cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous bladder rupture owing to atherosclerotic emboli: a case report.

AbstractWe report a case of spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder in an elderly man with severe atherosclerotic vascular disease who had widespread systemic evidence of an arterial embolic phenomenon after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Atherosclerotic plaques were identified in the vesical arteries and were believed to be the primary event responsible for spontaneous vesical perforation. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and principles of management of vesical rupture are discussed.
CD40 in Retinal Müller Cells Induces P2X7-Dependent Cytokine Expression in Macrophages/Microglia in Diabetic Mice and Development of Early Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy

Muller cells and macrophages/microglia are likely important for the development of diabetic retinopathy; however, the interplay between these cells in this disease is not well understood. An inflammatory process is linked to the onset of experimental diabetic retinopathy. CD40 deficiency impairs this process and prevents diabetic retinopathy. Using mice with CD40 expression restricted to Muller cells, we identified a mechanism by which Muller cells trigger proinflammatory cytokine expression in myeloid cells. During diabetes, mice with CD40 expressed in Muller cells upregulated retinal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), developed leukostasis and capillary degeneration. However, CD40 did not cause TNF-α or IL-1β secretion in Muller cells. TNF-α was not detected in Muller cells from diabetic mice with CD40+ Muller cells. Rather, TNF-α was upregulated in macrophages/microglia. CD40 ligation in Muller cells triggered phospholipase C-dependent ATP release that caused P2X7-dependent production of TNF-α and IL-1β by macrophages. P2X7-/- mice and mice treated with a P2X7 inhibitor were protected from diabetes-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and NOS2 upregulation. Our studies indicate that CD40 in Muller cells is sufficient to upregulate retinal inflammatory markers and appears to promote experimental diabetic retinopathy and that Muller cells orchestrate inflammatory responses in myeloid cells through a CD40-ATP-P2X7 pathway.
Writing the Social Contract: Integrating the UN Global Compact and Mining CSR

Abstract Purpose This chapter discusses the influence of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) 10 Principles on multinational mining companies’ (mining multinational enterprise (MNE)) corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and strategies. Design/methodology/approach Business ethics, mining management, CSR, stakeholder, and social contracting literatures are integrated with case vignettes to examine the UNGC’s role in motivating efficacious, benevolent CSR in mining. Findings Mining industry groups and some mining MNEs have adopted and fully implemented UNGC principles while other mining MNEs have not. The variation manifests as a gap between CSR form and CSR substance. Mining industry bodies such as International Council for Mining and Minerals, stakeholders, and private monitors have increased pressure to narrow this gap. The UNGC acts as a catalyst to create and codify valid hypernorms and to build trust and managerial buy-in in mining MNEs’ CSR. Research limitations/implications Reliance on selected cases and extant literature indicates, but does not fully support, conclusions. Practical implications Mining MNEs are advised to pursue CSR activities which integrate social contracting and precepts of the UNGC. The results would be happier, less antagonistic to stakeholder communities, and less questioning of mining MNEs’ legitimacy. Originality/value of the chapter This chapter integrates above-mentioned literature and cases to advise academics, governance officials and private monitors, and mining MNE managers on effective integration of the UNGC into mining through social contracting.
Neighboring amide participation in the Fenton oxidation of a sulfide to sulfoxide, vinyl sulfide and ketone relevant to oxidation of methionine thioether side chains in peptides

Abstract Oxidation of Met affects the stability of proteins, and was identified as a step in the beta amyloid-dependent pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. One-electron oxidation of Met is facilitated through stabilization of sulfide radical cations with electron-rich heteroatoms. The formation of such 2-center-3-electron bonds, formed between sulfide radical cations and amides, leads to pronounced product selectivity during biologically relevant oxidation conditions. Conformationally constrained methionine analogs embedded within a norbornane framework, i.e., 2,6-endo, endo- and 2,6-exo, endo-pyrrolidine amide thiomethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes were synthesized. Oxidation of both methionine analogs in the Fenton oxidation yielded some sulfoxide. In addition, the oxidation of the endo, endo-derivative generated a vinyl sulfide while the exo, endo-derivative was converted into a ketone, indicating a selective influence of a sulfur-oxygen 2-center-3-electron bond on product formation. Mechanistic details of product formation were investigated through the incorporation of stable isotopes.
Cardiac Sensitivity to Electrical Stimulation

It is important to understand the relationships between cardiac excitability and stimulus features such as duration, frequency, repetition pattern, wave-shape, electrode configuration, current density, and current pathway. Much of our knowledge of these effects is derived from studies directed toward therapeutic uses of cardiac stimulation, such as cardiac pacing and defibrillation. We can better evaluate cardiac hazards if we understand the principles of cardiac electrophysiology presented in Chapter 5. The reviews in Chapters 3 and 4, concerning principles of excitable membranes, will also be referred to in this chapter.
A Theory of Mental Health and Optimal Service Delivery for Homeless Children.

