cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Procedure and reliability of conditioned respiratory suppression

Changes in respiration amplitude, respiration rate, and heart rate in response to a conditioned signal for shock were measured concurrently in kittens and adult cats. The data were analyzed with respect to qualitative and quantitative variability across trials and subjects; correlation among measures; skewness; and kurtosis. Suppression of respiration amplitude was the most reliable response across trials and subjects, with increases in respiration rate second and heart rate by far the least reliable. Correlations between each pair of measures were moderate. Respiration-amplitude responses were negatively skewed, but this deviation from normality was moderate and consistent across subjects. The measurement of conditioned respiratory suppression is a viable addition or alternative to the conditioned emotional response procedure in studies of classically conditioned fear.
An approach to the collection and manipulation of time-based data using the IBM PC and BASICA

With the advent of increasingly integrated, powerful and inexpensive digital electronics, relatively powerful computers have become available to the general public. Along with this technological boom there has been a concomitant increase in the availability of over-the-counter software packages which can be used by research scientists for program development. In the past, the development of computer programs for the collection of large amounts of time-based data was expensive and time consuming; however, the introduction of the current generation of 16-bit microcomputers and associated hardware and software packages has enabled investigators with only a rudimentary knowledge of computers and interfacing to begin to design programs. The schemes and algorithms, developed using BASICA on an IBM-Personal Computer, which are described in this article can serve other investigators as models for the assembly of their own programs for the collection, manipulation and plotting of time-based data. The incorporation of inexpensive computer graphics hardware and software, which provided a simple solution to the problem of analysis and presentation of large amounts of data, will also be discussed.
Mass spectrometry of small bimetal monolayer-protected clusters.

Monolayer-protected clusters were prepared by procedures like those yielding Au25L18 (where L = −SCH2CH2Ph = −SC2Ph) but using, instead, mixtures of Au and Pd salts, as starting materials, with the intent of creating and characterizing Au25−xMxL18 clusters. Isolation of small nanoparticle product followed by partial ligand exchange to introduce thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (SPEG = −S(CH2CH2O)5CH3) into the nanoparticle ligand shell enabled characterization of the Au25−xMxL18 content by positive mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). For synthetic feed mole ratios of Au:Pd of 9:1 and 13:12, electrospray spectra of the PEGylated MPCs showed that the reaction and isolation produce a mixture of Au25(SC2Ph)18 and a mono-Pd nanoparticle Au24Pd(SC2Ph)18. A higher proportion of the mono-Pd nanoparticle is produced by the 13:12 mole ratio, and also when the thiol:metal ratio was lowered, according to ESI-MS and MALDI-TOF-MS. As the nanoparticle mixture is enriched, by solvent fractionations, i...
Inhibition of a Gi-activated Potassium Channel (GIRK1/4) by the Gq-coupled m1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Abstract The G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channel, GIRK1/GIRK4, can be activated by receptors coupled to the Gαi subunit. An opposing role for Gαq receptor signaling in GIRK regulation has only recently begun to be established. We have studied the effects of m1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) stimulation, which is known to mobilize calcium and activate protein kinase C (PKC) by a Gαq-dependent mechanism, on whole cell GIRK1/4 currents in Xenopus oocytes. We found that stimulation of the m1 mAChR suppresses both basal and dopamine 2 receptor-activated GIRK 1/4 currents. Overexpression of Gβγ subunits attenuates this effect, suggesting that increased binding of Gβγ to the GIRK channel can effectively compete with the Gq-mediated inhibitory signal. This Gq signal requires the use of second messenger molecules; pharmacology implicates a role for PKC and Ca2+ responses as m1 mAChR-mediated inhibition of GIRK channels is mimicked by PMA and Ca2+ionophore A23187. We have analyzed a series of mutant and chimeric channels suggesting that the GIRK4 subunit is capable of responding to Gq signals and that the resulting current inhibition does not occur via phosphorylation of a canonical PKC site on the channel itself.
Explicit Flow-Aligned Orientational Distribution Functions for Dilute Nematic Polymers in Weak Shear

