cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the mechanism of the inhibition of platelet aggregation and release induced by high levels of arachidonate

We have previously reported that arachidonic acid induced a biphasic pattern of platelet aggregation and the release of both dense and alpha-granule components. Low levels of arachidonate (0.025--0.1 mM) specifically induced aggregation and release, while high concentrations (0.15--0.35 mM) caused a progressive inhibition of these platelet responses in human gel-filtered platelets (GFP). We now report studies of the mechanism(s) responsible for this arachidonate-induced turn-off of platelet function. Electron micrographic studies demonstrated that there was no gross damage to the platelets during the turn-off. Active synthesis of malondialdehyde and thromboxane A2 was seen at the high arachidonate levels, despite the inhibition of aggregation. Furthermore, GFP inhibited by 0.25 mM arachidonate were capable of undergoing aggregation and serotonin release in response to other stimuli, such as collagen or thrombin. Thus, GFP appeared to be metabolically intact and functional during the inhibiton by high arachidonate levels. Thin-layer chromatographic studies revealed that prostaglandin metabolism was not changed at the high arachidonate levels. In addition, indomethacin (20 microM) did not abolish the arachidonate-induced inhibition of platelet function. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of high arachidonate did not depend on its conversion to other prostaglandin products. Platelet cyclic AMP levels increased twofold at the high arachidonate concentrations (1.3 +/- 0.3 pmole/10(8) platelets at peak aggregation, compared with 2.9 +/- 0.4 pmole/10(8) platelets at inhibition by 0.25 mM arachidonate, p less than 0.001). Prostaglandin-D2, a platelet inhibitor known to increase cyclic AMP, generated a similar rise (to 2.4 +/- 0.2 pmole/10(8) platelets). Thus, the magnitude of the arachidonate-induced increase in platelet cyclic AMP levels can account for the inhibition of aggregation and release.
Long-standing inhaled foreign bodies in children: Characteristics and outcome.

Abstract Objective Aspirated foreign bodies in children present a potentially life-threatening condition and can be challenging to diagnose. This study aims to elucidate the characteristics and outcome of children with long-standing aspirated foreign bodies. Methods Retrospective case series of all cases of confirmed long-standing aspirated foreign bodies (LSAFB) between January 2003 to December 2015 in a single paediatric tertiary-level institution, defined as more than two weeks from choking episode or beginning of symptoms. Results Clinical files and operative records on 227 patients were screened and 35 children were confirmed to have been treated for LSAFB as per definition above. Median time to presentation was 4 weeks (mean 8.8 weeks). Eighty-six percent presented with cough and 51% with dyspnoea. Abnormal chest X-ray findings were found in 28 out 31 patients (90%). Organic foreign bodies (22) were more common than inorganic (14). Intraoperative granulation tissue was demonstrated in 89% of patients and in 46% of patients this was regarded as significant (defined as obstructing more than 50% of the involved airway lumen). Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. Nine patients (26%) had 11 respiratory complications; there were no mortalities. Conclusions Paediatric LSAFB poses an uncommon diagnostic dilemma as there is often no witnessed history of aspiration event; and signs, symptoms and chest X-Ray findings are often non-specific. Laryngobronchoscopy is made more difficult by the presence of granulation tissue and the sequelae of prolonged non-treatment is a higher rate of chronic respiratory disease.
Successful Treatment with Intrathecal (IT) Liposomal Cytarabine (Depocyte®) in a Refractory Meningeal Relapsed Child with T-ALL.

Leptomeninges are a frequent site of recurrence in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), often difficult to eradicate for the limited drug penetration through the blood-brain barrier. The main IT anticancer agents have a limited efficacy for their rapid metabolism and low cytotoxic liquor concentrations. Recently a new liposomal formulation of cytarabine (Depocyte ® ), encapsulated into multivesicular lipid particles, is under investigation in lymphomatous meningitis for its property of slow release of cytarabine into the CSF. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of Depocyte ® in a child with repeated meningeal relapses. A 8 years-old boy, with hyperleukocytosic T-ALL was enrolled in the AIEOP high risk protocol after first diagnosis and presented with CSF hemorrhage, seizures and coma at day +22 which required intensive care. Besides, he showed VCR toxicity in two different occasions with VII cranial nerve paresis. Eight months after initiation of the front-line protocol, during the re-induction treatment, he presented with a meningeal relapse and a second line AIEOP protocol was started. At month +11 from disease onset, he showed diplopia, eyelid ptosis, oculomotor nerve paresis, intense headache, vomit and vertigo. Lumbar puncture was positive for T-blasts and the MRI showed an enlargement of bilateral optic nerves and persistent malacic area as a residual of the previous hemorrhage. A second CSF relapse combined with a bone marrow recurrence was diagnosed. He started on a rescue protocol with VANDA modified without L-ASP (ARA-C 2 gr/m 2 twice a day for 2 days, DMZ 20 mg/m 2 x 5 days, VP-16 150 mg/m 2 x 3 days, MITO 8 mg/m 2 x 2 days) associated to IT administration of Depocyte ® at scalar doses (T1=25 mg, T2=30 mg) every two weeks for the first two doses. Because of the persistence of blasts at T3, IT Depocyte ® was changed to be administered weekly for 4 injections (T3–T6), at 35 mg/dose, associated with a second cycle of VANDA. Arachnoiditis prophylaxis with dexamethasone at 0.15 mg/kg/day was performed. At T4, the liquor was completely negative and neurological and ocular symptoms had disappeared. The MRI showed complete resolution of optic nerve involvement. No adverse effects were reported. A complete hematological and meningeal remission has been achieved and a cranial radiotherapy as consolidation of CSF remission is ongoing. In this single experience, we observed the efficacy of weekly administration of liposomal ARA-C to control leptomeningeal metastasis and particularly optic nerve involvement. We suggest that the weekly administration of Depocyte ® , combined with conventional chemotherapy, should be further evaluated as a potential treatment schedule in pediatric patients. The drug was well tolerated and no adverse events were reported. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Depocyte ® in the pediatric setting.
Plastic changes along auditory pathway during salicylate-induced ototoxicity: Hyperactivity and CF shifts

