cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patch-based Gaussian mixture model for scene motion detection in the presence of atmospheric optical turbulence

In long-range imaging regimes, atmospheric turbulence degrades image quality. In addition to blurring, the turbulence causes geometric distortion effects that introduce apparent motion in acquired video. This is problematic for image processing tasks, including image enhancement and restoration (e.g., superresolution) and aided target recognition (e.g., vehicle trackers). To mitigate these warping effects from turbulence, it is necessary to distinguish between actual in-scene motion and apparent motion caused by atmospheric turbulence. Previously, the current authors generated a synthetic video by injecting moving objects into a static scene and then applying a well-validated anisoplanatic atmospheric optical turbulence simulator. With known per-pixel truth of all moving objects, a per-pixel Gaussian mixture model (GMM) was developed as a baseline technique. In this paper, the baseline technique has been modified to improve performance while decreasing computational complexity. Additionally, the technique is extended to patches such that spatial correlations are captured, which results in further performance improvement.
Importance of Organizational Culture to Crisis Leadership

Organizational culture is one of the most important components for leading an organization. While in some respects organizational culture has become a field of its own, its relationship with leadership and importance to the leader is definitive. Leaders who do not understand organizational culture do so at their own peril. It is generally agreed that it was Peter Drucker who stated, “culture eats strategy for breakfast.” This quote succinctly sums up the point Edgar Schein (2010) made in his book Organizational Culture and drives home that culture is more important than strategy when it comes to leading today’s organizations. Organizational culture is extremely important to crisis leadership as well. A leader should understand the relationship between culture and the organization’s response to crises in order to ensure their organization is the best prepared it can be.
Administrators’ Perception of Their Role in School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Implementation:

School administrators are called upon to enact and maintain school-wide systems and programs that promote student safety and success. The positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) frame...
Small-scale integrated farming systems can abate continental-scale nutrient leakage.

Beef is the most resource intensive of all commonly used food items. Disproportionate synthetic fertilizer use during beef production propels a vigorous one-way factory-to-ocean nutrient flux, which alternative agriculture models strive to rectify by enhancing in-farm biogeochemical cycling. Livestock, especially cattle, are central to these models, which advocates describe as the context most likely to overcome beef’s environmental liabilities. Yet the dietary potential of such models is currently poorly known. Here, I thus ask whether nitrogen-sparing agriculture (NSA) can offer a viable alternative to the current US food system. Focusing on the most common eutrophication-causing element, N, I devise a specific model of mixed-use NSA comprising numerous small farms producing human plant-based food and forage, the latter feeding a core intensive beef operation that forgoes synthetic fertilizer and relies only on locally produced manure and N fixers. Assuming the model is deployed throughout the high-quality, precipitation-rich US cropland (delimiting approximately 100 million ha, less than half of today’s agricultural land use) and neglecting potential macroeconomic obstacles to wide deployment, I find that NSA could produce a diverse, high-quality nationwide diet distinctly better than today’s mean US diet. The model also permits 70%–80% of today’s beef consumption, raises today’s protein delivery by 5%–40%, and averts approximately 60% of today’s fertilizer use and approximately 10% of today’s total greenhouse gas emissions. As defined here, NSA is thus potentially a viable, scalable environmentally superior alternative to the current US food system, but only when combined with the commitment to substantially enhance our reliance on plant food.
Introduction to Triggers and Causes

Headache triggers have been studied for millennia and have been defined in numerous ways. The term “trigger” is often used to describe potential “causes” of headache attacks. Over the years, hundreds of factors have been proposed as triggers, ranging from stress, to foods, to hormones, and many others. However, to establish a causal relationship between a trigger and headache activity, several challenging criteria must be met. This chapter outlines the definitions of triggers and introduces the conditions necessary for assigning causal status.
Level set topology optimization of problems with sliding contact interfaces

This paper introduces a topology optimization method for the design of two-component structures and two-phase material systems considering sliding contact and separation along interfaces. The geometry of the contact interface is described by an explicit level set method which allows for both shape and topological changes in the optimization process. The mechanical model assumes infinitesimal strains, a linear elastic material behavior, and a quasi-static response. The contact conditions are enforced by a stabilized Lagrange multiplier method and an active set strategy. The mechanical model is discretized by the extended finite element method which retains the crispness of the level set geometry description and allows for the convenient integration of the weak form of the contact conditions at the phase boundaries. The formulation of the optimization problem is regularized by introducing a perimeter penalty into the objective function. The optimization problem is solved by a nonlinear programming scheme computing the design sensitivities by the adjoint method. The main characteristics of the proposed method are studied by numerical examples in two dimensions. Consideration of contact leads to the formation of barb-type features that increase the interface stiffness. The numerical results further demonstrate the significant difference in the optimized geometries when assuming perfect bonding versus considering contact.
A Calisthenic and Setting-up Drill

(1899). A Calisthenic and Setting-up Drill. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 299-302.
Activation of the middle fusiform 'face area' increases with expertise in recognizing novel objects.