Flow-alignment of sheared nematic polymers occurs in various flow-concentration regimes. Analytical descriptions of shear-aligned nematic monodomains have a long history across continuum, mesoscopic and mean-field kinetic models, sacrificing precision at each finer scale. Continuum Leslie-Ericksen theory applies to highly concentrated, weak flows of small molecular weight polymers, giving an explicit macroscopic alignment angle formula dependent only on Miesowicz viscosities. Mesoscopic tensor models apply at all concentrations and shear rates, but explicit “Leslie angle” formulas exist only in the weak shear limit (Cocchini et. al, 90; Bhave et. al, 93; Wang, 97; Rienacker and Hess, 99; Maffettone et. al, 00; Forest and Wang, 02; Forest et. al, 02c; Grecov and Rey, 02), with distinct behavior in dilute versus concentrated regimes. Exact probability distribution functions (pdf’s) of kinetic theory do not exist for highly concentrated nematic states, even without flow, although appealing flow-aligned approximations have been derived (Kuzuu and Doi, 83; Kuzuu and Doi, 84; Semenov, 83; Semenov, 86; Archer and Larson, 95; Kroger and Seller, 95), which offer a molecular theory basis for the Leslie alignment angle. A simpler problem concerns the dilute concentration regime where the unique quiescent equilibrium is isotropic, corresponding to a constant pdf, and whose weak shear deformation is robust to mesoscopic closure approximation (Forest and Wang, 02; Forest et. al, 02c): steady, flow-aligning, weakly anisotropic, and biaxial. The purpose of this paper is to explicitly construct the weakly anisotropic branch of stationary pdf’s by a weak-shear asymptotic expansion of kinetic theory. A second-moment pdf projection confirms mesoscopic model predictions, and further yields explicit Leslie angle and degree of alignment formulas in terms of molecular parameters and normalized shear rate.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Motivating purchase of private brands: Effects of store image, product signatureness, and quality variation

Abstract This study examines the effects of intangible extrinsic cues on consumer quality perception and purchase intention of private brands. We find that store image and product signatureness enhance quality perception and purchase intention of private brands while quality variation reduces both outcomes. All effects of the three extrinsic cues on purchase intention are partially mediated by quality perception. In addition, consumer value consciousness strengthens the relationship between quality perception and purchase intention of private brands.
On parallel hierarchies and Rki

This paper defines natural hierarchies of function and relation classes □i,kc and Δi,kc, constructed from parallel complexity classes in a manner analogous to the polynomial-time hierarchy. It is easily shown that □i−1,kp ⊆ □c,kc ⊆ □i,kp and similarly for the Δ classes. The class □i,3c coincides with the single-valued functions in Buss et al.'s class F℘3Σi−1,3p[wit, logO(1)] (see [11]), and analogously for other growth rates. Furthermore, the class □i,kc comprises exactly the functions Σi,kb-definable in Ski−1, and if Tki−1 is ∀∃Σi,kb-conservative over Ski−1, then □i,kp is completely parallelizable. All functions in □i,kc are Σi,kb-definable in Rki; this suffices to show that if the known ∀∃Σi,kb conservativity between R3i and S3i−1 extends to R2i and S2i−1, then NC = NC1 relative to an oracle in PH. We prove a KPT-style witnessing theorem for Ski using constantly many rounds of □i,kc interactive computation, and thus show that if Ski ≡ Rki+1 then the bounded arithmetic hierarchy collapses, provably in Ski.
Special Issue on Medical Device Clinical Studies – Guest Editor's Note

A medical device is an item for treating or diagnosing a health condition whose intended use is not achieved primarily by chemical or biological action within the body (Section 201(h) of the Federa...
Concentration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution after 4 to 6 weeks' use in an eye clinic setting

Purpose To determine the concentration of latanoprost in bottles of latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% after 4 or 6 weeks of use in patients in an eye clinic setting. Methods Patients treated with latanoprost for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to refill their prescriptions either at the Doheny Eye Institute clinic or a local pharmacy. Patients who used latanoprost binocularly were asked to return bottles to the clinic after 4 weeks of use and nonrefrigerated storage, and those who used latanoprost monocularly were asked to return used bottles after 6 weeks. Patients were then interviewed to determine bottle storage information and doses missed. Latanoprost concentration in residual solution was analyzed in a masked fashion, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results In all, 110 patients were enrolled and 89 returned their bottles. Sixty-nine bottles had sufficient residual volume to conduct HPLC analysis. All patients reported that bottles were stored at room temperature (average high from 70-95 degrees F during the daytime). The mean +/- SD latanoprost concentration measured in the residual solutions was 48.31 +/- 2.31 microg/mL. Ninety-four percent of the bottles had concentrations within 90% to 110% of the labeled amount. No difference in latanoprost concentrations was found between the bottles used for 4 weeks versus those used for 6 weeks. Conclusions In an eye clinic setting, latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% remains stable after 4 or 6 weeks of patient use from the same bottle when stored at room temperature.
Online generation of quasi-optimal spacecraft rendezvous trajectories

Abstract A direct method for rapid generation of combined time-propellant near-optimal trajectories of proximity maneuvers of a chaser spacecraft required to dock a target one, with predetermined thrust history along a master direction, is presented. The predetermined thrust history is generated by applying the Pontryagin maximum principle. The new direct method, already implemented and tested on board real aircraft, is based on three concepts: high-order polynomials as reference functions, preset on–off sequence of a master control, and reduction of the optimization problem to the determination of a small set of parameters. Presetting the master control, the remaining controls act as slaves, guarantying the chaser to move along the desired path. Seeking of the optimum strategy is transformed into a nonlinear programming problem, and then numerically solved through an ad hoc algorithm in accelerated time scale. Examples are reported to prove the rapidness of the approach to generate a sub-optimal docking trajectory.
Looking for Physical Therapy Outcomes

