cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Theory of Graded Representations in Pattern Generalization

In this chapter, we initially clarify what we mean by an emergent structure from a parallel distributed processing (PDP) point of view. Then we contrast an emergent structure from other well-known points of view of structures in cognitive science, in particular, symbol structures, theory-theory structures, and probabilistic structures. We also expound on the theory of PDP in semantic cognition in some detail and close the chapter with a discussion of the implications of the PDP theory on pattern generalization processes that matter to mathematical learning. In the closing discussion we discuss the need to modify some of the elements in the original PDP model based on cognitive factors that bear on pattern generalization processes involving school mathematical patterns. Further, we demonstrate the usefulness of a PDP network structure primarily as a thinking model that enables us to describe the complexity of students’ pattern generalization processes not in terms of transitions from, say, arithmetical to algebraic generalizations, but as parallel and graded, adaptive, and fundamentally distributed among, and dependent on, a variety of cognitive and extracognitive sources.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein: GFAP-Thirty-One Years (1969–2000)

It is now well established that the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the principal 8-9 nm intermediate filament in mature astrocytes of the central nervous system (CNS). Over a decade ago, the value of GFAP as a prototype antigen in nervous tissue identification and as a standard marker for fundamental and applied research at an interdisciplinary level was recognized (Raine, 135). As a member of the cytoskeletal protein family, GFAP is thought to be important in modulating astrocyte motility and shape by providing structural stability to astrocytic processes. In the CNS of higher vertebrates, following injury, either as a result of trauma, disease, genetic disorders, or chemical insult, astrocytes become reactive and respond in a typical manner, termed astrogliosis. Astrogliosis is characterized by rapid synthesis of GFAP and is demonstrated by increase in protein content or by immunostaining with GFAP antibody. In addition to the major application of GFAP antisera for routine use in astrocyte identification in the CNS, the molecular cloning of the mouse gene in 1985 has opened a new and rich realm for GFAP studies. These include antisense, null mice, and numerous promoter studies. Studies showing that mice lacking GFAP are hypersensitive to cervical spinal cord injury caused by sudden acceleration of the head have provided more direct evidence for a structural role of GFAP. While the structural function of GFAP has become more acceptable, the use of GFAP antibodies and promoters continue to be valuable in studying CNS injury, disease, and development.
Horner’s Syndrome and Upper Extremity Weakness After Quadratus Lumborum Block for Postcesarean Section Analgesia: A Case Report

A healthy, 34-year-old primigravida at 41 weeks gestational age presented for cesarean delivery due to a category 2 fetal heart tracing remote from delivery. After completion of the surgery under epidural anesthesia, bilateral quadratus lumborum blocks were performed for postoperative pain. Approximately 4 hours later, the patient developed left-sided arm weakness, left miosis, and ptosis. These symptoms resolved within 24 hours. Considering the time course of her symptoms, we believe that the quadratus lumborum block was the likely culprit.
Diagnostic Value of Two-Dimensional plus Four-Dimensional Ultrasonography in Fetal Craniocerebral Anomalies.

Background To assess the clinical value of two-dimensional (2D) plus four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography in diagnosis of fetal craniocerebral anomalies. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on the sonographic features of 83 maternity patients admitted to Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xian China from January 2013 to December 2017 diagnosed with suspected fetal anomalies of the brain and skull through 2D and 4D ultrasonography. Results Fifty six patients were diagnosed with the anomalies by 2D ultrasonography only, 65 patients by 4D ultrasonography only, and 74 patients by 2D plus 4D ultrasonography.76 patients were confirmed to have fetal craniocerebral anomalies after birth or induced labor. Diagnostic accuracies of 2D ultrasound only, 4D ultra-sound only, and 2D plus 4D ultrasound were 68.67%, 81.93% and 95.18%, respectively (P<0.05). The accuracy of 2D plus 4D ultrasound was greater than those of 2D ultrasound only and 4D ultrasound only, and the accuracy of 4D ultrasound only was higher than that of 2D ultrasound only (P<0.05). The sensitivity of 2D plus 4D ultrasound was greater than those of 2D ultrasound only and 4D ultrasound only (P<0.05). The specificity of 2D plus 4D ultrasound was greater than those of 2D ultrasound only and 4D ultrasound only (P<0.05). Conclusion Combined ultrasonography can better differentiate fetal craniocerebral anomalies, providing early and more accurate information for clinicians as well as maternity patients to make a decision. This clinical practice would be valuable for improving the quality of the newborn population.
Relationship between patient characteristics and serum etonogestrel concentrations in contraceptive implant users.

