cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of office-based buprenorphine/naloxone maintenance therapy.

Abstract Background Buprenorphine/naloxone was approved by the FDA for office-based opioid maintenance therapy (OMT), with little long-term follow-up data from actual office-based practice. 18-Month outcome data on the office-based use of buprenorphine/naloxone (bup/nx) and the impact of socioeconomic status and other patient characteristics on the duration and clinical effects of bup/nx are reported. Methods This retrospective chart review and cross-sectional telephone interview provide treatment retention of opioid-dependent patients receiving bup/nx-OMT in an office-based setting. 176 opioid-dependent patients from two different socioeconomic groups (high and low SES) were begun on bup/nx, started intensive outpatient treatment, and followed-up after a minimum of 18 months (18–42 months) by telephone interview to assess treatment outcome. Results 110 subjects (67%) completed the interview, 77% remained on bup/nx with no difference in retention between high and low SES groups. Those on bup/nx at follow-up were more likely to report abstinence, to be affiliated with 12-step recovery, to be employed and to have improved functional status. Conclusions Bup/nx-OMT is a viable treatment option and when coupled with a required abstinence oriented addiction counseling program is effective in promoting abstinence, self-help group attendance, occupational stability, and improved psychosocial outcomes in both low SES and high SES patient populations over an 18–42-month period.
Large mW, mZ behaviour of the O(α) corrections to semileptonic processes mediated by W

Abstract Using the current algebra formulation of radiative corrections and working in the framework of the SU(2) L × U(1) × SU(3) c theory, we derive a theorem that governs the large m W , m Z behaviour of the O(α) corrections to general semileptonic processes mediated by W. The leading asymptotic dependence is logarithmic with a universal coefficient not affected by the strong interactions. As a byproduct, we obtain the leading asymptotic effect induced perturbatively by the strong interactions, which is of O(ln ln ( m W / Λ )).
A pulse height resolution meter

Abstract An analog circuit has been constructed which measures the rms width of a pulse height distribution and provides a continuously updated meter display.
MEMORY IN MIDDLE‐AGED ADULTS

In this article we review the literature on memory in middle‐aged adults, focusing on the place of memory in development from young adulthood through old age. We examine the areas of free recall, cued recall, recognition, and prose recall as well as the issues of automaticity and strategy use. The overall findings reveal a steady decline in memory performance; some areas, such as recognition and prose recall, show less decline than others. Task variables that affect the middle‐aged adult's performance in laboratory tasks are noted, and some pedagogical implications of the findings are discussed. This review was supported by a grant from the College of Arts and Sciences of Florida International University to Gordon E. Finley.
Handcrafted Fraud and Extortion: Manual Account Hijacking in the Wild

Online accounts are inherently valuable resources---both for the data they contain and the reputation they accrue over time. Unsurprisingly, this value drives criminals to steal, or hijack, such accounts. In this paper we focus on manual account hijacking---account hijacking performed manually by humans instead of botnets. We describe the details of the hijacking workflow: the attack vectors, the exploitation phase, and post-hijacking remediation. Finally we share, as a large online company, which defense strategies we found effective to curb manual hijacking.
Anaesthesie von Patienten für intrakardiale Operationen

Die Einleitung und Aufrechterhaltung eines oberflachlichen Stadiums der Anaesthesie mit Ather und Sauerstoff wurden beschrieben. Diese Technik findet Verwendung fur alle Arten intrakardialer Operationen. Hilfsmittel zur Uberwachung des Kreislaufes des Patienten sind aufgefuhrt. Beeinflussung der Kreislauffunktion kann erfolgen durch die Anaesthesie, die Operation oder die Erkrankung des Patienten. Diese Faktoren wurden diskutiert und unterstutzende Masnahmen beschrieben. Beobachtungen des unmittelbaren Effektes extrakorporaler Zirkulation zeigen, das bei dem angewandten Blutstromvolumen der arterielle Mitteldruck, der venose Blutdruck und die venose Sauerstoffsattigung relativ normal sind. Eine geringgradige stoffwechselbedingte Acidose tritt bei extrakorporaler Zirkulation auf.
Adult Age Differences in Attention: Filtering or Selection?

We examined the effect of target letter redundancy for target-only (TO) and target-plus-noise (TPN) trials on a visual search, divided attention task where target letters were presented in one or two corners of a two-corner display. Half of the two-letter displays also included a noise letter. In both Experiment 1 (two-choice vs go/no-go) and Experiment 2 (all go/no-go), older adults showed larger redundancy gains than did young adults, and this effect did not interact with task type or visual similarity. However, for the "no-go" trials in both experiments, there were no age differences in overall errors. These results suggest that there are age differences in the activation of selective attention rather than age differences in inhibitory control. In Experiment 2, young adults under lower-luminance presentation conditions (18 cd/m2) showed a smaller redundancy gain than did older adults under higher-luminance presentation conditions (40 cd/m2). These results provided further support of the age differences in activation interpretation, as well as indicating that older adults' larger redundancy gain was not due to an age decrement in retinal illuminance.
Effects of 1-methyltryptophan stereoisomers on IDO2 enzyme activity and IDO2-mediated arrest of human T cell proliferation.

