cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A cell permeant phosphopeptide mimetic of Niban inhibits p38 MAPK and restores endothelial function after injury

Vascular injury leads to membrane disruption, ATP release, and endothelial dysfunction. Increases in the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and decreases in the phosphorylation of Niban, a protein implicated in ER stress and apoptosis, are associated with vascular injury. A cell permeant phosphopeptide mimetic of Niban (NiPp) was generated. The effects of NiPp in restoring endothelial function were determined ex vivo using intact rat aortic tissue (RA) after pharmacological activation of p38 MAPK and also in multiple clinically relevant injury models. Anisomycin (Aniso) increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and reduced endothelial-dependent relaxation in RA. Treatment with NiPp prevented Ansio-induced reduction in endothelial function and increases in p38 MAPK phosphorylation. NiPp treatment also restored endothelial function after stretch injury (subfailure stretch), treatment with acidic Normal Saline (NS), and P2X7R activation with 2'(3')-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP). Aged, diseased, human saphenous vein (HSV) remnants obtained from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgical procedures have impaired endothelial function. Treatment of these HSV segments with NiPp improved endothelial-dependent relaxation. Kinome screening experiments indicated that NiPp inhibits p38 MAPK. These data demonstrate that p38 MAPK and Niban signaling have a role in endothelial function, particularly in response to injury. Niban may represent an endogenous regulator of p38 MAPK activation. The NiPp peptide may serve as an experimental tool to further elucidate p38 MAPK regulation and as a potential therapeutic for endothelial dysfunction.
Assessment of Climate-Health Curricula at International Health Professions Schools

Importance Researchers have published surveys on health professionals' perceptions of the possible association between climate change and health (climate-health) and assessed climate-health or planetary health curricula in medical schools. However, curricula on climate-health are still lacking and gaps in knowledge persist. Objective To understand the state of climate-health curricula among health professions institutions internationally. Design, Setting, and Participants A survey of 160 institutional members of the Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education, which includes international health professions schools and programs, was conducted from August 3, 2017, to March 1, 2018. The survey, hosted by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, used an online survey tool for data collection. Main Outcomes and Measures The survey assessed climate-health curricular offerings across health professions institutions internationally, including existing climate-health educational offerings, method of teaching climate-health education, whether institutions are considering adding climate-health education, whether institutions received a positive response to adding climate-health curricula and/or encountered challenges in adding curricula, and opportunities to advance climate-health education. Results Overall response rate to the survey was 53%, with 84 of 160 institutional responses collected; 59 of the responses (70%) were from schools/programs of public health, health sciences, or health professions; 15 (18%) were from medicine; 9 (11%) were from nursing; and 1 (1%) was from another type of health profession institution. Among respondents, 53 (63%) institutions offer climate-health education, most commonly as part of a required core course (41 [76%]). Sixty-one of 82 respondents (74%) reported that climate-health offerings are under discussion to add, 42 of 59 respondents (71%) encountered some challenges trying to institute the curriculum, and most respondents have received a positive response to adding content, mainly from students (39 of 58 [67%]), faculty (35 of 58 [60%]), and administration (23 of 58 [40%]). Conclusions and Relevance Current climate-health educational offerings appear to vary considerably among health professions institutions. Students, faculty, and administration are important groups to engage when instituting curricula, and awareness, support, and resources may be able to assist in this effort.
On-Call Examinations for Acute Onset of Flashes, Floaters, or Curtain by Junior Ophthalmology Residents: Outcomes, Safety, and Resource Use.

Purpose To determine whether an on-call system serviced by junior residents can safely triage patients with symptoms concerning for posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tear, and retinal detachment. Design Quality improvement study structured as a prospective cohort study. Participants All symptomatic patients seen in 2017 by an on-call junior resident were followed up (257 patients). Those with follow-up within 6 months of initial presentation (228 patients, 246 unique encounters) were included. Methods We prospectively tracked all symptomatic patients seen on-call by a junior resident in 2017 at a major academic medical center. Main Outcome Measures Incidence and predictors of true retinal tears or detachments, false-positive tears or detachments, false-negative tears or detachments, and resource use. Results Of 246 symptomatic encounters, 83 (33.7%) had a perceived retinal tear or detachment. Residents used B-scan ultrasonography in a high number of encounters (41.0%). Ten (4.1%) false-positive tears or detachments were identified, with the presence of intraretinal hemmorhage predicting a false-positive examination (adjusted odds ratio, 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–13.5). Thirteen (5.3%) false-negative tears and no false-negative detachments were identified. Eleven (84.6%) false-negative tears underwent follow-up within days based on high-risk characteristics, and no false-negative tears progressed to detachment at follow-up. Measures of resource use included an in-person confirmation of examination findings by the senior resident or fellow in 59 encounters (24.0%) and shorter follow-up times to a retina rather than a nonretina clinic for 52 of 151 patients who showed no pathologic features on initial examination. Conclusions Junior residents can safely provide on-call triage of patients with symptoms concerning for a posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tear, or retinal detachment. The system requires moderate resource use, including occasional confirmatory examinations by a second physician and shorter follow-up times to retina clinic for high-risk patients.
Analysis of social swimming dynamics in the Mexican cavefish

