cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kernel dependence analysis and graph structure morphing for novelty detection with high-dimensional small size data set

Abstract In this study, we propose a new approach for novelty detection that uses kernel dependence techniques for characterizing the statistical dependencies of random variables (RV) and use this characterization as a basis for making inference. Considering the statistical dependencies of the RVs in multivariate problems is an important challenge in novelty detection. Ignoring these dependencies, when they are strong, may result in inaccurate inference, usually in the form of high false positive rates. Previously studied methods, such as graphical models or conditional classifiers, mainly use density estimation techniques as their main learning element to characterize the dependencies of the relevant RVs. Therefore, they suffer from the curse of dimensionality which makes them unable to handle high-dimensional problems. The proposed method, however, avoids using density estimation methods, and rather, employs a kernel method, which is robust with respect to dimensionality, to encode the dependencies and hence, it can handle problems with arbitrarily high-dimensional data. Furthermore, the proposed method does not need any prior information about the dependence structure of the RVs; thus, it is applicable to general novelty detection problems with no simplifying assumption. To test the performance of the proposed method, we apply it to realistic application problems for analyzing sensor networks and compare the results to those obtained by peer methods.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fellowship training: A national survey of pediatric otolaryngology fellowship directors.

Abstract Objectives To gain a better understanding of the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on current and future pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training, as well as how the application process was impacted this past year. Methods An anonymous web-based survey consisting of 24 questions was sent to all fellowship directors. The survey questions were designed to gain a better understanding of the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the surgical and clinical experience of current, to characterize the types of supplemental educational experiences that fellowship directors had incorporated into the curriculum to compensate for the decreased surgical and clinical workload, and highlight differences based on geographic location. Results Overall, 22 of 36 fellowship directors responded to our survey, for a total response rate of 61%. The Midwest had the highest response rate at 72.7%, followed by the Northeast (71.4%), the West (50%), and the South (50%). The vast majority of fellowship directors (77.2%) reported the COVID-19 pandemic had a “significant impact” on overall pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training. 86.3% of fellowship directors reported that their programs were still performing some surgical operations, but with decreased overall volume. Interestingly, 13.6% of fellowship directors reported that their fellows had been pulled to medicine or ICU services to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these programs that had a fellow pulled to the ICU or medicine service, 2 out of 3 were located in the Northeast, with the remaining fellow being from a program in the South. Conclusion Overall, pediatric otolaryngology fellowship directors reported the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the overall fellowship experience within the field of pediatric otolaryngology, with the majority feeling that both their fellows surgical and clinical experience have been significantly impacted.
Spontaneous recurrent seizures in an intra-amygdala kainate microinjection model of temporal lobe epilepsy are differentially sensitive to antiseizure drugs

The discovery and development of novel antiseizure drugs (ASDs) that are effective in controlling pharmacoresistant spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) continues to represent a significant unmet clinical need. The Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) has undertaken efforts to address this need by adopting animal models that better represent the salient features of human pharmacoresistant epilepsy and employing these models for preclinical testing of investigational ASDs. One such model that has garnered increased interest in recent years is the mouse variant of the Intra-Amygdala Kainate (IAK) microinjection model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). In establishing a version of this model, several methodological variables were evaluated for their effect(s) on pertinent quantitative endpoints. Although administration of a benzodiazepine 40 minutes after kainate (KA) induced status epilepticus (SE) is commonly used to improve survival, data presented here demonstrates similar outcomes (mortality, hippocampal damage, latency periods, and 90-day SRS natural history) between mice given midazolam and those that were not. Using a version of this model that did not interrupt SE with a benzodiazepine, a 90-day natural history study was performed and survival, latency periods, weekly SRS frequencies, and SRS clustering data were quantified. Finally, an important step towards model adoption is to assess the sensitivities or resistances of SRSs to a panel of approved and clinically used ASDs. Accordingly, the following ASDs were evaluated for their effects on SRSs in these mice: phenytoin (20 mg/kg, b.i.d), carbamazepine (30 mg/kg, t.i.d.), valproate (240 mg/kg, t.i.d), and diazepam (0.4 mg/kg, b.i.d). Both valproate and diazepam significantly attenuated SRS frequency relative to vehicle controls at doses devoid of observable adverse behavioral effects. Only diazepam significantly increased seizure freedom. Neither phenytoin nor carbamazepine significantly altered SRS frequency or freedom under these experimental conditions. The data demonstrate that SRSs in this IAK model of MTLE are pharmacoresistant to two representative sodium channel-inhibiting ASDs (phenytoin and carbamazepine) but not to a GABA receptor modulating ASD (diazepam) or a mixed-mechanism ASD (valproate). Further work with this experimental paradigm will evaluate its suitability for inclusion in the ETSP pharmacoresistance screening platform.
A new species of the hermit crab genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836 from a mesophotic deep bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Crustacea: Decapoda: Diogenidae)

