cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of kidney acid excretion by endothelins

Endothelin (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is now known to modulate kidney tubule transport, including kidney tubule acidification. Animals undergoing an acid challenge to systemic acid–base status and with some models of chronic metabolic acidosis have increased kidney ET production. Increased ET production/activity contributes to enhanced kidney tubule acidification that facilitates kidney acid excretion in response to an acid challenge to systemic acid–base status. The data to date support a physiologic role for ET in mediating enhanced kidney acidification in response to acid challenges, but do not support an ET role in maintaining kidney tubule acidification in control, non-acid-challenged states. ET increases acidification in both the proximal and distal nephron and appears to exert its effects both directly and indirectly, the latter through modulating the levels and/or activity or other mediators of kidney tubule acidification. ET also contributes to enhanced kidney acidification in some pathophysiologic states and might contribute to some untoward outcomes associated with these conditions. Whether ET should be a therapeutic target in treating and/or preventing some of these untoward outcomes remains an open question. This review supports continued research into the physiologic and possibly pathophysiologic role of ET in settings of increased kidney tubule acidification.
Mixed effects modeling of Morris water maze data: Advantages and cautionary notes

Abstract Morris water maze data are most commonly analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance in which daily test sessions are analyzed as an unordered categorical variable. This approach, however, may lack power, relies heavily on post hoc tests of daily performance that can complicate interpretation, and does not target the nonlinear trends evidenced in learning data. The present project used Monte Carlo simulation to compare the relative strengths of the traditional approach with both linear and nonlinear mixed effects modeling that identifies the learning function for each animal and condition. Both trend-based mixed effects modeling approaches showed much greater sensitivity to identifying real effects, and the nonlinear approach provided uniformly better fits of learning trends. The common practice of removing a rat from the maze after 90 s, however, proved more problematic for the nonlinear approach and produced an underestimate of y -axis intercepts.
Repeated reports for child maltreatment among intimate partner violence victims: Findings from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (defined as any physical violence during the last 12 months or previously) among mothers who maltreat their children, and to examine whether mothers' experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with repeated reports (rereports) of children to Child Protective Services (CPS) during the following 18 months. METHODS: Data for the analyses were from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW), a national probability study of children investigated for child maltreatment. The sample of 5,501 children (ages 0-14) was randomly selected from the families who entered the US child welfare system between October 1999 and December 2000. The analysis sample was restricted to 1,236 families in which caregivers were: (1) the alleged perpetrators of the child maltreatment at baseline (independently of substantiation status) and (2) the biological mothers (n=1,212 or 98.6%), adoptive mothers (n=17 or 1%), or stepmothers (n=7 or 0.3%) of children not placed in out-of-home care. RESULTS: Children of mothers physically abused by an intimate partner during the last 12 months or previously at the intake interview (44%) were twice as likely as children of mothers who had not experienced such violence to be rereported to CPS (29% vs. 14%, Odds Ratio=2.0, 95% Confidence Interval=1.1-3.4). Rereports occurred almost twice as quickly for children of mothers who experienced IPV compared to children of mothers who had not experienced IPV (Hazard Ratio=1.9, 95% Confidence Interval=1.1-3.0). CONCLUSIONS: The higher risk and speedier rereports of child maltreatment associated with intimate partner violence highlights the need for universal assessment and provision of services for IPV among families that are investigated by CPS. Language: en
piRNA-mediated transposon regulation and the germ-line mutation rate in Drosophila melanogaster males

Abstract Transposons, especially retrotransposons, are abundant in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster . These mobile elements are regulated by small RNAs that interact with the Piwi family of proteins—the piwi-interacting or piRNAs. The Piwi proteins are encoded by the genes argonaute3 ( ago3 ), aubergine ( aub ), and piwi . Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1), a chromatin-organizing protein encoded by the Suppressor of variegation 205 [ Su(var)205 ] gene, also plays a role in this regulation. To assess the mutational impact of weakening the system for transposon regulation, we measured the frequency of recessive X-linked lethal mutations occurring in the germ lines of males from stocks that were heterozygous for mutant alleles of the ago3 , aub , piwi , or Su(var)205 genes. These mutant alleles are expected to deplete the wild-type proteins encoded by these genes by as much as 50%. The mutant alleles of piwi and Su(var)205 significantly increased the X-linked lethal mutation frequency, whereas the mutant alleles of ago3 did not. An increased mutation frequency was also observed in males from one of two mutant aub stocks, but this increase may not have been due to the aub mutant. The increased mutation frequency caused by depleting Piwi or HP1suggests that chromatin-organizing proteins play important roles in minimizing the germ-line mutation rate, possibly by stabilizing the structure of the heterochromatin in which many transposons are situated.
A Novel Simplified Distributor Model of Fluidized Bed Based on the Porous Media Theory

