cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Post-operative feeding strategies for infants with cleft lip

Abstract Post-operative feeding techniques for infants following primary repair of cleft lip vary considerably. Recommendations range from immediate return to nipple feeding post-operatively to abstinence from nipple feeding for up to 6 weeks. Different surgeons prescribe different post-operative feeding protocols among and within centers. The purposes of this retrospective study (n=42) were to: (1) identify the specific nonnipple feeding guidelines given to caregivers prior to surgery and the duration for those practices to be used in the post-operative period, (2) describe caregiver compliance, and (3) identify post-operative complications (e.g. dehiscence) related to type and duration of feeding strategies. Feeding guidelines included: nonnipple feeding for 6 weeks (n=28, 67%), 3 weeks (n=6, 14%), 2 weeks (n=6, 14%), and unrestricted return to nipple (n=2, 5%). Nearly all caregivers (n=37, 88%) complied with recommendations. The others (n=5, 12%) returned their infants to nipple feeding sooner than recommended (three in the nonnipple group for 6 weeks, and one each in the other two groups). No medical/surgical complications were related to feeding strategies. Conclusion: caregivers typically comply with post-operative feeding recommendations. However, the variability in those recommendations should be reduced with feeding made as easy as possible and not a jeopardy to wound healing.
The "inverse problem" to the evaluation of magnetic fields

In the design of superconducting magnet elements, such as may be required to guide and focus ions in a particle accelerator, one frequently premises some particular current distribution and then proceeds to compute the consequent magnetic field through use of the laws of Biot and Savart or of Ampere. When working in this manner one of course may need to revise frequently the postulated current distribution before arriving at a resulting magnetic field of acceptable field quality. It therefore is of interest to consider an alternative ("inverse") procedure in which one specifies a desired character for the field required in the region interior to the winding and undertakes then to evaluate the current distribution on the specified winding surface that would provide this desired field. By evaluating the specified potential in the region interior to the winding along the interface, we have determined that a relaxation solution to the potential in the region outside the winding can be converged and used to calculate wire location. We have demonstrated this method by applying a slightly modified version of the program POISSON to a periodic alternating sinusoidal quadrupole field.
Electrokinetic and Poroelastic Coupling During Finite Deformations of Charged Porous Media

Due to microstructural interactions between the charged solid matrix and ionic interstitial fluid, hydrated biological tissues and other porous media may exhibit macroscopic coupling between solid deformation, fluid, and electrical flows. In the present manuscript, we develop a variationally motivated finite deformation continuum theory for describing such coupled phenomena. The theoretical formulation combines descriptions of poroelastic and electroquasistatic subsystems along with a continuum electromechanical coupling law, and leads to a five-field finite element formulation. Several axisymmetric problems are presented as examples ofmechanical-to-electrical and electrical-to-mechanical transduction phenomena in common experimental configurations.
Modulation of microvascular signaling by heparan sulfate matrix: studies in syndecan-4 transgenic mice.

Abstract The onset of tissue ischemia is associated with significant changes in the expression of heparan sulfate- (HS) carrying core proteins that, in turn, lead to alterations in composition of the extracellular HS matrix. Since HS can bind numerous growth factors and cytokines, such changes in the HS matrix content can have profound effects on the ability of these factors to interact with their target cells. To investigate the role of increased HS matrix content on microvascular function, we used α-myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter to overexpress a HS-carrying core protein, syndecan-4, in cardiac myocytes in mice. Mice expressing the transgene (αMHC-S4) demonstrated a significant increase in nitric oxide (NO) release in the coronary effluent in response to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2, 1 μg/mL) administration despite similar expression levels of NO synthase genes II and III (iNOS and eNOS, respectively). In vitro studies of coronary microvessels derived from αMHC-S4 mice demonstrated increased relaxation response to FGF2 compared to control mice. At the same time, vasodilator response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was significantly impaired in αMHC-S4 mice-derived microvessels. Addition of exogenous HS to microvessels derived from control mice enhanced FGF2-induced vasodilation while inhibiting ADP-induced vasomotion. The vasomotor activity of the endothelial receptor-independent agent (A23187) and the endothelium-independent agent (sodium nitroprusside) was not affected by heparan sulfate. These results demonstrate that alterations in HS production have a profound and heterogeneous effect on endothelial receptor-dependent vasodilators and point to a novel role of the HS matrix in regulation of microvascular homeostasis.
Determination of free estrone in blood plasma by gas-phase chromatography with electron capture detection☆

