cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Osteoarthritis Initiative: A NIH Public–Private Partnership

Data are released on a regular basis to OAI online. As of April 2011, 1,911 users had registered for OAI Online from 83 countries, with over 7,975 datasets downloaded and 321 image sets distributed. Data are currently being released in a single bolus for the entire visit. Recent releases have included the 36-month questionnaire and exam data and images for the full cohort, as well as the 30-month questionnaire and exam data and images for a subset of the progression cohort. Clinical data and images from the 48-month visits should also have been released by the time this article is published. An increasing number of abstracts and papers are being produced based on the use of the OAI data and images (see www.oai.ucsf.edu/datarelease/Publications.asp). This groundbreaking study is expected to advance our understanding of how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors are linked to the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis. These findings may in turn lead to improved strategies for disease prevention, identification of novel treatment targets, and ways to prevent disability in later life.
Bleaching of the bacteriochlorophyll monomer band : can absorption kinetics distinguish virtual from two-step electron transfer in bacterial photosynthesis ?

The significance of absorption kinetics data in distinguishing between two-step and virtual mechanisms for the primary charge separation in reaction centers of photosynthetic bacteria is examined. A simple class of models is presented in which the transfer may occur predominantly by a virtual process and in which the intermediate state develops some small, but nonzero, transient population. The simplicity of the model allows both virtual and two-step contributions to the intermediate state population to be easily calculated. The authors find that the peak intermediate state population can be either close to 1 or very small (< 10{sup {minus}2}), depending on the system parameters such as electronic matrix elements, the energy denominator, and the lifetimes and dephasing rates in the electronic states. In particular, purely virtual transfer can yield a peak intermediate-state population of 10%. These calculations imply that observation of a small amount of bleaching in the bacteriochlorophyll monomer band does not necessarily rule out a virtual process.
Standard wiggler magnets

Abstract Interest in wiggler magnets (a close sequence of transverse fields with alternating polarity) to extend and enhance the spectrum of synchrotron radiation from electron storage rings has increased significantly during the past few years. In this paper we consider standard wigglers i.e. wigglers in which interference effects on the spectrum of synchrotron radiation are not important. In standard wigglers the spectrum of synchrotron radiation has the same general shape as the spectrum from ring bending magnets. However, the critical energy of the wiggler spectrum may be different. The critical energy of the wiggler spectrum is given by: e CW = ϵ CB B W B B , where ϵCB is the critical energy from the bending magnets and BW and BB are the magnetic field strengths of the wiggler magnet and bending magnets respectively. Since most electron storage rings operate with relatively low bending magnet fields (BB≲12 kG), even a modest wiggler magnet field (≈ 18 kG) can significantly increase the critical energy. Such magnets are planned for ADONE and SPEAR. Higher field ≈ 45 kG) superconducting magnets are planned at Daresbury and Brookhaven to produce due to the superposition of the radiation from the individual poles. Wiggler designs are discussed the spectrum is produced due to the superposition of the radiation from the individual poles. Wiggler designs are discussed as well as the effect of wigglers on the synchrotron radiation spectrum and on the operation of storage rings.
Correcting Jaccard and other similarity indices for chance agreement in cluster analysis

Correcting a similarity index for chance agreement requires computing its expectation under fixed marginal totals of a matching counts matrix. For some indices, such as Jaccard, Rogers and Tanimoto, Sokal and Sneath, and Gower and Legendre the expectations cannot be easily found. We show how such similarity indices can be expressed as functions of other indices and expectations found by approximations such that approximate correction is possible. A second approach is based on Taylor series expansion. A simulation study illustrates the effectiveness of the resulting correction of similarity indices using structured and unstructured data generated from bivariate normal distributions.
Trait verbal aggressiveness and the appropriateness and effectiveness of fathers’ interaction plans II: Fathers’ self‐assessments

Previous research demonstrated that fathers’ trait verbal aggressiveness was (1) predictive of their adult sons’ perceptions of the sarcasm, criticism, and overall aggressiveness contained in fathers’ messages, and (2) inversely related to the appropriateness and effectiveness of fathers’ plans for dealing with an oppositional son. The present study extended this research by examining the relationship between fathers’ verbal aggressiveness and their perceptions of the appropriateness and effectiveness of selected tactics for interacting with oppositional sons. Overall, results indicated that fathers’ perceptions of the appropriateness and effectiveness of tactics was in large part a function of their level of trait verbal aggressiveness. Specifically, fathers’ trait verbal aggressiveness was (1) negatively related to perceptions of appropriateness and effectiveness of supportive tactics and (2) positively related to perceptions of the appropriateness and effectiveness of coercive tactics. Implications for...
Cloudiness and Its Relationship to Saturation Pressure Differences during a Developing East Coast Winter Storm

