cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occupational adjustment following neurosurgical treatment of epilepsy

Occupational adjustment was investigated in a group of 32 adult epileptic patients followed for 1 to 10 years after cortical resection for intractable seizures. An employment status rating was assigned according to the following scale: (1) employed (working 75 to 100% of full time); (2) underemployed (25 to 74%); and (3) unemployed (0 to 24%). The number of patients employed increased from 14 to 23, whereas the number of underemployed decreased from 8 to 0. The unemployed group showed little change. An improvement or maintenance of employment status was correlated directly with improved postoperative seizure control. Conversely, poor occupational adjustment was often associated with fair or poor seizure control following operation. Unemployment was also related to the presence of preoperative psychiatric disorders, a history of past unemployment, and cognitive disturbances affecting nondominant hemisphere function. Although improvement in seizure control is important, this investigation suggests it is only one of many influences on the occupational adjustment of patients following surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Word concreteness and word structure as independent determinants of recall

Abstract Theorists attribute concreteness effects to differences in imagability, context availability, or to differences in associative structure. Imagability explanations assume that subjects are more likely to generate images for concrete than for abstract words and context availability explanations assume that contextual information is more accessible for concrete words. Structural explanations assume that concrete words have smaller associative sets than abstract words making them easier to recall, or they assume the opposite view, that concrete words have larger and more densely connected sets making them easier to recall. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate contradictory structural explanations. The results of a correlational study involving over 2000 words and three recall experiments involving manipulations of concreteness and structure indicate that these attributes are uncor-related and have independent effects. Neither structural view adequately explains the findings.
Evaluating the Benefit of Speech Recoding Hearing Aids in Children

Children with significant high-frequency hearing loss may be difficult to fit with hearing aids using conventional amplification. Frequency-lowering hearing aids using dynamic speech recoding (DSR)...
Effect of transforming growth factor-β1 on interleukin-6 secretion in human myoblasts

Abstract Transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) is involved in several autoimmune neurological diseases. It is still unclear whether its local action can be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory in the muscle tissue, because of the few reports on this subject. We have previously shown that human myoblasts secrete interleukin-6 (IL-6) when stimulated with inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β ) or tumor necrosis factor α . In the present report, we show that TGF- β 1 can induce IL-6 production; moreover, costimulation or short term pre-incubation with TGF- β 1 increases IL-1 β effect, while a longer incubation inhibits its action.
Discrete cis -active genomic sequences dictate the pituitary cell type-specific expression of rat prolactin and growth hormone genes

The anterior pituitary gland, which is derived from a common primordium originating in Rathke's pouch, contains phenotypically distinct cell types, each of which express discrete trophic hormones: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, growth hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) (reviewed in ref. 1). The structurally related prolactin and growth hormone genes, which are evolutionarily derived from a single primordial gene2, are expressed in discrete cell types—lactotrophs and somatotrophs, respectively—with their expression virtually limited to the pituitary gland1. The pituitary hormones exhibit a temporal pattern of developmental expression with rat growth hormone and prolactin characteristically being the last hormones expressed3–8. The reported co-expression of these two structurally related neuroendocrine genes within single cells prior to the appearance of mature lactotrophs, in a subpopulation of mature anterior pituitary cells, and in many pituitary adenomas1,6–9 raises the possibility that the prolactin and growth hormone genes are developmentally controlled by a common factor(s). We now report the identification and characterization of nucleotide sequences in the 5′-flanking regions of the rat prolactin and growth hormone genes, respectively, which act in a position- and orientation-independent fashion to transfer cell-specific expression to heterologous genes. At least one putative trans-acting factor required for the growth hormone genomic sequence to exert its effects is apparently different from those modulating the corresponding enhancer element(s) of the prolactin gene because a pituitary ‘lactotroph’ cell line producing prolactin but not growth hormone selectively fails to express fusion genes containing the growth hormone enhancer sequence.
Cellulase Linkers Are Optimized Based on Domain Type and Function: Insights from Sequence Analysis, Biophysical Measurements, and Molecular Simulation

