cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A broad band printed bow-tie antenna with a simplified feed

A broad band printed bow-tie antenna with a simplified feeding mechanism is proposed. The printed bow-tie antenna is fed by a transmission line formed by two parallel strips printed on the opposite sides of the dielectric substrate. The parallel strips are connected to a microstrip line with a truncated ground plane. The analysis of the antenna is performed numerically using commercial FEM software, Ansoft High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). A sample of the proposed antenna was built and experimentally validated, showing a good agreement with the simulation results.
Computer‐based learning enhanced by surprise: an evolutionary psychological model

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to discuss a variety of empirical findings suggesting that surprise is positively related with enhanced memory recall. This opens the door for the assumption that surprising stimuli can be used in a controlled way to enhance learning.Design/methodology/approach – A predictive model based on a Darwinian interpretation of this phenomenon is proposed. The model is coined CLEBS, which stands for “computer‐based learning enhanced by surprise”.Findings – A discussion on how the model can be tested is provided in the context of a finance‐oriented Web‐based learning task, where subjects learn about investment instruments such as stocks and bonds.Originality/value – Important implications are discussed, including possible applications in a variety of areas of interest to organizations in general.
In vivo quantitative microvasculature phenotype imaging of healthy and malignant tissues using a fiber-optic confocal laser microprobe.

Abstract Real-time in vivo imaging of the microvasculature may help both earlier clinical detection of disease and the understanding of tumor.host interaction at various stages of progression. In vivo confocal and multiphoton microscopy is often hampered by bulky optics setup and has limited access to internal organs. A fiber-optic setup avoids these limitations and offers great user maneuverability. We report here the in vivo validation of a fiber-optic confocal fluorescence microprobe imaging system. In addition, we developed an automated fractal-based image analysis to characterize microvascular morphology based on vessel diameter distribution, density, volume fraction, and fractal dimension from real-time data. The system is optimized for use in the far-red and near-infrared region. The flexible 1.5-mm-diameter fiber-optic bundle and microprobe enable great user maneuverability, with a field of view of 423 × 423 μm and a tissue penetration of up to 15 μm. Lateral and axial resolutions are 3.5 and 15 μm. We show that it is possible to obtain high temporal and spatial resolution images of virtually any abdominal viscera in situ using a far-red blood pool imaging probe. Using an orthotopic model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we characterized the tumor surface capillary and demonstrated that the imaging system and analysis can quantitatively differentiate between the normal and tumor surface capillary. This clinically approved fiber-optic system, together with the fractal-based image analysis, can potentially be applied to characterize other tumors in vivo and may be a valuable tool to facilitate their clinical evaluation.
Comparison of laparoendoscopic single-site and multiport laparoscopic radical and partial nephrectomy: a prospective, nonrandomized study.

Objective To prospectively compare outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site and multiport laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy, focusing on postoperative pain and analgesic requirement. Methods Nonrandomized, prospective comparison of laparoendoscopic single-site and multiport laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy. Thirty-four patients underwent laparoendoscopic single-site (17 radical nephrectomy/17 partial nephrectomy); 42 underwent multiport laparoscopy (28 radical nephrectomy/14 partial nephrectomy) from February 2009 to February 2010. Laparoendoscopic single-site transperitoneal access was obtained by periumbilical incision through which all trocars were inserted. Laparoendoscopic radical nephrectomy/partial nephrectomy recapitulated steps of multiport laparoscopic radical nephrectomy/partial nephrectomy. Demographics/tumor characteristics, outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Results Forty-two of 42 multiport laparoscopic and 32/34 laparoendoscopic single-site cases were successfully performed. Mean follow-up was 16.2 months. For laparoendoscopic single-site and multiport laparoscopy groups mean operating room time (min) was 159.3 vs 158.9 ( P = .952); mean estimated blood loss (mL) was 175.7 vs 156.1 ( P = .553); percent transfused was 2.9% vs 0% ( P = .925). No significant differences in complications were noted ( P = .745). Significant decrease in analgesic use (6 morphine equivalents vs 11.6, P P P = .57), RENAL score (0.962), ischemia time (28.6 vs 27.5 minutes, P = .70), and preoperative ( P = .78)/postoperative creatinine ( P = .32). For laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy and multiport laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, no significant differences were noted for mean tumor diameter (5.6 vs 5.3 cm, P = .63), RENAL score ( P = .815), and mean operative time (142.3 vs 155.4 minutes P = .13). Conclusion In this well-matched, prospective comparison, laparoendoscopic single-site is comparable with multiport laparoscopic surgery in terms of perioperative parameters and may confer benefit with respect to analgesic requirement. Randomized evaluation and longer-term follow-up are necessary.
Attitudes and practices of dermatologists and primary care physicians who treat patients for MPHL: results of a survey

