cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of maturation on combined female muscle strength and ACL structural factors

Abstract Objectives Relations between lower limb muscle strength and female ACL injury risk are well documented. How these relations combine with key ACL geometries however, is unknown. Identifying how these combined factors are impacted by maturation would benefit current risk screening and prevention efforts. This study compared hamstrings and quadriceps strength and ACL cross sectional area (CSA) indices across three maturation groups. Design Cross-sectional human experimental. Methods MRI scans of the dominant knee were collected in 35 females stratified into early (9.7 ± 0.8 yrs), middle (12.9 ± 1.7 yrs), and late (14.8 ± 0.6 yrs) maturation groups. Hamstring and quadriceps muscle volumes and ACL CSA measures were obtained. Isokinetic strength data were quantified for dominant knee flexors and extensors. Peak hamstring and quadriceps concentric and eccentric strength per unit volume magnitudes (QCSPV, HCSPV, QESPV, HESPV) were determined. Metrics and select ratios were submitted to a one way ANOVA to determine the main effect of maturation. Results Significant decreases occurred in HESPV (N/cm 3 ) and ACL CSA (cm 2 /kg m), respectively, from early (0.188 ± 0.023 N/cm 3 , 0.007 ± 0.002 cm 2 /kg m) to middle (0.157 ± 0.029 N/cm 3 , 0.005 ± 0.002 cm 2 /kg m, p = 0.034, p = 0.029), and middle to late (0.132 ± 0.031 N/cm 3 , 0.003 ± 0.001 cm 2 /kg m, p = 0.044, p = 0.018) maturation. A significant decrease in HESPV:QCSPV occurred between early (1.795 ± 0.496) and middle (1.362 ± 0.277, p = 0.018) maturation. QCSPV:ACL CSA was significantly greater in late (37.26 ± 13.35) compared to middle (25.81 ± 9.17, p = 0.021) maturation. Conclusions Key ratios between female knee quadriceps and hamstring strength and ACL size parameters, which may directly impact ACL injury risk, are substantially different among three maturation states. The results are potentially hazardous strength mismatches in mid-pubertal females, where a smaller (weaker) ACL may be unable to stabilize quadriceps dominated loading strategies.
pH and the Crawling of Nematode Sperm

Tissue formation, wound healing, immunesurve illance and most importantly, inhibition of cancer andtumor metastasis is of prime interest. In order to study translocation within these intriguing cells, we focus on cellularcrawling motility in sperm from the nematode Caenorhabditiselegans, which is similar to the crawling motility of many other eukaryotic cells. C. elegans spermatozoa utilize a cytoskeleton composed of Major Sperm Protein (MSP) to produce the forcenecessary for cellular movement. A complete understanding ofthe mechanics of this process and how it is regulated is stilllacking. In the sperm from Ascaris suum, another nematode, internal pH has been suggested as a regulator of motility. Thefocus of this study is to determine the role of pH in regulating motility in C. elegans sperm and to determine how the cell maintains its internal pH. Using ratiometric imaging we showthat C. elegans sperm maintain a substantial pH gradient between the front and back of the cell. A mathematical model suggests how the cell maintains this gradient.
Intravitreal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the treatment of experimentally induced bacterial endophthalmitis

Intravitreal injection of antibiotics has been shown to be effective in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis, but does not prevent the formation of fibrin. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA), a fibrinolytic agent, was evaluated in experimentally inducedStaphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis in an animal model. Significant fibrinous reaction in the vitreous was present in three of six eyes treated with intravitreal injection of clindamycin and rTPA (50%) and in one of five eyes treated with clindamycin only (20%). Fibrin clot formation in the anterior chamber was present in two of six eyes treated with clindamycin and rTPA (33%) and not observed in the clindamycin treated eyes (0%). These findings suggest that rTPA does not play a beneficial role in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis in the presence of the vitreous.
Pilot study of topical dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Dendritic cells, the primary antigen presenting cells of the human immune system, are heavily infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is a contact sensitizing agent that acts as a potent immune modulator of dendritic cells. In this pilot study, we examined the safety and efficacy of topical DNCB application in patients with early HIV disease. Topical DNCB was well tolerated by these patients, with an adverse reaction rate of 10%. CD4+ T-cell counts remained stable with repeated DNCB use. In contrast, CD8+ T-cell counts and natural killer cells increased significantly following DNCB sensitization. This increase in CD8+ T-cell and natural killer cell subsets was accompanied by a decrease in HIV replication, as measured by serum HIV RNA levels. Based on this pilot study, we conclude that topical DNCB is safe in early HIV disease and may decrease viral load via a systemic effect on dendritic cells, CD8+ T-cells and natural killer cells. These results require confirmation in larger controlled trials.
Interpolating Hamiltonians for a stochastic-web map with quasicrystalline symmetry

