attachment theory and research for developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

This article presents a basic overview of attachment theory, concepts, and research. The review includes a discussion of the nature of the attachment relationship, its origins in human evolutionary history, and common misconceptions about attachment. We describe phases in the development of attachment relationships and review research on factors that influence attachment variations. We discuss the implications of variations in early attachment relationships for later development (adaptation and maladaptation). And finally, we review briefly the implications of attachment theory and research for pediatric practice. Some key points are that (1) virtually all infants become attached to caregivers regardless of quality of care; (2) attachment relationships evolve in phases over time; (3) children with disabilities form attachment relationships in ways comparable to nondisabled children but manifest attachment somewhat differently; (4) the consequences for attachment of out-of-home care, separations, and significant disruptions (e.g., adoption) depend on timing and circumstances; (5) many infant regulatory difficulties, as well as child behavior problems, originate in the caregiving relationship; and finally, (6) change in parent-child relationship disturbances is complex and requires time and effort.
Forms of Attrition in a Longitudinal Study of Religion and Health in Older Adults and Implications for Sample Bias

The use of longitudinal designs in the field of religion and health makes it important to understand how attrition bias may affect findings in this area. This study examines attrition in a 4-wave, 8-year study of older adults. Attrition resulted in a sample biased toward more educated and more religiously involved individuals. Conditional linear growth curve models found that trajectories of change for some variables differed among attrition categories. Ineligibles had worsening depression, declining control, and declining attendance. Mortality was associated with worsening religious coping styles. Refusers experienced worsening depression. Nevertheless, there was no evidence of bias in the key religion and health results.
Synthesis and characterization of a nanophase zirconium powder

The reaction of ZrI4 with LiH in diethyl ether at ambient temperature produced an initial mixture of nanophase zirconium powder and LiI. After removal of most of the LiI by washing with ether, the remaining powder was annealed at 527 °C, 600 °C, and 650 °C. The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the annealed samples were consistent with the presence of Zr3O and ZrC. Transmission electron micrographs revealed that most of the sample annealed at 650 °C consisted of 6.3 nm particles, although some platelets as large as 100 nm across were present. The zirconium suboxide Zr3O was identified from lattice spacings and ZrC from electron diffraction. In combination with results from elemental analyses, it is concluded that the annealed sample contained 18 wt% ZrC, 44 wt% Zr3O, 9 wt% of a zirconium iodide, and 28 wt% Zr.
The induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide anion, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the peritoneal lavage cells of mice after prolonged exposure to dichloroacetate and trichloroacetate.

The induction of phagocytic activation in response to prolonged treatment with different doses of dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) has been investigated in mice. Groups of B6C3F1 male mice were administered 7.7, 77, 154 and 410 mg of DCA or TCA/ kg/day , post orally, for 4- and 13-weeks. Peritoneal lavage cells (PLCs) were isolated and assayed for the different biomarkers of phagocytyic activation, including superoxide anion (SA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In addition, the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the SA production was also assessed. DCA and TCA produced significant and dose-dependent increases in SA and TNF-α production and in MPO activity but the increases in response to the high doses of the compounds (> 77 mg/kg/day) in the 13-week treatment period were less significant than those produced in the 4-week treatment period. Also, dose-dependent increases in SOD activity were observed in both periods of treatments. In general, the results demonstrate significant induction of the biomarkers of phagocytic activation by doses of DCA and TCA that were previously shown to be non carcinogenic, with significantly greater increases observed at the earlier period of exposure, as compared with later period. These findings may argue against the contribution of those mechanisms to the hepatotoxicity/hepatocarcinogenicity of the compounds and suggest them to be early adaptive/ protective mechanisms against their long term effects.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's spacecraft anomaly data base and examples of solar activity affecting spacecraft

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Geophysical Data Center maintains a data base of anomalous spacecraft behavior attributed to environmental interactions. This paper introduces the data base and its capabilities. Examples from the data base are presented, and their environmentally related trends are illustrated. The active sun during 1989 provided valuable lessons in the interaction between the space environment and space borne technology. The effects of that activity are summarized.
Structural Form and Nonrigidity in 6, 7, 8, and 9-Atom Polyhedral Boranes - Molecular Orbital Calculations

