cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Due to Drug Overdose (S42.002)

Objective: To characterize outcomes of cardiac arrest due to drug overdose (ODCA). We hypothesized that patients with ODCA would have binary outcomes (brain death or functional recovery) compared to patients in which drug use did not contribute to CA. Background: Drug overdose is a rising epidemic, accounting for a large proportion of CA in an otherwise healthy population. Data pertaining to clinical characteristics and outcomes of ODCA are limited. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of CA patients from a single academic medical institution who were enrolled in the Multimodal Outcome Characterization in Comatose Cardiac Arrest Patients (MOCHA) registry from 2012–2017. Clinical variables, including demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes, were extracted from medical records. Regression modeling was used to compare ODCA and non-ODCA patients. Results: Of the 164 CA cases included in this analysis, 16 (10%) were attributed to overdose, with opiates accounting for the majority (56%). ODCA patients were significantly younger, less likely to have had a witnessed arrest or receive bystander CPR, and had fewer comorbidities and longer total downtimes. Survival to hospital discharge did not differ between cohorts (31% ODCA vs. 34% non-ODCA, p=0.84), but ODCA was associated with lower rates of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) (25% vs. 56%, p=0.02). ODCA patients were more likely to progress to brain death (44% vs. 5%, p Conclusions: Despite similar survival to hospital discharge and neurologic recovery between cohorts, ODCA survivors were less likely to have WLST and more likely to progress to brain death, perhaps due to factors pertaining to the circumstances of arrest as well as patient characteristics. Disclosure: Dr. Ormseth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miyares has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zhou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barden has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beekman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maciel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Greer has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Thieme.
Distinguishing Characteristics of E-Cigarette Users Who Attempt and Fail to Quit: Dependence, Perceptions, and Affective Vulnerability.

Objective:Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a prevalent form of substance use among adults. Because of the novelty of e-cigarettes, users may not fully understand the consequences of long-te...
Ester Formation via Symbiotic Activation Utilizing Trichloroacetimidate Electrophiles.

Trichloroacetimidates are useful reagents for the synthesis of esters under mild conditions that do not require an exogenous promoter. These conditions avoid the undesired decomposition of substrates with sensitive functional groups that are often observed with the use of strong Lewis or Bronsted acids. With heating, these reactions have been extended to benzyl esters without electron-donating groups. These inexpensive and convenient methods should find application in the formation of esters in complex substrates.
Inhuman Attunements: Eiko Otake’s A Body in Places at The Met Cloisters

The Met iteration of Eiko Otake’s A Body in Places presents the artist’s ongoing engagement with the Fukushima triple disaster of 11 March 2011. This durational performance, which took place during...
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem inflammatory disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, renal, and thrombotic complications. Patients with SLE are at increased risk for perioperative complications and mortality. The evaluation of patients with SLE undergoing surgery should include special attention to the presence of risk factors for surgical complications and management of often complex medication regimens.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANKLE FLEXIBILITY, AGILITY, AND SPRINT SPEED PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGIATE FEMALE ATHLETES

There is an ongoing search for different ways of increasing an athlete’s sprinting speed and agility. It is possible that the flexibility of an athlete may play a role in regards to the agility and sprinting ability of an athlete. Purpose: The current study examined the relationship between ankle flexibility, agility and sprinting ability among female collegiate athletes. Methods: Fifteen (n=15) female collegiate athletes (age: 21.5±1.3 years, height: 173.7±7.5 cm, mass: 73.1±10.8 kg) of different sports (softball and basketball) and experience levels (Freshman-Senior) were recruited to take part in the study. The ankle flexibility was measured by the wall test (WT) for the right and left leg (WTR and WTL cms). Agility and sprinting ability were assessed using the T-test and a 36.6 meter sprint. Each athlete was given three attempts for each test. Results: The WT measures were (mean±SD): WTR=10.5±2.8 cms, WTL=11.1±2.7 cms. The T-Test and 36.6 meter sprint times were: 11.38±0.40 and 5.96±0.31 seconds respectively. The relationships between the variables were as follows: WTR and T-Test r=0.00, WTR and 36.6 meter sprint r=0.27, WTL and T-Test r=-0.33, WTL and 36.6 meter sprint r=0.02. None of the relationships were significant (p>0.05) or meaningful. Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study ankle flexibility was not related to agility or short sprint ability.
Making Block Copolymers with the Flip of a Switch

In this issue of Chem, Fors and co-workers describe an exciting approach to block copolymer synthesis by using electricity and light to mediate orthogonal polymerizations with temporal control. Through repeated cycling of each stimulus, multi-block copolymers with up to six blocks that were previously inaccessible by other methods are synthesized.
40-year-old Female with Sudden Onset Dyspnea.

