cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Degradation of cartilage proteoglycan by human leukocyte granule neutral proteases--a model of joint injury. I. Penetration of enzyme into rabbit articular cartilage and release of 35SO4-labeled material from the tissue.

Abstract The present work was undertaken to explore the effect of two purified neutral proteases derived from human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) on articular cartilage as a model of joint injury. Human leukocyte elastase and chymotrypsin-like enzyme, purified by affinity chromatography, released 32SO4 from labeled rabbit articular cartilage slices in vitro. Release of isotope was initially delayed, suggesting that either a lag in enzyme penetration occurs or that size of degradation fragments is a limiting factor in diffusion of label out of the tissue. The release of 35SO4 was inhibited by preincubation of elastase and chymotrypsin-like enzyme with human alpha 1-anti-trypsin, or with their specific chloromethyl ketone inactivators, and the action of elastase was also inhibited by a monospecific antiserum to PMN elastase, freed of major serum proteinase inhibitors. Immunohistochemical staining procedures revealed the presence of PMN elastase inside the matrix of cartilage slices after a 20-min exposure of tissue to either the pure enzyme or crude PMN granule extract. Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin failed to penetrate into the cartilage slices under identical in vitro conditions. In association with the results reported in the accompanying paper, these findings suggest a model of cartilage matrix degradation by PMN neutral proteases in which local protease-antiprotease imbalance, coupled with different rates of penetration of protease and antiprotease into target tissue, plays a key role in accounting for matrix damage.
The Characterization of Germanium and Silicon for Nuclear Radiation Detectors.

Semiconductor nuclear radiation detectors require deep depletion depths (0.03–3.0 cm) and effective charge collection distances which are several times longer than these depletion depths. These requirements place stringent limitations on the net electrically active impurity concentration, and on the concentration of deep centers which can trap carriers generated by the incident nuclear radiation. This need for extremely pure material distinguishes the interests and efforts of the semiconductor detector community from the rest of the semiconductor community. This paper reviews the characterization of shallow-level, deep-level, neutral, and extended defects in germanium and silicon for nuclear radiation detectors. Photothermal ionization spectroscopy has been used extensively to identify the residual hydrogenic impurities in high-purity (∣NA–ND∣ ≈ 1010–1011 cm−3) germanium and silicon. Deep level transient spectroscopy has been effectively used to detect and identify deeper levels in high-purity germanium. Residual neutral defects are not necessarily passive: they may complex to form deep or shallow levels, they may precipitate, or they may act as nucleation sites for precipitation. The properties of extended defects (dislocations, lineage, inclusions, precipitates) and their effects on device performance are fundamentally less well understood, as the origin of the electrical activity of these defects is uncertain. It has been found in numerous instances that chemical interactions among defects are important even in these high-purity semiconductors.
HSP70.1 and -70.3 are required for late-phase protection induced by ischemic preconditioning of mouse hearts

We investigated the role of inducible heat shock proteins 70.1 and 70.3 (HSP70.1 and HSP70.3, respectively) in myocardial ischemic preconditioning (IP) in mice. Wild-type (WT) mice and HSP70.1- and...
DIFFERENCES IN FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF PEN‐REARED AND WILD PRAIRIE‐CHICKENS

Abstract The introduction of pen-reared Attwater's prairie-chickens (APC, Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) into the wild to supplement existing populations has met with marginal success. Flight characteristics, predator avoidance behavior, and rearing methods may contribute to post-release mortality of pen-reared birds. We compared flight characteristics and predator avoidance behaviors of pen-reared APC released onto the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge with those of a sister subspecies, wild greater prairie-chickens (GPC, T. c. pinnatus) in Minnesota and Kansas. There was no difference (P = 0.134) in flight speed of pen-reared APC and wild GPC. However, wild GPC flew further (P <0.001) in response to an approaching human than did pen-reared APC. Wild GPC flushed at a greater (P <0.001) distance from an approaching human than did pen-reared juvenile APC that had lived in the wild for less than 3 months. A trained dog was able to approach closer (P <0.001) to APC than to GPC before birds flu...
Halting Computer Crime And Abuse: Managements Newest Challenge

As computers enter the business environment with increasing regularity, their introduction is also coupled with paramount abuse. This paper explores the profile of the typical computer criminal and describes some of the most commonly used methods for violating a computer system. Included in the discussion are: data diddling, Trojan horse, salami technique, superzapping, trapdoors, logic bombs, synch attacks, scavenging, data leakage, piggybacking or impersonation, wiretapping, manipulation, and viruses.
Angular momentum alignment in the reaction154Sm+214 MeV32S

Angular momentum alignment in the reaction154Sm+214 MeV32S has been investigated using discrete-lineγ-ray techniques. The anisotropies of stretchedE2 transitions from the target-like fragments reach approximately three at the largest energy losses, implying rather strong alignment. The results are compared with the predictions of a simple model.
Exploring Parental Factors Related to Weight Management in Survivors of Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors

Childhood central nervous system tumor survivors (CCNSTS) are at risk for adverse health issues. Little research has been conducted to explore the role of parental factors in weight management to mitigate adverse health outcomes. We conducted 9 group interviews (n=20) with CCNSTS, their parents, and health care providers to ascertain parental factors that may influence weight management practices in CCNSTS. Three main themes were identified: parenting style, parent-child connectedness, and food and physical activity (PA) environment. Although most parents adopted an authoritative parenting style related to diet and PA practices, some adopted a permissive parenting style. Participants expressed high levels of connection that may hinder the development of peer relationships and described the food and PA environments that promote or hinder weight management through parental modeling of healthy eating and PA and access to healthy food and activities. Weight management interventions for CCNSTS may experience greater benefit from using a family-focused approach, promoting positive food and PA environments, parental modeling of healthy eating and exercise, and partnering with youth to adopt weight management behaviors.
An in vitro demonstration of cellular sensitivity in experimental autoimmune nephrosis in rats.

SummaryThe migration of mononuclear cells isolated from the spleens of rats with experimental autoimmune nephrosis was inhibited by extracts of rat kidney in both allogeneic and isogeneic strains. The migration was partially inhibited by the presence in the medium of rat liver but not by other tissue extracts. This effect appeared whether or not circulating precipitating antibody against kidney antigens could be deomonstrated. The specificity of this reaction was further demonstrated in aminonucleoside nephrosis which involves no known immunologic mechanism; splenic monocytes from these animals, as well as from control animals, failed to show any inhibition of migration in the presence of these same antigens. There was no correlation between the degree of inhibition and the severity of disease. The role, if any, played by this specific cellular sensitivity in the pathogenesis of autoimmune nephrosis remains to be elucidated.
Lossless single photon shaping via heralding

Using spontaneous optical parametric down-conversion, we analyze and experimentally demonstrate heralded generation of shaped single photons, whose modes are losslessly tailored via amplitude modulation on the pump field that drives the down-conversion process.
An Improved Nonsticky Trap for Field Testing Scolytid Pheromones

A trap is described for field testing scolytid pheromones that has several advantages including avoidance of sticky materials and less time spent evaluating treatments. The new trap was as effective as a conventional sticky screen trap in catching the pine engraver, Ips pini Say.
Responses to High Temperature of the Parasite Apanteles militaris and of Its Host, the Armyworm, Pseudaletia unipuncta,

When the eggs of Apanteles militaris (Walsh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), were deposited into a larva of Pseudaletia unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which was immediately exposed to 35°C for 24hours, they were killed and were encapsulated by the host blood cells. Rearing the host larva after parasitization at 23°C for 2 days and then at 35°C for 1 or 2 days did not prevent the parasite eggs from developing. However, when the parasitized host larva was reared for 2 days at 23°C and then exposed for 3 days at 35°C, the 1st-stage parasite larvae were killed. A host larva which contained dead parasite eggs did not pupate normally, and the abnormal prepupa did not develop further. After a parasitized host larva was first exposed for 2 days at 35°C to kill the parasite eggs and then exposed to a 2nd parasitization, the 2nd group of parasites was able to develop normally. Exposure of female parasites for 1 or 2 days at 35°C did not affect the viability of the eggs, but the females laid fewer eggs than those held at room temperature.
Needs assessments of memory disorder patients.

Background:Previous research shows that informal caregivers of individuals with a memory disorder experience financial strain, declining physical health, and psychological distress. Various resources and services have been developed to address and/or prevent these potential outcomes, yet caregivers continue to be negatively affected by the demands of caregiving. We hypothesize that better identification and clarification of concrete patient and caregiver needs will aid in the modification and improvement of the available resources. The purpose of this study is to determine the psychosocial needs of the cognitively impaired population and their caregivers.Methods:A one-page Needs Assessment was created to address areas of potential concern for the individual with a memory disorder and the caregiver. This assessment was administered during visits to an outpatient clinic in Philadelphia.Results:A total of 204 Needs Assessments were collected. The significant needs found in our study cohort include sleep, exe...
"A Liberation of Powers": Agency and Education for Democracy.

