cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deaf Children of Hearing Parents Have Age-Level Vocabulary Growth When Exposed to American Sign Language by 6 Months of Age.

Objective To examine whether children who are deaf or hard of hearing who have hearing parents can develop age-level vocabulary skills when they have early exposure to a sign language. Study design This cross-sectional study of vocabulary size included 78 children who are deaf or hard of hearing between 8 and 68 months of age who were learning American Sign Language (ASL) and had hearing parents. Children who were exposed to ASL before 6 months of age or between 6 and 36 months of age were compared with a reference sample of 104 deaf and hard of hearing children who have parents who are deaf and sign. Results Deaf and hard of hearing children with hearing parents who were exposed to ASL in the first 6 months of life had age-expected receptive and expressive vocabulary growth. Children who had a short delay in ASL exposure had relatively smaller expressive but not receptive vocabulary sizes, and made rapid gains. Conclusions Although hearing parents generally learn ASL alongside their children who are deaf, their children can develop age-expected vocabulary skills when exposed to ASL during infancy. Children who are deaf with hearing parents can predictably and consistently develop age-level vocabularies at rates similar to native signers; early vocabulary skills are robust predictors of development across domains.
Hospitalization Cost and In-hospital Outcomes Following Type B Thoracic Aortic Dissection Repair

Background Several studies have reported lower mortality and morbidity after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) when compared to open surgical repair (OSR) in the treatment of type B aortic dissection (TbAD). However, there are few studies in the literature on the cost of both treatment options. Thus, the aim of this study is to focus on in-hospital outcomes and cost associated with TbAD repair procedures in a national database in the United States. Methods A retrospective review of the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD) between June 2009 and March 2015 was performed. ICD-9-CM codes were used to identify patients who underwent OSR or TEVAR for TbAD. Endpoints included in-hospital adverse events, in-hospital mortality and hospitalization cost. Logistic regression models and generalized linear models were used to assess the impact of treatment type on the main outcomes. Results Out of 1752 patients with TbAD, 54.3% underwent OSR and 45.7% underwent TEVAR. Patients in the TEVAR group were older [median age, 64 (IQR 54–73) vs. 59 (IQR 49–70), P Conclusion The present study shows that TEVAR presents an advantage in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost when compared to OSR in the treatment of TbAD. However, long-term cost-effectiveness of both procedures remains unknown. Further research is warranted to see whether the superiority of TEVAR is maintained over time.
Characteristics of benign neuroblastic tumors: Is surgery always necessary?

Abstract Purpose Ganglioneuroma (GN) and ganglioneuroblastoma-intermixed (GNB-I) represent benign variants of neuroblastic tumors in children; however, differentiating from more aggressive histological variants of GNB including the nodular subtype (GNB-N) prior to resection can be challenging, even with biopsy. Currently, no standard treatment guidelines exist. The purpose of this study was to identify pre-operative characteristics of benign neuroblastic tumors and evaluate outcomes for patients who underwent surgical resection or observation. Methods Retrospective chart review of children treated at a single institution between 2009 and 2019 for non-metastatic tumor with a tissue diagnosis of GN, GNB-N or GNB-I. Demographics, imaging, labs, operative details and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Of 53 patients, 45% were male. The most common tumor location was abdomen (49%), followed by thorax (34%). Forty-five percent had at least one image defined risk factor. Biopsy was performed in 32% (17/53) and upfront surgery in 68% (36/53). Three patients (3/53, 5.6%) with biopsy demonstrating GN tumors were observed due to high surgical risk. Pathology of resected specimens demonstrated GN in 52% (26/50) and GNB-I or GNB-N in 48% (24/50). The majority of GNB tumors (75% (18/24) were GNB-I and 25% (6/24) were GNB-N. Therefore, 88% of the resected tumors were benign spectrum neuroblastic tumors (GN & GNB-I). Seven (7/50, 14%) patients experienced perioperative complication (temporary paralysis, Horner's syndrome, chylothorax, vocal cord paralysis). Recurrence was noted in 1 patient with GN (1/50, 2%) and 3 with GNB-N (3/50, 6%). There were no tumor-related deaths. Patients with GN were older than those with GNB (8.8 years (IQR 6–11.25) vs 5.6 years for GN (IQR 3–7); p = 0.01). GNB tumors were also more likely to have calcifications on imaging (63% vs. 38%, p = .01) and more commonly had MIBG avidity (88% vs 66%, p = .04). There were no significant differences in tumor size or symptoms at presentation. Conclusions In children with neuroblastic tumors, older age, CT without tumor calcifications, lack of MIBG avidity, and/or normal urine catecholamines may indicate benign GN. Close observation could be considered for asymptomatic patients meeting these criteria with biopsy-proven GN, with resection reserved for progressive growth or symptom development. However, larger, multicenter studies are needed for further validation. Level of evidence IV.
Gestational exposure to high fat diets and bisphenol A alters metabolic outcomes in dams and offspring, but produces hepatic steatosis only in dams.

