cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altering D1 receptor activity in the basolateral amygdala impairs fear suppression during a safety cue.

Abstract Accurate discrimination among cues signifying reward, danger or safety initiates the proper emotional response in order to guide behavior. Appropriate conditioned inhibition of fear in the presence of a safety cue would allow an organism to engage in reward seeking behaviors. There is currently little known about the mechanisms of reward, fear and safety cue discrimination and how a safety cue can inhibit fear and release reward seeking from inhibition. Here we assess reward, fear and safety cue learning together using a behavioral paradigm that has identified neurons that discriminate among these cues in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) (Sangha, Chadick, & Janak, 2013). Dopamine signaling in the BLA has been implicated in discriminatory reward learning, learned fear responses and fear extinction. We tested the hypothesis that D1 receptor activity will influence reward-fear-safety cue discrimination by using the D1 receptor agonist, SKF-3839, and antagonist, SCH-23390, either systemically or within the BLA during discrimination learning in male Long Evans rats. We show that both the agonist and antagonist interfered with fear suppression in the presence of the safety cue, when administered systemically or when infused directly into the BLA. This indicates that altering D1 receptor activity in the basolateral amygdala impairs fear suppression during a safety cue. Neither the agonist or antagonist had a consistent negative impact on discriminatory reward seeking when infused into the BLA. However, systemic administration of the D1 receptor agonist did reduce reward seeking behavior during a task that included fear and safety cues. We did not observe a negative impact on reward seeking during systemic administration of a D1 receptor agonist in a task that only included reward cue + sucrose and nonreward cue + no sucrose pairings. This indicates the impairments we saw with the systemically applied agonist in the safety-fear-reward cue discrimination task were more likely due to effects on fear and/or motivation rather than on cue discrimination. Together, our data indicate that altered dopamine D1 receptor activity in the BLA may be a potential mechanism that leads to the impairment in fear suppression to the safety signal seen with PTSD patients.
Competitive Frames and Accuracy Motivations

Abstract. To examine the psychological mechanisms involved in value framing effects, the present study extends previous research on competitive frames and tests the mediating role of ambivalence in...
Wnt Signaling Networks and Embryonic Patterning

Wnt signaling lies at the heart of metazoan development. The Wnt pathway bifurcates a number of times and regulates cell polarity, migration, adhesion and gene expression. I review the complexity of this network with a focus on the role of SOX proteins in its regulation.
The characteristics of the "peroxidatic" reaction of catalase in ethanol oxidation.

Ethanol oxidation by rat liver catalase (the ‘peroxidatic’ reaction) was studied quantitatively with respect to the rate of H2O2 generation, catalase haem concentration, ethanol concentration and the steady-state concentration of the catalase–H2O2 intermediate (Compound I). At a low ratio of H2O2-generation rate to catalase haem concentration, the rate of ethanol oxidation was independent of the catalase haem concentration. The magnitude of the inhibition of ethanol oxidation by cyanide was not paralleled by the formation of the catalase–cyanide complex and was altered greatly by varying either the ethanol concentration or the ratio of the rate of H2O2 generation to catalase haem concentration. The ethanol concentration producing a half-maximal activity was also dependent on the ratio of the H2O2-generation rate to catalase haem concentration. These phenomena are explained by changes in the proportion of the ‘catalatic’ and ‘peroxidatic’ reactions in the overall H2O2-decomposition reaction. There was a correlation between the proportion of the ‘peroxidatic’ reaction in the overall catalase reaction and the steady-state concentration of the catalase–H2O2 intermediate. Regardless of the concentration of ethanol and the rate of H2O2 generation, a half-saturation of the steady state of the catalase–H2O2 intermediate indicated that about 45% of the H2O2 was being utilized by the ethanol-oxidation reaction. The results reported show that the experimental results in the study on the ‘microsomal ethanol-oxidation system’ may be reinterpreted and the catalase ‘peroxidatic’ reaction provides a quantitative explanation for the activity hitherto attributed to the ‘microsomal ethanol-oxidation system’.
Simulation/gaming: brain-compatible teaching strategy for the improvement of competence

ABSTRACT This paper demonstrates the relationship between research on the brain and the process of simulation/gaming as a teaching strategy. It provides advocates and users of the process with evidence that simulation/gaming facilities learning because it is a brain-compatible teaching strategy. CULTURE CONTACT, PARTICIPATIVE DECISION MAKING, and BUILDING THE FUTURE'S COMMUNITY are examples of games that can be used to demonstrate this relationship.
Waste disposal of candidate structural materials in fusion reactors utilizing different fuel cycles

