cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Geographic Atrophy Using Spectral Domain OCT in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To compare geographic atrophy (GA) area and enlargement rate measured with spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) with fundus autofluorescence (FAF), color fundus photography (CFP), and infrared reflectance (IR) imaging. Design Retrospective, multicenter, natural history case series. Participants A total of 70 eyes with GA from 48 participants were included. Methods Participants underwent SD-OCT, FAF, CFP, and IR imaging at baseline and 12 months in the study eye. Spectral domain OCT images were graded for GA area using 2 distinct criteria: (1) complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) and (2) hypertransmission through Bruch’s membrane. Areas were measured with SD-OCT using a custom-developed tool that allows for mapping areas of retinal layer loss on SD-OCT cross-sectional scans with co-registered IR images. Circularity index was calculated from area and perimeter. Spectral domain OCT images were also assessed for presence of reticular pseudodrusen, outer-retinal tubules, and hyporeflective wedge-shaped bands. Area of GA was measured in millimeters squared from FAF, CFP, and IR images. Main Outcome Measures Geographic atrophy mean baseline area and enlargement rate measured with 2 SD-OCT criteria, FAF, CFP, and IR. Results At baseline, the mean GA area was 6.9 (standard deviation [SD], 4.7) mm2 using the SD-OCT cRORA criteria and 7.3 (SD, 4.7) mm2 using the SD-OCT hypertransmission criteria. The mean annual enlargement rate of GA was 1.6 (SD, 1.1) mm2 using the SD-OCT cRORA criteria and 1.5 (SD, 1.0) mm2 using the SD-OCT hypertransmission criteria. When comparing both SD-OCT grading criteria with FAF, CFP, and IR, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline area or annual enlargement rate of GA. Circularity index was identified as the risk factor for increased annual enlargement rate. Conclusions Measuring GA using retinal layer morphology provides a novel means of obtaining area measurements. Area measurements tend to vary based on criteria used and are comparable to other imaging modalities.
Indications, Landmarks, and Procedures for Collection of Spinal Fluid, Liver Biopsy, Transtracheal Aspiration Biopsy and Abdominal Paracentesis

While a thorough history and physical examination remain the foundation of clinical diagnosis, there are times when additional procedures are indicated for establishment of the diagnosis, differentiation of similar conditions/ diseases or prognosis of an established diagnosis. Many of these procedures are not done routinely and thus, the veterinarian may be unsure of the technique. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, landmarks and procedural techniques used to perform cerebrospinal fluid collection, percutaneous liver biopsy, transtracheal aspiration biopsy (tracheal wash) and abdominal paracentesis in cattle.
Effects of dyadic discrepancy in awareness of mild cognitive impairment on changes in care partner's burden over time.

Objectives:This study explored interpersonal aspects of coping with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), focusing on how shared illness representations between persons with MCI (PwMCI) and their care p...
Comparison of two individualized antithrombotic protocols in HeartWare HVAD recipients.

Background We previously reported low rates of pump thrombosis and hemorrhagic stroke, but increased bleeding, under our original antithrombosis protocol (P1) in Heartware recipients. We designed and implemented a revised protocol (P2) to reduce complexity and bleeding. Methods Thrombelastography and PFA-100 guide antiplatelet titration. Goals for P2 were altered to decrease antiplatelet use and anticoagulation intensity. We compared incidence and rates of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), embolic (eCVA) and hemorrhagic (hCVA) stroke, pump thrombosis (PT), and total bleeding (GIB+hCVA), total thrombosis (eCVA+PT), and total events between P1 and P2. Laboratory and medication data were assessed. Patients with and without hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) were compared. Results The study included 123 patients (P1: 65; P2: 58). GIB rate decreased (P1: 0.66; P2 0.30 EPPY, p = 0.003). CVA rates and incidence were statistically similar, although hCVA incidence increased (P1:3%; P2: 12%, p = 0.06). Incidence (P1: 3%; P2: 16%, p =0.02) and rate (P1: 0.03; P2: 0.12 EPPY, p = 0.08) of PT increased. Incidence and rate of overall HRAEs and thrombotic events were similar, while bleeding rate decrease (P1: 0.69; P2: 0.40 EPPY, p = 0.02). Twelve-month medication burden decreased. Compared to non-HRAE patients, patients with bleeding HRAEs had moreantiplatelet and pentoxifylline use, but less statin use; and lower PFAs. Patients with thrombotic HRAEs had less dual antiplatelet use, lower INRs, R-times, and PFA-ADP values. Conclusions A revised antithrombotic protocol decreased GIB and overall hemorrhagic HRAE rate and medication burden. Unfortunately, PT increased. Non-HRAE and HRAE patients differed in anticoagulation and antiplatelet intensity. These differences will guide revision of P2.
The Role of Innovativeness in Mediating the Relationship Between Overall Quality and User Satisfaction Among the Financial Information Systems in Yemen

