cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of C19-radiosteroids by explants of canine prostate and epididymis with disposition as hydroxylated products: A possible mechanism for androgen inactivation

Abstract Explants from canine prostate and epididymis were used to study the metabolic disposition of labelled testosterone, 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one (5α-DHT), 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol and 5α-androstane-3β,17β-diol (3β-diol) in serum-free Trowell's T8 medium under organ-culture conditions which maintained the structural integrity of the tissues. The 1.7 μM and 8.5 nM radiotestosterone-derived uptake and chromatographically-determined disposition patterns were obtained after 2, 6 and 21 h in culture at 37°C. Prostatic uptake, metabolism and high-affinity binding to total 0.4 M KCl-extractable protein were compared after 21 h exposure to each of the four [3H]-substrates. A characteristic feature of radiotestosterone disposition was the accumulation of C19O3-metabolites in explants, and release of large quantities into the medium between 6 h and 21 h. Major components of the C19O3-steroids in 21 h media were partially identified as 5α-reduced 6-and (predominantly) 7-hydroxylated radiometabolites by CrO3-oxidation and crystallization of 5α-androstane-3,6,17-trione and 5α-androstane-3,7,17-trione to constant SA. 850 nM estradiol inhibited prostatic formation of hydroxylation products from 8.5 nM [3H]-testosterone by 46%, with accumulation of 3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one and 3β-diol. The optimal substrate for the prostatic hydroxylation reactions was 3β-diol. It generated much less 5α-DHT in free and specifically-bound forms than the other substrates. The results suggest that the 3β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase-hydroxylase system provides a mechanism by which male accessory reproductive glands dispose of free and bound intracellular androgens. Estrogen inhibition of the terminal hydroxylation reactions points to a new mode of regulation of male hormone action.
A prospective review of the decline of excisional breast biopsy

Background: Although excisional breast biopsy has long been considered the standard for breast cancer diagnosis, core biopsies are now used more frequently. Whether core biopsy can eventually replace excisional biopsy remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diagnostic excisional and core biopsies relative to surgical treatment procedures. Methods: We analyzed our data collected prospectively from 1995 through 2000, which included inpatient and outpatient surgical data, office visits, and radiology biopsy data including stereotactic, mammotome, and ultrasound core biopsies. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess the shift in diagnostic technique. Results: From 1995 through 2000 there were 2,631 core biopsies performed, 2,685 excisional biopsies, 2,881 surgical procedures for breast cancer, and 51,109 office visits. Although the percentage of core biopsies relative to excisional biopsies increased from 31% to 68% (P <0.001), the percentage of biopsies relative to the number of office visits remained stable at 10% to 11%. The percentage of breast cancer procedures relative to office visits also remained stable at 5% to 6%. Conclusions: Our data indicate that core biopsies are being performed more often than excisional biopsies. Nevertheless, one in three biopsies done at our institution is excisional.
The influence of juvenile hormone on the metamorphosis of Sarcophaga bullata

Abstract The following substances with juvenile hormone activity were assayed on Sarcophaga bullata : pure Hyalophora cecropia juvenile hormone; dl -juvenile hormone; C 17 methyl ester; epoxy C 17 ethyl ester; a synthetic mixture; epoxy methyl farnesoate; piperonyl butoxide; sesoxane. Larvae respond to injections of juvenile hormone by a prolongation of larval life and in many instances by developmental arrest during pharate adult development. All substances are effective in eliciting the development of pupal-adult intermediates when applied to the cuticle of young pupae. These intermediates have secreted second pupal cuticles. Another effect on young pupae is developmental arrest during early pharate adult development. Our data are the first to demonstrate a morphogenetic effect of juvenile hormone on the higher Diptera.
Conservation of sleep: insights from non-mammalian model systems

The past 10 years have seen new approaches to elucidating genetic pathways regulating sleep. The emerging theme is that sleep-like states are conserved in evolution, with similar signaling pathways playing a role in animals as distantly related as flies and humans. We review the evidence for the presence of sleep states in non-mammalian species including zebrafish (Danio rerio), fruitflies (Drosophila melanogaster) and roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans). We describe conserved sleep-regulatory molecular pathways with a focus on cAMP and epidermal growth factor signaling; neurotransmitters with conserved effects on sleep and wake regulation, including dopamine and GABA; and a conserved molecular response to sleep deprivation involving the chaperone protein BiP/GRP78.
Early deformation of ultrahelvetic mélanges in the helvetic nappes (Western Swiss Alps)

