cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mediating Effect of Sleep Disturbance on the Relationship Between Nonmalignant Chronic Pain and Suicide Death

IMPORTANCE Few studies have examined the relationship between nonmalignant chronic pain (NMCP) and suicide death, and even fewer have specifically explored what role sleep disturbance might play in the association between NMCP and suicide death. OBJECTIVE To assess whether sleep disturbance mediates the relationship between NMCP and suicide death. DESIGN This case-control study included 2,674 individuals who died by suicide between 2000 and 2013 (cases) and 267,400 matched individuals (controls). SETTING Eight Mental Health Research Network (MHRN)-affiliated healthcare systems. PARTICIPANTS All cases and matched controls were health plan members for at least 10 months during the year prior to the index date. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Sociodemographic data and diagnosis codes for NMCP and sleep disorders were extracted from the MHRN's Virtual Data Warehouse. Suicide mortality was identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 codes from official government mortality records matched to health system records. RESULTS After accounting for covariates, there was a significant relationship between NMCP and sleep disturbance; those who were diagnosed with NMCP were more likely to develop subsequent sleep disturbance. Similarly, sleep disturbance was significantly associated with suicide death. Finally, a significant indirect effect of NMCP on suicide death, through sleep disturbance, and a nonsignificant direct effect of NMCP on suicide death provide support for a fully mediated model. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There is a need for clinicians to screen for both sleep disturbance and suicidal ideation in NMCP patients and for health systems to implement more widespread behavioral treatments that address comorbid sleep problems and NMCP.
An Aging Resilient Neural Network Architecture

Recent artificial neural network architectures use memristors to store synaptic weights. The crossbar structure of memristors is used because of its dense structure and extreme parallelism. Transistor aging impacts their computational accuracy. An enhancement of the memristor-based neural network architecture is introduced using built-in current-based calibration circuit. It is shown experimentally that the proposed approach alleviates the cell aging effect.
WOSView Demo: A Tool to Explore the Web of Slides

We will demonstrate a prototype system WOSView built based on the vision of the Web of Slides(WOS), which aims to link all the lectures slides so as to facilitate navigation over all the slides. The links can be created at the slide level or at the level of phrases inside a slide, and many types of links can be created. The prototype system we built implements the most basic type of links, which link slides that have similar content and integrates lectures from four different MOOCs. WOSView also supports keyword search, which generates virtual links dynamically. We will demonstrate how the graphical interface of the WOSView enables students to flexibly navigate into slides from different courses and explore related slides using both static and dynamic links and solicit feedback from the community about the vision of WOS.
Barriers and facilitators of clinical trial enrollment in a network of community-based pediatric oncology clinics.

Introduction Major advances in the field of pediatric oncology have resulted from rigorous, prospective clinical oncology research trials. Optimizing access for all children and adolescents to clinical research trials is an important goal. Barriers to clinical trial enrollment are numerous, involving the health care system, research infrastructure, access to care, providers, and participants. The perspectives of pediatric oncologists may provide insight into the barriers of clinical trial enrollment for this unique population. Methods and materials We conducted qualitative structured interviews over two months of pediatric oncologists in a community-based clinical network as part of a quality improvement project aimed at increasing enrollment rates at St. Jude Affiliate Clinics. We assessed barriers and facilitators to clinical trial opportunities for racial and ethnic minority pediatric participants. In the same fiscal year of the interviews, we tracked clinical trial enrollment by race and ethnicity of the participant over 12 months. Results The major barriers to clinical trial enrollment for pediatric cancer minority participants included language discordance, travel difficulties, and complex trial designs. In contrast, the major facilitators included building trust with participants and their parents, and education on the merits of clinical research studies. We did not observe any disparities in clinical trial enrollment among the racial and ethnic minority participants of the clinical trials conducted across our network of pediatric oncology clinics. Conclusions Identifying barriers and facilitators may improve clinical trial enrollment for underrepresented participant groups.
Alzheimer’s Disease risk modifier genes do not impact tau aggregate uptake, seeding or maintenance in cell models

ABSTRACT Alzheimer’s disease (AD) afflicts millions of people worldwide, and is caused by accumulated amyloid beta and tau pathology. Progression of tau pathology in AD may utilize prion mechanisms of propagation in which pathological tau aggregates released from one cell are taken up by neighboring or connected cells and act as templates for their own replication, a process termed “seeding.” In cultured cells we have modeled various aspects of pathological tau propagation, including uptake of aggregates, induced (naked) seeding by exogenous aggregates, seeding caused by Lipofectamine-mediated delivery to the cell interior, and chronic maintenance of aggregates in cells through mother-to-daughter transmission. The factors that regulate these processes are not well understood, and we hypothesized that AD risk modifier genes might play a role. We identified 22 genes strongly linked to AD via meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used CRISPR/Cas-9 to individually knock out each in gene in HEK293T cells, and verified disruption using genomic sequencing. We then tested the effect of gene knockout in tau aggregate uptake, naked and Lipofectamine-mediated seeding, and aggregate maintenance in cultured cell lines. GWAS gene knockouts had no effect on these models of tau pathology. With obvious caveats due to the model systems used, these results imply that these 22 AD risk modifier genes do not directly modulate tau uptake, seeding, or aggregate maintenance.
Defining the expression of piRNA and transposable elements in Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells and somatic support cells.

