cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Devices for Treating Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Research into new implantable devices for treating epilepsy is expanding rapidly. Pilot studies suggest sufficient safety and potential efficacy to justify proceeding with larger scale clinical trials. Understanding the challenges presented by these trials, the testing and approval process for implantable devices, and how these differ from requirements for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is vital to evaluating when and where these new technologies will fit into the therapeutic armamentarium. Methods: Important lessons regarding the limitations of uncontrolled pilot studies, patient registries, and how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process can influence trials are drawn from the implantable device literature. Some discussion of the role of animal experiments is presented, both as justification for investigational device exemptions and their potential role in establishing safety. Clinical trial experience with the vagal nerve stimulator, the first device approved for the treatment of epilepsy, is also discussed. Results: New implantable devices hold great promise for medically refractory epilepsy patients who have no other therapeutic alternative. If effective, they may become a viable alternative to epilepsy surgery or multiple AED therapy in appropriate patients. Conclusions: The proper evaluation, use, and acceptance of antiepileptic devices will ultimately depend on carefully executed clinical trials that take into account unique aspects of these devices, such as the requirement for surgery, electrode placement, and navigation through FDA-monitored testing and approval. Key Words: Epilepsy—Devices—Clinical trials— Stimulator—Implantable.
Grid resource commercialization: economic engineering and delivery scenarios

In this chapter we consider the architectural steps needed to commercialize Grid resources as technical focus shifts towards business requirements. These requirements have been met for conventional utilities resources through commoditization, a variety of market designs, customized contract design, and decision support. Decision support is needed to exploit the flexibility provided by Grids in the context of uncertain and dynamic user requirements and resource prices. We provide a detailed example of how the decision support for users can be formulated as a multi-stage stochastic optimization problem. We derive required architectural features for commercialization using inspiration from conventional utilities and considering the delivery context of Grid resources. We consider two basic delivery scenarios: a group of peers and a group with an external provider. In summary, we provide a conceptual framework for Grid resource commercialization including both the understanding of the underlying resource commodity characteristics and also the delivery context.
Import Prices and Inflation

Understanding the consequences of international developments for domestic inflation is an extremely important question for central banks. But before we claim to have measured the extent of import price pass-through, it is necessary to be clear on exactly what such a number is intended to mean. One can attempt to come up with an answer on the basis of either economic theory or empirical evidence. There are important pitfalls associated with either approach and significant benefits from combining the two.
Staphylococcus aureus: the “Superbug”

This chapter provides a review of one's knowledge of immune defense mechanisms, with special emphasis on the recent emergence of community-associated antibiotic resistant strains. Two families of molecules have an especially important role in the colonization of human body surfaces: (i) bacterial surface-bound proteins that bind to human matrix proteins for a tight interaction with epithelial tissues and (ii) ion transporters that cope with the high-salt and low-pH environment of the skin. It is important to stress that innate host defense is most likely by far the most important part of host defense with the task of eliminating invading Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus may survive in phagocytes over certain periods without lysing them. The immune evasion strategies described so far are rather ‘’passive’’; i.e., they either provide the pathogen with molecules necessary to survive under the hostile conditions encountered on or inside the human body, are aimed to hide from the immune system in a relatively benign fashion, or finally, sabotage mechanisms of the host that would kill S. aureus. First reported to occur in children in the northwestern United States, CA-MRSA has spread with astounding speed. The molecular reason for which community associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) and especially USA300 are so much more infective than their hospital-associated counterparts is still puzzling researchers.
A Follow-up of Female Delinquents: Maternal Contributions to the Perpetuation of Deviance

Twenty-one female delinquents, neuropsychiatrically evaluated while in a juvenile correctional facility, were followed up to 7 to 12 years later. Compared with a matched sample of male delinquents, they committed fewer and less violent offenses. Unlike the males, early biopsychosocial variables were not predictive of adult criminality; however, most females were seriously impaired neuropsychiatrically. Mortality rates were high. Having come from abusive households, the female delinquents became suicidal, alcoholic, drug addicted, enmeshed in violent relationships, and unable to care for their children.
The estrogen receptor: a structure-based approach to the design of new specific hormone–receptor combinations

Abstract Background: The specificity of hormone action arises from complementary steric and electronic interactions between a hormonal ligand and its cognate receptor. An analysis of such key ligand–receptor contact sites, often delineated by mutational mapping and X-ray crystallographic studies, can suggest ways in which hormone–receptor specificity might be altered. Results: We have altered the hormonal specificity of the estrogen receptor α (ER) by making ‘coordinated' changes in the A-ring of the ligand estradiol and in the A-ring binding subpocket of ER. These changes were designed to maintain a favorable interaction when both E and ER are changed, but to disfavor interaction when only E or ER is changed. We have evaluated several of these altered ligand and receptor pairs in quantitative ligand binding and reporter gene assays. Conclusions: In best cases, the new interaction is sufficiently favorable and orthogonal so as to represent the creation of a new hormone specificity, which might be useful in the regulation of transgene activity.
To Each Body a Spirit: Jewett and African Americans

