cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postsynaptic target regulates functional responses induced by 5-HT3 serotonin receptors on axonal varicosities of NG108-15 hybrid neuroblastoma cells

Rat brain presynaptic 5-HT3 serotonin receptors, members of the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, induce changes in nerve terminal [Ca2+]i in a manner distinct from that found for somatic 5-HT3 receptors. Here, we assessed the role of postsynaptic target in regulating the nature of presynaptic receptor-induced responses, using the hybrid neuroblastoma cell line NG108-15 as a model neuronal system that expresses 5-HT3 receptors. Using immunocytochemistry, 5-HT3 receptors were found to be present on the presynaptic-like varicosities of differentiated NG108-15 cells, indicating that these receptors possess an inherent ability to localize to potential presynaptic sites. In the absence of postsynaptic target, 5-HT3 receptors localized to the varicosities induce rapid but transient changes in [Ca2+]i that were initiated by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, as assessed using Ca2+ channel blockers, these properties being typical of those found for somatic 5-HT3 receptors. In co-cultures containing rat myotubes, with which NG108-15 cells form functional cholinergic synapses, the 5-HT3 receptor-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in the axonal varicosities shifted over time (three to 10 days) to that found for brain nerve endings: sustained responses that were insensitive to blockade by antagonists of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The effect of co-culturing myotubes with the NG108-15 cells was mimicked by conditioned media from myotube cultures. These results indicate that regulatory molecules from the target postsynaptic cell dictate the functional responses elicited by presynaptic 5-HT3 receptors. Because the target-induced changes required several days before they were evident, we hypothesize that changes in protein expression, perhaps the consequence of altered gene regulation, underlie the changes in the responses to 5-HT3 receptor activation in the axonal varicosities of this neuronal cell line.
Analysis of cyanide in whole blood of dosed cathartids

A gas-liquid chromatographic method was modified to quantify both unmetabolized (“free”) and metabolized (“bound”, i.e., thiocyanates) cyanides. The methods for both are efficient and sensitive to 0.05 ppm. Repeated freezing and thawing of whole blood from treated cathartids caused an initial increase in free cyanide concentrations, followed by a gradual decline to a plateau. Bound cyanide concentrations declined after repeated freezing and thawing.
Resurfacing time of terrestrial surfaces by the formation and maturation of polygonal patterned ground

[1] To help interpret the polygonal patterned ground on Mars, we present recent findings about a similar form of patterned ground in a particularly cold and arid region on Earth, the Dry Valleys of Antarctica. In this region, distinct arrays of interconnected polygons, which we refer to herein simply as patterned ground, characterize many surfaces, reflecting a subsurface network of interconnected, subvertical wedges of sand that grow incrementally as sand progressively fills soil fractures. The fractures form initially as thermoelastic stresses arise during periods of rapid cooling of frozen ground, and they continue to open and close in response to thermal cycles. We describe the initiation and maturation of the patterned ground using data for the growth of sand wedges and for the evolution of crack patterns and microrelief over time scales ranging up to 106 years.
Research on the Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture: Review of Selected Studies and Methodological Issues

This presentation reviews studies that contribute to an understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture. A 1973 study, using volunteer medical students, looked into acupuncture's analgesic effect on experimentally induced pain and suggests that humoral factors may mediate acupuncture-induced analgesia. In a study of the possible role of the cerebrospinal fluid transmission of pain suppression effects of acupuncture, cerebrospinal fluid from acupuncture-treated rabbits was infused into recipient rabbits. The analgesic effect was observed in the recipient rabbits, suggesting that acupuncture-induced analgesia may be mediated by substances released in the cerebrospinal fluid. Studies of electroacupuncture in rats revealed that both low-frequency and high-frequency stimulation could induce analgesia, but that there are differential effects of low- and high-frequency acupuncture on the types of endorphins released. In another study, low-frequency electroacupuncture, given as median nerve stimulation in cats, was shown to protect the myocardium by inhibiting sympathetic pressor response and increasing myocardial oxygen demand. The development of neuroimaging tools, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), make noninvasive studies of acupuncture's effects on human brain activity possible. Studies using PET have shown that thalamic asymmetry present among patients suffering from chronic pain was reduced after the patients underwent acupuncture treatment. Other studies, using fMRI, have pointed to relationships between particular acupoints and visual-cortex activation. These powerful new tools open the possibility to new scientific studies of this ancient therapy.
Individualized Developmental Care for Very-Low-Birth-Weight Premature Infants

Forty very-low-birth-weight neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants with birth weights ≤1,250 g were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Behavior of the treatment infants was systematically evaluated, and individualized developmentally oriented care plans were implemented to enhance stability. Treatment babies required fewer days of intermittent mandatory ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure and achieved full enteral feedings sooner. Length of hospital stay and hospital charges were less for treatment than control infants. There were favorable effects on treatment infants' behavioral performance at 42 weeks' postconceptional age. These results support the hypothesis that behaviorally sensitive, developmentally oriented care improves medical and neurodevelopmental outcome in the NICU.
Life-Cycle Assessment Modeling of Construction Processes for Buildings

