cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-570: Management of Radiation Oncology Patients with Cochlear Implant and Other Bionic Devices in the Brain and Head and Neck Regions

Purpose: To investigate the current status of clinical usage of cochlear implant (CI) and other bionic devices (BD) in the brain and head & neck regions (BH&N) and their management in patients during radiotherapy to ensure patient health and safety as well as optimum radiation delivery. Methods: Literature review was performed with both CIs and radiotherapy and their variants as keywords in PubMed, INSPEC and other sources. The focus was on CIs during radiotherapy, but it also included other BDs in BHȦN, such as auditory brainstem implant, bionic retinal implant, and hearing aids, among others. Results: Interactions between CIs and radiation may cause CIs malfunction. The presence of CIs may also cause suboptimum dose distribution if a treatment plan was not well designed. A few studies were performed for the hearing functions of CIs under irradiations of 4 MV and 6 MV x-rays. However, x-rays with higher energies (10 to 18 MV) broadly used in radiotherapy have not been explored. These higher energetic beams are more damaging to electronics due to strong penetrating power and also due to neutrons generated in the treatment process. Modern CIs are designed with more and more complicated integrated circuits, which may be more susceptible to radiation damage and malfunction. Therefore, careful management is important for safety and treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Although AAPM TG-34, TG-63, and TG-203 (update of TG-34, not published yet) reports may be referenced for management of CIs and other BDs in the brain and H&N regions, a site- and device-specified guideline should be developed for CIs and other BDs. Additional evaluation of CI functions under clinically relevant set-ups should also be performed to provide clinicians with better knowledge in clinical decision making.
Truth Promoting Non-Evidential Reasons for Belief

Sometimes a belief that p promotes having true beliefs, whether or not p is true. This gives reasons to believe that p, but most epistemologists would deny that it gives epistemic reasons, or that these reasons can epistemically justify the belief that p. Call these reasons to believe “truth promoting non-evidential reasons for belief.” This paper argues that three common views in epistemology, taken together, entail that reasons of this sort can epistemically justify beliefs. These three claims are: epistemic oughts are normative, epistemic oughts have a source, and the source of epistemic oughts is an end that has true belief as a necessary component. These claims would be hard for many epistemologists to deny, but accepting them, and thus accepting that truth promoting non-evidential reasons can justify beliefs, has significant consequences for epistemology. The paper considers accounts of epistemic oughts that endorse these claims but might seem to avoid the consequence that truth promoting non-evidential reasons generate real epistemic oughts, and shows that none do.
Raman and infrared spectra of o-phenanthroline and its complexes with Zn(II) and Hg(II)

Abstract Raman spectra are reported for o -phenanthroline as the solid monohydrate; in solution as the free molecule, as the mono- and diprotonated species; complexed in solution to Zn(II) and to Hg(II); and in the solids Hg(phen) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 and Hg(phen) 3 (NO 3 ) 2 ·3H 2 O. I.R. spectra are also reported for the solids. A noteworthy feature of the spectra is the fact that although the vibrational frequencies of o -phenanthroline are changed on coordination, particularly in the skeletal stretching and bending regions, the changes are identical for both Zn(II) and Hg(II) complexes and independent of whether the complex is mono, bis, or tris. For all complexes, metal-nitrogen stretching frequencies are observed as polarized Raman lines near 285 cm −1 . For solutions of equimolar ZnCl 2 and phen, both Zn-N and Zn-Cl stretching frequencies are found probably indicating the presence of mixed complexes. In solid Hg(phen) 2 (NO 3 ) 2 , but not in Hg(phen) 3 (NO 3 ) 2 ·3H 2 O, the nitrate spectrum is split as if nitrate ions are coordinated to Hg.
Getting by with a Little Help from Workplace Friends: Workplace Culture, Social Support, and Family Cohesion

Studies have shown a negative association between certain aspects of workplace culture and family functioning. Using a neo-institutional framework, we examine whether workplace social support moderates the influence of three features of workplace culture—time demands, work pressure, and work strain—on family cohesion. Analyzing survey data from 312 individuals in dual-earner relationships, we control for number of children, education, income, employment status, and occupational status. We find that workplace social support is directly associated with family cohesion but does not serve as a buffer between dimensions of workplace culture and family cohesion.
Recovery Of Fluorescence Lifetimes And Underlying Distributions Of Human Blood Serum With A Fast Analog Technique

