cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Training letter discrimination in four-year-old children

Four-year-old children were tested on letter discrimination. Subjects in two experimental groups went through an experimental training program on a match-to-sample apparatus. Subjects in the experimental-critical group were given reinforcers for responding to features of the stimuli thought critical for discriminating letters while subjects in the experimental-noncritical group were given reinforcers for responding to non-critical features. Subjects went through the training program daily until they reached criterion; then they were posttested on letters. Subjects in a control group received no training but were posttested. Subjects in all groups made fewer errors on the posttest. Subjects in the experimental-critical group made significantly fewer posttest errors than subjects in the experimental-noncritical group, lending support to the hypothesis that reinforcement of discriminative responding to critical features of letter-like stimuli results in greater improvement in letter discrimination than reinforcement of discriminative responding to noncritical features of stimuli. Analysis of confusion matrices provided tentative indications of the nature of letter confusions in 4-yr-old children.
Substitution and Reaction Chemistry of Cobalt Complexes Supported by [N2P2] Ligands

The coordination chemistry of mono- and divalent cobalt complexes supported by the monoanionic multidentate ligands, [N2P2] (where [N2P2] = tBuN(−)SiMe2N(CH2CH2PiPr2)2) and [N2P2tolyl] (where [N2P2tolyl] = MeC6H4N(−)SiMe2(CH2CH2PiPr2)2), is presented. The Co(II) halide complex [N2P2]CoI (2) serves as a precursor to the alkyl, hydride, and amide species [N2P2]CoMe (3), [N2P2]CoCH2SiMe3 (4), [N2P2]CoH (5), [N2P2]CoNHPh (10), and [N2P2]CoNHC6H4Me (11). Reduction of 2 results in the formation of a stable, monomeric Co(I) species, [N2P2]Co (6). Compound 6 can be trapped with CO to form either [N2P2]Co(CO) (7) or [tBuN(C═O)SiMe2N(CH2CH2PiPr2)2]Co(CO)2 (8) depending on the number of equivalents of CO introduced. Compound 6 also serves as a precursor to transient Co(III) imido species. The Co(II) halide complex [N2P2tolyl]CoI (16) is synthesized through an analogues reaction to that of 2. Reduction of 16 results in the formation of [N2P2tolyl]Co (17), and differences in the coordination and reaction chemistry of ...
Relationship between the sonographic pattern of intrauterine growth restriction and acid-base status at the time of cordocentesis

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference in acid-base status at the time of cordocentesis between fetuses with symmetric and asymmetric intra- uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design: Non-anomalous singleton fetuses with IUGR who underwent fetal blood sampling for rapid karyotype analysis from 1992–1995 were retrospectively identified. Cases with gestational age <24 weeks, abnormal karyotype, or evidence of congenital infection were excluded. Fetuses were divided into two groups based on Head Circumference/ Abdominal Circumference Ratio (HC/AC). The asymmetric-IUGR group had HC/AC ≥95% tile for GA, and the symmetric-IUGR group had HC/AC <95% tile. GA adjusted values of umbilical venous pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, hemoglobin and reticulocyte count were calculated by subtracting the mean values for GA from the observed and compared between groups. Results: Both symmetric-IUGR (n=7) and asymmetric-IUGR (n=9) had umbilical venous pH and pO2 levels lower than GA normative values. However, there were no differences between groups for any of the parameters studied. Conclusions: Fetuses with symmetric and asymmetric IUGR due to UPI display a similar degree of acid-base impairment.
Evaluating system change options and timing using the epoch syncopation framework

Complex engineering systems face many unknowns with respect to their operating contexts and time-varying stakeholder needs over their lifespan. A useful means for partitioning this problem is to consider a set of static snapshots of contexts with accompanying stakeholder needs over fixed periods of time, herein called “epochs.” Designs can be optimized towards delivering stakeholder utility in a specific epoch or across a variety of epochs. In order to consider the uncertain sequence of epochs experienced by a system, the Epoch Syncopation Framework (ESF) is introduced in this paper. This framework, using Monte Carlo analysis and Markov probability matrices, analyzes the execution of potential system “change mechanisms,” which alter a system over time to respond to epoch shifts. Through an analysis of design tradespaces, the ESF takes into account performance, schedule, cost, and uncertainty regarding experienced epoch shifts. The intended contributions of the ESF include a set of useful baseline designs, desirable change mechanisms, and strategies for executing change mechanisms across a system lifespan. The ESF is demonstrated through an application to an existing dataset containing designs for a “space tug” satellite including its set of potential epochs.
Non-negative matrix factorization for irregularly-spaced transforms

Non-negative factorizations of spectra have been a very popular tool for various audio tasks recently. A long-standing problem with these methods methods is that they cannot be easily applied on other kinds of spectral decompositions such as sinusoidal models, constant-Q transforms, wavelets and reassigned spectra. This is because with these transforms the frequency and/or time values are real-valued and not sampled on a regular grid. We therefore cannot represent them as a matrix that we can later factorize. In this paper we present a formulation of non-negative matrix factorization that can be applied on data with real-valued indices, thereby making the application of this family of methods feasible on a broader family of time/frequency transforms.
Effects of the myosin inhibitor 2,3-butanedione monoxime on the physiology of fission yeast

