cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light-induced generation and toxicity of docosahexaenoate-derived oxidation products in retinal pigmented epithelial cells

Abstract Oxidative cleavage of docosahexaenoate (DHA) in retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells produces 4-hydroxy-7-oxohept-5-enoic acid (HOHA) esters of 2-lysophosphatidylcholine (PC). HOHA-PC spontaneously releases a membrane-permeant HOHA lactone that modifies primary amino groups of proteins and ethanolamine phospholipids to produce 2-(ω-carboxyethyl)pyrrole (CEP) derivatives. CEPs have significant pathological relevance to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) including activation of CEP-specific T-cells leading to inflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages in the retina involved in “dry AMD” and TLR2-dependent induction of angiogenesis that characterizes “wet AMD”. RPE cells accumulate DHA from shed rod photoreceptor outer segments through phagocytosis and from plasma lipoproteins secreted by the liver through active uptake from the choriocapillaris. As a cell model of light-induced oxidative damage of DHA phospholipids in RPE cells, ARPE-19 cells were supplemented with DHA, with or without the lipofuscin fluorophore A2E. In this model, light exposure, in the absence of A2E, promoted the generation HOHA lactone-glutathione (GSH) adducts, depletion of intracellular GSH and a competing generation of CEPs. While DHA-rich RPE cells exhibit an inherent proclivity toward light-induced oxidative damage, photosensitization by A2E nearly doubled the amount of lipid oxidation and expanded the spectral range of photosensitivity to longer wavelengths. Exposure of ARPE-19 cells to 1 μM HOHA lactone for 24 h induced massive (50%) loss of lysosomal membrane integrity and caused loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA β-gal) staining that detects lysosomal β-galactosidase, we determined that exposure to HOHA lactone induces senescence in ARPE-19 cells. The present study shows that products of light-induced oxidative damage of DHA phospholipids in the absence of A2E can lead to RPE cell dysfunction. Therefore, their toxicity may be especially important in the early stages of AMD before RPE cells accumulate lipofuscin fluorophores.
No evidence of "weaponized Title IX" here: an empirical assessment of sexual misconduct reporting, case processing, and outcomes

Little is known about actual incidents of gender-based violence reported by college students or the campus adjudication process or outcomes of reported cases. Data from Annual Security Reports (ASRs) and Title IX Coordinators was used to examine the context, processes, and outcomes of reported incidents of sexual misconduct (N = 1,054) at institutions of higher education (IHEs) in a Mid-Atlantic state. Results showed that ASRs undercounted incidents of sexual misconduct. Few incidents reported to Title IX Coordinators resulted in a formal Title IX complaint, and fewer still resulted in a finding of responsibility or suspension/expulsion of the responsible student. The primary outcome of reports were victim services, not perpetrator punishments. Significant variability within and between IHE types was also uncovered. Findings suggest that better data collection as well as research on victim engagement in the Title IX complaint process and on sexual misconduct at community colleges and independent IHEs is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Going deeper: Social media use and the development of democratic attitudes in Latin America:

The deepening of democracy in developing regions requires that individuals support their political systems not only through democratic behaviours but also through the continual strengthening of dem...
Jail as Injunction

Half a million people sit in jail every day in America who have not been convicted of a crime but stand merely accused. Detention can cost defendants their jobs, housing, or even custody of their children; detention makes defendants more likely to commit a crime and can harm them mentally and physically; it takes a toll on defendants’ families and communities too. Courts simply ignore these serious harms when deciding whether a defendant should lose her liberty because of a mere accusation of wrongdoing. Yet in striking contrast to criminal cases, where the government so often succeeds in obtaining before trial the relief that it ultimately seeks—incarceration of the defendant—civil plaintiffs attempting to obtain before judgment the relief that they ultimately seek—by way of a preliminary injunction—face quite a challenge. Civil plaintiffs cannot obtain such prejudgment relief unless they demonstrate likelihood of irreparable injury and that denying interim relief would be more harmful to them than granting such relief would be to the defendant. This disparity between criminal pretrial detention and civil preliminary injunctions is both troubling and illuminating. It is troubling that the law affords more protection to the property interests of civil defendants than to the liberty interests of criminal defendants who are purportedly presumed innocent. But in this historical moment where pretrial detention and bail systems are changing in many jurisdictions, the preliminary injunction comparison offers a valuable lens through which to reconceptualize pre-trial detention. A more civil-like approach to pretrial detention would raise the threshold of government interest necessary to justify detaining an accused—not some minimal likelihood that the defendant might forget to appear in court or be accused of some minor crime such as jaywalking. As in the civil system, criminal courts should not simply ignore the immense costs to a defendant of ordering pretrial detention. Rather, courts should consider those costs to defendants, their loved ones, and the broader public and should detain defendants only when the benefits outweigh those substantial costs. Finally, to detain a defendant, courts should require that the government demonstrate likelihood of success on the merits through evidence subject to the defendant’s refutation. Such additional process would increase costs on the front end but would potentially lower the pretrial process costs overall by reducing rates of pretrial detention, post-trial incarceration, and recidivism caused by criminogenic jails and prisons.
Toward a Fat Dramaturgy: Activism, theory, practice

