cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE REDUCES BINDING OF ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES TO SYNCYTIOTROPHOBLASTS AND RESTORES ANNEXIN A5 EXPRESSION

Objective Antibody-mediated disruption of the annexin A5 anticoagulant shield has been posited to be a thrombogenic mechanism in the antiphospholipid syndrome. We recently showed that the antimalarial drug, hydroxychloroquine, dissociates antiphospholipid immune complexes and restores annexin A5 binding to planar phospholipid bilayer. Using quantitative immunoassays, we demonstrated similar effects on BeWo trophoblasts. We therefore, investigated the effects of the drug on localization of annexin A5 in primary cultures of human placental syncytiotrophoblasts. Study Design Laser confocal microscopy with computer-based morphometric analysis was used to localize annexin A5 and antiphospholipid antibodies on syncytiotrophoblasts exposed to polyclonal and monoclonal antiphospholipid and control immunoglobulin-Gs. Results Hydroxychloroquine reversed the effects of the antiphospholipid antibodies on the syncytiotrophoblasts by markedly reducing immunoglobulin-G binding and restoring annexin A5 expression. Conclusion These results provide the first morphologic evidence for this effect of hydroxychloroquine on human placental syncytiotrophoblasts and support the possibility of novel treatments that target antiphospholipid antibody binding.
Choroidal Detachment, Flat Anterior Chamber, and Hypotony as Complications of Neodymium:YAG Laser Cyclophotocoaguiation

Abstract Severe hypotony, flat anterior chamber, and serous choroidal detachment after transscleral neodymium:YAG laser cyclophotocoagulation (Nd: YAG-CPC) for three cases of intractable glaucoma are reported. The three patients had failed previous filtering surgery and were receiving maximal medical therapy. The types of glaucomas treated were two cases of primary open-angle and one chronic-angle closure. The complications were noted between 1 and 2 weeks from the time of treatment. One patient improved spontaneously after 1 week of observation. Another patient required drainage of the choroidal effusion and anterior chamber reformation. The last patient remains under observation with a low intraocular pressure (IOP) and a slowly resolving serous choroidal detachment. Though the incidence of shallow anterior chambers is three cases (0.5%) in this series of 750 Nd:YAG-CPCs, it represents a serious problem that had not been reported previously.
Cross-agreement complaints before the Appellate Body: a case study of the EC–Asbestos dispute

WTO panels are often called upon to decide overlapping claims based on different WTO agreements. One such dispute was the EC–Asbestos case where claims were made under both GATT 1994 and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). This paper examines whether the Appellate Body's refusal in that case to examine Canada's TBT claims was justified. The conclusion reached is no, based on the principle jura novit curia, the general prohibition on non liquet and the WTO case law on judicial economy. In addition, the paper examines when two WTO norms must be seen as ‘in conflict’. It argues in favour of broadening the current definition of conflict and clarifies the consequences of a norm being lex specialis.
Targeting specific cell types with silencing RNA.

A new way to target cell-specific gene expression has been demonstrated in two mouse models of cancer.
Elasticity of forsterite to 16 GPa and the composition of the upper mantle

NEARLY 60 years ago, Bernal1 proposed that a polymorphic phase transformation in olivine might be responsible for the seismic velocity discontinuity near 410 km depth in the mantle. Phase equilibria experiments2,3 have since shown that the olivine (α) to wadsleyite (β) transition in (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 occurs at the appropriate pressure (13.8 GPa) under mantle conditions. Comparison of laboratory measurements of the acoustic velocity contrast in the α–β system to the magnitude of the seismically observed discontinuity at 410 km provides a way to constrain the olivine content of the mantle at this depth. Here we report measurements of the full set of elastic moduli of single-crystal forsterite (α-Mg2SiO4) at pressures between 3 and 16 GPa, using Brillouin scattering in a diamond anvil cell. At 13.8 GPa, the aggregate compressional-and shear-wave velocities of α-Mg2SiO4 are 2.7 ± 0.7% lower than predicted from earlier low-pressure data4,5. From our data, and assuming a homogeneous mantle composition, the seismic velocity contrast at 410 km depth can be satisfied only by a mantle containing less than ~40% olivine. This is well below the olivine abundance assumed in peridotite-based upper-mantle models.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulatory status of approved intravascular brachytherapy systems.

