cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in hormone and neurotransmitter action with aging

The paper is concerned with the mechanisms underlying an interaction between hormones and neurotransmitters and the specific receptors of glandular and nervous tissues during aging. The heterogeneous++ pattern of age changes in different receptors and in different tissues in described. Most prevalent are the phenomena of the reduced number of receptors but not their affinity, and at the postreceptor level--the deranged capacity of calcium mobilization. The possibility of correction of age changes in hormonal and neurotransmitter actions, both at the receptor and postreceptor level, is stressed.
Relationship of childhood maltreatment, exercise, and emotion regulation to self-esteem, PTSD, and depression symptoms among college students.

Because physical exercise improves psychological functioning, it may be beneficial to college students with maltreatment histories. Thus, we tested the hypotheses that cumulative maltreatment would...
On Routing Drivers through Persuasion in the Long Run

We formulate and study multi-stage Bayesian persuasion framework for routing games in parallel networks with affine latency functions in two scenarios. The heterogeneous scenario contains a fixed fraction of drivers who do not participate in persuasion. The homogeneous scenario allows the sender to use time-varying route recommendation strategies while all agents participate in the persuasion. The routing decisions of participating drivers are governed by the recommendations received as well as mistrust in the sender. The mistrust dynamic is governed by the collective historical experience of all drivers with the quality of recommendations. In the heterogeneous setting, we propose a reasonable dynamic used by the non-participating drivers for estimating the mistrust of the participating drivers. We establish convergence of the estimate to the actual mistrust, and study convergence of induced link flows by simulation. For time varying recommendation strategy, we identify a sufficient condition for convergence of link flows.
The adverse impact of cadmium on immune function and lung host defense

Cadmium (Cd) is a transition metal, also referred to as a heavy metal, that is naturally abundant in the earth's crust. It has no known benefit to humans. It is primarily released into our environment through mining and smelting in industrial processes and enters the food chain through uptake by plants from contaminated soil and water. In humans, Cd primarily enters the body through ingestion of foods and cigarette smoke and has an extremely long resident half-life in the body compared to other transition metals. Environmental workplace exposure is also a source through inhalation, although much less common. The principal organs adversely affected by Cd following acute and chronic exposure are the kidneys, bone, vasculature and lung. Cd adversely impacts cell function through changes in gene expression and signal transduction and is recognized as a carcinogen. Despite a substantial body of mechanistic studies in cells and animal models, the overall impact of Cd on innate immune function in humans remains poorly understood. The best evidence is perhaps alteration of reactive oxygen species balance and signaling in cells that regulate innate immunity causing alteration of the inflammatory response that is postulated to contribute to chronic diseases. Epidemiologic studies support this possibility since increased tissue levels in humans are strongly associated with leading chronic diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which will be discussed in depth. Additional studies are required to understand how chronic exposure and accumulation of this leading environmental toxicant in vital organs negatively impact innate immune function and host defense leading to chronic disease in humans.
A new approach to analyzing regenerated bone quality in the mouse digit amputation model using semi-automatic processing of microCT data.

Abstract Bone regeneration is a critical area of research impacting treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis, age-related decline, and orthopaedic implants. A crucial question in bone regeneration is that of bone architectural quality, or how “good” is the regenerated bone tissue structurally? Current methods address typical long bone architecture, however there exists a need for improved ability to quantify structurally relevant parameters of bone in non-standard bone shapes. Here we present a new analysis approach based on open-source semi-automatic methods combining image processing, solid modeling, and numerical calculations to analyze bone tissue at a more granular level using μCT image data from a mouse digit model of bone regeneration. Examining interior architecture, growth patterning, spatial mineral content, and mineral density distribution, these methods are then applied to two types of 6-month old mouse digits – 1) those prior to amputation injury (unamputated) and 2) those 42 days after amputation when bone has regenerated. Results show regenerated digits exhibit increased inner void fraction, decreased patterning, different patterns of spatial mineral distribution, and increased mineral density values when compared to unamputated bone. Our approach demonstrates the utility of this new analysis technique in assessment of non-standard bone models, such as the regenerated bone of the digit, and aims to bring a deeper level of analysis with an open-source, integrative platform to the greater bone community.
Make ion–solvent interactions weaker

Low-temperature operation of lithium batteries is notoriously challenging. However, tailoring the electrolyte structure may provide a pathway toward uniform lithium deposition and reversible operation of lithium metal anodes at low temperatures.
Curvilinear features are important for animate/inanimate categorization in macaques

The current experiment investigated the extent to which perceptual categorization of animacy (i.e., the ability to discriminate animate and inanimate objects) is facilitated by image-based features that distinguish the two object categories. We show that, with nominal training, naive macaques could classify a trial-unique set of 1000 novel images with high accuracy. To test whether image-based features that naturally differ between animate and inanimate objects, such as curvilinear and rectilinear information, contribute to the monkeys' accuracy, we created synthetic images using an algorithm that distorted the global shape of the original animate/inanimate images while maintaining their intermediate features (Portilla & Simoncelli, 2000). Performance on the synthesized images was significantly above chance and was predicted by the amount of curvilinear information in the images. Our results demonstrate that, without training, macaques can use an intermediate image feature, curvilinearity, to facilitate their categorization of animate and inanimate objects.
Conspecific and congeneric interactions shape increasing rates of breeding dispersal of northern spotted owls.

