cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
51. Altered GABA transporter-1 mRNA expression in prefrontal cortical neurons in schizophrenia ☆

Within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of schizophrenic subjects, recent studies suggest that alterations in markers of GABA neurotransmission, including decreased immunoreactivity for the GABA membrane transporter, GAT-1, may be most prominent in the chandelier cell subpopulation of GABA neurons (PNAS 95:5341, 1998). In order to explore one possible mechanism for these findings, we tested the hypothesis that GAT-1 mRNA expression is decreased in a subset of PFC GABA neurons in schizophrenia. Tissue sections containing PFC area 9 from 10 schizophrenic subjects, each matched to one control subject for sex, age, and postmortem interval, were processed for in situ hybridization histochemistry with S-labeled oligonucleotide probes for GAT-1 mRNA and exposed to nuclear emulsion. The density of labeled neurons was decreased in the schizophrenic subjects by 21–32% in layers 1–5 but was unchanged in layer 6. In contrast, mean grain density per labeled neuron, a relative measure of the cellular level of GAT-1 mRNA expression, did not differ between schizophrenic and control subjects. These findings indicate that GAT-1 mRNA expression is relatively unaltered in the majority of PFC GABA neurons in schizophrenic subjects, but is reduced below a detectable level in a subset of GABA neurons. Furthermore, the magnitude and laminar pattern of these results were strikingly similar to our previous study of GAD67 mRNA expression in the same subjects (Arch Gen Psych, in press). Thus, markers of both GABA synthesis and uptake appear to be altered at the level of gene expression in a subset of GABA neurons, and the resulting changes in GABA neurotransmission may contribute to PFC dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Comparative Biology of Three Cereal Aphids on TAM 107 Wheat

Abstract Greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rodani); bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi L.; and Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), developed and reproduced successfully on TAM 107 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from 21.0 to 22.6°C when transferred to individual plants as single first instars. Both D. noxia “foundresses” and second-generation nymphs developed slower than those of S. graminum and R. padi. In all three species, nymphs developed faster in small colonies of siblings than did their foundress mother developing in solitude. However, when nymphs developed in solitude, only those of S. graminum developed faster than their mothers on the same plants, suggesting maternal induction of plant suitability. Isolated nymphs of D. noxia did not differ in developmental rate from their mothers on maternal plants, and those of R. padi developed more slowly, suggesting that effects of group feeding were responsible for the faster development of second-generation nymphs observed within growing co...
The Correspondence Ratio in Forecast Evaluation

The correspondence ratio is developed to evaluate output from an ensemble of numerical weather prediction models. This measure is a simple extension of the threat score, or critical success index, to more than two fields and is used to measure the divergence of the forecast fields. The ratio is compared with two commonly used measures: the anomaly correlation, and the mean square error. Results indicate that the correspondence ratio is sensitive to the bias and, when calculated for several threshold values, can provide information beyond that supplied by the mean-square error and anomaly correlation measures. The correspondence ratio is particularly useful in evaluating discontinuous fields, such as precipitation. While no one measure can provide a complete assessment of forecast success, this ratio provides useful information that can increase our understanding of model forecast quality.
"From the Top on Down It Is Systemic": Bullying, Privilege and the Schooling of Hegemonic Masculinity

In order to better understand the socialization and (re)production of privilege, most especially gendered privilege, within elite independent schools it is important to examine the masculine performances of its students enacted through bullying as well as the masculine environments in which these enactments are produced. This paper will begin explicating the messages received and the representations shaped by Rockport’s hegemonic masculine curriculum and the embodiment of these dynamics through research on bullying conducted with students and faculty at an elite, single-sex independent boys school, Rockport. The data revealed that bullying between boys at Rockport helped to discipline and reproduce hegemonic masculine boundaries; it was as much an expression of Rockport’s culture as it was a vehicle for policing and reproducing its culture. However, not only were the boys within Rockport gendered, the faculty and even the institution itself was gendered. In this way, it was systemic, both students and faculty acted within this institutional culture and held and managed expectations about their gender.
The Infinite Regionalized Policy Representation

We introduce the infinite regionalized policy presentation (iRPR), as a nonparametric policy for reinforcement learning in partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). The iRPR assumes an unbounded set of decision states a priori, and infers the number of states to represent the policy given the experiences. We propose algorithms for learning the number of decision states while maintaining a proper balance between exploration and exploitation. Convergence analysis is provided, along with performance evaluations on benchmark problems.
Beta-Spectra of Co 56 , Co 57 , and Co 58

