cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Aggregation-Prone Intracellular Serpin SRP-2 Fails to Transit the ER in Caenorhabditis elegans

Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusions bodies (FENIB) is a serpinopathy that induces a rare form of presenile dementia. Neuroserpin contains a classical signal peptide and like all extracellular serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) is secreted via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi pathway. The disease phenotype is due to gain-of-function missense mutations that cause neuroserpin to misfold and aggregate within the ER. In a previous study, nematodes expressing a homologous mutation in the endogenous Caenorhabditis elegans serpin, srp-2, were reported to model the ER proteotoxicity induced by an allele of mutant neuroserpin. Our results suggest that SRP-2 lacks a classical N-terminal signal peptide and is a member of the intracellular serpin family. Using confocal imaging and an ER colocalization marker, we confirmed that GFP-tagged wild-type SRP-2 localized to the cytosol and not the ER. Similarly, the aggregation-prone SRP-2 mutant formed intracellular inclusions that localized to the cytosol. Interestingly, wild-type SRP-2, targeted to the ER by fusion to a cleavable N-terminal signal peptide, failed to be secreted and accumulated within the ER lumen. This ER retention phenotype is typical of other obligate intracellular serpins forced to translocate across the ER membrane. Neuroserpin is a secreted protein that inhibits trypsin-like proteinase. SRP-2 is a cytosolic serpin that inhibits lysosomal cysteine peptidases. We concluded that SRP-2 is neither an ortholog nor a functional homolog of neuroserpin. Furthermore, animals expressing an aggregation-prone mutation in SRP-2 do not model the ER proteotoxicity associated with FENIB.
Metacyclic error-correcting codes

This paper examines error-correcting codes which are ideals in group rings where the underlying group is metacyclic and non-abelian. Such a group G(M,N,R) is the extension of a finite cyclic group $\doubz\sb{\rm M}$ by a finite cyclic group $\doubz\sb{\rm N}$ and has a presentation of the form (S, T: S$\sp{\rm M}$ = 1, T$\sp{\rm N}$ = 1, T $\cdot$ S = S$\sp{\rm R}$ $\cdot$ T) where gcd (M, R) = 1, R$\sp{\rm N}$ $\equiv$ 1 mod M, R $\not=$ 1. Only group rings are semi-simple, i.e., where the characteristic of the field does not divide the order of the group, were examined in depth. In all cases, the field of the group ring is of characteristic two and MN is odd. Algebraic analysis of the structure of the group ring yielded a unique direct sum decomposition of FG(M,N,R) to minimal two-sided ideals (central codes). In every case, such codes were found to be combinatorially equivalent to abelian codes and of minimum distance that was not particularly desirable. Certain minimal central codes decompose to a direct sum of N minimal left ideals (left codes). The decomposition is not unique. Using cosets of associated cyclic codes, all non-equivalent minimal left codes were determined. An extension of the BCH bound that may used with these codes was formulated. Metacyclic codes were compared and contrasted with several classes of known codes: abelian, concatenated, and quasi-cyclic codes. In general, metacyclic codes that are one-sided ideals were found to display higher minimum distances than abelian codes of comparable length and dimension. In several cases, codes were found which have minimum distances equal to that of the best known linear block codes of the same length and dimension. The well-defined algebraic structure of these codes should allow encoding and decoding with simple circuitry.
Political Regimes and the Cost of Disinflation

This study investigates, using data from 1960 to 1998, whether the nature of political regimes can help explain cross-national and intertemporal variations in the cost of disinflationary policies, as measured by the sacrifice ratio. We show that, ceteris paribus, right-wing governments have lower costs of disinflations than left-wing governments. We argue this is due to a superior credibility, resulting from their stronger anti-inflation reputations. In addition (and in marked contrast to previous studies), we find that when we control for political regimes, trade openness, and other standard factors in this literature, central bank independence has no significant effect on the sacrifice ratio.
The Broadway Canon from Show Boat to West Side Story and the European Operatic Ideal

T7 he Broadway musical from Show Boat to West Side Story remains in the 1990s a familiar and living cultural artifact. Revivals of perennial favorites or reworked versions of lesser-known shows from this period appear almost without fail each year on Broadway, regional and community theaters of all types present these same musicals season after season, the summer stock of pre-196os musicals remains high, and many college or high school experiences would remain incomplete without a spring production of Oklahoma! or Kiss Me, Kate. Among the approximately three hundred "book" musicals that opened on Broadway between Show Boat in 1927 and West Side Story in 1957 about a dozen not only enjoyed long runs and critical acclaim in their time, but have long since formed a securely entrenched place in the repertoire and earned growing stature, even in musicological circles. Who can explain it? Who can tell you why? One explanation is that the criteria for Broadway canonization are strikingly similar to those established for the European musical canon. Just as Beethovenian ideals of thematic unity and organicism became increasingly applied to dramatic works (culminating in Wagner's music dramas), Broadway musicals after Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (1943) would be evaluated on how convincingly they realized a new "ideal type," the integrated musical.
Simple robust tests for scale differences in paired data

