cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forearm velocity in carpal tunnel syndrome: When is slow too slow?

Abstract Objective: To correlate the frequency of superimposed processes (SPs) such as radiculopathies, polyneuropathies, and plexopathies with median motor forearm conduction velocity (MMFCV) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design: All cases of diagnosed CTS were retrospectively analyzed for evidence of SPs. Setting: Electrophysiology laboratory of a tertiary care center. Participants: One hundred fifty-five patients (44 men, 111 women), ages 19 to 94, who were referred for and met electrophysiologic criteria for CTS, both with and without MMFCV slowing. Main Outcome Measure: The frequency of SPs in patients with no, mild, moderate, and severe MMFCV slowing. Results: A total of 192 arms from 155 patients were studied. Of 14 arms with mild slowing (MMFCV of 47.0 to 49.9m/sec), 2 (14%) had an SP. Of 15 arms with moderate slowing (MMFCV of 43.0 to 46.9m/sec), 4 (46%) had an SP. Of 9 arms with severe slowing (MMFCV of p Conclusion: In cases of CTS, the finding of moderate to severe slowing of MMFCV (
Why value history

In 1961, after the successful conclusion of the International Geophysical Year, Sydney Chapman wrote his close colleague, Marcel Nicolet. As President of the Comite Special de l'Annee Geophysique Internationale (CSAGI), which oversaw the operation of the IGY, Chapman had accumulated many cartons of private letters, telegrams, and documents on sensitive international negotiations and governmental instructions. Should we save these? Chapman asked Nicolet, a senior member of the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium and fellow CSAGI member. What about the confidential papers dealing with Communist Chinese participation in the IGY and the publications controversy?
A High Precision Waveform Generator

The microprocessor controlled waveform generator produces a piece-wise linear time dependent analog reference (± 10 VFS) for the Fermilab Saver Higher Order Correction Element power supplies. Up to 32 major linear segments can be programmed with end point amplitude resolution of 305 ?V and time resolution of 6.5 ms. Major segments can be subdivided in up to 32 subsegments to achieve smoother slope transitions. The output of a high precision 16-bit D/A converter having 305 ?V steps is further smoothed with circuitry whose output is an analog integrator that follows the centerline of these steps. Typical ripple (smoothness) errors are such that ?V/VFS < 10-5/f, and for frequencies less than 1 KHz, output noise is less than 10 ?Vp-p. Typical DC linearity over a 25°C temperature range is ±150 ?V. Measured gain errors were 0.7 PPM/°C and zero stability was 2 ?V/°C. The overall absolute accuracy of the generator is ±0.005% FS (± 500 ?V).
Real-time assay for testing components of protein synthesis

We present a flexible, real-time-coupled transcription-translation assay that involves the continuous monitoring of fluorescent Emerald GFP formation. Along with numerical simulation of a reaction kinetics model, the assay permits quantitative estimation of the effects on full-length protein synthesis of various additions, subtractions or substitutions to the protein synthesis machinery. Since the assay uses continuous fluorescence monitoring, it is much simpler and more rapid than other assays of protein synthesis and is compatible with high-throughput formats. Straightforward alterations of the assay permit determination of (i) the fraction of ribosomes in a cell-free protein synthesis kit that is active in full-length protein synthesis and (ii) the relative activities in supporting protein synthesis of modified (e.g. mutated, fluorescent-labeled) exogenous components (ribosomes, amino acid-specific tRNAs) that replace the corresponding endogenous components. Ribosomes containing fluorescent-labeled L11 and tRNAs labeled with fluorophores in the D-loop retain substantial activity. In the latter case, the extent of activity loss correlates with a combination of steric bulk and hydrophobicity of the fluorophore.
The role of electronic data interchange in Quick Response

In response to international competition and pressure from retailers, US apparel manufacturers and their suppliers initiated the Quick Response (QR) program. QR seeks to provide retailers with the exact stock‐keeping units (SKUs) which consumers demand and to deliver these SKUs quickly. An effective QR program requires rapid transmission of data throughout the value chain, from the retailer back to apparel manufacturers, fabric producers and fibre manufacturers. Therefore, electronic data interchange (EDI) is a key component of QR and should be tightly linked with other information systems at each level of the value chain. This research is an empirical study of the degree to which EDI has been implemented by US apparel manufacturers and the extent to which EDI is integrated with other information systems. It was found that apparel manufacturers use EDI to establish tight linkages with their customers, the retailers. Manufacturers are less likely to increase their own efficiencies by linking EDI with internal information systems or by establishing EDI linkages with suppliers. The lack of supplier linkages may reduce manufacturers' ability to replenish retail inventories quickly, which is the primary objective of QR.
The Na+-K+-ATPase β1 subunit is associated with the HKα2 protein in the rat kidney