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are important for repressing transposable elements (TEs) and modulating gene expression in germ cells, thereby maintaining genome stability and germ cell function. Although they are also important for maintaining germline stem cells (GSCs) in the Drosophila ovary by repressing TEs and preventing DNA damage, piRNA expression has not been investigated in GSCs or their early progeny. Here, we show that the canonical piRNA clusters are more active in GSCs and their early progeny than late germ cells and also identify more than 3,000 new piRNA clusters from deep sequencing data. The increase in piRNAs in GSCs and early progeny can be attributed to both canonical and newly identified piRNA clusters. As expected, piRNA clusters in GSCs, but not those in somatic support cells (SCs), exhibit ping-pong signatures. Surprisingly, GSCs and early progeny express more TE transcripts than late germ cells, suggesting that the increase in piRNA levels may be related to the higher levels of TE transcripts in GSCs and early progeny. GSCs also have higher piRNA levels and lower TE levels than SCs. Furthermore, the 3′ UTRs of 171 mRNA transcripts may produce sense, antisense, or dual-stranded piRNAs. Finally, we show that alternative promoter usage and splicing are frequently used to modulate gene function in GSCs and SCs. Overall, this study has provided important insight into piRNA production and TE repression in GSCs and SCs. The rich information provided by this study will be a beneficial resource to the fields of piRNA biology and germ cell development.
Surgical Implant Generation Network Implant Follow-up: Assessment of Squat and Smile and Fracture Healing.

Objectives To evaluate the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the Squat and Smile (S&S) test, a clinical photographic follow-up, in determination of fracture healing and to assess the extent of continued fracture healing beyond 1-year postoperation. Design Retrospective review of the Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) database. Setting The S&S test is utilized in low-resource settings where the SIGN intramedullary nail is used due to unavailability of intraoperative fluoroscopy. Patients/participants One hundred fifty patients undergoing fracture fixation utilizing SIGN intramedullary nails with data available at least 1 year (9-16 months) after surgery. Intervention None. Main outcome measures We extracted clinical data and calculated scores for the S&S photographs and radiographs at the 1-year (9-16 month postoperative) follow-up and last follow-up available beyond that. We analyzed the sensitivity of S&S scoring, using Radiographic Union Scale for Tibia fracture scores as the gold standard for fracture union. Results Of the 126 patients analyzed, 21% were found to have incomplete healing at 1 year, whereas 17% of the 64 patients with further follow-up past 1 year had incomplete healing. We found that both S&S and radiographic fracture healing scores had good interrater reliability (k = 0.73-0.78 for S&S and 0.94 for radiographs). The S&S test had poor sensitivity (0.11) and specificity (0.85) in determining fracture healing at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions The S&S scoring method was reliable but neither sensitive nor specific for determining fracture healing at 1 year. Fractures deemed incompletely healed by radiographic evaluation at 1 year after SIGN implant may still have the potential to heal over time. Level of evidence Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Social Program

This chapter turns to the social program underlying the box furniture of Progressive Era designer and social activist Louise Brigham, focusing on the several channels through which Brigham publicized and advocated for box furniture apart from her 1909 book Box Furniture. In addition to writing magazine articles (especially for Ladies’ Home Journal) and giving talks, Brigham made a practice of furnishing her own New York apartments with box furniture and turning them into public showplaces for the aesthetic and social value of her project. Her holistic approach to the interior design of these apartments extended beyond her box furniture to items like linens that she herself designed and made, as well as wall treatments. Following a brief consideration of Brigham’s work with the New York-based Home Industries’ Association, the chapter surveys the industrial expositions at which Brigham showed entire rooms of box furniture, placing both these exhibits and the showcase apartments as variants of the “model homes” that were a common feature of Progressive Era social projects.
Lasers for Scars

There are various laser therapies available for scar revision that can be tailored according to the patient’s characteristics such as age and expectations, as well as the scar’s appearance.
Where Work Has Been, Where It Is Going: Considering Race, Gender, and Class in the Neoliberal Economy:

Although sociologists have devoted a great deal of attention to the processes and patterns associated with work (both paid and unpaid), it is crucial to bridge that with the extensive research that...
Abstract P446: Hispanics/Latinos With Prediabetes are Eligible for Diabetes Prevention Intervention: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Background: Hispanics/Latinos in the US are at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) consensus statement recommends prediabetes screening in persons w...
SURGICAL EXPLANT OF TRANSCATHETER AORTIC BIOPROSTHESIS: RESULTS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FROM THE SOCIETY OF THORACIC SURGEONS ADULT CARDIAC DATABASE ANALYSIS

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) approval in lower risk surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) populations led a marked increase in the number of TAVR procedures. Implanters must be mindful of “lifetime management” strategy in younger patients which will include SAVR after TAVR
Markers of Iron Flux during Testosterone-Mediated Erythropoiesis in Older Men with Unexplained or Iron-Deficiency Anemia.

CONTEXT Testosterone treatment of hypogonadal men improves their hemoglobin, but the mechanism is not understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate possible mechanisms by which testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis in hypogonadal older men with unexplained or iron-deficiency anemia. DESIGN The Anemia Trial of The Testosterone Trials, a placebo-controlled study in older, hypogonadal men. SETTING Twelve academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS A total of 95 hypogonadal men (testosterone < 275 ng/mL) ≥65 years with anemia (hemoglobin < 12.7 g/dL). They were classified as having unexplained (n = 58) or iron deficiency anemia (n = 37). INTERVENTION Testosterone or placebo gel for 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Markers of iron metabolism during the first 3 months of treatment. RESULTS Testosterone replacement significantly (P < 0.001) increased hemoglobin in the 58 men who had unexplained anemia (adjusted mean difference 0.58 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.85). Testosterone replacement tended to increase hemoglobin in the 37 men who had iron deficiency (0.38 g/dL; -0.19, 0.95), but the response was more variable and not statistically significant (P = 0.19). In men with unexplained anemia, testosterone replacement suppressed hepcidin (-8.2 ng/mL; -13.7, -2.7; P = 0.004) and ferritin (-19.6 µg/L; -32.8, -6.3; P = 0.004), but in men with iron deficiency, testosterone replacement did not. The decrease in hepcidin was moderately correlated with the increase in hemoglobin in the men with unexplained anemia (correlation coefficient -0.35, P = 0.01) but not in those with iron deficiency anemia (correlation coefficient -0.07, P = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS Testosterone replacement of older hypogonadal men with unexplained anemia stimulates erythropoiesis associated with increased iron mobilization. This effect appears to be attenuated by iron deficiency.
Positive factors related to graduate student mental health.

Graduate students report high levels of distress, levels that professionals are calling a mental health crisis. Researchers have identified several factors that may exacerbate student distress, but...
The global distribution of COVID-19 vaccine: The role of macro-socioeconomics measures

Since coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) has continued to spread globally, many countries have progressed clinical trials and started vaccinations at the end of December 2020. This report aims to analyze the association of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and two macro-socioeconomics measures, including human development index (HDI) and Gross domestic product (GDP), among 25 countries till the first week of February 2021. Our results indicate that a higher GDP per Capita is positively associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine distribution. However, UAE and Israel have more successful vaccine distribution outcomes regardless of their GDP. In addition, the result shows HDI does not have a significant relationship with vaccine distribution. Although these macro-socioeconomic measures may be counted as a vital indicator for vaccine distribution, other factors may play roles in vaccine distribution, including well-developed health infrastructure, a centralized political system, and population size.
New Extraocular Muscle Entrapment after Facial Fracture Repair

Extraocular muscle entrapment is a well-recognized complication of orbital fracture, wherein the inferior rectus muscle becomes lodged within the fracture fragments at the time of the initial traum...
Interleukin-35: Expanding Its Job Profile.

Counter-regulation afforded by specialized regulatory cell populations and immunosuppressive cytokines is critical for balancing immune outcome. The inhibitory potential of the established suppressive cytokines, IL-10 and TGFβ, has been well elucidated in diverse inflammatory scenarios in conjunction with their key roles in Treg development and function. Despite the early predictions for an immunomodulatory role for the Ebi3/p35 heterodimer in placental trophoblasts, IL-35 biology remained elusive until 2007 when it was established as a Treg-restricted inhibitory cytokine. Since then, Treg-derived IL-35 has been shown to exhibit its suppressive activities in a range of autoimmune diseases and cancer models. Recent studies are beginning to explore other cellular sources of IL-35, such as Bregs and CD8+ Tregs. Despite these new cellular sources and targets, the mode of IL-35 suppression remains restricted to inhibition of proliferation and induction of an IL-35-producing induced regulatory T cell population...
The PIRO concept: prediction of bacteremia in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with infection

Bacteremia in critically ill patients has a significant attributable mortality. Routine use of blood cultures has been questioned because of low yield and association with anemia. Attempts to identify predictors of bacteremia in critically ill patients have had variable success. The PIRO concept based on factors related to predisposition (P), infection (I), response (R), and organ dysfunction (O) has been introduced as a hypothesis-generating model for research in sepsis.
The formation of bacterial flagella. II. The relative stability of messenger RNA for flagellin biosynthesis.