F-actin and associated myosins are thought to take part in a wide range of cellular processes, like motility and contraction, polarized growth, and secretion. The reagent 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) is a well characterized inhibitor of the contraction of vertebrate muscle that reversibly affects myosin function and influences the intracellular concentration of Ca2+. Here we describe the influence of BDM on growth and division of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. At concentrations from 1-30 mM, BDM gradually inhibited formation and growth of S. pombe colonies on agar plates, with a lethal effect at > or = 15 mM. In strains of S. pombe that were blocked by elevated temperature from entry into mitosis, drug treatment reversibly decreased microtubule-independent tip growth and septation, with an IC50 value around 12 mM; nuclear division, on the other hand, was essentially unaffected by up to 15 mM BDM. At 30 mM BDM the secretion of invertase, which required both F-actin and microtubules, was decreased to the same extent as that seen when cytochalasin D was used to disrupt F-actin. However, the actin cytoskeleton was insensitive to up to 10 mM BDM, while the actin patches lost their polar distribution at 20-30 mM BDM. Cells treated with 5-20 mM BDM for 3 hours and then high pressure frozen did not show an accumulation of secretory vesicles. However, 10 mM BDM treatment disorganized the fungal cell wall, resulting in some unusually thick parts lying next to regions were the wall was almost absent. These defects could be rescued by incubating the cells in inhibitors of glucanases. Osmolytic stabilization with sorbitol rescued the effect of 15 mM BDM on colony survival, indicating that the secretion of wall components and/or wall-modifying enzymes may be the principal reason for cell death caused by BDM. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that BDM influences actin-dependent processes in fission yeast and that actomyosin-dependent motility contributes to the secretory process of tip growth.
Research on the Structure and Friction Properties of the SiC Particles Reinforced Copper-Based Self-Lubricating Composites

Using atomizing Cu-Ni-Sn-Pb powder as the matrix alloy and adding 2wt% graphite as solid lubricant phase, a Cu-based self-lubricating composite reinforced with SiC ( with 0wt%, 1wt% and 2wt%14µm SiC) was prepared under the optimized powder metallurgy sintering condition. The structure and properties of the samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, a tensile tester, a hardness tester, and a friction tester. The results indicate that the prepared sample of 1wt%14µm SiC, when sintered at 910°C for 4 hours, possessed a perfect composite structure in alloy strengthening, graphite lubrication and SiC particle reinforcing. The main phases consisted of α-solid solution of copper, CuNi2Sn, Pb, graphite, and SiC. The wear loss was 12.6mg and the friction coefficient was 0.26. SiC particles reinforcement was optimized using fine grain to enhance the anti-wear and self-lubricating properties of the alloy matrix.
Ventrolateral and dorsomedial somatosensory association cortex damage produces distinct somesthetic syndromes in humans

Five somatosensory cortices have distinctive somatotopic representations, cytoarchitecture, and connectivity: primary somatosensory cortex (SI), ventrolateral association cortices (SII, SIII, and SIV), and dorsomedial association cortex (supplementary sensory area). Patients with focal lesions of ventrolateral (n = 5) and dorsomedial (n = 6) somatosensory association cortices (SACs) and hemiparetic (n = 8) and neurologically normal control patients (n = 14) underwent detailed somesthetic testing that encompassed basic, intermediate, and complex (tactile object recognition) somesthetic functions. Dorsomedial lesions acutely caused severe disruption of somesthetic processing and severe apraxia when the area of damage was extensive and involved anterior and posterior cortices. In contrast, ventrolateral lesions caused tactile agnosia. Chronically, sensorimotor function following dorsomedial damage improved considerably. Tactile agnosia following ventrolateral damage, however, was readily detectable for years following onset. Functional differences between ventrolateral and dorsomedial SACs may reflect parallel processing in dual somatosensory systems.
On the question of authority in the Arab Spring

This article is a comparative theoretical study of authority in the Arab Spring which draws upon the work of Max Weber and Khalil Ahmad Khalil, and examines the theoretical importance of a shift aw...
Analysis of dimethyl sulfoxide immunosuppression in the rat model of collagen II autoimmune arthritis: An effect dependent upon intraperitoneal administration and associated with toxicity

The effect of the route of administration of dimethyl sulfoxide on humoral immunity and arthritis was evaluated in the rat model of collagen II autoimmune arthritis. Intraperitoneal administration of 5 g/kg/day (days 0–12) reduced serum anti-collagen II IgG levels, delayed the onset of arthritis, but induced sterile peritonitis in all of the treated animals. The same dose given subcutaneously did not alter humoral or clinical parameters. Lower intraperitoneal doses (0.04 and 0.25 g/kg/day), although non-toxic, were similarly ineffective. Subcutaneous (5 g/kg/day) or topical treatment (both hindpaws dipped twice daily into 70% dimethyl sulfoxide) of established disease (days 16–27) produced a mild anti-inflammatory effect without any immunosuppression. We suggest that the apparent suppression of autoimmunity by dimethyl sulfoxide is dependent upon intraperitoneal administration and a toxic dose of the agent.
Particle analysis by mass spectrometry

