cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Footprinting mRNA-ribosome complexes with chemical probes.

Abstract We footprinted the interaction of model mRNAs with 30S ribosomal subunits in the presence or absence of tRNA(fMet) or tRNA(Phe) using chemical probes directed at the sugar-phosphate backbone or bases of the mRNAs. When bound to the 30S subunits in the presence of tRNA(fMet), the sugar-phosphate backbones of gene 32 mRNA and 022 mRNA are protected from hydroxyl radical attack within a region of about 54 nucleotides bounded by positions -35 (+/- 2) and +19, extending to position +22 when tRNA(Phe) is used. In 70S ribosomes, protection is extended in the 5' direction to about position -39 (+/- 2). In the absence of tRNA, the 30S subunit protects only nucleotides -35 (+/- 2) to +5. Introduction of a stable tetraloop hairpin between positions +10 and +11 of gene 32 mRNA does not interfere with tRNA(fMet)-dependent binding of the mRNA to 30S subunits, but results in loss of protection of the sugar-phosphate backbone of the mRNA downstream of position +5. Using base-specific probes, we find that the Shine-Dalgarno sequence (A-12, A-11, G-10 and G-9) and the initiation codon (A+1, U+2 and G+3) of gene 32 mRNA are strongly protected by 30S subunits in the presence of initiator tRNA. In the presence of tRNA(Phe), the same Shine-Dalgarno bases are protected, as are U+4, U+5 and U+6 of the phenylalanine codon. Interestingly, A-1, immediately preceding the initiation codon, is protected in the complex with 30S subunits and initiator tRNA, while U+2 and G+3 are protected in the complex with tRNA(Phe) in the absence of initiator tRNA. Additionally, specific bases upstream from the Shine-Dalgarno region (U-33, G-32 and U-22) as well as 3' to the initiation codon (G+11) are protected by 30S subunits in the presence of either tRNA. These results imply that the mRNA binding site of the 30S subunit covers about 54-57 nucleotides and are consistent with the possibility that the ribosome interacts with mRNA along its sugar-phosphate backbone.
Acid sphingomyelinase-derived ceramide signaling in apoptosis.

A variety of studies demonstrate a central role for ASM and ceramide in several forms of apoptosis. Ceramide seems to regulate the activity of certain proteins and, thus, may function, in some circumstances, as a second messenger. In addition, the concept of raft modification by ceramide provides a comprehensive model for cellular effects of ceramide, and perhaps a biophysical explanation for the diverse functions of this lipid.
Index-Guided Diode-Laser Array Oscillators

This chapter will review some selected examples of index-guided diode-laser array oscillator structures and their observed performance characteristics. Again, emphasis is placed on examples that exhibit performance characteristics that can be understood in terms of the array theories discussed in Chap. 4. Although, some of the examples in this chapter have been selected because they are believed to represent qualitative demonstrations of important characteristics.
Molecular Neurobiology and Disorders of Brain Development

Developmental neurobiology and molecular neurobiology are potentially areas of great promise for scientists and clinicians concerned with developmental disorders in children. Child psychiatric researchers have struggled to solve complex developmental problems without adequate biologic or neurologic tools; as a consequence, the biologic database of the field is quite meager. That situation promises to change, however. With the advent of recombinant DNA technology and the more recent application of these techniques to molecular neurobiology, we now have at hand tools that enable us to learn more about the role played by genes in regulating neuronal development and about how environmental interactions influence gene expression. With this new knowledge, we can begin to ask more focused questions about human central nervous system (CNS) development and seek to relate our findings to developmental disorders in children.
Investigating Health Risk Environments in Housing Programs for Young Adults: Protocol for a Geographically Explicit Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

Background: Young adults who experience homelessness are exposed to environments that contribute to risk behavior. However, few studies have examined how access to housing may affect the health risk behaviors of young adults experiencing homelessness. Objective: This paper describes the Log My Life study that uses an innovative, mixed-methods approach based on geographically explicit ecological momentary assessment (EMA) through cell phone technology to understand the risk environment of young adults who have either enrolled in housing programs or are currently homeless. Methods: For the quantitative arm, study participants age 18-27 respond to momentary surveys via a smartphone app that collects geospatial information repeatedly during a 1-week period. Both EMAs (up to 8 per day) and daily diaries are prompted to explore within-day and daily variations in emotional affect, context, and health risk behavior, while also capturing infrequent risk behaviors such as sex in exchange for goods or services. For the qualitative arm, a purposive subsample of participants who indicated engaging in risky behaviors are asked to complete an in-depth qualitative interview using an interactive, personalized geospatial map rendering of EMA responses. Results: Recruitment began in June of 2017. To date, 170 participants enrolled in the study. Compliance with EMA and daily diary surveys was generally high. In-depth qualitative follow-ups have been conducted with 15 participants. We expect to recruit 50 additional participants and complete analyses by September of 2019. Conclusions: Mixing the quantitative and qualitative arms in this study will provide a more complete understanding of differences in risk environments between homeless and housed young adults. Furthermore, this approach can improve recall bias and enhance ecological validity. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/12112
The problem of genetic code misreading during protein synthesis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been an important model for determining the frequency of translational misreading events, those in which a tRNA pairs incorrectly to the mRNA and inserts an amino acid not specified by the codon in the mRNA. Misreading errors have been quantified in vivo using reporter protein systems or mass spectrometry with both approaches converging on a simple model for most misreading. The available data show that misreading tRNAs must form stereotypical base mismatches that correspond to those that can mimic Watson-Crick base pairs when formed in the ribosomal A site. Errors involving other mismatches occur significantly less frequently. This work debunks the idea of an average misreading frequency of 5 × 10-4 per codon that extends across the genetic code. Instead, errors come in two distinct classes-high frequency and low frequency events-with most errors being of the low frequency type. A comparison of misreading errors in S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli suggests the existence of a mechanism that reduces misreading frequency in yeast; this mechanism may operate in eukaryotes generally.
A Systematic Approach to Determine the Amount of Data Required for Asset Management Decisions

