cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric field and current density distribution in an anatomical head model during transcranial direct current stimulation for tinnitus treatment.

Tinnitus is considered an auditory phantom percept. Recently, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a new approach for tinnitus treatment including, as potential targets of interest, either the temporal and temporoparietal cortex or prefrontal areas. This study investigates and compares the spatial distribution of the magnitude of the electric field and the current density in the brain tissues during tDCS of different brain targets. A numerical method was applied on a realistic human head model to calculate these field distributions in different brain structures, such as the cortex, white matter, cerebellum, hippocampus, medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Moreover, the same distributions were evaluated along the auditory pathways. Results of this study show that tDCS of the left temporoparietal cortex resulted in a widespread diffuse distribution of the magnitude of the electric fields (and also of the current density) on an area of the cortex larger than the target brain region. On the contrary, tDCS of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulted in a stimulation mainly concentrated on the target itself. Differences in the magnitude distribution were also found on the structures along the auditory pathways. A sensitivity analysis was also performed, varying the electrode position and the human head models. Accurate estimation of the field distribution during tDCS in different regions of the head could be valuable to better determine and predict efficacy of tDCS for tinnitus suppression. Bioelectromagnetics 33:476–487, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum fucose as a monitor for recurrent malignancy

Serum fucose determinations were performed on 19 patients with "stable" or "inactive" malignancies, 33 patients with "active" malignancies, and 14 "normals." A significant difference in the values between "normal" and "stable" patients and those with "active" cancer is shown. A role for this relatively simple serological test for diagnosing and following metastatic cancer is suggested.
Electronics and the Future of Law Schools

The article discusses how the change in information production and distribution is undermining the fundamental functions of universities. Law schools have proven far more resistant to the online model than most other faculties. The article analyzes the reasons for and the declining likelihood of their persistence. It investigates intermediate options.
Gradual versus sudden weaning from nasal CPAP in preterm infants: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information on the weaning of nasal CPAP (NCPAP) in preterm infants. As the weaning from NCPAP can be gradual or sudden, we wanted to determine which of the 2 methods was better. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the success of weaning from NCPAP when using the sudden and gradual weaning methods in infants born ≤ 32 weeks. We also compared the weight, post-menstrual age when these infants were successfully weaned from NCPAP, and their length of stay in the hospital. RESULTS: Of the 56 infants included in the study, 28 infants were randomized to each weaning method. The gestational age, birth weight, and other clinical factors were similar between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the rate of success of initial weaning between the 2 methods (P = .65). The infants were successfully weaned at 33.7 ± 2.8 weeks versus 33.8 ± 2.6 weeks (P = .93) post-menstrual age, and at 1,736 ± 487 g versus 1,736 ± 501 g (P = .99) weight in the sudden wean and gradual wean groups, respectively. Length of stay was 61.3 ± 19.6 days for the sudden wean group and 66.0 ± 27.1 days for the gradual wean group (P = .48). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the success of weaning from NCPAP between the 2 weaning methods. The weight and post-menstrual age at the time of successful NCPAP wean also did not differ between the 2 groups. These findings suggest that factors other than the method of CPAP wean, such as pulmonary maturity, may determine the success of NCPAP wean in preterm infants.
Diversity, classification and function of the plant protein kinase superfamily.

Eukaryotic protein kinases belong to a large superfamily with hundreds to thousands of copies and are components of essentially all cellular functions. The goals of this study are to classify prote...
Improvement and Performance Analysis of a Scheme for the Maximum Doppler Frequency Estimation

In this paper, an optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) which is independent from correlation-interval and mobile speed is analyzed, which is on the basis of the channel auto-correlation Doppler shift estimation algorithm. And then an optimized SNR tracking (OSNRT) algorithm on the basis of Rake receiver under multi-path fading channel is proposed. The improved algorithm calculated Doppler shift by selecting a finger whose SNR is nearest to the optimal SNR. Simulation results show that contrasted to conventional schemes the proposed approach is less sensitive to correlation-interval and velocity varieties.
Effect of solubilization of CO2 on the critical micelle concentration of sodium alkyl sulfonates

Abstract The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of aqueous solutions of octyl, decyl, and dodecyl sodium sulfonate have been measured as a function of CO 2 pressure. A thermodynamic model which describes the observed decline in CMC and determines the mole fraction of CO 2 in the micelle is presented. This model is then tested against reported solubility data of other gases in sodium alkyl sulfate solutions and found to be in good agreement. On the basis of these results it appears that the concept of a micelle Laplace pressure is not necessary to explain solubilization in micelles.
Improving patients’ satisfaction with care