Abstract High dose of salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, has long been known to induce transient hearing loss, tinnitus and hyperacusis making it a powerful experimental tool. These salicylate-induced perceptual disturbances are associated with a massive reduction in the neural output of the cochlea. Paradoxically, the diminished neural output of the cochlea is accompanied by a dramatic increase in sound-evoked activity in the auditory cortex (AC) and several other parts of the central nervous system. Exactly where the increase in neural activity begins and builds up along the central auditory pathway are not fully understood. To address this issue, we measured sound-evoked neural activity in the cochlea, cochlear nucleus (CN), inferior colliculus (IC), and AC before and after administering a high dose of sodium salicylate (SS, 300 mg/kg). The SS-treatment abolished low-level sound-evoked responses along the auditory pathway resulting in a 20–30 dB threshold shift. While the neural output of the cochlea was substantially reduced at high intensities, the neural responses in the CN were only slightly reduced; those in the IC were nearly normal or slightly enhanced while those in the AC considerably enhanced, indicative of a progress increase in central gain. The SS-induced increase in central response in the IC and AC was frequency-dependent with the greatest increase occurring in the mid-frequency range the putative pitch of SS-induced tinnitus. This frequency-dependent hyperactivity appeared to result from shifts in the frequency receptive fields (FRF) such that the response areas of many FRF shifted/expanded toward the mid-frequencies. Our results suggest that the SS-induced threshold shift originates in the cochlea. In contrast, enhanced central gain is not localized to one region, but progressively builds up at successively higher stage of the auditory pathway either through a loss of inhibition and/or increased excitation.
Which Prognostic Index Is Most Appropriate in the Setting of Delayed Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases

OBJECTIVES: To determine if five commonly-used prognostic indices (PI)–Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA), Score Index for Radiosurgery (SIR), Basic Score for Brain Metastases (BSBM), graded prognostic assessment (GPA), and the diagnosis-specific GPA (DSGPA)— are valid following delay between diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases. METHODS: In a single-institutional cohort, records of patients that underwent SRS more than 30 days from diagnosis of brain metastases were collected, and five PI scores were calculated for each patient. For each PI, three score-based groupings were made to examine survival differences by means of adjusted log-rank analysis and area under the curve. RESULTS: Of 121 patients with sufficient PI information, 72 underwent SRS more than 30 days after diagnosis. Median age and Karnofsky performance status were 60 years and 80, respectively. Forty-three (60%) patients had lung primaries. Prior to SRS, 38 (52.8%) and 12 (16.7%) patients underwent whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and surgery, respectively. 2 (2.8%) patients underwent both WBRT and surgery prior to SRS. A median of two lesions were treated per SRS course. Median survival of the cohort was 9.0 months. Using adjusted log-rank analysis for pairwise comparison, BSBM and GPA showed significance between two out of three prognostic groups, while the other scores showed either one or no significant differences on comparison. Area under the curve demonstrated good applicability for BSBM, RPA, and GPA, although SIR was statistically less prognostic than the other PIs. CONCLUSIONS: The PIs analyzed in this study were applicable in the setting of delayed SRS. Though these data are hypothesis-generating, they serve to encourage further analyses to validate a PI that is most optimal for these patients.
Outcomes are Local: Patient, Disease, and Procedure-Specific Risk Factors for Colorectal Surgical Site Infections from a Single Institution