Abstract Fish display a remarkable diversity in social behavior that ranges from highly social to largely solitary. While social behaviors are critical for survival and under stringent selection, surprisingly little is understood about how environmental pressures shape differences in collective behavior. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, is a model for studying the evolution of social behaviors. These fish exist as multiple blind cave populations in the Sierra de El Abra and extant ancestral surface fish populations that inhabit rivers and lakes throughout Mexico. Cavefish populations have converged upon many different morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits including reduced social behavior. Dynamically, groups of surface fish maintain close proximity, persistently shoaling or schooling, while their dark-cave-evolved counterparts swim in-dependently, surveying walls and floors for food. To more carefully study evolved changes in individual and social behavior, we track free-swimming individuals in a large circular tank, varying group size and fish type. We find that group size and isolation impact swimming dynamics of cave and surface fish very differently, underscoring the mechanics of their distinct social dynamics. Highly-social surface fish respond to isolation by becoming more inactive while cavefish swimming becomes less persistent in the presence of others. In stark contrast, we find that cavefish actively evade each other upon encounter and respond to increased social density by slowing down. For abstract consideration of evasive interactions, we consider emergent effects of local evasive interactions by constructing and simulating a minimal active matter model and show how this behavior can generate group dynamics that may uniquely benefit exploration of confined environments in the absence of long-range sensory cues provided by vision. These findings reveal the convergent evolution of avoidance behavior in cavefish and support the use of A. mexicanus as a model for studying the evolution of social behavior.
Independent Christian Day Schools: The Maturing of a Movement

Independent Christian day schools have always played a prominent role in American education. This article provides a brief historical overview of the origin of independent Christian schools; examines some of the research on their composition, success, and enrollment trends; and draws some preliminary conclusions about the ethos of such schools following a field-based observation. Catholic educators will recognize the primary challenges these schools face: financial stability and spiritual vitality.
Solo but Not Alone: Self-Directed Online Peer Education as a Way to Increase Professional Knowledge and Skills

Peer-to-peer instruction has the potential to allow physically distanced librarians to participate in professional development and network building at low or no cost. Databases represent a signific...
Death Investigation in the United States, 1990: A Survey of Statutes, Systems, and Educational Requirements

We conducted a survey to summarize the status of medicolegal death investigation in the United States in terms of system type, language in state statutes, and terms of service and educational requirements for coroners and medical examiners (death investigators). Certain types of deaths are often mentioned in statutes while others are inconsistently investigated in the various states. The majority of the U.S. population is served by death investigation that is organized on a local or district level, but often administered by a nonmedical branch of government. Many more jurisdictions have elected coroners than appointed medical examiners, but the majority of the population is served by a medical examiner. One-fourth of the population is served by death investigators who are not required to have a medical background or training or experience in death investigation. We recommend that all States adopt policies and minimum educational and training requirements for their death investigators that emphasize medical investigation of death, ongoing continuity and experience, and medically oriented administration. We also recommend that each state address in their statutes certain types of deaths that are inconsistently investigated, including fetal deaths, anesthetic and intra-operative deaths, peri-therapeutic or peri-diagnostic deaths, requested cremations, deaths of institutionalized individuals, suspected cases of sudden infant death syndrome, and deaths occurring shortly after arrival or admission to hospitals.
Regulation of Smad Activity by Phosphorylation

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) regulates a wide variety of biological activities. Smad proteins play a major role in transducing the TGF-β family signal at the cell surface into gene regulation in the nucleus. In response to TGF-β, Smad2 and Smad3 are activated through phosphorylation by the TGF-β receptor at the C-tail SSXS motif. The activated Smad2 and Smad3 then form heteromeric complexes with Smad4, and together accumulate in the nucleus to regulate transcription of target genes. Similarly, Smad1 is activated through phosphorylation by the BMP receptor at the C-tail SSXS motif. Smad phosphatases that dephosphorylate the SSXS motifs have been identified as key regulators in the termination of the TGF-β family signals. Smad proteins are also phosphorylated by other kinases including the MAP kinase family members, cyclin-dependent kinases, protein kinase C, and Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent kinase II. Phosphorylation by these kinases regulates Smad activity in several modes, such as nuclear accumulation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activity, thus affecting proliferation, apoptosis, and other activities. Identification of the various kinases and phosphatases that phosphorylate/dephosphorylate Smads and elucidation of the mechanisms by which they regulate Smads activities help develop more effective therapies against cancer.
Clinical optokinetic nystagmus asymmetry in treated esotropes.