A 40-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) after the acute onset of dyspnea. The patient was tachypneic with accessory muscle usage and diffuse wheezing on initial examination. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient deteriorated and was intubated. This case takes the reader through the differential diagnosis and systematic workup of a patient presenting to the ED with dyspnea and arrives at the unexpected cause for this patient’s presentation.
Early prediction of preeclampsia in pregnancy with circulating, cell-free RNA

Liquid biopsies that measure circulating cell free RNA (cfRNA) offer an unprecedented opportunity to noninvasively study the development of pregnancy-related complications and to bridge gaps in clinical care. Here, we used 404 blood samples from 199 pregnant mothers to identify and validate cfRNA transcriptomic changes that are associated with preeclampsia (PE), a multi organ syndrome which is the second largest cause of maternal death globally. We find that changes in cfRNA gene expression between normotensive (NT) and preeclamptic mothers are striking and stable early in gestation, well before the onset of symptoms. These changes are enriched for genes specific to neuromuscular, endothelial, and immune cell types and tissues that reflect important aspects of PE physiology and suggest new hypotheses for disease progression. This enabled identification and independent validation of a panel of 18 genes whose measurement between 5 to 16 weeks of gestation can form the basis of a liquid biopsy test that would identify mothers at risk of PE well before the clinical symptoms manifest themselves. Finally, we demonstrate that cfRNA changes reflect the multifactorial nature of PE and provide a means to non-invasively monitor maternal organ health. Tests based on these observations could help predict and manage who is at risk for PE, an important and until now unachieved objective for obstetric care.
Ricardo Piglia's Plata quemada: The Queer Pietà

With the 2014 publication of Uruguayan journalist Leonardo Haberkorn’s book, _Liberaij: La verdadera historia del caso_ Plata quemada, scholars and critics must take another look at Piglia’s extraordinary 1997 novel in light of Haberkorn’s intention to reveal “the truth” of the details behind the novel’s story. This study explores the implications of Piglia’s fictionalization of the historical events, focusing specifically on the author’s decision to invent a homoerotic relationship between the two main characters —a decision that provides a key to understanding his highly complex and artistically daring version of “fake news” inspired by the events that took place in Buenos Aires and Montevideo in 1965. The invention of a queer relationship serves a powerful structural purpose in the novel. By means of this relationship, Piglia is able to join together two principle themes: his politically revolutionary message, as illustrated by the robbery and the spectacular scene when the characters burn the stolen money, and his socially revolutionary message that the love between two men can be imagined as equally emotionally intense and spiritually meaningful as the love between a man and a woman. And while the title of the novel may highlight the climactic act of rebellious socio-economic nihilism, the entire novel demands a conclusion that culminates in the radically subversive, emotionally charged image of Dorda cradling the dying Brignone, Piglia’s queer pieta.
Dysmenorrhea and associated psychosocial and functional impact prior to the development of chronic pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is characterized by complex etiologies, psychosocial comorbidities, and treatment difficulties. Dysmenorrhea and the associated psychosocial and functional impairment beginning in adolescence may facilitate the transition into more debilitating CPP. This study describes dysmenorrhea history in a clinical sample of women with CPP and identifies predictors of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing (anxiously ruminating about dysmenorrhea symptoms) and functional impairment. From January-August 2020, we recruited 105 female patients (18+ years of age) with CPP receiving care through a tertiary center for chronic pelvic/vulvar pain. Patients completed a questionnaire that elicited dysmenorrhea information prior to the onset of their non-cyclical CPP. Questions included past dysmenorrhea symptoms and treatments, dysmenorrhea catastrophizing, and dysmenorrhea interference with activities of daily living. Multiple linear regression models identified predictors of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing and interference. On average, participants were 36 years of age and predominantly non-Hispanic white (82%). The majority (78%) experienced dysmenorrhea with each or most menstrual cycles, rated as moderate or greater intensity, within 5 years of menarche. Of these, 55% previously sought treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications, heating pad, and birth control pills/patch/ring were the most commonly reported dysmenorrhea treatments, and 10% of patients reported history of prescription opioids and 11% of marijuana use. Duration of dysmenorrhea within each menstrual period and dysmenorrhea intensity were most predictive of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing. Dysmenorrhea intensity and catastrophizing were predictive of dysmenorrhea interference, with catastrophizing mediating 62% (95% CI = 42%-83%) of the effect of dysmenorrhea intensity on interference. The majority of women in our sample reported dysmenorrhea prior to developing CPP, with some using opioids and marijuana for managing dysmenorrhea. The duration and intensity of dysmenorrhea were key predictors of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing, which in turn largely explained dysmenorrhea-associated functional impairment. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention for dysmenorrhea.
Psychological distress in response to physical activity restrictions in patients with non-syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection

Individuals diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection (TAAD) are given activity restrictions in an attempt to mitigate serious health complications and sudden death. The psychological distress resulting from activity restrictions has been established for other diseases or patient populations; however, individuals with non-syndromic TAAD have not been previously evaluated. Seventy-nine participants completed a questionnaire utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires, which assess levels of depression and anxiety respectively. Additionally, quantitative and qualitative questions explored self-reported psychological distress in response to activity restrictions. Individuals who reported higher PHQ + GAD scores had been living with a diagnosis longer than two years (p = 0.0004), were between 35 and 65 years old (p = 0.05), reported not coping well (p = 0.0035), and reported physical activity was “very important” (p = 0.04). Results from individual questions showed that individuals who reported their diagnosis affected them financially were 3.5 times more likely to report “feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge” (CI = [0.81, 15.6], p = 0.094). Qualitative analysis revealed themes that identified participant beliefs regarding distress, ability to cope, hindrances to coping ability, and resources. These results show psychological distress can result from physical activity restrictions in non-syndromic TAAD individuals. Additionally, certain subpopulations may be more susceptible to distress. This is the first study to examine the psychological distress individuals with non-syndromic TAAD experience as a result of prescribed activity restrictions. Genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals can utilize this information to provide more tailored cardiovascular genetic counseling and increase its therapeutic potential for patients.
An Exploration of Nonresident Student Enrollment and Institutional Finances at Public Universities

Many public universities have sought to increase the number of students they enroll from other states, with the assumption that a larger share of nonresident students increases institutional revenues and prestige. In this paper, I examine the extent to which out-of-state undergraduate student enrollment shares are associated with changes in per-student revenue and expenditure patterns at four-year public universities both as a whole and by selectivity and Carnegie classification. I find that an increase in the percentage of students from out of state is associated with decreases in per-student tuition revenue and is often associated with a decline in per-student expenditures.
Straddling the Wall: Comparative Framing of Trump’s Border Wall in U.S. & Mexican Newspapers

Donald Trump’s most notorious promise before and during his presidency was the construction of a border wall. The issues surrounding new construction of Donald Trump’s border wall (both physically and rhetorically) are complex and the outcomes are difficult to predict. The study examines how Trump’s border wall was framed in online newspaper publications of the international border cities of San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, and in El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Specifically, the study employs a comparative framing analysis using the John Agnew’s (2008) theoretical lens of borders as equivocal spaces of dwelling that bring about both benefit and harm — the standard of a decent life. The analysis revealed the frames of: Mexico will pay for the wall; DACA as leverage; political contention; protest and dissention; environmental impact; immigration package; separation and divisiveness; safety and security; and economic consequences. A majority of the content published in the U.S. was produced locally, however, most of the content published in Mexico was from news agencies, except for the opinion pieces that were locally produced for outlets on both side of the border.
Response to Comment on "Asymmetric syntheses of sceptrin and massadine and evidence for biosynthetic enantiodivergence"

Sherman et al. commented on the precedence of enantiodivergence, listing a number of congeneric natural products with opposite chirality. However, these “congeners” are not derived from enantiodivergent biosyntheses. Instead, they are antipodes arising from separate enantiomeric biosyntheses. A distinct feature of the biosynthesis of the cyclic pyrrole-imidazole dimers is the production of antipodal congeners without the corresponding enantiomers.
Costs of Arsenic Treatment for Potable Water in California and Comparison to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Affordability Metrics

Hilkert Colby, Elizabeth J., Thomas M. Young, Peter G. Green, and Jeannie L. Darby, 2010. Costs of Arsenic Treatment for Potable Water in California and Comparison to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Affordability Metrics. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 46(6):1238–1254. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00488.x Abstract: The United States (U.S.) federal standard for arsenic in potable water systems is only the second water quality standard in which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) administrator used “discretionary authority to establish a less stringent standard” based on the results of cost-benefit analyses. Based on the findings that a “standard of 3 μg/l would be feasible but not justified,” the revised maximum contaminant level (MCL) lowered the allowable arsenic concentration from 50 to 10 μg/l in 2002. In 2009, approximately 145 systems in California were out of compliance. The objectives were to gather performance and cost data from arsenic treatment systems in California to compare with data from the USEPA demonstration sites as well as with the USEPA affordability metrics for drinking water. The median cost of compliance with the revised arsenic MCL for the 36 surveyed systems was $1.95/1,000 gallons (2008 dollars), which is 69% of the average cost of delivered tap water in the U.S. in 2008 ($2.81/1,000 gallons). Additionally, 22% of the surveyed systems in California paid more than the maximum predicted cost of compliance with the revised arsenic MCL ($5.05/1,000 gallons). The largest variation in cost was seen in the systems that treated <500 gpm. For the systems utilizing adsorption, systems obtained between 20 and 80% of the expected bed volumes prior to breakthrough, indicating the need for better prediction of performance.
Using the Survey of Income and Program Participation to Understand Poverty and Economic Need

