cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bolus maternal cocaine administration does not produce a large increase in fetal sheep cerebral cortical glutamate concentration.

Abstract Human cocaine use during pregnancy may result in postnatal neurologic dysfunction and abnormal behavior. l -Glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, plays an important role in cerebral cortical development. An optimal level of glutamate is required for normal neuronal development. We tested whether acute cocaine exposure produces large increases in glutamate release in the intact cerebral cortex of the near-term fetal sheep. Cocaine 3.0 mg kg −1 IV bolus produced the expected increase in maternal and fetal mean arterial pressure, increase in fetal heart rate, decrease in uterine blood flow, and decrease in fetal arterial blood pO 2 ( N = 5). The percentage increases in extracellular glutamate concentration in the fetal cerebral cortex measured by in utero microdialysis were 7%, 15%, 17%, 17%, and 43% in each fetus (upper 95% confidence bound for the median = 43%). We conclude that if cocaine increases glutamate concentration in the developing cerebral cortex, the increase in magnitude is small relative to the changes produced by other interventions such as ethanol or umbilical cord occlusion. Mechanisms other than increases in cerebral cortical glutamate concentration probably contribute to the neurologic injury associated with prenatal cocaine exposure.
Multiscale cone-beam x-ray reconstruction

We address the problem of reconstructing a three-dimensional volume from a set of two-dimensional X-ray projections. We present a time efficient solution based on a multiscale estimation technique. Estimation is first performed at a coarse resolution. Then the resolution is increased step by step and at each step a new estimation is performed, using an initial value derived from the volume estimated at the preceding level of resolution. The method is illustrated by results obtained on geometric and anatomic phantoms.
Experiments in quasi-static manipulation of a planar elastic rod

In this paper, we introduce and experimentally validate a sampling-based planning algorithm for quasi-static manipulation of a planar elastic rod. Our algorithm is an immediate consequence of deriving a global coordinate chart of finite dimension that suffices to describe all possible configurations of the rod that can be placed in static equilibrium by fixing the position and orientation of each end. Hardware experiments confirm this derivation in the case where the “rod” is a thin, flexible strip of metal that has a fixed base and that is held at the other end by an industrial robot. We show an example in which a path of the robot that was planned by our algorithm causes the metal strip to move between given start and goal configurations while remaining in quasi-static equilibrium.
Assessment of cognitive domains during treatment with OROS methylphenidate in adolescents with ADHD.

Aim: To psychometrically assess cognitive domains in adolescents with ADHD during long-term open treatment with robust dosing of extended-release methylphenidate (OROS MPH).Methods: Data were derived from a prospective clinical study of adolescent ADHD, employing the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), before and after up to one year of treatment with OROS MPH. In the absence of placebo control, a similar age and gender group of youth without ADHD served as comparators.Results: During the course of treatment with OROS MPH, ADHD youth’s performance significantly improved across multiple CANTAB tasks, including spatial working memory, rapid visual processing, verbal recognition memory, set shifting, and inhibition/vigilance. ADHD subjects’ scores in several CANTAB tasks, including spatial working memory, planning, and set shifting, were significantly more impaired at baseline compared to the non-ADHD comparison group; these significant differences were no longer seen at endpoint.Co...
Estimating switchgrass productivity in the Great Plains using satellite vegetation index and site environmental variables

Abstract Switchgrass is being evaluated as a potential feedstock source for cellulosic biofuels and is being cultivated in several regions of the United States. The recent availability of switchgrass land cover maps derived from the National Agricultural Statistics Service cropland data layer for the conterminous United States provides an opportunity to assess the environmental conditions of switchgrass over large areas and across different geographic locations. The main goal of this study is to develop a data-driven multiple regression switchgrass productivity model and identify the optimal climate and environment conditions for the highly productive switchgrass in the Great Plains (GP). Environmental and climate variables used in the study include elevation, soil organic carbon, available water capacity, climate, and seasonal weather. Satellite-derived growing season averaged Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GSN) was used as a proxy for switchgrass productivity. Multiple regression analyses indicate that there are strong correlations between site environmental variables and switchgrass productivity (r = 0.95). Sufficient precipitation and suitable temperature during the growing season (i.e., not too hot or too cold) are favorable for switchgrass growth. Elevation and soil characteristics (e.g., soil available water capacity) are also an important factor impacting switchgrass productivity. An anticipated switchgrass biomass productivity map for the entire GP based on site environmental and climate conditions and switchgrass productivity model was generated. Highly productive switchgrass areas are mainly located in the eastern part of the GP. Results from this study can help land managers and biofuel plant investors better understand the general environmental and climate conditions influencing switchgrass growth and make optimal land use decisions regarding switchgrass development in the GP.
Light Ion Accelerator High Voltage Electron Microscope Facility for CTR Radiation Damage Studies