The Na + -K + -ATPase β1 subunit is associated with the HKα2 protein in the rat kidney. The Na-K-ATPase β1 subunit acts as the β subunit for the HKα 2 protein in the rat kidney. The colonic H + -K + -ATPase is a member of the P-type ATPases, and has been shown to contribute to potassium transport by the mammalian kidney and colon. The P-type ATPases often consist of an alpha subunit that contains the catalytic site and a beta subunit that participates in regulation of enzyme activity and targeting of the enzyme to the plasma membrane. The cDNA of the alpha subunit (HKα 2 ) has been cloned and the HKα 2 protein has been isolated from the rat kidney and colon. However, a unique beta subunit for the colonic H + -K + -ATPase has not been described. To determine if one of the known beta subunits present in the kidney might act as the beta subunit for the colonic H + -K + -ATPase, microsomes enriched in the colonic H+-K + -ATPase were isolated using an HKα 2 -specific antibody (AS 31.7) and the Minimac magnetic separation system. Immunoblots of rat kidney microsomal protein isolated with antibody AS 31.7 were probed with antibodies directed against the gastric HK beta subunit, Na + -K + -ATPase alpha 1, and Na + -K + -ATPase beta 1 subunits. A band of the appropriate size was detected with Na + -K + -ATPase β 1 -specific antibodies, but not those directed against HKβ 1 . These data suggest that Na + -K + -ATPase β 1 could be the beta subunit for the colonic H + -K + -ATPase in the kidney.
New Radioactive Isotopes of Iridium

Abstract : The previous work on this element, iridium, has resulted in the observation of a number of radioactive isotopes. However, on the neutron deficient side of the stable isotopes only one period has been reported. The isotope chart shows that the following mass numbers of Ir, 186, 187, 188, 189 and 190 can be produced by (a,n), (a,2n), and (a,3n) reactions on rhenium, which has two stable isotopes, Re(185) and Re(187) of relative abundance 38.2% and 61.8% respectively. Using the 60-inch cyclotron at the Crocker Laboratory, this attractive field was investigated. Enriched rhenium isotopes and spongy osmium were also used in confirmatory work concerning the reactions and the mass assignments of the products.
Calcium- and pH-dependent Aggregation of Carboxypeptidase E

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is involved with the biosynthesis of numerous peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Several forms of CPE have been previously detected in neuroendocrine cells, including a form which is soluble at pH 5.5 (S-CPE), a form which can be extracted from membranes with 1 M NaCl at pH 5.5 (M1-CPE), and a form which requires both 1% Triton X-100 and 1 M NaCl for extraction from membranes at pH 5.5 (M2-CPE). Like other peptide processing enzymes, CPE is known to be sorted into peptide-containing secretory vesicles of the regulated pathway. One mechanism that has been proposed to be important for sorting of regulated pathway proteins is Ca2+ and pH-induced aggregation. CPE purified from bovine pituitary membranes aggregates at pH 5.5 when the concentration of CPE is 0.3 μg/μl or higher, but not when the concentration is 0.01 μg/μl. Aggregation of CPE is pH-dependent, with very little aggregation occurring at pH 6 or above. At pH 5.0-5.5, the M2 form of CPE shows a greater tendency to aggregate than the other two forms. At pH 6, Ca2+ concentrations from 1-30 mM increase the aggregation of M1- and M2-CPE, but not S-CPE. The aggregation of M2-CPE does not explain the apparent membrane binding of this protein since the aggregate is solubilized by 1% Triton X-100 at pH 5.5 or by pH 6.0, whereas M2-CPE is not extracted from membranes under these conditions. Taken together, these results are consistent with a model in which the decreasing pH and increasing Ca2+ levels in the trans Golgi network induce the aggregation of CPE, which contributes to the sorting of this protein into regulated pathway secretory vesicles.
Electrically conducting thin films obtained by ion implantation in pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile

Heat treatment of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) leads to products with semiconductor-to-metal range of conductivities. The electrical properties of these materials are further modified by ion implantation. The conductivity, 1×10–7 (Ω cm)–1, of heat treated PAN at 435°C (PAN435) increases upon ion implantation with As+, Kr+, Cl+ or F+, reaching the maximum value of 8.9×10–1 (Ω cm)–1 at a dose of 5×1016 ion/cm2 and an energy of 200 KeV for the case of F+ implantation. On the other hand, ion implantation in the more conducting heat-treated PAN at 750 °C (PAN750) leads to a decrease in the electrical conductivity. It is shown that the conductivity modifications are primarily due to structural rearrangements induced by the energetic ions. Specific chemical doping contribution to conductivity is noted for halogen implantation in PAN435. The temperature dependence of conductivity of PAN heat treated at 750°C suggests a two path conduction, namely a three dimensional variable range hopping conduction and a metallic conduction. After ion implantation, the conductivity-temperature dependence is interpreted in terms of a variable range hopping conduction mechanism.
Pharmacological responses to acute morphine administration in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effect of acute administration of morphine on analgesia, hyperthermia, hypothermia and catalepsy was determined in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. A greater analgesic and hyperthermic response to morphine was observed in SH rats than in WKY rats. A dose of morphine (50 mg/kg ip) which produced hypothermia in WKY rats produced pronounced hyperthermia in SH rats. The cataleptic response to morphine was lower in SH rats. The cataleptic response to morphine was lower in SH rats than in WKY rats. The brain and plasma levels of morphine in SH rats were significantly lower as compared to the WKY rats at any dose of morphine used but the ratio of brain to plasma did not differ. It is concluded that SH rats exhibit altered sensitivity to morphine in comparison with their normotensive counterparts.
Effect of the Addition of Cottonseed Lipids to Cottonseed Meal on Egg Discoloration

