cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of distance and infusion rate on operation of Medfusion 2010 infusion pump during magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Study Objectives: To determine the accuracy and reliability of intravenous infusion, as well as magnetic resonance image effect of the Medfusion 2010 infusion pump (Medex Medical Supplies, Inc., Duluth, GA) at distances of 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 feet from a 1.5 Tesla MRI magnet over a four-week time interval, using infusion rates that would correspond to those of propofol administration. Design: Prospective, open-label study. Setting: Radiology department MRI in an American academic medical center. Interventions: Five infusion pumps, including one outside the MRI suite as control, were tested. Pumps were evaluated at distances of 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 feet from a 1.5 Tesla magnet. One pump at distances of 2 and 16 feet was tested during 30 and 90 hours of operation, respectively. Three pumps at distances of 4, 8, and 12 feet were tested during 120 hours of operation. Pump batteries were recharged for 18 hours outside the MRI suite between the 6-hour test periods. Distilled, deionized water was infused from a 30-mL or 60-mL syringe via a 36-inch Medex small-bore extension set into a graduated collection cylinder at rates of 5, 10.5, 21, or 42 mL/hr. Each rate was increased to the next infusion rate level at 30-hour weekly intervals. The collection cylinder with infused water was weighed on an electronic scale accurate to within ±0.001 g. Analysis of variance and regression analysis were used to analyze data. A p Measurements and Main Results: There was no significant difference comparing the grams weight of volume measured and the mL volume visualized within and between groups at varying distances from the magnet. Increasing infusion rates resulted in corresponding increases in volume delivered irrespective of the distance from the magnet. Conclusions: The Medfusion 2010 infusion pumps were found to be reliable and accurate, without causing failure or any significant degradation of MRI images compared to control at infusion rate of 42 mL/hr at a distance of 2 feet for 30 hours; and a rate of 5.0, 10.5, 21, and 42 mL/hr at 16 feet for 90 hours; and at 4, 8, and 12 feet for 120 hours of operation.
Monitoring of secular gravity change in southern California

Abstract Repeat gravity measurements have been carried out over more than 1000 km of level lines in southern California. The initial surveys over a number of these lines were made in 1962. Repeat gravity survey lines are located primarily in the San Joaquin Valley, in the Los Angeles and Palmdale areas and in the Imperial Valley. Secular changes of gravity have been noted in a number of areas. In areas of subsidence, due to groundwater withdrawal, direct correlation between elevation and gravity change is found. In areas of vertical crustal motion along fault zones, such as in the Palmdale area, gravity changes are also noted. However, these are not, in general, directly related to elevation change. Apparently, subsurface mass redistributions are associated with the vertical motions noted in fault-zone areas before and after earthquakes. Several possible models to explain the gravity observations are being explored.
Disorders of nucleotide excision repair: the genetic and molecular basis of heterogeneity

Mutations in genes on the nucleotide excision repair pathway are associated with diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome and trichothiodystrophy, that involve skin cancer and developmental and neurological symptoms. These mutations cause the defective repair of damaged DNA and increased transcription arrest but, except for skin cancer, the links between repair and disease have not been obvious. Widely different clinical syndromes seem to result from mutations in the same gene, even when the mutations result in complete loss of function. The mapping of mutations in recently solved protein structures has begun to clarify the links between the molecular defects and phenotypes, but the identification of additional sources of clinical variability is still necessary.
Interdigitated PVDF transducer for Lamb wave generation and reception

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT). PZT ceramics can be used to receive and generate surface acoustic waves. It is a common application to attach PZT transducers to the surface of structures for detecting cracks in nondestructive testing. However, not until recently have piezoelectric polymers attracted more and more attention to be the material for interdigitated (IDT) surface and guided-wave transducers. In this paper, an interdigitated gold-on-polyvinyldine fluoride (PVDF) transducer for actuating and sensing Lamb waves has been introduced. A specific etching technology is employed for making the surface electrodes into a certain finger pattern, the spacings of which yield different single mode responses of Lamb waves. Experiments have been performed on steel plates. Results from PVDF IDT sensors have been compared with those from PZT transducers for verification.
Ecospirit: Religions and Philosophies for the Earth

Laurel Kearns and Catherine Keller, eds., Ecospirit: Religions and Philosophies for the Earth New York, Fordham University Press, 2007. 644 pp. $32.00 ISBN 13: 978-0823227464 The time is decidedly ...
Abstract A151: Identification of antibody fragments specific for high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia cells via SELEX.

