cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quadratically Constrained Beamforming Robust Against Direction-of-Arrival Mismatch

It is well known that the performance of the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer is very sensitive to steering vector mismatch. Such mismatches can occur as a result of direction-of-arrival (DOA) errors, local scattering, near-far spatial signature mismatch, waveform distortion, source spreading, imperfectly calibrated arrays and distorted antenna shape. In this paper, an adaptive beamformer that is robust against the DOA mismatch is proposed. This method imposes two quadratic constraints such that the magnitude responses of two steering vectors exceed unity. Then, a diagonal loading method is used to force the magnitude responses at the arrival angles between these two steering vectors to exceed unity. Therefore, this method can always force the gains at a desired range of angles to exceed a constant level while suppressing the interferences and noise. A closed-form solution to the proposed minimization problem is introduced, and the diagonal loading factor can be computed systematically by a proposed algorithm. Numerical examples show that this method has excellent signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio performance and a complexity comparable to the standard MVDR beamformer.
Mucosal Vaccine Made from Live, Recombinant Lactococcus lactis Protects Mice against Pharyngeal Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes

A novel vaccine (LL-CRR) made from live, nonpathogenic Lactococcus lactis that expresses the conserved C-repeat region (CRR) of M protein from Streptococcus pyogenes serotype 6 was tested in mice. Nasally vaccinated mice produced CRR-specific salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) and serum IgG. Subcutaneously vaccinated mice produced CRR-specific serum IgG but not salivary IgA. A combined regimen produced responses similar to the salivary IgA of nasally vaccinated mice and serum IgG of subcutaneously vaccinated mice. Mice vaccinated nasally or with the combined regimen were significantly protected against pharyngeal infection following a nasal challenge with S. pyogenes M serotype 14. Mice vaccinated subcutaneously were not protected against pharyngeal infection. Mice in all three LL-CRR vaccination groups were significantly protected against the lethal effects of S. pyogenes. Only 1 of 77 challenged mice that were vaccinated with LL-CRR died, whereas 60 of 118 challenged mice that were vaccinated with a control strain or phosphate-buffered saline died. In conclusion, mucosal vaccination with LL-CRR produced CRR-specific salivary IgA and serum IgG, prevented pharyngeal infection with S. pyogenes, and promoted survival.
A uniform uncertainty principle for Gaussian circulant matrices

This paper considers the problem of estimating a discrete signal from its convolution with a pulse consisting of a sequence of independent and identically distributed Gaussian random variables. We derive lower bounds on the length of a random pulse needed to stably reconstruct a signal supported on [1, n]. We will show that a general signal can be stably recovered from convolution with a pulse of length m ≳ n log5 n, and a sparse signal which can be closely approximated using s ≲ n/log5 n terms can be stably recovered with a pulse of length n.
The Etiology of Plateau Waves: A Theoretical Model and Experimental Observations

Plateau waves, or Lundberg “A” waves, have been recognized since 1960. However, no comprehensive theory to explain why they occur has been presented. Explanations have generally been based upon the occurrence of vasodilatation which led to an increase in cerebral blood volume (CBV) and a subsequent rise in the intracranial pressure. This increase in blood volume has been demonstrated by Risberg et al. (1969) who also suggested that the increase was maximal just prior to termination of the wave. Previous investigators have also recognized the necessity of decreased intracranial compliance before plateau waves will occur (Lundberg 1960, Matsuda et al. 1979).
Data-driven haptic modeling using polynomial hypersurfaces

In this paper we present a method for generating accurate haptic force models to describe the feel of physical devices. The models are generated by fitting polynomial hypersurfaces to experimentally measured motion and force data obtained by actuating physical devices. The methods are demonstrated by modeling the complex force-deflection profile of a nonlinear mass-spring-damper system. Initial results indicate that polynomial hypersurfaces have the potential to accurately describe the dynamics of nonlinear devices.
Patterns of forest diversity along the Tana River, Kenya

Tropical forest vegetation occurs within a narrow corridor along the semi-arid lower floodplain of the Tana River, Kenya. An inventory of the woody flora and ecological study of 12 forest areas in the Tana River National Primate Reserve (TRNPR) describe the composition and structure of this riverine forest ecosystem and identify patterns of regional and local diversity. Only 175 species in 49 families are recorded in the woody flora, but the geographic affinities of 98 species are from four major floristic regions in Africa: Zanzibar-Inhambane (31%), Somalia-Masai (16%), Guinea-Congolian (12%), and Zambezian (1%). Ten species are rare and/or disjunct. Forests have a disturbed physiognomy characterized by a low mean height (14.4 m), high species importance attributable to a few trees, low density (409 ha −1 ) and coverage (23.1 m 2 ha −1 ) of trees > 10 cm dbh, and an abundance of palms and lianes. Changes along the river in sediment deposition and hydrology explain the high diversity of landforms and corresponding forest types in the TRNPR vicinity, but the absence of trees which are most important near Bura, Acacia elalior , and near Wema, Barringtonia racemosa , suggests that the regional diversity of the ecosystem is inadequately protected. Preservation of key resources, such as the endangered primates, should be coupled with protection of the forest heterogeneity that characterizes this dynamic landscape.
Note on Fossiliferous Strata on the Galapagos Islands explored by W. H. Ochsner of the Expedition of the California Academy of Sciences in 1905–6