Part of the ventral temporal lobe is thought to be critical for face perception, but what determines this specialization remains unknown. We present evidence that expertise recruits the fusiform gyrus ‘face area’. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure changes associated with increasing expertise in brain areas selected for their face preference. Acquisition of expertise with novel objects (greebles) led to increased activation in the right hemisphere face areas for matching of upright greebles as compared to matching inverted greebles. The same areas were also more activated in experts than in novices during passive viewing of greebles. Expertise seems to be one factor that leads to specialization in the face area.
Adding insult to injury-molecular and functional perturbations of voltage-dependent calcium channel expression in disease

VDCC (voltage-dependent calcium channels) play a central role as scaffolding proteins for the binding of synaptic vesicle and presynaptic membrane proteins. In addition to spatial constraints imposed by the localization of VDCC, the calcium that enters neurons via VDCC is exquisitely regulated kinetically leading to the formation of "microdomains" that extend from the mouth of the VDCC to a distance of approximately 50 nm in radius. Experimental access to this nanoscale domain has been limited. Recently, the importance of VDCC to normal neuronal function has been underscored by the identification of genetic lesions in specific VDCC subunits that lead to inherited forms of neuropathies in humans and mice. The primary defect is often coupled to downstream compensatory effects that result in the altered pattern of expression of non-mutated VDCC subunits. However, the connection between the molecular defects that arise within these microdomains as a consequence of mutated VDCC subunits and the ensuing neuropathy is not well established. We present recent biophotonic advances that afford experimental access and insight into this nanoscale microdomain. Furthermore we present novel molecular and biochemical probes that offer detailed analysis of the pattern of VDCC subunit expression and function in normal and diseased neurons. We anticipate that this high-resolution molecular analysis will delineate features that can serve as both diagnostic signatures of disease as well as potential therapeutic targets.
On a method to establish satellite links for dynamic bandwidth allocation

This paper examines the bandwidth and power allocation problem for a multi-frequency time division multiple access (MF-TDMA) based satellite communication system and presents a method to optimize the use of bandwidth and power at the satellite transponder. The constraints that are examined are: power and bandwidth limitations at the satellite transponder, terminal EIRP spectral density mask determined by the regulatory and standards bodies, and a minimum data rate that should be supported by all terminals. A simple Ku-band "bent-pipe" repeater satellite and a Ka-band wideband Gapfiller satellite are considered. In the former case the transponder gain is fixed across all frequency bands; in the latter case discrete, variable gains across the frequency bands are accommodated. We consider the solution to the above resource allocation problem for a typical distribution of the terminals. Practical methods of realizing this solution are also addressed.
Histologic evaluation of a jet injection of 2 per cent lidocaine solution on the oral mucosa of a mixed-breed dog: A review and experimental study

Abstract When a jet injection device was used on canine oral mucosa, there was a histologic pattern of lateral splitting of the connective tissues but little epithelial damage. Variation of the injection pressure failed to demonstrate any marked differences in the degree of tissue splitting. It was possible, with India ink, to demonstrate the general distribution of the anesthetic solution, but well-outlined areas were not seen.
Media Distortion of the Teacher Image

(1992). Media Distortion of the Teacher Image. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 30-32.
Dessler, Jimenez, Klein, and Nenes Receive 2012 Atmospheric Sciences Ascent Awards: Citation for Andrew E. Dessler

The Atmospheric Sciences section of AGU awards one of the four Ascent Awards to Professor Andrew E. Dessler of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University for fundamental contributions to the understanding of stratospheric-tropospheric exchange processes and the physics of ozone depletion and for attempts to unravel water vapor and cloud feedbacks in the climate system. In addition, he is commended for his ceaseless work in communicating the science of climate change to the public.
Cardiac implantable electronic device infections: presentation, management, and patient outcomes.

RESULTS A total of 412 patients (age 68 15 years) were included in the study. The majority of patients (241 [59%]) presented with localized infection involving the device pocket. The remaining 171 patients (41%) presented with endovascular infection but no evidence of inflammation of the device pocket. Of the total 414 pathogens isolated, 366 (88%) were aerobic grampositive organisms, of which 90% were Staphylococcus species, and almost half of these were methicillin resistant. In-hospital mortality was 4.6% (19 patients). Only 2 deaths were extraction related. One-year mortality was 17%. Among the total cohort, 8 (1.9%) patients had relapsing infection within the first year. Among patients who had device replacement during the same hospitalization, 6 (2.6%) had relapsing infections within 1 year of reimplantation; 5 of these patients had systemic symptoms and were bacteremic upon initial presentation. CONCLUSION CIED infections are most often caused by Staphylococcus species, half of which are methicillin resistant. Percutaneous lead and device removal along with antibiotic therapy are effective as primary interventions. The overall relapse rate is 1.9%, and the relapse rate among patients who had reimplantation during the same hospitalization is 2.6%.
Real-Time Optical Processor For Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Formation