Many contemporary scholars accept that, until near the end of her career, Sarah Orne Jewett participated in the American construction of the superiority of whiteness by affirming almost universal nineteenth-century essentialist beliefs about racial hierarchy. This essay tests that interpretation by examining her fictional representations of African Americans.
The knowledge gaps study: Unfinished work, open questions

Over the past three decades, enormous gains have been made in knowledge about conflict and intervention, and Theory Centers funded by the Hewlett Foundation (at more than twenty universities) have been prominent contributors to those knowledge gains. This article is about what that work has left undone.
NON-CANONICAL ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1A RECEPTOR-MEDIATED, BETA-ARRESTIN2-DEPENDENT SIGNALING CONTRIBUTES TO THORACIC AORTIC ANEURYSM FORMATION IN A MURINE MODEL OF MARFAN SYNDROME

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) formation is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Marfan Syndrome. In addition to aberrant transforming growth factor-β signaling, angiotensin II type 1a receptor (AT1AR)-mediated signaling including activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK)
Nanophase-Separated Blends of Acceptor and Donor Conjugated Polymers. Efficient Electroluminescence from Binary Polyquinoline/Poly(2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) and Polyquinoline/Poly(3-octylthiophene) Blends

Binary blends of the acceptor conjugated polymer poly(2,2‘-(3,3‘-dioctyl-2,2‘-bithienylene)-6,6‘-bis(4-phenylenequinoline)) (POBTPQ) with donor conjugated polymer poly(2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH−PPV) or poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) were nanophase-separated and observed to exhibit efficient electroluminescence in light-emitting-diodes. The 90−120 nm phase-separated morphology of MEH−PPV-containing blends was characteristic of dimixing by spinodal decomposition whereas that of POT-containing blends consisted of nucleation and growth type spherical domains (50−400 nm) dispersed in a matrix. Efficient Forster energy transfer was observed in both blend systems. Voltage-tunable orange-red ↔ yellow ↔ green electroluminescence was observed in the POBTPQ:MEH−PPV blend diodes at a composition of 10−80 wt % MEH−PPV. Only red emission characteristic of POT was observed from POBTPQ:POT blend devices due to efficient energy transfer from POBTPQ. Large enhancements in performance of the b...
Safety and Efficacy of Intratesticular Injection of Vital Dyes for Lymphatic Preservation During Varicocelectomy

Purpose: The most common complications of varicocelectomy include failure and hydrocele formation. Various surgical approaches have been used to minimize complications and guarantee durable results. The use of vital dyes to visualize and preserve testicular lymphatics intraoperatively has been proposed to reduce the incidence of hydrocele formation. We investigated the safety of intratesticular injection of various vital dyes and their efficacy in allowing visualization of lymphatics for varicocelectomy.Materials and Methods: Using general anesthesia, 22 adolescent rats underwent bilateral transscrotal intratesticular injection of methylene blue, isosulfan blue, trypan blue or normal saline. All rats with intratesticular injection of a vital dye underwent immediate exploration of the spermatic cord to observe for visualization of lymphatic vessels. At 3 months all rats were euthanized, and orchiectomy was performed for histological examination.Results: Spermatic cord lymphatic vessels were variably visual...
Approaches to avermectin assembly: Synthesis of the spiroketal system

Abstract A chiral synthesis of the spiroketal moiety of avermectin A2b has been accomplished in 14 steps from (3S(R), 4R(S))-3, 5-dimethyl-1-hexen-4-ol.
Covert conditioning with children.

Abstract While the author's publicaions have focused on the use of covert conditioning with adults, in clinical practice he has been employing covert conditioning with children since 1966. This paper, after presenting the assumptions of covert conditioning, gives a description of procedures and some clinical examples of their use in children.
Announcing AERTeM, the Spanish Association of Medical Writers

The Spanish Association of Medical Writers – in Spanish, the Asociacion Espanola de Redactores de Textos Medicos (AERTeM) – is a young association focused on the specific needs of Spanish writers. Local organisations such as AERTeM can augment the role of international organisations such as EMWA by providing a local forum to improve and professionalise medical writing and by serving as an expert resource of country-specific knowledge.
Many-body theory of electron-nucleus scattering