Background: Monocular optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) asymmetry is associated with disruption of early binocular visual development. Methods: Three groups of treated esotropic patients and a group of normal controls were evaluated for the presence of clinically detectable monocular OKN asymmetry. Clinical assessment of monocular OKN asymmetry was performed by observing eye movements in response to a hand-held rotating drum. Asymmetry was quantitated on a scale of 0 to +3 OKN asymmetry. Clinical OKN asymmetry was evaluated in the following groups of patients: those with congenital esotropia treated with very early surgery achieving high-grade stereo acuity (group 1); those with congenital esotropia treated with late surgery achieving no stereopsis (group 2); those with acquired esotropia achieving high-grade stereo acuity after treatment with spectacle correction (group 3); and normal controls (group 4). Results: Two of the three patients in group 1 showed +3 OKN asymmetry despite having high-grade stereo acuity; the third one, who was surgically aligned earliest (13 weeks), demonstrated +1 OKN asymmetry. This patient achieved orthotropia, 40 seconds stereo acuity, perfect Randot stereo acuity, and had no dissociated vertical deviation or latent nystagmus. All 10 patients in group 2 (those with late alignment-after 1 year-and no stereo acuity) showed +3 OKN asymmetry. All four patients in group 3 (those with acquired hypermetropic esotropia and high-grade stereo acuity after treatment) and all 10 patients in the normal control group showed no OKN asymmetry. Conclusion: Clinically obvious monocular OKN asymmetry can occur in patients with congenital esotropia who are aligned early and develop high-grade stereo acuity. Even brief periods of strabismus during the early period of binocular motor development can result in persistent OKN asymmetry. This suggests that binocular motor processing may develop distinct from, and prior to, the development of high-grade stereo acuity. OKN asymmetry appears to be a clinical sign of an insult to early binocular motor development.
Ecological Assimilation: Race, Ethnicity, and the Inverted Gap of Environmental Concern

Utilizing data from the 2010 General Social Survey, three theoretical perspectives are used to explain differing levels of environmental concern and sustainable practices among native- and foreign-born race and ethnic groups in the United States. The most prominent pattern resulting from the analysis is that of ecological assimilation among the Mexican-origin population, with the foreign-born portion of this group being much more likely than their native-born counterparts or whites to both engage in sustainable practices and express a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the environment. There is evidence for a concern gap between African Americans and whites in the responses to questions tied to economic progress and standard of living reductions, though the inverted concern gap implied by the environmental justice literature is also apparent in responses to questions about perceived environmental risks where the majority of non-whites in the survey showed higher levels of concern than whites.
E Pluribus Unum? New Approaches to Intergovernmental Relations and Standards Setting in 21st Century Policymaking

The recent effort by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers to develop a Common Core of academic standards and parallel assessments in K-12 education has highlighted the new pressures and opportunities for intergovernmental coordination in the U.S. as well as the persistent challenges to effective governance of such arrangements. This paper explores how decision-making for a voluntary, state-based, but multi-state set of common standards in education or other policy areas can be institutionalized. Broadly speaking, there are three different approaches to initiating standards: they can be written by private sector organizations (for-profit companies, non-profit groups, or professional associations), states (acting collectively though regional or national multi-state organizations), or the federal government (Congress or federal agencies). Thinking about standards can be further delineated by focusing on the degree to which participation in any given standard is voluntary or mandatory. Taken together then, one can conceive of six different approaches to standards setting governance, and this paper will provide a case study of each approach from policy sectors outside of K-12 education. It will provide an overview of intergovernmental standards setting in the contemporary era, highlight a number of promising partnerships among states and between states and the federal government, and explore the lessons that can be gleaned from existing interstate ventures.
Calorie restriction as a new approach for resetting carotid body chemoreflex control in heart failure (873.11)

The carotid body (CB) plays a pivotal role in the increased chemosensitivity following chronic heart failure (CHF). The mechanisms underlying the CB potentiation in CHF are not fully understood. Ho...
Motion on upper‐plate faults during subduction zone earthquakes: Case of the Atacama Fault System, northern Chile

