cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport of histidine into synaptosomes of the rat central nervous system

Histidine transport into synaptosomes was studied in order to characterize this aspect of histamine synthesis in neurons. Histidine transport was found to be independent of sodium, calcium, and magnesium ions and dependent upon potassium and chloride ions. Histidine transport was also found to be energy dependent, and fractionation studies suggested it was highly localized to nerve terminals. Kinetic analysis of histidine transport in several brain regions indicated the presence of two uptake sites, a high-affinity site with a Km of approximately 35 microM and a low-affinity site with a Km in the millimolar range. Density of the high-affinity site, as reflected by Vmax, correlates well with density of proposed histaminergic innervation. Rate of histidine transport was not altered by prior depolarization of the synaptosomes, indicating that histidine transport probably does not play a regulatory role in histamine synthesis.
Deep Sequencing Identifies Viral and Wasp Genes with Potential Roles in Replication of Microplitis demolitor Bracovirus

Viruses in the genus Bracovirus (BV) (Polydnaviridae) are symbionts of parasitoid wasps that specifically replicate in the ovaries of females. Recent analysis of expressed sequence tags from two wasp species, Cotesia congregata and Chelonus inanitus, identified transcripts related to 24 different nudivirus genes. These results together with other data strongly indicate that BVs evolved from a nudivirus ancestor. However, it remains unclear whether BV-carrying wasps contain other nudivirus-like genes and what types of wasp genes may also be required for BV replication. Microplitis demolitor carries Microplitis demolitor bracovirus (MdBV). Here we characterized MdBV replication and performed massively parallel sequencing of M. demolitor ovary transcripts. Our results indicated that MdBV replication begins in stage 2 pupae and continues in adults. Analysis of prereplication- and active-replication-stage ovary RNAs yielded 22 Gb of sequence that assembled into 66,425 transcripts. This breadth of sampling indicated that a large percentage of genes in the M. demolitor genome were sequenced. A total of 41 nudivirus-like transcripts were identified, of which a majority were highly expressed during MdBV replication. Our results also identified a suite of wasp genes that were highly expressed during MdBV replication. Among these products were several transcripts with conserved roles in regulating locus-specific DNA amplification by eukaryotes. Overall, our data set together with prior results likely identify the majority of nudivirus-related genes that are transcriptionally functional during BV replication. Our results also suggest that amplification of proviral DNAs for packaging into BV virions may depend upon the replication machinery of wasps.
Misiurewicz Points for Complex Exponentials

In this paper we examine the structure of the chaotic regime or Julia set of certain complex exponential maps Eλ(z) = λez. In the case where λ is a Misiurewicz point (i.e. the singular value 0 is eventually periodic), it is known that the Julia set for the map is the entire plane. In this case the Julia set also possesses certain curves or "hairs" that are permuted by the map. We examine the dynamics on these hairs in detail. We describe a certain extended symbolic dynamics by which the topological structure of the hairs may be determined completely.
Allochemical retrograde metamorphism in shear zones: an example in metapelites, Virginia, USA

Metapelites in the Altavista area, southwest Virginia Piedmont, USA, underwent allochemical hydrothermal retrograde metamorphism in synmetamorphic shear zones. The metapelites of the Evington Group were metamorphosed in a prograde sequence of chlorite, staurolite, and sillimanite zones. Garnet–biotite geothermometry and phase relations support eastward increasing metamorphic grade, ranging from 570° C in the staurolite zone to 650° C in the sillimanite zone at c. 5.8 kbar. Sillimanite-zone rocks later underwent progressive retrogression around shear zones which acted as fluid conduits. Retrograde assemblages are successively zoned around the shear zones with staurolite-, chloritoid- and kyanite-bearing assemblages. The shear zones commonly contain kyanite or tourmaline veins. Applicable phase equilibria indicate that retrogression occurred during isobaric cooling through c. 200–270° C. Rock compositional changes with retrogression occurred in steps: SiO2 was gained in the early stages of the retrogression but lost in the late stages; Al2O3, K2O, and H2O were increasingly gained through the sequence; CaO was increasingly lost. Addition of H2O and decreasing temperatures resulted in new ferromagnesian minerals (staurolite, chloritoid, chlorite) and changes in H2O, SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, and CaO contents produced muscovite and sodic plagioclase. Subsequent to prograde metamorphism, deeply derived fluids migrated upwards along shear zones, providing fluid and energy for the retrograde reactions. The sheared rocks underwent fluid infiltration with fluid fluxes of 1.8 × 107–4.3 × 107 cm3/cm2 corresponding to minimum estimated fluid-to-rock ratios of 7.5–21 as a function of position within the shear zone. Fluid flow was from high to low temperature early and low to high temperature later in the retrogression.
Voltammetric study of the reduction of molecular oxygen on bright platinum in perchloric acid solution

