cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene delivery to the hair follicle.

Skin and appendages such as hair follicles are attractive candidates for gene therapy targets because they are easily accessible and can be removed and genetically manipulated in culture. Hair follicles are of special interest because our understanding of hair follicle biology and pathophysiology has progressed significantly in recent years, and we now have a much better understanding of how genes, encoding transcription factors, growth factors, and cytokines regulate both hair follicle development and the cycles of hair follicle growth (anagen, catagen, and telogen) (Cotsarelis and Millar, 2001;Millar, 2002). Also important is the characterization of an increasing number of genetic mutations that affect hair growth and can result in hair loss (Cotsarelis and Millar, 2001). Gene therapy could be used to introduce genes that manipulate hair follicle growth and cycling or that replace the mutated defective gene with a normal wild-type gene. As our understanding of the polygenic basis for a number of alopecias improves, gene-based therapies might also be designed to provide more promising treatments than current palliative therapies for hair loss. This review will describe some of the recent progress in gene delivery to hair follicles and discuss examples of how gene delivery can cause phenotypic changes in hair follicles.
The protective effect of Na-hyaluronate to corneal endothelium

Abstract The very viscous solution of a special fraction of Na-hyaluronate, Healon ® was used to replace the aqueous humor in rabbits. The intraocular pressure, corneal thickness and endothelial cell count after Na-hyaluronate injection were not significantly different than after replacing the aqueous humor with balanced salt solution. The same viscous Na-hyaluronate solution was also shown to protect the corneal endothelium from mechanical damage caused by contact with methacrylate surfaces. Corneal endothelial cell counts in histological preparations and in scanning electron micrographs clearly showed that placing the viscous Na-hyaluronate solution between the methacrylate surface and the corneal endothelium prevented the mechanical damage.
Skp2 Is Required for Incretin Hormone-Mediated β-Cell Proliferation

The glucoincretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its analog exendin-4 (Ex-4) promote β-cell growth and expansion. Here we report an essential role for Skp2, a substrate recognition component of SCF (Skp, Cullin, F-box) ubiquitin ligase, in promoting glucoincretin-induced β-cell proliferation by regulating the cellular abundance of p27. In vitro, GLP-1 treatment increases Skp2 levels, which accelerates p27 degradation, whereas in vivo, loss of Skp2 prevents glucoincretin-induced β-cell proliferation. Using inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Irs2 silencing RNA, we also show that the effects of GLP-1 in facilitating Skp2-dependent p27 degradation are mediated via the Irs2-phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway. Finally, we show that down-regulation of p27 occurs in islets from aged mice and humans, although in these islets, age-dependent accumulation of p16Ink4a prevent glucoincretin-induced β-cell proliferation; however, ductal cell proliferation is maintained. Taken together, these data highlight a critical role for Skp2 in glucoincretin-induced β-cell proliferation.
Spontaneous bending of piezoelectric nanoribbons: Mechanics, polarization, and space charge coupling

A theory is developed to explain the spontaneous bending of polar ±(0001) faceted wurtzite nanoribbons, including the widely studied case of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoarcs and nanorings. A rigorous thermodynamic treatment shows that bending of these nanoribbons can be primarily attributed to the coupling between piezoelectric effects, electric polarization, and the motion of free charge originating from point defects and/or dopants. The present theory explains the following experimental observations: the magnitude and sign of curvature and how this curvature depends on film thickness and dopant concentration. Good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained with no adjustable parameters. We identify three regimes of bending behavior with distinct thickness dependence for bending radius that depend on free carrier density, film thickness, and elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric constants.
Modulation of dopaminergic terminal excitability by D1 selective agents.

Abstract The effect of the active R (+) enantiomer of the dopaminergic selective D1 agonist 1-Phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrol-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7.8-dtol HCL (R-SKF 38393) was examined on the excitability of antidromically identified nigro-strtatal dopaminergic neurons. Striatal infusions of R-SKF 38393 produced a decrease in terminal excitability, which was reversed by subsequent infusion of the Dopaminergic D1 selective antagonist R-(+)-8-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine-7-ol-HCL (SCH 23390). The actions of these D1 specific agents are localized to the terminal fields of the dopaminergic neurons and are not nonspecific effects on the axonal membrane since application along the axons of these cells in the medial forebrain bundle produced no change (R-SKF 38393) or only a slight decrease (SCH 23390) In excitability. The results suggest that the terminal excitability of antidromlcally identified nigro-sriatal dopaminergic neurons can be modified with specific Dopamine D1 receptor agents via a receptor mediated mechanism.
Component fracture in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract The records of 26 patients (27 knees) who sustained a fracture of a total condylar design total knee prosthesis were reviewed. Twenty-five fractures involved the tibial component and two involved the femoral component. Mean time to failure was 8.2 years for tibial components and 7.2 years for femoral components. The overall fracture prevalence rates were 0.33% and 0.03% for tibial and femoral components, respectively. Specific designs had increased fracture rates and revision arthroplasty increased the relative risk. Anatomic limb alignment exceeded 5 of varus or valgus in 24 of 25 knees with tibial component fractures. Lucencies were noted beneath all but one fractured tibial tray. However, 22 of 23 tibial components that had a keel or stem were well fixed distally and subsidence occurred only beneath the fractured portion of the prosthesis. Tibial component fractures are related to revision arthroplasty, prosthesis design, malalignment, and inadequate support beneath the tibial tray with good distal fixation.
Examining the Impact of Crude Oil Price on External Reserves: Evidence from Nigeria

