cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vibrissal motor cortex in the rat: connections with the barrel field.

The flow of information in the sensorimotor cortex may determine how somatic information modulates motor cortex neuronal activity during voluntary movement. Electrophysiological recordings and neuroanatomical tracing techniques were used to study the connections between the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the vibrissal representation of the primary motor cortex (MI) in rodents. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was applied to the vibrissal region of the motor cortex to identify a site from which stimulation evoked movements of the vibrissae. Movements of only a single whisker were evoked by applying low-intensity stimulating current to particular locations within MI. A single injection of either horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or biocytin was made at the stimulus site in each animal, to retrogradely label cells in the somatosensory cortex. Receptive field (RF) responses were recorded from neurons in the barrel cortex to identify the sensory cortex representation of the same whisker that responded to ICMS. The site at which neurons responded predominately to manual stimulation of this particular vibrissa was marked by a small electrolytic lesion. The projection from the somatosensory cortex to the identified whisker representation in the motor cortex was determined by mapping the location of labeled neurons in tissue sections processed for either HRP or biocytin. The relationship of the labeled cells in SI to the barrel structures was determined from adjacent sections that were stained for cytochrome oxidase. In all cases, the barrel column associated with the relevant whisker contained labeled cells. Surrounding barrels also contained labeled cells, although fewer in number. Very few labeled cells were found in non-contiguous barrels. These results show that the SI to MI projection is somatotopically arranged, such that the sensory cortex representation of a whisker is morphologically connected to the motor cortex representation of the same whisker. Thus, sensory information is relayed to MI from the relevant whisker region in SI. Adjacent whisker regions also appear to relay somatic input, but presumably to a lesser degree. A second group of animals received single small injections of the anterograde tracer, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, to an electrophysiologically identified whisker representation in the sensory cortex. A single narrow column of labeled fibers was found in the motor cortex following such injections. Thus, the sensory cortex appears to relay somatic information from the vibrissae to restricted regions of the motor cortex in a somatotopically organized manner. Furthermore, the stimulus-evoked whisker movements suggest that certain features of the output map of the motor cortex are discretely organized. These input/output relationships suggest that complex information processing within the vibrissal sensorimotor cortex is highly organized.
Cell intrinsic mechanisms regulate mouse cerebellar granule neuron differentiation.

Abstract Cerebellar granule cells isolated from postnatal day 7 mice, and cultured in minimal medium containing only insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), both survive and differentiate. This differentiation is marked by neurite growth and expression of genes associated with terminal differentiation, the myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) and the α6 subunit of the γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABA A α6). Percoll gradient purified granule cells maintained without IGF-I, in minimal medium alone or in medium containing the antioxidant N -acetylcysteine (NAC), also express MEF2A and GABA A α6. Thus, cultured granule neurons can differentiate to some extent cell-autonomously and IGF-I may not be a critical factor for this process.
HIV envelope-mediated, CCR5/α4β7-dependent killing of CD4-negative γδ T cells which are lost during progression to AIDS

HIV infects and replicates in CD4+ T cells but effects on host immunity and disease also involve depletion, hyper-activation, and modification of CD4-negative cell populations. In particular, the depletion of CD4-negative γδ T cells is common to all HIV+ individuals. We found that soluble or cell-associated envelope glycoproteins from CCR5-tropic strains of HIV could bind, activates the p38-caspase pathway, and induce the death of γδ cells. Envelope binding requires integrin α4β7 and chemokine receptor CCR5 which are at high levels and form a complex on the γδ T cell membrane. This receptor complex facilitated V3 loop binding to CCR5 in the absence of CD4-induced conformational changes. Cell death was increased by antigen stimulation after exposure to envelope glycoprotein. Direct signaling by envelope glycoprotein killed CD4-negative γδ T cells and reproduced a defect observed in all patients with HIV disease.
First- and second-order Raman scattering in EuSe near TN

Abstract First- and second-order Raman scattering are described for EuSe near T N = 4.6 K. The second-order spectral features are interpreted using previous mode assignments for EuSe. Spin fluctuation effects are described for T ≳ T N and related to the phonon dispersion relations.
Bayesian approach to skewness bias correction for Pearson Type 3 populations

Abstract An estimator, based on the use of order statistics, for the coefficient of skewness for Pearson Type 3 populations has been previously shown to be substantially biased, but frequently less so than is the widely applied moment-based estimator suggested by the Water Resources Council. The variance of the order statistic-based estimator is also frequently much smaller than that of the moment-based estimator, and approaches that attainable only by such efficient methods as maximum likelihood. This paper, employing a Bayesian technique, develops a bias correction method for the order statistic-based estimator. The developed bias correction method will, in many applications, result in an attenuation rather than magnification of the variance of the skewness estimator. Results of this study are presented as graphs of the expected population skewness, given the sample skewness and sample size. It is also shown in this paper that, like the moment-based counterpart, the order statistic-based estimator is algebraically bounded. The bounds, however, are much less restrictive than they are in the case of the moment-based approach.
Neurogenic Respiratory Failure: A 5-Year Experience Using Implantable Phrenic Nerve Stimulators