A systematic Hamiltonian approximation scheme is developed for a stochastic‐web map with fivefold quasicrystalline symmetry. Interpolating Hamiltonians are calculated up to tenth order in the control parameter a. The higher order Hamiltonians are used to provide bounds for closed invariant curves of the map, and to investigate the structural evolution of map’s phase portrait for a≤0.6.
Numerical Aproximation of an Optimal Control Problem Associated with the Navier-Stokes Equations

Control problems distinguish themselves in the following way from the usual problems that workers in PDEs deal with (e.g. questions of regularity) . A gross property is postulated for the solution of the relevant PDE or system of PDEs and one chooses parameters that appear in the equations in order to adhere to this property. In the problem at hand we consider the encouragement, in the least squares sense, of a viscous incompressible flow towards a given vector field by appropriately choosing the stress tensor on the boundary of the (bounded) d om_ain. We wish to minimize the functional
The working executive: the developmental role of executive degree programmes

Explores the developmental role and meaning of executive degree programmes in the lives of working executive participants. Uses Levinson’s concepts of developmental stages, the central components of the life structure, and Mead’s concept that meaning is found in the response of the other, as the theoretical framework. Data were gathered using semi‐structured interviews that explored respondents’ work life, biographical and family influences, and the educational experience. A short questionnaire was used to gather demographic data. The subjects were executive participants in the Executive Program at The Claremont Graduate School. The sample of 12 ranged from 36 to 55 years of age. The respondents were equally distributed by gender. The data supported Mead’s notion that the meaning of the degree programme would be found in the response of significant others. The interview data indicated that respondents enjoyed a high level of support for their educational goals from significant others at home and at work. There was no support for Levinson’s model where the role/meaning of the programme would be different for participants at different stages of adulthood. However, the experience did effect life structures in predictable ways.
Visible/near-infrared hyperspectral sensing of solids under controlled environmental conditions

We describe the use of a wind tunnel for conducting controlled passive hyperspectral imaging experiments. In recent years, passive hyperspectral detection of solids, minerals and ores has emerged as a very useful technique, for example for classifying land types, mineral deposits, and agricultural practices. Such techniques are also potentially useful for detecting explosives, solid-phase chemicals and other materials of interest from a distance so as to provide operator safety. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operates a wind tunnel facility that can generate and circulate artificial atmospheres whereby certain environmental parameters can be controlled such as lighting, humidity, temperature, aerosol and obscurant burdens. By selecting the appropriate fore-optics and sample size, one can conduct meaningful experiments under controlled conditions at relatively low cost when compared to typical field deployments. We will present recent results describing optimized sensing of solids over tens of meters distance using both visible and near-infrared cameras, as well as the effects of certain environmental parameters on data retrieval.
A newly recognized blood group in domestic shorthair cats: the Mik red cell antigen.

Background Naturally occurring alloantibodies produced against A and B red cell antigens in cats can cause acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Blood incompatibilities, unrelated to the AB blood group system, have also been suspected after blood transfusions through routine crossmatch testing or as a result of hemolytic transfusion reactions. Hypothesis Incompatible crossmatch results among AB compatible cats signify the presence of a naturally occurring alloantibody against a newly identified blood antigen in a group of previously never transfused blood donor cats. The associated alloantibody is clinically important based upon a hemolytic transfusion reaction after inadvertent transfusion of red cells expressing this red cell antigen in a feline renal transplant recipient that lacks this red cell antigen. Methods Blood donor and nonblood donor cats were evaluated for the presence of auto- and alloantibodies using direct antiglobulin and crossmatch tests, respectively, and were blood typed for AB blood group status. Both standard tube and novel gel column techniques were used. Results Plasma from 3 of 65 cats and 1 feline renal transplant recipient caused incompatible crossmatch test results with AB compatible erythrocytes indicating these cats formed an alloantibody against a red cell antigen they lack, termed Mik. The 3 donors and the renal transplant recipient were crossmatch-compatible with one another. Tube and gel column crossmatch test results were similar. Conclusions and clinical importance The absence of this novel Mik red cell antigen can be associated with naturally occurring anti-Mik alloantibodies and can elicit an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction after an AB-matched blood transfusion.
Maternal Instincts, Biological Clocks, and Soccer Moms: Gay Men's Parenting and Family Narratives

Drawing on an integrated theoretical framework of symbolic interaction and queer theory, I analyze how forty-one mostly white middleclass gay men accomplish their parenting and family identities. Findings reveal how gay active and prospective parents are influenced by the normative family ideal and implicate themselves in dominant discourses about (hetero)sexuality, gender, family, and parenting. Data suggest that in order for gay men to understand themselves as parents, many identify with female-familial roles and frame their parenting experiences in maternal terms, using such terms as maternal instincts, biological clocks, and soccer moms. I argue that these patterns emerge because these men inhabit a rather liminal space that lacks any definitive models or guidelines. These men make sense of their liminality by framing their identities and experiences within established gendered and heterosexual parenting scripts, resulting in a narrative hybrid of heterosexual men's family and parenting trajectories and discourses about women, femininity, and mothering.
Arctic region mapping tool

