cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HCV research and anti-HCV drug discovery: Toward the next generation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes persistent infection and induces chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and finally hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapies for HCV infection have not been satisfactory, and more effective anti-viral treatments are needed. In this regard, detailed analysis of HCV has been hampered by a lack of appropriate viral culture systems and small animal models of infection. However, rapid progress in HCV research has recently been achieved, such as a subgenomic replicon system, a viral culture system using JFH-1 clone and the Alb-uPA/SCID mouse transplanted with human liver cells. Such progress will propel HCV research and anti-HCV drug discovery toward the next generation.
Expression of a paralytic neurotoxin gene to improve insect baculoviruses as biopesticides

Recombinant baculoviruses expressing tox34, a mite gene encoding the insect–selective neurotoxin TxP–I, paralyze insects during the infection process. In this study, we investigated several key parameters which can influence the relative efficacy of toxin–expressing recombinant baculoviruses as biological pesticides. These parameters included the nature of the promoter controlling tox34 transcription and polyhedra production in infected larvae. The amount of weight gained during infection and the time required for paralysis was promoter dependent; the most effective promoter tested was a hybrid comprising both late and very late viral promoter elements. Since TxP–I paralyzes but does not immediately kill infected insects, larvae can be used for virus pesticide production.
Biomimetic electrically small antennas

Many insects possess acute directional hearing capabilities and are able to localise a sound source of interest with a good degree of precision. An analogy can be drawn between the hearing mechanisms of such insects and a two-element, electrically small antenna array. Presented is a biomimetic electrically small antenna array that mimics the hearing mechanism of an insect with hyperacute directional hearing capability. A prototype of such an antenna has been fabricated and its simulated and measured results are presented. Such biomimetic antenna arrays could be used in numerous applications ranging from miniaturised RF sensors and direction finding systems to small aperture, high-resolution microwave imaging systems and radars.
Brief Relationship Therapy for Alcoholism: A Randomized Clinical Trial Examining Clinical Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness.

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of brief relationship therapy (BRT), a shortened version of standard behavioral couples therapy (S-BCT), with alcoholic male patients (N = 100) and their nonsubstance-abusing female partners. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment conditions: (a) BRT, (b) S-BCT, (c) individual-based treatment (IBT), or (d) psychoeducational attention control treatment (PACT). Equivalency testing revealed that, compared with those assigned to S-BCT, participants who were randomly assigned to BRT had equivalent posttreatment and 12-month follow-up heavy drinking outcomes. Moreover, at 12-month follow-up, heavy drinking and dyadic adjustment outcomes for patients who received BRT were superior to those of patients who received IBT or PACT. BRT was significantly more cost effective than the S-BCT, IBT, or PACT.
Excitation Spectrum of a Dimerized Next-Neighbor Antiferromagnetic Chain

The excitation spectrum of an antiferromagnetic chain exhibiting the effects of both dimerization and frustration is studied. The method used is based on an exact solution for the doubly degenerate ground state, and views the excitations as propagating defect boundaries between the two exact ground states. These excitations are analogous to "solitons," and can bind into a second type of excitation, analogous to "breathers."
Making Experience Legible: Spaces of Participation and the Construction of Knowledge in Khayelitsha

AbstractThis paper examines how knowledge and accountability are framed and challenged within participatory spaces. I focus on an April 2013 case study from Khayelitsha, a township at the margins of the City of Cape Town. Over the course of one week, local members of a non-governmental organisation undertook a ‘social audit’, an attempt to dissect one of the city's many service provision contracts and to investigate local delivery of these services within several informal settlements. This paper argues that the audit inverts the city's existing spaces of governance by highlighting everyday forms of knowledge as paramount, creating legibility for non-expert forms of knowledge, and positioning government and private contractors as those who should be accountable to the community. Understanding the dynamics within community-led spaces of citizen participation can thus serve to identify and critique normative practices within neoliberal governance that further marginalise residents living within the urban per...
Regulation of autophagy during ECM detachment is linked to a selective inhibition of mTORC1 by PERK

Adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for epithelial tissue homeostasis and function. ECM detachment induces metabolic stress and programmed cell death via anoikis. ECM-detached mammary epithelial cells are able to rapidly activate autophagy allowing for survival and an opportunity for re-attachment. However, the mechanisms controlling detachment-induced autophagy remain unclear. Here we uncover that the kinase PERK rapidly promotes autophagy in ECM-detached cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), resulting in downstream inhibition of mTORC1-p70(S6K) signaling. LKB1 and TSC2, but not TSC1, are required for PERK-mediated inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycinin MCF10A cells and mouse embryo fibroblast cells. Importantly, this pathway shows fast kinetics, is transcription-independent and is exclusively activated during ECM detachment, but not by canonical endoplasmic reticulum stressors. Moreover, enforced PERK or AMPK activation upregulates autophagy and causes luminal filling during acinar morphogenesis by perpetuating a population of surviving autophagic luminal cells that resist anoikis. Hence, we identify a novel pathway in which suspension-activated PERK promotes the activation of LKB1, AMPK and TSC2, leading to the rapid induction of detachment-induced autophagy. We propose that increased autophagy, secondary to persistent PERK and LKB1-AMPK signaling, can robustly protect cells from anoikis and promote luminal filling during early carcinoma progression.
Titan's thermal emission spectrum: Reanalysis of the Voyager infrared measurements.

