cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endocannabinoid Signaling Mediates Psychomotor Activation by Adenosine A2A Antagonists

Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists are psychomotor stimulants that also hold therapeutic promise for movement disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their stimulant properties are not well understood. Here, we show that the robust increase in locomotor activity induced by an A2A antagonist in vivo is greatly attenuated by antagonizing cannabinoid CB1 receptor signaling or by administration to CB1−/− mice. To determine the locus of increased endocannabinoid signaling, we measured the amount of anandamide [AEA (N-arachidonoylethanolamine)] and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in brain tissue from striatum and cortex. We find that 2-AG is selectively increased in striatum after acute blockade of A2A receptors, which are highly expressed by striatal indirect-pathway medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Using targeted whole-cell recordings from direct- and indirect-pathway MSNs, we demonstrate that A2A receptor antagonists potentiate 2-AG release and induction of long-term depression at indirect-pathway MSNs, but not direct-pathway MSNs. Together, these data outline a molecular mechanism by which A2A antagonists reduce excitatory synaptic drive on the indirect pathway through CB1 receptor signaling, thus leading to increased psychomotor activation.
A Descriptive Study of Pain and Quality of Life following Guillain-Barré Syndrome: One Year Later

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a debilitating immunopathy that afflicts approximately 5,000 patients annually in the United States, a number that represents roughly half of the incidence of spinal cord injuries (J. M., Meythaler, 1997). Of these 5,000 new cases per year, 4–15% will die, 20% will possess deficits in ambulation or require ventilator assistance more than one year later, and more than two-thirds will have persistent fatigue (J. M., Meythaler, 1997; Hughes et al., 2003). These figures suggest that GBS is currently a legitimate cause of long-term disability. Many secondary complications may follow GBS that include dysautonomia, deep vein thrombosis, anemia, immobilization, and pain and sensory involvement (J. M., Meythaler, 1997; J. M. Meythaler, M. J. De Vivo, and W. C. Braswell, 1997). These medical complications have not been studied systematically, and the psychosocial complication of pain following GBS has certainly been overlooked in the literature. The present paper utilized a limited sample of 18 patients (N = 18) with persistent motor deficits at least one year after onset of GBS. We examined their pain and perceived quality of life as part of an ongoing federally funded study which will ultimately attempt to determine if 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) significantly improves motor function in patients with residual weakness from GBS. Findings suggest that while most persons do not rate themselves as depressed one year after GBS onset, 22% of respondents did exceed the cutoff for clinical depression on the CES-D. Age and gender do not appear to be related to any component of pain in GBS; however, self-ratings of physical and mental health do appear to be significantly related to pain experience. The nature of this relationship was not determined, and merits further investigation in future studies.
Enhanced encoding technique for identifying abnormal energy usage pattern

Transmission and Distribution (T&D) of electricity from a power generation station involve substantial losses. T&D losses include technical as well as nontechnical losses (NTL). Most portion of the NTL constitutes of electricity theft. This paper explains the significance of the evaluation of customer energy consumption profiles for identification of illegal consumers. To reduce the complexity of the instantaneous energy consumption data for evaluation, this paper proposes and implements a data encoding technique. This encoding technique maps instantaneous energy consumption data into irregularities in consumption. In addition, exclusivity in each customer's energy consumption has been preserved. After the encoding process, the data has been inputted to a support vector machine (SVM) classification model that classifies customers into three categories: genuine customers, illegal consumers or suspicious customers. Classification accuracy of the SVM model with the encoded data is 92%. The obtained results demonstrate that this encoding procedure is significantly quick and robust in identifying (classifying) illegal consumers.
ON THE DESIGN OF ROBUST CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR DISTILLATION COLUMNS

Abstract The distillation column dynamics is very nonlinear, especially at high purity. Multivariable control system designs, which are essentially linear, may not be able to perform well at different operating conditions. This paper looks at three different multivariable design techniques—decoupling control, optimal state feedback and pole assignment as applied to distillation column control. Robustness of these techniques are analyzed by looking at the performance of these controllers at different operating conditions. Some interesting results are obtained.
A Typology of Police Organizational Boundaries

All forms of organization create boundaries of one sort or another, and these boundaries create effects on those who encounter them directly or indirectly. In the previous chapter, the consequences of boundary mismanagement were evident in the cases of Bernardo and Pickton, Most police boundary activity is of a more mundane and day-to-day character, but the principles governing the interactions across police organizational boundaries should remain reasonably constant across cases. As discussed in Chapter 2, the study of organizational boundaries has been an important part of organizational studies for over half a century, ever since the field came to view organizations as ‘open systems’ whose actions and structures were responsive to external factors and were influenced by other organizations. While initially the study of organizational boundaries had been limited to boundaries between organizations, more recently researchers have argued that organizational boundaries, both internal and external, are increasingly negotiated and transacted not at the level of the organization as a whole but rather at the work-unit level (Yan and Louis 1999).
Predictors of self‐reported prison misconduct

