cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma steroid concentrations during alternate-day treatment with prednisone

Abstract Plasma steroid concentrations were measured in asthmatic children 24 and 48 hours after administration of alternate-day treatment with prednisone, and the results were compared with those of control patients who did not receive corticosteroid treatment as well as those of patients who were treated with prednisone each day. It was found that 24 hours after administration of prednisone in any dose, plasma steroid concentrations were significantly lower than those of the control group. The degree of suppression in plasma steroid concentration was less marked in patients who received treatment on alternate days than in those who received the same doses of prednisone each day. Within 48 hours after administration of alternate-day treatment, plasma steroid concentrations approached the values observed in the control group and were independent of the magnitude of the prednisone dose. Although alternateday steroid treatment was associated with transient and incomplete suppression of pituitary-adrenal function, patients whose therapy was changed from a daily to an alternate-day regimen sometimes exhibited prolonged suppression of adrenal cortical function.
Investigating information retrieval support techniques for different information-seeking strategies

We report on a study that investigated the efficacy of four different interactive information retrieval (IIR) systems, each designed to support a specific information-seeking strategy (ISS). These systems were constructed using different combinations of IR techniques (i.e., combinations of different methods of representation, comparison, presentation and navigation), each of which was hypothesized to be well suited to support a specific ISS. We compared the performance of searchers in each such system, designated “experimental,” to an appropriate “baseline” system, which implemented the standard specified query and results list model of current state-of-the-art experimental and operational IR systems. Four within-subjects experiments were conducted for the purpose of this comparison. Results showed that each of the experimental systems was superior to its baseline system in supporting user performance for the specific ISS (that is, the information problem leading to that ISS) for which the system was designed. These results indicate that an IIR system, which intends to support more than one kind of ISS, should be designed within a framework which allows the use and combination of different IR support techniques for different ISSs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attractive Faces Are not all Created Equal: Joint Effects of Facial Babyishness and Attractiveness on Social Perception

Subjects provided their impressions of stimulus faces that systematically varied in attractiveness and babyishness. The results indicate that variations in facial babyishness can qualify the effects of attractiveness on social perception. For example facially attractive people are thought to be more honest, warm, and sincere than average when facial babyishness is high but not when it is low. The data are consistent with the proposal that there are different types of facial attractiveness that yield different impressions. The data also revealed that the effects of facial babyishness on impressions can be modulated by variations in attractiveness. The implications of these data for our under-standing of the effects of facial appearance on social perceptions are discussed.
Drug abuse and intimate partner violence: a comparative study of opioid-dependent fathers

Because very little is known about the coparenting relationships of drug-abusing men, this comparative study was designed to examine the lifetime prevalence and recent frequency of intimate partner violence in the coparenting relationships of 106 fathers enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment. When compared with 118 community controls, the opioid-dependent fathers reported greater prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological aggression directed at the mother of their youngest biological child over the course of the relationship. They also reported more frequent physical, sexual, and psychological aggression directed at the mother during the previous year. Similarly, the opioid-dependent fathers reported both greater prevalence of physical and sexual aggression directed at them by the mother of their youngest child over the course of the relationship and more frequent sexual aggression directed at them over the previous year. The results highlight the need for clinicians to consider risk for intimate partner violence in coparenting relationships when planning family-oriented intervention designed to meet the needs of fathers, mothers, and children affected by chronic drug abuse.
Effect of various aminoacid analogues on chick tendon procollagen synthesis and secretion: selective inhibition by S-2-aminoethyl cysteine.

Abstract Matrix-free chick embryo tendon cells were incubated with [ 14 C]-proline in the presence of various aminoacid analogues and the effects of the analogues on [ 14 C]-proline incorporation, [ 14 C]-hydroxyproline synthesis and secretion of labeled molecules were examined. It was found that the structural lysine analogue S-2-aminoethylcysteine was a potent inhibitor of procollagen synthesis and secretion. At a concentration of 1 mM it produced a 75% decrease in [ 14 C]-hydroxyproline synthesis and a 90% decrease in the secretion of [ 14 C]-hydroxyproline-containing macromolecules.
Fine‐scale Venusian topography from Magellan stereo data

Of all the solar system bodies, Venus is the most like Earth in terms of average surface age, size, distance from the Sun, and diversity of volcanic and deformational features. Despite these similarities, Venus does not currently have plate tectonics and is uninhabitable, and it is not known whether these two conditions are related. As technology advances and such missions as NASA's Kepler begin to detect Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone around other stars, understanding the evolution of Venus will be critical in assessing the odds that “Earth-sized” equates to “Earth-like.” Unfortunately, there has not been a geology-oriented spacecraft mission to Venus since the Magellan mission (1989–1994), and no missions are currently planned.
NEUROHYPOPHYSEAL PRINCIPLES OF FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS: CHARACTERISTICS AND SEASONAL CHANGES.