For ${\mathrm{Co}}^{58}$ the 472-kev positron spectrum has been confirmed and the $K$ conversion coefficient of the 805-kev gamma-ray has been found to be (2.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. For ${\mathrm{Co}}^{57}$ the positron spectrum has been found to have an end-point energy of 320\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15 kev. Conversion electrons of 119-kev and 133-kev gamma-rays and a very soft (18-kev) gamma-ray emitted by ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ have been observed. The $\frac{K}{L}$ ratios of the 119-kev and the 133-kev gamma-rays have been estimated to be about 6.3 and 5.2, respectively. For ${\mathrm{Co}}^{56}$ two positron spectra have been observed, one having an end-point energy of 1.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 Mev, the other having an end-point energy of 995\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25 kev.
Accuracy in the digital workflow: From data acquisition to the digitally milled cast

Abstract Statement of problem The accuracy of digital impressions and the milling of implant crowns greatly influence the clinical outcome of implant restorations. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to calculate the propagation of error in the process of milling an implant crown. Material and methods Thirty digitally milled casts made directly from a reference model were prepared. The casts were scanned with a laboratory scanner, and 30 standard tesselation language (STL) datasets from each group were imported to inspection software. In each analysis, STL datasets were aligned by a repeated best fit algorithm, and 18 specified contact locations of interest were measured in mean volumetric deviations. The master reference dataset was aligned 30 times to the master reference dataset to determine the software variation. The reference datasets were aligned to the master reference dataset to determine the scanner variation. The milled cast datasets were aligned to the master reference dataset to determine the milling variation. The 18 specified contact locations of interest were pooled by cusps, occlusal ridge/fossae, interproximal contacts, facial/lingual aspect, and implant position. The pooled areas were statistically analyzed by comparing each group with the reference model to investigate the mean volumetric deviations accounting for accuracy and standard deviations for precision. Results Software and scanner variation were negligible. Variations in the milled models resulting from software and scanner error exhibited statistical significance ( P Conclusions The pooled locations may describe the reliability of the milling process as it applies to specific anatomic locations on the tooth.
MuscleMemory: identifying the scope of wearable technology in high intensity exercise communities

Group-based, high intensity exercise programs motivate athletes to participate in healthy lifestyle changes. Since classes are in a group setting, athletes may not receive the individual attention necessary to master correct form - an important factor to maximize exercise and avoid injury. In this paper, we investigate the potential of a wearable, ambient display technology, MuscleMemory, to help athletes maintain good form and improve communication in group-based, high intensity exercise communities. We explored the feasibility of MuscleMemory by contextually interviewing 14 high intensity exercise community members to understand when they need the most assistance and how communication between coaches and athletes can be improved. Participants thought MuscleMemory could be used to improve how coaches communicate with their athletes - especially to coordinate coaching between different coaches and provide objective feedback.
Benzobisthiazole-Based Donor–Acceptor Copolymer Semiconductors for Photovoltaic Cells and Highly Stable Field-Effect Transistors

Six new donor–acceptor copolymers based on benzobisthiazole and various donor moieties (dithienosilole, dithienopyrrole, cyclopentadithiophene, carbazole, benzodithiophene, and bithiophene) were synthesized, characterized, and used in field-effect transistors and solar cells. The series of polybenzobisthiazoles with donor–acceptor architecture have optical band gaps of 1.83–2.18 eV, have identical LUMO energy levels (∼−3.3 eV), and have a HOMO energy level that varied from −4.79 eV in PBTDTP to −5.71 eV in PBTHDDT. X-ray diffraction of the polybenzobisthiazole films showed a lamellar crystalline structure with an interlayer d-spacing of 1.56 nm in PBTOT to 1.83 nm in PBTDTP and 2.12 nm in PBTHDDT and a short π-stacking distance (0.353–0.378 nm). The highly crystalline nature of the polybenzobisthiazoles facilitated high field-effect carrier mobility (up to 0.011 cm2/(V s)), which remained very stable under ambient conditions for 2 years. Bulk heterojunction solar cells made from one of the benzobisthiazol...
Pitfalls in Monitoring Therapeutic Drugs

The first and foremost need for proper therapeutic drug monitoring is an appropriate medical indication. The laboratory’s role is to collect and analyze samples. This article describes how these procedures must be carried out. Meticulous attention must be paid to the timing of samples (peak, trough, postdistribution), the reporting of ancillary information (such as time of sampling), and the analytic validity of the chosen method. Limitations of immunoassay procedures for drugs are discussed briefly with the focus on the effects of cross-reacting and interfering substances.
Abstract 1051: Quantitative assay for simultaneous assessment of phosphorylation and cell migration