Abstract Purpose: To review current and potential future regulatory status of intravascular brachytherapy (IVB) systems. Methods: There are three approved IVB systems; two commercial IVBs are hand-operated manual devices; the third is remotely operated. In three Guidances, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) applied certain regulatory concepts applicable to remotely operated high dose rate (HDR) afterloaders to manually operated IVBs. This article reviews these Guidances, newly released NRC regulations on the medical use of by-product material, and potential regulatory issues related to IVB systems. Results: The Guidances are specific. However, newly released NRC regulations on the medical use of byproduct material, including HDR afterloaders, omit IVB systems as a category. NRC licensure of IVB systems is considered case-by-case. Conclusions: The current limited application of regulations applicable to HDR remote afterloaders to hand-held IVB systems could lead to other HDR-like regulations for hand-held IVB systems in future regulations.
Comment on “Uniformization of the transverse beam profile by means of nonlinear focusing method”

This Comment presents unpublished and published work done by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in the period 1990 to 1999 using the nonlinear focusing method outlined in the recent publication by Yuri et al. [Phys. Rev. ST Accel. Beams 10, 104001 (2007)]. The LANL work included theory, design, modeling, and testing of nonlinear focusing beam ``expanders'' for use with high energy proton beams, including the proposed 1.7-GeV, 100-mA cw proton Accelerator for the Production of Tritium (APT). For several reasons listed in the text, the APT nonlinear focusing beam expander design was replaced with a high-frequency beam raster system.
Creating economic, social and environmental value: an information infrastructure perspective

Determining the economic, social and environmental effects of business is a laudable goal. It is often difficult in practice, however, especially if a firm is not in a resource sector, where material and energy flows dominate impacts, but is in a service sector, where technology, culture, and social and environmental impacts are more important. Some of the potential issues involved in such cases can be illustrated by considering the information and communications technology industry, from production of artifacts to services and deeper cultural implications.
Unusual appendiceal pathologypresenting as urologic disease

Abstract We report on 3 cases of unusual appendiceal pathology presentingas urologic disease: 2 cases were benign mucoceles and 1 a malignant mucocele or cystadenocarcinoma of the appendix. Two cases presented as pelvic masses causing urinary frequency and the third with fever and hydronephrosis. The appendix must remain in the differential diagnosis for both acute and chronic disease processes.
Temperature—separation factor relationships in gaseous diffusion

A theoretical equation was developed to predict the enrichment produced by a single stage porous Vycor diffusion cell as a function of temperature. The separations of five binary gas mixtures were measured experimentally over a temperature range of 80 to 600°K. The agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results was good over most of the temperature range. The largest deviations occurred when the operating temperature approached the critical temperatures of the gases. Mixtures of oxygen-carbon dioxide and helium-nitrogen were observed to become nonseparative at predicted temperatures. Overall, both separation and separative capacity were observed to increase with a decrease in temperature.
Multisplitting Methods: Optimal Schemes for the Unknowns in a Given Overlap

Consider a linear algebraic problem where the set of unknowns is a union of subsets. Let the coefficient matrix have a splitting associated with each subset. The traditional multisplitting method forms a weighted sum, over the overlapping unknowns, of the iterates for each such splitting to obtain a single parallel iterative method. An optimal alternative to the weighted sums will be presented. Convergence of this new form of multisplitting (MS) method can be studied for both symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices and M-matrices. Applications to PDEs and the equilibrium equations for fluid flow in a driven cavity will be presented.
Using Multimedia to Engage African American Children in Classroom Discourse

The purpose of this study is to examine the discourses that emerged among third- and fourth-grade African American students and their teachers as they read stories about the Underground Railroad an...
Safety and Efficacy of Early Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolic events (VTE), including deep vein thromboses (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE). Pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (PTP) is routinely delayed because of concerns of exacerbating intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and worsening outcomes. We hypothesize that early PTP ( 72 h). Methods: We identified a total of 128 TBI patients who received PTP, and collected data including admission Glasgow coma scale (GCS), age, time of initiation of PTP, development of DVT or PE, progression of bleed on brain CT scan, death attributed to PTP and outcome (Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at discharge from the hospital). Results: The 72 h group (n = 48). The 72 h group (odds ratio (OR) = 0.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1 - 0.7, P = 0.01). There were no PEs, progression on brain CT, or deaths attributed to PTP in either group. Good neurologic outcome (GOS 4-5) was present in 35 (44%) patients in the 72 h group (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2 - 5.8, P = 0.01) (This outcome was expected and explained by the higher admission GCS in the 72 h). However, the safety and feasibility of early PTP in TBI still needs to be studied in large prospective multicenter trials, taking into account the severity of TBI, type of TBI (focal versus diffuse axonal injury), and type and dosage of PTP. J Neurol Res. 2013;3(6):169-172 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jnr255w
Saturation-transfer studies of three-site exchange kinetics

Abstract The application of the saturation-transfer method with Fourier transform NMR to multisite spin systems is discussed. Three-site exchange is considered in detail: exact equations for the calculation of rate constants are given, and approximate equations are presented which may be used in certain simplifying situations. The method is illustrated with several examples of three-site proton exchange: acetamide in fuming sulfuric acid, acrylamide in ethylene glycol, and acetamidinium ion in ethylene glycol. In each case, all six rate constants have been measured and are nonzero.
Zinc dynamics in the myocardial redox signaling network.