ABSTRACTThe author defines the roots of dramaturgy and the role of dramaturgy in U.S. theatre practice. She outlines the ways in which developing a Fat Dramaturgy for theatre practitioners can esta...
Self-reporting transposons enable simultaneous readout of gene expression and transcription factor binding in single cells

Abstract In situ measurements of transcription factor (TF) binding are confounded by cellular heterogeneity and represent averaged profiles in complex tissues. Single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is capable of resolving different cell types based on gene expression profiles, but no technology exists to directly link specific cell types to the binding pattern of TFs in those cell types. Here, we present self-reporting transposons (SRTs) and their use in single cell calling cards (scCC), a novel assay for simultaneously capturing gene expression profiles and mapping TF binding sites in single cells. First, we show how the genomic locations of SRTs can be recovered from mRNA. Next, we demonstrate that SRTs deposited by the piggyBac transposase can be used to map the genome-wide localization of the TFs SP1, through a direct fusion of the two proteins, and BRD4, through its native affinity for piggyBac. We then present the scCC method, which maps SRTs from scRNA-seq libraries, thus enabling concomitant identification of cell types and TF binding sites in those same cells. As a proof-of-concept, we show recovery of cell type-specific BRD4 and SP1 binding sites from cultured cells. Finally, we map Brd4 binding sites in the mouse cortex at single cell resolution, thus establishing a new technique for studying TF biology in situ.
Modular symbols for Q-rank one groups and Voronoi reduction

We present an algorithm to compute the action of the Hecke operators on the top dimensional integral cohomology of certain torsion-free arithmetic subgroups of algebraic groups of Q-rank one. This generalizes the modular symbol algorithm to a setting including Bianchi groups and Hilbert modular groups. In addition, we generalize some results of Voronoi for real positive-definite quadratic forms to self-adjoint homogeneous cones of arbitrary Q-rank.
Abstract 4641: Metabolic reprogramming of the breast contributes to a cancer promoting milieu

In addition to the accumulation of pro-oncogenic mutations in the epithelial cells, the tumorigenic process involves the dysregulation of the interactions between the epithelial cells and their microenvironment, as well as alterations within the microenvironment itself. The latter is composed of endothelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, unaffected epithelium, and adipocytes. Increasing evidences support that cell transformation progresses in a potentially cancer-promoting microenvironment context, also known as field cancerization model. Therefore, it is critical to investigate changes occurring in both the epithelial compartment and the surrounding microenvironment to understand how breast cancer initiates. In our preliminary study, we analyzed the transcriptome profile of microdissected breast tissue compartments (epithelium, stroma and adipose tissue) from tissue biopsies obtained from women who donated their histologically normal tissue two-to-five years before breast cancer diagnosis (here labeled pre-cancer), and matched healthy control donors. In the pre-cancer breast epithelium we detected a significant increase in lipid metabolism-related genes including lipases (HSL, LPL) and perilipins (PLIN1, PLIN4), which mediate the release of fatty acids from triacylglycerol storage, and ELOVL5 and ELOVL7, which generate oleic acid. Moreover, Acyl-CoA Synthetase Medium Chain Family Member 1, ACSM1, involved in the activation of lipoic acid, an essential cofactor for mitochondrial metabolism, is also upregulated in pre-cancer breast tissue. Upregulation of genes involved in metabolic activation is observed also in the stroma and adipose tissue compartments. Interestingly, the transcriptome profiling of the pre-cancer breast stroma shows the downregulation of genes coding for several immune cell markers as compared with the healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining of CD45 confirms a significant reduction in immune cells in the pre-cancer versus matched healthy control breasts. This finding suggests the prevalence of an immune-suppressive environment in the breast long before the clinical diagnosis of breast cancer. Understanding the changes occurring in the cancerized field is critical for elucidating 1) the involvement of microenvironment in cancer initiation 2) the role of histologically normal yet genetically altered surgical margins in risk of disease recurrence upon lumpectomy for early breast cancer diagnosis, and 3) the mechanisms of field cancerization in the contralateral breast. Citation Format: Natascia Marino, Rana German, Xi Rao, George Sandusky, Max Jacobsen, Sha Cao, Anna Maria Storniolo. Metabolic reprogramming of the breast contributes to a cancer promoting milieu [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4641.
Investigating the causal effect of cannabis use on cognitive function with a quasi-experimental co-twin design.