The socioeconomic current of our society continues to flow toward placing greater emphasis on “value,” measuring how much is being spent and what outcomes are being achieved. This is certainly true in medicine, where electronic data collection is allowing progressively more detailed assessment of patients’ outcomes (albeit with considerable limitations). Three of the most important outcomes that contribute to the value of medical care are objective improvement patients have in their disease, patients’ subjective satisfaction with the treatment outcome, and patients’ overall satisfaction with their care. Clinical trials measure objective and subjective improvements in disease, providing information about the value of treatment; patients’ satisfaction with care is at times an unappreciated outcome when medicine is viewed from a purely biophysiologic perspective. From the patient perspective, satisfaction with care is perhaps the most direct measure of benefit in the calculation of value. Although physicians can appreciate great joy when achieving objective success in clearing a disease and terrible frustration when being unable to achieve objective success, having very happy patients or very sad patients—the extremes of the patient satisfaction with care outcomes— may be equally or even more impactful on physicians’ perceptions of how the day is going, independent of patients’ objective treatment outcomes. We can expect that measure-
Targeted probes for cardiovascular MRI

Molecular MRI plays an important role in studying molecular and cellular processes associated with heart disease. Targeted probes that recognize important biomarkers of atherosclerosis, apoptosis, necrosis, angiogenesis, thrombosis and inflammation have been developed. This review discusses the properties of chemically different contrast agents including iron oxide nanoparticles, gadolinium-based nanoparticles or micelles, discrete peptide conjugates and activatable probes. Numerous examples of contrast agents based on these approaches have been used in preclinical MRI of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical applications are still under investigation for some selected agents with highly promising initial results. Molecular MRI shows great potential for the detection and characterization of a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, as well as for monitoring response to therapy.
Research to Action

Abstract Over the past two decades, Congress has helped states develop demonstration projects enabling mothers at risk of incarceration for drug offenses to be diverted to community-based facilities to serve their sentence. Many of these projects allow mothers to live with their children while serving their sentence and completing a treatment program. While these demonstration projects are a step in the right direction, there are not enough of them to address the growing needs of mothers at risk of incarceration and children at risk of placement in foster care. With concentrated and thorough research assessing the effectiveness and possibilities for improvement of current demonstration projects, researchers can help demonstrate that it is sound for policy makers to move toward a nation-wide implementation of comprehensive community-based treatment programs for mothers and their children as an alternative to incarceration and foster care placement for families struggling with drug addiction.
A superassociative tagged cache coherence directory

Dynamically tagged directories are memory-efficient mechanisms for maintaining cache coherence in shared-memory multiprocessors. These directories use special-purpose caches of pointers that are subject to two types of overflow: (1) pointer overflow, which limits the maximum sharing of a memory block, and (2) set overflow, which forces the premature invalidation of cached blocks. We propose a superassociative tagged directory that can preserve some of the cached copies of a memory block when a set overflows by allowing multiple address tags in the same set to contain the same address value. Verilog descriptions are used to estimate its implementation cost and timing delay, and a multiprocessor cache simulator is used to evaluate its performance. >
Use of an Evaporative Light Scattering Detector Coupled to MALLS for Determination of Polysaccharide Molecular Weights

Abstract A method to calibrate and use an evaporative light scattering detector (ELS) as a mass detector for molecular weight determination of polysaccharides using a multi‐angle laser light scattering detector (MALLS) is described. The calibration of the ELS is performed under isocratic conditions using concentration values obtained from an interferometric refractive index detector (RI). The observed response fit a power trendline (y= a x b ) for the concentration response of the RI versus the voltage response of the ELS. The combined average log a coefficient was (5.472, s.d.=0.020) and the average b coefficient was (1.372, s.d.=0.004) for all the runs. Band broadening, which could occur between the detectors, was not observed and did not affect the calibration values. Without adjustment the ELS was used as a mass detector for MALLS to accurately determine molecular weights (MW) at elevated buffer concentrations. Mention of a trademark or proprietary product is for identification only and does not impl...
The CMU Pose, Illumination, and Expression (PIE) database

Between October 2000 and December 2000, we collected a database of over 40,000 facial images of 68 people. Using the CMU (Carnegie Mellon University) 3D Room, we imaged each person across 13 different poses, under 43 different illumination conditions, and with four different expressions. We call this database the CMU Pose, Illumination and Expression (PIE) database. In this paper, we describe the imaging hardware, the collection procedure, the organization of the database, several potential uses of the database, and how to obtain the database.
Genetic Variation of Body Temperature of Coturnix coturnix in Two Ambient Temperatures