Facility, infrastructure, and asset related data is being generated at an unprecedented rate, usually without specific purposes or goals. Data is collected in large amounts for exploratory science, achieving significant statistical power, due to the relatively cheap cost of storing data in the cloud. In many cases however, organizations do not consider the negative issues with indiscriminate data collection to include diminishing returns to reduce uncertainty in asset management decisions and the cumulative costs of the data. This paper proposes a novel 4-step frame- work for determining the correct amount of data required for asset management decisions. The framework is built upon the following steps: 1) identify the problem, 2) establish context, 3) verify/collect data, and 4) analyze/decide (IEVA). The IEVA framework can be used as a baseline that orients asset managers to collect decision-focused data and make data-informed decisions.
Mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its role in liver cancer

Hepatic fibrogenesis is a pathophysiological outcome of chronic liver injury hallmarked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves cross...
Assessment of Time to Insurance Approval and Distance Traveled in Patients Treated with CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Introduction Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Long-term follow-up of the ZUMA-1 trial demonstrated that 39% of patients who received axicaptogene ciloleucel were progression free at two-years. Objectives CAR-T cell therapy, as a treatment option, has likely been hindered by logistical barriers, including patients' insurance approval/single case agreement (SCA) process and the distance to the CAR-T treatment center from their home. Methods Patient (Pt) information was retrospectively reviewed from our commercial CAR-T cell therapy experience between 1/2018 and 7/2019. Standard patient demographics and disease characteristics were collected. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time points started with the treating physician's documentation of intent to CAR-T (iCAR-T). Pts were further assessed based on public (Medicare/Medicaid) or private insurance and distance from CAR-T center to home (> or ≤ than 120 miles). Statistical analysis was then completed on the data. Fischer's Exact tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the patients, while log-rank tests were used to compare Kaplan-Meier Curves. Results A total of 25 pts were reviewed. Four pts had intended to be apheresed for CAR-T but did not reach the apheresis time point. In the entire cohort, the median PFS and OS have not been reached. The median follow-up was 5.5 months (range: 1.5 to 15 months) for those infused with CAR-T. Pts with public insurance (N=7) received CAR-T infusion more quickly (p = 0.0080) than those with private insurance (N=14). However, this did not influence PFS (p = 0.2856) or OS (p = 0.5073) with balanced disease and demographic characteristics other than age 120 miles; N=10 or ≤ 120 miles; N=11) from a patient's home to the CAR-T center did not affect PFS (p = 0.8914) or OS (p = 0.9078). Neither analysis for PFS or OS was significantly altered with the addition of the iCAR-T population. Conclusion In this experience, pts with public insurance appear to proceed from agreement to CAR-T with subsequent CAR-T infusion (Brain to Vein) more quickly, but the time to apheresis does not appear to affect outcome. Also, the distance from the CAR-T cell center does not appear to be a predictor for worse outcomes. Both logistical barriers occurring pre-apheresis warrant further assessment in a larger multicenter experience.
Tunable 0.7–2.8-GHz Reflection-Mode N-Path Filters in 45-nm SOI CMOS

