cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propofol-Associated Hypertriglyceridemia in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Versus Noncoronavirus Disease 2019 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objectives To characterize the incidence and characteristics of propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia in coronavirus disease 2019 versus noncoronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Design Single-center prospective, observational cohort study. Setting Medical ICU and regional infectious containment unit. Patients Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome admitted from April 7, 2020, to May 15, 2020, requiring continuous propofol administration. Interventions None. Measurements and main results Of 50 patients enrolled, 54% had coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome. Median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were 35.5 (interquartile range, 30.2-41) and 8 (interquartile range, 6-9). Pao2/Fio2 ratio was 130.5 (interquartile range, 94.5-193.8). Patients with coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome experienced a higher rate of hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride ≥ 500 mg/dL) than noncoronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (9 [33.3%] vs 1 [4.3%]; p = 0.014). Those with coronavirus disease 2019, compared with those without, received more propofol prior to becoming hypertriglyceridemic (median, 5,436.0 mg [interquartile range, 3,405.5-6,845.5 mg] vs 4,229.0 mg [interquartile range, 2,083.4-4,972.1 mg]; p = 0.027). After adjustment for propofol dose with logistic regression (odds ratio, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.16-59.57; p = 0.031) and propensity score matching (odds ratio, 8.64; 95% CI, 1.27-149.12; p = 0.025), there remained a significant difference in the development of hypertriglyceridemia between coronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome and noncoronavirus disease 2019-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. There was no difference between groups in time to hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.063). Serum lipase was not different between those who did or did not develop hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.545). No patients experienced signs or symptoms of pancreatitis. Conclusions Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome experienced a higher rate of propofol-associated hypertriglyceridemia than noncoronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, even after accounting for differences in propofol administration.
Pediatric and adult epileptologist perspectives and experiences of pediatric to adult epilepsy care transition: "Saying goodbye and opening a door."

Abstract We aimed to describe perspectives of transition and transfer of adolescents and young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy from pediatric to adult care from the viewpoints of both pediatric and adult epileptologists. Telephone semi-structured interviews with pediatric (n = 15) and adult (n = 11) epileptologists at leading U.S. epilepsy centers were used to collect data about the transition process. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, systematically coded using thematic analysis by two independent researchers, and subsequently checked for agreement during regular meetings. Participants were on average 46 years old (SD = 7.4), 50% male, 91% Non-Hispanic and 85% Caucasian; all had completed a formal epilepsy or clinical neurophysiology fellowship (mean = 11 years since terminal training) and were employed at a comprehensive epilepsy center. Three interrelated themes regarding epileptologists’ perspectives of epilepsy transition and transfer of care were evident: (1) the process is unnatural and disruptive, (2) clinicians make the best of challenges, and (3) the epilepsy transition process includes a spectrum of broad needs some of which are unique to epilepsy care while others are common to other chronic diseases. Despite challenges, epilepsy clinicians spontaneously expressed stress, empathy, and commitment to providing the best possible care.
Cross-Cluster Weighted Forests

Adapting machine learning algorithms to better handle the presence of natural clustering or batch effects within training datasets is imperative across a wide variety of biological applications. This article considers the effect of ensembling Random Forest learners trained on clusters within a single dataset with heterogeneity in the distribution of the features. We find that constructing ensembles of forests trained on clusters determined by algorithms such as k-means results in significant improvements in accuracy and generalizability over the traditional Random Forest algorithm. We denote our novel approach as the Cross-Cluster Weighted Forest, and examine its robustness to various data-generating scenarios and outcome models. Furthermore, we explore the influence of the data-partitioning and ensemble weighting strategies on conferring the benefits of our method over the existing paradigm. Finally, we apply our approach to cancer molecular profiling and gene expression datasets that are naturally divisible into clusters and illustrate that our approach outperforms classic Random Forest. Code and supplementary material are available at this https URL.
The Impact of Vocal Task on Voice Acoustics, Effort and Discomfort Following Submandibular Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Healthy Adults.

Summary Background Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) offers a potential adjuvant to traditional voice therapy for individuals with dysphonia. The type of vocal task to implement in conjunction with electrical stimulation to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit is unknown. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the impact of tasks on voice outcomes. Methods Nineteen vocally-healthy adult females, between 23 and 27 years of age (Ave: 23.8, SD: 1.13), participated in the study. 15 participants completed all three 30-minute sessions, and four completed at least one session. NMES was paired with three different voice conditions: high-pitched hum, low-pitched hum, and comfortable-pitched hum. Acoustic (average fundamental frequency and loudness; perturbation (jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio); Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia; pitch range), perceived phonatory effort, and discomfort (delayed onset muscle soreness) measures were compared across conditions. Results Eight participants experienced discomfort following NMES. Three participants withdrew from the study due to discomfort, and one withdrew due to an unrelated oral surgery. NMES paired with high-pitch humming resulted in increased average fundamental frequency during sustained phonation and reading tasks, and increased Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia during sustained phonation. Low-pitch humming resulted in a decreased noise to harmonic ratio. No statistically significant changes in perceived phonatory effort were noted. Conclusion Almost half of the participants reported temporary discomfort. Task-specific differences in some outcomes were noted indicating that the nature of voice task performed with NMES must be considered when examining the impact of NMES on voice. Vocal tasks can impact discomfort and acoustic vocal outcomes of NMES.
Clustering-Based Approach for Building Code Computability Analysis