Abstract Objective To determine whether serum etonogestrel concentrations in contraceptive implant users are associated with certain individual patient characteristics. Study design We enrolled reproductive-age women using etonogestrel contraceptive implants between 12–36 months duration and measured a single serum etonogestrel concentration. Participants also completed a questionnaire about demographics. Results We enrolled 350 participants; median age was 22.5 years (range 18.0–39.1), median months of implant use was 26.0 (range 12.0–36.0), and median body mass index was 25.7 kg/m2 (range 18.5–52.0). Our study population was primarily white/Caucasian (46.6% [163/350]) and Hispanic/Latina ethnicity (51.4% [180/350]). The median serum etonogestrel concentration was 137.4 pg/ml and etonogestrel concentrations varied 12.4 fold in the population (range 55.8–695.1 pg/ml). Using forward stepwise linear regression, months of implant use (β=−1.74, p Conclusions Individuals demonstrated a wide variability in serum etonogestrel concentrations, which can potentially affect side-effect profiles and efficacy. Increasing body mass index and longer duration of implant use were associated with small decreases in serum etonogestrel concentrations, while self-reported Black/African American race was associated with a non-significant increase. Despite these findings, most of etonogestrel variability was unaccounted for, suggesting that other clinical, pharmacologic, and genetic factors contributing to variability in etonogestrel concentrations remain to be determined. Implications Although increases in body mass index are associated with lower etonogestrel levels in contraceptive implant users, the majority of women will maintain serum concentrations that consistently suppress ovulation. Furthermore, certain patient characteristics can only explain a small portion (13%) of the variability in serum etonogestrel levels among contraceptive implant users.
Forensic psychiatry evaluation in a U. S. immigration detention center in southwest Texas.

Abstract Immigration and asylum-seeking are issues that have recently. warranted increased attention and significance. In the aftermath of terrorist attacks, people are more wary of asylum seekers who are usually held in detention centers after fleeing persecution and not for criminal or immigration charges. Asylum seekers may raise suspicions due to inconsistent statements and can be held in detention for the duration of the process and/or denied asylum. Inconsistencies may be influenced by psychiatric symptoms, cognitive abilities, the type of past trauma experienced, the questioning style of the interviewer, and are usually unrelated to dishonesty or malingering making psychiatric consult important in many of these evaluations.
16 – Non-hodgkin lymphoma

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the incidence, epidemiology, pathologic classification, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatments of non-Hodgkin disease. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) results from malignant proliferation of cells of lymphocytic lineage. Although malignant lymphomas are generally restricted to lymphoid tissue, such as lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, and spleen, it is not uncommon to find bone marrow involvement in children. World Health Organization (WHO) classification of neoplastic diseases of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues are precursor B cell neoplasm, mature B cell neoplasm, precursor T cell neoplasm, and mature T cell neoplasms. The symptoms of NHL depend mainly on the location of the tumor and may present in a variety of ways, occasionally providing a diagnostic dilemma because of the protean manifestations of its presentation. The epidemiologic, immunologic, and molecular features of endemic and sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) are abdomen, head and neck, mediastinum, other primary sites, and constitutional symptoms. Chemotherapy is the therapeutic mainstay because of the multicentric origin of NHL. There are four different classifications i.e., stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. Two potentially life-threatening complications, which are seen in children with NHL, are superior vena cava syndrome or critical airway obstruction with a large mediastinal tumor. This is most often seen in lymphoblastic lymphoma and tumor lysis syndrome because metabolic complications of chemotherapy are most often found in Burkitt or Burkitt like NHL. Different therapies are given to patients of NHL as a treatment, which include surgical therapy, prognosis, and radiation therapy.
New developments in angiography for the diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract The most common microvascular complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults of working age. Our understanding of the vascular changes in diabetic retinopathy was enhanced by the demonstration of fluorescein angiography (FA) in the human retina for the first time in 1961. It was subsequently integrated with digital fundoscopic imaging to become an invaluable technique in evaluation of the retinal vasculature. The recent development of OCT-angiography (OCT-A) has revolutionized the clinician’s ability to examine the retinal vasculature without the need for injection of a contrast dye. By coupling OCT, which can provide noninvasive cross-sectional imaging of the central retina, with angiography in OCT-A, one can reveal retinal perfusion by allowing visualization of the depth-resolved retinal capillary plexus. OCT-A has allowed for more precise delineation of changes in the retinal microvasculature, specifically the alterations of retinal vasculature and loss of capillary perfusion from chronic microvascular occlusion in diabetic retinopathy.
An Exploratory Study of Car Ijarah Practices in Islamic Banks of Pakistan