Abstract We provide a brief overview of the many-body theory of electron-nucleus scattering at medium (∼ 200 MeV) and higher energies. The topics include energy-momentum distribution of nucleons bound in nuclei, de Forest approximation for the electromagnetic tensor of bound nucleons, final state interaction, effects, pair currents, proton knockout reactions, nuclear transparency and inclusive scattering. We also review a recent effort to describe deep inelastic scattering within the framework of many-body theory.
Penny Cuts: Differentiation of Creole Varieties in Trinidad, 1904-1906

From 1904 to 1906 a series of linked vernacular texts — purportedly written by Trinidadians and other West Indians, including Barbadians — appeared in the Trinidadian newspaper Penny Cuts. Trinidadian English Creole (TEC), a fundamentally stable and clearly creole language throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th, included several varieties, containing more and less English influence. The texts appear linguistically reliable, and show that by this time, TEC was recognizably different from other creole varieties. This differentiation is held to be closely related to the contemporary social situation, reflecting a nationalist/nativist movement towards self-identification.
Hydroformylation of propylene in supercritical carbon dioxide

Homogeneously catalyzed propylene hydroformylation using Co2(CO)8 precatalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) was studied in a batch reactor. The experiments were carried out at temperatures of 66−108 °C and at pressures of 1350−2700 psig. The pseudo-first-order rate constant was calculated for each run employing an empirical kinetic expression from the literature. It has been observed that at constant temperature the observed rate constant increased with pressure. The activation energy of the reaction in SCCO2 was determined at 1650 and 2400 psig, and the value 23.3 ± 1.4 kcal/mol was comparable to values of 27−35 kcal/mol obtained in conventional organic solvents. The product selectivity was determined at different temperatures and pressures, and it was observed that, at the constant temperature of 88 °C, the product selectivity increases from 2.7 to 4.3 as the pressure doubles from 1350 to 2700 psig.
The Diamond Ordnance Fuze Laboratory's Photolithographic Approach to Microcircuits

From 1952 to 1958, Jay Lathrop worked on a project at the National Bureau of Standards (later the US Army Diamond Ordnance Fuze Laboratory) to develop microminiaturized, transistorized hybrid integrated circuits for radio proximity fuzes. In this article, Lathrop describes his experiences during this project, the development of photolithography, and how photolithography became critical in the first efforts to produce semiconductor ICs.
Fate of endoleaks after endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with the EVT device.

Abstract Objective : we aim to describe our medium-term follow-up of 20 patients with an endoleak following repair of their abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using the Endovascular Technologies (EVT) device. Design : the experience of one centre in a prospective multicentre phase II trial. Materials and methods : 55 patients with an endovascular repair of their AAA and at least 6 months» follow-up were reviewed. Intraoperative angiograms, next day duplex scans and computed tomography (CT) images were used to detect endoleaks. Follow-up with CT and duplex was performed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Persistent endoleaks at 6 months were evaluated by angiography and treated by endovascular coiling. Results : there were three immediate conversions to open procedures. Twenty of 52 (38%) patients had an endoleak identified initially. One patient died from a myocardial infarction and three were not evident any longer by discharge CT. Sixteen endoleaks (31%) were present at discharge. Nine resolved spontaneously by 3–6 months and seven were still persistent at 6 months (14%). Six patients underwent coiling of their leak, all with successful radiographic seal after 1–3 sessions. Conclusions : endoleaks are frequent after endovascular AAA repair, but the majority close spontaneously. Coiling of the leaks and radiographic seal can be achieved in all cases still persistent at 6 months. Whether this method is clinically effective awaits further follow-up.
Temporary placement of covered self-expandable metal stents in benign biliary strictures: a new paradigm? (with video)

Background Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are usually managed with plastic stents, whereas placement of uncovered metallic stents has been associated with failure related to mucosal hyperplasia. Objective We analyzed the efficacy and safety of temporary placement of a covered self-expanding metal stent (CSEMS) in BBS. Design Patients with BBS received temporary placement of CSEMSs until adequate drainage was achieved; confirmed by resolution of symptoms, normalization of liver function tests, and imaging. Setting Tertiary-care center with long-standing experience with CSEMSs. Patients Seventy-nine patients with BBS secondary to chronic pancreatitis (32), calculi (24), liver transplant (16), postoperative biliary repair (3), autoimmune pancreatitis (3), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (1). Intervention ERCP with temporary CSEMS placement. Removal of CSEMSs was performed with a snare or a rat-tooth forceps. Main Outcome Measurements End points were efficacy, morbidity, and clinical response. Results CSEMSs were removed from 65 patients. Resolution of the BBS was confirmed in 59 of 65 patients (90%) after a median follow-up of 12 months after removal (range 3-26 months). If patients who were lost to follow-up, developed cancer, or expired were considered failures, then an intent-to-treat global success rate of 59 of 79 (75%) was obtained. Complications associated with placement included 3 post-ERCP pancreatitis (4%), 1 postsphincterotomy bleed (1%), and 2 pain that required CSEMS removal (2%). In 11 patients (14%), the CSEMS migrated. In 1 patient, CSEMS removal was complicated by a bile leak that was successfully managed with plastic stents. Limitation Pilot study from a single center. Conclusions Temporary CSEMS placement in patients with BBS offers a potential alternative to surgery.
Dynamic space-sharing in computer systems