AbstractOne common limitation of all automated code compliance-checking methods and tools is their inability to deal with all types of building-code requirements. More research is needed to better ...
Governance and CEO Turnover: Do Something or Do the Right Thing?

We study how corporate governance affects firm value through the decision of whether to fire or retain the chief executive officer CEO. We present a model in which weak governance---which prevents shareholders from controlling the board---protects inferior CEOs from dismissal, while at the same time insulates the board from pressures by biased or uninformed shareholders. Whether stronger governance improves retain/replace decisions depends on which of these effects dominates. We use our theoretical framework to assess the effect of governance on the quality of firing and hiring decisions using data on the CEO dismissals of large U.S. corporations during 1994--2007. Our findings are most consistent with a beneficent effect of weak governance on CEO dismissal decisions, suggesting that insulation from shareholder pressure may allow for better long-term decision making. This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
The Specific Heat of Ytterbium, Terbium, and Dysprosium Metals Between 3° and 25°K

Most of the rare earths are ferro- or antiferromagnetic at low temperatures. Due to this, their heat capacity has usually four different components: the lattice specific heat C L , the electronic specific heat C E , the magnetic specific heat C M , and the nuclear specific heat C N . A fairly large amount of work has recently been done for establishing the heat capacity of lanthanides in the liquid-helium region and, in particular, below 1°K. As a result, the nuclear specific heat, which is large below 1°K, is well understood.
Central control of the circulation by the rostral ventrolateral reticular nucleus: anatomical substrates.

Publisher Summary Neurons in the rostral ventrolateral reticular nucleus (RVL), perhaps the hypothetical tonic vasomotor center, generate basal levels of sympathetic tone and arterial blood pressure (AP) and integrate cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular reflexes. The critical zone precisely coincides a chemosensory area of the rostra1 ventrolateral quadrant, where most reticulospinal neurons projecting to the intermediolateral (IML) cosynthesize the putative neurotransmitters, adrenaline, and neuropeptide Y. Receptors in the RVL are responsive to a broad spectrum of cardioactive pharmacologic agents and the RVL is a major site of action of the imidazole, clonidine—a clinically effective antihypertensive drug. Nonetheless, still elusive is the identity of the neurotransmitter in RVL-generating sympathetic tone and whether it is, in fact, the C1 neurons of RVL that contribute to exaggerated sympathetic tone and, in turn, the circulatory changes involved in the initiation, expression, or maintenance of neurogenic hypertension. The RVL is the site of action for a broad spectrum of pharmacologic agents involved in cardiopulmonary control and derives its afferents from a variety of monoaminergic and peptidergic cell groups.
Human Factors Considerations in the Design of Automated Systems for Nursing

This paper describes human factors relevant to the design of automated systems for clinical nursing information management, and several studies investigating human factors aspects of new clinical nursing information systems. Functions of systems to assist clinical nurses with information management are described. The importance of human factors in designing these computer systems is discussed by describing three categories of human factors: physical and demographic characteristics of nurses, characteristics of the hospital physical environment, and characteristics of the nursing care environment. Several human factors studies conducted by a multi-hospital corporation and two vendors to understand the nature and impact of human factors on systems design are discussed. Various data collection methodologies are described that investigate two different approaches to the design of hardware solutions for a clinical nursing information system.
Factors Related to Student Satisfaction with Child Welfare Field Placements

One objective of partnerships between schools of social work and public human services is to increase the number of graduates who work in child welfare agencies. The study reported here surveyed 206 BSW and MSW students at 7 accredited Florida social work programs on their level of satisfaction with placements in child welfare agencies. The study measured satisfaction with 5 aspects of the placements, and explored relationships between these measures and student demographics, placement characteristics, and intent to work in a child welfare agency upon graduation. The author discusses the findings and their implications for partnership initiatives aimed at reprofessionalizing public human services.
Nephritic Factor Autoantibodies