Abstract During the past 5 years, 20 phrenic nerve stimulators have been implanted in 11 patients who were ventilator dependent because of neurogenic respiratory failure. Ten patients had traumatic spinal cord lesions; the remaining patient suffered from a progressive demyelinating disease. There was no operative mortality. Complications included 1 stimulator malfunction and 1 pneumothorax. In spite of adjacent tracheostomies, there were no infections or wound complications. Of the 20 stimulators implanted, 13 initially produced good diaphragmatic function, 2 had fair function, and 5 had little or no function. Three patients became completely independent of their ventilators; 6 became partially independent, thus simplifying nursing care. There were no late complications. As of December, 1979, 7 patients had benefited or were continuing to benefit from phrenic nerve stimulation.
Indefinite Pronouns, Polarity, and Related Phenomena in Classical Armenian: A Study Based on the Old Armenian Gospels

Classical Armenian possesses two series of indefinite pronouns, one in -k‘, the other in -mn. The first is employed for the most part in contexts where English any appears, the second where English employs some. The distinction is therefore essentially one of polarity sensitivity, the forms in -k‘ being negative-polarity items (NPIs), those in -mn positive-polarity items (PPIs). As in English, the NPIs are employed also as generalizing or free-choice indefinites; but a host of other features, including minimal-value quantification, scalarity, and despecification are involved as well in the Classical Armenian -k‘-forms.
Regional poverty disparity and economic performance in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia

While most of the inequality literature focuses on income inequalities by Gini coefficient, this article develops an alternative index that measures the extent of poverty disparities across geographical regions. In contrast to trends in income inequalities, there is little evidence that regional poverty disparities have peaked and are falling in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Using panel data for the transition countries, we find that high levels of regional poverty disparity have a positive impact on macroeconomic performance. Further evidence suggests this result may be driven by the positive effect of disparities on both saving and the pace of economic reforms. However, it appears that disparities are beneficial to progress on both economic and democratic reforms only for countries with per capita income levels above USD3000.
Cytological and functional properties of the thyroid of a chimaeroid fish, Hydrolagus colliei ☆

Abstract Cytological features of the ratfish (holocephalian) thyroid gland are described from the ultrastructural level. A series of vacuolar structures were found in thyroid cells which could be readily interpreted to indicate successive (a) resorption of colloid from the follicular lumen, (b) fusion of the resulting vacuolar organelles with lysosomes, (c) formation of protein crystalloids and loss of the vacuolar limiting membrane. Treatment with either thiorea or mammalian TSH appeared to stimulate this process. Although radioautography (at the E. M. level) was done only with two specimens, results indicated that iodine organification occurs in the colloid, and that resorption vacuoles contain already protein bound iodine, which is further metabolized in the intracellular organelles.
Quantitation of conformational changes on chemical modification of proteins: use of succinylated proteins as a model.

Abstract Bovine serum albumin, human γ-globulin, and lysozyme were succinylated, and the changes in conformation associated with modification were studied. The Stokes radius was used to quantitate conformational changes which affected the overall shapes of the macromolecules. In addition, the susceptibility of the disulfide groups to either sulfitolysis or reduction, as well as the ability of the succinylated proteins to precipitate with antibodies against the respective native protein, were evaluated. The three proteins behaved differently. In bovine serum albumin succinylation of the first 30–34 amino groups was accompanied by a small increase in Stokes radius, no effect on disulfide reactivity, and little effect on precipitation with antibovine serum albumin antibodies. Succinylation of the remaining amino groups resulted in a dramatic increase in Stokes radius with concomitant increase in the reactivity of the disulfide groups and a sharp reduction in the amount of precipitate with antibovine serum albumin antibodies. Human γ-globulin showed a less dramatic increase in the Stokes radius on succinylation, which was accompanied by a moderate loss of reactivity toward antibody: reactivity toward mercaptoethanol remained almost unchanged. Lysozyme appeared to be a more stable molecule; succinylation of all the amino groups resulted in a limited increase in reactivity of the disulfide groups and a 50% diminution in the ability to precipitate with antilysozyme antibodies.
Longitudinal waves in liquid-filled tubes—II: Experiments

