cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GnRH antagonists suppress prolactin release in non-human primates.

Abstract GnRH antagonists, such as Antide, are being evaluated for potential contraceptive applications. Although their contraceptive efficacy clearly results from their rapid inhibitory effects on gonadotropin release, there remains the possibility of other incidental effects. Under certain physiological conditions,the release of prolactin (Prl) appears to be temporally related to the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and hence by inference to the secretion of GnRH. Here, we examined the effects of the GnRH antagonist Antide on the release of LH and Prl. Under agonadal conditions, a remarkable concordance was seen between LH and Prl pulses with up to 100% of pulses being coincident. Administration of Antide resulted in a rapid parallel decline in both LH and Prl with LH levels falling by 50% within 2 h and Prl levels falling by 30%–40%. At this dose of Antide (1.0 mg/kg, sc), pulsatile release of LH and Prl continued albeit at a much reduced amplitude. The administration of a bolus of exogenous GnRH in the face of GnRHant-induced suppression resulted in prompt release of LH and Prl in all 3 monkeys. Since Antide inhibits the release of LH and Prl in a parallel fashion, and GnRH re-stimulates the release of both hormones in a parallel fashion, we conclude that the synchronous pulsatile release of LH and Prl observed in the agonadal monkey is due to a direct action of GnRH. What this action is for Prl release, and how it relates to the control of dopamine or other neuroendocrine mechanisms normally controlling the release of Prl remains unclear. It also remains to be seen whether this GnRH antagonist-induced suppression of Prl will have physiologic significance.
Clinical, demographic, and geographic determinants of variation in chiropractic episodes of care for adults using the 2005-2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Abstract Objective The primary aim of this study was to report nationally representative estimates of the visit utilization, per visit expenditures, and total expenditures for chiropractic episodes of care in the US adult population. The secondary aim was to identify clinical, demographic, geographic, and payment factors associated with variation in the levels of utilization and expenditures. Methods Data from the 2005-2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to construct complete episodes of chiropractic care (n = 1639) for the civilian, noninstitutionalized adult population. Bivariate descriptive statistics were calculated for visit utilization, per visit expenditures, and total expenditures per episode of care by several clinical, demographic, geographic, and payment variables. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate the effects of the independent variables on each of the 3 dependent variables. Results The unadjusted mean number of visits per episode was 5.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3-6.4] and varied significantly by race/ethnicity, perceived mental health, urban-rural location, and source of payment. The mean total expenditures per visit per episode were estimated to be $69 (95% CI, $65-$73). There was variation associated with the census region, urban-rural location, and source of payment variables. Total expenditures for an episode of care were estimated to be $424 (95% CI, $371-$477] with variation according to urban-rural location and source of payment. During 29% of the episodes all expenditures were paid with out-of-pocket funds. Conclusions Variation in the utilization and expenditures during chiropractic episodes of care is primarily associated with payment source and geographic factors.
Plant recruitment bottlenecks in temperate forest fragments: seed limitation and insect herbivory

Numerous studies have documented declines in plant diversity in response to habitat loss in fragmented landscapes. However, determining the mechanisms that lead to species loss is challenging using solely a correlative approach. Here we link correlative assessments of plant community composition with seed additions for a focal species to test the hypothesis that distributions of forests plants within a fragmented landscape are limited by seed dispersal. Woody plant species richness of fragments declined as fragments (n=26) became more isolated by agricultural fields. We predicted that if these isolation effects were driven by poor dispersal rather than other effects associated with habitat loss, then plants should vary in their response to isolation in relation to their seed size (i.e., stronger effects for plants with larger seeds). As predicted under this dispersal limitation hypothesis, sensitivity of bird-dispersed shrubs to isolation was related to their seed mass, with species with heavy seeds (e.g., Lindera benzoin) exhibiting stronger declines in presence across isolation gradients than species with light seeds. Seed addition experiments were performed for Lindera benzoin in two high isolation forest fragments (nearest neighbor mean distance=803 m) where Lindera was naturally absent, and two low isolation fragments (nearest neighbor mean distance=218 m) with naturally occurring Lindera populations. Seed addition and control plots (n=50 1 m2 plots per fragment) were monitored for 13 censuses over 3 years. Across all four fragments, seed additions resulted in significant increases in Lindera seedling recruitment with no differences in final seedling establishment among fragments. However, insect herbivory was higher on Lindera seedlings in high isolation compared to low isolation fragments and was negatively correlated with seedling survival over some years. Consistent with prior work, our results confirm that seed dispersal plays a significant role in affecting plant diversity in fragmented landscapes. However, results also suggest the need for a better understanding of how additional processes, such as herbivory, may be altered as habitat is lost and what effects such changes have for forest plants.
A simple and rapid technique for fluorescence staining of fungal nuclei

A technique for staining fungal nuclei using fluorescence stain Hoechst Dye 33258 in McIlvaine standard buffer of pH 7.26–7.44 is reported. It is a broad-spectrum fungal nuclear staining tool found to be effective onAgaricus bisporus, Alternaria helianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.lini, Penicillium binellum, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, andSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Conidial nuclei ofAlternaria helianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.lini, andPenicillium binellum also stained well.
Effective Urban Teaching Environments for the 21st Century

Urban schools have historically struggled to create engaging learning environments for students. One of the emerging answers to this educational conundrum is the development of more personalized learning environments. Such environments draw on the natural interests of students but contextualize those interests within demanding academic structures. This article describes the historical context confronting urban educators and one of the emerging solutions: early colleges.
On the nature of over-dispersion in motor vehicle crash prediction models.

