cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of stress response proteins and experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion

Induction of stress response proteins and experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion. Background The induction of stress response (heat shock) proteins (HSPs) is a highly conserved response that protects many cell types from diverse physiological and environmental stressors. We tested the hypothesis that the induction of HSPs is protective in experimental renal ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods The effect of prior heat stress was examined in a rat model of renal ischemia. Postischemic renal function, histopathology, myeloperoxidase activity, and mortality were determined in hyperthermia and sham hyperthermia groups. Results HSP84, HSP70, and HSP22 mRNA were increased after eight minutes but not four minutes of hyperthermia. The induction of HSP84 and HSP70 was blocked by pretreatment with quercetin. Improvement in renal function, mortality, and histologic abnormalities was seen with eight minutes of hyperthermia six hours before ischemia. Protection was dependent on the timing of ischemia relative to heat stress and was not observed when HSPs were not induced. Postischemic increases in renal myeloperoxidase activity were markedly attenuated in the hyperthermia compared with the sham hyperthermia group. Conclusion Endogenous protective mechanisms may be important in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Enabling Decision-Based Design Using Solution Trajectory Correction and Backtracking Rules

Optimization is needed for effective decision based design (DBD). However, a utility function assessed a priori in DBD does not usually capture the preferences of the decision maker over the entire design space. As a result, when the optimizer searches for the optimal design, it traverses (or ends up) in regions where the preference order among different solutions is different from the actual order. For a highly non-convex design space, this can lead to convergence to a grossly suboptimal design depending on the initial design. In this article, we propose two approaches to alleviate this issue. First, we map the trajectory of the solution as generated by the optimizer and generate ranking questions that are presented to the designer to verify the correctness of the utility function. We then propose backtracking rules if a local utility function is very different from the initially assessed function. We demonstrate our methodology using a mathematical example and a welded beam design problem.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Variational analysis for the steady state flexural behaviour of rotating orthotropic sandwich beams

AbstractGoverning equations for predicting the steady state flexural behaviour of rotating sandwich cantilever beams with two orthotropic facings and an isotropic inner core are formulated by using the variational principle. Those for describing the steady state deformation and displacements of an orthotropic beam are also formulated by using the same method. The effect of the curing temperature of the orthotropic material upon steady state stress distributions is also included in this analysis. Exact solutions of these differential equations are obtained to calculate displacements and stress distributions in both symmetric and non-symmetric sandwich beams subjected to uniformly distributed loads. Steady state stress values for an orthotropic beam loaded with a flatwise tip force are calculated so that they can be compared to dynamic measurements for the type of beam reported in the literature. The present analysis also predicts both the lateral and the transverse inertio-elastic instabilities due to the ...
Simulations of novel nanostructures formed by capillary effects in lithography.

Abstract High aspect ratio three-dimensional nanostructures are of tremendous interest to a wide range of fields such as photonics, plasmonics, fluid mechanics, and biology. Recent developments in capillary force lithography (CFL) have focused on taking advantage of the formation of menisci to enhance the functionality of small size-scale structures. In this study, simulations of the three-dimensional shapes of equilibrium menisci formed in capillaries with various cross-section geometries are studied. The capillary cross sections include regular polygons and equilateral star-shapes with sharp and rounded corners. The characteristic dimension of the physical lithography systems which are simulated is on the order of 100 nm. At such size-scale, surface-tension-effects are predominant, and as a consequence, our simulations demonstrate that nanometer-sized structures with great application potentials can be fabricated. Specifically, this study demonstrates that surfaces with three-dimensional nanoscale structures can be fabricated from templates with micron or sub-micron features through the development of cusps in the corners of the polygonal capillaries. Quantitatively, the effects of contact angle, corner angle, meniscus confinement, and corner rounding radius are examined and scaling analyses are presented to describe the dependencies of the height variation across the meniscus on these parameters. These simulations serve as useful guides for extending the development and implementation of capillary force lithography.
Rejection thresholds in solid chocolate-flavored compound coating.

Classical detection thresholds do not predict liking, as they focus on the presence or absence of a sensation. Recently however, Prescott and colleagues described a new method, the rejection threshold, where a series of forced choice preference tasks are used to generate a dose-response function to determine hedonically acceptable concentrations. That is, how much is too much? To date, this approach has been used exclusively in liquid foods. Here, we determined group rejection thresholds in solid chocolate-flavored compound coating for bitterness. The influences of self-identified preferences for milk or dark chocolate, as well as eating style (chewers versus melters) on rejection thresholds were investigated. Stimuli included milk chocolate-flavored compound coating spiked with increasing amounts of sucrose octaacetate (SOA), a bitter GRAS additive. Paired preference tests (blank vs. spike) were used to determine the proportion of the group that preferred the blank. Across pairs, spiked samples were presented in ascending concentration. We were able to quantify and compare differences between two self-identified market segments. The rejection threshold for the dark chocolate preferring group was significantly higher than the milk chocolate preferring group (p = 0.01). Conversely, eating style did not affect group rejection thresholds (p = 0.14), although this may reflect the amount of chocolate given to participants. Additionally, there was no association between chocolate preference and eating style (p = 0.36). Present work supports the contention that this method can be used to examine preferences within specific market segments and potentially individual differences as they relate to ingestive behavior.
ACCE: automatic coding composition evaluator (abstract only)