Research on economic need in the United States dates back at least to Jacob Riis's classic 1890 book, How the Other Half Lives. In the century since that publication, government efforts to reduce poverty have expanded enormously. Along with the expansion of anti-poverty programs, the demand for research on the nature of economic need in this country has mushroomed. A primary motivation for beginning the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) was to provide more and better information on families' level of eco­ nomic need and their use of government programs. This paper analyzes the ex­ tent to which SIPP has fulfilled that promise and presents recommendations for further changes and improvements in SIPP that might make it more useful to those who want to investigate poverty and anti-poverty programs. Data on income and program participation serve four basic functions in un­ derstanding poverty. First, income statistics are used to calculate measures of economic need, such as the official poverty rate, which are used as a measure of economic and social progress. Second, comparative measures of economic need across different subgroups of the population provide a measure of the relative progress and well-being of different groups in society, and help focus attention on those whose needs remain unmet. Third, data on program partici­ pation and family income provide information on who receives government transfer income and on how effective these programs are in reducing economic need. Fourth, repeated observations over time provide evidence on how all of these issues evolve. In particular, as anti-poverty programs and the macro
Mannitol Uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The uptake of mannitol, a nonmetabolized hexitol, by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was measured. Various characteristics examined include: effects of temperature on uptake, inhibition of uptake by uranyl nitrate, competition for uptake by glucose, counterflow of mannitol by glucose, and the affinity of mannitol for a carrier system as measured by a Michaelis constant. That energy is required for uptake was shown by a decreased uptake in the presence of energy inhibitors, by an increased uptake upon addition of energy sources, and by the absence of uptake under anaerobic conditions with no fermentable energy sources available. That mannitol is bound to some cellular constituent after it enters the cell was shown by its attachment to non-dialyzable cell fragments and by the lack of an osmotic response, both of which are consistent with a minimal efflux.
Development of direct methods of data inversion in helium atom scattering

The problem of diffraction pattern deconvolution in Helium Atom Scattering (HAS) has been solved directly within the Eikonal approximation. A formulation based on the Patterson construction has been developed which reduces the problem to the solution of a set of simultaneous equations in {ζj}, where ζj are the corrugation parameters for the surface. The formulation returns real space structures that satisfy unitarity, a secondary problem in HAS diffraction image inversion. Numerical benchmarks of this procedure are presented.
Activation of HIV-1 transcription by Tat in cells derived from the CNS: Evidence for the participation of NF-κB — A review

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the etiologic agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The Tat protein of HIV-1 is a potent activator of transcription directed by the viral long terminal repeat. It has been widely reported that this activation requires a specific interaction between Tat and a RNA target termed TAR in the 5'-leader sequence of HIV-1 mRNAs. In this report we present data and describe results which illustrate that under appropriate conditions activation of transcription by Tat occurs independent of the TAR element. The ability to mediate TAR-independent transactivation by Tat is constitutive in some central nervous system cells and requires prior activation in others such as T lymphocytes. Evidence implicating a specific transcription factor in mediating Tat activation is also presented. Studies with site-directed mutants demonstrate that the RNA-binding domain of Tat is dispensable for TAR-independent activation of HIV-1. In contrast, the requirement for specific components of the Tat activation domain suggests that common targets exist for this viral activation factor to exert its activity in TAR-independent and TAR-dependent transactivation pathways of HIV-1 transcriptional activation. A working model of TAR-independent transactivation, which we believe may be responsible for the activation of cellular genes which contribute to AIDS pathology, is presented.
Hepatic concentrations of proenkephalin‐derived opioids are increased in a rat model of cholestasis

The liver of adult rats with cholestasis secondary to bile duct resection has been shown to express the proenkephalin gene and, by immunohistochemical stains, to contain met-enkephalin. To further study hepatic opioids in cholestasis, concentrations of proenkephalin-derived endogenous opioids were measured in a rat model of cholestasis by the use of radioimmunoassays. The specificity of the immunoreactivity detected by the assays was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In adult male rats with cholestasis due to BDR, the concentrations of three proenkephalin-derived opioid peptides were increased. Specifically, the mean hepatic concentrations of met-enkephalin, Met-Enk-Arg6-Phe7 and leu-enkephalin were 2.5 (p < 0.005), 2.1 (p < 0.005) and 2.5 (p < 0.01) fold higher than the corresponding mean for controls. These findings provide further independent evidence that opioid peptides accumulate in the liver in a model of cholestasis and are consistent with de novo synthesis of opioid peptides occurring in the cholestatic liver. This phenomenon may have relevance to the altered function of the opioid system in cholestasis and to the role of the liver as a neuroendocrine organ.
Explanations for Decreased Harvest Index with Increased Yield in Soybean

