cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and treatment outcome of primary and secondary fibromyalgia in patients with spinal pain.

Study design This was a prospective cohort study. Objectives To determine the prevalence of primary and secondary fibromylagia and response to therapy in patients with spinal pain over a 12-month period. Summary of background data Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized pain and widespread tenderness on palpation in specific areas of the musculoskeletal system, including the cervical and lumbosacral spine. Primary fibromyalgia is idiopathic, whereas secondary fibromyalgia occurs in association with underlying disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis, trauma, or surgery. The frequency of fibromyalgia in patients with spinal pain has not been determined. Methods One-hundred-twenty-five consecutive patients referred to a rheumatologist in a spine center for evaluation of back pain over a 4-month period were evaluated for fibromyalgia. Diagnosis at the time of referral and referring physician were recorded. Fifteen patients, six with primary fibromyalgia and nine with secondary fibromyalgia, were identified and followed for 12 months. Standardized therapy was offered to all patients with fibromyalgia. Patients with secondary fibromyalgia also received therapy for their underlying condition. Results At 12 months, the six patients with primary fibromyalgia had an improvement in symptoms. The treatment outcome for the nine patients with secondary fibromyalgia was less successful. Conclusions Fibromyalgia is a disorder that occurs in a small proportion of patients with back pain. Fibromyalgia is not frequently recognized by referring physicians. In the authors' limited experience, patients with primary fibromyalgia appear to improve with conservative care. They have been less successful with those diagnosed as having secondary fibromyalgia.
The effect of liquid mass transport on the combustion and extinction of bicomponent droplets of methanol and water

The time-dependent combustion of isolated, bicomponent liquid droplets of methanol and water is simulated using a spherosymmetric, finite-element, chemically reacting flow model. The computations consider multi-component molecular transport and detailed chemical kinetics (19 species, 89 forward reactions) in the gas phase; semiempirically formulated vapor-liquid equilibrium with water vaporization/condensation at the liquid surface; and liquid species mass transfer and energy conservation in the liquid phase. The results are compared with previously reported data from microgravity drop tower, freely falling isolated droplet, and suspended droplet combustion experiments, all of which show significant departure from d2-law burning behavior and/or substantial water accumulation in the liquid phase. The liquid mass Peclet number (defined as the ratio of the droplet surface regression velocity to the effective diffusion velocity of water within the liquid droplet) is greater than 20 for methanol burning in air. The numerical model predicts little or no water accumulation for such circumstances. However, numerical results are consistent with experiments when it is speculated that sufficient internal liquid phase motion is present to reduce the effective liquid mass Peclet number to the order of one. Such internal motion has been noted in droplet combustion experiments and most likely arises from droplet generation/deployment techniques and/or surface tension gradients. Calculations show that the droplet combustion characteristics of methanol/water mixtures of 0%–50% initial water content are extremely sensitive to the liquid mass transport effects and might be used to better determine the magnitude of liquid mass transport present in microgravity experiments.
Supporting access to alcohol and other drug treatment: the Los Angeles County screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment project for short-term jail detainees.

The University of California at Los Angeles Integrated Substance Abuse Program (UCLA ISAP) was contracted to evaluate the Los Angeles County screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment project (LA SBIRT). This project was funded by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to provided SBIRT for short-term-stay detainees. Elements of the program include increasing access to care and reducing alcohol and other drug (AOD) use by screening with the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Use Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), which assesses risk of developing problems related to AOD use; performing a motivational brief intervention based on the results of the ASSIST; and, when indicated, referring detainees to a course of brief treatment sessions. The university’s ISAP used the Government Performance and Results Act tool (GPRA) and ASSIST data to describe the population and assess outcomes. They also conducted a process evaluation. According to results, risky alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use were high in this group. Among all participants who completed the ASSIST, 95% scored either high or moderate risk for at least one substance. Fewer participants reported using all AODs at follow-up than at baseline, and those who used substances reported using all AODs on fewer days at follow-up. Participants also had less involvement with the criminal justice system at follow-up and received more outpatient services. This SBIRT project was a successful collaboration between the greater Los Angeles criminal justice system and substance abuse treatment networks and offered access to treatment for thousands of detainees. A key lesson learned was that conducting the ASSIST in the jail setting decrease dropout from treatment in this transient population. Locating clients for follow-up was extremely difficult, thus, incentives plus tracking and locating are crucial. Staff felt the ASSIST and motivational interviewing was extremely well-suited to this population. The success of this project depends upon ongoing training, supervision, and collaboration among the stakeholders.
How do animals choose their mates

How animals search for and evaluate prospective mates has, until recently, been a neglected aspect of sexual selection. Theory and field data suggest that discrimination varies with the costs and benefits of choice, but a consensus has yet to be reached on the tactics by which prospective mates are evaluated. This intriguing issue may be clarified by new studies that deal explicitly with the process of information acquisition.
Enduring dispositions as points of contact for the social-clinical interface: Publication trends from 1965 to 2004.