Background Colorectal surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute to postoperative morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization. Risk factors associated with colorectal SSI are well-documented. However, quality improvement efforts are informed by national data, which may not identify institution-specific risk factors.
Mechanistic and Preclinical Insights from Mouse Models of Hematologic Cancer Characterized by Hyperactive Ras

RAS genes are mutated in 5%-40% of a spectrum of myeloid and lymphoid cancers with NRAS affected 2-3 times more often than KRAS Genomic analysis indicates that RAS mutations generally occur as secondary events in leukemogenesis, but are integral to the disease phenotype. The tractable nature of the hematopoietic system has facilitated generating accurate mouse models of hematologic malignancies characterized by hyperactive Ras signaling. These strains provide robust platforms for addressing how oncogenic Ras expression perturbs proliferation, differentiation, and self-renewal programs in stem and progenitor cell populations, for testing potential therapies, and for investigating mechanisms of drug response and resistance. This review summarizes recent insights from key studies in mouse models of hematologic cancer that are broadly relevant for understanding Ras biology and for ongoing efforts to implement rational therapeutic strategies for cancers with oncogenic RAS mutations.
The impact of a mind-body program on multiple dimensions of resiliency among geographically diverse patients with neurofibromatosis.

The neurofibromatoses (NF) are incurable genetic disorders that can cause nerve sheath tumors, chronic pain, and disfiguration. Patients with NF report lower quality of life and greater distress, and may benefit from programs that promote resiliency. To test effects of an 8-week mind–body program (Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for NF [3RP-NF]) on resiliency, using data derived from a larger randomized controlled trial of the 3RP-NF versus attention placebo control (Vranceanu et al. in Neurology 87:806–814, 2016). Participants (N = 63; 46 female; 52 White) were randomized to 3RP-NF (n = 32, M age = 42.86) or control (n = 31, M age = 39.90), completed intervention sessions via group videoconferencing, and provided self-report measures of resiliency (i.e., perceived coping abilities, perceived social support, gratitude, optimism, spiritual well-being, mindfulness) at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. All participants attended at least 6/8 sessions and 83% (N = 52) provided 6-month follow-up data. The 3RP-NF (vs. control) produced greater improvements from pre- to post-intervention in perceived coping abilities (M difference = 6.68; p = .008), perceived social support (M difference = 9.16; p = .032), and mindfulness (M difference = 2.23; p = .035), which were maintained at 6-month follow up. We did not observe group differences in spiritual well-being, optimism, or gratitude. The 3RP-NF produced sustained increases in multiple dimensions of resiliency (perceived coping abilities, perceived social support, and mindfulness). Promoting resiliency may be particularly important for a population that is underserved and living with a chronic, incurable illness.
A Systematic Review of Arthroscopic Versus Open Tenotomy of Iliopsoas Tendonitis After Total Hip Replacement

Purpose To conduct a systematic review of the literature comparing patient outcomes following arthroscopic and open operative management of iliopsoas tendonitis (IPT) following total hip replacement (THR). Methods This review study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Inclusion criteria were as follows: outcome studies following open or arthroscopic iliopsoas tendon release after THR with at least 6 months of follow-up, English language, and human studies. The exclusion criteria included case reports, articles evaluating nonsurgical management or cup revision, and articles without a specific diagnosis of IPT or in which results between open and arthroscopic treatment were reported in conjunction. Results A total of 131 studies were initially retrieved, with 7 satisfying all inclusion criteria (4 studies on arthroscopic tenotomy and 3 studies on open tenotomy). The review included a total of 88 patients with IPT—61 patients treated arthroscopically and 27 patients treated with open tenotomy. In total, 77 of the 88 patients demonstrated successful outcomes following surgery. In the group treated with arthroscopy, 91.8% (56/61) of patients had successful outcomes, whereas in those treated with open tenotomy, 77.8% (21/27) of patients had successful outcomes. Of patients with signs of mechanical impingement from acetabular component overhang, those who underwent open tenotomy had complete pain relief in 6/8 patients (75%) compared to arthroscopic tenotomy in which there was relief in 40/43 patients (93%). Conclusions Arthroscopic iliopsoas release for management of IPT is suggested to be an effective minimally invasive operative technique that may also yield a lower complication rate in comparison to open tenotomy. Tenotomy, both arthroscopic and open, are successful treatment options for IPT, including those with signs of mechanical impingement, and are recommended prior to cup revision. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of level IV studies.
Attack-Resilient Pulse-Coupled Synchronization

Synchronization of pulse-coupled oscillators is gaining increased popularity in sensor networks and wireless communications due to its simplicity, implicit scalability, and high energy efficiency. However, most existing results are obtained in the absence of malicious attacks. This paper addresses pulse-coupled synchronization resilient to malicious attacks. Not only is the condition for stealthy attacks obtained, but we also prove analytically that pulse-coupled synchronization can be guaranteed despite the presence of a stealthy attacker, even when legitimate oscillators have different initial phases. This is in distinct difference from most of the existing attack-resilient synchronization algorithms (including the seminal paper from Lamport and Melliar-Smith) that require a priori (almost) synchronization among legitimate nodes. Numerical simulations confirm the theoretical results.
First-order reversal curve analysis of homogeneous nucleation in the two-dimensional kinetic Ising model