The government utilizes the development of ICT in providing public facilities through a financial information system. Therefore, all public services become integrated, thus generating profits such as cost and time efficiency. This research focuses on the uneven application of financial information systems (FIS) in various regions and identifies factors that support such services’ optimization. This research explains the model of financial information systems adoption by expanding the technology acceptance model with self-efficacy and system quality. If people perceive that financial information systems are accessible and believe that they can operate the system, they will use it properly. Besides, the quality of the FIS is also the determinant of smart-government implementation. The more quality of the system provided, the more the number of people who use the system.
Coverage, connectivity, and fault tolerance measures of wireless sensor networks

Connectivity and sensing coverage are two fundamental concepts in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, we investigate the relationship between coverage and connectivity for k-covered WSNs (kCWSN), where every point in a field of interest is covered by at least k sensors. Furthermore, we compute the connectivity of kCWSN based on the degree of sensing coverage. We also propose measures of fault tolerance for kCWSN based on network connectivity and sensing coverage. Random distributions of the sensors in a field have been widely used in most of sensor networking protocols, in spite of the fact that these deployment techniques do not always provide complete, void-free coverage. On the contrary, we consider both deterministic and random sensor deployment strategies to meet coverage degree requirements of sensing applications. Using our Augmented Equilateral Triangle (AET) model, we prove that if the sensing coverage degree is k and R ≥ 2 × r , the network connectivity is higher than k. Precisely, our analysis of the geometric properties of deterministic sensor deployment strategies, demonstrates that sensing k-coverage and R ≥ √3 × r yield kCWSN connectivity that is higher than k. These findings are of practical use for network designers to build up sensing applications with prescribed degrees of sensing coverage, network connectivity and fault tolerance.
Northeast Asian Environmentalism: Policies as a Function of ENGOs

This article presents a comprehensive, unprecedented analysis of environmental nongovernmental organization (ENGO)-related impacts in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. We analyze the effects of ENGOs on four types of environmental policies, using data from government agencies, environmental organization networks, and public policies/legislation. The results from this quantitative approach show that for Korea and China only, policies are strongly predicted by ENGO creation. Further, ENGOs can undermine their own agenda if they do not sufficiently balance the interests of the public and the government.
Heller and Second Amendment Precedent

District of Columbia v. Heller concluded, on the basis of a detailed analysis of the original meaning of the Second Amendment, that American citizens have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms for personal self defense, and held that this entails at least the right to keep a handgun in the home and to render it operable for the purpose of immediate self defense. The Court rejected a theory - unknown to the founding generation but accepted by most of the lower federal courts during the twentieth century - under which the Second Amendment protects only a right of state governments to maintain military organizations, or perhaps a right of individuals to have weapons only while serving in such organizations.In this case, the Justices were confronted with only one significant Supreme Court precedent, an eight page opinion in United States v. Miller. Surprisingly, Heller contains an embarrassingly and pointlessly fictional statement of the procedural facts of the Miller case. More importantly, the Court does quote from Miller, and the Court does interpret the Miller opinion, but in doing so it distorts the holding beyond all recognition.This brief essay analyzes Heller's treatment of Miller. The interpretations of the Second Amendment in the two cases are irreconcilable. There was no legal need for the Heller Court to treat Miller as a binding precedent, and no legal excuse for pretending that Miller's holding was consistent with the interpretation of the Constitution that Heller rightly adopted. The treatment of Miller appears to be part of a larger political strategy in which the Court displayed a calculated faint-heartedness toward the original meaning of the Second Amendment. We can only hope that future Courts will treat Heller in a more lawyerly manner than Heller treated Miller.
The "Bohr" Model for the High Tc Superconductivity

We propose a charge crystal model that captures all the essential physics of the high temperature superconductivity (HTS) in the long wavelength limit. Based on the recent transport and the far-infrared (far-IR) experiments, we argue that the three-dimensional (3D) ordering of the pinned two-dimensional (2D) square electronic lattice (EL) in each CuO2 plane is the building block of HTS. Incorporating the physical picture derived from the neutron scattering experiments, we demonstrate that our model presents a coherent picture of the HTS. We suggest that the charge crystal model serves as a model for the microscopic theory and, hence, offers the key to the mechanism for the HTS.
Spin Polarization of Atoms by Laser Driven Two Photon and Excimer Transitions

Spin polarization of atoms by one-photon optical pumping has been an important tool ever since its discovery by Brossel and Kastler [1] and by Hawkins and Dicke [2]. In some situations the use of two-photon optical pumping to produce spin polarization would be advantageous. For exampl, one might use two-photon optical pumping with wavelengths between 2000 A and 3000 A to spin polarize Xe129, Xe131, Kr83 and other noble gases for which direct one-photon optical pumping of the ground state necessitates the use of vacuum ultraviolet photons. The localization of the spin polarization produced by nonlinear two-photon pumping near the focus of the pumping beam would have important advantages for remote sensing applications.
Resources Inventory of Beef and Dairy Operations for the Use of Ethanol Coproducts