Abstract The Ultrahelvetic melanges represent an important clue for understanding the Tertiary Alpine orogeny, particularly in the external Alps of western Switzerland. The remarkable architecture of the Upper and Lower Ultrahelvetic units is classically explained by an important phase of gravity sliding and orogenic sliding accompanied by the formation of chaotic complexes and olistostromes (wildflysch), a phenomenon called ‘diverticulation’. A structural analysis reveals evidence for early phases of deformation, despite strong overprinting by late Alpine deformation. These early fabrics are observed in foliated pebbly-mudstone (a tectonic breccia, part of the melange matrix), in disrupted flysch sequences and in dark shales. They attest to brecciation related to a complex pattern of veining, with several generations of calcite cement and several stages of failure during lithification, and they show the important role of fluids during the deformation. They present numerous analogies with the fabrics described in association with thrusts in accretionary prisms. Considering the tectonic fabrics and the relations among the infra-Prealpine melanges, a tectonic model to explain the emplacement of the Ultrahelvetic units is proposed in which the decollements developed in three weak levels. The early fabrics evolved within a basal thrust formed in a final stage of the Valaisan subduction.
Perspectives of Women College Athletes on Sport and Gender

Although sport access for females has greatly improved, certain behaviors continue to be considered more or less appropriate for females depending upon how compatible they are with biologically or socially constructed female characteristics. However, young women who have grown up playing sports and continue participation at the college level have constructed meanings about being a young woman and an athlete. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed to investigate how seven gymnasts and seven softball players competing in NCAA Division I athletics view and contend with a “female/athlete paradox.” These women recognized preferred femininity and at times constructed images based on this notion. However, they also embraced their athleticism and felt at ease choosing not to perform femininity in some contexts.
Recombination Yield of H+2 Emergent from Ultra Thin Carbon Films below the Bohr Velocity

We have used the University of Chicago Scanning Transmission Ion Microscope to measure the yield of H+2 from beams traversing 15 A to 40 A carbon films. At 12.5 keV/H the measured yields were about 1 to 10%. Analysis of the yields of H+2 from this experiment and other experiments at higher energy in terms of the rms internuclear separation of the emergent particles and the dwell time in the carbon film shows that the separation is the more important factor. Graphs of yields vs. internuclear separation provide hints about the mechanism of recombination of H+2.
A Simplified Treatment of the Estimation of Parameters and Tests of Hypotheses in Constrained Design Models with Unbalanced Data

Abstract A simple approach to the least squares estimation of parameters in the linear design model is given. An algebraically tractable example for unbalanced data is used to illustrate the approach.
Fate of endogenous free amino acids in osmotic adjustment of Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

Abstract 1. 1. Free amino acids (FAA) in mantle tissue of whole oysters, adapted to sea-water or one-half salinity, were determined by automatic amino acid analyzer; isolated tissue was incubated with 14 C-labeled substrates, transferred to different media, and labeled metabolites were determined by liquid scintillation counter. 2. 2. FAA accounted for 16.7–19.7% of osmotically active substances; taurine made up 57–71%, alanine, aspartic acid and glycine 19–32%, and all other amino acids together about 10%. 3. 3. After 3 hr in reduced salinity, tissue FAA decreased 32% and 14 CO 2 production increased 2.7-fold; in increased salinity, FAA increased 2.8-fold and 14 CO 2 production decreased by 12%. 4. 4. Significant efflux and biosynthesis of FAA occurred within 1 hr of transfer, but did not account for all loss or gain.
Determination of convective heat transfer coefficients using 2D MRI temperature mapping and finite element modeling

Abstract Finite element modeling was used in combination with 2D MRI temperature mapping to calculate fluid to particle convective heat transfer coefficients ( h fp ) across the surfaces of a carrot particle being heated with 80 °C water with an average velocity of 4.4 cm/s. Heat transfer in the region of interest (image acquired from center of sample) was essentially two-dimensional because of the length of the carrot sliver. The h fp at each surface was determined by trial and error matching of temperature contours in the model to those in the MRI image. Calculated values of h fp (117–389 W/m 2 K) were within the range of those reported in the literature. The major advantages of this method are that the actual shape of the food particle is used in the model, and it can be utilized in applications where the particle does not heat uniformly from all directions.
A Comparison of Pairs, Triads and Quads in Multi-Attribute Decision Making

The pair-wise comparison technique is a common approach for completing multi-attribute evaluations. However, this approach has limitations, especially for larger attribute sets, where the use of the technique is time-consuming because it requires a relatively large number of comparisons. The authors conducted an experiment to test the efficacy of three alternative approaches for eliciting preferences, specifically pairs, triads and quads. Ninety-three subjects used one of the three approaches to rank the importance of fifteen items. The results indicate that those employing the pair-wise approach took significantly longer than those using the triad or quad approach. In addition, the triad technique yielded more accurate results (compared to the pair and quad methods). Finally, the quad approach generated fewer intransitivities than the pair-wise or triad approaches. No differences were observed across the three techniques with respect to reliability or perceived ease of use. Implications are provided for both practitioners and researchers.
Model copolymerization reactions: Evidence against participation of a donor–acceptor complex in reactions of the l‐butyl radical with N‐phenylmaleimide and styrene