An interactive online mapping tool is now available to assist with scientific, environmental, and emergency response needs in the Arctic region, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on 31 July. The Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) already has been used in other regions, including in the Gulf of Mexico, as part of the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The tool—which is a product of the combined work of NOAA, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), the University of New Hampshire, and others—offers near–real time oceanographic observations, weather data, environmental and commercial information, and other data.
Comparison of the symplectic shell model and Hartree-Fock results for excited 0(+) states of 4He.

We show that with a saturating interaction V = -V/sub 0/exp(-r/sup 2//a/sup 2/)+t/sub 3/delta(r/sub 1/-r/sub 2/)delta(r/sub 1/-r/sub 3/), whose parameters are chosen, for any given range a, to fit the ground state binding energy and radius of /sup 4/He, the excitation energy of the breathing mode state decreases as the range a increases. The same interaction is used to calculate the energy of the deformed intrinsic ''four-particle excitation.'' It is found that the energy of this state is low for the smallest value of a. As we change a, the volume is not conserved. Our results are compared with those of a Toronto group who performed a symplectic shell model calculation with a B1 interaction. Their conclusion, that the energy of the breathing mode state is low, is valid only when the range a is large. We obtain energies for the ''four-particle excitation'' which are higher than theirs when we constrain the volume to be constant, but lower than theirs when we remove that condition. Singularities and instabilities in the variational approach are discussed.
Defining, assessing, and certifying procedural competency in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism.

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (P.W.L.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism (A.B.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; Division of Endocrinology (A.D.), Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Health Care System and New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York 10016; and Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism (S.B.), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Simulation of structural phenomena in mixed-particle fluidized beds

A statistical mechanical simulation was developed and used to predict the macroscopic and microscopic behavior of fluidized beds. In particular, the model was used to study structural phenomena in liquid fluidized beds that contain a distribution of particle sizes and/or densities. Bed structural phenomena, such as density-based and size-based segregation, classification, expansion, inversion, and solids dispersion have all been successfully simulated. Experimental data for the segregation of glass beads of different sizes and different densities agree well with predictions made from the simulation (without adjustable parameters). Classification and dispersion simulations also show good agreement with experimental data.
The fate of chlorine in sea-water

Abstract The consumption of hypohalite (or chlorine demand) in sea-water seems to occur in two phases. Residual chlorine concentration decreased rapidly within the first hour and noticeably slower afterwards. Total consumption of up to 3.3 ppm chlorine was observed within 30 h. The chlorine demand increased with increasing initial hypohalite concentrations and increasing time of contact. No limit of chlorine demand was observed. Data from ultra-violet spectroscopy suggest that the hypochlorite reacts with bromide ion to form hypobromite. The reaction is fast and seems to reach completion within 2.5 min. Hypobromite is thus the major species measured as residual chlorine which is consumed in sea-water. One of the products can liberate iodine from iodide at low pH (pH 1.4). This species, however, is not bromate and it decomposes with time. Further studies on the chemistry and toxicity of bromine containing species in chlorinated sea-water will be necessary in order to realize fully the environmental impact of the chlorination of sea-water.
17-β estradiol protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress through estrogen receptor-β

Purpose To elucidate the mechanism of 17-β estradiol (17β-E(2))-mediated protection of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from oxidative stress. Methods Cultured ARPE-19 cells were subjected to oxidative stress with t-butyl hydroxide or hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of 17β-E(2). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H(2)DCFDA fluorescence. Apoptosis was evaluated by cell-death ELISA kit and Hoechst-3486 staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the JC-1 assay. Cellular localization of estrogen receptor (ER) was evaluated by confocal microscopy. Gene expression and protein expression was quantified using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Superoxide dismutase and ATP levels were measured using commercial kits. Results ARPE-19 cells expressed significant amounts of ERα and ERβ. Pretreatment with 17β-E2 protected ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis. 17β-E(2) reduced the ROS levels and mitochondrial depolarization. The 17β-E(2)-mediated cytoprotection was inhibited by ER antagonists ICI (ERα and ERβ) and THC (ERβ) but not by tamoxifen (ERα). Knockdown of ERβ expression by siRNA abolished the protective effects of 17β-E(2). Further, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that 17β-E(2) pretreatment upregulated the expression of ERβ and phase II cellular antioxidant genes. Conclusions These results indicate that 17β-E(2) protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress through an ERβ-dependent mechanism. 17β-E(2)-mediated cytoprotection occurred through the preservation of mitochondrial function, reduction of ROS production, and induction of cellular antioxidant genes.
Corporate Leverage and Nondebt Tax Shields: Evidence on Crowding‐Out