Abstract Background It is unclear whether cannabis use causes cognitive decline; several studies show an association between cannabis use and cognitive decline, but quasi-experimental twin studies have found little support for a causal effect. Here, we evaluate the association of cannabis use with general cognitive ability and executive functions (EFs) while controlling for genetic and shared environmental confounds in a longitudinal twin study. Methods We first examined the phenotypic associations between cannabis initiation, frequency, and use disorder with cognitive abilities, while also controlling for pre-use general cognitive ability and other substance involvement. We tested the concurrent association between the cannabis use variables and cognitive abilities in late adolescence and young adulthood and the longitudinal association between cannabis use variables during adolescence and young adulthood cognitive abilities. Next, we used multilevel models to test whether these relations reflect between- and/or within-twin pair associations. Results Phenotypically, cannabis use was related to poorer cognitive functioning, although most associations were negligible after accounting for other substance use. Nevertheless, there were few significant within-family twin-specific associations, except that age 17 cannabis frequency was associated with worse age 23 Common EF and general cognitive ability. Conclusions We found little support for a potential causal effect of cannabis use on cognition, consistent with previous twin studies. Results suggest that cannabis use may not cause decline in cognitive ability among a normative sample of cannabis users.
The AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer

AbstractThe AXAF CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) is currently being defined as a possible focal plane instrumentto be flown on the Advanced X -ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF). The imaging spectrometer consists of anarray of charge coupled devices (CCD's) to be placed at the focus of the AXAF mirrors. The array willprovide high angular resolution (ti 0.5 arc seconds), moderate spectral resolution (ti 150 eV) over the energyrange 0.1 to 10 keV, temporal resolution down to ti 60 p sec, and single photon quantum detection efficiencies of up to 90 %. X -ray sensitivity for a point source exceeds 10 -15 ergs /cm2 sec fof a 105 sec exposure. Whenused in conjunction with the objective gratings, the array will yield wavelength resolution of up to X /4a of about 200. IntroductionThe Advanced X -ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) is to be launched in the 1990's as a long -lived 15 years) space observatory for observations of celestial X -ray sources. The principle elements andcharacteristics of the observatory are a set of six nested Wolter Type 1 mirrors of 1.2 m maximum aperturewith a 10 m focal length and an on -axis point spread function of 0.65 arc -second diameter. A set ofobjective gratings immediately behind the mirrors will allow a dispersive spectroscopic capability, and fourfocal surface instrument positions will be provided to accommodate image detectors and spectroscopic
Statistical algorithms for clinical decisions and prevention of genetic-related heart disease

Drug-induced long QT syndrome (diLQTS) can lead to seemingly healthy patients experiencing cardiac arrest, specifically Torsades de Pointes (TdP). A goal of this study is to identify genetic risk m...
A Mobile App Specifically Designed to Facilitate Exercise in Parkinson Disease: Single-Cohort Pilot Study on Feasibility, Safety, and Signal of Efficacy

Background: Many people with Parkinson disease do not have access to exercise programs that are specifically tailored to their needs and capabilities. This mobile app allows people with Parkinson disease to access Parkinson disease–specific exercises that are individually tailored using in-app demographic questions and performance tests which are fed into an algorithm which in turn produces a video-guided exercise program. Objective: To test the feasibility, safety, and signal of efficacy of a mobile app that facilitates exercise for people with Parkinson disease. Methods: A prospective, single-cohort design of people with Parkinson disease who had downloaded the 9zest app for exercise was used for this 12-week pilot study. Participants, who were recruited online, were encouraged to exercise with the full automated app for ≥150 minutes each week. The primary endpoints were feasibility (app usage and usability questions) and safety (adverse events and falls). The primary endpoints for signal of efficacy were a comparison of the in-app baseline and 8-week outcomes on the 30-second Sit-To-Stand (STS) test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire 8 (PDQ8). Results: For feasibility, of the 28 participants that completed the study, 12 participants averaged >150 minutes of app usage per week (3 averaged 120-150, 4 averaged 90-120, and 9 averaged less than 90 minutes). A majority of participants (>74%) felt the exercise was of value (16/19; 9 nonrespondents), provided adequate instruction (14/19; 9 nonrespondents), and was appropriate for level of function (16/19; 9 nonrespondents). For safety, there were no serious adverse events that occurred during the app-guided exercise. There were 4 reports of strain/sprain injuries while using the app among 3 participants, none of which necessitated medical attention. For signal of efficacy, there was improvement for each of the primary endpoints: STS (P=.01), TUG (P<.001), and PDQ8 (P=.01). Conclusions: Independent, video-guided exercise using a mobile app designed for exercise in Parkinson disease was safe and feasible though there was variability in app usage. Despite this, the results provide evidence for a signal of efficacy as there were improvements in 3 of the 3 outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03459586; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03459586
Advances in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) in patients undergoing mastectomy is now routinely performed, and associated with high rates of success and minimal donor site morbidity. Compared to alloplastic techniques, advantages of autologous approaches include the ability to confer a lifelong result without the need for additional surgery, superiority in the setting of radiation therapy, and eliminating the possibility of implant-related complications such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Moreover, ABR is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes compared to implant-based reconstruction. This article reviews recent advances in ABR, which have refined existing techniques, broadened the array of donor site options available to reconstructive surgeons, and streamlined the management of patients undergoing these procedures.
Complete identification of permissible sampling rates for the first-order sampling of multi-band bandpass signals