Breeding dispersal, the movement from one breeding territory to another, is rare for philopatric species that evolved within relatively stable environments, such as the old-growth coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest. Although dispersal is not inherently maladaptive, the consequences of increased dispersal on population dynamics in populations whose historical dispersal rates are low could be significant, particularly for a declining species. We examined rates and possible causes of breeding dispersal based on a sample of 4,118 northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina) monitored in seven study areas over 28 yr, 1990-2017, in Oregon and Washington, USA. Using a multistate mark-resight analysis, we investigated the potential impacts of an emergent congeneric competitor (barred owl Strix varia) and forest alteration (extrinsic factors), and social and individual conditions (intrinsic factors) on 408 successive and 1,372 nonsuccessive dispersal events between years. The annual probability of breeding dispersal increased for individual owls that had also dispersed in the previous year and decreased for owls on territories with historically high levels of reproduction. Intrinsic factors including pair status, prior reproductive success, and experience at a site, were also associated with breeding dispersal movements. The percent of monitored owls dispersing each year increased from ˜7% early in the study to ˜25% at the end of the study, which coincided with a rapid increase in numbers of invasive and competitively dominant barred owls. We suggest that the results presented here can inform spotted owl conservation efforts as we identify factors contributing to changing rates of demographic parameters including site fidelity and breeding dispersal. Our study further shows that increasing rates of breeding dispersal associated with population declines contribute to population instability and vulnerability of northern spotted owls to extinction, and the prognosis is unlikely to change unless active management interventions are undertaken.
Individually Tailored Approach to Reconstruction of Complex Defects Using Versatility of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery System-Based Pedicled Flaps.

Summary Lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) system is one of the most versatile donor sites in the body. We present our experience with pedicled flaps from the LCFA system, including different components for a wide variety of etiologies and locations. Twenty-three consecutive pedicled flaps were performed on 22 patients (10 females and 12 males; age 4–71 years) between 2007 and 2015 by a single surgeon. Flap size, type, and composition were tailored according to the requirements of the defects, including (1) location; (2) surface area; (3) depth; (4) number of defects; (5) presence of exposed critical structures; (6) presence of exposed foreign bodies; (7) prior use of other options; (8) history of radiation; and (9) other comorbidities. Defect locations were 10 abdominal wall (including groin and pubis), 9 ischio-gluteo-trochanteric and 4 perineal. Defect sizes ranged from 6 × 6 to 30 × 35 cm. Maximum depth of wounds ranged between 7 and 18 cm. The flap sizes ranged from 9 × 6 to 38 × 20 cm. Two flaps were fasciocutaneous perforator, 4 were myocutaneous with "muscle sparing" vastus lateralis, 10 were myocutaneous with "segmental" vastus lateralis, 5 were myocutaneous "tri-muscle," 1 was "tri-muscle," and 1 was rectus femoris only. Donor sites were closed primarily in 20 cases and with split thickness skin grafting in 3 cases. All flaps survived completely without any partial loss or congestion. Pedicled flaps from the LCFA system can be tailored individually for a wide variety of etiologies and locations. Muscles can be harvested and used as "muscle sparing," "segmental," and "tri-muscle" to accommodate the requirements of the defects.
Functional Assays for B Cells and Antibodies

The function of the humoral immune response differs depending on the class of antibody produced and the differentiation state of the B cell. Primary defects in the humoral components of the immune response are usually recognized by clues as frequent development of infections early in life and difficulty in clearance of infections. The most direct measure of in vivo B-cell function is immunoglobulin secretion by plasma cells. Serum immunoglobulins are most commonly measured by automated nephelometry. Antibodies provide protection to the host in various ways. Antibodies can neutralize toxins (e.g., tetanus toxin), neutralize viruses, prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the host cells, kill bacteria in the presence of complement, and opsonize bacteria for phagocytes. Generally, the complement-mediated bactericidal mechanism does not kill gram-positive bacteria, although there are exceptional cases. This mechanism is primarily relevant in the study of antibodies to gram-negative bacteria, which have thin walls. Opsonophagocytosis is the primary protective mechanism of antibodies against gram-positive bacteria. Various methods have been developed to measure the opsonizing capacity of antibodies in vitro. The classical approach is to perform an opsonophagocytic killing assay. In this assay, the bacteria are opsonized (coated) with antibodies and complement. The increased use of functional assays has shown the importance of standardization.
Keynesian Theory and Policy