Abstract A method for the estimation of free estrone in plasma has been developed using gas-phase chromatography with electron capture detection. As little as 0.00014 μg pure estrone can be measured, but at least 0.001 μg of the hormone is needed in the original sample for adequate quantitation. Prior to gas-phase chromatography, plasma estrone is purified by thinlayer chromatography and converted to its 3-methyl ether 17-pentafluorophenylhydrazone. Plasma estrone values in pregnant women (9th to 40th week) ranged from 0.5 to 9.8 μg/liter and in normal women during midpoint of the menstrual cycle from 0.18 to 1.25 μg/liter. These data are in good agreement with estrone concentrations found by other, more time-consuming, methods. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of the method have been discussed.
Reactivity Trends in the Oxidation of CO by Anionic Transition Metal Oxide Clusters

Evidence obtained by experiments in the gas phase and density functional theory calculations indicates that differences in the CO binding energy to the transition metal site and the overall change in energy and spin multiplicity from reactants to products, underlie the variation in relative reactivity observed for the oxidation of CO by anionic transition metal oxide clusters. Experimental reactivity studies of MO2− and M2O3− (M = Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) reveal that anionic oxide clusters with the same number of atoms and stoichiometry but different elemental composition exhibit specific trends in relative oxidation reactivity with CO. The anionic MO2− and M2O3− clusters are found to be most reactive for M = Fe and Cu and relatively less reactive for M = Co and Ni. Theoretical electronic structure studies within the density functional theory framework indicate that the most reactive clusters either have relatively large initial binding energies of CO to the cluster which provide sufficient energy to overcome ...
Mining a Mother Lode: Early European Travel Literature and the History of Precious Metalworking in Highland Ethiopia

Our primary concern in this essay is with reconstructing the history of material culture. As anyone who has ever looked into the material culture of Ethiopia quickly discovers, the travel accounts of early European visitors can be a rich and varied source for illuminating any number of such traditions, including those of metal-, leather-, basket-, and woodworking, as well as pottery, weaving, and painting. Dating from the first part of the sixteenth century, the descriptions of journeys and residences in Ethiopia became more prevalent in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when they also begin to include illustrations of more than the landscape. As sources for the reconstruction of a particular material tradition, these accounts can offer valuable insights into the nature of the objects and the people who produced and used them. Conversely, they can be frustrating to work with, since the pertinent data they contain most often come in the form of a sentence here or there. Rarely are there entire sections dedicated to descriptions of particular traditions or processes, unless one happened to be of special interest to the writer.Among those scholars who have used travel accounts to great effect is Richard Pankhurst. For many decades, as even a cursory examination of his numerous publications illustrates, he has been mining this mother lode for the scattered sentences and tantalizing suggestions they offer. His most comprehensive writing on this subject is an often-cited 1964 article, “Old Time Handicrafts of Ethiopia.” Divided into sections, each dealing with a different tradition, Pankhurst cited various descriptive accounts that mentioned specific traditions. The basic approach taken in this and other publications that have followed is one perhaps best described, in keeping with the mining metaphor, as one of “prospecting” or in some cases mining “surface deposits.”
Integrative and comparative genomic analysis of HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Purpose: The genetic differences between human papilloma virus (HPV)–positive and –negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) remain largely unknown. To identify differential biology and novel therapeutic targets for both entities, we determined mutations and copy-number aberrations in a large cohort of locoregionally advanced HNSCC. Experimental Design: We performed massively parallel sequencing of 617 cancer-associated genes in 120 matched tumor/normal samples (42.5% HPV-positive). Mutations and copy-number aberrations were determined and results validated with a secondary method. Results: The overall mutational burden in HPV-negative and HPV-positive HNSCC was similar with an average of 15.2 versus 14.4 somatic exonic mutations in the targeted cancer-associated genes. HPV-negative tumors showed a mutational spectrum concordant with published lung squamous cell carcinoma analyses with enrichment for mutations in TP53 , CDKN2A , MLL2 , CUL3 , NSD1 , PIK3CA , and NOTCH genes. HPV-positive tumors showed unique mutations in DDX3X , FGFR2 / 3 and aberrations in PIK3CA , KRAS , MLL2 / 3 , and NOTCH1 were enriched in HPV-positive tumors. Currently targetable genomic alterations were identified in FGFR1 , DDR2 , EGFR , FGFR2/3 , EPHA2 , and PIK3CA . EGFR , CCND1 , and FGFR1 amplifications occurred in HPV-negative tumors, whereas 17.6% of HPV-positive tumors harbored mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor genes ( FGFR2 / 3 ), including six recurrent FGFR3 S249C mutations. HPV-positive tumors showed a 5.8% incidence of KRAS mutations, and DNA-repair gene aberrations, including 7.8% BRCA1/2 mutations, were identified. Conclusions: The mutational makeup of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC differs significantly, including targetable genes. HNSCC harbors multiple therapeutically important genetic aberrations, including frequent aberrations in the FGFR and PI3K pathway genes. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 632–41. ©2014 AACR . See related commentary by Krigsfeld and Chung, p. 495
Pedometer-assessed physical activity in young adolescents