Coturnix quail were placed in an environmental chamber maintained at 21 degree C. and rectal temperatures taken. The birds were subjected to an abrupt change to 36 degree C. and the temperatures taken hourly for eight hours and at 25, 38 and 72 hours. Females had higher temperatures than males. When birds were moved to 36 degrees C. their temperatures rose rapidly and then dropped to a level higher than when birds were in the 21 degrees C. chamber. The genetic and total variation estimated from the analysis of variance method decreased under this sudden thermal stress condition. Birds kept in 36 degrees C. for three weeks were shifted to 21 degrees C. Their body temperature dropped sharply and then increased to a level lower than that obtained in the 36 degrees C. environment. The genetic variation was essentially zero when shifted to a lower temperature while the total variation increased.
How effective is therapy for childhood stuttering? Dissecting and reinterpreting the evidence in light of spontaneous recovery rates

Background: Similar positive results (e.g. immediate decreases in stuttering frequency and a 60–80% recovery rate from stuttering) have been reported for numerous therapeutic protocols for treating childhood stuttering, many of which have been diametrically opposite in their orientations and implementations. For example, Johnson advocated indirect treatments that simply advocated refraining from drawing any negative attention to childhood disfluencies as persistent and chronic stuttering was thought to progress via negative parental reactions to normal disfluencies. In contrast, direct interventionists sought immediately to eliminate stuttered speech patterns by training ‘corrected’ speech models that usually involved some form of prolonged speech. However, reports from speech and language therapists around North Carolina, USA, suggest much lower recovery rates in the children they treat (i.e. 13.9% over a median therapeutic period of 3 years, which to the present authors is an indicator of therapeutic inefficiency and ineffectiveness). Aims: The discrepancy between these recovery rates calls for a re-examination of the efficacy of stuttering therapy for children, especially in light of recent statements from some therapies suggesting that therapy might be curative in nature. Main contribution: Spontaneous and complete recovery (removing all overt and covert markers of the pathology) occurs in 60–80% of all children who display incipient stuttering behaviours. As such, it appears that many claims of therapeutic success in children who stutter are confounded by the possibility of spontaneous recovery during the testing and intervention period. Simply put, it is impossible to discriminate between recovery that would occur naturally over
Targeting the trehalose utilization pathways of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an epidemic disease and the growing burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB world wide underlines the need to discover new drugs to treat the disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the etiological agent of most cases of TB. Mtb is difficult to treat, in part, due to the presence of a sturdy hydrophobic barrier that prevents penetration of drugs through the cell wall. Mtb can also survive in a non-replicative state for long periods of time avoiding the action of common antibiotics. Trehalose is an essential metabolite in mycobacteria since it plays key roles in cell wall synthesis, transport of cell wall glycolipids, and energy storage. It is also known for its stress protective roles such as: protection from desiccation, freezing, starvation and osmotic stress in bacteria. In this review we discuss the drug discovery efforts against enzymes involved in the trehalose utilization pathways (TUPs) and their likelihood of becoming drug targets.
Sign Functions in Natural and Artificial Systems

This chapter outlines a broad theory of sign use in natural and artificial systems that was developed over several decades within the context of theoretical biology, cybernetics, systems theory, biosemiotics, and neuroscience. Different conceptions of semiosis and information in nature are considered. General functional properties of and operations on signs, including measurement, computation, and sign-directed actions are described. A taxonomy of semiotic systems is built up from combinations of these operations. The respective functional organizations and informational capabilities of formal systems and computempiral-predictive scientific models, percept-action systems, purposive goal-seeking systems, and self-constructing systems are discussed. Semiotic relations are considered in terms of Morrisean semiotic triad of syntactics, semantics, and pragmatics. Analysis of statetransition structure is used to demarcate functional boundaries, such as epistemic and control cuts. Capabilities for open-ended behavior, combinatoric and emergent creativity, and umwelt expansion are taken up. Finally, basic problems of neurosemiotics, neural coding, and neurophenomenology are outlined.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy with Ni61

The practical application of Mossbauer spectroscopy to the study of nickel compounds has been retarded by two factors: (1) late discovery of a suitable, single-line source and (2) the short half-lives of both possible parent isotopes of Ni61. A suitable source of 15% chromium in nickel is activated by 1 hr of exposure to 100-MeV bremsstrahlung in the NBS linear electron accelerator. The source has a fractional effect of about 0.1 at 77°K and yields an experimental line width of 0.097 ± 0.004 cm/sec when extrapolated to zero thickness in source and absorber.
Estrogen-binding parameters of cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors in an established rat endometrial cell line and tumor.