Pharmacological and chromatographic characteristics of pituitary extracts from Fundulus heteroclitus are consistent with the assumption that they contain the same two active principles that have been identified in other teleost fishes. These are arginine vasotocin and the teleost oxytocinlike principle, 4-serine, 8-isoleucine oxytocin. The oxytocinlike principle is undetectable in female pituitaries taken during the reproductive season in June, although it is present in male pituitaries taken at the same time and in both female and male pituitaries taken in September. This suggests that the teleost oxytocinlike principle may participate in the regulation of reproduction in this species.
Absence of 14C in PM2.5 Emissions from Gasohol Combustion in Small Engines

PM2.5 combustion emissions from small engines (string trimmer and chainsaw) using gasoline containing biogenic ethanol were collected and analyzed for their 14 C content. The sampling methodology was designed to minimize potential bias from organic artifact effects. The 14 C in the PM2.5 emissions was found to be drastically smaller (approximately a factor of 40) than the 14 C amounts measured in the fuels. This suggests that the current method of using 14 C measurements on ambient aerosol to estimate the contribution from fossil fuel combustion will be little affected by increased use of ethanol-containing gasoline.
The optimal dose of rocuronium for rapid sequence induction

To the Editor, In their study using lidocaine, low-dose rocuronium, remifentanil, and propofol for tracheal intubation, SiddikSayyid et al. found tracheal intubation conditions 90 sec after rocuronium 0.3 mg kg to be comparable to those achieved 60 sec following succinylcholine 1.5 mg kg. The onset of neuromuscular block is a function of the dose given. Using electromyography, the onset of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg at the laryngeal adductors was found to be 106 sec in one study and 124 sec in another. The onset of lower doses is further delayed and can be too slow for rapid sequence induction purposes. Higher doses (1 mg kg) are recommended when rapid tracheal intubation is indicated. Low doses will also result in a less intense block at the laryngeal adductors, which are known to be more resistant than skeletal muscles to the action of rocuronium. Using a 0.25 mg kg dose, Meistelman et al. found the maximum block attained at the vocal cords to be only 37 ± 8%. Thus, low doses may only result in a delayed and partial laryngeal block. The authors’ favourable results are due to their strict adherence to the described induction technique. As pointed out in the accompanying editorial, minor deviations from that technique may lead to different results, including failure to achieve tracheal intubation due to poor relaxation and inadequate intubation conditions. This may increase the risk of aspiration during the rapid sequence induction which the technique was originally instituted to guard against. The authors are to be commended for describing a technique that can be advantageous for brief surgical procedures that require muscle relaxation. A Cochrane database review, however, showed that the optimal dose of rocuronium for rapid sequence induction probably should be higher than 1 mg kg.
Differential depression of inhibitory synaptic responses in feedforward and feedback circuits between different areas of mouse visual cortex

Recordings of synaptic responses of pyramidal neurons to feedback (FB) inputs from higher to lower areas of visual cortex show that excitatory synaptic responses are only weakly opposed by disynaptic inhibition. Whether weak inhibition is preserved at high frequencies remains unknown. Whole-cell recordings were performed in pyramidal cells of mouse visual cortex to study the frequency dependence of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs, IPSCs) elicited by feedforward (FF) input from the primary visual cortex (V1) to the higher lateromedial area (LM) and by FB input from the LM to V1. EPSCs showed similar frequency dependencies in FF and FB pathways; the amplitudes decreased during stimulus trains, and the depression was larger at higher frequencies. IPSCs decreased during repetitive stimulation, and the depression increased at higher frequencies. At >20 Hz, the depression of IPSCs in the FB pathway was greater than in the FF pathway. Thus, unlike FF circuits, FB circuits provide balanced excitatory and inhibitory inputs across a wide range of frequencies. This property was shown to be critically important in cortical circuits that modulate the gain of pyramidal cell firing (Chance et al. [2002] Neuron 35:773-782).
The Primary Structure of a Human Map Kinase Activated Protein Kinase 2

Abstract Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase is of central importance in mediating response to a variety of extracellular stimuli. MAP kinase activated protein (MAPKAP) kinase 2 is one of the two known protein kinases that can be phosphorylated and activated by MAP kinase. Here we present the first complete primary structure of MAPKAP kinase 2 elucidated from a human cDNA sequence. Sequence analysis reveals that MAPKAP kinase 2 is a 370 amino acid protein containing a proline-rich N-terminal region and a well conserved catalytic domain. Northern blot analysis of MAPKAP kinase 2 showed a 4.8 kb mRNA species in HL-60 cells. In addition, we also show the first evidence that recombinant MAPKAP kinase 2 is phosphorylated and activated by MAP kinase in vitro .
Linear viscoelastic properties of HFPE-II-52 polyimide

The polyimide HFPE-II-52 was developed at NASA Glenn Research Center for use as a matrix in high temperature composite materials. The unique properties of such composites stem largely from the performance of the matrix at high temperature. Thus, as part of a larger effort to study high temperature composite materials, the linear viscoelastic properties of HFPE are measured and a mathematical model of the properties is developed. In particular, storage, loss, and stress relaxation moduli were obtained from cyclic and transient loading experiments. A Prony series was fit to the relaxation modulus data. As a cross check, the fit to the relaxation modulus was converted to storage and loss moduli and compared with those measured directly. Effects of postcuring and of moisture on the properties are investigated as well. These results provide researchers with a constitutive model for HFPE-II-52 and provide some insight into the performance of HFPE matrix composites at high temperatures. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 3255–3263, 2006
Statistical methods for describing developmental milestones with censored data: effects of birth weight status and sex in neonatal pigtailed macaques.

