cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ultrastructure and contractile properties of a fast-acting, obliquely striated, myosin-regulated muscle: the funnel retractor of squids

We investigated the ultrastructure, contractile properties, and in vivo length changes of the fast-acting funnel retractor muscle of the long-finned squid Doryteuthis pealeii . This muscle is composed of obliquely striated, spindle-shaped fibers ~3 μm across that have an abundant sarcoplasmic reticulum, consisting primarily of membranous sacs that form ‘dyads’ along the surface of each cell. The contractile apparatus consists of ‘myofibrils’ ~0.25–0.5 μm wide in cross section arrayed around the periphery of each cell, surrounding a central core that contains the nucleus and large mitochondria. Thick myofilaments are ~25 nm in diameter and ~2.8 μm long. ‘Dense bodies’ are narrow, resembling Z lines, but are discontinuous and are not associated with the cytoskeletal fibrillar elements that are so prominent in slower obliquely striated muscles. The cells approximate each other closely with minimal intervening intercellular connective tissue. Our physiological experiments, conducted at 17°C, showed that the longitudinal muscle fibers of the funnel retractor were activated rapidly (8 ms latent period following stimulation) and generated force rapidly (peak twitch force occurred within 50 ms). The longitudinal fibers had low V max (2.15 ±0.26 L s−1, where L was the length that generated peak isometric force) but generated relatively high isometric stress (270±20 mN mm−2 physiological cross section). The fibers exhibited a moderate maximum power output (49.9 W kg−1), compared with vertebrate and arthropod cross striated fibers, at a V/V max of 0.33±0.044. During ventilation of the mantle cavity and locomotion, the funnel retractor muscle operated in vivo over a limited range of strains (+0.075 to −0.15 relative to resting length, L R) and at low strain rates (from 0.16 to 0.91 L R s−1 ), corresponding to a range of V/V max from 0.073 to 0.42. During the exhalant phase of the jet the range of strains was even narrower: maximum range less than ±0.04, with the muscle operating nearly isometrically during ventilation and slow, arms-first swimming. The limited length operating range of the funnel retractor muscles, especially during ventilation and slow jetting, suggests that they may act as muscular struts. * DML : dorsal mantle length G : the constant expressing curvature of the force–velocity relationship (see [Hill, 1938][1]) L : muscle preparation length that generated the maximum isometric stress L I : instantaneous distance between the sonomicrometry transducers L R : distance between the sonomicrometry transducers with the funnel retractor muscle at rest P : peak isometric stress in tetanus P * : the intercept on the force axis for the hyperbolic curve-fitting to the force-velocity data T L : latent period; time from the start of the first stimulus to the onset of force rise T P : time to peak force; time from the onset of force rise to peak force V max : maximum unloaded shortening velocity measured in vitro V / V max : in vivo muscle shortening velocity relative to V max [1]: #ref-24
Comparative Video Game Criticism

This article explores comparative criticism and video game software development through the figure of the bricoleur, the handyman who assembles units of preexisting meaning to form new structures. An intersection of these two domains—what the author calls comparative video game criticism—suggests a more intimate interrelation between criticism and production. The author offers a critique of functionalist approaches to video game analysis and argues instead for a comparative analysis of the expressive capacity of games and how they relate to other forms of human production.
One-dimensional imaging of H2 densities and of temperatures via rotational Raman scattering of narrow-band, 248 nm, laser light

It is demonstrated that the well known rotational Raman spectrum of H2 can be used to find the relative densities of hydrogen and the gas temperature as a function of position. A line-shaped beam from a tunable excimer laser intersects H2–air flames. Scattered light is acquired with an imaging spectrograph. This produces both Stokes and anti-Stokes spectra. By adjusting the laser beam’s polarization, the interfering Rayleigh intensity is sufficiently reduced without the use of a filter. The temperature measurements can be from below room temperature to about 1200 K. The method also works at temperatures >1200 K, but the use of vibrational Raman spectroscopy is probably better there. Also shown is an image that has simultaneously acquired, spatially resolved spectra from rotational Raman, vibrational Raman and laser-induced fluorescence. Such combined information might be used to diagnose a gaeous system in some detail. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for Early Mesoproterozoic (and Older?) Crust in the Southern and Central Appalachians of North America

Abstract Limited evidence from Sm-Nd T DM model ages, U-Pb ages of xenocrystic zircon, and Pb isotopic data indicates the presence of Paleoproterozoic and Mesoproterozoic crust (2.0-1.3 Ga) in the southern and central Appalachian orogen. This apparently unexposed older crust must underlie much of the Blue Ridge, and it was recycled to produce most of the rocks of the Blue Ridge with ages ≤1.3 Ga. In the eastern Blue Ridge and in blocks to the southeast, there also is a significant juvenile Neoproterozoic source component. Going toward the southeast, the central and eastern Piedmont (Carolina terrane) appears to be underlain by progressively less source component older than 1.0 Ga. Late Proterozoic rocks of the Carolina terrane are derived largely from a juvenile source with a Nd isotopic composition that approaches that of depleted mantle.
The hippocampus and inferential reasoning: building memories to navigate future decisions