[1] Motion on the Atacama Fault System (AFS) in northern Chile is driven by Andean subduction zone processes. We use two approaches, observational and theoretical, to evaluate how the AFS and other forearc faults responded to coseismic stress induced by one well-studied megathrust earthquake, the 1995 Mw = 8.1 Antofagasta event. We use synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) to search for small-scale coseismic and postseismic deformation on individual faults. The InSAR data are ambiguous: some images show offset consistent with coseismic faulting on the Paposo segment of the AFS and others lack such signal. The fact that we do not observe the fault-like displacement in all coseismic interferograms suggests that atmospheric contamination, not tectonic deformation, is responsible for the signal. To explore the capacity of the earthquake to trigger motion on upper plate faults, we use seven published slip maps constrained by geodetic and/or seismic data to calculate static and dynamic Coulomb stress change (CSC) on faults in the Antofagasta region. The static CSC field varies between models and depends on the distribution of coseismic interplate slip. On the basis of the CSC distribution predicted by our preferred model constrained by all available data, we suggest it was unlikely that the Antofagasta earthquake directly triggered normal motion on the AFS, and the InSAR data are consistent with this null result. Field reports of normal faulting related to the earthquake may reflect recent (but not coseismic) motion or highly localized behavior not representative of the regional coseismic stress field.
Processing Respiratory Specimens with C18-Carboxypropylbetaine: Development of a Sediment Resuspension Buffer That Contains Lytic Enzymes To Reduce the Contamination Rate and Lecithin To Alleviate Toxicity

The C18-carboxypropylbetaine (CB-18) procedure for processing respiratory specimens for the detection of mycobacteria was shown to provide significant increases in sensitivity by smear and culture. However, the procedure also produced increased contamination, a loss in liquid culture sensitivity, and a reduction in smear specificity. Because of these observations, the toxicity of CB-18 and the nature of the contamination were characterized. Preincubation in 1 mM CB-18 impacted viability in a time-dependent fashion, but the magnitude of the loss was species and isolate dependent. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were the most susceptible, losing 20 to 30% of the CFU within 30 min and 30 to 60% after 3 h, whereas Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium fortuitum isolates were unaffected by CB-18. In liquid culture, when the concentration of CB-18 exceeded 5 μg/ml, there was an impact on growth characteristics for the most susceptible M. tuberculosis isolate. In contrast, M. fortuitum isolates were able to grow in 100 μg of CB-18 per ml. In liquid culture, the deleterious effects of CB-18 were enhanced in the presence of antibiotics, whereas growth on solid media was not similarly affected. Supplementation of the resuspension buffer with 0.15% lecithin alleviated toxicity. Initial attempts to modify the CB-18 procedure to control contamination incorporated acids or alkalis; however, losses in culture sensitivity occurred. Studies to identify these contaminants led to the development of a sediment resuspension buffer that contained lytic enzymes to combat contamination and lecithin to alleviate toxicity. This formulation included lysozyme, zymolyase, and Cytophaga and Trichoderma extracts and was seen to reduce contamination to acceptable levels (<5%).
A Technique for the Rapid Isolation and Identification of Psilocin from Psilocin/Psilocybin-Containing Mushrooms

A method has been developed for the rapid isolation and identification of psilocin from psilocin/psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Based on the difference in the solubility properties in butyl chloride of psilocin and other constituents present in psilocin/psilocybin-containing mushrooms, psilocin was easily separated in pure form.
Mice Lacking tPA, uPA, or Plasminogen Genes Showed Delayed Functional Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Crush

Axonal outgrowth during peripheral nerve regeneration relies on the ability of growth cones to traverse through an environment that has been altered structurally and along a basal lamina sheath to reinnervate synaptic targets. To promote migration, growth cones secrete proteases that are thought to dissolve cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesions. These proteases include the plasminogen activators (PAs), tissue PA (tPA) and urokinase PA (uPA), and their substrate, plasminogen. PA expression and secretion are upregulated in regenerating mammalian sensory neurons in culture. After sciatic nerve crush in mice, there was an induction of PA mRNAs in the sensory neurons contributing to the crushed nerve and an upregulation of PA-dependent activity in crushed nerve compared with sham counterparts during nerve regeneration. To further assess the role of the PA system during peripheral nerve regeneration, PA-dependent activity as well as recovery of sensory and motor function in the injured hindlimb were assessed in wild-type, tPA, uPA, and plasminogen knock-out mice. Protease activity visualized by gel zymography showed that after nerve crush, the upregulation of PA activity in the tPA and uPA knock-out mice was delayed compared with wild-type mice. Recovery of sensory function was assessed by toe pinch, footpad prick, and the toe-spreading reflex. All knock-out mice demonstrated a significant delay in hindlimb response to these sensory stimuli compared with wild-type mice. For each modality tested, the uPA knock-out mice were the most dramatically affected, showing the longest delay to initiate a response. These studies clearly showed that PAs were necessary for timely functional recovery by regenerating peripheral nerves.
THE DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL (DSM-III) AND SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