Coding style is important to teach to beginning programmers, so that bad habits don't become permanent. This is often done manually at the University level because automated Python static analyzers cannot accurately grade based on a given rubric. However, even manual analysis of coding style encounters problems, as we have seen quite a bit of inconsistency among our graders. We introduce ACCE--Automated Coding Composition Evaluator--a module that automates grading for the composition of programs. ACCE, given certain constraints, assesses the composition of a program through static analysis, feature extraction, supervised learning and clustering (unsupervised learning), automating the subjective process of grading based on style and identifying common mistakes. Further, we create visual representations of the clusters to allow readers and students understand where a submission falls, and the overall trends. We have applied this tool to CS61A--a CS1 level course at UC, Berkeley experiencing rapid growth in student enrollment--in an attempt to help expedite the involved process as well as reduce human grader inconsistencies.
Differences in Spell Lengths Between the AFDC-Basic and AFDC-Unemployed Parents Programs

This article reports the findings of a study that compares the length of time people receive benefits from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Basic and -Unemployed Parents programs. The sample includes all first observed AFDC spells in Kenosha and Racine Counties, Wisconsin between 1987 and 1989. Findings indicate that AFDC-UP spells are significantly shorter than AFDC-Basic spells. The median spell length of AFDC-UP cases is 6.4 months and AFDC-Basic cases is 10.4 months. AFDC-Basic cases with 2 adults in the family have spells similar in length to AFDC-UP cases. Policy implicadons are discussed and recommendations made.
PCS, Iatrogenic Symptoms, and Malingering Following Concussion

In postconcussive syndrome (PCS), subjective experience of symptoms seems to surpass objective evidence of those symptoms. For many years, clinicians and researchers have suspected both neurologic and psychologic forces in PCS. While the neurologic symptoms tend to resolve, psychological factors appear to have a more complex and difficult to characterize course. We argue in this paper that this complexity leads to diagnostic problems when considering PCS. We review several difficulties with current nosology regarding PCS and related conditions, as well as the inter-related and complicating roles of iatrogenic factors and malingering. We conclude that PCS is of insufficient diagnostic specificity and that it is prone to misdiagnosis, even causing new and possibly unrelated symptoms to develop in some cases. Further research on PCS and the factors that affect its course is needed.
Relative populations of cities, states and nations

During a comparison of the growth of human populations Emery (1994) noted a curious uniformity in ratios of populations in largest cities versus populations in host nations. This present article is intended to explore the relationship a bit further to interest perhaps a few professional demographers in some of the relationships and their possible causes....Information was provided by relating populations of largest cities to those of host states in the United States and then populations of second largest and tenth largest cities of host states. For a longer view the city/state analysis was extended from 1990 to 1940.... (EXCERPT)
Market power and import bans: the case of Japanese pork imports

Animal disease outbreaks trigger import restrictions that penalize exporting countries where the outbreak originates. However, significant increases in sales for the remaining exporters are likely to be observed only once the importer is confident that the outbreak is localized and contained. In March of 1997, Japan imposed an import ban on Taiwanese pork. At the time, Taiwan was supplying 41% of Japan's pork imports. The authors rely on the framework developed by Goldberg and Knetter (1999) and implement a generalized method of moments procedure to estimate the inverse residual demand elasticities of the current three largest exporting countries: United States, Canada, and Denmark. Structural change was investigated by adapting Qu and Perron's (2007) methodology that endogenizes the break dates. The authors found that foreign exporters were delayed by 2 years in making adjustments after Taiwan's exit. The ban on Taiwan's exports made the U.S. residual demand more inelastic and reinforced the case for U.S. market power. Denmark's reduction of market power may be due to their export product mix. [EconLit citations: L11; Q13]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of galactosylceramidase (GALC) expression in the twitcher mouse model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is caused by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD)