Introduction: Cell migration is a critical process in angiogenesis and inflammation as well as tumor progression and metastasis. The acquisition of the ability to migrate is dependent on the activation of key cell signaling pathways, two of which are modulated by AKT and ERK kinases. Screening assays that can simultaneously quantify cell migration and the activity of the underlying signaling kinases may facilitate more efficient identification of therapeutic compounds. Methods: Oris™ Cell Migration Assay plates (Platypus Technologies, Madison, WI) were seeded with HT1080 cells. The Oris plates contain a stopper, which when removed following 24 h cell growth, creates a defined cell-free region on the plate. After removal of the stoppers, PI3 kinase and MEK inhibitors were added and cells allowed to migrate. After fixing and permeabilization, cell migration was measured by staining with primary mouse antibodies against total ERK2 and histone H3, application of a plate-specific mask that allowed detection of only migratory cells, and quantification by staining with IRDye 680-labeled goat anti-mouse antibodies. Phosphorylation was measured simultaneously by staining with rabbit antibodies against either phospho-AKT or phospho-ERK and detection with IRDye 800CW-labeled goat anti-rabbit antibodies. Fluorescence was detected by scanning with either an Aerius or Odyssey instrument. Results: AKT and ERK phosphorylation were specifically inhibited by their respective drugs. The level of inhibition of phosphorylation correlated with decreased migration in a dose-dependent manner. The robustness of the assay was exemplified by its high signal to noise ratio. Conclusions: Anti-cancer drugs developed by assessment phosphorylation state alone may identify hits that inhibit the target kinase, yet fail to retard functional outcomes such as migration and proliferation. We have designed a quantitative assay that allows for simultaneous assessment of a biochemical characteristic, namely phosphorylation state, and a functional parameter related to metastasis. This quantitative assay may facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cell movement and metastasis, and may facilitate a more efficient means of developing anti-cancer drugs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1051.
Consideration the Patterns of China's Large Cities Land Economy Utilization from a Vulnerability Perspective

China is a developing country,with a basic national condition of large population but small land; the State Council put forward the basic national policy of land economy utilization,this article made a rational consideration on the patterns of land economy utilization of China's large cities,from the inherent relationships between the vulnerability of the large city and urban size-density-morphology,and considered that: urban size-density-morphology is the external representation of the pattern of urban land utilization and the high-level overview of the inherent structural features of urban land utilization; the essence of pursuit of the pattern of urban land utilization is to seek the ideal urban size-density-morphology,and the end of the purpose due to the planning regulation of urban size-density-morphology; the vulnerability of the large city can be seen as the reverse utility function of the patterns of urban land utilization,therefore,the analysis of the inherent relationships between the vulnerability of the large city and urban size-density-morphology can provide the theoretical basis and the direction of planning control to explore the best pattern of urban land utilization. After the research we get the conclusion that: it has an obvious theoretical and practical significance to use the vulnerability tool to analyze the lager cities' land economy utilization; the pattern of moderate urban size and urban density in cluster layout is the best choice of the large city land economy utilization; scientific and authoritative planning,the transformation of government functions,and the transformation of the system arrangements such as the land requisition system,the assessment of government perform system is the assurance to achieve this pattern of urban land utilization.
TURTLE-EGG TUMORS. A LATE SEQUEL OF PARENTERAL QUININE.

The gross, microscopic, and roentgenographic appearance of nodules occurring as sequelae of quinine injection has been described. Quinine was demonstrated in the nodules by ultraviolet light and chemical analysis forty years after injection.
Non-Islanded Distally Based Sural Artery Flap : A Reliable Solution for an Unreliable Flap.

OBJECTIVE To assess the reliability of non-islanded distally based sural artery flap, in terms of number of flap failure (partial and major flap necrosis), number of surgeries related to the problem for which flap surgery was performed, hospital stay and return to work, for coverage of soft tissue defects of the distal one-third of leg, ankle and heel. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Unit, Mayo Hospital, KEMU, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2003 to March 2014. METHODOLOGY Distally based sural artery flaps in 87 patients requiring coverage of distal lower lumb were studied, retrospectively. They were divided into two groups. G1 included 46 cases in which distally based sural artery flap was islanded. G2 included 41 cases in which flap was not islanded and pedicle was raised. The variables that were measured in two groups included age, gender, size and cause of defect, co-morbidities, number of surgeries, total hospital stay, return to work and flap related complications. Independent sample t-test and tests of proportions were used for comparison with significance at p l 0.05. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 38.4 p16.2 years in G1 and 35.1 p18.6 years in G2. In G1, 34 cases were traumatic, 5 caused by diabetic ulcers and another 7 cases were trophic ulcers in paraplegic patients caused by pressure sores. In G2, the cause was trauma in 32 cases, diabetic ulcers in 7 cases, trophic ulcers in 2 cases. The mean number of surgeries in G1 was 3 p1 and 2 p1 in G2 (p l 0.001). The mean hospital stay in G1 was 43.1 p3.6 days while 27.9 p2.1 days in G2 (p l 0.001). There was epidermolysis in 21 out of 46 islanded distally based sural artery flaps (G1) and in 9 out of 41 non-islanded flaps (G2) (p=0.0203). Partial necrosis occurred in 12 of flaps in G1 and in only 3 of G2 flaps (p=0.024). CONCLUSION Distally based sural artery flap can be made more reliable and with lesser complications by raising the pedicle with skin rather than islanding the flap.
Calculating Partition Coefficients of Small Molecules in Octanol/Water and Cyclohexane/Water

