cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fine structure of neurons in the dorsal horn of the cat spinal cord.

The fine structure of the dorsal horn of the cat cord has been compared with the light microscope cytoarchitectural studies. Several distinct laminae may be seen with the electron microscope. Lamina I contains marginal cells of Waldeyer and has its processes oriented in a horizontal direction. Lamina II contains small neurons and processes oriented vertically, and may be distinguished from lamina III by the rich content of myelinated axons in the latter. In laminae I–III there are numerous non-myelinated axons and many axodendritic and axoaxonal synapses but few axosomatic ones. Complex synaptic arrays made up of a central axon synapsing with other axons and dendrites are commonly seen. Laminae IV, V and VI are distinguished by their content of large neurons. They exhibit many axodendritic and axosomatic synapses but few axoaxonal ones and no complex synaptic arrays. Synaptic knobs containing rings of neurofilaments are present only in laminae IV–VI and synapse usually with somata or dendrites of neurons. There are differences in synaptic vesicle configuration and in the density of subsynaptic membranes associated with them. Differentiation of the dorsal horn into horizontal laminae is demonstrated by both light and electron microscope studies. The regional differences in neuronal organization may represent differences in functional organization as well.
Probabilistic analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data

Probability theory is applied to the analysis of fMRI data. The posterior distribution of the parameters is shown to incorporate all the information available from the data, the hypotheses, and the prior information. Under appropriate simplifying conditions, the theory reduces to the standard statistical test, including the general linear model. The theory is particularly suited to handle the spatial variations in the noise present in fMRI, allowing the comparison of activated voxels that have different, and unknown, noise. The theory also explicitly includes prior information, which is shown to be critical in the attainment of reliable activation maps.
Simulated Computer‐Mediated/Video‐Interactive Distance Learning: A Test of Motivation, Interaction Satisfaction, Delivery, Learning & Perceived Effectiveness

This paper reports on an innovative, computer-mediated, educational technology application in a simulated distance learning environment. As an initial evaluation, real student groups completed an entire university course using this state-of-the-art, two-way synchronous audio/visual communication technology, Distributed Tutored Video Instruction (DTVI). The study reported here explored student perceptions of a simulated distance learning environment using the system. The learning environment was characterized by videotaped lectures by the course instructor, delivered in computer-mediated small group settings. Six separate groups made up of six to eight students and a facilitator were studied. Group members were in separate locations, interacting via synchronous audio and visual computer channels. Our findings indicate an overall high level of perceived effectiveness and satisfaction with the instructional mode. In addition, significant relationships were established between facilitator effectiveness and student satisfaction, student motivation and class participation, student exam grades and perceived amount of group discussion. Findings indicate innovations in computer-mediated instructional designs can achieve desired levels of participant interaction considered critical to effective distance education technology.
Receptor induction and targeted drug delivery: a new antileukaemia strategy.

Strategic modalities of drug delivery have the potential to greatly improve the therapeutic efficacy of available drugs in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Folate receptor (FR) type β is selectively expressed on the surface of ∼ 70% of AMLs. Increased FR-β expression in these cells can be induced by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and other retinoid compounds in the absence of terminal differentiation or cell growth inhibition. An apparent post-transcriptional modification prevents FR-β in normal haematopoietic cells from binding folate, in contrast to AML cells. FR-β may, therefore, be used as a target for the selective delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to AML cells; this treatment modality appears to be particularly efficacious when administered in conjunction with retinoid-induction of FR-β. FR-targeted liposomal drug delivery can also bypass the P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug efflux pump commonly associated with multiple drug resistance in AML. The rationale and merits of this novel experimenta...
Targeted lipidomics: signaling lipids and drugs of abuse.

Author(s): Rapaka, Rao S; Piomelli, Daniele; Spiegel, Sarah; Bazan, Nicolas; Dennis, Edward A
When the North was Red: Aboriginal Education In Soviet Siberia

When the North was Red: Aboriginal Education In Soviet Siberia. DENNIS A. BARTELS and ALICE L. BARTELS. Montreal: McGill-Queen University Press, 1995. xxviii + 126 pp., illustrations, tables, maps, bibliography, index.
Identification of UNC119 as a novel activator of SRC-type tyrosine kinases.

