cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative onyx embolization of vascular head and neck tumors by direct puncture.

Objective Preoperative embolization of hypervascular head and neck tumors is frequently performed to reduce operative times and blood loss. While traditional transarterial embolization is commonly used, direct tumoral puncture has also been advocated as an alternative. We report our series of head and neck tumors embolized with Onyx via direct tumoral puncture to ascertain the safety and efficacy of embolization using this technique. Methods We prospectively collected data on all head and neck tumors embolized with Onyx at our institution during a 24-month period. Results A total of 18 patients underwent preoperative embolization via direct tumoral puncture. Tumors included nine carotid body tumors, three glomus vagale tumors, five juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs), and one intracranial frontal parasagittal meningioma. All embolizations were completed in a single session. Mean fluoroscopy time was 40 minutes. The overall mean percent tumor devascularization was 87%. Inadvertent transtumoral migration of Onyx into the superior sagittal sinus occurred during intraoperative embolization of the meningioma using single-plane fluoroscopy and resulted in a large postoperative hemorrhagic venous infarct. There were no other endovascular-related complications in the remaining patients embolized using biplanar fluoroscopy. Conclusion Embolization of hypervascular head and neck tumors with Onyx via direct tumoral puncture can be performed safely and efficiently. Tumor embolization by direct puncture may theoretically lower the risk of inadvertent migration of Onyx through nontarget arterial vessels, but may increase the risk of inadvertent transtumoral embolization of venous structures. Caution should be exercised when using this technique for intracranial pathologies, and the importance of biplanar fluoroscopy to allow better visualization of the Onyx migration cannot be overemphasized.
Fiber-optic image transmission system with high resolution.

A system has been designed and built for transmitting images of diffusely reflecting objects through optical fibers and displaying those images at a receiving station. Wavelength coding is used to reduce the number of fibers required for transmission while allowing transmission of >1000 pixels/fiber. The system is an optical/electronic hybrid which operates under computer control. A tunable dye laser is used for a high-brightness light source, and a CRT is used for the output image display. The system and its operation are described, and examples of results are shown.
EnvZ-OmpR Interaction and Osmoregulation in Escherichia coli

EnvZ, a histidine kinase/phosphatase in Escherichia coli, responds to the osmolarity changes in the medium by regulating the phosphorylation state of the transcription factor OmpR, which controls the expression levels of outer membrane porin proteins OmpF and OmpC. Although both ompR and envZ genes are located on the ompB locus under the control of the ompB promoter and transcribed as a single polycistronic mRNA, the expression of envZ is known to be significantly less than ompR. However, to date no accurate estimation for the amounts of EnvZ and OmpR in the cell has been carried out. Here we examined the levels of EnvZ and OmpR in the wild-type strain MC4100 by quantitative Western blot analysis using anti-OmpR and anti-EnvZc (cytoplasmic domain of EnvZ) antisera. It was observed that during exponential growth in L-broth medium there were approximately 3500 and 100 molecules per cell of OmpR and EnvZ, respectively. The levels of OmpR and EnvZ in MC4100 cells grown in a high osmolarity medium (nutrient broth with 20% sucrose) were about the same as those grown in L-broth, whereas they were 1.7-fold higher than those in a low osmolarity medium (nutrient broth). With His10-OmpR, we also determined that the K(d) value for the EnvZc-OmpR complex formation is 1.20 +/- 0.17 microm. On the basis of these results, the molecular mechanism of osmoregulation of ompF and ompC is discussed.
Localized deposition and sputtering of Jovian ionospheric sodium on Io

Because of relative motion between the innermost Galilean satellite Io and Jupiter's ionosphere, a current is drawn from the ionosphere that can be a source of both deposition on, and sputtering from, the surface of Io. It is shown that the ions in this current strike Io in a localized region in the quadrant bounded by a line connecting Io and Jupiter and a tangent line extended in the direction of Io's orbital motion. If these ions are the principal source of sodium that is sputtered from Io, then this current provides a simple explanation of the observation of a localized area from which sodium ions escape from Io. The geometry of this current may also affect the optical surface of Io. Several experimental tests are suggested that can determine the compatibility of this hypothesis with the directly observable properties of Io's surface.
Who wants to be a Physical Education Teacher? A Case Study of a Non-traditional Undergraduate Student in a Physical Education Teacher Education Program

Forty percent of undergraduate students are non-traditional students. The purpose of this study was to identify what attracted the participant to physical education, identify what situational/social factors facilitated the career choice, and the beliefs of the participant about what it meant to be a physical educator. The study consisted of one male non-traditional student. Artifacts, observation, and interview methods were employed to gain an understanding of why the participant wanted to become a physical educator and what were the beliefs of the participant about physical education teaching or teachers. Findings indicated the participant was attracted to physical education by his love for physical activity, sport, and the chance to work with youth. His socialization into physical education was influenced by situational and social factors, such as positive experiences with a teacher/coach, positive support of family and friends,
Early Dramatic Recovery During Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Infusion Clinical Pattern and Outcome in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke

Background and Purpose— Acute-stroke patients receiving standard intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have been noted to experience early dramatic recoveries. The prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of patients experiencing dramatic recovery is not well described. Methods— We prospectively studied all patients presenting with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke syndromes and transcranial Doppler (TCD) evidence of an MCA obstruction. All patients received intravenous tPA per the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke protocol, with serial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and continuous TCD monitoring. Dramatic recovery was defined as an improvement of ≥10 NIHSS points or a decrease to an NIHSS score of ≤3 by the end of infusion. Outcome at the end of infusion, at 24 hours, and at long-term follow-up were obtained. The timing and pattern of deficit recovery during dramatic recovery was also studied. Results— Dramatic r...
ATR Plays a Direct Antiapoptotic Role at Mitochondria, which Is Regulated by Prolyl Isomerase Pin1

ATR, a PI3K-like protein kinase, plays a key role in regulating DNA damage responses. Its nuclear checkpoint kinase function is well documented, but little is known about its function outside the nucleus. Here we report that ATR has an antiapoptotic activity at mitochondria in response to UV damage, and this activity is independent of its hallmark checkpoint/kinase activity and partner ATRIP. ATR contains a BH3-like domain that allows ATR-tBid interaction at mitochondria, suppressing cytochrome c release and apoptosis. This mitochondrial activity of ATR is downregulated by Pin1 that isomerizes ATR from cis-isomer to trans-isomer at the phosphorylated Ser428-Pro429 motif. However, UV inactivates Pin1 via DAPK1, stabilizing the pro-survival cis-isomeric ATR. In contrast, nuclear ATR remains in the trans-isoform disregarding UV. This cytoplasmic response of ATR may provide a mechanism for the observed antiapoptotic role of ATR in suppressing carcinogenesis and its inhibition in sensitizing anticancer agents for killing of cancer cells.
Interleukin-10: biology, role in inflammation and autoimmunity

Learning objectives Reading this article will increase the readers' knowledge of the biology of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an important cytokine. The survival of an organism and its host defense mechanisms require, among other processes, a complex but target-oriented interaction and an interdependence between the immune and inflammatory pathways. The biologic role of IL-10 in these processes is presented as well as the possible involvement of IL-10 in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The influence of pharmacologic agents on IL-10 production and the possible pharmacologic role of IL-10 itself are discussed. Data sources A detailed literature search was conducted. Studies considered relevant and important involving both humans and animals, in all languages were used. Study selection A detailed literature search was conducted. Studies considered relevant and important involving both humans and animals, in all languages were used. Results IL-10 is produced by CD4+, Tho, Th1, B lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils, monocytes, macrophages, and keratinocytes. IL-10 has a diverse array of actions, which differ depending on cell type, nature of stimulus, and the cellular microenvironment. IL-10 has an important role in the inflammatory and immune systems. In addition, present studies suggest that IL-10 may well play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several diseases. It has the potential for therapeutic use. Most of the data on IL-10 have been obtained from in vitro studies or animal experiments. Studies on humans are few, but rapidly increasing. Conclusions IL-10 is an important molecule with a central role in maintaining health and in the pathogenesis of disease. Known pharmacologic agents and some under investigation can modify IL-10 production in vivo. Development of agents that can selectively affect a very specific biologic action of IL-10 may provide significant benefit in treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Applicability of a health status model to osteoarthritis

A five-component model of health status has been operationalized by the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS) to serve as a core for the health status assessment of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These five components of health status are Lower Extremity Function, Upper Extremity Function, Affect, Symptom, and Social Interaction. To test the utility of this model, this study examines the stability and the applicability of the five-component model in a different rheumatic disease, osteoarthritis (OA). The model displays similar characteristics between OA and RA for Upper Extremity Function, Affect, and Social Interaction. Pain, however, appears to be more strongly associated with Physical Activity in the OA sample, suggesting that pain as a measured symptom of OA is closely related to ambulation, while pain as a symptom of RA may be more a manifestation of joint involvement and less dependent upon walking and climbing. This study presents the AIMS as a means of assessing five components of health status in either OA or RA.
From Perception to Behavior: Disclosure Reciprocity and the Intensification of Intimacy in Computer-Mediated Communication

This study proposes and tests a novel theoretical mechanism to explain increased self- disclosure intimacy in text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) versus face-to-face (FtF) interactions. On the basis of joint effects of perception intensification processes in CMC and the disclosure reciprocity norm, the authors predict a perception- behavior intensification effect, according to which people perceive partners' initial disclosures as more intimate in CMC than FtF and, consequently, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures of their own. An experiment compares disclosure reciprocity in text- based CMC and FtF conversations, in which participants interacted with a confederate who made either intimate or nonintimate disclosures across the two communication media. The utterances generated by the participants are coded for disclosure frequency and intimacy. Consistent with the proposed perception-behavior intensification effect, CMC participants perceive the confederate's disclosures as more intimate, and, importantly, reciprocate with more intimate disclosures than FtF participants do.
Cytokinins: Synthesis and biological activity of ureidopurines

