cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast tracking: efficiently and safely moving patients through the intensive care unit

Abstract Improvements in surgical techniques, cardiopulmonary bypass, and diagnostic and interventional cardiology, along with evolving perioperative management strategies, have all contributed to a substantial reduction in mortality and morbidity for children with congenital heart defects. Along with these improvements, the cost for treating these patients has substantially increased. The delivery of cost-efficient care is now an additional variable to include when measuring or comparing outcomes, and issues in the intensive care setting such as duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay have become focal points for patient management. In this review the evolving perioperative management of congenital cardiac disease is discussed, with particular reference to the neuro-endocrine stress response and to clinical practice guidelines including fast track and early tracheal extubation protocols. The heterogeneous nature of congenital cardiac defects makes it difficult to apply diagnosis-directed management guidelines to all patients with a specific diagnosis. Each patient and his/her circumstances must be viewed individually and managed according to preoperative condition and stability, surgeon preference, any surgical or cardiopulmonary bypass-related complications, and postoperative cardio-respiratory status. The experience and current management strategies for various diagnoses in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital Boston are discussed.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis with vascular steal syndrome

the time of diagnosis or at postmortem examination.'-' Whether the leukemia is in remission or not, there is uniformly poor survival: 10 died among 21 patients collected from published accounts; 19 of 20 from one institution died within 2.3 months from the time of surgical intervention:. :3 The poor survival rates in these children may result from lack of proper diagnosis, because of confusion with chemotherapy toxicity and nonspecificity of signs. Indecision in a child with relapse may result in delay of treatment. Only three long-time survivors with ALL in remission at the time of operation survived the surgery and continued in remission; no note is made of the pathologic findings in these three patients: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a condition causing abdominal pain in the child with ALL is essential. The improved outlook for ALL should not be compromised by delayed surgical intervention when indicated for possible acute intra-abdominal disease.
Leaky-mode resonant reflectors with extreme bandwidths.

We present ultrawide flat-band reflectors enabled with multilevel resonant leaky-mode structures. The reflectors are designed using particle swarm optimization. We show that three-level silicon-on-insulator structures provide bandwidths of ~840 nm for TE polarization and ~835 nm for TM polarization, across which reflectance is greater than 99% and 97.5%, respectively. For the germanium-on-insulator system, the 99% TE and TM bandwidths are ~1100 nm and ~1050 nm. The results indicate the potential of multilevel resonant leaky-mode elements in electromagnetics and photonics.
Effects of ceramide analogs on myelinating organ cultures.

SUMMARY Analogs of ceramide which inhibit galactocerebrosidase also demyelinate or inhibit myelination in organ cultures of rat cerebellum. The potency of the analogs in culture correlated with their effectiveness as inhibitors of cerebrosidase, but not with their effectiveness as inhibitors of galactosyl transferase. The most effective compound was the decanoyl amide of 3-phenyl-2-amino-l,3-propanediol with erythroconformation. Stimulators of cerebrosidase also demyelinated cultures. With both groups of compounds, myelin sheaths became distorted, then broke into lipid droplets. Axons were preserved, but neurons showed some nuclear changes and granularity. Metabolic studies with the most effective inhibitor showed that glucose incorporation into cerebroside and other alkali-stable lipids was initially depressed compared to proteins and total lipids.
Ramifications of Monitoring Service Quality Through Passively Solicited Customer Feedback

It is common for service providers to collect data from customers as part of efforts to monitor quality. Often, this data is passively collected, meaning (a) any solicitation of feedback is done without direct customer interaction, and (b) the customer initiates any response given. Examples include customer comment cards, toll-free telephone numbers, and comment links on World Wide Web pages. This article compares passive data collection with active methods (e.g., interviews and mail surveys). Passive methods generally have lower response rates and are inherently biased, but have cost and sample frame advantages when used to monitor quality on a continuous basis. Despite the biased nature of passive methods, this article describes the successful validation of a common customer-response model with passively collected empirical data. The model is expanded to consider the impact of complaint and compliment solicitation on customers' evaluation of the service provider. Results show that this impact is negative, and that customers who spontaneously register complaints generally record higher ratings of the service provider than customers who complain in response to a complaint solicitation. Discussion and conclusions are given.
Stressor-induced modulation of immune function: a review of acute, chronic effects in animals.