Abstract The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Perinatal development is a critical window for altered, lifelong health trajectory, and evidence supports the role of perinatal programming in chronic metabolic diseases. To examine the impact of diet and bisphenol A (BPA) on the developmental trajectory of NAFLD in offspring, we exposed dams from pre-gestation through lactation to a human-relevant dose of oral BPA coupled with intake of high fat Western or Mediterranean-style diets. We assessed hepatic steatosis by quantifying hepatic triglycerides (TGs) and metabolic health by measuring body weight, relative organ weights, and serum hormone levels in dams and offspring at postnatal day 10 (PND10) and 10-months of age. In dams, consumption of the Western or Mediterranean diet increased hepatic TGs 1.7–2.4-fold, independent of BPA intake. Among offspring, both perinatal diet and BPA exposure had a greater impact on metabolic outcomes than on hepatic steatosis. At PND10, serum leptin levels were elevated 2.6–4.8-fold in pups exposed to the Mediterranean diet, with a trend for sex-specific effects on body and organ weights. At 10-months, sex-specific increases in organ weight and hormone levels were observed in mice perinatally exposed to Western + BPA or Mediterranean + BPA. These findings suggest lifestage-specific interaction of perinatal exposures to experimental diets and BPA on offspring metabolic health without effects on NAFLD later in life. Importantly, alterations in dam phenotype by diet and BPA exposure appear to impact offspring health trajectory, emphasizing the need to define dam diet in assessing effects of environmental exposures on offspring health.
Differential effects of immediate posttraining sulphide microinfusions into the nucleus accumbens shell and core on Morris water maze retention

Extensive evidence indicates that the nucleus accumbens is involved in spatial learning and memory tasks. There has been relatively little inquiry, however, into which of the two anatomically and functionally distinct subregions of the nucleus accumbens (the shell and the core) mediate this involvement. To investigate this issue, male Sprague–Dawley rats implanted with bilateral intracerebral guide cannulae aimed at the medial shell or core were given eight training trials in the standard hidden platform version of the Morris water maze, immediately followed by intracerebral microinfusions of the D2 dopamine antagonist sulphide or saline vehicle. A probe trial retention test 2 days later revealed that sulphide microinfusions into the shell significantly increased latency to reach the platform location, whereas sulphide microinfusions into the core significantly decreased the time spent swimming near the platform location and significantly increased the time spent swimming in the maze periphery. The results suggest that the nucleus accumbens shell and core may be involved in the consolidation of memory for different aspects of water maze task performance.
Evidence for a doubly innervated secretory unit in the anuran pars intermedia. II. Electron microscopic studies.

Abstract Two types of spontaneously active electrical units were found in the pars intermedia of frogs. Lesion experiments show that these units are neurons that come to the pars intermedia separately grouped in the infundibular floor. One neuron type is inhibited by light; the other is indifferent to changes in illumination. For inhibition of the light-sensitive unit, the eye is not the photoreceptor but the pineal organ appears to be. Reconciling these data with the published literature suggests that the basic secretory unit in the anuran pars intermedia is a doubly innervated cell. The light-indifferent neuron is probably adrenergic and tonically inhibitory. The light-inhibitable neuron probably stimulates MSH release when its electrical activity is maximal (in environments of low light value); in the light, when spontaneous electrical activity of the second neuronal type is minimal, the tonically inhibitory influence supervenes, presumably reducing MSH release.
The Use of the Uvicon-Celescope Television System for Ultra-violet Astronomical Photometryt†

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the use of the Uvicon-Celescope television system for ultra-violet astronomical photometry. The Uvicon and the Celescope have been developed to meet the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's requirement for measuring the ultra-violet brightness and the positions of a very large number of objects throughout the sky. Figures present in this chapter are the actual appearance of the experimental apparatus. It shows a block diagram that highlights the basic design of the Celescope equipment and the various steps by which this equipment transforms the input information into the appropriate output video signal. The first transformation, optical focusing, is performed by the optical sub-system in the usual fashion. The second transformation is conversion to photoelectric current by the Uvicon photocathode. The third transformation is conversion of the photoelectric current into a video signal. The fourth transformation is amplification of the video signal and conversion to digital form by the electronic sub-system. A tabular data gives the performance requirements placed on the Celescope system in terms of accuracy of measurement and range of variation of the input variables compared with actual system performance, as demonstrated by tests using both laboratory and space-borne equipment.
Optoelectronic look-up table using VCSEL-based logic