Zinc plays a vital role in various cellular functions. Zinc deprivation is associated with severe disorders related to growth, maturation, and stress responses. In the heart, zinc affects differentiation and regeneration of cardiac muscle, cardiac conductance, acute stress responses, and recovery of heart transplants. Recent discoveries of the molecular players in zinc homeostasis revealed that the amount of intracellular free zinc is tightly controlled on the level of uptake, intracellular sequestration, redistribution, storage, and elimination, consequently creating a narrow window of optimal zinc concentration in the cells. Most of intracellular zinc is bound to numerous structural and regulatory proteins, with metabolically active, labile zinc present in picoto nanomolar concentrations. The central position of zinc in the redox signaling network is built on its unique chemical nature. The redox inert zinc creates a redox active environment when it binds to a sulfur ligand. The reversible oxidation of ...
Brokering Community–University Engagement

Although substantial areas of agreement exist regarding the characteristics of effective community–university partnerships for research, there is little empirical research on the relationship between the characteristics of such partnerships and their outcomes. In this study, we explored the relationship between partnership characteristics and partnership outcomes. Analyses of the relationships between partnership dynamics and perceived benefits show that (1) effective partnership management is associated with increased research on a community issue, problem, or need; (2) co-creation of knowledge is associated with improved service outcomes for clients; and (3) shared power and resources are negatively associated with increased funding for community partners’ organizations. Our findings suggest that effective partnership management and opportunities for the co-creation of knowledge are practices that are worthy of deliberate cultivation within community–university partnerships for research.
The teaching of documentation and good programming style in a liberal arts computer science program

It is apparent that good programming style and documentation standards are an integral part of the requirements of this discipline. Attempts which have been useful by the author to not only teach, but require, the use of these techniques are described in terms of both successes and failures. Samples are presented from the introductory computer science course and the senior level modeling and simulation class. These materials include skeletal programs and pseudocode which are used for illustration, student use, and evaluation. A technique used to simplify the evaluation of student programs is also presented.
Hepatobiliary Oncologic Emergencies: Imaging Appearances and Therapeutic Options

During the course of their disease, many patients with cancer may require urgent care related to hepatobiliary disease. Cross-sectional imaging of these patients is usually performed initially, and the radiologist plays a pivotal role in the initial diagnosis. In this article, we discuss the commonly seen hepatobiliary oncologic emergencies, briefly review imaging diagnosis, and discuss in detail the management options for these conditions. The radiologist's awareness and prompt diagnosis aid in formulating a management plan to decrease morbidity and mortality in these potentially lethal conditions.
SU-E-T-412: Effect of Ingested Contrast Media On Dose Reporting for GI Malignancies Comparing Multiple Dose Calculation Algorithms

Purpose: Varian AcurosXB calculates dose-to-medium (Dm) as well as the clinically prevalent dose-to-water (Dw). For abdominal malignancies, ingested contrast is used during simulation to delineate the treatment volume (TV) or outline the organ at risk (OAR), but this effect is transient. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of contrast media on dose reporting using AAA, Acuros(Dw) and Acuros(Dm). Methods: Ingested contrast was contoured and either “forced” to water density or left uncorrected. Six plans were generated for 26 patients in Eclipse using identical leaf motions and MU values. The Acuros(Dm) forced density plan was our gold standard. Results: For 6MV plans where contrast was in the TV, AAA underrepresented the dose to the contrast region by 3.91%±3.08% (p=0.037) and 2.51%±1.25% (p=0.005) for unforced and forced densities respectively. Acuros(Dw) plans with unforced and forced densities overrepresented the dose by 2.97%±1.23% (p=.001) and 1.66%±0.24% (p=2.5e-4). For 6MV plans where contrast was an OAR, all plans were not statistically significantly different from the Acuros(dm) plan. For 15MV plans where contrast was in the TV, AAA overrepresented the dose to the contrast region by 0.73%±0.49% (p=0.015) and 0.95%±0.39% (p=0.002) for unforced and forced densities respectively. Acuros(Dw) plans with unforced and forced densities overrepresented the dose by 2.15%±1.20% (p=0.009) and 1.00%±0.63% (p=0.007). Plans calculated with an unforced density in Acuros dm consistently showed the closest agreement to the Acuros(Dm) plan calculated with forced densities. For all 26 plans, the difference was -0.25%±0.84%. Conclusion: The appearance of contrast media will impact dose calculation. More clinical studies are needed to determine if dw and dm reporting shows any clinical significance. Care should be taken to force the density of contrast media in the GI region to a suitable value. As a fail safe condition, the use of Acuros(Dm) is recommended for these treatments.
Temperature dependent charge transport in poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block polystyrene copolymer field-effect transistor

