cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Approximate maximum likelihood estimation of scanning observer templates

In localization tasks, an observer is asked to give the location of some target or feature of interest in an image. Scanning linear observer models incorporate the search implicit in this task through convolution of an observer template with the image being evaluated. Such models are becoming increasingly popular as predictors of human performance for validating medical imaging methodology. In addition to convolution, scanning models may utilize internal noise components to model inconsistencies in human observer responses. In this work, we build a probabilistic mathematical model of this process and show how it can, in principle, be used to obtain estimates of the observer template using maximum likelihood methods. The main difficulty of this approach is that a closed form probability distribution for a maximal location response is not generally available in the presence of internal noise. However, for a given image we can generate an empirical distribution of maximal locations using Monte-Carlo sampling. We show that this probability is well approximated by applying an exponential function to the scanning template output. We also evaluate log-likelihood functions on the basis of this approximate distribution. Using 1,000 trials of simulated data as a validation test set, we find that a plot of the approximate log-likelihood function along a single parameter related to the template profile achieves its maximum value near the true value used in the simulation. This finding holds regardless of whether the trials are correctly localized or not. In a second validation study evaluating a parameter related to the relative magnitude of internal noise, only the incorrect localization images produces a maximum in the approximate log-likelihood function that is near the true value of the parameter.
Flexible implant resection arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint in patients with systemic inflammatory arthritis

Abstract Forty proximal interphalangeal joint silicone elastomer flexible implant arthroplasties in 19 patients with systemic inflammatory arthritis were reviewed. The follow-up period averaged 94 months. Before surgery, the average arc of motion was 26° for the 20 digits with boutonniere deformities and 23° for the 16 digits with swan-neck deformities. Eight digits had moderate (grade 2) pain, and four digits had severe (grade 3) pain. After surgery, the deformity was completely corrected in six digits. Digits with a preoperative boutonniere deformity (20 digits) achieved the same (26°) arc of motion after surgery, whereas those with a preoperative swanneck deformity (16 digits) actually lost 18°. Six digits had moderate pain and one digit had severe pain at the final follow-up evaluation. Thirteen digits (7 patients) with a boutonniere deformity before surgery and a concurrent or previous silastic metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty had significantly better results than those without. Overall, there were 12 good, 18 fair, and 10 poor results. Based on this study, flexible silicone implant arthroplasty has a limited role in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joints affected by systemic inflammatory arthritis. When performing the arthroplasty, attention should be directed first toward correction of the deformity at the metacarpophalangeal joint.
Can patients tell when they are unwanted? "Turfing" in residency training.

Abstract Objectives: When a physician believes that the troubles of caring for a patient outweigh the rewards, he or she can move—“turf”, the unwanted patient from his or her own to another physician’s territory. Physicians receiving such patients can feel burdened by, and resentful about, caring for those who are “turfed” to them by other physicians, yet little is known about the effects such “turf battles” have on patient care. This study aims to discover if “turfed” patients (TPs) experience their hospitalizations differently from patients whose admissions are perceived more favorably by their physicians. Design: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Population: Twenty Six English-speaking patients on a medical service in a tertiary care university hospital. Outcomes: Hospitalization experiences based on qualitative thematic analysis of interview audiotapes and transcripts. Results : The experience of patients perceived as “turfs” differed from patients deemed more appropriately admitted in two areas: mode of admission and tone of interview themes. TPs were admitted via the emergency department or intra-hospital transfer; unlike the “appropriate” patients (APs), none came from outside hospitals. Although patients in both groups voiced many similar themes, nearly all TP interview themes were unfavorable. AP interviewees, by comparison expressed both favorable and unfavorable themes. TPs were direct and explicit about their anger and frustration, while APs mixed humor with complaints. Conclusions: “Turfed” patients may have different care experiences from those of patients deemed appropriate for a medical service. Inter-specialty barriers to collegiality and relationship-centered care shape physicians’ perceptions of patient appropriateness and desirability and merit further large-scale exploration.
Aberrant Responses to Muscle Relaxants Produced by Diseases or Drugs

A BERRANT RESPONSES to neuromuscular blocking drugs can occur in apparently healthy as well as in critically ill patients. There are a variety of abnormal responses, ranging from prolonged paralysis necessitating supportive ventilation, to sensitivity and/or resistance to various relaxants, and to lethal fluxes of potassium with or without rhabdomyolysis. Causes include (1) changes in number or type of acetylcholine receptors (AChR), that is, up-regulation or down-regulation; (2) myopathies, which are muscle disorders in which there is altered function or loss of functioning motor units; (3) acute hyperkalemia after succinylcholine (SCh) unrelated to up-regulation (trauma/shock, rhabdomyolysis); (4) complex muscle dysfunction seen in patients after chronic mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit; (5) alterations induced by chronic drug therapy (antibiotics, anticonvulsants, steroids), organ dysfunction (hepatic, renal disease), or age.
PKR and the ribosome compete for mRNA.

