cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“We’re a Part of This City, Too”: An Examination of the Politics of Representation of D.C. Native via #DCNativesDay:

This cultural analysis explores how D.C. natives represented themselves on Twitter via #DCNativesDay. The analysis found that Twitter users engaged in hashtag activism to share stories about their ...
Anesthesia Considerations for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

Pediatric obesity has become an increasingly encountered diagnosis. Higher rates of obesity in children and adolescents, combined with the recent knowledge that many of the adult comorbidities of obesity have their roots in childhood, has made pediatric obesity a subject of research. Almost every organ system is affected by obesity. When conservative measures such as diet and exercise are ineffective, carefully selected patients are considered for one of several bariatric surgery procedures. The goal is to decrease the patient’s weight to healthier levels prior to the onset of significant comorbid conditions. Anesthesia for these procedures requires a knowledge of the pathophysiology of obesity, an acknowledgement of the typically encountered issues with pediatric/adolescent patients, an understanding of the surgical technique’s requirements from the anesthesia team and a command of the pharmacologic effects of the anesthetic medications used in this population.
Immunosuppression and Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Infection Risk in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND Immunosuppressant use increases risk of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection. To date, no studies have analyzed the relationship between immunosuppressant use and C difficile infections after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). METHODS A retrospective analysis of the 2015-2018 MBSAQIP data was conducted. The MBSAQIP data include information from 854 affiliated practices in the US and Canada. Initial sample size was 760,076 MBS patients. After excluding participants due to missing variables (n = 188,106) and the use of surgical procedures other than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastroplasty (n = 129,712), final analyses were performed on 442,258 participants. Logistic regression models generated the odds of C difficile infection developing post MBS, according to immunosuppressant status (positive or negative). RESULTS Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed that patients using immunosuppressants were 95% more likely to have postoperative C difficile infection (odds ratio 1.945; 95% CI, 1.230 to 3.075; p < 0.001) vs MBS patients not taking immunosuppressants. After adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, preoperative BMI, diabetes status, and surgical procedure type, the association remained unaffected (adjusted odds ratio 1.956; 95% CI, 1.236 to 3.095; p < 0.01). Patients who completed the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure had more than double the odds of C difficile infection developing compared with those who completed the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure (odds ratio 2.183; 95% CI, 1.842 to 2.587; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results using a population-based sample of MBS patients showed that those taking immunosuppressants have a significantly higher risk of developing Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection postoperatively. These findings suggest that patients using immunosuppressants should be closely monitored both pre and post procedure.
Creation of skin grafts from traumatic avulsed skin

As the proportion of geriatric patients increases, so too does the incidence of geriatric trauma. Trauma centres must develop protocols to reduce the risk of complications from injuries in this specialised patient population. From a soft tissue standpoint, open wounds tend to heal slower in these patients and have a significant impact on their quality of life. In this case report, we describe our protocol for managing traumatic skin tears using a combination of traumatic skin grafts and minced expansion grafts with photographic documentation of the healing from significant wounds in an elderly patient involved in a high-energy blunt traumatic injury.
Engineering Knowledge, Type of Design, and Level of Hierarchy: Further Thoughts About What Engineers Know …

This article comes at a point in my work that is both advantageous and awkward. The awkwardness comes from the fact that I have recently published a book under the title What Engineers Know and How They Know It (hence the allusion in the title of the present piece). 1 This book contains most of what I think I know about what engineers know, and what I offer here will not be essentially new. The advantages arise because, like most authors, I have been having second thoughts about what I have written and about ideas I think I see more clearly now. I shall attempt here to repackage and summarize those ideas in a way that — I hope — will make more explicit the historiographic and epistemological structure behind them. This structure did not appear so clearly when I was occupied with the nuts and bolts of the work. A diagram has also occurred to me that embodies some of the key ideas in an easily remembered and suggestive form. I will present and discuss it in the concluding part of this material.
USA-Smart: Improving the Quality of Plans in Answer Set Planning

In this paper we show how CR-Prolog, a recent extension of A-Prolog, was used in the successor of USA-Advisor (USA-Smart) in order to improve the quality of the plans returned. The general problem that we address is that of improving the quality of plans by taking in consideration statements that describe “most desirable” plans. We believe that USA-Smart proves that CR-Prolog provides a simple, elegant, and flexible solution to this problem, and can be easily applied to any planning domain. We also discuss how alternative extensions of A-Prolog can be used to obtain similar results.
Re-evaluation of the role of the dopamine transporter in dopamine system homeostasis

Mice with a genetic deletion of the dopamine transporter (DAT) were used to assess its role in the function of dopamine (DA) neurons. Profound alterations in the homeostasis of the nigrostriatal DA system were induced by the absence of the DAT. Extracellular levels of DA were elevated and clearance of released DA was 300-times slower than in control mice. This was accompanied by a 20-fold decrease in tissue DA levels and a paradoxical doubling of the rate of DA synthesis. A crucial role is indicated for the DAT in maintenance of DA neuron presynaptic function, particularly in the control of storage mechanisms.
Bearings-only measurements for INS aiding: the three-dimensional case