Two methods of analysis have been used to determine the lifetimes of human blood serum fluorescence by our fast analog technique. The first method models the serum fluorescence with up to two components, with lifetimes and pre-exponential coefficients of the multi-exponential decay determined by the Marquardt algorithm. Although this model provides a good fit, it is evident that not all components are discerned. The second method assumes an underlying distribution of lifetimes. We have applied James and Ware's series exponential method to the fluorescence decay of anthracene (discrete lifetime), a fluorescence probe [p-(N,N-dialkylamino)benzylidene]malononitrile in polymethyl methacrylate, and human serum (distribution of lifetimes). We found for our experimental technique that the percentage contributions (rather than the pre-exponential coefficients) of each lifetime to the total intensity should be set equal at the beginning of the iterations. Up to 22 lifetimes were used to fit the fluorescence data. This method was applied to a fluorescence assay to develop a calibration curve when a background signal was significant.
Intra- and Intersubject Reliability of Abductor Pollicis Brevis Muscle Motor Map Characteristics With Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Abstract Corneal SF, Butler AJ, Wolf SL. Intra- and intersubject reliability of abductor pollicis brevis muscle motor map characteristics with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Objective To determine consistency in motor maps of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with conventional and close-spaced surface electrode recording placements. Design Nonrandom convenience sample. Setting TMS laboratory. Participants Eleven participants without any known neurologic disorders. Interventions The left hemisphere of right-hand-dominant subjects was mapped using TMS at each of 2 sessions, separated by 1 to 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Measurements at each session included the resting motor threshold, active site locations and average motor response amplitude for active sites, normalized map volume, and center of gravity (COG) for both electrode array configurations. Results The normalized map volume was larger for the conventional electrode placement than for the close electrode placement (4.23cm 2 vs 3.44cm 2 , P =.010). Resting motor threshold was higher for the close-spaced than for the conventional-spaced electrodes (48.36% vs 46.59%, P =.028). No statistical difference was found between sessions and within electrode placements for the normalized map volume, for resting motor threshold, or for the mean motor amplitude of the most active site for each map. No statistical difference was observed for the COG distance between electrode placements. Conclusions This study revealed differences between close-spaced and conventional-spaced surface electrode placement for TMS motor map volumes and for resting motor thresholds. The motor maps for the APB muscle were reliably reproducible between sessions for each electrode array.
State telecommunication surveillance: A comparative study of the US and Thai telecommunication privacy laws

State surveillance of telecommunication data is argued to be necessary for lawful purpose such as national security and law enforcement On the contrary, such practice affected the right to privacy of individual. This paper explores the legal protection of telecommunication privacy in case of surveillance conducted by state agent. The scope of this paper includes the comparative study of the U.S. and Thai telecommunication privacy laws by using content analysis method. The results indicated that Thai constitution, compared to the U.S. constitution, protects privacy in the context of telecommunication data. However, the constitution provides exception for lawful state surveillance. Contrary to the U.S. where there is Federal statues directly regulate the interception, Thai laws relating to interception are not united. The result indicated that Thai related laws can be classified into two main groups. The first one is specific Acts prohibiting telecommunication surveillance. The second one is several fragmented laws authorizing government agent to conduct surveillance, including the interception of telecommunication data, in order to enforce those specific laws. Furthermore, compared to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) which is Federal statue directly regulate the interception, the Telecommunication Business Act (TBA) and the Computer Related Offence Act (CROA) of Thailand can be applied to protect privacy in telecommunication data. Nevertheless, the results of comparative study indicated that there are several controversial issues in applying these laws to protect telecommunication privacy in case of state surveillance.
Hsp 70/Hsp 90 organizing protein as a nitrosylation target in cystic fibrosis therapy.

The endogenous signaling molecule S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and other S-nitrosylating agents can cause full maturation of the abnormal gene product ΔF508 cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). However, the molecular mechanism of action is not known. Here we show that Hsp70/Hsp90 organizing protein (Hop) is a critical target of GSNO, and its S-nitrosylation results in ΔF508 CFTR maturation and cell surface expression. S-nitrosylation by GSNO inhibited the association of Hop with CFTR in the endoplasmic reticulum. This effect was necessary and sufficient to mediate GSNO-induced cell-surface expression of ΔF508 CFTR. Hop knockdown using siRNA recapitulated the effect of GSNO on ΔF508 CFTR maturation and expression. Moreover, GSNO acted additively with decreased temperature, which promoted mutant CFTR maturation through a Hop-independent mechanism. We conclude that GSNO corrects ΔF508 CFTR trafficking by inhibiting Hop expression, and that combination therapies—using differing mechanisms of action—may have additive benefits in treating CF.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Small-Scale Mixing in Drake Passage

Temperature and salinity profiles obtained with expendable CTD probes throughout Drake Passage between February 2002 and July 2005 are analyzed to estimate turbulent diapycnal eddy diffusivities to a depth of 1000 m. Diffusivity values are inferred from density/temperature inversions and internal wave vertical strain. Both methods reveal the same pattern of spatial variability across Drake Passage; diffusivity estimates from inversions exceed those from vertical strain by a factor of 3 over most of Drake Passage. The Polar Front (PF) separates two dynamically different regions. Strong thermohaline intrusions characterize profiles obtained north of the PF. South of the PF, stratification is determined largely by salinity, and temperature is typically unstably stratified between 100- and 600-m depth. In the upper 400 m, turbulent diapycnal diffusivities are O(10^(−3) m2 s^(−1)) north of the PF but decrease to O(10^(−4) m2 s^(−1)) or smaller south of the PF. Below 400 m diffusivities typically exceed 10^(−4) m^2 s^(−1). Diffusivities decay weakly with depth north of the PF, whereas diffusivities increase with depth and peak near the local temperature maximum south of the PF. The meridional pattern in near-surface mixing corresponds to local maxima and minima of both wind stress and wind stress variance. Near-surface diffusivities are also found to be larger during winter months north of the PF. Wind-driven near-inertial waves, strong mesoscale eddy activity, and double-diffusive convection are suggested as possible factors contributing to observed mixing patterns
Ds→φπ as a test of flavor and nonet symmetry in charmed meson decays

