cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Ethno-political Accounting of the Sri Lankan Tsunami Impact and Recovery

New tools aimed at achieving accountability in the delivery of humanitarian assistance offer opportunities to understand the role foreign donors play in the domestic ethno-political landscapes of post-disaster nations. In Sri Lanka, hopes that the Indian Ocean Tsunami would facilitate further rapprochement between the Sinhalese-dominated government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were soon replaced by renewed conflict. Soon after, came widening gaps in the levels of foreign assistance reaching the disproportionately-affected Tamil and Muslim minority communities in the east and north of the island. This paper combines data from the UNDP Development Assistance Database with highly local damage and ethnic composition, to provide an in-depth accounting of the magnitude of post-Tsunami foreign assistance, the role of foreign donors in distributional inequities, and the tragic consequences of the disaster-conflict nexus. While the power bases of both the ruling United National Party and the LTTE received nearly twice the national average level of foreign assistance, the war- and tsunami-ravaged regions of the Eastern Province received as little as half the national average.
Special Education Services in Rural Schools: A Study of the Kindergarten Population Using the ECLS-K:

Although the benefits of inclusive education for students with and without disabilities are well documented, many schools continue to struggle with implementing inclusive practices. Rural schools i...
How Coaches Can Prevent and Address Alcohol Consumption Among Student-Athletes

This manuscript seeks to offer insight about how coaches can better address drinking among collegiate student-athletes. Using a mixed-methods design, 519 NCAA coaches reported their attitudes and b...
Multiple Subject Respiratory Pattern Recognition and Estimation of Direction of Arrival using Phase-Comparison Monopulse Radar

A scalable non-contact respiratory monitoring approach is introduced for the practical separation and recognition of multiple simultaneous human respiratory patterns, using a 24-GHz phase-comparison Monopulse radar. The proposed system demonstrates a computationally efficient phase-comparison Monopulse technique to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of respiratory motion signals from single and multiple subjects to determine their angular positions. Experimental results demonstrated that Monopulse radar can sense and detect three different breathing patterns (normal, fast and slow) and can estimate the angular location of a single normally breathing subject within the main beamwidth of the transceiver with an estimation accuracy of approximately 84% whereas, and almost 78% for two subjects. Based on analysis of experimental results, the estimation accuracy of phase-comparison Monopulse technique degrades with the breathing pattern deviations from nominal breathing cycle and rate (fast/slow breathing) due to reduced phase measurement accuracy for the irregular signals resulting from lower signal to noise ratios (SNR). The proposed scalable 24-GHz radar transceiver system can successfully find the direction of the human target based on recognition of respiration signals which can have potential applications in healthcare and security surveillance systems.
FOLFOXIRI versus doublet-regimens in the first-line therapy of MSI-S right-sided (RS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A survival analysis.

e15060Background: Microsatellite stable (MSI-S) RS mCRC patients (pts) have a worse prognosis relative to left sided tumors for overall survival (OS). The present analysis aims to test the hypothes...
Effects of Intensive Versus Standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control on Cerebrovascular Outcomes in Older People (INFINITY).

Background: Subcortical microvascular disease represented by brain white matter hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with functional decline in older people with hypertension....
Reprise d’activité professionnelle et sportive après prothèse totale de hanche

Resume Le remplacement prothetique de la hanche est une intervention a succes decrite comme l’operation du 21e siecle. L’incidence des protheses de hanche a considerablement augmente au cours des 10 dernieres annees, principalement chez les patients de moins de 65 ans qui representent plus de 50 % des patients dans certains pays. Elle permet dans la tres grande majorite des cas non seulement de recuperer une hanche indolore et fonctionnelle, mais aussi de reprendre une activite professionnelle et sportive de bon niveau. Cet article pose la question du taux et du delai de la reprise d’activite professionnelle et sportive apres prothese de hanche, et fait le point sur les facteurs predictifs de reprise.
Dexamethasone solution and dexamethasone in Mucolox for the treatment of oral lichen planus: a preliminary report on findings

