cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical localization of AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunits in the striatum of rhesus monkey.

Abstract Corticostriatal and thalamostriatal projections utilize glutamate as their neurotransmitter. Their influence on striatum is mediated, in part, by ionotropic AMPA-type glutamate receptors, which are heteromers composed of GluR1–4 subunits. While the cellular localization of AMPA-type subunits in the basal ganglia has been well characterized in rodents, the cellular localization of AMPA subunits in primate basal ganglia is not. We thus carried out immunohistochemical studies of GluR1–4 distribution in rhesus monkey basal ganglia in conjunction with characterization of each major neuron type. In striatum, about 65% of striatal neurons immunolabeled for GluR1, 75%–79% immunolabeled for GluR2 or GluR2/3, and only 2.5% possessed GluR4. All neurons the large size of cholinergic interneurons (mean diameter 26.1 μm) were moderately labeled for GluR1, while all neurons in the size range of parvalbuminergic interneurons (mean diameter 13.8 μm) were intensely rich in GluR1. Additionally, somewhat more than half of the neurons in the size range of projection neurons (mean diameter 11.6 μm) immunolabeled for GluR1, and about one third of these were very rich in GluR1. About half of the neurons the size of cholinergic interneurons were immunolabeled for GluR2, and the remainder of the neurons that were immunolabeled for GluR2 coincided with projection neurons in size and shape (GluR2 diameter = 10.7 μm), indicating that the vast majority of striatal projection neurons possess immunodectible GluR2. Similar results were observed with GluR2/3 immunolabeling. Half of the neurons the size of cholinergic interneurons immunolabeled for GluR4 and seemingly all neurons in the size range of parvalbuminergic interneurons possessed GluR4. These results indicate that AMPA receptor subunit combinations for striatal projection neurons in rhesus monkey are similar to those for the corresponding neuron types in rodents, and thus their AMPA responses to glutamate are likely to be similar to those demonstrated in rodents.
Linear combinations of radioactive decay models for generational garbage collection

A program's distribution of object lifetimes is one of the factors that determines whether and how much it will benefit from generational garbage collection, and from what kind of generational collector. Linear combinations of radioactive decay models appear adequate for modelling object lifetimes in many programs, especially when the goal is to analyze the relative or theoretical performance of simple generational collectors.The boundary between models that favor younger-first generational collectors and models that favor older-first generational collectors is mathematically complex, even for highly idealized collectors. For linear combinations of radioactive decay models, non-generational collection is rarely competitive with idealized generational collection, even at that boundary.
Comments on Richard Jeffrey

In this commentary, after first summarizing the three major theses of Jeffrey's paper ‘Probability and Falsification: Critique of the Popper Program’, and sketching out what I take to be his central argument, I criticize Jeffrey on two grounds. The first is that he has failed to explain why his version of Bayesianism provides us with better theories upon which to make decisions; the second is that he has offered a theory about decision-making that by-passes the important question: How can we make more rational decisions?
Neuroprotective actions of methylene blue and its derivatives.

Methylene blue (MB), the first lead chemical structure of phenothiazine and other derivatives, is commonly used in diagnostic procedures and as a treatment for methemoglobinemia. We have previously demonstrated that MB could function as an alternative mitochondrial electron transfer carrier, enhance cellular oxygen consumption, and provide protection in vitro and in rodent models of Parkinson’s disease and stroke. In the present study, we investigated the structure-activity relationships of MB in vitro using MB and six structurally related compounds. MB reduces mitochondrial superoxide production via alternative electron transfer that bypasses mitochondrial complexes I-III. MB mitigates reactive free radical production and provides neuroprotection in HT-22 cells against glutamate, IAA and rotenone toxicity. Distinctly, MB provides no protection against direct oxidative stress induced by glucose oxidase. Substitution of a side chain at MB’s 10-nitrogen rendered a 1000-fold reduction of the protective potency against glutamate neurototoxicity. Compounds without side chains at positions 3 and 7, chlorophenothiazine and phenothiazine, have distinct redox potentials compared to MB and are incapable of enhancing mitochondrial electron transfer, while obtaining direct antioxidant actions against glutamate, IAA, and rotenone insults. Chlorophenothiazine exhibited direct antioxidant actions in mitochondria lysate assay compared to MB, which required reduction by NADH and mitochondria. MB increased complex IV expression and activity, while 2-chlorphenothiazine had no effect. Our study indicated that MB could attenuate superoxide production by functioning as an alternative mitochondrial electron transfer carrier and as a regenerable anti-oxidant in mitochondria.
Aquaporin-4 and brain edema