This research examined the environmental impacts due to the construction phase of commercial buildings. Previous building research has often overlooked the construction phase and focused on the mat...
Combined effect of cosolvent and cyclodextrin on solubilization of nonpolar drugs

Solubility enhancement has broad implications in parenteral formulation design. A simple mathematical model has been developed to describe the combined effect of cosolvency and complexation on nonpolar drug solubilization. The total drug solubility is determined by the summation of three drug species present in the solution: free drug [D], drug–ligand binary complex [DL], and drug–ligand–cosolvent ternary complex [DLC]. The proposed model established the dependencies of these three species upon the intrinsic drug solubility, [Du], the cosolvent solubilizing power, ?, the binary and ternary intrinsic complexation constants, Kbint and Ktint, and the cosolvent destabilizing powers for the binary and the ternary complexes, Fb and Ft. A nonpolar solute, Fluasterone, is used to evaluate the newly generated equation. The model explains the decline in drug solubility produced by low cosolvent concentrations as well as the increase in the solubility produced by high cosolvent concentrations that are observed at all cyclodextrin concentrations.
ERYTHROPOIESIS IN TRANSFUSION-INDUCED POLYCYTHEMIC RATS STUDIED WITH H3-THYMIDINE AUTORADIOGRAPHY.

SummaryErythropoiesis was studied with tritiated thymidine-autoradiography in young female rats made polycythemic by hyper-transfusion. Total numbers of marrow nucleated erythroid cells were markedly decreased by the third day post-transfusion, whereas absolute numbers of tritiated thymidine-incorporating nucleated red cells were depressed by day one. When labeling indices and grain count distributions were compared between erythroid marrows of polycythemic and control rats no differences were found. From this it was concluded that the suppression of erythropoiesis occurring in transfusion-induced polycythemic rats results from decreased differentiation of stem cells into erythroblasts and not from decreased proliferation of preexisting erythroid cells.
Religion in the Arab Spring: Between Two Competing Narratives

Did religion promote or discourage participation in protest against authoritarian regimes during the Arab Spring? Using unique data collected in Tunisia and Egypt soon after the fall of their respective regimes, we examine how various dimensions of religiosity were associated with higher or lower levels of protest during these important events. Using these original new data, we reach a novel conclusion: Qur’an reading, not mosque attendance, is robustly associated with a considerable increase in the likelihood of participating in protest. Furthermore, this relationship is not simply a function of support for political Islam. Evidence suggests that motivation mechanisms rather than political resources are the reason behind this result. Qur’an readers are more sensitive to inequities and more supportive of democracy than are nonreaders. These findings suggest a powerful new set of mechanisms by which religion may, in fact, help to structure political protest more generally.
A cryogenic mixed-signal process for radiation-hardened applications

Signal processing and A/D conversion for cryogenic applications places severe demands on the silicon fabrication process used to implement these functions, particularly in ionizing radiation environments. We describe a process designed for cryo applications such as high-energy collider front-end electronics, with specific optimization in the areas of noise, radiation hardness and predictable operation at 77 K. Applications of the technology are reviewed together with device issues and radiation test results. >
Self-aligning “smart” microcavities and picometer-scale optomechanical control through optical forces and potentials

We propose a new class of all-optical self-adaptive optomechanical circuits, enabling the manipulation of cavity resonances through resonantly tailored optomechanical potentials, leading to control of cantilevers with picometer precision and self-aligning microcavities.
Background events in microchannel plates

Measurements have been made to assess the characteristics and origins of background events in microchannel plates (MCPs). An overall background rate of approximately 0.4 events cm/sup -3/-s/sup -1/ has been achieved consistently for MCPs that have been baked and scrubbed. The temperature and gain of the MCPs are found to have no significant effect on the background rate. Detection of 1.46-MeV gamma rays from the MCP glass confirms the presence of /sup 40/K, with a concentration of 0.0007%, in MCP glass. It is shown that beta decay from /sup 40/K is sufficient to cause the background rate and spectrum observed. Anticoincidence measurements indicate the background rate caused by cosmic ray interactions is small ( >
Overlapping binding sites for the virulence gene regulators AphA, AphB and cAMP‐CRP at the Vibrio cholerae tcpPH promoter