The twitcher mouse is a pathologically and enzymatically authentic model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD, Krabbe disease) that has been widely used for the evaluation of potential therapeutic approaches. This naturally occurring mouse model contains a premature stop codon (W339X) in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene that abolishes enzymatic activity. Using either immunocytochemical approaches or Western blot methodology, we have been unable to detect the truncated form of GALC expected to be produced in these animals. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a cellular protection mechanism that degrades newly synthesized transcripts containing a premature termination codon (PTC). Since the naturally occurring mutation in the twitcher mouse introduces a PTC, we hypothesized that NMD might affect the degradation of GALC mRNA in these animals. Consistent with this hypothesis, we determined that the amount of GALC transcript was inversely proportional to the number of twitcher containing alleles. Similar reductions in GALC mRNA were detected in a twitcher-derived Schwann cell line (TwS1) when compared to wild-type Schwann cells (IMS32). Anisomycin, emetine and puromycin, inhibitors of NMD, effectively increased the level of GALC transcript in the TwS1 cells providing further support for nonsense-mediated mRNA decay being the mechanism by which no GALC protein is detected in these animals. Understanding the mechanistic differences between the lack of enzymatic activity in the twitcher model and that observed with the missense mutations that cause human disease yields not only novel therapeutic insights but also highlights the need for additional animal models.
Prevention of adrenalectomy-induced brain growth stimulation by corticosterone treatment

Abstract Previous research in our laboratory has shown that adrenalectomizing rats on day 11 postnatal leads to subsequent increases in brain weight, cellularity (measured in terms of DNA content), and myelination. The present study was designed to determine whether these effects are due to removal of circulating glucocorticoids. Male and female albino rats were adrenalectomized (ADX) on day 11 and then injected daily with either 7.0 mg/kg corticosterone in a steroid suspension vehicle or vehicle alone. A third group of animals was sham-operated (SHAM) and given daily vehicle injections. Subjects were sacrificed at 60 days of age for measurement of brain and body weights, cerebral DNA content, and the activity of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CNP), a myelin marker enzyme. As expected from our earlier findings, brain weights and DNA and CNP levels were all significantly elevated in ADX-untreated rats compared to SHAMs. More importantly, all of these changes were completely prevented by chronic corticosterone administration. These results are consistent with previous reports that corticosterone treatment blocks increased brain growth in ADX weanling rats and support our hypothesis that the brain growth stimulating effects of day-11 adrenalectomy are likewise mediated by the removal of glucocorticoids. It appears that glucocorticoid hormones exert a tonic inhibition of at least some growth related processes in the brains of intact developing organisms.
Location of abducens afferent neurons in the cat

Abstract The sites of afferent neurons to the abducens nucleus were determined by the use of horseradish peroxidase hydraulically placed into the VIth nucleus in nine cats. Labeled neurons were found bilaterally in the medial vestibular nuclei, the prepositus nucleus of the hypoglossus, the contralateral dorsomedial gigantocellular tegmental field, the contralateral reticular formation, and the ipsilateral vestibular nerve ganglion.
Novelty versus retrieval cue value of visual contextual stimuli in pigeons

Thomas and Empedocles (1992) proposed that in a retention test, the relative enhancement of responding when the context that had accompanied training is again present might reflect suppression of responding by the alternative test context rather than memory retrieval due to the training context. In Experiment 1, pigeons trained to keypeck in the presence of a (red or blue) colored houselight later responded substantially more in testing in the presence of the training houselight color rather than the alternative color. In Experiment 2, exposure to the (red or blue) houselight color preceded keypeck training under a white houselight condition for one group; for a second group, it followed it. Neither group showed a significant “preference” for the familiar houselight color during testing, whereas a control group, trained as in Experiment 1, did. Thus a contextual stimulus present during reinforced training can help to retrieve the memory of that training experience, as demonstrated by testing strategy which controls for a novelty effect of the nontraining context condition.
489: Rate of preterm birth in a prematurity prevention clinic after adoption of progestin supplementation

branes. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a decision analysis of six test strategies predicting early preterm delivery, based on data from the APOSTEL1 cohort, a nationwide cohort study in 660 women with threatened early preterm labor (submitted as abstract no 1478706). The strategies included (1) treat if fFN positive, (2) treat if CL 25 mm, (3) treat if both fFN positive and CL 25 mm, (4) treat if fFN positive or CL 25 mm, (5) measure CL and only test fFN if CL is 15-30 mm, and treat if CL 15 mm or if both fFN positive and CL15-30 mm, treat if CL 15 mm or if both fFN positive and CL15-30 mm and (6) treat all patients. Strict protocol adherence was assumed. Costs were either measured in our study or retrieved from the literature. Strategies were evaluated from a healthcare perspective in terms of averted neonatal mortality and morbidity. Effects of uncertainty were evaluated in probabilistic sensitivity analyses. We estimated cost-acceptability curves. RESULTS: Additional fFN testing in case of a CL between 15-30 mm (5) had better outcomes at lower costs than either fFN testing or CL measurement alone. This strategy generated average costs until neonatal discharge €18.814 per patient, as compared to €21.657 per patient for a treat all strategy, while neonatal outcome was comparable (table). Combining fFN with CL is dominant in all acceptable willingness-topay ranges. In the Netherlands, a country with 180.000 deliveries and 25.000 cases of threatened preterm birth annually, CL measurement is used for predicting preterm birth. Here additional fFN testing could save up to €11 million/year. CONCLUSION: In women undergoing a work-up for threatened preterm birth, fFN testing in case of an inconclusive CL measurement is able to decrease health care costs considerably, without major effects on neonatal outcome.
A method for constructing binary search trees by making insertions at the root