Which incoming prisoner characteristics assist in identifying those likely to commit disciplinary infractions? The authors answer this question using data on six categories of self‐reported rule infractions from the 1997 Survey of Inmate in State and Federal Correctional Facilities. Logistic regression analyses run on these data showed that gender‐male, evidence of mental problems, prior drug use, previous adult and juvenile incarcerations, past physical abuse, and family members’ history of incarceration were associated with an increase in rule violations, while older age, marriage, and employment were associated with lower levels of prison misconduct in US prisons.
Abstract 2619: Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing identifies an activating mutation ofLPAR1in a patient with metastatic neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood, and is one of the most genomically heterogeneous malignances studied to date. Despite advance of multimodal therapies, the current overall survival rate for patient with metastatic neuroblastoma is Citation Format: Jun S. Wei, Peter Johansson, Li Chen, Young K. Song, Catherine Tolman, Samuel Li, Laura Hurd, Rajesh Patidar, Xinyu Wen, Thomas C. Badgett, Adam Cheuk, Jean-Claude Marshall, Patricia Steeg, Jose Pedro Vaque Diez, J Silvio Gutkind, Javed Khan. Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing identifies an activating mutation of LPAR1 in a patient with metastatic neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2619. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2619
Immune dysregulation in primary immunodeficiency disorders.

The past several years have brought an increased awareness of the prevalence of autoimmunity and immune dysregulation among patients who have primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDD). The recent clinical and molecular definition of PIDD, in which the primary defect is in the immunoregulatory compartment of the immune system, has offered insight into the basic mechanisms of immune tolerance, which has provided new targets and new techniques to study immune tolerance in PIDD. Many of these studies have focused on the presence and function of regulatory T (T REG ) cells in PIDD, particularly since the discovery of murine and human syndromes associated with T REG deficiency. This article focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding the role of T REG in various PIDD that have clinical features indicative of dysregulated immunity.
Aerodynamics Study of a Linearly-Arranged 5-Swirler Array

In this experimental work, a series of tests have been conducted to further study the aerodynamics of linearly-arranged 5-swirler arrays, using Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV). Two major parameters have been investigated for the 5-swirler arrays in this work, including the inter-swirler spacing, and the end wall distance. An additional effect of dome recession was studied for a single swirler in order to provide some insight into the results for the 5-swirler arrays.The 5-swirler arrays with an inter-swirler spacing of 1.75D, 2D, 2.5D, and 2.75D were studied, where D is the diameter of swirler exit. For the inter-swirler spacing of 1.75D or 2D, the center swirler is shown to have a weak, large center toroidal recirculation zone (CTRZ). The swirlers next to the center swirlers have strong, compact CTRZs whereas the outer swirlers have weak, large CTRZs. Thus, starting from the center swirler, the CTRZs exhibit a large – small – large pattern in either direction. For the swirler spacing of 2.5D or 2.75D, the trend is reversed, with a strong CTRZ for the center swirler and a small – large – small CTRZ pattern.The end wall distances of 0.75D, 1D, 1.25D, and 2D cases were studied. The end wall distances are seen to affect the strength of each CTRZ and the corner swirling flow pattern, though the bulk flow structure did not change significantly.The dome recession shows a clear impact on the expansion of swirling flow generated by a single swirler. As the dome recession distance increases, the expansion angle of the swirling jet reduces significantly for the unconfined cases.A phenomenological description is discussed to understand the reason for the periodically alternating CTRZ pattern observed in the experimental results of the 5-swirler arrays.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Bayes Prediction Density and Regression Estimation — A Semiparametric Approach

This paper is concerned with the Bayes estimation of an arbitrary multivariate density, f(x), x ∈R k . Such an f(x) may be represented as a mixture of a given parametric family of densities h(x|θ) with support in R k, where θ (in R d) is chosen according to a mixing distribution G. We consider the semiparametric Bayes approach in which G, in turn, is chosen according to a Dirichlet process prior with given parameter a. We then specialize these results when f is expressed as a mixture of multivariate normal densities θ(x|μ, Λ) where μ is the mean vector and Λ is the precision matrix. The results are finally applied to estimating a regression parameter.
A fault tolerant real-time publisher/subscriber inter-process communication architecture