A negative relationship between corporate leverage and tax shields has been predicted because a large nondebt tax shield reduces the expected value of interest tax savings and lessens the advantage of debt financing. Previous studies, however, have provided inconclusive and contradictory evidence on whether nondebt tax shields crowd-out debt financing. The analysis herein relies on unique constructs of discounted depreciation tax shields and presents evidence that crowding-out does not occur. Furthermore, it is shown that contradictory inferences may result from analysis of annual tax depreciation deductions instead of discounted tax shields. The findings suggest that firms with substantial cash flow from depreciation exploit their higher debt capacity by maintaining a capital structure with significantly more debt than otherwise.
Exploration of 3D stacked L2 cache design for high performance and efficient thermal control

The three-dimensional (3D) integration enables stacking large memory on top of chip-multi-processors (CMPs). Compared to the 2D case, the extra dimension and high bandwidth provide more options for the design of on-chip memory such as L2 caches. In this work, we study the design of 3D stacked set-associative L2 caches through managing the placement of cache ways. The evaluation results show that the placement has an impact on the performance. In addition, we propose a technique of shadow tag to dynamically adjust the working size of the 3D cache in order to save power and reduce the peak temperature. Evaluation results show that the proposed inter-layer core-based-distribution placement of 3D cache ways is the best design option, when both the performance and thermal management are considered.
Quantification of Myocardial Perfusion Utilizing Computed Tomography

The advancement in computed tomography has permitted the evaluation of coronary arteries using noninvasive means. However, the modality is somewhat limited in arteries with 30 % to 70 % stenosis in the determination of a physiologic impact on perfusion. Improvements in hardware and software now allow for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion with CT. This in conjunction with the CTA has resulted in improvement in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the diagnosis of ischemia. While still a modality in development, it shows promise to be utilized in the low to intermediate risk groups. Even though this is a minimally invasive modality clinicians must be cognizant of the potential overuse resulting in excess radiation dose to patients.
Geographic Disparities in Heart Failure Hospitalization Rates Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Objectives This study was designed to document local-level geographic disparities in heart failure (HF) hospitalization rates among Medicare beneficiaries. Background Although the burden of HF is well documented at the national level, little is known about the geographic disparities in HF. Methods The study population consisted of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age who resided in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands during the years 2000 to 2006. Using hospital claims data for Medicare beneficiaries, we calculated spatially smoothed and age-adjusted average annual county-level HF hospitalization rates per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries for the total population and by racial/ethnic group (blacks, Hispanics, and whites) for the years 2000 to 2006. A HF hospitalization was defined as a short-stay hospital claim with a principal (first-listed) discharge diagnosis of HF using the International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision-Clinical Modification code 428. Results The average annual age-adjusted HF hospitalization rate per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries was 21.5 per 1,000, and ranged from 7 to 61 per 1,000 among counties in the U.S. For the total study population, a clear East-West gradient was evident, with the highest rates located primarily along the lower Mississippi River Valley and the Ohio River Valley, including the Appalachian region. Similar patterns were observed for blacks and whites, although the pattern for Hispanics differed. Conclusions The evidence of substantial geographic disparities in HF hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries is important information for health professionals to incorporate as they design prevention and treatment policies and programs tailored to the needs of their communities.
Fluid resuscitation of pediatric burn victims: a critical appraisal

The objectives of fluid therapy in the burned child can be simply stated and defined, and they should represent the basis for the resuscitation process. During the first 24 h after the burn, the ultimate goal is restoration of the patient's volume and electrolyte homeostasis. All efforts should be directed at monitoring or restoring organ function while simultaneously minimizing edema formation. Only the minimum amount of fluids and other nutrients needed to restore cell function should be provided. Electrolyte deficits and lactic acidosis must be promptly corrected and every attempt should be made to prevent further derangement in body homeostasis by replacing concurrent losses and anticipating maintenance fluid and electrolyte requirements. Restoration and maintenance of perfusion pressures should lead to maximal oxygenation of injured and noninjured tissues, which promotes spontaneous healing, minimizes wound conversion, decreases bacterial colonization and prepares the injured areas for early excision and grafting. It must be emphasized, however, that restoration of fluid and electrolyte balance and organ function does not necessarily imply a return to normal of all physiological variables. The cardiac output, for example, may not return to preburn levels for 24–48 h post injury, even when the intravascular volume has been completely replenished. Likewise, oliguria may persist for 48–72 h, or even longer, after the burn, as a result of excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone stimulated by the stress of the injury rather than its effect of fluid balance. Thus, while the objectives can be easily enumerated and defined, they are difficult to meet.
Comparative evaluation of the osteoinductivity of two formulations of human demineralized bone matrix.

