cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of the striatum in aged rats rescues their ability to learn a hippocampus-sensitive spatial navigation task.

Abstract Studies of age-related changes in learning and memory often focus on hippocampus-sensitive tasks and reveal age-associated impairments across numerous species and contexts. However, cognitive decline with advanced age is not all-encompassing; for example, forms of striatum-sensitive learning are conserved or enhanced with age. Under certain conditions, hippocampal and striatal memory systems function in opposition. In young adult rodents, disruption of one structure can enhance learning on tasks dependent on the other, suggesting that competitive interactions across memory systems contribute to learning and memory abilities. This report examines whether imbalances across memory systems might contribute to cognitive aging. We inactivated the striatum using central infusions of lidocaine (sodium channel blocker) prior to hippocampus-sensitive spatial (place) training in young (3–4-month-old) and old (24–25-month-old) F344 male rats. Consistent with prior work, vehicle-infused old rats exhibited place learning impairments relative to young rats. Additionally, striatal inactivation enhanced learning in old rats, but not young rats, abolishing the age-related impairment. These findings suggest that age-related declines in learning tasks thought to engage the hippocampus may stem from exaggerated interference from other memory systems and that interventions to target the striatum may reverse some age-related learning decrements.
Robust Ramsey sequences with Raman adiabatic rapid passage

We present a method for robust timekeeping in which alkali-metal atoms are interrogated in a Ramsey sequence based on stimulated Raman transitions with optical photons. To suppress systematic effects introduced by differential ac Stark shifts and optical intensity gradients, we employ atom optics derived from Raman adiabatic rapid passage (ARP). Raman ARP drives coherent transfer between the alkali-metal hyperfine ground states via a sweep of the Raman detuning through the two-photon resonance. Our experimental implementation of Raman ARP reduced the phase sensitivity of Ramsey sequences to Stark shifts in $^{133}\mathrm{Cs}$ atoms by about two orders of magnitude, relative to fixed-frequency Raman transitions. This technique also preserved Ramsey fringe contrast for cloud displacements reaching the $1/{e}^{2}$ intensity radius of the laser beam. In a magnetically unshielded apparatus, second-order Zeeman shifts limited the fractional frequency uncertainty to $\ensuremath{\sim}3.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ after about 2500 s of averaging.
Brief Report: Social Behavior and Special Interests in the Stigmatization of Autistic College Students.

Autistic people, by definition, differ in social behavior from non-autistic individuals. One characteristic common to many autistic people is a special interest in a particular topic—something spoken about with such frequency and intensity that it may be stigmatized by non-autistic peers. We investigated college students’ interest in interacting with peers described as behaving in ways characteristic of autism (or not), and additionally described as having a special interest (or not). As expected, autistic characters were more stigmatized, but autistic characters with a special interest were not more stigmatized than those without. Only among non-autistic characters was having a special interest associated with greater stigmatization. Findings give further insight into factors influencing the stigmatization of autistic college students.
Practical approach of linear hydro-elasticity effect on vessel with forward speed in the frequency domain

Abstract In this study, a practical approach to incorporate forward speed and hydro-elasticity effect in the frequency domain is developed. By utilizing the discrete-module-beam (DMB) method, flexible structures are partitioned into multiple rigid bodies that are connected by beam elements. The forward speed effect is taken into consideration in the multi-body hydrodynamics through the slender body and low uniform flow speed approximation, which is called the uniform flow approximation (due to no steady perturbation coupling term considered). By implementing the uniform flow approximation into the multi-body hydrodynamics formulation and then coupling it with the DMB method, any multi-rigid-body radiation–diffraction simulation tools can be extended to solve the linear hydro-elasticity problem with forward speed effect. The present numerical results compare well with published experimental and computational results, including a more direct but much more time-consuming FEM–BEM coupling method. By using the developed computer program, the increase of elastic response and change in dynamic bending moment are assessed for various wave lengths and forward speeds in the case of Wigley hull. The occurrence of hydro-elastic resonance at the first bending mode at certain forward speed is illustrated for a typical operational sea state. The forward speed also changes the wet mode shape, dynamic elastic response, and dynamic bending moment and its distribution along the ship. Encounter frequency, convective term in the pressure formulation and the m-terms contribute to their changes. The effect of local structural damage on the modal characteristics and the resulting hydro-elasticity is also investigated It needs to be noted that due to several approximations (e.g., uniform flow and free-surface approximations), care should be exercised when applying the proposed method.
Uncapping Compensation in the Gore Punitive Damage Analysis

