cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of Single Phrenic Axon Recordings to Assess Diaphragm Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Electrophysiological recordings taken from the whole phrenic nerve have been utilized previously to describe the gradual increase in functional recovery of a hemidiaphragm paralyzed by ipsilateral C2 hemisection during the crossed phrenic phenomenon (CPP). Although the increase in activity has been temporally correlated with hemisection-induced morphological alterations of the phrenic nucleus, suggesting an association of the increased activity with the morphological alterations, whole phrenic nerve recordings during the CPP can provide only limited information. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to use phrenic single-axon recording techniques to better understand the mechanisms underlying the recovery of respiratory activity during the expression of the CPP. Recordings from the whole phrenic nerve on the right side and from small fascicles of the phrenic nerve that show only the activity of single phrenic axons (units) on the left side were made in the neck before left spinal hemisection and during the CPP. The results indicated that there were two types of units firing before and during the CPP: an early- and a late-firing unit based on the time of their firing onset in relation to whole phrenic nerve activity. Ten early units and 25 late units were identified according to the shape of their spikes before hemisection as well as during the CPP. In addition to these units, 20 new units were recruited during CPP activity. These new units were mainly of the late-onset type. The results also indicated that there was a significant increase in the frequency of firing of both early and late units. The results specifically indicate therefore that the increase in respiratory activity recorded previously in the whole phrenic nerve during the CPP is most likely due to: (i) an increase in firing frequency for both early- and late-firing units and (ii) a recruitment of predominantly late-firing units into the CPP response. These results are important in understanding more completely the mechanisms that can facilitate recovery of the diaphragm after spinal cord injury.
Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus-satellite DNAs represent a divergent, geographically isolated Nile Basin lineage: predictive identification of a satDNA REP-binding motif

Cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGV), a species of the genus Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae), was recently cloned from cotton, okra, and Sida alba plants exhibiting leaf-curling and vein-thickening symptoms in Sudan. Here, we describe a previously unknown lineage of single-stranded DNA satellite (satDNA) molecules, which are associated with CLCuGV, and are required for development of characteristic disease symptoms. Co-inoculation of cotton and Nicotiana benthamiana plants with satDNAs cloned from cotton, okra, and S. alba, together with CLCuGV as the 'helper virus' resulted in the development of characteristic leaf-curling and vein-thickening symptoms in both hosts. An anatomical study of symptomatic, virus-infected cotton leaves revealed that spongy parenchyma cells had developed instead of collenchyma cells at the sites of vein thickening. Phylogenetically, the CLCuGV-associated satDNAs from Sudan, together with their closest relatives from Egypt, form a new satDNA lineage comprising only satDNAs from the Upper and Lower Nile Basins. Analysis of satellites and their helper virus sequences identified a predicted REP-binding site consisting of the directly repeated sequence, 'CGGTACTCA', and an inverted repeated sequence, 'TGAGTACCG', which occur in the context of a 17-nucleotide motif. The conserved REP-binding motif identified herein, together with strict geographic isolation, and apparent host-restriction, may be the collective hallmark of these new satDNA-begomovirus lineages, extant in the Nile Basin.
James Bond and the Barking Dog: Evolution and Extended Cognition*

Prominent defenders of the extended cognition thesis have looked to evolutionary theory for support. Roughly, the idea is that natural selection leads one to expect that cognitive strategies should exploit the environment, and exploitation of the right sort results in a cognitive system that extends beyond the head of the organism. I argue that proper appreciation of evolutionary theory should create no such expectation. This leaves open whether cognitive systems might in fact bear a relationship to the environment that leads to their extension.
Variability effects on the internal structure of rapid aiming movements.

Two experiments are reported in which the effects of different levels of spatial variability in the initial phase of aiming movements were explored. It was found that longer, faster, and more spatially variable initial submovements were associated with an almost proportional increase in the distance between the average location at which the first submovement ended and the target. the first experiment involved a multisegmental arm motion that required a direction reversal, in which spatial variability could be estimated in all three dimensions. The second was a unidirectional, one-degree-of-freedom wrist supination task. The variability-amplitude relationship for the initial submovement was present in both. It is argued that the variability, or unpredictability, of the initial submovement is a determinant of its average amplitude, such that initial submovements approach the target as closely as is permitted by the level of variability. Such a mechanism allows task constraints such as accuracy requirements and allowable error rates to be met most efficiently, in a manner similar to the recently described optimisation of submovement durations. If this mechanism is a general, ubiquitous phenomenon in rapid aiming, certain features of its internal kinematic structure are predictable. A set of five such predictions is outlined.
Association of Cloacal Anomalies, Caudal Duplication, and Twinning:

Cloacal anomalies exhibit a wide variety of morphologic types and accompanying clinical severity. The association of malformations of the cloaca with partial, complete, or conjoined twinning has been appreciated for some time, but, with the advent of prenatal ultrasound technology, appears to occur with a greater frequency than once thought. This observation has important implications for pathogenesis. We present 2 representative cases, a 19-week-old female fetus with duplication of several caudal structures and a 21-week-old male fetus with cloacal exstrophy variant and demised co-twin with lower abdominal wall defect, extruded intestinal tract, absent external genitalia, and imperforate anus. These findings and previously published theories suggest that certain models of monozygotic twinning may apply to the pathogenesis of cloacal anomalies. Specifically, the partial or complete duplication of the organizing center within a single embryonic disc may increase the risk of mesodermal insufficiency and thus account for the failure of complete development of the cloacal membrane and consequent exstrophy or other aberration.
Pauli blocking of collisions in a quantum degenerate atomic fermi gas

We have produced an interacting quantum degenerate Fermi gas of atoms composed of two spin states of magnetically trapped ${}^{40}\mathrm{K}$. The relative Fermi energies are adjusted by controlling the population in each spin state. Thermodynamic measurements reveal a resulting imbalance in the mean energy per particle between the two species, which is a factor of 1.4 at our lowest temperature. This imbalance of energy comes from a suppression of collisions between atoms in the gas due to the Pauli exclusion principle. Through measurements of the thermal relaxation rate we have directly observed this Pauli blocking as a factor of 2 reduction in the effective collision cross section in the quantum degenerate regime.
In vivo response of mouse lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin and colchicine.

The response of peripheral mononuclear leukocytes and the systemic tolerance of mice to parenterally administered phytohemagglutinin and colchicine were assessed in 200 animals. The administration of 0.5ml of a solution of purified phytohemagglutinin resulted in the appearance of seemingly immature and significantly enlarged (p<0.005) peripheral mononuclear leukocytes. The appearance of large lymphocytes in peripheral blood was interpreted as evidence for the occurrence of lymphoblastic transformation in vivo. However, no blast cells were observed in the peripheral blood smears. The concomitant administration of colchicine prevented enlargement of the circulating mononuclear lymphocytes. The phytohemagglutinin effect was apparently negated or minimized by the concomitant administration of colchicine. The significance of this observation is unknown.
Comments on ‘Earnings forecasting research: its implications for capital markets research’, by L. Brown

Abstract This commentary extends Larry Brown's survey paper on the link between earnings forecasting research and capital markets research by discussing emerging research in four areas: (a) the relation between current earnings and future earnings or the time-series properties of reported earnings; (b) the relation between current earnings and current prices, based on the relation each has with future earnings; (c) the ability to predict future stock returns using accounting information to predict future earnings; and (d) specification issues to consider when estimating price-earnings regressions.
A phenomenology of QCD on a small lattice

Weak-coupling methods, appropriate to a small lattice, reproduce many features of the QCD spectrum derived on a 6^3 × 10 lattice using Monte Carlo techniques and offer some insight into finite lattice size effects.
Risk factors for breakdown of perineal laceration repair following vaginal delivery

VAGINAL DELIVERY MEREDITH WILLIAMS (F), MARK CHAMES, University of California, Davis, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sacramento, California, University of Michigan, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ann Arbor, Michigan OBJECTIVE: Perineal laceration breakdown (PLB) after vaginal delivery, although uncommon, is a source of significant morbidity to those affected. Our objective was to identify risk factors associated with PLB. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, case-control study of all cases of PLB in patients delivering between September 1995 and February 2005 at the University of Michigan. Controls identified as having a significant perineal laceration without PLB were matched to cases in a two to one fashion. Univariate analysis was performed using chi-square and t-test. Multivariate analysis was performed using stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with PLB and 118 controls were identified out of a total of 14,124 patients undergoing vaginal delivery. On univariate analysis, significant risk factors were longer second stage (142 vs 87 min, p=0.001), operative vaginal delivery (OVD) (OR 3.6, 1.8-7.3), mediolateral episiotomy (MLE) (OR 6.9, 2.6-18.7), third or fourth degree laceration (OR 3.1, 1.5-6.4), and meconium stained fluid (OR 3.0, 1.1-7.9). Prior vaginal birth was protective (OR 0.38, 0.18-0.84). Logistic regression showed a significant interaction between OVD and MLE (see table). There was no correlation with smoking, age, BMI, birth weight, duration of membrane rupture, diabetes, chorioamnionitis, or type of suture used for repair. CONCLUSION: The most significant events were MLE, especially in conjunction with OVD, third and fourth degree lacerations, and meconium. Antepartum risk factors did not appear to play a significant role in PLB with the exception of the protective effect of prior vaginal birth.
Accelerated Monte Carlo for Optimal Estimation of Time Series