The management and disposal of the radioactive waste generated in any nuclear system are major safety and environmental concerns for the deployment of such a power source. In this paper the waste disposal rating is compared for four structural materials when used in deuterium-tritium, deuterium-deuterium, and D-{sup 3}He fusion reactors. The materials considered are HT-9, primary candidate alloy (PCA), Tenelon, and a modified HT-9. Generic models for the reactors are assumed such that each produces a fusion power of 10 MW/m of the axial length and has a sufficient shield/blanket to produce identical magnet damage rates. The latter is achieved by varying the material compositions and thicknesses. The results show that using the advanced fuel cycle D-{sup 3}He, with its low neutron yield, alleviates the activation problems and also allows considerable volume reduction of the radioactive waste. This cycle also permits the use of conventional alloys and at the same time satisfies the regulations criteria for shallow land burial of the low-level waste. In addition, and because of the low damage rate in the D-{sup 3}He reactors, the useful lifetimes of the materials are greatly increased.
A Time-Resolved Probing Method: Photoionization

Seel and Domcke were the first to suggest the use of time-resolved photoionization experiments to investigate ultrafast molecular dynamics [1, 2]. Since then experimentalists all over the world have made numerous implementations of time-resolved photoionization experiments, of which this chapter will focus on experiments on neutral molecules in a molecular beam. Since a more rigorous mathematical treatment will be given in Part II, this chapter serves to qualitatively highlight important concepts illustrating the universality of the experimental approach.
A Review of Exoplanets Detection Methods

A brief introduction to the discovery of planets outside the solar system is presented. Statistical challenges in the analysis of noisy Exoplanets data are indicated, with emphasis on NASA’s Kepler mission.
Thermal conductivity of carbon nanotubes grown by catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition in nanopores

Abstract A graphitic structure was synthesized by catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition on an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template using acetylene as the carbon source at a temperature of 620 °C. The AAO template was removed by chemical etching, which yielded a three-dimensional structure featuring planar layers seamlessly joined together by nanotube pillars via continuous carbon-carbon bonding. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the deposited carbon is nanocrystalline graphite with a thickness of about 10 nm. Carbon nanotubes were isolated from the three-dimensional nano-pillar graphitic structure and measured with a thermal four-probe method to obtain the intrinsic thermal conductance. Discrete modulated heating and Fourier transform analysis were used to improve the signal to noise ratio of the thermal measurement of the low-conductance nanostructure. The measured thermal conductivity of the nanotube wall increased with increasing temperature and was 3.9 ± 0.3 Wm−1K−1 at room temperature. Both the temperature dependence and the magnitude are consistent with the nanocrystalline graphitic structure.
Learner Reactions to Activities Exploring Racism as a Social Determinant of Health.

Background and objectives Racism's impact on health has been well documented. Health professional programs are beginning to help learners understand this social determinant of health through curricular integration of education related to racism. Yet educators are hesitant to integrate these concepts into curricula because of lack of expertise or fear associated with learner responses to this potentially sensitive topic. The purpose of this study is to describe the responses of learners to learning sessions on racism as a social determinant of health (SDOH) highlighting structural, personally-mediated, and internalized racism. Methods Two separate groups-a family and community medicine (FCM) residency program (N=23) and a community health leadership program (N=14)-participated in lectures and workshops on internalized, personally-mediated, and structural sources of racism, and tours introducing them to the local community's historical roots of structural racism, including discussions/reflections on racism's impact on health and health care. Mixed-methods evaluation consisted of learner assessments and reflections on the experiences. Results FCM sessions received a positive reception with session averages of 4.15 to 4.75, based on a Likert-type scale (1=did not meet expectations to 5=exceeded expectations). Thematic analysis of community health leadership participant reflections showed thought processing connected to a better understanding of racism. Overall, themes from both programs reflected positive experiences of the sessions. Conclusions Our preliminary study findings suggest that educators who encounter internal or external barriers to integrating racism-related concepts into curricula might find that these concepts are well received. This study lays the groundwork for further research into best practices for integration of curriculum on racism as an SDOH for medical schools, residency programs, and other related educational settings.
Plasma exosomes exacerbate alcohol- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity via CYP2E1 pathway