Real-time publication and subscription (P/S) is an important communication paradigm that can be used to support the flexible integration and upgrading of distributed real-time systems. In this paper, we present a fault-tolerant extension of a real-time P/S service in the context of a duplex architecture. We also present the rationale for the key design decisions and show how to improve the response time of the real-time P/S service with an acceptable impact on control tasks that share the processor with the P/S service.
Monocyte activation in alcoholic liver disease

Activated monocytes and macrophages have been postulated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Monocyte activation can be documented by measurement of neopterin, adhesion cell molecules, and certain proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We first became interested in the role of monocytes and monocyte-derived cytokines in ALD in relation to altered zinc metabolism that occurs regularly in ALD. Patients with ALD have hypozincemia, which responds poorly to oral zinc supplementation. We have shown that in ALD monocytes make a low-molecular-weight substance that, when injected into rabbits, causes prominent hypozincemia. Subsequently, multiple cytokines [especially tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-8] have been shown to be overproduced by monocytes in ALD. We initially showed that monocytes in ALD spontaneously produce TNF and overproduce TNF in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus, and this could be attenuated by antioxidants in vitro and in vivo. Alterations in the endotoxin-binding protein LPS-binding protein, in CD14, and in the endotoxin receptor Toll-like receptor 4 all may play roles in enhanced proinflammatory cytokine signaling in ALD. Moreover, several groups have documented increased TNF receptor density in monocytes in ALD. Inadequate negative regulation of TNF occurs at multiple levels in ALD. This includes decreased monocyte production of the important antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 and blunted response to the antiinflammatory properties of adenosine. Finally, generation of reactive oxygen species (which occurs during alcohol metabolism) and products of lipid peroxidation induce production of cytokines, such as TNF and IL-8. In conclusion, there are multiple overlapping potential mechanisms for enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production by monocytes in ALD. We postulate that activation of monocytes and macrophages with subsequent proinflammatory cytokine production plays an important role in certain metabolic complications of ALD and is a component of the liver injury of ALD.
Basis function construction for hierarchical reinforcement learning

Much past work on solving Markov decision processes (MDPs) using reinforcement learning (RL) has relied on combining parameter estimation methods with hand-designed function approximation architectures for representing value functions. Recently, there has been growing interest in a broader framework that combines representation discovery and control learning, where value functions are approximated using a linear combination of task-dependent basis functions learned during the course of solving a particular MDP. This paper introduces an approach to automatic basis function construction for hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL). Our approach generalizes past work on basis construction to multi-level action hierarchies by forming a compressed representation of a semi-Markov decision process (SMDP) at multiple levels of temporal abstraction. The specific approach is based on hierarchical spectral analysis of graphs induced on an SMDP's state space from sample trajectories. We present experimental results on benchmark SMDPs, showing significant speedups when compared to hand-designed approximation architectures.
The Domestic Politics of the International Dollar Standard: A Statistical Analysis of Support for the Reserve Currency, 2000–2008

Abstract. Why did most central banks continue to purchase dollar reserves during the 2000s even though they suffered mounting financial losses as a result of this policy? This paper argues that domestic political considerations determine whether policy makers accumulate or dump the reserve currency. We hypothesize that central bank independence decreases support for the dollar because independent central banks reduce the political clout of exporters and increase the salience of financial performance. This argument is tested using data on countries' holdings of US Treasury securities between 2000 and 2008. The statistical results indicate that countries with independent central banks were more likely to sell and less likely to purchase US treasuries. Our findings suggest that a complete understanding of the international dollar standard requires greater attention to domestic politics and how political institutions influence the balance of power between competing interest groups.Resume. Pourquoi est-ce que la plupart des banques centrales ont continue a acheter des reserves de dollars au cours des annees 2000, meme quand ils souffraient des pertes financieres en raison de cette politique? Cet article soutient que des considerations de politiques nationale determinent si les responsables des politiques decident d'accumuler ou de vider leurs monnaie de reserve. Nous emettons l'hypothese que l'independance de la banque centrale decourage le soutien pour le dollar, car les banques centrales independantes reduise la puissance politique des exportateurs et augmente l'importance de la performance financiere. Cet argument est teste en utilisant des donnees sur la quantite de titres du Tresor americain possedee par pays entre 2000 et 2008. Les resultats statistiques demontrent que les pays avec des banques centrales independantes etaient plus susceptibles de vendre et moins susceptibles d'acheter des obligations du Tresor americain. Nos resultats suggerent qu'une comprehension complete de l'etalon dollar international exige une plus grande attention a la politique nationale, et comment les institutions politiques influencent l'equilibre du pouvoir entre les groupes d'interets concurrents.
Reaction in Ni-Al laminates by laser-shock compression and spalling

