cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adult-born granule cells support pathological microcircuits in the chronically epileptic dentate gyrus

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized by recurrent seizures driven by synchronous neuronal activity. The dentate gyrus (DG) region of the hippocampal formation is highly reorganized in chronic TLE; in particular, pathological remodeling of the "dentate gate" is thought to open up pathological conduction pathways for synchronous discharges and seizures in the mesial temporal lobe. However, this pathophysiological framework lacks a mechanistic explanation of how macroscale synchronous dynamics emerge from alterations of the DG at the microcircuit level. In particular, the relative contribution of developmentally defined subpopulations of adult-born (abGCs) and mature (mGCs) granule cells to epileptiform network events remains unknown. To address this question, we optically recorded activity dynamics of identified populations of abGCs and mGCs during interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) in mice with chronic TLE. We find that disjoint subsets of IEDs differentially recruit abGC and mGC populations. We used these observations to develop a neural topic modeling framework, under which we find that the epileptic DG network organizes into disjoint, cell-type specific pathological ensembles, a subset of which are recruited by each IED. We found that statistics of this ensemble structure are highly conserved across animals, with abGCs disproportionately driving network activity in the epileptic DG during IEDs. Our results provide the first in vivo characterization of activity dynamics of identified GC subpopulations in the epileptic DG, the first microcircuit-level correlates of IEDs in vivo, and reveal a specific contribution of abGCs to interictal epileptic events.
Child health behaviour and parent priorities for a school-based healthy lifestyle programme:

Objective:The purpose of this study was to characterise parents’ concerns for their children’s health behaviour and perceptions of motivators and barriers to positive child health behaviour change,...
The Phenology of the Symbiotic Association between Ambystoma maculatum and Unicellular Algae (Oophila) Using Molecular Techniques

The symbiosis between developing Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and the unicellular alga known as Oophila amblystomatis appears to be mutualistic, with involved parties trading apparent benefits within the salamander egg capsule, but the spatiotemporal ecology of the interaction has yet to be thoroughly explored. Using newly developed primers for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we sampled 149 salamander egg masses of various ages from six breeding ponds in northeast Alabama. We documented the presence of algal DNA within egg capsules throughout the developmental process. Regression via linear mixed model estimation showed a positive relationship between the age of egg masses and the probability of algal DNA detection and a negative trend when comparing egg-mass age and qPCR cycle quantification value. These trends indicate an increase in both the probability that a given egg will contain algal DNA and the amount of algal DNA an egg contains, if present, as age increases. We found no effects of pond, site within pond, or year of sampling in either case.
New insights into modeling exposure measurements below the limit of detection.

In epidemiology studies, environmental measurements often have nondetected values below the laboratory limit of detection (LOD), which is the analyte’s lowest detectable value that can be differentiated from a blank value (absence of substance).1 There have been many methods proposed for incorporating biomarkers subject to lower detection limits as measures of exposure in risk modeling using logistic regression. These include substitution methods that impute a fixed value (LOD, LOD/2, , E[X|X ≤ LOD], or sample E[X|X > LOD]) for measurements below the LOD,2–4 multiple imputation,5 making distributional assumptions on the exposure value, and treating the lower limit of detection (LOD) as being left censored.6 Recently, a method involving Cox regression and a role reversal between the exposure and the outcome was developed to handle measures subject to LOD.7 However, for this method, the interpretation of the estimated coefficient is not always comparable to that of a logistic regression but is the log odds ratio of the outcome comparing a subject with versus all subjects with . This article provides a fresh look at these approaches, particularly with respect to assumptions that are inherently nonverifiable (assuming we do not see measurements below the LOD). Specifically, we examine the robustness of odds ratio estimation in the context of risk using a logistic regression model to the distribution of the exposure and to the assumption that the relationship between exposure and risk is the same above and below the LOD. We perform comparisons through an extensive simulation study and in cancer epidemiology. Finally, we provide recommendations regarding the practical choice of different methods to handle LOD issues.
Abstract P201: Early Life Exposure To Environmental Tobacco Smoke And Cardiometabolic Diseases In Middle Age: A 4-decade Follow-up Study Of The Collaborative Perinatal Project

Introduction: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a major source of indoor air pollution and has been associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risks. There is little research on the associati...
Optimization of Micropropagation and Genetic Transformation Protocols for Paulownia elongata : A Short Rotation Fast Growing Bioenergy Tree.

