cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ontogenesis of trace conditioning in young rats: Dissociation of associative and memory processes

Hooded rats from 15 to 30 days of age were trained with a Pavlovian trace fear conditioning procedure in order to study the development of their capacity to learn associations between events separated in time. For both the auditory and visual systems, the associative processes necessary to learn about temporally contiguous events emerged earlier during ontogenesis than the processes necessary to integrate events separated in time. Furthermore, the ability of the rats to integrate events separated by increasingly long intervals continued to improve as they got older. We suggest that the emergence of the capacity to integrate temporally separate events reflects the maturation of memory processes that retain representations of stimulus events over time, and that these processes continue to mature for a considerable period after the basic associative processes have become functional.
Acetylcholine binding by isolated synaptic vesicles in vitro.

ISOLATED synaptic vesicles have been clearly shown to bind transmitters of the catecholamine type1. The binding of acetylcholine (ACh) by isolated vesicles has not been substantiated. The report by Burton2 that preparations of synaptic vesicles took up radioactive ACh has been criticized on methodological grounds by Marchbanks3, who demonstrated that 14C–ACh exchanges with nerve ending ACh but not vesicular ACh. Kuriyama et al.4, on the other hand, showed that 14C–ACh binds to a purified vesicle fraction from whole mouse brain. This binding may be considered non-specific in that several organic and inorganic ions could prevent or reverse it.
Parallel performance and scalability for block preconditioned finite element (p) solution of viscous flow

A two-dimensional p-type finite element scheme for distributed parallel computation of viscous flows is developed. The approach is based on an element-by-element implementation of the Biconjugate Gradient Stabilized 2 iterative method coupled with a recently developed class of block preconditioners. Critical to the overall parallel performance is the parallel solution of the imbedded bilinear preconditioner. Performance results are presented for the 2-D driven cavity incompressible viscous flow problem solved using incremental continuation in the Reynolds number on the Intel Touchstone Delta. These results are used to validate a run-time model. The run-time model is then used to examine the scaling properties of the method over a range of p and h.
Restoring Value to the World's Degraded Lands

Roughly 43 percent of Earth's terrestrial vegetated surface has diminished capacity to supply benefits to humanity because of recent, direct impacts of land use. This represents an ∼10 percent reduction in potential direct instrumental value (PDIV), defined as the potential to yield direct benefits such as agricultural, forestry, industrial, and medicinal products. If present trends continue, the global loss of PDIV could reach ∼20 percent by 2020. From a biophysical perspective, recovery of ∼5 percent of PDIV is feasible over the next 25 years. Capitalizing on natural recovery mechanisms is urgently needed to prevent further irreversible degradation and to retain the multiple values of productive land.
Methods and Strategies for the Sequence Analysis of Proteins on PVDF Membranes

Abstract In recent years, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes have emerged as the preferred support matrices for N-terminal sequence analysis and related protein chemical methods for several reasons. The vast majority of proteins and large peptides bind strongly to PVDF membranes at high capacity, and PVDF has high chemical resistance compatible with diverse analysis protocols and strategies. Proteins can be readily purified for sequence analysis in the low-microgram to submicrogram range using one-dimensional or two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) followed by high-efficiency electrotransfer to PVDF membranes. Since PAGE is the highest resolution microscale protein separation technique currently available, most proteins of interest can be readily isolated and structurally characterized using these methods, provided that the position is known for the protein of interest on an appropriate one-dimensional or two-dimensional PAGE system. In this article, methods are described for efficient electrotransfer of proteins onto high-retention PVDF membranes and for N-terminal sequence analysis of electroblotted proteins using either a gas-phase sequencer or a biphasic cartridge sequencer with sequencer cycle times of approximately 40 min. Electrotransfer recoveries of about 50 to 80% can usually be obtained for most proteins if the recommended methods are carefully followed. Similarly, by optimizing sequencer performance, substantial sequence information can be obtained when as little as 1 to 10 pmol of sequenceable protein is loaded into the sequencer.
Effect of supraspinal antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment on δ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in mice

Studies in vivo demonstrate that antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) treatment specifically reduces the functions mediated by numerous central nervous system (CNS) receptors, including opioid receptors. However, the effects of antisense ODN on the opioid receptor mRNA target, itself are rarely examined. In the present study, the effect of supraspinal antisense ODN administration on delta-opioid receptor (DOR) mRNA levels in selected CNS regions, was investigated in mice. ODN targeting a 20-nucleotide sequence of the DOR mRNA transcript was administered by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection twice daily for 3 days. First, to confirm that antisense ODN treatment decreases DOR function in this system, antinociception produced by DOR-selective agonist [D-Ala2]deltorphin II was assessed on day 4. A 2-fold reduction in [D-Ala2]deltorphin II potency was revealed in antisense ODN-treated mice compared to mice receiving control treatments. DOR mRNA levels in selected CNS regions which either mediate antinociception; medial thalamus (MThal), periaqueductal gray (PAG), frontal cortex (FCtx) and spinal cord (SpC) or exhibit relatively high levels of DOR mRNA; nucleus accumbens (Acb) and caudate-putamen (CPu) were then quantitated by solution hybridization. Levels of DOR mRNA in antisense ODN-treated mice were not different from levels in mice treated with saline vehicle, which ranged from 0.07 pg/microg total RNA in MThal and PAG to 0.26 pg/microg total RNA in CPu. These results are both consistent with previous reports that antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) treatment down-regulates DOR protein in vivo and indicate that this down-regulation is not associated with altered DOR mRNA levels.
Discovering the Relationship Between DEA-Based Relative Financial Strength and Stock Price Performance

