cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in precipitation and temperature in Florida, USA

Summary Annual, seasonal, and monthly trends in precipitation, mean temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and temperature range were evaluated using stations from the United States Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) for the time periods 1895–2009 and 1970–2009 for the state of Florida. The significance and magnitude of station trends were determined using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope, respectively. The collective, field significance of trends were evaluated using a Monte Carlo permutation procedure. Field significant trends in seasonal precipitation were found in only the June–August and March–May seasons for the 1895–2009 and 1970–2009 time periods, respectively. Significant decreasing trends in monthly precipitation were found in the months of October and May for the 1895–2009 and 1970–2009 time periods, respectively. Field significant trends were found for all temperature variables for both time periods, with the largest number of stations with significant trends occurring in the summer and autumn months. Trends in mean, maximum, and minimum temperature were generally positive with a higher proportion of positive trends in the 1970–2009 period. The spatial coherence of trends in temperature range was generally less compared to other temperature variables, with a larger proportion of stations showing negative trends in the summer and positive trends at other times of the year and more negative trends found in the 1970–2009 period. Significant differences in temperature trends based on the surrounding land use were found for minimum temperature and temperature range in the 1970–2009 period indicating that data homogenization of the USHCN temperature data did not fully remove this influence. The evaluation of trends based on station exposure ratings shows significant differences in temperature variables in both the 1895–2009 and 1970–2009 time periods. Systematic changes in trends can be seen in the 1980s, the period of widespread conversion from liquid-in-glass to electronic measurement, indicating that some of the differences found may be due to uncorrected inhomogeneities. Since notable differences were found between differently rated stations pre-1940, a time which the present-day rating should have little to no influence, attribution of differences based on station rating should be done with caution.
Microwave-Based Structure and Four-Dimensional Morphed Intermolecular Potential for HI-CO2

(Microwave spectra of the four isotopologue/isotopomers, HI-(12)C(16)O(2), HI-(12)C(18)O(2), HI-(12)C(18)O(16)O, and HI-(12)C(16)O(18)O, have been recorded using pulsed-nozzle Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy. In the last two isotopomers, the heavy oxygen atom tilted toward and away from the HI moiety, respectively. Only b-type Ka = 1 <-- 0 transitions were observed. Spectral analysis provided molecular parameters including rotational, centrifugal distortion, and quadrupole constants for each isotopomer. Then, a four-dimensional intermolecular energy surface of a HI-CO2 complex was generated, morphing the results of ab initio calculations to reproduce the experimental data. The morphed potential of HI-(12)C(16)O(2) had two equivalent global minima with a well depth of 457(14) cm(-1) characterized by a planar quasi-T-shaped structure with the hydrogen atom tilted toward the CO2 moiety, separated by a barrier of 181(17) cm(-1). Also, a secondary minimum is present with a well depth of 405(14) cm(-1) with a planar quasi-T-shaped structure with the hydrogen atom tilted away from the CO2 moiety. The ground state structure of HI-(12)C(16)O(2) was determined to have a planar quasi-T-shaped geometry with R = 3.7717(1) A, thetaOCI = 82.30(1) degrees , thetaCIH = 71.55(1) degrees . The morphed potential obtained is now available for future studies of the dynamics of photoinitiated reactions of this complex.
Behavioral thermoregulation in the California Sea Lion

Behavioral thermoregulation in the California sea lion, Zalophus californianus, was studied during the summers of 1970 and 1971 on San Nicolas and San Miguel Islands, California. Zalophus has a series of behavioral responses which correlates with the rate of radiant input. Rapid response to changes in incident solar radiation allows the sea lions to anticipate changes in their thermal environment and to take the appropriate behavioral steps necessary to maintain their body temperature at a constant level.
Cutoffs for the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters-II (MESSY-II) for Typically Developing Children and for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Abstract The acquisition of social skills is an essential part of childhood and adolescent development. Due to its critical nature, assessment of appropriate and inappropriate social skills is necessary in order to determine whether or not deficits or excesses exist, thereby guiding treatment. The Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) was developed for this purpose, and it has recently been renormed and revised. Beyond a general understanding of where strengths and weaknesses lie, it is important to also be able to identify clinically significant impairments versus those that may be observed as a normal part of development. This was accomplished with typically developing children to establish cutoffs for the revised scale, the MESSY-II. Additionally, a sample of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders were administered the MESSY-II and their cutoff scores were examined.
Women's Vocal Reactions to Intimate and Casual Male Friends

To further our understanding of the impact of social factors on women's vocal behavior, women's vocal reactions to different male friends were examined. Specifically, subjects listened to women talking to intimate and casual male friends on the telephone, made ratings about women's vocal qualities and psychological traits, and identified with whom they thought the women were speaking. Several baby-talk-related aspects of the women's speech were also assessed by two independent judges. Results revealed not only that subjects could identify women's conversation partners at better than chance levels but also that subjects perceived women as more approachable, sincere, submissive, and scatterbrained when talking to intimate than to casual friends. Women manifested more feminine and babyish paralinguistic vocal qualities when talking to intimate versus casual friends; however, no differences were found in the linguistic features of women's speech coded by judges. As well, no differences in perceptions of speakers were found in a second group of subjects who read transcripts of the women's conversations. The present findings suggest that paralinguistic rather than linguistic features or content of women's vocal reactions influence perceptions of them when they are conversing with different male friends. Possible social functions served by women's vocal reactions to intimate versus casual friends are discussed, and hypotheses are offered to explain impressions created by differences in women's vocal behavior.
Molecular and cellular characterization of Neuregulin-1 type IV isoforms.