By casting stochastic optimal estimation of time series in path integral form, one can apply analytical and computational techniques of equilibrium statistical mechanics. In particular, one can use standard or accelerated Monte Carlo methods for smoothing, filtering and/or prediction. Here we demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of generalized (nonlocal) hybrid Monte Carlo and multigrid methods applied to optimal estimation, specifically smoothing. We test these methods on a stochastic diffusion dynamics in a bistable potential. This particular problem has been chosen to illustrate the speedup due to the nonlocal sampling technique, and because there is an available optimal solution which can be used to validate the solution via the hybrid Monte Carlo strategy. In addition to showing that the nonlocal hybrid Monte Carlo is statistically accurate, we demonstrate a significant speedup compared with other strategies, thus making it a practical alternative to smoothing/filtering and data assimilation on problems with state vectors of fairly large dimensions, as well as a large total number of time steps.
Circulation and Dynamics of the Western North Atlantic. Part II: Dynamics of Meanders and Rings

Abstract A multiparameter kinematic synthesis of multiscale feature models for the circulation of the western North Atlantic was developed in Part I of this study. The dispersion characteristics and dynamical behavior of this circulation model are presented here in detail. Insertion of the kinematically synthesized features into a numerical dynamical model dynamically adjust the features and provide the basis for a multiparameter sensitivity study with respect to the reasonable range of parameter variation consistent with observations. Two primary characteristics of the Gulf Stream meandering behavior, namely, the wave-growth characteristics and the ring formation and absorption statistics are studied via both quasigeostrophic and primitive equation dynamics. In achieving realistic dispersion characteristics, a comprehensive methodology for dynamical model tuning and validation in this limited region ocean is developed. The realistic regimes of parameter variation are identified on the basis of observatio...
How often is a polygon bounded by three sides

LetL n be the set of lines (no two parallel) determining ann-sided bounded faceF in the Euclidean plane. We show that the number,f(L n), of triples fromL n that determine a triangle containingF satisfies\(n - 2 \leqq f\left( {L_n } \right) \leqq \frac{n}{6}\left[ {\frac{{n^2 - 1}}{4}} \right]\) and these bounds are best. This result is generalized tod-dimensional Euclidean space (without the claim that the upper bound is attainable).
In the Event of Death

In the past few years there has been evidence of a greatly increased public and professional interest in issues surrounding death and dying. One such area of interest, the psychomatic experiences reported as having occurred in near-death situations before resuscitation, offers many speculative considerations for philosophical psychology. These reported exosomatic experiences have many elements in common with those reported in altered states of consciousness. The vivid out-of-the-body imagery in such experiences raises potential questions concerning the specialization and evolutionary-developmental structuring of consciousness, the nature of hallucinations, and the significance of deep conceptual roots of dualism within contemporary culture. Such questions take on more than theoretical importance when ethical questions about rights and resuscitation are raised.
Low Energy Electron Microscopy Utilized in Dynamic Circuit Analysis and Failure Detection on LSI-VLSI Internal Circuits

Nonloading and nondestructive signal probing of state-ofthe-art semiconductor arrays has been achieved with the electron beam (E-beam) probe, utilizing scanning electron microscopes (SEM's). To apply the electron beam circuit prober successfully, a low energy setup was developed in order to prevent damage which can be caused by any high energy electrons interacting with the sample in the typical SEM. Using a converted SEM (AMR 1000) with primary beam energies below 770 eV, the accumulation of trapped charges in the quartz or polymide surface insulators was prevented. The probable electron penetration depth with these low energy electrons corresponds to 10 nm or less on conventional silicon based microcircuits. The greatest concerns connected to the usage of very low energy beams were the lack of adequate spatial resolution and the available sample beam current (illumination), especially when using tungsten cathodes. These two concerns are eliminated, as our results have demonstrated better than 100 nm spatial resolution when using 750 eV primary beam energy, and adequate brightness even with a 360 eV beam when it is applied in the stroboscopic mode with less than 1 ' percent duty cycle.
Design and fabrication of two-dimensional superconducting bolometer arrays

ABSTRACT We have been developing an architecture for producing large format, two-dimensional arrays of close-packedbolometers, which will enable far-infrared to millimeter wavelength ( l =100 mÐ2 mm) cameras and spectrometers toobtain images and spectra orders of magnitude faster than present instruments. The low backgrounds achieved in theseinstruments require very sensitive detectors with NEPs ranging from 10 Ð17 to 10 Ð19 W/ Hz. Superconducting transitionedge sensor bolometers can be close-packed using the Pop-Up Detector (PUD) format, and SQUID multiplexersoperating at the detector base temperature can be intimately coupled to them. The array unit cell is 8 ´ 32 pixels, using 32-element detector and multiplexer components. We have fabricated an engineering model array with this technologyfeaturing a very compact, modular approach for large format arrays. We report on the production of the 32-elementcomponents for the arrays. Planned instruments using this array architecture include the Submillimeter and Far-InfraRedExperiment (SAFIRE) on the SOFIA airborne observatory, the South Pole Imaging Fabry-Perot Interferometer (SPIFI)for the AST/RO observatory, the Millimeter Bolometer Camera for the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (MBC/ACT),and the Redshift O Z O Early Universe Spectrometer (ZEUS).Keywords: bolometer array, superconducting transition edge sensor, SQUID multiplexer, SOFIA, AST/RO, ACT
We Are Still Waiting for Fully Supportive Electronic Health Records in Pediatrics

