cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rest Tremor in Patients With Essential Tremor: Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, and Electrophysiologic Characteristics

Background Isolated rest tremor, which is observed in some patients with essential tremor (ET), poses a diagnostic challenge. The phenomenon has been examined in few studies and is poorly understood. Objectives To determine the prevalence and study the clinical correlates of rest tremor in ET and to examine the electrophysiologic features in a subgroup of patients. Methods Sixty-four patients with ET cared for at a tertiary referral center underwent neurologic examination. Five of 12 patients with rest tremor also underwent quantitative computerized tremor analysis using accelerometry and handwritten spiral analysis. Results Twelve of 64 patients with ET had rest tremor (prevalence, 18.8%; 95% confidence interval, 9.2%-28.4%). Compared with the 52 patients with ET without rest tremor, these 12 had disease of longer duration and greater severity. Also, their ET was more widely disseminated, as evidenced by a larger proportion with head tremor. None had clinical signs of bradykinesia or rigidity. The 5 patients with rest tremor who underwent electrophysiologic study had electrophysiologic features consistent with parkinsonism (eg, slow spiral speed and increased decrement of spiral speed with radius). Conclusions In our sample, 1 in 5 patients with ET had rest tremor. The tremor was associated with disease that was more severe, more disseminated, and of longer duration. Some of these patients had electrophysiologic features consistent with parkinsonism. The basis for the rest tremor could be basal ganglia involvement, raising the possibility that the pathologic process responsible for ET may extend to these structures.
Auditory Cortical Processing in Noise in Normal-Hearing Young Adults

AbstractObjective: The ability to hear in background noise is related to the processing of the incoming acoustic signal in the peripheral auditory system as well as the central auditory nervous system (CANS). Electrophysiological tests have the ability to demonstrate the underlying neural integrity of the CANS, but to date a lack of literature exists demonstrating the effects of background noise on auditory cortical potentials. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to systematically investigate the effects of white noise on tone burst-evoked late auditory evoked potentials (N1, P2, and P3) in normal hearing young adults. Study Design: Twenty young-adult normal-hearing individuals served as subjects. A comparison of the late auditory evoked potentials (N1, P2, and P3) was made at multiple signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) (quiet, + 20, + 10, 0). N1, P2, and P3 were elicited and both amplitude and latency were measured for each of the potentials. A standard oddball paradigm with binaural stimulation ...
What changes in neural oscillations can reveal about developmental cognitive neuroscience: language development as a case in point

EEG is a primary method for studying temporally precise neuronal processes across the lifespan. Most of this work focuses on event related potentials (ERPs); however, using time-locked time frequency analysis to decompose the EEG signal can identify and distinguish multiple changes in brain oscillations underlying cognition (Bastiaansen et al., 2010). Further this measure is thought to reflect changes in inter-neuronal communication more directly than ERPs (Nunez and Srinivasan, 2006). Although time frequency has elucidated cognitive processes in adults, applying it to cognitive development is still rare. Here, we review the basics of neuronal oscillations, some of what they reveal about adult cognitive function, and what little is known relating to children. We focus on language because it develops early and engages complex cortical networks. Additionally, because time frequency analysis of the EEG related to adult language comprehension has been incredibly informative, using similar methods with children will shed new light on current theories of language development and increase our understanding of how neural processes change over the lifespan. Our goal is to emphasize the power of this methodology and encourage its use throughout developmental cognitive neuroscience.
The application of vortex theory to the optimum swept propeller

It is shown that an optimum propeller generating a swept wake must satisfy the Betz condition, at least to a first order. A numerical solution for swept propellers generating a rigid helicoidal wake is formulated and some results are presented. These results indicate that sweep has a significant effect on Goldstein's kappa factor, particularly at high advance ratios typical of those at which advanced turboprops operate.
Mitochondria and xanthine oxidase both generate reactive oxygen species in isolated perfused rat liver after hypoxic injury.

Abstract Hypoxia caused severe damage in isolated perfused livers from fasted male Fischer rats without evidence of the formation of reactive oxygen species during hypoxia. Reoxygenation caused a significant increase in intracellular oxygen species in the injured liver, as indicated by increases in sinusoidal GSSG efflux and tissue GSSG levels. Both parameters were elevated further by addition of KCN (100 μM) or antimycin A (8 μM). Sinusoidal GSSG efflux was suppressed in part by addition of allopurinol (500 μM) and enhanced by hypoxanthine (250 μM). Xanthine oxidase appears to be a partial source, and damaged mitochondria a continuous and quantitatively greater source, of reactive oxygen as a result of liver injury following hypoxia.
Proton-based driver for the plasma wakefield accelerator with TeV reach

