cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baseline corticosterone is associated with parental care in virgin Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract Glucocorticoids (GCs) are thought to impact reproductive success, and ultimately fitness. In this study we focus specifically on the relationship between GCs and parental care. Captive bred Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) do not show spontaneous parental care behavior, however this behavior can be induced through a sensitization procedure. We investigated how the GC status of Japanese quail relates to parental care in animals of both sexes exposed or not to a chick sensitization treatment. To assess GC status, we obtained baseline plasma and feather cort samples, and used the HPA-axis function test to assess stress responsiveness by examining the response to a standardized stressor as well as negative feedback efficacy through dexamethasone injection. Next, birds were either exposed to chicks overnight in a small enclosure (sensitization treatment) or were enclosed but not exposed to chicks (control). The following morning, adult behaviors were filmed in the presence of a fresh set of chicks for 20 min. A final serum GC sample was obtained to assess if exposure to novel chicks was perceived as stressful. In control animals, baseline GCs were associated with increased total parental care duration and decreased latency to first parental care event. Interestingly, the opposite relationship was found in the sensitization group. Finally, exposure to novel chicks was not associated with an increase in corticosterone in either group. Overall it appears that baseline GCs are correlated with parental care in captive bred Japanese quail, and that the relationship changes direction depending on whether or not sensitization has occurred.
The impact of work-family conflict on psychological well-being: a cross-sectional study of Salvadoran social workers

It is important to examine the workplace experiences and well-being of our social work colleagues in diverse national and cultural contexts. This study examines the relationship between work-family...
Effectiveness of Standard Local Anesthetic Bupivacaine and Liposomal Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Control in Patients Undergoing Truncal Incisions: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Liposomal bupivacaine for pain relief is purported to last 3 days compared with 8 hours with standard bupivacaine. However, its effectiveness is unknown in truncal incisions for cardiothoracic or vascular operations. Objective To compare the effectiveness of single-administration standard bupivacaine vs liposomal bupivacaine in patients undergoing truncal incisions. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial enrolled patients undergoing sternotomy, thoracotomy, minithoracotomy, and laparotomy from a single cardiovascular surgery department in an academic medical center between November 2012 and June 2018. The study was powered to detect a Cohen effect size of 0.35 with a power of greater than 80%. Data analysis was performed from July to December 2018. Intervention Patients were randomized to standard bupivacaine or liposomal bupivacaine. Main Outcomes and Measures Pain was assessed over 3 postoperative days by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Adjunctive opioids were converted to morphine equivalents units (MEU). NRS scores were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum (3-day area under the curve) and 2-way nonparametric mixed models (daily scale score) to assess time-by-group interaction. Secondary outcomes included cumulative opioid consumption. Results A total of 280 patients were analyzed, with 140 in each group (single-administration standard bupivacaine vs liposomal bupivacaine). Mean (SD) age was 60.2 (14.4) years, and 101 of 280 patients (36%) were women. Irrespective of treatment assignment, pain decreased by a mean of approximately 1 point per day over 3 days (β = −0.87; SE = 0.11; mixed model regressionP Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial involving truncal incisions for cardiovascular procedures, liposomal bupivacaine did not provide improved pain control and did not reduce adjunctive opioid use compared with conventional bupivacaine formulation over 3 postoperative days. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02111746
Advancing our understanding of HIV co-infections and neurological disease using the humanized mouse

Humanized mice have become an important workhorse model for HIV research. Advances that enabled development of a human immune system in immune deficient mouse strains have aided new basic research in HIV pathogenesis and immune dysfunction. The small animal features facilitate development of clinical interventions that are difficult to study in clinical cohorts, and avoid the high cost and regulatory burdens of using non-human primates. The model also overcomes the host restriction of HIV for human immune cells which limits discovery and translational research related to important co-infections of people living with HIV. In this review we emphasize recent advances in modeling bacterial and viral co-infections in the setting of HIV in humanized mice, especially neurological disease, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV co-infections. Applications of current and future co-infection models to address important clinical and research questions are further discussed.
Conclusion: Engaging with the Lives of Others