Assessing the outcomes of physical therapy will be difficult in many instances, because it is difficult to separate the specific contribution of physical therapy from the effects of overall rehabilitative efforts. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to establish what works, both specifically and overall. Appropriate care should be defined on the basis of what has been shown to be effective. In most instances, this knowledge will come from quasi-experimental designs that utilize epidemiological methods. In designing effectiveness studies, careful attention needs to be paid to defining the treatment in terms of type and amount of care. Other factors that will affect the outcome, including baseline performance, risk factors, and environment, must be adequately dealt with in the analysis. Rehabilitation's success depends on the patient's performance in his or her actual living situation, not just in a controlled environment. Blaming the community for failing to provide a supportive environment will not exonerate rehabilitation's responsibility.
The Role of Coenzyme Q10 in Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE:To review the clinical data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in heart failure (HF).DATA SOURCES:Pertinent literature was identified through MEDLINE (1966–January 2005%) using the search terms coenzyme Q10, heart failure, antioxidants, and oxidative stress. Only articles written in the English language and evaluating human subjects were used.DATA SYNTHESIS:HF impairs the ability of the heart to maintain its normal cardiac output. Following an initial insult, cardiac remodeling ensues, resulting in left ventricular dilation and hypertrophy. Oxidative stress is also increased, while CoQ10 levels are decreased in patients with HF. This has led to the hypothesis that CoQ10, an antioxidant, may decrease oxidative stress, impair remodeling, and improve cardiac function.CONCLUSIONS:Large, well-designed studies on this topic are lacking. The limited data from well-designed trials indicate there may be some minor benefits with CoQ10 therapy in ejection fraction and end diastol...
Locomotor sensitization to cocaine in rats with olfactory bulbectomy

Olfactory bulbectomy in rats has been suggested as a comprehensive animal model of affective disorders associated with an array of behavioral changes, responsivity to chronic antidepressant treatment, and alterations in limbic structures thought to be critical in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Recent work showing increased motivational responsivity to amphetamine suggests that olfactory bulbectomy could also be a useful animal model of dual diagnosis disorders. To further investigate this possibility, we studied locomotor activity in olfactory bulbectomized rats 14 days postsurgery in response to novelty and upon acute and repeated injections of cocaine (15/mg/kg) or saline. Consistent with prior studies, lesioned animals showed greater locomotor activity in response to a novel environment and significantly heightened locomotor activation upon initial cocaine exposure. Over 7 days of repeated cocaine injections, lesioned animals also showed a presensitized pattern of activity, with a loss of incremental increases in locomotion observed in control animals. Daily saline injections produced no group differences in pre- or postinjection activity, while cocaine-treated bulbectomized rats demonstrated a decline in their daily preinjection activity. These results suggest that neural alterations caused by olfactory bulbectomy produce altered behavioral response patterns to repeated doses of cocaine, and support the study of olfactory bulbectomy as a useful neurobehavioral model for understanding substance use disorder comorbidity in mental illness.
Contributing factors in judgment of fairness by monetary value

Article accompanying a poster presentation for the 2011 Computational Neuroscience Annual Meeting. This article discusses research on contributing factors in the judgement of fairness by monetary value.
Effective and Ineffective Management of Incontinence: Issues Around Illness Trajectory and Health Care

In this article, findings from a study that investigated the impact of incontinence on individuals and the impact of effective and ineffective health interventions for the management of incontinence on patient careers and health care are reported. Twenty-seven participants whose incontinence was judged by health professionals as being successfully managed or unsuccessfully managed were interviewed. The participants were 19 women and 8 men (mean age: 61 years). Twenty-two participants experienced urinary incontinence, 4 people experienced both urinary and fecal incontinence, and 1 woman experienced fecal constipation. The findings have been set in the context of the management of chronic conditions and provide illuminating evidence that may be useful when reviewing health care and health services. People who were actively involved with their care and who were involved with decision making felt that their incontinence was being effectively managed. Multiple referrals and the marshaling and targeting of health professionals and services also appeared to be associated with effective management of incontinence.
Colour term knowledge in two-year-olds: evidence for early competence*

It is commonly believed that colour terms are acquired unusually slowly. However, several recent studies suggest that preschoolers have more colour term knowledge than previously believed. In two studies, we investigated the colour term knowledge of 49 two-year-olds and the influence of schooling on their colour term acquisition. Both studies revealed considerable knowledge in such young children. A longitudinal comparison of children with and without school experience in Study 2 indicated that the higher performance of the school group could not be accounted for by differences predating that group's experience. In reviewing the evidence from the children's performance, we conclude that contemporary children's early and frequent experience with colour terms may account for this cohort's improved performance over previous generations of children.
Tissue distribution of N‐acetyltransferase 1 and 2 catalyzing the N‐acetylation of 4‐aminobiphenyl and O‐acetylation of N‐hydroxy‐4‐aminobiphenyl in the congenic rapid and slow acetylator Syrian hamster