A 200kV light ion accelerator has been linked to the specimen chamber of a 500kV transmission electron microscope to simulate some of the radiation environment conditions expected for first wall material in a fusion reactor. Both the electrons of the HVEM and the ions from the attached accelerator impinge simultaneously on the specimen and cause their respective amounts of displacement damage. This Simultaneous Accelerator Microscope Irradiation (SAMI) facility is presently being used to conduct two types of radiation damage studies on candidate first wall material, austenitic stainless steel. One study involves in-situ tensile deformation of ribbon shaped samples helium irradiated in order to elucidate mechanisms of helium embrittlement. Another study concerns in-situ observations of the development of microstructure under helium ion bombardment. Both types of experiments are performed during continuous observation in the HVEM and allow recording by a video tape system of the dynamic processes.
Tipping Perceptions: Taiwanese Tour Leaders' Perspectives

This study aims to investigate how tour leaders (TLs) in Taiwan perceive the issue of tipping, and to identify the factors which influence TLs to solicit tips. It also examines the impact of tipping in relation to the job performance of TLs. Data collection involved participant observations and interviews with travel agencies' managerial staff and TLs. This study found that TLs see tips as a significant source of income if they are not well-paid by their employers. This study suggested that selfish economic behavior has a significant impact on tips received. The consequences are mainly caused by travel agencies' operating policies regarding the price competition and low payment of TLs. TLs have a tendency to perceive tips as a service charge rather than a voluntary payment. Slowly, but not unanimously, including tips in the price of the tour might be an alternative for the future practice of travel agencies in Taiwan. It is expected that the results of the study can help travel agencies in Taiwan to draw ...
On the effects of mode of presentation on phonetic symbolism

With a procedure similar to that of Brown, Black, and Horowitz (1955) , it was found that phonetic symbolism effects were obtained with auditory only presentation and increased with visual and auditory presentation. The implications of these findings for the interpretation of some recent data are discussed.
Modification of the Gurson Model for shear failure

Recent experimental evidence points to limitations in characterizing the critical strain in ductile fracture solely on the basis of stress triaxiality. A second measure of stress state, such as the Lode parameter, is required to discriminate between axisymmetric and shear-dominated stress states. This is brought into the sharpest relief by the fact that many structural metals have a fracture strain in shear, at zero stress triaxiality, that can be well below fracture strains under axisymmetric stressing at significantly higher triaxiality. Moreover, recent theoretical studies of void growth reveal that triaxiality alone is insufficient to characterize important growth and coalescence features. As currently formulated, the Gurson Model of metal plasticity predicts no damage change with strain under zero mean stress, except when voids are nucleated. Consequently, the model excludes shear softening due to void distortion and inter-void linking. As it stands, the model effectively excludes the possibility of shear localization and fracture under conditions of low triaxiality if void nucleation is not invoked. In this paper, an extension of the Gurson model is proposed that incorporates damage growth under low triaxiality straining for shear-dominated states. The extension retains the isotropy of the original Gurson Model by making use of the third invariant of stress to distinguish shear dominated states. The importance of the extension is illustrated by a study of shear localization over the complete range of applied stress states, clarifying recently reported experimental trends. The extension opens the possibility for computational fracture approaches based on the Gurson Model to be extended to shear-dominated failures such as projectile penetration and shear-off phenomena under impulsive loadings.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of an a1/α2/DNA ternary complex

Crystals have been obtained of a ternary complex containing the yeast a1/α2 homeodomain heterodimer bound to a 21-base pair DNA site containing two 5′ overhanging bases at each end. The crystals are grown from cobaltic hexamine and form in space group P61 or P65 with a = b = 133 A, c = 45.4 A. Crystals that are flash-frozen at −179°C diffract to 2.7 A along the c-axis and to 2.4 A in perpendicular directions. The crystals contain one protein–DNA complex in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Role of Ca2+ channel in development of tension in heart muscle