We have modeled the far-infrared spectrum of Titan between 200 and 600 cm-1, including the fine structure of the H2-N2 and H2-CH4 dimers around 355 and 585 cm-1 respectively. A selection of 373 Voyager IRIS spectra recorded at low and mid-latitudes provides the observational basis for our analysis. The opacity model is significantly improved over previous work by taking into account recent ab initio calculations of the collision-induced absorption by N2-CH4 pairs, as well as laboratory measurements of the H2-N2 dimer transitions. In addition to the collision-induced gaseous absorption, the radiative transfer model includes scattering and absorption by stratospheric haze particles and potential tropospheric condensation clouds. We investigate the possible presence of argon, mainly through its influence on the thermal profile retrieved from the Voyager radiooccultation measurements. We find the following results: (1) The observations are best fit with significant methane supersaturation in the troposphere (up to a factor of two) and no condensation cloud present. (2) If a condensation cloud is present we find that it must have an optical depth less than 0.7 with a mean particle radius of about 50 μm and be located very near the minimum temperature level around 40 km, significantly higher than the expected condensation level. (3) In any case, the CH4 mole fraction at the cold trap is 0.017-0.045, the H2 mole fraction is 1.0 ± 0.4 × 10-3, the argon mole fraction is less than 0.06 (3σ), and the imaginary index of refraction of the haze material at 600 cm-1 is 30-80% that of tholins.
Tolerance to the behavioral and neurochemical effects of haloperidol and morphine in rats chronically treated with morphine or haloperidol.

The acute administration of morphine sulfate (79 μmoles/kg) or haloperidol (6.65 μmoles/kg) produced catalepsy and concomitant increase in striatal dopamine turnover in rats. The animals made dependent on morphine by 52 morphine injections (maintenance dose of 1056 μmoles/kg/day, given in four daily doses) and then tested during 3 days of withdrawal from morphine, showed tolerance to the cataleptic and the neurochemical effects of morphine as well as those of haloperidol. That tolerance was not seen after 14 days of withdrawal from morphine. The animals chronically treated with haloperidol for 12 days (maintenance dose of 53.2 μmoles/kg/day, given in two daily doses) and then tested 72 h after last haloperidol injection, did not show tolerance to the cataleptic or the neurochemical effect of haloperidol or morphine. These results suggest that dopaminergic systems underlying motor coordination and regulation of the neurotransmitter synthesis are among those susceptible to narcotic action and to the process of tolerance development during aarcotic dependence.
Contribution of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 to the Disposition of Sorafenib and Sorafenib-Glucuronide

Purpose: Many tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) undergo extensive hepatic metabolism, but mechanisms of their hepatocellular uptake remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that liver uptake of TKIs is mediated by the solute carriers OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. Experimental Design: Transport of crizotinib, dasatinib, gefitinib, imatinib, nilotinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, vandetanib, and vemurafenib was studied in vitro using artificial membranes (PAMPA) and HEK293 cell lines stably transfected with OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or the ortholog mouse transporter, Oatp1b2. Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted with Oatp1b2-knockout mice and humanized OATP1B1- or OATP1B3-transgenic mice. Results: All 10 TKIs were identified as substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or both. Transport of sorafenib was investigated further, as its diffusion was particularly low in the PAMPA assay ( in vivo had minimal influence on parent and active metabolite N -oxide drug exposure, plasma levels of the glucuronic acid metabolite of sorafenib (sorafenib-glucuronide) were increased more than 8-fold in Oatp1b2-knockout mice. This finding was unrelated to possible changes in intrinsic metabolic capacity for sorafenib-glucuronide formation in hepatic or intestinal microsomes ex vivo . Ensuing experiments revealed that sorafenib-glucuronide was itself a transported substrate of Oatp1b2 (17.5-fold vs. control), OATP1B1 (10.6-fold), and OATP1B3 (6.4-fold), and introduction of the human transporters in Oatp1b2-knockout mice provided partial restoration of function. Conclusions: These findings signify a unique role for OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 in the elimination of sorafenib-glucuronide and suggest a role for these transporters in the in vivo handling of glucuronic acid conjugates of drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1458–66. ©2013 AACR .
Instability of the expanded (CTG)-n repeats in the myotonin protein kinase gene in cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with myotonic dystrophy