Abstract We show that the standard model for Cabibbo-allowed decays of charmed mesons plus the nonet symmetry model for vector mesons lead to a small branching ratio for the mode D s → φπ + . It follows that the observation of a large branching ratio would be a clear signal for a breakdown of nonet symmetry, or possibly for large flavor SU(3) breaking effects in charm decay.
A Controlled-Temperature Device for Transistor Tests

A laboratory device for operating transistors at selected, known temperatures in the 15-95-degrees C range is described. After a simple, one-time calibration no further temperature measurements are necessary. The unit is simple, rugged and easily constructed.
Effect of Cobaltous Chloride on the Minimal Carcinogenic Dose50 of Methylcholanthrene in Albino Mice

The biweekly intraperitoneal administration of cobaltous chloride in doses of 10, 25, 30, and 40 mg./Kg. in mice subjected to the minimal carcinogenic dose 50 (MCD 50 ) of methylcholanthrene resulted in a percentage inhibition of the tumor incidence by 49, 60, 58, and 71, respectively, compared to the controls.
Improvement of MODIS retrieval of aerosols over urban areas using a regionally tuned ground albedo model

The collection 5 MODIS aerosol algorithm was designed to be more robust in handling surface reflection by differentiating different surfaces. When compared to the old collection 4 algorithm, we found that although there was some improvement, the MODIS retrievals were still biased high. This result was traced to the fact that the correlation coefficient in collect 5 was still too low compared to results from Hyperion. To address this issue, a regional surface albedo model is obtained based on matchups of CIMEL sunphotometer and MODIS retrievals. Given the optical depth measurments and utilizing the urban aerosol phase function (tuned by AOD) , we obtained a set of reflectance measurements which were than regressed against the scattering angle. Using this surface model, we recalculated the AOD using MODIS over a different set of measurments and saw a significant reduction in bias.
Regression of Atherosclerosis in Monkeys Reduces Vascular Superoxide Levels

Superoxide (O 2 ·− ) in arteries may contribute to atherosclerosis in part by inactivation of nitric oxide. We hypothesized that regression of atherosclerosis in nonhuman primates is associated with a decrease in vascular NAD(P)H oxidase, decreased O 2 ·− levels, and improved endothelium-dependent relaxation. Cynomolgus monkeys (n=28) were fed an atherogenic diet for 47±10 (mean±SE) months. In carotid arteries (containing advanced lesions), femoral arteries (moderate lesions), and saphena arteries (minimal lesions), we examined O 2 ·− levels and vasomotor function. Compared with vessels from normal monkeys (n=8), O 2 ·− levels (measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence) were 3.3-fold higher in carotid, 1.7-fold higher in femoral, and not different in saphena arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. Dihydroethidium staining also demonstrated increased O 2 ·− levels throughout the vessel wall in femoral and carotid arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. Components of the NAD(P)H oxidase (p22 phox and p47 phox ) were increased in atherosclerotic arteries, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated colocalization primarily to areas of macrophage infiltration. Relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired in carotid and femoral, but not saphena, arteries from atherosclerotic monkeys. After 8 months of regression diet (n=9), serum cholesterol decreased to normal, and O 2 ·− levels (basal and NAD(P)H-stimulated), as well as expression of NAD(P)H oxidase, returned toward normal. Relaxation to acetylcholine improved in femoral arteries, but not in the more diseased carotid arteries. We conclude that, in a primate model of moderately severe atherosclerosis and regression of atherosclerosis, changes in endothelial function are inversely related to O 2 ·− and NAD(P)H oxidase levels. Reduction in vascular O 2 ·− during regression of atherosclerosis may contribute to improvement in vasomotor function.
Screening sunflower for tolerance to sunflower midge using the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The sunflower midge, Contarinia schulzi Gagne, causes economic damage by inducing abnormal growth in infested heads (capitula) of sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether sunflower midge damage could be simulated and whether that simulated damage could be used to select midgetolerant sunflower germplasm. An additional objective was to develop a quantitative alternative to the scoring systems used to visually estimate damage. Sunflower plants were treated by injecting buds with the synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), which resulted in a distortion of the head morphology that was similar in appearance to the damage caused by the sunflower midge. The extent of distortion depended not only on the dose of 2,4-D but also on the size and growth stage of the head when injected. Among sunflower hybrids tested, resistance to the sunflower midge was significantly, negatively correlated with 2,4-D damage. Therefore, injection of sunflower heads with 2,4-D appears to be an effective method of screening sunflower germplasm for tolerance to the sunflower midge. Two distortion indices, based on measurements of head shape, were compared with the visual damage system. Although the visual rating system is faster, distortion index 2 gave similar results and is preferred when it is necessary to avoid individual differences in scoring techniques.
Common Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity in Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Until recently, the literature on learning-related synaptic plasticity in invertebrates has been dominated by models assuming plasticity is mediated by presynaptic changes, whereas the vertebrate literature has been dominated by models assuming it is mediated by postsynaptic changes. Here I will argue that this situation does not reflect a biological reality and that, in fact, invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems share a common set of mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumor of primary peritoneal origin.