This paper examines the correlation between the relative financial strength of public firms and their stock price performance. By using financial information obtained from the firms' publicly available financial statement as inputs and outputs in Data Envelopment Analysis CCR model, a relative financial strength of a firm is determined relative to other competing firms operating in the same market segment. The aim here is to verify if such a strength index can be strongly positively correlated with the stock market returns, and to develop statistical tests that are necessary to establish the significance of that correlation. We present preliminary computational testing of the strength index with stocks from various industries and report the correlation analyses to support the validity of the approach. Based on the correlation, a well-informed assessment can be made for stock selection in investment portfolios.
Lower Limb Voluntary Movement Improvement Following a Robot-Assisted Locomotor Training in Spinal Cord Injury

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from severe impairments in voluntary movements. Literature reports a reduction in major kinematic and kinetic parameters of lower limbs’ joints. A body weight support treadmill training with robotic assistance has been widely used to improve lower-extremity function and locomotion in persons with SCI. Our objective was to explore the effects of 4-weeks robot-assisted locomotor training on voluntary movement of the ankle musculature in patients with incomplete SCI. In particular, we aimed to characterize the therapeutic effects of Lokomat training on kinematic measures (range of motion, velocity, smoothness) during a dorsiflexion movement. We hypothesized that training would improve these measures. Preliminary results show an improvement of kinematic parameters during ankle dorsiflexion voluntary movement after a 4-weeks training in the major part of our participants. Complementary investigations are in progress to confirm these results and understand underlying mechanisms associated with the recovery.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in pediatric leukemia.

At presentation or during treatment, patients with malignantdisease can experience severe pulmonary symptoms due to infec-tion, cancer inﬁltration or metastasis, toxicity of chemotherapy,transfusion-related acute lung injury, or hemorrhage [1,2]. Rarely,they develop pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), characterizedby intra-alveolar accumulation of surfactant components andcellular debris, with minimal interstitial inﬂammation or ﬁbrosis[3]. Patients show progressive dyspnea and hypoxemia with in-creased alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, a restrictive pattern oflung function, and reduced diffusion capacity [3]. High-resolutioncomputed tomography (CT) shows patchy ground-glass opaciﬁca-tion and interlobular septal thickening, a pattern commonlycharacterized as ‘‘crazy paving’’ [4]. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)stainingofabronchoalveolarlavage(BAL)orlungbiopsyspecimenis required to establish the diagnosis [3].PAP has three clinically distinct forms: congenital, acquired,and secondary. Congenital and acquired PAP, and some casesof secondary PAP, involve disruption of the granulocyte-macrophagecolony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling pathway, which isessentialfortheterminaldifferentiationofalveolarmacrophages[5–10].Congenital PAP is caused by mutations in genes encoding the commonb chain of the GM-CSF/interleukin-3/interleukin-5 receptor or genesencoding surfactant protein B or C [5–7]. Acquired PAP is the mostcommon form (more than 90% of total PAP cases) and involvesautoantibodiestoGM-CSF,whicharedetectableinBALﬂuidandserum[8,9]. Secondary PAP is associated with conditions that reduce thefunction or number of alveolar macrophages, such as hematologicmalignancy, exposure to toxic fumes, or pharmacologic immunosup-pression [11–14].MostreportsofPAPinpatientswithmalignantdiseasehavebeenisolated adult cases, and management is not established. Here wedescribe the clinical, imaging, and pathology characteristics of ﬁvepediatric cases of secondary PAP at St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital.
Magnetism of Pillow Basalts and Their Petrology