The present paper reviews recent studies on the effects of stress on immune function in laboratory animals. The emphasis is on those studies where a simultaneous comparison of acute and chronic stress regimens was determined, although additional relevant studies are also reviewed. The effects of stress on basic measurements of cellular and humoral immune measures are discussed, including the growing number of studies that have reported alterations in macrophage functions. The latter are key elements in the innate immune response, and like measurements of T cell function and antibody production, are inhibited and enhanced by stressor exposure. This review does not focus on the mechanisms by which stress alters immune function, there being little to add conceptually in terms of what was reported previously (see Kusnecov AW, Rabin BS, Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1994;105:107–121.). However, a question is raised in the conclusion as to how stressor effects on immune function should be interpreted, for it is clear that immunological processes in and of themselves elicit central nervous system responses that neurochemically and endocrinologically do not differ from those produced in response to psychological stressors. Therefore, at least in the short term stressor-induced immune changes may not necessarily reflect maladaptive adjustments, although, as demonstrated by some studies reviewed in this paper, they may pose a serious risk to health should stressor exposure be persistent and uncontrolled.
Do young axons regenerate better than old axons

Abstract The discovery of a specific time at which central nervous system axons lose their regenerative capacity would provide a focus point for examining the mechanisms responsible for the transition to regenerative failure. We produced retinal lesions in chicks and mice of various ages. We later examined the retinas as silver-stained flat mounts, noting the regenerative response of the severed optic axons. In lesions made during or soon after the formation of connections between retina and brain, severed axons underwent immediate retrograde degeneration. This occurred so rapidly that there was no opportunity for sprouting. Such rapid retrograde degeneration is not surprising, as the lesions coincided with the normal cell death that occurs when axons fail to form appropriate connections. The rapid rate of retrograde degeneration decreased when lesions were placed at later ages. Sprouting could then occur, but was abortive from the start. Axons grew only short distances, with poor orientation. Thus, after the period of formation of connections between retina and brain, young axons appeared to regenerate as poorly as adult axons. In lesions made (in the chick only) prior to the formation of retinotectal connections, axons showed appropriate growth and guidance around or through the lesion area. Various considerations render it likely that these excellently growing axons included severed axons as well as newly arising unsevered axons, although this could not be conclusively shown. The period of formation of retina to brain connections may be a critical transition stage between an age of good regenerative capacity and one of poor regenerative capacity.
THE CALCULATION OF SCATTERING CROSS SECTIONS FOR POLARIZED X-RAYS *

The scattering of low energy X-rays by atoms is dominated by coherent (Rayleigh) and incoherent (many times known as “atomic Compton”) scattering. As electron synchrotron storage rings become more widely used as sources of intense, polarized X-rays, it is important to be able to properly calculate the scattering cross sections since the polarization of the X-rays can be utilized to reduce the X-ray scattering. This paper reviews the methods of calculating the Rayleigh and atomic Compton scattering cross sections of polarized X-rays and presents analytical integrations of the cross sections over solid angles of circular detectors from point sources into 90°. Special attention is paid to the effects the scattering has on the background of spectra collected with energy dispersive detectors. It is shown that the ratio of scattering to fluorescence does not approach zero for small values of rR (r = detector radius, R = distance to detector).
Hormones, nevi, and melanoma: An approach to the patient

For many years, clinicians have been concerned about a potential adverse effect of pregnancy-associated hormones and exogenous hormones on melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Today, these issues are more significant as women have delayed childbearing into their 30's and 40's, and the likelihood of diagnosis with melanoma during pregnancy is enhanced. More recent clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory studies have shed some light on the relationship among hormones, nevi, and melanoma in pregnancy.
α-Ethyltryptamine (α-ET) as a discriminative stimulus in rats ☆

Abstract α-Ethyltryptamine (etryptamine, α-ET) is a drug of abuse that first appeared on the clandestine market in the mid-1980s. Its pharmacological actions are poorly understood. In this investigation, it is reported for the first time that α-ET serves as a training drug in drug discrimination studies. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to discriminate (30-min pretreatment time) 2.5 mg/kg of α-ET (ED50 = 1.3 mg/kg) from saline vehicle using a standard two-lever operant paradigm and a VI-15s schedule of reinforcement for appetitive reward. Once established, the α-ET stimulus was shown to have an onset to action of 30 min and a duration of effect of at least 4 h. In tests of stimulus generalization (substitution), the α-ET stimulus generalized to S(−)α-ET (ED50 = 1.6 mg/kg) and R(+)α-ET (ED50 = 1.3 mg/kg). Tests of stimulus generalization were also conducted with prototypical phenylisopropylamines: (+)amphetamine, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM), and N-methyl-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (PMMA). The α-ET stimulus generalized to DOM (ED50 = 0.4 mg/kg) and PMMA (ED50 = 0.7 mg/kg), but only partially generalized (ca. 40% maximal drug-appropriate responding) to (+)amphetamine. The results suggest that α-ET produces a complex stimulus.
Dislocations in Ice.