We have consistently found receptors for estradiol in both the cytosol and nuclear extracts of a rat endometrial cell line and in transplantable tumors derived from this cell line. The equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) and the rate constants for the receptor-estradiol interaction in these cells and tumors did not differ significantly from those of the cytosol receptor in the rat uterus. A mean Kd of 3 × 10−10 M with a rate of association (ka) of 3 × 105 M−1 sec-1 and a rate of dissociation (kd) of 1.5 × 10−5 sec−1 were obtained for nuclear and cytosol receptors for both tumors and cells. For uterine cytosol, a Kd of 8 × 10−10 M, ka = 2.8 × 105 M−1sec−1 and kd = 1 × 10−5 sec−1 were obtained. Although no differences were seen in equilibrium and kinetic parameters for estradiol-17β binding between the nuclear and cytosol receptors of tumors and cells, an apparent difference in the relative affinities of nuclear and cytosol receptors for estrone was detected. This suggests that the binding site in nucle...
Simulating Human Water Regulation: The Development of an Optimal Complexity, Climate-Adaptive Reservoir Management Model for an LSM

AbstractThe widespread influence of reservoirs on global rivers makes representations of reservoir outflow and storage essential components of large-scale hydrology and climate simulations across the land surface and atmosphere. Yet, reservoirs have yet to be commonly integrated into earth system models. This deficiency influences model processes such as evaporation and runoff, which are critical for accurate simulations of the coupled climate system. This study describes the development of a generalized reservoir model capable of reproducing realistic reservoir behavior for future integration in a global land surface model (LSM). Equations of increasing complexity relating reservoir inflow, outflow, and storage were tested for 14 California reservoirs that span a range of spatial and climate regimes. Temperature was employed in model equations to modulate seasonal changes in reservoir management behavior and to allow for the evolution of management seasonality as future climate varies. Optimized paramete...
Polypharmacy—Time to Get Beyond Numbers

Polypharmacy: time to get beyond numbers Invited commentary on: Qato et al, “Changes in prescription and over-the-counter medication and dietary supplement use among older adults in the United States, 2005 vs 2011” and Jou et al, “Non-disclosure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use to usual care providers: Findings from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey” Michael A. Steinman, MD Division of Geriatrics, University of California, San Francisco and the San Francisco VA Health Care System Word count: 1023 References: 7 Support: Supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging (K24-AG049057-01 and P30- AG044281) Acknowledgement / Disclosure: Dr. Steinman is a consultant for iodine.com, an internet start-up company. Corresponding author: Michael A. Steinman, MD 4150 Clement St, VA Box 181G San Francisco, CA 94121 mike.steinman@ucsf.edu
Bilateral Complete Osseous Coalition of the Capitate and Trapezoid.

Background Isolated capitate–trapezoid coalition is a rare form of carpal coalition with few cases described in the literature and a little insight as to how it should be addressed clinically. Case Description We present a case of bilateral, a complete osseous carpal coalition between capitate and trapezoid discovered in the setting of atraumatic, symptomatic scapholunate dissociation in a 59-year-old, right-handed mechanic. Literature Review Published reports of capitate–trapezoid coalition are rare, and there is no consensus as to whether this abnormality is a symptomatic pathology or incidental finding. Most reports describe the finding, but do not recommend a course of treatment; several recommend surgery, but the patient declined or it was not mentioned whether it was performed. Clinical Relevance Capitate–trapezoid coalition is a rare condition that may present symptomatically or may be found incidentally. Reports are scant, and there are no guidelines for how to address these clinically. We present the first bilateral case report of capitate–trapezoid coalition confirmed with cross-sectional imaging and present a treatment algorithm.
SLAaaS: an OCCI Compliant Framework for Cloud SLA Provisioning and Violation Detection

SLAs are an integral part of all modern service provisioning operations. They have been a topic of discussion, research and development for many years but still the norm is the use of rigid, complex and not easy to automate Service Level Agreements. In this paper we are presenting a service framework that is leveraging the OCCI specification in order to facilitate standardized SLA provisioning and violation detection. This SLA as a Service (SLAaaS) offering is provided as an open source framework to any Service Provider that wants to efficiently enhance his infrastructure with SLA support.
Risk Assessment of Urban Power Network Based on Enumerative Sampling Method

The basic concept of risk assessment for urban power network is presented, and a risk assessemnt model for urban power network and the calculation of its indices are proposed. Firstly, the outage model of components is decided; then based on the load variation curves of load nodes the sampling, calculation and analysis of various system states are performed by enumerative sampling method. By means of computing the occurrence probabilities of different operation modes and accumulating computation results, the risk assessement indices such as lost of load probability (LOLP) of urban power network, expected energy not supply (EENS) and so on are achieved. In the proposed model, factors such as complexity of urban power network structure, randomness of load variation and distribution of important consumers are fully considered, thus the weak links in urban power network operation ban be reflected by the values of risk levels. Case study results verifiy the effectiveness of the proposed model and method.
Effect of Extracellular Polymeric Substances on Flocculation-Sedimentation during Domestic Wastewater Treatment