The purpose of this study is to develop a minimally invasive molecular tool for the early detection and specific treatment of prostate cancer. A human non-immune single-chain Fragment variable (scFv) library with 10∧9 diversity has been displayed by a yeast host surface with the ability to bind to whole cell targets. This protein library was cloned into plasmids and transformed into the yeast strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Surface expression of the scFv library was achieved by expressing the scFv under control of a galactose promoter preceding incubation with the target cell line. A molecular recognition element (MRE) specific for HGPIN cells will be selected for through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). From an initial scFv library with 10∧9 diversity, seven rounds of selection will be completed in order to enrich the antibody fragment library that binds only to the prostate cancer cell line HGPIN and not those that bind to normal and cancerous cells of the prostate epithelium. This involves screening a library of random molecules for their ability to bind to a target; non-binding molecules are removed and binding molecules are amplified. Amplified molecules are subjected to negative targets, and molecules that don9t bind to these are amplified, thus completing a round of selection. Stringency is increased through each round of selection by shortening the yeast + prostate cell incubation period and decreasing the number of target cells used in incubation. After multiple rounds, one or a few strong binding, highly specific molecules are selected for. Diversity of the library is decreased with each round of selection. This is followed by amplification of the remaining yeast. Sequencing is performed throughout the selection process in order to monitor both the decrease in diversity and the emergence of the most selective sequences. The obtained MRE will be useful for specific diagnosis in the pre-malignant stages of prostate cancer. It may also be conjugated to drugs for targeted therapeutic applications. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A151. Citation Format: Cyrus J. Hajiran, Letha J. Sooter. Identification of antibody fragments specific for high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia cells via SELEX. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A151.
Hair cell replacement in the avian inner ear following two exposures to intense sound.

The present study is concerned with the degree to which the avian cochlea retains the capacity to regenerate hair cells following repeated exposures to intense sound. Two groups of chicks were exposed once to an intense pure tone for 48 h at either 2 or 16 days of age. In a third group, they were exposed to the same stimulus at both ages, Structural alterations of the auditory epithelium were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively at 0, 12 or 26 days following the single exposure at 2 days of age, and at 0 or 12 days following the single or second exposure at 16 days of age. The numbers of hair cells lost in the twice-exposed birds and those exposed once at 2 days of age were approximately 24 and 36%, respectively, and were not significantly different. Interestingly, the single exposure at 16 days of age caused greater hair cell loss (61%). Twelve days after overstimulation, the hair cell population in all experimental groups returned to near normal levels due to the emergence of new hair cells. This observation of hair cell replacement extends the early findings that birds are able to repair their acoustically damaged ears after either a single or repeated overexposure.
Real-time edge enhancement with hybrid amorphous silicon/ferroelectric liquid crystal devices

Abstract In this paper, we present analyses and experimental results on real-time edge enhancement of images using two amorphous silicon/ferroelectric liquid crystal devices. The analog device performs edge enhancement using a flexoelectric effect and the binary device using a phase conjugation scheme. These devices have faster response times than the previously reported photorefractive crystals and spatial light modulators used in performing edge enhancement on image data.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NON‐PROFIT HOSPITALS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

ABSTRACT**: Non-profit hospitals are overseen by a board of directors that is charged with representing the interests of the communities they serve. Theoretically, society is interested in maximizing both the quality and quantity of medical services available to it through the hospital. But other groups may also want to use the hospital to maximize their own wealth. This paper examines the effect of increasing the proportion of physicians on the board of directors. We show theoretically and empirically that with even one physician on the board, society's optimal quality/quantity vector is compromised.
Alternaria-derived serine protease activity drives IL-33-mediated asthma exacerbations.

Background The fungal allergen Alternaria alternata is implicated in severe asthma and rapid onset life-threatening exacerbations of disease. However, the mechanisms that underlie this severe pathogenicity remain unclear. Objective We sought to investigate the mechanism whereby Alternaria was capable of initiating severe, rapid onset allergic inflammation. Methods IL-33 levels were quantified in wild-type and ST2 −/− mice that lacked the IL-33 receptor given inhaled house dust mite, cat dander, or Alternaria , and the effect of inhibiting allergen-specific protease activities on IL-33 levels was assessed. An exacerbation model of allergic airway disease was established whereby mice were sensitized with house dust mite before subsequently being challenged with Alternaria (with or without serine protease activity), and inflammation, remodeling, and lung function assessed 24 hours later. Results Alternaria, but not other common aeroallergens, possessed intrinsic serine protease activity that elicited the rapid release of IL-33 into the airways of mice through a mechanism that was dependent upon the activation of protease activated receptor-2 and adenosine triphosphate signaling. The unique capacity of Alternaria to drive this early IL-33 release resulted in a greater pulmonary inflammation by 24 hours after challenge relative to the common aeroallergen house dust mite. Furthermore, this Alternaria serine protease–IL-33 axis triggered a rapid, augmented inflammation, mucus release, and loss of lung function in our exacerbation model. Conclusion Alternaria- specific serine protease activity causes rapid IL-33 release, which underlies the development of a robust T H 2 inflammation and exacerbation of allergic airway disease.
FIELD METABOLISM AND WATER FLUX OF CAROLINA CHICKADEES DURING BREEDING AND NONBREEDING SEASONS: A TEST OF THE “PEAK-DEMAND” AND “REALLOCATION” HYPOTHESES