SUMMARY The classical statistical test for assessing the difference between the two scale parameters in paired data due to Pitman (1939) and Morgan (1939) is not robust. This paper explores robust alternatives to Pitman's test, using the framework of the one-sample t-test. The asymptotic behaviour of the tests under the null hypothesis is examined. In general, it is easy to construct tests that are asymptotically distribution-free, provided the data come from a symmetric bivariate distribution. Versions of these tests that do not require symmetry are derived. Monte Carlo simulation experiments are done to assess small sample behaviour and power characteristics. The tests are applied to a small data set comparing cancerous and noncancerous lungs.
The use of a pocket computer in gas dynamics

Abstract A pocket computer (Casio model FX-702P) has been utilized to solve some problems arising in gas dynamics. The programs reported cover algebraic calculations, solution of transcendental equations and finite difference solutions of coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations. In gas dynamics terms, the algebraic computations pertain to properties variation in isentropic flow, Rayleigh flow and Fanno flow. The transcendental equations solved are those arising in Prandtl-Meyer flow and oblique shock analysis. Problems of pipe flow with simultaneous friction and heat transfer, unsteady discharge of a variable-volume tank through a convergent nozzle, Taylor-Maccoll flow over a cone and flow in a rocket nozzle with secondary injection of oxidant in the divergent section, are used as illustrative examples of coupled, nonlinear ordinary differential equations.
A New Species of Myotis from the Islas Tres Marias, Nayarit, Mexico, with Comments on Variation in Myotis nigricans

A new Myotis is described from the Isias Tres Marias, Nayarit, Mexico. The new species is distinct from related taxa on the adjacent Mexican mainland ( M. californiens, M. leibii , and M. carteri ), although most closely related to M. carteri as shown by univariate and canonical variates analyses. An analysis of six groups of M. nigricans from Middle and South America supports the elevation of M. nigricans carteri to specific status, confirms the distinctness of M. nigricans extremus , but fails to substantiate subspecific status for bats from Colombia and Ecuador, recently recognized as M. n. punensis .
SU-E-T-55: Verification of Leksell GammaPlan Treatment Plans for Extend Frame Fractionated Treatments Using Gamma Knife Perfexion

Purpose: To provide the GammaPlan verification tool (GPVT) for independent dose verification of the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion treatment planning system, Leksell GammaPlan (LGP), when planning for Extend Frame System fractionated treatments. This version allows the use of patient surface thresholding required for LGP Extend frame planning for fractionated treatments. Methods and Materials: Matlab was used to coordinate all computations and database retrievals. The patient surface coordinates were extracted from the LGP's SQL database. This required run‐length and base64 decoding and uses an affine transformation matrix to align the data with the Leksell coordinate system. Skull surface coordinates were obtained by LGP using the pixel intensity threshold between patient surface and air in CT scans. The dose calculation algorithm used was similar to that found in LGP. The dose rate per shot was found using the focal‐point model, while the 3D model provided isodose lines whose shape could be compared to LGP for a given slice in a 31×31×31 dose matrix. The 3D model also provided the magnitude and location of the dose maximum. Results: For 22 test cases, the average ratio of the dose rate from the focal‐point model to LGP was 1.019±0.044. For 20 patients tested when using the 3D model, the average ratio to LGP was 1.030±0.076. Dose agreement away from the patient surface was consistently within 5%, whereas disagreement was larger at the periphery. Only one treatment plan resulted in greater than 5% difference of the LGP from both models. The isodose lines from the 3D model consistently matched the shape of the isodose lines from LGP, regardless of the discrepancy in the absolute dose values. Conclusion: The independent dose verification tool for the Gamma Knife Perfexion was created for use with the Extend frame, and results show that it may be useful for clinical implementation.
Altered catecholaminergic behavioral and hormonal responses in rats following early postnatal hypoxia

