cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The significance of spectral position in the rhodopsins of tropical marine fishes

Abstract Visual pigments were extracted from the retinae of a large and diverse sample (179 species, in 40 families) of tropical marinefishes. By the method of partial bleaching, most of these were found to be retinal-1 pigments, with their maxima tightly grouped between 489 and 502 nm; but a few have λmax at shorter wavelengths. The spectral position of these pigments does not correlate with diurnal or nocturnal activity patterns, nor do closely related species necessarily have similar pigments. In general, the deeper-living species have rhodopsins with λmax at shorter wavelengths, a correlation with the bluer quality of light in deeper water. The spectral distribution of light was measured in air and underwater at a coral atoll. During twilight the underwater spectrum narrows and shifts to shorter wavelengths, as a result of increased absorption of yellow-orange light by the atmosphere. This effect at twilight is unique among the general spectral events that constitute each day. The behavioral patterns of reef fishes make clear the relationships between underwater light and the visual pigments. During evening twilight, there is an orderly sequence, in which the diurnal fishes seek cover, and then, after a “Quiet Period”, the nocturnal species emerge. The “Quiet Period” is the most critical and visually difficult time because light intensities are transitional between the thresholds of photopic and scotopic vision. Predation reaches a maximum during the “Quiet Period”. The rhodopsins of all these fishes tend to match the background light available during evening and morning twilight. Photochemically, visual sensitivity is maximized and, as a result, predation is held in check. The relationships between light, behavior and visual physiology are discussed. Although their rhodopsins are spectrally similar to those of the prey, crepuscular predators obtain a visual advantage by having moderate numbers of very large cones, which provide adequate sensitivity and sufficient resolution for motion detection.
Improved Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry Interface

This article describes the construction and performance of a restrictor . heater for interfacing an ion mobility detector IMD to a supercritical fluid chromatograph. In this interface design, an independent heating system controlled . the temperature of the supercritical fluid chromatography SFC column restrictor up to 3258C. The performance of this direct SFC)IMD interface was evaluated by separating and detecting test compounds that do not contain chromophore groups and cannot be detected by UVrvisible detection methods. Polydimethylsilicone .PDMS oligomers with molecular weights larger than 4000 amu were efficiently separated and detected when the restrictor was heated to 3258C. Overall detector sensitivity and chromatographic resolution were improved with the novel interface. Q 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Micro Sep 11: 251)257, 1999
Treatment of multiple keratoacanthomas with oral isotretinoin

A patient with multiple keratoacanthomas was successfully treated with oral isotretinoin. The treatment resulted in clearing of existing keratoacanthomas and prevented the development of new lesions. An induction dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day was necessary to initiate the response. This is the third report of successful treatment of multiple keratoacanthomas with isotretinoin.
Eldercare in the transnational setting: insights from Bangladeshi transnational families in the United States.

Little is known about the emotional impact of caregiving for elderly parents on migrant child in the transnational setting. To address this gap in the literature, this study examines the stressors, mediators, and outcomes of eldercare in the transnational context. Data were collected from 21 Bangladeshi immigrant men and women living in the United States who had living parents in Bangladesh over 60 years old. Despite the geographic distance, the migrants provide care to their parents such as emotional support, financial assistance, and arranging for care. While the health status of the care recipients contributed to primary objective stressors, none of the transnational caregivers’ narratives reflected the presence of any subjective stressors such as role overload, role captivity, and relational deprivation. Distance and depending on others for hands-on caregiving resulted in feelings of loss of control over the caregiving process. Caregivers experienced a range of emotions from guilt, excessive worrying, and distress over the unpredictability and uncertainty of their circumstances. Kin networks, communicative technologies, and a cultural norm of filial piety contributed to mediating stress. The findings underscore the importance of supportive institutional policies such as visa and travel policies, employment leave, and counseling services for caregivers who provide care for their elderly parents transnationally.
GaAs MESFET demodulates gigabit signal rates from GaAlAs injection laser

This letter describes the experimental results of an optical transmission link with modulation rates up to 4 GHz. The transmitter consists of an FET driven GaAlAs injection laser emitting at a 8500 A wavelength. The receiver makes use of a GaAs MESFET chip which is compared with a standard silicon avalanche photodiode demodulator.
Intrafamily decision making in family planning.