AbstractObjectives:The study’s objectives were (a) to characterize physicians’ attitudes and practices in relation to treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL), (b) to examine differences vis-a-vis physician distinctions, and (c) to consider the findings in relation to published research on MPHL patients’ treatment-seeking experiences.Methods:The online survey across six countries (United States, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Korea) involved 466 physicians (263 dermatologists and 203 primary care physicians [PCPs]) who at least occasionally treat patients for MPHL.Results:Over 50% of physicians were cognizant of patients’ concerns and the impact of hair loss on patients’ quality of life. Moreover, 65% were comfortable talking about MPHL with patients, and 62% were comfortable recommending treatment. On the other hand, about one-third of surveyed physicians were not especially comfortable assessing and treating MPHL. Relative to PCPs, dermatologists reported a significantly greater likelihood of spending...
Structure of the path length set in asymmetric trees

We characterize the path length set of asymmetric binary fractal trees in terms of the scaling ratios, r and l. We show that if r + l < 1, then the path length set is a Cantor set, and if r + l ≥ 1, then the path length set is an interval.
Hospitalised smokers: characteristics, treatment, and transition to ambulatory care.

Denver Health includes a central hospital with 18 000 admissions per year, and a large integrated network of 11 community health centres with 350 000 visits per year. Fifty per cent of patients are uninsured, 40% have incomes below the poverty level, and 70% are from a minority group. Denver Health has had outpatient cessation classes in the community health centres since the early 1980s. In 1994, we convened a tobacco control committee to address issues such as a tobacco free campus, smoking status assessment as a fifth vital sign, and publication of a tobacco control newsletter. In 1996, when nicotine gum had already gone over the counter (OTC) and nicotine patches were about to become OTC, our payers were deciding not to cover most OTC products. Our challenge was to convince two groups—the hospital pharmacy committee and the Medicaid managed care organisation—that nicotine replacement therapy should be covered. Our approach was to suggest that patches, when used in conjunction with outpatient counselling, are very cost effective—in the order of 10 times more cost effective than screening for hypertension. Knowing that both groups would want to contain costs, we proposed to put …
Broadband Matching Bounds for Coupled Loads

The Bode-Fano bounds on the integral over all frequency of the logarithm of the reflection coefficient between a source and a load, connected to each other through a passive matching network, are well-known measures of the bandwidth of the matching network and load. When there are multiple coupled loads being driven by multiple independent sources, the notion of a single reflection coefficient is not obvious since energy delivered to one load port may reflect, in part, out another port. Establishing the maximum possible bandwidth of the matching network and loads requires the development of a broadband matching theory that applies to coupled systems. We define a bandwidth measure for coupled loads based on the integral logarithm of their collective power reflection, and develop upper bounds on this measure. These upper bounds can be used to examine the effects of coupling on bandwidth, and to evaluate the broadband performance of matching networks for an arbitrary number of coupled loads.
Doppler Estimation of Changes in Pulmonary Artery Pressure During Hypoxic Breathing

To assess the use of Doppler echocardiographic screening for abnormal pulmonary vasoreactivity, we measured pulmonary artery pressure in 10 adult patients and 11 normal subjects while recording Doppler right ventricular outflow acceleration time, pre-ejection period, and ejection time. In the normal subjects we also measured the changes in each parameter after 10 minutes of hypoxic breathing (FIO 2 = 0.12). Mean pulmonary artery pressure increased by 39% during hypoxia (13 ± 4.3 to 18 ± 5.4 mm Hg). In the patients and normal subjects at rest, mean pulmonary artery pressure correlated well with acceleration time ( r = −0.84; standard error of the estimate, 6.6 mm Hg; p = 0.0001). Over the narrow range of mean pulmonary artery pressure in normal subjects at rest, mean pulmonary artery pressure did not correlate well with acceleration time, acceleration time/pre-ejection period, or acceleration time/right ventricular ejection time. However, changes in mean pulmonary artery pressure induced by hypoxic breathing did correlate with changes in acceleration time/right ventricular ejection time ( r = 0.73; standard error of the estimate, 2.3 mm Hg; p = 0.01). Doppler ultrasound may offer a noninvasive means for detecting abnormal pulmonary vasoreactivity in asymptomatic individuals at risk for developing pulmonary hypertension.
A Mild Method for the Esterification of Fatty Acids

Abstract In conjunction with a synthetic problem, we were in need of a method for the stoichiometric esterification of fatty acids, containing the aqueous acid labile tert-butyl dimethylsilyloxy group (OTBS), with a variety of alcohols. It has been reported2 that fatty acids form acylureas in the presence of dicyclo-hexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and methanol3 without esterification.
Using 'Big Data' for analytics and decision support