The dislocation structures of dendritic ice crystals have been directly observed by x-ray diffraction topography. Growth occurs without the intervention of dislocations and very low dislocation dencities may initially prevail. Straining expands dislocations having 〈11[unknown]20〉 direction Burgers vectors from sources at grown-in inclusions. Slip of these dislocations in the basal plane (0001) and on pyramidal planes, probably (1¯101), with frequent occurrence of primatic punching, is observed. Dislocation reactions of the type (a 0 / 3) [11¯20] + (a 0 / 3) [1¯210] = (a 0 / 3) [2¯110] and a strong preference for pure screw orientation are characteristic. These dislocations generally account for the known anisotropy of plastic flow in ice.
Trichloroethylene-Promoted Photocatalytic Oxidation of Air Contaminants

The prospects for photocatalytic purification and treatment of air depend centrally on finding conditions for which the apparent photoefficiency for contaminant disappearance is near or above 100%. We recently demonstrated that destruction of a low photoefficiency contaminant, toluene, by addition of a high photoefficiency compound, trichloroethylene, could raise the toluene photoefficiency to provide 100% conversion in a single pass, fixed bed illuminated catalyst, using a residence time of about 5–6 ms. The present paper establishes the generality of this TCE enhancement of contaminant rate and photoefficiency by examining the photocatalytic oxidation of various common contaminants at 50 mg/m3in air, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aromatics, and chloroalkanes using near-UV-illuminated titanium dioxide powder in a flow reactor, in the absence and presence of trichloroethylene (TCE). Compounds exhibiting TCE rate promotion were toluene, ethylbenzene,m-xylene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetaldehyde, butyraldehyde, methyltert-butyl ether (MTBE), methyl acrylate, 1,4-dioxane, and hexane. Rate inhibition by TCE was exhibited for acetone, methylene chloride, chloroform, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. TCE presence had almost no effect on the benzene and methanol rates. Butanol and vinyl acetate single component conversions were 100% under our standard low flow rate conditions; increasing the flow rate quenched TCE conversion in the presence of butanol, and therefore no TCE enhancement effect could be noted.
Instantaneous Center Manifolds and Nonlinear Modes of Vibration

Nonlinear Normal Modes (NNM) have been defined in various ways; first by Rosenberg as a subset of periodic solutions of a nonlinear system and then by Pierre and Shaw as invariant manifolds tangent to the vector field of a nonlinear system at its equilibrium point. This work presents an alternative approach, namely Instantaneous Center Manifolds (ICMs), that extends the concept of modes of vibration to nonlinear systems,using both periodicity and invariance properties. Instantaneous Center Manifolds are invariant manifolds that contain all of the periodic invariant solutions of the nonlinear system. For conservative systems, ICMs contain all periodic solutions of the system, i.e., linear normal modes (LNM) or NNMs. For non-conservative system ICMs will contain only the periodic part of the solutions of the system on the invariant manifold that is tangent to the vector field at the equilibrium of the system. In the comparison between Rosenberg’s periodic solutions and Pierre and Shaw’s invariant manifolds, it is shown that these approaches do not necessarily define the same motions as nonlinear normal modes even in the simplest case of a symmetric conservative system. Specially, Pierre and Shaw’s invariant manifolds do not include nonsynchronous periodic orbits included in Rosenberg’s modified definition. The ICM approach is explained through three simple analytical examples, and is shown to be capable of finding solutions that have been remaining latent using the aforementioned approaches. New branches of nonlinear normal modes, separate from the main branches that are a continuation of linear modes, are illustrated. It’s shown that these new branches connect the main branches of Rosenberg’s NNMs, and make it possible to travel from one main branch to another. Some natural extensions and applications of the ICM method are briefly discussed in the conclusion.
Intracellular water specific MR of microbead-adherent cells: HeLa cell intracellular water diffusion.

The 1H MR signal arising from flowing extracellular media in a perfused, microbead-adherent cultured cell system can be suppressed with a slice-selective, spin-echo pulse sequence. The signal from intracellular water can, thus, be selectively monitored. Herein, this technique was combined with pulsed field gradients (PFGs) to quantify intracellular water diffusion in HeLa cells. The intracellular water MR diffusion-signal attenuation at various diffusion times was well described by a biophysical model that characterizes the incoherent displacement of intracellular water as a truncated Gaussian distribution of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs). At short diffusion times, the water “free” diffusion coefficient and the surface-to-volume ratio of HeLa cells were estimated and were, 2.0 ± 0.3 μm2/ms and 0.48 ± 0.1 μm−1 (mean ± SD), respectively. At long diffusion times, the cell radius of 10.1 ± 0.4 μm was inferred and was consistent with that measured by optical microscopy. In summary: 1) intracellular water “free” diffusion in HeLa cells was rapid, two-thirds that of pure water; and 2) the cell radius inferred from modeling the incoherent displacement of intracellular water by a truncated Gaussian distribution of ADCs was confirmed by independent optical microscopy measures. Magn Reson Med 57, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hyperplastic Growth of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells from Subjects with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Is Activated through JNK and p38 MAPK