Extended Huckel molecular orbital calculations and the Jahn-Teller theorem provide a reasonable rationale for the solution-state structures and the stereochemical nonrigidity of some closo borane anions. In the eight-atom borane, B8H82−, there is a very small energy gap between the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals for D2d, D4d, and C2v forms, all of which are observed either for the solid or the solution states. In contrast, these gaps are large in Oh-B6H62−, D5h-B7H72−, and D3h-B9H92− and smaller in plausible alternative polyhedral forms of these last three ions which are much more stereochemically rigid than B8H82− and do not show structural ambivalence in solution. Approximate second-order Jahn-Teller considerations applied to these various ions, B6 through B9, identify the B8H82− ion as the least rigid in this set of closo-polyhedral borane ions. Relatively large energy barriers to rearrangements are expected for D3h-B5H52− and D3h-B9H92− on the basis of degeneracies in the presumed most favorable transition states or reaction intermediates, C4v-B5H52− and C4v-B9H92−, respectively, in the idealized rearrangement paths for these two borane clusters. Since there is a degeneracy in C5v-B11H112, the Cs form is a far more reasonable transition state or intermediate for rearrangements of the highly fluxional C2v-B11H112− ion.
Growth Patterns of a Chironomid Shredder on Fresh and Senescent Tag Alder Leaves in Two Michigan Streams

ABSTRACT A chironomid, Brillia flavifrons Johannsen (Orthocladinii) previously thought to specialize on decaying wood, consumed Tag Alder leaves (Alnus rugosa (Du Roy)) in two Michigan streams, Schwartz Creek and the Ford River. Schwartz Creek's substrate is primarily sand and the principle allochthonous inputs are White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) needles and wood. The Ford River's substrate contains cobble and gravel. The primary inputs are deciduous leaves, with the majority being Tag Alder. Fresh Tag Alder leaves are commonly found in streams in the western Upper Peninsula, owing primarily to high beaver activity and secondarily to wind activity. Substantial green leaf inputs occur at a time when the previous year's leaves have been processed. In Schwartz Creek, B. flavifrons may be the primary shredder species, as the biomass of B. flavifrons exceeded the biomass of all other shredder insect species combined on fresh green Tag Alder leaf packs and autumn senescent Tag Alder leaf packs. This chirono...
A comparison of apparel quality: outlet stores versus department stores

Past research has shown that consumers believe there is a strong relationship between price and quality; they also believe there is a strong relationship between brand and quality. Therefore, when comparing similar pieces of apparel, items with a designer brand or a higher price are perceived, by most customers, to be of higher quality. The purpose of this study was to compare the pricing and quality of identical designer merchandise sold in department stores and manufacturers’ outlet stores. The researchers found no significant differences in the quality of apparel sold in the two retail formats; however, there was a significant difference in the price. The department store merchandise was 31 per cent higher in price than the outlet store merchandise.
Microscopic measurement of the degree of mixing for nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites by TEM images

For polymer nanocomposites, the small size of the fillers makes it difficult to analyze the degree of mixing quantitatively and often requires direct assessment via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To date, qualitative comparisons and indirect measurements of the degree of mixing by measurement of certain properties are the most common methods. Better methods to quantitatively characterize the degree of mixing in nanocomposites would aid in studies investigating the effect of process conditions on the mixing behavior. Alumina/PET nanocomposites of identical composition, but with different degrees of mixing were prepared using a batch mixer. For evaluation of the degree of mixing with respect to both dispersion and distribution, three different techniques were applied and compared. TEM particle density was useful for dispersion, but did not adequately characterize distribution, while the Morisita's index gave poor results due to a wide range of effective particle sizes. Both methods ranked the samples differently compared to direct visual observation. In contrast, the skewness calculated by the quadrat method produced results consistent with visual rankings, and was found to be most effective in comparing and quantifying the degree of mixing. Although the quadrat method requires proper selection of quadrat size for a particular particle concentration, the skewness from the quadrat method was found to be most suitable as a standard index for the degree of mixing in nanocomposites. The usefulness of the quadrat method was verified using a second set of nanocomposites prepared by a twin screw extruder showing the potential for application of this technique for process development and quality control in commercial nanomanufacturing processes. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Relation between Stimulus Context, Speech Audibility, and Perception for Normal-Hearing and Hearing-Impaired Children