Various steps of micropropagation include selection of suitable explant, establishment of adventitious shoot induction cultures, proliferation, rooting, and acclimatization of the resulting plantlets. A systematic protocol is provided for the micropropagation and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation of a fast growing, multipurpose tree, Paulownia elongata. Our studies show that optimum shoot induction is on half leaf with petiole explant on MS medium supplemented with 25 μM thidiazuron and 10 μM indole-3 acetic acid. Micropropagation protocols provided here are applicable to explants collected from the primed in vitro raised seedlings on MS medium containing 2.5 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or actively growing shoots collected from greenhouse or field growing plants. We also discuss a possible role of "Python" script guided protocol optimization for higher and consistent multiplication of shoots that can be very helpful for scaled up production in commercial settings. To facilitate future plant improvement and gene editing possibilities, an A. tumefaciens based genetic transformation protocol and molecular identification of transgenic plants using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) techniques have also been optimized.
The Impact of Management Systems on Technical Change: The Adoption of Pollution Prevention Techniques

A firm’s capability to innovate is influenced by its organizational structure. We examine the effect of Total Quality Environmental Management (TQEM) on the adoption of innovative pollution prevention activities over the period 1992-1996, and show that the rate of innovation increases following the adoption of TQEM. However, the effect of TQEM on pollution prevention innovation “wears out” over time. Our analysis indicates that this is likely because pollution prevention does not completely become obsolete, which reduces the incentives for further innovation in subsequent years, rather than because the institutional effectiveness of TQEM weakens. We provide corroborative evidence based on the time profile of pollution prevention of firms that adopted TQEM prior to the start of our sample, and also develop a stylized model with (partial) obsolescence of pollution prevention innovations that matches the empirical regularities we obtain. Our findings shed light on the importance of organizational structure on the pace of technical change.
Murder, Nonnegligent Manslaughter, and Spatial Autocorrelation in Mid-South Counties

In this paper we explore to what extent county murder and nonnegligentmanslaughter rates in the midsouth are spatially autocorrelated, usinga variety of spatial autocorrelation tests. The data are 3-year averages ofUCR murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rates from the 383 midsouthcounties. Moran's I statistics show a statistically significant amountof spatial autocorrelation in the murder and nonnegligent manslaughter ratesamong the 383 midsouth counties. G statistics, however, fail to detect aglobal pattern in this region. We also compute Gi statistics and localMoran's I statistics with these data and detect some patterns oflocalized spatial autocorrelation. We estimated and compared an MLE spatiallag model and an OLS model with constructs informed by socialdisorganization theory. The regression analysis failed to detect anysignificant spatial effects for the midsouth counties.
Structural Damage Assessment Using a System Identification Technique

The need for monitoring the dynamic characteristics of large structural systems for purposes of assessing the potential degradation of structural properties has been established. This paper develops a theory for assessing the occurrence, location, and extent of potential damage utilizing on-orbit response measurements. Feasibility of the method is demonstrated using a simple structural system as an example.
The Socio-Economics of Property

It is suggested that in future work it will be useful to recognize that property exists on two levels: symbolic and real. The concept of scarcity is one important area for examination. Art-like property that can be enjoyed by many people at one time could have the potential to reduce conflict over property. Other questions for future research are noted. There are those who see property as an attribute of the mind. These scholars argue that the notion that one has control over a particular object is not inherent to the object but is derived from one's attitudes, validated by other people, and supported by one's culture. By looking at a piece of land, a truck or an oil well per se, we typically cannot discern whether the owner is a person, a community, a state; whether it is a poor or a rich person; a legal or illegitimate owner. Instead, a study of symbolic products such as bills of sale or notes in public registries, determine ownership. Those in turn reflect the social philosophy of the particular society. Some societies officially recognize little or no private property (early kibbutzim). Some assume all property to be that of the state which then allows citizens (and often only citizens, not foreigners) to lease the objects, but not to own them outright. Still other societies treat any limitation of private property as an intrusion on individual rights. Property is, thus, said to be very much a matter of orientation rather than of material objects, and must be studied as such. Many papers in this volume are dedicated to advancing this important view of property. Some, by implication, assume that this is all there is. I suggest that it is productive for intellectual, policy, and scholarly purposes to recognize that property exists on two levels. There is indeed the symbolic, contextual, or orientation-based level just discussed. There is also, however, another level-property that exists outside minds, values, and symbols. It is the "real" object in which various rights areinvested, the subject of the orientation, the item that is being contextuated.
Imaging performance of annular apertures. IV - Apodization and point spread functions. V - Total and partial energy integral functions

Reference is made to a study by Tschunko (1979) in which it was discussed how apodization modifies the modulation transfer function for various central obstruction ratios. It is shown here how apodization, together with the central obstruction ratio, modifies the point spread function, which is the basic element for the comparison of imaging performance and for the derivation of energy integrals and other functions. At high apodization levels and lower central obstruction (less than 0.1), new extended radial zones are formed in the outer part of the central ring groups. These transmutation of the image functions are of more than theoretical interest, especially if the irradiance levels in the outer ring zones are to be compared to the background irradiance levels. Attention is then given to the energy distribution in point images generated by annular apertures apodized by various transmission functions. The total energy functions are derived; partial energy integrals are determined; and background irradiance functions are discussed.
Stabilization of αS-Casein by Carrageenan