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is a water-channel protein expressed strongly in the brain, predominantly in astrocyte foot processes at the borders between the brain parenchyma and major fluid compartments, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. This distribution suggests that AQP4 controls water fluxes into and out of the brain parenchyma. Experiments using AQP4-null mice provide strong evidence for AQP4 involvement in cerebral water balance. AQP4-null mice are protected from cellular (cytotoxic) brain edema produced by water intoxication, brain ischemia, or meningitis. However, AQP4 deletion aggravates vasogenic (fluid leak) brain edema produced by tumor, cortical freeze, intraparenchymal fluid infusion, or brain abscess. In cytotoxic edema, AQP4 deletion slows the rate of water entry into brain, whereas in vasogenic edema, AQP4 deletion reduces the rate of water outflow from brain parenchyma. AQP4 deletion also worsens obstructive hydrocephalus. Recently, AQP4 was also found to play a major role in processes unrelated to brain edema, including astrocyte migration and neuronal excitability. These findings suggest that modulation of AQP4 expression or function may be beneficial in several cerebral disorders, including hyponatremic brain edema, hydrocephalus, stroke, tumor, infection, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
Integration of signals/systems and electromagnetics courses through the design of a communication system for a cardiac pacemaker

The integration of multiple concepts and courses through laboratory design projects are part of a new experimental program at the University of Utah, supported by the National Science Foundation, the College of Engineering, and the University of Utah. One such project is the design of an FSK communication system for a cardiac pacemaker, which combines labs from the junior-level "signals and systems" courses and the junior-level electromagnetics course, which are both taught in the same semester. The electromagnetic and the signal and system labs are briefly described in this paper.
Genomic Technologies and the New Era of Genomic Medicine

This Commentary highlights the article by Cottrell et al which discusses the design, clinical validation, and utility of a targeted NGS panel for somatic mutation detection.
54.1: Invited Paper: Human Factors of Stereoscopic Displays

This paper provides a review of human factors issues that arise when designing stereoscopic displays. Issues discussed include: (1) basics of human stereopsis; (2) interocular cross talk; (3) distance scaling of disparity information; (4) accommodative-vergence mismatch; (5) stereoanomly; (6) intuitive reasoning. The paper concludes with several recommendations.
Transformation: next generation technical services at the University of California Libraries

Purpose – This paper seeks to feature an interview with Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Eden discusses the University of California Libraries' Next Generation Technical Services initiative.Design/methodology/approach – The paper notes changes necessary to transform technical services for the new digital realm.Findings – The task force chaired by Eden recommends several changes to traditional processes, three of which are central to achieving transformative change.Originality/value – The paper offers readers insights into the means by which a large consortium under severe financial constraints is attempting to achieve cost‐savings and value‐added services through system‐wised collaboration.
The untapped potential of virtual game worlds to shed light on real world epidemics

Summary Simulation models are of increasing importance within the field of applied epidemiology. However, very little can be done to validate such models or to tailor their use to incorporate important human behaviours. In a recent incident in the virtual world of online gaming, the accidental inclusion of a disease-like phenomenon provided an excellent example of the potential of such systems to alleviate these modelling constraints. We discuss this incident and how appropriate exploitation of these gaming systems could greatly advance the capabilities of applied simulation modelling in infectious disease research.
Impact of Climate on Energy Sector in Economic Analysis

Abstract Assessments of economic conditions by region or sector attempt to include relevant climatic variability through residual adjustment techniques. There is no direct consideration of climatic fluctuations. Three recent severe winters combined with the increasing price of energy have intensified the need to quantify the interaction of climate with the energy sector of the economy. This paper presents examples of the uses of climatic data by utilities, public service commissions and the NOAA Center for Environmental Assessment Services to determine econoclimatic energy relationships at the local, state, regional and national levels. A technique based on the linear relationship between heating degree days and natural gas consumption for space heating is used to quantify the interaction of climate and prices on gas consumption. This provides regional estimates of the response of gas consumption to degree days and price. Climate alone does not explain all of the variations in energy consumption. Price an...
Analyzing 'omics data using hierarchical models

Hierarchical models provide reliable statistical estimates for data sets from high-throughput experiments where measurements vastly outnumber experimental samples.
Cloning and characterization of GABAA α subunits and GABAB subunits in Xenopus laevis during development.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult nervous system, acts via two classes of receptors, the ionotropic GABAA and metabotropic GABAB receptors. During the development of the nervous system, GABA acts in a depolarizing, excitatory manner and plays an important role in various neural developmental processes including cell proliferation, migration, synapse formation, and activity-dependent differentiation. Here we describe the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the GABAA and GABAB receptors during early development of Xenopus laevis. Using in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR, GABAA α2 was detected as a maternal mRNA. All other α-subunits were first detected by tailbud through hatching stages. Expression of the various subunits was seen in the brain, spinal cord, cranial ganglia, olfactory epithelium, pineal, and pituitary gland. Each receptor subunit showed a distinctive, unique expression pattern, suggesting these receptors have specific functions and are regulated in a precise spatial and temporal manner. Developmental Dynamics 240:862–873, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Wetting dynamics study of underwater superhydrophobic surfaces through direct meniscus visualization