In mammalian and amphibian hearts Ca2+ enters the myocardial cells via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The role of Ca2+ channels in transporting the activator Ca2+ was probed by examining the redevelopment of tension and ICa in voltage-clamped myocardial strips after step recovery of Ca2+ channel from photolabile Ca2+ antagonist. Comparison of the kinetics of redevelopment of tension in the frog and mammalian heart following the photoinactivation of Ca2+ channel blockers showed that in the frog heart tension redevelops fully in one beat, while 5 to 7 beats were required for full redevelopment of tension in the mammalian heart. Ca2+ depletion studies using Antipyrylazo III showed that extracellular Ca2+ depletion during the action potential occurs primarily via the Ca2+ channel. In the frog heart sufficient Ca2+ is transported from the extracellular space during a single beat to activate tension. In the mammalian heart ICa triggers the release of internal stores, which when only fully loaded caused full development of tension. ICa also was involved in loading the intracellular Ca2+ pools. Two types of Ca2+ channels have been identified in the mammalian myocytes. The low-threshold rapidly inactivating Ca2+ channels appear to be involved in trigger release of Ca2+, while the high threshold (conventional Ca2+ channels) seem to be involved primarily in reloading of internal Ca2+ pools.
Synergism of cannabichromene and CNS depressants in mice

Abstract 1. 1. One intraperitoneal dose of the cannabinoid, cannabichromene (CBC), increased the duration of loss of righting reflex in mice after hexobarbital, barbital or zoxazolamine. 2. 2. After 7 daily doses of CBC, prolongation of response to the 3 drugs no longer occurred; duration for hexobarbital and zoxazolamine was less than for vehicle controls. 3. 3. The data reflect a CNS depressant action of CBC, the development of tolerance to this action, and a possible induction of drug metabolism.
The optimal recovery of smooth functions

It is shown that there is a positive lower bound,c, to the uniform error in any scheme designed to recover all functions of a certain smoothness from their values at a fixed finite set of points. This lower bound is essentially attained by interpolation at the points by splines with canonical knots. Estimates ofc are also given.
External and internal trigger cues of impulse buying online

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the internal and external factors of impulse buying in online shopping.Design/methodology/approach – Two pretests were conducted; Pretest 1 to identify external impulse trigger cues on web sites and Pretest 2 to evaluate the content validity of the findings from Pretest 1. Based on the pretests, a web experiment and survey were conducted to explore the effect of different external impulse trigger cues on impulse‐buying behavior online and also to examine how internal factors of impulse buying (impulse‐buying tendency (IBT), affective and cognitive state, normative evaluation) are related to online impulse‐buying behaviors.Findings – No significant differences were found among the types of external impulse trigger cues, however a positive correlation was found between a person's IBT and online impulse‐buying behavior, and between a person's affective state and online impulse‐buying behavior. A negative correlation was found between a person's cognitive ...
Molecular cytogenetics in human cancer diagnosis.

This report summarizes the application of fluorescence in situ hybridization for detection and diagnosis of human cancers and for detection of residual cancer cells. This approach allows individual interphase cancer cells to be stained so that aberrations such as aneusomies, translocations, deletions, and gene amplification can be seen in the light microscope. This is accomplished using probes for repeated sequences found at the chromosome centromeres, whole chromosome probes, and/or probes for specific aberrant sequences
Resource dilemmas and discount rates in decision making groups

Abstract In an exercise which simulates the organization as a resource dilemma, discount rates were manipulated to examine their impact on coalition formation and group outcomes. Subjects played a 15-round resource allocation game. They had the option of forming coalitions, which decreased the size of the resource pool, or practicing collective resource allocation, which increased it. Groups with a high discount rate used resource distribution strategies (coalition formation) that resulted in lower individual as well as group outcomes. Groups in the low discount condition adopted collective strategies that increased the size of their resource pool over time. Implications for small group decision making in organizatios are discussed.
Secondary Infections of Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Endografts

Purpose To review several cases of stent-graft infection with respective outcomes to identify clinical presentations and responses to treatment options. Materials and Methods The authors performed a single-center retrospective review of all secondary endograft infections from January 2000 to June 2007. Infections were identified from an institutional database containing all abdominal and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVAR and TEVAR) performed at the treating hospital. Results From January 2000 to June 2007, 389 EVAR and 105 TEVAR were performed at the treating hospital. Ten endograft infections were identified (five EVAR and five TEVAR). Four infections occurred in grafts placed at outside institutions and six in grafts placed in-house. The in-house prevalence of EVAR and TEVAR infection is 0.26% and 4.77%, respectively. None were placed for a presumed pre-existing mycotic aneurysm. The mean time from the index procedure to the diagnosis of infection was 243.6 days ± 74.5. Two patients who underwent EVAR presented with a contained rupture, and the remaining eight patients presented with constitutional symptoms and/or abscess formation on imaging studies. Microbiology cultures revealed Propionibacterium species ( n = 3), Staphylcoccus species ( n = 3), Streptococcus species ( n = 2), and Enterobacter cloacae ( n = 1). All EVAR patients underwent removal of the infected endograft and reconstruction with extraanatomic bypass ( n = 3) or in situ homograft placement ( n = 2). During a mean follow-up of more than 1 year, there were no recognized complications or recurrence of infection. Only one of the five TEVAR patients underwent removal and interposition grafting with an antibiotic-impregnated Dacron graft. The remaining four patients were medically managed—one patient survived and was placed in hospice care, two died of mycotic aneurysm rupture, and one died from multiorgan system failure secondary to sepsis. Conclusions Graft-related septic complications following EVAR or TEVAR are rare but associated with significant mortality. Several surgical treatment options are available, each potentially equally successful. The effect of prophylactic antibiotic use during subsequent invasive procedures must be solidified.
Replication-Competent Adenovirus Formation in 293 Cells: the Recombination-Based Rate Is Influenced by Structure and Location of the Transgene Cassette and Not Increased by Overproduction of HsRad51, Rad51-Interacting, or E2F Family Proteins