Lyn, an Src-type tyrosine kinase, is associated with the interleukin (IL)-5 receptor in eosinophils. The mechanism of its activation is unknown. Through yeast two-hybrid screening we have cloned and characterized a new signaling molecule, Unc119, that associates with IL-5Rα and Src family tyrosine kinases. Unc119 induces the catalytic activity of these kinases through interaction with Src homology 2 and 3 domains. IL-5 stimulation of eosinophils increases Unc119 association with Lyn and induces its catalytic activity. Lyn is important for eosinophil survival. Eosinophils that are transduced with Unc119 have increased Lyn activity and demonstrate prolonged survival in the absence of IL-5. Inhibition of Unc119 down-regulates eosinophil survival. To our knowledge Unc119 is the first receptor-associated activator of Src family tyrosine kinases.
Subjective geometry and geometric psychology

Abstract “Subjective geometry” is a term coined by Weintraub and Krantz to describe the distortion imposed upon geometric patterns by the visual system itself—so-called optical illusions. The latter are widely regarded as being generated by misplaced “constancy” effects, i.e., they are regarded as stemming from the invariance of an object's appearance under wide variations in viewing conditions, such as obliquity, rotations, etc. The invariances represented by these constancies—shape constancy, size constancy, etc.—are spatiotemporal invariants of certain Lie subgroups of P 4 ( R ) ⊕ CO (1, 3) ⊕ GL (4, R ) that govern Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry. Tha Euclidean subgroups describe a Cyclopean visual world; the non-Euclidean, a binocular (bipolar) world of hyperbolic nature, according to the work of Luneburg, Blank, Indow, and others. The visual field of view is itself a geometric object involvingnot only “figure” and “ground” but also visual contours (orbits of the Lie groups involved), linear perspective, interposition, and contact and symplectic structures. The retina and “cortical retina” are both covered by a family of “circular-surround” cellular response fields (of a “Mexican hat” nature) which constitute an atlas for the visual manifold S . Upon this manifold are defined certain equivariant vector bundles that account for constancy phenomena and certain jet bundles, arising out of the vector bundles by prolongation, that generate the differential invariants characterizing higher form perception. The resultant theory of perceptual-cognitive processing has been termed “geometric psychology,” in analogy to MacLane's “geometrical mechanics” and Brockett–Hermann–Mayne's “geometry of systems,” the mathematical structure being very similar in all three instances. Functorial maps from the category G v FB(S) of equivariant fibre bundles to the simplicial category and the category of simplicial objects complete the theory by extending the perceptual system to cognitive phenomena and information-processing psychology.
Trypanosoma lewisi: Physiologic adaptation of wild isolate to albino rats evidenced by cell populations and respiratory activity

Abstract An isolate of Trypanosoma lewisi (designated as “D.C.”) was obtained from a feral rat in Washington, D.C., in December, 1965 and established in laboratory albino rats. At the 2nd, 15th, 28th, 41st, 54th, 67th, 80th, 93rd, and 121st consecutive passages in laboratory rats, the populations of trypanosomes in peripheral tail blood and the respiratory rates of recovered trypanosomes were determined at daily intervals throughout the natural sequence of events of the parasitemia. The control trypanosomal cell was the standard “L” form under continuous laboratory propagation in rats for many years. Technics of passage were identical for both isolates. Populations of the reference cell remained at relatively constant levels throughout the 2-year period of observations. Populations of the D.C. isolate increased at a calculated rate of about 0.65% per generation passage in rats. Endogenous respiratory rates and Q o 2 values with glucose and normal rat serum as substrates for the D.C. cell were all inferior to those of the reference cell. All Q o 2 values of the experimental cell increased as a direct function of the number of passages in rats. The orderly, progressive development of populations and oxygen uptake rates indicated that the D.C. isolate was undergoing physiologic adaptation to a new environment at a rapid rate. It was estimated from extrapolations that the experimental cell would approach the population and respiratory rate levels shown by the reference cell on about the 165th passage in laboratory hosts.
Glycosaminoglycan degradation reduces mineralized tissue-titanium interfacial strength.

Although the localization of the proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) complex at the bone–titanium implant interface has been implied, the role of proteoglycans on the establishment of bone–titanium integration is unknown. The hypothesis to be tested was that proteoglycans play an important role in establishing bone–titanium interfacial adhesion. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of proteoglycan knockdown by GAG enzymatic degradation on the interfacial strength between mineralized tissue and titanium having different surface topographies. Rat bone marrow-derived osteoblastic cells were cultured on either a machined titanium disk or an acid-etched titanium disk. At day 21 of culture, one of the three following GAG degradation enzymes was added into the culture; chondroitinase AC, chondroitinase B, or keratanase. After 3 days of incubation (at day 24 of culture), the laser spallation technique was applied to the samples in order to assess the tissue–titanium interfacial strength. In this technique, a laser-generated stress wave is used to separate the tissue–titanium interface, and the interfacial strength is determined interferometrically by recording the transient free surface velocity of the tissue. Mineralized tissue cultured on the acid-etched titanium showed 20–30% higher tissue interfacial strength than that cultured on the machined titanium (p < 0.0001). For both the machined and acid-etched surface cultures, administration of the enzyme reduced the interfacial strength by 25–30% compared with the untreated control cultures (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in the effect among the three different enzymes tested. A nanoindentation study revealed that the enzyme treatment did not affect the elastic modulus of the mineralized tissue. Scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectroscopic analyses revealed less post-spallation tissue remnant on the titanium substrates when treated with the enzymes. The tissue remnant was greater in amount on the acid-etched surface than on the machined surface. The results suggest that there exists not only mechanical interlocking but also biological interfacial adhesion between the mineralized tissue and titanium, in which the proteoglycan/GAG complex is involved. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
The Role of Lycopene in Health and Disease

