cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Nasoseptal Flap for Reconstruction of Lateral Oropharyngectomy Defects: A Clinical Series.

Objectives/hypothesis To study use of the nasoseptal flap (NSF) to reconstruct lateral transoral robotic surgery (TORS) oropharyngectomy defects. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods A clinical series of six patients undergoing NSF reconstruction of lateral TORS oropharyngectomy defects was retrospectively studied. All patients underwent TORS for the treatment of intermediate-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral pharyngeal wall between January and June 2017. All patients underwent NSF reconstruction of lateral TORS defects with retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications. Results Six patients underwent NSF reconstruction of lateral TORS defects. Operative times decreased from 180 minutes to 90 minutes over the study period. There were two cases of partial flap dehiscence and partial necrosis. There were no major donor site complications. All patients had temporary nasal obstruction and crusting. Two experienced temporary aural fullness. In all patients, the lateral wall was mucosalized in 1-3 weeks. Cephalometric analysis of preoperative imaging revealed that patients with high-arched palates (>3 cm) and defect lengths that are longer than NSF flap lengths are poor candidates for this technique. Conclusions This NSF is a vascularized, locoregional rotational flap that can reconstruct lateral TORS defects in salvages cases or those where the parapharyngeal carotid or mandibular bone are exposed. Postoperative morbidity is limited to temporary nasal dyspnea, aural fullness, and crusting. Preoperative imaging can determine which patient will have successful defect coverage. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Plasticity of extrachromosomal and intrachromosomal BRAF amplifications in mediating targeted therapy dosage challenges

Cancer cells display two modes of focal amplifications (FAs), extrachromosomal DNA/double-minutes (ecDNA/DMs) and intrachromosomal homogenously staining regions (HSRs). Understanding the plasticity of these two modes is critical for preventing targeted therapy resistance. We developed a combined BRAF plus MEK inhibitor resistance melanoma model that bears high BRAF amplifications through both DM and HSR modes, and investigated FA dynamics in the context of drug resistance plasticity. Cells harboring FAs displayed mode switching between DMs and HSRs, from both de novo genetic changes and selection of preexisting subpopulations. We found that copy number plasticity is not exclusive to DMs. Single cell-derived clones with HSRs also exhibit BRAF copy number and corresponding HSR length plasticity that allows them to respond to dose reduction and recover from drug addiction. Upon kinase inhibitor escalation, we observed reproducible selection for cells with BRAF kinase domain duplications residing on DMs. In sum, the plasticity of FAs allows cancer cells to respond to drug dose changes through a myriad of mechanisms. These mechanisms include increases or decreases in DMs, shortening of HSRs, acquisition of secondary resistance mechanisms, and expression of alternative slicing oncogene variants. These results highlight the challenges in targeting the cellular vulnerabilities tied to focal amplifications. Statement of SignificanceUnderstanding the dynamics of oncogene amplifications is critical for appreciating tumorigenesis and preventing anticancer drug resistance. We found melanoma cells harboring BRAF amplifications in either DM or HSR formats to have high plasticity under different kinase inhibitor dosage challenges with evidence supporting de novo alterations, clonal selection, and coupling to additional resistance mechanisms. In in the absence of DMs, HSRs can offer comparable levels of plasticity as DMs.
Separation and purification of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, and comparison of semi‐synthetic aflatoxins B2 and G2 with naturally‐occurring aflatoxins B2 and G2

A method is described for the isolation of highly purified aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 from extracts ofAspergillus flavus. The four aflatoxins, isolated from background impurities by rapid passage of the extracts through an acid alumina column, are separated from each other by chromatography on a silica gel column. Aflatoxins B2 and G2 are prepared by hydrogenation of the mixture of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 and then separated by elution from a silica gel column with chloroform containing 0.7% ethanol. A comparison of semi-synthetic aflatoxins B2 and G2 with naturally-occurring aflatoxins B2 and G2 shows no significant difference in physical properties.
SU-E-T-483: In Vivo Dosimetry of Conventional and Rotational Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Using Integral Quality Monitor (IQM)