In this essay Harry Boyte and Margaret Finders argue that addressing the “shrinkage” of education and democracy requires acting politically to reclaim and augment Deweyan agency-focused concepts of democracy and education. Looking at agency from the vantage of civic studies, which advances a politics of agency — a citizen politics that is different from ideological politics — and citizens as cocreators of political communities, Boyte and Finders explore the technocratic trends that have eclipsed agency. These disempower educators, students, and communities. Using the case study of the youth empowerment initiative Public Achievement and its translation into the Special Education Program and partnerships of Augsburg College, the authors conclude with an examination of how agentic practices have survived in “shadow spaces” in schools, how such spaces might be turned into “free spaces” for democratic change, and how teacher education needs to prepare “citizen teachers” as well as promoting pedagogies of empowerment. These suggest grounds for a movement of hope and democratic change.
Finite element analysis of the glass fiber reinforced plastic of the outer corrosive pipeline

It is a freshly repaired technique which can mend outer corrosive pipeline by glass fiber reinforced plastic. Based on a mechanical analyzed model by FEA method and validated by experimental data, the results mostly accord with the data from the lab. The analysis indicates that there are many factors affecting the glass reinforced plastic, including the features of the repaired material, material properties of the eroded pipeline, the limitation degree, and the transportation parameters, etc. Through calculation, we found that the pipeline and the limitation concrete dimension mainly decide the minimum demanding thickness of the repaired material. Under the condition of the same inner press and the same limitation, it is shown that the bigger the pipeline diameter is, the thicker the repaired material needs. In order to meet the engineering requirements, we have established two types of the safety evaluation diagrams by adopting this FEA program. In practical application, we could use the same method to get the safety evaluation diagrams for the glass reinforced plastic according to the different pipeline diameters and the practical limitation to evaluate the safety level.
An interventional strategy was better than a conservative strategy in unstable angina or non-ST-elevation MI.

Source Citation Fox KA, Poole-Wilson PA, Henderson RA, et al. Interventional versus conservative treatment for patients with unstable angina or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: the British H...
Ureteral Polyps Presenting as Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Children

AbstractWe report on 2 children with fibroepithelial polyps. The benign nature of this lesion is discussed and the role of conservative surgical treatment is emphasized.
EXTRA-ANATOMIC RECONSTRUCTION

Extra-anatomic arterial bypass is used most commonly in the treatment of infected prosthetic grafts or as an alternative less stressful operation for patients at high risk for more conventional reconstructions. This article reviews the development of these procedures, especially axillofemoral and femoral-femoral bypass, and discusses both the technical details and the expected results using current operative approaches.
Photothermal measurement of metal film thickness in integrated circuit devices

Metal films have been used extensively in very-large-scale integration (VLSI) devices. They are used to build interconnects, field-effect transistor gates, diffusion barriers, and conduction pads for input or output leads. Metals such as aluminum, tungsten, titanium and platinum are deposited on an insulating layer [1,2]. The metal film thicknesses range from 100 A to 1 µm. Due to the ever-growing need for high speed, high density, and low power dissipation in integrated circuit (IC) technology, accurate control of the metallization process becomes essential to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. One of the important parameters in the metallization process control is the film thickness.
The Chemokine Receptor CXCR2 Supports Nociceptive Sensitization after Traumatic Brain Injury.

Chronic pain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very common, but the mechanisms linking TBI to pain and the pain-related interactions of TBI with peripheral injuries are poorly understood. Chemokine receptors play an important role in both pain and brain injury. In the current work, we pursued the hypothesis that the epigenetically regulated CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is a crucial modulator of nociceptive sensitization induced by TBI. For these studies, we used the rat lateral fluid percussion model of TBI. Histone actyltransferase activity was blocked using anacardic acid beginning immediately following injury, or delayed for seven days prior to administration. The selective CXCR2 antagonist SCH527123 administered systemically or intrathecally was used to probe the role of chemokine signaling on mechanical hindpaw sensitization after TBI. The expression of the CXCR2 receptor was accomplished using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting, while epigenetic regulation was assessed...
A Case of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Associated with HIV (P04.008)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) associated with HIV, without the presence of known risk factors for PRES such as hypertension, peripartum state or use of immune-modulatory drugs such as tacrolimus or cyclosporine. BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiologic diagnosis characterized by headache, altered mental status, seizures and visual disturbance. It is most commonly associated with hypertension and the theory of failed autoregulation of the brain. Normally in hypertension, with intact autoregulation, the cerebral vessels constrict to maintain a constant state of perfusion. In PRES, it is believed that autoregulation fails; the blood vessels don9t constrict appropriately in the face of hypertension and the brain is hyperperfused with resulting cerebral edema evident as hyperintensity on MRI. We report a case of a patient with PRES and HIV who was normotensive and without other risk factors for PRES. DESIGN/METHODS: A 56 year old woman presented with altered mental status and visual field defect. She had a past medical history of HIV with a CD4 count of 438 and was on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). She was normotensive and workup of CNS infection including lumbar puncture with measurement of titers for crypotococcus, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, JC virus among others was all negative. RESULTS: MRI of the brain with and without contrast revealed abnormal hyperintensity on T2 and FLAIR of the bilateral cerebral hemispheres, primarily in the occipital lobes consistent with PRES. CONCLUSIONS: HIV is associated with endothelial dysfunction as evidenced by intravascular, transmural and perivascular CD4 and CD8 T cells. This endothelial dysfunction is sufficient to cause PRES. Disclosure: Dr. Wilbanks has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hayat has nothing to disclose.
Liquid–liquid equilibrium compositions and global phase behavior for the lignin–acetic acid–water system at 70 and 95 °C