N-acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1) and 2 (NAT2) enzymes catalyzing both deactivation (N-acetylation) and activation (O-acetylation) of arylamine carcinogens such as 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP) were investigated in a Syrian hamster model congenic at the NAT2 locus. NAT2 catalytic activities (measured with p-aminobenzoic acid) were significantly (P 0.05). Levels of N-hydroxy-ABP O-acetyltransferase activities were significantly (P 0.05). The results suggest widespread tissue distribution of both NAT1 and NAT2, which catalyzes both N- and O-acetylation. These conclusions are important for interpretation of molecular epidemiological investigations into the role of N-acetyltransferase polymorphisms in various diseases including cancer.
Regulation of conventional protein kinase C isozymes by phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK-1)

Abstract Background: Phosphorylation critically regulates the catalytic function of most members of the protein kinase superfamily. One such member, protein kinase C (PKC), contains two phosphorylation switches: a site on the activation loop that is phosphorylated by another kinase, and two autophosphorylation sites in the carboxyl terminus. For conventional PKC isozymes, the mature enzyme, which is present in the detergent-soluble fraction of cells, is quantitatively phosphorylated at the carboxy-terminal sites but only partially phosphorylated on the activation loop. Results: This study identifies the recently discovered phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1, PDK-1, as a regulator of the activation loop of conventional PKC isozymes. First, studies in vivo revealed that PDK-1 controls the amount of mature (carboxy-terminally phosphorylated) conventional PKC. More specifically, co-expression of the conventional PKC isoform PKC β II with a catalytically inactive form of PDK-1 in COS-7 cells resulted in both the accumulation of non-phosphorylated PKC and a corresponding decrease in PKC activity. Second, studies in vitro using purified proteins established that PDK-1 specifically phosphorylates the activation loop of PKC α and β II. The phosphorylation of the mature PKC enzyme did not modulate its basal activity or its maximal cofactor-dependent activity. Rather, the phosphorylation of non-phosphorylated enzyme by PDK-1 triggered carboxy-terminal phosphorylation of PKC, thus providing the first step in the generation of catalytically competent (mature) enzyme. Conclusions: We have shown that PDK-1 controls the phosphorylation of conventional PKC isozymes in vivo . Studies performed in vitro establish that PDK-1 directly phosphorylates PKC on the activation loop, thereby allowing carboxy-terminal phosphorylation of PKC. These data suggest that phosphorylation of the activation loop by PDK-1 provides the first step in the processing of conventional PKC isozymes by phosphorylation.
Photosynthetic characteristics of Thalassia testudinum measured in situ by pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorometry: methodological and scale-based considerations

Abstract Shoot-to-landscape scale sources of variation in photosynthetic characteristics of Thalassia testudinum, as measured in situ using a submersible pulse-amplitude modulated fluorometer (diving-PAM), were investigated. Shoot-scale variation was assessed to develop a standard-methods protocol for this species. Significant within-shoot and among-shoot scale variation was observed for several PAM-fluorescence parameters. The fraction of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by rank 1 (youngest) leaves, 0.67±0.03, was significantly lower than the PAR absorbed by rank 2 and 3 leaves (0.78±0.04 and 0.77±0.04, respectively). Quantum yields (Y) and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) exhibited greater variability and generally decreased with increasing leaf age (Y=0.78±0.02, 0.78±0.03, and 0.76±0.06 and Fv/Fm=0.79±0.02, 0.77±0.5, and 0.75±0.06 for rank 1, 2, and 3 leaves, respectively). Maximum fluorescence of light-acclimated leaves (F′m) significantly decreased from the base to the tip of leaves (1032±203, 1059±139, and 793±107 for the base, middle and tip of the leaf) and Y was significantly reduced from 0.68–0.76 to 0.27–0.62 when measured where leaf lesions were present. However, paired comparisons (with versus without lesions at the tip of the leaf) for the base, middle, and tip areas of rank 2 leaves indicated that lesions effects on photosynthesis were localized only to the area of the lesion (tip). The Y exhibited relatively high variability for short-shoots within seagrass die-off patches and were significantly reduced for short-shoots exhibiting die-off symptoms (rotten leaf base grayish-green leaf color, but no lesions). Negative response slopes for Y and Fv/Fm, measured as part of a landscape-scale sampling program, revealed the presence of significant diurnal (time-of-day) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) related variation, with a more negative slope for Y. These results indicate that the selection of leaf tissue, short-shoot location, and time of measurement need to be considered when determining photosynthetic rates for seagrasses in situ.
Effects of jammer and nonlinear amplifiers in MIMO-OFDM with application to 802.11n WLAN