People and the computers they use are generating large amounts of varied data. The phenomenon of capturing and trying to use all of the semi-structured and unstructured data has been called by vendors and bloggers ‘Big Data’. Organisations can capture and store data of many types from almost any source, but capturing and storing data only adds value when it has a useful purpose. Big Data must be used to provide input to analytics and decision support capabilities if it is to create real value for organisations. Some bloggers, industry leaders and academics have become disillusioned by the term Big Data. It is a marketing term and not a technical term. More descriptive terms like unstructured data, process data and machine data are more useful for information technology (IT) professionals. Researchers need to study and document use cases that explain how specific, novel data, so-called Big Data, can be used to support decision-making.
The gamma-ray observatory mission objectives and its significance for gamma-ray astronomy

The Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is an approved NASA mission, programmed for launch in 1988. Its complement of four detectors has established goals: (1) to study the nature of compact gamma-ray sources such as neutron stars and black holes, or objects whose nature is yet to be understood; (2) to search for evidence of nucleosynthesis especially in the regions of supernovae; (3) to study structural features and dynamical properties of the Galaxy; (4) to explore other galaxies, especially the extraordinary types such as radio, Seyferts, and quasars; and (5) to study cosmological effects by examining the diffuse radiation in detail. This paper discusses the design, objectives, and expected scientific results of each of the GRO instruments in view of the GRO mission goals.
Approximating closed form solutions to converging branch dynamic programming problems

Abstract This paper concerns a method for obtaining closed form approximate solutions to converging branch dynamic programming problems with quadratic returns and linear transitions. For quadratic returns, not necessarily convex, the optimum solutions for each stage generally contain multiple segments. A procedure for dealing with these multiple segments is presented. Problems with nonlinear returns at the converging branch have not been effectively dealt with in the literature. Utilizing a piecewise linear approximation to these nonlinear returns and the multiple segment procedure, closed form solutions to the resulting problems can be obtained. This method facilitates the computerization of this class of converging branch problems.
Point control: approximations of parabolic problems and pseudo parabolic problems

We consider quadratic control problems in which the underlying equation is of parabolic or pseudo-parabolic type and the distributed control is a Dirac-like function. The following approximating properties are studied i) the equation is fixed and the controls converge to a delta function and ii) the type of control is fixed and the pseudo-parahollc equations formally ,approach the parabolic
GFAP and S100β expression in the cortex and hippocampus in response to mild cortical contusion

We studied the acute response of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100beta gene expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus to mild unilateral cortical contusion. Our goal was to evaluate and compare the expression patterns of each gene in the early stages of the astrocytic response to brain injury. RNA was extracted from the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of male rats at 0, 3, 12, 24, or 96 h after lesion or sham-operation, then quantified using an RNase protection assay. Contusion produced a robust elevation in GFAP mRNA by 12 h in both brain regions on the ipsilateral side to the contusion. In the cortex, but not the hippocampus, this elevation was sustained at 96 h. S100beta mRNA levels were elevated bilaterally in lesioned animals at 24 h in both brain regions. However, these data are difficult to interpret because sham mRNA levels decreased with time, making it unclear whether contusion stimulates S100beta gene expression or whether it mitigates the inhibitory effect of sham. We further analyzed the effect of contusion on GFAP and S100beta immunoreactive astrocyte density at 96 h postlesion or postsham by double-label immunocytochemistry. All detectable astrocytes under all conditions were S100beta immunoreactive in both brain regions. Furthermore, all S100beta immunoreactive astrocytes in the lesioned ipsilateral cortex were also GFAP immunoreactive, whereas only about 11% of S100beta positive cells were also GFAP labeled in the contralateral lesioned or the ipsilateral sham cortex. In the hippocampus, all S100beta immunoreactive cells were also GFAP immunoreactive under all conditions. These data correlate with the gene expression data at 96 h, and suggest that, at least in the cortex, resident S100beta-expressing astrocytes produce GFAP at levels that are undetectable by immunocytochemistry until they are activated in response to injury.
Implications of Globalization for the Output-inflation Relationship: an Assessment

During the past two decades, a growing body of research has explored the implications of increased trade and financial openness for the relationship between output and inflation. This paper reviews proposed theoretical channels through which the degree of openness might ultimately affect the output-inflation trade-off and surveys the empirical studies that have sought to determine the net effect of greater openness on this trade-off. In addition, the paper utilizes a single cross-country data set to evaluate, taking into account recent developments in the literature, the likely sign and significance of this net effect. In particular, we find current data imply that there is a negative and significant relationship between openness and the sacrifice ratio, regardless of the transmission channel that is proposed.
Iron Superoxide Dismutase Protects against Chilling Damage in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus species PCC7942

