cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A general decoding strategy explains the relationship between behavior and correlated variability

ABSTRACT Improvements in perception are frequently accompanied by decreases in shared variability in sensory cortex. This relationship remains a mystery from a neural coding perspective because overall changes in shared variability minimally affect optimal information coding. We hypothesize that this relationship arises because instead of using optimal strategies for decoding the specific stimuli at hand, observers prioritize generality: a single set of neuronal weights to decode any stimuli. We tested this hypothesis using a combination of multineuron recordings in the visual cortex of rhesus monkeys performing a visually demanding task and a cortical circuit model. Our experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that a general decoding strategy explains the inverse relationship between perceptual performance and shared variability. The performance of a general decoder depended more on the magnitude of shared variability than the performance of a specific decoder, and the animals’ decoding strategy more closely matched decoders optimized for broad rather than narrow sets of visual stimuli. These results support the idea that observers use a general sensory information decoding strategy capable of decoding neuronal responses to the wide range of stimuli encountered in natural vision.
Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients: A meta-analysis.

Abstract Purposes Previous systematic review suggested that hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, pooled sample size was small, and there was no universal definition for AKI. Materials and methods vid MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) were search up to December 2019. Inclusion criteria include: observational studies, age ≥ 18 years, non-end-stage kidney disease, AKI, or mortality are outcomes of interest. Only articles utilizing multivariate analysis were included. Results A total of 39 studies were included in hypoalbuminemia and AKI cohort (n = 168,740), and 15 studies were included in mortality cohort (n = 5693). Each 1.0 g/dL decrement of serum albumin was associated with increased AKI (OR 1.685; 95% CI, 1.302–2.179). The risk remained significant across sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that age ≥ 70 years and baseline serum albumin level > 3.2 g/dL were significant risk factors for AKI. In mortality cohort, patients with AKI and hypoalbuminemia had significantly higher death (OR 1.183; 95% CI, 1.085–1.288). However, there was potential publication bias to this analysis. Conclusions Hypoalbuminemia is associated with AKI in hospitalized patients. However, the effect on mortality is subjected to publication bias.
Here, there, and elsewhere: the making of immigrant identities in a globalized world: by Tahseen Shams, Stanford, Stanford University Press, 2020, xii+247 pages, $28.00 (paperback), ISBN 9781503612839

‘Here, There, and Elsewhere: The Making of Immigrant Identities in a Globalized World’ by Tahseen Shams, is a significant intervention in how we understand immigrants’ lived experiences. Through an...
Balancing anxiety and social desire.

Persistent negative emotional states, such as anxiety, suppress social behavior and vice versa. A new report identifies a novel neural circuit that generates persistent anxiety states and describes how competing excitatory and inhibitory components of this circuit battle to pattern social behavior.
Abstract P685: Primary Care Utilization for Primary Prevention Continues to Be Lacking in Patients With Stroke

Introduction: Primary care plays an essential role in stroke prevention. Yet still, for many stroke patients, a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) is not established until after stroke...
Impact of nonlinearity including bleaching in MUTC photodetectors on RF-modulated electro-optic frequency combs

We use the drift-diffusion equations to calculate the responsivity of a modified uni-traveling carrier (MUTC) photodetector (PD) with a frequency comb input that is generated by a series of short optical pulses. We first use experimental results for the responsivity of the MUTC PD to obtain an empirical model of bleaching in pulsed mode. We incorporate our empirical bleaching model into a drift-diffusion model to calculate the impact of nonlinearity in an MUTC PD on RF-modulated electro-optic frequency combs. We quantify the nonlinearity using the second- and third-order intermodulation distortion powers (IMD2 and IMD3), from which we calculate the second- and third-order output intercept points (OIP2 and OIP3). In contrast to a continuous wave (CW) input for which there is a single IMD2 and IMD3 and hence a single OIP2 and OIP3, each comb line n has its own IMD2n, IMD3n, OIP2n, and OIP3n associated with it. We determine the IMD2n, IMD3n, OIP2n, and OIP3n, and we compare the results with and without bleaching. We find that the impact of bleaching is complex and, somewhat surprisingly, not always detrimental. The principal effect of bleaching is to lower the responsivity, which decreases the nonlinearity due to space charge. While bleaching always reduces the OIP2n and OIP3n, we find that bleaching leads to a decreased distortion-to-signal ratio for large n.
Do District Attorneys Represent Their Voters? Evidence from California's Era of Criminal Justice Reform

Do District Attorneys Represent Their Voters? Evidence from California's Era of Criminal Justice Reform
Introduction: Amos Oz’s two pens

Often regarded as the country’s leading intellectual, the Israeli novelist and political essayist Amos Oz (1939–2018) was fond of describing himself as using two different pens, the first used to w...
Links between Development Perspectives and Population Growth