Propagation of E1 region replacement adenovirus vectors in 293 cells results in the rare appearance of replication-competent adenovirus (RCA). The RCA genome contains E1 DNA acquired from the 293 cellular genome. The Luria-Delbruck fluctuation test was adapted to measure RCA formation rates. To test if structure affected rate, we measured rates during the production of adenovirus vectors with genomes containing three different expression cassette arrangements. The vectors had different extents of sequence identity with integrated Ad5 DNA of 293 cells and had different distributions of identity flanking the expression cassettes. Empty cassette vector RCA rates ranged from 2.5 x 10(-8) to 5.6 x 10(-10). The extent of sequence identity was not an accurate RCA rate predictor. The vector with the highest RCA rate also had the least overall sequence identity. To define factors controlling RCA generation, adenovirus vectors expressing E2F family proteins, known to modulate recombination gene expression, and overexpressing the human Rad51 recombination protein were analyzed. Compared to their corresponding empty vectors, RCA rates were not increased but were slightly decreased. Initial results suggested expression cassette orientation and/or transcription direction as potential RCA rate modifiers. Testing adenovirus vectors with identical transgene cassettes oriented in opposite directions suggested that transcription direction was not the basis of these rate differences. Thus, the overall structure and location of the transgene cassette had the largest effect on RCA rate. The RCA fluctuation test should be useful for investigators who require accurate measurements of targeted recombination and the probability of RCA formation during stock production.
A class of solutions to the gossip problem, part I

We characterize optimal solutions to the gossip problem in which no one hears his own information. That is, we consider graphs on n vertices where the edges are given a linear ordering such that an increasing path exists from each vertex to every other, but there is no increasing path from a vertex to itself. Such graphs exist if and only if n is even, in which case the fewest number of edges is 2n - 4, as in the original gossip problem (in which the ''No One Hears his Own information'' condition did not appear). We characterize optimal solutions of this sort, called NOHO-graphs, by a correspondence with quadruples consisting of two permutations and two binary sequences. The correspondence uses a canonical numbering of the vertices of the graph; it arises from the edge ordering. (Exception: there are two optimal solution graphs which do not meet this characterization.) Also in Part I, we show constructively that NOHO-graphs are Hamiltonian, bipartite, and planar. In Part II, we study other properties of the associated quadruples, which includes enumerating them. In Part III, we enumerate the non-isomorphic NOHO-graphs.
Auger recombination in narrow-gap semiconductor superlattices incorporating antimony

A comparison is performed between measured and calculated Auger recombination rates for four different narrow-gap superlattices based on the InAs/GaSb/AlSb material system. The structures are designed for optical or electrical injection for mid-infrared laser applications, with wavelengths ranging from 3.4 to 4.1 μm. The electronic band structures are computed employing an accurate 14-band restricted basis set (superlattice K⋅p) methodology that utilizes experimental information about the low-energy electronic structure of the bulk constituents. The superlattice band structures and their associated matrix elements are directly employed to compute Auger recombination rates. Varying amounts of Auger recombination suppression are displayed by the various superlattices as compared to bulk mid-infrared systems. The greatest disagreement between theory and experiment is shown for the structure predicted to have the most Auger suppression, suggesting the suppression is sensitive either to theoretical or growth u...
Sexual risk behavior and drug use in two Chicago samples of men who have sex with men: 1997 vs. 2002.