A strain of Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 lacking functional Fe superoxide dismutase (SOD), designated sodB-, was characterized by its growth rate, photosynthetic pigments, inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport activity, and total SOD activity at 0 degrees C, 10 degrees C, 17 degrees C, and 27 degrees C in moderate light. At 27 degrees C, the sodB- and wild-type strains had similar growth rates, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and cyclic photosynthetic electron transport activity. The sodB- strain was more sensitive to chilling stress at 17 degrees C than the wild type, indicating a role for FeSOD in protection against photooxidative damage during moderate chilling in light. However, both the wild-type and sodB- strains exhibited similar chilling damage at 0 degrees C and 10 degrees C, indicating that the FeSOD does not provide protection against severe chilling stress in light. Total SOD activity was lower in the sodB- strain than in the wild type at 17 degrees C and 27 degrees C. Total SOD activity decreased with decreasing temperature in both strains but more so in the wild type. Total SOD activity was equal in the two strains when assayed at 0 degrees C.
Isolation of caseins from whey proteins by microfiltration modifying the mineral balance in skim milk

The objective of this work was to study the effect of different salts and salt concentration on the isolation of casein micelles from bovine raw skim milk by tangential flow microfiltration. Tangential flow microfiltration (0.22 microm) was conducted in a continuous process adding a modified buffer to maintain a constant initial sample volume. This buffer contained calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4), or potassium citrate (K3C6H5O7) in concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mM. The concentrations of caseins and whey proteins retained were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE and analyzed using the Scion Image software (Scion Corporation, Frederick, MD). A complete isolation of caseins from whey proteins was achieved using sodium phosphate in the range of 10 to 50 mM and 20 times the initial volume of buffer added. No whey proteins were detected at 50 mM but this was at the expense of low caseins being retained. When lower sodium phosphate concentrations were used, the amount of caseins retained was higher but a small amount of whey proteins were still detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE. Among the salts tested, calcium chloride at 50 mM and all volumes of buffer showed the higher retention of casein proteins. The highest casein:whey protein ratio was found at 30 mM CaCl2, but no complete casein micelle isolation was achieved. Potassium citrate was the most ineffective salt because a rapid loss of caseins and whey proteins was observed at all concentrations and with low quantities of buffer added during the filtration process. Our results show the potential of altering the mineral balance in milk for isolation of casein micelles from whey proteins in a continuous tangential flow microfiltration system.
A comparison of imputation procedures and statistical tests for the analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis data

Background: Numerous gel-based softwares exist to detect protein changes potentially associated with disease. The data, however, are abundant with technical and structural complexities, making statistical analysis a difficult task. A particularly important topic is how the various softwares handle missing data. To date, no one has extensively studied the impact that interpolating missing data has on subsequent analysis of protein spots. Results: This work highlights the existing algorithms for handling missing data in two-dimensional gel analysis and performs a thorough comparison of the various algorithms and statistical tests on simulated and real datasets. For imputation methods, the best results in terms of root mean squared error are obtained using the least squares method of imputation along with the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm approach to estimate missing values with an array covariance structure. The bootstrapped versions of the statistical tests offer the most liberal option for determining protein spot significance while the generalized family wise error rate (gFWER) should be considered for controlling the multiple testing error. Conclusions: In summary, we advocate for a three-step statistical analysis of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) data with a data imputation step, choice of statistical test, and lastly an error control method in light of multiple testing. When determining the choice of statistical test, it is worth considering whether the protein spots will be subjected to mass spectrometry. If this is the case a more liberal test such as the percentile-based bootstrap t can be employed. For error control in electrophoresis experiments, we advocate that gFWER be controlled for multiple testing rather than the false discovery rate. Background Analysis of quantitative changes in a specific proteome (i.e., complement of proteins expressed in a particular tissue or cell at a given time) is commonly carried out using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). With this procedure, proteins are separated in the first dimension based on iso-electric point, followed by separation based on molecular mass in the second dimension. Subsequently, protein spots are visualized, and the scanned
Targeting ion channels for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders

Gastrointestinal (GI) functional and motility disorders are highly prevalent and responsible for long-term morbidity and sometimes mortality in the affected patients. It is estimated that one in three persons has a GI functional or motility disorder. However, diagnosis and treatment of these widespread conditions remains challenging. This partly stems from the multisystem pathophysiology, including processing abnormalities in the central and peripheral (enteric) nervous systems and motor dysfunction in the GI wall. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are central to the generation and propagation of the cyclical electrical activity and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are responsible for electromechanical coupling. In these and other excitable cells voltage-sensitive ion channels (VSICs) are the main molecular units that generate and regulate electrical activity. Thus, VSICs are potential targets for intervention in GI motility disorders. Research in this area has flourished with advances in the experimental methods in molecular and structural biology and electrophysiology. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the complex and variable electrical behavior of ICCs and SMCs remains incomplete. In this review, we focus on the slow waves and action potentials in ICCs and SMCs. We describe the constituent VSICs, which include voltage-gated sodium (NaV), calcium (CaV), potassium (KV, KCa), chloride (Cl–) and nonselective ion channels (transient receptor potentials [TRPs]). VSICs have significant structural homology and common functional mechanisms. We outline the approaches and limitations and provide examples of targeting VSICs at the pores, voltage sensors and alternatively spliced sites. Rational drug design can come from an integrated view of the structure and mechanisms of gating and activation by voltage or mechanical stress.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Pyridoxine-5′-β-d-glucoside Is Catalyzed by Intestinal Lactase-Phlorizin Hydrolase

An obligatory step in the mammalian nutritional utilization of pyridoxine-5'-beta-D-glucoside (PNG) is the intestinal hydrolysis of its beta-glucosidic bond that releases pyridoxine (PN). This laboratory previously reported the purification and partial characterization of a novel cytosolic enzyme, designated PNG hydrolase, which hydrolyzed PNG. An investigation of the subcellular distribution of intestinal PNG hydrolysis found substantial hydrolytic activity in the total membrane fraction, of which 40-50% was localized to brush border membrane. To investigate the possible role of a brush border beta-glucosidase in the hydrolysis of PNG, lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) was purified from rat small intestinal mucosa. LPH hydrolyzed PNG with a K(m) of 1.0 +/- 0.1 mm, a V(max) of 0.11 +/- 0.01 micromol/min.mg protein, and a k(cat) of 1.0 s(-1). LPH-catalyzed PNG hydrolysis was inhibited by glucose, lactose, and cellobiose but not by PN. Specific blockage of the phlorizin hydrolase site of LPH using 2',4'-dintrophenyl-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside did not reduce PNG hydrolysis. Evidence of transferase activity was also obtained. Reaction mixtures containing LPH, PNG, and lactose yielded the formation of another PN derivative that was identified as a pyridoxine disaccharide. These results indicate that LPH may play an important role in the bioavailability of PNG, but further characterization is needed to assess its physiological function.
Micromachined In-Plane Pressure-Gradient Piezoelectric Microphones

This paper presents the fabrication, modeling, and characterization of a micromachined piezoelectric directional microphone. The microphone structure consists of a 20-μm-thick semirigid beam structure that rotates about torsional pivots in response to in-plane pressure gradients across the length of the beam. The motion of the beam structure is transduced by piezoelectric cantilevers, which deflect when the structure rotates. While the structure has been introduced in prior publications, this is the first paper summarizing rigorous acoustic characterization of first generation prototypes. An analytical model and multimode, multiport network model utilizing finite-element analysis for parameter extraction are presented and compared with acoustic sensitivity measurements. Directivity measurements are interpreted in terms of the multimode model. A noise model for the sensor and readout electronics is presented and compared with measurements.
Photopolymer-based diffractive and MMI waveguide couplers

Diffractive and multimode-interference waveguide couplers constructed from photopolymer materials are presented. Two-material grating-in-the-waveguide optical interconnects are fabricated and tested with respect to waveguide propagation loss and grating out-coupling. Waveguide/grating interconnects have been constructed with both index-defined and air-clad waveguide channel regions, where air-clad channels exhibit measured propagation losses of /spl alpha//sub wg/=0.47-3 dB/cm. Measurements of output coupling coefficients of volume grating couplers terminating various waveguide channels range from /spl alpha//sub g/=1.4-5.3 mm/sup -1/. A 1 /spl times/ 4 photopolymer-based multimode-interference power-splitting coupler fabricated and tested for the provision of in-plane optical coupling is found to demonstrate 0.3-0.6-dB output power uniformity.
JACR Journal Club: the University of Iowa experience.

what the other medical groups in the area are doing. Good or bad, thisshiftinattentionisarealitythat many of us face at graduation. Therefore, we felt that there was a need for the development of an educational process that formally exposed residents to socioeconomic and practice management tips on a regular basis. JOURNAL CLUBS Other residency programs have realized this problem of transitioning trainees from residency to practice and have tried to address it in a variety of ways, including lecture series, journal clubs, retreats, and guest speakers. Journal clubs are a common venue for medical education. Traditional evidence-based journal clubs have been shown to improve knowledge of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics, reading habits, and the use of medical literature in practice[2,3]. Furthermore, there is evidence that resident-runjournalclubsarepreferred
Disability, psychosocial, and demographic characteristics of abused women with physical disabilities

In a sample of 415 predominantly minority women with physical disabilities recruited from private and public specialty outpatient clinics, we examined experiences of physical, sexual, and disability-related abuse within the past year and its associations with demographic, disability, and psychosocial characteristics. Logistic regression analyses identified 27% of the variance and indicated that women with disabilities who were younger, more educated, less mobile, more socially isolated, and who had higher levels of depression may have a higher likelihood of having experienced abuse in the past year. This model correctly identified 84% of the abused women with disabilities. Questions of directionality, the role of disability, and validity testing are discussed.
Novel technique for Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy in pediatric patients.