Look-up tables, also known as truth tables, have been commonly used in several processing tasks, such as database operations, associative processing, residue arithmetic, cache memories, mathematical function modules, and instruction decoding. In its simplest form, a look-up table contains a list of values that must be compared against an input argument. If the input value is found among the table entries, a match signal is generated. Many variations of this scheme exist, such as input/output tabulation, multiple and/or partial matching capability, content addressable memories, and auto- and heteroassociative memories. The main function of searching the look-up table is a highly parallel process and must be completed, preferably, in a single step. The low computational requirements of the look-up operation, coupled with its large degree of parallelism and tabular representation of data, have led to several implementations of optical look-up table architectures. In this paper, we describe an optoelectronic look-up table configuration based on an array of exclusive-or gates implemented with heterostructure phototransistors (HPT) and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL). >
Hemodynamic effects of intravenous amiodarone in patients with depressed left ventricular function and recurrent ventricular tachycardia

The systemic hemodynamic effects of intravenously administered amiodarone were evaluated in patients with depressed left ventricular function and recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia. Heart rate decreased linearly up to 1 hour after amiodarone infusion (5 mg/kg). Cardiac index varied in a cubic fashion, diminishing at 10 minutes and returning to baseline by 60 minutes (p < 0.05). Stroke work index also showed a similar decrease at 10 minutes, which was transient (p < 0.005). These changes occurred without any significant change in systemic vascular resistance and with slight or no increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, indicating a negative inotropic effect of amiodarone. The depression of left ventricular function in these patients, however, was mild and transient, and intravenously administered amiodarone was tolerated by the vast majority of patients. In two patients with overt heart failure and severely depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and marked hemodynamic abnormalities, profound hypotension occurred during amiodarone therapy; in such patients, therefore, hemodynamic monitoring is preferable. Limited data are available on the hemodynamic effects of orally administered amiodarone, but the determination of left ventricular ejection fraction by radionuclide ventriculography before and during long-term amiodarone administration has shown no reduction of function even in patients with severely reduced myocardial performance.
Prevention of chelation by an oxygen function through protection with a triisopropyl silyl group

Abstract In contrast to other α- and β-alkoxy substituents the triisopropylsilyloxy group does not depress the high diastereomer excess normally realized in nucleophilic addition to 2-acyl-1,3-oxathianes.
L’impasse Canada-Québec et le sort de Radio-Canada : l’autonomie culturelle ou la mort!

Cet article presente une critique comparative du systeme public de la radiodiffusion et de la rationalisation des « mondes vecus » canadien et quebecois. Il propose une theorisation de la culture et de la politique de l’espace public basee sur la problematique de la reconnaissance de Taylor et sur la distinction des systemes et des mondes vecus d’Habermas. La problematique concerne l’impasse politique entre le Canada et le Quebec et le demantelement possible de Radio-Canada. L’auteur aborde successivement l’histoire de la SRC et de la CBC du point de vue de la regulation des societes canadienne et quebecoise et tente de justifier la proposition d’un Radio-Quebec Global comme institution centrale pour le developpement du projet de societe dans un Quebec souverain.
Selection of measurement frequencies for optimal extraction of tissue impedance model parameters.

The results are presented of a study performed to determine the measurement frequencies that provide optimal extraction of tissue impedance model parameters from in vivo measured electrical impedance spectra. Measurement frequency sets that are logarithmic and quasi-linear, and frequency sets that produce angularly equidistant points on the Nyquist loci are used to test the parametric fitting algorithm that calculates R0, R∞, α and τ tissue parameters from complex impedance spectra. Simulated data, calculated in the presence of ≤5% measurement noise, and in vivo experiments indicate that the quality of the fitted parameters depends upon the selection of measurement frequencies. The results show that, if measurements are performed with a system that has a realistic measurement bandwidth, then, for the best estimation of: R0, the measurement frequencies should include the decade from 100Hz-1 kHz; R∞, the algorithm should not include frequencies under 1kHz; α and τ, the measurement frequencies should be equidistantly spaced on the Nyquist locus.
Bernstein's theorem in a dsc-pola

A more general form of this theorem can be proved with order theoretic methods by treating linear operators on a space of differentiable functions as elements in a Dedekind u-complete partially ordered linear algebra (dsc-pola). For the definition of a dsc-pola, see [2]. It should be noted that Dai uses the abbreviation “polac” for dsc-pola. Let I = {y E A : y 2 1 and y-r 2 0}, where A is a dsc-pola. Define the functional part of A by
A critique of the walk pattern analysis of symmetrical quadrupedal gaits.

Abstract The walk pattern method of symmetrical gait analysis does not differentiate between lateral sequence and diagonal sequence gaits in which the forefoot support patterns are identical. Therefore, it is necessary to indicate the sequence of support posture. Gaits of similar support sequence but with different proportions of fore- to hindfoot support per stride are likely to be statistically different. Additional support postures can be incorporated in the walk pattern, thereby permitting a comparison of running and asymmetrical gaits.
Retinoic acid regulation of eye and testis-specific transcripts within a complex locus.