Yield in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is controlled by total dry matter (TDM) accumulation and partition of that TDM into yield as measured by harvest index (HI). Previous research indicated that yield responded to TDM at R5 (seed initiation) [TDM(R5)] in an asymptotic relationship that plateaued at about 600 g m -2 . As yield rose with TDM(R5), HI declined, thus acting as a yield limiting factor. Explanation for the inverse relationship between yield and HI would help develop research strategies for yield improvement. Our objective was to determine if this negative relationship resulted from an inverse relationship between node production efficiency [node no. per gram TDM(R5)] with TDM(R5). Data for this study were collected from previous studies containing a variety of cultural treatments (planting dates, row spacings, plant populations, and waterlogging) conducted near Baton Rouge, LA (30° N lat), between 1987 and 1996 and combined into a single data set. Regression analyses between yield, TDM(R5), yield components, and production efficiencies of yield components [yield component level per gram TDM(R5)] were conducted. Results indicated that the inverse relationship between HI and yield (R 2 = 0.54; b 1 = P < 0.0001, b 2 = P < 0.05) resulted mainly from a negative relationship between node production efficiency and TDM(R5) (R 2 = 0.81; b 1 = P < 0.0001, b 2 = P < 0.05), which resulted in less efficient production of pods and seeds (the main yield components controlling yield) as TDM(R5) increased. In conclusion, reduced node production efficiency with increased TDM(R5) created the inverse relationship between Hl and yield.
Resource balance, limited information and public policy

Abstract The U.S. Federal Government through its expenditure programs is having a major impact on all forms of pollution abatement. Total expenditures on Federal environmental programs amounted to $3.3 billion in 1972. A program of this magnitude can easily lead to waste and expenditures on conflicting goals unless carefully managed. In a recent article in the Am. Econ. Rev. William Baumol examined the theoretical justification for and attacks on the Pigouvian tax and subsidy approach to controlling externalities. He concluded that while it is theoretically possible to control externalities through Pigou's procedure, the existence of multiple equilibrium and information requirements make it impractical. He proposes an alternate approach which changes the policy goal from maximization of social welfare to generation of acceptable levels of externalities. His goals differ drastically from those of the resource balance model presented by Kneese, Ayres and D'Arge of maximization of social welfare. This paper will combine the concept of resource balance with the goal of obtaining acceptable level of externalities at minimum cost in the presentation of a theoretical model that can be operationalized. This paper proposes a general equilibrium method, utilizing the decomposition principle of linear programming, that will permit expenditures and regulations only on non-conflicting goals and includes a feedback mechanism for determining if a program is wasteful in relation to other programs. The model has five advantages over earlier proposals: (1) it is a general equilibrium rather than partial equilibrium model; (2) it is dynamic rather than static; (3) limited information rather than complete information is required for its implementation; (4) the model is heuristic rather than optimizing in the sense that policy decisions always increase the efficiency of pollution control, but because of the existence of uncertainty, they cannot be interpreted as maximizing social welfare; (5) the model incorporates multiple rather than a single policy tool.
Investigation of W-Ge-N deposited on Ge as a diffusion barrier for Cu metallization

The properties of W-Ge-Nthin films were investigated as a diffusion barrier material for Cu metallization. The W-Ge-Nfilms were grown by reactive sputtering on a single crystal Ge substrate. This was followed by in-situ deposition of Cu. Diffusion barrier test was performed by annealing the film stack under Ar atmosphere. Phase identification and film crystallization were determined by X-ray diffraction. The deposited W-Ge-Nfilms remained amorphous even after high temperature annealing. The Cu diffusion profile in the film was assessed by Auger electron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that Cu diffusion was minimal in W-Ge-Nfilms even at high annealing temperatures. Interface reactions and properties were analyzed by cross-section transmission electron microscopy. The results suggest that W-Ge-Nmay be a superior diffusion barrier as compared to WNx for Cu metallization.
Sensory afferent segregation in three-eared frogs resemble the dominance columns observed in three-eyed frogs

The formation of proper sensory afferent connections during development is essential for brain function. Activity-based competition is believed to drive ocular dominance columns (ODC) in mammals and in experimentally-generated three-eyed frogs. ODC formation is thus a compromise of activity differences between two eyes and similar molecular cues. To gauge the generality of graphical map formation in the brain, we investigated the inner ear projection, known for its well-defined and early segregation of afferents from vestibular and auditory endorgans. In analogy to three eyed-frogs, we generated three-eared frogs to assess to what extent vestibular afferents from two adjacent ears could segregate. Donor ears were transplanted either in the native orientation or rotated by 90 degrees. These manipulations should result in either similar or different induced activity between both ears, respectively. Three-eared frogs with normal orientation showed normal swimming whereas those with a rotated third ear showed aberrant behaviors. Projection studies revealed that only afferents from the rotated ears segregated from those from the native ear within the vestibular nucleus, resembling the ocular dominance columns formed in three-eyed frogs. Vestibular segregation suggests that mechanisms comparable to those operating in the ODC formation of the visual system may act on vestibular projection refinements.
The developmental pathways to schizophrenia: Potential moderating effects of stress

