cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MANAGEMENT OF GERIATRIC INCONTINENCE IN NURSING HOMES

A behavioral management system designed to reduce urinary incontinence was evaluated in two nursing homes with a pretest-posttest control group design with repeated measures. The primary components of the system were prompting and contingent social approval/disapproval which required approximately 2.5 minutes per patient per hour to administer. The frequency of correct toileting for experimental subjects increased by approximately 45%. The experimental groups were significantly different from the control groups on both incontinence and correct toileting measures. The results are discussed in view of the management issues inherent in nursing home settings.
Sulfasalazine-induced pulmonary disease

Sulfasalazine has been widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Although a high incidence of side effects has been reported, pulmonary complications are rare. The clinical, radiographic, and histological abnormalities that occurred in a patient three months after initiation of sulfasalazine are described. A review of the literature suggests that the possibility of drug-induced pulmonary disease should be considered in any patient with inflammatory bowel disease receiving treatment with sulfasalazine who develops symptoms or radiographic evidence of pulmonary disease. Transbronchial biopsy may be useful in confirming the type of pulmonary injury.
GABA and benzodiazepine binding sites in spontaneously hypertensive rat

The binding of GABA to its central receptor sites and of benzodiazepines to central and peripheral types of binding sites was compared in age-matched spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and normotensive (WKY) rat. The KD and Bmax values of GABA agonist binding were not significantly different between SHR and WKY rat in the forebrain, cerebellum or pons-medulla. The binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to central types of binding sites was also not different in 12 week-old SHR and WKY rat. However, the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]RO5-4864 was significantly lower in the SHR kidney, as compared to WKY rat kidney. This decrease was due to a lower Bmax in SHR kidney. In contrast, the binding of these radioligands in the hearts of the two strains was not different. These results indicate that the SHR has lower peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites in the kidney as compared to age-matched normotensive WKY rat kidney.
PCR REACTION PARAMETER TITRATION AS AN APPROACH TO DEVELOP SHORTENED REACTION TIMES IN A CONVENTIONAL THERMAL CYCLER

A shortened PCR procedure was developed in a conventional thermal cycler. Overnight cultures of E. coli were used for PCR to amplify fragments of the uidA and slxII genes. A standard PCR program (30 cycles of 1 m denaturation at 94C, 1 m annealing at 54C or 60C, and 2.5 m elongation at 72C) required 3.5 h to complete and was able to detect a product from 1 × 103 PCR template cells in an agarose gel. The shortened PCR program (35 cycles of 17 s denaturation at 94C, 20 s annealing at 54C or 60C and 23 s elongation at 72C) required 1.5 h time and was able to detect PCR product from 5×10 PCR template cells. The results show that it is possible to shorten the time of each PCR cycle producing a more rapid method for the detection of E. coli while still using a conventional thermal cycler. This approach was successful using different primer pairs, indicating other researchers could use this approach to significantly shorten their PCR reaction times.
Sound Velocities in Olivine at Earth Mantle Pressures

The independent elastic constants of an upper mantle mineral, San Carlos olivine [(Mg1.8Fe0.2)SiO4], were measured from 0 to 12.5 gigapascals. Evidence is offered in support of the proposition that the explicit temperature dependence of the bulk modulus is small over the range of temperatures and pressures thought to prevail above the 400-kilometer discontinuity, and thus the data can be extrapolated to estimate the properties of olivine under mantle conditions at a depth of 400 kilometers. In the absence of high-temperature data at high pressures, estimates are made of the properties of olivine under mantle conditions to a depth of 400 kilometers. In contrast with low-pressure laboratory data, the predicted covariance of shear and compressional velocities as a function of temperature nearly matches the seismically estimated value for the lower mantle.
Off-phase crosstalk behaviour and design considerations for high-speed memory buses

The interconnect margins shrink rapidly at higher speed due to reduced bit width and increased noise level. Crosstalk impact remains the biggest concern for the single-ended memory busses such as DDR3 and GDDR5 interconnect. The phase relationship of the xtalk coupling plays an important role on interconnect performance. This paper outlines several types of off-phase crosstalk and their impact to system margin. It also provides the methodology to analyse their effects and design considerations to mitigate their impact.
Drugs affecting thyroid function.