We previously used a yeast-based enhancer trap to identify a strong, retinoic acid response element (RARE). We have now characterized testis and eye transcripts that are adjacent to this regulatory element. Bioinformatics analysis of expressed sequence tag (EST) clones and RNase protection, reverse transcription-PCR, and northern blot assays indicate that these two RNAs are transcribed from the same locus on opposite template strands. This positions the RARE upstream of the testis transcript and downstream of the eye transcript. Additionally, these two RNAs are embedded within the third intron of the 329 kbp gene that encodes the Zinc Finger and BTB domain containing 7C protein (Zbtb7C). We present the evidence indicating that the testis transcript is expressed primarily in spermatocytes and/or early round spermatids. Furthermore, our analyses of transcript levels in eyes and testes isolated from vitamin A deficient mice or from mice with defects in retinoid storage or signaling indicate that retinoids are required for expression in vivo.
Complex discourse production in mild cognitive impairment: Detecting subtle changes

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterised by memory impairment that is greater than would be expected for an individual's age and educational background. Differentiating MCI from normal cognition in ageing is a compelling social, clinical, and scientific concern. Of those with MCI, 50% progress to Alzheimer's dementia within 5 years, while many individuals remain stable or return to normal functioning. Importantly, early identification of MCI has important implications for speech‐language pathology intervention. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether performance on a complex elicited discourse production task differentiated individuals with MCI from those with normal cognition. The variables of interest were discourse length, complexity, and quality. Methods & Procedures: Eight individuals with MCI and eight age‐ and gender‐matched controls were tested with the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Logical Memory Subtest (LMS) of the Weschsler Memory Scale, and the Boston N...
A comparative study for destruction of n-hexane in Trickle Bed Air Biofilters

Abstract Trickle Bed Air Biofilter (TBAB) could be an attractive treatment option for removal of hydrophobic Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from air streams. In this study, three independent parallel laboratory-scale TBABs were run simultaneously to degrade n-hexane, a hydrophobic VOC known to be difficult to degrade. The loading rate of n-hexane varied from 13.4 and 47.7 g/(m3 h) (1.14–4.04 kg COD/(m3 day)). The experimental plan was designed to operate one TBAB at pH 7, another at pH 7 utilizing surfactant for enhancing the solubility of n-hexane, and finally a third one operating at pH 4 to promote fungi growth. Elimination capacities up to 38.7 g/(m3 h) (3.28 kg COD/(m3 day)) were observed with a removal efficiency of 90% for the TBAB operating at pH 4. The operating conditions for the TBABs include 120 s of Empty Bed Residence Time (EBRT), 1.4 L/min air flow rate and fixed temperature of 20 °C. Biomass control within the TBAB was investigated through two strategies, namely, stagnation (off flow for 2 days/week) and flow switching.
Are atmospheric «greenhouse» effects apparent in the climatic record of the contiguous U.S. (1895-1987) ?

The temperature and precipitation climate records for the United States have been examined. These records consist of area-averages across the contiguous United States and northern plains. They are based on as many as 6,000 stations. Time series of these data were tested for constancy of the mean using the Spearman rank test and two-phase regression. Test results indicate that overall trends are near zero. The only evidence for a long-term trend is in Fall precipitation for the contiguous United States. This trend appears to result from higher fall precipitation during the period 1970-1987 compared to the remainder of the period (1895-1969).
Double‐Outlet Right Ventricle for Relief of Pulmonic Stenosis in Dogs An Experimental Study

Relief of right ventricular outflow obstruction with a valveless Dacron conduit from the right ventricle to pulmonary artery was accomplished in 12 normal dogs. The procedure involved the development of a surgical technique without cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia, and/or venous occlusion; the development of a ventricular coring instrument; the fabrication of a wire supported Dacron conduit; the development of a basketed insert cannula; and the creation of an experimental model of pulmonic stenosis. Of the 12 dogs operated, two died intraoperatively, three died postoperatively, and seven were electively euthanized postoperatively. Relief of the right ventricular outflow obstruction was documented in all cases by a reduction in mean peak right ventricular pressure, improvement of mean arterial pressure, decrease in mean right atrial pressure, and an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure. The pulmonary insufficiency created was considered a tolerable although not benign condition. The technique would be of particular value in dogs with severe right ventricular hypertrophy.
Pediatric endocrine surgery: who is operating on our children?

