cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combination Therapy with Glucan and Coenzyme Q10 in Murine Experimental Autoimmune Disease and Cancer.

Background/aim Coenzyme Q10 is a well-accepted anti-oxidant agent known to play a protective role in various physiological and disease processes. Recently, Coenzyme Q10 is gaining attention as a substance with significant anti-inflammatory properties. β-Glucan is the most studied immunomodulator with significant synergetic effects with numerous bioactive molecules. We aimed to evaluate the possible synergistic effects of simultaneous use of coenzyme Q10 with the well-established immune modulator, β-glucan, on immune reactions and cancer development. Materials and methods Coenzyme Q10 and β-glucan were used, both in vivo and in vitro, and their effects were evaluated using phagocytosis and cytokine secretion. Results Our study confirmed the strong anti-inflammatory effects of coenzyme Q10 and showed that these effects were further potentiated with the addition of β-glucan. The anticancer effects of coenzyme Q10 were less pronounced, but stronger, with the addition of β-glucan. Conclusion There is significant synergy between coenzyme Q10 and β-glucan.
Atomic Ordering in Minerals

Atomic ordering in minerals has been a subject of interest among earth scientists since the classical work of Goldschmidt (1954). The interest stems primarily from the recognition of the effects of ordering on the energetic and compositional properties of minerals (also see Chap. 2.VIII), and the relationship between the quenced ordering state of a mineral and the cooling history of rocks (see Sect. 7.VIII).37
VORTEX DYNAMICS OF TWO–DIMENSIONAL XY–MAGNET

Using a combined Monte Carlo–Spin Dynamics technique, we have studied the vortex dynamics on a square lattice for XY and Heisenberg models. Finite 30 × 30 and 60 × 60 size lattices were used. After developing a thermal equilibrium at a given T (temperature) by Monte Carlo method, the spins are evolved with the Landau-Lifshitz dynamics. We obtained the location of Kosterlitz Thouless's vortex (+) and antivortex (-) at each time step of Monte Carlo-Spin dynamics. We have animated and video-taped them for better understanding of the dynamics of Kosterlitz-Thouless vortex.
Long-term Treatment with Inotersen for Amyloid Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy

Introduction Amyloid transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive and fatal disease manifested by a build-up of TTR in the heart. ATTR-CM may be caused by mutations in TTR (hereditary ATTR [hATTR]) or deposition of normal TTR in older individuals (wild-type ATTR [wtATTR]). Natural history data show a progressive decline in cardiac functional and structural parameters specifically reduction in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance and increased left ventricular mass (LVM). Inotersen, an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of TTR production, has demonstrated safety and efficacy in the NEURO-TTR study involving patients with hATTR, including patients with extensive cardiac disease. We previously reported the efficacy and safety of inotersen in patients with hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM after 1 year of treatment. Hypothesis Longer-term treatment with inotersen stabilizes and/or improves CM in patients with hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM. Methods Patients with biopsy proven hATTR-CM or wtATTR-CM, interventricular septum [IVS] thickness ≥1.3 cm[A1] [A2] on echo, and evidence of congestive heart failure [CHF]) received 300 mg inotersen by subcutaneous injection weekly in a single center, open-label, investigator initiated study. Safety monitoring included complete blood count and assessment of renal function. Assessments included plasma TTR levels, 6MWT distance, and echo and cardiac MRI measurements of cardiac structure. Results As of January 2018, 15 of 25 patients enrolled in this study completed 2 years of inotersen treatment; 8 patients had hATTR-CM (mean age at entry, 63 years) and 7 patients had wtATTR-CM (mean age at entry, 74 years). Five patients completed 3 years of treatment (hATTR-CM, n=4; wtATTR-CM, n=1). Inotersen was well-tolerated. No drug-related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred and there were no severe thrombocytopenia or renal AEs. TTR suppression ranged from 42% to 93%; maximal mean TTR suppression was 77%. An additional 1-year of follow-up demonstrated continued improvement in 6MWT distances and reduction in LVM from previously reported results. Improvement from baseline in 6MWT distance was 41 meters at 2 years compared with 29 meters at 1 year. An 8.5% reduction in LVM was observed at 2 years compared with a 0.54% reduction observed at 1 year. Interventricular septal thickness decreased or remained stable in most patients and left ventricular ejection fraction increased or remained stable in most patients. Conclusions Long-term treatment with inotersen was well-tolerated and resulted in improvement or stabilization in cardiac function and structure in patients with hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM. Sustained and substantially reduced serum TTR levels were demonstrated, depleting the substrate for amyloid production. Additionally, improvement in 6MWT distances and decreased LVM suggest possible improvement in cardiac function. [A1] [A2]
Sex effects on behavioral markers of emergence from propofol and isoflurane anesthesia in rats.

