cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of 2-methylisoborneol on cytochrome P450 expression in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) is a natural product produced by an assortment of microorganisms that inhabit ponds used for the raising of various fish species, including the channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). This and other compounds are the causative agents responsible for “off-flavor” in fish aquaculture. The similarity in structure to the cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase substrate, camphor indicated that this enzyme system may be responsible for the metabolism of MIB in catfish. Juvenile catfish (200 g) were exposed to 10 ppm of MIB for 24 h. Another group of catfish received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg MIB 24 h prior to cytochrome P450 examination. Cytochrome P450 content was measured spectrally and by Western-blot analyses using anti-trout P450 polyclonal antibodies in the liver of each animal and the pooled kidneys of each group and compared to the appropriate controls. Total cytochrome P450 content as measured spectrally was not affected by treatment with MIB in either liver or kidney. However, specific isoenzymes were differentially expressed in each tissue. For example, in kidneys of animals injected with MIB, CYP IA was induced almost 2-fold, while CYP IA was unchanged in animals given water-borne MIB. In the livers of animals from water-borne MIB exposures, an 81% increase in a CYP 2K1 orthologous form was observed. Repression of various constitutive P450s were also seen. Significant differences in isoform expression were observed between injected fish and those receiving water-borne exposures of MIB. These results suggest that MIB caused the upregulation and downregulation of various cytochrome P450 isoforms in the liver and kidney of channel catfish. Moreover, kidney P450 (CYP IA) and/or a liver CYP 2K1 orthologue may play a role in the biotransformation of MIB to water-soluble metabolites and subsequently enhance its elimination.
CONTROLLING SIZE AND YIELD OF ZEOLITE Y NANOCRYSTALS USING TETRAMETHYLAMMONIUM BROMIDE

Abstract In this study, we developed an alternative synthesis technique for the production of small colloidal zeolite Y nanocrystals. By adding tetramethylammonium bromide as a second source of organic template, we were able to decouple and investigate the effect of two important synthesis parameters, tetramethylammonium concentration and anion concentration. Optimizing these two parameters allowed us to hydrothermally synthesize highly crystalline zeolite Y in a disperse nanocrystal form with a controllable particle size of 32–120 nm. Crystals hydrothermally synthesized with a 1.00Al 2 O 3 –4.35SiO 2 –2.40(TMA) 2 O(2OH − )–1.2(TMA) 2 O(2Br − )–0.048Na 2 O–249.00H 2 O (T3.6) solution composition were 45% smaller by volume after 54 h of crystallization at 100 °C and were obtained with ≈73% more yield (g zeolitic Al 2 O 3 + SiO 2 /g synthesis Al 2 O 3 + SiO 2 ) than crystals synthesized with a 1.00Al 2 O 3 –4.35SiO 2 –2.40(TMA) 2 O(2OH − )–0.048Na 2 O–249.00H 2 O (T2.4) composition. After 216 h, T3.6 syntheses contained 37 nm crystals with 180% higher yield than that of T2.4 syntheses at 54 h (38 nm crystals, 0.044 g zeolitic Al 2 O 3 + SiO 2 /g synthesis Al 2 O 3 + SiO 2 ). The mechanisms involved in the observed crystal size decrease and yield improvement are discussed. A detailed characterization of our zeolite Y nanocrystals is given, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N 2 adsorption, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, 29 Si magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance ( 29 Si MAS NMR) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP OES) elemental analyses.
Transient and steady natural convection from a heat source embedded in thermally stratified porous layer

Abstract Numerical results are presented for transient and steady natural convection from a heat source buried in a saturated, porous layer. The porous layer is thermally stratified with a negative temperature gradient but its corresponding Rayleigh number is not greater than that of the critical value (Rac = 40). The effects of the size of the heat source and its buried depth are also investigated. The results, which include the buoyancy-induced flow patterns and temperature profiles, as well as the heat transfer coefficient in terms of the Nusselt number, are presented for a wide range of Rayleigh number and stratification parameter. The results thus obtained have important implications for applications in geothermal energy and underground disposal of nuclear wastes.
Bioinformatic Networks: Molecular Reticles for Pinpointing Pharmacological Target Selection

Bridging centrality was developed as a novel metric to capitalize on rich biological networks and enable selection of therapeutically efficient, druggable candidates. Through incorporation of local and global network properties, targetable nodes are identified that harbor latent capacity to intercept informational flow without compromising systemic functionality. Translational implementation holds potential for increased therapeutic specificity and offers opportunities to add value to drug discovery and development through facilitation of individualized treatment. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 5, 543–545 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.181
Fusion Laser Engineering

