cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Neurosteroid, 3α‐Hydroxy‐5α‐pregnan‐20‐one, Protects against Bicuculline‐Induced Seizures during Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

Prolonged alcohol consumption leads to the development of tolerance to and dependence on ethanol, resulting in a decreased response to the sedative/hypnotic effects of ethanol, and by negative symptomatology following abrupt termination of use. One symptom associated with ethanol withdrawal in humans, as well as laboratory animals, is enhanced susceptibility to seizures. This study investigated the effects of the neurosteroid, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha-5 alpha-THP), on alterations in seizure sensitivity associated with ethanol withdrawal. 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP is a potent anxiolytic and anticonvulsant agent that acts via selective interactions with GABAA receptors. Extensive evidence suggests that some aspects of ethanol dependence and withdrawal are mediated by alterations in GABAA receptor function. Withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure elicited dramatic increases in seizure susceptibility in male and female rats. Administration of 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP just before seizure threshold determinations blocked the increased seizure susceptibility induced by ethanol withdrawal. Ethanol-withdrawn animals were protected by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP at a dose that had no effect on control animal seizure thresholds. Moreover, male and female rats displayed differential responses to the seizure-threshold lowering effects of ethanol withdrawal, as well as the protection by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP pretreatment. These findings suggest that there are gender differences associated both with ethanol withdrawal as well as the protection by 3 alpha-5 alpha-THP in ethanol-dependent rats.
A simple analytical parameterization for the water vapor millimeter wave foreign continuum

Author Institution: NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Department of Applied Physics, Columbia University; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Alabama
PHOTOSYNTHETIC PHOSPHORYLATION: STIMULATION BY PTERIDINES AND A COMPARISON WITH PHOSPHODOXIN.

A number of pteridine derivatives stimulate photosynthetic phosphorylation in spinach chloroplasts. In general, tetrahydro or dihydro compounds are highly active, as is one aromatic, naturally occurring compound, biopterin. The physiological characteristics of this photosynthetic phosphorylation are the same as those described for phosphodoxin. A pteridine-containing fraction from spinach, with the same RF value as phosphodoxin, is also active.
A Research Agenda for Testing SOA-Based Systems

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is a paradigm that organizes and uses distributed capabilities to bring together a technical solution to a business problem. The central concept of SOA revolves around modularized implementations of business logic known as services. SOA is different from traditional systems in that functional requirements are mapped to business process models and are implemented across different networked applications running on heterogeneous technologies and platforms. Services typically do not have user-accessible interfaces; instead, other applications invoke them programmatically in a message-based manner. One large barrier to the widespread adoption of SOA-based systems is testing. The common misconception for testing SOA-based systems is that it is little different than testing non-SOA systems. Therefore, when migrating existing systems to SOA or creating new SOA-based systems, project managers often pay much less attention to the testing process of these systems. This paper outlines a possible research agenda for testing SOA-based systems, focusing on three main areas: SOA governance, underlying technologies (such as Web services), and applying traditional testing strategies to SOA-based systems.
THOR: a display based time sharing system

THOR is a time sharing system for the PDP-1 computer with the capacity to run twenty user programs. The system has twenty-eight user consoles, twelve of which are combination keyboard and cathode ray tube display consoles. THOR is designed to capitalize on the display's ability to present large quantities of information quickly and to mitigate the fact that hard copy is not available at display consoles. The other sixteen consoles are Model 33 teletypes with the attendant slow presentation of information and the availability of hard copy. Because there are more consoles than user programs available, a user program may use more than one console.
The effect of extracorporeal photopheresis alone or in combination therapy on circulating CD4(+) Foxp3(+) CD25(-) T cells in patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) alone or in combination therapy is effective for treatment of leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (L-CTCL), but its mechanism(s) of action remain unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of ECP on regulatory T cells and CD8(+) T cells in L-CTCL patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Peripheral blood from 18 L-CTCL patients at baseline, Day 2, 1 month, 3 month, and 6 month post-ECP therapy was analyzed by flow cytometry for CD4(+) CD25(+/high) , CD4(+) Foxp3(+) CD25(+/-) , CD3(+) CD8(+) , CD3(+) CD8(+) CD69(+) , and CD3(+) CD8(+) IFN-γ(+) T cells. Clinical responses were assessed and correlated with changes in these T-cell subsets. RESULTS Twelve of 18 patients achieved clinical responses. The average baseline number of CD4(+) CD25(+/high) T cells of PBMCs in L-CTCL patients was normal (2.2%), but increased at 6-month post-therapy (4.3%, P < 0.01). The average baseline number of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) T cells out of CD4(+) T cells in nine evaluable patients was high (66.8 ± 13.7%), mostly CD25 negative. The levels of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) T cells in responders were higher (n = 6, 93.1 ± 5.7%) than nonresponders (n = 3, 14.2 ± 16.0%, P < 0.01), and they declined in parallel with malignant T cells. The numbers of CD3(+) CD8(+) CD69(+) and CD3(+) CD8(+) IFN-γ(+) T cells increased at 3-month post-therapy in five of six patients studied. CONCLUSIONS Extracorporeal photopheresis alone or in combination therapy might be effective in L-CTCL patients whose malignant T cells have a CD4(+) Foxp3(+) CD25(-) phenotype.
Is there a role for induction androgen deprivation prior to radical prostatectomy