It is possible to construct a binary search tree by inserting items at the root instead of adding them as leaves. When used for sorting, the method has several desirable properties, including (a) fewer comparisons in the best case, (b) fewer comparisons in the worst case, (c) a reduced variance, and (d) good performance when the items are already nearly sorted or nearly reverse sorted. For applications in which the tree is searched for existing items as well as having new items added to it (e.g., in the construction of a symbol table), the tree can be made to exhibit stacklike behavior, so that the fewest comparisons are required to locate the most recently used items.
Issues using the life history calendar in disability research.

Abstract Background Overall, there is a dearth of research reporting mixed-method data collection procedures using the life history calendar (LHC) within disability research. Objective This report provides practical knowledge on use of the LHC from the perspective of a mixed-method life history study of mobility impairment situated within a qualitative paradigm. Methods The authors reviewed the method-related literature referring to the LHC along with its epistemologic underpinnings. Further, the uses of the LHC in disability research were illustrated using preliminary data from reports of disablement in Mexican American and non-Hispanic white women with permanent mobility impairment. Results From our perspective, the LHC was most useful as approached from an interpretive paradigm when gathering data from women of varied ethnic and socioeconomic strata. While we found the LHC the most useful tool currently available for studying disablement over the life course, there were challenges associated with its use. The LHC required extensive interviewer training. In addition, large segments of time were needed for completion depending on the type of participant responses. Conclusions Researchers planning to conduct a disability study may find our experience using the LHC valuable for anticipating issues that may arise when the LHC is used in mixed-method research.
National study of medications associated with injury in elderly Medicare/Medicaid dual enrollees during 2003

Abstract Objectives To address the association between inappropriate prescribing for the elderly and adverse outcomes and to identify the magnitude of the cost of medication-associated injury in this population. Design Cross sectional. Setting United States, 2003. Patients 5,412,678 dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid enrollees aged 65 years or older. Intervention Beers and non-Beers medications with potential central nervous system adverse effects of dizziness/vertigo, drowsiness, and/or fainting were assessed. Emergency department (ED) visits with admitting diagnoses pertaining to injuries for elderly enrollees dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid during the calendar year were linked to prescriptions filled during the 90 days preceding the visit. Main outcome measure For each drug, the proportion of ED-related fills and the Medicare average revenue charge per injury-related ED visit were calculated. Results Several drugs not currently on the Beers list were found to be associated with high proportions of ED-related fills: methadone had the highest proportion of any of the drugs studied (12.3 per 1,000 fills), and bethanechol (7.8 per 1,000 fills) had the highest proportion among genitourinary products. Regarding narcotic analgesics, propoxyphene (7.7 per 1,000 fills) had a higher association with injury than morphine (6.6 per 1,000 fills) or tramadol (6.5 per 1,000 fills). For cardiovascular agents, clonidine (4.7 per 1,000 fills) and doxazosin (3.6 per 1,000 fills) had higher associations with injury than nifedipine (3.3 per 1,000 fills). Fentanyl, a non-Beers medication, was associated with the most expensive injury-related ED visits ($1,263 average revenue charge). Conclusion Beers medications are associated with high injury-related ED visit rates for the elderly, and a number of drugs not currently on the Beers list also pose an apparent risk for injury-related visits.
Chemical Trail-Following by Flying Insects: A Mechanism for Orientation to a Distant Odor Source

An aerial trail of odorous pheromone molecules extends downwind from a female pink bollworm moth that is receptive for mating. Males apparently sense the boundaries of the trail during their characteristic zigzag flights across it. Contrary to previous beliefs, the mechanism by which the males steer toward the odor source does not require a sensing of wind direction.
Evidence for bacteriophage T7 tail extension during DNA injection

