cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functionally distinct high and low theta oscillations in the human hippocampus

Based on rodent models, researchers have theorized that the hippocampus supports episodic memory and navigation via the theta oscillation, a ~4-10Hz rhythm that coordinates brain-wide neural activity. However, recordings from humans have indicated that hippocampal theta oscillations are lower in frequency and less prevalent than in rodents, suggesting interspecies differences in theta9s function. To characterize human hippocampal theta, we examined the properties of theta oscillations throughout the anterior-posterior length of the hippocampus as neurosurgical subjects performed a virtual spatial navigation task. During virtual movement, we observed hippocampal oscillations at multiple frequencies from 2 to 14 Hz. The posterior hippocampus prominently displayed oscillations at ~8 Hz and the precise frequency of these oscillations correlated with the speed of movement, implicating these signals in spatial navigation. We also observed slower ~3-Hz oscillations, but these signals were more prevalent in the anterior hippocampus and their frequency did not vary with movement speed. Our results converge with recent findings to suggest an updated view of human hippocampal electrophysiology. Rather than one hippocampal theta oscillation with a single general role, high- and low-theta oscillations, respectively, may reflect spatial and non-spatial cognitive processes.
Toward a clearer conceptualization and operationalization of solutions journalism

Solutions journalism is rigorous news reporting about how people are responding to social problems – a definition used by scholars but formulated by the Solutions Journalism Network, an independent...
Glycemic Control in Adult Surgical Patients Receiving Regular Insulin Added to Parenteral Nutrition vs Insulin Glargine: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Background Hyperglycemia is a frequent complication in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality. Treatment of hyperglycemia requires insulin therapy; however, the optimal dose and route have not been established. This study aimed to compare regular insulin added to PN (RI-in-PN) with subcutaneous insulin glargine for the management of hyperglycemia in patients receiving PN. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary medical center and reviewed 113 adult, non-critically ill surgical patient admissions receiving PN over a 5-year period. The primary outcome was achievement of glycemic control. Secondary outcomes were time to glycemic control, hypoglycemic events, hospital length of stay, and 1-year mortality. Results The RI-in-PN group had a significantly higher percentage of patient admissions who achieved glycemic control compared with the insulin glargine group (71.8% vs 48.6%, P = 0.017). There was no difference in time to glycemic control, hypoglycemic events, hospital length of stay, or 1-year mortality between groups. Among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), however, the insulin glargine group had a significantly higher percentage of admissions with at least 1 hypoglycemic event (45.5% vs 20%, P = 0.035). Conclusions RI-in-PN is recommended over insulin glargine because of the higher likelihood of achieving glycemic control and, in patients with DM, lower risk of hypoglycemic events. Large, randomized controlled trials are needed to further guide prescribing practice.
Abstract TP157: Rates of Spinal Cord Infarction After Repair of Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection

Introduction: The rate of spinal cord infarction associated with repair of an aortic aneurysm or dissection is uncertain. Methods: We identified all adult patients discharged from nonfederal acute ...
Consumer willingness to pay for food safety interventions: The role of message framing and issue involvement

Abstract The study examines the impact of gain and loss message framing and issue involvement elicitation on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for two food safety enhancing technologies; cattle vaccines against E. coli and direct-fed microbials. A random sample of 1,842 US consumers completed a survey instrument that included six information treatments and a choice experiment. Empirical results show strong consumer preference and WTP for the technologies and consumer welfare gains from their introduction. Consistent with loss aversion, the loss-framed message induced the highest WTP, while elicitation of issue involvement reinforced (weakened) the influence of the loss (gain)-framed message.
Assessing the Validity and Clinical Utility of a Developmental Trauma Diagnosis in Ethnic Minority Adolescents.

Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD), a proposed diagnostic construct designed to reflect symptoms common among multiply-traumatized youth, was examined in a population of primarily female, predominantly Hispanic and African-American adolescents seeking psychiatric treatment (N = 53). The study uses a mix of interview and self-report data to test the prevalence of DTD symptoms relative to PTSD symptoms in this sample as well as to differentiate the DTD symptoms from DSM-IV and DSM-5 PTSD. DTD symptomatology was found to be as prevalent in the sample as PTSD symptomatology and further, DTD was found to be distinct from PTSD These results add to the literature suggesting the utility and need for the addition of a DTD diagnosis to the DSM, as well as offer insight into a population that has not been heavily scrutinized under a DTD framework.
Fractal x-ray edge problem at the critical point of the Aubry-André model