This paper studies the impact of crude oil price on the conditional mean and volatility of external reserves and the empirical finding suggests a significant positive impact of crude oil price. The monthly external reserves and crude oil price from January 1995 to December 2013 are modeled using the GARCH-M and EGARCH-M. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron statistical tests for unit root suggest the data to be stationary in first difference. Also, each variable show evidence of ARCH effect. Results from GARCH estimate indicate evidence of a persistent shock to volatility. The findings show the volatility term to be statistically significant in the mean equations implying that the mean is not constant but changes with volatility. In addition, the result shows that oil price variability (volatility) has a positive impact on the volatility of external reserves. While the coefficient, ? is positive in the EGARCH model, meaning that the impact on the conditional variance of the external reserves is asymmetric. Because ? is positive, evidence of leverage effects does not exist.
Ultrathin, flexible, hybrid solar cells in sub-ten micrometers single crystal silicon membrane

Recently, free-standing, ultrathin, single crystal silicon (c-Si) membranes have attracted considerable attention as a suitable material for low-cost, mechanically flexible electronics. In this paper, we report a promising ultrathin, flexible, hybrid solar cell based on silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays and poly (3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The free-standing ultrathin c-Si membranes of different thicknesses were produced by KOH etching of double-side polished Si wafers for various etching times. The processed free-standing silicon membranes were observed to be mechanically flexible and, in spite of their relatively small thickness, the samples tolerated the different steps of solar cell fabrication, including surface nanotexturization, spin casting, dielectric film deposition and metallization. We describe the experimental performance of a promising light trapping scheme in the aforementioned ultrathin c-Si membranes of thicknesses as small as 5.7 µm employing front surface random SiNW texturization in combination with a back-surface distribution of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). We report the enhancement of both the short circuit current density (J SC ) and the open circuit voltage (V OC ) that has been achieved in the described devices. Such enhancement is attributable to the plasmonic back scattering effect of the back-surface Ag NPs, which led to an overall 10% increase in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices compared to similar structures without Ag NPs. A PCE in excess of 6.62% has been achieved in the described devices having a c-Si membrane of thickness 8.6 µm. The described device technology could prove crucial in achieving an efficient, low cost, mechanically flexible photovoltaic device in the near future.
Practical retransmission schemes using network coding for 4G multicast/broadcast services

In this work we design retransmission schemes for broadcast networks using simple network coding techniques. In particular we study a wireless system with limited uplink feedback which can either be shared among all users or be partitioned for dedicated usage. In the shared feedback model the number of transmission errors is estimated using a voice-vote mechanism; the feedback needed is independent of the number of users. In the dedicated feedback model we consider varying levels of uplink feedback: none, partial and perfect. We design efficient retransmission schemes according to the feedback model and available bandwidth. Numerical results showing performance benefits are presented.
The Praxis of Indigenism and Alaska Native Timber Politics

This article addresses the most recent discourse on indigenism in Southeast Alaska that has emerged around the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 and its subsequent revisions. It argues that one must consider the "politics of recognition" in Southeast Alaska in terms of the larger political dynamics that shape state and industry access to resources, especially commercially valuable stands of timber. In Southeast Alaska, recognition of Native claims has allowed industrial timber and pulp producers to, in effect, circumvent environmental laws aimed at curbing production, thus allowing them to continue devastating the living conditions of many Natives. Among the local responses to the manipulation of Native claims and identity, the all–Native, radical Christian churches that have taken a strong stance against the recent, corporate–sponsored, cultural revitalization are unique in their resistance to indigenist politics. [Keywords: indigenism, Alaska Natives, development, Pentecostalism]
SPECTRAL LIGHT ABSORPTION BY INTACT BLADES OF PORPHYRA ABBOTTAE (RHODOPHYTA): EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN CULTURE