As a hybrid in the worlds of research and art, poetic inquiry in its best iteration is both academically defensible and aesthetically compelling. In this chapter, Laura Apol summarizes that in her work in Rwanda, four aspects of poetic inquiry repeatedly came up: the importance of craft (the aesthetic); the imperative of accuracy and reliability (the investigative); the significance of ethical responsibility that leads to action (witness); and the centrality of relational connectedness and accountability (withness). Apol concludes that the lessons that accompany her use of poetry in Rwanda as a study in poetic inquiry go beyond arts-based research and speak more generally to other forms of cross-national, cross-cultural research.
Prevention and Management of Infectious Complications of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a commonly encountered ailment in urologic practice. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is commonly associated with KSD, both as an etiology (e.g., struvite and carbonate apatite stones), and as a complication (i.e., obstructive pyelonephritis and post-operative UTI). Indeed, a significant portion of the economic burden of KSD is skewed toward stones associated with infection. UTI is the most common post-operative complication related to stone intervention with progression to urosepsis as a rare but serious consequence. Risk for infection is influenced by a variety of factors including co-morbid conditions, anatomic abnormalities, prior surgical procedures, and local anti-microbial susceptibility. Understanding these risks and the proper steps to mitigate them is an essential component in reducing post-operative morbidity and mortality. Retrograde intrarenal surgery is routinely used for the treatment of KSD. The objective of this review article is to examine the current literature and guidelines for the prevention and management of stone-related infectious complications associated with retrograde intrarenal surgery. Special attention will be given to the incidence, etiology, and antibiotic prophylaxis choice in the management of stone-related infections. Intraoperative risk mitigation techniques will be discussed in conjunction with the management of post-operative infections. Antibiotic stewardship and the potential benefits of reduced empiric antibiotic treatment will also be discussed.
Effects of square-stepping exercise on motor and cognitive function in older adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objectives To document the effects of square-stepping exercise (SSE) on motor and cognitive function in older adults. Methods Five online databases were searched in May 2021. Controlled studies published from 2006 to May 2021 were included. The experimental group received SSE alone or SSE combined with other exercise(s), whereas the control group received no training or other exercise(s). Motor and cognitive outcomes included balance, fall risk, agility, endurance, gait speed, flexibility, muscle strength, reaction time, global cognitive function, memory, and executive function. Results Ten articles with a total of 920 participants were included. Static balance (p=0.0009), dynamic balance (p=0.0008), fall risk (p Conclusion In older adults, SSE provided beneficial effects on motor function, including static and dynamic balance, risk of falls, and agility. However, positive effects on cognitive function were not observed and require further investigation.
Seven Myths of ESG

The trend to incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters into corporate boardrooms and capital markets is pervasive. Nevertheless, considerable uncertainty exists over what ESG is, how it should be implemented, and its financial and nonfinancial impacts on corporate outcomes and fund performance. In this Closer Look, we explore seven commonly accepted myths surrounding ESG, many of which are not supported by empirical evidence. We ask: • What is ESG expected to solve: short-termism by corporate managers or a deeper problem of corporations profiting at the expense of stakeholders? • Does ESG increase corporate value, or does it represent an incremental cost incurred for society? • How much ESG investment is new (incremental) investment, and how much repackaging of existing spending? • Why is governance included as the G in ESG? • Is it possible to develop a reliable measure of ESG quality? • Can standardized ESG reporting be done in an informative and cost-effective manner?
The effects of urbanization on body size of larval stream salamanders

Animal body sizes in urban areas often differ from nearby rural areas, which may impact population fitness and dynamics. We examined the effects of urbanization on larval body sizes of two species of salamanders, the two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera) and the northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus). Specifically, we utilized a before-after control-impact (BACI) study design which allowed for the assessment of differences in larval body size between multiple control and impacted sites over a 5 year period. We found a decrease in larval body size in both species at the impacted sites compared to control sites in the first year after urbanization, followed by generally larger body sizes in urban sites compared to control sites in years 3–5, and significantly so in year 4. Using generalized linear models, we found support that larger body sizes post impact in urbanized streams may be due to warmer stream water temperature and decreased abundance of larvae. Both E. cirrigera and D. fuscus are well known for their ability to persist in urbanized streams; our data suggest that despite overall lower abundances in urban streams, persistence may be due to increases in larval body size and, potentially, post-metamorphic benefits.
Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation Based Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Analysis

Proper orthogonal decompositions (POD) have been used to systematically extract the most energetic modes while centroidal Voronoi tessellations (CVT) have been used to systematically extract best representatives. We combine the ideas of CVT and POD into a hybrid method for model reduction. The optimality of such an approach and various practical implementation strategies are discussed.
In situ vibrational spectroscopic investigation of C4 hydrocarbon selective oxidation over vanadium- phosphorus-oxide catalysts

n-Butane selective oxidation over the VPO catalyst to maleic anhydride is the first and only commercialized process of light alkane selective oxidation. The mechanism of this reaction is still not well known despite over twenty years of extensive studies, which can partially be attributed to the extreme difficulties to characterize catalytic reactions real-time under typical reaction conditions. In situ spectroscopic characterization techniques such as Infrared spectroscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy were used in the current mechanistic investigations of n-butane oxidation over VPO catalysts. To identify the reaction intermediates, oxidation of n-butane, 1,3-butadiene and related oxygenates on the VPO catalyst were monitored using FTIR spectroscopy under transient conditions. n-Butane was found to adsorb on the VPO catalyst to form olefinic species, which were further oxidized to unsaturated, noncyclic carbonyl species. The open chain dicarbonyl species then experienced cycloaddition to form maleic anhydride. VPO catalyst phase transformations were investigated using in situ laser Raman spectroscopy. This report contains Chapter 1: General introduction; Chapter 2: Literature review; and Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations.
Games, Puzzles, and Computation