Bacillus subtilis 168–15 (try−, uracil−) was found to be a mutant stringent for RNA synthesis. Deprivation of either essential metabolite reduced the rate of amino acid incorporation into protein more than 90%. Under metabolite starvation, RNA synthesis was greatly suppressed (80 to 90%). The incorporation of labeled amino acids into flagellin appeared to be unaffected by removal of tryptophan or uracil from the medium. The synthesis of an inducible enzyme and a constitutive enzyme, however, was completely blocked by this treatment. The data suggest that the mRNA controlling the synthesis of flagellin is stable.
Percutaneous Axillary Vein Approach in Pediatric Pacing: Comparison with Subclavian Vein Approach

Aims The subclavian vein approach has been used for 20 years in our center for pacemaker (PM) implantation in children, but it carries risks of hemothorax/pneumothorax and lead fracture, which could be reduced by axillary vein approach. Methods and Results This is a prospective study enrolling the first 48 consecutive pediatric patients (age: 12.3 ± 4.6 years) who underwent PM/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads implantation through axillary vein (guided by contrast venography) between 2009 and 2012 (group I). A comparison was made with the outcomes of the subclavian vein approach (group II) in 41 patients, age 12.3 ± 4.8 years, consecutively enrolled between 2006 and 2011. The two groups showed no significant differences for the variables examined except for follow-up, longer in group II, and for alternative ventricular pacing sites, more frequent in group I. Axillary vein diameter was 7.9 ± 1.7 mm and showed positive correlation with height (r = 0.77). The axillary vein approach was effective in 93.7% of patients. The unsuccessful procedures occurred in patients with significantly lower age and smaller venous diameters. The subclavian vein approach was effective in 100% of patients. Sixty-two leads were implanted in group I, 54 in group II. There were neither intraoperative complications in both the groups, nor significant differences for early and late complications. Conclusions The axillary vein approach for PM implantation in children is effective and safe for physicians skilled with subclavian vein approach. Younger patients with smaller vein diameters are at low risk for unsuccessful procedure.
Organic dust exposures from compost handling: Case presentation and respiratory exposure assessment

Inhalation of dust from contaminated organic materials may result in acute respiratory tract illness. Possible mechanisms include toxic and cellular reactions to microbial and other organic products or immunologic responses after prior sensitization to an antigen. A case is presented of a 52 year old male who developed fever, myalgia, and marked dyspnea 12 hr after shoveling composted wood chips and leaves. Inspiratory crackles, hypoxemia, and bilateral patchy pulmonary infiltrates were seen. Precipitating antibody tests for the usual antigens were inconclusive. He improved over 3 days. In order to assess the environmental conditions the patient had experienced, we returned to the site to reproduce and measure respiratory exposures during hand loading of the compost. Visible clouds of fine particulate were easily generated during handling activities. Microscopic examination of these dusts indicated a predominance of spores. Endotoxin concentrations from inspirable and respirable dust samples ranged from 636 to 16,300 endotoxin units/m3. Levels of contaminants found were consistent with those associated with respiratory illness in other agricultural settings. Two respiratory disorders, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), may occur after exposure to organic dusts containing fungal spores and endotoxins. Despite extensive clinical and environmental investigations, we were unable to differentiate these two disorders, and suggest they may represent parts of a spectrum of responses to complex organic dusts, rather than completely distinct clinical entities.
Driving through: postpartum care during World War II.

In 1996, public outcry over shortened hospital stays for new mothers and their infants led to the passage of a federal law banning "drive-through deliveries." This recent round of brief postpartum stays is not unprecedented. During World War II, a baby boom overwhelmed maternity facilities in American hospitals. Hospital births became more popular and accessible as the Emergency Maternal and Infant Care program subsidized obstetric care for servicemen's wives. Although protocols before the war had called for prolonged bed rest in the puerperium, medical theory was quickly revised as crowded hospitals were forced to discharge mothers after 24 hours. To compensate for short inpatient stays, community-based services such as visiting nursing care, postnatal homes, and prenatal classes evolved to support new mothers. Fueled by rhetoric that identified maternal-child health as a critical factor in military morale, postpartum care during the war years remained comprehensive despite short hospital stays. The wart...
The information age: Another giant step backward