Recent sampling on mesophotic deep banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico has produced a previously undescribed hermit crab assignable to the genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836. Members of the genus are most often found to occupy cavities of eroded coral, siliceous sponges, porous calcareous rock fragments, algal concretions, or worm tubes as shelters. The present specimen was found loose as by-catch in a dredged rhodolith sample taken for algal life history studies. In situ, it likely occupied a cavity within one of the collected calcareous rhodoliths or small sponges in the by-catch. While our description is based on a single female specimen, the holotype is fully mature and intact, and it was solidly frozen in seawater until its coloration could be photographically documented and tissues extracted for sequencing. In comparison to the three other known western Atlantic species, the frontal rim of the carapace shield in the new species is continuous between the blunt lateral teeth as in C. ornatus Benedict, 1901 and C. viridis Mayo, 1873, and thus distinct from the subdivided front found in C. spongicola Benedict, 1901. The rim itself is somewhat flattened as in C. ornatus rather than inflated as in C. viridis. However, each of the ocular scales bears a pair of spines at the tip, as in C. viridis. The lower palms of the chelipeds, while distinctly rugose, do not have a separated patch of stridulating ridges comparable to those reported for C. spongicola. The yellow-orange to deep-orange pigmentation of the color pattern differs from fresh coloration in both C. ornatus and C. viridis, but that of C. spongicola is unknown for other than preserved specimens. Description of the single available specimen is in this case justified by the low likelihood for timely acquiring of additional samples from the type locality or adjacent habitats, most of which are deep banks warranting protection under pending habitat management changes. Our diagnosis includes GenBank accession numbers for COI sequences to facilitate future molecular phylogenetic comparisons.
Cell-Type-Specific Decrease of the Intrinsic Excitability of Motor Cortical Pyramidal Neurons in Parkinsonism.

The hypokinetic motor symptoms of Parkinson9s disease (PD) are closely linked with a decreased motor cortical output as a consequence of elevated basal ganglia inhibition. However, whether and how the loss of dopamine (DA) alters the cellular properties of motor cortical neurons in PD remains undefined. We induced parkinsonism in adult C57BL/6 mice of both sexes by injecting neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), into the medial forebrain bundle. By using ex vivo patch-clamp recording and retrograde tracing approach, we found that the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) in the primary motor cortical (M1) layer (L)5b was greatly decreased in parkinsonism; but the intratelencephalic neurons (ITNs) were not affected. The cell type-specific intrinsic adaptations were associated with a depolarized threshold and broadened width of action potentials (APs) in PTNs. Moreover, the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons impaired the capability of M1 PTNs to sustain high-frequency firing, which could underlie their abnormal pattern of activity in the parkinsonian state. We also showed that the decreased excitability in parkinsonism was caused by an impaired function of both persistent sodium channels and the large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Acute activation of dopaminergic receptors failed to rescue the impaired intrinsic excitability of M1 PTNs in parkinsonian mice. Altogether, our data demonstrated a cell type-specific decrease of the excitability of M1 pyramidal neurons in parkinsonism. Thus, intrinsic adaptations in the motor cortex provide novel insight in our understanding of the pathophysiology of motor deficits in PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson9s disease (PD) remodels the connectivity and function of cortico–basal ganglia–thalamocortical network. However, whether and how dopaminergic degeneration and the associated basal ganglia dysfunction alter motor cortical circuitry remain undefined. We found that pyramidal neurons in the layer (L)5b of the primary motor cortex (M1) exhibit distinct adaptations in response to the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, depending on their long-range projections. Besides the decreased thalamocortical synaptic excitation as proposed by the classical model of Parkinson9s pathophysiology, these results, for the first time, show novel cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the abnormal motor cortical output in parkinsonism.
Necessity And "Supplementary Means of Interpretation" For Non-Precluded Measures in Bilateral Investment Treaties

This Article scrutinizes varying interpretive methodologies used by different tribunals of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in relation to Article XI of the US-Argentina bilateral investment treaty (“BIT”), which, in different degrees, had referred to the customary doctrine of “necessity” to derive Article XI’s substantive meaning and legal effects. Neither Sempra v. Argentina, LGE incoming J.S.D. (Class of 2014), Yale Law School; LL.B cum laude, University of the Philippines; B.S. Economics summa cum laude University of the Philippines; Law Reform Specialist, Institute of International Legal Studies, University of the Philippines; Professorial Lecturer (Legal History, Agency & Partnership), University of the Philippines College of Law; Professorial Lecturer (Public International Law, Administrative Law), Lyceum of the Philippines College of Law; Member, Philippine Bar. With deep gratitude to Professors W. Michael Reisman and Guillermo Aguilar-Alvarez for inspiring comments, valuable guidance, and penetrating critique in finalizing this work. All errors and omissions are solely mine. 828 U. Pa. J. Int’l. L. [Vol. 31:3 to the BIT, and cannot use Article XI to remove its lex specialis substantive duties under the BIT to that State Party’s investors. Finally, this Article recommends that treaty appliers should privilege a holistic reading of the lex specialis as the governing law whenever the host State claims an economic emergency to plead outright exculpation from substantive obligations in bilateral investment treaties.
A Global Pandemic and Substance Use Disorder: Healthcare Professionals' Viewpoints on the Merging of Two Crises.