Abstract An experimental investigation of the propagation of pulses in fluid-filled tubes produced by longitudinal impact was undertaken to correlate both wave speeds and pulse shapes in the tube and the fluid with corresponding theoretical predictions. Three tubes, composed of aluminum and a thick-walled and thin-walled acrylic (PMMA), and three fluids, distilled water, glycerin and an electrical insulating fluid (Fluorinert) were employed. Pulses were produced by the central longitudinal impact of a pneumatically-fired steel sphere on a closed end of the tube: both axial and transverse strains in the tubes and fluid pressures were measured at various positions. The tests involved both empty tubes and stationary liquids as well as laminar flow both in and opposed to the direction of impact. Excellent correspondence was found between measured tube and fluid wave speeds and the predictions of Skalak's simplified theory of water hammer; other theories did not provide as good a match. No significant difference was found in either wave speeds or pulse shapes whether the fluid was stationary or streaming, as would be expected on the basis of at least three orders of magnitude difference between particle and propagation velocity. Correspondence between predicted and measured initial portions of the axial strain ranged from very good to satisfactory, depending upon the combination of tube and fluid employed, with a maximum deviation of 15%, based upon experimentally-determined mechanical properties of the system components. The major portion of the deviation is attributed to inaccuracies in the determination of the viscoelastic behavior of the acrylic tubes.
Assessing Public Policies and Programs: Equity Considerations: Discussion

Harper and Tweeten present results that should stimulate interesting and useful hypotheses. They manipulate a rich source of data with a logical sequence of statistical routines. The limitations of factor analysis (Armstrong) and the problems of pretest bias in a succession of regressions (Debertin) warrant additional emphasis. But the authors are more careful in recognizing the value of prior information than many of their colleagues and are also aware their hypotheses need confirmation before application. The failure of Harper and Tweeten to recognize explicitly the larger dynamic and macroeconomic setting is an important shortcoming. A major issue in the current debate of income redistribution is the trade-off between equality and efficiency (e.g., Campbell). Efficiency in the context of this debate includes encouraging the innovation and investment that maximizes future production as well as insuring incentives exist for appropriate allocations in the current period. The underlying premise is that redistribution of income discourages both the contributor and recipient from putting their resources into the most productive uses. This very hypothesis was a prime motivation for the experiment whose results are being analyzed by Harper and Tweeten. Once this trade-off is recognized and accepted, knowledge of the marginal utility of income among groups at a point in time, while useful, is clearly an inadequate base for policy formation.
Rate constants for H + CH4, CH3 + H2, and CH4 dissociation at high temperature

The Laser Photolysis-Shock Tube technique coupled with H-atom atomic resonance absorption spectrometry has been used to study the reaction, H + CH{sub 4} {yields} CH{sub 3} + H{sub 2}, over the temperature range, 928-1697 K. Shock-tube studies on the reverse of this reaction, CH{sub 3} + H{sub 2} {yields} H + CH{sub 4}, using CH{sub 3}I dissociation in the presence of H{sub 2} yielded H-atom formation rates and rate constants for the reverse process over the temperature range, 1269-1806 K. These results were transformed (using well-established equilibrium constants) to the forward direction. The combined results for H + CH{sub 4} can be represented by an experimental three parameter expression, K = 6.78 x 10{sup -21} T{sup 3.156} exp(-4406 K/T) cm{sup 3} molecule{sup -1} s{sup -1} (348-1950 K) that was evaluated from the present work and seven previous studies. Using this evaluation, disagreements between previously reported values for the dissociation of CH{sub 4} could be reconciled. The thermal decomposition of CH{sub 4} was then studied in Kr bath gas. The dissociation results agreed with the earlier studies and were theoretically modeled with the Troe formalism. The energy transfer parameter necessary to explain both the present results and those of Kiefer andmore » Kumaran (J Phys Chem 1993, 97, 414) is, {l_angle}{Delta}E{r_angle}{sub all}/cm{sup -1} = 0.3323 T{sup 0.7}. The low temperature data on the reverse reaction, H + CH{sub 3} (in He) from Brouard et al. (J Phys Chem 1989, 93, 4047) were also modeled with the Troe formalism. Lastly, the rate constant for H + CH{sub 4} was theoretically calculated using conventional transition state theory with Eckart tunneling corrections. The potential energy surface used was from Kraka et al. (J Chem Phys 1993, 99, 5306) and the derived T-dependence with this method agreed almost perfectly with the experimental evaluation.« less
Design of CML Ring Oscillators With Low Supply Sensitivity

The causes of supply noise-induced frequency variation in CML ring oscillators are investigated and a novel circuit topology that reduces the supply sensitivity is presented. It is shown that this technique causes only a slight reduction in the maximum oscillation frequency and maintains nearly the same random jitter generation while greatly reducing the sinusoidal jitter caused by power supply variation. Measurement results from a prototype chip fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS process verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
On the nonlinear equations of thermo-electroelasticity

Abstract The differential equations and boundary conditions describing the behavior of an electrically polarizable, finitely deformable, heat conducting continuum in interaction with the electric field are derived by means of a systematic application of the laws of continuum physics to a macroscopic model consisting of an electronic charge continuum coupled to a lattice continuum. The resulting rotationally invariant description of thermoelectroelasticity consists of five differential equations in five dependent variables and, when thermal considerations are omitted, reduces to four differential equations in four dependent variables. These same four differential equations of electroelasticity in the same four dependent variables along with the associated boundary conditions can readily be obtained, by means of a Legendre transformation, from existing consistent variational treatments of electroelasticity, which yield a system of seven equations in seven dependent variables.
Asymptotic prey profitability drives star-nosed moles to the foraging speed limit