Whole thallus absorptance spectra were recorded for Porphyra abbottae Krishnamurthy gametophytes grown in batch culture at combinations of temperature (8, 10, 12° C), irradiance (17.5, 70, 140 μmol photons·m−2·s−1), nutrients (f/4, f/2, f media) and water motion (0, 50, 100, 150 rpm). Light, nutrients, water motion and the interaction of nutrients with water motion all significance affected broadband (400-700 nm) absorptance and absorptance by phycoerythrin (566 nm), phycocyanin (624 nm) and chlorophyll a (680 nm). Absorptances increased in low light, low water motion and high nutrient levels. Shifts in phycoerythrin: chlorophyll a absorptance ratios closely paralleled changes of absorptance by the major pigments, whereas the phycoerythrin: phycocyanin ratio decreased only with increasing nutrient supply Absorptance ratios were significantly correlated with growth rate. Absorptance increased asymptotically with blade thickness or pigment content. Based on previously determined growth rates, nutrient saturated P. abbottae can synthesize photosynthetic pigments in excess of immediate needs. Allocation is given preferentially to the phycobiliproteins, with highest preference for phycocyanin.
Posttreatment evaluation of the distal jet appliance

This study analyzed molar distalization with the distal jet appliance, its effect on the anchor teeth, and the outcome at the completion of orthodontic treatment. Pretreatment, after distalization, and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated for 21 adolescent girls and 12 adolescent boys. The mean age of the subjects at the time of the pretreatment radiograph was 12.8 +/- 2.2 years. The mean time for the correction of the Class II molar relationship was 6.7 +/- 1.7 months, and the mean total treatment time was 25.7 +/- 3.9 months. The results of this study showed that the distal jet appliance distalized the maxillary molars, but there was significant loss of anchorage. The distal jet also showed less tipping of the maxillary molars and better bodily movement of molars because the force was applied closer to the center of resistance. The observations of treatment outcome indicate that the 1.8-mm mean net anterior movement of the maxillary first molar was more than offset by the 4.8-mm mesial movement of the mandibular first molar. There was no significant increase in lower face height. Consequently the effect on the facial balance was negligible.
Pollination Ecology of Pedicularis bracteosa in the Montane-subalpine Ecotone

A study of the pollination ecology of Pedicularis bracteosa var. paysoniana was carried out at four sites distributed over an 840m vertical transect in the montane-subalpine ecotone of the Wyoming Rocky Mountains. Peak bloom ranged from June 30th at 2105m to August 2 at 2945m. Queens of Bombus flavifrons, B. kirbyellus and B. mixtus were its major pollinators of a total of 363 individuals of nine Bombus species collected foraging on the plants. The alpine tundra-nesting queens of B. kirbyellus were the commonest pollinators at 2945m and were absent below 2675m. Bombus flavifrons, B. mixtus and B. ternarius spanned the entire transect. Measurement of 229 queen pollinator tongues (glossa-prementum) indicated that mean tongue length increased with elevation but that each station encompassed a broad range of tongue lengths. With the longest tongue, B. kirbyellus foraged nototribically only; B. flavifrons was nototribic only at 2675m but both nototribic and sternotribically collecting pollen elsewhere. Species with shorter tongues were increasingly sternotribic at 2285–2675m and included more workers at these sites. Corbicular pollen loads from 141 pollinators indicated a distinctly lower pollen-foraging constancy at 2105m than at higher elevations, but at all elevations pure loads were most frequent. It is suggested that the extension of Pedicularis bracteosa var. paysoniana over the entire montane-subalpine ecotone has been facilitated both by its adaptability to differences in the physical environment and by its accommodation to related pollinators having distinct foraging patterns.
Stereochemically controlled syntheses of 20,22-epoxycholesterols

Die Synthese der isomeren 20,22-Epoxy-cholesterine (Ia)-(Id) wird beschrieben, wobei im allgemeinen entsprechende Glykol-monomesylate cyclisiert werden.
Long-term results of electrophysiologically guided sotalol therapy for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias

The efficacy and safety of sotalol therapy for ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated in 133 patients with drug-refractory ventricular arrhythmias. All patients had baseline electrophysiologic studies before and after oral sotalol therapy. Sixty-six patients were discharged home, treated with sotalol (52 patients without inducible ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and 14 patients with hemodynamically stable inducible ventricular tachycardia). The mean follow-up period was 41 +/- 27 months for the 14 patients with hemodynamically stable ventricular tachycardia. Sotalol was effective in 8 of these 14 patients. Recurrent nonlethal ventricular tachycardia occurred in 3 patients; 2 patients had sudden death; and 1 patient had adverse side effects. The 52 patients without inducible ventricular tachycardia were followed up for a mean period of 36 +/- 30 months. Thirty-five of 52 patients were successfully treated. Two patients had recurrent ventricular tachycardia; both of these episodes of ventricular tachycardia occurred within the first year. Four patients had sudden cardiac death; three of these deaths occurred within the first month, and the last episode of sudden death occurred after 8 years of sotalol therapy. The actuarial incidence of sotalol efficacy was 76% at 1 year, 72% at 2 years, 64% at 4 years, and 52% at 5 years. Approximately 46% of patients receiving long-term sotalol treatment reported side effects. Side effects severe enough to warrant withdrawal of sotalol occurred in 7 (11%) patients. The results of our study suggest that sotalol is effective for selected patients with drug refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Although the incidence of side effects are high, patients appear to tolerate long-term sotalol therapy well.
Obesity lowers hyperglycemic threshold for impaired in vivo endothelial nitric oxide function.