Islamic banking is the system where all rules and regulations of the banking system are governed by Shariah rules, providing collective impartiality and fairness, while gratifying the financial requirements of the community and maintaining high principles of moral values, simplicity, and wisdom of accountability. As we can see in the past years, there is an escalation in competition and emphasis on ethics, all across the globe, therefore, Islamic products are attracting not only Muslims but non- Muslims as well. Moreover, the shariah rules provide collective impartiality and fairness, while gratifying the financial requirements of the community. The main objective of this study is to review the Car Ijarah, in the light of Shariah principles and its practical implications by the Islamic banks in Pakistan. In this study, the survey research method is used for collecting the data. In this regard, Islamic banking personnel at a managerial level were asked to fill the questionnaires. A detailed analysis of the lease documents of each bank was also done. This study highlights that most of the conditions in Ijarah agreements in Pakistani Islamic banks are according to Shariah laws such as lease rentals starts at the delivery of the vehicle, customers are liable to pay any loss due to their negligence and wear and tear. Whereas, bank is liable to pay any loss due to the natural disaster. Also, banks have opted to charge variable lease rentals in long-term lease as well as transfer of ownership, after the completion of lease term, is in the hands of bank, etc. At the same time this study evidently identifies the deficiencies in existing Ijarah products where they are simply not following Shariah guidelines for example expenses related to purchase are borne by lessee. Secondly, most of the banks have no right to cancel the lease agreement at any time if the lessee has violated lease agreement. Insurance expense (Takaful) is also born by lessee.
Tainted heroes: The emergence of dirty work during pandemics

[...]I focus on taint development, identity dynamics, and dirty work stickiness as potentially productive areas of research fit for the pandemic environment. [...]I suggest several practical avenues for coping with dirty work during pandemics, such as employee coping strategies and leaders’ roles in helping employees cope with dirty work. [...]certain occupations may experience an additional form of taint (emotional taint, or engagement with emotions that are uncomfortable, burdensome, inappropriate, or taboo;McMurray & Ward, 2014), such as doctors who suspend their emotions to make the unthinkable decision about which patients live or die and therapists who shoulder the emotional burden of people who are affected by pandemics. [...]uncovering the role managers and leaders play in addressing dirty work during pandemics is critically important, as many employees feel their organizations are doing nothing to assist or protect them in their newly hazardous occupations.
Applying machine learning to smartphone based cognitive and sleep assessments in schizophrenia

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia remains a chief source of functional disability and impairment, despite the potential for effective interventions. This is in part related to a lack of practical and easy to administer screening strategies that can identify and help triage cognitive impairment. This study explores how smartphone-based assessments may help address this need. Methods In this study, data was analyzed from 25 subjects with schizophrenia and 30 controls who engaged with a gamified mobile phone version of the Trails-B cognitive assessment in their everyday life over 90 days and complete a clinical neurocognitive testing battery at the beginning and end of the study. Machine learning was applied to the resulting dataset to predict disease status and neurocognitive function and understand which features were most important for accurate prediction. Results The generated models predicted disease status with high accuracy using static features alone (AUC = 0.94), with the total number of items collected and the total duration of interaction with the application most predictive. The addition of temporal data statistically significantly improved performance (AUC = 0.95), with the amount of idle time a significant new predictor. Correlates of sleep dysfunction were also predicted (AUC = 0.80), with similar feature importance. Discussion Machine learning enabled the highly accurate identification of subjects with schizophrenia versus healthy controls, and the accurate prediction of neurocognitive function. The addition of temporal data significantly improved the performance of these models, underscoring the value of smartphone-based assessments of cognition as a practical tool for assessing cognition.
FPGAPRO: A Defense Framework Against Crosstalk-Induced Secret Leakage in FPGA

With the emerging cloud-computing development, FPGAs are being integrated with cloud servers for higher performance. Recently, it has been explored to enable multiple users to share the hardware re...
Revisiting the Client Conundrum: Whom Does Lawyer for a Government Represent, and Who Gives Direction to that Governmental Lawyer?

The issue of identifying a government attorney’s client is age-old, and Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct provide somewhat different answers for lawyers who are government employees and for those who are with private firms. The matter becomes even more interesting when a government entity’s attorney is a publicly-elected legal official: an attorney general, prosecuting attorney, or city attorney in the case of Seattle and a number of other cities around the country. Others have written thoughtful pieces on the topic from a national perspective, and there is at least one excellent but slightly outdated piece by District of Columbia municipal attorney Wayne Witkowski that focuses on the issue in Washington State. This paper reviews the key professional responsibility rules and Washington cases that affect the analysis, and updates Witkowski’s work with a discussion of Goldmark v. McKenna, Seattle v. McKenna, and various other materials. It observes that Washington State, like many states, follows the “entity model” of identifying public lawyers’ clients. That means that the governmental entity itself is the client — the State, a county, or a city, for example. But within that model, it is still necessary to identify the “duly authorized constituent” or “representational authority” who may serve as the voice of the client for an attorney. Who that authorized representative is will depend in large part on the situational facts and the relevant statutory framework. In most circumstances a lawyer for a governmental entity (including an elected law officer) should look to another person as the authorized representative of the client for policy direction. In narrow circumstances, usually determined by statute (or by charter in the case of a city attorney), the elected law officer will himself or herself be the authorized representative of the governmental client. While on a day-to-day basis we continue to think of the relevant government agency through its duly authorized constituent, as the “client.” But we should keep in mind that usually the entire governmental entity is the ultimate client.
A family study of bipolar I disorder in adolescence. Early onset of symptoms linked to increased familial loading and lithium resistance