Partition coefficients describe how a solute is distributed between two immiscible solvents. They are used in drug design as a measure of a solute’s hydrophobicity and a proxy for its membrane permeability. We calculate partition coefficients from transfer free energies using molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. Setup is done by our new Solvation Toolkit which automates the process of creating input files for any combination of solutes and solvents for many popular molecular dynamics software packages. We calculate partition coefficients between octanol/water and cyclohexane/water with the Generalized AMBER Force Field (GAFF) and the Dielectric Corrected GAFF (GAFF-DC). With similar methods in the past we found a root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 6.3 kJ/mol in hydration free energies which would correspond to an error of around 1.6 log units in partition coefficients if solvation free energies in both solvents were estimated with comparable accuracy. Here we find an overall RMSE of about 1....
The Dynamics of Latino-Owned Business with Comparisons to Other Ethnicities

This paper employs the Michigan Census Research Data Center to merge three limited-access Census Bureau data sets by individual firm and establishment level to investigate the factors associated with the Latino-owned Business (LOB) location and dynamics over time. The three main LOB outcomes under analysis are as follows: (1) the probability of a business being Latino-owned as opposed to a business being Asian-owned, Black-owned, or White-owned; (2) the probability of new business entry and exit; and (3) LOB employment growth. This paper then compares these factors associated with LOB with past findings on businesses that are Asian-owned, Black-owned, and White-owned. Some notable findings include: (1) only Black business owners are less associated with using personal savings as start-up capital than Latinos; (2) the only significant coefficient on start-up capital source is personal savings and it increases the odds of survival of a Latino business by 4%; (3) on average, having Puerto Rican ancestry decreases the odds of business survival; and (4) LOB are relatively likely to start a business with a small amount of capital, which, in turn, limits their future growth.
Symbolic Model Checking for Avionics

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Application: The Runway Safety Monitor A Discrete Model of RSM Discussion References
Burning Ice—Direct Combustion of Methane Clathrates

ABSTRACTA clathrate (or gas hydrate) is an ice-like nonstoichiometric crystalline solid composed mainly of water that is stabilized by the presence of a “guest” gas molecule. Methane hydrates are concentrated sources of methane found in the deep ocean and in permafrost regions. This potential mega-resource of energy also represents a substantial potential impact on the environment. To better understand the implications of utilizing fuel clathrates directly, we describe the structure and combustion behavior of methane hydrates. The combustion studies involve determining the dissociation/melting rate and water evaporation during the hydrate burn. Experimental results are used to describe the major elements controlling the hydrate combustion process.
Structural Basis for Excision of 5-Formylcytosine by Thymine DNA Glycosylase.

Thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) is a base excision repair enzyme with key functions in epigenetic regulation. Performing a critical step in a pathway for active DNA demethylation, TDG removes 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine, oxidized derivatives of 5-methylcytosine that are generated by TET (ten–eleven translocation) enzymes. We determined a crystal structure of TDG bound to DNA with a noncleavable (2′-fluoroarabino) analogue of 5-formyldeoxycytidine flipped into its active site, revealing how it recognizes and hydrolytically excises fC. Together with previous structural and biochemical findings, the results illustrate how TDG employs an adaptable active site to excise a broad variety of nucleobases from DNA.
Diversity and Activity of Alternative Nitrogenases in Sequenced Genomes and Coastal Environments.

