cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DFN-02, Sumatriptan 10 mg Nasal Spray with Permeation Enhancer, for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Assessing Functional Disability and Subject Satisfaction with Treatment.

The commercial formulation of sumatriptan nasal spray is an effective option for migraine patients requiring or preferring a non-oral route of drug administration, but its utility is limited by poor absorption and tolerability issues. DFN-02, a new formulation of sumatriptan 10 mg nasal spray, is co-formulated with a permeation enhancer that gives it pharmacokinetics comparable to subcutaneous sumatriptan. As reported previously, DFN-02 was significantly better than placebo on multiple efficacy endpoints at 2 h postdose, including pain freedom, absence of the most bothersome symptom, and pain relief, and its safety and tolerability profiles were excellent. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of acute treatment of migraine with DFN-02, including its effect on migraine-related functional disability and patient satisfaction with treatment. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study of DFN-02 in adults with episodic migraine. Functional disability and subject satisfaction with treatment were prespecified endpoints, assessed in real-time by subjects, using an electronic diary. In total, 107 subjects were randomized. DFN-02 was significantly superior to placebo for the reduction in functional disability score from predose level at 2 h after treatment (− 1.2 vs. − 0.6, p < 0.001). Subjects treated with DFN-02 were also more likely to be satisfied or very satisfied than subjects treated with placebo at 2 h postdose (70.0% vs. 44.2%, p = 0.027). Using the Patient Perception of Migraine Questionnaire-Revised at 24 h postdose, DFN-02 mean scores were significantly superior to placebo for the subscales of efficacy (65.2 vs. 42.5, p = 0.016) and function (68.9 vs. 42.1, p = 0.001), and for total score (71.0 vs. 56.6, p = 0.016); global medication effectiveness (p = 0.027); and overall satisfaction (p = 0.019). Placebo was significantly better than DFN-02 on the tolerability subscale (94.8 vs. 88.5, p = 0.026). At 24 h postdose, subjects reported significantly higher satisfaction with DFN-02 compared with satisfaction reported pre-randomization regarding their usual migraine medication (p = 0.012). DFN-02 was superior to placebo for the relief of migraine-related functional disability, and provided greater satisfaction than placebo or subjects’ usual acute treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02856802.
Responsive, 3D Electronics Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Substrates

Traditional electronic devices are rigid, planar, and mechanically static. The combination of traditional electronic materials and responsive polymer substrates is of significant interest to provide opportunities to replace conventional electronic devices with stretchable, 3D, and responsive electronics. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are well suited to function as such dynamic substrates because of their large strain, reversible stimulus response that can be controlled through directed self-assembly of molecular order. Here, we discuss using LCEs as substrates for electronic devices that are flat during processing but then morph into controlled 3D structures. We design and demonstrate processes for a variety of electronic devices on LCEs including deformation-tolerant conducting traces and capacitors and cold temperature-responsive antennas. For example, patterning twisted nematic orientation within the substrate can be used to create helical electronic devices that stretch up to 100% with less than 2% change in resistance or capacitance. Moreover, we discuss self-morphing LCE antennas which can dynamically change the operating frequency from 2.7 GHz (room temperature) to 3.3 GHz (-65 °C). We envision applications for these 3D, responsive devices in wearable or implantable electronics and in cold-chain monitoring radio frequency identification sensors.
Removing the Invisibility Cloak: Using Space Design to Influence Patron Behavior and Increase Service Desk Usage.

AbstractIn small branch libraries, patrons seeking assistance from library staff outside of the dedicated single-service desk often results in large staffing inefficiencies. This paper presents a c...
Impact of Light Ethanol Intake and of Taurine, Separately and Together, on Pathways of Glucose Metabolism in the Kidney of Diabetic Rats

This study has comparatively evaluated ethanol and taurine for their effects on diabetes-induced changes in the activities of enzymes related to the classical and alternative pathways of glucose metabolism, both separately and in combination with each other, in the rat. The experiments were carried out using male Sprague-Dawley rats, 310–340 g in weight, assigned to groups of six. Ethanol, as a 5 % (v/v) solution, was freely available from days 1 to 28 in place of the drinking water. Diabetes was induced on day 15 with streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg i.p. in 10 mM citrate buffer pH 4.5. Taurine, 2.4 mM/kg, was given by oral gavage alongside ethanol. Kidneys were collected on day 29 and made into homogenates in PBS pH 7.4, which were used to assay enzymes related to glycolysis (HK, GK-like, PFK-1, PK, GAPDH), gluconeogenesis (PC, cPEPCK, FBPase, G6Pase), Krebs cycle (CS), malate shuttle (cMDH), pentose phosphate pathway (G6PDH, 6PGDH) and polyol pathway (AR, SDH) as well as the glucose and glycogen contents. Diabetes increased the enzyme activities of glycolysis (≥55 %), gluconeogenesis (≥162 %), malate shuttle (>125 %), pentose phosphate pathway (>200 %), AR (~110 %) and glycogenesis (~235 %), lowered the activity of the Krebs cycle (by 73 %), and increased the glycogen/glucose ratio (~300 %). The daily consumption of a low concentration of ethanol or an oral dosing with taurine generally resulted in a significant protection against the changes in the activities of metabolic pathways associated with glucose metabolism when given before the induction of diabetes, being about equipotent in their effects, their individual protective effects became enhanced when available concurrently.
The scope of alternatives: indefiniteness and islands