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 1163–1176. Abstract Numerous genetic studies associated the Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) Icelandic haplotype (HAPice), and its single nucleotide polymorphism SNP8NRG243177 [T/T], with schizophrenia. Because SNP8NRG243177 [T/T] has characteristics of a functional polymorphism that maps close to NRG1 type IV coding sequences, our initial goal was to map precisely the human type IV transcription initiation site. We determined that the initiation site is 23 bp upstream of the previously reported type IV exon, and that no other transcripts map to the SNP8NRG243177 region. Because NRG1 type IV transcripts are specific to human, we isolated full-length NRG1 type IV cDNAs from human hippocampi and expressed them in non-neural cells and dissociated rat hippocampal neurons to study protein expression, processing and function. Using an antiserum we generated against the NRG1 type IV-specific N-terminus, we found that the protein is targeted to the cell surface where PKC activation promotes its cleavage and release of the extracellular domain. Conditioned medium derived from type IV expressing cells stimulates ErbB receptor phosphorylation, as well as downstream Akt and Erk signaling, demonstrating that NRG1 type IV possesses biological activity similar to other releasable NRG1 isoforms. To study the subcellular targeting of distinct isoforms, neurons were transfected with the Ig-domain-containing NRG1 types I and IV, or the cysteine-rich domain type III isoform. Three dimensional confocal images from transfected neurons indicate that, whereas all isoforms are expressed on somato-dendritic membranes, only the type III-cysteine-rich domain isoform is detectable in distal axons. These results suggest that NRG1 type IV expression levels associated with SNP8NRG243177 [T/T] can selectively modify signaling of NRG1 released from somato-dendritic compartments, in contrast to the type III NRG1 that is also associated with axons.
Characterization and utilization of noisy displacement signals from simple shear device using linear and kernel regression methods

Abstract Small strain testing of dynamic soil properties such as threshold strains, γ tv , are often conducted using specialized devices such as dual-specimen simple-shear, as devices configured for large strain testing produce noisy signals in the small strain range. Working with a simple shear device originally developed for large-strain testing, we extend its low-strain capabilities by characterizing noisy signals and utilizing several statistical methods to extract meaningful responses in the small strain range. We utilize linear regression of a transformed variable to estimate the cyclic shear strain from a noisy signal and the confidence interval on its amplitude. We utilize Kernel regression with the Nadaraya–Watson estimator and a Gaussian kernel to evaluate vertical strain response. A practical utilization of these techniques is illustrated by evaluating threshold shear strains for volume change with a procedure that takes into account uncertainties in the measured shear and vertical strains.
A bireflexive expansion for functional integration

Abstract A perturbation-series expansion is given which can be utilized for arbitrary influence functionals. This expansion has the novel property that when one solvable functional is modeled by another and the difference is treated as a perturbation, the correct (exact) result is obtained at first order. Regardless of how extreme this difference might be, all higher order terms vanish.
Developing Discourses on Architecture: The Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Journal Mimar: Architecture in Development, and Other Adventures

(2010). Developing Discourses on Architecture. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 82-84.
Spinal mediators of nociceptive neurotransmission and hyperalgesia

The synaptic mechanisms of nociception, hyperalgesia, allodynia, opioid tolerance, and neuropathic pain in the spinal cord dorsal horn are explored. The characteristics of the transmitters conveying excitation and the mechanisms that can enhance synaptic efficacy in the spinal nociceptive system after prolonged stimulation are examined, and a possible sequence of events that could contribute to progressive development, after intense or pathologic stimulation, of enhanced neuronal responsiveness from initial synaptic plasticity and hyperalgesia to subsequent neurotoxicity and neuropathic pain is described. The progression includes neurokinins and excitatory amino acids as neurotransmitters acting at neurokinins and excitatory amino acids receptors and evoking the production of nitric oxide by spinal interneurons. Finally, the importance of spinal blood flow as an affected function and an effective participant is discussed.
Progress and Challenges in Determining Reaction Rates for the s and p Processes

Advances in abundance measurements in primitive meteorites and stars as well as progress in astrophysical models are driving the need for more as well as more accurate (n,γ) reaction-rate measurements. I will describe some recent successes as well as some remaining challenges in measuring the needed rates. In addition, I will briefly discuss how (n,α) measurements are helping to constrain (γ,α) rates for the p process, but at the same time have turned up some surprises.
Glycosylation of α-amino acids by sugar acetate donors with InBr3. Minimally competent Lewis acids.