This article presents the principles of operation of a reflection-mode $N$ -path filter and then discusses both single-balanced and double-balanced implementations. The single-balanced approach can be used to realize tunable filters with extremely low insertion loss; however, the circuit also exhibits harmonic responses. The double-balanced reflector naturally rejects even-order harmonics and can be modified to cancel the third harmonics as well to provide a tunable $N$ -path filter with the second through fourth harmonics rejected. This comes at the expense of increased insertion loss to support the required balun circuitry used to balance the mixers. Prototypes for both types of filters have been realized in the 45-nm SOI CMOS technology. Measurements on the single-balanced reflection-mode filter indicate 0.8–2.4-dB insertion loss across a 700–3000-MHz tuning range. The input-referred 1-dB compression point is 0 dBm and the input-referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) is +10-dBm in-band and +22-dBm out-of-band (OOB), and the circuit consumes 2.5–7.2 mW of power. Measurements on the double-balanced reflection-mode filter indicate 1.9–4.4-dB insertion loss across a 700–2800-MHz tuning range. The input-referred 1-dB compression point is +0.75 dBm, and IIP3 is >+16.3-dBm in-band and >+19.5-dBm OOB, and the circuit consumes a total of 4.0–15.6 mW of power.
Substance Abuse and Suicide: Promoting Resilience Against Self-Destructive Behavior in Youth

Substance abuse and suicide have been recognized as major self-destructive behaviors of youth, have strong co-morbidity, and have substantial overlap with regard to risk and protective factors. Thi...
Community-acquired Coinfection in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Retrospective Observational Experience.

Community acquired co-infection in COVID-19 is not well defined. Current literature describes co-infection in 0-40% of COVID-19 patients. In this retrospective report, co-infection was identified in 3.7% of patients and 41% of patients admitted to intensive care (p<0.005). Despite infrequent co-infection, antibiotics were used in 69% of patients.
Using Caregiver Support to Promote Efficacy of Nontraditional Instruction Provided to Students With Extensive Support Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most dramatic and far-reaching events to impact education in recent years. At the onset of this global crisis, schools were required to pivot, with little warning or planning, to educate the more than 50 million school-aged children in the United States through some form of nontraditional instruction (NTI), which often involved technology-based distance education. While shifts to NTI for short time periods may be feasible for many students, the potential impact of long-term NTI on students with extensive support needs (ESNs) and their families, especially in rural areas, may be particularly acute. In this article, we discuss specific strategies that address and incorporate what we know about extended NTI in rural school districts, including both lessons learned and areas of concern, with particular attention to the role and importance of caregivers. We outline ways that caregivers can be supported and how natural environment teaching provides one useful framework for efforts to reduce skill regression and to increase the overall potential for skill generalization when traditional schooling is interrupted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Rural Special Education Quarterly is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Looking toward the future: Approaching care of the aging CF patient.

Caring for people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) has changed considerably since the first description of the disorder and continues to evolve in the era of highly effective modulator therapy. These new treatment advancements are resulting in improved health outcomes in an ever-growing adult population with improved long-term survival. This article explores potential co-morbidities and mental health implications associated with increased longevity and survivorship. It also considers the need for further evolution in patient centered care with an expanded health care team in a more virtually connected world. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Rotating Machinery: Practical Solutions to Unbalance and Misalignment

Developing the Vibration Equations Resonance and Beat Frequencies Vibration Due to Unbalance Field Balancing A Single Plane Balancing Technique Misalignment of Machine Shafts Advanced Machine Alignment Reverse Indicator Alignment.
Comparison of Ultraviolet Photodissociation and Collision Induced Dissociation of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Peptides

In an effort to better characterize the fragmentation pathways promoted by ultraviolet photoexcitation in comparison to collision induced dissociation (CID), six adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) peptides in a range of charge states were subjected to 266 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD), 193 nm UVPD, and CID. Similar fragment ions and distributions were observed for 266 nm UVPD and 193 nm UVPD for all peptides investigated. While both UVPD and CID led to preferential cleavage of the Y–S bond for all ACTH peptides [except ACTH (1-39)], UVPD was far less dependent on charge state and location of basic sites for the production of C-terminal and N-terminal ions. For ACTH (1-16), ACTH (1-17), ACTH (1-24), and ACTH (1-39), changes in the distributions of fragment ion types (a, b, c, x, y, z, and collectively N-terminal ions versus C-terminal ions) showed only minor changes upon UVPD for all charge states. In contrast, CID displayed significant changes in the fragment ion type distributions as a function of charge state, an outcome consistent with the dependence on the number and location of mobile protons that is not prominent for UVPD. Sequence coverages obtained by UVPD showed less dependence on charge state than those determined by CID, with the latter showing a consistent decrease in coverage as charge state increased.
Retrieving images of similar geometrical configuration

Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) has been an active research field for a long time. Existing CBIR approaches are mostly based on low- to middle-level visual cues such as color or color histograms and possibly semantic relations of image regions, etc. In many applications, it may be of interest to retrieve images of similar geometrical configurations such as all images of a hallway-like view. In this paper we present our work on addressing such a task that seemingly requires 3D reconstruction from a single image. Our approach avoids explicit 3D reconstruction, which remains to be a challenge, through coding the potential relationship between the 3D structure of an image and its low-level features via a grid-based representation. We experimented with a data set of several thousands of images and obtained promising results.
Improved methodology to evaluate clear-sky direct normal irradiance with a multi-pyranometer array