It is well known that orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) produces high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) and is highly sensitive to both frequency offset and phase noise. The high peak signal often forces practical amplifiers to operate in the nonlinear region. As a result, it causes additional degradation to the systempsilas performance. Since the frequency bandwidth is a scarce resource, wireless communication systems would have to operate in an environment which is prone to unknown interference such as jamming. In this paper, we analyze the joint effect of nonlinear distortion which is produced by nonlinear high power amplifiers (HPAs) and jammer on the performance of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO)-OFDM system in Rayleigh fading channels. In addition, we extend on our previous work to include the situations where there is a frequency offset between jammer and desired signal. For the purpose of simulation, we extend the analytical model to be in compliance with the IEEE 802.11n standard. The theoretical results are verified with the simulation.
The current state of aqueous based electronics defluxing

More options are available in the aqueous cleaning of printed circuit assemblies than ever before. These alternatives fill a need which was created by the necessity to move away from ozone depleting substances, as well by as a desire not to use cleaning solvents which simply trade one problem for another. The new inorganic based saponifier is an example of the recent innovative approaches to aqueous defluxing. It offers performance, plus unique environmental and worker safety advantages.
Reliability of real-time information systems for route choice decisions in a congested traffic network: Some simulation experiments

This paper investigates the reliability of information on prevailing trip times on the links of a network as a basis for route choice decisions by individual drivers. It considers a type of information strategy where no attempt is made by some central controller or coordinating entity to predict what the travel times on each link would be by the time it is reached by a driver that is presently at a given location. A specially modified model combining traffic simulation and path assignment capabilities is used to analyze the reliability of the real-time information supplied to the drivers. This is accomplished by comparing the supplied travel times (at the link and path levels) to the actual trip times experienced in the network after the information has been given. Results of a series of simulation experiments under recurrent congestion conditions are discussed, illustrating the interactions between information reliability and user response.
Similarities in error processing establish a link between saccade prediction at baseline and adaptation performance

Adaptive processes are crucial in maintaining the accuracy of body movements and rely on error storage and processing mechanisms. Although classically studied with adaptation paradigms, evidence of these ongoing error-correction mechanisms should also be detectable in other movements. Despite this connection, current adaptation models are challenged when forecasting adaptation ability with measures of baseline behavior. On the other hand, we have previously identified an error-correction process present in a particular form of baseline behavior, the generation of predictive saccades. This process exhibits long-term intertrial correlations that decay gradually (as a power law) and are best characterized with the tools of fractal time series analysis. Since this baseline task and adaptation both involve error storage and processing, we sought to find a link between the intertrial correlations of the error-correction process in predictive saccades and the ability of subjects to alter their saccade amplitudes during an adaptation task. Here we find just such a relationship: the stronger the intertrial correlations during prediction, the more rapid the acquisition of adaptation. This reinforces the links found previously between prediction and adaptation in motor control and suggests that current adaptation models are inadequate to capture the complete dynamics of these error-correction processes. A better understanding of the similarities in error processing between prediction and adaptation might provide the means to forecast adaptation ability with a baseline task. This would have many potential uses in physical therapy and the general design of paradigms of motor adaptation.
The Theater of Plautus: Playing to the Audience

* Preface * Introduction * Part I *1. Actors and Spectators *2. Characters and Spectators *3. Greece or Rome? *4. Metatheater and Morality * Part II *5. Audience and Occasion: Pseudolus *6. Gods and Mortals: Amphitruo *7. Bankers and Pimps: Curculio *8. Prostitutes and Lovers: Truculentus *9. Husbands and Wives: Casina *10. Slaves and Masters: Captivi * Conclusion * Notes * Works Cited * Abbreviations * Index of Passages Cited * Index
Predicting acoustic transmission loss through laminated glass with air and porous layers

This study analyses the sound transmission characteristic of various laminated glass designs with application to motor vehicles. The porous interlayer in the laminated glass is filled with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that serves as an acoustic damper. To model the physics behind the sound transmission losses of the fluid, solid and porous layers, acoustic noise transfer matrices are used to relate the dynamic characteristics of two interlayer points in the laminated glass. The porous model includes the effect of the variation in porosity on Poisson's ratio involving the wave number as well as the bulk modulus. Furthermore, an interface matrix is introduced, which defines the dynamic interaction at the interface of every layer. The addition of a fluid layer, like air, yields an interesting phenomenon of two coincidence dips. Finally, a set of parametric studies are performed to observe the transmission loss characteristic due to changes in glass thickness and porous layer.
A unique pattern of intrastrand anomalies in base composition of the DNA in hypotrichs