The nitrogenase enzyme, which catalyzes the reduction of N2 gas to NH4+, occurs as three separate isoenzymes that use Mo, Fe-only, or V. The majority of global nitrogen fixation is attributed to the more efficient ‘canonical’ Mo-nitrogenase, whereas Fe-only and V-(‘alternative’) nitrogenases are often considered ‘backup’ enzymes, used when Mo is limiting. Yet, the environmental distribution and diversity of alternative nitrogenases remains largely unknown. We searched for alternative nitrogenase genes in sequenced genomes and used PacBio sequencing to explore the diversity of canonical (nifD) and alternative (anfD and vnfD) nitrogenase amplicons in two coastal environments: the Florida Everglades and Sippewissett Marsh (MA). Genome-based searches identified an additional 25 species and 10 genera not previously known to encode alternative nitrogenases. Alternative nitrogenase amplicons were found in both Sippewissett Marsh and the Florida Everglades and their activity was further confirmed using newly developed isotopic techniques. Conserved amino acid sequences corresponding to cofactor ligands were also analyzed in anfD and vnfD amplicons, offering insight into environmental variants of these motifs. This study increases the number of available anfD and vnfD sequences ~20-fold and allows for the first comparisons of environmental Mo-, Fe-only, and V-nitrogenase diversity. Our results suggest that alternative nitrogenases are maintained across a range of organisms and environments and that they can make important contributions to nitrogenase diversity and nitrogen fixation.
Ring Polymer Surface Hopping: Incorporating Nuclear Quantum Effects into Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

We apply a recently proposed ring polymer surface hopping (RPSH) approach to investigate the real-time nonadiabatic dynamics with explicit nuclear quantum effects. The nonadibatic electronic transitions are described through Tully’s fewest-switches surface hopping algorithm and the motion of the nuclei are quantized through the ring polymer Hamiltonian in the extended phase space. Applying the RPSH method to simulate Tully’s avoided crossing models, we demonstrate the critical role of the nuclear tunneling effect and zero-point energy for accurately describing the transmission and reflection probabilities with low initial momenta. In addition, in Tully’s extended coupling model, we show that the ring polymer quantization effectively captures decoherence, yielding more accurate reflection probabilities. These promising results demonstrate the potential of using RPSH as an accurate and efficient method to incorporate nuclear quantum effects into nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
Spatially Resolved Modification of Graphene's Band Structure by Surface Oxygen Atoms

We present the spatially resolved modification of the topography and electronic properties of monolayer graphene by a low dosage of atomic oxygen on the nanometer scale. Using the combination of an ultrahigh-vacuum scanning tunneling microscope and a gas beam of oxygen atoms, we show that the surface O-atoms, even at a low coverage of O/C = ∼1/150, serve as p-type dopants that leads to site-dependent partial and full graphene band modifications up to a gap of a few hundred millielectronvolts. The degree of modification and the number of O-atom-induced charge-holes per area are inversely proportional to the distance between the measuring position and the location of the nearest adsorbate. However, the number of holes contributed per oxygen atom is found to be a site-independent constant of 0.15 ± 0.05. For a small population of adsorbates taller than 4 A, the graphene energy bands are no longer resolved; instead, our tunneling spectra show very spatially localized but highly dense states over a wide potent...
Chemically Modified, α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole (AMPA) Receptor RNA Aptamers Designed for in Vivo Use.

Glutamate ion channels have three subtypes, that is, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole (AMPA), kainate, and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Excessive activity of these receptor subtypes either individually or collectively is involved in various neurological disorders. RNA aptamers as antagonists of these receptors are potential therapeutics. For developing aptamer therapeutics, the RNA aptamers must be chemically modified to become ribonuclease-resistant or stable in biological fluids. Using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and a chemically modified library, prepared enzymatically (i.e., the library contains RNAs with 2′-fluoro modified nucleoside triphosphates or ATPs, CTPs and UTPs, but regular GTPs), we have isolated an aptamer. The short aptamer (69 nucleotides) FN1040s selectively inhibits the GluA1 and GluA2Qflip AMPA receptor subunits, whereas the full-length aptamer (101 nucleotides) FN1040 additionally inhibits GluK1, but not GluK2, kainate receptor, a...
Alternate Reality Games in the Systems Engineering Classroom

What can systems engineers learn from playing a game? As part of a liberal arts and engineering collaborative grant, game designers were recruited to create an Alternate Reality Game (ARG) to be played as an educational activity in a systems engineering course. The purpose of the ARG was to get students to think more deeply about “the diversity of the human in the loop,” or how every best laid engineering plan must take into account the uncertainty of human responses and how they will interact within their system. This paper envisions the classroom as a community and discusses the design process of creating an ARG for a college classroom and the interdisciplinary collaboration that such a process requires.
Control of the Release of Plasma Catecholamines