IDO2 is a newly discovered enzyme with 43 % similarity to classical IDO (IDO1) protein and shares the same critical catalytic residues. IDO1 catalyzes the initial and rate-limiting step in the degradation of tryptophan and is a key enzyme in mediating tumor immune tolerance via arrest of T cell proliferation. The role of IDO2 in human T cell immunity remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that similar to IDO1, IDO2 also degrades tryptophan into kynurenine and is inhibited more efficiently by Levo-1-methyl tryptophan (L-1MT), an IDO1 competitive inhibitor, than by dextro-methyl tryptophan (D-1MT). Although IDO2 enzyme activity is weaker than IDO1, it is less sensitive to 1-MT inhibition than IDO1. Moreover, our results indicate that human CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation was inhibited by IDO2, but both L-1MT and D-1MT could not reverse IDO2-mediated arrest of cell proliferation, even at high concentrations. These data indicate that IDO2 is an inhibitory mechanism in human T cell proliferation and support efforts to develop more effective IDO1 and IDO2 inhibitors in order to overcome IDO-mediated immune tolerance.
An Examination of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Database for Education‐Related Information

The availability of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) database has raised many questions concerning strategies for gaining efficient retrieval of relevant citations by subject. Because NIMH is only available online and users lack search aids necessary in providing both descriptive and general content information, a need exists to summarize essential understandings and to clarify approaches to retrieval of information from this database. This study investigates the feasibility of using NIMH for searching education and education‐related fields, and compares its coverage in these areas with ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) and PsychINFO. It also aims to identify potential subjects worthy of inquiry in NIMH.
REACH, a New Approach to Chemicals Regulation in Europe: a Brief History, Key Features, and Expected Outcomes

The European Union has been regulating aspects of the production and use of chemicals since the late 196os. In the late 199os it was realised that this network of regulations had not resulted in the provision of adequate safety information on the chemicals used everyday in the EU, and also it did not function efficiently, for example in controlling uses of problematic substances. A review was launched, which led to the creation of the REACH - Regulation, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals"- a new integrated approach to chemical regulation in Europe. The REACH proposal obliges chemical producers to provide safety data on the substances they sell, and makes a number of other changes to chemicals management, including the creation of a new authorisation system for dealing with chemicals with properties of very high concern. The REACH proposal is now being finalised in the co-decision process, and it is currently estimated that it will enter into force in 2007.
Purification of viable ciliated cuboidal ependymal cells from rat brain

Abstract Trypsinization of coronal sections of rat brain, followed by incubation with the chelating agent, ethyleneglycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), results in selective release of ciliated cuboidal ependymal cells which may be further purified by centrifugal methods. The isolated cells are motile, viable, and exhibit ultrastructure comparable to that in situ.
A comparison of methods for estimating mortality parameters from survival data

The Gompertz mortality function, Rm = R0e alpha t, is frequently used to describe changes in mortality rate (Rm) with time (t). In this paper, four methods for determining the best fit values of the two parameters, R0 and alpha, are compared. Three of the four methods use the Gompertz mortality function with mortality rate estimates derived from survival data to determine the best fit values for the two parameters. All three confront problems. The fourth method uses the Gompertz survival function, which can be derived from the Gompertz mortality function and which allows one to use survival data directly. It thereby avoids the problems and generally gives the best estimates for the two parameters. The use of the mortality function, with mortality rate estimates, confronts four distinct problems. One of these is caused by time intervals when zero organisms die. A second is caused by errors produced in estimating mortality rates from survival data. If too high a proportion of a population die in a given time interval, the mortality rate estimates are too low. A third problem is the sensitivity of the mortality-equation-based analyses to values at the end of the survival curve, where scatter in mortality values tends to be greater. A final problem occurs when time intervals greater than one time unit (day, week, year, etc.) are used in the analysis. Such problems with the use of mortality rates to estimate parameter values are revealed when the calculated parameters are used to produce a survival curve, or when known values of R0 and alpha are used to generate survival data. This paper introduces a non-linear regression analysis, using a Simplex algorithm to fit parameters R0 and alpha in the Gompertz Survival function and concludes that it gives more reliable and consistent results with a variety of data than do three methods that use the mortality function.
Novel Separation Processes for Solid/Liquid Separations in Coal Derived Liquids

The removal of the mineral matter found in coal derived liquids is a very difficult solid/liquid separation process. Clays, pyrites and other minerals that occur in coal ultimately find their way i...
SU-D-108-07: Experimental Verification of a Compensator-Based Brachytherapy System