We study wetting of an air-filled micro-cavity on hydrophobic surface submerged in water by developing an optically clear sample that makes the location of the liquid-air meniscus inside the cavity visible. The plastron state, i.e., the state of the trapped air under water, is a central issue for the superhydrophobic surface research today because of its importance for many important applications, such as drag reduction. By continuously observing the meniscus on and inside a single trench during the wetting process, we obtain deterministic dynamics of the meniscus for the first time, as opposed to the probabilistic data in the recent studies. Our results confirm that the meniscus is in one of two states - pinned at the mouth of the trench or sliding on the sidewall of the trench, the latter leading to the fully-wetting (i.e., Wenzel) state. Furthermore, the results reveal that the dewetted (i.e., Cassie-Baxter) state can (or cannot) be indefinite if (or unless) the water is saturated with air and the hydrostatic pressure is low enough.
Counterion lyotropy and micelle formation

Abstract Decyltrimethylammonium micelles with 12 univalent inorganic counterions ( X − ) have been characterized by light scattering in 0.5000 m solutions of Na X at 25°C, permitting direct comparisons with about 50 organic counterions previously studied under the same conditions. For the inorganic series, CMC values are correlated with the lyotropic numbers of the counterions and with the electrocapillary maxima of mercury in 0.5000 m Na X solutions. Although literature data on anion hydration are, in most cases, uncertain estimates, there is sufficient correlation of CMC with hydration enthalpy and with the change of size of the anion upon hydration to suggest that counterions that are highly effective in promoting micellization are those that interact the least strongly with water. Refractive index data do not sustain the hypothesis that polarizability of the counterion is a significant factor in micelle formation. Thiocyanate ion induces the formation of remarkably large micelles.
Semantic satiation and problem solving

Experimental Ss had 30 sec. of satiation treatment with a relevant word (swing) prior to attempting the Maier two-string problem. Control Ss had either no satiation treatment or satiation of an irrelevant word (smell). Solution times on the Maier problem were significantly longer for experimental than for control Ss.
Parents' Attributions of Exceptionality Social Distancing Effects in the Mainstreamed Classroom

Research on personal space and social learning theory suggests that individuals develop social schemata that define their associations with, and social distancing from, others. The present study was designed to examine parental attributions of exceptionality within a mainstreamed classroom. A social distancing measure was computed within two conditions (labels and descriptions of exceptionality) and analyzed by a discrepancy score to determine parental preferences for placing their normal children in proximity to a handicapped peer. Differences in rank ordering of seven categories of exceptionality varied according to the condition, particularly for EMR and SMR cohorts. In both conditions, however, the category of emotionally disturbed was considered least desirable. Interpretations of differences in the rank ordering are provided. The need for the development of causal models of variable interactions that produce such differences in parental attributions of exceptionality is elaborated upon.
A theory of public enterprise behavior

Abstract Unresolved conflict among competing goals induces factions external to public enterprices to intervene in enterprise management, thereby reducing the level of effort expended by managers. Yet intervention can be a rational mechanism for inhibiting managers from capturing the enterprises for their own ends. A formal model explores the equilibrium that results from the interactions between the maximizing decisions of managers and of controllers. The model is extended to analyze strategic buffering by managers and to identify alternative dynamic sequences that might characterize manager-controller interactions. It provides a basis for discussing policy options for controlling public enterprises.
Predicting the Acoustics of Arbitrarily Shaped Bodies Using an Integral Approach

An integral solution of the Helmoltz equation is developed for predicting the acoustic properties of arbitrarily shaped bodies. With the integral formulation, the acoustic potentials at the surface are solved independently of the internal acoustic field which, effectively, reduces the dimensionality of the problem by one. Considerable reductions in computation time and storage requirements are thus achieved. Efficient numerical techniques for solving the resulting algebraic equations are presented. Numerical results obtained for the two-dimensional problems of a circle and a rectangle agree to within one percent with available exact solutions. The modes of a star-shaped configuration and a duct with a right-angle bend are also determined to demonstrate the applicability of this method to complicated geometries and general boundary conditions. The acoustic properties of a sphere are investigated using an axisymmetric formulation. With the axisymmetric formulation the numerical and exact results agree to three significant figures. I. Introduction T HE prediction of the acoustics of arbitrarily shaped bodies has a variety of applications in aerospace engineering. Among them are the determination of the internal and radiated sound fields from airbreathing propulsion systems and the investigation of the stability limits of rocket combustors. These studies are concerned with obtaining solutions to the Helmholtz equation, which is derived from the wave equation when a sinusoidal time dependence is assumed and which describes the spatial dependence of the oscillations. This equation is included in most standard texts on differential equations of mathematical physics (Ref. 1, Ch. 11) and has been extensively studied in both differential and integral form., The differential form is currently the most widely used.
Retbindin Is an Extracellular Riboflavin-binding Protein Found at the Photoreceptor/Retinal Pigment Epithelium Interface