The aim of this study was to describe 2 cases of primary peritoneal malignant mixed mullerian tumor (MMMT). Two patients with primary peritoneal MMMT were examined for their clinical and pathologic features. We describe 2 cases of primary peritoneal MMMT in which the carcinomatous and mesenchymal components were readily identifiable, predominantly involving the peritoneum, with no ovarian involvement. The peritoneum and ovaries, with their common embryologic origin, likely account for the peritoneum's ability to undergo a similar malignant transformation, with the resultant genesis of an MMMT of peritoneal origin.
Novel physical interpretations of K-distributed reverberation

Interest in describing and modeling envelope distributions of sea-floor backscatter has increased recently, particularly with regard to high-resolution active sonar systems. Sea-floor scattering that results in heavy-tailed-matched-filter-envelope probability distribution functions (i.e., non-Rayleigh distributions exemplified by the K, Weibull, Rayleigh mixture, or log-normal distributions) is often the limiting factor in the performance of these types of sonar systems and in this context is referred to as reverberation or acoustic clutter analogous to radar clutter. Modeling of reverberation has traditionally entailed fitting various candidate distributions to time samples of the envelope of the scattered sonar (or radar) returns. This type of descriptive analysis and the asymptotic (infinite number of scatterers) analysis defining the K-distribution yield little insight into the environmental mechanisms responsible for heavy-tailed distributions (e.g., distributions and, clustering of discrete scatterers, patchiness in geo-acoustic properties, scattering strength of scatterers, etc.) and do not allow evaluation of the effect of changing sonar system parameters such as bandwidth and beamwidth. In contrast, we derive the envelope distribution for the scattered returns starting from simple physical descriptions of the environment with a finite number of scatterers. It is shown that plausible descriptions of the environment can lead to K-distributed reverberation. This result explains, at least partially, the success of the K-distribution in the modeling of radar clutter and sonar reverberation at a variety of frequencies and scales. The finite-number-of-scatterers model is then used to predict how the shape parameter of the K-distribution will change as the beamwidth of a towed-array receiver is varied. Analysis of reverberation data from a low-frequency (450-700 Hz) active sonar system illustrates that, within our ability to estimate it, the shape parameter of the K-distribution is proportional to the beamwidth of the towed-array receiver, a result important for sonar simulation and performance prediction models. These results should prove useful in developing methods for modeling, predicting and mitigating reverberation on high-resolution sonar systems.
Gregarina tropica n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida: Gregarinicae: Gregarinidae) Parasitizing the Brown-Winged Earwig, Vostox brunneipennis (Dermaptera: Labiidae), in the Texas Big Thicket

Gregarina tropica n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida) is described from the brown-winged earwig, Vostox brunneipennis (Dermaptera: Labiidae) collected from the Turkey Creek Unit, Big Thicket National Preserve, Tyler County, Texas, U.S.A. We review the morphometric data and nomenclatural status of the 8 previously described species of Gregarina infecting earwigs and recognize 7 valid species: Gregarina ovata, Gregarina nalae, Gregarina megaspora, Gregarina ambigua, Gregarina fallax, Gregarina chelidurellae, and Gregarina labidurae. Although apparently valid taxa, the latter 3 species are very poorly described and thus considered species inquirendae pending new collections and redescription. Gregarina forficulae is recognized as a junior synonymy of G. ovata.
A DC model for the HEMT including the effect of parasitic conduction

A DC model for AlGaAs-GaAs high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is proposed. The model considers the parasitic parallel conduction in AlGaAs, which becomes important for large gate voltages, together with other important effects, such as field-dependent mobility, channel length modulation, maximum concentration of the two-dimensional electron gas, and series resistances. The theoretical predictions of the model are compared with the experimental data and are found to be in good agreement over a wide range of bias conditions. >
Two factors governing fragility: stretching exponent and configurational entropy.