Abstract A simplified method for the preparation of Fmoc-serine and Fmoc-threonine glycosides for use in O-linked glycopeptide synthesis is described. Lewis acids promote glycoside formation, but also promote undesired reactions of the glycoside products. Use of ‘minimally competent’ Lewis acids such as InBr 3 promotes the desired activation catalytically, and with greatly reduced side products from sugar peracetates.
Lead accumulation and osprey production near a mining site on the Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho

Mining and smelting at Kellogg-Smelterville, Idaho, resulted in high concentrations of lead in Coeur d'Alene (CDA) River sediments 15–65 km downstream, where ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nested. Adult and nestling ospreys living along the CDA River had significantly higher blood lead concentrations than those at Lake Coeur d'Alene (intermediate area) or Pend Oreille and Flathead Lakes (reference areas). Lead concentrations in fish collected from the study areas paralleled those found in ospreys. Inhibition of blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity and elevation of protoporphyrin concentration provided evidence of lead exposure. In adult ospreys, ALAD activity was negatively correlated with lead in blood (r=−0.57), whereas protoporphyrin was positively correlated with lead in blood (r=+0.40). Neither hemoglobin nor hematocrit was adversely affected by the relatively modest lead concentrations found in the blood. Pronounced accumulation of lead by adults or young could ultimately result in behavioral abnormalities or death, both of which would reduce productivity of the nesting osprey population. We did not observe death related to lead, behavioral abnormalities, or reduced productivity during this 1986–87 study. Despite some lead-induced biochemical changes in blood parameters, ospreys produced young at nearly identical rates in the three study areas; these rates were among the highest ever reported in the western United States. Post-fledging survival of ospreys exposed to lead early in life remains an unknown. Lead does not biomagnify in the food chain as do organochlorine pesticides and mercury and several osprey behavior traits reduce the potential for the species to accumulate critical levels of lead. Swans, which feed at a lower trophic level, continue to die from environmental lead in the region.
A model for ionization balance and L-shell spectroscopy of non-LTE plasmas.

Abstract We have developed a model for calculating ionic charge-state distribution and level populations in steady-state nonlocal thermal equilibrium (non-LTE) plasmas. We use this normalize the relative populations for a single ionization stage so that we can compute spectral line intensities as functions of electron temperature and density. These relative populations are determined by the balance of three processes: collisional excitation, de-excitation, and radiative spontaneous emission. As an application of the model, we have computed spectral-line intensities for all the Δn = transitions of nitrogen-, oxygen- and flourine-like argon ions, and we have used these results to analyze recent experiments.
Intermediate filaments with novel protein composition from certain goldfish cells

Abstract Using the conditions for vimentin filament recycling, intermediate filaments (∼ 10 nm) were prepared from the cytoskeleton of a goldfish tumor cell line (erythrophoroma or xanthophoroma). 2-D analysis showed unusual protein composition, with four proteins of molecular weights of 60, 45, 56 and 51 kilodaltons in ratios of approximately 4:4:1:1. These correspond to four of the major cytoskeletal proteins of both the tumor cells and normal xanthophores.
Midtrimester bacterial vaginosis and cervical length in women at risk for preterm birth.

Objective The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of bacterial vaginosis on midtrimester cervical length in women at increased risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. Study Design We conducted a secondary analysis of prerandomization data from a multicenter trial of ultrasound-indicated cerclage. Women with previous spontaneous preterm birth at Results Records for 949 women had complete data. In unadjusted regression models, Nugent score ( P = .003) and vaginal fluid pH ( P = .008) were related inversely to cervical length. Women with bacterial vaginosis based on Nugent score ≥7 ( P = .04) or pH ≥5 ( P = .016) had significnatly lower cervical length than unaffected women; however, all of these effects were null after covariate adjustment. Conclusion Nugent score, pH level, and bacterial vaginosis are associated inversely with cervical length; however, these relationships become null after adjustment for relevant covariates.
Lyotropic Cholestebic Blue Phase

Abstract Upon carefully cooling a short pitch lyotropic cholesteric phase, made up of disodium cromoglycate, allo-4-hydroxy-l-proline and water, from the isotropic phase, the characteristic platelet texture associated with blue phases is observed.
Scopolamine reduces frontal cortex perfusion.