The participation of electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes in radical copolymerizations has been the subject of hundreds of research papers? Complex participation has been invoked to explain the formation of alternating copolymer, as well as the variations in overall copolymerization rate with changes in temperature, solvent, or monomer concentration, that are frequently observed in copolymerizations of donor (D) and acceptor (A) olefin. Most recently, Olson and Butler have suggested that complex participation might also be required to explain the stereochemistry, or the regiochemistry, of certain radical copolymerizations.
Is One Good Parent Good Enough? Patterns of Mother and Father Parenting and Child Cognitive Outcomes at 24 and 36 Months

Objective. This study examined parenting patterns in a sample of low-income couples and the impact of those patterns on young children's cognitive outcomes. Design. Interactions between 237 mothers, fathers, and their 2-year-old children were examined among coresident mothers and fathers or father figures who participated in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project's Father and Child Interaction During Toddlerhood Study (FACITS). Scores on 6 parenting scales were entered into K-means cluster analyses to determine whether different parenting patterns emerged by gender. Analyses of covariance were used to examine how the behavior of each parent alone and both parents jointly was associated with child cognitive outcomes concurrently and 1 year later. Results. Mothers and fathers exhibited similar parenting patterns, with Highly Supportive (43% of mothers, 34% of fathers), Somewhat Supportive (35%, 43%), Detached (8%, 15%), and Negative (14%, 8%) clusters emerging for both genders. However, differ...
Groundwater Resources Sustainability: Past, Present, and Future

With the worldwide depletion of groundwater and the intensified use around the world, particularly in many arid and semi-arid regions for irrigation and municipal use, there is no satisfactory approach to groundwater sustainability. The lack of and miss-management of this valuable resource has not only created serious groundwater pollution problems but has created present and/or future water supply problems. This paper does not present a solution, but instead examines economic ideas such as exhaustible resource theory (over exploitation), and optimization methodologies that can incorporate new ideas of groundwater sustainability, population growth constraints, include both short term and long term consequences, and consider multi-objectives. Concepts of groundwater footprint, recharge, and safe yield are discarded as concepts for measuring groundwater sustainability. The concept of developing a sustainability index that could also be used within the context of optimization is introduced. Also the concepts of traditional knowledge are discussed with the emphasis on the use of these methodologies for both developed and developing regions of the world to achieve groundwater sustainability.
Dynamic Cropping Systems for Sustainable Crop Production in the Northern Great Plains

Producers need to know how to sequence crops to develop sustainable dynamic cropping systems that take advantage of inherent internal resources, such as crop synergism, nutrient cycling, and soil water, and capitalize on external resources, such as weather, markets, and government programs. The objective of our research was to determine influences of previous crop and crop residues (crop sequence) on relative seed and residue yield and precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) for the no-till production of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), canola (Brassica napus L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), sunflower (Helianthus annus L.), and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in the northern Great Plains. Relative seed yield in 2003 for eight of the 10 crops resulted in synergistic effects when the previous crop was dry pea or lentil, compared with each crop grown on its own residue. Buckwheat, corn, and sunflower residues were antagonistic to chickpea relative seed yield. In 2004, highest relative seed yield for eight of the 10 crops occurred when dry pea was the previous crop. Relative residue yield followed a pattern similar to relative seed yield. The PUE overall means fluctuated for seven of the 10 crops both years, but those of dry pea, sunflower, and spring wheat remained somewhat constant, suggesting these crops may have mechanisms for consistent PUE and were not as dependent on growing season precipitation distribution as the other seven crops. Sustainable cropping systems in the northern Great Plains will approach an optimal scheme of crop sequencing by taking advantage of synergisms and avoiding antagonisms that occur among crops and previous crop residues.
Considerations on the Scholarship of Engagement as an Area of Specialization for Faculty.

At institutions of higher education across the United States, faculty have increasing opportunities to define their research and teaching activities as components of the evolving "scholarship of engagement" field. Using an "interpersonal relationship" framework outlined by Bringle and Hatcher (2002), this article presents some of the challenges inherent in this work from the viewpoint of two faculty members involved in a university–community partnership project. In addition, we suggest how this work can contribute to furthering our knowledge about these emerging collaborations.
Who Volunteers for a Breast Self-Examination Program? Evaluating the Bases for Self-Selection

