cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving the segmentation of therapy-induced leukoencephalopathy using apriori information and a gradient magnitude threshold

Reliably quantifying therapy-induced leukoencephalopathy in children treated for cancer is a challenging task due to its varying MR properties and similarity to normal tissues and imaging artifacts. T1, T2, PD, and FLAIR images were analyzed for a subset of 15 children from an institutional protocol for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Three different analysis techniques were compared to examine improvements in the segmentation accuracy of leukoencephalopathy versus manual tracings by two expert observers. The first technique utilized no apriori information and a white matter mask based on the segmentation of the first serial examination of each patient. MR images were then segmented with a Kohonen Self-Organizing Map. The other two techniques combine apriori maps from the ICBM atlas spatially normalized to each patient and resliced using SPM99 software. The apriori maps were included as input and a gradient magnitude threshold calculated on the FLAIR images was also utilized. The second technique used a 2-dimensional threshold, while the third algorithm utilized a 3-dimensional threshold. Kappa values were compared for the three techniques to each observer, and improvements were seen with each addition to the original algorithm (Observer 1: 0.651, 0.653, 0.744; Observer 2: 0.603, 0.615, 0.699).
Vehicle Effects on Ocular Drug Bioavailability I: Evaluation of Fluorometholone

The influences of drug concentration and vehicle composition on the corneal penetration of the steroid fluorometholone were studied in the albino rabbit. Aqueous dosing systems included a saturated solution and 0.1, 0.05, and 0.1% suspensions of micronized fluorometholone. Two different doses of a 0.1% oleaginous ointment were also studied. The results from the 0.1 and 0.5% suspensions show a peak aqueous humor steroid concentration at 30 min and a substantial sustaining effect with these two concentrations. The results also support the belief that moderate dilution of a suspension of a slowly soluble drug may not substantially lower the aqueous humor drug levels or, conversely, that use of a higher concentration suspension may not improve the aqueous humor drug concentration-time profile. The 0.1% suspension and the saturated solution did not produce a sustaining effect. The results demonstrate for the first time that the particles present in a dose of suspension are retained within the cul-de-sac of the eye and contribute significantly to the amount of steroid penetrating the cornea. This finding was confirmed by a study in which the eye was rinsed with saline solution 30 min after instillation of a dose of a 0.05% suspension. The rinsing procedure prematurely terminated the sustaining effect of the suspension. The results of the ointment studies show that partitioning of the lipophilic steroid from the oleaginous vehicle has a greater rate-limiting influence on corneal penetration than the dissolution rate parameter associated with the aqueous suspensions. Peak aqueous humor concentration was not achieved until 3 hr after dosing and was comparable to the 0.1 and 0.05% suspensions. Predosing of the eye with a saturated solution or the 0.1% suspension prior to dosing with ointment overcomes the inability of the ointment to provide adequate drug at short times following dosing. In this case, peak levels were achieved within 60 min and then maintained. The duration of aqueous humor levels and the amount penetrating from the ointment were greater than the suspensions, and these effects are discussed relative to the mechanism. Differences in aqueous humor levels produced by 25- and 50-mg doses of ointment were minimal. A discussion of the results from all studies is presented in the context of present theories regarding the role of the lipophilic epithelial layer of the cornea as a barrier to drug penetration.
A note on the impulse-function determination of functional probability-density functions

A theorem is proved which states that the probability-density function, W( z ˜ ), for a particular value, z ˜ , of a real function, z, of a set of n real random variables, xi, of known joint-density function, Wn (x1, …, xn), is given by the expectation value of the impulse function of argument (z − z ˜ ), assuming the former density function exists. Thus, in the case of continuous variables, W ( z ˜ ) = e { δ ( z - z ˜ ) } = ∏ i = 1 n ∫ − ∞ + ∞ δ ( z - z ˜ ) W n ( x 1 , ... , x n ) d x i , where z = z(x1, …, xn). In evaluation, the actual limits for all but the first integration are determined in the conventional multiple-integral fashion by the surface z - z ˜ = 0 in the hyperspace of the xi after the first variable of integration has been eliminated. The relation of this theorem to certain “folk-theorems” is noted. Two practical applications and a proof of the stochastic-variable super-position theorem are presented as examples of the use of the proven theorem.
Cardiovascular effects of antipsychotics.