Abstract Clinical studies have demonstrated sex-related differences in recovery from surgical anesthesia. This study aimed to characterize the emergence pattern following two anesthesia regimens in both sexes of rats. We considered six different markers of emergence from anesthesia: sigh, eye blinking, forelimb movement, mastication, neck extension, and recovery of the righting reflex (RORR). Spontaneous motor activity 24 h after the anesthesia induction was also examined. Our results showed that the rank order of the emergence latency after intraperitoneal propofol , PRO, exposure was forelimb movement isoflurane , ISO, anesthesia the sequence was changed as sigh 0.05, respectively). Open-field testing revealed no difference in PRO and ISO spontaneous locomotor activity due to drug administration (P > 0.05). These two anesthetics presented different emergence sequences. Although clinical data suggests that females arouse faster than males from anesthesia with propofol, our intraperitoneal technique in a rodent model had the opposite effect. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated increased absorption of injected propofol for the female rats in our study, emphasizing the role of sexual dimorphism in drug distribution in rodents. Despite these pharmacokinetic differences, the pharmacodynamic effects of the drugs were remarkably consistent among both sexes through emergence.
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia in a 3 Year Old Presenting with Multiple Xanthomas

Introduction: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a rare condition characterized by markedly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia often develop clinically significant ASCVD by the second decade of life. Here we report a case of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in a young girl who presented with xanthomas at 3 years of age. Case Report: A 3 year-old girl presented for evaluation of skin lesions. Initial …
Hand Prosthesis Control using Electromyographic Signal Trained Neural Network for Live Gesture Classification

—This work addresses the use of a user-friendly app to implement the surface Electromyographic (sEMG) sensors from the Myo Armband by Thalmic Labs and a pattern recognition neural network to control a robotic hand. The Myo Armband consists of eight electrodes that are placed on the forearm of the subject that performs wrist and finger motions. The ANN was trained to recognize five hand gestures, named Fist, Rest, Spread, Wave In, and Wave Out. The output of the ANN is then used to control a dexterous robotic hand, 6 DOF, that was 3D printed using ABS plastic material. The robotic hand was able to perform in real time the same hand gestures that the subject performed. The pattern recognition system was able to classify the hand motions with an accuracy of 81.4%. Presented in this document is a simple project design that demonstrates how current affordable technologies could be used in applications such as human-robot interfaces, and in the rehabilitation and solutions for amputees
Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Across Occupational Classifications

Purpose:To examine differences in activity patterns across employment and occupational classifications.Design:Cross-sectional.Setting:A 2005-2006 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (C...
Astrocytes close a critical period of motor circuit plasticity

Critical periods- brief intervals where neural circuits can be modified by sensory input- are necessary for proper neural circuit assembly. Extended critical periods are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism; however, the mechanisms that ensure timely critical period closure remain unknown. Here, we define the extent of a critical period in the developing Drosophila motor circuit, and identify astrocytes as essential for proper critical period termination. During the critical period, decreased activity produces larger motor dendrites with fewer inhibitory inputs; conversely, increased motor neuron activity produces smaller motor dendrites with fewer excitatory inputs. Importantly, activity has little effect on dendrite morphology after critical period closure. Astrocytes invade the neuropil just prior to critical period closure, and astrocyte ablation prolongs the critical period. Finally, we use a genetic screen to identify astrocyte-motor neuron signaling pathways that close the critical period, including Neuroligin-Neurexin signaling. Reduced signaling destabilizes dendritic microtubules, increases dendrite dynamicity, and impairs locomotor behavior, underscoring the importance of critical period closure. Previous work defines astroglia as regulators of plasticity at individual synapses; here, we show that astrocytes also regulate large-scale structural plasticity to motor dendrite, and thus, circuit architecture to ensure proper locomotor behavior.
New development: Blockchain—a revolutionary tool for the public sector