Smooth muscle in the pulmonary artery of PAH subjects, both idiopathic and hereditary, is characterized by hyperplasia. Smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) isolated from subjects with or without PAH retain their in vivo phenotype as illustrated by their expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and expression of H-caldesmon. Both non PAH and PAH HPASMC display a lengthy, approximately 94h, cell cycle. The HPASMC from both idiopathic and hereditary PAH display an abnormal proliferation characterized by continued growth under non-proliferative, non-growth stimulated conditions. This effector independent proliferation is JNK and p38 MAP kinase dependent. Blocking the activation of either abrogates the HPASMC growth. HPASMC from non PAH donors under quiescent conditions display negligible proliferation but divide upon exposure to growth factors such as PDGF-BB or FGF2 but not EGF. This growth does not involve the MAP kinases. Instead it routes via the tyrosine kinase receptor through mTOR and then 6SK. In the PAH cells PDGF-BB and FGF2 augment the dysregulated cell proliferation, also through mTOR/6SK. Additionally, blocking the activation of mTOR also modulates the MAP kinase promoted dysregulated growth. These results highlight key alterations in the growth of HPASMC from subjects with PAH which contribute to the etiology of the disease and can clearly be targeted at various regulatory points for future therapies.
Inductance calculation of 3D superconducting structures

Abstract We propose a method for inductance calculation of three-dimensional superconducting structures by using software designed for high-frequency normal metal cases. By examining the analytical expressions for the current density distributions of the same ideal parallel plane structure in both the high-frequency normal metal case and the superconductor case, we obtain a correction factor for the kinetic inductance calculation in the latter. It is then assumed that this correction factor can be applied to real superconducting layers with finite widths. The total inductance of any superconducting structure can be obtained by finding the magnetic field energy in the high-frequency normal metal case with the same configuration, and adding the kinetic energy with the correction factor applied. Normal metal field simulators, such as MAXWELL, can readily be used. A SQUID loop inductance is simulated as a test case on MAXWELL, and 3% agreement is achieved with the experimental result.
A prospective study of the trajectories of clinical insight, affective symptoms, and cognitive ability in bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background Clinical insight in bipolar disorder is associated with treatment adherence and psychosocial outcome. The short-term dynamics of clinical insight in relationship to symptoms and cognitive abilities are unknown. Methods In a prospective observational study, a total of 106 outpatients with bipolar disorder I or II were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 26 weeks. Participants were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, clinical ratings of manic and depressive symptom severity, and self-reported clinical insight. Lagged correlations and linear mixed-effects models were used to determine the temporal associations between symptoms and insight, as well as the moderating influence of global cognitive abilities. Results At baseline, insight was modestly correlated with severity of manic symptoms, but not with depressive symptoms or cognitive abilities. Insight and depressive symptoms fluctuated to approximately the same extent over time. Both lagged correlations and mixed effects models with lagged effects indicated that the severity of manic symptoms predicted worse insight at later assessments, whereas the converse was not significant. There were no direct or moderating influences of global cognitive abilities. Limitations Our sample size was modest, and included relatively psychiatrically stable outpatients, followed for a six month period. Our results may not generalize to acutely symptomatic patients followed over a longer period. Conclusions Clinical insight varies substantially over time within patients with bipolar disorder. Impaired insight in bipolar disorder is more likely to follow than to precede manic symptoms.
Social influences on secure development tool adoption: why security tools spread

Security tools can help developers build more secure software systems by helping developers detect or fix security vulnerabilities in source code. However, developers do not always use these tools. In this paper, we investigate a number of social factors that impact developers' adoption decisions, based on a multidisciplinary field of research called diffusion of innovations. We conducted 42 one-on-one interviews with professional software developers, and our results suggest a number of ways in which security tool adoption depends on developers' social environments and on the channels through which information about tools is communicated. For example, some participants trusted developers with strong reputations on the Internet as much as they trust their colleagues for information about security tools.
Secretory ribonucleases are internalized by a dynamin-independent endocytic pathway

Cytosolic internalization is a requirement for the toxicity of secretory ribonucleases. Here, we investigate the mechanism of internalization of Onconase® (ONC), a toxic protein, and ribonuclease A (RNase A), a nontoxic homolog. Microscopy studies indicate that both ribonucleases readily bind to the cell surface and are internalized via acidic vesicles. Blocking dynamin-dependent endocytosis prevents transferrin internalization but does not hinder RNase A internalization. ONC and G88R RNase A, which is a toxic variant, demonstrate enhanced cytotoxicity in the absence of clathrin- and dynamin-mediated endocytosis. The cytosolic entry of ribonucleases does not require an acidic environment or transport to the ER and probably occurs from endosomes. Thus, common proteins — secretory ribonucleases — enter the cytosol by a pathway that is distinct from that of other known toxins.
Ionic composition of the plasma and whole blood of marine and fresh water eels, Anguilla rostrata

Abstract 1. 1. The concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride of the plasma and whole blood from marine- and fresh water-acclimated eels were determined. 2. 2. The mean concentrations of these ions in the plasma and whole blood of the marine eels were greater than in the fresh water eels; the mean hematocrit for marine eels was less than that of the fresh water eels. 3. 3. Significant differences were demonstrated between the plasma sodium and chloride and whole blood chloride of the two groups. 4. 4. Calculated intra-erythrocytic ion concentrations indicate that the ionic composition of the erythrocyte is altered by changes in ambient salinity.
Micro-flow visualization of red blood cell-enhanced platelet concentration at sudden expansion.