In the United States, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is considered a transplantable tissue and therefore is regulated primarily by the American Association of Tissue Banks. Even though DBM is not subjected to the same regulations relative to performance claims as medical devices are, one would expect different processing methods might yield DBM preparations of different osteoinductive potential. The purpose of this study was to use an established athymic rat model to compare the osteoinductive properties of two commercially available human DBMs prepared using different methods but having essentially identical product claims. Sixteen female athymic rats were used to test equivalent volumes of two lots each of Grafton Putty® (Osteotech, Inc., Eatontown, NJ), Osteofil® (Regeneration Technologies, Inc., Alachua, FL), and rat DBM. At 28 days after implantation, qualitative and semiquantitative microscopy showed no significant differences in bone formation between the two lots from each source, but rat DBM produced significantly more bone than Grafton®, which produced significantly more bone than Osteofil®. Our results suggest that methods of graft processing may represent a greater source of variability than do differences among individual donors. Whether these differences relate to methods of demineralization, carrier, dose of DBM per volume, or to some other factor remains to be determined. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 65A: 37–42, 2003
Hyaluronan Synthesis Mediates the Fibrotic Response of Keratocytes to Transforming Growth Factor β

TGFβ induces fibrosis in healing corneal wounds, and in vitro corneal keratocytes up-regulate expression of several fibrosis-related genes in response to TGFβ. Hyaluronan (HA) accumulates in healing corneas, and HA synthesis is induced by TGFβ by up-regulation of HA synthase 2. This study tested the hypothesis that HA acts as an extracellular messenger, enhancing specific fibrotic responses of keratocytes to TGFβ. HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) blocked TGFβ induction of HA synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner. 4MU also inhibited TGFβ-induced up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type III, and extra domain A-fibronectin. Chemical analogs of 4MU also inhibited fibrogenic responses in proportion to their inhibition of HA synthesis. 4MU, however, showed no effect on TGFβ induction of luciferase by the 3TP-Lux reporter plasmid. Inhibition of HA using siRNA to HA synthase 2 reduced TGFβ up-regulation of smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and cell division. Similarly, brief treatment of keratocytes with hyaluronidase reduced TGFβ responses. These results suggest that newly synthesized cell-associated HA acts as an extracellular enhancer of wound healing and fibrosis in keratocytes by augmenting a limited subset of the cellular responses to TGFβ.
Critical Action Research in Human Resource Development.

Critical approaches to HRD do not focus solely on improving organizational performance; instead, they address previously undiscussable issues such as power, politics, class, alternative work structures, sexism, racism, and heterosexism. As critical HRD often seeks to raise problems instead of immediately solve them, it is sometimes criticized for being elitist or detached from practice. This article addresses how critical approaches to action research can allow practitioners and researchers to integrate critical approaches into actual practice. Critical action research provides a mechanism for ensuring that critical HRD research is grounded in the realities of real-world practice. A model is presented for considering practitioner-oriented research in HRD, which forms the theoretical basis for using action research as a methodological stance for critical HRD. An overview is provided of foundational literature of critical HRD and action research, followed by a discussion of the practical implications for conducting critical action research within the HRD field.
Isolation of an acid protease from rabbit reticulocytes and evidence for its role in processing redox proteins during erythroid maturation

A protease which generates a soluble hemepeptide from bovine liver microsomal cytochrome b5 has been isolated from the membrane fraction of rabbit reticulocytes. Inhibition by pepstatin and an acidic pH optimum indicate that the protease belongs to the acid protease class. Little cytochrome b5-processing activity is observed in rabbit erythrocytes. We suggest that the protease may be involved in the processing which generates the proteins of the methemoglobin reduction system from their membrane-bound precursors during the maturation of the erythroid cell.
An Approach to Operationalizing the I.E.P.

PL 94–142 specifies that schools are required to develop an Individual Educational Program (I.E.P.) for every handicapped child before services are provided. PL 94–142 does not, however specify how...
Molar uprighting as an adjunct to fixed prosthesis

To avoid complications, tipped teeth that could be a weak link in a prosthesis should be uprighted before restoration is begun. An orthodontic approach to uprighting these teeth is discussed.
Intracellular recording in the medullary pacemaker nucleus of the weakly electric fish, Apteronotus, during modulatory behaviors