BMW of North America, Inc. v. Gore rests, in part, on the “understandable relationship” between a civil jury’s award of compensatory and punitive damages. Gore identifies three guideposts to determine whether a jury’s award of punitive damages are excessive: (1) the degree of reprehensibility of defendant’s conduct; (2) the disparity between compensatory and the punitive damages; and (3) the difference between punitive damages and civil penalties authorized or imposed in comparable cases. This Article argues that Gore’s second guidepost is based on a false premise as it applies in States that have capped compensatory damage awards: that the plaintiff has been fully reimbursed for actual losses. This Article contributes to existing scholarship on state law compensatory damage caps and the Gore punitive damage analysis by identifying the defect the former produces in the latter. This Article maintains that capped compensatory damages in State law tort actions also caps the Gore punitive damage analysis. This Article advocates uncapping Gore where state procedures do not allow trial judges the opportunity to review a civil jury’s award for reasonableness, where the civil jury is not informed of the cap, or where the civil jury has no opportunity to reconsider an award that exceeds the cap. Without such protections, Gore fails its dual obligation in civil litigation to protect civil defendants against unreasonably high awards and guard severely injured plaintiffs against arbitrarily low awards.
Developments in Fabrication and Characterization of Gold/Boron-Lined Gold Hohlraums

Simulations of ignition-scale hohlraums show that the addition to the hohlraum of a submicron-thick Au/B interior liner containing [approximately]20 to 40 at. % B likely reduces laser backscatter b...
Critical Pedagogy in Hard Times: Utopian Socialist Thought as a Means for Rethinking Capitalism within the Classroom

Amidst contemporary economic instability, intellectuals and policymakers from diverse ideological backgrounds have called for a restructuring of capitalism’s institutional form. Yet this is a long-term project, involving not merely rebuilding the beleaguered financial sector and job creation. It will also involve attitudinal changes with regard to consumption, spending, and debt. In light of this, our society has opened an important intellectual window with regard to how we conceive of the market-driven vicissitudes of capitalism and political science educators have inherited a tremendous pedagogical responsibility in enabling their students to conceptualize such changes. Thoughtful consideration of capitalism’s current form, and what may follow it, relies upon our ability get our students to critically consider contemporary economic structures. Yet recent psychological research has documented that, in many instances, what appears to be thoughtful and engaged action actually draws upon long-settled, prior knowledge so routine and scripted that true thinking actually becomes unnecessary. Such “automatic thinking” constitutes an impediment to the contemporary project of devising a more sustainable form of capitalism, and the critical reflection which such a project requires. This paper argues for the importance of exposing students to alien ideas, rooted in these recent insights on the problem of “automatic thinking.” Building upon this research and my own classroom experiences, I argue here that utopian socialist thought potentially offers us a way to destabilize and de-center our settled understandings with regard to the proper economic order, an essential starting point to the post-crisis rebuilding.
Power IC design for testability

Power integrated circuits (PICs) have become much more complex as voltage and current levels and logic content have increased. This has driven numerous advances in testing PICs, both in test hardware and software. Designs have been modified for improved ease of testing. We describe here the design for testability features of a power IC which incorporates two switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) and twelve power outputs which drive three motors.
Bumpy Riemannian metrics and closed parametrized minimal surfaces in Riemannian manifolds

This article proves that if M is a smooth manifold of dimension at least four, then for generic choice of metric on M, all prime parametrized minimal surfaces in M are free of branch points and lie on nondegenerate critical submanifolds for the two-variable energy function which have the same dimension as the group of complex automorphisms of the domain Riemann surface.
Specification Diagrams for Actor Systems

Specification diagrams (SD's) are a novel form of graphical notation for specifying open distributed object systems. The design goal is to define notation for specifying message-passing behavior that is expressive, intuitively understandable, and that has formal semantic underpinnings. The notation generalizes informal notations such as UML's Sequence Diagrams and broadens their applicability to later in the design cycle. Specification diagrams differ from existing actor and process algebra presentations in that they are not executable per ses instead, like logics, they are inherently more biased toward specification. In this paper we rigorously define the language syntax and semantics and give examples that show the expressiveness of the language, how properties of specifications may be asserted diagrammatically, and how it is possible to reason rigorously and modularly about specification diagrams.
Oxidative stress-induced changes in nitric oxide availability contribute to increased pulmonary microvascular tone in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (1082.2)

Inflammation and oxidative stress are well-known components of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that cause cardio-respiratory abnormalities. To determine if AD-induced inflammation occurs in the lung and a...
A new algorithm for attosecond pulse characterization

An algorithm for characterizing attosecond EUV pulses which is not bandwidth-limited, requires no interpolation of the experimental data, and makes no approximations beyond SFA while fully retrieving both the IR and EUV pulses is introduced.
Surgical and postpartum hereditary brachial plexus attacks and prophylactic immunotherapy

Introduction: Surgery and childbirth can trigger attacks of hereditary brachial plexus neuropathy (HBPN), and inflammation was suggested as a component of the pathogenesis. Methods: HBPN patients who underwent surgery or parturition from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2009 were studied. Results: Twenty-five HBPN patients underwent 48 surgeries or parturitions. Seventeen patients (68%) had attacks, including 13 periprocedural and 7 postpartum by varied anesthesia types. Three patients who had 8 earlier combined attacks (after thyroidectomy, laminectomy, and Caesarean section) were given prophylactic immunosuppressive therapy (corticosteroids ± immunoglobulin). None suffered postoperative attacks, which is uncharacteristic of their prior experience. Five had perioperative attacks as their first HBPN manifestation. Median follow-up was 11 months (3–48 months). Attacks occurred in the operated limb (n = 6) or distant (n = 7) to surgical sites. All attacks interfered with daily living, with frequent incomplete recovery. Five patients had a SEPT9 mutation. Conclusions: Corticosteroids may prevent parturition and surgical HBPN attacks in some patients. Diverse surgeries, anesthesia, and childbirth frequently trigger HBPN attacks. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Toward a behavioral approach to privacy for online social networks