Abstract Condoms were found to be a likely compromise among 58 expectant couples who, first, individually, and then, jointly, provided rank preferences for 12 contraceptive methods. The needs and methods of incorporating intrafamily communications in family planning decisions by nonprofit and profit organizations are outlined.
Comparison of pediatric exposures to concentrated "pack" and traditional laundry detergents.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric exposures to concentrated laundry detergent packs may result in serious adverse affects. This study compared pediatric exposures to laundry detergent packs and traditional laundry detergents. METHODS: Cases were exposures among patients 5 years or younger to laundry detergent packs during January to June 2012 and traditional laundry detergents during January to December 2011 reported to Texas poison centers. Comparisons between the 2 types of products were made for various variables. RESULTS: Of 187 laundry detergent pack and 452 traditional laundry detergent exposures, the patient was already at or en route to a health care facility in 21.4% of the laundry detergent pack and 9.3% of the traditional laundry detergent exposures. Of those exposures where the poison center could potentially influence where the patient was managed, 23.8% of laundry detergent pack and 3.7% of traditional laundry detergent exposures were referred to health care facilities. Potentially serious outcomes were reported in 12.3% of laundry detergent pack and 2.4% of traditional laundry detergent exposures. The most commonly reported clinical effects in laundry detergent pack and traditional laundry detergent exposures were vomiting (54.5% vs 17.0%), cough (11.2% vs 2.2%), ocular irritation (7.0% vs 6.4%), red eye (7.0% vs 5.3%), nausea (7.0% vs 2.7%), and oral irritation (7.0% vs 2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric exposures to laundry detergent packs were more likely to be managed at a health care facility. Moreover, the laundry detergent pack exposures were more likely to result in serious outcomes and involve the most common clinical effects. Language: en
To what extent did Neanderthals and modern humans interact

Neanderthals represent an extinct hominid lineage that existed in Europe and Asia for nearly 400,000 years. They thrived in these regions for much of this time, but declined in numbers and went extinct around 30,000 years ago. Interestingly, their disappearance occurred subsequent to the arrival of modern humans into these areas, which has prompted some to argue that Neanderthals were displaced by better suited and more adaptable modern humans. Still others have postulated that Neanderthals were assimilated into the gene pool of modern humans by admixture. Until relatively recently, conclusions about the relationships between Neanderthals and contemporary humans were based solely upon evidence left behind in the fossil and archaeological records. However, in the last decade, we have witnessed the introduction of metagenomic analyses, which have provided novel tools with which to study the levels of genetic interactions between this fascinating Homo lineage and modern humans. Were Neanderthals replaced by contemporary humans through dramatic extinction resulting from competition and/or hostility or through admixture? Were Neanderthals and modern humans two independent, genetically unique species or were they a single species, capable of producing fertile offspring? Here, we review the current anthropological, archaeological and genetic data, which shed some light on these questions and provide insight into the exact nature of the relationships between these two groups of humans.
Post-transcriptional control of gene expression during spermatogenesis.

The synthesis and storage of mRNAs prior to their translation is a necessity during spermatogenesis as global transcription ceases several days prior to the completion of spermatid differentiation. Post-transcriptional control can be mediated by sequences in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions of mRNAs, and in some cases separate elements may regulate translational repression and translational activation. Translational repression is essential for spermatid differentiation as premature translation can lead to an arrest in spermatid differentiation and cause dominant male sterility.
Full 160-Gb/s OTDM to 16x10-Gb/s WDM conversion with a single nonlinear interaction

We experimentally demonstrate full simultaneous error-free demultiplexing of a 160-Gb/s OTDM data stream to 16x10-Gb/s WDM channels in a single nonlinear optical device. A temporal Fourier processor based upon a four-wave mixing (FWM) time lens is used to perform the demultiplexing operation. The FWM pump pulses are chirped such that they temporally overlap to allow for continuous operation; a necessary feature for full demultiplexing. We identify the fundamental challenges of operating in this continuous regime and characterize their impact on the system performance. We determine the main performance impairments to be crosstalk from adjacent WDM channels and crosstalk arising from non-degenerate FWM amongst the OTDM signal and the temporally overlapping pump pulses.
Protein Folding in Membranes: Insights from Neutron Diffraction Studies of a Membrane β-Sheet Oligomer

Studies of the assembly of the hexapeptide Acetyl-Trp-Leu5 (AcWL5) into β-sheets in membranes have provided insights into membrane protein folding. Yet, the exact structure of the oligomer in the lipid bilayer is unknown. Here we use neutron diffraction to study the disposition of the peptides in bilayers. We find that pairs of adjacent deuterium-labeled leucines have no well-defined peak or dip in the transmembrane distribution profiles, indicative of heterogeneity in the depth of membrane insertion. At the same time, the monomeric homolog AcWL4 exhibits a homogeneous, well-defined, interfacial location in neutron diffraction experiments. Thus, although the bilayer location of monomeric AcWL4 is determined by hydrophobicity matching or complementarity within the bilayer, the AcWL5 molecules in the oligomer are positioned at different depths within the bilayer because they assemble into a staggered transmembrane β-sheet. The AcWL5 assembly is dominated by protein-protein interactions rather than hydrophobic complementarity. These results have implications for the structure and folding of proteins in their native membrane environment and highlight the importance of the interplay between hydrophobic complementarity and protein-protein interactions in determining the structure of membrane proteins.
Surface-modified carbons as platinum catalyst support for PEM fuel cells