John R. MurrayLawrence Livermore NationalLaboratoryNational Ignition Facility ProjectPO Box 808 L-462Livermore, California 94550E-mail: jrmurray65@alum.mit.eduJohn M. SouresUniversity of RochesterLaboratory for Laser EnergeticsNational Laser Users’ Facility250 East River RoadRochester, New York 14623E-mail: jsou@lle.rochester.edu
PROTEIN TRANSLOCATION ACROSS THE ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM

Abstract In the past year, dramatic progress has been made in our understanding of protein biogenesis at the initial steps of the eukaryotic secretomy pathway. New insights have refined our view of protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and provided the best glimpse so far of the subsequent translocation step. The interactions of three GTP-binding proteins have been found to result in a novel cycle of GTP binding and hydrolysis to regulate protein targeting. Experiments with fluorescent probes have revealed that the nascent chain enters an aqueous environment within the membrane sealed off from the cytosol. In vitro reconstitution experiments have shown surprising simplicity in the number of polypeptides required to facilitate translocation across a synthetic membrane and to promote the integration of membrane proteins. Furthermore, new genetic and functional similarities between divergent organisms have been discovered, providing convincing evidence of the evolutionary conservation of strategies used in the targeting and translocation of polypeptides.
Phases of professional development in consulting

The concept of career stages or phases is extended to the career progression challenges faced by consultants in professional service firms. Professions such as consulting typically have rigorous entry requirements, demand newcomers to be individual contributors and revenue generators early in their careers, and often enforce up‐or‐out advancement policies. The nature of the work done changes significantly with advancement with the more senior professionals being responsible for the generation of demand for the firm’s services, the management of projects and people, and leadership of the institution. None of these activities is typically part of the formal education required to become a consultant, nor of the standards governments may enforce for one to remain in practice. These work changes and progression challenges are explored within five phases of professional development phases that parallel the personal growth and job challenges one confronts in moving from newcomer to senior professional.
Coupled AC impedance and thermomechanical analysis of freezing phenomena in cement paste

Freezing and thawing properties of cement paste were studied using an alternating current impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) technique coupled with the thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The measurements from the ACIS were analyzed in association with the length change of the cement paste determined by TMA. The micro-scale behavior of cement paste observed by the ACIS technique was well correlated with the residual expansion of cement paste after the freezing and thawing cycle. The efficacy of the ACIS technique for assessing the durability of cement paste to frost action was confirmed.
Increased Diffusion Sensitivity With Hyperechos

It is shown that the introduction of a 180° refocusing pulse into a standard diffusion weighted stimulated echo sequence is equivalent to the simplest hyperecho sequence with identical diffusion weighting but equal or greater signal-to-noise (SNR) and thus equal or greater diffusion contrast. For high b-value imaging, the hyperecho sequence thus possesses the high diffusion contrast in the presence of small T1/T2 ratios characteristic of stimulated echo sequences but with less than the 50% loss in SNR that is associated with the stimulated echo. For low b-value imaging, the hyperecho signal converges to that of the standard spin echo. The advantages of the two-pulse diffusion weighted hyperecho sequence are demonstrated theoretically. Experimental results are shown in the application to high angular resolution diffusion encoding (HARD) in normal human brain. Magn Reson Med 49:
Predictors of self-efficacy for cognitive ability employment testing

This study examined predictors of initial levels and of changes in self-efficacy (S-E) for cognitive ability employment testing. The testing S-E of 287 job applicants at a utility company was measured before the test, immediately after, and again after pass/fail feedback. Being male, having been hired previously by cognitive ability tests, perceiving such tests as valid and fair, and general S-E were each positively related to initial levels of S-E (Time 1), but race was unrelated. From before- to after-test feedback, S-E increased for those who passed and decreased for those who failed. Failing had a greater negative effect on subsequent S-E for women and Whites (vs. men and minorities). Failing also had a smaller negative effect on S-E for those who had been hired previously by ability tests than for those who had never been hired by them before. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Long-term efficacy of pressure immobilization bandages in a porcine model of coral snake envenomation

Abstract Background Pressure immobilization bandages delay mortality for 8 hours after coral snake envenomation, but long-term efficacy has not been established. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the long-term efficacy of pressure immobilization bandages after coral snake envenomation in the absence of antivenom therapy. Methods A randomized, observational pilot study was conducted. Ten pigs (17.3-25.6 kg) were sedated, intubated for 5 hours, and injected subcutaneously with 10 mg of lyophilized Micrurus fulvius venom resuspended in water. Pigs were randomly assigned to a control group (no treatment) or a treatment group (compression bandage and splint) approximately 1 minute after envenomation. Bandage pressure was not controlled. Pigs were monitored daily for 21 days for signs of respiratory depression, decreased oxygen saturations, and paralysis. In case of respiratory depression, pigs were humanely euthanized and time to death recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve as appropriate. Results Median survival time of control animals was 307 minutes compared with 1172 minutes in treated animals ( P = .10). Sixty percent of pigs in the treatment group survived to 24 hours vs 0% of control pigs ( P = .08). Two of the treatment pigs survived to the end point of 21 days but showed necrosis of the distal lower extremity. Conclusions Long-term survival after coral snake envenomation is possible in the absence of antivenom with the use of pressure immobilization bandages. The applied pressure of the bandage is critical to allowing survival without necrosis. Future studies should be designed to accurately monitor the pressures applied.
Inhibition of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Activity Blocks Depolarization- and Insulin-like Growth Factor I-mediated Survival of Cerebellar Granule Cells*

