cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approach to determine effective sampling size for urban street tree survey

Abstract The collection of data on the current condition of street trees is the first step in developing an urban street tree planning and maintenance program. The objective of this study was to establish a recommendation of sampling size to facilitate street tree surveys through computer simulation. The hypothetical tree populations used for sampling simulation were set up according to published literature. Simulation results concluded that sample quality was improved little after a certain sampling size, but it declined significantly at a smaller size. With the assumption that a relative deviation from the true value ( X ) within ± 10% (i.e. X ± 10%· X ) was permitted for estimating the percentage of species in a street tree population, the sampling sizes for urban street tree surveys were recommended on the basis of simulation results. The accuracy of surveys with recommended sampling sizes was estimated by using the street tree population of the City of Ithaca, New York. It was confirmed that recommended sampling size provided the estimates with relative deviations of approximately 10% for major species.
Infection Routes of Bacteria into Chicken Eggs

SUMMARY: The area most prone to infection and consequent spoilage of eggs was identified. Different areas of the egg were coated with paraffin wax. The waxed eggs were exposed to infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and spoilage studied by ultraviolet light candling. The blunt end was found to be most vulnerable followed by the equitorial region and the small end.
Low doses of apomorphine elicit two opposing influences on dopamine cell electrophysiology.

Dopamine (DA) cells are known to be very sensitive to direct acting DA agonists, and inhibition of DA cell firing by low doses of DA agonists is generally considered to be an action of these agonists on DA cell autoreceptors. During intracellular recording from spontaneously discharging DA cells in vivo, intravenous administration of apomorphine (20 μg/kg i.v.) elicited a hyperpolarization and an increase in input resistance. The calculated reversal potential of the apomorphine effect was approximately −40 mV. However, in non-firing DA cells the reversal potential of these effects was significantly different (P
An Epidemiologic Study of Dental Caries in Preschool Children in the United States by Race and Socioeconomic Level

The prevalence of dental caries in 1,155 white and black preschool children was studied in the United States in 1969 and 1970. The results demonstrated that white children of the lower socioeconomic level had a significantly greater prevalence of dental caries than middle class white children, but a significantly lower prevalence than black children, most of whom represented the lower social class.
Luneburg lens for optical waveguide use

Abstract Since the apparent refractive index of an optical waveguide depends on its thickness, elements with varying index are relatively easy to fabricate. A method used to make an almost aberration free lens is presented.
Directed maximal-cut problems

Abstract The maximal-cut problem for directed graphs can be defined analogously to that for the undirected case. The undirected problem is known to be NP-complete. We consider two directed variants of the problem. Depending on the definition of the value of a cut, the resulting problem for general directed graphs is either efficiently solvable or NP-complete. We show that the latter version of the problem remains NP-complete when restricted to acyclic directed graphs. Further restriction to directed trees yields an efficiently solvable problem. We present an algorithm solving the problem in time proportional to the size of the input.
Catalytic Carbon−Carbon and Carbon−Silicon Bond Activation and Functionalization by Nickel Complexes

The nickel alkyne complexes (dippe)Ni(Me3SiC⋮CSiMe3), 1, (dippe)Ni(Me3CC⋮CSiMe3), 2, and (dippe)Ni(MeC⋮CSiMe3), 3, were synthesized (dippe = bis(diisopropylphosphino)ethane) and characterized by 1H, 31P, and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Complex 1 was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Heating complex 1, 2, or 3 with excess biphenylene and alkyne results in the catalytic formation of several novel organic compounds, several of which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. These reactions are proposed to proceed by a competition between β-silyl migration from an acetylene insertion intermediate and elimination of phenanthrene. Mechanistic schemes are presented for these reactions.
Anticipation of high arousal aversive and positive movie clips engages common and distinct neural substrates

The neural correlates of anxious anticipation have been primarily studied with aversive and neutral stimuli. In this study, we examined the effect of valence on anticipation by using high arousal aversive and positive stimuli and a condition of uncertainty (i.e. either positive or aversive). The task consisted of predetermined cues warning participants of upcoming aversive, positive, 'uncertain' (either aversive or positive) and neutral movie clips. Anticipation of all affective clips engaged common regions including the anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, caudate, inferior parietal and prefrontal cortex that are associated with emotional experience, sustained attention and appraisal. In contrast, the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex, regions implicated in reward processing, were selectively engaged during anticipation of positive clips (depicting sexually explicit content) and the mid-insula, which has been linked to processing aversive stimuli, was selectively engaged during anticipation of aversive clips (depicting graphic medical procedures); these three areas were also activated during anticipation of 'uncertain' clips reflecting a broad preparatory response for both aversive and positive stimuli. These results suggest that a common circuitry is recruited in anticipation of affective clips regardless of valence, with additional areas preferentially engaged depending on whether expected stimuli are negative or positive.
Sampling frequency guidance for ambient air toxics monitoring.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of designing a national network to monitor hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), also known as air toxics. The purposes of the expanded monitoring are to (1) characterize ambient concentrations in representative areas; (2) provide data to support and evaluate dispersion and receptor models; and (3) establish trends and evaluate the effectiveness of HAP emission reduction strategies. Existing air toxics data, in the form of an archive compiled by EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS), are used in this paper to examine the relationship between estimated annual average (AA) HAP concentrations and their associated variability. The goal is to assess the accuracy, or bias and precision, with which the AA can be estimated as a function of ambient concentration levels and sampling frequency. The results suggest that, for several air toxics, a sampling schedule of 1 in 3 days (1:3) or 1:6 days may be appropriate for meeting some of the general objectives of the national network, with the more intense sampling rate being recommended for areas expected to exhibit relatively high ambient levels.
Chlorcyclizine and SKF 525A Effects on Parathion Toxicity and Midgut Tissue Structure in Alkali Bees, Nomia melanderi1