This article discusses the concept of blockchain and its application to public administration research as a tool to increase trust in the government. The contribution of this article is that it unv...
Postlockdown Dynamics of COVID-19 in New York, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is widely studied as it continues to threaten many populations of people especially in the USA, the leading country in terms of both deaths and cases. More and more reports show that the spread of COVID-19 involves infected individuals first passing through a pre-symptomatic infectious stage in addition to the incubation period and that many of the infectious individuals are asymptomatic. In this study, we design and use a mathematical model to primarily address the question of who are the main drivers of COVID-19 - the symptomatic infectious or the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious in the states of Florida, Arizona, New York, Wisconsin and the entire United States. We emphasize the benefit of lockdown by showing that for all four states, earlier and later lockdown dates decrease the number of cumulative deaths. This benefit of lockdown is also evidenced by the decrease in the infectious cases for Arizona and the entire US when lockdown is implemented earlier. When comparing the influence of the symptomatic infectious versus the presympomatic/asymptomatic infectious, it is shown that, in general, the larger contribution comes from the latter group. This is seen from several perspectives (1) in terms of daily cases, (2) in terms of daily cases when the influence of one group is targeted over the other by setting the effective contact rate(s) for the non-targeted group to zero, and (3) in terms of cumulative cases and deaths for the US and Arizona when the influence of one group is targeted over the other by setting the effective contact rate(s) for the non-targeted group to zero. The consequences of the difference in the contributions of the two infectious groups is simulated in terms of testing and these simulations show that an increase in testing and isolating for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious group has more impact than an increase in testing for the symptomatic infectious. For example, for the entire US, a 50% increase in testing for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious group results in a 35% decrease in deaths as opposed to a lower 6% decrease in deaths when a 50% increase in testing rate for the symptomatic infectious is implemented. We also see that if the testing for infectious symptomatic is kept at the baseline value and the testing for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic is increased from 0.2 to 0.25, then the control reproduction number falls well below 1. On the other hand, to get even close to such a result when keeping the presymptomatic and asymptomatic at baseline fitted values, the symptomatic infectious testing rate must be increased considerably more - from 0.25 to 1.7. Lastly, we use our model to simulate an implementation of a natural herd immunity strategy for the entire U.S. and for the state of Wisconsin (the most recent epicenter) and we find that such a strategy requires a significant number of deaths and as such is questionable in terms of success. We conclude with a brief summary of our results and some implications regarding COVID-19 control and mitigation strategies.
Detemir vs neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin for diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: a comparative effectiveness, randomized controlled trial.

Background Insulin detemir, being used increasingly during pregnancy, may have pharmacologic benefits compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn. Objective We evaluated the probability that compared with treatment with neutral protamine Hagedorn, treatment with insulin detemir reduces the risk for adverse neonatal outcome among individuals with type 2 or overt type 2 diabetes mellitus (gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed at Study Design We performed a multiclinic randomized controlled trial (September 2018 to January 2020), which included women with singleton gestation with type 2 or overt type 2 diabetes mellitus who sought obstetrical care at ≤21 weeks’ gestation. Participants were randomized to receive either insulin detemir or neutral protamine Hagedorn by a clinic-stratified scheme. The primary outcome was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, including shoulder dystocia, large for gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress (defined as the need of at least 4 hours of respiratory support with supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure or ventilation at the first 24 hours of life), or hypoglycemia. The secondary neonatal outcomes included gestational age at delivery, small for gestational age, 5-minute Apgar score of 75% probability of any reduction in the primary outcome, assuming 80% power and a hypothesized effect of 33% reduction with insulin detemir. All analyses were intent to treat under a Bayesian framework with neutral priors (a priori assumed a 50:50 likelihood of either intervention being better; National Clinical Trial identifier 03620890). Results There were 108 women randomized in this trial (57 in insulin detemir and 51 in neutral protamine Hagedorn), and 103 women were available for analysis of the primary outcome (n=5 for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks’ gestation). Bayesian analysis indicated an 87% posterior probability of reduced primary outcome with insulin detemir compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn (posterior adjusted relative risk, 0.88; 95% credible interval, 0.61–1.12). Bayesian analyses for secondary outcomes showed consistent findings of lower adverse maternal outcomes with the use of insulin detemir vs neutral protamine Hagedorn: for example, maternal hypoglycemic events (97% probability of benefit; posterior adjusted relative risk, 0.59; 95% credible interval, 0.29–1.08) and hypertensive disorders (88% probability of benefit; posterior adjusted relative risk, 0.81; 95% credible interval, 0.54–1.16). Conclusion In our comparative effectiveness trial involving individuals with type 2 or overt type 2 diabetes mellitus, use of insulin detemir resulted in lower rates of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn.
Redox sensitive E2 Rad6 controls cellular response to oxidative stress via K63 ubiquitination of ribosomes.

Abstract Protein ubiquitination is an essential process that rapidly regulates protein synthesis, function, and fate in dynamic environments. Among its non-proteolytic functions, K63 ubiquitin accumulates in yeast cells exposed to oxidative stress, stalling ribosomes at elongation. K63 ubiquitin conjugates accumulate because of redox inhibition of the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp2, however, the role and regulation of ubiquitin conjugating enzymes in this pathway remained unclear. Here we found that the E2 Rad6 binds and modifies elongating ribosomes during oxidative stress. We elucidated a mechanism by which Rad6 and its human homolog UBE2A are redox-regulated by forming reversible disulfides with the E1 activating enzyme, Uba1. We further showed that Rad6 activity is necessary to regulate translation, antioxidant defense, and adaptation to stress. Finally, we showed that Rad6 is required to induce phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α, providing a novel link for K63 ubiquitin, elongation stalling, and the integrated stress response.
Gender Disparity in Breast Cancer: A Veteran Population-Based Comparison.