Abstract Depolarizing concentrations of potassium promote the survival of many neuronal cell types including cerebellar granule cells. To begin to understand the intracellular mediators of neuronal survival, we have tested whether the survival-promoting effect of potassium depolarization on cerebellar granule cells is dependent on either mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3-K) activity. In 7-day cerebellar granule cell cultures, potassium depolarization activated both MAP kinase and PI-3-K. Preventing the activation of MAP kinase with the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 did not affect potassium saving. In contrast, the survival-promoting effect of 25 mM potassium was negated by the addition of 30 μM LY 294002 or 1 μM wortmannin, two distinct inhibitors of PI-3-K. The cell death induced by PI-3-K inhibition was indistinguishable from the cell death caused by potassium deprivation; LY 294002-induced death included nuclear condensation, was blocked by cycloheximide, and had the same time course as potassium deprivation-induced cell death. Cerebellar granule cells can also be maintained in serum-free medium containing either 100 ng/ml insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or 800 μM cAMP. PI-3-K inhibition completely blocked the survival-promoting activity of IGF-I, but had no effect on cAMP-mediated survival. These data indicate that the survival-promoting effects of depolarization and IGF-I, but not cAMP, require PI-3-K activity.
Technical Features of a Mathematics Concepts and Applications Curriculum-Based Measurement System

The purpose of this study was to investigate technical features of a curriculum-based measurement (CBM) system that addresses a concepts and applications mathematics curriculum (i.e., number concep...
Social Class and Adoption Petitioners

Although sociologists have studied the influence of social class upon education, mental illness, crime, organizational membership, friendship selections, and child rearing practices, little attention has been paid to the influence of social class upon legal processes. Legal processes are often concerned with defining and solving the social problems of a community. The types of legal problems experienced by the several social classes vary, as do the nature and number of contacts which people from different social classes have with attorneys. The ways in which legal institutions impinge upon and are used by members of different social classes is a fruitful issue for empirical study. The purpose of this study is to determine if social class exerts an influence upon adoption petitions. Do people from different social classes adopt children from different sources? Does the relationship of the adopted child to the adopting parents vary from one social class to another?
Analytical evaluation of primer engineered multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A

Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A are clinically relevant genetic risk factors for venous thrombosis. Analysis for both mutations is increasingly being performed on patients exhibiting hypercoagulability. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the performance of primer-engineered multiplex polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for the simultaneous detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A. Primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP methods for the detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A from the medical literature were reviewed. A modified method was optimized in which both mutations generate HindIII RFLPs and the prothrombin amplicon contains an invariant HindIII recognition site to assess the completeness of endonuclease digestion. Digested amplification products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis in a single gel lane and visualized by ethidium bromide. Primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP was used to analyze 205 human genomic DNA samples whose factor V Leiden genotypes had been previously determined by MnlI PCR-RFLP. Complete concordance for factor V Leiden genotypes was observed between the two methods in the 205-sample cohort comprising 139 wild-type, 62 heterozygous mutant, and four homozygous mutant individuals. For prothrombin G20210A, primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP identified 196 wild-type and nine heterozygous mutant individuals in the 205-sample cohort. To independently verify prothrombin genotypes, the nine heterozygous mutants and an additional 11 wild-type patient samples (representing 10% of patient samples) were subjected to DNA sequencing. Complete concordance was observed between DNA sequencing and primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP results. In further validation, 123 of the DNA samples consisting of four heterozygous mutant and 119 wild type individuals were genotyped with the Invader Assay for Factor II (prothrombin G20210A). Results showed 100% concordance between the Invader Assay™ and primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP. A primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP based on single restriction endonuclease digestion has been evaluated and shown to simultaneously and accurately detect factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations. The method is robust and readily adaptable to the clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory.
Effects of Feral Swine (Sus scrofa) on Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Nests in Louisiana