We examine the correlation between user interactions and self reported information revelation preferences for users of the popular Online Social Network (OSN), Facebook. Our primary goal is to explore the use of indicators of tie strength to inform localized, per-user privacy preferences for users and their ties within OSNs. We examine the limitations of such an approach and discuss future plans to incorporate this approach into the development of an automated system for helping users define privacy policy. As part of future work, we discuss how to define/expand policy to the entire social network. We also present additional collected data similar to other studies such as perceived tie strength and information revelation preferences for OSN users.
Perceptual Systems: The Visual Model

Perception is the interpretation of specific sensation from the visual, auditory, somatosensory and olfactory sensation systems. Computational models of perceptual systems attempt to understand the connection between the input (sensation) and the output (perception) of these systems. Keywords: influence of neural coding strategies; motion perception; visual object recognition
Electron–phonon coupling in W(110)-(1×1)H

Abstract Recently, we reported high resolution angle-resolved photoemission measurements that indicated unusually strong coupling between adsorbate vibrations and a surface-localized electron state in the system W(110)-(1×1)H. We have now extended these measurements to probe the electron–phonon coupling strength as a function of position on the relevant Fermi contour. We find that the strength of the coupling is strongly dependent on Fermi wave vector, with the electron–phonon coupling constant λ varying between zero and ∼0.8. Qualitatively, the strength of the coupling is related to the position of the surface band in the projected bulk band gap, and therefore to the degree of surface localization of the surface state wave function. Such effects should play an important role in all adsorbate vibronic interactions, since the vibrational modes are generally highly localized to the outermost surface layer. We discuss these results in relation to the surface phonon anomalies observed on this surface.
Biotransformation of explosives by anaerobic consortia in liquid culture and in soil slurry

Abstract A laboratory study was conducted to study the feasibility of removing explosives in contaminated soil under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic enrichment cultures were prepared from soil samples under various electron-accepting conditions, namely, sulfate-reducing, methanogenic, and nitrate-reducing conditions. The sulfate-reducing condition was very effective in removing all of the explosive compounds from the soil. The sulfate-reducing consortium removed 100% of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) within 10–15 days of incubation and removed 75 to 95% of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazocine (HMX), within 21 days of incubation. The consortium used explosive compounds as the nitrogen source, however, it did not use these compounds as the sole carbon source. The various metabolites obtained from TNT metabolism were 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-A-2,6-DNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2,4- d -6-NT), and 2-methyl pentanoic acid. This sulfate-reducing consortium was further studied for its usefulness in removing TNT at the contaminated site. The results showed that the consortium can remove TNT under 5% and 10% soil slurry conditions. This laboratory study demonstrated that under anaerobic conditions, sulfate-reducing bacteria can be useful in the bioremediation of contaminated soil with TNT and other explosives.
Hamster kidney cell tissue cultures for propagation of Japanese B encephalitis virus.

Summary(1) Monolayer HKC tissue cultures can be prepared on a routine basis by methods essentially identical with those currently in use for preparation of monkey kidney tissue cultures. In screen tests with 13 arthropod-borne agents and 3 types of polio-virus. HKC proved markedly susceptible to the CPE of Japanese B encephalitis. West Nile, Uganda S. Ilheus. Bunyamwera, and Semliki Forest viruses, only moderately susceptible to effects of the St. Louis encephalitis agent and the New Guinea C, Hawaiian, and Trinidad strains of dengue virus. In contrast, the Ntaya, Zika and Bwamba agents and the 3 types of poliovirus failed to show CPE. (2) Evidence has been presented for serial propagation of JBE virus through 8 serial transfers in HKC tissue cultures. CPE was eventually complete. After 6 passages the virus yield was greater than the starting inoculum, although the dilution factors had carried beyond the extinction point of infectivity of the original inoculum. (3) Identity of the Japanese B encephalitis ...
Scanning tunneling microscopy of an ionic crystal: ferritin core.