There is great concern over cardiovascular disease in the schizophrenic population owing to the high incidence of cardiovascular mortality. Increased cardiovascular mortality is related to lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking and sedentary lifestyle) and a high prevalence of comorbid medical conditions, including dyslipidemia, the metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. One factor that increases cardiovascular risk is the medications used to treat the core features of schizophrenia. Adverse cardiovascular effects of antipsychotic treatment have been recognized for many decades, especially tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension and rare instances of sudden death; but, since 2000, there has been a significant shift in the focus of risk perception. The older antipsychotic literature is replete with papers primarily concerned with the physiological consequences of muscarinic cholinergic antagonism, α1-adrenergic antagonism or receptors associated with cardiac conduction, but the current literature recognizes that, ...
Dorsolateral funiculus and intraspinal pathways mediate vaginal stimulation-induced suppression of nociceptive responding in rats

In rats, stimulation of the vaginal cervix with a glass rod reliably produces analgesia, as measured by the tail-flick test. The present studies sought to identify the neural substrates underlying this potent pain inhibition by examining the effects of decerebration, spinalization and bilateral dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) lesions on vaginal stimulation-produced analgesia (VSPA). These studies indicate that the neural circuitry mediating VSPA is contained within the caudal brainstem and spinal cord, since decerebration did not reduce VSPA when compared with sham-operated controls. A significant though markedly reduced level of analgesia was induced in spinalized rats, indicating that VSPA involves both intraspinal and descending pathways. This descending pathway, originating within supraspinal nuclei of the caudal brainstem, projects to the spinal cord via the DLF, since DLF lesions and spinalization produced equivalent reductions in VSPA compared to sham-operated controls. These results, considered in the light of previous electrophysiological and anatomical findings, indicate that the ventral medullary region may be the source of the descending DLF projection mediating VSPA.
The Intracellular Virus-Containing Compartments in Primary Human Macrophages Are Largely Inaccessible to Antibodies and Small Molecules

HIV-1 assembly and release occurs at the plasma membrane of human T lymphocytes and model epithelial cell lines, whereas in macrophages intracellular sites of virus assembly or accumulation predominate. The origin of the intracellular virus-containing compartment (VCC) has been controversial. This compartment is enriched in markers of the multivesicular body, and has been described as a modified endosomal compartment. Several studies of this compartment have revealed the presence of small channels connecting to the plasma membrane, suggesting that instead of an endosomal origin the compartment is a modified plasma membrane compartment. If the compartment is accessible to the external environment, this would have important implications for antiviral immune responses and antiviral therapy. We performed a series of experiments designed to determine if the VCC in macrophages was open to the external environment and accessible to antibodies and small molecules. The majority of VCCs were found to be inaccessible to exogenously-applied antibodies to tetraspanins in the absence of membrane permeabilization, while tetraspanin staining was readily observed following membrane permeabilization. Cationized ferritin was utilized to stain the plasma membrane, and revealed that the majority of virus-containing compartments were inaccessible to ferritin. Low molecular weight dextrans could access only a very small percentage of VCCs, and these tended to be more peripheral compartments. We conclude that the VCCs in monocyte-derived human macrophages are heterogeneous, but the majority of VCCs are closed to the external environment.
Adverse Effects of Antipsychotic Agents

Neumleptics produce many adverse effects. While some of these are of little import beyond being a nuisance, others are both unusual and potentially serious. Since no consistent reporting mechanism has been established, the exact incidence and severity are often unclear. This article describes adverse effects of neuroleptics in general, but gives special emphasis to those areas which are most relevant at this time. ‘Unwanted’ may be preferable to ‘adverse’ as a term to describe effects which are part of the pharmacological properties of the drug but which may interfere with treatment. Unwanted effects of antipsychotic agents on the central nervous system are an important area for consideration. These include behavioural effects that present as a worsening of the condition being treated or merge with akathisia and produce distinct, recognisable abnormal behaviour that precludes improvement. Extrapyramidal syndromes are of particular importance in patients receiving treatment with antipsychotics, and in particular tardive dyskinesia which recently has gained much attention. The cardiovascular effects of neuroleptics range from hypotension to ECG changes to possible sudden death. As the elderly are more prone to almost all adverse effects, particularly of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, extra care is recommended in geriatric patients. Endocrine changes producing sexual dysfunction and weight gain may also occur, but careful choice of an antipsychotic drug may help to minimise some of these problems in patients to whom they would be distressful. Other possible methods of diminishing unwanted effects include the measurement of plasma levels of antipsychotics, although at present well-defined therapeutic concentration ranges are not established, with the possible exception of chlorpromazine. Despite a relatively wide range of possible unwanted effects, the benefits of antipsychotic therapy are considerable; adequate knowledge of the potential adverse effects of these agents can improve their benefit to risk ratio even further.
Growth of breath figures and a possible relationship with ultradynamics.