A critical aspect of inferential reasoning is the ability to form relationships between items or events that were not experienced together. This review considers different perspectives on the role of the hippocampus in successful inferential reasoning during both memory encoding and retrieval. Intuitively, inference can be thought of as a logical process by which elements of individual existing memories are retrieved and recombined to answer novel questions. Such flexible retrieval is sub-served by the hippocampus and is thought to require specialized hippocampal encoding mechanisms that discretely code events such that event elements are individually accessible from memory. In addition to retrieval-based inference, recent research has also focused on hippocampal processes that support the combination of information acquired across multiple experiences during encoding. This mechanism suggests that by recalling past events during new experiences, connections can be created between newly formed and existing memories. Such hippocampally mediated memory integration would thus underlie the formation of networks of related memories that extend beyond direct experience to anticipate future judgments about the relationships between items and events. We also discuss integrative encoding in the context of emerging evidence linking the hippocampus to the formation of schemas as well as prospective theories of hippocampal function that suggest memories are actively constructed to anticipate future decisions and actions.
Percutaneous embolization of a lumbar pseudoaneurysm in a patient with type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare hereditary connective tissue disorder. Patients with type IV EDS are prone to develop visceral pseudoaneurysms and aortic aneurysms. Surgical and endovascular interventions are fraught with complications and high morbidity. We present a case of a patient with type IV EDS who presented with a new psoas pseudoaneurysm arising from a hypertrophied lumbar artery which was treated with percutaneous embolization by using n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue and coils.
United States digital divide: State level analysis of spatial clustering and multivariate determinants of ICT utilization

Abstract This study analyzes factors associated with availability and utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for U.S. states. We construct an exploratory conceptual model of technology utilization in which eight dependent ICT availability and utilization factors are posited to be associated with fourteen independent socio-economic, demographic, innovation, social capital, and societal openness factors. Technology utilization variables are spatially analyzed to determine extent of agglomeration, and regression residuals are examined to eliminate spatial bias. Findings indicate social capital, education, societal openness, urbanization, and ethnicities are significantly associated with ICT utilization. We suggest important implications for policymakers at state and federal levels.
Predicting physiognomic vegetation types with climate variables

A quantitative terrestrial vegetation model was produced which consists of: The model was applied to a world climatic data-base (1 225 sites) in order to substantiate the hypothesized life-form status of the plant types by accurately predicting their actual world distributions. Particular combinations of forms are interpreted as vegetation formation types by reference to growth-form dominance considerations. Model validation was attempted by comparing predicted and actually occurring vegetation at independent sites on all continents. Prediction accuracy of 85% for individual plant types and 50% for vegetation structure (exact combination of actually occurring dominant forms) suggests that general macroclimatic conditions are much more important than any other factors (such as complex specific interactions) in determining general ecological structure on most sites.
Defects in apoptosis increase memory CD8+ T cells following infection of Bim−/−Faslpr/lpr mice

During many infections, large numbers of effector CD8+ T cells are generated. After pathogen clearance, the majority of these cells undergo apoptosis, while the survivors differentiate into memory CD8+ T cells. Although loss of both Bim and Fas function dramatically increased antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the lymph nodes following acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, it was unclear whether they were pardoned effector or true memory CD8+ T cells. In this study, we demonstrate they are bona fide memory T cells as characterized by surface marker expression, cytokine production, homeostatic proliferation, and ability to clear a secondary challenge of pathogen. Loss of both Bim and Fas also increased the number of virus-specific CD4+ T cells found in the lymph nodes compared to the parental genotypes or wildtype mice. These studies illustrate that decreasing apoptosis increases the number of memory T cells and therefore could increase the efficacy of vaccines.
Europe: The Struggle for Supremacy from 1453 to the Present. By Brendan Simms. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2013. Pp. xxviii, 690. $35.00.)

In the early twentieth century, the British geographer Halford Mackinder formulated the “Heartland Theory” of geopolitics: Whoever rules central and eastern Europe commands the Eurasian continent, ...
CONNECTIONS OVER TWO-DIMENSIONAL CELL COMPLEXES

A framework of connections, gauge transformations, and more, is developed over cell complexes. The relationship between this and the continuum theory is explained. A 2-form over the space of flat connections over certain types of cell complexes is defined and its significant properties proved; this 2-form is induced by the Atiyah–Bott symplectic structure on the space of connections over closed, oriented surfaces.
SLCO1B1 Genotype Influences the Drug-Drug Interaction between Cyclosporine and Pravastatin