Neurobehavioral tests are used to assess early neonatal behavioral functioning and detect effects of prenatal and perinatal events. However, common measurement and data collection methods create specific data features requiring thoughtful statistical analysis. Assessment response measurements are often ordinal scaled, not interval scaled; the magnitude of the physical response may not directly correlate with the underlying state of developmental maturity; and a subject's assessment record may be censored. Censoring occurs when the milestone is exhibited at the first test (left censoring), when the milestone is not exhibited before the end of the study (right censoring), or when the exact age of attaining the milestone is uncertain due to irregularly spaced test sessions or missing data (interval censoring). Such milestone data is best analyzed using survival analysis methods. Two methods are contrasted: the non-parametric Kaplan–Meier estimator and the fully parametric interval censored regression. The methods represent the spectrum of survival analyses in terms of parametric assumptions, ability to handle simultaneous testing of multiple predictors, and accommodation of different types of censoring. Both methods were used to assess birth weight status and sex effects on 14 separate test items from assessments on 255 healthy pigtailed macaques. The methods gave almost identical results. Compared to the normal birth weight group, the low birth weight group had significantly delayed development on all but one test item. Within the low birth weight group, males had significantly delayed development for some responses relative to females. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1313–1324, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Well Test Analysis Of HGP-A

1979 SPE-AIME California Regional Meeting, Venture, CA, April 18 to 20, 1979. Copyright 1979, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc.
Statistical Analysis of Peptide-Induced Graded and All-or-None Fluxes in Giant Vesicles

Antimicrobial, cytolytic, and cell-penetrating peptides induce pores or perturbations in phospholipid membranes that result in fluxes of dyes into or out of lipid vesicles. Here we examine the fluxes induced by four of these membrane-active peptides in giant unilamellar vesicles. The type of flux is determined from the modality of the distributions of vesicles as a function of their dye content using the statistical Hartigan dip test. Graded and all-or-none fluxes correspond to unimodal and bimodal distributions, respectively. To understand how these distributions arise, we perform Monte Carlo simulations of peptide-induced dye flux into vesicles using a very simple model. The modality of the distributions depends on the rate constants of pore opening and closing, and dye flux. If the rate constants of pore opening and closing are both much smaller than that of dye flux through the pore, all-or-none influx occurs. However, if one of them, especially the rate constant for pore opening, increases significantly relative to the flux rate constant, the process becomes graded. In the experiments, we find that the flux type is the same in giant and large vesicles, for all peptides except one. But this one exception indicates that the flux type cannot be used to unambiguously predict the mechanism of membrane permeabilization by the peptides.
Computer diagnosis of abnormal cardiac rhythms employing a new P-wave detector for interval measurement.

High-quality P waves have been obtained using a swallowable bipolar electrode suspended from a pair of very thin wires. With this signal and a conventional surface lead for QRS detection, precise electrocardiographic interval measurements have been incorporated into a computerized arrhythmia classification scheme which recognizes a wide variety of arrhythmias not detected by other automated systems.
Studies in Human Atrial Flutter with the Use of Proximity Electrodes

Ten patients with the electrocardiographic diagnosis of atrial flutter were investigated by exploration with electrodes within the esophagus and the right atrium. The records obtained were studied in regard to the timing of the intrinsic deflection and the contour of the atrial waves, as recorded at various sites. In four patients, atrial activation progressed in sequence cephalad in the left atrial wall and caudad in the right atrium. This process continued through two thirds of the total atrial cycle, favoring "circus movement" as the underlying mechanism. In six other patients, activation was believed to originate low in the left atrium, with simultaneous spread of excitation of both atrial walls in a general cephalad direction and terminating within the first half (usually the first third) of the atrial cycle. This pattern is compatible with, but not conclusive of, an ectopic focal mechanism. Serial records in one patient are presented in which transformation of one type into a second type of atrial f...
Religion, Mental Health, and Clinical Issues

This article reviews a number of studies investigating the relationship between religion and the variables of mental health and social behavior. Characteristics of religious health and pathology are examined, and a framework for clinical assessment and treatment of religious pathology is described. Tentative conclusions concerning the subject matter are drawn and limitations of the number and type of studies are outlined.
Spontaneous clot lysis in whole human plasma by endogenous tissue type and urokinase type plasminogen activators: Demonstration of a promoting effect by t-PA and by platelets on urokinase