Abstract Carbon forms, such as activated carbon, carbon black, carbon nanofibers and nanotubes, can be used as support materials for precious metal catalysts used in fuel cell electrodes. This work first compares the ability of functionalized high surface area graphitic (carbon nanofibers) and amorphous (activated carbon) carbons to homogeneously support finely divided platinum catalyst particles, then contrasts the performance of platinum/carbon composite electrodes within a hydrogen fuel cell. Functionalization by concentrated acid treatment results in the creation of various oxygen carrying functionalities on the otherwise inert carbon surfaces. The degree of surface functionalization is found to be a function of the functionalization treatment strength. Chemical reduction of the platinum precursor complex using milder reducing agents in the temperature range of 75–85 °C, and using ethylene glycol at 140 °C yields the smallest platinum particle sizes observed in this study, a result confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements confirm the existence of platinum in primarily its metallic state on the functionalized carbon surfaces.
The ethomics era

Applying modern machine-vision techniques to the study of animal behavior, two groups developed systems that quantify many aspects of the complex social behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster. These software tools will enable high-throughput screens that seek to uncover the cellular and molecular underpinnings of behavior.
Composted and formulated poultry litters promote soil nutrient availability but not plant uptake or edamame quality

Poultry litter can be a beneficial organic fertilizer if managed properly. Treating poultry litter can impact litter decomposition and nutrient release after application to soil. Knowledge about potential benefits to soil and crop quality from formulated pelletized or composted poultry litter amendments is limited. Few studies have focused on legumes and value-added crops such as edamame soybean. Here, we conducted greenhouse and field experiments in northwest Arkansas to investigate the effects of a composted and two formulated poultry litters applied at a 112 kg P ha−1 on nutrient availability and enzyme activities in a silt loam soil growing edamame. Litters were incorporated pre-plant, and soil parameters were monitored throughout the growing season. Plant nutrient concentrations and seed composition were measured at reproductive stages. Our results show that the composted litter and the two formulated litters have similar P content equivalent to about 5 % P2O5. Both litters increased Mehlich-3 and water soluble P in soil, with soluble P concentrations ranging from 33 to 316 % over the control. Dissolved organic C and inorganic N increased in the field following application of formulated poultry litter but not following application of composted poultry litter. Plant N and P uptake and seed nutritional value were not significantly increased by poultry litter addition. We conclude that composted poultry litter may be a better alternative for edamame production than formulated litters because it adds a more stable organic substrate to soil.
Functional interaction between Smad, CREB binding protein, and p68 RNA helicase

The transforming growth factors β control a diversity of biological processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix production, and are critical effectors of embryonic patterning and development, including that of the orofacial region. TGFβ superfamily members signal through specific cell surface receptors that phosphorylate the cytoplasmic Smad proteins, resulting in their translocation to the nucleus and interaction with promoters of TGFβ-responsive genes. Subsequent alterations in transcription are cell type-specific and dependent on recruitment to the Smad/transcription factor complex of coactivators, such as CBP and p300, or corepressors, such as c-ski and SnoN. Since the affinity of Smads for DNA is generally low, additional accessory proteins that facilitate Smad/DNA binding are required, and are often cell- and tissue-specific. In order to identify novel Smad 3 binding proteins in developing orofacial tissue, a yeast two hybrid assay was employed in which the MH2 domain of Smad 3 was used to screen an expression library derived from mouse embryonic orofacial tissue. The RNA helicase, p68, was identified as a unique Smad binding protein, and the specificity of the interaction was confirmed through various in vitro and in vivo assays. Co-expression of Smad 3 and a CBP-Gal4 DNA binding domain fusion protein in a Gal4-luciferase reporter assay resulted in increased TGFβ-stimulated reporter gene transcription. Moreover, co-expression of p68 RNA helicase along with Smad 3 and CBP-Gal4 resulted in synergistic activation of Gal4-luciferase reporter expression. Collectively, these data indicate that the RNA helicase, p68, can directly interact with Smad 3 resulting in formation of a transcriptionally active ternary complex containing Smad 3, p68, and CBP. This offers a means of enhancing TGFβ-mediated cellular responses in developing orofacial tissue.
Normal and elevated 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide concentrations in women with various causes of hirsutism and its correlation with degree of hirsutism and androgen levels.