Cellular CYP2E1 is well-known to mediate alcohol- (ALC) and acetaminophen- (APAP) induced toxicity in hepatic and extra-hepatic cells. Although exosomes have been gaining importance in understanding mechanism of intra- and inter-cellular communication, the functional role of drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in human plasma exosomes are yet to be explored. In our previous study, we reported that human plasma-derived exosomes contain substantial level of functional CYP2E1. In the current project, we investigated the potential role of plasma exosomal CYP2E1 in mediating ALC- and APAP-induced toxicity. We treated hepatic and extra-hepatic (monocytic) cells with exosomes ± ALC/APAP. We observed that the plasma exosomes containing CYP2E1 cargo further exacerbate ALC- and APAP-induced toxicity in both hepatic and monocytic cells. Further, both exosomes- and ALC/APAP-induced toxicity was reduced/abolished by a selective inhibitor of CYP2E1 enzyme activity (diallyl ether). However, only ALC-, but not exosome-induced toxicity was reduced/abolished by CYP2E1 siRNA. These findings suggest that ALC/APAP-induced toxicity in the presence of exosomes are mediated, at least in part, by CYP2E1 enzyme. To validate these in vitro findings, we characterized plasma exosomal contents in a binge-drinking animal model and their effect on ALC/APAP-induced toxicity in monocytic cells. Our results showed that ALC exposure caused a significant induction of the plasma exosomal CYP2E1 level in a binge drinking murine model. These exosomes containing increased levels of CYP2E1 caused significant toxicity in monocytic cells compared to exosomes derived from control mice. Overall, our results showed an important role of exosomal CYP2E1 in exacerbating ALC- and APAP-induced toxicity. The study is significant in terms of understanding the role of exosomal CYP2E1 in cell-cell interactions, and their effects on drug-induced toxicity.
Disciplinary Dungeon Master

This chapter provides a perspective on teaching from the Global South—Brazil, to be more precise. It describes how I ended up becoming a professor. I relied on something that was familiar to me in order to feel comfortable in class and it soon became my most noticeable characteristic as a professor. Based on active learning methodologies, I use narratives and storytelling to structure my classes as Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. It helped students to connect theory and practice and to understand complex/abstract concepts as this strategy allows me to catch student’s attention and to provide context, relevance, and meaningful connections between what they are studying and their real lives.
The Proteomic Landscape of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Liver Metastases Identifies Molecular Subtypes and Associations with Clinical Response.

Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease that can be separated into distinct subtypes based on molecular signatures. Identifying PDAC subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities is necessary to develop precision medicine approaches to treat PDAC. Experimental Design: A total of 56 PDAC liver metastases were obtained from the UNMC Rapid Autopsy Program and analyzed with quantitative proteomics. PDAC subtypes were identified by principal component analysis based on protein expression profiling. Proteomic subtypes were further characterized by the associated clinical information, including but not limited to survival analysis, drug treatment response, and smoking and drinking status. Results: Over 3,960 proteins were identified and used to delineate four distinct PDAC microenvironment subtypes: (i) metabolic; (ii) progenitor-like; (iii) proliferative; and (iv) inflammatory. PDAC risk factors of alcohol and tobacco consumption correlate with subtype classifications. Enhanced survival is observed in FOLFIRINOX treated metabolic and progenitor-like subtypes compared with the proliferative and inflammatory subtypes. In addition, TYMP, PDCD6IP, ERAP1, and STMN showed significant association with patient survival in a subtype-specific manner. Gemcitabine-induced alterations in the proteome identify proteins, such as serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1, associated with drug resistance. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that proteomic analysis of clinical PDAC liver metastases can identify molecular signatures unique to disease subtypes and point to opportunities for therapeutic development to improve the treatment of PDAC.
Structured Deferral: Synchronization via Procrastination: We simply do not have a synchronization mechanism that can enforce mutual exclusion.

Developers often take a proactive approach to software design, especially those from cultures valuing industriousness over procrastination. Lazy approaches, however, have proven their value, with examples including reference counting, garbage collection, and lazy evaluation. This structured deferral takes the form of synchronization via procrastination, specifically reference counting, hazard pointers, and RCU (read-copy-update).
Constitutively active HCN channels constrain detrusor excitability and modulate evoked contractions of human bladder.

OBJECTIVE Expression of Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels is reported in bladder, but the functional role remains unsettled. Here, we immunolocalized the HCN1 and HCN4 subtype in human bladder and investigated their functional significance. METHODS Bladder procured from ten organ donors was dissected into mucosa (containing urothelium and submucosa) and detrusor for double immunofluorescence of HCN1 and 4 subtypes with gap junction and neural proteins together with isometric tension recordings. Mucosa intact and denuded detrusor strips were stretched to a basal tension of 10 mN for eliciting either tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistant spontaneous, carbachol evoked contractions and TTX sensitive electrical field stimulated (EFS), pre and post-addition of HCN blocker, ZD7288 or the activator, Lamotrigine or the cholinesterase inhibitor, Neostigmine. RESULTS Double immunofluorescence revealed immunolocalization of HCN1 and HCN4 subtype with calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), choline acetyl transferase and gap junction proteins in mucosa and detrusor. Removal of mucosa significantly raised the resting tension and the force of spontaneous contractions upon cumulative addition of ZD7288 in micromolar range relative to Lamotrigine treated strips (P<0.05). ZD7288 [10 nM] did not affect the contractile response evoked by EFS or carbachol, but the addition of ZD7288 [10 nM] in presence of Neostigmine [1 µM] significantly enhanced the atropine and TTX sensitive EFS evoked contractions of mucosa denuded strips. CONCLUSIONS Overall, HCN channels immunolocalized in mucosa, smooth muscle, gap junctions and nerve fibers exert a tonic constraint on detrusor excitability, enable spatio-temporal integration of evoked contractions and constrain the release of neurotransmitters, respectively. In contrast to the pacemaker role in other organs, findings argue for a non-pacemaking role of HCN channels in human bladder.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Predictors of Nonresponse