The observations of family members as well as the results of past research suggest that a variety of developmental pathways can precede the onset of schizophrenia in early adulthood. In this article, we describe recent findings from our research on the childhood precursors of schizophrenia. Taken together, the results indicate that childhood behavioral, emotional, and motoric dysfunction occur at a higher rate in preschizophrenia subjects when compared to control subjects. Further, there are developmental changes as well as significant variability among schizophrenia patients in the nature and severity of childhood impairment. Drawing on the prevailing diathesis-stress model, we explore the moderating role that stress exposure and reactivity may play in the expression of the organic diathesis for schizophrenia. Specifically, we consider the role of the biological stress response in the production of developmental changes and individual differences in the pathways to schizophrenia. Given extant models of dopamine involvement in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, stress-induced Cortisol release may alter the expression of subcortical abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission. Thus, we present a neural mechanism for the hypothesized behavioral sensitivity to stress exposure in schizophrenia, and explore the capacity of the model to account for the changing behavioral manifestations of vulnerability.
Strategic directions in real-time and embedded systems

Real-time computing is an enabling technology for many important application areas, including process control, nuclear power plants, agile manufacturing, intelligent vehicle highway systems, avionics, air-traffic control, telecommunications (the information superhighway), multimedia, real-time simulation, virtual reality, medical applications (e.g., telemedicine and intensive-care monitoring), and defense applications (e.g., command, control and communications). In particular, almost all safety-critical systems and many embedded computer systems are real-time systems. Further, realtime technology is becoming increasingly important and pervasive, e.g., more and more infrastructure of the world depends on it. Strategic directions for research in real-time computing involve addressing new types of real-time systems including open real-time systems, globally distributed real-time, and multimedia systems. For each of these, research is required in the areas of system evolution, composibility, software engineering, the science of performance guarantees, reliability and formal verification, general system issues, programming languages, and education. Economic and safety considerations, as well as the special problems that timing constraints cause, must be taken into account in the solutions. In Section 2, several examples of realtime systems, their corresponding importance, and several examples of research success are presented. In Section 3 key future challenges and research related to strategic directions are highlighted. A vision of the field for the next ten years is presented in Section 4. Section 5 summarizes the paper.
Infant eye movement asymmetries: temporal-nasal asymmetry is reversed at isoluminance in 2-month-olds

Tested monocularly with luminance-modulated stimuli, young infants classically show a directional asymmetry of eye movements: optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) and OKN-like eye movements are more reliably elicited by temporo-nasally- (T-N) than by naso-temporally- (N-T) directed stimuli. In the present experiment, 2-month-old infants were tested with isoluminant red-green gratings. A reverse asymmetry was found: at isoluminance, directionally appropriate eye movements were more readily elicited by N-T- than by T-N-directed stimuli. The results suggest the presence of a reverse asymmetry in the ensemble of direction-selective neurons that controls young infants' immature eye movements in response to isoluminant stimuli.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINED ATTENTION (VIGILANCE) AND INHIBITION IN CHILDREN: SOME NORMATIVE DATA

SUMMARY A normative study of 230 children from Sydney pre-schools and primary schools (aged 3–7 years) was carried out using a Continuous Performance Test of Vigilance (CPT), the Draw-a-Line Slowly test (DALS) for motor inhibition, and the Sprague Ballistographic Chair for motility. The study demonstrated a clear age development in capacity for sustained attention (vigilance) and in motor inhibition between 4 and 6 years of age, in normal children. Correlations between components of the CPT, Mean Reaction Time (MRT), and the DALS test were shown suggesting a need for further multivariate studies. Sex differences were not found for the CPT, or DALS tests, but were shown for Chair Score and for motor components of the DALS test (DALO and DALF), for which boys scored higher motility scores and faster DALO and DALF scores.
Tesio Catheter: Radiologically Guided Placement, Mechanical Performance, and Adequacy of Delivered Dialysis

