cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic CD4+ T cell sensitivity and response to a pathogen are set and sustained by avidity for thymic and peripheral complexes of self peptide and MHC.

Interactions of T cell antigen receptors (TCRs) with complexes of self peptide and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are crucial to T cell development, but their role in peripheral T cell responses remains unclear. Specific and nonspecific stimulation of LLO56 and LLO118 T cells, which transgenically express a TCR specific for the same Listeria monocytogenes epitope, elicited distinct interleukin 2 (IL-2) and phosphorylated kinase Erk responses, the strength of which was set in the thymus and maintained in the periphery in proportion to the avidity of the binding of the TCR to the self peptide–MHC complex. Deprivation of self peptide–MHC substantially compromised the population expansion of LLO56 T cells in response to L. monocytogenes in vivo. Despite their very different self-reactivity, LLO56 T cells and LLO118 T cells bound cognate peptide–MHC with an identical affinity, which challenges associations made between these parameters. Our findings highlight a crucial role for selecting ligands encountered during thymic ‘education’ in determining the intrinsic functionality of CD4+ T cells. A r t i c l e s
Interconnecting Tactical Service-Oriented Infrastructures with Federation Services

The availability and timely exchange of information is a fundamental requirement for network-centric warfare. An increasing number of military operations are distributed in nature, requiring information sharing across geographically separated enclaves of information. The connectivity between these enclaves consists of tactical links with intermittent connectivity, limited bandwidth, and variable latency. Therefore, the information sharing architecture must accommodate unreliable and transiently disconnected networks. Our middleware approach realizes a set of federation services to interconnect multiple instances of the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Command and Control Systems and Applications Tactical Service-oriented Architecture (MC2SA TSoA). This federation capability supports a publish/subscribe/query model and provides reliability in the information exchange between information enclaves. The federation capability also supports enforcement of policies to control or limit the nature of the information shared. The ultimate goal is to increase information availability and access regardless of location while providing transparency to clients.
Design of PCB Impedance Matching Inductors and Antennas for Single-Chip Communication Systems

This paper presents the design of an inductor and an antenna for a portable device with GPS and FM capabilities. The inductor is designed to operate at the lower frequency FM band as part of a matching network and the antenna is designed to operate at the higher frequency GPS L1 band. The FR4 PCB used has a thickness of 1.6?mm with a dielectric constant of 3.8 and has two metallization layers. The inductor is designed with 1.5?mm trace width, 3.5 turns, and has a dimension of 14.5?mm 14.5?mm. It has an inductance of 95?nH, a resistance of 2.9?, a self-resonance frequency of 500?MHz, and a maximum Q of 51 from 100?MHz to 200?MHz (FM band). The antenna has a dimension of 49?mm 36?mm and is designed to operate at 1.5754?GHz L1 band. It also has a return loss of -36?dB and a measured bandwidth of 250?MHz.
Ibudilast reverses the decrease in the synaptic signaling protein phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1) produced by chronic methamphetamine intake in rats

Abstract Background Chronic methamphetamine intake has been shown to induce a neuroinflammatory state leading to significant changes in brain functioning including behavioral changes. These changes can persist for years after drug use is discontinued and likely contribute to the risk of relapse. A better understanding of inflammation responses associated with methamphetamine intake may help in designing novel and more efficacious treatment strategies. Methods Rats were trained to self-administer methamphetamine or saline on a variable ratio 3 schedule of reinforcement (25 days). This training was followed by 12 days of extinction (i.e., methamphetamine unavailable) during which rats received daily post-session administration of ibudilast (AV411; 2.5 or 7.5 mg/kg) or saline. Following extinction, synaptosomes were isolated from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the differential pattern of synaptic proteins was assessed using mass spectrometry based proteomics. Results Treatment with ibudilast allowed for deeper extinction of active lever pressing. Quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomics on the PFC identified one potential hit; the synaptic signaling protein phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1). While methamphetamine intake was associated with reduced PEBP1 protein levels, treatment with ibudilast reversed this effect. Furthermore, decreased PEBP1 expression was correlated with subsequent activation of Raf-1, MEK, and ERK signaling components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade (MAPK). Raf-1, MEK, and ERK expression levels were also attenuated by ibudilast treatment. Conclusion PEBP1, given its synaptic localization and its role as a signaling molecule acting via the ERK/MAPK pathway, could be a potential therapeutic target mediating drug-seeking behaviors associated with neuroinflammation.
Volatile Leaf Oils of Caribbean Myrtaceae. IV. Pimenta jamaicensis (Britton & Harris) Proctor of Jamaica

ABSTRACT The foliar oils of Pimenta jamaicensis (Britton & Harris) Proctor of Jamaica, which were analyzed by GC/MS, were found to possess oils which were dominated by either eugenol (61.79%) and limonene (10.33%) with a lesser amount of β-caryophyllene (5.77%), or 1,8-cineole (43.94–49.43%), α-terpineol (0.34–18.02%) and p-cymene (2.25–10.25%) with a lesser amount of 4-terpineol (6.37–7.17%).
Ultrafast x-ray diffraction theory: time-scale considerations