“C3 nephritic factor” or C3NeF is an autoantibody that reacts with a neoantigen exposed on the Bb portion of the C3 convertase (C3bBb). C3NeF was first described in patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and originally was thought to be responsible for the persistent hypocomplementemia seen in MPGN via persistent activation of the alternative pathway of complement. The ability to produce C3NeF is present in everyone from the time of birth, and C3NeF can also be found in the sera of healthy individuals and in other pathological conditions except for MPGN, specifically in acquired lipodystrophy. C3NeF are heterogeneous between and even within individuals, and some assays may detect only subsets of C3NeF. Despite strong disease association with MPGN and its effects on C3 convertase stability, the pathogenic significance of C3NeF is uncertain because C3NeF activity correlates poorly with C3 consumption and disease progression. The detection of C3NeF can be utilized clinically to support the diagnosis of MPGN and acquired lipodystrophy. However, since we lack data about its real sensitivity and specificity and due to its high detection rates in healthy individuals and other medical conditions, positive and negative results should not be over interpreted.
Building Automotive LIN Applications

As automotive electronic systems become more and more spread, the necessity for a complete portfolio of communication standards for automotive applications becomes obvious. In the low cost Class A Smart Sensor & Actuator arena Local Interconnect Network (LIN) is the top candidate to be used as a multiplex standard all over the world.
Bayesian Probability Approach to ADHD Appraisal

Accurate diagnosis of attentional disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is imperative because there are multiple negative psychosocial sequelae related to undiagnosed and untreated ADHD. Early and accurate detection can lead to effective intervention and prevention of negative sequelae. Unfortunately, diagnosing ADHD presents a challenge to traditional assessment paradigms because there is no single test that definitively establishes its presence. Even though ADHD is a physiologically based disorder with a multifactorial etiology, the diagnosis has been traditionally based on a subjective history of symptoms. In this chapter we outline a stochastic method that utilizes a Bayesian interface for quantifying and assessing ADHD. It can be used to combine of a variety of psychometric tests and physiological markers into a single standardized instrument that, on each step, refines a probability for ADHD for each individual based on information provided by the individual assessments. The method is illustrated with data from a small study of six college female students with ADHD and six matched controls in which the method achieves correct classification for all participants, where none of the individual assessments was capable of achieving perfect classification. Further, we provide a framework for applying this Bayesian method for performing meta-analysis of data obtained from disparate studies and using disparate tests for ADHD based on calibration of the data into a unified probability scale. We use this method to combine data from five studies that examine the diagnostic abilities of different behavioral rating scales and EEG assessments of ADHD, enrolling a total of 56 ADHD and 55 control subjects of different age groups and gender.
“Community-Based Operations Research”

“Community-based operations research” is defined as the collection of analytical methods applied to problem domains in which interests of underrepresented, underserved or vulnerable populations in localized jurisdictions, formal or informal, receive special emphasis, and for which solutions to problems of core concern for daily living must be identified and implemented so as to jointly optimize economic efficiency, social equity and administrative burdens. As such, it represents a specific domain within public-sector operations research. Community-based OR problems tend to be “messy” and highly dependent on political and social considerations. Nevertheless, solution of these problems is essential to the continued health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and entire regions.
Disruption of spinal cord white matter and sciatic nerve geometry inhibits axonal growth in vitro in the absence of glial scarring

Background Axons within the mature mammalian central nervous system fail to regenerate following injury, usually resulting in long-lasting motor and sensory deficits. Studies involving transplantation of adult neurons into white matter implicate glial scar-associated factors in regeneration failure. However, these studies cannot distinguish between the effects of these factors and disruption of the spatial organization of cells and molecular factors (disrupted geometry). Since white matter can support or inhibit neurite growth depending on the geometry of the fiber tract, the present study sought to determine whether disrupted geometry is sufficient to inhibit neurite growth.
Self Defense in Cyberspace: Law and Policy