The distributor is a key component of the gas-solid fluidized bed. It must be guaranteed that the gas has enough stability of pressure drop. In this paper, numerical simulation is used to study characteristics of the distributor pressure drop. The coefficients of viscous loss and inertial loss which describe the porous media model is obtained from the numerical simulation results. Based on the porous media theory, a new simplified equivalent model is proposed, and it can achieve better gas distribution and form uniform pressure chamber. Simulation is also carried out to compare the pressure drop between the distributor model and porous media model. The relative error is only 1.16% in the simulation of this paper, which proves the feasibility of the novel model.
Obeessive-compulsive disorder among schizophrenic patients: An exploratory study using functional magnetic resonance imaging data

Despite the growing research on the etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and schizophrenia, the clinical distinction between the two disorders is not clearly understood. In the present investigation, we sought to better understand the relationship between OCD and psychotic disorders by examining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from a group of schizophrenic patients with varying degrees of OCD symptomatology, based on results of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) rating scales of OCD. While subjects performed a cognitive challenge paradigm that included a verbal fluency task, activation data from the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were collected and analyzed. We hypothesized that the fMRI signal patterns in schizophrenic patients with high levels of OCD symptomatology would differ from that of schizophrenic patients with a low level of OCD. For the group as a whole, no significant relationship was found for scores of either rating scale and fMRI signal change; however, a significant association was found for a subgroup of patients. For these schizophrenics, there was a negative relationship between OCD symptomatology and activation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These results support the suggestion of several researchers that a relationship between OCD severity and neurophysiological activity exists in schizophrenia.
THE SUPPORT THEOREM FOR THE GAUSS–RADON TRANSFORM

The Radon transform is one of the most useful and applicable tools in functional analysis. First constructed by John Radon in 191711 it has now been adapted to several settings. One of the principle theorems involving the Radon transform is the Support Theorem. In this paper, we discuss how the Radon transform can be constructed in the white noise setting. We also develop a Support Theorem in this setting.
Effects of low intensity vibration on bone and muscle in rats with spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes rapid and marked bone loss. The present study demonstrates that low-intensity vibration (LIV) improves selected biomarkers of bone turnover and gene expression and reduces osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that LIV may be expected to benefit to bone mass, resorption, and formation after SCI. Sublesional bone is rapidly and extensively lost following spinal cord injury (SCI). Low-intensity vibration (LIV) has been suggested to reduce loss of bone in children with disabilities and osteoporotic women, but its efficacy in SCI-related bone loss has not been tested. The purpose of this study was to characterize effects of LIV on bone and bone cells in an animal model of SCI. The effects of LIV initiated 28 days after SCI and provided for 15 min twice daily 5 days each week for 35 days were examined in female rats with moderate severity contusion injury of the mid-thoracic spinal cord. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the distal femur and proximal tibia declined by 5 % and was not altered by LIV. Serum osteocalcin was reduced after SCI by 20 % and was increased by LIV to a level similar to that of control animals. The osteoclastogenic potential of bone marrow precursors was increased after SCI by twofold and associated with 30 % elevation in serum CTX. LIV reduced the osteoclastogenic potential of marrow precursors by 70 % but did not alter serum CTX. LIV completely reversed the twofold elevation in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for SOST and the 40 % reduction in Runx2 mRNA in bone marrow stromal cells resulting from SCI. The findings demonstrate an ability of LIV to improve selected biomarkers of bone turnover and gene expression and to reduce osteoclastogenesis. The study indicates a possibility that LIV initiated earlier after SCI and/or continued for a longer duration would increase bone mass.
Establishing Benchmarks for Outcome Indicators: A Statistical Approach to Developing Performance Standards.

Indicators of program performance are used as evaluative measures in a variety of fields. A particularly vexing problem for evaluation is the development of empirically based performance expectations. Should program sponsors be satisfied with average performance? How should evaluators account for client differences? This article presents a statistical technique for developing performance standards based on benchmark groups. The benchmark groups are selected using a multivariate technique that relies on a squared Euclidean distance method. For each observation unit, in this case a school district, a unique comparison group is selected. The performance of the district is compared to the performance of its benchmark group. Then the credibility, predictability, and equity of the method are tested. The approach meets or exceeds these test criteria and appears to be a viable, albeit controversial, approach for developing comparative performance standards.
Freedom and Constraint in Human Action

This article traces the development of the thinking of Vladimir Petrovich Zinchenko from early in his career to the present day. Both the trajectory of the ideas themselves and the various complexities involved in interpreting Zinchenko's mode of expressing them at different times in his career are discussed.
Should Wet-Bulb Thermometers be Shielded when Measuring Heat Stress?