We derive an analytical expression showing that the fragility of a supercooled liquid is a result of (i) a thermodynamic term depending on change in configurational entropy and (ii) a kinetic term depending on change in the nonexponentiality or ``stretching'' of the relaxation function, as quantified by the exponent $\ensuremath{\beta}$ of the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) relaxation function. Our expression indicates that there is not a direct correlation between the non-Arrhenius scaling of liquid viscosity and the nonexponential nature of glassy relaxation. Rather, the temperature dependence of the stretching exponent $\ensuremath{\beta}$ provides a lower limit for fragility, which can be increased through changes in the configurational entropy. Our result explains the apparent contradiction between those researchers showing a correlation between $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and fragility and those who question such a correlation due to the spread of the data.
Community guide recommendations and state level tobacco control programmes: 1999-2004.

Objective: To identify the level of effort state tobacco control programmes and partners have expended on interventions recommended by the community guide and how those efforts have changed over time between 1999 and 2004. Design: Longitudinal study. Setting: United States. Participants: State tobacco control partners, including the state health department, voluntary agencies and tobacco control coalitions. Main outcome measure: We used the Strength of Tobacco Control survey responses in 1999, 2002 and 2004 to calculate the mean proportion of state tobacco control partners working on recommended interventions and subsequently analysed changes in effort over time. Results: The proportion of state tobacco control partners working to promote clean indoor air legislation remained at more than 70% in all three years. The proportion working to increase taxes on tobacco rose significantly between 1999 and 2002 (from 54% to 70%), and those working to reduce patient costs for tobacco cessation treatments never exceeded 31% in any year. Use of mass media targeting youths decreased significantly in all years (from 40% to 32% to 26%), and the proportion of state tobacco control partners participating in a quitline has increased steadily and significantly in all years (from 24% to 36% to 41%). The level of effort in each area varied widely between states and over time. Conclusions: State tobacco control partners are implementing evidence based interventions, but more focus is needed on the tobacco cessation and mass media campaign components of comprehensive tobacco control programmes.
Triton Binding Energy Predictions for Phase-Shift Equivalent Potentials

We compare theoretical predictions of the triton binding energy for a set of exactly phase-shift equivalent potentials. The potentials are generated through a rank one unitary transformation of the S- wave, spin independent Malfliet-Tjon V potential. We find that potentials that give drastically different (up to 27 MeV) nuclear matter binding energies, but nearly identical deuteron wave functions, give only small (1 MeV) variations in triton binding energy. For the potentials studied, large variations (up to 4.55 MeV) in triton binding energy occur only when there are significant differences in the deuteron wave functions. We find that potentials with enhanced deuteron charge form factors give increased binding in the triton.
Vertical growth of the anterior face and cranium in inner city Negro children.

A longitudinal cephalometric study was conducted on the vertical growth of the cranium and anterior face on 60 inner city American Negro children, an equal number of boys and girls from four to nine years. Three vertical measurements were used for the purpose of this study. The head height was measured from sellion to bregma, bony nasal height from nasion to anterior nasal spine, and lower facial height from anterior nasal spine and lower facial height from anterior nasal spine to menton. The data were analyzed at annual ages and observations made relative to the growth trends. The findings of this study were compared with those on Caucasian children. No significant statistical difference was found in the mean head (cranial vault) height between the Negro and Caucasian children. The mean bony nasal height expressed as a percentage of subnasal height was found to be less in the Negro children. The difference decreased with age. The annual increment of growth in head height was greater from four to seven years than from seven to nine years. The findings are considered to imply that severe malnutrition may influence child growth.
Mechanical trauma induces rapid astroglial activation of ERK/MAP kinase: Evidence for a paracrine signal.

Astrogliosis is a prominent and ubiquitous reaction of astrocytes to many forms of CNS injury, often implicated in the poor regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian CNS. Transmembrane signals that rapidly trigger and maintain astroglial responses to injury are largely undefined. Several candidate inducers of astrogliosis, including growth factors and neuropeptides, act via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We previously observed chronically activated ERK/MAPK in human reactive astrocytes. To investigate mechanisms of pathway activation in a defined in vitro model, primary cultured astroglial monolayers were subjected to focal mechanical injury. Within 2-10 min, ERK/MAPK was activated, but only in cells near the wound edge. By 30 min, the entire monolayer showed activation, which persisted for 4 to 8 h. ERK/MAPK activation was specifically blocked by application of the MEK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126. Cell-cell contact was not necessary for intercellular spread of ERK/MAPK activation, and ERK/MAPK-stimulating activity was found in the injury-conditioned medium. The activating factor was shown to have a native size of 50-100 kD and did not signal through the classical EGF receptor. Injury-induced signaling to ERK/MAPK required Ras, as demonstrated by specific blockade after transient transfection with a dominant negative Ha-RasN17 construct. Finally, we demonstrated that focal lesioning of adult rat cortex induces a rapid activation and spreading of astroglial ERK/MAPK, suggesting that similar mechanisms may operate in astroglial activation following acute brain injury.
Application of zirconium-modified silica gel as a stationary phase in the ion-exclusion chromatography of carboxylic acids. I. Separation of benzenecarboxylic acids with tartaric acid as eluent and with UV-photometric detection.