The RNA-activated protein kinase PKR inhibits translation initiation by sensing long viral double-stranded RNA. A new report indicates that PKR is also activated by a cellular mRNA, but only when ribosomes are not initiating translation.
INTERFERON-γ UP-REGULATES TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR 4 AND COOPERATES WITH LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE TO PRODUCE MACROPHAGE-DERIVED CHEMOKINE AND INTERFERON-γ INDUCIBLE PROTEIN-10 IN HUMAN BLADDER CANCER CELL LINE RT4

ABSTRACTPurpose: Previously we have reported that RT4, a well differentiated human bladder cancer line, increases the expression of macrophage derived chemokine (MDC) and interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) in response to IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In this study we examined the signal mechanisms for inducting these 2 chemokines in RT4 cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IFN-γ and TNF-α.Materials and Methods: MDC and IP-10 expression was evaluated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Signal molecule activation was examined by Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry.Results: LPS did not induce RT4 cells to produce IP-10 and MDC. However, LPS plus IFN-γ synergized the productions of the 2 chemokines. IFN-γ up-regulated the expression of TLR-4, which is an LPS binding receptor. Although LPS and IFN-γ alone marginally activated nuc...
A Saturnian atom.

In Bohr's original planetary model of the atom the electron moves along orbits of special geometric simplicity. While wave mechanics precludes the idea that a physical path could be ascribed to the electron, a classical or planetary atom can still be envisaged in which the electronic wavepacket neither spreads nor disperses as its center moves along the Kepler orbit, and this orbit is conned to a single plane in space. We show theoretically how an electronic wavepacket may be localized in this fashion in a similar way to ion confinement in a Penning trap. Because external fields are needed to keep the packet confined, a more fitting analogy than a planetary orbit is the motion of a charged dust grain in one of the rings of a giant planet such as Saturn.
Inclusion complexation of ziprasidone mesylate with β-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic agent indicated primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia. An intramuscular dosage form of ziprasidone was developed using β-cyclodextrin sulfobutyl ether (SBECD) to solubilize the drug by complexation. Inclusion complexation of ziprasidone mesylate (ZM) with SBECD was studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, Monte Carlo simulations, phase-solubility studies, and counterion titration. The results of the studies indicate that ZM, of which the counterion is not fully dissociated from the drug, forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with SBECD with the benzisothiazole group positioned in the cavity. A mathematical model was developed to calculate stability constants of inclusion complexes for the ion pair (Z+M−:SBECD) and the dissociated ionic form (Z+:SBECD) of ZM; the values were 7892 and 957 M−1, respectively. The model also allowed the dissociation constants of noncomplexed and complexed ZM to be calculated; the value of the former is 8-fold greater than the value of the latter. These results indicate that the inclusion complex formation of the ion pair is favored over that of the dissociated ionic form of ZM, and that the dissociation of ZM is suppressed by inclusion complexation with SBECD.
OIL EXPOSURE AND EFFECTS IN SUBTIDAL FISH FOLLOWING THE EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL

ABSTRACT The assessment of oil exposure and resulting biological effects in subtidal fish following marine oil spills is a rather challenging task, due to difficulty in sampling and a lack of methodologies that allow direct determination of petroleum exposure. Because fish can rapidly metabolize petroleum hydrocarbons, standard chemical analyses are of little use for assessing exposure of fish to oil. However, methods are now available for measuring the metabolites of petroleum hydrocarbons in fish, as described elsewhere by Krahn and her colleagues. There have also been advances in determining early biochemical effects—such as induction of the cytochrome P450 system—and more severe biological effects—such as histopathological alterations and reproductive dysfunction—in fish species following exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons and related compounds. Accordingly, following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, we have been using these approaches and methodologies to measure oil exposure in subtidal fish species, tog...
Studies on the Mechanism of the Age-Related Change in Swelling Ability of Human Myocardium

Previous studies have shown that human myocardium loses its ability to swell at pH 11.2 with increasing age. This investigation indicated that the age-related difference does not exist at the subcellular level or after treatment with collagenase. Swelling did not correlate well with myofiber size or acid and base binding capacity. It was concluded that the increased rigidity with age is due to the development of a more rigid intercellular collagenous connective tissue.
Passive Permeability and P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Efflux Differentiate Central Nervous System (CNS) and Non-CNS Marketed Drugs