An experiment was performed in order to investigate the effect of radiant heat on wet bulb temperature measurement. It was found that the radiant heat affect the natural wet bulb temperature and this effect becomes larger as the radiant heat level becomes higher and air velocity becomes lower. This radiant heat and air velocity effect on natural wet bulb temperature is quantified. Also, a set of relationship between unshielded and shielded natural wet bulb temperatures under various radiant heat and air velocity was found.
Design and Implement of High-Accuracy On-Line Metal Thickness Measuring Instrument Based on NiosII Processor

The paper proposes a new design of high-accuracy On-line Metal Thickness Measuring Instrument, which was based on EP2C20 series FPGA chip, through adding NiosII soft processor and other interfaces to FPGA, equipped with high precision data collection system and TFT LCD module and so on. The key hardware blocks schematics and components of the RC Oscillation Circuit,eddy current sensor Circuit,rectifier and filter Circuit,A/D converting circuit,FPGA Circuit are described,software flow charts and sample codes are given. According to practice, The measurement range of this system is 1~100 mm and the resolving power is 0.1 μm. degree of linearity is 1%, The system has many features including small volume of hardware, low cost, high detecting precision, convenient operating, high intelligent and so on, leading to broad and bright future. Key words: NiosII processor; eddy current sensor; metal thickness
The Bionomics of Dibrachoides Dynastes (Foerster), A Parasite of the Alfalfa Weevil.

The hymenopterous parasite, Dibrachoides dynastes (Foerster,) dealt with in this paper, is considered to be the most important prepupal and pupal parasite of the alfalfa weevil, Phytonomus posticus (Gyll.), a species of weevil accidentally introduced into the United States, where it has proven extremely injurious to alfalfa in Utah, Idaho, and neighboring States.
Applications of TLS and related methods in the environmental sciences

An overview of statistical and computational techniques used in the solution of environmental problems is presented. The applications presented involve: (1) the fitting of Horton's infiltration curve using real data from field experiments performed in Surinam; (2) linear and nonlinear rainfall-runoff modeling using real data from watersheds in Louisiana and Belgium; (3) real-time monitoring and forecasting of a network of chemical sensors using real data from Fall Creek Reservoir in Indiana; (4) forecasting of hourly water consumption in Indiana; and (5) the exponential fitting of a sum of AM and FM tones used to model a chirp signal of a Coqui frog from Puerto Rico.
A Method Utilizing Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet and Mass Spectrometric Detection for the Analysis of Material Extracts Produced during a Controlled Extraction Study

Pharmaceutical packaging/delivery systems and medical devices are characterized via a controlled extraction study as part of the development process for new pharmaceutical products. The purpose of this study is to determine compounds that may be extracted from the packaging using various solvents and exposure conditions. Results generated from a controlled extraction study serve to evaluate the suitability of the materials in the package configuration as well as provide an assessment of compounds that may potentially leach into the drug product. Analysis of extract samples generated during a controlled extraction study is performed utilizing multiple analytical methodologies to help establish a complete extractable profile regardless of the polarity, volatility, or other unique physical properties of each compound that may be present. The work presented in this article describes a method for the analysis of non-volatile as well as thermally labile, or otherwise not suited for analysis by gas chromatography, semi-volatile compounds from extraction samples. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic system with both atmospheric chemical ionization mass spectrometric and ultra violet detectors is used as the platform for the method. Adequate separation and retention is achieved for a mix of model compounds representing a wide range of common extractables within a 22 min analysis time. Ionization of this diverse range of compounds is also achieved with acceptable responses in the total ion chromatography data. Finally, analysis of extraction samples directly, even those comprised of non-compatible organic solvents, is demonstrated with no significant impact on the chromatography. Three case studies are presented to further illustrate method performance and its use for controlled extraction samples. LAY ABSTRACT: Pharmaceutical packaging/delivery systems and medical devices are characterized via a controlled extraction study as part of the development process for new pharmaceutical products. The purpose of this study is to determine compounds that may be extracted from the packaging using various solvents and exposure conditions. Results of this work serve to evaluate the suitability of the material for use in the package as well as provide an assessment of compounds that may potentially contaminate the drug product. Analysis of extract samples generated during a controlled extraction study is performed utilizing multiple analytical methodologies to help establish a complete extractable profile regardless of the unique physical properties of each compound that may be present. The work presented in this article describes a method for the analysis of non-volatile as well as semi-volatile compounds from extraction samples. Separation and detection of a diverse range of extractables were demonstrated in a 22 min analysis time. Three case studies are presented to further illustrate method performance and its use for controlled extraction samples.
Acousto-Ultrasonic Technology for Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Members Strengthened by Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Polymer