The application of zirconium-modified silica gels (Zr-Silicas) as stationary phases for ion-exclusion chromatography with UV-photometric detection (IEC-PD) for mono-, di-, tri- and tetrabenzenecarboxylic acids (pyromellitic, trimellitic, hemimellitic, o-phthalic, salicylic and benzoic acids) and phenol was carried out using tartaric acid as the eluent. Zr-Silicas were prepared by the reaction of the silanol group on the surface of silica gel with zirconium tetrabutoxide [Zr(OCH2CH2CH2CH3)4] in ethanol solution. The effect of the amount of zirconium adsorbed on silica gel on chromatographic behavior of these benzenecarboxylic acids and phenol was investigated. As a result, Zr-Silica adsorbed on 20 mg zirconium g(-1) silica gel was the most suitable stationary phase in the IEC-PD for the simultaneous separation of these benzenecarboxylic acids and phenol. Excellent simultaneous separation and highly sensitive UV detection at 254 nm for these benzenecarboxylic acids and phenol were achieved in 20 min by the IEC-PD using the Zr-Silica column (250x4.6 mm I.D.) and a 10 mM tartaric acid at pH 2.5 as eluent.
Multiple Equilibria in Dynamic Models of Informed Trade

Dynamic models of competitive informed trading usually have multiple equilibria. Typically, the literature proceeds by studying one equilibrium which is chosen without any further justification. In the setup of Hirshleifer, Subrahmanyam, and Titman (1994) we document how the two equilibria the authors find differ. As the number of informed traders goes to zero, the equilibrium the authors study becomes progressively less informative. The other equilibrium, however, displays strikingly counterintuitive behavior. With fewer informed agents present in the market, prices become increasingly informative. In the limit, the stock price fully reflects information that is unavailable to anyone in the economy. While the second case seems counterintuitive, there is no economic reason why one equilibrium should obtain and not the other.
Intersecting Titanium Spheres for Deep Submersibles

An evaluation of a bispherical pressure hull configuration and the investigation of the use of ceramics in pressure vessels is presented. A one-fourteenth scale model made of titanium 6Al-4V alloy was designed for an operating depth of 20,000 ft and for a collapse depth of 30,000 ft. Also incorporated into the design was the replacement of the integral titanium reinforcing ring by a high-strength, light-weight ceramic (A1 2 O 3 ) ring resulting in a 10% increase in payload. A structural model test program was initiated to experimentally evaluate the design of the intersecting sphere configuration with and without the ceramic reinforcing ring. Experimental results were in good agreement with analytical predictions and serve to verify the validity of the analytical techniques employed.
El problema de la interferencia en comunicaciones inalámbricas: la "solución" regulatoria de EE.UU. y la alternativa de derechos de propiedad

The problem of interference in wireless communications was addressed in the U.S. by a command and control system instituted nearly eight decades ago. This system is currently applied in most countries that allow private investment inwireless communications. A brief analysis of how this system emerged in the U.S. and how it operates reveals its gross inefficiencies. An alternative approach based on property rights would be efficient not only in the allocation off requencies to its highest value use, but also in solving interference disputes. The cases of Guatemala and El Salvador, two adopters of this approach, illustrate the benefits of the latter system. Between 1997 and 2001, the annual growth rate of mobile telephony traffic in these two countries more than doubled the average for Latin America and was over 12 times that of Peru. Latin Americans may benefit substantially by abandoning the current command and control system modeled after the U.S. and embracing the property rights approach.
PP13.4 – 2300: Our experience with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: A case series of varying clinical findings and outcomes

Objective We aim to report the clinical features and treatment outcome of three paediatric patients with anti-N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Methods We reviewed the clinical data, immunologic studies and functional status of the patients in our institution over the last three years. Results Our three patients were seven, eight and fourteen years of age at presentation. Two of them were female. All three patients presented with seizures, which were difficult to control and two had dyskinetic movements after the onset of seizures. The diagnosis for the patients was made after detecting NMDAR antibodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. There was significant decline in functional status for all three patients, which gradually improved after definitive treatment was commenced. Abdominal imaging was performed for both girls but did not reveal any ovarian teratomas. First line treatment consisting of methylprednisolone pulses and oral prednisolone was started for all three patients. Two patients continued with steroid therapy until the NMDAR antibodies returned as negative in the cerebrospinal fluid. However, one patient needed up to sixteen months before the monthly methylprednisolone pulses were discontinued. For the third patient, she had recurrence of seizures during the first month that the steroid therapy was weaned, which persisted despite restarting therapy. The second line treatment, rituximab was thus started. Conclusion Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder, which has a varying spectrum of presentation and response to immunotherapy. In contrast to the adult population, the initial symptoms in our paediatric patients are more neurologic than psychiatric. They required varying duration of steroid therapy before the NMDAR antibodies were cleared from the cerebrospinal fluid. Their functional outcome is usually good but the recovery may remain protracted.
Molecular identity of the outwardly rectifying, swelling-activated anion channel: time to reevaluate pICln.