The first-order sampling of multi-band bandpass signals with arbitrary band positions is considered in this paper. Gaps between the spectral sub-bands are utilized to achieve lower sampling rates than the Nyquist. The lowest possible sampling rate along with other permissible sampling rates is identified via a unique partition of the frequency axis. With the complete identification of all the permissible sampling rates, a necessary and sufficient sampling theorem for multi-band bandpass signals is presented in terms of a series of csinc-interpolators.
Accumulation of sorghum phytoalexins induced by Colletotrichum graminicola at the infection site

Abstract Microspectrophotometry was performed on intact, pigmented vesicle-like inclusions within living sorghum cells that were accumulating phytoalexins as a response to attempted fungal infection. The results indicate that the deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins are present in inclusions. Moreover, the phytoalexin concentration within a single inclusion, based on luteolinidin, was calculated to be 0·15 m . The amounts of luteolinidin and apigeninidin in cells involved in the phytoalexin response at individual infection sites were also determined. The data showed that luteolinidin accumulated to levels of 0·48–1·20 ng/cell whereas apigeninidin accumulated to levels of 0·24–0·91 ng/cell. The results of both analyses confirmed that at the infection site the deoxyanthocyanidins accumulate to levels in substantial excess of those required for inhibition of the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola .
Analysis of oligosaccharide negative charge by anion-exchange chromatography.

This unit presents the analysis of negative charge on labeled N- or O-linked oligosaccharides. These protocols may be used in the initial screening of oligosaccharides to detect negative charge, for analytical or preparative separation of oligosaccharides based on their negative charge, or to analyze the type of negative charge found on the oligos accharides. The Basic Protocol describes the use of anion-exchange (QAE-Sephadex) chromatography with stepwise elution for estimating the number of negative charges on an oligosaccharide sample derived from glycosidase treatment of a glycoprotein. In an Alternate Protocol, gradient elution is used for the preparative separation of oligosaccharides based on negative charge. A Support Protocol describes a method for measuring loss of or change in negative charge after treatment of the oligosaccharide sample with mild acid and/or phosphatases.
The Use of Acoustic-Intensity Scans for Sound Power Measurement and for Noise Source Identification in Surface Transportation Vehicles

The results are reported of near-field, acoustic-intensity scans of a diesel-engine truck, chassis-mounted passenger-car engines, and a railroad locomotive. The measurements were made using the two-microphone, cross-spectral method of measuring acoustic intensity. The results demonstrate the value of the method for measuring the overall sound power of a vehicle as well as for identifying its component noise sources. A review of theory and methodology is provided.
Formalizing the PRODIGY planning algorithm

The PRODIGY project is primarily concerned with the integration of planning and learning. Members of the PRODIGY research group have developed many learning algorithms for improving planning efficiency and plan quality, and for automatically acquiring knowledge about the properties of planning domains. The details of the PRODIGY planning algorithm, however, have not been described in the literature. We present a formal description of the planning algorithm used in the current version of the PRODIGY system. The algorithm is based on an interesting combination of backward-chaining planning with simulation of plan execution. The backward-chainer selects goal-relevant operators and then the planner simulates the application of these operators to the current state of the world. The system can use different backward-chaining algorithms, two of which are presented in the paper.
Multivariate Normal Distribution: Overview†

Biometric data typically entail observations on multiple characteristics for each experimental subject. Multivariate normal distributions are often central to the modeling and analysis of such data. Empirical evidence often points towards the normality of multivariate data. Biometric measurements, especially, may emerge as the result of many small increments due to heredity and environment, so that the approximate multivariate normality of such data rests on multidimensional central limit theory. In addition, many normal-theory procedures, both univariate and multivariate, remain exact for many nonnormal multivariate distributions exhibiting suitable symmetries. Keywords: multinormal distributions; bivariate correlation analysis; multiple correlation coefficient
Media Imperialism Reconsidered - Again: Local, Western and Indian Media Use in Uganda