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have been used in a wide range of application areas in bridge rehabilitations because these materials are less affected by corrosive environmental conditions, are known to provide longer life, and require less maintenance. However, the quality control and quality assessment of these new rehabilitation systems should be further improved and standardized. A recent rehabilitation project that used CFRP laminates was done on a bridge in Dallas County, Missouri, by the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive testing technology was performed to detect and image surface defects in the form of delaminations. These were intentionally formed at the CFRP sheet-concrete interface to investigate the ability of this technique. Acousto-ultrasonic nondestructive testing has shown the ability to detect and image the delaminations between CFRP sheet...
The incommensurate structure of (Sr14−xCax)Cu24O41 (0 < x ∼ 8) a superconductor byproduct

Abstract The structures of two compositions of the title compound, Sr8Ca6Cu24O41 and Sr14Cu24O41, have been determined by x-ray, single-crystal diffraction techniques. The structure of the first is best described as two interpenetrating structures: one with (Sr,Ca)(Cu2O3 sheets)(Sr,Ca) layers in an orthorhombic cell with dimensions of a = 11.375(2), b = 12.9027(2), c = 3.910(1) A and a second structure with layers of (CuO2 chains) in a cell having identical a and b values but with c = 2.753 A . The title formulation arises because these two subcells are nearly commensurate at 7 × c (sheet) = 27.372(2) and 10 × c (chain) = 27.534. The structure of the pure strontium phase is very similar but the adjacent CuO2 chains in a given layer shift to a less constrained conformation: a = 11.459(2), b = 13.368(5), c (sheet) = 3.931(1), c ( chain ) = 2.749(1) A . X-ray powder diffraction studies have shown that x may vary from 0 to ∼ 8, with the layer axis, b, showing the most sensitivity to composition. Single crystals of these phases were found to be semiconductors.
Replacement dolphins? Social restructuring of a resident pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, after two major hurricanes

Environmental variations can influence the structure of ecological communities that in turn alter the grouping and association patterns of social communities. This study compares the social structure of bottlenose dolphins in the Bahamas before and after two major hurricanes. Approximately 30% of regularly seen individuals disappeared after the hurricanes, with an equal number of immigrants arriving afterwards. The primary goal of this study was to quantitatively describe social structure changes occurring after this large-scale emigration (or death) and subsequent immigration of individuals using the social analysis program, SOCPROG 2.3. The pre-hurricane results revealed one community with association patterns that were consistent with previous work on this population as well as other well-documented populations. Post-hurricane associations revealed that the community split into two distinct units, whose members associated highly within, but rarely between units. Association patterns varied between units. Immigrants assimilated well into the population, especially males. Over half of the post-hurricane associations involved immigrants, the majority between residents and immigrants, and primarily involving immigrant males. The costs/benefits of choosing to associate with an immigrant individual differ between males and females and may have been the driving force for the changes in social structure that occurred.
The acrophobe and the funambulist: Existential and cinematic perspectives on the phenomenology of extreme vertical space

Abstract In his 1943 philosophical work, Being and Nothingness , Jean-Paul Sartre described vertigo as “anguish to the extent that I am afraid not of falling over the precipice, but of throwing myself over” ( Sartre, 1943 : 29). In this paper I use Sartre's remark as a point of departure for a more detailed existential phenomenological examination of the fear of heights as a vertical spatial phobia. Further, I reflect on acrophobia's opposite – the attraction to extreme heights, which I term “acrophilia” – before drawing some general conclusions about the fear of, and attraction to, heights as a psychological paradigm for the many situations in which we apprehend our existential freedom in dread and either succumb to this emotion or transcend it through a focused engagement in what Sartre and others have termed our existential “projects.” To illustrate this argument, I introduce two cinematic examples in which these emotional tendencies serve significant thematic functions: Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 suspense film, Vertigo and James Marsh's 2008 documentary, Man on Wire .
A mixed finite element formulation for the boundary controllability of the wave equation

Abstract : This paper introduces the mixed finite element method as a viable numerical procedure for the boundary controllability of the linear wave equation. Another numerical implementation using Galerkin finite elements has been investigated. However, due to approximation problems of the normal derivative on the boundary, the method becomes unstable as the mesh is refined. To correct for the ill-posedness of the approximate problem, a Tychonoff regularization method was implemented. The aforementioned paper also presents other possible remedies; among them is the mixed finite element method. The fixed finite element approximation is a plausible procedure to overcome these difficulties since the derivative at certain nodal values arises naturally from the formulation.
Surgical management of nontuberculous thoracic and lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis: report of 33 cases.

