cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in medial prefrontal cortex selectively reduces excessive drinking in ethanol dependent mice.

The neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder. Studies have shown that BDNF activity in cortical regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) mediates various ethanol-related behaviors. We previously reported a significant down-regulation in Bdnf mRNA in mPFC following chronic ethanol exposure compared to control mice. The present study was conducted to extend these findings by examining whether chronic ethanol treatment reduces BDNF protein expression in mPFC and whether reversing this deficit via direct injection of BDNF or viral-mediated overexpression of BDNF in mPFC alters voluntary ethanol consumption in dependent and nondependent mice. Repeated cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure was employed to model ethanol dependence, which produces robust escalation of ethanol intake. Results indicated that CIE treatment significantly increased ethanol intake and this was accompanied by a significant decrease in BDNF protein in mPFC that lasted at least 72 h after CIE exposure. In a separate study, once dependence-related increased drinking was established, bilateral infusion of BDNF (0, 0.25, 0.50 μg) into mPFC significantly decreased ethanol intake in a dose-related manner in dependent mice but did not affect moderate drinking in nondependent mice. In a third study, viral-mediated overexpression of BDNF in mPFC prevented escalation of drinking in dependent mice but did not alter intake in nondependent mice. Collectively, these results provide evidence that adaptations in cortical (mPFC) BDNF activity resulting from chronic ethanol exposure play a role in mediating excessive ethanol drinking associated with dependence.
Application of N-Acetylcysteine in Neurological Disorders

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), widely known as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose, is now emerging as treatment of vascular and nonvascular (degenerative and non-degenerative) neurological disorders. Not only does NAC directly enter endogenous biochemical processes, but it also may cross the blood-brain barrier, thereby enhancing its biological effect. The majority of recent published NAC studies have been carried out in animal models of various neurological disorders with only a few studies completed in humans with only a few clinical trials. Herein, we discuss potential applications of NAC in neurodegenerative diseases including spinocerebellar ataxia, Freidrich’s ataxia, ataxia–telangiectasia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, myoclonus epilepsy of the Unverricht–Lundborg type, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease. We also discuss the application of NAC in facilitation of recovery from traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia, vasospasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage, peripheral neuropathy, and myopathy. This systematic review found that NAC treatment appears safe and tolerable with favorable evidence for the use of NAC in anticancer medicine-induced neuropathy. In our review (based on published studies), no recommendations could be made for most of the neurological disorders including ataxia–telangiectasia, Freidrich’s ataxia, Huntington’s disease, olivopontocerebellar atrophy, motor neuron diseases, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Studies on hereditary spinocerebellar ataxia, multiple sclerosis, and myoclonus epilepsy of Unverricht–Lundborg diseases demonstrated mixed results. We believe that further well-designed larger controlled trials are needed for specific neurological disorders.
A laser-based phase plate for phase contrast transmission electron microscopy

In the first demonstration of a laser-based phase plate for transmission electron microscopy, a continuous-wave laser in a resonant cavity reaches a record 60 GW/cm2 average intensity and phase shifts the electron beam via the ponderomotive force.
Cone-beam CT statistical reconstruction with a model for fluence modulation and electronic readout noise

Purpose: Cone-beam CT (CBCT) systems with a flat-panel detector (FPD) have advanced in a variety of specialty diagnostic imaging scenarios, with fluence modulation and multiple-gain detectors playing important roles in extending dynamic range and improving image quality. We present a penalized weighted least-squares (PWLS) reconstruction approach with a noise model that includes the effects of fluence modulation and electronic readout noise, and we show preliminary results that tests the concept with a CBCT head scanner prototype. Methods: Statistical weights in PWLS were modified using a realistic noise model for the FPD that considers factors such as system blur and spatially varying electronic noise in multiple-gain readout detectors (PWLSe). A spatially varying gain term was then introduced in the calculation of statistical weights to account for the change in quantum noise due to fluence modulation (e.g. bowtie filter) (PWLS∗). The methods were tested in phantom experiments involving an elliptical phantom specially designed to stress dual-gain readout, and a water phantom and an anthropomorphic head phantom to quantify improvements in noise-resolution characteristics for the new PWLS methods (PWLS&#119890; and PWLS∗, and combined PWLS∗e). The proposed methods were further tested using a high-quality, low-dose CBCT head scanner prototype in a clinical study involving patients with head injury. Results: Preliminary results show that the PWLSe method demonstrated superior noise-resolution tradeoffs compared to conventional PWLS, with variance reduced by ~15-25% at matched resolution of 0.65 mm edge-spread-function (ESF) width. Clinical studies confirmed these findings, with variance reduced by ~15% in peripheral regions of the head without loss in spatial resolution, improving visual image quality in detection of peridural hemorrhage. A bowtie filter and polyenergetic gain correction improved image uniformity, and early results demonstrated that the proposed PWLS∗ method showed a ~40% reduction in variance compared to conventional PWLS when used with a bowtie filter. Conclusion: A more accurate noise model incorporated in PWLS statistical weights to account for fluence modulation and electronic readout noise reduces image noise and improves soft-tissue imaging performance in CBCT for clinical applications requiring a high degree of contrast resolution.
Predicting TED Talk Ratings from Language and Prosody.

