cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Viral expression of ALS-linked ubiquilin-2 mutants causes inclusion pathology and behavioral deficits in mice

UBQLN2 mutations have recently been associated with familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS-dementia. UBQLN2 encodes for ubiquilin-2, a member of the ubiquitin-like protein family which facilitates delivery of ubiquitinated proteins to the proteasome for degradation. To study the potential role of ubiquilin-2 in ALS, we used recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors to express UBQLN2 and three of the identified ALS-linked mutants (P497H, P497S, and P506T) in primary neuroglial cultures and in developing neonatal mouse brains. In primary cultures rAAV2/8-mediated expression of UBQLN2 mutants resulted in inclusion bodies and insoluble aggregates. Intracerebroventricular injection of FVB mice at post-natal day 0 with rAAV2/8 expressing wild type or mutant UBQLN2 resulted in widespread, sustained expression of ubiquilin-2 in brain. In contrast to wild type, mutant UBQLN2 expression induced significant pathology with large neuronal, cytoplasmic inclusions and ubiquilin-2-positive aggregates in surrounding neuropil. Ubiquilin-2 inclusions co-localized with ubiquitin, p62/SQSTM, optineurin, and occasionally TDP-43, but were negative for α-synuclein, neurofilament, tau, and FUS. Mutant UBLQN2 expression also resulted in Thioflavin-S-positive inclusions/aggregates. Mice expressing mutant forms of UBQLN2 variably developed a motor phenotype at 3–4 months, including nonspecific clasping and rotarod deficits. These findings demonstrate that UBQLN2 mutants (P497H, P497S, and P506T) induce proteinopathy and cause behavioral deficits, supporting a “toxic” gain-of-function, which may contribute to ALS pathology. These data establish also that our rAAV model can be used to rapidly assess the pathological consequences of various UBQLN2 mutations and provides an agile system to further interrogate the molecular mechanisms of ubiquilins in neurodegeneration.
New genetic variant that might improve warfarin dose prediction in African Americans

AIMS To raise hypotheses with regards to whether genetic variants in the VKORC1, CYP2C9, EPHX1, GGCX and ALB genes might influence warfarin dose in African Americans and Caucasians, independent of the effects of the VKORC1 1173C>T and CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants.
Role of National Organizations in the Education and Evaluation of Professionals Who Care for Children

Imagine a time when any family with a sick child can be assured that any physician licensed to care for their young has had a planned educational experience designed to assist that physician to perform in a competent fashion. Imagine a time where any physician licensed to care for their young has recently demonstrated competency in managing the problems facing their sick child. Imagine a time when programs accredited to educate physicians will routinely document the ability of their students to perform competently. The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions for ways to improve the system of education and evaluation of professionals responsible for the health care of infants, children, and adolescents in the United States of America. These suggestions are based on an empirical analysis of the existing systems. On the basis of that analysis, I believe that the systems, as presently designed and operated, are not fully meeting the needs of our profession. There are steps that we can and should take to improve these important processes, and I believe that we should begin to work to enhance and make better our educational and evaluative systems. Hopefully, from these efforts a model for others within the health care world will emerge. This paper will have four parts. First, a presentation of the functions that a system of national organizations should carry out in the education and evaluation of those persons professionally responsible for the health care of children. Second, a discussion of how those functions are presently met through the activities of national organizations.
Occupational Eye Injuries Experienced by Migrant Farmworkers

Migrant farmworkers in North Carolina (n = 300) reported eye injuries, circumstances of injuries, and outcomes during lifetime U.S. agriculture work. Seventeen injuries were reported by 15 farmworkers; five resulted in lost work time. Most reported injuries were penetrating or open wounds, often caused by branches or other foreign objects. Injuries were seldom reported to employers; and treatment at clinics, when received, was often delayed. The incidence rate of lost work-time injuries of 23.8/10,000 worker years (95% confidence interval 7.5, 55.9), exceeds the 2009 national incidence rate (6.9/10,000). Migrant farmworkers constitute a vulnerable population; better occupational safety protections should be considered.
VLSI architectures for back substitution

Abstract VLSI architectures involving unidirectional, bidirectional and broadcast chains as well as unidirectional rings are examined for the back substitution problem. We review some of the earlier designs and also develop new designs with superior performance.
Slow light on a chip via atomic quantum state control

The ability to slow down the propagation of light touches both fundamental aspects of light–matter interactions and practical applications in photonic communication and computation1,2,3. Optical quantum interference can substantially reduce the speed of light while offering additional dramatic optical effects based on the ability to control electronic quantum states4,5. Recent efforts are increasingly being directed towards harnessing these effects in integrated photonic structures6,7. Here, we report the first demonstration of slow light and electromagnetically induced transparency in a self-contained, planar atomic spectroscopy chip. Using hot rubidium atoms in hollow-core waveguides, we demonstrate 44% optical transparency with a group index of 1,200, or more than sevenfold slower light than in photonic-crystal waveguides8. Optical pulse delays of 16 ns with a delay-bandwidth product of 0.8 are observed. This implementation of atomic quantum state control in integrated photonic structures will enable coherent photonics at ultralow power levels. Researchers exploit atomic quantum state control in a fully integrated photonic atomic spectroscopy chip to reduce the group velocity of light by a factor of 1,200 — the lowest group velocity ever reported for a solid-state material. The findings will enable the creation of on-chip nonlinear optical devices with enhanced quantum coherence operating at ultralow power levels.
Efficient Solar Cells from Semi-random P3HT Analogues Incorporating Diketopyrrolopyrrole