We have previously reported alterations in a battery of behavioral functions in the rat following both intermittent and chronic prenatal hypoxia. In this species, the critical brain growth spurt for the catecholaminergic neurotransmitter system takes place in the late gestational and early postnatal period. In addition, postnatal stress can modify adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responsiveness. Following a given stress, administration of dopaminergic/adrenergic agonists/antagonists may elucidate subtle changes that are not apparent in routine behavioral and endocrine tests. To test the hypothesis that early postnatal hypoxia affects development of the catecholaminergic system and, thus, alters functional outcome, we performed the following study. We exposed 25 litters of Sprague-Dawley rats, each consisting of 10 male pups, to hypoxia (10.5% inspired O2) for 6 h/day (0900 to 1500 h) from postnatal day (P) 2 to 10. We also had 25 control (C) litters. We then performed a series of behavioral tests in immature and mature animals. Body weights were significantly decreased in hypoxic (H) animals from P10 to P100. At P21 we tested locomotor activity in an open-field paradigm with drug challenge (apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist, 0.025 and 0.1 mg/kg; or haloperidol, a dopamine receptor antagonist, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg). Grooming activity was significantly decreased in H animals at both apomorphine concentrations, compared to controls. Moreover, rearing activity was significantly increased in H animals under basal conditions and when challenged with 0.1 mg/kg apomorphine. Apomorphine (1.0 mg/kg)-induced stereotypy at P39 was significantly increased in H animals compared to controls. Open-field activity at 80 days revealed no significant differences in drug responsiveness between H and C animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Safety of Combined Aortic Valve Replacement and Coronary Bypass Grafting

Abstract Coexisting aortic valve disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease were treated in 27 patients by combined aortic valve replacement and coronary bypass grafting. There was 1 operative death; 2 late deaths occurred. These results compare favorably with those of either operation performed alone. A modular operative approach was adopted in which each component of the procedure was performed independently in sequence without complicated modifications of proved techniques. Most of the patients have been able to return to full activity following operation. Combined aortic valvular disease and coronary obstruction should be viewed with optimism. With the utilization of proved techniques this combination can be corrected with safety as indicated by operative mortality and short-term follow-up.
Moderne Elektrolyseverfahren für die Wasserstoff-Technologie

Modern electrolysis processes for the hydrogen technology. This survey discusses all processes of water electrolysis after having emphasized the central role, which hydrogen plays in chemical technology and which it might play in a hydrogen economy, with the aid of some historical considerations and applications in hydrogen energy systems. In order to understand the development potential of the processes, the physico-chemical fundamentals as well as the problems of the engineering of water electrolysis are summarized in a structural form. Not only are the purely electrochemical processes reviewed by a classifying systematic, but also all other (indirect) processes, which include an electrochemical step. The following direct processes are discribed: conventional and advanced alkaline water electrolysis, medium temperature cells, acid water electrolysis, membrane water electrolysis, water vapor electrolysis with proton conductive solid electrolyte and high temperature water electrolysis as well as the indirect processes: electrochemical raw material gasification, thermochemical-electrochemical hybrid processes, photochemical-electrochemical hybrid processes, and the photoelectrochemical cleavage of water.
Classification, metamorphic history, and pre-metamorphic composition of chondrules

Abstract Sears et al. (1992) and DeHart et al. (1992) have proposed that the existing scheme for chondrule classification, which is based on modal mineralogy, texture, and mineral composition, should be replaced by a new scheme that is based primarily on the compositions of olivine phenocrysts and mesostases, but also on their cathodoluminescence. We have used published and unpublished compositional data for chondrules in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites to compare the two classification schemes. We find that the new scheme does not preserve the identity of the existing chondrule groups, even in the least metamorphosed chondrites. Because of difficulties in assigning chondrules to the proposed groups and the lack of olivine grains or mesostasis areas of sufficient size, 30% of chondrules in some type 3 ordinary chondrites cannot be classified in the new scheme using compositional data. For type 4–6 chondrites, the existing scheme provides more information about the history of individual chondrules than the new scheme. We conclude that textural and modal criteria should be retained for the classification of chondrules.
Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm after blunt trauma

Abstract A 4-year-old male child was admitted with a large 12 × 15 cm suprarenal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm 7 months after an episode of blunt abdominal trauma. Aneurysmorrhaphy was performed through a left thoracoabdominal approach with Dacron patch aortoplasty. This report summarizes this case and reviews the literature on abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms after blunt abdominal trauma. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:307-9.)
Evaluatively Incomplete States of Affairs

The main point of this paper has been to show that the concept of evaluative incompleteness deserves consideration. In addition, I have suggested that it is plausible to accept that certain states of affairs in fact are evaluatively incomplete. But I have not sought to prove that this is so; indeed, I do not know how such proof might be given. Just which states of affairs, if any, are evaluatively incomplete is an extremely vexed question, and it is not one to which I have attempted to supply any systematic answer. My aim has been merely to point out that it is arguable that certain states of affairs are evaluatively incomplete — a fact that ought not to be overlooked due to an unquestioning acceptance of (II) and a fact which, certainly, ought not to be ruled out by fiat due to an adherence to definitions and assumptions which imply that (II) is false.
Direct simulation Monte Carlo analysis on parallel processors

A method is presented for executing a direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) analysis using parallel processing. The method is based on using domain decomposition to distribute the work load among multiple processors, and the DSMC analysis is performed completely in parallel. Message passing is used to transfer molecules between processors and to provide the synchronization necessary for the correct physical simulation. Benchmark problems are described for testing the method and results are presented which demonstrate the performance on two commercially available multicomputers. The results show that reasonable parallel speedup and efficiency can be obtained if the problem is properly sized to the number of processors. It is projected that with a massively parallel system, performance exceeding that of current supercomputers is possible.
Optimized pre-copy live migration for memory intensive applications