Cloudiness derived from surface observations and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite VISSR (Visible-Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) are compared with thermodynamic properties derived from upper-air soundings over the Gulf Stream locale during a developing winter storm. Cloud-top pressures are derived from VAS using the CO{sub 2} slicing technique and a simple threshold procedure. Cloud-base heights and cloud fractions are obtained from National Weather Service hourly reporting stations. Saturation pressure differences, defined as differences between air parcel pressure and saturation-level pressure (lifted condensation level), are derived from upper-air soundings. Collocated comparisons with VAS and surface observations are also made. Results indicate that cloudiness is observed nearly all of the time during the 6-day period, well above the 8-yr mean. High, middle, and low opaque cloudiness are found approximately equally. Of the high- and midlevel cloudiness observed, a considerable amount is semitransparent to terrestrial radiation. Comparisons of satellite-inferred cloudiness with surface observations indicate that the satellite can complement surface observations of cloud cover, particularly above 700 mb. Surface-observed cloudiness is segregated according to a composite cloud fraction and compared to the mean saturation pressure difference for a 1000-600-mb layer. The analysis suggests that this conserved variable may be a goodmore » indicator for estimating cloud fraction. Large negative values of saturation pressure difference correlate highly with clear skies, while those approaching zero correlate with overcast conditions. Scattered and broken cloud fractions are associated with increasing values of the saturation pressure difference. Furthermore, cloud fractions observed in this study are considerably higher than those reported in similar studies and by other cloud fraction formulations. 22 refs., 16 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Choosing between fixed time and variable time shock

Abstract Two experiments are reported dealing with choice of fixed or variable time shock schedules with and without signals. Response independent shock was presented on either a fixed-time or a variable-time schedule and subjects could change from one condition to the other for short periods after which the initial condition was automatically reinstated. In the first experiment shocks for both schedules were either unsignalled (6 subjects) or signalled (3 subjects) and all subjects changed from a schedule of variable-time shock to a fixed-time one. Subjects that were given the opportunity to change in the reverse direction did not do so. Opposite findings were obtained in the second experiment (7 subjects) comparing unsignalled fixed-time shock with signalled variable-time shock. Six of the seven subjects changed from the fixed-time schedule to the signalled variable-time one but not the reverse. The data were considered consistent with an analysis of choice based on the reinforcing value of discriminable shock-free periods.
Polysubstrate Monooxygenases and Other Xenobiotic-Metabolizing Enzymes in Susceptible and Resistant Colorado Potato Beetle

Abstract The activities of key defensive enzymes against xenobiotics were studied in two azinphosmethyl-resistant and one susceptible strain of Colorado potato beetle ( Lepinotarsa decemlineata Say) with emphasis on the microsomal polysubstrate monooxygenase system. Monooxygenase activity comparable to that in other coleopterans was observed in the oxidation of NADPH, O-demethylation of p -nitroanisole, N-demethylation,of aminopyrine, and epoxidation of aldrin. Aniline hydroxylase activity was not detected. Monooxygenase activity against aminopyrine was largely confined to the microsomal fraction of homogenates and was more active in the larval gut than in the fat body. Microsomal NADPH oxidation was inhibited strongly in vitro by SKF 525-A and in vivo by prior treatment of insects with piperonyl butoxide. The activity of the monooxygenase system was approximately twice as high in the resistant strains as that in the susceptible strain. Glutathione transferase activity was also elevated in the resistant strains, but no elevation in carboxyesterase activity was seen. Piperonyl butoxide pretreatment increased the toxicity of azinphosmethyl several-fold more strongly in the resistant than susceptible strain, indicating a significant role for monooxygenase activity in resistance. However, in both strains, resistance to azinphosmethyl is multifactorial and enhanced monooxygenase activity is only one contributing factor.
Right atrial botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult patient with recurrent pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas following doxorubicin therapy

We describe a case of a 37-year-old Hispanic woman who presented with a right atrial botryoid rhabdomyosarcoma 2 years after doxorubicin therapy for a recurrent pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the chest wall. Although this may be a second primary, it most likely represents a cardiac metastasis with maturation of chemotherapy-resistant tumor cells.
Biogeography of the caddisfly genus Arctopsyche McLachlan, 1868 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in North America

Abstract. This paper summarizes the distribution of the four species of the caddisfly genus Arctopsyche McLachlan, 1868 in North America and describes natural and man-induced factors that could account for that distribution. It proposes some possible future scenarios of speciation, local extirpation, or extinction.
Differing map construction and text organization and their effects on retention

On the basis of Kulhavy's (R. W. Kulhavy, J. B. Lee, & L. C. Caterino, 1985) conjoint retention model of text learning with organized spatial displays, the authors conducted 2 experiments to analyze the effects of different types of maps and a considerate text (i.e., a text that follows the scanning pattern or the map) or an inconsiderate text. In the 1st study, 158 participants viewed an intact or a segmented map and a considerate or a randomized text. Those participants who viewed the intact map and read the considerate text recalled significantly more information than those who viewed the intact map and read the randomized text. In the 2 nd study, 179 participants viewed a flat map, a 1-point perspective map, or a 2-point perspective map, and a considerate text formulated on the basis of the predicted miming pattern of the map. Those participants who viewed the flat map recalled significantly more information than those who viewed the perspective maps.
Multiparameter Radar Study of a Microburst: Comparison with Model Results