Interest in a free breast self-examination (BSE) teaching program offered to a patient population (n=1590) was assessed, and a follow-up survey of refusers undertaken to determine difference between participants and refusers. Fifty-one percent of the known, eligible women patients expressed interest in the program and 24% ultimately had the teaching. Participants differed from refusers most notably in terms of less previous experience with BSE, more family history of cancer, a longer relationship with their physicians, and different health beliefs. They state more confidence in the effectiveness of breast cancer detection and treatment, less fear and embarrassment, and more personal and physician responsibility for health outcomes, as measured by the Health Locus of Control Scales. Self-selection thus seems rationally based on the kind of program and the needs of the women. Such self-selection can be cost- effective in delivering health education to the people most in need of it and most likely to benefit...
CO 2 laser wavelength shifter

The CO 2 laser is well suited for detecting a number of chemicals in the 9.3 - 10.7 micrometers band. However, there are several important species that require emission at 8 - 8.5 micrometers , which is not available from this laser. This has led to the development of a CO 2 wavelength shifting technique that allows for interrogation of the 8 micrometers region. A two-stage process using the non-linear crystal AgGaSe 2 accomplishes the shifting. In the first stage, the 10.6 micrometers CO 2 laser pump is doubled to 5.3 micrometers by second harmonic generation which then pumps the second stage, shifting the wavelength to 8.3 micrometers by optical parametric oscillation. Energy conversion efficiencies of 40 percent have been obtained for the first stage shift and 10 percent in the second stage.
The market and computer technology

What is the impact of economics on vendors of chips, systems, software, and applications? The author looks at the issues we all need to understand when considering the market and its impact on our technology. This essay reviews a few of the economic factors that shape the emergence, development, and "control" of an open standard. >
Neuropathology of two fatal cases of measles in the 1988-1989 Houston epidemic.

Abstract The clinical course and autopsy findings of 2 patients with measles encephalitis that occurred during the 1988–1989 Houston epidemic are reported. A previously healthy 25-month-old boy had serologically-proved measles, hemophagocytic syndrome, and acute disseminated demyelinating encephalitis. A 19-year-old male with acute lymphocytic leukemia had proved measles pneumonia and acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis. These patients represent a broad spectrum of measles-induced immunopathic complications of the central nervous system.
Analyzing protein circular dichroism spectra for accurate secondary structures

We have developed an algorithm to analyze the circular dichroism of proteins for secondary structure. Its hallmark is tremendous flexibility in creating the basis set, and it also combines the ideas of many previous workers. We also present a new basis set containing the CD spectra of 22 proteins with secondary structures from high quality X-ray diffraction data. High flexibility is obtained by doing the analysis with a variable selection basis set of only eight proteins. Many variable selection basis sets fail to give a good analysis, but good analyses can be selected without any a priori knowledge by using the following criteria: (1) the sum of secondary structures should be close to 1.0, (2) no fraction of secondary structure should be less than -0.03, (3) the reconstructed CD spectrum should fit the original CD spectrum with only a small error, and (4) the fraction of alpha-helix should be similar to that obtained using all the proteins in the basis set. This algorithm gives a root mean square error for the predicted secondary structure for the proteins in the basis set of 3.3% for alpha-helix, 2.6% for 3(10)-helix, 4.2% for beta-strand, 4.2% for beta-turn, 2.7% for poly(L-proline) II type 3(1)-helix, and 5.1% for other structures when compared with the X-ray structure.
Utopia, historiography, and the paradox of the ever-present

After describing the current crisis in historiography and defining utopianism, I look at theories of history from a utopian perspective. I do so by examining three central concepts (historical rupture, historical erasure, and historical fictionality) by means of three utopian texts – Edward Bellamy's Looking backward (1888), Margaret Atwood's The handmaid's tale (1985), and Richard Gooch's America and the Americans in 1833–4 (1834; 1995). I then move on to look at the practice of history in terms of these concepts with the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–6 as my analytical and exemplary focus. I conclude by suggesting how utopianism offers for historiography a way out of the paradox of the ever-present.
Computing Myocardial Motion in 4-Dimensional Echocardiography

We describe a novel method for computing dense 3D myocardial motion with high accuracy in four-dimensional (4D) echocardiography (3 dimensions spatial plus time). The method is based on a classic variational optical flow technique but exploits modern developments in optical flow research to utilize the full capabilities of 4D echocardiography. Using a variety of metrics, we present an in-depth performance evaluation of the method on synthetic, phantom, and intraoperative 4D transesophageal echocardiographic data. When compared with state-of-the-art optical flow and speckle tracking techniques currently found in 4D echocardiography, the method we present shows notable improvements in error rates. We believe the performance improvements shown can have a positive impact when the method is used as input for various applications, such as strain computation, biomechanical modeling, and automated diagnostics.
On counting fixed point configurations in star networks