The dynamics induced in matter by a short optical pump pulse can be measured by time-resolved x-ray diffraction without resorting to additional and often unknown information as required in optical pump and probe experiments. Several theoretical aspects of such measurements are considered here: elastic versus inelastic scattering, quantum interference among electronic states, physical implications of temporal- and spatial-averaging, and the coherence of x- ray beams. Based on these considerations, it is possible to use inelastic scattering for studying curve crossing in molecular systems and electronic coherence in electronic materials, in addition to probing nuclear dynamics on an excited potential energy surface. With certain modifications, the time-dependent analysis presented here can be extended to other experimental methods including electron diffraction and x-ray absorption.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fluorescence Imaging of Glutamate Release in Neurons

A noninvasive detection scheme based on glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) enzymatic assay combined with microscopy was developed to measure the glutamate release in cultured cells from the central nervous system (CNS). The enzyme reaction is very specific and sensitive. The detection limit with charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging is down to mu M levels of glutamate with reasonable response time (~ 30 s). The standard glutamate test shows a linear response over 3 orders of magnitude, from mu M to 0.1 mM range. The in vitro monitoring of glutamate release from cultured neuron cells demonstrated excellent spatial and temporal resolution.
Manifestations of Polya's Counting Theorem

Abstract The cycle index polynomial of combinatorial analysis is discussed in various contexts.
A role for central serotonergic systems in the pattern and intensity of the convulsive response of rats to electroshock.

Abstract Non-extensor rats do not normally respond to maximal electroshock stimulation (MES) with the typical hindlimb extension (HLE) response of extensor rats. However, non-extensors responded to MES with HLE after reserpine, pCPA and digitoxigenin (DIGT), but not after α-methyl-p-tyrosine or pentylenetetrazol. Only DIGT increased convulsive intensity (HLE duration); this effect was 2–4 fold greater in non-extensors compared to extensors. In pCPA pretreated non-extensors, DIGT increased convulsive intensity to the same degree as in untreated extensors. Since non-extensors had a significantly greater whole brain serotonin concentration than extensors, the results indicate the atypical MES hindlimb response of non-extensors is related to quantitative and/or qualitative differences in central serotonergic systems.
An Alternative Learning Program: Effects on Student Motivation and Self-Esteem.

An examination of an alternative learning program and its effect on student motivation and self-esteem in a large urban school district in the Midwest was conducted. The dependent variables of interest were student motivation, goal orientation, efficacy, and self-esteem. The primary goal of the project was to determine if this specific alternative learning program could have a positive effect on its participants. In addition, this project was intended to provide feedback to the local school system regarding the effectiveness of their program. Upon their entry and exit from the program, students completed a questionnaire that focused on the dependent variables described above. An analysis of the pre- and postquestionnaire data is presented. This study was based upon existing research in motivational theory and additional programs in other education circles that provide alternative forms of educational service for at-risk students.
Bayesian Herders: Updating of Rainfall Beliefs in Response to External Forecasts

Summary Temporal climate risk weighs heavily on many of the world’s poor. Model-based climate forecasts could benefit such populations, provided recipients use forecast information to update climate expectations. We test whether pastoralists in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya update their expectations in response to forecast information. The minority of herders who received these climate forecasts updated their expectations for below normal rainfall, but not for above normal rainfall. This revealed preoccupation with downside risk highlights the potential value of better climate forecasts in averting drought-related losses, but realizing any welfare gains requires that recipients strategically react to these updated expectations.
Revealing the Role of Water in the Acid−Base Interaction between the Phosphate Groups of DNA and the Amino Acid Side Chains of Proteins: A Density Functional Theory Study of Molecular Models

Salt bridges between DNA and the Lys, Arg, and His side chains of proteins are studied at the B3-LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory using molecular models. Calculations show that for His the stabilization of the [deprotonated DNA phosphate group]-- -[protonated protein basic group]+ bridge requires its solvation by at least three water molecules. By analogy with acid−base interactions in inorganic chemistry, this is accounted for by the structure of the protonated His basic group (the imidazole ring), which does not allow the interaction of this group with the deprotonated phosphate group of DNA by more than one strong H-bond. For Lys and Arg the 2-fold H-bonding interaction between the acid and base residues is strong enough to stabilize the related ion-pair complexes without solvation. For all three salt linkages the nonspecific acid−base interaction is energetically permitted with a few water molecules lying between the oppositely charged acid and base moieties. For the used molecular models the difference i...
Heat transfer and hydrodynamic studies in gas-fluidized beds