There is a fundamental connection between the notions of game and of computation. At its most basic level, this is implied by any game complexity result, but the connection is deeper than this. One example is the concept of alternating nondeterminism, which is intimately connected with two-player games. In the first half of this thesis. I develop the idea of game as computation to a greater degree than has been done previously. I present a general family of games, called Constraint Logic, which is both mathematically simple and ideally suited for reductions to many actual board games. A deterministic version of Constraint Logic corresponds to a novel kind of logic circuit which is monotone and reversible. At the other end of the spectrum, I show that a multiplayer version of Constraint Logic is undecidable. That there are undecidable games using finite physical resources is philosophically important, and raises issues related to the Church-Turing thesis. In the second half of this thesis, I apply the Constraint Logic formalism to many actual games and puzzles, providing new hardness proofs. These applications include sliding-block puzzles, sliding-coin puzzles, plank puzzles, hinged polygon dissections, Amazons, Konane, Cross Purposes, TipOver, and others. Some of these have been well-known open problems for some time. For other games, including Minesweeper, the Warehouseman's Problem, Sokoban, and Rush Hour, I either strengthen existing results, or provide new, simpler hardness proofs than the original proofs. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Computational Geometry and Statistical Depth Measures

The computational geometry community has long recognized that there are many important and challenging problems that lie at the interface of geometry and statistics (e.g., Shamos, 1976; Bentley and Shamos, 1977). The relatively new notion of data depth for non-parametric multivariate data analysis is inherently geometric in nature, and therefore provides a fertile ground for expanded collaboration between the two communities. New developments and increased emphasis in the area of multivariate analysis heighten the need for new and efficient computational tools and for an enhanced partnership between statisticians and computational geometers.
Ontogenic Changes in Epicuticular Wax and Chloroplast Integrity of a Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) Leaf

The progressive decline in cotton leaf photosynthesis with season could be accounted for by gaining an insight into ontogenic changes in chloroplast integrity and epicuticular wax ultrastructure. Therefore, the sequence of ultrastructural changes in chloroplast and epicuticular wax morphology were probed in 10-, 20-, 40-, and 60-d-old cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves using electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy illustrated that the epicuticular wax on the periclinal walls of the convex epidermal cells occurred as striations and persisted as such during the course of leaf aging. The degree of wax spread, however, increased as the leaf progressed towards senescence. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that a 20-d-old photosynthetically active leaf possessed healthy chloroplasts (6.8 μm long and an area of 9.7 μm2) with absolute membrane integrity depicted by large appressed grana stacks of thylakoids interconnected by non-appressed stroma lamellae. The thylakoid membrane network was oriented parallel to the long axis of the chloroplast and a few small plastoglobuli (1.85 μm2) scattered in the stroma. Conversely, membrane integrity was lost with leaf age after 20 d as evidenced by disruption of the grana and stroma lamellae. Concurrent with the membrane damage, extensive occlusion of chloroplast by several large spherical plastoglobuli (5.68 μm2) occurred, the rate of occlusion increased with leafage distending the chloroplast as evidenced by proliferation of its cross-sectional area (12.8 μm2). Of particular interest was the finding that the plastoglobuli ensued through the chloroplast envelope into the cytoplasm. The progressive loss of chloroplast membrane integrity coupled with increased leaf waxiness may have limited photosynthetic activities of cotton leaves during senescence.
Binocular misalignments elicited by altered gravity provide evidence for nonlinear central compensation

Increased ocular positioning misalignments upon exposure to altered gravity levels (g-levels) have been strongly correlated with space motion sickness severity, possibly due to underlying otolith asymmetries uncompensated in novel gravitational environments. We investigated vertical and torsional ocular positioning misalignments elicited by the 0g and 1.8g g-levels of parabolic flight and used these data to develop a computational model to describe how such misalignments might arise. Ocular misalignments were inferred through two perceptual nulling tasks: Vertical Alignment Nulling (VAN) and Torsional Alignment Nulling (TAN). All test subjects exhibited significant differences in ocular misalignments in the novel g-levels, which we postulate to be the result of healthy individuals with 1g-tuned central compensatory mechanisms unadapted to the parabolic flight environment. Furthermore, the magnitude and direction of ocular misalignments in hypo-g and hyper-g, in comparison to 1g, were nonlinear and nonmonotonic. Previous linear models of central compensation do not predict this. Here we show that a single model of the form a+bg^e, where a, b, and e are the model parameters and g is the current g-level, accounts for both the vertical and torsional ocular misalignment data observed inflight. Furthering our understanding of oculomotor control is critical for the development of interventions that promote adaptation in spaceflight (e.g., countermeasures for novel g-level exposure) and terrestrial (e.g., rehabilitation protocols for vestibular pathology) environments.
Pharmaceutical anti-counterfeiting: combating the real danger from fake drugs, by Mark Davison