This study examines the use of local, Western and Indian media by Ugandan college students in order to reconsider the media imperialism thesis in the context of increasingly complex global flows of media and culture. We surveyed a convenience sample of 193 students at Makerere University in Kampala in June 2003 and asked, among other topics, about their media use patterns, their perception of cultural threats posed by foreign media and their reasons for liking and disliking local and foreign media. We used a combination of closed and open questions. Consistent with previous studies, we discovered that the respondents preferred local media over foreign. But when asked specifically about foreign media, they preferred Western media to Indian media even though they believed Western media posed a more severe cultural threat to Uganda than Indian media. However, the respondents also may have felt some cultural and political proximity to Indian films despite the language barrier. We also found, again consistent with previous research, that respondents were active rather than passive media users. The respondents seemed particularly active when they expressed dislike for media. The respondents also raised concerns about intra-national cultural dominance by the major language group in the country. The results suggest that the media imperialism thesis may be reconsidered again to take into account complexities created by South-to-South media flow, but also intra-national concerns about cultural domination and subordination.
The porous-coated anatomic total hip prosthesis : Failure of the metal-backed acetabular component

AbstractOne hundred and ninety-nine total hip arthroplasties were performed, between 1983 and 1987, in 173 patients by three surgeons using the initial design of the porous-coated anatomic prosthesis. The acetabular component was a preassembled, metal-backed polyethylene device, with beads sintered
Visions of the Special Class

ABSTRACTAlthough the advent of public school special day classes for children with disabilities at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th marked a major shift in the service model, apparently in the direction of educational and societal inclusion, such classes had different meanings for different students. They reflected at least three different “visions,” which can be understood by the metaphors cluster, clinic, and clearing-house, though the last was not sustained for the students for whom it was intended, nor can it be today. The story of each may offer guidance for special educators today and in the future.
Zoo experiences: Conversations, connections, and concern for animals

One way in which zoos attempt to fulfill their goal of conservation is by educating visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife. Research has only begun to examine the effectiveness of zoos in place-based learning, and there has been much debate about how such informal learning is defined and measured. Free-choice learning research has demonstrated that educational outcomes are often indirect, constructed by the visitor as much as they are influenced by the zoo's educational staff. This constructivist definition of education includes emotional dimensions and personal meaning-making that occur in the social context of visiting, as well as any structured interpretive material provided on signs and through live presentations. This paper presents an examination of how the zoo is experienced by the visitor, through surveys and through observations of how visitors watch animals and incorporate those viewings into their social experience. Results from surveys of 206 zoo visitors show that support for protecting both individual animals and species is associated with learning, with wanting to know more, and with a feeling of connection to the animal. An analysis of 1,900 overheard visitor conversations suggests that zoo animals are used to facilitate topical interaction among social groups and to explore the connections that people share with nonhuman animals. The authors propose that these perceived positive connections may be related to support for conservation initiatives, and conclude that a visit to the zoo appears to be a positive emotional experience that leaves visitors interested in learning more about animals, irrespective of their reading the exhibit labels.
Some novel inhomogeneous states for ferromagnetic superconductors

Abstract Several novel possibilities for the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism are proposed. They combine the features of the spiral magnetic state proposed by Blount and Varma, and the spontaneous vortex state proposed by Kuper, Revzen and Ron. One of our proposed states may be the candidate for explaining a recent neutron scattering experiment done on single crystal ErRh 4 B 4 .
Lysophosphatidic acid induces prostate cancer PC3 cell migration via activation of LPA1, p42 and p38α

Prostate cancer cell migration is an essential event both in the progression of prostate cancer and in the steps leading to metastasis. We report here that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a potent bioactive phospholipid, induces prostate cancer PC3 cell migration via the activation of the LPA1 receptor, which is linked to a PTX-sensitive activation mechanism of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Our results demonstrate that parallel activation of ERK1/2 and p38, but not JNK, is responsible for LPA-stimulated PC3 cell migration. Furthermore, using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, and overexpressing dominant-negative mutants of p38 MAPK isotypes of α, β, γ and δ, we have identified that the activation of ERK2 (p42) and p38α, but not of ERK1 and the other isoforms of p38 MAPK, is required for LPA-induced migration. Our study provides the first evidence for a functional role of p42 and p38α in LPA-induced mammalian cell migration, and also demonstrates, for the first time, that the receptor LPA1 mediates prostate cancer cell migration. The results of the present study suggest that LPA, the receptor LPA1, ERK2 and p38α are important regulators for prostate cancer cell invasion and thus could play a significant role in the development of metastasis.
Endogenous opiates modulate pulsatile luteinizing hormone release in humans.