A formalization of relationships between space-sharing, program behavior, and processor efficiency in computer systems is presented. Concepts of value and cost of space allocation per task are defined and then value and cost are combined to develop a single parameter termed value per unit cost.The intent is to illustrate a possible analytic approach to the investigation of the problems of space-sharing and to demonstrate the method on sample problems.
Principals Judge Teachers by Their Teaching

This quantitative study investigated the relationship between teacher dispositions, subject content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and reasons that school principals recommend non-renewal of probationary teachers' contracts. Principals in the Southeastern Unites States completed an e-mailed survey. Two nonparametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U, were used to statistically analyze group responses. Principals reported that they observed most a lack of pedagogical content knowledge from ineffective teachers and they prioritized the importance of instructional skills in deciding whether to non-renew a teacher contract. Principals identified teacher integrity, dependability, and honesty as important dispositions. The studies' findings are important for universities that prepare preservice teachers and also for the planning of professional development initiatives. The study findings suggest that principals tend to view dispositions as personality characteristics rather than as teacher com...
Aortic valvular endocarditis caused by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in 2 dogs presenting for fulminant pulmonary edema

Objective: To describe the clinical course of 2 dogs that presented with fulminant cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to aortic valvular endocarditis caused by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Case series summary: Two dogs that were presented for respiratory distress had severe pulmonary infiltrates. Mechanical ventilation was required to support the dogs while the cause of the infiltrates was determined. The diagnosis of cardiogenic edema was made based on echocardiographic findings of aortic valve vegetation and severe aortic valvular regurgitation. Values obtained from pulmonary artery catheterization supported this diagnosis. Both dogs were euthanized, one within 24 hours of admission due to severe aortic regurgitation thought to be untreatable, and the other 9 days after admission due to the development of acute renal failure. Histological evaluation of the aortic valves, serology, and polymerase chain reaction confirmed Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii as the cause of the aortic endocarditis. New or unique information provided: In medium-to-large breed dogs presenting with fulminant pulmonary edema, aortic valvular endocarditis due to Bartonella spp. should be considered as a causal agent.
Hybrid Monte Carlo simulation of silica

Abstract A novel Hybrid Monte Carlo simulation method is used in conjunction with an accurate pairwise additive interatomic potential (Tsuneyuki , 1988, Phys. Rev. Lett. 61 , 869) to study the phase diagram of silica. In the Hybrid Monte Carlo formalism discussed in this work trial moves are proposed by resorting to molecular dynamics techniques. However, since hybrid methods do not suffer from the numerical instabilities associated with finite step sizes, we are able to use effectively time steps that are several times larger than those required for conventional molecular dynamics simulations. More importantly, such methods provide a means of conducting simulations of complex systems within a Monte Carlo framework, thereby facilitating the study of isothermal or isobaric ensembles and that of open systems and phase equilibria. To illustrate the applicability and the usefulness of the methods we use them to reproduce the various thermal- and pressure-induced solid—solid phase transitions undergone by silica over wide ranges of pressure and temperature. This is of particular interest for mineralogical research at extreme conditions such as those encountered in the Earth's interior.
Predictors of social support and psychological distress in women with breast cancer.

This investigation sought to understand previous well-cited and worrisome findings that women treated for breast cancer with breast-conserving surgery compared to mastectomy experience less social support and more mood disturbance, and that social support from significant others erodes over time. Ninety-three women with breast cancer and a subset of their partners completed assessments at the time of surgical treatment and at 3 and 13 months post-treatment. Contrary to the previous findings, type of surgical treatment was not related to perceptions of social support or psychological functioning. Perceptions of social support and psychological distress decreased over time, and the discrepancy between recipients’ and providers’ judgments of available support increased over time. Low levels of physical functioning led to relative increases in social support, whereas high levels of psychological distress led to relative decreases in social support. Social support as rated by patients (but not their partners) ...
Modified run-length algorithm for unified lossy and lossless image compression