Purpose: To construct and experimentally validate a compensator‐based brachytherapy (CBT) prototype system for treating cervical cancer. With CBT, high‐precision 3‐D manufacturing techniques are used to generate a patient‐specific compensator with spatially‐varying thicknesses, through which an electronic brachytherapy (eBT) source travels to deliver conformal radiation dose distributions. Methods: A prototype cylindrical compensator with 8 octants, each with different thicknesses, was designed. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) was used to construct Cobalt‐Chromium (CoCr) and Titanium (Ti) compensators, and a 4‐axis CNC milling (4‐D milling) technique was used to construct a Ti compensator. Gafchromic EBT2 films, held by an acrylic quality assurance (QA) phantom, were irradiated to approximately 125 cGy with an eBT source for both shielded and unshielded cases. The dose at each point on the films was calculated using a TG‐43 dose calculation model that was modified to account for the presence of a compensator by ray‐tracing. Results: Both 4‐D milling and DMLS methods achieved 25.4 urn and 20–40 urn spatial accuracy, respectively. Construction time is approximately 10 hours for 4‐D milling and 2 hours for DMLS. The agreement between the expected EBT2 film dose and measured dose was within 10% without a compensator, and within 15% for non‐thickness‐transition area with a compensator. The use of Monte Carlo dose calculations is expected to improve dosimetric accuracy relative to the current TG‐43‐based method. Conclusion: We expect that patient‐specific compensators can be constructed rapidly in clinical situations using DMLS. CBT is a non‐invasive alternative to supplementary interstitial BT that is expected to improve the dose conformity to bulky cervical cancer tumors relative to conventional intracavitary brachytherapy. University of Iowa Research Foundation
Myosin-II-dependent localization and dynamics of F-actin during cytokinesis.

Summary Background: The assembly of an F-actin- and myosin-II-containing contractile ring (CR) is required for cytokinesis in eukaryotic cells. Interactions between myosin II and actin in the ring are believed to generate the force that constricts the cell into two daughters. The mechanism(s) that contribute to the spatially and temporally regulated assembly and disassembly of the CR at the cell equator are poorly understood. Results: We generated an LLCPK1 epithelial cell line that stably expresses GFP-actin. Live confocal imaging showed accumulation of GFP-actin in the equatorial cortex from late anaphase through cytokinesis. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments showed that actin in the CR is highly dynamic (t 1/2 = 26 s). In some cells, movement of GFP-actin toward the equatorial region was observed and contributed to FRAP. Blocking actin dynamic turnover with jasplakinolide demonstrates that dynamic actin is required for CR formation and cytokinesis. To test the role of myosin II in actin turnover and transport during CR formation, we inhibited myosin light-chain kinase with ML7 and myosin II ATPase activity with blebbistatin. Inhibition of myosin light-chain phosphorylation resulted in clearance of GFP-actin from the equatorial region, a reduction in myosin II in the furrow, and inhibition of cytokinesis. Treatment with blebbistatin did not block CR formation but reduced FRAP of GFP-actin and prevented completion of cytokinesis. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the majority of actin in the CR is highly dynamic and establish novel roles for myosin II in the retention and dynamic turnover of actin in the CR.
Increased anteversion of press-fit femoral stems compared with anatomic femur.

Background With contemporary canal-filling press-fit stems, there is no adjustability of stem position in the canal and therefore the canal anatomy determines stem version. Stem version will affect head/neck impingement, polyethylene wear from edge loading, and hip stability, but despite this, the postoperative version of a canal-filling press-fit stem is unclear.
Cold War Illuminations of the Classical Past: ‘The Sound and Light Show‘ on the Athenian Acropolis

Drawing upon the text of ‘The Sound and Light Show’ and French and Greek newspaper coverage of the show’s premier in 1959, this article uses the metaphor of the museum to consider the ways in which the show limits and controls the history that the Acropolis monuments are allowed to represent. I argue that the show’s premise of a causal link between the defeat of tyrannical Eastern enemies and the flourishing of democracy and the arts is a product of the Cold War. This ideological backdrop can be traced through the dramatic events surrounding the show’s star-studded, international premier and the richly nuanced political controversies that it reflected and in turn provoked.
Treatment of Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis With Extended Catheter-Directed Intraventricular Thrombolytic Therapy

Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are used in patients with advanced heart failure, either as bridge to transplant or as destination therapy.1 Because current generation continuous flow LVADs activate the coagulation system, anticoagulant therapy with warfarin is recommended to minimize the risk of device thrombosis.2 Occasionally, however, device thrombosis may still occur, which may necessitate surgical LVAD exchange. Because of the relatively high morbidity and mortality associated with a surgical LVAD exchange, alternative methods to abort LVAD thromboses short of surgical intervention would be attractive. Recently, resolution of device thrombosis with catheter-directed intraventricular administration of a single bolus dose of fibrinolytic therapy has been reported.3,4 Here, we report the successful resolution of 2 consecutive cases of LVAD thrombosis using continuous catheter-directed intraventricular administration of fibrinolytics for an extended period in patients who did not respond to the initial bolus dose of fibrinolytics without resorting to surgical LVAD exchange. A 45-year-old man with HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA) LVAD as destination therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy presented with dark red urine 11 months after device implantation. Further evaluation revealed a subtherapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) (1.4), markedly elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; 4010 U/L), low serum haptoglobin (<20 mg/dL), mild hyperbilirubinemia (1.2 mg/dL), and elevated plasma-free hemoglobin (15.4 mg/dL), consistent with hemolysis. Review of logged waveform files revealed no power …
Surface tension-powered build dimension control in laser additive manufacturing process