We use the largest open repository of public speaking---TED Talks---to predict the ratings of the online viewers. Our dataset contains over 2200 TED Talk transcripts (includes over 200 thousand sentences), audio features and the associated meta information including about 5.5 Million ratings from spontaneous visitors of the website. We propose three neural network architectures and compare with statistical machine learning. Our experiments reveal that it is possible to predict all the 14 different ratings with an average AUC of 0.83 using the transcripts and prosody features only. The dataset and the complete source code is available for further analysis.
Critical theory and the role of citizen involvement in environmental decision making: A re-examination

Much of the administrative literature on public participation in environmental decision making assumes that citizen involvement contributes to reflexive deliberations, communication, effective representation, and consensus building in the public sphere. We will argue that for all the intuitive appeal of public participation, it may ironically limit the boundaries of possible change all under the normative guise of democracy and fair and open deliberations concerning environmental issues. In particular, we critically examine the citizen as a stakeholder as one mechanism that obscures as much as it reveals about public participation. To explore some of the implications of this critical approach, Jurgen Habermas and David Harvey’s ideas will be examined, who, from their own differing perspectives, contend that the forces of social conflict and change cannot be so easily contained under a public participative approach to environmental decision making.
Hydrogen trains roll into service: A new hybrid locomotive signals a growing push for zero-emission rail technologies - [News]

In June, the United Kingdom's first hydrogen fuel cell train rolled down the tracks, marking a milestone in the global push for greener transportation. Passengers climbed aboard the HydroFlex prototype as it ambled through the English countryside—without emitting any of the pollution that follows diesel locomotives.
Use of endoloop in video-assisted thoracoscopic enucleation of a very rare esophageal tumor.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor is an infrequent tumor of the gastrointestinal tract with very rare involvement of the esophagus. We present a case of a patient with dysphagia and a 4 cm submucosal mass. The patient underwent thoracoscopic enucleation with complete resection of the mass. We present case details and operative video highlighting the important surgical steps of exposure and retraction. We believe that the Endoloop is a very useful tool in providing countertraction needed during minimally invasive resection of such lesions.
Rhodium-Catalyzed (5 + 2) and (5 + 1) Cycloadditions Using 1,4-Enynes as Five-Carbon Building Blocks.

ConspectusCycloaddition reactions are a hallmark in organic synthesis because they provide an efficient way to construct highly substituted carbo- and heterocycles found in natural products and pha...
Persistent Syringomyelia After Posterior Fossa Decompression for Chiari Malformation

Background Chiari malformation (CM) is often comorbid with syringomyelia. The treatment of CM via posterior fossa decompression (PFD) may not improve syringomyelia in up to 40% of patients, based on historical cohorts. Management of these patients is problematic, as both reoperation and syrinx shunting have high failure rates in the long term. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our cases in which patients with CM type 1 or 1.5 and syringomyelia underwent PFD without postoperative improvement in syringomyelia. Symptomatology and radiographic measurements were collected at presentation and on the first and latest available postoperative scans and analyzed. We present 2 cases to illustrate the challenges in the management of these patients. Results Our cohort consisted of 48 consecutive patients with CM and syringomyelia who underwent PFD. Of these, 41 patients had postoperative improvement in or resolution of syringomyelia. We subsequently studied the cohort of 7 patients who underwent PFD with (n = 5) or without (n = 2) durotomy and demonstrated worsening of syringomyelia following surgery. This cohort had mean (±SEM) preoperative syrinx area of 23.9 ± 10.0 mm2. Postoperatively, the mean syrinx area increased to 40.5 ± 9.6 mm2 and 57.3 ± 12.5 mm2 on the first and latest postoperative scans available (P = 0.02), for an increase of 106.9% ± 94.4% and 186.0% ± 107.4% (P = 0.04). Presenting symptoms included occipital headache, paresthesias, visual deterioration, and paraspinal pain. On last follow-up (mean 13.9 ± 4.9 months), the majority of symptoms were resolved in this cohort, despite persistence of syringomyelia. Conclusions In this small cohort of unique patients, syrinx resolution was not achieved via decompression surgery. Despite “radiographic failure,” good symptom control was achieved, with most patients remaining or becoming asymptomatic postoperatively, thus supporting our rationale for what has largely been a conservative approach in this population.
Substantial induction of non-apoptotic CD4 T-cell death during the early phase of HIV-1 infection in a humanized mouse model.