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical activity (PA) patterns of children. Forty-four 7th-grade students (19 boys, 25 girls) recorded pedometer data for 2 consecutive weeks. Separate 2 x 3 repeated measures analyses of variance were used to examine differences in total steps/day between boys and girls and between after-school activity participants and nonparticipants. The relative contribution of physical education (PE) and after-school activity (ASA) to weekday steps/day was evaluated as a proportion, for example (steps taken in PE class/total daily steps taken on a PE class day) * 100. The total sample mean was 11,392 steps/day, SD = 4112; for boys, M = 12,490 steps/day, SD=3910, versus girls, M = 10,557 steps/day, SD=4142; F=(1, 42) 4.365, p = .043. The sample population averaged 2046 steps, SD=945, during PE class; boys=2379 steps, SD=1115, versus girls=1782, SD=703; t (42) = 2.15, p = .038, d = .65, which represented 18% of the total steps/day on PE days. In comparison, the participants accumulated an average of 5366 steps, SD=2590; ASA for boys=5897 steps/day, SD=2738, versus girls=4963 steps/day, SD=2450; t (42) = 1.190, p = .241, d = .36), representing 46% of the steps/day on all weekdays and 47% of the total on PE days. Expressed as a rate, the sample population took 45.5 steps/min (SD=21) during PE class and 13.1 steps/min (SD = 4.7) in ASA on all weekdays. The relative stability of day-to-day behavior in youth is a preliminary finding but noteworthy. Although the absolute contribution ofPE class to daily PA was less than ASA (i.e., 18 vs. 47%, respectively), the importance of the condensed contribution in class was evident when these two activities were expressed as rates (i.e., steps/min). These data indicate that youth involved in ASA accumulated a greater number of steps on all days, weekend days, and health education days when compared to youth not involved in ASA.
Antibiotic therapy of septic bursitis

Infected olecranon, prepatellar, and infrapatellar bursae offer a unique opportunity to study the response of a closed-space infection to antibiotic therapy. Using percutaneous needle aspirations, serial bursal fluids were cultured. The length of time necessary to achieve culture sterility with antibiotic therapy (an average of 4 days in 25 patients) was correlated with the duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis (r = 0.68, P less than 0.001). In patients treated within 2 weeks from onset of symptoms, bursal fluid sterility was achieved within 1 week of therapy, while longer duration of symptoms was associated with delayed response. When antibiotic therapy was continued for 5 additional days after documented culture sterility, all 19 patients in the prospective trial were cured (average followup period of 6.8 months). In septic bursitis, the effects of delay in treatment are deleterious by prolonging culture-positivity despite adequate antibiotic therapy. By analogy, delay in treatment of septic arthritis may result in the persistence of an adverse environment which can lead to further articular damage. After accurate diagnosis of septic bursitis, a therapeutic approach consisting of prompt and appropriate antibiotic usage, frequent needle drainage, and treatment duration based on the culture results of serial aspirations is effective and may be applicable in the management of certain nongonococcal bacterial joint infections.
Algorithmically insoluble problems about finitely presented solvable groups, lie, and associative algebras

1.1. In 1955 Novikov [ 111 constructed a finitely presented group with an insoluble word problem (cf. Miller [lo] and also Boone [8]). Shortly afterwards, first Adyan [l-4] and then Rabin [13, 143 used this group of Novikov to prove that for every one of a host of group-theoretic properties, there is no algorithm whereby one can decide whether any finitely presented group has such a property. In particular, there is no algorithm whereby one can decide whether any finitely presented group is of order 1. Thus the isomorphism problem for finitely presented groups is algorithmically insoluble. These negative results were followed in 1959 by a number of similar ones concerned with elements and subgroups of finitely presented groups (Baumslag, Boone and Neumann [S]). Thus, for example, there is no algorithm whereby one can decide whether or not any element in a (suitably chosen) finitely presented group is a proper power. In 1981 Harlampovich [9] constructed a finitely presented solvable group (of derived length 3) with an insoluble word problem. This then raised the possibility that many of the results cited above for finitely presented groups can be carried over to finitely presented solvable groups. It is not possible to carry over these results en masse to finitely presented solvable groups, since it is easy to decide whether any finitely presented solvable group is of order 1. Indeed there is an algorithm whereby one can determine whether any finitely presented solvable group is polycyclic (Baumslag, Cannonito and Miller [6]); again, no such algorithm exists for finitely presented groups as a whole (Adyan [2]). The methods employed previously cannot be applied to solvable groups because the constructions
Effects of amount of attention allocated to the location of visual stimulus pairs on perception of simultaneity