Abstract The hydrophilic colloid, carrageenan, stabilizes α s -casein against precipitation by calcium ions by an interaction between α s -casein and a component which may be present in both κ - and λ-carrageenan. This component occurs predominantly in the κ -fraction. The resulting complex resembles the alpha-casein complex, but it is not acted upon by rennin. The κ-carrageenan fraction imparted stability when mixed with α s -casein in the weight ratio of 1:5, whereas the λ-carrageenan fraction was fully effective only at a ratio above 2:5. The heat stability of the calcium/carrageenan/ α s -casein complex was greater than the corresponding calcium/κ-casein/ α s -casein complex. No significant stabilization of α s -casein was produced by chondroitin sulphate, heparin, alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, or locust bean gum.
Drug-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions

The incidence and causes of drug-related hospital admissions and visits to an emergency department were evaluated. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify drug-related visits and admissions for all patients who visited the emergency department of a 517-bed tertiary-care institution during a four-month period. Drug-related illnesses were classified as adverse drug reaction (ADR), overdose or abuse, noncompliance, drug interaction, or toxicity. Patient data included demographic characteristics, medication history, serum drug concentrations, length of hospital stay, and hospital admission charges. Of 10,184 patients who visited the emergency department, 293 (2.9%) had drug-related illnesses; 71 (24%) of these patients were admitted. The drug classes most commonly involved were drugs of abuse (23.2%), anticonvulsants (17.1%), antibiotics (12.6%), respiratory drugs (8.9%), and pain medications (8.9%). The most common category of drug-related illness was overdose or abuse (35%) followed by noncompliance (28%), ADR (28%), toxicity (8%), and drug interaction (1%). The average length of stay for patients who were admitted was 5.8 days, and the average cost of admission was $8888. Drug-related illnesses accounted for 2.9% of hospital admissions and visits for patients in the emergency department. The most commonly identified drug-related illnesses were overdose or abuse, noncompliance, and ADRs; the drug classes most commonly implicated were drugs of abuse, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics.
Games and Simulations for Learning: A Course Design Case

Research on games and simulations for learning in the last decade has expanded the instructional design knowledge base to such an extent that degree programs in instructional design and technology are beginning to develop and offer courses on games and simulations as learning technologies. This design case chronicles the context, design decisions, and designer/instructor observations from the pilot implementation of a graduate course on Games & Simulations for Learning for a masters program in educational technology at a regional university in the southwestern United States.
Chapter XVII Counting and Sizing Micro-organisms with the Coulter Counter

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses counting and sizing micro-organisms with the coulter counter. Routine application to sizing of micro-organisms is facilitated by the development of large-capacity, transistorized electronic instrumentation. Accurate and rapid measurement of complete cell volume distributions requires a multichannel analyzer with large-capacity analyzers, both cell volumes and cell concentrations can be determined far more rapidly and accurately than by other techniques; micro-organisms can be counted at rates of about 50,000 cells/min with some instruments, and complete cell-size distributions can be determined within 10 sec. Thus, both cell numbers and cell volumes can be determined continuously during the course of growth of even the most rapidly growing cultures. These characteristics make Coulter counter-analyzer systems especially valuable for studies of synchronous cell cultures. The chapter further sample preparation and operational procedures.
The Educational Orientations of Graduate Social Work Faculty.

For this exploratory study of the educational orientations of graduate social work faculty, the author surveyed faculty in 38 randomly selected graduate social work departments in the United States in Spring 1991. All were sent a revised Hadley Educational Orientation Questionnaire, which measured their agreement with 12 items each on Mentoring Orientation and Master Teaching Orientation scales. The survey also asked about the source of their educational philosophies. Analysis of 346 responses suggests that faculty tend toward a master teaching approach in attempting to impart essential knowledge and to empower students, but they also incorporate elements from the mentoring approach. Faculty indicated that their educational philosophies were derived principally from work experiences, personal experiences, and professional socialization.
Imaging evaluation of pediatric extremity trauma, Part II: Upper extremity

The upper extremity is the most common site for extremity injuries in pediatric patients. The majority of these fractures occur at the wrist and are caused by a fall on an outstretched arm. Elbow fractures are less common and are frequently difficult to detect. The complexity of the elbow joint results in different types of fractures than tend to be seen in other long bones, and knowledge of the mechanism of injury is helpful in this location. This article reviews the common injuries that occur in the upper extremity in children, and emphasizes imaging techniques to optimize detection of subtle injuries.
Termination of DNA replication in Escherichia coli requires a trans-acting factor.

