cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: Late Treatment Also Effective

IGURE. Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a severe form of encephalitis associated with antibodies against NR1-NR2 heteromers of the NMDA receptor.1 Although more common in woman with ovarian teratomas, cases have been reported in males and females without detectable neoplasm.1 Early treatment offers the best outcomes and often includes tumor resection and immunosuppression.2 We describe a tumor-negative, symptomatic girl who went undiagnosed for more than 2 years before immunotherapy was begun. Her symptoms improved despite this late treatment. A 9-year-old otherwise healthy African-American girl presented with headaches and new-onset seizures. She subsequently developed facial and extremity dyskinesias, encephalopathy with visual hallucinations, agitated behavior, and incomprehensible speech (Fig A). The patient continued to decline, ultimately developing autonomic instability with tachycardia and elevated blood pressure leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest requiring mechanical ventilation. Serial head magnetic resonance imaging, including fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and spectroscopy, were negative. Cerebrospinal fluid was inflammatory (leukocytes 41 per mm3, predominantly lymphocytes; glucose 69 mg/dL; protein 21 mg/dL) but without viral antigens. Electroencephalography showed bihemispheric slowing, maximal over the right temporal region. Extensive infectious, metabolic, and autoimmune evaluations were negative except for detection of glutamate decarboxylase 65 autoantibody in serum (0.07 nmol/L; normal range 0.00-0.02 nmol/L) but not in cerebrospinal fluid. Serum antiphospholipid antibodies were negative. Total body magnetic resonance imaging and metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy for occult malignancy were negative. Suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis prompted a 5-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (0.4 g/kg/day) and methylprednisolone (40 mg/kg/ A) Pre-treatment; 9-year-old girl presents with facial and extremity dysinesias, acquired mutism, insomnia, and an inability to walk. (B) Postreatment; 13-year-old girl now 2 years post-treatment is ambulatory with inimal dyskinesias. Cognitive deficits remain. (Videos accompanying hese images may be viewed in the online version of the article at http:// * Communications should be addressed to: Dr. Hole; Stanford University School of Medicine; 108 Pope St.; Menlo Park, CA 94025. E-mail address: mhole@stanford.edu
Rapid solidification joining of a powder metallurgy Al-Fe-Ce alloy

Etude microstructurale des poudres metalliques Al−Fe−Ce par microscopie electronique a balayage. Influence de la vitesse de refroidissement sur les defauts de surface (fissuration)
Dissolved organic matter conformation and its interaction with pyrene as affected by water chemistry and concentration.

Water chemistry and concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM) have been reported to affect DOM conformation and binding properties with hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs). However, relationship between DOM conformation and its binding properties remains unclear. We designed a multibag equilibration system (MBES) to investigate the variation of carbon-normalized sorption coefficients (KDOC) of pyrene at different DOM concentrations based on an identical free solute concentration at different pHs and in the presence of Al ions. In addition, we studied the conformation of DOM under different conditions via atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements. Zeta potential measurements indicated that intra- and intermolecular interaction was facilitated at low pH or with the presence of Al ions, and a more organized molecular aggregate (such as a micelle-like structure) could form, thus, enhancing KDOC. As DOM concentration increased, DOM molecular aggr...
Shame comes out of the closet

This article argues that, starting in the 1960s, myriad social factors helped transform the broader emotional culture in the United States from one of restraint to one of expressiveness. This transformation is particularly evident in the case of shame and, specifically, in the case of sexual shame. Shame, the emotion of self-loathing and spoiled identity, has come out of the closet into a new cultural visibility. This article examines some of the key social actors who have helped effect this change, including sex education advocates, members of the Human Potential Movement, and social movements such as feminism and the lesbian and gay movement. The author also explores the new work of shame in such venues as entertainment and political activism by both the left and the right. This article is based on the author’s presentation for the 2007 John H. Gagnon Distinguished Lecture on Sexuality, Modernity and Change.
THYROIDAL IODIDE TRANSPORT. VI. ON A POSSIBLE ROLE FOR IODIDE-BINDING PHOSPHOLIPIDS.

Abstract Lipids extracted from fresh beef thyroid glands were purified by alumina chromatography. Fractions designated the “head” and “tail” fractions of the lecithin peak were used in studies of anion binding. Such binding was measured as the distribution coefficient between an aqueous phase (1 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 4.2) and 1 mM methylmercaptoimidazole) and an organic phase containing the lipid (10 % chloroform in n -heptane). The relative binding of I − , ReO 4 − , and Br − was a function of the lipid concentration. The “head” fraction had greater overall activity and was enriched in ReO 4 − -binding capacity, whereas the “tail” fraction was relatively enriched in I − -binding capacity. The binding of both anions is reversible. The ability of other univalent anions (ClO 4 − , ReO 4 − , SCN − , Br − , NO 3 − ) to displace I − from the lipid phase was in the same sequence as their displacing ability in thyroid slices, but with a smaller spread in potencies. Destruction of activity by phosphatidase A or hydrogenation and characterization by thin-layer chromatography indicate the active lipids to be unsaturated lecithins or choline plasmalogens. The inactivity of l -α-dipalmitoyl, l -α-dioleyl, as well as soy bean and calf brain, lecithins shows that anion binding is more than a trivial property of these choline phosphatides and suggests they may be involved in thyroidal anion transport or may serve as models for systems that exhibit such anion specificity.
Health-related quality of life in gynecological oncology: instruments and psychometric properties.