The 50 non-coding bases immediately internal to the telomeric repeats in the two 5′ ends of macronuclear DNA molecules of a group of hypotrichous ciliates are anomalous in composition, consisting of 61% purines and 39% pyrimidines, A>T (ratio of 44:32), and G>C (ratio of 17:7). These ratio imbalances violate parity rule 2, according to which A should equal T and G should equal C within a DNA strand and therefore pyrimidines should equal purines. The purine-rich and base ratio imbalances are in marked contrast to the rest of the non-coding parts of the molecules, which have the theoretically expected purine content of 50%, with A = T and G = C. The ORFs contain an average of 52% purines as a result of bias in codon usage. The 50 bases that flank the 5′ ends of macronuclear sequences in micronuclear DNA (12 cases) consist of ∼50% purines. Thus, the 50 bases in the 5′ ends of macronuclear sequences in micronuclear DNA are islands of purine richness in which A>T and G>C. These islands may serve as signals for the excision of macronuclear molecules during macronuclear development. We have found no published reports of coding or non-coding native DNA with such anomalous base composition.
Analysis of the Mom1 modifier of intestinal neoplasia in mice.

Although the methodology for mapping genes controlling susceptibility to tumor development in mice is becoming well established, it remains a formidable challenge to move from linkage to locus. Positional cloning, now commonly used in the identification of loci affecting a qualitative phenotype, has yet to be successfully applied to quantitative trait loci. This study describes the application of candidate gene testing, a method complementary to positional cloning. The method has been applied to evaluate candidates for the quantitative trait locus, Mom1, which modifies the susceptibility of ApcMin/+ mice to spontaneous intestinal tumor development. The authors also discuss the further testing of one candidate, the phospholipase gene Pla2g2a, by transgenesis. Finally, studies on the mode of action of Moml are discussed in light of the evidence that Mom1 encodes this secretory phospholipase.
Plants and Plant Constituents as Mind-Altering Agents Throughout History

From his earliest gropings as a distinct animal, man undoubtedly experimented with his vegetal surroundings. He put into his stomach anything from the plant kingdom in his frantic search for nourishment. He early discovered that some plants served to assuage hunger and sustain him; others relieved symptoms of illness; still others were dangerous, making him ill or killing him outright; but a few, he found, transported him from this monotonous and not-too-pleasant mundane existence to realms of ethereal wonder and inexplicable separation from everyday existence. He had discovered the narcotics, especially the hallucinogenic plants, capable of much more than activity on the physical body but able, through their psychoactivity on the central nervous system, to alter in ways most extraordinary the psyche and its relationship to the natural affairs of man.
Effects of a Preparation Program Focused on Accommodating Children with Challenging Behaviors

In this article, the effectiveness of pre-service training that focuses on collaborative consultation and positive behavior support for treatment of challenging behaviors is evaluated. The effectiveness of an 8-month training program is evaluated for three participant groups: (a) 16 advanced undergraduate and master's-level students who received the training, (b) 16 classroom teachers who participated as consultees, and (c) 16 target children (4 to 10 years) who exhibited challenging behaviors that interfered with their learning. Multiple outcome measures are administered across two or three measurement times. Trainees demonstrate significant gains in knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy from pretraining to posttraining, and they have higher performance on three outcome measures at posttraining compared to a matched group of students who do not receive training. There are also significant gains for teacher consultees (knowledge and self-efficacy) and target children (behavior ratings and progress toward g...
Effect of aureomycin on utilization of vitamin A in the growing male albino rat.

Summary1. Growing male albino rats were fed vit. A ester at levels of 0, 0.75, and 7.5 γ/rat/day. Comparisons were made at these levels of vit. A intake with and without aureomycin added to the diet at the rate of 100 mg/kg. 2. Statistically significant differences were found in weight gains and food intakes between groups receiving different levels of vit. A. 3. Statistically significant differences were not found in weight gains and food intakes between groups receiving antibiotic and their controls at the various levels of intake of vit. A, except on vit. A-free diets. Here weight gains and food intake of the control animals were significantly greater than for animals receiving antibiotics. 4. At a level of intake of vit. A of 7.5 γ/day no significant difference of liver storage was found upon aureomycin supplementation. Kidney storage of aureomycin supplemented animals was significantly less than that of control animals. Under conditions of this experiment at the 7.5 γ /day level of supplementation of...
A treatment planning comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy and proton therapy for a sample of breast cancer patients treated with post-mastectomy radiotherapy

