cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Insomnia and PTSD Over Time in Veterans in Residential Treatment for Substance Use Disorders and PTSD.

ABSTRACTObjective/Background: Insomnia occurs in 66–90% of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 36–72% of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals with both PTSD and SUD are more likely to have insomnia than individuals with only one disorder. Insomnia is associated with poorer treatment outcomes for both PTSD and SUD, increased daytime symptomology for PTSD, and increased relapse for SUDs. As such, it is important to understand how sleep affects PTSD treatment among patients dually diagnosed with SUD and how sleep changes over time in a residential unit for SUDs. Participants: Participants were 40 veterans with comorbid PTSD and SUD in a 28-day Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) PTSD track. Methods: Analyses used mixed models with Time (baseline, posttreatment, 3-month follow-up) to examine PTSD and insomnia severity over time. Results: Results of the longitudinal mixed model showed that PTSD symptoms improved over time but that in...
Glycemic Control in Critically Ill Surgical Patients

Alterations in glucose production, distribution, and utilization are frequently observed in critical illness. Whether these alterations are a cause or consequence of illness, beneficial or detrimental to recovery, remains to be fully understood. It will be the focus of this chapter to provide an evidence-based, formulaic approach to insulin therapy that proactively incorporates each patient’s baseline state of health as well the expected evolution of their acute disease process and therapeutic needs. The chapter will provide methods for the reactive, fine-tuning of blood glucose management that utilizes information derived from the early stages of glucose control while transitioning to more reliable, less labor-intensive insulin regimens. Lastly, it will provide a method for dealing with the complications of glycemic control that result in dangerous levels of hyper- and hypoglycemia.
D-record: Disaster Response and Relief Coordination Pipeline

We employ multi-modal data (i.e., unstructured text, gazetteers, and imagery) for location-centric demand/request matching in the context of disaster relief. After classifying the Need expressed in a tweet (the WHAT), we leverage OpenStreetMap to geolocate that Need on a computationally accessible map of the local terrain (the WHERE) populated with location features such as hospitals and housing. Further, our novel use of flood mapping based on satellite images of the affected area supports the elimination of candidate resources that are not accessible by road transportation. The resulting map-based visualization combines disaster-related tweets, imagery and pre-existing knowledge-base resources (gazetteers) to reduce decision-making latency and enhance resiliency by assisting individual decision-makers and first responders for relief effort coordination.
Surgical Management of Achalasia: Thoracoscopic Myotomy

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder that results in clinically significant dysphagia. The esophageal manometry findings are characterized by aperistalsis in the body of the esophagus and incomplete relaxation in the lower esophageal sphincter during swallowing. The etiology of achalasia is unknown, and the current therapeutic interventions target the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Endoscopic therapies, such as pneumatic balloon dilation and botulinum toxin injection, typically only produce temporary improvement of dysphagia symptoms. The cornerstone of surgical therapy for achalasia is esophagomyotomy. The video-assisted thoracoscopic approach for esophagomyotomy was described by Pellegrini in 1992. Thoracoscopic myotomy is an effective alternative to laparoscopic myotomy for the surgical management of achalasia. The thoracoscopic myotomy has demonstrated comparable results to laparoscopic myotomy for clinical relief of dysphagia and minimal postoperative complications.
Simultaneous DIAL, IPDA and point sensor measurements of the greenhouse gases, CO 2 and H 2 O

Rapid scan IPDA and DIAL systems have been developed based on phase modulators for tuning and hybrid counting systems for detection. The performance of these systems has been evaluated through comparisons with noint sensor measurements. © 2019 The Author(s)
An API Development Model for Digital Twins

Digital twins are software implementations of their physical counterparts. These software representations act through application program interfaces (APIs) to the physical devices they monitor, engage with and possibly control. Here a development model is proposed to ensure the desired reliability and performance of the API which is critical to the overall success of the Digital Twin.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—NURSING CARE OF OLDER ADULTS: MAKING IT HAPPEN: PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA CARE FOR BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