* Abbreviations: AAP — : American Academy of Pediatrics EHR — : electronic health record MU — : Meaningful Use In this month’s issue of Pediatrics , we read a report on the state of clinical information technology adoption by pediatricians, based on an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) survey from 2009.1 The lessons from this report are that pediatricians were not adopting technology as fast as their nonpediatrician counterparts and, just as concerning, they were using technology that is not supportive of basic child health functions. Much has changed since 2009. The irresistible force in the electronic health record (EHR) market is the federal Meaningful Use (MU) program,2 a system of financial incentives funded through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act intended to accelerate the adoption of EHRs. Those who work in EHR implementation know that the primary focus of EHR vendors and their customers during the past 2 years has been to modify their systems to meet the MU requirements. The work is not insignificant. A workgroup convened by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals estimated that it took hospitals 500 to 1000 person-hours each to create the functionality and reporting for … Address correspondence to S. Andrew Spooner, MD, MS, FAAP, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC-9009, Cincinnati, OH 45229. E-mail: andrew.spooner{at}cchmc.org
The application of vascular technology to esophageal and airway strictures

Background/Purpose: Strictures of the esophagus and airway tract can be dilated if the strictures can be traversed and dilators passed. Unfortunately, using standard methods, not all strictures can be traversed. The authors set out to find a safe, expeditious, and reproducible way to traverse otherwise impassable strictures of the esophagus and airway. Methods: Eight patients (n 5 8), over a 2-year period, with strictures were entered prospectively into the study. One patient (n 5 1) had a main stem bronchial stricture, and 7 patients (n 5 7) had esophageal strictures from the following etiologies: esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/ TEF) repair, Lye ingestion (n 5 2), EA/TEF with gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal atresia without fistula, lye ingestion with colon interposition (n 5 2), and iron pill inhalation lodged in left main bronchus. None of the strictures could be passed with conventional maneuvers or instrumentation including endoscopy, guide wires, Fogarty catheters, and filliform and followers. Results of barium studies showed no flow into the stomach. In the bronchial case, no lumen could be identified at bronchoscopy. Results: Utilizing the “Vascular Surgery Glidewire/Berenstein Catheter System” under fluoroscopy and utilizing the “spinning top” dynamic maneuver intrinsic to this system, all of the strictures were traversed easily. The passage of the wire/catheter system thus allowed sequential dilation of the previously impassable strictures. The mean time to cross the strictures with the wire/catheter system was 1 minute, 10 seconds. (t 5 70 seconds). All of the procedures were done in the operating room under general endotracheal anesthesia by the same 2 attending pediatric surgeons. Conclusions: The use of vascular surgical technology in difficult, otherwise impassable strictures of the esophagus and upper airway proved to be an extremely effective, easy-toperform, and reproducible method of therapy. This procedure may obviate the need for resectional surgery in this setting.
Localisation et variation linguistique. Vers une géolinguistique de l’espace virtuel francophone

Fruit de la mondialisation, la localisation des sites Web touche de facon centrale leur langue de diffusion. La mondialisation se deroulant essentiellement en anglais, nous cherchons a mesurer l’influence de la localisation sur la diversite linguistique en verifiant si les sites localises pour les publics d’expression francaise tendent vers l’uniformisation par l’internationalisation de leur contenu linguistique ou, au contraire, vers l’affermissement des differences culturelles locales. L’etude de quatre sites franco-europeens et du site canadien-francais de l’entreprise Mercedes-Benz fait ressortir un fort contraste dans les tendances observees.
Determining effective sample size in integrated age-structured assessment models

Effective sample size (ESS) is a quantity that allows for overdispersion of variance and is used commonly in integrated age-structured fishery assessment models to fit age-and-length-composition datasets. Owing to the sources of measurement, observation, process, and model-specification errors, the ESS is smaller than the actual sample size. In this study, methods to set a priori or to estimate the ESS when confronted with datasets that include these sources of error were investigated. In general, a number of methods previously proposed to incorporate the ESS resulted in accurate estimation of population quantities and parameters when different sources of error were included in the data on age and length compositions. Three objective methods to incorporate the ESS resulted in unbiased population quantities: (i) using sampling theory to derive the ESS from actual age and length compositions, (ii) iteratively estimating the ESS with the age-structured assessment model, and (iii) estimating the ESS as a parameter with the Dirichlet distribution.
Blind channel equalization with colored sources based on second-order statistics: a linear prediction approach