PURPOSE: Tunneled catheters are an alternative means of vascular access for patients in need of hemodialysis who cannot undergo dialysis through a surgical shunt. This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the Tesio dialysis catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of the Tesio catheter was performed. Follow-up data regarding catheter function and adequacy of dialysis were obtained from nine hemodialysis facilities. RESULTS: Seventy-nine Tesio catheters were placed in 71 patients. Immediate technical success was 99% (78 of 79 catheters). The procedure complication rate was 9% (seven catheters). Only two complications required intervention: one fatal air embolism and one chest wall hematoma. Sixty-seven catheters in 60 patients were followed up for a total of 4,367 catheter days. Overall, catheter-related infection occurred in 9% (six of 67 catheters). Primary catheter patency was 87% at 1 week, 82% at 1 month, 72% at 3 months, and 66% at 6 months. Mean blood flow was 286 mL/min i...
The Scales and Upper Bounds of Classical Monopole Solutions

I would like to report on some observations made together with T. Kirkman and A. N. Schellekens, on the mathematical structure of the classical monopole solutions. These observations may guide our intuition on the structure of the relevant physical objects. For lack of time, I will concentrate on results: the technical underpinnings of our formal argument are to be found in Refs. 1 and 2.
Capital raising in the offshore market

Abstract US corporations can raise capital in the offshore market using Regulation S, adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1990 and modified in 1996. We examine how offshore offerings are done under Regulation S, what types of companies use this market, the discount companies offer investors to compensate for illiquidity in the market, and the impact of the new disclosure requirements on capital raising in the offshore market. We find that small firms tend to raise capital in this market. During our sample period before the 1996 rule change the median market capitalization of reporting firms was $16.82 million with a median stock price of $1.13. The mean and median discount offered to foreign investors was 32.84% and 40.53%, respectively. Offerings during this period resulted in average share dilution of 11.97%. We find that before the disclosure requirements, firms were “gaming the system” by giving foreign investors just enough time to resell the securities back into the United States before the initial sale became public information. After the rule changes, Regulation S offerings are not perceived to be “shady”, and larger firms are now using the market, resulting in lower average discount and dilution.
Fusarium graminearum Infection during Wheat Seed Development and Its Effect on Seed Quality

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe causes losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed quality and yield. Field studies were conducted in 2000 and 2001 to investigate F. graminearum seed infection (SI) and its relationship to seed germination and vigor and the production of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). Seeds from four soft red winter wheat cultivars having different levels of Type II resistance to F. graminearum were harvested at frequent intervals during development and maturity. Low levels of SI occurred late in seed development in 2000, which resulted in high seed quality. In 2001, under heavy disease pressure, F. graminearum increased from 98% at maturity in both resistant and susceptible cultivars, resulting in unacceptable standard germination (SG) (<80%) and seed vigor [<70% accelerated aging (AA) germination] early in seed development. Although fungicide seed treatment improved the SG of all cultivars, it still remained below acceptable commercial seed quality (80%). Deoxynivalenol was present at significant levels (5 to 25 mg kg -1 ) throughout seed development and maturation in all cultivars in 2001. Although the resistant cultivar P25R18 had reduced levels of DON and lower seed damage compared with susceptible P2552, resistance had no effect on SI and seed quality. Therefore, under severe disease pressure, Type II resistance offers little advantage to seed producers in reducing SI and improving seed quality during severe FHB epidemics.
A Perfused Two-Chamber System for Anticancer Drug Screening

A cell culture microfluidic device has been developed to test the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs while reproducing multi-organ interactions in vitro. Cells were cultured in separate chambers representing the liver and tumor. The two chambers were connected through a channel to mimick the blood flow. Glioblastoma (GBM) cancer cells (M059K) and hepatoma cells (HepG2) were cultured in the tumor and the liver chambers, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of cancer treatment drug Temolozomide (TMZ) was tested using this two chamber system. The experimental results showed that with the liver cells, the cancer cells showed much higher viability than those without the liver cells. This indicates that the liver metabolism has strong effect on the toxicity of the anticancer drug. The results demonstrated that the perfused two chamber cell culture system has the potential to be used as a platform for drug screening in a more physiologically realistic environment.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Serotonin syndrome manifesting as patient movement during total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil

A patient who manifested signs of serotonin syndrome during an intravenous anesthetic with remifentanil and propofol is presented. The patient displayed lower extremity clonus, nystagmus, and diaphoresis. At the time of surgery, the patient was being treated with fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). A presumptive diagnosis of serotonin syndrome was made intraoperatively and all opioids were discontinued. His symptoms resolved in the Postanesthesia Care Unit without incident.
Metabolism of pyruvate and carnitine esters in bovine epididymal sperm mitochondria.