Abstract We tested the “peak-demand” and “reallocation” hypotheses of seasonal energy expenditure which predict, respectively, that energy expenditure is greatest during the breeding season or varies little seasonally. We tested these predictions by utilizing the doubly labeled water technique to estimate energy expenditure and water flux of Carolina Chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) in both the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Similar to Weathers et al. (1999), we did not find support for either of these hypotheses, finding instead that energy expenditure was greater during the nonbreeding season. The fact that our study site was at the northern edge of the species' range, where winters are severe, may have influenced this result. Comparisons with other parid studies were equivocal because body size was an important factor in explaining seasonal energetics, and only the larger species have been examined during the breeding season.
Faculty as Part of the Advising Equation: An Inquiry into Faculty Viewpoints on Advising

This study examines faculty advisor perspectives on faculty-student advising interactions. A survey questionnaire and two focus groups tapped faculty concerns about a variety of advising issues tha...
Policy interventions designed to combat sexual violence: community notification and civil commitment.

SUMMARY Much attention has been given to the problem of sexual predators and the struggles of the legal-justice system to contain them. In response to public outcry over high-profile sex crimes, federal and state legislators have responded in the past decade with innovative but controversial public policy initiatives, called “sexually violent predator statutes.” In 1996 President Clinton signed “Megan's Law,” mandating all 50 states to develop requirements for convicted sex offenders to register with local law enforcement agencies and to notify communities when a sex offender lives in close proximity. Less publicized have been the civil commitment statutes introduced by 16 states which allow convicted sex offenders to be evaluated for involuntary and indefinite confinement in a psychiatric hospital following their release from prison. This article will review the literature regarding community notification and civil commitment as interventions designed to combat sexual violence. The history and context of...
Population of high-spin states in U 234 by heavy-ion-induced transfer reactions

The one-neutron pickup reaction $^{235}\mathrm{U}$${(}^{206}$Pb${,}^{207}$Pb${)}^{234}$U at a laboratory energy of 1394 MeV was used to investigate the influence of collective motion at high spin on the single-particle nature of transfer reactions in the actinide region. Deexcitation \ensuremath{\gamma} rays were measured using a particle-particle-\ensuremath{\gamma} triple-coincidence method. The decay scheme of the reaction products was identified using p-\ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidences. Rotational states up to ${28}^{+}$(${30}^{+}$) were seen in $^{234}\mathrm{U}$. A comparison of rotational state population in both the p--\ensuremath{\gamma}-ray singles and the p-\ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidences is also made between data from the above reaction and from the reaction $^{235}\mathrm{U}$${(}^{58}$Ni${,}^{59}$Ni${)}^{234}$U (${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{lab}}$=325 MeV). For each system, angular distributions for both inelastic excitation and transfer are presented and one-neutron transfer reaction cross sections as well as grazing angles have been extracted. The reaction cross sections are compared to a recent semiclassical calculation based on ${\mathit{Q}}_{\mathit{g}\mathit{g}}$ systematics. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of using heavy-ion-induced transfer reactions for spectroscopic studies.
The response of plasma membrane lipid composition in callus of the halophyte Spartina patens (Poaceae) to salinity stress

Callus cultures of the salt marsh grass Spartina patens were examined to determine changes and consistencies in membrane lipid composition in response to salt. Major membrane lipid classes remained stable at all salinity levels (0, 170, 340 mmol/L). However, the membrane protein to lipid ratio decreased significantly in response to elevated NaCl. Callus plasma membrane (PM) consisted predominantly of sterols, about 60% (mol%) of the total lipids. Glycolipid was the second largest lipid class, making up about 20% (mol%) of the total. With increasing salinity, the relative percentage of sitosterol decreased, while that of campesterol increased. The phospholipid species detected were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylinositol (PI). When callus was grown at 340 mmol/L NaCl, PC increased significantly. PI and PS were also significantly elevated in salinity treatments. Only 24-32% of the PM fatty acids were common plant membrane fatty acids, C16, C18, C20, and C22, while over 60% were the less common fatty acids, C11 and C14. Membrane fluidity remained stable in response to growth medium salinity. The findings on membrane responses to salinity will facilitate a better understanding of this halophyte's tactics for salt tolerance.
Coadsorption of Ethylene and Nitrobenzene on Si(100)-2 × 1: Toward Surface Patterning at the Molecular Level