Obesity is a risk for type II diabetes mellitus and increased vascular resistance. Disturbances of nitric oxide (NO) physiology occur in both obese animals and humans. In obese Zucker rats, we dete...
Unlinked genetic loci control the reduced transcription of aminopeptidase N 1 and 3 in the European corn borer and determine tolerance to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin.

Transgenic expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline (Cry) toxins by crop plants result in reduced insect feeding damage, but sustainability is threatened by the development of resistance traits in target insect populations. We investigated Bt toxin resistance trait in a laboratory colony of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, selected for increased survival when exposed to Cry1Ab and correlated survival on Cry1Ab toxin with a constitutive w146.2 � 17.3-fold reduction in midgut aminopeptidase N1 (apn1) transcript levels. A 7.1 � 1.9-fold reduction apn3 transcript level was also correlated with Cry1Ab resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified a single major genome region controlling Cry1Ab resistance on linkage group 24 (LG24), and a minor QTL on LG27. Both QTL were independent of apn1 and apn3 loci on LG02. Positional mapping identified genetic markers that may assist in the identification of causal gene(s) within QTL intervals. This study indicates that genetic factor(s) may act in trans to reduce both apn1 and apn3 expression in Cry1Ab resistant O. nubilalis larvae, and suggest that gene regulatory pathways can influence Bt resistance traits. These findings show that gene interactions (epistasis) may influence Bt resistance in target insect populations. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Water molecules are active during the primary photoreaction of bacteriorhodopsin

ABSTRACT FF-IR difference spectra of the primary photoreaction of bacteriorhodopsin, the light driven proton pump from Halobacterium halobium, are presented with data above 3500 cm1. Samples were hydrated in H20, H2180 and D20 in order to distinguish vibrational bands due to water. In the bR—>K difference spectrum, evidence is found for a watermolecule which undergoes a strengthening in hydrogen bonding. In contrast, during the K—L and L—M steps of the photocycle one or more additional water molecules undergo a weakening in hydrogen bonding. 1. INTRODUCTION Bacteriorhodopsin (bR), found in Halobacterium halobium, functions as a light-driven proton pump across purple membrane1. The photocycle goes through several intermediate steps involving an all-trans to 13-cis isomerization of theretinal chromophore as a primary event2. The photocycle also involves changes of protein residues including Trp-86, Asp-85, Asp-96, Asp-i 15 Asp-212, Tyr-185 and Pro-186 as shown by FF-IR difference spectroscopy3. In order to bridge theioA gap4 between Asp-96 and the Schiff base during Schiff base reprotonation, a proton conducting hydrogen bondednetwork consisting of several water molecules and hydrogen bonding amino acid residues has been postulated5. In the
Contractile activity of the masseter muscle in experimental clenching and grinding of the teeth in man

Summary Six human subjects exercised maximum voluntary tooth clenching and right-sided tooth grinding to determine the onset of fatigue in the right and left masseter muscle. Static and dynamic contractile activity of the two muscles was determined by surface electromyography. Muscle fatigue appeared after about 30s of isometric contractions (clenching), while 30s of combined concentric and eccentric contractions (grinding) induced no fatigue. In the right muscle the contractile activity of negative work (eccentric contractions of mandibular laterotrusion) was about 50% of that of positive work (concentric contractions of mandibular mediotrusion). During clenching an increased number of contacting teeth might have facilitated the contractile activity of the two muscles. During grinding the height of the cusps of the working side teeth might have contributed to a decrease of tension production by the right masseter muscle. Non-working side tooth contacts and peripheral receptors might have facilitated the contractile activity of the left masseter muscle during tooth grinding. Static contractile activity of the mandibular elevator muscles produced high levels of isometric tension and led to masseter muscle fatigue in about 30s. The same duration of dynamic contractile activity, resulting in low levels of tension during positive and negative work, did not induce fatigue.
Structural basis for herbicidal inhibitor selectivity revealed by comparison of crystal structures of plant and Mammalian 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenases

A high degree of selectivity toward the target site of the pest organism is a desirable attribute for new safer agrochemicals. To assist in the design of novel herbicides, we determined the crystal structures of the herbicidal target enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD; EC 1.13.11.27) from the plant Arabidopsis thaliana with and without an herbicidal benzoylpyrazole inhibitor that potently inhibits both plant and mammalian HPPDs. We also determined the structure of a mammalian (rat) HPPD in complex with the same nonselective inhibitor. From a screening campaign of over 1000 HPPD inhibitors, six highly plant-selective inhibitors were found. One of these had remarkable (>1600-fold) selectivity toward the plant enzyme and was cocrystallized with Arabidopsis HPPD. Detailed comparisons of the plant and mammalian HPPD−ligand structures suggest a structural basis for the high degree of plant selectivity of certain HPPD inhibitors and point to design strategies to obtain potent and selective inhibito...
Infrared reflectance spectrum and optical constants of sodium chlorate