A modified run-length algorithm with Peano-Hilbert scanning is described. In this approach, quantization is integrated within the run-length calculation, and is controlled by a radius parameter. A zero value of radius will produce lossless coding, while greater than zero will produce lossy coding. The Peano-Hilbert curve scans a 2D array with local plane filling priority. Compared with the standard raster and zigzag scanning, the Peano-Hilbert scanning enlarges pixel covariance as distance between pixels increases. It, therefore, enhances run-length compression ratio as degree of lossy increases. Output of the run-length encoder is further entropy coded using a decomposed Huffman encoder. The proposed method can be applied directly to a raw image or combined with DPCM, wavelet or subband transforms. If the transform is also implemented with integer arithmetic, such as in the lossless JPEG or reversible wavelet transform, a unified lossy and lossless compression is achieved. The method is simpler than the JPEG standard, and yet achieves roughly equivalent performance when combined with DPCM. Decoding is very fast as no de-quantization procedure is needed. Experiments with various types of images have shown its speed advantage and compression efficiency.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tulane faculty symposium on digital trends: an experiment in instructional technology and outreach

Tulane Faculty Symposium on Digital Trends: An experiment in instructional technology and outreach. In many universities, instructional technology groups struggle with creating new opportunities for collaboration with faculty. Nonexistent or infrequent communication, overburdened workload, and lack of active outreach and resources prevent the full and appropriate utilization of instructional technology teams. At Tulane University, these challenges are being addressed through a multi-faceted program designed to bring instructional technology and faculty into a mutually beneficial partnership. One aspect of this outreach program, the Tulane Faculty Symposium on Digital Trends, was specifically designed to introduce faculty to the instructional technology group and instructional new media topics through discussion-based sessions on current technology trends. This program was launched in March 2007, and the response from campus faculty has been overwhelmingly positive.
Electronic structure and oxygen bonding in CaSiO3 silicate

Bonding of the bridging oxygen (BO) and non-bridging oxygen (NBO) sites in the CaSiO3 silicate is studied using soft x-ray emission, absorption and electron energy-loss spectroscopy of the oxygen K edge. Comparisons with APW + lo calculations are discussed, showing that this method can be applied successfully to silicates, which have large unit cells. Several specific features due to BO and NBO atoms in the density of states are reproduced by the calculations. The bonding in CaSiO3 is also examined using electron density maps. Our analysis of deformation electron density maps supports the idea that the NBO to Si bond is more ionic than the BO to Si bond.
Warning on use of composition-independent K-value correlations for reservoir engineering

Abstract It is well-known that one should be cautious with the use of composition-independent K-value correlations for phase equilibria at high pressures. The first limitation is the correlation's inability to predict convergence of the dew and bubble curves at the mixture's critical point or at a closed phase envelope. Rather, these two curves extend indefinitely beyond the critical temperatures and pressures of all the species in the mixture. However, even at low pressures, where these correlations are usually applied, results can be misleading. This paper presents some practical examples where correlations fail. In the calculation of three-phase flash equilibria one cannot use the same correlation for the K-values between the vapor phase and the liquid, hydrocarbon-rich phase, and the K-values between the vapor phase and aqueous phase. Use of the same correlation provides two linearly dependent equations, making it impossible to obtain a unique solution. The solution of this three-phase flash problem by bisection provides trivial roots, indicating different values of the aqueous and hydrocarbon-rich phase fractions but a unique value for the vapor fraction. The compositions of both liquid phases are clearly identical. A physically sound assumption for the solution of this three-phase flash equilibria problem is that hydrocarbons are insoluble in the aqueous phase. However, the solution of this case for a test ternary of n-heptane, n-decane and water ( C 7 C 10 H 2 O ) led to distinct multiple roots that satisfy the material balance constraints. Up to 67 roots were found for a system of 40% n-heptane, 20% n-decane and 40% water at 70 psia and 350 °F (a fairly low pressure). Physical properties of the phases evaluated using these roots can be substantially different; therefore, this assumption could lead to serious problems in reservoir engineering calculations. A second assumption of no-solubility of water in the hydrocarbon-rich phase also provides linearly independent equations. However, no simultaneous roots could be found for the test system under study for the same pressure and temperature and various combinations of these two variables.
An autosomal recessive blind mutant in the chicken

A type of blindness due to lack of rods and cones in the retina was found to be controlled by a single autosomal recessive gene, rc. The mutation was first identified in the second generation descendants of a male carrying an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced chromosome translocation involving one arm of the Z sex chromosome and the long (q) arm of chromosome 3. A linkage test between the locus causing the blindness and the translocation break-point on chromosome 3 was not significant. There is no proof that the mutation was EMS induced.
Longitudinal measurement invariance of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12