Abstract Electronic transport of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly styrene (rr-P3HT-b-PS) copolymer in field effect transistor (FET) geometry with different surface treatment and different temperature is investigated. The devices show p type behavior with a maximum saturation mobility of 6 × 10 −3 cm 2 /V s and current on/off ratio of 2.6 × 10 4 in an OTS treated sample at room temperature, which is lower compared to the controlled P3HT sample of same molecular weight fabricated with the same surface treatment. The mobility measured at different temperatures (300–150 K) show thermally activated hopping type transport mechanism with gate bias dependent activation energy of 100–270 meV which is higher compared to the reported value of pristine P3HT FET. The higher activation energy in hopping behavior and lower mobility in this block copolymer is caused by insulating PS segments.
Role of Cross-Cleft Contacts in NMDA Receptor Gating

In response to brief glutamate exposure, NMDA receptors produce excitatory currents that have sub-maximal amplitudes and characteristically slow kinetics. The activation sequence starts when glutamate binds to residues located on the upper lobe of extracellularly located ligand-binding domains (LBDs) and then contacts lower lobe residues to bridge the cleft between the two hinged lobes. This event stabilizes a narrow-cleft LBD conformation and may facilitate subsequent inter-lobe contacts that further stabilize the closed cleft. Agonist efficacy has been traced to the degree of agonist-induced cleft-closure and may also depend on the stability of the closed-cleft conformation. To investigate how cross-cleft contacts contribute to the amplitude and kinetics of NMDA receptor response, we examined the activation reaction of GluN1/GluN2A receptors that had single-residue substitutions at the interface between LBD lobes. We found that side-chain truncations at residues of putative contact between lobes increased glutamate efficacy through independent additive mechanisms in GluN1 and GluN2A subunits. In contrast, removing side-chain charge with isosteric substitutions at the same sites decreased glutamate efficacy. These results support the view that in GluN1/GluN2A receptors’ natural interactions between residues on opposing sides of the ligand-binding cleft encode the stability of the glutamate-bound closed-cleft conformations and limit the degree of cleft closure, thus contributing to the sub-maximal response and emblematically slow NMDA receptor deactivation after brief stimulation.
DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activity in differentiating cardiac muscle.

Abstract DNA synthesis in cardiac muscle of the rat declines rapidly following birth and is essentially “turned off” by the 17th day of postnatal development. Soluble DNA polymerase activity also decreases progressively with age, reaching adult levels of almost zero by the 17th day of development. These results indicate that cessation of DNA synthesis in differentiating cardiac muscle may be attributed to the loss or inactivation of DNA polymerase.
A Unified Algebraic Approach to 2-D and 3-D Motion Segmentation and Estimation

In this paper, we present an analytic solution to the problem of estimating an unknown number of 2-D and 3-D motion models from two-view point correspondences or optical flow. The key to our approach is to view the estimation of multiple motion models as the estimation of a single multibody motion model. This is possible thanks to two important algebraic facts. First, we show that all the image measurements, regardless of their associated motion model, can be fit with a single real or complex polynomial. Second, we show that the parameters of the individual motion model associated with an image measurement can be obtained from the derivatives of the polynomial at that measurement. This leads to an algebraic motion segmentation and estimation algorithm that applies to most of the two-view motion models that have been adopted in computer vision. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm out-performs existing algebraic and factorization-based methods in terms of efficiency and robustness, and provides a good initialization for iterative techniques, such as Expectation Maximization, whose performance strongly depends on good initialization.
Investigation of an outbreak of Moraxella conjunctivitis at a Navajo boarding school.

In 1986, an outbreak of Moraxella follicular conjunctivitis occurred in girls attending a Navajo boarding school in New Mexico. We diagnosed 19 cases of culture-proven, and 21 of clinical conjunctivitis based on isolation of Moraxella from conjunctival cultures and the occurrence of symptoms significantly associated with positive culture. Sharing eye makeup was significantly associated with Moraxella -positive conjunctivitis (odds ratio [OR] = 7.2, P=.004) and showed a trend toward significance in those with clinical conjunctivitis (OR = 2.9, P=.09). Eyeliner and eye shadow were implicated (OR = 4.1, P Moraxella. Nasal carriage of Moraxella was found in 35 (44%) of the 79 female boarders and in 20 (21%) of 97 Navajo patients at two nearby clinics. In a prospective evaluation of the effect of patient education and rifampin therapy on the occurrence of conjunctivitis during an 11-month follow-up period, both types of intervention were successful in significantly reducing the rate of conjunctivitis when compared with that in a control group.
Clinician-Investigators as Translational Bioscientists: Shaping a Seamless Identity

Established biomedical scientists counsel early-career clinician-investigators and translational bioscientists on mechanisms for molding successful research careers that advance clinical medicine.
Fuzzy signal detection theory: analysis of human and machine performance in air traffic control, and analytic considerations.