This research is aimed at providing insight into the process phenomena that determine the surface finish quality and dimensional accuracy of laser additive manufactured parts. It was found that melt pool fluid flow has a major effect on the sidewall dimensions of the final deposit. Thermocapillary gradient is the main driving force for melt pool flow, and the gradient can potentially be controlled by material composition. Thus, the effects of three characteristic thermocapillary gradients (positive, negative, mixed) on melt pool fluid flows and build geometry are investigated in this study. The work studied mechanisms responsible for sidewall nonuniformity and deposit bulge in detail. The results showed that the bulge in deposit width occurring at the start of the build is reduced by approximately 56 % by deposition of material having mixed thermocapillary gradient as compared to the bulge resulting from deposition of material with a negative thermocapillary gradient. Also, melt pool temperature distributions are visualized during laser deposition of five-layer single-track builds. More accurate build geometry and reduced deposit sidewall bulge can be expected to lead to lower total cost of additive manufactured parts.
Hypoxic vasorelaxation inhibition by organ culture correlates with loss of Kv channels but not Ca2+ channels

We (Thorne GD, Shimizu S, and Paul RJ. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 281: C24–C32, 2001) have recently shown that organ culture for 24 h specifically inhibits relaxation to acute hypoxia (95% N2-5% CO2...
Planning Electronic Developments for Industry (Abstract)

The relationship of principal electronic sectors to macroeconomic factors provides a useful alternative for assessing the long-term potential of the electronic industry. This alternative forecast suggests that the principal world electronic market have a potential to increase their growth rates through the 1980's as compared to recent growth history. This accelerated growth is spurred by semiconductor technology, particularly by low-cost logic and memory, which are just now beginning to be dispersed broadly in consumer and industrial applications.
The characteristic impedance of two infinite cones of arbitrary cross section

A theoretical method of finding the characteristic impedance of two infinite cones of arbitrary cross section is presented. In this problem, the spherical geometry can be mapped on a plane, thus reducing the problem to finding the solution of Laplace's equation by using conformal mapping techniques. This method is applied to the inclined biconical antenna and several types of fin antennas. The solution for the biconical antenna is Z_{0}=\eta/2\pi \cosh ^{-1}F , where F is a function of the geometry of the antenna. For the fin, the solution takes the form Z_{0} =\etaK(k)/K'(k) where K and K' are complete elliptic integrals of the first kind and k depends on the geometry.
Transition state stucture and frontier orbital influence on the cycloaddition reactions of 2,5-dimethyl-3,4-dimethylenethiophene with styrenes and benzaldehydes

Abstract The biradical 2,5-dimethyl-3,4-dimethylenethiophene reacts with styrenes and benzaldehydes to give fused cycloadducts. The effect of substituents on the efficiency of the benzaldehyde trapping reaction resembles that of normal electron-demand Diels-Alder reactions and is linear with the Hammett σ-constant. With the styrenes, the Hammett plot is non-linear. Frontier orbital theory provides a rationalization of these effects in terms of the uniquely HOMO-LUMO gap characteristic of biradicals.
Integrating Research into Dental Student Training A Global Necessity

The integration of research into dental education is necessary to ensure that evidence-based practice reaches the clinical setting and that dentistry remains a scientifically driven health profession. Consequently, dental accreditation standards in the United States and Canada require dental schools to integrate research components into curricula. Organizations (e.g., NIDCR, ADEA, AADR, IADR, and NSRG) provide some opportunities for dental students to experience research. Assessment of the integration of research into dental curricula suggests that US students are interested in learning and utilizing evidence-based practice, but lack adequate time for research participation. Records show limited student involvement in research organizations internationally (i.e., AADR and IADR). Vague accreditation standards and limited research opportunities outside of dental schools may be barriers. We lack an understanding of the status of integration of research into dental curricula internationally, but predict that similar issues exist. We propose that dental institutions consider implementing the following: (1) curriculum components to assess the use of evidence-based practice, (2) faculty and student seminars for discussing evidence-based practice, (3) subsidization of student membership in dental research organizations (e.g., AADR and IADR), and (4) sponsorship of students as institutional representatives at annual research meetings (e.g., IADR, AADR, ADA, and ADEA meetings), with subsequent school-wide dissemination of knowledge attained from attendance.
Applying partial least squares to model genetically modified food purchase intentions in southern Spain consumers