As indicated in Chapter 1, scholars in the fields of population and of development largely went their separate ways until relatively recently, with few attempts to bring together the two fields. This divergence was reflected in the scant attention paid to population variables in economic and social development planning and in the relatively superficial concern with development issues in population studies. Until the mid-1970s, “population and development” served primarily as a slogan invoked at international conferences. Over the past decade, however, concern with the complex interrelationships between population and development has generated a voluminous literature, replete with controversy and rhetoric as well as scientific reports on systematic research and analysis.
A systematic construction of capacity-achieving irregular low-density parity-check codes

In this paper, we propose symmetric method to split column and rows of parity-check matrix (H/sup reg/) of regular LDPC code in order to construct capacity-achieving irregular LDPC code with a given distribution (/spl Lambda//sup req/, /spl Omega//sup req/).
Avian Oncornavirus Group-Specific Antigen: Detection and Quantification by Radioimmunoassay

A double-antibody competitive-inhibition radioimmunoassay for avian group-specific antigen is described. A viral protein preparation, consisting primarily of gs-1, was labeled with radioiodine. Hamster and rabbit antisera were reacted with the labeled antigen, and the resultant antibody-antigen complexes were precipitated with the appropriate antiglobulin. Standard curves based on the inhibition of binding of labeled antigen to antibody after preincubation with unlabeled antigen were prepared. These showed the lower limit of sensitivity to be 2 to 10 ng of unlabeled protein when labeled antigen of 2,000 to 5,000 counts per min per ng of specific activity was used in the assay. Extracts of avian oncornavirus-infected cells, likewise, were able to inhibit binding of labeled antigen. This technique will be very useful for the quantification of small amounts of oncornavirus group-specific protein.
Multiple negative differential resistance due to spacer layer effects in AlGaAs/GaAs resonant tunneling diode

Abstract Two regions of negative differential resistance (NDR) are observed under forward bias in the 77 K current-voltage characteristic of an Al 0.42 Ga 0.58 As GaAs double barrier resonant tunneling diode (RTD) with spacer layers. A self-consistent solution of the Poisson equation employing the Thomas-Fermi screening model is utilized to analyze the experimental results. The current peaks are shown to correspond to the intersections of the two lowest states in the quantum well with the populated quasi-bound ground state in the accumulation region adjacent to the upstream barrier. The voltages at which NDR occurs correlate well with those predicted by the theoretical calculations.
Driving Performance Among Patients with Cirrhosis Who Drove to Their Outpatient Hepatology Clinic Appointments.

BACKGROUND: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) may adversely affect driving skills. AIMS: To compare the driving performance of cirrhotic patients with and without prior HE as well as controls using a driving stimulator and to correlate psychometric testing with driving performance. METHODS: Adult patients with cirrhosis, who drove to the outpatient clinic for their routine appointments underwent a battery of driving and psychometric tests including number connection tests A & B (NCT-A and NCT-B), digit symbol test (DST) and critical flicker and fusion frequency (CFF) testing. RESULTS: Cirrhotics had significantly higher NCT-A (39.3 s vs. 31.2 s, P = 0.006) and DST scores (317 s vs. 245 s, P = 0.012), and lower CFF scores Fusion (33 vs. 36 Hz, P = 0.05), Flicker (35 vs. 42 Hz, P = 0.007) than controls. There was no difference in NCT-A, DST and CFF scores between patients with and without HE. Ten (22%) patients, 7 (27%) with prior HE and 3 (15%) without prior HE, had abnormal NCT-A scores (i.e. >control mean ± 2SD), and 12% of patients with prior HE had one or more driving test accidents, while controls and patients without prior HE had none. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to hit pedestrians compared to controls (P = 0.05). There was no correlation between CFF, DST and NCTB scores with driving performance test results. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous reports, no significant differences were noted between the patients with and without prior HE on psychometric testing, and on the driving simulator, but driving accidents were seen in only those with previous history of HE. Language: en
Thermal analysis of selected illite and smectite clay minerals. Part I. Illite clay specimens

The characterization of illite clay minerals by the use of the technique of differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) is presented. This presentation is offered not only as a review of the thermal characteristics of this important group of clay materials but suggestions relative to the application of the thermal analysis techniques to contaminated illitic specimens; i.e., mineral mixtures, are included. Two commonly referenced illitic clay specimens, which have been widely distributed, were studied here. These were the American Petroleum Institute Reference Clay Specimen from Fithian, Illinois (API #35) and the Clay Mineral Society's Source Clay Specimen from Silver Hill, Montana (CMS-IMt).
Preoperative embolization of a hemangioblastoma.