Radar observations and model results are used to investigate the microphysical evolution of an isolated, intense storm observed on July 20, 1988 during the Microburst and Severe Thunderstorm experiment. The storm grew to a height of 14 km and upon collapsing, produced heavy rain, pea-sized hail, and a microburst at the surface. The radar observations indicate that the initial precipitation development was by collision-coalescence. As the storm intensified, accretional growth became dominant leading to rapid precipitation development. Radar-derived rainfall rates peaked around 150 to 190 mm/h. Each morning during the experiment, a two-dimensional, time-dependent cloud model, initialized with the morning sounding, was run. The model results from the July 20 sounding are compared to the radar observations. Good agreement is shown in some aspects of the storm development, although the numerical simulation predicted a more vigorous storm than actually developed.
Radiosynthesis of [] N-3-fluoropropyl-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β(4′ methylphenyl) nortropane (FPCMT)

Abstract A synthetic procedure for the routine preparation of [ 18 F ] N-3-fluoropropyl-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4′ methylphenyl) nortropane ( 18 F FPCMT) has been developed. The synthesis is based on alkylation of nortropane with 18 F labeled fluoropropyl tosylate. Purification of the final product was achieved by a preparative HPLC procedure using Alltech Econosil column. Separation of the desired compound was achieved and the product was clean. The radiochemical yield (without decay correction) is 4 to 5%, calculated at the end of the synthesis based on the total amount of fluorine recovered from the target. Radiochemical purity was in the range of 98 to 99%.
Regulation of growth cone motility.

Nerve growth cones are the motile tips of elongating axons and dendrites. The migration and behavior of growth cones are responsible for axonal pathfinding to synaptic targets, and for the branching patterns of dendritic trees. Growth cones are studied at all levels of organization, molecular, cellular, and within intact embryos. Preparations of growth cone fragments from neural tissues or neural cell lines are being used to identify the molecular components of growth cones. Sophisticated videomicroscopy and image processing are revealing the structure, intracellular motility, and metabolism of living growth cones at high resolution. Similar methods permit recording of growth cone activity within intact neural tissues, even complex vertebrate neural structures. These techniques and their findings were the focus of a recent meeting, honoring the discovery of growth cones in 1890 by the Spanish neurobiologist Santiago Ramon y Cajal. The speakers at this meeting wrote chapters for The Nerve Growth Cone, a thorough presentation of growth cone biology [Letourneau et al., 19911. Information in this monograph, as well as recently published papers, has provided several current issues for discussion. Rather than focus on the cytoskeleton and the assembly, disassembly, and organization of actin and tubulin polymers in growth cones, we will emphasize recent studies pertaining to how growth cones interact with their environment. The topics include a new aspect of growth cone behavior, the protein GAP-43 as a specialized component of growth cone motility, second messengers that may regulate growth cone motility, and signal transduction systems that link external cues to the machinery of growth cone migration. For another perspective on growth cone behavior see the recent Views and Reviews by Heidemann and Buxbaum [ 19901. BEING POSITIVE ABOUT NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR!
Identification of a Novel Catalytic Triad with Dual Functions in Enzymatic Cleavage of the P−O Bond

We report identification of a novel Arg-Asp-His catalytic triad that serves dual functionssphosphate activation and leaving group protonationsto catalyze the P-O bond cleavage for phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from B. thuringiensis. PI-PLC cleaves the P-O bond of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to form inositol 1,2-cyclic phosphate (IcP), which is then slowly hydrolyzed to inositol 1-phosphate.1 X-ray structure2 along with site-directed mutagenesis2,3 led to the mechanism in Figure 1A, which involves three elements: His32 as a general base assisted by Asp274, His82 as a general acid, and Arg69, which activates the phosphate group. We recently added two additional aspects to the mechanism: that Arg69 activates the phosphate by hydrogen bonding to the pro-S oxygen at the transition state,4,5 and that Asp33 and His82 function intimately together as a “composite general acid” (Figure 1B).6,7 We now further show that the functions of Asp33 and Arg69 are also inseparable, which led us to propose the mechanism involving the novel catalytic triad (Figure 1C). Our conclusions were achieved by rigorously cross-examining the bridging and nonbridging “thio-effects” (kO/kS ratios)6-9 of PI-PLC and its mutants with PI analogues shown in Figure 2. Both types of thio-effects are usually >1 in enzymatic reactions since sulfur weakens potential hydrogen bonding10 and also introduces possible steric11 and charge8 differences. The usefulness of the nonbridging thio-effect lies mainly in the comparison of the enzyme activity toward Rpand Sp-isomers. Bridging thioeffects are more difficult to interpret since they are directly related to the bond being cleaved, and P-S bonds are much weaker than P-O bonds (i.e. kO/kS is ,1 in chemical reactions).12 The maximal activities of WT, D33N, and D33A toward substrate analogues are listed in Table 1. While the rates depend on the detergent used to disperse the substrate (see footnote b), all data in Table 1 were obtained under the same conditions with dihexanoyl lecithin as a detergent. Furthermore, the analogues
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection caused by Bifidobacterium breve.