While the cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's disease are considered related to a cholinergic deficit, no attempt has yet been made to test the hypothesis that the characteristic regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) pattern of Alzheimer's disease may also relate to such a deficit. We therefore measured rCBF using the [133Xe] inhalation technique in 15 young normal subjects before and after induction of reversible cholinergic blockade with scopolamine at doses of 6.1 and 7.3 μg/kg i.v. Significant cognitive impairment was observed at both doses, while rCBF changes occurred only at the higher dose. Global CBF was significantly reduced 25 min after scopolamine. The pattern of regional change in CBF was not similar to Alzheimer's disease. Rather than a focal parietotemporal deficit as seen in Alzheimer's disease, we observed a predominantly frontal reduction in flow of about 20%. These results suggest that the frontal but not the parietotemporal deficits seen in several dementing conditions may be related to cho...
Hantaviruses in the United States.

HANTAVIRUSES CAUSE chronic infections of rodents and occasionally infect other species as well. Several of the Old World viruses are well known as causes of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Eurasia. Although HFRS has rarely been described in the United States, 1 it is assumed to be underreported. In 1993, an outbreak of febrile disease resembling adult respiratory distress syndrome occurred in the southwestern United States and was found to be caused by a new hantavirus, Sin Nombre virus. 2 The unique pulmonary syndrome (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome [HPS]) differed from the renal disease so prominent in HFRS. Immunohistologic studies provide evidence of compartmentalization of a selective immune response in the lung in combination with large amounts of viral antigens in the pulmonary microvasculature. 3 Detailed mechanisms of pathogenesis are not understood, although there are some similarities to HFRS. 4 Selective inflammatory cell recruitment to the lung may occur
A principle of least action and equine locomotion

Summary A principle of least action is presented as a theoretical and practical concept for studies in equine locomotion. Basically, one can examine the stability of the movement of the horse over time in terms or body and leg displacements.
Experimental approaches to understanding virulence in toxoplasmosis.

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite that causes severe disease only in immunocompromised individuals. Equipped with excellent animal models and relatively advanced systems for genetics, T. gondii provides an excellent system for understanding pathogenesis. Resistance to toxoplasmosis is governed by rapid innate and adaptive immunity that is characterized by a Thl type profile of cytokines. Despite this effective response, acute infections can cause considerable damage and the parasite effectively establishes a long-term chronic infection that predisposes the host to reactivation and provides a means of eventual transmission. This complex interaction is brought about by the differentiation of the parasite from a rapidly replicating, lytic form (known as the tachyzoite) to a slow-growing form (known as the bradyzoite) that gives rise to chronic infection. The population structure of T. gondii is remarkably clonal, consisting of just three predominant lineages that are geographically widespread and found in a variety of hosts including humans. Acute virulence is strongly associated with the type I genotype which exhibits an enhanced replication rate in vitro and higher tissue burdens in vivo relative to non-virulent lineages. The pathology associated with acute infection appears to be due to excessive production of acute inflammatory mediators, suggesting that disease is partly due to over-response of the host immune system. A combination of refined animal models and newly developed genetic tools for establishing the relative contribution of genes to pathogenesis will enable a comprehensive analysis of the molecular basis of virulence in toxoplasmosis.
Isolation and characterization of a dihydroxo-bridged iron(III,III)(μ-OH)2 diamond core derived from dioxygen.

Dioxygen addition to coordinatively unsaturated [Fe(II)(OMe2N4(6-Me-DPEN))](PF6) (1) is shown to afford a complex containing a dihydroxo-bridged Fe(III)2(μ-OH)2 diamond core, [FeIII(OMe2N4(6-Me-DPEN))]2(μ-OH)2(PF6)2·(CH3CH2CN)2 (2). The diamond core of 2 resembles the oxidized methane monooxygenase (MMOox) resting state, as well as the active site product formed following H-atom abstraction from Tyr-OH by ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). The Fe-OH bond lengths of 2 are comparable with those of the MMOHox suggesting that MMOHox contains a Fe(III)2(μ-OH)2 as opposed to Fe(III)2(μ-OH)(μ-OH2) diamond core as had been suggested. Isotopic labeling experiments with 18O2 and CD3CN indicate that the oxygen and proton of the μ-OH bridges of 2 are derived from dioxygen and acetonitrile. Deuterium incorporation (from CD3CN) suggests that an unobserved intermediate capable of abstracting a H-atom from CH3CN forms en route to 2. Given the high C–H bond dissociation energy (BDE = 97 kcal/mol) of acetonitrile, this indica...
Incentivizing health information exchange: collaborative governance, market failure, and the public interest

Governments at the Federal and State levels in the United States are investing significant funding to support the exchange of health information among organizations in the health system, in what is essentially a large scale experiment involving collaborative governance and big data. Using qualitative data derived from multiple primary and secondary sources and interviews, this paper reports on a project examining Health Information Exchange (HIE) implementation at the Federal level and in the state of Michigan. Lessons are drawn from this case that can inform HIE implementation, and Health IT adoption more broadly, in other states and at the Federal level.
Expanding the diagnostic capabilities of endoscopy: Common bile duct stones. Amouyal P, Amouyal G, Lévy P, Tuzet S, Palazzo L, Vilgrain V, Gayet B, Belghiti J, Fékété F, Bernades P. Diagnosis of choledocholithiasis by endoscopic ultrasonography. Gastroenterology 1994;106:1062–1067