Reactive Ni/Al laminates (with bilayer thicknesses of 5 and 30 lm) were subjected to direct high-intensity laser shock-wave loading. The laser intensity was varied between � 2.68 � 10 11 and � 1.28 � 10 13 Wc m � 2 , with two distinct initial pulse durations: 3 and 8 ns. Analytical and computational estimations (HYADES) were conducted to simulate the propagation of the shock wave and obtain the initial shock pressure. The thinner bilayer laminate exhibited intense localized interfacial reaction at the higher laser intensity (1.28 � 10 13 Wc m � 2 ), but the intermetallic reaction did not propagate through the laminates. The estimated temperature changes inside the sample, cooling rate, and cooling time were calculated by analyzing the intermetallic dendrites. Scanning electron microscopy, electron-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were carried out for identifying the compositions of intermetallic products. Increase in the duration of laser shock wave enhanced the reaction in laminates. It is demonstrated that the methodology of laser shock is suited to investigate the threshold conditions for dynamic mechanical reaction initiation. 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Whisker-Like Position Sensor for Measuring Physiological Motion

This paper presents the design and characterization of a whisker-like 3-D position sensor. The whisker sensor is a flexible, high-precision, high-bandwidth contact sensor designed for measuring biological motion of soft tissue for medical robotics applications. Low stiffness of the sensor prevents damage on the tissue during its contact. Two different designs, one for measuring large displacements, the other for small displacements are described. Simulation and measurement results from prototype of both designs are reported.
Process for Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model to a Patient With Patellar Dislocation

Background and Purpose: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has been proposed as a possible framework for organizing physical therapist practice. The purpose of this case report is to describe an evaluative and diagnostic process that is based on the ICF framework for a patient with a patellar dislocation. Case Description: The patient was a 23-year-old woman who sustained a right knee and patellofemoral joint injury, resulting in a sprain of the medial collateral ligament and a suspected sprain of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Evaluation at 4 weeks demonstrated a primary impairment of patellar instability associated with the primary activity limitation of limited walking distances. A plan of care to address impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions was developed, with modifications made on the basis of the patient's health condition and personal and environmental factors. Outcomes: The patient attained all of her goals for therapy and was able to return to her normal activities and recreational pursuits without a recurrence of a patellar dislocation. Lower-Extremity Function Scale scores increased from 30 out of 80 to 76 out of 80 during the course of treatment. Discussion: The ICF model has been proposed as a framework for developing diagnostic classifications for rehabilitation professionals. The ICF model also should be assessed with regard to whether it provides a useful process for clinical decision making. The ICF model directs practitioners to address patients’ problems at the level of the whole person, with modifications made on the basis of health conditions and personal and environmental factors.
Experimental implementation and validation of consensus algorithms on a mobile actuator and sensor network platform

In this paper, we experimentally implement and validate distributed consensus algorithms on a mobile actuator and sensor network platform under directed, possibly switching interaction topologies to explore issues and challenges in distributed multi-vehicle cooperative control. Distributed consensus algorithms are applied to three target applications namely rendezvous, axial alignment, and formation maneuvering. In the rendezvous application, multiple mobile robots simultaneously arrive at a common a priori unknown target location determined through team negotiation. In the axial alignment application, multiple mobile robots collectively align their final positions along a line. In the formation maneuvering application, multiple mobile robots form a rigid geometric shape and maneuver as a group with a given group velocity. The experimental results show the effectiveness and robustness of the consensus algorithms even in the presence of platform physical limitations, packet loss, information delay, etc.
Statistics and supermetallicity: The metallicity of Mu Leonis

For the often-studied "SMR" giant μ Leo, Smith & Ruck (2000) have recently found that (Fe/H) ∼ +0.3 dex. Their conclusion is tested here in a "statistical" paradigm, in which statistical principles are used to select published high-dispersion μ Leo data and assign error bars to them. When data from Smith & Ruck and from Takeda et al. (1998) are added to a data base compiled in 1999, it is found that conclusions from an earlier analysis (Taylor 1999c) are essentially unchanged: the mean value of (Fe/H) ∼ +0.23 ± 0.025 dex, and values ≤+0.2 dex are not clearly ruled out at 95% confidence. In addition, the hypothesis that (Fe/H) ≥ +0. 3d ex which emerges from the Smith-Ruck analysis is formally rejected at 98% confidence. The "default paradigm" which is commonly used to assess μ Leo data is also considered. The basic characteristics of that paradigm continue to be a) unexplained exclusion of statistical analysis, b) inadequately explained deletions from an (Fe/H) data base containing accordant data, and c) an undefended convention that μ Leo is to have a metallicity of about +0. 3d ex or higher. As a result, it seems fair to describe the Smith-Ruck application and other applications of the default paradigm as invalid methods of inference from the data.
Narrowband source localization for indoor wireless environments