Person-centered care is the standard of practice in communal living sites, yet many facilities struggle to make this a reality. Both direct care staff and administrators find residents’ behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) particularly challenging. Our research team is conducting a pragmatic trial, the goal of which is to help staff use person-centered, non-pharmacological approaches for these symptoms. During the past three years we have gained insights into what may affect the ability of staff to deliver high quality person-centered care. We share these insights in this symposium. In the first paper, the investigators present data indicating that a high rate of psychotropic drug use among residents with dementia persists despite little association to BPSD, and bring into question the need for education around de-prescribing practices. In the second paper, the investigators discuss the conceptual basis and empirical evidence for using affect balance, in addition to symptom reduction, as an important and meaningful outcome for residents. The third paper examines gender differences in the expression of BPSD and how these differences may work to limit staff ability to identify treatment approaches for women who, nonetheless, have significant symptoms. In the final paper the psychometric properties and results of a new Knowledge of Person-centered Approaches for BPSD Test, that was developed by the team and given to staff, are examined and the implications of the findings for the delivery of person-centered care are considered. The discussant will reflect on these findings and provide direction for future research and practice.
A national analysis of operative treatment of adult patients with Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung’s disease is primarily a disease of infancy, but in rare cases, adults with this condition require surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the types of operations and postoperative outcomes in adults with Hirschsprung’s disease on a national level. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to perform a retrospective review of all adult patients diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of operation: restoration of bowel continuity or diversion of fecal stream; clinicopathologic data and 30-day outcomes were compared between the two groups. A total of 32 patients were analyzed. Fourteen patients (43.8%) underwent diversion and 18 (56.2%) underwent restorative procedures. The median age was 49.5 years old for the diversion group and 23.5 years old for the reconstructive group (p = 0.001). The restorative surgery group was more likely to have an ASA 1–2 while the diversion group had a higher frequency of ASA 3–5 (p = 0.011). The median length of stay for the diversion surgery was 9.5 days and 5 days for the restoration group (p = 0.045). Complications occurred in 57% of patients in the diversion group and in 22% of patients in the restoration group (p = 0.049). There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in intraoperative data and postoperative complications. This is the first study using a national database to evaluate the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease in adult patients. Complications are common and were more frequent in the older, sicker diversion group, with restoration of continuity being better tolerated in the younger, healthier patient population.
Associations Between Features of Nonstenosing Carotid Plaque on Computed Tomographic Angiography and Ischemic Stroke Subtypes.

Background Thromboembolism from nonstenosing carotid plaques may be an underrecognized cause of embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). We evaluated the association between features of nonst...
TOTAL ANOMALOUS PULMONARY VENOUS RETURN DIAGNOSED IN THE FIFTH DECADE OF LIFE-WHEN A SNOWMAN ISN't JUST FOR CHILDREN

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a rare cyanotic congenital cardiac defect where the pulmonary veins fail to connect to the left atrium. A previously asymptomatic 43-year-old male presented with shortness of breath and cough. On arrival he was noted to have an oxygen saturation of
Threshold level of fiscal deficit: revisiting FRBMA limit in Indian states

This paper examines whether the fiscal deficit limit of 3% as prescribed by the FRBMA is justified keeping in mind the increasing spending requirement and economic growth of Indian states? The study uses a panel data framework of taking sixteen non-special category states of India for the period over 2001–2002 to 2016–2017. This paper is the first of its kind that uses a threshold regression model due to Khan and Senhadji (IMF Staff Papers 48(1):1–21, 2001) to find the threshold level of fiscal deficit. The empirical findings show that the threshold level of fiscal deficit in sixteen states taken together is found to be 3%, which is in the line of prescribed limit of FRBM act. But at disaggregated level, it is observed that in middle- and low-income states the threshold level of fiscal deficit is 3.9% and 3.5%, respectively. This suggests that states can go for some additional percent of fiscal deficit above the limit prescribed by FRBMA. Therefore, the fiscal deficit limit of 3% needs to be revisited to give more fiscal room to the Indian states.
The National Hepatitis A Outbreaks: Experience from the Epicenter

Historically, outbreaks of hepatitis A virus (HAV) have been associated with contaminated food. Through vaccination and sanitation, the annual incidence of HAV had plummeted until the recent outbreak. We investigated the demographic features and clinical course of HAV cases during 2017–2018 in West Virginia. We performed a retrospective chart review on 482 patients confirmed with HAV. We found them to be predominantly Caucasian males with a mean age of 42. Forty-nine percent were intravenous drug users with methamphetamine being the substance of choice (52%). There was evidence of geographic clustering. Two patients with chronic liver disease died of hepatic failure secondary to HAV, and a third patient died of lone HAV. Our data shows a strong association of HAV with illicit substance use, specifically methamphetamine. These persons at risk should be targeted for vaccination. The increased transmission of HAV in drug users warrants investigation.
Understanding Hallyu: The Korean Wave Through Literature, Webtoon, and Mukbang

This book sheds light on aspects of the Korean Wave and Korean media products that are less discussed—Korean literature, webtoon, and mukbang. It explores the making of these Korean popular cultural products and how they work and engage media recipients regardless of their different national, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. Drawing on narrative theory and cultural studies, the book makes a compelling argument about how to analyze the production and consumption of Korean media within and beyond its national boundary with critical eyes. The author shows how transmedial narrative studies (narrative studies across media) offers analytical and theoretical lenses through which one can interpret new and emerging media forms and contents. Furthermore, she explores how these forms and contents can be better understood when they are contextualized within specific time and place using the cultural, social, and political concepts and precepts of the region. The volume will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of Asian Studies, popular culture, contemporary cyberculture, media and culture studies, and literary theory.
Final state interaction in the pn and nn decay channels of $$^4_\varLambda $$ Λ 4 He

We study the effects of final state interactions in the non-mesonic weak decay $$\varLambda N \rightarrow nN$$ (n is a neutron and N is either a neutron or a proton) of the hypernucleus $$_\varLambda ^4$$ He. Using a three-body model the effects of distortion of the interaction of the emitted nucleon pair with the residual nucleus is considered. We also study the influence of the final state interaction between the emitted nucleons using the Migdal-Watson model. The effect of spin symmetries in the final state of the pair is also considered. Based on our calculations, we conclude that final state interactions play a minor role in the kinetic energy spectrum of the emitted nucleon pair.
Destination sustainability in the sharing economy: a conceptual framework applying the capital theory approach

The introduction of the sharing economy has been seen as a potential pathway to destination sustainability. However, without a holistic measurement, its impact on destination sustainability is uncl...
Dialect identification: Impact of differences between read versus spontaneous speech

Automatic Dialect Classification (ADC) has recently gained substantial interest in the field of speech processing. Dialects of a language normally are reflected in terms of their phoneme space, word pronunciation/selection, and prosodic traits. These traits are clearly visible in natural speaker-to-speaker spontaneous conversations. However, dialect cues in prompted/read speech are often neglected by the community. In this study, we consider a systematic assessment of the differences between the acoustic characteristics of spontaneous and read speech and their effects on dialect identification performance. By examining both the model space and phoneme space of read and spontaneous dialect speech, we observe that each spans different dialect spaces and with distinct characteristics that need to be addressed respectively. From this comparison, we find useful clues to design more efficient identification systems. Finally, we also propose a novel feature extraction technique, PMVDR-SDC, and obtain a +26.4% relative improvement in dialect recognition rate.
The Modern Revolution in Antifungal Drug Therapy

For a number of years the mycoses and their management have languished in obscure medical tomes, drawing little attention. Although treatment was much needed for individual patients, the systemic mycoses were generally very uncommon and not regarded as a stimulus for development of antifungal agents. Further, the systemic dimorphic mycoses were mostly problems of the new world, with highly limited range of endemicity. Since most people infected with these pathogens had either no illness or only transitory illness, effective therapy was not high on health care demands. The 1960’s saw the advent of amphotericin B, the only member of the polyenes that was sufficiently “reduced” in toxicity to permit systemic use. Amphotericin B provided one broad spectrum antifungal and thus fulfilled the need for “something that worked”. Consequently, very little work was done on new systemic antifungals for some years thereafter. Despite the much larger numbers of patients with vaginal candidosis and dermatologic fungal infections, these were considered by many to be trivial medical problems. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical industry opted to develop “safe” topical antifungals rather than systemic agents which might cause significant toxicity during treatment of largely cosmetic problems.
Small lymphocyte and transitional cell populations of the bone marrow; their role in the mediation of immune and hemopoietic progenitor cell functions.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the small lymphocytes and transitional cell populations of the bone marrow. Their role in the mediation of immune and hemopoietic progenitor cell function is defined. In endothermic vertebrates the bone marrow is the central organ of hemopoiesis. It is the major source of all types of cellular elements that circulate in the blood. The bone marrow plays a major role in the development of those lymphocytes that function as the precursors of antibody-forming cells. In addition, it contains small lymphocytes competent to engage in cell-mediated immune responses. Moreover, the marrow can generate such cells under various experimental conditions. Lymphocytes of the marrow have also been implicated as pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells. On the whole, modern techniques of experimental hematology have furnished evidence in support of the historic argument, and now it seems clear that hemopoietic stem cells, and progenitor cells with varying degrees of commitment to specific lines of hemopoietic differentiation, are contained in the population of bone marrow cells designated by many investigators as “lymphoid.” The chapter examines the evidence that relates various biological parameters to the functions attributed to small lymphocytes and transitional cells.
RNA Synthesis in Yersinia pestis During Growth Restriction in Calcium-Deficient Medium

Yersinia pestis requires 2.5 mM Ca 2+ for growth at 37°C but not at 26°C. After a shift from 26 to 37°C in a Ca 2+ -deficient medium, an ordered series of metabolic alterations occur which result in transition from a growing cell to a viable but non-proliferating cell. The earliest known alteration in normal metabolism associated with this transition is a termination of net RNA synthesis. Competitive RNA/DNA hybridizations with uniformly labeled RNA and stable RNA competitor indicated identical mRNA to stable RNA ratios in growing cells and non-proliferating Ca 2+ -deprived cells. Similar hybridizations with pulse-labeled RNA demonstrated that growing cells synthesized 57% mRNA, 37% rRNA, and 5% tRNA, whereas Ca 2+ -deprived cells synthesized 95% mRNA, 4.7% rRNA, and 0.7% tRNA. After addition of radioactive uracil and rifampin to growing and Ca 2+ -deprived cells, decay of approximately 40 and 90% of the newly synthesized RNA was found for growing and Ca 2+ -deprived cells, respectively. The half-life of the mRNA was found to be 1.5 min for growing cells and 4.5 min for Ca 2+ -deprived cells. Y. pestis elicited increases in the levels of guanosine tetraphosphate and guanosine pentaphosphate in response to amino acid deprivation and yielded transient increases in the levels of these phosphorylated nucleotides after a shift from 26 to 37°C. These increases were independent of Ca 2+ availability and preceded the alteration in RNA synthesis by more than 1 h. The levels of these phosphorylated nucleotides then stabilized at about 80 and 40 pmol for Ca 2+ -deprived and Ca 2+ -supplemented cultures, respectively, and did not increase further in the Ca 2+ -deprived culture at the time corresponding to the reduction in stable RNA synthesis. These findings indicate that the early lesion in RNA synthesis associated with the growth restriction of Ca 2+ -deprived Y. pestis reflects a block in stable RNA synthesis and that this effect is not mediated by guanosine tetraphosphate or guanosine pentaphosphate.
Strong relationships between vegetation and two perpendicular climate gradients high on a tropical mountain in Hawai‘i

Aim We compared vegetation patterns at high elevation on a tropical mountain with edaphic properties and position along climate gradients to examine this landscape’s potential sensitivity to climate change. Location Our study covers the cloud forest, the ecotone at the cloud forest’s upper limit, and the alpine grassland, on the north-east corner of windward Haleakalā, Hawai‘i. The study area brackets the mean trade wind inversion (TWI), encompasses a perpendicular, east–west precipitation gradient and includes multiple edaphic contexts. Methods We collected vegetation structure and composition data in 134 plots from 1900 to 2400 m elevation, stratified east to west. We used classification trees to compare species assemblage groups with spatial (elevation, easting, aspect) and edaphic (substrate age, texture, degree slope) variables derived from a 10-m digital elevation model and a digital geological map. Results The forest line was physiognomically sharp, and a Shipley–Keddy test showed that species distributional limits were aggregated there. Forest line elevation was not consistent, but dropped nearly 200 m from east to west. Indicator taxa for positions above or below the forest line varied from east to west. Hierarchical clustering identified species assemblage groups with significantly different composition that were distributed across the TWI and/or along east–west climate gradients. Classification trees showed that edaphic properties were not well associated with species assemblage groups, but position along two perpendicular climate gradients was. Compositional turnover was detected along both elevational and east–west gradients. Turnover of the cloud forest’s epiphytic community was particularly pronounced across east–west gradients. Lichen abundance was significantly higher at the drier end of the east–west moisture gradient, and bryophyte abundance was higher at the wetter end. Main conclusions Modern spatial patterns suggest that this landscape will respond to changes in moisture balance through changes in species assemblage and structure, especially at the ecotone. Furthermore, ecotone response to climate change may vary from east to west because of differences in species-specific constraints or climatic context.
The Surgeon's Role in Breast Cancer Chemoprevention

An individual woman's level of risk for the development of invasive breast cancer can be accurately estimated using the Gail model. This model is not appropriate for use in women with prior breast cancer (invasive or in situ) or a family history suggestive of a genetic predisposition. Tamoxifen is an option for breast cancer risk reduction. The magnitude of benefit varies based on the factors that increase a woman's level of risk, but benefit has been seen in all risk subgroups that have been studied. The risks associated with tamoxifen for prevention vary with menopausal status. In premenopausal women, there are no life threatening toxicities, and quality-of-life issues predominate. In postmenopausal women, the increased risk of endometrial cancer and venous thrombosis mandate a careful assessment of the presence of other risk factors for these conditions prior to considering tamoxifen for prevention. At present, prevention options for the high-risk woman include surveillance, tamoxifen for five years, participation in the STAR trial (if postmenopausal), and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy.
The cost for economic growth: A study on the energy demand of Pakistan using TIMES

Pakistan is blessed with an abundant stock of indigenous energy resources. Despite the availability of these sources, there is a widening gap between supply and demand. The following paper presents a quantitative and analytical study on the current energy situation of Pakistan, along with a methodology to reduce the gap. The paper emphasizes the urge for a need to use energy models in order to forecast an increase in demand. This can be achieved by using TIMES, a model which shows a detailed relationship between energy commodities and the relevant processes required to achieve those particular commodities. This methodology helps in developing an applicable reference energy system, thereby solving for the least cost energy solution to create a more comprehensive picture of the country's energy system under varying policies and possibilities. The results will portray future demand projections along with energy marketing strategies necessary to meet growing demand.
Biogeochemical evidence for the presence of the angiosperm molecular fossil oleanane in Paleozoic and Mesozoic non-angiospermous fossils

Recent molecular phylogenetic and molecular clock data both suggest a pre-Mesozoic age for the divergence of the angiosperm lineage from other seed plants, greatly predating the confirmed fossil record of the angiosperm crown group. In addition, molecular phylogenetic studies have not supported the morphologically based conclusion that gnetophytes are the extant sister group to angiosperms. We examine these relationships and divergence ages by using a novel approach of examining the presence of oleanane. This includes the development of methods using zeolites to preferentially reduce hopanes that can co-elute with oleanane. The presence of this molecular fossil strongly correlates with angiosperm diversification; in its functionalized form, along with its triterpenoid precursors, it is found in many living angiosperms. Our data show that among non-angiosperm seed plants examined thus far, oleanane is found only in fossil Cretaceous Bennettitales and Permian Gigantopteridales, both of which share characteristics with angiosperms. Previous morphological phylogenetic results indicate Bennettitales could be a sister group to or member of the angiosperm stem lineage, and results of our preliminary phylogenetic analysis including the Gigantopteridales suggests the same. Our data, based on a new pyrolysis method to treat living species, support previous research indicating that oleanane and its precursors are absent in living gnetophytes. If oleanane originated once in seed plants then the angiosperm stem lineage would have diverged from other seed plant lineages by the late Paleozoic.
A comparison of group vs. individual desensitization of test anxiety.

Abstract The present study represents an attempt to examine the influence of three variables on systematic desensitization. The first of these is whether or not desensitization administered in a group is as effective as when administered individually. The results of studies by Lazarus (1961) and by Paul and Shannon (1966), taken together, indicate that group desensitization may be as effective as individual desensitization. However, such conclusions are limited by the lack of comparability between treatment groups (e.g. Paul and Shannon, 1966, compared groups treated during different school semesters). Therefore, one of the purposes of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of individual versus group desensitization where the treatments were administered concurrently. The other two variables investigated, in conjunction with the individual versus group treatment, dealt with the nature of the anxiety hierarchy and the amount of generalization involved in the desensitization. Research by Emery and Krumboltz (1967) indicates that emphasis on careful serial ordering and presentation of items in the anxiety hierarchy may not be as important as initially stated by Wolpe (1958). Furthermore, recent reserarch (e.g. Garlington and Cotler, 1968; Lang, Lazovik and Reynolds, 1965) has shown that when desensitization of one fear is accomplished, there is often a concomitant reduction in other untreated fears and that this generalized fear reduction is more extensive than intimated by Wolpe (1961). Two other purposes of the study were therefore to compare the use of individualized versus standardized orders of the same hierarchy items, and to measure any possible generalization of treatment effects.
The retinal pigment epithelium. I. Comparative histology.

The comparative histology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the following species was studied by examining bleached flat preparations and cross sections of the cells: human, monkey, rat, rabbit, sheep, cow, dog, and chicken. The variations noted among the cells of the different species involved cell size, nuclear size, number of nuclei per cell, and the distribution of pigment granules within the cells. The majority of the retinal pigment epithelial cells of the rat and rabbit were binucleate; binucleate RPE cells were common in primate eyes and were noted occasionally in other species. Normal and abnormal mitotic figures were observed in the retinal pigment epithelium of two apparently normal adult albino rats.
Parallel but independent effects of pentobarbital and scopolamine on hippocampus-related behavior.

In Wistar-derived rats subanesthetic doses of pentobarbital were found to abolish spontaneous alternation, a form of exploratory behavior selectively sensitive to hippocampal damage and (until now) anticholinergic drugs. A dose of 15 mg/kg of pentobarbital completely abolished the behavior, as did a scopolamine dose of 0.3 mg/kg. Dose-response curves for the two drugs could be closely superimposed on the assumption that the potency ratio was about 45:1. Combined injections of the two drugs, with each employed at barely subthreshold dosage, did not reliably reduce the alternation rate, although a superthreshold combination of the two drugs did completely abolish alternation. All effects were predicted on the basis of electrophysiological-pharmacological studies showing each drug to affect hippocampal electrical activity in a different way. Pentobarbital, scopolamine, and massive hippocampal lesions have now been found to have the same behavioral effects on at least five different and highly diagnostic responses.
Cetuximab and chemoradiation for rectal cancer--is the water getting muddy?

AbstractThe epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab has been successfully combined with radical radiotherapy in head and neck cancer. In colorectal cancer, increased response rates are achieved by cetuximab and panitumumab within standard chemotherapy schedules, but not in chemoradiation regimens. This review examines the clinical evidence and potential mechanisms for an interaction when EGFR inhibitors are added to fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation in rectal adenocarcinoma. Methods. This review was compiled by searching PubMed and Medline for English language articles published until 2009 with established search strategies, supplemented by hand searching of abstracts from the proceedings of relevant international meetings. The primary outcome measure was pathological complete response (pCR). Results. Only 13 publications and three presentations in abstract of 13 phase I/II trials of preoperative chemoradiation with cetuximab in rectal cancer were identified. A total of 316 patient...
The affinity of phlorizin-like compounds for a β-glucosidase in intestinal brush borders: Comparison with the glucose transport system☆

Abstract The ability of a series of phlorizin-like glycosides to interact with the active center of the β-glucosidase (phlorizin hydrolase) present in hamster intestinal brush border membranes has been estimated from Km and Ki measurements. All of the glycosides except para-phlorizin, were cleaved at the same V although large differences in their apparent Km values were found. The inhibitors of [3H]glucose-labeled phlorizin hydrolysis all acted competitively and their Ki values equaled their respective Kms with two exceptions: (1) para-phlorizin, an isomer with its sugar residue in a different orientation than any of the other derivatives, is a better inhibitor than substrate and (2) phloretin 2′-galactoside appeared to be a better substrate than inhibitor: it was extensively hydrolyzed, more than would have been predicted from its apparent Ki value. This “extra” hydrolysis was probably due to lactase action. The affinities of these compounds for the glucose transport system and phlorizin hydrolase were compared. The relative inhibitory potency of all but two of the analogs was the same in either system suggesting that there are similarities in the architecture of the two receptors. However, there are differences which indicate that these two membrane components do not share a common site: (1) The Ki values of the glycosides as sugar carrier blockers are 100-fold smaller than their KiS as hydrolase inhibitors, (2) 4-methoxyphlorizin has somewhat greater affinity for the β-glucosidase than the transporter, and (3) para-phlorizin has essentially no affinity for the glucose carrier but is a good substrate and potent inhibitor of phlorizin hydrolase. Studies designed to isolate and affinity label the phlorizin-receptor component of the transport system must take into account that the intestinal brush border membrane possesses a β-glycosidase whose active site will probably also be labeled and at which phlorizin-like ligands could be inactivated.
Fundamentals of fluid motion in erosion by solid particle impact

Abstract Judging from the extensive literature on the subject, the phenomenon of material erosion by solid-particle impact continues to challenge both practitioners and theoreticians with very complex problems. Although the importance of fluid motion to this form of wear was recognized in early works, many researchers continue to interpret and attempt to understand particle impact erosion almost exclusively in terms of the material properties involved. Little attention has been given to clarifying the influence of fluid motion, especially in the turbulent flow regime. A review of some relevant issues is presented here. It starts with an exposition of the general problem and the need for better understanding. The discussion of experimental techniques is followed by various fundamental considerations relating to the motion of solid particles conditioned by the presence of a carrier fluid, neighboring particles, and a constraining solid surface. Of the experimental techniques used in erosion studies, nonintrusive optical methodologies are the most promising for measuring particle and fluid-phase velocities simultaneously near a surface. Numerical models for calculating particle-laden flows and their application to predict erosion in practical engineering flow configurations are briefly discussed. Emphasis is placed on uncovering areas of inadequate fundamental understanding of fluid mechanics phenomena that significantly affect erosion by solid particle impact.
Persistent and Severely Mentally Ill Clients' Perceptions of Their Mental Illness

This qualitative, exploratory study examines severely mentally ill clients' perceptions of their illness and the effects of this illness on their lives. The major purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of severely mentally ill clients. Subjects included 15 clients in an out patient mental health clinic in a veterans' hospital in the upper midwestern United States. A phenomenologic methodology was used, with subjects being interviewed until common themes emerged. The data were analyzed utilizing a seven-step method. Four major themes emerged in the data analysis. Identification of these themes provided a meaningful way to synthesize the data and identify those concepts that best capture and name the personal perceptions of severely and persistently mentally ill people. The four themes identified were stigmatization and the resulting alienation, loss, a pervasive feeling of distress, and acceptance on two dimensions (a personal acceptance of having a mental illness and a need for accepta...
Characterization of SiaA, a streptococcal heme-binding protein associated with a heme ABC transport system.