Live migration is a widely used technique for resource consolidation and fault tolerance. KVM and Xen use iterative pre-copy approaches which work well in practice for commercial applications. In this paper, we study pre-copy live migration of MPI and OpenMP scientific applications running on KVM and present a detailed performance analysis of the migration process. We show that due to a high rate of memory changes, the current KVM rate control and target downtime heuristics do not cope well with HPC applications: statically choosing rate limits and downtimes is infeasible and current mechanisms sometimes provide sub-optimal performance. We present a novel on-line algorithm able to provide minimal downtime and minimal impact on end-to-end application performance. At the core of this algorithm is controlling migration based on the application memory rate of change.
Reactivity of Redox‐Active Guests Trapped Inside Molecular Capsules

Inclusion of guests inside molecular capsules may have pronounced effects on their chemical reactivity. This article provides a quick summary of research on the electrochemical reactivity of encapsulated redox-active guests. A brief account of the results obtained with simple hosts, such as cyclodextrins and cucurbiturils, starts the article. However, these hosts can only provide partial encapsulation. Most of the article is devoted to the results obtained by the authors’ group on the inclusion of ferrocene, cobaltocenium, and tetrathiafulvalene in molecular capsules formed by cavitand-type ligands, which give rise to supramolecular assemblies that provide full encapsulation. In general terms, trapping of redox-active centers inside molecular capsules leads to a substantial attenuation of their electrochemical kinetics, which results in electrochemically silent properties in extreme cases. However, the magnitude of this kinetic attenuation cannot be rationalized by simple criteria based on the overall size of the supramolecular assembly.
Solid-State Area Scanning Arrays as Interface Devices Between Optical and Digital Computing Systems&#8211;A Simulation Study

This paper describes how, in spite of occasional performance limitations generally due to process defects, large-area solid-state image sensors can be applied to scan pictorial data. First, it is estimated to what extent the direct imaging of pictorial matter onto a defective area-scanning device for acceptable scanning quality is possible. A novel concept is then proposed in which the optically generated Fourier-transform hologram of a picture rather than the picture itself is imaged onto a defective solid-state photosensitive array, scanned, digitized, filtered, and reconstructed by fast Fourier transform (FFT) techniques on a digital processor. The operating principle is discussed and the effects of scanner defects, digitization, and filtering on the scanning quality are investigated by computer simulation.
Clinical presentation, imaging, and staging of anal cancer.

Carcinoma of the anus is a rare tumor, accounting for 1% to 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies, with an estimated incidence of 0.6 per 100,000 individuals in the United States. There are approximately 300 to 400 new cases in the United States and an estimated 500 annual deaths each year [1]. These figures may not be representative of the true incidence of anal canal carcinoma, however, primarily because of the misclassification of anal canal tumors as either rectal cancers or as perianal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) [2]. This situation is further compounded by the confusion about the definition of anal margin versus anal canal carcinoma, and by the inclusion of other histologic variants within the global term anal cancer [3]. There is a worldwide geographic variation in the incidence of anal cancers, with the highest incidence being reported in Switzerland, Poland, and Brazil. In the United States, there has been an increase in the incidence of anal cancer, primarily secondary to the increased incidence of HIV infection as reported from San Francisco and New York [4]. Therefore, although the usual incidences peak for individuals during the sixth decade of life, recent epidemiologic data suggest an increase in men younger than 45 years. Clinical presentations Anal cancers are frequently misdiagnosed and are associated with a delayed diagnosis, because the symptoms are not too dissimilar from those associated with the common benign conditions afflicting the anal canal and perianal region. Presentation often is at an advanced stage because of the
Charged Residues between the Selectivity Filter and S6 Segments Contribute to the Permeation Phenotype of the Sodium Channel

The deep regions of the Na+ channel pore around the selectivity filter have been studied extensively; however, little is known about the adjacent linkers between the P loops and S6. The presence of conserved charged residues, including five in a row in domain III (D-III), hints that these linkers may play a role in permeation. To characterize the structural topology and function of these linkers, we neutralized the charged residues (from position 411 in D-I and its homologues in D-II, -III, and -IV to the putative start sites of S6) individually by cysteine substitution. Several cysteine mutants displayed enhanced sensitivities to Cd2+ block relative to wild-type and/or were modifiable by external sulfhydryl-specific methanethiosulfonate reagents when expressed in TSA-201 cells, indicating that these amino acids reside in the permeation pathway. While neutralization of positive charges did not alter single-channel conductance, negative charge neutralizations generally reduced conductance, suggesting that such charges facilitate ion permeation. The electrical distances for Cd2+ binding to these residues reveal a secondary “dip” into the membrane field of the linkers in domains II and IV. Our findings demonstrate significant functional roles and surprising structural features of these previously unexplored external charged residues.
Site-level habitat models for the endemic, threatened Cheat Mountain salamander (Plethodon nettingi): the importance of geophysical and biotic attributes for predicting occurrence