To remain competitive in the industry, beef and dairy producers in the Midwest need to adapt to the use of alternative feeds and take advantage of the expected abundance and favorable pricing of biofuel coproducts. Integrating the coproducts as feed ingredients could make the livestock industry significantly more attractive and competitive in domestic and global markets. A survey instrument was created to inventory resources that currently limit (or enable) the use of biofuel coproducts by small and medium-sized beef and dairy producers in the state of Indiana. Seventy-eight of Indiana's 92 counties were represented in the survey results.
Geographic evidence for source–sink dynamics in deep‐sea neogastropods of the eastern North Atlantic: an approach using nested analysis

Aim We conduct a nested analysis of bathymetric distributions in neogastropods to test the hypothesis that bathyal and abyssal populations represent a source–sink system. Abyssal assemblages are predicted to be significantly nested subsets of bathyal assemblages, and to be characterized by low density, which drives extinction, and a high incidence of species with larval dispersal for continued immigration to maintain diversity. Location Bathyal and abyssal regions of the eastern North Atlantic Ocean. Methods We used published indices of beta diversity to distinguish the components of species dissimilarity among sites that are caused by turnover and nestedness. We used BINMATNEST and its most conservative null model to test specifically for nestedness along a depth gradient. Results Both turnover and nestedness affect beta diversity, but dissimilarity due to turnover predominates at depths of less than 3000 m, and dissimilarity due to nestedness at depths greater than 3000 m. Nestedness increases significantly down-slope at depths greater than 1000 m. The rank order of nestedness is significantly predicted by macrofaunal density and by the proportion of neogastropod species with dispersing larvae. Main conclusions Bathymetric patterns of beta diversity in the deep-sea benthos have been interpreted largely as a consequence of species turnover. Our results indicate that beta diversity in neogastropods is composed of two separate processes, turnover and nestedness, and that their relative importance changes with depth. Dissimilarity among sites due to nestedness, coupled with information on standing stock and life history, suggests that at least part of the abyssal neogastropod assemblage is maintained by source–sink dynamics.
Mutual coupling between microstrips through a printed aperture of arbitrary shape in multilayered media

A concise formulation of a mixed-potential integral equation (MPIE) is developed to account for the mutual coupling effects between electric and magnetic current sources in a multilayered medium. Unlike the electric field integral equation (EFIE) or magnetic field integral equation (MFIE), this expression only requires the less singular vector potential to evaluate the mutual impedance integral. As a result, computational speed and accuracy are enhanced. In addition, this formulation provides a physical insight of how this mutual coupling occurs. Although the odd symmetry of the impedance matrix concluded from the reciprocity theorem is not obvious, it is numerically evaluated and justified. Finally, a vertical transition between back-to-back microstrip lines is calculated and compared with published data. Bandwidth improvement of this transition is also demonstrated by introducing a bowtie slot for the vertical coupling.
The Significance of Streamlined Postprocessing Approaches for Clinical fMRI

The article in this issue of the American Journal of Neuroradiology ( AJNR ) entitled “Simple fMRI Postprocessing Suffices for Normal Clinical Practice”[1][1] is an important contribution to the current blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) fMRI literature because it highlights an emerging trend
Protein Digestibility of Selected Legumes Treated with Ultrasound and High Hydrostatic Pressure During Soaking

ABSTRACT In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of lentils, chickpeas, peas, and soybeans treated with ultrasound or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) during soaking and then heated for 30 min at 98°C was determined using the three-enzyme method (trypsin, chymotrypsin, and peptidase). The IVPD of raw legumes ranged from 72% for soybeans to 83% for dry green peas. The increase in the IVPD after soaking was observed in lentils but not in other legumes. Heating increased the IVPD of the tested legumes by 2–13%. While the effects of applying ultrasound or HHP on IVPD of legumes were mostly inconsistent or insignificant, soaking under HHP for 1 hr and subsequent heating at 98°C for 30 min increased IVPD of legumes. Compared with raw legumes, the soluble protein concentrates exhibited 2–4% higher IVPD, while insoluble proteins exhibited 0.2–1.5% lower IVPD. SDS-PAGE of legume proteins before enzyme digestion exhibited 8–18 protein bands from 20 kDa to 100 kDa representing isolated soluble proteins and from 20 kDa ...
Gonococcal arthritis in two patients with active lupus erythematosus. A diagnostic problem.