1. The weakly electric gymnotiform fish,Apteronotus leptorhynchus, can be induced to perform a variety of modulations of its quasi-sinusoidal, electric organ discharge (EOD) in acute physiological preparations. These modulations, many of which are communicatory in function, include the jamming avoidance response (JAR). We have recorded intracellularly from neurons of the medullary pacemaker nucleus which is responsible for maintaining the ongoing EOD frequency during these modulatory behaviors. 2. We have used dye-filled microelectrodes to characterize single cell morphology of the two types of cells in the pacemaker nucleus (relay and pacemaker cells) and to localize anatomically the site of the differing responses we see during frequency modulations. We have also recorded with KCl-filled electrodes and attributed these data to cell type and location on the basis of characteristic behavior during these modulations. 3. Much of our data deals with chirps, brief accelerations of the EOD frequency lasting 10 to 14 ms. We see distinct patterns of activity in the pacemaker nucleus corresponding to different anatomical locations: the relay cell soma and axon, and the pacemaker cell soma and axon. Most of these loci show a marked rise in baseline voltage during the acceleration in spike frequency. The most unusual of these is the pacemaker cell axon which displays an often extreme decline in spike amplitude concurrent with the chirp (Fig. 7 A). 4. ‘Yodeling’ (Dye 1987) appears to involve similar, characteristic changes in the pattern of firing as those seen during chirping. Similar quantitative analyses suggest that the JAR involves a different mechanism, however.
Note on One-Dimensional Lattice Gas in External Fields

Abstract The fundamental equations of the scaled particle theory are derived for a one-dimensional lattice gas in an external potential. These equations relate the work required to add a particle, at a fixed point, to a N – 1 particle system to the activity and to a series of coordinate distribution functions. The equations hold in any dimension, and replacing sums by integrals, describe continuum fluids. The rigid lattice gas is solved by these means. When nearest neighbors interact, in a positive, increasing external potential, a formal solution is obtained by a matrix method. The grand partition function, in the infinite length limit, depends only on a single eigenvalue of an infinite product of matrices. The one-particle distribution, in this limit, is reduced to a series of terminating continued fractions, which is readily approximated in the high coordinate or low activity limit. Lastly, it is shown that the zeros of the grand partition function lie on the negative real axis of the complex activity ...
Physical Activity, Obesity, Nutritional Health and Quality of Life in Low-Income Hispanic Adults With Diabetes

The study examined relationships among age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, nutritional health, quality of life, and health-related quality of life in Hispanic adults with diabetes (N = 59) using the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model as a framework. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at clinics and communities. A regression model with predisposing factors (age, BMI), and behavior (nutritional health and physical activity) significantly predicted quality of life (R(2) = 0.21, F = 3.63, p < .05) explaining 21% of variance. Physical activity and nutrition were the strongest predictors. Culturally competent intervention strategies must include factors that improve and enhance quality of life.
Supporting knowledge elicitation and consensus building for dempster-shafer decision models

Many decision models that are based on Dempster-Shafer belief functions involve the elicitation of subjective belief data from a group of experts based on qualitative preferences. Given that a major reason for using a group is the assumption that the combined group judgment is likely superior to individual judgment, then the issues of synthesis and consensus assessment and consensus building become important. In this article we present an integrated structured, noninvasive action learning knowledge elicitation process for eliciting from a group of experts the basic probability assignments that are required by Dempster-Shafer theory (DST)-based expert systems. This process accommodates the expert's uncertainty, identifies inconsistencies in the expert's opinion, takes advantage of the potential benefits of group work while mitigating against the negative effects, and addresses the issues of consensus assessment and consensus building.
Seismic response control of smart sliding isolated buildings using variable stiffness systems: an experimental and numerical study

Effectiveness of a new semiactive independently variable stiffness (SAIVS) device in reducing seismic response of sliding base isolated buildings is evaluated analytically and experimentally. Through analytical and experimental study of force—displacement behaviour of the SAIVS device, it is shown that the device can vary stiffness continuously and smoothly between minimum and maximum stiffness. Passive sliding base isolation systems reduce interstorey drifts and superstructure accelerations, but with increased base displacements, which is undesirable, under large velocity near fault pulse type earthquakes. It is a common practice to incorporate non-linear passive dampers into the isolation system to reduce bearing displacements. Incorporation of passive dampers, however, may result in increased superstructure accelerations and drifts; while, properly designed passive dampers can be beneficial. A viable alternative is to use semiactive variable stiffness systems, which can vary the period of the sliding base isolated buildings in real time, to simultaneously reduce bearing displacements and superstructure responses further than the passive systems, which deserves investigation. This study investigates the performance of a 1:5 scaled smart sliding base isolated building model equipped with the SAIVS device analytically and experimentally, under near fault earthquakes, by developing a new moving average non-linear tangential stiffness control algorithm for control of the SAIVS device. The SAIVS device reduces bearing displacements further than the passive cases, while maintaining isolation level forces and superstructure responses at the same level as the passive minimum stiffness case, indicating the significant potential of the SAIVS system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update on the Neurobiology of Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures

Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after prolonged heavy drinking may trigger alcohol withdrawal seizures. Generalized tonic–clonic seizures are the most characteristic and severe type of seizure that occur in this setting. Generalized seizures also occur in rodent models of alcohol withdrawal. In these models, the withdrawal seizures are triggered by neuronal networks in the brainstem, including the inferior colliculus; similar brainstem mechanisms may contribute to alcohol withdrawal seizures in humans. Alcohol causes intoxication through effects on diverse ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, including GABAA receptors—particularly those containing δ subunits that are localized extrasynaptically and mediate tonic inhibition—and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Alcohol dependence results from compensatory changes during prolonged alcohol exposure, including internalization of GABAA receptors, which allows adaptation to these effects. Withdrawal seizures are believed to reflect unmasking of these changes and may also involve specific withdrawal-induced cellular events, such as rapid increases in α4 subunit–containing GABAA receptors that confer reduced inhibitory function. Optimizing approaches to the prevention of alcohol withdrawal seizures requires an understanding of the distinct neurobiologic mechanisms that underlie these seizures.
Teaching through Interactive Engagement: Communication is Experience.

“If you hold a cat by the tail you learn things you can not learn any other way.”- Mark Twain
Multiple polyposis, Gardner's syndrome and desmoid tumors.

A familial syndrome recently has been described by Gardner which in some respects bears the same relationship to multiple polyposis of the colon that the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome does to polyposis of the small intestine. In addition to familial multiple polyposis, the salient features of the syndrome are (1) multiple epidermoid cystomatosis and (2) a tendency toward proliferation of cells of mesenchymal origin, resulting in the formation of osteomas, fibromas and desmoid tumors. The epidermoid cysts and osteomas produce definite external deformities which may lead the physician to suspect multiple polyposis of the colon. In this study, the records of 201 patients with multiple polyposis were reviewed. Seventeen of the 201 patients were found to exhibit one or more of the abnormalities listed above. Eight of these 17 patients were studied intensively with Gardner’s syndrome in mind. Six of the 17 patients had desmoid tumors associated with their abdominal incisional scars, and an additional patient had an extra-abdominal desmoid tumor. Epidermoid cysts were found in 12, and osteomas in eight, of the 17 patients reported upon. It is felt that Gardner’s syndrome is the embodiment of a spectrum of pathologic changes which could affect, in variable numbers and combinations, any patient who has multiple polyposis.
Improved Invariant Generation for Tvoc

The NYU Tvoc project applies the method of translation validation to verify that optimized code is semantically equivalent to the unoptimized code, by establishing, for each run of the optimizing compiler, a set of verification conditions (VCs) whose validity implies the correctness of the optimized run. The core of Tvoc is Tvoc-sp, that handles structure preserving optimizations, i.e., optimizations that do not alter the inner loop structures. The underlying proof rule, Val, on whose soundness Tvoc-sp is based, requires, among other things, to generating invariants at each ''cutpoint'' of the control graph of both source and target codes. The current implementation of Tvoc-sp employs somewhat naive fix-point computations to obtain the invariants. In this paper, we propose an alternative method to compute invartiants which is based on simple data-flow analysis techniques.
Use of laparoscopic vascular stapler at laparotomy for colorectal cancer

The laparoscopic vascular stapler facilitates bidirectional stapling and division of the pelvic attachments and hepatic veins.
The time-dependent stimulus effects of R(-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methamphetamine (DOM): implications for drug-induced stimulus control as a method for the study of hallucinogenic agents.

The pharmacodynamic characteristics of the stimulus effects of the hallucinogensd-LSD and (−)DOM were investigated in the rat. The stimulus control induced by (−)DOM (0.56 mg/kg) was significantly less stable at the 15-min pretreatment time than at the 75-min pretreatment time. In addition, (−)DOM (0.8 mg/kg) produced a time-dependent substitution for the LSD stimulus in LSD trained subjects (0.1 mg/kg, 15-min pretreatment time). As pretreatment times were increased, the substitution of (−)DOM (0.8 mg/kg) for the LSD stimulus increased, culminating in a maximal level of 99.5% LSD-appropriate responding at the 75-min pre-treatment time. A dose-response relationship for the substitution of (−)DOM (75-min pretreatment time) for the LSD stimulus, indicated that 0.2 mg/kg (−)DOM was the minimum dose which elicited greater than 90% LSD-appropriate responding. LSD (0.32 mg/kg, 15-min pretreatment time) fully substituted for (−)DOM in the (−)DOM trained subjects (0.56 mg/kg, 75-min pretreatment time). These findings suggest that the pharmacodynamic parameters ofd-LSD and (−)DOM-induced stimulus control differ. The time of onset for the stimulus effects of (−)DOM is markedly longer than that of LSD in the rat.
Attitudes and perceptions of school-aged children toward alopecia areata.