Abstract Research reports have shown that Sterculia joetida oil (Kemmerer et al., 1961) and cottonseed oil (Kemmerer et al., 1962) enhanced gossypol discoloration in eggs. This property is attributed to the cyclopropenoid fatty acids contained in the two lipids. In these reports the cottonseed oil or Sterculia foetida oil were incorporated into diets, which contained soybean meal as the main source of protein but no cottonseed meal. Gossypol dissolved in corn oil was administered by capsule. The work here reported shows the effect of the addition of cottonseed lipids to rations containing cottonseed meal upon egg discoloration. The basal diets used contained approximately 23% soybean meal as the principal source of protein. For the tests two cottonseed meals were substituted at 10 and 20% levels for the soybean meals. Both of these contained less than 0.1% extractable lipids, 0.02% free gossypol and approximately 1% bound gossypol. For a positive control crystalline…
Upper class women: The feminine side of privilege

Activities of upper class women that serve as class-related contributions, constraints, rewards and motivations are discussed in the women's own terms. Study of this previously neglected group indicates that the upper class woman's roles function well in not only achieving influence and benefits for herself and her class, but also in preventing moves toward a society that would take away some of her elite influence and benefits. Implications for maintaining the position of the upper class are discussed.
Strategies for product cannibalism

This paper explores the question of when (or if) a market leader firm is best off with a strategy of product cannibalism: introducing a new product designed to supersede and hence destroy its own current bestseller before a rival does. Particular attention is given to the payoffs of various superseding product strategies and, given these strategies, whether the leading firm can be expected to invest at least as much in innovation as a challenger. A patent-race game with a stochastic invention process is presented. The result is that when the leading firm deliberately decides to forgo being first-mover in the new market, developing and then ‘shelving’ its new product until the current bestseller is challenged successfully by the rival, the leading firm may spend more than its challengers on R&D, thereby retaining a competitive advantage in innovation of new-generation products. The paper concludes with a discussion of the practical implications of the model.
Effects of Obesity on Substrate Utilization during Exercise

OBJECTIVE The capacity for lipid and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation during exercise is important for energy partitioning and storage. This study examined the effects of obesity on lipid and CHO oxidation during exercise. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Seven obese and seven lean [body mass index (BMI), 33 +/- 0.8 and 23.7 +/- 1.2 kg/m(2), respectively] sedentary, middle-aged men matched for aerobic capacity performed 60 minutes of cycle exercise at similar relative (50% VO(2max)) and absolute exercise intensities. RESULTS Obese men derived a greater proportion of their energy from fatty-acid oxidation than lean men (43 +/- 5% 31 +/- 2%; p = 0.02). Plasma fatty-acid oxidation determined from recovery of infused [0.15 micromol/kg fat-free mass (FFM) per minute] [1-(13)C]-palmitate in breath CO(2) was similar for obese and lean men (8.4 +/- 1.1 and 29 +/- 15 micromol/kg FFM per minute). Nonplasma fatty-acid oxidation, presumably, from intramuscular sources, was 50% higher in obese men than in lean men (10.0 +/- 0.6 versus 6.6 +/- 0.8 micromol/kg FFM per minute; p < 0.05). Systemic glucose disposal was similar in lean and obese groups (33 +/- 8 and 29 +/- 15 micromol/kg FFM per minute). However, the estimated rate of glycogen-oxidation was 50% lower in obese than in lean men (61 +/- 12 versus 90 +/- 6 micromol/kg FFM per minute; p < 0.05). DISCUSSION During moderate exercise, obese sedentary men have increased rates of fatty-acid oxidation from nonplasma sources and reduced rates of CHO oxidation, particularly muscle glycogen, compared with lean sedentary men.
The microwave spectrum, structure, and dipole moment of disulfur monoxide

Abstract The microwave spectrum of the product resulting from the passage of an electrical discharge through a mixture of sulfur and SO 2 has been examined. This product, usually called “sulfur monoxide”, was found to have a microwave spectrum which was assigned to disulfur monoxide with a bent SSO structure. The ground state rotational constants were established as A = 41,914.4 0 , B = 5,059.0 9 and C = 4,507.1 4 , Mc/sec. Assignments were also made for an excited vibrational state and for the S 34 S 32 O 16 species. The structure of S 2 O was established as SO 1.46 5 ± 0.010 A, SS 1.88 4 ± 0.010 A, and SSO 118°O′ ± 30′. The components of the dipole moment were established as μ A = 0.875 ± 0.01, μ B = 1.18 ± 0.02 with μ (total) = 1.47 ± 0.02 Debye.
Bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated shallow soils and waters via water table management techniques: evolution and release of nitrous oxide.