An exact solvable model for the growth of breath figures in the intermediate time regime is presented. The model is based on the individual-droplet-growth power law ${t}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$, and a pattern of self-similarity. A relationship between this growth model and ultradynamics is proposed. The scaling behavior of ultradynamics accounts for the various observed features of breath-figure growth, such as the constant surface-area coverage and polydispersity as well as the average-growth power law ${t}^{3\ensuremath{\alpha}}$. The resulting distribution function of the droplet radius is in qualitative agreement with recent computer simulation results.
Energy Savings for a Manufacturing Facility Using Building Simulation Modeling: A Case Study

Abstract:Efforts to improve energy efficiency are an increasing concern for many facility engineering managers. Building energy simulation software can provide a useful tool to assess facility energy consumption and to develop cost effective energy efficiency improvements. In this case study, two energy simulation software packages were linked to create an improved approach to modeling a manufacturing plant. Both energy simulation programs were observed to be adequate in modeling the facility energy consumption; however, this study also revealed limitations in both programs' ability to accurately model industrial facilities. To illustrate the combined energy models, a case study was conducted with five alternatives. The alternatives were evaluated using payback and after-tax analysis (ATA) figures of merit. The analysis illustrated the problem of using payback to choose among competing alternatives. The engineering manager is provided with a robust template for energy analysis as an economic decision maki...
THE JOURNEY TO WORK AND OCCUPATIONAL SEGREGATION

I ndividual-level explanations of occupational sex segregation have focused on women's poor education, their weak labor-force attachment, and their household responsibilities. The importance of locational factors has not been examined. Using the 1980 census Public Use Microdata Sample for Worcester, MA, I investigated the link between occupational type (defined in terms of the sex composition of specific occupations) and each of these previously examined factors, but the primary focus here is on the link between occupation type and the characteristics of the work trip. The analysis of 1002 male and 798 female workers suggests that neither educational background nor the presence of young children in the home is responsible for women's holding female-typed occupations in Worcester, although women's weak labor-force attachment is related to occupational type. Patterns of auto use and travel time are related to differences in women's, but not men's occupation type, suggesting that convenient access to work do...
EPA-0113 – Cpap treatment compliance in combat veternas with obstructive sleep apnea and ptsd and how it affects their ptsd symptoms

As a Psychiatrist working at Veterans Affairs Hospital, I have seen many patients with co existence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and PTSD. As we know sleep disturbances are very common in combat veterans with PTSD, most common of which are nightmares and insomnia. There have been studies showing that people with OSA can have worsening of PTSD but PTSD is not found to be deleterious for OSA. CPAP is the treatment of choice for OSA and it has been found that people who start using CPAP machine have less occurance of nightmares and they sleep better. There is considerable ratio of veterans seen in my practice who do not use CPAP despite being prescribed for it, I compared the veterans with OSA who use CPAP mahcine versus those who do not use CPAP machine. Patient's subjective reporting of improvement in PTSD symptoms in those who use CPAP machine will be compared to those who do not use CPAP machine and continued to have PTSD symptoms.
A method to determine the impact of patient-centered care interventions in primary care.

Abstract Objective The implementation of patient-centered care (PCC) innovations continues to be poorly understood. We used the implementation effectiveness framework to pilot a method for measuring the impact of a PCC innovation in primary care practices. Methods We analyzed data from a prior study that assessed the implementation of an electronic geriatric quality-of-life (QOL) module in 3 primary care practices in central North Carolina in 2011–2012. Patients responded to the items and the subsequent patient–provider encounter was coded using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) system. We developed an implementation effectiveness measure specific to the QOL module (i.e., frequency of usage during the encounter) using RIAS and then tested if there were differences with RIAS codes using analysis of variance. Results A total of 60 patient–provider encounters examined differences in the uptake of the QOL module (i.e., implementation-effectiveness measure) with the frequency of RIAS codes during the encounter (i.e., patient-centeredness measure). There was a significant association between the effectiveness measure and patient-centered RIAS codes. Conclusion The concept of implementation effectiveness provided a useful framework determine the impact of a PCC innovation. Practice implications A method that captures real-time interactions between patients and care staff over time can meaningfully evaluate PCC innovations.
Forest Taxes, Timber Concessions, and Policy Choices in the Amazon

Abstract In many countries of Africa and Asia, timber production is dominated by concession contracts in public forests. In the neo-tropics, however, timber production occurs on both public and private lands; a mixture that moves countries of the neo-tropics towards the complex systems of forestry sectors in the developed world. Therefore, much of the forest taxation and public forest management literature that currently exists is pertinent to new forest policy decisions in developing countries. Unfortunately, the similarities between forest policies in the neo-tropics and those of developed countries have largely been ignored. This paper begins the process of bridging that gap to show how existing literature is important to the design of timber concessions and accompanying policy instrument design. Although the principles we discuss here apply in any mixed harvest forest economy, we use Brazil as an example because it is in the process of adopting a system of timber concessions in national forests. In ou...
Grain Size in Laminae of Beach Sand