The theory behind inertial navigation system (INS) aiding using passive, bearings-only measurements of an unknown ground object is developed. Passive, bearings-only measurements provide an effective means to aid an INS, but only the two-dimensional case was previously considered. This paper addresses the complexities of moving from two-dimensional to three-dimensional space. Stand-alone, bearings-only measurements of an unknown ground object are shown to yield estimates of the aircraft's aerodynamic angles, viz., the angle of attack and sideslip angle, which in turn are used to aid the INS. Using the synergy of INS state and passive, bearings-only measurements, a powerful navigation algorithm is developed.
Reproduction of blackchin tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron, within an impounded mangrove ecosystem in east-central Florida

I investigated the reproductive biology of introduced blackchin tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron, over a twelve month period within a seasonally impounded mangrove ecosystem in east-central Florida, and compared the data to published accounts from native African habitats. Eggs and free embryos were collected from the buccal cavity of adult males from April to October indicating a protracted spawning season, however gonadosomatic indices suggested that most spawning occurred in April and May. The timing of reproduction was adjusted to occur immediately before temperatures reached optimal levels for juvenile growth and when increasing rainfall produced abundant food and shelter for the young. Temperatures below 24°C inhibited reproduction from November to March. The overall sex ratio was essentially 1:1. The minimum and maximum size at maturity were much larger in this study than those reported from Africa; the smallest mature male was 128 mm standard length and 0.47 of the maximum size, while the smallest mature female was 145 mm standard length and 0.54 the maximum size. However, because of the difficulty in aging this species and a lack of published information, it could not be determined whether the population in this study possessed a relatively early or delayed maturation compared to African populations.
A Closer Look at the Treatment Rationale and Homework Compliance in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression

This study examined the relationships between acceptance of the treatment rationale (ATR), homework compliance, and change during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. By evaluating the associations between these variables over time it was possible to compare competing theories of change in CBT. Clients meeting criteria for major depression (N = 150) were assessed longitudinally for their reaction to the treatment rationale and homework compliance over the course of a 20-session treatment. The results suggest that both ATR and homework compliance make independent contributions to predicting within-treatment change and treatment outcome. There was no evidence that compliance mediates the effect of ATR on treatment outcome. These findings support a multiprocess model of change in CBT. Acceptance of the treatment rationale may facilitate involvement in treatment and nonspecific change processes, while compliance with homework assignments contributes to additional change. We discuss these findings in regard to alternative theories of change and the dissemination of CBT to real-world clinical settings.
Recent acceleration of carbon accumulation in a boreal peatland, south central Alaska

[1] The ongoing warming in high-latitude regions may be causing rapid changes in the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Of particular concern is the fate of belowground soil organic carbon stored in peat-accumulating wetlands, as these large carbon pools are sensitive to temperature and moisture conditions. Despite their important role in the global carbon cycle, considerable uncertainty remains over the carbon balance of northern peatlands in a changing climate. Here we examine the response of vegetation and carbon dynamics in a wet boreal peatland to recent climate warming using empirical peat core data and a new modeling approach. We observed a widespread shift from herbaceous Carex fen peat to Sphagnum moss peat around 100 years ago that was accompanied by a sharp increase in carbon accumulation rate. The observed apparent carbon accumulation rates over the past 100 years (96.8 g C m-2 yr-1) were almost 10 times greater than those over the past 4000 years (11.5 g C m-2 yr-1). Once differential decomposition history was considered using three modeling approaches, the expected long-term accumulation rate of recent peat was still 2–6 times greater than that of the past 4000 years. We propose that recent warming has led to Sphagnum establishment, which rapidly altered the peatland surface chemistry and hydrology, further promoting Sphagnum growth and enhancing the carbon sink capacity of this peatland. Longer and warmer growing seasons could also have stimulated plant growth. Our results imply that accelerated carbon accumulation under global warming in some wet peatlands might offset some of the carbon losses experienced from other peatland types.
Calibration of GafChromic XR-RV3 radiochromic film for skin dose measurement using standardized x-ray spectra and a commercial flatbed scanner.

