cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spinal pharmacology of antinociception produced by microinjection of μ or δ opioid receptor agonists in the ventromedial medulla of the rat

Abstract This study examined the role of spinal GABAergic, serotoninergic and α 2 adrenergic receptors in the antinociception produced by the microinjection of equi-antinociceptive doses of selective opioid receptor agonists in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) or the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars α (NGCpα) of the rat. Rats were pretreated with intrathecal administration of either the GABA A receptor antagonist bicuculline, the GABA B receptor antagonist CGP35348, the serotonin 1/2 receptor antagonist methysergide, the α 2 adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine or saline. Ten minutes later, either the δ 1 opioid receptor agonist [D-Pen 2,5 ]enkephalin (DPDPE), δ 2 opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala 2 ,Glu 4 ]deltorphin (DELT) or μ opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala 2 ,NMePhe 4 ,Gly-ol 5 ]enkephalin (DAMGO) was microinjected into the NRM, NGCpα or sites in the medulla outside these two regions. The increase in tail-flick latency produced by microinjection of DPDPE into the NRM or NGCpα was antagonized by intrathecal pretreatment with either methysergide or yohimbine. Intrathecal pretreatment with CGP35348 antagonized the antinociception produced by microinjection of DPDPE in the NRM, whereas bicuculline antagonized the antinociception produced by microinjection of DPDPE in the NGCpα. The increase in tail-flick latency produced by microinjection of DELT into the NGCpα, but not the NRM was antagonized by intrathecal pretreatment with yohimbine or CGP35348. Intrathecal pretreatment with methysergide or bicuculline did not antagonize the antinociception produced by microinjection of DELT into either the NRM or the NGCpα. The increase in tail-flick latency produced by microinjection of DAMGO in the NRM was antagonized by intrathecal pretreatment with methysergide or CGP35348, but not by bicuculline or yohimbine. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the antinociception produced by activation of δ 1 , δ 2 or μ opioid receptors in the rostral ventromedial medulla is mediated by different neural substrates.
Chronic benzodiazepine treatment decreases postsynaptic GABA sensitivity

Benzodiazepines exert most of their pharmacological effects by a selective facilitation of the postsynaptic actions of GABA. Clinical, behavioural and electrophysiological studies have shown reduced drug response following chronic benzodiazepine administration. We present here electrophysiological evidence for decreased postsynaptic sensitivity to GABA following chronic benzodiazepine administration as measured by the direct iontophoretic application of GABA and serotonin onto serotonergic cells in the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), known to receive GABAergic input. The subsensitivity to GABA was found to be dose dependent and was seen when diazepam administration was three weeks or longer. Further, acute injection of the specific benzodiazepine antagonist, Ro15-1788, was found to reverse rapidly the decrease in GABA sensitivity observed in chronically diazepam-treated animals without altering GABA sensitivity in vehicle-treated rats. Decreased response to chronic benzodiazepines does not appear to be consistently related to alterations in the number or affinity of receptors for benzodiazepines. Our studies of radioligand-binding showed a decrease in the ability of GABA to enhance benzodiazepine binding in cerebral cortical membranes from chronic diazepam-treated animals without significant changes in benzodiazepine binding site density or affinity.
Circadian rhythms in ingestive behavior and responsiveness to glucoprivic and osmotic challenges in rats with rostral zona incerta lesions.

Abstract Albino rats with lesions in the rostral zona incerta (ZI) displayed an exaggerated diurnal rhythm of ingestive behavior, consuming nearly all of their daily food and water during the dark portion of a 12-hr light/12-hr dark cycle. When tested during the light phase of the cycle, rats with ZI lesions ate little or nothing in response to 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) while their response to insulin was only slightly impaired. When these tests were repeated during the dark phase of the cycle, the response to insulin was entirely normal but the response to 2DG was even more depressed than during daytime testing. During the light phase of the cycle, rats with ZI lesions also drank little or nothing in response to hypertonic saline. This impairment was ameliorated in some but not all experimental rats when these tests were repeated in the dark. A correlational analysis failed to establish a significant relation between changes in the diurnal distribution of ad lib food and water intake and feeding responses to 2DG or insulin or drinking responses to hypertonic saline in the light or dark phases of the cycle.
Categorizing decision strategies through limbic system models

The solution of difficult optimization problems often requires the use of a parameter set allowing critical algorithm design choices to be set. For example, in the construction of a valid pattern recognition scheme using a simple feed forward network (FFN) technique, there can be thousands of equally valid FFN solutions which achieve high percentage recognition levels on reasonable inputs. The solutions arise from different choices of stopping tolerance, internal neuron architecture, learning rates and so forth. These meta level optimization parameter choices can be used to organize collections of optimization algorithms into matrices W. Each column of the matrix corresponds to a set of parameter choices such a stopping tolerance, learning rate, random restart choices and so forth. For example, an optimization algorithm is constructed from a 4 x 3 matrix W by choosing an entry from each column to construct a sequence ABC. The sequence ABC then encodes the collection of meta parameters that are used to shape the algorithm. In this example, there are thus 64 possible optimization algorithms all chosen to produce a similar output such as recognition rate. A simplified biologically based model of information processing includes primary sensory processing and sensor fusion with construction of higher level meta data modeled via recurrent connections between the site of sensor fusion and a simple model of limbic processing. We illustrate how such a model can be constructed using as training data the matrices described above. Finally, the use of this model to model the decision process is discussed.
Evidence for a new diffusible element of mating pheromones in yeast