An acousto-optic processor which forms synthetic aperture radar images in real-time is described. It employs a space and time integrating architecture to perform the required two dimensional matched filtering operation as a sequence of one dimensional processes. The matched filtering in range is performed on each radar return pulse using the acousto-optic device. The azimuthal matched filtering is performed using a fixed reference mask and a charge-coupled device operating in the time delay and integrate mode. This fixed mask architecture has been modified to include a background subtraction capability to reduce the effects of unwanted bias terms on image quality. The effectiveness of this technique will be analyzed for two different time bandwidth product cases. SAR imagery formed using the real-time optical processor will be presented.
A role for prototyping in information systems design methodology

Abstract This paper examines briefly the basic principles of two major approaches to computer systems development, structured systems analysis (SSA) and prototyping. In the case of structured systems analysis, the paper describes its relationship to and dependence upon the traditional systems development cycle. It goes on to classify methodologies based on the complexity of their frameworks, and examines the place of both ‘toolbox’ and ‘cookbook’ varieties in the development of information systems. In the case of prototyping, the problems of developing design standards for fourth generation environments are aired, and the paper examines the iterative nature of prototyping, identifying the main types of system where its use is most beneficial. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the two approaches are highlighted, and the apparent incompatibility of SSA's stage-cycle approach and the iterative cycle common to prototyping is critically examined. The conflict inherent in the use of these two approaches within the same systems development is analysed. The paper goes on to suggest a simplified methodology framework, based firmly on SSA, but which is able to release the undoubled potential of a prototyping approach without losing the essential control provided by the structured approach. The significance of the methodology is then examined, and its place in the field of systems development is discussed.
Yeast cell-free system that catalyses joint-molecule formation in a Rad51p- and Rad52p-dependent fashion.

One of the central reactions of homologous recombination is the invasion of a single strand of DNA into a homologous duplex to form a joint molecule. Here we describe the isolation of a cell-free system from meiotic yeast cells that catalyses joint-molecule formation in vitro. The active components in the system required ATP and homologous DNA and operated in both 0.5 and 13 mM MgCl(2). When the cell-free system was prepared from rad51/rad51 and rad52/rad52 mutants and joint-molecule formation was assayed at 0.5 mM MgCl(2), the specific activity decreased to 6% and 13.8% respectively of the wild-type level. However, when the same mutant extracts were premixed, joint-molecule formation increased 4-8-fold, i.e. the mutant extracts exhibited complementation in vitro. These results demonstrated that Rad51p and Rad52p were required for optimal joint-molecule formation at 0.5 mM MgCl(2). Intriguingly, however, Rad51p and Rad52p seemed to be more dispensable at higher concentrations of MgCl(2) (13 mM). Further purification of the responsible activity has proven problematical, but it did flow through a sizing column as a single peak (molecular mass 1.2 MDa) that was co-eluted with Rad51p and RFA, the eukaryotic single-stranded DNA-binding protein. All of these characteristics are consistent with the known properties of the reaction in vivo and suggest that the new cell-free system will be suitable for purifying enzymes involved in homologous recombination.
An integrated corporate planning model for forest-based industries

Abstract The paper presents an integrated model for corporate planning of forest-based industries. Techniques are developed to determine the profitability of wood quality manipulations, taking into proper account the impact of uncertainties on future product prices. Production alternatives of final products are specified as functions of wood quality properties which are, in turn, functions of tree type (genotype) alternatives. The total return from processing wood depends on future prices of final products, which are unknown. Selling prices of final products are related to stochastic price indices for solid wood products and paper products. Risk can be reduced by diversifying among genotype alternatives; in a case study the value of a portfolio of genotype alternatives is significantly larger than the single ‘best’ genotype alternative. The model framework may be applicable to any other natural resource industry with similar characteristics such as agriculture, petroleum or mining.
Molecular engineering of liquid crystal polymers by living polymerization. XI. Synthesis and characterization of poly{ 11‐[(4‐cyano‐4′‐trans‐α‐cyanostilbene) oxy] undecanyl vinyl ether}