Background High surgeon volume is associated with improved outcomes in adult endocrine surgery. This is the first population-based outcomes study for thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy in children. Methods Cross-sectional analyses were performed using 1999 to 2005 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample data. Outcomes included complications, length of stay (LOS), and costs. High-volume surgeons performed >30 cervical endocrine procedures per year in adults and children; pediatric surgeons restricted >90% of their practices to patients ≤17 years old. Other surgeons fell into neither category. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. Results We included 607 patients, representing 20% of the pediatric endocrine operations done between 1999 and 2005 in the United States. Seventy-six percent of patients were female. Among the procedures performed, 92% were thyroidectomies and 8% were parathyroidectomies. Surgeons were classified as follows: 18% High-volume, 21% Pediatric, and 61% Other. High-volume surgeons had the lowest LOS (1.5 days vs 2.3 Pediatric, 2.0 Other; P = .01), costs ($12,474 vs $19,594 Pediatric, $13,614 Other; P P = NS). In multivariate analyses, case volume of the endocrine surgeons was an independent predictor of LOS and costs. Conclusion High-volume surgeons have better outcomes after thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy in children compared with Pediatric and Other surgeons. Surgeon experience was an independent predictor of LOS and costs. High-volume endocrine and pediatric surgeons could combine expertise to improve outcomes in children.
Corrugated Fiberboard Traps for Predators Overwintering in Pear Orchards

Predator traps constructed of several layers of corrugated fiberboard effectively substituted for natural overwintering sites for predators in pear orchards. Deraeocoris brevis (Uhler), Hemerobius ovalis Carpenter, and spiders were the major predators taken from the traps. The traps also offer an inexpensive means of collecting and storing overwintering predators.
Binding of cystatin C to C4: the importance of sense-antisense peptides in their interaction.

Abstract Hydropathic anticomplementarity of amino acids indicates that peptides derived from complementary DNA strands may form amphiphilic structures and bind one another. By using this concept, we have found that the antisense peptide Ser-Tyr-Asp-Leu complementary to the segment Gln-Ile-Val-Ala-Gly (residues 55-59) in cystatin C (an inhibitor of cysteine proteases) is located at positions 611-614 of the beta chain of human C4, the fourth component of complement. Here we describe and characterize the specific interaction between cystatin C and C4 by ligand affinity chromatography and ELISA. Interaction between the two native proteins was mimicked on replacement of one of them with the corresponding sense-antisense peptide coupled to a carrier protein, and the binding was inhibited by these synthetic peptides in solution. Through the interaction with C4, cystatin C may play a regulatory role in complement activation that might be of particular importance at tissue sites where both proteins are produced by macrophages.
Microstatistics in signal decomposition and the optimal filtering problem

The author introduces and analyzes a large class of nonlinear filters which are based on signal decomposition and where the estimation in the decomposed space uses linear combinations of either the observation vector, the sorted observation vector, or, in general, a nonlinear transformation of the observation vector. Thus, nonlinear filter response characteristics are achieved, but with the machinery of linear systems theory available for their optimization and design. It is shown that linear filters are a subclass of microstatistic filters and that the optimal linear filter solution is suboptimal in the decomposed signal space. The filtering problem reduces to a set of filters operating on the decomposed signals; the output is a weighted sum of the decomposed filtered signals. The optimal interconnection structure between decomposed signals has complexity O(M-1), where M is the cardinality of the decomposition. The formulation is given for a radix-1 decomposition and generalized for a radix-q decomposition. Computer simulations illustrate the performance. >
Loading-dependent structures of CO2 in the flexible molecular van der Waals host p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 guest–host stoichiometries

The adsorption of CO2 into the low density form of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (tBC) has been studied by 13C solid state NMR, single crystal X-ray diffraction and volumetric adsorption measurements. The experimental results indicate that tBC and carbon dioxide can form two distinct inclusion compounds. At low loadings the structure of the empty low-density form of the tBC framework (space groupP21/n) is preserved with the included CO2 molecules located within the conical cavities of the tBC molecules. The ideal composition of this form is therefore 1 : 1 (CO2 : tBC). With higher applied CO2 pressures the guest loading increases and the structure of the tBC framework transforms to a well studied tetragonal (space groupP4/n) form. In this form an additional CO2 molecule is located on an interstitial site resulting in an ideal composition 2 : 1 (CO2 : tBC). In agreement with SCXRD and the gas adsorption measurements, 13C NMR measurements show the change in structure that takes place as a function of sample loading. Inclusion of CO2 is a rather slow activated process that can be accelerated by increasing the temperature and the transition between crystal forms is inhomogeneous over a bulk sample. After gas release, the empty (or near empty) P4/n structure survives, thus providing another low density phase of tBC. The magnitude and temperature variation of the 13C chemical shift anisotropy of CO2 in both low and high occupancy complexes with tBC indicates restricted motion of the CO2 molecules. The location and dynamics of CO2 molecules inside the tBC structure are discussed and a motional model for CO2 is proposed. The CO2 molecules in the highly loaded compound are shown to exchange rapidly as a single resonance is observed for the two distinct CO2 molecules.
Activation of locus coeruleus neurons in the rat by a benzazocine derivative (UM 1046) that mimics opiate withdrawal