Abstract Rapid spread of the introduced Sus scrofa (Feral Hog) is a major concern for many landowners and land managers due to its destructive rooting behavior which damages natural habitats. Feral Swine have also been reported as infrequent predators of Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) eggs, with only seven nests lost in three prior studies combined (Fogarty 1974, Ruckel and Steele 1984, Woodward et al. 1992). In response to increasing reports by Louisiana landowners of Alligator nest losses due to Feral Swine, we sent a questionnaire addressing this issue to licensed Louisiana Alligator farmers who are permitted to collect eggs from wild nests. Over half (51.4%) of the farmers reported loss of Alligator nests in 2011; some 590 nests were damaged or destroyed on 36 separate properties across the state. Four farmers, some of whom have twenty or more years of experience collecting Alligator eggs, reported this is the first year in which they have lost nests to Feral Swine. Other farmers repo...
Restoring contaminated urban rivers using an intergovernmental, public‐private approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a new approach to restoring rivers in the USA that have been contaminated with hazardous substances.Design/methodology/approach – Both primary and secondary data and information were used. Primary data and information were gathered through interview processes with subject‐matter experts involved in restoration of contaminated rivers in the USA.Findings – Many urban rivers around the world contain severely contaminated sediments that adversely affect aquatic life and limit recreational and economic uses. It has been estimated, for example, that as many as 100 million tons of contaminated sediments are deposited annually in the waterways of Europe.Originality/value – The recently developed approach to restoring urban rivers in the USA might be usefully adopted for use in other industrialized nations around the world.
Mechanisms Responsible for a ΦX174 Mutant's Ability To Infect Escherichia coli by Phosphorylation

The ability for a virus to expand its host range is dependent upon a successful mode of viral entry. As such, the host range of the well-studied PhiX174 bacteriophage is dictated by the presence of a particular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the bacterial surface. The mutant PhiX174 strain JACS-K, unlike its ancestor, is capable of infecting both its native host Escherichia coli C and E. coli K-12, which does not have the necessary LPS. The conversion of an alanine to a very reactive threonine on its virion surface was found to be responsible for the strain's expanded host range.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE MEANINGS OF SPACE AND PLACE IN ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC CARE

Spatial human experiences such as confinement and freedom are important to acute psychiatric care. The physical space that inpatient psychiatric/mental health nurses and acute psychiatric patients share influences human relationships. The purpose of this paper is to explore the meanings of space and place in acute psychiatric settings, to discuss how these meanings affect human relationships, nurses' work environment and patients' perception of care, and to present how the design and use of nursing stations affects therapeutic relationships. We hope to encourage dialogue and research that will help clarify the meaning of space and place in acute care psychiatric units, and make for healthier work environments for nurses and healing care environments for patients.
Real-time generation of bit-wise parallel representations of over-sampled PRN codes

An algorithm has been developed that maps pseudo-random number codes onto a set of sample times and stores the results in a bit-wise parallel format. It allows bit-wise parallel software correlation of code-division multiple-access signals to be carried out using long pseudo-random number codes. Bit-wise parallel algorithms speed up software correlation by operating in parallel on multiple samples. The new algorithm uses table look-ups to over-sample a pseudo-random number code. It reduces the PRN code memory requirements of a GPS software receiver by a factor of 3.8 or more, maintains operational efficiency, and keeps code distortion low.
DISLOCATION NUCLEATION AT METAL-CERAMIC INTERFACES

later versions of the Rice-Thomson model, this competition may be evaluated in terms of the parameters G~, the energy release rate for cleavage of the metal-ceramic interface, and G~, the energy release rate associated with the emission of a single dislocation within the metal. The various models of dislocation nucleation are discussed, with emphasis on an approach which makes use of Peierls-like stress vs displacement relations on a slip plane ahead of a crack tip. A recent analytical result by Rice shows that for a mode II or III shear crack, with a slip plane parallel to the crack plane, a dislocation is emitted when G = ~,,~ (G is the energy release rate corresponding to the "screened" crack tip stress field and ~,,, is the "unstable stacking" energy a~sociated with the sliding of atomic planes past one another). This treatment permits the existence of an extended dislocation core, which eliminates the need for the core cutoff radii required by the Rice-Thomson model of emission. Results are presented here for the nucleation of dislocations under more realistic assumptions for metal-ceramic cracks, namely, the emission on inclined slip planes within a mixed-mode crack-tip field. The specific case of a copper crystal bonded on a {221} face to sapphire is analyzed, and the results are used to interpret the recent experimental observations of Beltz and Wang [Acta metall, mater. 40, 1675 (1992)] on directional toughness along this type of interface. R~emf--Le comportement fragile-ductile des interfaces m6tal/c~ramique est discut~ en supposant que la r6ponse mb~anique d'une fissure interfaciale est contr61~e finalement par la competition entre la dc~ml~sion atomique et la germinaton de dislocations en avant de l'extr~'mit~ de la fissure. Comme dans les deni~res versions due modele de Rice et Thomson, cette competition peut ~'tre ~valu~e en fonction du param~tre Golly., du taux de lib6ration de l'6nergle pour le clivage de l'interface m~tal/c~ramique et de G~a., le taux de liberation de 1'6nergle associ~e ~ l'~mission d'une seule dislocation ~ l'int~rieur du m6tai. Les difl'/~rents
The use of adaptive cluster sampling for hydroacoustic surveys