We study the Anderson orthogonality catastrophe, and the corresponding x-ray edge problem, in systems that are at a localization transition driven by a deterministic quasiperiodic potential. Specifically, we address how the ground state of the Aubry-Andr\'e model, at its critical point, responds to an instantaneous local quench. At this critical point, both the single-particle wave functions and the density of states are fractal. We find, numerically, that the overlap between postquench and prequench wave functions, as well as the ``core-hole'' Green function, evolve in a complex, nonmonotonic way with system size and time, respectively. We interpret our results in terms of the fractal density of states at this critical point. In a given sample, as the postquench time increases, the system resolves increasingly finely spaced minibands, leading to a series of alternating temporal regimes in which the response is flat or algebraically decaying. In addition, the fractal critical wave functions give rise to a quench response that varies strongly from site to site across the sample, which produces broad distributions of many-body observables. Upon averaging this broad distribution over samples, we recover coarse-grained power laws and dynamical exponents characterizing the x-ray edge singularity. We discuss how these features can be probed in ultracold atomic gases using radio-frequency spectroscopy and Ramsey interference.
Current Status of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Recalls.

Losartan was the ninth most prescribed drug in the United States in 2016, and several other angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely prescribed. Since July 2018, >2 dozen specific ARB pro...
Development of a Phase Change Material (PCM) Measurement Methodology for Fabric Surface Quantification

Phase change materials (PCMs) have unique chemical compositions that allow them to change phases from solids to liquids when a specific temperature is reached, providing a cooling sensation to the user. The durability of PCM finishes over the material or product’s useful life is not well known, nor is there a standardized procedure for quantifying the presence of PCMs on the fabric’s surface. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to develop and analyze the efficacy of a microscopic evaluation methodology for fabric surface quantification of PCM finishes. A pilot study was conducted on 100% polyester athletic t-shirts with a proprietary encapsulated printed PCM finish applied to the back side of the fabric. Microscopic images were taken in three locations from each shirt at the same coordinates using a Nikon inspection microscope (iNEXIV VMA-2520 model) at 120X magnification. Results indicate the methodology developed was effective for fabric surface quantification.
Protein kinase 2 (CK2) controls CD4+ T cell effector function in the pathogenesis of colitis.

Crohn's disease (CD), one of the major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and associated with aberrant CD4+ T-helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 responses. Protein kinase 2 (CK2) is a conserved serine-threonine kinase involved in signal transduction pathways, which regulate immune responses. CK2 promotes Th17 cell differentiation and suppresses the generation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. The function of CK2 in CD4+ T cells during the pathogenesis of CD is unknown. We utilized the T cell-induced colitis model, transferring CD45RBhi-naive CD4+ T cells from CK2αfl/fl controls and CK2αfl/fldLck-Cre mice into Rag1-/- mice. CD4+ T cells from CK2αfl/fldLck-Cre mice failed to induce wasting disease and significant intestinal inflammation, which was associated with decreased interleukin-17A-positive (IL-17A+), interferon-γ-positive (IFN-γ+), and double-positive IL-17A+IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells in the spleen and colon. We determined that CK2α regulates CD4+ T cell proliferation through a cell-intrinsic manner. CK2α is also important in controlling CD4+ T cell responses by regulating NFAT2, which is vital for T cell activation and proliferation. Our findings indicate that CK2α contributes to the pathogenesis of colitis by promoting CD4+ T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 responses, and that targeting CK2 may be a novel therapeutic treatment for patients with CD.
Impact of Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion on Utilization of Potential Lung Donors in the United States

Purpose Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a contemporary tool which aims to improve the utilization of marginal donor lungs. Little is known about the impact of EVLP on the utilization of potential donor organs on a national scale in the United States. This study examines whether EVLP is associated with increased lung utilization among potential donors in a contemporary cohort of United States patients. Methods We used the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database to identify all adult potential deceased organ donors, including donors after brain death (DBD) and donors after circulatory determination of death (DCD) in the modern era of EVLP (2015-2018). Our main covariate of interest was use of EVLP, defined by perfusion of either or both lungs prior to transplantation. The primary study endpoint was lung utilization, defined as successful single or double lung transplantation of a potential organ donor. Our analysis was performed using a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for donor demographics, clinical characteristics, and risk factors. We evaluated the association between EVLP and lung utilization separately among the DCD and DBD potential donor populations. Results We identified 11,857 potential donors of whom 1,608 (14%) were DCDs. EVLP use increased from 2% to 4% annually during the study period. Among DBD potential donors, EVLP was used in 2% (n=22). Lung utilization was 62% (n=6188) in grafts recovered without EVLP and 49% (n=108) with EVLP. Recovery with EVLP was associated with significantly lower lung utilization (adjusted OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.8) among DBD potential donors. Among DCD potential donors, EVLP was used in 6% (n=100). Lung utilization was 15% (n=234) without EVLP and 49% (n=49) with EVLP. Recovery with EVLP was associated with significantly improved lung utilization among DCD potential donors (adjusted OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7-4.6). Conclusion EVLP is associated with significantly higher lung utilization among potential DCD donors in the United States. In DBD donors, use of EVLP was likely a surrogate for unmeasured high-risk features and appeared to represent attempted salvage of organs that would otherwise have been discarded. EVLP can be a valuable tool to improve lung utilization among DCD donors and if employed more widely, may increase the pool of organs available for transplantation.
The Flow-Volume Loop: Always an Inspiration!