Objectives Topical use of steroids, such as dexamethasone rinses, is the mainstay of therapy for oral lichen planus (OLP).Treatment is challenging because it requires multiple daily applications of the solution, which is easily washed away when it comes in contact with saliva and foods or drinks. Mucolox is a mucosal delivery system that prolongs the time of contact with the mucosa, potentially improving the efficacy of topical steroid rinses. The objective of this single-center, open-label, randomized, phase II study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dexamethasone solution (standard of care) in Mucolox (group A) compared with dexamethasone solution alone (group B) for the treatment of OLP. The primary outcome measure was to detect changes in each subject's sensitivity scores (0–10) evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Study Design Patients with clinical OLP and a visual analogue scale (VAS) sensitivity score of 7 or greater were randomized to group A or group B. REU (Reticulation/keratosis, erythema, and ulceration) scoring, VAS for sensitivity, and Chronic Oral Mucosal Diseases Questionnaire (COMDQ) were completed at baseline and at end of treatment (4 weeks). The sample size was calculated at 80% power and 2-sided alpha of 0.05 to detect at difference of 2.0 points on an 11-point scale. Differences were assessed by using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Results Sixteen patients (15 females, 1 male (median age 64.5 years; range 45–76 years) were randomly assigned to group A or group B (8 patients each). Two patients were excluded because they did not return for follow-up (1 from group A and 1 from group B [voluntary withdrawal]). Dexamethasone solution in Mucolox was significantly more effective in improving self-reported oral sensitivity compared with dexamethasone solution only (6-point reduction vs 4-point reduction; P Conclusions Topical dexamethasone solution in Mucolox appears to be more effective for managing symptoms in patients with OLP compared with dexamethasone solution only. Larger studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
Total body PET imaging from mice to humans

Small animal PET scanning is destined to offer programs of the pre-clinical development of paradigms and protocols that are translatable for undertaking “systems biology” research in humans using total body PET Scanning.
Regulation of SETD2 stability by its intrinsically disordered regions maintains the fidelity of H3K36me3 deposition

ABSTRACT The SET domain-containing protein SETD2 is the sole methyltransferase in mammals that can trimethylate histone H3 at lysine 36. H3K36me3 is known to be involved in transcription elongation, pre-mRNA splicing, DNA methylation, and DNA damage repair. However, knowledge of the regulation of the SETD2 enzyme itself is limited. Here we show that the poorly characterized N-terminal region of SETD2 plays a determining role in regulating the stability of SETD2. This stretch of 1-1403 amino acid residues which contains disordered regions, is targeted for degradation by the proteasome. In addition, the SETD2 protein is aggregate-prone and forms insoluble inclusion bodies in nuclei especially upon proteasome inhibition. Removal of the N-terminal segment results in the stabilization of SETD2 and leads to a marked increase in global H3K36me3 which, uncharacteristically, can happen in an RNA Pol II-independent manner. The spurious H3K36me3 is deposited in a non-canonical distribution including reduced enrichment over gene bodies and exons. An increased SETD2 abundance leads to widespread changes in transcription and alternative splicing. Thus, the regulation of SETD2 levels through intrinsically disordered region-facilitated proteolysis is important to maintain the fidelity of transcription and splicing related processes.
Joint optimization of vehicle-group trajectory and signal timing: Introducing the white phase for mixed-autonomy traffic stream

Abstract This study develops a novel mixed-integer non-linear program to control the trajectory of mixed connected-automated vehicles (CAVs) and connected human-driven vehicles (CHVs) through signalized intersections. The trajectory of CAVs is continuously optimized via a central methodology, while a new “white” phase is introduced to enforce CHVs to follow their immediate front vehicle. The movement of CHVs is incorporated in the optimization framework utilizing a customized linear car-following model. During the white phase, CAVs lead groups of CHVs through an intersection. The proposed formulation determines the optimal signal indication for each lane-group in each time step. We have developed a receding horizon control framework to solve the problem. The case study results indicate that the proposed methodology successfully controls the mixed CAV-CHV traffic under various CAV market penetration rates and different demand levels. The results reveal that a higher CAV market penetration rate induces more frequent white phase indication compared to green-red signals. The proposed program reduces the total delay by 19.6%–96.2% compared to a fully-actuated signal control optimized by a state-of-practice traffic signal timing optimization software.
Challenging Convention: Daytime Versus Nighttime Extubation in the Pediatric ICU

BACKGROUND: The majority of pediatric extubations occur during day shift hours. There is a time-dependent relationship between mechanical ventilation duration and complications. It is not known if extubation shift (day vs night) correlates with pediatric extubation outcomes. Pediatric ventilation duration may be unnecessarily prolonged if extubation is routinely delayed until day shift hours. METHODS: We hypothesized that extubation failure would not correlate with shift of extubation and that ventilation duration at first extubation and that length of stay in the pediatric ICU (PICU) would be shorter for children extubated at night. This was a retrospective cohort study within one tertiary care, 24-bed, academic PICU. RESULTS: 582 ventilation encounters were included, representing 517 unique subjects. Status epilepticus was a more common diagnosis among night shift extubations (P = .005), whereas surgical airway conditions were more common among day shift extubations (P = .02). Mechanical ventilation duration at first extubation (37.6 vs 62.5 h, P CONCLUSIONS: Extubation failure was not independently associated with extubation shift in this single-center study. Ventilation liberation should be considered at the first opportunity dictated by clinical data and patient-specific factors rather than by the time of day at centers with similar resources.
Stromal Fibrosis of the Breast and the Associated Radiological Findings.