Abstract Objective One primary assumption underlying the unambiguous interpretation of change in Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) scores over time is longitudinal measurement invariance (i.e., Is the same construct being measured over time?). Such an assumption was tested in the present study over periods of 6 and 12 months in persons with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Method Participants completed a battery of questionnaires that included the MSWS-12 at baseline (n = 269) and 6-months (n = 260) and 12-months (n = 252) follow-up. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and a series of nested model comparisons in Mplus 3.0. Results The results indicated that the unidimensional measurement model and all of its parameters (e.g., factor loadings and item intercepts) were invariant over periods of 6 and 12 months. Conclusion We provide novel evidence that supports the unambiguous interpretation of scores from the MSWS-12 as a measure of change in walking impairment over time in a sample of persons with MS.
A consistent level set formulation for large-eddy simulation of premixed turbulent combustion

Abstract A consistent formulation of the G-equation approach for LES is developed. The unfiltered G equation is valid only at the instantaneous flame front location. Hence, in a filtering procedure applied to derive the appropriate LES equation, only the instantaneous unfiltered flame surface can be considered. A new filter kernel is provided, which averages along the flame surface. The filter kernel is used to derive the G equation for the filtered flame front location. This equation has two unclosed terms, involving a flame front conditional averaged flow velocity, and a filtered propagation term. A model for the conditional velocity is derived, expressing this quantity in terms of the Favre-filtered flow velocity, which is typically known from a flow solver. This model leads to the appearance of a density ratio in the propagation term of the G equation. LES of combustion in the thin reaction zones regime is discussed in the LES regime diagram. A new line is identified separating the thin reaction zones regime into two parts, where the broadened flame thickness is larger and smaller than the filter size, respectively. A model for the propagation term is provided. This leads to a term including the subfilter turbulent burning velocity and an additional term proportional to the resolved flame front curvature. For the former, an algebraic model is provided from an equation for the subfilter flame front wrinkling. The latter term depends on the inverse of the subfilter Damkohler number and disappears in the corrugated flamelets regime.
The useful field of view test: normative data for older adults.

Abstract The Useful Field of View test (UFOV 1 ) is increasingly used in clinical and rehabilitation settings. To date there have been no normative data for adjusted performance comparisons across demographically-similar, elderly peers. This study examined demographic and cognitive influences on the UFOV in a sample of 2759 participants (65–94 years of age). Performance was found to differ by age and education. Regression analyses examined the relative contributions of age, education, mental status, vision, and health to UFOV performance. All of these factors were found to significantly contribute to UFOV performance, with age accounting for the most variance and education accounting for the least. Normative tables for the UFOV by age and education are provided. These norms will allow researchers and clinicians to compare UFOV performance with similar peers and may help in identifying elderly persons who would benefit from speed of processing training.
AF64A (ethylcholine aziridinium ion), a cholinergic neurotoxin, selectively impairs working memory in a multiple component T-maze task.

Abstract The present study examined the nature of the cognitive deficits associated with a selective decrease of cholinergic activity in the hippocampus. Male Fischer rats were trained to perform a multiple component T-maze task which simultaneously assessed their ability to perform on the basis of trial-specific information (working memory) and trial-independent information (reference memory). Following 125 acquisition trials rats were bilaterally injected with AF64A (3 nmol/side) or artificial CSF into the lateral ventricles and allowed 14 days to recover before behavioral testing resumed. The controls rapidly returned to their preoperative level of performance on both components of the maze task. AF64A-treated animals were transiently impaired on the reference memory task. Their performance rapidly improved and they were performing at preoperative levels within 4 days of testing. In contrast, these animals exhibited a marked and long-lasting impairment in their performance of the working memory component. After behavioral testing was completed neurochemical analysis revealed that AF64A produced a significant decrease in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in the hippocampus (43%) 42 days following surgery. This dosing regimen produced no alterations of striatal or cortical ChAT activity. These data suggest that alterations of hippocampal cholinergic activity severely impair an animal's ability to perform working memory tasks.
How to get well in Tzintzuntzan.

Latin American humoral pathology, the so-called 'hot-cold syndrome' has been extensively described during the past 50 years. Most attention has been directed to the characteristics of the 'hot-cold' classification, the basis for ascription of humoral quality, the degree of individual variation in assigning qualities and above all, to etiology. Almost no systematic attention has been given to humoral therapies. This paper describes and classifies the wide variety of therapies characterizing the traditional humoral medicine of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan, Mexico. The names of these therapies, and those of the illnesses for which they are prescribed, point directly to Spanish and Mexican medical texts and home-care recetarios of the colonial period, publications reflecting classical Graeco-Roman medicine. The presence of significant numbers of Spaniards and Spanish-speaking residents in Tzintzuntzan for three centuries following the Conquest provides an explanation as to how classical humoral pathology could become rooted in a Mexican village.
Decyl methacrylate-based microspot optodes.

Optode sensing membranes employing decyl methacrylate cross-linked with 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate as the polymer support were fabricated by a direct microspotting method on several surfaces. Photopolymerization was used to attach the microspots to the substrate. Using this method, diameters in the micrometer domain were obtained. Silanized glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate, and poly(dimethylsiloxane) were tested as possible substrates. Both polypropylene tips and the steel tips of drafting pens were used for spotting. It was determined that both silanized glass and PMMA gave working optodes, but the ones on PMMA did not fit the theoretical model. Diameters of 994 ± 80 and 1279 ± 85 μm were obtained on silanized glass and PMMA, respectively, using the polypropylene tips for spotting. Different size optodes were fabricated using 0.35- and 0.50-mm steel drafting pen tips. The 0.35-mm tips produced diameters of 895 ± 26 and 688 ± 54 μm on silanized glass and PMMA, respectively, and th...
Framing Labels and Immigration Policy Attitudes in the Iowa Caucuses: “Trying to Out-Tancredo Tancredo”

We use an experiment built into a series of surveys of Iowa voters during the 2008 Iowa Caucus campaign to test the effect of differing group framing labels on immigration policy preferences. We find that certain framing labels matter, but only among Republican partisans for whom the immigration issue is important. We also find that issue importance produces more conservative policy preferences for Democrats as well as Republicans. We examine and discuss these results as well as their implications for the immigration debate, the interaction between issue salience and policy preferences, and the theory of political framing in general.
Exchange in a general market with indivisible goods

Abstract We show how to restrict trades in exchange markets with heterogeneous indivisible goods so that the resulting restricted exchange markets, the fixed deal exchange markets , have a unique core allocation. Our results on fixed deal exchange markets generalize classical results on the Shapley–Scarf housing market, in which each agent owns one good only. Furthermore, we define the class of fixed deal exchange rules for general exchange markets, and prove that these are the only exchange rules that satisfy strategyproofness, individual rationality, and a weak form of efficiency.
Special applications of insect gut microflora in kinetic studies of microbial substrate removal rates

Because of the highly controlled environment in which they live and their unique genetic history, the gut microflora of some insects may be useful for studying some of the underlying principles that govern the kinetics of uptake and metabolism of substrates by microorganisms. In the present studies, D-glucose mineralization kinetics were investigated using facultative anaerobes from termite gut microflora to test the similarity of kinetics principles developed previously with aquatic environmental microbial samples. As with environmental samples, heterogeneous kinetics were observed in the gut microflora, with increasingly enhanced glucose removal rates at diminishing amended substrate concentrations. These results lend support to the general applicability of these kinetics principles to a diversity of mixed microbial populations having greatly dissimilar environmental histories.
Late Pleistocene and early Holocene climate and limnological changes in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA inferred from midges (Insecta: Diptera: Chironomidae)

Chironomid and stratigraphic analyses of a lake sediment core recovered from a high-elevation lake in the central Sierra Nevada, California, USA, was undertaken to assess chironomid community development during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition and to quantitatively reconstruct the thermal regime that existed during this interval. Between 14 800 cal yr BP and 13 700 cal yr BP the chironomid community consisted almost exclusively of Heterotrissocladius, suggesting this period was characterized by extremely cold climatic conditions. Evidence of post-glacial climatic amelioration, as manifested by increases in thermophilous chironomid taxa, head capsule concentrations, and taxon richness and diversity, commenced at approximately 13 300 cal yr BP. In order to quantify the magnitude of the water temperature changes associated with post-glacial climatic amelioration, a recently developed chironomid-based inference model for surface water temperature was applied to the subfossil chironomid assemblages. The one-component, weighted-averaging partial least squares (WA-PLS) model has an r2jack=0.72, RMSEPjack=1.1°C and a maximum bias of 1.24°C. The reconstructed surface water temperatures suggest a minimum warming of approximately 4.7°C occurred during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. However, warming during this interval may not have been monotonic. Evidence of the Younger Dryas has been previously discovered in the study area and adjacent regions; Our research indicates that changes in chironomid community composition and an inferred short-term cooling event occurred between 12 000 cal yr BP and 11 500 cal yr BP, which may represent a local manifestation of the Younger Dryas. Chironomid community development during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition appears to primarily reflect the influence of changing climate conditions.
Coulomb drag between one-dimensional conductors

We have analyzed Coulomb drag between currents of interacting electrons in two parallel one-dimensional conductors of finite length $L$ attached to external reservoirs. For strong coupling, the relative fluctuations of electron density in the conductors acquire energy gap $M$. At energies larger than $\ensuremath{\Gamma}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{const}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{v}_{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}LM/{v}_{\ensuremath{-}})/L+{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{+}$, where ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{+}$ is the impurity scattering rate, and, for $Lg{v}_{\ensuremath{-}}/M$, where ${v}_{\ensuremath{-}}$ is the fluctuation velocity, the gap leads to an ``ideal'' drag with almost equal currents in the conductors. At low energies the drag is suppressed by coherent instanton tunneling, and the zero-temperature transconductance vanishes, indicating the Fermi-liquid behavior.
Playful Teasing: Kiddin' on the Square:

This discourse analytic study examines teases among diverse staff to show how social justice commitments play out in actual meetings in a homeless advocacy organization. Before considering specific teases, I discuss the relationship between informality and teasing in this workplace setting. The analysis then focuses on 13 examples which show how social justice commitments get challenged in everyday practice: (1) The egalitarian commitment for all to voice opinions comes into tension with avoiding time-consuming meetings; (2) volunteering to share work can come into tension with doing one's fair share; (3) the more egalitarian work practice where staff take responsibility for setting their own work deadlines can, in practice, come in tension with the more hierarchical director's setting a deadline for them; (4) staff differ in job positions as well as economic and educational backgrounds and whether or not they have experienced homelessness. Teases provide a playful reminder of their egalitarian relationsh...
Interlayers for diamond-coated cutting tools

Abstract Boron-containing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) films are being explored for use as interlayers between WC-Co substrates and CVD diamond coatings to enhance the adherence between these materials. The wear resistance and hardness of diamond coatings on tough WC-Co substrates gives an ideal coated tool material for many machining applications. CVD diamond applied directly onto WC-Co exhibits very poor adherence. Factors contributing to this problem include the solubility and diffusivity of carbon in cobalt, resulting in limited diamond nucleation and precipitation of graphite, and the large thermal expansion mismatch between WC-Co and diamond. Boron-containing films act as diffusion barriers to carbon diffusion into the cobalt and enhance chemical bonding at the coating-substrate interface. Compositional grading of the interlayer maximizes its effectiveness as an aid to adherence. The experimental results leading to these observations are discussed in this paper.
Modeling Spatial Interaction of Utility Coal in Pennsylvania

Abstract Detailed information on coal transportation is a necessary and important element of energy policy formulation. At the intrastate scale comprehensive information is often difficult to collect because of industrial confidentiality. In order to test the accuracy of publically available data, origin-destination movements of utility coal are estimated for Pennsylvania, using a maximum-entropy model of spatial interaction. A series of models is evaluated incorporating assumptions on transportation cost and mode, connectivity of origins and destinations, and coal properties. The inclusion of contract arrangements through restricted connectivity produces the greatest improvement in estimated flows. Attempts to specify a general cost function by the addition of coal properties (Btu, sulfur, ash) produces no significant improvements in the goodness-of-fit. The paper concludes that the identification of unobserved transport cost data by the method of residuals meets with mixed success. The results indicate ...
Brown Fat Determination and Development from Muscle Precursor Cells by Novel Action of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a pivotal role in promoting energy expenditure by the virtue of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) that differentiates BAT from its energy storing white adipose tissue (WAT) counterpart. The clinical implication of “classical” BAT (originates from Myf5 positive myoblastic lineage) or the “beige” fat (originates through trans-differentiation of WAT) activation in improving metabolic parameters is now becoming apparent. However, the inducers and endogenous molecular determinants that govern the lineage commitment and differentiation of classical BAT remain obscure. We report here that in the absence of any forced gene expression, stimulation with bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) induces brown fat differentiation from skeletal muscle precursor cells of murine and human origins. Through a comprehensive transcriptional profiling approach, we have discovered that two days of BMP6 stimulation in C2C12 myoblast cells is sufficient to induce genes characteristic of brown preadipocytes. This developmental switch is modulated in part by newly identified regulators, Optineurin (Optn) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox2). Furthermore, pathway analyses using the Causal Reasoning Engine (CRE) identified additional potential causal drivers of this BMP6 induced commitment switch. Subsequent analyses to decipher key pathway that facilitates terminal differentiation of these BMP6 primed cells identified a key role for Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R). Collectively these data highlight a therapeutically innovative role for BMP6 by providing a means to enhance the amount of myogenic lineage derived brown fat.
Public's expectation about an organization's stance in crisis communication based on perceived leadership and perceived severity of threats

Abstract Considering the importance of general public support of an organization during a crisis, this study examined how perceived leadership style influences public expectation about an organization's stance in crisis and the relationship between perceived severity of threat and the expected stance of the organization based on leadership perception. The results of the study strongly supported main effects of leadership on public estimation about an organization's stance. Managerial implications were discussed.