Abstract An improved methodology to estimate the clear-sky direct normal irradiance based on an anisotropic clear-sky model using a Multi-Pyranometer Array (MPA) is analyzed in this paper. The MPA is a static platform with four sensors on surfaces at different tilt and azimuth angles, which measured solar irradiance can be used to estimate the normal incident component without the tracking devices that involve more detailed installation and maintenance. The array’s sensors are of the photovoltaic type, which require both the spectral and angle-of-incidence corrections. Based on the general expressions for the solar radiation on each of the MPA sloped surfaces and using a hybrid model that includes an anisotropic sky diffuse component, in this work an improved procedure is presented that estimate the normal direct solar irradiance by grouping two expressions of a couple of MPA sensors and analytically look for a satisfactory solution; one set for the horizontal and south sensors, and another for the east and west sensors. The solution for the east and west sensors is expanded to two new solutions by mirroring their readings according to the solar noon. A final switching scheme based on the expressions denominator size provides the satisfactory direct normal irradiance estimation. The analysis of the results for the analyzed days showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) decreased by around 14–43% in comparison with previous results reported in the literature. The proposed methodology is a promising new approach for MPA.
Capoeira: the application in the United States of an Afro-Brazilian martial arts/cultural approach to prevention

(1995). Capoeira: the application in the United States of an Afro-Brazilian martial arts/cultural approach to prevention. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 161-166.
A transition detection study at Mach 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 using a micro-thin hot-film system

A boundary-layer transition detection study was conducted in the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel with an array of micro-thin hot films on a flat plate at Mach numbers from 1.0 to 4.5 million per foot. Transition locations were obtained online from the variation of normalized RMS (root mean square) voltages from an array of hot-film sensors for both natural transition and a grit-induced wedge of turbulence. The effects of Mach number and Reynolds number on the location and lengths of the transition region for the two types of transition are presented from the online data. Also shown are the unit Reynolds number effects on transition Reynolds number, voltage-versus-time traces, spectra, and the data-acquisition system. >
Influence of baclofen on laryngeal and spinal motor drive during cough in the anesthetized cat.

Objectives/Hypothesis The antitussive properties of (±) baclofen on laryngeal muscle activities have not been determined. The hypothesis of this study was that administration of (±) baclofen would suppress upper airway muscle motor activity in a dose-dependent manner during cough. Study Design This is a prospective, preclinical, hypothesis-driven, paired design. Methods Electromyograms of the parasternal, rectus abdominis, thyroarytenoid, posterior cricoarytenoid, and thyrohyoid were measured, along with esophageal pressure. Cough was elicited by mechanical stimulation of the lumen of the intrathoracic trachea in spontaneously breathing cats. Results Baclofen (±) (3–10 μg kg−1 i.a.) induced decreases in the electromyogram amplitude of the rectus abdominis motor drive during coughing, the inspiratory and active expiratory (E1) phases of cough, and cough number per epoch. There was no effect of (±) baclofen on the EMG amplitudes of any of the laryngeal muscles, the parasternal, or the duration of the passive expiratory (E2) phase. Conclusions Results from the present study indicate differential control mechanisms for laryngeal and inspiratory motor drive during cough, providing evidence of a control system regulating laryngeal activity and inspiratory spinal drive that is divergent from the control of expiratory spinal motoneurons. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3088–3092, 2013
A Progress Report on New Decision Algorithms for Finitely Prsented Abelian Groups

We report on the current state of our development of new decision algorithms for finitely presented Abelian groups (FPAG) based upon commutative-associative (C-A) term rewriting system methods. We show that the uniform word problem is solvable by a completion algorithm which generates Church-Rosser, Noetherian, C-A term rewriting systems. The raw result is theoretical, and few would contemplate implementing it directly because of the incredible amount of trash which would be generated. Much of this trash can be obviated by a different approach which achieves the same end. First, the uniform identity problem is solved by a modified C-A completion algorithm which generates Church-Rosser bases, and then the desired complete set can be computed directly from the Church-Rosser bases. Computer generated examples of the first part of this two part procedure are given. The second part is still under development. Our computer experiences suggest that Church-Rosser bases may often contain large numbers of rules, even for simple presentations. So we were naturally interested in finding better Church-Rosser basis algorithms. With some minor changes the method of [1966] can be used to generate Church-Rosser bases. The Smith basis algorithm appears promising because computer experiments suggest that the number of rules grows slowly. However, small examples with small coefficients can give rise to bases with very large coefficients which exceed machine capacity so we are not entirely satisfied with this approach.
99mTc-HL91 “Hot Spot” Detection of Ischemic Myocardium In Vivo by Gamma Camera Imaging