Abstract Several mechanisms underline induction of CD4 T-cell death by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. For a long time, apoptosis was considered central to cell death involved in the depletion of CD4 T cells during HIV infection. However, which types of cell death are induced during the early phase of HIV infection in vivo remains unclear. In this study, CD4 T-cell death induced in early HIV infection was characterized using humanized mice challenged with CCR5-tropic (R5) or CXCR4-tropic (X4) HIV-1. Results showed that CD4 T-cell death was induced in the spleen 3 days post-challenge with both R5 and X4 HIV-1. Although cell death without caspase-1 and caspase-3/7 activation was preferentially observed, caspase-1+ pyroptosis was also significantly induced within the memory subpopulation by R5 or X4 HIV-1 and the naive subpopulation by X4 HIV-1. In contrast, caspase-3/7+ apoptosis was not enhanced by either R5 or X4 HIV-1. Furthermore, phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein+ necroptosis was induced by only X4 HIV-1. These findings indicate that various types of non-apoptotic CD4 T-cell death, such as pyroptosis and necroptosis, are induced during the early phase of HIV infection in vivo.
Rhinologic disease and its impact on sleep: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Rhinologic disease can be responsible for systemic symptoms affecting mood, cognition, and sleep. It is unclear whether sleep disturbance in specific rhinologic disorders (chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS], rhinitis, and nasal septal deviation [NSD]) is an obstructive phenomenon or due to other mechanisms. In this review we examine the impact of CRS, rhinitis, and NSD on objective and subjective sleep outcome metrics and draw comparisons to normal controls and patients with known obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS A systematic review of 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was performed. Studies reporting on objective (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI], respiratory disturbance index [RDI], oxygen nadir) and subjective (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [EpSS], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) sleep parameters and disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT-22], Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ], Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation [NOSE]) were included. RESULTS The database search yielded 1414 unique articles, of which 103 were included for analysis. Baseline PROMs were at the high end of normal to abnormal for all 3 conditions: EpSS: CRS (9.8 ± 4.0), rhinitis (9.7 ± 4.3), and NSD (8.9 ± 4.6); and PSQI: CRS (11.0 ± 4.5), rhinitis (6.1 ± 3.7), and NSD (8.6 ± 3.5). Objective measures demonstrated a mild to moderate OSA in the studied diseases: AHI: CRS (10.4 ± 11.5), rhinitis (8.6 ± 8.8), and NSD (13.0 ± 6.9). There were significant differences when compared with reported norms in all measured outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Sleep quality is impacted by rhinologic (CRS, rhinitis, NSD) disease. There is likely a mild obstructive component contributing to poor sleep, but other contributing factors may be involved.
Risk Factors for 30-Day Unplanned Readmission After Hepatectomy: Analysis of 438 Pediatric Patients from the ACS-NSQIP-P Database

Hepatic resections are uncommon in children. Most studies reporting complications of these procedures and risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions are limited to retrospective data from single centers. We investigated risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission after hepatectomy in children using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement-Pediatric database. The database was queried for patients aged 0–18 years who underwent hepatectomy for the treatment of liver lesions from 2012 to 2018. Chi-squared tests were performed to evaluate for potential risk factors for unplanned readmissions. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for unplanned 30-day readmissions. Among 438 children undergoing hepatectomy, 64 (14.6%) had unplanned readmissions. The median age of the hepatectomy cohort was 1 year (0–17); 55.5% were male. Patients readmitted had significantly higher rates of esophageal/gastric/intestinal disease (26.56% vs. 14.97%; p=0.022), current cancer (85.94% vs. 75.67%; p=0.012), and enteral and parenteral nutritional support (31.25% vs. 17.65%; p=0.011). Readmitted patients had significantly higher rates of perioperative blood transfusion (67.19% vs. 52.41%; p=0.028), organ/space surgical site infection (10.94% vs. 1.07%; p<.001), sepsis (15.63% vs. 3.74%; p<.001), and total parenteral nutrition at discharge (9.09% vs. 2.66%; p=0.041). Organ/space surgical site infection was an independent risk factor for unplanned readmission (OR=9.598, CI [2.070–44.513], p=0.004) by multivariable analysis. Unplanned readmissions after liver resection are frequent in pediatric patients. Organ/space surgical site infections may identify patients at increased risk for unplanned readmission. Strategies to reduce these complications may decrease morbidity and costs associated with unplanned readmissions.
Integrated multi-wavelength microscope combining TIRFM and IRM modalities for imaging cellulases and other processive enzymes

We describe a multimodal microscope for visualizing processive enzymes moving on immobilized substrates. The instrument combines interference reflection microscopy (IRM) with multi-wavelength total internal reflectance fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). The microscope can localize quantum dots with a precision of 2.8 nm at 100 frames/s, and was used to image the dynamics of the cellulase, Cel7a interacting with surface-immobilized cellulose. The instrument, which was built with off-the-shelf components and is controlled by custom software, is suitable for tracking other degradative enzymes such as collagenases, as well as motor proteins moving along immobilized tracks.
Evaluating adaptive stress response gene signatures using transcriptomics

