cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
17α-Estradiol: A Brain-Active Estrogen?

The estrogen 17β-estradiol has profound effects on the brain throughout life, whereas 17α-estradiol, the natural optical isomer, is generally considered less active because it binds less avidly to estrogen receptors. On the contrary, recent studies in the brain document that 17α-estradiol elicits rapid and sustained activation of the MAPK/ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathways; is neuroprotective, after an ischemic stroke and oxidative stress, and in transgenic mice with Alzheimer’s disease; and influences spatial memory and hippocampal-dependent synaptic plasticity. The present study measured the endogenous content of 17α-estradiol in the brain and further clarified its actions and kinetics. Here we report that: 1) endogenous levels of 17α-estradiol and its precursor estrone are significantly elevated in the postnatal and adult mouse brain and adrenal gland of both sexes, as determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry; 2) 17α-estradiol and 17β-estradiol bind estroge...
Rapid Assay for Nitric Oxide Synthase Using Thin-Layer Chromatography

Abstract A simple, sensitive, and rapid method to determine the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in crude cell extracts has been developed. The method takes advantage of differential migration of arginine and citrulline on silica gel thin-layer chromatography (TLC) with the specified buffer system. We have shown that products obtained by treating [14C]arginine with crude mouse hippocampal homogenate can be separated by methanol precipitation followed by TLC. The separated products of the enzyme reaction can be quantitated by radiometric scanning of the TLC plate or by counting in a scintillation counter. Inhibition of conversion of l -arginine to l -citrulline byNG-monomethyl- l -arginine acetate, a specific inhibitor of NOS, confirmed the NOS assay described in this investigation. This method is versatile and allows rapid simultaneous assay of several samples in a short period of time. Therefore, this assay is very useful for both qualitative and quantitative estimation of NOS activity.
Identification in a model of sorting with social externalities and the causes of urban segregation

This paper discusses nonparametric identification in a model of sorting in which location choices depend on the location choices of other agents as well as prices and exogenous location characteristics. In this model, demand slopes and hence preferences are not identifiable without further restrictions because of the absence of independent variation of endogenous composition and exogenous location characteristics. Several solutions of this problem are presented and applied to data on neighborhoods in US cities. These solutions use exclusion restrictions, based on either subgroup demand shifters, the spatial structure of externalities, or the dynamics of prices and composition in response to an amenity shock. The empirical results consistently suggest the presence of strong social externalities, that is a dependence of location choices on neighborhood composition.
Clinical Report Classification Using Natural Language Processing and Topic Modeling

Large amount of electronic clinical data encompass important information in free text format. To be able to help guide medical decision-making, text needs to be efficiently processed and coded. In this research, we investigate techniques to improve classification of Emergency Department computed topography (CT) reports. The proposed system uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to generate structured output from patient reports and then applies machine learning techniques to code for the presence of clinically important injuries for traumatic orbital fracture victims. Topic modeling of the corpora is also utilized as an alternative representation of the patient reports. Our results show that both NLP and topic modeling improve raw text classification results. Within NLP features, filtering the codes using modifiers produces the best performance. Topic modeling, on the other hand, shows mixed results. Topic vectors provide good dimensionality reduction and get comparable classification results as with NLP features. However, binary topic classification fails to improve upon raw text classification.
A provisional epithelium in leech embryo: cellular origins and influence on a developmental equivalence group.

Abstract Segmental tissues of glossiphoniid leeches arise from rostrocaudally arrayed columns (bandlets) of segmental founder cells (primary m, n, o, p, and q blast cells) which undergo stereotyped sublineages to generate identifiable subsets of definitive progeny. The bandlets lie at the surface of the embryo beneath the squamous epithelium of a transient embryonic covering called the provisional integument. This “provisional epithelium” derives from micromeres produced during the early cleavage divisions. Previous experiments have shown that the primary o and p blast cells constitute an equivalence group, i.e., are initially developmentally equipotent and undergo hierarchical interactions which cause them to assume distinct O and P fates. Here, we examine the role of the provisional epithelium in determining the fates of the underlying o and p blast cells. Experiments entailing the microinjection of individual micromeres with cell lineage tracers show that, at stages 7–8 of normal development, the eqithelium comprises coherent and relatively stereotyped domains derived from particular micromeres. Upon photoablating specific domains of epithelium labeled with photosensitizing lineage tracer, the normal assignment of O fates is disturbed; o blast cells divide symmetrically (as p blast cells do) and some supernumerary definitive progeny expressing P fates arise within the O lineage. We therefore conclude that the epithelium is essential for generation and/or reception of signal(s) by which the o and p blast cells' normally determine their fates. Finally, a new tracer substance, biotinylated fixable dextran (BFD), is described which was essential for this study by virtue of its superior resistance to photobleaching and which offers several other advantages as well.
Recent advances in newborn screening for neurometabolic disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Newborn screening for neurometabolic disorders offers a unique and promising opportunity to practice preventive medicine in children with diverse inborn errors of metabolism. The benefits of the early identification and presymptomatic treatment of these disorders are now recognized. RECENT FINDINGS The rapid pace of developments in the field of expanded newborn screening has been made possible by technological advances in the ability to detect multiple compounds diagnostic of diverse inborn errors of metabolism in neonatal dried blood specimens. Launched by the success of newborn screening for phenylketonuria, experts in this area are optimistic that further public health benefits will follow the same pathway. This review highlights the population model and public health issues inherent in advances in newborn screening for selected neurometabolic disorders. Current and future diagnostic and therapeutic, as well as social and ethical, dilemmas are discussed. SUMMARY Newborn screening represents one of the major child health advances of this past century. As developments in the field of expanded newborn screening for neurometabolic disease progress forward, the long-term success of this important project will pose future challenges and opportunities.
Suppression of the cell body response in axotomized frog spinal neurons does not prevent initiation of nerve regeneration