Abstract The cathodic reduction of molecular oxygen was studied on bright platinum under voltammetric conditions in 1 N HClO4. Periodic current-potential curves were measured at 30 mV/s, and the ohmic and capacitive components of the impedance platinum/solution were determined under the same condition at 1000 c/s in the potential range between hydrogen and oxygen evolution. It follows from the impedance measurements in the presence and absence of O2 reduction (oxygen or helium saturation of the electrolyte) that the oxygen coverage or the hydrogen coverage at a given potential are the same in the presence and absence of O2 reduction. This eliminates reduction mechanisms in which the formation of adsorbed oxygen atoms as intermediates or the participation of adsorbed hydrogen atoms are postulated. A mechanism compatible with the experimental results is discussed. Oxygen coverage inhibits O2 reduction. Adsorption of chloride ions has a similar effect.
Products of stopped-pion interactions with Cu and Ta

Yields of radioactive products from the interactions of stopped ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ with Cu and Ta have been measured. Absolute yields of products ranging down to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ per stop were determined. The experimental yields are compared with yields calculated with a model that was developed in this work for the stopped-${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ interaction. The calculations give excellent agreement with measured total mass yields for Ta, but some discrepancies exist for the independent yields of Hf, Er, and Tm isotopes; in the case of Cu, most independent yields, except for Co and Sc, are in good agreement. Measurements were also made with both stopped ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and 20-MeV ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ on Cu and Fe to determine the shift in the centroids of the isotopic yields with pion charge.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy as a Novel Proximity Sensor for Atraumatic Cochlear Implant Insertion

A growing number of minimally invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures require the insertion of an optical, mechanical, or electronic device in narrow spaces inside a human body. In such procedures, precise motion control is essential to avoid damage to the patient's tissues and/or the device itself. A typical example is the insertion of a cochlear implant which should ideally be done with minimum physical contact between the moving device and the cochlear canal walls or the basilar membrane. Because optical monitoring is not possible, alternative techniques for sub millimeter-scale distance control can be very useful for such procedures. The first requirement for distance control is distance sensing. We developed a novel approach to distance sensing based on the principles of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The SECM signal, i.e., the diffusion current to a microelectrode, is very sensitive to the distance between the probe surface and any electrically insulating object present in its proximity. With several amperometric microprobes fabricated on the surface of an insertable device, one can monitor the distances between different parts of the moving implant and the surrounding tissues. Unlike typical SECM experiments, in which a disk-shaped tip approaches a relatively smooth sample, complex geometries of the mobile device and its surroundings make distance sensing challenging. Additional issues include the possibility of electrode surface contamination in biological fluids and the requirement for a biologically compatible redox mediator.
CD metrology for the 45-nm and 32-nm nodes

One of the many technology decisions facing the semiconductor industry for the 45 nm node (and beyond) is the selection of the best critical dimension (CD) metrology equipment to meet the needs of process equipment suppliers and semiconductor manufacturers. In an effort to address this need we fabricated advanced metrology structures using the Nanowriter e-beam writing tool at the Center for X-Ray Optics (CXRO) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The structures include lines and holes both in resist and etched into substrates. The smallest isolated CDs are 16 nm, while the smallest holes are less than 50nm. We used these samples to characterize a variety of metrology technologies. In this paper we discuss the capability of those technologies to measure structures having dimensions representative of the 45 nm and 32 nm nodes.
Keratinocyte ATP release assay for testing skin-irritating potentials of structurally diverse chemicals.

Irritant dermatitis represents innate inflammatory responses to toxic chemicals. We have reported recently that ATP released from chemically injured keratinocytes may serve as a causative mediator for irritant dermatitis. In this study, we examined whether ATP release from keratinocytes would serve as a reliable readout for predicting skin irritating potentials of structurally diverse compounds. A vast majority (19/20) of the tested compounds, i.e., strong and weak irritant chemicals selected from the literature, induced rapid (<10 min) and significant (P<0.05) ATP release from Pam 212 keratinocytes. Two compounds caused no detectable skin inflammation in our standard mouse model, documenting relatively high sensitivity (false negative rate of 0/18) and specificity (false positive rate of 1/20) of our ATP release assay. Selected compounds, primarily those containing phenol residues or hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains, triggered rapid (<10 min) and robust leakage of a fluorescence probe from liposomes, suggesting that lipid bilayers serve as one, but not the only, target moiety on keratinocytes. Not only do our data support the pathogenic role for keratinocyte-derived ATP in irritant dermatitis, they also form the basis for a formal validation study to evaluate the utility of the keratinocyte-based in vitro assay in screening environmental and industrial chemicals.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Stable Isotope Labeled L-α-Amino Acids: Synthesis of L−[4−13C] and L−[3,4−13C2]Aspartic Acid

