cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational Occupational Mobility in Rural Economy: Evidence from Nepal and Vietnam

This paper presents evidence on intergenerational occupational mobility from agriculture to nonfarm sector using survey data from Nepal and Vietnam. In the absence of credible instruments, the degree of selection on observables is used as a guide to the degree of selection on unobservables a la Altonji et. al. (2005) to address the unobserved genetic correlations. The results show that intergenerational occupational mobility is lower among women in both countries, and is lower in Nepal compared to Vietnam. In case of Nepal, there is strong evidence in favor of a causal role played by mother's nonfarm participation in daughter's occupation choice, possibly because of cultural inheritance in a traditional society.
Black workers in Silicon Valley: macro and micro boundaries

Black workers are the least represented minority group in the Silicon Valley high-tech workforce, constituting only 2% of the workforce at many of the top firms. Using data from an interview-based ...
Knowledge-based inverse treatment planning for low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

Purpose Permanent low-dose-rate brachytherapy is a widely used treatment modality for managing prostate cancer. In such interventions, treatment planning can be a challenging task and requires experience and skills of the planner. We developed a novel knowledge-based (KB) optimization method based on previous treatment plans. The purpose of this method was to generate clinically acceptable plans that do not require extensive manual adjustments in clinical scenarios. Methods Objective functions used in current inverse planning methods are preferably based on spatial invariant dose objectives rather than spatial dose distributions. Therefore, they are prone to return suboptimal plans resulting in time consuming plan adjustments. To overcome this limitation, a KB approach is introduced. The KB model uses the dose distributions of previous clinical plans projected onto a standardized geometry. From those standardized distributions a template plan is generated. The treatment plans were optimized with an in-house developed planning system by solving a constraint inverse optimization problem that mimics the projected template dose plan constraint to DVH metrics. The method is benchmarked under an IRB-approved retrospective study by comparing optimization time, dosimetric performance, and clinical acceptability against current clinical practice. The quality of the KB model is evaluated with a Turing test. Results The KB model consists of five high-quality treatment plans. Those plans were selected by one of our experts and showed all desired dosimetric features. After generating the model treatment plans were created with one run of the optimizer for the remaining 20 patients. The optimization time including needle optimization ranged from 6 to 29 s. Based on a Wilcoxon signed rank test the new plans are dosimetrically equivalent to current clinical practice. The Turing test showed that the proposed method generates plans that are equivalent to current clinical practice and that the dose prediction drives the optimization to achieve high-quality treatment plans. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the proposed KB model was able to capture user-specific features in isodose lines which can be used to generate acceptable treatment plans with a single run of the optimization engine in under a minute. This could potentially reduce the time in the operating room and the time a patient is under anesthesia.
Quantum logic control and spectroscopy of a single molecular ion

Quantum logic enables state preparation, readout and spectroscopy of otherwise difficult-to-study ions. Using the coupled harmonic motion shared between co-trapped ions, information can be transferred from the "spectroscopy" ion to the easily manipulated "logic" ion. With this technique we perform high-resolution terahertz-scale rotational spectroscopy of a single CaH+ molecular ion in pure states by leveraging a Ca+ ion as our logic ion. Entangled states between a CaH+ and a Ca+ have also been demonstrated, making molecular ions possible components of hybrid systems for quantum information processing. Because all our laser operations on the molecule are driving stimulated Raman transitions with high detuning, the technique promises to be generalizable to a wide variety of molecular ion species. Additionally, we study the systematic effects of the trap RF electric field on molecular levels and use it to obtain a measurement of the dipole moment of the charged molecule.
Refusal to Use an Upper Extremity in a 17-month-old with Facial Nerve Palsy.

1. Michelle March, MD* 2. Michael Stratton, MD*,† 3. Patricia Chambers, MD*,† 4. Adam A. Vukovic, MD, MEd*,† 1. *Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 2. †Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH A 17-month-old girl presents to the pediatric emergency department for evaluation of right-sided facial palsy and decreased movement of her right arm. One week before presentation she was evaluated for acute onset of left eye redness, left-sided facial swelling, and a low-grade fever for 1 day. Her left tympanic membrane was described as dusky and slightly erythematous. Early acute otitis media was diagnosed, and amoxicillin therapy was started. Two days later her primary care physician evaluated her for persistent facial swelling despite antibiotic therapy. Her tympanic membranes appeared normal then and her neurologic examination was significant for facial nerve palsy with inability to close the right eye, incomplete raising of the right eyebrow, and drooping of the right side of the mouth. She was diagnosed as having Bell’s palsy. Amoxicillin was discontinued, and acyclovir (20 mg/kg 3 times daily) and prednisolone (1 mg/kg once daily) were started. The parents now report that the patient is crying inconsolably and no longer using her right arm. On presentation she is febrile (rectal temperature, 102.4°F [39.1°C]), and her neurologic examination is notable for complete right-sided facial nerve paralysis with asynchronous blink, minimal forehead muscle movement, flattened nasolabial fold, and right-sided partial paralysis of the mouth. Muscle bulk and tone are normal throughout, but she demonstrates decreased spontaneous movement of the right arm at the shoulder joint. With distractibility, there is no point tenderness to palpation of the right arm. She can withdraw with distal painful stimulation. She moves briefly against gravity at the elbow joint. She has normal finger movement and grip strength. No obvious signs of trauma to her right …
Identifying brain networks in synaptic density PET (11C-UCB-J) with independent component analysis.