Homeless children are a vulnerable group with high risk for developing mental health disorders. The pathways to disorders among homeless children have not been fully elucidated, with significant logistical and measurement issues challenging accurate and thorough assessment of need. The environments of homeless children are uniquely chaotic, marked by frequent moves, family structure changes, household and neighborhood disorder, parenting distress, and lack of continuous services. Despite high rates of service use, mental health outcomes remain poor. This paper reviews the literature on homeless children’s mental health, as well as prior theoretical explorations. Finally, the paper proposes a theoretical model that explains elevated rates of mental health problems among homeless children as consequences of harmful stress reactions triggered by chronic household instability along with repeated service disruptions. This model draws upon existing conceptual frameworks of child development, family poverty, health services utilization, and the biology of stress to clarify the role of environmental chaos in the development of child emotional and behavioral problems. Potential strategies to mitigate the risk for mental health disorders among homeless children and future research directions are discussed.
Building A Culture Of Health

Improving population health will require attention to factors beyond the scope of traditional health care and public health systems.
The effect of performance demands on lower extremity biomechanics during landing and cutting tasks

Abstract Background Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries commonly occur during the early phase of landing and cutting tasks that involve sudden decelerations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of jump height and jump speed on lower extremity biomechanics during a stop-jump task and the effect of cutting speed on lower extremity biomechanics during a side-cutting task. Methods Thirty-six recreational athletes performed a stop-jump task under 3 conditions: jumping fast, jumping for maximum height, and jumping for 60% of maximum height. Participants also performed a side-cutting task under 2 conditions: cutting at maximum speed and cutting at 60% of maximum speed. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Results The jumping fast condition resulted in increased peak posterior ground reaction force (PPGRF), knee extension moment at PPGRF, and knee joint stiffness and decreased knee flexion angle compared with the jumping for maximum height condition. The jumping for 60% of maximum height condition resulted in decreased knee flexion angle compared with the jumping for maximum height condition. Participants demonstrated greater PPGRF, knee extension moment at PPGRF, knee valgus angle and varus moment at PPGRF, knee joint stiffness, and knee flexion angle during the cutting at maximum speed condition compared with the cutting at 60% maximum speed condition. Conclusion Performing jump landing at an increased jump speed resulted in lower extremity movement patterns that have been previously associated with an increase in ACL loading. Cutting speed also affected lower extremity biomechanics. Jump speed and cutting speed need to be considered when designing ACL injury risk screening and injury prevention programs.
Does Dodd Frank Act Affect Macroeconomic Variables

The introduction of Dodd Frank Act has induced lots of controversy among economists on its macroeconomic outcomes; though some see it is a necessary piece of legislation, which can avoid future financial crisis, many think it is detrimental to private investment and employment. To see how the Act affect real macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth, investment, and unemployment rate, this study implements econometric models with time series data over the period of 1990-2015 to estimate how financial regulations in general and Dodd Frank Act in particular affects the above-mentioned variables. The results of this study suggest that the Act has a negative significant impact on GDP growth, private investment, and unemployment rate. Â Â Â
A linear programming approach for the evaluation of tyre forces of a vehicle under different road and operating conditions

The study reported in this paper deals with the development of a four–wheel model for evaluating the tyre forces and dynamic condition of a vehicle up to the threshold of skidding or rollover. The vehicle is treated as a rigid body supported by springs at the position of each wheel. The Linear Programming algorithm is employed to evaluate the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle and the normal forces on the tyres under different road and operating conditions. The model can also be used to evaluate the longitudinal and lateral tyre forces necessary for ensuring the stability of the vehicle with a four–wheel steering and braking system.
Spectroscopy and Tomography of Tissues in the Frequency-Domain

Substantial progress in the field of light spectroscopy and imaging of tissues was achieved when the group of Chance, Patterson and Wilson showed that the optical parameters of a turbid medium can be obtained from time resolved measurements of short light pulses propagating in the medium (Patterson et al, 1991a). Essentially, a fit of the intensity as a function of time, measured at some distance from the source, can provide separately the values of the absorption and of the reduced scattering coefficients. This demonstration was important because the focus was shifted from attempts to separate the scattering from absorption, using empirical corrections to the Beer-Lambert law, to a rigorous application of a physical model. During the same period, our lab proposed employing the Fourier transform equivalent concept using an intensity modulated light source (Gratton et al, 1990). Since frequency domain methods have better resolution and sensitivity and are much faster than the time domain methods, our proposal was followed by many others including Chance, Patterson and Wilson (Boas et al, 1993, 1994; Cui and Ostrander, 1993; Duncan et al, 1993; Kaltenbach and Kaschke, 1993; O’Leary et al, 1992; Patterson et al, 1991b; Tromberg et al, 1993). It is well known that time domain and frequency domain measurements are mathematically equivalent, when the frequency domain measurement is carried out using a wide range of modulation frequencies (Gratton et al, 1983; Alcala et al, 1984). However, frequency domain measurements can be made at a single modulation frequency, thereby sacrificing some of the information. The advantage of measurements at a single frequency is that they can be very fast, accurate and have an excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
Sequential Effects and Bidder Heterogeneity in B2B Auctions: Evidence from Truckload Spot Auctions