The terminus region of the Escherichia coli chromosome contains two sites that inhibit the progression of DNA replication forks. These termination sites, designated T1 and T2, are separated by 7.5 min (350 kilobases [kb]) on the genetic map and are located at the extremities of the terminus region. They demonstrate polarity (they stop replication forks traveling in one direction but not the other) and inhibit replication forks that have passed through and are about to leave the terminus. We have used deletion mutations in the terminus region to map the locations of T1 and T2 more accurately and to initiate studies on the mechanism of replication fork inhibition. We have narrowed the boundaries of T1 and T2 to 20 and 4 kb, respectively. T1 maps between kb 80 and 100 on the physical map of the terminus region (J. P. Bouche, J. Mol. Biol. 154:1-20, 1982), and T2 maps between kb 438 and 442. In addition, we report here that deletion of the region containing the T2 termination site inactivated T1. Supplying the T2 region on a plasmid restored T1 function, demonstrating that inhibition of replication at T1 requires a trans-acting factor which maps in the vicinity of termination site T2. We have called this newly identified terminus function the termination utilization substance (tus).
Atypical histiocytic granuloma of the oral mucosa: an unusual clinicopathologic entity simulating malignancy.

Some conditions possess clinical and histologic features that suggest malignancy, yet they are biologically benign and often self-limiting. Most clinicians and pathologists dealing with head and neck disease are familiar with one of the best examples of such a condition: necrotizing sialometaplasia. However, much less commonly recognized is a group of atypical lymphohistiocytic lesions formerly known as the “pseudolymphomas.” Such lesions are benign; yet, they contain lymphoid cells that have sufficient cytologic atypia to suggest a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. Although cases exhibiting such features have been described previously,1 in 1985 Eversole et al2 reported four additional cases characterized by atypical histiocytic infiltrates that had sufficiently unique clinical and pathologic features that the authors suggested the appellation “atypical histiocytic granuloma” (AHG) to replace the previous terminology. Through study of subsequent cases, the histiocytic nature and benign selflimiting course of this lesion have been confirmed.3-8 We report an additional case of AHG to familiarize clinicians with a condition whose misdiagnosis could result in significant overtreatment and expense.
Noninvasive Imaging of Myocardial Reperfusion Injury Using Leukocyte-Targeted Contrast Echocardiography

Background— We hypothesized that myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) with leukocyte-targeted microbubbles could temporally and spatially characterize the severity of postischemic myocardial inflammation. Methods and Results— In 9 open-chest dogs, either the left anterior descending or left circumflex coronary artery was occluded for 90 minutes (n=6), while the remaining dogs served as non-ischemic controls. During occlusion, MCE was performed to determine the risk area (RA) and regions supplied by collateral flow. Myocardial inflammation was assessed 5, 60, and 120 minutes after reflow by MCE imaging of leukocyte-targeted (phosphatidylserine-containing) lipid microbubbles. The spatial extent and severity of inflammation were also assessed by radionuclide imaging of the neutrophil-avid tracer 99mTcRP517 and tissue myeloperoxidase activity. Early after reflow, MCE detected inflammation throughout the entire risk area, the extent of which decreased over time due to reduced signal in collateral-supplie...
Six3 is required for ependymal cell maturation

Ependymal cells are part of the neurogenic niche in the adult subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, where they regulate neurogenesis and neuroblast migration. Ependymal cells are generated from radial glia cells during embryonic brain development and acquire their final characteristics postnatally. The homeobox gene Six3 is expressed in ependymal cells during the formation of the lateral wall of the lateral ventricles in the brain. Here, we show that Six3 is necessary for ependymal cell maturation during postnatal stages of brain development. In its absence, ependymal cells fail to suppress radial glia characteristics, resulting in a defective lateral wall, abnormal neuroblast migration and differentiation, and hydrocephaly.
Single-cell immunosensors for protein detection

A single-cell detector is described that combines the natural signal amplification of whole-cell biosensors with the flexibility and specificity of immunological recognition. An immune cell that expresses receptors for the constant region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is loaded with a Ca(2+)-indicating dye and with antibodies directed against the protein of interest. Introduction of a multivalent protein antigen causes cross-linking of the receptors, which results in a detectable increase in the concentration of cytosolic Ca(2+). Some immune cell lines respond to stimulation with oscillations in their cytosolic Ca(2+) levels that complicate their use as detectors. The human monocytic cell line U-937, when treated with the cytokine interferon-gamma, produces a large, short-lived Ca(2+) signal in response to cross-linking of its high-affinity IgG receptors. U-937 was therefore chosen for development as an immunity-based detector. Human and rabbit antibodies are found to effectively stimulate the cell, causing a prompt and transient response. The cell is able to respond to repeated stimulation, though the response diminishes during rapid stimulation. Ovalbumin can be detected in micromolar concentrations. Possible fundamental constraints on the size of a detectable analyte are discussed.
The MINOS experiment