While there is a substantial amount of counterfeiting research that examines consumer behavior, particularly in the area of luxury branded goods, there is relatively little empirical work on the nu...
On Learning More Concepts

Abstract The coverage of a learning algorithm is the number of concepts that can be learned by that algorithm from samples of a given size. This paper asks whether good learning algorithms can be designed by maximizing their coverage. The paper extends a previous upper bound on the coverage of any Boolean concept learning algorithm and describes two algorithms—Multi-Balls and Large-Ball—whose coverage approaches this upper bound. Experimental measurement of the coverage of the ID3 and FRINGE algorithms shows that their coverage is far below this bound. Further analysis of Large-Ball shows that although it learns many concepts, these do not seem to be very interesting concepts. Hence, coverage maximization alone does not appear to yield practically-useful learning algorithms. The paper concludes with a definition of coverage within a bias, which suggests a way that coverage maximization could be applied to strengthen weak preference biases.
Evaluation of joint position recognition measurement variables associated with chronic ankle instability: a meta-analysis.

Objective To identify the most precise and consistent variables using joint repositioning for identifying joint position recognition (JPR) deficits in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CA...
Influence of soil properties on coastal sandplain grassland establishment on former agricultural fields

The decline in species-rich grasslands across the United States has increased the importance of conservation and restoration efforts to preserve the biodiversity supported by these habitats. Abandoned agricultural fields often provide practical locations for the reestablishment of species-rich grasslands. However, these fields often retain legacies of agriculture both in their soils, which may have higher pH and nitrogen (N) contents than soils that were never farmed, and in their plant communities, which are dominated by non-native species and poor in native seed stock. We considered methods of reversing these legacies to create native-species-rich grassland on former agricultural land. We tested seeding and tilling combined with additions of sulfur (S), carbon (C), N or water to establish diverse sandplain grassland vegetation on an old field on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. We measured soil pH, extractable nitrate and ammonium, and total and native species richness and native species cover for 5 years after treatment. S additions lowered pH to values typical of never-tilled sandplain ecosystems and increased native species cover, but had no effect on species richness. C, N, and water additions had no significant effects on the soil or vegetation. Seeding and tilling were more effective at restoring native species richness than any soil amendments and indicated a greater importance of biotic factors compared with soil conditions in promoting sandplain vegetation establishment. S amendment accelerated establishment of native species cover for several years but the effect of S additions compared with seeding and tilling alone declined over time.
ATF4 licenses C/EBPβ activity in human mesenchymal stem cells primed for adipogenesis

A well-established cascade of transcription factor (TF) activity orchestrates adipogenesis in response to chemical cues, yet how cell-intrinsic determinants of differentiation such as cell shape and/or seeding density inform this transcriptional program remain enigmatic. Here, we uncover a novel mechanism licensing transcription in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adipogenically primed by confluence. Prior to adipogenesis, confluency promotes heterodimer recruitment of the bZip TFs C/EBPβ and ATF4 to a non-canonical C/EBP DNA sequence. ATF4 depletion decreases both cell-density-dependent transcription and adipocyte differentiation. Global profiling in hMSCs and a novel cell-free assay reveals that ATF4 requires C/EBPβ for genomic binding at a motif distinct from that bound by the C/EBPβ homodimer. Our observations demonstrate that C/EBPβ bridges the transcriptional programs in naive, confluent cells and early differentiating pre-adipocytes. Moreover, they suggest that homo- and heterodimer formation poise C/EBPβ to execute diverse and stage-specific transcriptional programs by exploiting an expanded motif repertoire. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06821.001
Classification and management of acetabular abnormalities in total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty, for both primary and revision operations, frequently involves bony abnormalities of the acetabulum. No standard nomenclature currently exists for the definition of acetabular deficiencies. A classification system is presented to assist in the preoperative evaluation and to provide a treatment protocol for these defects.
A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression versus relaxation training for alcohol-dependent individuals with elevated depressive symptoms