Heterogeneous bidding behavior by firms in business-to-business procurement auctions has recently been observed in contexts as wide-ranging as Dutch flower auctions and auctions for secondhand goods. But there has yet to be an empirical examination of what types of firms behave in which ways. We study a longitudinal dataset of spot auctions in which we observe exogenously-imposed business constraints on the bidding firms – some firms can perform work only using assets that they own and operate, while others must outsource work – i.e., brokers. These business constraints manifest themselves in strikingly different behavior by the bidding firms. Brokers bid often and with relatively high prices, while firms who operate assets bid infrequently, with low prices, and are highly affected by capacity constraints. The two types of firms have different response mechanisms in sequential auctions. Brokers adjust their prices in subsequent auctions based on whether they won or lost the previous auction, while firms who operate assets decide whether or not to place a bid. We examine other sources of heterogeneity and discuss implications for our focal industry.
Hypoglycemia Due to Islet Cell Tumors

When confronted with a patient with a low blood sugar, it is of paramount importance to establish an etiological diagnosis, as it is by now well known that there are a great variety of disease states associated with hypoglycemia. The most frequently encountered causes of hypoglycemia in clinical practice are summarized in Table 1 [1]. The authors have found it very helpful to subdivide hypoglycemia in three types; first the fasting type, when a low blood sugar is encountered after an overnight fast and occasionally after meals but never only after meals; second the post-prandial type also called stimulative or reactive hypoglycemia where hypoglycemia is never seen during fasting but only after a meal; and finally, the third or exogenous type in which the hypoglycemia is induced by administration of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.
ELECTRODES | 3-D Electrodes Batteries

Three-dimensional (3-D) architectures offer potential solutions for miniaturizing batteries. One characteristic feature of such structures is that transport between electrodes is 1-D at the microscopic level, yet the electrodes are arranged in complex, nonplanar geometries. Such 3-D geometries offer certain advantages, with the most attractive being the prospect of achieving high energy and power density within a small areal footprint. These features are especially important for the powering of electronic devices and systems where the areal footprint for the power source is limited to millimeter dimensions. Researchers have recently demonstrated 3-D electrodes and batteries which meet the requirements of short transport distances and reasonable energy capacity.
Perspectives: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio as a Potential Biomarker in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

There is a rising need for optimal biomarkers to better tailor treatments for patients with cancer in the era of immunotherapy. In addition to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor mutation burden (TMB), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) is regaining interest as a biomarker in immunotherapy for its availability, accessibility, and reproducibility. High NLR, according to different thresholds, is consistently reported to correlate with poor prognosis in different treatments in several cancers. Yet, most data come from retrospective analysis, and proof of mechanism and principle evaluations are limited. Prospective studies or adequately sized retrospective analyses of prospectively collected data are required to best assess its role in clinical practice. Moreover, effective myeloid or neutrophil modulators in tumor microenvironment can potentially contribute as a new therapeutic strategy. This perspective will summarize our current knowledge and will discuss where we stand now and propose future directions.
Set of Highly Stable Amine- and Carboxylate-Terminated Dendronized Au Nanoparticles with Dense Coating and Nontoxic Mixed-Dendronized Form

The synthesis of a novel poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendron in gram scale as well as its use in the formation of a highly stable, dendronized gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based drug delivery platform is described herein. The AuNP-based platform is composed of three complementary parts: (i) a 15 nm AuNP core, (ii) a heterofunctional thioctic acid-terminated tetraethylene glycol spacer, and (iii) a third-generation PPI dendron with a unique protonation profile and diverse end-group functionalization that allows for further derivatization. The prepared dendronized AuNPs are able to withstand several rounds of lyophilization cycles with no sign of aggregation, are stable in phosphate-buffered saline and Hanks' buffer as well as in serum, and are resistant to degradation by glutathione exchange reactions. This nanocarrier platform displays a dense coating, with >1400 dendrons/AuNPs, which will enable very high payload. Furthermore, while amine-terminated AuNPs expectedly showed cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line from a NP concentration of 1 nM, the mixed monolayer AuNPs (coated with 40/60 amine/carboxylate dendrons) interestingly did not exhibit any sign of toxicity at concentrations as high as 15 nM, similar to the carboxylate-terminated AuNPs. The described dendronized AuNPs address the current practical need for a stable NP-based drug delivery platform which is scalable and easily conjugable, has long-term stability in solution, and can be conveniently formulated as a powder and redispersed in desired buffer or serum.
Are prediction models for vaginal birth after cesarean accurate