Many pathogenic bacteria require heme and obtain it from their environment. Heme transverses the cytoplasmic membrane via an ATP binding cassette (ABC) pathway. Although a number of heme ABC transport systems have been described in pathogenic bacteria, there is as yet little biophysical characterization of the proteins in these systems. The sia (hts) gene cluster encodes a heme ABC transporter in the Gram positive Streptococcus pyogenes. The lipoprotein-anchored heme binding protein (HBP) of this transporter is SiaA (HtsA). In the current study, resonance Raman (rR), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies were used to determine the coordination state and spin state of both the ferric and ferrous forms of this protein. Identifiers from these techniques suggest that the heme is six-coordinate and low-spin in both oxidation states of the protein, with methionine and histidine as axial ligands. SiaA has a pKa of 9.7 ± 0.1, attributed to deprotonation of the axia...
Experimental Nematospiroides dubius infection in germfree and conventional mice

Nematospiroides dubius infections were produced in germfree and conventional mice in a series of experiments. The development, longevity, and pathogenicity of these infections were studied and several differences were observed in the behavior of the parasites. Significantly more adult worms developed in conventional mice than in germfree mice, and infections persisted longer in conventional hosts. Administration of 1600 larvae per host produced mortalities in conventional mice but not in germfree mice, although reduction in packed cell volume and splenic enlargement associated with infection were similar in both groups of animals. In germfree mice, eosinophila, thickening of the wall of the small intestine, and formation of numerous discrete nodules on the surface of the small intestine followed infection. Eosinophila did not occur in conventional mice and the intestinal lesions were less pronounced. The differences observed suggest host microflora influenced development and pathogenicity of N. dubius.
Associative conditioning of single sensory neurons suggests a cellular mechanism for learning

A cellular analog of associative learning has been demonstrated in individual sensory neurons of the tail withdrawal reflex of Aplysia. Sensory cells activated by intracellular current injection shortly before a sensitizing shock to the animal's tail display significantly more facilitation of their monosynaptic connections to a tail motor neuron than cells trained either with intracellular stimulation unpaired to tail shock or with tail shock alone. This associative effect is acquired rapidly and is expressed as a temporally specific amplification of heterosynaptic facilitation. The results suggest that activity-dependent neuromodulation may be a mechanism underlying associative information storage and point to aspects of subcellular processes that might be involved in the formation of neural associations.
When Backing Down Is the Right Decision: Partisanship, New Information, and Audience Costs

How do domestic political conditions shape when leaders get punished for backing down in international crises? We explore how three factors—the president’s partisanship, the reaction of other elites, and whether the president justifies his decision on the basis of new information—influence the size of domestic audience costs. While standard theories in American politics suggest that partisanship should exert a large effect over voter behavior, we offer an alternative theory explaining why the president’s unique informational advantage following a crisis will mute partisanship’s effect on audience costs. We argue that the president’s justification for why he backed down, however, will have a large effect on audience costs. Using a series of original survey experiments, we find strong support for our theoretical argument. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for the role of partisanship, framing, and the audience costs literature more broadly.
Spontaneous and evoked bioelectric activity in organized cerebellar tissue cultures.

Abstract Electrophysiological studies were performed on cultures of neonatal mouse cerebellum which had retained a high degree of anatomical organization after 19–27 days. Both spontaneous neuronal discharges and stimulus-elicited activity were recorded over a temperature range of 25–38 C. Surface cortical stimulation provoked short- and long-latency responses, inhibitory pauses and decremental responsiveness to repetitive stimulation. These effects were attributed to the presence of functional synapses in the cultures.
Intrinsic photoaffinity labeling of native and recombinant rat pancreatic secretin receptors.

Abstract Background: Structural characterization of pancreatic secretin receptors has been limited by difficulties in generating suitable radioligands and obtaining sufficient substrate. The aims of this study were to design, synthesize, and characterize high affinity radiolabeled analogues of secretin suitable for "intrinsic" photoaffinity labeling and to clone, express, and characterize the recombinant rat pancreatic secretin receptor. Methods: The ability of synthetic analogues to stimulate amylase secretion by pancreatic acini was studied. Receptor complementary DNA (cDNA) was cloned by screening a rat pancreatic library with a probe based on the sequence of a neural cell secretin-binding protein. Competition binding and affinity labeling were performed with membranes prepared from rat pancreas and transfected cells. Results: Two probes were fully efficacious secretagogues, which bound in a specific, high-affinity, rapid, and temperature-dependent manner. Only ([ 125 I]Tyr 10 ,pN0 2 -Phe 22 )rat secretin 27 covalently labeled a 50,000–62,000-molecular weight pancreatic membrane protein, with labeling inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by secretin but not vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Hybridization screening yielded a full-length cDNA identical to the neural clone. Photoaffinity labeling of this recombinant receptor identified a 57,000—62,000-molecular weight protein with specificity similar to that of native pancreas. Both native and recombinant receptors migrated at a molecular weight of 42,000 after endoglycosidase F deglycosylation. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the molecular identity of the pancreatic secretin receptor and presents a novel probe important in structural characterization of its agonistbinding domain.
Dynamic three-dimensional optical tracking of an ablative laser beam

Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for brain tumors with infiltrating margins but is limited by visual discrimination between normal and neoplastic marginal tissues during surgery. Imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, and optical biopsy techniques can accurately localize tumor margins. We believe coupling the fine resolution of current imaging techniques with the precise cutting of mid-infrared lasers through image-guided neurosurgery can greatly enhance tumor margin resection. This paper describes a feasibility study designed to optically track in three-dimensional space the articulated arm delivery of a non-contact ablative laser beam. Infrared-emitting diodes were attached to the handheld probe of an articulated arm to enable optical tracking of the laser beam focus in the operating room. Crosstalk between the infrared laser beam and the tracking diodes was measured. The geometry of the adapted laser probe was characterized for tracking a makeshift passive tip and laser beam focus. The target localization accuracies for both probe configurations were assessed. Stray laser light did not affect optical tracking accuracy. The mean target registration errors while optically tracking the laser probe with a passive tip and tracking the laser beam focus were 9.24 ± 5.14 and 3.16 ± 1.04 mm, respectively. Analysis of target localization errors indicated that precise optical tracking of a laser beam focus in three-dimensional space is feasible. However, since the projected beam focus is spatially defined relative to the tracking diodes, tracking accuracy is highly sensitive to laser beam delivery geometry and beam trajectory/alignment out of the articulated arm.
IKKα and IKKβ Each Function to Regulate NF-κB Activation in the TNF-Induced/Canonical Pathway

Background Activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB by cytokines is rapid, mediated through the activation of the IKK complex with subsequent phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitory IkappaB proteins. The IKK complex is comprised of two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta, and a regulatory protein known as NEMO. Using cells from mice that are genetically deficient in IKKbeta or IKKalpha, or using a kinase inactive mutant of IKKbeta, it has been proposed that IKKbeta is critical for TNF-induced IkappaB phosphorylation/degradation through the canonical pathway while IKKalpha has been shown to be involved in the non-canonical pathway for NF-kappaB activation. These conclusions have led to a focus on development of IKKbeta inhibitors for potential use in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Methodology Analysis of NF-kappaB activation in response to TNF in MEFs reveals that IKKbeta is essential for efficient phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IkappaB alpha, yet IKKalpha contributes to the NF-kappaB activation response in these cells as measured via DNA binding assays. In HeLa cells, both IKKalpha and IKKbeta contribute to IkappaB alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation. A kinase inactive mutant of IKKbeta, which has been used as evidence for the critical importance of IKKbeta in TNF-induced signaling, blocks activation of NF-kappaB induced by IKKalpha, even in cells that are deficient in IKKbeta. Conclusions These results demonstrate the importance of IKKalpha in canonical NF-kappaB activation, downstream of cytokine treatment of cells. The experiments suggest that IKKalpha will be a therapeutic target in inflammatory disorders.
A high-gain complementary metal-oxide semiconductor op amp using composite cascode stages

In this work, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) op amp design using composite cascode stages is reported. The design follows the classic Widlar architecture and is fabricated on a 0.25 μm CMOS process. The measured gain of 117 dB is comparable to that achieved in bipolar designs in this architecture. This design is suited for precision instrumentation applications where high gain, low input offset voltage and small cell size are important. It provides a common-mode input range of −1 to 0.7 V using±1 V power supplies with a quiescent current of 55 μA. The use of the composite cascode also allows for dominant pole compensation with a single capacitor. A phase margin of 43° is achieved with a 3.5 pF compensation capacitor. The resulting cell size for the core op-amp circuit is approximately 24 × 16 mils, including large common centroid input devices that achieve an input offset voltage in the 1 mV range.
Oscillatory control of bifurcations in rotating chains

Recent literature has addressed the issue of using high-frequency periodic inputs in the open-loop stabilization of mechanical systems. Equilibria and their stability are found by averaging the Hamiltonian and then studying critical points of the resulting averaged potential. In this paper, we consider the stabilization of undeflected hanging modes of n-link planar kinematic chains by high frequency vertical forcing. We show that the effect of the periodic forcing is to postpone a bifurcation in which the hanging equilibrium of this chain system becomes unstable. This work has been motivated by a number of laboratory experiments in which a variety of applications of periodic forcing have been observed to produce significant stabilizing effects.
Semiclassical theory of diffusive-ballistic crossover and the persistent spin helix

Conventional transport theory focuses on either the diffusive or ballistic regimes and neglects the crossover region between the two. In the presence of spin-orbit coupling, the transport equations are known only in the diffusive regime, where the spin pr
Role of Laser Self-Focusing for High-Order Harmonic Generation in Extended Gas Cells

We report on evidence for improved phase matching of laser-generated high-order harmonics though self focusing of the laser in extended gas cells.