Two patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developed polyarthritis which was documented to be due to gonococcal infection. One patient simultaneously had LE cells and intracellular diplococci in her synovial fluid. Similarities and differences between SLE and gonococcal arthritis are discussed. The coincidence of SLE and gonococcal arthritis reemphasizes bacteremias as a curable cause of polyarthritis in patients with SLE.
Marijuana in Vietnam a Survey of Use Among Army Enlisted Men in the Two Southern Corps

(1970). Marijuana in Vietnam a Survey of Use Among Army Enlisted Men in the Two Southern Corps. International Journal of the Addictions: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-42.
ABEP as primary chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract 20 untreated Hodgkin's disease patients and 1 patient relapsing after radiotherapy (17 stage IIB–IV and 4 stage I–IIA) were given doxorubucin, bleomycin, etoposide and prednisone on a 21-day cycle. The response rate was 95% and 16 patients (76%) achieved complete remission. 4 patients have relapsed 2, 5, 22 and 50 months after treatment. Survival was 100% at a median follow-up of 35 months. However, due to dyspnoea on exertion in 2 patients, bleomycin will be abandoned, and the occurrence of two second malignancies questions the role of etoposide as a leukaemogenic agent.
Utilizing ret for effective treatment of adult children of alcoholics

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) are a recognized clinical population that includes approximately one of every eight Americans. Although there has been a great deal of interest in this population, studies indicate that only 5% of ACOAs receive effective treatment. The authors assert that Rational-Emotive Therapy can provide ACOAs the education, expression of suppressed feelings, and cognitive restructuring that research indicates is necessary for recovery. This paper discusses issues associated with ACOAs and methods of using RET with this population.
SURFACE AREA CONTROL OF ORGANIC CARBON ACCUMULATION IN CONTINENTAL SHELF SEDIMENTS

The relationship between organic carbon (OC) and grain size found in most continental shelf sediments is here reinterpreted in terms of the surface area of the sediments. Cores from many North American shelf environments show downcore decreases in OC to similar refractory background concentrations if expressed relative to the surface area of the sediments. This consistent concentration is 0.86 mg-OC m−2, which is equivalent in concentration to a monolayer of organic matter coating all mineral surfaces. A more global collection of sediment-water interface samples show that this relationship is even more extensive, with exceptions occurring in areas of very high riverine sediment input, organic pollution, or low-oxygen water columns. Density separations indicate that organic matter is largely adsorbed to mineral grains. The microtopography of surfaces was examined with N2 sorption and most surface area was found to be inside pores of <10 nm width. These data lead to a hypothesis that organic matter is protected by its location inside pores too small to allow functioning of the hydrolytic enzymes necessary for organic matter decay. Such protection would likely work in concert with other protection mechanisms such as humification. This consistent surface area correlation with OC concentration may explain control of spatial and temporal variations in OC burial rates by sedimentation rates; the pore protection hypothesis provides a causal mechanism for this observed control.
The Act-Belief Distinction in Self-Defense Doctrine: A New Dual Requirement Theory of Justification

This article critiques traditional formulations of the defense of self-defense which focus upon the reasonableness of the defendant's beliefs, without requiring a separate inquiry into the reasonableness of the defendant's conduct. The article also critiques formulations of the defense which require the defendant to be correct about the existence of justifying circumstances. Rather than focus exclusively upon the defendant's beliefs or exclusively upon the defendant's conduct, this article proposes a dual requirement for perfect self-defense. Not only must the defendant's beliefs be reasonable, but the defendant's conduct must also be reasonable. The article also proposes a new form of imperfect self-defense. If the defendant's beliefs are reasonable but his conduct unreasonable, then the defendant may be acquitted of the charged offense and liable for a lesser offense. The article also explores the meaning of reasonableness in self-defense doctrine, and suggests that the current bi-polar (objective-subjective) conception of reasonableness be replaced with a conception of reasonableness that recognizes different gradations of objectivity.
Metabolism of platelet activating factor (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol by human endothelial cells

Abstract The metabolism of platelet activating factor (1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and 1-(1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycerol was studied in cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Human enthothelial cells deacetylated 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine to the corresponding lyso compound (1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-lyso- sn -glycerol-3-phosphocholine) and a portion was converted to 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acyl (long-chain)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Lyso platelet activating factor (lyso-PAF) (1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-lyso- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine) was detected in the media very early during the incubation and the amount remained higher than the level of the lyso product observed in the cells. Cellular levels of 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-lyso- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine were significantly higher than the acylated product (1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acyl(long-chain)- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine) at all times during the 60-min incubation period, which suggests that the ratio of acetylhydrolase to acyltransferase activities is greater in endothelial cells than in most other cells. When endothelial cells were incubated with 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, a known precursor of PAF, 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl- sn -glycerol was the major metabolite formed (greater than 95% of the 3 H-labeled metabolites during 20- and 40-min incubations). At least a portion of the acetate was removed from 1-[1,2- 3 H]alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycerol by a hydrolytic factor released from the endothelial cells into the medium during the incubations. Only negligible amounts of the total cellular radioactivity (0.2%) was incorporated into platelet activating factor (1-|1,2- 3 H)alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -gIycero-3-phosphocholine); therefore, it is unlikely that the previously observed hypotensive activity of 1-alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycerols can be explained on the basis of the conversion to platelet activating factor (1-alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine) by endothelial cells. Results of this investigation indicate that endothelial cells play an important role in PAF catabolism. Undoubtedly, the endothelium is important in the regulation of PAF levels in the vascular system.
Motion Estimation with Similarity Constraint and its Application to Distributed Video Coding