The potential advantages of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation include decreased prostatic size, reduced vasculature, and reduced incidence of positive margins. The potential disadvantages are the side effects of hormonal medication, cost, tissue reaction, treatment "delay," and progression of androgen-independent clones. Many theories have been postulated to explain the observed reduction in the incidence of positive margins with neoadjuvant hormonal treatment. It is possible that the reduced prostate size and the frequently found periprostatic tissue reaction facilitate dissection, allowing better cancer clearance. It is possible, however, that the fibrosis may also increase the surgical difficulty, which critics argue may increase the risk of a positive margin. It is difficult to conceive of a research methodology that could resolve this issue. The occurrence of tumor cell death is likely a more significant explanation for the improved results. Whether tumor cells beyond the prostatic capsule are consistently affected to pathologically downstage the disease is unknown. The careful pathologic assessment in the randomized trials discussed previously suggests that pathologic downstaging is not as common as earlier reports have suggested. Difficulty in interpreting pathologic specimens after neoadjuvant treatment must be considered. At this point, neoadjuvant hormonal treatment prior to surgery would appear appropriate for those patients at high risk of having a positive surgical margin. Specifically, this includes clinical stage T2b, PSA elevation greater than 10 to 20 ng/mL, and a high Gleason score on the prostatic biopsy. Research to date suggests that neoadjuvant hormonal therapy prior to radical prostatectomy has a significant effect in reducing the incidence of positive surgical margins. The treatment is well tolerated with minimal side effects. Whether this will translate into improved disease-free survival remains to be determined. Fortunately, the randomized trials have been completed and follow-up data will be forthcoming.
Core competency review: Aortic stenosis and noncardiac surgery

Aortic stenosis (AS) poses a risk of adverse cardiac events for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Perioperative mortality for patients with severe AS is as high as 14%. This review examines the accuracy of the history and physical examination in detecting AS and, subsequently, in assessing severity. The utility of echocardiography is addressed, and the relevant pathophysiology of AS is summarized. We also summarize what is known about perioperative risk for patients with AS. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
Increased Cholesterol Deposition, Expression of Scavenger Receptors, and Response to Chemotactic Factors in Abca1-Deficient Macrophages

Objective— Studies in bone marrow transplanted from ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)–deficient mice into normal mice provides direct evidence that the absence of leukocyte ABCA1 exerts a marked proatherogenic effect independent of changes in plasma lipids, suggesting that ABCA1 plays a key role in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and function of macrophages. Therefore, we examined whether the absence of ABCA1 affects the morphology, properties, and functional activities of macrophages that could be related to the development of atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— We conducted a series of experiments in macrophages isolated from Abca1-deficient and wild-type mice and compared several of their properties that are thought to be related to the development of atherosclerosis. Macrophages isolated from Abca1-deficient mice have an increase in cholesterol content, expression of scavenger receptors, and secretion of chemokines, growth factors, and cytokines, resulting in an increased ability to respond to a variety of chemotactic factors. Conclusion— Our studies indicate that the absence of ABCA1 leads to significant changes in the morphology, properties, and functional activities of macrophages. These changes, together with the proinflammatory condition present in ABCA1-deficient mice and increased reactivity of macrophages to chemotactic factors, play a key role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
Understanding the Consequences of Municipal Discretion

In this study of municipalities over 25,000 in population in 49 U.S. states, the author tests whether municipal discretion makes a difference in terms of municipal fiscal performance. The author finds that municipalities located in states that grant more municipal discretion levy less property tax per capita, receive less state aid per capita, and levy less total taxes per capita. However, there is not a statistical correlation between the scope of municipal discretion and total outstanding debt, expenditures per capita, and employees per 1,000 in population. The results demonstrate that public officials in empowered municipalities do not abuse their authority by imposing unwarranted property, sales, income, and business taxes, and calls into question the notion that municipal officials in empowered states are more likely to become spendthrifts than are municipal officials in less empowered states. The author posits that officials in empowered municipalities may experience the perfect storm unless they use their expanded powers to improve the financial health of the municipality; enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of municipal public services/programs; and partner with their cohorts across geo-political boundaries to ensure the well-being of all citizens.
Phylogenetic synthesis of morphological and molecular data reveals new insights into the higher-level classification of Tipuloidea (Diptera)