The average intensity of magnetization of a layer of pillow basalt depends on (l) variations in the intensity of the earth's field as the lava is formed, (2) variations in the direction of magnetization within the layer, (3) the percent of nonmagnetic pore space between pillows, and (4) variations in the thermoremanence of the basalt due to variations in composition and in the degree of crystallization. To evaluate (4) we made a centimeter-by-centimeter examination of submarine pillow fragments and found that the remanence increases from almost zero in the glassy crust to high values of .04 emu/cc in the interior. The main control on remanence is the degree of crystallization. In very large pillows the remanence reaches a peak and decreases toward the center, the decrease apparently being due to an increase in grain size. The magnetization of the basalts resides in titanomagnetite grains possessing natural remanences in the range 1 to 2 emu/cc. The variation of natural remanence with grain size in the range 3 to 6 microns suggests pseudo-single domain behavior. Our best estimate of the average magnetization of a layer of submarine pillow basalt is .014 emu/cc. A layer less than 1 km thick with a value of remanence this high is adequate to account for most marine magnetic anomalies.
The Accumulation of Y90 from an Equilibrium Mixture of Sr90-Y90 by Artemia salina (L.)1

Arteinia salina (L.) was chosen as a representative organism in thc second trophic level for studying one phase of the process of transfer of radionuclides through a marine food chain. Adult Artemia were cultured in filtered sea water which contained Sr/sup 90/-Y/sup 90/. They were not fed during the experiment which lasted 92 hours. They were removed at intervals, washed, and their radioactivity determined with an end-window counter. At 16 hours the concentration of radioactivity in the Artemia was about 40 times that of an equal weight of sea water. The radioactivity decayed at a rate which was similar to the decay rate of Y/sup 90/. It was estimated that only about 5 per cent of the activity remaining at secular equilibrium was due to Sr/sup 90/, the remainder being Y/sup 90/. This biological fractionation of Sr/sup 90/-Y/sup 90/ may affect the transfer of these hazardous nuclides through food chains leading to human food. The fractionation of these nuclides by laboratory glassware is briefly discussed. (auth)
“The real McCoys” and it's audience: A functional analysis

For more than, a half‐dozen years, a situation comedy about an atypical farm family remained high on the television rating lists. For some reason, this program struck a responsive chord from between twenty and twenty‐five million families each week. In the following article, Lawrence Lichty reports on the functions “The Real McCoys” performed for its audience, based upon an extensive analysis of intensive interviews with members of the audience for the program. This article was originally read before the Radio‐Television‐Film Interest Group at the Speech Association of America Convention at Chicago in December 1964. The author wishes to thank E. L. Qua‐rantelli, Associate Professor of Sociology, Ohio State University, for his help in planning and executing this paper. Lawrence W. Lichty is presently Assistant Professor of Speech at the University of Wisconsin and is a departmental editor for the Journal of Broadcasting, in which he has published a number of articles on widely varied topics. Dr. Lichty rec...
An engineering environment for hardware/software co-simulation

The authors describe an environment supporting concurrent hardware and software engineering for high performance systems. In place of a conventional bread-boarded prototype, they used distributed communicating processes to allow software and simulated hardware to interact. The Cadence Verilog-XL simulator was extended to enable software debugging and testing using hardware simulation. The environment was proven during a successful system design. >
PatternCNV: a versatile tool for detecting copy number changes from exome sequencing data

Motivation: Exome sequencing (exome-seq) data, which are typically used for calling exonic mutations, have also been utilized in detecting DNA copy number variations (CNVs). Despite the existence of several CNV detection tools, there is still a great need for a sensitive and an accurate CNV-calling algorithm with built-in QC steps, and does not require a paired reference for each sample. Results: We developed a novel method named PatternCNV, which (i) accounts for the read coverage variations between exons while leveraging the consistencies of this variability across different samples; (ii) reduces alignment BAM files to WIG format and therefore greatly accelerates computation; (iii) incorporates multiple QC measures designed to identify outlier samples and batch effects; and (iv) provides a variety of visualization options including chromosome, gene and exon-level views of CNVs, along with a tabular summarization of the exon-level CNVs. Compared with other CNV-calling algorithms using data from a lymphoma exome-seq study, PatternCNV has higher sensitivity and specificity. Availability and implementation: The software for PatternCNV is implemented using Perl and R, and can be used in Mac or Linux environments. Software and user manual are available at http://bioinformaticstools.mayo.edu/research/patterncnv/, and R package at https://github.com/topsoil/patternCNV/. Contact: ude.oyam@naY.nnamsA Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Validation of A Paper Based Dietary Potassium Test for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

TEST FOR ADULTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Katherine Baczewski Mary Julius and Elizabeth Kern, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio High plasma potassium levels are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cause life threatening cardiac dysrhythmia. Self management by dietary restriction of potassium is critical. Currently, there is no valid instrument to quickly assess patient’s knowledge of dietary potassium. The purpose of this observational study was to develop and validate a novel paperbased test of knowledge of foods containing high versus low potassium (test), designed for clinical use in adult patients with CKD who need to restrict dietary potassium intake. The 21 item test allows individuals to choose from two food items, asking them to select the item lower in dietary potassium. Two forms (A) and (B) of the test were designed as parallel forms. Statistical analysis was determined using SAS, version 9.1. 34 participants with high knowledge and 34 participants with low knowledge of dietary potassium and 10 renal dietitians participated in the research by taking the potassium test. 10 renal dietitians also rated each item as essential/non-essential for patient knowledge.
Gravity waves generated by the dry convective boundary layer: Two-dimensional scale selection and boundary-layer feedback