Cells respond to swelling by activating anion and cation channels that allow the passive loss of inorganic ions and organic solutes. Net solute efflux accompanied by osmotically obliged water functions to return cell volume towards its original value, a process termed regulatory volume decrease. An
Transportation Energy Data Book: Edition 21

The ''Transportation Energy Data Book: Edition 21'' is a statistical compendium prepared and published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under contract with the Office of Transportation Technologies in the Department of Energy (DOE). Designed for use as a desk-top reference, the data book represents an assembly and display of statistics and information that characterize transportation activity, and presents data on other factors that influence transportation energy use. The purpose of this document is to present relevant statistical data in the form of tables and graphs. The latest editions of the Data Book are available to a larger audience via the Internet (www-cta.ornl.gov/data/tedb.htm). This edition of the Data Book has 12 chapters which focus on various aspects of the transportation industry. Chapter 1 focuses on petroleum; Chapter 2--energy; Chapter 3--greenhouse gas emissions; Chapter 4--criteria pollutant emissions; Chapter 5--transportation and the economy; Chapter 6--highway vehicles; Chapter 7--light vehicles; Chapter 8--heavy vehicles; Chapter 9--alternative fuel vehicles; Chapter 10--fleet vehicles; Chapter 11--household vehicles; and Chapter 12--nonhighway modes. The sources used represent the latest available data. There are also three appendices which include detailed source information for some tables, measures of conversion, and the definition of Census divisions and regions. A glossary of termsmore » and a title index are also included for the readers convenience.« less
Observed and projected decrease in Northern Hemisphere extratropical cyclone activity in summer and its impacts on maximum temperature

Extratropical cyclones cause much of the high-impact weather over the midlatitudes. With increasing greenhouse gases, enhanced high-latitude warming will lead to weaker cyclone activity. Here we show that between 1979 and 2014, the number of strong cyclones in Northern Hemisphere in summer has decreased at a rate of 4% per decade, with even larger decrease found near northeastern North America. Climate models project a decrease in summer cyclone activity, but the observed decreasing rate is near the fastest projected. Decrease in summer cyclone activity will lead to decrease in cloud cover, giving rise to higher maximum temperature, potentially enhancing the increase in maximum temperature by 0.5 K or more over some regions. We also show that climate models may have biases in simulating the positive relationship between cyclone activity and cloud cover, potentially underestimating the impacts of cyclone decrease on accentuating the future increase in maximum temperature.
Assessing Adaptive Functioning in Death Penalty Cases after Hall and DSM-5

DSM-5 and Hall v. Florida (2014) have dramatically refocused attention on the assessment of adaptive functioning in death penalty cases. In this article, we address strategies for assessing the adaptive functioning of defendants who seek exemption from capital punishment pursuant to Atkins v. Virginia (2002). In particular, we assert that evaluations of adaptive functioning should address assets as well as deficits; seek to identify credible and reliable evidence concerning the developmental period and across the lifespan; distinguish incapacity from the mere absence of adaptive behavior; adhere faithfully to test manual instructions for using standardized measures of adaptive functioning; and account for potential bias on the part of informants. We conclude with brief caveats regarding the standard error of measurement (SEM) in light of Hall, with reference to examples of ordinary life activities that directly illuminate adaptive functioning relevant to capital cases.
Impact of Sensory and Motor Defects on Oral Function in an Animal Model.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the combined functional impact on swallowing of tongue sensory and motor loss using a rat model.Study DesignRats underwent selective neurectomies with transection of the motor ...
Multi-state Approach to Chemical Reactivity in Fragment Based Quantum Chemistry Calculations

We introduce a multistate framework for Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) quantum mechanical calculations and implement it in the context of protonated water clusters. The purpose of the framework is to address issues of nonuniqueness and dynamic fragmentation in FMO as well as other related fragment methods. We demonstrate that our new approach, Fragment Molecular Orbital Multistate Reactive Molecular Dynamics (FMO-MS-RMD), can improve energetic accuracy and yield stable molecular dynamics for small protonated water clusters undergoing proton transfer reactions.
High-salt diet upregulates kininogen and downregulates tissue kallikrein expression in Dahl-SS and SHR rats