ABSTRACT Use of a small corer having a piston controlled by a screw-in drive shaft permits the collection of a series of thin (1.67 mm) slices of sand deposits. Several slices are required to penetrate a single coarse- or fine-grained lamina on foreshores of beaches. Grain-size analysis of the sand in each slice by settling tube was followed by computation of statistical parameters. The results show that the slices have a much broader range of median diameter, are better sorted, and are more positively skewed than are those for a composite core of the same sands. This means that investigations of beach-sand sources and of hydraulic conditions of erosion and deposition based upon sand texture may be better served by analysis of laminae than of total sample.
Pedotransfer functions for variable alluvial soils in southern Ohio

Abstract A grid sampling pattern of 108 sample locations at distances ranging from 15 to 122 m was used to develop a baseline characterization of soil physical and hydrological properties in a 40 ha field. Statistical distributions of silt and sand were not normal. Coefficients of variation of sand, silt and clay contents were 59%, 18% and 25%. Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) were developed using indicator variables to separate the data into four textural classes (silty clay loam, silt loam, loam and sandy loam). This separation normalized the distributions of sand and silt contents, improving the data for use in development of PTFs. The resulting equations improved the prediction of the dependent variable (field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water capacity, percentage of water stable aggregates, or log of saturated hydraulic conductivity) from the five independent variables sand, silt, clay, organic matter content and bulk density, and suggested texture-specific interrelationships between the variables.
Embryonic stem cells lacking a functional inhibitory G-protein subunit (alpha i2) produced by gene targeting of both alleles.

Abstract The alpha i2 subunit of the inhibitory heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins is highly conserved in mammals and is expressed in all cell types, but its exact function is not yet defined. We have investigated the role of this protein by producing embryonic stem (ES) cells lacking a functional alpha i2 gene. These alpha i2-null cell lines regulate adenylyl cyclase and grow and differentiate in vitro the same as wild-type ES cells. Homologous recombination was used to sequentially inactivate both copies of the alpha i2 gene. The first allele was inactivated by insertion of a neomycin-resistance gene. We modified the hygromycin B-resistance gene for improved expression in ES cells and used this gene to inactivate the remaining normal allele. The techniques used should be generally applicable to other genes whether or not they are expressed in ES cells.
Interpulse coherence of picosecond pulses

Abstract Interferometric studies of trains of picosecond pulses from dye mode-locked Nd: glass lasers have been made. Both autocorrelation and cross correlation measurements of pulses have been recorded. Even for non-minimum width pulses very high fringe contrast ratios have been obtained for both cases indicating considerable similarity between pulses. It is also concluded that the relative phase shift from pulse to pulse is constant.
Reading, Reasoning, and Literacy: Strategies for Early Childhood Education From the Analysis of Classroom Observations

Researchers have posited that children generally learn to read in environments that are trusting, comfortable, and offer small group or one-to-one adult support, all of which are characteristics of a high quality early childhood education program. This evaluation research study examines the Pre-Kindergarten Incentive Program, an early childhood demonstration program in Washington, DC designed to study several urban community-based sites. The authors facilitate a discourse on how all early childhood education programs can become high quality programs through standardized observations, evaluations, and constructive feedback. The article describes the demonstration program, highlights general findings from standardized classroom observations, discusses areas needing improvement, and presents strategies for addressing areas of challenge. It will reveal to early childhood educators how evaluation findings can improve teaching and learning techniques and environments in early childhood programs. The goal is to promote overall improvement in reading, reasoning, and literacy for children enrolled in early childhood programs and thereby better prepare them for kindergarten.
An Expansion of the Rhetorical Vision Component of the Symbolic Convergence Theory: The Cold War Paradigm Case.

This study focuses on the expansion of the rhetorical vision component of Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT). The Cold War rhetorical vision serves as a paradigm case illustrating the emerging theory of group consciousness that is part of SCT. Through this extended example, we explain that, prior to their decline and terminus, three streams of communication (consciousness creating, consciousness raising and consciousness sustaining) characterize the life cycle of a rhetorical vision. We also demonstrate that rhetorical visions exist along at least four continua and that a number of distinct rhetorical principles operate in the creation, development, maturity and decline of a rhetorical vision.
Regulation of immune responses and tolerance: the microRNA perspective