One of the most interesting results of the exploration of the Galapagos Islands by the Academy's expedition was the discovery of sedimentary fossiliferous strata on several of the islands. A report was prepared with descriptions of the fossils by the writer in 1916, but the publication so far, has been delayed.The interest attaching to this discovery is so great, the islands having been regarded hitherto as entirely eruptive, that it seems desirable to put on record a brief abstract of the results, as recorded by Mr. Ochsner.
Finding treasures in frozen cells: new centriole intermediates.

Summary Centriole duplication has been an area of interest since the late 1800s when Boveri suggested that these structures were central organizers for mitosis and cell division. Two groups (1,2) have delineated a linear pathway for centriole assembly. In C. elegans, Pelletier and coworkers (1) have identified intermediates in the pathway using cryo-electron tomography. Surprising, the first intermediate is a hollow tube of 60 nm that increases in diameter and then elongates before acquiring microtubules. Similar structures have not been observed to date in other centrioles. BioEssays 29: 630–634, 2007. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumor-dependent Kinetics of Partial Pressure of Oxygen Fluctuations during Air and Oxygen Breathing

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the kinetics of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) fluctuations in fibrosarcoma (FSA) and 9L tumors under air and O2 breathing conditions. The overall hypothesis was that key factors relating to oxygen tension fluctuations would vary between the two tumor types and as a function of the oxygen content of the breathing gas. To assist in the interpretation of the temporal data, spatial pO2 distributions were measured in 10 FSA and 8 9L tumors transplanted into the subcutis of the hind leg of Nembutal-anesthetized (50 mg/kg) Fischer 344 rats. Recessed-tip oxygen microelectrodes were inserted into the tumor, and linear pO2 measurements were recorded in 50-μm steps along a 3-mm path, and blood pressure was simultaneously measured via femoral arterial access. Additionally, pO2 was measured at a single location for 90 to 120 minutes in FSA (n = 11) or 9L tumors (n = 12). Rats were switched from air to 100% O2 breathing after 45 minutes. Temporal pO2 records were evaluated for their potential radiobiological significance by assessing the number of times they crossed a 10-mm-Hg threshold. In addition, the data were subjected to Fourier analysis for air and O2 breathing. FSA and 9L tumors had spatial median pO2 measurements of 4 and 1 mm Hg, respectively. 9L had more low pO2 measurements ≤2.5 mm Hg than did FSA, whereas between 2.5 and 10 mm Hg this pattern was reversed. Pimonidazole staining patterns in FSA and 9L tumors supported these results. Temporal pO2 instability was observed in all experiments during air and O2 breathing. Threshold analyses indicated that the 10 mm Hg threshold was crossed 2 to 5 times per hour, independent of tumor type. However, the magnitude of 9L pO2 fluctuations was approximately eight times greater than FSA fluctuations, as assessed with Fourier transform analysis (Wilcoxon, P These results show that these two tumors differ significantly with respect to spatial and temporal oxygenation conditions under air and O2 breathing. Fluctuations of pO2 of the type reported herein are predicted to significantly affect radiotherapy response and could be a source for genetic instability, increased angiogenesis, and metastases.
Prototyping for systems development: a critical appraisal

Although relatively recent in information systems design, the prototyping technique has a long tradition in developing engineering systems. An engineering system is defined as any artificial system that performs actions to achieve a desired transformation of objects undergoing a change of state. We will review the application of and experience with prototyping in engineering systems design and relate these to the development of information systems. Drawing on the strong similarities between the design processes of engineering systems and information systems results in the identification of a number of different types of prototypes that can be used for a variety of purposes and integrated into the various stages of the systems development life cycle. The experience gained from applying the prototyping method in the design of engineering systems permits us to exploit its advantages and to avoid its misapplications when it is used in information systems development.
Studies of the interaction of slow very highly charged ions with solid surfaces using the LLNL EBIT facility

A summary of the present status of the LLNL EBIT based research program on highly charged ion-solid surface interaction is presented. New results for coincidence measurements of K”-KP X-ray emission for Fe 26f incident on Al, using two Ge detectors are presented. It is shown that excellent resolution of the satellite and hypersatellite lines are achieved, in excess of what is possible with single Ge detector measurements. Recent results from ongoing investigations on electron emission, sputtered ion and energy loss phenomena are presented. Results from charge-state analysis of grazing incidence specular scattering of highly charged ions off atomically flat surfaces of gold, carbon and mica indicate that the incident ion essentially reaches ground state of its electronic distribution within the ion-surface interaction time of - 100 fs. Atomic force microscopy is used to investigate the formation of a new type of ion induced surface defect, peculiar to highly charged ion-surface interactions. A linear correlation, between the defect volume and the incident ion charge, supports a mechanism of defect formation due to potential energy induced electron emission and subsequent collective displacement due to local charge imbalance.
Computer Analysis of Fetal Breathing Movements Recorded by Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging

Real-time ultrasound imaging using linear transducer arrays provides a useful tool for the evaluation of dynamic processes in the developing fetus (1). In human gestation, the physiology of multiple fetal movements including breathing may be defined. Using this technique, a progression of fetal movement patterns throughout gestation from total somatic involvement or “jerks” to a segregated movement of a rolling character may be seen. Jerks are predominant early in gestation and are essentially absent after 28 weeks. Rolling movements are predominant from 24 weeks on. Grossly descriptive fetal breathing characterization may also be carried out. Shallow, irregular breathing movements are seen in early gestation (20–29 weeks) with a development of more regular deep breathing movements after 32 weeks (Figure 1). The complex data available from the real-time video image has led to the development of two computer techniques for Manalysis of fetal breathing and other fetal movements.
Effects of spanwise blade load distribution on wind turbine wake evolution.

In this paper, the effect of two different turbine blade designs on the wake characteristics was investigated using large-eddy simulation with an actuator line model. For the two different designs, the total axial load is nearly the same but the spanwise (radial) distributions are different. The one with higher load near the blade tip is denoted as Design A; the other is Design B. From the computed results, we observed that the velocity deficit from Design B is higher than that from Design A. The intensity of turbulence kinetic energy in the far wake is also higher for Design B. The effect of blade load distribution on the wind turbine axial and tangential induction factors was also investigated.
Impact of residential UV exposure in childhood versus adulthood on skin cancer risk in Caucasian, postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative.

Background Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer; however, the relative contribution of ultraviolet (UV) exposure during childhood versus adulthood on skin cancer risk remains unclear.
Level and congener profile of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk from Shaoxing,Zhejiang

Objective:To investigate level and congener profile of polychlorinated biphenyls in breast milk from Shaoxing,Zhejiang province.Methods: Breast milk was added 13C labeled internal standard after freeze-drying.Further cleanup procedure was followed by gel permeation chromatograph(GPC),multilayer silica column and an alumina column.Sample was analyzed by HRGC-HRMS under SIM mode.Results: Mean concentration of 18 PCBs in breast milk was 23881±9718 pg/g lipid(range: 13643-45205 pg/g lipid).The toxic equivalency(TEQ) was 3.56±1.06 pg/g lipid(range: 2.92-6.31 pg/g lipid).PCB-153(19.07%),PCB-118(11.79%),PCB-180(7.70%),and PCB-105(7.00%) were five most abundant congeners.Conclusion: PCB level found in this study is similarly to those reported elsewhere from China,but obviously lower than those from developed countries.Dietary intake is suspected as main route of human PCB exposure.
Apolipoprotein E Eene Polymorphism,BMD,and Bone Loss in Older Adults

Objective:To study the association between the ApoE gene polymorphism and bone mineral density(BMD),bone loss in older adults.Methods:One hundred healthy Han volunteers over 60 years old in Shenyang were selected.ApoE gene was measured by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RELP).BMD at hip was measured using dual-energy X-ray(DPX-L) absorption apparatus(Lunar,USA) in 2000 and 2005,respectively.Results:The ApoE gene phenotype in the population was E2/3: 16%,E3/3: 66%,E4/3:15%,E4/4:1%,while E2/2 and E4/2 was not found.The ApoE all lelomorph frequencies were 8% fore2,84% fore3,8% fore4.There were no difference in age,height and weight with the presence ApoE4 and absence ApoE4 in women and men.In 2000,after adjustment for height,weight,and age,there was no significant difference of the BMD in the femoral neck,trverosity and Ward areas between presence Apo E 4 and absence ApoE4 women and men.Annualized bone loss rate at hip did not differ by ApoE genotype for women and men.Conclusion:In our data,there is no significant association between Apo E genotype and BMD,bone loss of hip.
Complexation Enhancement Drives Water‐to‐Oil Ion Transport: A Simulation Study

We address the structures and energetics of ion solvation in aqueous and organic solutions to understand liquid-liquid ion transport. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with polarizable force field are performed to study the coordination transformations driving lanthanide (LnIII ) and nitrate ion transport between aqueous and an alkylamide-oil solution. An enhancement of the coordination behavior in the organic phase is achieved in contrast with the aqueous solution. In particular, the coordination number of Ce3+ increases from 8.9 in the aqueous to 9.9 in the organic solutions (from 8 in the aqueous to 8.8 in the organic systems for Yb3+ ). Moreover, the local coordination environment changes dramatically. Potential of mean force calculations show that the LnIII -ligand coordination interaction strengths follow the order of LnIII -nitrate>LnIII -water>LnIII -DMDBTDMA. They increase 2-fold in the lipophilic environment in comparison to the aqueous phase, and we attribute this to the shedding of the outer solvation shell. Our findings highlight the importance of outer sphere interactions on the competitive solvation energetics that cause ions to migrate between immiscible phases; an essential ingredient for advancing important applications such as rare earth metal separations. Some open questions in simulating the coordination behavior of heavy metals are also addressed.
Simulation studies of the role of esophageal mucosa in bolus transport