Three novel semi-random poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) based donor–acceptor copolymers containing 5–15% of the acceptor diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) were synthesized by Stille copolymerization and their optical, electrochemical, charge transport and photovoltaic properties were investigated. Poly(3-hexylthiophene-thiophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole) polymers with various percentages of DPP, represented as P3HTT-DPP-5%, P3HTT-DPP-10%, and P3HTT-DPP-15%, had high molecular weights (Mn 17 500–24 500 g/mol) and broad, intense absorption spectra, covering the spectral range from 350 nm up to 850 nm with absorption maxima at 685 and 703 nm for P3HTT-DPP-10% and P3HTT-DPP-15%. The low content of acceptor units allowed preservation of many important properties of P3HT, among which are semicrystallinity (as verified by GIXRD) and high hole mobilities (μh = (1–2.3) × 10–4 cm2/(V s)). Photovoltaic devices fabricated from P3HTT-DPP polymers blended with PC61BM showed higher short-circuit current densities (Jsc) of 9.57 – 13....
Stability and transient dynamics of thin liquid films flowing over locally heated surfaces

The dynamics and linear stability of a liquid film flowing over a locally heated surface are studied using a long-wave lubrication analysis. The temperature gradient at the leading edge of the heater induces a gradient in surface tension that opposes the gravitationally driven flow and leads to the formation of a pronounced capillary ridge. The resulting free-surface shapes are computed, and their stability to spanwise perturbations is analyzed for a range of Marangoni numbers, substrate inclination angles, and temperature profiles. Instability is predicted above a critical Marangoni number for a finite band of wave numbers separated from zero, which is consistent with published results from experiment and direct numerical simulation. An energy analysis is used to gain insight into the effect of inclination angle on the instability. Because the spatial nonuniformity of the base state gives rise to nonnormal linearized operators that govern the evolution of perturbations, a nonmodal, transient analysis is used to determine the maximum amplification of small perturbations to the film. The structure of optimal perturbations of different wave numbers is computed to elucidate the regions of the film that are most sensitive to perturbations, which provides insight into ways to stabilize the flow. The results of this analysis are contrasted to those for noninertial coating flows over substrates with topographical features, which exhibit similar capillary ridges but are strongly stable to perturbations.
Magnetic Breakdown and the Spin-Split Conduction Band in HgSe and Hg 1-x Mn x Se

New measurements of the anomalous magnetic field dependence in the amplitude of the oscillatory magnetoresistance (Shubnikov-de Haas effect) of $n$-type HgSe and ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Se}$ are presented. These data are interpreted with use of a closed-orbit magnetic breakdown model which permits Fermi-surface parameters of interest to be determined. It is found that the addition of 0.1-at.% Mn to HgSe results in a Fermi surface whose shape is temperature dependent.
Identification and characterization of a tissue-specific silencer element in the first intron of the human acid maltase gene.

Deficiency of acid maltase (acid α-glucosidase), a lysosomal enzyme that degrades glycogen, results in glycogenosis type II, an autosomal recessive disease whose manifestations and severity largely depend on the level of residual enzyme activity. Previous studies have established that there are transcriptional control elements in the first intron; in particular a silencer responsive to Hes-1 and YY1 has been identified in the human hepatoma line, HepG2. This region functions as an enhancer in human fibroblasts. Here we have localized a silencer active in fibroblasts to a nearby 25-bp element in intron 1. This element repressed thymidine kinase promoter activity by about 50% in both orientations in human fibroblasts. This silencer, as with the previous one, is tissue specific since constructs containing this region are inactive in HepG2 cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed three proteins specifically binding to the element in fibroblasts, and site-directed mutagenesis analysis indicated that all the three proteins binding to the element contribute to the silencer function. The data may be helpful for designing therapy to increase the level of enzyme, particularly when, as in most adults with the disease, there is reduced production of structurally normal enzyme.
Comparative metabolism and disposition of ethyl carbamate (urethane) in male Fischer 344 rats and male B6C3F1 mice.