In this study, the influence of stimulus context and audibility on sentence recognition was assessed in 60 normal-hearing children, 23 hearing-impaired children, and 20 normal-hearing adults. Perfo...
The Early Making of an Environmental Consciousness: Fish, Fisheries Commissions and the Connecticut River

In 1848, Joseph Ely, a 92 year old Yankee from Hadley, and Justin Alvord, an 85 year old neighbor of Ely's, told Sylvester Judd, a local historian, of a time when the salmon, shad and alewives were abundant in the Connecticut River. For Ely and Alvord, the fish of the Connecticut were important sources of food, and fishing was an important social event.' The annual fish runs up the Connecticut River were events which had linked the residents of the river valley to the resources of
Bold choices: how ethnic inequalities in educational attainment are suppressed

In this paper, I examine ethnic inequalities in educational attainment in England and Wales. I focus on the two main educational transitions in England and Wales: the transition at age 16, from compulsory to post-compulsory education, and the transition at age 18, from school to university. I take into account the distinction made by Boudon (1974) between ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ effects, and ask how far overall ethnic inequalities in educational attainment can be attributed to primary or secondary effects. The paper first assesses the extent of gross ethnic inequalities in the chances of making each transition, before asking how far the picture is altered by controlling for social class background. I then determine the relative importance of primary and secondary effects in creating ethnic inequalities in educational attainment. Results show that both primary and secondary effects are operating to produce ethnic inequalities in educational attainment. In general, where ethnic groups are disadvantaged re...
Deafferentation-induced increases in a synaptic vesicle protein in the adult rat superior cervical ganglion are associated with new protein synthesis.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that deafferentation of the adult rat superior cervical ganglion results in a transient increase in levels of a 65 kDa synaptic vesicle membrane protein (SV). The present study indicates that the observed increase in SV after deafferentation is the result of new protein synthesis. Treatment with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, for 8 h at selected times after surgery produces decreases in SV which are greater than that observed after treatment of unoperated animals. The results suggest than an increased rate of synthesis of this protein is induced by deafferentation. Transsynaptic factors may play important roles in regulation of protein synthesis in sympathetic ganglia.
The Woman Narrator’s Voice: The Case of Lucrezia Marinella’s Enrico

This essay explores the rhetorical strategies and the functions bestowed on specific characters that Lucrezia Marinella utilizes in her 1635 epic poem Enrico and proposes that the narrative voice is choral and gendered in subtle but important ways. It concentrates on rhetorical questions and indirect references to the narrator in the course of the plot as well as to one female character who becomes a spokesperson for the narrator. By building on the parallel between the gender of the city of Venice and of the narrator, Marinella enriches traditional rhetorical and narrative topoi, achieving a plural voice which is simultaneously male and female, and consequently neutral.
Histomorphometric analysis of experimental disc degeneration.

Symptomatic disc degeneration is a complex pathological condition that involves a cascade of events and is not totally understood. In this context, animal models gain an important role, allowing for better understanding of the degenerative process and therapeutic interventions. There are several models with different methods of evaluation of experimental disc degeneration (EDD), including imaging, biochemical, genetics, and histological approaches, but no real gold standard has been set. The authors aim to evaluate EDD by means of automated morphometric analysis and to determine values for differentiating normal and degenerated discs by this method. The criteria mean and total cellular area, mean and total cytoplasm area, and total nuclear area of cells in the nucleus pulposus were able to differentiate the condition of degeneration ( p
Differential Diffusion in Breaking Kelvin–Helmholtz Billows