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of narrowband source localization techniques in indoor environments. Experiments are conducted using multiple antennas and a network analyzer. An active RF source is placed at different locations in a medium-sized office. Three sensors, placed at known positions, are used to estimate the location of the source using time of arrival (TOA) information. Trilateration is first utilized to obtain an initial estimate for the source location. Constrained optimization is then applied to improve estimation accuracy. In the experiment setup, only one sensor has a line-of-sight (LOS) communication path to the source, while the other two sensors are restricted to a non-line-of-sight setting. Different obstructed line-of-sight (OLOS) biases are physically introduced to demonstrate a real-life situation, where several moving objects may exist between the source and the sensors
Compensation of kinematic errors using kinematic sensitivities

Two approaches for the compensation of the position and orientation errors of robot manipulators due to variations of geometric parameters are considered. The first approach is based on the correction of the joint displacements obtained by using nominal inverse kinematics for desired position and orientation, while the second approach is based on redefining the desired position and orientation before applying the nominal inverse kinematics. It is shown that both approaches are equivalent in terms of compensation effect if the parameter variations are sufficiently small. However, the second approach does not require computation of the inverse Jacobian and can be used in the singular configurations of the manipulator. For computation of the position and orientation errors, which are required in both approaches, kinematic sensitivity functions are used. This eliminates the need for kinematic models, which considerably improves the time efficiency of the compensation algorithms. Closed-form expressions for kinematic compensation are derived for the PUMA manipulator. >
Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility

Approximately 10 to 15% of couples are impacted by infertility. Recently, the pivotal role that lifestyle factors play in the development of infertility has generated a considerable amount of interest. Lifestyle factors are the modifiable habits and ways of life that can greatly influence overall health and well-being, including fertility. Many lifestyle factors such as the age at which to start a family, nutrition, weight, exercise, psychological stress, environmental and occupational exposures, and others can have substantial effects on fertility; lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, illicit drug use, and alcohol and caffeine consumption can negatively influence fertility while others such as preventative care may be beneficial. The present literature review encompasses multiple lifestyle factors and places infertility in context for the couple by focusing on both males and females; it aims to identify the roles that lifestyle factors play in determining reproductive status. The growing interest and amount of research in this field have made it evident that lifestyle factors have a significant impact on fertility.
Sensitivity of stream flow and water table depth to potential climatic variability in a coastal forested watershed

Dai, Zhaohua, Carl C. Trettin, Changsheng Li, Devendra M. Amatya, Ge Sun, and Harbin Li, 2010. Sensitivity of Streamflow and Water Table Depth to Potential Climatic Variability in a Coastal Forested Watershed. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1–13. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00474.x Abstract: A physically based distributed hydrological model, MIKE SHE, was used to evaluate the effects of altered temperature and precipitation regimes on the streamflow and water table in a forested watershed on the southeastern Atlantic coastal plain. The model calibration and validation against both streamflow and water table depth showed that the MIKE SHE was applicable for predicting the streamflow and water table dynamics for this watershed with an acceptable model efficiency (E > 0.5 for daily streamflow and >0.75 for monthly streamflow). The simulation results from changing temperature and precipitation scenarios indicate that climate change influences both streamflow and water table in the forested watershed. Compared to current climate conditions, the annual average streamflow increased or decreased by 2.4% with one percentage increase or decrease in precipitation; a quadratic polynomial relationship between changes in water table depth (cm) and precipitation (%) was found. The annual average water table depth and annual average streamflow linearly decreased with an increase in temperature within the range of temperature change scenarios (0-6°C). The simulation results from the potential climate change scenarios indicate that future climate change will substantially impact the hydrological regime of upland and wetland forests on the coastal plain with corresponding implications to altered ecosystem functions that are dependent on water.
On oblivious equilibrium in large population stochastic games

We study stochastic games with a large number of players, where players are coupled via their payoff functions. A standard solution concept for such games is Markov perfect equilibrium (MPE). It is well known that the computation of MPE suffers from the “curse of dimensionality.” To deal with this complexity, several researchers have introduced the idea of oblivious equilibrium (OE). In OE, each player reacts to only the long-run average state of other players. In this paper, we study existence of OE, and also find conditions under which OE approximates MPE well.
Learning Functional Models of Biological Systems for Biologically Inspired Design