Lifetime rates of psychiatric illness were compared in relatives of adolescent probands with bipolar I disorder and in relatives of age-matched schizophrenic controls. Familial aggregation of major affective disorders was observed in bipolar probands, the rate of bipolar I disorder greatly exceeding that reported in relatives of adult bipolar probands. Adolescent probands with childhood onset of psychiatric disturbance were distinguished from probands who had no premorbid childhood psychiatric abnormality in two ways: (1) significantly increased aggregation of bipolar I disorder in first-degree relatives; and (2) poorer antimanic response to lithium carbonate. These data underscore important heterogeneity in adolescent-onset bipolar disorder.
Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Conjunctiva, Cornea, and Lens

The human eye is exposed to a wide range of radiant energy aside from the visual spectrum, including ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, and ionizing radiation. Of these, ionizing radiation can cause some of the most significant and long-lasting damage to the lens, conjunctiva, and cornea. Ionizing sources include natural levels from cosmic (30 mrem/year) and terrestrial sources (60 mrem/year) as well as man-made sources (60 mrem/year). These latter include x-rays, radioactive isotopes, diagnostic and therapeutic radioactive sources, and release from nuclear power stations. Control of these man-made exposures with shielding of the globe, when possible, can minimize or eliminate the acute and chronic effects of radiation exposure.
Treatment of psoriatic lesions with topical fluocinolone acetonide and moist dressings.

Recently, we observed that topical fluocinolone acetonide (F.A.) cream, 0.025 per cent concentration! produced rapid and complete involution of psoriatic lesions in intertrigenous or moist areas, but was not effective on lesions in non-intertrigenous areas. In some patients it was noted that although the intertrigenous portion of a lesion cleared, a rim or portion of the psoriasis lesion persisted on the “non-moistened” skin. This observation led to the development of a fixed moist dressing technic to simulate an “intertrigenous” state for lesions of non-intertrigenous skin.
Febrile seizures in the developing brain result in persistent modification of neuronal excitability in limbic circuits

Febrile (fever-induced) seizures affect 3-5% of infants and young children. Despite the high incidence of febrile seizures, their contribution to the development of epilepsy later in life has remained controversial. Combining a new rat model of complex febrile seizures and patch clamp techniques, we determined that hyperthermia-induced seizures in the immature rat cause a selective presynaptic increase in inhibitory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus that lasts into adulthood. The long-lasting nature of these potent alterations in synaptic communication after febrile seizures does not support the prevalent view of the 'benign' nature of early-life febrile convulsions.
Aspirin inhibits endothelial cell activation induced by antiphospholipid antibodies

Summary. Background : Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) have been shown to activate endothelial cells (EC) in vitro, as documented by an increased expression of tissue factor as well as leukocyte adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and E-selectin. Currently, treatment of patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome includes aspirin, particularly for women with recurrent fetal loss. Objective : The present study was undertaken to investigate whether aspirin interferes with EC activation induced by APLA in vitro. Methods : IgG from 14 patients with APLA, and suffering from thrombotic complications and/or pregnancy morbidity, and control IgG were tested for their ability to modify the expression of VCAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. VCAM-1 antigen was measured by flow cytometry and its mRNA by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results : Incubation of EC with IgG from most of the patients led to a higher VCAM-1 expression compared with incubation with control IgG. The effect of aspirin was studied for the eight IgG samples that induced a more than 50% increase in VCAM-1. Aspirin (10 mm) treatment of the cells significantly reduced the VCAM-1 response to these APLA. Conclusions : Our results indicate that besides its antiplatelet properties, aspirin exerts a protective effect towards APLA at the EC level by decreasing leukocyte adhesion molecule expression at the cell surface.
Upper Mississippi River restoration: implementation, monitoring, and learning since 1986

Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) was implemented to monitor environmental status and trends and restore degraded habitat. There was little experience conducting restoration in large rivers, and engineering and ecological integration evolved through project implementation. Loss of depth in backwaters and side channels, excessive biological oxygen demand, increased currents, and low water temperatures were common symptoms of backwater eutrophication that were primary objectives for implementing UMRR. Biological outcome monitoring was initially funded for six projects using the most common methods to restore aquatic and wetland habitat. UMRR island construction occurred as four generations of learning. Current plans represent a comprehensive restoration approach including: physical process modeling (i.e. hydraulic and wind-wave modeling) of existing conditions and alternative restoration measures. Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Projects, fish response monitoring validated winter habitat suitability models. Long term fish population monitoring indicates sustainable recovery, and now population interaction among restored lakes is under investigation. Isolated wetland management in Illinois River backwater lakes can achieve bottom consolidation that promotes emergent wetland habitat response that migratory waterfowl exploit in large numbers. Adult fish movement between the river and management units is restricted to flood stage or through control structures and post-project movements into the lake for overwintering were not apparent. The lack of Illinois River overwintering habitat is shown by an abundance of young fish and few older fish in status and trends monitoring. Upper Mississippi River System ecosystem restoration practitioners have implemented ecosystem restoration science and practice in a manner that exemplifies the best intent of adaptive management.
The relationship of depression and stressors to immunological assays: a meta-analytic review.