Cellulase enzymes deconstruct cellulose to glucose, and are often comprised of glycosylated linkers connecting glycoside hydrolases (GHs) to carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). Although linker modifications can alter cellulase activity, the functional role of linkers beyond domain connectivity remains unknown. Here we investigate cellulase linkers connecting GH Family 6 or 7 catalytic domains to Family 1 or 2 CBMs, from both bacterial and eukaryotic cellulases to identify conserved characteristics potentially related to function. Sequence analysis suggests that the linker lengths between structured domains are optimized based on the GH domain and CBM type, such that linker length may be important for activity. Longer linkers are observed in eukaryotic GH Family 6 cellulases compared to GH Family 7 cellulases. Bacterial GH Family 6 cellulases are found with structured domains in either N to C terminal order, and similar linker lengths suggest there is no effect of domain order on length. O-glycosylation is uniformly distributed across linkers, suggesting that glycans are required along entire linker lengths for proteolysis protection and, as suggested by simulation, for extension. Sequence comparisons show that proline content for bacterial linkers is more than double that observed in eukaryotic linkers, but with fewer putative O-glycan sites, suggesting alternative methods for extension. Conversely, near linker termini where linkers connect to structured domains, O-glycosylation sites are observed less frequently, whereas glycines are more prevalent, suggesting the need for flexibility to achieve proper domain orientations. Putative N-glycosylation sites are quite rare in cellulase linkers, while an N-P motif, which strongly disfavors the attachment of N-glycans, is commonly observed. These results suggest that linkers exhibit features that are likely tailored for optimal function, despite possessing low sequence identity. This study suggests that cellulase linkers may exhibit function in enzyme action, and highlights the need for additional studies to elucidate cellulase linker functions.
Electric and Magnetic Focusing in Mass Spectroscopy

The theory of a mass spectrograph is described. The instrument is arranged so that an electric field forms near the entrance to the magnetic field a real image of the entrance slit with rays of one velocity. The velocity dispersion produced by the electric field is counter-balanced by the velocity dispersion in the magnetic field.
Azotobacter vinelandii NADPH:Ferredoxin Reductase Cloning, Sequencing, and Overexpression

Azotobacter vinelandii ferredoxin I (AvFdI) controls the expression of another protein that was originally designated Protein X. Recently we reported that Protein X is a NADPH-specific flavoprotein that binds specifically to FdI (Isas, J. M., and Burgess, B. K.(1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 19404-19409). The gene encoding this protein has now been cloned and sequenced. Protein X is 33% identical and has an overall 53% similarity with the fpr gene product from Escherichia coli that encodes NADPH:ferredoxin reductase. On the basis of this similarity and the similarity of the physical properties of the two proteins, we now designate Protein X as A. vinelandii NADPH:ferredoxin reductase and its gene as the fpr gene. The protein has been overexpressed in its native background in A. vinelandii by using the broad host range multicopy plasmid, pKT230. In addition to being regulated by FdI, the fpr gene product is overexpressed when A. vinelandii is grown under N2-fixing conditions even though the fpr gene is not preceded by a nif specific promoter. By analogy to what is known about fpr expression in E. coli, we propose that FdI may exert its regulatory effect on fpr by interacting with the SoxRS regulon.
Very low pressure photolysis of tert-butyl nitrite at 248 nm

Par photolyse avec un laser excimere, formation de produits de photolyse secondaire. L'addition de HI au melange photolysant supprime la formation des produits secondaires. (CH 3 COCH 3 et CH 3 )
Hydroprene: Mode of action, current status in stored-product pest management, insect resistance, and future prospects $

Abstract The insect growth regulator (IGR) hydroprene is a juvenile hormone analogue used in urban and stored-product insect control programs in the United States and in other developed countries. Hydroprene can be considered as an alternative to conventional insecticides because of its specific activity against immature insect stages, low persistence in the environment, and virtually non-toxic effects on mammals. Several published records demonstrate the excellent potential of hydroprene to control many stored-product insects. However, there are concerns of insect resistance to all insecticides, including IGRs. We review the mode of action of hydroprene in insects, examine how hydroprene is used in agricultural and urban pest management systems, describe research with hydroprene in stored-product pest management, and discuss potential mechanisms by which insects could develop resistance to this chemical. We also identify potential areas of further research with hydroprene that include, but are not limited to, the estimation of effects of hydroprene on different flooring surfaces, evaluation of multiple methods of hydroprene application in a facility, identification of other control methods to be used in combination with hydroprene, identification of specific life stages of stored-product insects that are especially vulnerable to hydroprene, and inclusion of the effects of hydroprene in stored-product insect population models.
Knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer among Maryland dental students.

