cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Existence and Stability Criteria for Phase-Locked Modes in Ring Networks Using Phase-Resetting Curves and Spike Time Resetting Curves

Both phase resetting curves (PRCs) and spike time resetting curves (STRCs) are tools used for predicting the phase locked modes in neural networks and investigating their stability. The PRC tabulates the relative change in the duration of the interspike intervals due to a presynaptic input. In networks of neurons that generate brief action potentials (spiking neurons) with pulsatile couplings, the first order PRC, which accounts only for the change in the duration of the interspike interval that includes the perturbation itself, accurately predicts the phase-locked modes. Although the STRC-based method is equivalent to the first order PRC, it has the advantages of unambiguously defining the temporal intervals in networks of dissimilar neurons and a straightforward geometric interpretation. When using the PRC to predict the phase-locked modes it is generally assumed that (1) the open loop stimulus is identical to the recursive inputs received by the same neuron in closed loop setup, (2) the isolated neural oscillator returns to its unperturbed limit cycle before receiving the next input, and (3) each neuron receives only one presynaptic input and sends its output to only one other neuron in the network. These assumptions limit the applicability of the PRC and the STRC methods to 1:1 phase-locked modes to ring networks. For spiking neurons, the PRC/STRC-based theoretical predictions regarding the phase-locked modes and their stability were in very good agreement with the closed loop numerical simulations. Since neurons that generate sustained and closely spaced trains of action potentials (bursts) maintain their postsynaptic coupling over a significant duration, their influence on the postsynaptic neurons extend beyond the first order PRC. For bursting neurons, the first two assumptions were successfully relaxed by considering higher order PRCs and the burst resetting curves (BRCs) in predicting the phase-locked modes in hybrid networks controlled via dynamic clamp.
Library Connection: An Interactive, Personalized Orientation for Online Students

Library orientations are a very common learning experience for residential and online students. These all have similar goals of introducing students to the library and helping them feel more comfor...
Fenfluramine, a serotonin-releasing drug, prevents seizure-induced respiratory arrest and is anticonvulsant in the DBA/1 mouse model of SUDEP.

OBJECTIVE Prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a critical goal for epilepsy therapy. The DBA/1 mouse model of SUDEP exhibits an elevated susceptibility to seizure-induced death in response to electroconvulsive shock, hyperthermia, convulsant drug, and acoustic stimulation. The serotonin hypothesis of SUDEP is based on findings that treatments which modify serotonergic function significantly alter susceptibility to seizure-induced sudden death in several epilepsy models, including DBA/1 mice. Serotonergic abnormalities have also recently been observed in human SUDEP. Fenfluramine is a drug that enhances serotonin release in the brain. Recent studies have found that the addition of fenfluramine improved seizure control in patients with Dravet syndrome, which has a high incidence of SUDEP. Therefore, we investigated the effects of fenfluramine on seizures and seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) in DBA/1 mice. METHODS The dose and time course of the effects of fenfluramine (i.p.) on audiogenic seizures (Sz) induced by an electric bell in DBA/1 mice were determined. Videos of Sz-induced behaviors were recorded for analysis. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was evaluated using the chi-square test. RESULTS Sixteen hours after administration of 15 mg/kg of fenfluramine, a high incidence of selective block of S-IRA susceptibility (P < 0.001) occurred in DBA/1 mice without blocking any convulsive behavior. Thirty minutes after 20-40 mg/kg of fenfluramine, significant reductions of seizure incidence and severity, as well as S-IRA susceptibility occurred, which were long-lasting (≥48 hours). The median effective dose (ED50 ) of fenfluramine for significantly reducing Sz at 30 minutes was 21 mg/kg. SIGNIFICANCE This study presents the first evidence for the effectiveness of fenfluramine in reducing seizure incidence, severity, and S-IRA susceptibility in a mammalian SUDEP model. The ability of fenfluramine to block S-IRA selectively suggests the potential usefulness of fenfluramine in prophylaxis of SUDEP. These results further confirm and extend the serotonin hypothesis of SUDEP.
Computational Contributions: A Symbiotic Approach to Integrating Big, Observational Data Studies into the Communication Field

Though there is growing enthusiasm for computational research methods in the field of communication, research using computational methods is not yet integrated into mainstream communication researc...
Tree box performance in exfiltrating stormwater runoff.

This study determines the exfiltration rates in six tree boxes with embedded sensors and analyzes their hydrologic performance for 2 years to quantify the effect of different parameters (i.e., water depth, temperature, and age) on the exfiltration rate. Each tree box is 1.5 m wide, 1.5 m long, and 1.8 m deep. A 46-cm-diameter shaft was drilled at the bottom of each tree box to reach the underlying permeable soil layer. The water level inside the shaft rose up to 500 cm. Exfiltration rate increased with water level and exfiltration rate in second year decreased significantly by 27%-37% compared with first year. Overall, in the second year, the decrease in geometric mean exfiltration rate was largest for moderate depths of the standing water inside the shaft, ranging between 100 and 130 cm from the bottom of the shaft. The exfiltration rate of the tree boxes was significantly larger for warmer season and significantly smaller for cooler season. The infiltration rate of the underlying soil is a controlling factor of the performance of tree box. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The study determines the exfiltration rates in six tree boxes and analyzes their performance over time. Exfiltration rate in second year decreased significantly by 27%-37% compared to first year. The exfiltration rate of the tree boxes was larger for warmer rain events and smaller for cooler rain events. Tree boxes with lower permeable underlying soil developed higher water level in the shaft.
Calorimetric Studies of Milk Fat by Differential Thermal Analysis

The heat of melting and heat capacities of milk fat were determined with a differential thermal analysis calorimeter. Heat of melting values varied from 20.4 cal/g (average value) to 25.1 cal/g (average value) depending on tempering conditions. Heat capacity values were.423 cal/g/°C (average value) at -43C and.521 cal/g/°C (average value) at 70C.
Intra- and intergenerational changes in the cortical DNA methylome in response to therapeutic intermittent hypoxia in mice

Recent evidence from our laboratory documents functional resilience to retinal ischemic injury in untreated mice derived from parents exposed to repetitive hypoxic conditioning (RHC) before breedin...
Cardiovascular and Neuroendocrine Responses to Challenge in Males and Females

Increasing attention has been given to the role that physiological response to behavioral challenges, i. e., Stressors, may play in the development of cardiovascular disease (see Matthews et al., 1986). Behavioral Stressors typically evoke notable cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses. To date, preliminary evidence from the literature on both Type A behavior pattern (TABP) and essential hypertension implicates the role of behaviorally induced sympathetically mediated cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses to mildly challenging Stressors in the subsequent development of disease (for a thorough review, see Krantz & Manuck, 1984).
Cryosections for Immunocytochemistry

Immunocytochemistry describes methods for visualization of specific intracellular molecules within cells. These methods use high affinity markers to specifically bind to target molecules in tissues or cells. For electron microscopy, the sites where these markers are bound are visualized using electron opaque probes. Successful immunocytochemistry depends upon immobilization of target molecules, retention of subcellular morphology, and upon total accessibility of affinity marker to the target molecules.Accessibility to extracellular molecules is not usually a problem, but for intracellular molecules, labeling protocols must be able to preserve subcellular morphology and allow the affinity markers to gain access to their target molecules. Currently, the best way to gain access to the inside of cells for electron microscopy (TEM) is to cut thin sections through them. In this way, morphology is retained and affinity markers can be applied to the cut face of the cells.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequence of Kapabacteriales Bacterium Strain Clear-D13, Assembled from a Harmful Algal Bloom Enrichment Culture.

ABSTRACT Metagenomic sequencing of a Dolichospermum circinale enrichment culture resulted in the assembly of several cocultured metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). One MAG was affiliated with the class Kapabacteriales and included 5,724,991 bp in 127 contigs with a GC content of 48.4%.
High-Fidelity Simulation Improves Long-Term Knowledge of Clinical Swallow Evaluation

Purpose Clinical swallow evaluation (CSE) is a critical skill that speech-language pathologists who manage swallowing impairment must learn. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to determine if using a human patient simulator (HPS) to train speech-language pathology graduate students in CSE improved knowledge, preparedness, and anxiety as compared to traditional instruction alone. Method This was a controlled trial with repeated measures. Participants included graduate students from two cohorts who were enrolled in a swallowing disorders course in consecutive academic years (n = 50). Students in the experimental group participated in a simulation experience in which they performed a CSE on an HPS, generated a treatment plan, and communicated in real time with the HPS, the patient's wife, and a nurse. Quantitative results included quizzes that measured short- and long-term CSE knowledge, and qualitative findings included written feedback from instructors and students. Results Students who participated in simulation training had significantly higher long-term quiz accuracy than the control group, but their short-term quiz scores did not differ. Student ratings of preparedness and anxiety did not differ between the two groups. Many students reported that they appreciated practicing the use of patient-friendly language and preferred clinical simulation over traditional teaching methods. Facilitators reported that simulation increased student engagement and critical thinking skills more than traditional teaching methods. Conclusions CSE simulation provided objective and subjective advantages over traditional teaching methods. Recommendations from students and instructors for improving the CSE simulation training are reported.
Optimizing the Virtual Otolaryngology Residency Information Sessions: A Survey of Applicants

The 2020-2021 otolaryngology residency application cycle has been immensely distorted by travel restrictions mandated in response to coronavirus disease 2019, limiting opportunities for applicants to meet and rotate with programs of interest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate otolaryngology applicants' preferences toward the content and format of virtual residency information sessions. An anonymous online survey was developed to gauge applicants' virtual exposure to otolaryngology programs and investigate their preferences during virtual sessions. Almost all respondents attended at least 1 virtual information session (89%). Respondents felt that the most important aspects of these sessions were meeting residents, learning about operative volume, and meeting faculty. The majority (85%) preferred these sessions last no longer than 2 hours. Participants preferred virtual sessions to include breakout sessions with participant video/microphone on. These findings have implications for future virtual resident recruitment strategies.
Decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated N95 filtering facepiece respirators using artificial sun lamps.

AIMS: Assess the feasibility of using light from artificial sun lamps to decontaminate N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS AND RESULTS: FFR coupons or whole FFRs contaminated with 5 log10 TCID50 (target concentration) SARS-CoV-2 in culture media, simulated saliva, or simulated lung fluid were dried for 1-2 h, then exposed to light from tanning and horticulture lamps to assess decontamination. Exposed coupons and whole FFRs showed SARS-CoV-2 inactivation for all matrices tested. Furthermore, FFRs still met performance specifications after five decontamination cycles. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible that artificial sunlight from these sun lamps can be used to decontaminate FFRs provided the UV dose is sufficient and the light is unobstructed. Furthermore, decontamination can be performed up to five times without degrading FFR performance. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This research shows a proof of principle that artificial sun lamps may be an option to decontaminate SARS-CoV-2 on N95 FFRs. UV doses required for inactivation to levels below detection ranged from 4 to 37·8 J cm-2 depending on the light source, virus matrix and FFR type.
Clinical experience of CAR T cell therapy in lymphomas

Abstract Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in relapse portends a poor prognosis due to resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies. Chimeric Antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been tested in many lymphomas in the relapse refractory setting and has resulted in durable responses despite some peculiar side effects including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurological events (NE), prolonged cytopenias and hypogammaglobulinemia. This review summarizes the registration trials conducted in lymphomas. All products showed response rates that were far better than obtainable by salvage chemotherapy and most patients recovered from side effects including CRS and NEs. The impact of CAR T in the real world setting was discussed as well as how to approach the use of CAR T in special circumstances such as CNS involvement, management of post CAR relapses and outpatient therapy.
Coalition leadership for the information age

Summary form only, as given. Achieving the knowledge age potential requires much higher levels of collaboration, than we are experiencing today. Individualism, left over from frontier days, still dominates. There is a requirement for documentation, knowledge sharing for synergistic problem solving and standardized knowledge indexing, where new technology isn't the solution. Leadership at every level is required to develop a coalition attitude appropriate to the knowledge age.
Computational evaluation of the role of accommodation in pigmentary glaucoma.

PURPOSE. Accommodation has been proposed as the cause of the bowing of the posterior iris that occurs in eyes with pigmentary dispersion syndrome. A mathematical model of the anterior eye is needed to explore the elastohydrodynamic effects of accommodation on both the aqueous humor dynamics and the contour of the iris. METHODS. A mathematical model of the coupled aqueous humor-iris system was used to predict the effects of accommodation on the iris position and pressure distribution in the aqueous humor. RESULTS. The mathematical model predicts that accommodation produces a pressure reversal-the anterior chamber pressure being higher than the posterior chamber-and iris movement into a more concave configuration. Total time for accommodation, iris modulus, iris attachment point, and trabecular meshwork permeability all had little or no effect on the iris contour and pressure change. The amount of accommodation, however, had a dramatic effect on both the amount of iris curvature and especially the pressure reversal. For accommodation resulting in a 0.6-mm change in anterior chamber depth, the pressure in the anterior chamber was more than 1.0 mm Hg higher than that in the posterior chamber, compared with a pressure difference of less than 0.1 mm Hg for accommodation resulting in a 0.2-mm change in anterior chamber depth. CONCLUSIONS. The results confirm that accommodation produces bowing of the posterior iris and the magnitude of the bowing is a strong function of the amount of accommodation.
The HIV Tat protein transduction domain improves the biodistribution of β-glucuronidase expressed from recombinant viral vectors

Treatment of inherited genetic diseases of the brain remains an intractable problem. Methods to improve the distribution of enzymes that are injected or expressed from transduced cells will be required for many human brain therapies. Recent studies showed that a peptide, the protein transduction domain (PTD) from HIV Tat, could improve the distribution of cytoplasmic reporter proteins when administered systemically as fusion proteins or cross-linked chimeras. The utility of this motif for noncytoplasmic proteins has not been determined. Here, we tested how the Tat motif affected uptake and biodistribution of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase, the protein deficient in the disease mucopolysaccharidosis VII, when expressed from viral vectors. The Tat motif allowed for mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) independent uptake in vitro and significantly increased the distribution of β-glucuronidase secreted from transduced cells after intravenous or direct brain injection in mice of recombinant vectors. Thus, enzymes modified to contain protein transduction motifs may represent a general strategy for improving the distribution of secreted proteins following in vivo gene transfer.
Low colorectal anastomosis and reconstruction after gynecologic cancer

Radical en bloc resection of pelvic tissue remains an important part of the armamentarium of the gynecologic oncologist despite significant advances in radiation oncology and chemotherapy. Total pelvic exenteration can be the only hope of women who have not responded to more conservative therapy. The time has come where it is appropriate to use contemporary techniques in the discipline of reconstructive surgery to restore these women to an acceptable quality of life. It may be the next challenge for the pelvic surgeon to participate in such surgical reconstruction. This challenge is becoming an active part of the oncologic surgical practice in head and neck and breast surgery. This article reviews the techniques that are available in the reconstruction of a functional rectum with elimination of colostomy.
Comparison of SCIPUFF Plume Prediction with Particle Filter Assimilated Prediction for Dipole Pride 26 Data

This paper presents the application of a particle filter for data assimilation in the context of puff-based dispersion models. Particle filters provide estimates of the higher moments, and are well suited for strongly nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian models. The Gaussian puff model SCIPUFF, is used in predicting the chemical concentration field after a chemical incident. This model is highly nonlinear and evolves with variable state dimension and, after sufficient time, high dimensionality. While the particle filter formalism naturally supports variable state dimensionality high dimensionality represents a challenge in selecting an adequate number of particles, especially for the Bootstrap version. We present an implementation of the Bootstrap particle filter and compare its performance with the SCIPUFF predictions. Both the model and the Particle Filter are evaluated on the Dipole Pride 26 experimental data. Since there is no available ground truth, the data has been divided in two sets: training and testing. We show that even with a modest number of particles, the Bootstrap particle filter provides better estimates of the concentration field compared with the process model, without excessive increase in computational complexity.
An updated digital model of plate boundaries

[1] A global set of present plate boundaries on the Earth is presented in digital form. Most come from sources in the literature. A few boundaries are newly interpreted from topography, volcanism, and/or seismicity, taking into account relative plate velocities from magnetic anomalies, moment tensor solutions, and/or geodesy. In addition to the 14 large plates whose motion was described by the NUVEL-1A poles (Africa, Antarctica, Arabia, Australia, Caribbean, Cocos, Eurasia, India, Juan de Fuca, Nazca, North America, Pacific, Philippine Sea, South America), model PB2002 includes 38 small plates (Okhotsk, Amur, Yangtze, Okinawa, Sunda, Burma, Molucca Sea, Banda Sea, Timor, Birds Head, Maoke, Caroline, Mariana, North Bismarck, Manus, South Bismarck, Solomon Sea, Woodlark, New Hebrides, Conway Reef, Balmoral Reef, Futuna, Niuafo'ou, Tonga, Kermadec, Rivera, Galapagos, Easter, Juan Fernandez, Panama, North Andes, Altiplano, Shetland, Scotia, Sandwich, Aegean Sea, Anatolia, Somalia), for a total of 52 plates. No attempt is made to divide the Alps-Persia-Tibet mountain belt, the Philippine Islands, the Peruvian Andes, the Sierras Pampeanas, or the California-Nevada zone of dextral transtension into plates; instead, they are designated as “orogens” in which this plate model is not expected to be accurate. The cumulative-number/area distribution for this model follows a power law for plates with areas between 0.002 and 1 steradian. Departure from this scaling at the small-plate end suggests that future work is very likely to define more very small plates within the orogens. The model is presented in four digital files: a set of plate boundary segments; a set of plate outlines; a set of outlines of the orogens; and a table of characteristics of each digitization step along plate boundaries, including estimated relative velocity vector and classification into one of 7 types (continental convergence zone, continental transform fault, continental rift, oceanic spreading ridge, oceanic transform fault, oceanic convergent boundary, subduction zone). Total length, mean velocity, and total rate of area production/destruction are computed for each class; the global rate of area production and destruction is 0.108 m2/s, which is higher than in previous models because of the incorporation of back-arc spreading.
Sunspots: A Laboratory for Solar Physics

After a brief discussion of sunspot morphology and the better-known aspects of the solar activity cycle, somewhat more detail is given on sunspot-to-photospheric continuum contrast, as a function of both wavelength and phase of the solar cycle. Umbral dots are a poorly understood phenomenon which may show the real limits on convection in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Simple, magnetostatic, and one-dimensional radiative transfer models of the observable layers of umbrae are introduced. Ultraviolet observations are used to determine whether the upper reaches of the umbral atmosphere are close to hydrostatic equilibrium, and models of umbral oscillations are discussed, as a paradigm of sunspots as “controls” for the less ordered parts of the solar atmosphere.
The role of particle diffusion in the lower transition region: Revised interpretation of emission measures

We have calculated energy-balance models of the solar chromosphere-corona transition region for T 25,000 K and decreases n H1 (while decreasing n p ) between 8000 and 18,000 K. Diffusion substantially increases n HeI for T > 35,000 K and decreases n HeI (while increasing n HeII) between 9000 and 25,000 K, and increases n HeIII for T < 60,000 K. These results suggest that the use of emission measure techniques that ignore the effects of diffusion may be unreliable.
The agouti mouse model: an epigenetic biosensor for nutritional and environmental alterations on the fetal epigenome.

The ability of environmental factors to shape health and disease involves epigenetic mechanisms that mediate gene-environment interactions. Epigenetic gene regulation comprises the heritable changes in gene expression that occur in the absence of changes to the DNA sequence itself. Epigenetic mechanisms include chromatin folding and attachment to the nuclear matrix, packaging of DNA around nucleosomes, covalent modifications of histone tails (e.g. acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation), and DNA methylation. The influence of regulatory small RNAs and micro RNAs on gene transcription is also increasingly recognized as a key mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation. Conventional gene-environment interaction studies strive to understand how individuals with different genotypes respond to various environmental factors and how these responses change over time. Such research efforts have highlighted the important contribution of both genetic and environmental variability in human diseases. However, it has been argued that a full understanding of gene-environment interactions requires that epigenetic mechanisms be taken into account. Therefore, the interdisciplinary field of environmental epigenomics emphasizes the potential for nutritional and environmental factors to influence fetal, adult, and transgenerational epigenetic gene regulation, resulting in numerous phenotypic consequences.1 The viable yellow agouti ( Avy ) mouse model, in which coat color variation is correlated to epigenetic marks established early in development, has been used to investigate the impacts of nutritional and environmental influences on the fetal epigenome (Fig. 1A and B). The wild-type murine Agouti gene encodes a paracrine signaling molecule that produces either black eumelanin ( a ) or yellow phaeomelanin ( A ). Both A and a transcriptions are initiated from a developmentally regulated hair-cycle-specific promoter in exon 2 (Fig. 1A). Transient A expression in hair follicles during a specific stage of hair growth results in a sub-apical yellow band on each black hair shaft, causing the brown agouti coat color of wild-type mice.2 The Avy metastable epiallele resulted …
Field line draping about fast coronal mass ejecta: A source of strong out‐of‐the‐ecliptic interplanetary magnetic fields

Fast coronal mass ejecta interact strongly with the ambient interplanetary plasma and magnetic field into which they propagate. A shock forms in front of an ejection, and the slower moving ambient plasma ahead is accelerated and deflected from its path. It is argued that such flow accelerations and deflections of the ambient plasma must produce a draping of the ambient interplanetary magnetic field about the ejected material similar to that which occurs in the magnetosheath surrounding the earth's magnetosphere. The draping pattern should depend upon the overall size and shape of the ejection, its speed relative to the ambient plasma ahead, the orientation of the ambient magnetic field, and the position where the shocked plasma is sampled. At some locations upstream from an ejection draping leads to an enhancement of the out-of-the-ecliptic field component B(Z) at the expense of the ecliptic components. It is suggested that draping plays an important role in producing intervals of strong and prolonged negative B(Z) in the ecliptic plane at 1 AU, and thus may be an important factor in stimulating geomagnetic activity.
Polarized domains of myelinated axons

The entire length of myelinated axons is organized into a series of polarized domains that center around nodes of Ranvier. These domains, which are crucial for normal saltatory conduction, consist of distinct multiprotein complexes of cell adhesion molecules, ion channels, and scaffolding molecules; they also differ in their diameter, organelle content, and rates of axonal transport. Juxtacrine signals from myelinating glia direct their sequential assembly. The composition, mechanisms of assembly, and function of these molecular domains will be reviewed. I also discuss similarities of this domain organization to that of polarized epithelia and present emerging evidence that disorders of domain organization and function contribute to the axonopathies of myelin and other neurologic disorders.
A network control theory approach to modeling and optimal control of zoonoses: case study of brucellosis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.

Article on a network control theory approach to modeling and optimal control of zoonoses and a case study of brucellosis transmission in sub-Saharan Africa.
Heterogeneous interactions of BrO and ClO: Evidence for BrO surface recombination and reaction with HSO3−/SO32−

The uptake coefficients (γ) for loss of BrO and ClO radicals on surfaces characteristic of participate material in the atmosphere have been measured using a coated-wall flow tube coupled to a resonance fluorescence detector. Neither radical is lost efficiently at 213 K on sulfuric acid (60 to 70 wt%), pyrex or ice surfaces, with BrO uptake coefficients ranging from 5 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−3 on these surfaces and with ClO uptake coefficients smaller than 1×10−4. Based on the observation by mass spectrometry of Br2 formation coincident with BrO loss on ice surfaces, it is believed that radical self-reaction is occurring on the surface. Finally, for BrO it was observed that the uptake coefficient on 23 wt% aqueous solutions of NaCl at 253 K was small (< 3 × 10−3) but that it could be significantly enhanced when sulfur(IV) species were added to the solution, either by exposure to gas phase SO2 or by the addition of Na2SO3. Aside from the BrO/S(IV) reactions which may promote condensed-phase free-radical chemistry, these findings imply that heterogeneous interactions of BrO and ClO in the atmosphere will be insignificant with respect to gas-phase processes.
A more versatile and reliable method for renal transplantation in the rat

This study describes the authors' experience with a new method of orthotopic renal transplantation in the rat. This technique combines previously described modifications with the use of the donor inferior vena cava as a conduit to perform an end-to-side venous anastomosis. Survival was 87% and 80% at 3 and 120 days, respectively. Patency was 80% at 120 days, and histologic examination revealed normal renal architecture and parenchyma, with no evidence of ischemic injury. This technique offers a refinement of previous techniques and is reliable, flexible, and can be easily learned by novice microvascular surgeons.
Effects of temperature and pressure on the rotatory dispersion of Bi 12 GeO 20

Effects of temperature and pressure on the rotatory dispersion of Bi12GeO20 are investigated. The rotatory power is found to vary linearly with temperature and pressure in the range of temperature and pressure covered. Values for the single-oscillator characteristic wavelength are obtained as a function of temperature and pressure. Volume and intrinsic effects of temperature and pressure on the wavelength and oscillator strength are separated and computed.
The integration of structure determination by computation, electron diffraction and microwave spectroscopy

Abstract The history of the interaction between experimental structure determinations by microwave spectroscopy and by gas phase electron diffraction is briefly reviewed in terms of three eras: (1) competition and antagonism, (2) comparison and correction, and (3) integration of analysis. A similar progression is noted for the relation between experimental and theoretical methods for studying molecular structure, with the present time straddling ages (2) and (3). Examples are given from a variety of studies involving various degrees of methodological interaction. The true integration of experimental and computational structural studies is still in its infancy with the primary illustrations involving the evaluation of theoretical structural offset values from experimental evidence, the transfer of theoretically determined parameters into the fitting of experimental data, and the current development of methods for utilizing vibrational information obtained from the combined analysis of computed theoretical and experimental infrared data in the further analysis of experimental diffraction and microwave information.
Early versus late tocolytic treatment for preterm premature membrane rupture.

The effect of tocolytic therapy before labor was evaluated in 33 pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes. Either intravenous magnesium sulfate or oral terbutaliine was administered at the time of presentation. Intensive surveillance to detect signs of infection was carried out for all patients. In 29 of the patients in this treatment group who were seen at
The Infusion of African Cultural Elements in Language Learning: A Modular Approach.

During the academic year 1979–80, Hampton Institute, along with four other colleges and universities of Black heritage, infused Afro-French and Afro-Hispanic cultural materials into introductory French and Spanish courses. Fifteen modules were developed and taught by selected staff from Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, Morgan State University, and Morehouse College. This curriculum project was made possible by a grant to Hampton Institute from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The premise of the approach is that Black collegians will appreciate more fully the value and relevance of their foreign language classroom experience through an introduction to the cultures of Black hispanophone and francophone peoples of Africa and the Diaspora. These modular curriculum materials are also perceived as a means of orienting students at the college level to non-European francophone and hispanophone cultures. Although the data already gathered is not conclusive, there are strong indications that the use of these cultural materials motivated students in their study of foreign languages and contributed to the development of their global perspectives. It is anticipated that these materials will be published, and that further field-testing will take place through additional funding.
The role of processing towards application of organic EO material modulators

The role of processing dictates the properties and successful integration of OEOMs to an equal extent as chemical synthesis and device design. With redesigned systems, thoughtful processing, and proper molecular and device design, OEOMs will become crucial components of photonic technologies.
ACTH-induced grooming involves high-affinity opiate receptors

Naloxazone, an irreversible inhibitor of high-affinity opiate receptors was used to test whether excessive grooming in mice following intracerebroventricular ACTH involves interaction with high-affinity opiate receptors. ACTH-induced grooming was blocked 16 hr following naloxazone but not naloxone. At this time morphine-induced antinociception measured in the tail-immersion test was present in naloxone-, but not naloxazone-, treated mice. The deficit caused by naloxazone was not permanent, and 4 days later, ACTH again elicited excessive grooming. These results together with other published data suggest that ACTH induces excessive grooming by interaction with high-affinity cerebral opiate receptors.
1177 CHRONIC NEUTROPENIA IN GLYCOGEN STORAGE DISEASE (GSD) TYPE Ib

Two unrelated boys with typical clinical and biochemical features of GSD Type I had increased glycogen in liver but normal glucose-6-phosphatase activity (assayed after freezing). Both had chronic neutropenia from infancy, gingivitis and lesions of tongue, oral and anal mucosa. Their mean ± SEM blood neutrophil counts were 288 ± 94 and 494 ± 113 cells/mm3. Aside from splenomegaly, there was no evidence of hyper-splenism and investigation of other causes of neutropenia was negative. Their bone marrows showed mild granulocytic hyperplasia with no maturation arrest. In one patient tested, the blood neutrophil count rose after subcutaneous glucagon and intravenous hydro-cortisone administration. Studies of immunologic competence gave normal results. Treatment with nocturnal glucose alimentation increased the childrens' growth rates but had no effect on the neutropenia. Conclusions: 1) Chronic neutropenia is associated with GSD Type Ib. 2) The neutropenia is probably not due to an arrest in granulocyte maturation. 3) The hepatic deficiency in Type Ib (Glu-6-P translocase) may also involve the neutrophil.
First Report of a Root and Crown Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani on Centaurea stoebe in Russia

Spotted knapweed (SKW), Centaurea stoebe L., is a nonindigenous species that is invasive over large areas in the United States, especially in the west. It has been estimated that infestations of SKW cause $42 million in direct and indirect economic losses annually (2), and the weed could potentially invade 13.6 million ha of rangeland in Montana alone. Extensive efforts toward the control of SKW have included the release of 12 insects for biological control, four of which attack the crowns and roots of this short-lived perennial. To focus efforts to select potential soilborne pathogens, which could be applied in combination with insects, we conducted a survey for plant pathogens in the native range of SKW associated with damage caused by any root-attacking insects. Stunted and chlorotic SKW plants, which were colonized by larvae of Cyphocleonus spp., were found in June 1994 near the Novomar'evskaya Botanical Sanctuary (45°08'49.87″N, 41°51'02.05″E) in the Caucasus Region of Russia. A nonsporulating multinucleate fungus was isolated from the lower stem, crown, and upper root tissue of one such plant. Colonies growing on potato dextrose agar and Ko and Hora media were examined microscopically and identified as Rhizoctonia solani by the occurrence of robust, thick-walled, golden hyphae with right-angled branching and constrictions at the branch points. The anastomosis grouping of the one isolate was determined to be AG 2-2 IIIB after pairing it on water agar with 11 AG tester isolates representing all subgroups of AG 1 to AG 5. The hyphal diameter at the obvious point of anastomosis was reduced and cell death of adjacent cells was observed. In 2007, pathogenicity was determined by planting 12-week-old seedlings of SKW, one per pot, into 20 15-cm-diameter pots of a steamed greenhouse soil mix composed of sphagnum peat, sand, and Bozeman silt loam (1:1:1, vol/vol), pH 6.6, infested with R. solani-colonized barley grain that had been dried and milled. An inoculum level of 8 CFU/g of air-dried soil was determined by most probable number calculations from fourfold dilutions of infested soil. Controls were planted into noninfested soil. In both greenhouse tests, the isolate caused either mortality or a 93% mean fresh weight reduction of surviving plants, relative to the controls, after 8 months. R. solani was reisolated from necrotic root and crown tissue of dead and stunted plants but not from the controls. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solani occurring on SKW in Europe. The characterization and pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolated from insect-colonized roots of SKW in Europe was reported previously (1). References: (1) A. J. Caesar et al. BioControl 47:217. (2) S. A. Hirsch and J. A. Leitch, North Dakota Agricultural Economics Report No. 355. NDSU, Fargo. 1996.
Life cycle modeling for adaptive and variant design part 2: case study

Life cycle modeling for design (LCMD) facilitates the incorporation of life cycle modeling into product design by including consideration of uncertainty in a product’s final specifications. The methodology combines Life Cycle Assessment with probabilistic design methods in a way that reduces information needs. Part 1 of this article presents the basic LCMD methodology. Here, in Part 2, LCMD is used to evaluate material substitution opportunities to reduce resource consumption, reduce life cycle air emissions, and increase the recyclable mass for a Ford C-class sedan. In addition to further illustrating LCMD, the case study identifies vehicle design scenarios that offer modest improvements in environmental performance and related cost tradeoffs.
Probabilistic macro behavioral targeting

We investigate a class of emerging online marketing challenges in social networks; and formally, we define macro behavioral targeting (MBT) to be the marketing efforts that appeal to a massive targeted population with non-personalized broadcasting. Upon the problem formulation, we describe a probabilistic graphical model for MBT. In our model, we derive the prior distributions from scratch because existing applications of graphical model / Bayesian network cannot fully capture the unique characteristics of MBT. In the derivation, we propose an approximation method to circumvent an intractable situation where order statistics need be calculated from exponentially increasing computations. In the experiments, we present case studies on real Facebook data.
Study of magnetic resonance imaging-based arteriovenous malformation delineation without conventional angiography.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) delineation for gamma knife radiosurgery without conventional angiography and to correlate factors that may affect AVM delineation. METHODS: A series of 57 consecutive patients with AVMs treated with gamma knife radiosurgery from August 1994 to December 2000 were reviewed. All patients in the study had undergone pretreatment angiography. The mean AVM volume was 2.8 cm 3 , with a median of 2,0 cm 3 trange, 0.04-22 cm 3 ). All AVMs were delineated on the original frame-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans by a vascular neurosurgeon without the assistance of angiography and then compared with the actual AVM delineation on the basis of previously performed angiography and MRI. Univarlate correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship of AVM coverage, size, diffuseness, previous embolization, and hemorrhage parameters. RESULTS: The study volume of MRI-based volume alone coincided with the actual treatment volume by a mean of 58% for diffuse and 87% for nondiffuse AVMs (P = 0,0005). At AVM volume greater than 2 cm 3 , the median percentage of coinciding volume was 63% for embolized AVMs and 82% for nonembolized AVMs (P = 0.0315). Conversely, the study volume overestimated the actual treatment volume by a mean of 57% for AVMs larger than 2 cm 3 versus 25% for AVMs smaller than 2 cm 3 (P = 0.0012). in general, the percentage of the coinciding volume was inversely related to that of the excess volume, whereas both the study volume and the coinciding volume were proportionate to AVM volume at treatment. CONCLUSION: MRI-based AVM delineation without conventional angiography may be feasible only for selected patients, such as those with nondiffuse and large nonembolized AVMs.
The Effect of Female Sex Hormone upon the Volume of Seminal Fluid in Man

THE EFFECT OF an estrogenic substance, alpha estradiol benzoate, upon the volume of the seminal fluid was studied in five men. The alpha-estradiol benzoate (1) was given by intramuscular injection in doses which varied from 6,000 to 12,000 R.U. 3 to 6 times a week. Table 1 shows the number of patients, specimens examined, and the volume of seminal fluid obtained before, during and after treatment, also the total amount of alpha-estradiol benzoate injected and the number of injections given during each period. Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were prepared from the data in the table and they illus trate the changes in the volume of the seminal fluid.
Monoclonal gammopathies and malignancies in patients with chronic urticaria

Background Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) has been described in association with chronic urticaria (CU) in patients with Schnitzler syndrome. Chronic urticaria may be a manifestation of hematologic malignancies. Methods This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of MGUS or malignancy in patients with CU. The Mayo Clinic electronic database was reviewed to identify patients with the diagnosis of CU. Results Of the 1639 patients presenting with CU between 1994 and 2001, 797 (49%) underwent laboratory evaluation for the presence of a coexisting monoclonal protein. Forty-seven CU patients had MGUS, 142 had a malignancy, and 24 had both. Fifteen percent of CU patients with MGUS had a hematologic malignancy compared with 0.9% of CU patients without MGUS (P 56 years) were more likely to have associated underlying MGUS. The occurrence of MGUS in this group was higher than the reported incidence of MGUS in the general population. Conclusions Patients with CU younger than 43 years were unlikely to have associated MGUS or malignancy. A higher percentage of patients with CU and MGUS had an associated diagnosis of hematologic malignancy.
Role of calcium-independent phospholipase A2β in high glucose-induced activation of RhoA, Rho-kinase, and CPI-17 in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility in diabetic animals

Previous studies suggest that high glucose-induced RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 activation is involved in diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility. However, the upstream signaling that links high glucose and RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 activation is unknown. Here we report that calcium-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) is required for high glucose-induced RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 activation and thereby contributes to diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility. We demonstrate that high glucose increases iPLA2β mRNA, protein, and iPLA2 activity in a time-dependent manner. Protein kinase C is involved in high glucose-induced iPLA2β protein up-regulation. Inhibiting iPLA2β activity with bromoenol lactone or preventing its expression by genetic deletion abolishes high glucose-induced RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 activation, and restoring expression of iPLA2β in iPLA2β-deficient cells also restores high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of 12/15-lipoxygenases has effects on high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation similar to iPLA2β inhibition. Moreover, increases in iPLA2 activity and iPLA2β protein expression are also observed in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic vasculature. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of iPLA2β, but not iPLA2γ, diminishes diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility. In summary, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which high glucose-induced, protein kinase C-mediated iPLA2β up-regulation activates the RhoA/Rho kinase/CPI-17 via 12/15-lipoxygenases and thereby contributes to diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hypercontractility.
Axiomatic measures of perceived risk: Some tests and extensions

The history of axiomatic measurement of perceived risk of unidimensional risky choice alternatives is briefly reviewed. Experiments 1 and 2 present data that distinguish between two general classes of risk functions (those that assume that gain and loss components of an alternative combine additively versus multiplicatively) on empirical grounds. The most viable risk model on the basis of these and other results is described. Experiment 3 presents data that call into question the descriptive adequacy of some of this risk model’s assumptions, in particular the expectation principle. Suggestions for possible modifications are made.
Writing Apprehension and Writing Competency

AbstractWriting apprehension is a situation and subject-specific individual difference concerned with people’s general tendencies to approach or avoid writing. Theoretically, and on the basis of previous research, those with low apprehension about writing should perform better on tests of writing skills than highly apprehensive writers. The present study tested this prediction. As expected, low apprehensives scored significantly better on comprehensive tests of grammar, mechanics, and larger concerns in writing skills. Supplemental analyses revealed that average scores for individuals normally classified as moderates tended to fall between the average scores obtained for high and low apprehensives.