The effects of concentrations of protein and polysaccharide, mass ratio of protein to polysaccharide (P/C) and total quantity of EPS on flocculation-sedimentation were studied using an integrated membrane biological reactor (IMBR) during domestic wastewater treatment at room temperature. The relationships between influential factors and turbidity as well as sludge volume index (SVI) were established by binomial nonlinear regression equations, and the corresponding flocculation-sedimentation mechanism was analyzed. The results show that increasing the concentration of EPS worsens the flocculation and sedimentation with the higher nonlinear related coefficient (R2) being 0.683 and 0.785, respectively. With the increase of concentrations of protein and polysaccharide, both turbidity and SVI exhibit ascending tendency, demonstrating the depressed flocculation-sedimentation. The turbidity decreases while SVI displays a relative steady with increasing of P/C. And the polysaccharide has a greater effect on flocculation-sedimentation than protein. Based on the DLVO theory, the functions of EPS and its constitutes were analyzed. It is explained that the flocculation-sedimentation mechanism originates from the competitive result between long range van der Waals force and double-layer repulsion.
Polarized distribution of renal natriuretic peptide receptors in normal physiology and ischemia

The polarized expression of guanylyl cyclase-coupled natriuretic peptide receptors, types A (GC-A) and B (GC-B), was measured in inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCD) of normal and ischemic rat k...
The role of surgery in respiratory emergencies.

Establishing and maintaining an adequate airway in the infant in respiratory distress often requires prompt surgical intervention. Diaphragmatic hernia, anatomic obstruction, tracheoesophageal fistula, and foreign bodies are among the many causes. The procedure for tracheostomy is discussed.
Making Through the Lens of Culture and Power: Toward Transformative Visions for Educational Equity

In this essay, Shirin Vossoughi, Paula Hooper, and Meg Escude advance a critique of branded, culturally normative definitions of making and caution against their uncritical adoption into the educational sphere. The authors argue that the ways making and equity are conceptualized can either restrict or expand the possibility that the growing maker movement will contribute to intellectually generative and liberatory educational experiences for working-class students and students of color. After reviewing various perspectives on making as educative practice, they present a framework that treats the following principles as starting points for equity-oriented research and design: critical analyses of educational injustice; historicized approaches to making as cross-cultural activity; explicit attention to pedagogical philosophies and practices; and ongoing inquiry into the sociopolitical values and purposes of making. These principles are grounded in their own research and teaching in the Tinkering Afterschool...
LG-47TYPE II RAF INHIBITORS INHIBIT BRAF MUTATIONS AND TRUNCATED FUSIONS IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS

LG-47. TYPE II RAF INHIBITORS INHIBIT BRAF MUTATIONS AND TRUNCATED FUSIONS IN PEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS Mark W. Kieran1,2, Yu Sun1, Catherine Pilarz1, David Calligaris3, Emily J. Chadwick1, John A. Alberta1, Shakti H. Ramkissoon1,2, Lori A. Ramkissoon1, Veronica Matia Garcia1, Kim Wilkinson1, Michael Kane1, Liliana Goumnerova1,2, Susan N. Chi1,2, Peter Manley1,2, Karen D. Wright1,2, Nathalie Y. Agar1,3, Keith L. Ligon1,3, Rameen Beroukhim1,3, Pratiti Bandopadhayay1,2, Geoffrey Kannan1,2, Rosalind A. Segal1, Levi A. Garraway1, Nathanael S. Gray1, Michael Eck1, Charles D. Stiles1, and Sara J. Buhrlage1; Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA; Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; BrighamandWomen’sHospital/HarvardMedical School,Boston,MA,USA PURPOSE: Abnormal signaling of the ras/raf pathway predominates in pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGGs). Most (75%) non-NF1 low-grade gliomas have Ras-independent BRAF activation, either due to KIAA1549:BRAF truncated fusion duplication or V600E point mutation. While the latter BRAF oncoprotein functions as a monomer, the truncated fusion form requires dimerization. Type I BRAF V600E inhibitors approved for melanoma effectively abrogate monomeric signaling by targeting the “DFG-in” kinase conformation but paradoxically activate wild type RAF dimers. We therefore evaluated Type II RAF inhibitor activity (targeting the “DFG-out” kinase conformation). METHODS: We developed multiple pathway relevant model systems for different BRAF point mutations and KIAA1549 variants using neural progenitor cells from mouse embryos for in vitro, in vivo and mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, we developed an organoid ex vivo avatar assay from direct patient samples to identify drugs inhibiting these targets. We subsequently treated a single patient with one of two identified compounds. RESULTS: Two different type II BRAF inhibitors capable of inhibiting downstream activation of pERK and tumor progression in vivo for multiple point mutations and BRAF truncated fusion forms were identified. One compound was active on authentic human PLGA cells ex vivo and showed excellent CNS penetration. CONCLUSIONS: Type II BRAF inhibitors possess a unique mechanism of action targeting the BRAF/MEK complex and inhibiting both BRAF point mutations and common structural abnormalities (KIAA1549) in PLGGs. These results have led to the development of a phase I/0/II trial. Neuro-Oncology 18:iii78–iii96, 2016. doi:10.1093/neuonc/now075.47 #The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
Computer-assisted instruction for decision making in food systems management.