This study discusses the possible use of semiconductor surfaces for molecular patterning based on the formation of an organic layer consisting of ethylene and nitrobenzene coadsorbed on a Si(100) surface. Ethylene has been shown to chemisorb on every other surface dimer of the stable 2 × 1 reconstruction of a clean Si(100) surface at room temperature at coverages up to 0.5 ML. This partially covered surface can be used as a template for chemisorption of nitrobenzene that forms a very stable surface adduct. Vibrational study by multiple internal reflection IR confirms the coadsorption of ethylene and nitrobenzene, and heating the surface past the desorption temperature of ethylene leaves only the nitrobenzene adduct while eliminating ethylene. Theoretical calculations were performed to supplement the experimental findings. The stability of a full monolayer of ethylene was compared to that of half-monolayer coverage utilizing a cluster model mimicking five silicon surface dimers within the same dimer row. T...
An analysis of containment failure by a steam explosion following a postulated core meltdown in a light water reactor

Abstract The Reactor Safety Study (WASH-1400) assessed the probability of containment failure via a steam explosion during a postulated core meltdown accident to be 10−2. Large uncertainties were attached to this probability and research has continued to reduce the uncertainty. In this paper, we discuss the possible consequences of a steam explosion for a specific reactor system (Zion Nuclear Station—Pressurized Water Reactor). It is our opinion, based on the analysis performed, that generation of large mass missiles by the explosion is unlikely, while small mass missiles, although more likely would not pose a threat to the containment. We do not mean to imply that steam explosions can be disregarded during a postulated meltdown accident, but rather that emphasis should now be placed on how the explosion affects the overall core meltdown accident instead of causing a direct failure.
Contraction and relaxation of cultured mesangial cells on a silicone rubber surface

Glomerular mesangial cells (MC) in culture are believed to contract or relax in response to agents such as angiotensin II and cyclic AMP. However, cells grown on glass or plastic surfaces are limited in their response to vasoactive agents because of the rigid surfaces to which they adhere; thus, interpretation of a change in shape as contraction, relaxation, or detachment is difficult. We have grown MC on a flexible silicone rubber (dimethylpolysiloxane) substrate (DMPS), and studied with sequential photographs several models of cell contraction, relaxation, and detachment. When the cells contracted, the DMPS became wrinkled; when the cells relaxed, the DMPS lost wrinkles. In contrast, if the cells detached, the sheet lost wrinkles as the cells became smaller and rounder. Angiotensin II (5 X 10(-7) M), and calcium ionophore A23187 (2 X 10(-6) M) increased wrinkles in more than 30% of cells at 22 degrees C and more than 40% of the cells at 36 degrees C. The earliest effect was visible within five to 10 minutes at 22 degrees C and within one minute at 36 degrees C and increased until 40 minutes; thereafter, the cells relaxed and wrinkles were reduced. 10(-1) M Na azide prevented the increase in wrinkles produced by angiotensin II. Seventy-two percent of the angiotensin II-treated cells whose margins could be seen in their entirety, and 78% of the calcium ionophore-treated cells showed a reduction in surface area at a time when new wrinkles were appearing or wrinkles were increasing in size. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, a known smooth muscle relaxant, produced a decrease or loss of wrinkles in 90% of the cells, and an accompanying increase in surface area. Untreated control cells, observed in conjunction with the above series, showed little change in wrinkles. Ten percent DMSO, an actin-translocating agent, produced a reversible disappearance of wrinkles. These models of contraction and relaxation could be distinguished from cell detachment; EDTA, for example, in the presence of zero calcium, diminished both cell size and wrinkles, with an accompanying lifting of cells from the surface. Similar results were obtained with cytochalasin B and chlorpromazine. Thus, the silicone rubber system accurately reflects the contraction, relaxation and detachment of cultured mesangial cells in response to a variety of agents.
Influence of ionic strength upon the proton inventory for the water-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-acetylbenzotriazole

Abstract Proton inventory investigations of the hydrolysis N -acetylbenzotriazole at pH 3.0 (or the equivalent point on the pD rate profile) have been conducted at two different temperatures and at ionic strengths ranging from 0 to 3.0 M . The solvent deuterium isotope effects and proton inventories are remarkably similar over this wide range of conditions. The proton inventories suggest a cyclic transition state involving four protons contributing to the solvent deuterium isotope effect for the water-catalyzed hydrolysis. The hydrolysis data are described by the equation k n = k o (1 − n + nπ a ∗ ) 4 with π a ∗ ∼ 0.74 , where k o is the observed first-order rate constant in protium oxide, n is the atom fraction of deuterium in the solvent, k n is the rate constant in a protium oxide-deuterium oxide mixture, and π a ∗ is the isotopic fractionation factor.
Cultural Validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Empirical Correlates: Is This the Best We Can Do?.