This case report follows a 42-year-old female patient who underwent a routine screening mammogram. The patient was found to have a 50 mm benign subareolar mass in the right breast. However, because benign imaging findings do not preclude malignancy, the patient was recommended to undergo a biopsy for confirmation. Subsequent imaging and core needle biopsy established a benign lesion consistent with stromal fibrosis with underlying fibroadenomatous changes. The benign imaging and histological findings of the breast mass were concordant. The patient was recommended yearly mammograms and continued observation. This case report highlights the importance of radiopathological concordance in patients found to have benign imaging findings on screening mammograms.
CEO Proactiveness, Innovation, and Firm Performance

Abstract Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are essential in driving firm innovation. However, despite existing research on CEO personality characteristics and firm innovation and performance, we know relatively little about how personality characteristics reflecting anticipatory action and strong outcome-oriented components, such as proactiveness, shape firm innovation and performance. We explore the relationship between CEO proactiveness and three facets of organizational innovation, as well as its impact on firm performance. We suggest that CEO proactiveness is manifested in different network-building, problem-solving, and feedback-seeking behaviors with different implications for exploratory innovation, exploitative innovation, and organizational ambidexterity, and that its effect on firm performance is partially mediated by organizational ambidexterity. By examining the influence of this important CEO personality characteristic on key firm strategic choices and performance, we extend research on strategic leadership and firm innovation and performance.
Original contributionCholecystokinin-stimulated peak lipase concentration in duodenal drainage fluid: a new pancreatic function test

OBJECTIVE: Hormonal stimulation with secretin or cholecystokinin (CCK) is the most sensitive means of assessing pancreatic function. Secretin is not available, and current CCK tests are cumbersome, requiring dual tube intubation and marker perfusion techniques. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a new CCK-stimulated pancreatic function test measuring peak lipase concentration. METHODS: A Dreiling gastroduodenal tube was inserted to the ligament of Treitz, and fluid was collected on ice for 80 min in four 20-min aliquots. CCK was infused i.v. at a constant rate of 40 ng/kg/h. Gastric aspirations were discarded. Duodenal aspirates were analyzed for volume and enzyme concentration with a clinical laboratory autoanalyzer. RESULTS: Nineteen healthy volunteers and 18 chronic pancreatitis patients were studied. Lipase concentration and secretory volume showed a peak response by 40 min of stimulation, whereas amylase response was variable. The mean peak lipase concentrations (±SEM) for normal volunteers and mild, moderate, and advanced chronic pancreatitis patients were 16.9 ± 1.9, 7.9 ± 1.7, 3.7 ± 1.2, and 2.1 ± 0.6 × 10 5 IU/L, respectively. Lower peak lipase concentrations were significantly associated with more advanced chronic pancreatitis (p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve area for all chronic pancreatitis patients was 0.944 (95% CI = 0.825–0.985). A peak lipase concentration of 780,000 IU/L provided a sensitivity and specificity of 0.833 and 0.867, respectively. This CCK test was well tolerated and without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lipase concentration in duodenal fluid increases nearly 3-fold from baseline after CCK stimulation in healthy volunteers but is markedly reduced in patients with chronic pancreatic disease. Peak lipase concentration is a significant predictor of chronic pancreatitis and correlates with severity of pancreatic disease. Aspiration of duodenal drainage fluid with a Dreiling tube and analysis with a laboratory autoanalyzer are less cumbersome than marker perfusion and back titration techniques. Measurement of enzyme concentration instead of output could lead to the development of an endoscopic or through-the-scope screening method for assessing patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis or chronic abdominal pain.
Impact of stigmatizing language describing opioid-exposed mother infant dyads: A randomized case vignette study.

Background: Existing literature suggests that using stigmatizing language may promote negative attitudes and result in more punitive views toward individuals with addiction. It is unclear how the commonly used colloquial terms to describe opioid-exposed mother infant dyads impacts public opinion of pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). We sought to examine the extent to which language such as "opioid addict" and "born addicted" influences the perception of pregnant women with OUD. Methods: We conducted a randomized case-based vignette study using a population-weighted sample of parents living in Tennessee, varying in the language used to describe an opioid-exposed mother infant dyad. Participant demographics, views on opioid prescribing, and opinions on criminal justice and child welfare responses following delivery were obtained. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the association between vignette type and punitive responses. Results: Eleven hundred participants completed the survey. Overall, 30.6% felt the mother should be arrested and 68.6% felt the mother should lose custody of her infant. There was insufficient evidence to suggest a difference in punitive response selection based on the vignette language (p = 0.27). In the adjusted model, the odds of answering a more punitive response among parents who received non-stigmatizing language was 0.8 (95% CI 0.59-1.08) compared to parents who received stigmatizing language in the vignette. Conclusions: Many parents hold punitive views toward mothers receiving OUD treatment that was not altered by using less value-laden language. Broader stigma-reduction interventions may be more effective.
How State Reforms Have Mellowed Federal Enforcement of Marijuana Prohibition