Endogenous pro-urokinase (pro-UK)/urokinase (UK) has been reported not to contribute significantly to spontaneous lysis of clotted plasma. Accordingly, its importance to physiological fibrinolysis has been questioned. However, since pro-UK was recently shown to be rapidly inactivated by thrombin, its role in fibrinolysis may have been underestimated in these experiments. To avoid thrombin inactivation of pro-UK, we studied spontaneous exolysis of clots rather than endolysis. In fresh plasma, lysis of clots prepared from fibrinogen or platelet poor plasma occurred progressively over 6–10 and 8–15 days respectively, and was inhibited by aprotinin (⩾ 200 KIU/ml) or by antibody to tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) but not by antibody to UK. Supplementation with exogenous pro-UK indicated a threshold concentration in plasma of about 20 ng/ml before pro-UK had a measurable fibrinolytic effect against these clots. The progressive fibrinolytic effect of supplemental pro-UK (20–200 ng/ml) was abolished or inhibited by t-PA antibody, indicating that endogenous t-PA had a strong promoting effect on fibrinolysis by exogenous pro-UK. Some acceleration of clot lysis occurred after addition of dextran sulfate (1 ELM). When platelet rich plasma (PRP) clots were used, t-PA antibody inhibited but did not abolish clot lysis, but the latter was inhibited by UK antibody. Therefore, endogenous pro-UK/UK had an independent fibrinolytic effect against PRP clots. When clot lysis was studied in plasma preincubated (37°C) for up to 24 h, lysis of platelet poor clots was only slightly inhibited after 4 h incubation, and still went to completion even in plasma preincubated for 24 h. This lysis was abolished by t-PA antibody. Therefore, endogenous t-PA was surprisingly stable in plasma, having t12 to inhibition of > 24 h, in contrast to the t12 of exogenous t-PA in plasma which is < 2 h. It was concluded that endogenous pro-UK/UK contributes to fibrinolysis in intact plasma, but that its activity is dependent on platelets and is strongly promoted by endogenous t-PA, or more likely, by t-PA:inhibitor (PAI-1) complex.
Market Power and European Competition in the Swedish Food Industry

This paper investigates the existence of market power in the Swedish food and beverage industry and how market power has been affected by European competition (the Single Market and Swedish EU memb ...
An Automated Tool for Multilayer Ceramic Green Sheet Personalization

The initial personalization of multilayer ceramic substrates begins with the formation of vias in the individual green ceramic sheets. A fully automatic computer-controlled tool to perform this function has been developed by IBM and is in operation on its manufacturing lines. The auto punch tool creates more than 40 000 vias of two different sizes (0.14 mm and 0.15 mm) in green ceramic sheets of two different thicknesses (0.20 mm and 0.28 mm). The positional distribution of the vias is on a 0.3 mm grid. Other than the grid the vias may be randomly distributed. Their positional accuracy is within 0.03 mm at 3?r. The vias are created at a rate of 1440 vias per second. All data needed to operate the tool and to create the vias flow automatically from a host computer (IBM 3081) through an area controller (IBM Series I) to the tool controller (IBM Series I). Manufacturing data concerning each individual green ceramic sheet are returned to the factory host computer.
Moisture content/relative humidity equilibrium of high-oil and confectionery type sunflower seed

Abstract Adsorption and desorption moisture equilibrium (m.c./e.r.h.) was determined for high-oil and confectionery type sunflower seeds. The seeds were exposed to various relative humidities which were controlled with environmental chambers. The equilibration data for both seed types were determined at 10 and 20°C. The two seed types yielded almost identical adsorption and desorption moisture curves at 10°C which indicated that seed physical and chemical properties had little effect on m.c./e.r.h. at this temperature. The “hysteresis effect” was evident at 10°C, desorption equilibrium moisture levels being higher than adsorption for both seed types. There was no apparent “hysteresis effect” in seed equilibrated at 20°C. At the higher temperature, the confectionery seed equilibrated to higher moisture levels than did the high-oil type, thus hull to kernel weight ratio, hull thickness, and oil content could affect m.c./e.r.h. at 20°C
Chromosomal locations of two DNA segments that flank ribosomal insertion-like sequences in Drosophila: flanking sequences are mobile elements.