Bifidobacterium breve is a rare cause of human infections. Previously, bacteremia and meningitis caused by this organism linked to probiotic use have been reported in a neonate. We report the first case of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection caused by B. breve in an adult without a history of probiotic use.
Randomized controlled trial of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of telephone-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia to an information pamphlet control on sleep and daytime functioning at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 12-wk follow-up. DESIGN Randomized controlled parallel trial. SETTING N/A. PARTICIPANTS Thirty individuals with chronic insomnia (27 women, age 39.1 ± 14.4 years, insomnia duration 8.7 ± 10.7 years). INTERVENTIONS Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) delivered in up to eight weekly telephone sessions (CBTI-Phone, n = 15) versus an information pamphlet control (IPC, n = 15). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Sleep/wake diary, sleep-related questionnaires (Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 16-item Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep), and daytime symptom assessments (fatigue, depression, anxiety, and quality of life) were completed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 12-wk follow-up. Linear mixed models indicated that sleep/wake diary sleep efficiency and total sleep time improved significantly at posttreatment in both groups and remained stable at 12-wk follow-up. More CBTI-Phone than IPC patients showed posttreatment improvements in unhelpful sleep-related cognitions (P < 0.001) and were classified as "in remission" from insomnia at follow-up (P < 0.05). Posttreatment effect sizes on most daytime symptoms were large (Cohen d = 0.8-2.5) for CBTI-Phone patients and small to moderate (Cohen d = -0.1-0.6) for IPC patients. All CBTI-Phone patients completed posttreatment and 12-wk follow-up assessments, but three IPC patients discontinued the study. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide preliminary support for telephone-delivered CBTI in the treatment of chronic insomnia. Future larger-scale studies with more diverse samples are warranted. Some individuals with insomnia may also benefit from pamphlet-delivered CBTI with brief telephone support. CITATION Arnedt JT; Cuddihy L; Swanson LM; Pickett S; Aikens J; Chervin RD. Randomized controlled trial of telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia. SLEEP 2013;36(3):353-362.
“Boarding” Psychiatric Patients in Emergency Rooms: One Court Says “No More”

"Boarding" involuntary psychiatric patients in medical emergency rooms is common in many parts of the United States. The practice, driven by a shortage of alternative resources, including limited inpatient capacity, can result in patients' being held for days without treatment or a hospital room, often in busy corridors or treatment rooms. A recent challenge to this practice led the Washington Supreme Court to declare it illegal and resulted in the appropriation of substantial funding to create new psychiatric beds. Centralized psychiatric crisis services, with appropriate payment models, may offer another approach to reducing the need for holding patients awaiting inpatient admission.
Rural-Urban Differences in Chronic Disease and Drug Utilization in Older Oregonians.

Purpose To characterize disease burden and medication usage in rural and urban adults aged ≥85 years. Methods This is a secondary analysis of 5 years of longitudinal data starting in the year 2000 from 3 brain-aging studies. Cohorts consisted of community-dwelling adults: 1 rural cohort, the Klamath Exceptional Aging Project (KEAP), was compared to 2 urban cohorts, the Oregon Brain Aging Study (OBAS) and the Dementia Prevention study (DPS). In this analysis, 121 participants were included from OBAS/DPS and 175 participants were included from KEAP. Eligibility was determined based on age ≥85 years and having at least 2 follow-up visits after the year 2000. Disease burden was measured by the Modified Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (MCIRS), with higher values representing more disease. Medication usage was measured by the estimated mean number of medications used by each cohort. Findings Rural participants had significantly higher disease burden as measured by MCIRS, 23.0 (95% CI: 22.3-23.6), than urban participants, 21.0 (95% CI: 20.2-21.7), at baseline. The rate of disease accumulation was a 0.2 increase in MCIRS per year (95% CI: 0.05-0.34) in the rural population. Rural participants used a higher mean number of medications, 5.5 (95% CI: 4.8-6.1), than urban participants, 3.7 (95% CI: 3.1-4.2), at baseline (P < .0001). Conclusions These data suggest that rural and urban Oregonians aged ≥85 years may differ by disease burden and medication usage. Future research should identify opportunities to improve health care for older adults.
Comparison of continuous-wave (CW) and tone-burst (TB) excitation modes in vibro-acoustography: Application for the non-destructive imaging of flaws