Electron micrographs of bacteriophage T7 reveal a tail shorter than needed to reach host cytoplasm during infection-initiating injection of a T7 DNA molecule through the tail and cell envelope. However, recent data indicate that internal T7 proteins are injected before the DNA molecule is injected. Thus, bacteriophage/host adsorption potentially causes internal proteins to become external and lengthen the tail for DNA injection. But, the proposed adsorption-induced tail lengthening has never been visualized. In the present study, electron microscopy of particles in T7 lysates reveals a needle-like capsid extension that attaches partially emptied bacteriophage T7 capsids to non-capsid vesicles and sometimes enters an attached vesicle. This extension is 40–55 nm long, 1.7–2.4× longer than the T7 tail and likely to be the proposed lengthened tail. The extension is 8–11 nm in diameter, thinner than most of the tail, with an axial hole 3–4 nm in diameter. Though the bound vesicles are not identified by microscopy, these vesicles resemble the major vesicles in T7 lysates, found to be E. coli outer membrane vesicles by non-denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by mass spectrometry. The observed lengthened tail is long enough to reach host cytoplasm during DNA injection. Its channel is wide enough to be a conduit for DNA injection and narrow enough to clamp DNA during a previously observed stalling/re-starting of injection. However, its outer diameter is too large to explain formation by passing of an intact assembly through any known capsid hole unless the hole is widened.
Experimental Study of Aldomet-Induced Positive Antiglobulin Reaction. I

Summary: Methyldopa polymer binds to red cells. Autologous red cells coated with polymer and polymer mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant induced heterospecific immune responses in rabbits resulting in the production of antibodies against human γ-globulin and other plasma proteins. Therefore methyldopa polymer possibly is a heterospecific hapten. The γG bound to red cells of patients on methyldopa therapy differs from native γG and shows immunologic cross-reactivity with rabbit γG. Two possible mechanisms for producing positive antiglobulin reaction in a large number of patients (10–20 per cent) on methyldopa and infrequent haemolytic anaemia in such patients are discussed.
Risk of Death for Medicaid Recipients Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of insurance type on mortality for congenital heart surgery. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using hospital discharge abstract data from five states in 1992 and 1996. The outcome measure was risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality. Cases of pediatric congenital heart surgery were identified and placed into six risk categories using the Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery method. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the effect of insurance type on risk-adjusted mortality; regional effects were explored. Using standardized mortality ratios, institutions were grouped by outcome; within and between group differences were examined. Of 11,636 cases, 9656 (83%) were placed in a risk group for analysis. In 1996, children with Medicaid had a higher risk of death than those with commercial or managed care in both unadjusted (p = 0.002) and adjusted (p < 0.001) analyses. Overall mortality rates decreased between 1992 and 1996 (p = 0.001). However, improvement was not consistent among insurance groups. Differences were present within and between low, average, and high-mortality hospitals, suggesting that the adverse effect of Medicaid may be due to both differential referral and other differences in care among patients treated at similar institutions. Children with Medicaid insurance have a higher risk of dying after congenital heart surgery than those with commercial and some managed care insurance. Barriers to access go beyond differences in referral patterns.
Overexpression of interleukin-12 enables dendritic cells to activate NK cells and confer systemic antitumor immunity

Dendritic cells (DC) are initiators of T cell-mediated immunity. However, less is known about the relationship between DC and natural killer (NK) cells, and direct evidence of their interaction in vivo is scarce. Interleukin (IL)-12 is an activator of both DC and NK cells. We postulated that secretion of IL-12 by DC would enable them to activate NK cells. Bone marrow-derived DC propagated only in granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor did not activate NK cells. In contrast, DC engineered to express IL-12 markedly stimulated NK cells as determined by coculture experiments in vitro, assays of NK cells isolated from treated animals, and survival experiments in a systemic tumor model. Activation depended on both DC-NK cellular interaction and secretion of IL-12. Adoptive transfer of DC expressing IL-12 to mice markedly increased NK cell interferon-gamma production and lytic activity in vivo. Treated mice were also protected against B16 melanoma hepatic metastases. The in vivo effects on NK cells were DC-specific. Administration of IL-12 protein alone or melanoma cells or fibroblasts engineered to secrete IL-12 were only weakly activating. Our findings demonstrate that IL-12 expression by DC enables them to activate NK cells and provide evidence for a substantial DC-NK relationship in vivo.
An Integrative Model of Experiencing and Responding to Mistreatment at Work

Conflict management research generally has focused on some aspects of conflict in organizations—for example, the predictors or consequences of using a particular dispute resolution method—with little theory to explain how various aspects of the process fit together. We present a model that integrates these factors and specifically focuses on the dynamic processes by which an individual concludes that he or she has been mistreated and responds to the mistreatment.
Gamma-vinyl GABA, an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase, alters the acquisition and expression of cocaine-induced sensitization in male rats.