The mutation associated with myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the expansion of an unstable trinucleotide repeat, (CTG)n, in the 3'-untranslated region of the myotonin protein kinase gene. Although expanded repeats show both germline and somatic instability, the mechanisms of the instability are poorly understood. To establish a model system in which somatic instability of the DM repeat could be studied in more detail, we established lymphoblastoid cell lines (LBCL) from DM patients. Analysis of the DNA from DM LBCL using Southern blotting showed that the (CTG)n repeats were apparently stable up to 29 passages in culture. To study infrequent repeat size mutations that are undetectable due to the size heterogeneity, we established LBCL of single-cell origins by cloning using multiple steps of limiting dilution. After expansion to approximately 10(6) cells (equivalent to approximately 20 cell cycles), the DNAs of these cell lines were analyzed by the small pool PCR technique using primers flanking the (CTG)n repeat region. Two types of mutations of the expanded (CTG)n repeat alleles were detected: (1) frequent mutations that show small changes of the (CTG)n repeat size, resulting in alleles in a normal distribution around the progenitor allele, and (2) relatively rare mutations with large changes of the (CTG)n repeat size, with a bias toward contraction. The former may represent the mechanism responsible for the somatic heterogeneity of the (CTG)n repeat size observed in blood cells of DM patients. This in vitro experimental system will be useful for further studies on mechanisms involved in the regulation of the somatic stability of the (CTG)n repeats in DM.
Temperature and uniaxial stress dependence of the martensitic transformation temperature in Ni63Al37

A study of the martensitic transformation in Ni 63 Al 37 single crystals was made using optical, ultrasonic and atomic force microscope techniques. The transformation was studied as a function of temperature and uniaxial stress applied on (110) and (001) surfaces. Surface relief was observed optically several degrees above the bulk transformation determined ultrasonically. Atomic force measurements of the surface relief show clear evidence of the surface transformation at slightly higher temperatures, and the height of the thermally induced surface relief band increased from 20 nanometers to 3 microns when the band is fully developed. The stress induced bands are smaller and have different orientations. These measurements clearly show that the transformation emanates at the surface near regions of high local strain. Uniaxial stress applied along the [001] direction has a profound effect on the martensitic phase transformation temperature and the ultrasonic studies yield a value of dM s /dT = 0.4 K/MPa. These results will be compared with recent neutron diffraction of the uniaxial stress dependence of the phonon behavior in Ni 62.5 Al 32.5 and thermal expansion studies.
Orthodontic extrusion and biologic width realignment procedures: methods for reclaiming nonrestorable teeth

A multidisciplinary approach to the management of teeth traditionally classified as nonrestorable is presented. Three case histories are described in which such teeth are extruded orthodontically, the gingiva and biologic width are repositioned apically, and the teeth are restored.
Anesthesia practice standards at Harvard: a review.

Received for publication March 29. 1988; revised manuscript accepted for publication May 23, 1988. practitioners; (3) addressing the very high expectations of the public, government and accrediting regulators, and insurers regarding both the quality of care and the consequent “malpractice crisis”; (4) promoting a positive image of anesthesia; (5) aiding the defense of a malpractice claim following an untoward outcome if the standards were being observed at the time of the incident; and (6) contributing to lower malpractice insurance premiums. Negative aspects of standards include: (1) causing antagonism and resistance from practitioners who resent being told what to do, no matter how reasonable or desirable it might be; (2) causing an unnecessary expense if time and resources are used to meet the standards when there is no incremental gain in quality; (3) causing errors by misinterpretation of standards; (4) diverting attention from other care-giving priorities; and (5) increasing the difficulty of defending a malpractice claim if the standards were not being observed at the time of an adverse incident. The Department of Anaesthesia of the Harvard Medical School has embraced formal promulgated standards of practice for certain components of anesthesia care rendered in the nine teaching hospital component departments that administered 112,000 anesthetics in 1987. Reported here, in addition to the actual standards, are the background, rationale, antecedent thinking, methods of implementation, and response to the four sets of standards adopted to date.
Evolution of H2O, CO, and CO2 production in Comet C/2009 P1 Garradd during the 2011-2012 apparition

Abstract We present analysis of high spectral resolution NIR spectra of CO and H2O in Comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) taken during its 2011–2012 apparition with the CSHELL instrument on NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). We also present analysis of observations of atomic oxygen in Comet Garradd obtained with the ARCES echelle spectrometer mounted on the ARC 3.5-m telescope at Apache Point Observatory and the Tull Coude spectrograph on the Harlan J. Smith 2.7-m telescope at McDonald Observatory. The observations of atomic oxygen serve as a proxy for H2O and CO2. We confirm the high CO abundance in Comet Garradd and the asymmetry in the CO/H2O ratio with respect to perihelion reported by previous studies. From the oxygen observations, we infer that the CO2/H2O ratio decreased as the comet moved towards the Sun, which is expected based on current sublimation models. We also infer that the CO2/H2O ratio was higher pre-perihelion than post-perihelion. We observe evidence for the icy grain source of H2O reported by several studies pre-perihelion, and argue that this source is significantly less abundant post-perihelion. Since H2O, CO2, and CO are the primary ices in comets, they drive the activity. We use our measurements of these important volatiles in an attempt to explain the evolution of Garradd’s activity over the apparition.
Dilatations of the Cavity of the Septum Pellucidum and Cavum Vergae: Report of Cases