Retbindin is a novel retina-specific protein of unknown function. In this study, we have used various approaches to evaluate protein expression, localization, biochemical properties, and function. We find that retbindin is secreted by the rod photoreceptors into the inter-photoreceptor matrix where it is maintained via electrostatic forces. Retbindin is predominantly localized at the interface between photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium microvilli, a region critical for retinal function and homeostasis. Interestingly, although it is associated with photoreceptor outer segments, retbindin's expression is not dependent on their presence. In vitro, retbindin is capable of binding riboflavin, thus implicating the protein as a metabolite carrier between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. Altogether, our data show that retbindin is a novel photoreceptor-specific protein with a unique localization and function. We hypothesize that retbindin is an excellent candidate for binding retinal flavins and possibly participating in their transport from the extracellular space to the photoreceptors. Further investigations are warranted to determine the exact function of retbindin in retinal homeostasis and disease.
Suicide attempters ten years later.

Abstract A decade ago, Weiss, Nunez, and Schaie 1 reported a study of 35 patients who attempted suicide compared with 17 matched controls. Major findings were that those attempters whose psychological intent was rated serious tended to produce medical consequences that were dangerous, and those serious, dangerous attempts (called aborted successful, or high-risk, suicidal attempts) tended to be different from all other attempts, e.g., the high-risk attempters were epidemiologically and clinically similar to those in other studies who had made successful (fatal) attempts. Ten years later, we were able to trace 90% of the high-risk subjects and a majority of lesser risk subjects and controls. Selected demographic, psychological, and medical characteristics for all traced patients were then investigated and evaluated. Results disclosed surprisingly few statistically significant differences among the groups. Three major differences, however, were apparent: 1. (1) By 1971, 3 of the 10 high-risk attempters were dead by suicide; none of the other attempters and none of the controls had killed themselves. 2. (2) Approximately two-thirds each of both the high-risk and lesser risk attempter groups, as compared with only one-third of the control group, were found to have significant psychosocial problems (continuing difficulties related to mental health, occupation or economic situation, and/or interpersonal relationships). 3. (3) Nevertheless, changes in basic mode of living were remarkably limited in any group. For example, those in each group who had been socially isolated most often still were, and vice versa. The life style of suicide attempters generally showed little change over this long period, and no change significantly different from that evidenced by matched controls.
Comparing White and Asian American Adolescents' Perceived Parental Expectations and Their Sexual Behaviors

While parental influences on adolescent health behaviors are well recognized, there is limited understanding of the relationship between adolescents’ perceptions of their parents’ expectations and their sexual behaviors. This mixed-methods study explored how White and Asian American adolescents perceive parental expectations via parent–child interactions, and how such expectations relate to adolescents’ self-reported sexual activities over time. Using gender-matched, in-depth interviews with 28 White and Asian American adolescents, ages 17 to 19, we explored adolescents’ perceptions of parental expectations about when, how, and under what conditions adolescents should engage in sexual activity. Stronger conservative parental sexual expectations and disapproving parental attitudes were closely related to later sexual debut and fewer sexual partners. Perceived closeness determined the degree to which adolescents respected and incorporated their parents’ beliefs, values, and sexual expectations. Future research should focus on developing family strategies to utilize the concept of perceived parental expectations.
Effects of organic matter availability on the life history and production of a top vertebrate predator (Plethodontidae: Gyrinophilus palleucus) in two cave streams