BACKGROUND Thirty-three patients with nontuberculous pyogenic thoracic and lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis were treated surgically. Indications for surgery were either progression of disease despite adequate antibiotic therapy, neurologic deficit, or both. The most common initial symptom was back pain. Seven patients had diabetes, seven patients were intravenous drug users, two patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapy, and seven patients had a debilitating disease. Eleven had infections elsewhere in their bodies. Prior to surgery organisms were grown from blood in 10 patients and at surgery in 15 patients. METHODS Infection was evident on plain films in all patients, and either a CT scan or MRI was obtained in each. The lateral extracavitary approach was used for resection of granulation tissue and infected bone ventral to the dura. Interbody bone grafts were placed in 19 patients, usually when bone resection was extensive. Posterior instrumentation was placed in 17 patients at a second procedure 10 days-2 weeks following initial operation. Intravenous antibiotics were administered for 4-6 weeks following surgery, and solid fusion was obtained in all patients. RESULTS Neurologic deficit was present in 28 patients prior to surgery and was functionally significant in 18 patients. Of the 11 patients with severe paraparesis, 10 achieved good functional recovery. These patients were able to walk, three with assistance and seven without, and all those who were unable to void regained this ability. CONCLUSIONS Surgical debridement, interbody fusion, and posterior instrumentation is a safe and effective treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis and is indicated when neurologic deficit or bone destruction progress despite adequate antibiotic therapy.
Immune tolerance in haemophilia: the long journey to the fork in the road

Antibody eradication is the ultimate goal of inhibitor management. The only clinically proven strategy for achieving antigen-specific tolerance to factor VIII is immune tolerance induction (ITI). Our knowledge about ITI in haemophilia A and B was, historically, derived from small cohort studies and retrospective national and international ITI registries. Practice is now further influenced by prospective cohort data, and the results of a single prospective randomized international ITI trial. However, due to the low incidence of inhibitors in haemophilia B, there are few comparable data from which to develop a useful evidence-based approach to the prevention and eradication of factor IX inhibitors. The lack of an effective strategy is particularly problematic given the morbidity associated with the unique occurrence of allergic and anaphylactic reactions that often herald factor IX antibody development and preclude effective eradication. This paper will discuss our current understanding of immune tolerance outcome and outcome predictors for haemophilia A and B; review the current consensus practice recommendations for ITI; and summarize the emerging body of immunological science relating to antibody formation and tolerance. It will conclude by suggesting how our knowledge might inform the future investigative priorities impacting the therapeutic and preventative tolerance strategies of tomorrow.
Extrapyramidal dysfunction in an infant of a schizophrenic mother

An infant born to a schizophrnic mother, under treatment with phenothiazinederivatives during pregnancy, presented with bizarre motor activity and neurologic findings compatible with a diagnosis of extrapyramidal disturbance. The abnormal findings gradually decreased over a 10 month period and subsequent development was satisfactory. A second infant born to the same mother showed tremors and hypertonus for a period of 6 months. During this pregnancy, phenothiazine therapy was continued but in markedly reduced dosage. It is postulated that the abnormal clinical behavior of both infants may be related to the medication taken by the mother during pregnancy and to a possible familial predisposition to drug-induced Parkinsonism.
In The Shadow Of Yung Wing

The Chinese Educational Mission (CEM) was one of the �rst efforts at "self-strengthening," China9s late nineteenth-century attempt at modernization. Beginning in 1872, the Qing government sent 120 boys to live and study in New England for extended periods. The mission was the brainchild of Yung Wing (1828-1912), known as a pioneering Chinese in America. This article contends that Zeng Laishun (ca. 1826-1895), the CEM9s original interpreter, was no less a pioneer. It examines Zeng9s education in Singapore, New Jersey, and New York; his early career as, successively, a missionary assistant, a businessman, and a teacher at a naval school in China; his concurrent roles as the English translator for the CEM in the United States and (with his family) as a cultural interpreter of China to New England9s elite; and brie�y, following his return to China in 1874, his association with Li Hongzhang as his chief English secretary.
Emotion as an indicator for future interruptive notification experiences

This paper explores the relationship between emotion and the notification experience. We found a strong relationship between the user emotions used to describe interruptive notification experiences and whether the users wanted similar interruptive notifications again in the future. Participants were likely to want similar future interruptive notifications if they described their interruptive notification experiences using positive words. They were likely to not want similar future interruptive notifications if they described their interruptive notification experiences using negative words. The implications for the use of this knowledge in the design of intelligent systems and potential for future work are also discussed.
Stress, Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

In this review, we focus on the relationship among Parkinson's disease (PD), stress and depression. Parkinson's disease patients have a high risk of developing depression, and it is possible that stress contributes to the development of both pathologies. Stress dysfunction may have a role in the etiology of preclinical non-motor symptoms of PD (such as depression) and, later in the course of the disease, may worsen motor symptoms. However, relatively few studies have examined stress or depression and the injured nigrostriatal system. This review discusses the effects of stress on neurodegeneration and depression, and their association with the symptoms and progression of PD.
Dye-doped organogels: A new medium for two-photon pumped lasing and other optical applications