The first-order reversal curve (FORC) method is applied to the two-dimensional kinetic Ising model. For the system size and magnetic field chosen, the system reverses by the homogeneous nucleation and growth of many droplets. This makes the dynamics of reversal nearly deterministic, in contrast to the strongly disordered systems previously studied by the FORC method. Consequently, the FORC diagrams appear different from those obtained in previous studies. The Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (KJMA) theory of phase transformation by nucleation and growth is applied to the system. Reasonable agreement with the Monte Carlo simulations is found, and the FORC method suggests how the KJMA theory could be extended.
Anxiety and Fear Conditioning, Neural Basis of

Fear conditioning (FC) is a model that has been extremely well characterized over the years, and which has proven invaluable in improving our understanding of the neural basis of anxiety-related disorders. The neural mechanisms that contribute to anxiety per se are less easily isolated into components; yet, owing to significant overlap between the neural circuitry that is engaged in FC and many forms of anxiety-related disorders, researchers in this field have uncovered a role for a number of brain regions in dysregulations of the fear system, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex.
Living Fossils: Introduction to the Casebook

Science is a perpetual collision between ideas and observations. In evolutionary theory, the ideas we entertain usually concern process: We seek to know just how evolution actually works. But our “observations” are problematical; ranging from DNA sequences, distributions of alleles in populations, and on up through the origins and extinctions of major taxa, the “data” of evolutionary biology are of vastly different scale, quality, and, some would say, significance. But all these “data” share a common feature: All are states of biological systems that represent the outcome of the evolutionary process. All are historical entities—these particular genes, allelic frequencies, species, and phyla. And all that we think we know about them constitutes not so much raw data or observation as detailed hypotheses.
Making Sense of Distributed Leadership: How Secondary School Educators Look at Job Redesign

This paper examines how teachers and administrators who were involved in a multi-year effort to engage in distributed leadership interpreted their experiences. We lay out and apply an argument for using an interpretive perspective to study distributed leadership. Collective sensemaking around distributed leadership is illustrated by an in-depth analysis of a single high school. The school was part of a larger study of six schools, and was selected to illustrate sensemaking over time in a large, complex school. There were three years of on-site interviews, observations and document analysis. We found that distributed leadership is a potential “disruption” to traditional patterns of leadership, work performance and influence in high schools. One-quarter of the school’s faculty engaged with the “disruption” but all had a chance to process the change. The end result was that many became sense-givers and kept the momentum for teacher leadership going during significant personnel turnover among faculty and administration. The success of the efforts to create more broadly distributed leadership was facilitated by its integration into an existing improvement initiative.
Statistical learning: How it relates to speech-language pathology

Purpose The purpose of this special issue is to introduce speech-language pathologists to the topic of statistical learning and how this is relevant to their practice. In the following articles, th...
The Effectiveness of Using Diversity to Select Multiple Classifier Systems with Varying Classification Thresholds

In classification applications, the goal of fusion techniques is to exploit complementary approaches and merge the information provided by these methods to provide a solution superior than any sing...
Two Inoculation Methods for Refining As-Cast Grain Structure in Austenitic 316L Steel

Two inoculation methods were utilized to introduce titanium nitride (TiN) particles into an AISI 316L steel melt to refine the as-cast grain structure during solidification. The design of the experimental melt treatments and grain refining additions was performed using thermodynamic simulations. The first inoculation method is based on in situ formation of heterogeneous nuclei by TiN co-precipitation on preexisting Mg–Al spinel inclusions. This method included a two-stage melt treatment using spinel forming additions followed by an addition of titanium in the ladle just prior to pouring. The second inoculation method used a newly developed master alloy that contains TiN precipitates which was added in the ladle during furnace tapping. In this method, protective conditions to prevent full dissolution of the TiN nuclei before the onset of solidification were determined by thermodynamic simulations. Grain refinement of the cast macrostructure was observed with both methods. The in situ method provided finer equiaxed grains than the master alloy method, while a thicker zone with columnar grains next to the chill was observed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with automated feature analysis was used to quantify the resulting inclusions. The master alloy method eliminated the need for spinel, gave better control of the amount and size of heterogeneous nuclei, and reduced clustering tendency in comparison with the in situ method. However, the in situ formed nuclei method is more effective to refine grain size. The effects of contact angle and nuclei surface geometry on the activity of heterogeneous nucleation were discussed. It is proposed that clustering TiN particles provides numerous sharp, concave corners which favors the heterogeneous nucleation of austenite grains. This is illustrated by SEM images of extracted TiN particles and electron backscatter diffraction analysis of grain orientation.
High Crimes? The Effect of Marijuana Legalization on Crime in Colorado

