cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dopamine Neurons Mediate Learning and Forgetting through Bidirectional Modulation of a Memory Trace

Summary It remains unclear how memory engrams are altered by experience, such as new learning, to cause forgetting. Here, we report that short-term aversive memory in Drosophila is encoded by and retrieved from the mushroom body output neuron MBOn-γ2α′1. Pairing an odor with aversive electric shock creates a robust depression in the calcium response of MBOn-γ2α′1 and increases avoidance to the paired odor. Electric shock after learning, which activates the cognate dopamine neuron DAn-γ2α′1, restores the response properties of MBOn-γ2α′1 and causes behavioral forgetting. Conditioning with a second odor restores the responses of MBOn-γ2α′1 to a previously learned odor while depressing responses to the newly learned odor, showing that learning and forgetting can occur simultaneously. Moreover, optogenetic activation of DAn-γ2α′1 is sufficient for the bidirectional modulation of MBOn-γ2α′1 response properties. Thus, a single DAn can drive both learning and forgetting by bidirectionally modulating a cellular memory trace.
An approximate solution to the problem of a circular cylindrical shell with a circular hole subjected to an arbitrary self-equilibrated edge loading

In this investigation, we shall use Donnell's equation of shallow circular cylindrical shell to obtain an approximate solution for stresses in an infinitely long circular cylindrical shell with a circular hole about which there acts a self-equilibrated load. To satisfy the edge conditions, we first shall expand the appropriate solutions of the differential equation into series containing powers, products of powers and logarithm, of the characteristic parameter β ρ0 defined in (1). We then shall represent the unknown coefficients of the solutions in similar series including new constants which depend only on the material property and the type of loading. We determine the new unknown constants through simple algebraic equations. In conclusion, we shall present two examples for symmetric and anti-symmetric loadings, including expressions which illustrate their accuracy, and expressions for stress concentration.
The Importance of Testing Sets of Clinical Alarm Sounds and Navigating Tradeoffs to Translate Research Findings into Implementation

Despite noticeable efforts over the last 30 years to try and resolve the clinical alarm problem, the utilization of opinion-based and nonscientific alarm interventions has resulted in ineffective s...
Gender Equality and Tourism: Beyond Empowerment: edited by Stroma Cole, Wallingford, UK and Boston: CABI, 2018,141 pp., ISBN: 9781 78639 442 2, £29.99 (pbk)

Through the tourism sector, poor women around the world have uncovered new revenue-generating opportunities. For many development agencies, that’s a victory. But does increased income automatically...
Cellular senescence and Alzheimer disease: the egg and the chicken scenario

Globally, 50 million people live with dementia, with Alzheimer disease (AD) being responsible for two-thirds of the total cases. As ageing is the main risk factor for dementia-related neurodegeneration, changes in the timing or nature of the cellular hallmarks of normal ageing might be key to understanding the events that convert normal ageing into neurodegeneration. Cellular senescence is a candidate mechanism that might be important for this conversion. Under persistent stress, as occurs in ageing, both postmitotic cells — including neurons — and proliferative cells — such as astrocytes and microglia, among others — can engender a state of chronic cellular senescence that is characterized by the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules that promote the functional decline of tissues and organs. Ablation of senescent cells has been postulated as a promising therapeutic venue to target the ageing phenotype and, thus, prevent or mitigate ageing-related diseases. However, owing to a lack of evidence, it is not possible to label cellular senescence as a cause or a consequence of neurodegeneration. This Review examines cellular senescence in the context of ageing and AD, and discusses which of the processes — cellular senescence or AD — might come first. Ageing is the main risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD), but the mechanisms connecting ageing to this disease remain incompletely understood. In this Review, Saez-Atienzar and Masliah examine whether cellular senescence may have a role in linking ageing and AD.
Measuring peer influence susceptibility to alcohol use: Convergent and predictive validity of a new analogue assessment:

Research on peer socialization rarely examines individual differences in adolescents’ susceptibility to peer influence, perhaps because few theories or methods have elucidated how susceptibility is...
Effective investments due to seasonal morphological changes? Possible reasons and consequences of allometric growth and reproduction in adult signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852)) are among the most invasive macroinvertebrates in Europe, representing economic value as well as serious threats to ecosystems. Despite decad...
Gender and location disparities in prehospital bystander AED usage.

