cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cefazolin as surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis in hysterectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ObjectiveCurrent practice guidelines recommend cefazolin, cefoxitin, cefotetan, or ampicillin-sulbactam as first-line antibiotic prophylaxis in hysterectomy. We undertook this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether cefazolin, with limited antianaerobic spectrum, is as effective in preventing surgical site-infection (SSI) as the other first-choice antimicrobials that have more extensive antianaerobic activity.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) in any language up to January 23, 2018. We only included trials that measured SSI (our primary outcome) defined as superficial, deep, or organ space. We excluded trials of β-lactams no longer in clinical use.ResultsIn terms of SSI incidence, cefazolin use was not inferior to its comparator in 12 of 13 individual RCTs included in the analysis. The meta-analysis summary estimate showed a significantly higher SSI risk with cefazolin versus cefoxitin or cefotetan (risk ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.04–2.77; P = .03). However, most studies included nonstandardized dosing and duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis, had indeterminate or high risk of bias, did not include patients with gynecological malignancies, and/or were older RCTs not reflective of current clinical practices.ConclusionDue to inherent limitations associated with old RCTs with limited relevance to contemporary surgery, an RCT of cefazolin versus regimens with significant antianaerobic spectrum is needed to establish the optimal choice for SSI prevention in hysterectomy.
Anticipating the future in a violent field: an extension of Lasswell’s policy sciences

ABSTRACTHow does Lasswell’s vision of the policy sciences apply in a violent policy field? How does it interface with the social movements emerging in civil society to demand redress, many of which...
Optimization of sortase A ligation for flexible engineering of complex protein systems.

Engineering and bioconjugation of proteins is a critically valuable tool that can facilitate a wide range of biophysical and structural studies. The ability to orthogonally tag or label a domain within a multidomain protein may be complicated by undesirable side reactions to noninvolved domains. Furthermore, the advantages of segmental (or domain-specific) isotopic labeling for NMR, or deuteration for neutron scattering or diffraction, can be realized by an efficient ligation procedure. Common methods—expressed protein ligation, protein trans-splicing, and native chemical ligation—each have specific limitations. Here, we evaluated the use of different variants of Staphylococcus aureus sortase A for a range of ligation reactions and demonstrate that conditions can readily be optimized to yield high efficiency (i.e. completeness of ligation), ease of purification, and functionality in detergents. These properties may enable joining of single domains into multidomain proteins, lipidation to mimic posttranslational modifications, and formation of cyclic proteins to aid in the development of nanodisc membrane mimetics. We anticipate that the method for ligating separate domains into a single functional multidomain protein reported here may enable many applications in structural biology.
Examining Change in Family Conflict and Family Violence After Release From Prison

This study examines changes in family conflict and violence among a sample of adult men after release from prison. Using longitudinal panel data on 1,282 men in the Serious and Violent Offender Ree...
Atrial and ventricular tissue electrophysiology

Abstract Atrial and ventricular heart tissue is composed of contractile cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes), blood vessels, autonomic nerves, and connective tissues (Fig. 4.1). Several mechanisms have been hypothesized to underline sex differences in cardiac electrophysiology, including differences in cardiac ion channel expression levels and function; differences in autonomic tone and its alteration induced by sex hormones; and differences in three-dimensional architecture including heart size and cell-to-cell coupling. Clinically observable differences may stem from alterations in one or more of these factors. Sex differences in ion channel expression and hormonal effects are covered in other chapters of this book. Here, we offer a brief introduction to the structure and electrophysiology of atrial and ventricular tissue and then discuss some examples of sex-related differences reported in the literature. Specifically, sex-based differences related to the autonomic nervous system, sinoatrial node function, excitation–contraction coupling, action potential duration, extracellular matrix structure, and cardiac tissue remodeling will be discussed.
Role of the chiral anomaly in polarized deeply inelastic scattering: Finding the triangle graph inside the box diagram in Bjorken and Regge asymptotics

We revisit the role of the chiral ``triangle'' anomaly in deeply inelastic scattering of electrons off polarized protons employing a powerful worldline formalism. We demonstrate how the triangle anomaly appears at high energies in the deeply inelastic scattering box diagram for the polarized proton structure function ${g}_{1}({x}_{B},{Q}^{2})$ in both the Bjorken limit of large ${Q}^{2}$ and in the Regge limit of small ${x}_{B}$. We show that the operator product expansion is not required to extract the anomaly in either asymptotics though it is sufficient in the Bjorken limit. Likewise, the infrared pole in the anomaly arises in both limits. The leading contribution to ${g}_{1}$, in both Bjorken and Regge asymptotics, is therefore given by the expectation value of the topological charge density, generalizing a result previously argued by Jaffe and Manohar to hold for the first moment of ${g}_{1}$. In follow-up work, we will show how our results motivate the derivation of a helicity-dependent effective action incorporating the physics of the anomaly at small ${x}_{B}$ and shall discuss the QCD evolution of ${g}_{1}({x}_{B},{Q}^{2})$ in this framework.
VOICE AND SWALLOWING OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING SURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF COMPLEX AIRWAY PROBLEMS

Objective Children with congenital or acquired airway conditions involving the supraglottic, glottic, and/or subglottic airway require complex airway management. Tracheotomy with later surgical intervention for reconstruction and expansion of the airway is often necessary. The effect of the necessary surgeries to improve airway patency may also impact upon the laryngeal functions of phonation and airway protection during swallowing. The purpose of the present project was to analyze diagnosis, surgical intervention, and laryngeal findings in a cohort of patients undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of 46 patients was completed. Type of airway lesion, surgical approach and number of airway surgeries, past and present history of feeding/swallowing dysfunction, past and present laryngeal findings, and voice outcomes were tabulated. Results The most common diagnosis in the patient cohort was prematurity and/or prolonged intubation resulting in subglottic stenosis. Co-existing morbidities present in the majority of patients including developmental delay, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and congenital syndromes. The majority of patients had undergone >2 airway surgeries. Common post-operative laryngeal findings associated with swallowing dysfunction included restricted vocal fold mobility, lateralized vocal folds, and supraglottic scarring. Voice outcomes revealed moderate to severe dysphonias secondary to variable sources of laryngeal vibration for voicing. Patients who did not display swallowing dysfunction following airway reconstruction were noted to demonstrate greater supraglottic compression for voicing. Conclusions Laryngeal closure for adequate airway protection requires supraglottic compression. Continued research is needed to delineate the relationship between aspects of laryngeal reconstruction and resulting long term voice and swallowing outcomes.
Effects of Water Temperature, Inoculum Concentration and Age, and Sanitizers on Infection of Ceratocystis fimbriata, Causal Agent of Black Rot in Sweetpotato

Black rot, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, is a devastating postharvest disease of sweetpotato that recently re-emerged in 2014. Although the disease is known to develop in storage and during exp...
‘Without an Aadhaar card nothing could be done’: a mixed methods study of biometric identification and birth registration for children in Varanasi, India

Research on the global growth of digital identification programs has been largely silent on the implications for children and on birth registration. We conducted a mixed methods study with children...
An Integrated Vegetated Treatment System for Mitigating Imidacloprid and Permethrin in Agricultural Irrigation Runoff

Pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides control an array of insect pests in leafy greens, but there are concerns about the off-site movement and potential water quality impacts of these chemicals. Effective on-farm management practices can eliminate aquatic toxicity and pesticides in runoff. This project evaluated an integrated vegetated treatment system (VTS), including the use of polyacrylamide (PAM), for minimizing the toxicity of imidacloprid and permethrin pesticides in runoff. The VTS incorporated a sediment trap to remove coarse particles, a grass-lined ditch with compost swales to remove suspended sediment and insecticides, and granulated activated carbon (GAC) or biochar to remove residual insecticides. Runoff was sampled throughout the VTS and analyzed for pesticide concentrations, and aquatic toxicity using the midge Chironomusdilutus and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. In simulated runoff experiments, the VTS reduced suspended sediment load by 88%, and imidacloprid and permethrin load by 97% and 99%, respectively. In runoff events from a conventionally grown lettuce field, suspended sediment load was reduced by 98%, and insecticide load by 99%. Toxicity was significantly reduced in approximately half of the simulated runoff events, and most of the lettuce runoff events. Integrated vegetated treatment systems that include components for treating soluble and hydrophobic pesticides are vital tools for reducing pesticide load and occurrence of pesticide-related toxicity.
Telematic Wearable Music: Remote Ensembles and Inclusive Embodied Education

The author discusses telematic wearable music, recounting the design and evolution of improvised techniques and approaches in a remotely taught course offered to undergraduates. This new contribution to interactive interfaces for remote ensembles is musically motivated and inclusive for non-specialists who apply musical instincts they discover through participation. Students are introduced to wearable ”Internet of Things” (IoT) computing, synthesis, and sound design, with the goal of developing rich, movement responsive, individually and/or collectively playable wearable instruments. The course facilitates practice-situated investigation of accessible, agile, and inexpensive modes of distributed creativity in musical interaction through experiential inquiry and tinkering. Telematic wearable music aspires to enact shared, situated spaces and less ocularcentric modes of learning through embodied sonic telepresence, emphasizing and enhancing embodied participation in synchronous remote learning.
Containerized framework for building control performance comparisons: model predictive control vs deep reinforcement learning control

While both model predictive control (MPC) and deep reinforcement learning control (DRL) have shown significant energy cost savings for building systems, there is a lack of in-depth quantitative study on the comparison between the two. One major obstacle is the lack of a holistic evaluation environment for the building community and the control community to integrate their expertise in studying both model-based and learning-based control methods. To address this challenge, this paper presents a scalable containerized software framework for building control performance comparisons, with a special focus on enabling both optimal model-based control and deep learning-based control. The framework provides a standardized building environment for the control community to benchmark different advanced control strategies, and a flexible software architecture for the building community to standardize their own customized building environments. A preliminary performance comparison of MPC and DRL on a single zone building is performed in the case study. Both MPC and DRL can outperform the rule-based baseline controllers in terms of reducing energy cost and maintaining thermal discomfort. DRL can outperform MPC after a long training time with a predefined reward policy.
A Review of An Eight Peak Index of Mass Spectra of Compounds of Forensic Interest

This index consists of 3687 eight-peak abbreviated spectra from 2787 compounds, which may be encountered during mass spectral analysis of forensic science samples. The collection was compiled at the Central Research Establishment, Aldermaston, U.K. with the help of forensic science laboratories worldwide.
AIDS Stochastic Models

To model the HIV epidemic, there are four different approaches: The deterministic models, the stochastic models, the statistical models, and the state space models. The last three models treat the HIV epidemic as random processes. This article presents a systematic review of these random processes. It illustrates how to develop stochastic models and statistical models of the HIV epidemic and how to combine these models into state space models. Using a homosexual population as an example, it illustrates how to develop stochastic equations for the state variables and how to use the state space models to develop a generalized Bayesian method to estimate the unknown parameters and the state variables. The methodology is illustrated by using the AIDS incidence data of the San Francisco homosexual population. Keywords: backcalculation; chain multinomial model; generalized Bayesian method; HIV incubation; HIV infection; state space model; stochastic equation; stochastic transmission model
A model-based method for evaluating embedded system performance by abstraction of execution traces

This paper describes a model-based method to evaluate performance of embedded systems. The core technology of this modeling method is reverse modeling based on dynamic analysis of the existing systems. A case study of real MFPs (multifunction peripherals/printers) is presented in this paper to evaluate the modeling method.
Preferred site for initiation of RNA transcription by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase within the simian virus 40 DNA segment of the nondefective adenovirus-simian virus 40 hybrid viruses Ad2 + ND 1 and Ad2 + ND 3 .

The DNA of simian virus 40 (SV40) was transcribed into RNA by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase at 18 to 24 C after synchronization of the initiation of RNA synthesis. After a brief synthetic period the RNA product contained relatively large amounts of sequences derived from a limited segment of SV40 DNA. The source for this pulse-labeled RNA was found to be a portion of the segment of SV40 DNA included within the nondefective adenovirus (Ad)-SV40 hybrid viruses, Ad2(+)ND(1) and Ad2(+)ND(3). After synthesis with [gamma-(32)P] ATP, Ad2(+)ND(1) and Ad2(+)ND(3) DNA transcripts contained an initial sequence missing from Ad2 transcripts. This sequence was identified as an initiation sequence for polymerase transcription of the SV40 DNA. Thus, there is a preferred site for initiation of in vitro transcription on the segment of SV40 DNA common to the nondefective Ad2(+)ND(1) and Ad2(+)ND(3) hybrid viruses.
Legal Aim, Discretion, and Social Control

* * * This study attempts to ascertain how the legal a i m of rehabilitation are applied, as well as their social control consequences for a group of offenders sentenced under the Federal Youth Corrections Act (FYCA) of 1950. Discriminant function analyses were conducted on a random sample of 452 persons selected f o r a “special” FYCA rehabilitative disposition and 758 persons accorded a regular punitive disposition, to determine 1) the factors that influence the judge's choice between these two outcomes; and 2) if persons sentenced under the special rehabilitative provision spend more or less time incarcerated, relative to those given a regular disposition Our analyses indicate that age is the single discriminator of much significance in determining whether an offender is given a FYCA or regular disposition, with younger persons more likely to receive rehabilitative treatment. Little support was found for the contention that greater intrusiveness of social control inevitably results from adoption of a rehabilitative form of social control as opposed to a regular punitive disposition. The implications of these findings for the application and consequences of the FYCA are discussed.
Business-structured client/server: an architecture for distributed applications

The drive towards 'downsizing' from centralized, mainframe systems to distributed systems is based on the expectation of lower costs and greater flexibility from using cheaper MIPS and workstations. The result, however, is a much more complex network of distributed systems, running with a variety of operating systems, database managers, transaction processors, and applications.The author will show that, by using current application design techniques, the cost of deploying and maintaining applications will be higher than ever before and will more than consume whatever benefits may be realized. Application time-to-market, consistency, and flexibility will not improve. A company's Information Systems (I/S) will still be the crucial gating factor in a company's ability to remain competitive.The author will show a specific client/server structuring of the applications (not just the computing infrastructure) that can be the key factor in keeping down the cost of developing distributed applications. This structuring will follow both business process structuring at the highest level and distributed system structuring at the lowest level.
A Global Green New Deal: Rethinking the Economic Recovery

List of figures List of tables List of boxes Author's preface Acknowledgements Foreword Part I. Why a Global Green New Deal?: 1. Introduction: opportunity from crisis Part II. The Key Components of a Global Green New Deal: 2. Reducing carbon dependency 3. Reducing ecological scarcity 4. Challenges facing developing economies 5. National priorities for a global green new deal Part III. The Role of the International Community: 6. Promoting global governance 7. Facilitating access to finance 8. Enhancing trade incentives 9. Conclusion: international priorities for a global green new deal Part IV. Towards a Greener World Economy: 10. Summary of recommendations 11. Will a global green new deal succeed? 12. Beyond a green economic recovery Appendices Glossary.
Bioenergetics and kinetics of microtubule and actin filament assembly-disassembly.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the bioenergetics and kinetics of microtubule and actin filament assembly–disassembly. The chapter focuses on an important property of actin filaments and microtubules: their utilization of the free energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis. To interpret the function of nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis, a number of other properties are considered that include the structural and kinetic polarity of the filaments; their interaction at the ends with specific components; and the action of forces on the filaments. The important boundary conditions, such as forces acting in various ways on the filaments and the effect of materials that interact at the ends of filaments, are discussed in the chapter. The chapter also focuses on the biological implications of these properties in terms of capacity to do work, regulate length, and regulate spatial distribution.
Variation in anthropoid vertebral formulae: Implications for homology and homoplasy in hominoid evolution

Variation in vertebral formulae within and among hominoid species has complicated our understanding of hominoid vertebral evolution. Here, variation is quantified using diversity and similarity indices derived from population genetics. These indices allow for testing models of hominoid vertebral evolution that call for disparate amounts of homoplasy, and by inference, different patterns of evolution. Results are interpreted in light of "short-backed" (J Exp Zool (Mol Dev Evol) 302B:241-267) and "long-backed" (J Exp Zool (Mol Dev Evol) 314B:123-134) ancestries proposed in different models of hominin vertebral evolution. Under the long-back model, we should expect reduced variation in vertebral formulae associated with adaptively driven homoplasy (independently and repeatedly reduced lumbar regions) and the relatively strong directional selection presumably associated with it, especially in closely related taxa that diverged relatively recently (e.g., Pan troglodytes and Pan paniscus). Instead, high amounts of intraspecific variation are observed among all hominoids except humans and eastern gorillas, taxa that have likely experienced strong stabilizing selection on vertebral formulae associated with locomotor and habitat specializations. Furthermore, analyses of interspecific similarity support an evolutionary scenario in which the vertebral formulae observed in western gorillas and chimpanzees represent a reasonable approximation of the ancestral condition for great apes and humans, from which eastern gorillas, humans, and bonobos derived their unique vertebral profiles. Therefore, these results support the short-back model and are compatible with a scenario of homology of reduced lumbar regions in hominoid primates. Fossil hominin vertebral columns are discussed and shown to support, rather than contradict, the short-back model.
Visualization of ankle tendons and ligaments with MR imaging: influence of passive positioning.

PURPOSE To determine if passive positioning of the ankle influences the MR imaging appearance of ankle tendons and ligaments. METHODS A positioning device was used during imaging of 10 volunteers. Axial and coronal T1-weighted images were acquired in six positions of the ankle, and the appearance of the tendons and lateral ligaments was subjectively evaluated. RESULTS The peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), anterior tibialis (AT), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendons were best visualized in 20 degrees of plantarflexion and 20 degrees of inversion (p < 0.0001). The anterior talofibular (ATF) and calcaneofibular (CF) ligaments were best seen in 20 degrees of plantarflexion (p < 0.0001). Ten degrees of dorsiflexion was the least useful imaging plane for all of the aforementioned structures. CONCLUSION When there is clinical concern regarding pathology of a specific structure about the ankle, passive positioning may allow optimal evaluation.
Transformation of potato with cucumber peroxidase: expression and disease response

Abstract Peroxidase is thought to be important in a variety of plant defence responses against pathogens. Potato was transformed with a cucumber anionic peroxidase under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter, which is highly expressed in potato tuber tissue. This particular peroxidase is associated with the induced resistance response in cucumber. High levels of transgenic peroxidase activity were expressed in tuber tissue. However, the increase in peroxidase activity had no effect on disease caused by Fusarium sambucinum, Erwinia carotovora , or Phytophthora infestans. Levels of soluble phenolics and polyphenol oxidase in the transgenic tubers were unaffected, while the amount of lignin declined slightly.
Visually Comparing Weather Features in Forecasts

Meteorologists process and analyze weather forecasts using visualization in order to examine the behaviors of and relationships among weather features. In this design study conducted with meteorologists in decision support roles, we identified and attempted to address two significant common challenges in weather visualization: the employment of inconsistent and often ineffective visual encoding practices across a wide range of visualizations, and a lack of support for directly visualizing how different weather features relate across an ensemble of possible forecast outcomes. In this work, we present a characterization of the problems and data associated with meteorological forecasting, we propose a set of informed default encoding choices that integrate existing meteorological conventions with effective visualization practice, and we extend a set of techniques as an initial step toward directly visualizing the interactions of multiple features over an ensemble forecast. We discuss the integration of these contributions into a functional prototype tool, and also reflect on the many practical challenges that arise when working with weather data.
Impacts of fisheries bycatch on marine turtle populations worldwide: toward conservation and research priorities

Fisheries bycatch is considered the most serious threat globally to long-lived marine megafauna (e.g., mammals, birds, turtles, elasmobranchs). However, bycatch assessments to date have not evaluated population-level bycatch impacts across fishing gears. Here, we provide the first global, multi-gear evaluation of population-level fisheries bycatch impacts for marine turtles. To compare bycatch impacts of multiple gears within and among marine turtle populations (or regional management units, RMUs), we compiled more than 1,800 records from over 230 sources of reported marine turtle bycatch in longline, net, and trawl fisheries worldwide that were published between 1990–2011. The highest bycatch rates and levels of observed effort for each gear category occurred in the East Pacific, Northwest and Southwest Atlantic, and Mediterranean regions, which were also the regions of highest data availability. Overall, available data were dominated by longline records (nearly 60% of all records), and were non-uniforml...
Laser photolysis of caged calcium: rates of calcium release by nitrophenyl-EGTA and DM-nitrophen

Nitrophenyl-EGTA and DM-nitrophen are Ca2+ cages that release Ca2+ when cleaved upon illumination with near-ultraviolet light. Laser photolysis of nitrophenyl-EGTA produced transient intermediates that decayed biexponentially with rates of 500,000 s-1 and 100,000 s-1 in the presence of saturating Ca2+ and 290,000 s-1 and 68,000 s-1 in the absence of Ca2+ at pH 7.2 and 25 degrees C. Laser photolysis of nitrophenyl-EGTA in the presence of Ca2+ and the Ca2+ indicator Ca-orange-5N produced a monotonic increase in the indicator fluorescence, which had a rate of 68,000 s-1 at pH 7.2 and 25 degrees C. Irradiation of DM-nitrophen produced similar results with somewhat slower kinetics. The transient intermediates decayed with rates of 80,000 s-1 and 11,000 s-1 in the presence of Ca2+ and 59,000 s-1 and 3,600 s-1 in the absence of Ca2+ at pH 7.2 and 25 degrees C. The rate of increase in Ca(2+)-indicator fluorescence produced upon photolysis of the DM-nitrophen: Ca2+ complex was 38,000 s-1 at pH 7.2 and 25 degrees C. In contrast, pulses in Ca2+ concentration were generated when the chelator concentrations were more than the total Ca2+ concentration. Photoreleased Ca2+ concentration stabilized under these circumstances to a steady state within 1–2 ms.
Effect of Substrate Misonrentation on Ordering in Ga0.5In0.5P

Ordering produced in Ga0.5ln0.5P epitaxial layers grown by OMVPE can be controlled by variations in the substrate misorientation as well as the growth temperature and the growth rate. The ordering produced at a growth temperature of 620°C and a relatively low growth rate of 0.5 μm/hr is found to depend strongly on both the direction and angle of substrate misorientation. Transmission electron microscope images and transmission electron diffraction (TED) patterns as well as electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) and photoluminescence (PL) has been studied for misorientation angles of 0, 3, 6, and 9° from (001) toward the (111)B, (111)A, and [010] directions in the lattice. Misorientation in the (111)B direction (to produce [110] steps) increases ordering for angles of up to approximately 4°. Increasing the misorientation angle in the (111)A direction actually leads to a decrease in the degree of order observed. Misorientation in the [010] direction also decreases the degree of order, although the effect is much less than observed for misorientation in the (111)A direction. The most highly ordered material produced under these growth conditions is for a misorientation angle of 3° in the (111)A direction. Increasing the growth temperature to 720°C produces completely disordered material. This wide variation in ordering behavior has allowed the growth of an order/disorder heterostructure for a substrate misorientation of 3° in the (111)A direction. The heterostructure consists of a Ga0.52In0.48P layer grown at 740°C followed by an ordered layer grown at 620°C. The x-ray diffraction results show that both layers are precisely lattice-matched to the GaAs substrate. TED patterns show that the first layer is completely disordered and the top layer is highly ordered, with only a single variant. EFM images of the order/disorder heterostructure show a pronounced contrast at the interface, attributed to the large difference in the nature of the surface states in the ordered and disordered materials. The 10 K PL spectrum consists of two sharp and distinct peaks at 1.995 and 1.830 eV from the disordered and ordered materials, respectively. The peak separation represents the largest energy difference between ordered and disordered materials reported to date. Such heterostructures may be useful for photonic devices.
Effects of naltrexone on mood and neuroendocrine function in normal adult males

Abstract (1) A significant increase in integrated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels occurred following oral administration of 50 mg of naltrexone to seven healthy adult males who had no past history of opiate use or abuse. (2) All subjects were able to identify naltrexone from placebo in a double-blind study. (3) All subjects reported that naltrexone produced dysphoric effects including fatigue, sleepiness, light-headedness, nausea, sweating and occasional feelings of unreality. (4) Three subjects reported recurrent spontaneous penile erections following naltrexone administration. (5) No dysphoric side effects or penile erections occurred following placebo administration. (6) These findings indicate that naltrexone affects both mood states and sexual function in adult males who have no history of opiate abuse and suggests that these effects may be mediated by hypothalamic and pituitary mechanisms which also subserve LH secretory activity.
Validation of video motion-detection scoring of forced swim test in mice

Abstract Background The forced swim test (FST) is used to predict the effectiveness of novel antidepressant treatments. In this test, a mouse or rat is placed in a beaker of water for several minutes, and the amount of time spent passively floating is measured; antidepressants reduce the amount of such immobility. Though the FST is commonly used, manually scoring the test is time-consuming and involves considerable subjectivity. New method We developed a simple MATLAB-based motion-detection method to quantify mice's activity in videos of FST. FST trials are video-recorded from a side view. Each pixel of the video is compared between subsequent video frames; if the pixel's color difference surpasses a threshold, a motion count is recorded. Results Human-scored immobility time correlates well with total motion detected by the computer ( r = −0.80) and immobility time determined by the computer ( r = 0.83). Our computer method successfully detects group differences in activity between genotypes and different days of testing. Furthermore, we observe heterosis for this behavior, in which (C57BL/6J × A/J) F1 hybrid mice are more active in the FST than the parental strains. Comparison with existing methods This computer-scoring method is much faster and more objective than human scoring. Other automatic scoring methods exist, but they require the purchase of expensive hardware and/or software. Conclusion This computer-scoring method is an effective, fast, and low-cost method of quantifying the FST. It is validated by replicating statistical differences observed in traditional visual scoring. We also demonstrate a case of heterosis in the FST.
Design and assessment of microlenslet-array relay optics

Recent progress in micro-optics fabrication and optical modeling software opens the opportunity to investigate how microlenslet-array-based compact relay systems can be designed and assessed. We present various optical configurations that include an appropriate baffle computation to eliminate ghost images, followed by an analysis of image quality. The investigation shows the existing trade-off between compactness of the system and a tiling effect observed in the corresponding image, an effect we refer to as lensletization. To yield meaningful optical modeling results, we provide insight into ray-tracing optimization while ensuring a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. The results show that, given no discernable lensletization, the most compact configuration to image gray-scale images is the 5f-based system. Finally, simulations of the imaging of gray scale and color bitmaps through microlenslet arrays are demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge.
Avian Radio-transmitter Harness Wear and Failure

Abstract Although investigators have compared radio-transmitter attachment devices and their likelihood of failure before the end of a study, few have directly evaluated the harness materials and fastening methods that are to be shed by a bird after the research period is over. We compared the likelihood of effective detachment after transmitter life of four harness materials (7-mm- and 9-mm-wide polyester ribbon tape and polyester-coated rubber elastic) and three fastening methods (polyester thread, cotton thread, and Gorilla Super Glue™) using dummy transmitters exposed to the elements for >1.5 years. Both polyester ribbon and polyester-coated rubber elastic materials resulted in similar physical wear and remained intact for longer than a typical field seasonal, but fastening harnesses using Gorilla Super Glue™ resulted in the earliest and most consistent harness failure. Polyester ribbon material and glue fastening resulted in the earliest failure; mean failure time for 7-mm- and 9-mm-wide polyester ri...
Probabilistic analysis of manipulation tasks: a conceptual framework

This article addresses the problem of manipulation planning in the presence of uncertainty. We begin by reviewing the worst-case planning techniques introduced by Lozano-Perez et al. (1984) and show that these methods are limited by an information gap inherent to worst-case analysis techniques. As the task uncertainty increases, these methods fail to produce useful information, even though a high-quality plan may exist. To fill this gap, we present the notion of a probabilistic back projection, which describes the likelihood that a given action will achieve the task goal from a given initial state. We provide a constructive definition of the probabilistic backprojection and related probabilistic models of manipulation task mechanics and show how these models unify and enhance several past results in manipulation planning. These models capture the fundamental nature of the task behavior but appear to be very complex. We present the results of laboratory experiments, comprising over 100,000 grasping trials,...
Cotton responses to ultraviolet-B radiation: experimentation and algorithm development

The potential impact of an increase in solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation due to human activity on higher plants has been the subject of many studies. Little work has been carried out so far on cotton responses to enhanced UV-B radiation. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the current and projected increases in UV-B levels affect cotton growth and development, and to quantify and develop UV-B radiation functional algorithms that can be used in simulation models. Two experiments were conducted during the summer of 2001 using sunlit plant growth chambers in a wide range of UV-B radiations under optimal growing conditions. Leaves exposed to UV-B radiation developed chlorotic and necrotic patches depending on the intensity and length of exposure. Along with changes in visible morphology, cotton canopy photosynthesis declined with increased UV-B radiation. The decline in canopy photosynthesis was partly due to loss of photosynthetic pigments and UV-B-induced decay of leaf-level photosynthetic efficiency (maximum photosynthesis) and capacity (quantum yield) as the leaves aged. The total leaf area was less due to smaller leaves and fewer leaves per plant. Less plant height was closely related to a shorter average internode length rather than a fewer mainstem nodes. The UV-B did not affect cotton major developmental events such as time taken to square, time to flower, and leaf addition rates on the mainstem. Lower biomass was closely related to both smaller leaf area and lower photosynthesis. The critical limit, defined as 90% of optimum or the control, for stem elongation was lower (8.7 kJ m −2 per day UV-B) than the critical limit for leaf expansion (11.2 kJ m −2 per day UV-B), indicating that stem elongation was more sensitive to UV-B than leaf expansion. The critical limits for canopy photosynthesis and total dry weight were 7 and 7.3 kJ m −2 per day, respectively. The identified UV-B-specific indices for stem and leaf growth and photosynthesis parameters may be incorporated into cotton simulation models such as GOSSYM
Memory processes in the identification of pitch

A study in pitch identification with three interstimulus intervals is reported. Ss received a pretest, three drills, and a posttest. Results include: (a) superior performance on stimuli requiring only a simple discrimination judgment, (b) inferior performance at longer interstimulus intervals, (c) a greater tendency to repeat correct rather than incorrect responses to adjacent tones at the same pitch level, and (d) a modest, but reliable, improvement in pitch identification accuracy from the pre- to the posttest. Relevance of the results for an interpretation of pitch identification as dependent on memory processes is discussed.
Interpreting rodent clinical laboratory data in safety assessment studies: Biological and analytical components of variation☆

Evaluation of the biological and toxicological significance of clinical laboratory results obtained in safety assessment studies requires an understanding of factors unrelated to the treatment that may affect test results. Since the magnitude of the components of variation is usually unknown, the toxicologic significance of small, but statistically significant, differences between control and treatment group results can be difficult to assess. Over a 12-week period, components of variation were determined for a wide range of hematologic and clinical biochemical assays in clinically normal Sprague-Dawley-derived rats. Estimates of variance components and ratios were obtained for each test. While the intra-animal/inter-animal ratios (r ratios) revealed some important tests with a high or low degree of individuality, many hematologic and clinical biochemical tests had r ratios within the 95% confidence interval for equal variances. Analytical variance ratios revealed tests that are sensitive to the effects of experimental error and experimental design. Due to the diversity of the variance component patterns among clinical laboratory tests, complex experimental designs may be required to reduce the effects of analytical and biological variation on the statistical analysis of clinical laboratory data. The results of this study suggest that statistically significant clinical laboratory findings that are not biologically or toxicologically important will be present in many rodent safety assessment studies with a standard design. Overreliance on the result of standard prepackaged statistical analyses for determining the presence of toxicologically significant findings can lead to misinterpretation of clinical laboratory data. Sound medical judgment must be applied to clinical laboratory findings using appropriate statistical analyses as a tool for pattern recognition.
The influence of molluscan taxon on taphofacies development over a broad range of environments of preservation: The SSETI experience

Abstract We utilize information from a suite of molluscan species deployed in a variety of Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico environments of preservation (EOP) by SSETI (Shelf and Slope Experimental Taphonomy Initiative) to examine to what degree interpretation of the taphofacies is influenced by the mix of species presented to the observer. The environment of preservation was the overwhelming determinant of taphonomic state at SSETI sites. Species mix played a subsidiary role. A few consistent trends were observed: for example, Arctica islandica, Strombus luhuanus, Mytilus edulis, and Mercenaria mercenaria tended to be more highly dissolved than others. Mytilus edulis consistently was fragmented more than other species. Otherwise, most species behaved uniquely over a range of EOPs: significant species by EOP interactions were the norm. A taphofacies model is developed to examine further the role of species on the degradational state of the assemblage. Two metrics are described: a taphonomic degradation score describes the overall degradational state of the assemblage from pristine to highly degraded; and a taphonomic signature describes the relative importance of a suite of taphonomic processes. Model simulations show that the impact of species on degradational state is low initially because all shells are in relatively pristine condition shortly after death. The impact is high at intermediate degradational states because factors inherent to the species modulate the time course of taphonomic decay. The impact is low again at highly degraded assemblages, as the taphonomic process brings shell condition to a common denominator of relatively intense degradation regardless of species. Fossil assemblages almost certainly express this continuum in some degree. The consequence is that better preserved assemblages are ones in which species can affect taphofacies character and so similar EOPs may be judged distinctive due to differential dominance by one species or another. Teasing out characteristics that might forewarn the observer in this instance is an important goal. Simulations show that low evenness is an important warning sign.
NF-κB is essential for the progression of KSHV- and EBV-infected lymphomas in vivo

Activated NF-κB is a critical mechanism by which lymphoma cells infected by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV/HHV-4) and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) are protected from apoptotic stress. Selective pharmacologic inhibition of constitutive NF-κB activity induces apoptosis in KSHV- and EBV-infected lymphoma cells. In both tumor types, pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB in vitro induced identical mitochondrially mediated apoptosis cascades. Assessment of gene regulation by microarray analysis revealed that the inhibition of NF-κB in tumor cells results in the down-regulation of a distinct group of prosurvival genes, including cIAP-1, cIAP-2, cFLIP, and IL-6. Using EBV- and KSHV-associated lymphomas in a murine system, we demonstrated that Bay 11-7082, a selective pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-κB, prevents or delays tumor growth and prolongs disease-free survival. Inhibition of NF-κB activity and tumor growth responses were further documented using a traceable reporter KSHV-positive cell line and in vivo imaging. These findings indicate that specific NF-κB-regulated survival factors work cooperatively to protect KSHV- and EBV-infected lymphoma cells from apoptosis such that they promote the establishment and progression of KSHV- and EBV-associated lymphomas in mice. They also support the use of selective NF-κB inhibitors in the treatment of herpesvirus-associated lymphomas.
Antiparasitic alkaloids from Psychotria klugii.

Psychotria klugii yielded two new benzoquinolizidine alkaloids, klugine (1) and 7'-O-demethylisocephaeline (2), together with the previously known cephaeline (3), isocephaeline (4), and 7-O-methylipecoside (5). The structures and stereochemistry of 1 and 2 were determined by 1D and 2D NMR data and circular dichroism experiments. Cephaeline (3) demonstrated potent in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donavani (IC(50) 0.03 microg/mL) and was >20- and >5-fold more potent than pentamidine and amphotericin B, respectively, while klugine (1) (IC(50) 0.40 microg/mL) and isocephaeline (4) (IC(50) 0.45 microg/mL) were 12-fold more toxic than 3 against VERO cells (IC(50) 0.42 vs 5.3 microg/mL). Alkaloids 1 and 3 exhibited potent antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum clones W2 and D6 (IC(50) 27.7-46.3 ng/mL). Compound 3 was cytotoxic to SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, and SK-OV-3 human cancer cells, while 1 was inactive.
Quantitative Detection of Poultry in Cooked Meat Products

turkey) and tissues (serum, gizzard, heart, and liver) was studied by noncompetitive ELISA. The detection of cooked turkey) and tissues (serum, gizzard, heart, and liver) was studied by noncompetitive ELISA. The detection of cooked turkey) and tissues (serum, gizzard, heart, and liver) was studied by noncompetitive ELISA. The detection of cooked turkey) and tissues (serum, gizzard, heart, and liver) was studied by noncompetitive ELISA. The detection of cooked chicken in beef, and turkey in pork was accomplished by competitive and noncompetitive ELISAs. Both ELISAs were chicken in beef, and turkey in pork was accomplished by competitive and noncompetitive ELISAs. Both ELISAs were chicken in beef, and turkey in pork was accomplished by competitive and noncompetitive ELISAs. Both ELISAs were chicken in beef, and turkey in pork was accomplished by competitive and noncompetitive ELISAs. Both ELISAs were chicken in beef, and turkey in pork was accomplished by competitive and noncompetitive ELISAs. Both ELISAs were optimized to quantify cooked poultry in red meats. The new Mab-based ELISAs enabled the detection of cooked optimized to quantify cooked poultry in red meats. The new Mab-based ELISAs enabled the detection of cooked optimized to quantify cooked poultry in red meats. The new Mab-based ELISAs enabled the detection of cooked optimized to quantify cooked poultry in red meats. The new Mab-based ELISAs enabled the detection of cooked optimized to quantify cooked poultry in red meats. The new Mab-based ELISAs enabled the detection of cooked poultr poultr poultr poultr poultry in r y in r y in r y in r y in red meats at lev ed meats at lev ed meats at lev ed meats at lev ed meats at levels as lo els as lo els as lo els as lo els as low as 1% (v/v) or better w as 1% (v/v) or better w as 1% (v/v) or better w as 1% (v/v) or better w as 1% (v/v) or better.
Larval Stages and Settlement of the Barnacle Balanus (Conopea) Galeatus (L.) (Cirripedia Thoracica) 1)

Balanus galeatus durchlauft funf Naupliusstadien vor Erreichung des Cyprisstadiums. Die Cyprislarve siedelt sich entweder an einer lebenden Gorgonarie an, oder auf einem Artgenossen der bereits als Hermaphrodit auf einer Gorgonarie lebt. Larven, die Mannchen werden (complemental male), befestigen sich auf dem Scutum, der Oberflache des Rostrums oder auf den Lateralplatten des hermaphroditischen Adulttieres. Die Naupliusstadien sind charakterisiert durch Setae an den Extremitaten, die Bedornung an den Abdominalanhangen und durch das Vorhandensein von Dornen auf der Dorsalseite des Korpers.