Abstract The metabolism, disposition, and excretion of ethyl carbamate (EC) was investigated following oral or iv administration of a wide range of doses to male rats and mice. At a low dose, 4.75 mg/kg, administered iv, approximately 98% was exhaled as CO 2 within 8 or 12 hr by mice or rats, respectively. However, as the dose increased, the percentage of dose eliminated as CO 2 decreased in a dose-dependent manner which was much more pronounced in rats than mice. At all doses studied, mice eliminated EC as CO 2 (as % dose) more rapidly than rats. Evidence of saturation of metabolism and elimination was observed at doses > 4.75 mg/kg in rats and >47.5 mg/kg in mice. Following iv administration of 47.5 or 475 mg/kg, EC was initially evenly distributed in all tissues of each species except fat. After the initial time point (15 min), rat tissues contained higher concentrations of 14 C compared to tissues of mice receiving the same dose. The disappearance of 14 C from blood and various tissues followed monoexponential kinetics with rates dependent upon the species and the dose but independent of the tissue. Following oral administration, EC was completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tracts of rats and mice at all doses studied. Approximately 5, 0.7, and 1% of the doses were excreted in urine, in feces, and as volatile organics, respectively. EC was neither an inducer nor an inhibitor of its own metabolism to CO 2 following daily treatment of rats with oral doses of 47.5 mg/kg for 9 days. Only the parent compound was present in blood, lungs, skin, liver, kidney, muscle, and bile of treated rats. The urinary metabolic profile of EC was not affected by the route of administration in either species; however, in the rat but not in the mouse it was influenced by dose. Pretreatment of rats with piperonyl butoxide or SKF 525A (cytochrome P -450 inhibitors) or tri- o -cresyl phosphate (TOCP) or paraoxon (carboxylesterase inhibitors) or methyl carbamate (competitive substrate) did not greatly alter the metabolism of EC to CO 2 . The in vitro metabolism of EC to CO 2 was not highly localized in any particular tissue or subcellular fraction of liver and was not affected by NADPH, GSH, NADH, or combinations of these cofactors. This work indicates that a number of studies of EC carcinogenicity have used doses that exceed the capacity of rats and mice to metabolize this chemical in a linear fashion.
Development of subject-specific and statistical shape models of the knee using an efficient segmentation and mesh-morphing approach

Subject-specific finite element models developed from imaging data provide functional representation of anatomical structures and have been used to evaluate healthy and pathologic knee mechanics. The creation of subject-specific models is a time-consuming process when considering manual segmentation and hexahedral (hex) meshing of the articular surfaces to ensure accurate contact assessment. Previous studies have emphasized automated mesh mapping to bone geometry from computed tomography (CT) scans, but have not considered cartilage and soft tissue structures. Statistical shape modeling has been proposed as an alternative approach to develop a population of subject models, but still requires manual segmentation and registration of a training set. Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to develop an efficient, integrated mesh-morphing-based segmentation approach to create hex meshes of subject-specific geometries from scan data, to apply the approach to natural femoral, tibial, and patellar cartilage from magnetic resonance (MR) images, and to demonstrate the creation of a statistical shape model of the knee characterizing the modes of variation using principal component analysis. The platform was demonstrated on MR scans from 10 knees and enabled hex mesh generation of the knee articular structures in approximately 1.5h per subject. In a subset of geometries, average root mean square geometric differences were 0.54mm for all structures and in quasi-static analyses over a range of flexion angles, differences in predicted peak contact pressures were less than 5.3% between the semi-automated and manually generated models. The integrated segmentation, mesh-morphing approach was employed in the efficient development of subject-specific models and a statistical shape model, where populations of subject-specific models have application to implant design evaluation or surgical planning.
Recovery from chlorphentermine-induced phospholipidosis in rat alveolar macrophages: Biochemical and cellular features

Rats were treated for 4 weeks with the amphiphilic, anorexic drug chlorphentermine resulting in the induction of a phospholipid storage disorder in alveolar macrophages. We were interested in studying the effects of the presence of this phospholipidosis on certain biochemical properties of the cells, on the size distribution of the cells, and on the accumulation of macrophages in the lungs. In addition, we examined the temporal profile of return of these characteristics back to normal following termination of drug treatment. We previously reported that the phospholipid content of alveolar macrophages collected by pulmonary lavage was elevated at the end of chlorphentermine treatment, but had returned to the control level by 14 days after drug treatment had ceased (Reasor and Koshut, Toxicol. Appl. harmacol.55, 334–341, 1980). The macrophages become very heterogeneous in size as a result of drug treatment (Reasor et al., Exp. Mol. Pathol.31, 297–307, 1979). In the present study, we found that by 14 days of recovery, cells from previously treated rats were indistinguishable in size from controls. We also found that the protein content of the cells and the activities of the lysosomal hydrolases β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and β-galactosidase were elevated as a result of drug treatment and all had returned to the control levels by 14 days of recovery. In contrast, the activity of another lysosomal hydrolase, α-mannosidase, was lower in the cells as a result of drug treatment and did not return to the control level until 28 days of recovery. Nearly three times as many macrophages were lavaged from the lungs of treated animals as controls. Increased numbers of cells were obtained until 35 days of recovery. Therefore, while the phospholipidosis, as measured by cellular content and cell size, was no longer present 14 days after discontinuing drug treatment, certain consequences of the disorder persisted for longer periods of time.
Asymmetry of the acetylcholine channel revealed by quaternary anesthetics

Tissue-cultured rat myoballs were examined electrophysiologically with a suction pipette, which was used for voltage clamping and internal perfusion. The lidocaine derivative QX-314 caused a time- and membrane potentia-dependent block of acetylcholine-induced current only when applied from the extracellular membrane surface. The same compounds caused a use-dependent block of the sodium channel only from the intracellular membrane surface. These experiments demonstrate a fundamental asymmetry of the acetylcholine receptor-channel complex.
Universal Prevention of Anxiety and Depression in a Recreational Camp Setting: An Initial Open Trial

Anxiety and depressive disorders may pose a long-term, deleterious impact on youth, prompting a need for early and effective prevention of such concerns. A growing body of research has examined universal prevention programs targeting these emotional disorders in childhood. While most universal prevention programs are offered within the school setting, there is also a rationale for developing and investigating prevention programs within novel settings, including a recreational context. This initial investigation utilized the Emotion DetectivesPrevention Program (EDPP), a universal prevention protocol focusing on anxiety and depression symptoms within a recreational summer camp. The aims of this pilot study were to assess the EDPP’s feasibility and participant satisfaction following its initial administration in a camp setting. Forty children (ages 7–10 years, 70.7% male) were recruited from an existent recreational sports camp and participated in a non-randomized, open trial of the EDPP. The EDPP, a 15-session program, presents cognitive-behavioral strategies in a manner that emphasizes strategy applicability across a range of emotional experiences. Participating children reported a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms at post–prevention. No significant change in depression symptoms or other emotion regulation indices were reported. Moderate to high participant satisfaction was indicated. The EDPP appears to be a feasible program for the prevention of child-reported anxiety symptoms in a camp setting. Given the novelty of the prevention context, issues inherent in the conduct of research in a recreational camp setting and future directions for research in this setting are discussed.
Stability and Signal Suppression of Schottky Signals from Stochastically Cooled Beams

Several thorough treatments of stochastic cooling now exist which go far beyond the original conceptual picture of ''removing fluctuations from the Schottky noise''. The trend has been to replace this statistical picture with ensemble evolution equations amenable to continuum treatment. High performance antiproton accumulation systems attempt operation at the limits of system feedback gain as dictated by instability thresholds and signal suppression degradation. The many admitted and implicit assumptions associated with the current models are most questionable near the high gain limit. This paper first highlights a few of these assumptions and points out inconsistencies to which they lead. In particular it reveals a fundamental difference between transverse (including Palmer) cooling and filter cooling. It then points out an alternative for a refined cooling approach called the ''renormalization group'' (RG). Instability thresholds may be viewed as phase transitions. The unique success of the RG approach in describing the behavior of systems near phase transitions is well known in other branches of physics. In this paper the author limits himself to making this approach plausible and sketching out its methodology but argues also for a re-examination of a statistical approach to stochastic cooling.
Calculations of effusive-flow patterns. III. Scattering chambers with thin circular apertures

Values of the gas density profile correction factor $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ are calculated for a series of cylindrical beam-scattering chambers with identical thin circular apertures.
Interictal spiking increases 2-deoxy[14C]glucose uptake and c-fos-like reactivity

Although interictal spikes are thought to share pathophysiological mechanisms with partial-onset seizure discharges, positron emission tomographic studies of the interictal state have paradoxically shown focal hypometabolism whereas seizures produce hypermetabolism. To address this question, we performed functional mapping studies in an interictal spiking model in the rat. Recording screw electrodes were inserted through the skull bone so as to depress underlying cortex. Interictal spiking was subsequently induced by systemic administration of bicuculline methiodide. 2-deoxy[14C]glucose studies revealed increased glucose utilization in superficial and middle cortical layers at spiking screw sites. Nonspiking screw sites in the same animals and in controls did not show increased uptake. Convulsive seizures caused additional 2-deoxy[14C]glucose uptake at screw sites and in widespread forebrain areas. c-fos immunoreactivity occurred in superficial cortex at interictal spiking, but not nonspiking, sites. Convulsive seizures induced widespread forebrain c-fos immunoreactivity. These data suggest interictal epileptiform activity occurs in cells adjacent to cortical injury; these activate deeper layers via local connections. Interictal and ictal epileptiform states share common mechanisms, as both induce glucose hypermetabolism and immediate-early gene product activation. Possible reasons for failure to detect hypermetabolism in interictal human subjects are discussed.
The Dependence of Single Event Upset on Proton Energy (15-590 MeV)

Low earth orbit satellite and Jupiter orbiter probe semiconductor devices may incur soft errors or single event upsets, manifested as bit flips, during exposure to such nuclear particles or heavy ions as trapped protons with energies ranging up to 1000 MeV. Experimental data is given on the average proton fluence needed to cause a bit flip as a function of proton energy for isoplanar bipolar TTL RAMs. Error dependence data shape and threshold energy can be related to the existing body of theoretical data on energy deposition following proton nuclear reactions. Experimental data also show that the relative cross sectional amplitude for functionally identical devices can be related to the device's power consumption.
4D models of Scherk-Schwarz GUT breaking via deconstruction

We examine new classes of GUT models where the GUT gauge group is broken by a 4D analogue of the Scherk-Schwarz mechanism. These models are inspired by ``deconstructed'' 5D Scherk-Schwarz orbifold models. However, no fine-tuning of parameters or assumption of higher dimensional Lorentz invariance is necessary, and the number of lattice sites can be as low as just two. These models provide simple ways to solve the doublet-triplet splitting problem, change proton decay predictions, and may provide insight into the structure of the CKM matrix. Since the number of fields in these models is finite, the corrections to the unification of gauge couplings can be reliably calculated, and as expected result only in threshold corrections to the differential running of the couplings. Our analysis also suggests new 4D models which can enjoy the benefits of orbifold models but cannot be obtained by deconstruction of a 5D model.
The Selective RNA-binding Protein Quaking I (QKI) Is Necessary and Sufficient for Promoting Oligodendroglia Differentiation

Quaking I (QKI) is a selective RNA-binding protein essential for myelination of the central nervous system. Three QKI isoforms with distinct C termini and subcellular localization, namely QKI-5, QKI-6, and QKI-7, are expressed in oligodendroglia progenitor cells (OPCs) prior to the initiation of myelin formation and implicated in promoting oligodendrocyte lineage development. However, the functional requirement for each QKI isoform and the mechanisms by which QKI isoforms govern OPC development still remain elusive. We report here that exogenous expression of each QKI isoform is sufficient to enhance differentiation of OPCs with different efficiency, which is abolished by a point mutation that abrogates the RNA binding activity of QKI. Reciprocally, small interfering RNA-mediated QKI knockdown blocks OPC differentiation, which can be partly rescued by QKI-5 and QKI-6 but not by QKI-7, indicating the differential requirement of QKI isoform function in advancing OPC differentiation. Furthermore, we found that abrogation of OPC differentiation, as a result of QKI deficiency, is not due to altered proliferation capacity or cell cycle progression. These results indicate that QKI isoforms are necessary and sufficient for promoting OPC development, which must involve direct influence of QKI on differentiation/maturation of OPCs independent of cell cycle exit, likely via regulating the expression of the target mRNAs of QKI that support OPC differentiation.
Age and sensitivity to oxygen in the flour beetle, Tribolium confusum.

Abstract Sensitivity of Tribolium confusum males and females to pure oxygen at one atmosphere was measured as a function of adult age. Sensitivity to oxygen increased markedly with age the reciprocal to the LD 50 exposure time was a linear function of age. The sensitivity to oxygen increased more rapidly with age in males than in females; this may be related to the greater longevity of females in this species. Thus the LD 50 exposure time represents an index of physiological age. Sublethal exposure to pure oxygen Unlike equivalent exposure to ionizing radiation, did not affect longevity. This suggests that the age-associated increase in oxygen sensitivity is a non-specific stress effect, rather than additivity of acute oxygen damage with cumulative atmosphere-induced lesions.
Successful Pregnancies in Patients with Estrogenic Anovulation After Low-Dose Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Therapy Alone Following hMG for Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation

Objective: To demonstrate that folliculogenesis can be sustained with 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) after FSH-priming and result in pregnancy in women with estrogenic ovulatory dysfunction and risk factors for severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Endoscopic ultrasound and/or endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of central intraparenchymal lung lesions not adjacent to airways or esophagus.

Background and Objectives: It is usually challenging to diagnose intraparenchymal pulmonary nodules and masses that are not adjacent to central airways or esophagus. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and safety of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for these lesions. Materials and Methods: We performed an Internal Review Board-approved retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent EBUS, EUS, or both for the diagnosis of centrally located pulmonary nodules and masses between November 2008 and July 2013. We report results as median values with ranges. Results: We identified 16 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA and/or EUS-FNA of pulmonary nodules and masses not adjacent to airways or esophagus. We performed EBUS-FNA in 10 patients, EUS-FNA in five patients, and both EBUS-FNA and EUS-FNA in one patient. Median lung lesion size was 22.5 mm (11-45 mm) and median distance from airway or esophagus was 19 mm (5-30 mm). We obtained a tissue diagnosis in 15 patients (93.8%). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusion: We conclude that EBUS-TBNA and/or EUS-FNA are accurate and safe for the diagnosis of intraparenchymal pulmonary lesions that are not adjacent to central airways or esophagus.
Effect of parathyroidectomy in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract Anolis carolinensis is the first species of lizard possessing four parathyroid glands in which parathyroid structure and function have been studied. The histology of the gland, similar to that of other reptiles, is composed of cell cords and of cells arranged in follicular patterns. The follicles sometimes contain a secretion which stains positively with PAS. Parathyroidectomy resulted in tetanic convulsions and paralysis in Anolis within 1–2 days after the operation. The attacks were induced when the animals ran or did any sort of mild exercise, were of about a 30-second duration, and could be reinduced after approximately 1 hour. With one exception, removal of three glands or less did not produce tetany.
Preferred Sensory Modality, Reading Readiness, and Reading Achievement in First-Grade Children.

Summary.-The relationships among reading readiness, preferred sensory modality, and reading achievement of 82 first-grade boys and girls from a low socio-economic area of New York City were studied. A step-wise multipleregression analysis indicated that the major variable related to predicting firstgrade reading achievement was reading readiness. The modality concept has gained increasing support and has generated numerous research studies in recent years. Investigation of the learning process, particularly the process of learning to read, has established that children learn to read through auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modes. Children entering the first grade appear to have already developed strengths in one or more of these input channels and have shown differences in the sensory modality preferred in their intake and processing of information. Use of the sensory modalities to develop reading ability or to process information is seldom disputed, but there is little unanimity as to the degree of relationship between the level of reading ability and a child's modality preference. It seems possible that multiple variables are related to reading achievement. One such variable is reading readiness, which is used to predict first-grade reading success. Hopkins and Sitkei (1969) found a correlation of .61 between reading readiness and reading scores at the end of the first grade. Similarly, I. Lesser (personal commnnication) found that reading readiness scores obtained during the first grade contributed a major proportion of the variance in standardized reading tests administered at the end of the second grade with children classified as "not ready" for first grade. For this study preferred sensory modality and reading readiness were selected as independent variables so that their relationship to the reading achievement of first-grade children mighc be examined. Since sex has sometimes been found to be related to reading achievement in first grade it, too, was included as an independent variable in the multiple regression analysis performed. METHOD Ss were 82 first-grade children who attended an elementary school in the lower east side of New York City. The racial composition of the school community is primarily Puerto Rican with some Black, Chinese, and Caucasian children included. Thirty-two girls and 50 boys who were rated as having adequate English language background constituted the sample.
Subharmonic nonlinear acoustic resonances in open tubes. Part II: Experimental investigation of the open-end boundary condition

Nonlinear oscillations driven by a piston which oscillates near one-half of the fundamental frequency of an open tube are studied. A simple model for the boundary condition at the open end of the tube, which allows for arbitrary losses during inflow and outflow, is investigated. Experimental results are presented which lead to the determination of the relationship between departures from Bernoulli flow during inflow and outflow. It is shown that rounded mouth pieces show very small losses, presumably due to nonsteadyflow effects. Sharp mouth pieces exhibit extremely large losses, much larger than in steady-flow jets. The sources of the large variation of end losses with relatively small changes of mouth geometry and of large frequency dependence exhibited by the end losses in sharp-lipped mouths are not understood.
Fidelity Approach to the Disordered Quantum XY Model

We study the random XY spin chain in a transverse field by analyzing the susceptibility of the ground state fidelity, numerically evaluated through a standard mapping of the model onto quasifree fermions. It is found that the fidelity susceptibility and its scaling properties provide useful information about the phase diagram. In particular it is possible to determine the Ising critical line and the Griffiths phase regions, in agreement with previous analytical and numerical results.
Biological pacemakers in canines exhibit positive chronotropic response to emotional arousal

Background Biological pacemakers based on the HCN2 channel isoform respond to beta-adrenergic and muscarinic stimulation, suggesting a capacity to respond to autonomic input. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate autonomic response to emotional arousal in canines implanted with murine HCN2-based biological pacemakers using gene therapy. Methods An electronic pacemaker was implanted with its lead in the right ventricular apical endocardium (VVI 35 bpm). An adenoviral HCN2/GFP construct (Ad-HCN2, n=7) or saline (control, n=5) was injected into the left bundle branch on day 2 after radiofrequency ablation of the atrioventricular node to induce complete atrioventricular block. Emotional arousal was achieved by presenting food following an overnight fast. Autonomic control was evaluated with Poincare plots of R-R N against R-R N+1 intervals to characterize heart rate variability (HRV) and with continuous RR interval assessment via 24-hour ambulatory ECG. The 24-hour ECG and Poincare plot shape were analyzed. Results During day 1 after biological pacemaker implantation, Poincare HRV parameters and RR intervals were unchanged with food presentation. However, on day 7, food presentation was accompanied by an increase in HRV (SD1, p P Conclusion This is the first demonstration that biological pacemakers are capable of responding to natural arousal stimuli to elicit appropriate chronotropic responses, a potential advantage over electronic pacemakers.
Photosynthetic light acclimation in two rainforest Piper species with different ecological amplitudes.

Piper auritum (H.B. & K.), a pioneer tree restricted to open sites and Piper hispidum (Swartz), a shrub common in sites ranging from recent clearings to shaded understory, both adjust photosynthetic characteristics in response to light availability during growth. The sensitivity of photosynthetic capacity to light availability during growth was indistinguishable for the two species growing in their natural habitat. Photosynthetic capacity was strongly correlated with leaf nitrogen in both species, and the relationship was similar between species. Dark respiration and leaf specific mass were more sensitive to light during growth in P. hispidum, the species with the broad habitat ange, than in P. auritum. In general, similarities between the species were more striking than differences between them. The differences in dark respiration could have important implications for carbon balance. The difference in the responsiveness of leaf specific mass to light indicates that the broad-ranging species maintains access to modes of response little utilized by the open-site specialist. We did not and, in the gas exchange characteristics, any evidence that the open site specialist is better suited than the generalist to high-light sites.
A learner-centered approach to teaching ethics in computing

This paper presents an approach to teaching Computer Ethics that blends the use of contemporary media, subscriptions to digests of current technology news, and reflective writing in a learner-centered strategy. This approach is designed to make use of activities and assignments that take advantage of (1) student interest in contemporary media (video and film) to provide motivation and context beyond historical case studies, (2) breaking news about technology and technology use in education to provide current real world context, and (3) reflective writing to stimulate thinking critically about the course content outside the classroom context. Digests published three times weekly provide a constant flow of current real-world issues that can be used for focused reflective writing. Contemporary media productions are viewed and then a writing assignment in a structured learning log is used to focus on ethical issues raised by the film. We present an example using a feature length film and subsequent learning log assignment.
Prediction of strong bonding effects and an anomalous form factor in Sc metal

Field-induced magnetization densities of Sc metal determined from augmented plane-wave functions, including local density-of-states effects, were found to show a large spatial expansion of the 3d density and strong bonding effects. These result in an ''anomalous'' behavior of the neutron magnetic form factor which has been found in the experiments of Koehler and Moon. (AIP)
Syntheses, structures, and properties of novel one dimensional copper cyanide coordination polymers

Abstract Three new one-dimensional copper coordination polymers have been prepared and fully characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The structure of [Cu(CN)2(bpy)] (1) (bpy = 2,2-bipyridyl) (monoclinic P21/c, a = 8.9761(7) A, b = 16.731(1) A, c = 8.0224(6) A, β = 114.437(1)°) consists of Cu(II) metal centers coordinated by three cyanide ligands and chelated by one bpy to form the monomers Cu(CN)3(bpy) with distorted square pyramidal geometry. Each monomer shares two cyanide ligands with two adjacent monomers to form infinite –Cu(II)–C N–Cu(II)–C N–Cu zigzag chains along the c-axis. The one-dimensional structure of [Cu(CN)(bpy)] (2) (hexagonal P32, a = 14.4883(6) A, b = 12.921(1) A) is built of tetrahedral Cu(CN)2bpy metal complexes in which Cu(I) metal centers are coordinated by one nitrogen and one carbon from two different CN ligands, and two nitrogens from one bpy. The two CN ligands act as bridging ligands between adjacent monomers to form helical chains along the 32 screw axis. The crystal structure of [Cu2Cl(CN)(bpy)] (3) (orthorhombic Pbca, a = 17.853(2) A, b = 6.9724 (9) A, c = 18.7357 (9) A) consists of two monomers, CuCl2(CN) and Cu(bpy)(CN) that share a cyanide ligand to form Cu2Cl2(CN)(bpy) dimers. The dimers link to each other by sharing Cl ligands leading to the formation of infinite Cu–Cl–Cu chain decorated by the complex Cu(CN)(bpy). Variable-temperature magnetic measurement shows an overall ferromagnetic behavior for compound 1. The magnetic pathway of compound 1 is through the cyanide bridge connecting apical and equatorial positions of adjacent copper (II) ions.
SPICE macro model for the simulation of zener diode I-V characteristics

The problems encountered when using the existing SPICE diode model to represent the I-V characteristics of a Zener diode in the reverse region are examined. A Zener diode macro model that has accurate I-V simulation characteristics and can be easily constructed using SPICE-provided primitives is presented. The static I-V characteristics and temperature response of the diode are reviewed. The performance of the model is discussed, and its main enhancements as compared to the SPICE model are identified. >
How effective is fluoxetine for the treatment of pain and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome?

How effective is fluoxetine for the treatment of pain and constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome?
Cytotoxicity and mutagencity of hyperthermia for diploid human lymphoblasts

Time dependent survival of diploid human lymphoblasts has been measured at 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 47°C. DO was found to be 1500, 23, 4, 2, 1 and 0.6 min, respectively. Mutation to 6-thioguanine resistance was measured at 45°C and found to increase monotonically with time. Thus, relatively mild heat trauma can result in genetic change in somatic human cells.
Fourier transform infra-red study of polypropylene

Abstract Infra-red bands characteristic of isotactic polypropylene in the preferred 3 1 helical conformation and in the irregular conformations of the amorphous phase have been isolated from the spectrum of the semicrystalline polymer using the absorbance subtraction technique. The spectrum of the ordered component makes available new information concerning band assignments. The spectrum of the amorphous phase has been compared to the spectrum of the melt. Certain features of the former can be attributed to a degree of ordered conformation in the amorphous phase of a melt-quenched sample.
Voltage‐gated calcium channel mutations andabsence epilepsy

Spontaneous mutation of the gene encoding the P/Q voltage-gated calcium ion channel alpha subunit proved to be the first identified cause of absence epilepsy, and subsequent exploration of other members within this gene family has had a major impact on our understanding of how inherited errors of single genes lead to specific epileptic phenotypes. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books).
The accumulation of mercury from food by the plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.

The accumulation of inorganic and organic mercury by the plaice has been studied using food species which had accumulated 203Hg from 203HgCl2- and CH3203HgCl-labelled sea water, and by the use of labelled pellets. It was found that, in contrast to the inorganic form, methylmercury is readily absorbed and only slowly eliminated. The internal re-distribution of the methylmercury after ingestion was also studied. By using a simplified model of the accumulation of methylmercury from food, the possible concentrations of mercury in fish at different ages have been calculated, both in relation to some basic physiological factors and to different dietary intakes. The results are discussed in relation to data on mercury levels in the environment.
Off-plane reflection gratings for Constellation-X

We present the latest design of an off-plane reflection grating array for the Constellation-X X-ray Grating Spectrometer. The off-plane design can easily demonstrate the baseline requirements of resolution, R > 1250 and throughput, effective area > 1000 cm 2 from 0.3 - 1.0 keV. Furthermore, the flexibility of the design allows for several avenues for optimization of these factors. We consider two configurations, 3 m and 9 m from the focal plane using a 20 m focal length telescope. The trade-offs between the two options are discussed. 1.1 Constellation-X Constellation-X is the next large X-ray observatory combining large collecting area with high resolution spectroscopy over a broad range of X-ray wavelengths. Two main instruments provide the bandpass in the soft X-rays. First, the X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer (XMS) collects light at the telescope focus and provides imaging and spectroscopy from 0.6 - 10.0 keV. Second, the X-ray Grating Spectrometer (XGS), diffracts light onto a CCD array and allows for high spectral resolution from 0.3 - 1.0 keV. In this lower energy range there are many fundamental plasma diagnostics such as the He-like triplet of astrophysically abundant elements, and absorption lines from active galactic nuclei outflows and warm-hot ionized medium (WHIM) filaments. These detailed line spectra and complex absorption line profiles drive the spectral resolution requirement of R > 1250 (E/�˚ E) between 0.3 - 1.0 keV in order to obtain unambiguous physical constraints on these objects. Furthermore, these science objectives also require an effective area of more than 1000 cm 2 in this waveband, which is more than an order of magnitude increase compared to current X-ray observatories. However, there are a limited number of techniques that will support these requirements. Reflection gratings in the extreme off-plane mount are one of these techniques and offer a straightforward approach. 1.2 Off-plane reflection gratings The off-plane mount at grazing incidence brings light onto the grating at a low graze angle, quasi-parallel to the direction of the grooves. The light is then diffracted through an arc, forming a cone, so that this mount is also known as conical diffraction 1,2 . The off-plane grating equation is
Spontaneous palpebromandibular synkinesia: A localizing clinical sign

In the classical corneomandibular reflex (CMR), corneal stimulation elicits a bilateral eyelid blink and a brisk anterolateral jaw movement. We here describe 14 patients with a spontaneous palpebromandibular (eyelid-jaw) synkinesia (SPMS) in whom jaw movements, similar to those in CMR, regularly accompanied spontaneous eye blinks without an external corneal stimulus. Eleven of the patients with SPMS also had CMRs on corneal stimulation. Four patients had clinical and imaging evidence of brainstem lesions above the mid-pons, 5 patients had autopsy or imaging evidence of both bilateral cerebral and upper brainstem lesions, and 5 patients had clinical or imaging evidence of bilateral cerebral dysfunction. Topical corneal anesthesia administered to patients who had both CMR and SPMS blocked the CMR but had no effect on the SPMS. In patients with both SPMS and CMR, measurements of latency from onset of orbicularis oculi electromyographic activity to onset of lateral pterygoid EMG activity, and mandibular kinesiography of jaw velocity and direction showed that the eyelid-jaw synkinesias of CMR and SPMS had similar characteristics. We conclude that SPMS is pathophysiologically the same as the eyelid-jaw synkinesia of CMR and both synkinesias originate centrally, probably in the pons. In CMR, the jaw movement is primarily related to the blink rather than the corneal stimulus, but corneal stimulation may be necessary to overcome a higher threshold for expression of the synkinesia than in patients with SPMS. Like CMR, SPMS emerges in patients with upper brainstem or bilateral cerebral lesions and SPMS may therefore be a useful localizing clinical sign.