The organophosphate insecticides, parathion, monocrotophos, dicrotophos, and Gardona® [2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethylphosphate], were highly toxic to adult alkali bees, Nomia melanderi Cockerell. The topical LD50 values for these ranged from 0.83 (monocrotophos) to 2.69 (Gardona) micrograms per gram of bees. Two carbamate insecticides, however, were much less toxic. The LD50 values for these ranged from 47.90 [Landrin® (4:1 mixture of 3,4,5– and 2,3,5–isomers of trimethylphenyl methylcarbamate)] to 86.37 (carbaryl) micrograms per gram of bees. The alkali bees were fed and topically treated with the drugs SKF 525A (2-diethylaminoethyl 2,2-diphenyl pentanoate) and chlorcyclizine [ N -methyl- N -(4-chlorbenzhydryl) piperazine] to determine if they could protect the bees from parathion. Chlorcyclizine made the bees generally more susceptible, whereas SKF 525A either had no effect or protected one sex without protecting the other. The protective effects with SKF 525A were small as well as inconsistent and therefore such drug treatments probably have little potential for protecting alkali bees from parathion in the field. Electron micrographs of the gut tissue of the insects showed that chlorcyclizine and SKF 525A had significant effects upon the cellular ultrastructure. Some of these effects were similar to those observed in other insects treated with different drugs in which detoxication measurements or biological assay tests had shown that the drug had limited potential for induction of protective detoxication mechanisms.
Measuring small-scale changes along a fault as plates slip

Earthquakes are massive events, ruptures of the Earth's surface that send seismic waves coursing throughout the planet. However, the stresses that build up in advance of an earthquake are concentrated in comparatively tiny regions—rough surfaces of abutting plates that are often no more than a few dozen centimeters across. To a large degree, understanding things such as earthquake timing and onset really boils down to understanding what happens in these small regions of solid contact.
Serotonin Function and the Mechanism of Antidepressant Action: Reversal of Antidepressant-Induced Remission by Rapid Depletion of Plasma Tryptophan

Brain serotonin content is dependent on plasma levels of the essential amino acid tryptophan. We investigated the behavioral effects of rapid tryptophan depletion in patients in antidepressant-induced remission. Twenty-one patients who were depressed by DSM-III-R criteria received a 24-hour, 160-mg/d, low-tryptophan diet followed the next morning by a 16-amino acid drink, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled (acute tryptophan depletion and control testing), crossover fashion. Total and free tryptophan levels decreased 87% and 91%, respectively, during acute tryptophan depletion. Fourteen of the 21 remitted depressed patients receiving antidepressants experienced a depressive relapse after the tryptophan-free amino acid drink, with gradual (24 to 48 hours) return to the remitted state on return to regular food intake. Control testing produced no significant behavioral effects. Free plasma tryptophan level was negatively correlated with depression score during acute tryptophan depletion. The therapeutic effects of some antidepressant drugs may be dependent on serotonin availability.
Cytokeratin 5 positive cells represent a steroid receptor negative and therapy resistant subpopulation in luminal breast cancers

A majority of breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ER) positive and have a luminal epithelial phenotype. However, these ER+ tumors often contain heterogeneous subpopulations of ER− tumor cells. We previously identified a population of cytokeratin 5 (CK5) positive cells within ER+ and progesterone receptor positive (PR+) tumors that is both ER−PR− and CD44+, a marker of breast tumor-initiating cells (TICs). These CK5+ cells have properties of TICs in luminal tumor xenografts, and we speculated that they are more resistant to chemo- and anti-ER-targeted therapies than their ER+ neighbors. To test this, we used ER+PR+ T47D and MCF7 breast cancer cells. CK5+ cells had lower proliferative indices than CK5− cells, were less sensitive to 5-fluorouracil and docetaxel, and cultures became enriched for CK5+ cells after treatments. CK5+ cells were less prone to drug-induced apoptosis than CK5− cells. In cells treated with 17β-estradiol (E) plus anti-estrogens tamoxifen or fulvestrant, ER protein levels decreased, and CK5 protein levels increased, compared to controls treated with E alone. In ER+ tumors from patients treated with neoadjuvant endocrine therapies ER gene expression decreased, and CK5 gene expression increased in post compared to pre-treatment tumors. The number of CK5+ cells in tumors also increased in post- compared to pre-treatment tumors. We conclude that an ER−PR−CK5+ subpopulation found in many luminal tumors is resistant to standard endocrine and chemotherapies, relative to the majority ER+PR+CK5− cells. Compounds that effectively target these cells are needed to improve outcome in luminal breast cancers.
MAT-MI acoustic source reconstruction using ultrasound B-Scan imaging