Employing data from two Chicago-based household probability samples of men who have sex with men (MSM) implemented 5 years apart (the “UMHS 1997” and the “2002 MSM supplement” studies), we evaluated changes in risk behavior as well as the potential viability of two alternative perspectives for explaining these changes—risk management and safe-sex norm abandonment. We found significantly increased rates of unprotected insertive and receptive anal intercourse in the 2002 study. Sixty-eight percent of UMHS men reported having sex with partners having HIV positive or unknown status, compared with 38% of the MSM supplement men (p < .0001). Serosorting mediated and moderated the most extreme forms of risk behavior. Positive statistical associations between drug use and unprotected sex were stronger in the UMHS sample than in the MSM supplement. Findings suggesting that “risk management” strategies have shaped MSM behavior as it emerged in the early part of this decade have considerable implications for HIV prevention strategies.
Dementia lacking distinctive histologie features: A common non‐Alzheimer degenerative dementia

From a series of 460 dementia patients referred to a regional brain bank, 14 (3%) patients had a pathologic diagnosis of primary degeneration of the brain involving multiple sites (frontoparietal cortex, striatum, medial thalamus, substantia nigra, and hypoglossal nucleus), with cell loss and astrocytosis. There were no neuronal inclusions and essentially no senile plaques. This entity, which we have termed “dementia lacking distinctive histology” (DLDH), presented with memory loss and personality changes, and led to death, usually within 2 to 7 years. Dysarthria and dysphagia were prominent in the later phases of the illness in most patients. The psychometric findings of some of the patients were consistent with a “frontal” lobe dementia. A few patients had prominent caudate atrophy on CT as well as neuropathologically. Eight of our patients had positive family histories for neurologic disease, mainly dementia. DLDH, in addition to Pick9s disease, is a major member of the frontal-lobe dementia group. In patients under age 70 years, the frontal lobe dementias represent an important diagnostic consideration.
Social networks and online environments: when science and practice co-evolve

The science of social network analysis has co-evolved with the development of online environments and computer-mediated communication. Unique and precise data available from computer and information systems have allowed network scientists to explore novel social phenomena and develop new methods. Additionally, advances in the structural analysis and visualization of computer-mediated social networks have informed developers and shaped the design of social media tools. This article reviews some examples of research that highlight the ways that social network analysis has evolved with online data. Examples include the international hyperlink network, political blogs and hyperlinks, social media, and multi-user virtual environments. The data available from online environments makes several important contributions to network science, including reliable network flow data, unique forms of relational data across a myriad of contexts, and dynamic data allowing for longitudinal analysis and the animation of social networks.
A Computational Study of Cation−π Interactions vs Salt Bridges in Aqueous Media: Implications for Protein Engineering

A direct comparison of the energetic significance of a representative salt bridge vs a representative cation−π interaction in aqueous media and in a range of organic solvents is presented using ab initio electronic structures and the SM5.42R/HF solvation model of Cramer and Truhlar. The cation−π interaction shows a well depth of 5.5 kcal/mol in water, significantly larger than the 2.2 kcal/mol seen for the salt bridge. Consistent with this idea, a survey of the Protein Data Bank reveals that energetically significant cation−π interactions are rarely completely buried within proteins, but prefer to be exposed to solvent. These results suggest that engineering surface-exposed cation−π interactions could be a novel way to enhance protein stability.
Un regain d'intérêt pour les réacteurs à haute température

Une combinaison de progres technologiques et une nouvelle conception de reacteur conduisent a un regain d'interet pour la filiere des reacteurs a haute temperature. Un cycle direct a turbine a gaz permettant un rendement de 47% et des caracteristiques de surete "pardonnantes" de ce type de reacteur le positionnent favorablement pour les pays en voie de developpement ou des usages de cogeneration.
Catecholamine training effects from exercise programs: a bridge to exercise-temperament relationships

Three studies were conducted to test whether a catecholamine training effect results from a long-term aerobic exercise program. Study I showed significant increases in urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline following moderate mental stress/challenge for male aerobics subjects after a semester of training. Control groups of nonexercisers and continuously in-condition marathoners showed no comparable pre- to post semester catecholamine increases. Male and female Aerobics subjects were contrasted with nonexercisers across a semester in Study 2; the hypothesis was confirmed that postsemester increases in catecholamines occurred only following an episode of mental challenges/stress, and not following base-rate-rest conditions. Under conditions of more active challenge than in Studies 1 and 2, women subjects in Study 3 provided directional but nonsignificant support for the Study 2 findings. The results are discussed in the context of literature on the relationship of catecholamine availability during challenge/stress to temperament and on the relationship of aerobic training to temperament. At a theoretical level, the question is discussed of increased catecholamine availability being a likely mediator in the exercise program to temperament relationship.
The SCAN Foundation’s Framework For Advancing Integrated Person-Centered Care

A genuine opportunity exists to reform medical and long-term care systems to be more responsive to people’s needs and preferences and provide efficient, cost-effective care delivery. California is preparing to test models of integration for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid that aim to improve care while managing costs. The SCAN Foundation has created a conceptual framework for guiding investments in California and beyond that is intended to create a more “person-centered” system that integrates medical care and supportive services. This article describes the foundation’s vision and framework for creating a more person-centered system and its support of California’s efforts in achieving this goal.
Self-aggression in macaques: Five case studies