The purpose of the current study was to identify enduring dispositions as potential points of contact between social and clinical psychology, investigate trends in their use in clinical research over time, and evaluate their applicability to the social-clinical interface. In light ofthe "emerging symbiosis" between social and personality psychology (Snyder, 2006; Swann & Seyle, 2005) and the historically strong association between personality and clinical psychology, we hypothesized that individual differences in enduring dispositions could serve as points of contact that would help inform the evolving social-clinical interface and provide a focus for future interface research. The results of our study suggest that despite some lulls, enduring dispositions are consistent aspects of clinical research over the last 40 years and thus serve as an area of overlap and intersection between social and clinical psychology. Our results also suggest that while personality traits are the most widely studied enduring dispositions in clinical psychology, individual differences in cognitive and affective traits, and to a lesser extent, motivation traits, are also broadly applicable to all three interface sub-areas identified by Leary (1987). Results are discussed with reference to historical milestones in clinical psychology that have helped procure the relevance of enduring dispositions to the social-clinical interface.
A 1.4 GHz MMIC active isolator for integrated wireless systems applications

A GaAs MMIC active isolator with a center frequency of 1.4 GHz and a bandwidth of 200 MHz is described. The active isolator combines a low-noise amplifier and a Tee attenuator. The transistor used for the low-noise amplifier is a PHEMT D-FET with 5 gate fingers and a gate width of 50 μm. The characteristic impedance of the attenuator is 50Ω. This simple design results in an insertion loss of 2.5 dB, input and output return loss greater than 12 dB, reverse isolation of 31 dB and noise figure of 5.3 dB.
Variational reduced-density-matrix theory applied to the potential energy surfaces of carbon monoxide in the presence of electric fields

The variational optimization of the energy with respect to the two-electron reduced-density matrix (2-RDM), constrained by N-representability conditions, can determine the shape of molecular potential energy surfaces with useful accuracy. In this paper, we apply the 2-RDM method with a first-order optimization algorithm [Mazziotti, D. A. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2004, 93, 213001] to investigating the potential energy surfaces of carbon monoxide in the presence and absence of an electric field. Two beneficial characteristics of the 2-RDM method for computing potential energy surfaces include the following: (i) its ability to capture multireference effects without specifying any reference wave function or density matrix and (ii) its guarantee of a global energy minimum in the variational optimization. The 2-RDM method produces electronic ground-state energies with similar accuracy at equilibrium and nonequilibrium geometries in both the presence and the absence of the electric field. Computed dipole moments are similar in accuracy to the values from the computationally expensive configuration interaction with single, double, triple, and quadruple excitations. These surfaces have important applications in quantum molecular control theory.
Putting principles into practice

CALL evaluation might ideally draw on principles from fields such as second language acquisition, language pedagogy, instructional design, and testing and measurement in order to make judgments about criteria such as elaborated input, feedback, collaborative learning, authentic tasks, navigation, screen design, reliability, validity, impact, and practicality. In this study, a subset of criteria were used to evaluate the design of English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) online courses and assessments, Longman English Online. This article illustrates how a set of principles suggested evaluation criteria which, in turn, suggested particular variables for the instructional design; these variables, again in turn, suggested potential operationalizations which could be implemented as task features in CALL materials. Results of the judgmental evaluation indicated that most of the criteria were met, although some better than others.
Dog tracheal epithelial cells in culture synthesize sulfated macromolecular glycoconjugates and release them from the cell surface upon exposure to extracellular proteinases.

To determine whether glycoconjugates can be released into airways by surface epithelial cells that do not contain secretory granules and, if so, whether extracellular proteinases can affect this release, we studied dog tracheal epithelial cells after 8–10 days in culture. Ultrastructurally, these cells showed an extensive cell surface coat and no secretory granules. Cells were pulse labeled with radioactive sulfate (Na2 35SO4 50 μCi/ml/24 h) and washed free of the unbound label. Release of sulfated products was then measured at 20-min intervals under basal conditions and again after 20 min of incubation with various extracellular proteinases. We found that these cells synthesized sulfated products and released them spontaneously and continuously into the medium. In addition, trypsin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase, thermolysin, Staphylococcus aureus proteinase, mast cell chymase, plasmin, and kallikrein (each at 10−7 M except plasmin, at 5 × 10−6 M) increased the release of sulfated products to 77–667% o...
Reproductive Biology and Annual Population Cycle of Oxyloma retusum (Pulmonata: Succineidae)*