We present in this study an ultrasound B-scan based imaging approach for magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) to reconstruct electrical conductivity distribution. In MAT-MI acoustic waves are generated in the sample by placing it in a static and a time-varying magnetic field. The acoustic waves from these sources propagate in all directions. In the present approach these acoustic signals are collected with a focused ultrasound transducer which confines the collected signal to that from sources along a line. The focused transducer also gives signal gain in the focus region improving the MAT-MI signal quality. The time-resolved acoustic signals are back projected to form a one-dimensional (1D) image of the source distribution along the line. The complete cross-section of the object is obtained by acquiring 1D images along multiple directions in the cross-sectional plane. A simulation model of the image reconstruction method is developed with ultrasound simulations using the Field II program. The present reconstruction results suggest that acoustic source imaging in MAT-MI can be achieved using the much practical ultrasound B scan imaging technique. The developed method is applied to MAT-MI in experiments. This method should allow combining MAT-MI with clinical ultrasound imaging methods and broadening the potential applicability of the technique.
Adaptive transmission-reception-sensing strategy for cognitive radios with full-duplex capabilities

In this paper, we exploit recent advances in full-duplex (FD) communications and self-interference suppression (SIS) to improve the performance of an opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) system. Specifically, we consider secondary users (SUs) that are equipped with SIS-capable radios. These radios can operate in a simultaneous transmission-and-sensing (TS) mode to improve the detection probability of primary users (PUs), or in a simultaneous transmission-and-reception (TR) mode to enhance the SU throughput. The radios can also revert to the standard sensing-only (SO) mode or perform channel switching (CS). The competing goals of the full-duplex TS and TR modes give rise to a spectrum-awareness/efficiency tradeoff, which can be optimized by allowing the SU link to adaptively switch between various modes, depending on the forecasted PU dynamics. In practice, SIS is imperfect, resulting in residual self-interference that degrades the sensing performance in the TS mode. Accordingly, we adopt a waveform-based sensing approach, which allows an SU to detect (with high accuracy) the PU signal in the presence of self-interference (and noise). In such a context, we analyze the sensing performance in the TS mode by deriving the false-alarm and detection probabilities. We also derive the throughput and the PU-SU collision probability for the TS and TR modes, which we then use to establish an optimal mode-selection strategy that maximizes an SU utility function subject to a constraint on the PU collision probability. This utility rewards the SU instantly for successful communication (throughput), but also includes a long-term component that depends on the outcomes of the action taken by the SU (the selected mode from the set {TR, TS, SO, CS}). Our results show that the proposed adaptive strategy results in about 50% reduction in the collision probability and twice the throughput of the half-duplex case. The results also indicate that the SU should operate in the TR mode if it has a high belief regarding the PU idleness over a given channel. As this belief decreases, the SU should switch to the TS mode to monitor any change in the PU activity while transmitting. At very low belief values, where the PU is highly likely to be active, the SU should switch to another channel.
Control of T lymphocyte signal transduction through clonal anergy.

Stimulation of interleukin-2 producing T lymphocytes via the T cell receptor (TCR) complex in the absence of other costimulatory factors results paradoxically not in activation but in an unresponsive state termed clonal anergy. T cell anergy appears to be a mechanism by which potentially autoreactive T lymphocytes are inactivated in the periphery, thus maintaining tolerance to self antigens. The breakdown of such tolerance may result in autoimmune diseases. In contrast, induction of peripheral tolerance is the ultimate goal in organ transplantation and is a potential mechanism by which a growing tumor evades immune destruction. The anergic state is characterized by an inability to secrete interleukin-2 and proliferate following restimulation via the TCR even in the presence of costimulatory factors. Recent studies have demonstrated a specific block in Ras activation in anergic T lymphocytes. This defect is correlated with a failure to activate the downstream effectors Erk and Jnk and a lack of activation of the AP-1 transcription factor complex, offering a plausible mechanism for the inability to initiate interleukin-2 gene transcription in the anergic state.
Electromagnetic scattering from large steady breaking waves