Abstract Background With bystander AED usage being critical for prehospital cardiac arrest patient outcomes, it is important to analyze if the gender and location disparities found in bystander CPR rates also exist for bystander AED usage. Methods Using the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) database, 1,144,969 bystander AED cases were analyzed on the basis of gender and location. Chi-squared testing checked for statistical significance and effect size was measured using relative risk (RR). Results Using female patients as a baseline, the RR for bystander AED usage for male patients was 1.34 (95% CI [1.3310, 1.3557], p Conclusions Female patients are less likely to receive bystander AED usage compared to male patients. To resolve these disparities increased public awareness is necessary that supports AED usage on females as socially acceptable and necessary for patient outcomes. Furthermore, given bystander AED usage among males and females declined as cardiac arrest locations became more remote, improvements in rural and frontier AED availability and training are necessary to increase bystander AED usage rates in those regions.
Genetic and functional diversification of chemosensory pathway receptors in filarial worms

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) afflicts over 60 million people worldwide and leads to severe pathological outcomes in chronic cases. The nematode parasites (Nematoda: Filarioidea) that cause LF require both arthropod (mosquito) intermediate hosts and mammalian definitive hosts for their propagation. The invasion and migration of filarial worms through host tissues are complex and critical to survival, yet little is known about the receptors and signaling pathways that mediate directed migration in these medically important species. In order to better understand the role of chemosensory signaling in filarial worm taxis, we employ comparative genomics, transcriptomics, reverse genetics, and chemical approaches to identify putative chemosensory receptor proteins and perturb chemotaxis phenotypes in filarial worms. We find that chemoreceptor family size is correlated with the presence of environmental (extra-host) stages in nematode life cycles, and that filarial worms contain a compact and highly-diverged chemoreceptor complement and lineage-specific ion channels that are predicted to operate downstream of chemoreceptor activation. In Brugia malayi, an etiological agent of LF, chemoreceptor expression patterns correspond to distinct parasite migration events across the life cycle. To interrogate the role of chemosensation in the migration of larval worms, arthropod infectious stage (microfilariae) and mammalian infectious stage (L3) Brugia parasites were incubated in nicotinamide, an agonist of the nematode transient receptor potential (TRP) channel OSM-9. Exposure of microfilariae to nicotinamide alters intra-mosquito migration while exposure of L3s reduces chemotaxis towards host-associated cues in vitro. Nicotinamide also potently modulates thermosensory responses in L3s, suggesting a polymodal sensory role for Brugia osm-9. Reverse genetic studies implicate both osm-9 and the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel subunit tax-4 in larval chemotaxis towards host serum, and these ion channel subunits do not rescue chemosensory defects in C. elegans osm-9 and tax-4 knock-out strains. Together, these data reveal genetic and functional diversification of chemosensory signaling proteins in filarial worms, and encourage a more thorough investigation of clade and parasite-specific facets of nematode sensory receptor biology.
Economic interdependence and the international implications of supply-side policies

This paper analyzes some of the implications of growing international economic integration for the conduct of structural policy. The first two sections show how the internationalization of markets has increased the importance of structural policies. In particular, section I points out that the internationalization of financial intermediation has raised the welfare costs associated with domestic distortions and, therefore, increased the need for domestic policies that reduce these distortions. The growing importance of structural policies in affecting domestic demand in a more integrated world economy is discussed in section II. It is shown that, especially in open international markets, domestic distortions reduce the effect of expansionary policy on the domestic economy. Section III turns to the international effects of supply-side policies by examining the international transmission of unilateral structural policies. It sets the stage for section IV, which discusses the need for the international coordination of structural policies and addresses some of the difficulties in coordinating these policies. The concluding section V points to some structural areas in which international policy coordination is most urgent.
Patient and Provider Experience with Telemedicine in a Urology Practice: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement

AbstractIntroduction:As a result of COVID-19, several clinics have adopted telemedicine to safely deliver care. However, the introduction of a new technology into an already complex system creates ...
Medium strength visual long-term memories are the most fragile.

What memories do humans forget? One theory proposes that memories stored with moderate activation levels are weakened when faced with competitive stress so that they are particularly prone to be forgotten. However, research suggests that visual long-term memories are stronger than memories of other modalities, and therefore may never fall into this moderate activation zone. Here we tested these competing predictions by showing to-be-remembered pictures while we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) indexing memory activation during encoding. We found that visual memories with medium levels of activation when first encoded were more prone to forgetting than memories with high or low encoding activation levels, but this only occurred if a memory was faced with competition. This study shows that we forget moderately activated memories when they are subjected to competition, regardless of the modality of experience.
Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the aim and the purpose of accurate assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The chapter discusses methods of assessment and reviews the measures with established psychometric data to support their use. Several common problems in assessment of PTSD and related concerns are considered. One of the major aims of assessment is to determine the extent of PTSD symptoms to evaluate whether a diagnosis of PTSD is warranted. Common problems associated with trauma, such as depression, ritualized behaviors, and substance use, must also be evaluated. Another purpose of assessment is to provide an accurate baseline of functioning. The severity of the person's presenting problems are ascertained and measured in an objective fashion to be used as a comparison against which gains in treatment can be compared. Self-monitoring, clinical interviews, and standardized measures are the multiple methods of assessment available. In using self-monitoring with a patient, the clinician must explain the rationale, identify specific target behaviors, and emphasize accuracy. A sensitive clinical interview is also a valuable method of assessing PTSD and related symptoms. A standardized measure involves specific questions that are objectively asked and can be psychometrically evaluated.
Notch-Yield Ratio as a Quality Control Index for Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness

The ratio of notch-tensile strength to tensile-yield strength (the notch-yield ratio) is correlatable with plane-strain fracture toughness, K I c . As a result of that fact and relative simplicity of notch-tension testing,it is suitable for plant quality control testing for fracture toughness. The test procedures and quality control testing practices are described, and data showing the correlation between K I c and notch-yield ratio from both 1 / 2 and 1 1 / 1 6 -in.-diameter notched tension specimens for several aluminum alloys are presented. The 1 1 / 1 6 -in.-diameter specimen provides a more discriminating correlation at high toughness levels than does the 1 / 2 -in.-diameter specimen. It is emphasized that this is not a procedure for estimating K I c directly, but for providing assurance that K I c equals or exceeds a stated value.
Process technology to facilitate the conduct of science

This paper introduces the concept of an analytic web, a synthesis of three complementary views of a scientific process that is intended to facilitate the conduct of science. These three views support the clear, complete, and precise process documentation needed to enable the effective coordination of the activities of geographically dispersed scientists. An analytic web also supports automation of various scientific activities, education of young scientists, and reproducibility of scientific results. Of particular significance, an analytic web is intended to forestall the generation of scientific data that are erroneous or suspect, by using process definitions to prevent incorrect combinations of scientific results. The paper also describes experiences with a tool, SciWalker, designed to evaluate the efficacy of this approach.
Calixarenes. Part 12. The Synthesis of Functionalized Calixarenes.

Abstract Procedures are described for the removal of the p-t-butyl groups from p-t-butylcalix[4]arene, p-t-butylcalix[6]arene, and p-t-butylcalix[8]arene and the introduction of functional groups in their place. Although attempts to functionalize the p-positions of the calixarenes have generally failed, the corresponding methyl ethers are amenable to facile acetylation to provide syntheses of the p-acetyl-, p-carboxy-, and p-carbomethoxycalix [6] arenes and calix[8]arenes. Acetylation and benzoylation of calix[4]arene and calix[6]arene occur at the phenolic oxygens rather than the p-positions, leading under most reaction conditions to the completely O-substituted product. Calix[4]arene reacts with benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine, however, to yield the tribenzoate. Conversion of the tribenzoate to the corresponding tribenzoyloxy monoallyl ether followed by a Claisen rearrangement and hydrolysis yields monoallylcalix[4]arene, a compound of particular interest because of its potential for the synthesis of calixarenes containing a single substituent on the “upper rim”.
Increasing the child and family-centeredness of paediatric asthma care: a qualitative evaluation of parent experiences

Rationale, aims, and objectives: The primary aim of this qualitative quality improvement project was to assess parental experiences of clinical care for their children with asthma across a continuum of healthcare settings. Method: Twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews were completed with parents of children who were hospitalized for asthma-related respiratory symptoms. Interviews were analyzed using the phenomenological method of qualitative data analysis. Results : Results revealed the presence of four major themes of importance to parents regarding their child’s asthma care: (1) importance of asthma education; (2) need for resources for asthma management; (3) provider communication and conflicting opinions; (4) determinants of satisfaction with asthma care. Conclusions : Parents of children with asthma identified areas for improvement in education, resource development and coordination of care for their children with asthma. Conflicting opinions are an identified barrier to care coordination. Coordination of asthma health services should aim to reduce conflicting opinions and improve parent-provider partnership for chronic care. Communication and caregiver education need to be incorporated into health system improvement efforts for improving outcomes for children with asthma as part of child and family-centered care.
Alcohol screening and brief intervention in primary care: Absence of evidence for efficacy in people with dependence or very heavy drinking