This paper provides an introduction to Keynesian macroeconomic theory as Keynes explained it in The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money. Keynes emphasized the principle of effective demand, and argued that the gap between demand for consumption and aggregate supply would increase as the volume of employment increased. Full employment requires that this gap must be filled by investment and government spending on goods and services, and there is no automatic market mechanism to assure full employment. Keynes opposed a policy of wage cuts to restore full employment because they had not been effective and because they were painful. Expansion of the money supply to restore full employment was also regarded as ineffective under depression conditions of the early 1930s.
Executive Equity Divestitures and Equity Granting Patterns

This paper empirically investigates the influence of executive wealth diversification on firm equity granting patterns. Risk-averse, undiversified executives that hold substantial amounts of wealth in the firm, discount the value of their equity holdings, which increases costly risk-sharing and reduces incentives provided by equity grants. When executives divest equity from the firm, they insulate their wealth from firm-specific risk, thereby reducing costly risk-sharing and increasing the incentives of equity grants. This study investigates how firms respond to increases in executive wealth diversification that result from equity divestitures. The findings suggest that firms do not fully replenish divested incentives, but target greater equity incentives following an increase in executive wealth diversification. In addition, firms appear to increase the proportion of annual compensation in the form of equity after controlling for grants in response to deviations from equilibrium incentives. Overall, the results support agency theory predictions that wealth diversification is an important component of optimal contracting with undiversified, risk-averse managers.
Neonatal Pneumoperitoneum Without Significant Adventitious Pulmonary Air: Use of Metrizamide to Rule Out Perforation of the Bowel

Pneumoperitoneum in the neonate may be due to air that has dissected from the chest. Four infants, in whom pneumoperitoneum, from thoracic air dissection, occurred in the absence of pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum are reported. The absence of abnormal collections of air in the chest is of no value in deciding whether a pneumoperitoneum is due to bowel perforation or air dissecting from the chest. Contrast bowel studies are needed in all cases of pneumoperitoneum in the infant to distinguish bowel perforation from intrathoracic origin of the air.
Parameter estimation from samples of stationary complex Gaussian processes

Sampling stationary, circularly-symmetric complex Gaussian stochastic process models from multiple sensors arise in array signal processing, including applications in direction of arrival estimation and radio astronomy. The goal is to take narrow-band filtered samples so as to estimate process parameters as accurately as possible. We derive analytical results on the estimation variance of the parameters as a function of the number of samples, the sampling rate, and the filter, under two different statistical estimators. The first is a standard sample variance estimator. The second, a generalization, is a maximum-likelihood estimator, useful when samples are correlated. The explicit relationships between estimation performance and filter autocorrelation can be used to improve process parameter estimation when sampling at higher than Nyquist. Additionally, they have potential application in filter optimization.
Syndecan-1 is required for Wnt-1-induced mammary tumorigenesis in mice

Syndecan-1 is a cell-surface, heparan-sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) predominantly expressed by epithelial cells. It binds specifically to many proteins, including oncoproteins. For example, it induces the assembly of a signalling complex between FGF ligands and their cognate receptors. But so far there has been no direct evidence that this proteoglycan contributes to tumorigenesis. Here we have examined the role of syndecan-1 (encoded by Sdc1) during mammary tumour formation in response to the ectopic expression of the proto-oncogene Wnt1. We crossed syndecan-1-deficient mice with transgenic mice that express Wnt1 in mammary gland (TgN(Wnt-1)1Hev; ref. 2). Ectopic Wnt-1 expression induces generalized mammary hyperplasia, followed by the development of solitary tumours (median time 22 weeks). We show that in Sdc1-/- mice, Wnt-1-induced hyperplasia in virgin mammary gland was reduced by 70%, indicating that the Wnt-1 signalling pathway was inhibited. Of the 39 tumours that developed in a test cohort of mice, only 1 evolved in the Sdc1-/- background. In addition, we show that soluble syndecan-1 ectodomain purified from mouse mammary epithelial cells stimulates the activity of a Wnt-1 homologue in a tissue culture assay. Our results provide both genetic and biochemical evidence that syndecan-1 can modulate Wnt signalling, and is critical for Wnt-1-induced tumorigenesis of the mouse mammary gland.
Surging motions of a towed undersea cable plow