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy, sensitivity and constancy of integral quality monitor (IQM), a new system for in vivo dosimetry of conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or rotational volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) Methods: A beta-version IQM system was commissioned on an Elekta Infinity LINAC equipped with 160-MLCs Agility head. The stationary and rotational dosimetric constancy of IQM was evaluated, using five-field IMRT and single-or double-arc VMAT plans for prostate and head-and-neck (H&N) patients. The plans were delivered three times over three days to assess the constancy of IQM response. Picket fence (PF) fields were used to evaluate the sensitivity of detecting MLC leaf errors. A single leaf offset was intentionally introduced during delivery of various PF fields with segment apertures of 3×1, 5×1, 10×1, and 24×1cm2. Both 2mm and 5mm decrease in the field width were used. Results: Repeated IQM measurements of prostate and H&N IMRT deliveries showed 0.4 and 0.5% average standard deviation (SD) for segment-by-segment comparison and 0.1 and 0.2% for cumulative comparison. The corresponding SDs for VMAT deliveries were 6.5, 9.4% and 0.7, 1.3%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicates that the dosimetric differences detected by IQM were significant (p < 0.05) in all PF test deliveries. The largest average IQM signal response of a 2 mm leaf error was found to be 2.1% and 5.1% by a 5mm leaf error for 3×1 cm2 field size. The same error in 24×1 cm2 generates a 0.7% and 1.4% difference in the signal. Conclusion: IQM provides an effective means for real-time dosimetric verification of IMRT/ VMAT treatment delivery. For VMAT delivery, the cumulative dosimetry of IQM needs to be used in clinical practice.
The examination of the sudden infant death syndrome infant: investigative and autopsy protocols.

In 1975, the Office of Maternal and Child Health of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare awarded grants to 24 communities for the management of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) information and counseling projects. Four basic project guidelines were advocated: (1) the performance of autopsies on all infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly, (2) prompt notification of the parents of the results of the autopsy, (3) use of “SIDS” on the death certificate rather than other designations of the cause of death, (4) follow-up information and counseling for SIDS families provided by a health professional knowledgeable of the nuances of SIDS.
Piezoceramic membrane with built-in ultrasonic defouling

Abstract Membranes utilized for water and wastewater treatment are susceptible to fouling. Fouling leads to gradual flux decline, possible loss of selectivity and increased operational costs. Conventional de-fouling strategies such as backwashing and chemical cleaning can be effective, but have inherent disadvantages. Recently, application of ultrasound was shown to be an effective cleaning method but, thus far, has been applied only with the ultrasonic source in close proximity to the membrane. In this work we demonstrate for the first time, a new membrane design in which ultrasound for de-fouling is generated from within the membrane structure. To test the feasibility of this idea, we fabricated porous, poled and unpoled piezoelectric ceramic microfiltration membranes and performed filtration tests with a fouling dispersion containing 10 mg/L of 500 nm latex particles. To generate ultrasound from within the membrane, an alternating voltage was applied across the membrane with the feed side electrode located 1 mm from the membrane surface. In the absence of voltage, the flux decreased by >20% within 3 h of filtration. Conversely, when an alternating voltage was applied in intermittent pulses, no water flux decrease was observed over 3 h of filtration, demonstrating the feasibility of membranes with built-in de-fouling functionality.
Role of a structural glycoprotein of pseudorabies in virus virulence

The virulence of deletion mutants of pseudorabies virus defective in the expression of glycoprotein gI, gp63, or both was tested in 1-day-old chickens and young pigs. In the absence of expression of gI, the virulence of a fully virulent laboratory strain, PrV(Ka), for 1-day-old chickens was reduced approximately fourfold. Inactivation of glycoprotein gp63 appeared also to affect the virulence of PrV(Ka) only slightly, as did inactivation of both gI and gp63. The level of reduction in virulence, however, was considerably more marked in Bartha 43/25aB4, a less virulent virus strain. Inactivation of the expression of gI in Bartha 43/25aB4 reduced virulence for chickens at least 100-fold. The results obtained when the virulence of the mutants for pigs was determined were compatible with those obtained for chickens. These results indicate that gI plays a role in virulence, but that it does so in conjunction with at least one other viral function (a function that is defective in Bartha 43/25aB4).
Deference to the Executive in the United States after 9/11: Congress, the Courts, and the Office of Legal Counsel

The deference thesis is that Congress and the judiciary should defer to the executive’s policy judgments during national emergencies. A recent criticism of the deference theory draws on the analogy of the emergency room medical protocol to argue that emergencies call for rule-bound constraint of the executive rather than deference to it. However, this criticism rests on a misunderstanding of the tradeoff between rules and standards. Some scholars who have despaired of congressional or judicial constraint of the executive, but believe that some sort of constraint is desirable, have suggested that the executive’s own legal adviser, the Office of Legal Counsel, could provide such a constraint. In fact, OLC cannot plausibly be considered a constraint on the executive; its function is the opposite – to expand rather than to contract executive power.
Staying Put: Local Context as Classroom for Multifaith Education

This essay argues that multifaith concerns must become central components of curricula across theological education. It outlines a methodology for such incorporation in a course and for an audience that, at first glance, appears not to lend itself to such an approach, a Hartford Seminary course on Muslim public speaking for Islamic Chaplaincy students. This methodology is based on the model of educational programs developed by the Interfaith Center of New York for local religious leaders and professionals who work with and within religiously diverse settings, such as school teachers, court officials, health care professionals, and social workers. This model of practical multifaith education is based on the local realities of religious diversity that constitutes the context for the work of graduates of theological schools.
Information Networks, Link Analysis, and Temporal Dynamics

The Internet has given rise to two widespread communication media: the World Wide Web, and electronic mail. Both are sources of fearsome complexity, though in quite different ways.
Tacrine for Alzheimer's Disease: Therapeutic Considerations

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, irreversible neurological disease that burdens both patient and family with emotional, financial, and social costs. Approximately four million people have been diagnosed as having AD. In 1991, 266,000 cases of AD were diagnosed. This number is expected to increase as our population ages. In the past numerous drugs have been studied and used clinically in an attempt to reverse or slow the memory impairment, confusion, and behavioral problems caused by AD. None have been found to be consistently effective. In November 1993 the first drug in the USA, tacrine (Cognex), was approved for the treatment of AD. This approval has not come without some controversy. A considerable debate still exists as to the efficacy of tacrine in AD. Approximately 45% of patients will have a substantial increase in their liver function tests (ALT). Patients require close monitoring, especially during the first 18 weeks of treatment. In addition to this, tacrine does appear to have a numbe...
Quantum Chemistry by Random Walk: High Accuracy for Large Molecules

In random walk calculations for the systems methane and F-H-H more than 96 percent of the correlation energy has been recovered when node structures are taken from SCF calculations. The energies obtained are significantly lower than those of the lowest-energy variational calculations and lie only about 5.0 and 9.0 kcal/mole, respectively, above the experimentally determined values for these systems. It appears that similar accuracies may be obtained in calculations for molecular systems of many more electrons without greatly increasing the computation effort required.
Energetics of Swimming and Crawling in the Lion Nudibranch, Melibe leonina

The opisthobranch Melibe leonina both swims and crawls. Elective response between these two modes makes M. leonina a model organism for studies of gastropod locomotion. The effect of activity on the metabolic rate of M. leonina was investigated in three phases: (1) oxygen consumption rates were measured during alert, crawling, and swimming states; (2) anaerobic energy output was investigated by measuring whole-body levels of anaerobic enzymes; and (3) estimates of net cost of transport (COT n e t ) for swimming and crawling were established. Melibe leonina exhibited a two-fold increase in oxygen consumption between alert (234 μL O 2 h - 1 for a 10 g animal) and crawling (477 μL O 2 h 1 ) states, and a six-fold increase in oxygen consumption between alert and swimming (1380 μL O 2 h - 1 ) states. Opine dehydrogenases were not detected in whole body tissue and only low levels of lactate dehydrogenase (0.23 IU g wet tissue - 1 min - 1 ) were found. This indicates that both swimming and crawling are supported aerobically in M. leonina. Swimming COT n e t (6 mL O 2 kg - 1 m and crawling COT n e t (5 mL O 2 kg - 1 m - 1 ) were similar to each other. However, when these values were compared to those of other swimming and crawling invertebrates, it was found that M. leonina displayed the typically high cost of gastropod crawling but swimming COT fell above the 95% confidence interval for energy costs associated with invertebrate swimming.
Fisher versus Fisher: Evaluating the accuracy of additive and multiplicative price and quantity indices

The accuracy of index numbers can be understood by evaluating the consistency of their formulas with the sources of change in total expenditure and by examining their ability to estimate actual price and output changes with precision. In terms of formulas, differences among index numbers can be seen in their treatment of the interaction term, which arises when changes in prices and quantities occur simultaneously over discrete time intervals. This paper evaluates these differences for a number of important indices, including the additive and multiplicative versions of the Fisher. Then, using the growth-rate counterparts of these measures, the accuracy of index numbers is examined in terms of their ability to estimate constant elasticity values for both demand and supply functions. For the indices considered, results show that the additive measures, especially the Additive Fisher, provide superior measurement of price and output growth effects.
Tracking of Rhythmical Biomedical Signals Using the Maximum A Posteriori Adaptive Marginalized Particle Filter

Biomedical signals are often rhythmical and their morphologies change slowly over time. Arterial blood pressure and electrocardiogram signals are good examples with such property. It is of great interest to extract clinically useful information such as the instantaneous frequency (i.e. heart rate) and morphological changes (e.g. pulse pressure variation) from these signals. Conventional filtering methods such as the Kalman filter are not suitable for estimating the instantaneous frequency of quasi-periodic signals due to the non-Gaussian multi-modal property of its posterior distribution. One possible alternative is particle filters that are increasingly used for nonlinear systems and non-Gaussian posterior state distributions. However, canonical particle filters suffer from the problems of sample degeneracy and sample impoverishment and are not well suited to non-Gaussian multi-modal distributions. This paper describes two new algorithms that integrate the marginalized particle filter and maximum a-posterior particle filter and demonstrates challenging cases where the proposed algorithms outperform the conventional marginalized particle filter using both synthetic and real electrocardiogram signals.
A decade of offering a Healing Enhancement Program at an academic medical center

An increased focus has been given to improving the patient experience in health care. This focus has included placing value in a patient-centric, holistic approach to patient care. In the past decade, the Healing Enhancement Program was developed at 1 large medical center to address this focus through implementation of such integrative medicine services as massage, acupuncture, and music therapy to holistically address the pain, anxiety, and tension that hospitalized patients often experience. We describe the development and growth of this program over the past decade.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate inhibits cell migration and endothelial to mesenchymal cell transformation during cardiac development.

Abstract Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a biologically active sphingolipid metabolite that exerts important effects on numerous cellular events via cell surface receptors, S1P1–5. S1P influences differentiation, proliferation, and migration during vascular development. However, the effects of S1P signaling on early cardiac development are not well understood. To address this issue, we examined the expression of S1P regulatory enzymes and S1P receptors during cardiac development. We observed that enzymes that regulate S1P levels, sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase, are expressed in the developing heart. In addition, RT-PCR revealed that four of the five known S1P receptors (S1P1–4) are also expressed in the developing heart. Next, effects of altered S1P levels on whole embryo and atrioventricular (AV) canal cultures were investigated. We demonstrate that inactivation of the S1P producing enzyme, sphingosine kinase, leads to cell death in cardiac tissue which is rescued by exogenous S1P treatment. Other experiments reveal that increased S1P concentration prevents alterations in cell morphology that are required for cell migration. This effect results in reduced cell migration and inhibited mesenchymal cell formation in AV canal cushion tissue. These data indicate that S1P, locally maintained within a specific concentration range, is an important and necessary component of early heart development.
Endosomal sorting of amyloid precursor protein-P-selectin chimeras influences secretase processing.

Amyloid β protein, the major component of the senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, is generated by secretory and endocytic processing of amyloid precursor protein. Internalized amyloid precursor protein either recycles to the plasma membrane, where α-secretase resides, or moves to acidic compartment(s) for β-secretase exposure. While the trans-Golgi network contains β-secretase activity, recent examination of the subcellular distribution of this proteinase, called BACE, has led to the suggestion that β-secretase activity might also reside at the plasma membrane and in endosomes. To examine the role of endocytic compartments in β-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein, the wild-type and endosomal sorting mutant P-selectin cytoplasmic domains were used to control movement of amyloid precursor protein through endosomes. Amyloid precursor protein/P-selectin, which is sorted from early to late endosomes, undergoes significantly less α-secretase cleavage, and more β-secretase cleavage, than amyloid precursor protein/P-selectin768A, a mutant that recycles more efficiently to the cell surface. Our results demonstrate that endosomal sorting influences relative exposure of the amyloid precursor protein/P-selectin chimeras to α- and β-secretase activities, and suggest that, because delivery to late endocytic compartments favors β-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein, there is likely limited β-secretase activity in early endosomes or at the cell surface. We propose that the trans-Golgi network may be involved in both secretory and endocytic generation of amyloid β protein.
Supporting model checking education using BOGOR/Eclipse

This paper describes our effort on developing educational materials on model checking to help foster the adoption of software model checking. We describe the course materials that provide an in-depth theoretical background of model checking algorithms, coupled with a tool support to apply them that is built around the Eclipse platform. The educational materials presented here have been used to teach graduate-level model checking courses in a number of North American and European institutions.
The Service Provider and Medication Usage Grids: A New Method to Measure “Treatment as Usual” (TAU)

This article reviews the creation and evaluation of two instruments that measure “treatment as usual” (TAU) in a clinical research setting. The Service Provider and Medication Usage Grids were developed to assess children’s past and current utilization of mental health services and medications. A pilot study revealed that compared to information gathered from other sources, these instruments provide an accurate method to assess, record, and track TAU in clinical studies. In addition, these instruments provide a clear and concise way to organize this information and do not require much time to administer. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Examining maternal weight gain during contingency-management treatment for smoking cessation among pregnant women

Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy can result in serious adverse maternal and neonatal health consequences making it an important outcome to monitor in developing smoking-cessation interventions for pregnant women. Maternal weight gain was investigated in the present study with 154 pregnant participants in controlled trials investigating the efficacy of contingency management (CM) for smoking cessation. Women were assigned to either an abstinence-contingent condition wherein they earned vouchers exchangeable for retail items by abstaining from smoking or to a control condition where they received comparable vouchers independent of smoking status. Mean percent of negative smoking-status tests throughout antepartum was greater in the incentive than control condition (45.2 ± 4.6 vs. 15.5 ± 2.4, p < .001) as was late-pregnancy point-prevalence abstinence (36% vs. 8%, p < .001) but maternal weight gain did not differ significantly between treatment conditions (15.0 ± 0.8 kg vs. 15.0 ± 0.9 kg, p = .97). In a comparison of women classified by smoking status rather than treatment condition, a greater percent of negative smoking-status tests predicted significantly more weight gain (0.34 kg per 10% increase in negative tests), an effect that appeared to be attributable to women with greater abstinence having larger infants. This study shows no evidence of excessive maternal weight gain among pregnant women receiving a CM intervention for smoking cessation.
Relations Among Self-Compassion, PTSD Symptoms, and Psychological Health in a Trauma-Exposed Sample

Emerging literature on self-compassion suggests that establishing and maintaining a compassionate perspective toward oneself and one’s experiences may help buffer against the negative effects of trauma exposure, such as psychopathology and reduced quality of life. The goal of the current study was to examine relations among self-compassion, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, and overall psychological health in a sample of trauma-exposed university students. Further, the current study explored these associations while controlling for a theoretically related construct, psychological inflexibility. Participants were 453 undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course at a large Midwestern University (M age = 19.75, SD = 3.07). A structural equation model (SEM) approach was used. Results indicated that a two-factor solution for the Self-Compassion Scale defined by subscale valence (i.e., positive and negative components) demonstrated improved fit over a single-factor model. The overall model demonstrated good fit: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.96, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.93, root-mean-square residual (RMSEA) = 0.08 (90 % confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.09). The two observed factors of self-compassion emerged as strong predictors of variation in overall psychological health, even in the context of PTSD symptoms and psychological inflexibility. Additionally, the two self-compassion factors accounted for significant variance in psychological inflexibility, but not PTSD symptoms. Results demonstrate that increasing levels of self-compassion may represent an important area of intervention for trauma-exposed individuals.
Reflex resistance to anesthesia in partially denervated neurons

Abstract Of sixteen monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ), ten had hemisection of the spinal cord, three had section of one pyramid, and three had unilateral cortical lesions, two of area 4 and one of areas 1, 2 and 3 of Brodmann. One animal with a lesion in area 4 was examined before and after a subsequent transection of the spinal cord. Reflexes were tested in all animals before and during progressive and regressive stages of anesthesia prior to operation and at various intervals thereafter. All reflexes examined became more resistant to anesthesia in the paretic limb than in the control. Conflicting results of others are discussed. It is concluded that sprouting of afferent terminals is a more potent factor than sensitization of partially denervated neurons.
M s −M u quark mass difference and the scalar form factor ofK μ3 0 reaction

We study through QCD sum rules the connection between the invariant quark mass difference\(\hat m_s - \hat m_u\) and the scalar form factor of the reactionK0→π−μ+v μ in the physical region. We use both theoretical information, (the value off+(0) and the Callan-Treiman relation, includingmπ2/m k 2 corrections) and experimental one (the value ofλ0 from a linear fit) to give a lower bound for\(\hat m_s - \hat m_u\). Taking the world most recent fitted value forλ0,λ0 = 0.025, which may be reasonably identified with the slope att=0, andf+ (0) ≈ 0.98, we obtain\(\hat m_s - \hat m_u\) ≥ 250 MeV for\(\Lambda _{\overline {MS} }\) = 150 MeV. The relevant hypotheses and experimental trends are discussed.
Unit and field potential activity evoked in the pigeon vestibulocerebellum by stimulation of individual semicircular canals.

Three, and sometimes six, semicircular canal ampullae were stimulated by means of implanted electrodes in decerebrate pigeons. Field and unit responses to these stimuli were recorded in granular and molecular layers of the nodulus, uvula and auricle.
Fourth Edition of the Model State Constitution

After two years of effort, the Committee on State Government of the National Municipal League has completed its work on the new fourth edition of the Model State Constitution. This constitution was originally published in 1921, and revisions were made in 1928 and 1933. The form of the constitution has been improved, and the text itself subjected to a thoroughgoing revision, resulting in many important changes. Whereas the third edition had ninety-eight sections, the new one has 116 sections grouped under thirteen articles, dealing respectively with the bill of rights, suffrage and elections, the legislature, initiative and referendum, the executive, the judiciary, finance, local government, the civil service, public welfare, intergovernmental relations, constitutional revision, and the schedule. The explanatory comments have been thoroughly revised and rewritten.
The MEL Library in the undergraduate research methods course

The MEL Library is a teaching tool for the undergraduate research methods course, designed to teach content and methodology, with additional practical experience in experimental design, graphic presentation of data, and integration of experimental results within the framework of an evolving science of psychology. A set of exercises replicates many classic experiments in psychology. Students can run these experiments using themselves as subjects. Data then can be merged across subjects, and statistical analyses of the group data can be performed. In addition, easy implementation of changes in the experiments permits students to explore beyond the set exercises, allowing them to develop their own research ideas for semester projects or honors theses.
Fire intensity effects on seed germination of native and invasive Eastern deciduous forest understory plants

Abstract Low-intensity fires were important for maintaining the structure of Eastern deciduous forests (EDFs) for thousands of years before European settlement of North America, though fire suppression became a standard management practice in the 1930s. More recently, prescribed fires have been reintroduced to EDF habitats to aid in the restoration of native plant diversity, but invasions of non-native species such as Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) may increase prescribed fire intensity and suppress colonization of native species. As fire becomes a more common management tool in these habitats, it is vital to predict fire temperature effects on the native and non-native species present in the system. In this study, we found that prescribed fires in areas invaded by Microstegium can be 250–300 °C hotter than fires in nearby native-dominated areas. We then compared the effects of fire on germination rates of six native and three non-native EDF understory species representing the range of functional groups common in this habitat. We manipulated both fire intensity (temperature and length of exposure) and type of fire effect (direct flame and indirect furnace heat) to generate germination curves and make predictions about potential prescribed fire effects on populations of these species. There were very different responses among species to both direct (flame) and indirect (furnace) heating. Germination of three native species, Lycopus americana (American water horehound), Verbesina alternifolia (wingstem), and Vernonia gigantea (tall ironweed), showed signs of being stimulated by heating at low temperatures, while germination of all non-native species ( M. vimineum , Elaeagnus umbellata , and Schedonorus phoenix ) were inhibited at these lower intensities. High fire intensity (temperatures above 300 °C) effectively killed most species, though one native species, Senna hebacarpa (American senna) and one non-native species, E. umbellata (autumn olive), were capable of tolerating 500 °C temperatures. We conclude that high-intensity prescribed fires in habitats invaded by Microstegium may reduce seed germination of some non-native species, but may also inhibit the regeneration of native understory species.
Propranolol, but not naloxone, enhances spinal reflex bladder activity and reduces pudendal inhibition in cats

This study examined the role of β-adrenergic and opioid receptors in spinal reflex bladder activity and in the inhibition induced by pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS) or tibial nerve stimulation (TN...
Discrete Frontal Propagation over the Sierra-Cascade Mountains and Intermountain West

Abstract On 25 March 2006, a complex frontal system moved across the Sierra–Cascade Mountains and intensified rapidly over the Intermountain West where it produced one of the strongest cold-frontal passages observed in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the past 25 yr. Observational analyses and numerical simulations by the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) Model illustrate that the frontal system propagated discretely across the Sierra–Cascade Mountains and western Nevada. This discrete propagation occurs in a synoptic environment that features a mobile upper-level cyclonic potential vorticity (PV) anomaly that is coupled initially with a landfalling Pacific cyclone and attendant occluded front. The eastward migration of the upper-level cyclonic PV anomaly ultimately encourages the development of a new surface-based cold front ahead of the landfalling occlusion as troughing, confluence, and convergence downstream of the Sierra Nevada intensify preexisting baroclinity over Nevada. Trajectories show that the n...
Corneal birefringence mapped by scanning laser polarimetry

Corneal birefringence affects polarization-sensitive optical measurements of the eye. Recent literature supports the idea that corneal birefringence is biaxial, although with some disagreement among reports and without considering corneas with very low values of central retardance. This study measured corneal retardation in eyes with a wide range of central corneal retardance by means of scanning laser polarimetry (GDx-VCC™, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.), which computes the retardance and slow axis of the cornea from images of the bow tie pattern formed by the radial birefringence of the macula. Measurements were obtained at many points on the cornea by translating the instrument. Data were compared to calculations of the retardation produced by a curved biaxial material between two spherical surfaces. Most corneas showed one or two small areas of zero retardance where the refracted ray within the cornea aligned with an optical axis of the material. The retardation patterns in these corneas could be mimicked, but not accurately described, by the biaxial model. Two corneas with large areas of low retardance more closely resembled a uniaxial model. We conclude that the cornea, in general, behaves as a biaxial material with its fastest axis perpendicular to its surface. Some locations in a few corneas can be uniaxial with the optical axis perpendicular to the surface. Importantly, corneal birefringence varies greatly among people and, within a single cornea, significantly with position.
Secondary health conditions among middle-aged individuals with chronic physical disabilities: implications for unmet needs for services.

Data from the Aging with Disability (AwD) Study are used to examine variations in the types and frequency of secondary conditions experienced by 301 middle-aged individuals living with the effects of three disabling conditions: polio (n = 124), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 103), and stroke (n = 75). All respondents were randomly selected from a county rehabilitation hospital or a community-based subject pool. Secondary conditions are operationalized as (1) the number of new health problems diagnosed or treated since the onset of the primary disability and (2) the amount of change/decline in basic and instrumental daily activities since a previous reference period in the disability trajectory. Also analyzed are changes in use of assistive devices and unmet needs for services. Differences in secondary conditions are examined within the AwD sample by impairment group and between samples by comparing AwD rates to national estimates for the same cohort. Results reveal significant differences in the types of ...
On development of Hilbert-Huang Transform data processing real-time system with 2D capabilities

Unlike other digital signal processing techniques such as the Fast Fourier Transform for one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) data (FFT1 and FFT2) that assume signal linearity and stationarity, the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) utilizes relationships between arbitrary signal's local extrema to find the signal instantaneous spectral representation. This is done in two steps. Firstly, the Huang Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is separating input signal of one variable s(t) into a finite set of narrow-band Intrinsic Mode Functions {IMF 1 (t), IMF 2 (t)… IMF k (t)} that add up to the signal s(t). The IMFs comprise the signal adaptive basis that is derived from the signal, as opposed to artificial basis imposed by the FFT or other heritage frequency analysis methods. Secondly, the HHT is applying the Hilbert Transform to each IMF i (t) signal constituents to obtain the corresponding analytical signal S i (t). From the analytical signal the HHT generates the Hilbert-Huang Spectrum. Namely, a single instantaneous frequency ω i (t) for signal S i (t) at each argument t is obtained for each of the k-Huang IMFs. This yields the Hilbert-Huang spectrum {ω(IMF 1 (t)), ω(IMF 2 (t))… ω(IMF k (t))} at each domain argument t for s(t) that was not obtainable otherwise. The HHT and its engineering implementation — the HHT Data Processing System (HHT-DPS) for 1D was developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The HHT-DPS is the reference system now used around the world. However, the state-of-the-art HHT-DPS works only for 1D data, as designed, and it is not a real-time system. This paper describes the development of the reference HHT Data Processing Real-Time System (HHTPS-RT) with 2D capabilities or HHT2 to process large images as the development goal. This paper describes the methodology of research and development of the new reference HHT2 Empirical Mode Decomposition for 2D (EMD2) system and its algorithms that require high capability computing. It provides this system prototype test results and also introduces the HHT2 spectrum concepts. It concludes with suggested areas for future research.
Using Global Reporting Initiative indicators for CSR programs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose that the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI ) reporting guidelines, specifically its performance indicators, can be used to help a company create ethical corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and to also help stakeholder groups evaluate how much of a company's CSR initiative truly means the stakeholder definition CSR and how much is merely philanthropy or marketing.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the GRI reporting guidelines for applicability to CSR principles, and explains the key elements of the economic, environmental, social, society, and product responsibility performance indicators.Findings – Examples of how companies have used the indicators to report data on GRI's website are provided as evidence that the distinctions made by the performance indicators indicate levels of adherence to CSR principles.Originality/value – Given the increased demand for accountability for the actions of companies toward their stakeholders, pa...
Promyelocytic leukemia protein PML inhibits Nur77-mediated transcription through specific functional interactions.

Promyelocytic leukemia protein PML inhibits Nur77-mediated transcription through specific functional interactions
Dual innervation of white adipose tissue: some evidence for parasympathetic nervous system involvement

The regulation of total body fat was first formally suggested in the lipostatic theory of Kennedy (1), and since that time, the mechanisms underlying the control of lipid energy stores have been sought. The waxing and waning of circulating factors that promote lipid storage or mobilization (e.g., insulin and adrenal medullary catecholamines, respectively) may be the method by which the brain adjusts metabolism as part of a feedback system regulating body fat levels. In other systems, fine and rapid control of biological responses requires direct neural involvement. For example, cardiac function is regulated in this manner through the opposing effects of its innervation by the two arms of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PSNS) nervous systems. Dual autonomic nervous system innervation of peripheral tissues is the rule, except for sweat glands, which are thought only to have SNS innervation, but until now, such dual innervation has not been shown for either brown adipose tissue or white adipose tissue (WAT). In this issue of the JCI, Kreier et al. (2) present neuroanatomical and functional evidence for the PSNS innervation of WAT, which complements the recent substantiation of the SNS innervation of this tissue (3, 4). Given the general lack of appreciation of the innervation of WAT until recently, despite many years of supportive functional and neuroanatomical evidence (for review see ref. 5), some discussion of WAT innervation seems warranted.
Technical Notes: Overview of Techniques for Removing Oxygen from Water and a Description of a New Oxygen Depletion System

Abstract Experimental oxygen depletion systems reduce the oxygen content of water by decreasing oxygen solubility, by chemically or biologically extracting oxygen, or by reversing the oxygen gradient. We review the advantages and drawbacks of these methods and describe a nitrogen displacement system that can lower the oxygen content of 20 L of water below detectable limits in about 2 h. The apparatus is constructed with common laboratory equipment and offers an economical means of reducing dissolved oxygen at predictable rates.
Disruption of the Sarcoglycan–Sarcospan Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle: A Novel Mechanism for Cardiomyopathy and Muscular Dystrophy

Summary To investigate mechanisms in the pathogenesis of car- d-sarcoglycan is a group of single pass transmembrane diomyopathy associated with mutations of the dys- glycoproteins. Interestingly, a- and g-sarcoglycan extrophin‐glycoprotein complex, we analyzed genetically pression is restricted to skeletal and cardiac muscle engineered mice deficient for either a-sarcoglycan tissue (Roberds et al., 1994; Noguchi et al., 1995). In (Sgca )o rd-sarcoglycan (Sgcd). We found that only contrast, b-, d-, and e-sarcoglycan (an a-sarcoglycan Sgcd null mice developed cardiomyopathy with focal homolog), along with sarcospan, are additionally exareas of necrosis as the histological hallmark in car- pressed in smooth muscle cells (Straub et al., 1999). In diac and skeletal muscle. Absence of the sarcoglycan‐ order to test the hypothesis that the diversity in tissue sarcospan (SG-SSPN) complex in skeletal and cardiac expression may be responsible for different pathogemembranes was observed in both animal models. Loss netic mechanisms and distinct clinical phenotypes, we of vascular smooth muscle SG-SSPN complex was engineered Sgcd null mice deficient for d-sarcoglycan only detected in Sgcd null mice and associated with (expressed in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle) and irregularities of the coronary vasculature. Administra- compared them to Sgca null mice deficient for a-sarcotion of a vascular smooth muscle relaxant prevented glycan (only expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle). onset of myocardial necrosis. Our data indicate that Sgca null mice have recently been reported to display disruption of the SG-SSPN complex in vascular smooth a progressive muscular dystrophy (Duclos et al., 1998). muscle perturbs vascular function, which initiates car- The primary absence of a-sarcoglycan was accompadiomyopathy and exacerbates muscular dystrophy. nied by the concomitant loss of b-, g-, and d-sarcoglycan and sarcospan in skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers, a phenomenon that is also observed in human forms of
Ejecta emplacement and modes of formation of Martian fluidized ejecta craters

From an analysis of 1173 craters possessing single (type 1) and double (type 2) concentric ejecta deposits, type 2 craters are found to occur most frequently in areas that have also been described as possessing periglacial features. The frequency of occurrence of central peaks and wall failure (terraces plus scallops) within the craters indicates that, by analogy with previous analyses, type 1 craters form in more fragmental targets than type 2 craters. The maximum range of the outer ejecta deposits of type 2 craters, however, consistently extends about 0.8 crater radii further than ejecta deposits of type 1 craters, suggesting a greater degree of ejecta fluidization for the twin-lobed type 2 craters. Numerous characteristics of Ries Crater, West Germany, show similarities to craters on Mars, indicating that Martian fluidized ejecta craters may be closer analogs to this terrestrial crater than are lunar craters.
Moral Theories of Torts: their Scope and Limits: Part I

One approach to legal theory is to provide some sort of rational reconstruction of all or of a large body of the common law. For philosophers of law this has usually meant trying to rationalize a body of law under one or another principle of justice. This paper explores the efforts of the leading tort theorists to provide a moral basis - in the sense of rational reconstruction based on alleged moral principles - for the law of torts. The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part I consider and reject the view that tort law is best understood as falling either within the ambit of the principle of retributive justice, a comprehensive theory of moral responsibility, or an ideal of fairness inherent in the idea that one should impose on others only those risks others impose on one. The second part of the paper distinguishes among various conceptions of corrective or compensatory justice and considers arguments — including previous ones by the author himself — to the effect that tort law is best understood as rooted in principles of corrective justice. This paper argues that although the principles of justice may render defensible many (but by no means all) of the claims to repair and to liability recognized in torts, it cannot explain why we have adopted a tort system as the approach to vindicating those claims. Some other principle — probably not one of justice — is needed to explain why it is that the victim's claim to repair is satisfied by having his losses shifted to his injurer — rather than through some other means of doing so. The paper concludes that the law of torts cannot be understood — in the sense of being given a rational reconstruction — under any one principle of morality.
Extent of medial temporal resection on outcome from anterior temporal lobectomy: a randomized prospective study

WE REPORT A prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial comparing seizure and neuropsychological outcomes from anterior temporal lobectomies between two groups of patients. One group (n = 34) underwent hippocampal resection posteriorly to the anterior edge of the cerebral peduncle (partial hippocampectomy). In the other group (n = 36), the hippocampus was removed further to the level of the superior colliculus (total hippocampectomy). The amount of lateral cortical resection was the same between groups. Patients were and neuropsychological morbidity. At 1 year postoperatively, the total hippocampectomy group had a statistically superior seizure outcome compared with the partial hippocampectomy group (69 versus 38% seizure-free), and examination of time to first seizure (survival analysis) revealed significantly superior outcomes associated with total hippocampectomy. There was no increased neuropsychological morbidity associated with the more extensive hippocampal resection.