Tissue kallikrein cleaves low-molecular-weight (low-M(r)) kininogen to produce the vasoactive kinin peptide. It has been suggested that hypertensive patients with low urinary kallikrein excretion may have a defect in sodium handling. In this study, we examined the effect of a high-salt diet on the expression of tissue kallikrein and kininogen genes in Dahl salt-sensitive rats (Dahl-SS), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) by Northern and Western blot analysis and radioimmunoassay. Control and experimental groups received normal and high-salt diets containing 0.4% and 8% NaCl, respectively, for 6 wk. High-salt diet induced a significant time-dependent increase of blood pressure in both strains of hypertensive rats and a slight but significant increase of blood pressure in normotensive SD rats. Hepatic kininogen mRNA levels of both Dahl-SS and SHR on a high-salt diet increased 2.4-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively, while alpha 1-antitrypsin mRNA levels were not changed in rats receiving high-salt diet. Immunoreactive total kininogen and low-M(r) kininogen (58 kDa) levels in sera increased in response to high-salt diet in both strains of hypertensive rats. In SD rats, the low-M(r) kininogen level in sera was unaltered, whereas total kininogen increased in response to high-salt diet. Tissue kallikrein mRNAs in the kidney and salivary glands of Dahl-SS, SHR, and SD rats were reduced, whereas beta-actin mRNA was not altered by high-salt diet. Similarly, immunoreactive intrarenal kallikrein levels were reduced in these rats in response to high-salt diet. These studies show that increases in blood pressure after salt loading in Dahl-SS and SHR are accompanied by increases in low-M(r) kininogen. Tissue kallikrein gene expression in hypertensive Dahl-SS and SHR and normotensive SD rats is suppressed after salt loading. These findings show that reduced renal kallikrein expression and increased kininogen expression is regulated at the transcriptional level during salt loading.
A cobalt plume in the oxygen minimum zone of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific

Cobalt is a nutrient to phytoplankton, but knowledge about its biogeochemical cycling 35 is limited, especially in the Pacific Ocean. Here, we report sections of dissolved cobalt and labile 36 cobalt from the US GEOTRACES GP16 transect in the South Pacific. The cobalt distribution is 37 closely tied to the extent and intensity of the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern South Pacific 38 with highest concentrations measured at the oxycline near the Peru margin. Below 200 m, 39 remineralization and circulation produce an inverse relationship between cobalt and dissolved 40 oxygen that extends throughout the basin. Within the oxygen minimum zone, elevated 41 concentrations of labile cobalt are generated by input from coastal sources and reduced 42 scavenging at low O2. As these high cobalt waters are upwelled and advected offshore, 43 phytoplankton export returns cobalt to low-oxygen water masses underneath. West of the Peru 44 upwelling region, dissolved cobalt is less than 10 pM in the euphotic zone and strongly bound by 45 organic ligands. Because the cobalt nutricline within the South Pacific gyre is deeper than 46 oligotrophic regions in the North and South Atlantic, cobalt involved in sustaining phytoplankton 47 productivity in the gyre is heavily recycled and ultimately arrives from lateral transport of 48 upwelled waters from the eastern margin. In contrast to large coastal inputs, hydrothermal vents 49 along the Eastern Pacific Rise appear to be a minor source of cobalt. Overall, these results 50 demonstrate that oxygen biogeochemistry exerts a strong influence on cobalt cycling. 51 52
Adenocarcinoma of the testicular adnexa presenting with metastatic disease.

Abstract Primary epididymal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with fewer than 30 documented cases. We report a case of a 57-year-old patient with a paratesticular mass in the presence of retroperitoneal metastatic disease. Histology confirmed the presence of primary paratesticular adenocarcinoma. In this report we review the index case, the pertinent literature and discuss adjuvant therapy.
The Difficult Asthmatic

A poor therapeutic response may be explained by incomplete or erroneous diagnostic assessment, by failure to employ optimal drug doses and combinations, or by inadequate attention to the non-pharmacologic aspects of management. Poor compliance and counterproductive patient attitudes may need to be addressed. These problems and the approach to asthma concomitant with other diseases are discussed.
Ultrafast capillary electrophoresis/mass spectrometry of controlled substances with optical isomer separation in about a minute

Rationale Analysis of forensic evidence by information-rich technologies such as mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the fastest growing areas in forensic analysis. To provide more accurate identification of forensic evidence, in the past few years there has been a growing interest in moving this technology to the field for on-site, real-time analysis. To this end, several portable mass spectrometers have been introduced; however, the analysis of controlled substances could be complicated by the existence of various isomers including optical isomers in which sentencing may depend on the identification of the isomer. To date very few portable separation devices are capable of separating and identifying the optical isomers. Methods In this study, the application of the portable ultrafast capillary electrophoresis (UFCE) to the separation of controlled substances is presented and the results are compared with the results obtained from a bench-top CE system. Both a nominal mass ion trap mass spectrometer and an accurate mass orbitrap mass spectrometer were interfaced with CE using a porous tip capillary. Results A mixture of several controlled substances can be separated and detected using UFCE/MS in about a minute using field strengths of ≥1000 V/cm. Furthermore, separation and detection of underivatized optical isomers of amphetamine, cathinone, nor-mephedrone, and pregabalin using UFCE/MS can be achieved with an analysis time of less than two minutes. Resolutions of 1.3, 3.7 and 3.8 were achieved for pregabalin, cathinone and nor-mephedrone, respectively, under UFCE/MS conditions. Conclusions Amphetamine, cathinone, nor-mephedrone and pregabalin were separated and detected in about a minute, demonstrating the utility of the portable CE instrument for the analysis of controlled substances and their optical isomers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.