Abstract A 7-year-old girl had posterior capsule opacification 2 years after cataract extraction without posterior capsulotomy. This report describes a novel technique for Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy in pediatric patients for providers who do not have access to an overhead-mounted Nd:YAG laser.
High frequency of cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes elicited during the virus-induced polyclonal cytotoxic T lymphocyte response

Polyclonal stimulation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) occurs during infection with many viruses including those not known to transform CTL or encode superantigens. This polyclonal CTL response includes the generation of high levels of allospecific CTL directed against many class I haplotypes. In this report we investigated whether the allospecific CTL generated during an acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection of C57BL/6 mice were stimulated specifically by antigen recognition or nonspecifically by polyclonal mechanisms possibly involving lymphokines or superantigens. An examination of the ability of different strains of mice to induce high levels of CTL specific for a given alloantigen showed that most, but not all, strains generated high levels of allospecific CTL, and that their abilities to generate them mapped genetically to the major histocompatibility complex locus, exclusive of the class II region. This indicated that the virus-induced allospecific CTL generation was independent of the class II allotype, and mice depleted of CD4+ cells generated allospecific CTL, indicating independence of class II-CD4+ cell interactions and resulting CD4+ cell-secreted lymphokines. FACS staining with a variety of V beta-binding antibodies did not show a superantigen-like depletion or enrichment of any tested V beta + subset during infection. Several experiments provided evidence in support of direct stimulation of CD8+ cells via the T cell receptor: (a) both virus- and allo-specific killing were enriched within a given V beta subpopulation; (b) relative CTL precursor frequencies against different class I alloantigens changed during the course of virus infection; (c) the relative levels of virus-induced, allospecific CTL-mediated lysis at day 8 after infection did not parallel the CTL precursor frequencies before infection; and (d) limiting dilution analyses of day 8 LCMV-infected spleen cells stimulated by virus-infected syngeneic peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) revealed not only the expected virus-specific CTL clones, but also a high frequency of clones that were cross-reactive with allogeneic and virus-infected syngeneic targets. In addition to the virus cross-reactive allospecific CTL clones, virus-infected PEC also stimulated the generation of some allospecific clones that did not lyse virus-infected fibroblasts. Surprisingly, LCMV-infected PEC were much more efficient at stimulating allospecific CTL clones from day 8 LCMV-infected splenocytes than were allogeneic stimulators. These results indicate that at least part of the polyclonal allospecific CTL response elicited by acute virus infection is a consequence of the selective expansion of many clones of allospecific CTL which cross-react with virus-infected cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Intramodal competition for attention in honeybees

Honeybees were trained to discriminate between targets varying in color and length, one dimension relevant and the other irrelevant. Performance in acquisition was better when the pairs of targets presented on each trial differed only in the relevant dimension than when they differed in both, suggesting that difference in the irrelevant dimension promoted attention to the irrelevant stimuli at the expense of attention to the relevant stimuli. Subsequent performance in an unreinforced choice test was also better when the targets differed only in the relevant dimension rather than in both dimensions. The results are considered in relation to those of previous experiments with honeybees that point to attentional effects in the conditioning of intramodal but not of intermodal compounds.
Structural basis of competition between PINCH1 and PINCH2 for binding to the ankyrin repeat domain of integrin-linked kinase

Formation of a heterotrimeric IPP complex composed of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), the LIM domain protein PINCH, and parvin is important for signaling through integrin adhesion receptors. Mammals possess two PINCH genes that are expressed simultaneously in many tissues. PINCH1 and PINCH2 have overlapping functions and can compensate for one another in many settings; however, isoform-specific functions have been reported and it is proposed that association with a PINCH1- or PINCH2-containing IPP complex may provide a bifurcation point in integrin signaling promoting different cellular responses. Here we report that the LIM1 domains of PINCH1 and PINCH2 directly compete for the same binding site on the ankyrin repeat domain (ARD) of ILK. We determined the 1.9 A crystal structure of the PINCH2 LIM1 domain complexed with the ARD of ILK, and show that disruption of this interface by point mutagenesis reduces binding in vitro and alters localization of PINCH2 in cells. These studies provide further evidence for the role of the PINCH LIM1 domain in association with ILK and highlight direct competition as one mechanism for regulating which PINCH isoform predominates in IPP complexes. Differential regulation of PINCH1 and PINCH2 expression may therefore provide a means for altering cellular integrin signaling pathways.
Fourier-Based Diffractive Shearing Interferometer for Wavefront Sensing

