cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of stimulation location relative to grey and white matter on single pulse electrical stimulation responses in the human brain

BackgroundElectrical neuromodulation is an increasingly common therapy for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric diseases. Unfortunately, therapeutic efficacy is inconsistent, possibly a result of our limited understanding of the mechanisms and the massive stimulation parameter space. Objective/HypothesisTo better understand the role different parameters play in inducing a response, we systematically examined single pulse-induced cortico-cortico evoked potentials (CCEP) as a function of stimulation amplitude, duration and location in the brain and relative to grey and white matter. MethodsWe measured voltage peak amplitudes and area under the curve of intracranially recorded stimulation responses as a function of distance from the stimulation site, pulse width, current injected, location relative to grey and white matter, and brain region stimulated (N=52, n=719 stimulation sites). ResultsIncreasing stimulation pulse width increased response values near the stimulation location. Increasing stimulation amplitude (current) increased responses nonlinearly. Locally ( 15 mm), white matter stimulation consistently produced larger responses than stimulation in or near grey matter. These relationships were different between cingulate, lateral prefrontal, and lateral temporal cortical stimulation. ConclusionThese results demonstrate the importance of location and stimulation parameters in inducing a specific output and indicate that a stronger local response may require stimulation in the grey-white boundary while stimulation in the white matter may be needed for network activation, suggesting that stimulation location can be tailored for a specific outcome, key to informed neuromodulatory therapy. HighlightsO_LIIntracranial single pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) response increases with increased pulse duration mostly near the stimulation site C_LIO_LISPES response varies nonlinearly with injected current with an effect of distance from the stimulation site. C_LIO_LISPES near the grey-white boundary and 90{degrees} to the nearest cortical axis induces larger local responses, but white matter stimulation produces larger distant responses. C_LIO_LIThe relationship between SPES location and responses depends on brain region stimulated C_LI
Rehabilitation of the Patient with a Failed Rotator Cuff

As the incidence of retears after a rotator cuff repair remain high, a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation protocol must be chosen depending on the circumstances of the injury. When choosing between an operative versus a nonoperative approach, surgeons must consider multiple factors including patient presentation and goals of the patient. Rotator cuff revision surgery should be explored in younger and active patients presenting with a traumatic tear. Whereas, in older patients, a nonoperative rehabilitation approach might be indicated, especially for atraumatic failed rotator cuff repairs. However, the surgeon must raise patients’ awareness that an operative approach has an increased risk of retear or that a nonoperative approach requires compliance with a long-term rehabilitation program. To this, nonoperative rehabilitation has been moderately successful in the treatment of initial rotator cuff ruptures, thus, might be translated in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff retears. The goals of rehabilitation are pain relief, improved shoulder range of motion, strengthening of rotator cuff, deltoid and periscapular musculature.
Deconstructing the Reflection in the Mirror

Women facing middle age and beyond are pressured by a cultural ideal of slimness. Literature pertaining to the factors affecting the societal perceptions of body image will be reviewed. Authors also will address relevant counseling interventions aimed at this population, specifically group therapy based in Narrative theory.
Cholecystokinin and response modifications in hippocampal field CA1

This study indicates that cholecystokinin (CCK-8S) and high-frequency afferent stimulation (HFS) modify neuronal responses to stimulation of the perforant pathway in hippocampal field CA1. HFS, previously neutral with regard to modifications, induced depression of both field evoked action potentials (EAPs) and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the presence of 500 nM CCK-8S. However, in the presence of 1 µM CCK-8S, HFS induced a potentiation of both field evoked responses. With intermediate concentrations of CCK-8S, HFS was indifferent to potentiation or depression: 750 nM CCK-8S was not associated with modifications, whereas only potentiation of EAPs occurred with 900 nM CCK-8S. The mechanism underlying HFS/CCK-8S-induced LTP or LTD may involve reduction of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. LTP and LTD may underlie certain forms of memory, and this study implicates hippocampal CCK-8S/GABAergic pathways in their induction.
Approaches to the Detection of Food Allergens, from a Food Science Perspective