Abstract Heat-transfer coefficients are reported as a function of air velocity between the surfaces of immersed horizontal tubes of 28.6 and 50.8 mm o.d. and fluidized beds of silica sand particles with average diameters of 730, 1237 and 2356 μm. For the same particles, bubble velocities were measured cine-photographically in two-dimensional beds with thicknesses of 20.0 and 63.5 mm. The data are analyzed as a function of bubble frontal area. Elutriation of solid particles from the surface of the 63.5-mm thick bed was measured for the three sand beds at a particular fluidizing velocity as a function of bubble radius. These data on heat transfer, bubble velocity and solids elutriation are discussed in the light of governing theories involving the principles of fluid mechanics and heat transfer.
Lamotrigine Adjunctive Therapy in Childhood Epileptic Encephalopathy (the Lennox Gastaut Syndrome)

Summary: Purpose: We assessed efficacy and safety of adjunctive lamotrigine (LTG) therapy in patients with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Methods: The study was a single-center, retrospective chart review of open-label adjunctive LTG therapy in patients with LGS. Initial LTG dose and titration was dependent on concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Efficacy was based on the change in seizure frequency between the initiation of LTG therapy and December 1, 1995 (or LTG discontinuation). Seizure diaries were used to count patient seizures. A secondary evaluation of efficacy was a parental or guardian assessment of the patient's global status. The evaluation of safety involved chart review for treatment-emergent adverse events (AE). Results: Data from 16 LGS patients were analyzed. Fifty-three percent (8 of 15) had a >50% reduction in seizure frequency with LTG adjunctive therapy. Tonic, atonic, generalized tonic-clonic (GTCS), and atypical absence seizure frequency but not myoclonic seizure frequency decreased significantly during LTG therapy. Fifty-three percent of the patient's parents (8 of 15) reported that their child's quality of life (QOL) was much or very much improved during the study. The major treatment-emergent AE were infection (50%, 8 of 16) and sleep disturbance (19%, 3 of 16). A rash was noted in 13% (2 of 16) of the patients and resulted in LTG discontinuation in 1. No clinically significant changes were noted in neurologic examination or laboratory tests during the study. Conclusions: Our results indicate that LTG adjunctive therapy is effective and well tolerated in patients with LGS.
Productivity consequences of alternative land division methods in China's decollectivization An econometric analysis

Abstract In this paper we examine the productivity effect of the manner of distributing collective land to households under the Chinese economic reforms of the 1980s. During that period, land was distributed by a formula putting weight on both household size and household labor force, and land and labor markets were absent or underdeveloped in most regions. A simple model of household decision-making is developed for this case, and a basic result is that agricultural output is concave in the proportion of land distributed according to workforce as opposed to household size. This hypothesis is tested on data for 61 production teams of a township (formerly commune) in Hebei province. Under a quadratic specification, grain output displays the expected concave relationship with the land distribution parameter. Our results provide some evidence of congruence between equality in the distribution of resources, and incentives for productivity.
Inhibition by Cyclosporin A of Streptococcal Cell Wall-induced Hepatic Granulomas in LEW/N Rats

A single intraperitoneal injection of an aqueous suspension of group A streptococcal cell wall fragments into susceptible LEW/N female rats results in the development of noncaseating hepatic granulomas as a consequence of deposition and persistence of the cell walls in the liver. We have studied the effect of daily intramuscular injections of CS-A, an inhibitor of T lymphocyte activation, on granuloma formation. CS-A-treatment resulted in the pronounced inhibition of granuloma formation, although no appreciable differences in quantity of streptococcal cell wall antigens, which were deposited in the liver, could be demonstrated. These data suggest that activated T lymphocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of this granulomatous process.
Analysis of YouTube™ videos related to bowel preparation for colonoscopy

AIM: To examine YouTube™ videos about bowel preparation procedure to better understand the quality of this information on the Internet. METHODS: YouTube™ videos related to colonoscopy preparation were identified during the winter of 2014; only those with ≥ 5000 views were selected for analysis (n = 280). Creator of the video, length, date posted, whether the video was based upon personal experience, and theme was recorded. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine differences between consumers vs healthcare professionals-created videos. RESULTS: Most videos were based on personal experience. Half were created by consumers and 34% were ≥ 4.5 min long. Healthcare professional videos were viewed more often (> 19400, 59.4% vs 40.8%, P = 0.037, for healthcare professional and consumer, respectively) and more often focused on the purgative type and completing the preparation. Consumer videos received more comments (> 10 comments, 62.2% vs 42.7%, P = 0.001) and more often emphasized the palatability of the purgative, disgust, and hunger during the procedure. Content of colonoscopy bowel preparation YouTube™ videos is influenced by who creates the video and may affect views on colon cancer screening. CONCLUSION: The impact of perspectives on the quality of health-related information found on the Internet requires further examination.
On the stability of a linear nongyroscopic conservative system

Im Anschluss an die Erklarung der Begriffe des Pseudofreiheitsgrades und des quasidynamischen Systems wurden durch Anwendung des Hamiltonschen Prinzips die Bewegungsdifferentialgleichungen solcher Systeme hergeleitet. An einem Beispiel wird gezeigt, dass fur die Stabilitatsuntersuchung bei Systemen von diesem Typus nur die Schwingungsmethode zulassig ist, auch wenn es sich um einen konservativen nichtgyroskopischen Fall handelt.
Determination of cobalt by pyrogallol chemiluminescence.