Any section of undersea cable that can be struck by objects scraping the sea floor must be protected. It is often placed in a trench for protection. Towing a plow from a surface ship is the most economical method to dig the trench. Cable is passed through the plow and into the trench as it is plowed. It is the current practice to bury armored cables at slow speeds. There are economic advantages to plowing unarmored cables, at higher speed, but unarmored cable is more difficult to bury because it has low weight. It is shown that tension pulls such cable out of the trench in undulating terrain. This establishes the need for a cable engine on the plow to reduce cable tension in the trench. To keep trench tensions low the cable engine must track the velocity of the plow. A simulation has been developed to establish bounds on the plow velocity excursions during steady state operation. These results will be used in the design of a cable engine, and its control system.
A computer package for multi-contingency constrained reactive power planning

Reactive power planning or VAR planning is critical to ensure acceptable power quality and system robustness. While addressing var planning, the key issue is optimal allocation i.e. location and size of reactive power sources. Security of power systems is a major concern during contingencies. So, consideration of all plausible contingencies during planning process is important. However, consideration of such a large number of contingencies makes the problem size big hence complex to solve. This paper presents a computer package for solving multiple contingency constrained reactive power planning. To reduce the complexity of optimization problem due to consideration of multiple contingencies a new methodology is proposed, where the overall problem is solved in two phases. The optimization problem is formulated as Mixed Integer Non Linear Programming (MINLP) optimization problem, which is solved by the state of art solvers. Further the efficiency of integer optimization is increased by incorporating system based knowledge. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated using the 75 bus system.
THE POTENTIAL FOR HIGH-VALUE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS UNDER THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: THE CASE OF BEEF IN MEXICO AND CANADA: COMMENT

In his recent article, Onianwa used the absolute price version of the Rotterdam demand model to estimate Mexican and Canadian import demands for U.S. beef products. The specification of the Rotterdam model allows straightforward testing of the basic theoretical properties of demand. Based on theory, a system of demand equations should obey adding up, homogeneity, symmetry, and negativity (Theil 1971, 1975; Deaton and Muellbauer). Adding up is guaranteed or automatically satisfied in the Rotterdam model and other similar demand models like the almost ideal demand system (AIDS). Hence, adding up cannot be tested. Negativity can be checked by calculating the eigenvalues of the Rotterdam Slutsky matrix (all eigenvalues should be nonpositive). The remaining two properties, homogeneity and symmetry, can be straightforwardly tested by using the likelihood ratio test, as in the present paper, or the Wald or Lagrange multiplier tests; homogeneity can also be tested separately for each demand equation using the F-test.
High-Resolution Coherent Raman Spectra of Vibrationally Excited14N2and15N2

Abstract At an effective resolution of 0.001 cm −1 , we measured coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectra of electrically discharged 14 N 2 and 15 N 2 in the electronic ground state X 1 Σ g + , specifically Q branches of bands with Δ v = 1 up to v ′ = 8 for 14 N 2 and v ′ = 7 for 15 N 2 , and O and S branches of the fundamental band of 15 N 2 . Account is taken of small wavenumber shifts due to pressure, AC Stark, and |χ| 2 interference effects. Separate fits of the Q -branch data of each isotopic variant, combined with selected data from the literature, yield term coefficients Y kl and U kl or potential-energy coefficients c j that reproduce wavenumbers of measured spectral lines generally within 0.004 cm −1 . The value of the harmonic vibrational parameter ω e is 2358.5402(4) cm −1 for 14 N 2 and 2278.7913(7) cm −1 for 15 N 2 . Efforts to combine spectral data of both isotopic variants to distinguish adiabatic and nonadiabatic effects arising from incomplete separation of electronic and nuclear motion in N 2 were unsuccessful.
iShares and the US Market Risk Exposure

: Previous researchers find that country iShares are directly and strongly exposed to US market risk in addition to home country market risk. This finding contradicts the fact that by design these iShares should behave as their underlying market indices behave. With monthly data and the appropriate orthogonalization choice, we find that direct US market risk exposure is weaker, less significant and less prevalent than previously suggested. Further tests indicate that in fact a strong majority of country iShares do not behave significantly differently from their underlying market indices. Hence, they are not less effective as diversification instruments to US investors than direct investments in the foreign markets as represented by their underlying market indices.
Maladie adventitielle kystique de la veine fémorale commune

La maladie adventitielle kystique des vaisseaux est rare, surtout au niveau des veines. Nous rapportons le cas d'un homme de 36 ans qui nous a ete confie apres un diagnostic peroperatoire de masse de la veine femorale commune gauche. Ce patient, qui avait une histoire de thrombose veineuse profonde et d'embolie pulmonaire, s'etait presente dans un autre service avec une douleur et un gonflement du membre inferieur gauche recidivants. Dans notre hopital, il a eu l'excision de la masse veineuse avec interposition d'une greffe veineuse jugulaire interne gauche. Dans ce rapport, nous discutons la presentation, le diagnostic, le traitement, et la pathologie de cette pathologie rare.
Meningeal defects alter the tangential migration of cortical interneurons in Foxc1hith/hith mice.