Abstract Direct numerical simulations are used to compare turbulent diffusivities of heat and salt during the growth and collapse of Kelvin–Helmholtz billows. The ratio of diffusivities is obtained as a function of buoyancy Reynolds number Reb and of the density ratio Rρ (the ratio of the contributions of heat and salt to the density stratification). The diffusivity ratio is generally less than unity (heat is mixed more effectively than salt), but it approaches unity with increasing Reb and also with increasing Rρ. Instantaneous diffusivity ratios near unity are achieved during the most turbulent phase of the event even when Reb is small; much of the Reb dependence results from the fact that, at higher Reb, the diffusivity ratio remains close to unity for a longer time after the turbulence decays. An explanation for this is proposed in terms of the Batchelor scaling for scalar fields. Results are interpreted in terms of the dynamics of turbulent Kelvin–Helmholtz billows, and are compared in detail with pr...
Crack Paralleling an Interface Between Dissimilar Materials

A crack paralleling a bonded plane interface between two dissimilar isotropic elastic solids is considered. When the distance of the crack from the interface is small compared to the crack length itself and to other length scales characterizing the geometry, a simple universal relation exists between the Mode I and Mode II stress intensity factors and the complex stress intensity factor associated with the corresponding problem for the crack lying on the interface. In other words, if the influence of external loading and geometry on the interface crack is known, then this information can immediately be used to generate the stress intensity factors for the sub-interface crack. Conditions for cracks to propagate near and parallel to, but not along, an interface are derived.
A Recurrent Network Involving the Transcription Factors PU.1 and Gfi1 Orchestrates Innate and Adaptive Immune Cell Fates

Summary The transcription factor PU.1, encoded by the Sfpi1 gene, functions in a graded manner to regulate macrophage versus B cell generation; its higher concentration favors the macrophage fate. We demonstrated that Gfi1 reciprocally promoted B cell fate choice at the expense of myeloid progeny. Gfi1 -/- multipotential progenitors (MPPs) were unable to constrain the expression of PU.1 because Gfi1 functioned to repress the Sfpi1 gene by displacing PU.1 from positive autoregulatory elements. Attenuating a transcriptional module composed of PU.1 and Egr suppressed the B lineage developmental defects of Gfi1 -/- MPPs. Finally Ikaros, a transcription factor required for B cell development, promoted Gfi1 and antagonized PU.1 expression in MPPs. Our results reveal that a core transcriptional regulatory network used for directing cell fate choice in the innate immune system has been co-opted by Ikaros to orchestrate B lymphocyte generation. These findings have important implications for the evolution of the adaptive immune system.
Environmental Elements Involved in Communal Roosting in Heliconius Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Several Heliconius L. butterflies species form nocturnal aggregations in sites with a particular architecture. Roosts are usually formed under relatively dense vegetation mats where dry vines or branches provide a perch for the night. These sites may last for months. To understand the importance of factors related to the expression of Heliconius roosting, data on light, temperature, relative humidity, wind, and use of wing color cues were recorded at H. erato and H. sara roost sites in Costa Rica and Panama in 2008 and 2009. The results show that roost sites offer reduced light conditions at dusk, provide a drier environment compared with its vicinity, and offer protection from wind and rain. Moreover, individuals use wing color recognition under reduced light conditions at dusk to successfully assemble aggregations. These findings provide key information for future experiments to study the use of landmarks, hygrosensitivity, and dim-light eye adaptations in Heliconius navigation to find roost sites.
A benzothiazole-based sensor for pyrophosphate (PPi) and ATP: mechanistic insight for anion-induced ESIPT turn-on

A benzothiazole derivative 2 bearing two 2,2'-dipicolylamine (DPA) groups was examined for its zinc-binding and subsequent anion sensing properties. The study revealed the anion sensing mechanism of polyphosphate anions via sequential binding to two zinc centers, on the basis of both 1H NMR and mass spectral evidences. The mechanistic insight would provide valuable information for the future design of new excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) sensors. In addition, the zinc complex exhibited the solvent-switchible selectivity, responding to pyrophosphate (PPi) in EtOH but adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) in water.
Adaptive subcarrier selection for mitigating Bluetooth interference in OFDM-based wireless LANS operating at 2.4 ghz