Using the eel (Anguilla rostrata) as a model, recent studies revealed that the plasma catecholamines dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) originate from different sources. Plasma DA derives mainly from walls of large blood vessels, but its precise tissue origin is unknown. DA release is stimulated by both catecholamines and endogenous opioids. Plasma NE and E derive mainly from the chromaffin cells (adrenomedullary equivalent). The control mechanisms of NE and E secretion are multiple: “direct” sympathetic fibers affect NE and E release by (stimulatory) nicotinergic and (both stimulatory and inhibitory) muscarinergic mechanisms, and NE and E stimulate each other’s secretion. The latter phenomenon is probably an inheritance from the early vertebrates (cyclostome stage) where NE and E coordinate their release from non-innervated chromaffin cells by mutual stimulation. The picture is further complicated by autocrine/paracrine co-secretions of the chromaffin cells: met-enkephalin inhibits NE and E release; it is counteracted by endogenous morphine and codeine. The interactions of the catecholamines, opioids and cholinergic substances with further co-secretions of both the chromaffin cells and their innervation await analysis.
Functional Neuroimaging Evidence for Distinct Neurobiological Pathways in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Abstract Background A challenge facing clinical neuroscientists is how best to synthesize diverse and sometimes inconsistent evidence for neuropsychological deficits and brain system dysfunction found in psychiatric disorders into models that guide etiological and treatment research. Multiple-pathway models suggest that psychiatric symptoms might arise from pathophysiology in different neural systems. This study tested dual-pathway model predictions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that reward and executive function cognitive deficits should be related to abnormalities in corresponding functionally specialized neural systems. Methods Behavioral inhibition and preference for immediate rewards were assessed in N = 251 adolescent boys and girls ages 12 to 18 diagnosed with DSM-IV combined-subtype ADHD or non-ADHD control subjects. Following taxometric analyses of test performance, the resulting subgroups were compared on a functional magnetic resonance imaging monetary incentive delay task probing reward anticipation and go/no-go task of motor response inhibition. Results Three ADHD subgroups were identified consistent with different proposed pathways—ADHD with executive function/motor inhibition deficits, ADHD with both executive and reward deficits, and ADHD with relatively normal test performance. Each cognitive domain mapped to different ADHD brain dysfunction features as expected. However, no brain abnormalities were found common to all ADHD subgroups despite the fact they had nearly identical ADHD-related clinical characteristics. Conclusions The results suggest that combined-subtype ADHD is a collection of discrete disorders for which a comparable behavioral end point arises through different neurobiological pathways. The findings raise caution about applying common cause, single-deficit conceptual models to individual ADHD patients and should prompt researchers to consider biologically defined, multifactorial etiological models for other psychiatric diagnoses.
Protein biomarkers in renal transplantation.

Introduction: The standard of care for monitoring renal transplant patients include transplant biopsy and serum creatinine measurements. These are invasive procedures and are late and nonspecific m...
A series solution of the Falkner–Skan equation using the crocco–wang transformation

A direct series solution for the Falkner–Skan equation is obtained by first transforming the problem using the Crocco–Wang transformation. The transformation converts the third-order problem to a second-order two-point boundary value problem. The method first constructs a series involving the unknown skin-friction coefficient α. Then, α is determined by using the secant method or Newton’s method. The derivative needed for Newton’s method is also computed using a series derived from the transformed differential equation. The method is validated by solving the Falkner–Skan equation for several cases reported previously in the literature.
Characterization of knockin mice at the Rosa26, Tac1 and Plekhg1 loci generated by homologous recombination in oocytes.

Design and engineering of complex knockin mice has revolutionized the in vivo manipulation of genetically defined cells. Recently development of the bacterial clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated protein 9 (Cas9) system for single site cleavage of mammalian genomes has opened the way for rapid generation of knockin mice by targeting homology directed repair to selected cleavage sites. We used this approach to generate new lines of mice that will be useful for a variety of aspects of neuroscience research. These lines have been bred to homozygosity and details of the expression and function of the transgenes are reported. Two lines target the Rosa26-locus and have been engineered to allow Cre-dependent expression of the avian tva receptor, and Cre-dependent expression of a cell surface targeted spaghetti-monster carrying many copies of the “ollas-tag”. Another line expresses red fluorescent protein and tva in Tac1-positive neurons; the fourth line targets FlpO expression to Plekhg1 expressing neurons, providing a powerful approach to modify gene expression in thalamic excitatory neurons.
Age-associated B cells acquire a new wrinkle.