Introduction Rarity or even relative rarity as a quality of any pathological condition has ever served to interest physicians and surgeons. Particularly is this true when the unusual condition may lend itself to treatment or lead to speculation regarding etiology, as is the case with dilatations of the cavity of the septum pellucidum and cavum vergae. Dilatations of these cavities have long been known. Sylvius mentions dilatations of the cavity of the septum pellucidum several times. In a recent excellent contribution on this subject, Dandy (1) points out Verga9s priority claim to discovery and description of the cavity now known by his name—the cavum vergae. As we shall point out later, embryologically these two cavities are really one, and only chance variations in development may separate them. From a clinico-pathological point of view, the dilatations of the cavity of the septum pellucidum and the cavum vergae may be divided into three groups: (1) the non-communicating type, in which the walls of the dilated cavity are intact and a closed cavity results (Fig. 1); (2) the communicating type, in which there is communication with the adjoining third or lateral ventricle as a result of rupture of the walls when the fluid pressure from within reaches a certain point (Fig. 2); (3) secondary or “acquired” dilatations of the communicating type as a part of a later developing or superimposed hydrocephalus from whatever cause (Figs. 3–6).
Reducing separable convex programs with tree constraints

This paper describes a class of separable convex programs with tree constraints that has applications in production planning, quality improvement, and other related areas. A reduction procedure is presented for solving this class of separable convex programs with N variables. This reduction procedure determines an optimal solution to the convex problem by solving at most 2N simple convex subproblems with one variable. Hence, this reduction procedure is an efficient approach for solving large scale convex programs of this sort.
Sea turtles of Macajalar and Gingoog Bays Mindanao, Philippines

There are 4 species of sea turtles recorded in Macajalar and Gingoog Bays in Northern Mindanao. The hawksbill and the green turtle have the highest occurrence while casual and accidental occurrences are recorded for the olive ridley and leatherback turtle. Sea turtles are recorded in 22 barangays (the smallest geopolitical unit in the Philippines) of 11 municipalities in both bays, but only the hawksbill and green turtles are observed in in-water and boat surveys. Only the hawksbill turtle is confirmed to nest in 9 barangays of 5 municipalities. Nesting is all year round with peaks during the 1st quarter of the year. 22% of the nests have not reached hatching due to poaching (14%) and natural causes (8%). Nesting activity is within the range recorded for the species. Sea turtle-human interactions are generally positive with majority of accidental captured turtles released although poaching of eggs and deaths of sea turtles directly or indirectly manmade are still documented. Keywords - sea turtles, hawksbill turtle, green sea turtle, olive ridley turtle, leatherback turtle, conservation
Properties of high Tc SNS microbridges

Abstract The properties of the first high-Tc Nb3Sn/Cu/Nb3Sn SNS microbridges reported in the literature are described. They are fabricated by e-beam coevaporation of Nb3Sn over a Si step, followed by in situ e-beam evaporation of Cu. They show RSJ-like current-voltage curves which are nonhysteretic down to 2.9 K, moderate resistances (.3 to 1Ω), finite critical currents up to 16.65 K and sharp steps when exposed to 11 GHz microwave radiation.
Effects of Tolbutamide on Intestinal Glucose Absorption and Blood Glucose Levels.

SummaryIn rats glucose absorption from the small intestine was not affected by the presence of tolbutamide in the glucose solution used. The tolbutamide absorbed in these experiments was sufficient to produce a relative suppression of the alimentary hyperglycemia present at the end of the absorption period.
Gibberellic Acid-enhanced Release of β-1,3-Glucanase from Barley Aleurone Cells

A beta-1, 3-glucanase of barley (Hordeum vulgare) aleurone cells accumulates when half-seeds are imbibed on water, and accumulation continues when the aleurone layers are incubated in buffer solution. The release of the enzyme is a gibberellic acid-dependent process, however. Although gibberellic acid stimulates glucanase release, it does not markedly affect the total amount of glucanase obtained from these cells when compared with water controls. beta-1, 3-Glucanase release from aleurone cells is a function of gibberellic acid concentration and commences after a 4-hour lag period. Processes occurring during this lag period are also dependent upon gibberellic acid concentration. Removal of gibberellic acid from the incubation medium at the end of the lag period, however, does not affect subsequent release of glucanase. The release of glucanase from aleurone cells is an active process with a Q(10) greater than 3. Inhibitors of respiration and protein and RNA synthesis effectively inhibit the formation and release of glucanase. It is concluded that gibberellic acid functions primarily to enhance glucanase release rather than its formation.
The parent affect test: Development, validity, and reliability