Purpose: In this study, newly formulated XR-RV3 GafChromic®film was calibrated with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceability for measurement of patient skin dose during fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures. Methods: The film was calibrated free-in-air to air kerma levels between 15 and 1100 cGy using four moderately filtered x-ray beam qualities (60, 80, 100, and 120 kVp). The calibrationfilms were scanned with a commercial flatbed document scanner.Film reflective density-to-air kerma calibration curves were constructed for each beam quality, with both the orange and white sides facing the x-ray source. A method to correct for nonuniformity in scanner response (up to 25% depending on position) was developed to enable dose measurement with large films. The response of XR-RV3 film under patient backscattering conditions was examined using on-phantom film exposures and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: The response of XR-RV3 film to a given air kerma depended on kVp and film orientation. For a 200 cGy air kerma exposure with the orange side of the film facing the source, the film response increased by 20% from 60 to 120 kVp. At 500 cGy, the increase was 12%. When 500 cGy exposures were performed with the white side facing the x-ray source, the film response increased by 4.0% (60 kVp) to 9.9% (120 kVp) compared to the orange-facing orientation. On-phantom filmmeasurements and Monte Carlo simulations show that using a NIST-traceable free-in-air calibration curve to determine air kerma in the presence of backscatter results in an error from 2% up to 8% depending on beam quality. The combined uncertainty in the air kerma measurement from the calibration curves and scanner nonuniformity correction was ±7.1% (95% C.I.). The film showed notable stability. Calibrations of film and scanner separated by 1 yr differed by 1.0%. Conclusions: XR-RV3 radiochromic film response to a given air kerma shows dependence on beam quality and film orientation. The presence of backscatter slightly modifies the x-ray energy spectrum; however, the increase in film response can be attributed primarily to the increase in total photon fluence at the sensitive layer. Filmcalibration curves created under free-in-air conditions may be used to measure dose from fluoroscopic quality x-ray beams, including patient backscatter with an error less than the uncertainty of the calibration in most cases.
Reduced PGE1 stimulated 3H-cAMP accumulation in platelets from schizophrenics

Abstract Accumulation of 3 H-cAMP was measured in platelet rich plasma (PRP) pulse labelled with 3 H-adenine and incubated with prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ). Less PGE 1 stimulated 3 H-cAMP accumulation was seen in PRP from schizophrenics than in PRP from controls at all PGE 1 concentrations studied. Levels of 3 H-cAMP in PRP incubated without PGE 1 and platelet incorporation of total tritium did not differ between these groups. The possibility that reduced functional prostaglandin activity may be an etiopathologic factor in schizophrenia, and the compatibility of this postulate with diverse theoretical and empirical observations related to schizophrenia are discussed.
Cytoskeletal Reorganization during the Formation of Oligodendrocyte Processes and Branches

During oligodendrocyte development, signals relevant to process formation must be transduced into appropriate changes in cytoskeletal organization. We have explored how microtubules and microfilaments interact during the outgrowth and branching of oligodendrocyte processes in culture. We observed that microfilaments are enriched in the peripheral region beneath the plasma membrane and constitute the major cytoskeletal element at the leading edge of the process, which is also enriched in the B-isoform of the non-muscle myosin II heavy chain. Microtubules form a dense bundle within the process and splay before extending into the leading edge and branches, following tracks laid by microfilaments. Pharmacologic disruption of microfilaments and microtubules compromised normal process outgrowth and branching. However, microtubules rapidly reinvaded most processes after removal of both antimicrotubule and antimicrofilament drugs, but the reinvasion was severely compromised if the antimicrofilament drug was retained. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that microfilaments guide the local reorganization of microtubules for the elongation of oligodendrocyte processes and the formation of new branches.
Germination ecology of two Ruppia maritima L. populations in Southern Brazil

The seed germination of two Ruppia maritima L. populations, was studied under controlled conditions. Seeds from an ephemeral habitat germinated best after being dried, while high temperatures and low salinities induced germination in seeds from a more stable habitat. Stratification of seeds in temperatures below environmental conditions damaged the seeds. No dormancy seems to be required for R. maritima seeds of both populations.
Comorbidities and endometrial cancer survival in Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites

Purpose We investigated comorbidities and endometrial cancer survival by ethnicity because Hispanic whites (HWs) have worse survival than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs).
Criminal Poisoning: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a complex and ever-prevalent problem presenting to emergency departments. Emergency personnel should consider DFSA in patients who are amnestic to the specific details of the event following a reported sexual assault. The presence of ethanol or a positive routine drug screen in a sexual assault victim does not exclude the potential of a surreptitious drug being present. In addition, a negative routine drug screen does not exclude all potential agents that are used in DFSA. This article discusses agents reported in DFSA. It is imperative for emergency personnel to clearly document the history and the presenting signs and symptoms to assist laboratory personnel to hone in and detect the correct agent used in a DFSA.
Reduced intraocular pressure after cataract surgery in patients with narrow angles and chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with narrow angles and chronic angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) and to determine whether the change in IOP was correlated with the preoperative pressure, axial length (AL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Setting Private practice, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Charts of patients with narrow angles or chronic ACG who had cataract surgery were reviewed. All eyes had previous laser iridotomies. Data recorded included preoperative and postoperative IOP, AL, and ACD. The preoperative IOP was used to stratify eyes into 4 groups. Results The charts of 56 patients (83 eyes) were reviewed. The mean reduction IOP in all eyes was 3.28 mm Hg (18%), with 88% having a decrease in IOP. There was a significant correlation between preoperative IOP and the magnitude of IOP reduction ( r = 0.68, P Conclusions Cataract surgery reduced IOP in patients with narrow angles and chronic ACG. The magnitude of reduction was highly correlated with preoperative IOP and weakly correlated with ACD. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Feeding Behavior of Steers Fed a Complete Mixed Ration