We report the chromosomal locations of two repetitive DNA sequences that flank ribosomal insertion-like sequences in Drosophila melanogaster. The chromocentric region of D. melanogaster contains many copies of sequences that are homologous to type 1 ribosomal insertions. These insertion-like elements are interspersed with other DNA segments that we call flanking sequences. Two distinct flanking sequences derived from the same cloned DNA molecule pDmI 101, the HindIII fragments 101E and 101F, were studied. Whole genome Southern blots with DNA from the D. melanogaster stocks Oregon R (P2), gt-1, and gt-X11 showed complex restriction patterns that differed substantially between the three stocks. This and other data show that flanking sequences are members of diverged repetitive sequence families. In situ hybridization to salivary gland chromosomes of gt-1 and gt-X11 showed that both sequences are homologous to the chromocenter and to about 5 to 8 (101E) or 25 to 30 (101F) euchromatic sites in each stock. Most, if not all, of these sites differed in gt-1 and gt-X11. Both 101E and 101F are homologous to the chromocenter and very few euchromatic bands in D. simulans, but 101F is homologous to numerous bands in D. mauritiana. We conclude that the flanking sequences represented by 101E and 101F are mobile elements within the genome of Drosophila. These two sequences differ in several structural features from mobile DNA elements previously described in this organism.
Illustrative statistics from the National Mortality Survey

El Survey Nacional de Mortalidad, el cual empezo en 1961 es descrito como un survey basado sobre una muestra probabilistica sobre datos de mortalidad, la cual esta disenada para recolectar informacion de hospitales, instituciones que se hacen cargo de los muertos, e informes sobre alrededor de cinco mil defunciones al ano.
Familial transmission of alcohol use: V. Drinking patterns among spouses, Tecumseh, Michigan.

This study examined concordance and discordance of self-reported alcohol consumption in 184 spouse pairs drawn from a representative sample of the Tecumseh, MI community. A significant association (tau B=.57,p<.001) between self-reported alcohol consumption of husbands and that of wives was observed. Drinking daily and high maximum drinking were also significantly correlated between spouses, as were church attendance, smoking, impulsivity, and sociability. A significant association between the drinking of wives and that of their mothers-in-law was noted. The relationship between husbands' drinking and that of their fathers-in-law was marginally significant. However, three-quarters of daughters of heavy-drinking fathers (21 of 28) married abstemious men (never drank or drank lightly), while only 7% married heavy-drinking husbands. These findings lend support to the idea that a network of familial influences—both primary and secondary assortative mating—contributes to regulating adult drinking behavior.
Diet preparation for aquarium fishes

Abstract Several ingredient combinations were processed into flaked diets and evaluated for desirable physical properties. Subsequently, drum-dried flake formulations were prepared and fed to three species of aquarium fish and evaluated for nutritional quality, palatability and color enhancement in the fish. Optimum processing parameters for drum drying flaked diets were determined. Results indicated that flaked diets for aquarium fish, which are palatable, nutritious, water stable, buoyant, crumble resistant and pigment enhancing, can be prepared from relatively inexpensive, simple ingredient combinations by carefully controlling processing parameters with a drum dryer. Functional ingredients are shrimp waste meal, for hydrocolloidal properties; fish meal, for nutritional value and palatability; soybean meal as the primary protein source; grain by-product to supply starch and fiber; fish oil for palatability and water stability; and a concentrated pigment source. Important processing factors are fine grinding of ingredients, optimum solids content of the puree, and minimum heat exposure in drying.
Effect of state of charge on impedance spectrum of sealed cells Part II: Lead acid batteries

Alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) was performed on commercial sealed lead acid batteries. A method previously developed in the literature was modified to determine the state of charge of sealed lead acid cells by obtaining the impedance spectrum in a wide frequency range. The data were sensitive to state of charge at low frequencies. A modified Randles' circuit was used to fit the impedance data. The effect of the state of charge on the equivalent circuit parameters was determined.
Texture and Magnetic Properties of Rolled Fe-6.5 wt.%Si Thin Sheets

Thin (0.20 mm) Fe-6.5 wt.%Si sheets have been successfully fabricated by the continuous rolling method. The designed rolling process parameters, including the initial hot-band grain size, grain size after intermediate annealing, cold rolling reduction, and cold rolling temperature, were selected to control the texture development. Dominant recrystallization η fiber [rolling direction (RD)//\( \left\langle {001} \right\rangle \)] was achieved after high-temperature annealing. The produced Fe-6.5 wt.%Si thin sheets are promising alternatives for use in power electronics because of their magnetic properties from 400 Hz to 40 kHz.
Inlet/Engine Interactions in an Axisymmetric Pulse Detonation Engine System

The effects of oscillatory backpressure on the air induction system for pulse detonation engines were examined for an axisymmetric, external compression cone guration at a freestream Mach number of 2.1. The pressure perturbations at the diffuser exit were produced by a rotating mechanism simulating a valve, which periodically opened and closed the detonation tubes. Theoscillation frequency wasvaried from 30 to 100 Hzfor each individual tube. Through varying the downstream blockage, the spillage was altered, and different mass e ows wereobtained. In all casestheresults indicated that e uctuations in thestatic and stagnation pressures in the inletwere within 3%, without e ow instability noted near the inlet capture.
Preliminary Assessment of a Neuropathic Pain Treatment and Referral Algorithm for Patients With Cancer