Objective:A previous pilot study found positive outcomes among alcohol-dependent individuals with elevated depressive symptoms who received cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression (CBT-D; n = 19) compared with a relaxation training control (RTC; n = 16). The current study represents a replication of this pilot study using a larger sample size and a longer follow-up assessment period.Method:Patients entering a partial hospital drug and alcohol treatment program who met criteria for alcohol dependence and elevated depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥ 15) were recruited and randomly assigned to receive eight individual sessions of CBT-D (n = 81) or RTC (n = 84).Results:There were significant improvements in depressive and alcohol use outcomes over time for all participants. Compared with RTC, the CBT-D condition had significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, at the 6-week follow-up. However, this effect was inconsistent because the...
Collaborative filtering for social tagging systems: an experiment with CiteULike

Collaborative tagging systems pose new challenges to the developers of recommender systems. As observed by recent research, traditional implementations of classic recommender approaches, such as collaborative filtering, are not working well in this new context. To address these challenges, a number of research groups worldwide work on adapting these approaches to the specific nature of collaborative tagging systems. In joining this stream of research, we have developed and compared three variants of user-based collaborative filtering algorithms to provide recommendations of articles on CiteULike. The first approach, Classic Collaborative filtering (CCF) uses Pearson correlation to calculate similarity between users and a classic adjusted ratings formula to rank the recommendations. The second approach, Neighbor-weighted Collaborative Filtering, takes into account the number of raters in the ranking formula of the recommendations. The third approach explores an innovative way to form the user neighborhood based on a modified version of the Okapi BM25 model over users' tags. Our results suggest that both alterations of CCF are beneficial. Incorporating the number of raters into the algorithms leads to an improvement of precision, while tag-based BM25 can be considered as an alternative to Pearson correlation to calculate the similarity between users and their neighbors.
Beyond Stents: Third-Generation Coronary Devices

Despite extraordinary growth in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (>400,000 cases in United States in 1997) patients are still routinely referred for bypass grafting in large numbers. Why? Second-generation devices (directional coronary atherectomy, high-speed rotational atherectomy [Rotablator], and stents) have expanded the application of percutaneous catheter treatment of coronary disease. Specifically, highly eccentric lesions in large vessels, heavily calcified lesions, and coronary dissections can be effectively treated with these devices. Stents have substantially reduced the incidence of restenosis, but this benefit is largely confined to vessels more than 3 mm in diameter and stenoses less than 20 mm in length. A third generation of coronary devices has evolved in the late 1990s in response to continuing failures of conventional balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting. The failures of the 1990s were (1) restenosis, including in-stent restenosis, (2) chronic total occlusions, (3) diffuse small-vessel disease, and (4) aged vein graft disease. In response to these challenges novel devices are being developed: (1) for restenosis, intracoronary radiation therapy (brachytherapy); (2) for chronic total occlusions, Prima Laser wire; (3) for diffuse small-vessel disease, percutaneous myocardial laser revascularization; and (4) for aged vein grafts, antiembolization devices. Each of these new catheter technologies will need to be economically and clinically reconciled with the multitude of minimally invasive surgical revascularization techniques that are rapidly evolving.
Effects of Guanadrel on Patients With Thyrotoxicosis

Eleven patients with Graves' disease were treated with guanadrel sulfate and observed for changes in neuromuscular and cardiovascular manifestations. No notable changes in pulse rate or muscle strength were detected in either these patients during a three-day pretreatment period or in five control patients with Graves' disease receiving placebo for six days. Thyroid hormone levels were not altered by seven days of guanadrel sulfate therapy (5 to 20 mg orally every six hours), and no adverse side effects were encountered. Mean supine resting pulse fell from 102 ± 6 (mean ± SEM) to 90 ± 3 beats per minute ( P ( Arch Intern Med 138:1106-1108, 1978)
Industrial psychiatry for the employer of last resort

The Federal Government may find itself in the position of hiring large numbers of hard-core unemployed individuals. This will entail a major crisis for agencies accustomed to traditional personnel practices. A program of mental health consultation with concerns for the individual and the social system in which he works may be of help. An example of such a program in a federal agency is described.
Cubic-Shaped Nano-MgO Powder and its Infrared Absorption Properties

A precipitation-pyrolysis process was used for the synthesis of cubic nano-MgO powder. The main effect factors on the size and shape of nano-MgO powder such as mechanical stirring rate, organic reagent, and calcinations of the process were investigated. XRD and TEM were used to study on composition, morphology and size of nano-MgO powder. The results indicate that at the condition of mechanical stirring rate 510 rmp, glycol as organic crystal controller, calcination time 3 h, cubic nano-MgO powder was prepared with average size of 35 nm. FTIR results show that cubic nano-MgO powder has abnormal infrared absorption behaviors compared with that of micron scale.
A family of repeating low‐frequency earthquakes at the downdip edge of tremor and slip