This study examined whether a change in the amount of attention equally allocated to two locations affects judgments of the simultaneity or successiveness of stimuli presented at those locations. Observers were cued to expect two brief flashes either to the left and right of fixation or above and below fixation. Stimulus onset asynchrony was randomly varied. On a small proportion of trials, the stimuli appeared at the unexpected locations. Observers were more likely to report the stimuli as simultaneous when they appeared in the unexpected locations. A model proposed to account for the data assumes that a brief stimulus event is represented by a probability distribution reflecting the uncertainty in determining the time of the event’s occurrence, and two events are judged to be simultaneous if they are perceived to fall within some critical temporal interval, c, which is a function of the amount of attention allocated to the task.
A global model of the protein-solvent interface

The solvent structure and dynamics around myoglobin is investigated at the microscopic level of detail by computer simulation. We analyze a molecular dynamics trajectory in terms of solvent mobility and probability distribution. Local events, occurring in the protein-solvent interfacial region, which are often masked by other approaches are thus revealed. Specifically, the local solvent mobility is greatly enhanced for certain locations at the protein surface and in its interior. In addition, a strong correlation between the solvent mobility and density emerges on both global and local scales. We propose a simple model where the solvent distribution measured perpendicularly to the protein surface is utilized to reconstruct the simulated network of hydration within 6 A from the protein surface with a relative error of only 17%. The global precision of this solvation model matches results obtained with more complicated models usually used in refinement procedures in x-ray and neutron experiments but with far fewer parameters. The dramatically improved correspondence between observed and calculated x-ray intensities at low resolution relative to other methods both confirms the validity of the approach used in the MD (molecular dynamics) simulations and allows the results of this study to be implemented in solvent studies on real systems.
Meta-analysis of Survival of Patients with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Managed with Resection versus Chemotherapy Alone: Letter to the Editor

In their article Stillwell et al. conclude that, to avoid tumorrelated complications, asymptomatic patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer should undergo resection of the primary tumor [1]. While this observation may once have been correct, we believe that recent advances in medical oncology warrant re-examination of this assertion. In the last decade five new chemotherapeutic agents (irinotecan, capecitabine, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, and cetuximab) have been approved, and a number of effective regimens have been developed, broadening the armamentarium against metastatic colorectal cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated an increase in median survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer from 6–8 months with supportive care alone to more than 20 months with the use of combination chemotherapy [2]. As a result, the view of metastatic colorectal cancer has changed from an acute condition and a certain death sentence to, potentially, a chronic condition, that patients live with but do not die from [2]. Furthermore, complications from an asymptomatic primary tumor being left in situ in a patient with unresectable synchronous metastatic disease receiving newer chemotherapy agents may not be of such concern as suggested in a recent article by Poultsides et al. [3]. In their experience, they managed 233 consecutive patients with synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer and an unresected primary tumor with up-front modern chemotherapy (oxaliplatinor irinotecan-based, triple-drug chemotherapy) between 2000 and 2006. They observed that 213 (89%) patients never required any direct symptomatic management for the intact primary tumor, and the median overall survival for the entire patient cohort was 18 months from the initiation of systemic chemotherapy. The fundamental issue is that comparisons of treatment strategies in the literature have been retrospective and uncontrolled, and they are thus subject to a significant selection bias. Therefore any evaluation is akin to comparing apples and oranges, and to paraphrase a renowned North American surgeon, this makes for an unappetizing fruit salad. Compelling arguments for both approaches can be made, but in the end they are just that ... arguments and not scientific evidence. The Halstedian principles for managing breast cancer were also convincing until welldesigned controlled trials like the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B-04 proved otherwise [4]. The meta-analysis of Stillwell et al. unfortunately raises more questions than it answers, foremost of which is whether the time has come for a randomized trial to determine the optimal treatment strategy for patients with asymptomatic metastatic colorectal cancer in the twentyfirst century. With an estimated 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States alone each year, and with nearly one-fourth of patients having metastatic disease at diagnosis [5], the numbers certainly suggest so.
Epigenetic Regulation of Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia, Dependence and Tolerance in Mice

Abstract Repeated administration of opioids such as morphine induces persistent behavioral changes including opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), tolerance, and physical dependence. In the current work we explored how the balance of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) versus histone deacetylase (HDAC) might regulate these morphine-induced changes. Nociceptive thresholds, analgesia, and physical dependence were assessed during and for a period of several weeks after morphine exposure. To probe the roles of histone acetylation, the HAT inhibitor curcumin or a selective HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) was administered daily to groups of animals. Histone acetylation in spinal cord was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Concurrent administration of curcumin with morphine for 4 days significantly reduced development of opioid-induced mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, tolerance, and physical dependence. Conversely, the HDAC inhibitor SAHA enhanced these responses. Interestingly, SAHA treatment after the termination of opioid administration sustained these behavioral changes for at least 4 weeks. Histone H3 acetylation in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was increased after chronic morphine treatment, but H4 acetylation was unchanged. Moreover, we observed a decrease in HDAC activity in the spinal cords of morphine-treated mice while overall HAT activity was unchanged, suggesting a shift toward a state of enhanced histone acetylation. Perspective The current study indicates that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in opioid-induced long-lasting neuroplasticity. These results provide new sight into understanding the mechanisms of opioid-induced neuroplasticity and suggest new strategies to limit opioid abuse potential and increase the value of these drugs as analgesics.
Can David and Goliath Get Along? Federal Land in Local Places