Membrane permeability and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) can be limiting factors for blood-brain barrier penetration. The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are differences in the in vitro permeability, Pgp substrate profiles, and physicochemical properties of drugs for central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS indications, and whether these differences are useful criteria in selecting compounds for drug development. Apparent permeability (P(app)) and Pgp substrate profiles for 93 CNS (n = 48) and non-CNS (n = 45) drugs were determined by monolayer efflux. Calcein-AM inhibition assays were used to supplement the efflux results. The CNS set (2 of 48, 4.2%) had a 7-fold lower incidence of passive permeability values 150 nm/s and not be a good (B --> A/A --> B ratio <2.5) Pgp substrate.
Comparison of a Vascular Study Group of New England Risk Prediction Model With Established Risk Prediction Models of In-Hospital Mortality After Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Background A certain number of deaths may result from elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair due to inherent risks of operation; however, no agreement exists about which predictive model for in-hospital mortality is most accurate in predicting these events. This study developed a risk prediction model using Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) data and compared it with established models. Methods VSGNE data (2003-2013) were queried for patients undergoing elective AAA repair by open or endovascular techniques. Clinical variables and known predictors of mortality were included in a full prediction model. Backward elimination with α = .2 was used to construct a parsimonious model. This VSGNE model was compared with established models—Medicare, Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS), and Vascular Governance North West (VGNW)—based on the scope of VSGNE data collection. Model fit was compared with the Vuong test. Model discrimination was compared in equally sized risk-group VSGNE terciles. Results The overall mortality rate for 4431 elective AAA patients was 1.4%. The discriminating ability of the VSGNE model was high (C statistic = 0.822) and corrected slightly to 0.779 after internal validation. Vuong tests yielded significant overall fit difference favoring the VSGNE model over the Medicare (C statistic = 0.769), VGNW (C statistic = 0.767), and GAS (C statistic = 0.685) models. The VGNW and Medicare models performed better than GAS in predicting mortality among risk-group terciles. Conclusions The VSGNE risk prediction model is best at forecasting mortality among this patient population. The Medicare and VGNW models showed good discrimination.
The encoding and retrieval of numerical data for decision making in accounting contexts: Model development

Abstract This paper presents a model that concerns the encoding and retrieval of numerical data in accounting decision-making contexts. The model identifies the forms of encoded representations used to capture numerical data in memory structures, indicates the relative retrievability of those encoded representations, and discusses factors that may affect encoding and retrieval processes. We argue that affective or evaluative reactions to numerical data are central to encoding and retrieval processes in accounting decision contexts. The basic tenets of the model are presented in 12 propositions that are supported by theoretical and empirical research in areas such as cognitive development, human memory, social cognition and human information processing. The propositions identify issues that are empirically testable, and as such, can provide a framework for research into the encoding and retrieval operations utilized when accounting decision makers consider numerical data.
Explaining growth of individual trees: Light interception and efficiency of light use by Eucalyptus at four sites in Brazil

The growth of wood in trees and forests depends on the acquisition of resources (light, water, and nutrients), the efficiency of using resources for photosynthesis, and subsequent partitioning to woody tissues. Patterns of efficiency over time for individual trees, or between trees at one time, result from changes in rates photosynthesis and shifts in the relative partitioning to wood. We measured the production ecology (stem growth, light interception, and light use efficiency) to explain patterns of growth among trees within plots through stand development, and tested three hypotheses: (1) dominant trees have higher light use efficiency than subordinate trees; (2) lower variation in the size distribution of trees within plots allows higher light use efficiency; and (3) uniform stand structure and high light use efficiency reduce the age-related decline in tree growth. The experiment used clonal plantations of Eucalyptus at four locations in eastern Brazil. Irrigation and fertilization treatments ensured the major resource limitation for tree growth would be light supply. The influence of variation in the sizes of trees within plots was tested by comparing plots with all trees planted in a single day (uniform treatment) with plots where planting was spread over 80 days (heterogeneous treatment). Light interception per tree was simulated with the MAESTRA model. Across sites, treatments and whole-rotation stand development, dominant trees showed higher rates of stem growth, light interception, and light use efficiency than subordinate trees (supporting the first hypothesis). For example, dominant trees (80th percentile rank) at the end of the rotation grew four-times faster than suppressed trees (20th percentile rank), as a result of 2.1-fold greater light interception, and 1.8-fold greater stem growth per unit of light interception. In some cases, greater variation among tree sizes within plots led to lower efficiency of light use by average-size trees, providing mixed evidence for the second hypothesis. Greater uniformity of sizes of trees within plots did not substantially mitigate the decline in stem growth from mid-rotation to the end of the rotation, refuting the third hypothesis. The high efficiency of dominant trees underscores the marginal contribution of subordinate trees to total stand growth, and should spur further work on thinning to increase growth and lengthen rotations for dominant trees.
Discovering spike patterns in neuronal responses

When a cortical neuron is repeatedly injected with the same fluctuating current stimulus (frozen noise) the timing of the spikes is highly precise from trial to trial and the spike pattern appears to be unique. We show here that the same repeated stimulus can produce more than one reliable temporal pattern of spikes. A new method is introduced to find these patterns in raw multitrial data and is tested on surrogate data sets. Using it, multiple coexisting spike patterns were discovered in pyramidal cells recorded from rat prefrontal cortex in vitro, in data obtained in vivo from the middle temporal area of the monkey (Buracas et al., 1998) and from the cat lateral geniculate nucleus (Reinagel and Reid, 2002). The spike patterns lasted from a few tens of milliseconds in vitro to several seconds in vivo. We conclude that the prestimulus history of a neuron may influence the precise timing of the spikes in response to a stimulus over a wide range of time scales.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS) Short Forms with Out-of-Home Care Youth.