Background — 99m Tc-HL91 is a new hypoxia imaging agent that demonstrates increased uptake and retention in globally hypoxic myocardium in vitro. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 99m Tc-HL91 could detect regional ischemia in vivo by gamma camera imaging. Methods and Results —Eight open-chest dogs with left circumflex (LCx) stenoses were studied. Injection of 5 mCi of 99m Tc-HL91 and microspheres was followed by imaging over 4 hours. Heart slices were imaged, then stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), and tissues were well-counted. TTC staining demonstrated no injury. Mean LCx blood flow was 0.32±0.04 mL · min −1 · g −1 , and mean left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) flow was 0.96±0.02 mL · min −1 · g −1 (ratio, 0.33). “Hot spots” were detected in 8 of 8 experiments in vivo within 60 minutes and improved over 4 hours. Region of interest analysis of LCx/LAD activity ratios demonstrated significant increases within 30 minutes (final ratio, 3.0; P P −1 · g −1 ) had an inverse linear correlation ( r =−0.80); phase 2, (flow, >0.7 mL · min −1 · g −1 ) had no correlation. Ischemic heart/liver ratios remained near 1.0 for 4 hours. Conclusions — 99m Tc-HL91 positively identifies regional myocardial ischemia in a canine model using 99m Tc imaging. Quantitative techniques allowed identification of ischemic myocardium within 15 minutes of tracer administration.
A solid-phase β-galactosidase ELISA for detecting and quantifying monoclonal antibody binding to dissociated cell cultures of postnatal rodent cerebellum

A solid-phase, indirect beta-galactosidase-linked immunoassay (ELISA) is described for screening large numbers of monoclonal antibodies that recognize cell surface antigens of primary monolayer cerebellar cultures. Target cultures were prepared from perikaryal suspensions of postnatal rodent cerebellum seeded into poly-L-lysine pre-coated, flat-bottom microtiter wells and fixed with glutaraldehyde after growth in vitro. Hybridoma supernatants were then incubated on these cultures. After the addition of beta-galactosidase-linked anti-mouse IgG F(ab')2 fragments, antigen-positive supernatants were detected with the enzyme substrate o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for rat brain Thy-1 glycoprotein, this solid-phase ELISA was found to be useful in quantifying changes in the developmental expression of cerebellar surface antigens in these cultures.
Wounded Embryonic Corneas Exhibit Nonfibrotic Regeneration and Complete Innervation

Purpose. Wound healing in adult corneas is characterized by activation of keratocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis that results in fibrotic scar formation and loss of transparency. Since most fetal wounds heal without scaring, we investigated the regenerative potential of wounded embryonic corneas.
Preparation of 9,9-Disubstituted 4,5-Diazafluorenes Useful as Cognitive Enhancers

A novel synthesis of symmetric and nonsymmetric 9,9-disubstituted 4,5-diazafluorenes has been developed. These compounds have activity in both an in vitro acetylcholine release assay and in vivo rodent models of learning and memory. Preparation of these compounds involves a unique aldol condensation between 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (4) and 4-picoline. Reduction of aldol product 5 (5-(4-pyridinylmethylene)-5H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b‘]dipyridine) provides monoalkylated diazafluorene 6 (5-(4-pyridinylmethyl)-5H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b‘]dipyridine) which proved to be a key intermediate for synthesis of nonsymmetric analogs.
Switching and stability properties of conewise linear systems

Being a unique phenomenon in hybrid systems, mode switch is of fundamental importance in dynamic and control analysis. In this paper, we focus on global long-time switching and stability properties of conewise linear systems (CLSs), which are a class of linear hybrid systems subject to state-triggered switchings recently introduced for modeling piecewise linear systems. By exploiting the conic subdivision structure, the “simple switching behavior” of the CLSs is proved. The infinite-time mode switching behavior of the CLSs is shown to be critically dependent on two attracting cones associated with each mode; fundamental properties of such cones are investigated. Verifiable necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the CLSs with infinite mode switches. Switch-free CLSs are also characterized by exploring the polyhedral structure and the global dynamical properties. The equivalence of asymptotic and exponential stability of the CLSs is established via the uniform asymptotic stability of the CLSs that in turn is proved by the continuous solution dependence on initial conditions. Finally, necessary and sufficient stability conditions are obtained for switch-free CLSs.
Chemically Mediated Transmission at a Giant Fiber Synapse in the Central Nervous System of a Vertebrate