Abstract Stress response pathways (SRPs) mitigate the cellular effects of chemicals, but excessive perturbation can lead to adverse outcomes. Here, we investigated a computational approach to evaluate SRP activity from transcriptomic data using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). We extracted published gene signatures for DNA damage response (DDR), unfolded protein response (UPR), heat shock response (HSR), response to hypoxia (HPX), metal-associated response (MTL), and oxidative stress response (OSR) from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Next, we used a gene-frequency approach to build consensus SRP signatures of varying lengths from 50 to 477 genes. We then prepared a reference dataset from perturbagens associated with SRPs from the literature with their transcriptomic profiles retrieved from public repositories. Lastly, we used receiver-operator characteristic analysis to evaluate the GSEA scores from matching transcriptomic reference profiles to SRP signatures. Our consensus signatures performed better than or as well as published signatures for 4 out of the 6 SRPs, with the best consensus signature area under the curve (% performance relative to median of published signatures) of 1.00 for DDR (109%), 0.86 for UPR (169%), 0.99 for HTS (103%), 1.00 for HPX (104%), 0.74 for MTL (150%) and 0.83 for OSR (148%). The best matches between transcriptomic profiles and SRP signatures correctly classified perturbagens in 78% and 88% of the cases by first and second rank, respectively. We believe this approach can characterize SRP activity for new chemicals using transcriptomics with further evaluation.
The Overnight Return, One More Anomaly

Since the formal development of the efficient market hypothesis, studies of actual market performance have revealed a number of apparent inconsistencies (anomalies). Herein we report on our discovery of evidence anomaly which relates to the behavior of the overnight and subsequent intraday returns. According to the weak form of the efficient market hypothesis, a time series of returns is supposed to contain no useable degree of auto correlation. Numerous studies have provided strong support for this viewpoint. We may, however, have found evidence which is inconsistent with this hypothesis. The present study grew out of another study which focuses on the behavior of closed end fund returns. In that study we explored the daily return performance of such funds in conjunction with the daily performance of the funds' NAVs. We bifurcated the daily closed end return into an overnight return which reflect that part of the return that takes place between the close and the next day's open and the intraday return which encompasses that part of the return that occurs from the open to the close. The two pieces of the daily return exhibited a very strong negative autocorrelation. Naturally we wanted to explore whether a similar phenomenon was occurring for stocks in general. That is the question that this study seeks to answer. The short answer is yes, we have found the same type of negative auto correlation for stocks in general as we found for the shares of closed end funds. We have found this result for stocks listed on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ. We have found it for both the 2000 to 2005 and 1994 to 1999 periods. When we divide the data into size categories, we find significant relationships for each sub sample. The correlations do, however, tend to be almost monotonically stronger as market capitalization decreases. Not only do we find a powerful negative correlation between the overnight and intraday returns but we also find a relationship between overnight and the prior intraday and the prior overnight returns. The signs of the correlations alternate with adjacent periods having negative correlations and one step back being positively related. We find that the relations hold up as anticipated in a multivariate context. When we add the S&P return to take account of the market return's impact, we find that the regressions' R squares rise but the coefficients on the other dependent variables are largely unaffected. All of our results are highly significant statistically. Most of the R squares are in the low to mid single digits.
Use of Protein Folding Reagents

The reagents and methods for purification of the most commonly used denaturants guanidine hydrochloride (guanidine-HCl) and urea are described. Other protein denaturants and reagents used to fold proteins are briefly mentioned. Sulfhydryl reagents (reducing agents) and “oxido-shuffling” (or oxidative regeneration) systems are also described.
Abstract 2520: Novel inhibitors of β-catenin

β-catenin is a key player of the WNT pathway; its aberrant regulation is associated with the onset and progression of numerous types of cancer. β-catenin is therefore an attractive drug target but direct inhibition of β-catenin is a challenging approach toward suppression of β-catenin-driven tumorigenesis. Ideal drug candidates should specifically target nuclear β-catenin, leaving its cytoplasmic and cell junctional functions intact. We have identified several drug-like candidate β-catenin inhibitors using a robust screening method against four allosteric binding sites of β-catenin (TCF4, BCL9 and two novel sites). We show that these inhibitors significantly reduce proliferation of a panel of human β-catenin-driven cancer cell lines, and repress the expression of β-catenin-induced target genes. They cause a shift in the melting temperature of the purified β-catenin protein. We also show that the candidate compounds reduce levels of β-catenin in the nucleus and block β-catenin-driven oncogenic transformation in cell culture. We consider these novel β-catenin inhibitors promising leads that should be further investigated for their molecular mechanism of action and for their potential development as therapeutic drugs. Key words: β-catenin, oncogene, therapeutic, target, small molecule, protein-protein interaction This work was supported by NIH Grant R01 CA078230. This is abstract 26043 of The Scripps Research Institute. Citation Format: Elmar Nurmemmedov, Anton Cheltsov, Peter K. Vogt. Novel inhibitors of β-catenin. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2520. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2520
Directional Associative Markov Network for 3-D Point Cloud Classification