COVID-19 has resulted in extraordinary adversities. Mandates such as distancing and variations to treatment services were implemented to slow transmission of the virus, but created new challenges f...
Impact of an interdisciplinary intervention for distress behaviors in dementia on psychotropic drug use in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers: STAR-VA impact on psychotropic drug utilization.

Abstract STAR-VA is an interdisciplinary behavioral approach for managing distress behaviors in residents with dementia, implemented at Veterans Health Administration nursing homes. This study evaluated the impact of STAR-VA implementation on psychotropic drug use. The study design is a retrospective, quasi-experimental cohort analysis of residents enrolled as STAR-VA training cases compared with eligible residents at untrained sites to evaluate treatment effects on psychotropic medication use. We matched 229 STAR-VA cases with 1,163 comparisons. STAR-VA cases experienced an average reduction of 0.92 “as-needed” doses per month (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.82, -0.02) compared with controls. No significant effect on non-STAR-VA cases in trained facilities was detected. STAR-VA programs are an important option for reducing potentially inappropriate psychotropic use.
Product Line Extensions: Analysis, Insights, and Intuition

Line extensions – variants of existing products with new appearances, functions, or forms – constitute a significant fraction of products launched each year. While line extensions typically share components with existing products and, therefore, require lower development costs (as compared to new products), they can also cannibalize the demand of existing products. Thus, the choice of an appropriate set of line extensions is an important issue for a firm. In a seminal paper, Ramdas and Sawhney (2001) model this problem by incorporating both the supply- and demand-side implications of line extensions. We build on this work by further investigating the operational issue of selecting a subset of line extensions from a potential set, with the aim of maximizing profit. Our results for the basic model of Ramdas and Sawhney (2001) include a polynomially-solvable special case and an effective heuristic for the general version. Motivated by practical considerations, we analyze two variants of the basic model: one in which the cardinality of the line extensions is constrained, and the other in which a limited budget is available. We derive a variety of interesting insights on the inherent tradeoffs in the selection of an optimal set of extensions. A key driver of the optimal fraction of extensions is the ratio of the component-specific development cost to the labor cost. The optimal fraction of extensions is a concave and decreasing function of this ratio. Another critical parameter is the density of the product-component bipartite graph – the optimal fraction is an increasing function of this density. We also compare two common discount policies for the material cost of producing the extensions: an all-unit quantity discount and a marginal quantity discount. The marginal discount (resp., all-unit discount) is better when (i) the density of the product-component graph is low (resp., high) or (ii) the density of the product-component graph is modest and there is a large (resp., small) difference between the undiscounted, per-unit prices of the two policies. The percentage markup (i.e., ratio of profit to cost) of the optimal solution is a concave function of the upper bound on the cardinality of the selected line extensions (resp., available budget) and a decreasing function of the ratio of the component-specific development cost to the labor cost. On a carefully designed survey instrument, we observe that (i) only about half of the decision makers demonstrated the correct intuition about the role of product development cost and density of the product-component graph, (ii) almost no one correctly predicted the impact of the discount strategy. Thus, our analysis and results can provide a strong, rigorous foundation for managerial decisions.
New trends in photobiology: Gigahertz frequency-domain fluorometry: Resolution of complex decays, picosecond processes and future developments

Abstract We describe the principles, instrumentation and applications of frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy. This method is useful for the resolution of multi-exponential decays and complex anisotropy decays on the picosecond timescale. The present instrumentation allows measurements to 2 GHz, which has been used to measure rotational correlation times as short as 7 ps. In the future it may be possible to extend the frequency range to 10 GHz, which should allow still faster processes to be quantified. It should be emphasized that resolution of fast processes is not obtained at the expense of losing information on the nanosecond timescale. Additionally, the GHz frequency-domain measurements are performed using low excitation intensities, which do not damage the samples.
Hydrophobicity estimations by reversed-phase liquid chromatography : implications for biological partitioning processes

Liquid chromatography has long been used for the estimation of "hydrophobicity" of solutes of biological, environmental and agricultural interest. These measurements have taken the form of octanol-water partition coefficient estimation, or less often the more fundamental processes that the octanol-water partition coefficient is intended to model. Here we review both the chromatographic methods used for these estimations, their successes and failures, and discuss pertinent solution thermodynamics of the partitioning of small molecules between bulk phases, such as octanol and water, and between a bulk phase and an interphase, such as partitioning of solute molecules into lipid layers and biological membranes.
Chapter 32 Minimum wages, employment, and the distribution of income