The venerable flow-volume relationship of the lung of was originally described by Bob Hyatt and Donald Fry in 1958 [1]. Hyatt had planned to go in the private practice-specifically family medicine-...
Ventilator Alarm Selection in the ICU

Background: Ventilator alarm selection in the ICU that has been poorly studied; which raises a concern for patient safety. We have previously reported that alarms are set very loosely probably due too the high number of false alarms and the fatigue they generate on the clinician. The results have been shared with clinicians and RT students who work/rotate at the institution where the study has been conducted. The goal of this study was to evaluate if selection of ventilator alarm parameters has changed over the last couple of years. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records of patients admitted to a medical-surgical ICU between May of 2013 and 2018 was conducted. The alarm settings selected for analysis were high respiratory rate (HI RR), high peak inspiratory pressure (HI PIP), and high and low minute volume (HI MV, LO MV), as they represent the most frequently documented alarms. SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis. Means and standard deviations were calculated. A t-test was used to compare groups and statistically significant difference was set at a P
Sex, sleaze and righteous anger: The rise and fall of gay magazines and newspapers in Australia

For much of the 20th century, homosexuality was illegal in Australia. The country was also subject to draconian censorship; overt homosexual works were banned. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, however, social change was afoot and publications of the homosexual rights and gay liberation movements began to appear, soon joined by more commercial publications aligned to an increasingly overt gay sub-culture. These publications prospered over the next three decades. Their focus ranged from earnest proselytising to post-modern pornography. Most maintained strong links to their readerships, even though many of them were distributed free of charge and relied on advertising to survive. This paper chronicles the range of these publications and examines how they helped develop and foster a gay, lesbian or queer readership (and hence outside the mainstream); explores how and why the printed forms of these publications gradually merged within the mainstream as same-sex relationships lost their deviance; and notes that these publications have largely been replaced by digital alternatives in the 21st century.
Network analysis of collaboration and information sharing in the management of the Lower Mekong River Basin

Abstract Collaboration in a natural resource management setting is vital to effective management. This paper evaluates collaboration and information and data exchange among organizations involved in the management of the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMB). As in other major river basins throughout the world, the LMB faces complex management challenges related to transboundary cooperation and competing demands from users in different countries. In response to stakeholder interest in strengthening collaboration and information sharing and identifying organizations well positioned to serve as research and information hubs to foster collaboration in LMB resource management, we conducted an organizational network survey of national, regional and international organizations that work in the LMB. An examination of network structure was conducted using key network measures and Jackson's (2017) social capital typology was used to examine which organizations in the network were well suited to serve as research and information hubs. The analysis showed that while the LMB network was relatively dense compared to other natural resource research and/or management networks, a lack of connections across national and organizational type boundaries could be a hindrance to transboundary collaboration and communication. The analysis also identified two organizations that were particularly well situated within the LMB network to act as brokers for knowledge and information exchange, with each organization occupying a complementary position in the network. This study illustrates the utility of social network analysis in identifying opportunities and hindrances for collaboration and information exchange and the potential roles of key actors in complex multi-scaled natural resource management contexts.
MRI Intensity Standardization Evaluation Design for Head and Neck Quantitative Imaging Applications

Abstract Background Conventional MRI poses unique challenges in quantitative analysis due to a lack of specific physical meaning for voxel intensity values. In recent years, intensity standardization methods to optimize MRI signal consistency have been developed to address this problem. However, the effects of standardization methods on the head and neck region have not been previously investigated. Purpose This study proposes a workflow based on healthy tissue region of interest (ROI) analysis to determine intensity consistency within a patient cohort. Through this workflow, we systematically evaluate different intensity standardization methods for T2-weighted MRI of the head and neck region. Methods Two image cohorts of five head and neck cancer patients, one with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (median age 59 years [range, 53-61]), and another with homogeneous acquisition parameters from a clinical trial (NCT03145077) (median age 61 years [range, 54-77]) were retrospectively analyzed. The standard deviation of cohort-level normalized mean intensity (SD NMIc), a metric of intensity consistency, was calculated across ROIs to determine the effect of five intensity standardization methods on T2-weighted images. For each cohort, the Friedman test with a subsequent post-hoc Bonferroni-corrected Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to compare SD NMIc among methods. Results Consistency (SD NMIc across ROIs) between T2-weighted images is substantially more impaired in the cohort with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (0.28 ± 0.04) than in the cohort with homogeneous acquisition parameters (0.15 ± 0.05). Consequently, intensity standardization methods more significantly improve consistency in the cohort with heterogeneous acquisition parameters (corrected p 0.05 for all methods compared to no standardization). Conclusions Our findings stress the importance of image acquisition parameter standardization, together with the need for testing intensity consistency before performing quantitative analysis of MRI.
Putting it in Neutral: How the Sequence, Severity, and Sincerity of Information Presentation Affects Student Opinions