Abstract Background The human brain is inherently organized into distinct networks, as reported widely by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), which are based on blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations. 11C-UCB-J PET maps synaptic density via synaptic vesicle protein 2A, which is a more direct structural measure underlying brain networks than BOLD rs-fMRI. Methods The aim of this study was to identify maximally independent brain source networks, i.e., “spatial patterns with common covariance across subjects”, in 11C-UCB-J data using independent component analysis (ICA), a data-driven analysis method. Using a population of 80 healthy controls, we applied ICA to two 40-sample subsets and compared source network replication across samples. We examined the identified source networks at multiple model orders, as the ideal number of maximally independent components (IC) is unknown. In addition, we investigated the relationship between the strength of the loading weights for each source network and age and sex. Results Thirteen source networks replicated across both samples. We determined that a model order of 18 components provided stable, replicable components, whereas estimations above 18 were not stable. Effects of sex were found in two ICs. Nine ICs showed age-related change, with 4 remaining significant after correction for multiple comparison. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that human brain synaptic density can be characterized into organized covariance patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrated that multiple synaptic density source networks are associated with age, which supports the potential utility of ICA to identify biologically relevant synaptic density source networks.
Designing Function-Specific Plant Systems for Sustainable Urban Development

Increasingly, architects are embracing “biomorphic urbanism,” a design ideology that takes inspiration from nature to develop more sustainable cities that reduce the environmental impact of urban life. At the moment, plants are incorporated into biomorphic urban designs for conservation or aesthetic reasons. Here, I argue the role of plants in building more sustainable cities can be augmented by integrating plant sciences, ecology, and urban design. I propose that we can develop synthetic Function-Specific Plant Systems (FSPSs) which harness the genetic and metabolic diversity of plants to perform specific services that benefit society and the environment as a whole. FSPSs can contribute to three broad categories of urban life: Urban Landscape and Infrastructure; Biodiversity and the Environment; and Human Health. Across the three categories, FSPSs can be designed to provide nine key services: flood control, soil stabilization, fire control, climate control, water treatment, habitat for endangered flora and fauna, pest control, air purification, and modulation of human immune systems. The plants included in each FSPS are based on several considerations, including 1) functional traits, 2) biogeography, and 3) cultural concerns. In the future, synthetic biology could improve, expand and diversify these services. This approach harnesses plant biodiversity to transform urban spaces while meeting key UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Same-Day Discharge Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Trends, Complications and Readmission Rates.

Abstract Background While total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) transition to surgery centers, there remains limited data on trends, comorbidities, and complications in patients discharged the same day of surgery (SDD). In addition, many studies are limited to the Medicare population, excluding a large proportion of outpatient surgery patients. Methods Primary, elective THA/TKA cases between 2010-2017 were retrospectively identified using the PearlDiver All-Payer Database and separated based on surgery as well as SDD or non-SDD. Data were collected on demographics, rates, comorbidities and complications. Multivariable logistic regression determined adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) for 90-day complications requiring readmission for each group. Results 1,789,601 (68.8% TKA; 31.2% THA) patients were identified where 2.9% of TKAs and 2.2% of THAs were SDD. Annual SDD rates are increasing, with a 15.8% mean annual change for SDD-THA and 11.1% for SDD-TKA (p Conclusions The prevalence of SDD is rising. SDD-THA is increasing more rapidly than SDD-TKA. SDD patients are generally younger with fewer comorbidities. SDD-TKA have slightly higher odds of complications requiring readmission than non-SDD-TKA. SDD-THA and SDD-TKA have different complication profiles.
Maternal passive smoking and fetal serum thiocyanate levels.

Abstract Passive smoking, exposure of the nonsmoker to air contaminated with tobacco smoke, has been reported to have several adverse consequences for health. However, its effects on the fetus are unknown. Detailed smoking histories and fetal SCN (thiocyanate) levels were obtained in 107 low-risk pregnancies in order to evaluate fetal exposure to this metabolic byproduct of tobacco smoke. Among nonsmokers, fetal SCN levels were increased in association with passive smoking in the home (p
"A World Apart": Union Member Residence Patterns and Political Preferences