In the last year, public discussion of cybercrime has a few major buzz words, including Stuxnet, zero-day vulnerabilities, Anonymous, HBGary, RSA, and Lockheed Martin. The Stuxnet worm exploited four zero-day vulnerabilities in the summer of 2010 and damaged Iranian nuclear infrastructure. In February 2011, security firm and government contractor HBGary Federal announced that they intended to go after individuals involved in the loose knit group of hackers that call themselves Anonymous, and Anonymous responded by hacking into HBGary Federal’s systems and publishing confidential company emails on the web that revealed some of HBGary Federal’s questionable activities. Security firm RSA, which produces SecurID two-factor authentication technology, revealed in March 2011 that information relating to this technology was obtained by advanced hacking techniques. The effects of the RSA breach started to become more apparent in May 2011 when government contractor Lockheed Martin experienced cyber intrusions using counterfeit SecurID security keys. In August 2011, another term was added when McAfee’s research division announced the results of an investigation: Five years. McAfee asserts that for the last five years, major cyber intrusions have been occurring, likely by the same actor or group, giving the intruders access to national secrets, SCADA configurations, source code, design schematics, and much more. The source of these intrusions is not known, though many suspect state actors, and Republican presidential primary candidate Jon Huntsman stated during the Republican presidential debates that he considers such cyber attacks to be acts of war.With the significant technological development occurring in this area, the legal framework is still lacking. There is arguably not currently an effective way of addressing cybercrime under criminal law, and private remedies through lawsuits are likely to be inadequate. Congress has been making progress towards addressing cybersecurity issues, but between a Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, a Cybersecurity Task Force, and several different congressional committees that assert jurisdiction over cybersecurity issues, clear congressional consensus on the topic is likely to be a long time coming. The urgency of the topic and the current lack of guidance leaves potential targets with the need to defend their own systems. Our research began with a broad focus: analyzing the legal framework surrounding cybersecurity issues and making recommendations for implementing a framework that would permit the use of active self-defense in cyberspace ('active defense'), as opposed to requiring network administrators to always rely solely on the passive defense options of firewalls, patches, and antivirus software. Active defense includes technologies that detect attacks, trace the attacks to their source, and enable counterstrikes to halt the attacks.
Laminin-111 Improves Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Quantity and Function Following Eccentric Exercise

Laminin-111 (α1, β1, γ1; LM-111) is an important component of the extracellular matrix that is required for formation of skeletal muscle during embryonic development. Recent studies suggest that LM-111 supplementation can enhance satellite cell proliferation and muscle function in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which LM-111 can alter satellite and nonsatellite stem cell quantity following eccentric exercise-induced damage in young adult, healthy mice. One week following injection of LM-111 or saline, mice either remained sedentary or were subjected to a single bout of downhill running (EX). While one muscle was preserved for evaluation of satellite cell number, the other muscle was processed for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; Sca-1+CD45−) via FACS at 24 hours postexercise. Satellite cell number was approximately twofold higher in LM-111/EX compared with all other groups (p < .05), and the number of satellite cells expressing the proliferation marker Ki67 was 50% to threefold higher in LM-111/EX compared with all other groups (p < .05). LM-111 also increased the quantity of embryonic myosin heavy chain-positive (eMHC+) fibers in young mice after eccentric exercise (p < .05). Although MSC percentage and number were not altered, MSC proinflammatory gene expression was decreased, and hepatocyte growth factor gene expression was increased in the presence of LM-111 (p < .05). Together, these data suggest that LM-111 supplementation provides a viable solution for increasing skeletal muscle stem cell number and/or function, ultimately allowing for improvements in the regenerative response to eccentric exercise.
Classical axiomatics with extension to nonequilibrium thermodynamics

An attempt is made to reorganize the axiomatics of classical thermodynamics as written by Caratheodory in 1909 and to extend it to nonequilibrium systems. The three thermodynamic laws are derived from axioms and the entropy appears as the constant of integration of the Pfaffian equation with a suitably chosen integrating factor. Transition to nonequilibrium systems is shown to require an extension of the phase space to include the gradients of temperature and velocity as additional coordinates. Accessible states then have to comply with a system of momentum equations and any departure from these restrictions leads to inaccessible states.
Leadership in the Slow Lane

While slightly unconventional, the earnest request of Indiana Republican Sen. Dan Quayle's six-year-old daughter (Conconi, 1985, p. B3) is nothing new to Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole (R-Kan.). Indeed, Majority Whip Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) has said that the senators Dole must lead are "like children lining up in the elementary school classroom asking when they can go to the bathroom" (Granat, 1983, p. 1429). They are all impatient, and they all want their way.
Relativistic Quantum Mechanics through Frame‐Dependent Constructions

This paper is concerned with the possibility and nature of relativistic hidden‐variable formulations of quantum mechanics. Both ad hoc teleological constructions and frame‐dependent constructions of spacetime maps are considered. While frame‐dependent constructions are clearly preferable, a many‐maps theory based on such constructions fails to provide dynamical explanations for local quantum events. Here the hidden‐variable dynamics used in the frame‐dependent constructions is just a rule that serves to characterize the set of all possible spacetime maps. While not having dynamical explanations of the values of quantum‐mechanical measurement records is a significant cost, it may prove too much to ask for dynamical explanations in relativistic quantum mechanics.
In vivo and in vitro molecular hybridization of malate dehydrogenase isozymes

Les hybrides moleculaires des isozymes de la deshydrogenase de malate de differentes especes de poissons peuvent etre engendres in vitro en gelant puis degelant les isozymes en presence du sel. L'isozyme hybride est identique a celle observee in vivo dans l'hybride interspecifique F1.
Integral equation method for effecting Kinnersley-Chitre transformations