The expression of the Vibrio cholerae virulence factors, toxin-co-regulated pilus (TCP) and cholera toxin (CT), are dependent on the ability of the LysR regulator AphB to co-operate with a second protein, AphA, to activate the expression of the membrane-bound transcription factors TcpP and TcpH. To gain insights into the mechanism by which AphA and AphB co-operate to activate the expression of tcpPH, we have purified these two proteins to near homogeneity and show that they are each capable of interacting with the classical tcpPH promoter at distinct binding sites. As shown by tcpP-lacZ promoter deletion experiments, gel shift and DNase I footprinting, AphA binds to and activates from a region of the promoter between -101 and -71 from the start of transcription. AphB binds to and activates from a partially overlapping downstream site between -78 and -43, and these functions are dependent upon a region of partial dyad symmetry that resembles the well-characterized LysR-binding motif. A single basepair difference in this region of dyad symmetry has been shown previously to play a critical role in the expression of virulence genes between the two disease-causing biotypes of V. cholerae, classical and El Tor. We also show here that the tcpPH promoter is negatively influenced by the global regulator cAMP-CRP. Purified CRP binds to a near-consensus sequence in the tcpPH promoter in a cAMP-dependent manner and protects from DNase I digestion a region that is completely within the region protected by AphA and AphB. These findings raise the possibility that the negative effect of cAMP-CRP on virulence gene expression is the result of its ability to influence AphA- and AphB-dependent transcriptional activation of tcpPH under various conditions.
Strength of Zirconium Diboride to 2300°C

The strength of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics was measured up to 2300°C, which are the first reported measurements above 1500°C since 1970. ZrB2 ceramics were prepared from commercially available powder by hot pressing. A mechanical testing apparatus capable of testing material in the ultra-high temperature regime with atmosphere control was built, evaluated, and used. Four-point bend strength was measured as a function of temperature up to 1600°C in air and between 1500°C and 2300°C in argon. Strength between room temperature and 1200°C was ~390 MPa, decreasing to a minimum of ~170 MPa between 1400°C and 1500°C, with strength increasing to ~220 MPa between 1600°C and 2300°C.
Last King of the Sports Page: The Life and Career of Jim Murray Ted Geltner. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2012.

Last King of the Sports Page: The Life and Career of Jim Murray Ted Geltner. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2012.The period between 1958 and 1970 was a golden age of professional sports in Southern California. On January 1, 1958 the National Football League Rams were the only major league professional sports franchise in Los Angeles. Later that year, the Dodgers would move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and have great success at the turnstiles and on the field, winning three World Series Championships in their first eight years in Los Angeles compared to the one World Series title that they won in sixty-seven years in Brooklyn. The success of the Dodgers led to the creation of the Los Angeles Angels in 1961, an American League expansion franchise. That same year brought the move of the Lakers National Basketball Association franchise from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. Six years later the National Hockey League would establish an expansion franchise in the city.This same period was also a golden age in sports journalism. With the Dodgers came Vin Scully, the great poet of baseball play-by-play announcers. The Lakers turned to local sports broadcaster Chick Hearn to be their play-by-player announcer. Few would deny the significant role of Hearn in the Lakers' huge commercial success. A young academic, Dick Enberg, moved from the classroom into sports broadcasting with independent station KTLA. By the end of the decade, Enberg was becoming well established in what has been a legendary career. And there were many fine print journalists, such as Mel Durslag, Bud Furillo, and Jim Healey. But the King of the Sports Page was, indeed, Jim Murray, who was the featured sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times from 1961 through the summer of 1998. At his peak, Murray was syndicated in over two hundred papers.won fourteen writer of the year awards from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Twelve of those awards were given consecutively from 1966 through 1977. In 1994, Murray became the third sports writer and the first west of The New York Times to be honored with a Pulitzer Prize for commentary. Sports commentary remains a rare category honored by the Pulitzers. Although other writers (George Dohrmann and Ira Berkow) have won Pulitzer Prizes for particular stories, no other sports writer has won a Pulitzer for commentary since Murray.Murray was must reading in Southern California for those interested in sports and for many who were not interested but admired his humor and flair. …
ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF PERSONNEL PROGRAMS ON WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY

This article describes and illustrates the adaptation of the linear-regression-based decision-theoretic equations used to estimate the dollar impact of valid selection procedures on workforce productivity to the evaluation of intervention programs designed to improve job performance. The appropriate equations are derived and explained, methods for estimating equation parameters are discussed, and the use of these equations is illustrated by means of a hypothetical example. It is concluded that in the future these methods and equations will allow psychologists to make more accurate assessments of the impact of intervention programs on workforce productivity than has heretofore been the case.
Defining common outcome metrics used in obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep-disordered breathing a spectrum that ranges from snoring through disorder of increased airway resistance, to overt sleep apnea affects many clinical disease outcomes. Traditionally, disease outcomes have been measured by polysomnography, with the most common metric being the apnea hypopnea index (AHI). Multiple other clinical metrics are commonly used to assess the severity and impact of disease on important outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These allow assessment of sleepiness, quality of life, performance, and medical, especially cardiovascular outcomes. Currently the available metrics only partially explain the associated disease outcomes in different patients. This review highlights the available clinical, physiological and biomarker metrics in measuring OSA and associated co-morbidities and defines treatment goals.
Electronic Structure of Copper Corroles