In this paper we address the problem of automated three dimensional point cloud interpretation. This problem is important for various tasks from environment modeling to obstacle avoidance for autonomous robot navigation. In addition to locally extracted features, classifiers need to utilize contextual information in order to perform well. A popular approach to account for context is to utilize the Markov Random Field framework. One recent variant that has successfully been used for the problem considered is the Associative Markov Network (AMN). We extend the AMN model to learn directionality in the clique potentials, resulting in a new anisotropic model that can be efficiently learned using the subgradient method. We validate the proposed approach using data collected from different range sensors and show better performance against standard AMN and Support Vector Machine algorithms.
Infinite Divisibility in Hume's First Enquiry

L'A. etudie le probleme de la divisibilite a l'infini dans les notes de la section 124 et 125 de la «Recherche sur l'entedement humain» de Hume et dans le livre I du «Traite de la nature humaine». L'objectif de Hume n'est pas de refuter la divisibilite a l'infini, mais d'illustrer la these selon laquelle le scepticisme survient des lors que la cropyance naturelle contredit la raison metaphysique
From Neuro-Hayekians to Subjectivist Hayekians: A Reply to Horwitz and Koppl

We recognize the comments made by Horwitz (2010) and Koppl (2010) in their replies to D'Amico and Boettke (2010), "Making Sense out of The Sensory Order." Furthermore, this paper hopes to explain what role D'Amico and Boettke do see for cognitive neuroscience in the study of Austrian Economics. Some brief summary comments are presented. Then a general framework of individual learning and its effects upon social institutions and economic processes is described by referring to Cowan and Rizzo (1996) and Denzau and North (1994).
Use of the tac promoter and lacIq for the controlled expression of Zymomonas mobilis fermentative genes in Escherichia coli and Zymomonas mobilis.

The Zymomonas mobilis genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase I (adhA), alcohol dehydrogenase II (adhB), and pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) were overexpressed in Escherichia coli and Z. mobilis by using a broad-host-range vector containing the tac promoter and the lacIq repressor gene. Maximal IPTG (isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside) induction of these plasmid-borne genes in Z. mobilis resulted in a 35-fold increase in alcohol dehydrogenase I activity, a 16.7-fold increase in alcohol dehydrogenase II activity, and a 6.3-fold increase in pyruvate decarboxylase activity. Small changes in the activities of these enzymes did not affect glycolytic flux in cells which are at maximal metabolic activity, indicating that flux under these conditions is controlled at some other point in metabolism. Expression of adhA, adhB, or pdc at high specific activities (above 8 IU/mg of cell protein) resulted in a decrease in glycolytic flux (negative flux control coefficients), which was most pronounced for pyruvate decarboxylase. Growth rate and flux are imperfectly coupled in this organism. Neither a twofold increase in flux nor a 50% decline from maximal flux caused any immediate change in growth rate. Thus, the rates of biosynthesis and growth in this organism are not limited by energy generation in rich medium. Images
Frequency based nonlinear controller design of regulating systems subjected to time domain constraints

Presented is a nonlinear controller design methodology for a class of regulating systems subjected to quantitative time domain constraints. The output and actuator saturation performance specifications are given as allowable time domain tolerances. The controller design is executed in the frequency domain and is applicable when the frequency response of a linear design cannot satisfy the gain and phase characteristics required by quantitative time domain specifications. A describing function (DF) approach, automated by the Volterra series, facilitates the nonlinear controller design. The resulting gain and phase distortions associated with the DF of the dynamic nonlinear element are used to achieve the desirable open loop gain and phase characteristics identified by the time domain constraints. The design methodology is illustrated on the idle speed control of a Ford 4.6L V-8 fuel injected engine. The engine input is the by-pass air valve and the regulated output is engine speed. The power steering pump generates the nonmeasureable external torque load.
The effects of a hands-free communication device system in a surgical suite

This case report describes a qualitative investigation into how a Hands-free Communication Device (HCD) system impacted communication among anesthesia staff in a pediatric surgical suite. The authors recruited a purposive sample that included anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, circulating nurses, a charge nurse, and a postanesthesia care unit nurse. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and observations, then analyzed using a constant comparison approach. The results corroborate and enrich themes that were discovered in a previous qualitative study of HCD systems: (1) communication access, (2) control, (3) training, (4) environment and infrastructure. The results also generated new subthemes and themes: (1) technical control, (2) choosing communication channels, and (3) reliability. The authors conclude that HCD systems profoundly impacted communication in a largely positive way, although reliability of the technology remained an issue. The authors' findings contribute a valuable insight into the growing body of knowledge about implementation and use of HCD systems.
Characteristics of amino acid accumulation by isolated intestinal epithelial cells.

Accumulation of neutral amino acids by isolated chick epithelial cells has been studied and the results discussed in terms of the ion gradient model, and a model invoking a direct input of metabolic energy. The cells establish four- to eightfold concentration gradients of amino acids at an extracellular concentration of 1mm. The accumulation is sodium-dependent, inhibited by high extracellular potassium concentrations, and is sensitive to a variety of metabolic inhibitors. Also, amino acid uptake is depressed by actively transported sugars, and certain other amino acids, and is stimulated by phloridzin.
Activating mutations of Gs protein in monostotic fibrous lesions of bone.