Abstract The chemiluminescence reaction involving pyrogallol in alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution is described. With reaction conditions selected for the determination of Co(II), the detection limit for Co(II) was at least two orders of magnitude below the detection limit of all other species tested. The results suggest that Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe are the most likely interferents for environmental and biological samples. The log—log calibration graph for Co(II) is linear from a detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml up to 10 μg/ml.
It's OK to disagree.

It has always amazed me that at our meetings very intelligent colleagues can have strong opposing opinions and disagree with one another. We have all witnessed debates concerning antecolic or retrocolic Roux limb placement, circular vs. linear vs. handsewn anastomoses, the best procedure for the diabetic patient, singleor two-staged procedures for the high-risk patient, and even which venue would be best to host the next annual meeting. In most cases, there is no right or wrong opinion. In fact, in most cases, both opinions can be correct yet opposite, and the “combatants” can both often find published articles to support their arguments. What are young clinicians to do in order to decide which opinions to adopt in their practices when both are correct? Is it a good thing or a bad thing for us to have such discourse in our ranks? The more I ponder this predicament, the more I believe that it is, in fact, quite healthy and usually good. I believe that differences of opinion make one think harder. When someone disagrees with my opinions, I find it causes me to revisit my thought process and reassess how I came to such opinions. This will ultimately leadme to feel even stronger that my opinion is the “more” correct one or I might even determine that my opinion was in fact the “less” correct one and I will change to the other side. I believe that such selfassessment and the ability to change opinions, beliefs, or practice styles make me a better physician, surgeon, and person. This issue of Obesity Surgery will be the first of many to include two articles written by experts with differing opinions concerning a controversial topic that is important to the field of bariatric surgery: a literary “Point-Counterpoint” if you will. The objective of this feature is to present two very opposing but clinically valid points of view. The debate will take place in the form of paired review articles. These manuscripts will be scientifically prepared by well-recognized authorities on that topic and well referenced. It is our hope that you will not only find the papers to be educational, but thought provoking as well. Maybe some of you will change your opinion after reading the two papers. In this issue, we will debate the merits of “metabolic surgery.” Should we offer surgery to a patient with type II diabetes mellitus if his/her body mass index is less than 35 kg/m? Dr. Ricardo Cohen, a veteran bariatric surgeon from Brazil who is well known in our society and has researched and written extensively on the topic will, of course, support the notion. His position will be opposed by Dr. Harold Lebovitz, a well-regarded endocrinologist from New York, who has publically opposed operating on low BMI diabetic patients.
Viscoelastic Relaxation and Recovery of Tendon

Tendons exhibit complex viscoelastic behaviors during relaxation and recovery. Recovery is critical to predicting behavior in subsequent loading, yet is not well studied. Our goal is to explore time-dependent recovery of these tendons after loading. As a prerequisite, their strain-dependent viscoelastic behaviors during relaxation were also characterized. The porcine digital flexor tendon was used as a model of tendon behavior. Strain-dependent relaxation was observed in tests at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6% strain. Recovery behavior of the tendon was examined by performing relaxation tests at 6%, then dropping to a low but nonzero strain level. Results show that the rate of relaxation in tendon is indeed a function of strain. Unlike previously reported tests on the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the relaxation rate of tendons increased with increased levels of strain. This strain-dependent relaxation contrasts with quasilinear viscoelasticity (QLV), which predicts equal time dependence across various strains. Also, the tendons did not recover to predicted levels by nonlinear superposition models or QLV, though they did recover partially. This recovery behavior and behavior during subsequent loadings will then become problematic for both quasilinear and nonlinear models to correctly predict.
On the relationship between peak force and peak force variability in isometric tasks

An experiment is reported documenting the relationship between peak force and peak force variability with a fixed criterion time to peak force for an isometric task requiring activation of the elbow flexors. The results show that maximum peak force increases with increments in time to peak force and that peak force variability increases with increments of peak force in an exponential type function. Furthermore, despite the presence of peak force and time to peak force feedback, subjects systematically shifted time to peak force as a function of the percentage of peak force being produced. This temporal modulation changes the percentage of peak force represented by any given peak force criterion. When peak force is made proportional to the degree of departure from the criterion time to peak force, a linear relationship is found between peak force and peak force variability. These findings suggest that time to peak force and rate of force production are parameters that influence veridical estimates of the f...
Hierarchical structures in child phonology

