cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Molecular Electron Paramagnetic Resonance-Based Spectroscopy and Imaging of Tumor Microenvironment and Redox Using Functional Paramagnetic Probes.

Abstract Significance: A key role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression, treatment resistance, and as a target for therapeutic intervention is increasingly appreciated. Among important physiological components of the TME are tissue hypoxia, acidosis, high reducing capacity, elevated concentrations of intracellular glutathione (GSH), and interstitial inorganic phosphate (Pi). Noninvasive in vivo pO2, pH, GSH, Pi, and redox assessment provide unique insights into biological processes in the TME, and may serve as a tool for preclinical screening of anticancer drugs and optimizing TME-targeted therapeutic strategies. Recent Advances: A reasonable radiofrequency penetration depth in living tissues and progress in development of functional paramagnetic probes make low-field electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based spectroscopy and imaging the most appropriate approaches for noninvasive assessment of the TME parameters. Critical Issues: Here we overview the current status of EPR approaches...
Should we diagnose and treat distal deep vein thrombosis

Ultrasound series report that isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as calf DVT, represents up to 50% of all lower-limb DVTs and, therefore, is a frequent medical condition. Unlike proximal DVT and pulmonary embolism, which have been studied extensively and for which management is well standardized, much less is known about the optimal management of isolated calf DVT. Recent data arising from registries and nonrandomized studies have suggested that most distal DVTs do not extend to the proximal veins and have an uneventful follow-up when left untreated. These data had some impact on the international recommendations that recently stated that ultrasound surveillance instead of systematic therapeutic anticoagulation might be an option for selected low-risk patients. However, robust data from randomized studies are scarce. Only 5 randomized trials assessing the need for anticoagulation for calf DVT have been published. Many of these trials had an open-label design and were affected by methodological limitations. The only randomized placebo-controlled trial included low-risk patients (outpatients without cancer or previous venous thromboembolism [VTE]) and was hampered by limited statistical power. Nevertheless, data from this trial confirmed that the use of therapeutic anticoagulation in low-risk patients with symptomatic calf DVT is not superior to placebo in reducing VTE but is associated with a significantly higher risk of bleeding. Further randomized studies are needed to define the best therapy for high-risk patients (inpatients, patients with active cancer, or patients with previous VTE) and the optimal dose and duration of treatment.
The Principle of Proportionality in an Era of High Technology

This chapter, in the forthcoming book Complex Battlespaces: The Law of Armed Conflict and the Dynamics of Modern Warfare (published by Oxford University Press) explores the application of a key principle of the law of armed conflict – proportionality – in the context of new and emerging weapon systems and methods of warfare. The relentless pursuit of new military technologies by states continues to yield expanding lists of technology-related issues for lawyers to consider in applying the law of armed conflict in complex battlespaces on land, sea, air, space, and in cyberspace. Foremost among these issues is the challenge presented by the principle of proportionality, requiring military forces to refrain from causing excessive damage to civilians and civilian objects when attacking military objectives. New weapon systems in complex battlespaces continue to increasingly force lawyers and decision makers to revisit, reevaluate and struggle in new contexts with the “equitable balance between humanitarian requirements and the sad necessities of war.” Some technological developments may, however, also present opportunities for the principle of proportionality to achieve greater relevance to the conduct of armed conflicts and even contribute to improved compliance by states. To illustrate these challenges and opportunities, this chapter examines the application of the principle of proportionality in modern armed conflicts with respect to several critical yet still evolving military technologies: unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous weapon systems, cyber capabilities, and outer space technologies.
Helicobacter pylori moderates the association between 5-MTHF concentration and cognitive function in older adults.

Objective To explore potential interactions between folate-cycle factors and Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in the prediction of cognitive function. Methods We used data obtained from the 1999–2000 continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey produced by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using Ordinary Least Squares regression, we tested for associations between multiple folate-cycle factors, Helicobacter pylori seropositivity, and cognitive function assessed by the digit symbol coding subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III. We then tested for interactions between each of the folate-cycle factors and Helicobacter pylori in the prediction of cognitive function. Results Although Helicobacter pylori seropositivity, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine were not associated with performance on the digit symbol coding task, Helicobacter pylori seropositivity interacted with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentration to predict performance on the digit symbol coding task. The Helicobacter pylori seropositive group performed worse on the digit symbol coding task as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentration decreased. Conclusion The interaction between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and reduced folate-cycle factor 5-methyltetrahydrofolate might impair aspects of cognitive function.
Using interprofessional medication management simulations to impact student attitudes toward teamwork to prevent medication errors.