Background The use of trial of labor after cesarean delivery calculators in the prediction of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery gives physicians an evidence-based tool to assist with patient counseling and risk stratification. Before deployment of prediction models for routine care at an institutional level, it is recommended to test their performance initially in the institution’s target population. This allows the institution to understand not only the overall accuracy of the model for the intended population but also to comprehend where the accuracy of the model is most limited when predicting across the range of predictions (calibration). Objective The purpose of this study was to compare 3 models that predict successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery with the use of a single tertiary referral cohort before continuous model deployment in the electronic medical record. Study Design All cesarean births for failed trial of labor after cesarean delivery and successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery at an academic health system between May 2013 and March 2016 were reviewed. Women with a history of 1 previous cesarean birth who underwent a trial of labor with a term (≥37 weeks gestation), cephalic, and singleton gestation were included. Women with antepartum intrauterine fetal death or fetal anomalies were excluded. The probability of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was calculated with the use of 3 prediction models: Grobman 2007, Grobman 2009, and Metz 2013 and compared with actual vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success. Each model’s performance was measured with the use of concordance indices, Brier scores, and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis identified the range of threshold probabilities for which the best prediction model would be of clinical value. Results Four hundred four women met the eligibility criteria. The observed rate of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery was 75% (305/404). Concordance indices were 0.717 (95% confidence interval, 0.659–0.778), 0.703 (95% confidence interval, 0.647–0.758), and 0.727 (95% confidence interval, 0.669–0.779), respectively. Brier scores were 0.172, 0.205, and 0.179, respectively. Calibration demonstrated that Grobman 2007 and Metz vaginal birth after cesarean delivery models were most accurate when predicted probabilities were >60% and were beneficial for counseling women who did not desire to have vaginal birth after cesarean delivery but had a predicted success rates of 60–90%. The models underpredicted actual probabilities when predicting success at Conclusion When 3 commonly used vaginal birth after cesarean delivery prediction models are compared in the same population, there are differences in performance that may affect an institution’s choice of which model to use.
Permeability barriers of Gram-negative pathogens

Most clinical antibiotics do not have efficacy against Gram-negative pathogens, mainly because these cells are protected by the permeability barrier comprising the two membranes with active efflux. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative strains threatens the utility even of last resort therapeutic treatments. Significant efforts at different levels of resolution are currently focused on finding a solution to this nonpermeation problem and developing new approaches to the optimization of drug activities against multidrug-resistant pathogens. The exceptional efficiency of the Gram-negative permeability barrier is the result of a complex interplay between the two opposing fluxes of drugs across the two membranes. In this review, we describe the current state of understanding of the problem and the recent advances in theoretical and empirical approaches to characterization of drug permeation and active efflux in Gram-negative bacteria.
Bacterial alkylquinolone signaling contributes to structuring microbial communities in the ocean.

Marine bacteria form complex relationships with eukaryotic hosts, from obligate symbioses to pathogenic interactions. These interactions can be tightly regulated by bioactive molecules, creating a complex system of chemical interactions through which these species chemically communicate thereby directly altering the host’s physiology and community composition. Quorum sensing (QS) signals were first described in a marine bacterium four decades ago, and since then, we have come to discover that QS mediates processes within the marine carbon cycle, affects the health of coral reef ecosystems, and shapes microbial diversity and bacteria-eukaryotic host relationships. Yet, only recently have alkylquinolone signals been recognized for their role in cell-to-cell communication and the orchestration of virulence in biomedically relevant pathogens. The alkylquinolone, 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ), was recently found to arrest cell growth without inducing cell mortality in selected phytoplankton species at nanomolar concentrations, suggesting QS molecules like HHQ can influence algal physiology, playing pivotal roles in structuring larger ecological frameworks. To understand how natural communities of phytoplankton and bacteria respond to HHQ, field-based incubation experiments with ecologically relevant concentrations of HHQ were conducted over the course of a stimulated phytoplankton bloom. Bulk flow cytometry measurements indicated that, in general, exposure to HHQ caused nanoplankton and prokaryotic cell abundances to decrease. Amplicon sequencing revealed HHQ exposure altered the composition of particle-associated and free-living microbiota, favoring the relative expansion of both gamma- and alpha-proteobacteria, and a concurrent decrease in Bacteroidetes. Specifically, Pseudoalteromonas spp., known to produce HHQ, increased in relative abundance following HHQ exposure. A search of representative bacterial genomes from genera that increased in relative abundance when exposed to HHQ revealed that they all have the genetic potential to bind HHQ. This work demonstrates HHQ has the capacity to influence microbial community organization, suggesting alkylquinolones have functions beyond bacterial communication and are pivotal in driving microbial community structure and phytoplankton growth. Knowledge of how bacterial signals alter marine communities will serve to deepen our understanding of the impact these chemical interactions have on a global scale.
Understanding Public Response to Air Quality Using Tweet Analysis