In this paper we present a new motion estimation scheme that minimizes the objective distance function with a constraint of similarity measure to exploit the motion correlation among adjacent pixel blocks with similar statistics features. We formulate this correlation as a similarity measure on the motion vectors between the current pixel block and its neighboring blocks weighted by the corresponding statistical similarity. We then use this similarity measure as a constraint in the objective distance function to reduce the noise effects and improve performance by effectively trading off the difference in the pixel values with the smoothness in the adjacent motion vectors. Thus, in motion estimation, our new scheme not only minimizes the pixel differences but tries to preserve the motion smoothness among statistically similar neighbors. We applied this new motion estimation scheme to a distributed video coding system for side information generation for Wyner-Ziv decoding and compared its performance to the scheme without similarity constraint. The results have shown that our motion estimation scheme can achieve significant gains in the fidelity of the side information and the decoded Wyner-Ziv frames over the scheme without the similarity constraint.
Diver-based integrated navigation/sonar sensor

Two diver based systems, the Small Object Locating Sonar (SOLS) and the Integrated Navigation and Sonar Sensor (INSS) have been developed at Applied Research Laboratories, the University of Texas at Austin (ARL:UT). They are small and easy to use systems that allow a diver to: detect, classify, and identify underwater objects; render large sector visual images; and track, map and reacquire diver location, diver path, and target locations. The INSS hardware consists of a unique, simple, single beam high resolution sonar, an acoustic navigation systems, an electronic depth gauge, compass, and GPS and RF interfaces, all integrated with a standard 486 based PC. These diver sonars have been evaluated by the very shallow water mine countermeasure detachment since spring 1997. Results are very positive, showing significantly greater capabilities than current diver held systems. For example, the detection ranges are increased over existing systems, and the system allows the divers to classify mines at a significant stand off range. As a result, the INSS design has been chosen for acquisition as the next generation diver navigation and sonar system. The EDMs for this system will be designed and built by ARL:UT during 1998 and 1999 with production planned in 2000.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sentence complexity and input modality effects in sentence comprehension: an fMRI study

Cortical regions engaged by sentence processing were mapped using functional MRI. The influence of input modality (spoken word vs. print input) and parsing difficulty (sentences containing subject-relative vs. object-relative clauses) was assessed. Auditory presentation was associated with pronounced activity at primary auditory cortex and across the superior temporal gyrus bilaterally. Printed sentences by contrast evoked major activity at several posterior sites in the left hemisphere, including the angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and the fusiform gyrus in the occipitotemporal region. In addition, modality-independent regions were isolated, with greatest overlap seen in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). With respect to sentence complexity, object-relative sentences evoked heightened responses in comparison to subject-relative sentences at several left hemisphere sites, including IFG, the middle/superior temporal gyrus, and the angular gyrus. These sites showing modulation of activity as a function of sentence type, independent of input mode, arguably form the core of a cortical system essential to sentence parsing.
IFN-γ Induces Transglutaminase 2 Expression in Rat Small Intestinal Cells

Transglutaminase 2 (tissue transglutaminase, TGase 2) was recently identified as an endomysial autoantigen in celiac disease (CD). Identification of how TGase 2 expression is increased may allow a better understanding of this autoimmune disease. Certain inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and the Th type I cytokine interferon-γ (INF-γ) are abundant in CD. We have investigated whether these play a role in the regulation of TGase 2 expression in a model rat small intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC-6). After treatment for 24 h, TNF-α did not significantly alter TGase 2 mRNA or activity, but TGF-β decreased mRNA and activity by 4-5-fold. IFN-γ increased mRNA and TGase 2 activity by about 2-fold in 24 h and 5-fold by 5 days. Our new data suggest that increased TGase 2 expression in the upper small intestine of CD patients may be due to increased IFN-γ expression, loss of TGF-β signaling, or both.
Postpartum Smoking Relapse and Becoming a Mother

Purpose: To propose an innovative, theoretically-derived conceptual framework for studies of postpartum smoking relapse including concepts of smoking abstinence self-efficacy and becoming a mother. Methods: Presentation of an existing research paradigm followed by evidence from intervention research and studies of factors associated with postpartum smoking behavior, leading to a new approach to postpartum smoking relapse. Findings: Effectiveness of current interventions to prevent relapse is limited. Variables associated with becoming a mother are missing from studies of postpartum smoking relapse. Conclusions: Context-specific variables that influence a woman's progression through the stages of becoming a mother might include protective or risk factors that should be incorporated into the design of postpartum smoking relapse studies.
Saturation of, and competition for entry into, the apical secretory pathway.