Spontaneous self-aggressive behaviors were observed in five adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) housed at a university facility. All were individually caged, were free of intercurrent disease, and were being utilized in ongoing research studies. The self-aggressive behaviors observed included self-biting, self-clasping, self-slapping, self-rubbing and threatening of body parts. In several cases, wounds were inflicted and medical treatment was required due to the severity of the lesions. A review of the animals' clinical histories revealed an increased level of self-aggressive behavior in four of five monkeys during such stressful or stimulating conditions as movement of the animal to a new cage, movement of animals out of the room or escape of other monkeys from their cages. The frequency with which these behaviors occurred was quantitated experimentally. The results revealed an increased level of self-aggressive behavior in two of these animals during the videotaped sessions in response to aggressive contacts with the investigator. In contrast, one monkey exhibited self-aggressive behavior both clinically and experimentally in the absence of environmental stimuli or human contact. Clinical management of self-aggressive monkeys included housing monkeys only with physically smaller primates, decreasing the level of environmental stimuli, and drug therapy. Haloperidol was used with success in one animal that exhibited severe self-aggressive behavior.
Influence of unit distance and conduction velocity on the spectra of extracellular action potentials recorded with intrafascicular electrodes

The use of highly selective penetrating electrodes yields multi-unit extracellular action potential (AP) recordings of the nerve fibers in the vicinity of the electrode. Accessing the information carried within the neural data stream further requires discrimination and separation of the multi-unit recording into their constituent multiple single unit spike trains. Shape differences in the single fiber action potentials (SFAPs) are typically used as the criteria for unit separation. The present paper explores the origins of the shape differences through analysis of the SFAP in the frequency domain. We present the derivation and computational model predictions of a method to quantitatively analyse changes in the spectral components of SFAPs with an axially located intrafascicular electrode with non-radially symmetrical sensitivity function. A spatial tissue filter relationship was derived using reciprocity equations in the spatial frequency domain and transformed to time frequency. A three dimensional bioelectrical volume conductor finite element model of a recording electrode residing in a nerve fascicle was developed to explore the potential distribution in the nerve fascicle and further derive the electrode-fiber coupling function in the time-frequency domain. It was found that the spectral distribution of the SFAP was multimodal in nature, similar to empirical reported earlier, and could be predicted by taking the single fiber action currents (SFACs) filtered by the electrode-fiber coupling function. This function manifested itself as a low-pass filter of the SFAC, dependent upon the fiber's location relative to the electrode and conduction velocity. Analysis of the spectral distribution revealed that changes in the landmarks of the distribution could be related to the fiber location and conduction velocity. Moreover, a consistent relationship was found when exploring the distribution of fibers located off the one axis of symmetry.
Tunable Difference Frequency Generation Laser Spectrometers: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities

We will review the state of development and applications of difference-frequency generation (DFG) based laser spectrometers to atmospheric research and discuss the unique operating conditions and techniques that enable high precision performance for ground and airborne environments.
A study of diffusion and electrical conduction in microemulsions

Abstract Tracer diffusion of decane, water, butanol, and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate has been measured in isotropic microemulsions. The diffusion coefficient of each component is dependent on the overall solution composition and this dependence is shown to be predictable based on an understanding of the submicroscopic structures which exist in solution. Furthermore, these structures are realistically modeled based on a simple thermodynamic theory requiring only a measure of the adsorption density in the interfacial region. It is shown that it is possible to satisfactorily predict the diffusion fluxes using the simplified theory without introducing adjustable parameters. The electrical conductivities of the microemulsions are also in excellent agreement with the predicted values.
A survey of resident physicians' knowledge regarding urine testing and subsequent antimicrobial treatment.

Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria is often treated with antimicrobials despite no benefit to patients, contributing to antimicrobial resistance and costs. Identifying knowledge deficits may improve physician training and antimicrobial stewardship efforts. We surveyed internal medicine and medicine–pediatrics resident physicians about their knowledge and attitudes regarding urine testing and subsequent management. Methods We surveyed 280 resident physicians at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota Medical School, using patient management questions based on clinical vignettes. Overall knowledge, assessed by calculating the percentage of correct answers, was assessed for correlation with demographic information, training, and experience. Results Of 100 responses (36% response rate), the mean percentage of correct answers was 48% (range for individual questions, 19%-85%). Experience and demographic factors demonstrated no association with overall knowledge. Training appeared to be associated with overall knowledge, with third-year residents having significantly higher percentages of correct answers compared with first-year residents (53% vs 40%; P = .03), but this was nonsignificant when adjusted for multiple comparisons ( P = .18). Knowledge was significantly better for questions regarding surgical versus nonsurgical scenarios (63% vs 37%; P P Conclusions Knowledge deficits may contribute to unnecessary detection and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Stimulation of the Salt Receptor of the Blowfly : I. NaCl