Abstract Liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) compositions were measured for the pseudoternary system lignin–acetic acid–water at 70 and 95 °C, conditions of interest for the Aqueous Lignin Purification using Hot Acids (ALPHA) process for the purification and fractionation of lignin. Other regions of phase behavior, including a narrow region of LLE at high acetic acid (AcOH) concentrations, as well as solid–liquid (SL) and solid–liquid–liquid (SLL) equilibria, were also identified so that the global phase behavior could be mapped out. For both temperatures, tie-lines encompassing the entire region of “ALPHA” LLE were measured, from near the liquid–liquid critical point in the AcOH-rich region to the solid–liquid–liquid (SLL) phase boundary in the water-rich region. This LLE region exhibited several interesting characteristics. Surprisingly, there was essentially no difference between the solvent compositions in the solvent-rich vs. the lignin (polymer)-rich phase, indicating that the solvent mixture is exhibiting the properties of a single liquid solvent with respect to the lignin polymer. Furthermore, a strong maximum was measured on the lignin-rich side of the binodal curve, which can occur when a solvent mixture consists of strongly associating fluids. The average molecular weight of the lignin in the lignin-rich phase was found to be an order-of-magnitude higher than in the solvent-rich phase. Acid-catalyzed lignin condensation reactions were found to occur at the highest AcOH concentrations and temperatures in the lignin-rich phase, but there was no impact on the measured phase compositions.
African American Mayors: Impact on Georgia Municipalities

This chapter evaluates African American mayoral effectiveness in the state of Georgia. This evaluation moves forward on the premise that all mayors, regardless of race or the social and demographic characteristics of the cities they govern face similar, difficult and very complex problems. As such, all mayors must be evaluated on the way they perform given the context in which they operate and the impact they have on the pressing issues faced in their respective cities. This evaluation focuses on the performance of African American mayors in the cities of Atlanta, Albany, Macon and Savannah in the state of Georgia. The primary goal of this review is to determine if African American mayors in the state of Georgia have effectively improved the quality of life and standard of living for citizens in their respective cities based on the performance of specific key social and economic indicators.
Active Packaging: a New Fabrication Principle for High Performance Devices and Systems

In this work I shall discuss a new device fabrication principle which I would like to refer to as active packaging (AP). The meaning of this term is that certain essential fabrication steps (lithography, etching, metallization, etc.) are performed after the partially processed device or circuit is packaged onto a host platform.
Analysis of Tobacco Mosaic Virus-Host Interactions by Directed Genome Modification

Small single stranded RNA viruses cause disease and reduce yields of many crop plants. Because these viruses carry limited amounts of genetic information into plants, they are dependent upon their hosts to provide the cellular machinery needed for replication. This dependency requires that virus and host components interact at the molecular level. It is at this level that host plants recognize and respond to infecting viruses. Our understanding of these interactions has been extremely limited. Only recently have advances in technology allowed a systematic study of virus-host interactions. Understanding the mechanisms behind these interactions should provide insight for the development of new techniques for the control of plant virus diseases.
Simple and sensitive dilute-and-shoot analysis of carotenoids in human plasma.

Abstract Carotenoids in human plasma are used as biomarkers of vegetable and fruit intake. Large sample volumes and intensive sample processing make measurement of these species cumbersome. We developed a dilute-and-shoot method for the quantitation of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin using 10 μL of plasma. Plasma was injected into methanol containing internal standard and deproteinized by centrifugation. The carotenoids in the supernatant were separated using a YMC C-30 column and quantified by tandem mass spectrometry. The linearity for carotenoids ranged from sub-fmol to approximately 300 fmol on-column. Spike recovery experiments were used to correct for matrix effects. The method was validated using the human plasma standard NIST SRM 968e. Over 400 sample analyses were performed using the same guard and analytical columns. This method represents an improvement over current techniques because of the small sample size needed, ease of sample preparation, and improvement in the determination of carotenoid content.
Influence of Standard Lightning Impulse Front Time Tolerances on the Flashover Voltage of Suspension Insulators

For high voltage impulse testing, a standard lightning impulse is defined in IEEE Std. 4 and IEC 60060-1 as a double exponential waveform having a front time T1 = 1.2 μs ± 30% and time to half-value T2 = 50 μs ± 20%. It has been noticed that for a given specimen, it is possible to successfully pass a flashover test at one end of the T1 tolerance range while failing the same test at the opposite end of the tolerance spectrum. Consequently, a systematic approach was adopted to investigate this observation. Up-and-down tests were performed to define the disruptive discharge voltage (critical flashover voltage CFO, U50) for 1, 5, 10, and 15 unit glass insulator strings standard lightning impulses using the minimum acceptance front time value (T1 ≈ 0.84 μs). Tests were repeated using the maximum tolerance value (T1 ≈ 1.56 μs) to investigate the degree of divergence in the flashover value. Particular attention is given to the steepness (voltage-time characteristics) of the applied impulse to consider if tolerance criteria amendment is merited in a future standard revision. As the steepness impact is more renowned in non-uniform geometries, field homogeneity as a function of string length is also incorporated into the analysis.
Revisiting Our Contribution: How Interactions with Student Affairs Professionals Shape Cognitive Outcomes During College