Abstract This paper describes the application of continuous-wave (CW) and tone-burst (TB) vibro-acoustography (VA) experiments for imaging a flawed composite plate. For both modes, the ultrasound frequency is set at f1 = 3 MHz and f2 = 3 MHz + ∣Δf∣. The plate was placed at the focus of the transducer and scanned point-by-point over an area of 60 mm by 50 mm on its frontal face with an increment step equal to 0.25 mm/pixel. The resulting acoustic emission amplitude at ∣Δf∣ is recorded. For the CW mode the difference frequency was set at ∣Δf∣ = 12.9 kHz. For the TB mode, the burst-emitted signal was 100 μs long at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz corresponding to bursts of 300 cycles at 3 MHz, and the difference frequency was set at ∣Δf∣ = 44 kHz. The resulting VA images readily show the shape of the flaws. The images also reveal considerable detail of internal substructures such as the fibers used to reinforce the plate. However, the CW VA image shows an artifact caused by the effect of ultrasound standing waves established between the plate and the concave surface of the transducer, resulting in masking some of the flaws. On the other hand, the TB–VA image is free from such artifact. Despite some advantages of using TB–VA, there are some limitations related to this mode. Advantages and limitations of using the two modes are discussed.
Parallel Hierarchical Reachability Analysis for Analog Verification

Formal methods such as reachability analysis often suffer from state space explosion in the verification of complex analog circuits. This paper proposes a parallel hierarchical SMT-based reachability analysis technique based on circuit decomposition. Circuits are systematically decomposed into subsystems with less complex transient behaviors which can be solved in parallel. Then a simulation-assisted SMT-based reachability analysis approach is adopted to conservatively approximate the reachable spaces in each subsystem with support function representations. We formally develop a general decomposition algorithm without overapproxmiation in system reconstruction. The efficiency of this general methodology is further optimized with an efficient parallel implementation strategy.
Rapid profiling of E. coli proteins up to 500 kDa from whole cell lysates using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to rapidly detect and profile large proteins from Escherichia coli whole cell lysates in the mass range 25‐500 kDa. The bacterial samples were treated with guanidine hydrochloride and Triton X-100 to disrupt and solubilize the large inner membrane proteins. A sample preparation involving a nitrocellulose polymer film, and AE-cyano-4hydroxycinnamic acid, sinapinic acid or caffeic acid as matrix was utilized to rapidly monitor the presence of induced and repressed protein synthesis in response to L-arabinose catabolism in E. coli cells. The results were compared to those of 1-D or 2-D gel electrophoresis. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal Structure of a σ70 Subunit Fragment from E. coli RNA Polymerase

The 2.6 A crystal structure of a fragment of the sigma 70 promoter specificity subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase is described. Residues involved in core RNA polymerase binding lie on one face of the structure. On the opposite face, aligned along one helix, are exposed residues that interact with the -10 consensus promoter element (the Pribnow box), including four aromatic residues involved in promoter melting. The structure suggests one way in which DNA interactions may be inhibited in the absence of RNA polymerase and provides a framework for the interpretation of a large number of genetic and biochemical analyses.
Early hospital discharge of infants born to group B streptococci-positive mothers: a decision analysis.

Objective: To compare the cost-effectiveness of an additional 24-hour inpatient observation for asymptomatic term neonates born to group B streptococcus (GBS) -colonised mothers with adequate intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) after an initial 24-hour in-hospital observation.
Mechanical integrity of vias in a thin-film package during manufacture, assembly, and stress-test

The reliability of vias used in thin film packages was estimated through analytical and numerical models. Several processes that produce thermally induced strains in the vias during manufacture, assembly (e.g., card and heat sink attach, and encapsulation of the chip), and stress-tests (e.g., T&H, ship shock, and accelerated thermal cycling) were evaluated to determine the steps which induced potentially high strains in the vias. The study consisted of two parts. In the first part, a preliminary analysis was made in which analytical estimates of via strains during the various processes were obtained under the assumptions of linear elasticity. In the second part of the study, detailed elastic-plastic finite element analyses were carried out to determine the via strains during the various processes. The models were two-dimensional, axi-symmetric in nature. In addition to uniformly plated vias, the study also included analysis of non-uniformly plated vias. In both parts of the study, via strain during a single cycle of ATC (accelerated thermal cycle) was combined with the Coffin-Manson equation for plated copper to determine the number of ATC cycles to failure. Via plating thicknesses analyzed were in the range of 0.5 to 1.4 mils. It was concluded from the study that if the via was manufacturable, then it would survive the accelerated thermal cycling test and hence the field use. This conclusion was in agreement with the results of an ATC test conducted on products with uniformly plated vias. Another conclusion from the study was that vias with non-uniform plating were unlikely to survive the rigors of the manufacturing processes. >
Myosin isoform shifts and decreased reactivity in hypoxia-induced hypertensive pulmonary arterial muscle