Case studies relating to the management of personnel were presented to 48 students via computer-assisted instruction. Students self-confidence increased following instruction.
Putting the brakes on the brakes: negative emotion disrupts cognitive control network functioning and alters subsequent stopping ability

The ability to inhibit unwanted responses is critical for effective control of behavior, and inhibition failures can have disastrous consequences in real-world situations. Here, we examined how prior exposure to negative emotional stimuli affects the response-stopping network. Participants performed the stop-signal task, which relies on inhibitory control processes, after they viewed blocks of either negatively emotional or neutral images. In Experiment 1, we found that neural activity was reduced following negative image viewing. When participants were required to inhibit responding after neutral image viewing, we observed activation consistent with previous studies using the stop-signal task. However, when participants were required to inhibit responding after negative image viewing, we observed reductions in the activation of ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, medial frontal cortex, and parietal cortex. Furthermore, analysis of neural connectivity during stop-signal task blocks indicated that across participants, emotion-induced changes in behavioral performance were associated with changes in functional connectivity, such that greater behavioral impairment after negative image viewing was associated with greater weakening of connectivity. In Experiment 2, we collected behavioral data from a larger sample of participants and found that stopping performance was impaired after negative image viewing, as seen in longer stop-signal reaction times. The present results demonstrate that negative emotional events can prospectively disrupt the neural network supporting response inhibition.
Pluralism and Realism Revisited

We saw in §3.5 that biologists have proposed many different conceptions of species. Generally speaking, these conceptions are answers to the species category question: What makes some group of organisms a group at the species rank?1 This diversity of answers is problematic for several reasons. One problem has a purely practical character. If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves talking past one another when talking about species. That difficulty can be addressed, of course, by simply taking care to say precisely what we mean by ‘species’.
Hemifacial Seizures and Cerebellar Ganglioglioma

A female infant with cerebellar ganglioglioma who developed hemifacial seizures from the first day of life is reported from the Miami Children’s Hospital, FL.
Addictive Behaviors and Substance Abuse

Addictive behaviors have reached epidemic proportions and present a dominant public health and social concern in the United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1990). Although cautious optimism may derive from apparent decreases in the use of some substances, such as the hallucinogens, the burgeoning use of other illicit substances—most recently “crack” cocaine, inhalable methamphetamine, and “designer” drugs—has provoked considerable societal alarm. The economic value of decreased economic productivity, unemployment, escalating health care costs, and criminal justice expenses attributed to substance abuse is estimated in the United States at more than $100 billion annually (National Institute of Justice, 1989). Tobacco use alone may cost at least half again as much (Koop, 1989). Estimates of societal expense are usually limited to lost wages and property theft and do not include less obvious losses such as declining property values often found in urban, high-crime areas. Similarly, they do not reflect the personal and societal costs associated with the spread of diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human T-lymphotropic virus, type 1 (HTLV-1), which are increasingly connected with a substance-abusing lifestyle (Rezza et al., 1990).
Surface phonon polaritons on anisotropic piezoelectric superlattices

A theoretical study of surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) on periodically poled lithium niobate and periodically poled lithium tantalate surfaces is presented. We calculate the dielectric response for six different superlattice orientations and the associated SPhP dispersion relations. Our study of SPhPs accounts for the anisotropic nature of the dielectric response of the semi-infinite piezoelectric superlattices. We find that two different types of SPhPs can be supported. The first type consists of real surface dipole oscillations coupled to photons. The second type consists of virtual surface dipole oscillations driven by the incident photons. The dependence of the SPhPs on temperature and superlattice geometry is addressed. The use of these metamaterial excitations is discussed in the context of hybrid quantum systems.
Development of Far-Red and Ultraviolet Digital Frequency-Domain Flow Cytometry Systems

Flow cytometry is a powerful single cell analysis technique that uses fluorescence and light scatter to characterize differences (i.e., phenotype, genotype, morphology, etc.) in large cell populations. Digital excited state lifetime measurements with flow cytometry have been largely underutilized; the measurement of fluorescence decay rates by molecules in or on the surface of cells is challenging to accurately measure when the samples are moving rapidly through the path of a laser excitation source. In past work, we have shown that time-resolved cytometry can provide accurate measurements of the fluorescence lifetime of organic fluorophores at standard cytometric throughputs (∼1000 cells/s). Herein, we advance our digital laser modulation and signal processing approaches to develop cytometry systems that operate across a broader spectral range. We optimized a far-red and ultraviolet (UV) cytometry instruments and present fluorescence microsphere results to determine detection sensitivity. The expansion of time-resolved systems across a wider color spectrum is important for many new applications including the development of near-infrared fluorescent proteins and the detection of UV-excitable autofluorescence in single cells.
Broadening Impact for Library Exhibitions and Speakers