We analyze an isolated low-frequency earthquake (LFE) family located at the downdip edge of the main episodic tremor and slip (ETS) zone beneath western Washington State. The 9000 individual LFEs from this repeating family cluster into 198 swarms that recur roughly every week. Cumulative LFE seismic moment for each swarm correlates strongly with the time until the next swarm, suggesting that these LFE swarms are time predictable. Precise double-difference relative locations for 700 individual LFEs within this family show a distribution that is approximately 2 km long and 500 m wide, elongated parallel to the relative plate convergence direction. The distribution of locations (<300 m vertical spread) lies within a few hundred meters of two different plate interface models and has a similar dip. Peak-to-peak LFE S wave amplitudes range from 0.2 to 18 nm. Individual LFEs exhibit a trend of increasing magnitude during swarms, with smaller events at the beginning and the largest events toward the end. The largest LFEs cluster in a small area (300 m radius) coincident with maximum LFE density. We propose that the less-concentrated smaller LFEs act to unlock this patch core, allowing it to fully rupture in the largest LFEs, usually toward the end of a swarm. We interpret the patch responsible for producing these LFEs as a subducted seamount on the downgoing Juan de Fuca (JdF) plate. LFE locking efficiency (slip estimated during 5 years from summing LFE seismic moment divided by plate-rate-determined slip) is at most 20% and is highly concentrated in two ∼50 m radius locations in the larger patch core. Estimated individual LFE stress drops range from 1 to 20 kPa, but could also be significantly larger.
Spinal and trigeminal dorsal horn projections to the parabrachial nucleus in the rat.

We studied afferents to the parabrachial nucleus (PB) from the spinal cord and the spinal trigeminal nucleus pars caudalis (SNVc) in the rat by using the anterograde and retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). Injections of WGA-HRP into medial PB retrogradely labeled neurons in the promontorium and in lamina I of the dorsal rostral SNVc, while injections into lateral PB and the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus retrogradely labeled neurons in these areas as well as in lamina I throughout the caudal SNVc and spinal dorsal horn. Injections of WGA-HRP into the caudal SNVc and dorsal horn of the spinal cord resulted in terminal labeling in the dorsal, central, and external lateral subnuclei of PB and the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, all of which are known to receive cardiovascular and respiratory afferent information. Injections of WGA-HRP into the promontorium and dorsal rostral SNVc resulted in terminal labeling in the same PB subnuclei, as well as in the medial and the ventral lateral PB subnuclei, which are sites of relay for gustatory information ascending from the medulla to the forebrain. The spinal and trigeminal projection to PB may mediate the convergence of pain, chemosensory, and temperature sensibilities with gustatory and cardiorespiratory systems in PB.
A DOUBLE STAIN FOR TOTAL AND OXIDIZED PROTEINS FROM TWO-DIMENSIONAL FINGERPRINTS

Oxidative modification of proteins plays a major role in the etiology of aging and age-related diseases. For example, in Alzheimer's disease, although evidence points to oxidation of proteins as a causative factor in loss of cognitive abilities, it is not known which specific proteins of the brain are most susceptible to these modifications. Thus, it is of interest to identify the specific proteins which are susceptible to oxidation in vivo. Two-dimensional protein fingerprint methods offer the analytical potential for resolution of thousands of individual proteins from tissues, and the oxidized proteins can be visualized with immunological probes. Sensitive methods permit recovery and sufficient amino acid sequencing to identify these proteins. However, for such analyses it is essential to simultaneously analyze both protein content and level of oxidation. We have evaluated several approaches, identified the sources of artifacts and interferences, and developed a double-staining procedure that allows visualization and quantitation of total protein patterns as well as the specific oxidized proteins from two-dimensional protein fingerprints. The method has been applied to cells grown in culture and to tissue extracts from young and old animals.
Understanding the Biology of Aging: The Key To Prevention and Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To review recent progress and consider future approaches for basic research on aging with clinical applicability. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed publications on experimental gerontology and geriatrics. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were selected that described experimental approaches in gerontology and geriatrics, starting with the evolutionary basis of aging, through theories trying to explain its major causes, to novel experimental approaches, e.g., computer informatics, protein chemistry and genetics. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our increased understanding of the evolutionary basis of aging has made it possible to consider a number of experimental strategies more rationally. Most theories on the causes of aging involve some kind of somatic damage that accumulates with age, the rate of which is determined by environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors. The recent emergence of more powerful methodology offers new possibilities for identifying basic mechanisms of aging, which would increase our understanding of biologically based susceptibility to age-related health problems. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing awareness that age-related deterioration will affect an ever growing number of people, in both absolute and relative terms. It can be expected that this will further increase the resources that will be made available for research on aging. Although ultimately unavoidable, aging is a process that appears to be experimentally accessible. Therefore, the mechanisms of senescence and death may eventually be more completely understood, with the promise of preventing and/or delaying many of the adverse effects associated with aging, including most of the common diseases, and possibly also of extending lifespan.
The errors of Feynman and Hibbs