After nearly a decade of relative quiet, the increases in the US minimum wage that began in 1990 have coincided with a renewed interest in its effects. Recent work suggests that a relative consensus on the effects of the minimum wage on employment came undone; on balance, however, the recent estimates seem if anything smaller than those suggested by the earlier literature, and the puzzle of why they are relatively small remains. Effects of the minimum wage on the wage distribution became clearer with the declining real minimum wage in the 1980s; nevertheless, the ability of minimum wages to equalize the distribution of family incomes remains quite limited.
Slavery and the Rule of Law in Early Virginia

Many of us learned that slavery began in the English North American colonies in 1619 when twenty Africans were purchased from the crew of a Dutch ship that had stopped at Jamestown for provisions. Colonial records do not tell us the fate of the Africans who arrived in Jamestown’s early years. This paper uses legislative and judicial records to reconstruct that history. The institution was not imported from England, under whose laws (which governed its colonies) one person could not own another. Chattel slavery was created by the colonial elite who decided to make their very profitable tobacco industry even more profitable by using slaves instead of contract labor. Colonial records reveal that unlawful enslavement was officially tolerated for decades; that it was incrementally regulated to meet slave owners’ felt needs; and that it was not legally authorized until late in the seventeenth or early in the eighteenth century.
How Does Winning, Losing, and Electoral Competitiveness Affect Voters’ Attitudes Toward Government? Evidence from Three Western Democracies

Electoral competition has long been held as a required and essential component of a smoothly functioning democracy. This common wisdom suggests that representative responsiveness is likely to decrease as the level of general election competitiveness falls off. The closer the election the more uncertain the incumbent member of the legislature is about her ability to get reelected, which motivates her to work harder to win votes (i.e. campaign harder, spend more time in the district, secure more pork projects, modify voting behavior in the legislature, etc.). In turn, these activities should increase voter satisfaction and efficacy. This final linkage is what we take up here. Namely, do voters in districts that have competitive elections demonstrate higher levels of efficacy and higher levels of satisfaction with the representative and with the legislature itself? Using survey data from the most recent elections in three western democracies with single member district systems (UK, Canada, and the U.S.) we find no such connection. Rather, the winner/loser dichotomy is primal. Electoral competitiveness has no measurable effect on voters either in terms of satisfaction with their representative or with more abstract variables like efficacy. This finding has important implications for democratic theory and for redistricting.
Structural characterization and kinetics of nitric-oxide synthase inhibition by novel N5-(iminoalkyl)- and N5-(iminoalkenyl)-ornithines.

Abstract Isoform-specific nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors may prove clinically useful in reducing the pathophysiological effects associated with increased neuronal NOS (nNOS) or inducible NOS (iNOS) activity in a variety of neurological and inflammatory disorders. Analogs of the NOS substrate l-arginine are pharmacologically attractive inhibitors because of their stability, reliable cell uptake, and good selectivity for NOS over other heme proteins. Some inhibitory arginine analogs show significant isoform selectivity although the structural or mechanistic basis of such selectivity is generally poorly understood. In the present studies, we determined by x-ray crystallography the binding interactions between rat nNOS and N5-(1-imino-3-butenyl)-l-ornithine (l-VNIO), a previously identified mechanism-based, irreversible inactivator with moderate nNOS selectivity. We have also synthesized and mechanistically characterized several l-VNIO analogs and find, surprisingly, that even relatively minor structural changes produce inhibitors that are either iNOS-selective or non-selective. Furthermore, derivatives having a methyl group added to the butenyl moiety of l-VNIO and l-VNIO derivatives that are analogs of homoarginine rather than arginine display slow-on, slow-off kinetics rather than irreversible inactivation. These results elucidate some of the structural requirements for isoform-selective inhibition by l-VNIO and its related alkyl- and alkenyl-imino ornithine and lysine derivatives and may provide information useful in the ongoing rational design of isoform-selective inhibitors.
Sucrose esters from the surface lipids of Petunia hybrida

Abstract Three sucrose ester types were isolated and identified from the leaf surface lipids of Petunia hybrida. They contained both unbranched and branched fatty acids (from C2 to C8). Further, one of these sucrose esters contained malonic acids. The structures of the sucrose esters were 2,3,4-O- tri-acyl -α- d -glucopyranosyl -1-O- malonyl -4-O- acyl -6-O- acetyl -β- d -fructofuranoside , 2,3,4-O- tri-acyl -α- d -glucopyranosyl -4-O- acyl -6-O- acetyl -β- d -fructofuranoside and 2,3,4,6-O- tetra-acyl -α- d -glucopyranosyl -β- d -fructofuranoside .
Generation and Characterization of Self-Phase-Modulation Based Cavity-Less Pulse Source