Statistical modeling of traffic crashes has been of interest to researchers for decades. Over the most recent decade many crash models have accounted for extra-variation in crash counts-variation over and above that accounted for by the Poisson density. The extra-variation - or dispersion - is theorized to capture unaccounted for variation in crashes across sites. The majority of studies have assumed fixed dispersion parameters in over-dispersed crash models-tantamount to assuming that unaccounted for variation is proportional to the expected crash count. Miaou and Lord [Miaou, S.P., Lord, D., 2003. Modeling traffic crash-flow relationships for intersections: dispersion parameter, functional form, and Bayes versus empirical Bayes methods. Transport. Res. Rec. 1840, 31-40] challenged the fixed dispersion parameter assumption, and examined various dispersion parameter relationships when modeling urban signalized intersection accidents in Toronto. They suggested that further work is needed to determine the appropriateness of the findings for rural as well as other intersection types, to corroborate their findings, and to explore alternative dispersion functions. This study builds upon the work of Miaou and Lord, with exploration of additional dispersion functions, the use of an independent data set, and presents an opportunity to corroborate their findings. Data from Georgia are used in this study. A Bayesian modeling approach with non-informative priors is adopted, using sampling-based estimation via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and the Gibbs sampler. A total of eight model specifications were developed; four of them employed traffic flows as explanatory factors in mean structure while the remainder of them included geometric factors in addition to major and minor road traffic flows. The models were compared and contrasted using the significance of coefficients, standard deviance, chi-square goodness-of-fit, and deviance information criteria (DIC) statistics. The findings indicate that the modeling of the dispersion parameter, which essentially explains the extra-variance structure, depends greatly on how the mean structure is modeled. In the presence of a well-defined mean function, the extra-variance structure generally becomes insignificant, i.e. the variance structure is a simple function of the mean. It appears that extra-variation is a function of covariates when the mean structure (expected crash count) is poorly specified and suffers from omitted variables. In contrast, when sufficient explanatory variables are used to model the mean (expected crash count), extra-Poisson variation is not significantly related to these variables. If these results are generalizable, they suggest that model specification may be improved by testing extra-variation functions for significance. They also suggest that known influences of expected crash counts are likely to be different than factors that might help to explain unaccounted for variation in crashes across sites.
Outcomes after expectant management of extremely preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to assess contemporary outcomes in pregnancies managed expectantly after extremely preterm premature (≤24 weeks) premature rupture of the membranes (EPPROM). Study design We queried antepartum and ultrasound databases for patients with EPPROM. Data on pregnancy outcome and short-term neonatal outcomes were collected. Results Forty-six patients with EPPROM were studied. Patients were hospitalized at 24 weeks' gestation and given antibiotics and antenatal steroids. Median gestational age at PPROM was 22.0 weeks (range 16.9-24 weeks); 43 (93%) elected expectant management, 2 of whom later had an intrauterine fetal death. Median latency period to delivery was 13 days (range 0-96 days), with mean gestational age at delivery of 25.8±3.4 weeks. Overall survival was 47% (27 of 57 infants), after a median hospital stay of 71 days (range 17-209 days). Ten (37%) of the survivors have serious sequelae. Conclusion Although significant pregnancy prolongation after previable PPROM occurs in many cases, neonatal outcomes remain poor.
The Relationship Between Parents' Attitudes Toward Child Rearing and the Sociometric Status of Their Preschool Children

Abstract A sociometric evaluation of 120 (60 male, 60 female) preschool children was made, using the Parent Attitude Research Instrument (PARI; Shaefer & Bell, 1958). Questionnaires were completed by the parents of a sample of children who had been sociometrically identified as belonging in one of four categories: popular, amiable, isolated, and rejected. Discriminant function analysis revealed that children who were identified by their peers as rejected or isolated had parents that reported child-rearing attitudes reflecting patriarchal family structure, low self-confidence, low preference for young children, infrequent use of praise, lack of promotion of independence, low use of disciplining (mothers) coupled with the view that child rearing is a mother's duty, definite expectations about child behavior, a feeling of responsibility for child-rearing activities, low child orientation, infrequent use of threat, and negative reaction to children's intrusive behavior (fathers). The four sociometric categori...
Diffraction imaging with conventional sources