Poor air quality is recognized as a major risk factor for human health globally. Critical to addressing this important public-health issue is the effective dissemination of air quality data, inform...
The Temporal Logic of Deservingness: Inequality Beliefs in Two Postsocialist Societies:

Employing a cultural sociological approach, this article asks how individuals from two postsocialist societies articulate principles of justice by providing narrative accounts of other peoples’ per...
An evolutionary signal to fungal succession during plant litter decay

Ecologists have frequently observed a pattern of fungal succession during litter decomposition, wherein different fungal taxa dominate different stages of decay in individual ecosystems. However, it is unclear which biological features of fungi give rise to this pattern. We tested a longstanding hypothesis that fungal succession depends on the evolutionary history of species, such that different fungal phyla prefer different decay stages. To test this hypothesis, we performed a meta-analysis across studies in 22 different ecosystem types to synthesize fungal decomposer abundances at early, middle and late stages of plant litter decay. Fungal phyla varied in relative abundance throughout decay, with fungi in the Ascomycota reaching highest relative abundance during early stages of decay (P < 0.001) and fungi in the Zygomycota reaching highest relative abundance during late stages of decay (P < 0.001). The best multiple regression model to explain variation in abundance of these fungal phyla during decay included decay stage, as well as plant litter type and climate factors. Most variation in decay-stage preference of fungal taxa was observed at basal taxonomic levels (phylum and class) rather than finer taxonomic levels (e.g. genus). For many finer-scale taxonomic groups and functional groups of fungi, plant litter type and climate factors were better correlates with relative abundance than decay stage per se, suggesting that the patchiness of fungal community composition in space is related to both resource and climate niches of different fungal taxa. Our study indicates that decomposer fungal succession is partially rooted in fungal decomposers' deep evolutionary history, traceable to the divergence among phyla.
Antibody Responses in Hepatitis C Infection

Antibody responses in hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been a rather mysterious research topic for many investigators working in the field. Chronic HCV infection is often associated with dysregulation of immune functions particularly in B cells, leading to abnormal lymphoproliferation or the production of autoantibodies that exacerbate inflammation and extrahepatic diseases. When considering the antiviral function of antibody, it was difficult to endorse its role in HCV protection, whereas T-cell response has been shown unequivocally critical for natural recovery. Recent breakthroughs in the study of HCV and antigen-specific antibody responses provide important insights into viral vulnerability to antibodies and the immunogenetic and structural properties of the neutralizing antibodies. The new knowledge reinvigorates HCV vaccine research by illuminating a new path for the rational design of vaccine antigens to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies for protection.
Spirometry not pain level predicts outcomes in geriatric patients with isolated rib fractures.

BACKGROUND Geriatric patients with rib fractures are at risk for developing complications and are often admitted to a higher level of care (intensive care units [ICUs]) based on existing guidelines. Forced vital capacity (FVC) has been shown to correlate with outcomes in patients with rib fractures. Complete spirometry may quantify pulmonary capacity, predict outcome, and potentially assist with admission triage decisions. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 86 patients, 60 years or older with three or more isolated rib fractures presenting after injury. After informed consent, patients were assessed with respect to pain (visual analog scale), grip strength, FVC, forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV1), and negative inspiratory force on hospital days 1, 2, and 3. Outcomes included discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), pneumonia, intubation, and unplanned ICU admission. RESULTS Mean age was 77.4 (SD, 10.2) and 43 (50.0%) were female. Forty-five patients (55.6%) were discharged home, median LOS was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-7). Pneumonias (2), unplanned ICU admissions (3), and intubation (1) were infrequent. Spirometry measures including FVC, FEV1, and grip strength predicted discharge to home and FEV1, and pain level on day 1 moderately correlated with the LOS. Within each subject, FVC, FEV1, and negative inspiratory force did not change for 3 days despite pain at rest and pain after spirometry improving from day 1 to 3 (p = 0.002, p < 0.001 respectively). Change in pain also did not predict outcomes and pain level was not associated with respiratory volumes on any of the 3 days. After adjustment for confounders, FEV1 remained a significant predictor of discharge home (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06) and LOS (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Spirometry measurements early in the hospital stay predict ultimate discharge home, and this may allow immediate or early discharge. The impact of pain control on pulmonary function requires further study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic test, level IV.
The impact of interneurons on nonlinear synaptic integration in the neocortex