We study herewith some aspects related to predictability of the long-term global behavior of the star topology based infrastructures when all the nodes, including the central node, are assumed to function reliably, faultlessly and synchronously. In particular, we use the nonlinear complex systems concepts and methodology, coupled with those of computational complexity, to show that, simple as the star topology is, determining and predicting the long-term global behavior of the star-based infrastructures are computationally challenging tasks. More formally, determining various configuration space properties of the appropriate star network abstractions is shown to be hard in general. We particularly focus herein on the computational (intractability of counting the "fixed point" configurations of a class of formal discrete dynamical systems defined over the star interconnection topology.
A Comparative Study of Library Surveys of Internet Users at Seton Hall University in 1998 and 2001

This article compares data collected in library surveys of Internet users at Seton Hall University in 1998 and 2001. The aim of the comparison is to provide information on changes in library users’ Internet use behavior, satisfaction levels, and problems in using the Internet. The response distribution of the people in different categories represents the population of Seton Hall University in approximate proportions in both surveys. This article discusses the challenges that were met with visible, moderate, and no improvements. It points out what remains to be the major challenge for librarians.
Diabetes Personal Trainer Outcomes Short-term and 1-year outcomes of a diabetes personal trainer intervention among youth with type 1 diabetes

Abstract Objective: To assess the social-cognitive, behavioral, and physiological outcomes of a self-management intervention for youth with type 1 diabetes. Research Design & Methods: 81 youths with type 1 diabetes ages 11 to 16 were randomized to usual care versus a “diabetes personal trainer” intervention, consisting of 6 self-monitoring, goal setting, and problem solving sessions with trained non-professionals. Assessments were completed at baseline and multiple follow-up intervals. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data were obtained from medical records. ANCOVA adjusting for age and baseline values were conducted for each outcome. Results: At both short-term and 1-year follow-up, there was a trend for an overall intervention effect on HbA1c (short-term F=3.71, p=.06; 1-year F=3.79, p=.06), and a significant intervention-by-age interaction, indicating a great effect among older than younger youths (short-term F=4.78, p=.03; 1-year F=4.53, p=.04). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no treatment-group difference among younger youth, but a significant difference among the older youth. No treatment-group differences in parent or youth report of adherence were observed. Conclusions: The diabetes personal trainer intervention demonstrated significant effects on HbA1c among middle adolescents.
Unhappily ever after: visual irony and feminist strategy in Agnès Varda's Le Bonheur

Although Agnes Varda is recognized as an early avatar of feminist film-making, her 1965 film Le Bonheur remains a misunderstood work, frequently criticized for its ostensibly anti-feminist message....
Finite amplitude analysis of a flow-structure interaction problem

The interaction between a vibrating structure and an unsteady potential flow-field disturbance induced by the motion of the structure itself is investigated, and is shown to be a significant source of both nonlinear excitation and nonlinear dissipation. An approximate analysis, based on small nonlinear disturbance theory, is presented of the forces that influence the characteristic behaviour of self-excited harmonium reeds vibrating at finite amplitudes. It is demonstrated that the ideas brought forth by this example can be generalized to apply to other flow-induced vibrating systems, regardless of the excitation mechanism, provided that certain basic assumptions about the flow can be made. For the case of the harmonium reed, it is shown that, taken by itself, an account of the feedback forces arising from induced higher-order unsteady disturbances in the surrounding potential flow field is sufficient for predicting the net nonlinear dissipative force that eventually causes the reed to reach and maintain a finite limiting amplitude. In particular, it is demonstrated that the nonlinear energy drain from the motion of the reed is a consequence of the net effect of the higher-harmonic disturbances that are generated near the structure.A result of the analysis is the development of a functional dependence of the interactive forces on the system geometry and the flow velocity. One of the advantages of obtaining a functional expression is the ability to carry out parametric studies in the context of vibration and noise control.
Modeling gaze behavior for virtual demonstrators

Achieving autonomous virtual humans with coherent and natural motions is key for being effective in many educational, training and therapeutic applications. Among several aspects to be considered, the gaze behavior is an important non-verbal communication channel that plays a vital role in the effectiveness of the obtained animations. This paper focuses on analyzing gaze behavior in demonstrative tasks involving arbitrary locations for target objects and listeners. Our analysis is based on full-body motions captured from human participants performing real demonstrative tasks in varied situations. We address temporal information and coordination with targets and observers at varied positions.
On the fully elastic adhesive layer and sandwich core model: a spectral decomposition/ method of weighted residuals solution