We have developed a stereoselective route to isotopically labeled L-aspartic acid using L-serine as a chiral precursor. Labeled serine, prepared biosynthetically was N-protected by conversion to the N-t-Boc derivative. (N-t-Boc)-[3−13C]Serine is cyclized to its β-lactone which was treated with potassium [13C]cyanide to yield L-β-[3,4−13C2]cyanoalanine. Hydrolysis of the cyanoalanine yielded L-[3,4−13C2]aspartic acid. Similarly, L-[4−13C]aspartate was produced from L-serine and K13CN. Using this route, the L-enantiomer was produced in 96% excess.
Use of Polarization to Characterize Precipitation and Discriminate Large Hail

Abstract We examine the utility of the correlation coefficient between linear orthogonally polarized echoes for determining precipitation type and gauging hail size. Models and measurements from pure rain coincide in predicting very high correlations (0.98); similar results are obtained with pure hail. Several mechanisms could cause the lowering of correlation but the behavior of the examined data is definitely attributed to a mixture of hydrometeor types. This decrease is an indicator of hail size; it is shown theoretically that in at least two other realistic situations the correlation would decrease with hail size. For the examined case a model of hail shape and orientation during fall is able to reproduce the essential features of polarimetric measurements. It suggests, together with our data and data from other investigators, that substantial negative differential reflectivity (about −1 dB) in a region of high reflectivity factor values is caused by hailstones larger than about 2 cm in diameter.
Requirement for G protein activity at a specific time during embryonic chick myogenesis

Signaling between embryonic myoblasts involves prostaglandin metabolism, the activation of a membrane receptor and changes in polyphosphatidyl inositol metabolism. Many of these membrane-localized events occur between 33 to 35 h of differentiation, concomitant with a dramatic change in membrane organization, in myoblast aggregates in culture. Since many receptors affect inositol phosphate metabolism by activating a GTP-binding protein (G protein), we asked if there was evidence for such a protein in myogenic signaling. We show that during the period of differentiation in culture when prostaglandin is needed to bind to a transient receptor, a pertussis toxin-sensitive but cholera toxin-insensitive G protein must act. If this activation is blocked, the characteristic change in myoblast cell adhesion and subsequent membrane fusion do not occur. We suggest that a G protein couples the activated prostaglandin receptor and the change in polyphosphatidyl inositol metabolism and that this membrane transduction step is necessary for subsequent membrane differentiation events during myogenesis.
A Perceptually Driven Dynamical Model of Bimanual Rhythmic Movement (and Phase Perception)

Rhythmic bimanual movement has been a paradigm system in the study of perception–action. In perception–action, movement generates information that is then used in turn to guide the movement. The result is complex behavior emerging from relatively simple dynamical organization. Nonlinear dynamics has been used to describe the organization, but the models thus far have not much featured the role of information so that the information has not been investigated. Therefore, we propose a new perceptually driven dynamical model. We first review our perceptual judgment studies of coordinated rhythmic movements. We then describe a perceptually driven model of single and coupled oscillators. Finally, we explore the implications for investigation of information. The main variable in the study of coordination of human rhythmic movements is relative phase, that is, the relative position of two oscillating limbs within an oscillatory cycle. For people without special skills (e.g., jazz drumming), the cardinal phenomena in bimanual coordination are (a) at preferred frequency, only two relative phases are stably produced, at 0° and 180° (preferred frequency is about 1 Hz); (b) other relative phases can be produced on average when people follow metronomes, but the movements exhibit large amounts of phase variability; and (c) as frequency is increased beyond preferred, phase variability of 180° increases and movement switches to 0° when frequency reaches about 3 to 4 Hz. With the switch, phase variability drops. These phenomena were produced by the Haken–Kelso–Bunz (HKB; Haken, Kelso, & Bunz, 1985) model shown in Figure 1. The potential function in this model represents the energy required to maintain a given phase. The HKB simply assumes this function.
Tuberculous adenitis of the thyroid mimicking subacute thyroiditis