X ray diffraction reveals the nanoscale structure of both tissue and inorganic materials. Different materials can be distinguished and mapped by collecting the diffracted rays at different angles. Conventional diffraction measurements require a pencil beam and hence a small sample area to measure an accurate diffraction angle, so producing a mapped image requires a two dimensional scan. In order to to shorten the collection time for large areas, a slit system was developed. An antiscatter grid was placed in front of the detector to select the desired diffraction angle. This device can potentially be used in a scanning system to map the presence of target materials or in diagnostic radiology to detect cancerous tissues.
The Magnetic Susceptibility of Nitrogen Dioxide

A method has been developed whereby sensitivities for volume susceptibilities as high as 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ can be obtained. The main improvement in the method over that of other observers is in the construction of lighter test bodies and the use of smaller fibers. The method is applied to the measurement of the susceptibility of N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$. The results agree within the limit of experimental uncertainties with Van Vleck's theoretical value for the molecular susceptibility of N${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ namely, $\ensuremath{\chi}(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{2})=0.375\ensuremath{\chi}({\mathrm{O}}_{2})$. The susceptibility of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ comes in as a second order effect and the value $\ensuremath{\chi}({\mathrm{N}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})=\ensuremath{-}30\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20 percent is in fair agreement with the value $\ensuremath{\chi}({\mathrm{N}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4})=\ensuremath{-}25.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ obtained by T. Son\'e.
pH-Induced Fluorescence Quenching of Anthracene-Labeled Poly(2-vinylpyridine)

The fluorescence intensity of mid- or end-tagged anthracene-labeled poly(2-vinylpyridine) in acidic aqueous solution is very dependent on the degree of protonation (α). In the absence of protonation (e.g., in methanol solution) there is no appreciable intrapolymer fluorescence quenching. We presume that the quenching is the result of electron transfer from the excited anthracene to neighboring pyridinium units. Even a qualitative fit to a simple Bernoullian statistical model based on the state of nearest-neighbor protonation was not possible unless we propose that the protonation of pyridine units that are adjacent to the chromophore is significantly favored compared to pyridines located elsewhere on the chain. There is a change in the slope of the relative fluorescence vs α curve in the vicinity of 0.42−0.45 that suggests some kind of conformational transition at this degree of protonation.
Epidemiology of colonic aberrant crypt foci: review and analysis of existing studies.

Since first described in a rodent model in 1987, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon have been shown to exhibit many of the molecular features of the more advanced colonic neoplasms including cancer. Therefore, they may be early lesions with potential for progression, and be valuable biomarkers for reduction of risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). For this review, we searched PubMed, and reference lists of recent publications, for studies which reported on associations of features of ACF in humans, such as number or size, with subject characteristics, such as age or family history of CRC. Over 150 papers have reported on ACF in humans. However, the vast majority of these publications are concerned with molecular and morphological features of biopsied lesions, and not their epidemiology. None of the epidemiological studies were of optimum design, primarily due to their absence of a well-defined subject sampling frame or method. Given their ‘first-generation’ nature, consistent findings were of increased ACF number with age and with synchronous advanced colonic neoplasia. One study reported a higher mean number of ACF in subjects with a family history of CRC than in those without. The strongest evidence on the ability of ACF to predict a diagnosis of CRC will be from prospective studies with baseline ACF assessment in a large sample of disease-free persons (many thousands) who are followed carefully for many years. In the interim, because ACF are asymptomatic, well-designed cross-sectional studies are feasible and will yield valuable information on the relation of ACF to the known risk factors for CRC. This information can then be used to improve the design of prospective studies, and of clinical intervention trials that use ACF as an intermediate endpoint.
A Comparison of Emotional Facial Display by Children with Autism and Typical Preschoolers

This study compared, within the context of a socially integrated preschool, the nonverbal emotional expressions of young children with autism to those of typical children. Measures were taken of happy, sad, angry, and neutral facial expressions, and of the environmental contexts in which these emotional displays occurred. Comparison groups were five children with autism and five typical children, matched for chronological age. The results indicated that children with autism were similar to typical children in the frequency of their emotional displays, with both groups spending the majority of time in a neutral stance. However, the two groups of youngsters displayed differing facial expressions in various situations; specifically, children with autism displayed happy, sad, and angry faces during incongruent contextual events. These findings have both diagnostic and educational implications.
Genetic relationships between the multiple alcohol dehydrogenases of maize

There are three electrophoretically separable sets of alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes in maize. Previous work has shown that two of these isozymes (Sets I and II) share a subunit in common, since mutations in one of the Adh genes, Adh1, alter both isozymes. A mutation in the second Adh gene, Adh2, has now been induced and recovered. This mutant allele also alters two of the three isozymes—Sets III and II. Adh1 and Adh2 appear to segregate independently. Gel filtration data show that all ADH isozymes are indistinguishable in size. These findings support the hypothesis that the two Adh genes specify promoters which homo- and heterodimerize, yielding three types of ADH isozymes.
Gene-Specific Regulation by General Translation Factors