We consider the blind equalization and estimation of single-user, multichannel models from the second-order statistics of the channel output when the channel input statistics are colored but known. By exploiting certain results from linear prediction theory, we generalize the algorithm of Tong et al. (1994), which was derived under the assumption of a white transmitted sequence. In particular, we show that all one needs to estimate the channel to within an unitary scaling constant, and thus to find its equalizers, is (a) that a standard channel matrix have full column rank, and (b) a vector of the input signal and its delays have positive definite lag zero autocorrelation. An algorithm is provided to determine the equalizer under these conditions. We argue that because this algorithm makes explicit use of the input statistics, the equalizers thus obtained should outperform those obtained by other methods that neither require, nor exploit, the knowledge of the input statistics. Simulation results are provided to verify this fact.
Poverty Among Cohabiting Gay and Lesbian, and Married and Cohabiting Heterosexual Families:

Using a subsample ( N = 1,365,145) of the 2000 Census 5% Public Use Microdata Sample, the authors investigate explanations for differing poverty chances of cohabiting gay and lesbian, and married and cohabiting heterosexual families. Gay and lesbian couples fare worse than married couples, but better economically than cohabiting heterosexuals. Lesbian and gay families are older and more educated than cohabiting heterosexual families, and these differences explain the largest portion of differences in poverty rates. Greater educational attainment and labor force participation are better explanations than age for differences between married families and their gay and lesbian counterparts. These results add to recent research pointing to variations in the economic circumstances of different family forms.
Nitrogen-Phosphorous Detection of Phencyclidine in Blood Serum

A method for quantitating phencyclidine in the blood serum of rhesus monkeys with a solvent extraction procedure followed by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorous detection is reported. Phencyclidine was extracted with ether from 0.5 ml of serum (pH 13.5) made basic with 2M NaOH, followed by back-extraction into 0.5 M sulfuric acid. After the addition of 2 M sodium hydroxide, phencyclidine was extracted into a small volume of ether for concentration and injection into the gas chromatograph. The limit of quantitation of phencyclidine in serum was 5 ng/ml. Recovery averaged 51.9 ± 4.3%. Standard curves were linear between 5-50 ng/ml and 100-2000 ng/ml. Comparison between serum and aqueous standards indicated no interference by serum components in the extraction procedure. Pentobarbital, caffeine, and the monohydroxy metabolites of phencyclidine did not interfere with the analysis. This procedure is a rapid and sensitive method for determination of serum phencyclidine levels in animal studies requiring analysis of large numbers of samples.
Perioperative outcomes of off-clamp vs complete hilar control laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Off-clamp laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is thought to preserve renal function by limiting warm ischaemia time (WIT) and consequently reperfusion injury. To date, studies using the off-clamp technique represent a heterogeneous group, with limited follow-up showing feasibility and safety in a restricted number of cases. We report the largest experience of off-clamp vs on-clamp LPN with perioperative outcomes and intermediate follow-up of renal functional outcomes with stratification by WIT. OBJECTIVE • To evaluate perioperative and 6-month renal functional outcomes of patients undergoing off-clamp vs complete hilar control laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS • A retrospective review of 489 patients undergoing LPN was completed. • Preoperative imaging assessed tumour characteristics. • Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were documented. • Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess factors contributing to changes in postoperative renal function between off-clamp and clamped LPN. RESULTS • In all, 289 LPNs were performed on-clamp and 150 were performed off-clamp. • Tumours in the on-clamp group were larger than those in the off-clamp group (mean [range] 3.3 [0.5–13.5] vs 2.7 [0.4–9] cm, P= 0.003). • Univariable analysis comparing off-clamp to on-clamp cohorts showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was better preserved in the off-clamp cohort at 6 months (−5.8% vs –11.4%, P= 0.046). Multivariable analysis of the groups showed that estimate blood loss (P= 0.015) and warm ischaemia time (WIT, P< 0.001) were the only significant predictors of decreased eGFR in the postoperative period. • Difference in eGFR at 6 months was not significant when WIT was limited to 30 min. The complication rate was greater in the clamped cohort (10% vs 20%, P= 0.012). • There was no difference in transfusion rate or positive margin status. CONCLUSIONS • LPN without hilar clamping is feasible, safe and associated with less renal injury as assessed by postoperative GFR in select patients. • With experience, it can be applied to complex renal lesions.
Cohesion-Based Space-Time Optimized Framework for Confident Association Mining in Microarray Data

Numerous confident and interesting associations in datasets from diverse domains remain undiscovered for the constraint of classical minimal frequency. A lower choice for threshold frequency not only incurs huge cost of pattern explosion but also cuts reliability of discovered knowledge. Goal of the present paper is to devise a new framework addressing two necessities. First is discovery of confident associations that are not constrained by classical minimal frequency. Second is ensuring quality of the discovered rules as higher confidence does not necessarily imply better knowledge discovery. We propose a new property among items, terming it cohesion, and develop a cohesion-based scalable algorithm for pattern discovery. In addition to confidences of discovered associations, we compute average lift and DIR measure to assess their quality. Experiments with real and synthetic datasets as well as with microarray dataset prove superiority of the technique.
Play-by-Play: Radio, Television, and Big-Time College Sport. By Ronald A. Smith. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001. Pp. viii, 304. $45.00.