Abstract Background Male breast cancer (MBC) comprises Methods Data from 152 VA Medical Centers were used to analyze the database of Veteran patient with breast cancer diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 using biostatistical software (SAS 9.3). Our primary objective is to compare patient's demographics, breast cancer characteristics, and outcomes for male and female Veterans. Finding In total, 8864 patients' records were reviewed;1528 MBC were compared with 7336 FBC with a mean follow up time of 5.5 years (SD 4.17). The mean age at diagnosis was 68.6 years and 57.3 years for MBC and FBC, respectively (P 50 years of age compared to FBC patients (72%). More MBC patients (16.8 vs. 9.1% and 9 vs. 4%) presented with higher disease stage (III and IV, respectively). Estrogen receptor-positive tumors were more common in MBC (59 versus 52%). Hormonal treatment was received by 27% of MBC versus 19% FBC; chemotherapy 21.3% versus 41.5% and radiation 23.5% versus 60.9%. Forty-two percent MBC and 20% FBC Veterans died during study. Male patients had higher death rate 1.285 (95% CI: 1.150, 1.434, P Interpretation To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest comparison series of MBC and FBC to date in the Veterans population. The higher mortality rate in MBC patients may be due to late presentation, higher stage at the time of diagnosis and/or tumor biology. Veteran's exposures to hazardous materials during their military deployments as an additional factor for worse prognosis need further investigation.
Theoretical aspects of object-oriented programming: types, semantics, and language design

Part 1 Objects and subtypes: user-defined types and procedural data structures as complementary approaches to data abstraction, John C. Reynolds using category theory to design implicit conversions and generic operators, John C. Reynolds. Part 2 Type inference: type inference for records in a natural extension of ML, Didier Remy type inference for objects with instance variables and inheritance, Mitchell Wand static type inference for parametric classes, Atsushi Ohori and Peter Buneman. Part 3 Coherence: a modest model of records, inheritance, and bounded quantification, Kim B. Bruce and Giuseppe Longo inheritance as implicit coercion, Val Breazu-Tannen et al coherence of subsumption, minimum typing and type-checking in F<, Pierre-Louis Curien and Giorgio Ghelli. Part 4 Record calculi: operations on records, Luca Cardelli and John C. Mitchell typing record concatenation for free, Didier Remy extensible records in a pure calculus of subtyping, Luca Cardelli bounded quantification is undecidable, Benjamin C. Pierce. Part 5 Inheritance: two semantic models of object-oriented languages, Samuel N. Kamin and Uday S. Reddy inheritance is not subtyping, William R. Cook et al toward a typed foundation for method specialization and inheritance, John C. Mitchell.
Reforming the Taxation of Foreign Direct Investment By U.S. Taxpayers

This paper discusses the 2005 proposal of President Bush's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform to enact a dividend-exemption system for certain foreign-source earnings of U.S. taxpayers. The paper briefly explains why the recommendation should be an improvement over current law, compares it to a proposal to repeal deferral altogether and to certain international tax reform ideas recently put forward by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel, and describes three possible modifications to the Panel's recommendation. An abbreviated version of this paper was presented at the National Tax Association's 100th Annual Conference on Taxation, Columbus, Ohio, in November, 2007, as part of a panel to "cherry-pick" certain of the Tax Reform Panel's recommendations.
Review: Will van den Hoonaard (Ed.) (2002). Walking the Tightrope: Ethical Issues for Qualitative Researchers

Ausgangspunkt dieser Veroffentlichung bildeten Tagungsbeitrage und einige andere Texte vor allem nordamerikanischer Sozialwissenschaftler(innen), die in insgesamt 13 Kapiteln die Spannungen dokumentieren, die mit der Programmatik und Praxis angewandter Forschungsethik im Rahmen qualitativer Forschung einhergehen. Behandelt werden u.a. die Unterscheidung von Ethik und Moral, der Umgang mit Ethik-Kommissionen, Ethik im Forschungsprozess, Trends im Umgang mit Ethik in der Forschung, ethische Fragen bei der Antragstellung usw. Obwohl uberwiegend nordamerikanische Beitragende (d.h. aus Kanada und den USA), konnen deren Erfahrungen auch fur Forschende anderer Nationalitaten interessant sein; eine Herausforderung bleibt in diesem Zusammenhang allerdings, dass wesentliche (kontinental-) europaische Perspektiven nicht hinreichend berucksichtigt wurden. Gleichwohl werden ethische Fragen auf einem vergleichsweise anspruchsvollen Niveau behandelt. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs040214
Idiopathic Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Autoimmune Disorders of the Lung

Publisher Summary Idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans (IBO) is a disorder of small airways and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disorder that affects primarily the alveoli. Both are chronic inflammatory or fibrotic disorders that are typically progressive and often fatal. Although both are classified as “lung disorders of unknown etiology,” there are multiple clues suggesting that autoimmune mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of both disorders. The focus of this chapter is to explore the link between autoimmune mechanisms underlying IBO, a disorder of the small airways, and IPF, a disorder that affects primarily the alveoli, are chronic inflammatory or fibrotic disorders that are typically progressive and often fatal as models for autoimmune disorders of the lung. The chapter first discusses the history and the clinical features of IBO and IPF, followed by a summary of the autoimmune, genetic, environmental features, current concepts of pathogenesis, and the therapies currently available and under investigation for both disorders.
On the difference between Turing machine time and random-access machine time