Abstract Background We developed and implemented a project incorporating ACPE Standard 11 and all Core IPEC competencies at a public University located at a medical center. The project was a collaboration between the colleges of nursing, pharmacy, and medicine at a distance campus location. Interprofessional Education Activity Our Interprofessional Education Activity, which targeted all three elements of ACPE Standard 11, provided TeamSTEPPS® training followed by four medical error simulations. A debriefing took place after each scenario within a team as well as with all four groups following each simulation session. The Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (TTAQ) was used to evaluate the activity. Discussion Findings from our interprofessional education activity indicate that while students entered the activity already perceiving teamwork as a positive aspect of safe care delivery, significant improvement in attitudes post training toward specific team constructs was seen across all five domains. The project helped inform the structure of a replication of this effort that is currently underway, with a focus on embedding it in the curricula of all three programs (medicine, pharmacy, and nursing) across campuses. Implications In summary, working collaboratively in a team while being exposed to a series of medication management scenarios enhances teamwork attitudes as well as potentially improving performance. Based on the positive initial results, plans have begun to extend the experience to other campuses and include a wider group of students.
Strain dependent optical helicity in monolayer WSe 2

We investigate optical helicity of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown monolayer WSe 2 samples on fused silica substrates with/without a strain control. 38 (18) % of helicity for the strain controlled (uncontrolled) sample is measured at 77 K.
The Theory of Insurance Demand

This chapter presents the basic theoretical model of insurance demand in a one-period expected-utility setting. Models of coinsurance and of deductible insurance are examined along with their comparative statics with respect to changes in wealth, prices and attitudes towards risk. The single risk model is then extended to account for multiple risks such as insolvency risk and background risk. It is shown how only a subset of the basic results of the single-risk model is robust enough to extend to models with multiple risks.
Catalysis and Catalytic Deactivation

This chapter is divided into three sections that summarize current understanding of the catalysis of coal liquefaction. The first section, Instrumental Analysis of Coal Liquefaction Catalysts, focuses on instrumental techniques that are useful for describing the chemical and physical properties of catalysts. Over 15 techniques are discussed by dividing them into four groups defined by their “sampling depth.” Recent noteworthy research using these techniques is referenced and material is discussed that describes advances in the correlation of catalytic performance with chemical-physical properties of catalysts. Metal speciation on and in zeolite materials, notably ZSM-5, is discussed as an application of instrumental analysis to the investigation of catalysts potentially useful for the indirect liquefaction of coal. Catalysts useful in direct liquefaction processes are then examined with a variety of techniques. These studies are used to suggest changes in metal speciation that occur as a function of catalyst synthesis and activation procedures and to propose mechanisms of catalyst deactivation.
IBM zEnterprise unified resource manager platform performance management

Large enterprise systems are composed of multiple applications deployed on sets of computing resources that compete for limited resources. Hybrid systems include a deployment of multiple hypervisors on different types of computing resources. Goal-based policies are deployed into these systems that indicate the relative business importance of the applications in the system, as well as the performance objectives of these applications. These policies are generally written without respect to the deployed architecture or hypervisor. The task of a goal-based performance management system is both to assign resources to applications in a manner that is consistent with the operating constraints that have been configured for the system and to assign platform resources to applications in a way that meets the policy objectives and makes tradeoffs in a manner consistent with the relative business importance of the applications. Such a management system has been developed for the IBM zEnterprise® hybrid architecture. This paper describes how goals and policies are defined for these systems and how the resources within zEnterprise are managed to meet the performance goals for each application in the context of what has been more specifically defined as a workload.
A formal scheme for systematic translation of software requirements to source code

Problem Decomposition Scheme (PDS) is a requirements specification framework that allows for consistent and objective decomposition and classification of software problems into categories of software requirements or problem dimensions. PDS-based problem dimensions represent recurring development problem types and as such, when paired with their optimal solutions, form reusable development patterns known as traceability patterns. Traceability patterns allow us to systematically transition from software requirements to source code. In this paper, we introduce an extension to the PDS formalism, called Systematic Translation Scheme (STS), which incorporates a sequence of traceable and objective transformations from software requirements to source code. We demonstrate that STS is capable of providing a formal foundation that allows for a rigorous description, analysis, and automation of traceability patterns.
A primal-dual laplacian gradient flow dynamics for distributed resource allocation problems

We employ the proximal augmented Lagrangian method to solve a class of convex resource allocation problems over a connected undirected network of $n$ agents. The agents are coupled by a linear resource equality constraint and their states are confined to a nonnegative orthant. By introducing the indicator function associated with a nonnegative orthant, we bring the problem into a composite form with a nonsmooth objective and linear equality constraints. A primal-dual Laplacian gradient flow dynamics based on the proximal augmented Lagrangian is proposed to solve the problem in a distributed way. These dynamics conserve the sum of the agent states and the corresponding equilibrium points are the KarushKuhn-Tucker points of the original problem. We combine a Lyapunov-based argument with LaSalle's invariance principle to establish global asymptotic stability and use an economic dispatch case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Overview of the first Wendelstein 7-X divertor experimental campaign