To test the postulate that endogenous opioid peptides may be involved in the neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses, saline and an opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, were infused sequentially, each for 6-h intervals, in six normal cyclingwomen during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. During naloxone infusion (1.6 mg/h), there was a significant (P <0.01) increase in both the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses compared tothose in saline controls. FSH pulses were not discernible in individual subjects; however, a significant increment in FSH levels occurred concomitantly with the increase in LH. These data strongly suggest that endogenous opiates, through an inhibition of hy-pothalamic LRF, participate in the endocrine events leading to the low frequency of episodic LH secretioncharacteristic of the luteal phase of the human menstrual cycle.
Intraoperative neurophysiologicalmonitoring during cervical spine surgery

Abstract Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) of spinal cord function has become commonplace during surgical correction for scoliosis. Less common, albeit no less important, is its use during cervical spine surgery. This report reviews the application of three IONM techniques during cervical spine surgery; namely, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), dermatomal evoked potentials (DEP), and triggered electromyography (trEMG). Each section presents a brief discussion of technical and anesthetic considerations followed by a series of augmentive exemplary case studies to provide better understanding of how best to use IONM during anterior and posterior cervical spine surgery. Particular attention is given to identifying surgical maneuvers that pose particular risk either to the spinal cord or nerve roots as well as how IONM can reduce the incidence of postoperative neurological deficit when performed and interpreted properly. The initial section on SSEPs provides both a technical and surgical overview with particular emphasis on monitoring the "high-risk" patient with cervical spondylitic myelopathy or one with an unstable cervical spine. Those using DEPs and trEMGs represent recent advanced concepts and applications for monitoring cervical nerve root function during decompression (DEP) and placement of posterior lateral mass screws (trEMG), respectively.
The development of a survey to examine knowledge about and attitudes toward concussion in high-school students

The development of a new measure of concussion knowledge and attitudes that is more comprehensive and psychometrically sound than previous measures is described. A group of high-school students (N = 529) completed the measure. The measure demonstrated fair to satisfactory test-retest reliability (knowledge items, r = .67; attitude items, r = .79). Exploratory factor analysis of the attitude items revealed a four-factor solution (eigenvalues ranged from 1.07-3.35) that displayed adequate internal consistency (Cohen's alpha range = .59-.72). Cluster analysis of the knowledge items resulted in a three-cluster solution distributed according to their level of difficulty. The potential uses for the measure are described.
“The splice is right”: how protein splicing is opening new doors in protein science

In the decade since the discovery of protein splicing, this natural process has been exploited to develop novel techniques that have expanded the scope of protein science. These techniques are being adapted for in-vivo use, facilitating the study of proteins in their natural environment.
Measuring 'Term-Limitedness' in Multi-State Research

By measuring term limits categorically, investigators ignore vast differences among laws limiting state legislative service. Measuring term limits categorically also makes it harder to disentangle the effects of term limits from the effects of having the ballot initiative. The author proposes several continuous measures of term-limitedness to facilitate multi-state research on term limits. The first set of measures compares the maximum length of service after term limits with a measure of the number of seats held by veterans during the 1980s, the decade before term limits began sweeping elected officials from office. This set includes measures for the lower chamber, the upper chamber, and averages for both chambers. The second set of measures adjusts the first set of measures to reflect the potential for legislators to cycle repeatedly between a state’s legislative chambers when term limits only restrict consecutive years of service rather than imposing a lifetime limit. The resulting continuous measures of term-limitedness outperformed a binary designation of term limits in two test examples, demonstrating that the proposed measures can reduce the risk of false negatives in multi-state research about term limits and that they are more robust in the face of the confounding effects from the ballot initiative.Abstract will be provided by author.
Characterizing pyrene–Ag+ exciplex formation in aqueous and ethanolic solutions