Lycopene is a major carotenoid in human serum and tissues, and in the average diet. It is unique among the carotenoids in that it has one major food source: tomatoes. Compared with other carotenoids, plasma levels of lycopene appear to be less influenced by dietary intake. However, this may be due to limitations in the dietary assessment tools for lycopene and/or variability in the bioavailability of lycopene among different preparations of foods. Epidemiologic studies suggest that a diet rich in lycopene is related to a decreased risk of certain cancers, particularly cancers of the digestive tract, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The chemoprotective effect of lycopene is thought to be due to its protective effect against oxidative damage. It has been suggested that lycopene may be protective in other diseases that are affected by oxidative processes, eg, cardiovascular disease and HIV infection, although more research needs to be conducted in this regard. Human clinical studies examining the effect of supplementation of lycopene on disease prevention have not been conducted and may be difficult given the negative outcomes from intervention trials examining β-carotene supplementation and lung cancer risk.
Enhanced inflammation with high carbohydrate intake during recovery from eccentric exercise

Inflammation associated with adipose tissue is modulated by macronutrient availability. For example, glucose increases inflammation in obese but not lean individuals. Little is known about how macronutrient intake influences inflammation associated with muscle. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of macronutrient intake differences during recovery from eccentric exercise on the inflammatory response. The study was a cross-over design in which young men and women (n = 12) completed high and low carbohydrate (CHO) conditions. Both conditions consisted of six sets of ten maximal high-force eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors and extensors followed by a controlled diet for the first 8 h post-exercise. Glucose, insulin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and C-reactive protein were measured from blood samples pre-exercise, 1.5, 4, 8, and 24 h post-exercise. Perceived muscle soreness, strength loss, and serum CK activity were measured through 120 h post-exercise. Perceived soreness was elevated (P < 0.001) at all time points post-exercise in both conditions and was higher (P < 0.05) in the high compared to the low CHO condition. IL-1β increased (P = 0.05) 24 h post-exercise in the high compared to the low CHO condition. There was a trend (P = 0.06) for IL-6 to be elevated in the high compared to the low CHO condition. We conclude that inflammation induced by high-force eccentric exercise in skeletal muscle is greater when a high CHO compared to a low CHO diet is consumed during recovery.
Cutaneous miliary tuberculosis in two patients with hiv infection

Abstract Cutaneous manifestations of miliary tuberculosis are rare. We report two patients with previously unknown advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, who presented with respiratory collapse and an erythematous papulopustular skin eruption. Skin biopsies demonstrated focal dermal microabscess in one patient, and a subcorneal vesicle with an underlying dermal microabscess in the other. Despite the lack of granulomatous inflammation, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and Fite stains demonstrated numerous acid-fast bacilli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was subsequently isolated in either skin and/or sputum cultures. Pulmonary involvement was present in both cases, but was sufficiently diffuse and atypical so as not to be specific for tuberculosis upon initial clinical and radiographic examination. Our two cases illustrate the importance of careful skin examination in patients with HIV infection, since cutaneous dissemination can be an easily overlooked sign of miliary tuberculosis.
A new algorithm for canonical decomposition of linear systems

A new method for determining the complete canonical decomposition of linear systems based on singular value decomposition and unitary transformations is presented. The algorithm seems to be superior to all the methods available in the literature.
Social Learning and Self-Control Assessing the Moderating Potential of Criminal Propensity

Social learning theory is one of the most prominent general theories of crime. Yet recent research has called into question its applicability to all offenders. Specifically, the influence of antisocial peers has been found to exert a stronger effect among those individuals evincing higher levels of criminal propensity (deemed social amplification), whereas other components of the theory have either not been shown to interact with criminal propensity or not been tested. This study examines several social learning theory components to determine whether its influence is dependent on an individual's level of self-control. Results suggest little support for the social amplification hypothesis as the components of social learning theory were found to operate similarly across individuals regardless one's level of self-control. Implications for criminological theory are discussed.
Visual recognition of multi-agent action using binary temporal relations

A probabilistic framework for representing and visually recognizing complex multi-agent action is presented. Motivated by work in model-based object recognition and designed for the recognition of action from visual evidence, the representation has three components: (1) temporal structure descriptions representing the temporal relationships between agent goals, (2) belief networks for probabilistically representing and recognizing individual agent goals from visual evidence, and (3) belief networks automatically generated from the temporal structure descriptions that support the recognition of the complex action. We describe our current work on recognizing American football plays from noisy trajectory data.
The Outage Capacity of Linear Space&#8211;Time Codes