To accurately model the stress transfer through a square-ended sandwich structure core and/or a square-ended adhesive layer, a biharmonic Airy stress function solution is derived using a spectral decomposition and a collocation expansion. The solution satisfies the zero stress conditions at the traction-free surfaces and the matched displacement conditions at the top and bottom material interfaces. The stress field is investigated for an idealized state of pure shear. For this example case, the shear and normal stress fields are found to be finite and differentiable everywhere in the domain. This includes finite valued stresses at the sharp corners of an elastic medium. The resulting stress components are compared with the Goland—Reissner, the Closed Form Higher Order, and COMSOL finite element models. The Spectral/ Collocation model is found to be superior owing to the satisfaction of the differential equations of deformation compatibility. It is also demonstrated that highly refined structural mechanics...
Managing Chronic Pain With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Since its introduction as a procedure of last resort in a terminally ill patient with intractable cancer-related pain, spinal cord stimulation has been used to effectively treat chronic pain of varied origins. Spinal cord stimulation is commonly used for control of pain secondary to failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome, as well as pain from angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, and other causes. By stimulating one or more electrodes implanted in the posterior epidural space, the patient feels paresthesias in their areas of pain, which reduces the level of pain. Pain is reduced without the side effects associated with analgesic medications. Patients have improved quality of life and improved function, with many returning to work. Spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be cost effective as compared with conservative management alone. There is strong evidence for efficacy and cost effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of pain associated with intractable angina, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome. In this article, we review the history and pathophysiology of spinal cord stimulation, and the evidence (or lack thereof) for efficacy in common clinical practice.
Plant functional types do not predict biomass responses to removal and fertilization in Alaskan tussock tundra

Summary 1. Plant communities in natural ecosystems are changing and species are being lost due to anthropogenic impacts including global warming and increasing nitrogen (N) deposition. We removed dominant species, combinations of species and entire functional types from Alaskan tussock tundra, in the presence and absence of fertilization, to examine the effects of non-random species loss on plant interactions and ecosystem functioning. 2. After 6 years, growth of remaining species had compensated for biomass loss due to removal in all treatments except the combined removal of moss, Betula nana and Ledum palustre (MBL), which removed the most biomass. Total vascular plant production returned to control levels in all removal treatments, including MBL. Inorganic soil nutrient availability, as indexed by resins, returned to control levels in all unfertilized removal treatments, except MBL. 3. Although biomass compensation occurred, the species that provided most of the compensating biomass in any given treatment were not from the same functional type (growth form) as the removed species. This provides empirical evidence that functional types based on effect traits are not the same as functional types based on response to perturbation. Calculations based on redistributing N from the removed species to the remaining species suggested that dominant species from other functional types contributed most of the compensatory biomass. 4. Fertilization did not increase total plant community biomass, because increases in graminoid and deciduous shrub biomass were offset by decreases in evergreen shrub, moss and lichen biomass. Fertilization greatly increased inorganic soil nutrient availability. 5. In fertilized removal treatments, deciduous shrubs and graminoids grew more than expected based on their performance in the fertilized intact community, while evergreen shrubs, mosses and lichens all grew less than expected. Deciduous shrubs performed better than graminoids when B. nana was present, but not when it had been removed. 6. Synthesis . Terrestrial ecosystem response to warmer temperatures and greater nutrient availability in the Arctic may result in vegetative stable-states dominated by either deciduous shrubs or graminoids. The current relative abundance of these dominant growth forms may serve as a predictor for future vegetation composition.
Timing of Events in Mitosis

Abstract Background: Regulation of the major transitions in the cell cycle, such as G1/S, G2/M, and metaphase to anaphase, are increasingly well understood. However, we have a poor understanding of the timing of events within each phase of the cell cycle, such as S phase or early mitosis. Two extreme models of regulation are possible. A "regulator-controlled model" in which the order of events is governed by the activation of a series of cytoplasmic regulators, such as kinases, phosphatases, or proteases; or a "substrate-controlled model" in which temporal regulation is determined by the differential responses of the cellular machinery to a common set of activators. Results: We have tried to distinguish between these two models by examining the timing of both biochemical and morphological events in Xenopus egg extracts during mitosis. Several proteins respond with different delays to the activation of Cdc2. We have found that the timing of phosphorylation is largely unchanged when these proteins are exposed to extracts that have been in mitosis for various periods of time. Similarly, when Xenopus interphase nuclei are added to extracts at different times after the G2/M transition, they undergo all the expected morphological changes in the proper sequence and with very similar kinetics. Conclusions: Our results suggest that during early mitosis (from prophase to metaphase) the timing of biochemical events (such as phosphorylation) and morphological events (such as structural changes in the nucleus) is at least partly controlled by the responses of the substrates themselves to a common set of signals.
Selective Laser Sintering of Zirconia

A combination of Selective Laser Sintering and colloidal infiltration has been used to create partially stabilized zirconia molds for titanium casting. The mold material system was chosen for its low reactivity with molten titanium and thermal shock resistance. The base material, stabilized zirconia mixed with a copolymer binder, was pre-processed before laser sintering into the desired green shape. The average density of the fired parts could be increased to twice that of the green density. Hole sizes as small as 180 m are possible in thin ceramic components.
Differential effects of iron deficiency on the expression of CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory receptors in mitogen-treated and untreated murine spleen cells.