To investigate mechanisms of apical sorting in the secretory pathway of epithelial cells, we expressed varying amounts of the 165 amino acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) via replication defective adenoviruses. Apical sorting of both proteins was efficient at low expression levels but saturated or was reversed at high expression levels. High expression levels of TGF-β1 were effective at competing VEGF165 out of the apical pathway; however, VEGF165 did not compete out TGF-β1. Tunicamycin inhibition experiments showed that the apical polarity of VEGF165 was independent of N-glycosylation. We conclude that the apical sorting of these two molecules is a saturable, signal-mediated process, involving competition for apical sorting receptors. The sorting of the two proteins does not appear to involve N-glycans as sorting signals, or lectin sorters. The observations are particularly relevant to gene therapy because they demonstrate that overexpression of a transgene can result in undesirable missorting of the encoded protein.
Molecular confirmation of VLCAD deficiencies in newborns

MOLECULAR CONFIRMATION OF VLCAD DEFICIENCIES IN NEWBORNS Megan L Landsverk, Fernando Scaglia, Lee-Jun Wong Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States Oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondria provides the main source of energy in the brain, as well as skeletal and cardiac muscle. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the initial step in the β-oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondrial matrix. Deficiencies in acyl-CoA dehydrogenases are autosomal recessive disorders that result in a decreased ability to oxidize fatty acids, thereby leading to metabolic dysfunction. Very-long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) targets long-chain fatty acids with a chain length of 14 to 20 carbons. VLCAD deficiency (VLCADD) can generally be group into three phenotypes: a severe, early-onset, form with a high incidence of cardiac and multiorgan failure, intermittent hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly and hypotonia; a milder childhood form usually presenting with hypoketotic hypoglycemia; and an adult myopathic form with intermittent rhabdomyolysis, muscle cramps and exercise intolerance. Early detection through newborn screening (NBS) by measuring acylcarnitines using tandem mass spectrometry has increased the number of patients identified with VLCADD, and has allowed for the identification of milder clinical phenotypes. Although, acylcarnitine profiles alone cannot confirm a diagnosis. An increase in acylcarnitine C14:1 is suggestive for VLCADD. However, normal biochemical testing on follow-up of abnormal NBS for VLCADD does not rule out the disorder since C14:1 levels tend to normalize over time. Conversely, initial elevations of C14:1 on NBS may reflect neonatal stress. Molecular identification of deleterious mutations in the ACADVL gene is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. From January 2007 to October 2009 we analyzed 175 individuals, ages 6 months and younger, presenting with abnormal NBS or clinical indications suggestive of VLCADD for mutations in ACADVL. We identified previously reported mutations as single heterozygotes in 36 (21%) individuals, double heterozygotes in nine (5%), and homozygotes in five (3%). An additional 13 (6%) individuals harbored known mutations as double heterozygotes with unclassified variants. We also identified 6 novel frameshift mutations leading to premature stop codons, 1 novel indel, 1 novel in-frame deletion, and 4 novel splice-site mutations, all heterozygous. Unclassified variants were found as single and double heterozygous in 21 (12%) and 8 (5%) individuals respectively. However, we found no known mutations or unclassified variants in the coding exons of ACADVL in 66 (38%) individuals tested for VLCADD. These results underscore the necessity of mutation analysis of the ACADVL gene when VLCADD is suspected in children under the age of 6 months based on suggestive clinical indication or positive NBS results. Poster Presentations
Global optimum design of cold-formed steel hat-shape beams

Abstract Using the computational neural network model developed recently by the authors, a comprehensive parametric study is performed for global optimization of cold-formed steel hat-shape beams based on the AISI Specifications. Design curves are presented for global optimum values of the thickness, the web-depth-to-thickness ratio, and the flange width-to-thickness ratio for unbraced beams having steel yield strengths of 250 and 345 N/mm2. The computational neural network model guarantees a local optimum solution. The global optimum is found by an exhaustive search that is guided by a heuristic approach to reduce the search effort. An extensive parametric study yielded insights into the behavior of cold-formed steel beams that are then used as rules to reduce the search space and guide the exhaustive search. The procedure for finding the global optimum design of cold-formed steel beams is presented in a few recursive steps. The optimum design curves presented in this article can be of great value to structural design engineers.
Understanding Addictive Vulnerability: An Evolving Psychodynamic Perspective