Abstract: I studied the reproduction and the population turnover of a succineid land snail living by a small lake in central Maryland. The identity of the snail, deduced from its external characteristics and the genitalia, comes closest to Oxyloma retusum (Lea, 1834). The species has a semelparous life cycle. The snails that survive the winter grow and reproduce from late March until the end of June when they reach their maximum size and die off. Their offspring (the spring generation) grow throughout the spring and the summer and reproduce briefly near the end of August. In the fall, the survivors from the spring generation and their offspring hibernate from November until the end of March. Snails mate by shell-mounting. In 89% of pairs, mating was anatomically reciprocal. During courtship, one snail climbs on the shell of a prospective mate and circles the shell to initiate mating. In mating pairs with a shell length difference of more than 1 mm, the smaller snail was always on top. This suggests that o...
Psychological adaptation and salutogenesis in space: Lessons from a series of studies

Abstract Individuals who adapt positively to an inhospitable or extreme environment can derive benefit from their experiences. This positive effect may include an initial improvement in mental health as someone adjusts to the environment (adaptation) as well as more sustained personal growth during the mission (salutogenesis). We review relevant findings from our prior work, including two post-mission surveys of astronauts and cosmonauts, and three studies of crewmembers during missions in a space station simulator, the Mir space station, and the International Space Station (ISS). We also present new analyses showing evidence for adaptation to ISS missions. This finding replicates our previous results from the simulation study, but this effect was not found on the Mir. A better understanding of psychological adaptation and salutogenesis during space flight should help us develop strategies to enhance crewmembers’ in-flight stress tolerance and post-flight adjustment.
Biodegradable elastic patch plasty ameliorates left ventricular adverse remodeling after ischemia–reperfusion injury: A preclinical study of a porous polyurethane material in a porcine model

Objective Myocardial infarction (MI) can lead to irreversible adverse left ventricular remodeling resulting in subsequent severe dysfunction. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential for biodegradable, elastomeric patch implantation to positively alter the remodeling process after MI in a porcine model. Methods Yorkshire pigs underwent a 60-minute catheter balloon occlusion of the left circumflex artery. Two weeks after MI animals underwent epicardial placement of a biodegradable, porous polyurethane (poly(ester urethane)urea; PEUU) patch (MI+PEUU, n = 7) or sham surgery (MI+sham, n = 8). Echocardiography before surgery and at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery measured the end-diastolic area (EDA) and fractional area change (%FAC). All animals were humanely killed 8 weeks after surgery and hearts were histologically assessed. Results At 8 weeks, echocardiography revealed greater EDA values in the MI+sham group (23.6 ± 6.6 cm 2 , mean ± standard deviaation) than in the MI+PEUU group (15.9 ± 2.5 cm 2 ) ( P P P Conclusions Biodegradable elastomeric PEUU patch implantation onto the porcine heart 2 weeks post-MI attenuated left ventricular adverse remodeling and functional deterioration and was accompanied by increased neovascularization. These findings, although limited to a 2-month follow-up, may suggest an attractive clinical option to moderate post-MI cardiac failure.
A modified assay for blood coagulation factor X111 using enzyme immobilisation on Staphylococcus aureus: preliminary evaluation

The binding of anti-factor (F) XIII antibody to protein A on Staphylococcus aureus (Staph Aureus) was utilised to selectively remove FXIII (a protransglutaminase) from the sample. Following binding by specific antibody, the presence of the transglutaminase was then evaluated by a filter paper assay. Used in conjunction with the filter paper assay, preliminary evaluation of the Staph Aureus assay appears to provide increased sensitivity for quantification of FXIII activity in fibrinogen containing samples over that of the filter paper assay alone. In addition, the modified assay circumvents the requirement to remove or neutralise endogenous fibrinogen (in applicable samples).
The effect of bronchofiberscopic examination on oxygenation status.

Arterial blood gases were measured in 62 patients, none of whom was critically ill, to determine the effect of transnasal fiberoptic bronchoscopy on oxygenation status. Blood samples were obtained at regular intervals during the procedure. Thirty-four patients who were broncho-scoped while breathing room air had a significant drop in the arterial Po 2 following saline solution lavage. Twenty-eight patients who were given 28 percent oxygen via a Ventimask during the procedure were protected from this hypoxemia. Simultaneously measured arterial pH and Pco 2 were unchanged during the procedure. Premedication alone resulted in a minimal but insignificant drop in PaO 2 in 7 patients. These observations suggest that if the initial PaO 2 is less than 70 mm Hg on room air, bronchoscopy by the transnasal approach is best performed with the administration of oxygen through an appropriate mask. If the patient is at risk of developing hypercapnia with supplemental oxygen, a 28 percent Ventimask should be utilized to prevent significant hypoxemia without causing hypercapnia.
Acclimation of photosynthesis, respiration and ecosystem carbon flux of a wetland on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration

Acclimation of photosynthesis and respiration in shoots and ecosystem carbon dioxide fluxes to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (C a ) was studied in a brackish wetland. Open top chambers were used to create test atmospheres of normal ambient and elevated C a (=normal ambient + 34 Pa CO2) over mono-specific stands of the C3 sedge Scirpus olneyi, the dominant C3 species in the wetland ecosystem, throughout each growing season since April of 1987. Acclimation of photosynthesis and respiration were evaluated by measurements of gas exchange in excised shoots. The impact of elevated C a on the accumulation of carbon in the ecosystem was determined by ecosystem gas exchange measurements made using the open top chamber as a cuvette. Elevated C a increased carbohydrate and reduced Rubisco and soluble protein concentrations as well as photosynthetic capacity(A) and dark respiration (R d ; dry weight basis) in excised shoots and canopies (leaf area area basis) of Scirpus olneyi. Nevertheless, the rate of photosynthesis was stimulated 53% in shoots and 30% in canopies growing in elevated C a compared to normal ambient concentration. Elevated C a inhibited R d measured in excised shoots (−19 to −40%) and in seasonally integrated ecosystem respiration (R e ; −36 to −57%). Growth of shoots in elevated C a was stimulated 14–21%, but this effect was not statistically significant at peak standing biomass in midseason. Although the effect of elevated C a on growth of shoots was relatively small, the combined effect of increased number of shoots and stimulation of photosynthesis produced a 30% stimulation in seasonally integrated gross primary production (GPP). The stimulation of photosynthesis and inhibition of respiration by elevated C a increased net ecosystem production (NEP=GPP−R e ) 59% in 1993 and 50% in 1994. While this study consistently showed that elevated C a produced a significant increase in NEP, we have not identified a correspondingly large pool of carbon below ground.
Strain Identification in Rhizobium Using Intrinsic Antibiotic Resistance

The variation in intrinsic resistance to low levels of eight antibiotics was used as an identifying characteristic for 26 Rhizobium leguminosarum strains. The pattern of antibiotic resistance of each strain was a stable property by which rhizobia isolated from root nodules of inoculated Pisum sativum could be recognized. The antibiotic tests for strain identification with R. leguminosarum were applied to R. phaseoli. It was necessary to include reference cultures in tests with this species, as the tests most suitable for the R. leguminosarum strains showed some variability with R. phaseoli.
In-plane deformations of the heme group in native and nonnative oxidized cytochrome c probed by resonance Raman dispersion spectroscopy

We determined the dispersion of the depolarization ratio (DPR) of several Raman bands of ferricytochrome c at different pH values using low-ionic-strength conditions. The experimental data predominantly cover the pre-resonance and resonance region of Q-band excitation. The selected pH values 7.5, 9.0, 10.0 and 11.0 correspond to the conformational states III, III*, IV, and V of the protein. While the existence of the states III, IV, and V is known for nearly 70 years, the nativelike state III* has only recently been obtained from optical measurements at low ionic strength [D. Verbaro, A. Hagarman, J. B. Soffer and R. Schweitzer-Stenner, Biochemistry, 48, 2990, 2009]. We used group-theoretical arguments to obtain in-plane symmetry-lowering deformations from the obtained DPRs of various Raman bands in the high-wavenumber region of the obtained spectra. Thus, we found that a comparatively strong rhombic deformation along the B1g mode, ν18, is maintained at all pH values investigated. It most likely arises from static Jahn-Teller distortion of the E-symmetry ground state. While this distortion depends on the existence of a strong sixth ligand, its occurrence is rather independent of the nature of this ligand as long as a low-spin configuration is maintained. The III III* transition was found to modify A1g-type perturbations of the heme macrocycle. This is likely to reflect a decrease in nonplanar distortions such as ruffling and saddling. This drop in nonplanarity is slightly reversed by the subsequent transitions into states IV and V. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the Q-band region suggest that the III III* transition reduces the electronic contribution to the Q-band splitting, which could reflect either a weakening or a reorientation of the internal electric field in the heme pocket. Our results underscore the relevance of state III* as a thermodynamic intermediate of the alkaline transition between states III and IV. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review article on the diagnosis and treatment of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and dural tears occurring during spinal surgery