Application of NaCl solutions to the tip of a labellar sensillum of the blowfly elicited a repetitive neural response from the salt receptor. The response was examined with respect to reproducibility and adaptation. A threshold was observed for tests with dilute solutions. Above this, the response increased linearly with the logarithm of the molarity. The response was not significantly affected by the pH of stimulating solutions, buffered or not, between 3 and 10. Beyond this range, it was reversibly inhibited until, at greater extremes of pH, atypical stimulation independent of the presence of salt was seen. Receptor sensitivity increased with fly age. The results presented here may be due to effects at sites in the sensillum other than the receptor membrane.
Influence of a resorcin[4]arene core structure on the spatial directionality of multi-arm poly(ε-caprolactone)s

Highly crystalline directional polycaprolactones (PCLs) based on two tetrahydroxy methyl resorcin[4]arene initiators were synthesized by a “core first” method via ring-opening polymerization of e-caprolactone catalyzed by Sn(Oct)2 in bulk at 120 °C. The synthesized polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The structures of tetra-arm PCLs based on resorcinarenes were confirmed by 1H NMR analysis. The thermal properties were evaluated using DSC and TGA. The spatial directionality, a consequence of the rigid bowl shaped resorcinarene cavitand core, of the PCL chains influenced the thermal properties and crystallinity of the polymers. The melting temperature (Tm), decomposition temperature (Td) and % crystallinity (%Xc) of the directional PCL from the rigid core cavitand 2c were significantly higher than those of the linear counterpart and the PCL from the somewhat flexible cavitand core 3c. The data implies that the spatial directionality of the polymer chains in multi-arm polymers can be used to manipulate their thermal and physical properties. Detailed analysis of the two tetra-hydroxy resorcinarene initiators and a comparison with linear PCLs is discussed.
Structure-Borne Noise Prediction for a Single-Engine General Aviation Aircraft

The usefulness of a deterministic modeling procedure employing structural-acoustic finite-element formulations is investigated for the prediction of structure-bor ne interior noise. Analytical predictions are compared to normal mode, forced harmonic response, and engine-running experimental data obtained during ground tests of a single-engine general aviation aircraft. From these comparisons, the modeling procedures are shown to be sufficiently accurate for structure-borne interior noise prediction.
Dopaminergic tone persistently regulates voltage-gated ion current densities through the D1R-PKA axis, RNA polymerase II transcription, RNAi, mTORC1, and translation

Long-term intrinsic and synaptic plasticity must be coordinated to ensure stability and flexibility in neuronal circuits. Coordination might be achieved through shared transduction components. Dopamine (DA) is a well-established participant in many forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Recent work indicates that DA is also involved in both activity-dependent and -independent forms of long-term intrinsic plasticity. We previously examined DA-enabled long-term intrinsic plasticity in a single identified neuron. The lateral pyloric (LP) neuron is a component of the pyloric network in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system (STNS). LP expresses type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs). A 1hr bath application of 5nM DA followed by washout produced a significant increase in the maximal conductance (Gmax) of the LP transient potassium current (IA) that peaked ~4hr after the start of DA application; furthermore, if a change in neuronal activity accompanied the DA application, then a persistent increase in the LP hyperpolarization activated current (Ih) was also observed. Here, we repeated these experiments with pharmacological and peptide inhibitors to determine the cellular processes and signaling proteins involved. We discovered that the persistent, DA-induced activity-independent (IA) and activity-dependent (Ih) changes in ionic conductances depended upon many of the same elements that enable long-term synaptic plasticity, including: the D1R-protein kinase A (PKA) axis, RNA polymerase II transcription, RNA interference (RNAi), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent translation. We interpret the data to mean that increasing the tonic DA concentration enhances expression of a microRNA(s) (miRs), resulting in increased cap-dependent translation of an unidentified protein(s).
An iterative coordination approach to decentralized decision problems

Splitting methods are examined for the iterative solution of the classical linear least-squares problem in Hilbert space. Conditions for convergence of the class of iterations studied generalize existing conditions in the literature. Throughout, the emphasis is on an organization-theoretic interpretation of the algorithm, thereby clarifying certain questions of decentralization of information and computation. Two examples are discussed in some detail: a matrix example and a standard optimal control problem. When such problems involve very large, sparse matrices the analogy with the "invertible case" is a most compelling argument for further investigation of applicability.
Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade reverses obesity-related changes in expression of adiponectin, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and proinflammatory adipokines.