We investigated peripheral androgen metabolic activity in 54 hirsute females (HF) by evaluating the serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3AG) concentration, hirsutism score (HS), and etiology of hirsutism. Based on basal and ACTH-stimulated steroid profiles (1 h post-Cortrosyn, 0.25 mg, i.v. bolus), the causes of hirsutism were determined to be increased adrenal androgen production (greater than 2 SD above normal mean), increased ovarian testosterone (T) production (greater than 2 SD above normal mean basal T of ovarian source only), or idiopathic cause (normal steroid profile). Serum 3AG levels in each group of HF were significantly higher (P less than 0.01-0.001) than those in normal females [normal: 2.9 +/- 0.94 nmol/L (n = 28); HF: increased adrenal androgen production of undefined cause, 7.7 +/- 7.5 nmol/L (n = 14); 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 7.6 +/- 7.4 nmol/L (n = 5); increased ovarian T production 5.5 +/- 3.5 nmol/L (n = 18); idiopathic cause, 5.8 +/- 4.8 nmol/L (n = 17)]. However, normal 3AG levels (less than 5.2 nmol/L) were present in 50-67% of HF in each group. Collectively, 3AG levels in HF correlated significantly (P less than 0.01) with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; r = 0.41) and DHEA sulfate (DS; r = 0.44), while the correlation with androstenedione (r = 0.15) or T (r = 0.19) was not significant. Serum 3AG and adrenal androgen levels decreased in all subjects after dexamethasone treatment (0.5-1 mg at hour of sleep; 2 mg/day for 3-5 days). The correlation between 3AG and HS was significant (r = 0.6-0.74; P less than 0.01-0.001) only in HF with increased adrenal androgen secretion and idiopathic cause, and was not significant (r = 0.42) in HF with increased ovarian T secretion. There was no significant correlation between androgen levels and HS. We conclude that the serum 3AG level was not consistently elevated in HF and did not differ significantly between the various causes. Significant correlations between 3AG and DHEA/DS levels, and the simultaneous decrease in 3AG and adrenal androgens after dexamethasone administration in HF suggest that adrenal androgens contribute significantly to 3AG production. The significant correlation between 3AG and HS in HF with increased adrenal androgen secretion and idiopathic cause indirectly suggests an adrenal androgen contribution to both 3AG production and hirsutism in these HF. The insignificant correlation between 3AG and HS in HF with increased ovarian T secretion may result from a confounding effect of ovarian T on hirsutism.
Quantitative prediction of respiratory tidal volume based on the external torso volume change: a potential volumetric surrogate

An external respiratory surrogate that not only highly correlates with but also quantitatively predicts internal tidal volume should be useful in guiding four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), as well as 4D radiation therapy (4DRT). A volumetric surrogate should have advantages over external fiducial point(s) for monitoring respiration-induced motion of the torso, which deforms in synchronization with a patient-specific breathing pattern. This study establishes a linear relationship between the external torso volume change (TVC) and lung air volume change (AVC) by validating a proposed volume conservation hypothesis (TVC = AVC) throughout the respiratory cycle using 4DCT and spirometry. Fourteen patients' torso 4DCT images and corresponding spirometric tidal volumes were acquired to examine this hypothesis. The 4DCT images were acquired using dual surrogates in cine mode and amplitude-based binning in 12 respiratory stages, minimizing residual motion artifacts. Torso and lung volumes were calculated using threshold-based segmentation algorithms and volume changes were calculated relative to the full-exhalation stage. The TVC and AVC, as functions of respiratory stages, were compared, showing a high correlation (r = 0.992 ± 0.005, p < 0.0001) as well as a linear relationship (slope = 1.027 ± 0.061, R2 = 0.980) without phase shift. The AVC was also compared to the spirometric tidal volumes, showing a similar linearity (slope = 1.030 ± 0.092, R2 = 0.947). In contrast, the thoracic and abdominal heights measured from 4DCT showed relatively low correlation (0.28 ± 0.44 and 0.82 ± 0.30, respectively) and location-dependent phase shifts. This novel approach establishes the foundation for developing an external volumetric respiratory surrogate.
Preserving families at risk of child abuse and neglect: The role of the helping alliance

Family preservation services are increasingly employed to decrease the use of foster care and preserve maltreating families at high risk of child placement. First studies of family preservation services appeared to support their effectiveness in achieving these goals. However, questions are raised increasingly about their effectiveness, particularly with those families whose functioning is impaired by psychopathology and substance abuse. The time has come to seek fuller understanding of family preservation services and their differential successes. In this paper, we draw on current research in the field of psychotherapy--specifically on studies of the helping alliance and its relationship to treatment outcome--to purpose a new look at family preservation services and to inform of treatment of high-risk families.
Comparison of native E. coli and PEG asparaginase pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Asparaginase (ASP) is used routinely in frontline clinical trials for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The goals of this study were to assess the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ASP and to mathematically model the dynamics between ASP and asparagine (ASN) in relapsed ALL. Forty children were randomized to receive either native or polyethylene glycolated (PEG) Escherichia coli ASP during reinduction therapy. Serial plasma ASP and ASN, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ASN, and serum anti-ASP antibody samples were collected. The ASP clearance was higher (P = 0.001) for native vs. PEG ASP. Patients with antibodies to PEG ASP had faster PEG ASP clearance (P = 0.004) than did antibody-negative patients. Patients who were positive for antibodies had higher CSF ASN concentrations than did those who were negative (P = 0.04). The modeling suggests that by modifying dosages, comparable ASN depletion is achievable with both preparations. At relapse, there were significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences attributable to ASP preparation and antibody status.
Entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes with imperfect ebits