Resource managers are often required to estimate the size of a wildlife population based on sampling surveys. This problem is especially critical in fisheries, where stock-size estimation forms the basis for key policy decisions. This study looks at design-based methods for a hydroacoustic fisheries survey, with the goal of improving estimation when the target stock has a patchy spatial distribution. In particular, we examine the efficiency and feasibility of a relatively new design-based method known as adaptive cluster sampling (ACS). A simulation experiment looks at the relative efficiency of ACS and traditional sampling designs in a hydroacoustic survey setting. Fish densities with known spatial covariance are generated and subjected to repeated sampling. The distributions of the different estimators are compared.Hydroacoustic data frequently display strong serial correlation along transects and so traditional designs based on one-stage cluster sampling are appropriate. Estimates of total stock size for these designs had a markedly skewed distribution. ACS designs performed better than traditional designs for all stocks with small-scale spatial correlation in fish density, yielding estimates with lower variance. ACS estimators were not skewed and had a lower frequency of large errors. For the most variable stock the use of ACS reduced the coefficient of variation (CV) of the stock size estimate from over 0.9 to around 0.5. Differences between traditional and ACS designs were consistent over multiple realizations of each spatial covariance model.A survey of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in the eastern basin of Lake Erie was used as a case study for development of a survey design. A field trial showed that use of ACS for the survey is feasible but pointed out some areas for further research. The biggest drawback to use of ACS is uncertainty in the final sample size. This can be partially controlled by applying ACS within a stratified design. ACS retains the unbiased and non-parametric properties of design-based estimation but allows increased sampling in high-density areas that are of greater biological interest. For stocks with an aggregated or patchy spatial distribution ACS can provide a more precise estimate of stock size than traditional survey methods.
Evaluating the differential treatment of emotional disturbance and social maladjustment

The vague and incomplete federal definition of emotional disturbance has caused a great deal of controversy and debate since the inception of Public Law 94–142. The lack of resolution among professionals attempting to elucidate the distinction between emotional disturbance and social maladjustment has resulted in continued conflict. Included in this debate are (a) whether students who are socially maladjusted should be included in the federal definition of emotional disturbance; (b) whether students identified as socially maladjusted should receive services; and (c) whether differential treatment for the two groups is warranted. In this article we provide a rationale for differential treatment between these two disorders as well as pertinent interventions tailored to meet the needs of individuals identified with emotional disturbance (ED) and social maladjustment (SM). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 879–886, 2004.
Apocalyptic futures: The violent transformation of moral human life among Ayoreo‐speaking people of the Paraguayan Gran Chaco

In this article, I describe the social topography of apocalyptic futurism among recently contacted Ayoreo-speaking people in Paraguay to examine the novel senses of being in the world that are emerging in harsh postcontact conditions. I show how apocalyptic futurism exceeds the temporal confines of both “traditional culture” and “Christianity.” Rather, it derives from the afterlife of violence and a general consensus that biological survival now requires a reconstitution of the terms of humanity. Apocalyptic sensibilities are concerned with more than local values or the transcendence of death; rather, as I show, they mark a new threshold between the human and the nonhuman.
Current problems with the zootype and the early evolution of Hox genes.

Hox cluster type" genes have sparked intriguing attempts to unite all metazoan animals by a shared pattern of expression and genomic organization of a specific set of regulatory genes. The basic idea, the zootype concept, claims the conservation of a specific set of "Hox cluster type genes" in all metazoan animals, i.e., in the basal diploblasts as well as in the derived triplo- blastic animals. Depending on the data used and the type of analysis performed, different oppos- ing views have been taken on this idea. We review here the sum of data currently available in a total evidence analysis, which includes morphological and the most recent molecular data. This analysis highlights several problems with the idea of a simple "Hox cluster type" synapomorphy between the diploblastic and triploblastic animals and suggests that the "zootype differentiation" of the Hox cluster most likely is an invention of the triploblasts. The view presented is compatible with the idea that early Hox gene evolution started with a single proto-Hox (possibly a paraHox) gene. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 291:169-174, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Far-Field Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Huntington’s Disease

The sophisticated motor control of primates depends on the continuous integration of new sensory information into the ongoing motor program. The motor deficits resulting from a deafferentation in patients with severe peripheral sensory neuropathy have recently been summarized by Marsden et al. (1984). In these patients, fine manipulatory movements made with the hands and maintenance of a constant force in the absence of visual control were most strikingly affected. This inability to maintain a constant level of muscular contraction may underly the development of pseudo-dystonic movements in deafferented patients.
Kinematic Analysis of Conventional and High-Flexion Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasties: An In Vitro Investigation