Introduction: Over the years, several drugs used in the treatment of nonthyroidal conditions have been shown to affect thyroid function. As novel drugs are introduced, novel interactions are described. The aim of this review is to summarize clinically relevant thyroidal side effects of drugs used for nonthyroidal conditions. Special focus is given to recent developments and to drugs with the largest clinical relevance. Summary: Thyrosine kinase inhibitors are novel drugs used in the treatment of several neoplasias, including thyroid cancer. Thyroidal side effects are being increasingly detected with these drugs. Some drugs in this category affect thyroid hormone metabolism and therefore only affect patients on thyroid replacement. Others affect the thyroid directly profoundly, causing primary hypothyroidism. Immune modulators used in infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions also cause hyper- and hypothyroidism, through poorly understood immune or nonimmune mechanisms. The effects of amiodarone ...
Integrating multi-scale blob/curvilinear detector techniques and multi-level sets for automated segmentation of stem cell images

Studies of differentiation abilities of stem cells have been attracting a lot of attention over the last years. Microscopy can be used to record details of the differentiation process of stem cells under different perturbations and is an important tool for studying stem cell differentiation. Since it is infeasible to quantitatively analyze a huge amount of image data manually, automated image analysis systems are urgently needed. However, the complicated morphological appearances of stem cells are challenging to the existing segmentation methods. Herein, we propose a new, automated scheme for stem cell segmentation. This scheme first uses the multi-scale blob and curvilinear structure detectors to delineate the skeletons of stem cells quickly and then segment out stem cells by refining the skeletons to the cell boundaries using multi-level sets. The initial experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Inflammatory Lung Injury After Cardiopulmonary Bypass is Attenuated by Adenosine A2A Receptor Activation

Objective Cardiopulmonary bypass has been shown to exert an inflammatory response within the lung, often resulting in postoperative pulmonary dysfunction. Several studies have shown that adenosine A 2A receptor activation attenuates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the effect of adenosine A 2A receptor activation on cardiopulmonary bypass-induced lung injury has not been studied. We hypothesized that specific adenosine A 2A receptor activation by ATL313 would attenuate inflammatory lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) SHAM group (underwent cannulation + heparinization only); 2) CONTROL group (underwent 90 minutes of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with normal whole-blood priming solution; and 3) ATL group (underwent 90 minutes of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with ATL313 added to the normal priming solution). Results There was significantly less pulmonary edema and lung injury in the ATL group compared with the CONTROL group. The ATL group had significant reductions in bronchoalveolar lavage interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and myeloperoxidase levels compared with the CONTROL group. Similarly, lung tissue interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ were significantly decreased in the ATL group compared with the CONTROL group. There was no significant difference between the SHAM and ATL groups in the amount of pulmonary edema, lung injury, or levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion The addition of a potent adenosine A 2A receptor agonist to the normal priming solution before the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass significantly protects the lung from the inflammatory effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and reduces the amount of lung injury. Adenosine A 2A receptor agonists could represent a new therapeutic strategy for reducing the potentially devastating consequences of the inflammatory response associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Sexual Violence in Europe in World War II, 1939—1945

Focusing in particular on the German-Soviet war in the East, this article explores variations in patterns of sexual violence associated with armed forces in Europe during and immediately after World War II. Besides soldier violence perpetrated against civilian populations, a significant role was also played by irregular forces: most notably, by partisan guerrillas and civilian vigilantes. Ethnic nationalist partisan forces perpetrated especially brutal sexual violence against women and girls of “enemy” nationalities. Likewise, after liberation civilian reprisals were fairly common throughout Europe against so-called “sexual collaborators”—that is, against women excoriated for providing “sexual comfort” to the enemy during the German occupation.
The Effects of Neutrally Buoyant, Externally Attached Transmitters on Swimming Performance and Predator Avoidance of Juvenile Chinook Salmon

Abstract Migrating juvenile salmonids experience rapid decompression that could result in injury or mortality due to barotrauma as they pass turbines at hydropower facilities. Recent research indicates that the risk of injury or mortality due to barotrauma is higher in fish bearing surgically implanted transmitters. Since tagged fish are used to represent the entire population, this tag effect potentially leads to inaccuracies in survival estimates for fish passing turbines. This problem led to development of a novel transmitter, the use of which may eliminate bias associated with the passage of transmitter-bearing fish through turbines. Juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were tagged with two different neutrally buoyant, externally attached transmitters (types A and B). The effects of transmitter presence on swimming performance were examined by comparing critical swimming speeds (Ucrit ; an index of prolonged swimming performance) of externally tagged fish, untagged individuals, and fish th...
Features of coexisting granulomatosis with polyangiitis in a patient with pemphigus vulgaris: a case report

Abstract Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s or GPA) are two rare autoimmune disorders. Both can involve the upper airways, and diagnosis can be difficult in the absence of extra-airway symptoms. We report the case of a patient with well-controlled PV but persistent upper respiratory tract symptoms. Further evaluation revealed perforation of the nasal septum and elevated serologies consistent with GPA. The patient improved with rituximab treatments. This case demonstrates that alternative concomitant diagnosis should be considered in patients with symptoms suggestive of recalcitrant PV and/or GPA, since these patients may require more aggressive initial treatment.
Least squares estimation of a panel data model with multifactor error structure and endogenous covariates