Abstract Accurate measurements of the reflectance of the (100 face) of NaCIO3 single crystals have been made in the infrared region of 400–1400 cm−1, which includes all the fundamental vibrations of the C1O3− ion. Optical indices for this region have been calculated using the Kramers-Kronig relation. Secondary optical constants have been obtained from the indices of absorption and refraction. They include line strengths, damping coefficients, transverse and longitudinal frequencies and the static dielectric constant. Some conclusions concerning the dipole derivative with vibrational coordinate of an isolated ion are presented, and the splitting of v3 is concluded to be primarily due to dipole-dipole coupling in the crystal.
Hydrocarbon chain packing modes in lipids: effect of altered sub-cell dimensions and chain rotation

Abstract The lateral hydrocarbon chain packing modes of lipids have been described in terms of specific hydrocarbon sub-cells as deduced from single crystal structural studies. To understand the changes in hydrocarbon chain packing in lipid bilayers induced by variations in temperature, hydration, ion-binding, etc., we have examined the effect of the calculated X-ray diffraction pattern of (a) systematic variations in the dimensions of the hydrocarbon sub-cell and (b) the effect of chain rotation at fixed lattice sites. For the O⊥ (orthorhombic) sub-cell, the a and b sub-cell parameters were varied from as = 4.96 to 4.85 A and b = 7.42 to 8.40 A in six steps and the positions ( s = 2 sinθ λ ) and intensities (Icalc = F2) of the strong sub-cell reflections calculated. In this way, the conversion of the O⊥ sub-cell (with either fixed chain orientations or simulated chain rotation) to the hexagonal (H) sub-cell (with chain rotation) was followed. Notably, the two strong reflections characteristic of the O⊥ sub-cell at 4.12 A (110) and 3.71 A (020) show progressive shifts in position and intensity, finally merging to give the strong (O1O) reflection at 4.2 A characteristic of the hexagonal sub-cell. Similar calculations were performed for the orthorhombic (O′⊥) and monoclinic (M//) sub-cells. This approach can be used to analyze changes in the X-ray diffraction data due to modifications of the hydrocarbon chain packing modes characteristic of simple and complex lipids.
Findings from the Self-Sufficiency Project: effects on children and adolescents of a program that increased employment and income

Abstract This paper examines the effects on children of an antipoverty employment program for Canadian welfare recipients called the Self-Sufficiency Project (SSP). The SSP made work pay better than welfare by offering a temporary, but generous, earnings supplement to single parents who left welfare for full-time employment. The SSP was tested using a rigorous random assignment research design. While the SSP was found to increase employment and income for parents of children in every age group, the effects of the program on the children themselves differed with their age. For very young children, the SSP had no effect on children's outcomes. For children in the middle childhood period at follow-up, the SSP increased children's cognitive functioning and health outcomes, but had no benefits on their social behavior. For adolescents, the SSP increased minor delinquency and substance use. The results are discussed in terms of their contribution to research and policy.
Educating adolescents on the dangers of premature childbearing and drug use: A focus on prevention

This article addresses the prevention of two social problems—premature parenthood and drug use among adolescents. A review of the salient literature on these problems as well as the literature on prevention suggests that a generic response is called for. Theories and perspectives such as social learning, cognitive behavioral, and ecological approaches, and knowledge of adolescent development are drawn upon to guide preventive efforts.
Anatomical abnormalities in dopaminoceptive regions of the cerebral cortex of dopamine D1 receptor mutant mice.

Alteration of dopamine neurotransmission during development can induce specific changes in neuronal structure and function. Here, we report specific morphological and neurochemical changes of projection neurons and interneurons of the medial frontal cortex of the dopamine D1 receptor null mouse. Using immunostaining of cytoskeletal proteins and a crossbred D1 receptor null:YFP transgenic reporter line, we demonstrate that the apical dendrites of pyramidal cells are abnormally organized in the prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices of mice lacking the D1 receptor. Neuronal processes exhibit a decrease in bundling and an increase in irregular, tortuous patterning as they weave a course towards the pial surface. In addition, there is increased parvalbumin staining of the dendrites of cortical interneurons in D1 receptor null mice. Both pyramidal and interneuron alterations are evident by the early postnatal period and persist into adulthood. The alterations show regional specificity, in that dendritic profiles of projection neurons and interneurons in somatosensory and visual cortices develop normally. The abnormalities are reminiscent of those induced by prenatal exposure to cocaine in rabbits, an insult which has been shown to produce an attenuation of D1 receptor-mediated responses through Gsα. These results suggest that loss of D1 receptor-mediated signaling during development produces permanent alterations in the cellular organization of specific cortical areas involved in attention, cognition, and emotion. Pharmacological and behavioral studies in the D1 null mouse should be interpreted in the context of possible altered circuitry, given the presence of these developmental defects in the organization of dopaminoceptive regions of the cerebral cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 487:270–282, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Psychotropic drug prescription patterns among patients with bipolar I disorder.