There is a need for brief progress monitoring measures of behavioral and emotional symptoms for youth in out-of-home care. The Symptoms and Functioning Severity Scale (SFSS; Bickman et al. in Manual of the peabody treatment progress battery. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, 2010) is one measure that has clinician and youth short forms (SFSS-SFs); however, the psychometric soundness of the SFSS-SFs with youth in out-of-home care has yet to be examined. The objective was to determine if the psychometric characteristics of the clinician and youth SFSS-SFs are viable for use in out-of-home care programs. The participants included 143 youth receiving residential treatment and 52 direct care residential staff. The current study assessed internal consistency and alternate forms reliability for SFSS-SFs for youth in a residential care setting. Further, a binary classification test was completed to determine if the SFSS-SFs similarly classified youth as the SFSS full version for low- and elevated-severity. The internal consistency for the clinician and youth SFSS-SFs was adequate (α = .75–.82) as was the parallel forms reliability (r = .85–.97). The sensitivity (0.80–0.95), specificity (0.88–0.97), and overall accuracy (0.89–0.93) for differentiating low and elevated symptom severity was acceptable. The clinician and youth SFSS-SFs have acceptable psychometrics and may be beneficial for progress monitoring; however, more research is needed to assess their sensitivity to change over time in out-of-home programs.
Coping in Intimate Relationships: Development of the Multidimensional Intimate Coping Questionnaire:

Psychological correlates of the use of coping strategies in intimate relationships were investigated through the development of an objective self-report instrument, the Multidimensional Intimate Coping Questionnaire (MICQ). Preliminary results indicated that the 25 MICQ subscales had high internal consistency, that the subscales were uncontaminated by social desirability tendencies, that several demographic variables predicted the use of MICQ intimate coping strategies, and that the MICQ subscales were associated in predictable ways with other general measures of coping. Other findings revealed that several personality tendencies were related to specific coping tendencies: relational esteem was associated with positive, active coping strategies; relational depression was associated with avoidant strategies and self-criticism; relational obsession was associated with emotion-focused strategies and suppression of competing activities in order to focus on the relationship issue; relational consciousness was ...
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Neurotransmitter Agonist Honokiol in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Chronic airway inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, an immune-based disease with great societal impact. Honokiol (HNK), a phenolic neurotransmitter receptor (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) agonist purified from magnolia, has anti-inflammatory properties, including stabilization of inflammation in experimentally induced arthritis. The present study tested the prediction that HNK could inhibit the chronic inflammatory component of allergic asthma. C57BL/6 mice sensitized to and challenged with OVA had increased airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine challenge and eosinophilia compared with naive controls. HNK-treated mice showed a reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness as well as a significant decrease in lung eosinophilia. Histopathology studies revealed a marked drop in lung inflammation, goblet cell hyperplasia, and collagen deposition with HNK treatment. Ag recall responses from HNK-treated mice showed decreased proinflammatory cytokines in response to OVA, including TNF-α-, IL-6-, Th1-, and Th17-type cytokines, despite an increase in Th2-type cytokines. Regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β were also increased. Assessment of lung homogenates revealed a similar pattern of cytokines, with a noted increase in the number of FoxP3(+) cells in the lung. HNK was able to alter B and T lymphocyte cytokine secretion in a γ-aminobutyric acid type A-dependent manner. These results indicate that symptoms and pathology of asthma can be alleviated even in the presence of increased Th2 cytokines and that neurotransmitter agonists such as HNK have promise as a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of chronic asthma.
Assembly of fibronectin extracellular matrix.

In the process of matrix assembly, multivalent extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are induced to self-associate and to interact with other ECM proteins to form fibrillar networks. Matrix assembly is usually initiated by ECM glycoproteins binding to cell surface receptors, such as fibronectin (FN) dimers binding to α5β1 integrin. Receptor binding stimulates FN self-association mediated by the N-terminal assembly domain and organizes the actin cytoskeleton to promote cell contractility. FN conformational changes expose additional binding sites that participate in fibril formation and in conversion of fibrils into a stabilized, insoluble form. Once assembled, the FN matrix impacts tissue organization by contributing to the assembly of other ECM proteins. Here, we describe the major steps, molecular interactions, and cellular mechanisms involved in assembling FN dimers into fibrillar matrix while highlighting important issues and major questions that require further investigation.
Economic impacts of federal policy responses to drought in the Rio Grande Basin