This Article presents the findings of a study designed to measure how variations in the way college professors present information can affect students’ interpretation of the information. The topic analyzed involves two competing theories of constitutional interpretation, originalism and living constitutionalism. Variations on how the information was presented include informing the student which theory typically aligns with which political party, making salient the student’s political philosophy, including a short argument in favor of each position and altering the sequence in which they appear, and informing the student as to which theory the professor allegedly prefers. These changes resulted in stark differences in which theory of constitutional interpretation the student elected to support. This is consistent with existing literature on cognitive biases, such as anchoring and the serial-position effect. The results of this study serve as a valuable reminder to professors of the significance of how they present information as it pertains to biasing student beliefs. This Article also addresses effective strategies that can be implemented to minimize the anchoring effect and create a more neutral and conducive learning environment. Cognitive anchoring can also be utilized as a highly engaging topic for class discussion. Students educated on the wide-reaching effects of cognitive anchoring will be better equipped to acquire better outcomes in their academic, professional, and personal lives. This article provides pedagogical best practices for how to present the topic in a Legal Environment of Business course, as well as an interactive classroom activity to spark interest in the subject among students.
Ultrastable High-Connected Chromium Metal-Organic Frameworks.

State-of-the-art MOFs are generally known for chemical stability at one end of the pH scale (i.e., pH 14). Herein, we report new Cr-MOFs capable of withstanding extreme pH conditions across approximately 16 pH units from pH 14, likely the largest observed pH range for MOFs. The integration of multiple stability-enhancing factors including nonlabile Cr3+, mixed Cr-N and Cr-O cross-links, and the highest possible connectivity by Cr3O trimers enables extraordinary chemical stability confirmed by both PXRD and gas adsorption. Notably, the base stability is much higher than literature Cr-MOFs, thereby revitalizing Cr-MOF's viability in the pursuit for the most chemically stable MOFs. Among known cationic MOFs, the chemical stability of these new Cr-MOFs is unmatchable, to our knowledge. These Cr-MOFs can be developed into multiseries of isoreticular MOFs with a rich potential for functionalization, pore size, and pore geometry engineering and applications.
The Possible Involvement of Death-Related Genes in Methamphetamine-Induced Apoptosis

Substituted amphetamines can cause toxic damage to monoaminergic systems in the brains of mammals (1,2). This is reflected by methamphetamine (METH)-induced permanent changes in dopamine (DA) levels (2,3) and DA uptake sites (2). The accumulated evidence has implicated oxygen-based free radicals in METH-associated neurotoxicity (1,3,4). Superoxide radicals have been implicated in the toxicity of METH because CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) transgenic (Tg) mice are protected against METH-induced degeneration of the nigrostriatal DA pathway.
r-bPiDI, an α6β2* Nicotinic Receptor Antagonist, Decreases Nicotine-Evoked Dopamine Release and Nicotine Reinforcement

α6β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed by dopaminergic neurons mediate nicotine-evoked dopamine (DA) release and nicotine reinforcement. α6β2* antagonists inhibit these effects of nicotine, such that α6β2* receptors serve as therapeutic targets for nicotine addiction. The present research assessed the neuropharmacology of 1,10-bis(3-methyl-5,6-dihydropyridin-1(2H)-yl)decane (r-bPiDI), a novel small-molecule, tertiary amino analog of its parent compound, N,N-decane-1,10-diyl-bis-3-picolinium diiodide (bPiDI). bPiDI was previously shown to inhibit both nicotine-evoked DA release and the reinforcing effects of nicotine. In the current study, r-bPiDI inhibition of [(3)H]nicotine and [(3)H]methyllycaconitine binding sites was evaluated to assess interaction with the recognition binding sites on α4β2* and α7* nAChRs, respectively. Further, r-bPiDI inhibition of nicotine-evoked DA release in vitro in the absence and presence of α-conotoxin MII and following chronic in vivo nicotine administration were determined. The ability of r-bPiDI to decrease nicotine self-administration and food-maintained responding was also assessed. Results show that r-bPiDI did not inhibit [(3)H]nicotine or [(3)H]methyllycaconitine binding, but potently (IC50 = 37.5 nM) inhibited nicotine-evoked DA release from superfused striatal slices obtained from either drug naive rats or from those repeatedly treated with nicotine. r-bPiDI inhibition of nicotine-evoked DA release was not different in the absence or presence of α-conotoxin MII, indicating that r-bPiDI acts as a potent, selective α6β2* nAChR antagonist. Acute systemic administration of r-bPiDI specifically decreased nicotine self-administration by 75 %, and did not alter food-maintained responding, demonstrating greater specificity relative to bPiDI and bPiDDB, as well as the tertiary amino analog r-bPiDDB. The current work describes the discovery of r-bPiDI, a tertiary amino, α-conotoxin MII-like small molecule that acts as a potent and selective antagonist at α6β2* nAChRs to specifically decrease nicotine self-administration in rats, thus, establishing r-bPiDI as a lead compound for development as a treatment for nicotine addiction.
"The very house of difference": Zami, Audre Lorde's lesbian-centered text.