Identification of clinical predictors of response to first-line therapies for EoE is needed to guide initial medical management. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with EoE from 2011 to 2018 was conducted. Clinical and diagnostic variables including demographics, endoscopic, and esophagram findings were compared between PPI responders and PPI nonresponders. All patients underwent a standard 8-week twice-daily PPI trial, with PPI responsiveness defined as 460 per mm3 as predictive thresholds for PPI-NR. The probability of PPI-NR was 72.4–84.5% with 1 risk factor, 87.9–93.8% with 2 risk factors, and 97.2% with all 3 risk factors. Young age, reduced BMI, elevated peripheral eosinophil count, and likely inability to pass an endoscope predict lack of response to PPIs in patients with EoE.
Mean completion time for a randomly varying rate of work

The mean time to finish a project is studied where the rate of work varies randomly. It is proved that the mean time to finish is bounded below by the time taken to complete the project if the work...
Allostatic load: Developmental and conceptual considerations in a multi‐system physiological indicator of chronic stress exposure

Developmental researchers studying how stress affects health have often focused on specific, individual, physiological parameters such as cortisol. Yet, recent theories of stress biology emphasize that the stress response is multi-faceted and engages distinct yet interconnected physiological systems, including metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular systems that respond to one another. Moreover, advocates of a systems approach also argue that the confluence of changes across several physiological systems presents a health risk, even when one indicator alone is not predictive of health outcomes. Allostatic load is one potential multi-system indicator of stress, capturing the cumulative, physiological burden of chronic stress exposure on the body. At the same time, studying allostatic load during early development raises several issues, including how allostatic load is operationalized, the clinical importance of commonly used biomarkers during distinct periods of development, and the fundamental role of timing. In this review paper, we discuss the potential of allostatic load in the context of studies of stress in developmental science, review developmental studies that have assessed allostatic load, and articulate critical conceptual questions regarding the study of allostatic load during the childhood years.
Making a difference: A quantitative study of communication center and basic course impact on public-speaking anxiety, goal orientation, and motivation

The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between visiting a communication center and taking an introductory communication course on student public-speaking anxiety, goal ...
Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is a Gram-negative oral commensal, prevalent in various human diseases. It is unknown how this common commensal converts to a rampant pathogen. We report that Fn secretes an adhesin (FadA) with amyloid properties via a Fap2-like autotransporter to enhance its virulence. The extracellular FadA binds Congo Red, Thioflavin-T, and antibodies raised against human amyloid β42. Fn produces amyloid-like FadA under stress and disease conditions, but not in healthy sites or tissues. It functions as a scaffold for biofilm formation, confers acid tolerance, and mediates Fn binding to host cells. Furthermore, amyloid-like FadA induces periodontal bone loss and promotes CRC progression in mice, with virulence attenuated by amyloid-binding compounds. The uncleaved signal peptide of FadA is required for the formation and stability of mature amyloid FadA fibrils. We propose a model in which hydrophobic signal peptides serve as "hooks" to crosslink neighboring FadA filaments to form a stable amyloid-like structure. Our study provides a potential mechanistic link between periodontal disease and CRC and suggests anti-amyloid therapies as possible interventions for Fn-mediated disease processes.
High-resolution estimates of crossover and noncrossover recombination from a captive baboon colony

Homologous recombination has been extensively studied in humans and a handful of model organisms. Much less is known about recombination in other species, including non-human primates. Here we present a study of crossovers and non-crossover (NCO) recombination in olive baboons (Papio anubis) from two pedigrees containing a total of 20 paternal and 17 maternal meioses, and compare these results to linkage-disequlibrium (LD) based recombination estimates from 36 unrelated olive baboons. We demonstrate how crossovers, combined with LD-based recombination estimates, can be used to identify genome assembly errors. We also quantify sex-specific differences in recombination rates, including elevated male crossover and reduced female crossover rates near telomeres. Finally, we add to the increasing body of evidence suggesting that while most NCO recombination tracts in mammals are short (e.g., 1 Kb) NCO tracts. We fit a mixture-of-two-geometric distributions model to the NCO tract length distribution and estimate that >99% of all NCO tracts are very short (mean 24 bp), but the remaining tracts can be quite long (mean 11 Kb). A single geometric distribution model for NCO tract lengths is incompatible with the data, suggesting that LD-based methods for estimating NCO recombination rates that make this assumption may need to be modified. SignificanceMost homologous recombination events are noncrossovers (NCO), but little is known about NCO conversion tract lengths. Here we utilize whole-genome sequence data from large baboon pedigrees to estimate the NCO tract length distribution and to study other aspects of recombination.
Western chorus frog tadpoles (Pseudacris triseriata) show expedited development, but no change in tail morphology, in the presence of predators and independent of diet