region’s scarce water supply. This paper presents an analysis of the impacts of severe and sustained drought and of minimum in-stream flow requirements to support endangered species in the Rio Grande watershed. These impacts are investigated by modeling the physical and institutional constraints within the Rio Grande Basin and by identifying the hydrologic and economic responses of all major water users. Water supplies, which include all major tributaries, interbasin transfers, and hydrologically connected groundwater, are represented in a yearly time step. A nonlinear programming model is developed to maximize economic benefits subject to hydrologic and institutional constraints. Results indicate that drought produces considerable impacts on both agriculture and municipal and industrial (MI) uses in the Rio Grande watershed. In-stream flow requirements to support endangered species’ habitat produce the largest impacts on agricultural water users in New Mexico and Texas. Hydrologic and economic impacts are more pronounced when in-stream flow requirements dictate larger quantities of water for endangered species’ habitat. Higher in-stream flow requirements for endangered species in central New Mexico cause considerable losses to New Mexico agriculture above Elephant Butte Reservoir and to MI users in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Those same in-stream flow requirements reduce drought damages to New Mexico agriculture below Elephant Butte Reservoir and reduce the severity of drought damages to MI users in El Paso, Texas. Results provide a framework for formulating federal policy responses to drought in the Rio Grande Basin.
Mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) leucokinin receptor is critical for in vivo fluid excretion post blood feeding

The evolution of the blood feeding adaptation in mosquitoes required hormonal coordination of multiple physiological processes (behavior, digestion, diuresis, oogenesis). The Aedes kinins (leucokinin-like neuropeptides) are involved in post blood feeding physiological processes, having diuretic and myotropic functions. To understand the in vivo contribution of the kinin receptor to overall female post-prandial fluid excretion, RNAi knockdown was followed by fluid secretion assays which proved its fundamental role in rapid diuresis. The Aedes kinin receptor was also localized in several tissues not previously reported in mosquitoes. Results highlight the integrative role of the Aedes kinins in the success of the blood feeding adaptation.
Effect of N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine on exercise-induced cardiac adaptations

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise-induced cardiac adaptations would be attenuated by the free radical scavenger N-2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 9-13 per group) for 3-4 wk: sedentary (S), S+MPG (100 mg/kg ip daily), exercised on a treadmill (E) (60 min/day, 5 days/wk, at a speed of 20 m/min up a 6° grade in a 6°C room), or E+MPG given 10 min prior to exercise. Additional rats (n = 55) were used to determine acute exercise effects on myocardial redox state [nonprotein nonglutathione sulfhydryls (NPNGSH)] and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation. Compared with S, NPNGSH levels were 48% lower in E (P 0.05). MPG also attenuated exercise-induced activation of the signaling proteins Akt and S6. Hearts from the 4-wk groups were weighed, and cardiac function was evaluated using an isolated perfused working heart preparation. Similar increases (P < 0.05) in both exercised groups were observed for heart weight and heart weight-to-body weight ratio. Cardiac function improved in E vs. S, as indicated by greater (P < 0.05) external work performed (cardiac output × systolic pressure) and efficiency of external work (work/Vo(2)). MPG prevented these exercise-induced functional improvements. Skeletal muscle mitochondria content increased to similar levels in E and E+MPG. This study provides evidence that free radicals do not play an essential role in the development of exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy; however, they appear to be involved in functional cardiac adaptations, which may be mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Newborn Pulse Oximetry Screening to Detect Critical Congenital Heart Disease

Objectives To describe current practice and clarify provider opinion in the US with regard to newborn pulse oximetry screening (NPOx) for critical congenital heart disease. Study design An internet-based questionnaire was forwarded to general pediatricians, neonatologists, and family medicine physicians. Physicians were surveyed regarding involvement in newborn medicine, knowledge of NPOx recommendations, and opinions regarding screening. NPOx protocol specifics were also queried. Results Survey responses (n = 481) were received with 349 respondents involved in newborn medicine. Forty-nine percent (95% CI 44%-54%) of those involved in newborn medicine practice at a hospital with a NPOx protocol. Sixty-six percent of providers endorsed it as an effective tool, 20% required more education, 11% questioned its sensitivity, and 3% had no opinion. Sixty-five percent of providers were aware of recent state legislation mandating its use and 46% reported awareness of the addition of NPOx to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. Eighty-four percent of providers who practice at a hospital without a NPOx protocol were interested in its implementation. NPOx protocols varied and were not uniform with differences in time of test, location of probe, and values considered positive. Conclusions NPOx has grown in its prevalence and acceptance in clinical practice, yet is far from universal in its application and design despite the recent American Academy of Pediatrics endorsement and its addition to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. The majority of physicians involved in newborn medicine deemed it an effective tool.
Enzymic characterization of Golgi-rich fractions from rat submaxillary-sublingual glands.