Background In spinal surgery, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas attributed to deliberate dural opening (e.g., for tumors, shunts, marsupialization of cysts) or inadvertent/traumatic dural tears (DTs) need to be readily recognized, and appropriately treated. Methods During spinal surgery, the dura may be deliberately opened to resect intradural lesions/tumors, to perform shunts, or to open/marsupialize cysts. DTs, however, may inadvertently occur during primary, but are seen more frequently during revision spinal surgery often attributed to epidural scarring. Other etiologies of CSF fistulas/DTs include; epidural steroid injections, and resection of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL). Whatever the etiology of CSF fistulas or DTs, they must be diagnosed utilizing radioisotope cisternography (RIC), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed axial tomography (CT) studies, and expeditiously repaired. Results DTs should be repaired utilizing interrupted 7-0 Gore-Tex (W.L. Gore and Associates Inc., Elkton, MD, USA) sutures, as the suture itself is larger than the needle; the larger suture occludes the dural puncture site. Closure may also include muscle patch grafts, dural patches/substitutes (bovine pericardium), microfibrillar collagen (Duragen: Integra Life Sciences Holdings Corporation, Plainsboro, NJ), and fibrin glues or dural sealants (Tisseel: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA). Only rarely are lumbar drains and wound-peritoneal and/or lumboperitoneal shunts warranted. Conclusion DTs or CSF fistulas attributed to primary/secondary spinal surgery, trauma, epidural injections, OPLL, OYL, and other factors, require timely diagnosis (MRI/CT/Cisternography), and appropriate reconstruction.
Using nitroxide spin labels. How to obtain T1e from continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectra at all rotational rates

Historically, the continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) progressive saturation method has been used to obtain information on the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1e) and those processes, such as motion and spin exchange, that occur on a competitive timescale. For example, qualitative information on local dynamics and solvent accessibility of proteins and nucleic acids has been obtained by this method. However, making quantitative estimates of T1e from CW-EPR spectra have been frustrated by a lack of understanding of the role of T1e (and T2e) in the slow-motion regime. Theoretical simulation of the CW-EPR lineshapes in the slow-motion region under increasing power levels has been used in this work to test whether the saturation technique can produce quantitative estimates of the spin-lattice relaxation rates. A method is presented by which the correct T1e may be extracted from an analysis of the power-saturation rollover curve, regardless of the amount of inhomogeneous broadening or the rates of molecular reorientation. The range of motional correlation times from 10 to 200 ns should be optimal for extracting quantitative estimates of T1e values in spin-labeled biomolecules. The progressive-saturation rollover curve method should find wide application in those areas of biophysics where information on molecular interactions and solvent exposure as well as molecular reorientation rates are desired.
Children and adolescents who have schizophrenia.

1. Adriana E. Groisman, MD 2. Martha L. Seminatore, MD 1. Jacobi Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 1. Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia. McClellan J, Werry J, and the Work Group on Quality Issues of the AACAP. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2001;40(suppl) :4S -23S 2. Symptom Factors in Early-Onset Psychotic Disorders . McClellan J, McCurry C, Speltz ML, Jones K. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002;41 :791– 798 [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] 3. Substance Abuse and Emergency Psychiatry . Zealberg JJ, Brady KT. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1999;22 :808– 817 [OpenUrl][4] 4. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 4th ed (DSM-IV). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994:273–315 Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder associated with deficits in cognition, affect, and social functioning. The onset of illness can occur rarely as early as 5 years of age, but after the age of 13 years, the incidence increases steadily. Early-onset (before age 18 y) and very early-onset (before age 13 y) schizophrenia are diagnosed by using the same criteria as in adults, and these forms appear to be continuous with the adult form of the disorder. Youths who have schizophrenia are predominantly males, have high rates of premorbid abnormalities and higher ratings on negative and positive symptoms, and often exhibit poor outcome. Schizophrenia is a phasic disorder, with individual variability. The phases are: [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BAcademy%2Bof%2BChild%2Band%2BAdolescent%2BPsychiatry%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BAcad%2BChild%2BAdolesc%2BPsychiatry%26rft.aulast%253DMcClellan%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%26rft.volume%253D41%26rft.issue%253D7%26rft.spage%253D791%26rft.epage%253D798%26rft.atitle%253DSymptom%2Bfactors%2Bin%2Bearly-onset%2Bpsychotic%2Bdisorders.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252F00004583-200207000-00010%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12108803%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/00004583-200207000-00010&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=12108803&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fpedsinreview%2F24%2F10%2F356.atom [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DPsychiatr%2BClin%2BNorth%2BAm.%26rft.volume%253D22%26rft.spage%253D808%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Grey matter and cognitive deficits in young relatives of schizophrenia patients.