Food allergies have become an increasingly important food safety issue in recent years. The current approaches for the prevention of future reactions are focused on the evaluation of the inadvertent presence of allergenic material in food and the identification of the allergen on labels by the consumer governed by the implementation of new regulations in several countries. Depending on the type of target molecule, protein, or DNA, the current detection methods for food allergens can be classified as immunoassay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunoassay is a very versatile technique because it uses antibodies that have the ability to detect a very specific protein(s) (allergen[s]) within a complex mixture of compounds. On the other hand, PCR targets the gene encoding the protein or allergen of interest. This chapter provides an overview of the current trends for the detection of food allergens, based on published information and the factors and steps involved in the analysis process. Moreover, special attention will be focused on commercially available kits. A section discusses the future approaches, such as the applicability of proteomics and genomics in the field, automation of analysis procedures, and confirmatory methods. From the point of view of detection of food allergens by immunoassay, allergenic proteins are comparable to nonallergenic proteins in that they are both antigens that are detected by IgG antibodies. As technology advances, new analytical techniques are being applied to the field of detection of food allergens or the characterization of new ones.
Topologies defined by some invariant pseudodistances

Complex analysis deals with holomorphic mappings between complex spaces. We ought to allow complex spaces to be infinite-dimensional and to have singularities. There are well-developed theories in the finite-dimensional case (see e.g. [GR], [Lo]) and for domains in certain kinds of topological vector spaces (see e.g. [Di], [FV], [He]). The most obvious approach to infinite-dimensional complex spaces is too general to yield sensible results [Do], but there has been progress [Au] in the study of (possibly infinite-dimensional, possibly singular) semi-Fredholm-analytic spaces. In any case, I shall assume that a complex space carries the structure of a Hausdorff space, which I shall call its underlying topology ; in the finite-dimensional case I shall assume that the underlying topology is paracompact. This note discusses some foundational questions and summarizes what we know about the relationships between the underlying topology and the topologies induced by the classical pseudodistances of Caratheodory and Kobayashi. Let Hol(X,Y ) denote the set of all holomorphic mappings from the complex space X into the complex space Y ; I shall assume that these mappings are continuous with respect to the underlying topologies of X and Y . Let D denote the open unit disc in C. A mapping f ∈ Hol(D, X) is called an analytic disc in X. I shall also assume that a complex space has the property that any two points can be connected by (the images of) a finite chain of analytic discs in the space; in the finite-dimensional case this is equivalent to connectedness in the topological sense [K70, pp. 97–98], [La, pp. 15–16].
Purification and properties of a pink copper protein from human erythrocytes.

Abstract A previously undetected pink copper protein has been isolated from human erythrocytes and purified by chromatographic procedures. The purified protein sedimented as a single symmetrical peak in the ultracentrifuge but minor impurities were detected by polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis. The apparent molecular weight was calculated to be approximately 32,000 by both Bio-Gel P-60 chromatography and sedimentation velocity centrifugation. The presence of cupric ions was established by reaction with 2,2'-biquinoline and diethyldithiocarbamate. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated the presence of cupric ion in an environment of tetragonal symmetry. The visible spectrum, with absorbance maxima located at 372, 503, and 760 mµ, disappeared upon reduction of the protein with sodium dithionite or cysteine. These spectral properties are similar to those of a number of the amine oxidases and the fluorescence spectra of the oxidized and reduced forms suggested that the protein contains an additional chromophoric group, possibly pyridoxal. Studies of the reaction of the protein with phenylhydrazine and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate further suggested the close proximity of this group and the cupric ion. The pink copper protein exhibited no activity in assays for amine oxidases, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase, lipoyl dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, dichloroindophenol reductase, or porphobilinogen deaminase. The pink copper protein was distinguished from erythrocuprein by its spectral, electrophoretic, and chromatographic properties and by its inability to catalyze the dismutation of the superoxide anion.
Dimensions of international expansions by US firms to China

Abstract China's recent efforts to attract foreign investment have been viewed favorably by US firms, who have explored a variety of strategies for expanding to China. This paper provides evidence related to a comprehensive set of strategies used by US firms to expand to China. For the 302 announcements of expansion by US firms into the Chinese market, several firm-specific factors are found to affect both the choice of mode entry and the reaction of investors to the announcement of the expansion. The results suggest that firms with a high investment in proprietary assets prefer foreign direct investment (FDI) modes to non-FDI modes, as do firms with high levels of geographic diversification. Firms entering the Chinese market utilize non-FDI modes, while those who have established a presence in China prefer FDI modes. The reaction of the stock market to expansions to China is positive; average excess returns of 0.75% are observed for the two days surrounding the announcement. Both FDI and non-FDI categories of expansion have statistically significant excess returns. Analysis by mode of expansion shows that expansions through joint ventures (JVs) and contracts are the most desirable alternatives. Other modes of expansion do not result in significant excess returns. Finally, a firm's prior financial performance has a significant influence on its ability to profitably expand to China.
Combinatorial Optimization by Dynamic Contraction