Many orders of magnitude increase in accelerating gradients were achieved in plasma with laser or charge particle beams, when compared with traditional RF accelerators. The energy depletion of the driving beam ultimately limits energy gain in the single acceleration stage. It was suggested that acceleration to teravolt scale energies is feasible in the single acceleration stage with a proton beam that is similar to one used at the Large Hadron Collider. Existing proton accelerators are unsuitable for driving a linear collider beam due to their average beam power that entails very low luminosity. Here, we discuss the high average power requirement and possible design solutions to overcome these limitations.
THE INFLUENCE OF THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE INTERPRETATION OF SENSE DATA: TYCHO BRAHE AND THE NEW STAR OF 1572, AND GALILEO AND THE MOUNTAINS ON THE MOON

title RIASSUNTO /title L'Autore prende in esame il processo dell'indagine scientifica ostacolato da idee preconcette e discute il caso di Tycho Brahe nelle polemiche delle nuove stelle ed i procedimenti successivi di Galileo nelle osservazioni delle macchie lunari, dei satelliti di Giove e delle macchie solari.
Father's Absence and African American Adolescent Drug Use

Abstract This study assessed the effects of father's absence on drug use among 86 African American adolescents. No differences between father-present and father-absent girls' self-reported drug usage were found.The results did reveal, however, that father-absent boys were much more likely than father-present boys or either group of girls to use drugs. These findings persisted even when background factors such as SES, extent of neighborhood crime, parental monitoring, and degree of peer drug usage were controlled. Friends' drug use was the main predictor of drug use for girls, while father's absence was for boys. It was concluded that father-absent African American boys might be at risk for drug use problems relative to other African American adolescents. Implications for after-school programs were also discussed.
A Recessive Allele Inhibiting Saponin Synthesis in Two Lines of Bolivian Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa cultivars currently grown in North America and Europe require removal of bitter-tasting saponins from the grain prior to human consumption. This need for postharvest processing is a barrier to expanding production of the crop outside its Andean area of origin. Grain saponin content in quinoa shows continuous variation and is considered to be a quantitative trait. However, segregation for the presence or absence of grain saponin in F2 generations derived from crosses between high- and low-saponin parents indicates a major gene effect, with plants homozygous for a recessive allele spl having no detectable grain saponin. Variation in saponin levels among F2 plants with detectable grain saponin was consistent with polygenic inheritance. It appears that grain saponin level in quinoa is both qualitatively and quantitatively controlled, with saponin production requiring at least one dominant allele at the Sp locus and the amount of grain saponin being determined by an unknown number of additional quantitative loci. Introgression of sp1 into day-neutral lines will facilitate the development of short-season "sweet" quinoa cultivars which do not require postharvest processing to remove grain saponin.
In vitro bone resorption activity produced by a hypercalcemic adenocarcinoma tumor line (CAC-8) in nude mice.

Tumor extracts and conditioned tissue culture media from a canine adenocarcinoma tumor line (CAC-8) propagated in nude mice significantly increasedin vitro bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvaria as measured by release of previously incorporated45Ca.In vitro bone resorption activity was induced in a dose-dependent manner, was not suppressible by indomethacin, and was heat- and acid-stable. Gel exclusion chromatography demonstrated peak bone resorbing activity at a relative molecular mass of approximately 28,000. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) antagonist (8,18norleucine,34tyrosine) bovine PTH (3–34) amide did not inhibit CAC 8-stimulated or (1–34) bPTH-induced bone resorption. There was an increased number of tartrate-resistant, acid phosphatase-positive cells in calvariae exposed to CAC-8 extract. Ultrastructural evaluation of calvaria revealed hypertrophy and maturation of osteoclasts in calvaria exposed to CAC-8 extract. The maturation effects included close contact to bone surfaces and the presence of clear zones and ruffled borders in osteoclasts. Similar structures were observed infrequently in osteoclasts of control calvaria. These data demonstrate that the tumor line (CAC-8) contained activity capable of stimulatingin vitro bone resorption by increasing osteoclast numbers and the activity of existing osteoclasts.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ROBUSTIFIED FEEDFORWARD AND FEEDBACK FOR ACHIEVING PARAMETER ROBUSTNESS

Both robustified feedforward and feedback control approaches for uncertain dynamical systems (in particular, with uncertainty in structural mode frequency) are investigated. The control objective is to achieve a fast settling time (high performance) and robustness (insensitivity) to plant uncertainty. Preshaping of an ideal, time-optimal control input using a tapped-delay filter is shown to provide a fast settling time with robust performance. A robust, nonminimum-phase feedback controller is synthesized with particular emphasis on its proper implementation for a nonzero set-point control problem. It is shown that a properly designed, feedback controller performs well, as compared with a time-optimal open-loop controller with special preshaping for performance robustness.
PVP formulated Fullerene (C60) increases Rho-kinase dependent Vascular Tissue Contractility in Pregnant Sprague Dawley Rats

Pregnancy is a unique physiological state, in which C60 fullerene is reported to be distributed in both maternal and fetal tissues. Tissue distribution of C60 differs between pregnant and non-pregnant states, presumably due to functional changes in vasculature during pregnancy. We hypothesized that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) formulated C60 (C60/PVP) increases vascular tissue contractility during pregnancy by increasing Rho-kinase activity. C60/PVP was administered intravenously to pregnant and non-pregnant female Sprague Dawley rats. Vascular responses were assessed using wire myography 24h post-exposure. Increased stress generation was observed in uterine artery, thoracic aorta and umbilical vein. Rho-Rho-kinase mediated force maintenance was increased in arterial segments from C60/PVP exposed pregnant rats when compared to PVP exposed rats. Our findings suggest that intravenous exposure to C60/PVP during pregnancy increases vascular tissue contractility of the uterine artery through elements of Rho-Rho-kinase signaling during late stages of pregnancy.
The insulin-like growth factor system in normal and abnormal human ovarian follicle development

Intraovarian peptides synergize with and potentiate gonadotropin actions in ovarian follicular development. The insulin-like growth factor system is one of several growth factor systems that regulate a variety of processes in ovarian granulosa and theca cells. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, which generally inhibit insulin-like growth factor action, are high in androgen-dominant but not estrogen-dominant follicles, and these insulin-like growth factor binding proteins may limit the co-gonadotropic actions of insulin-like growth factors within the follicle. Evidence is accumulating that insulin-like growth factor binding proteins within estrogen-dominant follicles are regulated by decreased production and by increased degradation. In polycystic ovary syndrome, in which follicles are at an arrested stage of maturation, insulin-like growth factor I and follicle stimulating hormone levels are normal and yet there is an accumulation of androstenedione substrate. Aromatase activity can be activated when granulosa are isolated from the polycystic ovary syndrome follicle but is not active in the follicle in situ. High levels of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins are present and likely inhibit insulin-like growth factor action in this arrested stage of development. Whether they contribute to it directly or reflect the androgen-dominant state of the follicle is not known at this time. Insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome may result from insulin acting on surrogate receptors, like the insulin-like growth factor receptor, although the precise roles of insulin and the insulin-like growth factor system in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome and associated states of hyperandrogenism remain to be defined.
A nonlinear generalized maxwell fluid model for viscoelastic materials

A nonlinear Maxwell fluid model consisting of a linear dashpot in series with a parallel arrangement of a linear spring and a second-order nonlinear spring, was developed. This configuration provides the flexibility necessary to describe both the stiffening and the softening responses of some viscoelastic materials. A noteworthy feature of the model is that under constant rate displacement, the force equation can be solved in closed form, thereby providing a continuous, exact general solution.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths: Who Smokes, and Why?

Existing research indicates the rate of smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths exceeds the general population's, possibly due to stress, habitual substance abuse, socializing in smoky venues, and tobacco marketing. The study's overall aim was to conduct qualitative research regarding tobacco use and avoidance by LGBT youths. This report focuses on identifying priority subpopulations and corresponding risk and resiliency factors. Purposive and maximum variation sampling were used to select 30 LGBT youths and 30 interactors for face-to-face interviews. Almost a third of participants said that all LGBT youths are at risk for smoking. Other respondents specified a range of high-risk groups, encompassing many subpopulations. Contributing factors for smoking included personal characteristics, interpersonal issues, environmental conditions, and structural issues. More than a third of young smokers were not acquainted with LGBT nonsmokers and could not imagine how they avoid using tobacco. Half of the interactors and four youths ascribed favorable qualities to nonsmokers--such as self-esteem, will power, and concern for personal health, appearance, and well-being. In conclusion, smoking is a pervasive problem among LGBT youths. The findings corroborate prior explanations and implicate new ones. Some risks (e.g., limited opportunities to socialize with LGBT peers outside of smoking venues, the desire to appear more masculine, and sexuality-related stress) and resiliency factors (e.g., positive sexual identity) are unique to LGBT populations, reinforcing the need for culturally specific approaches to prevention and cessation. Highlighting the positive attributes of nonsmokers and nonsmoking might prove useful in prevention campaigns.
Lattice plane response during tensile loading of an aluminum 2 percent magnesium alloy

In-situ neutron diffraction measurements of plane specific elastic lattice strains were made during a tensile test of an aluminum 2 pct magnesium alloy. The macroscopic response exhibited a serrated flow curve, evidence of dynamic strain aging. The neutron results are compared to calculations using a self-consistent polycrystal deformation model. The relatively poor agreement with the measured data may suggest that the model has limitations with respect to face-centered cubic (fcc) alloys with low elastic anisotropy.
Constrained nuclear design

By imposing constraints on the design of a reactor it is possible to reduce the number of iterations between mechanical, thermal and nuclear design. The constraints discussed are geometry constraints, physics constraints, pressure drop constraint, sodium velocity constraint and burnup and fluence limit constraints. In addition to reducing the number of design iterations, this approach helps to identify key design parameters as well as key design constraints.
Eosinophilia at the Time of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Bronchiolitis in Infancy Predicts Wheezing in Later Childhood

Eosinophilia at the Time of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Bronchiolitis in Infancy Predicts Wheezing in Later Childhood
The Transnational Organization of Production and Environmental Degradation: A Cross‐National Study of the Effects of Foreign Capital Penetration on Water Pollution Intensity, 1980–1995*

Objective. This study attempts to increase our understanding of the environmental impacts of the transnational organization of production in the context of foreign capital penetration. Methods. With a sample of 53 countries, panel analyses using OLS and robust regression are conducted to assess the effects of foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector on growth in organic water pollution intensity, 1980–1995. Slope-dummy interaction variables are used to compare the effects in developed countries and less-developed countries. The tested models include a variety of relevant controls, such as domestic investment, state environmentalism, size of the manufacturing sector, and level of economic development. Results. Findings for the analyses indicate that foreign direct investment in manufacturing positively affects growth in organic water pollution intensity in less-developed countries, while the effect in developed countries is nonsignificant. Conclusions. This research illustrates the need for social scientists to investigate the environmental impacts of both the transnational organization of production and the overall scale of production in different sectors.
The Role of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation in Stratospheric Dehydration

Among Professor Richard Reed’s many contributions to the understanding of the meteorology of the middle atmosphere, his discovery of the equatorial quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) has perhaps had the most enduring influence. In a paper presented at the 40th anniversary meeting of the American Meteorological Society, January 1960, he showed that rawinsonde data from Canton Island (2.8°S) revealed “alternate bands of easterly and westerly winds which originate above 30 km and which move downward through the stratosphere at a speed of about 1 km per month.” He pointed out that the alternating wind regimes “appear at intervals of roughly 13 months, 26 months being required for a complete cycle.” This work appeared in print in Reed et al. (1961). Although several other workers noted the occurrence of this strange wind oscillation at about the same time, unlike Reed they seem not to have appreciated its dynamical significance, and the challenges that the momentum budget and periodicity of this strange oscillation presented for theoreticians.
Depression in Women’s Magazines:

Abstract Background Mass communication research suggests that the media influence both what a population thinks about and how it thinks about an event or situation by controlling what is covered and how topics are framed. One medium, popular women’s magazines, has published depression-related articles for decades. However, little is known about the content and frame of these articles. Objective The research sought to determine what women’s magazines published about depression between 1980 and 2000. Design Articles published on depression in the top eight circulating women’s magazines, between 1980 to 1985 and 1995 to 2000 were retrieved and analyzed using qualitative media analysis methodology. Results Between the two periods, the magazines increased the number of published articles on depression and increasingly framed it as a treatable but stigmatized illness. Conclusion Women’s magazines, which regularly publish information on depression, have high circulation rates, resulting in millions of exposures to their messages. Psychiatric nurse-authors have an opportunity to influence these messages.
β-endorphin stimulates rat T lymphocyte proliferation

Abstract β-Endorphin 1–31 and several structurally related peptides were tested for their ability to alter mitogen-induced T cell proliferation. Rat β-endorphin 1–31 and human β-endorphin 1–27 increased phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into rat lymph node cells. However, when PHA-induced proliferation was suppressed by the inclusion of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ), human β-endorphin 1–31 and a number of structurally similar peptides, including some peptides that did not alter mitogen-induced proliferation, significantly reduced the PGE 1 inhibition of PHA-stimulated T cell proliferation. Although the N-terminus of β-endorphin was necessary for potency, inclusion of the opioid antagonist naloxone together with β-endorphin 1–31 did not alter the blockage of PGE 1 inhibition of PHA-induced proliferation caused by β-endorphin. The inhibition of mitogen-stimulated proliferation by either cholera toxin or forskolin, two additional compounds that like PGE 1 also elevate cyclic AMP levels, was not blocked by β-endorphin. Verapamil suppression of proliferation was not modified by β-endorphin, indicating that the β-endorphin stimulatory effect was probably not due to Ca 2+ influx through verapamil-sensitive Ca 2+ channels. These data suggest that β-endorphin, acting through a nonopioid β-endorphin receptor, may modulate immunocompetence by stimulating T cell proliferation and by counteracting the inhibitory effects of PGE 1 .
Theta dichotomy for the genuine unramified principal series of $${\widetilde{Sp}_2(F)}$$

Let F be a p-adic field with odd residual characteristic. This work is the continuation of a previous paper that contains some detailed computations of the doubling integral for irreducible constituents \({(\pi, \mathcal{V}_{\pi})}\) of the genuine unramified principal series of \({\widetilde{Sp}_2(F)}\) using various “good test data”. This paper aims to interpret those results in terms of the non-vanishing of local theta lifts. Assuming a technical condition on order of a particular pole for the family of doubling integrals for \({(\pi, \mathcal{V}_{\pi})}\) , we aim to determine the so-called “dichotomy sign” of \({(\pi, \mathcal{V}_{\pi})}\) .
Partial Reduction/Re-Oxidation Processing of Y-Ba-Cu-O Sputtered Thin Films

Thin films of Y--Ba--Cu--O were produced by rf sputtering of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x} ceramic targets, using a variety of plasma compositions, rf power levels, and substrate temperatures. Post annealing of these films in oxygen produced superconducting films with T{sub c} values between 40--60 K, broad transition widths and semiconductor-like electrical behavior above T{sub c}. Subsequent annealing at 850{degree}C in an inert gas with a residual oxygen partial pressure of {le}10 ppM followed by an oxygen anneal produced high quality thin films: T{sub c} > 85 K with narrow transition widths. The structure and morphology of these films during reduction-oxidation processing were monitored using x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. 8 refs., 4 figs.
Southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc.) of cowpea: yield-loss estimates and sources of resistance

Abstract Replicated field studies were conducted over a three-year period to assess the yield-reducing potential of southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) on cowpea, and to evaluate the range of genetic variability in cowpea germplasm for resistance. Southern blight was shown to have a considerably greater impact on dry-seed yields than that suggested by a review of the published literature. The disease caused a dry-seed yield loss of 53.4% in one study, and losses approaching 50% were observed for some cultivars in a second study. Reduced pod numbers likely accounted for most of the reduced dry-seed yields. There is significant variability in cowpea germplasm for resistance to southern blight. Two cultivars, Brown Crowder and Carolina Cream, exhibited promising levels of resistance in two years of testing.
Salt tolerance of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI).

The salt tolerance of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) was systematically investigated by examining three different drug mixtures in the presence of 0, 0. 2, 2, 5, 10, and 20% NaCl:KCl (1:1) from different surfaces. At physiological salt concentrations, the individual drugs in each mixture were observed in each experiment. Even at salt concentrations significantly above physiological levels, particular surfaces were effective in providing spectra that allowed the ready identification of the compounds of interest in low nanogram amounts. Salt adducts, which are observed even in the absence of added salt, could be eliminated by adding 0. 1% 7 M ammonium acetate to the standard methanol:water (1:1) spray solvent. Comparison of the salt tolerance of DESI with that of electrospray ionization (ESI) demonstrated better signal/noise characteristics for DESI. The already high salt tolerance of DESI can be optimized further by appropriate choices of surface and spray solution.
Synthesis of the p-type semiconducting ternary oxide CuAlO2 using the Pechini method

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • We have prepared single-phase samples of the semiconducting oxide CuAlO{sub 2} using the Pechini method. • Reaction times are reduced relative to conventional solid-state synthesis. • Products have high surface area suitable for ceramic processing. • Product composition is dictated by thermodynamic control; CuAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} is obtained preferentially at lower temperature. - Abstract: The synthesis of the delafossite phase CuAlO{sub 2} using the Pechini method was investigated. Powder X-ray diffraction data showed that pure, single-phase samples were obtained after only 3 h heating at 1100 °C. CuAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}, which contains Cu(II) rather than Cu(I), was the dominant phase between 700 and 1100 °C. Conversion to CuAlO{sub 2} is promoted by the positive entropy change associated with the evolution of oxygen. No mixed Cu–Al oxide was formed below 700 °C.
Identification of a unique μ‐class glutathione S‐transferase in mouse spermatogenic cells

The fibrous sheath is a major cytoskeletal structure in the principal piece of the mammalian sperm flagellum. Two peptide sequences obtained from a tryptic digest of mouse fibrous sheath proteins exhibited high homology with μ-cFass glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Using a DNA probe amplified from degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers predicted from these two peptide sequences, a ∼ 1.1 kb cDNA clone for fibrous sheath component 2 (Fsc2) was isolated which had 84% nucleic acid and 89% amino acid sequence identity with a previously reported μ-class human GST gene (hGSTM3; Campbell et al., 1990: J Biol Chem 265:4188-9193). Sequences corresponding to those of the two fibrous sheath peptides were present in the protein encoded by the Fsc2 cDNA. Northern analysis with the full length Fsc2 cDNA detected a ∼ 1.1 kb mRNA in 12 of 15 somatic tissues examined, as well as in testis and isolated spermatogenic cells. However, 5'(nt -96 to 12) or 3' (nt 637 to 808) Fsc2 probes, containing mostly noncoding sequences, detected a ∼ 1.1 kb mRNA abundant in testis and isolated spermatogenic cells, but absent or present at low levels in somatic tissues. Northern analysis with RNA from testes of mice of different postnatal ages and purified spermatogenic cell populations indicated that this transcript is first present during the meiotic phase of germ cell development. These results suggest that a previously unreported μ-cFass GST gene (mGSTM5*) is expressed at a specific time during the development of spermatogenic cells in the mouse. Immunoblot analysis indicated that a μ-class GST protein is associated with the fibrous sheath, suggesting that it becomes an integral part of the mouse sperm cytoskeleton.
Probable quetiapine-mediated prolongation of the QT interval.

Purpose QT prolongation can occur with both first- (FGA) and second-generation antipsychotics (SGA). QT prolongation was identified in an adult patient who presented to the emergency room with schizophrenia, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and pneumonia. Quetiapine, an SGA, was a component of the pharmacotherapy regimen. Based on the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale rating criteria, a probable causal association was made. Methods PubMed and Ovid were searched using the terms antipsychotic, psychotropic, QT interval, corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation, and quetiapine. References were examined for additional articles related to antipsychotic drugs and the QT interval. Discussion In this patient, the use of quetiapine was identified as a contributing factor in QT prolongation. Prior QT prolongation was experienced with ziprasidone, another SGA. The antidepressant and dose remained consistent throughout the inpatient course of treatment. Other risk factors in this patient included hypokalemia, dehydration, pneumonia, age, gender, and concurrent usage of an antidepressant. Dual psychiatric diagnoses, preexisting cardiovascular disease, and electrolyte disturbances may increase this risk potential. Conclusion Psychiatric patients may be more at risk of cardiovascular complications, such as QT interval prolongation. The pharmacist can help evaluate risk factors and provide input into the care of all patients, particularly those identified as at risk.
Repeated ectopic pregnancy on the tubal stump after laparoscopic salpingectomy

A 40-year-old woman who had undergone laparoscopic right salpingectomy because of a tubal pregnancy 10 years ago presented to our hospital with severe lower abdominal pain. Ectopic pregnancy with internal bleeding was suspected after evaluation. With laparoscopy, repeated ectopic pregnancy on the tubal stump was diagnosed and treated successfully.
Calculation of afterbody flows with a composite velocity formulation

A recently developed technique for numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for subsonic, laminar flows is investigated. It is extended here to allow for the computation of transonic and turbulent flows. The basic approach involves a multiplicative composite of the appropriate velocity representations for the inviscid and viscous flow regions. The resulting equations are structured so that far from the surface of the body the momentum equations lead to the Bernoulli equation for the pressure, while the continuity equation reduces to the familiar potential equation. Close to the body surface, the governing equations and solution techniques are characteristic of those describing interacting boundary layers. The velocity components are computed with a coupled strongly implicity procedure. For transonic flows the artificial compressibility method is used to treat supersonic regions. Calculations are made for both laminar and turbulent flows over axisymmetric afterbody configurations. Present results compare favorably with other numerical solutions and/or experimental data.
First "glass" education: telementored cardiac ultrasonography using Google Glass- a pilot study.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of telementored instruction in bedside ultrasonography (US) using Google Glass. The authors sought to examine whether first-time US users could obtain adequate parasternal long axis (PSLA) views to approximate ejection fraction (EF) using Google Glass telementoring. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Eighteen second-year medical students were randomized into three groups and tasked with obtaining PSLA cardiac imaging. Group A received real-time telementored education through Google Glass via Google Hangout from a remotely located expert. Group B received bedside education from the same expert. Group C represented the control and received no instruction. Each subject was given 3 minutes to obtain a best PSLA cardiac imaging using a portable GE Vscan. Image clips obtained by each subject were stored. A second expert, blinded to instructional mode, evaluated images for adequacy and assigned an image quality rating on a 0 to 10 scale. Results Group A was able to obtain adequate images six out of six times (100%) with a median image quality rating of 7.5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 6 to 10) out of 10. Group B was also able to obtain adequate views six out of six times (100%), with a median image quality rating of 8 (IQR = 7 to 9). Group C was able to obtain adequate views one out of six times (17%), with a median image quality of 0 (IQR = 0 to 2). There were no statistically significant differences between Group A and Group B in the achievement of adequate images for E-point septal separation measurement or in image quality. Conclusions In this pilot/feasibility study, novice US users were able to obtain adequate imaging to determine a healthy patient's EF through telementored education using Google Glass. These preliminary data suggest telementoring as an adequate means of medical education in bedside US. This conclusion will need to be validated with larger, more powerful studies including evaluation of pathologic findings and varying body habitus among models.
Functional consequences of a decreased potassium affinity in a potassium channel pore. Ion interactions and C-type inactivation.

Ions bound near the external mouth of the potassium channel pore impede the C-type inactivation conformational change (Lopez-Barneo, J., T. Hoshi, S. Heinemann, and R. Aldrich. 1993. Receptors Channels. 1:61– 71; Baukrowitz, T., and G. Yellen. 1995. Neuron. 15:951–960). In this study, we present evidence that the occupancy of the C-type inactivation modulatory site by permeant ions is not solely dependent on its intrinsic affinity, but is also a function of the relative affinities of the neighboring sites in the potassium channel pore. The A463C mutation in the S6 region of Shaker decreases the affinity of an internal ion binding site in the pore (Ogielska, E.M., and R.W. Aldrich, 1998). However, we have found that this mutation also decreases the C-type inactivation rate of the channel. Our studies indicate that the C-type inactivation effects observed with substitutions at position A463 most likely result from changes in the pore occupancy of the channel, rather than a change in the C-type inactivation conformational change. We have found that a decrease in the potassium affinity of the internal ion binding site in the pore results in lowered (electrostatic) interactions among ions in the pore and as a result prolongs the time an ion remains bound at the external C-type inactivation site. We also present evidence that the C-type inactivation constriction is quite local and does not involve a general collapse of the selectivity filter. Our data indicate that in A463C potassium can bind within the selectivity filter without interfering with the process of C-type inactivation.
Massive malignant solitary fibrous tumor arising from the bladder serosa: a case report

Solitary fibrous tumors are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They are often of low malignant potential and rarely metastasize. While they frequently arise from the pleura, they can occur at any soft tissue site in the body. We present a case of a large (28 × 21cm) malignant solitary fibrous tumor arising from the bladder serosa. In addition, the clinicopathologic features, differential diagnosis, cytogenetics and management of this rare disease are discussed, along with a review of the existing literature on this topic. An otherwise healthy 41-year-old Caucasian man presented with weight loss and progressive abdominal bloating. A subsequent computed tomography scan of his chest, abdomen and pelvis revealed a 26.8 × 21cm intra-abdominal mass occupying most of his abdominal cavity. The inferior vena cava was compressed, and the mass extended inferiorly to his upper pelvis abutting the superior dome of his bladder. He underwent operative resection and the resected mass measured 28 × 21 × 18cm and weighed 4.8kg. The cut surface revealed a gray-white mass with an ill-defined whorled-like pattern, with randomly assorted tan fleshy nodules. A histologic evaluation revealed variable, alternating hypercellular and hypocellular areas, with areas of necrosis. The tumor cells varied from spindle to epithelioid within a hyalinized stroma. In the hypercellular areas, the tumor cells showed moderate atypia with high mitotic activity. The histological features combined with immunophenotyping were suggestive of a malignant solitary fibrous tumor that grossly appeared to be growing from the bladder serosa, specifically the intraperitoneal superior dome of the bladder. Our patient is currently eight months post-surgery without evidence of recurrence. Extrapleural occurrences of solitary fibrosis tumors are being increasingly observed. Malignant solitary fibrosis tumors of the urinary bladder, however, are very rare. As there are no pathognomonic features of malignancy, surgical resection is often both diagnostic and therapeutic, as was the case in our report.
Geographic intraspecific variation in buoyancy within Antarctic notothenioid fishes

We investigated intraspecific geographic variation in buoyancy by obtaining percentage buoyancy (%B) measurements for the Antarctic notothenioid species Pleuragramma antarcticum, Trematomus hansoni, T. bernacchii and Gymnodraco acuticeps from both McMurdo Sound in East Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands in West Antarctica. Mean percentage buoyancies in these species ranged from 0.22- 0.52% in the neutrally buoyant P. antarcticum to 3.34 - 3.67% in the benthic T. bernacchii. Dispersion (1 standard deviation) of percentage buoyancy (%B) values around the mean was � 0.2 -0.5 %B units for the entire sample. Although intraspecific differences in mean percentage buoyancy were statistically significant (P , 0.05) in P. antarcticum and T. hansoni, we consider these differences as normal variation without substantive biological significance. The dispersion in buoyancy measurements during adult life reflects the density of the fish and this may be influenced, in both the short- and long-term, by gut contents, nutritional condition, and reproductive state. Mitigation of the effects of these variables is not biologically realistic because they constitute normal aspects of the daily and yearly life cycles. The results of our measurements of buoyancy are consistent with what is known about the ecology of these four species and this is considered in the discussion.
Path-based scheduling for synthesis

A path-based scheduling algorithm for synchronous digital systems is presented. It yields solutions with the minimum number of control steps, taking into account arbitrary constraints that limit the amount of operations in each control step. The result is a finite-state machine that implements the control. Although the complexity of the algorithm is proportional to the number of paths in the control-flow graph, it is shown to be practical for large examples with thousands of nodes. >
Functional Changes in Scavenger Receptor Binding Conformation Are Induced by Charge Mutants Spanning the Entire Collagen Domain

Abstract Macrophage scavenger receptors are trimeric integral membrane proteins that bind a diverse array of negatively charged ligands. They have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and in host responses to microbial infections. Earlier mutational studies demonstrated that the distal segment of the collagen domain of the receptor was critically important for high affinity ligand binding activity. In this study, mutations spanning the entire collagen domain were generated and binding was assayed in transfected cells, as well as in assays employing a secreted, receptor fusion protein. Many of the distal, positively charged C-terminal residues in the type II collagen domain of the receptor, previously reported to be essential for binding at 37 °C, were found not to be critical for binding at 4 °C. Conversely, more proximally charged residues of the collagen receptor that have not been previously mutated were shown to have substantial effects on binding that were also temperature-dependent. These data suggest that scavenger receptor ligand recognition depends on more complex conformational interactions, involving charged residues throughout the entire collagen domain, than was previously recognized.
Cloning of a human cDNA expressing a high voltage‐activating. Tea‐sensitive, type‐a K+ channel which maps to chromosome 1 band p21

Over ten different mammalian genes related to the Drosophila Shaker gene (the Sh gene family) have been identified recently. These genes encode subunits of voltage-dependent K+ channels. The family consists of four subfamilies: ShI genes are homologues of Shaker; ShII, ShIII, and ShIV are homologues of three other Shaker-like genes in Drosophila, Shab, Shaw, and Shal, respectively. We report here the cloning of a human K+ channel ShIII cDNA (HKShIIIC) obtained from a brain stem cDNA library. HKShIIIC transcripts express an atypical voltage-dependent transient (A-type) K+ current in Xenopus oocytes. This current is activated by large membrane depolarizations and is extremely sensitive to the K+ channel blocker TEA unlike most A-type currents. The gene encoding HKShIIIC maps to chromosome 1p21.
The Effect of Experimentally Induced Focal Epilepsy on Operant Responding in the Rat

Dose-response studies were performed on freely moving rats bearing chronically implanted electrodes. The effects of intracortical injections of penicillin, bicuculline, and conjugated estrogens (Premarin) were determined on EEG activity and motor performance. Bicuculline in doses of 0.025 and 0.05% regularly produced spike and afterdischarge (AD) patterns of rapid onset (less than 10 sec,) brief duration (less than 20 min), and marked intensity. Lower doses had little or no effect. Premarin 1% and penicillin 100 international units produced spike and AD patterns of slower onset (5 min), longer duration (up to 2 hr), and mild intensity. Smaller doses generally produced no AD activity, whereas larger doses produced epileptic patterns severe enough to preclude their use in operant studies. Penicillin and Premarin both produced a significant decrease in operant-response rate in animals trained to bar press on a FR 20 schedule. A marked variability was noted in the behavioral responses of individual rats to the disruptive effects of the epileptogens.
Evaluating Possible Heating Mechanisms Using the Transition Region Line Profiles of Late-Type Stars

Our analysis of high-resolution Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) spectra of late-type stars shows that the Si IV and C IV lines formed near 10(exp 5) K can be decomposed into the sum of two Gaussians, a broad component and a narrow component. We find that the flux contribution of the broad components is correlated with both the C IV and X-ray surface fluxes. For main-sequence stars, the widths of the narrow components suggest subsonic nonthermal velocities, and there appears to be a tight correlation between these nonthermal velocities and stellar surface gravity [xi(sub nc) varies as g(sup (-.68 +/-.07))]. For evolved stars with lower surface gravities, the nonthermal velocities suggested by the narrow components are at or just above the sound speed. Nonthermal velocities computed from the widths of the broad components are always highly supersonic. We propose that the broad components are diagnostics for microflare heating. Turbulent dissipation and Alfven waves are both viable candidates for the narrow component heating mechanism. A solar analog for the broad components might be the 'explosive events' detected by the High-Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph (HRTS) experiment. The broad component we observe for the Si IV lambda 1394 line of alpha Cen A, a star that is nearly identical to the Sun, has a FWHM of 109 +/- 10 km/s and is blueshifted by 9 +/- 3 km/s relative to the narrow component. Both of these properties are consistent with the properties of the solar explosive events. However, the alpha Cen A broad component accounts for 25% +/- 4% of the total Si IV line flux, while solar explosive events are currently thought to account for no more than 5% of the Sun's total transition region emission. This discrepancy must be resolved before the connection between broad components and explosive events can be positively established. In addition to our analysis of the Si IV and C IV lines of many stars, we also provide a more thorough analysis of all of the available GHRS data for alpha Cen A (G2 V) and alpha Cen B (K1 V). We find that the transition region lines of both stars have redshifts almost identical to those observed on the Sun: showing an increase with line formation temperature up to about log T = 5.2 and then a rapid decrease. Using the O IV] lines as density diagnostics, we compute electron densities of log n(sub e) = 9.65 +/- 0.20 and log n(sub e) = 9.50 +/- 0.30 for alpha Cen A and alpha Cen B, respectively.
An Experimental Evaluation of Using Automotive HUDs to Reduce Driver Distraction While Answering Cell Phones

To examine strategies for reducing driver distraction while answering the phone, 24 participants answered calls while driving a simulator. Calls were answered using a center-console-mounted phone or one of several phone designs which utilized a HUD to display the caller ID and steering-wheel-mounted buttons to activate the phone. Driving workload was manipulated by varying the curve radius and by varying the timing of the call, either 1 second before or 5 seconds after the start of a curve.The HUD-based phones resulted in response times that were 39 percent faster than the conventional center-console phone, and they resulted in up to 62 percent fewer line crossings. Additionally, when using the center-console phone, road curvature had a large influence on response times and driving performance; however, the HUD-based phone were less sensitive to increased road curvature or driving workload.