In September of 2017 the Wendelstein 7-X experiment (major radius 5.5m, minor radius 0.5m, 30m3 volume, 2.5 T magnetic field) began operation with an inertially cooled island divertor. This island divertor consists of ten graphite modules which intersect an n/m=5/5 magnetic island chain, located at the plasma edge. Operation with such a divertor allowed regular plasma operation in excess of 25 s, reaching densities greater than 1. $2\mathrm{x}10^{20}\mathrm{m}^{-3}$ with 7 MW ECRH only. Glow discharge and ECRH discharge cleaning in He was found to be an effective tool for wall conditioning. Pellet injection and ECRH allowed achievement of a record plasma stored energy of 1.1 MJ at a density of $8\mathrm{x}10^{19}\mathrm{m}^{-3}$ and ion/electron temperature equilibration around 3.5 keV. It was observed that during these pellet-fueled discharges, a reduction in divertor heat flux by a factor of ten was possible, suggesting detachment. Long pulse operation with 75 MJ of injected ERCH energy at densities of $4\mathrm{x}10^{19}\mathrm{m}^{-3}$ were routinely run. It was found that even at this level of injected energy the divertor was not yet near operational temperature limits. Operation above 1. $2\mathrm{x}10^{20}\mathrm{m}^{-3}$ in Helium was made possible through successful X2 to 02 switchover. Error fields in the experiment were confirmed to be small and the n/m= 1/1 error field (critical to divertor operation) was compensated. Electron Cyclotron Current Drive (ECCD) experiments demonstrated co-ECCD currents up to 13 kA. Associated with these experiments were core temperature crashes suggesting sawtooth-like mode activity. Fast camera and Langmuir probe measurements detected evidence of edge and scrap-off layer turbulence. While phase contrast imaging detected varying levels of broad-band turbulence along with coherent mode activity. This presentation will cover these high-level results along with expectations for the upcoming NBI heated experimental program.
Stormorken Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Myopathy With Tubular Aggregates and Dystrophic Features.

Stormorken syndrome is a rare genetic disorder (MIM 185070) first reported in 1983 with thrombocytopenia, muscle weakness, asplenia, and miosis caused by a mutation of the stromal interaction molec...
Fed Speak: A Market Microstructure Analysis

Many authors have argued that increased transparency by central banks is likely to improve economic welfare by reducing information asymmetries in financial markets. Accordingly, central banks worldwide have taken steps to release more information related to their policy decisions. Extant empirical studies related to the effects of monetary policy typically examine the relationship between some policy metric and security returns. Such studies, however, do not adequately characterize information asymmetry, or other non-price effects on financial markets associated with central bank announcements. A more direct measure of information asymmetry is the bid-ask spread, especially the adverse selection component of the spread. If FOMC announcements create information asymmetries, then we can discern the sign and magnitude of the effect by analyzing liquidity measures during the announcement window relative to liquidity measures during an appropirate benchmark period. In addition, we use this analysis to assess whether the recent efforts by the FOMC to reduce information asymmetry have been effective.
Management Considerations: Pharmacologic Intervention

Glucocorticoids are considered the mainstay of initial treatment for idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM); however, they have significant limitations including lack of complete response and long-term adverse events. Glucocorticoid-sparing agents are often given concomitantly with other immunosuppressive agents, particularly in patients with moderate or severe disease. First-line conventional immunosuppressive drugs include either methotrexate or azathioprine, and second-line immunosuppressive therapy includes mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin, or rituximab, used alone or in various combinations. As treatment of refractory cases of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) has been challenging, there is growing interest in assessing novel biologics that target various pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of IIM. Rituximab is being used off-label with increasing evidence in refractory myositis and associated interstitial lung disease. Antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) is currently not being used in IIM due to uncertain efficacy data. Further research is currently ongoing to evaluate the role of other novel therapies such as tocilizumab (anti-IL6), abatacept (inhibition of T-cell co-stimulation), sifalimumab (anti-IFNα), or tofacitinib (Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor) given their biological plausibility and encouraging recent small case series results. IVIG is being used either as monotherapy or as combination therapy especially for necrotizing myopathies, and there is an ongoing randomized controlled trial in dermatomyositis (DM).
Evaluating Incidence and Impact Estimates of the Coronavirus Outbreak from Official and Non-Official Chinese Data Sources

This paper uses new credible non-official sources of data to evaluate the incidence and impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China Based on
Gate-Level Validation of Integrated Circuits With Structured-Illumination Read-Out of Embedded Optical Signatures