Much has been learned about the molecular and cellular components critical for the control of immune responses and tolerance. It remains a challenge, however, to control the immune response and tolerance at the system level without causing significant toxicity to normal tissues. Recent studies suggest that microRNA (miRNA) genes, an abundant class of non-coding RNA genes that produce characteristic approximately 22 nucleotides small RNAs, play important roles in immune cells. In this article, we discuss emerging knowledge regarding the functions of miRNA genes in the immune system. We delve into the roles of miRNAs in regulating signaling strength and threshold, homeostasis, and the dynamics of the immune response and tolerance during normal and pathogenic immunological conditions. We also present observations based on analyzes of miR-181 family genes that indicate the potential functions of primary and/ or precursor miRNAs in target recognition and explore the impact of these findings on target identification. Finally, we illustrate that despite the subtle effects of miRNAs on gene expression, miRNAs have the potential to influence the outcomes of normal and pathogenic immune responses by controlling the quantitative and dynamic aspects of immune responses. Tuning miRNA functions in immune cells, through gain- and loss-of-function approaches in mice, may reveal novel approach to restore immune equilibrium from pathogenic conditions, such as autoimmune disease and leukemia, without significant toxicity.
Project leader's locus of control and task certainty as antecedents of members' satisfaction with leadership and R&D team performance

Abstract The research presented here details a path analysis of R&D team members' satisfaction with leadership and team performance. Antecedent predictors were task certainty and the locus of control of project leaders. It was found that both task certainty and the project leader's locus of control were antecedents of members' satisfaction with leadership. Also members' satisfaction with leadership was a significant antecedent of team performance. These results are discussed relative to the group dynamics literature in general and the management of R&D teams in particular.
Polymer waveguide optical CDMA encoder and decoder modules based on a new orthogonal coding scheme

Polymeric waveguide optical CDMA encoders and decoders based on a promising coding scheme are proposed that allows significent reduction of the cross-correlation noise. The new encoding and decoding scheme is based on the orthogonal property of the eignvectors of the encoding/decoding matrices. The orthogonal property of the eignvectors ensures an untra-low cross-correlation noise level and allows several time more active users than existing systems. In this paper, polymer electro-optic waveguide optical CDMA encoder and decoder modules based on the orthogonal coding scheme are analyzed. Simulation results are presented.
Two-wavelength fibre gyroscope with wide dynamic range

An optical fibre gyroscope configuration which utilises dual-wavelength determination of the Sagnac shift is described. It is shown that this provides a means of extending the unambiguous rotation sensing range, and thus the dynamic range, of the gyroscope. Using an all-fibre system and sources at wavelengths of 812 nm and 842 nm, an increase in unambiguous sensing range of approximately 27 times is demonstrated.
Oil-Gas Transformation Induced Subcritical Crack Propagation and Coalescence in Petroleum Source Rocks

The present work describes a multi-physics model to investigate subcritical propagation of initially oil-filled, sub-horizontal collinear microcracks driven by the excess pressure induced by the conversion of oil to gas in a petroleum source rock under continuous burial. The crack propagation distance, propagation duration, crack coalescence and excess pressure in the crack are determined using a finite difference scheme that couples linear elastic fracture mechanics, oil-gas transformation kinetics and an equation of state for the gas. The numerical results for a shale source rock with typical properties show that when the crack spacing parameter b/a0 is greater than 3, where a0 is the half crack length and b the half distance between the crack centers, the cracks do not coalesce, and the duration of gas-driven crack propagation is governed by the transformation kinetics because the oil-gas conversion rate is much slower than the subcritical crack propagation rate. The collinear cracks coalesce for smaller crack spacing and the crack propagation duration may reduce significantly due to crack interactions. The multi-physics model presented in this work together with our previous model for crack propagation during the conversion of solid kerogen to oil indicates that self-propagating microcracks resulting from the buildup of excess fluid pressure during hydrocarbon generation may serve as effective pathways for primary migration of hydrocarbons.
The effects of modified summer environment on swine behaviour

Abstract Daily observations were made at two-hour intervals over a 50-day period on growing pigs subjected to the following heat relief measures: shade only (controls), wallow in the sun, wallow in the shade, wallow combined with increased air motion, and access to an air-conditioned house. The pigs were maintained in dry lot concrete pens under California summer conditions with an average mean temperature of 75 °F. (average range of 58·5 to 94·4 °F.). Where shade was the only relief measure provided, it was used about 80 per cent, of the time from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Addition of a wallow reduced the time spent in the shade. Use of portable houses (3-sided, wooden floor, metal roof) was relatively low as compared to fabric shades and other shade on the concrete floor. Use of heat relief measures increased rapidly when the temperature went above 70 °F. The air-conditioned house was used about 60 per cent, of the time during the hours of observation. An increased weight gain in all treated lots over the control lot was not correlated with any behaviour pattern. The importance of suitable shade on summer days with temperature over 70 °F. is indicated. The use of other relief measures such as wallows also is of importance.
Assessing Competencies for Counseling Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals, Couples, and Families

ABSTRACT Little is known about family counselors' competency to counsel lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients. Measures and research on multicultural competency do not include information on LGBT concerns. A measure of counselors' competency with sexual orientation issues has been developed for individual clients but does not cover couples and families. No measure has been developed assessing family counselors' competency with transgender individuals, couples, and families. Factors hindering the development of appropriate measures of family counselors' competence with LGBT clients as well as promising new directions to foster instrument development and research are discussed.
Chronic neuropathic pain: Issues in patient education