I argue that alternative-denoting expressions interact with their semantic context by taking scope. With an empirical focus on indefinites in English, I show how this approach improves on standard alternative-semantic architectures that use point-wise composition to subvert islands, as well as on in situ approaches to indefinites more generally. Unlike grammars based on point-wise composition, scope-based alternative management is thoroughly categorematic, doesn’t under-generate readings when multiple sources of alternatives occur on an island, and is compatible with standard treatments of binding. Unlike all in situ (pseudo-scope) treatments of indefinites, relying on a true scope mechanism prevents over-generation when an operator binds into an indefinite. My account relies only on function application, some mechanism for scope-taking, and two freely-applying type-shifters: the first is Karttunen’s (Linguist Philos 1(1):3–44, 1977. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00351935 ) proto-question operator, aka Partee’s (in: Groenendijk, de Jongh, Stokhof (eds) Studies in discourse representation theory and the theory of generalized quantifiers, Foris, Dordrecht, 1986) IDENT, and the second can be factored out of extant approaches to the semantics of questions in the tradition of Karttunen (1977). These type-shifters form a decomposition of LIFT, the familiar function mapping values into scope-takers. Exceptional scope of alternative-generating expressions arises via (snowballing) scopal pied-piping: indefinites take scope over their island, which then itself takes scope.
3D Kinematics: Using Quaternions for Modeling Orientation and Rotations in Biomechanics

Analysis of human movement requires mathematical formulation of rotations in three-dimensional space. The need for appropriate description of rotations occurs both in the analysis of experimental data and in the modeling of human movement. To capture the characteristics human body motion using experimental data, one often needs to initially assume joints with three rotational degrees of freedom (spherical joints). Then, using measured data, one can determine the number of rotational degrees of freedom of a joint under consideration. In complex whole-body movements, such as in various athletic disciplines, the athlete may undergo a rotation in three-dimensional rotation that requires also adequate mathematical formulation. In this chapter we introduce a mathematical representation of orientation and rotation that is based on the notion of quaternions. The quaternion-based representation of rotations has a physical interpretation that is meaningful in biomechanical context. It is computationally efficient since it has small number of parameters with the least number of constraints without mathematical singularities that lead to false results and numerical instability. Another important feature of the quaternion formulation is that successive rotations that often occur in human movements are easily composed within the representation. Finally, efficient identification and interpolation procedures of data obtained experimentally based on the quaternion representation are presented.
The Genealogy of Communication

The following article asserts the claim that freedom of thought overrides the current meaning of communication as transmission or that which is said. This freedom introduces the concept that genealogy is a strategy of thought able to liberate us from its current meaning and return to the historical significance of the Latin word communicatio . The genealogy brings up various communication practices (both archaic and modern) and leads to obfuscation, modification, and consolidation of meaning. These various communication practices are revealed by the study and reflection on the Latin and Indo-European roots munus and mei , which form the semantic core of the word communicatio ( cum + munus ). The increase in technology that regulates the realm of human experience in the world is also analyzed as a fact that warns of the danger of instrumental communication and raises the need for genealogical investigation.
A Hidden Epidemic of "Intermediate Risk" Oropharynx Cancer.

Objectives Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) incidence is rapidly increasing in the United States and around the world, driven in large part by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV associated OPSCC (HPV+OPSCC) has been shown to have improved response to treatment relative to tobacco-associated OPSCC. However, improvement in patient survival has not been uniform. Subsets of OPSCC patients in the US and around the world continue to have poor oncologic outcomes. Although the drivers of this phenomenon remain unclear, there is increasing evidence that tobacco exposure plays an important role in modulating HPV+OPSCC clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a review of the literature. Results We discuss the potential biological and epidemiological interplay between tobacco and HPV exposure in the context of OPSCC. Multiple retrospective and prospective cohorts show that HPV+OPSCC patients with a history of tobacco exposure have response to treatment and clinical outcomes distinct from HPV+OPSCC non-smokers which poses clinical and scientific challenges to be addressed over the next decade. Conclusions The interaction between tobacco exposure and HPV infection in the context of OPSCC has significant implications for both standard of care treatment regimens and development of novel therapeutic approaches, in particular those which incorporate immunomodulatory agents. Level of evidence 5.
Olfactory imagery: is exactly what it smells like