Issues. Although screening and brief intervention (BI) in the primary-care setting reduces unhealthy alcohol use, its efficacy among patients with dependence has not been established. This systematic review sought to determine whether evidence exists for BI efficacy among patients with alcohol dependence identified by screening in primary-care settings. Approach. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) extracted from eight systematic reviews and electronic database searches published through September 2009. These RCTs compared outcomes among adults with unhealthy alcohol use identified by screening who received BI in a primary-care setting with those who received no intervention. Key Findings. Sixteen RCTs, including 6839 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 14 excluded some or all persons with very heavy alcohol use or dependence; one in which 35% of 175 patients had dependence found no difference in an alcohol severity score between groups; and one in which 58% of 24 female patients had dependence showed no efficacy. Conclusion and Implications. Alcohol screening and BI has efficacy in primary care for patients with unhealthy alcohol use, but there is no evidence for efficacy among those with very heavy use or dependence. As alcohol screening identifies both dependent and non-dependent unhealthy use, the absence of evidence for the efficacy of BI among primary-care patients with screening-identified alcohol dependence raises questions regarding the efficiency of screening and BI, particularly in settings where dependence is common. The finding also highlights the need to develop new approaches to help such patients, particularly if screening and BI are to be disseminated widely.[Saitz R. Alcohol screening and brief intervention in primary care: Absence of evidence for efficacy in people with dependence or very heavy drinking. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010;29;631-640]. Language: en
Public attitudes regarding large-scale solar energy development in the U.S.

Abstract Using data collected from both a National sample as well as an oversample in U.S. Southwest, we examine public attitudes toward the construction of utility-scale solar facilities in the U.S. as well as development in one’s own county. Our multivariate analyses assess demographic and socio-psychological factors as well as context in terms of proximity of proposed project by considering the effect of predictors for respondents living in the Southwest versus those from a National sample. We find that the predictors, and impact of the predictors, related to support and opposition to solar development vary in terms of psychological and physical distance. Overall, for respondents living in the U.S. Southwest we find that environmentalism, belief that developers receive too many incentives, and trust in project developers to be significantly related to support and opposition to solar development, in general. When Southwest respondents consider large-scale solar development in their county, the influence of these variables changes so that property value, race, and age only yield influence. Differential effects occur for respondents of our National sample. We believe our findings to be relevant for those outside the U.S. due to the considerable growth PV solar has experienced in the last decade, especially in China, Japan, Germany, and the U.S.
Wisconsin's grazing networks: history, structure, and function.

Management intensive grazing (MIG) is an alternative livestock production system that involves producing the bulk of a herd’s forage requirements from pasture. Grazing is managed to maximize the productivity of the pasture and reduce overall feed costs. In contrast to confinement systems, MIG involves feeding a complex mixture of fresh forage grasses and legumes characterized by frequent changes in quantity and nutritional quality.Theskillsneededtomanagethissystemwellarenoteasily learned via traditional sources of agricultural information. Livestock producers in Wisconsin have capitalized on the potentialoffarmer-to-farmerlearningbyformingnumerousgrazing networks throughout the state. In the fall of 1998, we conducted a survey of grazing network coordinators to evaluate the structure and management of grazing networks, types and effectiveness of activities undertaken, and how state and federal agencies are supporting and can support the networks’ efforts without compromising their independence. Coordinators of all 23 Wisconsin networks were surveyed via mail or phone. Respondents were asked questions on the following topics: (i) network composition and size; (ii) structure and coordination; (iii) programming and activities; and (iv) challenges, concerns, and accomplishments.Responsessuggestthatgrazingnetworksvary widely in their composition and structure, but share similar activities, interests, and concerns. Factors that influence the effectiveness of networks as a mechanism for farmer-to-farmer information exchange include regular communication, agency support, homogeneity, attention to the needs of both advanced and beginning graziers, and a personal commitment to the network on the part of individual members.
KIT as a Therapeutic Target for Melanoma

We have embarked on an exciting era of targeted therapy in oncology, and in many ways a most exciting one for melanoma. Understanding the fundamental genetic changes that govern the development and growth of melanoma has propelled the field forward. Genetic mutations in KIT have proven to be successful targets of several tyrosine kinase inhibitors with demonstrated clinical efficacy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). With the identification of mutations and amplifications in KIT in melanomas that occur on acral and mucosal surfaces as well as on skin with chronic sun damage, initial reports of treatment with inhibitors in selected patients have suggested promising clinical activity. In this chapter, we review the biology of KIT and its role in melanoma as well report on the current experience with kinase inhibitors in selected melanoma patient populations. We will also outline the ongoing efforts that strive to answer critical questions on efficacy, dosing, and tumor genomics that predict response and suggest mechanisms of resistance.
Urban Land-Use Patterns: An International Comparison

This paper performs a comparative analysis of urban form and metropolitan spatial change by use of estimates of population-density functions for samples of cities in the United States, Great Britain, West Germany, and Japan. We find widespread evidence of decentralization during the 1960s in cities in all countries except West Germany. Comparing small and large cities, we also find that central density levels are higher and density gradients flatter for larger cities in all four samples. Both of these results tend to verify the predictions of the standard urban economic models. However, contrary to these models, we find that cities in richer countries are not necessarily more decentralized than cities in countries with lower income levels.
Control by calcium of protein discharge and membrane permeability to potassium in the rat lacrimal gland.