THE yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces pheromones which seem to participate in the mating process1,2. Each of the two haploid mating types (a or α) produces a diffusible factor (called a factor or α factor, respectively) which causes cells of the opposite mating type to be retarded in the G1 period of the cell division cycle3–6. The pheromones thus act to synchronise the cell cycles of mating cells before the formation of the diploid zygote. By a variation of the original assay for yeast mating pheromones8,9, we have observed that cells of mating type a produce a new pheromone which inhibits action of the α factor.
Lesion characteristics, NIH stroke scale, and functional recovery after stroke.

ABSTRACTGlymour MM, Berkman LF, Ertel KA, Fay ME, Glass TA, Furie KL: Lesion characteristics, NIH stroke scale, and functional recovery after stroke. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2007;86:725–733.Objective:We examined the relationships between the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and physic
Extremely Weak Mixing in Stable Conditions

Transport by extremely weak turbulence occurring on nights with clear skies and weak winds is examined from seven tower levels of eddy-correlation data taken from each of two field programs. The very small flux is systematic, provided that the perturbations are computed from a record-dependent averaging length, which must be as small as 10 s in very stable conditions. With traditional methods for computing the flux, these fluxes were considered too small to estimate, in that the computed values behaved erratically. For extremely weak turbulence, the fluxes decrease systematically with height and often indicate very shallow boundary-layer depths on the order of 10 m. However, in one field program, the turbulence slowly increases with height above the surface flux-based boundary layer apparently due to horizontal advection of stronger turbulence driven by modest surface heterogeneity. For very weak turbulence, the eddy diffusivity for momentum is systematically greater than that for heat in both field programs. The dependence of the turbulence strength and its variability with stability is examined in some detail.
Interventional optical coherence tomography for surgical guidance

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses low-coherence interferometry to perform optical ranging measurements within biological tissue. Recent advances in OCT technology have permitted high-speed imaging at 4-8 frames/s. In vivo catheter/endoscope-based OCT imaging has recently been performed in a rabbit. OCT has also shown a feasibility for surgical diagnostics and for assessing microsurgical repairs of vessels and nerves. In this study, we investigate the use of high-speed OCT as an interventional imaging modality for surgical guidance. OCT can provide continuous image-guidance for the precise delivery of high-power laser radiation and selective ablation of diseased tissue.
On the costwise optimality of certain hierarchical and standard multiresponse models under the determinant criterion

Abstract The class of general incomplete multiresponse (randomized block) models, in which it is not necessary for all responses to be measured on every experimental unit, is considered. For p = 2 responses, the optimum model is obtained under a reasonable cost constraint and the determinant criterion. The optimum model will belong to the subclass of hierarchical multiresponse models but does not always reduce to the standard multiresponse model. For general p , similar results are obtained under restrictions on the correlations between the responses or on the costs of measuring the responses.
Noncardiac chest pain

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common condition with significant morbidity and economic implications. Psychological factors, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), alteration in pain perception, and esophageal dysmotility play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is the most effective medical intervention for the treatment of GERD-related NCCP, as well as the most costeffective diagnostic strategy for this condition. Pain modulators such as tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors infer a visceral analgesic effect and consequently are the treatment of choice for patients with non-GERD-related NCCP. Furthermore, cognitive behavioral therapy has also been shown to be useful in the management of subset of patients with non-GERD-related NCCP. Newer therapeutic modalities and interventions such as lower esophageal sphincter injection of botulinum toxin in NCCP patients with spastic esophageal motility disorders, theophylline, and 5-HT4 receptor agonists may supplement or replace current treatment for non-GERD-related NCCP. Future compounds may include new visceral analgesics or medications that interfere with the development of peripheral or central sensitization.
Effect of Dietary Energy Restriction on the Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I in Liver and Corpus Luteum of Heifers