The integrated circuit (IC) chips are essential components in a variety of computing systems ranging from consumer electronics to high-security military devices. Hence, the authenticity of ICs is crucial. The pervasive nature of ICs and the need for their low-cost production has led to the globalization of IC design and manufacturing process, which has raised various security concerns including; (i) malicious tampering of ICs during fabrication to include Hardware Trojans (HT); and (ii) IC counterfeiting. To detect HTs and IC counterfeiting, we require an examination method to ensure the manufactured IC is consistent with the intended design. Here, we present a robust, rapid, and nondestructive IC authentication technique, which relies on imaging the optical watermarks embedded in predetermined locations in the IC. The watermark is a combination of unique signatures in the optical farfield reflection pattern created by modifying the physical layout of logic gates. These high-contrast optical signatures are enabled by embedding an innovative combination of plasmonic nanoantennas and grating structures directly in the metal-1 layer of the gate design. The uniqueness of logic gates' optical signatures is ensured through different plasmonic nanoantenna dimensions and periodicity of the surrounding gratings. For the rapid read-out of the watermarks, we present a confocal dark-field imaging technique utilizing modulated structured-illumination and lock-in signal acquisition. By combining these innovations in plasmonic nanoantennas and optical imaging, we demonstrate through numerical simulations a 30-fold contrast in polarization dependent reflectivity for each embedded optical signature allowing rapid read-out of watermarks and direct authentication of the IC design.
Taxes in the Time of Coronavirus: Is It Time to Revive the Excess Profits Tax?

A recent NY Times headline summarizes one of the biggest economic impacts of the current pandemic: “Big Tech Could Emerge From Coronavirus Crisis Stronger Than Ever.” At a time when most American citizens and businesses suffer catastrophic economic damage from the Coronavirus Recession, some corporations such as Amazon, 3M, Gilead, and Zoom see their profits rise dramatically because of the pandemic. Given that most corporations are losing money but some are now earning excess profits due to the crisis, it is time to revive the wartime excess profits taxes that the US deployed in WW1 and WW2 to prevent the winners from achieving this form of opportunistic unjust enrichment. In what follows, I will first briefly summarize the WW2 historical experience (part 2) and then propose how it could be implemented today (part 3). Part 4 concludes.
LSVT BIG® and long-term retention of functional gains in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effects of LSVT BIG® on the function of individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). METHODS Eighteen participants gave informed consent, and met the inclusion criteria. Time since diagnosis of PD ranged from .5 to 16 years (mean 4.5 years), time since discharge from 3-23 months (mean 6.5 months). Hoehn and Yahr scores were from 2 to 4. Subjects were posttested by blinded evaluators on the same 8 measures used at evaluation and discharge, the 6 Minute Walk (6WMT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), TUG-manual, TUG-cognitive, 10 Meter Walk(10MWT), 30 Second Sit to Stand (30 CST), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Test means were compared from evaluation to discharge, discharge to posttesting, and evaluation to posttest using repeated measures ANOVA with a Tukey correction, p value < .05. RESULTS The time between discharge and posttesting was not a confounding variable. Significant improvement in all measures were displayed from evaluation to discharge. No significant change was found from discharge to posttesting except for 6MWT. Significant improvements were noted when comparing initial evaluation to posttesting: TUG p = .001; TUG-manual p = .003; TUG-cognitive p = .001; 10MWT p < .001; BBS p < .001; and FGA p < .001. CONCLUSIONS Subjects were able to maintain significant gains noted at discharge from the program in measures of functional mobility and balance. The exception was endurance, as assessed by the 6MWT and the 30 CST. This suggests that the LSVT BIG® protocol has the potential for long term improvement in functional mobility in individuals with PD.
An Examination of the Influence of Residual Stresses on the Fatigue and Fracture of Railroad Rail

Fatigue cracks in rails can be the source of failures and subsequent derailments. The present paper examines the effect of residual stresses on the fatigue and fracture resistance of rail steel materials and the probable influence of residual stresses on the fatigue performance of rails in service. The magnitudes of residual stresses in rails were measured as a part of this study. Tensile and compressive residual (mean) stresses are shown to have a significant effect on the fatigue resistance of rail steels through tests using cylindrical smooth and compact tension specimens (free of inherent residuals) over a range of mean stress conditions. Fatigue and fatigue crack growth rate data developed are analyzed using specific damage parameters to consolidate the effect of mean stress. These data are then used in combination with measured residual stresses on rails to estimate the influence of service/fabrication induced, residual stresses in actual rail.
Developing and testing a teaching intermediate concept measure of moral functioning: a preliminary reliability and validity study

The neo-Kohlbergian approach to moral reasoning development maintains that intermediate concepts lie between bedrock moral schemas and professional codes of ethics and deal with issues of confident...
Gabapentin dependence and withdrawal requiring an 18-month taper in a patient with alcohol use disorder: a case report