Isolation of Golgi-enriched subcellular fractions from rat submaxillar-sublingual glands was achieved by using a combination of differential and discontinuous sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation. Each fraction was characterized by enzyme markers, including three glycosyltransferaseas: galactosyltransferase, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase. Golgi fractions enriched in the latter two enzymes were further studied using bovine, porcine, and rat submaxillary mucins and their trifluoroacetic-acid-treated materials as acceptors. Treatment of the intact mucins with trifluoroacetic acid yielded two protein fractions, one with a hexosamine content of about 15%, and the other virtually free of sugars. Only intact bovine mucin and the hexosamine-containing acceptor protein were efficient substrates for either hexosaminyl transfer. Ultrafilterable peptides derived from rat submaxillary-sublingual glands showed high acceptor activity for both N-acetylhexosamines in the presence of Golgi-rich fraction 2.
Upregulated renal adenosine A1 receptors augment PKC and glucose transport but inhibit proliferation

Adenosine A1 receptor densities were increased in cultured LLC-PK1 and OK cells by chronic treatment with the adenosine receptor antagonists 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (caffeine, 1 mM) and 1,3-dimethyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine [cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT), or = 0.1 mM) inhibited cell proliferation for the first 10 days, then cell growth assumed a normal proliferative rate despite continued presence of antagonist. Cytosolic protein kinase C (PKC) beta-isoform immunoactivity and PKC-beta II mRNA were elevated at least twofold during 10 days of 0.1 mM CPT or 1 mM caffeine treatment. The sustained elevation in sodium-glucose symport and PKC activity observed with adenosine receptor antagonists was similar to acute (2-h) effects of the adenosine A1 agonist R(-)-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 0.1-1 microM). Moreover, cell proliferation was increased by adenosine (0.1 microM R-PIA), whereas Na-K-adenosinetriphosphatase activity was unaltered with chronic antagonist or acute adenosine treatments. Caffeine treatment may have some non-adenosine A1 receptor-mediated actions, because it slightly (30%) augmented protein kinase A activity. It is concluded that chronic exposure of proximal tubule cells to caffeine or CPT augments PKC and sodium-glucose transport but retards cell proliferation mainly via adenosine A1 receptor-mediated mechanisms.
Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum, and Lycopersicon Species and Genetic Markers in Relation to Mite, Tetranychus marianae, Infestations

Tomato species Lycopersicon hirsutum PI 127826 and PI 127827 and L. peruvianum PI 251306 and PI 129145 had the lowest infestations of the mite, Tetranychus marianae McGregor, of the Lycopersicon species evaluated. All cultivated varieties of tomato, L. esculentum , interspecific crosses of L. esculentum × L. pimpinellfolium, L. pimpinellfolium , and L. glandulosum , and the remaining Plant Introductions in L. peruvianum and L. hirsutum were considered susceptible although variation was noted between lines within the species or interspecific crosses. No genetic markers of Lycopersicon were found resistant to mite infestations.
Flow Interactions of Small Cylindrical Protuberances and the Supersonic Turbulent Boundary Layer on a Flat Plate

This a combined experimental and computational study to evaluate the aerodynamic forces resulting from the interaction of small pin protuberances and the boundary layer of a flat plate in Mach 3.0 flow. Cylindrical pins with diameters of 2 mm and 6 mm were tested. The pin heights were 2 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm and they were tested on the flat plate with a turbulent boundary layer thickness of approximately 3 mm. The 2 mm diameter pin geometry was also tested in a group of four to assess mutual interference between neighboring pins. Oil flow, schlieren imagery, and pressure data were recorded on the nine pin configurations to capture a three dimensional understanding of the flow structures. The numerical results were calculated using a Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes code. The numerical results were compared to the experimental results for validation. Then they were used to predict the aerodynamic forces induced by a group of protuberances. This was a first step in assessing the possibility of using an array of independently deployable pin protuberances on a missile for flight control at supersonic speeds. Under this concept both the height and number of pins deployed could be controlled. The results showed that the scale of the upstream fluid structures is a function of the pin height to diameter ratio similar to previous studies. There were some fundamental changes in the flow downstream as the pin height was increased from within the boundary layer to outside the boundary layer. A periodic pressure of signal between 300 to 400 Hz was recordeded for all cases in the wake of the pin. The side force produced by the smaller pin ranges up to 1.2 N. The side force form the larger pin ranges up to 4.2 N. The drag forces for the smaller and larger pins ranged up to 0.87 N and 2.5 N respectively. To the first order the forces scaled to the product of the pin height and the combined width of the pins in each configuration.
A pneumatic approach to first stage acceleration for highly reusable space transportation systems

This paper describes the results of a ballistic analysis of the characteristics of a pneumatic first-stage launch system which could accelerate a vehicle/payload of specified size and mass to a desired final velocity within specified acceleration constraints. The constraints chosen for the study are (1) 65 metric ton vehicle mass, (2) -270 m/s (880 fps) velocity, and (3) constant 3-g acceleration profile. The ballistic problem is one of determining the required vehicle base pressure distribution as a function of residence time (distance) in the launch tube through solution of the vehicle equation of motion. The vehicle aerodynamic drag may be either internal (sabot configuration) or a combination of internal and external drag (catapult configuration). In certain instances utilizing a sabot, the launch tube may be evacuated, so that aerodynamic drag is negligible.
Atypical performance patterns on Delis–Kaplan Executive Functioning System Color–Word Interference Test: Cognitive switching and learning ability in older adults