A convenient method for the synthesis of 11-[(4-cyano-4′- trans-α-cyanostilbene) oxy]- undecanyl vinyl ether (6) which is the first member of a new class of mesogenic monomers is described. The polymerization of 6 initiated with CF3SO3H/S (CH3)2 in methylene chloride at 0°C proceeds through a living cationic mechanism leading to polymers with controllable molecular weights and polydispersities narrower than 1.10. The mesomorphic behavior of both 6 and poly(6)s with various molecular weights was determined by using a combination of thermal optical polarized microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. 6 is only crystalline. Poly(6)s with degrees of polymerization from 4 to 30 exhibit an enatiotropic smectic A mesophase and side chain crystallization.
NE-213 neutron spectrometry system for measurements from 1.0 to 20 MeV☆

Abstract An NE-213 neutron spectrometry system has been assembled for measurements of neutron energy spectra in the range of 1.0–20 MeV. A 5 cm by 5 cm NE-213 scintillator mounted on a 56 AVP photomultiplier tube utilizing a bridge with two high voltage supplies gives good linearity and good pulse-shape discrimination against gamma rays. The cross-over- timing method is used for the pulse-shape discrimination. Neutron spectra are unfolded using FORIST, which is a modified version of the FERDOR unfolding code. Measurements of PuBe, DT and 252 Cf neutron spectra are presented. Max-wellian distributions have been fitted to three 252 Cf measurements yielding an average temperature of (1.43±0.02) MeV.
Five-Second Fan Beam CT Scanner

To expand the medical utility of X-ray Computerized Tomography System to the entire body, the system must be capable of high-speed scan to minimize the effect of voluntary and involuntary body motion. High speed (5 sec.) and fan beam geometry in which the x-ray measurements are made by a continuous rotating scanner with simultaneous data acquisition per projection appears to be an optimum technical approach in terms of performance, reliability and producibility. The technical issues of x-ray physics, dosage, scanner and computing system will be discussed in this paper.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Atmospheric limitations to repeat‐track radar interferometry

In its recent radar imaging mission, the Shuttle Imaging Radar satellite (SIR-C) devoted three days to repeat-track interferometry. We have analyzed the data from a test site in the Mojave desert of California. Although good topography (±10 m on 21 m postings) was obtained, most of the error was caused by turbulent water vapor in the lower atmosphere. Spatial structure of 6 km and all smaller sizes was observed. The RMS, one-way time delay was found to be 0.24 cm. Essentially identical results were obtained at two wavelengths, 24 and 5.7 cm.
Charge transport in electroactive polymers consisting of fixed molecular Redox sites

Abstract Electrochemically reactive polymers of molecular sites that act as discrete positions of donor and acceptor electron transfer activity are electrical conductors by the mechanism of electron self-exchange reactions between the molecular positions. The electrochemically reactive materials are also ionically conducting. This paper discusses some current issues related to the polymeric electron self-exchange dynamics, including separation of electron from ion mobility, theory that accounts for currents limited by concentration polarized and by electrical potential gradients, and the consequences of site dilution as found in differing degrees of mixed valency and when non-electroactive sites are added. Recent transport data are presented that compare electron transport dynamics under concentration polarized and electrical gradient-driven conditions.
The Advantage of Disadvantage: Underdogs in the Political Arena

Political candidates are often labeled as underdogs, either by the press or themselves. This paper explores connotations associated with the underdog label in the political arena. We argue that being labeled an underdog has a strategic advantage because it is associated with positive qualities, particularly likeability. The current studies demonstrate that partisan supporters prefer to see their favored candidate as an underdog compared to people not aligned with the candidate, and underdog-labeled entities are perceived to be warmer, and no less competent, than frontrunners. Discussion focuses on the advantages and risks of carrying the underdog label in the political arena.
Dynamics of Photoinduced Charge Separation on the Surface of Dihexydecylphosphate Vesicles

One-electron oxidation of triplet-photoexcited [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphinato]zinc(II) (3ZnTMPyP4+) by N-alkyl-4-cyanopyridinium (CnCP+) ions on an anionic dihexadecylphosphate (DHP) vesicle surface was studied by transient spectrophotometry. Surface rate constants for both oxidative quenching and charge recombination between the photoproducts, ZnTMPyP5+ and CnCP0, were insensitive to the alkyl chain length of the electron acceptor over the range n = 6-16 carbon atoms, suggesting that the rate was determined primarily by the lateral mobility of the metalloporphyrin. Interfacial reductive quenching of DHP vesicle-bound 3ZnTMPyP4+ to ZnTMPyP3+ by dithiothreitol was 103-fold slower than the corresponding reaction in homogeneous solution, an effect that was attributed to stabilization of the more highly charged tetracation by the anionic interface. The CnCP0 radicals functioned as electron carriers to mediate photoinitiated transmembrane reduction of Co(bpy)33+ by dithiothreitol; rate...
Nano-elastohydrodynamics: Structure, dynamics, and flow in nonuniform lubricated junctions