The effects of energy balance on the corpus luteum may be mediated by IGF-I. Our objective was to determine whether negative energy balance decreases expression of IGF-I mRNA in the liver or corpus luteum of heifers. For four consecutive estrous cycles, 14 Holstein heifers were maintained in negative or positive energy balance to lose 510 g/d of BW or gain 560 g/d of BW, respectively. The liver was biopsied and the corpus luteum was collected 7 d after fourth estrus. Heifers fed below maintenance had a smaller corpus luteum than did control heifers. Compared with that of controls, negative energy balance increased growth hormone in serum but decreased IGF-I in serum and the abundance of mRNA for growth hormone receptor and IGF-I in liver. In contrast, diet did not affect the abundance of mRNA for the growth hormone receptor or IGF-I in luteal tissue. Negative energy balance increased IGF binding protein-2 in serum but did not affect IGF binding protein-3. We conclude that negative energy balance of cattle decreases IGF-I mRNA abundance in the liver but not in the 7-d corpus luteum. If decreased IGF-I mediates the adverse effect of negative energy balance on luteal growth, the mode of action is likely endocrine, not autocrine or paracrine.
Laparoscopic colectomy compares favorably with colectomy by laparotomy for reduction of postoperative ileus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the length of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing colectomy by either laparotomy or laparoscopy. METHODS: A total of 166 patients were studied. These patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, in which colectomy was done laparoscopically, and Group 2, consisting of patients undergoing laparotomy. Both groups contained 83 patients who were matched for disease severity, indications for surgery, and procedure. Indications for surgery included sigmoid diverticulitis in 12 (14 percent) patients, polyps in 22 (27 percent), Crohn's disease in 21 (25 percent), colorectal cancer in 11 (13 percent), stoma reversal in 8 (10 percent), rectal prolapse in 3 (4 percent), and other indications in 6 (7 percent) in each group. Operations were colectomy with anastomosis (42 ileocolic, 26 colorectal, 6 colocolic, 4 ileorectal, and 2 ileal J pouch) or without anastomosis (3 abdominoperineal resections) performed by the same surgeons during the same time period (January 1993 to October 1996). The nasogastric tube was removed from all patients immediately after surgery in both groups. All patients received a clear liquid diet on the first postoperative day, followed by a regular diet as tolerated. The nasogastric tube was reinserted if two or more episodes of emesis of more than 200 ml occurred in the absence of bowel movement. Patients were discharged from the hospital when tolerating a regular diet without evidence of ileus. Statistical analysis was performed using unpairedt-test and Fisher's exact probability test. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 38 to 45 in both groups. A total of 10 (12 percent) and 23 (28 percent) patients in Group 1 and Group 2 had emesis (P=0.02), and the rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion was 5 (6 percent) and 13 (16 percent), respectively (P>0.05). There were significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 relative to the lengths of ileus (3.5±1.3vs. 5.4±1.7 days, respectively;P<0.001), hospitalization (6.6±3.3vs. 8.1±2.5 days, respectively;P<0.002), and operative time (170±60vs. 114±46 minutes, respectively;P<0.001). The morbidity rate was 16 (19.2 percent) and 18 (21.6 percent) in the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although early oral intake is safe and can be tolerated by 84 percent of patients after colectomy by laparotomy, laparoscopic colectomy reduced the lengths of both postoperative ileus and hospitalization.
Glucose fermentation endproducts of Erwinia spp. and other enterobacteria.

Summary. The endproducts formed by Erwinia spp. and other enterobacteria from the anaerobic fermentation of glucose were determined by thin-layer chromatography and other micromethods. The 71 strains examined fell into 15 mixed acid fermentation end-product patterns of the sort which are considered to be characteristic of the Enterobacteriaceae. The patterns ranged from the detectable formation by 6 strains of all 7 of the products which were determined (carbon dioxide, succinate, lactate, formate, acetate, 2,3-butanediol, and ethanol) to the detectable formation by one strain of only two (carbon dioxide and lactate); 32 strains formed 6 of the products; 21 strains formed 5 of the products; 9 strains formed 4 of the products; two strains formed 3 of the products. Each of the named species (nomenspecies) of the genus Erwinia does not, in general, have a characteristic pattern of fermentation endproducts; the nonphytopathogenic enterobacteria share many of the patterns shown by Erwinia spp.
Intelligent Dynamic Network Reconfiguration

Dynamic network reconfiguration is a technique in which the routing tables of the nodes in the vicinity of a failure are updated in real-time. The technique has been proved effective only if no failures occur after the reconfiguration process has started. This paper, presents enhancements to Agent NetReconf to allow it tolerate new failures if the reconfiguration was already started for a different failure. Agent NetReconf is an intelligent dynamic network reconfiguration algorithm. The improvements were made on the following three phases: restoration tree construction (phase 1), multiple failures synchronization (phase 2) and routing information update (phase 3). The proposed strategy consists of: 1) activate Agent NetReconf recursively, if a new node/link failure occurs and the reconfiguration of a different failure was started, 2) Use a pair of gateway nodes to help the restoration leaders, to reach consensus and to define the order in which each leader will execute the reconfiguration. The complexity, in terms of the number agents created, is analyzed for all phases. Termination is also proved for all phases.
LncRNA HOTAIR Enhances the Androgen-Receptor-Mediated Transcriptional Program and Drives Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Understanding the mechanisms of androgen receptor (AR) activation in the milieu of low androgen is critical to effective treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Here, we report HOTAIR as an androgen-repressed lncRNA, and, as such, it is markedly upregulated following androgen deprivation therapies and in CRPC. We further demonstrate a distinct mode of lncRNA-mediated gene regulation, wherein HOTAIR binds to the AR protein to block its interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, thereby preventing AR ubiquitination and protein degradation. Consequently, HOTAIR expression is sufficient to induce androgen-independent AR activation and drive the AR-mediated transcriptional program in the absence of androgen. Functionally, HOTAIR overexpression increases, whereas HOTAIR knockdown decreases, prostate cancer cell growth and invasion. Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence of lncRNAs as drivers of androgen-independent AR activity and CRPC progression, and they support the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets.
Fertilization effects on interactions between above-and belowground competition in an old field