Abstract As libraries become repositories of computerized information, they follow the modern drift toward the quantification and, hence, the dehumanizing of knowledge and education. Because the computer excells at collecting, organizing, and “accessing” facts and data, its devotees may be promoting artificial intelligence at the expense of human understanding.
Application of Recommended Design Practices for Conceptual Nuclear Fusion Space Propulsion Systems

An AIAA Special Project Report was recently produced by AIAA's Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion Technical Committee and is currently in peer review. The Report provides recommended design practices for conceptual engineering studies of nuclear fusion space propulsion systems. Discussion and recommendations are made on key topics including design reference missions, degree of technological extrapolation and concomitant risk, thoroughness in calculating mass properties (nominal mass properties, weight-growth contingency and propellant margins, and specific impulse), and thoroughness in calculating power generation and usage (power-flow, power contingencies, specific power). The report represents a general consensus of the nuclear fusion space propulsion system conceptual design community and proposes 15 recommendations. This paper expands on the Report by providing specific examples illustrating how to apply each of the recommendations.
Different origins of gamma rhythm and high-gamma activity in macaque visual cortex.

During cognitive tasks electrical activity in the brain shows changes in power in specific frequency ranges, such as the alpha (8–12 Hz) or gamma (30–80 Hz) bands, as well as in a broad range above ∼80 Hz, called the high-gamma band. The role or significance of this broadband high-gamma activity is unclear. One hypothesis states that high-gamma oscillations serve just like gamma oscillations, operating at a higher frequency and consequently at a faster timescale. Another hypothesis states that high-gamma power is related to spiking activity. Because gamma power and spiking activity tend to co-vary during most stimulus manipulations (such as contrast modulations) or cognitive tasks (such as attentional modulation), it is difficult to dissociate these two hypotheses. We studied the relationship between high-gamma power, gamma rhythm, and spiking activity in the primary visual cortex (V1) of awake monkeys while varying the stimulus size, which increased the gamma power but decreased the firing rate, permitting a dissociation. We found that gamma power became anti-correlated with the high-gamma power, suggesting that the two phenomena are distinct and have different origins. On the other hand, high-gamma power remained tightly correlated with spiking activity under a wide range of stimulus manipulations. We studied this relationship using a signal processing technique called Matching Pursuit and found that action potentials are associated with sharp transients in the LFP with broadband power, which is visible at frequencies as low as ∼50 Hz. These results distinguish broadband high-gamma activity from gamma rhythms as an easily obtained and reliable electrophysiological index of neuronal firing near the microelectrode. Further, they highlight the importance of making a careful dissociation between gamma rhythms and spike-related transients that could be incorrectly decomposed as rhythms using traditional signal processing methods.
Uniqueness and inversion of cone beam data

Abstract A new proof is given of an improved uniqueness theorem in tomography. Numerical aspects of the inversion of cone beam data are discussed.
Aging Cognition Unconfounded by Prior Test Experience

Methods. Cogniti ve scores were compared in different individuals from the same birth years who were tested in different years, when they were at different ages. These types of quasi-longitudinal comparisons were carried out on data from three large projects: the Seattle Longitudinal Study [Schaie, K. W. (2013). Developmental influences on adult intelligence: The Seattle Longitudinal Study (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press], the Betula Project [Ronnlund, M., & Nilsson, L-G. (2008). The magnitude, generality, and determinants of Flynn effects on forms of declarative memory and visuospatial ability: Time-sequential analyses of data from a Swedish cohort study. Intelligence, 36, 192–209], and the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (this study). Results. In each data set, the results re vealed that the estimates of cognitive change with no prior test experience closely resembled the estimates of age relations based on cross-sectional comparisons. Furthermore, longitudinal comparisons revealed positive changes at young ages that gradually became more negative with increased age, whereas all of the estimates of change without prior test experience were negative except those for measures of vocabulary. Discussion. The current results suggest that retest ef fects can distort the mean age trends in longitudinal comparisons that are not adjusted for experience. Furthermore, the findings can be considered robust because the patterns were similar across three data sets involving different samples of participants and cognitive tests, and across different methods of controlling experience effects in the new data set.
Narrative Christology and the Son of Man: What the Markan Jesus Says Instead