Modern state medical marijuana laws date back to 1996, when Californians approved the first statewide medical marijuana legalization law via ballot measure; Colorado and Washington voters passed the first ballot initiatives legalizing marijuana for adult use in 2012. By summer 2021, a total of 36 states and 4 U.S. territories had legalized the medical use of marijuana and 18 states, two territories and the District of Columbia had legalized adult use of marijuana. Over this quarter century of state reforms, blanket federal marijuana prohibition has remained the law of the land. Indeed, though federal marijuana policies have long been criticized, federal prohibition has now been in place and unchanged for the last half century. But while federal marijuana law has remained static amidst state-level reforms, federal marijuana prohibition enforcement has actually changed dramatically. In fact, data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) reveals quite remarkable changes in federal enforcement patterns since certain states began fully legalizing marijuana in 2012. This essay seeks to document and examine critically the remarkable decline in the number of federal marijuana sentences imposed over the last decade. While noting that federal sentences imposed for marijuana offenses are down 83% from 2012 to 2020, this essay will also explore how the racial composition of persons sentenced in federal court and has evolved as the caseload has declined. Notably, in 2012, the majority of persons sentenced for marijuana offenses in federal court were Hispanic (66%) followed by white (22%), Black (8%), and other races (3%). But by 2020, though the majority were still Hispanic (62%), the number of persons sentenced for marijuana who were Black had doubled to 18% and white offenders were down to 15% with other races at 5%. These data suggest that whites are benefiting relatively more from fewer federal prosecutions. Reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration indicate that marijuana seizures at the southern US border have dwindled as states have legalized adult use and medicinal use of marijuana, and the reduced trafficking over the southern border likely largely explain the vastly reduced number of federal prosecutions of marijuana offenses. Nonetheless, though still shrinking in relative size, there were still more than one thousand people (and mostly people of color) sentenced in federal court for marijuana trafficking in fiscal year 2020 and over 100 million dollars was committed to the incarceration of these defendants for activities not dissimilar from corporate activity in states in which marijuana has been legalized for various purposes. This essay will reflect upon how state legal reforms have mellowed (but certainly not ended) federal enforcement.
The Mathematical Model Introduction

It is convenient to visualize the outbreak of a localized smallpox epidemic as taking place in three stages. In the first stage the region to be considered is disease-free, and the population is maintained at a predetermined level of susceptibility by an ongoing vaccination program. Typically this stage lasts for several years. In Section 5 (the Pre-Epidemic Model) we will develop an expression for the expected number E{m} of deaths caused by smallpox vaccinations prior to the disease importation.
Clinical Manifestations of Tolerance to Deep Brain Stimulation (P6.075)

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors and characteristics associated with development of tolerance to deep brain stimulation (DBS). BACKGROUND: Two major phenomena associated with tolerance to DBS include: tremor rebound, a temporary increase in tremor intensity after switching off the DBS and habituation, loss of sustained symptom control over a short duration of follow-up. Tolerance to DBS has been described in patients with tremor treated with thalamic (ViM) stimulation, but its prevalence and risk factors in this and other disease states or targets are not understood. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients who were 1) >18 years old, 2) diagnosed with essential tremor (ET), Parkinson’s disease (PD), or dystonia and 3) implanted with ViM, pallidal (GPi), or subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS for at least six months were recruited to participate in a questionnaire study assessing presence and characteristics of habituation or rebound, effects of these symptoms, and other satisfaction measures. RESULTS: 69 patients (43 PD, 16 ET and 10 dystonia) completed the survey. When analyzed by target, 21% with STN, 47% with ViM and 19% with GPi DBS reported habituation (p= 0.103), while 32%, 53%, and 6% reported rebound, respectively (p=0.011). When analyzed by disease state, 21% with PD, 50% with ET and 20% with dystonia reported habituation (p= 0.107), while 26%, 56% and 20%, respectively reported rebound (p=0.064). Current age, age at DBS, or time since DBS surgery were not factors in reports of tolerance. 22% experienced laterality of tolerance symptoms. Significant differences in perception of overall DBS efficacy, satisfaction with DBS, and impact of tolerance symptoms were found in those with habituation and VIM or STN stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Habituation and rebound to DBS are experienced by patients with ET, PD and dystonia and is not limited to thalamic stimulation. Habituation can significantly impact perception of DBS benefit and satisfaction. Further, prospective studies are warranted. Study Supported by: None Disclosure: Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez-Shahed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Allergan Inc., Merz Pharma, Medtronic Inc. and Lundbeck Research USA, Inc.
Integrating particle dispersion models into real-time virtual environments