This article critically reviews empirical correlates of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI-2; Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989), based on several validation studies conducted with different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups, and argues for the urgent development of culturally derived measures that would illuminate culturally relevant empirical correlates for use in validating the MMPI-2. Este articulo examina criticamente correlatos empiricos del Test de Personalidad Multifasico de Minnesota-2 (MMPI-2, por sus siglas en ingles), basandose en varios estudios de validacion conducidos con distintos grupos raciales, etnicos y culturales, y razona a favor del desarrollo urgente de medidas derivadas culturalmente que puedan ilustrar correlatos empiricos culturalmente relevantes para su uso en la validacion del MMPI-2.
Determination of Total Antioxidant Activity in Brain and Plasma: Limitations and Pitfalls |[dagger]| 311

We have previously demonstrated that fetal hypoxia-ischemia decreases the total antioxidant activity in premature rabbit brain. Improvements in an assay for the measurement of total antioxidant activity in biological samples are reported. The assay utilizes the monitoring of formation of the ABTS+ radical by measuring the absorbance at 734 nm. The previous method of measuring end-point absorbance after a fixed time is unsuitable for biological samples since the pattern of absorbance change after addition of biological samples is markedly different from that of pure chemical solutions of antioxidants. The area under the curve for absorbance of the ABTS+ radical formation over time was a more accurate measurement of total antioxidant activity in brain and plasma than end-point absorbance at a fixed time or lag phase determination of the onset of radical formation. Furthermore, another modification of the assay enables the delineation of various components of antioxidant activity in biological samples. A post-addition modification distinguishes between ABTS+ scavenging activity and inhibition of radical formation. Water-soluble antioxidants like ascorbic acid and uric acid constitute scavenging activity observed in biological samples. Units of scavenging activity can be expressed in Trolox equivalents following comparison to a Trolox standard curve. It is noteworthy that proteins constitute the bulk of radical-formation inhibitors in brain and plasma. The amount of inhibitors of radical formation can be expressed as a percentage of a solution containing no antioxidants. Interestingly, the post-addition modification enabled the detection of a slow reacting scavenger in plasma, which was not detected in brain homogenates. This slow-reacting scavenger is most probably a protein of size >30,000 Mr, that is not albumin, superoxide dismutase or catalase. Addition of the strong oxidant, peroxynitrite, to plasma decreases the scavenging activity but does not affect the slow-reacting component. The post-addition modification gets optimal results with addition of 20 μl sample. Addition of greater quantities of sample causes a dilution error that needs to be corrected for. The delineation of various components of total antioxidant activity may be useful in the development of different antioxidant treatments in clinical situations of oxidative stress.
The effect of nerve growth factor and antibodies to nerve growth factor on ethylnitrosourea carcinogenesis in mice

The specific induction of neural tumors by the carcinogen, ethylnitrosourea (ENU), can be enhanced by reducing the in vivo nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in mice using IgG directed against the biologically active subunit of NGF (anti-NGF). This effect is reversible, confirming that the altered endogenous NGF levels do return to normal following injection with anit-NGF. Correspondingly, no neural tumors were observed when in vivo NGF levels were elevated by administering exogenous NGF with ENU. The higher physiological levels of NGF in control mice when compared to control rats might explain why fetal administration of ENU to rats results in a greater percentage of neural tumors. This would suggest that the long studied maturation effect that NGF has on developing neural cells of the peripheral nervous system may also influence neural oncogenesis.
Surgical approach to the posteromedial corner: indications, technique, outcomes

Injuries to the medial side of the knee can occur in isolation or in conjunction with multiple other ligaments about the knee. In addition, medial knee injuries can involve isolated injury to the medial collateral ligament or include the posteromedial structures of the knee. Treatment strategies differ greatly depending on injury pattern. In order to select an appropriate treatment strategy, one must accurately diagnose the injury pattern based on clinical examination and the use of appropriate imaging studies. The fundamental basis for diagnosis of a medial sided knee injury stems from understanding the static and dynamic stabilizing structures that compose the medial side of the knee. It is our aim to define the anatomic roles of medial sided structures, their importance in protecting the biomechanical stability of the knee, as well as provide indications and our preferred procedures for surgical management of these complex injuries.
Age-related patterns of reproductive success in house sparrows Passer domesticus