From the point of view of "narrative christology," not only does the Markan Jesus attempt to deflect attention and honor away from himself and toward God, but he also refracts—or bends—the "christologies" of other characters and the narrator. The image comes from the way a prism refracts "white" light and thus shows its spectral colors. When a thing is bent and looked at from another angle, something different appears. The most obvious way in which the Markan Jesus bends the "christologies" of others is by his statements about the "Son of Man," especially in juxtaposition with "christological titles" offered by other characters and the narrator. No other character or the narrator speaks of the "Son of Man," thus "Son of Man" depicts the Markan Jesus' distinctive point of view. The implied author of Mark challenges the implied audience to deal with the tension between an assertive narrator who proclaims "Jesus Christ, the Son of God" and a reticent Jesus who deflects attention and honor, challenges traditional views, and insistently proclaims not himself but God. To resolve the tension in favor of the narrator (as does Kingsbury) or in favor of the Markan Jesus (as does Naluparyil) would be to flatten the implied author's multi-dimensional narrative and its multi-layered "christology." The implied author of Mark sets up this tension to draw in the implied audienc —not to resolve the tension but to enable hearing of the story of Jesus in its full complexity and mystery.
Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) excitatory response of the channel catfish intestine

1. Optimal parameters for electrical field stimulation (EFS) of catfish pyloric and middle intestinal segments were determined (15 Hz, 60 V) from a range of frequencies (5-45 Hz) and voltages (40-120 V) using a modified Magnus' method. Contractile responses were produced by EFS which were reproducible and showed no significant difference between the tissues. 2. The contractile cholinergic responses of the tissues to carbachol and acetylcholine (ACh) were blocked by atropine on an equimolar concentration, whereas, these responses were enhanced in the presence of neostigmine, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. 3. Adrenergic responses were examined with noradrenaline (NA). NA produced contraction of the segments only, at a concentration of 10(-4) M. Among the various adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptor stimulation produced a weak relaxation whereas, both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulation produced contractions, of which alpha 2-induced contraction was of greater magnitude. The beta, alpha 1 and alpha 2 responses were blocked by their respective blocking agents propranolol, prazosin and yohimbine. 4. The autonomic components of the response to EFS were determined by using selected cholinergic and adrenergic antagonists separately or collectively. Cholinergic blockade with atropine did not produce a significant blockade of the EFS-induced response. Similarly, blockade of beta-adrenoceptors with propranolol did not modulate the contractile response to EFS to any significant level. Blockade by prazosin or yohimbine did not significantly change the contractile response to EFS. After a complete blockade of the adrenergic and cholinergic divisions, the intestinal segments still showed a contractile response to EFS which was not significantly different from the control response. This indicated the presence of a non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) response. 5. Tetrodotoxin, at 10(-6) M, significantly blocked the EFS-induced NANC response suggesting a neurogenic origin for the response. 6. The present study indicated that the EFS-induced response of the catfish intestinal segments is predominantly NANC-e in nature suggesting an important role for it in the regulation of intestinal motility.
Approximation algorithms for dynamic resource allocation

We consider a problem of allocating limited quantities of M types of resources among N independent activities that evolve over T epochs. In each epoch, we assign to each activity a task which consumes resources, generates utility, and determines the subsequent state of the activity. We study the complexity of, and approximation algorithms for, maximizing average utility.
Alcian Blue staining of cochlear hair cell stereocilia and other cochlear tissues

Using whole-mount surface preparations of the chinchilla organ of Corti, the anionic characteristics of cochlear tissues was investigated with the polycationic dye Alcian Blue. Our primary goal was to specifically stain the hair cell stereocilia for the purpose of producing cytocochleograms. To specifically stain hair cell stereocilia we investigated the effects of different fixatives and the 'critical electrolyte concentration' [Scott and Dorling (1965) Histochemie 5, 221-233] of MgCl2 on staining specificity. The stereocilia and the tectorial membrane were the most intensely stained cochlear structures and presumably have a strong negative charge. The most important factor in producing specific staining was fixation in osmium tetroxide rather than the addition of an electrolyte to the Alcian Blue staining solution. The use of Alcian Blue produced intense staining of hair cell stereocilia against an unstained background using standard, brightfield light microscopy.
Factors that affect leaf extracellular ascorbic acid content and redox status

Leaf ascorbic acid content and redox status were compared in ozone-tolerant (Provider) and ozone-sensitive (S156) genotypes of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Plants were grown in pots for 24 days under charcoal-filtered air (CF) conditions in open-top field chambers and then maintained as CF controls (29 nmol mol -1 ozone) or exposed to elevated ozone (71 nmol mol -1 ozone). Following a 10-day treatment, mature leaves of the same age were harvested early in the morning (06:00-08:00 h) or in the afternoon (13:00-15:00 h) for analysis of ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). Vacuum infiltration methods were used to separate leaf AA into apoplast and symplast fractions. The total ascorbate content [AA + DHA] of leaf tissue averaged 28% higher in Provider relative to S156, and Provider exhibited a greater capacity to maintain [AA + DHA] content under ozone stress. Apoplast [AA + DHA] content was 2-fold higher in tolerant Provider (360 nmol g -1 FW maximum) relative to sensitive S156 (160 nmol g -1 FW maximum) regardless of sampling period or treatment, supporting the hypothesis that extracellular AA is a factor in ozone tolerance. Apoplast [AA + DHA] levels were significantly higher in the afternoon than early morning for both genotypes, evidence for short-term regulation of extracellular ascorbate content. Total leaf ascorbate was primarily reduced with AA/[AA+DHA] ratios of 0.81-0.90. In contrast, apoplast AA/[AA+DHA] ratios were 0.01-0.60 and depended on genotype and ozone treatment. Provider exhibited a greater capacity to maintain extracellular AA/[AA + DHA] ratios under ozone stress, suggesting that ozone tolerance is associated with apoplast ascorbate redox status.
The impact of robotics on computer science