Locating the feminist subject at the intersection of shifting social groups, or "homes," allows me to explore the connections between concepts of home and identity in Audre Lorde's "biomythography,...
Spore germination in Dictyostelium discoideum. I. The thermodynamics of reversible activation.

Abstract Spore activation in Dictyostelium discoideum is characterized by a narrow range of activation temperatures centered near 43 °C. The temperature required for maximal spore activation may vary from one to two degrees depending upon the sporulation temperature and the age of the spore preparation. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that spore activation might involve a greater enthalpy and entropy change than that expected for soluble globular protein denaturation. The number of activation sites was calculated to be nine or more per spore using assumptions based upon a Poisson distributed array of sites. A hypothesis is suggested that the activation “site” is the mitochondrion and that the inner mitochondrial membrane contains regulatory proteins (“subsites”) which may restrict oxidative phosphorylation in the dormant spore. The restriction imposed upon oxidative phosphorylation may be relaxed upon partial denaturation of the “subsites” resulting in spore activation and subsequent germination.
Potential impacts of nanotechnology on energy transmission applications and needs.

The application of nanotechnologies to energy transmission has the potential to significantly impact both the deployed transmission technologies and the need for additional development. This could be a factor in assessing environmental impacts of right-of-way (ROW) development and use. For example, some nanotechnology applications may produce materials (e.g., cables) that are much stronger per unit volume than existing materials, enabling reduced footprints for construction and maintenance of electricity transmission lines. Other applications, such as more efficient lighting, lighter-weight materials for vehicle construction, and smaller batteries having greater storage capacities may reduce the need for long-distance transport of energy, and possibly reduce the need for extensive future ROW development and many attendant environmental impacts. This report introduces the field of nanotechnology, describes some of the ways in which processes and products developed with or incorporating nanomaterials differ from traditional processes and products, and identifies some examples of how nanotechnology may be used to reduce potential ROW impacts. Potential environmental, safety, and health impacts are also discussed.
On some permutation polynomials over Fq of the form x^r h(x^{(q-1)/d})

Several recent papers have given criteria for certain polynomials to permute F q , in terms of the periods of certain generalized Lucas sequences. We show that these results follow from a more general criterion which does not involve such sequences.
Social Change and Well-Being in Western Amenity-Growth Communities

Natural amenities involving a mild climate, topographic variation, and the presence of water areas are closely linked to population growth throughout the United States. From 1970 to1996 nonmetropolitan counties with high ratings on six natural amenity factors grew by an average of 125 percent, compared to just 1 percent among counties rated low on those same factors (McGranahan, 1999; also Beale & Johnson, 1998; Johnson & Beale, 1994; Rudzitis, 1999; Rudzitis & Johansen, 1989; Shumway & Davis, 1996). Amenity-based growth has been especially evident in nonmetropolitan portions of the American West, reflecting the widespread presence of public lands, national parks and monuments, wilderness areas, scenic vistas, and other natural amenity features. The development of major winter and summer resorts at places like Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado has driven both seasonal tourism and extensive land and housing development in many areas. Other areas without major resort developments, such as Idaho’s Teton Valley, have also experienced substantial growth due to in-migration of retirees, telecommuting professionals, and urban refugees attracted to high-amenity locations. Although the occurrence of amenity-based growth is well documented, its implications for social and community well-being are not clearly understood. From some perspectives, such growth represents a potential solution to difficulties associated with the deterioration of traditional rural economies such as farming, ranching, and resource extraction. From other perspectives, such growth has the potential to open a Pandora’s Box of social and economic problems associated with rapid population growth, tensions and conflicts between established and in-migrant populations, and the transformation of valued rural cultures and traditions. Amenity-based growth has the potential to influence, both positively and negatively, residents’ satisfaction with community conditions, their levels of
Vibrational spectroscopy of bacteriorhodopsin mutants. Evidence that ASP-96 deprotonates during the M----N transition.