The studies described here report the development of a Parent Affect Test (PAT), measuring parental anger (PATa) and pleasure (PATp) towards children, together with reliability and validity tests. A behavior‐analytic approach was used; situations and anger/pleasure related response scales were empirically generated. Married parents filling out the scale rated themselves and their spouse on typical anger and pleasure towards their children. The pattern of results suggested acceptable reliability and some validity of the PA Ta for mothers and the PATp for fathers. The inventory was also given to mothers attending Parents Anonymous (PA). The PATa significantly differentiated PA from a control group of mothers.
The X-Efficiency of a Group-Based Lending Institution: The Case of the Grameen Bank

Abstract This paper estimates and examines the determinants of the Grameen Bank's (henceforth GB) cost inefficiency using branch-level cost data to 1988–91. The average inefficiency score for the GB runs from 3% to 6%. Female branches are found to be more efficient than other types of branches. Three variables, primary school, secondary school, and bank density per square mile are found to be of expected signs and statistically significant. Neither the age of a branch nor size is significant. Allowing nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)to operate side by side may increase the level of competition among them, and thus increase their operational efficiency. The government may invest in infrastructure development, which will help reduce the transactions costs of GB and hence improve their operational efficiency.
The effects of collateral modes on MEMS gyro bias

MEMS gyros are often approximated as coupled, dual mode, resonant devices that transfer energy between two mechanical modes when subjected to rotational rate. These approximations are two degree-of-freedom (DOF) analyses with a mode-to-mode coupling described by Coriolis, elastic, and damping cross terms. In practice, MEMS gyros often exhibit unused, collateral modes with resonant frequencies close to the gyro's two operational modes. These additional modes provide mechanisms for the transfer of energy that are independent of rotational rate and, as a result, can generate errors in the gyro output. The purpose of this paper is to show the effects that collateral modes have on the bias of coupled-mode rate gyros. In this paper, the conventional 2 DOF analysis is extended into a three DOF model that includes one collateral mode. It is shown that the 3 DOF model is able to predict bias errors where the 2 DOF approach does not.
A firefighter with pancreatitis.

prepared in a solution similar to 10% Intralipid. The association between hypertriglyceridaemia and pancreatitis is well known among patients with primary or secondary hypertriglyceridaemia, who are prone to develop episodes of acute pancreatitis when their serum triglycerides are uncontrolled. Patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia usually have a normal serum amylase (lipaemic serum interferes with the amylase assay), and the associated pancreatitis is often necrotising. There is conflicting evidence on the effect of short-term propofol use on serum lipids. Gottardis et al found no significant difference in serum lipid concentrations between patients in intensive care who received a continuous propofol infusion for 3 days and those who received conventional sedation. Others have found that propofol induces hypertriglyceridaemia with short-term and long-term (>7 days) use; the hypertriglyceridaemia returns to normal when the propofol is discontinued. Boyle et al found that serum lipids increased when the rate of infusion exceeded 100 μg kg 1 min 1 for prolonged periods. Propofol has many advantages over other more commonly used sedatives in intensive care, although prolonged infusions at high rates can raise serum lipid concentrations. Propofol has been implicated in a few sporadic cases of postoperative pancreatitis, but it is unlikely that intraoperative bolus doses would either raise serum lipids or induce pancreatitis, as argued by Leisure et al. Propofol-induced hypertriglyceridaemia is the most likely cause of necrotising pancreatitis in this patient. Despite high serum triglycerides, the infusion was continued to allow life-saving mechanical ventilation. Prolonged continuous propofol infusion in the intensive care unit should be discontinued, if possible, in the presence of hypertriglyceridaemia, to prevent pancreatitis.
Improved osteoinduction of cortical bone allografts: A study of the effects of laser perforation and partial demineralization

Massive cortical bone allografts have been found to incorporate slowly into host bone and thus are subject to complications such as nonunion, fatigue fracture, and infection. To better understand and improve the process of osteoinduction in these types of bone grafts, a new experimental model was developed with use of diaphyseal cortical bone grafts from rat tibiae that were prepared by partial demineralization and drilling of 0.33 mm diameter holes with a pulsed, 2.94 microns wavelength, erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Six types of grafts were analyzed: untreated (Type I), demineralized 25 microns deep (Type II), demineralized 150 microns deep (Type III), laser perforated (Type V), laser perforated and then demineralized 25 microns deep (Type V), and laser perforated and then demineralized 150 microns deep (Type VI). The graft was orthotopically transplanted in the tibia of an adult Sprague-Dawley rat and followed for as long as 4 months. Histologic evaluation at 1 and 4 months postoperatively with use of hematoxylin and eosin staining confirmed that there was new bone growth in Types II, III, V, and VI grafts. The amount of growth was estimated by comparing bone mineral density before implantation with values obtained after retrieval of the graft. These measurements were correlated to histomorphometric analysis of graft incorporation. The results show that the processes of partial demineralization (p < 0.000001) and laser perforation with partial demineralization (p < 0.000001) were both significant in enhancing bone growth in this model. New bone growth was significantly increased when the grafts were prepared with extensive demineralization (p < 0.015). This study demonstrates that osteogenesis in cortical bone grafts can be fostered through the process of partial demineralization and laser perforation. To the extent that minimal partial demineralization and laser perforation allow maintenance of structural integrity while altering the osteoinductive properties in such a way as to promote ingrowth of new bone, this experimental model represents an advance in understanding how osteogenesis in cortical bone grafts may be improved.
Selective lumbosacral dorsal rhizotomy immediately caudal to the conus medullaris for cerebral palsy spasticity