This is a broad meta-analysis of the relations of both depression and stressors to immunological assays. The number of study samples (greater than 180) and measures (greater than 40) is much more extensive than any so far. Analyses are done by both fixed and random effects. By a fixed-effects analysis, both major depression and naturally occurring acute stressors are associated with (1) an overall leukocytosis, (2) mild reductions in absolute NK-cell counts and relative T-cell proportions, (3) marginal increases in CD4/CD8 ratios, and (4) moderate decreases in T- and NK-cell function. However, the degree of heterogeneity of the studies' results raises questions about their robustness. Therefore, we also did the first random effects analysis to estimate what is likely to appear in future studies. For depression, the analysis showed the immunological correlates included (1) an overall leukocytosis, manifesting as a relative neutrophilia and lymphoenia; (2) increased CD4/CD8 ratios; (3) increased circulating haptoglobin, PGE(2), and IL-6 levels; (4) reduced NK-cell cytotoxicity; and (5) reduced lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen. For stressors, the random effects analysis showed that future studies are likely to find the following effects: (1) an overall leukocytosis, manifesting as an absolute lymphocytosis; (2) alterations in cytotoxic lymphocyte levels, CD4/CD8 ratios, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity with the direction of change depending on the chronicity of the stressor; (3) a relative reduction of T-cell levels; (3) increased EBV antibody titers; (4) reduced lymphocyte proliferative response and proportion of IL-2r bearing cells following mitogenic stimulation; and (5) increased leukocyte adhesiveness. The random-effects analysis revealed that for both major depression and naturally occurring stressors the following effects are shared: leukocytosis, increased CD4/CD8 ratios, reduced proliferative response to mitogen, and reduced NK cell cytotoxicity. The implications for these findings for disease susceptibility and the pathophysiology of these conditions is discussed.
Pediatric strabismus imaging

PURPOSE OF REVIEW With both radiologists and ophthalmologists in mind, this article describes the best use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of strabismus. RECENT FINDINGS Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are valuable tools in evaluation of strabismus, despite concerns about radiation exposure with computed tomography. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging are being made and open new techniques that can be useful in the future evaluation of strabismus. SUMMARY Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are safe tools in the evaluation of certain types of pediatric strabismus. The collaboration between imagers and ophthalmologists is essential in the development of feasible innovative methods of imaging that will advance diagnosis and monitoring in children with strabismus.
Drosophila melanogaster eggshell adhesive

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster eggshells contain an adhesive which cements the egg to fruit tissue. Similarity in staining of the female accessory glands and the adhesive layer on the eggshell, and lack of adhesive on mature oocytes dissected from the ovarioles, demonstrate that the adhesive is secreted by the accessory glands. Positive staining of the accessory glands with the periodic acid/Schiff's reaction and with protein stains, plus the identification of 8 to 10 amino acids and glucosamine in hydrolysed extracts of the egg adhesive, indicate that the adhesive may be classified as a mucoprotein.
The additive composition of classes: the role of perceptual cues.

(1972). The Additive Composition of Classes: The Role of Perceptual Cues. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 121, No. 2, pp. 197-205.
Ontogenetic allometry in the locomotor skeleton of specialized half-bounding mammals

Specialization for a locomotor behaviour may affect limb bone morphology throughout ontogeny. Ontogenetic development of the limb skeletons of two mammalian species, which are behaviourally specialized for the half-bounding gait (Chinchilla lanigera and Oryctolagus cuniculus), were compared to two similarly-sized species which are not specialized for half-bounding (Rattus norvegicus and Monodelphis domestica). Limb bone lengths and anteroposterior diameters (mediolateral diameters for the radius and metacarpal) were measured from radiographs taken throughout the ontogeny of each species. Body mass was also measured repeatedly during growth. Bone measurements were regressed against body mass, as well as forelimb bone length vs serially homologous hindlimb bone length, bone length vs total limb length and bone length vs width. Similar comparisons were made among adults of each species using ratios. Although there were many significant differences among species, overall there were few consistent differences in adult scaling ratios or ontogenetic allometry slopes between specialized and generalized groups. Adult specialized half-bounders had significantly narrower tibiae and metatarsals than the gait-generalized runners. Specialized half-bounders usually had similar slopes for hindlimb length vs width ontogenetic comparisons, but the non-specialized species did not group together. However, there were two patterns that occurred among all four species: (1) hindlimb bone lengths nearly always grew faster than the serially homologous forelimb bone lengths in all species; (2) proximal elements usually increased in length proportionally faster than distal elements. In conclusion, small mammals may share strong developmental constraints that govern their relative growth rates. It is also likely that there are different selective pressures on juveniles and adults, but that these selective pressures may not be different between specialized and unspecialized runners during ontogeny.
Maternal experience inhibits the production of immature neurons in the hippocampus during the postpartum period through elevations in adrenal steroids.