The hatchetfish, Gasteropelecus, possesses large pectoral fin adductor muscles whose simultaneous contraction enables the fish to dart upwards at the approach of a predator. These muscles can be excited by either Mauthner fiber. In the medulla, each Mauthner fiber forms axo-axonic synapses on four "giant fibers," two on each side of the midline. Each pair of giant fibers innervates ipsilateral motoneurons controlling the pectoral fin adductor muscles. Mauthner fibers and giant fibers can be penetrated simultaneously by microelectrodes close to the synapses between them. Electrophysiological evidence indicates that transmission from Mauthner to giant fiber is chemically mediated. Under some conditions miniature postsynaptic potentials (PSP's) are observed, suggesting quantal release of transmitter. However, relatively high frequency stimulation reduces PSP amplitude below that of the miniature potentials, but causes no complete failures of PSP's. Thus quantum size is reduced or postsynaptic membrane is desensitized. Ramp currents in Mauthner fibers that rise too slowly to initiate spikes can evoke responses in giant fibers that appear to be asynchronous PSP's. Probably both spikes and ramp currents act on the same secretory mechanism. A single Mauthner fiber spike is followed by prolonged depression of transmission; also PSP amplitude is little affected by current pulses that markedly alter presynaptic spike height. These findings suggest that even a small spike releases most of an immediately available store of transmitter. If so, the probability of release by a single spike is high for any quantum of transmitter within this store.
Development of a multiaxial fatigue theory by considering constraint effects on small mixed-mode cracks

The effects of the transverse strain (the normal strain in the crack-line direction) on the near-tip fields of small shallow surface cracks (Case A cracks) in power-law hardening materials are investigated by finite element analyses. The small Case A cracks are under plane stress, general yielding, and mixed mode I and II conditions. Constant effective stress contours representing the intense straining zones near the tip, deformed crack-tip profiles and near-tip mode mixity factors are presented for different transverse strains in the crack-line direction. Based on the concept of characterization of fatigue crack growth by the cyclic J-integral, the effects of the transverse strain on J are investigated. The results suggest that the fatigue life prediction based on multiaxial fatigue theories and the critical plane approach should include the constraint effects due to the transverse strain. Consequently, the concept of constant fatigue life contour on the Γ-plane in multiaxial fatigue theories is generalized to the constant fatigue life surface in the Γ-space where the shear strain and the two normal strains are the three axes. Finally, a damage parameter as a function of the shear strain and the two normal strains is proposed for evaluation of fatigue damage under multiaxial loading conditions.
Mechanistic sediment quality guidelines based on contaminant bioavailability: Equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks

Globally, estimated costs to manage (i.e., remediate and monitor) contaminated sediments are in the billions of U.S. dollars. Biologically based approaches for assessing the contaminated sediments which pose the greatest ecological risk range from toxicity testing to benthic community analysis. In addition, chemically based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) provide a relatively inexpensive line of evidence for supporting these assessments. The present study summarizes a mechanistic SQG based on equilibrium partitioning (EqP), which uses the dissolved concentrations of contaminants in sediment interstitial waters as a surrogate for bioavailable contaminant concentrations. The EqP-based mechanistic SQGs are called equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks (ESBs). Sediment concentrations less than or equal to the ESB values are not expected to result in adverse effects and benthic organisms should be protected, while sediment concentrations above the ESB values may result in adverse effects to benthic organisms. In the present study, ESB values are reported for 34 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 32 other organic contaminants, and seven metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, silver, zinc). Also included is an overview of EqP theory, ESB derivation, examples of applying ESB values, and considerations when using ESBs. The ESBs are intended as a complement to existing sediment-assessment tools, to assist in determining the extent of sediment contamination, to help identify chemicals causing toxicity, and to serve as targets for pollutant loading control measures. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:102–114. © 2012 SETAC
SUBACUTE TOXICITY OF TWO CHRYSANTHEMUMIC ACID ESTERS: BARTHRIN AND DIMETHRIN.

Abstract The subacute toxicity of barthrin and dimethrin was investigated in albino rats. Each compound was studied at 4 dietary levels: 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 2% for barthrin; and 0.2, 0.6, 1.5, and 3% for dimethrin. Weekly food consumption and body weight were recorded. Toxicologic data obtained included: hematologic measurements, organ weights, and histopathologic examination. Skin irritation tests were obtained with rabbits. In general, both compounds appear to have low toxicity in the rat. The toxicologic findings were: 1. 1. Significant decrease in body weight at sacrifice (16 weeks on test substances) was observed in the following groups: males on 2% barthrin (16% reduction in body weight); all female groups on barthrin (average 9% reduction); males on 0.6 and 3% dimethrin (11 and 36% reduction); and female groups on 1.5 and 3% dimethrin (14 and 27% reduction). 2. 2. One control female, 1 male on 1% barthrin, and 1 female on 3% dimethrin died before the end of the experiment. 3. 3. The following scattered gross pathologic changes were noted at autopsy: small bladder stones in 2 males on 2% barthrin, 1 male on 1% barthrin, 1 male on 0.6% dimethrin, and 1 male on 0.2% dimethrin; spotted lungs in 1 female on 2% barthrin, 1 female on 0.3% barthrin, 3 females on 0.6% dimethrin, and 1 male on 0.6% dimethrin. 4. 4. The hematologic data did not show differences between the control groups and the experimental groups tested (1 and 2% barthrin and 1.5 and 3% dimethrin). 5. 5. Significantly higher organ to body weight ratios were obtained for the kidney and liver in the groups on 1 and 2% barthrin and 1.5 and 3% dimethrin. The liver enlargement encountered with both compounds was accompanied by the appearance of unusual cytoplasmic inclusions in hepatic cells, suggesting cytoplasmic storage or alteration in cytoplasmic fine structure. The effect of increased liver and kidney weight to body weight ratios as well as the histopathologic changes in the liver were shown to be reversible after withdrawal of barthrin or dimethrin. 6. 6. Test for local (skin) irritation in rabbits indicated mild scaliness with dimethrin which disappeared after cessation of application.
Language and Location: Map Annotation Project - A GIS-based infrastructure for linguistics information management