Protein synthesis is the ultimate step of gene expression and a key control point for regulation. In particular, it enables cells to rapidly manipulate protein production without new mRNA synthesis, processing, or export. Recent studies have enhanced our understanding of the translation initiation process and helped elucidate how modifications of the general translational machinery regulate gene-specific protein production.
Developmental Changes in the Glycosylation of Glycoprotein Hormone Free α Subunit during Pregnancy

Glycoprotein hormone α subunit, in its free form (free α), is a major placental product. Its glycosylation was found to change dramatically during the advancement of pregnancy. In this study, we have analyzed these glycosylation changes in five normal pregnancies. Binding to Lens culinaris lectin increased dramatically in all subjects between weeks 14 and 17 from the last menstrual period, indicating more core fucosylation as well as possible changes in branching of glycans. Studies using Datura stramonium agglutinin confirmed that the type of triantennary branching changed in this period of pregnancy. The precise structural nature of these changes was determined by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Amounts of core fucosylation and of triantennary glycans increased substantially from early to late second trimester, and a shift was observed from 1→4/1→3- toward predominantly 1→6/1→6-branched triantennary structures. The glycosylation changes occurred in all five individuals at the same time period in gestation, suggesting developmental regulation ofN-acetylglucosaminyltransferases IV and V and α6-fucosyltransferase during normal pregnancy. These enzymatic activities also appear to be affected in malignant transformation of the trophoblast. Our findings have important implications for the proposed use of specific forms of glycosylation as markers for cancer, as the relative amounts of these glycans in normal pregnancy will be determined by gestational age.
Influence of high-energy shock waves and cisplatin on antitumor effect in murine bladder cancer.

Abstract The potential application of high-energy shock waves (HESW) for control of experimental bladder cancer was investigated. Subcutaneous 3-d murine bladder cancer (MBT-2) in C3H mice were exposed to HESW alone (250 to 1,500 shocks) or in combination with cisplatin (5 to 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Although HESW alone showed no influence on tumor growth, HESW/cisplatin combination therapy suppressed tumor growth more than cisplatin alone. Subsequent studies revealed that an air fluid interface relative to tumor location played a pivotal role for the chemosensitizing effect of HESW. HESW treatment was able to enhance the cisplatin cytotoxicity only when the tumors were placed adjacent to the air fluid interface.
THE PERILS OF PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT: How the Republicans Took the House in the 1994 Midterm Elections

The results of the 1994 U.S. national elections were by all accounts extraordinary. The Republican Party's victory was historic in its depth and breadth. The party gained fifty-two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, eight seats in the U.S. Senate, eleven governorships, and it took power in 15 state legislative chambers. The outcome in the House of Representatives was particularly startling, as Republicans seized control for the first time in forty years. Not only did Newt Gingrich become Speaker of the House, his predecessor Tom Foley was not even reelected. Moreover, almost no one with even a remotely plausible claim to disinterestedness predicted it. Pundits, pollsters, and political scientists grossly underestimated how large the swing toward the Republicans would be. Most predicted Democratic losses were in the range of 25 to 30 House seats-making the average forecast off by nearly 100 percent.'
The occurrence of an upright T-wave in lead IV in a patient without other evidence of heart disease

Abstract A patient without demonstrable heart disease or extracardiac disease producing T-wave changes has been known to have an upright T 4 for two years. While this finding, as the single definite electrocardiographic abnormality, should be considered highly important, it appears to occur at times in the absence of "significant heart discase."
Linear stability of streamwise developing longitudinal vortices

The linear stability of numerical solutions to the quasicylindrical equations of motion for swirling flows is investigated. Initial conditions are derived from Batchelor's similarity solution for a trailing line vortex. The stability calculations are performed using a 2nd-order accurate finitedifference scheme on a staggered grid with the accuracy of the computed eigenvalues enhanced through Richardson extrapolation. The streamwise development of both viscous and inviscid instability modes is discussed for low and high swirl cases. The effect of adverse and favorable pressure gradients on the viscous stability of a longitudinal vortex is also investigated.
Mothers' Questions to Delayed and Non-Delayed Children:

This paper presents a comparison of mothers limiting and true questions to developmentally delayed and nondelayed children, ages 2½·3 years and 4½·5 years. Mothers asked 4-year-old nondelayed children significantly more true questions than mothers asked 2-year-old nondelayed and 2- and 4-year-old delayed children. There was a significant interaction effect for mother's limiting questions. The trend was for mothers to decrease their limiting questions as the nondelayed children advanced in age, but to increase their limiting questions as the delayed children advanced in age.
Involving academic faculty in developing and implementing a strategic plan