Abstract Filipin-treated bovine epididymal spermatozoa have been used to study mitochondrial l -acetylcarnitine, l -palmitoylcarnitine, and pyruvate metabolism. The cells were supplemented with malate to allow rapid rates of substrate oxidation. The rate of l -palmitoylcarnitine-supported state 3 respiration was slow. In contrast, pyruvate, acetylcarnitine, or lactate supported rapid and approximately equal respiratory rates. l -Palmitoylcarnitine was a weak inhibitor of pyruvate-supported respiration and pyruvate use and a more potent inhibitor of l -acetylcarnitine. l -Carnitine was an effective inhibitor of l -acetylcarnitine oxidation; however, it did not influence l -palmitoylcarnitine oxidation or inhibit pyruvate utilization. Pyruvate (1.4 m m ) disappearance was rapid and was complete within 6–7 min; the lactate produced during pyruvate metabolism was then oxidized. ATP synthesis was constant throughout the 20-min incubation. With pyruvate plus l -acetylcarnitine as substrate, the l -acetylcarnitine concentration initially dropped and then recovered to a level that was dependent on free carnitine addition. Data obtained from experiments using [2- 14 C]pyruvate indicated that the 14 C label from pyruvate and lactate entered the l -acetylcarnitine pool and labeling was maximal when free l -carnitine was added. The rate of citrate synthesis was maximal when pyruvate was being metabolized; the largest total accumulation occurred when all three substrates were included in the incubation. The data suggest that the high NAD + / NADH maintained during pyruvate metabolism may restrict flux through the citric acid cycle. The relationships of l -carnitine and the l -carnitine esters to pyruvate metabolism are discussed.
The use of glucose dehydrogenase to monitor the integrity of microsomes

Abstract Various concentrations of Tergitol NP-10 stimulate mannose-6-phosphatase and glucose dehydrogenase to the same extent in untreated rat liver microsomes. Thus, the latency of glucose dehydrogenase may be used as an alternative to mannose phosphatase as a measure of the integrity of the microsomal membrane. The advantage of using dehydrogenanse rather than mannose phosphatase to monitor microsomal integrity is that NADH is more easily measured than Pi.
Role of calcium in endothelin-induced contractions and prostacyclin release

Abstract Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide that induces characteristically long-lasting contractions. We used rat aortic rings to investigate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in ET-1-induced contractions and prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) release. ET-1 (10 −9 M) produced a gradual and sustained contraction in rat aortic rings. Pretreatment of aortic rings with different doses (10 −9 M and 10 −6 M) of diltiazem (voltage-sensitive L-type calcium channel blocker) produced significant inhibition of ET-1- and PDBu-induced contractions and PGI 2 release. Inhibition was first noted at 10 −9 M and was complete at 10 −6 M. Conversely, pretreatment of aortic rings with different doses (10 −9 M and 10 −6 M) of calcium channel blockers (thapsigargin, an intracellular calcium channel blocker, or conotoxin, a voltage-sensitive N-type calcium channel blocker) produced no changes on ET-1- or PDBu-induced contraction or PGI 2 release. These results provide further support for the concept that PKC mediates ET-induced contractions and PGI 2 release in rat aortic rings via an increase in intracellular calcium and this increase is due to the influx of extracellular calcium and not to the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
"Bolometric" Technique for the rf Spectroscopy of Stored Ions

A simple technique is proposed in which rf transitions between suitable energy levels of an atomic or molecular ion, a member of a stored, radiatively thermalized ion gas, may be detected by monitoring the translational temperature of the ion gas. An experimental study of the cyclotron resonance of an electron gas confined in a Penning trap demonstrates its usefulness, and possible applicability to spin resonance.
Analysis of the mosquito lysosomal asparticp protease gene: An insect housekeeping gene with fat body-enhanced expression

Abstract In the fat body of insects with cyclic egg maturation, lysosomes play a critical role in the termination of vitellogenesis by selectively degrading the secretory machinery involved in the massive production of yolk protein precursors. To investigate this fat body-specific lysosomal activity in the mosquito, a cathepsin D-like aspartic protease (LAP) was previously purified and its cDNA cloned. Here we report the isolation of the AaLAP gene from an Aedes aegypti genomic library. The transcribed region of the gene is comprised of five exons, spanning 1904 base pairs. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and genomic clone analyses show this gene to be single copy and polymorphic. Primer extension analysis revealed two putative transcription start sites (TSS). The extension products corresponding to the distal and proximal TSSs were present in both pre- and vitellogenic fat bodies, suggesting that both TSSs are involved in housekeeping as well as tissue-specific expression of this gene. TATA box-like and arthropod initiator sequences, hallmarks of regulated genes, were present near each putative TSS. Several sequences resembling binding sites for liver- and fat body-specific transcription factors were identified within 1 kb upstream and downstream of the gene. Significantly, direct binding for the C/EBP and GATA families of transcription factors was demonstrated in vitro by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Three sequences located upstream of AaLAP resembled the Drosophila melanogaster yolk protein fat body enhancer ( DmYp FBE). Potential hormone-response elements were also recognized in the gene; however, they did not bind the mosquito ecdysteroid receptor/Ultraspiracle heterodimer in EMSA experiments, indicating that these sequences may interact with different nuclear receptors.