Building on prior research during the first year of college, this study explores how students’ interactions with student affairs professionals impact their growth on cognitive outcomes for students...
Do More-Assimilated Latinxs Leave the Barrio and Move to “White” Neighborhoods? Latinxs, Young Adults, and Spatial Assimilation:

Studies of Latinx–white residential segregation and of Latinx residential attainment consistently report findings consistent with spatial assimilation. Nevertheless, most studies of this theory use...
Some things you need to know to be a behavior analyst and other considerations: an informal recollection with examples

I offer an interpretative recounting of my comments at the 2nd International Summit and Conference on Behaviour Analysis and Autism in Higher Education (Stockholm University, January, 2018). It is ...
Pediatric nurses' perceptions of preparedness for global health fieldwork.

Objectives The purpose of this qualitative descriptive research study was to understand the current state, perceived content, and experiential needs of pediatric nurses preparing for global health (GH) fieldwork experience. This study aimed to inform stakeholders about the standard and unique preparation needs of pediatric GH nurses. Study design and methods One group and five individual interviews were held with nurses from a large pediatric quaternary care facility in the Northeast United States. Data from the interviews were transcribed verbatim, eliminating personal data. Only deidentified transcripts were used for data analysis. Members of the study team used content analysis to systematically code and analyze the data. Results Qualitative content analysis revealed five categories: (1) identifying clear objectives, (2) understanding the practice environment, (3) self-assessment of clinical skills, cultural competencies, and adaptability, (4) safety and logistics planning, and (5) psychological self-care and reentry anticipatory guidance. Conclusions Findings can provide a basis for program planning to prepare pediatric nurses for GH fieldwork. Program planning must account for the unique features of the site and situation. Organizational and personal preparation can influence the perceived success of the GH experience.
Early infant behavioural correlates of social skills in adolescents.

BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically diagnosed after the second year of life; however, differences in brain structure and function associated with ASD have been ascertained in early infancy. Identifying behavioural markers of ASD risk in early infancy has the potential to facilitate early detection and intervention. OBJECTIVES We examined associations between infant behaviour and adolescent behaviours associated with ASD. METHODS Analyses leveraged data available on 370 participants from the New Bedford Cohort, a sociodemographically diverse prospective birth cohort of children born from 1993 to 1998 to mothers residing near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site in Massachusetts. Longitudinal assessments were used to examine the associations between behaviours when children were approximately 2 weeks old (measured by the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale [NBAS]), and subsequent maladaptive behaviours associated with ASD at approximately 15 years old [measured by the Behavior Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition-Teacher Rating Scale (BASC-2 TRS) scores which are standardised to a mean (SD) of 50 (10)]. RESULTS Poorer performance on select individual items and cluster scales of the NBAS was associated with an increase in behaviours associated with ASD in adolescents. Associations were strongest for neonatal measures of self-regulation, response to auditory input, and autonomic nervous system regulation. For example, in covariate-adjusted models, infants with Regulation of State NBAS cluster scores in the lowest tertile (poorest performance) compared to infants with scores in the higher two tertiles had adolescent BASC-2 TRS Developmental Social Disorders T-scores that were 2.9 points higher (95% CI: 0.8, 4.9), indicating more behaviours associated with ASD. CONCLUSION The NBAS is an established and accessible instrument that assesses a broad range of behaviours in very young infants, and may be a useful tool for newborn assessments of developmental risk, including risk of ASD-associated behaviours.
Passive Investing and Price Efficiency

This paper studies how falling fees for delegated investments affect price efficiency in a theoretical framework, in which the investors' allocations, management fees, and asset prices are all determined in a general equilibrium. Importantly, investors optimally decide whether to participate in the financial market or simply hold the safe asset, and active managers trade strategically, adjusting the traded quantities according to market liquidity. Perhaps surprisingly, and in contrast to the broad theoretical literature, prices of the index fund become more efficient as passive fees decrease and more investors choose the uninformed index fund. Prices can become more efficient even when the inflow to passive funds comes at the expense of the outflow from active funds, as has been the case more recently since 2007. Combined with the observed downward trend in fees, the finding is consistent with recent empirical evidence that prices, especially those of S&P 500, have become more informative over time.
SIMDiscovery: a simulation-based preparation program for adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery

Spinal fusion surgery is associated with high levels of stress and anxiety for patients and their caregivers. Medical simulation has demonstrated efficacy in improving preparedness, knowledge, and overall experience prior to other medical procedures. The current study examines the utility of a multi-faceted preparation program (SIMDiscovery) using simulation techniques to reduce anxiety and increase preparedness among patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery and their caregivers. Participants attended SIMDiscovery where they received hands-on preparation about what to expect before, during, and after their surgery. Anxiety, preparedness, and knowledge about the procedure were assessed pre- and post-participation using self-report measures. Participants also completed a questionnaire at their first post-operative medical appointment. Differences from pre to post and between patients and caregivers were calculated with paired and independent sample t-tests. Participants included 22 patients and 29 caregivers. Post-SIMDiscovery, both groups demonstrated increased knowledge for the surgical process and lower state anxiety. Patients reported increased feelings of preparedness in all areas while caregivers reported increased feelings of preparedness in most areas. Families continued to report positive impact of the program 30 days after surgery; however, they also identified areas where they desired increased preparation. SIMDiscovery increased patients’ and caregivers’ knowledge regarding spinal fusion surgery and helped them feel less anxious and more prepared regarding most aspects of the surgical process. These changes were generally maintained throughout the post-operative period. Participants identified areas for increased preparation, highlighting the importance of continuing to adapt programs based on patient and family feedback. Level III.
Unsupervised Relation Extraction: A Variational Autoencoder Approach

Unsupervised relation extraction works by clustering entity pairs that have the same relations in the text. Some existing variational autoencoder (VAE)-based approaches train the relation extraction model as an encoder that generates relation classifications. A decoder is trained along with the encoder to reconstruct the encoder input based on the encoder-generated relation classifications. These classifications are a latent variable so they are required to follow a pre-defined prior distribution which results in unstable training. We propose a VAE-based unsupervised relation extraction technique that overcomes this limitation by using the classifications as an intermediate variable instead of a latent variable. Specifically, classifications are conditioned on sentence input, while the latent variable is conditioned on both the classifications and the sentence input. This allows our model to connect the decoder with the encoder without putting restrictions on the classification distribution; which improves training stability. Our approach is evaluated on the NYT dataset and outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Use of an Exotic Carbon Source To Selectively Increase Metabolic Activity and Growth of Pseudomonas putida in Soil

Respiration and growth of Pseudomonas putida PpG7, containing catabolic plasmid NAH7, was determined in three agricultural field soils amended with the carbon source salicylate. The addition of salicylate to soil significantly increased the population of PpG7. However, there was a lack of relationship between microbial numbers and activity as determined by evolution of CO2. In soils containing 30 to 1,500 μg of salicylate per g, metabolic activities of PpG7 peaked between 18 and 42 h and population densities increased approximately 101-to 105-fold. However, the metabolic activity of PpG7 rapidly declined after salicylate was utilized, whereas peak population densities were maintained for the duration of the experiments (5 to 7 days). Thus, elevated population densities of PpG7 were represented by inactive cells. Soil type had only minor effects on respiration rates or growth curves of PpG7 when amended with comparable concentrations of salicylate. Respiration and growth rates were optimal at concentrations between 300 and 1,000 μg of salicylate per g in the test soils. At 1,500 to 2,500 μg/g, respiration and growth of PpG7 were initially suppressed, but after a short lag time both attained levels similar to or greater than those resulting from the use of lower concentrations of salicylate. The culturing of PpG7 on a salicylate-amended medium to induce salicylate-degradative enzymes did not affect the lag time before utilization of salicylate in soil. Although PpG7 competed well with fungi for the substrate, suppression of fungal populations with cycloheximide resulted in significantly increased population densities of PpG7 in two of three soils amended with salicylate. The beneficial activities of bacteria in soil are discussed in relation to population density, population metabolic activity, and selective carbon source utilization.
Dantrolene inhibits the calcium plateau and prevents the development of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges following in vitro status epilepticus.

Status epilepticus is a clinical emergency that can lead to the development of acquired epilepsy following neuronal injury. Understanding the pathophysiological changes that occur between the injury itself and the expression of epilepsy is important in the development of new therapeutics to prevent epileptogenesis. Currently, no anti-epileptogenic agents exist; thus, the ability to treat an individual immediately after status epilepticus to prevent the ultimate development of epilepsy remains an important clinical challenge. In the Sprague–Dawley rat pilocarpine model of status epilepticus-induced acquired epilepsy, intracellular calcium has been shown to increase in hippocampal neurons during status epilepticus and remain elevated well past the duration of the injury in those animals that develop epilepsy. This study aimed to determine if such changes in calcium dynamics exist in the hippocampal culture model of status epilepticus-induced acquired epilepsy and, if so, to study whether manipulating the calcium plateau after status epilepticus would prevent epileptogenesis. The in vitro status epilepticus model resembled the in vivo model in terms of elevations in neuronal calcium concentrations that were maintained well past the duration of the injury. When used following in vitro status epilepticus, dantrolene, a ryanodine receptor inhibitor, but not the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid channel blocker MK-801 inhibited the elevations in intracellular calcium, decreased neuronal death and prevented the expression of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges, the in vitro correlate of epilepsy. These findings offer potential for a novel treatment to prevent the development of epileptiform discharges following brain injuries.
Neural Control of Birdsong