This study examined the kinematics of a cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) component that attempts to enhance knee flexion by improving posterior tibiofemoral articular contact at high-flexion angles. Using an in vitro robotic experimental setup, medial and lateral femoral translations of this CR design were compared with that of a conventional CR TKA design and intact knee under a combined quadriceps and hamstring muscle load. Both CR TKA designs showed similar kinematics throughout the range of flexion (0°-150°). The TKAs restored nearly 80% of the posterior femoral translation of the intact knee at 150°. The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) forces measured for the high-flexion CR TKA component indicate that the PCL is important in the mid-flexion range but has little effect on knee kinematics at high flexion.
THE STATUS OF THE FAMILY TYPHLOPIDAE (REPTILIA SERPENTES) IN ETHIOPIA

SUMMARY The present work deals with seven species of the family Typhlopidae which are known to occur in Ethiopia, including one, Rhinotyphlops pallidus (Cope, 1868), not previously recorded from this country. Of the remaining forms, two are known only from Ethiopia: Rhinotyphlops somalicus (Boulenger, 1895) and R. erythraeus (Scortecci, 1928). Each species is described and illustrated, and its distribution in Ethiopia mapped. All seem readily distinguishable, although it is probable that two rather similar taxa are included amongst Ethiopian representatives of Typhlops lineolatus Jan, 1864. T. l. lineolatus, having 26–30 scale rows at mid-body and supraoculars which are usually oblique, apparently occurs only in southern Ethiopia, being replaced further north by a form with 28–32 scale rows and transverse supraoculars. The correct name for the latter form may be blanfordi Boulenger, 1889, but the relationship and geographical ranges of the two remain to be clarified.
LDH-C4 as a Contraceptive Vaccine

A 39 amino acid peptide consisting of a B-cell epitope of the sperm specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C4) and a promiscuous T-cell epitope of Tetanus toxin (TT) was tested as a contraceptive vaccinogen in female baboons. In a series of three trials significant and reversible suppression of fertility was observed. This synthetic peptide construct is the first sperm antigen proposed for Phase I trials in human subjects.p
Editorial: Protecting Those Who Serve

ABSTRACTThe May 19 to 21, 2010 symposium “Assessing Potentially Hazardous Environmental Exposures Among Military Populations” brought military and civilian preventive medicine practitioners and scientists together to review the current state of exposure and outcome measurement, prevention, and compensation. Placed in recent historical context, the strides presented are remarkable, yet important challenges remain. Operational as well as ethical imperatives within the military and the growing complexity of civilian disasters demonstrate the need for continued and enhanced collaboration across military and civilian sectors.
The training schedule affects the stability, not the magnitude, of the interlimb transfer of learned dynamics.

The way that a motor adaptation is trained, for example, the manner in which it is introduced or the duration of the training period, can influence its internal representation. However, recent studies examining the gradual versus abrupt introduction of a novel environment have produced conflicting results. Here we examined how these effects determine the effector specificity of motor adaptation during visually guided reaching. After adaptation to velocity-dependent dynamics in the right arm, we estimated the amount of adaptation transferred to the left arm, using error-clamp measurement trials to directly measure changes in learned dynamics. We found that a small but significant amount of generalization to the untrained arm occurs under three different training schedules: a short-duration (15 trials) abrupt presentation, a long-duration (160 trials) abrupt presentation, and a long-duration gradual presentation of the novel dynamic environment. Remarkably, we found essentially no difference between the amount of interlimb generalization when comparing these schedules, with 9–12% transfer of the trained adaptation for all three. However, the duration of training had a pronounced effect on the stability of the interlimb transfer: The transfer elicited from short-duration training decayed rapidly, whereas the transfer from both long-duration training schedules was considerably more persistent ( 90% retention over the first 20 trials). These results indicate that the amount of interlimb transfer is similar for gradual versus abrupt training and that interlimb transfer of learned dynamics can occur after even a brief training period but longer training is required for an enduring effect.
Inelastic Neutron Scattering from MnF2in the Critical Region