The ground state electronic structure of copper corroles has been a topic of debate and revision since the advent of corrole chemistry. Computational studies formulate neutral Cu corroles with an antiferromagnetically coupled Cu(II) corrole radical cation ground state. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, EPR, and magnetometry support this assignment. For comparison, Cu(II) isocorrole and [TBA][Cu(CF3)4] were studied as authentic Cu(II) and Cu(III) samples, respectively. In addition, the one-electron reduction and one-electron oxidation processes are both ligand-based, demonstrating that the Cu(II) centre is retained in these derivatives. These observations underscore ligand non-innocence in copper corrole complexes.
White Coat Adherence in Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Who Use Insulin Pumps

Background:The purpose was to assess the occurrence of white coat adherence, defined as an increase in adherence to treatment regimens prior to a clinic appointment, in children and adolescents wit...
A 13-color parametric analysis for TBNK subset for the CytoFLEX instrument (TECH3P.935)

CytoFLEX is the newest cytometer offered by Beckman Coulter, Inc. that provides up to 3 lasers, 13 colors for detection in a compact system. This instrument incorporates the latest technology, Fiber array photodiode, FADP, to provide high resolution, dynamic range and sensitivity in signal detection. To demonstrate the ability of its multicolor detection, the standard multicolor panel design principles were followed to develop a 14 marker, 13 color experiment. The cocktail design process also took into account the desired immunophenotypic markers, the available fluorochromes, and the use of well-defined control populations to identify the classic TBNK populations. Data was collected from normal, whole blood stained with single color reagents and lysed with VersaLyse TM Lysing Solution. Data was analyzed using the CytExpert software and is presented here with special emphasis on the optimization of flow analysis and compensation visualization. Results show that all TBNK populations were well resolved, notably the CD25 + subset in CD4 + T-cells, even though this maker was placed in the PC7 channel, which normally has poor resolution. The data presented demonstrates the ability of the CytoFLEX to provide sound detection and resolution for even the most dim versus negative population.
Informal norms: shaping behavior in international negotiations

A budding scholarship in the field of international negotiations has turned its attention to the informal level of decision-making and the associated norms, communications, and interactions of diplomats and officials. This chapter is dedicated to reviewing past and ongoing developments in political science research in the arena of informal norms in international organizations.
Increased binding of fibrinogen to platelets in diabetes: the role of prostaglandins and thromboxane.

Previous studies suggested a role for prostaglandins or thromboxane A2, or both in the exposure of fibrinogen receptors on normal platelets in response to several aggregating agents. Platelets from diabetics are known to be more sensitive to aggregating agents and to produce more prostaglandins and thromboxane than platelets from normal subjects. We compared fibrinogen binding to platelets from diabetic subjects with binding to platelets from normal subjects and determined whether aspirin (which inhibits the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane) would inhibit the binding of fibrinogen to platelets from diabetic subjects and whether this correlated with its effects on platelet aggregation. We found the following: Aspirin suppressed thromboxane formation and rendered the platelets less sensitive to the induction of aggregation by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen. The amount of U-46619 [( 15s]-hydroxy-11-alpha, 9-alpha [epoxy-methano]- prosta[5Z,13E]-dienoic acid, a stable analog of prostaglandin endoperoxide/thromboxane A2) necessary to induce aggregation, was similar in normal and diabetic subjects and was unchanged after ingestion of aspirin. Binding of 125I-fibrinogen following stimulation of platelets by ADP or collagen was greater in diabetic (because more binding sites were exposed) than in normal subjects. However, following stimulation by U-46619, binding was similar in diabetic and normal subjects. Aspirin caused a reduction in the exposure of binding sites on both platelets from diabetic and normal subjects, so that (in this respect) platelets from diabetic subjects became more like those from normal subjects. Effects of the monoclonal antibody B59.2, which is specific for the platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (the presumed receptor for fibrinogen on the platelet surface) were also studied. The amount of this antibody that bound to platelets was the same for normal and diabetic subjects both before and after aspirin and with or without stimulation by ADP or collagen. In addition, B59.2 inhibited aggregation and fibrinogen binding in both platelets from diabetic and normal subjects. The combined data suggest that the glycoprotein IIb- IIIa complex of platelets from diabetic subjects is similar to that of platelets from normal subjects and that the increased fibrinogen binding and aggregation of platelets from diabetic subjects in response to ADP or collagen is mediated by increased formation of prostaglandin endoperoxide or thromboxane A2, or both.
Dynamics and fragmentation of van der Waals and hydrogen bonded cluster cations: (NH3)n and (NH3BH3)n ionized at 10.51 eV