On one side is the position that social workers must be knowledgable about the DSM-III in order to improve the quality of diagnosis and the quality of treatment, and be able more effectively to communicate with other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Opposed is the argument that diagnositic labels of mental disorders are not within the purview of social workers, and further, that labeling itself has negative consequences. In particular, there are data suggesting that women, minorities of color, and lower income groups tend to be labeled with greater frequency and more pejoratively than other client groups (Dohrenwend, Chin-Shong 1967; Brenner 1982 48). However, the addition of Axis 4 and Axis 5 to the diagnostic manual, DSM-III while not a part of the "official" diagnosis, may be an attempt to offset some of the concerns expressed by the labeling critics. Specifically, Axis 4 provides a means of evaluating the severity of psychosocial stressors in the 12 months preceding the onset or worsening of the disorder. Axis 5 provides a way to assess the individual's adaptive functioning during the previous year. Our question now is: "To what extent are the five axes of the DSM-III diagnostic manual being utilized by social work practitioners?"
A three-dimensional analysis of the geometry and curvature of the proximal tibial articular surface of hominoids

This study uses new three-dimensional imaging techniques to compare the articular curvature of the proximal tibial articular surface of hominoids. It has been hypothesized that the curvature of the anteroposterior contour of the lateral condyle in particular can be used to differentiate humans and apes and reflect locomotor function. This study draws from a large comparative sample of extant hominoids to obtain quantitative curvature data. Three-dimensional models of the proximal tibiae of 26 human, 15 chimpanzee, 15 gorilla, 17 orangutan, 16 gibbon and four Australopithecus fossil casts (AL 129-1b, AL 288-1aq, AL 333x-26, KNM-KP 29285A) were acquired with a Cyberware Model 15 laser digitizer. Curvature analysis was accomplished using a software program developed at Arizona State University's Partnership for Research In Stereo Modeling (PRISM) lab, which enables the user to extract curvature profiles and compute the difference between analogous curves from different specimens. Results indicate that the curvature of chimpanzee, gorilla and orangutan tibiae is significantly different from the curvature of human tibiae, thus supporting the hypothesized dichotomy between humans and great apes. The non-significant difference between gibbons and all other taxa indicates that gibbons have an intermediate pattern of articular curvature. All four Australopithecus tibia were aligned with the great apes.
Some properties of an extended simple stochastic epidemic model involving two additional parameters

Abstract In a fixed population of size N, we assume that the probability for a new infective in the time interval (t, t + dt) is βr1−b(N − r)a dt, where r is the number of susceptibles at time t, N - r is the number of infectives at time t, β is the infection rate, a is the infection power, and b is the safety-in-numbers power. If a = 1 and b = 0, then this probability would determine the familiar simple stochastic epidemic model. This article investigates the effect of the parameters a and b on the state probabilities and other derived quantities of the model.
Detectors for Ultraviolet, Visible, and Infrared Radiation

The remarkable developments which have resulted in making photoelectric detection available for the whole spectrum extending from the extreme ultraviolet to the far infrared are discussed. In spite of these developments thermal detectors are still widely used and will continue to be used for some time. The special uses of various kinds of detectors are described and in particular the use of detectors to obtain very high speeds of response. A review of current practice is given.
Radiofrequency hyperthermia: The design of coil transducers for local heating

Abstract Simple and complex coils have been designed and built for use as radiofrequency transducers for local and regional hyperthermia. The heating from such coils is produced by currents generated in the dielectric by the electromagnetic field radiated from the coil elements. The heating rate profile, as a function of phantom depth, is dependent upon the size and geometry of the coil, its proximity to the dielectric, and the transducer current. Since the fields of simple pancake coils are inhomogeneous, either complex geometries or some method of smoothing is required. A simple solution is to move the coil over the region to be heated or to use multiple applicators. However, many satisfactory heating patterns have been derived for stationary coils designed to heat well-defined subcutaneous volumes to a depth of 3–5 cm. Thermometry studies in static saline-gelatin phantoms demonstrate extensive heating ranges and flexibility since the coils couple with the dielectric through air.
The Effects of Cognitive Style and Media Richness on Commitment to Telework and Virtual Teams

Abstract Telework (also known as telecommuting) and virtual teams (also known as virtual collaboration) are seen as strategic organizational innovations with potential benefits to individuals, business, and society. Despite the rapid growth of telework and virtual team innovations, very little empirical research has investigated factors associated with their success. Thus, practitioners can only speculate why they succeed or fail. This empirical study investigated telework and virtual team innovations drawing upon commitment, information richness, and cognitive style (mental self-government) theory. Results indicate that certain combinations of cognitive styles and media contribute to commitment to the telework function and to virtual teams. Consequently, specific recommendations are made for teleworker selection, development, and for the design of the telework environment.
Reassessment of fission fragment angular distributions from continuum states in the context of transition-state theory