Activating mutations of the alpha chain of the heterotrimeric signal transducer Gs disrupt the inherent guanosine triphosphatase activity of the alpha chain, stimulate adenylyl cyclase, and can result in independent cell proliferation. Such mutations are identified in a number of endocrine disorders, including McCune-Albright syndrome, which is a triad of endocrinopathy, cafe au lait spots, and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. The mutation in this syndrome is a missense point mutation in exon 8 that results in the substitution of either histidine or cysteine for arginine at position 201. Monostotic fibrous dysplasia is a nonhereditary isolated bone lesion. Other isolated bone lesions that share some cytologic and clinical similarities to fibrous dysplasia are osteofibrous dysplasia and aggressive fibromatosis involving bone. Four cases of monostotic fibrous dysplasia, four cases of aggressive fibromatosis involving bone, and one case of osteofibrous dysplasia were studied to determine if a mutation was present in exon 8 of the alpha chain of Gs. A missense mutation was present in all of the fibrous dysplasias. The other fibrous lesions and uninvolved tissue did not contain a mutation. Somatic activating mutations of Gs differentiate fibrous dysplasia from the other lesions and may be responsible for the loss of control of local proliferation and growth factor expression.
Association of eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I with nucleosomes and chromosomal proteins

A DNA topoisomerase activity is found to be associated with the nucleosomes released by the Staphylococcal nuclease digestion of HeLa nuclei. Such an association is found to be salt dependent. A number of criteria have established that this DNA topoisomerase activity is due to HeLa topo I (Liu, L. F. and Miller, K. G. (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78, 3489-3491). A similar association has been demonstrated from the in vitro studies using purified mononucleosomes and eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I. Nonhistone HMG proteins and histone H1 are found to stimulate topoisomerase activity in vitro and form tight complexes with eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I. The intimate interactions of topoisomerase I with chromosomal proteins and nucleosomes may be an essential feature of the topoisomerase function in vivo.
The impact of defense and non‐defense public spending on growth in Asia and Latin America∗

For a three‐sector Feder‐Ram framework, we present time‐series, cross‐sectional estimates for two cohorts, consisting of Asian and Latin American countries. The estimates indicate that private investment, and defense and non‐defense public spending are growth promoting for alternative error components representations. For the best error components representation, greater growth enhancement is associated with the two forms of public spending in Asia than in Latin America, while the opposite comparison characterizes private investment. Although defense is growth promoting, an opportunity cost exists insofar as non‐defense spending, financed by defense spending, appears to give a small net boost to growth in Latin America.
New cell volume expanded, elevated temperature orthorhombics YBa2Cu3O6.5 and their Tc∼50 K plateau on time dependent transitions to volume contracted orthorhombics at room temperature.

Abstract A range of strongly cell volume ( V ) expanded orthorhombics YBa 2 Cu 3 O y , diagnosed as partly based on three fold O coordination of Cu(1), is found to be stable for y =6.5 when fast quenched from near 670 K. These materials can rapidly transform, presumably in a series of infinitely adaptable ladder structures, to more V contracted orthorhombics at lower T and constant y =6.5. The transformation rates (of order h ) can be slowed by partial Ni substitutions. A T c ∼50 K plateau extends from V =173.0 to 174.8 A 3 , is followed by T c collapse, but T c can reappear with roughly doubled values (extrapolated) for the highest V (>176 A 3 ) obtained by a different method. The cell volume expanded varieties suggest a new paradigm for massive selfdoping involving Cu + and O − . This massive selfdoping is held responsible for T c plateaus and also for strong T c of complex cuprates such as Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca n −1 Cu n O 2 n +4 or HgBa 2 CuO 4 . The new concepts have far ranging implications for existing literature on physical properties or questions of doping, charge transfer or lattice gas calculations. They support a subperoxide–metal adduct state model for superconductivity.
Synthesis of high pressure Cd2V2O7 and related compositions

Abstract Cd 2 V 2 O 7 1bII has been prepared at about 80 kbars pressure. This new compound has a structure related to that of pyrochlore, but the symmetry is distorted from cubic to monoclinic. Solid solutions of the types Cd 2 V 2−x Nb x O 7 and Cd 2−x A x V 2 O 7 (A = In or T1) were prepared at 58 kbars. Attempts to confirm previous reports of A 1+ A 3+ V 2 O 7 pyrochlores were unsuccessful.
Inhibition of the conversion of pre-interleukins-1α and 1β to mature cytokines by p-benzoquinone, a metabolite of benzene