We describe a variation of selective dorsal rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy that involves sectioning of the dorsal spinal roots immediately caudal to the conus medullaris. The operation entails an L1-L2 laminectomy, ultrasonographic localization of the conus medullaris, and partial deafferentation of the L1-S2 roots with electromyographic testing under an operating microscope. In 66 children with cerebral palsy, the operation reduced spasticity in the lower extremity without complications, e.g., motor weakness, neurogenic bladder, and sensory loss. It offers several important advantages over alternative techniques.
Assessing the ACEJMC Professional Values and Competencies

The accrediting body for media education, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), has established twelve professional values and competencies that all students must demonstrate before graduating from accredited journalism and mass communication programs. A close reading suggests that these twelve competencies actually embody more than thirty assessment requirements. Having such a large number of assessment requirements seems problematic for programs seeking accreditation. To remedy this problem, the authors suggest a tiered system of assessment where programs would assess “understanding” and “application” for the competencies most emphasized by their program and a less rigorous standard of “familiarity” or awareness for the remaining ones.
Dynamic BMI Changes in Patients Implanted with Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Evidence for Reversibility of Cardiac Cachexia and Impact on Survival

Purpose Pre-implant body mass index (BMI) is not associated with overall survival in patients receiving continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF LVAD). We sought to characterize the changes in BMI after implantation of a CF LVAD and hypothesized that weight change status is associated with survival. Methods and Materials 3499 subjects implanted with a CF LVAD were identified from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) and grouped according to World Health Organization BMI categories. Significant weight gain was defined as a gain of greater than 3% of the baseline weight. Weight change status at follow-up periods for underweight, normal weight, and obese BMI categories was compared using fisher’s exact test and cumulative survival comparing weight change at 6 months was performed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Subjects classified as underweight or normal weight at baseline were more likely to increase weight at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years (All p = figure 1 ] Conclusions Weight loss due to end-stage heart failure may be reversible with CF LVAD support. Rapid early weight gain is expected in patients with pre-implant normal or underweight BMI and the absence of weight gain at 6 months post-implant is associated with decreased survival in this group of patients.
Rationality, rules of thumb, and R&D

Abstract A model of Schumpeterian growth is compared under rational expectations (RE) and under a simple rule of thumb (RT) in which firms invest a constant fraction of their current profits in R&D. The analysis generates a scenario in which the RE and RT equilibria are observationally equivalent, yet the interpretations of the two equilibria differ in ways which are critical for the appropriate design of technology policy. The RE model dictates that the largest government transfers for R&D support should be given to high-technology (high-R&D) firms. The observationally equivalent RT model indicates that low-R&D firms should receive the largest incentives to stimulate R&D. The paper also provides some new analytical results on the limiting distribution of firm size, and these may be of independent interest.
The Process of Family Waiting During Surgery

In 2006, there were 46 million surgical procedures performed in the United States, all of which would have typically included waiting by the family and/or friends. A grounded-theory approach was used to examine the experiences of waiting family members during surgery of a loved one. A convenience sample of 32 family members of patients undergoing surgery were interviewed in two surgical waiting rooms. Constant comparison of the data was performed until saturation of categories was achieved. The resulting middle-range theory, maintaining balance during the wait, described the family member's struggle for balance during the surgical wait. Four domains were identified: focusing on the patient, passing the time, interplay of thoughts and feelings, and giving and/or receiving support. Study findings showed that understanding this struggle for balance during a surgery is imperative for nurses who often interact with family members and need to address their needs.
A Two-Station Multidimensional Slit-Scan Flow System: Concept and Optical Implementation

A two-measurement station cytofluorometer has been fabricated to provide multidimensional slit-scan contours on biological cells in flow. A conventional one-dimensional slit-scan measurement station is followed by a three-dimensional measurement station which provides a "second look" at any desired cell-typically alarms detected at the first station. This provides the high throughput and high signal-to-noise ratio of a one-dimensional slit-scan system with multidimensional slit-scan information available when required. The system possesses the potential for providing the high cell throughput rates and low false alarm rates required in a clinical prescreening system and the simplicity and optical alignment insensitivities essential to a user environment.
Theoretical predictions of superconductivity in alkali metals under high pressure