Abstract Fission angular distributions have been studied for years and have been treated as classic examples of trasitions-state theory. Early work involving composite nuclei of relatively low excitation energy E ∗ (⪅35 MeV ) and spin I (⪅25ħ) gave support to theory and delimited interesting properties of the transitions-state nuclei. More recent research on fusion fission and sequential fission after deeply inelastic reactions involves composite nuclei of much higher energies (⪅200 MeV) and spins (⪅100ħ). Extension of the basic ideas developed for low-spin nuclei requires detailed consideration of the role of these high spins and, in particular, the “spin window” for fussion. We have made empirical correlations of cross sections for evaporation residues and fission in order to get a description of this spin window. A systematic reanalysis has been made for fusion fission induced by H, He and heavier ions. Empirical correlations of K 2 0 (K 2 0 = I eff T h 2 ) are presented along with comparisons of I eff to moments of inertia for saddle-point nuclei from the rotating liquid drop model. This model gives an excellent guide for the intermidiate spin zone (30⪅ I ⪅65), while strong shell and/or pairing effects are evident for excitations less than ⪅35 MeV. Observations of strong anisotropies for very high-spin systems signal the demise of certain approximation commonly made in the theory, and suggestions are made toward this end.
Apparent Roughness as Indicator of (Local) Deoxygenation of Graphene Oxide

Detailed characterization of graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced forms continues to be a challenge. We have employed scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to examine GO samples with varying degrees of deoxygenation via controlled chemical reduction. Analysis of the roughness of the apparent height in STM topography measurements, i.e. the “apparent roughness”, revealed a correlation between increasing deoxygenation and decreasing apparent roughness. This analysis can therefore be a useful supplement to the techniques currently available for the study of GO and related materials. The presence of a high electric field underneath the STM tip can locally induce a reaction on the GO basal plane that leads to local deoxygenation, and the restoration of the sp2 hybridization of the carbons promotes increased planarity. These findings are in line with the apparent roughness values found for GO at varying levels of chemical reduction and illustrates the value of having a tool to gain structural/chemical insight on a ...
Breadth by depth: Expanding our understanding of the repair of transposon-induced DNA double strand breaks via deep-sequencing

The transposases of DNA transposable elements catalyze the excision of the element from the host genome, but are not involved in the repair of the resulting double-strand break. To elucidate the role of various host DNA repair and damage response proteins in the repair of the hairpin-ended double strand breaks (DSBs) generated during excision of the maize Ac element in Arabidopsis thaliana, we deep-sequenced hundreds of thousands of somatic excision products from a variety of repair- or response-defective mutants. We find that each of these repair/response defects negatively affects the preservation of the ends, resulting in an enhanced frequency of deletions, insertions, and inversions at the excision site. The spectra of the resulting repair products demonstrate, not unexpectedly, that the canonical nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) proteins DNA ligase IV and KU70 play an important role in the repair of the lesion generated by Ac excision. Our data also indicate that auxiliary NHEJ repair proteins such as DNA ligase VI and DNA polymerase lambda are routinely involved in the repair of these lesions. Roles for the damage response kinases ATM and ATR in the repair of transposition-induced DSBs are also discussed.
Herbivorous insects colonising cyanogenic and acyanogenic Trifolium repens

Insect herbivores colonizing cyanogenic and acyanogenic white clover plants were investigated. With the exception of aphids, the herbivores studied were infrequent visitors and failed to discriminate between the two phenotypes. Aphids, however, were two to three times more abundant on acyanogenic than cyanogenic plants. Evidence of visible insect feeding damage was identical for both phenotypes. The evidence suggests that the trait of cyanogenesis confers protection against herbivory by aphids and, possibly, other insects. Such protection would be most important at the seedling stage, but feeding of the insects studied would not lead directly to seedling mortality of either phenotype. Instead, mortality of weakened seedlings may result from other causes later in the season.
Mechanisms of action for the commonly used antiepileptic drugs: relevance to antiepileptic drug-associated neurobehavioral adverse effects.

Antiepileptic drugs exert their anticonvulsant effects by interfering with brain processes that involve structures that are also involved in learning, memory, and emotional behavior. Thus, modulation of ion channels, neurotransmitters, second messengers, and other processes by antiepileptic drugs, although helpful in controlling seizures, can interfere with normal brain function in undesired ways. The specific mechanism(s) of action of an antiepileptic drug can increase the risk for particular types of adverse events. In this review, we examine the cognitive and behavioral effects of antiepileptic drugs in animal models. Although animal studies, in many respects, do not mimic clinical experience, the data suggest a connection between certain mechanisms of antiepileptic action and the occurrence of cognitive adverse effects. Specifically, antiepileptic drugs with traditional γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic mechanisms have the most detrimental effects on cognitive function, possibly because they impair atte...
Efficient algorithms for shortest distance queries on special classes of polygons