The role of Asp-96 in the bacteriorhodopsin (bR) photocycle has been investigated by time-resolved and static low-temperature Fourier transform infrared difference spectroscopy. Bands in the time-resolved difference spectra of bR were assigned by obtaining analogous time-resolved spectra from the site-directed mutants Asp-96—-Ala and Asp-96—-Glu. As concluded previously (Braiman, M. S., Mogi, T., Marti, T., Stern, L. J., Khorana, H. G., and Rothschild, K. J. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 8516-8520) Asp-96 is predominantly in a protonated state in the M intermediate. Upon formation of the N intermediate, deprotonation of Asp-96 occurs. This is consistent with its postulated role as a key residue in the reprotonation pathway leading from the cytoplasm to the Schiff base. A broad band centered at 1400 cm-1, which increases in intensity upon N formation is assigned to the Asp-96 symmetric COO- vibration. The Asp-96—-Ala mutation also causes a delay in the Asp-212 protonation which normally occurs during the L—-M transition. It is concluded that Asp-96 donates a proton into the Schiff base reprotonation pathway during N formation and that it accepts a proton from the cytoplasm during the N—-O or O—-bR transition.
Control of Buildings under Earthquake Excitation

This paper shows a method of controlling civil engineering structures under earthquake excitation. The approach taken is to augment the equations of motion for the structural system with an appropriate model of the earthquake excitation based on filtering a Gaussian white noise process. In addition to a feedback loop, the controller utilizes the earthquake acceleration measurements for a feedforward compensation. Results are given which indicate that the proposed method offers advantages in performance over the control method employing only state feedback. It is also shown that the nonstationarity in the earthquake excitation can often be neglected in practical design of linear systems. Finally, a discussion is given of how the method might be coupled with equivalent linearization techniques and extended for use with nonlinear structures.
Subjects in Human Factors: Just who are They?

Humans are the “raison d'etre” for human factors, yet what do we really know about the characteristics of those who serve as our subjects and on whom our science is built? What do we need to know? This article addresses issues related to subject selection and data reporting, provides some recommendations, and hopefully raises some questions.Our subjects, as volunteers, differ from the population they are drawn from in many ways, specifically individuals volunteer as a function of the type of experiment. Volunteers have a greater sense of personal responsibility than non-volunteers. They tend to be higher in the need for social approval, and more social than non-volunteers. Volunteers for experiments involving risk taking score significantly higher in risk taking/arousal seeking, and are less anxious than non-volunteers. They are also less authoritarian and less conforming than non-volunteers. Finally, volunteers tend to be better educated than non-volunteers.Articles, which reported findings on human subj...
Caesy: a computer-aided engineering system

A new software tool, Caesy (for computer aided engineering system), is described. This tool provides a strong programming environment for research in the development of algorithms and software for computer-aided control system design. An analysis of requirements is presented along with a brief description of the user language and the design of the prototype software implementation. >
Isolation of enteric pathogens from patients with travelers' diarrhea using fecal transport media

We investigated the effectiveness of a two-vial fecal transport system: glycerol-buffered saline (GBS) and modified Cary-Blair with antibiotics (CBA) to transport stool samples to an enteric disease reference laboratory. In a blind study we compared the results of culturing 41 specimens promptly in the field laboratory to subculturing GBS and CBA in the reference laboratory. A pathogen was isolated from 72% of the cases in each laboratory. In addition, a pathogen was isolated from 32 of 45 samples inoculated into GBS and CBA and transported to the reference laboratory for subculture. These results demonstrate that GBS and CBA are effective means of transporting specimens to a reference laboratory when studying the etiology of diarrhea in remote parts of the world.
The effects of thrombin preconditioning on focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Our previous studies have shown that prior intracerebral infusion of a low dose of thrombin (thrombin preconditioning; TPC) reduces the brain edema that follows a subsequent intracerebral infusion of a high dose of thrombin or an intracerebral hemorrhage. In vitro studies have also demonstrated that low concentrations of thrombin protect neurons and astrocytes from hypoglycemia and oxidative stress-induced damage. This study, therefore, examines the hypothesis that TPC would offer protection from ischemic brain damage in vivo. This was a blinded design study. The rat brain was preconditioned with 1 U thrombin by direct infusion into the left caudate nucleus. Seven days after thrombin pretreatment, permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced. Twenty-four hours post-ischemia, neurological deficit was evaluated and infarction volume, brain water and ion contents were measured. Compared to saline-treated rats, thrombin pretreatment significantly attenuated brain infarction in cortex (90±33 vs. 273±22 mm3; P<0.05) and basal ganglia (56±17 vs. 119±12 mm3; P<0.05) that followed 24 h of permanent MCAO. TPC also reduced the brain edema in cortex and basal ganglia by 50 and 53% (P<0.05). Neurological deficit was improved in thrombin pretreatment group (P<0.05). These effects of TPC were, in part, prevented by co-injection of hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor, indicating that the protection was indeed thrombin mediated. Cerebral TPC significantly reduces ischemic brain damage, perhaps by activation of the thrombin receptor. This finding provides a new mechanism by which to study ischemic tolerance.
Effects of number of views, cone angle, detector bit depth, and projection noise level on the SNR in cone-beam reconstruction