A 118 nm laser is employed as a high energy, single photon (10.51 eV/photon) source for study of the dynamics and fragmentation of the ammonia borane (NH3BH3) cation and its cluster ions through time of flight mass spectrometry. The behavior of ammonia ion and its cluster ions is also investigated under identical conditions in order to explicate the ammonia borane results. Charge distributions, molecular orbitals, and spin densities for (NH3BH3)n and its cations are explored at both the second-order perturbation theory (MP2) and complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) theory levels. Initial dissociation mechanisms and potential energy surfaces for ionized NH3BH3, NH3, and their clusters are calculated at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level. Protonated clusters (NH3)xH(+) dominate ammonia cluster mass spectra: our calculations show that formation of (NH3)n-1H(+) and NH2 from the nascent (NH3)n(+) has the lowest energy barrier for the system. The only common features for the (NH3)n(+) and (NH3BH3)n(+) mass spectra under these conditions are found to be NHy(+) (y = 0,…,4) at m/z = 14-18. Molecular ions with both (11)B and (10)B isotopes are observed, and therefore, product ions observed for the (NH3BH3)n cluster system derive from (NH3BH3)n clusters themselves, not from the NH3 moiety of NH3BH3 alone. NH3BH2(+) is the most abundant ionization product in the (NH3BH3)n(+) cluster spectra: calculations support that for NH3BH3(+), an H atom is lost from the BH3 moiety with an energy barrier of 0.67 eV. For (NH3BH3)2(+) and (NH3BH3)3(+) clusters, a B(δ+)⋯H(δ-)⋯(δ-)H⋯(δ+)B bond can form in the respective cluster ions, generating a lower energy, more stable ion structure. The first step in the (NH3BH3)n(+) (n = 2, 3) dissociation is the breaking of the B(δ+)⋯H(δ-)⋯(δ-)H⋯(δ+)B moiety, leading to the subsequent release of H2 from the latter cluster ion. The overall reaction mechanisms calculated are best represented and understood employing a CASSCF natural bond orbital description of the valence electron distribution for the various clusters and monomers. Comparison of the present results with those found for solid NH3BH3 suggests that NH3BH3 can be a good hydrogen storage material.
Folate receptor targeted delivery of liposomal daunorubicin into tumor cells.

Background The folate receptor (FR) is amplified in a wide variety of human tumors. Thus, targeting cytotoxic therapies to FR is a promising strategy for chemotherapy. Materials and methods FR-targeted liposomal daunorubicin (f-L-DNR) was compared to non-targeted liposomal DNR (L-DNR) for cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in FR-expressing cells. Liposomal DNR retention was evaluated for liposomes loaded with either sodium citrate or ammonium sulfate as the trapping agent. The cellular uptake of liposomal DNR was determined by flow cytometry and fluorometry measurements while cytotoxicity was determined by the 3-(4,5dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results Liposomal DNR retention was superior for liposomes prepared using ammonium sulfate. Cellular uptake of f-L-DNR in KB oral carcinoma cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-FR-beta), and KG-1 human acute myelogenous leukemia cells were 9.4, 40, and 4,6-fold higher than non-targeted L-DNR, respectively. The cytotoxicity of f-L-DNR in KB and CHO-FR-beta cells was 18 times and 49 times higher than L-DNR, respectively. Both cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of f-L-DNR could be inhibited by 1 mM folic acid. Conclusion FR-mediated delivery of liposomal DNR to FR-expressing cells increases DNR cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. Therefore, therapeutic evaluation in relevant animal models is warranted.
Work-Family Trajectories and the Higher Cardiovascular Risk of American Women Relative to Women in 13 European Countries.

Objectives. To investigate whether less-healthy work–family life histories contribute to the higher cardiovascular disease prevalence in older American compared with European women.Methods. We used sequence analysis to identify distinct work–family typologies for women born between 1935 and 1956 in the United States and 13 European countries. Data came from the US Health and Retirement Study (1992–2006) and the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (2004–2009).Results. Work–family typologies were similarly distributed in the United States and Europe. Being a lone working mother predicted a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and smoking among American women, and smoking for European women. Lone working motherhood was more common and had a marginally stronger association with stroke in the United States than in Europe. Simulations indicated that the higher stroke risk among American women would only be marginally reduced if American women had experienced the same work–family trajectories as E...
Geometry-based channel recognition for context-aware applications

Environmental factors that lead to the movement and type of obstacles in and around wireless links are well-known to directly affect channel characteristics. However, while mobile users typically have repeatable daily or weekly patterns with common locations being frequently visited, many protocols along the network stack do not attempt to identify when physical locations are revisited. If wireless channels could be recognized as previously visited, the observance of good and bad decisions in that particular context could dramatically improve some network protocols. In this paper, we present a channel recognition framework which uses the geometrical shape of the link-level performance in a particular context across transmission modes and channel qualities. When attempting to recognize a channel condition, the performance of data transmissions is observed and compared against known channel types to detect similar behavior. The matching channel type can be used as an input to the link adaptation training and resulting decision structure. We perform extensive experimentation on controlled repeatable channels as well as in-field channels to show the validity of the classification algorithm.
Provision of lactose to molting hens enhances resistance to Salmonella enteritidis colonization.