The drug UM 1046 (N-cyclopropylmethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-benzazocine), administered to opiate-naive monkeys, produces certain behavioral responses resembling antagonist-precipitated morphine withdrawal (Swain and Seevers, 1975). In the present study, UM 1046 (5.6 mg/kg, i.v.), administered to naive rats, produced a syndrome that consisted primarily of retching, chewing, teeth chattering, shaking and abnormal postures. It was of interest to determine whether UM 1046 had an effect on noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (NE-LC) since increased activity of these cells has been reported to occur during antagonist-precipitated opiate withdrawal (Aghajanian, 1978) and after the administration of drugs that mimic this syndrome in normal animals (i.e. methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Grant and Redmond, 1981). In the present study, UM 1046 (1.0–5.6 mg/kg, i.v.) caused a dose-dependent increase (of up to 200%) in the spontaneous discharge rate of noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus in rats anesthetized with halothane. The time-course of this effect was similar to the time-course of the behavioral syndrome described above. Stimulation of central muscarinic receptors is integrally involved in the response to this drug since the effects of UM 1046 (5.6 mg/kg) were antagonized by scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.), but not by methylscopolamine (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.). Unlike systemic administration, iontophoretic application of UM 1046 did not consistently increase the spontaneous discharge rate of these cells, indicating that the site of action of the drug may be outside the nucleus locus coeruleus. This study complements previous findings of increased activity in noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus during withdrawal-like behavior. In addition, the results are compatible with others which suggest that a cholinergic link is essential for the withdrawal-like actions of the benzazocine.
Using Surface Creep Rate to Infer Fraction Locked for Sections of the San Andreas Fault System in Northern California from Alignment Array and GPS Data

Surface creep rate, observed along five branches of the dextral San Andreas fault system in northern California, varies considerably from one section to the next, indicating that so too may the depth at which the faults are locked. We model locking on 29 fault sections using each section’s mean long‐term creep rate and the consensus values of fault width and geologic slip rate. Surface creep rate observations from 111 short‐range alignment and trilateration arrays and 48 near‐fault, Global Positioning System station pairs are used to estimate depth of creep, assuming an elastic half‐space model and adjusting depth of creep iteratively by trial and error to match the creep observations along fault sections. Fault sections are delineated either by geometric discontinuities between them or by distinctly different creeping behaviors. We remove transient rate changes associated with five large ( M ≥5.5) regional earthquakes. Estimates of fraction locked, the ratio of moment accumulation rate to loading rate, on each section of the fault system provide a uniform means to inform source parameters relevant to seismic‐hazard assessment. From its mean creep rates, we infer the main branch (the San Andreas fault) ranges from only 20%±10% locked on its central creeping section to 99%–100% on the north coast. From mean accumulation rates, we infer that four urban faults appear to have accumulated enough seismic moment to produce major earthquakes: the northern Calaveras ( M 6.8), Hayward ( M 6.8), Rodgers Creek ( M 7.1), and Green Valley ( M 7.1). The latter three faults are nearing or past their mean recurrence interval. Online Material: High‐resolution fault system map, and tables of creep observations and geographic coordinates of fault model.
The utilization of tryptophan by neurospora.

Abstract When Neurospora grows in media supplemented with tryptophan, 70–90% of the supplied tryptophan is converted in a series of reactions to anthranilic acid or derivatives of anthranilic acid. In certain strains (those blocked between shikimic acid and anthranilic acid), these reactions, coupled with the biosynthetic reactions, constitute a cycle involving the interconversion of anthranilic acid and tryptophan. Studies on the physiological control of these reactions revealed a marked effect of temperature upon the efficiency of utilization of tryptophan for the synthesis of protein. Mutants blocked after anthranilic acid gave considerably less growth when cultured at 23% than when cultured at 33°. Mutants blocked anthranilic acid gave nearly equal amounts of growth at either temperature. Experiments with isotopes ruled out the possibility that altered rates of flow of tryptophan through certain reactions of the cycle were causing the observed effects. Subsequent investigation revealed that a small but significant quantity of indolepyruvic acid was accumulated in filtrates of tryptophan-less mutants grown at the higher temperature and that this compound supported growth of strains requiring tryptophan. Studies with cell-free extracts of Neurospora indicate that the interconversion of tryptophan and indolepyruvic acid is mediated by a constitutive transaminase. These and earlier results permit a clearer interpretation of the complex interplay between genes, enzymes and substrates in the metabolism of tryptophan by Neurospora.
Femtosecond Laser Interaction with Metallic Tungsten and Nonequilibrium Electron and Lattice Temperatures

High-intensity, 75-fs optical pulses have been applied to observe multiphoton and thermally enhanced photoemission from a tungsten metal surface. Experimental results suggest the presence of anomalous heating, a transient nonequilibrium temperature difference between the electrons and lattice. Pump-probe measurements indicate an electron-phonon energy relaxation time of several hundred femtoseconds.
Estimating Antebellum Passenger Costs: A Hub-and-Spoke Approach

Abstract Over 30,000 miles of railroad and 4,000 miles of canals were constructed in the United States between 1815 and 1861. However, the lack of data has prevented the study of this “transportation revolution” for most cities. This article thus enables a closer study of antebellum travel improvements by constructing a hub-and-spoke network that is capable of estimating the cost of passenger travel from New York City and Philadelphia to any U.S. city in 1836, 1850, 1856, 1859, and 1867. The semi-parametric approach provides an accurate cost estimate by using available historical information to determine the travel cost to all other cities.
Self-rated health and race among Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults.