We examined the effect of (±)-gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG, Vigabatrin), an irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme GABA transaminase, on the acquisition and expression of cocaine-induced sensitization in albino male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals received a single injection of 1 ml/kg i.p. of 0.9% saline or 15 mg/kg i.p. of (−)-cocaine and locomotor activity was assessed using automated locomotor cages and stereotyped behaviors were scored using a 4-point rating scale (Day 1). Subsequently, animals were given 15 mg/kg i.p. of cocaine every 48 h in their home cage for 1 week (Days 3, 5, and 7) and then given no treatment for 1 week. A challenge injection of 15 mg/kg i.p. of cocaine, but not vehicle, produced a significant increase in locomotor activity and stereotyped behaviors on Day 15 compared to animals that received cocaine on Day 1. Administration of 75 mg/kg i.p. of GVG 2.5 h before the cocaine injections did not significantly alter the acquisition of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. However, 150 mg/kg i.p. of GVG significantly attenuated the acquisition of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Administration of 150 mg/kg i.p. of GVG 2.5 h before the cocaine challenge injection on Day 15 significantly attenuated the expression of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Acquisition and expression of cocaine-induced sensitization of stereotypy was also significantly attenuated by 150 mg/kg i.p. of GVG. Since sensitization may be one of the factors involved in relapse to drug use, the present results, in combination with previous findings that GVG blocks the rewarding and incentive motivating effects of cocaine, suggest that GVG might prove useful in the treatment of cocaine addiction. Synapse 46:240–250, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessment of Prescribers’ Knowledge of the Cost of Medications:

Background:In 2003, the World Health Organization reported that 50% of patients are adherent to long-term therapies. Frequently, the reason for a patient's nonadherence is the cost of medications. Even with prescription insurance coverage, patients may not be able to afford their medications.Objective:To assess prescriber knowledge of the cost of commonly prescribed medications including atorvastatin, gabapentin, levofloxacin, losartan, pantoprazole, pioglitazone, and quetiapine. Secondary objectives were to evaluate how often prescribers consult a discounted drug list and a patient's prescription insurance coverage.Methodology:One hundred prescribers from the Medical University of South Carolina were surveyed from November 2010 to January 2011. Prescribers consisted of medical residents, attending physicians, fellows, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Wholesale prices of medications were determined using the Red Book, and prescription insurance prices were calculated from an average of the t...
Fluorescence Energy Transfer to Dye-Labeled DNA from a Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Prequenched with a Water-Soluble C60 Derivative

The emission of the cationic polyelectrolyte poly[9,9‘-bis(6‘ ‘-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorene-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) dibromide] (PFBT) is effectively quenched via photoinduced electron transfer by the negatively charged C60 derivative sodium diphosphorate methano[60]fullerene (SDPMF). Stern−Volmer analysis shows the quenching constant as high as 2.8 × 1012 M-1, consistent with the formation of ground state complexes. Addition of Cy5-labeled ssDNA to PFBT leads to concurrent FRET to Cy5 and a quenching of PFBT emission that is intrinsic to the addition of ssDNA. Similar experiments carried out with a solution of PFBT that was prequenched with SDPMF result in a stable PFBT background emission and a clearly observed Cy5 emission rise. These observations were applied to ssDNA assays that take advantage of Cy5-labeled PNA. The result is a FRET-based detection method with more stable and readily quantifiable optical signals.
Target support parameters associated with radar reflectivity measurements

Theoretical and measured data are presented pertaining to background levels which can be achieved with the conventional target supports: cellular plastic columns and suspension lines. In each case, target weight, measurement frequency, and target cross section are related and presented in the form of support capability curves. Circular Styrofoam [1] columns are used as typical of cellular plastic supports; the theory for computing cross section of other materials and shapes is also presented. Nylon lines were used as typical suspension supports. A brief discussion of other support techniques is included, but the discussion is limited primarily to the spin drop and dielectric tube supports.
Automatic Certification of Kalman Filters for Reliable Code Generation

AUTOFILTER is a tool for automatically deriving Kalman filter code from high-level declarative specifications of state estimation problems. It can generate code with a range of algorithmic characteristics and for several target platforms. The tool has been designed with reliability of the generated code in mind and is able to automatically certify that the code it generates is free from various error classes. Since documentation is an important part of software assurance, AUTOFILTER can also automatically generate various human-readable documents, containing both design and safety related information. We discuss how these features address software assurance standards such as DO-17SB
Succinct priority indexing structures for the management of large priority queues

Priority queues are an essential building block for implementing advanced per-flow service disciplines at high-speed network links. In this paper, we propose novel solutions to the scalable implementation of priority queues by decomposing the problem into two parts, a succinct priority index in SRAM that can efficiently maintain a real-time sorting of priorities, coupled with a DRAM-based implementation of large packet buffers. In particular, we propose three related novel succinct priority index data structures for implementing high-speed priority indexes: a Priority-Index (PI), a Counting-Priority-Index (CPI), and a Pipelined Counting-Priority-Index (Pipelined CPI). We show that all three structures can be very compactly implemented in SRAM using only Θ(U) space, where U is the size of the universe required to implement the priority keys (timestamps). We also show that our proposed priority index structures can be implemented very efficiently as well by leveraging hardware-optimized instructions that are readily available in modern 64-bit microprocessors. The operations on the PI and CPI structures take Θ(log W U) time, where W is the processor word-length (i.e., W = 64 bits). Alternatively, operations on the Pipelined CPI structure take constant time with only Θ(log W U) pipeline stages. Finally, we show the application of our proposed priority index structures for scalable management of large packet buffers at line speeds.
Design methodologies for soft switched inverters