Environmental stressors, such as threat of predation can elicit a wide variety of physical and behavioral changes as organisms attempt to avoid predation. Tadpoles of many species are known to display some degree of anatomical, physiological, and/or behavioral plasticity in response to predators. Such epigenetic adjustments often carry costs, and thus, require proper nutrients to fuel the bodily changes. The focus of this study was to examine the impact of predator presence on a fast-developing tadpole species, Pseudacris triseriata, when fed diets of varying nutritional content. Tadpoles fed a high protein/high fat diet and exposed to a predator were hypothesized to undergo a quicker metamorphosis rate and develop a tail more effective for predator avoidance. The experimental group was exposed to a predator and fed either a diet high in protein and fat or a diet low in protein and fat. The control group had no predator and was fed either of the two diets. Growth, overall body length, tail depth at the base and midpoint, and progression through developmental stages were measured for all tadpoles. Faster development was found with the presence of a predator but no morphological tail defenses were made; this was independent of diet. As a species with the opportunistic ability to undergo expedited metamorphosis while living in temporary pools of water, our results suggests that it may be more beneficial for P. triseriata tadpoles to develop quicker and leave the pond to avoid a threat rather than invest in morphological changes that enhance escaping from predators in the water.
How Texas Leads the Way in Public Lands Oil and Gas

This article will analyze how the United States can learn from how Texas manages its oil and gas (O & G) on public lands. This article includes an overview of how both Texas and the United States manage their public lands O & G. This article also takes a look at Texas’ colorful history and this heavily influenced its public lands O & G management. This article also looks compares the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) as an example of how the United States federal government operates its public lands. The NPR-A will then be compared to Texas public lands management in order to highlight the differing approaches to public lands management. Lastly, this article will conclude that the rest of the United States should adopt a system that closely resembles the one in Texas. In doing so, the last part of this article examines the numerous strengths of the Texas approach to public lands management.
Biden’s China Policy: Old Wine in New Bottles?:

The Biden Administration has accepted the Trump Administration’s definition of China as a ‘strategic competitor’, and has retained Trump’s tariffs, the ‘Quad’, and the upgrade in Taiwan’s protocol ...
“CM101 — An Anti-Pathoangiogenic Agent: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Experiences”

The pathophysiology of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) disease depends on the age of the neonate infected. Neonates infected at birth by GBS colonizing the birth canal may be diagnosed with early-onset disease. The symptoms are respiratory distress and cardiovascular shock (Baker and Edwards, 1995) and the gravity may vary from asymptomatic to lethal. In infants older than 1 week, late-onset disease is often associated with meningitis. GBS rarely affects normal adults, but may present in old adults with impaired peripheral circulation (diabetics) or with a compromised immune system due to cancer or other debilitating disease (Farley, Harvey, Stull, Smith, Schuchat, Wenger, and Stephens, 1993).
SU-E-J-196: Implementation of An In-House Visual Feedback System for Motion Management During Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To describe an in-house video goggle feedback system for motion management during simulation and treatment of radiation therapy patients. Methods: This video goggle system works by splitting and amplifying the video output signal directly from the Varian Real-Time Position Management (RPM) workstation or TrueBeam imaging workstation into two signals using a Distribution Amplifier. The first signal S[1] gets reconnected back to the monitor. The second signal S[2] gets connected to the input of a Video Scaler. The S[2] signal can be scaled, cropped and panned in real time to display only the relevant information to the patient. The output signal from the Video Scaler gets connected to an HDMI Extender Transmitter via a DVI-D to HDMI converter cable. The S[2] signal can be transported from the HDMI Extender Transmitter to the HDMI Extender Receiver located inside the treatment room via a Cat5e/6 cable. Inside the treatment room, the HDMI Extender Receiver is permanently mounted on the wall near the conduit where the Cat5e/6 cable is located. An HDMI cable is used to connect from the output of the HDMI Receiver to the video goggles. Results: This video goggle feedback system is currently being used at two institutions. At onemore » institution, the system was just recently implemented for simulation and treatments on two breath-hold gated patients with 8+ total fractions over a two month period. At the other institution, the system was used to treat 100+ breath-hold gated patients on three Varian TrueBeam linacs and has been operational for twelve months. The average time to prepare the video goggle system for treatment is less than 1 minute. Conclusion: The video goggle system provides an efficient and reliable method to set up a video feedback signal for radiotherapy patients with motion management.« less
Political Reform and Elite Persistence: Term Limits and Political Dynasties in the Philippines

Research in political economy emphasizes the tendency of elites to persist and reproduce their power over time, potentially undermining the eectiveness of institutional reforms. One particular form of elite persistence is illustrated by the existence of political dynasties. A natural question is whether certain political reforms can break dynastic patterns and open up the political system. In this paper I study the extent to which the
Racial and ethnic differences in lymph node examination after colon cancer resection do not completely explain disparities in mortality.