Feeding behavior of five Holstein steers fed a complete mixed ration was studied by use of individual, electronically controlled feeding behavior units. Both individual meal and daily behavioral parameters were measured. Number of meals, size of each individual meal, time spent eating, and intervals between meals were measured. Eating rates were then calculated. Diurnal feeding patterns were observed with 60.9% of the meals occurring between 0600 and 1800 h. For individual meals, body weight accounted for less than 30% of the variation in meal size. Average meal size was 414.5 g. Respective means for overall meal duration, actual meal duration, overall eating rate, and actual eating rate were 20.3 min, 13.7 min, 23.1 g/min, and 30.0 g/min. Meal size per body weight (g/kg or g/kg.75) was relatively constant during observation. Both increased eating rate and increased meal length were associated with larger meals. However, eating rate tended to plateau while meal length continued to increase with larger meals. Steers consumed 10.01 meals per day while total daily overall meal duration and actual meal duration were 220.9 and 156.4 min.
False fame, perceptual clarity, or persuasion? Flexible fluency attribution in spokesperson familiarity effects

Abstract Familiar people are especially persuasive spokespersons. Here, a fluency attribution model of spokesperson familiarity was tested. Specifically, it was hypothesized that repeated exposure to a spokesperson would create fluency that, in a persuasive context, could be attributed to the persuasive message or to another fluency-relevant cue (e.g., the fame of the spokesperson). In three experiments a woman's photo was repeatedly presented, and subsequently accompanied a persuasive message. Consistent with hypotheses, inflated ratings of the message followed repeated spokesperson exposure (compared to a no exposure control) but only when inflated ratings of the spokesperson (fame) or her photo (perceptual clarity) were not observed. Discussion focuses on implications for familiarity theories and on guidelines for maximizing the influence of familiar spokespersons.
Wife’s employment and cumulative family size in the United States, 1970 and 1960

Using a multiple classification analysis of the data from the I percent public-use samples of the 1960 and 1970 censuses of population, it is found that the negative relationship between wives’ employment and their cumulative family size is stronger among whites than nonwhites and is strongest among women married less than 10 years, with 12 or more years of schooling, and who have no relatives living with them. Moreover, although there are many similarities in the pattern of the employment status/fertility relationship between the 1960 and 1970 data, the relationship is weaker in 1970 than in 1960.
Sterol Structure and Sphingomyelin Acyl Chain Length Modulate Lateral Packing Elasticity and Detergent Solubility in Model Membranes

Membrane microdomains, such as caveolae and rafts, are enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin, display liquid-ordered phase properties, and putatively function as protein organizing platforms. The goal of this investigation was to identify sterol and sphingomyelin structural features that modulate surface compression and solubilization by detergent because liquid-ordered phase displays low lateral elasticity and resists solubilization by Triton X-100. Compared to cholesterol, sterol structural changes involved either altering the polar headgroup (e.g., 6-ketocholestanol) or eliminating the isooctyl hydrocarbon tail (e.g., 5-androsten-3beta-ol). Synthetic changes to sphingomyelin resulted in homogeneous acyl chains of differing length but of biological relevance. Using a Langmuir surface balance, surface compressional moduli were assessed at various surface pressures including those (pi > or =30 mN/m) that mimic biomembrane conditions. Sphingomyelin-sterol mixtures generally were less elastic in a lateral sense than chain-matched phosphatidylcholine-sterol mixtures at equivalent high sterol mole fractions. Increasing content of 6-ketocholestanol or 5-androsten-3beta-ol in sphingomyelin decreased lateral elasticity but much less effectively than cholesterol. Our results indicate that cholesterol is ideally structured for maximally reducing the lateral elasticity of membrane sphingolipids, for enabling resistance to Triton X-100 solubilization, and for interacting with sphingomyelins that contain saturated acyl chains similar in length to their sphingoid bases.
Assessment of the Influence Factors on Nasal Spray Droplet Velocity Using Phase-Doppler Anemometry (PDA)