It is often unclear what the role of a local jurisdiction is with regard to land use management on nearby federal properties. Yet federal lands clearly impact nearby local communities. The US Department of Energy (DOE), with over 100 sites across the United States with varying degrees of environmental contamination, may be in a very difficult position with regard to relationships with local government about land use. Yet few, if any, studies have examined DOE land use issues. This study asks: (1) In general, how do local planners feel about federal government relationships with them? (2) Do local planners feel differently about the DOE than they do about other federal agencies? (3) What reasons explain any differences observed in answer to the second question? To answer these questions, local planners were interviewed from communities adjacent to non-DOE federal properties, and their responses compared to those of planners located near DOE facilities in the same regions. Findings showed that compared to other federal agencies that own land in the same regions, the DOE is relatively poorer at actively involving local officials in land use decisions at its sites. Primary reasons are the historic legacy of a culture of secrecy, focus on mission, and especially the lack of experience, training, or mandates in local planning cooperation. Findings also suggest that this attitude is markedly stronger in areas west of the Rocky Mountains. Recommendations for improved federal–local communications include the development of a vision for local government involvement that is supported by top levels of management and filtered effectively to the site level.
The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on the osmotic properties of a rat megakaryocytopoietic cell line

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 0.6 M alters the osmotic state of intracellular water in a line of rat megakaryocytopoietic cells. The response is a function of temperature. Maximal structuring of water occurs at 24.7 degrees C, while disorganization occurs at 30 and 37 degrees C. Little effect occurs at 3 and at 18 degrees C. Parallel measurements of membrane permeability to water indicate that DMSO inhibits the osmotic exit of water at all temperatures. Maximal inhibition occurs at 24.7 degrees C, the same temperature at which maximal organization of water occurs. These findings emphasize the possible role which water may play in explaining the diverse functions of DMSO as cryogenic substance, promoter of cell fusion, and stimulator of cell differentiation.
Speculative Software Modification and its Use in Securing SOUP

We present an engineering process model for generating software modifications that is designed to be used when either most or all development artifacts about the software, including the source code, are unavailable. This kind of software, commonly called Software Of Unknown Provenance (SOUP), raises many doubts about the existence and adequacy of desired dependability properties, for example security. These doubts motivate some users to apply modifications to enhance dependability properties of the software, however, without necessary development artifacts, modifications are made in a state of uncertainty and risk. We investigate enhancing dependability through software modification in the presence of these risks as an engineering problem and introduce an engineering process for generating software modifications called Speculative Software Modification (SSM). We present the motivation and guiding principles of SSM, and a case study of SSM applied to protect software against buffer overflow attacks when only the binary is available.
Additivity and expected utility in risky multiattribute preferences

Abstract This experiment analyzed human preferences among even chance gambles for commodity bundles. The purpose of the experiment was to test several independence assumptions that distinguish between models for risky multiattribute preferences. In particular, the additivity and the expected utility part of the additive expected utility model were tested symmetrically. The degree and form of model violations were established, and the effects of instructions and of response modes were examined. All independence assumptions were violated by a bias to prefer a gamble or a commodity bundle that was previously matched against a standard. Systematic and strong violations that superseded this bias questioned the validity of the additive expected utility model. In violation of the additivity part of that model subjects consistently preferred the gamble with more balanced outcomes when comparing gambles with identical marginal probability distributions. This trend, called multiattribute risk aversion, was independent of subjects' single attribute risk attitude. Instructions and response modes had no noticeable impacts on these response patterns.
Persisting effects of armored military maneuvers on some soils of the Mojave Desert

Soil compaction and substrate modification produced during large-scale armored military maneuvers in the early 1940s were examined in 1981 at seven sites in California’s eastern Mojave Desert Recording penetrometer measurements show that tracks left by a single pass of an M3 “medium” tank have average soil resistance values that are 50% greater than those of the surrounding untracked soil in the upper 20 cm At one site, measurements made along short segments of track that have been visually eliminated by erosion and deposition processes show a 73% increase in penetrometer resistance over adjacent, undisturbed soils Dirt roadways at three former base camp locations could not be penetrated below 5–10 cm because of extreme compaction Soil bulk density was not as sensitive an indicator of soil compaction as was penetrometer resistance Density values in the upper 10 cm of soil are not significantly different between tank tracks and undisturbed soils at most sites, and roadways at two base camps show an average increase in bulk density of only 12% over adjacent soils. Trench excavations across tank tracks show that physical modifications of the substrate can extend vertically beneath a track to a depth of 25 cm and outward from a track’s edge to 50 cm These soil disturbances are probably major factors that encourage accelerated soil erosion throughout the manuever area and also retard or prevent the return of vegetation to pre-disturbance conditions
Enhancement of naming in nonfluent aphasia through gesture