Older leghorn hens, more than 50 weeks of age, were divided into three groups designated 1, unmolted controls; 2, molted; or 3, molted treated with lactose. Forced molt was induced by 14 days of feed removal. Lactose was provided to the hens in group 3 as 2.5% (wt/vol) of the daily drinking water. Each hen in all groups was challenged orally with 10 5 Salmonella enteritidis (SE) cells on day 7 of feed removal. The study was repeated in three replicated trials. The concentrations of acetic, propionic, and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the cecal contents of the molted hens in groups 2 and 3 decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on days 6 and 14 of molt compared with the unmolted controls. Forced molt had no apparent effect on pH or on the oxidation-reduction potential of the ceca. Compared to the unmolted controls, SE cecal and spleen and liver colonization was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the molted hens in group 2. Compared to the molted hens in group 2, SE cecal and spleen and liver colonization was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in two of three trials in the hens in group 3 provided with lactose. The results suggested that the increased susceptibility of molting hens to SE colonization may be associated with decreased fermentation and production of VFA by cecal bacteria or by a depletion of the number of VFA-producing bacteria present in the ceca. The results further suggest that providing lactose in the drinking water during molting may significantly enhance resistance to SE colonization.
Efficacy of Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring for Pediatric Cervical Spine Surgery.

Study design Clinical case series. Objective To investigate the efficacy of intraoperative neuromonitoring in pediatric cervical spine surgery. Summary of background data Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) consisting of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and transcranial motor-evoked potentials (tcMEP) has been shown to effectively prevent permaneny neurologic injury in deformity surgery. The role of IONM during pediatric cervical spine surgery is not well documented. Advances in cervical spine instrumentation have expanded the surgical options in pediatric populations. The goal of this study is to report the ability of IONM to detect neurologic injury during pediatric cervical spine instrumentation. Methods A single institution database was queried for pediatric-aged patients who underwent cervical spine instrumentation and fusion between 2011 and 2014. Age, diagnosis, surgical indication, number of instrumented levels, and a complete IONM were extracted. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of neurologic deficits were calculated with exact 95% confidence intervals. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated with estimated 95% confidence intervals. Results Sixty-seven patients who underwent cervical spine instrumentation were identified with a mean age of 11.6 years (range 1-18). Diagnoses included instability (27), congenital (11), kyphosis (8), fracture (7), tumor (7), arthritis (4), and basilar invagination (3). Mean number of vertebral levels fused was 4 (range 2-7). All patients underwent cervical instrumentation with SSEP and tcMEP monitoring. A significant change in tcMEP monitoring was observed in 7 subjects (10%). There were no corresponding SSEP changes in these patients. The sensitivity of combined IONM was 75% [95% CI = 24.9, 98.7] and the specificity was 98.5% [92.7, 99.9]. Conclusion tcMEP is a more sensitive indicator to spinal cord injury than SSEP, which is consistent with previous studies. IONM changes in 10% of a patient population are significant enough to warrant intraoperative determination if true SCI has occurred or is underway and intervene accordingly. Level of evidence 4.
Prescription Opioid Taper Support for Outpatients With Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Patients receiving long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain and interested in tapering their opioid dose were randomly assigned to a 22-week taper support intervention (psychiatric consultation, opioid dose tapering, and 18 weekly meetings with a physician assistant to explore motivation for tapering and learn pain self-management skills) or usual care (N = 35). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 22 and 34 weeks after randomization. Using an intention to treat approach, we constructed linear regression models to compare groups at each follow-up. At 22 weeks, adjusted mean daily morphine-equivalent opioid dose in the past week (primary outcome) was lower in the taper support group, but this difference was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = −42.9 mg; 95% confidence interval, −92.42 to 6.62; P = .09). Pain severity ratings (0–10 numeric rating scale) decreased in both groups at 22 weeks, with no significant difference between groups (adjusted mean difference = −.68; 95% confidence interval, −2.01 to .64; P = .30). The taper support group improved significantly more than the usual care group in self-reported pain interference, pain self-efficacy, and prescription opioid problems at 22 weeks (all P -values Perspective In a pilot randomized trial comparing a prescription opioid taper support intervention to usual care, lower opioid doses and pain severity ratings were observed at 22 weeks in both groups. The groups did not differ significantly at 22 weeks in opioid dose or pain severity, but the taper support group improved significantly more in pain interference, pain self-efficacy, and perceived opioid problems. These results support the feasibility and promise of this opioid taper support intervention.
Preliminary evaluation of super GTOS in pulse application