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography is a promising procedure for the diagnosis of extrahepatic cholestasis. Accuracy for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis by ultrasonography and computed tomography were prospectively compared with endoscopic ultrasonography in 62 consecutive patients. Methods: Final diagnosis was determined by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with or without sphincterotomy or intraoperative cholangiography with or without choledochoscopy. All of the patients had abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasonography, and either an endoscopic retrograde (n = 40) or intraoperative cholangiography (n = 32) performed. Results: Choledocholithiasis was confirmed in 22 patients. Thirteen patients had a stone with a diameter < 1 cm, and 14 had a nonenlarged common bile duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography was more sensitive (97%) than ultrasonography (25%; P < 0.0001) and computed tomography (75%; P < 0.02). Specificity and positive predictive value were not significantly different. Negative predictive value of endoscopic ultrasonography (97%) was better than that of ultrasonography (56%; P < 0.0001) and computed tomography (78%; P < 0.02). Results were unchanged after six patients in whom the absence of choledocholithiasis was considered probable after follow-up were excluded. Endoscopic ultrasonography results did not depend on stone diameter or common bile duct dilatation. Conclusions: Endoscopic ultrasonography appears to be the best diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis compared with other noninvasive procedures.
Assignment of a human DNA-repair gene associated with sister-chromatid exchange to chromosome 19

The Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell mutant, EM9, is defective in rejoining strand breaks, hypersensitive to chlorodeoxyuridine (CldUrd), and has a high frequency of sister-chromatid exchange (SCE). Somatic cell hybrids constructed from fusion of EM9 cells with normal human lymphocytes and fibroblasts, and selected in CldUrd, extensively segregate human chromosomes but preferentially retain markers of human chromosome 19. The SCE frequency in the hybrid clones is low as in normal CHO cells, but in CldUrd-sensitive subclones, which lose the human chromosome 19 markers, SCE frequencies return to mutant levels. We therefore assign a human gene designated repair complementing defective repair in Chinese-hamster (RCC) to chromosome 19. Since this is the second (of two) human genes complementing repair-deficiency mutations in CHO cells assigned to the 19, the assignment and organization of DNA-repair genes is discussed in the light of hemizygosity in CHO cells and the evolutionary conservation of mammalian linkage groups.
Analysis of Holographic Thin Film Grating Coupler

The holographic grating coupler was used experimentally by H. Kogelnik and T. P. Sosnowski to obtain high coupling efficiency in thin film waveguides. This paper presents a perturbation analysis of that grating coupler. The calculated results agree very well with the experimental data. The analysis indicates that the maximum efficiency will depend on the effective length of the evanescent tail of the guided wave mode in the gelatin. The longer the evanescent tail is, the higher will be the excitation efficiency; the maximum possible efficiency is, of course, 81%. The maximum efficiency does not depend significantly on the refractive index of the grating, or the slant angle of the grooves, or the thickness of the gelatin (provided that the thickness is larger than the length of the evanescent tail).
Low-Dose Angiotensin II Infusion Restores Vascular Function in Cerebral Arteries of High Salt–Fed Rats by Increasing Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dimutase Expression

Endothelial dysfunction in salt-sensitive (SS) hypertensive patients is well characterized. However, recent studies have shown that short-term increases in dietary salt intake can also reduce vascular function in humans independent of changes in blood pressure.1,2 Consistent with this observation, multiple studies in rats3–10 and mice11 have shown blood pressure–independent impairment of vascular relaxation with increased dietary salt intake in multiple vascular beds, including the cerebral circulation.3,7,12 The loss of nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation in animals fed a high salt (HS) diet appears to be due to the suppression of the renin–angiotensin system because chronic intravenous infusion of a subpressor dose of angiotensin II (ANG II) to prevent salt-induced ANG II suppression13–15 restores normal vascular relaxation mechanisms7,12,16 and returns vascular superoxide levels to normal salt values in mesenteric resistance arteries.4 The goal of this study was to determine the effects of a short-term increase in dietary salt intake on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to acetylcholine (ACh) in middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) of the narrowed Ren1-BN congenic rat strain (SS.BN-(D13hmgc41-D13hmgc23)/Mcwi). Previous studies in this congenic rat strain have shown that these animals have genetically rescued vasodilator responses to ACh and higher expression of copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cerebral vasculature compared with the Dahl SS parental strain because of the presence of the Brown Norway (BN) renin allele in the Dahl SS genetic background.17 The use of this congenic rat strain provides a unique model to study the specific role of the renin–angiotensin system on vascular function because, aside from a 2.0 Mbp region of chromosome 13 that contains the BN renin gene, the rats are genetically identical to the Dahl SS strain. In this study, we hypothesized that salt-induced ANG II suppression would eliminate endothelium-dependent dilation in MCAs of the congenic rats due to downregulation of Cu/Zn SOD and manganese (Mn) SOD expression in the cerebral vasculature. We also hypothesized that restoring ANG II to physiological levels during HS intake would restore endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation by increasing SOD expression in the cerebral vasculature.
Triplet state EPR of reaction centers from the HisL173→LeuL173 mutant of Rhodobacter sphaeroides which contains a heterodimer primary donor