Prey profitability — the ratio of energy gained to handling time for an item of prey — is a central component of behavioural ecology. Most prey handling times last minutes or seconds, but the star-nosed mole is top dog. It can identify and eat a piece of prey in 120 milliseconds. To achieve the feat it has become one of nature's oddest animals, with stellar face, strange teeth and a nervous system tuned for speed. This evolutionary journey is explained by an unusually strong, ‘runaway’ selection for speed caused by increasing prey profitability for the fastest eaters. The moles can use their speed to exploit big resources (of small invertebrates) that for other animals are literally a waste of time. Foraging theory provides models for predicting predator diet choices assuming natural selection has favoured predators that maximize their rate of energy intake during foraging1,2,3,4,5,6. Prey profitability (energy gained divided by prey handling time) is an essential variable for estimating the optimal diet. Time constraints of capturing and consuming prey generally result in handling times ranging from minutes to seconds, yet profitability increases dramatically as handling time approaches zero, providing the potential for strong directional selection for increasing predator speed at high encounter rates (tiny increments in speed increase profitability markedly, allowing expanded diets of smaller prey). We provide evidence that the unusual anatomical and behavioural specializations characterizing star-nosed moles resulted from progressively stronger selection for speed, allowing the progressive addition of small prey to their diet. Here we report handling times as short as 120 ms (mean 227 ms) for moles identifying and eating prey. ‘Double takes’ during prey identification suggest that star-nosed moles have reached the speed limit for processing tactile information. The exceptional speed of star-nosed moles, coupled with unusual specializations for finding and eating tiny prey, provide new support for optimal foraging theory.
Large-angle inelastic electron-hydrogen scattering in the Glauber approximation

Large-angle inelastic scattering is considered using the Glauber approximation for the scattered wave function, but without the additional approximation of purely transverse linear momentum transfer. At large angles, the electron-proton interaction dominates and has Rutherford ${q}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ behavior. Furthermore, with the direction of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{q}}$ unrestricted the $\mathrm{L}\mathrm{y}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ radiation is found to be, in general, elliptically polarized.
Structural basis for S-adenosylmethionine binding and methyltransferase activity by mitochondrial transcription factor B1

Eukaryotic transcription factor B (TFB) proteins are homologous to KsgA/Dim1 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) methyltransferases. The mammalian TFB1, mitochondrial (TFB1M) factor is an essential protein necessary for mitochondrial gene expression. TFB1M mediates an rRNA modification in the small ribosomal subunit and thus plays a role analogous to KsgA/Dim1 proteins. This modification has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunctions leading to maternally inherited deafness, aminoglycoside sensitivity and diabetes. Here, we present the first structural characterization of the mammalian TFB1 factor. We have solved two X-ray crystallographic structures of TFB1M with (2.1 A) and without (2.0 A) its cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine. These structures reveal that TFB1M shares a conserved methyltransferase core with other KsgA/Dim1 methyltransferases and shed light on the structural basis of S-adenosyl-L-methionine binding and methyltransferase activity. Together with mutagenesis studies, these data suggest a model for substrate binding and provide insight into the mechanism of methyl transfer, clarifying the role of this factor in an essential process for mitochondrial function.
Whey Improves Oxidative Stability of Soybean Oil

Whey powder and Maillard reaction products (MRP) produced from whey suppressed the formation of hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and lowered oxygen uptake in the model system. The antioxidant activity of whey was dependent on concentration and preheating treatment. Unheated whey and whey heated for at greater than or equal to 24 hr were most effective in retarding lipid oxidation. Whey solutions of 16% were most effective antioxidants followed by 10% and 3% solutions. As MRP indicators increased antioxidant activity increased. Whey may be useful as an antioxidant in some processed foods.
Advanced array techniques for unattended ground sensor applications

Sensor arrays offer opportunities to beamform, and time- frequency analyses offer additional insights to the wavefield data. Data collected while monitoring three different sources with unattended ground sensors in a 16- element, small-aperture (approximately 5 meters) geophone array are used as examples of model-based seismic signal processing on actual geophone array data. The three sources monitored were: (Source 01). A frequency-modulated chirp of an electromechanical shaker mounted on a floor of an underground bunker. Three 60-second time-windows corresponding to (a) 50 Hz to 55 Hz sweep, (b) 60 Hz to 70 Hz sweep, and (c) 80 Hz to 90 Hz sweep. (Source 02). A single transient impact of a hammer striking the floor of the bunker. Twenty seconds of data (with the transient event approximately mid-point in the time window). (Source 11). The transient event of a diesel generator turning on, including a few seconds before the `turn-on time' and a few seconds after the generator reaches `steady-state conditions'. The high-frequency seismic array was positioned at the surface of the ground at a distance of 150 meters (North) of the underground bunker. Four Y-shaped subarrays (each with 2-meter apertures) in a Y-shaped pattern (with a 6-meter aperture) using a total of 163-component, high- frequency geophones were deployed. These 48 channels of seismic data were recorded at 6000 and 12000 samples per second on 16-bit data loggers. Representative examples of the data and analyses illustrate the results of this experiment.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Solvent desorption dynamic headspace method for diacetyl and acetoin in buttermilk.