The federally threatened Cheat Mountain salamander (Plethodon nettingi; hereafter CMS) is known to occur in approximately 70 small, scattered populations in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, USA. Current conservation and management efforts on federal, state, and private lands involving CMS largely rely on small scale, largely descriptive studies of habitat associations from a few sample sites. To address the critical need for quantitative data, we used an information-theoretic approach to elucidate site-level habitat relationships of CMS relative to a suite of biotic and abiotic habitat variables measured across the species’ range. We collected data on 18 explanatory habitat variables at CMS-occupied (n = 67) and random (n = 37) sites in the summer of 2006 and examined CMS habitat relationships using a priori, logistic regression models with information-theoretic model selection. Overall, results indicated that the probability of CMS occurrence at a fine spatial scale increased in areas with shallower depth to rock, areas proximal to rocky outcrops but distal to seeps, areas with higher densities of bryophytes, and areas with high densities of red spruce (Picea rubens) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Within the Allegheny Mountains, associations between CMS and abiotic habitat features appear to be important predictors of site-level occurrence, although vegetation associations interact to form more precise habitat relationships within forested landscapes. The information gained from our study should increase the capacity of managers to plan for the continued persistence and conservation of Cheat Mountain salamanders in this landscape.
Runx1 and p21 synergistically limit the extent of hair follicle stem cell quiescence in vivo

Mechanisms of tissue stem cell (SC) quiescence control are important for normal homeostasis and for preventing cancer. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKis) are known inhibitors of cell cycle progression. We document CDKis expression in vivo during hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) homeostasis and find p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1a, Cdkn1a), p57, and p15 up-regulated at quiescence onset. p21 appears important for HFSC timely onset of quiescence. Conversely, we find that Runx1 (runt related transcription factor 1), which is known for promoting HFSC proliferation, represses p21, p27, p57, and p15 transcription in HFSC in vivo. Intriguingly, in cell culture, tumors, and normal homeostasis, Runx1 and p21 interplay modulates proliferation in opposing directions under the different conditions. Unexpectedly, Runx1 and p21 synergistically limit the extent of HFSC quiescence in vivo, which antagonizes the role of p21 as a cell cycle inhibitor. Importantly, we find in cultured keratinocytes that Runx1 and p21 bind to the p15 promoter and synergistically repress p15 mRNA transcription, thereby restraining cell cycle arrest. This documents a surprising ability of a CDKi (p21) to act as a direct transcriptional repressor of another CDKi (p15). We unveil a robust in vivo mechanism that enforces quiescence of HFSCs, and a context-dependent role of a CDKi (p21) to limit quiescence of SCs, potentially by directly down-regulating mRNA levels of (an)other CDKi(s).
Underwater transient signal processing: marine mammal identification, localization, and source signal deconvolution

Processing marine mammal signals for species classification and monitoring of endangered marine mammals are problems that have attracted attention in the scientific literature. For classification it has been proposed to use methods appropriate for non-stationary signals, such as time-frequency and time-scale analysis. This paper shows that a factor that can significantly affect results from marine mammal signal processing is the impulse response of the ocean in which the signals propagate. The ocean is a dispersive propagation medium and, therefore, affects the time-frequency characteristics of a propagating acoustic signal. Because of this distortion, feature selection should be performed after the oceanic impulse response has been deconvolved from the recorded signals. The paper also discusses localization of vocalizing marine mammals using matched-field processing and shows how this becomes a part of the deconvolution process.
Pilot study on activities of daily living limitations in adults with hemianopsia.

Objective I sought to obtain a general understanding of the limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) experienced by adults with hemianopsia and quandrantanopsia from acquired brain injury. Method A semistructured interview addressing the perception of difficulty completing ADLs because of vision loss and a reading performance test were administered to 46 participants referred to a low vision rehabilitation program. Results Participants reported difficulty completing two basic ADLs, personal hygiene-grooming and feeding, and several instrumental ADLs, including driving, shopping, financial management, telephone usage, and meal preparation. ADL limitations appear to be related to the amount of visual search needed to complete the ADL and disruption of the performance skills of reading, writing, and mobility. Conclusion People with hemianopsia experience limitations in specific ADLs as a direct result of the disruption of the visual field. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings and explore interventions to improve ADL performance.
Rousseau's Descartes: The Rejection of Theoretical Philosophy as First Philosophy

Rousseau's Savoyard Vicar makes creative use of Descartes's meditative method by applying it to practical life. This ‘misuse’ of the Cartesian method highlights the limits of the thinking thing as a ground for morality. Taking practical philosophy as first philosophy, the Vicar finds bedrock certainty of the self as an agent in the world and of moral truths while distancing himself from Cartesian positions on the distinction, union and interaction of mind and body. Rousseau's Moral Letters harmonize with the Vicar's view. Descartes would reject the Vicar's appropriation, as real-life problems cannot wait on meditation to answer them.
Tumescent technique for regional anesthesia permits lidocaine doses of 35 mg/kg for liposuction.