An inner space–time code, i.e., one that is complemented by an outer error-control code, calls for vastly different design strategies than a space–time code that stands alone. This letter investigates the design of a linear inner space–time code for a $t$ -input $r$ -output Rayleigh fading channel by examining its outage capacity, which assumes an idealized outer code. We show that a linear space–time code with rate $R ≪ min(t, r)$ can achieve at most a fraction $R/min(t, r)$ of the underlying channel's outage capacity at high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Conversely, we find that a space–time code with low raw diversity order (as calculated using the rank rule) does not necessarily suffer a capacity penalty. Under very general conditions, a rate of $R = min(t, r)$ is sufficient to ensure that the outage capacity of the space–time code approaches that of the underlying channel at high SNR. Simulation results are presented to support the claims.
Eu-Doped Silica Nanotubes: Synthesis and Optical Properties

Silver nanowires were coated with a silica shell through an indirect approach. Incorporation of the fluorescent ion into the silica shell in situ was achieved. Subsequent chemical dissolution of the inner metal core resulted in fluorescent silica nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDAX), fluorescence spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the materials.
China׳s precarious synthetic natural gas demonstration

Abstract In 2013, China׳s national government abandoned its previous cautious policy and started to promote large-scale deployment of coal-based synthetic natural gas (SNG). Coal-based SNG is both carbon-intensive and very water-intensive. Driven by a smog crisis and the recession of coal industry, China׳s 2013 policy change is major setback in its long-term efforts in carbon mitigation and water conservation. The government of China made the policy change before the commercial commencement of China׳s first SNG demonstration plant. Since the commencement of China׳s SNG demonstration plant, many problems have started to appear. In this article, I discuss the nature of demonstration project and explain the danger in starting a crash program without evaluating the demonstration comprehensively and transparently.
Error probability minimizing pilots for OFDM with M-PSK modulation over Rayleigh-fading channels

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with pilot symbol assisted channel estimation is a promising technique for high rate transmissions over wireless frequency-selective fading channels. In this paper, we analyze the symbol error rate (SER) performance of OFDM with M-ary phase-shift keying (M-PSK) modulation over Rayleigh-fading channels, in the presence of channel estimation errors. Both least-squares error (LSE) and minimum mean-square error (MMSE) channel estimators are considered. For prescribed power, our analysis not only yields exact SER formulas, but also quantifies the performance loss due to channel estimation errors. We also optimize the number of pilot symbols, the placement of pilot symbols, and the power allocation between pilot and information symbols, to minimize this loss, and thereby minimize SER. Simulations corroborate our SER performance analysis, and numerical results are presented to illustrate our optimal claims.
Quality versus quantity: acquisition of coping skills following computerized cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders

Aims To evaluate the changes over time in quality and quantity of coping skills acquired following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and examine potential mediating effects on substance use outcomes. Design A randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a computerized version of CBT (CBT4CBT) as an adjunct to standard out-patient treatment over an 8-week period. Setting Data were collected from individuals seeking treatment for substance dependence in an out-patient community setting. Participants Fifty-two substance abusing individuals (50% African American), with an average age of 42 years, and a majority reporting cocaine as their primary drug of choice. Measurements Participants' responses to behavioral role-plays of situations associated with high risk for drug and alcohol use were audio-taped and rated independently to assess their coping responses. Findings There were statistically significant increases in mean ratings of the quality of participants' coping responses for those assigned to CBT4CBT compared to treatment as usual, and these differences remained significant 3 months after treatment completion. Moreover, quality of coping responses mediated the effect of treatment on participants' duration of abstinence during the follow-up period. Conclusions These findings suggest that assignment to the computerized CBT program improved participants' coping skills, as measured by independent ratings of a role-playing task. It is also the first study to test and support quality of coping skills acquired as a mediator of the effect of CBT for substance use.
A quantitative description of NMDA receptor-channel kinetic behavior

Currents evoked in neurons of the vertebrate CNS by the glutamate agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) exhibit a marked voltage dependence in the presence of extracellular Mg. At the single-channel level, the addition of external Mg alters single-channel openings from long-lived events to many very short events grouped into bursts of openings. These bursts apparently result from short interruptions of current flow during periods when the channel is in the open configuration. Single-channel currents evoked by NMDA have been studied in outside-out patches of membrane taken from hippocampal CA 1 neurons grown in dissociated cell culture. The effects of changing external Mg concentration and holding potential on the single-channel parameters of open time, closed time, and burst length have been successfully described assuming a 3- or 4-state model with 1 open state, 1 or 2 "blocked" states, and 1 absorbing closed state. Evaluation of the blocking rates over Mg concentrations from 0.2-200 microM indicate that a single "blocking" mechanism cannot account for the short closed states and that a second voltage-dependent but Mg-independent "blocked" state is necessary to explain the data especially at low Mg concentrations.
Shock interaction with a heavy gas cylinder: Emergence of vortex bilayers and vortex-accelerated baroclinic circulation generation