The work presented here describes the use of organogels as alternate medium for optical applications. The structural flexibility and thermoreversible nature of dye-doped organogels offer advantages over the dye-doped polymers which have limitations arising as a result of poor heat conduction, causing dye decomposition due to localized heating of the matrix. The damage threshold of dye-doped organogels was much higher than the dye-doped polymer samples. The lasing lifetime of the dye-doped organogels was higher than the dye-doped polymer samples without any cooling and sample movement. Also, since organogels arise from a microemulsion system where the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains are well-separated from each other, they offer an optically transparent medium suitable for optical applications.
ladies night out: a typology of women patrons of a male strip club

Patrons of male strip clubs have not been studied in much depth. Thus, this article provides a description and analysis of the different types of patrons of the male strip club. Looking specifically at the influence of gender in this sexualized atmosphere, we identify and describe the manifest diverse reasons that motivate attendance as well as various patterns of behavior. Based on more than 30 hours of participant observation at an urban male strip club, we establish a two-part typology that illuminates the differences in behavior among women. Additionally, we find that while women enjoyed the voyeuristic elements of the show, this was secondary to the shared experience of being at the club with friends and "women bonding." This suggests that men and women patronize strip clubs for different reasons and that the show itself has different, gendered meanings.
Behavioural evidence that modafinil and amphetamine do not produce equivalent qualities of wake promotion in sleep-restricted rats

Introduction Performance effects of sleep restriction are generally assessed across three broad domains: cognitive performance, motor performance and mood. Within the domain of cognition, the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) provides a means to assess vigilant attentional capacity with low cognitive demand, allowing robust deficits following sleep restriction. Using rats, we directly compared equipotent doses of modafinil with amphetamine (in terms of their EEG wake-promoting effects) to access their capacity to reverse attention deficits following 11hrs of sleep restriction. Materials and methods During the PVT task, Reaction Time (RT) latencies are measured to the onset of an imperative light cue that signals food reward, occurring under a variable interval 5s schedule following a houselight preparatory cue. Previous in house studies have demonstrated marked behavioural deficits following 11 h automated biofeedback sleep restriction, where both median RTs slowed and omissions increased. Results Using PVT testing following such a sleep restriction protocol modafinil reversed the effects of sleep restriction with regard to trials completed and omissions. However, there was a pronounced increase in premature responding at the highest dose tested. Administration of amphetamine worsened the behavioural effects of sleep restriction, decreasing trials and increasing response omissions and median response latencies. Both modafinil and amphetamine produced similar wake-promoting effects with regard to EEG measurements. Conclusion In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that simple reaction time measures following sleep restriction can preclinically determine functional differences in wake-promoting compounds that would otherwise remain undetectable using EEG measurements alone. Acknowledgement I’d like to acknowledge Christopher Baxter for his technical involvement in this work.
A Novel Target of Proteasomal Degradation Induces Homeostatic Plasticity

Chronic manipulation of synaptic activity drives bidirectional alterations in synaptic efficacy. Compensatory tuning of presynaptic neurotransmitter release maintains levels of synaptic activity within an optimal range for efficient information processing. This homeostatic form of plasticity is apparent in cultured hippocampal neurons and appears to involve the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Examination of presynaptic mechanisms underlying homeostatic plasticity has identified multiple positive regulators of exocytosis subject to proteasomal degradation. However, homeostatic compensation can involve up- or down-regulation of exocytosis and substantially less is known of the negative regulation of vesicle release. Tomosyn, a presynaptically active SNARE protein, is unique in that it is cytosolic and serves to potently inhibit vesicle release at central synapses. Proteomic analysis of tomosyn revealed an interaction with the E3 ubiquitin-ligase HRD1. Here we aim to test the hypothesis that the UPS serves as an activity-dependent mechanism to precisely regulate tomosyn proteostasis, and in turn manipulates exocytosis. Consistent with this hypothesis, endogenous tomosyn levels in cultured rat hippocampal neurons (18-25 DIV) increase following application of the proteasome inhibitors MG132 (50μM, 4h) and lactacystin (10μM, 4h). Moreover, our data indicate that the tomosyn-HRD1 interaction is activity-dependent, as chronic AMPAR blockade (CNQX, 24h) results in an increase in HRD1 co-immunoprecipitation with tomosyn and consequentially a decrease in overall tomosyn protein level. To assess tomosyn's role homeostatic plasticity we use an optical reporter of exocytosis, vGlut1-pHluorin. Results show that chronic activity blockade via CNQX (40μM, 24h) enhances vesicle release in response to a stimulus train (10Hz, 10s) as compared to non-stimulated controls. This effect is dependent upon tomosyn, as shRNA-mediated tomosyn knock-down mitigates the compensatory enhancement of exocytosis. These data strongly implicate tomosyn as a key presynaptic molecular target which is subject to regulation by the UPS and facilitates activity-dependent homeostatic plasticity.
A high temperature ODMR study of the two crystalline phases of benzil

Abstract We describe a fast ODMR technique, permitting study of phosphorescent triplet states at temperatures not accessible by the usual methods of optical detection. We observe discontinuities in the zero-field transition frequencies of benzil at its phase-transition temperature.
CARDIAC MYOPATHY, PROBABLY OF CONGENITAL ORIGIN. A CASE SIMULATING ANOMALOUS ORIGIN OF THE LEFT CORONARY ARTERY FROM THE PULMONARY TRUNK.