Tipuloidea, the crane flies, are a diverse lineage of true flies (Insecta: Diptera) whose phylogenetic classification and taxonomy remain a challenge. Here we present the results of a quantitative phylogenetic analysis of Tipuloidea based on combined morphological characters (adult, larvae and pupae) and nuclear gene sequence data (28S rDNA and CAD). Forty-five species, from 44 genera and subgenera, were sampled, representing the four putative families of Tipuloidea (Cylindrotomidae, Limoniidae, Pediciidae and Tipulidae sensu stricto). Analyses of individual datasets, although differing in overall topology, support the monophyly of several major lineages within Tipuloidea. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses using individual morphological and molecular datasets resulted in incongruent topologies. Increased resolution and tree support was obtained when both datasets (morphology and genes) were combined, in both combined evidence parsimony and Bayesian analyses, than when analysed separately. The recovered consensus phylogeny was not consistent with any previously proposed Tipuloidea classification, with previous importance assigned to character states shown here to represent losses and reversals seen as a major factor influencing erroneous classification. The results provided here, together with evidence from previous analyses, were used to append the Tipuloidea classification to supported evolutionary lineages. Tipuloidea is presented as two families: Pediciidae and Tipulidae. Pediciidae is recovered as the sister group to all remaining Tipuloidea. Our current phylogenetic hypothesis is not consistent with the existing subfamilial classification of the ‘Limoniidae’, which is paraphyletic with respect to a well-supported Tipulinae + Cylindrotominae clade, whereas the three ‘limoniid’ subfamilies are para- or polyphyletic. The recognition of ‘Limoniidae’ as a valid monophyletic family is discouraged and the subfamilies of ‘Limoniidae’ are amended and placed within Tipulidae. A revised phylogenetic classification is proposed for the crane flies based on a synthesis of evidence from multiple genes and morphology.
The College Role in Diminishing the Digital Divide Gender Gap: Assessment of Male vs. Female Computer Access and Use

This research was conducted to produce a Communication Area Network (CAN) system that can effectively send messages using an Arduino with a CAN shield and to determine characteristic robustness. CAN systems are the most prominent form of communication between microcontrollers and devices primarily within vehicles. The CAN system itself was analyzed to determine the system’s robustness and weaknesses, along with proving that a twisted-paired wire is much more effective than a non-twisted pair. A relay was used to control the CAN messages to determine CAN practical usability. An Electro-magnetic Field radiation meter was used to determine the ambient electromagnetic field intensity at which the signal of both the twisted paired wire and the non-twisted paired wire distorted.
A MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE EFFECT OF RESATURATION ON NET PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN THE LICHEN, PARMELIA PRAESIGNIS NYL.

Summary Resaturation respiration occurs in Parmelia praesignis Nyl., although it is not strongly developed as in other lichens. Less than 2 h was required for full recovery of photosynthetic ability after having been dry for at least 5 weeks. After three daily, 4 h soaking periods the time for recovery was reduced to 11 min. The resaturation phenomenon is mathematically described for the first time as a negative exponential from which parameters can be derived for maximal net photosynthetic rate, maximal velocity and the velocity at the half-time for recovery. Net photosynthetic rate was independent of the period of drought. The velocity at the half-time for recovery increased by 81% after one soaking period and by 990% after two.
Combustion of Ethylene and Propane in Scramjet Engines; Numerical Study

The supersonic combustion flow field of two hydrocarbon fuels, ethylene and propane, is studied numerically. Both configurations have the feature of the existence of a generic rearward-facing step in the upper longitudinal wall. Sonic pilot ethylene and propane are injected at the step base parallel to the incoming supersonic air. The main ethylene and propane are injected from the upper wall normal to the incoming air with sonic speeds. The wedge, located downstream of the rearward-facing step in the ethylene case study, showed a good potential towards enhancing the fuel-air mixing in addition to helping initiating and stabilizing the main flame. Sweeping the step from both end sides, in the propane case study, enhances the fuel-air mixing in the far field domain. The 3-D version of Fluent CFD code is used in the present study. The results show typical features of such flow field. The current work is a step towards an ongoing research work aiming at examining the combustion characteristics of a variety of hydrocarbon fuels. The motivation for this is to study the feasibility of using both pure hydrocarbon fuels and mixtures of hydrogen and hydrocarbons in engines for Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Student Member AIAA. Eminent Professor/Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Associate Fellow AIAA. Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology Dept., Member ASME. the mid-speed range of the hypersonic flight.
A Fully Integrated Architecture for Fast and Accurate Programming of Floating Gates Over Six Decades of Current

This paper presents an on-chip system with digital serial peripheral interface (SPI) interface that enables accurate programming of floating gate arrays at a high speed. The main component allowing this speedup is a floating point current measuring analog-to-digital convertor (ADC). The ADC comprises a wide range logarithmic transimpedance amplifier (TIA) followed by a linear ramp ADC. The TIA operates over seven decades of current going down to sub-pA levels. It incorporates an adaptive biasing scheme to save power. The topology provides a relatively temperature independent measurement of the floating-gate voltage. The TIA-ADC combination operates over six decades at a thermal noise limited accuracy of 9.5 bits when average conversion time is around 500 μs. The system features level-shifters and selection circuitry at the periphery of the floating gate array, current-steering digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to set gate and drain voltages, and SPI for a microprocessor or field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Algorithms using either pulse-width modulation or drain voltage modulation can be implemented on this platform. We present data for this system from 0.5 μm AMI and 0.35 μ m TSMC processes.
Embryo as epiphenomenon: some cultural, social and economic forces driving the stem cell debate