Abstract Series of 6-aryl- and 6-alkylureidopurines have been prepared by the reaction of the appropriate isocyanate with adenine protected at the 9-position by the 1-ethoxyethyl group, followed by removal of this blocking group. The representative 6-ureidopurines were compared with 6-benzylamino-, 6-furfurylamino-, and 6-phenylaminopurine and with N , N ′-diphenylurea for cytokinin (growth-promoting) activity in the tobacco bioassay. Seven of the compounds [6-phenylureidopurine, 6- o -tolylureidopurine, 6- m -chlorophenylureidopurine, 6-isopropylureidopurine, 6-allylureidopurine, and N -ethyl- N ′-phenyl- N -purin-6-ylurea] ranged in activity in the order listed from ca. 10% to 0·5% that of 6-benzylaminopurine (activity starting in the range from 3 × 10 −2 to 1 μM). All were equal to or more active than N , N ′-diphenylurea and induced maximal yields of tissue. One, p -tolylureidopurine, was only weakly active, starting at 1 μM, and failed to give maximum yield at any concentration. 6-Phenylureido-9-β- d -ribofuranosylpurine was also synthesized. Its activity, starting at ca. 0·1 M was d -ribofuranosylpurine. The three most active 6-ureidopurines [6-phenylureidopurine, 6- o -tolylureidopurine, and 6- m -chlorophenylureidopurine] promoted bud formation in tobacco callus cultures, and their action may differ from that of the 6-alkylamino- or 6-arylaminopurine type.
A finite element-modal technique for scattering by complex 3-D cavity terminations and code parallelization

The simulation of radar scattering from 3D cavities with complex terminations is an important step towards the characterization of many aircraft structures. The authors describe the FEM-modal method, and the role of the modal scattering matrix for interfacing the FEM and ray/modal fields at a connection boundary in a 3D cavity configuration. The authors discuss implementation issues of the FEM technique including shape functions, application of boundary conditions and truncation of the FEM mesh at the open end through the use of an optimized, fictitious, material absorber. Computational gains from parallelization of the FEM code are emphasized, and the authors discuss a parallel sparse iterative linear system solver. The extension of this parallel solver to fully exploit the geometric symmetry in angularly periodic fan-like terminations (such as a jet engine face) is also addressed. Results are presented which validate the proposed hybrid FEM-modal method and show the utility of an artificial absorber for terminating the FEM mesh.
Linkage disequilibrium for schizophrenia at the chromosome 15q13‐14 locus of the α7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene (CHRNA7)

The transmission/disequilibrium test was used for fine mapping of the linkage of schizophrenia to the chromosome 15q13-14 region, the site of a candidate gene, the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene (CHRNA7), in parent–child triads from the NIMH Schizophrenia Genetics Initiative families. This candidate gene was identified from neurobiological studies of deficits in schizophrenics of the inhibitory gating of the P50 auditory evoked potential. The neurobiological deficit was also used as a phenotype for subsequent linkage analysis. In the present study, significant genotype-wise disequilibrium (P < 0.007) was found at D15S165, a polymorphic simple sequence marker physically located within 1 mega-base of both CHRNA7 and a partially duplicated, expressed sequence that includes exons 5–10 of CHRNA7. Replication of this result was found in an additional set of families. The results support this region as a chromosomal location involved in the genetic transmission of schizophrenia. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 105:20–22, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Root exudation (net efflux of amino acids) may increase rhizodeposition under elevated CO2

Increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) can lead to global climate change and theoretically could enhance carbon (C) deposition in soil, but data on this complex issue are contradictory. One approach for clarifying the diverse forces influencing plant-derived C in the rhizosphere involves defining how elevated [CO2] alters the fundamental process of C transfer from plant roots to the soil. We examine here how a step increase in [CO2] affects the innate influx and efflux components of root exudation in axenic plants, as one foundation for understanding how climate change may affect rhizodeposition. Increasing [CO2] from 425 to 850 μmol mol−1 during short-term trials enhanced shoot and root dry weight (P<0.01) of annual rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and medic (Medicago truncatula L.) but had no effect on growth of maize (Zea mays L.). Root amino-acid flux in the same plants changed only in maize, which increased the efflux rate (nmol g root fresh weight−1 h−1) of six amino acids (arginine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, lysine and leucine) significantly (P<0.05) under elevated [CO2]. None of the three plant species altered the steady-state concentration of 16 amino acids released into a hydroponic solution with changing [CO2], apparently because amino-acid influx rates, measured at 2.5 μm, consistently exceeded efflux rates. Indeed, plants recovered amino acids at rates 94–374% higher than they were lost from roots regardless of [CO2]. These results indicate that, in theory, any effect of [CO2] doubling on amino-acid efflux can be offset by innately higher rates of influx. In practice, however, higher rates of amino-acid cycling (i.e., efflux+influx) for each root segment (in C4 maize) or from more root tissue (in the two C3 species) should increase root exudation by plants exposed to elevated [CO2] as additional amino acids would be adsorbed to soil particles or be taken up by soil microorganisms.
Use and Management of Chronic Urinary Catheters in Long-Term Care: Much Controversy, Little Consensus