Tangential migration presents the primary mode of migration of cortical interneurons translocating into the cerebral cortex from subpallial domains. This migration takes place in multiple streams with the most superficial one located in the cortical marginal zone. While a number of forebrain-expressed molecules regulating this process have emerged, it remains unclear to what extent structures outside the brain, like the forebrain meninges, are involved. We studied a unique Foxc1 hypomorph mouse model (Foxc1 hith/hith ) with meningeal defects and impaired tangential migration of cortical interneurons. We identified a territorial correlation between meningeal defects and disruption of interneuron migration along the adjacent marginal zone in these animals, suggesting that impaired meningeal integrity might be the primary cause for the observed migration defects. Moreover, we postulate that the meningeal factor regulating tangential migration that is affected in homozygote mutants is the chemokine Cxcl12. In addition, by using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we provide evidence that the Cxcl12 gene is a direct transcriptional target of Foxc1 in the meninges. Further, we observe migration defects of a lesser degree in Cajal-Retzius cells migrating within the cortical marginal zone, indicating a less important role for Cxcl12 in their migration. Finally, the developmental migration defects observed in Foxc1 hith/hith mutants do not lead to obvious differences in interneuron distribution in the adult if compared to control animals. Our results suggest a critical role for the forebrain meninges to promote during development the tangential migration of cortical interneurons along the cortical marginal zone and Cxcl12 as the factor responsible for this property.
Pathways and artifacts: neighborhood design for physical activity

Both informal observation and systematic studies reveal that, especially among car-owning households, pedestrian travel occurs less for utilitarian purposes such as shopping, and more as therapeutic physical activity, meant for health and recreation. In response, this study proposes a new model for residential neighborhood design. Wide ‘pathways’, many resembling medians in residential thoroughfares, link streets, neighborhoods and open space in networks rich with recreational opportunities, while maintaining the advantages of accessibility and orientation that grid patterns provide. ‘Artifacts’ in the landscape lend sensory and experiential interest to a walker’s or jogger’s encounter with the environment. Taken together, pathways and artifacts provide pedestrians with more opportunities for engaging with the built and natural environments and thereby generate the comings and goings that make for vital neighborhoods.
Effects of sequential electron transfer on electron spin polarized transient EPR spectra at high fields

Abstract Effects of sequential electron transfer on electron spin polarized transient EPR spectra at high magnetic fields are investigated. Unlike the ordinary correlated radical pair model which neglects the effects of an intermediate radical pair, the sequential transfer mechanism becomes increasingly important at higher fields because of stronger singlet-triplet mixing due to a difference in the Zeeman interactions between the donor and the acceptor. Even if the intermediary radical pair has a lifetime of about 300 ps and is not directly detectable by EPR, noticeable changes in the polarized spectrum (at 95 and 250 GHz) of the subsequent radical pair are demonstrated.
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone infused ICV fails to affect body temperature or endotoxin fever in the cat

Permanent cannulae for intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion were implanted bilaterally in cats following stereotaxic procedures. After colonic temperature was recorded for a one-hour baseline, a 300 microliter ICV infusion was given of CSF control vehicle, 1:100 dilution of W3110 E. coli endotoxin (10(8) organisms/ml) or alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in one of seven doses ranging from 50.0 ng to 50.0 micrograms. Whereas ICV E. coli always induced an intense and prolonged fever of rapid onset, alpha-MSH infused similarly was essentially without effect on the deep body temperature of the normothermic cat. When each of the doses of alpha-MSH was infused ICV, either during the rising phase of an E. coli fever or after the febrile response had reached its asymptote, the core temperature of the cat was unaffected. Similarly, a mixture of E. coli combined with alpha-MSH given ICV failed to alter the characteristics of the rapidly developing fever produced in the cat by this endotoxin. On the other hand, either excess Ca++ ions (50 mM) given ICV or the antipyretic drug. Dipyrone, administered systematically during the course of an endotoxin fever effectively attenuated the animal's elevated body temperature. These results demonstrate that alpha-MSH is apparently neither involved in the central mechanisms underlying normal thermoregulation, nor does it act as an endogenous antipyretic in the cat as has been postulated in another species.
An intuitive methodology for website design

Software tools help us manage web content and website performance, yet we still see poorly designed websites with inappropriate content. A five step entity relationship approach to the systems development life cycle is proposed for developing new websites. This technique bridges the 'communications gap' between non-technical users and web developers.
Biological Effects of Urban Air Pollution

Animals were raised in rooms ventilated with ambient air or air passed through absolute particulate and activated charcoal filters. Average ambient concentration for 2½ years of oxidant was 0.057 ppm and of carbon monoxide was 1.7 ppm. Pulmonary alkaline phosphatase in exposed rats and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in exposed rabbits were lower. Pneumonitis was significantly more prevalent in mice from ambient air. Male, but not female, C57BL mice survived significantly longer in filtered air. A/J mice in ambient air were heavier and survived longer. Old guinea pigs during ten-minute exposures had identical pulmonary resistance to filtered air and equal increases due to 0.5 ppm of sulfur dioxide, but those from filtered air showed significantly greater response to 0.5 ppm of ozone. Decreased running activity of male C57BL mice was highly correlated with oxidant concentration.
Tremor, fasciculations, and movement disorders.