Dans le but de diminuer le saignement peroperatoire, avec des particules d'alcool de polyvinyle. Resultats
cis-Acting regulatory elements in the GAP-43 mRNA 3′-untranslated region can function in trans to suppress endogenous GAP-43 gene expression

Abstract The expression of the GAP-43 gene is controlled partly by changes in the stability of its mRNA, a process that is mediated by the interaction of specific sequences in the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) with neuronal-specific RNA-binding proteins. Limiting amounts of these trans -acting factors are available in the cell, thus we proposed that overexpression of the GAP-43 3′UTR could affect the levels of the endogenous mRNA via competitive binding to specific RNA-binding proteins. In this study, we show that chronic expression of GAP-43 3′UTR sequences in PC12 cells causes the depletion of the endogenous mRNA and consequent reduction of GAP-43 protein levels. The levels of the mRNAs for c- fos , the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the microtubule associated protein tau, all three containing similar 3′UTR sequences, were not affected by the treatment. These results thus suggest that the effect of excess GAP-43 3′UTR is specific for its corresponding mRNA. We also used an HSV (herpes simplex virus)-1 vector and a mammalian expression vector with an inducible promoter to acutely express a 10 to 50 fold excess of 3′UTR sequences. Under these conditions, we found that transient expression of the GAP-43 3′UTR was effective in inhibiting both GAP-43 gene expression and neurite outgrowth in nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells and in primary neuronal cultures. These results underscore the role of 3′UTR sequences in the control of GAP-43 gene expression and suggest that overexpression of specific 3′UTR sequences could be used as a potential tool for probing the function of other post-transcriptionally-regulated proteins during neuronal differentiation.
A novel K+ channel with unique localizations in mammalian brain: Molecular cloning and characterization

Using a cDNA library prepared from circumvallate papillae of rat tongue, we have identified, cloned, and sequenced a novel K+ channel, designated cdrk. The cdrk channel appears to be a member of the Shab subfamily, most closely resembling drk1. Electrophysiologic analysis of expressed cdrk channels reveals delayed rectifier properties similar to those of drk1 channels. Localizations of cdrk mRNA in rat brain and peripheral tissues, assessed by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis, differ from any other reported K+ channels. In the brain cdrk mRNA is most concentrated in granule cells of the olfactory bulb and cerebellum. In peripheral tissues, mRNAs for cdrk and drk1 are reciprocally localized, indicating that the K+ channel properties contributed by mammalian Shab homologs may be important in a variety of excitable tissues.
Sigma-phase formation in Nitronic 50 and Nitronic 50W stainless steels

The formation of the sigma-phase has been studied in two heats of a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic stainless steel, Nitronic 50 and Nitronic 50W, a weld filler wire composition. It was found that the presence of cold-work greatly enhanced the rate of sigma precipitation in the temperature range of 600–1000° C. The nucleation and growth of the sigma-phase was accompanied by recrystallization of the deformed austenite. The final austenite grain size was generally very small (0.5–4μm), since grain growth was inhibited by the intergranular sigma precipitates. Precipitation of M23C6 carbides was suppressed by the rapid formation of the sigma-phase. In samples solution annealed prior to ageing, the kinetics of sigma precipitation were much slower, and for a heat containing 0.04wt% carbon (Nitronic 50W), the sigma precipitation was retarded by the formation of intergranular M23C6. Grain boundaries in solution annealed and aged samples of both alloys also contained Z-phase (NbCrN) precipitates, which formed in the range of 700–1000° C. Retained delta-ferrite in the Nitronic 50W heat transformed directly to sigma-phase during ageing of the cold-worked specimens, but under-went more complex reactions in the solution annealed plus aged samples. Precipitation sequences at the ferrite-austenite interfaces in these latter specimens varied with ageing temperature. Sigma-phase chemistries in all samples were determined in the analytical electron microscope. In the solution-annealed and aged specimens, the sigma-phase chemistries were generally not of equilibrium values, and a wide variation in sigma composition was seen in each sample. In the cold-worked and aged samples, equilibrium sigma chemistries were attained. On comparing data from different samples, compositional changes in the sigma phase were observed, with molybdenum increasing and chromium decreasing as ageing temperatures increased.
A metastable state of high surface activity produced by sonication of phospholipids

Sonication of phosphatidylcholine dispersions generates a metastable high energy assembly of molecules, the existence of which is revealed by its conspicuous surface activity. Freshly sonicated liposome dispersions release molecules to the air/water interface at rates sufficient to produce a close-packed monolayer within minutes. In contrast, monolayers at the surface of multilamellar and extruded vesicles take hours to form. The highly surface active species appears within the first few minutes of sonication, long before a major reduction in turbidity occurs, and accumulates over the course of a few hours of sonication. It disappears upon exhaustive sonication, extrusion, addition of extruded vesicles, or, more slowly, simply on standing. Tests for extraneous substances in the lipids before as well as after sonication revealed amounts of degradation products too small to represent the observed surfactant. Direct evidence that the metastable aggregate releases intact phospholipids was provided by a novel procedure to characterize monolayer composition by comparing surface tension with surface potential, both as a function of surface density. Centrifugation and gel filtration chromatography indicate that the surface activity is associated with a particle of diameter larger than a lysophosphatidylcholine micelle but not larger than limit sonicated vesicles. The metastable material appears to be lipid molecules in other than the normal stable vesicular state, perhaps an incompletely closed vesicle, one in which the inner and outer monolayers have not equilibrated, or possibly a micellar form.
The inverse balayage problem for Markov chains, part II