A submerged hydrofoil generated large steady breaking waves of 0.3 m and 0.4 m height in a circulating water channel. We measured water fraction in the breakers with conductivity probes. We observed the radar cross-section of the breakers at X-band with a pulsed step-frequency instrumentation radar with high spatial resolution in the downstream direction. The normalized radar cross-section increases with increasing elevation angle of observation for both vertical and horizontal polarization. This variation is consistent with a simple interpretation of the breaking wave as a diffuse (Lambertian) surface. However, the observed sizes and shapes of fluid elements in the breakers clearly show that construction of a theory for electromagnetic scattering from first principles will be challenging. We also obtained the velocity spectrum of the scattering features within the breakers. This spectrum indicates that slower moving small liquid elements rather than the faster moving large disturbances are responsible for most of the electromagnetic scattering.
Short-term remembering of discriminative stimuli in pigeons.

Abstract Pigeons learned to peck the left or right of two white keys depending on whether a red or a green stimulus was displayed on a third key. The opportunity to peck the white keys was then dealyed for zero to six seconds after the red or green (to-be-remembered) stimulus. On half the trials, the feeder operated during the delay to interrupt behavior that might mediate discriminated responding. No events were scheduled on the remaining trials. In a later condition, the pigeons had the opportunity to peck the white keys during the delay. In general, accuracy decreased as delay increased in all conditions, but performance was least accurate following feeder operations and most accurate when pecking was allowed during the delay. The procedures may be analogous to varying the opportunity for rehearsal in studies of human short-term memory.
TXNIP Switches Tracks toward a Terminal UPR

During the progression of diabetes, crosstalk between ER stress and inflammation controls islet cell fate. In this issue, Lerner et al. (2012) and Oslowski et al. (2012) discover that thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is a regulatory switch connecting the terminal unfolded protein response (UPR) and NLRP3 inflammasome to mediate β cell death.
Reply to "Comment on 'Ground state of the strong-coupling Hubbard Hamiltonian: A numerical diagonalization study' "

We establish the correctness of our exact diagonalization results for the ground state of the effective strong-coupling Hubbard Hamiltonian, and the consistency of their interpretation within the finite-size system studied. We discuss why comparison of our results to calculations by S. Tang and J. E. Hirsch (preceding Comment) is misleading and inconclusive. The possible importance of finite-size effects has already been pointed out.
Language, modality and the brain.

Abstract Studies of the signed languages of deaf people have shown that fully expressive languages can arise, outside of the mainstream of spoken languages, that exhibit the complexities of linguistic organization found in all spoken languages. Thus, the human capacity for language is not linked to some privileged cognitive—auditory connection. However, the formal properties of languages (spoken or signed) appear to be highly conditioned by the modalities involved in their perception and production. Multi-layering of linguistic elements and the use of space in the service of syntax appear to be modality-determined aspects of signed languages. Analyses of patterns of breakdown of signed languages provide new perspectives on the nature of cerebral organization for language. The studies reviewed in this article show that the left cerebral hemisphere in man is specialized for signed as well as spoken languages, and thus may have an innate predisposition for language, independent of language modality.
Parent perceptions important for HPV vaccine initiation among low income adolescent girls.

Objective The study aims were to assess the influence of provider recommendations on parental vaccine perceptions and identify the most potent parent vaccine perceptions for HPV vaccine series initiation considering provider recommendation strength.
AN EXPLANATION FOR THE MORPHEME ACQUISITION ORDER OF SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Second language acquisition researchers (Dulay and Burt 1973, 1974a; Bailey, Madden and Krashen 1974) have claimed there exists an acquisition order of English morphemes to which ESL learners, despite their different ages and language backgrounds, adhere. Thus far, however, an explanation for the occurrence of such a morpheme order has eluded researchers. A study by this author was designed to yield data which would hopefully suggest a reason for the reported morpheme sequence. After analyzing the data in light of possible explanations, a significant correlation was found between the common morpheme difficulty order of the learners and the frequency of occurrence of these morphemes in adult native-speaker speech.
The role of sensitizing antibody in the neutralization of equine arteritis virus by complement or anti-IgG serum