Major buttermilk volatiles recovered included diacetyl, acetic acid, and acetoin. Detection limits were diacetyl 0.2 and acetoin 2.0 microgram/g. Mean percent recoveries were 112% for diacetyl and 8.08% for acetoin. Normalized detector responses were linear over the range of concentrations tested (R2 > 0.999) for diacetyl and acetoin. Percent relative standard deviations from quadruplicate analysis of 7-day-old buttermilk were < 8% for diacetyl, acetoin, and acetic acid. The method enabled quantitative estimation of diacetyl and acetoin in < 30 min, including sample preparation time.
The association between cognitive impairment and quality of life in patients with early multiple sclerosis

Cognitive deficits are common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may be observed early in the course of the disease. Current knowledge about the association between cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life (HQOL) in patients with early MS is limited. We used a well-established battery of cognitive tests and standardized HQOL measures to examine the associations between overall and domain-specific cognitive performance and quality of life in patients with early MS. Ninety-two patients with CIS or MS diagnosed in the previous three years participating in the CLIMB Natural History Study underwent a neurologic examination, neuropsychological evaluation and quality of life assessment. Associations between cognitive scores and HQOL measures were examined. There were no differences between cognitively impaired versus unimpaired subjects on any of the HQOL measures. After controlling for depression, scores on tests of information processing speed were significantly associated with several measures of HQOL including physical well-being, fatigue, and social support. In all cases, correlations between HQOL and cognitive measures were mild. These findings were observed in patients with limited cognitive impairment and minimal physical disability. Our results suggest that cognitive remediation programs aimed at improving cognitive skills may also improve quality of life for patients with early MS.
Clinical assessment of Zyplast Implant: A year of experience for soft tissue contour correction

Abstract The advent of injectable collagen for soft tissue augmentation has opened an entirely new area for the dermatologie cosmetic surgeon and for dermatologists who have a particular interest in the cosmetic aspect of our specialty. Patient demand for correction of soft tissue contour irregularities is high and continues to increase daily. The use of injectable collagen with appropriate technique can provide these patients with significant improvement without great cost or significant side effects. In the year following the introduction of glutaraldehyde cross-linked Zyplast Implant, 188 patients were evaluated for soft tissue augmentation with bovine collagen in my clinical practice. Diagnoses varied from facial elastosis to scars due to acne, pox, trauma, and cancer. Some patients desired changes in facial contour (thicker lips; postrhinoplasty defect). Patient satisfaction was high (83% good or excellent results) and side effects were minimal. In our study we found that 3% of patients demonstrated hypersensitivity to the test implant. Treatment with non—cross-linked Zyderm and Zyplast collagens in the patients with a negative skin test resulted in six hypersensitivity reactions (3%). In these patients reactions were not observed at sites treated only with cross-linked collagen and clinical responses appeared to be directed at the non—cross-linked collagen implant sites. With proper treatment technique and patient consultation, the results obtained with injectable collagen fulfill expectations of treated patients.
Torsion of tubes of arbitrary shape

Abstract The method of eigenfunction expansion and matching can be applied to arbitrary shaped, hollow tubes which are described by curved and straight pieces. The method is highly efficient and superior to finite differences. The oval tube and the rounded polygonal tube are studied in detail. Approximate formula for torsional rigidity from membrane analogy is valid only for thin tubes with thickness less than 0.2. Maximum shear stress occurs either at re-entrant inner corners or at the outer boundary on the minor axis.
Inhibition of protein kinase C phosphorylation by mono- and divalent cations.

Abstract The effect of a matrix of concentrations of Ca2+ (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 5 mM), Mg2+ (0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 mM), and Na+ (50, 100, 150 mM) on the phosphorylation of histone H-1 by protein kinase C was measured in the presence of 5 mol % diacylglycerol and Mg-ATP in both phosphatidylserine micelles and liposomes formed from a 1:4 mixture of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine. Monovalent cations (150 mM) reduced activity by 60 and 84% in the micelle and liposome assay systems, respectively. Inhibition was also observed with 5 mM Ca2+ and 10 mM Mg2+. The phosphorylating activity was compared with computer calculations of the negative electrostatic potentials (ψo) of the phospholipid membranes in the presence of the cations.
Women's Participation in the Olympic Games: A Historical Perspective

(1984). Women's Participation in the Olympic Games: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 55, No. 5, pp. 62-72.
Stutterers' vocal reaction times to unilaterally presented high and low frequency verbs.