SWAP-70 and DEF6 prevent the cytokine IL-21–induced transcription factor IRF5 from binding to DNA and recruiting the transcription factor T-bet and thereby diminish the activation of age-associated B cells.
Primordial N2 provides a cosmochemical explanation for the existence of Sputnik Planitia, Pluto

Abstract The presence of N2 in the surface environment of Pluto is critical in creating Pluto's richness of features and processes. Here, we propose that the nitrogen atoms in the N2 observed on Pluto were accreted in that chemical form during the formation of Pluto. We use New Horizons data and models to estimate the amounts of N2 in the following exterior reservoirs: atmosphere, escape, photochemistry, and surface. The total exterior inventory is deduced to be dominated by a glacial sheet of N2-rich ices at Sputnik Planitia, or by atmospheric escape if past rates of escape were much faster than at present. Pluto's atmosphere is a negligible reservoir of N2, and photochemical destruction of N2 may also be of little consequence. Estimates are made of the amount of N2 accreted by Pluto based on cometary and solar compositions. It is found that the cometary model can account for the amount of N2 in Sputnik Planitia, while the solar model can provide a large initial inventory of N2 that would make prodigious atmospheric escape possible. These consistencies can be considered preliminary evidence in support of a primordial origin of Pluto's N2. However, both models predict accreted ratios of CO/N2 that are much higher than that in Pluto's atmosphere. Possible processes to explain “missing CO” that are given quantitative support here are fractional crystallization from the atmosphere resulting in CO burial at the surface, and aqueous destruction reactions of CO subject to metastable thermodynamic equilibrium in the subsurface. The plausibility of primordial N2 as the primary source of Pluto's nitrogen (vs. NH3 or organic N) can be tested more rigorously using future constraints on the 14 N/15 N ratio in N2 and the 36Ar/N2 ratio.
Droid M+: Developer Support for Imbibing Android's New Permission Model

In Android 6.0, Google revamped its long criticized permission model to prompt the user during runtime, and allow her to dynamically revoke granted permissions. Towards steering developers to this new model and improve user experience, Google also provides guidelines on (a) how permission requests should be formulated (b) how to educate users on why a permission is needed and (c) how to provide feedback when a permission is denied. In this paper we perform, to the best of our knowledge, the first measurement study on the adoption of Android's new model on recently updated apps from the official Google Play Store. We find that, unfortunately, (1) most apps have not been migrated to this new model and (2) for those that do support the model, many do not adhere to Google's guidelines. We attribute this unsatisfying status quo to the lack of automated transformation tools that can help developers refactor their code; via an IRB approved study we find that developers felt that there was a non-trivial effort involved in migrating their apps to the new model. Towards solving this problem, we develop Droid M+, a system that helps developers to easily retrofit their legacy code to support the new permission model and adhere to Google's guidelines. We believe that Droid M+ offers a significant step in preserving user privacy and improving user experience.
A randomized, controlled, crossover pilot study of losartan for pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in children, and currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is elevated in children with NAFLD and associated with increased disease severity. Losartan potassium (losartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that reduces PAI-1 production and improves insulin sensitivity that has been proposed as a treatment for pediatric NAFLD but has not previously been tested. This was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2a, crossover study (with a 6-week washout between conditions) for safety and preliminary efficacy of losartan 50 mg a day taken orally in 12 normotensive children with biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Twelve children enrolled in the study, and nine completed all visits. No changes in blood pressure or serious adverse events occurred during the study. Trends in improvement in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were seen with losartan treatment compared to the placebo time-period. More participants decreased ALT on losartan as compared to placebo (89% [8 out 9] vs. 56% [5 out of 9], respectively). This data provides preliminary evidence that losartan treatment is safe over 8 weeks in children with NAFLD and supports consideration of larger studies to test its efficacy. URL and trial identification number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01913470 , NCT01913470. Date registered: August 1, 2013.
Self Organised Group Activities Supported by Asynchronous Structured Conversations

This paper describes a communication system accessible through a Web browser. The main advantage of this system is to encourage a collaborative way of learning using asynchronous communication channels. The conversation is strongly structured by the system itself which helps the users to co-ordinate their actions playing their respective roles within a task. A conversation always occurs in the context of a task where each user plays a particular role. The system is built around the notion of an active form which is the single way for the user to communicate with the system. This system can be used by the actors of the educative process to self organise their work in a Virtual Campus. The first implementation is now finished and a usability test has been undertaken; the system has been modified in consequence.
Objective and subjective measures of dalfampridine efficacy in clinical practice.