A union’s initial leadership cohort along with the institutional arrangements they instigate have a lasting effect in shaping the preferences of the rank and file and the processes by which new leaders emerge (Levi et al. 2009). A secondary institution that reinforces these preferences, I argue, is the continuation of traditional dockworker communities. Living in close proximity to one another creates a forum through which members exchange information and exert social pressure so that the majority demonstrates preferences that are closely aligned with those deemed most acceptable by the union. In this paper, I relate one particular set of preferences – namely, attitudes towards progressive social and political issues – to the residence patterns of members of six locals in three unions involved in the transport sector: the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) in the United States and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) in Australia. My results indicate that the choice of union members to maintain occupational communities over time is correlated with the strength and orientation of the rank and files’ political preferences.
Loss of myocardial protection from ischemic preconditioning following chronic exposure to R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine is related to defect at the adenosine A1 receptor

Exogenously administered adenosine agonist will protect myocardium against infarction during ischemia. However, long-term exposure to adenosine agonists is associated with loss of this protection. To determine why this protection is lost, isolated, perfused rabbit hearts were studied after administration of R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), 0.25 mg/h IP, for 3-4 days to intact animals. All hearts experienced 30 min of regional ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Control groups 1 and 2 were untreated. In group 1 this ischemia/reperfusion was the only intervention, whereas group 2 hearts were preconditioned with a cycle of 5 min global ischemia/10 min reperfusion preceding the 30 min regional ischemia. Groups 3-5 had been chronically exposed to PIA. Group 3 hearts had 1 preconditioning ischemia/reperfusion cycle before the prolonged ischemia. Group 4 received a 5 min infusion of 0.1 μmol/L phenylephrine in lieu of global ischemia, whereas group 5 was instead treated with 1 μmol/L carbachol. Infarct size averaged 32% of the risk zone in group 1, whereas ischemic preconditioning limited infarction to 8.2 in group 2. Prolonged exposure of group 3 hearts to PIA resulted in the inability of preconditioning with 5 min global ischemia to protect (28.7 ± 4.4% infarction). However, protection was restored by either phenylephrine, an agonist of α1-adrenergic receptors which couple to Gq and stimulate PKC, or carbachol, an agonist of M2-muscarinic receptors which couple instead to Gi as do adenosine A1 receptors (5.2 ± 1.7% and 9.2 ± 2.1% infarction, resp.). Therefore, cross tolerance to ischemic preconditioning develops after chronic PIA infusion. Since both the Gi and the PKC components of the preconditioning pathway were shown to be intact, tolerance must have been related to downregulation or desensitization of the A1 adenosine receptor.
Isoflurane induces substrate-dependent early mitochondrial PTP opening (648.13)

The volatile anesthetic isoflurane (ISO) may increase permeability of mitochondria to protect against mitochondrial injury. Prolonged opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inevitably causes mitochondrial demise, whereas transient mPTP opening may release accumulated Ca2+ from the matrix to avoid subsequent irreversible mPTP opening due to Ca2+ overload. To test if ISO alters mPTP opening, we isolated mitochondria from Wistar rat hearts to assess buffer Ca2+ uptake by Fura 4F. We found that: (a) ISO (1 mM) induced earlier mPTP opening by increasing Ca2+ uptake rate with succinate (SUC). (b) ISO did not alter mPTP opening but reduced Ca2+ uptake with pyruvate/malate. (c) 10 µM ryanodine or 10 nM imperatoxin A with SUC increased Ca2+ uptake and induced earlier mPTP opening; this suggests that ISO’s effects on mPTP may be due to increased conductance via mitochondrial ryanodine receptors (mRyR). We have patch-clamped single mRyRs in mitoplasts. Our data infer indirectly that SUC sub...
Sensor Placement and Signal Processing for Bearing Condition Monitoring

The effectiveness and reliability of measurement techniques for bearing condition monitoring are affected by both the locations of the sensors and the signal processing algorithms selected for defect feature extraction. This chapter describes a structural dynamics-based sensor placement strategy by investigating the mechanisms of signal propagation from the source of its generation to the sensor location. Numerical simulation of a group of sensors for measuring vibration measurement on two custom-designed bearing test beds is presented, and an approach to optimizing the sensor placement based on the Effective Independence (EfI) method is introduced. The chapter then comparatively investigates several commonly employed signal processing techniques for feature extraction, such as wavelet transform-based signal enveloping, the Wigner-Ville distribution, and the wavelet packet transform, and evaluates performance using vibration signals measured from the bearing test beds.
Emergence and early survival of early versus late seral species in Great Basin restoration in two different soil types