Introduces a model of computation called the block move (BM) model. The BM extends the block transfer (BT) model of Aggarwal, Chandra, and Snir (1987), who studied time complexity under various memory access cost functions ranging from /spl musub 1/(a):=a to /spl musub log/(a):=[log/sub 2/ a]. We show that up to factors of log t in the total running time t, BMs under /spl musub 1/ are equivalent to multitape Turing machines, and BMs under /spl musub log/ are equivalent to log-cost RAMs. We also prove that for any well-behaved /spl mu/, the BM classes D/spl mu/TIME[t(n)] form a tight deterministic time hierarchy. Whether there is any hierarchy at all when /spl mu/ rather than t varies is tied to long-standing open problems of determinism vs. nondeterminism. >
The"presyrinx" state : a reversible myelopathic condition that may precede syringomyelia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alteration of CSF flow has been proposed to be an important mechanism leading to the development of syringomyelia. We hypothesize that a “presyrinx” condition attributable to a potentially reversible alteration in normal CSF flow exists and that its appearance may be caused by variations in the competence of the central canal of the spinal cord. METHODS: Five patients with clinical evidence of myelopathy, no history of spinal cord trauma, enlargement of the cervical spinal cord with T1 and T2 prolongation but no cavitation, evidence of altered or obstructed CSF flow, and no evidence of intramedullary tumor or a spinal vascular event underwent MR imaging before and after intervention that alleviated obstruction to CSF flow. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all patients had enlarged spinal cords and parenchymal T1 and T2 prolongation without cavitation. Results of MR examinations after intervention showed resolution of cord enlargement and normalization or improvement of cord signal abnormalities. In one patient with severe arachnoid adhesions who initially improved after decompression, late evolution into syringomyelia occurred in association with continued CSF obstruction. CONCLUSION: Nontraumatic obstruction of the CSF pathways in the spine may result in spinal cord parenchymal T2 prolongation that is reversible after restoration of patency of CSF pathways. We refer to this MR appearance as the “presyrinx” state and stress the importance of timely intervention to limit progression to syringomyelia.
High linearity and broadband WiMAX power amplifier design using board level integration technology

WiMAX is an innovative communication technology which is generally applied in latest commercial communication products. It uses of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) modulation to suit multi-path environments that gives network operators higher throughput and capacity. Although this technology is of much benefit to users and applications, it is a real challenge of hardware circuit design, especially on power amplifier (PA) circuits. One reason is that OFDMA modulation scheme in WiMAX system requires very high linearity of PAs. Thus, the design methodology of board level integration which is one solution of system in package (SiP) is proposed to solve non-linear effect and thermal problem of PAs. Multilayer organic substrate process and high dielectric constant material (DK 40) is used to realize the design. Eventually, 50% of the entire passive components, such as the output matching circuit, RF chokes, and some of the decouple capacitors of power amplifier have been integrated into the substrate. The measured data of small-signal response for the designed PA is with 29dB gain, −12dB input reflection, −22dB output reflection, and the reverse isolation is more than 45dB between 2.5 and 2.7GHz. And with WiMAX OFDMA/64-QAM modulation signal testing, under error vector magnitude (EVM) conditions at −30dB, the designed PA can output 24.5dBm at 2.499GHz; 24dBm at 2.599GHz; 24dBm at 2.68725GHz, fully satisfying the standard requirements. These studies show that board level integration technology can be utilized in linearity demands and high power circuit designs, and can substantially shrink the sizes of the circuis and the cost. Furthermore, it also provides a new solution for next generation communication systems.
A high accuracy multi-image registration method for tracking MRI-guided robots

Recent studies have demonstrated an increasing number of functional surgical robots and other devices operating in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environment. Calibration and tracking of the robotic device is essential during such MRI-guided procedures. A fiducial tracking module is placed on the base or the end effector of the robot to localize it within the scanner, and thus the patient coordinate system. The fiducial frame represents a Z shape and is made of seven tubes filled with high contrast fluid. The frame is highlighted in the MR images and is used in localization. Compared to the former single image registration method, multiple images are used in this algorithm to calculate the position and orientation of the frame, and thus the robot. By using multiple images together, measurement error is reduced and the rigid requirement of slow to acquire high quality of images is not required. Accuracy and performance were evaluated in experiments which were operated with a Philips 3T MRI scanner. Presented is an accuracy comparison of the new method with varied number of images, and a comparison to more traditional single image registration techniques.
Discrimination of Visual Linear Velocities