We present a numerical study to late times of a Richtmyer-Meshkov environment: a weak shock (M = 1.095) interacting with a heavy cylindrical bubble. The bubble interface is modeled as a diffuse interfacial transition layer (ITL) with finite thickness. Our simulation with the piecewise parabolic method (PPM) yields very good agreement in large- and intermediate-scale features with Jacobs' experiment (Jacobs, 1993). We note the primary circulation enhancement deposited baroclinically upon the incident shock wave, and significant secondary baroclinic circulation enhancement, first observed in Zabusky and Zhang (2002). We propose that this vortex-accelerated circulation deposition is universal. These baroclinic processes are mediated by a strong gradient intensification and stretching of the ITL and result in close-lying vortex bilayers (VBLs) and the emergence of vortex projectiles (VPs). These account for the elongated, kidney-shaped morphology of the rolled up bubble domain at late times.
Orion 2.0: native support for uncertain data

Orion is a state-of-the-art uncertain database management system with built-in support for probabilistic data as first class data types. In contrast to other uncertain databases, Orion supports both attribute and tuple uncertainty with arbitrary correlations. This enables the database engine to handle both discrete and continuous pdfs in a natural and accurate manner. The underlying model is closed under the basic relational operators and is consistent with Possible Worlds Semantics. We demonstrate how Orion simplifies the design and enhances the capabilities of two example applications: managing sensor data (continuous uncertainty) and inferring missing values (discrete uncertainty).
The impact of the palliative care mobile team on symptom assessment and medication profiles in patients admitted to a comprehensive cancer center

Goals of work In recent years, tertiary care hospitals and cancer centers have shown great interest in forming palliative care consultation teams. Thus, these centers may be interested in the types of care that such teams give, which could help the other centers put together their own teams. However, the availability of such information is limited. The purpose of our study was therefore to describe the experience of a palliative care team at our comprehensive cancer center.
AUV-based observations of rough bed hydrodynamics

For highly irregular boundaries such as coral reefs, the choice of a characteristic roughness scale for use in hy-drodynamic modeling is not straightforward. As an initial step in relating measurable physical scales to hydrodynamic roughness, we explore the use of a combination of sidescan, high-resolution altimetry, and water velocity measurements collected with a REMUS-100 (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS, Hydroid, Inc) AUV in the vicinity of the Kilo Nalu Nearshore Reef Observatory (Oahu, HI). Different substrate classes (i.e. sand, coral, mixed) are identified using principal component analysis of variables derived from sidescan backscatter. Each bottom class is then connected to physical roughness measurements made with a high-resolution altimeter. Within the sampled region, sandy areas show a spectral root mean square (RMS) height of less than 3cm, while coral patches show RMS heights between 8cm to 14cm. To gain insight into the hydrodynamic response to broad-band roughness, we conducted a series of tests over the reef using the AUV mounted DVLs. In order to validate these hydrodynamic measurements, along-shore water velocities are sampled with spatial averaging of 50-100m and compared with two nearby bottom-fixed ADCPs. The results show that the REMUS DVLs can be effective in resolving steady boundary layer structure, which integrate the effects of roughness and implicitly reflect the response of wave motion to the boundary. Ongoing efforts are aimed to correlate bottom type, roughness RMS and hydrodynamic response at reef scales.
Cellular targets and mechanistic strategies of remyelination-promoting IgMs as part of the naturally occurring autoantibody repertoire.

Immunoglobulins with germline sequences occur in invertebrates and vertebrates and are named naturally occurring autoantibodies (NAbs). NAbs may target foreign antigens, self- or altered self-components and are part of the normal immunoglobulin repertoire. Accumulating evidence indicates that naturally occurring antibodies can act as systemic surveillance molecules, which tag, damaged or stressed cells, invading pathogens and toxic cellular debris for elimination by the immune system. In addition to acting as detecting molecules, certain types of NAbs actively signal in different cell types with a broad range of responses from induction of apoptosis in cancer cells to stimulation of remyelination in glial cells. This review emphasizes functions and characteristics of NAbs with focus on remyelination-promoting mouse and human antibodies. Human remyelination-promoting NAbs are potential therapeutics to combat a wide spectrum of disease processes including demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis. We w...
Early readmission among patients with diabetes: a qualitative assessment of contributing factors.