Abstract Grey-matter volumetric and cognitive deficits in young, high-risk relatives of schizophrenia patients may be vulnerability markers of the illness. Although these markers may be correlated, it is unclear if their distributions in relatives overlap. We examined convergence of these markers in 94 young first and second-degree relatives (HR) and 81 healthy controls. Subjects were assessed using WCST, CPT-IP and Benton–Hamscher tests and on grey-matter volumes of brain regions related to language, attention and executive function using FreeSurfer to process T1-MR-images. K-means clustering using cognitive performance scores split relatives into sub-samples with better (HR + C, n = 35) and worse (HR-C, n = 59) cognition after controlling for age and gender. All regional volumes and language related regional laterality-indices were compared between HR-C, HR + C and control subjects, controlling for age, gender and intra-cranial volume. Volumes of caudate nuclei, thalami, hippocampi, inferior frontal gyri, Heschl's gyri, superior parietal cortices, supramarginal gyri, right angular gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus, leftward laterality of supramarginal and inferior frontal gyri and rightward laterality of the angular gyrus were reduced in HR-C compared to controls. Volumes of Heschl's gyri, left supramarginal gyrus, inferior frontal gyri, hippocampi and caudate nuclei HR-C were smaller in HR-C compared to HR + C. HR + C showed deficits compared to controls only for the superior parietal and right angular volumes. Premorbid neuroanatomical and laterality alterations in schizophrenia may selectively manifest in cognitively compromised relatives. Overlapping structural and cognitive deficits may define a hyper vulnerable sub-sample among individuals at familial predisposition to schizophrenia.
Aquitard Distribution In A Northern Reach Of The Miami Valley Aquifer, Ohio, USA: Part 2. Interpretation Of Facies And Geostatistical Results

For a reach of the Miami Valley aquifer system centered on Dayton, Ohio, USA, lithologic information was compiled from outcrops, from the logs of 624 wells, and from a continuous core 15 cm in diameter. These data were analyzed using geostatistical and stratigraphic methodologies.
Development of central and peripheral catecholaminergic systems in rats addicted perinatally to methadone.

Abstract In order to examine the effects of perinatal methadone exposure on development of central and peripheral catecholaminergic systems, methadone was administered daily to pregnant and nursing rats; the effects on postnatal development of body and brain weights, adrenal catecholamine (CA) levels and adrenal activities of the CA biosynthetic enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) were measured along with brain TH. In general, pups whose mothers received methadone exhibited deficits in adrenal CA and TH; however, the adrenal effects in pups born to methadone-treated mothers but reared by controls (prenatal exposure only) were less pronounced than in those born to and reared by addicted mothers (prenatal + postnatal exposure), and the greatest disturbances were found in pups born to controls but reared by drug-treated mothers (postnatal exposure). These data suggest that methadone exposure in utero protects the neonate from the postnatal slowing of adrenomedullary development caused by subsequent maternal drug treatment. In contrast, the prenatal period of exposure appeard to sensitize the pups to the lag in brain TH development resulting from subsequent postnatal treatment, since a greater effect was seen in those exposed prenatally + postnatally than in those exposed only prenatally or only postnatally. The adrenal results obtained with maternal administration differed from those after direct injections of pups with methadone, suggesting that drug-induced alterations in maternal behaviour and/or metabolism may play a role in the peripheral neurochemical deficits in the pups; similarly, direct neonatal methadone treatment produced reductions in brain TH but postnatal exposure via maternal administration did not. These data indicate that fetal or neonatal exposure to methadone changes the neurochemical development of catecholaminergic systems in both central and peripheral nervous tissues; the magnitude and type of alteration depend upon both the time period and route of exposure.
The spaces of public dissension: Reconsidering the public sphere

The centrality of consensus in contemporary inquiries into society limits our understanding of dissent and contemporary disputation. This paper raises the question of what role dissent plays in contemporary society by interrogating an exemplar of traditional social rhetoric, the public sphere. An examination of the six characteristics of the public sphere suggests that the dominance of consensus has restricted our understanding of contemporary public argument and resistance. The possibility of de‐centering consensus and the public sphere and reconsidering dissension is explored.
Hydroclimatic trend detection in a rapidly urbanizing semi-arid and coastal river basin

Summary Detection of past trends, changes, and variability in the time series of hydroclimatic variables is important for understanding the potential impact of future change. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in several hydroclimatic variables in the rapidly urbanizing semi-arid San Antonio River Basin, particularly trends in freshwater inflows to the Guadalupe Estuary. Seasonal time series for 27 hydroclimatic variables from nine USGS stream gauging stations and five NCDC weather stations were analyzed for trend using the Mann–Kendall non-parametric test after removing serial and cross-correlations. The significance of detected trends was analyzed using a permutation method. Variability in total annual and seasonal precipitation was characterized and the effect of precipitation on regional streamflow trends during coinciding periods was analyzed. Results of the analysis revealed a definitive line just below the City of San Antonio above which the influence of the increase in impermeable surfaces can be clearly seen. Above this line nearly all significant trends were negative (decreasing). The percent contribution of baseflow to total streamflow in the upper watershed decreased for almost every season for average, high, and low precipitation events. Below this line all significant trends were positive (increasing). A greater number of significant trends was seen in all hydroclimatic variables during all seasons at stations in the lower watershed and the percent contribution of baseflow to streamflow is increasing across most seasons for average, high, and low precipitation. Some significant positive trends were found in precipitation, but only in the winter season and with no significant spatial pattern. Streamflow has been increasing at the outlet of the watershed, however, freshwater inflow contributions from this watershed are only being met during years that have higher than average precipitation. This has very real implications for management in this watershed.
MicroRNA-mediated GABAAα-1 receptor subunit down-regulation in adult spinal cord following neonatal cystitis-induced chronic visceral pain in rats