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cognitive set shifting requires flexible application of lower level processes. The Delis–Kaplan Executive Functioning System (DKEFS) Color–Word Interference Test (CWIT) is commonly used to clinically assess cognitive set shifting. An atypical pattern of performance has been observed on the CWIT; a subset of individuals perform faster, with equal or fewer errors, on the more difficult inhibition/switching than the inhibition trial. This study seeks to explore the cognitive underpinnings of this atypical pattern. It is hypothesized that atypical patterns on CWIT will be associated with better performance on underlying cognitive measures of attention, working memory, and learning when compared to typical CWIT patterns. Method: Records from 239 clinical referrals (age: M = 68.09 years, SD = 10.62; education: M = 14.87 years, SD = 2.73) seen for a neuropsychological evaluation as part of diagnostic work up in an outpatient dementia and movement disorders clinic were sampled. The standard ...
Feedlot performance, carcass traits, and palatability traits of Hereford and Hereford x Brahman steers.

Short-yearling steers of known genotypes-straightbred Hereford (100H, n = 80) 75% Hereford x 25% Brahman (75H :25B, n = 80), and 50% Hereford x 50% Brahman (50H :50B, n = 80)-were sampled serially at four time-on-feed endpoints (84, 98, 112, 126 d) to compare feedlot performance and carcass and palatability traits of Hereford and Hereford x Brahman steers. After slaughter, USDA yield grade and quality grade factors were recorded, and a portion of the longissimus muscle was removed from the left side of each carcass and fabricated into four 2.54-cm steaks for palatability analyses. Paired steaks from each carcass were aged (6 and 18 d after death), and sensory panel and shear force evaluations were performed. At a constant live weight, 100H steers had higher ADG and produced less mature carcasses with smaller longissimus muscle areas and higher marbling scores than did 75H :25B and 50H : 50B steers. The 50H :50B steers had the highest (P < .05) values for dressing percentage. Loin steak tenderness and juiciness decreased (P <.05) and shear force values increased (P <.05) as the percentage of Brahman breeding increased. Extending the postmortem aging period from 6 to 18 d improved shear force values by 20% and panel tenderness ratings by approximately 14%. Beef from steers of the three breeds responded similarly to aging. When Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) specifications were applied, steaks from 100H steers and 75H :25B steers had similar shear force values, suggesting that beef from quarter-blood Brahman crossbred steers could be included in the CHB Program without detrimental effects on product tenderness.
GOBI-FFF: UNICEF-WHO initiatives for child survival

Each of us has seen news reports about the recurring and ever present plight of children who are the innocent victims of natural and man-made disasters. It is hard to turn away, and even harder to contemplate the magnitude of the tragedy and our sense of helplessness to affect long-lasting change. Yet, less well-known are the deaths attributed to diarrhea in the United States—approximately 500 deaths per year on average between 1973 to 1983.1
Development of patient medication instruction cards

The development of patient medication instruction cards for use in patient education is described. Writing of the cards, their use in practice and predischarge teaching are discussed.
Risk-Averse Agent

What if the agent is risk-averse. Fluctuations of the agent’s revenue stream occur because the principal’s equipment unit can be either in state 0 (‘operational’) or in state 1 (‘down’). In the operational state the penalty rate is 0, whereas in the down state the penalty rate is p. In other words, the penalty rate at any point of time can be modeled as pB where B is a Bernoulli random variable of value 0 with probability \(P(0) =\mu /(\lambda +\mu )\) and value 1 with probability \(P(1) =\lambda /(\lambda +\mu )\). The dispersion of B decreases as P(1) moves away from 1∕2 in either direction. Denote momentarily a ≡ P(1).
Mutation screening of DUOX2 in Chinese patients with congenital hypothyroidism.

Background Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common neonatal endocrine disorder in infancy. Dual oxidase 2 gene (DUOX2) mutations have been reported to be one of the leading genetic causes of CH.
Mitigating poisoned content with forwarding strategy

Content poisoning attacks are a significant problem in Information Centric Networks (ICN), such as Named Data Networking. In a content poisoning attack, an attacker injects bogus content into the network with a legitimate name. While users will reject the content because of signature mismatch, the network is largely unaware of the problem due to the computational burden of on the fly packet verification. Thus, subsequent requests may continued to be answered by bogus content and constitute a denial of service attack. While NDN could resist poisoned content by putting restrictions on prefix advertisement, the latter interferes with the “content from anywhere” principle, which we consider to be a great advantage of NDN. This work explores the problem of content poisoning in depth and surveys the state of the art in mitigation mechanisms. We then present a novel system for detecting, reporting, and avoiding poisoned content that leverages the verification work that users must do anyways. We also propose the use of evasion strategies: pre-processor modules that assist forwarding strategy in avoiding bad content sources. We evaluate two evasion strategies, Immediate Failover and Probe First, that capture the spectrum of possible solutions to avoiding bad content.
c-Fos Repression by Piwi Regulates Drosophila Ovarian Germline Formation and Tissue Morphogenesis.