Summary Frog spinal neurons, in animals maintained at environmental temperatures above 20 °C, show the classic features of the cell body response following peripheral axotomy. In contrast, axotomized spinal neurons in frogs held at an ambient temperature of 15 °C showed no apparent cell body response. The 15 °C neurons retained normal morphology, continued to synthesize and transport normal levels of acetylcholinesterase activity, and sustained normal reflex connections. Despite the apparent absence of a cell body response, the proximal nerve stump began to regenerate. The apparent latency to the initiation of axonal growth was increased at 15 °C; regeneration began 3.8 days after axotomy at 25 °C, but 4.5 days following nerve section at 15 °C. The rate of axon regeneration was also considerably slower at 15 °C: 0.6 mm/day compared to 2.4 mm/day at 25 °C. Nonetheless, these data imply that initiation of axonal sprouting and regeneration may not depend on alterations in the cell body. Additional data indicated that the appearance of the cell body response may not be linked to the elimination of a normal, peripherally-derived, constituent of the retrograde transport system. Injured motor axons at 15 °C were able to acquire and transport horseradish peroxidase from the point of transection to the cell body. Material normally in transit to the cell body should also be drained from the injured axons over time. Yet, the elimination of this ‘trophic’ supply did not induce the appearance of the cell body response.
Connection of pericyte–angiopoietin-Tie-2 system in diabetic retinopathy: friend or foe?

Pericytes are distinctive regulators of vascular morphologenesis and function during vascular development and homeostasis. Pericytes have recently come into focus as implications of aberrant interactions between pericytes and endothelial cells in number of pathological angiogenesis conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and tumor angiogenesis. Pericyte dropout is a hallmark of early diabetic retinopathy. Abnormal angiopoietin (Ang)-Tie-2 signaling is one principal system participating in pericyte/endothelial cell dissociation during early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) is among the relevant growth factors induced by hypoxia and plays an important role in the initiation of retinal neovascularization and cause pericyte loss. Furthermore, high levels of VEGF synergize Ang-Tie-2 signaling during the development of diabetic retinopathy. An accelerated rate of clinical development Ang-Tie-2-manipulating drugs requests a better mechanistic understanding the connection between pericytes and Ang-Tie-2 systems both under normal and disease conditions. We summarize recent advances in pericyte study in conjunction with Ang-Tie-2 signaling and also discuss possible therapeutic strategies for diabetic retinopathy by targeting pericytes through manipulating Ang-Tie-2 signaling.
Anterior margin adaptation for implant-retained auricular prostheses.

Abstract Adaptation of the anterior margin of implant-retained auricular prostheses may be compromised during mandibular movement. Loss of contact between prostheses and underlying skin in an esthetic area is of great concern. This article describes an impression procedure that addresses the problem of anterior margin adaptation. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:425-28.)
Percutaneous Circulatory Assist Devices for Right Ventricular Failure

Heart failure is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality affecting nearly 24 million individuals worldwide. Although the importance of right ventricular (RV) function has become more apparent over the past few decades, few therapies specifically target RV failure. Over the past 3 decades, significant advances in percutaneously delivered circulatory support devices has led to the recent development of devices specifically designed for RV failure. In this review, RV pathophysiology, device options, and clinical data exploring the utility of percutaneous RV support devices are discussed.
The Prevalence of Dizziness and Its Association With Functional Disability in a Biracial Community Population

Background Information regarding the prevalence of dizziness and its association with functional disability among African American and white residents from defined community populations is limited. Methods A total of 6,158 persons 65 years and older (78.8% of age-eligible persons) completed in-home interviews that included three common measures of self-reported disability: the Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, the Rosow-Breslau Functional Health Scale, and the Nagi Physical Disability Scale. A stratified random sample of 729 persons underwent a detailed evaluation that included questions on the frequency and severity of dizziness, which was defined as having an episode of dizziness or lightheadedness at least once a month. Results The overall prevalence of dizziness in this population was 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.2-12.0). It increased with age, from 6.6% in those 65-74 years old, to 11.6% in those 75-84 years old, and to 18.4% in those persons > or =85 years old. It was more common in women (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, 95% CI 0.99-4.19) but was not associated with race. After adjusting for age, sex, and race, dizziness was associated with greater disability on the Rosow-Breslau (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.18-4.46) and Nagi (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.48-4.36) measures but not on the Katz ADL Scale (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.64-2.20). Conclusions Dizziness is common among older persons and is associated with functional disability.
NMR spectroscopy: a multifaceted approach to macromolecular structure.

1. Introduction 292. Landmarks in NMR of macromolecules 322.1 Protein structures and methods development 322.1.1 Sequential assignment method 322.1.2 Triple-resonance experiments 342.1.3 Structures of large proteins 362.2 Protein–nucleic acid complexes 372.3 RNA structures 382.4 Membrane-bound systems 393. NMR spectroscopy today 403.1 State-of-the-art structure determination 413.2 New methods 443.2.1 Residual dipolar couplings 443.2.2 Direct detection of hydrogen bonds 443.2.3 Spin labeling 453.2.4 Segmental labeling 463.3 Protein complexes 473.4 Mobility studies 503.5 Determination of time-dependent structures 523.6 Drug discovery 534. The future of NMR 544.1 The ease of structure determination 544.2 The ease of making recombinant protein 554.3 Post-translationally modified proteins 554.4 Approaches to large and/or membrane-bound proteins 564.5 NMR in structural genomics 564.6 Synergy of NMR and crystallography in protein structure determination 565. Conclusion 576. Acknowledgements 577. References 57Since the publication of the first complete solution structure of a protein in 1985 (Williamson et al. 1985), tremendous technological advances have brought nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the forefront of structural biology. Innovations in magnet design, electronics, pulse sequences, data analysis, and computational methods have combined to make NMR an extremely powerful technique for studying biological macromolecules at atomic resolution (Clore & Gronenborn, 1998). Most recently, new labeling and pulse techniques have been developed that push the fundamental line-width limit for resolution in NMR spectroscopy, making it possible to obtain high-field spectra with better resolution than ever before (Dotsch & Wagner, 1998). These methods are facilitating the study of systems of ever-increasing complexity and molecular weight.
The equivalence problem and canonical forms for quadratic Lagrangians

The general equivalence and canonical form problems for quadratic variational problems under arbitrary linear changes of variable are formulated, and the role of classical invariant theory in their general solution is made clear. A complete solution to both problems for planar, first order quadratic variational problems is provided, including a complete list of canonical forms for the Lagrangians and corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations. Algorithmic procedures for determining the equivalence class and the explicit canonical form of a given Lagrangian are provided. Applications to planar anisotropic elasticity are indicated.
Parental Expectations and Educational Outcomes for Young African American Adults: Do Household Assets Matter?

African American children are more likely to be poor and live in households that are “asset poor,” with no or very little net worth. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and its Child Development Supplement, this article explores whether living in a household with net worth above the sample median seems to promote educational success and the development of human capital over time, irrespective of income. Controlling for parental income and education, as well as gender, household wealth in the form of net worth was the best predictor of parental expectations, high school completion, and college enrollment for young African American adults. A brief discussion of possible asset-building policy options follows.
Regulation of Protein Kinase D1 Activity

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is a stress-activated serine/threonine kinase that plays a vital role in various physiologically important biological processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, adhesion, motility, and angiogenesis. Dysregulated PKD1 expression also contributes to the pathogenesis of certain cancers and cardiovascular disorders. Studies to date have focused primarily on the canonical membrane-delimited pathway for PKD1 activation by G protein-coupled receptors or peptide growth factors. Here, agonist-dependent increases in diacylglycerol accumulation lead to the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKC-dependent phosphorylation of PKD1 at two highly conserved serine residues in the activation loop; this modification increases PKD1 catalytic activity, as assessed by PKD1 autophosphorylation at a consensus phosphorylation motif at the extreme C terminus. However, recent studies expose additional controls and consequences for PKD1 activation loop and C-terminal phosphorylation as well as additional autophosphorylation reactions and trans-phosphorylations (by PKC and other cellular enzymes) that contribute to the spatiotemporal control of PKD1 signaling in cells. This review focuses on the multisite phosphorylations that are known or predicted to influence PKD1 catalytic activity and may also influence docking interactions with cellular scaffolds and trafficking to signaling microdomains in various subcellular compartments. These modifications represent novel targets for the development of PKD1-directed pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancers and cardiovascular disorders.
Feedback control of uncertain parabolic systems with hard constraints

This paper presents a method to design feedback control of constrained parabolic systems under uncertain perturbations with the aid of multistep approximations. The design procedure essentially employs monotonicity properties of parabolic dynamics and its asymptotic on the infinite horizon. The results obtained show that there is a suboptimal three-positional structure of feedback controllers through the Neumann boundary conditions. We also provide calculations of their optimal parameters to ensure the required state performance and stability under any admissible perturbations.
Bulk viscosity in the early universe

Abstract In this paper, the coefficient of bulk viscosity during the GUT phase transition is derived. Its effects on cosmological inflation, density fluctuations, and entropy production are also investigated. We identify conditions for which bulk viscosity can become an inflationary source as well as generate an inflation. An appropriate fluctuation spectrum caused by bulk viscosity for galaxy formation is obtained. Also, the entropy production by bulk viscosity is calculated and the result provides us a possible resolution to the entropy generation problem.
Evaluation of shortwave infrared atmospheric correction for ocean color remote sensing of Chesapeake Bay

Abstract The NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer onboard the Aqua platform (MODIS-Aqua) provides a viable data stream for operational water quality monitoring of Chesapeake Bay. Marine geophysical products from MODIS-Aqua depend on the efficacy of the atmospheric correction process, which can be problematic in coastal environments. The operational atmospheric correction algorithm for MODIS-Aqua requires an assumption of negligible near-infrared water-leaving radiance, nLw(NIR). This assumption progressively degrades with increasing turbidity and, as such, methods exist to account for non-negligible nLw(NIR) within the atmospheric correction process or to use alternate radiometric bands where the assumption is satisfied, such as those positioned within shortwave infrared (SWIR) region of the spectrum. We evaluated a decade-long time-series of nLw(λ) from MODIS-Aqua in Chesapeake Bay derived using NIR and SWIR bands for atmospheric correction. Low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for the SWIR bands of MODIS-Aqua added noise errors to the derived radiances, which produced broad, flat frequency distributions of nLw(λ) relative to those produced using the NIR bands. The SWIR approach produced an increased number of negative nLw(λ) and decreased sample size relative to the NIR approach. Revised vicarious calibration and regional tuning of the scheme to switch between the NIR and SWIR approaches may improve retrievals in Chesapeake Bay, however, poor SNR values for the MODIS-Aqua SWIR bands remain the primary deficiency of the SWIR-based atmospheric correction approach.
Surgical Correction of Congenital Bilateral Choanal Atresia in a Foal

Congenital bilateral choanal atresia was corrected surgically in a neonatal foal. Presenting clinical signs included complete obstruction of the upper airway, which had been relieved by tracheotomy. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic examination and contrast radiography. Bilateral nasal flaps were used to gain access to the caudal nasal cavity, allowing removal of obstructive tissue and restoration of normal respiration. Malocclusion developed secondary to surgical intervention and resultant damage to suture lines of developing flat bones of the skull. Nine months postoperatively, the asynchronous growth of the mandible and maxilla had not resulted in difficulty during mastication. Respiration, although audible during periods of exercise, was acceptable to the owners.
Baseline data for evaluating resistance development: Doseage/mortality studies using two test methods with chlorpyrifos, methomyl and permethrin in Heliothis virescens (F.) and Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Baseline data on the relative susceptibility of 17 Heliothis virescens (F.) and 20 Heliothis zea (Boddie) populations to commonly used Insecticides were determined. These data provide a benchmark for field populations, so that any future occurrence of resistance can be documented and quantified. Permethrin, methomyl and chlorpyrifos were tested over a 3 year period as representatives of pyrethroids, carbamates and organophosphates respectively. The various cultures showed high differences in susceptibility, and the level of variation generally agreed with earlier reports for these species. Using the topical application method there was a negative correlation between methomyl and chlorpyrifos sensitivity among the various strains. There was no correlation in rank between methomyl with permethrin or chlorpyrifos with permethrin. A second assay method, deposit‐on‐glass, was also used. In general, this test gave different results than topical application, and there was no correlation between the two ...
High-data-rate photon-counting optical communications using a NbN-nanowire superconducting detector

We demonstrate photon-counting communications using a NbN-nanowire superconducting detector. The fast response time of this detector enables error-free communications using pulse-position modulated data at 10-GHz slot rates and data rates >780 Mbit/s.
Day persons, night persons, and time of birth: preliminary findings.

The authors conducted 2 surveys to determine the relationship between time of birth and being a day person or a night person. Day persons are most alert during daylight hours; night persons are most alert during hours of darkness. In Survey 1, the authors asked U.S. high school students to complete the Alertness Questionnaire (B. Wallace, 1993) and to respond to other items related to daytime or nighttime activity. In Survey 2, the authors administered the same items to a U.S. college population. In both surveys, time of birth was significantly related to being a day person or a night person. The results suggest that a critical period for setting the biological clock for alertness may be the moment of birth.
Strategy Builder software for atmospheric retrievals

This paper introduces the concept of using a Strategy Builder object to automate selection of initial parameters needed to perform an atmospheric retrieval for the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) data processing system. Atmospheric retrievals consist of scientific algorithms used to ascertain the actual state of the atmosphere in terms of its temperature and chemical constituents. Atmospheric retrieval algorithms are computationally expensive and convergence of the retrieval is sensitive to input, therefore it is important to provide the best input that will result in the best atmospheric profile. TES has complex requirements in terms of the variety of input data and observations. So it requires a sophisticated system such as Strategy Builder to automate the selection of the optimum strategy for performing the retrieval algorithm on its various types of observation. Strategy Builder also increases the lifetime of the retrieval software by improving its flexibility in implementing various research approaches. Strategy Builder software uses strategy selection logic based on specific strategy selection rules for retrieval of various target scenes. This paper also addresses the issues involved in retrieving the atmosphere of one target scene in a sequence of retrievals. With the robustness that Strategy Builder provides the retrieval software can be used for a longer time, for more research and the produced output is more reliable. It also mitigates the needs for development of extra software for trying different ideas in research.
Automatic Processor Customization for Zero-Overhead Online Software Verification

The PSL-to-Verilog (P2V) compiler can translate a set of assertions about a block-structured software program into a hardware design to be executed concurrently with the program. The assertions validate the correctness of the software program without altering the program's temporal behavior in any way, a result never previously achieved by any online model-checking system. Additionally, the techniques and implementations described apply to any general purpose program and the absence of execution overhead renders the system ideal for the verification and debugging of real-time systems. Assertions are expressed in a simple subset of the property specification language (PSL), an IEEE standard originally intended for the behavioral specification of hardware designs. The target execution system is the eMIPS processor, a dynamically self-extensible processor realized with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The system can concurrently execute and check multiple programs at a time. Assertions are compiled into eMIPS Extensions, which are loaded by the operating system software into a portion of the FPGA, and discarded once the program terminates. If an assertion is violated, the program receives an exception, otherwise, it executes fully unaware of its verifier. The software program is not modified in any way. It can be compiled separately with full optimizations and executes with or without the corresponding hardware checker. The P2V compiler, implemented in Python, generates code for the implementation of the eMIPS processor running on the Xilinx ML401 development board. It is currently used to verify software properties in areas such as testing, debugging, intrusion detection, and the behavioral verification of concurrent and real-time programs.
Cross-layer resource-consumption optimization for mobile multicast in wireless networks

To save the precious wireless resources in wireless networks, we investigate cross-layer optimization schemes to reduce wireless resource consumption (WRC) for reliable mobile multicast. We characterize WRC by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per information bit and by power-delay product for scenarios without and with delay quality of service (QoS) constraints, respectively. Aiming at decreasing WRC, we develop a cross-layer parameter-selection (CLPS) algorithm, which dynamically adjusts the parameters of the physical layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer according to the variations of multicast group size, transport-layer error-control parameters, and delay QoS constraints. In particular, we first derive the optimal physical-layer parameters, including constellation size and transmit SNR, to minimize WRC for Threshold-0 multicast policy, where the sender transmits data regardless of channel qualities. Then, we develop a suboptimal approach for the selection of MAC-layer multicast threshold to achieve low power-delay product. In addition, we study the effects of pure automatic repeat request (ARQ) and hybrid ARQ-forward error correction (FEC) based error-control schemes on the CLPS algorithm. Also conducted is a set of numerical analyses to show the performance gain achieved through the cross-layer design and the impacts of various system parameters on the WRC optimization.
Purification of arginase.

Nombreux sont les travaux qui traitent de la separation et de la purification de l'arginase. Le present travail decrit une methode de purification qui permet d'obtenir une arginase active contenant des traces d'impuretes (80% d'arginase active).
Reach of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (SNAP-Ed) Interventions and Nutrition and Physical Activity-Related Outcomes, California, 2011 - 2012

Introduction This study combined information on the interventions of the US Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education with 5,927 interview responses from the California Health Interview Survey to investigate associations between levels of intervention reach in low-income census tracts in California and self-reported physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables, fast food, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
The contribution of color to motion processing in Macaque middle temporal area.

The chromatic properties of an image yield strong cues for object boundaries and thus hold the potential to facilitate the detection of object motion. The extent to which cortical motion detectors exploit chromatic information, however, remains a matter of debate. To address this further, we quantified the strength of chromatic input to directionally selective neurons in the middle temporal area (MT) of macaque cerebral cortex using an equivalent luminance contrast (EqLC) paradigm. This paradigm, in which two sinusoidal gratings, one heterochromatic and the other achromatic, are superimposed and moved in opposite directions, allows the sensitivity of motion detectors to heterochromatic stimuli to be quantified and expressed relative to the benchmark of sensitivity for a luminance-defined stimulus. The results of these experiments demonstrate that the chromatic contrast in a moving red‐green heterochromatic grating strongly influences directional responses in MT when the luminance contrast in that same grating is relatively low; for such stimuli, EqLC is at least 5%. When luminance contrast is added to the heterochromatic grating, however, EqLC wanes sharply and becomes negative (24%) when luminance contrast is sufficiently high (.17‐23%). Thus, the chromatic properties of an object appear to confer little or no benefit to motion processing by MT neurons when sufficient luminance contrast concurrently exists. These data support a simple model in which chromatic motion processing in MT is almost exclusively determined by magnocellular input. Additionally, a comparison of neuronal and psychophysical data suggests that MT may not be the sole contributor to the perceptual experience elicited by motion of heterochromatic patterns, or that only a subset of MT neurons serve this function.
Staff development to university faculty: reflections of a nurse educator

TOPIC. Transition of a staff development instructor to faculty in a baccalaureate nursing program. PURPOSE. This article is a reflection of the transition of a staff development educator in a large medical center to that of a faculty member in a small school of nursing. The seriousness of the faculty shortage and the factors that have led to it serve as a background for this discussion as the need for educators in nursing programs is of high priority. To qualify for an academic position, the educator should have teaching experience, educational preparedness, and clinical expertise. SOURCES OF INFORMATION. This paper is based on a review of the literature, newsletters from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nurses, and personal experience. CONCLUSIONS. The intent of this reflection is to encourage other hospital-based educators and clinicians to consider a career change to academia. Clinically expert faculty can strengthen nursing programs and facilitate the education of nursing students on essential competencies for clinical practice.
Do Special Education Interventions Improve Learning of Secondary Content? A Meta-Analysis

The authors describe findings from a research synthesis on content area instruction for students with disabilities. Seventy studies were identified from a comprehensive literature search, examined, and coded for a number of variables, including weighted standardized mean-difference effect sizes. More than 2,400 students were participants in these investigations. Studies included interventions involving content areas, such as science, social studies, and English, and employed a number of different interventions, including study aids, classroom learning strategies, spatial and graphic organizers, mnemonic strategies, hands-on activities, classroom peers, and computer-assisted instruction. The overall effect size was 1.00, indicating an overall large effect across studies. Implications for future research and practice are described.
Conformational change of the E-F interhelical loop in the M photointermediate of bacteriorhodopsin.

The conformation of the structured EF interhelical loop of bacteriorhodopsin and its change in the M photointermediate were assessed by measuring the rate of reaction of 16 single engineered cysteine residues along the loop with water-soluble sulfhydryl reagents. The exposure to the bulk in the unilluminated state determined with the cysteine reaction correlated well with the degree of access to water calculated from the crystallographic structure of the loop. The EF-loop should be affected by the well-known outward tilt of helix F in the M and N intermediates of the photocycle. A second mutation in each cysteine mutant, the D96N residue replacement, allowed full conversion to the M state by illumination. The reaction rates measured under these conditions indicated that buried residues tend to become more exposed, and exposed residues become more buried in M. This is to be expected from tilt of helix F. However, the observation of increased exposure of four residues near the middle of the loop, where steric effects are only from other loop residues, indicate that the conformation of the EF-loop itself is changed. Thus, the motion of the loop in M is more complex than expected from simple tilt of helix F, and may include rotation that unwinds its twist.
Theory of Gamma-Ray Burst Sources

In the sections which follow, we shall be concerned predominantly with the theory of γ-ray burst sources. If the concepts there proposed are indeed relevant to an understanding of the nature of these sources, then their existence becomes inextricably linked to the metabolic pathways through which gravity, spin, and energy can combine to form collimated, ultrarelativistic outflows. These threads are few and fragile, as we are still wrestling with trying to understand non-relativistic processes, most notably those associated with the electromagnetic field and gas dynamics. If we are to improve our picture-making we must make more and stronger ties of physical theory. But in reconstructing the creature, we must be guided by our eyes and their extensions. In this introductory section we have therefore attempted to summarise the observed properties of these ultra-energetic phenomena.
Is generalized anxiety disorder an anxiety or mood disorder? Considering multiple factors as we ponder the fate of GAD

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) demonstrate a strong relationship to each other at both genotypic and phenotypic levels, and both demonstrate substantial loadings on a higher-order negative affectivity factor [see Watson, 2005: J Abnorm Psychol 114:522-536]. On the basis of these findings, there have been a number of calls to reclassify GAD in the same category as MDD (the "distress disorders"). However, any consideration of the reclassification of GAD should also take into account a number of other factors not only related to GAD and MDD but also to the overlap of these disorders with other anxiety and mood disorders. First, GAD has established reliability and validity in its own right, and specific features (e.g., worry) may become obscured by attempts at reclassification. Second, examination of the nature of the overlap of GAD and MDD with each other and with other disorders suggests a more complex pattern of differences between these conditions than has been suggested (e.g., MDD has strong relationships with other anxiety disorders, and GAD may be more strongly related to fear than it may first appear). Third, although findings suggest that GAD and MDD may have overlapping heritable characteristics, other evidence suggests that the two disorders may be distinguished by both environmental factors and temporal presentations. Finally, although overlap between GAD and MDD is reflected in their relationships to negative affectivity, temporal relationships between these disorders may be demonstrated by functional changes in emotional responsivity.
Disruption of myocardial Gata4 and Tbx5 results in defects in cardiomyocyte proliferation and atrioventricular septation

Mutations in GATA4 and TBX5 are associated with congenital heart defects in humans. Interaction between GATA4 and TBX5 is important for normal cardiac septation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we show that Gata4 and Tbx5 are co-expressed in the embryonic atria and ventricle, but after E15.5, ventricular expression of Tbx5 decreases. Co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate an interaction of Gata4 and Tbx5 in the developing atria and ventricles, but the ventricular interaction declines after E14.5. Gata4(+/-);Tbx5(+/-) mouse embryos display decreased atrial and ventricular myocardial thickness at E11.5, prior to cardiac septation. To determine the cell lineage in which the interaction was functionally significant in vivo, mice heterozygous for Gata4 in the myocardium or endocardium and heterozygous for Tbx5 (Gata4(MyoDel/wt);Tbx5(+/-) and Gata4(EndoDel/wt);Tbx5(+/-), respectively) were generated. Gata4(MyoDel/wt);Tbx5(+/-) mice displayed embryonic lethality, thin myocardium with reduced cell proliferation, and atrioventricular septation defects similar to Gata4;Tbx5 compound heterozygotes while Gata4(EndoDel/wt);Tbx5(+/-) embryos were normal. Cdk4 and Cdk2, cyclin-dependent kinases required for myocardial development and septation were reduced in Gata4(+/-);Tbx5(+/-) hearts. Cdk4 is a known direct target of Gata4 and the regulation of Cdk2 in the developing heart has not been studied. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transactivation studies demonstrate that Gata4 and Tbx5 directly regulate Cdk4 while only Tbx5 activates Cdk2 expression. These findings highlight the mechanisms by which disruption of the Gata4 and Tbx5 interaction in the myocardium contributes to cardiac septation defects in humans.
Agency as a construct for guiding the establishment of communication-friendly classrooms

Educators face the challenge of creating classroom environments that are physically, socially, and didactically ‘communication friendly’ for children with diverse communication needs and difference...
Diagnosing Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency at Initial Presentation Facilitates Early Treatment

Objective To profile the initial clinical events of glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1 DS) in order to facilitate the earliest possible diagnosis. Study design We retrospectively reviewed 133 patients with Glut1 DS from a single institution. Family interviews and medical record reviews identified the first clinical event(s) reported by the caregivers. Results Average age of the first event was 8.15 ± 11.9 months (range: 0.01-81). Ninety-one patients experienced the first symptom before age 6 months (68%). Thirty-three additional patients (25%) presented before age 2 years. Only 9 patients (7%), reported the first event after age 2 years. Seizures were the most common first event (n = 81, 61%), followed by eye movement abnormalities (n = 51, 38%) and changes in muscle strength and tone (n = 30, 22%). Eye movement abnormalities, lower cerebrospinal fluid glucose values, and lower Columbia Neurological Scores correlated with earlier onset of the first event (r: −0.17, 0.22, and 0.25 respectively, P Conclusions Glut1 DS is a treatable cause of infantile onset encephalopathy. Health care providers should recognize the wide spectrum of paroxysmal events that herald the clinical onset of Glut1 DS in early infancy to facilitate prompt diagnosis, immediate treatment, and improved long-term outcome.
Conflicting Theories in Finance and Law

Legal theory and finance theory intersect in numerous areas. They complement each other in some cases, but in cases where they conflict they send mixed signals to courts and corporate managers, especially in issues surrounding mergers, tender offers, and certain corporate governance issues. It is important that courts and managers understand when and why these theories conflict to help them choose the appropriate theory to follow under the circumstances, and for legal and finance researchers to understand to help guide research that may reconcile them. This paper examines several areas where the theories conflict and explores why they conflict.
Cancer Therapeutic Applications of ENOX2 Proteins

ENOX2 proteins are blocked by quinone-site inhibitors with anticancer activity such as capsaicin, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, antitumor-sulfonylureas, doxorubicin (Actinomycin D®), and cisplatin. As such they serve as targets for further exploration of anticancer substances and drugs both new and already in clinical use. Especially promising would be ENOX2-targeted early intervention coupled with early detection based on serum presence of ENOX2 transcript variants in sera ( Chap. 12). ENOX2 inhibitors and plasma membrane electron transport (PMET) inhibitors, in general, result in growth stasis normally followed by apoptotic death of cancer cells. As noncancer cells lack ENOX2, they are normally unaffected or less affected. Growth arrest results from blockage of ENOX2-catalyzed protein disulfide-thiol interchange required for cell enlargement in combination with response to elevated ceramide. Proliferating cells unable to enlarge following division due to blocked ENOX2 are unable to divide again due to cell size limitations. Resultant elevations of NADH at the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane reduce prosurvival levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate through inhibition of sphingosine kinase as well as activation of sphingomyelinase to form ceramide. The result is caspase-3-dependent programmed cell death involving both extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathways. One advantage of ENOX2 and PMET as targets for anticancer drugs is that the ENOX2 proteins are located on the external cell surface and do not need to enter cells to be effective. Efficacious impermeant conjugates have been prepared and tested for doxorubicin, capsaicin, an antitumor sulfonylurea, and an antitumor quassinoid, glaucarubolone.
β-Adrenergic receptor agonist, compound 49b, inhibits TLR4 signaling pathway in diabetic retina.

Diabetic retinopathy has recently become associated with complications similar to chronic inflammatory diseases. Although it is clear that tumor necrosis factor-α is increased in diabetes, the role of innate immunity is only recently being investigated. As such, we hypothesized that diabetes would increase Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, which could be inhibited by a β-adrenergic receptor agonist (Compound 49b) previously shown to have anti-inflammatory actions. In order to investigate β-adrenergic receptor signaling and TLR4 in the diabetic retina, streptozotocin-injected diabetic mice, as well as human primary retinal endothelial cells (RECs) and rat retinal Muller cells (rMC-1) exposed to high glucose (25 mM), were treated with a novel β-adrenergic receptor agonist, Compound 49b (50 nM), or phosphate-buffered saline (control). TLR4 and its downstream signaling partners (MyD88, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 and total and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB) were examined. In addition, we assessed high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein levels. Our data showed that diabetes or high-glucose culture conditions significantly increased TLR4 and downstream signaling partners. Compound 49b was able to significantly reduce TLR4 and related molecules in the diabetic animal and retinal cells. HMGB1 was significantly increased in RECs and Muller cells grown in high-glucose culture conditions, which was subsequently reduced with Compound 49b treatment. Our findings suggest that high glucose may increase HMGB1 levels that lead to increased TLR4 signaling. Compound 49b significantly inhibited this pathway, providing a potential mechanism for its protective actions.
SONIC BOOM MINIMIZATION REVISITED

We revisit the classical Jones-Seebass-GeorgeDarden theory of sonic boom minimization, noting that minimum achievable sonic boom is related to the aircraft's weight divided by the three-halves power of its length. We then summarize studies of sonic boom acceptability and the effects of vibrational relaxation on very weak shock waves, This leads us to conclude that a small, appropriately designed, supersonic business jet's sonic boom may be nearly inaudible outdoors and hardly discernible indoors.
Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance

INTRODUCTION: The availability of herbal medicines over-the-counter (OTC) has increased the use of natural products for self-treatment. Valerian has been used to effectively treat generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia. Studies suggest that valerenic acid may increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulation in the brain. Benzodiazepines have a similar mechanism of action and have been linked to an increased risk of hospitalizations due to traffic accidents. Despite the risk of somnolence, the safety of driving while under the influence of valerian remains unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a one-time valerian 1600mg dose on subjective sedation effects, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST) and driving simulator performance parameters. METHODS: The study design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial. For each session, participants received either a dose of valerian or placebo. The outcome measures included a simple visual reaction test (SVRT), subjective sleepiness scales, SFST performance scores, and driving simulator performance parameters. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the SVRT or sleepiness scales between placebo and valerian exposures, but the study may have been underpowered. SFST total and individual test failure rates were not significantly different between the two exposures. The driving simulator performance parameters were equivalent between the two exposure conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A one-time valerian 1600mg dose, often used to treat insomnia, does not appear to impair driving simulator performance after acute ingestion.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Language: en