Three-dimensional, conebeam image reconstruction from planar, transmitted x-ray projections is the most dose-efficient method for computed tomography. A number of factors, including the number of projections acquired, the cone angle subtended by the detector, the detector bit- depth, and the amount of noise in the projections, influence the quality of the reconstruction. Using simulations, we investigate the effects of these parameters on the signal-to-noise level attainable using the Feldkamp algorithm for conebeam reconstruction.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Stochastic resource allocation for energy-constrained systems

Battery-powered wireless systems running media applications have tight constraints on energy, CPU, and network capacity, and therefore require the careful allocation of these limited resources to maximize the system's performance while avoiding resource overruns. Usually, resource-allocation problems are solved using standard knapsack-solving techniques. However, when allocating conservable resources like energy (which unlike CPU and network remain available for later use if they are not used immediately) knapsack solutions suffer from excessive computational complexity, leading to the use of suboptimal heuristics. We show that use of Lagrangian optimization provides a fast, elegant, and, for convex problems, optimal solution to the allocation of energy across applications as they enter and leave the system, even if the exact sequence and timing of their entrances and exits is not known. This permits significant increases in achieved utility compared to heuristics in common use. As our framework requires only a stochastic description of future workloads, and not a full schedule, we also significantly expand the scope of systems that can be optimized.
HIGH-ACCURACY MONTE CARLO STUDY OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL CLASSICAL HEISENBERG FERROMAGNET

Using extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we study the equilibrium properties of the simple-cubic, classical Heisenberg ferromagnet. We employ very long runs for L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}L lattices to obtain high-precision data for the magnetization probability distribution. Using finite-size scaling for L\ensuremath{\le}24 and an optimized multiple-histogram data analysis, we obtain an accurate value of the inverse critical temperature J/${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=0.6929\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0001, which is higher than previously accepted estimates. Calculated values of various static exponents are in excellent agreement with renormalization-group and \ensuremath{\epsilon}-expansion predictions.
Campaign contributions in Texas Supreme Court races

One of the most disturbing features of an elective judiciary is judicial campaign finance. This paper explores the financing of the 1988 Texas Supreme Court races, probably the most expensive partisan judicial election campaign in history. It examines the sources of the funding of those six seats on the court in terms of competition among interest groups for control of the court. It also examines proposed reforms in the system of campaign finance and points out that those reforms are not neutral tools of “good government”, but that instead they have massive political implications for the interests vying to influence the direction of tort law in the state.
Who should be tested for fragile X carriership? A review of 1 center's pedigrees.

Objective To determine whether following American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American College of Medical Genetics recommendations would have detected carriers in pedigrees of patients diagnosed with fragile X. Study Design Using a database of patients referred to the UT genetics clinic for evaluation of fragile X, pedigrees of cases of fragile X syndrome were analyzed. Results Eight of 17 cases identified had a family history of unexplained mental retardation (MR) or fragile X MR and would have been diagnosed using current guidelines. Other findings noted in the pedigrees included autism, speech or hearing problems, attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome and behavioural disorders. No risk factors were found in 4 cases. Conclusion Using current guidelines, less than one half of fragile X carriers would have been identified during a prenatal assessment. Using other risk factors in screening would likely increase carrier detection rate.
Effect of cytochalasin D on the adhesion of a neuroblastoma x glioma cell line (NG108-15) to laminin and plastic substrates.

Adhesion of the neuronal cell surface to its underlying substrate plays an important role in neurite outgrowth in vitro. I have investigated the adhesive basis for neurite outgrowth in the presence of cytochalasin D, a disruptor of actin-containing microfilaments, and in the presence of vinblastine, a depolymerizer of microtubules. Scanning electron microscopy shows that cytochalasin D does not alter the branching configuration of filopodia on a laminin substrate, although processes are shorter and tapered distally in the presence of the drug. Using a standard attachment assay for the neuroblastoma x glioma cell line (NG108-15) I show that vinblastine does not influence attachment of NG108-15 cells to either plastic or laminin. Cytochalasin D-treated cells normally attach to high concentrations of a laminin substrate (20 μg/ml). However, when cell are seeded on a laminin substrate at lower concentrations (0.001–10 μg/ml), or on YIGSR, a fragment of laminin, cytochalasin D increases cell attachment. Cytochalasin D increases attachment in a dose-dependent manner when cells are seeded on plain polystyrene plastic, so that the number of cells attached to plastic in 1 μM cytochalasin D is similar to the number attached to laminin (20 μg/ml). Combining low concentrations of cytochalasin D and laminin results in greater attachment than with either agent alone. Mild trypsinization of the cell surface reduces the CD-enhanced attachment to plastic, indicating that a protein on the cell surface may be involved. The effect of cytochalasin D appears to be cell specific since cytochalasin D does not affect the attachment of a fibroblast cell line (NIH 3T3) to laminin and plastic. I hypothesize that a molecular mechanism is involved in which cytochalasin D promotes attachment by interacting with the cell surface via the actin microfilament system.
COURSE PREPARATION FOR MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