Abstract Discharge of protein from slices of rat exorbital lacrimal gland was stimulated by 10 −5 M carbachol. This response was blocked by 10 −4 M atropine or by the omission of extracellular calcium. In the latter case, secretion could be restored by the reintroduction of calcium to the medium. Carbachol (10 −5 M) also stimulated the release of 86 Rb (a marker for potassium) from the slices. This effect was completely blocked by 10 −4 M atropine. The initial transient release of 86 Rb was only partially inhibited by Ca removal, but the later sustained phase of release was completely blocked. As with protein secretion, this effect of Ca removal could be reversed by re-introduction of Ca to the medium. It is concluded that activation of cholinergic receptors in the lacrimal gland stimulates protein discharge and increases potassium permeability by mechanisms utilizing extracellular calcium ions.
Fatty acid ethyl esters in human mononuclear cells: Production by endogenous synthesis greatly exceeds the uptake of preformed ethyl esters.

Background: Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are nonoxidative metabolites of ethanol. They are esterification products of ethanol and fatty acids. Fatty acid ethyl esters have been implicated as important mediators of ethanol-induced cytotoxicity, organ damage, and disease. In addition, they serve as specific and sensitive biomarkers for ethanol intake. Following ethanol consumption, FAEE are found in circulating blood bound to albumin or/and lipoproteins. Objectives: Using a mononuclear fraction of white blood cells (WBC) exposed to ethanol, we investigated FAEE synthesis. We then determined the amount of uptake of preformed FAEE presented to the cells and compared the amounts of FAEE within the cells that were derived from endogenous synthesis with the amount derived from uptake of exposure FAEE. We also measured the persistence of FAEE within these cells and assessed the fate of the FAEE-associated fatty acid upon FAEE hydrolysis. Methods: A mononuclear fraction of human WBC was incubated with 25, 50, or 100 mM ethanol for 0.08 to 120 minutes, and FAEE synthesis was measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In other experiments, mononuclear cells were incubated with 25, 50, and/or 100 μM [3H]ethyl oleate, a representative FAEE species, for 0.08–120 minutes, and FAEE uptake and hydrolysis were measured. Results: The total FAEE formed by treating the cells with 25 mM ethanol, which represents a physiologic dose achievable with excess alcohol intake, greatly exceeded the FAEE within cells derived from uptake of 100 μM ethyl oleate, which represents a supraphysiologic dose. There was hydrolysis of FAEE by human mononuclear cells, with free fatty acids as major metabolites of FAEE hydrolysis. Unlike any other cell type or homogenate studied, the only ethyl ester formed by human mononuclear cells exposed to ethanol was ethyl oleate. Conclusions: There is significant synthesis of FAEE by human mononuclear cells within seconds of exposure to physiologic doses of ethanol. The amount of FAEE in these cells derived from endogenous synthesis greatly exceeds the amount acquired by exogenous uptake.
Structure specific chromatographic selection in targeted proteomics

The whole proteome of any organism is too complicated to be analyzed in a simple one-step process and direct attempts for the entire proteome analysis normally lead to considerable loss of information. A practical approach is the targeting of the specific structural feature of interest using chromatography. This approach simplifies the proteome while preserving most of the vital information necessary for analysis. Selection of peptides with specific amino acids (cysteine, histidine and methionine) or N- or C-terminal peptides is an accepted procedure for proteome simplification when general analysis is desired. While selection of enzymatically and non-enzymatically modified proteins and peptides is used when post-translational modifications are targeted. Protein interaction with small molecules as well as other proteins also has been studied using chromatographic selection methods.
Growth of NH4Cl and ND4Cl single crystals by vapor deposition

Abstract A simple vapor deposition process is reported for growing large single crystals of NH 4 Cl and ND 4 Cl directly in the disordered phase II (125 °C). The ND 4 Cl powder used in the preparation of the single crystal was deuterated at 70–80 °C in D 2 O. The exchange process was followed by the Raman spectrum of the ammonium ion.
Uptake of [3H]colchicine from silastic implants by mammalian nerves and muscles