A common life history pattern in many organisms is that reproductive success increases with age. We report a similar pattern in house sparrows Passer domesticus, older individuals performed better than yearlings for most measures of reproductive success. Older males and females began breeding earlier in a given season and fledged more young than their yearling counterparts. Individual males also fledged more young in their second breeding season than they did in their first, but individual females did not show consistent improvement in reproductive success from year one to two. A path analysis indicated that age in both sexes acted primarily through the timing of breeding; earlier nesters laid more eggs and hence fledged more young but did not have more nesting attempts. We tested whether the increased reproductive success with age arose from high quality individuals surviving to be older (selection hypothesis). In contrast to the main prediction of this hypothesis that reproductive success and survival should be positively related, we found that survival from one year of age to two years of age was negatively related to reproductive success in the first year for males and females combined. Additionally, individuals that survived to breed as two-year-olds did not differ in total young fledged in their first year from those that did not survive to their second season of breeding. Our results indicate that fledgling production increases with age due to improvements in timing of breeding, particularly in females, and not because of the loss of poor breeders or increased output. Mechanisms producing age-related differences in timing of breeding warrant further study.
Health-Care Referrals from Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

Background: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) provides personalized genetic risk information directly to consumers. Little is known about how and why consumers then communicate the results of this testing to health-care professionals. Aim: To query specialists in clinical genetics about their experience with individuals who consulted them after DTC-GT. Methods: Invitations to participate in a questionnaire were sent to three different groups of genetic professionals, totaling 4047 invitations, asking questions about individuals who consulted them after DTC-GT. For each case reported, respondents were asked to describe how the case was referred to them, the patient's rationale for DTC-GT, and the type of DTC-GT performed. Respondents were also queried about the consequences of the consultations in terms of additional testing ordered. The costs associated with each consultation were estimated. A clinical case series was compiled based upon clinician responses. Results: The invitation resulted in 1...
Revisiting the Great Game in Asia: Rudyard Kipling and popular history:

The history of the Great Game in Asia, the contest between the British Empire and the Russian Empire for control of Central Asia, is dominated by popular writers attempting to uncover the “true” story of Rudyard Kipling’s Kim, the story of the an orphaned Anglo-Irish son of a British soldier growing up in the streets and bazaars of British India. These books, often lacking any sense of historical context or a broader political narrative, tend to forego judicious historical analysis in favour of salacious adventure stories.
Rectus Flap Reconstruction Decreases Perineal Wound Complications After Pelvic Chemoradiation and Surgery: A Cohort Study

Background A major source of morbidity after abdominoperineal resection (APR) after external beam pelvic radiation is perineal wound complications, seen in up to 66% of cases. Our purpose was to determine the effect of rectus abdominus myocutaneous (RAM) flap reconstruction on perineal wound morbidity in this population.
Responses of cochlear nucleus units to electrical stimulation through a cochlear prosthesis: Channel interaction

Abstract The responses of 39 single units in the ventral cochlear nucleus of acute anesthetized guinea-pigs were studied with continuous electrical stimuli presented through a dual-channel implant in the scala tympani. Implants had four electrodes placed along the axis of the cochlea with 1 mm separations. With a specific pair (either apical or basal) of stimulating electrodes, about half of the units responded when current was flowing apically, while the rest responded to current in the opposite direction. No obvious relation existed between the effective polarity of the basal and apical pairs of electrodes. Two response types were observed while stimulating through both pairs simultaneously. Seventy-nine percent of the units responded to the sum of the current waveforms presented through the two pairs. Twenty-one percent responded to the difference between the waveforms. Both types of responses were observed for suprathreshold as well as for some intensities of stimulation that alone were subthreshold. The type of response was not dependent on the absolute threshold or threshold difference between the two pairs. For equal peak-intensities of stimuli, two-channel stimulation evoked larger responses than single-channel stimulation, provided the two channels were in their effective polarities. Responses to dual-channel stimulation were consistently larger than the summed responses to the two individual single-channel stimuli. The observed responses to the dual-channel stimulation indicate that the adequate stimulus was determined by the linear combination of fields produced by the individual channels in the vicinity of the stimulating electrodes before the auditory nerve is stimulated, and that excitation takes place in a spatially restricted area of the auditory nerve.
Identifying Alzheimer's Disease-Related Brain Regions from Multi-Modality Neuroimaging Data using Sparse Composite Linear Discrimination Analysis