Abstract Under a cognitive model of acquisition, theories which recognize hierarchical structuring of phonological strings are better able to explain the complex process of phonological development than are standard, linear generative theories. On this view, children develop their phonological system by constructing and testing hypotheses governing what constitutes a possible ‘word’, ‘syllable’, or other supra-segmental constituent, and by discovering that (in English) features characterize distinctive oppositions between segments rather than higher-level constituents. Many of the observed ‘processes’ in child phonology can then be explained in terms of well-formedness constraints on the internal composition of hierarchically structured constituents in the child's developing grammar. Velar assimilation (where a non-velar consonant assimilates to a velar elsewhere in the word), for example, is seen to be a consequence of the child's having associated the articulatory feature [-anterior] with the word-level constituent instead of having recognized it as a segmental feature, yielding [kok] for ‘coat’ of [gak] for ‘rock’.
Detection of arterial defects by real-time ultrasound scanning during vascular surgery: an experimental study.

Real-time ultrasound B-mode scanning was used experimentally to detect vascular defects resembling those which might occur in arterial reconstructive surgery. The lesions established were arterial strictures, subintimal hematomas, intimal flaps, and thrombi attached to the arterial wall. All types of lesions were readily identified by direct contact ultrasonography. Ultrasonography was evaluated in terms of qualitative and quantitative assessment. Qualitatively, 68% of 1 × 5-mm flaps and 100% of all larger flaps were detected. There were no false positive ultrasound diagnoses in the interpretation of sonograms from normal arterial segments. Quantitatively, ultrasonic estimation of flap size correlated with actual flap dimensions with a coefficient of correlation of 0.84 (P < 0.001). This study indicates that operative ultrasound to detect relatively small vascular defects at arterial operative sites is a feasible procedure which should be evaluated in clinical application.
A randomized controlled trial of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of benign proliferative breast disease

Experimental evidence provides strong support for anti-carcinogenic effects of calcium and vitamin D with respect to breast cancer. Observational epidemiologic data also provide some support for inverse associations with risk. We tested the effect of calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on risk of benign proliferative breast disease, a condition which is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. We used the Women’s Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. The 36,282 participants were randomized either to 500 mg of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate plus 200 IU of vitamin D3 (GlaxoSmithKline) twice daily (n = 18,176) or to placebo (n = 18,106). Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams were performed. We identified women who had had a biopsy for benign breast disease and subjected histologic sections from the biopsies to standardized review. After an average follow-up period of 6.8 years, 915 incident cases of benign proliferative breast disease had been ascertained, with 450 in the intervention group and 465 in the placebo group. Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation was not associated with altered risk of benign proliferative breast disease overall (hazard ratio = 0.99, 95% confidence interval = 0.86–1.13), or by histologic subtype. Risk varied significantly by levels of age at baseline, but not by levels of other variables. Daily use of 1,000 mg of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate plus 400 IU of vitamin D3 for almost 7 years by postmenopausal women did not alter the overall risk of benign proliferative breast disease.
The use of saline-washed frozen red cells for extracorporeal bypass.

Abstract The use of saline-washed frozen red cells and homologous whole blood during cardiopulmonary bypass was compared in two groups of patients with similar medical disease, sex, age, pump time, types of operation, and surgical techniques. A technique for using saline-washed frozen red cells for cardiopulmonary bypass with no increase in hemolysis is described. Increased platelet counts were present at the end of bypass in the patients who were given frozen cells. The availability and the many advantages of frozen cells, such as improved oxygen transport and the absence of homologous blood reactions and viral infections, make them the preferred cellular blood component for use during open-heart operations.
Pediatrician/Psychologist Collaboration: Opportunities for Clinical Child Psychologists

In the United States, pediatricians prescribe the majority of medications used to treat children with psychological disorders, such as ADHD. However, because pediatricians have limited background in psychology or psychiatry, opportunities exist for properly trained clinical child psychologists to assist pediatricians in assessing and treating youngsters with psychological disorders. Psychologists with additional training in psychopharmacology can make even greater contributions by helping pediatricians select and monitor appropriate medications. This paper reviews models of consultation that are especially relevant to psychologists who seek to expand their practice by consulting with pediatricians. Consultant-centered models seem most appropriate in private practice settings, but institutionally employed psychologists have opportunities to also utilize some system-centered approaches. Examples of methods in which pediatric clinical psychologists and child psychologists with psychopharmacology training can assist pediatricians in treating a child with ADHD are discussed.
Price ceilings in competitive markets with variable quality

Abstract This paper analyzes the impact of a price ceiling on a competitive market for a good which yields a utility-bearing characteristic. The household characteristic-producing technology is linear. Firms have U-shaped cost curves in quantity and in total amount of characteristic produced. Essentially, the market is cleared by an (equilibrium) hedonic price. The hedonic price rises in response to the excess demand gap induced by a ceiling on output price, bringing the market from an unconstrained equilibrium into a constrained equilibrium. A price ceiling also leads to a fall in quality, a fall in consumer welfare, and locally a rise in producer welfare.
The applications of radioactive tracer techniques to pharmacy and pharmaceutical research.