Biologically inspired design uses cross-domain analogies from biology to engineering to enhance design creativity and innovation. This analogical transfer requires conceptual understanding of biological systems. In this paper, we describe a prototype interactive knowledge-based design environment called DANE for supporting conceptual understanding through learning about functional models of biological designs. We present initial results from deploying DANE in an interdisciplinary class on biologically inspired design, indicating that designers found DANE's functional models useful for conceptualizing complex systems.
Subcutaneous Botryomycosis Due to Bibersteinia trehalosi in a Texas Longhorn Steer

A 3-year-old Texas Longhorn steer had a long history of progressive swelling of the soft tissues of the jaw and neck. At necropsy, multifocal to coalescing dermal and subcutaneous pyogranulomas were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Microscopically, the pyogranulomas contained aggregates of gram-negative coccobacilli surrounded by Splendore-Hoeppli material and were separated by bands of fibrovascular tissue (botryomycosis). Phylogenetic analysis of multilocus sequence-typing data revealed that the bacteria recovered in pure culture from swabs of submandibular tissue were most closely related to Bibersteinia [Pasteurella] trehalosi. The bacterial colonies were immunohistochemically reactive with a rabbit polyclonal anti-Pasteurella class C acid phosphatase antibody. Botryomycosis is a pyogranulomatous inflammation caused by a variety of nonbranching, nonfilamentous bacteria that elicit the formation of Splendore-Hoeppli material. This case of botryomycosis is unique for its association with Bibersteinia trehalosi.
An SMSE Implementation of CDMA with Partial Band Interference Suppression

A spectrally modulated, spectrally encoded (SMSE) framework is adopted for implementing code division multiple access (CDMA) with partial band interference suppression. SMSE signals are constructed within an architecture governed by cognitive radio (CR) principles and supported by software defined radio (SDR) implementation, a union referred to as CR- based SDR. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals, a foundational part of future 4G systems, are collectively classified as SMSE because data modulation and encoding are applied in the spectral domain. Framework applicability was demonstrated for realistic 4G signals by illustrating consistency between resultant analytic SMSE expressions and published results. Framework implementability and flexibility is further demonstrated herein using more complex CDMA signal structures. Modeling and simulation results are presented for a form of multi-carrier CDMA using polyphase codes with adaptive spectral notching (interference avoidance). Collectively, the SMSE implementation of this system correlates very well with theoretical predictions for multiple access scenarios.
Experimental determination of shape memory alloy constitutive model parameters

Presented here are some modifications of a previously developed hysteretic model for shape memory alloys (SMAs) and other metallic hysteretic deforming materials, for use in vibrational analysis. This work begins by modifying an existing rate-independent SMA constitutive model to eliminate some undesirable features. The SMA model is also simplified by reducing the number of parameters without sacrificing physically significant SMA characteristics. To enhance the ease of evaluating the model parameters, a systematic method for determining these parameters is developed and illustrated by example. The results of uniaxial tests on a Nickel-Titanium SMA are presented in conjunction with the previously mentioned parameter determining examples. The model response to small amplitude alternating strain inputs is also explored in detail. The modified SMA constitutive model is then extended to a 3D form.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patient Safety in Anesthesia

Among medical specialties, anesthesiology was a pioneer in the development of patient safety initiatives. With the responsibility of caring for vulnerable patients in life-threatening situations, anesthesiologists must maintain a high level of vigilance and preparedness. Substance abuse and physician impairment are concerns for all specialties, but with ready access to narcotics and high stress levels substance abuse poses a particularly strong risk for anesthesiologists. Data from physician treatment programs show a higher proportion of anesthesiologists referred for treatment than physicians practicing other specialties. Efforts to prevent abuse have focused on restricting access to drugs and early detection of physician impairment. Detailed accounting of drug usage discourages diversion and can identify suspicious patterns of use. Educational programs to help identify impaired colleagues have also been implemented. Treatment of confirmed cases is often unsuccessful, with reintroduction into the anesthesia workplace a contentious issue.
Ochsner Research Update, 2014-2015.