Chronic exposure of humans to benzene causes severe bone marrow cell depression leading to aplastic anemia. Marrow stromal macrophage dysfunction and deficient interleukin-1 production has been reported for patients with severe aplastic anemia. The stromal macrophage, a target of benzene toxicity, is involved in hematopoietic regulation through the synthesis of several cytokines including interleukin-1, which is required for production by stromal fibroblasts of a number of cytokines required for the survival of hematopoietic progenitor cells. We have previously demonstrated that hydroquinone, a major toxic metabolite of benzene in marrow, prevents the proteolytic conversion of 31 kDa pre-interleukin-1 alpha to the 17 kDa cytokine by calpain in purified murine stromal macrophages. Furthermore, stromal macrophages from benzene-treated mice produce the 31 kDa pre-interleukin-1 alpha when stimulated in culture with endotoxin, but cannot convert the precursor to interleukin-1 alpha. In this report, we show that 1,4-benzoquinone, the oxidation product of hydroquinone in the cell, causes a concentration-dependent inhibition of highly purified human platelet calpain with an IC50 of 3 microM. Hydroquinone also inhibits the processing of pre-interleukin-1 beta by interleukin-1 beta convertase. The addition of 2 microM hydroquinone to B1 cells that undergo autocrine stimulation by interleukin-1 beta resulted in the cessation of autocrine cell growth and interleukin-1 beta secretion into the culture medium, as determined by Western immunoblots of the culture supernatants. Purified converting enzyme treated with 3 microM benzoquinone was incapable of converting 31 kDa recombinant pre-interleukin-1 beta to the 17 kDa mature cytokine as analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting. These findings support our observations in a mouse model that benzene-induced bone marrow cell depression results from a lack of interleukin-1 alpha subsequent to an inhibition by benzoquinone of calpain, the protease required for converting pre-interleukin-1 alpha to active cytokine. The results may provide a basis for studying benzene-induced aplastic anemia in a mouse model.
A novel cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel enriched in synaptic terminals of isotocin neurons in zebrafish brain and pituitary

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are nonselective cation channels opened by binding of intracellular cyclic GMP or cyclic AMP. CNG channels mediate sensory transduction in the rods and cones of the retina and in olfactory sensory neurons, but in addition, CNG channels are also expressed elsewhere in the central nervous system, where their physiological roles have not yet been well defined. Besides the CNG channel subtypes that mediate vision and olfaction, zebrafish has an additional subtype, CNGA5, which is expressed almost exclusively in the brain. We have generated CNGA5-specific monoclonal antibodies, which we use here to show that immunoreactivity for CNGA5 channels is highly enriched in synaptic terminals of a discrete set of neurons that project to a subregion of the pituitary, as well as diffusely in the brain and spinal cord. Double labeling with a variety of antibodies against pituitary hormones revealed that CNGA5 is located in the terminals of neuroendocrine cells that secrete the nonapeptide hormone/transmitter isotocin in the neurohypophysis, brain, and spinal cord. Furthermore, we show that CNGA5 channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes are highly permeable to Ca2+, which suggests that the channels are capable of modulating isotocin release in the zebrafish brain and pituitary. Isotocin is the teleost homolog of the mammalian hormone oxytocin, and like oxytocin, it regulates reproductive and social behavior. Therefore, the high calcium permeability of CNGA5 channels and their strategic location in isotocin-secreting synaptic terminals suggest that activation of CNGA5 channels in response to cyclic nucleotide signaling may have wide-ranging neuroendocrine and behavioral effects.
Blaming the victim: Refugees and global security

The bulk of the world's refugees remain in the developing world. And the industrialized states, more worried after September 11, are taking new steps to keep them away.
Delayed output feedback control for nonlinear systems with fuzzy observers

In this paper, the design problem of delayed output feedback control scheme using two-layer interval fuzzy observers for a class of nonlinear systems with state and output delays is investigated. The Takagi-Sugeno type fuzzy linear model with an on-line update law is used to approximate the nonlinear system. Based on the fuzzy model, a two-layer interval fuzzy observer is used to reconstruct the system states according to equal interval output time delay slices. Subsequently, a delayed output feedback adaptive fuzzy controller is developed to override the nonlinearities, time delays, and external disturbances such that the H∞ tracking performance is achieved. The linguistic information is developped by setting the membership functions of the fuzzy logic system and the adaptation parameters to estimate the model uncertainties directly for using linear analytical results instead of estimating nonlinear system functions. The filtered tracking error dynamics are designed to satisfy the Strictly Positive Realness (SPR) condition. Based on the Lyapunov stability criterion and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), some sufficient conditions are derived so that all states of the system are uniformly ultimately bounded and the effect of the external disturbances on the tracking error can be attenuated to any prescribed level and consequently an H∞ tracking control is achieved. Finally, a numerical example of a two-link robot manipulator is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
COMMENT IN REPLY

(1976). COMMENT IN REPLY. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 66, No. 3, pp. 485-485.
Numerical Evaluation of Myofiber Orientation and Transmural Contractile Strength on Left Ventricular Function