Abstract Context The purpose of this case series study was to pilot test an evidence-based neuropathic pain (NP) treatment and referral algorithm for use by oncology nurses when managing cancer-related NP. Objectives The primary study objective was to assess patient-reported outcomes (pain severity, changes in activities of daily living, and satisfaction) resulting from algorithm use. Methods Outpatients ( n =20) with cancer-related NP scores ≥4 on a 0–10 numeric rating scale participated in the study. NP assessment, treatment, and referral to ancillary providers were guided by an evidence-based NP algorithm that was implemented by oncology nurse practitioners. Based on efficacy evidenced through randomized clinical trials published at the time of study implementation, the following drugs were included in the algorithm: lidocaine patch, gabapentin, oxycodone, tramadol, morphine, methadone, duloxetine, pregabalin, and nortriptyline. Recommendations for starting dose, dose escalation, drug combinations, treatment duration, and contraindications were included for first-tier drugs. Patient-reported outcomes (pain severity, functional capacity, and satisfaction) were assessed monthly over 12 weeks. Results Average NP severity ( P =0.001), general activity ( P P =0.002), walking ability ( P =0.01), ability to perform normal work ( P =0.002), relationships ( P =0.002), sleep ( P =0.01), life enjoyment ( P P =0.003) all improved by 12 weeks. Conclusion Evidence from this pilot study suggests that NP evidence-based treatment may result in improved symptoms, function, and patient satisfaction. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further assess algorithm efficacy.
18th annual TTRA conference

Abstract Cindy Guernsey, C.R. Goeldner and Deborah Eckstein briefly summarize the 18th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association held in Seattle, Washington on 7–11 June 1987 The conference dealt with tourism market research and ways to improve the performance of the tourism industry.
Delivery of antegrade cerebral perfusion during descending aortic reconstruction: a case report.

Antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective method of providing adequate protection to the brain during hypothermic circulatory arrest. By improving oxygen delivery to the cerebral capillaries, users of this technique have reported fewer temporary neurological deficits in postoperative periods, even after prolonged periods of circulatory arrest. Furthermore, ACP may be delivered with little alteration to the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. Surgical correction of a descending aortic aneurysm can provide a challenge when the left subclavian artery is involved. A period of hypothermic circulatory arrest is required to complete the proximal anastamosis of the graft. Access to the cerebral vessels for selective cerebral perfusion is limited during a left thoracotomy approach. A 54-year-old female presented with a computerized tomography (CT) scan of a descending aortic aneurysm, originating at the base of the left subclavian artery. Surgical intervention using CPB ...
Results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients ≥65 years of age (from the 1985 to 1986 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Coronary Angioplasty Registry)☆

Abstract The 1985 to 1986 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) Registry series of 1,801 initial procedures included 486 patients age ≥65 years (elderly). In comparison to younger patients, a greater proportion of elderly patients were women and had unstable angina. Elderly patients had more history of hypertension and more history of congestive heart failure. Although the elderly had more extensive vessel disease, the numbers of lesions and vessels attempted with PTCA were similar in the older and younger cohorts. Angiographic success rates were similar for all age groups. Although complication rates in the catheterization laboratory did not differ, patients ≥65 years were much more likely to require emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (5.4 vs 2.8%, p
Sound response mediated by the TRP channels NOMPC, NANCHUNG, and INACTIVE in chordotonal organs of Drosophila larvae

Mechanical stimuli, including tactile and sound signals, convey a variety of information important for animals to navigate the environment and avoid predators. Recent studies have revealed that Drosophila larvae can sense harsh or gentle touch with dendritic arborization (da) neurons in the body wall and can detect vibration with chordotonal organs (Cho). Whether they can also detect and respond to vibration or sound from their predators remains an open question. Here we report that larvae respond to sound of wasps and yellow jackets, as well as to pure tones of frequencies that are represented in such natural sounds, with startle and burrowing behaviors. The larval response to sound/vibration requires Cho neurons and, to a lesser extent, class IV da neurons. Our calcium imaging and electrophysiological experiments reveal that Cho neurons, but not class IV da neurons, are excited by natural sounds or pure tones, with tuning curves and intensity dependence appropriate for the behavioral responses. Furthermore, our study implicates the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels NOMPC, NANCHUNG, and INACTIVE, but not the dmPIEZO channel, in the mechanotransduction and/or signal amplification for the detection of sound by the larval Cho neurons. These findings indicate that larval Cho, like their counterparts in the adult fly, use some of the same mechanotransduction channels to detect sound waves and mediate the sensation akin to hearing in Drosophila larvae, allowing them to respond to the appearance of predators or other environmental cues at a distance with behaviors crucial for survival.
Progressive Refinement of 3-D Images Using Coded Binary Trees: Algorithms and Architecture