This paper applies fuzzy SDT (signal detection theory) techniques, which combine fuzzy logic and conventional SDT, to empirical data. Two studies involving detection of aircraft conflicts in air traffic control (ATC) were analysed using both conventional and fuzzy SDT. Study 1 used data from a preliminary field evaluation of an automated conflict probe system, the User Request Evaluation Tool (URET). The second study used data from a laboratory controller-in-the-loop simulation of Free Flight conditions. Instead of assigning each potential conflict event as a signal (conflict) or non-signal, each event was defined as a signal (conflict) to some fuzzy degree between 0 and 1 by mapping distance into the range [0, 1]. Each event was also given a fuzzy membership, [0, 1], in the set ‘response’, based on the perceived probability of a conflict or on the colour-coded alert severity. Fuzzy SDT generally reduced the computed false alarm rate for both the human and machine conflict systems, partly because conflict...
Role-exit theory and marital discord following extended military deployment.

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of applying role-exit theory concepts in the counseling of military couples experiencing marital discord following extended periods of deployment. DESIGN AND METHODS. Qualitative case-study methodology was utilized to assess, diagnose, and treat 10 military couples using a framework based on role-exit theory. FINDINGS. Six couples self-reported improvement in the marital relationship following this counseling approach. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Role-exit theory based counseling may benefit other couples who experience marital discord due to role issues. The clinical nurse specialist might consider this paradigm when working with couples in marital therapy.
Radiation effects in optical communications systems: fibers exposed at low-dose rates and Selfoc lenses

Fiber waveguides will be exposed to low-dose- rate nuclear environments in many commercial systems: typical values are ~0.1 rad/year for sea level cosmic ray background and ≳1 rad/day in some spacecraft and nuclear power applications. Most previous studies of radiation effects on optical fibers have employed either pulsed sources or steady-state sources with moderate (10-104-rad/ min) dose rates.1
In situ electrochemistry of Ru(NH3) 63+ in a perfused rat heart

Simple two-electrode potential sweep and potential step electrochemical measurements are reported in a perfused living rat heart prepared using a modified in situ Langendorff preparation. Cyclic voltammetry of Ru (NH3) at Pt electrodes is performed in vivo after retrograde aortic perfusion of Ca2+-and albumin-free, oxygenated Krebs buffer containing Ru(NH3) to assess uniformity of perfusion. Four types of voltammetric response are observed depending on the placement of the working electrode. These types are distinguished on the basis of the relative contributions of diffusive and hydrodynamic mass transport as mnifest in the shapes of the current-potential curves. Chronoamperometric measurement of double layer charging was used to estimate extracellular tissue resistance. These chronoamperometric experiments are performed in buffer solutions by small potential steps around a set potential of non-Faradaic activity. Tissue. resistance was estimated to be ca. 598 ± 138 Ω from the chronoamperometric data. The electrochemical responses observed from both measurements exhibit good reproducibility between individual heart preparations.
The subdomains of the transactivation domain of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) inhibit AhR and estrogen receptor transcriptional activity

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to mediate transcriptional activity of dioxin-responsive genes. The transactivation domain (TAD) of human AhR (hAhR) has potentially distinct acidic, glutamine-rich, and proline/serine/threonine-rich subdomains. Cotransfection of exogenous hAhR into BP8 cells with isolated subdomains of hAhR TAD fused to glutathione S-transferase exhibited squelching of TCDD-dependent dioxin-response element (DRE)-driven luciferase reporter-gene activity with each subdomain. To study the potential cross talk between AhR- and estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated activities, BP8 cells were cotransfected with hAhR TAD subdomain constructs and ERalpha. The three hAhR TAD subdomains inhibited the 17beta-estradiol-induced estrogen-response element-mediated reporter-gene transactivation. Cotransfection of hAhR with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ERalpha also squelched TCDD-dependent DRE-driven reporter-gene activity in the presence of 17beta-estradiol. Similar results were observed in T47D cells that express functional AhR and ERalpha. These results indicate that the isolated subdomains of hAhR's TAD and LBD of ERalpha are capable of squelching ligand-dependent transactivation of either the AhR or the ER, by titrating crucial proteins from an existing common pool of cofactors.
Isolation and characterization of lung surfactant.

Abstract Lung surfactant was isolated from canine tracheal washings by differential centrifugation, equilibrium gradient centrifugation, and flotation on sucrose solutions. The preparation exhibits all the usual physical properties of surfactant, including a large hysteresis loop with low minimum surface tension, bubble clicking, bubble stability, and resistance to antifoam. It is a mixture of lipids, not a lipoprotein or a lipopolysaccharide. The total protein and carbohydrate content is less than 3%. and removal of these minor amounts of non-lipid materials does not affect surface properties. Phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, cholesterol, and triglycerides are the major components. Other workers have extraceted surface-active phospholipids from tracheal washings and whole lung homogenates by using organic solvents, which would denature lipoproteins. Since our isolation does not employ such drastic techniques but yields a product which is essentially free of protein and carbohydrate but retains the properties of surfactant, we conclude that native surfactant is a mixture of lipids.
Opioid receptors: binding that ties.