Abstract Mass spectra have been measured for single aerosol particles in the micron size range on a continuous, real-time basis. Particle beams of dioctyl phthalate, glutaric acid, adipic acid, ammonium sulfate, and some of the amino acids were generated by expansion of these aerosols through a capillary nozzle (throat diameter = 0.1 mm and length = 5 mm) and a skimmer (diameter = 0.331 mm). The transmission efficiency of the beam generator has been measured for different particle sizes. Individual particles were volatilized by impaction on a hot rhenium V-type filament (300 to 1400°C) and the resulting vapor plume ionized by electron bombardment in the ionizer of a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Ion currents for different masses from individual particles have been measured. The intensity of the characteristic mass peaks of different size aerosol particles increased linearly with their volume. Ammonium sulfate aerosols produce signals at SO+, SO2+, SO3+ mass fragments whereas no SO3+ mass peak could be detected from sodium sulfite particles. The absence of SO3+ from sulfite can be used to differentiate between the sulfate/sulfite contents of aerosol particles.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome associated with a temporo-parietal cavernoma

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (AIWS) is characterized by a rare constellation of perceptual disturbances including distorted body image, metamorphopsia, and visual hallucinations. In this report, we relate a unique case of AIWS in a woman with a right temporo-parietal cavernoma. AIWS in this patient may be secondary to epileptiform activity associated with the cavernoma and improved with anti-epileptic treatment.
Outcomes After Surgery and Radiotherapy for Papillary Tumor of the Pineal Region.

Background Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a rare neuroectodermal tumor that was first described in 2003 and formally codified by the World Health Organization in 2007. Limited reports suggest surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment; however, the role of multimodality therapy is not well defined. We evaluated our institutional experience in the treatment of PTPR. Methods A retrospective review of 8 patients with pathologically confirmed PTPR diagnosed between 1999 and 2013 was performed. Results The median age at diagnosis was 37 years (range, 25–56 years). After a median follow-up period of 60 months (range, 10–170 months), 7 of 8 patients were still living. All patients underwent maximum safe surgical resection; 5 received adjuvant radiation (63%). Overall and progression-free survival 5 years after diagnosis were 100% and 51%, respectively. Progression-free survival 5 years after completion of adjuvant radiotherapy was 64%. Crude recurrence rates for patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy ( n = 5) and patients not receiving adjuvant radiotherapy ( n = 3) were 20% and 67%, respectively. Crude recurrence rate after gross total resection (GTR) and no adjuvant radiotherapy ( n = 2) was 100% versus 0% when adjuvant radiotherapy was administered after GTR ( n = 2). After subtotal resection, 3 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy; 1 of these patients had out-of-field recurrence at 46 months (crude recurrence rate 33%). In all cases, salvage with radiation at the time of recurrence was effective. Conclusions Our institutional experience confirms a recent multicenter retrospective series showing excellent survival but high risk of local recurrence for PTPR. Our findings suggest that radiotherapy provides durable local control, particularly when administered in the adjuvant setting after GTR.
PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE-USE AND MULTIUSE DIAMOND ROTARY CUTTING INSTRUMENTS WITH TURBINE AND ELECTRIC HANDPIECES

Statement of problem As single-use rotary cutting instruments and electric handpieces become more available, the performance of these instruments with electric as compared to turbine handpieces requires evaluation. In addition, if rotary cutting instruments marketed as single-use instruments are used for multiple patients, the effects on their performance of cleaning, sterilization, and repeated use are of interest to the clinician. Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate how the cleaning, autoclaving, and repeated use of single-use and multiuse rotary cutting instruments, with either a turbine or electric handpiece, affected their performance. Material and methods The effects on cutting performance of 2 handpieces (turbine and electric), 2 cleaning and sterilization conditions (cleaned and autoclaved versus noncleaned and nonautoclaved), and 6 different diamond rotary cutting instruments (4 single-use and 2 multiuse) during simulated tooth preparations were evaluated by using a 24-treatment condition full-factorial experimental design. A computer-controlled dedicated testing apparatus was used to simulate the cutting procedures, and machinable glass ceramic blocks were used as the cutting substrate for tangential cuts. In addition, for each treatment condition, 8 consecutive cuts, for a total of 192 cuts, were measured to assess the durability of the rotary cutting instruments. A linear mixed model was used to study the effect of instrument type, handpiece, cleaning, and sterilization, as well as the status and number of cuts on the outcome variables. The Tukey honestly significant difference test was used for the post hoc pairwise comparisons (α=.05). Results Performance, as measured by the rate of advancement, decreased with the repeated use of rotary cutting instruments ( P P =.002). The electric handpiece showed a greater load than the turbine ( P Conclusions The repeated use of both single-use and multiuse rotary cutting instruments decreased cutting performance. The use of a cleaning and sterilization procedure between cuts improved the average cutting performance. During a tangential cutting process, although the ease of advancement (rate/load) was greater for the turbine, the electric handpiece did not produce a statistically different cutting rate.
Integration of Si/SiGe HBT and Si-based RITD demonstrating controllable negative differential resistance for wireless applications