Background. Most oral cancers are diagnosed at late stages. Health care providers, particularly dentists, play a critical role in early detection of oral cancers and should be knowledgeable and skillful in oral cancer diagnosis. In this study, we assessed knowledge and opinions regarding oral cancer among dental students in Maryland. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Maryland dental students in 2005. Results. The response rate was 59.6%. Knowledge of oral cancer was low among freshmen and significantly different from other classes. There was no statistically significant difference between 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th-year students in terms of level of oral cancer knowledge. The results revealed inadequate confidence among junior and senior students with regard to oral cancer examination and lymph node palpation. Conclusions. Findings from this study identify areas that need reinforcement in Maryland dental school’s curriculum regarding oral cancer education. This survey approach could be a model for other dental schools in the United States or overseas.
Trajectories of Happiness 5 Years Following Medical Discharge for Traumatic Disability: Differences Between Insider and Outsider Perspectives

We studied the predictive impact of proxy “outsider” reports, injury type, and functional independence on trajectories of happiness over the first 5 years following medical treatment for a traumatic spinal cord injury, brain injury, severe burns or inter-articular fractures (total N = 1,271). It was anticipated that lower functional independence and outsider status would predict lower happiness trajectories, with injury type having little effect over time. A measure of functional impairment and the life satisfaction index containing the items that assessed happiness were administered 12, 24, 48, and 60 months post-discharge. Trajectory modeling revealed that lower functional independence significantly predicted lower happiness, regardless of injury type. Outsider reports predicted significantly higher happiness scores than the insiders reported themselves. These differences persisted across time and injury type. Additional analyses found that insider/outsider status accounted for one percent of the variance in happiness scores and functional independence accounted for twenty percent of the variance. Moreover, for all injury groups, there was no evidence for changes in happiness trajectories over time. Outsider accounts differ significantly from insider estimations of variables of positive adjustment accounts but explain little variation in the reports of happiness overall and still have practical and clinical value as secondary sources of information about positive emotional experiences, particularly when reports from the “insider” are not possible.
Motivation and academic achievement: the effects of personality traits and the quality of experience.

The present study examined the relationship of personality, experience while studying, and academic performance. One hundred and seventy talented highschool students (68 males, 102 females) completed the Personality Research Form (PRF) and recorded their experience via the Experience Sampling Method (ESM). The results showed that controlling for ability, work orientation, a PRF factor, was a better predictor of grade than experience. However, an experiential variable, intrinsic motivation while studying, was related to the difficulty level of courses students took over the 4 years in high school. The results supported the notion that there are two kinds of motivation in scholastic achievement, one directed toward long-term goals, the other directed toward ongoing experience.
African American Professionals: Coping with Occupational Stress in Predominantly White Work Environments.

Abstract Mail survey data from 112 African American professionals working in predominantly White work settings (human service and business) were examined to test hypotheses regarding the potential influences on job satisfaction of routine and race-related work stressors, personal workplace spirituality, internal locus of control, and work-related and nonwork related social resources. No significant differences of these variables were observed for type of work setting or for gender. Consistent with predictions, job satisfaction was related to routine work stressors, race-related stressors, internal locus of control, and work-related social support, but not to workplace spirituality or nonwork social support. Evidence was limited for predictions based on the buffer model: in only a few tests did personal and social resource variables moderate the relation between stressors and job satisfaction. Findings are discussed in relation to minority work stress.
Hungry for Love: The Influence of Self-Regulation on Infidelity

The current research examines the effect of self-regulation on the likelihood of committing infidelity. Thirty-two college students in exclusive romantic relationships interacted through a private chat room with an opposite-sex confederate. Prior to this interaction, a food-restriction task depleted half the participants of self-control. As predicted, depleted levels of self-regulation increased the likelihood of infidelity. Specifically, depleted participants were more likely to both accept a coffee date from and supply a personal telephone number to the confederate than non-depleted participants. Weakened self-control may be one potential cause for the levels of infidelity occurring in romantic partnerships today.
A Controlled Family Study of Chronic Psychoses: Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

• Two hundred thirty-seven relatives of 48 patients with chronic psychosis, diagnosed as either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, along with 380 relatives of psychiatrically normal controls, were studied using systematic diagnostic interviews, information from relatives, and review of medical records where appropriate. A variety of nonbipolar psychotic disorders was found in the relatives of the patients. Comparing relatives of patients with schizophrenia with relatives of patients with schizoaffective disorder, there was no tendency for schizoaffective diagnosis or acute psychoses to aggregate separately from schizophrenia. Increased incidence of bipolar disorder was found in relatives of patients with schizoaffective disorder but not in relatives of patients with schizophrenia. Incidence of major affective disorder (bipolar and unipolar) was increased in relatives of probands with both types of psychoses. If we subdivide the ill probands according to whether or not they had a history of substance abuse, relatives of probands with substance abuse had greater frequency of affective disorder and substance abuse, but there were not significant differences in the number of relatives with nonbipolar psychoses.
The effects of naloxone and cage size on social play and activity in isolated young rats