In long-term care facilities, 5 to 15% of residents have chronic urinary catheters in place. Catheters are commonly used for urinary retention, incontinence control, wound management, and patient comfort. The appropriate use and management of these devices continues to be studied and debated. Transurethral catheters are more common than suprapubic or condom-type devices, but no method has been proven superior for use in long-term care. Although some catheter management and infection control measures are well supported in the medical literature, clinical practices still vary widely. The accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infection can be especially challenging in this population. Many aspects of catheter care remain to be clarified, and further research based in chronic care settings is needed.
Quadratic Gaussian gossiping

This paper presents an information theoretic source coding formulation of distributed averaging. We assume a network with m nodes each observing an i.i.d. Gaussian source; the nodes communicate and perform local processing with the goal of computing the average of the sources to within a prescribed mean squared error distortion. A general cutset lower bound on the network rate distortion function is established and shown to be achievable to within a factor of 2 via a centralized protocol in the star network. A lower bound on the network rate distortion function for distributed weighted-sum protocols that is larger than the cutset bound by a factor of logm is established. We also establish an upper bound on the expected network rate distortion function for gossip-based weighted-sum protocols that is only a factor of log logm larger than this lower bound. The results suggest that using distributed protocols results in a factor of logm increase in communication relative to centralized protocols.
On the formation of argon-vacancy clusters in copper irradiated with 4 to 6 kV argon ions

A computer simulation study is set up to obtain the energies of stability for argon-vacancy clusters. The ion-milling technique utilized in the preparation of copper crystals for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) leads to such a simulation study. The electron images contain a large number of “black dots” and the diffraction patterns show severe streaking in the direction. Several configurations of argon-vacancy clusters are calculated, namely: spherical as well as planar. Further, the depths are calculated to which energy is deposited by argon bombardment on a copper surface. It is in agreement with experimental observations that the clusters of argon atoms are much more stabilized in the presence of vacancies on {111} than occurs on {110} and on {100} planes and that all the defects are produced in a narrow layer close to the surface. Mittels Rechnersimulation werden die Stabilitatsenergien fur Argon-Leerstellencluster untersucht. Die Technik des Ionenfrasens, bei der Zubereitung von Kupferkristallen fur Transmissions-elektronen-Mikroskopie (T.E.M.) angewendet, fuhrt zu solch einer Studie mittels Rechnersimulation. Die elektronischen Bilder enthalten eine grose Anzahl von “schwarzen Punkten” und die Beugungsbilder zeigen erhebliche Streifung in der -Richtung. Verschiedene Konfigurationen der Argon-Leerstellencluster werden berechnet, sowohl spharische als auch planare. Ferner werden die Tiefen berechnet, bis zu welchen Energien durch Argonbestrahlung einer Kupferoberflache deponiert werden. Die experimentellen Beobachtungen zeigen, das die Cluster von Argonatomen in Gegenwart von Leerstellen auf {111}-Ebenen viel mehr stabilisiert sind als bei {110}-, {100}-Ebenen und das alle Fehler in einer schmalen Schicht dicht an der Oberflache erzeugt werden.
Discriminative Pronunciation Modeling: A Large-Margin, Feature-Rich Approach

We address the problem of learning the mapping between words and their possible pronunciations in terms of sub-word units. Most previous approaches have involved generative modeling of the distribution of pronunciations, usually trained to maximize likelihood. We propose a discriminative, feature-rich approach using large-margin learning. This approach allows us to optimize an objective closely related to a discriminative task, to incorporate a large number of complex features, and still do inference efficiently. We test the approach on the task of lexical access; that is, the prediction of a word given a phonetic transcription. In experiments on a subset of the Switchboard conversational speech corpus, our models thus far improve classification error rates from a previously published result of 29.1% to about 15%. We find that large-margin approaches outperform conditional random field learning, and that the Passive-Aggressive algorithm for large-margin learning is faster to converge than the Pegasos algorithm.
Villages dammed, villages repossessed : a memorial movement in northwest China