In a number of studies that have examined the gestural disturbance in aphasia and the utility of gestural interventions in aphasia therapy, a variable degree of facilitation of verbalization during gestural activity has been reported. The present study examined the effect of different unilateral gestural movements on simultaneous oral-verbal expression, specifically naming to confrontation. It was hypothesized that activation of the phylogenetically older proximal motor system of the hemiplegic right arm in the execution of a communicative but nonrepresentational pointing gesture would have a facilitatory effect on naming ability. Twenty-four aphasic patients, representing five aphasic subtypes, including Broca's, Transcortical Motor, Anomic, Global, and Wernicke's aphasics were assessed under three gesture/naming conditions. The findings indicated that gestures produced through activation of the proximal (shoulder) musculature of the right paralytic limb differentially facilitated naming performance in the nonfluent subgroup, but not in the Wernicke's aphasics. These findings may be explained on the view that functional activation of the archaic proximal motor system of the hemiplegic limb, in the execution of a communicative gesture, permits access to preliminary stages in the formative process of the anterior action microgeny, which ultimately emerges in vocal articulation.
Plasma screening within Rydberg atoms in circular states

A Rydberg atom embedded in a plasma can experience penetration by slowly moving electrons within its volume. The original pure Coulomb potential must now be replaced by a screened Coulomb potential which contains either a screening length Rs or a screening factor A = Rs -1 . For any given discrete energy level, there is a Critical Screening Factor (CSF) Ac beyond which the energy level disappears (by merging into the continuum). Analytical results are obtained for the classical dependence of the energy on the screening factor, for the CSF, and for the critical radius of the electron orbit for Circular Rydberg States (CRS) in this screened Rydberg atom. The results are derived for any general form of the screened Coulomb potential and are applied to the particular case of the Debye potential. We also show that CRS can temporarily exist above the ionization threshold and are therefore the classical counterparts of quantal discrete states embedded into continuum. The results are significant not only to Rydberg plasmas, but also to fusion plasmas, where Rydberg states of multi-charged hydrogen-like ions result from charge exchange with hydrogen or deuterium atoms, as well as to dusty/complex plasmas.
Stark shift of a single barium ion and potential application to zero-point confinement in a rf trap

Recently we have observed the Stark shift in an optical transition of a single trapped ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ ion. To enhance the shift in the 6${\mathit{S}}_{1/2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$5${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ clock transition, the ion is displaced from the saddle point of the trapping potential. The Stark shift constants, ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{\mathit{s}}$, for the three pairs of Zeeman components are found to be the following: 6.1(7), 7.5(8), and 11.7(12) mHz/(V/cm${)}^{2}$ for \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{S}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=1/2 to \ensuremath{\Vert}${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{D}}$\ensuremath{\Vert}=1/2, 3/2, and 5/2 transitions, respectively. A scheme is also proposed to use the Stark shift to identify the zero-point confinement state of a single trapped ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}$ ion.
Regulation of insulin-like growth factor I production in rat C6 glioma cells: possible role as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor.

The growth of rat glioma C6 cells, which provide an in vitro model of glial cells, is inhibited by retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, two agents which are important in brain differentiation and growth. To determine whether the growth-inhibitory effects of these agents are mediated by alterations in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) production, the effects of retinoic acid and dexamethasone on IGF-I production and messenger RNA levels in C6 cells were investigated. IGF-I mRNA levels were determined using a solution hybridization/RNase protection assay. Treatment of C6 cells with dexamethasone or retinoic acid decreased IGF-I mRNA levels in a time-dependent fashion. The time course of the effect of the two agents differed, with the peak effect of dexamethasone between 6 and 12 h and the peak effect of retinoic acid at 27 h. In dose-response studies, IGF-I mRNA levels decreased to 27% of control levels (cells maintained in serum-free media) after treatment with 5 ng/ml dexamethasone, while half-maximal in...
Oxidation of DNA bases by tumor promoter-activated processes.

Evidence has accumulated showing that active oxygen species participate in at least one stage of tumor promotion. Tumor promoters can induce various types of cells to undergo processes that result ...
Virtual Neurorobotics (VNR) to Accelerate Development of Plausible Neuromorphic Brain Architectures.