Purpose Cyclosporine (CYA) increases pravastatin (PRAV) plasma exposure by inhibiting the OATP1B1 ( SLCO1B1 ) transporter. The aim of this study was to determine if the SLCO1B1 c.521 T>C polymorphism influences pharmacokinetic (PK) variability in the magnitude of the drug-drug interaction between CYA and PRAV. Methods and Materials Healthy adults were enrolled based on SLCO1B1 c.521 genotype (T/T n=23; T/C n=8; C/C n=1). In phase 1, subjects received PRAV 20 mg x 1 dose. In phase 2, subjects received CYA 1.25 mg/kg x 2 doses, with PRAV 20 mg given 1 hr after the 2 nd CYA dose. A 12-hr PK study followed each PRAV dose, with a 7-day washout between phases. PRAV (parent) and SQ31906 (metabolite) plasma concentrations were measured with LC-MS/MS. PK parameters were generated for PRAV+SQ31906 (PRAV total ). Results The study included 19 women and 13 men, with a mean age of 29 ± 5 yrs. CYA increased PRAV total AUC 0-12 by 4.7-fold (range 1.6 to 10.8-fold; P SLCO1B1 c.521 T/T genotype had a larger increase in PRAV total AUC 0-12 and C max than C allele carriers (table). Of subjects with more than a 5-fold increase in PRAV total AUC 0-12 , 11/11 had the T/T genotype. SLCO1B1 c.521 was a predictor of the relative change in PRAV total AUC 0-12 (P=0.01) and C max (p=0.03) in regression analysis. Conclusions SLCO1B1 c.521 genotype significantly influences the magnitude of the interaction between CYA and PRAV. The T/T genotype appears to be more susceptible to the inhibitory effects of CYA than C allele carriers. These data suggest that transporter genotype should be evaluated in drug-drug interaction studies, particularly those involving agents used commonly in cardiac transplantation. PRAV total ParameterPhasec.521 T/Tc.521 T/C or C/CP valueAUC 0-12 (ng*h/ml)PRAV91 ± 51106 ± 400.26PRAV+CYA425 ± 185325 ± 1140.13Relative Change5.3 (2.5–10.8)3.2 (1.6–4.8)0.008C max (ng/ml)PRAV44 ± 2852 ± 230.10PRAV+CYA232 ± 120182 ± 900.23Relative Change6.9 (2.4–17.0)3.7 (1.5–6.8)0.003Mean±SD (range); P values, between genotype groups
Fish Consumption and Stroke in Men 30-Year Findings of the Chicago Western Electric Study

Background and Purpose Evidence of a relationship of fish intake to stroke incidence or mortality is weak. This report examines the association of fish consumption with stroke. Methods A cohort of 2107 men aged 40 to 55 years from the Chicago Western Electric Study who were free of coronary heart disease and stroke through their first annual reexamination was investigated in relation to baseline fish intake and 30-year risk of fatal and nonfatal stroke. Data on baseline fish intake, categorized into four levels (≥35 g/d, 18 to 34 g/d, 1 to 17 g/d, and 0 g/d), were available for 1847 men. Average values of macronutrients and micronutrients from the first two examinations and major coronary and stroke risk factors were assessed in relation to fish consumption. Stroke mortality was ascertained from death certificates and nonfatal stroke from records of the Health Care Financing Administration. Results During 46 426 person-years of follow-up, 76 stroke deaths occurred. Men consuming ≥35 g/d of fish (highest l...
A Digital-Computer Simulation of the Human Speech-Production Mechanism

A simulation of the human speech-production mechanism is described and its application to the area of biomedical teaching is indicated. For the group of students interested in the clinical and scientific areas of speech work, the simulation is particularly useful for showing how various parameters affect speech outputs, and also for helping estimate parameter values that cannot be measured directly. For students of bioengineering, the model and simulation is valuable for illustrating techniques of simplifying complicated physiological systems and actually carrying out the details of a real-world simulation. The model used in our work divides the speech generation into four distinct portions: 1) the lungs-bronchi-trachea which serve as a pressure source; 2) the larynx which provides the oscillatory mechanism; 3) the vocal tract which serves to shape the audible signal produced by the larynx; and 4) the mouth opening which serves to interface the vocal tract with the air outside. Since the above model has been implemented using the IBM System/360 Continuous System Modeling Program (CSMP), it is very easy to demonstrate effects of changing various parameters on the waveshape produced by the system, and to introduce structural changes in the model corresponding to newly obtained physical data or refinements in the mathematical models of the various subsystems. Because CSMP is an application-oriented language, the user can concentrate his efforts on the details of the system he is studying rather than worrying about subtleties of numerical analysis and programming.
Design of a protein kinase-inducible domain.