Detailed inelastic neutron-scattering measurements have yielded the behavior of both the transverse and longitudinal spin fluctuations throughout the critical region of the uniaxial antiferromagnet Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$. The static susceptibilities, both transverse and longitudinal, are found to be adequately described by Ornstein-Zernike expressions, both above and below ${T}_{N}$, with ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ remaining finite, while ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ approaches zero as ${T}_{N}$ is approached from either side. Magnons are observed below ${T}_{N}$, the energy gap decreasing as $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{T}_{N}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ in a way which closely approximates the behavior of the sublattice magnetization. At a given $Tl{T}_{N}$, the ratio of the magnon frequency to the magnon width decreases with increasing wave vector $q$. Above ${T}_{N}$, heavily damped magnonlike behavior is observed at large $q$, the peaks merging with decreasing $q$. The longitudinal fluctuation is always characterized by a single peak centered at $\ensuremath{\omega}=0$. Above ${T}_{N}$, the half-widths ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}} (q,T)$ define a dynamical scaling function ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{+} (\frac{q}{{\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}})$. In particular, the staggered ($q=0$) mode relaxation rate is approximately proportional to $T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{N}$ for $Tg{T}_{N}$. However for $Tl{T}_{N}$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ appears to vanish as $q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$ at all temperatures. Although the $Tl{T}_{N}$ data for ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}} (q,T)$ can also be described by a second scaling-function branch, the experimental accuracy and the range of $\frac{q}{{\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}$ values spanned by the data at a given temperature are more restricted than above ${T}_{N}$. The behavior below ${T}_{N}$ and at low wave vectors may possibly be associated with thermal diffusion within the spin system. At reduced temperatures below about 0.95, the numerical value of the observed longitudinal staggered susceptibility is consistent with the value calculated on the basis of the local energy-density fluctuations.
Determination of binding energy and solubility parameters for functionalized gold nanoparticles by molecular dynamics simulation.

The binding energy, density, and solubility of functionalized gold nanoparticles in a vacuum are computed using molecular dynamics simulations. Numerous parameters including surface coverage fraction, functional group (−CH3, −OH, −NH2), and nanoparticle orientation are considered. The analysis includes computation of minimum interparticle binding distances and energies and an analysis of mechanisms that may contribute to changes in system potential energy. A number of interesting trends and results are observed, such as increasing binding distance with higher terminal group electronegativity and a minimum particle–particle binding energy (solubility parameter) based upon surface coverage. These results provide a fundamental understanding of ligand-coated nanoparticle interactions required for the design and processing of high-density polymer composites. The computational model and results are presented as support for these conclusions.
Growth Transients During the Nucleation of GaInAs on InP by Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy

By using lattice matched short period (50 A) GaInAs/InP superlattices, we are able to extensively characterize, ex-situ, nucleation of thin (20–30 A) GaInAs layers on InP. Systematic variation of the interface formation technique allows us to understand how parameters such as growth temperature and growth rate can contribute to interfacial roughness, giving rise to growth transients near the interfaces that are unexpected from characterization of thick layers. Growth of multi-period structures such as those studied here enables the use of Raman scattering, photoluminescence, and double crystal x-ray diffraction to determine that Ga incorporation is favored over In incorporation near the InP to GaInAs interfaces. Furthermore, by examining the surfaces and structural properties of epitaxial layers (15 s0A-1 μm) of both InP and GaInAs with atomic force microscopy and Raman scattering, respectively, we are able to correlate results on the superlattice structures with results from single layers. Finally, we show how understanding the nucleation of thin films through the process described here enables the growth of complicated, previously unrealizable, heterostructures for use in novel optoelectronic devices.
Follow-up of survivors of mechanical circulatory support.

Improvements in mechanical support for profound circulatory collapse have resulted in increasing survival of these critically ill patients. Since 1980, 27 patients aged 3 days to 69 years (mean 34.9 years) who required mechanical circulatory assistance have been followed up after discharge from the hospital. The refractory cardiogenic shock necessitating mechanical support occurred postoperatively in 22 patients (coronary artery bypass in nine, valve replacement in four, correction of congenital heart defects in nine) and with end-stage cardiomyopathy in five. Fourteen patients were supported with a Pierce-Donachy ventricular assist device (left ventricular assist in seven, right ventricular assist in three, both in four); nine were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, two with a Medtronic centrifugal left ventricular assist pump, one with biventricular Biomedicus pumps, and one with a Novacor left ventricular assist system. The duration of support ranged from 8 hours to 91 days with a mean of 3.5 days in patients supported for postoperative shock. Major complications occurred in 18 patients (67%), including bleeding that necessitated operative exploration in 14, serious infection in five, renal failure in two, and stroke in two. The five patients with cardiomyopathy underwent cardiac transplantation. The remaining 22 patients who had postoperative cardiogenic shock were weaned from support There have been four late deaths: two cardiac related at 6 months and two of cancer at 46 and 53 months (one patient was in New York Heart Association class I and the other in class II before death). The remaining 23 survivors have been followed up for 3 to 79 months (mean 29 months) and at last examination 17 (74%) were in class I, two (9%) were in class II, three (13%) were in class III, and one (4%) was in class IV. Eight patients are employed full time, three are retired, four attend school, three are in preschool, one is a housewife, and one is unemployed but free of symptoms. Only four patients have significant cardiac disability, and one of these still works. In conclusion, mechanical circulatory assistance allows adequate support to permit satisfactory long-term survival in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock.
Focal Tumor-Like Demyelinating Lesions