Abstract The MINOS Experiment, a long-baseline neutrino oscillation search, is nearing completion of its far detector in the Soudan mine. The construction of the neutrino beam (the NuMI project) is progressing well.
The Domestic and Foreign Wool Manufactures and the Tariff Problem

I. Conditions on the Continent, 103. — In Great Britain: technical advance, 106. — Overhead charges, 113. — Labor conditions, 114. — II. American experience: overexpansion of productive capacity and increase in disadvantageous lines, 118. — Conditions of technical equipment, 120. — Wage conditions, 126. — Standardization of products, 128. — Industrial organization, 129. — Possible improvement in competitive strength of American industry: through technical advance, 130. — Through control of wages, 133. — Through increased standardization, 134. — Conclusion, 135.
Medications prescribed to asthmatic children: an historical cohort study comparing clinical practice with NIH recommendations

Purpose — NIH guidelines recommend maintenance treatment of persistent moderate or severe childhood asthma with preventive anti-inflammatory medication (inhaled corticosteroids, cromolyn or nedocromil). The objective was to determine if the NIH guidelines for the treatment of childhood asthma were implemented by examining the prevalence of prescribing preventive medication. Methods — This was a non-concurrent cohort study of 311 children (aged 2 to 19 years) who were treated for asthma between January and December 1994 by nine Medicaid managed care plans in the northeastern USA. Results — Preventive medications were prescribed at least once to 61.1% of the children with moderate or severe asthma and to 27.1% of the children with mild asthma. Logistic regression analyses indicated prescribing preventive medication was associated with moderate or severe asthma (aOR 5.34, 95% CI 3.22 – 8.83) and age 5 to 19 years (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.19 – 3.72). Prescribing preventive medication was also associated with a prior emergency department visit (aOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24 – 4.16), after adjusting for age. Conclusions — Prescribing preventive medications is related to sentinel clinical events and the NIH recommendations are not routinely implemented for all children with moderate or severe asthma during this study period. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
R70-2 Nested Stack Automata

A nested stack automaton is a generalization of the pushdown automaton. Basically, the nested stack automaton consists of an input tape, a finite control, and a single pushdown list. However, the nested stack automaton can access symbols in the interior of the stack in a read-only mode and create new stacks nested (to arbitrary depths) within the main stack, subject to the restriction that the stack head may not move up a stack without first having destroyed all stacks created at that level. The importance of the model is that the class of languages accepted is precisely the indexed languages. The indexed languages have most of the properties of the context- free languages, i.e., derivation trees, recursiveness, decidable emptiness problem, closed under concatenation, Kleene closure, homomorphisms, inverse homomorphisms, and intersection with regular sets. Furthermore, the indexed grammars are capable of exhibiting syntactic features in algorithmic programming languages not representable by context-free grammars.
Birth weight and other perinatal factors and childhood CNS tumors: a case-control study in California.

Aims We conducted a large registry-based study in California to investigate the association of perinatal factors and childhood CNS tumors, with analysis by tumor subtype.
670C CHOOSING A SENIOR ELECTIVE PROGRAM FOR A CAREER IN PEDIATRICS

An elective curriculum for the fourth medical school year is common today. For students who have made a career decision, the purpose is to prepare for the residency program, develop particular skills, or enhance their career choice. The role of personality, learning styles, and faculty models has been studied, but the effectiveness of an advisory program has not. Pediatric electives completed by NUMS students were analyzed for the three years 1978-1981 to determine the courses selected, and the impact of our advisory program. 48 students took 92 pediatric clerkships. We counselled against “mini-residencies” advising instead broader preparation in related areas of Pediatrics. In 1978, 9 students took 3 or more clerkships; 2 in 1979, and 1 in 1980. The pediatric house staff were surveyed to learn their suggestions for senior year electives; 40% responded. PL-1 preferred Card., Infec. Dis.; PL-2, Neuro., Derm., Child Dev.; PL-3, Allergy, Derm., Ambulatory, Child Dev., Medicine, ENT, & Eye rotations. Suggestions appeared to reflect the needs of their training year. No one recommended research activities. Faculty advising was successful in broadening student clerkship choices. Residents predominantly advised selecting clerkships to prepare for the residency rather than complementing career decisions.
Towards network triangle inequality violation aware distributed systems

Many distributed systems rely on neighbor selection mechanisms to create overlay structures that have good network performance. These neighbor selection mechanisms often assume the triangle inequality holds for Internet delays. However, the reality is that the triangle inequality is violated by Internet delays. This phenomenon creates astrange environment that confuses neighbor selection mechanisms. This paper investigates the properties of triangle inequality violation (TIV) in Internet delays, the impacts of TIV on representative neighbor selection mechanisms, specifically Vivaldi and Meridian, and avenues to reduce these impacts. We propose a TIV alert mechanism that can inform neighbor selection mechanisms to avoid the pitfalls caused by TIVs and improve their effectiveness.
A review of inner ear fate maps and cell lineage studies.