An encoding/decoding technique and a computer architecture for progressive refinement of 3-D images is suggested. The method is based on a binary tree representation of grey-level images. A scheme to transform an N × N × N image array into a sequence of at most N × N × N elements is given. As more elements of the sequence are scanned finer resolution representations of the image are obtained. The proposed architecture, which is suitable for VLSI implementation, performs the transformations between the image and its encoding using O(log N) processors and in time and space proportional to the image size.
Excitation-Transcription Coupling via Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase/ERK1/2 Signaling Mediates the Coordinate Induction of VGLUT2 and Narp Triggered by a Prolonged Increase in Glutamatergic Synaptic Activity

Homeostatic scaling of glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission is triggered by prolonged alterations in synaptic neuronal activity. We have previously described a presynaptic mechanism for synaptic homeostasis and plasticity that involves scaling the level of vesicular glutamate (VGLUT1) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (VGAT) transporter biosynthesis. These molecular determinants of vesicle filling and quantal size are regulated by neuronal activity in an opposite manner and bi-directionally. Here, we report that a striking induction of VGLUT2 mRNA and synaptic protein is triggered by a prolonged increase in glutamatergic synaptic activity in mature neocortical neuronal networks in vitro together with two determinants of inhibitory synaptic strength, the neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (Narp), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65). Activity-dependent induction of VGLUT2 and Narp exhibits a similar intermediate-early gene response that is blocked by actinomycin D and tetrodotoxin, by inhibitors of ionotropic glutamate receptors and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, and is dependent on downstream signaling via calmodulin, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). The co-induction of VGLUT2 and Narp triggered by prolonged γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor blockade is independent of brain-derived nerve growth factor and TrkB receptor signaling. VGLUT2 protein induction occurs on a subset of cortically derived synaptic vesicles in excitatory synapses on somata and dendritic processes of multipolar GABAergic interneurons, recognized sites for the clustering of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate glutamate receptors by Narp. We propose that VGLUT2 and Narp induction by excitation-transcription coupling leads to increased glutamatergic transmission at synapses on GABAergic inhibitory feedback neurons as part of a coordinated program of Ca2+-signal transcription involved in mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity after prolonged hyperactivity.
The effects of black‐tailed prairie dogs on plant communities within a complex urban landscape: An ecological surprise?

Historically, prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have been considered essential keystone species of western United States grassland ecosystems because they provide unique services and increase vegetation community richness, evenness, and diversity. However, the effects of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) on lands adjacent to or surrounded by urban areas may not result in the same ecosystem benefits historically associated with their presence. An urban landscape presents prairie dogs with movement challenges unparalleled in natural landscapes, as well as suites of nonnative plant species that are more common in disturbed areas. This study examined a complex ecosystem where vegetation communities are being influenced by directional environmental change, and quantified the synergistic effects resulting from the protective management of a native keystone species. The data set for this analysis was comprised of 71 paired (occupied by prairie dogs vs. unoccupied) vegetation surveys and 156 additional unpaired surveys collected from around the city of Boulder, Colorado, USA for 14 yr. Linear mixed models were used to compare data from transects occupied and unoccupied by prairie dogs, as well as to evaluate the effect of prairie dog occupation duration. In the absence of prairie dogs, vegetation in this region exhibited declines in native grasses, no changes in introduced grasses, and increases in native and nonnative forbs and bare soil over the study interval. In the presence of prairie dogs, these observed directional changes were nearly all amplified at rates four to 10 times greater than when prairie dogs were absent. Areas in Boulder occupied by prairie dogs also had significantly lower richness, evenness, and diversity of plant species, compared to unoccupied areas. Analysis of plant functional groups revealed the significant reduction of perennial native grasses, as well as a significantly higher cover of introduced forbs in occupied areas. Prairie dogs amplified the effects of low-impact environmental directional changes, creating more novel vegetation communities than the environmental factors alone. Results from this research provide insight regarding the synergistic effects of a native keystone species within a complex human-impacted 21st century landscape.
Na+ channel aggregation in remyelinating mouse sciatic axons following transection.

Mouse sciatic nerves from the degeneration-resistant strain C57BL/6/Wld (Ola) were surgically injected with lysolecithin to induce focal demyelination. Three days later they were transected adjacent to the spinal cord to eliminate contact of the axons with their cell bodies. The Na+ channel distribution was assessed by immunocytochemistry and followed at several stages of remyelination. Control experiments were performed on nerves that were injected but not cut. At (3+4) days, namely, nerves cut 3 days post-injection and examined 4 days after cutting, axons contained fully demyelinated regions. Na+ channel clusters appeared only at heminodes and at isolated sites that are likely to represent original nodes of Ranvier. During the next few days proliferating Schwann cells adhered to the axons and extended their processes. Clusters of Na+ channels appeared at their edges, and as the Schwann cells elongated the distance between these aggregates increased. A few clusters associated with neighboring Schwann cells approached each other and appeared to coalesce at sites where presumably new nodes of Ranvier would be formed. Beyond (3+6) days excessive degeneration of the transected axons precluded further observations. In the uncut controls, the spatio-temporal sequence of Schwann cell proliferation and channel patch formation and movement was similar to that described above, although myelin formation was somewhat faster than in the cut axons. It is concluded that Na+ channel aggregation associated with the early stages of remyelination is not dependent upon continuous communication of the axon with its cell body and is under local control. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genome architecture, rearrangements and genomic disorders