Abstract Ferritin molecules were imaged directly in air by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The lateral dimensions were close to the values determined by electron microscopy, and the vertical dimension was much reduced. Several clusters of partially naked ferritin cores displayed a hexagonal structure of lattice constant 4.9±0.5 A. It is thus shown that the STM can be used to image thin ionic crystals at high resolution.
Heart cell contractions measured using a micromachined polysilicon force transducer

Heart cell contractions measured using a micromachined polysiicon force transducerGisela Lin and Kristofer S. J. PisterMicro-Electro Mechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Electrical EngineeringUniversity of California at Los Angeles, 405HilgardAvenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1594Kenneth P. RoosCardiovascular Research Laboratory and the Department of Physiology, UCLA School of Medicine675 Circle Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-1760ABSTRACTA microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) force transducer, with a volume less than one cubic millimeter, is being devel-oped to measure forces generated by living, isolated cardiac muscle cells in order to resolve the complex mechanisms of musclecontraction. The force transducer consists of two movable clamps facing each other. Each clamp contains two vertical, parallelhinged polysilicon plates attached to a moveable shuttle, and the entire structure is suspended 2j.tm above the substrate via supportbeams attached to the substrate at one end. Each end of a living rat heart cell is glued between a pair of vertical plates. Calciumisthen introduced into the cell's nutrient bath and stimulates the cell to contract. Upon contraction the support beams bend, and theamount of deflection is translated to force via the known spring constant in the beams. Typically the 70jm long central portion ofa 120pm long cell will contract approximately 6 -
Vapor grown carbon fiber composites with epoxy and poly(phenylene sulfide) matrices

Abstract Vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF, Pyrograf III™ from Applied Sciences, Inc.), with 100–300 nm diameters and ∽10–100 μm lengths, were formulated in various fiber volume fractions into epoxy (thermoset) and into poly(phenylene sulfide) (thermoplastic) composites. Increases in stiffness were observed as with previous VGCF/organic matrix composites. Large increases in flexural strengths were achieved in both systems demonstrating for the first time that discontinuous randomly oriented Pyrograf III™ can give strength increases and has substantial potential as a reinforcement in composites. Here-to-fore, addition of VGCF caused strength decreases. Voids, residual thermal strains (as the fiber surface area is ∽35 times greater than 7 μm-diameter PAN fiber), or uncertainties about fiber strength, fiber–matrix bonding and the degree of fiber dispersion, could cause losses of strength. Thermal conductivity properties of VGCF/ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene from GE Plastics) and VGCF/epoxy composites with various fiber volume fractions were measured. Thermal conductivity increased with an increase in fiber volume fraction. However, these increases were not significant enough to make these VGCF fiber/organic matrix composites candidates for thermally conductive materials.
Reflectance Spectra of the Copper-Bismuth Alloy System*

The spectra of the copper-bismuth alloy system have been investigated in the spectral region 0.3–24 μ. The spectra are discussed in terms of the band structure of the metals, the occurrence of surface films, and solidification processes.
An Inferential Model of Scientific Understanding

In this article I argue that two current accounts of scientific understanding are incorrect and I propose an alternative theory. My new account draws on recent research in cognitive psychology which reveals the importance of making causal and logical inferences on the basis of incoming information. To understand a phenomenon we need to make particular kinds of inferences concerning the explanations we are given. Specifically, we come to understand a phenomenon scientifically by developing mental models that incorporate the correct causal and logical properties responsible for the causes or logical properties of the phenomenon being explained.
Peck's Porch Picnic Parties, or The Bishop's Committee for Books and Documents

Abstract In the late 1940s, the need to establish the existence of historic books and documents in the parishes of the Diocese of Norwich was recognized. The Bishop of Norwich formed the Bishop's C...
SU‐FF‐T‐90: Automated Computer Optimization for 3D Treatment Planning of Breast Irradiation

Purpose: The conventional manual trial and error method (MTEM)for generating 3DCRT dosimetry plans for breast irradiation is time consuming and labor intensive, and does not always lead to an optimal plan. The purpose of this work is to develop an automated optimization tool to eliminate MTEM. Method and Materials: A software package with GUI was developed with Matlab to interface with a commercial planning system (XiO, CMS). The package is capable of (1) accepting inputs of structure contours, prescription, 3D dose maps for each of 16 possible beams (two beam angles, two beam energies, open and 60 degree wedge with anterior, superior and inferior wedge orientations) from XiO, (2) optimizing beam weights to achieve uniform target dose and dose‐volume constraints for critical structures, and (3) outputting optimized beam weights into XiO for final dose calculation. The dose distributions and dose volume histograms generated with the package for five representative whole‐breast irradiation cases are compared with those generated from MTEM by experienced dosimetrists. Results: All plans generated by the automated optimization package are equal to or better than those generated by MTEM in terms of their target dose uniformity and normal tissue sparing. Ratio of the uniformity index for the optimization plan and that for the manual plan ranged from 1.0 to 1.04. The average time for the optimization is approximately 15 minutes on a Pentium‐4 3 GHz CPU. The entire process for generating a plan with the automated optimization is about four times faster than MTEM with an experienced dosimetrist. Conclusion: A computer automated package that is capable of generating optimized 3DCRT dosimetry plan for breast irradiation is developed. It can generate plans equal to or better than those generated with MTEM but with significantly reduced time and effort. The optimization package is being implemented in the clinic.
Basis for Breakup States of Three Identical Particles