Abstract We propose a method for estimating the slope parameter in an interactive effects panel data model with endogenous loadings and factors, and endogenous regressors.
Eps15 mediates vesicle trafficking from the trans-Golgi network via an interaction with the clathrin adaptor AP-1

Eps15 (EGFR pathway substrate clone 15) is well known for its role in clathrin-coated vesicle formation at the plasma membrane through interactions with other clathrin adaptor proteins such as AP-2. Interestingly, we observed that in addition to its plasma membrane localization, Eps15 is also present at the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Therefore, we predicted that Eps15 might associate with clathrin adaptor proteins at the TGN and thereby mediate the formation of Golgi-derived vesicles. Indeed, we have found that Eps15 and the TGN clathrin adaptor AP-1 coimmunoprecipitate from rat liver Golgi fractions. Furthermore, we have identified a 14-amino acid motif near the AP-2-binding domain of Eps15 that is required for binding to AP-1, but not AP-2. Disruption of the Eps15-AP-1 interaction via siRNA knockdown of AP-1 or expression of mutant Eps15 protein, which lacks a 14-amino acid motif representing the AP-1 binding site of Eps15, significantly reduced the exit of secretory proteins from the TGN. Together, these findings indicate that Eps15 plays an important role in clathrin-coated vesicle formation not only at the plasma membrane but also at the TGN during the secretory process.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein expression in the hypothyroid rat is age dependent

Thyroid hormone is essential for normal growth and development. For certain T4 effects, there is a critical period during ontogeny when normal T4 levels are required, and thyroid replacement after that period cannot correct the changes in hypothyroid animals. We have previously described a prolonged high expression of serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2 during the perinatal period in congenitally hypothyroid rats. To see if this effect was confined only to a certain period during rat ontogeny, we made rats hypothyroid with methimazole treatment either prenatally, or at different postnatal ages from 1 to 14 days of life, and at adult age. Serum IGF-I levels were reduced by approximately 30% in all the 18-day-old hypothyroid animals, and did not correlate with the duration of the hypothyroid state. Serum IGF-I levels in the adult animals were 50% of control levels. At the age of 18 days, control animals had only very low levels of IGFBP-2 demonstrable by western ligand blotting, whereas the congenitally hypothyroid animals had elevated levels. Pups placed on methimazole treatment since the first day of life showed higher IGFBP-2 levels at the age of 18 days, although the change was not as prominent as in the congenitally hypothyroid animals (200% vs. 500% of control levels, respectively). Binding protein changes were approximately 2-fold at the mRNA level. Rats started on methimazole after the first 5 days of life showed normal low levels of IGFBP-2 at the age of 18 days. Abnormal IGBFP-2 expression in congenitally or neonatally hypothyroid animals could be corrected by thyroid hormone replacement, if started during the first week of the life, but not later. In adult hypothyroid animals, there was no induction of IGFBP-2 expression, but the levels of IGFBP-3 and -4 were decreased to 80% and to 30% of control levels, respectively. IGFBP-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were decreased to 50% of control levels but IGFBP-4 mRNA levels were paradoxically increased in the hypothyroid animals. All these changes could be corrected by T4 replacement. In conclusion, there exists a critical period during the perinatal development of the rat, when thyroid hormone is essential for a subsequent normal IGFBP-2 ontogenic pattern. Adult animals show a completely different IGFBP response to hypothyroidism, with a decrease of IGFBP-3 and -4 levels. Thus, the effects of thyroid hormone on IGF-IGFBP axis regulation depend on the developmental stage of the animal.
The True Odor of the Odorous House Ant

More than 13,000 ant species have been formally described, yet the general public recognizes only two main categories: red ants and black ants. This system has some limitations, so there has been increased effort to provide additional sensory information for ant identification, including the sense of smell. Nowhere has this been more strongly applied than to the “odorous house ant” ( Tapinoma sessile Say), a common household pest in North America that releases a curious odor when crushed (Smith 1928). At first, using scent to identify ants seems obvious and practical, because ants themselves communicate through smell. However, the sense of smell in humans is far less developed, and there has been recent controversy over what, exactly, the odorous house ant smells like. This species belongs to a …
A Balance Feedback Human Machine Interface for humanoid teleoperation in dynamic tasks

This paper introduces a novel Balance Feedback Interface (BFI) that addresses the problem of bilateral feedback for teleoperation of humanoid robots. With this new device we expect to enhance robot's high force manipulation performance to a level comparable to humans by dynamically synchronizing master and slave. Through this Human-Machine Interface (HMI) we aim to achieve two goals: (i) have the human pilot learn from the robot's dynamic behavior; and (ii) have the humanoid robotic platform learn from human's motor skills. The eventual goal is to fuse the teleoperator's commands and an autonomous controller for optimal performance. Initial results evaluate the stability of the robot while being teleoperated by a human pilot for a simple upright balancing task. During the experiment the user has no visual information about the robot's state and is expected to compensate for unpredicted instabilities. The bilateral feedback system shows robustness to inertial variations and to external disturbances with the proposed human-in-the-loop control strategy offering valuable insight for future work.
Lie methods in mathematical modelling: Difference equation models of differential equations