The scheme of entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting (EAQEC) codes assumes that the ebits of the receiver are error free. In practical situations, errors on these ebits are unavoidable, which diminishes the error-correcting ability of these codes. We consider two different versions of this problem. We first show that any (nondegenerate) standard stabilizer code can be transformed into an EAQEC code that can correct errors on the qubits of both sender and receiver. These EAQEC codes are equivalent to standard stabilizer codes, and hence the decoding techniques of standard stabilizer codes can be applied. Several EAQEC codes of this type are found to be optimal. In a second scheme, the receiver uses a standard stabilizer code to protect the ebits, which we call a ``combination code.'' The performances of different quantum codes are compared in terms of the channel fidelity over the depolarizing channel. We give a formula for the channel fidelity over the depolarizing channel (or any Pauli error channel), and show that it can be efficiently approximated by a Monte Carlo calculation. Finally, we discuss the tradeoff between performing extra entanglement distillation and applying an EAQEC code with imperfect ebits.
Gait characteristics of patients with claudication

Abstract Objective: Intermittent claudication of the lower extremity vessels produces pain during walking. This study differentiates walking patterns of patients with claudication from walking patterns of healthy individuals. Design: Nonrandomized case control study performed in a teaching university hospital outpatient setting. Patients: The sample of convenience involved male patients with lower extremity claudication ( n = 19) and 11 healthy men of similar ages. Interventions: Subjects were asked to walk at self-selected speed for 20 meters on a level, indoor surface. Outcome Measures: Walking velocity and number of steps were averaged over each of five trials, and step length was calculated from these measures. Results: Patients with claudication walked slower and had decreased step length and decreased cadence compared with controls ( p Conclusion: All patients with claudication, regardless of disease severity, demonstrated abnormal gait parameters compared with controls. Further studies should evaluate whether the abnormal gait parameters significantly curtail walking ability.
Assembly and disassembly of a retinal cholinergic network

In the few weeks prior to the onset of vision, the retina undergoes a dramatic transformation. Neurons migrate into position and target appropriate synaptic partners to assemble the circuits that mediate vision. During this period of development, the retina is not silent but rather assembles and disassembles a series of transient circuits that use distinct mechanisms to generate spontaneous correlated activity called retinal waves. During the first postnatal week, this transient circuit is comprised of reciprocal cholinergic connections between starburst amacrine cells. A few days before the eyes open, these cholinergic connections are eliminated as the glutamatergic circuits involved in processing visual information are formed. Here, we discuss the assembly and disassembly of this transient cholinergic network and the role it plays in various aspects of retinal development.
Beyond the Shadows Domestic Spousal Violence in a “Democratizing” Egypt

This study provides an expose of spousal abuse in Egypt in terms of its nature (prevalence, forms, risk factors, reporting), the criminal justice response, available services that deal with it, and its impact on individual women, the family, and the general societal fabric. This study is based on empirical studies, surveys, UN reports, and newspaper articles. Since the beginning of 2000, Egypt has witnessed legal, organizational, and political changes, both generally and concerning women. Some changes address the issue of spousal abuse directly, and others focus on empowering women in family and society. As a result, it is important to develop a baseline profile of spousal abuse for future research on and the evaluation of the effects of such policies and legal changes. This would enable researchers to measure over time strategies that influence change and reduce violence against women. This article provides the first step in the baseline.
Propositional logics of programs: systems, models, and complexity

We indicate below the various results in this paper and the sections where these results are fully described. δ1 is introductory).(δ2). The partial correctness assertion (PCA) A{α}B is expressed in PDL in the form A → [α]B. We shall consider the question of when a given finite set of PCAs implies another and give optimal complexity bounds. We also give other results of an algebraic nature.(δ3). DPDL is less well understood than PDL since the filtration technique of F-L that applies to the latter falls for the former. We point out a translation from PDL to DPDL which leads to a lower bound for the latter.(δ4). What do models of PDL look like? We show the existence of canonical and universal models and show how an infinite model can be related to its F-L factors.
A Model of Inherited Wealth

I. Introduction, 608. — II. Elements of a model of inheritance, 610. — III. Primogeniture, 612. — IV. The mating function, 614. — V. Random mating, 616. — VI. Class mating, 620. — VII. Assortative mating, 623. Every generation regards as natural the institutions to which it is accustomed. — R. H. Tawney
Applications of synchrotron X-rays in microelectronics industry research