Protein phosphorylation is a critical regulatory strategy. New tools are necessary which may be used to interrogate and are responsive to the activities of protein kinases and phosphatases. We have used protein design to develop a protein motif, termed a protein kinase-inducible domain, whose structure is dependent on its phosphorylation state. Based on an EF hand calcium-binding loop, the key design element is the replacement of a structurally critical Glu residue, which binds metal in a bidentate manner, with a serine residue, which is expected to bind metal tightly when phosphorylated but poorly when not phosphorylated. The design comprises an EF hand consensus sequence, a tryptophan at residue 7 to sensitize lanthanide luminescence, and the recognition sequence of a serine/threonine kinase. Designed peptides, which contain minimal substrate recognition motifs of the protein kinases PKA, PKC, or the MAP kinase Erk, form complexes with Tb3+ when phosphorylated, showing strong Tb3+ luminescence emission ...
Morphological Adaptation in the Deep-Sea Benthic Harpacticoid Copepod Family Cerviniidae1)

Quatre especes de Cerviniidae arctiques (Copepoda, Harpacticoida), dont trois appartenant au meme genre et une quatrieme, apparentee, presentent six caracteristiques morphologiques qui varient d'une facon lineaire dans les differentes profondeurs. Il est probable que ces variations influent sur la maniere de vivre de ces organismes. Les deux especes du plateau continental (25-100 m) se sont adaptees a une existence de fouisseur; par contre les deux cerviniides qui habitent en mer profonde se sont adaptees a la vie epibenthique. Ce dernier mode de vie peut resulter de la distribution et de l'abondance de la nourriture au fond de l'ocean. La nourriture provient d'en haut, et un animal est donc avantage s'il demeure a la surface fluide de la couche benthique. L'adaptation aux conditions alimentaires peut donc etre une cause probable de l'evolution dans les profondeurs de la mer.
Regular versus special class placement for exceptional children

US Public Law 94-142 has mandated educational placement for exceptional children in the 'least restrictive environment' which for many meant the regular class instead of the previously favoured special class. A question remains, however, of whether this main-streaming movement is justified. Advocates of main-streaming have built their arguments on philosophical grounds which appear firmer than the empirical foundation which has been criticised on the basis of serious methodological flaws which confound interpretation. A review of the literature in the areas of mental retardation (MR), slow learners (SL), behaviour disorders (BD) or emotional disturbance (ED), and learning disabilities (LD) failed to provide unilateral evidence establishing the superiority of one educational arrangement aver another in either acaedmic or social criteria.
Encourage sustainability by giving credit for marine protected areas in seafood certification.

Widespread concern over global fish stocks has prompted an increase in research and initiatives aimed at rebuilding ailing fisheries and incentivizing sustainable fishing practices. This promising focus on solutions coincides with a burgeoning consumer and retailer demand for environmentally friendly products (Figure 1). Sustainability certification, labeling, and consumer guides (e.g., Marine Stewardship Council, Fair Trade, Seafood Watch, etc.) are signals that help eco-minded consumers identify products that meet their standards. Accurate signals offer an immense opportunity to incentivize sustainability, increasing demand and profits for sustainable producers. Yet, while the growing number of seafood certification programs and consumer seafood guides fuel and inform demand, the pace of change is slow. One key barrier to progress is the significant lag between the implementation of reforms and the recovery of fish stocks. Without preemptive credits within certification protocols for conservation actions that can be expected to benefit the stock over time, the incentives for reforms may be limited. Figure 1 Market share of several certified products throughout various regions of the world. Many potential conservation reforms could qualify for preemptive credit, but the most conspicuous absence is the lack of credit for marine protected areas (MPAs). Marine protected areas are one of the most important tools for conserving the ocean's ecosystems. MPAs, similar to protected areas on land, are locations where regulations prohibit specific human activities. There has been considerable research about the effects of MPAs, particularly focused on a common class of MPAs in which all fishing is prohibited (no-take marine reserves). Studies from more than 120 no-take marine reserves around the world consistently reveal the conservation benefits of this type of protection, including higher total biomass, abundance, and average size of fish within reserves [1] (Figure 2). The data from these many existing MPAs, combined with improving spatial fisheries models, allow us to predict an MPA's future conservation benefits long before they are realized. Such empirically based model forecasts could be used to assign preemptive credit for MPAs within certification frameworks when the MPA is implemented. Doing so would reward existing MPAs for their contributions to sustainable fisheries and would provide more powerful short-term incentives to create well-designed new MPAs. Figure 2 Map showing the locations of 124 marine reserves that have been studied by scientists with the results published in scientific journals.
Equivalent exclusive and inclusive multiperipheral descriptions