For purposes of numerical integration, differential equations are often modeled by finite-differences. However, these models raise a number of questions related to how the finite-difference schemes are to be constructed, the magnitude of the local truncation errors, the existence and elimination of numerical instabilities, etc. We prove a theorem which states that to each ordinary differential equation there corresponds an ''exact'' finite-difference scheme, i.e., the local truncation error is zero. This means that on the computational grid or lattice, the solution to the difference equation is exactly equal to the solution to the differential equation. We use the theorem to show, by means of a number of explicit examples, that the usual rules for constructing finite-difference schemes are ''wrong.'' Several modeling principles are presented, as well as their application to partial differential equations.
The Oromo National Movement And Gross Human Rights Violations In The Age Of Globalization

Today, the Oromo are an impoverished and powerless numerical majority and political minority13 in the Ethiopian empire; they have been the colonial subjects of Ethiopia, former Abyssinia, since the last decades of the 19th century. As the Ethiopian state colonized the Oromo with the help European imperialism, it has continued to terrorize, dominate, and exploit them with the help of successive global hegemonic powers such as England, the former Soviet Union, and the United States, To change the deplorable condition of the Oromo people, the Oromo movement is engaging in national struggle to restore the Oromo democratic tradition known as the gadaa system and to liberate the Oromo people from colonialism and all forms of oppression and exploitation by achieving their national self-determination. A few elements of Oromo elites who clearly understood the impact of Ethiopian colonialism and global imperialism on the Oromo society had facilitated the emergence of the Oromo national movement in the 1960s and 1970s by initiating the development of national Oromummaa (Oromo national culture, identity, and nationalism). This paper focuses on and explores three major issues: First, it briefly provides analytical and theoretical insights. Second, the paper explains the past and current status of the Oromo people in relation to gross Oromo human rights violations. Third, it identifies and examines some major constraints and opportunities for the Oromo national movement and the promotion of human rights, social justice, and democracy.
Refined assessment of associations between drinking water residence time and emergency department visits for gastrointestinal illness in Metro Atlanta, Georgia.

Recent outbreak investigations suggest that a substantial proportion of waterborne disease outbreaks are attributable to water distribution system issues. In this analysis, we examine the relationship between modeled water residence time (WRT), a proxy for probability of microorganism intrusion into the distribution system, and emergency department visits for gastrointestinal (GI) illness for two water utilities in Metro Atlanta, USA during 1993–2004. We also examine the association between proximity to the nearest distribution system node, based on patients' residential address, and GI illness using logistic regression models. Comparing long (≥90th percentile) with intermediate WRTs (11th to 89th percentile), we observed a modestly increased risk for GI illness for Utility 1 (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.13), which had substantially higher average WRT than Utility 2, for which we found no increased risk (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94–1.02). Examining finer, 12-hour increments of WRT, we found that exposures >48 h were associated with increased risk of GI illness, and exposures of >96 h had the strongest associations, although none of these associations was statistically significant. Our results suggest that utilities might consider reducing WRTs to <2–3 days or adding booster disinfection in areas with longer WRT, to minimize risk of GI illness from water consumption.
Advertising Wearout: An Experimental Analysis:

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of very high levels of print ad repetition on brand name recall. In experiment I, the wearout in recall observed in natural settings was replica...
Renormalization of the Axial-Vector Coupling Constant in Nuclear β Decay

The isoscalar magnetic moments and Gamow-Teller $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of the systems $A=11,13,15,17,19, \mathrm{and} 21$ are analyzed in an attempt to extract, in a largely model-independent way, the effective nuclear renormalization of the axial coupling constant: ${g}_{A}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{g}_{\mathrm{Ae}}$. We find: $\frac{{g}_{\mathrm{Ae}}}{{g}_{A}}=0.920\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.047$.
Quantitative assessment of the behavior of psychotherapy supervisors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the behavior of psychotherapy supervisors by using the Psychotherapy Supervision Inventory. Method: The authors used the Psychotherapy Supervision Inventory to rate 53 videotaped supervision sessions of 34 different supervisors. They also used the variable of the rater's perception of the excellence of the supervisor as a teacher. The data were subjected to a cluster analysis and a K-means analysis
Dispersion, sampling, and potential for integrated control of twospotted spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) on greenhouse roses