Post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has been shown to improve disease-free survival and overall survival for locally advanced breast cancer. However, long term survivors may develop life threatening acute and chronic treatment-related toxicities after radiotherapy, like cardiac toxicity and second cancers. The more advanced techniques like volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), and proton therapy have the potential to improve treatment outcome by constraining doses to radiosensitive organs, but evidence from outcome study will not be available until years or decades later. Furthermore, the literature is largely incomplete regarding systematic comparison of potential benefits of advanced technologies for PMRT. The purpose of this study was to compare proton therapy, both passively scattered (PSPT) and intensity modulated (IMPT), to VMAT and develop an evidence-based rationale for selecting a treatment modality for left sided post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients. Eight left-sided PMRT patients previously treated with VMAT were included in this study. Planning target volumes (PTV) included the chest wall and regional lymph nodes. PSPT and IMPT plans were created using a commercial proton treatment planning system. The resulting plans were compared to the corresponding VMAT on the basis of dosimetric and radiobiological endpoints. The uncertainties in risk from proton range, set-up errors, and dose-response models were also evaluated. All modalities produced clinically acceptable treatment plans with nearly 100% tumor control probability. Both proton techniques provided significantly lower normal tissue complication probability values for the heart (p < 0.02) and lung (p < 0.001). Patient-averaged second cancer risk for the contralateral breast and lungs were also significantly lower (p < 0.001) with protons compared to VMAT. The findings of this study were upheld by the uncertainty analysis. All three techniques provided acceptable PMRT treatment plans. Proton therapy showed significant advantages in terms of predicted normal tissue sparing compared to VMAT, taking into account possible uncertainties.
Optimizing Graft Placement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Finite Element Analysis

Femoral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft malposition may lead to clinical instability and graft failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ACL graft placement on global knee biomechanics using finite element (FE) analysis. An established nonlinear contact FE model was used to evaluate 25 distinct tunnel loci representing primary ACL reconstructions; knee flexion and a simulated Lachman maneuver was used to assess knee joint laxity, meniscal stress, in situ graft loading, and peak articular cartilage contact pressure for each of the tunnel positions. Increased anterior tibial translation during Lachman testing was observed when the femoral graft was moved from anterior, anterior/inferior, and posterior/inferior relative to the anatomic footprint. Cartilage contact pressure and meniscal stresses increased with anterior graft placement. Peak stresses in the ACL grafts increased with significant posterior and inferior placement (5–7.5 mm) from the anatomic location. Global joint biomechanics are lease favorable with anterior graft placement. Excessive posterior/inferior placement (> 5 mm) may subject grafts to increased pressures.
A Classified Bibliography Of Research On Stochastic Pert Networks: 1966-1987

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to present a classified bibliography of research work on stochastic PERT networks organized into six sections — classical PERT problem, exact analysis, approximation and bounds, Monte Carlo sampling, miscellaneous papers, and books that deal with stochastic activity networks. Some of the above categories are further split into subcategodes when appropriate, and explanations of subject matter in each category and subcategory precede the actual list of references.
Selective inhibition of vasoconstrictor responses by platelet-activating factor in rat kidney.

We examined the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on renal vascular reactivity in the pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized male Wistar rat. Intrarenal infusion of C16-PAF at hypotensive (2.5 ng.min-1.kg-1) or nonhypotensive (0.5 ng.min-1.kg-1) doses caused renal vasodilation and dose dependently antagonized the renal vasoconstrictor responses of intrarenal boluses of angiotensin II (ANG II) greater than norepinephrine (NE) greater than vasopressin (AVP). PAF infusion at the high dose did not alter non-receptor-mediated renal vasoconstriction induced by intrarenal KCl injection. The inhibitory effect of PAF on agonist-induced renal vasoconstriction was accentuated by eicosanoid synthesis inhibition (indomethacin or dexamethasone), unaffected by dopamine-receptor blockade (haloperidol) but was totally abolished by PAF receptor antagonism (L-659,989). In contrast, intrarenal infusion of a calcium channel antagonist (nimodipine) or an intracellular calcium channel antagonist (TMB-8) equally inhibited the renal vasoconstrictor responses of ANG II, NE, and AVP. Thus PAF can cause renal vasodilation in the rat kidney and dose-dependently antagonizes the renal vasoconstrictor responses of ANG II greater than NE greater than AVP. The inhibitory effect of PAF on renal vasoconstrictor responses is mediated by PAF receptors and does not appear to be due to a nonspecific membrane effect, reduction in calcium mobilization, or the release of vasodilatory eicosanoids or dopamine.
Fabrication and integration of microscale permanent magnets for particle separation in microfluidics

Microfluidic magnetophoresis is an effective technique to separate magnetically labeled bioconjugates in lab-on-a-chip applications. However, it is challenging and expensive to fabricate and integrate microscale permanent magnets into microfluidic devices with conventional methods that use thin-film deposition and lithography. Here, we propose and demonstrate a simple and low-cost technique to fabricate microscale permanent magnetic microstructures and integrate them into microfluidic devices. In this method, microstructure channels were fabricated next to a microfluidic channel and were injected with a liquid mixture of neodymium (NdFeB) powders and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). After the mixture was cured, the resulted solid NdFeB–PDMS microstructure was permanently magnetized to form microscale magnets. The microscale magnets generate strong magnetic forces capable of separating magnetic particles in microfluidic channels. Systematic experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to study the geometric effects of the microscale magnets. It was found that rectangular microscale magnets generate larger $$({\mathbf {H}}\cdot \nabla ) {\mathbf {H}}$$ which is proportional to magnetic force and have a wider range of influence than the semicircle or triangle magnets. For multiple connected rectangular microscale magnet, additional geometric parameters, including separation distance, height and width of the individual elements, further influence the particle separation and were characterized experimentally. With an optimal size combination, complete separation of yeast cells and magnetic microparticles of similar sizes ( $$4\;\upmu \hbox {m}$$ ) was demonstrated with the multi-rectangular magnet microfluidic device.
Planetary Satellites: Averaged Analysis