Prairie voles form stable, monogamous mating pairs, and are a valuable model for understanding the neurobiology of enduring partner relationships. The report by Burkett et al (2011) investigates the role of μ-opioid receptors (MOR) in partner preference formation in prairie voles. The authors found that systemic naltrexone treatment of female prairie voles during initial exposure to a male reduced subsequent mating bouts and nonsexual socialization with this familiar partner, when a choice test including a novel male was performed afterwards. The authors then targeted two regions in the basal ganglia, the shell of the nucleus accumbens, and the caudate putamen, with direct infusions of a selective MOR antagonist to determine if MOR in either region was necessary for partner preference. They found that MOR in the dorsal striatum, but not the shell of the nucleus accumbens, modulated partner preference formation, suggesting a role for dorsal striatal MOR in this complex social behavior. Radioligand binding and in situ hybridization data supported these results, as MOR expression was higher in the dorsal striatum than in nucleus accumbens.
Multi-sensor agent-based intrusion detection system

The purpose of this paper is to discuss implementation of prototype multi-sensor agent-based intrusion detection system. We assume that it is possible to obtain data in tcpdump format. Using this standard allows a consistent presentation and interpretation of network traffic. We are especially interested in analyzing traffic that has an abnormal or malicious character and should prompt a closer look. In this paper we propose a framework for a multi-sensor agent-based intrusion detection system to support such analyses and response. A specific feature of the model is that the agents use multiple sensors to generate log files. We have developed a prototype based on this framework. This paper discusses also the issues of combining intelligent agent technology with intrusion detection methodology.
Transcriptionally dependent accumulation of tyrosinase polyribosomes during frog embryonic development and its relationship to neural plate induction

Abstract The onset of tyrosine-DOPA oxidase (TDO) synthesis and the rise in latent TDO specific activity following neurulation in Rana pipiens embryos is accompanied by the appearance of polyribosomes synthesizing TDO. These specific polyribosomes were identified in the 250–350 S region of preparations centrifuged in sucrose gradients by assaying fractions of the gradient for nascent DOPA oxidase. The concentration of these specific polyribosomes increases through early development paralleling increases in TDO synthesis, activity, and concentration. Transcription during the inductive period is a requirement for TDO synthesis and accumulation. Actinomycin D injected into embryos at the midgastrula stage inhibits 82% of RNA synthesis, 14% of protein synthesis, and 90% of TDO synthesis.
Monocular distance estimation from optic flow during active landing maneuvers

Vision is arguably the most widely used sensor for position and velocity estimation in animals, and it is increasingly used in robotic systems as well. Many animals use stereopsis and object recognition in order to make a true estimate of distance. For a tiny insect such as a fruit fly or honeybee, however, these methods fall short. Instead, an insect must rely on calculations of optic flow, which can provide a measure of the ratio of velocity to distance, but not either parameter independently. Nevertheless, flies and other insects are adept at landing on a variety of substrates, a behavior that inherently requires some form of distance estimation in order to trigger distance-appropriate motor actions such as deceleration or leg extension. Previous studies have shown that these behaviors are indeed under visual control, raising the question: how does an insect estimate distance solely using optic flow? In this paper we use a nonlinear control theoretic approach to propose a solution for this problem. Our algorithm takes advantage of visually controlled landing trajectories that have been observed in flies and honeybees. Finally, we implement our algorithm, which we term dynamic peering, using a camera mounted to a linear stage to demonstrate its real-world feasibility.
Conservation of information in relative search performance

While conservation of information popularized by the No Free Lunch (NFL) theorem establishes that all search algorithms have the same performance on the average, this appears not to be true when performance is compared in a relative manner. Some algorithms look to perform better than others. However, this advantage is lost when averaging is over a group of related algorithms. Every advantage against one algorithm is balanced by a disadvantage against a related algorithm. From this perspective, conservation of information still applies. As a consequence, comparative transitivity does not hold. If search procedure Z beats Y which, in turn, beats X, we cannot conclude that Z beats X. Indeed, the opposite might be true.
Impact of Second-Country Data of Foreign Bulls on International Evaluations of Dairy Bulls

Second-country data of foreign bulls are a primary source of information for international genetic comparison of dairy sires. Potential problems exist with this data, because imported semen is expensive, and progeny may receive preferential treatment. The extent of potential bias in international sire evaluations from inclusion of second-country data of imported bulls was examined using data from 25,205 Holstein bulls evaluated in the US, Canada, Italy, Holland, and Germany. Mean changes in international evaluations of potential candidates for export from inclusion of second-country data were <50 kg EBV for milk and <3 kg EBV for fat and protein, and changes in the international evaluations of imported bulls were <100 kg EBV for milk and <3 kg EBV for fat and protein. These changes suggest that bias from preferential treatment of progeny of foreign sires was not a significant problem for the countries examined. Application of reduced weight to second-country data of foreign sires can further reduce the chance of bias from preferential treatment. Based on this study, inclusion of second-country data of foreign bulls in international sire evaluations is appropriate, and problems due to preferential treatment are few.
Failure to Look Beyond Blocks Is a Mistake