Abstract Nitrate (NO 3 –N) commonly accumulates in soils because of fertilizer additions or when crop demand is much less than the rate of NO 3 –N production. Water table management (WTM) has been proposed to stimulate denitrifying bacteria, thus removing the accumulated NO 3 –N by converting it to N 2 O (a greenhouse gas) and N 2 . We studied the emission of N 2 O and N 2 as affected by water table depth. Undisturbed soil columns (30 cm dia by 90 cm long) from three soil series (Blount, somewhat poorly drained Aeric Ochraqualf; Clermont, poorly drained Typic Glossaqualf; and Huntington, well drained Fluventic Hapludoll) were treated with 2.11 g N (as KNO 3 ) applied as a band 10 cm below the surface. Two different WTM schemes were studied: static (WTM1) and dynamic (WTM2). We repeated WTM2 using 15 N and this treatment, applied to the Huntington soil only, was designated WTM3. In general, N 2 O concentrations in a soil column responded to fluctuations in water table depth. Concentrations of N 2 O were usually higher in soils immediately below, as compared to above, the water table. The Clermont columns departed from this general trend. Maintaining the water table at 50 cm depth resulted in N 2 O emission rates (1.8–44 mg N 2 O–N m −2 d −1 ) comparable to those reported for cultivated fields. A water table only 10 cm below the surface caused N 2 O emission rates to increase considerably (60–560 mg N 2 O–N m −2 d −1 ). Four days after imposition of a water table 10 cm below the soil surface, N 2 O comprised 95% of the N gas emitted (i.e. N 2 O mole fraction was 0.95). One week later, however, the N 2 O mole fraction was 0.35 which was significantly ( P ≤0.05) lower than the mole fraction (0.68) measured prior to raising the water table. These results suggest that when using WTM practices, the best option to maintain high NO 3 –N removal rates and to reduce the proportion of N 2 O in the emitted gases is to maintain a high water table for a prolonged period in the most biologically-active portion of the soil profile.
Application of Constrained Multi-Objective Optimization to the Design of Offshore Structure Hulls

The paper reports on the continuous development of an automated optimization procedure for the design of offshore structure hulls. Advanced parametric design algorithms, numerical analysis of wave-body interaction, and formal multi-objective optimization are integrated into a computer aided design system that produces hull shapes with superior seakeeping qualities. By allowing multiple objectives in the procedure naval architects may pursue concurrent design objectives, e.g., minimizing heave motion while simultaneously maximizing deck load. The system develops a Pareto frontier of the best design alternatives for the user to choose from. Constraints are directly considered within the optimization algorithm, thus eliminating infeasible or unfit designs. The paper summarizes the new developments in the shape generation, illustrates the optimization procedure, and presents results of the multi-objective hull shape optimization.
Variability in a single compartment system: A note on S. R. Bernard's model

In this note we examine a continuous time version of a compartmental model introduced in a discrete time setting by S. R. Bernard. The model allows for more than one particle to leave the system at any time. This introduces additional randomness into the system, over the pure death system and this is reflected in the variance function.
VARIABILITY IN MAT RESULTS WITHIN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

ment of the test's predictive function. The problem may be compounded by the considerable variability in candidates' qualifications across the institution. This lamer proposition questions such studies as those of Jansen and Johnson (1967) and Thumin and Boernke (1966); the former study involved three broad groups of applicants to graduate education programs in administration, school services, and teacher improvement while the latter studied applicants for educational psychology and education in general. While differences were found, neither study adequately explored the possibility of divergency of qualifications. The present study addressed directly this question by comparing Miller Analogies Test scores for applicants to six areas in education. Subjects were prospective graduate students in six departments within the education division of a midwestern university, all had taken the Miller Analogies Test within the last three years. A sample of 100 examinees was drawn for each area: special education, educational psychology, elementary and secondary education, educational administration, and instructional technology. A one-way analysis of variance was computed across these areas.
Medicolegal Aspects of the Orthopaedic Care for Shoulder Injuries

The medicolegal aspects of orthopaedic care increasingly are becoming an important focus of physicians. Because of the rarity of publications on the subject, I will examine medical litigation in orthopaedics, specifically in regards to shoulder injuries. There are several reasons for recent increase
Solution of the multichannel Kondo problem

The multichannel Kondo model is exactly diagonalized for any impurity spin and for an arbitrary number of orbital channels. The impurity free energy is found and its properties deduced for high and low temperatures. When the number of channels is sufficiently large a nontrivial fixed point appears. Its critical exponents are calculated.
Outcome of Primary Empyema Thoracis: Therapeutic and Microbiologic Aspects