Motherhood is accompanied by alterations in numerous nonreproductive behaviors, including learning and memory, as well as anxiety and stress regulation. These functions have been linked to adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, but the effect of maternal experience on this brain region has not been completely explored. To determine whether the production of new hippocampal granule cells is altered during the postpartum period, we examined the number of proliferating cells and their progeny in the dentate gyrus of primiparous female rats at various time points during the postpartum period while they were caring for their offspring, as well as after weaning. Additionally, we investigated whether cell proliferation in the postpartum female is affected by the presence of offspring and nursing-induced increases in glucocorticoids. Analysis of the number of BrdU-labeled cells revealed that cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus was suppressed in lactating postpartum females until the time of weaning. This effect was tempo- rary; a difference was detectable at 1 week after BrdU-labeling, when the majority of cells expressed a marker of immature and mature gran- ule neurons (TuJ1) but not at 2 weeks, when most cells expressed a marker of mature neurons (NeuN). The decrease in cell proliferation was dependent on elevated basal glucocorticoid levels associated with lactation; removal of nursing pups reduced basal corticosterone levels and prevented the decrease in the number of BrdU-labeled cells. More- over, preventing increased basal corticosterone levels by means of adre- nalectomy and low-dose corticosterone replacement eliminated the reduction in cell proliferation. These findings indicate that offspring interactions inhibit adult neurogenesis through changes in adrenal ste- roids, and further suggest a potential mechanism for alterations in hip- pocampal function during the postpartum period. V V C 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Emotional sequelae of head injury

The emotional after-effects of head injury in relation to acuteness versus chronicity of the injury and neuropsychological deficits were studied. The results indicate that there is a decline in emotional distress over time after the injury and show that patients with significant initial and residual neuropsychological deficits experience greater emotional distress than those with negligible difficulties.
Channel Tracking and Transmit Beamforming With Frugal Feedback

Channel state feedback is a serious burden that limits deployment of transmit beamforming systems with many antennas in frequency-division duplex (FDD) mode. Transmit beamforming with limited feedback systems estimate the channel at the receiver and send quantized channel state or beamformer information to the transmitter. A different approach that exploits the spatio-temporal correlation of the channel is proposed here. The transmitter periodically sends a beamformed pilot signal in the downlink, while the receiver quantizes the corresponding received signal and feeds back the bits to the transmitter. Assuming an autoregressive (AR) channel model, Kalman filtering (KF) based on the sign of innovations (SOI) is proposed for channel tracking, and closed-form expressions for the channel estimation mean-squared error (MSE) are derived under certain conditions. For more general channel models, a novel tracking approach is proposed that exploits the quantization bits in a maximum a posteriori (MAP) formulation. Simulations show that close to optimum performance can be attained with only 2 bits per channel dwell time block, even for systems with many transmit antennas. This clears a hurdle for transmit beamforming with many antennas in FDD mode—which was almost impossible with the prior state-of-art.
1465 AGE AT ONSET FOR NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC): EPIDEMIOLOGIC AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS

We examined the epidemiologic features of age at onset of NEC and studied infants of ≤1500 grams (gm) birthweight (BW) with NEC for factors predictive of early ( 10 days) onset. For 1977-1978 NEC cases in Georgia, we found that mean age at onset of NEC increased as BW decreased; the proportion of infants with late onset illness declined from 66% for BW ≤1000 gm to 0% for BW >2500 gm (p 1500 gm had late onset illness compared to 45 of 86 weighing ≤1500 gm. For infants with NEC weighing ≤1500 gm, no significant differences were found in Apgar scores, use of antibiotics, feedings, presence of 19 maternal and 14 neonatal risk factors or in outcome of illness between those of early and late onset. Our data support a major role for gut immaturity as a determinant of the risk period for development of NEC.
Modeling shock-wave deformation via molecular dynamics