A brief review of some of the applications of radioactive isotopes to pharmaceutical research is presented. Subsequent reports will describe experimental procedures and include data on the application of radioactive isotopes to research.
Emergent properties of CNS neuronal networks as targets for pharmacology: application to anticonvulsant drug action

CNS drugs may act by modifying the emergent properties of complex CNS neuronal networks. Emergent properties are network characteristics that are not predictably based on properties of individual member neurons. Neuronal membership within networks is controlled by several mechanisms, including burst firing, gap junctions, endogenous and exogenous neuroactive substances, extracellular ions, temperature, interneuron activity, astrocytic integration and external stimuli. The effects of many CNS drugs in vivo may critically involve actions on specific brain loci, but this selectivity may be absent when the same neurons are isolated from the network in vitro where emergent properties are lost. Audiogenic seizures (AGS) qualify as an emergent CNS property, since in AGS the acoustic stimulus evokes a non-linear output (motor convulsion), but the identical stimulus evokes minimal behavioral changes normally. The hierarchical neuronal network, subserving AGS in rodents is initiated in inferior colliculus (IC) and progresses to deep layers of superior colliculus (DLSC), pontine reticular formation (PRF) and periaqueductal gray (PAG) in genetic and ethanol withdrawal-induced AGS. In blocking AGS, certain anticonvulsants reduce IC neuronal firing, while other agents act primarily on neurons in other AGS network sites. However, the NMDA receptor channel blocker, MK-801, does not depress neuronal firing in any network site despite potently blocking AGS. Recent findings indicate that MK-801 actually enhances firing in substantia nigra reticulata (SNR) neurons in vivo but not in vitro. Thus, the MK-801-induced firing increases in SNR neurons observed in vivo may involve an indirect effect via disinhibition, involving an action on the emergent properties of this seizure network.
Excitation-transfer studies of n2(a3σ+u) with s atoms and cs molecules

Abstract The excitation-transfer reaction N 2 (A 3 Σ + u ) and CS molecules has been studied in a fast-flow reactor at 300 K; the excitation rate constant is (1.8 +1.7 −0.9 ) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . Excitation to the CS (a) state is favored over excitation to the Cs (a 1 Π) state. Excitation transfer from S ( 3 P) to S ( 1 S) is not a facile reaction and an upper limit to the rate constant k ( 1 S) ≦ 4 × 10 −13 cm 3 atom −1 s −1 .
Sustained ventricular arrhythmias and mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the GUSTO-III trial.

Abstract Background In many patients, ventricular arrhythmias will develop early after acute myocardial infarction. We studied the incidence, timing, and outcomes of such arrhythmias in the international Global Utilization of Streptokinase and TPA (alteplase) for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO)-III trial. Methods We identified independent predictors of inhospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) and compared 30-day and 1-year mortality rates of patients who did (n = 1121) and did not (n = 13,921) have these arrhythmias during the index hospitalization. Results Significant independent predictors of inhospital VF were higher Killip class, lower baseline systolic pressure, intravenous preenrollment lidocaine use, shorter time to thrombolysis, and β-blocker use P = .001). The corresponding 1-year mortality rates were 34%, 29%, 49%, and 9% ( P = .001). The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were higher for patients with late (>48 hours after enrollment) versus early arrhythmias (≤48 hours after enrollment). Conclusions Despite thrombolysis, inhospital ventricular arrhythmias are associated with higher 30-day and 1-year mortality rates after acute myocardial infarction, particularly when occurring later during the initial hospitalization. Better therapies are needed to improve outcomes of these arrhythmias. (Am Heart J 2003;145:515-21.)
Participation with Supervisor and Subordinate Authoritarianism: A Path-Goal Theory Reconciliation.

June 1976, volume 21 This research sought to reconcile previous studies in which participation and job satisfaction of subordinates were sometimes effectively moderated by their authoritarianism and sometimes not. The degree of task repetitiveness was hypothesized to determine when the authoritarianism of subordinates moderated between their participation with their supervisors and job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that: (1) participation would be satisfying to low-authoritarian subordinates regardless of the degree of task repetitiveness but would be satisfying to high-authoritarian subordinates only on tasks with low repetitiveness. (2) Highly repetitive tasks would be less conducive to ego involvement than low-repetitive tasks. These relationships were tested by questionnaires returned from 353 employees of a manufacturing organization who represented all levels of the hierarchy. The results supported the research, reconciling conflicting results obtained in previous studies.*
Employer costs of mental health claims and how psychologically healthy workplaces align with successful DM programs