Our human embryonic stem cell debates are not simply about good or bad ethical arguments. The fetus and the embryo have instead become symbols for a larger set of value conflicts occasioned by social and cultural changes. Beneath our stem cell debates lie conflicts between those who would privilege scientific progress and individual choice and others who favour the sanctity of family life and traditional family roles. Also at work, on both the national and international levels, is the use of the embryo by newly emergent social groups to express resentment against cultural elites. The organisational needs of religious groups have also played a role, with the issue of protection of the embryo and fetus serving as a useful means of rallying organisational allegiance in the Roman Catholic and evangelical communities. Because the epiphenomenal moral positions on the status and use of the embryo are driven by the powerful social, cultural or economic forces beneath them, they will most likely change only with shifts in the underlying forces that sustain them.
Viscoelastic properties of poly(styrene-co-vinylphosphonate) ionomers

Viscoelastic properties of neat and glycerol plasticized poly(styrene-co-diethyl vinylphosphonate) ionomers were investigated. Nanophase separation of a polar phase occurred due to hydrogen bonding or ionic interactions in the acid derivatives and the metal salts, respectively. Metalephosphonate ionedipole interactions were much stronger and more temperature persistent than the hydrogen bonding in the phosphonic acid derivatives, which were manifested by a much broader rubbery region in their viscoelastic behavior. The phosphonate interactions were thermally stable up to >250 � C, and the physically crosslinked network produced suppressed viscous flow of the ionomers to very high temperatures. Timeetemperature superposition was not applicable for the SVP ionomers even at an ion content as low as 2.4 mol%. The addition of a polar plasticizer, e.g., glycerol, preferentially solvated the ionic associations and diminished the extent of the rubbery plateau of the ionomer and substantially decreased the terminal relaxation time. 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Increasing mortality during the expansions of the US economy, 1900–1996

NOTE: "Economia y mortalidad en las ciencias sociales," formerly available as part of this item, is now at http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/56219
DISLOCATIONS PRODUCED BY INDENTATION DEFORMATION OF HPVE GaN FILMS

Vickers hardness tests on {0001} and (1120) faces of a relatively thick GaN film grown on a (0001) sapphire substrate have been performed in the temperature range 25-1200 °C. The microstructure of the plastic zone around the indentation sites has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At room temperature, the hardness was measured to be 12.3 GPa on the basal plane, and 11.1 GPa on the prism plane. The hardness decreases gradually with increasing temperature up to ~800°C and then shows a plateau between ~800 and ~1050°C after which it decreases again above ~1100°C. In contrast to the rather straight dislocations produced by room-temperature indentation of the (0001) face, the dislocations generated by indenting the (1120) face at room temperature were curved and in the shape of half-loops emanating from the indentation sites on the prism planes. Such dislocations were not dissociated within the resolution of weak-beam TEM.
"How Incredibly Awesome!"- Click Here to Read More

We investigate the impact of a discussion snippet’s overall sentiment on a user’s willingness to read more of a discussion. Using sentiment analysis, we constructed positive, neutral, and negative discussion snippets using the discussion topic and a sample comment from discussions taking place around content on an enterprise social networking site. We computed personalized snippet recommendations for a subset of users and conducted a survey to test how these recommendations were perceived. Our experimental results show that snippets with high sentiments are better discussion “teasers.”
A Bayesian network classifier with inverse tree structure for voxelwise magnetic resonance image analysis

We propose a Bayesian-network classifier with inverse-tree structure (BNCIT) for joint classification and variable selection. The problem domain of voxelwise magnetic-resonance image analysis often involves millions of variables but only dozens of samples. Judicious variable selection may render classification tractable, avoid over-fitting, and improve classifier performance. BNCIT embeds the variable-selection process within the classifier-training process, which makes this algorithm scalable. BNCIT is based on a Bayesian-network model with inverse-tree structure, i.e., the class variable C is a leaf node, and predictive variables are parents of C; thus, the classifier-training process returns a parent set for C, which is a subset of the Markov blanket of C. BNCIT uses voxels in the parent set, and voxels that are probabilistically equivalent to them, as variables for classification of new image data. Since the data set has a limited number of samples, we use the jackknife method to determine whether the classifier generated by BNCIT is a statistical artifact. In order to enhance stability and improve classification accuracy, we model the state of the probabilistically equivalent voxels with a latent variable. We employ an efficient method for determining states of hidden variables, thus reducing dramatically the computational cost of model generation. Experimental results confirm the accuracy and efficiency of BNCIT.
Distinct Uncoiling Mechanisms of Human Nuclear and Mitochondrial Type IB Topoisomerases