It is shown that for each exclusive model satisfying a multiperipheral principle, there is an inclusive model satisfying a multiperipheral principle which predicts the same values for all exclusive and inclusive differential cross sections. The converse statement is also true. The relation between these models is thus one to one: formal expression is given for the transformation between one model and the other. These expressions have the form of the nonrelativistic Lippman-Schwinger equation. The proof is given first for multi- Regge models having poles and cuts as the J plane singularities. It is then generalized to models with multiparticle thresholds. The physical origin of such thresholds is discussed. Also treated are the further generalizations of the proof to models having N quantum number channels and to models having any general multiperipheral structure. (auth)
Right Ventricular Enlargement on Chest Computed Tomography Prognostic Role in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Background— We investigated the prognostic role of right ventricular enlargement on multidetector-row chest CT in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods and Results— We studied 63 patients with CT-confirmed PE who underwent echocardiography within the ensuing 24 hours. Adverse clinical events, defined as 30-day mortality or the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, pressors, rescue thrombolysis, or surgical embolectomy, were present in 24 patients. We performed off-line CT measurements of right and left ventricular dimensions (RV D , LV D ) with axial and 2-dimensional reconstructed 4-chamber (4-CH) views. The proportion of patients with RV D /LV D >0.9 on the axial view was similar in patients with (70.8%) and those without adverse events (71.8%; P =0.577). In contrast, RV D /LV D >0.9 on the 4-CH view was more common in patients with (80.3%) than without (51.3%; P =0.015) adverse events. The area under the curve of RV D /LV D from the axial and 4-CH views for predicting adverse events was 0.667 and 0.753, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of RV D /LV D >0.9 for predicting adverse events were 37.5% and 92.3% on the axial view and 83.3% and 48.7% on the reconstructed 4-CH view, respectively. RV D /LV D >0.9 on the 4-CH view was an independent predictor for adverse events (OR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.06 to 15.19; P =0.041) when adjusted for age, obesity, cancer, and recent surgery. Conclusions— Right ventricular enlargement on the reconstructed CT 4-CH views predicts adverse clinical events in patients with acute PE. Ventricular CT measurements obtained from 4-CH views are superior to those from axial views for identifying high-risk patients.
The integrin-cortex complex under control of GPCRs.

This editorial refers to ‘Coordination of fibronectin adhesion with contraction and relaxation in microvascular smooth muscle’ by Z. Hong et al ., doi:10.1093/cvr/cvs239. Few topics in cardiovascular physiology have attracted as much attention as the mechanisms for autoregulatory contraction of arterioles and their control over the blood flow. Whether mechanotransduction via myogenic, flow-dependent shear stress, neurogenic, or metabolic controls, the discussion has been focused on the contractile machinery within vascular smooth muscle cells. In recent years, however, evidence has come to light suggesting that within a smooth muscle cell non-contractile cytoplasmic regions underneath the plasma membrane may also be part of the control over mechanotransduction. These cortical regions are accessible with nanoscale tools, such as the tips of an atomic force microscope (AFM). Analysis with such tools has shown that the myogenic contraction requires an integrated extracellular matrix–adhesion–cytoskeletal signalling complex that depends on integrins for both outside-in and inside-out signalling.1 Mechanical stress applied via integrins serves as an important sensory mechanism for vascular functions, including contractile and relaxation processes, proliferation, migration, attachment, and cell phenotype determination.2 Smooth …
Direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug advertising: a study of consumer attitudes and behavioral intentions

– To determine whether direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug advertising influences consumers' behavioral intentions., – Gathered data from 288 respondents using a pencil and paper mail survey. Respondents were asked about their knowledge and behavior regarding prescription drugs., – Indicated that while consumers generally have favorable perceptions of prescription drug advertising, their behavioral intentions are nevertheless influenced by a heightened awareness of specific branded drugs. Consumers feel empowered by the information provided in direct‐to‐consumer advertising and they are concerned about governmental attempts to regulate prescription drug advertising., – Data was collected from a relatively homogenous sample with respect to ethnicity. Future research efforts could include respondents from diverse ethnic backgrounds and could incorporate questions regarding respondents' actual behaviors with respect to branded prescription drug medications., – Useful information for researchers, public policy makers and prescription drug manufacturers. Results suggest that consumer motivation to request branded drugs may be impacted by factors related to the quality of advertisements, trust in their physician, and personal competence. Consumer interest in advertised drugs may also depend on the strength of the relationship that they have with their physician., – This research fills an identified gap in the literature. While researchers have examined consumers' general perceptions of direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug advertising, little research has been done on the link between consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions.
1522 EVIDENCE OF CHRONIC RENAL DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH STEROID DEPENDENT MINIMAL CHANGE DISEASE (MCD) NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Renal biopsies of 11 patients with frequently relapsing, steroid-dependent but responsive nephrotic syndrome were evaluated prior to therapy with chlorambucil. There were 7 males and 4 females. Age at onset ranged from 2 to 10 yrs. (mean 4.5) and the duration of disease from 5 mos. to 12 yrs. (mean 3.6 yrs.). Glomerular histology was consistent with MCD and no deposits were seen on immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. However, histological changes of chronic damage were seen in 7/11 patients and included: focal tubular atrophy and thickened tubular basement membrane in 4/11, periglomerular fibrosis 2/11, interstitial fibrosis 4/11, interstitial inflammation 4/11, focal interstitial calcinosis 2/11 and thickened blood vessel wall in 3/11. All patients achieved complete, prolonged remissions with chlorambucil. Three subsequently relapsed but remained steroid responsive. Histological changes of chronicity showed no correlation to age at onset, sex, duration of disease, frequency and/or number of relapses, serum lipid levels, the selectivity of proteinuria and the in-vitro lymphoblast inhibitory factor in plasma. These results show that in some patients with steroid dependent MCD prominent histological evidence of chronic renal damage can occur. Whether these changes induce steroid dependency, are due to prolonged proteinuria, and would progress without therapy to chronic renal failure remains a possibility.
ProSpect: A Proactive Spectrum Handoff Framework for Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks without Common Control Channel