The Language and Location: Map Annotation Project (LL-MAP) has been funded by the US National Science Foundation to build a database of linguistic information integrated into a Web-based geographical information system. LL-MAP embodies several innovative concepts of computational linguistics, such as spatial data engine driven architecture, dynamic joining of linguistic information with related cultural and geographic data, multi-layered and linked visualization, real time online data harvesting, collaborative toolboxes for linguistic studies, quick search of digital gazetteers, and toponymical analysis. This paper will demonstrate these LL-MAP functions and discuss their disciplinary implications in linguistic studies.
Effects of secobarbital on human aggressive and non-Aggressive responding

This study examined the effects of secobarbital on human aggressive responding in a controlled laboratory setting. Sixty minutes prior to experimental sessions, male subjects were administered either placebo or 50, 100 or 200 mg per 70 kg of body weight doses of secobarbital double-blind. During these sessions, subjects could press a button to accumulate points exchangeable for money (non-aggressive response) or press another button ostensibly to subtract points from a fictitious person (aggressive response). Aggressive responding was occasioned by subtracting points from the subject. Subjects were instructed that points were subtracted by another person. Aggressive responding was maintained by contingent presentation of periods free of point subtractions, i.e., provocations. Acute secobarbital administration produced dose-dependent decreases in non-aggressive responding, and increases in aggressive responding.
Therapy of Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Disease Due to Atherothrombosis

Therapy for Transient Ischemic Attacks Surgical Therapy Carotid endarterectomy remains the mainstay of the therapy for TIAs that are caused by carotid stenosis. First introduced in 1954 by Eastcott et al.,104 the procedure has been associated with a morbidity ranging from 1 to 20 per cent, depending largely on the patient population and the experience of the surgeon. 42,55, 105 106 107 108 109 Although many studies suggest that this procedure is effective in preventing additional TIAs or strokes,55, 105 106 107 , 109 , 110 its value is yet to be confirmed by a well-designed, controlled, randomized clinical trial. In the one multicenter controlled study published thus far, 24 centers randomly assigned . . .
Controls of citrate synthase activity.

Abstract The inhibition of citrate synthase by a variety of nucleotides and polycarboxylate compounds is not unexpected since many of the compounds are substrate analogs of citrate synthase. These effectors are interesting by virtue of the fact that many of them are intermediates and/or end products in the metabolic path of which citrate synthase can be considered the first committed step. As a consequence, it is possible to propose regulation of citrate synthase by ATP (or phosphorylation potential) by acyl CoA (acylation level) and NADH (redox potential). Aside from these putative controls, it is possible that the major control of citrate synthase activity is by changes in the concentration of its substrates acetyl CoA and oxalacetate. I discuss in this review the many factors that must be considered before one can decide whether or not interactions between metabolites and enzymes observed in an in vitro catalytic situation have metabolic relevance. These factors include 1) the concentrations of substrates at the enzyme site, 2) the concentrations of effectors at the enzyme site, 3) the presence of modifying substances, and 4) the difference in behavior of an enzyme at its concentration in vivo compared to its concentration in vitro . In the case of citrate synthase as is generally true for other enzymes, no accurate knowledge of these factors are available in vitro so that little can be said concerning the in situ control of citrate synthase, which may be the result of all the factors acting in concert. The studies of effectors on enzymes in vitro can only serve as a guideline for parameters to study when techniques are available to study control of enzymes in situ .
Peace Enforcement: The United Nations Experience in Congo, Somalia, and Bosnia. By Jane Boulden. Westport, CT: Praeger, 2001. 176p. $62.00

Since the Cold War's end, the United Nations Security Council has become a more active and controversial player in international politics. Its perceived mandate in peace and security affairs had expanded considerably since the UN's creation in 1945. As its operational scope grows, so too has its detractors, who note its failures in the early 1990s, especially in Somalia and Bosnia. Jane Boulden's book comes at an important time in world politics as the United Nations begins the process of addressing Afghanistan's evolution toward democracy and stability, and as major operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, the Middle East and elsewhere persist.
Measures of entanglement in multipartite bound entangled states