Mitochondria and nuclei contain their own DNA and thus require topoisomerases for DNA metabolism. In vertebrates, the nuclear and mitochondrial topoisomerases IB are encoded by different genes. Although nuclear (nTop1) and mitochondrial (Top1mt) topoisomerases IB share a high degree of sequence similarity in their core domains, they are not transferable between the two organelles. To understand the mechanisms underlying this functional difference, we investigated the DNA relaxation activities of nTop1 and Top1mt using an in-vitro single molecule assay, and compared them to a N-terminal deletion mutant of nTop1 (Top68). Top68 provides insight into the functional significance of the N-terminal domain, which is largely missing in Top1mt. We characterized the topoisomerase catalytic steps by measuring uncoiling rate (turn/s), number of relaxed supercoils (uncoiling step-size), and time duration between nicking and resealing (religation time) as a function of the torque (twist) on the DNA. By adopting a periodic energy landscape model to characterize the differences among enzymes and using torque to probe uncoiling and religation, we find that Top1mt exhibits strong torque dependence as its uncoiling rate and average uncoiling step-size increase with increasing torque. On the other hand, the uncoiling rate and step-size of nTop1 are relatively insensitive to torque. The uncoiling rate and to a lesser extent the step-size of Top68 depends on torque, indicating a role of the N-terminal domain in DNA relaxation. These results demonstrate that protein domains distal to the DNA binding pocket and cleavage active site participate in the relaxation process including DNA rotation and religation.
Habitat partitioning among five species of darters (Percidae: Etheostoma)

An analysis of habitat partitioning among five species of darters (Etheostoma blennioides, E. caeruleum, E. spectabile, E. tetrazonum and E. zonale) suggests that differential use of vegetation types is of primary importance in the microhabitat separation of these species. Substrate size, depth and current appear to separate only one species consistently. A comparison of data from localities where all species were collected with localities where a one of the five species was absent suggests some degree of habitat displacement.
Hearing is believing: Detecting mobile primary user emulation attack in white space

In cognitive radio networks, an adversary transmits signals whose characteristics emulate those of primary users, in order to prevent secondary users from transmitting. Such an attack is called primary user emulation (PUE) attack. There are two main types of primary users in white space: TV towers and wireless microphones. Existing work on PUE attack detection focused on the first category. However, for the latter category, primary users are mobile and their transmission power is low. These unique properties of wireless microphones introduce great challenges and existing methods are not applicable. In this paper, we propose a novel method to detect the PUE attack of mobile primary users. We exploit the correlations between RF signals and acoustic information to verify the existence of wireless microphones. The effectiveness of our approach is validated through extensive real-world experiments. It shows that our method achieves both false positive rate and false negative rate lower than 0.1.
MECHANISMS UNDERLYING BINDING OF IMMUNE COMPLEXES TO MACROPHAGES

The mechanism of binding of immune complexes to macrophages was investigated using purified antibody and haptens of different valences. Antibody alone bound to macrophages; enhancement of binding occurred when polyvalent and divalent haptens were present at equivalence but did not occur in great antigen excess. Monovalent hapten did not increase the binding of antibody at any concentration ratio tried, though it inhibited the enhancement due to oligovalent hapten. Ultracentrifuged normal rabbit globulin also inhibited the binding of complexes indicating the presence of exposed binding sites on the uncomplexed molecules. Complexes bound more strongly than antibody alone as determined from elution studies. These results support the hypothesis that the enhancement of antibody binding to macrophages in the presence of antigen is due to increased energy of binding resulting from summation of individual binding sites already exposed on the antibody molecules. It was also possible, by saturating the macrophages with gamma globulin, to estimate the number of binding sites per cell; this was calculated to be approximately 2 million per alveolar macrophage.
Reproductive biology of two Coelioxys cleptoparasites in relation to their Megachile hosts (Hymenoptera : Megachilidae)