Based on a fully coupled computational model for esophageal transport, we analyzed the role of the mucosa (including the submucosa) in esophageal bolus transport and how bolus transport is affected by mucosal stiffness. Two groups of studies were conducted using a computational model. In the first group, a base case that represents normal esophageal transport and two hypothetical cases were simulated: (1) esophageal mucosa replaced by muscle and (2) esophagus without mucosa. For the base case, the geometric configuration of the esophageal wall was examined and the mechanical role of mucosa was analyzed. For the hypothetical cases, the pressure field and transport features were examined. In the second group of studies, cases with mucosa of varying stiffness were simulated. Overall transport characteristics were examined, and both pressure and geometry were analyzed. Results show that a compliant mucosa helped accommodate the incoming bolus and lubricate the moving bolus. Bolus transport was marginally achieved without mucosa or with mucosa replaced by muscle. A stiff mucosa greatly impaired bolus transport due to the lowered esophageal distensibility and increased luminal pressure. We conclude that mucosa is essential for normal esophageal transport function. Mechanically stiffened mucosa reduces the distensibility of the esophagus by obstructing luminal opening and bolus transport. Mucosal stiffening may be relevant in diseases characterized by reduced esophageal distensibility, elevated intrabolus pressure, and/or hypertensive muscle contraction such as eosinophilic esophagitis and jackhammer esophagus.
Recurrent aortic dissection: a challenging but rare dilemma.

Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a potentially catastrophic disease process, which has undergone significant improvement in treatment options leading to increased overall survival; however recurrent aortic dissection (RAD) is a rare phenomenon that may require a multidisciplinary approach and more complex treatment strategies.
Financing Sustainable Growth Through Energy Exports and Implications for Human Capital Investment

This paper examines the impact of energy resources financing on investment in human capital through the mechanism of growth dynamics. This is done within a context that includes global financial markets and exports of non-renewable energy. These are frequently related to issues of debt accumulation, which naturally raises questions relating to sustainability and welfare—both present and future. Energy export’s contribution to economic growth is emphasized and the distinction between resource-rich and resource-poor countries is highlighted. Major external disturbances for sustained resource-driven development, which can make a country more vulnerable to economic shocks, are discussed. Numerical analysis using Nonlinear Model Predictive Control confirms the empirically observed long-run patterns when non-renewable resources decline monotonically and become depleted. The solutions also confirm typical boom/bust cycle phenomena, where excessive debt may effectively strangle growth. In addition, the implications of investment in human capital for inequality are discussed.
Monitoring thioredoxin redox with a genetically encoded red fluorescent biosensor

Thioredoxin (Trx) is one of the two major thiol antioxidants, playing essential roles in redox homeostasis and signaling. Despite its importance, there is a lack of methods for monitoring Trx redox dynamics in live cells, hindering a better understanding of physiological and pathological roles of the Trx redox system. In this work, we developed the first genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor for Trx redox by engineering a redox relay between the active-site cysteines of human Trx1 and rxRFP1, a redox-sensitive red fluorescent protein. We used the resultant biosensor-TrxRFP1-to selectively monitor perturbations of Trx redox in various mammalian cell lines. We subcellularly localized TrxRFP1 to image compartmentalized Trx redox changes. We further combined TrxRFP1 with a green fluorescent Grx1-roGFP2 biosensor to simultaneously monitor Trx and glutathione redox dynamics in live cells in response to chemical and physiologically relevant stimuli.
Spatio-temporal analysis of the incidence of colorectal cancer in Guangzhou, 2010-2014.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of neoplasm. This study examined the spatio-temporal distribution of the CRC incidence in Guangzhou during 2010–2014. Colorectal cancer incidence data were obtained from the Guangzhou Cancer Registry System. Spatial autocorrelation analysis and a retrospective spatio-temporal scan were used to assess the spatio-temporal cluster distribution of CRC cases. A total of 14,618 CRC cases were registered in Guangzhou during 2010–2014, with a crude incidence of 35.56/100,000 and an age-standardized rate of incidence by the world standard population (ASRIW) of 23.58/100,000. The crude incidence increased by 19.70% from 2010 (32.88/100,000) to 2014 (39.36/100,000) with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 4.33%. The AAPC of ASRIW was not statistically significant. The spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed a CRC incidence hot spot in central urban areas in Guangzhou City, which included 25 streets in southwestern Baiyun District, northwestern Haizhu District, and the border region between Liwan and Yuexiu Districts. Three high- and five low-incidence clusters were identified according to spatio-temporal scan of CRC incidence clusters. The high-incidence clusters were located in central urban areas including the border regions between Baiyun, Haizhu, Liwan, and Yuexiu Districts. This study revealed the spatio-temporal cluster pattern of the incidence of CRC in Guangzhou. This information can inform allocation of health resources for CRC screening.
Expression and purification of functional insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 holoreceptors from mammalian cells

The insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) involved in the regulation of many important cellular processes. The current proposed models of activation are derived from structural studies using soluble extracellular domains and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domains. Preparations of full length IR and IGF1R have been hampered by the need for unconventional affinity chromatography resins and/or harsh eluting conditions. Here, we present a purification protocol to obtain full-length, detergent solubilized IR and IGF1R at quantities suitable for biochemical and structural characterization. We screened a panel of 24 structurally diverse detergents for optimal ligand activation. The receptors purified in n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside showed ligand-stimulated autophosphorylation and kinase activity, suggesting an intact transmembrane signaling mechanism. This convenient purification protocol can be used to produce high quantities of IR, IGF1R, or other RTKs, and can be adapted for other challenging membrane proteins.
Abstract 51: Thymosin β4 Targets Wisp1 to Protect Cardiomyocytes in AngII- induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Background: Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous protein with many properties relating to cell proliferation and differentiation that promotes wound healing and modulates inflammatory mediators. However, the role of Tβ4 in cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is currently unknown. The purpose of this study is to dissect the cardio-protective mechanism of Tβ4 in Ang II induced cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Rat neonatal cardiomyocytes with or without Tβ4 pretreatment were stimulated with Ang II and expression of cell sizes, hypertrophy marker genes and Wnt signaling components was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and fluorescent microscopy. Selected target gene Wisp-1 was either overexpressed or silenced by siRNA transfections in neonatal cardiomyocytes and effect of Tβ4 in Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated. Results: Pre-treatment of Tβ4 resulted in reduction of cell sizes, hypertrophy marker genes and WNT-associated gene expression and levels induced by Ang II in cardiomyocytes. Tβ4 pretreatment also resulted in an increase in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and reduction of Bax/BCl 2 ratio in the cardiomyocytes. Wisp-1 overexpression promotes cardiac hypertrophy and was reversed by pretreatment with Tβ4. Knocking down of Wisp1 partly rescue the cells from hypertrophic response after Tβ4 treatment. Conclusion: This is the first report that demonstrates the effect of Tβ4 on cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and its capability to selectively target Wisp-1 in neonatal cardiomyocytes thus preventing cell death, thereby, protecting the myocardium. Wisp-1 promotes the cardiac hypertrophy which was prevented by Tβ4 treatment.
"Being able to speak": What individuals in jail perceived as helpful about participating in alcohol-related brief interventions.

ABSTRACTBackground: A significant proportion of individuals within the criminal justice system meet criteria for a substance use disorder. Treatments for individuals who are incarcerated with substance use disorders show minimal to no benefit on postrelease outcomes, suggesting a need to improve their effectiveness, particularly those that can be delivered in a brief format. The purpose of this study was to describe what individuals in jail with substance use disorders perceived as being helpful about 2 brief alcohol-focused interventions, which can be used to inform future treatments with this population. Methods: Data came from a parent study where 58 individuals in jail with substance use disorders received either a motivational or educational intervention focused on alcohol and other substance use and then completed a questionnaire assessing what was most and least helpful about the interventions. Qualitative responses were coded using a grounded theory approach. Results: Results indicated that partic...
Population structure of Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae): The role of land-use history and management

The population structure of invasive species is determined both by species-specific breeding strategies and by region-specific conditions and events during the history of invasion. In this context, we investigate the role of human land-use policy on the gene flow within population of the widespread invasive tree, Ailanthus altissima. We predicted that genetic diversity would be elevated in urban environments and reduced in exurban, and that human mediated dispersal would allow propagules to break geographic isolation. Six populations of A. altissima, divided evenly among urban, exurban and suburban sites, were surveyed using a set of eight microsatellite loci. A total of 276 individuals were sampled. Populations were assessed for partitioning of genetic variation, gene flow between sites, and genetic cluster estimation. Effective population size based on genetic variation was also modeled using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. Despite a strong propensity for clonal growth, the microsatellite data revealed no evidence of clonal reproduction at the population level. Gene flow between sites was found to be independent of geographic distance; instead, gene flow was correlated with the level of human traffic at a site. Genetic diversity was found to generally increase in correlation to human development; however, reduced admixture at managed sites suggests that land management practices were effective at inhibiting gene flow into managed sites.
A Single High Dose of Methamphetamine Reduces Monoamines and Impairs Egocentric and Allocentric Learning and Memory in Adult Male Rats