The current study investigated vocal reaction times of 11 stuttering participants to verbs with high and low frequencies of occurrence when these verbs were unilaterally visually presented. No significant main effects or interactions between stimuli and visual-half field were found. Reaction times were 16 msec. faster after right visual field presentations and the Pearson correlation coefficient between visual fields .71 (p=.02). These results were interpreted as suggesting that the left hemisphere was dominant for processing the current lexical items, findings which parallel those for normal speakers.
Topical Review: Optimum Probe Parameters for Entangling Probe in Quantum Key Distribution

For the four-state protocol of quantum key distribution, optimum sets of probe parameters are calculated for the most general unitary probe in which each individual transmitted photon is made to interact with the probe so that the signal and the probe are left in an entangled state, and projective measurement by the probe, made subsequent to projective measurement by the legitimate receiver, yields information about the signal state. The probe optimization is based on maximizing the Renyi information gain by the probe on corrected data for a given error rate induced by the probe in the legitimate receiver. An arbitrary angle is included between the nonorthogonal linear polarization states of the signal photons. Two sets of optimum probe parameters are determined which both correspond to the same optimization. Also, a larger set of optimum probe parameters is found than was known previously for the standard BB84 protocol. A detailed comparison is made between the complete and incomplete optimizations, and the latter simpler optimization is also made complete. Also, the process of key distillation from the quantum transmission in quantum key distribution is reviewed, with the objective of calculating the secrecy capacity of the four-state protocol in the presence of the eavesdropping probe. Emphasis is placed on information leakage to the probe. PACS: 03.67.Dd; 03.67.Hk; 03.65.Ta
Phylogenetic relationships among loliginid squids (Cephalopoda: Myopsida) based on analyses of multiple data sets

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships among the loliginid squids, a species-rich group of shallow-water muscular squids, have been investigated recently using several approaches, including allozyme electrophoresis and analyses of morphological and DNA sequence data, yet no consensus has been reached. This study examines the effects of combining multiple data sets (morphology, allozymes and DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial genes) on estimates of loliginid phylogeny. Various data combinations were analysed under three maximum parsimony weighting schemes: equal weights for all characters, successive approximations and implicit weights parsimony. When feasible, support for branches within trees was assessed with nonparametric bootstrapping and decay analysis. Some ingroup relationships were consistent across all analyses, but relationships among outgroup taxa and basal ingroup taxa varied. Combining data increased bootstrap support for several nodes. Methods that downweight highly variable characters (i.e. successive approximations and implicit weights parsimony) produced very similar trees which included two major clades: a clade consisting of all species sampled from American waters (except Sepioteuthis ), and a clade of several east Atlantic species ( Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, Loligo vulgaris Lamarck and Loligo reynaudi d»Orbigny) plus several Indo-West Pacific species in the genera Uroteuthis and Loliolus . The Sepioteuthis species occupied a basal position within Loliginidae, but Sepioteuthis itself was not always monophyletic. The position of a clade of a few Lolliguncula species and Loligo ( Alloteuthis ) also varied across analyses. A new loliginid classification is proposed based on these findings.
Time series characterization of simulated microtubule dynamics in the nerve growth cone

The process of neurite outgrowth is critically dependent on proper microtubule assembly. However, characterizing the dynamics of microtubule assembly and their quantitative relationship to neurite outgrowth is a difficult task. The difficulty can be reduced by using time series analysis which has broad application in characterizing the dynamics of stochastic, or “noisy,” behaviors. Here we apply time series analysis to quantitatively compare simulated microtubule assembly and neurite outgrowth in vitro. Microtubule length life histories were simulated assuming constant growth and shrinkage rates coupled with random selection of growth and shrinkage times, a formulation based on the dynamic instability model of microtubules assembly. Net length displacements of simulated microtubules were calculated at discrete, evenly spaced times, and the resulting time series were characterized by both spectral and autocorrelation analysis. Depending on the sampling rate and the dynamic parameters, simulated microtubules exhibited significant autocorrelation and periodicity. To make a comparison to neurite outgrowth, we characterized the dynamic behavior of simulated microtubule populations and found it was not significantly different from that of single microtubules. The net displacements of rat superior cervical ganglion neurite tips were measured and characterized using time series methods. Their behavior was consistent with the microtubule dynamics for appropriate simulation parameters and sampling rates. Our results show that time series analysis can provide a useful tool for quantitative characterization of microtubule dynamics and neurite outgrowth and for assessing the relationship between them.
Outcomes of Total Thyroidectomy with Therapeutic Central and Lateral Neck Dissection with a Single Dose of Radioiodine in the Treatment of Regionally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Effects on Serum Thyroglobulin