Introduction: Combination treatment, rather than monotherapy, is prevalent in the treatment of subjects with bipolar disorder, probably due to the complex and phasic nature of the illness. In general, prescription patterns may be influenced by the demographic characteristics of patients as well. We evaluated prescription patterns and the influence of demographic variables on these patterns in a voluntary registry of subjects with bipolar disorder. Methods: A subset of data from a larger voluntary registry was extracted for demographic variables and psychotropic medication use that had been reported in the month prior to registration by ambulatory, non-hospitalized subjects with bipolar I disorder in 1995/96 (n=457). Results: Among the thymoleptic agents, lithium was prescribed in over 50% of subjects, valproate in approximately 40%, and carbamazepine in 11% of subjects. Eighteen percent of subjects had no prescription for thymoleptic agents. Nearly one-third of all subjects were receiving antipsychotic agents, of whom two-thirds were receiving the traditional neuroleptic agents. More than half of all subjects were receiving concomitant antidepressants, of whom nearly 50% received the SSRI antidepressants and nearly 25% received buproprion. Approximately 40% of subjects received benzodiazepines. Only 18% of subjects received monotherapy, and nearly 50% received three or more psychotropic agents. In general, no associations were noted between demographic parameters including age, gender, marital or educational status, and psychotropic prescriptions. Conclusion: Consistent with the anecdotal reports, these data confirm that combination treatment is far more common than monotherapy. Demography appears to have a minimal impact on cross-sectional prescription patterns in subjects with bipolar disorder. Given that combination treatments are the rule rather than the exception, we should strive to achieve rational, yet pragmatic, treatment guidelines and algorithms to minimize the risks while maximizing the benefits of these combination treatments for patients with bipolar disorder.
On uniform spline approximation

Abstract Let Δ be a partition of [0, 1], m be an integer greater than two, and S be the set of spline functions of order m (degree m − 1) with knots in Δ. It is proved that for functions f(x) continuous on [0, 1], dist (f,S) ⩽ ( m 12 +1 ω(|Δ|) , where ω(·) is the modulus of continuity of f(x), |Δ| is the mesh of Δ, and distance is measured by the sup norm. The proof uses the variation diminishing spline approximation method developed by Schoenberg [13] to get a spline function whose distance from f(x) is bounded by the given expression. Similar bounds on dist(f, S ) have been obtained by de Boor [5], but his coefficients are much larger and are not easily computed for large m. A similar estimate is given for Tchebycheffian spline functions.
GLASSY POLYSTYRENE COMPOSITES HAVING ZEOLITE 13X OR VYCOR AS A DISPERSED INORGANIC PHASE

Hybrid organic/inorganic composites were prepared from polystyrene as the organic phase and a zeolite or Vycor glass as the inorganic phase. The resulting materials were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, Instron testing, scanning electron microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering. Correlations among these results were used to obtain insights into structure-property relationships for these types of materials.
Self-shielding for thick slabs in a converging neutron beam

Abstract We have previously given a correction to the neutron self-shielding for a thin slab to account for the increased average path length through the slab when irradiated in a converging neutron beam. This expression overstates the case for the self-shielding for a thick (or highly absorbing) slab. We give a better approximation to the increase in effective shielding correction for a slab placed in a converging neutron beam. It is negligible at large absorption mean free paths.
First principles approach to ionicity of fragments

Abstract We develop a first principles approach towards the ionicity of fragments. In contrast to the bond ionicity, the fragment ionicity refers to an electronic property of the constituents of a larger system, which may vary from a single atom to a functional group or a unit cell to a crystal. The fragment ionicity is quantitatively defined in terms of the coefficients of contributing charge states in a superposition of valence configurations of the system. Utilizing the constrained density functional theory-based computations, a practical method to compute the fragment ionicity from valence electron charge densities, suitably decomposed according to the Fragment Hamiltonian (FH) model prescription for those electron densities, is presented for the first time. The adopted approach is illustrated using BeO, MgO and CaO diatomic molecules as simple examples. The results are compared and discussed with respect to the bond ionicity scales of Phillips and Pauling.
Toxicology in the critically ill patient.