A new basis for expanding three-body momentum-space states for three identical particles is studied. The basis states are simultaneously eigenstates of the total angular momentum and the total antisymmetrization operator. The total kinetic energy and two Dalitz-Fabri variables are chosen as the remaining three continuous variables. Zernike polynomials are used as a basis set for a generalized Fourier expansion in the Dalitz-Fabri variables. Born approximations to the nucleon-deuteron breakup amplitude (zero total orbital angular momentum) are calculated for Malfliet-Tjon I–III potentials and displayed in a Dalitz plot that shows the global structures of the reaction probabilities. Numerical results are presented, which indicate favorable convergence properties of the generalized Fourier expansion. These results suggest that the new basis set may be attractive in more realistic calculations.
Electromagnetically induced transparency and wavelength conversion in Si 3 N 4 microdisk optomechanical resonators

We demonstrate electromagnetically induced transparency and wavelength conversion between 980 nm and 1300 nm bands in Si 3 N 4 microdisk optomechanical resonators, through radiation pressure coupling of multiple high-Q optical modes with a mechanical mode.
Diaspora Cartography: On the Rabbinic Background of Contemporary Ritual Eruv Practice

[Abstract This essay takes as its starting point the observation that the earliest manifestation of the regulations concerning the eruv (hatzerot) can be found in the Mishnah (late second or early third century C.E.). A careful reading of the early rabbinic texts demonstrates that the eruv shapes a community’s relationship to the local space it inhabits in significant ways that are predicated neither on ownership nor on control over that space. Rather, that relationship is based on a set of negotiations with those who share the space, in rabbinic times predominantly neighbors, and later also jurisdictions. Further, as a tool of drawing symbolic Jewish maps, the rabbinic eruv enhances the concept of multidimensionality of space, as one map—a rabbinic map—of signification is superimposed on space without control over it. As such, the eruv is quintessentially the product of a diaspora imagination, not merely in a historical sense of a post-70 C.E. reality, but in the political sense of inhabiting a space that is shared with and even controlled by others., Abstract This essay takes as its starting point the observation that the earliest manifestation of the regulations concerning the eruv (hatzerot) can be found in the Mishnah (late second or early third century C.E.). A careful reading of the early rabbinic texts demonstrates that the eruv shapes a community’s relationship to the local space it inhabits in significant ways that are predicated neither on ownership nor on control over that space. Rather, that relationship is based on a set of negotiations with those who share the space, in rabbinic times predominantly neighbors, and later also jurisdictions. Further, as a tool of drawing symbolic Jewish maps, the rabbinic eruv enhances the concept of multidimensionality of space, as one map—a rabbinic map—of signification is superimposed on space without control over it. As such, the eruv is quintessentially the product of a diaspora imagination, not merely in a historical sense of a post-70 C.E. reality, but in the political sense of inhabiting a space that is shared with and even controlled by others.]
The solar abundance of beryllium

The solar abundance of beryllium is deduced from high-resolution Kitt Peak observations of the 3130.43- and 3131.08-A lines of Be II interpreted by the method of spectrum synthesis. The results are in good agreement with those previously obtained by Grevesse (1968) and by Hauge and Engvold (1968) and indicate that in the photospheric layers, beryllium is depleted below the chondritic value by a factor of about two. It is found that the beryllium abundance is equal to logN(Be)/N(H) + 12 = 1.08 plus or minus 0.05.
Risk stratification of patients with left bundle branch block: Exercise versus vasodilator

Abstract Background: ACC/ASNC guidelines recommend vasodilator stress for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) regardless of exercise capacity. There are no data comparing exercise and vasodilator gated stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for risk stratification of patients with LBBB. Methods: A consecutive series of 418 patients with LBBB underwent exercise (n=230) or vasodilator (n=188) stress MPI based upon physician perception of exercise capacity. Images were interpreted by a blinded consensus of 2 readers, using a standard 17 segment model. Abnormal perfusion and function were defined as summed stress score (SSS) >3 and ejection fraction (EF) Results: The rate of MI or CD was 8.6% (20/230) and 13.8% (26/188) with EX and VASO, respectively (p=0.089). Patients with abnormal perfusion or function had a significantly higher event rate than those with normal perfusion or function with either EX or VASO. SSS SSS > 3 P value EF > 50% EF P value Ex 6.2% 17.9% 0.006 1.6% 17.0% Vaso 12.3% 18.0% 0.027 7.2% 19.0% 0.02 Patients achieving >7 METS had an event rate of 2.3% (2/87) versus 12.5% (17/136) for ≤=7 METS (p=0.016). For risk stratification, a model was constructed to classify patients as low- or high-risk for CD or MI using the following criteria: Low Risk= EX with either: SSS≤=3 or EF ≥50% or > 7 METS High Risk=All VASO and EX with either SSS>3 or EF Conclusion: In patients with LBBB, exercise MPI should be the first consideration as this stressor modality allows a highly effective risk stratification for subsequent cardiac events using a combination of myocardial perfusion and function data, in addition to functional capacity.
Phenols in smoked cured meats. Phenolic composition of commercial liquid smoke preparations and derived bacon.