Atomic-scale structure, dynamics, flow and response characteristics of a thin film molecular hexadecane lubricant, confined and sheared by topographically nonuniform solid gold surfaces which slide at a relative velocity of 10 m/s, were investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations reveal nanoscale processes which include: spatial and temporal variations in the density and pressure of the lubricant, particularly in the region confined by the approaching asperities, accompanied by asperity-induced molecular layering transitions which are reflected in oscillatory patterns in the friction force; dynamical formation of elasto-plastic, or glassy, states of the lubricant in the interasperity zone; drastic asperity deformations mediated by the lubricant, leading to microstructural transformations of the nonuniform bounding solid surfaces; molecular trapping and formation of intermetallic junctions; and onset of cavitated zones in the lubricating fluid after the asperity-asperity collision process. The simulations extend micro-elastohydrodynamic continuum investigations into the nano-scale regime, and provide molecular-scale insights into the fundamental mechanisms of ultrathin film lubrication phenomena under extreme conditions, which are of significance for modern technologies.
Satisficing: A 'Pretty Good' Heuristic

One of the best known ideas in the study of bounded rationality is Simon's satisficing; yet we still lack a standard formalization of the heuristic and its implications. We propose a mathematical model of satisficing which explicitly represents agents' aspirations and which explores both single-person and multi-player contexts. The model shows that satisficing has a signature performance-profile in both contexts: (1) it can induce optimal long-run behavior in one class of problems but not in the complementary class; and (2) in the latter, it generates behavior that is sensible but not optimal. The model also yields empirically testable predictions: in certain bandit-problems it pins down the limiting probabilities of each arm's use, and it provides an ordering of the arms' dynamical use-probabilities as well.
Gene-Environment Interplay in Twin Models.

In this article, we respond to Shultziner’s critique that argues that identical twins are more alike not because of genetic similarity, but because they select into more similar environments and respond to stimuli in comparable ways, and that these effects bias twin model estimates to such an extent that they are invalid. The essay further argues that the theory and methods that undergird twin models, as well as the empirical studies which rely upon them, are unaware of these potential biases. We correct this and other misunderstandings in the essay and find that gene-environment (GE) interplay is a well-articulated concept in behavior genetics and political science, operationalized as gene-environment correlation and gene-environment interaction. Both are incorporated into interpretations of the classical twin design (CTD) and estimated in numerous empirical studies through extensions of the CTD. We then conduct simulations to quantify the influence of GE interplay on estimates from the CTD. Due to the criticism’s mischaracterization of the CTD and GE interplay, combined with the absence of any empirical evidence to counter what is presented in the extant literature and this article, we conclude that the critique does not enhance our understanding of the processes that drive political traits, genetic or otherwise.
The increased role of foreign-born academic staff in US higher education

An increasingly globalised world means that higher education institutions are employing a diverse set of academic staff from across the world, and a better understanding of these scholars and their work roles is important for effective teaching, learning, and institutional management. Using the most recent data available from the National Study of Postsecondary Faculty, this study examined individual characteristics and work roles for foreign- and US-born academic staff at two points in time. Findings showed that more foreign-born individuals have become academic staff at US institutions in 2004 compared to 1993, that they spend more time on research as opposed to teaching, and that they produce more scholarly written papers than their US-born peers. Findings in this study have implications for institutional policy, possible revenue sources, the teaching-learning process, and knowledge production.
An Examination Of Competing Versions Of The Person-Environment Fit Approach To Stress

This study examined two versions of the person-environment (P-E) fit approach to stress, one representing the fit between environmental supplies and employee values (S-V fit), and another the fit b...
THE EFFECT OF THE SEX COMPOSITION OF JOBS ON STARTING WAGES IN AN ORGANIZATION: FINDINGS FROM THE NLSY*

We show that individuals in a job with a higher percentage of females earn lower starting wages with an employing organization. This holds true with controls for individuals’ human capital, job demands for skill or difficult working conditions, and detailed industry. We use a measure of sex composition that applies to detailed jobs: cells in a three-digit census occupation by three-digit census industry matrix. We use pooled panel data from the 19791987 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The unit of analysis is the spell-the time in which a person worked for one organization. The dependent variable is the first wage in the spell. We use models with fixed-effects to control for unmeasured, unchanging individual characteristics; we also show results from OLS and weighted models for comparison. The negative effect on wages of the percentage female in one’s job is robust across procedures for black women, white women, and white men. For black men the sign is always negative but the coefficient is often nonsignificant.
Antibacterial responses of retinal Müller glia: production of antimicrobial peptides, oxidative burst and phagocytosis.