Questions How does performance of a native early seral seed mix during early life stages compare to that of a late seral mix when seeded with Bromus tectorum or Taeniatherum caput-medusae? Does either mix reduce survival of exotic annual grasses during early life stages, and does this effect differ with soil type? Is exotic performance stronger in one soil type, and does native performance when growing with exotics differ between soil types as a result of exotic preference? Location University of Nevada Agricultural Research Station, Reno, NV, US. Methods We compared seedling emergence and early survival (Nov through May) of two native seed mixes, each composed of grass, forb and shrub functional groups, when growing with B. tectorum or T. caput-medusae in soils of contrasting texture (sandy loam and clay loam). Natives were also seeded without exotics. Performance of an early seral mix was compared with that of a late seral mix representative of species commonly used in Great Basin restoration. Results Comparing emergence and survival probabilities, early seral natives generally outperformed late seral natives when growing with exotics and had earlier emergence timing, although results differed among functional groups and soil types. In contrast, survival probabilities did not differ between the early and late seral mixes when growing without exotics. Within each seed mix, native grasses exhibited the highest emergence probabilities of the functional groups. Natives did not suppress exotics in early life stages. Performance of B. tectorum was higher on sandy loam, while T. caput-medusae was highly successful in both soil types. Performance of native functional groups differed by soil type when growing with exotics but did not differ when growing without exotics. Survival of native grasses, in particular, was generally higher on sandy loam when growing with exotics. Conclusions Findings suggest that the use of early seral natives in areas invaded by exotic annual grasses may improve early seedling survival in the Great Basin, in comparison to the use of later seral species in traditional seed mixes. Variation in native performance in the two soil types may be helpful in tailoring seed mixes to different sites.
Roles for λ Orf and Escherichia coli RecO, RecR and RecF in λ Recombination

Bacteriophage lambda lacking its Red recombination functions requires either its own gene product, Orf, or the product of Escherichia coli's recO, recR and recF genes (RecORF) for efficient recombination in recBC sbcB sbcC mutant cells (the RecF pathway). Phage crosses under conditions of a partial block to DNA replication have revealed the following: (1) In the presence of Orf, RecF pathway recombination is similar to lambda Red recombination; (2) Orf is necessary for focusing recombination toward the right end of the chromosome as lambda is conventionally drawn; (3) RecORF-mediated RecF pathway recombination is not focused toward the right end of the chromosome, which may indicate that RecORF travels along the DNA; (4) both Orf- and RecORF-mediated RecF pathway recombination are stimulated by DNA replication; and (5) low level recombination in the simultaneous absence of Orf and RecORF may occur by a break-copy mechanism that is not initiated by a double strand break. Models for the roles of Orf and RecO, RecR and RecF in recombination are presented.
Quantifying performance and effects of load carriage during a challenging balancing task using an array of wireless inertial sensors

We utilize an array of wireless inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure the movements of subjects (n=30) traversing an outdoor balance beam (zigzag and sloping) as quickly as possible both with and without load (20.5kg). Our objectives are: (1) to use IMU array data to calculate metrics that quantify performance (speed and stability) and (2) to investigate the effects of load on performance. We hypothesize that added load significantly decreases subject speed yet results in increased stability of subject movements. We propose and evaluate five performance metrics: (1) time to cross beam (less time=more speed), (2) percentage of total time spent in double support (more double support time=more stable), (3) stride duration (longer stride duration=more stable), (4) ratio of sacrum M-L to A-P acceleration (lower ratio=less lateral balance corrections=more stable), and (5) M-L torso range of motion (smaller range of motion=less balance corrections=more stable). We find that the total time to cross the beam increases with load (t=4.85, p<0.001). Stability metrics also change significantly with load, all indicating increased stability. In particular, double support time increases (t=6.04, p<0.001), stride duration increases (t=3.436, p=0.002), the ratio of sacrum acceleration RMS decreases (t=-5.56, p<0.001), and the M-L torso lean range of motion decreases (t=-2.82, p=0.009). Overall, the IMU array successfully measures subject movement and gait parameters that reveal the trade-off between speed and stability in this highly dynamic balance task.
Fully inkjet-printed multilayer microstrip patch antenna for Ku-band applications

A fully inkjet-printed multi-layer microstrip patch antenna with a CPW to microstrip line transition is designed and demonstrated for the first time in this paper. Both metallic layers and SU-8 substrate are fabricated with an additive inkjet printing process. The patch antenna is designed to operate at 14 GHz, and the operation of the antenna is confirmed in measurement validating that fully additively-processed RF devices are a new option for post processing RF devices with substrate independence.
Report on the 1997 SSA Meeting In Honolulu, Hawaii

The 92nd Annual Meeting of the Seismological Society of America was held on April 9–11, 1997 at the Hawaiian Regent Hotel, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii. The meeting was hosted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Patricia Cooper was the meeting chairperson, and Gerard Fryer and Neil Frazer chaired the program committee. Over 200 presentations were made at the meeting, which had a registration of 250. The meeting venue was comfortable and attractive, and both the poster sessions and the talks were well attended. The annual luncheon featured several notable events. The SSA Medal was awarded to Jim Brune of the University of Nevada at Reno. Bruce Bolt (University of California at Berkeley), David Boore (U.S. Geological Survey) and Tom McEvilly (University of California at Berkeley), all former BSSA editors, were named as honorary members of the SSA. Finally, Steve Wesnousky delivered the presidential address. Local television and newspapers covered...
Effects of body position on crossed extension reflex in decerebrate cat: rectus femoris is more sensitive than is vastus medialis