Abstract This paper continues the study of the inverse balayage problem for Markov chains. Let X be a Markov chain with state space A ⌣ B 2 , let v be a probability measure on B 2 and let M ( v ) consist of probability measures μ on A whose X -balayage onto B 2 is v . The faces of the compact, convex set M ( v ) are characterized. For fixed μϵM ( v ) the set M ( μ , v ) of the measures ℷ of the form ℷ(·) = P μ {X(S) ϵ ·} , where S is a randomized stopping time, is analyzed in detail. In particular, its extreme points and edge are explicitly identified. A naturally defined reversed chain X , for which v is an inverse balayage of μ, is introduced and the relation between X and X^ is studied. The question of which ℷ ϵ M(μ, v) admit a natural stopping time S ℷ of X (not involving an independent randomization) such that ℷ(·) = P μ {X(S ℷ ) ϵ ·} , is shown to have rather different answers in discrete and continuous time. Illustrative examples are presented.
THE EFFECT OF FERRIC CHLORIDE FLOCCULATION ON CYANOBACTERIAL CELLS

Abstract Taste, odour and cyanobacterial toxins are not generally removed during conventional water treatment and can sometimes be increased during the treatment process due to cell lysis. Some reasons for this have been documented in the literature, but there appears to be contradictory evidence regarding the effect of flocculation. In an earlier study, aluminium sulphate did not appear to cause lysis of cells of cultured Microcystis aeruginosa or Anabaena circinalis , nor increase the amount of microcystin-LR or geosmin in the water. In this study, the effect of ferric chloride on cultured cells of M. aeruginosa and A. circinalis was evaluated at concentrations that would occur in a water treatment plant. The results showed that ferric chloride did not appear to cause cell lysis of cultured M. aeruginosa and A. circinalis . However, ferric chloride seemed to stimulate growth of both M. aeruginosa and A. circinalis in the experiments with South Para Reservoir Water.
Death Certificates: The Need for Further Guidance

Although instructions for proper completion of the cause-of-death section of the death certificate are available, a number of published examples are controversial, confusing, or inconsistent with other recommendations and guidelines. Several such examples are described to illustrate the need for improved instructions for death certification, with the goal of improving the consistency, accuracy, and reliability of death statistics. Also discussed is the general relationship between state vital records registrars, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the World Health Organization, in terms of death certification paperwork, procedure, policy, and death certificate revision. Since medical examiners certify substantial numbers of deaths, the need for medical examiners to be involved in revisions of death certificate forms and policies is emphasized.
Harmful molecular mechanisms in sepsis

Sepsis and sepsis-associated multi-organ failure are major challenges for scientists and clinicians and are a tremendous burden for health-care systems. Despite extensive basic research and clinical studies, the pathophysiology of sepsis is still poorly understood. We are now beginning to understand that sepsis is a heterogeneous, dynamic syndrome caused by imbalances in the 'inflammatory network'. In this Review, we highlight recent insights into the molecular interactions that occur during sepsis and attempt to unravel the nature of the dysregulated immune response during sepsis.
MHD and heat transfer considerations for the US DCLL blanket for DEMO and ITER TBM

Abstract We summarize here the results of ongoing studies for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows and heat transfer in the eutectic alloy lead–lithium (PbLi), which is used as a breeder and coolant, for three US Dual-Coolant Lead–Lithium (DCLL) blanket scenarios: ITER H-H, ITER D-T, and DEMO. The paper focuses on the important blanket feasibility issues, such as the MHD pressure drop, heat leakages from PbLi into the cooling helium flows, and the temperature distributions in the insulating flow insert and at the material interface. Both ITER scenarios look acceptable, i.e., all material restrictions can be easily met. In the DEMO scenario, the flow insert operates in harsh conditions causing high temperature drop in the insert and high interface temperature between the hot PbLi and the ferritic structure that may exceed the allowable material limits.
Foundry TSV integration and manufacturing challenges

Foundry integration and manufacturing challenges for 2.5D TSV technology are discussed, with focus on in-line defectivity and warpage control. The major defect types and yield correlation are scrutinized. The results show that Cu out-diffusion from TSV due to oxide liner isolation defects has a bigger impact on yield compared to open TSV. The model suggests that one redundant TSV is enough to mitigate open and leakage risks. Interposer warpage behavior is also discussed. It can be influenced by related TSV process modules and optimization can be achieved to minimize the stress induced failures at wafer and die assembly levels. In-line defectivity, wafer warpage and electrical monitoring are essential for yield projection and manufacturing consistency.
Planetary science: Sodium at Io.