Chronic neuropathic pain is difficult to diagnose and treat. For the patient, multiple aspects of his or her life may be altered, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health, as well as the ability to work, and family and social relationships. Successful treatment plans require more than just pharmacotherapy. Patients often need to receive a lot of information about complex regimens related to both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies. Additionally, patients with neuropathic pain need nursing support and guidance to help them master the self-management and coping skills required to minimize pain flares, while optimizing mood and functioning. A number of specific strategies are available based on the cognitive-behavioral model. These include the ability to interpret changes in pain in a helpful way, engagement in health promoting behaviors (including diet and exercise), and the development of an action plan for coping with pain exacerbations. A central element in this approach is to help patients become experts in understanding and managing their pain, then addressing the toll it has taken on their emotions, daily activities, and important relationships. Self-initiated techniques, such as relaxation, imagery, and hypnosis, can also be used to alter the subjective experience of pain. This article presents an overview of patient education approaches useful in the management of chronic pain.
Trophic biology of herbivorous reef fishes: alimentary pH and digestive capabilities

Certain herbivorous fishes are well known for morphological specializations enabling trituration; such as scarids with a pharyngeal mill and mullets with a gizzard-like stomach. However, utilization of plant foods by fishes is limited by these animal's digestive capabilities, most notably the apparent lack of cellulose digesting enzymes. Fishes possessing a grinding mechanism are able to break open plant cells for digestion. But how fishes without grinding mechanisms make plant cell contents accessible to digestion is unknown. These fishes include many acanthurid and pomacentrid species which are among the most abundant on reefs. Another mechanism for rupturing plant cell walls has been recently proposed, namely lysis by gastric acidity. This study surveyed stomach and intestinal pH for 17 herbivorous species at Fanning Atoll, Central Pacific and two species from St Croix, Caribbean with additional data for seven selected carnivorous species. The herbivorous fishes included acanthurids (surgeonfishes), mugilids (mullets), pomacanthids (angelfishes), pomacentrids (damselfishes) and a scarid (parrotfish). The effect of different pH concentrations and trituration was examined experimentally for eight common Pacific marine algae including two reds, two blue-greens, two greens, one brown, and the algal mat complex from inside damselfish territories. Fishes, possessing morphological adaptations for trituration, ingested quantities of calcium carbonate material and did not contain gastric acidity low enough to lyse algal cell wells. However, fishes without grinding mechanisms but with defined stomachs have gastric pH values from 2.4 to 4.25 which can be as effective as trituration in releasing algal cell contents of certain algae. These results are considered in a review of previous studies of herbivory in fishes. The trophic relationship between fishes and algae of specified morphologies are predicted by extrapolation from the experimental results on algae vulnerable to acid lysis or trituration.
Voltammetric characterization of the effect of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin uptake in mouse caudate-putamen and substantia nigra slices

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry is an electrochemical technique used to measure dynamics of transporter-mediated monoamine uptake in real time and provides a tool to evaluate the detailed effects of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin transporter function. We measured the effects of cocaine, methylphenidate, 2beta-propanoyl-3beta-(4tolyl) tropane (PTT), fluoxetine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), phentermine and fenfluramine on dopamine and serotonin uptake following electrically stimulated release in mouse caudate-putamen and substantia nigra pars reticulata slices. We determined rank orders of uptake inhibition effects based on two variables; increases in apparent K(m) for dopamine and serotonin uptake and inhibition constant (K(i)) values. For example, the rank order of uptake inhibition based on apparent K(m) values at the dopamine transporter was amphetamine>or=PTT>or=methylphenidate>>methamphetamine=phentermine=MDMA>cocaine>>fluoxetine=fenfluramine, and at the serotonin transporter was fluoxetine=methamphetamine=fenfluramine=MDMA > amphetamine=cocaine=PTT>or=methylphenidate>phentermine. Additionally, changes in electrically stimulated release were documented. This is the first study using voltammetry to measure the effects of a wide range of monoamine uptake inhibitors and releasers on dopamine and serotonin uptake in mouse brain slices. These studies also highlight methodological considerations for comparison of effects between heterogeneous brain regions.
Tracking the Sleep Onset Process: An Empirical Model of Behavioral and Physiological Dynamics