Microscopic steps and crevices are inevitable features within prosthetic blood-contacting devices. This study aimed to elucidate the thrombogenicity of the associated microscopic flow features by studying the transport of fluorescent platelet-sized particles in a suspension of red blood cells (RBCs) flowing through a 100 μm:200 μm sudden expansion. Micro-flow visualization revealed a strong influence of hematocrit upon the path of RBCs and spatial concentration of particles. At all flow rates studied (Re = 8.3–41.7) and hematocrit 20% and lower, RBC streamlines were found to detach from the microchannel wall creating an RBC-depleted zone inside the step that was much larger than the cells themselves. However, the observed distribution of particles was relatively homogeneous. By contrast, the RBC streamlines of samples with hematocrit equal to or greater than 30% more closely followed the contour of the microchannel, yet exhibited enhanced concentration of particles within the corner. The corresponding size of the cell depletion layer was comparable with the size of the cells. This study implies that local platelet concentration in blood within the physiological range of hematocrit can be elevated within the flow separation region of a sudden expansion and implicates the role of RBCs in causing this effect.
Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernias through the foramina of Bochdalek.

Abstract The occurrence of bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia is so rare that textbooks of general and pediatric surgery 1–3 fail to even mention the possibility of its existence. A review of the world's literature by Fitchett and Tavarez 4 in 1965 yielded only 9 cases plus one reported by them. Of these 10, only 2 were hernias through the foramina of Bochdalek; the remainder were hernias through the foramina of Morgagni. A review of the literature since 1965 failed to disclose further cases. This report then becomes the third of record. The first case of bilateral congenital Bochdalek herniation was reported by Bowers, McElin, and Dorsey in 1955. 5 Their patient was a 900 Gm. neonate whose duration of life was only 20 minutes. The sex and race of the child were not stated, but it was the result of a 35-week gestation in a 19-year-old primigravida. The presence of the hernias was not known until an autopsy was performed. It is not known whether or not a sac was present. The second case was reported by Fitchett and Tavarez 4 and represents the only known survivor with this condition. Their patient was a Negro male, born at term, weighing 2500 Gm. Both hernias had peritoneal sacs allowing viscera to herniate only 3 cm. into the pleural cavities.
Psychophysiology of the passive user: Exploring the effect of technological conditions and personality traits

Abstract This purpose of this study was to investigate physiological response patterns of passive users versus active users under varying technological conditions. The relationship between user personality traits and physiological responses was also explored. In work systems, different types of users interact with technologies in different ways. Active users may control technologies, while passive users may watch the active user and the technology. While they are both important stakeholders in the system, little empirical research has been conducted to understand the passive users to date. A mixed design experiment was conducted to investigate passive user psychophysiological state, while active and passive users operated a technology under varying technological states (normal, unreliable, and difficult). Physiological measures were collected from passive users while technologies were being operated, these included electrodermal and cardiovascular (heart rate and heart rate variability). Results show that individual active users and passive users have distinct physiological response patterns in heart rate and heart rate variability while using the technology. Exploratory analyses indicated that conscientiousness was positively related to individual active users' task performance; openness, agreeableness, and extraversion were associated with passive users' electrodermal and cardiovascular responses. In addition, social interaction is more influential for passive users' physiological responses, compared to task performing. The effects of active and passive user personality traits on technology interactions are illustrated through distinctive physiological responses. Relevance to industry Findings from this study suggest that to improve passive user experience, systems that include both active and passive users should be designed to facilitate communication and information sharing between users.
Improving 3G/4G receiver sensitivity (TIS) using antenna impedance matching networks

This paper explores new applications for antenna impedance matching networks. It is seen that a tunable matching network can improve the cell phone system noise figure and total integrated sensitivity (TIS) by at ~ 1 dB at 700 MHz - 3 GHz. The reason is that a mismatched low-noise amplifier has a higher noise figure and a lower gain than a noise-matched LNA, and therefore, a tunable matching network is important for noise matching in receiver applications. This would lead to shorter download times and more efficient 3G and 4G mobile networks.
EMG and Kinematic Responses to Unexpected Slips After Slip Training in Virtual Reality

The objective of the study was to design a virtual reality (VR) training to induce perturbation in older adults similar to a slip and examine the effect of the training on kinematic and muscular responses in older adults. Twenty-four older adults were involved in a laboratory study and randomly assigned to two groups (VR training and control). Both groups went through three sessions including baseline slip, training, and transfer of training on slippery surface. The training group experienced 12 simulated slips using a visual perturbation induced by tilting a VR scene while walking on the treadmill and the control group completed normal walking during the training session. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography data were collected during all the sessions. Results demonstrated the proactive adjustments such as increased trunk flexion at heel contact after training. Reactive adjustments included reduced time to peak activations of knee flexors, reduced knee coactivation, reduced time to trunk flexion, and reduced trunk angular velocity after training. In conclusion, the study findings indicate that the VR training was able to generate a perturbation in older adults that evoked recovery reactions and such motor skill can be transferred to the actual slip trials.
Hydroxy-beta-thiolactams to oxazole-2-thiones. A novel DMSO-promoted oxidation.