In 1965, Richard Feynman and his former graduate student Albert Hibbs published a textbook on Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals. This text — based on Feynman’s teaching of graduate-level quantum mechanics courses at CalTech — is full of remarkable insight and excruciating errors. The errors have been corrected through an emended edition. This article investigates the source of those errors.
Rapid screening for S‐adenosylmethionine‐dependent methylation products by enzyme‐transferred isotope patterns analysis

We report here an isotopic labeling and mass spectrometric method to rapidly identify S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methylation products. In the presence of CH 3 - and CD 3 -labeled AdoMet, a methyl transfer product appears as a doublet separated by 3 Da in a mass spectrum, while other compounds show their normal isotopic distribution. Based on this unique isotopic pattern, methylation product(s) can be easily detected even from a mixture of cellular components. To validate our method, the product of human thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT, EC 2.1.1.67) has been successfully identified from both an in vitro assay and a whole-cell assay. This method is generally applicable to AdoMet-dependent transmethylation and other group-transfer reactions, and constitutes the first example of a general strategy of enzyme-transferred isotope patterns (ETIPs) analysis.
Borane-amine complexes--versatile reagents in the chemistry of nucleic acids and their analogs.

A new method for synthesis of N-alkylated nucleosides was developed. Exceptionally mild and selective conversion of N-acyl to the corresponding N-alkyl nucleosides was achieved by reduction with borane-amine complexes. The borane-amine complexes were also used as efficient scavengers of a 4,4′-dimethoxytrityl (DMT) cation. Neutralization of the cation eliminated the boranophosphate group degradation during acidic DMT deprotection and allowed milder acidic conditions for the deprotection.
Identification of an external divalent cation-binding site in the pore of a cGMP-activated channel

Divalent cation blockade of cGMP-gated channels in photoreceptor cells ensures the low open channel noise required for a highly sensitive visual transduction process. This study identifies a divalent cation-binding site in the pore of a retinal cGMP-gated channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Substitution of a specific glutamate residue by a neutral amino acid renders the channel insensitive to external Mg2+ and Ca2+ and affects the conduction of Na+. The mutated channels remain sensitive to internal divalent cations. These results place the glutamate residue in the ion conduction pathway close to the extracellular surface.
Ureteral stent placement and BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients

Introduction BK virus (BKV) infection is an important cause of kidney transplant dysfunction. A possible association of double-J ureteral stent placement and BK viremia has been suggested in previous studies; however, risk factors for BK are incompletely understood. We aimed to determine if stent placement is an independent risk factor for BK viremia. Methods Data were collected on consecutive kidney-only transplant recipients between December 1, 2006 and June 30, 2010. All patients had at least 12 months of follow-up. Results Of 600 consecutive kidney transplants, BK viremia within the first post-transplant year was detected in 93 patients (15.5%); in 70 of these cases, the peak BKV polymerase chain reaction was ≥10,000 copies/mL. By multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for BK viremia were recipient age (P = 0.02) and stent placement (P = 0.03). Stents were placed in 49.2% and removed at a median of 46 days (range: 11–284) post transplantation; removals occurred within 0–30, 30–60, 60–90, 90–120, 120–150, and >150 days post transplantation in 18.4%, 67.2%, 10.5%, 2.4%, 1.0%, and 0.3% of cases, respectively. No association was found of BK viremia with stent duration >46 days (P = 0.70) or by the 6-level groupings (P = 0.92). Conclusions Although we observed a significant association of BK viremia with stent placement, no dose-dependent effect was seen.
Seasonal and hydrologic drivers of dissolved organic matter and nutrients in the upper Kuparuk River, Alaskan Arctic

As the planet warms, widespread changes in Arctic hydrology and biogeochemistry have been documented and these changes are expected to accelerate in the future. Improved understanding of the behavior of water-borne constituents in Arctic rivers with varying hydrologic conditions, including seasonal variations in discharge–concentration relationships, will improve our ability to anticipate future changes in biogeochemical budgets due to changing hydrology. We studied the relationship between seasonal water discharge and dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC and DON) and nutrient concentrations in the upper Kuparuk River, Arctic Alaska. Fluxes of most constituents were highest during initial snowmelt runoff in spring, indicating that this historically under-studied period contributes significantly to total annual export. In particular, the initial snowmelt period (the stream is completely frozen during the winter) accounted for upwards of 35% of total export of DOC and DON estimated for the entire study period. DOC and DON concentrations were positively correlated with discharge whereas nitrate (NO3−) and silicate were negatively correlated with discharge throughout the study. However, discharge-specific DOC and DON concentrations (i.e. concentrations compared at the same discharge level) decreased over the summer whereas discharge-specific concentrations of NO3− and silicate increased. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and ammonium (NH4+) were negatively correlated with discharge during the spring thaw, but were less predictable with respect to discharge thereafter. These data provide valuable information on how Arctic watershed biogeochemistry will be affected by future changes in temperature, snowfall, and rainfall in the Arctic. In particular, our results add to a growing body of research showing that nutrient export per unit of stream discharge, particularly NO3−, is increasing in the Arctic.
Have procompetitive changes altered hospital provision of indigent care