Critical care physicians confront intoxications that result from drug overdose, illicit drug use, and accidental exposures. Current world affairs also require consideration of chemical and biologic agents of terrorism. In this article, we provide a systematic approach to the intoxicated patient, review physical examination findings and laboratory data that may aid in toxidrome (a symptom complex of specific poisoning) identification, describe selected common intoxications, and briefly review selected chemical and biologic agents of terrorism.
Uptake of Allochthonous Dissolved Organic Matter from Soil and Salmon in Coastal Temperate Rainforest Streams

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of aquatic food webs. We compare the uptake kinetics for NH4–N and different fractions of DOM during soil and salmon leachate additions by evaluating the uptake of organic forms of carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON), and proteinaceous DOM, as measured by parallel factor (PARAFAC) modeling of DOM fluorescence. Seasonal DOM slug additions were conducted in three headwater streams draining a bog, forested wetland, and upland forest using DOM collected by leaching watershed soils. We also used DOM collected from bog soil and salmon carcasses to perform additions in the upland forest stream. DOC uptake velocity ranged from 0.010 to 0.063 mm s−1 and DON uptake velocity ranged from 0.015 to 0.086 mm s−1, which provides evidence for the whole-stream uptake of allochthonous DOM. These findings imply that wetlands could potentially be an important source of DOM to support stream heterotrophic production. There was no significant difference in the uptake of DOC and DON across the soil leachate additions (P > 0.05), although differential uptake of DOM fractions was observed as protein-like fluorescence was removed from the water column more efficiently than bulk DOC and DON (P < 0.05). Moreover, PARAFAC analysis of DOM fluorescence showed that protein-like fluorescence decreased downstream during all DOM additions, whereas humic-like fluorescence did not change. This differential processing in added DOM suggests slow and fast turnover pools exist for aquatic DOM. Taken together, our findings argue that DON could potentially fill a larger role in satisfying biotic N demand in oligotrophic headwater streams than previously thought.
Family Fantasies and Community Space

Family forms are changing rapidly in Western society, and with them, the microenvironments within which men, women, and children live together. Stuart Aitken argues that, whether environment is taken as physical space or as a metaphor for the social, economic, and psychological basis of families, there remains a tendency to keep defining the meaning of families and communities in terms of older, traditional, "imagined," and idealized structures of politics, gender, and geography.Using the stories of several families in San Diego, Aitken describes geographies of everyday life that contest definitions of cities and communities as mosaics reflecting patterns of social relations. He begins inside the family circle, looking at patriarchal power and the subordination of women, men, and children. Moving beyond the household, he then stresses the importance of place in defining the social and political character of communities and families' interplay within them--whether "communities" are viewed as neighborhoods, towns, or organizations that provide space for fellowship and common purpose. In turn, he shows that as the individual child reaches beyond family life to find a place in these communities, political cultures are reproduced through the child.Aitken suggests ways in which individual and family identities are complexly intertwined with the cultural politics of communities, cities, and regions. He concludes that family and community spaces reproduce and reconstruct themselves daily according to divisions of race, class, gender, and differential access to housing, work, and child-care.
Acute obstetric and gynecologic emergencies

Acute gynecologic emergencies occur mostly in women of reproductive age but can affect women of all ages. The most common and most important gynecologic conditions to be considered include ovarian or adnexal torsion, ruptured hemorrhagic cyst, pelvic inflammatory disease, and hematometrocolpos. In patients with a positive pregnancy test, diagnostic considerations should be given to the possibility of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or threatened abortion. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may be due to placenta previa or abruption. The postpartum patient with fever or excessive postpartum hemorrhage may have retained products of conception, complicated endometritis, or infected hematoma. Sonography plays a key role in patient evaluation. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in postoperative patients or young patients who cannot tolerate transvaginal scanning. A high level of suspicion and knowledge of the sonographic features of obstetric and gynecologic conditions that may present in the acute care setting are essential for prompt diagnosis. Awareness of the limitations of sonography will enable more accurate diagnosis and help expedite patient management.
Using Peer Discussion Facilitated by Clicker Questions in an Informal Education Setting: Enhancing Farmer Learning of Science

Blueberry growers in Maine attend annual Cooperative Extension presentations given by university faculty members. These presentations cover topics, such as, how to prevent plant disease and monitor for insect pests. In 2012, in order to make the sessions more interactive and promote learning, clicker questions and peer discussion were incorporated into the presentations. Similar to what has been shown at the undergraduate level, after peer discussion, more blueberry growers gave correct answers to multiple-choice questions than when answering independently. Furthermore, because blueberry growers are characterized by diverse levels of education, experience in the field etc., we were able to determine whether demographic factors were associated with changes in performance after peer discussion. Taken together, our results suggest that clicker questions and peer discussion work equally well with adults from a variety of demographic backgrounds without disadvantaging a subset of the population and provide an important learning opportunity to the least formally educated members. Our results also indicate that clicker questions with peer discussion were viewed as a positive addition to university-related informal science education sessions.
Antegrade Deployment of a Thoracic Endograft Using a Minithoracotomy

We report a case of a woman who presented with a symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcer of the descending aorta and prohibitive aortoiliac occlusive disease. The thoracic stent graft was delivered using surgical exposure of the ascending aorta.
Multi-center N400 ERP consistency using a primed and unprimed word paradigm