The previous decade has witnessed a surprising number of states move to legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use. This movement has caused controversy regarding the uncertainty of the effect of legalization on criminal activity. While few empirical studies have shed light on recent legalization and crime, economic theory suggests that a reduction in prohibitions ought not to cause an increase in criminal activity. This study examines the effect of the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado on crime rates among all individuals as well as those 21 years of age and under using a synthetic control method to construct a counterfactual state of Colorado. The results indicate that crime increases in all categories in Colorado, with an especially significant increase in property crime committed by adults.
Colocolonic intussusception in an adult cystic fibrosis patient

Abstract Purpose To raise awareness of colocolonic intussusception as a gastrointestinal complication of CF mimicking distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and discuss risk of recurrence. Case summary A 33-year-old Caucasian male with cystic fibrosis presented with an acute abdomen diagnosed via imaging as colocolonic intussusception. He was managed with fluid replacement therapy and polyethylene glycol. He was re-admitted due to recurrence likely secondary to recurrent constipation and development of a fecalith. Surgery was contraindicated due to absence of tissue ischemia or necrosis. Discussion Several possible etiological factors have been described, especially some that tend to occur within the context of CF disease, such as DIOS and PERT, and symptoms of colocolonic intussusception are similar to those of other causes of an acute abdomen but distinguishable by advanced imaging modalities. Due to risk of recurrence, an etiology of intussusception should be sought. Conclusion Colo-colonic intussusception is a rare cause of an acute abdomen in the adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patient and may be associated with underlying constipation or presence of a fecalith.
What does a good night's sleep mean? Nonlinear relations between sleep and children's cognitive functioning and mental health.

Study objectives We attempted to identify the duration and quality of sleep associated with the optimal child outcomes in key developmental domains including cognitive functioning, academic performance, and mental health. In doing so, we examined nonlinear associations between the sleep and developmental variables. Based on racial/ethnic disparities in children's sleep, we assessed this variable as a moderator of examined relations. Methods Two hundred eighty-two children participated (Mage = 9.4 years, SD = .72; 52% boys; 65% white/European American, 35% black/African American). Sleep was examined with actigraphy for seven consecutive nights and with self-reports. Actigraphy-based sleep duration (minutes) and quality (efficiency), as well as self-reported sleep quality were derived. Children reported on their mental health and were administered cognitive performance tests. Mothers and teachers reported on children's mental health; teachers also reported on academic functioning. Schools provided academic achievement data. Results Sleep duration had an accelerating nonlinear negative association with externalizing behaviors. Nonlinear associations were also detected between both actigraphy-derived and subjective reports of sleep quality and multiple developmental domains including academic functioning and mental health and the best functioning corresponded with the highest levels of sleep quality. Emphasizing the importance of individual differences, several examined associations were moderated by race/ethnicity. Conclusions Sleep duration and quality emerged as nonlinear predictors of multiple domains of child development. Findings illustrate that the benefits of longer and better-quality sleep did not taper off and that assessments of nonlinear relations may enhance understanding of the nature of associations between sleep and child functioning.
The History Manifesto

Introduction: the bonfire of the humanities? 1. Going forward by looking back: the rise of the longue duree 2. The short past: or, the retreat of the longue duree 3. The long and the short: climate change, governance and inequality since the 1970s 4. Big questions, big data Conclusion: the public future of the past.
Solving the Paradox of Insider Trading Compliance

Regulators demand the impossible when they require issuers to design and implement an effective insider trading compliance program because insider trading is a crime that neither Congress nor the SEC has defined with any specificity. This problem of uncertainty is then compounded by the threat of heavy civil and criminal sanctions for violations. Placed between this rock and hard place, issuers tend to adopt over-broad insider trading compliance programs that come at a heavy price in terms of corporate culture, cost of compensation, share liquidity, and cost of capital. The irony is that, since all of these costs are ultimately passed along to the shareholders, insider trading enforcement under the current regime has precisely the opposite of its intended effect. This is the paradox of insider trading compliance for issuers, just one more symptom of a dysfunctional insider trading enforcement regime that is in need of a dramatic overhaul.There are a number of conceivable paths to resolving this paradox. The most obvious solution would be for the SEC to issue a rule or for Congress to promulgate a statute defining insider trading with greater specificity. But while simply fixing definitions to the elements of insider trading under the current regime would improve matters, this Article calls for a more radical solution. It is suggested that the current enforcement regime be liberalized to permit insider trading where the issuer approves the trade in advance and has disclosed that it permits such trading pursuant to regulatory guidelines. It is argued that such reform would lead to a more rational, efficient, and just insider trading enforcement regime. Moreover, by aligning the interests of issuers, shareholders, and regulators, it would also offer the most effective solution to the paradox of insider trading compliance.
What do angles of cornea curvature reveal? a new (Sinusoidal) probability density function with statistical properties assists