. The tumescent technique for local anesthesia permits regional local anesthesia of the skin and subcutaneous tissues by direct infiltration. The tumescent technique uses large volumes of a dilute anesthetic solution to produce swelling and firmness of targeted areas. This investigation examines the absorption pharmacokinetics of dilute solutions of lidocaine (0.1% or 0.05%) and epinephrine (1:1,000,000) in physiologic saline following infiltration into subcutaneous fat of liposuction surgery patients. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured repeatedly over more than 24 hours following the infiltration. Peak plasma lidocaine levels occurred 12–14 hours after beginning the infiltration. Clinical local anesthesia is apparent for up to 18 hours, obviating the need for postoperative analgesia. Dilution of lidocaine diminishes and delays the peak plasma lidocaine concentrations, thereby reducing potential toxicity. Liposuction reduces the total amount of lidocaine absorbed systemically, but does not dramatically reduce peak plasma lidocaine levels. A safe upper limit for lidocaine dosage using the tumescent technique is estimated to be 35 mg/kg. Infiltrating a large volume of dilute epinephrine assures diffusion throughout the entire targeted area while avoiding tachycardia and hypertension. The associated vasoconstriction is so complete that there is virtually no blood loss with liposuction. The tumescent technique can be used with general anesthesia or IV sedation. However, with appropriate instrumentation and surgical method, the tumescent technique permits liposuction of large volumes of fat totally by local anesthesia, without IV sedation or narcotic analgesia.
Self-Determination Theory as a Framework for Understanding Road Rage'

The present study examined relations between motivational orientations, driving anger, and aggressive driving behaviors. It was hypothesized that the tendency to regulate behavior according to contingencies and pressures (controlled orientation), as opposed to interest and choice (autonomy orientation), would be associated with experiencing more driving anger and in turn driving more aggressively. Data from 109 college students were examined. As hypothesized, (a) controlled orientation was associated with feeling more driving anger as a result of other drivers’ actions; (b) controlled orientation was associated with more aggressive driving behaviors and more traffic citations; (c) the relation between controlled orientation and aggressive driving was mediated by driving anger; and (d) selfesteem and social anxiety did not account for the results of motivational orientations. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA, 1996), driving anger is on the rise. These estimates are consistent with the public’s perception that they find themselves more frequently as both victims and perpetrators of aggressive driving. However, the extent to which public perceptions eventuate from observable increases in “road rage” rather than media campaigns is unclear (Fumento, 1998). Still, driving anger does not seem to be limited to United States roadways. In 1995, the Automobile Association surveyed 526 British motorists and discovered that nearly 90% had experienced driving-anger incidents in the past 12 months. According to the survey, common aggressive driving behaviors resulting from driving anger were aggressive tailgating (62%), headlight flashing (59%), obscene gestures (48%), deliberately obstructing other vehicles (2 1 %), and verbal abuse (16%). Despite considerable attention from politicians, media, and various government agencies, driving anger and aggressive driving behavior have received relatively little attention from social psychologists.
Personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics, and the practice of psychiatry: on the threshold of predictive therapeutics in psychopharmacology?

CNS Spectr 13:2 February 2008 115 NEW TREND IN PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Personalizing medicine by understanding the unique properties of each patient’s genome has the potential of predicting what drug to prescribe for that individual. This approach has already proven useful for several drugs in medicine and promises to become a strategy for selection of therapeutics in psychiatry soon. Understanding some of the key concepts, strategies, and advances in the field of pharmacogenomics can set the stage for adapting emerging findings to the practice of psychopharmacology.
Electric water heaters: a new hazard for pediatric burns.