Abstract Aims To explore causes of early readmission, i.e., hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge, among patients with diabetes. Methods We performed thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews among 20 adults with diabetes hospitalized with an early readmission at an urban academic medical center. Results Five themes emerged as contributors to readmission risk: (1) poor health literacy (lack of knowledge about diabetes and discharge instructions), (2) health system failure (of the discharge process and post-discharge support), (3) failure of expected protective factors, (e.g., following the discharge instructions, being aware of medication changes upon discharge, and having help and social support), (4) social determinants of health impeding care, and (5) loss of control over illness. A majority of patients reported needing assistance with transportation, obtaining and taking medications, and preparing food. Most patients denied an active role in exacerbating their condition prior to readmission, and many believed that being readmitted was out of their control. Conclusions Our findings suggest several interventions that may reduce the risk of early readmission for patients with diabetes, including inpatient diabetes education, improving communication of discharge instructions, and involving patients more in medication reconciliation and post-discharge planning.
Qui non proficit, deficit: experimental models for 'integrative' research of affective disorders.

Abstract Experimental models are an important tool for the study of biological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Although encouraging progress has been made in biological psychiatry of affective disorders, there remain numerous methodological, conceptual, and translational challenges in this field. Mounting clinical data support the view that psychiatric disorders as spectra, rather than as discrete or isolated illnesses. This requires new theories as well as new animal paradigms for “integrative” modeling of psychiatric disorders and their spectra. Here we discuss recent “integrative” experimental models and concepts that promise to advance translational research of affective disorders.
Survival Outcomes and the Role of Adjuvant Therapy Sequencing in Type II Uterine Cancer After Definitive Surgery

between LVI status. Logistic regression examined the effect of covariates on LVI status. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between LVI and time to recurrence. Results: Average age was 70.1 (SDy 9.5) years; 117 (84.2%) had endometrial adenocarcinoma and 22 had uterine carcinosarcoma. Stage distribution and % of LVI in each stage category are listed in Table 1. Of the 68 (48.9%) women with LVI, 21 had pelvic LNM, 10 had paraaortic LNM, and 7 had both pelvic and paraaortic LNM.Womenwith LVI had 13 timesmore risk of pelvic LNM and 5.6 times the risk of paraaortic LNM. Logistic regression revealed tumor size (ORZ 1.3 pZ 0.02), tumor type, pelvic LNM (ORZ 2.6, p Z <0.01), and paraaortic LNM (OR Z 5.7, p Z 0.03) to be significantly associated with LVI. Adjusting for age and tumor size, only pelvic LNM (ORZ 6.0, pZ 0.04) and paraaortic LNM had elevated risk (ORZ 2.1, p Z 0.59) for LVI. 42 women had evidence of recurrence: 1 local, 1 regional, 7 regional and distant, 31 distant and 2 unspecified. The probability of no recurrence at 12, 24, 36 and 60monthswith andwithout LVI are 77, 66, 58, 51 and 97, 95, 89 and85 percent respectively (log-rank p valueZ<0.01). Cox regression analysis showed that presence of LVI had 3.9 times more hazard of recurrence compared to those without. Conclusions: LVI is an important pathologic prognostic factor that should be taken into account when deciding on adjuvant therapy. As noted above, the incidence of LNM with LVI is higher, and time to recurrence is shorter. Women with LVI may need additional adjuvant therapy or closer interval follow-up.
Tailoring light pulse amplitudes for optimal laser processing and material modification

Abstract A laser processing technique has been developed for laser direct-write patterning tools that enable site-selective material modification processes on the scale of the laser spot size. The technique controls the delivery of laser energy for optimal laser processing by the dynamic regulation of individual laser pulses to form a prescribed sequence of amplitude-modulated laser pulses. This sequence of amplitude-modulated pulses, called a pulse-script, is then administered to each laser spot size area along a tool path regardless of the stage motion velocity. In our current configuration, up to 32 different pulse-scripts can be independently selected and applied during direct-write patterning at motion velocities exceeding 400 mm/s. The novel processing technique seamlessly merges information that depicts the tool path pattern in Cartesian space with the type of material modification and transformation processes that are desired at each laser spot location. This paper describes the fundamental and fun ctional aspects of this new technique. As a demonstration of the technique, a series of variable wavelength attenuators and embedded cutoff filters have been fabricated in a photo-structurable glass ceramic material.
Testimonial Knowledge and Transmission

We often talk about knowledge being transmitted via testimony. This suggests a picture of testimony with striking similarities to memory. For instance, it is often assumed that neither is a generative source of knowledge: while the former transmits knowledge from one speaker to another, the latter preserves beliefs from one time to another. These considerations give rise to a stronger and a weaker thesis regarding the transmission of testimonial knowledge. The stronger thesis is that each speaker in a chain of testimonial transmission must know that p in order to pass this knowledge to a hearer. The weaker thesis is that at least the first speaker must know that p in order for any hearer in the chain to come to know that p via testimony. I argue that both theses are false, and hence testimony, unlike memory, can be a generative source of knowledge.
Distribution of the Iowan Brood of Periodical Cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada spp.) in Illinois