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has been used to examine the triplet states in reaction centers of Rhodobacter sphaeroides which have undergone a genetic modification affecting the primary donor. Reaction centers containing the HisL173→LeuL173 substitution in the amino acid sequence have a primary donor which consists of a BChl-BPh heterodimer. The triplets formed in this heterodimer reaction center were compared with those formed in the wild-type reaction center which contains the BChl-BChl homodimer. Both reaction centers transfer triplet energy to the carotenoid under illumination at liquid nitrogen temperatures (∼90 K). However, the intensity of the carotenoid triplet signal is significantly decreased in the LeuL173 mutant compared with the wild-type reaction center. At 12 K, in wild-type reaction centers only the primary donor triplet is observed. The LeuL173 mutant exhibits a signal similar to that observed by Bylina et al. (1990) in HisM200→LeuM200 mutant reaction centers from Rb. capsulatus. The values of the zero-field splitting parameters of this triplet are discussed within the context of various models for the primary donor triplet state. No alteration in the ability of the carotenoid to quench the primary donor triplet state results from mutations at these sites.
Teaching an Economics Capstone Course Based on Current Issues in Monetary Policy

Economics faculties often struggle with the design of a Capstone course for Economics majors. The goals of such a course are diverse but usually include the need to both assess and improve students’ writing and oral presentation skills, to introduce students to research methods, and to ensure that all students have been exposed to a certain set of topics that may not have been covered in other required courses. In this paper, I describe one way to accomplish these goals in a format that provides much value added to students and holds their interest. The main idea is to structure the course in terms of a debate about monetary policy issues, and I will describe how I have organized the course for several years and how successful it has been at accomplishing its goals.
Problems of cryohemorrhoidectomy

Abstract One thousand cryohemorrhoidectomies were performed in the past 7 years (1973–1979). Ninety percent of the patients were satisfied with the technique; approximately one-third of the patients experienced severe to moderate pain and 11% had recurrences or related problems. The majority of patients with postoperative pain were in the younger age group and two thirds of the recurrences occurred in males. Our data suggest that there is a close relationship between complications and anal pressure. These facts lead us to believe that patients with high anal pressure are prone to recurrence and postoperative pain—for these patients one must not only remove the hemorrhoidal mass but also lower the anal pressure by internal sphincterotomy. On the basis of these assumptions, we have operated on 200 patients using internal sphincterotomy along with hemorrhoidectomy; early results have been promising. We recommend cryohemorrhoidectomy limited to those who have prolapsing internal hemorrhoids without significant constipation or external engorgement which is indicative of high anal pressure.
Effect of change in velocity on the development of medical complications in patients with multisystem trauma sustained in vehicular crashes

Medical complications such as sepsis or multiple organ system failure increase the morbidity and mortality associated with injuries sustained in car crashes. This study addresses the question of the association, if any, between one crash characteristic, i.e. change in velocity (delta v), and subsequent medical complications. Data on seventy-six severely injured patients were obtained as part of an in-depth, trauma-center-based study of the biomechanics of vehicular trauma. Factors found to be predictive of the development of complications included patient age > or = 36 years, delta v > or = 30 mph, and injury severity score > or = 25. Vehicle occupants involved in crashes with a delta v > or = 30 mph had a risk of complications more than five times greater than for those in the lower delta v group. Better knowledge of the dynamics and severity of the crash could help clinical staff anticipate the development of complications and initiate timely prevention strategies.
Mapping calcium transients in the dendrites of Purkinje cells from the guinea‐pig cerebellum in vitro.