The construction of spinning mass solutions of Einstein's vacuum field equations, which can be obtained by applying Kinnersley-Chitre transformations to known solutions, is facilitated by our discovery of a linear integral equation of the Cauchy type, the solution of which yields directly the generating function $F(t)$ of the Kinnersley-Chitre hierarchy of potentials associated with the transformed spacetime metric.
Penicillin skin testing is a safe and effective tool for evaluating penicillin allergy in the pediatric population

Background Penicillin skin testing has been validated in the evaluation of adult patients with penicillin allergy. However, the commercially available benzylpenicilloyl polylysine (Pre-Pen) is not indicated in the pediatric population. Moreover, the safety and validity of penicillin skin testing in the pediatric population has not been well studied. Objective We describe the safety and validity of penicillin skin testing in the evaluation of children with a history of penicillin allergy. Methods Children ( Results A total of 778 children underwent penicillin skin testing; 703 of 778 patients had a negative penicillin skin test (90.4%), 66 had a positive test (8.5%), and 9 had an equivocal test (1.1%). Children were more likely to have a positive penicillin skin test (P Conclusion Penicillin skin testing was safe and effective in the evaluation of children with a history of penicillin allergy.
Clinical pharmacology of timentin (ticarcillin and clavulanic acid)

Ticarcillin (4 gm) and clavulanic acid (0.1 gm) were simultaneously administered as timentin to patients with cancer as therapy for infections. The pharmacokinetics of both ticarcillin and clavulanic acid were studied in 15 patients after 30-minute and 2-hour intravenous infusions. The mean (±SD) ticarcillin plasma peak concentrations after the two infusions were 341 ± 76 and 210 ± 60 µg/ml. The plasma terminal t½ values of ticarcillin were 80 ± 32 and 56 ± 12 minutes. The AUCs were 631 ± 189 and 601 ± 230 mg/L · hr. The volumes of distribution of the area were 15 ± 5 and 21 ± 7 L and total clearances were 115 ± 36 and 127 ± 54 ml/min. The corresponding values for clavulanic acid after the infusions are as follows: mean peak concentrations, 5 ± 1 and 4 ± 1 µg/ml; plasma terminal t½ values, 84 ± 24 and 74 ± 36 minutes; AUCs, 11 ± 3 and 11 ± 6 mg/L · hr; volumes of distribution of the area, 22 ± 3 and 32 ± 6 L; and total clearances, 170 ± 58 and 175 ± 68 ml/min. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1985) 38, 134–139; doi:10.1038/clpt.1985.149
A Reduced Radiation Dose CTA

Abstract Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) has become an important tool in diagnosing and evaluating vascular diseases; however, its usage has been limited by the radiation concern. In this paper, we propose a (radiation) dose reduction approach along with the adaptive bolus chasing CTA techniques, which are capable of tracking the contrast bolus peak during the CTA scan. By modulating the tube current (and collimator width) online, we can reduce the total radiation dose and maintain the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) level of the blood vessel. Numerical experiments results show that the effective radiation dose can be reduced about 39% by using the proposed dose reduction method.
Herbivore‐mediated material fluxes in a northern deciduous forest under elevated carbon dioxide and ozone concentrations

Summary Anthropogenic changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) are known to alter tree physiology and growth, but the cascading effects on herbivore communities and herbivore-mediated nutrient cycling are poorly understood. We sampled herbivore frass, herbivore-mediated greenfall, and leaf-litter deposition in temperate forest stands under elevated CO2 (c. 560 ppm) and O3 (c. 1.5× ambient), analyzed substrate chemical composition, and compared the quality and quantity of fluxes under multiple atmospheric treatments. Leaf-chewing herbivores fluxed 6.2 g m−2 yr−1 of frass and greenfall from the canopy to the forest floor, with a carbon : nitrogen (C : N) ratio 32% lower than that of leaf litter. Herbivore fluxes of dry matter, C, condensed tannins, and N increased under elevated CO2 (35, 32, 63 and 39%, respectively), while fluxes of N decreased (18%) under elevated O3. Herbivore-mediated dry matter inputs scaled across atmospheric treatments as a constant proportion of leaf-litter inputs. Increased fluxes under elevated CO2 were consistent with increased herbivore consumption and abundance, and with increased plant growth and soil respiration, previously reported for this experimental site. Results suggest that insect herbivory will reinforce other factors, such as photosynthetic rate and fine-root production, impacting C sequestration by forests in future environments.
SUMO E3 ligase activity of TRIM proteins

SUMOylation governs numerous cellular processes and is essential to most eukaryotic life. Despite increasing recognition of the importance of this process, an extremely limited number of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein ligases (E3s) have been identified. Here we show that at least some members of the functionally diverse tripartite motif (TRIM) superfamily are SUMO E3s. These TRIM proteins bind both the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9 and substrates and strongly enhance transfer of SUMOs from Ubc9 to these substrates. Among the substrates of TRIM SUMO E3s are the tumor suppressor p53 and its principal antagonist Mdm2. The E3 activity depends on the TRIM motif, suggesting it to be the first widespread SUMO E3 motif. Given the large number of TRIM proteins, our results may greatly expand the identified SUMO E3s. Furthermore, TRIM E3 activity may be an important contributor to SUMOylation specificity and the versatile functions of TRIM proteins.
Regression of poloxamer 407-induced atherosclerotic lesions in C57BL/6 mice using atorvastatin.