Molecular dynamics (MD), where the equations of motion of up to thousands of interacting atoms are solved on the computer, has proven to be a powerful tool for investigating a wide variety of nonequilibrium processes from the atomistic viewpoint. Simulations of shock waves in three-dimensional (3D) solids and fluids have shown conclusively that shear-stress relaxation is achieved through atomic rearrangement. In the case of fluids, the transverse motion is viscous, and the constitutive model of Navier-Stokes hydrodynamics has been shown to be accurate---even on the time and distance scales of MD experiments. For strong shocks in solids, the plastic flow that leads to shear-stress relaxation in MD is highly localized near the shock front, involving slippage along close-packed planes. For shocks of intermediate strength, MD calculations exhibit an elastic precursor running out in front of the steady plastic wave, where slippage similar in character to that in the very strong shocks leads to shear-stress relaxation. An interesting correlation between the maximum shear stress and the Hugoniot pressure jump is observed for both 3D solid and fluid shock-wave calculations, which may have some utility in modeling applications. At low shock strengths, the MD simulations show only elastic compression, with no permanent transverse atomic strains. This result for perfect 3D crystals is also seen in calculations for 1D chains. We speculate that, if it were practical, a very large MD system containing dislocations could be expected to exhibit more realistic plastic flow for weak shock waves too.
Evaluation of 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl) adenine therapy for feline immunodeficiency virus using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract To determine the efficacy of 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) as a prophylactic chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of lentivirus infections, three groups of specific pathogen free cats were treated with 0, 3, or 6 mg kg −1 twice daily doses of PMEA beginning 24 h prior to virus challenge with feline immunodeficiency virus Petaluma strain. Treatment was continued for 7 weeks post challenge. During this time cats were monitored for drug toxicity, virus specific antibody response, circulating viral antigen and infectious recoverable virus. To determine the long-term influence of PMEA therapy the cats were monitored for 1 year following the cessation of treatment. The low levels of infectious virus present in blood prompted the development of quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to enumerate viral DNA burdens in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the infected cats and thereby assess drug efficacy. The results indicate that, although prophylactic PMEA did not prevent infection, it did substantially limit feline immunodeficiency virus replication. Furthermore, viral DNA levels remained low in the cats receiving drug a full year (the duration of the study) after cessation of treatment.
One score and three years of infrared science and engineering at the Optical Sciences Center

A review of the work of students and faculty in the area of infrared technology is given. The main points are discussed with appropriate recognition of those who accomplished the work.
Early childhood teacher education: a reflective‐analysis liberation‐oriented model

The purpose of this article is to describe the conceptualization, development, and implementation of a reflective‐analysis liberation‐oriented model of early childhood teacher education at the University of Illinois. This model offers a third alternative to field based and competency based teacher education programs. While insuring competence, it also offers the additional benefit of promoting long term educational improvements by focusing on the development of reflective‐analysis as a means of generating and validating knowledge.
Manipulation of Cool and Blue Flames in the Winged Vertical Tube Reactor

Abstract A technique of “flame programming” using a refined vertical tube reactor (VTR) has been developed whereby widely separated preignition zones (cool and blue flames, and intermediate dark zones) can be studied and compared. In addition, the reactor is fitted with removable side arms for doping and/or spectroscopic studies. The use of the VTR gives nearly adiabatic, planar reaction zones for the preignition events. This new VTR responds very rapidly to changes in experimental parameters and achieves equilibrium within a few minutes. The flames are stable to within ±0.5 mm over an eight hour period with two stage ignition separations of over 40 cm. Reproducible and point source sampling of the flame zones can be made very precisely with reference to the location of the flames. The “free floating” flame stages show a minimum interaction with the walls and are extremely sensitive to additives.
Expanded RNA-binding activities of mammalian Argonaute 2

Mammalian Argonaute 2 (Ago2) protein associates with microRNAs (miRNAs) or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) forming RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs/miRNPs). In the present work, we characterize the RNA-binding and nucleolytic activity of recombinant mouse Ago2. Our studies show that recombinant mouse Ago2 binds efficiently to miRNAs forming active RISC. Surprisingly, we find that recombinant mouse Ago2 forms active RISC using pre-miRNAs or long unstructured single stranded RNAs as guides. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, in vivo, endogenous human Ago2 binds directly to pre-miRNAs independently of Dicer, and that Ago2:pre-miRNA complexes are found both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of human cells.
On the Nature of the Bonding of Lone Pair Ligands to Small Metal Clusters

We analyse the interaction and bonding between CO, NH3 and PF3 molecules and a Cu5 cluster in detail. From a constrained space orbital variation (CSOV) study, we are able to determine the energetic importance of different contributions to the metal-ligand interaction, such as intra-unit, Cu5 and ligand, polarization and inter-unit donation. The results show that the Cu5–NH3 bonding is determined to a large part by the electrostatic interaction between the units with little charge transfer. The Cu5–CO bonding is characterized mainly by a metal to ligand π donation. The Cu5–PF3 bonding has metal to ligand π and ligand to metal s donation of comparable importance. The free PF3 dipole leads to a repulsive interaction with the Cu5 and this affects the intra-unit polarization.
Analysis of the time course of core breakdown in 'Conference' pears by means of MRI and X-ray CT