Abstract Si-based resonant interband tunnel diodes (RITD) were monolithically integrated with Si/SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) on silicon substrates effectively creating a 3-terminal negative differential resistance (NDR) device. We demonstrate that the room temperature NDR in the I C – V EC characteristics under common emitter configuration can be controlled by a third terminal which is the basis of the integrated circuit. The estimated NDR values from the DC I – V characteristics, assuming that the NDR is linear, can be varied from about −27.5 Ω to −180 Ω with respect to V CE in the range of 0.96 V–1.16 V.
Determinants of prescribing meperidine compared to morphine in hospitalized patients

Morphine is a preferred narcotic since meperidine forms toxic metabolites. Determinants of meperidine use have been poorly described. The objective of this study is to explore factors associated with the ordering of meperidine versus morphine. Retrospective chart review of adult patients, randomly selected based on orders for morphine or meperidine. 1552 orders were written for 670 patients. Of these, 36% were for meperidine. In multivariable analysis, the ordering of meperidine was associated with the following variables in decreasing order of importance: physician specialty, total doses received, hospital location, patient race, age and insurance, and physician gender. More orders for meperidine were written for those receiving fewer doses. Though meperidine has little role in the routine management of hospital pain, we found it continues to be used frequently. Importantly, meperidine is ordered more frequently for patients who receive shorter courses of narcotics. Our study suggests that interventions targeted at more appropriate use of meperidine rather than complete elimination might be more acceptable to physicians while minimizing the risk of toxicity.
An architecture for a VLSI sensory–motor system for obstacle avoidance

Abstract This paper presents a signal processing architecture for a sensory–motor system based on the smart sensor paradigm. The architecture is designed for an obstacle avoidance task by a mobile robot in an unstructured environment. Drawing inspiration from the field of behavior-based robotics, the development of the architecture is guided by an emphasis on the requirements of an obstacle avoidance behavior for a mobile robot. The architecture is simple enough for a smart sensor, but incorporates features which enable it to deal with realistic, unstructured environments. It differs from existing systems by using a special foveation scheme to facilitate the detection of real-world objects. From this, a motor control signal is produced by using a biologically inspired technique of aligning sensory and motor maps. The effectiveness of the architecture is explored through computer simulation, including an obstacle avoidance simulation in a 3D virtual environment.
Gender and Work Setting Differences in Career-Sustaining Behaviors and Burnout Among Professional Psychologists

What factors relate to levels of burnout experienced by male and female psychologists? Five hundred ninety-five psychologists responded to a survey about professional activities, work demands and resources, career-sustaining behaviors, and burnout. Respondents in solo or group independent practice r
Plane strain bending of strain-stiffening rubber-like rectangular beams

Abstract This paper is concerned with investigation of the effects of strain-stiffening for the classical problem of plane strain bending by an end moment of a rectangular beam composed of an incompressible isotropic nonlinearly elastic material. For a variety of specific strain-energy densities that give rise to strain-stiffening in the stress–stretch response, the stresses and resultant moments are obtained explicitly. While such results are well known for classical constitutive models such as the Mooney-Rivlin and neo-Hookean models, our primary focus is on materials that undergo severe strain-stiffening in the stress–stretch response. In particular, we consider in detail two phenomenological constitutive models that reflect limiting chain extensibility at the molecular level and involve constraints on the deformation. The amount of bending that beams composed of such materials can sustain is limited by the constraint. Potential applications of the results to the biomechanics of soft tissues are indicated.
Combustion and Deposition in Coal-Fired Turbines

Combustion and deposition behavior of coal in the form of highly beneficiated coal-water mixtures (CWM) has been investigated. The solids content of the CWM fuels was typically 50 percent, with a mean coal particle size of 4 ..mu..m and an ash content of 0.8 percent (dry). Combustion efficiencies in excess of 99.5 percent based on the carbon content of the collected ash were achieved in gas turbine-type can combustors with residence times of less than 20 ms with up to 25 percent (Btu basis) supplemental fuel oil assist. Ash deposition rates on a first-stage turbine nozzle sector were measured and were found to be much lower than would have been predicted from residual petroleum fuel experience because of differences in ash chemistry, and thus, deposition mechanism.
Differential metabolic effects of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in human articular chondrocytes