Abstract The dissociability of the infectious equine arteritis virus (EAV)-antibody complexes was investigated before and after neutralization with complement or anti-IgG to determine the possible role of the sensitizing antibody in the multicomponent virus neutralization system. The binding between EAV and sensitizing antibody was irreversible as tested by rapid dilution and sonic vibration. Following digestion of antiserum with trypsin, the antibody retained its capacity to bind to EAV and render it sensitive only to inactivation by anti-IgG. When sensitized EAV was treated with trypsin, about 80% of viral infectivity was no longer sensitive to complement inactivation but remained sensitive to inactivation by anti-IgG. A kinetic study revealed that, when complement-neutralized EAV was treated with trypsin, the maximal recovery of viral infectivity was obtained at 5 min and remained relatively steady for about 150 min. Further analysis indicated that trypsin-mediated reactivation of the complement or anti-IgG-neutralized EAV was accomplished, as expected, by the cleavage of the sensitizing antibody into Fc portion and Fab fragments. The Fab fragments, apparently remained attached to the virion as determined by the sensitivity of the digested neutralized complex to anti-IgG reinactivation and its resistance to complement reinactivation. The present investigation suggests that neutralization of sensitized EAV by complement is dependent on the presence of the complement determinants of the sensitizing antibody, while neutralization by anti-IgG is only dependent on the presence of the antibody determinants. It appears that the role of the sensitizing antibody in the multicomponent EAV-neutralization system is that of providing the specific attachment sites for complement and anti-IgG, the effectors of such viral neutralization.
CELEST1D: an implicit, fully kinetic model for low-frequency, electromagnetic plasma simulation

Abstract An implicit, one-dimensional, fully-electromagnetic particle simulation code (CELEST1D) is presented in which both electrons and ions are treated kinetically using finite-size particles. The implicit time-advanced field equations are cast in a form convenient for Gaussian elimination, and the field equations are solved directly for arbitrary time steps without iteration. CELEST1D has been tested on a number of standard problems, and the results are similar to those obtained by existing one-dimensional electromagnetic particle and hybrid codes. Results from the simulations of the electrostatic two-stream instability, of the electrostatic sheath-plasma oscillation, and of the electromagnetic, low-density ion-beam instability are presented.
Geometry optimization using local-density functional methods: Numerical aspects

The need to perform a numerical integration of the exchange-correlation functional because of its non-analyticity severely complicates the accurate application of local-density functional methods to molecules and clusters. The optimal choice of grid points for this integration and the estimation of the error made by the choice are subtle considerations. In particular, because the position and/or weighting of each grid point must change when the nuclear positions change, these errors are most noticeable when different geometries are compared. We have determined a method of grid point selection and weighting that reduces these errors. We have also determined a simple method of estimating the extent of the error made in the particular density of points used for the grid. These results are illustrated for a selection of small molecules.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

The original article, published in ACC Current Journal Review, January/February 1994 by Seymour Furman, MD, Jay N. Gross, MD, Soo G. Kim, MD, Uri Ben-Zur, MD, Carolyn Andrews, PA-C, and John D. Fisher, MD, has been updated by the authors listed above and expanded. Accordingly, the original article is not being reprinted.
Interhemispheric Asymmetries and Theta Activity in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex as EEG Signature of HIV-Related Depression Gender Matters

Resting EEGs of 40 people living with HIV (PLWH) on long-term antiretroviral treatment were examined for z-scored deviations from a healthy control (normative database) to examine the main and interaction effects of depression and gender. Regions of interest were frontal (alpha) and central (all bands) for interhemispheric asymmetries in quantitative EEGs and theta in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) in low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA). Z-scored normed deviations of depressed PLWH, compared with nondepressed, showed right-dominant interhemispheric asymmetries in all regions. However, after adjusting for multiple testing, significance remained only central for theta, alpha, and beta. Reversed (left-dominant) frontal alpha asymmetry is a potential EEG marker of depression in the HIV negative population that was not reversed in depressive PLWH; however, corresponding with extant literature, gender had an effect on the size of frontal alpha asymmetry. The LORETA analysis revealed a trending interactional effect of depression and gender on theta activity in the rACC in Brodmann area 32. We found that compared to men, women had greater right-dominant frontal alpha-asymmetry and elevated theta activity in voxels of the rACC, which may indicate less likelihood of depression and a higher likelihood of response to antidepressants. In conclusion, subtle EEG deviations, such as right-dominant central theta, alpha, and beta asymmetries and theta activity in the rACC may mark HIV-related depressive symptoms and may predict the likelihood of response to antidepressants but gender effects need to be taken into account. Although this study introduced the use of LORETA to examine the neurophysiological correlates of negative affect in PLWH, further research is needed to assess the utility of this tool in diagnostics and treatment monitoring of depression in PLWH.
Predictive value of dobutamine echocardiography just before noncardiac vascular surgery