In this article, the A. employs the concept of repossession to analyze the politics of memory in the rural county of Yongjing, northwest China. He focuses on an innovative social movement that works toward community recovery from the devastating impacts of forced resettlement and farmland destruction. He suggests why this movement should be considered a social process by which memories of trauma were transformed into a political discourse that holds a powerful state bureaucracy accountable for a multiplicity of injuries inflicted in the name of economic development. The concept of repossession, strictly defined within the context of collective actions, refers to the attempts of displaced and disenfranchised peasants to regain a politically silenced voice of resentment, reestablish a material basis of village life, and reconstruct a ruined landscape of popular religion.
A (DNA) stitch in time saves nine

Long-lived cells, especially those with the extensive developmental and proliferative potential to produce large numbers of progeny, are typically endowed with robust powers for detecting and repairing DNA damage acquired through the rigors of replication, transcription, and long-term exposure to
Differential adenosine sensitivity of diaphragm and skeletal muscle arterioles

The hyperemic response in exercising skeletal muscle is dependent on muscle fiber-type composition and fiber recruitment patterns, but the vascular control mechanisms producing exercise hyperemia i...
Achieving resonance in a programme for congenital cardiac surgery.

In 1995, Miami Children's Hospital recognized an institutional problem with its programme providing surgical treatment for congenital cardiac malformations. There was a high rate of mortality for neonatal surgery, and no patients had survived attempted first stage palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The hospital enlisted nationally recognized consultants in congenital cardiac surgery and cardiology to review the existing programme, and to make recommendations for improvement. Based on these recommendations, a new team was recruited. The recruits were a young attending surgeon, an interventional cardiologist, and a cardiac intensivist, attracted from recognized centers of excellence in Boston and Toronto.
Leukocyte recruitment into developing atherosclerotic lesions: the complex interaction between multiple molecules keeps getting more complex.

Afew years ago, I was asked to give a series of lectures to our second-year medical students on basic inflammatory mechanisms. I was taking the place of the late Russell Ross, who had given these lectures for many years. Among the teaching materials Russ had collected was a videotape generated from a 16-mm movie made in the 1940s. The movie showed leukocytes rolling, adhering, and migrating through capillaries in response to an inflammatory stimulus in a rabbit ear chamber. I used this videotape to illustrate the basic steps in a classical inflammatory response but also to introduce to the students the remarkable complexity of the molecular interactions underlying each step in leukocyte recruitment into inflamed tissues. We have come a long way in delineating the nature of these molecular interactions since the 1940s. We now use in vitro adhesion assays and microscopic techniques such as intravital microscopy, coupled with antibodies and receptor antagonists designed to specify which candidate adhesion molecules, counter receptors, and chemokines mediate leukocyte recruitment1–7⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓ These have provided a basic molecular paradigm for the rolling, activation, arrest, adhesion, and transmigration of leukocytes. L and P selectins appear to be primarily responsible for the initial capture of cells from the flowing blood, E and P selectins for mediating rolling, and β2 integrins, ICAM-1, and PECAM-1 for adhesion and transmigration.8–10⇓⇓ In addition, products of the arachidonate and complement cascades and chemokines, a large family of small peptides that activate leukocytes via binding to G protein–coupled receptors, …
Computer Recognition of Wave Location in Graphical Data by a Neural Network

Five experiments were performed using several neural network architectures to identify the location of a wave in the time ordered graphical results from a medical test. Baseline results from the first experiment found correct identification of the target wave in 85% of cases (n=20). Other experiments investigated the effect of different architectures and preprocessing the raw data on the results. The methods used seem most appropriate for time oriented graphical data which has a clear starting point such as electrophoresis Or spectrometry rather than continuous tests such as ECGs and EEGs.
Response of natural smectite to seismogenic heating and potential implications for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in the Japan Trench

The sensitivity of smectite during brief and protracted heating intervals can provide crucial information about the temperature history of faults during seismogenic slip and creep. Pelagic-sourced smectite is the most abundant clay mineral that is incorporated into the slip zone that was drilled during the Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST) Expedition 343 in the Japan Trench, located ∼820 m below seafloor. This study investigates the potential for abundant smectite to preserve a record of coseismic frictional heating associated with the Tohoku earthquake in May 2011 by laboratory examination of mineral hydration and dehydration in JFAST drill core samples during brief (maximum of 5 min) and protracted (5 h) heating sequences. Using a real-time heating stage that is connected to an X-ray diffractometer, we observe that (1) both brief and protracted heating causes reduction of water interlayers in smectite, (2) smectite recovers faster to the original hydration state after quick heating than long heating, and (3) nonrecoverable collapse of all smectite occurs at >200 °C for brief and protracted heating rates. Because hydrated, smectite clays are widely present in the fault rocks, we conclude that frictional heating within the slip zone of the Tohoku fault zone cannot have reached significantly elevated temperatures.
Morphological Diversity of the Rod Spherule: A Study of Serially Reconstructed Electron Micrographs