IEEE 802.11g WLANs operating at 2.4 GHz face interference from Bluetooth which also uses the same frequency. IEEE 802.11g is an orthogonal frequency divison multiplexing (OFDM) based WLAN standard. Adaptive subcarrier selection (ASuS) involves using feedback from the receiver to dynamically allocate subcarriers for OFDM transmission. This paper proposes a method to avoid Bluetooth interference using ASuS. By adaptively choosing subcarriers for OFDM transmission, the frequencies used by Bluetooth can be avoided. Power level deviations in small groups of contiguous subcarriers with respect to other subcarriers in an OFDM symbol can be used as an indication of Bluetooth interference. Simulations show that as compared to the conventional OFDM technique, adaptive subcarrier selection results in significant reduction in the packet error rate.
ESI: Easy software interfacing tools for Turbo Pascal programming of digital input-output devices

We describe some programming tools for real-time monitoring and control of digital laboratory devices. These create several interrupt-driven processes that operate in the “background” of the user’s program. An event buffer logs switch closures, thus helping the user’s program keep up with events. Other simple commands (e.g., TurnOn) take a line number and a time argument as parameters; they are automatically executed at the time specified. Applications to operant conditioning are discussed.
The Poisson's problem for the Laplacian with Robin boundary condition in non-smooth domains

Given a bounded Lipschitz domain $\Omega\subset {\mathbb R}^n$, $n\geq 3$, we prove~that the Poisson's problem for the Laplacian with right-hand side in $L^p_{-t}(\Omega)$, Robin-type boundary datum in the Besov space $B^{1-1/p-t,p}_{p}(\partial \Omega)$ and non-negative, non-everywhere vanishing Robin coefficient $b\in L^{n-1}(\partial \Omega)$, is uniquely solvable in the class $L^p_{2-t}(\Omega)$ for $(t,\frac{1}{p})\in {\mathcal V}_{\epsilon}$, where ${\mathcal V}_{\epsilon}$ ($\epsilon\geq 0$) is an open ($\Omega$,$b$)-dependent plane region and ${\mathcal V}_{0}$ is to be interpreted ad the common (optimal) solvability region for all Lipschitz domains. We prove a similar regularity result for the Poisson's problem for the 3-dimensional Lame System with traction-type Robin boundary condition. All solutions are expressed as boundary layer potentials.
THE NON-LINEAR SLOW NORMAL MODE AND STOCHASTICITY IN THE DYNAMICS OF A CONSERVATIVE FLEXIBLE ROD/PENDULUM CONFIGURATION

Abstract The geometric structure has been analyzed of the slow periodic motions of a conservative structural/mechanical system consisting of a stiff linear elastic rod coupled to a non-linear pendulum oscillator. Using the theory of geometric singular perturbations, we have computed analytically a two-dimensional invariant non-linear manifold of motion in phase space, called the slow manifold. Numerical experiments reveal that all motions initiated on the slow manifold are purely slow periodic and share common properties. The slow invariant manifold is the geometric realization of a non-linear normal mode, which consists of master and slaved dynamics. The normal mode is non-classical since it does not satisfy the classical definition of vibrations-in-unison. The analysis reveals that the slow invariant manifold carries a heteroclinic motion. Its existence is verified numerically by showing that all its Lyapunov characteristic exponents are zero. Above some critical coupling between the flexible rod and pendulum, the slow normal mode interacts, first at the energy level of the heteroclinic motion, with the fast dynamics to create stochastic motions. The strength of stochasticity, measured by the Lyapunov characteristic exponents, increases as the coupling increases.
Effects of attachment substrates on the growth and differentiation of LLC-PK1 cells.

The growth and differentiation of an established renal epithelial cell line, LLC-PK1, on membrane bound mussel adhesive protein (MAP), collagen, and extracellular matrix (ECM) in serum-containing medium was studied. Cell attachment and growth on uncoated- vs. protein-coated cellulose nitrate and acetate membranes did not differ significantly, and confluence was achieved on all membranes. However, cells remained in a single monolayer only when plated on collagen or ECM. LLC-PK1 monolayers grown on ECM-coated membranes displayed the highest transepithelial D-glucose transport (333 +/- 22 ng.cm-2.min-1) whereas cells plated on collagen-coated membranes displayed the lowest (94 +/- 23 ng.cm-2.min-1). Glucose flux values increased with age of the culture, reaching a plateau at 28 d postseeding. These results indicate that the underlying substratum and cell age can affect differentiation of renal epithelial cells in vitro.
Vector photorefractive spatial solitons.