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine velocity discrimination characteristics of subjects in a difference threshold paradigm. After recruitment, 180 male and female subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups differentiated by the length of the stimulus runway and the subjects' orientation to the stimulus. Stimulus velocities were presented on a modified Bassin Anticipation Timer with presentation rate controlled by a programmed timer. The criterion velocities were 134.11, 268.22 and 402.33, cm/sec with variable velocities ranging 44.7 cm/sec above and below the criterion in 8.94 cm/sec increments. The method of constant stimuli was used with 198 trial pairs presented (constant 7 second stimulus presentation interval). The results indicated that the discrimination of horizontal linear velocity follows a prothetic continuum. That is, the just noticeable difference increased in proportion to the increase in the criterion velocity. In addition, the subjects' orientation to the stimu...
The “USPHS” Method for Determining Lead in Air And in Biological Materials

Abstract The “USPHS” method for determination of lead in air and biological samples has been developed and tested over a quarter of a century. Complete details of procedure are presented with associated information on sampling, preferred method of ashing, purification of reagents, and other preparative procedures. An evaluation of the method for lead in blood shows mean recovery of 97.1% of lead. Among replicate analyses the coefficient of variation ranged from 4.0% to 9.5% for samples respectively containing from 0.291 to 0.020 mg Pb/100 gm blood.
Surface functionalization of ultrananocrystalline diamond films by electrochemical reduction of aryldiazonium salts.

The surface functionalization of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films via the electrochemical reduction of aryl diazonium cations is described. The one-electron-transfer reaction leads to the formation of solution-based aryl radicals, which in turn react with the UNCD surface forming stable covalent C−C bonds. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ac impedance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements have been employed to characterize the organic overlayer and estimate the surface coverage. The grafting of 3,5-dichlorophenyl groups renders the UNCD surface hydrophobic, whereas the attachment of 4-aminophenyl groups makes the surface relatively hydrophilic. The surface coverage, estimated from the electrochemical and XPS measurements, is as high as 70% of a compact monolayer. The aminophenyl terminated surface was obtained by electrochemical reduction of the tethered nitrophenyl groups. This two-step approach yields a UNCD surface with functional moieties available ...
Analysis of professional standards and research findings to develop decision aids for reliance on internal auditing

Abstract This paper analyzes professional standards and research findings pertaining to external auditors’ reliance on internal auditing and develops decision aids for reliance. The paper obtains various characteristics relating to the evaluation of internal audit competence, objectivity, and work performed, as well as other non-internal audit factors that impact reliance. These characteristics and factors are integrated into decision aids for reliance on internal auditing.
The pyridine n-oxide group. A potent radical stabilizing function

Abstract The rate of the methylenecyclopropane rearrangement is greatly enhanced by the 4-pyridyl N-oxide group due to spin delocalization in the transition state which imparts nitroxide radical character to the biradical intermediate.
Hot‐embossing experiments of polymethyl methacrylate across the glass transition temperature with variation in temperature and hold times

Hot-embossing (HE) experiments were conducted on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) across its glass transition temperature from 92 to 142°C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PMMA used in this study was ∼ 102°C. The polymer samples were embossed to a depth of 0.8 mm (800 μm). The experiments were carried out at various temperatures for different hold times of 30, 90, and 180 sec during the embossing process. A few additional experiments were conducted at 142°C with cooling of the samples as well. The force required for embossing and the final depth of the embossed features were analyzed. Polymers, including PMMA, show significantly different material behavior around and above Tg. The same was seen in the aforementioned tests; the trends observed for the force as well as the final depth changed considerably around 122°C (Tg + 20). These findings will be used in developing material models for use in simulating the hot-embossing process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Community Disorganization: Some Critical Notes*

In recent years numerous discussions of urban communities have given great weight to themes of disorganization and disorder. This paper critically examines several impoitant conceptual, procedural, and substantive issues inherent in most treatments of community disorganization. To illustrate such fundamental problems as “overgeneralization” and dominant group bias five specific topics-migration, disasters, slums, ghettos, and collective violence-were selected for intensive analysis.
Application of real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry for the development of low-temperature diamond film growth processes

Abstract Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) performed in real time using a multichannel instrument over the range 1.5–4.2 eV has been applied to investigate nanocrystalline diamond film growth by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition on silicon wafer substrates. Using the real-time SE measurement capability, we have established calibration procedures that provide the true near-surface substrate temperature under the actual conditions of diamond growth. In addition, we have developed procedures for the analysis of the real-time SE data that provide the deposition rates and film properties for a series of films prepared on the same substrate under different conditions. These procedures have enabled us to identify a new diamond film growth process based on CO-rich CO/H 2 gas mixtures that yields high deposition rates (2.5 μm/h) at low temperatures (∼500°C).
Civil disobedience in Tamil Nadu, 1930–32