A self-phase-modulation based low-noise, cavity-less pulse source with GHz repetition rate exhibiting low relative-intensity-noise and pedestal-free features is demonstrated in this paper, and accompanied with rigorous intensity-noise and chirp characterizations.
A throat-bypass stability system for a YF-12 aircraft research inlet using self-acting mechanical valves

Results of a wind tunnel investigation are presented. The inlet was modified so that airflow can be removed through a porous cowl-bleed region in the vicinity of the throat. Bleed plenum exit flow area is controlled by relief type mechanical valves. Unlike valves in previous systems, these are made for use in a high Mach flight environment and include refinements so that the system could be tested on a NASA YF-12 aircraft. The valves were designed to provide their own reference pressure. The results show that the system can absorb internal-airflow-transients that are too fast for a conventional bypass door control system and that the two systems complement each other quite well. Increased tolerance to angle of attack and Mach number changes is indicated. The valves should provide sufficient time for the inlet control system to make geometry changes required to keep the inlet started.
Inhibition of p38 MAPK Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokine Induction by Etoposide, 5-Fluorouracil, and Doxorubicin without Affecting Tumoricidal Activity

Cancer patients undergoing treatment with systemic cancer chemotherapy drugs often experience debilitating fatigue similar to sickness behavior, a normal response to infection or tissue damage caused by the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) plays a central role in the production of these cytokines and consequently the development of sickness behavior. Targeted inhibitors of p38 MAPK can reduce systemic inflammatory cytokine production and the development of sickness behavior. Several systemic cancer chemotherapy drugs have been shown to stimulate inflammatory cytokine production, yet whether this response is related to a common ability to activate p38 MAPK is not known and is the focus of this study. This understanding may present the possibility of using p38 MAPK inhibitors to reduce chemotherapy-induced inflammatory cytokine production and consequently treatment-related fatigue. One caveat of this approach is a potential reduction in chemotherapeutic efficacy as some believe that p38 MAPK activity is required for chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity of tumor cells. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate proof of principal that p38 MAPK inhibition can block chemotherapy- induced inflammatory cytokine production without inhibiting drug-induced cytotoxicity using murine peritoneal macrophages and Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC1) cells as model cell systems. Using these cells we assessed the requirement of etoposide, doxorubicin, 5-flourouracil, and docetaxel for p38 MAPK in inflammatory cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Study findings demonstrate that clinically relevant doses of etoposide, doxorubicin, and 5-FU activated p38 MAPK in both macrophages and LLC1 cells. In contrast, docetaxel failed to activate p38 MAPK in either cell type. Activation of p38 MAPK mediated the drug's effects on inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages but not LLC1 cytotoxicity and this was confirmed with inhibitor studies.
Marketing Strategy and the Internet: An Organizing Framework:

Competitive strategy is primarily concerned with how a business should deploy resources at its disposal to achieve and maintain defensible competitive positional advantages in the marketplace. Competitive marketing strategy focuses on how a business should deploy marketing resources at its disposal to facilitate the achievement and maintenance of competitive positional advantages in the marketplace. In a growing number of product-markets, the competitive landscape has evolved from a predominantly physical marketplace to one encompassing both the physical and the electronic marketplace. This article presents a conceptual framework delineating the drivers and outcomes of marketing strategy in the context of competing in this broader, evolving marketplace. The proposed framework provides insights into changes in the nature and scope of marketing strategy; specific industry, product, buyer, and buying environment characteristics; and the unique skills and resources of the firm that assume added relevance in the context of competing in the evolving marketplace.
Female sperm storage in amphibians.

The three orders of extant amphibians are Gymnophiona, Anura, and Urodela. Although all gymnophionans apparently have internal fertilization and many are viviparous, female sperm storage is unknown. Internal fertilization has convergently evolved in a few anurans, but females of just one species, Ascaphus truei, are known to possess oviductal sperm storage tubules (SSTs). The SSTs of A. truei are similar anatomically to such glands in squamate reptiles. This similarity is convergence due to similar functional adaptations and/or internal design constraints. In salamanders and newts (Urodela), absence of sperm storage in females is the ancestral condition (three families). In the derived condition, sperm storage occurs in cloacal glands called spermathecae, and their possession is a synapomorphy for females in the suborder Salamandroidea (seven families). Salamandroids are the only vertebrates with cloacal sperm storage glands. In this paper, a phenetic analysis of variation in spermathecal characters reveals patterns of convergence in certain spermathecal characters in unrelated taxa that breed in similar habitats. In the family Salamandridae, a role in sperm nutrition for the spermathecal epithelium is questioned, and the widespread occurrence of spermiophagy is related to other reproductive strategies. I propose how the packaging of sperm in structurally different types of spermathecae may influence male paternity.
The electrophysiology of the cardiac sodium channel.