Gabapentin has been widely used to manage post-herpetic neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, seizure disorders, alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol withdrawal, and insomnia. Although usually well tole...
Congenital defect of the posterior arch of C1: a case report

Odontoid fractures are one of the most common injuries to the cervical spine in geriatric patients. Congenital C1 arch absence, however, is a very rare anomaly found in the population. We describe the first reported case of a congenital C1 posterior arch absence and C1 anterior cleft presenting with odontoid fracture. We present the case of a 58-year-old male who was found to have a comminuted type III odontoid fracture with significant angulation and displacement. CT scan demonstrated this fracture and also demonstrated congenital cleft of his left anterior arch and absence of left C1 posterior arch. Given his anatomic anomaly, we elected to perform occipitocervical fusion. The patient underwent occipito-cervical fusion to avoid iatrogenic vertebral artery injury. He was also immobilized in a halo vest given patient-specific social factors and compromised bone quality. The patient had no intra- or post-operative complications, but a prolonged hospital stay due to alcohol withdrawal. At 3-month postoperatively the patient had no neck pain and return to baseline function. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a CT scan preoperatively to not only to further characterize the fracture but also for surgical planning and recognition of anatomic anomalies as this may significantly impact the operative strategy.
An Exploratory Study of How Novice Instructors Pivot to Online Assessments Strategies

Increasingly, graduate student instructors (GSIs) teach online without prior formal training on how to design online assessments of learning and participation. We present findings from a collective...
In vivo evidence of lower synaptic vesicle density in schizophrenia.

Decreased synaptic spine density has been the most consistently reported postmortem finding in schizophrenia (SCZ). A recently developed in vivo measure of synaptic vesicle density estimated using the novel positron emission tomography (PET) ligand [11C]UCB-J is a proxy measure of synaptic density. In this study we determined whether [11C]UCB-J binding, an in vivo measure of synaptic vesicle density, is altered in SCZ. SCZ patients (n = 13, 3 F) and age-, gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) (n = 15, 3 F) underwent PET imaging using [11C]UCB-J and high-resolution research tomography (HRRT). [11C]UCB-J distribution volume (VT) and binding potential (BPND) were estimated using a 1T model with centrum-semiovale as the reference region. Relative to HCs, SCZ patients, showed significantly lower [11C]UCB-J BPND with significant differences in the frontal cortex (-10%, Cohen's d = 1.01), anterior cingulate (-11%, Cohen's d = 1.24), hippocampus (-15%, Cohen's d = 1.29), occipital cortex (-14%, Cohen's d = 1.34), parietal cortex (-10%, p = 0.03, Cohen's d = 0.85) and temporal cortex (-11%, Cohen's d = 1.23). These differences remained significant after partial volume correction. [11C]UCB-J BPND did not correlate with cumulative antipsychotic exposure or gray-matter volume. Consistent with the postmortem and in vivo findings, synaptic vesicle density is lower across several brain regions in SCZ. Frontal synaptic vesicle density correlated with psychosis symptom severity and cognitive performance on social cognition and processing speed. These findings indicate that [11C]UCB-J PET is a sensitive tool to detect lower synaptic density in SCZ and holds promise for future studies of early detection and disease progression.
The Importance of Expanding Current Training in Responsible Conduct of Research

Despite the growing need to teach principles of the responsible conduct of research to those training to be biomedical researchers, no descriptive, easily compared information about the nation's RCR programs exists. The authors reviewed materials describing U.S. training programs in RCR that had been collected by the Department of Health and Human Services in June-August 1996. The authors found that two thirds of the 45 institutions represented in the materials provided RCR training only to those trainees whom they were required to train, although among the rest of the institutions, a few required that all trainees receive such training. The training programs studied were quite diverse regarding who was responsible for the program, what kinds of instruction were given (lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, etc.), course content, and how discipline-specific the focus was, The authors review the obstacles to effective RCR training and discuss ways to foster such programs.
Examining changes in teachers’ perceptions of external and internal barriers in their integration of educational digital resources in K-12 classrooms

This study examined changes in teachers’ perceptions of external barriers, internal barriers, and their integration of digital educational resources across two years through variable-centered and p...
The Nature and Purpose of the International Olympics Conference

(1932). The Nature and Purpose of the International Olympics Conference. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 3, No. 9, pp. 16-63.
Going home: the complex effects of reunification on internalizing problems among children in foster care.