In contrast to early psychoanalytic theory, which stressed pleasurable/aggressive drives and the symbolic meaning of drugs to explain their appeal, a modern psychodynamic perspective of substance-use disorders (SUDs) places greater emphasis on intolerable painful or confusing affects that make addictive drugs compelling. A psychotherapeutic relationship rooted in a psychodynamic approach yields valuable data on the nature of a person’s distress and deficits in psychological (ego/self) structures that predispose individuals to addiction. An evolving psychodynamic perspective, spanning 30 years, is presented wherein addictions have been considered as (1) a special adaptation, (2) an attempt to self-medicate painful or confusing emotions, (3) an overarching problem in self-regulation, and finally (4) a reflection of disorder in personality organization. This evolving perspective more likely than not should and does complement and resonate with other perspectives. A modern psychodynamic perspective of SUDs ad...
Notes on the cestode parasites of English sparrows in Indiana1

One hundred and ninety-seven English sparrows collected in the vicinity of Lafayette, Indiana, have been examined for cestode parasites. The species recovered and incidences of infection are as follows: Hymenolepis passeris (Gmelin), 2·5%; Choanotaenia passerina (Fuhrmann) provis , 3·5%; Anonchotaenia globata (von Linstow), 2·5%. Of these, Hymenolepis passeris is reported for the first time from North America. The name Haploparaxis linstowi is proposed for Aploparaksis fringillarum von Linstow nec Rudolphi. Additions are made to the present descriptions of the species observed.
Interlayer Magnetic Coupling in Transition-Metal Multilayered Structures

Recent experiments have confirmed the main features of the interlayer coupling we calculated for Fe/Cr multilayers. We discuss the origins of these features and present new results on the interlayer coupling for Fe/Mo(100) multilayered structures. We find they share many of the features seen in Fe/Cr structures; in particular the rapid oscillations of the coupling which are suppressed by the roughness of the interfaces in sputtered superlattices.
Repetitive learning of backstepping controlled nonlinear electrohydraulic material testing system

Abstract This paper develops repetitive and iterative learning control design and analysis for back stepping controlled nonlinear systems. To precisely track periodic or finite duration trajectories for nonlinear systems, back stepping control is first designed to render closed loop stability and, in theory, asymptotic tracking performance. However, due to the sensitivity to the unmodelled dynamics plant variations, asymptotic tracking performance is usually not feasible. Thus, repetitive or learning control is applied over the back stepping controlled system to restore asymptotic tracking performance. This approach is applied to an electrohydraulic material testing system, in which the material specimen present substantial nonlinear force and displacement relationship. It will be shown that the back stepping control employs both feedback and feedforward actions to render linearized I/O plant and thus the outer loop repetitive and learning control design can be based on the compensated linear system. Experimental results will be given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder in very young children

Abstract Background Clinical information about bipolar disorder (BPD) in preschool-age (3–7 years old) children is extremely limited. This study examined clinical presentations, applicability of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, comorbidity, recovery and relapse rates, as well as some treatment strategies used in the management of BPD in preschoolers. Methods The charts of 26 outpatient children, ages 3–7, refereed to a child psychiatry outpatient clinic with mood and behavioral symptoms, were retrospectively reviewed. Results The majority of the patients were referred with the tentative diagnosis of ADHD but the most common diagnoses made by child and adolescent psychiatrists at the time of initial evaluation were BPD NOS (61.5%), followed by BPD I (26.9%), and mood disorder NOS (23.1%). Thirty-eight percent of the patients had one or more comorbid diagnoses. The most common presenting symptoms were irritability (84.6%) and aggression (88.5%). The most widely prescribed class of medications after diagnosis in the clinic was atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Twenty-six percent of the patients were treated with a combination of atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Limitations Retrospective design; small sample size; lack of a comparison group. Conclusions The course of BPD with onset in preschool years is complicated with high recovery and relapse rates. The questions of development of age-appropriate diagnostic criteria, long-term prognosis and treatment strategies used in this population require further intensive investigation.
Starch, sucrose biosynthesis and partition of carbon in plants are regulated by orthophosphate and triose-phosphates

Abstract Inorganic phosphate is a potent inhibitor of the enzymes directly involved in the synthesis of sucrose and starch, while 3-phosphoglycerate is an activator of ADP-glucose synthetase, an enzyme involved in starch synthesis. Phosphate is also required for transport of triose phosphates from the chloroplasts to the cytosol and is an activator for the synthesis of fructose 2,6 bisphosphate, a metabolite that inhibits fructose-1,6-bisphasphatase and stimulates glycolysis in the cytosol. Coordination of these regulatory phenomena probably plays an important role in regulating both starch and sucrose synthesis and in partitioning carbon between the reserve polymer and disaccharide.
Subduction zone anisotropy beneath Corvallis, Oregon: A serpentinite skid mark of trench-parallel terrane migration?