Abstract This study prospectively evaluated 75 consecutive patients (mean age 69 ± 9 years) undergoing major vascular surgery to test the hypothesis that dobutamine stress echocardiography can be used to predict perioperative cardiac events. A positive test was defined as 3 new or worsening wall motion abnormality in at least 2 of 18 wall segments. Up to 40 μg/kg/min of dobutamine was administered. All readings were done by physicians unaware of the patients' symptoms and electrocardiographic response. In addition, physicians caring for the patients were unaware of the test result. End points of the study were unstable angina with documented electrocardipgraphic changes, nonfatal myocardial infarction or cardiac death. The perioperative ischemic event rate was 7% (5 of 75 patients). Three patients developed unstable angina and 2 sustained nonfatal myocardial infarctions. All of these patients had positive results on dobutamine stress echocardiography (sensitivity 100%). However, 22 patients who also had positive results on dobutamine stress echocardiography did not have perioperative events (specificity 69%). The corresponding positive predictive value was 19%. None of the 48 patients who had negative results on dobutamine stress echocardiography had events (negative predictive value 100%). In conclusion, dobutamine stress echocardiography can be used to predict perioperative events with great sensitivity, but its positive predictive value in this patient population is low, likely due to the low incidence of perioperative events in patients with known coronary artery disease and the imperfect specificity of dobutamine stress echocardiography in identifying significant coronary stenosis. Dobutamine stress echocardiography is most useful in this setting when negative, because it predicts safety from complications with confidence.
Assessment of outcome following decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in patients older than 60 years of age.

Object Decompressive surgery can be life saving after malignant cerebral infarction. However, severe residual disability occurs in a significant number of surviving patients. Most discussion about the benefits of surgery is based on studies performed in patients who are ≤ 60 years of age. Less is known about the benefits of the procedure in the elderly population. The authors undertook a review of the literature on decompressive craniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction and compared the mortality and outcome data published in patients older and younger than 60 years of age. The authors discuss their analysis, with specific reference to the limitations of the studies analyzed, the outcome measures used, and the special considerations required when discussing stroke recovery in the elderly. Methods Studies on decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction reported in the English literature were analyzed. A cutoff point for age of > 60 or ≤ 60 years was set, and the study popul...
Abnormalities in Th17 T cells in aplastic anemia

In this issue of Blood , Peffault de Latour et al demonstrate that interleukin-17 (IL-17)–producing Th17 T cells are increased in the peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with aplastic anemia, compared with healthy controls. They also provide evidence that IL-17 contributes to the severity
Menstrual cycle phases and personality variables as related to response to erotic stimuli.

The present research examined the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and response to erotic stimuli. Correlations between response to erotic stimuli and extraversion and neuroticism, as measured by the Eysenck Personality Inventory, were also investigated. Subjects were 60 university coeds who were shown explicitly erotic slides and asked to rate their sexual arousal while viewing these stimuli. Although significant effects were found for slides, no significant differences were noted among women at different points in the menstrual cycle. Nonsignificant correlations were obtained between slide ratings and extraversion and neuroticism.
Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy.

Abstract A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled crossover study was conducted in 16 patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy to assess the short-term efficacy and tolerability of inhaled cannabis. In a crossover design, each participant was exposed to 4 single dosing sessions of placebo or to low (1% tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]), medium (4% THC), or high (7% THC) doses of cannabis. Baseline spontaneous pain, evoked pain, and cognitive testing were performed. Subjects were then administered aerosolized cannabis or placebo and the pain intensity and subjective "highness" score was measured at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and then every 30 minutes for an additional 3 hours. Cognitive testing was performed at 5 and 30 minutes and then every 30 minutes for an additional 3 hours. The primary analysis compared differences in spontaneous pain over time between doses using linear mixed effects models. There was a significant difference in spontaneous pain scores between doses ( P P = .031, .04, and P P Perspective This small, short-term, placebo-controlled trial of inhaled cannabis demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain in patients with treatment-refractory pain. This adds preliminary evidence to support further research on the efficacy of the cannabinoids in neuropathic pain.
The narcotic antagonist naltrexone has a biphasic effect on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

Abstract It is known that narcotic antagonists interact with many cholinergic pathways but less in known about specific mechanisms. Using neonatal rat myoballs to study single channel behaviour of the acetylcholinegated nicotinic receptor, it was found that micromolar concentrations of naltrexone had no effect on channel conductance but caused open channel blockade by increasing the flickering from the open to the closed state in a concentration-dependent manner. At micromolar concentrations of naltrexone, the frequency of channel opening was decreased and bursts were grouped in clusters, whereas at nanomolar levels the frequency of opening was increased. The sequential model for ion-channel blockade cannot explain these effects, and an alternative allosteric mechanism of action is proposed. Narcotic antagonist Naltrexone Nicotinic receptor Electrophysiology Single channel recording Channel activation Channel blockade
The Role for an Evaluator: A Fundamental Issue for Evaluation of Education and Social Programs

This paper discusses one of the fundamental issues in education and social program evaluation: the proper role for an evaluator. Based on respective and comparative analysis of five theorists’ positions on this fundamental issue, this paper reveals how different perspectives on other fundamental issues in evaluation such as value, methods, use and purposes can result in different roles for evaluators, and how such difference can affect evaluators’ responsibilities in different stages of an evaluation. Then the paper proposes its own resolution of the issue of evaluator’s role and discusses its implication and limitations.
New Trends and Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment of Achalasia

The last 2 decades have witnessed a revolution in the treatment of esophageal achalasia. Nowadays, laparoscopic Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication is considered in most centers the primary treatment modality, while endoscopic treatment, i.e. pneumatic dilatation, is mainly reserved for the management of patients unfit for surgery or in case of surgical failure. Recently, a new approach to achalasia has been proposed: the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which combines the advantages of endoscopy and surgery. This article reviews the evolution of the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal achalasia during the last 20 years.
Modulation of hapten-specific antibody responses with anticarrier antibody: I. Differential effects of IgM and IgG anticarrier on primary direct and indirect hapten-specific plaque-forming cells.