Mental health (MH) and disability management (DM) businesses and DM professionals are proficient at addressing employee physical health, yet promoting employee MH is often ignored. Individuals claiming long-term disability (LTD), 85% identified MH conditions as their primary disability (Carls et al., 2012). Mental health LTD expenses are often higher due to longer recovery and challenges in return to work (Salkever, Goldman, Purushothaman, & Shinogle, 2000). Financial burdens of depression, anxiety, and emotional disorders are among the greatest of any disease condition in the workforce (Johnston et al., 2009). Globally, a fifth to a quarter of employees go to work everyday with a mental illness (Lorenzo-Romanella, 2011). Health care research has shown the impact of mental illness on work performance, however many employers and researchers are unaware of the value quality MH care has on employees and costs (Langlieb, & Kahn, 2005). The American Psychological Association (APA) identified five categories of workplace practices that promote psychological health in employees including: employee involvement; work-life balance; employee growth and development; health and safety; and employee recognition (APA, 2014). Organizational benefits of the five elements include: improved quality, performance and productivity; reduced absenteeism, presenteeism and turnover; fewer accidents and injuries; improved ability to attract and retain quality employees; improved customer service and satisfaction; and lower healthcare costs (APA, 2014). The presenters will discuss employer costs of MH claims and how psychologically healthy workplaces align with successful DM programs, decreasing MH claims and costs. Opportunities for future research include the United States Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on MH (Mechanic, 2012) through provisions that encourage employers to adopt health promotion programs (Goetzel et al., 2012) and opportunities for research including comparisons of multinational employers regarding MH costs in countries with single payer systems, and in those without (United States), (Tanner, 2013).
Multinucleate giant cells in neurofibromas: a clue to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis.

Background: A 54-year-old African-American male patient underwent removal of several cutaneous neurofibromas. Histopathologic examination revealed a nonencapsulated, haphazardly arranged proliferation of slender spindle cells in a myxoid stroma consistent with neurofibroma. Interestingly, each specimen exhibited numerous, large, multinucleate giant cells with nuclei arranged in a wreath-like or linear pattern. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed these cells to be negative with S-100 and CD-34. It was subsequently learned that this patient has neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Methods: A retrospective review of all lesions coded as neurofibroma from our institution between 1 June 2006 and 28 August 2006 was performed. Results: Biopsies of 53 cutaneous neurofibromas from 51 patients were reviewed. In these, multinucleate giant cells were present in only three (5.7%), all in patients with single lesions. Conclusions: Although the incidence of floret-like giant cells in neurofibromas of patients with NF1 is unknown, our findings suggest that the presence of these cells might be a clue to the presence of NF1. Taungjaruwinai WM, Goldberg LJ. Multinucleate giant cells in neurofibromas: a clue to the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis.
Simplified algorithm for correcting both errors and erasures of Reed-Solomon codes

Using a finite-field transform, a simplified algorithm for decoding Reed-Solomon codes is developed to correct erasures as well as errors over the finite-field GF(qm), where q is a prime and m is an integer. If the finite-field transform is a fast transform, this decoder can be faster and simpler than a decoder that uses more conventional methods.
Growth of Nd:GdLiF4 single crystals

We report for the first time the growth of high quality single crystals of Nd doped GdLiF4. We have revised the phase diagram of this system to search for optimum growth composition. The crystals were grown from a highly incongruent peritectic melt using the conventional weight-feed-back automatic diameter control Czoochralski puller. Higher Nd doping (up to 4%) was achieved and the lasing performance was encouraging. We believe that the crystal has the potential to be used for diode pumped miniature laser applications.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Berezin Integration on General Fermionic Supermanifolds

Recent results on the global structure of supermanifolds are used to define a notion of Berezin integration on any purely fermionic Rogers supermanifold. This leads to an integration theory on a large class of supermanifolds having both bosonic and fermionic coordinates. The existence of global functions and forms on such supermanifolds is discussed, as is some elementary cohomology of supermanifolds.
Computer simulations of obesity effects on occupant injury in frontal impacts

Obese occupants in motor-vehicle collisions experience different injury risks compared to non-obese occupants and there is little data available to explain these differences. The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms of injury and injury risk to obese male occupants in frontal motor-vehicle collisions. Computer models were created to investigate the contributions of increased occupant mass and the interaction between the obese torso and seatbelt on occupant injury risk. A design-of-experiments approach was used to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) on occupant injury while controlling for vehicle environment variables. Results suggest that occupant mass is the most significant factor contributing to different injury risks in obese occupants. Changes in obese torso/seatbelt interaction, due to increased BMI alone, do not significantly affect occupant injury risk. However, changes in torso/seatbelt interaction coupled with increased occupant mass alter the overall kinematics of the occupant causing increased risk of injury to the lower extremities.
Looking beyond Androgen Receptor Signaling in the Treatment of Advanced Prostate Cancer