Abstract Background . This study was undertaken to determine whether all adult patients with primary empyema thoracis need decortication. Methods . A management algorithm was developed and analyzed in a prospective, longitudinal, nonblinded study of 179 consecutive adult patients. The treatment options included thoracentesis, closed (tube) thoracostomy, image-guided catheter drainage, and decortication. We reviewed the outcomes of these procedures as they related to the pleural fluid cultures isolated and the antibiotic regimens used. Results . Of the 179 patients, 20 had thoracentesis as the primary procedure, and 18 (90%) were cured. Ninety patients underwent closed thoracostomy as the primary procedure with a cure rate of 62% (56 patients) and a mortality rate of 11% (10 patients), and 24 patients required a secondary procedure. Seventy-six patients underwent decortication as either the primary or the secondary procedure with a cure rate of 88% (67 patients) and a mortality rate of 1.3% (1 patient); 8 patients required conversion to open thoracostomy. Hospital stay for decortication was 14 ± 1 days and for closed thoracostomy, 17 ± 1 days ( p Conclusions . Forty-two percent of patients with primary empyema thoracis ultimately require decortication. Decortication is more frequently necessary for anaerobic, tuberculous, staphylococcal, and pneumococcal infections. Although the overall mortality in this study was low, mortality remains high in elderly patients and patients with comorbid disease.
Beyond the Monchick–Mason approximation: the mobility of Li+ Ions in H2

The Monchick–Mason approximation for the calculation of the transport coefficients of atomic ions in diatomic gases is extended in a manner that allows comparison of theoretical and experimental mobilities of gaseous ions to serve as quantitative tests of the accuracy of the ab initio, angle- and position-dependent interaction potentials used in the calculations. The feasibility of this procedure is demonstrated with Li+ in H2.
Quantum-limited comb lineshape and frequency uncertainty

We calculate the noise properties of a femtosecond frequency comb from experimentally-derived parameters. Using a simple model for a feedback system, we calculate the phase noise spectrum for comb lines across the laser spectrum.
Particle Penetration Through Building Cracks

Particle penetration into buildings influences human exposure to particles of ambient origin. In this study, we present the results of laboratory experiments measuring particle penetration through surrogates of cracks in building envelopes. Rectangular slots were prepared, with crack heights of 0.25 and 1 mm and flow-path lengths of 4-10 cm, using common building materials: aluminum, brick, concrete, plywood, redwood lumber, pine lumber, and strand board. Air was drawn through a slot from a well-mixed chamber by applying a pressure difference ( j P) of 4 or 10 Pa. Nonvolatile, electrically neutralized particles were generated and introduced into the chamber. The particle penetration factor was determined, for particle sizes 0.02-7 w m, as the ratio of the particle concentration downstream of the slot to that in the chamber. Particle size and crack height were the two main factors that governed fractional particle penetration. Consistent with prior modeling results, the penetration factor was nearly unity ...
Photometric Redshifts and Signal-to-Noise Ratios

We investigate the impact of photometric signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) on the precision of photometric redshifts in multiband imaging surveys using both simulations and real data. We simulate the optical four-band (BVRz) Deep Lens Survey (DLS) and use the publicly available Bayesian Photometric Redshift code BPZ. The simulations include a realistic range of magnitudes and colors and vary from infinite S/N to S/N = 5. The real data are from DLS photometry and two spectroscopic surveys and explore a range of S/Ns by adding noise to initially very high S/N photometry. Precision degrades steadily as S/N drops, both because of direct S/N effects and because lower S/N is linked to fainter galaxies with a weaker magnitude prior. If a simple S/N cut were used, S/N ≥ 17 in R (corresponding, in the DLS, to lower S/N in other bands) would be required to keep the scatter in Δ z ≡ (zspec − zphot)/(1 + zspec) to less than 0.1. However, cutting on ODDS (a measure of the peakiness of the probability density function provided by BPZ) greater than 0.4 provides roughly double the number of usable galaxies with the same σΔ z. Ellipticals form the tightest zspec − zphot relation, and cutting on elliptical type provides better precision than the ODDS > 0.9 cut, but this eliminates the vast majority of galaxies in a deep survey. In addition to being more efficient than a type cut, ODDS also has the advantages of working with all types of galaxies (although ellipticals are overrepresented) and of being a continuous parameter for which the severity of the cut can be adjusted as desired.
Presynaptic adenosine A1 receptors modulate excitatory transmission in the rat basolateral amygdala

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays an integral role in the etiology of anxiety disorders and alcoholism. Although much is known about the intrinsic circuitry that governs BLA excitability, our understanding of the neuromodulators that control BLA excitation is incomplete. In many brain regions, adenosine (ADO) regulates neuronal excitability, primarily via A1 receptor inhibition of glutamate release, and basal adenosinergic tone is high enough to tonically inhibit neuronal excitation. Although ADO signaling modulates many anxiety- and alcohol-related behaviors, little is known about ADO regulation of BLA neurotransmission. To that end, we used patch clamp methods in rodent brain slices to characterize adenosinergic modulation of excitatory neurotransmission onto BLA pyramidal cells. ADO significantly inhibited EPSCs evoked by stimulation of either medial or external glutamatergic inputs into the BLA. This effect was mimicked by an A1, but not by an A2a, agonist. Paired-pulse ratio and miniature EPSC experiments revealed that A1 receptors reside at a presynaptic locus on BLA glutamatergic synapses. Moreover, bath application of an A1 receptor antagonist significantly enhanced EPSCs, providing evidence of tonic adenosinergic tone at BLA glutamatergic synapses. In addition, tonic ADO was regulated by adenosine kinase, but not adenosine deaminase. Finally, activation of A1 receptors had no direct effects on the intrinsic excitability of BLA pyramidal cells. Collectively, these data suggest that tonic A1 receptor signaling may play an important role in regulating BLA excitability and suggest a possible neurobiological substrate through which ADO may contribute to the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and alcohol addiction.
Memory capacity of artificial neural networks with high order node connections