SummaryImmunization of mice with TNP coupled to ORBC resulted in a TNP-specific antibody response. TNP-specific direct and indirect PFC in the spleens reached a maximum level 5 days after injection. Passively administered anticarrier antibodies injected with the hapten-carrier conjugates were found to modulate the primary PFC response to hapten. Three days after injection, both classes of carrier-specific antibody induced potentiation of hapten-specific direct and indirect PFC. On Day 5, however, IgM and IgG had opposite effects on the TNP-specific response. Carrier-specific IgM produced a three- to fourfold increase in both direct and indirect hapten-specific PFC over animals injected with the hapten-carrier conjugates alone. In contrast, carrier-specific IgG, at relatively high concentrations, suppressed the hapten-specific indirect PFC but had little effect on direct hapten-specific PFC.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel trans-Factor for Luteinizing Hormone Receptor mRNA from Ovary

Post-transcriptional mechanisms play a major role in regulating luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor mRNA expression in the ovary. An ovarian cytosolic protein that we have identified in rats and humans, which binds to a polypyrimidine-rich bipartitate sequence in the coding region of LHR mRNA, acts as a trans-acting factor in this process. In the present study, we isolated and characterized this LH receptor mRNA-binding protein (LRBP) from rat ovary. LRBP was purified to homogeneity by cation exchange chromatography followed by Northwestern analysis and subsequent elution of the single protein band from SDS-polyacrylamide gel. Purified LRBP was subjected to N-terminal microsequencing followed by homology search, which revealed its identity as mevalonate kinase. Purified rat mevalonate kinase antibody recognized the gel-purified LRBP on Western blots performed with one- and two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gels. When recombinant mevalonate kinase produced in human embryonic kidney cells (293 cells) was tested, it showed all of the characteristics of LRBP with respect to specificity of LHR mRNA binding sequence, as examined by gel mobility shift analysis. Inhibition of LHR mRNA binding activity of mevalonate kinase in the presence of ATP and mevalonate indicates that the RNA recognition site of mevalonate kinase might involve the ATP/mevalonate binding region of the protein. Treatment of 293 cells with mevastatin to deplete cellular mevalonate resulted in an increase in LHR mRNA binding activity of mevalonate kinase. Collectively, the data support the novel function of rat mevalonate kinase as a LHR mRNA-binding protein in the post-transcriptional regulation of LH receptor expression in the ovary.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of analogues of a novel inhibitor of β-amyloid secretion

A drug library of 17,200 compounds was screened to select small molecules that inhibit the secretion of amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), the major component of Alzheimer disease senile plaques, from a human neuronal cell line. Twenty-nine hits were validated that decreased Abeta secretion by >40% at 10 microM, for a 0.17% hit rate. A lead hit was selected for further study based on its activity and low cytotoxicity, and it was found to inhibit Abeta secretion through activation of the alpha-secretase pathway. Twenty-four commercially available and 53 synthesized analogues were analyzed for activity. Selected analogues were evaluated for biological stability by incubation with hepatoma cells and for transcellular permeability using Caco-2 cell monolayers. The analogue with the best permeability was evaluated in 2-month old amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice and found to acutely reduce cerebral Abeta levels by 40% after a single iv administration.
Formation of jennite from fumed silica

Hydrothermal reactions of fumed silica with lime at 80°C were studied at starting Ca/Si of 0.8–2.0 and water/solid ratio of 20 by weight under periods of reaction time from 10 to 100 days. In the early ages of reaction, CSH having weak and diffuse basal reflections between 10–15A was formed. On prolonging the reaction, CSH from the starting Ca/Si of 1.2–1.5 crystallised to jennite, and that from the starting Ca/Si of 0.9 to 14A tobermorite. Lattice parameters were determined on the well crystalline jennite obtained by the reaction for 100 days at the starting Ca/Si of 1.4; i.e. ao 10.59, bo 7.21, co 10.82A, α 99.60°, β 97.78°, γ 109.85°. Its crystals were lath-like elongated parallel to b with (001) cleavage. It was confirmed that the synthetic jennite was converted to meta-jennite by losing a part of its water on heating in air at 90°C. At higher temperatures it became poorly crystalline, and then crystallised to β-CaSiO3 and β-Ca2SiO4 at 800°C.
The Fellows' Pelvic Research Network (FPRN).