The distribution of the Iowan Brood of periodical cicadas in Illinois was determined in 1997 using a global positioning system receiver and mapping software. The area contained within the distribution derived from this survey was approximately twice the area bounded by a range map published in 1975. Periodical cicadas were found in many areas not included in the earlier range map, and were absent from several areas that had been included. Periodical cicadas were patchily distributed within the boundary, being most abundant in stream woodlands and protected areas and least abundant in agricultural and urban areas. Periodical cicadas were primarily found in a soil type associated with stream woodlands, and appeared to follow forests along waterways, but it is possible that these areas serve as refugia from human activity rather than preferred habitats.
Synthesis of N-(4-diethylamino)benzyl-4-[11C]methoxy-N-(p-tolyl)benzenesulfonamide as a new PET radioligand for imaging of CB2 receptor

1170 Objectives Cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) are G protein-coupled receptors. CB1 is found predominantly in the brain, and CB2 is expressed mainly on immune tissues and cancer cells. Recent reports indicate that CB2 appears in limited amounts in dorsal root ganglion neurons, brain stem, cerebellum and other brain regions. More importantly CB2 is highly overexpressed in microglial cells and other immune cells in several neuroinflammatory conditions such as stroke as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study was designed to develop a carbon-11-labeled triaryl sulfonamide derivative, N-(4-diethylamino)benzyl-4-[11C]methoxy-N-(p-tolyl)benzenesulfonamide, as a new PET radioligand for imaging of CB2 receptor. Methods The reference standard N-(4-diethylamino)benzyl-4-methoxy-N-(p-tolyl)benzenesulfonamide (CB2, Ki = 0.5 nM; CB1, Ki = 1297 nM; selectivity CB1/CB2 = 2594) and its corresponding precursor N-(4-diethylamino)benzyl-4-hydroxy-N-(p-tolyl)benzenesulfonamide were synthesized from 4-(diethylamino)benzaldehyde and p-toluidine. The target tracer was synthesized from the phenol hydroxyl precursor by O-11C-methylation with [11C]CH3OTf, followed by HPLC combined with SPE purification. The radiolabeling reaction was performed in a home-built automated 11C-radiosynthesis module. Results The overall chemical yield for the standard in 3 steps and precursor in 3 steps was 67-73%. The decay corrected radiochemical yield for the tracer was 40-50%, and the specific activity at end of bombardment (EOB) was 370-740 GBq/μmol. Conclusions A concise and high-yield synthetic route to the labeling precursor and target compound has been described, and a one-step radiosynthesis approach to the target tracer has been developed. Research Support Indiana Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Fund (ISDH EDS-A70-2-079612).
ATAF2 integrates Arabidopsis brassinosteroid inactivation and seedling photomorphogenesis

The Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyl is a robust system for studying the interplay of light and plant hormones, such as brassinosteroids (BRs), in the regulation of plant growth and development. Since BRs cannot be transported between plant tissues, their cellular levels must be appropriate for given developmental fates. BR homeostasis is maintained in part by transcriptional feedback regulation loops that control the expression of key metabolic enzymes, including the BR-inactivating enzymes BAS1 (CYP734A1, formerly CYP72B1) and SOB7 (CYP72C1). Here, we find that the NAC transcription factor (TF) ATAF2 binds the promoters of BAS1 and SOB7 to suppress their expression. ATAF2 restricts the tissue-specific expression of BAS1 and SOB7 in planta. ATAF2 loss- and gain-of-function seedlings have opposite BR-response phenotypes for hypocotyl elongation. ATAF2 modulates hypocotyl growth in a light-dependent manner, with the photoreceptor phytochrome A playing a major role. The photomorphogenic phenotypes of ATAF2 loss- and gain-of-function seedlings are suppressed by treatment with the BR biosynthesis inhibitor brassinazole. Moreover, the disruption of BAS1 and SOB7 abolishes the short-hypocotyl phenotype of ATAF2 loss-of-function seedlings in low fluence rate white light, demonstrating an ATAF2-mediated connection between BR catabolism and photomorphogenesis. ATAF2 expression is suppressed by both BRs and light, which demonstrates the existence of an ATAF2-BAS1/SOB7-BR-ATAF2 feedback regulation loop, as well as a light-ATAF2-BAS1/SOB7-BR-photomorphogenesis pathway. ATAF2 also modulates root growth by regulating BR catabolism. As it is known to regulate plant defense and auxin biosynthesis, ATAF2 therefore acts as a central regulator of plant defense, hormone metabolism and light-mediated seedling development.
Large Pleural Effusion and Mediastinal Mass: An Unusual Connection!