Although not life-threatening, alopecia areata (AA) is associated with increased rates of depressive symptoms and anxiety in children.1 This study investigates how schoolchildren, from kindergarten (K) through grade 8, perceive those with AA and the associated social ramifications.
Cholinergic agonist-induced down regulation of neuronal α-bungarotoxin receptors

Abstract The ability of cholinergic ligands to regulate neuronal α-bungarotoxin receptor number was studied in dissociated monolayer cultures of embryonic chick ciliary gangliion neurons. Carbamylcholine and nicotine, but not D -tubocurarine, caused a loss of 25% of the surface [125I]α-bungarotoxin receptors within 1 h at 37°C. This receptor loss occured withour change in affinity for [125I]α-bungarotoxin, was temperature-sensitive and was prevented by co-incubation with D -tubocurarine.
Cars spectra of van der waals complexes: The structure of the CO2 dimer

Abstract We report the first coherent Raman detection of small van der Waals aggregates formed in dilute CO 2 /He free-jet expansions. CARS spectra show distinct features attributable to dimers and higher-order polymers of CO 2 . Comparison of these Raman data with infrared spectra in the ν 1 region of CO 2 indicates that the rule of mutual exclusion is operative for the dimer vibrations. This result favors an offset parallel C 2h structure for the most stable dimer configuration rather than a polar T-shaped arrangement proposed from recent electric deflection experiments.
Lipid oxidation: Mechanisms, products and biological significance

This paper reviews our studies of fatty acid hydroperoxides, their secondary products and mechanisms for their formation in the context of some of their possible biological consequences. The uneven distribution of isomeric hydroperoxides in oxidized linolenate and photosensitized oxidized linoleate is related to the formation of hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides. Interest in the hydroperoxy mono-and bi-cycloendoperoxides from oxidized linolenate stems from their structural relationship to the prostaglandins. However, the biological activity of hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides formed by autoxidation has not yet been reported. Thermal decomposition studies of secondary lipid oxidation products show they are important precursors of volatile compounds. An acid-acetalation decomposition procedure establishes that 5-membered hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides and 1,3-dihydroperoxides are important precursors of malonaldehyde. This approach provides a more specific test than the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) color reaction to evaluate lipid oxidation products as sources of malonaldehyde and its biological effects due to crosslinking. A better understanding is needed of the biological effects of a multitude of lipid oxidation decomposition products other than malonaldehyde.
Prediction of HIV Acquisition Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objective:To develop and validate an easy-to-use prediction model for HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods:We developed prediction models using medical records data from an STD clinic (2001–2008) and validated these models using data from the control arm of Project Explore,
Measuring channel and gully cross-sections with an airborne laser altimeter

A laser altimeter, making 4000 measurements per second, was used to measure channel and gully morphology. The laser measurements provide quick, accurate and readily obtained data on the cross-section and morphology of channels and gullies in relation to the adjacent landscape. Although ground based techniques can be used to make these measurements, using a laser altimeter mounted in an aircraft allows data to be collected faster, with greater density and detail, and in areas with limited access for ground surveys. The laser altimeter data are valuable for measuring channel and gully cross-sections and roughness in relation to the surrounding landscape, for assessing soil loss from gullies and channels, and for providing input to the understanding of gully and channel dynamics in the landscape.
Response of Small-Scale, Methyl Rotors to Protein−Ligand Association: A Simulation Analysis of Calmodulin−Peptide Binding

Changes in the free energy barrier (ΔE), entropy, and motional parameters associated with the rotation of methyl groups in a protein (calmodulin (CaM)) on binding a ligand (the calmodulin-binding domain of smooth-muscle myosin (smMLCKp)) are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. In both the bound and uncomplexed forms of CaM, the methyl rotational free energy barriers follow skewed-Gaussian distributions that are not altered significantly upon ligand binding. However, site-specific perturbations are found. Around 11% of the methyl groups in CaM exhibit changes in ΔE greater than 0.7 kcal/mol on binding. The rotational entropies of the methyl groups exhibit a nonlinear dependence on ΔE. The relations are examined between motional parameters (the methyl rotational NMR order parameter and the relaxation time) and ΔE. Low-barrier methyl group rotational order parameters deviate from ideal tetrahedrality by up to ∼20%. There is a correlation between rotational barrier changes and proximity to the p...
Susceptibility of cattle to the agent of chronic wasting disease from elk after intracranial inoculation

Cattle could be exposed to the agent of chronic wasting disease (CWD) through contact with infected farmed or free-ranging cervids or exposure to contaminated premises. The purpose of the current s...
Wood dust hypersensitivity

Two patients developed severe respiratory difficulty after occupational exposure to sawdust derived from abiruana wood. Both patients had positive immediate wheal-and-flare responses to skin tests with an extract of abiruana wood. Skin tests to other wood dusts were negative. Precipitating antibodies could not be demonstrated in the patients' serum. Bronchial challenge in both patients produced acute airway obstruction that was rapidly reversible. In addition, 1 patient developed airway obstruction 6-8 hr later that was more gradually reversible.