Thirty-one patients with large, focal cerebral demyelinating lesions are reported from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City.
AUTORADIOGRAPHIC LOCALIZATION OF SUBTYPES OF MUSCARINIC AGONIST AND ANTAGONIST BINDING SITES: ALTERATIONS FOLLOWING CNS LESIONS

The use of radiolabelled ligands, specific for muscarinic receptors, has allowed the demonstration of several subtypes of muscarinic receptors. Agonists have been postulated to bind to three distinct affinity states which are believed to be different conformational states of the same receptor (4, 6, 7), while classical muscarinic antagonists are believed to bind to all of these agonist states with equal high affinity. However, the non-classical muscarinic antagonist pirenzepine has been shown to have selective antagonism in both the clinic and the laboratory. Low doses of pirenzepine will reduce gastric secretion with little effect on salivation, gut motility, ciliary muscle function in the eye, or vagal tone in the heart (20, 21, 25). Experimentally, pirenzepine has been found to selectively bind with high affinity to a dense receptor population in membrane preparations from several organs including parts of the brain and peripheral ganglia (42, 47; Yamamura et al., this book), while binding to a very low density of receptors in other peripheral organs, such as smooth muscle and heart (3, 42). The selective nature of pirenzepine binding has led to the postulation of two separate muscarinic receptors designated as M1 and M2 (17, 23, 43).
Barriers to healthcare for American Indians experiencing homelessness

Members of American Indian (AI) communities face many barriers to receiving both mental and physical healthcare. These barriers can have a negative effect on overall health. Barriers are compounded for AIs who are also experiencing homelessness, and AI make up a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population nationwide. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 service providers and 16 homeless participants in a mid-size Midwestern city to identify barriers to care for homeless participants. Key barriers identified in this study for homeless participants were: transportation, phone accessibility, discrimination, and cold and bureaucratic cultures of healthcare systems. Major barriers identified by service providers were: access to care, discrimination and mistrust, and restrictive policies. Given generally higher disease prevalence within the homeless population and health disparities within the AI community, steps should be taken to reduce barriers to healthcare.
Detection performance vs. complexity in parallel decentralized Bayesian decision fusion

We review several existing approaches for the design of parallel binary decentralized detection architectures. Such architectures employ a bank of n parallel binary local detectors (LDs) and a Data Fusion Center (DFC). The kth LD compresses its local observations y k with a local decision rule Γ k (․) into a local decision, u k , and sends it to the DFC. The DFC collects all local decisions U, U = {u 1 , u 2 , …, u n }, and fuses them into a global decision, u0, using a global fusion rule Γ 0 (․). When the local observations at the local detectors are statistically independent conditioned on the hypothesis, both the local decision rule and the global fusion rule become likelihood ratio tests (LRTs). Some architectures allow for possible feedback from the decision of the DFC (back into itself or into the LDs). There are several alternatives for the design of such systems. We review several architectures without and with feedback, and discuss design alternatives. These include fixing the local decision rule (without feedback [1] or with feedback [2]); solving simultaneously for the local decision rule and the global fusion rule (without feedback [3] or with feedback [4]); solving exhaustively for the local decision rule and the global fusion rule when the number of alternatives is finite and small [5]; and solving for the local decision rule and the global fusion rule with feedback by using one of several greedy scheme (e.g., [6]). The discussion highlights the tradeoff between performance and design complexity of parallel decision fusion systems.
Household preferences for cooking fuels and inter-fuel substitutions: Unlocking the modern fuels in the Nepalese household

Different cooking fuels are associated with various economic and environmental challenges such as increased economic costs, indoor air pollution, deforestation, and deterioration of public health. In this study, we assess the impact of various socioeconomic factors in a household's cooking fuel choice and motive for making a transition toward cleaner fuels. This study uses household level cross-sectional data (2011) and pooled data (1996, 2004, and 2011) from the Nepal Living Standard Survey. We use multinomial and binomial logit models for the empirical analysis. The results suggest that along with household income, other social and ecological factors play a critical role in inter-fuel switching decisions. We find that transferring property rights of government-owned forests to the communities encourages households to move towards cleaner cooking fuels. We also find that household head's education, distance to the firewood sources, energy access status and household income are significant factors influencing the households’ fuel choice decisions. The policy implication is that increasing information spillover, involving local communities in forest management, and expanding alternative socioeconomic opportunities such as jobs and modern fuels in the remote regions play a vital role in encouraging the households to move towards cleaner energy sources.