This review will provide a description of recent efforts in our laboratory contributing to a general goal of identifying critical determinants of prostate cancer growth in both androgen-dependent and -independent contexts. Important outcomes to date have indicated that the sustained activation of AR transcriptional activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells results in a gene expression profile separate from the androgen-responsive profile of androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) cells. Contributing to this reprogramming is enhanced FoxA1 recruitment of AR to G2/M phase target gene loci and the enhanced chromatin looping of CRPC-specific gene regulatory elements facilitated by PI3K/Akt-phosphorylated MED1. We have also observed a role for FoxA1 beyond AR signaling in driving G1/S phase cell cycle progression that relies on interactions with novel collaborators MYBL2 and CREB1. Finally, we describe an in-depth mechanism of GATA2-mediated androgen-responsive gene expression in both ADPC and CRPC cells. Altogether these efforts provide evidence to support the development of novel prostate cancer therapeutics that address downstream targets of AR activity as well as AR-independent drivers of disease-relevant transcription programs.
Videofluoroscopic Investigation of Body Position on Articulatory Positioning

Purpose To quantitatively examine the effects of body position on the positioning of the epiglottis, tongue, and velum at rest and during speech. Method Videofluoroscopic data were obtained from 12...
Inverse Raman spectrum of the ν1-fundamental of CF4☆

Abstract We have obtained fully resolved spectra of the ν1 (Q-branch) band of CF4 at a pressure of 4 Torr using a variation of stimulated Raman spectroscopy. With an experimental resolution of ≤0.004 cm−1, no detectable tensor splitting of the rotational levels exists up to J = 55. The spectrum is readily fit with a band origin α = 909.0720 cm−1 and a single rotational term β − β0 = −3.417 × 10−1cm−1. We have also observed an underlying hot band, which we tentatively assign as the ν1 + ν2 ← ν2 transition, with α′ = 909.1997 cm−1 and (β − β0)′ = −3.405 × 10−4cm−1.
'Religious fanaticism' and wrongful confinement in Victorian England: the affair of Louisa Nottidge.

Louisa Nottidge was kidnapped and committed to a private asylum in 1846 by her family because she had joined a millenarian sect of which they disapproved. After eighteen months the Commissioners in Lunacy were pressurised into ordering her release. Subsequently, she successfully sued her brother and brother-in-law for wrongful imprisonment. The judge's criticisms of the medical profession led to an acrimonious public debate about the nature of mental illness and its treatment, a debate that involved some of the leading 'mad doctors' of the day including Dr. John Conolly. The complex history of this case, frequently referred to in recent scholarly work, but never discussed in detail, is examined together with its implications for our understanding of Victorian psychiatry, and its attitude to mental illnesses involving religious matters.
Study of the 12C(7Li, p)18O reaction☆

Abstract The reaction 12 C( 7 Li, p) 18 O has been investigated at bombarding energies of 16.0 and 18.0 MeV, leading to all states below 7.5 and 8.3 MeV, respectively, in 18 O. Angular distributions were measured from 1.8° to 172.5° (lab) and integrated to get total cross sections. Forward-angle enhancement are observed for a number of low-spin final states. Despite these asymmetries, total cross sections are roughly proportional to 2 J +1 (within about 20%), allowing limits to be placed on the J -value for a number of states with previously unknown J .
Comparative effectiveness of 5 treatment strategies for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in the elderly.

Purpose The incidence of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among older adults is expected to increase because of demographic trends and computed tomography-based screening; yet, optimal treatment in the elderly remains controversial. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare cohort spanning 2001-2007, we compared survival outcomes associated with 5 strategies used in contemporary practice: lobectomy, sublobar resection, conventional radiation therapy, stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR), and observation. Methods and Materials Treatment strategy and covariates were determined in 10,923 patients aged ≥66 years with stage IA-IB NSCLC. Cox regression, adjusted for patient and tumor factors, compared overall and disease-specific survival for the 5 strategies. In a second exploratory analysis, propensity-score matching was used for comparison of SABR with other options. Results The median age was 75 years, and 29% had moderate to severe comorbidities. Treatment distribution was lobectomy (59%), sublobar resection (11.7%), conventional radiation (14.8%), observation (12.6%), and SABR (1.1%). In Cox regression analysis with a median follow-up time of 3.2 years, SABR was associated with the lowest risk of death within 6 months of diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.63; referent is lobectomy). After 6 months, lobectomy was associated with the best overall and disease-specific survival. In the propensity-score matched analysis, survival after SABR was similar to that after lobectomy (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.45-1.12; referent is SABR). Conventional radiation and observation were associated with poor outcomes in all analyses. Conclusions In this population-based experience, lobectomy was associated with the best long-term outcomes in fit elderly patients with early-stage NSCLC. Exploratory analysis of SABR early adopters suggests efficacy comparable with that of surgery in select populations. Evaluation of these therapies in randomized trials is urgently needed.