Conduction in most regions of the heart is sustained by transient increases in membrane permeability to Na(+). The application of contemporary biophysical and molecular biologic techniques demonstrates that permeability to Na(+) depends on a distinct protein that forms ion-selective channels in the membrane. These channels are believed to be the site of action of the local anesthetic class of antiarrhythmic drugs. More detailed studies of the structure and function of the Na channel hold the prospect for a clearer understanding of the mechanisms and treatment of some arrhythmias.
The computer boys take over: computers, programmers, and the politics of technical expertise

Historians of computing have long focused primarily on the history of the computer, rather than on the people who programmed it and the programs they devised. This hardware bias creates an opportun...
Memory, acquisition, and category clustering in learning-disabled children.

Abstract In Experiment 1, single trial, immediate-free recall of learning disabled and nondisabled children was compared. The primacy effect in learning-disabled children was lower, suggesting that rehearsal or other types of elaborative encoding may be deficient in these children. In Experiment 2, acquisition of randomly presented categorical lists in a multitrial-free recall task was compared in learning disabled and nondisabled children. One-half of each group was required to learn the same number of words (34 per list), whereas list length for the other half exceeded the primacy effect of each child in immediate-free recall to the same degree. When the same number of items was learned, acquisition was slower in learning disabled than nondisabled children. When the number of items varied according to the primacy effect of each child, acquisition of both groups was similar. Clustering was lower in learning disabled than nondisabled children. In Experiment 3, multitrial-free recall acquisition of categorical lists was examined in a subject-paced task. When the number of words learned exceeded the primacy effect of each child to the same degree, trials to criterion were similar in both groups but, when the children learned the same number of items, learning-disabled children required more trials to criterion. Presentation rates were faster in learning-disabled children. Presentation rates were negatively correlated with trials to criterion and positively correlated with clustering and primacy in immediate-free recall, suggesting that study time may be taken up by clustering, rehearsal, and/or other encoding strategies. Deficient elaborative encoding may be responsible for the slower acquisition of learning-disabled children.
Effect of Axial Impact on the Static Flexure of Graphite/Epoxy Beams

Graphite-epoxy beams were subjected to an eccentric axial impact load in a drop tower test fixture in order to study their large displacement flexural behavior. The time history of the transient axial load exhibited a large magnitude occurring just after impact, which was many times greater than the static failure load. The damage caused by this peak dynamic load was measured by the reduction in energy absorption of the impacted beam relative to a virgin beam in static tests. For the thirty-ply specimens, the amount of damage increased with increasing axial stiffness.
Efficacy of an individualized, motivationally-tailored physical activity intervention

This study compared the efficacy of two low-cost interventions for physical activity adoption. Sedentary (N=194) adults recruited through newspaper advertisements were randomized to receive either a motivationally-matched, individually-tailored intervention (IT) or a standard self-help intervention (ST). Assessments and interventions were delivered by repeated mailings at baseline, one, three, and six months. Participants were assessed regarding current physical activity behavior, motivational readiness to adopt regular physical activity, and psychological constructs associated with physical activity participation (e.g. self-efficacy, decisional balance). Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed significant increases in physical activity participation between baseline and six months for both groups with a significantly greater increase among IT participants. The IT group outperformed the ST group on all primary outcome measures: (a) minutes of physical activity per week, (b) reaching Centers for Disease Control and American College of Sports Medicine (CDC/ACSM) recommended minimum physical activity criteria, and (c) achieving the Action stage of motivational readiness for physical activity adoption. Both groups showed significant improvement between baseline and six months on the psychological constructs associated with physical activity adoption (e.g. self-efficacy), with no significant differences observed between the treatment groups. Utilizing computer expert systems and self-help manuals to provide individually-tailored, motivationally-matched interventions appears to be an effective, low-cost approach for enhancing physical activity participation in the community.
Leukoencephalopathy in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic observations.

The clinical and pathologic features of a case of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia with leukoencephalopathy are reported. Multiple cerebral foci of de-myelination, accompanied to a lesser extent by axonal degeneration, were associated with perivascular infiltrates of plasmacytoid lymphocytes and with permeation of the white matter by macroglobulins. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a predominance of IgM kappa within the blood plasma, in cerebral blood vessel walls, in the foci of demyelination, and within perivascular histiocytes. Electron microscopy disclosed the presence, in macrophages and pericytes, of membrane-bound cytoplasmic inclusions consisting of tubular arrays, suggestive of cryoglobulin deposits. We hypothesize that the high serum levels of macroglobulins accompanied by lym-phoplasmocytic infiltrates may, either by way of viscosity-related ischemia, or by a direct toxic effect, have caused abnormal vascular permeability, infiltration of the cerebral parenchyma by paraproteins, and, ultimately, focal degeneration of the white matter
Paragenesis of the Morgan Creek Limestone, Late Cambrian, central Texas: Constraints on the formation of glauconite