Traditional research in artificial intelligence and machine learning has viewed the brain as a specially adapted information-processing system. More recently the field of social robotics has been advanced to capture the important dynamics of human cognition and interaction. An overarching societal goal of this research is to incorporate the resultant knowledge about intelligence into technology for prosthetic, assistive, security, and decision support applications. However, despite many decades of investment in learning and classification systems, this paradigm has yet to yield truly “intelligent” systems. For this reason, many investigators are now attempting to incorporate more realistic neuromorphic properties into machine learning systems, encouraged by over two decades of neuroscience research that has provided parameters that characterize the brain’s interdependent genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, anatomic, and electrophysiological networks. Given the complexity of neural systems, developing tenable models to capture the essence of natural intelligence for real-time application requires that we discriminate features underlying information processing and intrinsic motivation from those reflecting biological constraints (such as maintaining structural integrity and transporting metabolic products). We propose herein a conceptual framework and an iterative method of virtual neurorobotics (VNR) intended to rapidly forward-engineer and test progressively more complex putative neuromorphic brain prototypes for their ability to support intrinsically intelligent, intentional interaction with humans. The VNR system is based on the viewpoint that a truly intelligent system must be driven by emotion rather than programmed tasking, incorporating intrinsic motivation and intentionality. We report pilot results of a closed-loop, real-time interactive VNR system with a spiking neural brain, and provide a video demonstration as online supplemental material.
A Computational Study of Tip Desensitization in Axial Flow Turbines: Part 1 — Baseline Turbine Computations and Comparisons With Measurement

This study used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate modified turbine blade tip shapes as a means of reducing the leakage flow and vortex. The subject of this study was the single-stage experimental turbine facility at Penn State University, with scaled three-dimensional geometry representative of a modern high-pressure stage. To validate the numerical procedure, the rotor flowfield was first computed with no modification to the tip, and the results compared with measurements of the flowfield. The flow was then predicted for a variety of different tip shapes: first with coarse grids for screening purposes and then with more refined grids for final verification of preferred tip geometries. Part 1 of this two-part paper focuses on the turbine case description, numerical procedure, baseline flat-tip computations, and comparison of the baseline results with measurement. A Runge-Kutta time-marching CFD solver (ADPAC) was used to solve the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Two-equation turbulence modeling with low Reynolds number adjustments was used for closure. The baseline rotor flowfield was computed twice: with a moderately sized mesh (720,000 nodes) and also with a much more refined mesh (7.2 million nodes). Both solutions showed good agreement with previously taken measurements of the rotor flowfield, including five-hole probe measurements of the velocity and total pressure inside the passage, as well as pressure measurements on the blade and casing surfaces.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Human recombinant histamine-releasing factor.

Histamine-releasing factors (HRF) have received much attention over the last 17 years. With the availability of molecular biology techniques, cloned molecules have been identified as HRF. Examples include various interleukins, chemokines and the IgE-dependent HRF. This human recombinant HRF (HrHRF) is a novel cytokine with no homology to any known molecule. Indeed, HrHRF acts as a complete secretagogue for basophils possessing a certain type of IgE, namely IgE+. Additionally, HrHRF can enhance histamine release from basophils possessing IgE––, basophils not normally responsive to HrHRF. Furthermore, HrHRF can activate eosinophils from allergic donors. This unique molecule may have a pivotal role in allergic diseases.
Digital subtraction pulmonary arteriography versus multidetector CT in the detection of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

Purpose To compare digital subtraction pulmonary arteriography (PA) with 16–detector row computed tomography (CT) in the detection of suspected pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Materials and Methods Eighteen nonconsecutive patients (median age, 47.5 years; range, 26–78 y) with a total of 42 PAVMs were included over a period of 2.75 years. At the authors' institution, all patients with HHT and their family members undergo contrast echocardiography. Positive contrast echocardiography findings prompt multidetector CT (MDCT) scanning, which, in the case of positive findings, is then followed by digital subtraction PA and embolotherapy as appropriate. Catheter-based PA was performed in the study group drawn from the group that underwent MDCT and PA. Evaluation of PAVM presence, location, and type in PA studies was conducted by three blinded interventional radiology physician reviewers and compared with the readings of MDCT studies by three blinded MDCT physician reviewers. Consensus review was performed after blinded readings were complete. Results Whole-lung analysis (ie, correct identification of a lesion anywhere in the lung) showed MDCT readings to have a mean sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 78% and PA readings to have a mean sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 100%. Lobar analysis (ie, correct identification of a lesion in a given lobe) showed MDCT readings to have a mean sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 93% and PA readings to have a mean sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 100%. Conclusions According to the definitions in this study, MDCT provides greater sensitivity in the detection of PAVM than digital subtraction PA, but does so with a loss in specificity, and the differences depend on the level analyzed (ie, lung vs lobe).
Vibration and stability in thermally stressed roatating disks