In the past decade alone there have been numerous changes in the financial and competitive environment of hospitals in the United States. Some examples include the advent of Medicare's Prospective Payment System, growth in managed care options, relaxation of states' Certificate of Need (CON) regulations, and court cases questioning the tax-exempt status of nonprofit hospitals. In this paper we attempt to reveal how hospitals alter their provision of care to the poor in a more cost conscious and competitive environment. Using hospital data from the State of California for the fiscal years ending in 1983 and 1987, estimates explaining uncompensated care commitments are presented. In particular, this study illustrates how hospitals under different ownership control varied their provision of uncompensated care over the period studied on average and by profitability level. Other factors, such as hospital location, teaching status, medicare patient load, and contractual adjustments, are also included in the analysis. A number of interesting trends are detected. Moreover, the results are found to be compatible with a quid pro quo hypothesis which states that hospital regulators reward large uncompensated care providers with profitable CON licenses.
Catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: how much is enough?

Although pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is an established end point for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), the procedural end point for patients with the persistent form of the arrhythmia remains elusive. Circumferential or antral PV isolation yields long-term sinus rhythm in only ≈24% of patients with long-standing persistent AF.1 Interestingly, ostial PV isolation, when compared with the more antral or proximal approach in which much more of the left atrium is included, also eliminated persistent AF in only 20% of patients.2 The latter study was published a decade before the former, which speaks to the lack of progress on this front. Article see p 18 It should come as no surprise that investigators have used a variety of other strategies, as standalone or as an adjunct to PV isolation, in this challenging group of patients. These include targeting complex, fractionated atrial electrograms,3 linear ablation,4–6 and extra-PV triggers. Although there is evidence that complex, fractionated atrial electrogram ablation results in AF slowing7 and, in general, improves outcome in patients with persistent AF,8 the problem lies in identification of electrograms that represent driver as opposed to bystander sites. Linear ablation at the left atrium roof and the mitral isthmus helps improve outcomes by eliminating AF drivers, triggers (eg, the ligament of Marshall),9 and perhaps atrial debulking. Even if any of these targets are added to PV isolation, AF frequently persists and requires cardioversion at the end of the procedure. Although some patients may do well, the acute outcome is nonetheless unsettling for both the electrophysiologist and the patient. About 9 years ago, Haissaguerre et al10 published their results with a stepwise ablation approach in patients with persistent AF. The end point of the procedure was AF termination during radiofrequency ablation, that …
A prospective investigation of the impact of childhood sexual abuse on the development of sexuality.

The sexual attitudes and activities of 77 sexually abused and 89 comparison women (mean age = 20.41, SD = 3.38) were assessed 10 years after disclosure in a longitudinal, prospective study of the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Abused participants were more preoccupied with sex, younger at first voluntary intercourse, more likely to have been teen mothers, and endorsed lower birth control efficacy than comparison participants. When psychological functioning earlier in development was examined, sexual preoccupation was predicted by anxiety, sexual aversion was predicted by childhood sexual behavior problems, and sexual ambivalence (simultaneous sexual preoccupation and sexual aversion) was predicted by pathological dissociation. Findings also indicate that biological father abuse may be associated with greater sexual aversion and sexual ambivalence.
Assessment of Project THRUST: Past, Present, Future

Project THRUST (Tsunami Hazards Reduction Utilizing Systems Technology) was a demonstration of satellite technology, used with existing tsunami warning methods, to create a low cost, reliable, local tsunami warning system. The major objectives were successfully realized at the end of the demonstration phase in September 1987. In June 1988, the Chilean Government held a workshop to assess the value of THRUST to national interests. Two recommendations came forth from the workshop: (1) the technology was sufficiently reliable and cost-effective to begin the development of an operational prototype and (2) the prototype would be used as the Chilean Tsunami Warning System. As of August 1989, the equipment was in operational use. In September 1989, major improvements were made in the satellite operations that reduced the response time from 88 to 17 sec and enlarged the broadcast area by 50%. The implications of the recent improvements in satellite technology are discussed for application to reductions in disaster impacts.