Abstract Deposition of the Morgan Creek Limestone, a member of the Cambrian Wilberns Formation, began a few meters above a disconformable surface and displays abundant indicators of accumulation in shallow marine to tidal flat environments. These indicators include: intercalation of a lithologic variety of thin beds (e.g. biosparites, biomicrites, oosparites, intrasparites), which display rapid vertical and lateral lithologic changes, numerous stromatolitic horizons, channels filled with graded oosparites and intrasparites that cut through micrite accumulations, and finely laminated (non-burrowed) siltstones. Glauconite is a ubiquitous minor constituent throughout in the form of pellets, replaced skeletal material and mica books, and, most informatively, as an authigenic precipitate in the form of fibroradiating rims on carbonate allochems and siliciclastic grains. Fibroradiating glauconite rims were disrupted and pushed away from the pelmatozoan nuclei on which they precipitated. Combined sedimentological and paragenetic constraints indicate that the glauconite was the earliest diagenetic event to affect these sediments and occurred essentially at the sediment–water interface within these relatively high-energy, shallow marine deposits. Precipitation of glauconite was closely followed by precipitation of carbonate cement as well as dissolution of aragonitic constituents. Later diagenetic processes included selective dolomitization and silicification. In modern seas glauconite is reported to form at and below mid-shelf water depths. Thus, the constraints pertaining to the origin of modern glauconite are not valid for Late Cambrian deposits and probably are also not applicable for Late Cretaceous through Early Paleogene glauconites.
Rediscovering ACE: Novel insights into the many roles of the angiotensin-converting enzyme

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is best known for the catalytic conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. However, the use of gene-targeting techniques has led to mouse models highlighting many other biochemical properties and actions of this enzyme. This review discusses recent studies examining the functional significance of ACE tissue-specific expression and the presence in ACE of two independent catalytic sites with distinct substrates and biological effects. It is these features which explain why ACE makes important contributions to many different physiological processes including renal development, blood pressure control, inflammation, and immunity.
SU‐GG‐T‐468: Image‐Guided Stereotactic Spinal Radiosurgery with a Conventional Linear‐Accelerator

Purpose: As large experiences of spinal radiosurgery were reported by using CyberKnife, this study evaluates our experiences with spinal radiosurgery given by a conventional linear‐accelerator, utilizing the features of KV‐OBI and CBCT.Method and Materials:Image‐guidedstereotactic radiosurgery is used in our clinic to treat spinal metastases with 16–18 Gy in a single‐fraction, or 20–30 Gy in 5‐fractions. Treatment is delivered using nine co‐planar IMRT‐beams in 20–25 minutes. The success of spinal radiosurgery requires sparing of the proximal spinal cord and high precision of dose delivery. With proper beam arrangement and dose optimization, the maximal cord dose can be minimized to 60–65% of the prescription dose. Stereotactic localization of the metastatic vertebrae‐body is achieved by KV‐OBI and CBCT guidance before and during the treatment. The shifts based on OBI♯1 are made from the skin marks after initial setup. Next, CBCT further verifies the patient alignment. Two more OBIs before every three fields ensure patient immobility and allow iso shifts if necessary. Results: Couch shifts were recorded for a sample of 12 patients, a total of 27 fractions in this evaluation. It is found that the ranges of the shifts guided by OBI♯1 from skin marks are: 1.4 cm longitudinal, 0.9 cm vertical, 0.7 cm lateral, and 2° in‐plane couch rotation, while CBCT and consecutive OBI♯2 and ♯3 before every three fields found little patient movements. Conclusion: The conventional linear‐accelerator is able to deliver stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of spinal metastases with a high degree of accuracy, as guided by OBI and CBCTimage techniques, in combination with proper patient setup, immobilization, and skin marks. No body‐wrap or fiducials are necessary in our approach. The study also finds that OBI and CBCT are equivalent due to the proper patient setup procedures in our approach. CBCT is beneficial for localizing C7/T1 for treatment.
Inguinal hernia is not a sign of colon cancer: results of a prospective screening trial

Background: It has been suggested that patients with an inguinal hernia harbour an increased risk for colorectal cancer. Methods: In a prospective clinical trial, we compared the prevalence of colonic neoplasms in 100 cases with inguinal hernia and 100 controls without inguinal hernia. The number, size, histology type, and the location of all colorectal lesions found during a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy were recorded. Results: Not a single case of colorectal cancer was detected in the patients with inguinal hernia pending surgical repair. In the asymptomatic control subjects, one Dukes A and one Dukes B1 colon cancer were detected. Polypectomy was performed in 15% and 17% of the case and control subjects, respectively. During a 5-year period following the initial screening procedure, none of the case or control subjects was diagnosed with colon cancer. Conclusions: The decision for or against performing an endoscopic procedure in a patient with inguinal hernia should be guided by the general principles of screening for colorectal cancer. The mere presence of an inguinal hernia does not automatically increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Behavioral tolerance to marihuana as a function of amount of prior training.