Recent theoretical and experimental studies have addressed whether the rel- ative importance of aboveground and belowground competition changes along gradients of biomass productivity. Results have been contradictory, with some researchers finding a decrease in the importance of belowground competition and an increase in aboveground competition with increased productivity, and others finding either no relationship, or a positive correlation between the various factors. Belowground competitive intensity (BCI), resulting from root interactions, and total competitive intensity (TCI), resulting from both root and shoot interactions, have usually been measured as the proportional growth reduction due to competition (relative to growth without competition). Instead of direct measurement, aboveground competitive intensity (ACI) has been estimated by assuming that aboveground competition and belowground competition do not interact to affect plant growth, and there- fore ACI + BCI = TCI. In this study, Abutilon theophrasti was used as a focal species to determine whether an interaction between the two competitive forms could exist. Target plants were grown with varying degrees of interaction with the roots of neighboring plants, through the use of modified root exclusion tubes, and by tying back the aboveground neighboring vegetation. In total, 16 combinations of varying intensities of aboveground and belowground interactions with neighbors were created at each of two fertilization levels. The strength of belowground competition decreased with fertilization, while neither above- ground competition nor total competition (occurring both above- and belowground simul- taneously) varied among fertilization treatments. Not only was there evidence for an in- teraction between above- and belowground competition, the form of interaction varied with productivity, switching from no interaction in the unfertilized block to a positive interaction in the fertilized block. With fertilization, belowground competition decreased a plant's ability to compete in asymmetric competition for light. These results contrast with existing models of the role of competition in plant communities, and a new model is presented. In order to understand the role of aboveground and belowground competition in plant com- munities, the potential for interactions between the two competitive forms must be con- sidered in future studies.
Periods of Recovery in Deficit Syndrome Schizophrenia: A 20-Year Multi–follow-up Longitudinal Study

Periods of recovery were examined in patients with and without deficit syndrome schizophrenia. Fifty-six patients with schizophrenia were studied, 39 of whom were divided into deficit and nondeficit syndrome schizophrenia subtypes using a proxy method. We also studied 39 nonpsychotic depressive comparison patients. Patients were evaluated as part of the Chicago Follow-up Study, which prospectively examined patients at regular intervals over a 20-year period. Using standardized instruments, patients were evaluated for the deficit syndrome, global recovery, rehospitalization, social dysfunction, occupational disability, and symptom presentation. Recovery was examined at 6 time points measured at 2-, 4.5-, 7.5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year postindex hospitalization. Cumulatively, over the 20-year period, 13% of patients classified as meeting criteria for the deficit syndrome showed 1 or more 1-year periods of global recovery, in comparison to 63% of nondeficit schizophrenia patients and 77% of depressed patient controls. Results indicate that the deficit syndrome represents a persistently impaired subsample of schizophrenia patients, with continuous social, occupational, and symptom impairment. In contrast, nondeficit syndrome schizophrenia patients showed at least some periods of remission or recovery, with the likelihood of these periods increasing as they became older. Findings provide further support for the validity of the deficit syndrome concept and suggest that deficit status is characterized by a more persistently impaired course of illness and particularly poor long-term prognosis.
Normal cyclical patterns of serum gonadotropins and ovarian steroids despite congenital absence of the uterus.

This report documents the presence of normal cyclical patterns of serum FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone in a patient with congenital absence of the uterus. The lifelong absence of a functioning uterus appears to have had no effect on the functional lifespan of the corpus luteum or on any of several other features of this patient's gonadotropic and ovarian function.
X-Ray Absorption by the Low-Redshift Intergalactic Medium: A Numerical Study of the Λ Cold Dark Matter Model