Abstract Consumers’ potential reactions towards genetically modified (GM) foods influence their commercial feasibility and determine the decisions of economic agents. This paper studies the underlying factors involved in determining consumers’ choice behaviour towards GM foods in order to develop an integrated analytical framework. Reliable information about consumers’ behaviour towards GM foods should lead to the design of political strategies intended to make citizens feel safe in their purchasing choices. In addition, there is an analysis of behavioural differences due to consumers’ objective knowledge levels. The research was performed in southern Spain using variance-based structural equation modelling, namely the Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression technique. The results support those arguments that connect consumers’ behavioural intentions, attitudes and different factors involved in determining consumer choice, because attitudes towards GM foods link consumer purchasing intentions to the perceived benefits and risks posed by GM foods. Furthermore, there are some insights into the moderating role played by the consumers’ level of knowledge in their purchase intentions to GM food.
Power from our People: The Sources of the Modern Revival of Black History

(1987). Power from our People: The Sources of the Modern Revival of Black History. The Black Scholar: Vol. 18, Black American Culture in the Second Renaissance—1954–1970, pp. 40-51.
High temperature rims around chondrules in primitive chondrites: evidence for fluctuating conditions in the solar nebula

Abstract Rims or rim sequences surrouding chondrules have been identified in carbonaceous and unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. These chondrule rims include three chemical subtypes: Fe,Ca-rich and Fe,Ni-metal-rich rims, which occur predominantly in Kainsaz (CO3), and ferromagnesian rims which occur in Kainsaz (CO3), Allende (CV3), Renazzo (CR2), Chainpur (LL3), Semarkona (LL3), Krymaka (L3), and Tieschitz (H3). The compositions of minerals in these rims are often drastically different from those in the underlying chondrule cores, indicating that the solar nebula was chemically heterogeneous. In many cases the compositions of the rims require an environment that was much more oxidizing than a solar composition gas. Particularly interesting is that some of the Fe,Ca-rich chondrule rims are remarkably similar to some of the rims around refractory inclusions, suggesting that chondrules and refractory inclusions experienced late, coeval processing. The textures of the chondrule rims suggest they formed at high temperatures and that they accreted onto chondrules that had already solidified. The lengthscale of the thermal heterogeneities necessary to make available hot material that could accrete to cold chondrules has been calculated to be less than 10 km, implying there were localized heat sources in the solar nebula.
Significance of the Melanocortin 1 Receptor in the DNA Damage Response of Human Melanocytes to Ultraviolet Radiation

Activation of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) by α-melanocortin (α-MSH) stimulates eumelanin synthesis and enhances repair of ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced DNA damage. We report on the DNA damage response (DDR) of human melanocytes to UV and its enhancement by α-MSH. α-MSH up-regulated the levels of XPC, the enzyme that recognizes DNA damage sites, enhanced the UV-induced phosphorylation of the DNA damage sensors ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and their respect-ive substrates checkpoint kinases 1 and 2, and increased phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) formation. These effects required functional MC1R and were absent in melanocytes expressing loss of function (LOF) MC1R. The levels of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1), which dephosphorylates γH2AX, correlated inversely with γH2AX. We propose that α-MSH increases UV-induced γH2AX to facilitate formation of DNA repair complexes and repair of DNA photoproducts, and LOF of MC1R compromises the DDR and genomic stability of melanocytes.
Reforming Again, Again, and Again

Why do reforms return again and again? To illustrate that the question is valid, I offer three examples drawn from instructional, curricular, and governance planned changes that have returned more than once. To answer the question, I first examine the dominant explanation presented by researchers and policymakers: the lack of rationality in proposing and implementing planned change. I explore why the dominant explanation is flawed in its frequently used metaphors and analysis. I then offer alternative explanations for recurring reforms—a political and an institutional perspective harnessed together—to explain the puzzle of why reforms return. The point of this analysis is to enlarge the repertoire of explanations that researchers and policymakers use to examine potential and past reforms. The policymaking stakes run high for expanding the range of explanations because the questions of why reforms failed in the past and why they return go to the heart of present policy debates over whether federal, state, ...
Cerebellar cortex granular layer interneurons in the macaque monkey are functionally driven by mossy fiber pathways through net excitation or inhibition.