Cats and dogs can develop a variety of unusual movement disorders that bewilder even the most seasoned clinicians because of the difficulty in determining their neuroanatomic origin and etiology. From life-altering tremors to benign sleep-related muscle twitches, these movements are representative of a range of underlying neuropathology, toxicology, neurodegeneration, or even normal behaviors. In general, the study of movement disorders encompasses a wide range of neurologic disturbances characterized by excess (hyperkinesia) or reduced (bradykinesia) movements. These abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) refer to a number of muscle jerks, twitches, postures, and oscillations that have been classified in human neurology with official terms, such as tic, chorea, tremor, dystonia, and myoclonus [1]. Uncontrolled muscle contractions may be of muscle or neuronal origin [2]. Many of these disorders are the result of neurodegenerative changes of the basal ganglia in people, a condition not well documented in nonprimate species. Many small animals exhibit a number of AIMs that merit further investigation and possible therapy, however. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss the clinical presentation of movement disorders with emphasis on tremors and fasciculations in small animals (Box 1).
An integrated perspective of the continuum between earthquakes and slow-slip phenomena

Slow slip, a mechanism by which faults can relieve stress, was thought to be distinct from earthquakes. However, a global review of slow-slip phenomena suggests that instead there is a continuum between the two types of event.
Glass peek composite promotes proliferation and osteocalcin production of human osteoblastic cells.

An isoelastic intramedullary implant has been developed using a composite of polyetheretherketone and 10% random, chopped E-glass fibers (GPEEK). The effect of this novel material on human bone cells has not been defined. The objective of this study was to test whether GPEEK supported the proliferation of the human bone cell line MG63, which exhibits osteoblastlike characteristics. Cells (1 × 105/mL) were propagated on GPEEK discs with three different surface roughnesses (3, 6, and 9 μm) and on polystyrene plates, for comparison. The reaction of MG63 osteoblastlike cells to the GPEEK polymer composite was analyzed by determination of cell yield, osteocalcin production, and levels of alkaline phosphatase. The viable cells that were retrieved from the GPEEK discs of all three surface roughness had an approximate sixfold increase in number. Osteoblastic function of the cells, indicated by osteocalcin production, was unimpaired after a 5-day culture on the three surfaces of GPEEK. The highest level of osteocalcin was produced by osteoblastic cells propagated on GPEEK with a 9-μm surface roughness. The levels of alkaline phosphatase of these cells were similarly greater for the different degrees of surface roughness. Overall, this study demonstrates that GPEEK supported proliferation of osteoblastlike cells and provided a favorable environment for the continued production of osteocalcin in vitro. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 36, 137–144, 1997.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor improves host defense to resuscitated shock and polymicrobial sepsis without provoking generalized neutrophil-mediated damage.

Background: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases production and release of neutrophil precursors and activates multiple functions of circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). G-CSF has therapeutic effects in many experimental models of sepsis; its actions with superimposed reperfusion insults are unknown. In traumatic conditions, G-CSF could exacerbate unregulated, PMN-dependent injury to otherwise normal host tissue or, it could partially reverse trauma-induced immune suppression, which may improve long-term outcome. This study tested whether stimulating PMN proliferation and function with G-CSF during recovery from trauma + sepsis potentiated reperfusion injury or whether it improved host defense. Methods: Anesthetized swine were subjected to cecal ligation and incision, 35% hemorrhage, and 1 hr of hypotension. Resuscitation consisted of intravenous G-CSF (5 μg/kg) or placebo followed by shed blood and 40 mL/kg of lactated Ringer's solution. The control group received laparotomy only. G-CSF or placebo was given daily. Animals were killed at 4 days. Observers, blind to the protocol, graded autopsy samples for localization of infection and quality of abscess wall formation. Data included complete blood count, granulocyte oxidative burst after phorbol myristate acetate stimulation in vitro (GO 2 B), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell count, BAL noncellular protein, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor production in whole blood in vitro(lipopolysaccharide-tumor necrosis factor), and lung tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO). Results: Neutrophilia and localization of infection, were significantly improved by G-CSF. Variables altered by G-CSF, though not significantly, showed GO 2 B potential increased by 50%, lipopolysaccharide-tumor necrosis factor decreased by 50%, and improved survival versus placebo (100% vs. 70%). G-CSF did not increase lung MPO, BAL cell count, or BAL protein. Both arterial and venous O 2 saturations were unaltered. Conclusions: Our data show that G-CSF initiated at the time of resuscitation reduced the sequelae of posttrauma sepsis by increasing PMN proliferation and function without potentiating PMN-mediated lung reperfusion injury.
260: The incidence of hypoglycemic episodes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections versus insulin pump