Abstract The uptake of [3H]colchicine, which had diffused from silastic cuffs placed around the right sciatic nerve of adult rats, by extensor and soleus muscles was compared with amounts taken up into these tissues in animals treated with intraperitoneal injections of the drug. Each cuff contained 120 μg of [3H]colchicine, and animals injected with the drug received either one or two doses of 0.3 mg/kg body weight. About 39% of the [3H]colchicine diffused from the silastic cuff during the first 5 days and became widely distributed in the body; however, extrajunctional sensitivity to ACh, tetrodotoxin-resistant action potentials and membrane depolarization were recorded only in the ipsilateral (drug-cuffed) leg. The electrical and chemosensitive properties of the muscles in the contralateral (sham-cuffed) legs were unaltered. The [3H]colchicine content in that portion of the nerve enclosed by the cuff was 3.67 pmoles/mg wet tissue. This amount was about sixfold greater than that observed in sciatic nerves of animals treated with two intraperitoneal injections of the drug. The concentration of [3H]colchicine in extensor and soleus muscles of animals treated with the intraperitoneal injections was twofold higher than that observed in muscles whose nerves were exposed to silastic cuffs containing the drug. There were no signs of denervation (e.g., appearence of tetrodotoxin-resistant action potentials, membrane depolarization or appearance of extrajunctional sensitivity to ACh) in the muscles of animals injected with colchicine even though levels of the drug were higher in these tissues than that found in animals exposed to the silastic cuffs. Furthermore, simultaneous injection of colchicine intramuscularly had no effect on the level of extrajunctional ACh sensitivity of denervated muscles which were under constant direct stimulation. It is concluded that colchicine cannot produce signs of denervation by a direct action on the muscle membrane.
Salvage esophagectomy after failed definitive chemoradiation for esophageal adenocarcinoma

Background Outcomes of salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiation (CRT) for squamous cell carcinoma are well defined. Previous reports of salvage esophagectomy in patients with recurrent adenocarcinoma after definitive CRT are limited by small numbers and high morbidity and mortality rates. Methods We reviewed our experience of 65 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma treated from 1997 to 2010 who underwent salvage esophagectomy after failed definitive CRT. We then compared this group to 65 matched patients of 521 total patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who received preoperative CRT followed by planned esophagectomy. Propensity matching and multivariable analysis were performed. Results Median time to surgery from completion of therapy for the salvage group was 216 days. Major postoperative events (major pulmonary event, conduit loss, leak, readmission to intensive care unit) occurred in 35% (23 of 65) of salvage patients and 31% (20 of 65) of the planned resection matched group. Anastomotic leak occurred in 18.5% (12 of 65) and 11.3 (59 of 521) of salvage and planned groups, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 3.1% (2 of 65) after salvage resection and 4.6% (3 of 65) after planned resection. There was no difference in 3-year overall or median survival between the two groups of patients (32 months, 48% salvage, versus 40 months, 57% planned resection). Multivariable analysis did not identify salvage strategy or time from completion of therapy to resection as a predictor of major event or death. Conclusions Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and overall survival of patients after salvage esophagectomy are comparable to matched patients after planned resection. These results suggest that patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who fail definitive CRT and recur locoregionally should be considered for salvage esophagectomy at experienced esophageal centers.
Recent advances in growth hormone signaling

Growth hormone (GH) is a major regulatory factor for overall body growth as evidenced by the height extremes in people with abnormal circulating GH levels or GH receptor (GHR) disruptions. GH also affects metabolism, cardiac and immune function, mental agility and aging. Currently, GH is being used therapeutically for a variety of clinical conditions including promotion of growth in short statured children, treatment of adults with GH deficiency and HIV-associated wasting. To help reveal previous unrecognized functions of GH, better understand the known functions of GH, and avoid adverse consequences that are often associated with exogenous GH administration, careful delineation of the molecular mechanisms whereby GH induces its diverse effects is needed. GH is a peptide hormone that is secreted into the circulation by the anterior pituitary and acts upon various target tissues expressing GHR. GH binding of GHR activates the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), thus initiating a multitude of signaling cascades that result in a variety of biological responses including cellular proliferation, differentiation and migration, prevention of apoptosis, cytoskeletal reorganization and regulation of metabolic pathways. A number of signaling proteins and pathways activated by GH have been identified, including JAKs, signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats), the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and the phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Although these signal transduction pathways have been well characterized, the manner by which GH activates these pathways, the downstream signals induced by these pathways, and the cross-talk with other pathways are not completely understood. Recent findings have added vital information to our understanding of these downstream signals induced by GH and mechanisms that terminate GH signaling, and identified new GH signaling proteins and pathways. This review will highlight some of these findings, many of which are unexpected and some of which challenge previously held beliefs about the mechanisms of GH signaling.
Frege's theory of number and the distinction between function and object