We calculated the superconductivity properties of alkali metals under high pressure using the results of band theory and the rigid-muffin-tin theory of Gaspari and Gyorffy. Our results suggest that at high pressures lithium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium would be superconductors with transition temperatures approaching $5--20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. Our calculations also suggest that sodium would not be a superconductor under high pressure even if compressed to less than half of its equilibrium volume. We found that the compression of the lattice strengthens the electron-phonon coupling through a delicately balanced increase of both the electronic and phononic components of this coupling. This increase of the electron-phonon coupling in Li is due to an enhancement of the $s\text{\ensuremath{-}}p$ channel of the interaction, while in the heavier elements the $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}d$ channel is the dominant component.
Optical imaging of cortical activity in the living brain

ABSTRACT Recent advances in two optical imaging techniques are helping scientists develop a better understanding of the development, organization and function of the cortex for sensory information processing and higher brain functions.These new clues to a better understanding of the brain are obtained as the collective activity of million of neurons is imaged simultaneously, rather than recording the individual activity of single neurons using classical electrophysiologicaltechniques. In the first method, voltage sensitive dyes are used to image the flow of information from one cortical site to the next in real time. The second method is based on monitoring intrinsic changes in the optical properties of activebrain tissue, permitting high resolution imaging of the functional architecture of cortex. These developments have only been realized as newer optical and imaging technologies are being adopted in this rapidly expanding field. 1. INTRODUCTION TO OPTICAL IMAGING OF CORTICAL ACTIVITYThe processing of sensory information, the coordination of movement, and other cognitive brain functions arecarried out by millions of neurons that form elaborate networks. Individual neurons are synaptically connected to
ESTIMATION OF DISTANCE AND PREFERRED STATE THEORY

Summary.-This paper describes the application of Preferred State Theory Po provide quantitative predictions of a variety of psychological effects, including the prothetic-metathetic distinction, and the expected form of the matching functions between physical stimuli and the estimates produced by magnirude and category subjective estimation methods. The subjective distance from n midwestern university campus to each of 24 American cities was judged by 157 male and female undergraduates. It was liypothesized on the basis of the theory that subjects would process short geographical distances as a metathetic continuum and longer distances as a prothetic continuum. This hypothesis was supported for the method of category judgments but not for the method of magnitude estimation. Based on the theory, the matching functions between physical and subjective distances for short distances were expected to be more nearly linear than for long distances for both judgment methods. The data do not support this hypothesis for either method. In many psychological studies observers are required to make subjective estimates of distance between points in the large-scale geographic environment. These judgments are thought to involve cognitive processes and memory, in that the discances judged are too great to be immediately perceived. Presumably the judgments must be made by reference to a mental representation or cognitive map of the geographic area. Judgments of distance between cities are presumably made on the basis of such a mental schemata (Canter & Tagg, 1975) and have been used to study human geographic perception (Lundberg, 1973). Subjective judgment of distance has also been used to study emotional involvement with distant cities (Bratfish, 1969; Stanley, 1968).
Expression of Dihydropyridine Binding Sites in Renal Epithelial Cells

Abstract It has recently been shown that rabbit kidney epithelial cells (proximal tubule) possess two dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive calcium entry channels (1, 2). To evaluate the properties of the DHP binding sites, the binding of the DHP, [3H]PN200-110, was studied in epithelial cell membrane fractions (proximal tubule) of rabbit kidney cortex. High-affinity binding sites for the DHP were observed in both basolateral and apical membranes and in a membrane microsomal preparation from rabbit primary cultures of proximal tubule cells (cultured PT). In an extended analysis of the basolateral membrane preparation, two high-affinity binding sites were evident with binding dissociation constants, Kd, of 0.005 and 0.75 nM. The Kdvalues are similar to that observed for L-type calcium channel α1-subunits. Using a homology-based cloning strategy, a 388-base fragment of an α1-subunit was cloned from RNA isolated from rabbit cultured PT cells and freshly isolated proximal tubules and found to encode a protein identical to the cardiac form of the L-type α1-subunit (α1C-subunit). It is concluded that renal epithelial cells express high-affinity dihydropyridine receptors and that the receptors may be components of plasma membrane calcium channels, including L-type calcium channels, that control calcium entry in these cells.
PEARSON SELECTION FORMULAS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STUDIES OF PREDICTIVE BIAS AND ESTIMATES OF EDUCATIONAL EFFECTS IN SELECTED SAMPLES

It has been recognized for many years that a correlation between a test and some other measure is generally less for a group selected to have fairly homogeneous test scores than for the unselected group. It has been almost 80 years since Pearson (1903) presented formulas for estimating the correlation in the unselected group from the one obtained in the selected group plus some partial information for the unselected group. Despite the long history of awareness of the effects of selection, however, many of the ramifications have been largely ignored and the importance of the effects have frequently been underestimated.
The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase gene of Dictyostelium discoideum utilizes alternate promoters and splicing for the synthesis of multiple mRNAs