Using a hydrodynamic simulation of a cold dark matter universe with a cosmological constant, we investigate the "X-ray forest" absorption imprinted on the spectra of background quasars by the intervening intergalactic medium (IGM), at redshift z ≈ 0. In agreement with previous studies, we find that O VII and O VIII produce the strongest absorption features. The strong oxygen absorbers that might be detectable with Chandra or XMM-Newton arise in gas with T ~ 105.5-106.5 K and overdensities δ 100 that are characteristic of galaxy groups. Future X-ray missions could detect weaker oxygen absorption produced by gas with a wider range of temperatures and the lower densities of unvirialized structures; they could also detect X-ray forest absorption by carbon, nitrogen, neon, iron, and possibly silicon. If the IGM metallicity is Z = 0.1 Z☉, as we assume in most of our calculations, then the predicted number of systems strong enough for a ~5 σ detection with Chandra or XMM-Newton is extremely low. However, scatter in metallicity increases the number of strong absorbers even if the mean metallicity remains the same, making the predictions somewhat more optimistic. Our simulation reproduces the high observed incidence of O VI (λλ1032, 1038) absorbers, and the most promising strategy for finding the X-ray forest is to search at the redshifts of known O VI systems, thus reducing the signal-to-noise ratio threshold required for a significant detection. However, while many O VI absorbers have associated O VII or O VIII absorption, the O VI systems trace only the low-temperature phases of the X-ray forest, and a full accounting of the strong O VII and O VIII systems will require a mission with the anticipated capabilities of Constellation-X. The large effective area of the XEUS satellite would make it an extremely powerful instrument for studying the IGM, measuring X-ray forest absorption by a variety of elements, and revealing the shock-heated filaments that may be an important reservoir of cosmic baryons.
Fast macro-scale transmission imaging of microvascular networks using KESM

Accurate microvascular morphometric information has significant implications in several fields, including the quantification of angiogenesis in cancer research, understanding the immune response for neural prosthetics, and predicting the nature of blood flow as it relates to stroke. We report imaging of the whole mouse brain microvascular system at resolutions sufficient to perform accurate morphometry. Imaging was performed using Knife-Edge Scanning Microscopy (KESM) and is the first example of this technique that can be directly applied to clinical research. We are able to achieve ≈ 0.7μm resolution laterally with 1μm depth resolution using serial sectioning. No alignment was necessary and contrast was sufficient to allow segmentation and measurement of vessels.
Coactive Design: Designing Support for Interdependence in Human-Robot Teamwork

Coactive Design breaks with traditional approaches by focusing on effective management of the interdependencies among human-machine team members. Providing support for interdependence enables members of a human-machine team to recognize problems and adapt. Support for a variety of interdependence relations makes a team flexible. Flexibility, in turn, makes the team resilient by providing alternative ways to recognize and handle unexpected situations.
Recent Developments in the Epidemiology of Obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial condition that affects more than 500 million people globally regardless of age, socioeconomic status, and nationality. While some estimates from Western countries suggest that obesity prevalence may be leveling off, the incidence of obesity is increasing rapidly in both adults and children in developing nations. Obesity prevalence remains highest in women in countries across the globe, whereas differences based on other sociodemographic factors vary by region and culture. Recent developments in the determinants of obesity include new genetic loci associated with hunger regulation, the relationship between stress and eating, dietary patterns and adiposity, sedentary time, active gaming, the built environment and their effects on weight gain, and the emergent influence of social networks. There is growing awareness that population-based approaches which isolate obesity risk factors from the context in which they operate need to evolve due to the complex nature of obesity. Accordingly, the epidemiology of obesity is likely to shift toward research which supports systems and other multilevel analyses which will guide novel intervention approaches to obesity.
Study of Epitaxial CoSi2 Grown on (100)Si

A bilayer of CoSi2 covered with TiN on (100)Si has been processed in a nonvacuum environment using a (100)Si wafer deposited with a thin film bilayer of Ti under Co. The Si/CoSi2/TiN stack has been studied using transmission electron microscopy, Rutherfor Backscattering Spectrometry and Auger Electron Spectroscopy. Cross section TEM and RBS studies showed that CoSi2 film is a single crystal and epitaxial with (100)Si. Ledges parallel to (111)Si were also observed at the (100)Si/CoSi2 interface, which was mostly planar. The orientation relationship at Si/CoSi2 interiace, microstructural characteristics of CoSi2 and TiN and the mechanism of 2the reaction are presented.
The Influence of Array Geometry on System Performance

This paper investigates the spatial filtering ability of an adaptive antenna array as a function of the array's geometry. Different types of non-planar geometries with an adjustable parameter are examined and their performance is compared with a standard array. The standard array used for reference is a space-time receiver used in practice, the GAS-1 (GPS antenna system) array developed by Raytheon. This is a 7-element array that is used to mitigate the effects of jamming on an array. The GAS-1 array is a hexagonally sampled array, with the spacing between adjacent elements given by d/2, which is equal to half wavelength spacing for the frequency of interest to the array
Testing a walkthrough methodology for theory-based design of walk-up-and-use interfaces

The value of theoretical analyses in user interface design has been hotly debated. All sides agree that it is difficult to apply current theoretical models within the constraints of real-world development projects. We attack this problem in the context of bringing the theoretical ideas within a model of exploratory learning [19] to bear on the evaluation of alternative interfaces for walk-up-and-use systems. We derived a “cognitive walkthrough” procedure for systematically evaluating features of an interface in the context of the theory. Four people independently applied this procedure to four alternative interfaces for which we have empirical usability data. Consideration of the walkthrough sheds light on the consistency with which such a procedure can be applied as well as the accuracy of the results.
Improving usability by adding security to video conferencing systems