This chapter discusses how to involve academic faculty in the student affairs strategic planning process through an understanding of their respective commonalities and the academic view of their work through teaching, scholarship, and service.
Congenital right-sided para-umbilical abdominal wall hernia

A 34-week gestation baby was born to a 45-year-old opiate dependent mother with limited prenatal care. Examination demonstrated a large skin-covered, right-sided para-umbilical mass, measuring 12×14 cm, increasing in size with cry ([figure 1][1]). Umbilical ring was well formed and present around
Airflow Determination in a Horizontal Laminar Airflow Operating Room

The criteria used in the selection of a laminar airflow unit are presented. The unit acquired and installed is described. The air-velocity profiles are shown for the empty and occupied operating room, and the method for their determination is described. The study of the velocity profiles indicated the unit operated to the manufacturer's description and met the needs for a particular operating room.
Two conserved essential motifs of the murine immunoglobulin lambda enhancers bind B-cell-specific factors.

Abstract Two highly homologous enhancers associated with the two murine immunoglobulin lambda constant-region clusters were recently identified. In order to better understand the molecular basis for the developmental stage- and cell-type-restricted expression of lambda genes, we have undertaken an analysis of the putative regulatory domains of these enhancers. By using a combination of DNase I footprinting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and site-specific mutations, four candidate protein binding sites have been identified at analogous positions in both enhancers. A mutation of any of these sites decreases enhancer activity. Two of the sites, lambda A and lambda B, are essential for enhancer function, and both of these sites appear to bind both B-cell-specific and general factors. Nevertheless, isolated lambda A and lambda B sites show no evidence of inherent transactivating potential, alone or together, even when present in up to three copies. We suggest that the generation of transactivating signals from these enhancers may require the complex interaction of multiple B-cell-specific and nonspecific DNA-binding factors.
Rebuilding the Russian Fleet: The Duma and Naval Rearmament, 1907–1914

In this article, the author examines the debates over how the Russian Empire was to rebuild its navy after the disaster at Tsushima. While many plans were proposed, the debate came down to a contest of legitimacy between Nicholas II and individuals within the Duma, particularly A. I. Guchkov, the leader of the Octobrists. Nicholas II triumphed over his opponents, leading to an expensive and unfinished navy which diverted resources from other key areas, such as the manufacture of rifles and shells. These shortages played an important role in the Empire's defeat in World War I.
Impact of Dose Intensification of FluBu2 to FluBu4 on Transplant Related Mortality, Relapse, and Survival After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Remission

Methods: A retrospective review of the patients who relapsed following an allogeneic HCT for a myeloid malignancy at Mayo Clinic in Arizona was performed. The BM sample closest in time prior to relapse was identified and the morphologic, flow cytometric, karyotypic, FISH, PCR and chimerism results were reviewed. Results: Out of 187 patients with a myeloid malignancy, 40 (31 AML, 4 MPN blast crisis, 4 MDS, 1 CML) relapsed at a median of 113 days (range 22-820 days) after HCT. Thirty percent of the relapses occurred after a myeloablative HCT. Donor type was equally distributed between matched related and mismatched/ matched unrelated donors. A cytogenetic and molecular marker with the diagnosis was identifiable in 22/40 and 6/40 patients respectively. 18/40 patients had residual disease present at HCT. 13/40 patients showed an early relapse within the first 90 days. In the remaining patients, time between the last BM and relapse ranged from 38-184 days (median 69). Abnormal results were found only in 9/27 patients in the preceding BM and included abnormal cytogenetic clone identical to diagnosis in 2 patients; abnormal RT-PCR for BCR/ABL in 1, cytogenetic abnormality in donor cell line in 3, and decreased chimerisms in unsorted marrow cells in 3 patients. Conclusions: A 3-month monitoring schedule of BM evaluation using the currently available tools had low sensitivity to predict relapse. Findings that may justify intervention were rare (less than 10% of patients), and were restricted to abnormal cytogenetic and abnormal RT-PCR results. The clinical significance of cytogenetic abnormalities observed in donor cells is not clear. Our findings emphasize that until the optimal surveillance technique and schedule can be defined and standardized, more frequent use of pre-emptive therapy in patients at high risk of relapse may be of benefit.
Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of a layered pyridinium vanadate, (C5H6N)V3O7

A new layered vanadium oxide, (C5H5NH)V3O7, has been synthesized by a solvothermal process at 200 °C; this is the first vanadium oxide to have an aromatic intercalate between the V3O7 sheets, and it has a monoclinic structure with space group P21 and lattice parameters a = 7.5296(6) A, b = 6.6592(8) A, c = 10.1513(12) A and β = 94.460(2)°.
AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS : PHENOMENOLOGY, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND NEUROIMAGING UPDATE

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are a cardinal feature of psychosis. Recent research is reviewed which has attempted to advance our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying this symptom. Phenomenological surveys have confirmed the importance of the content of such hallucinations and their meaning to the voice-hearer. Psychological and neuroimaging studies of inner speech and source monitoring have provided a neuropsychological framework for AVHs as well as some novel therapeutic strategies. There have also been successful attempts to 'capture' neural activity coincident with the experience of hallucinations using PET, SPECT and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This body of knowledge in combination with work on in-vivo receptor binding (dopamine and GABA) provides the beginnings of a cognitive and neurophysiological understanding of this complex and intriguing phenomenon.
Determining an optimal release site for juvenile winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus (Walbaum) in the Great Bay Estuary, NH, USA.