Five applications of abamectin applied at a concentration of 12 ppm and at 3- to 5-d intervals as fill canopy sprays provided effective control of Tetran ychus urticae Koch on greenhouse roses, but also eliminated a biological control agent, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot. However, abamectin applications confined to the upper portion of the canopy (from where the marketed portion of the crop is taken) provided chemical control of spider mites in tilt' upper canopy. The lower canopy supported a rapidly decreasing spider mite population and a slightly increasing population of P. persimilis. These results show the potential for integration of biological control of T urticae with chemical control of T ruiicae and other pests of greenhouse roses. Dispersion of T urticae was determined using Taylor's power law, and fixed-precision-level sampling plans were developed for estimating population densities. Use of binomial sequential sampling plans, using differential action thresholds for upper and Lower canopies, are proposed for monitoring T urticae in commercial rose production. The potential for control of T urticae through pest population monitoring and integration of chemical and biological control is discussed.
Large Enhancement of JC in YBacuo Single Crystals Induced by Proton Irradiation

We have used magnetization measurements to study the effect of proton irradiation on the critical current density of a YBaCuO single crystal. We have obtained a maximum value of 1.5x10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K and 1 T at a fluence of 2 x 10 16 cm -2 , representing a 50-fold increase with respect to the unirradiated sample.
Health risk assessment of heavy metals in drinking water in Jiangsu Province

Objective To assess health risk of heavy metals in drinking water in Jiangsu Province.Methods Six heavy metals concentration were detected by ICP-MS analysis method.Health risk associated 6 heavy metals in drinking water were assessed using USEPA health risk assessment model.Results The median concentration of six metals was:2 μg/L for Cr6+,0.5 μg/L for As,0.03 μg/L for Cd,0.36 μg/L for Pb,0.35 μg/L for Hg,5 μg/L for Zn.The carcinogenic risk level is:Cr6+ for 4.23×10-5/a,As for 5.66×10-6/a,Cd for 37.65×10-8/a.The non carcinogenic risk level is:Pb for 34.59×10-11/a,Hg for 16.35×10-10/a,Zn for 62.73×10-7/a.The rank of health risk is Cr6+ZnCdHgPb.The total health risk level is 5.47×10-5/a.Conclusion The total health risk level was higher than ICRP recommended level(5×10-5),while lower than US EPA recommended level(1×10-4).
Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and histology in collagenase-induced hemorrhage in the rat.

Abstract Complex changes in the appearance of blood on magnetic resonance images (MRIs) complicate interpretation of intracerebral hemorrhage. In this study serial MRIs of intracerebral hemorrhage were obtained at 1.5 T, using a recently developed model for brain hemorrhage, and the MRI findings were compared with histological findings. Hemorrhages were induced in 24 adult rats by the stereotactic injection of 0.5 unit of bacterial collagenase into the caudate/putamen. Initially, there was hypointensity seen on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Conversion to hyperintensity began on both T1- and T2-weighted images around 10 hours, when red blood cell lysis was observed histologically. By 24 hours, complete conversion to marked hyperintensity had occurred. Calculated T2 values increased twofold to fivefold after lysis, indicating that T2 effects dominate the conversion to hyperintensity seen after red blood cell lysis. At 24 hours there was a rim of intact red blood cells around the lesion, which was hypointense on MRI at a time when iron stains were negative. Fresh blood appears hypointense on T1- and T2-weighted images both at the early stages of a bleed and at later stages when rebleeding occurs. Collagenase-induced hemorrhage is a useful animal model to follow the evolution of paramagnetic effects of blood on MRI.
Long gap esophageal atresia: Primary anastomosis after esophageal elongation by bougienage and esophagomyotomy

Treatment of infants with "long gap" esophageal atresia usually requires a staged procedure consisting of cervical esophagostomy and gastrostomy at birth, and then a bowel interposition between the esophagus and stomach at 1 year of age. Because this approach produces significant morbidity and swallowing dysfunction, an alternative method for treating the long gap atresia is recommended. The upper esophageal pouch can be elongated by preoperative bougienage during a 2 to 10 week period of delay. Intraoperative circumferential esophagomyotomy can further elongate the upper pouch by about 1 cm for each myotomy. Combining these two techniques allows successful primary esophageal reconstruction in infants with long gap esophageal atresia previously considered uncorrectable except by use of colonic or gastric tube interpositions.
Image-Spectroscopy: Applying EELS Analysis Techniques to EFTEM Series

Rat liver group IIA phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2), Enzyme Commission Number [E.C.] 3.1.1.4) was initially isolated from mitochondria. Since then it has been thought that it resides in mitochondria and that mitochondria are its main subcellular target. We cloned the cDNA sequence of rat group IIA PLA(2) and fused its presequence (signal peptide) to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). In baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells transiently and stably expressing the fusion protein, the fluorescence does not localize in mitochondria, but rather in the secretory pathway. These results suggest that the plasma membrane, and not mitochondria, is the primary target of rat group IIA PLA(2).
Dependence of AT1 Angiotensin Receptor Function on Adjacent Asparagine Residues in the Seventh Transmembrane Helix