A word priming paradigm involving primed, unprimed, and non-word experimental conditions was used to elicit event-related potentials (ERPs) in normal, young adult males in identically equipped electrophysiology laboratories located in 6 different cities in the USA. Analyses of the average amplitude of a specified latency window containing the N400, the N400 peak amplitude, or the latency of the N400 peak amplitude found no differences among laboratory locations. The shape of the N400 ERP wave form was also found to be highly correlated across laboratory sites for each experimental condition. Comparison of the data with analogous word priming paradigms revealed similar patterns for the N400 components and response times in both the primed and unprimed experimental conditions. These findings suggest that the data from all 6 laboratory locations are consistent with each other and are congruous with those found in other N400 studies and will permit pooling of subject data for future research.
Influence of bubbles and sand on chlorophyll-a fluorescence measurements in the surfzone

Continuous chlorophyll-a (Chla) measurements in the surfzone (region of wave-breaking adjacent to the shoreline) would increase understanding of harmful algal blooms, food supply for intertidal invertebrates and fishes, and the fate of terrestrial runoff pollution. Optical measurements of Chla fluorescence in the surfzone are affected by bubbles and suspended sand. Here, errors in surfzone Chla fluorescence measurements (using WET Labs ECO Triplet fluorometers) are estimated by comparing observed (Chla raw ) with known (Chla true ) Chla concentrations in laboratory tests with controlled amounts of bubbles and suspended sand (characterized with concurrently measured optical turbidity, τ). For both bubbles and sand, Chla raw and τ are linearly correlated, and the regression line slope depends on Chla true . When Chla true is low, Chla raw is biased high, and when Chla true is high, Chla raw is biased low. Fluorometers were also deployed in a natural surfzone, and for the limited range of field Chla observed, the field and laboratory τ-Chla relationships were largely consistent. Mechanisms responsible for these biases are proposed, and correction procedures using the observed τ-Chla relationship are developed and applied to surfzone Chla raw observations. For the moderate Chla true concentrations (2‐4 µg L ‐1 ) encountered, errors in hourly mean and instantaneous Chla raw are less than 5% and 15%, respectively. Larger errors are expected for Chla true outside this range. Although further testing is needed, the results suggest that in situ, optical Chla raw from other turbid environments (e.g., estuaries, bays) should also be interpreted cautiously.
Transmission line modeling of substrate resistances and CMOS latchup

Substrate resistance in epitaxial-CMOS is more appropriately viewed as a lossy transmission line than as a lumped resistor or as a resistance ladder network. Lossy transmission lines can be used to model a variety of substrate resistance configurations, including the resistance necessary to quantitatively predict turn on of the lateral parasitic bipolar during latchup. Voltage and current distributions predicted by the transmission line model are in excellent agreement with two-dimensional numerical simulations. Parameter values for the model are easily related to vertical doping profiles and to a wide variety of parasitic p-n-p-n layouts. For CMOS design the lateral bipolar's bypass resistor, commonly found in lumped element models of the parasitic p-n-p-n, is replaced by a transfer resistance derived from the transmission line model. Butted substrate contacts are shown to provide a worst-case design situation.
Emerging zoonotic epidemics in the interconnected global community.

The rate at which epidemics of zoonotic disease in humans have surfaced over the past 25 years has shaken – some would say shattered – the assumption that zoonotic diseases are under control, says Paul Gibbs. In this review he analyses the global factors that have led to the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases, sketches several recent epidemics (and where relevant, their relationship to bioterrorism), discusses the lessons learned, and concludes by outlining an agenda for action
A polycrystal hysteresis model for ferroelectric ceramics

Most key elements of ferroelectric properties are defined through the hysteresis loops. For a ferroelectric ceramic, its loop is contributed collectively by its constituent grains, each having its own hysteresis loop when the ceramic polycrystal is under a cyclic electric field. In this paper, we propose a polycrystal hysteresis model so that the hysteresis loop of a ceramic can be calculated from the loops of its constituent grains. In this model a micromechanicsbased thermodynamic approach is developed to determine the hysteresis behaviour of the constituent grains, and a self-consistent scheme is introduced to translate these behaviours to the polycrystal level. This theory differs from the classical phenomenological ones in that it is a micromechanics-based thermodynamic approach and it can provide the evolution of new domain concentration among the constituent grains. It also differs from some recent micromechanics studies in its secant form of self-consistent formulation and in its application of irreversible thermodynamics to derive the kinetic equation of domain growth. To put this two-level micromechanics theory in perspective, it is applied to a ceramic PLZT 8/65/35, to calculate its hysteresis loop between the electric displacement and the electric field (D versus E ), and the butterfly-shaped longitudinal strain versus the electric field relation (3 versus E ). The calculated results are found to be in good quantitative agreement with the test data. The corresponding evolution of new domain concentration c1 and the individual hysteresis loops of several selected grains—along with those of the overall polycrystal—are also illustrated.