Summary 1. Surface ecosystems provide the primary source of organic matter to many cave communities. Variation in the strength of connectivity to the surface suggests that some caves may be more resource-limited than others. To test this, we examined diet, prey availability and production of an obligate cave salamander Gyrinophilus palleucus (Plethodontidae), a top predator, in two south-eastern U.S.A. caves with different levels of organic matter (Tony Sinks cave, 165 g AFDM m−2; Bluff River cave, 62 g AFDM m−2). 2. We quantified density, biomass, growth rate, production and diet of G. palleucus monthly for 21 months. Diet composition, differences in prey communities and seasonal patterns in prey consumption were also analysed. 3. Salamander density, biomass and secondary production were significantly greater in the high organic matter cave (0.10 m−2, 0.18 g AFDM m−2, 0.12 g AFDM m−2 year−1) than in the low organic matter cave (0.03 m−2, 0.03 g AFDM m−2, 0.01 g AFDM m−2 year−1). Although growth rates were not statistically different between the two cave salamander populations, low recaptures probably influenced this result. 4. Isopoda prey were the major contributor to salamander production in the high organic matter cave (69%). In the low organic matter cave, production was provided by isopods (41%) and oligochaetes (20%). The lower number of prey taxa contributing to salamander production in the high organic matter cave suggests the ability to forage more selectively. 5. The differences in foraging strategy, density, biomass and secondary production were probably related to differences in the strength of surface connectivity, which controls organic matter supply. Links between basal resource level and top predator performance show the importance of bottom-up limitation in the food webs of caves and other detritus-based ecosystems.
Contrasting timescales of crystallization and magma storage beneath the Aleutian Island arc

Abstract Geologic, chronologic, and U–Th isotope data from Pleistocene–Recent basaltic to rhyolitic lavas and their phenocrysts constrain the long-term evolution of magmatic processes at Seguam Island, Aleutian Island arc, and suggest a model in which erupted magmas were derived from a single, deep seated reservoir for ∼130 kyrs of its eruptive history. The monotonic evolution in ( 230 Th / 232 Th) 0 ratios is consistent with radiogenic ingrowth of 230 Th in a long-lived magma reservoir between 142 and 9 ka. Internal U–Th mineral isochrons from seven lavas and one ignimbrite are indistinguishable from their eruption ages as constrained by 40 Ar / 39 Ar dating, which implies a short period (i.e., 10 3 yrs or less) of crystal residence in the magma prior to eruption. These results can be reconciled if small batches of magma are repeatedly extracted from a deep, thermally buffered, basaltic reservoir, followed by decompression-driven crystallization and differentiation in small chambers or conduits in the upper crust immediately prior to eruption. Stratovolcano collapse at 9 ka produced a 4 km diameter caldera and a 70 m thick dacitic ignimbrite covering ∼12 km 2 . The ignimbrite, as well as subsequent rhyolitic and basaltic lava flows, signal a decrease in ( 230 Th / 232 Th) 0 and 87 Sr / 86 Sr ratios. The abrupt change in magma composition at 9 ka most likely reflects disruption of the long-lived reservoir by rapid ascent of basaltic magma with low ( 230 Th / 232 Th) and 87 Sr / 86 Sr ratios and excess 226 Ra. While the physiochemical connection between cone collapse and rise of new magma into the shallow crust remains to be explored, the shift in isotopic composition and evidence for a protracted > 100 kyr period of magma storage, would have been missed had the focus been on only the most recent historical eruptions. Our results suggest that: not all arc basalt produced in the mantle wedge separates and ascends rapidly, magma ascent rates and storage times may vary significantly over periods of 10 4 to 10 5 yrs at a single arc volcano, and U–Th isotopes offer a means of better understanding relationships between explosive eruptions and changes in magma reservoir dynamics in island arcs, provided a sufficiently long period of volcanic activity is examined.
Using Geographic Information Systems to Study Interstate Competition

Scholars have proposed two distinct explanations for why policies diffuse across American states: (1) policymakers learn by observing the experiences of nearby states, and (2) states seek a competitive economic advantage over other states. The most common empirical approach for studying interstate influence is modeling an indicator of a state's policy choice as a function of its neighbors' policies, with each neighbor weighted equally. This can appropriately specify one form of learning model, but it does not adequately test for interstate competition: when a policy diffuses due to competition, states' responses to other states vary depending on the size and location of specific populations. We illustrate with two substantive applications how geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to test for interstate competition. We find that lottery adoptions diffuse due to competition—rather than to learning—but find no evidence of competition in state choices about welfare benefits. Our empirical approach can also be applied to competition among nations and local jurisdictions.
The Drug Use Screening Inventory for Adults: Psychometric Structure and Discriminative Sensitivity

The psychometric structure and characteristics of the adult version of the Drug Use Screening Inventory were examined in alcohol and drug abusers (n = 119) and normal controls (n = 119). It was found that each of the 10 DUSI domains is unidimensional. Inter-item, split half and internal reliability ranged from good to excellent. A score of 4 or higher on the Substance Use Domain correctly classified 80% of the substance abusers whereas a score of 3 or less accurately detected 100% of the normal control subjects. These results demonstrate that the DUSI is a practical and psychometrically sound screening instrument.
The stator-fed a.c. commutator machine with induction regulator control