For several G protein-coupled receptors, amino acids in the seventh transmembrane helix have been implicated in ligand binding and receptor activation. The function of this region in the AT1 angiotensin receptor was further investigated by mutation of two conserved polar residues (Asn294 and Asn295) and the adjacent Phe293 residue. Analysis of the properties of the mutant receptors expressed in COS-7 cells revealed that alanine replacement of Phe293 had no major effect on AT1 receptor function. Substitution of the adjacent Asn294 residue with alanine (N294A) reduced receptor binding affinities for angiotensin II, two nonpeptide agonists (L-162,313 and L-163,491), and the AT1-selective nonpeptide antagonist losartan but not that for the peptide antagonist [Sar1, Ile8]angiotensin II. The N294A receptor also showed impaired G protein coupling and severely attenuated inositol phosphate generation. In contrast, alanine replacement of Asn295 decreased receptor binding affinities for all angiotensin II ligands but did not impair signal transduction. Additional substitutions of Asn295 with a variety of amino acids did not identify specific structural elements for ligand binding. These findings indicate that Asn295 is required for the integrity of the intramembrane binding pocket of the AT1a receptor but is not essential for signal generation. They also demonstrate the importance of transmembrane helices in the formation of the binding site for nonpeptide AT1 receptor agonists. We conclude that the Asn294 residue of the AT1 receptor is an essential determinant of receptor activation and that the adjacent Asn295 residue is required for normal ligand binding.
Modern Consciousness and the Exilic-Utopian Imagination in the Hellenic World: Sophocles and Plato

The ancient Hellenic world is another place where the exilic-utopian imagination blossoms forth. I shall have to defer, for another occasion, an extended analysis that would trace the development of this imagination from the Homeric epic to Hesiod to the Presocratics to Greek drama to Plato and Aristotle to the Hellenistic period. Suffice it to say that it has the same double register that we have encountered in the Near-Eastern narratives: on the one hand, we have an exilic-utopian imagination that derives from and reinforces a mentality of power; and on the other hand, we have the kind that turns away from power and moves toward an irenic mentality. Here I can only briefly record the presence of this double register in the works of two very influential Hellenic authors: Sophocles and Plato.
3D road curb extraction from image sequence for automobile parking assist system

We extract 3D curb from video sequence, using a single camera equipped with fish-eye lens and located at the front/rear of the vehicle. The challenge in extracting curbs from images lies in their small size and their lack of texture. We show that by appropriately exploiting appearance features, 3D geometry, and temporal information, one can reliably detect and localize the curbs in the 3D scene. The main underlying assumption of our model is that the road surface is flat and that the curb is approximately orthogonal to the road plane. We collected nine videos with ground truth, under day-time sunny weather condition, up to 2m range. Our experimental results compare favorably wrt the current the state-of-the-art on our database —90% precision rate in average and over 85% accuracy in curb height estimation.
Mapping per-pixel predicted accuracy of classified remote sensing images.

Abstract The traditional approach of map accuracy assessment based on an error matrix does not capture the spatial variation in classification accuracy. Here, per-pixel accuracy prediction methods are proposed based on interpolating accuracy values from a test sample in which the reference class of each sampled pixel has been determined. Different accuracy prediction methods were developed based on four factors: predictive domain (spatial versus spectral), interpolation function (constant, linear, Gaussian, and logistic), incorporation of class information (interpolating each class separately versus grouping them together), and sample size. Developing accuracy maps using the spectral domain is a new approach in contrast to previous efforts based on the spatial domain. Performance of the prediction methods was evaluated using 26 test blocks, with 10 km × 10 km dimensions, dispersed throughout the United States. Each block had complete coverage reference data manually extracted by interpreters and a land-cover map produced from Landsat imagery using a decision tree classification. The full scene maps were then compared to the corresponding reference maps to produce complete coverage accuracy information for each block. The predicted accuracy maps were produced from a sample of the reference data (i.e., the test dataset). The performance of the sample-based accuracy predictions was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic. Relative to existing accuracy prediction methods, our proposed methods resulted in improvements of AUC of 0.15 or greater. Evaluation of the four factors comprising the accuracy prediction methods demonstrated that: i) interpolations should be done separately for each class instead of grouping all classes together; ii) if an all-classes approach is used, the spectral domain will result in substantially greater AUC than the spatial domain; iii) for the smaller sample size and per-class predictions, the spectral and spatial domain yielded similar AUC; iv) for the larger sample size (i.e., very dense spatial sample) and per-class predictions, the spatial domain yielded larger AUC; v) increasing the sample size improved accuracy predictions with a greater benefit accruing to the spatial domain; and vi) the function used for interpolation had the smallest effect on AUC. To conclude, the ability to produce per-pixel accuracy predictions yielding simple to understand accuracy maps opens up new possibilities for error propagation of remotely sensed products in a variety of disciplines.
The impact of student loans on college access, completion, and returns