We derive vector soliton solutions for photorefractive media in which the refractive-index perturbations must be treated as tensors. The two polarizations of the vector solitons may be coupled through the space-charge field alone and/or through cross terms in the electro-optic tensor, which requires phase matching and specific configurations. We analyze bright planar vector solitons and verify their stability.
Acknowledgment of Reviewers

On behalf of the editors of Clinical Microbiology Reviews (CMR), I gratefully acknowledge the following individuals who served as reviewers for the journal during 2014. Their time and effort in reviewing articles are essential to ensuring the high quality of our publications, and their help is
Inferior mastoidectomy‐hypotympanic approach for surgical removal of glomus jugulare tumors: An anatomical and radiologic study emphasizing distances between critical structures

The technique of inferior mastoidectomy-hypotympanic dissection, with preservation of the middle and inner ear structures, has been established for radical surgical removal of glomus tumors involving the skull base. In order to study the gross anatomic differences and correlate with the computed tomography (CT) scan, 20 human temporal bones were dissected and accurate measurements between vital structures were made. This study revealed a wide variation in distances between the neurovascular structures, whereas the distances between inner ear structures were not statistically different. This original study of critical distances of gross topographic anatomical structures and CT correlation is very helpful indeed in the understanding of variations found in the surgical removal of lesions involving this important and challenging area of the skull base. The inferior mastoidectomy-hypotympanic dissection has been performed in the removal of six suitable tumors involving the jugular bulb area. This technique, combined with upper cervical dissection, is very useful for the radical removal of such neoplasms with preservation of external and middle ear structures as well as the function of the facial, eighth, and other lower cranial nerves.
A novel t(3;8)(p13;q21.1) translocation in a case of lipoblastoma

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of embryonic white fatty tissue primarily found in the extremities of children <3 years old (Batanian et al., Cancer Genet Cytogenet 125(1):10–13, 2001; McVay MR et al., J Pediatr Surg 41(6):1067–1071, 2006; Kamal et al., J Pediatr Surg 46(7):E9–E12, 2011). Translocations affecting the 8q11–13 region are commonly reported with lipoblastoma and proper diagnosis requires cytogenetic analysis to distinguish it from malignant myxoid liposarcoma (Miller et al., J Pediatr Surg 32(12):1771–1772, 1997; Morerio et al., Pediatr Blood Cancer 52(1):132–134, 2009). We describe an additional case of lipoblastoma containing a new translocation t(3;8)(p13;q21.1), which has not previously been reported in a healthy asymptomatic child.
Integration of Off-Track Sonic Boom Analysis for Supersonic Aircraft Conceptual Design

A highly desired capability for aircraft conceptual design is the ability to rapidly and accurately evaluate new concepts to avoid adverse trade decisions that may hinder the development process in the later stages of design. Evaluating the robustness of new low-boom concepts is important for the conceptual design of supersonic aircraft. Here, robustness means that the aircraft configuration has a low-boom ground signature at both under- and off-track locations. An integrated process for under- and off-track sonic boom analysis is developed to facilitate the design of robust low-boom supersonic aircraft. The key enabler for sonic boom analysis is accurate computational fluid dynamics solutions for off-body pressure distributions. To ensure the numerical accuracy of the off-body pressure distributions, a mesh study is performed with Cart3D (an inviscid computational fluid dynamics solver) to determine the mesh requirements for off-body computational fluid dynamics analysis. Comparisons are made between the...
Providing individuals with aphasia with both individual and group-based therapy could lead to better outcomes, but further research is needed

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Marshall, R. S., & Wallace, T. (2009). The effect of combined individual and group treatment on functional communication in aphasia after acquired brain injury. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 3, 111–124. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: This study was supported by a joint grant with University of Georgia Biomedical Health Sciences Institute and Shepherd Center Hospital of Atlanta. The original authors of this research did not report any conflicts of interests.
Linear Unsaturated Polyamides: Nylons 6 u18 and 18 u18

Linear unsaturated nylons 6 u18 and 18 u18 have been made containing a double bond in the center of the diacid segment with potential for additional functionalization. Solution state NMR showed the presence of a small portion of cis amide units. Solid state NMR verified the presence of the double bond in the bulk, and that the polyamides were present in the α-crystalline form. Thermal stability was comparable to linear saturated nylons, and the melting and crystallization temperatures of the unsaturated nylons were lower compared to the saturated analogs.
Biochemistry: Molecular hurdles cleared with ease.