We report the results of an 8-yr trap nesting study on the reproductive behavior of two cleptoparasite bees, Coelioxys funeraria Smith and Coelioxys moesta Cresson. This study provided a unique opportunity to examine parasite-host adaptation within a species, in which two different size classes of C. funeraria consistently laid eggs in the nests of the two different sized Megachile hosts, M. relativa Cresson and M. inermis Provancher. Additionally, we compared the behavior of C. funeraria to another Coelioxys, C. moesta, which also parasitized the nests of M. relativa. One striking pattern we found was the tight concordance of emergence times between hosts and parasites. The emergence patterns of individual C. funeraria parasitizing M. relativa nests closely matched that of the host, as well as that of C. moesta, which parasitizes the same host. These emergence patterns were significantly different from those of C. funeraria on M. inermis. We also found that Coelioxys and Megachile apportioned male and female offspring in the same parts of the linear nests and at similar times of the season. Female offspring tended to be placed in the innermost cells early in the season and males in outer cells later in the season. Because emergence patterns can severely affect offspring survival in these linear nesting situations, we suggest that the emergence times of males and females have determined the patterns of sex placement in both host and parasites.
Improved Function After Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic, Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) damages the frontal lobes and connecting networks, which impairs executive functions, including the ability to self-regulate. Despite significant disabling effects, there are few treatment options in the chronic phase after injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and potential effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for individuals with chronic, disabling TBI and problems of behavioral and emotional self-regulation. METHODS: This study was an open-label, prospective design with serial assessments of behavioral outcomes and positron emission tomography 2 years after DBS implantation. Four participants 6 to 21 years after severe TBIs from automobile crashes were included. Although alert and volitional, all experienced significant executive impairments, including either impulsivity or reduced initiation. DBS implants were placed bilaterally in the nucleus accumbens and anterior limb of the internal capsule to modulate the prefrontal cortex. RESULTS: The procedure was safe, and all participants had improved functional outcomes. Two years after implantation, 3 met a priori criteria for improvement on the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4. Improvement was due largely to better emotional adjustment, although 1 participant showed marked increases in multiple domains. Significant improvement in a composite score of functional capacity indicated improved independence in self-care and activities of daily living. The pattern of change in cognition corresponded with changes in activation of the prefrontal cortex observed in serial scanning. CONCLUSION: This first study of DBS to this target for severe TBI supports its safety and suggests potential effectiveness to improve function years after injury. The primary impact was on behavioral and emotional adjustment, which in turn improved functional independence. ABBREVIATIONS: DBS, deep brain stimulationIC, internal capsuleMPAI-4, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4NAcc, nucleus accumbensTBI, traumatic brain injury. Language: en
Money, Sociology of

Although many observers think of tokens—and only certain kinds of tokens—as money, sociologists document both the variety of monetary exchanges and their dependence on culturally shaped social interaction. In sociological perspective, a social interaction is monetary to the extent that it transfers rights to goods and services by means of tokens that could also serve transfers of other such rights. Over the twentieth century, economists have dominated studies of money's production and distribution, while sociologists have concentrated on its consumption. An older division between views of money as either facilitating social exchange or corrupting social life has been giving way to more nuanced analyses of interdependencies among changes in monetary media, socially distinctive kinds of transfers, and relevant social relations.
Insomnia in Parkinson’s Disease

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Sleep maintenance insomnia is the most common type of insomnia in this population. The pathophysiology of insomnia is complex and not fully understood. Contributing factors to insomnia in PD include complex medication regimens and comorbidities associated with the disease. A dedicated sleep interview that includes patients’ bed partners or care givers is a necessary diagnostic step in the management of insomnia. Treatment options include non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.
Cognitive Control of Episodic Memory in Schizophrenia: Differential Role of Dorsolateral and Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Background. Dorsal (DLPFC) and ventral (VLPFC) subregions in lateral prefrontal cortex play distinct roles in episodic memory, and both are implicated in schizophrenia. We test the hypothesis that schizophrenia differentially impairs DLPFC versus VLPFC control of episodic encoding. Methods. Cognitive control was manipulated by requiring participants to encode targets and avoid encoding nontargets based upon stimulus properties of test stimuli (i.e., the match or miss-match of the color of the word and a surrounding frame). The more automatic encoding response (target versus nontarget) was predicted to engage VLPFC in both groups. Conversely, having to overcome the prepotent encoding response (nontargets versus targets) was predicted to produce greater DLPFC activation in controls than in patients. Encoding occurred during event-related fMRI in a sample of 21 individuals with schizophrenia and 30 healthy participants. Scanning was followed by recognition testing outside the scanner. Results. Patients were less successful differentially remembering target versus non-target stimuli, and retrieval difficulties correlated with more severe disorganized symptoms. As predicted, the target versus nontarget contrast activated the VLPFC and correlated with retrieval success in both groups. Conversely, the nontarget versus target contrast produced greater DLPFC activation in controls than in patients, and DLPFC activation correlated with performance only in controls. Conclusions. Individuals with schizophrenia can successfully engage the VLPFC to provide control over semantic encoding of individual items, but are specifically impaired at engaging the DLPFC to provide control over rule-guided encoding decisions. This extends previous cognitive control models based on response selection tasks to the memory domain.
Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography in Uveitis: An Intravisit and Interobserver Reproducibility Study