This paper introduces a new probability distribution with statistical properties. It is named Sinusoidal probability distribution (SPD). The paper demonstrates an approach to analyse cornea angles' curvature as it happened among the 23 patients in a glaucoma clinic. Expressions are derived for survival and odds functions, their tipping points, its convexity, Q-Q plotting positions, variance-mean relation, heterogeneity among cornea patients, vitality function, total value at risk, past life function, entropy, hazard, inverse, and mean functions. The minimum and maximum sample values are shown to be the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of SPD. The joint probability density function for the lower and upper record values of a sample from SPD with their correlation function is derived and utilised to better understand the implications of the measured cornea angles. A few comments are made in the end to further advance the research in cornea illness.
Environmental crimes in extractive activities: Explanations for low enforcement effectiveness in the case of illegal gold mining in Madre de Dios, Peru

Abstract Despite the existence of multiple laws that codify regulations defining environmental crimes, illegal practices in extractive activities tend to occur because rules are not enforced. This study therefore aims to advance explanations as to why there is low effectiveness of enforcement of regulations to tackle environmental crimes in extractive activities. We draw on the law enforcement literature to identify explanations for why environmental enforcement fails to deter illegal practices in extractive activities. We then take up the case of illegal mining in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the region of Madre de Dios (MDD) in the Peruvian Amazon. We evaluate qualitative data from multiple sources including legal documents, reports and interviews. The findings suggest two issues that have shaped low enforcement effectiveness in MDD: conflicts and lack of collaboration among agencies at different levels and sectors of government, and inadequate resource allocation from the national government to other levels. Enforcement is not monolithic in one governmental authority; therefore, it is crucial to recognize and address the existence of multiple levels and sectors of enforcement to improve the effectiveness of enforcement actions. These findings bear implications for theoretical perspectives on enforcement as well as public policies to increase effectiveness of enforcement of environmental regulations.
Effects of Superparamagnetic Iron Nanoparticles on Electrocatalysts for the Reduction of Oxygen.

It is of great research interest to understand the nanostructures contributing to the activity observed in the reduction of oxygen by non-platinum group metal (PGM) electrocatalysts in acidic media. Iron- and nitrogen-containing carbon networks are often the most studied structures, among which single-atom iron-coordinated nitrogen (FeNx) moieties have often been proposed to be the structures leading to the high activity in these non-PGM electrocatalysts. Iron nanoparticles embedded within a carbon support are also formed under certain conditions as a result of the synthetic processes in making non-PGM electrocatalysts. In this study, we present a study to understand the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of prepared iron- and nitrogen-containing non-PGM electrocatalysts obtained through the pyrolysis of metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors. We studied the structure-property relationship among nanostructures made from the MOF precursor ZIF-8 under different pyrolysis conditions. Density functional theory calculations were used to explain the effect of structural moieties on the ORR activity. Our results suggest that iron-coordinated C-N structures and iron nanoparticles act synergistically to catalyze the ORR.
Congenital Heart Disease: Approach to Evaluation, Management, and Physical Activity

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects an estimated 0.8–1% of live-births. With advances in diagnostic imaging, medical care, and surgical interventions, more patients with CHD are surviving through childhood and into adulthood with high quality of life and functional capacity. More patients with CHD wish to, or currently, participate in competitive sports. Because of the varied physiology and severity of different forms of CHD, specific knowledge of a patient’s specific disease and pathophysiology is essential. Patients with CHD ultimately require a multidisciplinary, individualized, and shared decision-making approach for evaluation and management, and for recommendations regarding sports participation. This chapter will review the most common forms of structural CHD and congenital coronary artery anomalies, with emphasis on pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation and management, and recommendations for sport participation.
A community-developed extension to Darwin Core for reporting the chronometric age of specimens

Darwin Core, the data standard used for sharing modern biodiversity and paleodiversity occurrence records, has previously lacked proper mechanisms for reporting what is known about the estimated age range of specimens from deep time. This has led to data providers putting these data in fields where they cannot easily be found by users, which impedes the reuse and improvement of these data by other researchers. Here we describe the development of the Chronometric Age Extension to Darwin Core, a ratified, community-developed extension that enables the reporting of ages of specimens from deeper time and the evidence supporting these estimates. The extension standardizes reporting about the methods or assays used to determine an age and other critical information like uncertainty. It gives data providers flexibility about the level of detail reported, focusing on the minimum information needed for reuse while still allowing for significant detail if providers have it. Providing a standardized format for reporting these data will make them easier to find and search and enable researchers to pinpoint specimens of interest for data improvement or accumulate more data for broad temporal studies. The Chronometric Age Extension was also the first community-managed vocabulary to undergo the new Biodiversity Informatics Standards (TDWG) review and ratification process, thus providing a blueprint for future Darwin Core extension development.
A computational model for functional mapping of genes that regulate intra-cellular circadian rhythms