Single-molecule studies reveal that a ring-like enzyme that encircles and 'slides' along one strand of duplex DNA, separating it from the other strand, overcomes molecular barriers in its path by transiently opening its ring. See Article p.205 The replicative helicase of simian virus 40 (SV40), the large T antigen (T-Ag), was thought to form a double hexamer that passed duplex DNA through the centre, forcing the unwound single-stranded DNA out the sides. Johannes Walter and colleagues now show that this model is incorrect, as the functional form is a single hexamer. Surprisingly, proteins bound to DNA do not form a barrier to movement of T-Ag, which is able to crack open the hexamer to bypass such protein roadblocks.
SU‐FF‐J‐147: Estimation of Thermal Response of Optically Tunable Gold Nanoparticles Embedded in a Tissue‐Like Medium

Purpose: To present a recent development on the computational method to estimate thermal response of optically tunable goldnanoparticles such as nanoshells or nanorods embedded in a tissue‐like medium when illuminated by a near‐infrared (NIR) laser. Method and Materials: The light transport theory with diffusion approximation was initially applied to model the temperature rise within a medium without gold nanoshells as a result of the dissipation of the NIR laser power throughout the medium. Subsequently, the heat generated by individual gold nanoshells due to photothermal effect was calculated and combined with the results for the medium without gold nanoshells to estimate the global elevation of temperature within the gold nanoshell‐laden medium. The current computational model was tested for its validity using two different phantom examples, one of which was similar to a previously reported phantom experiment.Results: The test demonstrated the capability of the current model in terms of producing qualitatively reasonable results, while it also revealed a number of potential differences in the assumptions for the current model and previous experiment. After an adjustment in the model parameters to properly take into account such differences, the computational results and the experimental data matched reasonably well within the average percentage difference of 10%. Conclusions: The calculation of temperature distribution from the heat transfer equation is straightforward with the fine element method using the commercial package. However, obtaining the changed optical constant of medium containing gold nanoshells is not an easy task in routine clinical applications. On the other hand, the method with the heat generated by individual gold nanoshell uses the known optical constants of tissue without gold nanoshells, which makes this modeling more practical in a treatment planning for the clinical use.
Shared aperture for two beams of different wavelength using reflective phase gratings and the Talbot effect.

A shared aperture system for two laser beams with different wavelengths and composed entirely of reflective phase gratings is described. Beams that share an aperture are collinear, and they have the same transverse phase profile across the aperture as their respective sources. Using the Talbot effect that is observed in Fresnel diffraction from periodic objects, we preserve the phase of the beams, and we maximize the efficiency of the system. An experimental Talbot shared aperture system using He–Ne and He–Cd beams has an efficiency of 88.1% for the He–Ne beam and 70.3% for the He–Cd beam. These measured efficiencies agree well with theoretical predictions and computer simulations.
Productivity and quality of annual and perennial clover-tall fescue mixtures

Winter annual legumes seeded in perennial clover-tall fescue pastures could increases early spring herbage production without N fertilizer. This study determined the productivity and forage quality of Regal' white (Trifolium repens L.) and Kenland' red clover (T. pratense L.)/tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) mixtures grown with and without Yuchi' arrowleaf (T. vesiculosum Savi.), Tibbee' crimson (T. incarnatum L.), and Meteora' subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L. var. yanninicum [Katzn. & Morley] Zoh.). The experimental design was a split plot with four replicates. Whole plots were red, white, red+white, and no perennial clover (...)
Abrogation of α-synuclein–mediated dopaminergic neurodegeneration in LRRK2-deficient rats