2-hour GTT). Data regarding GDM types A1 and A2, birthweight (BW), and ponderal index (PI) were abstracted. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were diagnosed with GDM during the tudy period. Sixty-three (53%) had T1 screening: 23 had elevated bA1c alone, 9 had elevated FPG alone, 11 had both HbA1c and FPG levated, and 20 had normal HbA1c and FPG and a subsequently bnormal 2-hour GTT. Fifty-seven (47%) patients were diagnosed sing traditional T3 two-step screening. There were no significant ifferences between T1 or T3 screening groups or within T1 diagnosic subgroups with respect to GDM type (A1 vs. A2), BW, or PI (table). CONCLUSION: GDM diagnosed with T1 HbA1c, FPG, both HbA1c and FPG, or 2-hour GTT results in similar ratios of subtypes (A1 vs A2) as traditional T3 screening. A prospective study is needed to accurately ascertain whether earlier diagnosis of GDM leads to improved neonatal outcomes.
Comparing measures of decline to dementia in amnestic MCI subjects in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set.

Background Many studies have investigated factors associated with the rate of decline and evolution from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia in elderly patients. In this analysis we compared the rates of decline to dementia estimated from three common global measures of cognition: Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score, Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes score (CDR-SB), and a neuropsychological tests composite score (CS).
Den Site Selection by the Rock Squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus) in Southeastern Arizona

Physical and vegetational characteristics of rock squirrel ( Spermophilus variegatus ) den sites were investigated during 1983, 1984, and 1985 at the National Audubon Society's Appleton-Whittell Biological Research Sanctuary in southeastern Arizona. Relative to habitat availability, rock squirrel den sites occurred in greater than expected frequencies in oak savanna and riparian habitats. A comparison between 56 den sites and 40 control locations in rock squirrel-occupied habitat revealed significant differences ( P ≤ 0.002) for 12 (52.2%) of 23 physical and vegetational variables. Compared to control locations, dens were located 1) on steeper slopes, 2) in shadier sites, 3) closer to oaks, Quercus spp., 4) closer to washes, 5) associated with prominent potential lookout points, 6) in areas with less ground cover, and 7) associated to a lesser degree with more northerly facing slopes. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified 81.3% of den locations and control sites using only two variables, percent shade and angle of slope.
Improved 3D reconstructions for generalized tomosynthesis

This paper describes a unique system for constructing a three-dimensional volume from a set of two-dimensional (2D) x-ray projection images based on optical aperture theory. This proprietary system known as Tuned-Aperture Computed Tomography (TACT) is novel in that only a small number of projections acquired from arbitrary or task-specific projection angles is required for the reconstruction process. We used TACT to reconstruct a simulated phantom from seven 2D projections made with the x-ray source positioned within 30 degrees of perpendicular to a detector array. The distance from the x-ray source was also varied to change the amount of perspective distortion in each projection. Finally, we determined the reconstruction accuracy of TACT and compared it to that of a conventional tomosynthesis system. We found the reconstructed volumetric data sets computed with TACT to be geometrically accurate and contain significantly less visible blurring than a similar data set computed with the control technique.
Stabilization of nonlinear processes with input constraints

Abstract This work deals with nonlinear processes which, in the absence of input constraints, can be locally stabilized by a linearizing static state feedback law. Such systems, under unconstrained linearizing control laws, possess a cascaded structure between a (asymptotically or exponentially) stable nonlinear subsystem and an exponentially stable linear subsystem, which allows for a straightforward stability analysis. In the presence of input constraints, however, this cascaded structure breaks down to an interconnection between two nonlinear subsystems; analyzing the stability of such interconnections is a rather cumbersome task, that typically results in conservative estimates of regions of stability. In this article, we present an analysis framework for the local stabilization of such processes and the estimation of regions of closed-loop stability in the presence of input constraints. The proposed approach entails: (i) specifying a region in state–space where the closed-loop system behaves effectively as a cascade and asymptotic stability can be guaranteed in the presence of constraints, provided that the states of the system remain in this region for all times; and (ii) constructing invariant sets within this region that qualify as regions of closed-loop stability. A detailed case study is carried out on a polymerization reactor example and the desirable features of the proposed methodology are aptly illustrated.
Deposition of cyclopropenoids in the tissue lipids of rainbow trout fed methyl sterculate.