When children in foster care are reunified with their families of origin they encounter changes that may influence their well-being in both positive and negative ways. We examined the effects of reunification among 218 children in foster care to test an integrative model of the effects of reunification using structural equation modeling. We hypothesized that reunification would exert indirect effects on subsequent child adjustment via changes in adverse life events, perceived social isolation, and mental health service utilization. Results indicated no direct effect of reunification on subsequent internalizing problems, but reunification was related to increased adverse life events that, in turn, were related to elevated symptoms. Second, reunification was negatively associated with mental health service use. Finally, reunification was associated with decreased child perceptions of social isolation. In summary, reunification with biological parents is associated with multiple environmental changes, with most but not all effects indicating negative consequences.
In vitroN-Acetylation of biogenic amines by tissues of the european corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner

Abstract [ 14 C ]-N- Acetyltryptamine was the major product of tryptamine metabolism using whole larval European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) (Hubner) homogenates, as well as homogenates of corn borer brain, suboesophageal ganglion, nervecord, gut, Malpighian tubule, fat body and carcass, with either [14C]-tryptamine or [14C]-acetyl CoA as the labelled substrate. Indoleacetic acid and indoleacetaldehyde, the products of tryptamine metabolism by monoamine oxidase (MAO), were barely detectable, indicating that tryptamine metabolism in both neural and non-neural larval corn borer tissues is catalyzed predominantly by an arylamine acetyltransferase (AAT) rather than MAO. The highest specific activity of AAT was found in brain homogenates, although the highest activities per insect equivalent of tissue were found in carcass and fat body homogenates. The AAT activity in brain and carcass homogenates towards eight indolealkylamines and phenylethylamines showed clear differences in substrate specificity, particularly in the preference found in carcass but not brain homogenates for β-hydroxylated phenylethylamines over unsubstituted analogues. These results suggest that neural AAT may be a different enzyme than that found in non-neural tissues.
The algorithm of a synthesis technique for concurrent systems

A synthesis technique that relieves the complexity problems that can be encountered in verification of concurrent systems by avoiding verification is presented. With this technique, Petri nets are used for modeling concurrent systems. A temporal matrix is used to record relationship (concurrent, exclusive, serial, etc.) among processes and to detect rule violations as new generations are generated. A set of synthesis rules was developed for incrementally generating new processes without incurring logical incorrectness. The authors develop an algorithm to detect rule violations and to update the T-matrix. The complexity of the algorithm is polynomial and O(N/sup 3/), where N is the total number of pseudo-processes when the final system design is completed. >
TWINNING RATES AMONG WOMEN AT THE END OF THEIR REPRODUCTIVE SPAN AND THEIR RELATION TO AGE AT MENOPAUSE

A review of studies on twinning has shown that dizygotic (DZ) twinning rates among women from general populations characteristically peak at ages 35-39, then decline sharply. Analysis of genealogical data from the Archives of the Mormon Church indicates that women who are dizygous twins themselves or the sibs of dizygous twins have a higher twinning rate among their offspring than do women from the general population. The dizygotic twinning rates of women who are twins or the sibs of twins classified by maternal age also peak at ages 35-39 but remain high at ages 40-44, then decline. It is well known that Negro women have high DZ twinning rates; a less well knwon finding is that the DZ twinning rates of Negro women also remain high after age 39. It has been suggested that high DZ twinning rates at later maternal ages may be related to a delayed age at menopause; However, published reports on age at natural menopause and analysis of our data from contemporary white US women indicate the contrary; Women who have borne unlike-sexed (DZ) twins and Negro women have a lower age at natural menopause then do white women from general populations, and a lower age in comparison with women who have borne like-sexed twins.
Efficient Constructive Techniques for Training Switching Neural Networks

In this paper a general constructive approach for training neural networks in classification problems is presented. This approach is used to construct a particular connectionist model, named Switching Neural Network (SNN), based on the conversion of the original problem in a Boolean lattice domain. The training of an SNN can be performed through a constructive algorithm, called Switch Programming (SP), based on the solution of a proper linear programming problem. Since the execution of SP may require excessive computational time, an approximate version of it, named Approximate Switch Programming (ASP) has been developed. Simulation results obtained on the StatLog benchmark show the good quality of the SNNs trained with SP and ASP.
A laboratory experiment involving releases of a double translocation heterozygote into a field-derived population of the German cockroach.

Releases of a double translocation heterozygote were made into a field-derived population of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Near elimination of wild-type matings, coupled with high lethality-sterility effects from the double males, brought about a reduction in population numbers following releases into one generation or progeny. Two factors may have influenced the mating success of the double males, i.e., an intrinsic lower fitness of the field strain males and a slightly older age of the released males.
Design of gradient-index lens systems for disc format cameras.

New designs for the disc camera lens system using radial gradient and homogeneous elements are presented and compared with the current state-of-the-art homogeneous design.
Neural mechanisms underlying behavior in the locust Schistocerca gregaria. II. Integrative activity in metathoracic neurons.