The paper presents a theory of the stator-fed a.c. commutator machine with fixed brushes and induction regulator to provide the variable voltage and/or phase-shifting effect in the rotor circuit for both shunt and series connection. Circle diagrams are developed using a minimum of mathematical treatment without, however, sacrificing accuracy, whilst a maximum of conclusions useful in practice are drawn. A number of regulator systems of known and recently developed design are also described.
Implementation of an in situ qualitative debriefing tool for resuscitations

Abstract Aim Multiple guidelines recommend debriefing of resuscitations to improve clinical performance. We implemented a novel standardized debriefing program using a Debriefing In Situ Conversation after Emergent Resuscitation Now (DISCERN) tool. Methods Following the development of the evidence-based DISCERN tool, we conducted an observational study of all resuscitations (intubation, CPR, and/or defibrillation) at a pediatric emergency department (ED) over one year. Resuscitation interventions, patient survival, and physician team leader characteristics were analyzed as predictors for debriefing. Each debriefing's participants, time duration, and content were recorded. Thematic content of debriefings was categorized by framework approach into Team Emergency Assessment Measure (TEAM) elements. Results There were 241 resuscitations and 63 (26%) debriefings. A higher proportion of debriefings occurred after CPR ( p p Conclusions Debriefings with the DISCERN tool usually involved higher acuity resuscitations, involved most of the indicated personnel, and lasted less than 10min. Future studies are needed to evaluate the tool for adaptation to other settings and potential impacts on education, quality improvement programming, and staff emotional well-being.
A new classification of superior oblique palsy based on congenital variations in the tendon.

Background: Superior oblique palsy is the most frequent isolated cranial nerve palsy seen in strabismus practice. It is traditionally diagnosed according to etiology as acquired, congenital, or idiopathic, but surgical treatment is based on deviation not etiology. Observations at surgery led to speculation that the superior oblique tendon is different in congenital compared with acquired superior oblique palsy and that this difference should be considered in surgical treatment. Methods: The authors reviewed the charts of 82 patients (89 eyes) undergoing surgery on the superior oblique tendon for superior oblique palsy. In each case, the palsy had been diagnosed preoperatively as acquired, congenital, or idiopathic, and, at surgery, characteristics of the tendon anatomy were described. Results: Thirty-eight superior oblique tendons (36 patients), diagnosed as congenital superior oblique palsy, included 33 abnormal tendons and 5 normal tendons. Twentyfour tendons (21 patients), diagnosed as traumatic superior oblique palsy, included 22 normal and 2 abnormal tendons. Twenty-seven tendons (25 patients), diagnosed as idiopathic, included 19 normal and 8 abnormal tendons. Abnormal tendons were divided into 4 categories: (1) redundant, (2) misdirected, (3) inserted in posterior Tenon's capsule, and (4) absent. Conclusions: The authors conclude that congenital superior oblique palsy is usually associated with a structural abnormality of the superior oblique tendon (87%). Whereas acquired superior oblique palsy usually has a normal tendon (92%). Superior oblique underaction in acquired superior oblique palsy results from a neural deficit. Potential variance in anatomy of the superior oblique tendon should be considered when undertaking surgery for superior oblique palsy.
Renal insufficiency predicts the time to first appropriate defibrillator shock.

Background Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation are expanding, but many primary and secondary ICD trials have excluded patients with advanced renal insufficiency. We investigated the effect of renal function on the incidence and time to first appropriate ICD shock. Method We analyzed data from all new ICD implantations at a tertiary care center from July 2001 to December 2002. Results During a mean follow-up time of 445 ± 285 days, 29 (13%) of 230 patients (age 63 ± 14 years, 79% men, 77% white, 75% coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.28 ± 0.14) received 41 appropriate shocks. Patients were divided into tertiles according to their serum creatinine level. The 1-year incidence of appropriate ICD shock was 3.8%, 10.8%, and 22.7% in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively ( P = .003). Using the same cut off values of serum creatinine, the 1-year incidence of appropriate ICD therapy (shock and antitachycardia pacing) was 8.8%, 20.8%, and 26.3% ( P = .02). After correcting for age, sex, race, left ventricular ejection fraction, indication for ICD implantation, and use of β-blockers in a Cox regression model, serum creatinine was still an independent predictor of the time to first appropriate ICD shock (hazard ratio 6.0 for the third compared with the first tertile, P = .001). Conclusion Renal insufficiency is a strong predictor of appropriate ICD shocks. Defibrillator therapy should therefore not be withheld based on the presence of this comorbidity. The mechanisms underlying the relationship between renal function and ventricular arrhythmias deserve further investigation.
The nutrition transition: worldwide obesity dynamics and their determinants