(1976). Civil disobedience in Tamil Nadu, 1930–32. South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 34-50.
Measurement Of The Staphylococcal Epidermolytic Toxin: A Comparison Of Bioassay, Radial Immunodiffusion, And Radioimmunoassay

Three methods of measuring the epidermolytic toxin Staphylococcus aureus-bioassay in newborn mice, radial immunodiffusion, and radioimmunoassay-were compared for reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity. The bioassay is highly specific and remains the only functional assay. It is reproducible only if newborn mice of the same age are used. The time required for epidermolysis follows a dose-response relationship only if concentrations of toxin large enough to cause peeling in 90 min or less are used. This limits the sensitivity of the bioassay to about 5 mug per ml. Single radial immunodiffusion in agar is a specific and reproducible assay method, but its sensitivity is also about 5 mug per ml. A radioimmunoassay was established by the Farr technique using purified epidermolysin radiolabeled with 125iodine. This assay was highly reproducible and specific. The staphylococcal products, alpha-toxin and enterotoxins A and B, did not cross-react with anti-epidermolysin antibodies. The sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay is 20 ng per ml.
Detection of single base substitutions in total genomic DNA

Certain single base substitutions causing genetic diseases or resulting in polymorphisms linked to mutant alleles, alter a restriction enzyme cleavage site and can therefore be detected in total genomic DNA using DNA blots. Many base substitutions do not lead to an altered restriction site, but these can be detected using synthetic oligonucleotides as hybridization probes if the DNA sequence surrounding the base substitution is known. In the case of beta-thalassaemia, where 22 different single base mutations have been identified, a large number of probes would be required for diagnosis. An approach which was used to detect mutations in viral DNA involves the S1 nuclease treatment of heteroduplexes formed between wild-type and mutant DNA. Although certain single base mismatches are cleaved by S1 nuclease (ref. 11 and T. Shenk, personal communication), many other mismatches examined by this procedure are not cleaved (B. Seed, personal communication; R.M.M., unpublished data). Heteroduplexes between mutant and wild-type subgenomic fragments of double-stranded reovirus RNA migrate slower than the corresponding homoduplexes in polyacrylamide gels containing 7 M urea, but it is not known whether this method is applicable to DNA heteroduplexes containing single base mismatches. Here we describe a procedure that involves the electrophoretic separation of DNA heteroduplexes in a well-characterized gel system. We show that four different human beta-thalassaemia alleles with known single base mutations can be detected with as little as 5 micrograms of total genomic DNA. The method should be useful in the localization and diagnosis of mutations associated with genetic diseases.
Prolactin Inhibits Activity of Pyruvate Kinase M2 to Stimulate Cell Proliferation

Mitogenic and prosurvival effects underlie the tumorigenic roles of prolactin (PRL) in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. PRL signaling is mediated through its receptor (PRLr). A proteomics screen identified the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a glycolytic enzyme known to play an important role in tumorigenesis, as a protein that constitutively interacts with PRLr. Treatment of cells with PRL inhibited pyruvate kinase activity and increased the lactate content in human cells in a manner that was dependent on the abundance of PRLr, activation of Janus kinase 2, and tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular domain of PRLr. Knockdown of PKM2 attenuated PRL-stimulated cell proliferation. The extent of this proliferation was rescued by the knock-in of the wild-type PKM2 but not of its mutant insensitive to PRL-mediated inhibition. We discuss a hypothesis that the inhibition of PKM2 by PRL contributes to the PRL-stimulated cell proliferation.
Rereading Plato's Rhetoric

Most interpretations of Plato's rhetoric use a "standard" version of what is called "Platonism." This standard interpretation, also called Platonic Idealism, imposes a systematic order upon Plato's philosophy out of a distinctly unsystematic group of texts. Platonism has become an interpretative construct, or a "terministic screen" that dominates our understanding of Plato's thinking on rhetoric. In order to get a more accurate understanding of the two dialogues that are canonical in rhetorical studies, I will reread Plato's rhetoric by exploring the ways in which Plato presents a disclosive view of truth. The disclosive view of truth exists in a creative tension with the correspondence theory of truth that is articulated in Socrates' hypothesis of Ideas. I will argue that Plato's rhetoric is an inquiry into the disclosive nature of discourse. Many Plato scholars have argued for the necessary distinction between Plato and Platonism. Platonism is a systematic philosophy that has been constructed by others, out of Plato's texts but not by Plato himself. In the words of Jirgen Mittelstrass: "Plato is no 'Platonist"' (134). Emerson also argues that Plato's thinking is "not a system. [And his] dearest defenders and disciples are at fault" for creating the system of Platonism (491). Eric A. Havelock argues that the phrase "Plato's Theory of Forms" is a scholarly construct that "suggests a doctrinal position in which Plato wished to vest his philosophical prestige. But the actual tone of his writing does not support this" (254).2 The correspondence theory of truth, as the discussion of Heidegger will indicate, is derived from Platonism and relies upon what Hans-Georg Gadamer calls the "two-world theory." For Gadamer, the "two-world theory" does not accurately describe Plato's thought: "Plato was not a Platonist who taught two worlds" (1988, 260). Platonism teaches that reality is bifurcated: There is one world of phenomena, while separate and apart from this there is another more "real" world of "forms" or "ideas," a world of absolute and static being. Along with Gadamer, I will argue we must reject this argument.3 Martin Heidegger's "Plato's Doctrine of Truth" argues that the correspondence theory of truth originates in Platonism. Although Heidegger's thesis is that the correspondence theory of truth presupposes the disclosive nature of truth, he does not develop the ways in which Plato's notion of truth is disclosive. His critique of Plato's "doctrine of truth" is based upon a critique of the correspondence theory, which the character Socrates proposes as a
Prenatal diagnoses of sex chromosome conditions: Parents need more than just accurate information