Background We have previously shown that, in response to microbial infection, activated Muller glia secrete inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and exhibit antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study is to understand the mechanisms and the key components involved in this response.
Reproductive medicine 2013: The year in review

As exciting as 2012 was for the disciplines of reproductive biology and medicine, gaining traction within and without expected destinies for basic science and clinical advances, 2013 has far outshone it for several reasons. Not the least of these is the fact that some of the clinical areas receiving attention of late—but remaining not-so comfortably on the fringe of translation—have now taken a quantal leap into the realm of legitimate application. As discussed below, 2013 saw witness to breakthrough studies that bring hope for the use of patient-specific stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine and will inform the practice of fertility preservation with impending applicability for men and women alike. A common theme for the advances realized during 2013 is the legitimization of the “from bench to bedside” paradigm—the highly touted but difficult to demonstrate mantra of translational medicine. Exemplative of this was the work reviewed last month in JARG illustrating the translational value obtained from basic science studies in mice within the context of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in humans (see below). Moreover, the insights gathered on the origins of germ cells and their interconvertibility with stem cells have placed this promising area of study on firm footing and with molecular details that will foster deeper understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms at work in reproduction. The reader should bear in mind that the menu served below reflects the author’s bias and enthusiasm in a manner consonant with the goals and objectives of JARG. If nothing else, it is hoped that this short passage through the year 2013 will give our readers a chance to expand their own senses of curiosity and criticism as we move forward in the field of reproductive medicine.
Gout: Update on Current Therapeutics

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults. Given the increasing prevalence of gout and associated comorbidities, there is a growing need for better therapeutic options. While current treatment options satisfactorily control the disease in some patients, many patients, especially those with associated comorbidities, have contraindications to current treatments and need more treatment options. New drugs are needed to further improve our treatment, especially in patients with associated comorbidities. The duration of therapy for acute and chronic gout as well as combination of therapies, recommended by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines, need to be further studied. The past decade has been an exciting time for gout research with significant advances in our understanding of disease pathogenesis and its treatment. The new ACR guidelines have improved gout visibility and will improve gout awareness and treatment in the future. With growing treatment options, gout is becoming a disease that can be cured.
Free internal mammary artery graft. An improved surgical technique.

Abstract An improved method of free internal mammary artery (IMA)-to-ascending aorta anastomosis for coronary bypass is described. We interposed a small patch of vein with a suitable side-branch or branches in connecting the proximal end of a detached IMA or radial artery. Thirty-four free IMA-to-coronary artery bypasses were performed in 25 patients; 16 right IMA, 14 left IMA, and 4 radial arteries were used. Coronary angiographic follow-up studies performed in all patients between two weeks and six months after operation proved that all grafts were patent and showing a larger lumen than is usually seen in undetached IMA grafts. Concomitantly, marked relief of anginal pain was noted in all patients. Our experience with this technique is very encouraging. All patients are being followed to evaluate long-term graft patency.
Why public health and politics don't mix.

Public health issues have obvious policy implications, and since public officials must enact and enforce policy decisions, public health often lands squarely in the domain of politics. But politica...
Essential Role of Testosterone in the Sexual Stimulation induced by p -Chlorophenylalanine in Male Animals

P-CHLOROPHENYLALANINE (POP A), a compound that inhibits the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) without affecting that of noradrenaline1, produces compulsive sexual activity in male animals. This effect was observed by Ferguson et al. in cats2, by Tagliamorite et al. in rats and rabbits3 and by Shillito in rats4. The compulsive sexual activity is not caused by a depletion of indole hormones in the pineal gland, for we found that PCPA elicited sexual stimulation in pinealectomized animals. Further, sexual stimulation induced by PCPA is inhibited by restoring brain 5-HT levels with 5-hydroxy-tryptophan3, a precursor of 5-HT. This effect thus seems to be associated with the depletion of brain 5-HT. Moreover, because sexual stimulation induced by PCPA is potentiated when catecholamine levels in brain are increased with pargyline, an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, we postulated that both brain 5-HT and catecholamines control sexual behaviour in male animals, 5-HT inhibiting sexual behaviour and catecholamines stimulating it. Our results show that the effect of PCPA on sexual behaviour in male rats is not only prevented by castration but is strikingly potentiated by testosterone.
The Univent tube for single-lung ventilation in paediatric patients

A Univent bronchial blocker tube was used in a ten-year-old patient undergoing videothoracoscopy. Paediatric Univent tubes offer an alternative to balloon-tipped catheters for providing single-lung ventilation (SLV) in children too small for adult size double-lumen tubes.
A rapid bioassay for the activity of the antirhizobial peptide, trifolitoxin