The sleep onset process (SOP) is a dynamic process correlated with a multitude of behavioral and physiological markers. A principled analysis of the SOP can serve as a foundation for answering questions of fundamental importance in basic neuroscience and sleep medicine. Unfortunately, current methods for analyzing the SOP fail to account for the overwhelming evidence that the wake/sleep transition is governed by continuous, dynamic physiological processes. Instead, current practices coarsely discretize sleep both in terms of state, where it is viewed as a binary (wake or sleep) process, and in time, where it is viewed as a single time point derived from subjectively scored stages in 30-second epochs, effectively eliminating SOP dynamics from the analysis. These methods also fail to integrate information from both behavioral and physiological data. It is thus imperative to resolve the mismatch between the physiological evidence and analysis methodologies. In this paper, we develop a statistically and physiologically principled dynamic framework and empirical SOP model, combining simultaneously-recorded physiological measurements with behavioral data from a novel breathing task requiring no arousing external sensory stimuli. We fit the model using data from healthy subjects, and estimate the instantaneous probability that a subject is awake during the SOP. The model successfully tracked physiological and behavioral dynamics for individual nights, and significantly outperformed the instantaneous transition models implicit in clinical definitions of sleep onset. Our framework also provides a principled means for cross-subject data alignment as a function of wake probability, allowing us to characterize and compare SOP dynamics across different populations. This analysis enabled us to quantitatively compare the EEG of subjects showing reduced alpha power with the remaining subjects at identical response probabilities. Thus, by incorporating both physiological and behavioral dynamics into our model framework, the dynamics of our analyses can finally match those observed during the SOP.
Exclusion of Exon 2 Is a Common mRNA Splice Variant of Primate Telomerase Reverse Transcriptases

Telomeric sequences are added by an enzyme called telomerase that is made of two components: a catalytic protein called telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and an integral RNA template (TR). Telomerase expression is tightly regulated at each step of gene expression, including alternative splicing of TERT mRNA. While over a dozen different alternative splicing events have been reported for human TERT mRNA, these were all in the 3′ half of the coding region. We were interested in examining splicing of the 5′ half of hTERT mRNA, especially since exon 2 is unusually large (1.3 kb). Internal mammalian exons are usually short, typically only 50 to 300 nucleotides, and most long internal exons are alternatively processed. We used quantitative RT-PCR and high-throughput sequencing data to examine the variety and quantity of mRNA species generated from the hTERT locus. We determined that there are approximately 20–40 molecules of hTERT mRNA per cell in the A431 human cell line. In addition, we describe an abundant, alternatively-spliced mRNA variant that excludes TERT exon 2 and was seen in other primates. This variant causes a frameshift and results in translation termination in exon 3, generating a 12 kDa polypeptide.
Clinical and laboratory studies of combined live measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines using the RA 27/3 rubella virus.

AbstractEleven lots of combined bivalent and trivalent vaccines containing the measles (Moraten), mumps (Jeryl Lynn), and rubella (RA 2713) viruses gave satisfactory results in tests in initially seronegative children (measles, 493 children; mumps, 377; rubella, 586). There was no apparent suppression of antibody response against any of the viruses in the vaccines. The clinical reactions observed were mild and inconsequential. Substitution of the HPV 77-DE strain employed heretofore with the RA 27/3 is technically acceptable and offers the advantage of higher titer, slightly greater seroconversion rate, and more solid immunity against reinfection in nature.
An Inverse Radiation Model for Optical Determination of Temperature and CO2 Concentration: Development and Validation

By minimizing the differences between measured and predicted transmissivity spectra, an inverse radiation model was developed to reconstruct temperature and species concentration from homogeneous gas media. The model was validated by retrieving temperatures and concentrations from experimental medium-resolution CO2 transmissivity data obtained by Bharadwaj and Modest [1, 2]. Optimal wavenumber ranges for CO2 transmissivity measured across a wide range of temperatures and concentrations were determined according to the performance of inverse calculations. Results indicate that the inverse radiation model works well and the inverse radiation technique is superior to thermocouples and flow meters for measurements of temperature and gas concentration.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cytoarchitecture of diabetic myopathy during the pathogenesis of the disease: Fast versus slow muscle

Diabetic patients exhibit varying degrees of peripheral neuropathy. One of the sequelae of the neuropathy is muscle weakness in the lower limbs, described either as diabetic amyotrophy if the weakness affects the proximal musculature, or motor neuropathy if it affects the distal musculature. The weakness is thought to be related to metabolic disturbances of the disease and changes in the peripheral nerve. In animal models of diabetes, degeneration of myofibers and imyoneural junctions has been noted in both fast (extensor digitorum longus, EDL), and slow (soleus, SOL) muscles. However, observations of changes in skeletal muscle during the pathogenesis of the disease have not been made in either human or animal models of diabetes. It is the purpose of this study to compare the time course in the pathogenesis of diabetic myopathy in these two different types of muscles. Soleus and EDL muscles from 6, 14, and 24+-week-old C57BL/KsJ-db/db and db/+ female mice (N = 12/group) were fixed in situ, processed using standard electron microscopic procedures, and analyzed under the electron microscope. Although both muscles exhibited signs of degeneration, disruption of the mitochondria, and excessive lipid stores, the initial onset and the extent of the myopathy were delayed in soleus. In addition, fewer myofibers in the soleus muscle exhibited signs of denervation and reinnervation. Therefore, diabetic myopathy is progressive during the pathogenesis of the disease but SOL appears to be more resistant to progression of the disease. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Postsecondary Choices of Nontraditional-Age Students: Non-Credit Courses or a Credential Program?