Drosophila melanogaster Piwi functions within the germline stem cells (GSCs) and the somatic niche to regulate GSC self-renewal and differentiation. How Piwi influences GSCs is largely unknown. We uncovered a genetic interaction between Piwi and c-Fos in the somatic niche that influences GSCs. c-Fos is a proto-oncogene that influences many cell and developmental processes. In wild-type ovarian cells, c-Fos is post-transcriptionally repressed by Piwi, which destabilized the c-Fos mRNA by promoting the processing of its 3′ untranslated region (UTR) into Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). The c-Fos 3′ UTR was sufficient to trigger Piwi-dependent destabilization of a GFP reporter. Piwi represses c-Fos in the somatic niche to regulate GSC maintenance and differentiation and in the somatic follicle cells to affect somatic cell disorganization, tissue dysmorphogenesis, oocyte maturation arrest, and infertility.
Research Highlight: rSp0032 has multitasking, anti-pathogen binding activities that predicts a flexible and effective immune response in sea urchins mediated by the Sp185/333 system

The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus , possesses a sophisticated innate immune system that responds to microbes effectively by swift expression of the highly diverse Sp185/333 gene family. The encoded Sp185/333 proteins show significant sequence diversity and are predicted to have anti-pathogen functions. To address the anti-pathogen hypothesis, functional analysis of a recombinant Sp185/333 protein, rSp0032, shows that it exhibits specific binding to a marine Vibrio species and to Baker’s yeast but not to two Bacillus species. rSp0032 binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), β-1,3-glucan and flagellin but not to peptidoglycan. rSp0032 binding to LPS is competed by LPS, β-1,3-glucan and flagellin but not by peptidoglycan. In silico predictions suggest that rSp0032 is intrinsically disordered and its multiple binding targets suggest adoption of different conformations for binding to different PAMPs and pathogens. Based on rSp0032 binding to a range of targets, and that hundreds of different isoforms of Sp185/333 proteins are expressed in individual sea urchins, each may have different binding activities imparting a wide range of overlapping binding targets by this family of immune response proteins. The outcome may be very effective host protection against a broad array of potential pathogens in the marine environment.
Demonstration and Characterization of Human Intracellular Interleukin-1

Since the initial report by Unanue and Kiely (1977), others have also shown that in addition to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) released into the medium (extracellular, EC), mononuclear phagocytes (MP) and related cell lines also contain high levels of intracellular (IC) IL-1 activity which can be measured following lysis of the cells (Mizel and Rosenstreich, 1979; Gery et al., 1981a; Iribe et al., 1982).
Molecular Analysis of Protein–Phosphoinositide Interactions

Diverse biological processes including cell growth and survival require transient association of proteins with cellular membranes. A large number of these proteins are drawn to a bilayer through binding of their modular domains to phosphoinositide (PI) lipids. Seven PI isoforms are found to concentrate in distinct pools of intracellular membranes, and this lipid compartmentalization provides an efficient way for recruiting PI-binding proteins to specific cellular organelles. The atomic-resolution structures and membrane docking mechanisms of a dozen PI effectors have been elucidated in the last decade, offering insight into the molecular basis for regulation of the PI-dependent signaling pathways. In this chapter, I summarize the mechanistic aspects of deciphering the ‘PI code’ by the most common PI-recognizing domains and discuss similarities and differences in the membrane anchoring mechanisms.
Pluripotent stem cells in neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric disorders place an enormous medical burden on patients across all social and economic ranks. The current understanding of the molecular and cellular causes of neuropsychiatric disease remains limited, which leads to a lack of targeted therapies. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers a novel platform for modeling the genetic contribution to mental disorders and yields access to patient-specific cells for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Here, we review recent progress in using iPSC technology to model and potentially treat neuropsychiatric disorders by focusing on the most prevalent conditions in psychiatry, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The Relative Efficacy of Thermal and Acidification Stresses on the Survival of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria Monocytogenes in Ground Beef

To provide additional insights on pathogen survival, we evaluated the relative efficacy of acidification (pH 2.7), thermophilic treatment (55 °C), and low temperature pasteurization (68 °C) on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in ground beef. A series of experiment was conducted under biosafety level 3 environments for assessing the impacts of heat and low pH on pathogen survival. Results showed that 5-log reductions of E. coli O157:H7 could take more than 2640 min at 55 °C, 134 min at 68 °C and 120 min under pH 2.7. Compared to E. coli O157:H7, the 5-log reduction of Salmonella was obtained in 4836, 126, 86 min at 55 °C, 68 °C, and pH 2.7, respectively. The 5-log reduction of Listeria was achieved in 4704, 200, and 115 min under 55 °C, 68 °C, and pH 2.7, respectively. The results of this study will provide additional insights for developing improved methods for controlling pathogens in ground beef.