The effects of large and small housing environments as well as naloxone on social play (as defined by pinning behavior) in isolated postweanling male rats were investigated. Animals housed in small cages played significantly more than those housed in larger cages. This effect was not observed when cage size was reversed. Administration of 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg of naloxone resulted in significant decreases in play behavior as compared to saline controls, both before housing environments were switched, and after. Animals in both isolation conditions were also compared to animals that were socially housed. Isolation was found to increase social play as well as the time spent in active social interaction, but had no effect on locomotor activity. While housing in a small cage increases play behavior, it had no effect on the amount of time spent in active social interaction or on activity. While administration of 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg naloxone to habituated animals differentially housed did not result in an overall decrease in activity, when compared with saline controls, only those animals housed in small cages and injected with the high dose of naloxone differed significantly from controls. In animals having no prior play experience, the activity of animals housed in the large and small cages differed significantly from each other only in the saline and 5.0 mg/kg naloxone conditions. Since naloxone's effect on play behavior was strong, but its effect on activity was not profound, our data suggest that naloxone primarily affects the affective component of play rather than altering activity levels.
Luminescence from defects in GaN

Abstract We briefly review the luminescence properties of defects in GaN and focus on the most interesting defects. In particular, the blue luminescence band peaking at about 3 eV is assigned to different defects and even different types of transitions in undoped, Zn-, C-, and Mg-doped GaN. Another omnipresent luminescence band, the yellow luminescence band may have different origin in nearly dislocation-free freestanding GaN templates, undoped thin layers, and carbon-doped GaN. The Y 4 and Y 7 lines are caused by recombination at unidentified point defects captured by threading edge dislocations.
Fast fuzzy clustering

This paper presents a multistage random sampling fuzzy c-means-based clustering algorithm, which significantly reduces the computation time required to partition a data set into c classes. A series of subsets of the full data set are used to create initial cluster centers in order to provide an approximation to the final cluster centers. The quality of the final partitions is equivalent to those created by fuzzy c-means. The speed-up is normally a factor of 2–3 times, which is especially significant for high-dimensional spaces and large data sets. Examples of the improved speed of the algorithm in two multi-spectral domains, magnetic resonance image segmentation and satellite image segmentation, are given. The results are compared with fuzzy c-means in terms of both the time required and the final resulting partition. Significant speedup is shown in each example presented in the paper. Further, the convergence properties of fuzzy c-means are preserved.
Rationale and use of the critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

t l c t d t t a c c m t c p o l c b q t f d t s f o 1 he introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associted with a sharp rise in the incidence of biliary injuries. espite the advancement of laparoscopic cholecystectomy echniques, biliary injury continues to be an important probem today, although its true incidence is unknown. The most ommon cause of serious biliary injury is misidentification. sually, the common bile duct is mistaken to be the cystic uct and, less commonly, an aberrant duct is misidentified as he cystic duct. The former was referred to as the “classical njury” by Davidoff and colleagues, who described the usual attern of evolution of the injury at laparoscopic cholecystecomy. In 1995, we authored an analytical review of this subect and introduced a method of identification of the cystic tructures referred to as the “critical view of safety” (CVS) Fig. 1). (This approach to ductal identification had been decribed in 1992, but the term critical view of safety was used irst in our 1995 article.) During the past 15 years, this ethod has been adopted increasingly by surgeons around the orld for performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. hen the method was initially described, it was done so with brief description and picture, without a thorough explanaion of the rationale for this approach. The primary purpose f this short communication is to present that rationale so that urgeons can better apply CVS by understanding why the ethod is protective against misidentification. A second purose is to review the current status of the use of CVS and to uggest approaches that might reduce the incidence of biliary njury through its use.
A CERTAINTY EQUIVALENT APPROACH TO MUNICIPAL BOND DEFAULT RISK ESTIMATION

This paper extends the risk-neutrality default model of municipal bonds to consider the effect of risk aversion on the estimation of default probability. A model is proposed to separate the default risk assessment from the investor's risk aversion. Empirical results show that the risk-neutrality model consistently overestimates the default probability but that the magnitude of this overestimate is generally small and statistically insignificant.
Reduction of total-pressure vapor-liquid equilibrium data. Comparison of data reduction methods, reliability of γi∞ values, and effect of the equation of state assumed

Abstract The Mixon-Gumowski-Carpenter and the Barker data reduction methods are compared on 103 sets of new PTx vapor-liquid equilibrium data for 36 binary systems. The comparisons are made in terms of the accuracies of the experimental P fits and the γi∞ values produced. The Mixon et al. method almost always fits the experimental P values best but, if those P values are not smooth, the γi curves can be distorted. Both methods give γ1∞ values which usually agree well with each other and with values calculated with the isothermal Gautreaux-Coates equation. On the other hand, the calculated γ2∞ values differ widely for many systems. In general, the Mixon et al. method will provide better γi∞ values when the experimental PTx data are smooth. The γi values from all methods are affected by the equation of state used.
Noninvasive Assessment of Lower Extremity Arterial Disease