The granular layer is the input layer of the cerebellar cortex. It receives information through mossy fibers, which contact local granular layer interneurons (GLIs) and granular layer output neurons (granule cells). GLIs provide one of the first signal processing stages in the cerebellar cortex by exciting or inhibiting granule cells. Despite the importance of this early processing stage for later cerebellar computations, the responses of GLIs and the functional connections of mossy fibers with GLIs in awake animals are poorly understood. Here, we recorded GLIs and mossy fibers in the macaque ventral-paraflocculus (VPFL) during oculomotor tasks, providing the first full inventory of GLI responses in the VPFL of awake primates. We found that while mossy fiber responses are characterized by a linear monotonic relationship between firing rate and eye position, GLIs show complex response profiles characterized by “eye position fields” and single or double directional tunings. For the majority of GLIs, prominent features of their responses can be explained by assuming that a single GLI receives inputs from mossy fibers with similar or opposite directional preferences, and that these mossy fiber inputs influence GLI discharge through net excitatory or inhibitory pathways. Importantly, GLIs receiving mossy fiber inputs through these putative excitatory and inhibitory pathways show different firing properties, suggesting that they indeed correspond to two distinct classes of interneurons. We propose a new interpretation of the information flow through the cerebellar cortex granular layer, in which mossy fiber input patterns drive the responses of GLIs not only through excitatory but also through net inhibitory pathways, and that excited and inhibited GLIs can be identified based on their responses and their intrinsic properties.
The effect of alpha-blocker treatment on bladder hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha regulation during lower urinary tract obstruction

ABSTRACT Aims: To determine whether α1-blocker treatment, in chronic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), inﬂuences bladder tissue ischemia. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with BOO, of which 40 were under α1-blocker medication and 20 without treatment. Patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or suprapubic prostatectomy (SPP). Ten patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent transurethral resection of the blad-der tumor and served as the control group. Tissue specimens were immunohistochemically stained for hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Results: Bladder tissue from obstructed subjects showed high immunoreactivity to HIF-1α. The specimens from the control group, showed no or weak, mainly cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to HIF-1α. Patients under α -blocker treatment did not differ in the number of HIF-1α positive cells compared to subjects with no treatment (median number 86.8 [20-150] and 88.6 [0-175], respectively) (p > 0.05). The lowest bladder pressure at which HIF-1α was up regulated, was detected at detrusor pressure Qmax (PdetQmax) = 60 cm H2O.
Longitudinal Effects of ADHD in Children with Learning Disabilities or Emotional Disturbances

Despite the high prevalence of comorbidity between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) or emotional disturbances (ED), few studies have examined the long-term effects of these comorbid relationships on student outcomes. We estimated the longitudinal academic, social, and behavioral outcomes in children with LD or ED comorbid with or without ADHD in a nationally representative sample of students receiving special education. We found that children with LD and ADHD had lower letter word identification scores, teacher-rated reading levels, and parent-reported social skills than children with LD alone. The differences between the two groups remained similar over time. Children with ED and ADHD had lower social skills and more classroom behavior problems and suspensions in schools than children with ED alone. Children with ED and ADHD also had slower growth in math calculation skills than children with ED alone over time. Implications for the education of children with...
A simple electromagnetic model for the light clock of special relativity

Thought experiments involving a light clock are common in introductory treatments of special relativity, because they provide a simple way of demonstrating the non-intuitive phenomenon of time dilation. The properties of the ray or pulse of light that is continuously reflected between the parallel mirrors of the clock are often stated vaguely and sometimes involve implicitly other relativistic effects, such as aberration. While this approach is adequate for an introduction, it should be supplemented by a more accurate analysis of the light clock once the formulae for the Lorentz transformation and the transformation of the electromagnetic field have been developed. A simple yet accurate electromagnetic model for the light clock is presented for this purpose. In this model, the ray of light in the qualitative treatment is replaced by a guided wave in a parallel-plate waveguide. Expressions for the electromagnetic field and energy density within the waveguide are determined in the inertial frame in which the clock is at rest and the laboratory frame in which the clock is moving with constant velocity. The analytical expressions and graphical results obtained clearly demonstrate the operation of the clock and time dilation, as well as other interesting relativistic effects.
Attractor Networks for Shape Recognition

We describe a system of thousands of binary perceptrons with coarse-oriented edges as input that is able to recognize shapes, even in a context with hundreds of classes. The perceptrons have randomized feedforward connections from the input layer and form a recurrent network among themselves. Each class is represented by a prelearned attractor (serving as an associative hook) in the recurrent net corresponding to a randomly selected subpopulation of the perceptrons. In training, first the attractor of the correct class is activated among the perceptrons; then the visual stimulus is presented at the input layer. The feedforward connections are modified using field-dependent Hebbian learning with positive synapses, which we show to be stable with respect to large variations in feature statistics and coding levels and allows the use of the same threshold on all perceptrons. Recognition is based on only the visual stimuli. These activate the recurrent network, which is then driven by the dynamics to a sustained attractor state, concentrated in the correct class subset and providing a form of working memory. We believe this architecture is more transparent than standard feedforward two-layer networks and has stronger biological analogies.
Selectivity is an Important Characteristic of Lipases (Acylglycerol Hydrolases)