A renewed interest in the development of the inner ear has provided more data on the fate and cell lineage relationships of the tissues making up this complex structure. The inner ear develops from a simple ectodermal thickening of the head called the otic placode, which undergoes a great deal of growth and differentiation to form a multichambered nonsensory epithelium that houses the six to nine sensory organs of the inner ear. Despite a large number of studies examining otic development, there have been surprisingly few fate maps generated. The published fate maps encompass four species and range from preotic to otocyst stages. Although some of these studies were consistent with a compartment and boundary model, other studies reveal extensive cell mixing during development. Cell lineage studies have been done in fewer species. At the single cell level the resulting clones in both chicks and frogs appear somewhat restricted in terms of distribution. We conclude that up until late placode stages there are no clear lineage restriction boundaries, meaning that cells seem to mix extensively at these early stages. At late placode stages, when the otic cup has formed, there are at least two boundaries located dorsally in the forming otocyst but none ventrally. These conclusions are consistent with all the fate maps and reconciles the chick and frog data. These results suggest that genes involved in patterning the inner ear may have dynamic and complex expression patterns.
Journey to the Center of the Centrosome

Little is understood about how the centrosome, a complex organelle and signaling hub consisting of hundreds of components, is assembled. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Conduit et al. (2014) shed light on this issue, showing that modification and recruitment of Centrosomin to the centrosome center creates a dynamic pericentriolar matrix.
Prey selection and annual harvest of game in a rural Zambian community

Summary The selection and hunting patterns of Valley Bisa hunters were studied as part of a broader ecological investigation of human communities between the two sections of the Luangwa Valley Game Reserves in Zambia. This article provides information on the frequency and duration of hunts recorded for 1 year, yields of individual hunters, prey selection, frequency of kill, community meat supplies and the effect of human and carnivore predation on population levels on a study area of some 155 km2. Individuals who hunted were classified into four categories–resident, transient, occasional, and official, dependent upon their role in the community, length of time spent on the study area and their village of primary residence. The most frequent hunters were residents followed in rank order by officials, transients and occasionals. Hunts were of shorter duration during the dry season, when game was close to villages, than during the wet season. Generally hunters who owned or had access to modern weapons were more successful in their pursuits of game than were those who used muzzle-loading guns. A total of 27 451 kg of meat (carcass yield) was made available to 466 local residents during the course of the year; 40% of this was attributed to the activities of the game guards. Valley Bisa hunters killed primarily buffalo, impala, warthogs, and waterbuck; most of these were males and adults. The kills recorded for carnivores suggest that they took primarily female buffalo and zebra. There was no evidence to suggest that either type of predation was damaging to the game herds on the study area.
Job stress and locus of control in teachers: comparisons between samples from the United States and Zimbabwe

This study examines the relationship between educators’ locus of control and job stress using samples from the US and Zimbabwe. Multiple regression analyses are used to identify significant relationships in the US sample between teachers’ external locus of control and the severity of the job stress that they experience, coupled with the perceived degree of organisational support received. However, this relationship between the locus of control and stress indices could not be identified for the Zimbabwean sample. Significant differences between the two samples were noted in terms of educators’ perceptions of the frequency of poor organisational support, with the Zimbabwean teachers reporting greater dissatisfaction. To explain these differences, a qualitative approach was utilised to illuminate the contextual stressors that educators face in Zimbabwe. The implications for teacher preparation measures are discussed.
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy temperature measurements in a hydrogen-fueled supersonic combustor

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) thermometry has been used to obtain static temperature cross sections in a three-dimensional supersonic combustor flowfield. Data were obtained in three spanwise planes downstream of a single normal fuel injector which was located downstream of a rearward-facing step. The freestream flow was nominally Mach 2 and was combustion heated to a total temperature of 1440 K (yielding a static temperature of about 800 K in the freestream) to simulate the inflow to a combustor operating at a flight Mach number of about 5.4. Since a broadband probe laser was used an instantaneous temperature sample was obtained with each laser shot at a repetition rate of 10 Hz. Thus root-mean-square (rms) temperatures and temperature probability density functions (pdf's) were obtained in addition to mean temperatures.
Political violence in Ecuador and the AVC