Although angiography is the accepted “gold standard” for demonstrating the presence of arterial occlusive disease, it is less accurate for grading the associated hemodynamic consequences and is prohibitively invasive and expensive to be used as a first-line investigation. Currently available noninvasive tests allow not only for the detection of perfusion abnormalities, but for an appreciation of their severity as well as their likely location. This information is invaluable for predicting the need for revascularization, guiding the choice of reconstructive procedure, and predicting the likelihood of healing of amputation wounds and Ischemic lesions. Although some obstructive lesions are easily detected, others require more in-depth testing to reveal and quantify. Consequently, a thorough understanding of available noninvasive diagnostic modalities, including both their capabilities as well as their pitfalls, Is paramount to the effective practice of vascular surgery.
Substituted benzoic acid complexes of copper(II)

Solutions ofp-cyano, p-fluoro, p- and m-hydroxy-benzoic acids in ehtanol react with aqueous solutions of copper- (II) aceetate to yield complexes of empirical formula [Cu(X-C6H4CO2)(OH)]. The use of similar reaction conditions for p-chloro-,p-bromo-and p-iodo-benzoic acids affords ethanol adducts of the corresponding copper benzoates, Cu(X-C6H4CO2)2.C2H5OH. The latter compounds display subnormal magnetic moments and antiferromagnetism similar to that noted for copper acetate monohydrate. The presence of analogous binuclear structural species is proposed. On the basis of the normal moments and infrared spectral evidence, it is suggested that the complexes containing hydroxy groups are composed of polymeric hydroxide-bridged structural units. The magnetic behavior of these derivatives has been related to previously experienced difficulties in correlating the magnetic susceptibilities of copper(II) salts of substituted benzoic acids with the substituents on the phenyl ring.
Evaluation of Acinetobacter baumannii Infection and Colonization, and Antimicrobial Treatment Patterns in an Urban Teaching Hospital

In 1990 there was a sudden increase in the incidence of colonization and infection due to Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) in our intensive care units (ICUs). The isolates were multiply resistant to beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics, but remained susceptible to imipenem, amikacin, and ampicillin-sulbactam. We examined the frequency of infection and colonization with AB and the effects of increased imipenem and amikacin therapy on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also used disease-matched controls to determine the clinical and financial impacts of treating colonization. All patients with at least one AB isolate from January-December 1992 were identified retrospectively and classified as infected or colonized based on published Centers for Disease Control criteria; the control group was selected from a computerized medical records data base matching primary diagnostic codes (102 patients both groups). The 102 patients yielded 140 isolates, 124 resistant AB and 16 sensitive AB. Thirty three patients were infected, 69 colonized. Mortality correlated with APACHE II scores. Patients acquired the organism approximately 2 weeks after admission; they had a mean ICU stay of 27.35 days, compared with 5.53 days for controls. Patients with positive AB cultures required significantly more use of ventilators than those with negative AB cultures. They also had significantly longer hospital stay, more bed transfers, greater duration and number of antibiotics, and higher hospital and pharmacy charges. Unnecessary treatment for colonization with either imipenem or amikacin resulted in a substantial decrease of P. aeruginosa susceptibility to each agent. The financial impact of treating colonization was significant and is a potential area for cost avoidance. Our results emphasize the need to extubate and move patients to non-ICU beds as soon as possible to decrease the risk of nosocomial infection. It also highlights the need to avoid treating colonization, thus avoiding unnecessary antibiotic therapy.
Carbenoxolone blocks the light-evoked rise in intracellular calcium in isolated melanopsin ganglion cell photoreceptors.

Background Retinal ganglion cells expressing the photopigment melanopsin are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs). These ganglion cell photoreceptors send axons to several central targets involved in a variety of functions. Within the retina ipRGCs provide excitatory drive to dopaminergic amacrine cells via glutamatergic signals and ipRGCs are coupled to wide-field GABAergic amacrine cells via gap junctions. However, the extent to which ipRGCs are coupled to other retinal neurons in the ganglion cell layer via gap junctions is unclear. Carbenoxolone, a widely employed gap junction inhibitor, greatly reduces the number of retinal neurons exhibiting non-rod, non-cone mediated light-evoked Ca(2+) signals suggesting extensive intercellular coupling between ipRGCs and non-ipRGCs in the ganglion cell layer. However, carbenoxolone may directly inhibit light-evoked Ca(2+) signals in ipRGCs independent of gap junction blockade. Methodology/principal findings To test the possibility that carbenoxolone directly inhibits light-evoked Ca(2+) responses in ipRGCs, the light-evoked rise in intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) was examined using fura-2 imaging in isolated rat ipRGCs maintained in short-term culture in the absence and presence of carbenoxolone. Carbenoxolone at 50 and 100 µM concentrations completely abolished the light-evoked rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated ipRGCs. Recovery from carbenoxolone inhibition was variable. Conclusions/significance We demonstrate that the light-evoked rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated mammalian ganglion cell photoreceptors is inhibited by carbenoxolone. Since the light-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in isolated ipRGCs is almost entirely due to Ca(2+) entry via L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and carbenoxolone does not inhibit light-evoked action potential firing in ipRGCs in situ, carbenoxolone may block the light-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in ipRGCs by blocking L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. The ability of carbenoxolone to block evoked Ca(2+) responses must be taken into account when interpreting the effects of this pharmacological agent on retinal or other neuronal circuits, particularly if a change in [Ca(2+)](i) is the output being measured.
Angular-momentum-dependent fission barriers in the rare-earth region

Fission and evaporation residue excitation functions of $^{153}\mathrm{Tb}$ and $^{181}\mathrm{Re}$ compound systems are investigated in the context of angular-momentum-dependent fission barrier calculations in which effects of the finite range of the nuclear force and of the diffuseness of the nuclear surface are included. Carbon- and neon-induced reactions are studied in both the $^{153}\mathrm{Tb}$ and $^{181}\mathrm{Re}$ cases. Reasonable agreement is found between experimental and calculated excitation functions without adjustments of the theoretical fission barriers.
Classical rhetoric and the teaching of technical writing

Classical rhetoric's ability to inform and empower the teaching of technical writing has been for the most part ignored in technical writing textbooks. This absence is curious, given the enormous body of scholarly material affirming classical rhetoric's usefulness for that purpose. While teachers wait for textbooks with explicitly classical roots, three key concepts can provide the basic framework for incorporating classical rhetorical theory into contemporary technical writing studies.
Nicotinic α7 Receptor Clusters on Hippocampal GABAergic Neurons: Regulation by Synaptic Activity and Neurotrophins

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the alpha7 gene product are expressed at substantial levels in the hippocampus. Because of their specific locations and their high relative calcium permeability, the receptors not only mediate cholinergic transmission in the hippocampus but also influence signaling at noncholinergic synapses. We have used fluorescently labeled alpha-bungarotoxin to image alpha7-containing receptors on hippocampal neurons and to examine their regulation in culture. The highest levels of staining for such receptors were most commonly found on GABAergic interneurons identified immunohistochemically. The receptors were distributed in clusters on the soma and dendrites and were localized in part at GABAergic synapses. A 3 d blockade of electrical activity with tetrodotoxin or NMDA receptors with APV dramatically reduced the proportion of GABAergic neurons expressing high levels of receptor staining and reduced the mean number of distinguishable receptor clusters on individual neurons. Blockade of either GABA(A) receptors with bicuculline or nicotinic receptors with d-tubocurarine had no effect, although exposure to nicotine could increase the level of receptor staining. Anti-BDNF and anti-NGF antibodies produced decrements equivalent to those of tetrodotoxin and APV, whereas addition of BDNF and NGF each increased staining levels and increased the number of distinguishable receptor clusters on GABAergic neurons. The exogenous neurotrophins could not, however, overcome the effects of either tetrodotoxin or APV. The results indicate that both NMDA receptor activation and the neurotrophins BDNF and NGF are necessary to sustain the distribution patterns of alpha7-containing nicotinic receptors on GABAergic hippocampal neurons.
Altered glucose metabolism in microvessels from patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Microvessels isolated from temporal of cortex of patients with Alzheimer's disease showed decreased uptake of glucose when compared with vessels from age-matched or young control subjects. This was due to decreased hexokinase activity in the Alzheimer samples, as determined by ion exchange chromatography. This finding was confirmed independently by determination of the phosphorylation constant for hexokinase, K3, using positron emission tomography. The results suggest that Alzheimer's disease may result from a global defect in brain energy metabolism.
Mutational analysis of GCMB, a parathyroid-specific transcription factor, in parathyroid adenoma of primary hyperparathyroidism

Sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), one of the most common endocrine disorders, is characterized by hypercalcemia and elevated PTH levels. The majority of cases are caused by a benign parathyroid adenoma, but somatic or de novo germ-line mutations that lead to adenoma formation have only been identified in few glands. GCMB is a parathyroid-specific transcription factor, which causes hypoparathyroidism when inactivated on both parental alleles or when a dominant-negative, heterozygous mutation is present. It is overexpressed in some parathyroid adenomas, and we therefore tested the hypothesis that GCMB mutations can be a cause of parathyroid adenomas. Nucleotide sequence analysis was performed on all coding exons and exon-intron borders of GCMB in 30 sporadic parathyroid adenomas and we identified several known polymorphisms that were either heterozygous or homozygous. In addition, one of the 30 investigated glands revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.1144G>A, which introduced methionine at position 382 for valine (V382M), a conserved amino acid residue. Western blot analysis using mutant GCMB (GCMB-V382M) from lysates of transiently transfected DF-1 fibroblasts, luciferase assays using extracts from these cells, and electrophoretic mobility assays failed to reveal differences between wild-type and mutant GCMB in expression level, transactivational capacity, and DNA-binding ability. Furthermore, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated no difference in half-life of wild-type and mutant protein. We conclude that mutations in the transcription factor GCMB do not seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of PHPT.
A study of reaction kinetics of a water plasma using a 0-D global kinetic model

Summary form only given. The need to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and a transition into an economy less dependent on hydrocarbons is urgently necessary. On this quest to find alternative energy sources, one proposed solution is to use another secondary energy source besides electricity - hydrogen. Hydrogen as an energy carrier can fulfill a portion of the energy demand, particularly in the transportation sector when used in fuel cells. However, less than four percent of the world's hydrogen is produced via renewable methods, primarily through "clean" electrolysis. The remaining 96% is produced from non-renewable methods including methane steam reformation and coal gasification, with an energy efficiency much higher than that of electrolysis. The experimental part of this project investigates the potential use of a radio-frequency (RF) plasma source to dissociate water molecules into their constituent parts, hydrogen and oxygen, for hydrogen production application. To supplement the experimental work, a global, zero-dimensional kinetic model is used to study reaction kinetics in dissociating water molecules in a plasma source. In this model, the plasma discharge is modeled as a cylinder, matching the geometry of the discharge in the experiment. Water flow rate into the chamber and discharge pressure are kept constant. Power deposited into the discharge is also kept constant with time. This simulation considers a total of 28 species and 283 gas phase and electron impact reactions. The main variables are deposited power, operating pressure, and water mass flow rate. The code outputs gas temperature, electron temperature, and species density. This work examines the theoretical energy efficiency for producing hydrogen by dissociating water molecules in a plasma source. Results indicate that the RF power required to break up water molecules is lower than that needed in the experiment. However, the maximum theoretical energy efficiency in this method as obtained from the kinetic model is still lower than the efficiency obtained from electrolysis.
Mixed-oxide and perovskite-structure model mantles from 700-1200 km

Summary. The mantle between 700 and 1200 km is modelled using mixed oxides (MgO + FeO + SiO2 (stishovite)) having olivine, pyroxene, and peridotite (67 per cent ol-33 per cent px) stoichiometries and third-order finite strain theory. It is possible to satisfy the densities, compressional and shear velocities, and bulk and shear moduli of seismic models B1 and PEM and to obtain adiabatic temperature profiles consistent with literature profiles with olivine and peridotite stoichiometries, but not with pyroxenes. Estimates of K and μ for stishovite satisfying Bl and PEM profiles indicate that the stishovite data of Mizutani, Hamano & Akimoto and Liebermann, Ringwood & Major are inconsistent with the assumed mixed-oxide assemblages, even with a large range of pressure and temperature derivatives for K and μ. Assuming perovskite structure materials below 700 km shows that pyroxenes transformed to the perovskite structure are too dense by 1–2.5 per cent. Taking a wide range of P and T derivatives for the K and μ of MgSiO3 (perovskite) indicates that the seismic models can be satisfied with olivines and peridotites transformed to perovskites and oxides. The MgSiO3 (perovskite) K and μ estimates bracket the systematics estimates of Liebermann, Jones & Ring-wood. We find only marginal evidence for relaxation of the shear modulus. The mean atomic weight calculated for the mixed-oxide models agrees with the results of Watt, Shankland & Mao for the same region and with previous estimates for the upper mantle. Thus, an increase in iron content below 700 km appears unlikely. This result and the corresponding temperatures (lower than the Clark & Ringwood conduction geotherm) are consistent with convection below 700 km.
Dopamine D1 activation shortens the duration of phases in stereotyped grooming sequences

Rats frequently emit grooming actions in a highly stereotyped, syntactic chain in which three distinct phases of facially directed forearm movements are sequentially emitted in a rule-governed pattern and followed by body-directed licking. The present study evaluated the effects of the full dopamine D1 agonist, SKF 81297, and the partial dopamine D1 agonist, SKF 38393, on the duration of individual phases of stereotyped grooming chains. We found that systemic administration of SKF 81297 significantly shortened grooming chain duration. An examination of the fine temporal structure of syntactic grooming chain actions showed that duration changes were correlated with decreased numbers of actions in phases I and IV of the chain. Phases II and III were not changed in duration, although there were some structural distortions introduced. The partial D1 agonist, SKF 38393, had no effect on duration or number of component actions in the grooming chain. Based on these results, we hypothesize that the timing of syntactic grooming phase transitions may involve a D1-mediated internal clock process that is altered by full D1 agonist activation. By this model, SKF 81297 increases the speed of the clock used for the temporal control of grooming actions, and thus shortens phase durations.
Outpatient Tympanomastoidectomy: Factors Affecting Hospital Admission

Background Outpatient tympanomastoidectomy is common in many medical centers. However, failure of same-day discharge is often the result of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Many times this leads to hospital admission after tympanomastoidectomy, and it is often difficult to predict before surgery whether PONV will be an issue that impedes same-day discharge. Objective To determine the clinical factors correlated with the incidence of PONV requiring hospital admission after chronic ear surgery by hypothesizing that the complexity of a particular case, as measured using a 10-point scale, is predictive of surgical time or failure of same-day hospital discharge. Study Design Retrospective medical chart review of 103 patients having mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media over a 2-year period. Methods We recorded patient age, clinical data, surgical times, types of agents used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, use of prophylactic antiemetic drugs, types and doses of analgesic agents, and PONV. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which variables were associated with PONV that required hospital admission. Results One third of patients studied were safely discharged from the hospital the day of surgery, and 92% were discharged within 23 hours. The most common cause for observation admission to the hospital was PONV. The only variable in multivariate analysis that significantly correlated with PONV mandating hospital admission after tympanomastoid surgery was a history of motion sickness or PONV (odds ratio, 5.21; P = .02). Although severity of disease did not correlate with length of hospital stay, it directly correlated with length of surgery. Conclusions A history of PONV or motion sickness is predictive of PONV and length of hospital stay. Routine planning for a 23-hour overnight observation stay seems warranted for all patients undergoing tympanomastoidectomy, despite severity of disease.
Computational analysis of tissue-specific gene networks

Motivation: The vertebrate retina is a complex neuronal tissue, and its development, normal functioning and response to injury and disease is subject to a variety of genetic factors. To understand better the regulatory and functional relationships between the genes expressed within the retina, we constructed an interactive gene network of the mouse retina by applying a Bayesian statistics approach to information derived from a variety of gene expression, protein–protein interaction and gene ontology annotation databases. Results: The network contains 673 retina-related genes. Most of them are obtained through manual literature-based curation, while the others are the genes preferentially expressed in the retina. These retina-related genes are linked by 3403 potential functional associations in the network. The prediction on the gene functional association using the Bayesian approach outperforms predictions using only one source of information. The network includes five major gene clusters, each enriched in different biological activities. There are several applications to this network. First, we identified ~50 hub genes that are predicted to play particularly important roles in the function of the retina. Some of them are not yet well studied. Second, we can predict novel gene functions using ‘guilt by association’ method. Third, we also predicted novel retinal disease-associated genes based on the network analysis. Availability: To provide easy access to the retinal network, we constructed an interactive web tool, named MoReNet, which is available at http://bioinfo.wilmer.jhu.edu/morenet/ Contact: jiang.qian@jhmi.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Triangle-Triangle Intersection Determination and Classification to Support Qualitative Spatial Reasoning

In CAD/CAM modeling, objects are represented using the Boundary Representation (ANSI Brep) model. Detection of possible intersection between objects can be based on the objects' boundaries (i.e., triangulated surfaces), and computed using triangle-triangle intersection. Usually only a cross intersection algorithm is needed; however, it is beneficial to have a single robust and fast intersection detection algorithm for both cross and coplanar intersections. For qualitative spatial reasoning, a general-purpose algorithm is desirable for accurately differentiating the relations in a region connection calculus, a task that requires consideration of intersection between objects. Herein we present a complete uniform integrated algorithm for both cross and coplanar intersection. Additionally, we present parametric methods for classifying and computing intersection points. This work is applicable to most region connection calculi, particularly VRCC-3D+, which detects intersections between 3D objects as well as their projections in 2D that are essential for occlusion detection.