We present a system for interacting with fast response particle dispersion models in a real-time virtual envi- ronment. The particle simulation system is used as both an engineering tool for modeling and understanding turbulence in flow fields and as an integral part of an atmospheric, wind display for real-time virtual environ- ments. The focus of this paper is on the use of virtual environment visualization and interaction as a means for providing deeper insight about the underlying turbulence and flow field models in the dispersion simulations. The use of immersive virtual environment displays, as opposed to standard computer display screens, allows engineers to acquire novel view points and interact with the data in novel ways. We present our current visualization and interaction methods. Our goal is to develop a tool for interacting with, controlling, and manipulating the model parameters of fast response particle dispersion systems while immersed within the simulation environment.
Asthma and the otolaryngologist.

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airway that is commonly encountered by the otolaryngologist. This article provides information on how to recognize patients with asthma and discuss issues related to diagnosis, treatment, and continued management within the context of current guidelines. Methods A literature review was conducted and relevant sources are referenced concerning the epidemiology of asthma, the pathophysiology of asthma, diagnostic strategies, treatment options, and continued management. Results Asthma is a common condition worldwide and is often associated with other atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and eczema, though other genetic and environmental factors appear to be important as well. The lower airway and upper airways share similar histology, as well as patterns of inflammation in response to environmental triggers. The diagnosis of asthma involves a careful history and a complete physical exam, including auscultation of the lungs and pulmonary function testing. Pharmacotherapy represents the primary method of treating asthma, though current evidence supports a positive role for antigen-specific immunotherapy for both prevention and treatment. Guidelines are available that can assist the otolaryngologist in classifying the severity of asthma, determining the level of control and recommending modifications in the treatment plan. Conclusion As airway specialists, otolaryngologists are in a unique position to recognize and manage asthma in their patients, particularly those with allergic disease. Maintaining a high index of suspicion and understanding the key elements of diagnosis and treatment are extremely important in order to achieve this goal.
SU-E-I-18: Evaluation of a Lung Density CT Standard Reference Material

Purpose: To evaluate quantitative lung density CT using a Standard Reference Material (SRM) with SI traceable physical densities in a clinical setting free from physiological noise. Methods: The 5-density (0.06 to 0.23 g/cc) suite of polyurethane foams developed as a CT lung density reference (SRM-2088) was measured inside an anthropomorphic chest phantom in a 64-row scanner, to assess the mean HU value and its distribution. Two tube current settings (200 mA and 50 mA) were used to represent high- and low-dose CT clinically, with back-to-back repeat scans, and for each scan the image reconstruction was performed at slice thicknesses of 0.625 mm and 1.25 mm. A volume histogram was generated for the entire suite, and was fitted to a function with 5 Gaussian peaks, each reporting a centroid (mean HU) and standard deviation (SD in HU) as a measure of the accuracy and precision of the measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using the two levels of mA and recon slice thickness as factors to study the effect on the centroid and the SD. Results: Neither dose nor thickness has significant effect on the centroid, but both have significant effect on the SD. At 200 mA, the observed average SD is about half of that at 50 mA. With the thickness doubled, the SD decreased by a factor of 1.17, providing a parameter relating spatial resolution and noise. The SD is more than 3 times higher when compared to the SRM in-air measurement (without the attenuation and scattering from the chest wall) performed earlier, whereas for the centroid excellent agreement was observed. Conclusion: The study provides the underlying uncertainty assessment for these standard references in the lung density range in a set of scanning conditions, forming the basis for estimating the sensitivity to changes in lung density in a clinical setting. Dr. David Yankelevitz receives royalty payments from General Electric Company.
Effect of Trypsin Digestion on the Kinetic Behavior of the Na/K Pump in Intact Erythrocytes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of trypsin digestion on the kinetic behavior of the Na/K pump in intact erythrocytes. The interaction of both extracellular Na and K, and intracellular Na and K with the Na/K pump is examined in the chapter. Results indicate that trypsin digestion has no observable effect on the extracellular aspect of the Na/K pump. Furthermore, the interaction of Na at the internal aspect of the pump is also not influenced by trypsin digestion. Trypsin increases ouabain-sensitive K influx and reduces the affinity of the pump for internal K. On the other hand, trypsin has no significant effect on the interaction of internal Na with the pump. It also has no apparent effect on the interaction of external K or Na with the pump. Treatment of human red cells with trypsin results in the degradation of the Na/K pump (and all other band III proteins) into two smaller-molecular-weight peptides. The spectrin proteins that are loosely associated with the internal surface of the human red cell membrane are also not affected by trypsin. Thus, it may be concluded that trypsin attacks the Na/K pump from the external surface only.
Tracking measurements of a high-power time-varying microwave impedance using three fixed probes

A three-probe system with improved analog signal processing is presented. The system was used to make tracking measurements of the changing complex impedance (or complex reflection coefficient) of a time-varying load operated at power levels from 2.5 to 20 W. A compound load consisting of a magic T, a matched load, a sliding short, and a fixed short was used. The variation of the complex reflection coefficient of this compound load was recorded in real time when the sliding short was moved in and out. The dynamic range of this tracking measurement system covers the range from at least 10 mW to 20 W. >
Minocycline inhibits neurogenic inflammation by blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α.