Cognitive Radio (CR) technology is a promising solution to enhance the spectrum utilization by enabling unlicensed users to exploit the spectrum in an opportunistic manner. Since unlicensed users are temporary visitors to the licensed spectrum, they are required to vacate the spectrum when a licensed user reclaims it. Due to the randomness of the appearance of licensed users, disruptions to both licensed and unlicensed communications are often difficult to prevent, which may lead to low throughput of both licensed and unlicensed communications. In this paper, a proactive spectrum handoff framework for CR ad hoc networks, ProSpect, is proposed to address these concerns. In the proposed framework, Channel-Switching (CW) policies and a proactive spectrum handoff protocol are proposed to let unlicensed users vacate a channel before a licensed user utilizes it to avoid unwanted interference. Network coordination schemes for unlicensed users are also incorporated into the spectrum handoff protocol design. Moreover, a distributed channel selection scheme to eliminate collisions among unlicensed users in a multiuser spectrum handoff scenario is proposed. In our proposed framework, unlicensed users coordinate with each other without using a Common Control Channel (CCC), which is highly adaptable in a spectrum-varying environment. We compare our proposed proactive spectrum handoff protocol with a reactive spectrum handoff protocol, under which unlicensed users switch channels after collisions with licensed transmissions occur. Simulation results show that our proactive spectrum handoff outperforms the reactive spectrum handoff approach in terms of higher throughput and fewer collisions to licensed users. Furthermore, our distributed channel selection can achieve higher packet delivery rate in a multiuser spectrum handoff scenario, compared with existing channel selection schemes.
Increased risk of pertussis in patients with asthma

Background The recent pertussis outbreak in California highlights the effect of pertussis on public health. In 2004, a pertussis outbreak occurred in Olmsted County, Minnesota, despite a high vaccine uptake. This outbreak provided a natural experiment to assess the relationship between asthma and pertussis. Objective We sought to determine whether asthmatic subjects have a higher risk of pertussis than nonasthmatic subjects. Methods We conducted a population-based case-control study. There were 223 pertussis cases identified by means of PCR in 2004 and 2005. We identified age- and sex-matched control subjects from 5537 patients with negative test results for pertussis. We conducted a comprehensive medical record review and applied predetermined criteria to ascertain asthma status. Conditional logistic regression was fit to assess the effect of asthma status on the risk of pertussis. Results Of the 223 subjects, 164 were eligible for the study, and 328 matched control subjects (1:2 matching) were enrolled. Of these 164 subjects, 50% were male, and 82% were white. The median age at the index date of pertussis was 14 years. Sixty-two (38%) of the 164 cases had asthma before the index date of pertussis compared with 85 (26%) of the 328 control subjects (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.12-2.67; P = .013). The population attributable risk percentage of asthma for risk of pertussis was 17%. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of asthma and the ongoing risk of pertussis throughout the United States, consideration of defining asthmatic subjects as a target group for pertussis vaccination (eg, replacing decennial tetanus-diphtheria booster with tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine for adolescents and adults) should be given.
Co-operative Movement Confronts Centralization: Israeli Kibbutz Regional Organizations

Co-operative movements, collectives and alternative institutions existing within a larger environment of opposing values have limited success in maintaining egalitarian and co-operative practices. When these collectives attempt to form centralized organizations they confront patterns of bureaucratization and stratification common to the institutions of the dominant society. Theoretical issues of the inevitability of increasing organizational hierarchy, standardization and routinization are addressed in the study of three kibbutz regional institutions. Based on fieldwork conducted in the 1970s, the study indicates that regional advances have caused conflicts for kibbutz social structure.The co-operative system will never transform capitalist society. To convert social production into one large and harmonious system of free and co-operative labour, general social changes are wanted, changes of the general condition of society...K. Marx, Capital, Vol. 1
PARENTAL DIVORCE AND NARCISSISM AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS

342 women and 225 men, undergraduate students, participated in a study to assess whether experiencing the divorce of one's parents affected narcissistic development. In a larger study on the long-term effects of divorce, these students completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. The analyses indicated that the scores for children from divorced families did not differ from the scores of children from intact families on any of the seven subscales.
Identifying queries in the wild, wild web