Summary Objective Aminosugars are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis; however, molecular mechanisms mediating their anti-arthritic activities are still poorly understood. This study analyzes facilitated transport and metabolic effects of glucosamine (GlcN) and N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in human articular chondrocytes. Methods Human articular chondrocytes were isolated from knee cartilage. Facilitated transport of glucose, GlcN and GlcNAc was measured by uptake of [ 3 H]2-deoxyglucose, [ 3 H]GlcN and [ 3 H]GlcNAc. Glucose transporter (GLUT) expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Production of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (SGAG) was measured using [ 35 S]SO 4 . Hyaluronan was quantified using hyaluronan binding protein. Results Chondrocytes actively import and metabolize GlcN but not GlcNAc and this represents a cell-type specific phenomenon. Similar to facilitated glucose transport, GlcN transport in chondrocytes is accelerated by cytokines and growth factors. GlcN non-competitively inhibits basal glucose transport, which in part depends on GlcN-mediated depletion of ATP stores. In IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes, GlcN inhibits membrane translocation of GLUT1 and 6, but does not affect the expression of GLUT3. In contrast to GlcN, GlcNAc accelerates facilitated glucose transport. In parallel with the opposing actions of these aminosugars on glucose transport, GlcN inhibits hyaluronan and SGAG synthesis while GlcNAc stimulates hyaluronan synthesis. GlcNAc-accelerated hyaluronan synthesis is associated with upregulation of hyaluronan synthase-2. Conclusion Differences in GlcN and GlcNAc uptake, and their subsequent effects on glucose transport, GLUT expression and SGAG and hyaluronan synthesis, indicate that these two aminosugars have distinct molecular mechanisms mediating their differential biological activities in chondrocytes.
Dynamics of the formation of the self-trapped exciton in the MX complex PtBr(en)

Abstract We have directly time-resolved the coupled electronic and vibrational dynamics of the self-trapping process in a quasi-one-dimensional system, the halide-bridged mixed-valence transition metal linear chain (MX) complex [Pt(en)2][Pt(en)2Br2]·(PF6)4, (en: ethylenediamine, C2H8N2) using femtosecond spectroscopic techniques in the vibrationally impulsive limit. In these experiments, we impulsively excite the optical intervalence charge-transfer transition with light pulses 35 fs in duration, short compared to the period of the characteristic chain-axis vibrational motion. The red-shifted absorbance of the self-trapped exciton state, which forms on a time scale of ∼200 fs, is modulated by vibrational wavepacket oscillations that correspond to lattice motions induced by the optical excitation. In addition to detecting an oscillatory response consistent with impulsive stimulated Raman excitation of the ground-state symmetric chain-axis stretching mode at ∼175 cm−1, and its harmonics, we find that the self-trapped exciton absorbance is strongly modulated by a heavily damped, low frequency wavepacket component at ∼110 cm−1. The coherence time of this new frequency component closely parallels the induction of the self-trapped exciton absorbance, consistent with a wavepacket corresponding to the lattice motion that carries the excited system to the self-trapped state. The spectral evolution of the low-frequency wavepacket oscillation provides a detailed picture of the coupled electron-lattice dynamics of the photo-excited state.
Lasers in diagnostic dentistry

Results of a new noninvasive technique for pulp detection that is based on monitoring the time variations in the laser speckle pattern from a human tooth are presented. The paper also contains preliminary results of experiments and attempts at mathematical modeling of multiple scattering of a laser beam from a solid cylinder.
The AMDA Foundation Long-Term Care Research Network: A Time for Action

This issue of the Journal contains a special article about the AMDA Foundation Long-Term Care Research Network. The Network was launched in September 2000, obtained consultative assistance from an expert in practice-based research networks in the first quarter of 2001, conducted its first study in August 2001, and held its first annual conference in Dallas in November 2001. Network membership now exceeds 200, and the second annual research network conference is set for November 2002. The purpose of this editorial is two-fold. First, I will describe ongoing activities of the Network with an emphasis on the five areas of research identified in November 2001. Second, I will elaborate on some of the ideas presented by Dr. Kurt Stange and by Dr. Leslie Libow in this issue of the Journal, emphasizing the Network’s vision and mission. During the past several years, AMDA and the AMDA Foundation struggled to clarify the role of the Foundation as AMDA moved into the 21 century. Then, following a strategic planning session in 1999, both organizations agreed that the Foundation should attempt to accomplish the tasks listed in Table 1. An additional area of discussion during the 1999 strategic planning process as well as observations made by Dr. Libow in the special article in this issue of the Journal concern the types of published research conducted in long-term care. Long-term care research generally falls into one of two categories: analysis of large data sets such as the Minimum Data Set (MDS) or highly structured intervention studies conducted in large, well-staffed, academically affiliated facilities or in communitybased or Veterans Administration facilities with supervision, consultation, or mentoring by researchers from the academic units conducting the interventions. However, these settings may not reflect the typical work environment of an AMDA member, who generally is a primary care physician who serves as a part-time medical director for several small (75–100 bed) facilities. In addition, as Schnelle and colleagues have pointed out, there is often a gap between the efficacy of interventions described in trials in facilities that are academically affiliated or that have substantial oversight by researchers conducting the studies and the effectiveness of such interventions in the “average” 100-bed nursing facility. Finally, although there are pockets of academically affiliated facilities involved in multicenter research (primarily pharmaceutical clinical trials), there is no national network of demographically diverse facilities that can conduct large-scale multicenter studies. The lack of such a structure prevents collaboration and dialogue among academic researchers and community-based medical directors, both of whom have much to gain from each other’s expertise. Late in 2000, the AMDA Foundation distributed a request for proposals to identify a consultant in practice-based reProfessor, Department of Family Practice, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and Network Director, AMDA Foundation Long-Term Care Research Network.
Phospholipase C-Induced Aggregation and Fusion of Cholesterol—Lecithin Small Unilamellar Vesicles