Abstract Core breakdown in ‘Conference’ pears is a storage disorder, which is characterised by brown discolouration of the tissue and development of cavities. At the moment of purchase the consumer cannot detect these symptoms from the outside. In this paper magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computer tomography (X-ray CT) were applied to study non-destructively the time course of the disorder symptoms. Pears stored under disorder-inducing conditions were followed with both tomographic techniques during 6 months of controlled atmosphere storage. After 2 months, incipient browning could be detected with both techniques. However, the contrast between affected and unaffected tissue was higher on the MR images than on the X-ray CT scans. Two patterns of browning, radial and local, were observed. In the former, the contours of the brown tissue were concentric. Both patterns did not evolve or grow spatially over time, but only increased in their contrast to healthy tissue during storage. This result suggests a relation between the disorder and gas exchange properties of the fruit with the environment. It was also observed that the cavities grow at the expense of the brown tissue. To quantify the browning rate a contrast value was defined based on the ratio of pixel intensities of affected and unaffected tissue. The average browning rate did not differ substantially between the different pears and was equal to 0.0065±0.0005 days −1 .
Impaired performance in a test of decision-making by opiate-dependent tobacco smokers

Abstract This study tested whether opiate dependence, tobacco smoking, or their combination accompanied impaired performance on the gambling task (GT), which tests decision-making. GT previously detected impairments in patients with lesions of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and in substance abusers. Four groups were matched on demographic characteristics and intelligence: methadone-maintained smokers ( n =9) and nonsmokers ( n =9), and control (i.e., not opiate-dependent) smokers ( n =9) and nonsmokers ( n =10). The Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) was administered to test whether differences in GT performance reflected generalized deficits in prefrontal cortical function. While there were no significant group differences on the WCST, groups differed significantly on GT performance ( F (3,31)=2.95, P =0.048), controlling for depressive symptom ratings and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methadone-maintained smokers (but not nonsmokers) performed more poorly than either of the two control groups ( P =0.007 versus smokers; P =0.024 versus nonsmokers). In a planned analysis of methadone-maintained subjects, smokers scored more poorly on GT than nonsmokers ( F (1,18)=5.64, P =0.032) and had more treatment failures (67% heroin use during the last 30 days versus 20%). The findings suggest that among opiate-dependent individuals, tobacco smoking may be a marker for a more severe form of substance abuse disorder, reflecting impaired decision-making, as modeled by GT.
Recurrent synovial chondromatosis treated with menisectomy and synovectomy

Abstract Synovial chondromatosis is a rare benign intraarticular metaplasia of synovium. This process may result in the production of detached particles of highly cellular cartilage in the involved joint spaces. It is most often reported in the larger joints of the body including the knee, hip, elbow, and ankle. Since Axhausen in 1933 reported the first case affecting the temporomandibular joint, several articles have been listed in the literature regarding the presentation, diagnosis, and management of this form of an arthropathy. This is a case of a recurrent synovial chondromatosis that was approached with a meniscectomy and a complete synovectomy.
The R-process and nucleochronology

Abstract The r-process of nucleosynthesis is the process which is responsible for the synthesis of approximately half of the nuclear species in nature that are more massive than iron. This process of heavy-element synthesis involves the progressive buildup of heavier isotopes via neut ron captures proceeding on neutron-rich isotopes, interspersed by beta decays. Its abudance features clearly reflect nuclear propeties — the maxima are related to the magic neutron numbers N = 50, 82 and 126. It probes our knowledge of the properties of nuclei far from the region of beta stability, even through the position of the neutron drip line. The r-process also forms the important long-lived nuclear chronometers 232Th, 238U and 235U that are utilized for dating the Galaxy. While the astrophysical site foprocess nucleosynthesis is not yet identified, its association with massive stars undergoing type II supernova events is strongly suggested. This can be deduced from the observation that r-process nuclei are already present in the oldest and most metal-deficient stars, which are the tracers of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. The massive stars that become type II supernovae evolve fastest and contribute their ejecta to the interstellar medium at the earliest beginnings of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. When utilizing the knowledge of the r-process production ratios of the long-lived chronometer nuclei, their observed ratios in primitive meteorites and our (limited) knowledge of star formation throughout galactic evolution, one can put limits on the duration of galactic nucleosynthesis, the age of the Galaxy and the universe. The latter has a large uncertainty but is comparable with ages estimated from globular clusters and cosmology. This paper will provide a review of the basic physics underlying the r-process, the operation of the mechanisms for r-process nucleosynthesis, the possible astrophysical sites, their time evolution in galactic evolution models, and the inferred ages of the Galaxy.