3-Aryl-3-hydroxy-1-methylazetidine-2-thiones react with HCl in DMSO to give 3-methyl-5-aryloxazole-2-thiones. Substituent effects correlate with rate effects on hydrolyses of acetals of benzaldehyde. An 17O labeling experiment indicates that the oxygen atom of the product is derived from the hydroxyl group. Trifluoroacetic anhydride/DMSO in CH2Cl2 can also promote the reaction. Mechanisms involving a Grob-type fragmentation of an activated substrate, followed by recyclization, or a cyclopropylcarbinyl type of rearrangement can account for this oxidative rearrangement.
Consequences of confirmation and disconfirmation in a simulated research environment.

Advanced undergraduate science majors attempted for approximately 10h each to discover the laws governing a dynamic system. The system included 27 fixed objects, some of which influenced the direction of a moving particle. At a given time, any one screen of a nine-screen matrix could be observed on a plasma display screen. Confirmatory strategies were the rule, even though half the subjects had been carefully instructed in strong inference. Falsification was counterproductive for some subjects. It seems that a firm base of inductive generalizations, supported by confirmatory research, is a prerequisite to useful implementation of a falsification strategy.
Effect of the posterior cruciate ligament in knee-joint proprioception in total knee arthroplasty.

The primary purpose of the study was to examine the role of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in knee-joint proprioception after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Knee-joint proprioception was measured in 10 patients with nonsacrificed PCL TKAs and 10 with sacrificed PCL TKAs. Knee-joint proprioception was evaluated through reproduction of static knee angles using a Penny and Giles electrogoniometer. The primary variable was absolute angular error (AAE). AAE was defined as the absolute value of the difference between the test angle and the patient's perceived version of the test angle. Proprioception deficit was compared to the WOMAC questionnaire which evaluates pain, stiffness, and physical function of the lower extremity. No significant difference was found between the nonsacrificed PCL TKA (4.33 degrees +/- 1.52 degrees) and sacrificed PCL TKA (4.38 degrees +/- 1.39 degrees) AAE values (P > .4). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the WOMAC questionnaire scores for all three parameters between the two types of knee prosthesis (P > .35). The current findings suggest that the preservation of the PCL in TKA may not improve knee-joint proprioception and subsequently may not improve TKA functional performance.
Reticulo-olivary circuits: An intracellular HRP study in the rat

Abstract Intracellular recording were obtained from medullary reticular neurons subsequent to electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral or contralateral inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) and/or the midbrain. After recording physiological data, the neurons were intracellularly injected with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Thirty-four HRP filled neurons were subjected to light microscopic analysis. They could be divided into two general groups: (1) those which extend dendritic processes into the neuropil of the inferior olivary complex (n= 19); and (2) those that have no anatomical relationship to the inferior olive (n= 15).. These two populations of reticular neurons differ in their distribution, morphological characteristics and physiological responses. Neurons which extend dendritic processes into the inferior olive are located within 200 μm of the dorsal border of this nuclear complex, between the exiting fibers of the XIIth nerve and the raphe. The cell bodies are located in the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis and are fusiform or multipolar in shape. Their dendrites extend for long distances in the mediolateral direction; are thin and relatively spine-free except at their distal tips where spines and varicose appendages are evident. Physiologically, midbrain stimulation elicits a fast rising hyperpolarization which is identified as an inhibitory postsynaptic potential. However, only rarely is a response observed subsequent to stimulation of either the ipsilateral or contralateral ICP. Dendrites from 4 neurons from the first group of reticular cells were analyzed at the ultrastructural level. Based on random and serial thin sections, the following features were noted: (1) they contain numerous mitochondria when compared to olivary dendrites; (2) they contribute to the postsynaptic elements within olivary synaptic clusters (glomeruli); and (3) they exhibit focal clusters of synaptic vesicles although conventional synaptic complexes have not been observed. Reticular neurons of the second group, those that do not extend dendritic processes into the inferior olive, are located either lateral to the XIIth nerve or at distances greater than 200 μm from the dorsal border of the inferior olivary complex. Their cell bodies and dendrites are comparable morphologically to the reticular neurons whose dendrites do arborize in the inferior olive. However, rarely are the distal tips of their dendrites characterized by spines or varicose appendages. Physiologically, this population of reticular neurons respond to midbrain stimulation with a low amplitude, short latency depolarizing potential which is interrupted by a hyperpolarizing potential. Responses were shown to be excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic, amplitude, graded depolarizing potential. No hyperpolarization was observed following this initial response. The present data suggest that there is a distinct population of medullary reticular neurons involved in the circuitry of the inferior olivary complex.
Determination of pairing symmetry using phase-sensitive tunneling in tricrystal cuprates