Physiological stimuli which increase postural extensor tone also increase excitability of the crossed extension reflex (CER). We report here that such stimuli increase excitability of the CER recorded from rectus femoris (RF) more than that of vastus medialis (VM). The difference might reflect an important role of the biarticular actions of RF, which is also a weak hip flexor, in stabilizing the hip as well as extending the knee during maintenance of posture.
An internet-based residency assessment application that fulfills the outcome project’s requirements

Abstract Purpose: The acquisition and organization of information about surgical resident performance, as well as the assessment of the educational value of different rotations, is cumbersome and time consuming. The additional requirement by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) to assess General Competencies in the Outcome Project has multiplied the paperwork and workload demanded from each program director and residency coordinator. The purpose of our study was to simplify the collection of information and to organize it in a way that would fulfill the requirements of the Outcome Project. Methods: We developed an Internet-based application for maintaining a database of residents, faculty, rotations, and their evaluations. Results: The modular design allows flexibility in the selection of different tools that can be added at the discretion of the program director. The use of this application has facilitated the assessment process. Evaluations are instantly available for review. Conclusions: The General Competencies of any resident can be easily demonstrated, compared, and presented in an organized fashion that allows quick reaction to problems and facilitates compliance with the Outcome Project with little additional work for the residency staff.
Recent advances in temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis was first described in the late nineteenth century. Despite considerable progress in understanding the disease, its rarity in the young and in those who are not of Scandinavian ethnicity remains unexplained. Microbiologic agents and immunologic mechanisms have been implicated as causative factors. Although steroids remain the drug of choice, the use of other immunologic therapies has been proposed. This paper reviews the disease’s history, probable etiologies, clinical manifestations, and its diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Successful Conversion of the Bacillus subtilis BirA Group II Biotin Protein Ligase into a Group I Ligase

Group II biotin protein ligases (BPLs) are characterized by the presence of an N-terminal DNA binding domain that allows transcriptional regulation of biotin biosynthetic and transport genes whereas Group I BPLs lack this N-terminal domain. The Bacillus subtilis BPL, BirA, is classified as a Group II BPL based on sequence predictions of an N-terminal helix-turn-helix motif and mutational alteration of its regulatory properties. We report evidence that B. subtilis BirA is a Group II BPL that regulates transcription at three genomic sites: bioWAFDBI, yuiG and yhfUTS. Moreover, unlike the paradigm Group II BPL, E. coli BirA, the N-terminal DNA binding domain can be deleted from Bacillus subtilis BirA without adverse effects on its ligase function. This is the first example of successful conversion of a Group II BPL to a Group I BPL with retention of full ligase activity.
Interacting string field theory and Chern-Simons form

We propose a new gauge-invariant action for an interacting open-string field theory based on an analogy with the Chern-Simons form. We also discuss the Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin quantization of this action.
Robust Changes in Reward Circuitry During Reward Loss in Current and Former Cocaine Users During Performance of a Monetary Incentive Delay Task

Background Abnormal function in reward circuitry in cocaine addiction could predate drug use as a risk factor, follow drug use as a consequence of substance-induced alterations, or both. Methods We used a functional magnetic resonance imaging monetary incentive delay task (MIDT) to investigate reward-loss neural response differences among 42 current cocaine users, 35 former cocaine users, and 47 healthy subjects who also completed psychological measures and tasks related to impulsivity and reward. Results We found various reward processing-related group differences in several MIDT phases. Across task phases we found a control > current user > former user activation pattern, except for loss outcome, where former compared with current cocaine users activated ventral tegmental area more robustly. We also found regional prefrontal activation differences during loss anticipation between cocaine-using groups. Both groups of cocaine users scored higher than control subjects on impulsivity, compulsivity and reward-punishment sensitivity factors. In addition, impulsivity-related factors correlated positively with activation in amygdala and negatively with anterior cingulate activation during loss anticipation. Conclusions Compared with healthy subjects, both former and current users displayed abnormal brain activation patterns during MIDT performance. Both cocaine groups differed similarly from healthy subjects, but differences between former and current users were localized to the ventral tegmental area during loss outcome and to prefrontal regions during loss anticipation, suggesting that long-term cocaine abstinence does not normalize most reward circuit abnormalities. Elevated impulsivity-related factors that relate to loss processing in current and former users suggest that these tendencies and relationships may pre-exist cocaine addiction.
Nerve injury-induced tactile allodynia is present in the absence of FOS labeling in retrogradely labeled post-synaptic dorsal column neurons