A rapid quantitative bioassay was developed which allows the measurement of trifolitoxin activity in 7 h. The previous assay required 2 days to observe trifolitoxin activity and was not quantitative. With this assay, we have defined a unit of trifolitoxin activity as that amount required to observe 50% inhibitors of growth of a 3-ml culture of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae 128C1 in 7 h. This assay was used to demonstrate that trifolitoxin and bacitracin have very different biological activities despite their similar structures. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of trifolitoxin were determined for several strains of Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium and Agrobacterium.
Ritonavir protects hippocampal neurons against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Abstract Oxidative stress plays an important role in many neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a lipid-soluble aldehydic product of membrane peroxidation, has been known to decrease neuronal survival by impairing Na+, K+, and -ATPase activity. HNE also increases neuronal vulnerability to excitotoxic injury and disrupts homeostasis by activating proteases which mediate the destruction of cellular protein and structure. The present study demonstrated that the hydrophobic HIV protease inhibitor, ritonavir, inhibited HNE-mediated apoptosis in hippocampal primary neurons. In neurons exposed to oxidative stress induced by HNE (1 μM), ritonavir at 100 pM increased cell survival and completely abolished the apoptotic effects of HNE (P
A truncated statistical bootstrap equation

Abstract An extension of the thermodynamic bootstrap model in which the volume parameter depends on the number of subfireballs N is proposed. Based on the conventional threepoint resonance coupling, we suggest as a first approximation that N ⩾ 3 terms should be dropped. One can then describe the many-particle system in terms of two-body interaction dynamics. Three kernels for the bootstrap integral equation are considered, with an analytic solution presented for one of them. Properties of the fireball deduced from our truncated equation are presented. Most properties are insensitive to the kernel used. The observed average pion multiplicity in p p annihilation at rest is reproduced with the two-body interaction ranger r = 1.22 λπ. The dependence of the average pion mulplicity on the fireball mass m is given by (nπ) ≈ 2.0 m + 0.62. This slope agrees with the empirical value found in the Nova model. For a fireball with mass less than 2 GeV/c, the truncated equation predicts that over 50% of the events have successive emission of pions at each step along the decay chain. This provides some justification for the random-walk assumption for Nova decay. The momentum distribution of pions, neglecting the fireball recoil effect, in the small-p region has the form dσ/dp2 ≈ exp(−p2/K2) with K ≈ 0.23 GeV. Finally with the duality coupling scheme, fireballs are associated with exotic states dual to the cross-channel exchange. The weak version of the strong central absorption prescription for two-body scattering is in accord with this scheme. This scheme also explains the presence of the Ericson fluctuations in the non-exotic elastic differential cross sections, but not in the exotic ones.
Information and Entropy Econometrics—Editor's View

Amos Golan Department of Economics, American University, Roper 200, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
Genesis of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the rhesus monkey: site and time of origin, kinetics of proliferation, routes of migration and pattern of distribution of neurons.