Background Genes that control circadian rhythms in organisms have been recognized, but have been difficult to detect because circadian behavior comprises periodically dynamic traits and is sensitive to environmental changes.
Linear Beam Dynamics

The general equations of motion, characterized by an abundance of perturbation terms on the right-hand side of, for example, (4.86,88) have been derived in the previous chapter. If these perturbation terms were allowed to become significant in real beam transport systems, we would face almost insurmountable mathematical problems trying to describe the motion of charged particles in a general way. For practical mathematical reasons it is therefore important to design components for particle beam transport systems such that undesired terms appear only as small perturbations of the general motion of particles. With a careful design of beam guidance magnets and accurate alignment of these magnets we can indeed achieve this goal.
Establishment of decision factors in support of cooperative wide area search and engagement

Wide area search and attack using unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) or autonomous munitions is considered. In order to build towards a multi-vehicle cooperative behavior scheme, task benefits for search and engagement need to be established. This paper uses applied probability theory to formulate and solve for the probability of success in search and engagement. Average longevities for the munition and target are also available using this formulation. Both the single target/multiple false target and multiple target/multiple false target scenarios are considered for a single warhead munition/UCAV. Multi-warhead extensions are then introduced.
The Effect of Pretraining Conditions and Age on Pitch Discrimination Ability of Preschool Children.

This study reports two experiments investigating the effect of three pretraining conditions on the discrimination of select pitch patterns. Condition 1 was based on the principles of differentiation theory, Condition 2 was based on the principles of mediation theory, and Condition 3 served as a control group. Ninety subjects, aged 3, 4, and 5 years, participated in Experiment 1. The dependent variable was an investigator-designed aural discrimination measure, Trials to Criterion, in which subjects had to identify paired pitch patterns as the same or different. Results revealed no significant differences among condition groups but indicated a significant age effect, with 5-year-olds performing better than 3- and 4-year-olds. Experiment 2 was a replication of the same study following a 10-day aural readiness procedure that provided an informal, nonparticipatory exposure for all subjects to the four tonal patterns used in the study. Ninety different subjects, aged 3, 4, and 5 years, participated. Results rev...
Sabloff and Smith’s “The Importance of Both Analytic and Taxonomic Classification in the Type-Variety System”

The article recently published by Sabloff and Smith (AMER. ANT. 34:278–286, 1969) adds little beyond elaboration to archaeological classification and further tends to perpetuate some common and basic errors. Some of these flaws are noted along with their manifestation in the type-variety system as propounded by Sabloff and Smith, and a direction to solution is indicated.
Neural nets identify sensory receptors from somal spikes

Retrospective analysis of somal electrophysiology from intracellularly recorded, physiologically identified afferents demonstrates that neural nets can be readily trained to identify the type of peripheral receptor supplied. Specifically, cat spinal ganglion somata could be identified as innervating muscle spindles, hairs or high-threshold mechanoreceptors. Further, both hair afferents and high-threshold mechanoreceptors could be separated into three distinct subclasses. The neural net sorting reported here utilizes only the electrophysiological properties of the somata plus conduction velocity and can with this information alone predict the functional properties of the sensory endings. Interestingly, neural net sorting could also distinguish between different types of hair afferents (or nociceptors), even when conduction velocity information was ignored. It is suggested that neural nets, in combination with computer-controlled data-acquisition systems, could greatly increase investigator efficiency and decrease the number of animals needed to demonstrate specific phenomena, such as drug effects on particular cell types. A double-edged sword of increased investigator efficiency and decreased animal usage may be of particular usefulness in the present socio-political research arena.
Development of a survey to identify vaccine-hesitant parents: the parent attitudes about childhood vaccines survey.

Objective: To develop a survey to accurately assess parental vaccine hesitancy.Results: The initial survey contained 17 items in four content domains: (1) immunization behavior; (2) beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy; (3) attitudes about vaccine mandates and exemptions; and (4) trust. Focus group data yielded an additional 10 survey items. Expert review of the survey resulted in the deletion of nine of 27 items and revisions to 11 of the remaining 18 survey items. Parent pretesting resulted in the deletion of one item, the addition of one item, the revision of four items, and formatting changes to enhance usability. The final survey contains 18 items in the original four content domains.Methods: An iterative process was used to develop the survey. First, we reviewed previous studies and surveys on parental health beliefs regarding vaccination to develop content domains and draft initial survey items. Focus groups of parents and pediatricians generated additional themes and survey items. Six immuniz...
Chemical stimulation of the area postrema induces cardiorespiratory changes in the cat.