Abstract Excitatory inputs arriving at the dendrites of a neuron can engage active mechanisms that nonlinearly amplify the depolarizing currents. Interneuron-mediated inhibition can modulate this active process, in a subtype-dependent manner. For example, dendrite-targeting inhibition is hypothesized to increase the amplitude of synaptic input required to activate voltage-dependent nonlinear synaptic integration. To examine how inhibition influences active synaptic integration, we optogenetically manipulated the activity of two different subtypes of interneurons: dendrite-targeting somatostatin-expressing (SOM) and perisomatic-targeting parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons. In acute slices of mouse primary visual cortex, electrical stimulation evoked nonlinear synaptic integration that depended on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Optogenetic activation of SOM neurons in conjunction with electrical stimulation resulted in predominantly divisive inhibitory gain control, reducing the magnitude of the nonlinear response without affecting its threshold. PV activation, on the other hand, had a minimal effect on dendritic nonlinearities, resulting in a small subtractive effect. Furthermore, we found that mutual inhibition among SOM interneurons was strong and more prevalent than previously thought, while mutual inhibition among PV interneurons was minimal. These results challenge previous models of inhibitory modulation of active synaptic integration. The major effect of SOM inhibition is not a shift in threshold for activation of nonlinear integration, but rather a decrease the amplitude of the nonlinear response.
Letter from our virtually neurological world.

The virtual realm of the internet has connected individuals regardless of the physical distance between them. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when maintaining a physical distance is of the utmost importance, clinicians in all neurological subspecialties have quickly adopted teleneurology via the internet. Clinicians have found inventive ways to examine their patients remotely, and there are now various guidelines on how best to conduct the telehealth neurological examination.1 2 Clinicians and patients alike have had to endure the trials and tribulations that come with this technology. Here we describe several phenomena ‘discovered’ through the recent use of telemedicine, of which …
Does Attention Increase the Value of Choice Alternatives

A growing recognition of the role of attention in decision-making has been driven by both the technology of eye tracking and the development of models that explicitly incorporate attention. One result of this convergence is the arresting claim that attention, by itself, can increase the perceived value of a decision alternative. In this review, we cover the origins of that claim, its empirical foundation, and the reasoning that supports it. The conclusion is that, to date, there is not sufficient evidence to support the claim. Alternative explanations for the extant evidentiary base are discussed, as is the balance between the bottom-up influence of empirical evidence and the top-down commitment to a conceptual framework.
Levinseniella deblocki, New Species (Trematoda: Digenea: Microphallidae) from Salt Marshes along the Eastern Gulf of Mexico with Notes on Its Functional Morphology and Life History

Levinseniella (Austromicrophallus) deblocki, n. sp., was collected during parasitologic studies of homeothermic vertebrates from salt marshes along the coast of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Because L. deblocki lacks a femalepouch, it belongs to the subgenus Monarrhenosproposed by Deblock and Pearson (1970). However, since Deblock and Pearson did not explicitly designate a type species for Monarrhenos, it is not available and is a ” e n nudum. The next available name, Amtormicrophallus Szidat, 1964, a genus synonymized with Lminseniella Stiles andHassall, 1901 by Deblock (1978), is reinstatedas a subgenus toreceive the species lacking a female pouch and previously assigned to Monarrhenos. The adult of L. deblocki is found in the lower digestive tracts of the clapper rail (Rallus Zongirostris), rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Morphologically, L. deblocki appears to be most similar to L. polydactyla Deblock and Rose, 1962, known from Europe, and L. ophidea (Nicol, Dameree, and Wootton, 1985), described from a freshwater habitat in California. Differences in the life cycle, habitat type, and geographic distribution, plus a combination of distinctive morphological characters (presence of lappets on the oral sucker, number of genital pockets, and body size) separate L. deblocki from the other members of the subgenus Austromicrophallus. The metacercarial stage of L. deblocki occurs in the gonads of fiddler crabs (Wca spp.) and the f is t intermediate host appears to be a hydrobud gastropod (Heleobops sp.). Observations on living and preserved specimens fixed in copula indicate that the genital atrium functions as an eversible hermaphroditic organ bearing the male papillae and metraterm. The genital hooks or “Jagerskiold’s bodies” appear to function as holdfast structures during copulation.
Understanding Protest Intensity in a Sample of Highly Mobilized Activists

This paper examines the effects of social networks, biographical availability, and economic strain on protest intensity, the number of protests attended in a given period time, in a sample of highly mobilized activists. Examining the number of protests attended, as opposed to the dichotomy of protesting or not provides a more detailed way to understand mobilization. The highly mobilized are an important but under-examined part of social movement dynamics and exhibit higher levels of networking activity than less mobilized activists. Our findings suggest that economic strain and biographical availability, for the most part, are poor predictors of protest intensity. In contrast, we find that social networks – measured as connections to other individuals and organizations as well as the use of online tools for political purposes - best account for protest intensity. Our results suggest that the highly active have overcome common constraints to protest, are sustained in their high level of activity by networks of other movement actors, and have “normalized” protest participation.
ITTALKS: An Application of Agents in the Semantic Web

Effective use of the vast quantity of information now available on the web will require the use of "Semantic Web" markup languages such as the DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML). Such languages will enable the automated gathering and processing of much information that is currently available but insufficiently utilized. Effectively, such languages will facilitate the integration of multi-agent systems with the existing information infrastructure. As part of our exploration of SemanticWeb technology, and DAML in particular, we have constructed ITTALKS, a web-based system for automatic and intelligent notification of information technology talks. In this paper, we describe the ITTALKS system, and discuss the numerous ways in which the use of Semantic Web concepts and DAML extend its ability to provide an intelligent online service to both the human community and the agents assisting them.
Weak ferromagnetism in κ-(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl, where ET is bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene

Magnetization measurements at ambient pressure on \ensuremath{\kappa}-(ET${)}_{2}$Cu[N(CN${)}_{2}$]Cl, an organic salt that is superconducting under pressure (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=12.8 K at 0.3 kbar), reveal an antiferromagnetic transition near 45 K and, for the first time in this class of materials, a transition near 22 K to a state displaying weak ferromagnetic hysteresis with a saturation moment of (8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$)${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$/formula. This low-temperature state is characterized by a sequence of first-order magnetization jumps.
A segment of the 5' nontranslated region of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA directs internal entry of ribosomes during in vitro translation.

Abstract Picornavirus RNAs are uncapped messengers and have unusually long 5' nontranslated regions (5'NTRs) which contain many noninitiating AUG triplets. The translational efficiency of different picornavirus RNAs varies between different cell-free extracts and even in the same extract, such as micrococcal nuclease-treated rabbit reticulocyte lysates. The effect of the poliovirus 5'NTR on in vitro translation was compared with that of the 5'NTR of encephalomyocarditis virus by the use of synthetic mRNAs, micrococcal nuclease-treated HeLa cell extracts, and rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Artificial mono- and dicistronic mRNAs synthesized with T7 RNA polymerase were used to investigate whether the 5'NTR of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA contains a potential internal ribosomal entry site. The sequence between nucleotides 260 and 484 in the 5'NTR of encephalomyocarditis RNA was found to play a critical role in the efficient translation in both mono- and dicistronic mRNAs. Our data suggest that an internal ribosomal entry site resides in this region.
Engaging Students in Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: A Brief Review of the Literature

Problem solving and critical thinking skills are beneficial across all fields of collegiate studies and provide lasting value in the workplace and everyday life. In problem solving, students employ critical thinking skills in the analyses of problems and the synthesis and applications of previously learned concepts. For decades, researchers and academics have deliberated on ways to engage students in the classroom to train them in these skills. The collective research on teaching critical thinking and problem solving reveal overarching themes, which include student involvement, learning styles, student motivation, and instructor perceptions and behaviors.
Suppression of baroreceptor discharge by endothelin at high carotid sinus pressure

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide released from endothelial cells capable of producing marked and prolonged increases in arterial pressure. The purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelin alters the sensitivity of arterial baroreceptors. Multifiber baroreceptor activity was recorded from the vascularly isolated, endothelium-denuded carotid sinus in dogs anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. Local exposure of baroreceptors to endothelin at a concentration of 10(-8) M produced vasoconstriction of the carotid sinus as measured with sonomicrometer crystals but did not alter baroreceptor discharge significantly. A higher concentration of endothelin (10(-7) M) markedly suppressed baroreceptor activity, particularly at pressures greater than 100 mmHg (n = 7, P less than 0.05). The magnitude of the decrease in activity was dependent on the duration of exposure to endothelin. Baroreceptor activity measured at carotid pressures of 60, 100, and 200 mmHg averaged 23 +/- 4, 65 +/- 6, and 100 +/- 0% of maximum during control; 38 +/- 12, 61 +/- 9, and 74 +/- 15% after exposure to endothelin (10(-7) M) for 2 min; and 27 +/- 8, 53 +/- 12, and 56 +/- 19% after 12 min, respectively. The suppression of nerve activity with the high dose of endothelin was not accompanied by additional vasoconstriction, suggesting a direct effect of endothelin on nerve endings. We speculate that endothelin released from endothelial cells may act in a paracrine manner to suppress activity of baroreceptors, particularly at high levels of arterial pressure. Such an action would interfere with the buffering capacity of the baroreflex and promote hypertension.
Simplified lansoprazole suspension— a liquid formulation of lansoprazole— effectively suppresses intragastric acidity when administered through a gastrostomy

Simplified lansoprazole suspension— a liquid formulation of lansoprazole— effectively suppresses intragastric acidity when administered through a gastrostomy
Crystallographic orientation and size dependence of tension–compression asymmetry in molybdenum nano-pillars

Uniaxial tension and compression experiments on [0 0 1] and [0 1 1] oriented molybdenum nano-pillars exhibit tension–compression asymmetry, a difference in attained stresses in compression vs. tension, which is found to depend on crystallographic orientation and sample size. We find that (1) flow stresses become higher at smaller diameters in both orientations and both loading directions, (2) compressive flow stresses are higher than tensile ones in [0 0 1] orientation, and visa versa in [0 1 1] orientation, and (3) this tension–compression asymmetry is in itself size dependent. We attribute these phenomena to the dependence of twinning vs. antitwinning deformation on loading direction, to the non-planarity of screw dislocation cores in Mo crystals, and to the possibly lesser role of screw dislocations in governing nano-scale plasticity compared with bulk Mo.
Factors governing the reversible change in ionic permeability of a low-density monolayer