Nearly half of all first-time undergraduates take a loan to pay for college, and many students will borrow tens of thousands of dollars by the time they leave. Low-income students and students of color borrow student loans more often and in larger amounts, yet attend less selective institutions, are more likely to drop out with debt. Among students who complete college, those with larger amounts of debt may struggle to pay back their loans or to invest in a house, family, or future education. Researchers are just beginning to untangle how the availability and use of student loans affects college access, educational attainment, and life after college, yet this topic has important implications for economic inequality and social stratification. In this article, we summarize what is known and what remains to be investigated, about the impact of student loan availability and use on college enrollment, degree completion, and postcollege outcomes.
Outcome of Surgical Repair of Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience With 38 Patients

Background Pulmonary artery (PA) aneurysms are rare and have been reported only in case reports or small series. We reviewed our experience with surgical repair of PA aneurysms. Methods We reviewed all patients with a true PA aneurysm undergoing cardiac operations between 1995 and 2015. We excluded aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms related to right ventricular outflow tract patches or previous conduits. Results There were 38 patients (24 women [63%]; mean age, 46 ± 15 years), and 14 patients (37%) were asymptomatic. The main PA was involved 35 patients (92%). The mean aneurysm diameter was 5.8 ± 1.8 cm. The most common associated pathology was pulmonary valve stenosis/regurgitation in 23 patients (64%). High-pressure (right ventricular systolic pressure >35 mm Hg) aneurysms were present in 23 patients. Operative strategies included reduction arterioplasty in 30 patients (79%) and resection with graft interposition in 8 (21%). The average length of stay was 6.0 ± 2.2 days. There were no early deaths. Late deaths occurred in 3 patients (8%) and were noncardiac related. Late reoperations occurred in 8% and were not related to the PA aneurysm. All high-pressure aneurysms and those larger than 8 cm demonstrated advanced medial necrosis on pathologic examination of the specimens. Conclusions PA aneurysms are a real entity, and surgical repair can be done with low morbidity and mortality. Aneurysmorrhaphy or aneurysmectomy can be performed, depending on the anatomic location. Regardless of the size of the PA, we recommend intervention on high-pressure aneurysms due to the occurrence of advanced medial necrosis.
Signaling by the JNK group of MAP kinases

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is one of the several main MAP kinase groups identified in mammals. Original studies by use of Jurkat T cells implicated JNK in T cell activation and interleukin (IL-2) expression. Recent advances using mouse genetic approaches have revealed novel functions of this pathway in primary mouse T cells. JNK is not essential for T-cell activation; instead, it is required for helper T differentiation into effector cells and their cytokine production. In this review, we summarize these advances in understanding the expression, function, and regulation of the JNK pathway in T-lymphocyte activation and differentiation.
Handover performance prioritization for public safety and emergency networks

Handovers in a cellular system provide mobility and freedom to connect to any desired cell at any instance. It is necessary to manage handovers better, to cater to the services that a user desires. In any given cell, the newly originating connections and the incoming handover connections both have been mostly treated as exponential arrivals from a queueing model perspective. However, such models provide no flexibility to match real-world mobility scenarios, other than the one rate parameter. In contrast, in this paper, we propose matrix exponential modeling of handover arrivals to provide the potential to much more accurately characterize arrivals and prioritize resource allocation for handovers, especially handovers for emergency or public safety needs. With the use of a ‘B’ matrix for representing a handover arrival, we have a rich set of dimensions to model system handover behavior. We can study multiple parameters and the interactions between system events along with the user mobility, which would trigger a handoff in any given scenario. Here we show the fundamental modeling approach and demonstrate usefulness of the model while investigating impacts and sensitivities of certain key parameters.
The post-selection operator current

In this paper, we develop the concept of the post-selection operator current and we use it to extend the methodology of quantum mechanics into related fields of science and engineering. We begin by reviewing some results from standard quantum mechanics. We then introduce the post-selection operator current and note that the concept of the operator current provides a common framework for connecting underlying concepts in classical signal theory and quantum mechanics. Next, we explore the geometry of post-selection making use of the Pancharatnam phase. We illustrate the usefulness of the method through a series of simple examples; at each stage we link the results of quantum mechanics to applications in signal processing. We then simplify some results by introducing a density operator. This simplification allows us to present a number of useful observations about weak values. We conclude by using the operator current explore the relationship between post-selection and gauge invariance. The methods developed in this paper enable us to characterize the time evolution of a post-selected operator. The methods can be applied to other evolutionary/transport equations including the Fokker–Planck equation, and the equation of Brownian motion.
Stiff person syndrome masquerading as more common movement disorders (P5.024)