Birdsong is a learned behaviour that displays a remarkable level of acoustic and temporal complexity. It is controlled by a well-defined neural circuit, known as the song system, which receives highly processed auditory information from specialized higher-order auditory areas. Over the past decade, sophisticated new song analysis tools coupled with the ability to record from identified neurons in adult and juvenile singing birds have revealed many fundamental insights into the neural mechanisms that underlie vocal production, storage of auditory memories and sensorimotor learning. Some of these include an understanding of how sleep drives song acquisition and how circuits homologous to the mammalian basal ganglia generate the motor variability that enables sensorimotor learning. The tractable nature of this system coupled with its shared similarities with human speech make birdsong a unique model for understanding the neural bases of vocal production and learning. Key Concepts: Sophisticated new methodologies in song quantification have made it possible to provide quantitative descriptions of the entire vocal imitation process in juvenile birds. Storage of the song template likely occurs in specialized higher-order auditory forebrain areas rather than in the song system proper. The song system is a specialized neural circuit that is necessary for song production and sensorimotor learning. Neurons that form part of the descending motor pathway produce short (approximately 5 ms) bursts of action potentials that are precisely time locked to specific time segment of the song. The portion of the song system necessary for song production is organized as a recurrent pathway with structures in the thalamus and respiratory brainstem projecting back up to the forebrain. Neural variability from the basal ganglia circuit onto RA is thought to contribute to the observed motor variability in juvenile birds and likely enables the motor exploration strategy that is critical for song learning in juveniles. Sleep plays a critical role in vocal learning by allowing offline processing of sensory and motor information. Keywords: songbirds; song system; basal ganglia; sensorimotor learning; sparse coding; sleep
The Bioinequivalence of Carbamazepine Tablets with a History of Clinical Failures

The bioavailability of three lots of a generic 200-mg carbamazepine tablet, which had been withdrawn from the market, was compared to the bioavailability of one lot of the innovator product in 24 healthy volunteers. Fifty-three lots of the generic product had been recalled by the manufacturer because of concerns over reports of clinical failures for several of the lots. The three generic lots tested in this study exhibited a wide range of bioavailability, as well as large differences in the in vitro dissolution rates. The mean maximum carbamazepine plasma concentrations for two of the generic lots were only 61-74% that of the innovator product, while the third lot was 142% of the innovator. The mean areas under the plasma concentration-time curve for the three generic lots ranged from 60 to 113% that of the innovator product. The results clearly indicate a significant difference in the rate and extent of absorption of the generic products compared to the innovator, as well as among the generic lots. A good relationship was found between the in vivo parameters and the in vitro dissolution results for the four dosage forms.
Transcription and the broken heart

An astonishing 1% of babies have some form of congenital heart defect, and the genetic cause behind one class of cardiac disorder has now been identified. Two groups independently disrupted theNF-ATcgene in mice, and found that the resultant embryos showed severe defects in cardiac valve and septum formation, leading to death after 14-15 days' gestation. The result was a big surprise, as NF-ATc protein had previously been implicated as a transcriptional regulator within activated T cells.
Modulation of Atmospheric 14C Concentration by the Solar Wind and Irradiance Components of the Hale and Schwabe Solar Cycles

14C abundance on the Earth can be modulated by both the solar wind and irradiance components of the solar cycle. The magnetic field component of the solar wind modulates 14C production whereas the irradiance component can result in a change in the exchange rate between the various reservoirs of the carbon biogeochemical cycle. The effects would be nearly synchronous and difficult to separate. The 0.1 % amplitude of irradiance variation during the two most recent solar cycles is well known. A 22-yr cycle exists also in the measured global temperature record.
Effect of Perioperative Transfusion on Recurrence and Survival after Gastric Cancer Resection: A 7-Institution Analysis of 765 Patients from the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative

Background The prognostic effect of perioperative blood transfusion on recurrence and survival in patients undergoing resection of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) remains controversial. Study Design All patients who underwent resection for GAC from 2000 to 2012 at the 7 institutions of the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative were identified. The effect of transfusion on recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in the context of adverse clinicopathologic variables was examined by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results Of 965 patients, 765 underwent curative intent R0 resection. Median follow-up was 44 months; 30-day mortalities were excluded. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 200 mL, and 168 patients (22%) received perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfused patients were less likely to receive adjuvant therapy (44% vs 56%; p = 0.01). Transfusion was associated with significantly decreased median RFS (13.5 vs 37.2 months, p Conclusions Perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with decreased RFS and OS after resection of gastric cancer, independent of adverse clinicopathologic factors. This supports the judicious use of perioperative transfusion during resection of gastric cancer.
Periconceptional zinc deficiency affects uterine 3H-estradiol binding in mice