Lipases are enzymes that usually hydrolyze acylglycerols, but will hydrolyze the carboxylic esters in many other compounds. They also catalyze esteriftcations and transesterifications. In addition to specificity for carboxylic esters, the lipases are selective for lipid classes and show selectivity for primary vs. secondary alcohols (positional or regio-), fatty acids, enantiomers (chirality of either the acid or alcohol residue) and combinations of these. Uses of the enzymes have depended to some extent on regio- and fatty acid selectivities. Newer applications, such as ester synthesis and asymmetric hydrolysis, may not be based on selectivities. Factors affecting selectivities are discussed and some areas for research are mentioned.
Calcium Overloading-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cellular and Subcellular Remodeling

A progressive loss of cardiomyocytes contributes to the heart’s failure as a muscular pump. This includes the necrotic death of these cells, which are replaced by fibrous tissue (vis-a-vis apoptotic cell death). In the explanted failing heart, scattered foci of fibrosis are found throughout both ventricles, representing the major component of pathologic remodeling. Further evidence on the importance of cardiomyocyte necrosis relates to elevations in serum troponins, biomarkers of cellular disintegration that appear in patients having congestive heart failure (CHF) in the absence of ischemia–infarction or renal failure. The CHF syndrome has its origins rooted in neurohormonal activation, including the adrenergic nervous and renin–angiotensin–­aldosterone systems, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Effector hormones, including parathyroid hormone, contribute to cardiomyocyte necrosis based on a mitochondriocentric signal-transducer–effector pathway whose major components include the intracellular Ca2+ overloading-induced, oxidative stress-­mediated opening of the mitochondria inner membrane permeability transition pore. An ensuing loss of ATP and organellar degeneration account for necrotic cell death. Herein, we focus on this pathway, as it relates to various acute and chronic stressor states: isoproterenol treatment, aldosterone–salt treatment, and the cardiomyopathy of the Syrian Hamster. Cumulative insights gathered from these models lead to the inevitable recognition as to the central role of mitochondria in cellular–subcellular remodeling. Toward this end, the efficacy and safety of mitochondria-targeted pharmaceuticals and/or nutriceuticals needs to be determined.
Assessment of nonpenetrating captive bolt stunning followed by electrical induction of cardiac arrest in veal calves.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of nonpenetrating captive bolt stunning followed by electrical induction of cardiac arrest on veal calf welfare, veal quality, and blood yield. Ninety calves from the same farm were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups in a balanced unpaired comparison design. The first treatment group (the "head-only" method-application of the pneumatic nonpenetrating stun to the frontal plate of the skull at the intersection of 2 imaginary lines extending from the lateral canthus to the opposite poll [CONTROL]) was stunned with a nonpenetrating captive bolt gun ( = 45). The second group ( = 45) was stunned with a nonpenetrating captive bolt gun followed by secondary electrical induction of cardiac arrest (the "head/heart" method-initial application of the pneumatic nonpenetrating captive bolt stun followed by 1 s application of an electrical stun to the ventral region of the ribcage directly caudal to the junction of the humerus and scapula while the stunned calf was in lateral recumbence [HEAD/HEART]). Stunning efficacy was the indicator of animal welfare used in this study. All calves were instantly rendered insensible by the initial stun and did not display common indicators of return to consciousness. For meat quality evaluation, all samples were collected from the 12th rib region of the longissimus thoracis. Meat samples were evaluated for color, drip loss, ultimate pH, cook loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. The L* values (measure of meat color lightness) were darker ( 0.05) observed in a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values between treatments. No differences ( > 0.05) were observed in drip loss, ultimate pH, cook loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. The blood yield from the CONTROL group (7,217.9 ± 143.5 g) was greater ( < 0.05) than that from the HEAD/HEART group (6,656.4 ± 143.5 g). Overall, the data indicated no difference between the CONTROL and HEAD/HEART groups with regard to animal welfare because the initial stun was effective in all calves. However, longissimus thoracis L* and blood yield were negatively impacted by the HEAD/HEART method. The data in this study suggest that secondary induction of cardiac arrest is not necessary with effective nonpenetrating captive bolt stunning in veal calves.
Six-DOF Trajectory Tracking for Payload Directed Flight Using Trajectory Linearization Control

Payload Directed Flight (PDF) calls for agile and precise tracking control of an air vehicle that poses significant challenges to current flight control techniques. To support the goals of NASA’s Payload Directed Flight program, Trajectory Linearization Control (TLC) can provide robust, agile tracking of online-generated near-optimal trajectories for a wide variety of applications. In this paper we describe a 6DOF tracking controller design for a generic general aviation (GA) aircraft dynamics model using TLC. Initial design verification is presented via simulation results.
The Gender of Genius: Explaining Occupational Sex Segregation in Creative Fields