The clinical and pathologic findings are presented in a 1-year-old child with an unusual cardiac myopathy of the left ventricle. [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] The clinical findings suggested the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk. These features included insidious onset of cardiac failure in the first year of life, massive cardiomegaly with nearly normal pulmonary vasculature, absence of cyanosis and of a cardiac murmur, and electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic findings of left ventricular hypertrophy with severe myocardial ischemia or infarction. [see figure in the PDF file] Angiocardiograph studies, which did not support this diagnosis, revealed an aneurysmally dilated left ventricle with unusual internal septations and loculations. The necropsy showed concentric semicircular muscular ridges and grooves in the apical portion of the left ventricle and a peculiar fibrous endocardial network of the same chamber. It is sugge...
A Composite Likelihood Approach to Latent Multivariate Gaussian Modeling of SNP Data with Application to Genetic Association Testing

Many statistical tests have been proposed for case-control data to detect disease association with multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in linkage disequilibrium. The main reason for the existence of so many tests is that each test aims to detect one or two aspects of many possible distributional differences between cases and controls, largely due to the lack of a general and yet simple model for discrete genotype data. Here we propose a latent variable model to represent SNP data: the observed SNP data are assumed to be obtained by discretizing a latent multivariate Gaussian variate. Because the latent variate is multivariate Gaussian, its distribution is completely characterized by its mean vector and covariance matrix, in contrast to much more complex forms of a general distribution for discrete multivariate SNP data. We propose a composite likelihood approach for parameter estimation. A direct application of this latent variable model is to association testing with multiple SNPs in a candidate gene or region. In contrast to many existing tests that aim to detect only one or two aspects of many possible distributional differences of discrete SNP data, we can exclusively focus on testing the mean and covariance parameters of the latent Gaussian distributions for cases and controls. Our simulation results demonstrate potential power gains of the proposed approach over some existing methods.
Concretion morphologies reflecting diagenetic and epigenetic pathways

Abstract Due to complex physicochemical processes, concretions develop variable, but distinctive morphologies. Reflecting the state of the sediment in subsequent stages of diagenesis and epigenesis, they deserve a study and systematization in their own right. At the same time, concretional morphologies illustrate the effect of hierarchic self-organization, which is a basic element also in biological evolution.
A PC program for growth prediction in the context of Rao's polynomial growth curve model.

We consider the problem of growth prediction in the context of Rao's (l) one-sample polynomial growth curve model and provide a PC program, written in GAUSS, to perform the associated computations. Specifically, the problem considered is that of estimating the value of the measurement under consideration for a "new" individual at the Tth time point given measurements on that individual at T- 1 previous points in time and the values of the measurement on N "similar" individuals at al1 T time points. The times of measurement t, , fz, . , tT need not be equally spaced, but we assume that each of the N individuals comprising the normative sample were measured at these times. The method and the program are illustrated using the leave-one-out method on a sample of N = 12 male rhesus monkeys whose mandibular ramus height was measured five times at yearly intervals.
Euclidean metrics for motion generation on SE(3)

AbstractPrevious approaches to trajectory generation for rigid bodies have been either based on the so-called invariant screw motions or on ad hoc decompositions into rotations and translations. This paper formulates the trajectory generation problem in the framework of Lie groups and Riemannian geometry. The goal is to determine optimal curves joining given points with appropriate boundary conditions on the Euclidean group. Since this results in a two-point boundary value problem that has to be solved iteratively, a computationally efficient, analytical method that generates near-optimal trajectories is derived. The method consists of two steps. The first step involves generating the optimal trajectory in an ambient space, while the second step is used to project this trajectory onto the Euclidean group. The paper describes the method, its applications and its performance in terms of optimality and efficiency.
Fetal cardiovascular and catecholamine responses to hypoxemia after chemical sympathectomy.