Ronald A. Smith, professor emeritus of Kinesiology at Penn State University, has written several books on the history of college sports, most notably, Sports and Freedom: The Rise of Big-Time College Athletics (New York: Oxford University Press, 1988). This book dealt with the development of American intercollegiate athletics from crew races in the middle of the nineteenth century until the beginnings of the NCAA in response to a football crisis in the first decade of the twentieth century. His focus was on the role of commercialization in college sports from the start, and the attempts by coaches, athletic directors, and university presidents to benefit from athletics.
Effects of chronic dietary restriction on sensory-motor function and susceptibility to stressor stimuli in the laboratory rat.

Abstract Two sets of experiments describing the effects of chronic undernutrition on sensory-motor function and susceptibility to environmental stressors are described. In the first, Fischer 344 rats between 10 and 12 months of age were placed on an every-other-day feeding regimen. Behavioral tests designed to assess sensory function (auditory and visual thresholds), somato-motor competence (hang time from a horizontal wire, balance on a narrow beam, descent of a wire mesh pole), and sensory-motor integrity (auditory startle) were then conducted every 3 to 6 months. Chronic undernutrition significantly increased life span and increased somato-motor competence but did not affect sensory function or sensory-motor integrity. In the second set of experiments both acute and chronic dietary restriction impaired the ability of young adult Sprague-Dawley rats to effectively thermoregulate in response to a cold environment. Body temperature dropped more rapidly and recovered at a slower rate in the dietarily restricted animals. Fischer 344 rats maintained on a restricted diet for 16 months were similarly impaired. The latter findings suggest that techniques for extending life span based on laboratory animal models may have little relevance to tier animals or humans living in their natural habitats where a wide variety of environmental stressors are encountered.
Disruption of Mitochondrial Networks by the Human Cytomegalovirus UL37 Gene Product Viral Mitochondrion-Localized Inhibitor of Apoptosis

By 24 h after infection with human cytomegalovirus, the reticular mitochondrial network characteristic of uninfected fibroblasts was disrupted as mitochondria became punctate and dispersed. These alterations were associated with expression of the immediate-early (α) antiapoptotic UL37x1 gene product viral mitochondrion-localized inhibitor of apoptosis (vMIA). Similar alterations in mitochondrial morphology were induced directly by vMIA in transfected cells. A 68-amino-acid antiapoptotic derivative of vMIA containing the mitochondrial localization and antiapoptotic domains also induced disruption, whereas a mutant lacking the antiapoptotic domain failed to cause disruption. These data suggest that the fission and/or fusion process that normally controls mitochondrial networks is altered by vMIA. Mitochondrial fission has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis and vMIA-mediated inhibition of apoptosis may occur subsequent to this event.
An initial exploration of conversational errors as a novel method for evaluating virtual human experiences

We present a new method for evaluating user experience in interactions with virtual humans (VHs). We code the conversational errors made by the VH. These errors, in addition to the duration of the interaction and the numbers of statements made by the participant and the VH, provide objective, quantitative data about the virtual social interaction. We applied this method to a set of previously collected interactions between medical students and VH patients and present preliminary results. The error metrics do not correlate with traditional measures of the quality of a virtual experience, e.g. presence and copresence questionnaires. The error metrics were significantly correlated with scores on the Maastricht Assessment of Simulated Patients (MaSP), a scenario-appropriate measure of simulation quality, suggesting further investigation is warranted.
A Quantitative Analysis of the Relationship between Medicare Payment and Service Volume for Glaucoma Procedures from 2005 through 2009