The authors have undertaken to understand and quantify the performance of artificial neural networks in the simpler and more restricted domain of associative memory. They have constructed models of artificial neural networks based on several different node-to-node interconnection schemes. The authors have simulated these models and quantified their performance as associative memories. The storage capacity, as determined by the retrieval accuracy, has shown large increases with the higher-order node-to-node connection models. The storage capacity of a four-node connection model (the output of each quartet of nodes is input to every other node) is 46 times larger than a conventional two-node (i.e. Hopfield) model with the same number of nodes. >
Endoscopic repair of high-flow cranial base defects using a bilayer button.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Repair of the skull base still begins with a direct repair of the dural defect. We present a new button closure for primary repair of the dura for high flow defects. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: We reviewed our 20 cases of primary button grafts and compared the results to the previous 20 high-flow open-cistern cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cases. Subjects were excluded if they had no violation of the arachnoid space or potential for low-flow CSF leak. The button is constructed so that the inlay portion is at least 25% larger than the dural defect, and the onlay portion is just large enough to cover the dural defect. The two grafts are sutured together using two 4-0 Neurolon sutures and placed with the inlay portion intradurally and the onlay portion extradurally. Results: The button graft repair of open-cisternal defects had a drop in CSF leak complications to 10% (2/20), and these two leaks were repaired with the button technique as the salvage surgery. This is a significant improvement over the 45% leak rate in the prebutton graft group (P < .03). In our button graft group we used nasoseptal flaps on 16/20 repairs, and 1/2 repairs that leaked in the button group did not have a nasoseptal flap. Lumbar drains were used in ∼38% in both groups (P = .83). Conclusions: The button graft can be used in conjunction with the nasal septal flap or as a stand-alone repair with good results reducing the postoperative leak rate to 10% for high-flow CSF repairs. Laryngoscope, 2010
Performance improvement of blind equalizers using the constant modulus algorithm

A technique for orthogonalizing the update relation for steepest descent algorithms using pseudorandom (PR) modulation has been developed. It is shown that the application of PR modulation to the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) improves the rate of convergence and reduces the steady state misadjustment. Computer simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance improvement of blind equalization using the CMA with PR modulation. >
Neuro-ophthalmology Update

One source of ophthalmologic concern today is the normal computed tomography (CT) scan. The most important tests in any patient with visual loss are the history, fields, and office visit findings. A visual field examination should be obtained before a CT scan. The importance of aiming the CT machine by the history is stressed, and conservative approach to optic nerve sheath meningiomas is advised.
Cleft palate: a case study of disability and survival in prehistoric North America

This study presents an analysis of an adult male that demonstrates diagnostic markers of cleft palate. The burial is associated with the Grider Site, Late Woodland context (AD 500 to 1000), located in Pike County, Indiana, USA. The analysis draws on clinical and palaeopathology literature to consider other possible conditions responsible for the skeletal anomalies. Cleft palate occurs in about one in 1000 live births, and is one of the most common defects of the face. Despite the high frequency of cleft palate, few cases are reported from the archaeological record. It is possible that, in the past, few infants survived extreme forms of cleft palate, and such cases are not present to be recorded. Or, it is possible that the lesion simply goes undocumented. This analysis outlines the markers of cleft palate in this individual and demonstrates that a prehistoric culture could overcome the health issues experienced by an infant with the condition (full communication between the oral and nasal cavities) and survive to adulthood. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of growth or attrition of the first language in Latino children with specific language impairment

We investigated the factors that may help understand the differential rates of language development in the home language (i.e., Spanish) of Latino preschoolers with specific language impairment. Children were randomly assigned to either bilingual or English-only small group interventions and followed from preschool to kindergarten. Predictors of Spanish growth included the language of intervention, the child's level of language development or severity, the child's socioemotional skills, and the child's level of English use. Spanish performance outcomes were assessed over time using a series of longitudinal models with baseline and posttreatment measures nested within child. Children demonstrated growth on Spanish outcomes over time. The language of instruction and the child's level of vocabulary and socioemotional development at baseline were significant predictors of differences in rates of growth in the home language. Clinicians may need to take into consideration these factors when making clinical recommendations.
Early Response of Soil Organic Fractions to Tillage and Integrated Crop-Livestock Production