Identifying user querying behavior is an important problem for information seeking and retrieval research. Query-related studies typically rely on server-side logs taken from a single search engine, but a comprehensive view of user querying behaviors requires analysis of data collected from the client-side for unrestricted searches. We developed three methods to identify querying behaviors and tested them on client-side logs collected in a lab experiment for realistic tasks and unrestricted searches on the entire Web. Results show that the best method was able to identify 97% of queries issued, with a precision of 92%. Although based on a relatively small number of search episodes, our methods, perhaps with minimal modifications, should be adequate for identification of queries in logs of unconstrained Web search.
Pyridine adsorption on Ag(110)

Abstract The adsorption of pyridine on a clean Ag(110) surface was characterized with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, flash desorption and Auger electron spectroscopy. Pyridine condenses on the silver surface below 190 K and rapidly forms multiple layers. At temperatures above 235 K pyridine is present in submonolayer concentrations. At 275 K pyridine is chemisorbed on Ag(110).
A modularized approach to nanotechnology education: Opportunities, challenges and requirements

The discipline of nanoscale science has evolved significantly over the last several decades. It has moved from equipment development and discovery at the molecular and atomic level to an increasing number of technology applications and product development. As the discipline has changed so has the approach to training students and employees in the nanoscience area. The educational process has evolved from high level, research based concepts to 2 year programs, nanoscience minors and individual courses. The approaches to nanotechnology education are constantly changing, however an approach that is appearing both in formal and informal venues is that of modularized nanotechnology content. This approach carries the ease of integration as an opportunity, the challenge of creating a complete module and requirements dependent upon location, topic and education level. A summary of these considerations is presented.
A Nostrum of School Reform? Turning Around Reconstituted Urban Texas High Schools:

A mainstay in NCLB and the Obama administration education plan is turning around low-performing schools. This study utilized surveys and interviews with school leaders from four turnaround urban hi...
Real-time motor control using recurrent neural networks

Currently, the field of sensory-motor neuroscience lacks a computational model that can replicate real-time control of biological brain. Due to incomplete neural and anatomical data, traditional neural network training methods fail to model the sensory-motor systems. Here we introduce a novel modeling method based on stochastic optimal control framework which is well suited for this purpose. Our controller is implemented with a recurrent neural network (RNN) whose goal is approximating the optimal global control law for the given plant and cost function. We employ a risk-sensitive objective function proposed by Jacobson (1973) for robustness of controller. For maximum optimization efficiency, we introduce a step response sampling method, which minimizes complexity of the optimization problem. We use conjugate gradient descent method for optimization, and gradient is calculated via Pontryagins maximum principle. In the end, we obtain highly stable and robust RNN controllers that can generate infinite varieties of attractor dynamics of the plant, which are proposed as building blocks of movement generation. We show two such examples, a point attractor based and a limit-cycle based dynamics.
Oxygen and silicon isotope ratios of lunar rock 12013

Apollo 12 lunar rock 12013 oxygen 18 and silicon 30 ratios, comparing to terrestrial basalts and gabbros, Apollo 11 rocks and oceanic rhyolite obsidians
Crystal structure of 2-nitrimino-5-nitro-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine

The crystal and molecular structure of 2-nitrimino-5-nitro-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (NNHT) was determined. The relationship between the structural features of NNHT and its properties that pertain to its suitability as a potential oxidizer candidate for gun propellants is discussed. The NNHT structural features are also compared with analogous structural features of nitroguanidine (NQ) (Bracuti, A. J. J. Chem. Crystallogr. 1999, 29, 671) the more highly energetic triazine derivative, 1,3,5-trinitro-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) (Choi, C. S. and Prince, E. Acta.Crystallogr. B 1972, 28, 2857).
Tools for Monitoring Social Media: A Marketing Research Project

Knowledge of how to effectively monitor social media is an increasingly valued marketing research skill. This study tests an approach for adding social media content to an undergraduate marketing research class team project. The revised project maintains the expected objectives and parameters of a traditional research project, while integrating timely, motivational, and marketable social media tools and skills into the activity. Assessment of this study with five sections of marketing research classes indicates that the project teaches students important competencies related to the use of social media to collect marketing information, while also increasing students' engagement in the marketing research course.
Hypnotic treatment of a child with warts.

Abstract The present case report describes a nine year old girl with multiple common warts. The lesions were refractory to routine dermatologic treatment but appeared to respond dramatically to hypnotherapy. The patient's schoolwork concomitantly improved. The authors present a brief discussion of the literature and indicate some problems for future study.
c-Fos Deficiency Inhibits Induction of mRNA for Some, but Not All, Neurotransmitter Biosynthetic Enzymes by Immobilization Stress

Abstract: Recent studies indicated that c-Fos protein may be mediating stress-elicited transcriptional activation of genes involved in neurotransmitter biosynthesis. However, direct evidence for c-Fos mediating these changes in gene expression has been lacking. Mice with disrupted c-fos gene (+/− or −/− genotypes) were used to examine the effect of immobilization stress on a group of stress-responsive genes. In male adrenals, c-Fos was found not essential for stress-elicited activation of expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, or neuropeptide Y. In females, immobilization failed to induce adrenal DBH in the c-Fos-deficient mice. In brainstem, c-Fos was indispensable for elevation of DBH mRNA in both genders. The gene, gender, and tissue specificity in the requirement for c-Fos points to diversity in adaptation mechanisms to stress.
Acute hemorrhage during routine impaction removal.