The explosive growth of the consulting industry in recent years and the controversy surrounding the quality of the consulting function stresses the needs for a better preparation and training of consultants. This article examines the contribution that academia can provide in furthering the development of consultants at different stages in their careers. The research indicates a scarcity of academic course offerings and a lack of comprehensive coverage of essential course elements such as client-based field projects. A template is provided to address the curricular deficiencies detected in the survey of current course offerings.
Evaluation as peacebuilding?: Transformative values, processes, and outcomes

An evaluation approach that is collaborative and elicitive may well serve as a catalyst for transforming relationships of power, standing in stark contrast to more conventional and staid evaluation practices that are technical in nature and actuarial in intent. Election of an orientation is the most decisive and strategic choice that is made in approaching evaluation and articulating value imperatives in fieldwork, coloring as it surely does the pragmatic stages of evaluation and good practice for the peacebuilder.
Effects of Propamocarb Hydrochloride on Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, and Infection by Phytophthora nicotianae Isolates from Virginia Nurseries

Propamocarb hydrochloride is a systemic fungicide commonly used for control of Phytophthora diseases of nursery crops. Here we report on the effect of this compound on different growth stages of Phytophthora nicotianae, a major pathogen of numerous herbaceous and some woody ornamental plants. A total of 71 isolates were assayed for sensitivity to propamocarb at two concentrations of 1.8 mg/ml (label rate) and 10 mg/ml using clarified V8 agar as a base medium. All isolates grew at 10 mg/ml with the most sensitive isolate having 34.8% relative growth compared with growth on nonamended medium. Nine isolates were selected and further tested for mycelial growth at 0, 1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml, and for sporangium production, zoospore motility, and germination at 0, 5, 50, 500, 5,000, and 50,000 μg/ml. EC50 values ranged from 2.2 to 90.1 mg/ml for mycelial growth, 133.8 to 481.3 μg/ml for sporangium production, 88.1 to 249.8 μg/ml for zoospore motility, and 1.9 to 184.6 μg/ml for zoospore germination, respectively. In addition, 17 selected isolates were evaluated for propamocarb sensitivity on Pelargonium × hortorum cv. White Orbit. Two days after seedlings were treated with propamocarb at 3.6 mg/ml, they were inoculated by either inverting one 5-mm-diameter plug of a 3-day-old culture or applying a 10-μl drop containing 20 zoospores onto each cotyledon. Propamocarb hydrochloride provided good protection of geranium seedlings from zoospore infections but not from mycelial infections. These results suggest that this fungicide must be used preventively for Phytophthora disease management and that mycelial growth may not be the most reliable measurement to determine the development of fungicide resistance to this compound in Phytophthora species at production facilities and in the landscape.
Psychological reactions and family adjustment in shock versus no shock groups after implantation of internal cardioverter defibrillator

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare psychological reactions and family adjustment after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implnatation in survivors who did and did not experience defibrillatory shocks the first year of recovery. Methods: Data were collected as part of a longitudinal prospective study that examined patient and family adjustment after SCA. SCA survivors and one family member per patient were interviewed and completed questionnaires three times within the first year (hospital discharge, 6 months, and 12 months) after SCA. Sample: Fifteen SCA survivors (13 men and 2 women) between the ages of 30 and 74 (mean 57 years) and one respective family member, usually the spouse, (mean age 53 years) participated. All SCA survivors had had primary ventricular fibrillation outside the hospital, had automatic defibrillators implanted while hospitalized, and were monitored for 1 year. Results: Participants were divided into shock and no shock groups based on activation of their ICD the first year. The mean number of shocks received in the shock group survivors was 26, with a range of 3 to 100. Anxiety, depression, anger, and stress levels were higher for both survivors and their family members in the group that received defibrillator shocks. Denial was high throughout the entire year in all survivors. Dyadic adjustment and family coping were not found to be significantly different between the no shock and shock groups. A trend toward reduction in family social support and dyadic satisfaction was noted in both groups with time. Conclusions: Both SCA survivors and their family members experience more psychological distress in the first year after ICD implantation if the defibrillator fires. Families in both shock and no shock groups report lower levels of family support and marital satisfaction the first year after SCA and ICD implantation.
Fourier analyses: A mathematical and geometric explanation

Fourier analyses are used in electrophysiological research to reduce EEG data to an interpretable, analyzable form. This article outlines the mathematical similarities and differences between Fourier transforms and fast Fourier transforms. A geometric explanation of the application of fast Fourier transforms and a Fourier series to theta-band EEG data is also included in this article.