1. A 10 X 10 photodiode array was used to detect stimulation-dependent absorbance changes simultaneously from many positions in the dendrite field of guinea-pig Purkinje cells which had been injected with the calcium indicator Arsenazo III in thin cerebellar slices. Signals from each element of the array were matched to positions on the cells by mapping them onto fluorescence photographs of Lucifer Yellow which had been co-injected into the cells with the Arsenazo III. 2. In response to intrasomatic stimulation the rising phase of the absorbance signals corresponded in time with the calcium spikes recorded with an intracellular electrode. There was no increase in absorbance during bursts of fast sodium spikes. Absorbance signals persisted after the sodium spikes were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). In addition, the signals were largest at 660 nm and small signals of opposite polarity were found at 540 nm. These results indicate that the absorbance signals came from calcium entry into the cell resulting from the turning on of voltage-dependent calcium conductances. 3. In these experiments signals were usually seen all over the dendritic field and were weak or totally absent over the soma. In some cases signals were seen over a more restricted area. With a spatial resolution of 25 microns we were not able to see any evidence for highly localized sites of calcium entry. 4. Sometimes the rising phase of the calcium signals was separated by almost 13 ms in different parts of the dendritic field, too long to be explained by active propagation delay. This suggests that calcium spikes causing these signals can be evoked separately in different regions of the Purkinje cell dendritic field by long-lasting potentials which may reach local threshold at different times. 5. Calcium signals resulting from slow plateau after-potentials and the calcium spikes produced by them were also detected in all locations in the dendritic field. The relative distribution of amplitudes from these plateau signals was different from the distribution of evoked signals during current injection. 6. Climbing fibre synaptic activation produced calcium signals which were distributed over the dendritic arborization, but larger at the main dendritic tree where most of the synaptic contacts are located. 7. Calcium signals were also detected from the dendrites of other neurone types in the in vitro slice preparation. Thus, it is likely that these kind of measurements can be used to analyse the electroresponsiveness of many kinds of neurones in the mammalian brain.
Evaluation of novel semiochemical dispensers simultaneously releasing pear ester and sex pheromone for mating disruption of codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The performance of polyvinyl chloride polymer (PVC) dispensers loaded with two rates of ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate (pear ester) plus the sex pheromone, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol (codlemone) of codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), was compared with similar dispensers and two commercial dispensers (Isomate and CheckMate) loaded only with codlemone. Dispenser evaluations were conducted in replicated small (0.1 ha) and large (2 ha) field trials in apple, Malus domestica (Borkhausen), during 2006 (Washington) and 2007 (Michigan, large plot study only). Data recorded included male captures in traps baited with virgin female moths and codlemone lures and direct observations of moth behaviour in treated plots. Volatile air collections of field-aged dispensers were conducted under laboratory conditions. Disruption of male catch in codlemone-baited traps was generally similar among dispenser treatments, except for two instances: lower moth catches with the single and dual-component PVC dispensers, compared with Isomate, during the first flight in the large plots in Michigan in 2007 and for the dualcomponent PVC dispenser compared with the CheckMate dispenser during the second flight in small plots in Washington in 2006. Levels of fruit injury were similar in large plots treated with all dispensers. Male moth catches in virgin female-baited traps did not differ among dispenser treatments and were significantly lower than the untreated control. Behavioural observations of adult moths in the field verified anemotactic approaches within 20 cm of pheromone dispensers loaded with and without pear ester that lasted ca. 15 s on average. Field-aged dual-component dispensers released pear ester at a >5-fold higher rate than codlemone over the first 8 weeks and this ratio declined to near unity by 18 weeks.
Explicating the Social Mechanisms Linking Alcohol Use Behaviors and Ecology to Child Maltreatment.

This paper begins to describe and explicate the specific mechanisms by which alcohol use and the alcohol use environment contribute to specific types of child maltreatment. These mechanisms relating alcohol outlet densities to child maltreatment described here include effects on social disorganization, parent’s drinking behaviors, and parental supervision. By investigating potential mechanisms, new information could be obtained on the importance and role of alcohol and their availability in the etiology of child maltreatment. This knowledge can be used to further tailor interventions to those conditions most likely to prevent and reduce maltreatment.
Emerging as leaders in autism research and practice: using the data-driven intervention process.

Erna Imperatore Blanche, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. I t is an honor to serve as guest editors for this special issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) on autism. Autism is one of the most prevalent developmental disorders, affecting 1 in 110 children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010) and having an estimated annual cost of care nearing $90 billion (Jarbrink & Knapp, 2001), yet its causes are not well understood, and no scientifically recognized cure or prevention is available. Occupational therapists have been widely recognized as playing a pivotal role in the treatment of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) since autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. This special issue spotlights occupational therapy’s central position in the scientific dialogue on autism. A review of AJOT articles that have addressed autism provides a perspective on the role of occupational therapy in autism. Early on, occupational therapy interventions often addressed stereotypic behaviors and facilitated independence in activities of daily living. In the 1970s, A. Jean Ayres revolutionized occupational therapy intervention practices for people with ASDs with the Theory of Sensory Integration (Ayres, 1972). She was pivotal in shifting the focus of occupational therapy intervention to include consideration of the neurobiological substrates of successful participation in life activities. This approach became one of the most used approaches by occupational therapists working with people with ASD (MillerKuhaneck & Watling, 2010), and it is one of the top three interventions requested by parents of children with ASD (GoinKochel, Mackintosh, & Myers, 2007; Green et al., 2006; Mandell, Novak, & Levy, 2005). A review of articles published in AJOT between 1980 and 2010 revealed that of the 22 articles that used autism as a key word, 13 addressed sensory processing, sensory integration, or both. Today, occupational therapy services are a valued component of the health and educational care of people with ASD. Occupational therapy brings expertise in the facilitation of successful participation in daily life across the lifespan. Occupational therapists’ ability to analyze activities and craft individually tailored interventions based on person and environmental factors is unparalleled. We must continue to clearly articulate this unique expertise, use it systematically, and evaluate its impact on participation and quality of life of people with ASD and their families.
The Effects of Anticonvulsant Drugs on NMDA-EPSP, AMPA-EPSP, and GABA-IPSP in the Rat Hippocampus