Missense mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene can cause late-onset Parkinson disease. Past studies have provided conflicting evidence for the protective effects of LRRK2 knockdown in models of Parkinson disease as well as other disorders. These discrepancies may be caused by uncertainty in the pathobiological mechanisms of LRRK2 action. Previously, we found that LRRK2 knockdown inhibited proinflammatory responses from cultured microglia cells. Here, we report LRRK2 knockout rats as resistant to dopaminergic neurodegeneration elicited by intracranial administration of LPS. Such resistance to dopaminergic neurodegeneration correlated with reduced proinflammatory myeloid cells recruited in the brain. Additionally, adeno-associated virus-mediated transduction of human α-synuclein also resulted in dopaminergic neurodegeneration in wild-type rats. In contrast, LRRK2 knockout animals had no significant loss of neurons and had reduced numbers of activated myeloid cells in the substantia nigra. Although LRRK2 expression in the wild-type rat midbrain remained undetected under nonpathological conditions, LRRK2 became highly expressed in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-positive myeloid cells in the substantia nigra in response to α-synuclein overexpression or LPS exposures. Our data suggest that knocking down LRRK2 may protect from overt cell loss by inhibiting the recruitment of chronically activated proinflammatory myeloid cells. These results may provide value in the translation of LRRK2-targeting therapeutics to conditions where neuroinflammation may underlie aspects of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration.
The role of painful events and pain perception in blood-injection-injury fears.

Background and objectives Research suggests that blood, injection, and injury (BII) fears are related to painful experiences; however the role of frequency, intensity, and perceived ability to handle such events remains unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BII fears and the frequency and intensity of prior painful experiences with blood, injuries, and injections. The relation of BII fears with self-reported tolerance and avoidance of physical discomfort and pain was also examined.
Quinone-amine polymers. XII. Synthesis and characterization of novel polymers from 2-phenylbenzoquinone and aliphatic diamines

In order to study the effect of the presence of phenyl groups in poly (amino-quinone) (PAQ) polymers, several novel poly(amino-2-phenylbenzoquinone) (PhPAQ) polymers have been prepared from 2-phenylbenzoquinone and aliphatic diamines, such as 1,6-diaminohexane, 1,8-diaminooctane, 1,12-diaminodod+++++, and 1,4-diaminocyclohexane. Prior to the polymerization, 2-phenylbenzoquinone was generated in situ from 2-phenylhydroquinone in the presence of calcium hypochlorite as the oxidizing agent in dichloromethane. All of the polymers synthesized have been characterized with respect to their corresponding model compounds. It was also found that unlike their analogous PAQ polymers, PhPAQ polymers were highly soluble in many common organic solvents because of the presence of phenyl groups in their polymer backbone. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Two arguments for scientific realism unified

Abstract Inferences from scientific success to the approximate truth of successful theories remain central to the most influential arguments for scientific realism. Challenges to such inferences, however, based on radical discontinuities within the history of science, have motivated a distinctive style of revision to the original argument. Conceding the historical claim, selective realists argue that accompanying even the most revolutionary change is the retention of significant parts of replaced theories, and that a realist attitude towards the systematically retained constituents of our scientific theories can still be defended. Selective realists thereby hope to secure the argument from success against apparent historical counterexamples. Independently of that objective, historical considerations have inspired a further argument for selective realism, where evidence for the retention of parts of theories is itself offered as justification for adopting a realist attitude towards them. Given the nature of these arguments from success and from retention, a reasonable expectation is that they would complement and reinforce one another, but although several theses purport to provide such a synthesis the results are often unconvincing. In this paper I reconsider the realist’s favoured type of scientific success, novel success, offer a revised interpretation of the concept, and argue that a significant consequence of reconfiguring the realist’s argument from success accordingly is a greater potential for its unification with the argument from retention.
Applications of cohomology to set theory II: Todorčević trees

Abstract We explore an application of homological algebra by developing a cohomology theory for a class of Aronszajn trees. Properties of this class, called Todorcevic trees, are examined. The system is compared to that for Hausdorff gaps introduced in the author's previous work and general results about both tree and gap systems are also proven.