Tamm and Hilgers [1] are to be congratulated for bringing more attention to a rather important issue in trial design, namely chronological bias. Far too many researchers use permuted blocks without even recognizing that chronological bias is the reason they do it. Only armed with the rationale can we hope to enter an informed discussion regarding the merits, or lack thereof, for using permuted block randomization in actual trials. But chronological bias is only part of the story. If it were the entire story, then there would be a rather easy solution. We could just use blocks of size two, or even alternate treatment groups. But we can’t, and the reason we can’t is selection bias. The two are at odds, as the solution to chronological bias is a small block size, and the solution to selection bias is a large block size [2, 3]. At least this would be the case if we were limited to using permuted blocks. Fortunately, we are not.
Bridging Micro and Macro Domains: Workforce Differentiation and Strategic Human Resource Management

In this article, the authors focus on the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating the macro and macro domains of the strategic human resource (HR) management literature. Their specific focus is on the development of a differentiated HR architecture in support of strategy execution as a key organizing theme. A focus on strategic capabilities and strategic jobs as the focal point of workforce management system design represents a significant potential source of value creation for most firms. But, also, differentiation by strategic capability instead of hierarchical organizational level represents potential implementation challenges for managers, and theoretical and empirical challenges for academics.
The Effect of 3-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea on Chloroplast Development and Maintenance in Euglena gracilis: I. Ultrastructural Characterization of Light-Grown Cells by the Techniques of Thin Sectioning and Freeze-Etching

The ultrastructure of light-grown Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris was examined by the techniques of thin sectioning and freeze-etching. Thin sectioning revealed the typical organelles previously observed in chemically fixed Euglena. In addition to confirming the observations on thin sections, the freeze-etch technique has revealed the presence in E. gracilis of a complex multilaminar pellicle, and an ordered arrangement to the paramylon granule. The chloroplast thylakoids are particulate and similar to those observed in higher plants.
Early changes in plasma and urinary potassium in diuretic-treated patients with systemic hypertension

Two groups of patients with uncomplicated systemic hypertension were studied. Group 1 included 11 patients who had overt hypokalemia with diuretic drug treatment, and group 2 included 11 patients who remained normokalemic. After baseline studies without treatment were performed, both groups received hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg twice daily. Plasma potassium (PK) was significantly reduced within the first day of treatment and stabilized by day 7 in both groups. The average decrease in PK was 1.0 ± 0.1 mEq/liter (p
The impact of inductance on transients affecting gate oxide reliability

Ringing due to inductance has an increased significance on gate oxide reliability (GOR), as failure rate is exponentially dependent on the effective voltage stress. Unlike lumped capacitance (C), self-inductance (L) itself has an impact on GOR failure rate. An added complexity in parasitic inductance extraction is that the inductance matrix is much larger than the capacitance matrix, as mutual inductance terms (K) decay slowly with distance. A comparative modeling study of the dependence of GOR failure rate on RC, RCL and RCLK effects is presented. A key finding from this study is that mutual inductance has a very large impact on GOR failure rate and needs accurate modeling. Methods to minimize GOR failure rate increases caused by parasitic inductance are discussed. This embedded tutorial covers the theory of Gate Oxide Reliability, mathematical approximations for estimating failure rates, theory of inductance modeling and a detailed study of the impact of inductance on GOR.
Performance of radial-basis function networks for direction of arrival estimation with antenna arrays

The problem of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of mobile users using linear antenna arrays is addressed. To reduce the computational complexity of superresolution algorithms, e.g. multiple signal classification (MUSIC), the DOA problem is approached as a mapping which can be modeled using a suitable artificial neural network trained with input output pairs. This paper discusses the application of a three-layer radial-basis function neural network (RBFNN), which can learn multiple source-direction findings of a six-element array. The network weights are modified using the normalized cumulative delta rule. The performance of this network is compared to that of the MUSIC algorithm for both uncorrelated and correlated signals. It is also shown that the RBFNN substantially reduced the CPU time for the DOA estimation computations.
Competitive relationships of Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) from remnant and restored native populations and select cultivated varieties