Bound entangled states are states that are entangled but from which no entanglement can be distilled if all parties are allowed only local operations and classical communication. However, in creating these states one needs nonzero entanglement resources to start with. Here, the entanglement of two distinct multipartite bound entangled states is determined analytically in terms of a geometric measure of entanglement and a related quantity. The results are compared with those for the negativity and the relative entropy of entanglement.
Extreme scale computer architecture: Energy efficiency from the ground up [Keynote address]

Summary form only given. As we move to higher levels of integration, it is clear that power and energy efficiency are the most formidable barriers. A chip built out of 1000 cores requires fundamentally rethinking the whole compute stack from the ground up for energy efficiency. Often, energy efficiency is in direct conflict with resilience. In this talk, I will describe some of the architecture technologies that we are exploring, based on low voltage operation and streamlined architectures.
FEMINIST RESEARCH METHODS : A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS

This research examined the extent to which research methods textbooks in psychology and general social science discuss feminist challenges and approaches to social science (N = 40 textbooks). Two dimensions were examined. First, within the “nonsexist” dimensions, textbooks were analyzed to determine if they used nonsexist language and if they discussed ways to avoid sexist bias in research. The second dimension was “profeminist.” Within this dimension four subdomains receiving considerable attention from feminist researchers were explored: (a) epistemology (or “ways of knowing”); (b) objectivity and subjectivity; (c) the relationship between the researcher and the researched; and (d) qualitative versus quantitative methodologies. Results demonstrated that although the majority of the textbooks did not use sexist language, they did not move much beyond this standard. There was little discussion of feminist challenges to these research issues. When the textbook authors did mention these topics, their analys...
Quantitative analysis of breast parenchymal density: correlation with women's age

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated the relationship between a woman's breast parenchymal density and her age by means of a quantitative method for measuring density from digitized mammograms. Materials and Methods. The percentage of the breast considered to be dense was evaluated from mammograms of 50 women stratified by age. Quantitative analysis based on the computer segmentation of tissue in digitized mammograms was performed by three expert mammographers. The results of this analysis were compared with results from a review of the film mammograms by three expert mammographers. Results. A slight decrease in the percentage of breast considered to be dense with increased age was observed. The average difference in the percentage of dense breast tissue between the youngest and the oldest age groups was 6.4% based on the digital review and 14.6% based on the film review. Within each age group, the total variability was on the order of 75%. Conclusion. The difference in mean magnitude between the youngest and oldest age groups was small and may not be clinically important. The variability within an age group was large, which suggests that age is not a reliable indicator of percentage of dense breast tissue.
Clinical trials update: Tertiary prevention of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. However, the past two decades have brought major advances in CRC screening and therapeutics, including advances in surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biologic therapy. As a result, the incidence and mortality of CRC have declined and there are now an increasing number of CRC survivors. Upon completing their initial course of therapy, patients with CRC have a keen interest in adopting dietary and lifestyle activities in an attempt to reduce the risk of recurrent cancer. That particular moment in time has been eloquently referred to as the “teachable moment” for oncologists – a time when patients are receptive and willing to consider adopting lifestyle practices for the purposes of risk reduction.[1] Even after the initial course of therapy, CRC patients represent an important “high-risk group” to be targeted for preventive therapeutics via clinical trial enrollment. There are now observational data supporting the importance of dietary[2,3] and lifestyle behaviors (such as physical activity)[4,5] on survival after CRC diagnosis. However, data are lacking from large-scale clinical trials in support of concrete recommendations for preventing CRC recurrence in the survivorship setting. With the growing population of CRC survivors and advances in the understanding of several well-tolerated therapeutic agents, there has been renewed interest in developing strategies for CRC risk reduction among CRC patients. This is reflected in the current state of the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI)-supported cooperative group clinical trials system, where three large randomized, controlled clinical trials have emerged that will hopefully optimize our approach to risk reduction among CRC survivors over the next decade and beyond. Each of these trials involves a prolonged intervention period using oral medications to inhibit colorectal carcinogenesis through separate mechanisms, and they will be discussed here.
Anisotropic tensile necking

Abstract Tensile necking in anisotropic bars is analyzed in the spirit of P. W. Bridgman's treatment of the isotropic case. Anisotropic plastic flow causes an initially axisymmetric bar to develop an elliptical neck. Using physical approximations analogous to Bridgman's, an approximate analytical solution for the stress distribution is obtained. The anisotropic necking theory is then applied to the analysis of tension tests conducted on Zircaloy-4 at elevated temperatures. The utility of the theory is demonstrated and the adequacy of inherent approximations assessed.
Infusing content on oppression into the social work curriculum

The 2003 Council on Social Work Education standards of accreditation mandated the inclusion of course content to educate students about the systemic factors that contribute to populations being at risk of oppression, as well as strategies to redress them. In response to that mandate, this article discusses oppression in its biopsychosocial complexity and suggests ways that confronting oppression can be integrated into the core curriculum of social work.