Droplet velocity is an important parameter that can be used to characterize nasal spray products. In this study, a phase-Doppler anemometry (PDA) system was used to measure the droplet velocities of nasal sprays. A survey of seven commercial nasal spray products showed a range of droplet velocities from 6.7 to 19.2 m/s, all significantly different from each other. A three-level, four-factor Box–Behnken design of experiments (DOE) methodology were applied to investigate the influences of actuation parameters and formulation properties on nasal spray droplet velocity using a set of placebo formulations. The DOE study shows that all four input factors (stroke length, actuation velocity, concentration of the gelling agent, and concentration of the surfactant) have significant influence on droplet velocity. An optimized quadratic model generated from the DOE results describes the inherent relationships between the input factors and droplet velocity thus providing a better understanding of the input factor influences. Overall, PDA provides a new in vitro characterization method for the evaluation of inhalation drugs through assessment of spray velocity and may assist in product development to meet drug delivery equivalency requirements.
Adipocytokines and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is defined as a failure of target organs to respond normally to the action of insulin. Insulin resistance causes incomplete suppression of hepatic glucose output and impaired insulin-mediated glucose uptake in the periphery (skeletal muscle and adipose), leading to increased insulin requirements. When increased insulin requirements are not matched by increased insulin levels, hyperglycemia develops. Insulin resistance is also known to be associated with other conditions such as central obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The constellation of these metabolic abnormalities has been termed the metabolic syndrome. Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. In addition to total amount of fat, distribution of adipose tissue is also important, with visceral depots contributing more to insulin resistance. The mechanisms by which accumulation and anatomic distribution of adipose tissue may be related to the development of insulin resistance are under intense investigation. Adipose tissue has traditionally been considered an energy storage organ, but over the last decade, a novel role of the adipose tissue as an endocrine organ has emerged (1). Adipose tissue is currently known to secrete a large number of factors with diverse functions. These factors include free fatty acids (FFA) with well described physiological and pathophysiological effects on glucose homeostasis (2), and proteins, termed adipocytokines, that act in an autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine fashion to control various metabolic functions (Table 1). Some of these adipocytokines have been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. They may act locally or distally to alter insulin sensitivity in insulin-targeted organs such as muscle and liver or may act through neuroendocrine, autonomic, or immune pathways. Here, we focus on certain adipocytokines and how they influence insulin sensitivity. We review potential insulin sensitizers such as leptin and adiponectin or insulin antagonists such as resistin, TNF, and IL-6. Leptin
Alterations in tRNA isoaccepting species during erythroid differentiation of the Friend leukemia cell

Abstract The chromatographic profiles of isoaccepting tRNAs were analyzed at five time points during the 96 hr, dimethylsulfoxide induced, erythroid-like differentiation of Friend leukemia cells. Sixty-four isoaccepting species of tRNA for 16 amino acids were resolved by RPC-5 chromatography. The relative amounts of tRNAphe, tRNAile, and tRNAval species were maintained by the cells during differentiation; whereas the relative amounts of some of the isoacceptor tRNAs for the other 13 amino acids changed significantly. Fluctuations in amounts of isoacceptors occurred between 36 and 72 hr after addition of dimethysulfoxide, corresponding to globin mRNA appearance and hemoglobin synthesis, respectively. In most cases, thepredominant tRNA isoacceptors of uninduced cells were retained throughout differentiation. Notable exceptions were tRNA species for threonine, proline, and methionine. Some of the isoacceptors occurring in relatively smaller amounts were not expressed at all times. These changes possibly reflect the cell's functional adaptation of tRNA in differentiation for hemoglobin synthesis.
Stimulation of prostaglandin E2 synthesis by interleukin-1β is amplified by interferons but inhibited by interleukin-4 in human amnion-derived WISH cells

Abstract Human amnion-derived WISH cells synthesize little prostaglandin E 2 at the basal state. However, the cells were stimulated greatly to synthesize prostaglandin E 2 by interleukin-1β in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation by interleukin-1β was synergistically increased by pretreatment of the cells with interferon α or γ, which alone were inactive. Synergism by interferons was dose-dependent. Stimulation by interleukin-1β, on the contrary, was inhibited by preincubation of the cells with interleukin-4. Inhibition by interleukin-4 was also dose-dependent. Regulation of prostaglandin E 2 synthesis by cytokines was further examined at the m-RNA level of cyclooxygenase-2. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that the m-RNA level was not increased by interferon-γ but was synergistically increased by interferon-γ plus interleukin-1β. Furthermore, the m-RNA level increased by interleukin-1β was attenuated by inteleukin-4. These results indicate that regulation of interleukin-1β-stimulated prostaglandin E 2 synthesis by interferons and interleukin-4 is controlled at the m-RNA level of cyclooxygenase-2.
An alternative clinical postural stability test for patients with Parkinson’s disease

We compared the sensitivity and consistency of a new Push and Release Test versus the Pull Test (item 30 of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale; UPDRS) as clinical measures of postural stability. Subjects with Parkinson's disease and age-matched control subjects participated in 3 protocols investigating: (1) the sensitivity and specificity of the two tests related to the subjects' balance confidence, as measured by the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, (2) the inter-rater reliability of the two tests, and (3) the consistency of the perturbation forces applied to the subjects by each balance test. As a test for concurrent validity, the balance tests were also compared with the subjects' retrospective reports of fall frequency. Compared with the Pull Test, the Push and Release Test was more sensitive to subjects with low balance confidence, but less specific for subjects with high balance confidence. The inter-rater correlations were higher with the Push and Release Test. Examiners applied more consistent perturbation forces to the subjects with the Push and Release Test than with the Pull Test. The Push and Release Test correlated better with self-reported falls. Therefore, the Push and Release Test provided a more sensitive and consistent test of postural stability than the Pull Test.
Concurrent V(D)J recombination and DNA end instability increase interchromosomal trans-rearrangements in ATM-deficient thymocytes