The principal stimulus that evokes pulmonary hypertension is chronic alveolar hypoxia. Pulmonary hypertension is associated with remodeling of the vessel walls, involving hypertrophy and hyperplasi...
Mechanical modeling of initiation of localized yielding under plane stress conditions in rigid‐rigid polymer alloys

Two-dimensional Finite Element Method simulations, which involve consideration of the nonlinearity of a material, have been conducted to gain understanding about the rigid-rigid polymer toughening concept we proposed. The simulation results for the plane stress condition indicate that as long as the inclusion phase possesses i) a 60% difference in the tangent modulus from that of the matrix at any given strain level prior to failure or ii) smaller yield or craze stain than the yield strain of the matrix, then, localized shear yielding will occur around the inclusion. A toughened rigid-rigid polymer alloy system can then be obtained. The plain strain case is also discussed with an implementation of the rigid-rigid polymer toughening concept.
Surface Translocation of Pactolus Is Induced by Cell Activation and Death, but Is Not Required for Neutrophil Migration and Function

Pactolus is a cell surface protein expressed by murine neutrophils. Pactolus is similar to the β integrins, except it lacks a functional metal ion-dependent adhesion site domain and is expressed without an α-chain partner. The majority of the Pactolus protein is held within the cell in dense granules in a highly glycosylated form. This intracellular form of Pactolus can be released to the cell surface following inflammatory activation or ligation of Pactolus on the cell surface. In addition, intracellular Pactolus translocates to the neutrophil surface following induction of apoptosis. Neutrophil activation studies suggest that Pactolus does not serve as an activating or phagocytic receptor for the neutrophil. To further define the function of Pactolus, a Pactolus-null mouse was generated. Pactolus-deficient animals mature appropriately and possess normal numbers of neutrophils, display appropriate migration into sites of inflammation, and combat introduced infections efficiently. These data suggest that Pactolus does not function as a neutrophil phagocytic or adhesion receptor, but may instead serve as a sugar-bearing ligand for lectin recognition by other cells.
Conversations in Disaster Medicine and Public Health: The Profession

Using historical and research examples of disaster and crisis science, I argue here for the professionalization of disaster medicine and public health as a unique and essential discipline in support of global public health security. Questions about clinical competencies of providers and reports of unacceptable practices and the limited scope of guidelines for foreign medical teams have persisted for years. The professionalization movement endorses a standard route to certification through the completion of a competency-based curriculum, demonstrating competency through examination or experience to produce a learning and development portfolio, document competency through the acquisition of experience and added training, and develop professional associations. These programs devise certification criteria for entry, mid-level, and higher level candidates who serve in domestic and global humanitarian crises.
The effect of hydroperiod and predation on the diversity of temporary pond zooplankton communities

In temporary pond ecosystems, it is hypothesized that the two dominant structuring forces on zooplankton communities are predation and demographic constraints due to wetland drying. Both of these forces are deterministic processes that act most strongly at opposing ends of a hydroperiod gradient. Our objective was to test how these two processes affect α- and β-diversity of zooplankton communities derived from a diverse temporary pond system. We hypothesized that decreased hydroperiod length and the presence of salamander larvae as predators would decrease β-diversity and that intermediate hydroperiod communities would have the greatest species richness. Our 1-year mesocosm experiment (n = 36) consisted of two predation treatments (present/absent) and three hydroperiod treatments (short/medium/long) fully crossed, seeded from the resting egg bank of multiple temporary ponds. In total, we collected 37 species of microcrustacean zooplankton from our mesocosms. A reduction in hydroperiod length resulted in lower α-diversity, with short-hydroperiod treatments affected most strongly. Endpoint community dissimilarity (β-diversity) was greatest in the medium-hydroperiod treatment with regard to species presence/absence, but was greatest in the long-hydroperiod treatment when abundances were included. Predation by salamander larvae led to reduced β-diversity with respect to species presence/absence, but not among abundant species, and had no effect on α-diversity. Our results suggest that environmental changes that reduce hydroperiod length would result in reduced α-diversity; however, intermediate hydroperiod length appear to enhance β-diversity within a group of wetlands.
Voucher-based contingent reinforcement of marijuana abstinence among individuals with serious mental illness.

Abstract Previous studies by our group have used money given contingent on abstinence to reduce drug use by individuals with schizophrenia. In this study, we examined the sensitivity of marijuana use by individuals with serious mental illness to voucher-based contingent reinforcement, which represents the first study to date investigating the efficacy of voucher incentives with this population. This within-subject reversal design consisted of three conditions: 4-week baseline, 12-week voucher intervention, and 4-week baseline. During baseline periods, subjects received US$10 vouchers per urine specimen, independent of urinalysis results. During voucher intervention, only specimens testing negative for marijuana earned vouchers, with total possible earnings of US$930. Seven adults with schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses participated in the study. The percentage of marijuana-negative specimens was significantly greater during voucher intervention than during baseline periods. These results provide evidence that marijuana use among individuals with serious mental illness is sensitive to voucher-based incentives and further support the potential feasibility of using voucher-based contingency management to reduce substance abuse in this challenging population.
Thermally stable polyimide isomers for membrane‐based gas separations at elevated temperatures