Purpose Rod spherules are the site of the first synaptic contact in the retina’s rod pathway, linking rods to horizontal and bipolar cells. Rod spherules have been described and characterized through electron micrograph (EM) and other studies, but their morphological diversity related to retinal circuitry and their intracellular structures have not been quantified. Most rod spherules are connected to their soma by an axon, but spherules of rods on the surface of the Mus musculus outer plexiform layer often lack an axon and have a spherule structure that is morphologically distinct from rod spherules connected to their soma by an axon. Retraction of the rod axon and spherule is often observed in disease processes and aging, and the retracted rod spherule superficially resembles rod spherules lacking an axon. We hypothesized that retracted spherules take on an axonless spherule morphology, which may be easier to maintain in a diseased state. To test our hypothesis, we quantified the spatial organization and subcellular structures of rod spherules with and without axons. We then compared them to the retracted spherules in a disease model, mice that overexpress Dscam (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule), to gain a better understanding of the rod synapse in health and disease. Methods We reconstructed serial EM images of wild type and DscamGoF (gain of function) rod spherules at a resolution of 7 nm in the X-Y axis and 60 nm in the Z axis. Rod spherules with and without axons, and retracted spherules in the DscamGoF retina, were reconstructed. The rod spherule intracellular organelles, the invaginating dendrites of rod bipolar cells and horizontal cell axon tips were also reconstructed for statistical analysis. Results Stereotypical rod (R1) spherules occupy the outer two-thirds of the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where they present as spherical terminals with large mitochondria. This spherule group is highly uniform and composed more than 90% of the rod spherule population. Rod spherules lacking an axon (R2) were also described and characterized. This rod spherule group consists of a specific spatial organization that is strictly located at the apical OPL-facing layer of the Outer Nuclear Layer (ONL). The R2 spherule displays a large bowl-shaped synaptic terminal that hugs the rod soma. Retracted spherules in the DscamGoF retina were also reconstructed to test if they are structurally similar to R2 spherules. The misplaced rod spherules in DscamGoF have a gross morphology that is similar to R2 spherules but have significant disruption in internal synapse organization. Conclusion We described a morphological diversity within Mus musculus rod spherules. This diversity is correlated with rod location in the ONL and contributes to the intracellular differences within spherules. Analysis of the DscamGoF retina indicated that their R2 spherules are not significantly different than wild type R2 spherules, but that their retracted rod spherules have abnormal synaptic organization.
Crustal deformation processes and the stability of the Gutenberg-Richter relationship

Abstract Global and regional surveys of earthquakes show that empirically determined b -values of the Gutenberg-Richter distribution are remarkably stable, generally limited to values of −1 ± 0.2. Here I interpret observations from California, New Zealand, and Japan to suggest that the stability of the b -value is a manifestation of a physical process; specifically, the tendency of crustal strains to organize along relatively discrete zones. Given a portion of the earth9s crust subject to a displacement field, displacement is accommodated by a system of fault lengths that obey a power law distribution. With continued displacement, longer faults develop at the expense of shorter faults and take up an increasingly greater portion of the displacement budget. Shifts in regional displacement directions lead to reversals of these trends. The changes in the ratio of long faults to short faults in a region is thus accompanied by changes in the relationship between fault length and fault slip rate. Because the recurrence of earthquakes on faults is a function of both fault length and fault slip rate, the deformation process may result in a system of feedback that inhibits changes in the b -value as fault populations change. A corollary to the idea is that the magnitude-frequency statistics of seismicity may be attributed to the same physical processes that are responsible for the development of plate tectonic boundaries and the gross spatial distribution of seismicity around the globe.
Who Gets to be an Executive from a ‘Minijob’?

Despite societal changes in the past decades and their influence on the social roles of men and women, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. Nevertheless, specific tasks and situations might even lead to an advantage for female leaders. In this interview, Alice Eagly discusses the boundary conditions of successful leadership behavior and promising strategies for creating those conditions in society and organizations alike.
The tail of polycystin-1 pays the kidney a complement

for those interested in the relationship between cellular signaling pathways and pathophysiology, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) offers almost an embarrassment of riches. ADPKD is the most common potentially lethal genetic disease, affecting >1 in 1,000 individuals ([5][1]). It
A Renewable Lignin–Lactide Copolymer and Application in Biobased Composites

The need for renewable alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived plastics has driven recent interest in biobased composite materials that are sourced from carbon-neutral feedstocks. Lignin, an ...
Small genetic distances among populations of green lacewings of the genus Chrysoperla (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Seven populations of four species of green lacewings of the genus Chrysoperla were examined for variation at 17 electrophoretically detectable loci. Objectives were (1) to determine the degree of genetic differentiation, if any, that has occurred between two cryptic sibling species, C. plorabunda (Fitch) and C. johnsoni (Henry et al.), which can be distinguished only by differences in their courtship songs and their behavioral reproductive isolation; and (2) to compare those two species with the closely related C. downesi (Smith) and the more distantly related C. harrisii (Fitch). Most of the genetic differentiation in these populations was caused by differences between the cryptic species C. plorabunda and C.johnsoni on the one hand and each of the other two species. Nei's and Roger's genetic distances among all populations were not significantly different. The only significant node was that separating C. harrisii from the other populations. Phenograms from unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) did not resolve the cluster of populations of C. plorabunda and C.johnsoni . These cryptic sibling species are genetically very similar, suggesting recent speciation. Examination of more variable electrophoretic loci, or use of an alternative method such as mtDNA restriction site analysis, might provide enough differences to separate these otherwise good biological species.
Hydrogenase in nitrogenase-deficient Azotobacter mutants.