One of the main elements in developing an optimal release strategy for an enhancement effort is to evaluate and select release sites that will support growth and survival of newly released, cultured fish. Three potential release sites (New Castle (NC), Broad Cove (BC) and Oyster River (OR)) in the Great Bay Estuary, NH, USA were evaluated for pilot-scale releases of winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus Walbaum). Cultured juvenile flounder were placed in cages at each of the three sites. Sites were evaluated based on growth and survival of the fish in relation to water temperature, prey availability and sediment composition. Fish grew faster in the two upper estuarine sites BC (0.54 mm day(-1)) and OR (0.56 mm day(-1)) than at the site at the mouth of the estuary (NC = 0.37 mm day(-1)). Fish survival (44-53%) and water temperature (17.8-19.7 degrees C) did not vary between sites. Benthic samples showed that prey was available to, and eaten by, the flounder. Sediment composition was the main difference between the three sites, with one site (NC) characterized by gravel whereas the other two sites were sandy. These results corroborate other studies showing the importance of sediment quality for the distribution of flatfish populations. From these results, we can confidently eliminate NC as a potential release area and recommend that sandy sites are better for stocking cultured juvenile winter flounder than gravely sites.
The Effects of Statins on Mortality Rates among Bacteremic Patients

SIR-Liappis et al. [1] noted decreased mortality rates among bacteremic patients who were receiving statins, but they were not able to define the mechanisms by which this reduction in the mortality rate occurred. It has recently been proposed that endothelial apoptosis could be the pivotal event in the pathogenesis of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome [2]. Endothelial apoptosis is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, lipopolysaccharides, and numerous other factors commonly associated with bacteremia and sepsis, and it can be prevented by the use of statins [2, 3]. Other forms of treatment have a dem-
Incorporating Facebook and Twitter in a Service-Learning Project in a Business Communication Course

Implementing real-world business writing situations and service learning into business communication courses are not new concepts. Business communication students work through a service-learning pr...
Adaptive local linear modelling and control of nonlinear dynamical systems

In this chapter, the problem of nonlinear system identification and control system design was addressed under the divide-and-conquer principle. This principle motivated the use of multiple local models for system identification in order to simplify the modelling task. Especially in the case of unknown dynamics, where only input output data from the plant is available, the proposed method is able to approximate the nonlinear dynamics of the plant using a piecewise linear dynamical model that is optimised solely from the available data. Especially when local linear models are used as described, it also became possible to design a piecewise linear controller for the plant, whose design is based on the identified model. The questions of the existence and validity of input-output models as described and utilised was addressed theoretically using the implicit function inversion theorem that points out the observability conditions under which such models are possible to build from input-output data alone. The performance of the proposed local linear modelling scheme and the associated local linear controllers was tested on a variety of nonlinear dynamical systems including chaotic systems, a NASA aircraft and the NASA Langley transonic wind tunnel.
PP09.2 – 2584: Spinal muscular atrophy: Review of clinical characteristics and treatment in the last 25 years

Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) include a group of disorders that produce disabilities in all patients. Our aim is to review the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, genetic distribution and to analyze the care and development of the SMA in our area. Methods Retrospective descriptive study of patients diagnosed in our hospital during the past 25 years (1987–2013), with clinical and neurophysiological diagnosis of SMA. Results 37 patients were found, representing an incidence of 1 case per 10,000 live births in our reference population. The male/female ratio was 1.6/1. The type of SMA diagnosed more frequently was type I (26 cases), followed by type II with 9 cases, 1 case of SMA type III, and 1 case of SMA with respiratory distress (SMARD1). The most frequent genetic alteration was homozygous deletion of exons 7 and 8 of the SMN1 gene (31 cases). 25 patients were followed in our centre, 7 by the Pediatric Home Hospitalisation Unit. Most of them received motor rehabilitation (15), breathing physiotherapy in 8 cases or basic respiratory care in 5. 2 cases received oxygen by low-flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation in 1 case and invasive ventilation with tracheostomy in 2 cases. In 4 cases a nasogastric tube and in 1 case a gastrostomy was prescribed. The median survival for type I was 8.0 months and 15.8 years for type II. Conclusion The incidence in our population remains stable at around 1/10.000. Most cases presented a typical genetic alteration and were predominantly male. In approximately 1/10 patients the genetic alteration was different from the classical to the SMN gene. The caring level has increased in line with social and welfare demands in recent years. We improve our work with consensus statement for standard of care in spinal muscular atrophy.
VAT Rates and Tax Evasion: Evidence from the Restaurant Industry in Greece