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the early stage of the disease development is of great clinical importance. Current clinical assessment that relies primarily on cognitive measures proves low sensitivity and specificity. The fast growing neuroimaging techniques hold great promise. Research so far has focused on single neuroimaging modality. However, as different modalities provide complementary measures for the same disease pathology, fusion of multi-modality data may increase the statistical power in identification of disease-related brain regions. This is especially true for early AD, at which stage the disease-related regions are most likely to be weak-effect regions that are difficult to be detected from a single modality alone. We propose a sparse composite linear discriminant analysis model (SCLDA) for identification of disease-related brain regions of early AD from multi-modality data. SCLDA uses a novel formulation that decomposes each LDA parameter into a product of a common parameter shared by all the modalities and a parameter specific to each modality, which enables joint analysis of all the modalities and borrowing strength from one another. We prove that this formulation is equivalent to a penalized likelihood with non-convex regularization, which can be solved by the DC (difference of convex functions) programming. We show that in using the DC programming, the property of the non-convex regularization in terms of preserving weak-effect features can be nicely revealed. We perform extensive simulations to show that SCLDA outperforms existing competing algorithms on feature selection, especially on the ability for identifying weak-effect features. We apply SCLDA to the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images of 49 AD patients and 67 normal controls (NC). Our study identifies disease-related brain regions consistent with findings in the AD literature.
Probing the surface-localized hyperthermia of gold nanoparticles in a microwave field using polymeric thermometers

The surface-localized hyperthermia of gold nanoparticles under microwave irradiation was examined. Gold nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼6 nm stabilized by polymeric “thermometers” were used to gather information on the extent of heating as well as its spatial confinements. Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization was employed to synthesize well-defined, functional polymers of predetermined molecular weights, allowing for estimation of the distance between the nanoparticle surface and the polymer chain end. The polymers were conjugated with a fluorescent dye separated by a thermally-labile azo linkage, and these polymeric ligands were bound to gold nanoparticles via gold–thiolate bonds. Conventional heating experiments elucidated the relationship between temperature and the extent of dye release from the gold nanoparticle using fluorescence spectroscopy. The local temperature increase experienced under microwave irradiation was calculated using the same methodology. This approach indicated the temperature near the surface of the nanoparticle was nearly 70 °C higher than the bulk solution temperature, but decreased rapidly with distance, with no noticeable temperature increase when the azo linkage was approximately 2 nm away.
Resource Brokering Service: Automatic plan composition and execution

We address supporting unanticipated users and uses of limited information resources (sensors, databases, weapons -any resource intrinsically tied to digital information) in a timely and efficient fashion. Platform-centric systems often preclude users and uses not identified when the system was developed and deployed. Net-centric approaches, however, can address these problems by allowing services and information to be discovered and accessed at run-time. We have developed a Resource Brokering Service (RBS) that uses net-centric principles to enable multi-domain information and resource sharing and support for unanticipated users and uses. The RBS uses a modular software component framework for dynamically composing and tasking heterogeneous resources including sensors, data feeds, processors, archived data, networks, and even analysts into resilient, mission-oriented workflows. The RBS is applicable to multiple sense-decide-act military domains including missile defense, space situation awareness, ISR, border protection, and cyber defense. In this paper we give an overview of the concepts of the RBS and describe the process of transforming abstract plans to executable plans.
Reducing multidatabase query response time by tree balancing

Execution of multidatabase queries differs from that of traditional queries in that sort merge and hash joins are more often favored, as nested loop join requires repeated accesses to external data sources. As a consequence, left deep join trees obtained by traditional (e.g., System-R style) optimizers for multidatabase queries are often suboptimal, with respect to response time, due to the long delay for a sort merge (or hash) join node to produce its last result after the subordinate join node did. In this paper, we present an optimization strategy that first produces an optimal left deep join tree and then reduces the response time using simple tree transformations. This strategy has the advantages of guaranteed minimum total resource usage, improved response time, and low optimization overhead. We describe a class of basic transformations that is the cornerstone of our approach. Then we present algorithms that effectively apply basic transformations to balance a left deep join tree, and discuss how the technique can be incorporated into existing query optimizers.
Lighten Up: Specific Postural Instructions Affect Axial Rigidity and Step Initiation in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with stooped postural alignment, increased postural sway, and reduced mobility. The Alexander Technique (AT) is a mindfulness-based approach to im...
Molecular lesions associated with alleles of decapentaplegic identify residues necessary for TGF-beta/BMP cell signaling in Drosophila melanogaster.