Abstract The cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (phosphodiesterase) gene plays essential roles in the development of Dictyostelium discoideum during cellular aggregation and postaggregation morphogenesis. Genomic clones spanning the gene were isolated and used to determine the sequence and structure of the phosphodiesterase gene. We found an unusually complex organization for a gene of D. discoideum. Two transcripts of 2.4 and 1.9 kilobases (kb) were synthesized from start sites separated by 1.1 kb. A developmentally regulated promoter was utilized for the 2.4-kb mRNA, and a constitutive promoter regulated synthesis of the 1.9-kb transcript. The gene was found to be divided into four exons that are alternately spliced to give rise to the two mRNAs. The precursor of the 2.4-kb mRNA contained a 2.3-kb intron, whereas the precursor of the constitutive transcript was synthesized with a 1.7-kb intron. The two transcripts contained identical protein-coding regions and 400-nucleotide 3' untranslated sequences. The 2.4-kb developmentally regulated mRNA was distinguished by a long 5' untranslated leader of 666 nucleotides. The complex structure of the gene may allow multiple levels of control of the expression of the phosphodiesterase during development.
Clinical commentary and literature review: diagnosis, conservative and surgical management of adhesive capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis is a painful musculoskeletal condition of the glenohumeral joint causing limitation of motion and pain. To date the aetiology of adhesive capsulitis remains somewhat of a mystery. Standard of care generally consists of conservative management which can be followed by surgical intervention if adequate function is not attained. Conservative treatment can often be a long and frustrating course. Patience and persistence usually prevail with a functional return following either conservative or surgical intervention.
Dynamic assessment of word learning skills: identifying language impairment in bilingual children.

Purpose Bilingual children are often diagnosed with language impairment, although they may simply have fewer opportunities to learn English than English-speaking monolingual children. This study ex...
Sodium Channel β Subunits: Anything but Auxiliary

Voltage-gated sodium channels are glycoprotein complexes responsible for initiation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells such as central and peripheral neurons, cardiac and skeletal muscle myocytes, and neuroendocrine cells. Mammalian sodium channels are heterotrimers, composed of a central, pore-forming α subunit and two auxiliary β subunits. The α subunits form a gene family with at least 10 members. Mutations in α subunit genes have been linked to paroxysmal disorders such as epilepsy, long QT syndrome, and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in humans, and motor endplate disease and cerebellar ataxia in mice. Three genes encode sodium channel β subunits with at least one alternative splice product. A mutation in the β1 subunit gene has been linked to generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus type 1 (GEFS + 1) in a human family with this disease. Sodium channel β subunits are multifunctional. They modulate channel gating and regulate the level of channel expression at the plasma me...
Detection of Tumor Necrosis Factor Soluble Receptor p55 in Blood Samples from Healthy and Endotoxemic Humans

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) soluble receptor derived from the cell surface p55 TNF receptor (TNFsRp55) is a naturally occurring substance generated during infection and inflammation. TNFsRp55 inhibits biologic effects of TNF. An RIA was developed to quantitate TNFsRp55 in human blood. Recovery of TNFsRp55 from blood anticoagulated with EDTA was optimal compared with recovery from serum or heparinized plasma. TNF did not interfere with the assay. With the RIA based on radiolabeled nonglycosylated Escherichia coli-derived recombinant TNFsRp55, a mean concentration of 198 +/- 15 pg/mL was found in 14 volunteers. When glycosylated CHO cell-derived TNFsRp55 was used, the mean level was 1656 +/- 95 pg/mL. Infusion of endotoxin into volunteers induced TNFsRp55, which peaked at 517 +/- 99 pg/mL for the E. coli-based RIA and 7300 +/- 1810 pg/mL for the CHO cell-based RIA. These findings demonstrate that blood collected in EDTA is optimal for measuring circulating TNFsRp55 and that this soluble receptor is present in health but elevated during endotoxemia.
Auditory cortical neurons in vitro : Cell culture and multichannel extracellular recording

Self organization, pattern generation, and pattern processing in local cortical circuits are difficult to study in vivo. The complexities of cortical circuits require simplified systems for study. We have developed a simplified model of auditory cortical neurons growing as monolayer networks in culture. Neurons dissociated from auditory cortex of 14-day mouse embryos were grown on photoetched microelectrode array containing 64 transparent indium-tin oxide electrodes. Cultures were maintained in incubators for up to 113 days. Neurons developed processes and made synaptic connections. All cultures were spontaneously active and exhibited complex temporal burst patterns. In a data set of 12 cultures, the number of active channels varied from culture to culture and ranged from 6-17. Signal/noise ratios ranged from 3:1 to a maximum of 16:1. No significant correlations were found between age of the culture and number of active channels, or signal/noise ratios. Spontaneous firing patterns recorded from various channels showed complex bursting patterns in all cultures. Within a culture, coordinated synchronous bursting were found among some channels, and independent bursting on others. Preliminary histological analysis of cultures using the Loots-modified Bodian stain showed neurons with axonal and dendritic profiles growing extensively on top of the glial carpet. Neuronal processes crossing the electrodes singly or in small groups were also observed. Pyramidal and non-pyramidal cells could be identified. In a pool of 2,093 neurons in a 49-day-old culture, the average size of the somata was found to be 16 microns, with a mode of 12 microns.