BACKGROUND: In 1999, a multidisciplinary panel of experts in colorectal cancer reviewed the relevant medical literature and issued a consensus recommendation for a 12-lymph node (LN) minimum examination after resection for colon cancer. Some authors have shown racial/ethnic differences in receipt of this evidence-based care. To date, however, none has investigated the correlation between disparities in LN examination and disparities in outcomes after colon cancer treatment. METHODS: This retrospective analysis used California Cancer Registry linked to California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development discharge data (1996-2006). Chi-square analysis, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard models predicted disparities in receipt of an adequate examination and the effect of an inadequate exam on mortality and disparities. Patients with stage I and II colon cancers undergoing surgery in California were included; patients with stage III and IV disease were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 37,911 records were analyzed. Adequate staging occurred in fewer than half of cases. An inadequate examination (<12 LNs) was associated with higher mortality rates. Hispanics had the lowest odds of receiving an adequate exam; however, blacks, not Hispanics, had the highest risk of mortality compared with whites. This disparity was not completely explained by inadequate LN examination. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate LN exam occurs often and is associated with increased mortality. There are disparities in receipt of the minimum exam, but this only explains a small part of the observed disparity in mortality. Improving the quality of LN examination alone is unlikely to correct colon cancer disparities. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History – By Charles Bracelen Flood

We are accustomed to remember the soaring rhetoric of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address [1863] and his Second Inaugural [1865]—words that encapsulate our national reason for being—but perhaps more intri...
Cerebellar dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: evidence for an acquired channelopathy

Cerebellar dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant contributor to disability, is relatively refractory to symptomatic therapy, and often progresses despite treatment with disease-modifying agents. Thus, there is a need for better understanding of its pathophysiology. This chapter reviews a growing body of evidence which suggests that mis-tuning of Purkinje cells, due to expression of an abnormal repertoire of sodium channels, contributes to cerebellar deficits in MS. Within the normal nervous system, sodium channel Nav1.8 is expressed in a highly specific manner within spinal sensory and trigeminal neurons, and is not present within Purkinje cells, Nav1.8 mRNA and protein are, however, expressed within Purkinje cells both in models of MS (experimenal autoimmume encephalomyelitis; EAE), and in postmortem tissue from humans with MS. Expression of Nav1.8 within Purkinje cells in vitro alters electrogenesis in these cells in several ways: first, by increasing duration and amplitude of action potentials; second, by decreasing the proportion of action potentials that are conglomerate and the number of spikes per conglomerate action potential; and third, by supporting sustained, pacemaker-like impulse trains in response to depolarization, which are not seen in the absence of Nav1.8. Similar changes are observed in recordings from Purkinje cells in vivo from mice with EAE. Taken together, these results suggest that expression of Nav1.8 within Purkinje cells distorts their pattern of firing in MS.
Levels of Infant-Caregiver Interactions and the DIR Model: Implications for the Development of Signal Affects, the Regulation of Mood and Behavior, the Formation of a Sense of Self, the Creation of Internal Representation, and the Construction of Defenses and Character Structure

Understanding dyadic, affective interactions between infants and caregivers provides new insights into the formation of a number of basic capacities, including the capacity to regulate mood and behavior; organize a prerepresentational sense of self; integrate affective polarities; construct internal self and object representations; and develop signal anxiety, defenses, and coping strategies. Assessing and working with clinical and nonclinical groups of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and their families has afforded a unique opportunity to delineate the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) model, including the developmental pathways to these basic capacities, and different degrees of impairment and competency. While it's important to exercise caution in extrapolating from observations of infants, young children, and their families to the personality structures of older children and adults, understanding early developmental pathways provides insights into the earliest stages of...
Alkahest NuclearBLAST : a user-friendly BLAST management and analysis system.