Compact high-action solid state switches are essential to weapon and protective systems for future Army vehicles. The Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, has been evaluating conventional and unconventional devices for an extended period of time. Large diameter thyristors have been explored and evaluated at currents in excess of 200 kA. Reverse dynistors, a Russian device, have shown even better performance than conventional thyristors due to their very fine gate structure (10-100s of microns). Fine gate structure leads to faster turnon, so that the switch is in full conduction much faster than those with more conventional gates, which vastly improves the reliability and lifetime of such devices. Silicon power corporation (SPCO) has produced a thyristor with an even finer gate structure than the dynistor. This super GTO (SGTO) also differs from conventional high-current thyristors in that it is modular rather than a single wafer design. Aside from a potential reduction in cost due to improved yield, the SGTO may be easily configured to produce the desired level of peak current by adding or subtracting individual chips in the module. This year, the Army Research Laboratory will obtain the first 400-kA SGTOs, which is double the prior current carrying capability of previous single wafer thyristors. A more critical parameter will be an increase of di/dt on turn-on by an order of magnitude. Single wafer thyristors of large diameter have had di/dt measured in kA/us. The objective of the SGTO switch is in excess of 40 kA/us. This paper presents the first experimental data from a prototype device, rated at 80-kA peak current. Data from this round of evaluation will provide critical design data for the realization of switch modules of 400 kA and beyond.
Visualization and Simulation of Immiscible Displacement in Fractured Systems Using Micromodels: I. Drainage

Abstract We consider drainage processes in model geometries that represent a matrix block-fracture system. Flow visualization in etched glass micromodels was carried out for various pairs of fluids, injection rates (capillary numbers), and viscosity ratio values. It was found that for a flow rate below a critical value (capillary number threshold) displacement occurs only in the fracture, with matrix invasion occurring after the critical value is exceeded. The experiments were modeled with the use of a pore network simulator based on meniscus displacement. Numerical and experimental results were compared and found to be in good agreement. A theory for the critical capillary number and the invasion process was subsequently developed. The process shares many of the features of invasion in homogeneous systems, with the notable exceptions that the role of capillary pressure is played here by the capillary number, and that the process is dynamic rather than quasi-static. Effective relative permeabilities for the matrix-fracture system were also calculated. Contrary to homogeneous systems, these curves depend on the mobility ratio. The results find application to fractured systems or to systems containing high permeability streaks.
Tuning the Adsorption of Polysulfides in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Metal–Organic Frameworks

The dissolution of polysulfide (PS) intermediates during discharge is a well-known obstacle to achieving long cycle life in lithium–sulfur batteries. Prior work has shown that PS dissolution can be partially suppressed via physical encapsulation of sulfur and PS within a porous cathode support. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline, nanoporous materials with extremely high surface areas, whose structure and composition can be varied extensively. MOFs are promising cathode support materials because the encapsulation afforded by MOF pores can be augmented by chemical adsorption of PS onto coordinately unsaturated metal sites (CUS). Here, we demonstrate that this additive approach—restricting PS dissolution by combining encapsulation and adsorption within a MOF—can be tuned to maximize PS anchoring via metal substitution on the CUS. Optimal MOF compositions are pinpointed by computationally screening 16 metal-substituted variants of M2(dobdc) (MOF-74) for their ability to chemically anchor prototyp...
The role of micronutrients in DNA synthesis and maintenance.

Recent research has indicated that the micronutrients, folate, niacin, and vitamin C may be important for various aspects of DNA and chromosome integrity. Folate is an essential cofactor for biosynthesis of deoxynucleotides and DNA methylation reactions. Niacin provides ADP-ribose units for proteins which are involved in DNA replication and repair. Vitamin C, a primary intracellular antioxidant, may provide protection against oxidative DNA base damage. Evidence for the importance of these micronutrients in DNA synthesis and repair is reviewed. The evidence is substantial for some of these nutrients and merely suggestive, even controversial, for others.
Testing the 4Rs and 2Ss Multiple Family Group intervention: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a major mental health concern and highly prevalent among children living in poverty-impacted communities. Despite that treatments for ODD are among the most effective, few children living in poverty receive these services due to substantial barriers to access, as well as difficulties in the uptake and sustained adoption of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in community settings. The purpose of this study is to examine implementation processes that impact uptake of an evidence-based practice for childhood ODD, and the impact of a Clinic Implementation Team (CIT)-driven structured adaptation to enhance its fit within the public mental health clinic setting. This study, a Hybrid Type II effectiveness-implementation research trial, blends clinical effectiveness and implementation research methods to examine the impact of the 4Rs and 2Ss Multiple Family Group (MFG) intervention, family level mediators of child outcomes, clinic/provider-level mediators of implementation, and the impact of CITs on uptake and long-term utilization of this model. All New York City public outpatient mental health clinics have been invited to participate. A sampling procedure that included randomization at the agency level and a sub-study to examine the impact of clinic choice upon outcomes yielded a distribution of clinics across three study conditions. Quantitative data measuring child outcomes, organizational factors and implementation fidelity will be collected from caregivers and providers at baseline, 8, and 16 weeks from baseline, and 6 months from treatment completion. The expected participation is 134 clinics, 268 providers, and 2688 caregiver/child dyads. We will use mediation analysis with a multi-level Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) (MSEM including family level variables, provider variables, and clinic variables), as well as mediation tests to examine study hypotheses. The aim of the study is to generate knowledge about effectiveness and mediating factors in the treatment of ODDs in children in the context of family functioning, and to propose an innovative approach to the adaptation and implementation of new treatment interventions within clinic settings. The proposed CIT adaptation and implementation model has the potential to enhance implementation and sustainability, and ultimately increase the extent to which effective interventions are available and can impact children and families in need of services for serious behavior problems. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02715414 . Registered on 3 March 2016.
Review of parental activation interventions for parents of children with special health care needs