Preliminary studies are reported on the roles of some interneurons and motorneurons in generating simple behavior patterns in the locust Schistocerca gregaria. The neurons were penetrated by intracellular electrodes singly, or in pairs, whilst a variety of reflexes and spontaneous movements was observed. For example: large oscillations of membrane potential occurring at characteristic flight frequency were observed in flight motorneurons after blowing on the head. The pattern of impulses was directly determined by the amplitude and period of the oscillations. Similar oscillations were observed to occur spontaneously in leg motorneurons, where they caused bursts of impulses which closely resembled those occurring during walking. Both sensory-integrating and pre-motor interneurons were encountered, but none with the function of “commanding” motor output. Much of the input to leg motorneurons is already in programmed form.
Effect of adrenal steroids on preproneurokinin-A gene expression in discrete regions of the rat brain.

Abstract An in situ hybridization histochemical procedure was developed to monitor the cellular distributions of the three major alternatively spliced α, β and γ species of mRNA encoding neurokinin molecules of the CNS. Two oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes were synthesized corresponding to common sequences of the α, β, and γ NK-A mRNA. The first experiment used rats that were sham-operated (Sham), adrenalectomized (ADX), and ADX rats treated with corticosterone (ADX + CORT). Intense labelling was observed within the habenula (Hb), while strong labelling was detected within the olfactory tubercle (OT), the lateral olfactory tubercle (LOT), the horizontal diagonal band of Broca (HDB), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and the dorsal and ventral part of the caudate putamen (d-CP, v-CP). Moderate labelling of a number of cells was observed within the medial preoptic area (mPOA), the postero-dorsal part of the medial amygdala (MePD), and the dorsal and ventral part of the premamillary nucleus of the hypothalamus (PM-D; PM-V). ADX decreased NK-A mRNA in OT, LOT, HDB, BNST, CP compared to sham-operated rats, whereas CORT replacement elevated NK-A mRNA to above sham levels in OT, LOT, HDB, BNST and CP. There was no effect of ADX or CORT in Hb, while smaller, and often non-significant, effects of ADX and CORT replacement were found in other areas. Since there are two types of adrenal steroid receptors in brain, we next investigated the effects of agonists for type I and type II adrenal steroid receptors. ADX rats were given either aldosterone (ALDO, 10 μg/ml/h, Alzet minipumps) or RU 28362 (10 μg/ml/h, Alzet minipumps) for 8 days. Type 1 receptor activation by ALDO partially reversed the ADX-induced decrease in NK-A mRNA, whereas type II steroid receptor activation by RU 28362 restored the decrease caused by ADX and caused an elevation of NK-A mRNA above sham levels in OT. These findings show that adrenal steroids regulate NK-A gene expression through both type I and type II receptors in a number of brain areas. The results are consistent with a role for adrenal steroids and neurokinins in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis.
Toward an Ecological CALL: Update to Garrett (1991)

This introduction to the 2009 Modern Language Journal Focus Issue uses the lens of an ecological perspective on the acquisition of second languages to provide additional insights into the contributions by various computer-assisted language learning (CALL) scholars to this update on Garrett (1991) , “Technology in the service of language learning: Trends and issues.” After providing a thematic overview of the trends and issues discussed by Garrett (1991, this issue) and the other contributors, I discuss the most salient themes and controversies mentioned by the Focus Issue authors, including CALL and second language acquisition theory, empirical research and CALL, creation and use of CALL materials and technologies, social networking, assessment, the need for teacher training, and professional rewards. This introduction concludes with a section on the future of CALL as an independent field and with a look at future research and practical applications of CALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION SUPPLY FUNCTIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to clarify concepts of the relationships used to describe the supply of transport services in network flow equilibrium models. These functions are used to describe the capacity, level of service, and price characteristics of transportation systems. There appear to be three types of supply relationships, and these are identified and discussed with examples from the existing transportation system literature. Finally, the possible uses of each of these types of supply relationships are discussed, along with areas of needed research.
The thermal structure of a wind-driven Reynolds ridge

In this study, we investigate the nature of a Reynolds ridge formed by wind shear. We have simultaneously imaged the water surface, with a deposit of a monolayer of the surfactant, oleyl alcohol, subject to different wind shears, by using a high-resolution infrared (IR) detector and a high-speed (HS) digital camera. The results reveal that the regions around the wind-driven Reynolds ridge, which have subtle manifestations in visual imagery, possess surprisingly complex hydrodynamical and thermal structures when observed in the infrared. The IR measurements reveal a warm, clean region upstream of the ridge, which is composed of the so called fishscale structures observed in earlier investigations. The region downstream of the ridge is composed of colder fluid which forms two counter-rotating cells. A region of intermediate temperature, which we call the mixing (wake) region, forms immediately downstream of the ridge near the channel centerline. By measuring the velocity of the advected fishscales, we have determined a surface drift speed of about 2% of the wind speed. The spanwise length-scale of the structures has also been used to estimate the wind shear. In addition, a comparison of IR and visual imagery shows that the thermal field is a very sensitive indicator of the exact position of the ridge itself.
Polyurethane elastomers for facial prostheses