The nociceptive transmission under pathological chronic pain conditions involves transcriptional and/or translational alteration in spinal neurotransmitters, receptor expressions, and modification of neuronal functions. Studies indicate the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) - mediated transcriptional deregulation in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic pain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that long-term cross-organ colonic hypersensitivity in neonatal zymosan-induced cystitis is due to miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional suppression of the developing spinal GABAergic system. Cystitis was produced by intravesicular injection of zymosan (1% in saline) into the bladder during postnatal (P) days P14 through P16 and spinal dorsal horns (L6-S1) were collected either on P60 (unchallenged groups) or on P30 after a zymosan re-challenge on P29 (re-challenged groups). miRNA arrays and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed significant, but differential, up-regulation of mature miR-181a in the L6-S1 spinal dorsal horns from zymosan-treated rats compared with saline-treated controls in both the unchallenged and re-challenged groups. The target gene analysis demonstrated multiple complementary binding sites in miR-181a for GABA(A) receptor subunit GABA(Aα-1) gene with a miRSVR score of -1.83. An increase in miR-181a concomitantly resulted in significant down-regulation of GABA(Aα-1) receptor subunit gene and protein expression in adult spinal cords from rats with neonatal cystitis. Intrathecal administration of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol failed to attenuate the viscero-motor response (VMR) to colon distension in rats with neonatal cystitis, whereas in adult zymosan-treated rats the drug produced significant decrease in VMR. These results support an integral role for miRNA-mediated transcriptional deregulation of the GABAergic system in neonatal cystitis-induced chronic pelvic pain.
Inhibition of the Release of the Ovulating Hormone in Immature Rats with Hypothalamic Lesions11

PMS-induced ovulation in immature rats involves a neuroendocrine pathway. Bilateral electrolytic lesions located in the medial preoptic area, basal-medial preoptic area, or ventral medial anterior hypothalamic area prevented the ovulatory response following a single injection of PMS (pregnant mare's serum). Lesions of the medial preoptic area failed to interfere with ovulation following treatment with PMS and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Electrode placement (sham) into the medial preoptic area failed to alter PMS-induced ovulation. PMS-induced ovulation occurred in the presence of bilateral lesions located in other areas of the hypothalamus than those listed above. From these experiments it is concluded that the mechanism of PMS-induced ovulation involves the medial preoptic and basal anterior hypothalamic regions. (Endocrinology 77: 255, 1965)
Signal processing challenges in active queue management

The publication of Floyd and Jacobson's seminal paper "Random early detection gateways for congestion avoidance" (1993), marked a new direction in networking research and began what is perhaps the most investigated example of cross-layer optimization. While this paper has inspired an immense amount of work in research, many open problems in active queue management (AQM) still remain. This article seeks to frame these problems in terms accessible to the signal processing researchers. The basic idea of AQM has been provided as well as its objective and overviews of a sample of different approaches. The signal processing aspects of the AQM are discussed, specifically the problem of predicting congestion, approaches to detecting changes in network traffic, an estimation problem, dithering, and quantization.
Outcomes of Rural Training Tracks: A Review

Rural training tracks (RTTs) have developed as a strategy to encourage family medicine resident entrance into rural practice. Because most programs are small (two to four residents), data must be aggregated to determine RTT impact on practice preparation and location. Several studies over the last decade reveal that 76 percent of RTT graduates are practicing in rural America and that graduates describe themselves as prepared for rural practice. Sixty-five percent are providing obstetrical services, and half are performing cesarean sections. From 1989 to 1999, there were a total of 107 graduates of rural training programs, making it unlikely that, without significant investment, this model could supply an adequate quantity of family physicians for rural America.
Effect of storage on breast milk antioxidant activity

Background: Human milk, which contains compounds beneficial to infants, is often expressed and stored before use. Changes in its antioxidant activity with storage have not been studied. Objectives: To measure antioxidant activity of fresh, refrigerated (4°C), and frozen human milk (–20°C), stored for two to seven days; to compare the antioxidant activity of milk from mothers delivering prematurely and at term; to compare the antioxidant activity of infant formulas and human milk. Methods: Sixteen breast milk samples (term and preterm) were collected from mothers within 24 hours of delivery and divided into aliquots. Fresh samples were immediately tested for antioxidant activity, and the rest of the aliquots were stored at –20°C or 4°C to be analysed at 48 hours and seven days respectively. The assay used measures the ability of milk samples to inhibit the oxidation of 2,2'-azino-di-3-(ethylbenzthiazolinesulphonate) to its radical cation compared with Trolox. Results: Antioxidant activity at both refrigeration and freezing temperatures was significantly decreased. Freezing resulted in a greater decrease than refrigeration, and storage for seven days resulted in lower antioxidant activity than storage for 48 hours. There was no difference in milk from mothers who delivered prematurely or at term. Significantly lower antioxidant activity was noted in formula milk than in fresh human milk. Conclusions: To preserve the antioxidant activity of human milk, storage time should be limited to 48 hours. Refrigeration is better than freezing and thawing.
Pip92: a short-lived, growth factor-inducible protein in BALB/c 3T3 and PC12 cells.