The phenolic composition of two commercial liquid smoke emulsions has been determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the free phenols and their trimethylsilyl ethers. The phenolic fraction of smoked bacons derived from the liquid smoke emulsions has been determined similarly and compared with the phenolic fraction of traditional kiln-smoked bacon. A preliminary examination of phenol penetration in smoked bacon has been made on a sample prepared from a liquid smoke emulsion by electrostatic spraying.
Effects of Driving Pressure and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Stimulation on Glottic Vibration in a Constant Pressure Model

Abstract Glottic phonatory parameters have been studied in constant flow models; however, the lung-thorax system is better viewed as a constant pressure source. Adjusting the driving pressure and recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation as independent variables, rather than as dependent variables, may provide a more physiologic understanding of laryngeal function and glottic parameters, including subglottic pressure, airflow, fundamental frequency, and glottic area. In three dogs subglottic pressure and airflow were measured in two separate conditions: with constant recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation and varying driving pressure, and with constant driving pressure and varying recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation. Videostroboscopic measures on four dogs assessed glottic areas with constant recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation at different driving pressures. With constant recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation, increasing driving pressure had no effect on glottic areas, whereas subglottic pressure, fundamental frequency, and airflow increased significantly. However, changes in subglottic pressure were minimal in comparison with changes in driving pressure. At constant driving pressure, increasing recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation increased subglottic pressure and fundamental frequency and decreased airflow. These findings suggest that during phonation subglottic pressure is primarily dependent on recurrent laryngeal nerve stimulation and laryngeal muscular contraction, but not on lung driving pressure. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;115:15-23.)
Use of the TDx-FLM assay in evaluating fetal lung maturity in an insulin-dependent diabetic population

Objective To assess the usefulness of the recently introduced TDx-FLM assay in managing pregnant women with diabetes. Methods Participating institutions were recruited from the 1993 and 1994 Society of Perinatal Obstetricians Diabetes Special Interest Group meetings. Study patients consisted of insulin-dependent diabetic women who had undergone transabdominal amniocentesis with assay of the fluid by the TDx-FLM method. Pertinent data were requested concerning pregnancy and respiratory outcomes of the corresponding neonates. Results Data from 261 pregnancies at 13 institutions were collected. Eight of the 182 infants born within 4 days of amniocentesis developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); five of the eight infants with RDS required intubation, and all five had TDx-FLM values less than 70 mg of surfactant per gram of albumin. Three of the eight infants with RDS required hood oxygen only; two of these infants had TDx-FLM values at least 70 mg/g. Thirteen of 144 (9%) subjects who delivered within 4 days of amniocentesis and for whom a TDx-FLM assay and phosphatidylglycerol level were both reported had a TDx-FLM level of at least 70 mg/g and a negative phosphatidylglycerol result. No infant with this combination of results developed RDS. Fifteen of the 40 patients who delivered more than 4 days after amniocentesis, with both tests available, had TDx-FLM values at least 70 mg/g and were phosphatidylglycerol negative. Conclusion In infants of diabetic mothers, TDx-FLM values at least 70 mg/g were not associated with RDS requiring intubation. The TDx-FLM assay may be useful in determining the best time of delivery for pregnant patients with diabetes, especially in a situation in which the TDx-FLM assay is mature and the phosphatidylglycerol result is immature.
Abstract C64: Treatment with the Pim protein kinase inhibitor SMI‐4a enhances AMPK phosphorylation, decreases Raptor levels, and blocks mTORC1 activity

We have identified a class of small molecule inhibitors of the Pim protein kinases, benzylidene thiazolidine‐2‐4 diones (J. Med. Chem. (2009) 52:74) with the most potent members having IC50s of 13 nM for Pim‐1 and 2.3 µM for Pim‐2. Compounds in this chemotype demonstrated selectivity of more than 2500‐fold and 400‐fold for Pim‐1 or Pim‐2 respectively while other congeners had equivalent potency towards both isozymes. In vivo, these molecules inhibited Pim kinase autophosphorylation and in a murine model inhibited the growth of subcutaneously implanted murine adenocarcinoma JC cells. One of the members of this chemotype, SMI‐4a, has been shown to block the phosphorylation of the mTOR regulatory protein PRAS40 and subsequently the activity of the mTOR pathway (Mol. Cancer. Ther. (2009) 8: 1473; Cancer Biol. Ther. (2009) 8: 846). Now we show that the addition of SMI‐4a to malignant cells increases the phosphorylation of AMPKα on Thr 172 in a LKB1‐dependent manner, induces the phosphorylation of Raptor on Ser792, decreases the levels of Raptor protein, and inhibits mTORC1 activity. Immunoprecipitation of mTOR from SMI‐4a treated cells consistently showed lower levels of bound Raptor and in vitro mTOR kinase assays from treated cells demonstrated a decreased ability to phosphorylate 4E‐BP1. Knockdown of PIM‐1 via siRNA in K562 leukemic cells showed increased AMPK phosphorylation and decreased Raptor protein levels, further demonstrating an important role for Pim kinase in regulating AMPK phosphorylation and Raptor levels. Additionally, mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient for Pim‐1, Pim‐2 and Pim‐3 kinase (TKO MEFs) showed a significantly increased level of AMPK phosphorylation compared to wild type MEFs, which correlated with decreased mTORC1 activity and increased binding of 4E‐BP1 with eIF‐4E. The TKO MEFs grew significantly more slowly than wild type. The decreased mTORC1 activity correlated with an increase in the cellular level of AMP in TKO MEFs. Furthermore, the correlation between increased AMPK phosphorylation and a lower level of Raptor protein observed with SMI‐4a treatment was also observed in TKO MEFs. Infection of TKO MEFs with lentiviruses expressing Pim 1 or Pim2 was able to reverse these effects, decreasing AMPK phosphorylation, and increasing Raptor protein levels. The cellular activity of mTORC1 was difficult to assess in TKO MEFs as we found substantially lower protein levels of the mTORC1 substrates 4E‐BP1 and p70S6K. Akt was readily phosphorylated upon serum stimulation of TKO MEFs and mTORC2 activity was unchanged. Given the role of Pim kinase in regulating mTORC1 activity, we have combined SMI‐4a and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin inducing synergistic blockade of this pathway. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C64.
Complete denture mounting casts with intact anatomical landmarks.

THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY 443 Techniques for making complete dentures that use heat-polymerized bases at the jaw relationship stage require new casts to be made; these replace the working casts destroyed when the processed bases are deflasked.1 The new casts often lack important anatomic detail such as the incisal papilla, which is a useful guide for positioning the maxillary central incisors and canines and for selecting the sizes of the 6 maxillary anterior teeth.2 This problem can be overcome if undercuts are blocked out with silicon laboratory putty (Zetalabor, Zhermack, Rivigo, Italy). The putty becomes locked into the stone cast, preserving the anatomic detail while allowing easy removal and reseating of the processed denture base (Fig. 1).
When design is not the problem: better usability through non-design means

When it comes to shipping quality software, design is not the hard part. Methods and techniques to study users, best practices for creating iterative designs, and tools to validate them are all very well documented. Unfortunately, in chaotic and complex ecosystems very few of the designs actually end up making it through the user-centered design (UCD) process. Interaction designers' input is either ignored or interpreted through a development/business lens and considerable fidelity is lost. As a result, designers too often throw up their hands and blame the technology or the organizations. These barriers can be overcome if designers broaden their roles and better understand other stakeholders' charters. Successful collaboration with other disciplines that make up the software development lifecycle is the key to success. Practical case studies will be discussed where usability, attractiveness, and good design were achieved through non-design means. Poor information architecture, screen layout, and task flows were not the barriers to usability. Design impact was made instead through overcoming barriers in technology, organizational structure, legal, marketing, documentation / quality assurance (QA), and development tools.
Circuit models for constant impedance micromachined lines on dielectric transitions

Constant impedance microstrip lines printed across nonuniform thickness substrates are studied. Accurate LC models are described to predict the discontinuity effect for dielectric step changes greater than 200 /spl mu/m at the boundary interface. A variety of step or taper transition combinations in the conductor and dielectric are considered. When compared to full-wave simulations, the successfully modeled designs have return and insertion losses within 3 and 0.33 dB, respectively.
Promotion of Recovery From Thoracic Spinal Cord Contusion in Rats by Stimulation of Medullary Raphe or Its Midbrain Input

Background. Brainstem regions with descending axons could influence recovery after spinal cord injury, thus presenting potential targets for treatment. Neurons in the hindbrain raphe magnus respond to sensory and chemical concomitants of trauma (eg, pain, circulating cytokines) and release trophic substances (serotonin, neuropeptides) in widespread spinal regions. Objectives. The authors tested in rats whether intermittent stimulation of the raphe magnus or its major midbrain input, the periaqueductal gray, influences recovery from incomplete thoracic (T8) injury. Methods. After a moderate weight-drop injury, an implanted wireless stimulator intermittently delivered cathodal pulses (8 Hz, 30 µA) through a microelectrode for 12 hours daily over multiple days. Stimulators in controls were inactive or not implanted. Results. Raphe magnus stimulation, started 1 to 2 hours after injury, enduringly improved open-field motor performance (measured weekly for 8 weeks) and footprint and gridwalk performance (measur...
Nonsymmetric bifurcations of solutions of the 2D Navier–Stokes system

Abstract We consider the 2D Navier–Stokes system written for the stream function with periodic boundary conditions and construct a set of initial data such that initial critical points bifurcate from 1 to 2 and then to 3 critical points in finite time. The bifurcation takes place in a small neighborhood of the origin. Our construction does not require any symmetry assumptions or the existence of special fixed points. For another set of initial data we show that 3 critical points merge into 1 critical point in finite time. We also construct a set of initial data so that bifurcation can be generated by the Navier–Stokes flow and do not require the existence of an initial critical point.
Anthropological Genetics: Inferring the History of Our Species Through the Analysis of DNA

The genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), contains information about the evolutionary history of life. Both the relationships amongst organisms and the times of their divergence can be inferred from DNA sequences. Anthropological geneticists use DNA sequences to infer the evolutionary history of humans and their primate relatives. We review the basic methodology used to infer these relationships. We then review the anthropological genetic evidence for modern human origins. We conclude that modern humans evolved recently in Africa and then left to colonize the rest of the world within the last 50,000 years, largely replacing the other human groups that they encountered. Modern humans likely exchanged genes with Neanderthals prior to or early during their expansion out of Africa.
Secondary ion imaging in the scanning ion microscope