Abstract HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drugs or ‘statins' have been shown to effectively reduce plasma total cholesterol (CHOL), CHOL associated with low-density-lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG). In addition, slight elevations in HDL-CHOL are also typically observed. Poloxamer 407 (P-407), a nonionic surfactant, effectively elevates both plasma CHOL and especially TG in a dose-controlled fashion and results in formation of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortas of C57BL/6 mice without the requirement of dietary cholic acid [1,2]. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether a typical statin, namely atorvastatin (Lipitor®) would significantly reduce P-407-induced hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia as well as cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions resulting from administration of P-407 to C57BL/6 mice. C57BL/6 mice in the present study were treated with either normal saline (C, controls), 0.5 g/kg of P-407 (P), or a high-fat, high-cholesterol, cholate-containing diet (HF) for 120 days. Mice in all groups were then equally and randomly divided and treated with either atorvastatin or saline for an additional 120 days. Beginning at Day 121 and using mice in groups P and HF as an example, one-fourth of the mice in each group received 20 mg/kg per day of atorvastatin with either concomitant HF feeding or P-407 administration (‘progression' treatment groups), one-fourth received 20 mg/kg per day of atorvastatin following cessation of HF feeding or P-407 administration, one-fourth received saline (placebo) with either simultaneous HF feeding or P-407 administration (‘progression' placebo groups), and one-fourth received saline (placebo) following cessation of HF feeding or P-407 administration. Total plasma CHOL was significantly ( P P P P
A ROLE FOR THE CADHERIN FAMILY OF CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN HIPPOCAMPAL LONG-TERM POTENTIATION

Abstract The cadherins are a family of cell–cell adhesion molecules that mediate Ca 2+ -dependent homophilic interactions between cells and transduce signals by interacting with cytoplasmic proteins. In the hippocampus, immunostaining combined with confocal microscopy revealed that both neural- (N-) and epithelial- (E-) cadherin are present at synaptic sites, implying a role in synaptic function. Pretreatment of hippocampal slices with antibodies (Abs) raised against the extracellular domain of either N-cad or E-cad had no effect on basal synaptic properties but significantly reduced long-term potentiation (LTP). Infusion of antagonistic peptides containing the His-Ala-Val (HAV) consensus sequence for cadherin dimerization also attenuated LTP induction without affecting previously established LTP. Because the intense synaptic stimulation associated with LTP induction might transiently deplete extracellular Ca 2+ and hence potentially destabilize cadherin–cadherin interactions, we examined whether slices could be protected from inhibition by N-cad Abs or HAV peptides by raising the extracellular Ca 2+ concentration. Indeed, we found that high extracellular Ca 2+ prevented the block of LTP by these agents. Taken together, these results indicate that cadherins are involved in synaptic plasticity, and the stability of cadherin–cadherin bonds may be regulated by synaptic stimulation.
Natural selection on human microRNA binding sites inferred from SNP data

A fundamental problem in biology is understanding how natural selection has shaped the evolution of gene regulation. Here we use SNP genotype data and techniques from population genetics to study an entire layer of short, cis-regulatory sites in the human genome. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress mRNA through cis-regulatory sites in 3' UTRs. We show that negative selection in humans is stronger on computationally predicted conserved miRNA binding sites than on other conserved sequence motifs in 3' UTRs, thus providing independent support for the target prediction model and explicitly demonstrating the contribution of miRNAs to darwinian fitness. Our techniques extend to nonconserved miRNA binding sites, and we estimate that 30%-50% of these are functional when the mRNA and miRNA are endogenously coexpressed. As we show that polymorphisms in predicted miRNA binding sites are likely to be deleterious, they are candidates for causal variants of human disease. We believe that our approach can be extended to studying other classes of cis-regulatory sites.
The prevalence of hypertension among elderly Navajos: a test of the acculturative stress hypothesis.