It has been known for some years that Jupiter's satellite Io has sodium as a component of its atmosphere. The source, it now seems, is sodium chloride emitted by volcanoes on Io's surface.
Characterization of elevated temperature properties of heat exchanger and steam generator alloys

Abstract The Next Generation Nuclear Plant project is considering Alloy 800H and Alloy 617 for steam generator and intermediate heat exchangers. It is envisioned that a steam generator would operate with reactor outlet temperatures from 750 to 800 °C, while an intermediate heat exchanger for primary to secondary helium would operate up to an outlet temperature of 950 °C. Although both alloys are of interest due in part to their technical maturity, a number of specific properties require further characterization for design of nuclear components. Strain rate sensitivity of both alloys has been characterized and is found to be significant above 600 °C. Both alloys also exhibit dynamic strain aging, characterized by serrated flow, over a wide range of temperatures and strain rates. High temperature tensile testing of Alloy 617 and Alloy 800H has been conducted over a range of temperatures. Dynamic strain aging is a concern for these materials since it is observed to result in reduced ductility for many solid solution alloys. Creep, fatigue, and creep–fatigue properties of Alloy 617 have been measured as well, with the goal of determining the influence of the temperature, strain rate and atmosphere on the creep–fatigue life of Alloy 617. Elevated temperature properties and implications for codification of the alloys will be described.
Magnetic Field Gradients and Coherence-Pathway Elimination

Abstract The amount of residual transverse magnetization after the application of a pulsed magnetic-field gradient (PFG) is calculated for a homogeneous volume of interest (VOI) with three orthogonal pairs of sides and for VOIs that deviate from this idealized case. Many of the results can be understood in terms of the Fourier-transform relationship between the VOI intensity profile as a function of position,I(x), and the residual signal as a function of net PFG strength,S(k). Dephasing of transverse magnetization is more effective with imperfect slice-selection profiles, a circular sample cross section, or decreasedB1intensity near the edges of a sample than in the idealized case. When two or more orthogonal PFGs are applied, the net amount of dephasing depends on the source of intensity variation (sample geometry or slice-selective radiofrequency pulse profiles) and the orientation of the PFGs. If a gradient is parallel to one side of a VOI with rectangular cross sections, dephasing is more effective if a second, orthogonal gradient of equal intensity is added than if the original intensity is doubled. In contrast, if a PFG is orthogonal to the axis of an NMR tube with a circular cross section, addition of a second gradient orthogonal to the tube axis provides only slightly greater dephasing and is less effective than doubling the original intensity.
Modulatory effects of galanin in the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis on behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to acute stress.

The neuropeptide galanin has been identified as a possible neurotransmitter/neuromodulator within the central nervous system. In the present study, a potential role for galanin in the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTL) in modulating behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to an acute stress was investigated. In the first experiment, acute immobilization stress induced anxiety-like behavioral responses in rats, measured on the social interaction and elevated plus-maze tests. Immobilization stress decreased both social interaction time and open arm exploratory behavior on the elevated plus-maze. Bilateral administration of the galanin antagonist M40 (1.0 nmole/0.2 μl) into BSTL immediately prior to stress exposure attenuated the anxiogenic-like effects of immobilization stress, restoring both social interaction time and exploration of open arms to control levels. Administration of the antagonist alone had no effect on baseline behavior of unstressed control rats in either test, suggesting that the modulatory effect of galanin elicited during stress is not exerted tonically in unstressed animals. In the second experiment, immobilization stress produced an increase in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that was also attenuated by bilateral administration of M40 into BSTL prior to stress. These results suggest that during stress, the neuropeptide galanin exerts a modulatory effect in the BSTL, facilitating behavioral and neuroendocrine components of the acute stress response.
Computer art for computer people - a syllabus

Given the present state of the art, it is easier to introduce and teach computer art to people who have some background in computer science. Although there are many art-oriented systems for non-programmers, a study of the work of these artist-students reveals that their final products do not surpass the work of programmer-artists. Experience in working with artists and non-programmers during the past seven years has repeatedly shown that computer people, with special guidance and instruction, can and do produce professional looking computer art works that rival and often surpass the works of intermediate to advanced artists who engage in this new medium. However, working with Computer Science people poses unique requirements. Although they produce professional looking works within one semester, their orientation is dominantly practical, and often they will abandon their artistic efforts after the conclusion of their course of study, to aim at more practical, job-oriented skills. This paper describes in detail the course objectives, and includes a listing of lecture/discussiontopics, and offers the reader a schedule of week-by-week presentations and explorations for development in laboratory sessions.
The legacy of World Trade Center dust.