ABSTRACTLibraries curate exhibitions and host speakers to promote collections and engage communities. Traditional library exhibit spaces present information gaps for visitors. To bridge these gaps, the University of Florida (UF) created and deployed innovative technologies, the Community Engagement Engine (CEE) for iPads (handheld and kiosks). The CEE facilitates visitor's registration as well as questions and comments sent directly to curators with automated email responses with relevant materials. The CEE allows libraries to aggregate visitor information for targeted outreach and assessment. This article discusses the CEE for innovative community engagement, including considerations for other institutions interested in engaged exhibitions programs.
Genetic and epigenetic regulation of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is most commonly characterized as a disease of the intercalated disc that promotes abnormal cardiac conduction. Previously, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy was frequently referred to as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D); however, genotype–phenotype studies have defined a broader phenotypic spectrum; with the identification of left-dominant and biventricular subtypes. Molecular insight into AC has primarily focused on mutations in desmosomal proteins and the downstream signaling pathways; however, desmosomal gene mutations can only be identified in approximately 50% of patients with AC. Animal and cellular studies have shown that in addition to abnormal biomechanical properties from changes in desmosome function, crosstalk from the desmosome to the nucleus, gap junctions, and ion channels are implicated in the pathobiology of AC. In this review, we highlight some of the newly identified genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that may lead to the development of AC including the role of the Hippo pathway and microRNAs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Genetic and epigenetic control of heart failure - edited by Jun Ren & Megan Yingmei Zhang.
Unpacking the dimensions of organizational tension: the case of sexual violence response and prevention among college students

ABSTRACTHow universities address sexual violence is increasingly scrutinized because of the devastating consequences to students who experience violence and mandates that tie federal funding to response and prevention efforts. However, university departments that have a vested interest in sexual violence response and prevention differ in how they frame the problem. This study employs a tension-centered approach to investigate how a multi-disciplinary team addresses the tensions of sexual violence response and prevention. Findings highlight two new dimensions of organizational dilemmas: (1) an occupational orientation dimension and (2) an action orientation dimension. These new dimensions articulate an explanatory framework that underscores how the tension is understood and then posits a repertoire of viable response strategies. These strategies drive particular logics that (re)frame future responses to dilemmas and constrain or transform how team members approach complex organizational dilemmas. This stud...
Complications and Management of Robotic Lower Urinary Tract Procedures

Since 2002, robotic-assisted urologic surgery has replaced a significant number of open surgical pelvic procedures such as radical prostatectomy and radical cystectomy. The percentage of robotic-assisted procedures has been increasing ever since. In tandem, whenever new technology-associated procedures are introduced, there is a learning curve associated with this, and as a direct consequence, so are the associated number of complications. Being an expensive and high profile technology, robotic surgery has undergone a disproportionately higher scrutiny, and all users of robotic surgery should be cognizant of this trend. This chapter reviews the complications associated with robotic lower urinary tract surgical procedures as it relates to patient positioning, intra-operative, and post-operative diagnoses and discusses management strategies.
Examining the Robustness of Grasping Force Optimization Methods Using Uncertainty Analysis

The development of robust and adaptable methods of grasping force optimization (GFO) is an important consideration for robotic devices, especially those which are designed to interact naturally wit...
A Preliminary Study of Left Ventricular Rotational Mechanics in Children with Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy: Do They Influence Ventricular Function?

Background Current diagnostic criteria for noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCC) lack specificity, and the disease lacks prognostic indicators. Reverse apical rotation (RAR) with abnormal rotation of the cardiac apex in the same clockwise direction as the base has been described in adults with NCC. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that RAR might differentiate between symptomatic NCC and benign hypertrabeculations and might be associated with ventricular dysfunction. Methods Echocardiograms from 28 children with NCC without cardiac malformations were prospectively compared with those from 29 age-matched normal control subjects. A chart review was performed to identify the patients' histories and clinical characteristics. Speckle-tracking was used to measure longitudinal strain, circumferential strain, and rotation. Results RAR occurred in 39% of patients with NCC. History of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or arrhythmia was universal in, but not exclusive to, patients with RAR. Patients with RAR had lower LV longitudinal strain but similar ejection fractions compared with patients without RAR (median, -15.6% [interquartile range, -12.9% to -19.3%] vs -19% [interquartile range, -14.5% to -21.9%], P P = .08). Only a pattern of contraction with RAR, early arrest of twisting by mid-systole, and premature untwisting was associated with lower ejection fraction (46%; interquartile range, 43% to 52%; P = .006). Conclusions RAR is not a sensitive but is a specific indicator of complications in children with NCC. Therefore, RAR may have prognostic rather than diagnostic value. Premature untwisting of the left ventricle during ejection may be an even more worrisome indicator of LV dysfunction.
Likelihood estimation of drug occupancy for brain PET studies.