This study examines the generation of gravity waves by the dry convective boundary layer in two dimensions. In particular, a number of cases are considered which range from zero background-flow conditions to conditions with strong wind shear. These experiments agree with previous studies that identified a distinct horizontal-scale selection of the gravity waves due to changes in wind speed. Detailed linear analysis is completed which attributes the horizontal-scale selection to two processes. The first process is the dissipation of downstream-propagating gravity waves by critical levels, and the second process is the trapping of upstream-propagating waves. The result is a narrow region of the generated spectrum of gravity waves that are able to propagate vertically. The experiments also agree with previous studies that have observed a resonant interaction between the boundary-layer thermals and the gravity waves. This resonance is described as a result of the trapped gravity waves, which form a resonant cavity near the top of the mixed layer. Finally, the experiments are used to evaluate the role of shear in the gravitywave generation. In cases with little resonance, shear is shown to play a minor role in the wave generation. In these cases, changes in the wave's amplitude spectrum are mostly due to linear wave refraction and the aforementioned selection mechanism. Copyright © 2002 Royal Meteorological Society.
Bortezomib induces canonical nuclear factor-κB activation in multiple myeloma cells

Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with remarkable preclinical and clinical antitumor activity in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The initial rationale for its use in MM was inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity by blocking proteasomal degradation of inhibitor of κBα (IκBα). Bortezomib inhibits inducible NF-κB activity; however, its impact on constitutive NF-κB activity in MM cells has not yet been defined. In this study, we demonstrate that bortezomib significantly down-regulated IκBα expression and triggered NF-κB activation in MM cell lines and primary tumor cells from MM patients. Importantly, no inhibition of p65 (RelA) nuclear translocation was recognized after bortezomib treatment in a murine xenograft model bearing human MM cells. Bortezomib-induced NF-κB activation was mediated via the canonical pathway. Moreover, other classes of proteasome inhibitors also induced IκBα down-regulation associated with NF-κB activation. Molecular mechanisms whereby bortezomib induced IκBα down-regulation were further examined. Bortezomib triggered phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKKβ) and its upstream receptor-interacting protein 2, whereas IKKβ inhibitor MLN120B blocked bortezomib-induced IκBα down-regulation and NF-κB activation, indicating receptor-interacting protein 2/IKKβ signaling plays crucial role in bortezomib-induced NF-κB activation. Moreover, IKKβ inhibitors enhanced bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity. Our studies therefore suggest that bortezomib-induced cytotoxicity cannot be fully attributed to inhibition of canonical NF-κB activity in MM cells.
Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

Dementia of the Alzheimer type is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition characterized by deterioration in cognition and memory, progressive impairment in the ability to carry out activities of daily living, and a number of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This narrative review summarizes the literature regarding descriptive epidemiology, clinical course, and characteristic neuropathological changes of dementia of the Alzheimer type. Although there are no definitive imaging or laboratory tests, except for brain biopsy, for diagnosis, brief screening instruments and neuropsychiatric test batteries used to assess the disease are discussed. Insufficient evidence exists for the use of biomarkers in clinical practice for diagnosis or disease management, but promising discoveries are summarized. Optimal treatment requires both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions, yet none have been shown to modify the disease's clinical course. This review describes the current available options and summarizes promising new avenues for treatment. Issues related to the care of persons with dementia of the Alzheimer type, including caregiver burden, long-term care, and the proliferation of dementia special care units, are discussed. Although advances have been made, more research is needed to address the gaps in our understanding of the disease.
The role of prophylactic Tamsulosin ± dexamethasone in patients undergoing prostate 125I seed implants for prostate carcinoma. A randomized double-blind study

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic dexamethasone added to tamsulosin (Flomax®) in reducing urinary symptoms after I 125 prostate brachytherapy (PI) for prostate adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: A single institution, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of patients undergoing PI for prostate adenocarcinoma comparing the use of prophylactic dexamethasone plus tamsulosin before PI versus placebo plus tamsulosin was conducted. Patients undergoing permanent PI, who were not taking tamsulosin or other alpha-blockers prior to PI were eligible for the trial. All patients were given tamsulosin (0.8 mg, orally once a day) and were randomized to receive either placebo or dexamethasone (4 mg per day for the first 10 days after PI and then 2 mg per day for 4 additional days). Tamsulosin use was started four days prior to PI and continued for 60 days. Urinary symptoms were assessed with the American Urologic Association (AUA) symptom index score. The questionnaire was administered prior to PI and then on a weekly basis for the first eight weeks after PI and again at weeks 10 and 12 after PI. The primary endpoint of the trial was change in the AUA score from baseline. Patients were taken off of the study if they developed urinary retention, had intolerable urinary symptoms, or wished to discontinue with the trial. Results: One-hundred patients were enrolled in the study. Ninety-four patients started the study and 72 completed all 12 weeks. Patients were evenly matched according to pre-treatment and post-treatment characteristics except with regard to pre-treatment AUA score: the dexamethasone group had a median score of 3 while the placebo group had a median score of 5 (p=0.0023). When comparisons were made between the groups relative to percent change in overall AUA score from baseline, there was a significant difference in favor of the placebo group (p=0.0030). Conclusion: The combination of prophylactic dexamethasone and tamsulosin yields worse post-operative
MANUFACTURE of FROZEN YOGURT WITH ULTRAFILTERED MILK and PROBIOTIC LACTIC ACID BACTERIA

Utilization of ultrafiltered (UF) milk for the manufacture of frozen yogurt was investigated. Three basic frozen yogurt mixes (0, 2, and 4% milk fat) were formulated using ultrafiltered skim milk as a base material and fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and a mixed yogurt culture of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. the cultured mixes were frozen using a continuous freezer and evaluated for product stability. Results suggest that culture organisms grew well during fermentation and produced acids continuously in the UF mixes, which became excessively viscous at a TA of 0.40% or higher. Therefore, all mixes were fermented to 0.30% TA (±4h) and rapidly cooled to 10C or lower to prevent excessive viscosity development. the finished products contained high levels of protein and calcium as well as good flavor and textural quality. In addition, the culture organisms were stable during six weeks of frozen storage.
Ascorbate Attenuates Atrial Pacing-Induced Peroxynitrite Formation and Electrical Remodeling and Decreases the Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common chronic arrhythmia, increases the risk of stroke and is an independent predictor of mortality. Available pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy. Once initiated, AF tends to self-perpetuate, owing in part to electrophysiological remodeling in the atria; however, the fundamental mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. We have recently demonstrated that chronic human AF is associated with increased atrial oxidative stress and peroxynitrite formation; we have now tested the hypothesis that these events participate in both pacing-induced atrial electrophysiological remodeling and in the occurrence of AF following cardiac surgery. In chronically instrumented dogs, we found that rapid (400 min(-1)) atrial pacing was associated with attenuation of the atrial effective refractory period (ERP). Treatment with ascorbate, an antioxidant and peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, did not directly modify the ERP, but attenuated the pacing-induced atrial ERP shortening following 24 to 48 hours of pacing. Biochemical studies revealed that pacing was associated with decreased tissue ascorbate levels and increased protein nitration (a biomarker of peroxynitrite formation). Oral ascorbate supplementation attenuated both of these changes. To evaluate the clinical significance of these observations, supplemental ascorbate was given to 43 patients before, and for 5 days following, cardiac bypass graft surgery. Patients receiving ascorbate had a 16.3% incidence of postoperative AF, compared with 34.9% in control subjects. In combination, these studies suggest that oxidative stress underlies early atrial electrophysiological remodeling and offer novel insight into the etiology and potential treatment of an enigmatic and difficult to control arrhythmia. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha.org.
Functional overlaps between XLF and the ATM-dependent DNA double strand break response

Developing B and T lymphocytes generate programmed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) during the V(D)J recombination process that assembles exons that encode the antigen-binding variable regions of antibodies. In addition, mature B lymphocytes generate programmed DSBs during the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class switch recombination (CSR) process that allows expression of different antibody heavy chain constant regions that provide different effector functions. During both V(D)J recombination and CSR, DSB intermediates are sensed by the ATM-dependent DSB response (DSBR) pathway, which also contributes to their joining via classical non-homologous end-joining (C-NHEJ). The precise nature of the interplay between the DSBR and C-NHEJ pathways in the context of DSB repair via C-NHEJ remains under investigation. Recent studies have shown that the XLF C-NHEJ factor has functional redundancy with several members of the ATM-dependent DSBR pathway in C-NHEJ, highlighting unappreciated major roles for both XLF as well as the DSBR in V(D)J recombination, CSR and C-NHEJ in general. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the mechanisms that contribute to the repair of DSBs generated during B lymphocyte development and activation with a focus on potential functionally redundant roles of XLF and ATM-dependent DSBR factors.
Spatially resolved study of inter-cusp transport and containment of primary electrons in a line cusp source

Summary form only given. The physics of plasma losses at magnetic cusp surfaces in multipole ion sources remains a poorly understood problem. Loss area in these sources determines discharge ionization performance, efficiency, and stability. In previous work, electron current density profiles were obtained in the region above a magnetic cusp in a 20 cm partial conic ring cusp ion thruster discharge chamber to study electron collection mechanics in the absence of gas flow and plasma production. This work characterizes primary electron losses in a line cusp source by obtaining electron current density profiles in the region above three magnetic line cusps arrayed on a flat plate anode. The flat plate geometry will allow for the investigation of the effect that cathode/anode geometry and magnetic cusp symmetry plays in particle collection. The current density maps allow for particle transport through the cusps to be visualized. These results will be compared to the present work to study how source geometry affects particle collection.
Relative influence of glucose and insulin on peripheral amino acid metabolism in severely burned patients.

BACKGROUND: Protein catabolism and glucose intolerance are prominent in critically injured patients. The objective of this study was to assess if glucose or insulin availability influences the extent of protein catabolism in hypermetabolic patients. METHODS: Amino acid net balance from the leg was quantitated in 6 severe burn victims. Furthermore, whole body and leg protein kinetics were assessed with 2H5 phenylalanine and 15N alanine. Measurements were obtained after a 9-hour fast, during an IV glucose infusion (30 micromol/kg per minute), and during a hyperinsulinemic (500 mIU/kg per minute) euglycemic clamp. RESULTS: Compared with fasting values, the administration of glucose resulted in a significantly increased efflux of amino acids from the leg. In contrast, insulin administration significantly decreased the cumulative net efflux of amino acids. During hyperinsulinemia, isotopic measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in alanine appearance and an increase in phenylalanine disappearance into...
Methods for colloid transport visualization in pore networks

[1] Prediction of colloid transport in the subsurface is relevant to researchers in a variety of fields such as contaminant transport, wastewater treatment, and bioremediation. Investigations have traditionally relied on column studies whereby mechanistic inferences must be drawn on the basis of colloid behavior at the outlet. Over the past decade, development of noninvasive visualization techniques based on visible light, magnetic resonance, and X rays have provided insight into a number of colloid transport mechanisms by enabling direct observation of individual colloids at the pore scale and colloid concentrations at longer length scales. As research focus shifts from transport of ideal colloids in ideal media such as glass beads to natural colloids in natural porous media, these noninvasive techniques will become increasingly useful for studying the collection of mechanisms at work in heterogeneous pore systems. It is useful at this juncture to review recent progress in colloid transport visualization as a starting point for further development of visualization tools to support investigation of colloids in natural systems. We briefly discuss characteristics of visualization systems currently used to study colloid transport in porous media and review representative microscale and mesoscale visualization studies conducted over the past decade, with additional attention given to two optical visualization systems being developed by the authors.
Blindness From Late Presenting Undiagnosed Pancraniosynostosis Mimicking Pseudotumor Cerebri

We report the unique case of late-onset pancraniosynostosis presenting with rapid visual deterioration, without other symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. A 10-year-old girl had episodes of blurry vision for 1 month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a borderline Chiari I malformation. Ophthalmologic exam confirmed papilledema and decreased visual acuity. Opening pressure on lumbar puncture was 55 mmH2O. The patient was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri and prescribed Diamox. Four days later, she re-presented with worsening vision and increased papilledema and was taken for emergent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. A postoperative computed tomographic scan showed the absence of all cranial sutures. Vision had not improved. A cranial vault expansion and optic nerve fenestration was performed. Pancraniosynostosis must be considered in a child with rapid visual deterioration and increased intracranial pressure, or with the presumptive diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri. Assurance of normal cranial suture anatomy by computed tomographic scan is imperative in patients with an atypical presentation of pseudotumor cerebri.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling: The Leadership Development of African American Women in Higher Education

The purpose of this research study was to explore the intersectionality of race and gender for African American women through their lived experiences of how they developed as leaders. This qualitative study aimed to research the implications of race and gender for African American women in academia. A phenomenological research method was employed to capture the essence of the participants’ stories and to fully understand their common experiences. Results show that the women in the study confirmed that race and gender informed their development as leaders in academia. Five themes were generated from their stories. In general, most of them described how the intersection of race and gender affected their leadership development and career trajectories. In spite of the barriers they encountered, these women perform skillfully in an environment where inequities, negative assumptions and doubts are prevalent. Even through adversity, they carry out their responsibilities but often in an atmosphere where they constantly have to prove themselves. Yet, these African American female leaders have persevered and continue to demonstrate their ability to rise above and perform with tenacity.
Nanotechnology and the Water Market: Applications and Health Effects

Nanotechnology has enormous potential for creating cost-effective, simple, and efficient tools for addressing water-supply challenges while preventing the creation of potentially toxic byproducts. The success of these technologies using nanomaterials, however, will depend on whether the nanoparticles and fibers can be confined and isolated from human and environmental receptors and on assessments of the potential health and environmental risks if exposures do occur. To truly qualify as “green” technology, applications of nanotechnology will need to demonstrate that such exposures and potential concerns for health and environmental risk can be managed adequately. This paper describes some of these technologies, focusing on nanofiltration and disinfection, desalination, and environmental remediation, as well as implications to human health and the environment.
Plasmon resonance and the imaging of metal-impregnated neurons with the laser scanning confocal microscope

The staining of neurons with silver began in the 1800s, but until now the great resolving power of the laser scanning confocal microscope has not been utilized to capture the in-focus and three-dimensional cytoarchitecture of metal-impregnated cells. Here, we demonstrate how spectral confocal microscopy, typically reserved for fluorescent imaging, can be used to visualize metal-labeled tissues. This imaging does not involve the reflectance of metal particles, but rather the excitation of silver (or gold) nanoparticles and their putative surface plasmon resonance. To induce such resonance, silver or gold particles were excited with visible-wavelength laser lines (561 or 640 nm), and the maximal emission signal was collected at a shorter wavelength (i.e., higher energy state). Because the surface plasmon resonances of noble metal nanoparticles offer a superior optical signal and do not photobleach, our novel protocol holds enormous promise of a rebirth and further development of silver- and gold-based cell labeling protocols.
Recovery of muscle transfers replacing the total plantar flexor muscle group in rats

In rats, combinations of plantar flexor muscles representing ∼20, 40, 60, and 80% of the mass of the total plantar flexor group were transferred orthotopically in the absence of synergistic muscles...
Reactive sulfhydryl and disulfide groups of protyrosinase and tyrosinase.

Summary and ConclusionsIt seems evident that no change in sulfhydryl nor disulfide groups occurs upon activation of protyrosinase and further that the sulfhydryl and disulfide groups do not seems essential for enzyme activity. Any apparent inhibition caused by oxidation of the sulfhydryl groups or the reduction of the disulfide groups is due to a reaction of the oxidant or reductant with the intermediary products of the oxidation of tyramine-HCL. If the production of tyrosinase is occasioned by the denaturation of an inhibitor, an increase in-SH groups seems probable; this, however, is not the case.
An On-line Adjusting Strategy for Turbine Speed Control Under Low Frequency Oscillation

It has been proved by field operation that if low-frequency oscillation occurs with turbines,oscillation can be checked by changing the control mode of the speed control system.Literature analysis shows that if the low-frequency power disturbance on the grid side causes mechanical power resonance,the rotor angle amplitude will substantially increase.Hence,by analyzing the damping and frequency characteristics of the turbine control system in serial PI and two kinds of single stage PI control mode,an adjustment strategy is proposed to avoid the resonance frequency.Simulation shows that the amplitude of the rotor can be effectively reduced by turbine control mode adjustment when resonance occurs.This method is of practical significance for ensuring stable operation of the system by quickly checking the low frequency oscillation with the function available of the turbine regulating system on-line.
CRISPR-dCas9 and sgRNA scaffolds enable dual-colour live imaging of satellite sequences and repeat-enriched individual loci

Imaging systems that allow visualization of specific loci and nuclear structures are highly relevant for investigating how organizational changes within the nucleus play a role in regulating gene expression and other cellular processes. Here we present a live imaging system for targeted detection of genomic regions. Our approach involves generating chimaeric transcripts of viral RNAs (MS2 and PP7) and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs), which when co-expressed with a cleavage-deficient Cas9 can recruit fluorescently tagged viral RNA-binding proteins (MCP and PCP) to specific genomic sites. This allows for rapid, stable, low-background visualization of target loci. We demonstrate the efficiency and flexibility of our method by simultaneously labelling major and minor satellite regions as well as two individual loci on mouse chromosome 12. This system provides a tool for dual-colour labelling, which is important for tracking the dynamics of chromatin interactions and for validating epigenetic processes identified in fixed cells.
Childhood Maltreatment in the Migraine Patient

Maltreatment during childhood increases vulnerability to a host of health disorders, including migraine. Putative mechanisms linking maltreatment and migraine include stress-induced dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, as well as disruption of other stress-mediating homeostatic systems, including those involving endocannabinoids, monoamine neurotransmitters, oxytocin, and inflammation. Prolonged elevation of glucocorticoids alters the neural architecture of the limbic system, resulting in the structural as well as functional changes described in both maltreatment and in migraine. Although treatment trials for migraine have not stratified participants by abuse history, strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which alter stress responsivity, may be particularly effective in this subgroup. Some therapies involving the endocannabinoid, serotonergic, oxytonergic, and inflammatory systems are under investigation for migraine. Anti-epileptic drugs such as valproate and topiramate, which are FDA approved for migraine treatment, are also known to interfere with epigenetic changes induced by stress. Discerning the role for this mechanism in treatment of maltreated migraineurs may introduce another therapeutic avenue.
The association between pulse pressure change and cognition in late life: Age and where you start matters.

Introduction Variations across studies in the association between blood pressure (BP) and cognition might be explained partly by duration of exposure to hypertension and partly by nonrandom attrition over time. Pulse pressure (PP) reflects arterial stiffness which may better reflect chronicity of hypertension.
Physiology of the colon and rectum.