In the Grundlagen, Frege developed a theory of number to which he remained committed for the rest of his career. Yet, when combined with the views he later put forward on the distinction between concepts and objects, this theory seems to lead to serious difficulties. I contend that these difficulties can be at least partially solved by abandoning the absolute ontological distinction between function and object. A careful examination of these problems will lead to a formulation of the distinction as language-relative and semantical. At the same time we will find it necessary to explore Frege's doctrine of sense and reference. Thus, I hope that my discussion of Frege's theory of number will also shed light on his philosophy of language. The theory presented in the Grundlagen rests on two basic principles:
Dynamics Studies of a Malachite Green−RNA Complex Revealing the Origin of the Red-Shift and Energetic Contributions of Stacking Interactions

RNA plays a central role in many biological processes and is therefore an important target for drug development. In recent years an increasing wealth of structural and functional information about RNA−ligand complexes has been obtained using in vitro selected RNAs (aptamers). However, all those studies focused on structure and changes of the nucleic acid and mostly considered the ligand as a rigid target. Experimental characterization of the dynamics of a malachite green (MAG)−RNA aptamer complex revealed surprisingly asymmetric changes in the 13C chemical shift of the ligand methyl groups, which indicate that the dye undergoes changes in its conformation and charge distribution upon binding, in addition to the red-shift in its maximum absorption frequency. Earlier computational work explored the electrostatic influence of the highly charged RNA backbone and surrounding counterions for these asymmetrical changes in 13C chemical shift. The work presented here examines the dynamical nature of the MAG molecu...
Evaluating Search Results: An Empirical Analysis of Middle School Students' Use of Source Attributes to Select Useful Sources

The present investigation examined middle school students' evaluations of the usefulness for addressing a social studies inquiry question of a variety of sources of information, and the basis of these judgments. This task situation simulates an early phase of information gathering and selection in the context of inquiry. For each of nine sources, students were provided with, and asked to rate, the usefulness of six attributes (i.e. title, author, venue, date, type of publication, and a two-three sentence content summary) and the overall usefulness of each source. The sources varied in usefulness as determined by expert ratings. Students' overall ratings showed that some clearly differentiated the usefulness of the sources while others did not. Analyses of the ratings of individual attributes indicated that “higher” differentiators primarily considered content indicators (i.e., title and summary) when making usefulness judgments; “lower” differentiators considered author and venue of publication, with much...
15th Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress

There have been many reasons to celebrate the success of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) as it has expanded beyond its earlier image of being an outsider to a central component in the tran...
Currency substitution, money growth rules, and the interdependence of monetary policy

Abstract This paper examines the interdependence of national monetary policies under flexible exchange rates when national currencies are seen as substitutes for one another. It is shown that the efficacy of a constant monetary growth rule as a means of controlling a country's price level depends on the policies of foreign central banks. These results are in contrast to those found under flexible exchange rates and no currency substitution. The role of monetary growth rules in a world of currency substitution is discussed.
Effect of surface-active stabilizers on the surface properties of coconut milk emulsions.

Abstract Recently we have shown how surface-active stabilizers (≤1 wt% sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, whey protein isolate, and sodium caseinate) added either before or after homogenization affect the stability and properties of coconut milk emulsions [Tangsuphoom, N., & Coupland, J. N. (2008). Effect of surface-active stabilizers on the microstructure and stability of coconut milk emulsions. Food Hydrocolloids , 22 (7), 1233–1242]. In this work, we propose a mechanism to explain these observations based on changes in surface composition and properties. Coconut milk has a high surface protein load (∼7 mg m −2 ), of which the major component is cocosin. Small-molecule surfactants (>0.25%) added to the homogenized coconut milk displaced the coconut proteins from the surface resulting in a change in ζ-potential. Dairy proteins added to the coconut milk after homogenization did not accumulate at the droplet surface. Addition of small-molecule surfactants to the coconut milk prior to homogenization completely displaced coconut proteins from the oil–water interface. Homogenization of coconut milk with proteins resulted in a decrease in total protein surface concentration (to about 2 mg m −2 ) and a significant replacement of coconut proteins by the dairy proteins. The change in ζ-potential also reflected the change in protein and surface composition as the values moved close to the value of coconut oil emulsions stabilized solely with the corresponding added stabilizer.
Radioimmunoassay of human thyroglobulin: effect of antithyroglobulin autoantibodies.