During the CD4(-)CD8(-) (DN) stage of T-cell development, RAG-dependent DNA breaks and V(D)J recombination occur at three T-cell receptor (TCR) loci: TCRβ, TCRγ and TCRδ. During this stage, abnormal trans-rearrangements also take place between TCR loci, occurring at increased frequency in absence of the DNA damage response mediator ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Here, we use this model of physiologic trans-rearrangement to study factors that predispose to rearrangement and the role of ATM in preventing chromosomal translocations. The frequency of DN thymocytes with DNA damage foci at multiple TCR loci simultaneously is increased 2- to 3-fold in the absence of ATM. However, trans-rearrangement is increased 10 000- to 100 000-fold, indicating that ATM function extends beyond timely resolution of DNA breaks. RAG-mediated synaptic complex formation occurs between recombination signal sequences with unequal 12 and 23 base spacer sequences (12/23 rule). TCR trans-rearrangements violate this rule, as we observed similar frequencies of 12/23 and aberrant 12/12 or 23/23 recombination products. This suggests that trans-rearrangements are not the result of trans-synaptic complex formation, but they are instead because of unstable cis synaptic complexes that form simultaneously at distinct TCR loci. Thus, ATM suppresses trans-rearrangement primarily through stabilization of DNA breaks at TCR loci.
Problem solving and diagnosis

Abstract Problem solving is an important managerial task. Nevertheless, it is not frequently studied independently of a specific task domain. Thus, the objective of this paper is a discussion of domain independent problem solving concepts and strategies. The paper argues for the similarity of problems based on type rather than domain, in order to establish a set of type specific solution principles which are applicable independent of the problem domain. Conclusions are drawn from a variety of disciplines, including management, information systems, medicine and engineering. Problem types are formulated based on information requirements. One problem type, diagnosis, is discussed in more detail, with a special focus on generic solution principles.
A quantitative anatomical study of the granule cell dendritic fields of the rat dentate gyrus using a novel probabilistic method.

The granule cell dendritic fields of the adult rat dentate gyrus were analyzed quantitatively using a probabilistic method developed to correct dendritic length and segment number for dendrites cut during sectioning. Golgi-impregnated, linearized hippocampi were sectioned serially in one of the three hippocampal planes. Three dendritic field parameters were quantified from camera lucida drawings of these dendritic fields: dendritic field spread, dendritic length, and the branching and termination patterns of dendritic segments. Granule cell dendritic fields resembled cones, their maximal extent occurring in the distal third of the molecular layer. The ratio of transverse to longitudinal dendritic field spread was greater than 1:1 for the dorsal leaf and crest regions, but close to or less than 1:1 for the ventral leaf. The probabilities of segment branching and termination were highly similar for transversely and longitudinally sectioned tissue. The probability of branching varied among dendritic orders and across the molecular layer for the same order. The probability of termination did not vary greatly across orders. Most nonbranching segments terminated adjacent to the hippocampal fissure. On the average, a granule cell had 2.23 first-order dendrites that branched into a dendritic field containing seventh-order dendrites. Total dendritic length, corrected for cut dendrites and projection errors, averaged 3,662 ± 88 μm. The somatic layer and proximal third of the molecular layer contained approximately 35% of this total length. The remainder, ca. 60%, was restricted to the distal two-thirds of the molecular layer, the predominant termination zone of perforant path axons. These data provide a quantitative characterization of the rat granule cell dendritic fields. Implementation of the probabilistic correction method overcomes methodological problems common to quantitative Golgi studies. These data permit a more precise relationship to be drawn between dendritic architecture and granule cell physiology.
A retrospective analysis of glycol and toxic alcohol ingestion: utility of anion and osmolal gaps