Autoradiograms of the dorsal lateral geniculate body (LGd) in 2- to 3- month-old rhesus monkeys, each of which had been exposed to a pulse of H3-thymidine (H3-TdR) on a specified embryonic (E) or early postnatal (P) day displayed heavily labeled neurons only in animals injected at E36, E38, E40 and E43. In animals exposed to H3-TdR during the last four months of gestation or after birth, the LGd contained only an occasional labeled glial cell. In the monkey, therefore, all neurons destined for the LGd are generated during 8 to 9 days at the end of the first quarter of the 165-day gestational period. An examination of embryos injected with H3-TdR around E40 and killed one hour later showed that cells destined for the LGd are generated in two distinct proliferative tiers situated near the surface of the third ventricle. The inner 100-to 150-μ-wide tier consists of pseudostratified columnar cells and corresponds to the ventricular zone. The outer, somewhat narrower tier has cytological features characteristic of the subventricular zone; this zone has not been described previously in the developing diencephalon. It was estimated that the approximately 1.7 × 106 neurons that will comprise the fully developed LGd on one side are derived from about 22,000 precursor neurons that are present in the proliferative sector on the corresponding side of the developing diencephalon at E35. The proliferative pool increase 10-fold in cell number by E41 and becomes exhausted during E44. The number of postmitotic cells leaving the proliferative pool increases exponentially from 2,500 at E36 to a maximum of 350,000 at E43, and then sharply declines to zero by E45. Analysis of embryos exposed to H3-TdR around E40 and sacrificed 3, 7, 14 or 42 days later indicate that following their last cell division, young neurons migrate laterally 500–700 μm to the outer aspect of the developing thalamus. Migrating neurons are deployed in distinct cellular fascicles that span the developing diencephalon from the surface of the third ventricle tot he pial surface. Several generations of neurons generated in a restricted location of the germinal zone (proliferative unit) appear to migrate along a single cellular fascicle and accumulate in a column-shaped aggregate. Neurons generated earliest reach the outermost surface of the diencephalon; neurons generated later accumulate at progressively more inner positions and hence form an “outside-to-inside” gradient. The axis of the “outside-to-inside” gradient initially oriented latero-medially later becomes oriented ventro-dorsally. Thus, in the mature monkey, early generated neurons lie in the ventral magnocellular layers, whereas neurons generated later become part of the dorsal parvocellular layers. Despite these tectogenetic changes, the relationships between early and late generated neurons derived from the same proliferative unit remain preserved and eventually may establish a single “projection column.”
Evaluation of in situ graft forces of a 2-bundle tibial inlay posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at various flexion angles.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using a 2-bundle (anterolateral [AL] and posteromedial [PM]) posterior tibial inlay reconstructive technique fixed at various degrees of flexion. Methods: Eight human cadaveric knee specimens underwent a 2-bundle/posterior inlay PCL reconstruction. A testing apparatus was developed with force gauges placed on the AL and PM bundles, respectively. The PCL 2-bundle complex was pretensioned and placed through an arc of motion from 0° to 105° with measurement obtained at 15° increments. Testing conditions included 3 different tension parameters of the AL and PM bundles: (1) AL and PM bundles both at 90°, (2) AL and PM bundles both at 45°, and (3) differential tensioning the AL bundle at 90° and the PM bundle at 0°. Results: The results revealed that tensioning of the AL bundle at 90° and PM bundle at 0° produced reciprocal in situ forces similar to the native PCL. Through a complete knee arc of motion, at least 1 of the 2 bundles maintained tension in a reciprocal fashion. Data from the other reconstructive conditions revealed there was significant and excessive in situ loads above the pretensioned loads transmitted through the PM bundle with increased extension. Conclusions: This in vitro PCL reconstructive study using an anatomic tibal inlay and 2-bundle (AL and PM) approach with the AL bundle fixed at 90° and the PM bundle at 0° flexion produces a symmetrical reciprocal force pattern with 1 limb of the graft under continuous tension throughout a full arc of motion, whereas the other 2 testing conditions (AL/PM at 45/45 and 90/90) produce excessive force in the PM bundle with lower degrees of flexion. Clinical Relevance: This cadaver study showed the PCL technique using 2-bundle/tibial inlay technique and fixation of the AL bundle at 90° of flexion and the PM bundle at 0° flexion reproduced anatomic in situ graft forces in a reciprocal pattern.
Upregulation of nerve growth factor following cortical trauma

As part of the inflammatory response to brain injury, CSF and tissue levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) are elevated after trauma. This elevation in IL-1 beta initiates a cascade of events among which may be an upregulation in nerve growth factor (NGF) in brain tissue. We infused IL-1 beta into the ventricle of adult rats and found a two- to fourfold increase in NGF in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, suggesting that IL-1 beta induced in vivo may also increase NGF in the brain. To test this hypothesis we utilized two models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat and examined NGF protein and RNA in the cortex over a period of several days. Both weight drop and controlled cortical contusion models of CNS trauma demonstrated large and significant increases in NGF protein in the cortex. NGF RNA was assessed in the controlled cortical contusion model and increased approximately fivefold by 1 day post-trauma. The remarkable elevation of NGF observed following TBI suggests that its role in response to injury may be other than as a target-derived growth substance. We hypothesize that the elevation of NGF in trauma induces upregulation of enzymes which suppress free-radical formation after injury.
Resistin Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy via the AMP-activated Protein Kinase/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase/Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (JNK/IRS1) Pathways

Resistin has been suggested to be involved in the development of diabetes and insulin resistance. We recently reported that resistin is expressed in diabetic hearts and promotes cardiac hypertrophy; however, the mechanisms underlying this process are currently unknown. Therefore, we wanted to elucidate the mechanisms associated with resistin-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial insulin resistance. Overexpression of resistin using adenoviral vector in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was associated with inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, activation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and increased cell size, [3H]leucine incorporation (i.e. protein synthesis) and mRNA expression of the hypertrophic marker genes, atrial natriuretic factor, brain natriuretic peptide, and β-myosin heavy chain. Activation of AMPK with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carbozamide-1-β-d-ribifuranoside or inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin or mTOR siRNA attenuated these resistin-induced changes. Furthermore, resistin increased serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS1) through the activation of the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway, a module known to stimulate insulin resistance. Inhibition of JNK (with JNK inhibitor SP600125 or using dominant-negative JNK) reduced serine 307 phosphorylation of IRS1. Resistin also stimulated the activation of p70S6K, a downstream kinase target of mTOR, and increased phosphorylation of the IRS1 serine 636/639 residues, whereas treatment with rapamycin reduced the phosphorylation of these residues. Interestingly, these in vitro signaling pathways were also operative in vivo in ventricular tissues from adult rat hearts overexpressing resistin. These data demonstrate that resistin induces cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial insulin resistance, possibly via the AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1/JNK/IRS1 pathways.