Background - Sequencing of EST and BAC end datasets is no longer limited to large research groups. Drops in per-base pricing have made high throughput sequencing accessible to individual investigators. However, there are few options available which provide a free and user-friendly solution to the BLAST result storage and data mining needs of biologists.
Weight-space probability densities and convergence times for stochastic learning

The authors extend the theory of search dynamics for stochastic learning algorithms, address the time evolution of the weight-space probability density and the distribution of convergence times, with particular attention given to escape from local optima, and develop a theoretical framework that describes the evolution of the weight-space probability density. The primary results are exact predictions of the statistical distribution of convergence times for simple backpropagation and competitive learning problems. >
Clinical and Billing Review of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary technique for providing life support for cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary dysfunction, or both. The two forms of ECMO, veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV), are used to support cardiopulmonary and pulmonary dysfunction, respectively. Historically, ECMO was predominantly used in the neonatal and pediatric populations, as early adult studies failed to improve outcomes. ECMO has become far more common in the adult population because of positive results in published case series and clinical trials during the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 2009 to 2010. Advances in technology that make the technique much easier to implement likely fueled the renewed interest. Although exact criteria for ECMO are not available, patients who are good candidates are generally considered to be relatively young and suffering from acute illness that is believed to be reversible or organ dysfunction that is otherwise treatable. With the increase in the use in the adult population, a number of different codes have been generated to better identify the method of support with distinctly different relative value units assigned to each code from a very simple prior coding scheme. To effectively be reimbursed for use of the technique, it is imperative that the clinician understands the new coding scheme and works with payers to determine what is incorporated into each specific code.
Self-interest and direct legislation: public support of a hazardous waste bond issue in New Jersey

Abstract Sixty-two percent of the voters supported the $100 million New Jersey hazardous waste bond issue in 1981. Analysis shows that support increased with the presence of minority populations, socio-economic status, urbanization, young families, and a history of support for the Democratic party—variables that previously have been identified as associated with support for environmental programs. In addition, communities closer to hazardous waste sites strongly supported the bond issue. Nearly all of these communities also stood to benefit from a companion water supply bond issue. Opposition to the bond issue was centered in southwest and northwest New Jersey—that is, in rural, relatively poor, and white communities far from hazardous waste sites, and fearful of losing abundant local water supplies because of the water bond issue. Thus, while the strong general statewide support suggests the vote was a symbol for a cleaner environment, intra-state variations suggest that most voters considered their personal benefits and costs before casting ballots.
Guideline for Collection of Industrial Hygiene Exposure Assessment Data for Epidemiologic Use

Abstract Workplace exposures of employees are assessed by corporate industrial hygienists for a variety of purposes, most often for compliance with regulations or with consensus or corporate exposure guidelines. With adequate documentation and means for linking results with groups of workers, the results of most exposure assessment efforts may be useful in future epidemiologic studies. As part of its Epidemiology Resource and Information Center (ERIC) program, the Chemical Manufacturers Association supported the development of guidelines for the collection of industrial hygiene exposure assessment data in such a way that they will be useful in future epidemiology studies. Discussions with corporate experts and a review of forms used by several well-developed corporate industrial hygiene programs demonstrated that most of the documentation needed to make exposure assessment information somewhat, if not ideally, useful in epidemiology is currently routinely collected in those programs. The guideline develop...
Data acquisition and computation in spectrochemical analysis: a forecast

Abstract Some new applications of automation and computerization in emission spectrochemical analysis are proposed. Automated microphotometers now make it possible to digitize complete photographically-recorded emission spectra in a reasonable time. Television techniques offer the prospect of digitally recording complete spectra photoelectrically, circumventing the problems and loss of time encountered with photographic spectroscopy. Reduction of the data with computers should make possible completely automatic qualitative analysis. Semiquantitative analysis without standards may also be possible. When standards are available, the use of computers for data reduction should improve the accuracy of analysis by allowing complex corrections to be made for interelement effects. The cost of programming could delay the development of these proposals, and a cooperative research program is suggested to reduce the cost to any one laboratory.
Analysis of the High-Resolution Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of the ν3and ν5Bands of Thionylimide (HNSO)

Abstract The first high-resolution (0.002 cm −1 ) infrared spectra of the reactive molecule thionylimide, HNSO, are reported. The ν 3 (NS stretching) and ν 5 (NSO bending) fundamentals at 1086 and 448 cm −1 , respectively, have been analyzed in detail. The ground state rotational constants have been substantially improved by a simultaneous fitting of previously reported microwave data and a large number of infrared combination differences. The excited vibrational state constants of both type A / B hybrid bands have been obtained from fitting assignments over a wide range of J and K a values. No perturbations were detected in either band.
Beyond the Literal: Teaching Visual Literacy in the 21st Century Classroom

Abstract Visual imagery and composition inherently have the power to shape comprehension and interpretation beyond the literal. Today's students increasingly inundated with a steady stream of imagery from multimedia platforms including the Internet (i.e., social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), television, film and advertisements ( White, 2012 ) are global consumers of media in their everyday lives yet they often lack the skills necessary to move beyond passive receivers of visual media messages. Visual literacy is vital for 21st Century learners and those who teach. Classrooms can become spaces for students to effectively communicate in and contribute to analytical and global dialogue for discussions of race and diversity, multicultural life and history thus encouraging students to become active deconstructionists of visual grammar.
Immediate-early MEK-1-dependent Stabilization of Rat Smooth Muscle Cell Cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA by Gαq-coupled Receptor Signaling