The dorsal column pathway consists of direct projections from primary afferents and of ascending fibers of the post-synaptic dorsal column (PSDC) cells. This pathway mediates touch but may also mediate allodynia after nerve injury. The role of PSDC neurons in nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia is unknown. Repetitive gentle, tactile stimulus or noxious pinch was applied to the ipsilateral hindpaw of rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or sham surgery that had previously received tetramethylrhodamine dextran in the ipsilateral n. gracilis. Both touch and noxious stimuli produced marked increases in FOS expression in other cells throughout all laminae of the ipsilateral dorsal horn after nerve injury. However, virtually none of the identified PSDC cells expressed FOS immunofluorescence in response to repetitive touch or pinch in either the nerve-injured or sham groups. In contrast, labeled PSDC cells expressed FOS in response to ureter ligation and labeled spinothalamic tract (STT) cells expressed FOS in response to noxious pinch. Identified PSDC neurons from either sham-operated or SNL rats did not express immunoreactivity to substance P, CGRP, NPY, PKCY, MOR, the NK1 and the NPY-Y1 receptor. Retrogradely labeled DRG cells of nerve injured rats were large diameter neurons, which expressed NPY, but no detectable CGRP or substance P. Spinal nerve injury sensitizes neurons in the spinal dorsal horn to repetitive light touch but PSDC neurons apparently do not participate in touch-evoked allodynia. Sensitization of these non-PSDC neurons may result in activation of projections integral to the spinal/supraspinal processing of enhanced pain states and of descending facilitation, thus priming the central nervous system to interpret tactile stimuli as being aversive.
Functional characterization of human proapoptotic molecules in yeast S. cerevisiae

SPECIFIC AIMSYeast is sensitive to heterologous expression of the human proapoptotic Bax protein. We used this characteristic to test members of the large family of human proapoptotic proteins for ...
Axisymmetric Motion of a Viscous Fluid Inside a Slender Surface of Revolution

A partir des equations tridimensionnelles exactes pour un fluide visqueux lineaire incompressible, on calcule un systeme approche d'equations unidimensionnelles non lineaires pour le mouvement axisymetrique a l'interieur d'une surface de revolution elancee
Integrin expression by human articular chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE To perform a comprehensive analysis of the integrin forms expressed by normal human articular chondrocytes. METHODS Cartilage sections and collagenase-released chondrocytes were probed with a comprehensive panel of integrin isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAb), using in situ immunohistochemistry techniques, indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and immunoprecipitation/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). RESULTS Chondrocytes in cartilage sections reacted with MAb specific for the alpha 5, alpha v, and beta 1 integrin subunits and the alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 heterodimers. They also reacted with a polyclonal antibody specific for the intracytoplasmic portion of the alpha 1 subunit. MAb specific for the alpha v subunit reacted more strongly with chondrocytes near the articular surface than with those in deeper layers of cartilage, and the alpha v beta 3-specific MAb reacted exclusively with chondrocytes within the most superficial 30 microns of cartilage. Flow cytometric analysis and SDS-PAGE analysis of immunoprecipitates prepared from extracts of cell-surface radioiodinated chondrocytes confirmed the above observations, and additionally revealed the presence of the alpha 3 beta 1 integrin. CONCLUSION Normal human articular chondrocytes prominently display substantial quantities of the alpha 1 beta 1, alpha 5 beta 1, and alpha v beta 5 integrin heterodimers, as well as lesser quantities of the alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha v beta 3 heterodimers. The alpha v subunit-containing integrins are detected more readily on the more superficial chondrocytes than on chondrocytes deep within cartilage. These observations provide the basis for analysis of the role of chondrocyte integrins in cartilage homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of joint diseases.
Metabolic influence of the hippocampus on hypothalamus, preoptic and basal forebrain is exerted through amygdalofugal pathways

The spread of ventral hippocampal afterdischarge activity to nuclei of the basal diencephalon was studied in rats with fornix lesions and combined lesions of the fornix and stria terminalis. The results indicate that a major hippocampal influence on specific hypothalamic, preoptic and basal forebrain structures is conveyed by way of the amygdala's stria terminalis. An additional hippocampal influence on certain basal forebrain nuclei is consistent with projections via the ventral amygdalofugal pathway.
Developmental Expression of Estrogen Receptor mRNA in the Rat Cerebral Cortex: A Nonisotopic in situ Hybridization Histochemistry Study

Abstract The distribution of estrogen receptor mRNA expression was studied in the developing rat cerebral cortex by in situ hybridization histochemistry. We used a specific, nonisotopically (digoxigenin) labeled, synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide complementary to a 48 base sequence in the region of the estrogen-binding domain of rat uterine estrogen receptor cDNA. During development, estrogen receptor mRNA was observed in all forebrain regions previously reported to bind estrogen, as determined by steroid autoradiography or nuclear binding assay. In the developing cerebral cortex, estrogen receptor mRNA was extensively expressed in the ventricular zone, primitive plexiform layer, and immature cortical plate at least as early as embryonic day 16. During the first 3 postnatal weeks, cortical mRNA expression was increasingly restricted to the upper third of the cerebral cortex and to the neurons of the cortical subplate (layer VIb/VII) and decreased to low levels by postnatal day 28. In the cerebral cortex, the spatial distribution of estrogen receptor mRNA expression overlapped that reported for the encoded protein. The extensive distribution of estrogen receptor mRNA throughout the late prenatal and early postnatal cerebral cortex points to an important role for estrogen in the differentiation and maturation of the cerebral cortex.
Bedside ultrasound can safely eliminate the need for chest radiographs after central venous catheter placement: CVC sono in the surgical ICU (SICU).