A detailed design methodology is presented for soft switched inverters. The actively clamped resonant DC link inverter and the resonant pole inverter are taken as illustrative design examples with a detailed enumeration of component design rules, switching loss calculations, and system optimization. The soft-switched circuits are then compared with the conventional hard-switched voltage-sourced inverter under identical load conditions. >
A Mycobacterium bovis mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm resulting from bladder cancer treatment, resection, and reconstruction with a cryopreserved aortic graft.

Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a clinical challenge for vascular surgeons due to their critical location, surrounding inflammation, risk of rupture, and danger of reinfection following treatment. We present a case of Mycobacterium bovis AAA in a 69-year-old male after treatment with intravesicular bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy for bladder carcinoma. The classical approach for mycotic AAA entails extra-anatomic reconstruction followed by resection with oversewing of the proximal and distal aortic stumps. Alternative in-line reconstruction options have also been advocated. This case illustrates a technically straightforward, durable, in-line repair within an infected field utilizing cryopreserved aortic allograft.
Smart Beta ETFs: A Bird’s-Eye View of the Market and Analysis of Its Performance Trends

A new category of exchange-traded funds, which can arguably be referred to as “smart beta ETFs,” has lately issued a meaningful challenge to traditional, market-value-oriented ETFs. Although the concept seems new, a review of the relevant academic literature shows that most of these new ETFs find their roots in traditional ETFs. After having divided smart beta ETFs into three distinct categories, a thorough review shows that their share of the overall ETF market is rapidly expanding. In particular, factor and fundamental smart beta ETFs have established themselves as the dominant duo relative to low-volatility ETFs. But in terms of risk-adjusted performance, this study shows that investors in smart beta ETFs have, on average, not been appropriately compensated for the risks they have taken in comparison to investors who put their money into more traditional, cap-weighted ETFs.
Final-week performance of straight-run broilers as affected by early coccidiostat withdrawal followed by increased dietary salt

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to evaluate elevated dietary NaCl levels as a means of offsetting industry-observed reductions of growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency associated with early (35-d) coccidiostat withdrawal. In the first experiment, monensin (100 ppm) was withdrawn and dietary salt levels of 0.33, 0.48, 0.63, 0.78, or 0.93% provided from 35 to 42 d of age. Experiments 2 and 3 involved lasalocid (110 ppm) withdrawal and slat amounts of 0.33, 0.53, 0.73, or 0.93%. In all studies, a positive control of 0.33% salt and the coccidiostat was also given. Monensin withdrawal reduced body weight gain, which was not overcome by slat addition. Feed efficiency during the 1-wk period was improved to the level of the group receiving continued medication by salt amounts of 0.78% or above. In contrast to industry field observations, removal of lasalocid did not reduce body weight gain, feed intake, or water consumption, and elevation of salt levels resulted in no consistent improvements of weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion. Water intake increased proportionally as salt concentration increased. Elevated salt levels do not appear to be a reliable means of offsetting reduced performance related to early coccidiostat withdrawal, nor were such performance problems demonstrable for lasalocid in these trials.
Teaching Students to Do Research

The design for this course stresses experiential learning by distributing major goals over a variety of projects.
Assessing the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms at the thyroglobulin gene with carcass traits in beef cattle.

Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoassess the association of SNP in the thyroglobulin gene, in- cluding a previously reported marker in current indus- try use, with marbling score in beef cattle. Three popu- lations, designated GPE6, GPE7, and GPE8, were stud- ied. The GPE6 population sampled breeds that could be used as alternative germplasm sources in beef cattle production, including Wagyu, Swedish Red and White, Friesian, and Norwegian Red. The GPE7 population sampled 7 popular beef cattle breeds used in temperate climates of the United States: Angus, Charolais, Gelb- vieh, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, and Simmental. The GPE8 population sampled Bos indicus-influenced breeds used in subtropical regions of the country and subtropical and tropical regions of the world, including Beefmaster, Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuano. Evaluation of 6 SNP in the thyroglobulin gene, includ- ing 5 newly described variations, showed no association
The Role of Reusable Learning Objects in Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Education