Abstract The problem of finding a rectilinear minimum bend path (RMBP) between two designated points inside a rectilinear polygon has applications in robotics and motion planning. In this paper, we present efficient algorithms to solve the query version of the RMBP problem for special classes of rectilinear polygons given their visibility graphs. Specifically, we show that given an unweighted graph G = (V, E), with ¦V¦ = N and ¦E¦ = M , algorithms to preprocess G in linear space and time such that the shortest distance queries — queries asking for the distance between any pair of nodes in the graph — can be answered in constant time and space are presented in this paper. For the case of a chordal graph G, our algorithms give a distance which is at most one away from the actual shortest distance. When G is a K-chordal graph, our algorithm produces an exact shortest distance in O(K) time. We also present a non-trivial parallel implementation of the sequential preprocessing algorithm for the CREW-PRAM model which runs in O(log2 N) time using O(N + M) processors. After the preprocessing, we can answer the queries in constant time using a single processor.
Integration of cognitive techniques into an individualized application of behavioral treatment of blood-injection-injury phobia

A case is presented to illustrate integration of cognitive and behavioral techniques in treating blood-injection-injury phobia. The 11-session treatment is depicted with particular attention to details that seem critical for success but are underemphasized in behavioral approaches to treatment for blood-injection-injury phobia. This case highlights the benefit of supplementing exposure-based treatment with cognitive conceptualization and explicit challenges to maladaptive beliefs. In addition, social-skills training was an important component of treatment for this client.
Early postnatal isolation reduces dopamine levels, elevates dopamine turnover and specifically disrupts prepulse inhibition in Nurr1-null heterozygous mice

Sensorimotor gating is a phenomenon that is linked with dopamine neurotransmission in limbic and cortical areas, and disruption of sensorimotor gating has been consistently demonstrated in schizophrenia patients. The nuclear receptor Nurr1 is essential for development of dopamine neurons and, using Nurr1-null heterozygous mice, has been found to be important for normal dopamine neurotransmission as null heterozygous mice have reduced limbic and cortical dopamine levels and elevated open-field locomotor activity. The current investigation compared sensorimotor gating, as measured by prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response, in Nurr1 wild-type and null heterozygous mice. When mice were weaned between 19 and 21 days of age either into isolation or groups of three to five and tested 12 weeks later, prepulse inhibition was elevated in group-raised null heterozygous mice and significantly disrupted in isolated null heterozygous mice as compared with isolation-raised wild-type mice and group-raised null heterozygous mice. Isolation had no effect on prepulse inhibition in wild-type mice. Isolation reduced tissue dopamine levels and elevated dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens and striatum in both wild-type and null heterozygous mice. In the prefrontal cortex, isolation reduced dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in null heterozygous as compared with isolation-raised wild-type mice, whereas no differences were observed between group-raised wild-type and null heterozygous mice. Neither the null heterozygous genotype nor isolation had any effect on basal or stress-induced corticosterone levels. These data suggest that the Nurr1 null heterozygous genotype predisposes these mice to isolation-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition that may be related to the interactions between intrinsic deficiencies in dopamine neurotransmission as a result of the null heterozygous genotype and isolation-induced changes in dopamine neurotransmission. Post-weaning isolation of Nurr1 null heterozygous mice provides a model to explore the interactions of genetic predisposition and environment/neurodevelopment on dopamine function that has important relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders.
Ultrastructure of mycosis fungoides.

Six biopsies from 5 cases of treated and untreated mycosis fungoides were studied with the light and electron microscope. The study revealed the presence of a characteristic cell type in the skin lesions. The characteristic cells had large infolded nuclei, scant cytoplasm, and few organelles. Mitochondria were clustered in one region of the cytoplasm in which the Golgi apparatus was found. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids and electron beam therapy caused no significant change in the mycosis fungoides cells. Treatment with chemotherapy appeared to damage the malignant cells to a lesser extent than the surrounding cells. The combination of chemotherapy and x-irradiation caused smoothening of the nuclear envelope, vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial swelling, and the appearance of membrane-bound lysosome-like bodies. These changes were seen in both the mycosis fungoides cells and in other cell types present in the cutaneous lesions. No method of treatment produced necrosis in the mycosis fungoides cells.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders following solid-organ transplantation.