SummaryNon-fixing mutants of both Azotobacter agile and Azotobacter vinelandii grown on media containing ammonium-N had a reduced hydrogenase activity similar to that of the wild type. Those mutants which reverted to nitrogen fixation had a level of hydrogenase in N-free media at least double that of the cells grown on fixed nitrogen. The specific activity was equal to that of the wild type on N2 if the growth rate was normal, but was lower if the growth rate was less than the wild type. The results confirm the close relationship between hydrogenase and nitrogen fixation in the azotobacter but also suggest that hydrogenase in these organisms may have same secondary function as it is present, although to a lesser extent, in mutants unable to use N2.
Creativity in students’ writing of open-ended stories across ethnic, gender, and grade groups: An extension study from third to fifth grades

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine students’ creativity when writing open-ended stories—across ethnicity, gender, and grades. Participants were 139 students, including 67 males and 72 females, from urban and rural areas of the southwestern United States. The students were in third, fourth, and fifth grades and included three ethnicities: White, Mexican American, and Navajo. Written stories were selected from the Discovering Intellectual Strengths and Capabilities while Observing Varied Ethnic Responses (DISCOVER) project’s archives. Creative products were scored by using the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT) by five experts. No significant differences were found between boys and girls; also, no significant differences were found across the three grade levels. The differences among the three ethnic groups were significant: the White students were more creative. Future researchers should focus on implementing comprehensive teaching methods to meet all students’ needs (e.g., the DISCOVER pr...
The Interactions between Bitter and Sweet Taste Processing in Drosophila.

In Drosophila , the detection of sweet and bitter compounds is mediated, for the most part, by distinct gustatory receptors (Grs) expressed in sweet and bitter gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs), respectively. The GRNs are intermixed within hair-like structures called taste sensilla that are
A Study on the Etiology,Pathogenesis and Management of Newborn Pneumothorax

Objective:To investigate the etiology,pathogenesis and management of newborn pneumothorax.Methods: The data of 33 cases of newborn pneumothorax admitted in our hospital from Jan.2002 to Nov.2005 were analyzed for etiology,pathogenesis and management and compared with publications.Results: The pneumothorax in newborns may be categorized into four types based on its etiology and pathogenesis,including iatrogenic pneumothorax(15 cases,45.5%),spontaneous pneumothorax(11 cases,33.3%),pathologic pneumothorax(7 cases,21.2%) and idiopathic pneumothorax(rarely seen,not found in this series).Conclusion: Selection of clinical management for newborn pneumothorax based on different etiology and pathogenesis would result in favorable treatment outcomes.
Oltipraz-induced reduction in schistosomal glucose utilization rates.

Abstract The rate of phosphorylation of 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) was determined by sequential pulsing of schistosomes (male and female Schistosoma mansoni) with [3H- and 14C]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. The relative phosphorylation rate of 2-[3H]-2DG to 1-[14C]-D-glucose (i.e., the phosphorylation coefficient) was also measured in male and female schistosomes. Even though 2DG is taken up more rapidly than glucose, it is phosphorylated at a much slower rate in S. mansoni. Mated schistosomes phosphorylate 2DG and glucose at a greater rate than do unmated worms. In contrast, the phosphorylation coefficient is greater in separated than mated schistosomes. In schistosomes exposed to oltipraz for short time periods (6 min, at a concentration of 10 µg/ml) glucose utilization rates were significantly reduced in (both mated and separated) female S. mansoni and by a similar magnitude (not significant) in males.
A Factor Analysis of Tests of Endurance

Abstract A factor analysis was computed on 12 athletic events, administered to 400 well-conditioned soldiers. Of these events, four could be considered to be tests of circulo-respiratory endurance, four were tests of muscular endurance, and the others were tests of speed. In addition four combinations of tests were included. Four factors were found, one of circulo-respiratory endurance, one of velocity, one of muscular endurance, and one tentatively identified as mesomorphic body build. One important finding was the high factor weighting of the endurance index (300 yards run + 6 seconds run) with circulo-respiratory endurance (.8835).
Bone protein “extractomics”: comparing the efficiency of bone protein extractions of Gallus gallus in tandem mass spectrometry, with an eye towards paleoproteomics