Question: A 50-year-old Hispanic man with history of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pancreatitis, congestive heart failure, and recurrent deep vein thrombosis on anticoagulation therapy was admitted with worsening shortness of breath and upper abdominal and chest pain for 3 days. The patient had chronic abdominal pain, occasional productive cough and had lost 50-lb weight over the last 6 months. He denied fever, night sweats, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Initial vital signs were temperature 97.7 F, blood pressure 90/58 mm Hg, heart rate 89 bpm, respiratory rate 24/min, and SPO2 90% on 15 L oxygen via nonrebreather mask. The breath sounds were diminished and there was dullness to percussion on the left side of chest. Electrocardiogram showed a normal sinus rhythm at 100 bpm. A portable chest radiograph revealed a large left pleural effusion, small right pleural effusion, congestive heart failure, and globular cardiac silhouette (Figure A). Left thoracentesis was performed and 2 L of cloudy fluid was drained leading to improvement in patient’s symptoms and vital signs. A repeat chest radiograph confirmed interval decrease in size of left pleural effusion (Figure B). Initial laboratory tests showed hemoglobin of 12 g/dL (normal, 13–17), white blood cells of 19,000/mL (normal, 4000–11,000), pro-brain natriuretic peptide of 1100 pg/mL (normal, <450), and normal basic metabolic panel, liver tests, troponin, and serum lipase. Empiric antibiotics were initiated for presumed para-pneumonic effusion. A 2-D echocardiogram demonstrated normal ventricular ejection fraction, minimal pericardial effusion and a mass in the left pleural space compressing on the left atrium (Figure C, arrow). Non–contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a large, predominantly cystic appearing middle mediastinal mass extending from the upper abdomen to the subcarinal level (Figure D, asterisk). What is the diagnosis? Look on page 319 for the answer and see the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI.
Swiss Canton Regions: A Model for Complex Objects in Geographic Partitions

Spatial regions are a fundamental abstraction of geographic phenomena. While simple regions--disk-like and simply connected--prevail, in partitions complex configurations with holes and/or separations occur often as well. Swiss cantons are one highlighting example of these, bringing in addition variations of holes and separations with point contacts. This paper develops a formalism to construct topologically distinct configurations based on simple regions. Using an extension to the compound object model, this paper contributes a method for explicitly constructing a complex region, called a canton region, and also provides a mechanism to determine the corresponding complement of such a region.
Medical students' creative projects on a third year pediatrics clerkship: a qualitative analysis of patient-centeredness and emotional connection.

Increasingly, medical educators are incorporating reflective writing and original creative work into educational practices with the goals of stimulating student self-awareness, appreciation of multiple perspectives, and comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty. This study investigated students’ creative projects to assess the extent to which they adopted a patient/relationship-centered, emotionally connected position toward patients and families. Over a 10 year period, students on a required third year pediatrics clerkship individually or in groups completed either a reflection or an education project using a creative medium. 520 projects (representing 595 students, 74.7 % of total eligible students) were qualitatively analyzed according to various thematic and emotion-based dimensions. The majority of projects were personal narrative essays and poetry. The largest number of project themes related to the importance of patient/relationship-centered medicine with patients. The next largest number of projects focused on health education of parents, patients, or classmates. In telling their stories, students were more likely to use a personal voice representing either their or the patient’s perspective than an objective, impersonal one. In terms of emotional tone, projects were more likely to be serious than humorous. The largest number of students’ emotions expressed an empathic tone. Students identified a large number and wide range of both negative and positive feelings in themselves and their patients. The majority of student emotions were positive, while the majority of patient and family emotions were negative. Students’ preference for patient-centered, relational themes, as well as their tendency to favor the first voice, empathic tone, and willingness to express a range of positive and negative emotions in presenting their projects, suggests that they valued emotional connection with patients and families during the pediatrics clerkship experience.
The status of chemical sensors for hot-dip galvanization

Alloying elements are added to the zinc used in the hot-dip galvanization of sheet steel to control the properties and appearance of the resulting coating. For example, aluminum is added to improve the corrosion resistance and adherence of the coating. Other additions, such as antimony, are added to control the grain size and, thus, the appearance of the coating. The concentrations of these alloying elements may change during the process, either deliberately according to product specifications or due to factors such as preferential oxidation. These changes may require replenishment of a depleted alloying element or adjustments in other processing parameters to maintain optimal efficiency. Intelligent adjustments require knowledge of the alloy composition, which requires inline measurement of the concentrations of alloying elements. This article presents recent developments in chemical sensors for use in hot-dip galvanization. In particular, electrochemical sensors for measuring the concentrations of aluminum and antimony in molten zinc are reviewed.