Purpose To determine the intravisit and interobserver reproducibility of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) measurements in patients with noninfectious uveitis. Design Reliability analysis. Methods Two consecutive enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans were obtained at a single clinic visit for 97 uveitic eyes from patients ≥16 years of age with noninfectious anterior (n = 10), intermediate (n = 11), posterior (n = 26), and panuveitis (n = 13) at the National Eye Institute. SFCT was manually measured by 2 ophthalmologists using manufacturer's software. Intravisit and interobserver reproducibility of SFCT measurements were assessed by using the Bland-Altman method to determine the estimate of bias (mean difference in SFCT measurements), 95% limits of agreement, and coefficients of repeatability. The reproducibility of these measurements was also compared between groups by anatomic location and clinical activity. Results Of 97 eyes, 65 (67.0%) were clinically quiet, 18 (18.6%) were minimally active, and 14 (14.4%) were active at the time the scans were obtained. Manual SFCT measurements were reproducible within 32.4 ± 3.8 μm between sessions for the same observer and 51.4 ± 8.5 μm between observers for the same session. Coefficients of repeatability did not differ significantly by anatomic location or disease activity. Conclusions Manual SFCT measurements obtained by EDI-OCT are reproducible in uveitis patients, with coefficients of repeatability that are nearly comparable to those published for normal eyes. This study provides guidance for using manual SFCT measurements in clinical practice, but further studies are still needed to determine their utility in clinical trials.
Live prey enrichment and artificial microdiets for larviculture of Atlantic red porgy Pagrus pagrus

Abstract In the first experiment the effects of rotifer enrichment and feeding frequency on larval performance of red porgy Pagrus pagrus were studied. Larvae (2 days post-hatching = 2 dph) were fed s-type rotifers (∼20 rotifers/mL) enriched with one of the four different treatment media: Rotifer Diet (microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and Tetraselmis chuii ), DHA Protein Selco, Algamac 3000 ( Schizochytrium sp.) and Algamac + ARA (arachidonic acid). Larvae were fed daily at full ration or twice daily at half ration. Larval growth and survival (mean = 22.8%) were satisfactory through 16 dph under all treatments; however, resistance to hyposaline challenge (Survival Activity Index = SAI) was positively correlated ( P Artemia enrichment on larval performance were compared from 18 dph through pre-metamorphosis (33 dph). Larvae were fed Artemia (0.5–3.0/mL) enriched with two different media Algamac 3000 and DC DHA Selco, or unenriched Artemia (control). Both media improved DHA levels in Artemia and growth and survival (36.7–54.6%) of larvae, while larvae fed unenriched Artemia showed poor growth and survival (5.2%). In the third experiment a University of North Carolina Wilmington microbound diet (MBD) and two commercial microdiets (Gemma Micro and Otohime) were evaluated. The MBD contained different protein sources (i.e., menhaden, squid and krill meal, soy protein concentrate) and attractants. Beginning 16 dph, live feeds and microdiets were co-fed to three treatment groups of larvae: (1) Gemma, (2) MBD, and (3) Otohime. Larval performance on the UNCW-MBD was comparable to the commercial microdiets, with no significant differences in larval survival, DHA, or total n-3 PUFA content through 32 dph. Results delineate more effective rearing protocols for larviculture of Atlantic red porgy juveniles.
MINIMALLY-INVASIVE, ALTERNATIVE ACCESS APPROACH TO TAVR UTILIZING THE TRANSINNOMINATE ARTERY

Transfemoral approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been the preferred access for valve introduction and deployment. When iliofemoral anatomy is prohibitive, either due to severe calcification and/or tortuosity, alternative access requires consideration; options include
Glass Transition and Molecular Mobility in Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Modified Asphalt

Asphalt, a soft matter consisting of more than a thousand chemical species, is of vital importance for the transportation infrastructure, yet it poses significant challenges for microscopic theory and modeling approaches due to its multicomponent nature. Polymeric additives can potentially enhance the thermo-mechanical properties of asphalt, thus helping reduce the road repair costs; rational design of such systems requires knowledge of the molecular structure and dynamics of these systems. We have used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the volumetric, structural, and dynamic properties of the neat asphalt as well as styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) modified asphalt systems. The volume–temperature behavior of the asphalt systems exhibited a glass transition phenomenon, akin to that observed in experiments. The glass transition temperature, room temperature density, and coefficient of volume thermal expansion of the neat asphalt systems so evaluated were in agreement with experimental data w...
P-004 solid organ embolization in vivo using a magnetically assisted remote controlled catheter under real-time mri guidance