Postsecondary education institutions of all types now operate in an external societal context increasingly influenced by international internet communication and global market forces. The college aspirations of nontraditional age (adult) postsecondary students facing a variety of choices for further education and/or job skills often reflect their work-related goals. Employing multinomial logistic (MNL) regression analysis, with selected results illustrated by plotting predicted probabilities, and using a nationally representative sample, this study tests the primary hypothesis that career-oriented young adults value postsecondary credential programs (either a college or university program, or a vocational/technical diploma/certificate program) over noncredit courses.
Activation of plant foliar oxidases by insect feeding reduces nutritive quality of foliage for noctuid herbivores.

The foliage and fruit of the tomato plantLycopersicon esculentum contains polyphenol oxidases (PPO) and peroxidases (POD) that are compartmentally separated from orthodihydroxyphenolic substrates in situ. However, when leaf tissue is damaged by insect feeding, the enzyme and phenolic substrates come in contact, resulting in the rapid oxidation of phenolics to orthoquinones. When the tomato fruitwormHeliothis zea or the beet army-wormSpodoptera exigua feed on tomato foliage, a substantial amount of the ingested chlorogenic acid is oxidized to chlorogenoquinone by PPO in the insect gut. Additionally, the digestive enzymes of the fruitworm have the potential to further activate foliar oxidase activity in the gut. Chlorogenoquinone is a highly reactive electrophilic molecule that readily binds cova-lently to nucleophilic groups of amino acids and proteins. In particular, the —SH and —NH2 groups of amino acids are susceptible to binding or alkylation. In experiments with tomato foliage, the relative growth rate of the fruitworm was negatively correlated with PPO activity. As the tomato plant matures, foliar PPO activity may increase nearly 10-fold while the growth rate of the fruitworm is severely depressed. In tomato fruit, the levels of PPO are highest in small immature fruit but are essentially negligible in mature fruit. The growth rate of larvae on fruit was also negatively correlated with PPO activity, with the fastest larval growth rate occurring when larvae fed on mature fruit. The reduction in larval growth is proposed to result from the alkylation of amino acids/protein byo-quinones, and the subsequent reduction in the nutritive quality of foliage. This alkylation reduces the digestibility of dietary protein and the bioavailability of amino acids. We believe that this mechanism of digestibility reduction may be extrapolatable to other plant-insect systems because of the ubiquitous cooccurrence of PPO and phenolic substrates among vascular plant species.
A Quantitative Appraisal of the Free Amino Acids in Foreign Type Cheese

Summary A quantitative estimation of the free amino acids and related compounds of 30 commercial foreign type cheese revealed that free amino acids were present in concentrations from a trace to more than 6 mg. per gram of cheese with glutamic acid, leucines, valine, and basic amino acids predominating. No foreign cheese type could be solely identified by its chromatographic amino acid pattern, although some differences were observed. Roquefort-Blue types and Emmenthaler-Swiss types were distinguished to some extent from Limburger and Camembert cheese types by the greater concentrations of many of the individual amino acids existing in the former cheese.
Outsourcing Oversight: A Comparison of Monitoring for In‐House and Contracted Services

The public sector contracting literature has long argued that outsourced services need to be and, in fact, are subject to a more elevated level of scrutiny compared to internally delivered services. Recently, the performance measurement and management literature has suggested that the twin themes of accountability and results have altered the management landscape at all levels of government. By focusing on performance monitoring, the implication is that monitoring levels for internally provided services should more closely approximate those for contracted services. The analysis provided here yields empirical comparisons of how governments monitor the same service provided in-house and contracted out. We find evidence that services provided internally by a government’s own employees are indeed monitored intensively by the contracting government, with levels of monitoring nearly as high as those for services contracted out to for-profit providers. In contrast, however, we find strong evidence that performance monitoring by the contracting government does not extend to nonprofit and other governmental service providers, each of which is monitored much less intensively than when comparable services are provided internally. For such service providers, it appears that monitoring is either outsourced along with services, or simply reduced.
Music combined with computer-assisted instruction helps children with autism label novel line-drawn symbols

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Simpson, K., & Keen, D. (2010). Teaching young children with autism graphic symbols embedded within an interactive song. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 22, 165–177. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.