We propose a simple and compact wavefront sensor using a phase transmission grating attached to a CMOS image sensor. We present experimental results using a binary phase grating. An adaptive grating displayed by a phase modulator can extend sensor dynamic range.
X-band receiver module in fully depleted silicon on insulator technology

This paper reports on the successful demonstration of radio frequency (RF) components in support of an integrated wide band/high dynamic range X-band receiver in 180-nm fully-depleted (FD) SOI CMOS technology. The demonstrated microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) includes an X-band low noise amplifier (LNA), Marchand balun, balanced amplifiers, double balanced mixer, non-reflective filter, and an IF amplifier. The X-band receiver front end module yielded a gain of 13.5–15 dB, 5.2–5.8 dB noise figure (NF), across the frequency band (3.7–4.3 GHz).
Information Anxiety and African-American Students in a Graduate Education Program.

Library anxiety has been cited as one factor affecting academic performance, but library use is only part of obtaining information for academic needs. This paper expands the concept of library anxiety to information anxiety by an examination of the information behavior of black graduate students when using a variety of information resources, including electronic and human. Findings indicate that information anxiety is a continuous element of minority students’ information behavior and creates a barrier to obtaining and using information for academic work.
Calculating the Value of Graphing Calculators for Seventh-Grade Students With and Without Disabilities A Pilot Study

This study explored the performance of seventh-grade students with and without disabilities, educated in inclusive mathematics classes, on a mathematics assessment aligned to state standards with graphing calculators as an accommodation. The study used random assignment of classes to condition with students nested in classes. Students did not use a graphing calculator on the preassessment but approximately half (52.5%) had access to a graphing calculator on the post-assessment. The results indicate that students with disabilities made gains from preassessment to post-assessment but students without disabilities performed statistically significantly better on the post-assessment than did students with disabilities, F(1, 35) = 4.322, p = .045. The results raise concern about the validity of calculators as assessment accommodations for students with disabilities.
Annotation: the neural basis of social impairments in autism: the role of the dorsal medial-frontal cortex and anterior cingulate system.

Background: The fundamental social disturbance of autism is characterized, in part, by problems in the acquisition of joint attention skills in the first years of life, followed by impairments in the development of social cognition, as assessed on theory of mind (ToM) measures. Recently, studies have indicated that a system involving the dorsal medial-frontal cortex (DMFC), and the anterior cingulate (AC), may contribute to the development of the tendency to initiate joint attention in infancy. Similarly, research has implicated the DMFC/AC system in ToM performance in typical and atypical individuals. These data suggest it may be useful to consider the functions associated with this system in the developmental psychopathology of autism. Method: A review of the studies of the connections between the DMFC/AC system, joint attention and ToM task performance. Results and conclusions: This review raises the hypothesis that the DMFC/AC may be involved in the basic disturbance in social orienting in autism. The DMFAC/AC may also play a role in the capacity to monitor proprioceptive information concerning self-action and integrate this self-related information with exteroceptive perceptual information about the behavior of other people. A disturbance in these functions of the DMFC/ AC may contribute to the atypical development of intersubjectivity, joint attention and social cognition that may impair the lives of people with autism. Thus, impairment in the development of this system may constitute a neural substrate for socio-cognitive deficits in autism. Keywords: Brain imaging, frontal cortex, anterior cingulate, joint attention, social orienting, social cognition, autism. Abbreviations: IJA: Initiates Joint Attention; RJA: Responds to Joint Attention; IBR: Initiates Behavior Regulation/Requests; ToM: Theory of Mind; DMFC: dorsal medial-frontal cortex; AC: anterior cingulate.
Experimental investigation of three-dimensional dynamic stall model oscillating in pitch

The ONERA semiempirical theoretical model for unsteady aerodynamics in the stall regime has been extended to three-dimensi onal flow. Parameter identification for the model is obtained from experimental dynamic stall data for a low AR rectangular wing with a NACA 0012 airfoil profile oscillating in pitch. Excellent correlations were obtained with the measured data for a three-dimensional linear aerodynamic model and reasonable agreement between theory and test data were obtained for a nonlinear (stalled) aerodynamic model. Qualitatively, the results obtained for this simple three-dimensional wing are similar to the corresponding data for the twodimensional airfoil.
Dynamics of the Extracellular Gate and Ion-Substrate Coupling in the Glutamate Transporter