Patients ingesting ethylene glycol, isopropanol, methanol, and propylene glycol ('toxic alcohols') often present with non-specific signs and symptoms. Definitive diagnosis of toxic alcohols has traditionally been by gas chromatography (GC), a technique not commonly performed on-site in hospital clinical laboratories. The objectives of this retrospective study were: 1) to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the osmolal gap in screening for toxic alcohol ingestion and 2) to determine the common reasons other than toxic alcohol ingestion for elevated osmolal gaps. Electronic medical records from an academic tertiary care medical center were searched to identify all patients in the time period from January 1, 1996 to September 1, 2010 who had serum/plasma ethanol, glucose, sodium, blood urea nitrogen, and osmolality measured simultaneously, and also all patients who had GC analysis for toxic alcohols. Detailed chart review was performed on all patients with osmolal gap of 9 or greater. In the study period, 20,669 patients had determination of serum/plasma ethanol and osmolal gap upon presentation to the hospitals. There were 341 patients with an osmolal gap greater than 14 (including correction for estimated contribution of ethanol) on initial presentation to the medical center. Seventy-seven patients tested positive by GC for one or more toxic alcohols; all had elevated anion gap or osmolal gap or both. Other than toxic alcohols, the most common causes for an elevated osmolal gap were recent heavy ethanol consumption with suspected alcoholic ketoacidosis, renal failure, shock, and recent administration of mannitol. Only 9 patients with osmolal gap greater than 50 and no patients with osmolal gap greater than 100 were found to be negative for toxic alcohols. Our study concurs with other investigations that show that osmolal gap can be a useful diagnostic test in conjunction with clinical history and physical examination.
The protective effects of diethyldithiocarbamate and cycloheximide on the multiple hepatic lesions induced by carbon tetrachloride in the rat.

Abstract Carbon tetrachloride-induced liver lesions in rats were studied by light and electron microscopy in relation to time and dose of administrated CCl 4 and as modified by treatment with diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDTC) or cycloheximide (CH) at different times before or after CCl 4 . DEDTC prevented CCl 4 -induced collapse of the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and necrosis in zone 3 (centrilobular). DEDTC did not prevent endoplasmic reticulum dilatation (balloon cell formation) but induced a shift in its location from zones 1 and 2 to zone 3. A similar location of balloo cells with only a rare necrotic cell was seen with very low doses of CCl 4 (2.5 to 5 μl/kg). Balloon cell formation did not precede the appearance of zone 3 necrosis with any dose of CCl 4 . CH delayed the induction of CCl 4 -induced necrosis for 1 day, but the development of membranelesions in the endoplasmic reticulum was unaffected. Fatty change (steatosis) was present in all three zones and was decreased but not prevented by pretreatment with either DEDTC or CH. The evidence supports the concept that liver injury induced by CCl 4 is a composite of at least three lesions: necrosis, balloon cell formation, and steatosis. Study of these three discrete lesions may help in defining the mechanism by which CCl 4 damages the liver.
Subordinate quadratic forms and their complementary forms.

Abstract Theorem 1. For α, β on the range 1,..., μ, let Q(z) = *aαβzαzβ be a real valued, nonsingular, symmetric quadratic form. For positive integers r and s such that μ = r + s set (z1,..., zμ) = (u1,..., ur:S1,..., Sn), Q(z) = P(u, s) and [Formula: see text] Let B = (z(1),..., z(r)) be a base “over R” for points z e πr. For an arbitrary r-tuple ω1,..., ωr set [Formula: see text] index HB(ω) = κ and nullity HB(ω) = ν. Then [Formula: see text]
Antidiuretic effects of neurotensin in chloralose anaesthetized dogs.

1. Effects of cerebroventricular and/or intravenous infusions of neurotensin (NT), an endogenous tridecapeptide, on haemodynamics and renal function were investigated in chloralose anaesthetized dogs. 2. Cerebroventricular infusions (i.c.v.) of NT (10-6 mol/L and 10-5 mol/L, 0.1 mL/min) for 30 min did not produce any significant alterations in the measured variables. In the vagotomized dogs, intravenous (i.v.) infusion of NT (10-5 mol/L) at a rate of 0.1 mL/min for 30 min significantly lowered the arterial blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate; these effects were accompanied by pronounced reductions in the urine flow and urinary sodium excretion and marked increases in urine osmolality. 3. In the dogs with vagi intact, i.v. infusions of NT failed to produce any alterations in the blood pressure; however, renal effects of NT were essentially identical to those observed in the vagotomized dogs. 4. Infusions of NT (10-6 mol/L) and/or NT-metabolites NT1-8 and NT8-13 (10-5 mol/L) directly into the renal artery failed to produce any significant alterations in the urine flow. Antidiuretic effects of i.v. NT were not prevented by acute renal denervation, adrenalectomy, or pretreatment of the animals with naloxone. However, morphine pretreatment completely abolished the hypotensive and antidiuretic effects of NT. 5. It is proposed that i.v. infusion of NT rapidly facilitates the secretion of an endogenous substance possessing potent antidiuretic properties and opiate mechanisms are involved in mediating such an effect. Although it appears unlikely, a role for vasopressin cannot be ruled out.
In-situ spectroscopic study of the As and Te on the Si (112) surface for high-quality epitaxial layers

A detailed analysis of the As-exposed Si (112) and subsequent Te exposure was performed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the Te- and As-exposed Si (112) surface had 70% As and 27% Te coverage, respectively. Direct surface coverage measurement with ion scattering spectroscopy (ISS) shows that the Si (111) surface is completely covered by As, and that of the Si (112) had about 78% and 20% coverage of As and Te, respectively. Finally, using ISS shadowing effects, it was found that the Te atoms were positioned mainly on the step edges.
Measurement of the second osmotic virial coefficient for protein solutions exhibiting monomer–dimer equilibrium