The 2014-2015 academic year was marked by continued research productivity and growth. Clinical, translational, and health service investigations proceeded on pace, and in addition, a new initiative was introduced in the form of Ochsner participation in the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research
Proximal Biceps Tendon and Rotator Cuff Tears

The long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) is frequently involved in rotator cuff tears and can cause anterior shoulder pain. Tendon hypertrophy, hourglass contracture, delamination, tears, and tendon instability in the bicipital groove are common macroscopic pathologic findings affecting the LHBT in the presence of rotator cuff tears. Failure to address LHBT disorders in the setting of rotator cuff tear can result in persistent shoulder pain and poor satisfaction after rotator cuff repair. Tenotomy or tenodesis of the LHBT are effective options for relieving pain arising from the LHBT in the setting of reparable and selected irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Legislative Cosponsorhip Networks in the U.S. House and Senate

In the U.S. House and Senate, each piece of legislation is sponsored by a unique legislator. In addition, legislators can publicly express support for a piece of legislation by cosponsoring it. The network of sponsors and cosponsors provides information about the underlying social networks among legislators. I use a number of statistics to describe the cosponsorship network in order to show that it behaves much differently than other large social networks that have been recently studied. In particular, the cosponsorship network is much denser than other networks and aggregate features of the network appear to be influenced by institutional arrangements and strategic incentives. I also demonstrate that a weighted closeness centrality measure that I call 'connectedness' can be used to identify influential legislators.
CASE-CONTROL STUDIES: A SEQUENTIAL APPROACH

A sequential approach to the design of a matched pair case-control study is proposed as an alternative to fixed sample plans when information on case-control pairs is acquired sequentially in time. The method described is that of Wald using the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) for comparing two binomial populations. The test is an open, non-truncated procudure. Several tables are presented for the average sample numbers needed under the sequential plan and fixed sample plan for selected Type 1 and 2 errors, alternative relative risks of interest and exposure probabilities in case and controls. A hypothetical example is presented to illustrate the use of the method and discussion is given as to the possible advantages and disadvantages of the sequential approach to case-control studies.
Funding unfunded NIH research applications

The Biomedical Research Funding Enterprise Provides The Infrastructure that leads to new medical products that impact global health. Throughout history, the long and successful tradition in the United States of investing in biomedical research involves funding support by government, nonprofit
“Someday you’ll have children just like you”: what tomorrow’s parents can teach us about parental mediation research

AbstractThis commentary considers adolescents’ media habits and the ways they can guide future research on parental mediation. Three lessons from “tomorrow’s parents” are applied: (1) teens are accustomed to on-demand media, (2) teens are used to multitasking with multiple screens, and (3) teens have come to expect media targeted specifically to them. From these lessons, researchers should consider focusing their work on parenting strategies that are responsive to individual differences among children, easily accessible during media use, and rigorously tested for effectiveness. The commentary concludes with a call to direct future research in ways that will help future parents’ do a better job of mediating children’s media use.
The Radioprotective Effects of Soybean Isoflavones Against Local Radiation on Rats Kidney

[Objective] To study the effects of soybean isoflavones(SI)on hematogenesis and antioxidation in kidney-radiated rats, to provide theoretical basis for developing new effective radioprotective drug for local radiation damage on kidney. [Methods] Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups evenly, i.e. normal control group(Non-Rad group), radiation group (Rad group), SI supplementation group(SI group)and amifostine treatment group(AFT group). All rats except Non-Rad group were administrated one-off 15 Gy137Csγ-ray radiation on both kidneys through local operation with a special shield mould. SI group rats were fed with soy isoflavones 100mg/kg daily from 7 days before radiation to 14 days after, AFT group rats were given amifostine 200 mg/kg through single intraperitoneal injection 30 minutes before radiation. The changes of peripheral white blood cell were counted before radiation, on the 3rd days and the 14th days after. The antioxidative indices were observed in blood RBC on the 7th day after radiation, in liver and kidney on the 14th day after radiation. [Results] After irradiation to kidney in rats, there were a rapid reduction of WBC, significant increase of MDA level and depression of SOD and GSH-Px(P 0.05). Compared with Rad group, SI group and AFT group were significantly characterized by less reduction of WBC, lower MDA level in liver, higher SOD activities in RBC and liver, and higher GSH-Px activities in liver and kidney respectively(P 0.05). [Conclusions] Supplementation of soy isoflavones had significant benefits on hematopoietic system, antioxygenic property of local radiated rats, thus enhance the anti-radiation ability.
Analysis on the content of Bromate in flourmade samples by ion chromatography with the suppressed conductivity detector

Objective:Determination the content of Bromate in flourmade samples by ion chromatography with the suppressed conductivity detector.Methods: Bromate was analized on DIONEX ICS2000 with Ionpac AS19-2mm column,KOH as the gradient eluent produced online by RFIC eluent generator,detected by the suppressed conductivity detector,with the injection volume of 150 μl.After the extracted aqueous solution centrifugal separation,through C18 and Ag/H column and then ultrafiltration.Results: The BrO-3 detection limit of the method was 0.039 mg/kg.The recovery rate were between 87.5% and 103.1%.Conclusion: The method is accurate and reliable.Investigation shows that BrO-3 was usually detected in flourmade samples.
For Researchers on Obesity: Historical Review of Extra Body Weight Definitions.