The temperature dependence of gas sorption and transport properties is examined for two polyimide isomers. The permeabilities and solubilities of five gases in these materials are reported over an extensive temperature range from 35 to 325 o C. Also, the activation energies for permeation, the heats of sorption, and the activation energies for diffusion obtained for both polyimides are compared and correlated with physical properties of the polymers and penetrants. The influence of temperature on the selective properties of these membrane materials is discussed for three gas separations; He/N 2 , CO 2 /CH 4 , and O 2 /N 2
Cooperative Control of UAVs Using a Single Master Subsystem for Multi-task Multi-target Operations

In this paper, a semi-autonomous control method is discussed for remote operation of multiple aerial vehicles through teleoperation to perform a task of pursuing multiple targets. The UAV team is formed by different automated aircrafts. A potential field algorithm is employed to implement a leader-follower formation control approach to guide the team of UAVs. A leader is selected and teleoperated by a human operator while all other UAVs follow the leader autonomously in a formation. An algorithm for paring the UAVs and targets is derived from an auction algorithm for a multi-task multi-target case, which optimizes effects-based vehicle-task-target pairing based on a heuristic algorithm. The pairing method produces a weighted attack guidance table (WAGT), which includes the benefits of assignments of intelligent combinations of tasks and targets. Finally, simulation studies were performed to illustrate the efficacy of the developed control method and highlight the improvement of the teleoperation of the UAVs in terms of task efficiency.
Studies of chloroplast development in Euglena. 9. Chloroplast antigens and their appearance during chloroplast development.

SYNOPSIS. Antibodies to purified chloroplast preparations from Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris were prepared in rabbits. Success was achieved only after removal of lipids by forming acetone powders af chloroplasts. Ouchterlony agar-diffusion procedures showed that light-grown cells (containing chloroplasts) have at least 3 antigens reacting with these antibodies and not detectable in the dark-grown cells (which contained proplastids but no chloroplasts), The antigens uniquely associated with the chloroplast appear sequentially during the development of the proplastid into the chloroplast on light induction of the dark-grown cells. The first of these antigens appears at about 10 hr of development. Mutants of the parent strain showed varying numbers of antigens which were cor-related with their capacities to form plastid structures. Cells developing abnormal chloroplasts at low light intensities did not reveal any antigenic differences from cells developing normal chloroplasts. Various antigenic bands were also found which were common to all cell types studied. These can be ascribed either to non-chloroplast contaminants in the original preparation used to immunize the rabbits or to antigens which, although not in the chloroplasts, are cross-reacting with chloroplast materials. In the case of the dark-grown cells, it is likely that portions of the proplastids are cross-reacting with chloroplast materials.
Cholera toxin: an intracellular journey into the cytosol by way of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Cholera toxin (CT), an AB5-subunit toxin, enters host cells by binding the ganglioside GM1 at the plasma membrane (PM) and travels retrograde through the trans-Golgi Network into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In the ER, a portion of CT, the enzymatic A1-chain, is unfolded by protein disulfide isomerase and retro-translocated to the cytosol by hijacking components of the ER associated degradation pathway for misfolded proteins. After crossing the ER membrane, the A1-chain refolds in the cytosol and escapes rapid degradation by the proteasome to induce disease by ADP-ribosylating the large G-protein Gs and activating adenylyl cyclase. Here, we review the mechanisms of toxin trafficking by GM1 and retro-translocation of the A1-chain to the cytosol.
Results concerning the bandwidth of subliminal channels

In conjunction with a six-month research program on computer security, cryptology and coding theory hosted by the Isaac Newton Institute of Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K., a Workshop on information hiding was held from May 30 through June 1, 1996. This workshop was devoted to all aspects of information hiding - other than the usual cryptographic concealment of content, including steganography, subliminal channels, fingerprinting, covert channels, etc. Two surprising results pertaining to subliminal channels were presented or grew out of presentations made at this workshop. One is of interest to the secure communications protocol designer concerned with denying the use of subliminal channels, while the other is important to the designer, or user, of subliminal channels. The first raises the question of whether the notion of a "subliminal-free" communication channel is an oxymoron, i.e., is it possible to force the bandwidth of the subliminal channel to be truly zero? The second forces a more precise formulation of a conjecture the author had made that the bandwidth of a subliminal channel is logarithmically limited if the transmitter is unwilling to trust the subliminal receiver unconditionally. Motivated by these results, this paper reexamines the fundamental questions of the bandwidth available for subliminal communication as a function of the trust the transmitter has in the subliminal receiver and of a logically sound interpretation of the term "subliminal-free".
Use of Markov chain in atmospheric channel modeling of free space laser communications

Free space optical (FSO) communications is a promising candidate for broadband applications, achieving bit rates far beyond possible by radio frequency (RF) technology. Communications via RF signals are generally reliable and well understood but cannot support emerging data rate needs unless they use a large portion of the precious radio spectrum. FSO communications offer enormous data rates but operate much more at the mercy of the environment. The perennial limitations of FSO communications are manifested in the channel attributes of scintillation (optical turbulence) and path obscurations. Both phenomena reduce the availability of the optical channel to support reliable communications. To design transmission techniques that operate optimally in channel obscurants, a good understanding of the channel behavior is necessary. In most prior works, Monte-Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) algorithm has been used to estimate channel parameters. This task is quite numerically intensive. The focus of this paper is on investigating the possibility of simplifying this task by a direct introduction of state transition matrices associated with standard Markov modeling into the MCRT computer simulations programs. We show that by tracing a photonpsilas trajectory in space via a Markov chain model, the angular distribution can be calculated via simple matrix multiplications. We also demonstrate that the new approach produces results that are close to those obtained by MCRT and other known methods. The value of the proposed method lies in its simplicity and numeric efficiency compared to the computationally intensive MCRT.
A counterexample to a Voronoi region conjecture

Given a 2D-symmetric lattice /spl Lambda/, it was conjectured by Forney (1989) that the projection of the Voronoi region R(/spl Lambda/) onto two coordinates equals the Voronoi region of the constituent 2D-sublattice /spl Lambda//spl nu//sub 2/. We present a three-dimensional counterexample. >
Narrow band imaging of nasopharynx to identify specific features for possible detection of early nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Background Narrow band imaging (NBI) features of normal and early nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have not been clearly described. The main purpose of this study was to define NBI features in the nasopharynx in the detection of early NPC. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of 53 patients who underwent NBI endoscopy to describe its specific features. Results Among 19 normal patients, common NBI features were discrete brown spots (100%) and regular polygonal follicular pattern of nasopharyngeal mucosa (90%). The features of 15 patients with NPC were loss of normal polygonal follicular architecture of nasopharynx (100%), concentrated brown spots (93%), and pale pink areas (80%). In the 19 post-NPC radiation patients, common features were patches of intense brown-green spots (100%), loss of polygonal follicular pattern of nasopharyngeal mucosa (95%), and discrete microvasculature branches (95%). Conclusion There are discernible NBI features between normal mucosa and an exophytic NPC mass. This can form the basis of a prospective screening program to detect early NPC using NBI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1096–1101, 2015
Behavioral, endocrine, and hypothalamic responses to involuntary overfeeding

The suppression of food intake after a period of forced overfeeding is potent and long lasting, yet little is known of the underlying mechanisms for this regulatory response. Rats were overfed via a surgically implanted gastrostomy tube. During overfeeding, plasma insulin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were elevated compared with controls and with overfed rats allowed 3 days to recover from the overfeeding regimen such that body weight returned to the level of controls. In contrast, rats that were not overfed but were pair-fed to the low spontaneous food intake of previously overfed rats lost weight and had significantly reduced plasma insulin and elevated mRNA for neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The results indicate that overfeeding produces an activation of hypothalamic CRH system that may contribute to the hypophagia that accompanies involuntary overfeeding. Furthermore, the hypothalamic NPY response to food restriction is not tied to low food intake per se, but rather to negative energy balance.
Effects of 17β-estradiol on sympathetic activity and pressor response to phenylephrine in ovariectomized rats

The effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on sympathetic activity were examined in conscious unrestrained ovariectomized rats, instrumented under methohexital anesthesia to record mean arterial pressure (M...
Skeletal-muscle mitochondria and phospholipase A2 in malignant hyperthermia.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH), a genetically inherited potentially fatal disorder, affects primarily the skeletal muscle of humans and pigs. In apparently healthy humans [1–5] and in stress-susceptible pigs [6–12], the MH syndrome can be induced with halothane [1–12], suxamethonium [3,13–18] or halothane plus sux- amethonium [4]. In stress-susceptible pigs, the syndrome can also be triggered by physiological or environmental stress such as excitement and changes in temperature [7,18–20]. Once initiated, the classical symptoms of the syndrome are gross muscular rigidity, a rapid rise in body temperature, hyperventilation, severe metabolic acidosis and elevated levels of serum metabolites [21–23]. The body temperature can increase at a rate of 1°C per 5 min [4], and the metabolic rate can exceed 17 times normal [20]; if uncontrolled with dantrolene [4], death occurs [4 ,8, 19, 24]. The occurrence of anaesthetic-induced MH in apparently healthy patients is about 1 in 15 000 [3]. In healthy pigs, the incidence of MH is dependent on the breed and can be as high as 88% in highly stress-susceptible breeds [25]. The MH syndrome shows striking similarities in humans and pigs [26] and genetically- selected pigs are thus frequently used as experimental models for investigating the human MH syndrome.
Recreation—A Needed Hospital Service

(1955). Recreation—A Needed Hospital Service. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 21-22.