Purpose To calculate the association between Medicare payment and service volume for 6 commonly performed glaucoma procedures. Design Retrospective, longitudinal database study. Subjects A 100% dataset of all glaucoma procedures performed on Medicare Part B beneficiaries within the United States from 2005 to 2009. Methods Fixed-effects regression model using Medicare Part B carrier data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia, controlling for time-invariant carrier-specific characteristics, national trends in glaucoma service volume, Medicare beneficiary population, number of ophthalmologists, and income per capita. Main Outcome Measures Payment-volume elasticities, defined as the percent change in service volume per 1% change in Medicare payment, for laser trabeculoplasty (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 65855), trabeculectomy without previous surgery (CPT code 66170), trabeculectomy with previous surgery (CPT code 66172), aqueous shunt to reservoir (CPT code 66180), laser iridotomy (CPT code 66761), and scleral reinforcement with graft (CPT code 67255). Results The payment-volume elasticity was nonsignificant for 4 of 6 procedures studied: laser trabeculoplasty (elasticity, −0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.31 to 0.77; P = 0.61), trabeculectomy without previous surgery (elasticity, −0.42; 95% CI, −0.85 to 0.01; P = 0.053), trabeculectomy with previous surgery (elasticity, −0.28; 95% CI, −0.83 to 0.28; P = 0.32), and aqueous shunt to reservoir (elasticity, −0.47; 95% CI, –3.32 to 2.37; P = 0.74). Two procedures yielded significant associations between Medicare payment and service volume. For laser iridotomy, the payment-volume elasticity was −1.06 (95% CI, −1.39 to −0.72; P P = 0.041): for every 1% decrease in CPT code 67255 payment, scleral reinforcement with graft service volume increased by 2.92%. Conclusions This study calculated the association between Medicare payment and service volume for 6 commonly performed glaucoma procedures and found varying magnitudes of payment-volume elasticities, suggesting that the volume response to changes in Medicare payments, if present, is not uniform across all Medicare procedures.
Long-Acting and Permanent Contraception: An International Development, Service Delivery Perspective

Recent scientific findings about long-acting and permanent methods of contraception underscore their safety, effectiveness, and wide eligibility for individuals who desire them. This has led to new guidance from the World Health Organization to inform national policies, guidelines, and standards for service delivery. Although developing countries have made much progress in expanding the availability and use of family planning services, the need for effective contraception in general (and long-acting and permanent methods in particular) is large and growing because the largest cohorts in human history are entering their reproductive years. More than half a billion people will use contraception in developing countries (excluding China) by 2015, an increase of 200 million over levels of use in 2000. The health, development, and equity rationales that historically have underpinned and energized the international family planning effort remain valid and relevant today. Despite the other compelling challenges faced by the international health community, the need to make family planning services more widely available is pressing and should remain a priority.
Involving undergraduate computer science students in the support of academic research: a project report

This paper describes the Science and Math Value Inventory Project, a four-year interdisciplinary research project that collaboratively engaged undergraduate computer science students with the research team to build a system for the capture, management, and flexible analysis of project-generated data. The paper focuses on the student development of a software system to support the research, describes the organization of the development effort, and shares reflections on the software development process.
Actinic imaging of native and programmed defects on a full-field mask

We describe the imaging and characterization of native defects on a full field extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask, using several reticle and wafer inspection modes. Mask defect images recorded with the SEMATECH Berkeley Actinic Inspection Tool (AIT), an EUV-wavelength (13.4 nm) actinic microscope, are compared with mask and printed-wafer images collected with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) inspection tools. We observed that defects that appear to be opaque in the SEM can be highly transparent to EUV light, and inversely, defects that are mostly transparent to the SEM can be highly opaque to EUV. The nature and composition of these defects, whether they appear on the top surface, within the multilayer coating, or on the substrate as buried bumps or pits, influences both their significance when printed, and their detectability with the available techniques. Actinic inspection quantitatively predicts the characteristics of printed defect images in ways that may not be possible with non-EUV techniques.
Malnutrition and Early Environmental Experience: Possible Interactive Effects on Later Behavior

The lack of adequate food supplies is a pressing problem for a considerable portion of the world’s population. However, as yet researchers have not been able to isolate the specific effects of malnutrition during the early developmental years on later human mental function. As Richardson notes in this volume, human malnutrition rarely occurs under circumstances which are not detrimental in many other ways. In order to attempt a more controlled investigation of the mechanisms which may be involved in the influence of early malnutrition on later behavior, many investigators have turned to animal models. Most of the studies on biochemical changes in the brain under conditions of early malnutrition have used animals for obvious reasons. There now exists an extensive literature on the effects of early malnutrition on biochemical, physiological, and behavioral processes in animals.
Infertility as a Consequence of Bilateral Herniorrhaphies

The involvement of internal genitalia in inguinal hernias occurring in female infants and children has been reported. We present here an interesting infertility problem as a consequence of accidental "tubal ligation" secondary to bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphies during childhood. Several postulated etiologic factors in the development of such hernias are presented, and the potential occurrence of similar problems in other individuals is emphasized. We urge very meticulous technique when such hernias are repaired, and we reiterate the importance of a thorough medical history during infertility investigation. The potential frequency of this uncommon but devastating problem presenting in an infertility investigation may be underestimated. Additionally, it is conceivable that, with the increasing survival rates of prematurely born infants who are at increased risk for such hernias, this problem may become more frequent.
SWATH-MS in proteomics: current status

Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) is a new strategy for identification and quantification of proteins and proteomes proposed in 2012. SWATH-MS operates in unbiased data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode and combines the advantages of two widely used MS-based techniques: shotgun (high throughput) and SRM proteomics (high sensitivity and reproducibility). In this review, we provide an introduction of the SWATH-MS method, its application, and a perspective on the future of this powerful technology.
A systematic review of peer-mediated interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Background Peer mediated intervention (PMI) is a promising practice used to increase social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PMIs engage typically developing peers as social models to improve social initiations, responses, and interactions.
HIF-1 expression in healing wounds : HIF-1α induction in primary inflammatory cells by TNF-α

The expression of the hypoxia-responsive transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 during acute inflammation was investigated in experimental wounds. HIF-1alpha mRNA was maximally expressed in wound cells 6 h after injury. HIF-1alpha protein was detectable in wound cells 1 and 5 days after injury. Cells from 1-day-old wounds were not hypoxic, as determined by lack of pimonidazole hydrochloride adduct formation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, but not interleukin-1beta, increased the HIF-1alpha protein content of cells isolated 1 and 5 days after injury, and also of glycogen-elicited peritoneal cells, but not HIF-1alpha mRNA. HIF-1alpha did not accumulate in TNF-alpha-treated HeLa, NIH/3T3, NR8383, or RAW 264.7 cells. Nitric oxide from S-nitrosoglutathione did not induce HIF-1alpha accumulation or modulate the response to TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha did not increase oxygen consumption or result in the production of reactive oxygen intermediates by day 1 wound cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in wound cells peaked 24 h after wounding. HIF-1 expression in early wounds may contribute to the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor, two HIF-1-responsive genes intimately related to the process of repair.
Neurosarcoidosis with Granulomatous Necrosis (P03.252)

Objective: To recognize findings of granulomatous necrosis in neurosarcoidosis. Background Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects lung and lymph nodes . Central nervous system involvement occurs in only about five percent of these cases. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis established when clinicoradiological findings are supported by histopathological evidences. Non-necrotizing granulomas are typical findings in sarcoidosis while necrotizing granulomas are typical finding in other infectious or inflammatory diseases such as mycobacterium and Wegner9s. Design/Methods: We report a case of isolated neurosarcoidosis with granulomatous necrosis. Results: 46 year old African American female presented with generalized weakness and frequent falls for about seven months. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain and spine with gadolinium showed extensive leptomeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study was significant for protein of 398. Cytology was negative for malignant cells and CSF cultures were negative for any organisms. Computerized tomography of chest - abdomen - pelvis did not show any suspicious lesions. Other work up including tuberculosis (TB) skin test, polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterium TB, quantiferon TB testing were negative. Patient underwent meningeal biopsy of enhancing lesion on the left frontal lobe which showed granulomatous inflammation with necrotizing area without vasculitis. Different stains including for acid fast bacteria and fungi were negative. Biopsy culture did not grow any organisms either. Clinical diagnosis of isolated neurosarcoidosis was made and she responded well to steroid treatment. Conclusions: Diagnosis of sarcoidosis involves the exclusion of other diseases that gives similar histopathological and clinical picture. Absence of necrosis in granuloma is considered as main feature of sarcoidosis while granulomas that have necrosis non-sarcoid etiology should be suspected. However, our case demonstrated that granulomatous necrosis can be seen in sarcoidosis as well. Based on our literature review, this is the first reported case of granulomatous necrosis in an isolated neurosarcoidosis. Disclosure: Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carran has nothing to disclose.
Control of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation by fault and sand body in non-source rocks layers

Based on the data of seismic,well logging,mud logging and analysis assay,the control of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation by fault and sand body in the Neogene of northern coastal area,Shengli Oilfield was analyzed.The results show that fault activity controls the size and layers of oil and gas distribution.Fault sealing controls the maximum oil height of reservoir,and the sealing ability of fault-screened trap is better than that of co-dip fault-screened trap.The sand groups whose sand to formation thickness ratios are less than 0.15 are not benefical to hydrocarbon migration and accumulation,the sand groups whose sand to formation thickness ratios are 0.15-0.5 are considered favorable to hydrocarbon accumulation and the sand groups whose sand to formation thickness ratios are greater than 0.5 are beneficial to hydrocarbon migration.The combination of trunk fault and main channel sand body is the most favorable combination for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation.The petroleum exploration in non-source rocks layers can be effectively guided by the exploration thinking way of "fix district-fix sand group-fix point".
Does Planar Cell Polarity Signaling Steer Growth Cones

Recent studies established the role of planar cell polarity signaling in axon guidance. Signaling mechanisms controlling the direction of axon growth are poorly understood. The possibility that conserved and robust cell polarity signaling pathways may be reused as a key mechanism to convey asymmetric signaling in growth cones will provide insights to solving this long-standing mystery. Insights gained from growth cones can also shed light on general principles of cell polarity signaling. This review also discusses the possibility that this cell polarity signaling-based mechanism may be a general mechanism for mediating directional control by many, if not all, axon guidance molecules.