The high flux and density of x-rays produced at synchrotrons provide the microelectronics industry with a powerful probe of the structure and behavior of a wide array of solid materials that are being developed for use in devices of the future. They also are of great use in determining why currently-used materials and processes sometimes fail. This paper describes the X20 x-ray beamline facility operated by IBM at the National Synchrotron Light Source, and presents a series of three industry challenges and results that illustrate the variety of techniques used and problems addressed. The value of this research ranges from solving short-term, technically-specific problems to increasing our academic understanding of materials in general. Techniques discussed include high-resolution diffraction, time-resolved diffraction, texture measurements, and grazing-incidence diffraction.
Specific Petit Mal Anticonvulsants Reduce Calcium Currents in Thalamic Neurons

Low-threshold calcium current (LTCC) in thalamic neurons is important in generation of normal thalamocortical rhythms, and may be involved in the genesis of abnormal activities such as spike-wave discharges that characterize petit mal epilepsy. Ethosuximide and dimethadione, anticonvulsants effective in petit mal, reduced the LTCC when applied to thalamic neurons at clinically relevant concentrations. Therapeutic concentrations of phenytoin and carbamazepine, drugs ineffective in the control of petit mal, had minimal effects on calcium conductances. Reduction in LTCC may be an important mechanism of action by which specific petit mal anticonvulsants depress spike-wave activity.
Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Modalities and the Emerging Role of Magnetic Resonance and Positron Emission Tomography Imaging

Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with premature atherosclerosis and increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this review is to summarize current and emerging imaging modalities for the evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA, with an emphasis on potential application of novel modalities, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, as screening tools for early cardiovascular disease risk stratification. Methods A PubMed literature search was undertaken using the search terms “rheumatoid arthritis” AND “cardiovascular disease” OR “atherosclerosis” OR “plaque” and including all relevant terms for imaging modalities. Results Two noninvasive imaging modalities have been widely adopted for direct visualization of arterial wall: carotid ultrasonography and cardiac computed tomography. Published studies in the RA population using these 2 modalities are reviewed. Novel cardiovascular imaging modalities are described, with an emphasis on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Emerging research tools in vascular imaging, including dynamic and cardiac stress perfusion contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, are presented. The incremental imaging capabilities to characterize plaque composition and vessel wall inflammation as well myocardial abnormalities and published studies are systematically reviewed. Conclusions An increasing number of cardiovascular imaging modalities with improved characterization of features associated with plaque vulnerability have been developed. Given the heightened cardiovascular risk profile of the RA population, these novel imaging modalities offer promise for risk stratification and drug safety evaluation.
Role of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad51 Paralogs in Sister Chromatid Recombination

Rad51 requires a number of other proteins, including the Rad51 paralogs, for efficient recombination in vivo. Current evidence suggests that the yeast Rad51 paralogs, Rad55 and Rad57, are important in formation or stabilization of the Rad51 nucleoprotein filament. To gain further insights into the function of the Rad51 paralogs, reporters were designed to measure spontaneous or double-strand break (DSB)-induced sister or nonsister recombination. Spontaneous sister chromatid recombination (SCR) was reduced 6000-fold in the rad57 mutant, significantly more than in the rad51 mutant. Although the DSB-induced recombination defect of rad57 was suppressed by overexpression of Rad51, elevated temperature, or expression of both mating-type alleles, the rad57 defect in spontaneous SCR was not strongly suppressed by these same factors. In addition, the UV sensitivity of the rad57 mutant was not strongly suppressed by MAT heterozygosity, even though Rad51 foci were restored under these conditions. This lack of suppression suggests that Rad55 and Rad57 have different roles in the recombinational repair of stalled replication forks compared with DSB repair. Furthermore, these data suggest that most spontaneous SCR initiates from single-stranded gaps formed at stalled replication forks rather than DSBs.
MEMS rate and rate-integrating gyroscope control with commercial software defined radio hardware

Here we present a system for digital control of rate-integrating or rate gyroscopes using commercial signal processing hardware. The proposed system, with minimal analog interface hardware and the software and firmware, can seamlessly switch between rate and rate-integrating modes of a rate-integrating capable gyroscope, or operate closed or open loop rate modes for a non-RIG. The control system implements effective amplitude, quadrature and steering control of rate-integrating gyroscopes with a delay of 7ms, and provides a platform for introducing new compensation methods for rate-integrating gyroscopes.
Does Problem Behavior Elicit Poor Parenting?: A Prospective Study of Adolescent Girls