More than 5 years after the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001, uncertainty and controversy remain about the health risks posed by inhaling the dust from the collapse of the twin towers, the subsequent fires, and the cleanup effort. Dr. Jonathan Samet, Alison Geyh, and Mark Utell discuss the World Trade Center dust and its associated risks. Dr. Robin Herbert, the codirector of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, discusses the first two waves of adverse health effects that she and her colleagues have seen since September 11 and the cancers that they predict may represent the third wave.
Investigating the basis for the sentence comprehension deficit in Parkinson's disease

Abstract We sought to determine whether patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) have sentence comprehension impairments because of a compromised grammatical parser or difficulty attending to subtle grammatical features of sentences. We assessed syntactic—thematic linking rules in sentences by asking 25 non-demented PD patients to judge whether a transitive “target” sentence entails an intransitive “probe” sentence (e.g. “The girl drowned the swimmer” → The swimmer drowned). Sentences contained either simple transitive verbs that map syntactic roles onto thematic roles in a canonical fashion, or lexical causative verbs that have an atypical syntactic—thematic linking rule that is not explicitly signaled. These verbs were set in either an active voice sentence that maps syntactic roles onto thematic roles canonically or a passive voice sentence that remaps syntactic roles onto thematic roles in a fashion that is signaled explicitly by surface sentence features. PD patients were significantly impaired on this task. This was due to their difficulty understanding sentences with lexical causative verbs, a deficit that was evident in 60% of individual PD patients. The passive voice did not interfere with sentence comprehension. In order to confirm that the deficit was due to the subtle nature of the syntactic—thematic linking rule rather than a compromised grammatical parser, we presented sentences in the periphrastic voice that is grammatically demanding but explicitly states the thematic roles associated with verbs. PD patients' comprehension of sentences with lexical causative verbs improved when cast in a periphrastic voice. We conclude that sentence processing impairments in PD are due in part to a compromised executive system that subserves attending to subtle attributes of sentence structure.
Nuclear structure of 49Ca above 5 MeV excitation from n + 48Ca and astrophysics for 30keV neutrons

Abstract The level structure of 49 Ca has been investigated above the neutron separation energy by measurements of the total and capture cross sections for neutron energies up to 2 MeV. Transmission data were obtained for two 48 CaCO 3 samples enriched to 96% in 48 Ca and were analyzed in the R -matrix formalism for neutron energies up to 2 MeV. An upper limit of 0.07 × 10 −4 was placed upon the s-wave strength function (〈 Γ n o 〉/ D ) and an optical model real potential was deduced from the low energy total cross section. Approximately 45% of the 2 d 5 2 single particle strength is observed in the region below 2 MeV neutron energy. Model configurations based on continuum shell model calculations which describe this strength and its distribution are presented. Combined low energy results are used to obtain the maxwellian averaged capture cross section and the result is discussed in relation to the nucleosynthesis of 49 Ca and the anomalous abundances observed in an inclusion of the Allende meteorite.
Use of computer assisted orthopedic surgery in pelvic and acetabular trauma.

Computer assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) is a recent concept inorthopedics. Its use in orthopedic trauma is becoming more popular.Pelvic and acetabular trauma is one of the applications where CAOScan play an important role to facilitate the surgery. In this review article,we provide an overview of the structure of CAOS with specialemphasis on its role in pelvic and acetabular trauma. Th e use of CAOShas many advantages in the fi eld of orthopedic trauma, however, manyobstacles are still present that prevent its wide use.
Lead optimization of 7-benzyloxy 2-(4'-pyridylmethyl)thio isoflavone aromatase inhibitors.

Abstract Aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen biosynthesis, is a particularly attractive target in the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer. The synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 2-(4′-pyridylmethyl)thio, 7-alkyl- or aryl-substituted isoflavones as potential aromatase inhibitors are described. The isoflavone derivatives demonstrate IC50 values from 79 to 553 nM and compete with the endogenous substrate, androstenedione. Data supporting the ability of these analogs to suppress aromatase enzyme activity in the SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell line are also presented.
Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy using harmonic shears

Abstract Study objective To describe the feasibility and outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy for patients with stage I cervical cancer or severe pelvic endometriosis using harmonic shears as the sole instrument for dissection, division, and maintenance of hemostasis of all major surgical pedicles. Design Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting University hospital and affiliate institutions. Patients Seven patients who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy using harmonic shears for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA2 to IB1 cervical cancer and pelvic endometriosis at our institution or affiliate hospital from January 2004 through February 2005. Intervention A retrospective review of patients that underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy at our institution using harmonic shears was performed. Information regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative events was recorded and analyzed. Measurements and main results Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in all cancer cases. Mean patient age was 40 years (range 30–53 years). Mean estimated blood loss was 143 mL (range 100–200 mL). Mean operating time was 293 minutes (range 255–385 minutes). Mean pelvic node count was 27.8 (range 24–34) for cancer cases. Mean hospital stay was 3.2 days (range 2–7 days). One patient developed a vaginal cuff abscess postoperatively that was managed conservatively with drainage in the office setting followed by intravenous antibiotics. Another patient developed urinary retention for 2 weeks after surgery. There were no other intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy using harmonic shears is a technically feasible and safe procedure. Larger studies and long-term follow-up are required to determine the oncologic outcomes of these patients.
Monocyte/macrophages and their role in HIV neuropathogenesis