Activation of Gαq-coupled P2Y nucleotide receptors strongly (>100-fold) induces the rat vascular smooth muscle cell cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA, yet transcription is induced only ∼3-fold over 1 h. Intact cell decay analysis of tetracycline-suppressible luciferase chimera mRNAs shows that regulated stabilization of the intrinsically unstable mRNA contributes to this response. Deletion mapping of the 2468-base COX-2 mRNA 3′-untranslated region (UTR) shows that a distal, 130-base AU-rich region functions as a cis-acting regulated stabilization response element, which under basal conditions serves as the dominant instability determinant for the 3′-UTR. Regulation of this response is through the p42/44 MAP kinases, whereas the p38 MAP kinases are not involved. The stabilization response element binds avidly and specifically to a prominent nuclear-enriched ∼90-kDa factor and several less abundantly labeled mRNA binding proteins that are unaffected by P2Y receptor signaling. Although other instability determinants are located throughout the rat COX-2 mRNA 3′-UTR, mitogen signaling only interferes with rapid decay mediated by its most distal 130 bases. A complex of nuclear factors that bind this mRNA region specifically may include candidate targets for regulatory modulation. These observations support the general notion that the rapid induction of immediate-early gene expression through mitogenic receptors involves simultaneous activation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms.
Production Practices Improve Grain Sorghum and Pearl Millet Competitiveness with Weeds

Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is new grain crop adapted to many grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production regions, but weed control is often difficult, due to slow initial crop growth and limited herbicide options. An experiment was conducted in 1994 and 1995 to compare the competitiveness of pearl millet topcross hybrid 79-2068A/NPM-1 and grain sorghum singlecross hybrid DK28 with velvefleaf (A butilon theophrasti Medik.) and foxtail (Setaria spp.) as influenced by crop row spacing and N fertilizer application. The experiment was conducted on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, smectitic, mesic, Typic Argiudoll) near Mead, NE. Crops were planted in rows 38 and 76 cm apart, and N rates were 0 and 78 kg ha⁻¹. Weed levels were obtained by differential herbicide applications at 7 d after emergence and by hand weeding. Yield losses of grain sorghum in 1994 and 1995, and pearl millet in 1995, were described by a nonlinear model based on a rectangular hyperbola. As velvetlcaf and foxtail biomass approached zero, grain yield reduction of both crops was similar. In 1994, as weed pressure increased, grain sorghum yield loss was less in 38-cm than in 76-cm row spacing. In 1995, row spacing had no effect on grain yield. In contrast, pearl millet grain yield loss was greater in 38-cm than in 76-cm row spacings as weed level increased in 1995. All yield components of both crops were affected by weed level: number of kernels per head was influenced the most. Nitrogen fertilizer application enhanced yield of both crops by an average of 1.15 Mg ha-1 in the 1994 season, but did not increase yield in the dry 1995 season. Narrowing row spacings from 76 to 38 cm increased grain yield of both crops by an average of 1.06 Mg ha⁻¹ in 1994 and 0.83 Mg ha⁻¹ in 1995. Grain yields of both crops were enhanced by weed control, narrow row spacing, and N application with adequate seasonal precipitation. Contribution of the Dep. of Agronomy as Paper no. 11814 of the Journal Series of the Nebraska Agric. Res. Div. Research supported in part by USAID Grant no. DAN 1254-G-00-0021 through INTSORMIL, the International Sorghum and Collaborative Research Program. Senior author sponsored by the Mexican government through CONACYT, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia.
Purification and some properties of an alternate form of glycolate oxidase

Abstract An alternate form of glycolate oxidase (glycolate: O 2 oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.1) has been isolated and extensively purified from etiolated wheat by means of alumina C-γ gel adsorption, Sephadex G-200, and TEAE-cellulose chromatography. At any stage of purity the enzyme immediately lost all activity in the absence of substrate. The alternate form of glycolate oxidase was also inactivated by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 and ethanol fractionation procedures which had been used to isolate the original form of the oxidase. Addition of FMN does not reactivate the protein. The purified alternate form of glycolate oxidase did not have an absorption spectrum characteristic of FMN. Rather, maximum peaks were at 420, 320, and 278 mμ resembling spinach ferredoxin. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced by the addition of either Clostridium or plant ferredoxin but not FMN. By analysis the enzyme contained some FMN. The pH optimum was at 8.3 and the initial products of the reactions were glyoxylate and H 2 O 2 . The 2 forms of glycolate oxidase can be differentiated by their spectral properties, by precipitation with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , by their response to added FMN, and by inhibitors. The alternate form of the enzyme is inhibited by p -chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), while the original form is relatively insensitive to this inhibitor. A preliminary survey indicated that the alternate form of the oxidase is most prevalent in young plant tissue.