Paper presents the experimental confirmation of a vibration and stability model of a thermally stressed rotating disk. Attention is directed to the rotating-disk convective-heat-transfer problem. Measured temperature distributions are used in the computation of the theoretical characteristic frequency spectrum which is then verified by the experimental frequency spectrum. The theoretical characteristic spectrum is shown to be effective in predicting the likelihood of a critical speed instability of the thermally stressed rotating disk. Optimal control of disk operation using this model is proposed.
Double-Modular Hip Device Design Susceptible to Stress Corrosion Failure

Total hip replacements restore pain-free mobility to approximately 200,000 patients in the U.S. each year [1]. A typical hip system comprises a metal alloy stem, a femoral head (ceramic or metal alloy), and a polyethylene acetabular cup fit into a metal alloy backing. A modular press-fit Morse taper is commonly used to attach the femoral head to the stem. There are also more recent designs that incorporate a second interface at the neck-stem junction (Figure 1). Increased modularity in total hip replacement design allows the surgeon to intraoperatively preserve patient anatomy such as leg length and femoral anteversion and better balance the surrounding soft tissue for optimal biomechanics. However, modularity also increases the number of mechanical junctions and interfaces in the device which may lead to complications such as corrosion, wear, and fracture.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Organization, transcription, and expression of rhoptry associated protein genes in the Babesia bigemina rap-1 locus

The Babesia bigemina rap-1 gene locus contains five tandemly arranged copies of rap-1a genes. However, the size of the locus, as defined by conserved, unrelated orfs at the 5' and 3' ends, suggests that additional genes may be present. In this study, we identified all additional genes in the locus and characterized their pattern of expression in merozoites. The rap-1a genes are separated by 3.38-kbp intergenic (IG) regions, each of which contains an identical copy of a related gene designated rap-1b. One additional copy of rap-1b and one copy of another related gene designated rap-1c is present in the 3' end of the locus. Common sequence features that define the Babesia rap-1 family are present in rap-1b and rap-1c, but otherwise these genes average only 27% identity to rap-1a. Homologues of the rap-1b and rap-1c genes identified in diverse B. bigemina strains have a high degree of predicted amino acid sequence conservation (averaging >90%), with the largest number of changes in the carboxyl end of RAP-1c. We tested whether all rap-1 genes in the locus are co-transcribed in merozoites using RT-PCR, Northern blots, and quantitative real-time PCR. Rap-1a genes produce the most abundant transcripts of the family, while rap-1b transcripts are the least abundant despite the large number of gene copies. Similar patterns of transcription were observed whether merozoites were obtained from in vitro cultures or in vivo infection. Immunoblot analysis of merozoites revealed the expected RAP-1a expression but failed to detect expressed RAP-1b and RAP-1c, indicating that expression of the rap-1 genes is regulated both at the transcriptional and translational levels.
Herpes Simplex Virus ICP0 Promotes both Histone Removal and Acetylation on Viral DNA during Lytic Infection

During lytic infection, the genome of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is associated with limited levels of histones but does not form a regular repeating nucleosomal structure. However, the previous observation that chromatin remodeling factors are recruited into viral replication compartments indicates that chromatin remodeling plays a role in HSV-1 gene expression and DNA replication. In this study we demonstrate the presence of histone H3 on HSV-1 DNA early in infection at levels equivalent to those found on a cellular gene. The proportion of viral DNA associated with histone H3 decreases at later times postinfection, independently of either viral DNA replication or transcription. We demonstrate that an immediate-early protein, infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), is required for both a reduction in the proportion of HSV-1 DNA associating with histone H3 and an increase in histone acetylation. This study provides evidence that ICP0 directly alters the chromatin structure of the HSV-1 genome during lytic infection, and this system will serve as a useful model for the reduction of histone load in higher eukaryotes.
Kinetic study of RuIII‐catalyzed polymerization of methylmethacrylate initiated with n‐butylamine in the presence of carbon tetrachloride by a charge‐transfer mechanism

Ruthenium trichloride (RuCl3 or RuIII) catalyzed polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) initiated with n-butylamine (BA) in the presence of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by a charge-transfer mechanism has been investigated in a dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) medium by employing a dilatometric technique at 60°C. The rate of polymerization (Rp) has been obtained under the conditions [CCl4]/[BA] ⩽ 1 and [CCl4]/[BA] ⩾ 1. The kinetic data indicate the possible participation of the charge-transfer complex formed between the amine–RuIII complex and CCl4 in the polymerization of MMA. In the absence of either CCl4 or BA, no polymerization of MMA is observed under the present experimental conditions. The rate of polymerization is inhibited by hydroquinone, suggesting a free-radical initiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 70–77, 2011