The effects of phenobarbital, phenytoin, and valproic acid on pharmacologically isolated NMDA-EPSP, AMPA-EPSP, and GABA-IPSPs were examined in rat hippocampal slices. Phenobarbital (0.05 mg/ml) had no effect on the NMDA-EPSP, but decreased the slope of the AMPA-EPSP by 13.4% and facilitated the GABA-IPSP slope by 77.12%. Phenytoin (0.02 mg/ml) had no effects on the NMDA-EPSP, AMPA-EPSP, or GABA-IPSP. Valproic acid (0.1 mg/ml) decreased the NMDA-EPSP slope by 14.3%, increased the GABA-IPSP slope by 54.34%, and had no effect on the AMPA-EPSP. These data suggest that the mechanisms of action of these anticonvulsant drugs may be via their actions on different neurotransmitter systems or ion channels.
Emerging role of microRNAs in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including ovarian cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA). Recently, it has been demonstrated that miRNA expression is altered in many human diseases including cancers, suggesting that miRNA may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of different diseases. It has also been reported that there is a unique expression pattern of miRNAs in the disease state differing from the normal state. In this review, we focus on the miRNA signatures in different human diseases including cancers. Such signatures may be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Precise Constants in Bosonization Formulas on Riemann Surfaces. I

A computation of the constant appearing in the spin-1 bosonization formula is given. This constant relates Faltings’ delta invariant to the zeta-regularized determinant of the Laplace operator with respect to the Arakelov metric.
EFFECT OF WATER ACTIVITY ON TEXTURE PROFILE PARAMETERS OF APPLE FLESH

Fresh apple with a water activity of approximately 0.99 was partially dehydrated, then equilibrated to nine water activity levels down to Aw 0.01. The water desorption isotherm, for apple is given. Instrumental texture profile analysis was performed at each Aw level. As the Aw decreased, hardness increased slowly, then rapidly at Aw 0.12 then decreased again at Aw 0.01; deformation first increased sharply then steadily decreased; springiness increased to Aw 0.33 then decreased; cohesiveness increased down to Aw 0.65, held steady to Aw 0.33 then decreased; gumminess and chewiness increased down to Aw 0.12 then decreased. Fracturability was present only at the extremes (Aw 0.99 and 0.01) and was absent at all other water activity, levels. Complex changes in textural properties occur as apple is dehydrated and most of these changes occur most rapidly near the BET monolayer level of water activity.
Quarter field resonance and integer-spin/half-spin interaction in the EPR of Thermus thermophilus ferrodoxin. Possible new fingerprints for three iron clusters

We describe two new characteristics of the EPR of the seven-iron containing ferredoxin from Thermus thermophilus. First, the reduced state of the 3Fe center, which has traditionally been considered to be EPR-silent, has been found to exhibit a delta m = 4 transition, which is unique for Fe-S centers. This signal is similar to that of high-spin Fe2+-EDTA and supports the suggestion that the ground electronic state of the 3Fe cluster is S = 2. Second, we have recorded the EPR spectrum of the fully reduced protein at 9 and 15 GHz and found that changes occur in the signal which are consistent with a weak electronic spin-spin interaction between the [4Fe-4S]+ (S = 1/2) and the reduced 3Fe center. A theoretical explanation is given for the observation of interaction signals with constant effective g values.
Antiretroviral Therapy for the Prevention of HIV Transmission: What Will It Take?

The evidence in support of use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission is encouraging and has stimulated optimism for achieving a dramatic change in the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. Yet, there are substantial challenges that, if not addressed, could be the Achilles’ heel for this concept. These challenges require strengthening every step of the HIV care continuum, including expansion of HIV testing to reach all those with HIV infection, effective linkage to and retention in care, timely initiation of ART, and high levels of treatment adherence with viral load suppression. Also important is the identification of individuals with acute HIV infection whose contribution to HIV transmission may be substantial. Implementation research is needed to identify strategies that address these challenges and to determine the efficacy of ART for prevention in key populations as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of combination strategies for HIV prevention at the population level.
Unobservable individual effects in unbalanced panel data

Abstract A modification to the [Hausman, Taylor, 1981. Panel data and unobservable individual effects. Econometrica 49, 1377–1399.] instrumental variables panel data model is warranted with unbalanced panel data. This avoids biasedness when unobservable individual effects are related to explanatory variables without the drawbacks of a fixed effects specification.