Background Real-time ultrasound guidance of central venous catheter (CVC)/peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion improves safety and efficacy. We hypothesized that a more robust ultrasound surveillance technique incorporating thoracic, vascular, and cardiac views—the CVC sono—would avoid the need for chest radiography to realize cost and efficiency gains. Methods We conducted a prospective data collection in a high-volume, urban, academic SICU. A single surgical intensivist, blinded to the results of chest radiography, performed all CVC sonos post-insertion. Catheter malposition was defined as location extrinsic to the superior vena cava and determined by a board-certified radiologist on chest radiography. CVC sono consisted of (1) mechanical complications screen (hemo-, pneumothorax), (2) intravenous tip screen, (3) intracardiac tip screen. The result of CVC sono was compared with chest radiography. Results CVC sono evaluated 83 catheters (42 CVCs and 41 PICCs) and was considered technically adequate in 59 (71%). Incomplete studies were significantly more common in those with chest tubes ( P = 0.02), but not in those with cervical collars ( P = 0.07), an open abdomen ( P = 0.28), or BMI > 40 ( P = 0.33). Mean CVC sono time was 10.8 min, compared with chest radiography of 75.3 min ( P 1 CVC) trended for inaccurate CVC sono for catheter malposition (accuracy: 79% versus 93%, P = 0.11). Conclusion A novel ultrasound technique, CVC sono eliminated the need for chest radiography in most patients after CVC/PICC insertion, saving time and money. Those with multiple indwelling central catheters may still require post-insertion conventional chest radiography.
The Development of Ecclesiology in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN): A Forgotten Contribution?

Recent Pentecostal theologians attempting to forge a Pentecostal ecclesiology seem to agree that early Pentecostalism lacked any significant discussion of the doctrine of the church. While that contention may be true of the free-church wing of early Pentecostalism, the current article argues that it is not true of the Church of God. Instead, ecclesiology was the most discussed topic among early Church of God theologians and this discussion led to a rather elaborate understanding of the nature of the church. The current article attempts to set forth early Church of God ecclesiology both to show how important it was to the Church of God and to suggest that current statements about the lack of any developed ecclesiology among early Pentecostals should be revised.
Fluorescence dip spectroscopy of sodium atoms in an inductively coupled plasma

Abstract Two dye lasers were used to pump sodium atoms present in an inductively coupled plasma to the 4 d levels via 3 s -3 p excitation. By monitoring the fluorescence of both yellow lines while scanning the second laser, two dips were observed when the second laser was tuned to 568.263 nm ( 2 P 1 2 - 2 D 3 2 )and to 568.820 nm ( 2 P 1 2 - 2 D 5 2 , 3 2 ). The plots of the reciprocal relative fluorescence dips as a function of the reciprocal spectral energy density of the second laser (second excitation step) resulted in straight lines with slopes proportional to the quantum efficiencies of these transitions and therefore to the spontaneous transition probabilities. The experimental ratio between the gA values obtained by this method is compared to that calculated from tabulated values. In addition, the absolute values of excited state quantum efficiencies derived from these plots as well as from the saturation curves of the fluorescence dips are discussed in terms of possible ionization losses from the 4 d levels.
Sustained shivering is necessary for development of cold-induced hypertension in rats

Abstract To test the hypothesis that sustained shivering is a determining factor in development of hypertension in rats subjected to prolonged exposure to cold, the effect of cold exposure to 6°C was examined in two experimental models with reduced shivering response to cold: aged (18 months old) rats and adult rats (8 months old) preacclimated to a less severe cold. The slow increase of colonic temperature in response to 6°C cold, characteristic for reduced shivering, was observed in both experimental groups, while systolic pressure failed to increase. Results support the hypothesis that sustained shivering is a determining factor in development of cold-induced hypertension.
Octonions and supersymmetry in three dimensions

We present two N = 1 locally supersymmetric σ-models in 3D with the seven- and eight-dimensional target spaces with the reduced G2 and Spin(7) holonomies instead of the maximal SO(7) and SO(8), respectively. It turns out that particular Wess–Zumino–Novikov–Witten-like terms are possible with the octonion structure constant for these σ-models. As a by-product, we show that a new N = 7 vector multiplet also exists in 3D with non-trivial interactions with the octonion structure constant. A non-trivial solution for the interacting vectorial field is also given.
Effects of the atmospheric channel on free-space laser communications