The rapid development of robotics and the resulting need for computer scientists to be better trained in traditional mathematics necessitate changes in computer science curricula.
"You Don't So Much Watch It As Download It": Conceptualizations of Digital Spectatorship

This article examines the ways in which public discourse conceived spectatorship of digital cinema in the United States in the late 1990s. Evaluations of digital technologies' (actual or imminent) implications for spectatorship varied greatly, particularly across the diverse industrial and aesthetic traditions associated with digital cinema at that time. These competing discourses, however, evidence a shared tendency to conceptualize digital spectatorship according to a historically specific notion of transmission that mobilizes the concepts of intersubjectivity, embodiment, and immediacy.
Food-paired stimuli as conditioned reinforcers: effects of d-amphetamine.

Seven pigeons were studied in two experiments in which key pecks were reinforced under a second-order schedule wherein satisfaction of variable-interval schedule requirements produced food or a brief stimulus. In the second part of each session, responses produced only the brief stimulus according to a variable-interval schedule (food extinction). For the 4 pigeons in Experiment 1, the response key was red throughout the session. In separate phases, the brief stimulus was either paired with food, not paired with food, or not presented during extinction. d-Amphetamine (0.3 to 10.0 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced food-maintained responding during the first part of the session and, at intermediate dosages, increased responding during the extinction portion of the session. The magnitude of these increases, however, did not consistently depend on whether the brief stimulus was paired, not paired, or not presented. It was also true that under nondrug conditions, response rates during extinction did not differ reliably depending on pairing operations for the brief stimulus. In Experiment 2, 3 different pigeons responded under a procedure wherein the key was red in the component with food presentations and blue in the extinction component (i.e., multiple schedule). Again, d-amphetamine produced dose-related decreases in responding during the first part of a session and increases in responding in the second part of the session. These increases, however, were related to the pairing operations; larger increases were observed when the brief stimulus was paired with food than when it was not or when it was not presented at all. Under nondrug conditions, the paired brief stimulus controlled higher response rates during extinction than did a nonpaired stimulus or no stimulus. These findings suggest that d-amphetamine can enhance the efficacy of conditioned reinforcers, and that this effect may be more robust if conditioned reinforcers occur in the context of a signaled period of extinction.
Effect of an Ionic Liquid Solvent on the Phase Behavior of Block Copolymers

The phase behavior of concentrated mixtures of block copolymers with an ionic liquid has been studied using a large series of block copolymers with varying molecular weight and volume fraction to gain a thorough understanding of the thermodynamics of self-assembly. The lyotropic phase behavior of mixtures of poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) (S2VP) copolymers with the ionic liquid imidazolium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide ([Im][TFSI]) is reminiscent of block copolymer/selective molecular solvent mixtures, and ordered microstructures corresponding to lamellae, hexagonally close-packed cylinders, body-centered cubic, and face-centered cubic oriented micelles are observed. Scaling analysis reveals that, in contrast to observations of block copolymer/molecular solvent mixtures, the interfacial area occupied by each S2VP chain decreases upon the addition of [Im][TFSI], indicating a considerable increase in the effective segregation strength of the S2VP copolymer with ionic liquid addition.
Ultrastructural and biochemical identification of con A receptors in the desmosome

Correlated ultrastructural and biochemical methods were used to identify and localize Concanavalin A (Con A) receptors in the desmosomes of bovine epidermis. Specific carbohydrate residues were labeled with ferritin-Con A in thin sections of tissue embedded in a hydrophilic resin. Quantitative mapping of ferritin distribution in labeled desmosomes revealed that Con A receptors are localized in the intercellular zone and concentrated along the desmosomal midline or central dense stratum. Labeling was almost entirely absent when sections were treated with ferritin-Con A in the presence of 0.1 M alpha-methyl mannoside, a hapten-inhibitor of Con A. "Whole" desmosomes and desmosomal intercellular regions (desmosomal "cores") were purified from bovine muzzle epidermis. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals a limited number of major desmosomal protein constituents. Certain of these are glycoproteins and are greatly enriched in the core fraction. Almost all the desmosomal glycoproteins are intensely labeled when electrophoretic gels of whole desmosome or core fractions are exposed to fluorescent Concanavalin A.
Civil Engineering Education in a Visualization Environment: Experiences with VizClass