The interaction of CD28 and its ligands (CD80, CD86) on antigen presenting cells and that of TCR/CD3-MHC are required for T lymphocyte activation. To determine whether impaired lymphocyte proliferation associated with iron deficiency is due to reduced expression of these ligands, spleen cells obtained from eight to nine C57BL/6 mice/group of iron deficient (ID), iron replete (R), control (C), pair-fed (PF), and high iron (HI) mice were labeled with anti-CD80-fluorescein isothiocyante (FITC) and anti-CD86-FITC. Diets differed only in iron concentration: 5, 50, and 125 mg/kg for the ID, C, and HI, respectively. Mean levels of hemoglobin and liver iron stores of ID and R mice were less than 50% those of C mice (P R > C = PF = HI (P 0.05). Fluorescence intensity (FI) of either marker did not significantly change by iron status. In vitro iron chelation by deferoxamine (20, 200 microg/ml) for 1, 2, and 24 h increased FI of both markers on unactivated B and T cells (P < 0.05). However, it had no effect on FI of either marker of mitogen-treated cells presumably because the maximum levels are achieved by the mitogen. Lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens positively and significantly correlated with CD80 and CD86 FI (r = 0.41-0.59) but negatively correlated with the percentages of CD80 + cells (r = -0.48) (P < 0.05). Data suggest that impaired lymphocyte proliferation associated with iron deficiency is not due to reduced CD80 and CD86 expression.
Is Mississippi's prescription-only precursor control law a prescription to decrease the production and raise the price of methamphetamine?

Abstract Background In 2010, Mississippi became the second state to require a prescription to purchase pseudoephedrine-based medications. Proponents of "prescription-only" laws argue that they are necessary to disrupt methamphetamine markets, but critics note the costs to legal consumers of cold medications may offset some of the laws' intended benefits. Objective We evaluated the effect of prescription-only restrictions for methamphetamine precursors on state-level methamphetamine lab seizures and methamphetamine prices. Methods We used a synthetic control approach to create a control state comparable to Mississippi and then used permutation testing to determine if the resulting difference was statistically significant. Results We found that Mississippi's prescription-only law removed 2637 small methamphetamine labs in the two years after the law became effective, which represents a 77% reduction in small labs relative to the synthetic counterfactual. We found no evidence that the law impacted methamphetamine prices. Conclusion We conclude that while prescription-only laws can reduce the number of domestic small methamphetamine labs in operation, methamphetamine availability is unlikely to be materially impacted.
Convexification for data fitting

The main results reported in this paper are two theorems concerning the use of a newtype of risk-averting error criterion for data fitting. The first states that the convexity region of the risk-averting error criterion expands monotonically as its risk-sensitivity index increases. The risk-averting error criterion is easily seen to converge to the mean squared error criterion as its risk-sensitivity index goes to zero. Therefore, the risk-averting error criterion can be used to convexify the mean squared error criterion to avoid local minima. The second main theorem shows that as the risk-sensitivity index increases to infinity, the risk-averting error criterion approaches the minimax error criterion, which is widely used for robustifying system controllers and filters.
Bandwidth requirements of variable bit rate MPEG sources in ATM networks

The performance of variable bandwidth allocation schemes that estimate the required bandwidth for a variable-bit-rate (VBR) MPEG video source using a simple prediction algorithm is studied. The advantages of using a layered MPEG coder over the standard MPEG coder are discussed. A method for controlling a layered MPEG coder in order to reduce the effect of cell losses when compared to a standard MPEG coder is demonstrated. >
The wild ways of conscious will: what we do, how we do it, and why it has meaning

It is becoming increasingly mainstream to claim that conscious will is an illusion. This assertion is based on a host of findings that indicate conscious will does not share an efficient-cause relationship with actions. As an alternative, the present paper will propose that conscious will is not about causing actions, but rather, about constraining action systems toward producing outcomes. In addition, it will be proposed that we generate and sustain multiple outcomes simultaneously because the multi-scale dynamics by which we do so are, themselves, self-sustaining. Finally, it will be proposed that self-sustaining dynamics entail meaning (i.e., conscious content) because they naturally and necessarily constitute embodiments of context.
Vigabatrin induced Cell loss in the Cerebellar Cortex of Albino Rats.