Proteomic studies of bone require specialized extraction protocols to demineralize and solubilize proteins from within the bone matrix. Although various protocols exist for bone protein recovery, little is known about how discrete steps in each protocol affect the subset of the bone proteome recovered by mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. Characterizing these different "extractomes" will provide critical data for development of novel and more efficient protein extraction methodologies for fossils. Here, we analyze 22 unique sub-extractions of chicken bone and directly compare individual extraction components for their total protein yield and diversity and coverage of bone proteins identified by MS. We extracted proteins using different combinations and ratios of demineralizing reagents, protein-solubilizing reagents, and post-extraction buffer removal methods, then evaluated tryptic digests from 20 µg aliquots of each fraction by tandem MS/MS on a 12T FT-ICR mass spectrometer. We compared total numbers of peptide spectral matches, peptides, and proteins identified from each fraction, the redundancy of protein identifications between discrete steps of extraction methods, and the sequence coverage obtained for select, abundant proteins. Although both alpha chains of collagen I (the most abundant protein in bone) were found in all fractions, other collagenous and non-collagenous proteins (e.g., apolipoprotein, osteonectin, hemoglobin) were differentially identified. We found that when a standardized amount of extracted proteins was analyzed, extraction steps that yielded the most protein (by weight) from bone were often not the ones that produced the greatest diversity of bone proteins, or the highest degree of protein coverage. Generally, the highest degrees of diversity and coverage were obtained from demineralization fractions, and the proteins found in the subsequent solubilization fractions were highly redundant with those in the previous fraction. Based on these data, we identify future directions and parameters to consider (e.g., proteins targeted, amount of sample required) when applying discrete parts of these protocols to fossils.
Sinonasal metallic foreign body penetration of the anterior cranial fossa

Abstract Introduction Intracranial foreign bodies have the potential to cause several devastating complications including CSF leak, meningitis, hydrocephalus, nerve or vessel injury, and even death [1,3,5]. These risks must be weighed against the risks associated with potential management options and techniques for removal. With the advent of endonasal anterior skull base techniques, safe and efficient options for surgical retrieval and skull base repair have become available [1,2,4]. Methods In the present report, we present three cases involving metallic foreign bodies penetrating anterior cranial fossa via the sinonasal tract, and the management approaches employed. Results The three cases involved [1] a migrated K-wire from nasal reconstruction in the remote past [2], an acute nail-gun injury, and [3] an impaled car antenna. A combined endoscopic and transcranial approach was performed in the former two cases, while in the latter, an EVD was placed due to elevated ICP after the foreign body had been withdrawn. Conclusion Intracranial metallic foreign bodies may have significant potential morbidity. Recent advances in endonasal techniques for anterior skull base access may enhance outcomes through reduced morbidity and mortality, improved speed and precision, shorter hospital stays, and lower post-operative pain [1,2,4]. Technical nuances of these approaches and medical decision-making in the context of various neurosurgical considerations are discussed.
TextFlow: A Text Similarity Measure based on Continuous Sequences

Text similarity measures are used in multiple tasks such as plagiarism detection, information ranking and recognition of paraphrases and textual entailment. While recent advances in deep learning highlighted the relevance of sequential models in natural language generation, existing similarity measures do not fully exploit the sequential nature of language. Examples of such similarity measures include n-grams and skip-grams overlap which rely on distinct slices of the input texts. In this paper we present a novel text similarity measure inspired from a common representation in DNA sequence alignment algorithms. The new measure, called TextFlow, represents input text pairs as continuous curves and uses both the actual position of the words and sequence matching to compute the similarity value. Our experiments on 8 different datasets show very encouraging results in paraphrase detection, textual entailment recognition and ranking relevance.
Perspective paper: assessing air quality as part of a physical therapy plan of care.

Purpose: The purposes of this clinical perspective paper are (1) to expand physical therapists’ awareness to the topic of air quality as a health priority when providing professional services; and (2) to provide templates for screening the indoor clinical environments and patient profiles to avert respiratory exacerbations, especially in persons with asthma. Summary of Key Points: The location where a physical therapist practices determines the air quality indices to which a person is exposed. Poor indoor air quality can expose a person to even greater compromise of respiration (ie, Sick Building Syndrome) than outdoor air quality secondary to an array of factors like building materials, the ventilation exchange rate of an enclosed space, chemicals used in cleaning, and humidity. Statement of Conclusions: Extrinsic (ie, environmental) and intrinsic (eg, pre-disposition to airway hypersensitivity) factors must be accounted for by physical therapists to safeguard their patients and themselves from experiencing respiratory compromise and/or distress as a result of a treatment session or their place of employment. Recommendations: Efforts to screen indoor environments for potential triggers and patient risk profiles for abnormal airway reactivity should routinely be undertaken. Individualized Action Plans should be prospectively prepared and readied for implementation when warranted.