We have investigated the effects of the Ca(2+)-requiring enzyme phospholipase C on the stability of sonicated vesicles made with different molar ratios of cholesterol to lecithin. Vesicle aggregation is detected by following turbidity with time. Upon the addition of phospholipase C and after a short lag period, the turbidity of a vesicle dispersion increases continuously with time. The rate of increase of turbidity increases with both the enzyme-to-vesicle ratio and the cholesterol content of the vesicles. Vesicle fusion and leakage of contents are monitored by a contents-mixing fusion assay using 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (ANTS) and p-xylylenebis(pyridinium bromide) (DPX) as the fluorescence probes [Ellens, H., Bentz, J. & Szoka, F.C. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 3099-3106]. The results clearly show that phospholipase C induces vesicle fusion. The rate of vesicle fusion correlates with the enzyme-to-vesicle ratio but not with the cholesterol content of the membrane. Negligible aggregation and fusion of vesicles occurs when the experiment is repeated with buffer free of Ca2+. The membrane-destabilizing diacylglycerol, a product of lecithin hydrolysis by phospholipase C, is speculated to play a major role in driving the observed vesicle aggregation and fusion. The kinetics of vesicle aggregation and vesicle fusion can be predicted by linking Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics to a mass-action model.
ULTRARELATIVISTIC NUCLEAR PHYSICS: FROM BECOMING TO BEING

Basic theoretical ideas on a phase transition in heavy ion collisions to a thermalized plasma of free quarks and gluons are outlined. Major experiments are then described which made use of oxygen and sulphur beams with moderate (BNL) or high (CERN) momenta. Representative results pertaining to both average event features and quark-gluon plasma properties are discussed in some detail. This review addresses also interested non-specialists.
Neither non-contact exposure nor mating affect serum LH and FSH in male B6D2F1 house mice

Abstract Sexually experienced male B6D2F1 mice were allowed to copulate until ejaculation (equivalent to time 0) and then bled at subsequent times (0, 15, 60 min) after ejaculation. In another portion of the experiment sexually experienced males of the same strain were separated from estrous females by a double-walled hardware cloth and permitted 40 min exposure. Controls were placed in the same situation without a female present. Serum LH and FSH were assayed using radioimmunoassay techniques. No significant differences in LH or FSH were found among mated groups, non-contact exposure groups or controls in the non-contact exposure test. These data are in agreement with studies in the male rat which indicate that no acute changes in gonadotropins occur post-coitally.
Phototherapy for acne: what is the best approach?

Inflammatory acne vulgaris remains one of the most common dermatologic disorders seen in clinical practice. Medical therapy remains the gold standard for therapy, but recent advances have shown that a variety of lasers and light sources may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Furthermore, the use of 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid has found a useful niche in the treatment of moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Minor Splenic Injuries: Associated Injuries and Transfusion Requirements

To address criticisms of nonoperative management of splenic injury, we hypothesized that (1) patients with minor splenic injuries have a lower risk of associated visceral damage than patients with splenic injuries in general, and (2) exploration of these patients does not decrease their blood requirements. We reviewed charts of 182 patients who suffered blunt splenic trauma between 1983 and 1988. Sixty-seven sustained minor injuries, defined as requiring no therapy or responding to topical hemostatic agents. Twenty-three were initially managed nonoperatively, with three subsequently explored surgically for falling hematocrit; no associated injury requiring therapy was found. The median transfusion requirement in these 23 patients was 2 units. Forty-four were immediately explored, 11 for readily diagnosed injuries mandating laparotomy. The other 33 were explored for hemoperitoneum. One had an unsuspected bowel injury. The median blood requirement in these 33 was 2.5 units. We conclude that patients with minor splenic injuries who have no other indication for laparotomy have a very low incidence of associated significant abdominal injury. Their transfusion requirements are also not reduced by exploration.
Constructing Exact Dynamic Elasticity Solutions for Axisymmetrically Deformed Plates From Classical Plate Theory Solutions