The colon has an important role in body homeostasis: it has an important transport function, and is associated with electrolyte balance; it protects the body from toxic substances and may preserve some small bowel activity. Better knowledge of its physiology can only enhance one's ability to utilize and preserve it more intelligently. Motility; flatus production; water, electrolyte, and nutrient metabolism; bile and ammonia in the colon; and colonic obstruction are discussed.
ECUMENISM IN EVANGELII GAUDIUM AND IN THE CONTEXT OF FRANCIS’ PONTIFICATE

Abstract: Ecumenism is one of the areas in which the transition from the ‘theologian pope’ Benedict XVI to Francis has made the most dramatic impact. Francis’ ecumenism is not systematic, but contextual and inductive. It is spiritual, not dogmatic. It is post-confessional: it breaks the boundaries of post-Reformation Europe. Francis’ ecumenism is part of his effort to address systemic social challenges, to care for the poor and disenfranchised. Overall, Francis’ ecumenical ecclesiology is non-ecclesiocentric, and in this sense it is a step forward from the mixed ecclesiology(ies) of Vatican II where institutional ecclesiology had the last word over ecumenical ecclesiology. Resumo : O ecumenismo e uma das areas em que a transicao do ‘papa teologo’ Bento XVI a Francisco teve um dramatico impacto. O ecumenismo de Francisco nao e sistematico, mas contextual e indutivo. Ele e espiritual, nao dogmatico. E pos-confessional: ele quebra as fronteiras da Europa pos-Reforma. O ecumenismo de Francisco e parte de seu esforco para enfrentar os desafios sociais sistemicos, para cuidar dos pobres e marginalizados. Em geral, a eclesiologia ecumenica de Francisco e nao-eclesiocentrica e, nesse sentido, e um passo adiante da(s) eclesiologia mista(s) do Concilio Vaticano II, onde a eclesiologia institucional teve a ultima palavra sobre a eclesiologia ecumenica.
Development of a data acquisition system for the MALBEK Low-Background BEGe detector

The Majorana collaboration is currently building the Majorana Demonstrator, an array of natural and en­riched high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors that will search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the 76Ge isotope. As part of the Demonstrator research and development effort we have deployed a prototype 450 g modified broad energy germanium (BEGe) detector at the Kimballton Underground Research Facility (KURF) in Ripplemeade, VA. This detector, the Majorana Low-Background BEGe Detector at KURF (MAL-BEK), will examine detector performance and background in the double-beta decay region of interest as well as explore the sub-keV energy spectrum in a search for light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). In order to achieve this goal we have implemented a modular and highly automated data acquisition system (DAQ) capable of digitizing sub-keV signals and running autonomously in an underground environment. The DAQ is built using the Object-oriented Real-time Control and Acquisition (ORCA) application. ORCA enables the remote monitoring and control of all DAQ electronics, hardware, and slow control systems. A built in scripting language, ORCAScript, allows for the automation of run-time experimental parameters, real-time event building and data filtering, and system monitoring with email notification and alarms. The implemented MALBEK DAQ is currently operating at KURF in a production data taking mode.
Community health needs assessment and action planning in seven Dominican bateyes

Haitians and persons of Haitian descent living in the Dominican Republic are often relegated to living in deeply impoverished communities called bateyes. Despite obvious needs and some NGO presence in the bateyes, little assessment has been done to identify specific needs as understood and experienced by community members themselves. This article describes a community health needs assessment and action planning process developed and implemented by university researchers, NGO staff, and community members to identify needed areas for community-based health intervention in seven Dominican bateyes. Surveys and focus groups were used to collect data about the needs and assets of the bateyes and their residents around the following broad topics: demographics, health, education, financial/economy, legal issues, and transportation/infrastructure. These data were then used to guide an action-planning process that identified clean water, access to food and nutritional diversity, and economic development as primary and immediate needs in the communities. The process, its outcomes, and lessons learned are discussed.
Network of Spiking Neurons Driven by Compression

Our work aims to design an intelligent agent that chooses its actions based on compression as a reward signal. The design falls into the category of spiking neural network. In the scenarios tested, the goal of the agent is to compress an input stream of bytes. Neurons are organized by layers and connected to other neurons at adjacent layers. A neuron receives an increase in voltage based on how well its associated action compresses the input stream. The agent performs actions, based on the neuron, according to a probability that’s calculated based on how successful the associated action has been at compressing the input stream and the strength of the neuron’s connections to neighboring neurons that recently fired. The agent has been successful at learning to perform an action out of a subset of actions that leads to the most compression, and at learning sequences of actions that lead to significant or optimal compression. In some specific scenarios, the agent performs close to optimal actions that lead to significant compression rather than the optimal sequence of actions. There are limitations on the length of sequences of actions that can be learned, and some specific types of sequences could not be learned given the current structure, e.g., sequences that change with each iteration could not be learned. This agent compresses data in a novel and effective way and shows promise for simultaneously displaying intelligent behavior and compressing data intelligently.