Abstract Neuroimaging with PET is unique in its capability to measure in vivo the occupancy of a drug. The occupancy is typically obtained by conducting PET measurements before and after administration of the drug. For radioligands for which no reference region exists, however, the only established procedure to estimate the occupancy from these data is via linear regression analysis, forming the basis for the so-called Lassen plot. There are several reasons why simple linear regression analysis is not ideal for analyzing these data, including regression attenuation and correlated errors. Here, we propose the use of Likelihood Estimation of Occupancy (LEO) in such a situation. Similar to the Lassen plot, LEO uses the total distribution volume estimates at baseline and at block condition as input, but estimates the non-displaceable distribution volume (VND) and fractional occupancy ( Δ ) via direct maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). This study outlines the rationale for using MLE to estimate Δ and VND from PET data, and evaluates its performance in relation to the Lassen Plot via two separate simulation experiments. Finally, LEO and Lassen plot are applied to a PET dataset acquired with [11C]WAY-100635. LEO can exploit the covariance structure of the data to improve the accuracy and precision of the estimates of Δ and VND. Theoretically, the covariance matrix can be extracted from a test-retest dataset for the radioligand at hand. Several procedures to estimate the covariance matrix were considered as part of the simulation experiments, and the effect of the test-retest sample size was also assessed. The results are conclusive in that MLE can be used to estimate Δ and VND from PET data, avoiding the limitations associated with linear regression. The performance of LEO was, naturally, dependent on the procedure used to estimate the covariance matrix, and the test-retest sample size. Given a test-retest sample size of at least 5, but preferably 10 individuals, LEO provides higher accuracy and precision than Lassen plot in the estimation of Δ and VND. We conclude that LEO is valuable in drug occupancy studies.
Stem Cell-Based Therapeutics in Ophthalmology: Application Toward the Design of Clinical Trials

Stem cell-based therapeutics have been proposed as a technology for restoration of anatomic structure and visual function for retinal degenerative diseases. Success in animal studies and preliminary trials may offer hope for patients afflicted by a variety of retinal degenerations. However, as clinical trials expand and advance to latter phases, it is important to address key study design issues. This chapter discusses the parameters for research into stem cell-based therapeutics. Efficacy endpoints for studies can be defined along objective physiologic, psychofunctional, anatomic, and functional living axes. Pupillometry, electroretinography, and radiologic tools are discussed as objective tools for the assessment of treatment outcome. Additionally, optical coherence tomography(OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and other imaging tools may be used. Psychofunctional tests may be less reliable among a pediatric population. Finally, improvements in functional living may be reported by patients and assessed by various measures.
Parasite Redirection of Neurohormonally Driven Developmental Pathways that are Associated with Size Thresholds

The metamorphosis of insects provides an interesting and useful model with which to study how neural and neurohormonal systems regulate the transition from the immature to the adult stage. One level of regulation involves or is closely correlated with size thresholds. Classical and recent work with hemipterans has shown that the stimulus for molting is derived from stretch receptors which are sensitive to gut distension (Nijhout 1981). Research on lepidopteran growth and development has identified several size thresholds which regulate expression of certain developmental programs. The cycle of larval-larval molts continues until the insect reaches a body or exoskeletal size which signals attainment of the final larval instar. The size of the sclerotized head capsule is an index of this critical size, and a critical head capsule width has been determined for several species. During the final feeding phase, size thresholds have been correlated with commitment of certain tissues toward metamorphosis. The feeding stage ends when a final size threshold is reached, which is a function of the size of the insect at ecdysis to the final instar (Nijhout 1981; Jones et al. 1981).
Phospholipase abolishes the effect of stimulated platelets on the thrombin activation of factor VIII

Factor VIII functions as a cofactor in the intrinsic coagulation pathway and must first be activated to function optimally in this capacity. Low concentrations of thrombin activate factor VIII, and the presence of stimulated platelets is known to enhance the activation of factor VIII complexed to von Willebrand factor. The current studies show that platelets stimulated by thrombin, collagen, or calcium ionophore will increase the activation of isolated factor VIII by thrombin. Ongoing platelet release is not necessary for the enhanced factor VIII activation, nor is platelet von Willebrand factor or platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib or IIb/IIIa. Platelet membrane phospholipids, on the other hand, are important for the enhanced activation of factor VIII by thrombin because the effect of stimulated platelets is abolished by incubation of the stimulated platelets with phospholipases. These results suggest that the enhanced activation of factor VIII by thrombin in the presence of stimulated platelets may be mediated by factor VIII binding to platelet phospholipid or to a receptor whose functional integrity is dependent on surrounding membrane phospholipid.