The left ventricle (LV) of the heart is composed of a complex organization of cardiac muscle fibers, which contract to generate force and pump blood into the body. It has been shown that both the orientation and contractile strength of these myofibers vary across the ventricular wall. The hypothesis of the current study is that the transmural distributions of myofiber orientation and contractile strength interdependently impact LV pump function. In order to quantify these interactions a finite element (FE) model of the LV was generated, which incorporated transmural variations. The influences of myofiber orientation and contractile strength on the Starling relationship and the end-systolic (ES) apex twist of the LV were assessed. The results suggest that reductions in contractile strength within a specific transmural layer amplified the effects of altered myofiber orientation in the same layer, causing greater changes in stroke volume (SV). Furthermore, when the epicardial myofibers contracted the strongest, the twist of the LV apex was greatest, regardless of myofiber orientation. These results demonstrate the important role of transmural distribution of myocardial contractile strength and its interplay with myofiber orientation. The coupling between these two physiologic parameters could play a critical role in the progression of heart failure.
Atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene catalyzed by copper carboxylate complexes

The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene has been studied using complexes of copper carboxylates. Compared with systems employing copper halides as the catalyst, the use of the copper carboxylates resulted in faster polymerization rates and higher polydispersities. A ligand (dNbpy) to Cu(I) carboxylate ratio of 1 was sufficient to achieve the maximum rate of polymerization. The addition of a small amount of either Cu(II) or Cu(I) halide to the copper carboxylate system yielded polymers with better controlled molecular weights and lower polydispersities yet the polymerization still remained relatively fast.
Subnormal serum concentrations of IgG2 in children with frequent infections associated with varied patterns of immunologic dysfunction.

To characterize more fully the immunologic basis for increased susceptibility to infection in patients with low serum concentrations of IgG2, we identified eight infection-prone children, 1 to 2 years of age, with serum IgG2 concentrations >2 SD below the mean for age and followed their serologic and clinical courses for 1 to 3 years. Two of the eight children became clinically and immunologically normal and may have had transient IgG2 deficiency with an exaggerated developmental delay of this late-maturing subclass. The remaining six subjects had persistently subnormal or low-normal serum IgG2 levels and continued to experience frequent infections. All six of these children responded poorly to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) polysaccharide, and four of six responded poorly to Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 polysaccharide. Both IgG1 and IgG2-specific antibody responses to these vaccines were abnormal. Three of these six children also responded poorly to tetanus toxoid, an antigen that normally induces a predominant IgG1 response. Although five of these six children produced antibodies in response to Hib polysaccharide protein conjugate vaccine, three of four given Hib oligosaccharide CRM conjugate vaccine required booster doses to respond, a pattern of response characteristic of infants
Organizational Science and the NSF: Funding for Mutual Benefit

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the primary federal agency funding nonmedical research in the United States. However, relatively few organizational researchers consider approaching the agency, despite the funds it has available. It is easy to understand why: The agency has a reputation for preferring "hard science" and quantitative approaches, and there is no obvious home for organizational studies in the agency. NSF programs appear to recognize psychological and small-group research on the one hand, and sociological research on the other, with little emphasis on organizations. There are, however, several programs that have funded research on organizations, or relevant to organizations. Additionally, the NSF regularly solicits advice and direction from researchers on new directions for focus and attention. We argue that organization researchers should indeed approach NSF with robust research proposals. We provide suggestions for finding an appropriate application "home" within NSF. We also discuss the process of proposal preparation, offering suggestions on how to prepare a persuasive proposal, with comments on how the review process works. Finally, we close with a clarion call for organization researchers to help NSF understand the importance of organizations, and thus of organization research, to the whole array of the agency's other research interests-to the effective practice of science; to organizing human activity, including economic and educational activity; and to management and governance of human activities in general. As such, we argue, NSF has a stake in organizational research-and organizational researchers have a stake in NSF.
Distortions from trigonal prismatic geometry for several structurally characterized clathrochelate complexes: significance of π-backbonding on clathrochelate coordination geometry

The crystallographic data for several clathrochelate complexes of the form [M(NOX)3(BnBu)2] (where M = Co, Fe, Ru; NOX = 1,2-cyclohexanedione dioximato (C6H8N2O2); n-Bu = n-butyl) are presented. The data display an unexpected trend in distortion from trigonal prismatic geometry (Co(7.0°) < Ru(12.0°) < Fe(20.3°)), which is different from that predicted by ligand field stabilization energy (LFSE) factors (Co < Fe < Ru). It appears that LFSE considerations in combination with π-backbonding effects are necessary to interpret the ϕ values of the three complexes, where the unusually small distortion for the ruthenium complex is a result of strong π-backbonding, evidenced by the unusually short RuNav distance (1.972(4) A). Crystal data: all three compounds are monoclinic, space group C2/c. Compound CoC26H42B2N6O6: a = 22.878(6), b = 15.026(2), c = 18.047(6) A, β = 109.95(2)°, V = 5831.6(5) A3, Z = 8, R = 5.9, Nobs = 3346. Compound FeC26H42B2N6O6: a = 23.046(3), b = 14.920(2), c = 18.064(4) A, β = 107.87(2)°, V = 5911.6(5) A3, Z = 8, R = 5.4, Nobs = 4687. Compound RuC26H42B2N6O6: a = 22.966(5), b = 14.951(2), c = 18.125(6) A, β = 107.39(2)°, V = 5942(6) A3, Z = 8, R = 4.4, Nobs = 4493.