Summary It has been well established that neurogenic inflammation is one of the major pathological processes underlying inflammatory pain, but there are few effective anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate such pain. The present study shows that minocycline, a widely used glial activation inhibitor, is effective in reducing neurogenic inflammation. Patch-clamp recordings showed that small sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were dramatically excited following intradermal capsaicin injection in the rat hind paw, evidenced by decreased rheobase and membrane threshold. Pretreatment with minocycline (30 mg/kg for 1 day, intraperitoneal injection) blocked the increased neuronal excitability. Western blot and immunostaining of DRG revealed the activation of satellite glial cells (SGCs) following capsaicin injection. The up-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was significantly inhibited by minocycline pre-administration. Measurement of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and its receptor, TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1), showed that minocycline mainly blocked the up-regulation of TNF-α in SGCs and TNFR1s in neurons following capsaicin injection. The pivotal role of TNF-α in neurogenic inflammation was further supported by the findings that incubation DRG with TNF-α mimicked the increased excitability of DRG neurons induced by capsaicin injection, and that TNF-α application enhanced cutaneous vasodilation in the hind paws induced by antidromic electrical stimulation of dorsal roots. Based on these results, we propose that minocycline is a potential therapeutic drug that can reduce neuronal excitability and neurogenic inflammation by working on SGCs to inhibit the expression of TNF-α.
Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Tyrosine Kinase Activity of ZAP-70.

Summary ZAP-70, a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase required for T cell antigen receptor signaling, is controlled by a regulatory segment that includes a tandem SH2 unit responsible for binding to immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). The crystal structure of autoinhibited ZAP-70 reveals that the inactive kinase domain adopts a conformation similar to that of cyclin-dependent kinases and Src kinases. The autoinhibitory mechanism of ZAP-70 is, however, distinct and involves interactions between the regulatory segment and the hinge region of the kinase domain that reduce its flexibility. Two tyrosine residues in the SH2-kinase linker that activate ZAP-70 when phosphorylated are involved in aromatic-aromatic interactions that connect the linker to the kinase domain. These interactions are inconsistent with ITAM binding, suggesting that destabilization of this autoinhibited ZAP-70 conformation is the first step in kinase activation.
Shifting Perspectives: Culturally Responsive Interventions With Latino Substance Abusers

In 2001, there were 35 million Latinos living in the United States. It is estimated that by 2050 Latinos will comprise 97 million people in the United States, or one-fourth of the U.S. population, establishing this ethnic group as the fastest growing and soon to be largest in the country (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001 ). These numbers highlight the need for a multicultural paradigm shift, or the inclusion of culture-specific skills and culturally responsive interventions in psychological practice. Latinos face challenges as a racial/ethnic group that the traditional Euro-American model of treatment neither addresses nor validates. Unfortunately, substance abuse serves a purposeful function for many Latinos as a means of escape from the problems related to the social, environmental, and political structures. The current article adapts the model set forth by Parham ( 2002 ) as a strength-based therapeutic framework for intervention. The following stages are outlined to serve as the basis for most therapeutic encounters with clients from all racial and ethnic groups presenting with substance abuse problems: therapeutic alliance building, culturally appropriate assessment, sociopolitical awareness and liberation, creating collaborative change, and addressing sustainability of change.
Origin of rate dependence in frictional sliding

Experiments indicate that frictional resistance to sliding between macroscopic, clean, dry surfaces depends on the average rateV at which the surfaces are translated relative to each other. Using a new lattice automaton, we obtain results suggesting that rate-dependent macroscopic dynamics may arise from microscopic interactions between contact points which decay from a metastable state with a finite lifetimeΓ. Sliding is accommodated by clusters, or avalanches, of failed lattice contact points, and corresponds to successive quenches into the metastable state by an electromechanical loading system with a finite response timeΔ. Under the quasistatic assumptionΔ ≫Γ, rate dependence is a consequence of the increase in correlation length ξd of clusters of failed lattice points as quench rate increases. Special cases of the model are isomorphic to the selforganized criticality model for sandpiles, and to block-spring models of the type first studied by Burridge and Knopoff for earthquakes.
Mothers’ Perceptions Regarding the Social Competence of Preschool Children with Mental Retardation