OBJECTIVE: This paper explores the major changes in diet and physical activity patterns around the world and focuses on shifts in obesity. DESIGN: Review of results focusing on large-scale surveys and nationally representative studies of diet, activity, and obesity among adults and children. SUBJECTS: Youth and adults from a range of countries around the world. MEASUREMENTS: The International Obesity Task Force guidelines for defining overweight and obesity are used for youth and the body mass index Z25 kg/m 2 and 30 cutoffs are used, respectively, for adults. RESULTS: The nutrition transition patterns are examined from the time period termed the receding famine pattern to one dominated by nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases (NR-NCDs). The speed of dietary and activity pattern shifts is great, particularly in the developing world, resulting in major shifts in obesity on a worldwide basis. Data limitations force us to examine data on obesity trends in adults to provide a broader sense of changes in obesity over time, and then to examine the relatively fewer studies on youth. Specifically, this work provides a sense of change both in the United States, Europe, and the lower- and middle-income countries of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. CONCLUSION: The paper shows that changes are occurring at great speed and at earlier stages of the economic and social development of each country. The burden of obesity is shifting towards the poor. International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, S2–S9. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802804
Increased susceptibility of skin from HERDA (Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia)‐affected horses to bacterial collagenase degradation: a potential contributing factor to the clinical signs of HERDA

Background Hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) is a genetic disorder of collagen resulting in fragile, hyper-extensible skin and ulcerative lesions. The predominance of skin lesions have been shown to occur on the dorsum of HERDA-affected horses. While this has been postulated to be due to increased exposure to sunlight of these areas, the precise pathological mechanism which causes this to occur is unclear. Hypothesis/objectives We hypothesized that an increase in collagenase activity, that has been associated with the exposure of dermal fibroblasts to sunlight, will significantly degrade the material properties of skin from HERDA-affected horses when compared to unaffected controls. Animals Six unaffected and seven HERDA-affected horses, all euthanized for other reasons. Methods Full-thickness skin samples from similar locations on each horse were collected and cut into uniform strips and their material properties (tensile modulus) determined by mechanical testing before (n = 12 samples/horse) or after (n = 12 samples/horse) incubation in bacterial collagenase at 37°C for 6 h. The change in modulus following treatment was then compared between HERDA-affected and unaffected horses using a Student's t-test. Results The modulus of skin from HERDA-affected horses decreased significantly more than that from unaffected horses following collagenase treatment (54 ± 7% versus 30 ± 16%, P = 0.004). Conclusions and clinical importance The significant decrease in the modulus of skin from HERDA-affected horses following collagenase exposure suggests that their altered collagen microarchitecture is more susceptible to enzymatic degradation and may explain the localization of skin lesions in HERDA-affected horses to those areas of the body most exposed to sunlight. These findings appear to support the previously reported benefits of sunlight restriction in HERDA-affected horses.
Hexameric ring structure of the N-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DnaB helicase

Hexameric DnaB helicase unwinds the DNA double helix during replication of genetic material in bacteria. DnaB is an essential bacterial protein; therefore, it is an important potential target for antibacterial drug discovery. We report a crystal structure of the N-terminal region of DnaB from the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtDnaBn), determined at 2.0 {angstrom} resolution. This structure provides atomic resolution details of formation of the hexameric ring of DnaB by two distinct interfaces. An extensive hydrophobic interface stabilizes a dimer of MtDnaBn by forming a four-helix bundle. The other, less extensive, interface is formed between the dimers, connecting three of them into a hexameric ring. On the basis of crystal packing interactions between MtDnaBn rings, we suggest a model of a helicase-primase complex that explains previously observed effects of DnaB mutations on DNA priming.
The Use of Electronic Monitoring as Persuasive Technology: Reconsidering the Empirical Evidence on the Effectiveness of Electronic Monitoring

Abstract The growing collection of evidence-based research reviews regarding criminal justice practices and programs is making an important contribution to the field in terms of identifying what works, what doesn't and what's promising. The purpose of this article will be to present the challenges and prospects associated with using evidence-based research reviews as a basis for promoting change in the application of electronic monitoring to individuals. In particular, the discussion will focus on how what we have learned about electronic monitoring from past reviews can inform the next generation of monitoring technologies for promoting offender change.
Relevance feedback algorithm based on learning from labeled and unlabeled data

Supervised learning algorithms (relevance feedback (RF) algorithms) are often used in content based image retrieval (CBIR) systems to enhance interactive search and browsing of image databases. One of the issues associated with RF based CBIR systems is the lack of a large training set. Labeling of images is a time consuming activity and user's usually do not have the patience to label a large set. The challenge is to somehow leverage the much larger set of unlabeled images to improve the performance of CBIR systems. In this paper we propose a novel RF algorithm which learns from both labeled and unlabeled data. Our proposed algorithm also uses active learning so as to maximize the information gained from a given amount of user feedback.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