Neurological sequelae of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been and remain a significant problem. Monocytes and macrophages in humans and monkeys are susceptible to infection by HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and are considered to be a main mechanism by which the central nervous system (CNS) is infected. Within the infected CNS, perivascular macrophages and, in some cases, parenchymal microglia are infected as are multinucleated giant cells when present. While neurons are not themselves directly infected, neuronal damage occurs within the infected CNS. Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in limiting virus in plasma to non-detectable levels, neurological deficits persist. This review discusses the continued neurological dysfunctions that persist in the era of ART, focusing on the roles of monocyte and macrophage as targets of continued viral infection and as agents of pathogenesis in what appears to be emergent macrophage-mediated disease resulting from long-term HIV infection of the host. Data discussed include the biology of monocyte/macrophage activation with HIV and SIV infection, traffic of cells into and out of the CNS with infection, macrophage-associated biomarkers of CNS and cardiac disease, the role of antiretroviral therapy on these cells and CNS disease, as well as the need for effective adjunctive therapies targeting monocytes and macrophages.
The genetics and ecology of sympatric speciation: A case study

Mating occurs on the larval host plant in allRhagoletis species (Diptera: Tephritidae). We show how this attribute, when coupled with certain differences in other biological traits, strongly influences the mode of speciation. In species of thesuavis species group, host shifts have never occurred during speciation, and larvae feed in the husks of any walnut species(Juglans spp.), which are highly toxic. Taxa are allopatric or parapatric and exhibit deep phylogenetic nodes suggesting relatively ancient speciation events. Traits responsible for species and mate recognition, particularly in parapatric species, are morphologically distinct and strongly sexually dimorphic. All aspects of their biology, genetics and distribution are consistent with a slow rate of allopatric speciation followed by morphological divergence in secondary contact. In contrast, speciation in thepomonella species group has always involved a shift to a new, usually unrelated, non-toxic host, and all taxa within these groups are sympatric, monophagous and morphologically indistinguishable from one another. Phylogenetic nodes are very shallow, indicating recent sympatric speciation. Sympatric divergence is promoted by genetic variation which allows a portion of the original species to shift to a new habitat or host. Evidence suggests that changes in a few key loci responsible for host selection and fitness on a new host may initiate host shifts. By exploiting different habitats, competition for resources between diverging populations is reduced or avoided. We provide evidence that in phytophagous and parasitic insects sufficient intrinsic barriers to gene flow can evolve between sister populations as they adapt to different habitats or hosts to allow each population to establish independent evolutionary lineages in sympatry.
Influence of flour chlorination and ingredient formulation on the quality attributes of pancakes

ABSTRACT Soft wheat flour is commonly chlorinated in North America for the production of cakes and pancakes. The oxidative properties of chlorine gas cause chemical modifications to flour components that enhance processing and end-use functionality of the intended food products. The objectives of this study were 1) to compare how untreated and chlorine-treated commercial soft wheat flour perform in a standard pancake formulation and 2) to compare how the individual ingredients in a standard pancake formulation influence quality attributes of pancakes made with untreated as well as chlorine-treated commercial soft wheat flour. Two portions of the same soft wheat flour, one chlorinated and the other un-chlorinated, were used to study the effects of flour chlorination on batter viscosity, geometry, and texture quality attributes of pancakes. Commercial pancake formula ingredients were evaluated at different concentrations for their individual influence on quality attributes of pancakes. Differences in means ...
San Antonio Mental Health Disaster Consortium: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, A Personal Perspective

TOPIC. This is the personal perspective of the author's experience during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. As a member of a professional mental health volunteer organization, this chronicles 3 months’ experience in the local shelters. PURPOSE. Difficulties with organizational support and structure hampered the effectiveness and functioning of this volunteer organization in the shelters. To identify lessons learned from this experience. CONCLUSIONS. It is essential to identify where each mental health volunteer group fits into the organizational structure and what the role of each is. Volunteers need to be scheduled and relieved at regular intervals to rest so as to prevent stress reactions.
Docosahexaenoic acid in the diet: its importance in maintenance and restoration of neural membrane function

The central nervous system has the second highest concentration of lipids after adipose tissue. Long chain fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are integral components of neural membrane phospholipids. Alterations in neural membrane phospholipid components cannot only influence crucial intracellular and intercellular signaling but also alter many membrane physical properties such as fluidity, phase transition temperature, bilayer thickness, and lateral domains. A deficiency of docosahexaenoic acid markedly affects neurotransmission, membrane-bound enzyme and ion channel activities, gene expression, intensity of inflammation, and immunity and synaptic plasticity. Docosahexaenoic acid deficiency is associated with normal aging, Alzheimer disease, hyperactivity, schizophrenia, and peroxisomal disorders. Although the molecular mechanism of docosahexaenoic acid involvement in the disorders remains unknown, the supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid in the diet restores gene expression and modulates neurotransmission. Also, improvements are seen in signal transduction processes associated with behavioral deficits, learning activity, peroxisomal disorders, and psychotic changes in schizophrenia, depression, hyperactivity, stroke, and Alzheimer disease.
Cancer Diagnosis with Prostate Specific Antigen Greater than 10 ng./ml. and Negative Peripheral Zone Prostate Biopsy