This paper examines the effect of value-added tax (VAT) rates on tax evasion in an environment of limited tax-shifting opportunities. I focus on the recent rate reduction in the Greek restaurant industry (August 2013) and implement a difference-in-difference methodology using large fast-food restaurants as the control sample, due to the fact that they exhibit high constraints on underreporting. I find that the rate reduction for non-alcoholic sales, from 23% to 13%, significantly increases compliance; the reported sales to inputs ratio, which is used as a measure of disclosure of hidden sales, increases by 11.8% on average. I also document the reverse effect for the VAT rate increase in September 2011. The effect is more pronounced in small firms and firms with less alcoholic sales. These results are consistent with the partial adjustment of VAT revenues to the new tax rate, in order to maintain a reasonable VAT ratio (revenues to credits) that avoids signaling evading behavior to tax authorities (VAT ratio targeting). Finally, I show that, the overall fiscal cost from the rate reduction becomes minimal, accounting for the partial downward adjustment of VAT revenues and the higher direct taxes from the increase in reported sales.
Aqua Company (B)

This case follows "Aqua Company (A)," F-0778. After the investment bankers recommend a price for Aqua in terms of financing, a stockholder of the family-owned company threatens to block the takeover, and Merrill Lynch must determine whether to offer a bridge loan to speed the deal. Two instructor Lotus worksheet files are available on computer diskettes for use with the teaching note.
Point of View Revealing the True Meaning of the IRR via Profiling the IRR and Defining the ERR

(2005). Point of View Revealing the True Meaning of the IRR via Profiling the IRR and Defining the ERR. Journal of Real Estate Portfolio Management: Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 323-330.
The Use of Patient Registries to Detect Risk Factors of Anesthesia and Sedation Complications.

* Abbreviation: PSRC — : Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium Beginning in the 1980s, prospective studies confirmed what was previously suspected from case reports: that prematurely born infants were at a higher risk of developing central and obstructive apneas after general anesthesia compared with their term counterparts.1,2 This finding resulted in the extended use of cardiorespiratory monitoring (ie, usually overnight) in these infants after exposure to anesthetic agents before discharge from the hospital. Although a number of centers reported varying results, this increased risk seemed to last until ∼5 or 6 months into the first year of life. Similarly, an increased risk of postprocedure oxyhemoglobin desaturation was found in preterm infants after chloral hydrate sedation for MRIs.3 Although most pediatric anesthesiologists would agree that prematurity is a strong risk factor for additional respiratory complications (eg, bronchospasm, laryngospasm), surprisingly little information has been published on the subject. With this in mind, the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium (PSRC) was created and, in this issue of Pediatrics , Havidich et al4 report their analysis of sedation- and anesthesia-related adverse events across a wider range … Address correspondence to Ronald S. Litman, DO, Department of Anesthesiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St and Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: litmanr{at}email.chop.edu
Analysis of lateral redistribution of a plasma membrane glycoprotein-monoclonal antibody complex [corrected].

The lateral redistribution of a major murine glycoprotein, GP80, was studied on locomoting fibroblasts, using rhodamine-conjugated mAbs and ultralow light level digitized fluorescence microscopy. Confirming an earlier study (Jacobson, K., D. O'Dell, B. Holifield, T.L. Murphy, and J. T. August. 1984. J. Cell Biol. 99:1613-1623), the distribution of GP80 was coupled with cell locomotion; motile cells exhibited a gradated distribution of the GP80-mAb complex over the cell surface, increasing from the front to the rear, whereas stationary cells exhibited a nearly uniform GP80 distribution. By monitoring locomoting single cells, we found the gradated fluorescence distribution to be maintained as an approximate steady state. Newly extended leading edges were almost devoid of the fluorescence labeling. This was strikingly demonstrated in prechilled cells in which the extension of fluorescence-free leading edges caused a pronounced boundary between fluorescent and nonfluorescent zones. Subsequently this boundary eroded gradually in a manner consistent with diffusional relaxation. Evidence indicated that the GP80 redistribution was primarily caused by the lateral motion of GP80 in the plasma membrane and not via intracellular membrane traffic. Two cell locomotion models which, in principle, could account for the GP80 redistribution were tested: the retrograde lipid flow (RLF) model (Bretscher, M. S., 1984. Science (Wash. DC). 224:681-686) and an alternative hypothesis, the retraction-induced spreading (RIS) model. The predictions of these models were stimulated by computer and compared with experiment to assess which model was more appropriate. Whereas both models predicted steady-state gradients similar to the experimental result, only the RIS model predicted the lack of retrograde movement of the fluorescent boundary.
Control of bud morphogenesis in mango (Mangifera indica L.) by girdling, defoliation and temperature modification