Many video conferencing solutions exist in the market today and many new ones are being introduced. In striving to provide an experience to users as close to "being there" as possible, two major design issues must be considered: security and ease of use. In this paper, we describe a method for designing a "One Space" video conferencing user interface that reveals security information to the users while reducing the complexity of the user experience.
Feedback linearization control design for systems with fuzzy uncertainty

We derive a state feedback control design for nonlinear systems with fuzzy uncertainty. We use a fuzzy version of the Kolmogorov forward equation and an equivalent deterministic system to represent the effects of the fuzzy uncertainty. Feedback linearization of the equivalent deterministic system cancels both the system nonlinearities and the effects of the fuzzy uncertainty on the state membership function. Our controller obtains asymptotic stability and an approximation to our controller drives the system state to a small bounded set.
The effect of nonlimb tissues on forelimb regeneration in the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum

Previous studies with Notophthalmus viridescens have shown that forelimb stumps covered by flank skin do not regenerate when amputated through the graft of nonlimb skin [Tank, P.W. (1984) J. Exp. Zool., 229:143–153]. In an attempt to determine whether or not cells derived from nonlimb skin dedifferentiate and enter the regeneration blastema, four experimental series were prepared using triploid (3N) marked cells grafted into diploid (2N) hosts of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). In the first series, head skin was used to replace limb skin followed by amputation through the graft 30 days later. Fully 96% (24/25) of the limbs failed to regenerate an externally visible outgrowth and 4.4% of the blastemal mesenchyme cells were observed to be 3N based on the characteristic of three nucleoli per nucleus. In the second series, flank skin replaced limb skin and 38% (8/21) of the limbs failed to regenerate. The remaining limbs regenerated an assortment of hypomorphic, normal, abnormal, or multiple structures. Only 2.4% of the cells in the blastemal mesenchyme were observed to be 3N in the second series. In the third series, head dermis was implanted in place of limb musculature and 20% (3/15) of the limbs failed to regenerate. The other limbs in series three were either abnormal, hypomorphic, or multiple in morphology. Histological analysis revealed that 3.4% of the cells in the blastemal mesenchyme of the head dermis group were 3N. In the fourth series, flank dermis replaced limb musculature and only 7% (1/15) failed to regenerate. Ten limbs (66%) formed hypomorphic regenerates and the remainder were normal, abnormal, or multiple in morphology. Histological analysis revealed that 6.8% of the cells were 3N in the blastemal mesenchyme of limbs in series four. Sham-operated controls for all four series regenerated normally and histological analysis of contralateral control limb regenerates revealed background 3N marker that averaged from 0.1 to 0.8%. The regenerate epidermis of limbs that were covered by 3N head skin or flank skin contained approximately 25% 3N cells, indicating that the epidermis was of nonlimb origin. The regenerate epidermis of limbs bearing 3N dermis implants did not contain marked cells. These results indicate that non-limb cells are capable of undergoing dedifferentiation and entering the limb regeneration blastema. An explanation of regenerative failure is provided that is based on interference with short range cellular interactions by nonlimb cells.
Order automorphisms on the lattice of residuated maps of some special nondistributive lattices.

ORDER AUTOMORPHISMS ON THE LATTICE OF RESIDUATED MAPS OF SOME SPECIAL NONDISTRIBUTIVE LATTICES
Kinetics and Interplay of Mediators of Inflammation-Induced Bone Damage in the Course of Adjuvant Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation, bone erosion, and cartilage destruction in the joints. It is increasingly being realized that inflammation might play an important role in inducing bone damage in arthritis. However, there is limited validation of this concept in vivo in well-controlled experimental conditions. We addressed this issue using the adjuvant arthritis (AA) model of RA. In AA, the draining lymph nodes are the main sites of activation of pathogenic leukocytes, which then migrate into the joints leading to the induction of arthritis. We tested the temporal kinetics of mediators of bone damage [e.g., receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteopontin (OPN)] and inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines) in the draining lymph node cells (LNC) at different phases of AA, and then examined their inter-relationships. Our study revealed that, together with cytokines/chemokines, some of the mediators of bone remodeling are also produced in LNC. Various cytokines/chemokines showed distinct kinetics of expression as well as patterns of correlation with mediators of bone remodeling at different phases of the disease. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha are known to play an important role in bone damage. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between TNF-alpha and RANKL, between RANKL and each of the 3 chemokines tested (RANTES, MIP-1alpha, and GRO/KC), and between TNF-alpha and RANTES. Our results in the AA model lend support to the concept of osteo-immune crosstalk during the course of autoimmune arthritis.
State of the Journal and Future Changes for SRL