This chapter studies the orbit dynamics of low-altitude, near-circular orbits above an oblate planetary satellite. The mathematical model used in the analysis includes the tidal perturbation from the planet and the effect of the planetary satellite’s oblateness and, as such, corresponds to the investigation of a particular “region” of initial condition space of the classical Hill problem with the modification of an oblate central body. The analysis described in the following is largely taken from [167].
Initiation of pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder among veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan: a dimensional, symptom cluster approach

Background The pharmacological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is extremely challenging, as no specific agent has been developed exclusively to treat this disorder. Thus, there are growing concerns among the public, providers and consumers associated with its use as the efficacy of some agents is still in question. Aims We applied a dimensional and symptom cluster-based approach to better understand how the heterogeneous phenotypic presentation of PTSD may relate to the initiation of pharmacotherapy for PTSD initial episode. Method US veterans who served in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and received an initial PTSD diagnosis at the US Veterans Health Administration between 2008 and 2011 were included in this study. Veterans were followed for 365 days from initial PTSD diagnosis to identify initiation for antidepressants, anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics, antipsychotics and prazosin. Multivariable analyses were used to assess the relationship between the severity of unique PTSD symptom clusters and receiving prescriptions from each medication class, as well as the time from diagnosis to first prescription. Results Increased severity of emotional numbing symptoms was independently associated with the prescription of antidepressants, and they were prescribed after a substantially shorter period of time than other medications. Anxiolytics/sedatives/hypnotics prescription was associated with heightened re-experiencing symptoms and sleep difficulties. Antipsychotics were associated with elevated re-experiencing and numbing symptoms and prazosin with reported nightmares. Conclusions Prescribing practices for military-related PTSD appear to follow US VA/DoD clinical guidelines. Results of this study suggest that a novel dimensional and symptom cluster-based approach to classifying the phenotypic presentation of military-related PTSD symptoms may help inform prescribing patterns for PTSD. Declaration of interest None. Copyright and usage © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license.
Trait Impulsivity and the Externalizing Spectrum.

This article reviews evidence that trait impulsivity—expressed early in life as the hyperactive–impulsive and combined presentations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—is a bottom-up, subcortically mediated vulnerability to all externalizing disorders. This vulnerability arises from deficient mesolimbic dopamine responding, which imbues psychological states (irritability, discontentment) that motivate excessive approach behavior (hyperactivity, impulsivity). Through complex interactions with (a) aversive motivational states that arise from largely independent subcortical systems, (b) emotion regulatory mechanisms that arise from top-down, cortical modulation of subcortical neural function, and (c) environmental risk factors that shape and maintain emotion dysregulation, trait impulsivity confers vulnerability to increasingly severe externalizing behaviors across development. This perspective highlights the importance of identifying transdiagnostic neural vulnerabilities to psychopathology;...
Easy Stress Relief by EZH2

While we are beginning to appreciate the cellular roles played by long noncoding RNAs, the function of transcripts emerging from repetitive genomic regions remains enigmatic. In this issue, Zovoilis et al. report that the polycomb protein EZH2, upon heat shock, facilitates transcription of stress-responsive genes by inducing the degradation of the transcriptional repressor B2 repeat RNA.
An evaluation of mass absorption cross-section for optical carbon analysis on Teflon filter media.

ABSTRACTBlack carbon (BC) or elemental carbon (EC) is a by-product of incomplete fuel combustion, and contributes adversely to human health, visibility, and climate impacts. Previous studies have examined nondestructive techniques for particle light attenuation measurements on Teflon® filters to estimate BC. The incorporation of an inline Magee Scientific OT21 transmissometer into the MTL AH-225 robotic weighing system provides the opportunity to perform optical transmission measurements on Teflon filters at the same time as the gravimetric mass measurement. In this study, we characterize the performance of the inline OT21, and apply it to determine the mass absorption cross-section (MAC) of PM2.5 BC across the United States. We analyzed 5393 archived Teflon® filters from the Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) collected during 2010–2011 and determined MAC by comparing light attenuation on Teflon® filters to corresponding thermal EC on quartz-fiber filters. Results demonstrated the importance of the initial...
Multichannel Blind Identification and Estimation: From Subspace to Maximum Likelihood Methods

Abstract A review of recent blind channel estimation algorithms is presented. From the (second-order) moment-based methods to the maximum likelihood approaches, under both statistical and deterministic signal models, we outline basic ideas behind several new developments, the assumptions and identifiability conditions required by these approaches, and the algorithm characteristics and performances.