Papers p 463 Women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of a chromosome abnormality remember the circumstances precisely. Years later they recall the exact words used to deliver the news, and many regret the manner in which they were told.1 They read between the lines messages that their fetus is no longer worthy of life and that their feelings about the pregnancy are not important. A test result showing that a fetus has a chromosomal difference leaves women and their partners with a permanent and life altering decision whether or not to continue the pregnancy. What do women and their partners need to make a decision that they can accept for the rest of their lives? How can healthcare providers best help them? A paper in this week's journal represents a first attempt at understanding this process (p 463),2 with disturbing results. Prenatal testing for chromosomal conditions has been offered in industrialised nations since the 1970s. Yet little research has been done on pretest counselling, the communication of abnormal results, their impact on parents' decision making, or the long term outcomes of such decisions. Prenatal genetic counselling is provided by several different healthcare providers, including genetic counsellors, obstetric nurses, obstetricians, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. In the United States practice is widely variable.3 Often …
Effect on body weight of a free 76 Kilojoule (320 calorie) daily supplement of almonds for six months.

Objective: Regular nut consumption is associated with lower rates of heart attack. However, as nuts are fatty foods, they may in theory lead to weight gain, although preliminary evidence has suggested otherwise. We tested the hypothesis that a free daily supplement (averaging 76 kJ) of almonds for six months, with no dietary advice, would not change body weight.Methods: Eighty-one male and female subjects completed the randomized cross-over study. During two sequential six-month periods, diet, body weight and habitual exercise were evaluated repeatedly in each subject. Almonds were provided only during the second period. The design was balanced for seasonal and other calendar trends.Results: During the almond feeding period, average body weight increased only 0.40 (kg) (p ∼ 0.09). The weight change depended on baseline BMI (p = 0.05), and only those initially in the lower BMI tertiles experienced small and mainly unimportant weight gains with the almonds. We estimated that 54% (recalls) or 78% (diaries) o...
Multiplier rules and the separation of convex sets

We consider the following abstract mathematical programming problem: in a setD, find an element that optimizes a real function φ0, subject to inequality constraints φ1⩽0, ..., φp⩽0 and equality constraints φp+1=0, ..., φp+q=0. Necessary conditions for this problem, like the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker theorem, can be seen as a consequence of separating with a hyperplane two convex sets inRp+q+1, the image space of the map Φ=(φ0, φ1, ..., φp+q). This paper reviews this approach and organizes it into a coherent way of looking at necessary conditions in optimization theory.
Testing individual-based models of forest dynamics: Issues and an example from the boreal forests of Russia

Abstract Testing ecological models involves using independent data on model performance, which can be difficult or practically impossible to obtain. Individual based models of forest dynamics, or gap models, simulate the change of forests by computing the annual growth, birth and death of each tree at a location in a forest. The models are relatively simple and simulate results that can be translated to multiple response scales: Individual plant growth, population birth-death processes, stand environmental dynamics ( e.g ., evapotranspiration, element cycling, heat flux, etc .), landscape processes, and regional and global change. This paper reviews some of the approaches applied to testing gap models. Then, it demonstrates the testing of the performance of an individual-based gap model of forest dynamics, FAREAST, through comparison against independent data from China and across Russia. As part of this model testing, biomass simulation output for 93 locations is compared to independent field-collected inventory-data from 44 Russian forests, which span a broad range of forest types across Russia. FAREAST captures biomass dynamics and stabilization at specific locations bracketing the measured values. At Changbai Mountain, the model accurately predicts the community dynamics of complex mixed forest types present along an elevational gradient, as well as the broad regional compositional patterns across China and Russia. Validation of regional detailed landscape dynamics shows the model performs with fidelity with an average R 2 value of 0.74 for 87 comparisons and an average root mean square error of 10.8 tC ha −1 . Performance of the model for historical conditions implies the model's applicability across a broad region and suggests the usefulness of a detailed model for evaluating forest change to management and changing climate.