Background— In obesity, decreases in adiponectin and increases in proinflammatory adipokines are associated with heart disease. Because adipocytes express mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and MR blockade reduces cardiovascular inflammation and injury, we tested the hypothesis that MR blockade reduces inflammation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and increases adiponectin expression in adipose tissue and hearts of obese mice. Methods and Results— We determined the effect of MR blockade (eplerenone, 100 mg/kg per day for 16 weeks) on gene expression in retroperitoneal adipose and heart tissue from obese, diabetic db/db mice (n=8) compared with untreated obese, diabetic db/db mice (n=10) and lean, nondiabetic db/+ littermates (n=11). Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, and macrophage protein CD68 increased, and expression of adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ decreased in retro...
An inverting basket model for AE1 transport.

We describe an "inverting basket" model for transport in the erythrocyte anion exchanger, AE1. The inverting basket is formed by the side chains of three putative key residues, two positively (Lys 826 and Arg 730) and one negatively (Glu 681) charged residue. We have tentatively chosen seven transmembrane helices, TM1, TM2, TM4, TM8, TM10, TM12 and TM13 to form a conical channel using the well-established Glu 681 of TM8 and candidates Lys 826 and Arg 730 of TM12-13 and TM10, respectively, to form the inverting basket. We assume that these residues bind to an anion and shift from outward facing (C(o)) to inward facing (C(i)) conformation without significant backbone movements to transport an anion across the membrane. The transition of the complex (residues and ion) from outward facing (C(o)) to inward facing (C(i)) constitutes one "basket" inversion. The barrier to inversion is composed of two major components: that of the anhydrous complex, which we refer to as a steric energy barrier and a dehydration effect due to the removal of charges in the complex from water in the channel. The steric barrier is dependent on the side chain charge and configuration and on the ion charge and size. The dehydration effect, for our model, ameliorates the steric barrier, in the case of the empty complex but less so for the monovalent and divalent ions. We conclude, that it is possible for a seven-helix bundle to have a steric barrier to basket inversion, but that hydration effects in thin hydrophobic barrier models may be more complex than usually envisioned.
Testing of dynamic logic circuits based on charge sharing

Dynamic logic is increasingly becoming a logic type of choice for designs requiring high speed and low area. Charge sharing is one of many problems that may cause failure in dynamic logic circuits due to their low noise immunity. In this paper, we address the charge sharing noise issue. Specifically, we develop an accurate but tractable model for analyzing charge sharing that avoids costly Hspice simulations. The model is used to generate test vectors using a generalized ATPG tool. The charge-sharing model and the corresponding tests were validated using Hspice simulations on industrial circuits and it was also demonstrated that test vectors that establish high amounts of charge sharing could be generated for most domino gates.
The Hepatotoxicity of Antifungal Medications in Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients

Background. Systemic antifungal medications can be lifesaving but can also have important toxicities. With a number of new antifungal drugs being introduced, there is a compelling need to define the toxicities associated with existing therapies. Methods. We identified cases of hepatotoxicity among patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation and selected matched control subjects from the same population. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to control for patient characteristics in evaluating the relationship between hepatotoxicity and exposure to antifungal medications. Follow-up analyses were performed for patients who continued receiving antifungal medications after developing hepatotoxicity. Results. The unadjusted incidence of hepatotoxicity was 0.78 cases per 100 patient-days of exposure to amphotericin deoxycholate, 0.98 for fluconazole, and 1.50 for liposomal amphotericin B. Case-control analyses found that liposomal amphotericin B was associated with a substantial increase in the risk of hepatotoxicity in these patients (odds ratio [OR], 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-6.88); a smaller increase in risk was found for fluconazole (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.21-3.26). There was no statistically significant association between amphotericin B deoxycholate and the development of hepatotoxicity. Patients had greater elevations of serum transaminase values associated with exposure to larger cumulative doses of liposomal amphotericin B. In the follow-up analysis of patients who developed hepatotoxicity and who continued receiving antifungal medication, one-third of those receiving liposomal amphotericin B had marked increases in bilirubin levels, as opposed to 8% of patients treated with fluconazole. Conclusions. In these bone marrow transplant recipients, liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole were both associated with increased risk of hepatotoxicity, independent of other treatments received or patient characteristics; the magnitude of the risk was larger for liposomal amphotericin B. Patients who develop hepatotoxicity appear to tolerate continued therapy with fluconazole, but a large fraction of those who received liposomal amphotericin B have worsening conditions with continued treatment.