Achieving an undetectable serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level (<1.0 ng/mL) after surgical and radioiodine treatment for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is associated with low recurrence rates and has been termed biochemical remission. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of total thyroidectomy with therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection for regionally advanced (T1–4bN1bM0) PTC with regard to posttreatment Tg levels. This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients with regionally advanced PTC initially treated with total thyroidectomy and therapeutic levels 2–7 neck dissection from 2002 to 2012. Pathologic findings, complications, serum Tg levels, and outcomes were analyzed. Sixty-one patients were initially treated with total thyroidectomy and therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection for PTC involving the lateral cervical nodes (N1b). The median number of lymph nodes excised and positive was 27 (range 5–112) and 9 (range 1–67), respectively. Extranodal extension occurred in 48 %. Radioiodine was administered after surgery with a median total dose of 150 mCi (range 30–244 mCi). Recurrent or persistent cervical disease occurred in 8 (13 %) and 3 (5 %) patients, respectively, and required additional radioiodine treatment in 2 and reoperative neck dissection in 10. Three patients developed new distant metastasis, and 1 died during the median follow-up of 20 months (range 1–109 months). Undetectable unstimulated Tg (<1.0 ng/mL) without clinically detectable recurrence was experienced in 68 % of patients with initial treatment. Biochemical remission can be experienced in most patients presenting with regionally advanced PTC with total thyroidectomy and compartment based therapeutic neck dissection followed by a single dose of radioiodine.
Territorial Influences on the Permeability of Group Spatial Boundaries

Abstract One hundred eighty-six female undergraduates in an American college encountered an interacting female dyad in a corridor that was in a dormitory (secondary territory) or in a classroom building (public territory). For half of these dyads, obstacles blocked part of the corridor, and for the other half the corridor was open. As predicted, significantly more pedestrians penetrated group space in a secondary territory (although the difference in penetration between the two types of territories was reduced when there were no obstacles), indicating that the pedestrians had differential feelings of control and ownership in the two types of territories.
Prevalence of HLA sensitization in female apheresis donors.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious complication of plasma-containing blood components. Studies have implicated HLA antibodies along with biologically active lipids in stored blood in the pathogenesis of TRALI. It has been proposed that the exclusion of HLA-untested, multiparous donors of plasma-rich components, including plasma and single-donor apheresis platelets, would substantially reduce the risk of TRALI. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To investigate the feasibility of such an exclusion, 332 female plateletpheresis donors with a record of over 9000 donations, none of which were associated with TRALI, were studied. RESULTS: Seventeen percent of female donors demonstrated HLA sensitization. Parity and HLA sensitization were significantly correlated (p<0.0001), with sensitized donors having an average of 2.9 (± 0.6 95% CI) prior | pregnancies and unsensitized donors having an average of 1.8 (± 0.2 95% CI) prior pregnancies. The percentage of HLA-sensitized women with 0, 1 to 2, and ≥3 pregnancies was 7.8, 14.6, and 26.3, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm the hypothesis that multiparous women (≥3 pregnancies) represent an increased potential risk for TRALI. However, the exclusion of multiparous plateletpheresis donors would eliminate one-third of our female donor pool. Screening such donors for HLA sensitization may represent the optimal approach for identifying donors at risk for causing TRALI, but this still would result in the deferral of 8 percent of female plateletpheresis donors. At present, prospective screening to identify donors at risk for causing TRALI is not justified.
Physical Sensations During Stressful Hospital Procedures: A Preliminary Study of Saline Abortion Patients

Seven women were interviewed 5–19 days after undergoing saline abortions. From these interviews the author lists physical sensations that commonly occur during saline abortions and suggests that this list might serve us u basis for preparing patients for the experience.
Role of mast cells in renal fibrosis.

To the Editor: Summers et al.1 recently published their observations that mast cells are crucial to renal fibrosis induced by ureteral obstruction. This work confirmed our report showing that mast cells are required for the development of renal fibrosis in the rodent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model.2 Our article was published online on 28 September 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to expand on this role of mast cells in renal fibrosis, and advance a hypothesis for the underlying mechanism. In view of the fact that mast cells are found in close proximity to fibroblasts in UUO kidneys, we hypothesize that mast cell mediators released during degranulation are responsible for fibroblast proliferation and activation, ultimately, leading to fibrosis.3 Recent findings from our lab demonstrate that kidney fibroblasts express the ANG II AT1 receptor (R) and the histamine H1R subtypes. Addition of ANG II and histamine to kidney fibroblasts in culture promotes proliferation, transforming growth factor-b synthesis, and collagen production.3 These results, along with the findings of Veerappan et al.2 and Summers et al.1 suggest that release of mast cell mediators like renin (ANG II) and histamine provides a mechanism that couples mast cell degranulation to fibroblast activation with the ensuing fibrosis. Targeting of mast cells and their products may represent novel therapeutic targets for preventing renal fibrosis.
Speaking fundamental frequency in three groups of hearing-impaired individuals.