Background: Vigabatrin is used as the drug of choice in resistant epilepsy and infantile spasms. Ataxia, tremors and abnormal gait have been frequently reported following the use of this drug, indicating an involvement of the cerebellum. Objectives: The present study was designed to study the histopathological effects of Vigabatrin on the cerebellum of albino rats. Material and Methods: Albino Rats were divided into an experimental and a control group. Vigabatrin was administered intra–peritoneally to the experimental group in graded doses for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, rats were sacrificed and brains were dissected out. The cerebellum was separated and fixed. Slides were prepared for histological examination. Results: Decreased cell counts in the cerebellar cortex secondary to toxic injury were found. Severity increased with increasing doses. Interpretation and conclusion: Vigabatrin may be neurotoxic and should be used with caution, assessing cerebellar function at regular intervals.
Induction of apoptosis in skeletal tissues: Phosphate-mediated chick chondrocyte apoptosis is calcium dependent

In an earlier study, we have shown that Pi induced apoptosis of terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes. To ascertain whether Ca2+ modulates Pi-induced cell death, we asked the following two questions: First, can we prevent Pi-induced apoptosis by removing Ca2+ from the culture medium; alternatively, can we potentiate cell death by increasing the Ca2+ concentration? Second, can we inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis by blocking Pi transport? We also explored the mechanism of apoptosis by evaluating mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in cells treated with the ion pair. We noted that EDTA and EGTA blocked Pi-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. While high levels of Ca2+ alone had little effect on chondrocyte viability, the cation enhanced Pi-dependent cell death and greatly increased Pi uptake. When Pi transport was blocked, there was complete inhibition of cell killing. The process of cell death was characterized by mitochondrial hyperpolarization; two hours following apoptogen treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential. Coincident with the changes in mitochondrial function, there was an increase in intracellular Ca2+ that was maintained throughout the experimental period. A raised Ca2+ signal was observed in blebs at the cell membrane. Finally, we noted that, 75 minutes after treatment with the ion pair, there was a six-fold elevation in ROS levels. This increase declined to baseline values after three hours. Based on these observations, we suggest that, at the cartilage mineralization front, an elevation in local environmental Ca2+ and Pi concentrations modulates oxidative metabolism, and triggers apoptosis of terminally differentiated chondrocytes.
Engaging International Data in the Classroom: Using the ICB Interactive Data Library to Teach Conflict and Crisis Analysis

The challenges of teaching quantitative research methods in international relations are well documented. The key to igniting interest and engaging students lies in creating a participatory learning environment in the classroom. This article discusses these challenges and describes a new piece of software that may be helpful in that regard. The ICB Interactive Data Library , or the ICB Library for short, enhances access to the information available in the ICB data by organizing it into an interactive software package (Brecher, Hewitt, and Wilkenfeld, 2000). The ICB Library is an especially valuable teaching tool because it allows students to easily access the resources from a major data collection project which, in turn, exposes them to the challenges and opportunities offered by quantitative research in international relations. After describing the ICB Library , this article will discuss how it can be used in the classroom via problem‐based learning techniques.
Advantages of genomic complexity: bioinformatics opportunities in microRNA cancer signatures.

MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, may act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, and each regulate their own transcription and that of hundreds of genes, often in a tissue-dependent manner. This creates a tightly interwoven network regulating and underlying oncogenesis and cancer biology. Although protein-coding gene signatures and single protein pathway markers have proliferated over the past decade, routine adoption of the former has been hampered by interpretability, reproducibility, and dimensionality, whereas the single molecule–phenotype reductionism of the latter is often overly simplistic to account for complex phenotypes. MicroRNA-derived biomarkers offer a powerful alternative; they have both the flexibility of gene expression signature classifiers and the desirable mechanistic transparency of single protein biomarkers. Furthermore, several advances have recently demonstrated the robust detection of microRNAs from various biofluids, thus providing an additional opportunity for obtaining bioinformatically derived biomarkers to accelerate the identification of individual patients for personalized therapy.
Biological Studies of Three Parasites of Nabis americoferus (Hemiptera: Nabidae) in Southern California

Three solitary parasites of Nabis americoferus Carayon were found in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Leucostoma simplex (Fallen) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is quite abundant and attacks 4th and 5th-stadial nymphs and adult Nabis . Adult parasite mating and attack behavior were observed, and the reproductive morphology was studied. Larval development through 3 instars required 17-31 days at 80°F. The larva in its 3 stages is described. Intraspecific competition was observed in superparasitized nymphs. A rare parasite, Wesmaclia pendula Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), also was found to attack nabid nymphs and adults. An egg parasite, Polynema sp. (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), not previously associated with Nabis in North America, was recovered. Development of the larva and the pupa rerequired 20-23 days at 70°F. The Polynema injected its egg through the plant tissue into the host egg and not through the exposed egg cap.
Adenoid cystic (cylindromatous) carcinoma of the uterine cervix: report of two cases.

Despite the frequency of uterine cervical carcinoma, we have found only six instances of adenoid cystic (cylindromatous) carcinoma of the cervix in the literature. Two additional cases are presented, with ultrastructural details of one. The histologic appearance conformed to those previously described in the cervix and other sites. Embryologic data and histogenic concepts incompletely explain the cervical origin of this neoplasm.