Methamphetamine (MA) alters dopamine markers and cognitive function in heavy users. In rodents, there are MA dosing regimens that induce concordant effects using repeated administration at spaced intervals. These regimens are effective but complicate experiments designed to disentangle the effects of the drug on different brain regions in relation to their cognitive effects because of treatment spacing. In an effort to simplify the model, we tested whether a single dose of MA could induce the same monoamine and cognitive effects as multiple, spaced dosing without affecting survival. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 40 mg/kg MA subcutaneously once and tested starting 2 weeks later. MA-treated rats showed deficits in egocentric navigation in Cincinnati water maze, in spatial navigation in the Morris water maze, and in choosing a consistent problem-solving strategy in the Star water maze when given the option to show a preference. MA-treated rats had persistent dopamine and serotonin reductions in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens, and serotonin reductions in the hippocampus of the same magnitude as in repetitive treatment models. The data demonstrate that a single dose recapitulates the neurocognitive and monoamine effects of multiple-dose regimens, thereby simplifying the model of MA-induced neurotoxicity.
Communication in bargaining games with unanimity

Communication has been shown to increase proposer power in multilateral bargaining settings that use majority voting rule via competition between non-proposers for a place in the coalition. In this paper we investigate whether communication affects bargaining outcomes and the bargaining process in settings in which the competition effect is not present. We study committees that use unanimity rule to pass allocations. We find that in these settings, communication has the complete opposite effect compared with the majority settings: under unanimity, communication eliminates the inefficiencies that are present in settings without communication and it shifts bargaining outcomes towards egalitarian allocations with no proposer power. Communication logs provide insights regarding the topics subjects discuss and communication content correlates with bargaining outcomes.
Alternative Ways Out: A Remedial Road Map for Using Alternative Electoral Systems as Voting Rights Act Remedies

In this Article, Steven Mulroy argues that jurisdictions attempting to correct minority vote dilution should employ alternative electoral systems. Such alternative voting schemes would allow jurisdictions to maximize minority votes without creating voting districts based on race, thereby avoiding the strict scrutiny analysis of Shaw v. Reno. Of the three alternative voting systems – limited voting, cumulative voting, and preference voting – the Article advocates preference voting as the best of the three because it maximizes proportionality of representation and the incentive for cross-racial and other coalitions while minimizing the problems of strategic voting and intra-group competition. Finally, the Article finds alternative voting systems particularly appropriate in judicial election cases because such systems can serve a jurisdiction’s “linkage” interest.
The interactions of metal atoms with Xe, CH4 and H2: half-collision studies

Abstract The interactions of ground-state and excited-state metal atoms with Xe, CH4, and H2 have been studied by the “half-collision” technique of action spectroscopy. Van der Waals complexes of ground-state Cd and Zn atoms with Xe, CH4, or H2 are synthesized at very low temperatures in a supersonic expansion. By tuning an excitation laser pulse to a frequency near that of an electronic transition of the free metal atom while monitoring the atomic state product of an energy transfer process with a second, delayed, laser pulse, it is often possible to obtain an “action” spectrum which yields information about the upper potential energy surface(s) on which the “full-collision” process occurs. Action spectra of singlet-to-triplet deactivations M(nsnp1P1)·Q → M(nsnp3PJ) + Q were determined for the Zn·Xe, Cd·Xe, Cd·CH4, and Cd·H2 complexes. For the Xe and CH4 cases, the spectra are consistent with a previously postulated collisional mechanism in which a repulsive “3Σ” state correlating with M(nsnp3P2) crosses an attractive “1Π” state correlating with M(nsnp1P1). For Cd·H2(Cd·D2) the spectra consist of a continuum, tentatively assigned as the predissociation of the strongly chemically bound 1B2 state, on which are superimposed progressions of vibrational transitions which are thought to be due to less efficient predissociation of the weakly bound, pseudo-diatomic 1B1 state. Action spectra of the intramultiplet deactivation Cd(5s5p3P1)·CH4 → Cd(5s5p3P0) + CH4 were also determined. From the simple pseudo-diatomic nature of the spectrum to the red of the atomic transition and successful simulations of the rotational structure of some of the bands as parallel transitions, it is postulated that the ground-state Cd·CH4 complex is the C3v hindered rotor nuclear-spin isomer E(K″ = 1), which is stabilized more by anisotropy than the lower-lying F(K″ = 0) and A(K″ = 0) isomers. The upper-state is therefore the E(K′ = 1) level of the “A3Π0+” electronic state of Cd·CH4.
Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids from Apocynaceae other than Catharanthus roseus

Publisher Summary The monoterpene indole alkaloids represent a large and diverse group of plant products, the majority of which have been isolated from species belonging to three families—the Loganiaceae, Apocynaceae, and Rubiaceae. This chapter reviews the indole alkaloid production by cultured plant cells derived from species of genera other than Catharanthus and Cinchona. The monoterpene indole alkaloids are derived from a unit of tryptamine and a C9/C10 unit of terpenoid origin. The basis of their classification rests on the geometric arrangement of the C9/C10 carbon skeleton with the three main configurations being categorized as the Corynanthe, Aspidosperma, and Ibogatypes. There is another group of alkaloids, the bisindole group, which is a large and diverse array of structures arising from the union of two monomeric indole alkaloids. The complexity of these types of alkaloids is not only because the monomers of which they are composed of but also because of the manner in which the monomers are linked.
DID it or DIDn't it? Exploration of a failure to replicate binge-like alcohol-drinking in C57BL/6J mice.

Abstract We previously reported that commercially-sourced C57BL/6J (B6) male mice with a history of adult-onset binge-drinking exhibit anxiety-like behavior in early withdrawal, while the negative affective state incubates during protracted withdrawal in adolescent-onset binge-drinking males. As the results of such studies are potentially confounded by age-related differences in reactivity to environmental stress, we employed a 2-bottle-choice DID procedure (20 and 40% alcohol; 20 min habituation to the drinking cage) to examine the effects of binge-drinking on negative affect in male and female, adult and adolescent, B6 mice from our university colony. Unexpectedly, the mice in the initial experiment exhibited very low alcohol intake, with little sign of withdrawal-induced negative affect. This failure to replicate prompted us to examine how the duration of drinking cage habituation, the number of alcohol concentrations presented and the animal source might influence the propensity to binge-drink. Herein, we show that both male and female adult mice from our colony will binge-drink when allowed 45 min to habituate to the drinking cages, irrespective of whether mice are offered a choice between 2, 3 or 4 alcohol concentrations. Further, when drinking under 4-bottle-choice procedures (5, 10, 20 and 40% alcohol), adult-onset binge-drinking females exhibit robust negative affect in early withdrawal akin to that reported previously for adult males; however, the negative affective state persists for at least 30 days into withdrawal. Also unlike males, adolescent-onset binge-drinking females exhibit some signs of negative affect, as well as potentiated alcohol intake, in early withdrawal, which persist into later withdrawal. These latter data suggest that the age-related differences in the temporal patterning of the negative affective state produced by alcohol withdrawal may vary as a function of sex, which may have implications for understanding sex differences in the etiology of affective disorders and alcoholism co-morbidity.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are a key component of the vestibular test battery. Their value is with assessment of the otolithic organs (saccule and utricle) and divisions of the vestibular nerve. Cervical and ocular VEMPs (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) are the two commonly used procedures. cVEMP tests the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve pathway, while the oVEMP evaluates the utricle and the superior vestibular nerve. The addition of vestibular evoked potentials to the conventional vestibular test battery provides for a more detailed picture and thus more comprehensive diagnostic information on the entire peripheral balance organ and the central processing involved.
Does STEM Stand Out? Examining Racial/Ethnic Gaps in Persistence Across Postsecondary Fields:

Informed by the theoretical lens of opportunity hoarding, this study considers whether STEM postsecondary fields stand apart via the disproportionate exclusion of Black and Latina/o youth. Utilizin...
PREPROCEDURE PLANNING FOR TRANSCATHETER MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT IN SEVERE MITRAL ANNULAR CALCIFICATION

Mitral stenosis due to mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a challenge for surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR). 71 year old female with 6 month history of multiple hospitalization for heart failure and chronic AF. 2D TTE showed severe aortic stenosis and severe mitral stenosis and posterior
Abstract MP57: Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease Stages Across Ancestries: The PAGE Study

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, disproportionally burdens ethnic minorities in the US, and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Our prior trans-ethnic genetic ...
New dynamics of rent gap formation in New York City rent-regulated housing: privatization, financialization, and uneven development

To explain newfound investor interest in rent-regulated multifamily housing in New York City since 2001, this paper analyzes the transformation in ownership and management of the Riverton Houses, a...
SYSTEMATICS OF INDIAN SANDFLY (DIPTERA: PHLEBOTOMIDAE)

Sandfly is a tiny hematophagous Nematocera Dipteran fly belongs to family Phlebotomidae. Sandfly fauna of the world is represented by about 737 species while Indian sandfly fauna touches the figure of 55 species approximately. Out of all reported species from all over the world around 42 species of sandfly mainly Phlebotomus genus are established or probable vector of Leishmaniasis. Seven species were identified taxonomically during the present investigation. These are: Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti, P. papatasi Scopoli, Sergentomyia clydei Sinton, S. eadithae Sinton, S. punjabensis Sinton, S. babu Annandale and S. minuta Rondani. Present research paper includes informations on the systematics of Indian phlebotomine fauna.
Temporal Occurrence of Arrhythmic Complications After Alcohol Septal Ablation.

Background: The temporal occurrence of arrhythmic complications after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is unclear. As a result, the appropriate time to monitor patients after ASA is controversial. The...
The Sectorial Effects of Sovereign Default

This paper explores the linkage between sovereign debt crises and manufacturing industry growth using a difference-in-difference methodology. Industries facing tough import competition perform relatively better after a sovereign default. Export-oriented sectors grow more slowly around default times. These two facts are consistent with the theories stressing trade sanctions as the main cost of sovereign defaults. Industries characterized by high physical capital intensity and asset tangibility tend to suffer less from default episodes. All these effects reach their maximum intensity two to four years after the default event.
Ventral Tegmental Area GABA, glutamate, and glutamate-GABA neurons are heterogenous in their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains dopamine neurons intermixed with GABA-releasing (expressing vesicular GABA transporter, VGaT), glutamate-releasing (expressing vesicular glutamate transporter, VGluT2), and co-releasing (co-expressing VGaT and VGluT2) neurons. By delivering INTRSECT viral vectors into VTA of double vglut2-Cre/vgat-Flp transgenic mice, we targeted specific VTA cell populations for ex vivo recordings. We found that VGluT2+ VGaT- and VGluT2+ VGaT+ neurons on average had relatively hyperpolarized resting membrane voltage, greater rheobase, and lower spontaneous firing frequency compared to VGluT2- VGaT+ neurons, suggesting that VTA glutamate-releasing and glutamate-GABA co-releasing neurons require stronger excitatory drive to fire than GABA-releasing neurons. In addition, we detected expression of Oprm1mRNA (encoding Mu opioid receptors, MOR) in VGluT2+ VGaT- and VGluT2- VGaT+ neurons, and their hyperpolarization by the MOR agonist DAMGO. Collectively, we demonstrate the utility of the double transgenic mouse to access VTA glutamate, glutamate-GABA and GABA neurons, and show some electrophysiological heterogeneity among them.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of substance use disorders: Current landscape and potential future directions.

Over 200 in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies of substance use and related disorders (SUD) were published this past decade. The large majority of this work used proton (1H)-MRS to characterize effects of acute and chronic exposures to drugs of abuse on human brain metabolites including N-acetylaspartate, choline-containing metabolites, creatine plus phosphocreatine, glutamate, and GABA. Some studies used phosphorus (31P)-MRS to quantify biomarkers of cerebral metabolism including phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate. A few studies used carbon (13C)-MRS to quantify intermediary metabolism. This Mini-review discusses select studies that illustrate how MRS can complement neurocircuitry research including by use of multimodal imaging strategies that combine MRS with functional MRI (fMRI) and/or diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Additionally, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), which enables simultaneous multivoxel MRS acquisitions, can be used to better understand and interpret whole-brain functional or structural connectivity data. The review discusses some limitations in MRS methodology and then highlights important knowledge gaps and areas for potential future investigation, including the use of 1H- and 31P-MRS to quantify cerebral metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and brain temperature, all of which are associated with SUD and all of which can influence neurocircuitry and behavior.
Occlusion of activity dependent synaptic plasticity by late hypoxic long term potentiation after neonatal intermittent hypoxia.

Abstract To elucidate the mechanisms of memory impairment after chronic neonatal intermittent hypoxia (IH), we employed a mice model of severe IH administered at postnatal days 3 to 7. Since prior studies in this model did not demonstrate increased cell death, our primary hypothesis was that IH causes a functional disruption of synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. In vivo recordings of Schaffer collateral stimulation-induced synaptic responses during and after IH in the CA1 region of the hippocampus revealed pathological late phase hypoxic long term potentiation (hLTP) (154%) that lasted more than four hours and could be reversed by depotentiation with low frequency stimulation (LFS), or abolished by NMDA and PKA inhibitors (MK-801 and CMIQ). Furthermore, late phase hLTP partially occluded normal physiological LTP (pLTP) four hours after IH. Early and late hLTP phases were induced by neuronal depolarization and Ca2+ influx, determined with manganese enhanced fMRI, and had increased both AMPA and NMDA – mediated currents. This was consistent with mechanisms of pLTP in neonates and also consistent with mechanisms of ischemic LTP described in vitro with OGD in adults. A decrease of pLTP was also recorded on hippocampal slices obtained 2 days after IH. This decrease was ameliorated by MK-801 injections prior to each IH session and restored by LFS depotentiation. Occlusion of pLTP and the observed decreased proportion of NMDA-only silent synapses after neonatal hLTP may explain long term memory, behavioral deficits and abnormal synaptogenesis and pruning following neonatal IH.
Updated estimates of eligibility for and response to genome-targeted oncology drugs among US cancer patients, 2006-2020

Background Prior studies have evaluated the percentage of cancer patients with advanced or metastatic cancer who are eligible for and respond to genome-targeted therapy, but since that publication, the number of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for drugs targeting genetic indications has grown rapidly. We sought to update the estimates of both eligibility for and response to genome-targeted and genome-informed therapies in US cancer patients for FDA-approved drugs to reflect estimates as of 2020. Materials and methods We used mortality data from the American Cancer Society to estimate eligibility for these drugs, based on prevalence statistics from the published literature. We then multiplied eligibility by the response rate in the FDA label to generate an estimate for the percentage of US cancer patients who respond. Results For genome-targeted therapy, we estimate that the eligibility increased from 5.13% in 2006 to 13.60% in 2020. For genome-targeted therapy, we estimate that the response increased from 2.73% in 2006 to 7.04% in 2020. Conclusions The percentage of US cancer patients who are eligible for and respond to genome-targeted therapy has increased over time. Most of the increase in eligibility for genome-targeted therapies was seen after 2018, whereas most of the increase in response was seen before 2018.