Clinical trials are crucial to the practice and advancement of medicine. Research studies are designed to answer specific questions about new drugs, devices, and therapies and to identify new ways of using known treatments. During the last decade, multicenter studies have become more common. Networks have been established in various fields to facilitate collaborative efforts to develop and perform clinical trials related to specific disorders, allowing more timely recruitment and completion of studies as well as increasing the generalizability of the results. In urogynecology, the National Institutes of Health has dedicated funds to two active multicenter clinical trial networks: (1) the Urinary Incontinence Treatment Network includes urologists and urogynecologistsfrom ninecentersacrosstheUSA; and(2)thePelvic Floor Disorders Network, which includes seven US centers. Participating sites were competitively selected, and both networks are in the second 5-year cycle. Through highquality research trials, both networks have successfully
An unrestricted Hartree-Fock study of small lithium clusters

Abstract In this note we present a series of calculations on 8 and 9 atom clusters of Li. Calculations are performed in the Unrestricted Hartree-Fock limit and results are compared to recent Xα calculations and also to results of the Restricted Hartree-Fock method and the General Valence Bond method. We estimate that 15 A size clusters should behave similarly to bulk samples.
Missile autopilot design using a gain scheduling technique

A recently developed framework for gain scheduled control system synthesis is applied to a missile autopilot design problem. In contrast to previous approaches, low order linear autopilots designed at discrete operating points using classical control techniques are gain scheduled. Also, mach number, modeled as a measured, time-varying exogenous signal, is viewed as a disturbance to be rejected in the linear design phase, leading to improved steady-state tracking performance. >
An analysis of respiratory frequency alterations in vagotomized, decerebrate cats

Abstract Changes in inspiratory (T I ), expiratory (T E ) and total respiratory cycle (T TOT ) durations with hypercapnia- or hypoxia-induced tidal volume (V T ) elevations were evaluated in midcollicular decerebrate cats. As V T increased, T I , T E , and T TOT decreased for most animals having intact vagi. Following vagotomy, T I , T E , and T TOT increased with hypercapnia for cats which had T I , T E and T TOT values shorter than 1.6, 3.7 and 5.2 sec respectively while breathing 100% O 2 ; values longer than these forecast hypercapnia-induced decreases in each parameter. Similar systematic changes were not evident for hypoxia-induced responses. Varying the midbrain transection level or pentobarbital administration altered T I , T E and T TOT values while breathing 100% O 2 ; however, the predictability of hypercapnia-induced responses, based on data analysis from midcollicular decerebrate cells, was maintained. It is concluded that the vagally-independent brainstem frequency controller is sensitive to hypercapnia and hypoxia. The predictability of hypercapnia-induced T I , T E and T TOT changes in vagotomized animals is considered in the context of previous models for respiratory rhythm generation.
Optimizing Wnt-3a and R-spondin1 concentrations for stem cell renewal and differentiation in intestinal organoids using a gradient-forming microdevice

Epithelial renewal in the colonic crypt is a tightly controlled process and essential for normal digestive function. Crypts contain both proliferative and differentiated cells with the balance orchestrated by the interplay of proliferation and differentiation signals. While critically important to homeostatic renewal, the threshold concentrations of factors such as Wnt-3a and R-spondin1 that promote stem cell renewal are unknown. A simple, linear gradient-generating device was used to screen a wide range of Wnt-3a and R-spondin1 concentrations for their impact on a large number of colon organoids (colonoids) to achieve statistically significant results while minimizing the amounts of costly reagents and primary tissue samples. Matrigel-embedded colonoids were tracked for the presence of stem/transit-amplifying cells, differentiated cells and overall colonoid size in response to varying concentrations of Wnt-3a and R-spondin1, presented singly and in combination. A Wnt-3a concentration of 60 ng mL−1 and R-spondin1 concentration of 88 ng mL−1 were identified as the critical concentrations required for stem-cell renewal and colonoid expansion. At these concentrations, the colonoids possessed similar viability, size and passage efficiency compared to colonoids cultured under standard growth concentrations. The gradient culture system enabled efficient determination of the minimal growth factor concentrations needed to produce a physiologically-relevant colonoid phenotype. Relative to traditional culture conditions, lower factor concentrations yielded the added benefit of a more morphologically appropriate colonoid possessing columnar cells surrounding a central lumen with active crypt-like bud formation.
Combining Global and Marginal Tests to Compare Two Treatments on Multiple Endpoints

Summary We consider the problem of comparing two treatments on multiple endpoints where the goal is to identify the endpoints that have treatment effects, while controlling the familywise error rate. Two current approaches for this are (i) applying a global test within a closed testing procedure, and (ii) adjusting individual endpoint p-values for multiplicity. We propose combining the two current methods. We compare the combined method with several competing methods in a simulation study. It is concluded that the combined approach maintains higher power under a variety of treatment effect configurations than the other methods and is thus more power-robust.