This study tested the hypothesis that perceived parenting would show reciprocal relations with adolescents' problem behavior using longitudinal data from 496 adolescent girls. Results provided support for the assertion that female problem behavior has an adverse effect on parenting; elevated externalizing symptoms and substance abuse symptoms predicted future decreases in perceived parental support and control. There was less support for the assertion that parenting deficits foster adolescent problem behaviors; initially low parental control predicted future increases in substance abuse, but not externalizing symptoms, and low parental support did not predict future increases in externalizing or substance abuse symptoms. Results suggest that problem behavior is a more consistent predictor of parenting than parenting is of problem behavior, at least for girls during middle adolescence.
Protection of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) for Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis

Abstract Cyclic ethyl orthoformate (Ceof) was utilized as a protecting group to protect the catechol hydroxyl groups of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). This protecting group is stable to strong bases and nucleophiles, and can be removed efficiently by 1 M trimethylsilyl bromide in trifluoroacetic acid in the presence of scavengers at 0°C for 60 min. Fmoc-DOPA(Ceof)-OH was synthesized in high yield and applied along with other Fmoc-amino acids to the solid-phase peptide synthesis of a DOPA-containing decapeptide from a mussel adhesive protein.
A computation of the points Г and X for the valence and conduction bands of sodium chloride

Abstract The orthogonalized plane wave method is used to compute the points Г and X in the first Brillouin zone for the sodium chloride crystal. Computations are performed for both the valence and conduction bands. The results are compared with the results of recent experiments on the absorption spectrum of sodium chloride.
Eudaimonism, Love and Friendship, and Political Community*

It is common to regard love, friendship, and other associational ties to others as an important part of a happy or flourishing life. This would be easy enough to understand if we focused on friendships based on pleasure, or associations, such as business partnerships, predicated on mutual advantage. For then we could understand in a straightforward way how these interpersonal relationships would be valuable for someone involved in such relationships just insofar as they caused her pleasure or causally promoted her own independent interests. But many who regard love, friendship, and other associational ties as an important part of a happy or flourishing life suppose that in many sorts of associations—especially intimate associations—the proper attitude among associates is concern for the other for the other's own sake, not just for the pleasure or benefits one can extract from one's associates. It is fairly clear how having friends of this sort is beneficial. What is less clear is how being a friend of this sort might contribute to one's own happiness or well-being. Even if we can explain this, it looks as if the contribution that friendship makes to one's happiness could not be the reason one has to care for friends, for that would seem to make one's concern for others instrumental, not a concern for the other for her own sake.
The role of perceived policy success in the diffusion of criminal policing policy innovations

Traditional studies of policy diffusion amongst states are deficient because they do not consider the possibility that states adopt the policies of those that appear to experience desired policy outcomes. The predominant belief is that policy emulation occurs because decision makers defer to other states possessing certain similarities with their state. This shorthand policy learning does not require observation of policy outcomes. Nonetheless, the results of this paper suggest that states are more likely to adopt policing policies of other states if they are perceived to be successful in reducing the number of violent crimes performed compared to years past.
Information Needs of Adolescents With Cancer

Adolescents with cancer (AWC) have poorer treatment outcomes as well as higher incidence and mortality rates than do younger children, and they face additional challenges related to normal developmental issues of adolescence. Although research has shown that information on the cancer experience improves outcomes by decreasing uncertainty and increasing perceived support, little is known about the types of information AWC need and want. This study describes how AWC rate the importance of specific cancer-related information, analyzes gender and age group differences, and compares 2 different time-since-diagnosis groups of AWC. The sample consisted of adolescents with newly diagnosed cancer (n = 74) and those 1 to 3 years from diagnosis (n = 39). The Information Preferences of Adolescents (IPA) Scale was used to measure the adolescents’information needs. Both samples of AWC rated the need for information as high. There were no significant differences by age, but females had significantly higher total scores for both groups and for many item means in the newly diagnosed group. Qualitative analysis of the additional write-in items generated 4 themes: treatment/side effects, uncertainty, social issues, and personal/emotional issues.
Time-domain optical response of an electrooptic modulator using FDTD

A time-domain analysis of an LiNbO/sub 3/ electrooptic modulator using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique is performed. This allows for the calculation of optical modulation and the time-domain optical response of an electrooptic modulator. The electromagnetic fields computed by FDTD are coupled to standard electrooptic relations that characterize electrooptic interactions inside the embedded Ti diffused LiNbO/sub 3/ optical waveguides. The electric field-dependent change in the index of refraction inside these optical waveguides and resulting minute phase shifts imparted to optical signals propagating along the device are determined in time, allowing for the simulation of optical intensity modulation. This novel approach to LiNbO/sub 3/ electrooptic modulators using a coupled FDTD technique allows for previously unattainable investigations into device operating bandwidth and data transmission speed.
Robust Cooperative Decentralized Trajectory Optimization using Receding Horizon MILP