During routine extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar, excessive arterial bleeding began. The artery apparently coursed laterally through the bone high on the buccal surface. A life-threatening hemorrhage began in a 26-year-old patient during routine surgical removal of an impacted third molar. Dentists should always be alert to the possibility of emergencies and have techniques available to cope with them.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: How Common?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries. NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and its related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Review of available evidence suggests an increased risk of HCC among patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis, although this risk is smaller than risk of HCC among patients with viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis. Preliminary evidence suggests that a proportion of NAFLD-related HCC could develop in the absence of advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. NAFLD-related HCC is expected to increase, given the increasing prevalence of NAFLD; but this increase is not yet evident. Risk factors for HCC in NAFLD include older age, coexisting obesity or diabetes, high hepatic iron, and the presence of cirrhosis.
32‐Channel RF coil optimized for brain and cervical spinal cord at 3 T

Diffusion and functional MRI of the spinal cord remain challenging due to the small cross-sectional size of the cord and susceptibility-related distortions. Although partially addressable through parallel imaging, few highly parallel array coils have been implemented for the cervical cord. Here we developed a 32-channel coil that fully covers the brain and c-spine and characterized its performance in comparison with a commercially available head/neck/spine array. Image SNR and temporal SNR were respectively increased by 2× and 1.8× in the cervical cord. Averaged g-factors at 4× acceleration were lowered by 22% in the brain and by 39% in the spinal cord, enabling 1 mm isotropic R=4 Multi-Echo Magnetization Prepared Gradient Echo (MEMPRAGE) of the full brain and c-spine in 3:20min. Diffusion imaging of the cord at 0.6×0.6×5 mm3 resolution and tractography of the full brain and c-spine at 1.7 mm isotropic resolution were feasible without noticeable distortion. Improvements of this nature potentially enhance numerous basic and clinical research studies focused on spinal and supraspinal regions.
Object level histogram specification for color image enhancement

One of the emerging areas in image processing is color image enhancement. It is the process of improving image quality such as human visibility, edge sharpening, improving the contrast, etc. It is mainly applicable in medical images, satellite images. An algorithm for color image enhancement has been proposed that perform enhancement in red, green, blue components separately. These components are combined together to form the output image. This process mainly consists of two stages; at first, it segments the objects in the image using gradient operator followed by morphological operations, secondly each objects are enhanced by using histogram specification followed by merging of all objects. This technique produces better result by increasing Second Derivative-like Measure of Enhancement (SDME) and well suitable for low contrast complex images.
Synthesis, redox properties, in vivo formation, and neurobehavioral effects of N-acetylcysteinyl conjugates of dopamine: possible metabolites of relevance to Parkinson's disease.

A very early event in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) has been proposed to be an elevated translocation of l-cysteine (CySH) and/or glutathione (GSH) into pigmented dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra (SN) in which cytoplasmic dopamine (DA) is normally autoxidized to DA-o-quinone as the first step in a reaction leading to black neuromelanin polymer. Such an elevated influx of CySH and GSH would be expected to initially result in formation of 5-S-cysteinyldopamine (5-S-CyS-DA) and 5-S-glutathionyldopamine (5-S-Glu-DA), respectively, and might account for the massive irreversible loss of GSH and progressive depigmentation of SN cells that occurs in the Parkinsonian brain. However, 5-S-Glu-DA has not been detected in the Parkinsonian brain. Furthermore, although the 5-S-CyS-DA/DA and 5-S-CyS-DA/homovanillic acid concentration ratios increase significantly in the SN and cerebrospinal fluid, respectively, of PD patients, the absolute concentrations of 5-S-CyS-DA are extreme...
H2+ traversing ultra-thin carbon foils: Exiting molecular states at 12.5 and 25 keV/amu

Abstract We determine the yeilds of the bound and unbound components emerging from 0.3–1.1 μg/cm 2 C foils bombarded by 12.5 and 25 keV/amu ground state H 2 + ions from a field ionization source. Bound H 2 + and unbound H + H 0 (coincidence) final states are selected and momentum analyzed with a magnetic sector spectrometer incorporated in a scanning transmission ion microscope (STIM). Recombined H 2 + yields as high as 22% are observed for the thinnest foils. These are reconciled with the existing data at much higher energies, in a unified parameterization in terms of proton neutral fraction and inferred exit r.m.s. internuclear separation. The H + H 0 spectra are decomposed into a central peak and two side wings. The central peak is complementary to the bound state yield in thickness dependence. The side-wing yield is independent of foil thickness. The features of the H + H 0 and inferred H + H + spectra are discussed in terms of explosion energy and cluster orientation.