Abstract Rats were trained to run an alley for food reinforcement. Rats dosed with marihuana distillate before each session from the beginning of training showed a very slow improvement of performance during training. Rats that first received marijuana after reaching asymptotic performance showed a disruption of performance under the drug. These rats, however, rapidly developed a tolerance to the drug. It was concluded that increased prior training increases the rate of behavioral tolerance development.
A semantic searching scheme in heterogeneous unstructured P2P networks

Semantic-based searching in peer-to-peer (P2P) networks has drawn significant attention recently. A number of semantic searching schemes, such as GES proposed by Zhu Y et al., employ search models in Information Retrieval (IR). All these IR-based schemes use one vector to summarize semantic contents of all documents on a single node. For example, GES derives a node vector based on the IR model: VSM (Vector Space Model). A topology adaptation algorithm and a search protocol are then designed according to the similarity between node vectors of different nodes. Although the single semantic vector is suitable when the distribution of documents in each node is uniform, it may not be efficient when the distribution is diverse. When there are many categories of documents at each node, the node vector representation may be inaccurate. We extend the idea of GES and present a new class-based semantic searching scheme (CSS) specifically designed for unstructured P2P networks with heterogeneous single-node document collection. It makes use of a state-of-the-art data clustering algorithm, online spherical k-means clustering (OSKM), to cluster all documents on a node into several classes. Each class can be viewed as a virtual node. Virtual nodes are connected through virtual links. As a result, the class vector replaces the node vector and plays an important role in the class-based topology adaptation and search process. This makes CSS very efficient. Our simulation using the IR benchmark TREC collection demonstrates that CSS outperforms GES in terms of higher recall, higher precision, and lower search cost.
Addressing obstructive sleep apnea in the emergency department.

Abstract Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent, serious disease that is under-recognized and under-treated. It results from a combination of increased pharyngeal collapsibility and impaired compensatory pharyngeal muscle dilator activity. OSA causes serious morbidity and mortality. OSA is also a public health problem in that it is an independent cause of car crashes, at great cost to society in dollars and lives. OSA is conservatively estimated to affect 2–4% of Americans; however, recent estimates are much higher. Objectives: To educate emergency physicians on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of OSA and discuss diagnostic approaches and recommendations that can be made from the emergency department (ED). Discussion: Emergency physicians can play an important role in the recognition and referral of patients at risk for OSA. A focused history and physical examination or the use of a structured evaluation can identify patients at risk for OSA. In addition to referring patients at risk for OSA for further diagnostic work-up, emergency physicians can offer recommendations such as weight loss, moderation of alcohol use and certain medications, and smoking cessation. Conclusion: OSA is a common disease in the United States that is under-recognized and under-treated. ED patients who do not regularly see a primary care provider or have no primary care provider are particularly at risk for undiagnosed OSA. Emergency physicians can play an important role in recognizing patients at risk for OSA, referring them for further diagnostic work-up, and offering recommendations from the ED.
Risk factors and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus infections after small bowel and multivisceral transplantation.

BACKGROUND No studies have evaluated the risk factors and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections in small bowel (SBT) and multivisceral (including small bowel) transplantation (MVT). METHODS SBT and MVT recipients with SA infections (22 cases) were retrospectively identified and compared with matched non-SA-infected recipient controls (44). The characteristics were compared with Friedman and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors, and Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard model were performed for survival analysis. RESULTS The median age was 2.07 years (range, 0.76-54.04). Forty-three percent of the first SA infections were bloodstream infections, 30% lung infections, and 26% surgical site infections; 36% of these isolates were methicillin-resistant SA. Median time (days) to surgical site infections (41.0; range, 0-89) was significantly shorter than that to lung infections (266; range, 130-378) (P = 0.01). By univariate analysis, it was found that cases were more likely to have cytomegalovirus (CMV) sero-mismatch (odds ratio [OR] = 3.03 [95% confidence interval, 0.88-10.43]; P = 0.08), and controls were more likely to receive mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment (0.09 [0.001-0.82]; P = 0.03). By multivariable analysis, patients with CMV sero-mismatch were found to have higher odds of developing SA infection (OR, 2.92; P = 0.085), whereas MMF had a protective effect (OR, 0.08; P = 0.031), adjusting for matched criteria. SA cases had shorter survival than controls (mean survival, 28.5 vs. 45.8 months [P = 0.04]) and were 2.18 times more likely to die (1.02-4.67, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS SA infections were associated with a significant shorter survival time and higher risk of death. The presence of CMV sero-mismatch and the absence of MMF treatment were found to be the risk factors for SA infections after SBT and MVT.