An unambiguous determination of the pairing symmetry in cuprate superconductors is important in order to understand the origin of high-temperature superconductivity. By making use of the effects of pair tunneling and flux quantization, we have designed and implemented several tricrystal experiments for phase-sensitive determination of the order parameter symmetry in high-Tc superconductors such as YBa2Cu3O7 Tl2Ba2CuO6, GdBa2Cu3O7, and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8. By using a high-resolution scanning SQUID microscope, we have made the first direct observation of spontaneously generated half-flux quanta at the tricrystal point. The half-integer flux quantum effect in various specially designed tricrystal cuprate systems provides strong evidence for d-wave pairing in high-Tc cuprates. Our various tricrystal experiments have demonstrated that this effect can be used as a general probe of the microscopic phase of the pair wavefunction in unconventional superconductors.
Using RABiTS to fabricate high-temperature superconducting wire

In order for many large-scale bulk applications of high-temperature superconducting materials to be realized, the cost/performance of the superconductors needs to be optimized. From a performance standpoint, a long, flexible, single-crystal-like wire is required; from a cost-and-fabrication standpoint, an industrially scalable, low-cost process is required. Both of these critical requirements are met by rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrates, a conductor-fabrication technique that employs simple, scalable, thermomechanical processing techniques to obtain a near-single-crystal-like, flexible metal substrate in arbitrary lengths on which epitaxial oxide buffer layers and superconductors are then deposited.
The First Hominins and the Origins of Bipedalism

Molecular and paleontological evidence now point to the last common ancestor between chimpanzees and modern humans living between five and seven million years ago. Any species considered to be more closely related to humans than chimpanzees we call hominins. Traditionally, early hominins have been conspicuous by their absence in the fossil record, but discoveries in the last 20 years have finally provided us with a number of very important finds. We currently have three described genera, Ardipithecus, Orrorin and Sahelanthropus, of which Ardipithecus is extremely well represented by cranial, dental, and postcranial remains. All three genera are argued to be hominins based on reduced canine size and an increased capacity for bipedal locomotion. The evolutionary relationships between these taxa and both earlier hominoids and later hominins are somewhat disputed, but this is to be expected for any species thought to be close to the root of the hominin lineage.
Polarizability and complex conductivity of dilute suspensions of spherical colloidal particles with charged (polyelectrolyte) coatings.

Abstract The dielectric relaxation of polyelectrolyte-coated colloidal particles is examined via “exact” numerical solutions of the governing electrokinetic equations. The charged polymer coatings are characterized by a nominal charge density, thickness, and permeability. Brush-like segment density profiles are considered here, but more sophisticated segment and charge density profiles are accommodated by the model. The role of added counterions and nonspecific adsorption is considered briefly before examining how the experimentally measured conductivity and dielectric constant increments reflect the frequency of the applied electric field, the strength of the electrolyte, and characteristics of the polymer coatings, namely the charge, charge density, and permeability. Finally, a strategy is suggested by which dielectric spectroscopy and electrophoresis can be used to characterize polymer-coated particles. This approach complements experiments where electroviscous effects such as dynamic light scattering and sedimentation are weak.
A Pervasive Assessment of Motor Function: A Lightweight Grip Strength Tracking System

With the growing cost associated with the diagnosis and treatment of chronic neuro-degenerative diseases, the design and development of portable monitoring systems becomes essential. Such portable systems will allow for early diagnosis of motor function ability and provide new insight into the physical characteristics of ailment condition. This paper introduces a highly mobile and inexpensive monitoring system to quantify upper-limb performance for patients with movement disorders. With respect to the data analysis, we first present an approach to quantify general motor performance using the introduced sensing hardware. Next, we propose an ailment-based analysis which employs a significant-feature identification algorithm to perform cross-patient data analysis and classification. The efficacy of the proposed framework is demonstrated using real data collected through a clinical trial. The results show that the system can be utilized as a preliminary diagnostic tool to inspect the level of hand-movement performance. The ailment-based analysis performs an intergroup comparison of physiological signals for cerebral vascular accident (CVA) patients, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) patients, and healthy individuals. The system can classify each patient group with an accuracy of up to 95.00% and 91.42% for CVA and CIDP, respectively.
Giant prostatic calculi.