A post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is an uncommon but serious complication following solid-organ transplantation. The incidence varies, depending on the type of organ transplanted, the degree of immunosuppression, the number of episodes of acute rejection and a patient’s immune status to Epstein–Barr virus. The incidence of PTLD is thought to be bimodal; cases in the first year after solid-organ transplantation are typically related to Epstein–Barr virus. A second incidence occurs more than 1 year following transplantation and is typically not related to Epstein–Barr virus. A variety of therapeutic approaches has been used for these patients, with more recent strategies including the use of rituximab, with or without combination chemotherapy. Efforts continue to be made to improve the outcome of patients with PTLD.
A random generator of resource-constrained multi-project network problems

Many scheduling problems in project management, manufacturing, and elsewhere require the generation of activity networks to test proposed solution methods. Single-network generators have been used for the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP). Since the first single-network generator was proposed in 1993, several advances have been reported in the literature. However, these generators create only one network or project at a time; they cannot generate multi-project problems to desired specifications. This paper presents the first multi-network problem generator. It is especially useful for investigating the resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem (RCMPSP), where a controlled set of multi-project test problems is crucial for analyzing the performance of solution methods. In addition to the single-project characteristics handled by existing network generators—such as activity duration, resource types and usage, and network size, shape, and complexity—the proposed generator produces multi-project portfolios with controlled resource distributions and amounts of resource contention. To enable the generation of projects with desired levels of network complexity, we also develop several theoretical insights on the effects of network topology on the probability of successful network generation. Finally, we generate 12,320 test problems for a full-factorial experiment and use analysis of means to conclude that the generator produces “near-strongly random” problems. Fully “strongly random” problems require much greater computational expense.
A General Algorithm for Estimating a Markov-Generated Increment-Decrement Life Table with Applications to Marital-Status Patterns

Abstract Extant methods of estimating increment-decrement life tables (IDLT's) are based on the assumption that the forces of transition from state to state are constant within each interval of time (age) examined. A general algorithm for estimating the functions of a (k + 1)-state Markovian IDLT is set forth herein, which treats the constant-forces assumption as a special case. Three different kinds of probabilities, called p π, and χ probabilities, are identified, and their properties are discussed. Particular attention is focused on the three-state case in which the survival functions are assumed to be linear within each age interval, and such a model is applied to the analysis of marital dissolution and remarriage using data for females in Sweden, cohort born 1930–34.
Binding of lectin‐fluorescein conjugates to intracellular compartments of growth‐plate chondrocytes in situ

In this study, lectin-binding techniques are applied to growth-plate cartilage to analyze the intracellular localization of lectin-binding glycoconjugates of chondrocytes in situ. The binding of ten fluorescein-conjugated lectins is analyzed on 1-micron-thick Epon-embedded, nondecalcified sections of growth plates from Yucatan swine. Comparisons are made to intracellular binding in chondrocytes of tracheal, articular, and auricular cartilage. Ear epithelium, tracheal epithelium, and kidney are used as positive control tissues for the specificity of lectin binding. Only the mannose-binding lectins had affinity for the RER and nuclear envelope. Eight lectins reacted within the Golgi complex with characteristic patterns which ranged from localized fine linear strands to extensive vesicular accumulations. When cartilage slabs were exposed before embedment to the ionophore monensin to disrupt intracellular transport through the Golgi, it was possible to define differential subcompartments of the Golgi complex, based upon sites of sugar addition. Also, it was possible to characterize the cytoplasmic deposits of reserve-zone chondrocytes which were positive with concanavalin A as glycogen, based upon their sensitivity to amylase. This method allows resolution at the light-microscopic level of lectin-binding glycoconjugates with localization to specific organelles. Patterns of intracellular binding were consistent with biochemical data relating to the subcellular localization of processing steps of complex carbohydrates prior to secretion.
The effect of agitation on in vitro metabolism of erythrocytes stored in CPD-adenine.

Agitation of blood stored in plastic containers has been reported to lead to improved posttransfusion survival and it has been found that, in some media, agitation has improved erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2, 3-DPG) levels. Using CPD II media (CPD with 277.5 mM glucose and 2.04 mM adenine), we were not able to identify any improvement in levels of adenosine triphosphate, 2.3-DPG or glucose in whole blood under various agitation conditions when compared with the nonagitated control. The 2,3-DPG level was moderately improved through 28 days in the 90 per cent hematocrit packed erythrocytes but the results were not considered to be significantly beneficial to warrant agitation. Thus, the application of agitation to the CPD II blood storage system was of no great benefit in improving metabolic intermediate levels.
Measured Average Wind Speeds in Western Kansas: A Comparison With NWS Data and the Effect of Small Terrain Differences

The average wind speed at 30 ft height was measured at 19 sites in the Western Kansas region during June 1980-July 1982. Two things were noted from the measurements. First, NWS measured average wind speeds in the region for the same period were about 1.1 mph higher than those measured at the 19 sites. A NWS model anemometer was calibrated, and when the calibration results were applied to the NWS data, the difference was largely removed. Second, there was considerable variation between the measured average wind speeds at the 19 sites, even though the sites were fairly close together, had similar surface cover near each site, and had only very small elevation changes around the towers. An attempt was made to reduce the difference between the measured average wind speeds by a correction based on the small elevation features in the 10-mile radius area surrounding each measurement tower. This measurement correction significantly reduced the differences in the measured wind speeds.