Objective: To report two cases of stiff-person syndrome (SPS) initially presenting as more common movement disorders. Background: SPS is a rare disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness, spasms, and rigidity that may ultimately result in severe disability. Most cases are caused by antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), with resultant disruption of GABA synthesis and impairment of inhibitory pathways in the central nervous system. Most commonly, cases present with thoracolumbar and abdominal muscle spasms. However, variants are increasingly appreciated, leading to the term “stiff person plus” to span more focal-onset stiff limb syndrome and other more diverse presentations. Design/Methods: Case report Results: We present two cases of SPS that initially presented with features of more common movement disorders. One patient presented with progressive gait difficulty following a GI illness and was noted to have a subtle dystonia of his right hand. His symptoms progressed to generalized parkinsonism, but was unresponsive to levodopa, leading to consideration of a corticobasal syndrome. He developed disabling rigidity with painful paraspinous muscle spasms, rendering him bed bound. Further work-up revealed markedly elevated serum anti-GAD antibody (210; normal Conclusions: SPS may present with features mimicking more common movement disorders. A high index of suspicion is needed in patients with unusual abnormal tone or movements. More research is needed to understand the inciting factors leading to autoimmunity and the variability in clinical presentation and response to therapies. Disclosure: Dr. Stone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaye has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wicklund has nothing to disclose. Dr. Malaty has nothing to disclose.
How to explain the AKT phosphorylation of downstream targets in the wake of recent findings.

AKT (v-Akt oncogene), a Ser/Thr protein kinase, was also identified as protein kinase B (PKB) (reviewed in ref. 1). There are three known isoforms of AKT1-3. All these AKT isoforms are highly conserved and are recruited to the plasma membrane where they bind to PIP3,4,5 via the PH-domain and are phosphorylated. While Lucic et al. (2) studied AKT1, the study is applicable to all of the AKT isoforms. Among the three AKT isoforms, AKT2 is extensively studied due to its critical role in insulin signaling (3). AKT is a central hub for cellular signal transduction, relaying information … [↵][1]1Email: anil.agarwal{at}utsouthwestern.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Evaluation of Pavement Roughness Using an Android-Based Smartphone

AbstractModern smartphones are equipped with many useful sensors, such as gyroscopes, magnetometers, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and three-dimensional (3D) accelerometers. In this st...
Cervical cancer care in rural Virginia: The impact of distance from an academic medical center on outcomes & the role of non-specialized radiation centers

Abstract Objective To determine whether distance to a tertiary care facility affects outcomes for locally advanced cervical cancer and to evaluate the impact of receiving care at non-specialized centers in rural communities. Methods Retrospective, single institution study of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer managed with chemo-radiation from January 1, 2000 to June 1, 2014. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare progression free and overall survival for patients by median distance to the tertiary care facility ( 72 miles) and facility where treatment was received. Results 180 patients met inclusion criteria. There was no difference in PFS or OS between the travel distance cohorts. When compared by location of external beam radiation, patients treated at outside facilities were older (p = 0.02) and significantly more likely to be insured (95.6% versus 71.7%, p Conclusions Median distance to a tertiary care facility had no significant impact on PFS or OS, however treating facility for radiation may influence recurrence rates. Having non-private insurance or being uninsured is significantly associated with increased risk of death and speaks to the many barriers these patients face.
Kinetics of strain-related morphology transformation in YBa2Cu3O7- delta.

The kinetics of ordering with a reduction of a crystal lattice point symmetry and related transformation-induced elastic strain is considered for the first time. Ordering in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ is specifically discussed. A computer simulation predicts a temporal development of the microstructure through the tweed to the (110) microtwin structure driven by the elastic strain accommodation. The results obtained are quite general in the sense that predicted morphologies are typical for other systems with the point-symmetry reduction where the elastic strain accommodation plays an important role.
High risk for HIV following syphilis diagnosis among men in Florida, 2000-2011.

Objective. Multiple interventions have been shown to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition, including preexposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral medications, but high costs require targeting interventions to people at the highest risk. We identified the risk of HIV following a syphilis diagnosis for men in Florida. Methods. We analyzed surveillance records of 13- to 59-year-old men in Florida who were reported as having syphilis from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2009. We excluded men who had HIV infection reported before their syphilis diagnosis (and within 60 days after), then searched the database to see if the remaining men were reported as having HIV infection by December 31, 2011.
A Twin Study of Adult Gambling Behavior

A twin study explored the possible genetic influences on gambling behavior. Male monozygotic (MZ) twins (n = 42) revealed significantly greater similarity on gambling frequency associated with “high-action” games than male dizygotic (DZ) twins (n = 50). The heritability estimates for involvement in these types of games among males were moderate and significant. All MZ versus DZ comparisons among males for “low-action” games were nonsignificant, as were MZ versus DZ comparisons among females (n = 63) for both types of games. The findings suggest that genetic influences may be important in the origins of certain types of gambling by men.