Abstract The dynamic response of low-density self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold has been investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under non-faradaic conditions and contact angle measurements. The impedance of low-density 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (LD-MHA) SAMs is compared with that of densely-packed MHA and tetraethylammonium–MHA (TEA–MHA) ion-pair monolayers in 0.1 M KCl (pH 8.4). The films composed of ion-pairs and loosely-packed MHA have higher capacitance and are more permeable to ions than fully-packed MHA SAMs. The impedance phase angle of the LD-MHA SAM at 0.1 Hz decreases reversibly by 10° upon scanning the applied potential from −0.1 V to +0.3 V (vs. SCE). Fitting the impedance data to an equivalent circuit correlates the decrease in phase angle with an order-of-magnitude drop in monolayer resistance (i.e. increase in the ionic permeability of the monolayer). The ion-pair and dense MHA SAMs do not exhibit an increase in permeability upon scanning the applied potential from −0.1 V to +0.3 V (vs. SCE). The capacitances of the LD-MHA and TEA–MHA films exhibit a small, but significant (15%), change with applied potential between −0.1 V and +0.3 V (vs. SCE). The impedance of the LD-MHA SAM is found to be independent of the electrolyte concentration (0.01–1 M KCl), and displays hysteresis with the direction of the potential scan. Receding contact angle measurements performed at −0.1 V and +0.3 V using the same electrolyte show that the higher ionic permeability of the LD-MHA SAM at +0.3 V is caused by a voltage-induced structural change (molecular re-organization) within the film. The agreement between EIS measurements performed at pH 3.3 and pH 8.4 shows that electrostatic attraction between a negatively-charged thiol tailgroup and oppositely-charged gold electrode is not required for this structural change to occur.
Age Should Not Be a Consideration for Nonoperative Management of Blunt Splenic Injury

Background: Operative management of blunt splenic injury is recommended for adults ≥ 55 years. Because this is not our practice, we did a retrospective review to compare outcomes of patients ≥ 55 years old versus patients < 55 years old. Methods: During a 5-year period ending in July of 1998, 461 patients (3%) admitted to our Level I trauma center had a blunt splenic injury. Eighty-six patients (19%) died within 24 hours of massive injuries, leaving 375 patients for evaluation. Data were obtained from our trauma registry and medical records. Results: A total of 29 patients (8%) were ≥ 55 years old (mean age, 67 ± 2 years; mean injury severity score [ISS] 25 ± 2). Of these, 18 patients (62%) underwent nonoperative management (NOM). A total of 346 patients (92%) were < 55 years old (mean age, 28 ± 0.6; mean ISS, 20 ± 1). Of these, 198 patients (57%) underwent NOM. The failure rate was not different between the two age groups (17% vs. 14%). However, the ISS and mortality rate were significantly higher in the older age group that failed (ISS, 29.3 ± 2.6 vs. 19.5 ± 2.1; mortality: 67% vs. 4%). None of the deaths could be attributed to splenic injury. Conclusion: Adults ≥ 55 years old with blunt splenic injury are successfully treated by NOM. Although older adults had significantly greater injuries, they had similar failure rates of NOM when compared with younger adults. Older adults had significantly higher mortality, but this was not a result of their splenic injury. Therefore, age should not be a criteria for NOM of blunt splenic injury.
Immunoregulation of luteolysis

Abstract It is proposed that the immune/inflammatory system plays a yet unrecognized role in the mechanics of prostaglandin (PG) F 2α -induced luteal regression. Eosinophils are specifically attracted into luteal tissues and activated to degranulate (i.e. secrete cytotoxins) before symptoms of luteolysis are manifested (sheep). Further, because eosinophils are often associated with tissue reactions involving antigen-antibody binding, it is hypothesized that a luteal cell antigen could be expressed/unmasked as a result of the action of PGF 2α . Identification of the antigen by an appropriate autoantibody (e.g. complement-fixing) is an alternative mode by which cellular destruction can be mediated. Sialic acid residues that coat the surface of luteal membranes might act as a protective agent to autoimmune recognition. The hypothesis that luteolysis comprises an autoimmune reaction is extended to indicate that rescue of the corpus luteum from regression during early pregnancy involves a local immunosuppressive mechanism.
A colorimetric assay for pilocarpine and its salts.

Abstract Shupe's colorimetric method for the determination of pilocarpine has been found applicable, with modifications, to the quantitative determination of pilocarpine hydrochloride and pilocarpine nitrate. A comparison of the results obtained on commercially available samples by this method with those obtained by both a micro‐Kjeldahl determination and the A. O. A. C. method indicates the suitability of this assay for the quantitative determination of pilocarpine and its salts.