Abstract pip92 is a cellular immediate-early gene inducible by serum growth factors in fibroblasts. It is also induced in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 by agents that cause proliferation, neuronal differentiation, and membrane depolarization. We show that the pip92-encoded polypeptide is a proline-rich protein of 221 amino acids, has an extremely short half-life, and is localized in the cytoplasm. We hypothesize that Pip92 plays a role in mediating the cellular responses to a variety of extracellular signals.
Identification of multiple, widely spaced estrogen-responsive regions in the rat progesterone receptor gene.

Progesterone receptors (PRs) mediate the actions of progestin hormones and play important roles during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. Since PR expression is known to be regulated by estrogen, we have undertaken studies to examine the mechanisms underlying this regulation. We have identified multiple distinct regions of the rat PR gene, widely spaced and spread throughout the 5'-flanking region, the 5'-untranslated region, and the first exon (between -2264 and +2241), that can form a strong estrogen-responsive enhancer when linked together. Estrogen-responsive activities for two of the regions in isolation (+461/+636 and +2176/+2241) were demonstrated in one or more homologous or heterologous promoter contexts. The contributions of the other regions (-2264/-1970, -1167/-957 and +2088/+2110) to the overall activity of the assembled enhancer were cryptic in that they were only observed in the context of the other PR gene fragments, not in isolation. We identified four weak, but functional, imperfect estrogen response elements (EREs) in these regions of the PR gene, each differing from the consensus by 2 base pairs. In addition, we identified four ERE half-sites in the PR gene, three of which are paired (i.e. < 150 base pairs away) with the EREs in the estrogen-responsive regions. Competitive gel shift assays demonstrated weak, but detectable, binding of estrogen receptor to the EREs. Of note, the estrogen-responsive enhancer assembled from the five regions of the PR gene exhibited promoter specificity; it conferred estrogen responsiveness of the distal PR gene promoter, but it failed to enhance the endogenous estrogen responsiveness of the proximal PR gene promoter. The positioning of response elements in the rat PR gene, which we show to be unique among steroid hormone-regulated genes, may have functional consequences for the regulation of the magnitude and timing of PR gene expression by estrogen.
Lupus anticoagulant and lacunar infarctions

Lupus anticoagulant is more often associated with thromboembolism than hemorrhage. We have observed two cases of lupus anticoagulant associated with basal ganglion lacunar infarction, causing contralateral choreoathetosis. One patient had no evidence of lupus or other etiology, and responded to antiplatelet therapy, while the other was found to have systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis and was successfully treated with steroids. The effects of lupus anticoagulant on platelet prostacyclin receptors or prostacyclin production, or its effect on cerebral vessels may permit small-vessel occlusion and lacunar infarction in susceptible patients.
Growth temperature affects accumulation of exogenous fatty acids and fatty acid composition in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

The incorporation of exogenously supplied fatty acids, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid, was examined in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe at two growth temperatures, 20 °C and 30 °C. Fatty acids supplied to S. pombe in the growth medium were found to be preferentially incorporated into the cells, becoming a dominant species. The relative increase in exogenous fatty acids in cells came at the expense of endogenous oleic acid as a proportion of total fatty acids. Lowering the temperature at which the yeast were grown resulted in decreased levels of incorporation of the fatty acids palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and linoleic acid compared to cells supplemented at 30 °C. In addition, the relative amount of the endogenously produced unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, while greatly reduced compared to unsupplemented cells, was increased in cells supplemented with fatty acids at 20 °C compared to supplemented cells at 30 °C. The differential production of oleic acid in S. pombe cells indicates that regulation of unsaturated fatty acid levels, possibly by control of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase, is an important control point in membrane composition in response to temperature and diet in this species.
Alternate Strategies for Dual Failure Restoration Using p-Cycles

We propose a two-step method to enhance the dual-failure restorability in p-cycle protected mesh networks that are optimally designed to withstand only single failures. Our two-step method relies on finding alternate routes to repair the non functional p-cycles upon the first failure and protect the exposed spans. We then compare our proposed method with the cycle reconfiguration method proposed in [9] in which the spare capacity is reconfigured dynamically (either incrementally or completely) after the first failure. We find out the additional spare capacity required for dual failure restorability as compared to single failure restorability for our proposed method as well as the incremental and complete cycle reconfiguration methods. We conclude our findings based on our results and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods.