cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urban Restructuring, Power and Capitalism in the Tourist City: Contested Terrains of Marrakesh

The book focuses on the processes of urban restructuring, power relations and the political economy of touristic authenticity. Through an in-depth analysis of Marrakesh, Morroco, the book proposes a comprehensive analytic framework. It highlights the issues of (post)coloniality, ideology, heritage-commodification, subjectivity and counter-conduct in the shadow of global capitalism. It explores how power relations and political ecomomy have shaped the city of Marrakesh over the past few decades, formulating new subjectivities. It reveals how urban policy’s sole purpose is to boost tourism in the city, bringing into question the long-term resilience and success of tourism as an economic activity and a policy choice. This book considers how the well-being of city residents is submitted to such policies, conforming to certain forms of appropriation – of land, culture and memory. The example of Morocco helps us understand a phenomenon affecting many other cities internationally. This book will be valuable to academics and practitioners across disciplines, including geography, political science, urban planning and architecture.
Effect of site preparation intensity on the early growth of loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) and the incidence of pine tip moth ( Rhyacionia spp.)

Twelve, 16-ha study sites were established in recently harvested (1980) stands of natural pine-mixed hardwoods located in the Piedmonts of South Carolina and Georgia. Treatments applied were check (no site preparation), herbicide-burn (3.4 kg ae Glyphosate/ha), chop-burn, shear-disc, shear-V blade-disc, shear-pile, and shear-pile-disc. Measurements collected after two growing seasons included pine height, diameter, and occurrence of pine tip moth (Rhyacionia spp.) infestation on the terminal shoot. After the second growing season, tree volume was 58% greater on mechanically-treated areas compared to the check and herbicide-burn areas. Average pine tip moth incidence was 15% for the check treatment and ranged from 24 to 36% for the other six treatments. Although the disced treatments had higher tip moth infestation (32 to 36%) compared to the check plots (15%), pine growth was significantly greater for treatments involving discing.
Neural Sensitivity to Mutual Information in Intermediate-Complexity Face Features Changes during Childhood

One way in which face recognition develops during infancy and childhood is with regard to the visual information that contributes most to recognition judgments. Adult face recognition depends on critical features spanning a hierarchy of complexity, including low-level, intermediate, and high-level visual information. To date, the development of adult-like information biases for face recognition has focused on low-level features, which are computationally well-defined but low in complexity, and high-level features, which are high in complexity, but not defined precisely. To complement this existing literature, we examined the development of children’s neural responses to intermediate-level face features characterized using mutual information. Specifically, we examined children’s and adults’ sensitivity to varying levels of category diagnosticity at the P100 and N170 components. We found that during middle childhood, sensitivity to mutual information shifts from early components to later ones, which may indicate a critical restructuring of face recognition mechanisms that takes place over several years. This approach provides a useful bridge between the study of low- and high-level visual features for face recognition and suggests many intriguing questions for further investigation.
Error-State LQR Control of a Multirotor UAV

We propose an implementation of an LQR controller for the full-state tracking of a time-dependent trajectory with a multirotor UAV. The proposed LQR formulation is based in Lie theory and linearized at each time step according to the multirotor’s current state. We show experiments in both simulation and hardware that demonstrate the proposed control scheme’s ability to accurately reach and track a given trajectory. The implementation is shown to run onboard at the full rate of a UAV’s estimated state.
Increasing the Capacity for Place-based Food Systems

First paragraph: Communities across North America are respond­ing to environmental, economic, and social chal­lenges in our food and agricultural systems by cre­ating and nurturing “place-based food systems.” Some distinguishing features of place-based, regional food systems are that: They are deeply connected to the environ­ment and to caring for it in a particular place; There are relationships of trust within supply chains from farmers and ranchers to processors to distributors to retailers or other institutions to consumers; Community food security and food sover­eignty are important goals and rights; The health of individuals and communities is paramount; There are infrastructures in place to support healthy place-based food systems; and All members of the food system have an opportunity to participate meaningfully in its development. See the press release for this article.
Guidance for Custom Alarm Design: You Don’t Have to “Crank it up to 11”:

Changes in alarm perception and response after prolonged daily exposure is not well studied due to the difficulties in setting up rigorous longitudinal studies in real work domains. A prime example...
THE INFLUENCE OF TEST SITE ON EXTERIOR VEHICLE NOISE MEASUREMENTS

A series of tests were conducted to establish the correlation among various sites for vehicle exterior noise measurements. The purpose of this paper is to present the results and the method developed to achieve the correlation in terms of the following: (1) Ford and site equipment differences, (2) driver differences, and (3) differences between site physical qualities. This paper also discusses the results of the analysis performed to determine the overall test repeatability for all sites, the test repeatability for each site and the repeatability of test equipment at various test sites.
Trends in the Airglow Temperatures in the MLT Region—Part 1: Model Simulations

Airglow intensity-weighted temperature variations induced by the CO2 increase, solar cycle variation (F10.7 as a proxy) and geomagnetic activity (Ap index as a proxy) in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere (MLT) region were simulated to quantitatively assess their influences on airglow temperatures. Two airglow models, MACD-00 and OHCD-00, were used to simulate the O(1S) greenline, O2(0,1) atmospheric band, and OH(8,3) airglow temperature variations induced by these influences to deduce the trends. Our results show that all three airglow temperatures display a linear trend of ~−0.5 K/decade, in response to the increase of CO2 gas concentration. The airglow temperatures were found to be highly correlated with Ap index, and moderately correlated with F10.7, with the OH temperature showing an anti-correlation. The F10.7 and Ap index trends were found to be ~−0.7 ± 0.28 K/100SFU and ~−0.1 ± 0.02 K/nT in the OH temperature, 4.1 ± 0.7 K/100SFU and ~0.6 ± 0.03 K/nT in the O2 temperature and ~2.0 ± 0.6 K/100SFU and ~0.4 ± 0.03 K/nT in the O1S temperature. These results indicate that geomagnetic activity can have a rather significant effect on the temperatures that had not been looked at previously.
T = 2 states in C 12 and B 12

The $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,t)^{12}\mathrm{C}$ and $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,^{3}\mathrm{He})^{12}\mathrm{B}$ reactions have been investigated at ${E}_{p}=54$ MeV. The lowest ${0}^{+}$, $T=2$ state in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ was identified at 27.57\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03 MeV and a higher $T=2$ state was found at 29.63\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 MeV. Their analogs in $^{12}\mathrm{B}$ were found at 12.72\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07 and 14.82\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10 MeV, respectively. In a separate coincidence experiment, the proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay modes of the $T=2$ states in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ were studied. The 27.57 MeV state decays (30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10)% by proton emission and less than 10% by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emission. The 29.63 MeV state decays by about 80% proton emission and 20% $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emission.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,t)$, ($p,^{3}\mathrm{He}$), $E=54$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$; $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{12}\mathrm{B}$ levels, deduced $J$, IAS. $^{14}\mathrm{C}(p,tp)$, ($p,t\ensuremath{\alpha}$), $E=54$ MeV measured $\mathrm{pt}$ coin, $p\ensuremath{\alpha}$ coin.
Cancer cells educate natural killer cells to a metastasis-promoting cell state

Natural killer (NK) cells have potent antitumor and antimetastatic activity. It is incompletely understood how cancer cells escape NK cell surveillance. Using ex vivo and in vivo models of metastasis, we establish that keratin-14+ breast cancer cells are vulnerable to NK cells. We then discovered that exposure to cancer cells causes NK cells to lose their cytotoxic ability and promote metastatic outgrowth. Gene expression comparisons revealed that healthy NK cells have an active NK cell molecular phenotype, whereas tumor-exposed (teNK) cells resemble resting NK cells. Receptor-ligand analysis between teNK cells and tumor cells revealed multiple potential targets. We next showed that treatment with antibodies targeting TIGIT, antibodies targeting KLRG1, or small-molecule inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DMNT) each reduced colony formation. Combinations of DNMT inhibitors with anti-TIGIT or anti-KLRG1 antibodies further reduced metastatic potential. We propose that NK-directed therapies targeting these pathways would be effective in the adjuvant setting to prevent metastatic recurrence.
Guided relaxation-based virtual reality versus distraction-based virtual reality or passive control for postoperative pain management in children and adolescents undergoing Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: protocol for a prospective, randomised, controlled trial (FOREVR Peds trial).

Introduction Virtual reality (VR) offers an innovative method to deliver non-pharmacological pain management. Distraction-based VR (VR-D) using immersive games to redirect attention has shown short-term pain reductions in various settings. To create lasting pain reduction, VR-based strategies must go beyond distraction. Guided relaxation-based VR (VR-GR) integrates pain-relieving mind–body based guided relaxation with VR, a novel therapy delivery mechanism. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of daily VR-GR, VR-D and 360 video (passive control) on pain intensity. We will also assess the impact of these interventions on pain unpleasantness, anxiety and opioid and benzodiazepine consumption. The secondary aim of this study will assess the impact of psychological factors (anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophising) on pain following VR. Methods and analysis This is a single centre, prospective, randomised, clinical trial. Ninety children/adolescents, aged 8–18 years, presenting for Nuss repair of pectus excavatum will be randomised to 1 of 3 study arms (VR-GR, VR-D and 360 video). Patients will use the Starlight Xperience (Google Daydream) VR suite for 10 min. Patients randomised to VR-GR (n=30) will engage in guided relaxation/mindfulness with the Aurora application. Patients randomised to VR-D (n=30) will play 1 of 3 distraction-based games, and those randomised to the 360 video (n=30) will watch the Aurora application without audio instructions or sound. Primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include pain unpleasantness, anxiety and opioid and benzodiazepine consumption. Ethics and dissemination This study follows Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials guidelines. The protocol was approved by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s institutional review board. Patient recruitment began in July 2020. Written informed consent will be obtained for all participants. All information acquired will be disseminated via scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT04351776.
Objective predictors of intern performance.

Residency programs select medical students for interviews and employment using metrics such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, grade-point average (GPA), and class rank/quartile. It is unclear whether these metrics predict performance as an intern. This study tested the hypothesis that performance on these metrics would predict intern performance. This single institution, retrospective cohort analysis included 244 graduates from four classes (2015–2018) who completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) certified internship and were evaluated by program directors (PDs) at the end of the year. PDs provided a global assessment rating and ratings addressing ACGME competencies (response rate = 47%) with five response options: excellent = 5, very good = 4, acceptable = 3, marginal = 2, unacceptable = 1. PDs also classified interns as outstanding = 4, above average = 3, average = 2, and below average = 1 relative to other interns from the same residency program. Mean USMLE scores (Step 1 and Step 2CK), third-year GPA, class rank, and core competency ratings were compared using Welch’s ANOVA and follow-up pairwise t-tests. Better performance on PD evaluations at the end of intern year was associated with higher USMLE Step 1 (p = 0.006), Step 2CK (p = 0.030), medical school GPA (p = 0.020) and class rank (p = 0.016). Interns rated as average had lower USMLE scores, GPA, and class rank than those rated as above average or outstanding; there were no significant differences between above average and outstanding interns. Higher rating in each of the ACGME core competencies was associated with better intern performance (p < 0.01). Better performance as an intern was associated with higher USMLE scores, medical school GPA and class rank. When USMLE Step 1 reporting changes from numeric scores to pass/fail, residency programs can use other metrics to select medical students for interviews and employment.
Hepatobiliary Surgery: Indications, Evaluation, and Outcomes

Complex surgical intervention for liver disease is a relatively new addition in medical practice. Early attempts at surgical resection were associated with high rates of total morbidity. Mirroring the experience in cardiac surgery, advances in physiology and anatomy, new technology, standardized surgical techniques, and improvements in perioperative management have all contributed to the current reliability and success associated with hepatic surgery. While hepatic surgery continues to be mostly performed in larger centers, hepatobiliary programs have proliferated so that access to high-quality liver surgical care is now available in virtually all major metropolitan areas in North America. Centers of excellence are generally characterized by a higher volume surgical procedures and a commitment to multidisciplinary specialty care. Hepatology, critical care medicine, interventional radiology, and diagnostic radiology are some of the core disciplines that are required to support a hepatobiliary program.
Political Science and Practical Politics, a National Dilemma

Political science includes both practical politics and theory. However, political scientists tend to communicate mainly within the professional field. They do not engage actively with the larger society. The consequences have been taken up in a task force report by a leading political science association and other sources. This essay suggests that the above tendencies are fostered by current incentives and constraints associated with university employment.
The Cost of Misaligned Incentives: Evidence from the Funding Sources and Real Effects of Tax-Motivated Dividends

Prior research finds that firms pay special dividends before a dividend tax increase. We examine the funding sources and real effects of these tax-motivated special dividends, finding that firms incur costs – reducing investment and repurchases – to pay them. The funding sources, and related real effects, vary with shareholders’ tax incentives. When tax-insensitive institutional investors likely influence the dividend to benefit firms’ taxable shareholders other than insiders, firms reduce repurchases and capital expenditures. Conversely, when taxable insiders likely influence the dividend, and their tax incentives are misaligned with firms’ primarily tax-insensitive shareholder base, firms reduce R&D, consistent with misaligned payouts signaling managerial myopia which erodes shareholder value. Tests using both market responses to, and total factor productivity changes around, tax-motivated special dividends support these conclusions. These findings add to our understanding of tax-based agency issues influencing real corporate decisions and identify a previously unexplored cost of dividend tax increases.
Presenting concerns of veterans entering treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Patient-centered care involves engaging patients as partners in establishing treatment priorities. No prior studies have examined what specific problems veterans hope to address when they enter posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Veterans starting outpatient (n = 216) and residential (n = 812) PTSD treatment in 2 multisite care management trials specified (open-ended) the 2 or 3 problems that they most wanted to improve through treatment. Over 80% mentioned PTSD-symptom-related concerns including PTSD or trauma (19.2% to 19.9% of patients), anger (31.0% to 36.7%), sleep problems (14.3% to 27.3%), nightmares (12.3% to 19.4%), and estrangement/isolation (7.9% to 20.8%). Other common problems involved depression (23.1% to 36.5%), anxiety not specific to PTSD (23.9% to 27.8%), relationships (20.4% to 24.5%), and improving coping or functioning (19.2% to 20.4%). Veterans’ treatment goals varied significantly by outpatient versus residential setting, gender, and period of military service. Our findings confirm the importance of educating patients about how available efficacious treatments relate to clients’ personal goals. Our results also suggest that clinicians should be prepared to offer interventions or provide referrals for common problems such as anger, nightmares, sleep, depression, or relationship difficulties if these problems do not remit with trauma-focused psychotherapy or if patients are unwilling to undergo trauma-focused treatment. Traditional and Simplified Chinese Abstracts by AsianSTSS 標題：退役軍人接受創傷後壓力症治療的主要關注 撮要：病人為本治理包括確立治療的優先次序時，要以病人為伙伴。未有現存研究檢視接受PTSD治療的退役軍人所關注的具體問題。退役軍人是在兩個治療方案測試中接受門診(n=216)和住宿(n=812)的兩個創傷後壓力症(PTSD)多地點治療，他們在開放式提問下表達2至3個治療最希望能改善的毛病。超過80%提及PTSD症狀相關情況，包括：PTSD或創傷(19%至20%病人)，憤怒(31%至37%)，睡眠問題(14%至27%)，噩夢(12%至19%)，及隔閡/疏離(8%至20%)。其他常見問題包括：抑鬱(23%至36%)，焦慮(不限於PTSD)(24%至28%)，關係(20%至25%)，和改善應對或功能(19%至20%)。退役軍人的治療目的與門診或住宿治療模式，性別和服役年期中各有顯著分別。研究確定教育病人現存有效而適切個人需要治療的重要性，亦提出：如聚焦創傷心理治療未令問題解決又或病人不願接受聚焦創傷的心理治療，治療師必須轉介或提供介入治療去處理常見問題如憤怒、惡夢、睡眠、抑鬱和關係問題。 标题：退役军人接受创伤后压力症治疗的主要关注 撮要：病人为本治理包括确立治疗的优先次序时，要以病人为伙伴。未有现存研究检视接受PTSD治疗的退役军人所关注的具体问题。退役军人是在两个治疗方案测试中接受门诊(n=216)和住宿(n=812)的两个创伤后压力症(PTSD)多地点治疗，他们在开放式提问下表达2至3个治疗最希望能改善的毛病。超过80%提及PTSD症状相关情况，包括：PTSD或创伤(19%至20%病人)，愤怒(31%至37%)，睡眠问题(14%至27%)，噩梦(12%至19%)，及隔阂/疏离(8%至20%)。其他常见问题包括：忧郁(23%至36%)，焦虑(不限于PTSD)(24%至28%)，关系(20%至25%)，和改善应对或功能(19%至20%)。退役军人的治疗目的与门诊或住宿治疗模式，性别和服役年期中各有显著分别。研究确定教育病人现存有效而适切个人需要治疗的重要性，亦提出：如聚焦创伤心理治疗未令问题解决又或病人不愿接受聚焦创伤的心理治疗，治疗师必须转介或提供介入治疗去处理常见问题如愤怒、恶梦、睡眠、忧郁和关系问题。
Presence of α-d-Mannsidic Linkage in Glycoproteins LIBERATION OF d-MANNOSE FROM VARIOUS GLYCOPROTEINS BY α-MANNOSIDASE ISOLATED FROM JACK BEAN MEAL

Abstract An α-mannosidase which is able to hydrolyze a naturally occurring α-mannoside, yeast mannan, and several synthetic α-d-mannosides was isolated from jack bean meal. This enzyme was used to explore the linkage of mannose in several glycoproteins. The α-mannosidase was shown to liberate mannose from ovomucoid, orosomucoid, ovalbumin, and glycopeptide prepared from ovalbumin, suggesting the presence of α-mannosidic linkage in these glycoproteins.
Direct Observation of EUV Opacity Sources in the Hot, DA White Dwarf G191-B2B

We present the first EUV spectrum of the hot, DA white dwarf G191-B2B. The spectrum, which covers 200 to 330A with ≈2A resolution, was acquired by the Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph, a sounding rocket borne, grazing incidence spectrograph. Five significant absorption features were detected; three ionization edges, one absorption line, and a broad spectral depression. No features of HeII, the predicted primary opacity source, were detected. The ionization edges and absorption line are suggestive of OIII existing in or near the photosphere of G191-B2B. The broad spectral depression may be due to FeVI in the photosphere.
Effect of multiple doses of cadmium on glucose metabolism in the rat.

The effect of multiple doses of cadmium on carbohydrate metabolism in rats was studied. The treated groups received two dose levels, 0.25 and 0.50 mg cadmium/kg ip every 2nd day for 20 doses. Plasma glucose, immunoresponsive insulin levels, and body weights were determined before treatment and after 10 and 20 doses of cadmium. After the last dosage, D-glucose-14C (uniformly labeled) was administered to a randomly chosen subgroup and a carbon dioxide radiorespirometry experiment was performed. Statistically significant differences in blood glucose and insulin levels were not detected at any time, indicating no effect of cadmium on the pancreatic secretory activity. There was no effect on body weights. However, cadmium increased the evolution of respiratory 14CO2. It is postulated that cadmium affects the rate of glucose metabolism in vivo by affecting mechanisms such as glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Interaction between shock wave and single inertial bubbles near an elastic boundary.

The interaction of laser-generated single inertial bubbles (collapse $\text{time}=121\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$) near a silicon rubber membrane with a shock wave ($55\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MPa}$ in peak pressure and $1.7\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ in compressive pulse duration) is investigated. The interaction leads to directional, forced asymmetric collapse of the bubble with microjet formation toward the surface. Maximum jet penetration into the membrane is produced during the bubble collapse phase with optimal shock wave arrival time and stand-off distance. Such interaction may provide a unique acoustic means for in vivo microinjection, applicable to targeted delivery of macromolecules and gene vectors to biological tissues.
Adolescents' Smoking Behavior and Attitudes: The Influence of Mothers' Smoking Communication, Behavior and Attitudes.

Abstract This study investigated adolescents' and parents' perceptions regarding smoking behavior, attitudes toward smoking, and smoking communication. Instruments were developed to measure multidimensional smoking communication messages and smoking attitudes in 140 mother–adolescent dyads. The prediction of relevant adolescent smoking variables is multifaceted and complex. Results indicated that adolescents' smoking behavior was related to adolescents' smoking attitudes and adolescents' perceptions of mothers' smoking related inquiries. Adolescents' smoking attitudes were related to mothers' smoking attitudes and adolescents' perceptions of mothers' smoking related inquiries and consistent and credible anti-smoking messages. Adolescents' perceptions of mothers' anti-smoking messages were related to mothers' smoking behavior. Adolescents' perceptions of mothers' smoking rules and mothers' reports of anti-smoking involvement and smoking rules were related to mothers' smoking behavior and attitudes. Mothers' reports of pro-smoking messages were related to their smoking attitudes. The present research suggests that the adolescent–mother smoking communication process is an important area to further explore in understanding adolescents' smoking behavior.
Benchmarking of TASSER_2.0: An Improved Protein Structure Prediction Algorithm with More Accurate Predicted Contact Restraints

To improve tertiary structure predictions of more difficult targets, the next generation of TASSER, TASSER_2.0, has been developed. TASSER_2.0 incorporates more accurate side-chain contact restraint predictions from a new approach, the composite-sequence method, based on consensus restraints generated by an improved threading algorithm, PROSPECTOR_3.5, which uses computationally evolved and wild-type template sequences as input. TASSER_2.0 was tested on a large-scale, benchmark set of 2591 nonhomologous, single domain proteins ≤200 residues that cover the Protein Data Bank at 35% pairwise sequence identity. Compared with the average fraction of accurately predicted side-chain contacts of 0.37 using PROSPECTOR_3.5 with wild-type template sequences, the average accuracy of the composite-sequence method increases to 0.60. The resulting TASSER_2.0 models are closer to their native structures, with an average root mean-square deviation of 4.99 A compared to the 5.31 A result of TASSER. Defining a successful prediction as a model with a root mean-square deviation to native <6.5 A, the success rate of TASSER_2.0 (TASSER) for Medium targets (targets with good templates/poor alignments) is 74.3% (64.7%) and 40.8% (35.5%) for the Hard targets (incorrect templates/alignments). For Easy targets (good templates/alignments), the success rate slightly increases from 86.3% to 88.4%.
Compartment syndrome in a patient monitored with an automated blood pressure cuff

Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring may be hazardous in patients with seizures or movement disorders. We report on a patient with hyperactivity and tremor in whom a compartment syndrome was apparently induced by an automated blood pressure cuff. As the patient moved, the device seems to have continued to cycle in an attempt to obtain a stable baseline reading. Pressure tubing to the self-inflating bladder on such devices should be disconnected between readings in situations where frequent, easy observation is not possible.
Determining Reliable Cognitive Change after Epilepsy Surgery: Development of Reliable Change Indices and Standardized Regression‐based Change Norms for the WMS‐III and WAIS‐III

Summary: Purpose: Reliable change indices (RCIs) and standardized regression-based (SRB) change scores norms were established for the recently revised Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–III (WAIS-III) and Wechsler Memory Scale–III (WMS-III) in patients with complex partial seizures. Establishment of such standardized change scores can be useful in determining the effects of epilepsy surgery on cognitive functioning independent of test–retest artifacts including practice effects. Methods: Forty-two nonoperated-on adult patients with complex partial seizures (primarily of temporal lobe onset) were administered the WMS-III and WAIS-III on two occasions (mean 7-month interval). All patients were receiving stable antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment at both testings. RCI and SRB change scores were calculated. Confidence interval cutoff scores (90% and 80%) and standardized regression equations were calculated for each of the WAIS-III and WMS-III Primary Indices and individual subtests. Age, gender, education, test–retest interval, preoperative test performance, seizure onset, and seizure duration were predictor variables for the SRB equations. Results: Test–retest reliabilities for the WAIS-III and WMS-III Primary Indices were within acceptable ranges, although considerable individual subtest variability was found. Preoperative performance was the single largest contributor to each of the predictive regression equations. Age, gender, education, seizure onset, and seizure duration contributed modest variance to several of the regression equations. Conclusions: We calculated both RCI and SRB change score indices for the recently revised Wechsler instruments. These formulas help control for test–retest methodologic artifacts and provide a standardized method with which to examine both individual and group level cognitive change after epilepsy surgery.
Detecting collaborative insider attacks in information systems

The overall goals of information security are to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data in the systems. In addition to the common outsider attacks, insider attacks are often inadequately checked by the security mechanisms. This paper addresses the problem of collaborative insider attacks where two or more insiders work together to compromise critical data in the information systems. It first discusses the relations among the system components and the illegal information flow diagram. Then, the characteristics of data accesses profiled by the mutual-access-record's probability value and distance of transaction to data item are presented. The algorithm for detecting collaborative insider attacks is introduced afterwards. Moreover, simulation experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Zirconium-mandelic acid complexes in ethanol

Abstract Spectroscopic data in the range 240 to 270 mμ have shown that zirconium tetrachloride and mandelic acid react in ethanol to form zirconium tetramandelate. Similar reactions occurred when p -chloromandelic acid and p -bromomandelic acid were used.
Bulk crystalline BaPb34Bi14O3: A ceramic superconductor

Abstract The preparation conditions of the high T C ceramic superconductor Ba(Pb,Bi)O 3 is correlated with the superconducting transition. Transition onsets of all materials are similar, but transition widths and transition completeness is strongly dependent on firing temperature. Only materials prepared over a narrow temperature range, resulting in a nearly ideal weight loss, have a complete and narrow transition.
Murine Gammaherpesvirus M2 Protein Induction of IRF4 via the NFAT Pathway Leads to IL-10 Expression in B Cells

Reactivation of the gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) from latently infected B cells has been linked to plasma cell differentiation. We have previously shown that the MHV68 M2 protein is important for virus reactivation from B cells and, when expressed alone in primary murine B cells, can drive B cell differentiation towards a pre-plasma cell phenotype. In addition, expression of M2 in primary murine B cells leads to secretion of high levels of IL-10 along with enhanced proliferation and survival. Furthermore, the absence of M2 in vivo leads to a defect in the appearance of MHV68 infected plasma cells in the spleen at the peak of MHV68 latency. Here, employing an inducible B cell expression system, we have determined that M2 activates the NFAT pathway in a Src kinase-dependent manner – leading to induction of the plasma cell-associated transcription factor, Interferon Regulatory Factor-4 (IRF4). Furthermore, we show that expression of IRF4 alone in a B cell line up-regulates IL-10 expression in culture supernatants, revealing a novel role for IRF4 in B cell induced IL-10. Consistent with the latter observation, we show that IRF4 can regulate the IL-10 promoter in B cells. In primary murine B cells, addition of cyclosporine (CsA) resulted in a significant decrease in M2-induced IL-10 levels as well as IRF4 expression, emphasizing the importance of the NFAT pathway in M2- mediated induction of IL-10. Together, these studies argue in favor of a model wherein M2 activation of the NFAT pathway initiates events leading to increased levels of IRF4 – a key player in plasma cell differentiation – which in turn triggers IL-10 expression. In the context of previous findings, the data presented here provides insights into how M2 facilitates plasma cell differentiation and subsequent virus reactivation.
Crystal structure of a hemojuvelin-binding fragment of neogenin at 1.8A.

Neogenin is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with a large ectodomain containing tandem immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains. Closely related to the tumor suppressor gene DCC, neogenin functions in critical biological processes through binding to various ligands, including netrin, repulsive guidance molecules, and the iron regulatory protein hemojuvelin. We previously reported that neogenin binds to hemojuvelin through its membrane-proximal fifth and sixth FNIII domains (FN5–6), with domain 6 (FN6) contributing the majority of critical binding interactions. Here we present the crystal structure of FN5–6, the hemojuvelin-binding fragment of human neogenin, at 1.8 A. The two FNIII domains are orientated nearly linearly, a domain arrangement most similar to that of a tandem FNIII-containing fragment within the cytoplasmic tail of the β4 integrin. By mapping surface-exposed residues that differ between neogenin FN5–6 and the comparable domains from DCC, which does not bind hemojuvelin, we identified a potential hemojuvelin-binding site on neogenin FN6. Neogenin FN5, which does not bind hemojuvelin in isolation, exhibits a highly electropositive surface, which may be involved in interactions with negatively-charged polysaccharides or phospholipids in the membrane bilayer. The neogenin FN5–6 structure can be used to facilitate a molecular understanding of neogenin’s interaction with hemojuvelin to regulate iron homeostasis and with hemojuvelin-related repulsive guidance molecules to mediate axon guidance.
Pumping and erosion rates for the TFTR and INTOR/FED limiter designs

Abstract Wall power deposition and erosion rates due to charge-exchanging neutrals, along with pumping rates, are computed for various TFTR and INTOR/FED limiter and divertor schemes. It was found that only ~7% of charge exchange power was deposited on the first wall in a proposed INTOR/FED “T” limiter. Thus, the first wall will not have to be replaced as often as the limiter.
The Role of the Synovium and Cartilage in the Pathogenesis of β2‐Microglobulin Amyloidosis

The predilection for beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M) amyloid deposition in articular structures is unique compared to other forms of amyloid; this article focuses on possible pathogenic mechanisms. The synovium and/or cartilage appear to be important in the pathogenesis of beta(2)M amyloidosis (A beta(2)M), as amyloid is not found in the shafts of long bones. The concentration of beta(2)M in the joint fluid parallels that in serum. Once in the joint space, evidence suggests that the beta(2)M binds to collagen in cartilage as the initial site of deposition. This binding may serve as the first step in subsequent amyloid formation, although this remains to be proven. beta(2)M has been shown to have many direct effects on synovial fibroblasts, including induction of the release of cytokines, metalloproteinases, cyclooxygenase-2, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The release of these inflammatory mediators that lead to tissue degradation is also observed in other forms of arthritis. Thus beta(2)M itself may elicit the release of inflammatory mediators from synovial fibroblasts even in the absence of cellular infiltrates.
Does family matter to HIV-positive men who have sex with men?

Most studies have indicated that friends or families of choice provide more support to HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) than members of the family of origin. The creation of families of choice by MSM has been viewed as a means of creating a support system in the absence of traditional family. The purpose of this study is to explore if HIV-positive MSM believe family of origin are important. Data was drawn from a qualitative study of HIV disclosure to family. Responses to the question “How important is family to you?” are explored. Results suggest that for many HIV-positive MSM relationships with family of origin are very important. While not definitive, data to be presented are provocative and challenge notions of the significance of family of origin to marginalized populations.
Receptive field characteristics of superior colliculus neurons and visually guided behavior in dark-reared hamsters

Visual response properties of single neurons in the superior colliculus of golden hamsters reared from birth to adulthood in total darkness were compared to those of normal hamsters. Directional selectivity, speed preferences, and receptive field organization in dark-reared hamsters were essentially the same as those found in normally reared animals. Subtle neurophysiological effects of visual deprivation were indicated by the longer latencies of "on" responses to flashed spots of light in the dark-reared animals. Also, in the visually deprived animals three cells were encountered which changed their responses from phasic to tonic as the size of the visual stimulus was increased. In normally reared animals all cells responding to stationary stimuli showed only phasic responses regardless of spot size. Behaviorally, dark-reared animals could not be distinguished from normal animals on the basis of visual orienting and following tests. It was concluded that in the golden hamster visual experience during development has a minimal role in the induction or maintenance of the normal functional development of the superior colliculus.
Effects of Cephalosporium gramineum and a toxic metabolite on stomatal conductance of wheat

Wheat seedlings growing in soil or in nutrient solutions were inoculated with Cephalosporium gramineum ; typical chlorotic stripes developed. Water status and diffusive resistance of leaves on such plants were examined prior to development of stripes, and diffusive resistance was examined after stripe development. Leaf conductance data showed that infection caused opening of stomates prior to appearance of stripes. Roots of solution-grown plants were held in polyethylene glycol solutions with various water potentials to induce water stress quickly and uniformly and to manipulate leaf water potentials. The stress experiments showed that differences in stomatal apertures in infected and control plants were not caused by differences in leaf water status, and that stomates on infected plants responded more slowly to changes in water status. The data indicate that blockage of the xylem is not a significant factor in early stages of disease, which implies the action of a diffusable toxin. Graminin A, a chlorosis-inducing metabolite from C. gramineum, was shown to induce stomatal opening. These and other results suggest that graminin A has a role in early development of the disease in wheat.
Experimental Horizontal Transmission of Herpesvirus saimiri from Squirrel Monkeys to an Owl Monkey

Herpesvirus saimiri was naturally transmitted from squirrel monkeys excreting the virus to one of two owl monkeys housed in the same cage. The owl monkey became infected approximately three months after contact was initiated. H. saimiri was consistently isolated from the peripheral lymphocytes until this animal died eight months later. During this period the owl monkey developed specific antibody to H. saimiri to a maximal neutralization index of 5.5 logs. The other monkey remained uninfected for an ovservation period of one year. The documentation of this horizontal transmission of H. saimiri infection from squirrel monkeys to an owl monkey suggests that owl monkeys developing spontaneous malignant lymphomas associated with H. saimiri infection may also have acquired the infection in this manner.
Phorbol ester-induced alteration in the pattern of secretion and storage of chromogranin A and neurotensin in a human pancreatic carcinoid cell line

Brief phorbol ester treatment of BON cells results in a persistent release and cellular depletion of immunoreactive chromogranin A (CGA-IR) and neurotensin (NT-IR) cell contents. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the effects of 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on the secretion, biosynthesis, and steady-state messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of chromogranin A (CGA) and of a coresident peptide, neurotensin, by a novel human pancreatic carcinoid cell line, called BON. Acute TPA treatment (100 nM, 1 h) of BON cells resulted in 20- and 40-fold elevations in release of CGA-IR and NT-IR, respectively; and a 70-90% depletion of CGA-IR and NT-IR cell contents. TPA treatment also increased the biosynthetic rate of CGA-IR. Steady-state mRNA levels of CGA and NT/N (neurotensin/neuromedin N) were unchanged. Cell contents of CGA-IR and NT-IR were not replenished for a period of up to 6 days; secretion of CGA-IR and NT-IR persisted. In addition, BON cells failed to release CGA in response to sti...
Adrenocorticotropin-adrenal regulation of transported substance P in the vagus nerve of the rat.

The factors regulating substance P (SP) synthesis and quantity of transport in the sensory vagus nerve are unknown. To examine this issue rats were administered ACTH or corticosterone or subjected to adrenalectomy, and the quantity of peripherally directed transported SP was measured in those animals as an indication of neuropeptide synthesis. ACTH treatment (12 U/day, sc, for 14 days) resulted in significant adrenal hypertrophy and increased corticosterone levels. The 24-h accumulation of SP proximal to ligature in the cervical vagus was significantly reduced [mean net proximal segment content: controls, 529 ± 42 (±SEM) pg/3 mm segment; ACTH, 282 ± 44]. The content in the unligated nerve, one sixth or less than that proximal to ligature, was not different in the two groups. In a separate experiment, ACTH (6 U/day for 14 days) had no effect compared to controls, whereas 16 U/day reduced transported SP. The content in the unligated nerve was again not different in the two groups. In the same experiment, co...
Normalization of left ventricular dimensions after Ross operation with aortic annular reduction.

Abstract Background . Fifty-seven patients (August 1995 to November 1998) with a dysplastic dilated aortic root, a relative contraindication to the Ross operation, received an extended Ross operation with aortic annulus reduction and external cuff fixation (age 14–54 years). To assess the efficacy of these operations, echocardiographic assessment of autograft valve function and left ventricular function and dimensions were reviewed. Methods . Preoperative and postoperative assessment of 27 patients with aortic insufficiency (AI group) and 30 patients with aortic stenosis (> 20 mm Hg peak gradient) and aortic insufficiency (AS group) were compared. Aortic annulus size, valvular gradient, valve insufficiency, left ventricular dimensions at end-systole and end-diastole, left ventricular fractional shortening, and left ventricular mass were assessed. Results . There was one late death. Aortic annulus size, degree of AI, left ventricular internal dimensions, and left ventricular mass were all significantly reduced ( p p Conclusions . Regression of left ventricular dilatation and hypertrophy, excellent autograft valve function, and survival suggest that this modification of the Ross operation may be offered to patients with a dysplastic aortic root requiring aortic valve replacement.
Near infrared spectra of white mica in the Belt Supergroup and implications for metamorphism

The wavelength of the white mica (illite and muscovite) Al-OH absorption band near 2200 nm in 1036 samples from the Belt Supergroup and associated metasedimentary rocks was determined with a portable visible and near infrared reflectance spectrometer. The Al-OH wavelength decreases from 2225 nm in sub-biotite-zone samples to 2194 nm in sillimanite-zone samples; this decrease corresponds with an increase in total Al content of white mica from ~2.0 to ~2.8 atoms per 11 O atoms. These observations indicate that: (1) the frequency of the Al-OH vibration is controlled by the aluminoceladonite exchange reaction [ IV Si+ VI (Mg,Fe 2+ ) = IV Al+ VI Al], and (2) the reaction proceeds toward more Al-rich composition with increasing metamorphic grade. In these circumstances, Al-OH wavelength provides an indirect monitor of compositional variation and metamorphic grade. Metamorphic grade in most of the study area is in the biotite zone or lower, yet Al-OH wavelengths in low-grade rocks define systematic patterns that correlate with depth of burial and later structural displacements. In higher grade areas, wavelengths generally decrease from the garnet isograd through the sillimanite zone; however, anomalies occur locally, and it is not clear whether these result from differences in bulk composition and mineral assemblage or whether they point to actual metamorphic or structural discontinuities. These findings indicate that reflectance spectroscopy can yield valuable information on metamorphic intensity in rocks containing white mica, particularly in low-grade sequences where conventional indicators of metamorphic grade are lacking. Furthermore, this information can be obtained with field-portable spectrometers and the potential exists to obtain comparable results from airborne and spaceborne imaging spectrometers.
Preventing Trafficking in Organs for Transplantation: An Important Facet of the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Most countries now have national legislation that outlaws both human trafficking and organ trafficking. However, international conventions and domestic laws alone have not been enough to stop the trade in organs. As of 2007, a conservative estimate was that 5% of the approximately 100,000 organs transplanted annually were derived from exploiting the poorest and most vulnerable people in society; anti-trafficking efforts have since reduced, though not eliminated, this practice. The Declaration of Istanbul (DoI) was created in 2008 to engage medical professional societies to collaborate with governments and others in combating organ sales, transplant tourism, and trafficking in human organs. In 2010, the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG) was formed to actively promote and to monitor the implementation of the DoI principles. The removal of prohibitions on organ purchases, which is now being promoted in some wealthy nations, is unlikely to shorten transplant waitlists (because organ sales crowd o...
Revascularization and aneurysm surgery: techniques, indications, and outcomes in the endovascular era.

Background Given advances in endovascular technique, the indications for revascularization in aneurysm surgery have declined. Objective We sought to define indications, outline technical strategies, and evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with bypass in the endovascular era. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all aneurysms treated between September 2006 and February 2013. Results We identified 54 consecutive patients (16 males and 39 females) with 56 aneurysms. Aneurysms were located along the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) (n = 1), petrous/cavernous ICA (n = 1), cavernous ICA (n = 16), supraclinoid ICA (n = 7), posterior communicating artery (n = 2), anterior cerebral artery (n = 4), middle cerebral artery (MCA) (n = 13), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) (n = 3), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 4), and vertebrobasilar arteries (n = 5). Revascularization was performed with superficial temporal artery (STA) to MCA bypass (n = 25), STA to superior cerebellar artery (SCA) (n = 3), STA to PCA (n = 1), STA-SCA/STA-PCA (n = 1), occipital artery (OA) to PCA (n = 2), external carotid artery/ICA to MCA (n = 15), OA to MCA (n = 1), OA to posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 1), and in situ bypasses (n = 8). At a mean clinical follow-up of 18.5 months, 45 patients (81.8%) had a good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5). There were 7 cases of mortality (12.7%) and an additional 9 cases of morbidity (15.8%). At a mean angiographic follow-up of 17.8 months, 14 bypasses were occluded. Excluding the 7 cases of mortality, the majority of aneurysms (n = 42) were obliterated. We identified 7 cases of residual aneurysm and recurrence in 6 patients at follow-up. Conclusion Given current limitations with existing treatments, cerebral revascularization remains an essential technique for aneurysm surgery.