Tillage, cropping system, and cover cropping are important management variables that control the quantity, quality, and placement of organic matter inputs to soil. How soil organic matter and its different fractions respond to management has not been comprehensively studied in integrated crop-livestock systems. We conducted a 3-yr field experiment on a Typic Kanhapludult in Georgia in which long-term pasture was terminated and converted to annual crops. Tillage systems were conventional (CT, moldboard plowed initially and disked thereafter) and no-till (NT). Cropping systems were summer grain with winter cover crop and winter grain with summer cover crop. Cover crops were either grazed by cattle or left unharvested. Total organic C was highly stratified with depth under NT and relatively uniformly distributed with depth under CT. All soil C and N fractions were greater under NT than under CT at a depth of 0 to 6 cm. Tillage system had the most dominant influence on all soil C and N fractions, and cropping system the least. At the end of 3 yr, total organic C at a depth of 0 to 30 cm was lower under CT than under NT (42.6 vs. 47.4 Mg ha -1 [P < 0.001]). Potential C mineralization was also lower under CT than under NT (1240 vs. 1371 kg ha -1 during 24 d [P = 0.02]). At a depth of 0 to 30 cm, cover crop management had no effect on soil C and N fractions, but within the surface 6 cm some changes occurred with grazing of cover crops by cattle, the most dramatic of which were 1 ± 9% increase in soil microbial biomass C and 3 ± 16% decrease in potential C mineralization. To preserve high surface-soil C and N fractions and total plow-layer contents, NT cropping following termination of perennial pasture is recommended. In addition, since cattle grazing cover crops did not consistently negatively influence soil C and N fractions, integrated crop-livestock systems are recommended as a viable conservation approach while intensifying agricultural land use.
Effect of co-existing biologically relevant molecules and ions on DNA photocleavage caused by pyrene and its derivatives

Inorganic ions, coenzymes, amino acids, and saccharides could co-exist with toxic environmental chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in the cell. The presence of these co-existing chemicals can modulate the toxicity of the PAHs. One of the genotoxic effects by PAHs is light-induced cleavage, or photocleavage, of DNA. The effect of inorganic ions I-, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ and biological molecules riboflavin, histidine, mannitol, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), glutathione, and glutamic acid on the DNA photocleavage by pyrene, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), and 1-aminopyrene (1-AP), is studied. The non-transition metal ions Na+, Ca2+, and Mg2+, usually have very little inhibitory effects, while the transition metal ions Fe3+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ enhance, Mn2+ inhibits the DNA photocleavage. The effect by biological molecules is complex, depending on the photochemical reaction mechanisms of the compounds tested (1-AP, 1-HP and pyrene) and on the chemical nature of the added biological molecules. Riboflavin, histidine, and mannitol enhance DNA photocleavage by all three compounds, except that mannitol has no effect on the photocleavage of DNA by pyrene. Glutathione inhibits the DNA photocleavage by 1-AP and 1-HP, but has no effect on that by pyrene. NAD enhances the DNA photocleavage by 1-AP, but has no effect on that by 1-HP and pyrene. Glutamic acid enhances the DNA photocleavage by 1-AP and pyrene, but inhibits that by 1-HP. These results show that the co-existing chemicals may have a profound effect on the toxicity of PAHs, or possibly on the toxicity of many other chemicals. Therefore, if one studies the toxic effects of PAHs or other toxic chemicals, the effect of the co-existing chemicals or ions needs to be considered.
Hindcasts of Tropical Atlantic SST Gradient and South American Precipitation: The Influences of the ENSO Forcing and the Atlantic Preconditioning

Abstract Hindcast experiments for the tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) gradient G1, defined as tropical North Atlantic SST anomaly minus tropical South Atlantic SST anomaly, are performed using an atmospheric general circulation model coupled to a mixed layer ocean over the Atlantic to quantify the contributions of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forcing and the preconditioning in the Atlantic to G1 in boreal spring. The results confirm previous observational analyses that, in the years with a persistent ENSO SST anomaly from boreal winter to spring, the ENSO forcing plays a primary role in determining the tendency of G1 from winter to spring and the sign of G1 in late spring. In the hindcasts, the initial perturbations in Atlantic SST in boreal winter are found to generally persist beyond a season, leaving a secondary but nonnegligible contribution to the predicted Atlantic SST gradient in spring. For 1993/94, a neutral year with a large preexisting G1 in winter, the hindcast using...
Detection of substance P in human tears by laser desorption mass spectrometry and immunoassay.

PURPOSE. To determine whether substance P is present in human tears. METHODS. Tear samples (1–2 µl) were collected from one eye of each of 12 subjects. Two of the eyes had dry eye syndrome, two wore contact lenses and had dry eye syndrome, and eight were normal. Five of the eight normal eyes were scheduled to undergo excimer laser refractive surgery, and tears were collected from these eyes before and after surgery. Tear samples were analyzed by laser desorption mass spectrometry. Pooled samples from one individual were subjected to enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. RESULTS. Laser desorption mass spectra of the 18 tear samples displayed well defined peaks with mass to charge (m/z) ratios ranging from 1343.7 to 1355.9 and/or 1356.9 to 1364.7, corresponding to an average m/z of 1349.8 ± 1.13 for protonated substance P and 1361.2 ± 0.54 for oxidized substance P obtained from 14 mass spectra of standards formulated with substance P concentrations ranging from 10 -4 M to 10 -12 M. As confirmation, an enzyme...
Investigating the spatial variability of the time-scaling properties in Italian seismicity