Glutamate transporters (GluTs) are the primary regulators of extracellular concentration of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the central nervous system. In this study, we have investigated the dynamics and coupling of the substrate and Na 1 binding sites, and the mechanism of cotransport of Na 1 ions, using molecular dynamics simulations of a membrane- embedded model of GluT in its apo (empty form) and various Na 1 - and/or substrate-bound states. The results shed light on the mechanism of the extracellular gate and on the sequence of binding of the substrate and Na 1 ions to GluT during the transport cycle. The results suggest that the helical hairpin HP2 plays the key role of the extracellular gate for the substrate binding site, and that the opening and closure of the gate is controlled by substrate binding. GluT adopts an open conformation in the absence of the substrate exposing the binding sites of the substrate and Na 1 ions to the extracellular solution. Based on the calculated trajectories, we propose that Na1 is the first element to bind GluT, as it is found to be important for the completion of the substrate binding site. The subsequent binding of the substrate, in turn, is shown to result in an almost complete closure of the extracellular gate and the formation of the Na2 binding site. Finally, binding of Na2 locks the extracellular gate and completes the formation of the occluded state of GluT.
Effect of Light Wavelength and Osmolality on the Swimming of Cercariae of Proterometra macrostoma (Digenea: Azygiidae)

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to describe the effect of light wavelength and osmolality on the vertical swimming distance of the cercaria of Proterometra macrostoma. Significant differences were found in the average swimming distances and electrical burst activity in the tail of cercariae exposed to red vs. blue, green or white light, but no difference was observed when the last three colors were compared to one another with one exception. Cercarial swimming decreased slightly after 12 hr PE (post-exposure) in artificial pond water (15 mOsm) and artificial snail water (102 mOsm). By contrast, a significant reduction in swimming distance was observed in distilled water (0 mOsm) and artificial snail water with two different concentrations of mannitol (180 and 267 mOsm).
Molecular dynamics modeling of defect formation in many-layer hexagonal boron nitride

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to examine lattice defect formation in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice by high-energy xenon ion impact. This work seeks to characterize the production of defects which occur under ion irradiation. Lattice defect formation is first examined in single-layer hexagonal boron nitride. Energetic xenon ions over a range of 10 eV–10 keV are used to randomly impact the central lattice at an angle of 90° (orthogonal to the lattice basal plane). The resulting defects are analyzed for 5000 ion impacts, and results are reported for average single and double vacancy formation per impact. A similar study is conducted for a many-layer hexagonal boron nitride lattice, to assess the influence of additional layers in the formation of point defects as a function of incident ion energy. Ion impacts at both 90° and 45° are examined. The defects formed in the top layer of the many-layer lattice are qualitatively similar to the single layer results, but the presence of the bulk lattice is found to reduce the single vacancy probability in the top-most layer. Point defects are prominent in the lattice sub-layers with increasing ion energy. Orthogonal ion impacts are found to cause the most damage, as measured by the number of vacancy defects produced; the number of vacancies increases linearly with energy, while the number of defects in the oblique impact configuration reaches an asymptotic limit with increasing energy.
Study of Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in the Era of Claims Data: The Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background—Increasingly, the diagnostic codes from administrative claims data are being used as clinical outcomes. Methods and Results—Data from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) were used to c...
Impact of yohimbine and cocaine-cues on executive function in cocaine-dependent men and women

Aims:Although abuse of prescription opioids (PO) has increased dramatically amongmany age groups in the US in recent years, the rate of abuse in teens is more than 2.6 times the rate in adults. Although science-based, interactive, drug-abuse prevention programs exist focused on preventing use of non-prescription drugs in youth, no science-based, interactive program for the prevention of PO abuse among youth exists. The aims of this project were to: (1) develop 3modules (i.e. Introduction,What are PO?,Misconception that PO are safe and non-addictive) of a web-based PO abuse prevention program for high school-aged youth; and (2) conduct feedback sessions with youth to obtain reactions to beta versions of modules. Methods: To achieve aim 1, we conducted 2 focus groups and 1 interview (audiotaped: ∼ 90min) with high school-aged youth (n=12) along a continuum of exposure to opioids to determine how to best present program information to this age group. To achieve aim 2, thirty youth participated in feedback sessions to assess program acceptability and utility. Results: Focus group results reveal that youth have some accurate information about PO, but also highlight misconceptions and lack of knowledge about PO. Feedback session results demonstrate thatparticipantknowledgeaboutPO increasedsignificantly following exposure to the program (66–100%) and misconceptions were corrected (68–95%), measured by pre-post knowledge tests. Participants also rated the program highly. We are currently developing sixadditionalweb-basedmodules (developmentdata collectedwill be reported at the2015 conference) andwill conduct a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool. Conclusions: Results reveal the utility of including potential programusers inprogramdevelopment, andhighlight thepotential effectiveness of the tool to increase knowledge about PO. Financial support: NIDA Grant #2R42DA023731.