Summary: Chemical sympathectomy was performed in fetal lambs in utero by daily intravenous administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (6HD) until a total dose of 60-70 mg/kg was reached. The completeness of adrenergic denervation was confirmed by the absence of any cardiovascular response to tyramine infusion. Baseline plasma catecholamine concentrations in normoxemic, sympathectomized fetuses were slightly higher than controls but the differences were not statistically significant. The concentration of norepinephrine (NE) was 313 ± 73 pg/ml after 6HD administration compared with 259 ± 25 pg/ml in control animals. Similarly, the concentration of epinephrine (E) was 39 ± 15 pg/ml (6HD) versus 21 ± 4 pg/ml (control). These mildly elevated catecholamine levels were accompanied by a small but significant increase in resting blood pressure (BP) (P < 0.05). Heart rate (HR), however, was no different from control. Hypoxemia induced a marked increase in plasma catecholamines in control animals (NE, 2416 ± 419 pg/ml and E, 2017 ± 749 pg/ml) along with hypertension and bradycardia. Sympathectomized fetuses maintained a profound NE response to hypoxemia (NE, 1550 ± 261 pg/ml) but a significant reduction in peak E response was observed (E, 244 ± 42 pg/ml, P < 0.05). HR and BP responses to hypoxemia were generally similar to control animals though there appeared to be a brief 1-3-min lag period between the nadir of the bradycardia and the peak of the BP response. We conclude that the generalized chemical sympathectomy after 6HD administration in the fetal lamb in utero is useful in evaluating the interaction of the autonomic nervous system and adrenal medullary function on the regulation of the fetal cardiovascular system.
Dissolution kinetics of cholesterol in simulated bile II: Influence of simulated bile composition

Normal human gallbladder bile and gallbladder bile of patients undergoing chenodeoxycholic acid therapy were simulated by using appropriate combinations of taurine and glycine conjugates of cholic, chenodeoxycholic, and deoxycholic acids. Also, the total bile acid concentration and the total bile acid to lecithin ratio were varied over physiological ranges. Dissolution rates of cholesterol monohydrate pellets (model gallstone) in these solutions were 90–99% interfacially controlled. Even under conditions favorable for dissolution, i.e., high bile acid concentration and high bile acid to lecithin ratio, the interfacial resistances were extremely large. These results are of the same order of magnitude as those found in the limited studies with actual gallbladder bile and suggest that the bile acids, lecithin, and the electrolytes are the primary determinants of the interfacial resistance for cholesterol dissolution. Furthermore, the kinetics of dissolution were always much faster with the chenodeoxycholic acid-rich compositions than with the corresponding normal compositions. This finding suggests, therefore, that in addition to desaturating bile with respect to cholesterol, the feeding of chenodeoxycholic acid further facilitates cholesterol gallstone dissolution by reducing the interfacial resistance of the process.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN NEONATAL DRUG EXPOSURE (NDE) AT AN INNER CITY MEDICAL CENTER. 1553

The exact incidence of NDE remains unknown mainly due to lack of uniform standards. We studied the extent and pattern for four yrs at this med. ctr. with third highest rate of HIV in N.Y. Dx was based on urine toxicology (UT) Maternal Hx of drug use (MHD) & neonates' Px. Included were all NICU admissions in 92 & 93 and only selective pts with high risks such as MHD. STD & lack of prenat. care, in 94 & 95. UT was evaluated for cocaine(COC), opiate & others. Results (Table) showed that the incidence increased from 92 to 93 (p<0.05) and between 94 & 95(P<0.02). The incidence in 1995 is highest ever reported from anywhere. Coc was most common, 66% to 88% but its incidence declined (P<001) in 1993. MHD was positive in about 2/3 & Px of neonate in about 4.5%. We conclude that 1) NDE may be highest in our neighborhood, 2) Coc remains the predominant drug, 3) MHD as indicator for diagnostic UT is inadequate for uncovering all cases. 4) Universal screening seems necessary at high risk medical centers.
An Experimental Study of Factors Influencing the Acceptability of Dating Violence

This study examined the relative acceptability of dating violence. Using an experimental design, subjects read descriptions of dating violence that varied according to the seriousness of the relationship, the sex of the perpetrator, and the setting in which the violence took place. Subjects were more tolerant of violent behavior when the depicted relationship was serious and when the perpetrator was female. Relationship status affected not only acceptability but also the appropriateness of various actions that might be taken following the episode, particularly those that would alter or end the relationship. Violent behavior by a male was judged to be less acceptable, more injurious, and more criminal. In addition, relative to female victims, male victims were seen as needing less recourse or redress. Male and female subjects presented essentially similar histories of dating violence (both victimization and perpetration), and previous experience did not affect responses to the dating scenarios.
Automatic formation deployment of decentralized heterogeneous multi-robot networks with limited sensing capabilities

Heterogeneous multi-robot networks require novel tools for applications that require achieving and maintaining formations. This is the case for distributing sensing devices with heterogeneous mobile sensor networks. Here, we consider a heterogeneous multi-robot network of mobile robots. The robots have a limited range in which they can estimate the relative position of other network members. The network is also heterogeneous in that only a subset of robots have localization ability. We develop a method for automatically configuring the heterogeneous network to deploy a desired formation at a desired location. This method guarantees that network members without localization are deployed to the correct location in the environment for the sensor placement.