It has been almost two years since I wrote my first Seismological Research Letters ( SRL ) column, titled “Hello from the New Editor of SRL .” Being the editor-in-chief (EIC) of SRL is indeed time consuming, as others warned me, and I am still learning to be more efficient at handling manuscripts. I have not received any angry phone calls yet, but I did receive several angry emails from authors of rejected manuscripts and have even gotten a letter of complaint via snailmail. Beyond these little confrontations, my EIC experience has been very positive. It is especially rewarding when I meet people who have published in SRL and they thank me for the work we do, while I try to recall what was in that particular paper. I would like to take this opportunity to briefly summarize what we have achieved in the past two years but, more importantly, to outline possible changes that are expected to happen in the near future, as well as motivations behind these proposed changes. First, we have successfully reduced the time for review from 40 days to 21 days. First, we have successfully reduced the time for review from 40 days to 21 days. The average …
Global Warming and the Specter of Geoengineering: Ecological Apocalypse, Modernist Hubris, and Scientific-Technological Salvation in Kim Stanley Robinson’s Global Warming Trilogy

Kim Stanley Robinson has emerged as one of the most environmentally concerned and political savvy science fiction writers among his contemporaries. His ecological concerns began early and reached maturity in his Mars trilogy, which won rave reviews and science fiction honorifics, as each was successively published. Between 2004 and 2007, his latest trilogy—the “Science in the Capital” series—was released, focusing upon the near-term dangers of global warming and the tendencies toward a kind of surveillance society in the United States spawned by the continuing war on terror. This chapter seeks to spotlight the good, the bad, and the tenuous in the trilogy by exposing Robinson’s Enlightenment assumptions about modern science and the scientific community, his fascination with fast-times scenarios, his license to Science and scientists to utilize terra/terror-forming techniques on Earth’s ecosystem, and his wilderness worship and preference for Paleolithic lifestyles. In the process, it juxtaposes trends in the techno-corporate world affirming precisely the Big Science solutions advanced by Robinson in his trilogy against more difficult, but more promising alternatives emerging from post-Enlightenment responses to global warming as a cultural and political economic crisis emanating from voices from grassroots organizations and postmodern ecological thinkers. The paper’s reads Robinson’s work against its Enlightenment grain to sketch some essential ingredients of a post-Enlightenment approach to addressing the global warming phenomenon.
Maternal-infant synchrony: An integrated review of the literature

Background A critical review of the literature was conducted to identify current science related to maternal - infant synchrony including: (a) definitions; (b) contributing factors; (c) measurement, and (d) how maternal - infant synchrony contributes to the continuum of the mothering experience. Methods Using the search terms maternal - infant synchrony, maternal - infant interaction and maternal - infant attachment, databases were searched including Medline, CINAHL, and PsychINFO. Only English language research and integrated reviews published after 1985 and applicable to maternal populations and infants less than one year of age were included. Studies specific to multiple gestations or infants with congenital anomalies were excluded. Research comparing term and preterm infants was included as prematurity provides a context to study the emergence of neurobehavioural development and effects of dysregulation on maternal - infant synchrony. Based on the inclusion criteria, 23 published articles were included in this review. Results Numerous overlapping definitions of maternal - infant synchrony were found. Findings clearly identify several positive newborn outcomes related to maternal - infant synchrony, including development of attachment relationships, development of infant language skills and social-emotional competence. Most research on maternal - infant synchrony has been conducted within the context of the behavioural sciences and/or in laboratory settings employing videotaping, analysis and coding of behaviours. Tools to specifically measure maternal - infant synchrony are limited. Conclusion Synchrony is a dynamic, timed relationship that benefits both mother and infant. Synchrony reflects an appropriate fit between maternal and infant behaviour that develops from responsive and sensitive mothering and fosters infant attachment and ultimately social, emotional and self-regulatory growth and trust.
Correlation of Mechanical Properties of Infant Lungs with Surface Activity of Extracts.

SummaryElastic properties of lungs of newborn babies vary greatly, as indicated by pressure-volume measurements on post mortem specimens. The surface-activity of saline extracts prepared from such specimens also varies considerably. Indices expressing these two characteristics are significantly correlated in 37 cases. Deficiency or inactivation of an “anti-atelectasis factor” may be responsible for poor aeration of lungs in many newborn children.
Novel Pharmacotherapeutic Interventions for Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use disorder is associated with a variety of consequences, and treatment outcomes are no better than for other substances of abuse. To date, no medications have been approved for the treatment of cannabis use disorder. Based on the available literature, standard psychotropic agents such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants do not appear to be effective. Somewhat promising findings have been reported with the anxiolytic buspirone, and the glutamate modulating drug N-acetylcysteine. Gabapentin showed positive effects for cognition and cannabis use, while cannabinoids may decrease cannabis withdrawal symptoms. Several promising agents to test in humans were identified. The neurosteroid pregnenolone blocks the behavioral effects of tetrahydrocannabinol in an animal model. Cognition may be a domain to target to reduce cannabis use. Thus, medications that modulate cholinergic systems may offer promising treatments. Finally, hypocretin/orexin receptor-1, NMDA receptor, and G-protein-coupled receptor-modulating agents might decrease cannabis craving or withdrawal symptoms. These recent approaches and hypotheses suggest more novel approaches to treating CUD and may be vital in finding treatments for cannabis use disorder.
The Optimal Approach to Post-Mastectomy and Post-Lumpectomy Breast Reconstruction