In this paper we provide an overview of how the presence of atmospheric turbulence and scattering/absorbing media in the atmospheric channel degrade high-data-rate free-space laser communication performance. The impact of the atmospheric channel on overall link budget performance is discussed. Fog, rain, dust, snow, smoke, molecular absorption, and aerosol particulate matter all attenuate the signal-carrying laser beam, and to a certain extent can be compensated for by increasing the signal gain or by appropriate selection of the optical wavelength. In contrast, random fluctuations in the atmospheres refractive index severely degrade the wave-front quality of a signal-carrying laser beam, causing intensity fading and random signal losses at the receiver. This results in increased system bit error rates, especially along horizontal propagation paths. Atmospheric turbulence-induced signal losses increase as the distance between the transmitter and receiver is increased, and there is no wavelength window where these effects can be avoided, although longer wavelengths are less affected. With atmospheric turbulence, increasing the signal gain will not necessarily improve laser beam quality. For many cases of practical interest, the limiting factor in robust free-space optical communication link performance can be the presence of clear-air atmospheric turbulence in the optical channel. Various proposed probability density functions of laser intensity fluctuations through atmospheric turbulence will be discussed as they relate to laser communications performance and reliability under different weather conditions. Results from numerical simulations are presented for analyzing communications performance for various scenarios: Downlink, Uplink and Terrestrial (Horizontal) link.
Changes in risk factors for cardiovascular disease by baseline weight status in young adults who maintain or gain weight over 15 years: the CARDIA study

To examine whether changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors differ by baseline weight status among young adults who maintained or gained weight. Longitudinal cohort study. White and African Americans who either maintained (±5 pounds; n=488) or gained (>5 pounds; n=2788) weight over 15 years. Anthropometrics and CVD risk factors were measured at baseline (1985–1986) and follow-up. Participants were classified as normal weight (body mass index (BMI) 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ⩾25 kg/m2) at baseline. Multivariable models were stratified by ethnicity and weight change category. Normal weight maintainers tended to have more favorable risk factors at baseline and follow-up than overweight maintainers. Size and direction of 15-year changes in risk factors were similar by weight status, except that in white normal weight maintainers changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (3.3 mg/dl (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4, 6.3)) and triglycerides (−14.7 mg/dl (−25.8, −3.7)) were more favorable. Weight gain was associated with unfavorable changes in risk factors. Weight gainers normal weight at baseline had less adverse changes in glucose, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol (whites only) and triglycerides (African Americans only) than overweight gainers. However, normal weight African-American weight gainers had more adverse changes in total (3.1 mg/dl (0.2, 6.1)) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (3.4 mg/dl (0.6, 6.3)). Baseline weight status does not appear to influence the size or direction of risk factor changes among adults who maintained their weight over 15 years. In contrast, weight gain was associated with changes in some risk factors differentially by baseline weight status.
Theoretical investigation of nonlinear three-dimensional instabilities in liquid rockets with real nozzles

An approximate analytical technique has been developed for the solution of nonlinear three-dimensional, transverse and axial combustion-instability problems that are frequently observed in liquid-propellant rocket motors. This theory is an extension and generalization of previous analyses, which could analyze either transverse or axial instabilities in liquid combustors with quasi-steady nozzles, to the practical situations of three-dimensional instabilities in combustors with conventional DeLaval nozzles. Unlike the quasi-steady nozzle, the presence of a conventional nozzle imposes restrictions upon the behavior of both the amplitudes and phases of the oscillations at the nozzle entrance plane. The applicability of the solution technique, which is based on the Galerkin method, is demonstrated by analyzing the nonlinear stability of a cylindrical liquid-rocket combustor with uniform injection of propellants at one end and a conventional nozzle at the other end. Crocco's pressure-sensitive time-lag model is used to describe the unsteady combustion process.
A study of the biologically active conformers for prodine opiates and their derivatives

Conformational energy calculations using the empirical MM2 (molecular mechanics II) and semiempirical quantum mechanical PCILO (perturbative configuration interaction using localized orbitals) methods are reported for various prodine derivatives. These include 3-demethylprodine, α-prodine, β-prodine, the α-2-methyl derivative, α-promedol, the γ-2,3-dimethyl derivative, and γ-isopromedol. The results are consistent with all of the compounds activating the opiate receptor in a phenyl equatorial conformation with optimum activity resulting from a particular orientation of the phenyl and propionoxyl groups. In disagreement with previous limited experimental data, α-promedol is found to prefer a phenyl equatorial conformer. It is confirmed that, of the two mirror image phenyl equatorial conformers that are preferred for 3-demethylprodine, the more active prodines antipodes consistently prefer the one in which the phenyl orientation is the opposite (mirror image) of that found in morphine and in the preferred conformer of the morphine-like (+)-phenylmorphan. This is a possible molecular basis for the nonmorphine-like effects that occur with the introduction of a phenyl meta hydroxyl into some prodine derivatives. It is also suggested that the less active prodine antipodes, which have a morphine-like phenyl orientation, may act in a morphine-like manner at opiate receptors.