The process of reversible phosphorylation is perhaps the cell's most prevalent means of regulation at the molecular level. It has been estimated that up to 30% of all cellular proteins are phosphorylated, and phosphorylation has been shown to play a crucial regulatory role in such diverse cellular events as metabolism, growth and differentiation, vesicular transport, and gene transcription. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are carried out by kinases and phosphatases, respectively. There are currently predicted to be 518 kinases and ~125 phosphatases encoded in the human genome, further underscoring the overall importance of phosphorylation in molecular regulation. Phosphatases are generally divided into two main families based on their catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity: the protein phosphatases (PPs), which exclusively desphosphorylate serine and threonine residues, and the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which can dephosphorylate tyrosine residues, and are the focus of this article. PTPs can be further classified into subfamilies based on (1) subcellular location (receptor vs. intracellular), (2) substrate preference, and (3) three-dimensional topology. In this article, we describe the different subfamilies of PTPs and their conserved catalytic mechanism. In addition, we briefly discuss human diseases that result from disrupted PTP signaling, and discuss the pursuit of PTPs as drug targets.
Reducing Hazardous Materials Releases from Railroad Tank Car Safety Vents

The leading cause of hazardous materials releases in railroad transportation over the 5 years prior to this research was burst frangible disks on tank cars. These burst disks occur as a result of pressure surges in the tank car safety vent during transportation. More than a dozen different surge pressure reduction devices (SPRDs) have been developed to protect the frangible disk from these surges. A statistical analysis of tank cars in service indicated that cars equipped with SPRDs experienced a lower rate of leakage due to burst frangible disks than similar cars without SPRDs. This analysis, however, did not provide sufficient resolution to determine the relative effectiveness of the different SPRD designs. A series of controlled experiments was conducted to determine the surge reduction effectiveness and the flow performance of different SPRDs. These tests showed that there were significant differences in the performance of the various surge pressure reduction devices in both surge reduction and flow r...
Death waits for no man – Does it wait for a virus? How enteroviruses induce and control cell death

Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common human viral pathogens. They cause a variety of pathologies, including myocarditis and meningoencephalopathies, and have been linked to the onset of type I diabetes. These pathologies result from the death of cells in the myocardium, central nervous system, and pancreas, respectively. Understanding the role of EVs in inducing cell death is crucial to understanding the etiologies of these diverse pathologies. EVs both induce and delay host cell death, and their exquisite control of this balance is crucial for their success as human viral pathogens. Thus, EVs are tightly involved with cell death signaling pathways and interact with host cell signaling at multiple points. Here, we review the literature detailing the mechanisms of EV-induced cell death. We discuss the mechanisms by which EVs induce cell death, the signaling pathways involved in these pathways, and the strategies by which EVs antagonize cell death pathways. We also discuss the role of cell death in both the resulting pathology in the host and in the facilitation of viral spread.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for predicting and detecting early response to chemoradiation therapy of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for prediction and early detection of treatment response in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Experimental Design: Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed on 40 patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC before, during, and after the end of chemoradiation therapy. Analysis was done on data from 33 patients after exclusion of 7 patients that had incomplete data. Results: Pretreatment ADC value of complete responders (1.04 ± 0.19 × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly lower (P Conclusions: These results suggest that ADC can be used as a marker for prediction and early detection of response to concurrent chemoradiation therapy in HNSCC.
Infinite horizon optimality criteria for equipment replacement under technological change

We consider the problem of optimally acquiring and retiring assets that are undergoing technological change over an unbounded horizon. Assuming discounted future per-period acquisition and maintenance costs go to zero, while total discounted costs diverge to infinity, we show that efficient solutions exist and are overtaking optimal.
The mechanisms of analogical learning

It is widely accepted that similarity is a key determinant of transfer. In this chapter I suggest that both of these venerable terms – similarity and transfer – refer to complex notions that require further differentiation. I approach the problem by a double decomposition: decomposing similarity into finer subclasses and decomposing learning by similarity and analogy into a set of component subprocesses. One thing reminds us of another. Mental experience is full of moments in which a current situation reminds us of some prior experience stored in memory. Sometimes such remindings lead to a change in the way we think about one or both of the situations. Here is an example reported by Dan Slobin (personal communication, April 1986). His daughter, Heida, had traveled quite a bit by the age of 3. One day in Turkey she heard a dog barking and remarked, “Dogs in Turkey make the same sound as dogs in America.… Maybe all dogs do. Do dogs in India sound the same?” Where did this question come from? According to Slobin's notebook, “She apparently noticed that while the people sounded different from country to country, the dogs did not.” The fact that only humans speak different languages may seem obvious to an adult, but for Heida to arrive at it by observation must have required a series of insights. She had to compare people from different countries and note that they typically sound different.