Abstract An unusual case of giant prostatic calculus associated with urinary incontinence is presented. The calculus was removed suprapubically and the postoperative course was uneventful except for continuing incontinence. An incontinence procedure was performed with satisfactory results.
Uses of stable isotopes in clinical diagnosis and research in the paediatric population

The landmark experiments of Schoenheimer and Rittenberg in the 1930s provided the scientific foundation for the ensuing development and application of stable isotope techniques in clinical diagnosis and research.1 Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of the same chemical element, which differ only in their number of neutrons.2 Many elements also have radioactive (non-stable) isotopes. Aspects of macronutrient metabolism have been investigated employing molecules labelled with 2H (D or deuterium), 13C,15N, and 18O. Extensive literature is available detailing the use of 25Mg, 26Mg,42Ca, 46Ca, 48Ca, 57Fe,58Fe, 67Zn, and 70Zn isotopes in studies of mineral metabolism. The most commonly used radioactive isotopes are 14C and 3H (tritium).2 More than 6000 stable isotope labelled compounds (tracers) are commercially available for use in metabolic studies. Examples of some of these tracers are [1-13C] leucine, [1-13C, 15N] leucine, [ring-D5] phenylalanine, and [6,6]-D2glucose. It is currently accepted that these compounds have negligible biological side effects, which renders them ethically acceptable for use in children.3 Following intravascular or oral administration, the tracer is metabolically indistinguishable from the equivalent unlabelled compound of interest (tracee). The metabolic fate of the compound can be assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by measuring the relative abundance of tracer and tracee and/or their respective metabolites with time. The detectable mass difference of tracer and tracee allows the analysis of compounds, extracted from plasma, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS, picogram sample size, analytical range 0.1–100 mole %, precision ±0.2 mole %).4 5 The detection limit is considerably less than 0.1 mole %, when tracers with multiple stable isotope labels (for example ring-D5 phenylalanine) are used.6Stable isotopes in breath (12CO2 and …
Management of acute esophageal necrosis syndrome.

FIGURE 1. Endoscopic view of distal esophagus taken immediately before surgical correction of hiatal hernia. Photograph demonstrates circumferential necrotic appearing mucosa. CLINICAL SUMMARY A 62-year-old woman with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia was seen by her gastroenterologist after 4 days of nausea, coffee ground emesis, and lower retrosternal chest pain. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large hiatal hernia and necrotic mucosa in the distal half of the esophagus. The patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, a nasogastric tube was placed, and she was started on an empiric course of broad-spectrum antibiotics before being transferred to our institution for an impending surgical emergency. On arrival, the patient was afebrile, had normal vital signs, and was no longer reporting chest pain. She did not have a leukocytosis. Because of her stable clinical condition, the patient was observed while being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor for 4 days before an elective operation. Endoscopy confirmed ischemic changes starting 25 cm from the incisors and ending abruptly at the gastroesophageal junction (Figure 1). The outer esophagus and stomach appeared normal, with the exception of a shortened esophagus. A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was therefore performed over a 56F bougie with a concomitant esophageal lengthening procedure. The patient’s recovery was uneventful. She was observed in the hospital 4 days postoperatively while receiving a soft mechanical diet. Before discharge, she underwent a surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which revealed early healing of the distal esophageal mucosa (Figure 2). This patient returned to the clinic 3 weeks later, at which time she denied any recurrent episodes of emesis or of abdominal or chest pain.
THE GAP BETWEEN WHITES AND WHITENESS : Interracial Intimacy and Racial Literacy

How do White members of Black-White interracial families negotiate the meanings of race, and particularly Whiteness? Inspired by W. E. B. Du Bois's concept of double consciousness, this article argues that interracial intimacy is a microlevel political site where White people can acquire a critical analytical lens that we conceptualize as racial literacy. This article fills a gap in the empirical and theoretical literature on race and Whiteness by including gay, lesbian, and heterosexual families on both sides of the Atlantic. Drawing on two ethnographic research projects involving one hundred and twenty-one interracial families in the United Kingdom and the eastern United States, we provide an analysis of how White people learn to translate racial codes, decipher racial structures, and manage the racial climate in their communities. We draw on “racial consciousness” interviews conducted with one hundred and one heterosexual families and twenty gay and lesbian families to present seven portraits that illuminate three dimensions of racial literacy: double consciousness, negotiation of local racial meanings, and seeing routine forms of everyday racism.We would like to thank Kathleen Blee, Maxine Leeds Craig, Charles Gallagher, Caroline Knowles, Yaba Amgborale Blay, Joan Grassbaugh Forry, Kaila Adia Story, and two anonymous reviewers at the Du Bois Review for their insightful comments on earlier drafts of this article. Winddance Twine also benefited from the comments of the audiences in the Sociology Seminar series at the City University of London, Cambridge University, and the University of Manchester. The title of this essay is taken from John Hartigan, Jr.'s (1997, 1999) provocative notion of a racial gap: a chasm across which everyday experiences of Whites “on the ground” map imperfectly onto a cohesive and unifying concept of Whiteness (Frankenberg 1997).