This is a study of the prevalence of hypertension among a sample of Navajo Indians 65 years of age and above. It is not clear whether prevalence has increased over the past generation in this age group. When men and women are compared, conventional measures of “acculturation” are related to hypertension among women but not among men. The differences between men and women seem most probably related to differences in the situation of men and women within both Navajo and Anglo-American society. Several alternative explanations are discussed as well.
Ultra-Low NOx Rich-Lean Combustion

An investigation has been carried out of the influence of the geometry and operating parameters of the rich/quench/lean (RQL) combustion concept on the NOx emissions. The RQL combustor is a three stage, variable geometry system in which fuel is burned in a carefully controlled fuel rich and fuel lean environment. The data utilized in this investigation were obtained under a wide range of operation that simulates the maximum continuous power mode, and for fuels that represent the future distillate types. An expression based on residence time, reaction rates, and mixing rates in each of the combustion zones was derived to estimate the NOx concentration. It was used also to define the range of operation that gives acceptable NOx for future applications. A 3-D combustor flow analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of various system components on the flow field and the total NOx. It was found that for further reduction of NOx modifications to the fuel nozzle and the quench mixer may be required.Copyright © 1990 by ASME
Effect of Observation Mode on Measures of Secondary Mathematics Teaching

Classroom observation of teachers is a significant part of educational measurement; measurements of teacher practice are being used in teacher evaluation systems across the country. This research investigated whether observations made live in the classroom and from video recording of the same lessons yielded similar inferences about teaching. Using scores on the Classroom Assessment Scoring System–Secondary (CLASS-S) from 82 algebra classrooms, we explored the effect of observation mode on inferences about the level or ranking of teaching in a single lesson or in a classroom for a year. We estimated the correlation between scores from the two observation modes and tested for mode differences in the distribution of scores, the sources of variance in scores, and the reliability of scores using generalizability and decision studies for the latter comparisons. Inferences about teaching in a classroom for a year were relatively insensitive to observation mode. However, time trends in the raters’ use of the sco...
Fluoxetine does not prevent interspecific mating between two hamster species

In a recent study we showed that female Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) from a laboratory stock readily mated with male Turkish hamsters (M. brandti). We hypothesized that captivity and/or unconscious selection of the most receptive females by researchers or animal caretakers results in heightened female sexual receptivity and reduces the tendency to reject heterospecific males. To test this hypothesis, we decided to decrease female receptivity by injection of fluoxetine, which increases the levels of serotonin in a number of brain loci, including areas involved in mediating sexual behavior, and determine whether such a decrease in receptivity would result in better discrimination of heterospecific males and rejection of such males as mates. We treated estrous female Syrian hamsters with 20 mg/kg fluoxetine or vehicle and paired them with both a conspecific and a heterospecific male (Turkish hamster) in two sequential tests. All females showed similar behavior — they exhibited lordosis toward both conspecific and heterospecific males. We did not observe any sign of aggression. Latency to display lordosis and the duration of lordosis were not affected by fluoxetine. Fluoxetine thus did not have an effect on the behavior of females toward conspecific or heterospecific males. Independent of treatment (fluoxetine or vehicle injection), females did display lordosis significantly faster and for a longer duration in the presence of a conspecific male, even though these differences were small.
Feeding, drug abuse, and the sensitization of reward by metabolic need

The incentive-motivating effects of external stimuli are dependent, in part, upon the internal need state of the organism. The increased rewarding efficacy of food as a function of energy deficit, for example, has obvious adaptive value. The enhancement of food reward extends, however, to drugs of abuse and electrical brain stimulation, probably due to a shared neural substrate. Research reviewed in this paper uses lateral hypothalamic electrical stimulation to probe the sensitivity of the brain reward system and investigate mechanisms through which metabolic need, induced by chronic food restriction and streptozotocin-induced diabetes, sensitizes this system. Results indicate that sensitivity to rewarding brain stimulation varies inversely with declining body weight. The effect is not mimicked by pharmacological glucoprivation or lipoprivation in ad libitum fed animals; sensitization appears to depend on persistent metabolic need or adipose depletion. While the literature suggests elevated plasma corticosterone as a peripheral trigger of reward sensitization, sensitization was not reversed by meal-induced or pharmacological suppression of plasma corticosterone. Centrally, reward sensitization is mediated by opioid receptors, since the effect is reversed by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of naltrexone, TCTAP (μ antagonist) and nor-binaltorphimine (κ antagonist). The fact that these same treatments, as well as i.c.v. infusion of dynorphin A antiserum, block the feeding response to lateral hypothalamic stimulation suggests that feeding and reward sensitization are mediated by a common opioid mechanism. Using in vitro autoradiography, radioimmunoassays and a solution hybridization mRNA assay, brain regional μ and κ opioid receptor binding, levels of prodynorphin-derived peptides, and prodynorphin mRNA, respectively, were measured in food-restricted and diabetic rats. Changes that could plausibly be involved in reward sensitization are discussed, with emphasis on the increased dynorphin A1–8 and prodynorphin mRNA levels in lateral hypothalamic neurons that innervate the pontine parabrachial nucleus, where μ binding decreased and κ binding increased. Finally, the possible linkage between metabolic need and activation of a brain opioid mechanism is discussed, as is evidence supporting the relevance of these findings to drug abuse.
Comparison of topogram-based body size indices for CT dose consideration and scan protocol optimization