SummaryDormant buds of mango are nondifferentiated, consisting of an arrested apical meristem and a set of preformed nodes. Cool temperatures around 15°C promote inflorescence (panicle) morphogenesis. Inflorescence differentiation involves a putative floral stimulus generated in mature leaves and translocated in the phloem. In field-grown ‘Keitt’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango trees, branches bearing flowering shoots were girdled and defoliated (or defoliated and then girdled) using different lag periods to disrupt transport of the floral stimulus and prevent its production. The shoots were deblossomed on day 0 to activate growth and differentiation of axillary buds. Only vegetative shoots were produced when branches were girdled and defoliated at the same time. With the maximum lag period of 15 d, about 90% of deblossomed shoots produced axillary inflorescences. Girdled branches that were not defoliated produced inflorescences only. Thus, inflorescence morphogenesis required the presence of leaves during activ...
Interplay of active processes modulates tension and drives phase transition in self-renewing, motor-driven cytoskeletal networks

The actin cytoskeleton—a complex, nonequilibrium network consisting of filaments, actin-crosslinking proteins (ACPs) and motors—confers cell structure and functionality, from migration to morphogenesis. While the core components are recognized, much less is understood about the behaviour of the integrated, disordered and internally active system with interdependent mechano-chemical component properties. Here we use a Brownian dynamics model that incorporates key and realistic features—specifically actin turnover, ACP (un)binding and motor walking—to reveal the nature and underlying regulatory mechanisms of overarching cytoskeletal states. We generate multi-dimensional maps that show the ratio in activity of these microscopic elements determines diverse global stress profiles and the induction of nonequilibrium morphological phase transition from homogeneous to aggregated networks. In particular, actin turnover dynamics plays a prominent role in tuning stress levels and stabilizing homogeneous morphologies in crosslinked, motor-driven networks. The consequence is versatile functionality, from dynamic steady-state prestress to large, pulsed constrictions. The actin cytoskeleton is a complex network of filaments, cross-linking proteins and motors; although the components are recognised, the behaviour of the network is less understood. Here Mak et al.use a Brownian dynamics model that reveals actin turnover dynamics as a key regulatory mechanism controlling cytoskeletal states.
EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS ON THE FIELD GROUND WATER INJECTION SYSTEM

The ground water injection systems are of the characters of low efficiency, high electricity expense in China oil fields. Improving water flood efficiency and lowering electricity expense are the key way to achieve better economic results. This paper aimed at the actual situation of water flood technology and each link of water flood system , promoted the system energy flow mode and mathematical mode, combined the practical features of ZHONG YUAN field WEI CHENG water flood system advanced the water flood efficiency judge standard ,developed the water flood efficiency analyze software. This paper also put forward some suggestions about how to improve the water flood efficiency.
Recent Research on the Megilloth (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther):

Until recently, study of the Megilloth as a coherent canonical grouping has been minimal. On the whole, the lateness and fluidity of the collection within the Jewish canon has negated its value for biblical scholars, who have long preferred texts and categories thought to be ‘early’ or ‘original’. The state of the field has begun to shift, however, as scholars are giving more attention to connections between individual books of the Megilloth and the coherence of the collection as a whole. This new interest coincides with the growing recognition among scholars that the later (re)uses of a biblical text are constitutive of its interpretation; thus the lateness of the Megilloth (if the collection really is late) does not preclude interpretation but shapes it. Recent studies in the Megilloth as a coherent collection include canon-historical approaches, which trace the formation of the Megilloth within the Jewish canon; intertextual approaches, which focus on allusions to earlier biblical traditions and on lit...
Winfried Kudszus, Sprachverlust und Sinnwandel. Zur späten und spätesten Lyrik Hölderlins. (Germanistische Abhandlungen 28): Stuttgart: J. B. Metzlersche Verlagsbuchhandlung, 1969. Pp. 159.

(1970). Winfried Kudszus, Sprachverlust und Sinnwandel. Zur spaten und spatesten Lyrik Holderlins. (Germanistische Abhandlungen 28) The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 45, No. 4, pp. 310-311.
GPCR Dynamics: Structures in Motion

The function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—which represent the largest class of both human membrane proteins and drug targets—depends critically on their ability to change shape, transitioning among distinct conformations. Determining the structural dynamics of GPCRs is thus essential both for understanding the physiology of these receptors and for the rational design of GPCR-targeted drugs. Here we review what is currently known about the flexibility and dynamics of GPCRs, as determined through crystallography, spectroscopy, and computer simulations. We first provide an overview of the types of motion exhibited by a GPCR and then discuss GPCR dynamics in the context of ligand binding, activation, allosteric modulation, and biased signaling. Finally, we discuss the implications of GPCR conformational plasticity for drug design.