Abstract The primary mechanism responsible for the dynamic fluorescence quenching of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) by Ag+ ions is enhanced intersystem crossing from the lowest singlet excited state to the lowest triplet excited state. For some PACs, however, exciplex formation with Ag+ in polar organic solvents has also been reported. Quenching of pyrene fluorescence by Ag+ in two polar solvent systems (aqueous and ethanolic solutions) was examined here using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. In both solvents, quenching led to the formation of a pyrene–Ag+ exciplex, ( 1 Py ⋯ Ag + ) ∗ , which rapidly equilibrated with excited singlet pyrene molecules ( 1 Py ∗ ) and Ag+ ions. The exciplex and pyrene monomer emission spectra strongly overlapped, with the dominant exciplex peaks in water and ethanol red shifted from the 0–0 transition of pyrene by 5.08 and 2.56 kJ/mol, respectively. Rate constants for the formation and dissociation of the exciplex were much larger than the radiative and nonradiative decay rate constants for both the excited state monomer and exciplex. The short exciplex fluorescence lifetimes and very low quantum yields observed in the two solvents can be attributed to enhanced nonradiative decay processes for the exciplex. The emission quantum yield of the exciplex formed in aqueous solution was approximately an order of magnitude larger than that in ethanolic solution, which is likely to be attributable to the higher polarity of water versus ethanol.
Delayed coma associated with salicylate intoxication

ACUTE OR CHRONIC SALICYLATE INTOXICATION is c o m m o n l y associa ted with le thargy, confusion, or coma2 Depress ion of men ta l s ta tus is usual ly p resen t at t he t ime of diagnosis , when the s e rum sal icylate concen t ra t ion is at its apex. 2 The purpose of this repor t is to show tha t sal icylate in toxica t ion m a y also be assoc ia ted with a de layed s ta te of a l te red awareness , which m a y occur 24 to 48 hours following the cessat ion of sal icylate admin i s t ra t ion, when the s e rum concen t ra t ion of sa l icyla te is declining.
The practice of cranial neurosurgery and the malpractice liability environment in the United States.

Object The potential imbalance between malpractice liability cost and quality of care has been an issue of debate. We investigated the association of malpractice liability with unfavorable outcomes and increased hospitalization charges in cranial neurosurgery. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent cranial neurosurgical procedures from 2005-2010, and were registered in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. We used data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) from 2005 to 2010 to create measures of volume and size of malpractice claim payments. The association of the latter with the state-level mortality, length of stay (LOS), unfavorable discharge, and hospitalization charges for cranial neurosurgery was investigated. Results During the study period, there were 189,103 patients (mean age 46.4 years, with 48.3% females) who underwent cranial neurosurgical procedures, and were registered in NIS. In a multivariable regression, higher number of claims per physician in a state was associated with increased ln-transformed hospitalization charges (beta 0.18; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.19). On the contrary, there was no association with mortality (OR 1.00; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.06). We observed a small association with unfavorable discharge (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.13), and LOS (beta 0.01; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.03). The size of the awarded claims demonstrated similar relationships. The average claims payment size (ln-transformed) (Pearson’s rho=0.435, P=0.01) demonstrated a positive correlation with the risk-adjusted hospitalization charges but did not demonstrate a correlation with mortality, unfavorable discharge, or LOS. Conclusions In the present national study, aggressive malpractice environment was not correlated with mortality but was associated with higher hospitalization charges after cranial neurosurgery. In view of the association of malpractice with the economics of healthcare, further research on its impact is necessary.
Large-Scale Synthesis of Gold Nanorods through Continuous Secondary Growth

Gold nanorods (GNRs) exhibit a tunable longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) that depends on the GNR aspect ratio (AR). Independently controlling the AR and size of GNRs remains challenging but is important because the scattering intensity strongly depends on the GNR size. Here, we report a secondary (seeded) growth procedure, wherein continuous addition of ascorbic acid (AA) to a stirring solution of GNRs, stabilized by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and synthesized by a common GNR growth procedure, deposits the remaining (∼70%) of the Au precursor onto the GNRs. The growth phase of GNR synthesis is often performed without stirring, since stirring has been believed to reduce the yield of rod-shaped nanoparticles, but we report that stirring coupled with continuous addition of AA during secondary growth allows improved control over the AR and size of GNRs. After a common primary GNR growth procedure, the LSPR is ∼820 nm, which can be tuned between ∼700 and 880 nm during secondary growth by ...
A tale of three discourses: Doing action research in a research methods class

This article tells the tale of a collaborative research project between a graduate research methods course in action research, and an urban community grassroots environmental group. In order to give the students the opportunity to do part of an action research project, the instructor (the author) approached the leaders of the grassroots group and asked if they would like the class to undertake research that would be of interest to them. The grassroots group is concerned that toxic releases from nearby facilities are causing detrimental health effects to area residents, and asked that the class gather and analyze health data that would speak to their concerns. The results of the research generated media attention and angered a congressional representative, who attempted to discredit the research and to get the university to disavow it. The results of this saga are used to illustrate what happens when the boundaries between the discourses of science, politics, and education become porous, and how interpretations of scientific research are shaped by the discourses in which they are used.
Crystal Structure of the Priming β-Ketosynthase from the R1128 Polyketide Biosynthetic Pathway