The surgical management of breast cancer has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, attributed to improved chemotherapy regimens and a better understanding of tumor biology. There is now a greater emphasis on decreasing surgical morbidity and preserving the breast form. The evolution of oncoplastic surgery has enabled more patients to be candidates for breast-conserving therapy, and the preservation of the entire skin and nipple areolar complex with mastectomy has markedly improved esthetic and patient-reported outcomes. This review provides an overview of the reconstructive options for partial and complete mastectomy, as well as discusses several key factors which markedly influence outcomes.
Hu Antigen R Is a Positive Regulator of ALS-Associated RNA Binding Proteins TDP-43 and FUS (P5.008)

Objective: To define HuR as an upstream regulator of TDP-43 and FUS, and assess its downstream effect on TDP-43 splicing function, cellular stress response and motor-neuron survival. Background: A network of RBPs including TDP-43, FUS, has been linked to sporadic and familial ALS. Mounting evidence indicates that there is a hierarchy within this network of auto- and cross-regulation. HuR has been identified as high up in this hierarchy, serving as a regulator of RNA regulators. Methods: TDP-43 and FUS expression was analyzed by Western blot after HuR was upregulated ectopically or knocked-down in primary astrocytes by siRNA. A luciferase reporter was used to assess the translational efficiency and stability of TDP-43 mRNA. The distribution of TDP-43 and FUS mRNAs were measured in polysome fractions after HuR knockdown. A downstream alternative splicing function of TDP-43 was monitored by a CFTR minigene and RT-PCR. Cortical and motor neurons were treated with astrocyte conditional medium, and assessed for toxicity by cleaved caspase-3 activity and fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Results: HuR promotes TDP-43 and FUS expression in primary astrocytes under normal and hypoxic conditions. HuR binds to TDP-43 3’ UTR and regulates its expression through translational efficiency rather than RNA stability. With HuR knockdown, there was a shift of TDP-43 and FUS mRNAs away from polysomes consistent with translational silencing. TDP-43 splicing function was attenuated upon HuR knockdown which could be rescued by ectopic TDP-43 lacking the 3’UTR regulatory elements. Finally, conditioned medium from astrocytes in which HuR or TDP-43 was knocked down produced significant neuronal toxicity in vitro. Conclusions: 1. ALS-associated RNA abnormalities may stem from disruption of a network of RBPs. 2. HuR positively regulates TDP-43 and FUS through posttranscriptional mechanism. 3. Loss of HuR-mediated RNA processing in astrocytes may participate in ALS pathogenesis. Study supported by: Study supported by NIH/NINDS Grant NS057664, NS064133 Disclosure: Dr. Lu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zheng has nothing to disclose. Dr. Si has nothing to disclose. Dr. King has nothing to disclose.
Targeted interference of SIN3A-TGIF1 function by SID decoy treatment inhibits Wnt signaling and invasion in triple negative breast cancer cells

// Yeon-Jin Kwon 1 , Boris A. Leibovitch 1 , Nidhi Bansal 1 , Lutecia Pereira 2 , Chi-Yeh Chung 1 , Edgardo V. Ariztia 1 , Arthur Zelent 2 , Eduardo F. Farias 1 and Samuel Waxman 1 1 Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA 2 University of Miami, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Florida MI, USA Correspondence to: Samuel Waxman, email: samuel.waxman@mssm.edu Eduardo F. Farias, email: eduardo.farias@mssm.edu Keywords: triple negative breast cancer, invasion, SIN3A, TGIF1, Wnt, metastasis Received: May 20, 2016 Accepted: July 23, 2016 Published: August 19, 2016 ABSTRACT Cancer cell invasion is an obligatory step for metastatic dissemination that contributes to rapid relapse and a poorer survival in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Development of novel therapeutic strategies to block tumor invasion is an unmet need in the treatment of cancer. We reported that the selective inhibition of the PAH2 domain of SIN3A protein function markedly suppressed metastatic dissemination to the lungs in TNBC xenograft bearing mice. Here, we show that TNBC cell lines treated with Sin3 interaction domain (SID) decoy peptides that bind to PAH2 display a strong in vitro inhibition of transwell invasion. This is accompanied by actin cytoskeleton reorganization with increased cortical actin deposition and downregulation of known Wnt target genes that are associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell invasion. Wnt pathway inhibition by SID decoy peptide was confirmed by decreased Wnt reporter activity and altered cytoplasmic localization of nuclear β-catenin. TGIF1, a transcription factor that modulates Wnt signaling and known to interact with the PAH2 domain of SIN3A, can be dissociated from the SIN3A complex by SID decoys. TGIF1 knockdown inhibits WNT target genes and in vitro cell invasion suggesting that TGIF1 might be a key target of the SID decoys to block tumor invasion. Taken together, targeting SIN3 function using SID decoys is a novel strategy to reverse invasion and the EMT program in TNBC translating into the inhibition of metastasis dissemination and eradication of residual disease.