This study explored mothers’ perceptions of the social competence of preschool children with mental retardation. Fifty-four mothers completed a 42 item questionnaire regarding children’s social competence. Children’s cognitive and communicative developmental ages were determined using the Battelle Developmental Inventory. Data are presented as percentage of mothers providing different response options. Response differences were examined using the Test for Significance of Difference Between Two Proportions. Association among developmental ages and mothers’ responses were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlations. Mothers’ perceptions of their children’s social opportunities and skills were generally positive including interacting with children with and without disabilities, initiating play interactions with other children, responding positively to initiations by other children, playing with others for more than brief amounts of time, and demonstrating relatively sophisticated social play skills. Associations among developmental ages and selected maternal responses support the notion that mothers are accurate observers of their children’s social activity and developmental ability. Results are discussed relative to the extant literature.
Electrical and optical properties of high-gain GaAs switches

This paper presents measurements of electrical and optical properties of GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSS) operating in a high gain switching mode previously referred to as "lock-on." High voltage and high current switching properties are given as motivation for understanding this switching mode. X-ray triggering of these switches is demonstrated, and the sensitivity of high field GaAs devices is discussed. Infrared photoluminescence (PL) images of the switches during the initiation of high gain switching reveal dense filaments of high carrier concentration. Spatial modulation of the optical (532 nm) trigger is shown to control the location and influence the number of filaments. The ability to trigger large lateral GaAs PCSS by focusing the light to a point near either contact is described, and the corresponding rise times and delays to high current switching are shown. The sudden rise of current to several orders of magnitude beyond the space charge limited flow which can come from the contacts demonstrates that initiation of this high gain switching mode cannot be explained solely by carrier injection at the contacts and drift across the 1 .5 cm long insulating region.
Morphine and 5-hydroxytryptamine interactions in rat hypothalamus and pineal body ☆

Abstract The effects of morphine on acoustic evoked responses were determined in the pineal body and hypothalamus of unanesthetized rats. The predominant effect of morphine (10 and 30 mg/kg) was to increase the amplitudes of evoked response components in the hypothalamus and especially in the pineal body. Treatment of animals with tryptophan (25 mg/kg) to increase brain concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) enhanced responsiveness to morphine. Treatment with parachlorophenylalanine to decrease brain 5-HT concentrations decreased responsiveness to morphine. The results indicate that brain 5-HT participates in the effects of morphine on sensory evoked responses.
Employer benefits from making workplace accommodations

Abstract Background This study explored workplace disability accommodations and their benefits. The participants were employers and human resource professionals who had not used the services of the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). The companies included large businesses (more than 499 employees) and small businesses (fewer than 500 employees). Objective/Hypothesis The intent of this investigation was to assess the disability accommodations and benefits for the employers. Methods The study used responses to online survey from194 employers to discuss disability-related accommodations for an employee or potential employee. The survey included 128 employers who reported having had a person with a disability who requested an accommodation. Results As reported by the employers, the most frequently mentioned direct benefits from implementing workplace accommodations were (a) retained a qualified employee, (b) increased worker productivity, and (c) eliminated the cost of training a new employee. The most frequently mentioned indirect benefits from accommodations were (a) improved interactions with coworkers, (b) increased overall company morale, and (c) increased overall company productivity. The most frequently reported types of implemented accommodations were buying equipment and changing work schedules. Most of the respondents estimated the direct benefits of having made an accommodation at more than $1000. Conclusions The findings heighten awareness of benefits associated with making accommodations for people with disabilities in the workplace. These benefits signify value for business, coworkers, and individuals with disabilities for whom accommodations are critical for successful employment.
Brain vasoactive intestinal peptide: a potent stimulant of gastric acid secretion.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) belongs to a rapidly expanding family of cerebrogastrointestinal oligopeptides. This report describes a potent dose-, time- and vagus-dependent stimulation of gastric acid secretion by brain VIP. Physiologic evidence favoring a role of VIP on acid secretion was provided by the finding that immunoneutraization of endogenous brain VIP produced a significant decrease of acid secretion. These and other data contained herein suggest that the mechanism by which central VIP stimulates acid secretion appears to involve peripheral cholinergic pathways.
Directional cell expansion — turning toward actin

Significant recent progress toward understanding directional expansion in diffusely growing plant cells concerns actin. Tools for imaging actin, including both live-cell reporters and fixation protocols, have been improved. Proteins that interact with actin have been identified and their functions probed biochemically and genetically. Specifically, members of the actin-related protein2/3 (ARP2/3) complex and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Verprolin-homologous (WAVE) complex have been identified. These proteins have salient functions in shaping trichomes and leaf pavement cells. Additionally, two targets of a rho-of-plants (ROP) G-protein have been discovered that exert opposing regulatory action on actin and microtubules, a pathway that appears to be responsible for establishing the undulating shapes of pavement cells. Finally, several mutants of the fragile fiber class have revealed a link between actin organization, cell wall synthesis, and phosphoinositol signaling.
True to Life: Why Truth Matters