Objective To investigate the association between race and self-rated health among Hispanics and non-Hispanics using data from the National Health Interview Survey 2000–2003. Methods This analysis was limited to Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites and blacks ≥18 years of age. The outcome was self-rated health. The main independent variable was race/ethnicity, and potential confounders included sociodemographic characteristics, access to care, health behaviors, and comorbidities. Results Non-Hispanic blacks exhibited the highest prevalence of fair/poor self-rated health compared to their white counterparts. In the adjusted analyses, compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.16–1.43), Hispanic whites (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.14–1.52) and blacks (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.07–4.49) were more likely to rate their health as fair/poor. There was no difference in self-rated health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic blacks. Discussion This study underscores the importance of accounting for the racial heterogeneity among Hispanics when presenting health data. Ignoring race could mask health variations among Hispanics.
Vincristine attenuates doxorubicin cardiotoxicity

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that the vinca alkaloid vincristine could prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte death and to identify the mechanisms involved. Adult mouse cardiac myocytes were incubated for 24 h with doxorubicin, with and without concurrent vincristine. Trypan blue exclusion showed that 50-60% of myocytes treated with doxorubicin alone survived. Concurrent vincristine treatment increased survival to 85%. Treatment with doxorubicin+vincristine activated the prosurvival signal Akt and diminished cytochrome C release. The PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 and the MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 augmented doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and attenuated salvage during concurrent vincristine treatment, indicating that the mechanism of vincristine cardioprotection involves activation of specific survival signals. Vincristine retarded the onset of apoptosis in association with a delay in poly(ADP) ribose polymerase activation. Vincristine also exhibited greater protection than the antioxidant MPG. These novel findings may have clinical implications for the prevention of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.
Physiological significance of benzo(α)pyrene adsorbed to carbon blacks: Elution studies, AHH determinations

Desorption of benzo(α)pyrene from commercial carbon blacks by tissue fluids in vitro is compared to arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in mice at three levels of carbon black exposure. Less than 0.005% of the adsorbed benzo(α)pyrene content determined by soxhlet extraction in toluene is eluted by human plasma, swine serum, swine lung homogenate and swine lung washings. Statistically significant differences in elution efficiency are observed for the various tissue fluids and carbon blacks. There is no detectable increase in AHH level in mouse lung or liver tissues even at the highest carbon black exposure and consumption rate of 1 g/g bdywt/year.
Alignment of nematic liquid crystals on photo‐irradiated polyamide–imide surfaces

The UV-induced alignment of nematic liquid crystals on Probimide 32 preimidized polyamide-imide surfaces is investigated. Exposing the polymer layer to linearly polarized deep UV (λ = 254 nm) produces an aligning effect comparable to that achieved by mechanically brushing the polymer film. A laser optical transmission method is used to evaluate the efficacy of the process. It is shown that strong alignment is produced within minutes of exposure and is maintained with very long exposures. Atomic force microscopy and dichroic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveal that brushed polyamide-imide surfaces are highly grooved and oriented, while the UV-exposed polymer surfaces are not.
The role of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface proteins

Human pathogenic spirochetes causing Lyme disease belong to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Borrelia burgdorferi organisms are extracellular pathogens transmitted to humans through the bite of Ixodes spp. ticks. These spirochetes are unique in that they can cause chronic infection and persist in the infected human, even though a robust humoral and cellular immune response is produced by the infected host. How this extracellular pathogen is able to evade the host immune response for such long periods of time is currently unclear. To gain a better understanding of how this organism persists in the infected human, many laboratories have focused on identifying and characterizing outer surface proteins of B. burgdorferi. As the interface between B. burgdorferi and its human host is its outer surface, proteins localized to the outer membrane must play an important role in dissemination, virulence, tissue tropism, and immune evasion. Over the last two decades, numerous outer surface proteins from B. burgdorferi have been identified, and more recent studies have begun to elucidate the functional role(s) of many borrelial outer surface proteins. This review summarizes the outer surface proteins identified in B. burgdorferi to date and provides detailed insight into the functions of many of these proteins as they relate to the unique parasitic strategy of this spirochetal pathogen.
The spectra of near-magic odd-odd nuclei and the effective interaction