[1] We studied the back azimuth dependence of Ps converted phases at GSN station COR (Corvallis, Oregon) using broadband P receiver functions computed from 602 teleseismic earthquakes. The amplitudes and polarities of the transverse Ps phases are largely two-lobed, which indicates anisotropy with a tilted symmetry axis. A double-peaked Ps conversion at 4.5–6.5 s delay has the moveout of a dipping slab but is not consistent with simple deflection of the Ps converted phase by the dipping interface. A polarity flip on the transverse receiver function near north-south back azimuth indicates an anisotropic symmetry axis aligned north-south, far from the convergence direction (N68°E). The Ps phase is modeled using reflectivity synthetics with a highly anisotropic layer of depressed wave speed (VP ∼ 6.0–6.5 km/s) near 40 km depth, at the slab interface with the overriding North American plate. One-dimensional modeling suggests 10% anisotropy in the supraslab layer, with a slow symmetry axis oriented N5°W at a 60° tilt from the vertical. Adjustments for the effect of slab interface dip on Ps amplitude suggest a somewhat lower 7% anisotropy. We infer a thin (∼7 km) anisotropic detachment zone for the northward slippage of the Siletz forearc terrane along the top of the descending slab, a motion consistent with GPS measurements and models of regional lithospheric dynamics. Serpentinite is a likely constituent for the deep anisotropic layer, owing to its reduced VP and high Poisson ratio. The ductile rheology and hydrated composition of serpentinite make it a plausible lithology for a mechanical detachment zone.
Ranking Political Science Programs: A View from the Lower Half.

Council's 1995 ratings to justify rewarding highly rated programs, and penalizing those that fared less well, an analysis of the factors that contribute to ratings success-particularly department size-draws attention to the importance of factors that lie outside the range of departmental control. Our motivation is only partly 'academic'. As members of a faculty that rated poorly in this exercise (UB political science ranked 72nd out of the 98 programs surveyed on faculty quality and tied for 48th on "effectiveness"), we have a special interest in reminding our colleagues, and especially our administrators, that our less-than-stellar performance reflects a variety of considerations, only some of which are our "fault."
Ending Homelessness—Then What?

The authors reflect on a comprehensive, evidence-based, data and outcome-driven strategy to prevent homelessness among veterans which has been developed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. They suggest that the strategy will likely lead to new public health challenges. They argue that a demand for evidence-based, outcome-driven initiatives and programs to predict the needs and manage the care of formerly homeless people will lead to additional public health research.
Behavioral and neural signatures of readiness to initiate a learned motor sequence

Summary All movements are thought to be "prepared" in the brain before initiation [1–3], and preparation can be impaired in motor diseases [4, 5]. However, little is known about what sort of preparation precedes self-initiated, naturally learned sequences of movements. Here we took advantage of a canonical example of a precisely timed learned motor sequence, adult zebra finch song, to examine motor preparation. We found that the sequences of short vocalizations, or introductory notes (INs), preceding song gradually increased in speed and converged on an acoustic endpoint highly similar across renditions, just before song initiation. The more the initial IN differed acoustically from the final IN, the greater the number of INs produced presong. Moreover, the song premotor nucleus HVC exhibited IN-related neural activity that progressed to a distinctive endpoint immediately before song. Together, our behavioral and neural data suggest that INs reflect a variable period of preparation during which the brain attains a common "ready" state each time sequence generation is about to begin.
Kin recognition by phenotype matching in female Belding's ground squirrels

Abstract Female Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi), that had been reared apart from each other, were observed in paired-encounter tests to determine whether exposure to nestmates' phenotypes during development had influenced their subsequent social discriminations. As a result of cross-fostering, test partners were (1) either unfamiliar sisters (reared apart) or unfamiliar, unrelated females, and were (2) either reared with each other's siblings (indirectly exposed to each other) or were not reared with each other's siblings (not indirectly exposed to each other). Regardless of relatedness, females that were indirectly exposed to each other were significantly less agonistic during tests than females not indirectly exposed to each other. This suggests that females learned something from their nestmates' phenotypes and later recalled what they had learned in order to distinguish between their nestmates' unfamiliar kin and non-kin. Furthermore, sisters that were indirectly exposed to each other were less agonistic than nonsisters that were indirectly exposed to each other. This was true even when the only kin phenotypes females had experienced during rearing were their own, which suggests that females may have compared unfamiliar phenotypes with their own, as well as those of their nestmates. Thus, the phenotypes that females encountered during rearing, both their nestmates' and their own, influenced their later social discriminations, probably by phenotype matching. Under this recognition mechanism, an individual forms a hypothetical ‘kin template’ based on its own or its familiar relatives' phenotypes, and later compares the phenotypes of other conspecifics with the learned template.