Involvement of the thyroid by Mycobacterium tuberculosis was initially described in the late 18OOs, but it has proven to be a rare occurrence. We describe the case of a nurse who was treated for subacute thyroiditis over a prolonged period before tuberculosis was diagnosed. The clinical, laboratory, and radiologic aspects of the case are presented. The pathogenesis and clinical spectrum of tuberculosis of the thyroid are discussed. CASE REPORT A 36-year-old woman experienced the sudden onset of neck tenderness in May 1985 after an upper respiratory tract infection associated with rhinitis, myalgias, and arthralgias. Her thyroid gland was enlarged and tender; a pertechnetate thyroid scan revealed normal uptake except for an area of decreased uptake in the left lobe. Subacute thyroiditis was suspected, and acetylsalicylic acid was prescribed. Failure to respond to treatment led to the addition of L-thyroxine. She remained intermittently symptomatic with a visually prominent thyroid gland. The left lobe was smooth, firm, and tender. Lymph nodes were not enlarged. Results of thyroid function studies were within normal limits, and the Westergren sedimentation rate was 5 mm/hour. Ultrasonography of the gland in October 1985 revealed a normal gland except for a soft tissue nodule connected to the left lobe. Her chest roentgenogram demonstrated clear lung fields without abnormalities. Six months later, her symptoms persisted. In May of 1986, prednisone was begun, with subsequent improvement of the patient’s symptoms. Ultrasonography at that time demonstrated a 5- by 2-cm hyperechogenic structure associated with the lower pole of the left lobe of the thyroid. A cleavage plane between the structure and left lobe was visible. A fine needle biopsy specimen of the left lobe demonstrated clusters of histiocytes mixed with blood. Scant amounts of colloid were noted. In July of 1986, her neck pain, tenderness, and swelling returned. Computed axial tomography of the neck revealed a multiloculated mass 3.5 cm in diameter anterior to a normal-appearing left lobe of the thyroid. The mass enhanced with contrast and appeared to be encapsulated (Figures 1 and 2). Surgical exploration in October 1986 identified an abscess cavity that contained 7 to 10 ml of creamy, yellow pus. The abscess cavity occupied the space of the majority of the isthmus and the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Gram’s stain and culture failed to detect pathogens; no stain or culture for mycobacteria was performed. Histologic examina
Improving user-interface dependability through mitigation of human error

Security may be compromised when humans make mistakes at the user interface. Cleartext is mistakenly sent to correspondents, sensitive files are left unprotected, and erroneously configured systems are left vulnerable to attackers. Such mistakes may be blamed on human error, but the regularity of human error suggests that mistakes may be preventable through better interface design. Certain user-interface constructs drive users toward error, while others facilitate success.Two security-sensitive user interfaces were evaluated in a laboratory user study: the Windows XP file-permissions interface and an alternative interface, called Salmon, designed in accordance with an error-avoiding principle to counteract the misleading constructs in the XP interface. The alternative interface was found to be more dependable; it increased successful task completion by up to 300%, reduced commission of a class of errors by up to 94%, and provided a nearly 3× speed-up in task completion time. Moreover, users spent less time searching for information with the alternative interface, and a greater proportion of time on essential task steps. An explanatory theory in its early stages of development is presented.
NBu4SH provides a convenient source of HS− soluble in organic solution for H2S and anion-binding research

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has gained significant interest within the scientific community due to its expanding roles in different (patho)physiological processes. Despite this importance, the chemical mechanisms by which H2S exerts its action remain under-scrutinized. Biomimetic investigations in organic solution offer the potential to clarify these mechanisms and to delineate the differential reactivity between H2S and HS−. However, such studies are hampered by the lack of readily-available sources of HS− that are soluble in organic solution. Here we present a simple method for preparing analytically pure tetrabutylammonium hydrosulfide (NBu4SH), which we anticipate will be of significant utility to researchers in the H2S and anion-binding communities.
The influence of an in-home based therapeutic exercise program on thoracic kyphosis angles

Objective: Altered postural presentations have been associated with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. Therapeutic exercise interventions are often utilized to manage patients with increased thoracic kyphosis or "round shoulders," yet few controlled studies have evaluated their efficacy. Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled design was used to evaluate the influence of a home-based exercise regimen on these postural variances. Seventy-one patients with real or perceived concerns about their thoracic posture completed the 13-week study. Patients with 23-80 ◦ of thoracic kyphosis entered the study. Pre- and post-intervention flexicurve measurements of thoracic kyphosis were made. Patients were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 32) or control group (n = 39). A mixed design ANOVA tested main effects and interactions. Results: A statistically significant ( p< 0.05) interaction was found between group assignment and delta kyphosis values. Post- hoc analysis of the multiple comparisons produced a marginal p-value (p = 0.0557). Mean delta kyphosis values were (+) 0.5 ◦ (±7.0 ◦ ) for the control group and (�) 3.0 ◦ (±6.1 ◦ ) for the experimental group. Conclusions: This 13-week home exercise program targeting modification of thoracic kyphosis angles had a statistically significant impact. However, post-hoc statistical analyses and clinical implications are marginal.
Threshold voltage stabilization in radiation environments

CMOS circuit hardness to total ionizing dose is improved by a circuit technique that dynamically adjusts well and/or substrate voltages to maintain constant device threshold voltages. Threshold voltage excursions below a reference value activate an oscillator driving a charge pump. Stabilization is demonstrated experimentally. Techniques for optimizing the circuitry for various CMOS technology implementations are provided and supported with simulations.
An Encapsulated History of Thermoregulation in the Neonate

“Instinct leads mothers to keep their infants warm,” (1) and this instinct surely prevailed during the millennia that preceded recorded history. Organized institutional programs for the care of preterm infants did not appear until the last quarter of the 19th century. Tarnier in Paris and Budin, his intern and successor, were largely responsible for the first protocols for in-hospital global care of preterm infants. (2) Previously, “foundling asylums” cared for the unwanted infants who were “dropped off” by their parents. (2) Provision of “warmth, breastmilk, and tender nurture” by mothers (1) were the very fabric of infant care at home, and because preterm infants were “weaklings,” it followed that their postnatal care should be a continuation of the nurture that began in utero. Physicians cared for neonates at birth only if survival was in question or if the infant was obviously ill. Care at home by mothers was the rule. (1)(3) The idea of providing warmth for newborns, and for preterm infants in particular, was not always without challenge. Considerable controversy surrounded the overall care of neonates until the first quarter of the 19th century. This was based on a popular belief that newborns were as robust as adults, requiring only Spartan-like “hardening” after birth that could be accomplished best by repeated baths in very cold water. This practice disappeared during the second quarter of the 19th century. The return to traditional warmth went virtually unchallenged over the decades that followed, but there were a few exceptions. A review by Oliver (4) indicates that as late as the middle of the 20th century, some notably knowledgeable physicians advocated immersion of depressed babies in cold water to stimulate the onset of uninitiated breathing. Silverman stated that in the middle 1950s, Virginia Apgar was convinced that ice-water immersion was …
Effect of Mechanical Properties of PVA Brush Rollers on Frictional Forces during Post-CMP Scrubbing

Tribological attributes of post-chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) brush scrubbing process were investigated as a function of type and velocity of the brush roller, applied pressure, and the pH of the cleaning solution. Coefficient of friction (COF) results were significantly different for the two types of brush rollers over a wide range of operating conditions. The two types of rollers were subjected to a battery of dynamic mechanical analyses and shown to be identical to one another in terms of flexural storage modulus and tan δ. By quantifying the extent of deformation of the entire brush roller during actual scrubbing using real-time pressure sensing technology, it became apparent that for a given applied load on the brush, the less compliant brush roller (by about 10%) resulted in proportionately higher COF, thus underscoring the importance of brush design and method of mechanical testing of the roller for imparting desired amounts of shear force on the surface of the wafer during scrubbing.
In Defense of the Case Method: A Reply to Argyris

The Argyris critique of the case method in executive development programs contains methodological flaws. It omits other factors that might have affected learners' behavior, fails to distinguish between corporate and graduate education, and neglects the positive features of the case method. As a result, his paper raises the important question of whether the case method has limitations for corporate education, but it fails to provide an even-handed, scholarly answer.
Mechanism-Based Treatment in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Abstract Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disorder that affects the brain in almost every patient. It is caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which regulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a key player in control of cellular growth and protein synthesis. The most frequent neurological symptoms are seizures, which occur in up to 90% of patients and often are intractable, followed by autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and sleep problems. Conventional treatment has frequently proven insufficient for neurological and behavioral symptoms, particularly seizure control. This review focuses on the role of TSC/mTOR in neuronal development and network formation and recent mechanism-based treatment approaches. Methods We performed a literature review to identify ongoing therapeutic challenges and novel strategies. Results To achieve a better quality of life for many patients, current therapy approaches are directed at restoring dysregulated mTOR signaling. Studies in animals have provided insight into aberrant neuronal network formation caused by constitutive activation of the mTOR pathway, and initial studies in TSC patients using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and electroencephalogram support a model of impaired neuronal connectivity in TSC. Rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, has been used successfully in Tsc -deficient mice to prevent and treat seizures and behavioral abnormalities. There is recent evidence in humans of improved seizure control with mTOR inhibitors. Conclusions Current research provides insight into aberrant neuronal connectivity in TSC and the role of mTOR inhibitors as a promising therapeutic approach.
Adaptive analog circuits to perform signal separation of multidimensional sensor signals

Simulation of the Herault-Jutten (H-J) algorithm and its hardware implementation are discussed. Since the algorithm is general and realizable in hardware, numerous applications exist. Results shown that the circuit is effective for channel separation and works very well for separating individual speech from mixed-speech signals, i.e. speech enhancement in a multispeaker environment. When signals received from multiple sensors are mixed in an unknown manner because the sensors are dependent on more than one variable, the H-J algorithm is capable of separating them into the original uncorrupted signals for both linear and nonlinear mixing. >
Osmoregulation by Gills of Euryhaline Crabs: Molecular Analysis of Transporters1

SYNOPSIS. The physiological mechanisms by which aquatic animals regulate the osmoconcentration of their body fluids remain unclear despite many excellent studies of tissue and cell function. This review summarizes the current status of an ongoing molecular biological approach to investigating transporters and transportrelated enzymes in ion-transporting gills of osmoregulating crustaceans. We have identified cDNAs coding for six candidate proteins in gills of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus and the green shore crab Carcinus maenas, including a Na 1 1 K 1 ATPase a-subunit, a V-type H 1 -ATPase B-subunit, a Na 1 /H 1 exchanger, a Na 1 / K 1 /2Cl 2 cotransporter, two isoforms of carbonic anhydrase, and arginine kinase. Although our account is far from complete, examination of mRNA abundance by quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) has identified candidates that are preferentially expressed in gill epithelium, including the Na 1 1 K 1 -ATPase a-subunit and Na 1 /H 1 exchanger. The osmoregulatory response to salinity reduction includes enhanced mRNA expression of at least one form of carbonic anhydrase.
Retinal Function and Corresponding Pathology in Advanced Retinoblastoma

Objective To compare localized retinal function with corresponding histopathologic findings in advanced retinoblastoma. Methods The medical records and specimens of 7 children with Reese-Ellsworth stage V retinoblastoma (8 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 2005, through March 1, 2008. The patients underwent multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) testing while imaging of the fundus was being performed. After enucleation of these eyes, retinal layers in a 10-mm-long section centered on the optic nerve were scored for histopathology. Results Visual acuity at presentation was 20/3000 to light perception in 6 of 6 eyes. Histopathologic analysis of the central retina revealed atrophy of all retinal layers in 4 eyes, moderate atrophy in 2 eyes, and mild atrophy with intact photoreceptors in 2 eyes. The mfERG amplitude was extinguished, moderately reduced, or mildly reduced when there was severe, moderate, or minimal atrophy of the outer retinal layers, respectively. Conclusions In advanced retinoblastoma, the mfERG amplitude provides a functional index of histopathologic retinal damage. When the retina is attached at presentation, the presence of a recordable mfERG indicates the potential for vision. When the retina is detached at presentation and reattaches after chemotherapy, the presence of a recordable mfERG also indicates the potential for limited vision. When the retina is detached or reattached, extinction of the mfERG is associated with severe retinal damage that may preclude visual recovery.
The accuracy and reliability of perceived depth from linear perspective as a function of image size

We investigated the ability to use linear perspective to perceive depth from monocular images. Specifically, we focused on the information provided by convergence of parallel lines in an image due to perspective projection. Our stimuli were trapezoid-shaped projected contours, which appear as rectangles slanted in depth. If converging edges of a contour are assumed to be parallel edges of a 3D object, then it is possible in principle to recover its 3D orientation and relative dimensions. This 3D interpretation depends on projected size; hence, if an image contour were scaled, accurate use of perspective predicts changes in perceived slant and shape. We tested this prediction and measured the accuracy and precision with which observers can judge depth from perspective alone. Observers viewed monocular images of slanted rectangles and judged whether the rectangles appeared longer versus wider than a square. The projected contours had varying widths (7, 14, or 21 deg) and side angles (7 or 25 deg), and heights were varied by a staircase procedure to compute a point of subjective equality and 75% threshold for each condition. Observers were able to reliably judge aspect ratios from the monocular images: Weber fractions were 6-9% for the largest rectangles, increasing to as high as 17% for small rectangles with high simulated slant. Overall, the contours judged to be squares were taller than the projections of actual squares, consistent with perceptual underestimation of depth. Judgments were modulated by image size in the direction expected from perspective geometry, but the effect of size was only about 20-30% of what was predicted. We simulated the performance of a Bayesian ideal observer that integrated perspective information with an a priori bias toward compression of depth and which was able to qualitatively model the pattern of results.
Should physicians screen for depression in elderly medical inpatients?: results of a decision analysis

OBJECTIVE We wish to determine whether or not elderly medical inpatients should be screened for depressive disorder using either 1) a self-rated depression scale (Geriatric Depression Scale), 2) "usual clinical assessment," or 3) neither, assuming that treatment with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is the primary mode of intervention. METHOD Based on recent data from epidemiological studies on the prevalence and course of depression, the test characteristics of available screening tests, and the efficacy and side-effects of traditional antidepressants, decision analysis is used to help decide whether or not clinicians should screen for depression in this setting. RESULTS These calculations indicate that if screening is done solely to identify depressed patients for treatment with TCAs, then the highest utility lies in not screening; however, the difference in utilities between that decision and the decisions to either screen with GDS or screen by usual clinical assessment was only .04 units on a 0 to 100 scale, making the decision virtually a toss-up. Furthermore, even a small variation in one of several clinical factors or test characteristics could give screening a higher utility. In particular, if psychotherapy is considered as the primary intervention, then the utility of screening exceeds that of not screening. CONCLUSION Characteristics of the screening test, clinical setting, types and safety of available treatments, each impact on the usefulness of screening and must be kept in mind when diagnosing and treating depressed medically ill elders hospitalized in acute care settings.
Survival of Zizania embryos in relation to water content, temperature and maturity status

The interactions between water content and temperature on freezing and desiccation damage were examined for Zizania (wild rice) embryos at several stages of maturity. The water content of excised embryos was manipulated by flash drying at 35°C or room temperature to between 2.5 g H2O/g dw and 0.05 g/g. Embryos were then exposed to temperatures ranging from 5 to −50°C. Viability following the drying and cooling treatments was assayed by leakage of electrolytes and germination in culture. Viability of embryos decreased when embryos were dried below a critical water content. The critical water content was greatest for the least mature embryos. Critical water contents were also temperature dependent and increased with decreasing temperature. Even though the critical water content varied with developmental status and temperature, the water activity corresponding to the critical water content appeared to be constant at 0.90. The most mature embryos survived temperatures as low as −50°C while the least mature embryos survived only to −18°C. These trends were predicted by ‘phase diagrams’ based on the physical properties of water in embryos at different stages of maturity (Vertucci et al., 1994a). Our results confirm the earlier prediction that long term preservation of Zizania grains is possible at −20°C and the degree of success will be related to the maturity status of the embryos.
Response to Comment on Powers et al. Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diabetes Care 2015;38:1372-1382.

We agree with the letter from Bialo et al. (1) that the emotional health needs of people with diabetes need to be addressed. Indeed, increasing evidence shows that emotional health is a significant issue in people with diabetes. In this context, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is committed to addressing all needs of people with diabetes and presents its recommendations in …
Evaporation on United States Reclamation Projects

It is roughly estimated that on Federal irrigation projects alone, 1 000 000 acre-ft. of water is lost each year by evaporation from reservoirs. Much of this loss is unavoidable, but in some instan...
The structure of bisimple left unipotent semigroups as ordered pairs

Call a semigroup S left unipotent if eachℒ-class of S contains exactly one idempotent. A structure theorem for bisimple left unipotent semigroups is given which reduces to that of N. R. Reilly [8] for bisimple inverse semigroups. A structure theorem, alternative to one given by R. J. Warne [13], is given for the case when the band ES of idempotents of S is an ω-chain of right zero semigroups, and two applications of it are made.
BDNF-endocannabinoid interactions at neocortical inhibitory synapses require phospholipase C signaling

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) and neurotrophins, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are potent synaptic modulators that are expressed throughout the forebrain and play critical roles in many behavioral processes. Although the effects of BDNF at excitatory synapses have been well characterized, the mechanisms of action of BDNF at inhibitory synapses are not well understood. Previously we have found that BDNF suppresses presynaptic GABA release in layer 2/3 of the neocortex via postsynaptic tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (trkB) receptor-induced release of endocannabinoids. To examine the intracellular signaling pathways that underlie this effect, we used pharmacological approaches and whole cell patch-clamp techniques in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of somatosensory cortex in brain slices from juvenile Swiss CD1 mice. Our results indicated that phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) is involved in the CB1 receptor-mediated synaptic effect of BDNF, because the BDNF effect was blocked in the presence of the broad-spectrum PLC inhibitors U-73122 and edelfosine, whereas the inactive analog U-73343 did not alter the suppressive effect of BDNF at inhibitory synapses. Endocannabinoid release can also be triggered by metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated activation of PLCβ, and BDNF has been shown to enhance spontaneous glutamate release. An mGluR antagonist, E4CPG, however, did not block the BDNF effect. In addition, the effect of BDNF was independent of other signaling pathways downstream of trkB receptor activation, namely, mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways, as well as protein kinase C signaling.
Relationship between BaTiO3 Nanowire Aspect Ratio and the Dielectric Permittivity of Nanocomposites

The aspect ratio of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanowires is demonstrated to be successfully controlled by adjusting the temperature of the hydrothermal growth from 150 to 240 °C, corresponding to aspect ratios from 9.3 to 45.8, respectively. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites are formed from the various aspect ratio nanowires and the relationship between the dielectric constant of the nanocomposite and the aspect ratio of the fillers is quantified. It was found that the dielectric constant of the nanocomposite increases with the aspect ratio of the nanowires. Nanocomposites with 30 vol % BaTiO3 nanowires and an aspect ratio of 45.8 can reach a dielectric constant of 44.3, which is 30.7% higher than samples with an aspect ratio of 9.3 and 352% larger than the polymer matrix. These results demonstrate that using high-aspect-ratio nanowires is an effective way to control and improve the dielectric performance of nanocomposites for future capacitor applications.
Analysis of Angle Data Extraction Techniques for Electro-optical Satellite Tracking

In the last several years multiple methods have been developed to extract streak data from astronomical images. Once the streak has been isolated angle data can be extracted, through astrometry, and orbits can be calculated using a number of methods. This work examines several methods for performing this angle extraction to determine a best practice when seeking position data from serendipitous streaks gathered by telescopes in sidereal tracking mode. The results objectively demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each method and conclude that a pinhole camera model is sufficient for accurate angle extraction from sources providing limited meta-data for the sensor.
Acute osteomyelitis in childhood

Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) is an inflammation of bone caused by bacteria that reach the bone via the hematogenous route. Neonatal osteomyelitis differs from the disease in older children. Staphylococcus aureus is the most predominant organism, accounting for infection in about 80% of patients. The lower extremities are most commonly affected. Because of the intracapsular metaphysis of proximal femur and humerus, there is a higher risk of concomitant septic arthritis in these joints. AHO always means an emergency with high diagnostic and therapeutic demands. The successful outcome depends on early diagnosis and prompt, adequate therapy. Therefore good cooperation with the pediatricians and radiologists is essential. The principles of treatment are symptomatic measures, bedrest and operative intervention, if necessary, with drainage of pus and debridement of any necrotic material, together with antibiotic treatment in sufficient concentration and for sufficient duration. The goal of treatment is to prevent complications such as concomitant septic arthritis with its high risk of persistent joint damage, growth disturbance or chronic osteomyelitis.
Proton pump inhibitor suppression of calcium absorption presenting as respiratory distress in a patient with bilateral laryngeal paralysis and hypocalcemia.

We report an unusual case of hypocalcemia and respiratory distress related to acid-suppressive therapy. The patient was a 50-year-old woman with bilateral laryngeal paralysis and hypoparythyroidism...
The Efficienti: Quality Professionals of the Twenty-First Century

A new group of quality professionals, The Efficienti, are the beneficiaries of a contemporary landscape in which traditional quality tools, combined with modern commerce and technology, can be applied across traditionally disparate areas of knowledge. By founding their actions on the tenets of Serve, Enable, and Connect, Efficienti use the reapplicable nature of quality methodology to bridge entire clusters of knowledge, fostering epistemological synapsing: new pathways created between disciplines are not traditionally well traversed. This work establishes the foundational thinking of The Efficienti, twenty-first century quality professionals improving and innovating quality by scaling the benefits of one particular area of knowledge across a wider scope of professional practice previously considered to be.
Engagement vs Performance: Using Electronic Portfolios to Predict First Semester Engineering Student Persistence.

As providers of higher education begin to harness the power of big data analytics, one very fitting application for these new techniques is that of predicting student attrition. The ability to pinpoint students who might soon decide to drop out, or who may be following a suboptimal path to success, allows those in charge to not only understand the causes for this undesired outcome, but it also provides room for the development of early intervention systems. While making such inferences based on academic performance data alone is certainly possible, we claim that in many cases there is no substantial correlation between how well a student performs and his or her decision to withdraw. This is especially true when the overall set of students has a relatively similar academic performance. To address this issue, we derive measurements of engagement from students' electronic portfolios and show how these features can be effectively used to augment the quality of predictions.
The Pediatric/Adolescent Shoulder Survey (PASS): A Reliable Youth Questionnaire With Discriminant Validity and Responsiveness to Change.

BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life tools for shoulder pathology in adults have been developed, such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) or QuickDASH. However, some content is not applicable to or readily grasped by a younger population. PURPOSE To evaluate the psychometric properties of a new 13-item pediatric/adolescent shoulder survey (PASS). STUDY DESIGN Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS An initial development cohort of children was given the PASS, QuickDASH, and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) in a prospective fashion. Internal reliability and concurrent validity were evaluated. Subsequent to this, the PASS, along with the QuickDASH, was incorporated into routine clinical evaluation of shoulder injuries. The secondary cohort was established via a retrospective review of patients (age <18 years) evaluated in our sports clinics for shoulder complaints. Discriminant validity and floor/ceiling effects were evaluated. A subset of patients with scores available both pre- and within 6 months postoperatively was analyzed to assess responsiveness to treatment. RESULTS Overall internal reliability of the shoulder survey was good in the development cohort of 127 patients, with Cronbach α = 0.86. Total score averaged 59.7% ± 17.9% in this cohort (range, 18.75%-100%). Significant correlations between all surveys were observed (r = 0.51-0.79, P < .05). A total of 127 surveys were available for the secondary cohort. The QuickDASH demonstrated significant differences between sexes with regard to scores (P < .05). Both tools were able to discriminate between patients with acute injuries and diminished clinical examinations (P < .05). A significant correlation was observed between duration of symptoms and scores on the PASS. The subset of 25 patients with pre- and postoperative data showed significant change in total score and the symptoms/limitations domain of the PASS, with significant correlation with length of time since surgery. CONCLUSION This 13-question pediatric/adolescent-focused shoulder survey shows excellent psychometric properties, good discriminant ability, and early evidence of responsiveness to change, especially when compared with an adult-formatted questionnaire.
Hand gesture controls for image categorization in immersive virtual environments

In a situation where a large and chaotic collection of digital images must be manually sorted or categorized, there are two challenges: (1) unnatural actions during a prolonged human-computer interaction and (2) limited display space for image browsing. An immersive 3D interface is prototyped, where a person sorts a large collection of digital images with his or her bare hands in a virtual environment, and performs hand motions matching characteristics of sorting gestures in the real world. The virtual reality environment provides extra levels of immersion for displaying images.