Abstract The performance of a 60 keV prototype Ga + scanning ion microscope has been improved in terms of resolution and secondary ion collection efficiency. High definition mass-unresolved secondary ion images are presented, of a variety of materials. The contrast due to the surface topography of conductors and insulators is discussed and illustrated. Previous observations of crystallographic contrast due to primary ion-channelling effects in metal samples are corroborated with better statistics of the secondary ion images.
Diaphragmatic Hernia After Hepatic Resection: Case Series at a Single Western Institution

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) after hepatic resection (HR) is a rare and not well-described complication. We report our experience with DH following a high volume of HRs in a tertiary center. Records of patients undergoing major HR for liver tumors between April 1992 and November 2011 were reviewed. The definitive diagnosis of DH was made based on radiologic studies. Primary repair was used for defects 10 cm; 30 %) were successfully repaired with prosthetic mesh. Increased incidence of DH was associated with diaphragmatic resection at the time of HR (5.4 vs. 0.7 %, p = 0.001). At a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 10–167 months) after hernia repair, recurrence occurred in one patient. Diaphragmatic resection at the time of HR and large tumor size may put patients at risk of developing posthepatectomy DH. Early detection and prompt treatment is associated with low recurrence and offers the advantage of primary repair.
Using geomagnetic indices to forecast the next sunspot maximum

The Babcock (1961) 'solar dynamo' model and known interactions of the interplanetary magnetic field with the earth's magnetosophere are used to explain the relations found between geomagnetic indices at solar minimum and the sunspot number at the following solar maximum. The work of Kane (1987) is augmented by including recent smoothed aa and Ap indices. A smoothed maximum sunspot number of 163 + or - 40 to peak in October 1990 + or - 9 months for solar cycle 22 is predicted. This value is close to the Schatten and Sofia (1987) value of 170 + or - 25, predicted using more direct solar indicators.
Effect of Pullulanase and α-Amylase on Hydrolysis of Waxy Corn Starch

Using commercial pullulanase, α-amylase and their mixture, partial hydrolysis of waxy corn starch was characterised for optimising production of maltodextrins free of D-glucose. Compared to pullulanase or α-amylase alone, the mixture of these two (simultaneous or successive addition) on the substrate enhanced the efficiency of maltodextrin turnover with low or traces of D-glucose production in a short time. D-glucose was removed from dextrins by membrane filtration and the yield of dextrin above DP6 was 60–65%. Die Wirkung von Pullulanase und α-Amylase auf die Hydrolyse von Wachsmaisstarke Unter Verwendung von handelsublicher Pullulanase, α-Amylase und ihrer Mischung wurde die optimale Herstellung von D-glucosefreien Maltodextrinen durch partielle Hydrolyse von Wachsmaisstarke charakterisiert. Im Vergleich zu Pullulanase oder α-Amylase allein erhohte die Mischung dieser beiden Enzyme (gleichzeitige oder aufeinanderfolgende Zugabe zum Substrat) die Wirksamkeit der Umwandlung in Maltodextrin mit niedrigem oder nur sporadischem D-Glucosegehalt in kurzer Zeit. Die D-Glucose wurde durch Membranfiltration von den Dextrinen abgetrennt. Die Ausbeute an Dextrinen uber DP 6 betrug 60–65%.
Three years of a clinical practice guideline for uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease in adolescents.

Abstract %Purpose: To study the effect of continued use of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the course of admissions for uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) over 3 consecutive fiscal years (FY). Methods: Medical charts, computerized laboratory records, and hospital charge data were reviewed for 165 consecutive inpatient admissions of adolescents meeting clinical criteria for PID during FY 1994, 1995, and 1996. Data were analyzed to compare demographics, clinical variables, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges (total, nursing, and pharmacy) across the three FYs. Results: Of admissions for clinical PID, 65% had a discharge diagnosis of PID. Of those, 90% were uncomplicated PID. Among admissions with a discharge diagnosis of uncomplicated PID, reductions were seen in mean LOS (3.75 days in FY 1994 vs. 3.24 days in FY 1995 vs. 3.08 days in FY 1996; p = .047), proportion of admissions lasting longer than 3 days (48% vs. 24% vs. 20%; p ≤ .022), and mean pharmacy charge ($946 vs. $806 vs. $731; p = .002). For all admissions to CPG, mean LOS, proportion of prolonged admissions, and mean total and pharmacy charges also decreased over the first 2 years but increased in FY 1996. More patients in FY 1996 met the three major clinical criteria plus at least one additional criterion (76% in FY 1996 vs. 26% in FY 1994 and 53% in FY 1995; p p ≤ .001) than in other FYs. Conclusions: Continued use of a CPG can reduce hospital LOS, charges, and prolonged admissions of adolescents with uncomplicated PID. Over 3 years, variations in clinical practice such as admitting sicker patients may attenuate the effect of the CPG.