The second osmotic virial coefficient (B) is a measure of solution nonideality that is useful for predicting conditions favorable for protein crystallization and for inhibition of aggregation. Static light scattering is the technique most commonly used to determine B values, typically using protein concentrations less than 5 mg/mL. During static light scattering experiments at low protein concentrations, frequently the protein is assumed to exist either as a single nonassociating species or as a combination of assembly states independent of protein concentration. In the work described here, we examined the limit for ignoring weak reversible dimerization (Kd > or =1 mM) by comparing B values calculated with and without accounting for self-association. Light scattering effects for equilibrium dimer systems with Kd <20 mM and Kd <1 mM will significantly affect apparent B values measured for 20 and 150-kDa proteins, respectively. To interpret correctly light scattering data for monomer-dimer equilibrium systems, we use an expanded coefficient model to account for separate monomer-monomer (B(22)), monomer-dimer (B(23)), and dimer-dimer (B(33)) interactions.
Reply to the Commentaries on the Math-Fact Retrieval Hypothesis.

Abstract Geary and Wigfield and Brynes (this issue) point out a number of limitations of the math-fact retrieval hypothesis that we agree with. For instance, we acknowledge that whereas the correlational evidence we offer in our article (this issue) provides suggestive evidence for a link between math-fact retrieval and gender differences in math test performance, that evidence is not compelling. We also acknowledge that even if it is the case that math-fact retrieval is one of the cognitive mechanisms responsible for the gender differences in math performance, there are still many aspects of gender differences in math performance that need to be understood. We also point out a number of areas where we disagree. Most prominently, we do not believe that the spatial cognition hypothesis or affective/motivational hypotheses account for two significant literatures—gender differences in test performance and gender differences in grade performance. We discuss the basis for our beliefs and close with a discussion of the need for intervention research that will resolve some of the issues discussed in the series of articles in this issue. At the end of the article we also present a very speculative hypothesis that would knit together all of the positions presented in the articles in this issue of CEP.
Large-scale flow of collisionless plasmas along the magnetic lines of force: Electric fields and currents parallel to the magnetic field, The stress tensor

Abstract The standard derivation of plasma equations for large-scale motion by expanding in the particle mass to charge ratio fails if the flow velocity along the magnetic lines of force ( B -lines) exceeds a certain limit. Large-scale and fast flows of plasma along B -lines are associated with electric fields and currents with a component parallel to B . OFf-diagonal terms in the pressure tensor matrix assume non-zero values dependent on geometry of the B -lines. The plasma equations are reduced to standard equations for large-scale plasma motions if the macroscopic velocity along the B -lines decreases toward the average particle velocity perpendicular to B .
The effectiveness of applied relaxation in the treatment of speech anxiety

Applied relaxation, consisting of instructions and practice in relaxing while presenting brief speeches, was compared to standard relaxation training, speech practice, and waiting-list control for treatment of speech anxiety in college students. The standard relaxation group received training in the induction of relaxation but no instructions or practice in the application of relaxation skills. The speech practice group received imaginal exposure followed by practice giving brief speeches without relaxation training. At posttest, the applied relaxation and speech practice conditions, which did not differ on any measure, produced greater reduction in self-reported state anxiety than the standard relaxation and waiting-list conditions. Applied relaxation also produced greater changes than standard relaxation on a self-report and a behavioral measure of speech anxiety. No differences existed among the three contact groups at 4-week follow-up. Exposure to anxiety stimuli, obtained during speech practice sessions, was an important element in the reduction of speech anxiety by applied relaxation.
Invariant quadratic forms on spaces of holomorphic functions

Existence and uniqueness of invariant quadratic forms on spaces of holomorphic functions is studied. Invariance is with respect to the action of the automorphism group of the underlying domain given by , where ϕ is an automorphism and J ϕ is its Jacobian determinant. Quadratic forms invariant under this action are called q-invariant forms. For q > 0, it is shown, under mild assumptions on the Bergman kernal, that there is a unique q-invariant form, which is positive definite and determines a unique functional Hilbert space. In the case of the ball, there is a unique q-invariant form for all real q, which is positive definite for q > 0, and positive semi-definite for q = 0 and a discrete set of negative q. In those cases when the form is positive semi-definite, integral formulas are obtained for the associated (semi) norms.
Malignant osteoclast-like giant cell tumor of the kidney.

Osteoclast-like giant cell tumors are rare mesenchymal tumors that typically present in osseous tissue and are remarkable because of their slow growth. We report the sixth documented case of a malignant osteoclastlike giant-cell tumor primary to the kidney of an 81-year-old man with a 5-month history of hematuria. Postnephrectomy analysis of the tumor, including immunohistochemical stains and electron microscopy, confirmed the diagnosis. Although the patient died of unrelated complications, metastatic disease was suspected.