Summary 1 Although genetic differentiation among plant populations is well known, its relevance for preserving the integrity of native ecosystems has received little attention. In a series of competition experiments with Andropogon gerardii Vitman, a dominant species of the North American Tallgrass Prairie, plant performance was related to seed provenance and restoration activities. 2 Glasshouse experiments showed plant performance to be a function of seed source. Differential target plant performance relative to competitor identity was observed when plant performance was assessed across a range of competitor densities. Local and non-local plants were larger when competing against non-local plants relative to the local and cultivar plants, while cultivar plants were consistently larger than local and non-local plants regardless of competitor identity or density. The consistency of cultivar performance could reflect directional selection during cultivar development for consistently high fecundity, vigorous vegetative growth and resistance to pathogens. 3 In a field experiment, non-local plants were half the size of local and cultivar plants, supporting recognition of seed provenances of A. gerardii based on differences in plant performance among source populations observed in the glasshouse study, and previous genetic analyses of the same populations. 4 This study establishes that seed provenance and restoration activities influence the competitive ability of a dominant species which, in turn, may affect plant community structure and potential ecosystem function.
Leveraging aggregate constraints for deduplication

We show that aggregate constraints (as opposed to pairwise constraints) that often arise when integrating multiple sources of data, can be leveraged to enhance the quality of deduplication. However, despite its appeal, we show that the problem is challenging, both semantically and computationally. We define a restricted search space for deduplication that is intuitive in our context and we solve the problem optimally for the restricted space. Our experiments on real data show that incorporating aggregate constraints significantly enhances the accuracy of deduplication.
Reproduction in grazing dairy cows treated with 14-day controlled internal drug release for presynchronization before timed artificial insemination compared with artificial insemination after observed estrus.

Abstract Progesterone-releasing (controlled internal drug release, CIDR) devices inserted for 14d are used to presynchronize the estrous cycle for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in beef heifers (14-d CIDR-PGF 2α program). The objective was to test a similar program in dairy cows by measuring first-service conception rates (FSCR), pregnancy rates after 2 AI, and time to pregnancy compared with a control (AI after observed estrus). Postpartum cows (Holstein, Jersey, or crossbred; n=1,363) from 4 grazing dairy farms were assigned to 1 of 2 programs: 14dCIDR_TAI [CIDR in for 14d, CIDR out, PGF 2α injection at 19d after CIDR removal, GnRH injection 56h later, and then TAI 16h later; n=737] or control [AI after observed estrus; reproductive program with PGF 2α (cycling cows) and CIDR (noncycling cows) to synchronize estrus with the start of the breeding season; n=626]. Body condition was scored (1 to 5; thin to fat) at the start of the trial. The interval from the start of the breeding period (final PGF 2α injection of either program) to first AI was shorter for 14dCIDR_TAI compared with the control (3.0±0.2 vs. 5.3±0.2d; mean ± SEM) but 14dCIDR_TAI cows had lesser FSCR than controls (48 vs. 61%). Farm affected FSCR (50, 51, 67, and 58% for farms 1 to 4). The BCS affected FSCR (50, 55, and 62% for BCS=2, 2.5, and 3, respectively). Cows that either calved the year before (carryover) or that calved early in the calving season had greater FSCR than cows that calved later in the calving season (55, 61, and 42%, respectively). The percentage of cows pregnant to AI (first and second inseminations within 31-d breeding season) was similar for 14dCIDR_TAI and control (64 vs. 70%) cows, but farm (64, 62, 80, and 69%) and time of calving (70, 76, and 56%: carryover, early, and late, respectively) affected the percentage. Survival analyses showed an initial advantage for 14dCIDR_TAI (more cows inseminated and more pregnancies achieved early in the breeding season) that was not maintained over time. Conclusions were that the 14dCIDR_TAI program achieved acceptable FSCR (48%) and overall AI pregnancy rates (64%), but did not surpass a control program that used AI after observed estrus (61 and 70%, respectively).
RECENT ADVANCEMENTS IN EPILEPSY

This article reviews selected medical and surgical advances that the authors view as important to improving the treatment of patients with epilepsy. This includes a review of six new antiepileptic drugs (fosphenytoin, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, toprimimate, and vigabatrin), recent studies of the surgical technique of Multiple Subpial Transections, and a summary of a prospective longitudinal study on anterior temporal lobectomy.
Busted IPOs and Windows of Misopportunity

After the first day of public trading, the long run return performance of initial public offerings ('IPOs') is poor relative to a sample of matching firms. We provide evidence from a large sample of IPOs during 1988-1995 in support of the theory that failure rates are inefficiently priced during the going public process. During the sample period, all of the poor long run performance of IPO firms is accounted for by a relatively small number of issuers subsequently delisted for reasons related to poor operating performance ('busted' IPOs). Investment banks establish offer prices at a level that fails to compensate investors for the likelihood and costs of financial distress. Investors are insufficiently pessimistic about the business prospects of some IPOs, and apparently purchase shares assuming all new issues will survive.
Improving Patient Access to an Interventional US Clinic

A continuous quality improvement project at an interventional US clinic decreased scheduling delays for US examinations and biopsies from 25 days to 1 day by restructuring staff schedules to match patient demand, moving nonprocedural activities from the procedure room, and creating a standard scheduling process for add-on appointments.