Purpose: To retrospectively compare different topogram-based patient body size indices and to determine the optimal topogram-based body size index as a basis for body computed tomography(CT)dose consideration and scan protocol optimization. Methods: Forty-three routine thorax and abdomen CT scans are studied retrospectively, with patient ages ranging from 18 to 67 yr. The individual patient’s water-equivalent diameter (D w ) of the scanned body region is computed from CT DICOM images as the “gold standard,” after first converting from Hounsfield units values to μa values, where μ is the normalized tissueattenuation coefficient and a is the area per pixel. Four topogram-based body size indices [average diameter ( D ¯ ) , girth (G), topogram projection area (E topo), and improved topogram projection area ( E topo ' ) ] are computed and correlated with D w using linear regression analysis. Specifically, D ¯ is calculated by averaging the coronal and sagittal diameters; G is computed by modeling the patient’s cross-section as an ellipse; E topo is the product of the mean topogram pixel value and the width of the scanned body region; and ( E topo ' ) incorporates E topo with correction of patient miscentering and water attenuation coefficient. The accuracy of these four approaches for estimation of D w is assessed using linear regression models. Results are given in terms of 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Regression analysis results in four different linear models. The standard error (95% CI) for estimation ofD w from D ¯ and G was ±2.8 and ±3.1 cm, respectively (p = 0.297). The standard error for estimation of D w from E topo was significantly less than that from D ¯ (±2.1 cm, p ( E topo ' ) was ±1.3 cm, significantly less than that from E topo (p ( E topo ' ) is the most accurate for estimation of individual x-rayattenuation of the scanned body region. Thus, ( E topo ' ) is an optimal topogram-based patient body size index that is relevant for determining the proper CTdose level for individual patients.
Spatial Analyses of Benthic Habitats to Define Coral Reef Ecosystem Regions and Potential Biogeographic Boundaries along a Latitudinal Gradient

Marine organism diversity typically attenuates latitudinally from tropical to colder climate regimes. Since the distribution of many marine species relates to certain habitats and depth regimes, mapping data provide valuable information in the absence of detailed ecological data that can be used to identify and spatially quantify smaller scale (10 s km) coral reef ecosystem regions and potential physical biogeographic barriers. This study focused on the southeast Florida coast due to a recognized, but understudied, tropical to subtropical biogeographic gradient. GIS spatial analyses were conducted on recent, accurate, shallow-water (0–30 m) benthic habitat maps to identify and quantify specific regions along the coast that were statistically distinct in the number and amount of major benthic habitat types. Habitat type and width were measured for 209 evenly-spaced cross-shelf transects. Evaluation of groupings from a cluster analysis at 75% similarity yielded five distinct regions. The number of benthic habitats and their area, width, distance from shore, distance from each other, and LIDAR depths were calculated in GIS and examined to determine regional statistical differences. The number of benthic habitats decreased with increasing latitude from 9 in the south to 4 in the north and many of the habitat metrics statistically differed between regions. Three potential biogeographic barriers were found at the Boca, Hillsboro, and Biscayne boundaries, where specific shallow-water habitats were absent further north; Middle Reef, Inner Reef, and oceanic seagrass beds respectively. The Bahamas Fault Zone boundary was also noted where changes in coastal morphologies occurred that could relate to subtle ecological changes. The analyses defined regions on a smaller scale more appropriate to regional management decisions, hence strengthening marine conservation planning with an objective, scientific foundation for decision making. They provide a framework for similar regional analyses elsewhere.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth of Sb/GaSb multilayer structures: potential application as a narrow bandgap system

Abstract We have performed an investigation into the synthesis of Sb/GaSb heterojunctions and multilayered structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The study has been motivated by the potential of the system as an indirect narrow-gap superlattice, where spacial quantization effects are proposed to induce a positive valence-conduction band energy gap in the Sb semimetal layers, and the potential to exploit the large characteristic lengths in the Sb layers for the study of size quantization effects. The GaSb/Sb system presents a number of unique features with regard to synthesis of the epitaxial semimetal/semiconductor system. On the (111) plane of the rhombohedral crystal structure of Sb, both the hexagonal symmetry and in-plane lattice parameter allow near perfect registry to the Sb atoms on the (111) plane of the zincblende structure of GaSb. We show that Sb can be grown epitaxially on GaSb on both (111)A and (111)B orientations for growth temperature T s C and that GaSb can subsequently be grown on the Sb epilayers. The successful growth of GaSb at temperatures less than 240°C has been achieved using migration enhanced epitaxy. Epilayer growth of Sb and Sb/GaSb heterojunction structures have been characterized by in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.