VizClass, a university classroom visualization environment, was developed to bridge the gap between high-tech engineering practice and low-tech engineering pedagogy. It contains a suite of digital whiteboards, a three-dimensional stereoscopic display, and specialized software for engineering visualization. Through observations, interviews, surveys, and examination of student work, we investigated student and teacher attitudes toward VizClass and its effect on teaching and learning processes. Observed benefits of teaching in the new environment include increased ability of faculty to visually explain complex problems, increased ability of students to conceptualize engineering problems, and increased engagement of students in after-class collaboration.
Effects of cadmium exposure on rat kidneys

The effects of cadmium toxicity on the kidney at chronic and acute doses, and the release of gamma-glutanyl transpeptidase into urine were investigated using rats given subcutaneous injections of Cd. The data indicate minimum damage to renal tubules during four weeks of exposure at chronic and acute levels. (JWP)
Elevation of Peak Expiratory Flow by a “Spitting” Maneuver: Measured With Five Peak Flowmeters

Study objective To determine if peak expiratory flow (PEF) is higher using incorrect technique versus correct technique with five marketed peak flowmeters. Design Randomized, nonblinded study. Setting University pulmonary medicine clinic. Patients Twenty adults with clinically stable asthma. Interventions After inhaling 2 puffs of albuterol via a valved aerosol holding chamber (Aerochamber), patients were instructed over the next 15 min in correct and incorrect (a "spitting" action) technique when using peak flowmeters. Order of use of five peak flowmeters and correct vs incorrect technique was random. Measurements and results PEF (percentage of personal best) was recorded for best of three attempts with correct and incorrect technique. Each peak flowmeter had a statistically significant elevation in PEF with incorrect technique. The range for elevation in PEF using incorrect technique was 12.4 to 68.2% above the PEF with the subject using correct technique. Conclusion Each of the five marketed peak flowmeters had a significant elevation in PEF when a "spitting action" was used. Clinicians need to instruct patients carefully regarding correct technique when using peak flowmeters.
Fungal pretreatment of sulfides in refractory gold ores

Abstract This study assessed the capability of the fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, to decompose pyrite, arsenopyrite and a sulfide-containing flotation concentrate in an effort to develop a microbial process for pretreating refractory gold ores. The extent of biotransformation was monitored by analyzing for iron, sulfur and arsenic in incubation solutions, and for sulfide sulfur in the residual solids. The results were then expressed as percentages of the initial weights. For arsenopyrite, 1.5 wt.%, 7.2 wt.% and 10.3 wt.% of iron, arsenic and sulfur respectively were present as soluble constituents in the incubation solution within 21 days of fungal treatment, whereas for pyrite, there was 1.2 wt.% iron and 6.0 wt.% sulfur. For the same processing period in the case of the flotation concentrate, 1.8 wt.%, 6.1 wt.% and 10.7 wt.% respectively of iron, arsenic and sulfur remained in solution. Overall, the decomposition of sulfide sulfur in the samples was 15 wt.%, 35 wt.% and 57 wt.% respectively for pyrite, arsenopyrite and the flotation concentrate. Changes in sulfide sulfur concentration and the formation of oxide phases during fungal treatment were confirmed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. These results suggest that P. chrysosporium is a potential microorganism for oxidative decomposition of metal sulfides associated with refractory gold ores.
Adaptive compressive measurement design using approximate dynamic programming

We consider two problems for adaptive design of compressive measurement matrices for estimating time-varying sparse signals. In the first problem, we fix the number of compressive measurements collected at each time step and design the compressive measurement matrices over time. The goal is to maximize the conditional mutual information between the support of the sparse signal and the measurements. In the second problem, we adaptively select the number of compressive measurements to be taken at each time step and not the entries in the measurement matrices. Once the number of measurements to be taken is determined, the entries are selected according to a prespecified scheme. Here, we optimize a measure that is a combination of the number of measurements and the conditional mutual information between the support of the sparse signal and the measurements at each time step. We formulate both problems as Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) and use an approximation method known as rollout to find solutions for these problems. The POMDP formulation enables the application of Bellman's principle for optimality in multi-step lookahead design of compressive measurements.
Organometallic chemistry: Charting the course of catalysis.

With palladium catalysts, chemists can manipulate ordinarily inert carbon–hydrogen bonds to build useful molecules from simple building blocks. How the catalysts guide this process has just become a bit clearer.