Abstract The purpose of our study was to determine the cardiorespiratory effects of exciting cell bodies of the area postrema of the cat. This was accomplished by local application of l -glutamic acid (bilateral application of 5 μl of a 250–1000 mM solution) and kainic acid (bilateral application of 5 μl of a 40 mM solution) to the area postrema of chloralose-anesthetized cats while monitoring arterial pressure heart rate, tidal volume and respiratory rate. These excitatory amino acids activate neuronal cell bodies but not axons of passage. l -Glutamic acid produced a dose-dependent increase in arterial pressure, decreases in respiratory rate and minute volume and, occasionally, ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Kainic acid produced effects similar to those seen with l -glutamic acid except the changes in respiratory activity were more pronounced with each animal exhibiting respiratory arrest. In artificially respired animals, kainic acid produced similar cardiovascular changes as those occurring in spontaneously breathing animals (i.e. increases in arterial pressure of 61 ± 5.7mm Hg, and in heart rate of 32 ± 8.3beats/min). Finally, application of kainic acid to the area postrema abolished the pressor and tachycardic responses to bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries. These results suggest that activation of cell bodies in the area postrema can result in pronounced cardiorespiratory changes.
India's Stabilizing Segment States

Abstract The post-independence history of India contradicts the segmental-institutions thesis. Non-ethnic federalism was met with popular resistance and segmental institutions emerged because of nationalist mobilization. These institutions stabilized India, which has remained intact. Central violations of segment-state arrangements have been the impetus for violent nation-state crises. The Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling area of West Bengal in India is used to explain the disconnection between India's experience and the segmental-institutions thesis. As the thesis predicts, progressively more-generous autonomy arrangements have helped regional elites to repress political competition in Darjeeling. However, limited political competition in Darjeeling curbs demands on the centre because regional elites' primary incentive to mobilize ethnic grievances is to outflank local political rivals.
“Did They Really Say That?” The Women of Wenatchee: Vulnerability, Confessions, and Linguistic Analysis

This article analyzes the vulnerabilities of certain women in custodial interrogations in the United States through legal, linguistic, and discourse analysis. At special risk are the impoverished or working class, the ill educated or illiterate, those with disabilities, or those who are nonnative speakers of English. Placing custodial interrogation into its U.S. legal setting, the study examines linguistic and discourse aspects of Miranda-related decisions and confessions. Drawing on data from the 1990s "Wenatchee Sex Ring" investigation and trials, the study examines the language of four women arrested and prosecuted in the Wenatchee cases. The analysis addresses discourse-level aspects of the data, including topic management and threats during the interrogation; the production of narratives as well as statements of location, result, and duration; and the sexual language used in the confessions. The article concludes that discourse analysis may provide an additional check on rogue interrogations of vulnerable people and once again calls for consistent recording of custodial interrogations in the United States.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid and other blocking substances extracted from crab muscle.

As part of an attempt to identify the transmitter agent released by inhibitory nerves in crustacean muscle we have extracted and purified heat-stable ‘inhibitory’ substances of a crab muscle and its associated nerve supply. The fibres of the extensor muscle (opener) of the dactyl of the walking leg of Cancer borealis are densely innervated by two inhibitory nerve fibres, and by extracting the whole muscle, although adding non-neural elements, we were assured of obtaining the materials stored within the nerve endings. The extracts were assayed on the extensor muscle of the dactyl in the crayfish, Orconectes virilis. Only those extracts which imitated the effect produced by neural inhibitory activity (reduction of the excitatory junctional potentials without shifting the resting potential by more than 5 mV.) were considered ‘inhibitory’ and were further purified.
Survival and factors affecting survival in small ruminants and camelids attacked by dogs: 62 cases (1994–2004)

Objective: To determine the survival rates and factors affecting survival in small ruminants and camelids attacked by dogs. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Two university teaching hospitals. Animals: Thirty goats, 28 sheep, 3 alpacas, and 1 llama. Measurements and main results: Medical records were reviewed to obtain signalment, time between injury and admission, hospitalization length, lesion site, treatment, complications, survival rate, and cost. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone conversation with the owner. Sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. Six animals were euthanized at admission and thus excluded. Of the 56 animals that were treated, 43 (77%) were discharged, 5 (9%) died, and 8 (14%) were euthanized. Animals that had thoracic or abdominal injuries, required surgery, or received more potent analgesic therapy were less likely to survive to discharge from hospital compared with animals that did not. Complications developed in 50 (82%) animals. Animals with respiratory complications were also less likely to survive to discharge from hospital than animals that did not. Long-term follow up was available on 38/43 (88%) animals that were discharged. Thirty-five of 38 (92%) animals were discharged and recovered from their injuries and 5 animals had long-term complications. Conclusions: Small ruminants and camelids that are attacked by dogs have a good prognosis for short-term survival. Short-term survival is affected by lesion location and complications.