A review of the polyurethane elastomers used for facial prostheses has been presented. A description of the casting technique was given. The materials require accuracy and care in handling to insure the successful casting of a prosthesis. They seem to simulate the characteristics of the facial tissues and are more durable and comfortable than previously used materials. Over 300 patients have been exposed to or treated with these materials without evidencing significant adverse tissue reaction. In spite of the improvements that these materials present over previous ones (PVC and silicones), much work is still required to understand their behavior and their physical and mechanical characteristics and to compensate for the metameric phenomenon.
The Double Chooz experiment – toward the high precision measurement in the quest for θ13

The Double Chooz experiment will perform a highly sensitive measurement of the neutrino mixing angle sin2 2θ13. The Double Chooz will utilize a two detector design where the near detector provides an "unoscillated" neutrino flux measurement (high count rate, but higher background as well), while the far detector provides the "oscillated" neutrino flux characterized by the lower count rate and lower background level. The signal comparison between the two detectors will be necessary to see the subtle sign of θ13. Double CHOOZ will be built at the site of the original CHOOZ experiment which still provides the best world upper limit on the value of the neutrino mixing angle sin2 2θ13 < 0.2. We will report on the status of the Double Chooz experiment that will contribute to the discovery of θ13 if above 0.03 or improve the existing limit on sin2 2θ13 from 0.2 to 0.03 in just 3 years of running of the Double Chooz experiment. The Double Chooz is currently undergoing the construction of the far detector and will start taking data in April 2010.
Ultrastructure of the inner ear of NKCC1-deficient mice.

Abstract The transduction of the auditory signal is dependent on the flow of ions within the inner ear. We have generated mice deficient in NKCC1, an ion cotransporter that is thought to be involved in the secretion of K + by the strial marginal cells. Inner ear histology revealed partial to almost total absence of the scala media and collapse of Reissner’s membrane. Ultrastructural analysis showed that Reissner’s membrane consists of 3–4 cell layers instead of the usual two, and a substance of unknown composition is present between Reissner’s membrane and underlying structures. Within the tunnel of Corti, hair cells and supporting cells were difficult to identify. The location of the tectorial membrane was altered, and a precipitate was observed surrounding it. Severe structural defects were noted in the interdental cells and Boettcher cells, and mild defects were observed in the stria vascularis and in type II and type IV fibrocytes. The finding that major defects occur predominantly in cells that are not known to express NKCC1 suggests that loss of NKCC1 results in functional defects in cells expressing NKCC1 and a morphological effect on cell populations downstream in the proposed K + recycling pathway.
Photoprotection of the eye - UV radiation and sunglasses.

Although most health scientists now agree that health risks to the skin (e.g., skin cancer) exist from exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, a scientific consensus has not really been achieved vis-a-vis sunlight and ocular health. A growing number of scientists warn of hazards to the eye if ultraviolet radiation - and perhaps even shorter wavelength visible radiation also - is not filtered by lenses. Despite a substantial literature on the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and intense light upon ocular structures, particularly upon the retina, controversy still surrounds the question of whether the levels of natural and man-made light sources are damaging when encountered under normal viewing conditions. Although scientific evidence accumulates to indicate that chronic exposure conditions may accelerate ageing processes in ocular tissues, the quantitative question of "How much is safe?" remains to be answered conclusively.
Diagnosis and treatment of giardiasis.

Giardiasis was diagnosed in three of five children by means of small intestinal biopsy and smears of biopsy mucus when stool examinations failed to demonstrate the parasite. In a fourth patient the biopsies and smears were positive for the trophozoites, but one of three stools examined contained cysts. Biopsies were not taken from a fifth patient who had cysts in the stool. All the children had gastrointestinal symptoms; two had steatorrhea. Chronic intractable vomiting occurred in one patient; another had chronic intermittent diarrhea. Treatment with metronidazole for ten days reversed the symptoms and malabsorption completely in all but one patient who had granulomatous colitis.
The impact of mood disorders and their treatment on the pregnant woman, the fetus, and the infant

Treatment of mood disorders in pregnant or nursing women can carry significant risks for the mother and the developing infant. For patients and physicians, it may be difficult to obtain current information to make the proper decisions regarding pharmacologic and alternative treatments. Thus, this paper discusses the risks and benefits of pharmacologic treatment and the risks of not treating depression and bipolar disorder in the pregnant woman. The safety of treatment options is reviewed. Alternative treatment options are also discussed.
Adrenal insufficiency attributable to adrenal hemorrhage: long-term follow-up with reference to glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid function and replacement.

Objective: To describe the long-term follow-up of acute adrenal insufficiency attributable to bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records of four p...