Rationale. The concept of obesity has been known since ancient world; however, the current standard definition of obesity was endorsed only about a decade ago. There is a need for researches to understand multiple approaches to defining obesity and how and why the standard definition was developed. The review will help to grasp the complexity of the problem and can lead to novel hypotheses in obesity research. Objective. This paper focuses on the objective to understand historical background on the development of “reference and standard tables” of weight as a platform for normal versus abnormal body weight definition. Methods. A systematic literature review was performed to chronologically summarize the definition of body weight from time of Hippocrates till the year of 2010. Conclusion. This paper presents the historical background on the development of “reference and standard tables” of weight as a platform for normal versus abnormal body weight definition. Knowledge of historical approaches to the concept of obesity can motivate researchers to find new hypotheses and utilize the appropriate obesity assessments to address their objectives.
Cultural Broker or Collaborator?: Lessons Learned from Breast Cancer Survivor Groups in Eastern North Carolina

Medical anthropologists often act as cultural brokers for client groups by representing and explaining their interests to professionals in order to negotiate better access to care, improvements in screening and treatment services, and greater availability of educational programs. In these contexts, the anthropologist is in a position of power relative to clients, who are assumed to be unable to represent themselves as effectively as the advocate can. Attempts to broker in the reverse occur much less frequently. Yet the need for anthropologists to explain the assumptions and priorities of policymakers and funding agencies to clients is equally important, and doing so can shift the frames of reference for both parties, fostering the possibility for true collaboration in community health initiatives.
Rapid frequency rhythmic postprandial motility in the canine ileum.

We report here a novel motor phenomenon that we recorded from the canine terminal ileum in the postprandial period. In chronic models that allowed us to monitor myoelectrical activity and intraluminal pressure from the jejunum and distal ileum, we regularly saw in the ileum, but not in the jejunum, a rhythmic sequence of intraluminal pressure waves at a frequency of 19-24 cycles/min. This unusual motor pattern was rarely seen in the first 2 h after food and was essentially absent during fasting; it appeared reproducibly 1-4 h after food, at the time when chyme reached the ileum. The phenomenon was accompanied by spike bursts that were usually at the same rapid, rhythmic frequency, but the rate of the ileal slow wave persisted at the preprandial level (13-15/min). These findings further exemplify differences in the regulation of the motility between jejunum and ileum; moreover, the phenomenon highlights the capacity of the distal small intestine to response specifically to the nature of its luminal contents. This reaction of the ileum to the arrival of dietary residues is deserving of further study in the evaluation of the small bowel9s response to a meal.
DYNAMIC MODELS OF URBAN AND REGIONAL SYSTEMS:SOME CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES

Abstract The characteristics and proporties of recently developed dynamic models of urban and regional systems are reviewed and contrasted with those of the traditional static models. Several current methodological problems in connection with the operation of the models are examined. Their implications in terms of the use of dynamic models in urban and regional systems analysis is discussed. In conclusion, several specific items for further research are identified.
Characterizing Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Adult Spina Bifida Patients

Objective To report the distribution of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages in adult spina bifida (SB) patients. The severity of POP in the SB population has not been previously reported. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of SB patients ≥18 years with a documented POP quantification examination between 2006 and 2014 were included. Patient demographics, gestation, parity, POP quantification examinations and prolapse symptoms were obtained. Results Thirty-three SB patients were identified with a mean age of 33.2 years. Five patients (15.2%) had stage 0 prolapse, 12 (36.4%) had stage 1, 12 (36.4%) had stage 2, 3 (9.1%) had stage 3, and 1 (3.0%) had stage 4. Of the 16 patients with advanced POP (stage 2 prolapse or greater), only 6 patients (37.5%) reported symptoms related to POP. All 6 symptomatic patients endorsed sensation of a vaginal bulge. Two of the 6 patients also reported dyspareunia. Additionally, 1 patient with advanced POP presented with vaginal bulge, noted by a caregiver, and cervical bleeding, but was otherwise asymptomatic. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) were nulliparous, and 12 of the 24 nulliparous patients (50%) demonstrated prolapse. Conclusion Despite young age and frequent nulliparity, patients with SB are more likely to have POP than the general population. Additionally, the majority of SB patients with prolapse are asymptomatic. Assessment of pelvic organ prolapse should be included in the evaluation of adult SB females due to the low rate of symptoms even in the setting of advanced stage prolapse and potential impact on both urinary and bowel function.