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the results of additional diagnostic procedures in men with prostate specific antigen (PSA) more than 10 ng./ml. and a peripheral zone prostate biopsy negative for cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 68 men with PSA more than 10 ng./ml. and a peripheral zone biopsy negative for cancer was investigated with 1 or more peripheral zone biopsies (17), prostatectomy (18), or 1 or more peripheral zone biopsies and needle biopsy of the transition zone or prostatectomy (33).Results: Cancer was detected in 20 of 68 patients (29 percent) with 1 or more additional diagnostic procedures. Of 51 patients whose transition zone was biopsied or who underwent prostatectomy 16 had cancer, and in 8 the malignancy appeared to be isolated to the transition zone. Mean PSA density and proportion of patients with PSA density more 0.15 were significantly greater and mean prostate volume was significantly less in the 20 patients with compared to 31 without identifiable cancer.Conclusions: At least 3...
Fluorescence decay kinetics of pyrene in membrane vesicles.

Abstract The fluorescence decay kinetics of pyrene incorporated into artificial and natural membrane vesicles has been studied by pulse fluorimetry. The emission of monomeric pyrene and its excimer embedded in sonicated liposomes prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and a mixture of this phospholipid and dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine follows a multiple exponential decay law at temperatures both below and above their thermal transitions (10–48°C). When pyrene is incorporated into fragmented skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, the emission decay exhibits similar multiple exponential character. The decay of the monomer in the phospholipid vesicles can be adequately described by three exponential terms. The experimental decays observed with both types of vesicles deviate significantly from a previously proposed model in which departure of the decay of pyrene monomer from monoexponentiality is qualitatively related to a time dependence in the diffusion-controlled formation of excimers from ground stale and excited monomers. It is suggested thai the observed decays are compatible with a reaction scheme involving excited state interaction.
Dimensions of Student Alienation and Characteristics of Public High Schools.

This research paper investigates the relationship between characteristics of public schools and student alienation from schools. As hypothesized, custodialism in pupil control orientation and some aspects of school climate were related to variants of student alienation. However, organizational characteristics that were related to one type of alienation were not necessarily related to others, and occasionally they were related in unexpected ways.
Synthesis of 5-Halo-6-methylcinchomeronic Acids

New 5-halo-cinchomeronic acids which are structurally related to pyridoxine have been synthesized. These compounds are potential vitamin B 6 antagonists.
Phosphorus Retention by Wetland Soils used for Treated Wastewater Disposal

Wetlands function as buffers for nutrients loaded from terrestrial ecosystems through drainage and surface discharges. The objectives of our study were to (1) determine the P retention capacity of representative wetland soils being used for disposal of treated wastewater and (2) relate P retention characteristics to selected physicochemical properties to evaluate likely mechanisms of P removal to the solls. Intact soil cores (0-40cm) and bulk soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from a system of natural and constructed wetlands currently being used for disposal of treated wastewater. Floodwater P concentrations of the intact soil cores were monitored over time to determine the rate of P removal. Batch experiments were conducted to deternime maximum P retention capacity of the soils. Soil samples were analyzed for inorganic P pool sizes, and selected physicochemical properties. During a 21 d hydraulic retention time, the constructed wetlands (sandy, low organic matter solls) retained 52 to 66% of added P, as compared with 46 to 47% retained by the natural wetlands (high organic matter soils). The P retention maximum, as estimated using the Langmuir model, ranged from 196 to 1821 mg P kg{sup -1} (aerobic incubations) and from 32 to 1415 mg P kg{sup -1} (anaerobicmore » incubations). The P sorption maximum for these soils could be predicted by batch equilibration with a single high P solution. Anaerobic conditions increased P solubility Organic P pools and the Fe-Al-bound fraction seemed to control P chemistry in these natural and constructed wetland. 38 refs., 4 figs., 8 tabs.« less
Effect of rat tumor allografts on the blood level of passively transferred alloantibodies.

SummaryHigh titers of transplantation antibodies, as measured by a hemagglutination test, were induced in Buffalo strain rats by repeated inoculations of a carcinogeninduced tumor maintained in Fischer-344 rats. This tumor grew in Buffalo rats immunosuppressed by X-irradiation and cortisone. When a gamma globulin fraction from pooled immune serum was injected intravenously into such tumor-bearing rats the antibody titer in blood declined more rapidly than in similar immunosuppressed rats without tumor transplants.