In light of the widespread belief that women are the more emotional sex, the gender division of labor in creative fields is surprising. Here, women are less likely to be employed in creative occupations - work generally considered emotionally expressive. I explain this role reversal through an overlooked source of gender inequality, the occupational belief system. Drawing on in-depth interviews and primary survey data from a probability sample of U.S. advertising professionals, I show how personal identity characteristics – specifically, privileging emotional expression over practical concerns and preferring autonomy to collaboration – align with occupational beliefs that structure entry and advancement in creative professions. I find that gender differences in the acquisition and expression of these identity characteristics shape the division of labor in creative fields. More generally, I show how the social process of recognizing creativity contributes to the systematic exclusion of women.
Drug-Induced Dyskinesia, Part 1: Treatment of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Dyskinesias encompass a variety of different hyperkinetic phenomenologies, particularly chorea, dystonia, stereotypies, and akathisia. Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is one of the main types of drug-induced dyskinesia, occurring in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have been treated with levodopa for long time, but this side effect may be encountered even within a few weeks or months after initiation of levodopa therapy. Based on the temporal pattern in relationship to levodopa dosing, LIDs are divided into "peak-dose dyskinesia," "diphasic dyskinesia," and "wearing off" or "off-period" dyskinesia, of which peak-dose dyskinesia is the most common, followed by off-period, and then diphasic dyskinesia. Treatment strategy includes identifying the kind of dyskinesia and tailoring treatment accordingly. Peak-dose dyskinesia is treated mainly by reducing individual doses of levodopa and adding amantadine and dopamine agonists, whereas off-period dystonia often responds to baclofen and botulinum toxin injections. Diphasic dyskinesias, occurring particularly in patients with young-onset PD, are the most difficult to treat. While fractionation of levodopa dosage is the most frequently utilized strategy, many patients require deep brain stimulation to control their troublesome motor fluctuations and LIDs. A variety of emerging (experimental) drugs currently in development promise to provide better control of LIDs and other levodopa-related complications in the near future.
Mutational Analysis of Metallo-β-lactamase CcrA from Bacteroides fragilis†

In an effort to evaluate the roles of Lys184, Asn193, and Asp103 in the binding and catalysis of metallo-β-lactamase CcrA from Bacteroides fragilis, site-directed mutants of CcrA were generated and characterized using metal analyses, CD spectroscopy, and kinetic studies. Three Lys184 mutants were generated where the lysine was replaced with alanine, leucine, and glutamate, and the analysis of these mutants indicates that Lys184 is not greatly involved in binding of cephalosporins to CcrA; however, this residue does have a significant role in binding of penicillin G. Three Asn193 mutants were generated where the asparagine was replaced with alanine, leucine, and aspartate, and these mutants exhibited <4-fold decrease in kcat, suggesting that Asn193 does not play a large role in catalysis. However, stopped-flow visible kinetic studies showed that the Asn193 mutants exhibit a slower substrate decay rate and no change in the product formation rate as compared with wild-type CcrA. These results support the pro...
Evaluating blunt abdominal trauma with sonography: A cost analysis

Ultrasonography (US) is becoming increasingly utilized in the United States for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). The objective of this study was to assess the cost impact of utilizing US in the evaluation of patients with BAT in a major trauma center. All patients sustaining BAT during a 6-month period before US was used at our institution (Jan-Jun 1993) were compared to BAT patients from a recent period in which US has been utilized (Jan-Jun 1995). The numbers of US, computed tomography (CT), and diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) were tabulated for each group. Financial cost for each of these procedures as determined by our finance department were as follows: US $96, CT $494, DPL $137. These numbers are representative of actual hospital expenditures exclusive of physician fees as calculated in 1994 U.S. dollars. Cost analysis was performed with t test and chi squared test, and significance was defined as P < 0.05. There were 890 BAT admissions in the 1993 study period and 1033 admissions in the 1995 study period. During the 1993 period, 642 procedures were performed on the 890 patients to evaluate the abdomen: 0 US, 466 CT, and 176 DPL (see table) [table: see text]. This compares to 801 procedures on the 1,033 patients in 1995: 552 US, 228 CT, and 21 DPL. Total cost was $254,316 for the 1993 group and $168,501 for the 1995 group. Extrapolated to a 1-year period, a significant (P < 0.05) cost savings of $171,630 would be realized. Cost per patient evaluated was significantly reduced from $285.75 in 1993 to $163.12 in 1995 (P < 0.05). This represents a 43 per cent reduction in per patient expenditure for evaluating the abdomen. By effectively utilizing ultrasonography in the evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma, a significant cost savings can be realized. This effect results chiefly from an eight-fold reduction in the use of DPL, and a two-fold reduction in the use of CT.
Bronchial responsiveness in children

While the fundamental defect in asthma has not been definitely established, increased bronchial responsiveness to a number of factors appears to be an intrinsic part of the disease. Increased responsiveness of the airways is not seen in normal individuals and can be demonstrated in virtually all asthmatics at some time during the course of their disease. The degree of hyperresponsiveness seems to be stable in most asthmatics over time. Temporary increases in airway reactivity can be observed during viral infection, exposure to air pollutants, and allergens in those individuals with IgE-mediated allergy to inhalants. When the diagnosis of asthma is uncertain, bronchial provocation testing with histamine or methacholine (or even exercise) can be useful.