Background Multiple sclerosis affects mobility in over 80% of patients. Dalfampridine is the only approved treatment for walking impairment in multiple sclerosis. We assessed dalfampridine utilization in our practice and investigated response using timed 25 foot walk (T25FW) improvement and a patient-reported ambulation inventory. Methods Chart review identified patients with multiple sclerosis for whom dalfampridine was prescribed. T25FW data were extracted from medical records. Participants completed a dalfampridine-specific version of the multiple sclerosis walking scale (dMSWS-12) to assess the qualitative impact of dalfampridine on ambulation. We evaluated two responder categories: liberally defined as any improvement in T25FW; and over 20% T25FW improvement. Results The dMSWS-12 questionnaire was completed by 39 patients. Eighteen patients (46%) did not show any T25FW improvement. Of the 21 patients (54%) with T25FW improvement, four patients (11%) showed improvement greater than 20%. Analysis of dMSWS-12 scores showed a median score of 40 (range 12-60). Eleven patients (28%) showed no improvement (dMSWS-12 score ≤36). In contrast to objective T25FW improvement (54%), 28 patients (72%) reported improvement in walking ability (dMSWS-12 score ≥37). Conclusion Our results suggest that T25FW alone might not be sufficient for response characterization and that adding patient-reported measures may further elucidate the therapeutic response.
Urinary obstruction reduces glomerulogenesis in the developing kidney: a model in the rabbit.

Abstract To study the effect of unilateral ureteral obstruction upon the development of the kidney a fetal rabbit model was developed. A total of 27 rabbits underwent ureteral ligation in utero (24 days after conception) and 34 underwent ureteral ligation at term (30 days after conception). Two rabbits undergoing in utero ureteral ligation underwent decompression at term. Fetal development was evaluated by glomerular counts of mid sagittal sections of the kidney and compared to that of 67 normal rabbits, 43 littermates of rabbits undergoing surgery, 12 rabbits with missed ligation of the ureter and 4 whose ureters were ligated after the period of nephrogenesis had ended (57 days after conception). In the normal rabbit term occurred at 31 days after conception but nephrogenesis continued until 48 days when the cortical glomerular count reached approximately 650. Ligation of the ureter at 24 days led to a rapid decrease in cortical glomerular counts in the obstructed kidney but glomeruli developing within the nephrogenic cap were more resistant to the effects of the obstruction. Glomerular counts in the nonobstructed kidney were similar to those of littermates. Ligation of the ureter at 30 days produced similar findings. All operated fetuses and their littermates showed glomerular counts less than that of normal animals of the same age. In the 2 fetuses who underwent ureteral ligation at 24 days after conception and decompression at 30 days after conception sacrifice at 42 days after conception revealed that glomerular counts that had been reduced by 95 per cent by the obstruction showed 80 per cent recovery after decompression. It appears that renal development can be quantified by glomerular counts in the rabbit. Obstruction during fetal development reduces these counts while in a limited sample decompression of the obstructed kidney partially restores them. This model appears to be suitable for the study of the effects of fetal surgery upon renal function.
Low-frequency Radio Transients on the Active M-dwarf EQ Peg and the Search for Coronal Mass Ejections

Stellar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) remain observationally elusive, but could have important implications for exoplanet habitability. Low-frequency radio bursts, known as Type IIs in the solar context, offer the best means to identify stellar CMEs, determine their occurrence rates, and characterize their properties. We report on 44 hr of observation of the nearby, magnetically active, and well-characterized M-dwarf star binary EQ Peg. The observations are taken with the Jansky Very Large Array's P-band (230–470 MHz) receiver in both its B and C configurations. Two radio transient events were detected, one in each configuration. Both bursts lasted on the order of 20 minutes between 275 and 350 MHz, had a median polarization of ~30%, and have a frequency drift rate of ~10 kHz. These two events are likely not type II bursts as their properties do not match expected parameters based on coronal models for each star. This work and the work of Crosley & Osten represent a combined 64 hr for the longest timescale search of a single star for radio transients at low frequencies to date, and casts serious doubt on the assumption that a high flaring rate corresponds to a high rate of CMEs.
Associations between life history speed and sexually coercive behavior

Abstract The current study seeks to further understand risk factors for sexually coercive behavior by evaluating how indicators of population level average Life History Speed (LHS; e.g., teen birth rate) compare to typical criminogenic variables (e.g., Socioeconomic status) as predictors of state variation in rape rates across the 50 United States, as well as the relationship between individuals' LHS and self-reported proclivity for, and perpetration of, sexually coercive behaviors in a community sample (n = 162). LH strategies are described as a continuum of “LH speeds,” and variation in LHS has been connected to variation in aggressive and violent behavior. The current project extends this research by testing population level variation in LHS indicators and individual variation in psychometric LHS as a predictor of variation in sexually coercive behavior. At the U.S. state level, the teen birth rate (B = 0.63, p = .016) was the strongest predictor of between-state variation in rape rates. Although significant bivariate associations were found between psychometric LHS and sexually coercive behavior, at the multivariate level, facets of LHS were linked to self-reported propensity to engage in sexual coercion, but less so with actual perpetration.