This paper addresses the question of how to assess the errors made when the exact three-dimensional linear elasticity solution for the axisymmetric dynamic deformation of an elastic plate is approximated by a solution inferred from the classical plate theory of Kirchhoff. Following the strategy used by Ladeveze and Simmonds for beams, the exact solution of a “nearby” three-dimensional problem, which differs from the original problem by the addition of incremental, computable body forces, face shears, and initial conditions—error increments, for short—is expressed in terms of the solution of a wave equation in which distance normal to the plate’s midplane plays the role of a time-like variable while the physical time itself enters only as a parameter. The error increments which, ultimately, can be computed in terms of the solution delivered by plate theory, can be regarded as an “engineering norm” because with them an engineer can decide if such a shift in the external data lies within acceptable bounds.
Estimating the potential parallelism and pipelining of algorithms for data flow machines

Abstract When porting an application to a parallel data driven machine is considered, the maximum achievable parallelism and pipelining need to be estimated. These estimates can be obtained in a hierarchical manner from a data flow graph representation of the given algorithm. A method for estimating these performance measures has been developed and is presented in this paper. Examples illustrating our method and comparing the estimated performance to simulation results are also included.
Dehydrative cyclocondensation reactions on hydrogen-terminated Si(100) and Si(111): an ex situ tool for the modification of semiconductor surfaces.

Dehydrative cyclocondensation processes for semiconductor surface modification can be generally suggested on the basis of well-known condensation schemes; however, in practice this approach for organic functionalization of semiconductors has never been investigated. Here we report the modification of hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces by cyclocondensation. The cyclocondensation reactions of nitrobenzene with hydrogen-terminated Si(100) and Si(111) surfaces are investigated and paralleled with selected cycloaddition reactions of nitro- and nitrosobenzene with Si(100)-2×1. Infrared spectroscopy is used to confirm the reactions and verify an intact phenyl ring and C−N bond in the reaction products as well as the depletion of surface hydrogen. High resolution N 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggests that the major product for both cyclocondensation reactions investigated is a nitrosobenzene adduct that can only be formed following water elimination. Both IR and XPS are augmented by density funct...
An Indicator Response Surface-Based Monte Carlo Method for Efficient Component and System Reliability Analysis

Reliability analysis methods are commonly used in engineering design, in order to meet reliability and quality measures. An accurate and efficient computational method is presented for reliability analysis of engineering systems at both the component and system levels. The method can easily handle implicit, highly nonlinear limit-state functions, with correlated or non-correlated random variables, which are described by any probabilistic distribution. It is based on a constructed response surface of an indicator function, which determines the “failure” and “safe” regions, according to the performance function. A Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) calculates the probability of failure based on a response surface of the indicator function, instead of the computationally expensive limit-state function. The Cross-Validated Moving Least Squares (CVMLS) method is used to construct the response surface of the indicator function, based on an Optimum Symmetric Latin Hypercube (OSLH) sampling technique. A number of numerical examples highlight the superior accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method over commonly used reliability methods.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Cooperative DNA binding and communication across the dimer interface in the TREX2 3' --> 5'-exonuclease.

The activity of human TREX2-catalyzed 3′ → 5′-deoxyribonuclease has been analyzed in steady-state and single turnover kinetic assays and in equilibrium DNA binding studies. These kinetic data provide evidence for cooperative DNA binding within TREX2 and for coordinated catalysis between the TREX2 active sites supporting a model for communication between the protomers of a TREX2 dimer. Mobile loops positioned adjacent to the active sites provide the major DNA binding contribution and facilitate subsequent binding into the active sites. Mutations of three arginine residues on these loops cause decreased TREX2 activities by up to 60-fold. Steady-state kinetic assays of these arginine to alanine TREX2 variants result in increased Km values for DNA substrate with no effect on kcat values indicating contributions exclusively to DNA binding by all three of the loop arginines. TREX2 heterodimers were prepared to determine whether exonuclease activity in one protomer is communicated to the opposing protomer. Evidence for communication across the dimer interface is provided by the 7-fold lower catalytic activity measured in the TREX2WT/H188A heterodimer compared with the TREX2WT homodimer, contrasting the 2-fold lower activity measured in the TREX2WT/R163A,R165A,R167A heterodimer. The measured activity in TREX2WT/H188A heterodimer indicates that defective catalysis in one protomer reduces activity in the opposing protomer. A DNA binding analysis of TREX2 and the heterodimers indicates a cooperative binding effect within the TREX2 protomer. Finally, single turnover kinetic assays identify DNA binding as the rate-limiting step in TREX2 catalysis.
The Identification of Ibogaine in Biological Material

A reliable method is described for the extraction of unchanged ibogaine from biological materials such as blood, urine, and tissue homogenates of liver, kidney, and brain by a simple extraction for basic drugs. Precise identification of the alkaloid may be achieved through the use of thin-layer chromatography, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry.
Fragrance of Danger