Abstract Since its return in 1979 Ecuador's civilian constitutional government has been marred by continuous political violence. The newest and most dangerous challenge to regime stability has surfaced over the past few years in the domestic terrorist organization, the iAlfaro Vive, Carajo! (AVC). Beginning as a small, student‐led subversive group in 1983, the AVC now appears in coordination with the neighboring Colombian M‐19 and Peruvian Sendero Luminoso guerrillas and in cooperation with regional narcotraficantes. Determined government efforts, supported by the United States, have failed decisively to uproot and destroy the AVC.
Stem cells: biologics for regeneration

Degenerative diseases are a growing epidemic. Pharmacotherapy aimed at treating the root cause of these diseases, namely, progressive cell destruction and irreversible loss of tissue function, is largely lacking. The disease burden creates an ever-growing need for the development of effective therapies that can repair underlying pathobiology and restore native cellular architecture and organ function. Regenerative pharmacology offers a new frontier for medical therapy. Research and development of stem cell–based biologics aims to establish progenitor cells as effective and safe drugs for achieving structural and functional therapeutic repair in practice. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 5, 620–623 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.146
Hypoplasia of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss: initial observations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the length and width of the bony canal of the cochlear nerve in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who have “normal” findings at thin-section computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively evaluated the length and width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve in two groups of patients. The first group was composed of 33 patients with profound SNHL and no demonstrable abnormality at thin-section CT. The control group was composed of 50 patients who underwent temporal bone CT for causes unrelated to SNHL. The mean value ± SD was calculated for both cohorts. Statistical analysis consisted of the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test with the npar1way program. RESULTS: The length and width of the bony canal for the cochlear nerve were significantly smaller in patients with SNHL than in the control group (P < .05) CONCLUSION: The hypoplastic bony canal for the cochlear nerve in patients with SNHL may be indicative o...
User-Selectable Barrier, Sacrificial Anode, and Active Corrosion Inhibiting Properties of Al-Co-Ce Alloys for Coating Applications

Abstract An Al-Co-Ce alloy system has been developed with three important protection abilities when deployed as a metal coating over high-strength aerospace alloys such as AA2024-T351 (UNS A92024). These alloy coatings can serve as a local corrosion barrier with tunable anodic properties, act as a sacrificial anode (i.e., its open-circuit potential [OCP] is ca. 20 mV to 300 mV below that of AA2024-T351), and supply soluble ions that function as corrosion inhibitors. These three functions are not mutually exclusive. However, optimization of each may not be achieved in the same way. The Al-Co-Ce alloy system has demonstrated an excellent inherent resistance to corrosion due to its structural amorphicity and chemical composition, with electrochemical tunability based on solid solution Co and Ce composition. For example, the pitting potential (Epit) is more noble than the Epit of AA2024-T351 under acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions with pitting and repassivation potentials optimized by Co content. The gal...
Functional outcomes and quality of life in Patients with brain tumors : A preliminary report

Abstract Huang ME, Wartella JE, Kreutzer JS. Functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with brain tumors: a preliminary report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:1540-6. Objectives: To determine the relationship between functional outcome and quality of life (QOL) in patients with brain tumors receiving inpatient rehabilitation, and to assess the sensitivity of 4 assessment tools in measuring changes in that population. Design: Prospective study using longitudinal data collected from consecutively admitted patients. Setting: Acute inpatient rehabilitation unit. Participants: Ten patients with primary brain tumors admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit. Interventions: Patients participated in an inpatient interdisciplinary rehabilitation program that used the following disciplines: occupational therapy, rehabilitation therapy, recreational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation nursing and case management. Main Outcome Measures: The FIM™ instrument, Disability Rating Scale (DRS), Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Brain (FACT-BR). Results: Improvement in total functional outcome was indicated by all 3 functional measures (FIM: F=46.84, p p p Conclusion: Although patients make functional gains during and after inpatient rehabilitation, gains in QOL are not significant until 1 month postdischarge. QOL does not appear to correlate well with functional outcomes. Further, the KPS is less sensitive than the FIM and DRS in detecting change in functional status. © 2001 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Stripping the CLC-ec1 Dimerization Interface: An Investigation into the Role of Van Der Waals Interactions in Membrane Protein Assembly