We have identified the molecular lesions associated with six point mutations in the Drosophila TGF-β homologue decapentaplegic (dpp). The sites of these mutations define residues within both the pro and ligand regions that are essential for dpp function in vivo. While all of these mutations affect residues that are highly conserved among TGF-β superfamily members, the phenotypic consequences of the different alleles are quite distinct. Through an analysis of these mutant phenotypes, both in cuticle preparations and with molecular probes, we have assessed the functional significance of specific residues that are conserved among the different members of the superfamily. In addition, we have tested for conditional genetic interactions between the different alleles. We show that two of the alleles are temperature sensitive for the embyronic functions of dpp, such that these alleles are not only embryonic viable as homozygotes but also partially complement other dpp hypomorphs at low temperatures. Our results are discussed with regard to in vitro mutagenesis data on other TGF-β-like molecules, as well as with regard to the regulation of dpp cell signaling in Drosophila.
Nicotine Reward and Affective Nicotine Withdrawal Signs Are Attenuated in Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase IV Knockout Mice

The influx of Ca2+ through calcium-permeable nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) leads to activation of various downstream processes that may be relevant to nicotine-mediated behaviors. The calcium activated protein, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) phosphorylates the downstream transcription factor cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), which mediates nicotine responses; however the role of CaMKIV in nicotine dependence is unknown. Given the proposed role of CaMKIV in CREB activation, we hypothesized that CaMKIV might be a crucial molecular component in the development of nicotine dependence. Using male CaMKIV genetically modified mice, we found that nicotine reward is attenuated in CaMKIV knockout (−/−) mice, but cocaine reward is enhanced in these mice. CaMKIV protein levels were also increased in the nucleus accumbens of C57Bl/6 mice after nicotine reward. In a nicotine withdrawal assessment, anxiety-related behavior, but not somatic signs or the hyperalgesia response are attenuated in CaMKIV −/− mice. To complement our animal studies, we also conducted a human genetic association analysis and found that variants in the CaMKIV gene are associated with a protective effect against nicotine dependence. Taken together, our results support an important role for CaMKIV in nicotine reward, and suggest that CaMKIV has opposing roles in nicotine and cocaine reward. Further, CaMKIV mediates affective, but not physical nicotine withdrawal signs, and has a protective effect against nicotine dependence in human genetic association studies. These findings further indicate the importance of calcium-dependent mechanisms in mediating behaviors associated with drugs of abuse.
OnabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of overactive bladder

OnabotulinumtoxinA injection is a safe and effective treatment for adults with refractory overactive bladder. There is sufficient level 1 evidence to support offering onabotulinumtoxinA injections as a second-line treatment to patients who have failed behavioral therapy and oral medications such as antimuscarinics and β3 agonists. An intradetrusor injection of 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA is likely the optimal dose to balance risks and benefits, and this is the dose approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Improvement in urgency urinary incontinence episodes, as well as symptom scores and quality of life, were seen in around 60%–65% of patients, and were significantly improved compared with those on placebo. Most studies have reported a duration of symptom relief ranging from 6 to 12 months, with repeat injections being safe and efficacious. Overall, the risk of urinary retention was around 6% across the study populations.
Emergent Leadership in the Group Goal-Setting Process

This study examined the relationships between group goal setting and the emergence of leadership. Specifically, groups were assigned either group goals, individual goals, or both group and individual goals to determine how the type of goal relates to the frequency of leadership emergence. In addition, other antecedents and the consequences of emergent leadership were tested. A sample of 468 college students performed an interdependent word-building task in groups offour. Results indicated that the nature of the assigned goal did not influence leader emergence. Emergence was, however, related to individual task ability and commitment to the assigned group goal. Groups in which leaders emerged outperformed groups without emergent leaders, but perceptions of free riding were not affected. Finally, the emergent leader's personal goalfor the group strongly influenced the group 's chosen goal for the group. The implications and limitations of these findings and suggestions forfuture research are discussed.
The Relationship of Social Exclusion at Work With Self-Defeating Behavior and Turnover

Although studies indicate that perceived social exclusion is positively related to self-defeating behavior (SDB) and turnover intentions, studies have not integrated this research to examine the potential links among perceived social exclusion at work, SDB, and actual turnover. Using multisource data obtained from 246 employees and their immediate supervisors, we obtained support for a theoretical model in which perceived social exclusion relates directly and positively to turnover intentions and turnover, and indirectly and positively to turnover via two SDBs and turnover intentions. We discuss the theoretical implications of the findings and directions for future research.