Groups of young rainbow trout were fed diets containing 0, 100 and 200 ppm methyl sterculate. Their tissue lipids were analyzed for cyclopropene content using the modified Halphen test. Halphenpositive compounds, calculated as sterculic acid, accumulated in all tissues analyzed and reached concentrations approximately equal to those of the dietary lipid. Gas liquid chromatography used in conjuction with mild hydrogenation of the cyclopropene ring revealed that these Halphen-positive compounds were predominantly, if not entirely, sterculic acid which was esterified in the triglycerides. To facilitate analysis of cyclopropenes in liver tissue, a method was developed whereby interfering pigments were removed prior to the Halphen test.
Human gingival fibroblasts produce nitric oxide in response to proinflammatory cytokines.

Background: Although nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is increased in periodontal disease (PD), little is known about the possible sources of production by gingival tissues. In fact, gingival tissues from patients with periodontitis demonstrate greater levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) expression than healthy tissue. Macrophages are the source of the iNOS expression, with endothelial cells also contributing. In the present study, our hypothesis has been that human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) also have the ability to produce NO. We have established for the first time that HGF express increased levels of iNOS and modulate NO synthesis in response to proinflammatory cytokines that act synergistically. Methods: NO production under basal conditions or following incubation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 1β, and inferferon (IFN)-γ was assessed by measurement of stable NO metabolites, nitrite, and nitrate, in a microplate adaptation of the Griess assay. Total RNA was isolated from HGF for d...
Cerebrovascular Disease as Initial Clinical Presentation in a Patient With Idiopathic Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report

There are very few hematological emergencies that they are usually excluded from the list of differential diagnosis; nonetheless, if untreated, they can lead to devastating results. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy with characteristic von Willebrand factor (vWF)-rich microthrombi affecting the arterioles and capillaries of multiple organs. It represents both a diagnostic and management challenge to clinicians. Timely recognition and institution of appropriate therapy are of paramount importance in optimizing outcome. Nevertheless, TTP may have an unpredictable behavior once is diagnosed because of its variable frequency of relapses and exacerbations. doi:10.4021/jh102e
Impression management and the use of procedures at the Ritz‐Carlton: Moral standards and dramaturgical discipline

This article uses Goffman's work on moral standards and dramaturgical discipline to inform a case study featuring a hotel's procedures for guaranteeing reliable impression management. Through an analysis of archival material and 18 interviews at two sites, we developed four categories of impression management behaviors. Viewing our analysis through Goffman's lens, we argue that procedures codify moral standards thereby offering employees specific means by which they can enact dramaturgical discipline. In our discussion we suggest several ways in which our case study reinforces and expands Goffman's original concepts. Our findings are (a) procedures can function as codified moral standards within the organizational setting, (b) procedures can serve as the basis for employee enactment of dramaturgical discipline, (c) the use of databases in collecting and storing information offers a new wrinkle to impression management theory, and (d) the use of incentives to pacify guests expands the defensive practices a...
AHEAD: automated framework for hardware accelerated iterative data analysis

This paper introduces AHEAD, a novel domain-specific framework for automated (hardware-based) acceleration of massive data analysis applications with a dense (non-sparse) correlation matrix. Due to non-scalability of matrix inversion, often iterative computation is used for converging to a solution. AHEAD addresses two sets of domain-specific matrix computation challenges. First, the I/O and memory bandwidth constraints which limit the performance of hardware accelerators. Second, the hardness of handling large data because of the complexity of the known matrix transformations and the inseparability of non-sparse correlations. The inseparability problem translates to an increased communication cost with the accelerators. To optimize the performance within these limits, AHEAD learns the dependency structure of the domain data and suggests a scalable matrix transformation. The transformation minimizes the memory access required for matrix computing within an error threshold and thus, optimizes the mapping of domain data to the available (bandwidth constrained) accelerator resources. To facilitate automation, AHEAD also provides an Application Programming Interface (API) so users can customize the framework to an arbitrary iterative analysis algorithm and hardware mapping. Proof-of-concept implementation of AHEAD is performed on the widely used compressive sensing and general l 1 regularized least squares solvers. On a massive light field imaging data set with 4.6B non-zeros, AHEAD attains up to 320x iteration speed improvement using reconfigurable hardware accelerators compared with the conventional solver and about 4x improvement compared to our transformed matrix solver on a general purpose processor (without hardware acceleration).
A time to reassess: the intersection of race and class

The US Military is among the nation's largest employers. Since the 1970s, it has provided many women with training and employment opportunities that they have not been able to secure in the civilia...