Why does truth matter, when politicians so easily side step it and intellectuals scorn it as irrelevant? Why be concerned over an abstract idea like truth when something that isn't true - for example, a report of Iraq's attempting to buy materials for nuclear weapons - gets the desired result, the invasion of Iraq? In this engaging and spirited book, Michael Lynch argues that truth does matter, in both our personal and political lives. Lynch explains that the growing cynicism over truth stems in large part from our confusion over what truth is. "We need to think our way past our confusion and shed our cynicism about the value of truth," he writes. "Otherwise, we will be unable to act with integrity, to live authentically, and to speak truth to power." Lynch diagnoses the sources of our cynicism and argues that many contemporary theories of truth cannot adequately account for its value. He explains why we should care about truth, arguing that truth and its pursuit are part of living a happy life, important in our personal relationships and for our political values.
Dermatofibroma-like granular cell tumor.

Background: There have been several reports in the literature of dermatofibromas with granular cells. Here we report a granular cell tumor with the architecture of a dermatofibroma. This is the first report of this histological variant of granular cell tumor. The lesion was a 2.5-cm oval, hyperpigmented plaque present for “years” on the back of a 60-year-old African-American woman. Methods: The specimen was processed using formalin fixation and paraffin embedding. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with antibodies directed against S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and factor XIIIa. Results: Histopathologic examination revealed granular cells, some of which were spindle shaped, distributed singly and in small groups between collagen bundles resembling a dermatofibroma. Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor cells to be positive for S-100 and neuron-specific enolase and negative for factor XIIIa. Conclusion: The immunohistochemical findings support the diagnosis of a granular cell tumor with a dermatofibroma-like pattern.
TOP MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND CORPORATE PERFORMANCE

A reward system must provide incentives for top managers to create profits in the long‐term for their companies.
ON A NETWORK SENSING PROBLEM

Live traffic flow information can help improve the efficiency of a communication network. There are many ways available to monitor the traffic flow of a network. In this paper, we propose a very efficient monitoring strategy. This strategy not only reduces the number of nodes to be monitored but also determines the complete traffic information of the entire network using the information from the monitored nodes. The strategy is optimal for monitoring a network because it reduces the number of monitored nodes to a minimum. Fast algorithms are also presented in this paper to compute the traffic information for the entire network based on the information collected from the monitored nodes. The monitoring scheme discussed in this paper can be applied to the internet, telecommunication networks, wireless ad hoc networks, large scale multiprocessor computing systems, and other information systems where the transmission of information needs to be monitored.
TIGER: a high contrast infrared imager for the Giant Magellan Telescope

The Thermal Infrared imager for the GMT which provides Extreme contrast and Resolution (TIGER) is intended as a small-scale, targeted instrument capable of detecting and characterizing exoplanets and circumstellar disks, around both young systems in formation, and more mature systems in the solar neighborhood. TIGER can also provide general purpose infrared imaging at wavelengths from 1.5-14 μm. The instrument will utilize the facility adaptive optics (AO) system. With its operation at NIR to MIR wavelengths (where good image quality is easier to achieve), and much of the high-impact science using modestly bright guide stars, the instrument can be used early in the operation of the GMT. The TIGER concept is a dual channel imager and low resolution spectrometer, with high contrast modes of observations to fulfill the above science goals. A long wavelength channel (LWC) will cover 7-14 μm wavelength, while a short wavelength channel (SWC) will cover the 1.5-5 μm wavelength region. Both channels will have a 30° FOV. In addition to imaging, low-resolution spectroscopy (R=300) is possible with TIGER for both the SWC and LWC, using insertable grisms.
AGING AND DEATH EDUCATION FOR ELDERLY PERSONS

The problems facing many elderly today and the power of education to help solve these problems is recognized and acted upon in diverse educational programs. However, most of these programs are of the “how‐to‐do” kind. Needed is a broader frame of reference that can serve as underpinning to integrate diverse units of information and skills now offered and to which new basic units can be added. Human development with an emphasis on aging is suggested as a suitable frame of reference. Older persons are entitled to become familiar with existing theories of human development and aging and with new empirical data concerning processes of development and aging. The subject of dying and death should be an integral part of such a human development program. Death education should at least provide practical information about death‐related matters. Five areas considered to be appropriate subject matter for practical death education for elderly persons are discussed: (1) patients’ rights; (2) the right to die; (3) emot...