Abstract. Significant power-law long-range correlated structures have been identified in the Italian seismicity from 1983 to 2003. We performed the Allan Factor Analysis and the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis on both the full and the aftershock-depleted seismic data, extracted by the INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) instrumental catalog.Our findings suggest that (i) the time-scaling behaviour characterizes mainly the Apennine chain; (ii) the time-correlated behaviour of the seismicity is persistent, and this implies that the dynamics underlying the seismic phenomenology is characterized by the presence of "positive feedback mechanisms"; (iii) significant time correlation is not simply related with the mainshock/aftershock mechanisms.
Judgment and Decision Making: A Personal View

The large number of textbooks recently published identifies the field of judgment and decision making as one of the areas of psychology in which research activity grew most rapidly during the past two decades. The enthusiasm is easily explained: The topic has much to make it appealing to investigators. Its focus is a large puzzle that will not go away—a search for the bounds of human rationahty. It includes a deep normative theory that offers criteria for rational action. It is also rich in amusing anecdotes and challenging brain teasers. The study of judgment and choice occasionally sheds light on events in the real world, including the decisions of world leaders, the foibles of the market and the pitfalls of medical diagnosis. The doubts that psychologists have raised about the rationality of human agents are having a modest effect on neighboring disciplines, such as economics and political science, in which the assumption of human rationality is often used to predict the outcomes of competitive interaction. The detailed study of bounded rationality also has implications for the human engineering of information systems, decision aids and organizational procedures. The following observations sketch a personal view of this exciting field, its history, accomphshments and limitations, and possible future.
ic1/ic5 Interaction in the Music of Shostakovich

Several analysts have observed in Shostakovich's later works a particular focusing of pitch resources – namely, a frequent emphasis on interval classes 1 and 5. In fact, pitch structures highlighting these interval classes occur in music from throughout his career, although no one has considered this phenomenon in depth. The present study does so by exploring the interaction of ic1 and ic5 within the context of Shostakovich's multi-faceted tonal language, interpreting passages from the Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2, the Viola Sonata, the Symphonies Nos. 14 and 15, the String Quartet No. 12, the ‘Funeral March’ from the Aphorisms and the song ‘Noch'-Dialog’ (‘Night Dialog’) from the Suite on Verses of Michelangelo. Drawing on the methodology of dual interval space, the article demonstrates that a focus on ic1/ic5 relationships offers a compelling perspective on much of Shostakovich's music, one that engages both local detail and large-scale organization. Not only can ic1/ic5 interaction shape a piece on its own, but it can also connect to other aspects of design, even to relationships between music and text. Moreover, an ic1/ic5 approach sheds new light on previous Shostakovich analyses, most notably those by Russian theorists on modality in Shostakovich.
Addressing Health Disparities in the Undergraduate Curriculum: An Approach to Develop a Knowledgeable Biomedical Workforce.

Disparities in health and healthcare are a major concern in the United States and worldwide. Approaches to alleviate these disparities must be multifaceted and should include initiatives that touch upon the diverse areas that influence the healthcare system. Developing a strong biomedical workforce with an awareness of the issues concerning health disparities is crucial for addressing this issue. Establishing undergraduate health disparities courses that are accessible to undergraduate students in the life sciences is necessary to increase students' understanding and awareness of these issues and motivate them to address these disparities during their careers. The majority of universities do not include courses related to health disparities in their curricula, and only a few universities manage them from their life sciences departments. The figures are especially low for minority-serving institutions, which serve students from communities disproportionally affected by health disparities. Universities should consider several possible approaches to infuse their undergraduate curricula with health disparities courses or activities. Eliminating health disparities will require efforts from diverse stakeholders. Undergraduate institutions can play an important role in developing an aware biomedical workforce and helping to close the gap in health outcomes.
EGL-17(FGF) expression coordinates the attraction of the migrating sex myoblasts with vulval induction in C. elegans

During the development of the egg-laying system in Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites, central gonadal cells organize the alignment of the vulva with the sex myoblasts, the progenitors of the egg-laying muscles. A fibroblast growth factor [EGL-17(FGF)] and an FGF receptor [EGL-15(FGFR)] are involved in the gonadal signals that guide the migrations of the sex myoblasts. Here we show that EGL-17(FGF) can act as an instructive guidance cue to direct the sex myoblasts to their final destinations. We find that egl-17 reporter constructs are expressed in the primary vulval cell and that EGL-17(FGF) expression in this cell correlates with the precise positioning of the sex myoblasts. We postulate that EGL-17(FGF) helps to coordinate the development of a functional egg-laying system, linking vulval induction with proper sex myoblast migration.
‘If Anyone Hungers …’: An Integrated Reading of 1 Cor 11.17–34

Based on an integrated reading of the social and sacramental dimensions of 1 Cor 11.17–34, this study suggests that, rather than denoting the private homes of the wealthy, Paul's use of οικια/οικος (11.22, 34) refers to the domain of the Corinthian church's gathering. As a result, his exhortation in these verses entails not a tacit endorsement of stratified resources but a concerted argument for the feeding of the hungry in the community's shared meal (δeιπνον), a meal he hopes will imitate Jesus' pattern of self-sacrifice and so will become a meal that is ‘of the Lord (κυριακον δeιπνον)’.