To better define the mechanisms by which zinc (Zn) deficiency influences periconceptional development, we examined the effects of this developmental insult on uterine estrogen metabolism. CD-1 mice were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (Low Zn, LZ; Control, C; or Replete, R) and fed either a low Zn (⩽0.3 μg Zn/g) or control diet (47 μg Zn/g) 5 days prior to gestation day (GD) 0 and continuing up to GD 4 during early pregnancy. Mice in the R group were fed the low Zn diet until GD 1 after which they were fed the control diet. Uterine 3H-estradiol binding in vivo was measured on GD 2, GD 3, and GD 4. Binding was similar among groups on GD 2 and GD 3, but was lower on GD 4 in LZ mice than in C and R mice (61% of control value). On GD 4, uterine 3H-estradiol binding in vitro was measured and was lower in LZ mice than in C and R mice (63--74% of control values); the reduction in binding was due to lower receptor number. Thus, Zn deficiency can result in a reduction in uterine estradiol receptors and estradiol binding. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Scholar’s Symposium: The Work of David Carr

This essay begins by situating the work of David Carr in relation to the reception of phenomenology in the United States. It addresses Carr’s early (and continuing) contributions to the philosophy of history, especially as this topic emerges in Husserl’s middle and later writings. The idea of point of view as this emerges in Carr’s own writings on history is examined, with special attention to differences between its spatial and temporal instantiations. Carr’s emphasis on the primacy of temporality in human experience is contrasted with an approach that is more appreciative of the role of place in this experience. It is suggested that place offers an important alternative to time as a basis for the understanding of history and narrative.
Spinal nerve enhancement with Gd-DTPA: MR correlation with the postoperative lumbosacral spine.

PURPOSE To search for a probable source of the recurrent signs and symptoms associated with lumbosacral postsurgical syndrome on intravenous gadolinium-enhanced MR. METHODS A retrospective study of 120 patients with recurrent symptomatology following lumbar disk surgery was carried out with spin-echo MR pre- and postenhancement with gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg). In addition, 10 asymptomatic subjects were evaluated at least 6 months postoperatively using the same imaging protocol. RESULTS 21.6% of the symptomatic subjects (N = 26) had enhancement of one or more spinal nerve root. This enhancement was focal or multisegmental, and involved single or multiple nerve roots. The abnormal neural enhancement was associated with otherwise isolated epidural fibrosis in 88.5%, and with herniated nucleus pulposus in the remaining 11.5%. The overall clinical correlation of single root enhancement with a monoradiculopathy and multiroot enhancement with a polyradiculopathy was 95.7%. However, 21.7% of these same cases also showed additional nerve root enhancement that did not have an overt clinical correlation. All of these latter patients were imaged relatively early in the postoperative period (5 days to 8 months). The 10 patients in the asymptomatic group all manifested degrees of postoperative epidural scarring on MR, but no abnormal radicular enhancement or other associated pathology. CONCLUSION In the chronic postoperative phase (more than 6 to 8 months), the presence of radicular enhancement on MR imaging in symptomatic individuals, and its absence in asymptomatic subjects, suggests that neural enhancement serves as a marker for active neural pathology that may in certain individuals be related temporally to the signs and symptoms associated with the lumbosacral postsurgical syndrome.
ABCC8 R1420H Loss-of-Function Variant in a Southwest American Indian Community: Association With Increased Birth Weight and Doubled Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Missense variants in KCNJ11 and ABCC8, which encode the KIR6.2 and SUR1 subunits of the β-cell KATP channel, have previously been implicated in type 2 diabetes, neonatal diabetes, and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (HHI). To determine whether variation in these genes affects risk for type 2 diabetes or increased birth weight as a consequence of fetal hyperinsulinemia in Pima Indians, missense and common noncoding variants were analyzed in individuals living in the Gila River Indian Community. A R1420H variant in SUR1 (ABCC8) was identified in 3.3% of the population (N = 7,710). R1420H carriers had higher mean birth weights and a twofold increased risk for type 2 diabetes with a 7-year earlier onset age despite being leaner than noncarriers. One individual homozygous for R1420H was identified; retrospective review of his medical records was consistent with HHI and a diagnosis of diabetes at age 3.5 years. In vitro studies showed that the R1420H substitution decreases KATP channel activity. Identification of this loss-of-function variant in ABCC8 with a carrier frequency of 3.3% affects clinical care as homozygous inheritance and potential HHI will occur in 1/3,600 births in this American Indian population.