Purpose Using real-time MRI for solid organ embolization provides physiologic and structural information. Current embolization under x-ray guidance only visualizes the vessels and lacks a quantifiable endpoint, which could be overcome by using MRI. The purpose of this study was to use a magnetically assisted remote controlled (MARC) catheter under real-time endovascular MRI to navigate into the renal arteries, embolize with gadolinium (Gd) impregnated microspheres, and measure the reduction in flow. Method and materials The catheter device was constructed using 4.1Fr custom copper braided catheter (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA) with copper wires in the wall connected to a laser-lithographed saddle coil at the distal tip (Figure 1). The copper wires were connected to an in-room MRI compatible cart via an SFTP cable. A foot pedal actuator was used to deliver ± 450mA to deflect the catheter. In vivo navigation was tested in four farm pigs (40–45 kg). The renal arteries were catheterized under a real-time b-SSFP sequence at 1.5T. Embolization was visualized under a real-time contrast enhanced angiographic sequence. Renal artery blood flow rates were assessed with ECG gated velocity-encoded MR imaging before and after embolization with Gd-impregnated microspheres (100–300 μm). Workflow is diagrammed in Figure 2. Statistical analysis was performed and data were presented as mean ± SD. Results The catheter tip was clearly visible under MRI guidance. Three (75%) out of four renal arteries were successfully catheterized. Overall mean catheterization time was (956 s). The MR signal from the Gd-impregnated spheres was observed under real-time MRI (Figure 3). Flow rate was significantly different (P = 0.025) between pre and post embolization (2.20 ± 0.20 vs. 0.14 ± 0.03 mL/min/kg), accounting for a 94 percent reduction in flow. Conclusion Using a MARC catheter for renal artery catheterization and embolization under real-time MRI is feasible. The MARC catheter system provides a novel opportunity to perform endovascular procedures in interventional MRI environment. Future work will focus on developing more flexible catheters that can be used for head, neck, and brain embolization applications. Disclosures S. Hetts: 1; C; NIH-NIBIB, NIH-NCI, Penumbra, Siemens, Stryker, MicroVention Terumo. 2; C; Stryker, Penumbra, Silk Road Medical, Medina Medical. 4; C; Medina Medical. 5; C; UCSF. A. Losey: None. P. Lillaney: None. D. Cooke: None. B. Thorne: None. J. Yang: None. L. Sze: None. L. Do: None. A. Martin: None. M. Saeed: None. M. Wilson: None.
The Value of Using an E-Text in a Flipped Course

The flipped, or inverted, classroom model of instruction has been an effective pedagogical strategy for over a decade (Baker 2000; Lage et al. in Journal of Economic Education, 31(1), 30–43, 2000; Bergmann and Sams 2011; Wright 2011; Pearson in Education Canada, 52(5), 2012; Butt 2012; Bates and Galloway 2012). Arguably, to promote learning, attention should be given to the design of the online learning resources and in-class learning activities that form the foundation of a flipped classroom. While it is possible to completely rely on existing instructional content for a course, instructors typically develop all or part of the instructional resources and in-class activities. This study investigates an undergraduate course which utilized instructor created instructional materials when adopting a flipped classroom model. Student grades and post-survey data revealed the impact that elements of the course had on learning and motivation. Students found the structure of the class and the instructional materials helpful for learning, and had an overwhelmingly positive experience.
The Niemann–Pick Diseases

Abstract Two distinct metabolic derangements are included under the eponym “Niemann–Pick disease (NPD)”. The first is due to the deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). Patients with this disorder [also referred to as ASM-deficient (ASMD) NPD] are broadly classified as having types A, A/B, and B NPD depending on their degree of neurologic involvement. Type A NPD patients, also known as the infantile neurovisceral form, exhibit hepatosplenomegaly in infancy and profound central nervous system (CNS) involvement. They rarely survive beyond 2–3 years of age. Type B patients, also known as the chronic visceral form, have hepatosplenomegaly and pathologic alterations of their lungs, but there are usually no CNS signs. The age of onset and rate of disease progression varies greatly among type B patients, and many may survive into adulthood. Patients with phenotypes intermediate between types A and B NPD (type A/B), also known as the chronic neurovisceral form, also have been identified. These individuals represent the expected continuum caused by inheriting different mutations in the ASM gene (SMPD1). Patients in the second NPD category are designated as having types C and D NPD. These individuals may have mild hepatosplenomegaly, but the CNS is profoundly affected. Impaired intracellular trafficking of cholesterol causes types C and D NPD, and two distinct gene defects have been found. All type D patients originate from a common Nova Scotian ancestry.
Victorian dreams, modern realities: Forster's classical imagination

He was thinking of the irony of friendship – so strong it is, and so fragile. We fly together, like straws in an eddy, to part in the open stream. Nature has no use for us: she has cut her stuff differently. Dutiful sons, loving husbands, responsible fathers – these are what she wants, and if we are friends it must be in our spare time. Abram and Sarai were sorrowful, yet their seed became as sand of the sea, and distracts the politics of Europe at this moment. But a few verses of poetry is all that survives of David and Jonathan. E. M. Forster, The Longest Journey Forster is often remembered as a modernist who believed in “personal relationships.” An acute social critic with a persistent ironic vision, he nevertheless retained a core belief in the enduring power of intimate ties to mitigate against an increasingly authoritarian and mechanized world. At the same time, passages like this one from The Longest Journey , which express a sense of pathos about the potential for male love to be articulated and realized, blend Forster's faith in small-scale humanity with his most private desire. If the erotics are shepherded in quietly, they effectively transform the passage from an example of youthful sentiment into a depiction of more empathetic, adult desire. Such saturated language about friendship would seem to proceed directly out of Forster's personal fantasies, to function in part as a sexualization of his humanist ideal.
Investigating the use of two low cost eye tracking systems for detecting pupillary response to changes in mental workload

Eye tracking technologies are being utilized at increasing rates within industry and research due to the very recent availability of low cost systems. This paper presents results from a study asses...