An increasing number of human diseases are recognized to result from recurrent DNA rearrangements involving unstable genomic regions. These are termed genomic disorders, in which the clinical phenotype is a consequence of abnormal dosage of gene(s) located within the rearranged genomic fragments. Both inter- and intrachromosomal rearrangements are facilitated by the presence of region-specific low-copy repeats (LCRs) and result from nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between paralogous genomic segments. LCRs usually span approximately 10-400 kb of genomic DNA, share >or= 97% sequence identity, and provide the substrates for homologous recombination, thus predisposing the region to rearrangements. Moreover, it has been suggested that higher order genomic architecture involving LCRs plays a significant role in karyotypic evolution accompanying primate speciation.
Interactive Effects of Psychosocial Stress and Early Pubertal Timing on Youth Depression and Anxiety: Contextual Amplification in Family and Peer Environments.

While off-time pubertal development has emerged as a potential risk factor for both symptoms of depression and anxiety in youth, the literature is mixed and inconsistent as to (1) how early versus late pubertal timing confers risk for both boys and girls, (2) if the conferred risk is distinct between symptoms of anxiety and depression, and (3) under what social contexts (e.g., family environment, peer relationships) off-time pubertal development may emerge as a potent risk factor for these symptoms. The present study examined the impact of perceived pubertal timing on symptoms of anxiety and depression in two distinct psychosocial contexts: parent’s perceptions of their own harsh parenting and parent’s perceptions of their child’s peer problems. The sample consisted of 412 parents (M = 38.6 years old, SD = 7.8, 60.4 % mothers) of children between the ages of 8 and 17 (M = 12.13, SD = 2.97, 45.4 % girls). All constructs were assessed by parent reports. Linear multiple regression analyses revealed that the interaction between earlier pubertal timing and greater peer problems was significantly related to higher youth depressive and anxiety symptoms. The interaction between earlier pubertal timing and greater harsh discipline was significantly related to higher youth anxiety but not depressive symptoms. Youth gender did not qualify findings. Results suggest that the contextual amplification process of early pubertal timing may occur in both high stress family and peer environments and impact both girls and boys.
An Efficient Algorithm for Truncating Spatial Domain in Modeling Light Scattering by Finite-Difference Technique

The finite-difference time domain technique is one of the most robust and accurate numerical methods for the solution of light scattering by small particles with arbitrary composition and geometry. In practice, this method requires that the spatial domain for the computation of near-field be truncated. An absorbing boundary condition must be imposed in conjunction with this truncation. The performance of this boundary condition is essential to the stability of numerical computations and the reliability of results. In the present study, a new boundary condition, referred to as the mixed T algorithm, has been developed, which is a generalization of the transmitting boundary condition originally developed by Liao and co-workers. The present algorithm does not require spatial interpolation for wave values at interior grid points. In addition, it produces two minima of spurious reflections at small and large incident angles, allowing efficient absorption of the scattered waves at the boundary for large incident angles. When the third-order mixed T algorithm is used, the reflection coefficient of the boundary is less than 1% for incident angles from 0° to about 70°. We find that the numerical instability associated with the transmitting boundary condition is caused by the location-dependent amplitude of outgoing waves in the vicinity of the boundary. For this reason, the mixed T algorithm is stabilized by consistently introducing diffusive coefficients into the boundary equation. When the stabilized algorithm is applied, the near-field within the truncated domain can be computed by using single-precision arithmetic without overflows for more than 105steps in the time-marching iteration. Finally, the new absorbing boundary condition is validated by carrying out numerical experiments involving the propagation of a TM wave excited by a sinusoidal point source, simultaneous simulation of the wave propagation in small and large domains, and the scattering of a TM wave by an infinite circular cylinder.
Effects of heat on fragility and morphology of human and calf erythrocytes.

It is important to know the species differences when data from animal experiments are interpreted for human application. This in vitro study focused on the effects of heat, a major concern in mechanically actuated artificial heart development, on the physiology of human and calf erythrocytes (RBC). RBC from calves and healthy human donors were incubated at 25, 37, 46, 48, 50, or 52°C for 1 h. Osmotic fragility was tested and morphological changes were then observed by scanning electron microscopy. The osmotic fragility of human and calf RBC increased at and above 50°C. After incubation at 50°C, 6% of human and 1 % of calf RBC hemolyzed. Changes in surface morphology, which included spherocytic or echinocytic for MS, were observed in 97% of human and 19% of calf RBC after incubation at 50°C. In conclusion, human RBC showed greater changes in osmotic fragility and morphology at and above 50°C. These changes, however, were not observed in either species after 1 h incubation at 46°C.