Mental Imagery, whereby we experience aspect of a perceptual scene or perceptual object in the absence of direct sensory stimulation is ubiquitous. Often the existence of mental imagery is demonstrated by asking one’s reader to volitionally generate a visual object, such as closing ones eyes and imagining an apple. However, mental imagery also arises in auditory, tactile, interoceptive, and olfactory cases. A number of influential philosophical theories have attempted to explain mental imagery in terms of belief-based forms of representation using the Dependence Thesis, dependence upon means of access, such as enactivism, or in terms of the similarity of content with perceptual processing. The focus of this paper concerns the later approach and in particular assessing if Nanay’s promissory note that his theory is applicable to modalities other than vision, such as smell, seems likely to be of theoretical tender. The thesis argued for in this paper is that olfactory imagery exists and is best accounted for by considering it as a type of perceptual processing with a unique representational format relative to the olfactory perceptual modality. The paper concludes by summarizing the applicability of Nanay’s theory of mental imagery for olfaction and suggests some further issues that arise when transitioning to multi-modal mental imagery.
Commanding an Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand with Motion Capture Data

This paper describes a method of commanding a five-fingered anthropomorphic robotic hand through the use of data obtained from a motion-capture marker instrumented glove. The kinematics and dynamics of the robotic hand are first presented. This is followed by a description of the joint space control scheme that the hand is using. The inverse kinematics solution for the robotic hand is then presented in terms of the location of the LED point markers on the motion-capture glove. The paper concludes with a presentation of experimental results obtained by using the motion capture data to command a dynamical simulation of the robotic hand.
Compressed Arrays and Hybrid Channel Sensing: A Cramér-Rao Bound Based Analysis

This letter provides a Cramer-Rao Bound (CRB) based analysis of compressive arrays with applications in mmWave channel sensing, where the measurements at the output of an antenna array are further compressed using a complex-valued compression matrix, in order to reduce the system complexity and power consumption. While necessary conditions for the existence of CRB for compressed arrays have been recently derived, currently no sufficient conditions exist that can guarantee the existence of the CRB in different compressive regimes, and therefore can be used to guide the design of the overall system. We overcome this drawback by deriving tight sufficient conditions (that agree with the necessary conditions) for almost all choices of the compression matrix. Our results decisively demonstrate the additional benefit gained by using sparse arrays (such as nested array) even when a compression matrix is deployed.
Fewer students are benefiting from doing their homework: an eleven-year study

Performance on homework questions was compared with performance on related exam questions querying the same fact or principle, was used to assess the effect of answering online homework questions o...
Explaining $(g-2)_{\mu}$ with Multi-TeV Sleptons

We present a supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model in which the new physics contributions to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon can be more than an order of magnitude larger than in the minimal supersymmetric Standard Model. The extended electroweak symmetry breaking sector of the model can consistently accommodate Higgs bosons and Higgsinos with $O(1)$ couplings to muons. We find that sleptons with masses in the multi-TeV range can comfortably explain the recently confirmed discrepancy in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We discuss additional phenomenological aspects of the model, including its effects on tau flavor changing decays.
The food restriction wars: Proposed resolution of a primary battle.

Abstract Research regarding the definition and consequences of dieting has generated controversy for years. This controversy has spilled over into the public domain, especially as eating disorders and obesity have become more prevalent. One of the earliest and longest-lasting controversies involves the restrained eating framework, which was originally developed by Herman and Polivy and also strongly influenced the development of the cognitive-behavioral model of bulimia nervosa. An alternative framework for understanding the role of dieting in nonclinical and clinical groups, called the Three-Factor Model of Dieting, took a sharply different approach to defining, and understanding the impact of, dieting. This paper provides a brief historical review of the development of these divergent perspectives and updates the Three Factor Model's critical distinction between restraining eating to prevent over-consumption and dieting to lose weight. We suggest that three historical trends impacted the development of Restraint Theory in ways that unfairly impugned dieting for weight control: the emergence of the new eating disorders of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, a population-based increase in loss of control eating and a population-based increase in obesity. This update is aimed in part at encouraging new research to reconcile ongoing, unresolved issues between Herman and Polivy's restrained eating model and the Three-Factor model of Dieting model. Such research might also contribute to the public's understanding of the pros and cons of dieting and to new approaches to treating eating disorders and obesity.
Compact Magnetless Optical Isolator using Two Coupled Microcavities with Time-Modulation

It is shown how time-modulating the refractive index of two coupled microcavities with a 90 degree phase shift between them leads to non-reciprocal wave propagation. The cavities are implemented as defects in a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The ratio of forward to backward power transmission can be as high as 25 dB with experimentally realizable modulation frequencies and amplitudes. Further, it is demonstrated how a simple passive filter can remove modulation sidebands.
Inhibitory Control, Working Memory and L2 Interaction

This study considers how second language (L2) learners’ working memory capacities and their abilities to inhibit interfering information relate to their success at learning from conversational interaction. Participants were given a reading span task in English and a Stroop test in English, their first language, and in Italian (L2), and participated in an interactive picture description task in Italian in which they were provided feedback on grammatical gender and number. In addition, the learners completed pretests and posttests. Learners were divided into two groups based on how much they learned from an interactive task. Working memory and inhibition scores were examined for each group. The results showed that the major contributing factor to learning gains was L2 Stroop test scores.
Elastodynamic Scattering from a Three-Dimensional Crack in a Fluid-Loaded Halfspace

In this article we present the exact solution of the following canonical problem. We consider the scattering system consisting of a fluid-loaded three-dimensional isotropic elastic halfspace, which is homogeneous except for the presence of a finite flat crack. The crack breaks the surface of the halfspace, and in the current formulation is taken to be orientated normal to the halfspace surface.
The Description of a Process for Identifying Musical Performance Behaviour in Instrumentalists Using Computer-Based Sound Spectrum Analysis, With Implications for an Interactive Acoustic Musical System

In summary, it is apparent that a computer-based sound analysis system will provide information which, in association with analysis of a performer's audiovisual records can permit identification of performance behaviour. This facility makes possible the structuring of a database of tagged performance attributes that, when recognized by a computer-driven interactive instructional system, will allow a CAL environment to provide a musician with both diagnostic response to performance or instructional feedback for skill acquisition, depending on how the system is programmed when the computer recognizes what the acoustic musical performer is doing. For the purposes of securing greater reliability and validity in the computer-based analysis of performance behaviour, the process described here must be replicated many times and the frequency spectra analyzed quantitatively across the range and types of performance responses. However, within the limits of this study it is worthwhile noting that, gradually, both the technology of computer-based sound processing and its potential for education are evolving toward the generation of practical tools for music learning.
Continuous Thermophilic Composting

Under complete mixing conditions, aerobic decomposition of mixed organic waste materials has been maintained continuously in the thermophilic phase in a 55-gal rotating drum. Temperatures ranged between 53 and 70 C. Raw material was added daily or every second day in amounts up to 18 lb per 100 lb of decomposing material. The weight of material removed ranged between 42 and 60% of the raw material added. Factors influencing the operation of the composting unit were studied in detail. Images
Next-Generation Parallel Performance Visualization: A Prototyping Environment for Visualization Development

A new design process for the development of parallel performance visualizations that uses existing scientific data visualization software to prototype new performance visualizations can lead to drastic reductions in the graphics and data manipulation programming overhead currently experienced by performance visualization developers. The process evolves from a formal methodology relating performance abstractions to visual representations under which performance visualizations are described as mappings from performance objects to view objects, independent of any graphical programming. This prototyping environment also facilitates iterative design and evaluation of new and existing displays. Our work examines how an existing data visualization tool can provide a robust prototyping environment for next-generation parallel performance visualizations.
Do Continents Part Passively, or Do They Need a Shove?

From time to time in geologic history, immense quantities of magma pour from the Earth, forming what are known as flood basalts. The mechanism is still not completely understood: Does continental rifting lead to the release of basaltic magma, or does the flow of magma drive the plate motion? In his Perspective, Carlson discusses a paper in Earth and Planetary Science Letters in which the authors used isotope ratios of rhenium and osmium to study the flood basalts of the Columbia River region of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The evidence indicates that breakup of the continents may be driven by volcanic plumes from below.
Photosensitized aquation reactions of Cr(NH3 5(NCS)2

Biacetyl and acridinium ion but not Michler's ketone sensitize the aquation of Cr(NH3 5(NCS)2+ in 0.1 N sulfuric acid solution. Phosphorescence quenching occurs in first system, and the kinetics of this and of the sensitized reaction in the presence and absence of oxygen indicate that transfer of excitation energy occurs from the biacetyl first triplet state. The reaction is entirely one of ammonia aquation, indicating that the first quartet excited state of the complex is populated. Acridinium ion sensitizes both ammonia and thiocyanate aquation, the presence of oxygen affecting the latter but not the former mode. The kinetics of the fluorescence quenching by the complex and that of the sensitized ammonia aquation indicate that the latter process is induced by the first singlet excited state of acridinium ion, along with a small component of thiocyanate aquation. The oxygen dependence results indicate that the remainder of the thiocyanate aquation is induced by the first triplet excited state of the donor. It is concluded that, in this system, the singlet excited state of acridinium ion populates the first quartet excited state of the complex ion while the triplet state populates the doublet excited state of the complex. Some of the complexities of excited state processes of Cr(III) complexes are discussed.
Some interesting processes arising as heavy traffic limits in an M/M/∞ storage process

Abstract Recent works by Newell [13] and Coffman. [2] have studied a queuing or storage model which is most easily visualized as the process of parkins cars in a parking lot where customers park as close as they can to some fixed point. This paper describes several space-time processes which arise as heavy-traffic limits in this model, and which seem interesting in their own right.
Using standards to improve the replicability and applicability of driver interface research

This paper describes how referring to and using test methods and conditions specified in recognized standards and guidelines from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), U. S. Department of Transportation (US DOT), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and other organizations can improve the replicability and applicability of driver interface research. In particular, this paper examines all 25 papers presented at the 2011 AutomotiveUI (Auto-UI) Conference. Identified for each paper were (1) the method used, (2) the dependent measures, (3) if the dependent measures were adequately defined, (4) the relevant standards, and (5) if the relevant standards were cited.Of the 9 papers involving driving or simulated driving, only the experiments using the ISO lane-change test (3 papers) would obviously be publicly replicable because the scenarios were otherwise described too generally (e.g., "highway"). Furthermore, to a lesser extent, many papers did not define the dependent measures used, so what was measured was sometimes uncertain (e.g., gap or headway). A solution would be to cite the definitions of measures in SAE Recommended Practice J2944 (e.g., lane departure, option A; time to collision, option B). Finally, only 2 of the 25 papers completely cited relevant industry standards, resulting in a weak connection between the research presented and application (though for some papers, there were no relevant standards).To strengthen that connection, the call for papers for future Auto-UI conferences must require submissions to cite relevant standards in the keywords and references section where appropriate, and their inclusion must be among the review criteria. To aid future authors, lists of relevant ISO, US DOT, and other standards and guidelines are provided in this paper. As the authors of Auto-UI papers present similar materials at other conferences, the recommendations given here are appropriate for other conferences as well.
Comparing the perception of dentists and lay people to altered dental esthetics.

Abstract: Purpose: This study was designed to determine the perceptions of lay people and dental professionals with respect to minor variations in anterior tooth size and alignment and their relation to the surrounding soft tissues. Materials and Methods: Smiling photographs were intentionally altered with one of eight common anterior esthetic discrepancies in varying degrees of deviation, including variations in crown length, crown width, incisor crown angulation, midline, open gingival embrasure, gingival margin, incisal plane, and gingiva-to-lip distance. Forty images were randomized in a questionnaire and rated according to attractiveness by three groups: orthodontists, general dentists, and lay people; 300 questionnaires were distributed. Results: The response rate was 88.2% for orthodontists, 51.8% for general dentists, and 60.6% for lay people. The results demonstrated threshold levels of noticeable difference between the varying levels of discrepancy. A maxillary midline deviation of 4 mm was necessary before orthodontists rated it significantly less esthetic than the others. However, general dentists and lay people were unable to detect even a 4-mm midline deviation. All three groups were able to distinguish a 2-mm discrepancy in incisor crown angulation. An incisal plane cant of 1 mm as well as a 3-mm narrowing in maxillary lateral incisor crown width were required by orthodontists and general dentists to be rated significantly less esthetic. Lay people were unable to detect an incisal plane asymmetry until it was 3 mm, or a lateral incisor narrowing until it reached 4 mm. Threshold levels for open gingival embrasure and gingiva-to-lip distance were both at 2 mm for the orthodontic group. Open gingival embrasure became detectable by the general dentists and lay people at 3 mm, whereas gingiva-to-lip distance was classified by these groups as noticeably unattractive at 4 mm.
Chemoembolic Hepatopulmonary Shunt Reduction to Allow Safe Yttrium-90 Radioembolization Lobectomy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization represents an emerging transcatheter treatment option for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Elevation of the hepatopulmonary shunt fraction risks nontarget radiation to the lungs and may limit the use of 90Y therapy in patients with locally advanced disease with vascular invasion, who often demonstrate increased shunting. We present two cases in which patients with HCC and portal vein invasion resulting in elevated hepatopulmonary shunt fractions underwent chemoembolic shunt closure to allow safe 90Y radioembolization. Both patients demonstrated excellent tumor response and patient survival. On this basis, we propose a role for chemoembolic reduction of the lung shunt fraction before 90Y radioembolization in patients with extensive tumor-related hepatopulmonary shunting.
Estimation and Inference in Two-Step Econometric Models

A commonly used procedure in a wide class of empirical applications is to impute unobserved regressors, such as expectations, from an auxiliary econometric model. This two-step (T-S) procedure fails to account for the fact that imputed regressors are measured with sampling error, so hypothesis tests based on the estimated covariance matrix of the second-step estimator are biased, even in large samples. We present a simple yet general method of calculating asymptotically correct standard errors in T-S models. The procedure may be applied even when joint estimation methods, such as full information maximum likelihood, are inappropriate or computationally infeasible. We present two examples from recent empirical literature in which these corrections have a major impact on hypothesis testing.
Further studies on the acute and subacute toxicity of insecticides to chicks

Abstract The acute and subacute toxicity to White Leghorn cockerels of 44 organic insecticides were studied. These included 6 phosphates, 6 phosphorothionates, 2 phosphorothiolates, 10 phosphorodithioates, a phosphorotrithioate, 3 phosphonothioates, 3 phosphonodithioates, 2 phosphonotrithioates, 9 carbamates, a carbonate, and a chlorinated hydrocarbon. Symptomology, growth, and blood plasma cholinesterase activity are presented.
REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND THE U.S. COURTS

This article analyzes U.S. court cases involving reproductive technologies in terms of their implications for reproductive choice, mothers' versus fathers' rights, definitions and evaluations of parenting, and the nuclear family structure. The analysis reveals that the courts have tended (a) not to recognize how social conditions shape women's reproductive choices, (b) to promote fathers' rights more than mothers' rights, (c) to ignore the social relationships that constitute childbearing and child rearing and value men's over women's biological contribution to these processes, (d) to reflect certain assumptions about the proper roles of mothers and fathers, and (e) to privilege the nuclear family. The implications of developing reproductive technology policy for an understanding of the relationships among gender, reproductive technologies, and the state are considered, and recommendations for the equitable regulation of these technologies are offered.
Improved lung preservation with cold air storage.

Abstract Conventional topical slush cooling limits lung transport to 4 to 6 hours. For this canine study of an alternate air cooling system, 37 canine lungs were removed: 24 were placed in plastic bags, and inserted in a Transplanthermm container at core air temperatures (n = 6 lungs each) of (A) 4 °C, (B) 8 °C, (C) 12 °C, and (D) 20 °C; 6 were stored conventionally in ice slush (E); and 7 were transplanted immediately (F). After 8 hours, the stored lungs were transplanted and the contralateral pulmonary artery was ligated. Survival, arterial oxygen tension, and extravascular lung water were monitored at 15 minutes and every hour for 4 hours. Four-hour survival was 100% in groups A, B, and F; 83% in group C, 50% in group D, and 17% in group E. The mean arterial oxygen tension at 1 hour was lower in group E (6.4 ± 2.4 kPa) than in group A (39.8 ± 13.2 kPa) ( p = 0,0002) or in group F (42.0 ± 16.2 kPa) ( p = 0.0035). Extravascular lung water in group E was higher at 15 minutes (15.44 ± 5.63 mL/kg) than in group A (3.76 ± 0.63 mL/kg) ( p = 0.0001) and group F (4.69 ± 1.65 mL/kg) ( p = 0.003). Cold air storage appears to provide better lung preservation than hypothermic immersion in ice slush.
Interface directed assembly of cyanide-bridged Fe-Co and Fe-Mn square grid networks

Abstract Two isostructural square grid networks were formed by reacting a Langmuir monolayer of an amphiphilic pentacyanoferrate (3+) complex with aqueous Co 2+ or Mn 2+ ions dissolved in the subphase. Confinement of the reactants to the air–water interface discriminates against the formation of higher dimensional products and directs the lateral propagation of a polymeric two-dimensional cyanide-bridged network. The network can be transferred to a variety of supports to form monolayer or multilayer lamellar films by the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. Characterization of both the Fe–Co and Fe–Mn LB film extended networks by FTIR spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, and grazing incidence synchrotron X-ray diffraction (GIXD) reveals face-centered square grid structures directed by the defined bond angles of the octahedral metal complexes and the linear cyanide bridges. Magnetic measurements on both samples indicate the presence of anisotropic low temperature magnetic exchange interactions between the paramagnetic centers. The results illustrate the potential utility of an interface as a structure director in the assembly of low dimensional coordinate covalent network solids.
Viscoelastic and Glass Transition Properties of Ultrathin Polystyrene Films by Dewetting from Liquid Glycerol

We have used the liquid dewetting method originally proposed by Bodiguel and Fretigny (Eur. Phys. J. E: Soft Matter Biol. Phys. 2006, 19 (2), 185–193) to study thickness effects (ranging from 4 to 154 nm) on the viscoelastic and glass transition behaviors of ultrathin polystyrene (PS) films. PS with molecular weights of 278 and 984 kg/mol and various thermal treatments were examined. Both glass transition temperature (Tg) reduction and film stiffening in the rubbery plateau regime were observed in the PS films as film thickness decreased. The value of the plateau compliance was found to vary approximately linearly on the log plot with the film thickness. No molecular weight effect was found for the dewetting behaviors of the PS films prior to the terminal flow regime, where the majority of the current work was carried out. The present results show that the film dewetting process for the polystyrene/glycerol couple has to be described as a “non-isothermal” experiment due to the changing glass transition as...
Computed tomography of the head in children: experience with 1024 scans performed in an outpatient facility.

Our experience in 1,024 computed tomography examinations of the head in 954 infants and children performed in a private office is reported. Immobilization in infants was achieved using relatively large dosages of chloral hydrate (as high as 75 mg/kg) supplemented, when necessary, by I.M. Benadryl. The usual dose of chloral hydrate recommended for children is 25 mg/kg as a sedative and 50 mg/kg as a hypnotic. Satisfactory immobilization was accomplished in 350 of the 360 children under 6 years of age. Thus, routine general anesthesia was avoided. The wide spectrum of conditions demonstrated has been tabulated and selectively illustrated.
Blunted Peripheral and Central Responses to Gastric Mechanical and Electrical Stimulations in Diet-induced Obese Rats

Background/Aims The increase in the prevalence of obesity is attributed to increased food intake and decreased physical activity in addition to genetic factors. Altered gut functions have been reported in obese subjects, whereas, little is known on the possible alterations in brain-gut interactions in obesity. The aim of the study was to explore possible alterations in gastric myoelectrical activity, gastric emptying, autonomic functions and central neuronal responses to gastric stimulations in diet-induced obese rats.
Effect of varying dye flow velocity on dye laser statistics

Abstract With the help of photon coincidence counting measurements we have studied the dependence of the relative intensity fluctuations λ(0)=〈(ΔI)2〉/〈I〉2 on the output light intensity 〈I〉 of a single-mode dye jet laser at two different dye flow velocities. We find that varying the flow velocity causes a rotation and a thickness change of the dye jet. When these effects are compensated, there is no discernible dependence of the dye laser statistics on the flow velocity in the range 12.1 m/s to 13.4 m/s.
Vacuum stability and supersymmetry

Abstract Radiative effects are shown to cause breakdown of the semiclassical ground state in a massless theory of fermions and spinless bosons when the coupling of fermions to bosons is larger than the boson self-coupling. Supersymmetry forms the boundary, in coupling constant space, separating theories with and without stable semiclassical vacua.
DNA Aptamers as Molecular Probes for Colorectal Cancer Study

Background Understanding the molecular features of specific tumors can increase our knowledge about the mechanism(s) underlying disease development and progression. This is particularly significant for colorectal cancer, which is a heterogeneous complex of diseases developed in a sequential manner through a multistep carcinogenic process. As such, it is likely that tumors with similar characteristics might originate in the same manner and have a similar molecular behavior. Therefore, specific mapping of the molecular features can be potentially useful for both tumor classification and the development of appropriate therapeutic regimens. However, this can only be accomplished by developing high-affinity molecular probes with the ability to recognize specific markers associated with different tumors. Aptamers can most easily meet this challenge based on their target diversity, flexible manipulation and ease of development. Methodology and Results Using a method known as cell-based Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX) and colorectal cancer cultured cell lines DLD-1 and HCT 116, we selected a panel of target-specific aptamers. Binding studies by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy showed that these aptamers have high affinity and selectivity. Our data further show that these aptamers neither recognize normal colon cells (cultured and fresh), nor do they recognize most other cancer cell lines tested. Conclusion/Significance The selected aptamers can identify specific biomarkers associated with colorectal cancers. We believe that these probes could be further developed for early disease detection, as well as prognostic markers, of colorectal cancers.
Cooling rates in splat cooling

Abstract Calculations and experimental observations made on cooling rates during splat quenching are presented. Three possible types of cooling behavior are discussed: ideal cooling, intermediate cooling and Newtonian cooling. The effects of splatting-process variables on the cooling rates are described, the most important of these variables being splat thickness and the quality of the thermal contact between the splat and substrate. Splat-cooling rates range typically from 104 to above 1010°C/sec, depending on the actual conditions.
Charge handling capacity in charge coupled devices

In analog signal processing applications, the charge handling capacity of a charge coupled device (CCD) is an important parameter that determines the dynamic range. In this paper, approximate expressions for the signal handling capacity for surface-channel and buried-channel CCD's are derived and compared. The upper limit for the buried-channel charge capacity is imposed by the onset of surface electron accumulation.
Effects of semi-rigid arch-support orthotics: an investigation with potential ergonomic implications

For many years, arch-support orthotics have been prescribed for individuals with discomfort and/or abnormal skeletal alignments in the structures of the lower extremity. Recently there has been an increased interest in promoting semi-rigid orthotics as an ergonomic aid for asymptomatic workers who must stand all day at their workplace. A laboratory study was performed to assess the biomechanical impact of prefabricated semi-rigid orthotics on asymptomatic individuals. Ten subjects wore semi-rigid arch-support orthotics (experimental condition) for two months and flexible polyurethane/Sorbothane ® shoe inserts (control condition) for two months. Throughout this 18-week testing period, the subjects returned to the lab to perform a battery of assessment tests at regularly scheduled intervals. These tests examined subject strength, standing posture, stability, fatigue effects, and body part discomfort. The results of this study showed no significant changes in the strength, posture, or stability as a function of insert type. The subjects reported a reduction in low-back discomfort along with an increase in foot discomfort during a fatiguing exertion task while wearing the semi-rigid orthotics as compared to the control condition.
Mechanism for giant enhancements due to defects in low-density-of-states metals.

When the backscattering of the host crystal is appropriately matched to the scattering of a point defect, a resonance in the induced density of states will occur. We show that this crystal backscattering resonance, which can occur even when the defect scattering is weak, is allowed only where the host density of states is small. The giant enhancement of the muon Knight shift in antimony is interpreted in terms of this resonance. The same mechanism provides an interpretation within scattering theory for the formation of bound states at point defects.
Byzantine Attack Isolation in IEEE 802.11 Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks

This paper introduces an effective solution against Denial of Service (DoS) implemented by byzantine attack in a fully distributed ad-hoc wireless network employing IEEE 802.11. Byzantine attack is the attack performed by a fully trusted node that's turned rogue and already has passed all the authentication and verification processes. When a trusted node is turned rogue, it can easily perform DoS attack on the media access control (MAC) layer to prevent other nodes from communicating. DoS attack is an easy and effective method to disrupt the communications. The byzantine attacker will alter the implementation of the IEEE 802.11 DCF standards to illegally increase the probability of having a successful packet transmitted into the channel on the expense of the other nodes that follow the protocol standards. The solution presented in this paper depends on three stages. First stage is to identify the attacker using mathematical modeling. The second stage utilizes asymmetric cryptography to allow the good nodes communicate to agree on communicating on another frequency and excluding the byzantine attacker, and finally the third stage where the good nodes change the frequency via controlling their transmitters and receivers. The theoretical throughput will be generated using two dimensional Markov Chain to determine the network capacity. Results obtained by the theoretical computations will be used to constantly monitor the network and identify an attacker if present. A cross layer technique will allow the MAC layer to control the Physical layer to change the frequency of the communication session based on the MAC's decision of identifying an attacker.
Tree theorem for inflation

It is shown that the generating function for tree graphs in the ``in-in'' formalism may be calculated by solving the classical equations of motion subject to certain constraints. This theorem is illustrated by application to the evolution of a single inflaton field in a Robertson-Walker background.
Photophysics of 3-substituted benzanthrones: Substituent and solvent control of intersystem crossing

The solvent dependence of absorption and fluorescence spectra, fluorescence lifetimes (τFl), and quantum yields (qFl) of various 3-substituted benzanthrone derivatives have been investigated. A consistent correlation between fluorescence quantum yield and emitting state energy has been found that holds for all 6 derivatives in 11 solvents. The experimental data together with the results of semiempirical quantum chemical calculations indicate that the main quenching channel of the fluorescent S1(π,π*) excited state is intersystem crossing to an upper (n,π*) triplet state, TN. The rate constant and efficiency of intersystem crossing between these two states are strongly influenced by the substituent and by the solvent polarity, as both modulate the singlet state energy and the S1−TN energy gap. The rate constant of direct S1 → T1 intersystem crossing is small in most systems but appears to increase with a decrease in the energy of the S1 state.
Esmolol versus diltiazem in the treatment of postoperative atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter after open heart surgery.

Background Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias are common after open heart surgery. Possible causative factors for these arrhythmias include operative trauma, atrial ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, pericardial irritation, and excess catecholamines. Two agents commonly used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF/AFL) are β-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Methods and Results This randomized study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous diltiazem versus intravenous esmolol in patients with postoperative AF/AFL after coronary bypass surgery and/or valve replacement surgery. A comparative cost analysis was also performed. Thirty patients received either esmolol (n = 15) or diltiazem (n = 15) for AF/AFL. During the first 6 hours of treatment, 66.6% of esmolol-treated patients converted to sinus rhythm compared with 13.3% of the diltiazem-treated patients (P <.05). At 24 hours, 66.6% of the diltiazem group converted to SR compared with 80% of the esmolol group (not significant). Drug-induced side effects, time to rate control (<90 beats/min), number of patients requiring cardioversion, and length of hospitalization were similar for the two groups. The drug cost/successfully treated patient for esmolol versus diltiazem was $254 versus $437 at 6 hours and $529 versus $262 at 24 hours. Conclusions Although this is a small study, it suggests that esmolol is more effective in converting patients to normal sinus rhythm than diltiazem during the initial dosing period. No differences in conversion rates were observed between the two groups after 24 hours. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether esmolol is the initial drug of choice in patients with postoperative AF/AFL after coronary bypass surgery.