Abstract The experimental data on the spectra of near-magic odd-odd nuclei is reviewed, and two-body matrix elements are extracted wherever possible. The data show simple systematics which are consistent with a delta-function force for spectra arising from the coupling of nonidentical orbits and are somewhat different for identical orbits. The multipole coefficients of the apparent two-body interaction are also presented.
Reductions in and relations between “craving” and drinking in a prospective, open-label trial of ondansetron in adolescents with alcohol dependence

Recently, we reported that ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist) as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) produced significant within-group decreases (improvement) in drinking in adolescents with alcohol dependence. We previously have hypothesized that the mechanism of ondansetron treatment response in adolescents with alcohol dependence should be similar to early onset adult alcoholics, wherein blockade of serotonin-3 receptors may decrease dopamine release and subsequent alcohol consumption and craving. We now suggest that one mechanism by which ondansetron diminishes drinking in adolescents with alcohol dependence is through a reduction in "craving" as measured by the Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (A-OCDS). We conducted an 8-week, prospective, open-label study of ondansetron (4 microg/kg b.i.d.) in 12 adolescents (age 14-20 years) who had alcohol dependence. Results showed that "irresistibility" and total scores as measured by the A-OCDS were correlated significantly with drinking indices (drinks/day, percent days abstinent) at the end of treatment, and that "irresistibility" and total A-OCDS scores decreased significantly by the end of treatment. These preliminary results suggest that the A-OCDS can be useful as an outcome measure in clinical studies of adolescents with alcohol dependence.
Transconjunctivalresection of an orbital dermoid tumour

Summary An unusual case of an orbital dermoid tumour containinga well differentiated tooth-like structure is documented. A previously unreported surgical approach to a maxillofacial dermoid tumour is introduced. Using a conjunctival incision, orbital floor exploration was undertaken with excellent visibility and access. A large dermoid tumour was removed without the need for an external skin incision. The surgical approach and pathology of this unusual lesion are reviewed.
The liquidity crisis: evidence from the US hospitality industry.

This study examines the stock performance of firms in the hospitality industry from 2000 to 2010, focusing on the sector�s performance surrounding the liquidity crisis of 2008. In addition, the authors investigate the impact of the liquidity crisis on the firms� capital structure. They find that the sector performed well compared to Standard & Poor�s S&P 500 index over the entire period but most notably during expansion sub-periods, and that the restaurant subsector performed better than the casino or hotel sub-sectors during the crisis. They further find that capital-intensive hospitality firms responded to the liquidity crisis by increasing their financial leverage and depleting their cash holdings.
Work‐Life Policies, Edited by Ann C. Crouter and Allen Booth. Washington, DC: The Urban Institute Press, 2009, 372 pp., $32.50 paperback. Working after Welfare: How Women Balance Jobs and Family in the Wake of Welfare Reform, by Kristen S. Seefeldt. Kalamazoo, MI: W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2008, 171 pp., $40.00 cloth, $18.00 paperback

on the ground. Therefore, drawing lessons from a diversity of examples can be crucial in any nation-building exercise. Still, this monograph provides an important structural guide that scholars, students, policymakers, and future nation-building operations can use to navigate the nascent growth industry of assisting nations as they transition from conflict to peace and stability. The overall success of this monograph lies in its clear thematic presentation. While Dobbins et al. are careful to anchor each lesson in the unique environments of seven specific cases, taken together, the cases indicate that a distinctly European approach to nation-building has been tested and that many broad lessons can be learned from the experience. Thus, the smaller and shorter interventions guided by abstemious objectives are the calling cards of Europe’s strategic approach, and the results, at least thus far, suggest that alternative strategies do exist. In this regard, RAND’s compendium serves most effectively as a starting point for future debate about nation-building best practice where only history can be the judge.
Traditional Versus Accelerated Degree Program Graduates: A Survey of Employer Preferences

Abstract This study examined employer preferences for traditional versus accelerated degree graduates in the employment decision making process. A Web-based survey was used to gather N = 250 responses. The study had three dependent index variables for preference: in general, in employment screening decisions, and in hiring decisions. ANOVA was used on each dependent variable to test for mean index differences based on industry type, employer size, respondent educational attainment, and respondent degree of familiarity with accelerated degree programs. Overall, the findings suggest no practically significant differences exist in respondent preference for traditional versus accelerated degree program graduates. Employer size had no statistically significant effect on any of the three dependent variables. Employer type was significant for the general preference and hiring preference indexes. Respondent educational attainment indicated increased general preference for traditional versus accelerated degree pro...
On the Bernoulli-Euler Beam Theory with Random Excitation

Mean square displacement and stress are calculated in a simply supported Bernoulli-Euler beam with distributed external viscous damping for several types of random excitations. Contrary to a recently published conclusion, the mean square values are found be finite except for two types of excitations which do not appear to have appreciable physical significance in engineering problems. The mean square calculus of random processes is used in the analysis.