cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Qualitative Methods to Explore Communication Practices in the Context of Patient Care Rounds on General Care Units.

Poor communication between physicians and nurses is a significant contributor to adverse events for hospitalized patients. Overcoming communication difficulties requires examining communication practices to better understand some of the factors that affect the nurse-physician communication process. To develop a more detailed understanding of communication practices between nurses and physicians on general care units. We focused on patient care rounds as an important activity in the care delivery process for communication. Qualitative study design A total of 163 physicians, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners who worked on pre-specified general care units in each of four hospitals in the Midwest. On each unit, data collection consisted of 2 weeks of observing and shadowing clinicians during rounds and at other times, as well as asking clinicians questions about rounds and communication during interviews and focus groups. A directed content analysis approach was used to code and analyze the data. Workflow differences contributed to organizational complexity, affecting rounds and subsequently communication practices, both across and within provider types. Nurse and patient participation during rounds appeared to reduce interruptions and hence cognitive load for physicians and nurses. Physicians adopted certain behaviors within the social context to improve communication, such as socializing and building relationships with the nurses, which contributed to nurse participation in rounds. When rapport was lacking, some nurses felt uncomfortable joining physicians during rounds unless they were explicitly invited. Improving communication requires bringing attention to three contextual dimensions of communication: organizational complexity, cognitive load, and the social context. Initiatives that seek to improve communication may be more successful if they acknowledge the complexity of communication and the context in which it occurs.
Chapter 14 – Bifidobacterium bifidum

First isolated and characterized over 60 years ago, strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum have been extensively studied and many characterized in detail at a molecular level over the subsequent decades. Several properties of potential clinical significance have been identified in the laboratory: immune-modulatory, metabolic, antibacterial, and antiviral. Clinical trials in man have revealed positive effects in diarrheal disease, disorders involving mucosal inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Fecal microbiota transplantation for patients on antibiotic treatment with C. difficile infection history (GRAFT): Study protocol for a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to prevent recurrent C. difficile infections.

Abstract Recurrent Clostridiodes difficile infections (rCDIs) are a burdensome problem. Patients with a history of CDI that are prescribed antibiotics are at a high risk for recurrence. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for rCDI, though there is little information on the impact of FMT with antibiotics on the gut microbiome. We are conducting a clinical trial of FMT to prevent rCDI in patients with a history of CDI currently taking antibiotics. Our primary objective is to determine the effect of FMT on the gut microbiome during antibiotic exposure. Our secondary aim is to assess safety and feasibility of using FMT as a prophylaxis for CDI. We plan to enroll 30 patients into a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with three arms: (1) 5 FMT capsules per day during antibiotic treatment and for 7 days post antibiotic cessation, (2) a one-time dose of 30 FMT capsules 48–72 h post cessation of antibiotic treatment, or (3) 5 placebo capsules per day during antibiotic treatment and for 7 days post antibiotic treatment. Patients provide stool samples throughout the duration of the study and are cultured C. difficile. Sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene will be carried out to assess the gut microbiota. Results of this study will provide information on the impact of FMT on the gut microbiome as well as the necessary data to examine whether or not prophylactic FMT should be explored further as a way to prevent CDI recurrence.
Long QT Syndrome Type 2: Emerging Strategies for Correcting Class 2 KCNH2 (hERG) Mutations and Identifying New Patients

Significant advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) have been made. A wide variety of experimental approaches, including heterologous expression of mutant ion channel proteins and the use of inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) from LQTS patients offer insights into etiology and new therapeutic strategies. This review briefly discusses the major molecular mechanisms underlying LQTS type 2 (LQT2), which is caused by loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the KCNH2 gene (also known as the human ether-a-go-go-related gene or hERG). Almost half of suspected LQT2-causing mutations are missense mutations, and functional studies suggest that about 90% of these mutations disrupt the intracellular transport, or trafficking, of the KCNH2-encoded Kv11.1 channel protein to the cell surface membrane. In this review, we discuss emerging strategies that improve the trafficking and functional expression of trafficking-deficient LQT2 Kv11.1 channel proteins to the cell surface membrane and how new insights into the structure of the Kv11.1 channel protein will lead to computational approaches that identify which KCNH2 missense variants confer a high-risk for LQT2.
Interneuron Dysfunction in a New Mouse Model of SCN1A GEFS

Advances in genome sequencing have identified over 1300 mutations in the SCN1A sodium channel gene that result in genetic epilepsies. However, it still remains unclear how most individual mutations within SCN1A result in seizures. A previous study has shown that the K1270T (KT) mutation, linked to genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+) in humans, causes heat-induced seizure activity associated with a temperature-dependent decrease in GABAergic neuron excitability in a Drosophila knock-in model. To examine the behavioral and cellular effects of this mutation in mammals, we introduced the equivalent KT mutation into the mouse (Mus musculus) Scn1a (Scn1aKT) gene using CRISPR/Cas9 and generated mutant lines in two widely used genetic backgrounds: C57BL/6NJ and 129X1/SvJ. In both backgrounds, mice homozygous for the KT mutation had spontaneous seizures and died by postnatal day (P)23. There was no difference in mortality of heterozygous KT mice compared with wild-type littermates up to six months old. Heterozygous mutants exhibited heat-induced seizures at ∼42°C, a temperature that did not induce seizures in wild-type littermates. In acute hippocampal slices at permissive temperatures, current-clamp recordings revealed a significantly depolarized shift in action potential threshold and reduced action potential amplitude in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing inhibitory CA1 interneurons in Scn1aKT/+ mice. There was no change in the firing properties of excitatory CA1 pyramidal neurons. These results suggest that a constitutive decrease in inhibitory interneuron excitability contributes to the seizure phenotype in the mouse model.
Facile surface modification with hexamethyldisilazane to generate atomically flat and hydrophobic substrates for filament gliding assays with molecular motors

In vitro gliding assay is a well-established assay for determining the activity of protein motors, such as actin-associated myosins and microtubule-associated kinesins and dyneins. In one of the conventional methods, protein motors are immobilized onto a nitrocellulose-coated coverslip and it propels actin filaments in the presence of ATP. Gliding assays also serve as the foundation for protein-motor-based nanotechnological devices such as biosensing and sorting. However, the preparation of nitrocellulose-coated coverslips is time-consuming and produces rough surfaces. Furthermore, the nitrocellulose film exhibits high background autofluorescence, which can be a problem in single-molecule measurements. Here, we investigated the use of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) to study actomyosin function and characterized its physical properties on glass coverslips and glass capillary tubes. We showed that the total preparation time to coat a coverslip with HMDS is 12-hour protocol for coating glass surfaces with nitrocellulose. In contrast to nitrocellulose film, HMDS vapor deposition is effortless and provides an atomically flat surface with low autofluorescence. In addition, HMDS does not interfere with myosin function, which is indicated by the similar actin gliding speed when compared with nitrocellulose. Our results show that HMDS vapor deposition is a more favorable surface treatment to nitrocellulose for in vitro gliding assay.
Freely Compelled, Compulsively Free: a Critical Pastoral Approach to Addiction

Critical pastoral theology has no doubt come to recognize the significance of social formations in the crisis of addiction as a symptom of suffering. This article suggests that how we understand and describe these social formations matters. It argues that our most common approaches to addiction risk reproducing forms of domination via an incomplete notion of freedom in their attempt to clarify the exceptional status of addiction. This can function to obscure the capitalist nature of addiction and the addictive nature of capitalism undergirding our everyday lives. The author argues that addiction is itself a symptomatic expression of capitalist social formations; not merely an individual pathology, addiction names the way our social attachments to objects and to one another become compulsive despite their negative consequences. This critical concept of addiction allows us to see, name, and negate the false promises on which the endurance of capitalism depends. The ultimate aim of this critical approach is to consider how we as caregivers might reflect on and transform these dominating social divisions.
A Case of Cefepime-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia.

What is known and objective Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) is a rare adverse event. It is often diagnosed using clinical risk criteria, but this can create diagnostic uncertainty. Case description A 35-year-old man with disseminated Serratia marcescens infection developed severe thrombocytopenia. A drug-dependent platelet-reactive antibody test demonstrated cefepime-dependent platelet-reactive antibodies which confirmed the diagnosis of DITP. What is new and conclusion We describe the first case of cefepime-induced DITP confirmed by a drug-dependent platelet-reactive antibody test. To our knowledge, this is the first proven example of DITP in a fourth-generation cephalosporin.
Staff Responsibility to Exercise

Recent attention has been focused on the importance of exercise for improving the physical functioning of renal patients. The involvement of the dialysis staff in encouragement and implementation of programs is critical to the success of patient efforts in improving physical functioning. Staff responsibility initially consists of various developmental steps that are focused on gaining staff support and developing a plan that matches the needs and the resources available to the unit. Each staff member plays a critical role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the exercise program. A concerted effort from all staff to incorporate exercise as a routine part of the patient care will enhance the potential of success and patient participation.
Synergistic antitumor effects of a combination of interferon and tamoxifen on estrogen receptor-positive and receptor-negative human tumor cell lines in vivo and in vitro.

Solid tumors are relatively resistant to growth inhibition by interferons (IFNs). To enhance sensitivity, we assessed combinations of IFNs with tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive)...
Multiparametric Image Analysis of Lung Branching Morphogenesis

Background: Lung-branching morphogenesis is a fundamental developmental process, yet the cellular dynamics that occur during lung development and the molecular mechanisms underlying recent postulated branching modes are poorly understood. Results: Here, we implemented a time-lapse video microscopy method to study the cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms of planar bifurcation and domain branching in lung explant- and organotypic cultures. Our analysis revealed morphologically distinct stages that are shaped at least in part by a combination of localized and orientated cell divisions and by local mechanical forces. We also identified myosin light-chain kinase as an important regulator of bud bifurcation, but not domain branching in lung explants. Conclusions: This live imaging approach provides a method to study cellular behavior during lung-branching morphogenesis and suggests the importance of a mechanism primarily based on oriented cell proliferation and mechanical forces in forming and shaping the developing lung airways. Developmental Dynamics 242:622–637, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
JUDGMENTAL BOOTSTRAPPING: INFERRING EXPERTS' RULES FOR FORECASTING

Judgmental bootstrapping is a type of expert system. It translates an expert’s rules into a quantitative model by regressing the expert’s forecasts against the information that he used. Bootstrapping models apply an expert’s rules consistently, and many studies have shown that decisions and predictions from bootstrapping models are similar to those from the experts. Three studies showed that bootstrapping improved the quality of production decisions in companies. To date, research on forecasting with judgmental bootstrapping has been restricted primarily to cross-sectional data, not time-series data. Studies from psychology, education, personnel, marketing, and finance showed that bootstrapping forecasts were more accurate than forecasts made by experts using unaided judgment. They were more accurate for eight of eleven comparisons, less accurate in one, and there were two ties. The gains in accuracy were generally substantial. Bootstrapping can be useful when historical data on the variable to be forecast are lacking or of poor quality; otherwise, econometric models should be used. Bootstrapping is most appropriate for complex situations, where judgments are unreliable, and where experts’ judgments have some validity. When many forecasts are needed, bootstrapping is cost-effective. If experts differ greatly in expertise, bootstrapping can draw upon the forecasts made by the best experts. Bootstrapping aids learning; it can help to identify biases in the way experts make predictions, and it can reveal how the best experts make predictions. Finally, judgmental bootstrapping offers the possibility of conducting “experiments” when the historical data for causal variables have not varied over time. Thus, it can serve as a supplement for econometric models.
Community Program to Prevent Diabetes in School Children

There is an alarming increase in obesity and type- 2 diabetes in children. This article describes the process used to develop a diabetes prevention education program led by a group of volunteers from a community. Professionals in the field of nursing, education, nutrition, physical education, and fitness combined their expertise to develop content on diabetes and healthy life styles for third and fourth graders. The focus is an overview on diabetes education, nutrition, and physical activity using a highly interactive environment for the program.
Sensitivity of Optimal Growth Paths with Respect to a Change in Target Stocks

For a one sector model with the planner’s preferences given by a sum of one period concave utility functions with arbitrary time dependence and production conditions given by concave production functions with completely general technical change we show: (i) in an optimal T period program an increase in final stock requirements implies investments must be increased in every period, (ii) optimal T period programs with no final stock requirements converge to a limit program as T→∞,and (iii) a sharp bound, \( \bar b \) ,is given on final stock requirements, b,such that if \( b < \bar b \) ,optimal T period programs with final stocks, b converge to the limit program of (ii) as T→∞.
Genetically‐Defined Ovarian Cancer Mouse Models

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the deadliest of gynaecological cancers, is a disease that remains difficult to detect early and treat efficiently. A significant challenge for researchers in the field is that the aetiology of EOC and the molecular pathways important for its development are poorly understood. Moreover, precursor lesions have not been readily identifiable, making the mechanisms of EOC progression difficult to delineate. In order to address these issues, several genetically-defined ovarian mouse models have been generated in the past 15 years. However, because of the recent suggestion that most EOCs may not originate from the ovarian surface 'epithelium', but from other tissues of the female genital tract, some models may need to be re-evaluated within this new paradigm. In this review, we examine several genetically-defined EOC models and discuss how the new paradigm may explain some of the features of these models. A better understanding of the strengths and limitations of the current EOC mouse models will undoubtedly allow us to utilize these tools to better understand the biology of the disease and develop new approaches for EOC prevention, detection, and treatment.
The synthesis of binuclear copper(II) complexes and the study of their catecholase activity

Abstract Three new binuclear copper(II) complexes have been prepared with shift bases derived from the condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol with the amino acids lysine, glutamic acid and arginine. The binuclearity of the complexes was characterized from optical, magnetic and electron spin resonance studies. Their ability to catalyze the dioxygen oxidation of several substituted catechols was measured using oxygen uptake and optical techniques.
Identification of triazolopyridazinones as potent p38α inhibitors

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigations of a novel class of triazolopyridazinone p38α mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors are disclosed. From these studies, increased in vitro potency was observed for 2,6-disubstituted phenyl moieties and N-ethyl triazolopyridazinone cores due to key contacts with Leu108, Ala157 and Val38. Further investigation led to the identification of three compounds, 3g, 3j and 3m that are highly potent inhibitors of LPS-induced MAPKAP kinase 2 (MK2) phosphorylation in 50% human whole blood (hWB), and possess desirable in vivo pharmacokinetic and kinase selectivity profiles.
Approaches to forecasting demands for library network services

The problem of forecasting monthly demands for library network services is considered, especially in terms of using forecasts as inputs to policy analysis models and in terms of the use of forecasts as an aid to budgeting and staffing decisions. Forecasting methods considered include Box-Jenkins time-series methodology, adaptive filtering, and linear regression. Using demand data from the Illinois Library and Information Network for 1971–1978, it is shown that fading-memory regression is the most appropriate method, in terms of both accuracy and ease of use.
Strong triplet excited-state absorption in a phenanthrolinyl iridium(III) complex with benzothiazolylfluorenyl-substituted ligands.

Femtosecond transient difference absorption (fs TA) measurements, together with a series of open-aperture Z scans at picosecond and nanosecond pulse widths and a variety of pulse energies, were performed on a 1,10-phenanthrolinyl iridium(III) complex bearing ligands containing a benzothiazolylfluorenyl motif. An analysis of decay data from the fs TA experiment yields a value of 1.24±0.26 ns for the singlet excited-state lifetime τS of the complex. By fitting the Z scans to a five-level dynamic model incorporating the independently measured value of τS and previously reported values of the complex’s triplet quantum yield (0.13) and triplet excited-state lifetime (230 ns), we obtain values of 3.5×10−17 cm2 (singlet) and 5.0×10−16 cm2 (triplet) for the excited-state absorption cross-sections of the complex in toluene solution at 532 nm; the latter value represents one of the largest triplet excited-state absorption cross-sections ever reported at this wavelength. The ratio of the triplet excited-state cross-section to the ground-state absorption cross-section exceeds 3800.
Complete mitochondrial genome of a neotropical fruit bat, Artibeus jamaicensis, and a new hypothesis of the relationships of bats to other eutherian mammals.

The complete mitochondrial genome was obtained from a microchiropteran bat, Artibeus jamaicensis. The presumptive amino acid sequence for the protein-coding genes was compared with predicted amino acid sequences from several representatives of other mammalian orders. Data were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and neighbor joining. All analyses placed bats as the sister group of carnivores, perissodactyls, artiodactyls, and cetaceans (e.g., 100% bootstrap value with both maximum parsimony and neighbor joining). The data strongly support a new hypothesis about the origin of bats, specifically a bat/ferungulate grouping. None of the analyses supported the superorder Archonta (bats, flying lemurs, primates, and tree shrews). Our hypothesis regarding the relationship of bats to other eutherian mammals is concordant with previous molecular studies and contrasts with hypotheses based solely on morphological criteria and an incomplete fossil record. The A. jamaicensis mitochondrial DNA control region has a complex pattern of tandem repeats that differs from previously reported chiropteran control regions.
Enhanced killing of Chinese hamster cells following combined exposure to 'sunlight' and x-rays.

Abstract— Enhanced cell killing due to combined exposure to sunlight-like near-UV light (Westinghouse Sun Lamps, FS20) and X-rays, indicative of damage interaction, is observed at all stages of the cell cycle. The greatest interaction is observed in the middle of the DNA synthetic phase. At equal survival, ‘sunlight’ damage is only partly additive to X-ray damage, and vice versa, whereas in earlier studies we found that far-UV light (254 nm) produces damage completely additive to X-ray damage. Loss of damage interaction between radiations is more rapid after a first dose of X-rays than after a first dose of ‘sunlight’.
Toward PMU-based robust automatic voltage control (AVC) and automatic flow control (AFC)

This paper is motivated by the need to automate adjustments of deviations in key output variables from their scheduled values. In particular, it is important to maintain load voltages within their pre-specified limits in response to many disturbances, for example load power factor deviations. Similarly, it is important to regulate real power line flows to within their pre-specified limits as disturbances around scheduled real power generation dispatch take place. Such automation is a feasible goal since the PMUs could provide accurate and fast sensing of key output variables of interest. Given the number of PMUs, the selection of best locations of PMUs and the control design based on these measurements becomes an engineering design problem. In this paper we provide a problem formulation for a robust Automated Voltage Control (AVC) and Automated Flow Control (AFC) design based on selecting the best locations for placing the PMUs. The AVC and AFC designs are illustrated using a small 5-bus example first. This is followed by illustrating potential performance of such design on an equivalent NPCC 36-bus system. The results indicate that the (N−1) reliability criteria can be met by combining the economic dispatch for scheduling resources given demand forecast, and by relying on an automated feedback to ensure that voltage and line flow deviations remain within the pre-specified limits in between scheduling intervals. This is done without having to know the exact location and magnitude of disturbances.
Eggshell calcification of lymph nodes: an update

Peripheral calcification of lymph nodes, "eggshell calcification," commonly occurs in patients with silicosis and coal-worker's pneumoconiosis. Sarcoidosis, postirradiation Hodgkin disease, blastomycosis, and scleroderma are other reported causes. Two not previously described causes, amyloidosis and histoplasmosis, are presented, and disorders that simulate eggshell calcification are listed. The explanation for the eggshell pattern of calcification is not known.
Large injection volumes of derivatized iodothyronines in capillary gas chromatography

Abstract The response of some derivatized iodothyronines by capillary gas chromatography with electron-capture detection decreases with larger injection volumes under isothermal conditions (column at 256°C). However, this response is constant under temperature-programmed conditions (column initially at 200°C). These results are not influenced by the different retention time of these solutes, nor by the length or composition of the injector (glass vs . quartz, each silanized), but are influenced significantly by the choice of injection solvent. Collectively, these data indicate a solventinduced loss of the derivatized iodothyronines in the fused silica column, as opposed to a loss in the injector, or a loss (or decreased sensitivity) in electron-capture detector, with larger injection volumes. Nevertheless, the chromatographic performance, aside from the lower recovery, is acceptable even with injection volumes as large as 6 μl under isothermal conditions onto a narrow-bore capillary column, due primarily to the high flow-rate of carrier gas in the injector and column (11.5 cm 3 min −1 ), and the characteristics of the derivatized iodothyronines in this type of analysis.
Perturbative versus AF corrections in ep scattering

Abstract A comparison between lowest-order perturbative gluon corrections and the asymptotic freedom (AF) modifications of the valence/sea quark and the gluon momentum distributions is carried out. As | q 2 | increases, gluon radiation from initial state (valence/sea) quarks decreases, whereas gluon quark-antiquark production increases. The excellent agreement between perturbative and AF corrections in the range | q 2 | ⩽ 200 GeV 2 , x ⩽0.8 suggests clean signatures of gluons in deep inelastic lepton-hadron scattering.
Functional and structural roles of the highly conserved Trp120 loop region of glucoamylase from Aspergillus awamori

The functional role of a loop region, highly conserved among glucoamylase and other starch hydrolases which also includes the essential Trp120 of Aspergillus awamori, is investigated. Residues 121-125 of A. awamori glucoamylase were singly substituted, and their individual effects on catalytic activity and thermal stability were determined. The Arg122-->Tyr mutation displayed opposing effects for shorter and longer maltooligosaccharide substrates, K(m) decreasing for shorter substrates but increasing for longer substrates. The Pro123-->Gly mutation decreases the thermal stability of glucoamylase by 19 degrees C with little effect on activity. The Gln124-->His substitution decreases k(cat) for all substrates 10-15-fold. Gly121-->Thr and Arg125-->Lys had only minor effects on glucoamylase activity. While Arg122-->Tyr, Gln124-->His, and the previously constructed Trp120-->Phe [Sierks, M. R., Svensson, B., Ford, C., & Reilly, P. J. (1989) Protein Eng. 2, 621-625] glucoamylases have significantly reduced activity toward maltose hydrolysis, all mutations in the Trp120 loop region retain wild-type level activity toward alpha-D-glucosyl fluoride hydrolysis. The Trp120 loop region therefore plays a major role in directing conformational changes controlling the postulated rate-limiting product release step, even though only Trp120 is indicated to interact with acarbose in the crystal structure [Aleshin, A. E., Firsov, L. M., & Honzatko, R. B. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15631-15639]. Side chains of residues 116, 120, 122, and 124 oriented in one direction play crucial roles in the enzyme mechanism, while side chains of residues 119, 121, 123, and 125, oriented in the opposite direction, play only minor roles.
Reaction mechanism and kinetics for the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide by nitrate radical

Abstract The reaction between dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3) and nitrate radical (NO3) is studied using density functional theory and ab initio methods. The transition state for this reaction is optimized at different levels of theory and basis sets, and then used for kinetics calculations of the rate constant. The CH3SCH3 + NO3 reaction leading to CH3SCH2 and HNO3 is shown to have a negative activation energy and thus negative temperature dependence. The study confirms that the NO3 radical is a significant contributor to the oxidation of DMS in the troposphere.
Preclinical developments in type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, such as muscle and fat, impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and elevated hepatic gluconeogenesis. Current pharmacotherapy does not adequately address the metabolic defects underlying this disease. Thus, novel targets are being explored that enhance insulin action at target tissues, stimulate carbohydrate and fat catabolism, decrease endogenous glucose production and increase pancreatic β-cell neogenesis and glucose-dependent insulin secretion. This article reviews recent developments in research on several of these targets, namely acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), I kappa kinase (IKK) beta, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R).
Body temperature and behavior of tree shrews and flying squirrels in a thermal gradient

Abstract Refinetti, R. Body temperature and behavior of tree shrews and flying squirrels in a thermal gradient. Physiol Behav 63(4) 517–520, 1998. The daily rhythms of body temperature, temperature selection, and locomotor activity of tree shrews and flying squirrels were studied in a thermal gradient. In accordance with previous observations in other mammalian species, the rhythm of temperature selection was found to be 180° out of phase with the body temperature rhythm in both species. Comparison of the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm in the presence and absence of the ambient temperature gradient indicated that behavioral temperature selection reduces the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm. This provides support for the hypothesis that the homeostatic control of body temperature opposes—rather than facilitates—the circadian oscillation in body temperature.
Time-dependent formation of mantled inclusion structures for different rheologies under a simple shear

Abstract Mantled inclusions, commonly encountered in mylonites, sometimes represent the only recorders of the deformation history. Understanding the influence of rheology on the structure of mantled inclusion is important for its interpretation and also for the retrieval of the deformation regime. This paper is devoted to the 2D numerical investigation of time-dependent deformation behavior of inclusion and its dependence on rheology under simple shear. The numerical model is based on an iterative finite-difference scheme. The inclusion is taken to be deformable and having its own intrinsic rheological properties differing from those of the matrix. The diffusion between the matrix and the inclusion is assumed to be insignificant. In order to emulate natural mantled inclusion, we imposed passive mantle around the inclusion, which efficiently monitors the deformation. The results of numerical modeling show that a key factor of structural appearance is the effective viscosity contrast (ratio of the inclusion to matrix effective viscosities). In the power-law rheology, even a small difference in rheological parameters may result in a high effective viscosity contrast of around 10 between matrix and inclusion. The high contrast inhibits stretching of the inclusion, preserving its round shape, which, in turn, may create an illusion of the seeming rigidity of the inclusion. Wings or tails are developed only in the systems with a high effective viscosity contrast. They are not influenced by whether the high viscosity contrast is produced by non-Newtonian medium or by the highly contrasting viscosity between the matrix and the inclusion in the linear rheology.
Impact of age correlated biochemical changes of host plant on food consumption and utilization efficiency ofAularches scabiosae F (Orthoptera: Insecta)

The impact of age correlated biochemical changes inTectona grandis Linn f (Verbenaceae) leaves on the food consumption and utilization efficiency ofAularches scabiosae F is provided. The relative preference and maximum utilization of mature leaves when compared to young and senescent leaves are attributed to the changes in the chemical profile particularly protein, nitrogen, carbohydrates, phenols and free fatty acids.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Probing the Nexus of Migration, Religion, and Education

Religion is on the move. In 2012, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life published Faith on the Move: The Religious Affiliations of International Migrants, a report and accompany...
Suprachiasmatic Nuclear Lesions Eliminate Circadian Rhythms of Drinking and Activity, but Not of Body Temperature, in Male Rats

Male Long-Evans rats were maintained in light proof cabinets while drinking, activity, and telemetered body temperature (Tb) data were collected. After suprachiasmatic nuclear (SCN) lesions, the rats were exposed to a 12:12 light-dark cycle, a 6-hr delay in the lighting cycle, and constant dark. Lesions that abolished the drinking and activity rhythms did not eliminate the Tb rhythm. However, the amplitude, phase, and free-running period of the Tb rhythm were altered. Lesions that only partially damaged the SCN had similar, though lesser effects. In some cases, Tb rhythms remained normal, activity rhythms were only temporarily disrupted, and drinking rhythms were eliminated in the same animals. These results support the conclusion that Tb can remain rhythmic after lesions that permanently or temporarily disrupt other circadian rhythms. Of the three rhythms, it appears that drinking rhythms are most easily and Tb rhythms least easily disrupted by SCN lesions.
High Performance Dictionary-Based String Matching for Deep Packet Inspection

Dictionary-Based String Matching (DBSM) is used in network Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) applications virus scanning (ClamAV) and network intrusion detection (Snort). We propose the Pipelined Affix Search with Tail Acceleration (PASTA) architecture for solving DBSM with guaranteed worst-case performance. Our PASTA architecture is composed of a Pipelined Affix Search Relay (PASR) followed by a Tail Acceleration Finite Automaton (TAFA). PASR consists of one or more pipelined Binary Search Tree (pBST) modules arranged in a linear array. TAFA is constructed with the Aho-Corasick goto and failure functions (aho:cacm75) in a compact multi-path and multi-stride tree structure. Both PASR and TAFA achieve good memory efficiency of 1.2 and 2 B/ch (bytes per character) respectively and are pipelined to achieve a high clock rate of 200 MHz on FPGAs. Because PASTA does not depend on the effectiveness of any hash function or the property of the input stream, its performance is guaranteed in the worst case. Our prototype implementation of PASTA on an FPGA with 10 Mb on-chip block RAM achieves 3.2 Gbps matching throughput against a dictionary of over 700K characters. This level of performance surpasses the requirements of next-generation security gateways for deep packet inspection.
Deep brain stimulation lead fixation: a comparative study of the Navigus and Medtronic burr hole fixation device

Abstract Objectives: To determine the extent of lead movement based on the type of burr hole fixation device used to secure the lead (Image-Guided Neurologics [IGN], Navigus versus Medtronic [Model 7495-51]). A randomized, blinded design of lead movement measurement was used. Methods: A clinical series of 58 individuals undergoing placement of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system with a total of 71 operative sides were examined. Lead position was compared between 71 paired, sagital, digitized X-rays of lead position immediately before and after the lead was secured to the basecap. Lead movement was measured in a randomized, blinded fashion using the Siemens measurement tool at an 8× magnification rate. The presurgical planned target centered at the cross hatch of the reticules on a lateral X-ray served as the reference point to determine lead movement. Results: The overall mean lead movement was significantly less using the IGN (1.9 mm), as compared to the Medtronic (3.3 mm), fixation device. Moreover, the pattern of lead movement was significantly different between the two devices. That is, the majority of measured movements using IGN device was in the superior direction (74%), whereas the opposite was true for the Medtronic device (i.e., 62% with inferior movement). Conclusion: The IGN burr hole fixation device is associated with significantly less movement when securing the lead. Probable mechanisms of movement are discussed.
Studies on the physiological variation between tropical and temperate zone fiddler crabs of the genus UCA—X. The influence of temperature on cytochrome-C oxidase activity

Abstract 1. 1. Cytochrome- c oxidase activity has been assayed spectrophotometrically at 15 and 25°C in muscle tissue and in he supraoesophaegeal ganglion (SEG) from three latitudinally separasted populations of cold- and warm-acclimated Uca: U, pugnax from North Carolina, U. rapax from Florida and U. rapax from Puerto Rico. 2. 2. Enzymatic activity in muscle tissue from U.pugmax and U. rapax from Florida was increased significantly following cold-acclimation. Enzymatic activity in muscle tissue from the tropical populations of U. rapax was not significantly altered when the crabs were exposed to cold. 3. 3. Enzymatic activity was increased in the SEG from cold-acclimated crabs only in U. pugnax . In the Florida population of U. rapax , no exchange occured, while the Puerto Ricom population showed a significant decrease after exposure to cold. 4. 4. Using Precht's scheme of classification of acclimation patterns, each tissue and each population have a distinctive pattern. The temperate-zone species demonstrated the greatest degree of thermal acclimation.
LANGUAGE PERFORMANCE IN THREE GROUPS OF CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE: THOSE WITH STROKE, WITHOUT STROKE, AND AT RISK FOR STROKE

Language performance was assessed in three groups of children (16 boys and 14 girls) with sickle cell disease: those with stroke, without stroke, and at risk for stroke. Scores of the three groups did not differ significantly on language comprehension, language expression, spatial orientation, or on overall combined performance scores. Such results have positive medical implications.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ANDROGYNY AND THE NEO PERSONALITY INVENTORY

The hypothesis that the personality profile of androgynous individuals is different from those of the other sex-role groups was tested by giving the Personal Attributes Questionnaire and the NEO Personality Inventory to 113 male and 135 female undergraduates. Results strongly supported the hypothesis.
Multi-interval line coding technique for high speed transmissions

A multi-interval line coding (MILC) technique which operates over blocks of intervals is proposed to increase the transmission rate without expanding the bandwidth or using higher order signalling. This is done by dividing every interval into sub-intervals, and allowing the signals to make amplitude transitions at the end of sub-intervals. However, the waveforms are generated by maintaining the duration of all individual pulses at least at equal to the original bit interval thereby maintaining spectral variations close to that of ordinary binary signals. Numerical results presented for data transmission over a printed circuit board (PCB) trace indicate that MILC schemes perform significantly better than ordinary binary signalling at the same information transfer rate under severe ISI conditions.
Translational spectroscopy of HNCO photodissociation

Abstract The kinetic energy released in the photodissociation of HNCO is measured by photofragment translational spectroscopy. In this study, CO is ionized by laser ionization immediately following its ejection from HNCO. The time for the CO ions to travel the length of our spectrometer is then measured, and the kinetic energy released by the photodissociation is calculated. Changing the wavelength of the laser that ionizes the CO changes the selected internal energy and the expected change in the kinetic energy release is observed. These data confirm that the threshold for NH (a 1 Δ) production is the dissociation energy.
Stage‐Dependent Effects of Ethanol on Cranial Neural Crest Cell Development: Partial Basis for the Phenotypic Variations Observed in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterized by growth retardation, mental deficiencies, and numerous craniofacial and neuronal anomalies; the type and severity of these defects may be related to the time and dose of maternal ethanol exposure. Ethanol administered during presomitic stages results in the typical FAS craniofacial phenotype and is accompanied by a loss of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) through ethanol-induced cell death. However, the stage-specific effects of ethanol on the CNCC population is unknown. We examined the effects of ethanol on CNCC populations by treating in ovo chick embryos with a single ethanol dose (0.43 mmol/egg) at various stages of CNCC development, and corresponding to the first 3-4 weeks of human gestation. Ethanol treatment induced cell death and reduced CNCC populations in patterns consistent with observed dysmorphologies of CNCC-derived cranial structures. The precise population affected was dependent on the timing of ethanol exposure. Treatment at gastrulation or neurulation induced cell death and losses of CNCC populations, particularly those in rostral positions, and resulted in more severe craniofacial defects. In contrast, treatment at early somitic stages (4-16 somites) induced cell death, primarily within caudal CNCC populations, but resulted in less severe craniofacial defects, suggesting an increased capacity for recovery. These results suggest that there are distinct developmental windows during which the CNCCs may be particularly susceptible to ethanol-induced cell death. We conclude that ethanol exposure seems to affect specific events adversely during neural crest development. The timing of embryonic ethanol exposure relative to CNCC development could account, in part, for the heterogenous craniofacial defects observed in FAS.
Endothelin-1 and cell proliferation in lung organ cultures: Implications for lung allografts

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients following lung transplantation. ET-1 causes contraction of isolated pulmonary vessels and bronchi and stimulates proliferation of smooth muscle cells in culture. Therefore, ET-1 could contribute to the smooth muscle hyperplasia and stromal proliferation seen in chronic rejection of lung allografts. Experiments were designed to determine whether (1) ET-1 stimulates proliferation of pulmonary tissue, (2) proliferation is increased in rejecting allotransplanted lungs, (3) endothelin-A receptors mediate the proliferative response, and (4) ET-1 is produced by activated infiltrating immunocompetent cells. Lung organ cultures were prepared from unoperated dogs and dogs with rejecting single lung allografts. Incubation of organ cultures from unoperated dogs with ET-1 (10(-9) to 10(-7) M)) increased positive staining for proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in lung parenchyma. PCNA staining was not decreased by the endothelin-A antagonist BQ123 (10(-6) M). In addition, immunostaining for endothelin-B receptors was present in sections of unoperated but not rejecting lungs. PCNA staining in lung cultures from rejecting allotransplanted dogs was significantly greater than that from unoperated dogs. Positive immunohistochemical staining for ET-1 was found in mononuclear cells infiltrating rejecting transplanted lungs. In conclusion, exogenous ET-1 is mitogenic in lung organ cultures through receptors other than endothelin-A. Proliferation in rejecting transplanted lungs is increased compared with unoperated lungs. Mononuclear cells may be a source of endothelin-1 in the rejecting lung. ET-1, therefore could, in synergism with other cytokines, contribute to acute and chronic pathological changes seen in pulmonary rejection.
IL-4 selectively enhances FcγRIII expression and signaling on mouse mast cells ☆

Abstract Fc receptors for IgG (FcγR) are widely expressed in the hematopoietic system and mediate a variety of inflammatory responses. There are two functional classes of FcγR, activation and inhibitory receptors. Since IgG immune complexes (IgG IC) bind each class with similar affinity, co-expression of these receptors leads to their co-ligation. Thus, expression levels of this antagonistic pair play a critical role in determining the cellular response. Murine mast cells co-express the activation receptor FcγRIII and the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIb and can be activated by IgG IC. Mast cell activation contributes to allergic and other inflammatory diseases—particularly those in which IgG IC may play important roles. Using mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, we report that IL-4 selectively increases FcγRIII expression without altering FcγRIIb. This enhanced expression could be induced by Stat6 activation alone, and appeared to be mediated in part by increased FcγRIIIα protein synthesis without significant changes in transcription. The increase in FcγRIII expression was functionally significant, as it was matched by enhanced FcγR-mediated degranulation and cytokine production. Selective regulation of mast cell FcγR by interleukin-4 could alter inflammatory IgG responses and subsequently disease severity and progression.
Effect of Pretransplant Hepatitis C Virus RNA Status on Posttransplant Outcome

Undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA [RNA(-)] before liver transplantation (OLT) has been shown to decrease the rates of disease recurrence. We sought to determine whether RNA(-) subjects differ in post-OLT recurrence (virological/VR, histological/HR), graft failure (GF), or patient survival from RNA(+) patients using a retrospective review. From 1995 to 2004, a total of 49 patients were RNA(-) at OLT as a result of interferon-based therapy: 22 SVR and 27 with end-of-treatment response (ETR) transplanted when RNA(-) within 6 months of ET. Forty-eight RNA(+) patients were analyzed as controls. Virological recurrence (VR) was seen in 55% of RNA(-) subjects with no difference in HR between RNA(-) vs (+) groups, namely 36.7% versus 56.3% (P = .068), respectively. The RNA(+) subjects showed a lower time to HR (5.6 vs 11 months; P = .027). The SVR subjects displayed lower VR (36.4%) and histological recurrence (HR) (13.6%) compared to ETR (VR 70.4%, P = .023; HR 55.6%, P = .003) or RNA(+) (HR 56%, P = .0008). The SVR subjects, who were identified with a sensitive assay (SVR(S), lower limit <600 IU/mL) showed no VR, HR, or GF. The 1- and 5-year survivals were 87.8%/75.6% and 89.6%/77.8% for RNA(-) and (+) groups, respectively (P = .77). In conclusion, RNA(-)-transplanted patients displayed lower VR and longer time to HR. The SVR patients showed lower VR and HR compared to ETR and RNA(+) patients.