Out of early research, Cisco Systems (1999) have built an impressive foundation that advocates for reusable learning objects (RLOs). As the need for online methods for delivering both formal and informal educational content has increased, the prospect of greater influence through carefully constructed RLOs has grown. RLOs are any digital resource that can be used and reused to enhance online learning. RLOs typically are small, discrete, self-contained digital objects that may be sequenced, combined, and used within a variety of instructional activities. RLOs have been implemented in nursing, pharmacy, and physician assistant programs. However, there is a lack of literature regarding RLOs in occupational therapy education. An attitudinal survey was administered to occupational therapy students after they had used an RLO focused on goal writing. Student preferences toward RLO content, instructional design, and eLearning were generally positive. Nearly three-quarters of the students who responded to the survey indicated that the RLO presented was beneficial. All respondents noted that they would use the RLO for future occupational therapy courses. It is argued that incorporating RLOs offers a cost-effective, efficient learning tool, and also adds credibility to the given curriculum program as being innovative with instructing occupational-therapy related concepts.
Notch1 signaling in FIZZ1 induction of myofibroblast differentiation

Notch1 is an evolutionarily conserved receptor that regulates cell fate, including such events as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Myofibroblast differentiation is a key feature of lung fibrosis. Found in inflammatory zone 1 (FIZZ1) has direct fibrogenic properties because of its ability to induce myofibroblast differentiation. However, the downstream signaling pathway that mediates FIZZ1 induction of myofibroblast differentiation remains unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of Notch signaling in FIZZ1 induction of lung myofibroblast differentiation and thus explore the potential role of Notch1 in pulmonary fibrosis. The results showed that FIZZ1 increased the expression levels of activated intracellular domain of Notch1 (NIC), its ligand Jagged1, and its target gene Hes1, which were associated with elevated α-smooth muscle actin expression levels. Fibroblast α-smooth muscle actin expression is induced by the overexpression of NIC but is suppressed by the inhibition of NIC. Moreover, lung fibroblasts that were isolated from mice lacking the GDP-4-keto-6-deoxymannose3,5-epimerase-4-reductase enzyme (FX knockout) exhibited significantly reduced responsiveness to FIZZ1, which was reversed by fucose supplementation. In the absence of exogenous fucose, these FX-deficient cells exhibited defective fucosylation, which is required for Notch signaling. These knockout mice also showed impaired lung fibrosis. These findings suggest that Notch1 signaling in response to FIZZ1 may play a significant role in myofibroblast differentiation during lung fibrosis.
Clinical utility of extended-release niacin: update and summary

In the treatment of dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease, niacin extended-release (ER) (Niaspan®) uniquely targets the atherogenic lipid abnormalities of the metabolic syndrome. Niacin ER raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol more effectively than other agents, while reducing triglyceride and lipoprotein(a) levels and increasing low-density lipoprotein particle size. It is formulated to minimize the toxicities and adverse effects associated with other niacin formulations, making niacin ER more tolerable for patients. Previous concerns of hyperglycemia have been addressed by numerous studies demonstrating that morbidity and mortality benefits outweigh potential increases in glucose levels. Niacin ER is an important lipid-lowering agent in preventing fatal and nonfatal coronary events and slowing the progression of atherosclerosis.
Single-Stranded DNA Binding by F TraI Relaxase and Helicase Domains Is Coordinately Regulated

Transfer of conjugative plasmids requires relaxases, proteins that cleave one plasmid strand sequence specifically. The F plasmid relaxase TraI (1,756 amino acids) is also a highly processive DNA helicase. The TraI relaxase activity is located within the N-terminal ∼300 amino acids, while helicase motifs are located in the region comprising positions 990 to 1450. For efficient F transfer, the two activities must be physically linked. The two TraI activities are likely used in different stages of transfer; how the protein regulates the transition between activities is unknown. We examined TraI helicase single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) recognition to complement previous explorations of relaxase ssDNA binding. Here, we show that TraI helicase-associated ssDNA binding is independent of and located N-terminal to all helicase motifs. The helicase-associated site binds ssDNA oligonucleotides with nM-range equilibrium dissociation constants and some sequence specificity. Significantly, we observe an apparent strong negative cooperativity in ssDNA binding between relaxase and helicase-associated sites. We examined three TraI variants having 31-amino-acid insertions in or near the helicase-associated ssDNA binding site. B. A. Traxler and colleagues (J. Bacteriol. 188:6346-6353) showed that under certain conditions, these variants are released from a form of negative regulation, allowing them to facilitate transfer more efficiently than wild-type TraI. We find that these variants display both moderately reduced affinity for ssDNA by their helicase-associated binding sites and a significant reduction in the apparent negative cooperativity of binding, relative to wild-type TraI. These results suggest that the apparent negative cooperativity of binding to the two ssDNA binding sites of TraI serves a major regulatory function in F transfer.