ZhuH is a priming ketosynthase that initiates the elongation of the polyketide chain in the biosynthetic pathway of a type II polyketide, R1128. The crystal structure of ZhuH in complex with the priming substrate acetyl-CoA reveals an extensive loop region at the dimer interface that appears to affect the selectivity for the primer unit. Acetyl-CoA is bound in a 20 A-long channel, which placed the acetyl group against the catalytic triad. Analysis of the primer unit binding site in ZhuH suggests that it can accommodate acyl chains that are two to four carbons long. Selectivity and primer unit size appear to involve the side chains of three residues on the loops close to the dimer interface that constitute the bottom of the substrate binding pocket.
Is the drug court model exportable? The cost-effectiveness of a driving-under-the-influence court

We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the Rio Hondo driving-under-the-influence (DUI) court, a therapeutic court intervention in Los Angeles County targeted to repeat DUI offenders. The effectiveness of this court intervention was determined through a randomized controlled field experiment. Although prior research does not identify differences in alcohol-related or criminal behavior between treated and control individuals at follow-up, we found improvements in behavior for all program participants regardless of treatment status. A cost-minimization analysis found that, on average, costs of the DUI court exceeded traditional court expenditures for second-time offenders but produced cost savings for third-time offenders. This suggests that implementing a DUI-specific court intervention for serious DUI recidivists is a worthwhile investment of public resources. The unique legal treatment of DUI offenders in California may hide additional cost savings that could be accrued in other jurisdictions through the adoption of DUI court programs.
Field Evaluations of Improved Cotton Strains Resistant to the Cotton Fleahoppee

Field tests showed that resistance in cotton strains to Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter) was related to the density of the trichomes. Thus strains homozygous for the H2H2 pubescent genes had significantly more fleahoppers than those with H1H1 genes or with the normal component of trichomes. Since the characters that imparted resistance could be transferred to improved strains, the efficacy of resistant strains in suppressing cotton fleahoppers was tested in large, replicated field tests. The resufts showed that resistant strains will effectively control the cotton fleahopper.
Allyl alkali metal compounds

Abstract Physical measurements, primarily high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance, support the contention that the allyl alkali metal compounds are ionic in solution but exist as intimate ion pairs or clusters. The sodium, potassium, rubidium and cesium compounds, when first formed at low temperatures, are in a more freely rotating form.
Native Out-Migration and Neighborhood Immigration in New Destinations

Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics linked to three decades of census data on immigrant settlement patterns, this study examines how the migration behaviors of native-born whites and blacks are related to local immigrant concentrations, and how this relationship varies across traditional and nontraditional metropolitan gateways. Our results indicate that regardless of gateway type, the likelihood of neighborhood out-migration among natives increases as the local immigrant population grows-an association that is not explained by sociodemographic characteristics of householders or by features of the neighborhoods and metropolitan areas in which they reside. Most importantly, we find that this tendency to move away from immigrants is pronounced for natives living in metropolitan areas that are developing into a major gateway-that is, a community that has experienced rapid recent growth in foreign-born populations. We also demonstrate that among mobile natives, the neighborhoods that they move to have substantially smaller immigrant concentrations than the ones they left, a finding that is especially evident in new gateway areas.
Photoperiod, early post-natal eye growth, and visual deprivation

(1) We studied the influence of photoperiod and unilateral lid suture on post-natal ocular growth in two types of White Leghorn chicks previously reported to respond differently to visual deprivation, Truslow and Cornell K chicks. We analyzed the chicks after 2 weeks of rearing, a time period commonly used in neuropharmacological studies of eye growth but much shorter than in most prior studies of photoperiod effects on the chick eye. (2) Altering the photoperiod length significantly influenced the refraction and growth of both open and sutured eyes even at this early time, with differences between the two types of chicks. (3) The most prominent effect on the open eyes was the development of hyperopia with rearing under constant light, a response especially prominent in the Cornell K chicks. In the open eyes under this condition, the anterior chamber shallowed and the vitreous chamber elongated in the axial dimension only, reciprocal changes that resulted in no net alteration of axial length at 2 weeks. A high variability in refraction of open eyes reared with constant illumination suggests the need for a dark period in the regulation of eye growth. (4) Compared to contralateral open eyes, the lid-sutured eyes of both types of chicks developed longer total axial lengths and enlarged vitreous chambers in both axial and equatorial dimensions under each photoperiod. The effects on anterior chamber depth and refraction were complex and differed between the two types of chicks. (5) The responses in open eyes support the notion that growth of the vitrious chamber of the chick eye is differentially regulated in the axial and equatorial dimensions, previously indicated by pharmacological studies. The responses in both open and sutured eyes indicate different control mechanisms for anterior chamber and vitreous cavity growth.