Abstract The purpose of the present investigation was to provide speaking fundamental frequency data for three groups: 4–6, 8–10, and 16–25-yr-old hearing-impaired individuals. The hearing-impaired children between the ages of 4 to 6 and 8 to 10 yr exhibited mean speaking fundamental frequency values that were 55 Hz and 41 Hz higher, respectively, than values obtained for normally hearing children of similar ages. Fundamental frequency values for postpubescent hearing-impaired males and females were 20 Hz and 30 Hz higher, respectively, when compared to values reported in the literature for normally hearing individuals of similar age and sex.
Purification, characterization and comparison with mammalian SCP2 of a chicken SCP2-like protein

Abstract 1. 1. Three proteins have been isolated from chicken ( Gallus domesticus ) liver that bind antibodies directed against authentic rat sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP 2 ) and have similar molecular mass to the three major immunoreactive rat liver protein (12 kDa, 30–36 kDa, 55–60 kDa). 2. 2. Bile from both chicken and rat contains the high molecular mass immunoreactive species. 3. 3. The chicken 12 kDa SCP 2 -like protein purifies similarly to rat SCP 2 but the homogeneous chicken SCP 2 -like protein is dissimilar in amino acid composition and N- terminal amino acid sequence. 4. 4. The activity of chicken SCP 2 -like protein differs from rat SCP 2 in that it was consistent with fusion (transfer of both polar surface and non-polar core lipids) rather than transfer of polar lipids only.
Epidermal growth factor-stimulated prostaglandin E2 production in human amnion cells: specificity and nonesterified arachidonic acid dependency☆

Abstract The production of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) by human amnion cells in primary monolayer culture was stimulated 2- to 150-fold by mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF). The effect of mEGF on amnion cell PGE 2 production was dependent on the time of treatment and the concentration of mEGF used. The rate of PGE 2 production by these cells was maximal between 2 and 4 h of treatment with mEGF; thereafter, the rate of production of PGE 2 declined. The stimulation of PGE 2 production was maximal at concentrations of mEGF of greater than 5 ng/ml. A number of other growth factors, steroid and protein hormones, and various other test agents were ineffective or only minimally effective in stimulating PGE 2 production by amnion cells. The stimulatory effect of mEGF on PGE 2 production in these cells was dependent on the presence of serum in the culture medium; alternatively, mEGF was effective in stimulating PGE 2 production by amnion cells in serum-free medium that was supplemented with arachidonic acid bound to albumin. Thus, we conclude that the marked stimulation of PGE 2 production by amnion cells treated with mEGF is not due to an action of mEGF to stimulate the release of arachidonic acid from cellular glycerophospholipid storage forms; rather, these data are supportive of the conclusion that mEGF-stimulated PGE 2 production is dependent on the presence of nonesterified i.e., free, arachidonic acid in the medium.
Impulse response analysis of the Van Nuys 7-storey hotel during 11 earthquakes and earthquake damage detection

Wave travel times of vertically propagating waves are measured in the Van Nuys 7-storey hotel, located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, from impulse response functions computed by deconvolution of the recorded earthquake response. East-West response data from 11 earthquakes over a period of 24 years are analysed. Changes in wave travel times are used to infer about local (between sensors) and global changes of structural stiffness, from one event to another, and with time during the earthquakes that damaged the building (San Fernando and Northridge). Also, wave travel times are used to estimate the fundamental fixed-base frequency of the building, f1, which is compared with independent estimates of the soil–structure system frequency fsys during the same earthquakes and during five ambient vibration tests. The analysis shows that monitoring only the changes of fsys can be misleading for structural health monitoring and can lead to erroneous alarms, while monitoring changes of f1 over suitably chosen time windows (before, during, and after excitation by strong earthquake motions) can be a powerful and robust tool for structural health monitoring. It is concluded that, under favourable conditions, this method can be used as a tool for global and local structural health monitoring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compelling Case Experiences; Performance, Practice, and Application for Emerging Instructional Designers

Instructional design (ID) case studies, which pose authentic ill-defined design problems in realistic environments, can help instructional design students bridge the gap between novice and expert practice. Over the past three years, we have explored aspects of this educational approach through the development of Web-based ID cases at the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia. This paper begins with a look at case study methods and how they are used to help students gain experience in professional practice. We describe the design and development of our Web-based ID Case Competition and follow with a report on the competition involving seven universities. Officials and students felt that the case experience was valuable for developing ID expertise and preparation for professional practice. These advantages, and the opportunity for team collaboration, were noted as motivators for participation. Most of the students were enthusiastic about the inclusion of emergent ID and performance technology issues in the case and felt the experience expanded their knowledge of ID practice and application. We close with a discussion of implications for professional development and recommendations for future development activities.