We trust our senses because we think that they tell us the truth about our environment. The sound of explosions or the smell of fumes alerts us to potential danger, allowing us to actively avoid it. Much of the danger knowledge arises from learned experience and becomes stably integrated into our behavioral patterns. The memory of dangerous stimuli, including smells, was thought to be stored in the brain, where the sensory neuron information is received and interpreted. New research by Kass et al . challenges this concept and suggests that sensory neurons themselves acquire a memory about dangerous smells and are on heightened alert to “sniff them out.” These data suggest that reward or punishment can directly influence how the sensory organs process information. In an elegant set of experiments, Kass et al . trained a group of mice to associate a previously neutral odor with a mild foot shock. By using an approach that allows the visualization of neurotransmitter release from olfactory sensory neurons in vivo, the researchers revealed that fear learning can affect the strength of signals passing from these neurons to the brain. When mice traumatized by shock were reexposed to the fear-associated odor, their olfactory neurons responded with heightened sensitivity. The amount of neurotransmitter released by these neurons in response to the odor was significantly enhanced in comparison to the amount in control animals. The knowledge that fear not only modifies the interpretation of sensory information but directly affects our senses contributes to a better understanding of the underlying mechanism. It might also influence the approach to treatment of anxiety and affective disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder. M. D. Kass et al ., Fear learning enhances neural responses to threat-predictive sensory stimuli. Science 324 , 1389–1392 (2013). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/342/6164/1389
Multichannel Electromyographic Mapping to Optimize OnabotulinumtoxinA Efficacy in Cervical Dystonia

Background: Cervical dystonia (CD) is characterized by sustained, involuntary contraction of head and neck muscles. Botulinum toxin injections are established as safe and effective, but unfortunately 15–25% of patients fail to respond. The aim of this study was to examine whether multichannel electromyogaphic mapping improved outcomes in a cohort of antibody-negative onabotulinumtoxinA non-responders by more precisely identifying which muscles were involved in the dystonia. Methods: Patients with cervical dystonia who had “failed chemodenervation therapy” administered by an outside provider were enrolled in a single-blind, randomized, crossover design study. Patients received either a multichannel electromyographic mapping study prior to the first botulinum toxin injection, which was followed by use of only a single-lead injection 16 weeks later (injected by an alternate and blinded movement disorders specialist) or vice versa. The primary outcome measure was change in total Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale score 4 weeks after each injection compared with each pre-injection baseline score. Results: Nine subjects completed this study. Mean percentage improvement in Total Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale was 23.5% using multichannel electromyography compared with 9% using the single-channel technique (p = 0.11). Discussion: This pilot study suggests that multichannel electromyographic mapping may result in improved efficacy in the treatment of antibody-negative onabotulinumtoxinA refractory CD.
On an SVC backstepping damping nonlinear controller design for power systems

A damping controller for a static Var compensator (SVC) is designed using a backstepping control technique to enhance voltage regulation and power system stability. The damping control problem is formulated as an optimization problem using a detailed model of the power system including static and dynamic loads. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to obtain the optimal control parameter gains. Nonlinear time domain simulations are carried out to examine the performance of the proposed control technique on a single and a multi machine power system. The results for both systems show that the proposed SVC damping controller is superior to conventional lead-lag design especially under high loading conditions and severe contingencies.
Liquid-crystal bar-graph displays

Analog displays using the twisted-nematic mode have been constructed. Histogram or multibar displays are demonstrated. Within each bar, a narrow rectangular "vane" moves in response to analog voltages. These reflective displays offer low vane-width, sharp vane edges, and a highly legible white-on-black or black-on-white readout.
Nest success and the timing of nest failure of Florida Scrub-Jays in suburban and wildland habitats

Urbanization has broad and complex effects on ecological systems. Many of these effects are likely to influence nest success of birds, some positively and others negatively, thus complex interactions among effects are likely to exist that influence patterns of success. Nest success of Florida Scrub-Jays did not differ between a suburban and wildland population or across a human density gradient within the suburban population. Nesting success between egg and nestling stages did not differ in the wildland population, but nest success during the egg stage was high and success during the nestling stage low in the suburban population. As a consequence, nest contents survived longer during the nesting cycle in the suburban population than in the wildland population, even though overall rates of nest success did not differ. In the suburbs, nests with eggs were less likely to be deserted and nests with nestlings were more likely to be depredated or more likely for the nestling to starve than in the wildlands. In both habitats, nest success declined throughout the nesting season. Because suburban birds begin nesting earlier than wildland birds, nests are at a more advanced stage when nest failure rates increase. However, temporal differences in nesting are absent for second and third nest attempts, yet suburban nests still fail later in the nesting cycle. This suggests that site-specific differences exist in the predator community or the behavior of birds increasing their vulnerability to predators that affects timing of nest failure.
Polymers containing anthraquinone units: Polymers from 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone and aralkyldiketones

Schiff's-base polymers have been formed by the condensation of 1,5-diaminoanthraquinone with 1,4- and 1,3-diacetylbenzene and 2,6-diacetylpyridine. These polymers were soluble in methanesulfonic and concentrated sulfuric acids (1,4-diacetylbenzene polymer) or N,N-dimethylacetamide. The polymer formed from 1,4-diacetylbenzene was ring-closed in polyphosphoric acid to yield a thermally stable polymer soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid which lost only 10% of its weight at 900°C in a TGA test.