This paper presents a cooperative form of distributed robust model predictive control that is used for multi-vehicle trajectory optimization. The overall goal is to develop an approach that solves small subproblems but minimizes a fleet-level objective. In this new algorithm, vehicles solve their subproblems in sequence, while simultaneously generating feasible perturbations to the decisions of the other vehicles. In order to avoid reproducing the global optimization, the decisions of other vehicles are parameterized using a much smaller number of variables than in the centralized formulation. The resulting algorithm is shown to be robustly feasible under the action of unknown but bounded disturbances and monotonically decreases the fleet objective while cycling through the vehicles in the fleet and over the time. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed algorithm can improve the fleet objective by temporarily sacrificing on the individual objective.
Co-localization of stroop and syntactic ambiguity resolution in broca's area: Implications for the neural basis of sentence processing

For over a century, a link between left prefrontal cortex and language processing has been accepted, yet the precise characterization of this link remains elusive. Recent advances in both the study of sentence processing and the neuroscientific study of frontal lobe function suggest an intriguing possibility: The demands to resolve competition between incompatible characterizations of a linguistic stimulus may recruit top-down cognitive control processes mediated by prefrontal cortex. We use functional magnetic resonance imaging to test the hypothesis that individuals use shared prefrontal neural circuitry during two very different tasks-color identification under Stroop conflict and sentence comprehension under conditions of syntactic ambiguity-both of which putatively rely on cognitive control processes. We report the first demonstration of within-subject overlap in neural responses to syntactic and nonsyntactic conflict. These findings serve to clarify the role of Broca's area in, and the neural and psychological organization of, the language processing system.
Editorial: Molecular Endocrinology Articles in the Spotlight for July 2013

Welcome to the July issue of Molecular Endocrinology. Among this month’s papers you’ll find the following research to be of great interest.
Media Economics in Four Observations

Four observations come to mind when thinking back over the 25 years since the founding of the Journal of Media Economics (JME) and my involvement with this Journal.First, the way this Journal—and m...
Toward A Comprehensive Theory of Emotion

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on a comprehensive theory of emotion. The concept of emotion has played an extraordinarily varied role in behavioral theories. In psychology, emotions account for the drive and reinforcement mechanisms involved in learning and explain defense processes, addictions, and attachments. Ethology has used emotion to account for aspects of natural selection, while in anthropological, social and clinical study, emotion has been a focus for research on expressive behavior and interpersonal communication. Finally, physiological investigators interested in emotion concentrate on studies of autonomic and central nervous functions. The abundance of all research perspectives may well be the source of the one thing upon which various emotion theorists agree: The concept of emotion is defined poorly and research is fragmented and unintegrated. The chapter provides a provisional model of emotion that is both comprehensive and unified. The chapter discusses the key questions raised by past theories and research to which the new conceptualization is addressed. A limited elaboration of the model, drawing upon empirical findings where available and raising questions for future study is presented. In the absence of an integrated database, the model obviously is general and suggestive rather than specific and quantitative. It hopes that this shortcoming does not minimize its integrative and heuristic value.
Predictive validity of the Individual Placement and Support fidelity scale (IPS-25): A replication study

BACKGROUND: Fidelity scales are used to monitor adherence to evidence-based practices. The underlying assumption is that high fidelity predicts better outcomes. The IPS-25 is a fidelity scale measuring adherence to the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. A previous study found a significant association between the IPS-25 and competitive employment outcome. The current study sought to replicate this finding. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that fidelity, as measured by the IPS-25, would predict program-level competitive employment rate. Fidelity was assessed by the IPS-25 fidelity scale in 79 IPS programs in 12 states. The quarterly competitive employment rate was collected as part of quality improvement efforts in the IPS Learning Community. We examined the correlation between these two measures. RESULTS: Five components of the IPS-25 including vocational generalists, caseload size and rapid job search were successfully implemented in most IPS programs, whereas nine fidelity components, including time-unlimited supports and agency leadership support, were less widely implemented. As hypothesized, the IPS-25 total score was significantly associated with competitive employment rate (r = 0.27, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that IPS programs adhering to good fidelity are more likely to achieve enhanced competitive employment outcomes than the sites that have low fidelity.
Induction of polyfunctional human memory T cells by Wnt pathway activation (VAC3P.949)

Polyfunctionality is a hallmark of protective immunity against pathogens and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the induction of polyfunctional T cells are not completely understood. We found that during antigen-driven expansion of human virus-specific T cells, Wnt pathway activation enhances the CD62L+, CD28+, and KLRG1- central memory T cell phenotype and promoted the generation of highly polyfunctional virus-specific T cells. Such effects are not only seen in influenza-specific responses but also in terminally differentiated CMV- and HIV-specific T cells. Mechanistically induction of polyfunctionality was independent of arresting antigen-specific cell expansion and is T cell-intrinsic. These findings provide the first evidence that Wnt pathway activation leads to polyfunctional antigen-specific memory human T cells responses and therefore have implications for treatment of chronic viral infections and cancer.