Abstract Quality of life is generally recognized as a subjective, multidimensional concept, which places emphasis on the self-perception and subjective experience of the patient compared to the expectation of an individual's current health state. Health-related quality of life, which encompasses the psychological, physical, and social functioning of patients, has evolved over recent decades into an established treatment outcome in cancer clinical trials. Assessing quality of life as a clinical trial outcome enables clinicians to better address concerns of gynecological oncology patients, but selection of appropriate measurement tools is critical. This article reviews the concepts of reliability and validity, and describes three health-related quality of life instruments, their psychometric properties, and their use in gynecological oncology clinical trials and other cancer research.
Genetics of emotion

Emotion is critical to most aspects of human behavior, and individual differences in systems recruited to process emotional stimuli, expressed as variation in emotionality, are characteristic of several neuropsychiatric disorders. We examine the genetic origins of individual differences in emotion processing by focusing on functional variants at five genes: catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), neuropeptide Y (NPY), a glucocorticoid receptor-regulating co-chaperone of stress proteins (FKBP5) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor (ADCYAP1R1). These represent a range of effects of genes on emotion as well as the variety of mechanisms and factors, such as stress, that modify these effects. The new genomic era of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and deep sequencing may yield a wealth of new loci modulating emotion. The effects of these genes can be validated by neuroimaging, neuroendocrine and other studies accessing intermediate phenotypes, deepening our understanding of mechanisms of emotion and variation in emotionality.
Inclusion Practices in Elementary Physical Education: A Social-cognitive Perspective

This study explored inclusion practices in general physical education (GPE) from the experiences and perspectives of elementary physical education teachers. The stories of four teachers (two females, two males) between 27 and 57 years of age were gathered using the phenomenological methods of semi-structured interviews, photographs, school documents, and field notes. Bandura’s social-cognitive theory provided a conceptual framework to interpret the findings of this inquiry. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: engaging in learning; adapting strategies to meet students’ needs; and moving beyond the educational goals. The findings suggest that inclusion practices (teacher’s behaviours) in GPE were constructed by the dynamic interactions between teachers’ knowledge of disability and motivation to learn about their students (personal factors) and children’s needs and learning goals (environment).
The leading joint hypothesis for spatial reaching arm motions

The leading joint hypothesis (LJH), developed for planar arm reaching, proposes that the interaction torques experienced by the proximal joint are low compared to the corresponding muscle torques. The human central nervous system could potentially ignore these interaction torques at the proximal (leading) joint with little effect on the wrist trajectory, simplifying joint-level control. This paper investigates the extension of the LJH to spatial reaching. In spatial motion, a number of terms in the governing equation (Euler’s angular momentum balance) that vanish for planar movements are non-trivial, so their contributions to the joint torque must be classified as net, interaction or muscle torque. This paper applies definitions from the literature to these torque components to establish a general classification for all terms in Euler’s equation. This classification is equally applicable to planar and spatial motion. Additionally, a rationale for excluding gravity torques from the torque analysis is provided. Subjects performed point-to-point reaching movements between targets whose locations ensured that the wrist paths lay in various portions of the arm’s spatial workspace. Movement kinematics were recorded using electromagnetic sensors located on the subject’s arm segments and thorax. The arm was modeled as a three-link kinematic chain with idealized spherical and revolute joints at the shoulder and elbow. Joint torque components were computed using inverse dynamics. Most movements were ‘shoulder-led’ in that the interaction torque impulse was significantly lower than the muscle torque impulse for the shoulder, but not the elbow. For the few elbow-led movements, the interaction impulse at the elbow was low, while that at the shoulder was high, and these typically involved large elbow and small shoulder displacements. These results support the LJH and extend it to spatial reaching motion.
The BCL-2 network: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential

The BCL-2 family of proteins governs the commitment to programmed cell death by controlling mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Many cancer cells express anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members to evade apoptosis. Recent results that have clarified how interactions among BCL-2 family members direct MOMP suggest a rational strategy for targeting anti-apoptotic proteins. Selective antagonism of anti-apoptotic family members is both feasible and effective, based on studies performed in vitro and in vivo.
Bone mineralization in former very low birth weight infants fed either human milk or commercial formula

The bone mineral status of former very low birth weight infants previously fed fortified human milk was evaluated during the posthospitalization period. Anthropometric measurements, bone mineral content, bone width, serum calcium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations, and alkaline phosphatase activity were evaluated at 10, 16, and 25 postnatal weeks. Infants were fed either commercial formula or unfortified human milk after their hospital discharge. At 16 and 25 weeks postnatally, human milk-fed infants (group HM) had lower bone mineral content ( p p p p r =0.52, p r =−0.63, p
Improving the Prediction of Winter Precipitation and Temperature over the Continental United States: Role of the ENSO State in Developing Multimodel Combinations

Abstract Recent research into seasonal climate prediction has focused on combining multiple atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) to develop multimodel ensembles. A new approach to combining multiple GCMs is proposed by analyzing the skill levels of candidate models contingent on the relevant predictor(s) state. To demonstrate this approach, historical simulations of winter (December–February, DJF) precipitation and temperature from seven GCMs were combined by evaluating their skill—represented by mean square error (MSE)—over similar predictor (DJF Nino-3.4) conditions. The MSE estimates are converted into weights for each GCM for developing multimodel tercile probabilities. A total of six multimodel schemes are considered that include combinations based on pooling of ensembles as well as on the long-term skill of the models. To ensure the improved skill exhibited by the multimodel scheme is statistically significant, rigorous hypothesis tests were performed comparing the skill of multimodels with...
Dip listening and the cocktail party problem in grey treefrogs: Signal recognition in temporally fluctuating noise.

Dip listening refers to our ability to catch brief ‘acoustic glimpses’ of speech and other sounds when fluctuating background noise levels momentarily decrease. Exploiting dips in natural fluctuations of noise contributes to our ability to overcome the ‘cocktail party problem’ of understanding speech in multitalker social environments. We presently know little about how nonhuman animals solve analogous communication problems. Here, we asked whether female grey treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, might benefit from dip listening in selecting a mate in the noisy social setting of a breeding chorus. Consistent with a dip-listening hypothesis, subjects recognized conspecific calls at lower thresholds when the dips in a chorus-like noise masker were long enough to allow glimpses of nine or more consecutive pulses. No benefits of dip listening were observed when dips were shorter and included five or fewer pulses. Recognition thresholds were higher when the noise fluctuated at a rate similar to the pulse rate of the call. In a second experiment, advertisement calls comprising six to nine pulses were necessary to elicit responses under quiet conditions. Together, these results suggest that in frogs, the benefits of dip listening are constrained by neural mechanisms underlying temporal pattern recognition. These constraints have important implications for the evolution of male signalling strategies in noisy social environments.
Metabolism and dna-binding in vivo of aflatoxin B, in medaka (Oryzias Latipes)

1. The medaka (Oryzias latipes), a small aquarium fish, was shown to possess the capacity to rapidly activate AFB1in vivo at 25°C to intermediates that bind to DNA. 2. The dose-response for in vivo AFB1-DNA binding was linear over the range 70–550 μg AFB1/kg body weight. 3. Maximum binding occurred within the first 24 hr after i.p. injection of [3H]AFB1, followed by a rapid loss of adducts. 4. Aflatoxicol (AFL) and unreacted AFB1 were found by HPLC analysis to be the major products excreted into water after AFB1 exposure, with excretion of AFL as early as 2 min after AFB, injection. 5. These studies show that medaka possess enzymatic systems similar to rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) for biotransformation of AFB, to the epoxide and to other phase I and phase II metabolites.
Network Survivability Management System Design for Broadband Networks

In order to improve the network manage-ment ability, an important issue is to design a network survivability management system as an independent function. This paper proposes new structure to preplan and download different response procedures for every network element at different layers, according to overall information of the network. Cooperation among different restoration techniques in different layers is performed by a hybrid escalation mechanism, which is based on the sequential activation of different restoration techniques. General rules and timing issues are also discussed in detail. The design is based on multi-agent framework and describes the cooperation methods for multi-agent system considering the characterstics of network management function.
Epidemiological Evaluation of Pain in Swine Herds

Pain is an important cause for compromised welfare in swine herds. However, painful processing procedures have become part of routine farm management, and this incongruity has been the focus of man...
The Chemical Composition of Interstellar Matter at the Solar Location

The Local Interstellar Cloud (LIC) surrounds the Solar System and sets the boundary conditions for the heliosphere. Using both in situ and absorption line data towards e CMa we are able to constrain both the ionization and the gas phase abundances of the LIC gas at the Solar Location. We find that the abundances are consistent with all of the carbonaceous dust grains having been destroyed, and in fact with a supersolar abundance of C. The constituents of silicate grains, Si, Mg, and Fe, appear to be sub-solar, indicating that silicate dust is present in the LIC. N, O and S are close to the solar values.
Insights about the profession: questionable norms and the marginalization of practice

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to discuss concerns about dominant university norms and values and their appropriateness in higher education in the 21st century. It also explains how universities marginalize practice through their practices and values. Design/methodology/approach – This article employs the tools of the essayist and historian, primarily reflective inquiry and historical analysis. Findings – The primary value of this essay is to point to a new direction for academic departments of school leadership and to place academic units primarily in the service of practice not the academic disciplines. Many of the unquestioned core values and ways of operating in universities require serious review. Originality/value – The article contributes in a fresh way critique about values and norms in universities.
Finite Element Modeling for Interconnect Materials and Structures

We present a Back-End Simulation Tool (BEST) developed to address important issues for modeling polycrystalline and multi-layered interconnect materials. During the temperature cycles of interconnect fabrication, diffusion and mechanical equilibrium processes are coupled. Accurate simulation of these systems leads to very large problems, and it is therefore necessary to partition the problem using a staggered scheme. We have developed an unconditionally stable algorithm which is crucial to the success of this approach. We are also able to consider the coupled effect of an electromigration driving force in conducting materials. In order to predict effectively the deformations and stresses which occur in structures fabricated from these materials, our work addresses the multiple length scales which characterize the problem. The simulations span from interconnect level structures to detailed descriptions of grain boundaries and material interfaces using continuously spatially varying material properties. The formulation naturally enforces segregation of impurities or vacancies (for metal self-diffusion) to and across interfaces and to surfaces. Our solutions of the coupled physical problems with the explicit inclusion of grain and layer structures make this a tool for efficient evaluation of the properties and reliability of new interconnect materials and layered structures. We will show some applications of our model to technologically relevant examples including hillock formation and interface stresses.
Non-stoichiometry in alkaline earth excess alkaline earth titanates

Abstract Atomistic computer simulation techniques have been employed to study the non-stoichiometry of the alkaline earth titanates with excess alkaline earth oxides. The experimental observations that apparently different mechanisms exist for this non-stoichiometry in each of the three titanates, BaTiO3, SrTiO3 and CaTiO3, can be rationalized on the basis of the defect energetics and structural chemistry in these systems.
Control of marine pollution: An essay review

(1977). Control of marine pollution: An essay review. Ocean Development & International Law: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 269-296.
Outcome of marriages existing at the time of a male's spinal cord injury

Abstract The outcome of 333 marriages in which the husband sustained a spinal cord injury was examined using the questionnaire method. A total of 26.7 per cent of these marriages ended in divorce and 1.8 per cent were separated at the time of the survey. This divorce rate does not differ from that of the entire United States and is considerably lower than that found in the State of California, the home of the majority of respondents. The divorce and separation rate was significantly higher for those having been married more than once at the time of their injury. There were indications that most divorces probably occur within 5 yr of injury. A majority of divorced respondents considered their injury to be a cause for the termination of their marriage. Divorce and separation rates were not related to the level of cord injury, post-injury education, or volunteer activity. There was a significant relationship between the outcome of these marriages and the presence of pre- and post-injury children and the ability to sustain post-injury employment.
Impact of the financial system of reunification of Hong Kong and Mainland China

Outlines Hong Kong’s financial system during the pre‐unification era. Looks at recent issues, regulatory changes and its development as an international financial centre. Considers banking, the stock market, the bond & futures market, the gold market, regulatory bodies and monetary and currency policies. Contrasts these with the pre‐unification system in China. Outlines the way that these two systems propose to exist together, looking at the potential benefits and problems this may bring.
The classification of urinary incontinence

Abstract Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common, distressing condition that affects at least 14% of women aged 30 years or older, and is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as ‘any involuntary leakage of urine’. Urinary incontinence may be the result of multiple pathological processes, and the classification of lower urinary tract dysfunction is central to the description, investigation and treatment of these problems. The lower urinary tract consists of two synergistic components—the bladder, to store and void; the urethra, to control and convey. The relationship between these two units, under complex neurological control, is the basis of normal lower urinary tract function, and therefore continence. Acute incontinence is uncommon in young women, but relatively common in the elderly. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis, as it may be transient and only require treatment of the underlying cause. If leakage persists after consideration and exclusion or treatment of the causes of acute incontinence, then chronic incontinence due to lower urinary tract dysfunction must be considered. Management of incontinence is increasingly the reserve of urogynaecologists and female urologists, and so it will be difficult for these specialised few to treat the increasing number of sufferers requesting help. Specialist nurses and nurse continence advisors are helping to co-ordinate the investigation and management of patients in hospital and in the community, as part of the multi-disciplinary team. Attempts have also been made to assess, diagnose and initiate treatment within the primary care setting by nurse practitioners in the USA, developing classification systems and treatment protocols for management without referral to expensive secondary or tertiary referral centres. New computerised assessment systems may in future provide cheap, fast objective means of initiating treatment.
Detection of Localized Corrosion Using Fluorescence Microscopy

Localized attack on aluminum alloy 2024 in the presence of 0.1 M KCl was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. The study was conducted by high resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy in an in situ fluorescence mode. Fluorescein dye was used to indicate pH changes and surface chemistry over and around the active sites. Localized attack on Al was enhanced by the presence of inclusions and second‐phase particles of different types. It was found that the fluorescence signal was confined to the surface due to the entrapment of fluorescein in the corrosion products formed on or around the inclusions.
Heat capacity of high-purity polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7 from 0.4 to 400 K in applied magnetic fields of 0 and 70 kG.

The heat capacities C(T) of high-purity polycrystalline pellet and powder samples of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ are reported for the temperature T in the range 0.4 to 400 K. In addition to the feature associated with the onset of superconductivity at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$\ensuremath{\simeq}91 K, two clear anomalies in C(T) for the pellet sample were observed near 74 and 330 K; the origins of the latter two anomalies are unknown, but the temperatures at which they occur are similar to those at which anomalies are seen in the temperature-dependent magnetization M(T). The feature in M(T) at \ensuremath{\simeq}70 K increases linearly with field H at a rate of 0.30 K/kG for 20 kG\ensuremath{\le}H\ensuremath{\le}40 kG. The anomaly in C(T) at \ensuremath{\simeq}330 K observed for the pellet was not observed for the powder sample, which is consistent with the lack of an anomaly in M(T) near this temperature for the powder sample. For the pellet sample, the electronic entropy near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$, the contribution of superconducting fluctuations to C(T) near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$, and the influence of a 70-kG magnetic field on C(T) near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ and below 10 K are analyzed and discussed.Various features of the C(T) for the pellet sample such as the magnitude of C(T) and the derived Debye temperature and heat capacity jump at ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$, as well as the size and shape of the C(T) anomalies at \ensuremath{\simeq}74 and 330 K, were found to depend on the thermal- and/or magnetic-field treatment history of the sample. Differential-thermal-analysis measurements quantitatively determined the ${\mathrm{BaCuO}}_{2}$ impurity content in our batch of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ to be 0.3(1) wt.%. Coupled with the analysis of the low-T C(T) measurements, we conclude that the linear C(T) coefficient \ensuremath{\gamma}(0) associated with the ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ phase in the pellet sample is \ensuremath{\simeq}4.0 mJ/mol ${\mathrm{K}}^{2}$. It is suggested that some fraction of \ensuremath{\gamma}(0) could arise from thermal excitation of antiferromagnetic spin waves in the Cu-O chains of the structure.
Protein behavior at the water/methylene chloride interface

The objective of this study was to investigate the behaviors of proteins at the water/methylene chloride interface to better understand denaturing effects of emulsification upon proteins. Ribo-nuclease A (RNase) and human serum albumin (HSA) were used as model proteins throughout this study. Their behaviors at the interface were studied in terms of protein recovery after emulsification, interfacial protein aggregation, and dynamic interfacial tension. This study demonstrated that protein instability during emulsification was traced to consequences of the adsorption and conformational rearrangements of proteins at the water/methylene chloride interface. Compared to HSA, RNase was much more vulnerable to the interface-induced aggregation reactions that led to formation of water-insoluble aggregates upon emulsification. Even though HSA was almost completely recovered from the emulsified aqueous phase, the protein underwent dimerization and oligomerization reactions to some extent. The results also demonstrated that the extent of interfacial RNase aggregation was affected by its aqueous concentration and the presence of HSA. Interestingly, RNase stability during emulsification was almost achieved by dissolving an adequate quantity of HSA in the RNase solution. HSA seemed to compete for the interface site and to effectively keep RNase out the interface, minimizing the likelihood of the interface-induced RNase aggregation. These results indicated that competitive adsorption modes of proteins could be used to stabilize a protein of interest against the denaturing effects of emulsification.
Mercury Minerals of the Huron River Uranium Prospect, Baraga County, Michigan

10.1080/00357529.2011.618775-F0001 Figure 1. Looking upstream the picturesque waterfall that bisects the Huron River uranium prospect. Travis Olds photo (August 2010). Michigan is known worldwide f...
The Eritrean War

The Eritrean War has been in process for over 20 years. The Eritrean People's Liberation Front, which has borne the brunt of the fighting against the Ethiopian government forces in the last decade,...
Extracting kinetic information from human motor cortical signals

Brain machine interfaces (BMIs) have the potential to provide intuitive control of neuroprostheses to restore grasp to patients with paralyzed or amputated upper limbs. For these neuroprostheses to function, the ability to accurately control grasp force is critical. Grasp force can be decoded from neuronal spikes in monkeys, and hand kinematics can be decoded using electrocorticogram (ECoG) signals recorded from the surface of the human motor cortex. We hypothesized that kinetic information about grasping could also be extracted from ECoG, and sought to decode continuously-graded grasp force. In this study, we decoded isometric pinch force with high accuracy from ECoG in 10 human subjects. The predicted signals explained from 22% to 88% (60 ± 6%, mean ± SE) of the variance in the actual force generated. We also decoded muscle activity in the finger flexors, with similar accuracy to force decoding. We found that high gamma band and time domain features of the ECoG signal were most informative about kinetics, similar to our previous findings with intracortical LFPs. In addition, we found that peak cortical representations of force applied by the index and little fingers were separated by only about 4mm. Thus, ECoG can be used to decode not only kinematics, but also kinetics of movement. This is an important step toward restoring intuitively-controlled grasp to impaired patients.
Subpopulations of high density lipoproteins in homozygous and heterozygous Tangier disease

Tangier disease (TD) is characterized by severe high-density lipoproteins (HDL) deficiency, hypercatabolism of HDL constituents, impaired cellular cholesterol efflux, and mutations in the gene of ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABC-1). In the present study, we determined plasma lipid and apolipoprotein levels, and HDL subpopulations, in 110 subjects from a large TD kindred in which the proband was homozygous for an A-->C missense mutation at nucleotide 5338 of the ABC-1 transcript. In the proband HDL-C, apoA-I, and apoA-II concentrations were 2, 1, and 2 mg/dl, respectively, apoA-I was present only in prebeta(1), while apoA-II was found free of apoA-I in two distinct alpha mobility subpopulations with different sizes. The smaller size particles contained only apoA-II while the larger one contained apoA-II and apo(a). Relative to unaffected male relatives (n=30), male heterozygotes (n=21) had significant reductions (P<0.001) in plasma HDL-C (-45%), apoA-I (-34%), apoA-II (-59%), apoA-IV (-40%), Lp(a) (-62%), and apoB (-55%) concentrations, and a significant increase (P<0.05, +33%) in plasma apoC-III levels. Female heterozygotes (n=11) similarly had significant reductions (P<0.001) in the concentrations of plasma HDL-C (-42%), apoA-I (-27%), apoA-II (-52%), Lp(a) (-27%), and (P<0.01) apoA-IV (-28%), apoB (-13%), and a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma apoE levels (+29%) as compared to unaffected female relatives (n=41). Large size HDL subpopulations, especially the two LpA-I particles: alpha(1) and prealpha(1) were dramatically reduced in both male and female heterozygotes relative to their unaffected family members. Since apoA-II decreased more than apoA-I in both male and female heterozygotes, the ratios of apoA-I/apoA-II were significantly (P<0.01) increased. The prevalence of CHD was 60% higher in the 32 heterozygotes than in the 71 unaffected relatives even though the latter group was on average 7 years older. We conclude that TD homozygotes have only prebeta(1) apoA-I-containing HDL subpopulations, while heterozygotes have HDL that is selectively depleted in the large alpha(1), prealpha(1), and alpha(2), prealpha(2) subpopulations, resulting in HDL particles that are small in size, poor in cholesterol, but relatively enriched in apoA-I compared to those of their unaffected relatives. These abnormalities appear to result in a higher risk of CHD in heterozygotes than in unaffected controls.
The Inverse Kinematics of Cooperative Transport With Multiple Aerial Robots

This paper addresses the kinematics of cooperative transport of payloads suspended by multiple aerial robots with cables. In such problems, it is important to determine the positions of the aerial robots to achieve a specified position and orientation of the payload. In general, this inverse kinematics problem has no solutions for the case with one or two robots and infinitely many solutions for three or more robots. However, in the case with three robots, when the tensions of the cables are also specified, this inverse kinematics problem is shown to have a finite number of solutions. In order to obtain all possible solutions, an efficient analytic algorithm based on dialytic elimination is presented in this paper. Case studies with an equilateral triangle payload and a general payload are used for demonstration. In addition, a numerical procedure is developed to determine the set of allowable tensions. Finally, an approach for stability analysis is developed, and the stability of all equilibrium configurations is analyzed.
Socialization and Trust in Work Groups

Several theoretical analyses of trust in organizations have been offered, but the social context in which that trust operates is often ignored. Our analysis examines trust in work groups, with a focus on changes in such groups over time. Socialization is an important form of temporal change in work groups (Moreland & Levine, 2000). Workers move into and out of these groups over time, so most groups contain people in different membership phases. We are intrigued by the issues of trust that can arise for full members of groups with new or marginal members. One such issue is how much a group’s full members can trust its new and marginal members, who belong to the group, but are not fully accepted by it. A related issue is how much full members can trust each other around any new or marginal members, whose thoughts, feelings, and behavior must be carefully monitored and shaped before they gain (or regain) the group’s acceptance. After analyzing both of these issues in some detail, we close by identifying seve...
Unified sputtering theory

Abstract A simple unified theory of sputtering describes the ablation of random targets by swift heavy particles in terms of the atomic processes triggered by the energy transfer from the impinging particles to the target atoms. A comprehensive sputtering yield curve is derived in an approximate manner, applicable to a wide range of particle-target combinations at particle energies large compared to the atomic displacement energy in the target. The properties and limitations of this yield curve are examined and compared with recent experimental data.
A content validity analysis of neoplastic items of the national board of medical examiners part II examination

As part of its evaluation of the Clinical Cancer Education Program (CCEP) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Office of Educational Research and Evaluation analyzed student performance on neoplastic items of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Examination Part II. The evaluation provided a successful application of the American Association for Cancer Education (AACE) coding schema for analysis of neoplastic items. Two examinations were analyzed in order to determine the frequency with which specific disease sites, treatment modalities, and question emphasis items appeared. With reference to disease site, the greatest number of questions on both examinations dealt with gynecological issues while the fewest dealt with lung and hematologic-related disease. A breakdown of questions into various treatment modalities indicated that of items that could be categorized, most dealt with surgical treatment, while other therapeutic modalities were given little or no emphasis. Looking at question emphases, the most frequently asked questions referred to diagnostic tests and stratagems, whereas the least amount of emphasis was placed on rehabilitative and psychosocial aspects of the disease. These findings corroborate those reported by Ruckdeschel and his associates and point out several limitations to the content validity of the neoplastic items on NBME Part II.
A differential staining technique for chromosome identification and its comparison with fluorescence technique

A cytochemical differential staining technique for localizing repetitive DNA in metaphase preparations and quinacrine fluorescent staining of metaphase preparations were used simultaneously, and the methodology is described. An idiogram for the differential staining technique was developed and a comparison of the idiograms of both techniques revealed that the differential staining technique involves primarily the localization of repetitive DNA at or near the centromere, whereas with the quinacrine fluorescence technique nearly the entire length of the chromosome fluoresces to produce characteristic banding patterns. The combined use of these methods can be a valuable tool in the study of human chromosomes and provides a practical aid in the identification of individual chromosomes and the further definition of their structure.
Implantable helical coil microwave antenna for interstitial hyperthermia

An implantable helical coil microwave antenna has been developed for improved localization and control of interstitial hyperthermia for deep-seated tumours. A helical coil structure was employed as an extension of the inner conductor at the terminal portion of a miniature semi-rigid coaxial cable. The antennas were constructed with three different connection configurations of the helical coil to the feedline, and with several coil turn densities during the optimization of heating characteristics. In order to compare relative antenna heating performance, a set of quantitative parameters was introduced. Power deposition profiles of 2450 MHz helical coil antennas were studied in both phantom models and muscle tissue in vivo, and compared to those of commonly used dipole antennas. Optimal antenna performance was obtained with a 10-turn per 1 cm helical coil connected to the inner conductor at the tip and separated from the outer conductor by a 0.1 cm gap (HCS-10). These antennas produced a well-localized heating pattern with a sharp falloff of temperature in both directions axially from the coil element. For half-wavelength insertion depths, the effective heating length (50 per cent of maximum SAR) of HCS-10 antennas matched that of standard dipole antennas, but was shifted down towards the tip. For shorter and deeper antenna insertion depths the HCS-10 heating pattern remained similarly localized to the region surrounding the helical coil with minimal cold zone at the tip. In contrast, the dipole antenna heating pattern changed significantly depending on insertion depth, with an unavoidable 0.2-0.7 cm cold region at the antenna tip and elevated surface temperatures for short insertion depths.
Dynamic Measurements During Short-Circuit Testing of Transformers Part I: Instrumentation and Testing

The instrumentation methods and testing procedures utilized to obtain dynamic forces, displacements, pressures, and mechanical strains on a full-size 19.5 MVA three-phase, three-winding oil-filled power transformer is presented in this paper. Each phase of this transformer was constructed with different insulating materials and different clamping methods; one of these included an externally adjustable hydraulic clamping system. The data obtained on this transformer will add new and fundamental knowledge of the effects of winding prestress, clamping methods, insulating materials, and tap arrangements on the dynamic characteristics of large power transformers during short circuit. This first paper will form the foundation for the data presentation and analysis to be presented in later papers.
Non-injected illicit drugs and alcohol and HIV-related high-risk sexual behaviors in a street-recruited sample of non-injecting drug users in New York City

Methods Among the Non-Injecting Drug Users (NIDUs) in the South Bronx and Harlem, New York City questionnaires were administered about the past use and within last three months use of crack cocaine and powder cocaine, alcohol, marijuana/hashish, and heroin and HIV-related sexual behaviors. Sexual behavior was summarized as a single variable, the Vaginal Equivalent Episode (VEE) score; VEE scores above and below the median were categorized as high and low sexual risk respectively.
Study on the Formation of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Sol−Gel Processed Hafnium Oxide as Dielectric Layers

High dielectric constant (k) metal oxides such as hafnium oxide (HfO2) have gained significant interest due to their applications in microelectronics. In order to study and control the surface properties of hafnium oxide, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of four different long aliphatic molecules with binding groups of phosphonic acid, carboxylic acid, and catechol were formed and characterized. Surface modification was performed to improve the interface between metal oxide and top deposited materials as well as to create suitable dielectric properties, that is, leakage current and capacitance densities, which are important in organic thin film transistors. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle goniometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and simple metal−HfO2−SAM−metal devices were used to characterize the surfaces before and after SAM modification on sol−gel processed hafnium oxide. The alkylphosphonic acid provided the best monolayer formation on s...
Maintenance of placement dependency in distributed multidatabase systems

Placement dependency is a data allocation constraint in distributed multidatabase systems. It has been shown that this constraint can be used to speed up query processing. However, update operations may violate placement dependency. It is important to support the maintenance of placement dependency in distributed multidatabase systems. We present a method for maintaining placement dependency. We discuss how this method is used to test whether update operations will violate placement dependency and provide general resolutions for update operations that violate placement dependency.
Comparison of Recuperator Alloy Degradation in Laboratory and Engine Testing

In order to increase the efficiency of advanced microturbines, durable alloy foils are needed for their recuperators to operate at 650°–700°C. Prior work has demonstrated that water vapor in the exhaust gas causes more rapid consumption of Cr from austenitic alloys leading to a reduction in lifetime for the thin-walled components in this application. New commercial alloy foils are being tested in both laboratory tests in humid air and in the exhaust gas of a modified 60kW microturbine. Initial results are presented for a commercial batch of 80μm alloy 120 foil. The Cr consumption rates in laboratory testing were similar to those observed in previous testing. The initial results from the microturbine indicate a faster Cr consumption rate compared to the laboratory test but longer term results are needed to quantify the difference. These results will help to verify a Cr consumption model for predicting lifetimes in this environment based on classical gas transport theory.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
An Event-Based Approach to Spatial Information

The notion of the location of an object at a moment of time is relatively straightforward, it is the region of space occupied by the object at that time. However, we are often concerned with the location of something over an extended period of time, as in Alice was in the room for ten minutes. Conceptualizing the location of an object in this case is much more difficult because changes of a spatial nature, i.e., changes in position, size or shape, can occur to any or all of the objects being related. Motion of course always involves changes in the location of at least one of the related objects. In this paper we propose an eventbased approach to the representation of spatial information in natural language. The essential idea is to treat spatial relations as event types. The utility of this proposal is illustrated through examples of representations of locative events, various types of motion events, spatial deixis and spatial anaphora. Finally, we show how the atemporal spatial axioms of Randell, Cui & Cohn (1992) can be translated into event-based axioms for time-aware spatial reasoning.
Correlation of I d - and I g -random telegraph noise to positive bias temperature instability in scaled high-κ/metal gate n-type MOSFETs

Random telegraph noise (RTN) in high-κ nMOSFETs is directly linked to Positive Bias Temperature Instability (PBTI). For the first time, the correlation between I d - and I g -RTN is clearly observed in high-κ MOSFET. I g -RTN is directly related to physical trapping or de-trapping and the I d -RTN reflects sensitivity to charge trapping as determined by gm, which is confirmed by both experiments and TCAD simulations.
Model Based Requirements Specification and Validation for Component Architectures

Requirements specification is a major component of the system development cycle. Mistakes and omissions in requirements documents lead to ambiguous or wrong interpretation by engineers and, in turn, cause errors that trickle down in design and implementation with consequences on the overall development cost. In this paper we describe a methodology for requirements specification that aims to alleviate the above issues and that produces models for functional requirements that can be automatically validated for completeness and consistency. This methodology is part of the Requirements Driven Design Automation framework (RDDA) that we develop for component-based system development. The RDDA framework uses an ontology-based language for semantic description of functional product requirements, UM- L/SysML structure diagrams, component constraints, and Quality of Service. The front end method for requirements specification is the SysML editor in Rhapsody. A requirements model in OWL is converted from SysML XMI representation. The specification is validated for completeness and consistency with a ruled-based system implemented in Prolog. With our methodology, omissions and several types of consistency errors present in the requirements specification are detected early on, before the design stage.