Background A large number of U.S. children are identified as having special health care needs (CSHCN). Despite parents' central role in managing their child's needs, many parents report difficulties in navigating service systems, finding information about their child's condition, and accessing health care and community resources. Therefore, there is a need for interventions that "activate" parents of children with special health care needs to increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence in managing, coordinating, and advocating for their child's needs. This study sought to review the existing literature and examine the effects of parent support interventions that focus on parental activation either in part or whole, on child, parent, or family outcomes. Specific aims included (a) summarizing the nature and content of interventions; (b) describing changes in relevant outcomes; (c) identifying limitations and making recommendations for future research. Methods Following electronic databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO via ProQuest, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health via EBSCO, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) via ProQuest, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), and Google Scholar. Twenty-two studies were selected, data were extracted, and quality was assessed using standardized procedures. Results Five intervention categories were identified: parent-to-parent supports, psycho-educational groups, content-specific groups, community health worker model, and self-management-based interventions. Although most studies showed positive effects of the intervention, evidence was inconsistent for parental outcomes such as self-efficacy, confidence, strain, depression, and perceived social support. Evidence was more consistent in showing improvement in parent coping and in use of community-based services and resources. Conclusions There is a need to boost active ingredients of interventions that specifically target enhancing parent skill sets relevant to areas of self-efficacy, confidence, and empowerment. Future studies must also adapt intervention and study design to recruit socioeconomically vulnerable families.
Lower-Extremity Kinematics Differed Between a Controlled Drop-Jump and Volleyball-Takeoffs.

Previous studies utilizing jump-landing biomechanics to predict anterior cruciate ligament injuries have shown inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study was to quantify the differences and correlations in jump-landing kinematics between a drop-jump, a controlled volleyball-takeoff, and a simulated-game volleyball-takeoff. Seventeen female volleyball players performed these 3 tasks on a volleyball court, while 3-dimensional kinematic data were collected by 3 calibrated camcorders. Participants demonstrated significantly increased jump height, shorter stance time, increased time differences in initial contact between 2 feet, increased knee and hip flexion at initial contact and decreased peak knee and hip flexion for both left and right legs, and decreased knee–ankle distance ratio at the lowest height of midhip for the 2 volleyball-takeoffs compared with the drop-jump (P < .05, Cohen’s dz ≥ 0.8). Significant correlations were observed for all variables between the 2 volleyball-takeoffs (P < .05, ρ ≥...
Serum Thyroid Hormone and Thyrotropin Concentrations in Adult Horses as They Age.

Abstract With more horses remaining active longer in life, it is important to characterize changes that occur normally with aging, so that these can be differentiated from development of disease. The objective of the study was to test the hypotheses that geriatric horses have lower circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones and/or higher serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations compared to younger horses. Serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations from 71 normal, healthy horses that had participated in prior research projects were analyzed for effects of age, sex, and season when samples were obtained. All samples had been assayed in the same previously validated radioimmunoassays. There were no differences in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones or TSH by sex or season. Serum total thyroxine (T4) was greater in 3- to 6-year-old horses compared to all other age groups and was negatively correlated with age. There were no differences among age groups for free T4 and total and free tri-iodothyronine (T3). Serum TSH concentration was significantly greater in old horses (≥15 or ≥20 years) compared to young (3–10 years) and intermediate (11–14 years) age groups. Serum TSH was positively correlated with age. There were no significant differences in thyroid hormone responses to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) among young, intermediate, or old horses. However, the TSH response to TRH was significantly different in both groups of older horses compared to intermediate and young horses. Serum total thyroxine concentrations decrease and serum TSH concentrations increase in horses as they age, with no changes in free T4 or T3.