Abstract The electric water heater has recently become a popular household appliance replacing the hot water dispensing jug. This device provides hot water and potable cool water directly from the faucets thus removing the need to refill the container or boil water separately in a kettle. Along with the convenience of dispensing hot water immediately has come an increased incidence of pediatric burns. This paper presents a 6-year retrospective study of such pediatric scald burns from 1996 to 2001. Computer database records revealed that the incidence of pediatric scald burns caused by the electric water heater during the past 6 years was 6.4% (66/1028). The age of victims ranged 0–6 years (mean 1.5±1.1 years), most of the victims were in the 1–2-year-old group. In most common cases burn location was the trunk. The accidents often occurred during the cold months and in the living room of the house. From this retrospective study, it was seen that the etiology and incidence of scald burns among children have changed as people have modified their household practice for obtaining hot water in our country. This study aims to increase public awareness to the problem and suggest some prevention measures to reduce this type of scald injury.
Dynamic channel selection for multi-user video streaming over cognitive radio networks

Due to the dynamic nature of cognitive radio networks, multi-user video streaming (with various video traffic characteristics and QoS requirements) requires efficient dynamic channel selection schemes to exploit available spectrum resources. To do this, a wireless user needs to effectively model the dynamic wireless environment and estimate the delay of video packet transmission when selecting a specific frequency channel. In this paper, we apply the priority virtual queue model for these wireless users to adapt their channel selection and maximize video qualities. The simulation results show that the proposed channel selection solution based on priority scheduling outperforms the conventional dynamic channel selection scheme by 2 dB (PSNR).
Pharmacological characterization of the homomeric and heteromeric UNC-49 GABA receptors in C. elegans

(1) UNC-49B and UNC-49C are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits encoded by the Caenorhabditis elegans unc-49 gene. UNC-49B forms a homomeric GABA receptor, or can co-assemble with UNC-49C to form a heteromeric receptor. The pharmacological properties of UNC-49B homomers and UNC-49B/C heteromers were investigated in Xenopus oocytes. (2) The UNC-49 subunits are most closely related to the bicuculline- and benzodiazepine-insensitive RDL GABA receptors of insects. Consistent with this classification, bicuculline (10 micro M) did not inhibit, nor did diazepam (10 micro M) enhance UNC-49B homomeric or UNC-49B/C heteromeric receptors. (3) The UNC-49C subunit strongly affects the pharmacology of UNC-49B/C heteromeric receptors. UNC-49B homomers were much more picrotoxin sensitive than UNC-49B/C heteromers (IC(50)=0.9+/-0.2 micro M and 166+/-42 micro M, respectively). Pentobarbitone enhancement was greater for UNC-49B homomers compared to UNC-49B/C heteromers. Propofol (50 micro M) slightly enhanced UNC-49B homomers but slightly inhibited UNC-49B/C heteromers. Penicillin G (10 mM) inhibited UNC-49B homomers less strongly than UNC-49B/C heteromers (30% compared to 53% inhibition, respectively). (4) Several aspects of UNC-49 pharmacology were unusual. Picrotoxin sensitivity strongly correlates with dieldrin sensitivity, yet UNC-49B homomers were highly dieldrin resistant. The enhancing neurosteroid pregnanolone (5beta-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one; 10 micro M) strongly inhibited both UNC-49 receptors. Alphaxalone (10 micro M), another enhancing neurosteroid, did not affect UNC-49B homomers, but slightly inhibited UNC-49B/C heteromers. (5) UNC-49 subunits and mammalian GABA(A) receptor alpha, beta, and gamma subunit classes all share roughly the same degree of sequence similarity. Thus, although they are most similar to other invertebrate GABA receptors, the UNC-49 receptors share significant structural and pharmacological overlap with mammalian GABA(A) receptors.
Geodetic imaging of coseismic slip and postseismic afterslip: Sparsity promoting methods applied to the great Tohoku earthquake

[1] Geodetic observations of surface displacements during and following earthquakes such as the March 11, 2011 great Tohoku earthquake can be used to constrain the spatial extent of coseismic slip and postseismic afterslip, and characterize the spectrum of earthquake cycle behaviors. Slip models are often regularized by assuming that slip on the fault varies smoothly in space, which may result in the artificial smearing of fault slip beyond physical boundaries. Alternatively, it may be desirable to estimate a slip distribution that is spatially compact and varies sharply. Here we show that sparsity promoting state vector regularization methods can be used to recover slip distributions with sharp boundaries, representing an alternative end-member result to very smooth slip distributions. Using onshore GPS observations at 298 stations during and in the ∼2 weeks following the Tohoku earthquake, we estimate a band of coseismic slip between 30 and 50 km depth extending 500 km along strike with a maximum slip of 64 m, corresponding to a minimum magnitude estimate of MW = 8.8. Our estimate of afterslip is located almost exclusively down-dip of the coseismic rupture, with a transition between 40 and 50 km depth and an equivalent moment magnitude MW = 8.2. This depth may be interpreted as coincident with the transition from velocity strengthening to velocity weakening frictional behavior, consistent with the upper limit of cold subduction estimates of the thermal structure of the Japan trench.
Work and Courtship: How College Workload and Perceptions of Work Environment Relate to Romantic Relationships among Men and Women:

This longitudinal study of 96 students in exclusive dating relationships focused on how workload relates to romantic relationships. Respondents completed questionnaires at three points in time during an academic term. Workload, perceptions of the college environment and relationship dimensions of love, conflict, maintenance and ambivalence were measured at each wave. Workload and the subjective perception of the college environment of respondents were correlated with the relationship dimensions, in different ways for men and women. Correlations between college environment and relationship dimensions varied according to the time of the term and hence the intensity of the workload. A subsample of respondents ended their dating relationships during the term. These respondents differed in their attitudes about their schoolwork from respondents who maintained their relationships. This study demonstrated the interdependence of workload, students' orientation to their college environment and their dating relatio...
Blood talks: Eugenic modernity and the creation of new Japanese

In fin-de-siecle Japan, the ideal of "eugenic modernity," or the application of scientific concepts and methods as a means to constitute both the nation and its constituent subjects (New Japanese), crystallized in the space of imperialism. Three of the main themes explored are the application of eugenic principles to make connections between biology, kinship, and the plasticity of the human body; to contemporize historical stigmas; and to promote "pure-bloodedness" and "ethnic-national endogamy" as cultural ideals.
The Social Determinants of Health: It's Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes:

During the past two decades, the public health community’s attention has been drawn increasingly to the social determinants of health (SDH)—the factors apart from medical care that can be influenced by social policies and shape health in powerful ways. We use “medical care” rather than “health care” to refer to clinical services, to avoid potential confusion between “health” and “health care.” The World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has defined SDH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and “the fundamental drivers of these conditions.” The term “social determinants” often evokes factors such as health-related features of neighborhoods (e.g., walkability, recreational areas, and accessibility of healthful foods), which can influence health-related behaviors. Evidence has accumulated, however, pointing to socioeconomic factors such as income, wealth, and education as the fundamental causes of a wide range of health outcomes. This article broadly reviews some of the knowledge accumulated to date that highlights the importance of social—and particularly socioeconomic— factors in shaping health, and plausible pathways and biological mechanisms that may explain their effects. We also discuss challenges to advancing this knowledge and how they might be overcome.
Immunotherapy for Pediatric Cancer

Abstract Improvements in adult cancer survivorship can be achieved from behavioral changes and adopting screening programs. Yet, these approaches cannot be readily applied to lower the morbidity and mortality from childhood cancers. Rather, pediatric oncologists must rely on procedures and therapies to treat, rather than prevent malignancies. The systematic application of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery has led to remarkable advances in survival but these improvements have come at a cost. Children routinely receive chemotherapy agents that were designed decades ago, and these drugs have predictable side effects that result in the loss of potential for long-term survivors. The advent of targeted applications of immune-based therapies offers children with cancer a new class of oncolytic therapies that may be used to treat disease refractory to conventional approaches and lessen the toxicity of current treatment regimens without compromising remission. This review explores how 3 components of the immune system—T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and antibodies—can be used for therapy of pediatric malignancies.
Writing direction affects how people map space onto time.

What determines which spatial axis people use to represent time? We investigate effects of writing direction. English, like Mandarin Chinese in mainland China, is written left-to-right and then top-to-bottom. But in Taiwan, characters are written predominantly top-to-bottom and then right-to-left. Because being a fluent reader-writer entails thousands of hours of experience with eye and hand movement in the direction dictated by one's writing system, it could be that writing system direction affects the axis used to represent time in terms of space. In a behavioral experiment, we had native speakers of English, Mandarin Chinese from mainland China, and Mandarin Chinese from Taiwan place sets of cards in temporal order. These cards depicted stages of development of plants and animals, for instance: tadpole, froglet, frog. Results showed that English speakers always represented time as moving from left to right. Mainland Chinese participants trended in the same direction, but a small portion laid the cards out from top to bottom. Taiwanese participants were just as likely to depict time as moving from left to right as from top to bottom, with a large minority depicting it as moving from right to left. Native writing system affects how people represent time spatially.
Survival analysis methods in cancer studies.

In many cancer studies we are interested the survival experience of the patient. This survival experience may be the time until response to therapy, the duration of remission, the length of time free of disease or toxic effects of the treatment or simply the overall survival experience of the patient. We are interested in estimation of the distribution of these times, in comparing these outcomes between two or more treatments, or in finding models for these outcomes that allow us to predict outcome based on a particular patient profile.
Coronary Artery Reconstruction Using a Bioengineered Patch and Epicardial Tunnel

An infant girl presented within a month after undergoing repair of the anomalous left coronary artery (LCA) from pulmonary artery by reimplantation technique with long-segment LCA occlusion and no flow to the bifurcation. She was severely symptomatic and referred for cardiac transplant evaluation. CorMatrix small-intestinal submucosa-extracellular matrix (CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Roswell, GA) was selected for the construction of LCA by creation of an epicardial tunnel to the LCA bifurcation. At 18 months after the operation, the patient was asymptomatic with normal growth and development, an unobstructed LCA system, and normal left ventricular size and function. With myocardial remodeling, this child has normal systolic function and has avoided cardiac transplantation.