This study was designed to investigate quantitatively the interference of thyroglobulin autoantibodies in the RIA of human thyroglobulin (hTG). Anti-hTG autoantibodies were combined with purified hTG to produce samples with known antibody titers and hTG concentrations. These samples were analyzed in the RIA. By using anti-human globulin serum it was first shown that immune complexes formed between labeled hTG and human anti-hTG. It was then shown that the most important factor in determining the direction of the interference was the specificity of the precipitating (second) antiserum with respect to these immune complexes. When the precipitating antiserum was specific, i.e. did not recognize human antibodies, the immune complexes remained in the supernatant and the measured hTG concentration was falsely elevated. When the precipitating antiserum cross-reacted with human antibodies, the direction of the interference depended on the sample volume. At small volumes there was false depression while at large volumes there was false elevation of apparent hTG levels, depending on the capacity of the precipitating antiserum to combine with human antibodies. Anti-hTG titers far below those detected by the tanned-red cell hemagglutination test had very large effects, to the point where measurements of hTG could not be made, when a cross-reactive precipitating antiserum was used. Therefore, the procedure which investigators have used until now, to exclude samples with anti-hTG hemagglutination titers above an arbitrary limit, is not adequate. It is necessary, until methods are developed which avoid the problem of autoantibody interference, to characterize each assay to determine the limits of anti-hTG that can be tolerated. The factors which influence anti-hTG interference in the hTG RIA are 1) the specificity of the precipitating antiserum, 2) the sample volume, 3) the maximum tracer binding, and 4) the anti-hTG titer.
Swelling of crosslinked poly‐4‐vinylpyridine

Polyvinylpyridine of molecular weight 0.77 × 106 was crosslinked by 2.5, 5, and 10% BrCH2C6H4CO(CH2)8COC6H4CH2Br and by 10% ClCH2C6H4CH2Cl; quaternization of the gel was completed with n-butyl bromide. Swelling ratios in aqueous solutions of lithium, sodium, and 4-isopropyl-N-n-butylpyridinium bromide and in methanolic lithium bromide were determined. Selectivity increased in the sequence Li+ <Na+ <PrN+−C5H5. The Flory parameter χ1, which measures interaction between solvent and polymer, decreased from 1.5 kT to nearly zero with increasing density of crosslinks in the aqueous solutions, and from 3 kT to 0.5 kT in the methanol solutions. The inverse proportionality of q2/3 (q = swelling ratio) to the crosslinking density was approximately verified for swelling of the resins in water, methanol, and dimethylformamide.
Improved contrast in laser-diode-based photoacoustic images with short-lag spatial coherence beamforming

Pulsed laser diodes (PLDs) enable photoacoustic imaging with lower cost, increased portability, and higher frame rates compared to conventional Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. However, the main disadvantage of the PLD is its low peak power, which necessitates averaging thousands of photoacoustic signals to achieve signal-to-noise ratios that are comparable to those produced by an Nd:YAG laser. The averaging process degrades temporal resolution with minimal improvements to image contrast. This work is the first to investigate the use of a PLD and short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) beamforming to display high-contrast photoacoustic images with minimal to no signal averaging required. The mean contrast in single photoacoustic images of targets as deep as 5–15 mm from the surface was improved by 11–17 dB with SLSC beamforming when compared to conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming of the same data. The SLSC correlation kernel was adjusted based on laser pulse lengths to demonstrate applicability to coded excitation. Results suggest that coherence-based beamforming can overcome current limitations with real-time PLD-based photoacoustic imaging.
Effects of tyrosine-26 and tyrosine-64 nitration on the photoreactions of bacteriorhodopsin.

The photoreactions of nitrated bacteriorhodopsin (bR) are examined. Flash-induced difference spectra of bR, bR with aminotyrosine in position 26 (bR-N26R) and bR with aminotyrosine in position 64 are analyzed. It is observed that changes in the actinic wavelength (from 520 to 500 or 580 nm) have no affect on the shape of the spectra and the formation and decay kinetics of the O and M intermediates. Nitration of tyrosine-64 decreases the chromophore absorbance, shifts the absorption maximum to 535 nm, and affects photocycle kinetics independent of the pK of its phenolic group. Light-dark adaptation spectra for bR are studied. The kinetics of the M and O intermediates in bR with nitrotyrosine in position 64 (bR-N64) and bR with aminotyrosine in position 64 and bR with nitrotyrosine in position 26 and bR-N26R are described and compared to bR; the pH dependence and M and O decay rates are considered. The deprotonation of bR-N64 during the photoreaction cycle and the effects of nitration on the activity of proton pumping are investigated.
Noninvasive monitoring cardiac output using partial CO(2) rebreathing

This article reviews use of partial carbon dioxide rebreathing devices to determine cardiac output and their application for hemodynamic monitoring in the ICU and operating room. The primary focus is on the NICO monitoring device. Compared with conventional cardiac output methods, these techniques are noninvasive, easily automated, and provide real-time and continuous cardiac output monitoring. The advantages and limitations of each technique are different discussed.