What drives membrane proteins to fold and oligomerize in lipid bilayers? One possibility is that protein-protein interactions stabilize the assembled state. In membrane proteins, interfaces are typically lined by non-polar residues offering weak van der Waals interactions (VDW), yet a large network of these might confer strong stability. To investigate the role of side-chain VDW interactions on the free energy of membrane protein complex formation, we have made a library of mutations on the dimerization interface of the CLC-ec1 Cl-/H+ antiporter - a model system that we have developed to measure equilibrium dimerization in lipid bilayers. The interface is comprised of four alpha-helices lined by non-polar residues: I - F219, I220, I223, I227; H - L194, I197, I198, I201; P - L406, I409, I410, L413; Q - I422A, L423A, I426A, I430A, I434A. We systematically mutated each helix surface to alanine (all-ALA), stripping the interface of its VDW interactions. In all cases the protein expresses, is stable and upon reconstitution in membranes, shows Cl- transport activity comparable to wild-type CLC-ec1. We ran gel-filtration chromatography over the course of one week to screen the stoichiometry of the protein in detergent. All-ALA helix I, P & Q are stable dimers, however all-ALA helix H showed shifts to monomer directly after purification. Furthermore, single-mutant L194A was sufficient to shift the protein to a monomer-dimer mixture. Because helix H interacts with helix P, and all-ALA helix P is still dimeric, these results suggest that dimer stability cannot be explained by VDW interactions alone, at least in detergent. We are currently measuring the change in free energy of CLC-ec1 dimerization with these subtractive mutations to quantify the role of VDW interactions in membrane protein assembly.
An Evaluation of Redd Counts as a Measure of Bull Trout Population Size and Trend

Abstract The use of redd counts to monitor abundance and trend of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus has been clouded by uncertainties concerning measurement error, life history variation, and correspondence of redd counts to adult population size. We compared census redd counts with population estimates of mature females for a migratory fluvial population of bull trout (primarily ≥ 300 mm fork length) and for a population of small (<200 mm), likely resident, bull trout. We also compared the measurement error of the experienced surveyors who conducted the redd counts to that of a group of inexperienced surveyors. Although the regression of redd counts on adult females for the migratory population was statistically significant, a large proportion of the variation in the relationship was unexplained (r 2 = 0.47). Despite that variation, redd counts accurately reflected a greater than 50% decline in the population over 10 years; however, 5-year trends in redd counts could be misleading. Power analysis paramet...
Developing an empirical typology for regular exercise

Background. Tailored interventions require the identification of distinct homogenous subgroups that will benefit from different intervention materials. One way to identify such subgroups is to use cluster analysis to identify an empirical typology. Methods. A sample of 346 adults completed surveys through a telephone interview that included questions related to participating in regular exercise. The three variables used in the cluster analysis were the Pros of Exercise, the Cons of Exercise, and Exercise Self-Efficacy. Results. Six resulting clusters were labeled Disengaged, Immotive, Relapse Risk, Early Action, Maintainers, and Habituated. A series of analyses tested the internal and external validity of the typology. The internal validity test revealed that four of the clusters demonstrated high stability and replicability, while the Relapse Risk and Early Action clusters were less stable. Differences among clusters on self-reported exercise behavior and a strong association with stage of change for regular exercise provided external validity evidence of the typology. Conclusions. The resulting typology reflects a range of motivational patterns that are likely to be responsive to different types of messages and strategies regarding adoption and maintenance of regular exercise. The typology also generates a number of hypotheses about the identified clusters that can be empirically tested in further studies.
Normalization and Improvement of CNS Deficits in Mice With Hurler Syndrome After Long-term Peripheral Delivery of BBB-targeted Iduronidase

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a progressive lysosomal storage disorder with systemic and central nervous system (CNS) involvement due to deficiency of α-l-iduronidase (IDUA). We previously identified a receptor-binding peptide from apolipoprotein E (e) that facilitated a widespread delivery of IDUAe fusion protein into CNS. In this study, we evaluated the long-term CNS biodistribution, dose-correlation, and therapeutic benefits of IDUAe after systemic, sustained delivery via hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-mediated gene therapy with expression restricted to erythroid/megakaryocyte lineages. Compared to the highest dosage group treated by nontargeted control IDUAc (165 U/ml), physiological levels of IDUAe in the circulation (12 U/ml) led to better CNS benefits in MPS I mice as demonstrated in glycosaminoglycan accumulation, histopathology analysis, and neurological behavior. Long-term brain metabolic correction and normalization of exploratory behavior deficits in MPS I mice were observed by peripheral enzyme therapy with physiological levels of IDUAe derived from clinically attainable levels of HSC transduction efficiency (0.1). Importantly, these levels of IDUAe proved to be more beneficial on correction of cerebrum pathology and behavioral deficits in MPS I mice than wild-type HSCs fully engrafted in MPS I chimeras. These results provide compelling evidence for CNS efficacy of IDUAe and its prospective translation to clinical application.