A heuristic optimization methodology, Dynamic Contraction (DC), is introduced as an approach for solving a wide variety of hard combinatorial problems. Contraction is an operation that maps an instance of a problem to a smaller instance of the same problem. DC is an iterative improvement strategy that relies on contraction as a mechanism for escaping local minima. As a byproduct of contraction, efficiency is improved due to a reduction of problem size. Effectiveness of DC is shown through simple applications to two classical combinatorial problems: The graph bisection problem and the traveling salesman problem.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the proteins in human amniotic fluid.

Abstract The proteins were examined in specimens of human amniotic fluid obtained from 18 women in labor at term. The samples were analyzed by means of disc electrophoresis, double gel diffusion with the polyacrylamide columns and specific antisera, radial immunodiffusion, and the micro-Kjeldahl method for measuring nitrogen. The proteins produced an average of 21 bands during disc electrophoresis which were identified as prealbumins, albumin, alpha-1 globulins, alpha-2 globulins including ceruloplasmin, transferrin, immunoglobulins (Ig) A and G. In addition to identifying these proteins in all the samples of amniotic fluid, alpha-2 haptoglobin and alpha-2 macroglobulin were observed in some specimens. Amniotic fluid was shown to contain 205 mg. of protein per 100 ml. of which albumin formed 60 per cent, ceruloplasmin 1.5, transferrin 11.6, IgA 0.1, and IgG 11.0.
Orthotopic heart transplantation with preservation of the left heart

In December 1992, cardiac transplantation (for right heart failure with partially occluded pulmonary arteries but with a normal left ventricle) was accomplished with partial resection of right atrium and ventricle but with preservation of the left heart, obtaining a three-ventricle heart. The short-term result (27 months) is good, with normal native and grafted heart rhythms and functions, allowing us to conceive of the possible application of this procedure in some other selected cases.
The use of alternative forms of graphical analysis to balance bias and precision in PET images

Graphical analysis (GA) is an efficient method for estimating total tissue distribution volume (VT) from positron emission tomography (PET) uptake data. The original GA produces a negative bias in VT in the presence of noise. Estimates of VT using other GA forms have less bias but less precision. Here, we show how the bias terms are related between the GA methods and how using an instrumental variable (IV) can also reduce bias. Results are based on simulations of a two-compartment model with VT's ranging from 10.5 to 64 mL/cm3 and from PET image data with the tracer [11C]DASB ([11C]-3-amino-4-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-phenylsulfanyl) benzonitrile). Four estimates of VT (or distribution volume ratio (DVR) using a reference tissue) can be easily computed from different formulations of GA including the IV. As noise affects the estimates from all four differently, they generally do not provide the same estimates. By taking the median value of the four estimates, we can decrease the bias and reduce the effect of large values contributing to noisy images. The variance of the four estimates can serve as a guide to the reliability of the median estimate. This may provide a general method for the generation of parametric images with little bias and good precision.
Prioritized packet video transmission over time-varying wireless channel using proactive FEC

Quality of video transmitted over time-varying wireless channels relies heavily on the coordinated effort to cope with both channel and source variations dynamically. Given the priority of each source packet and the estimated channel condition, an adaptive protection scheme based on joint source-channel criteria is investigated via proactive forward error correction (FEC). With proactive FEC in Reed Solomon (RS)/Rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) codes, we study a practical algorithm to match the relative priority of source packets and instantaneous channel conditions. The channel condition is estimated to capture the long-term fading effect in terms of the averaged SNR over a preset window. Proactive protection is performed for each packet based on the joint source-channel criteria with special attention to the accuracy, time-scale match, and feedback delay of channel status estimation. The overall gain of the proposed protection mechanism is demonstrated in terms of the end-to-end wireless video performance.
Evaluation of Ceramic Matrix Composite Technology for Aircraft Turbine Engine Applications

The goals of the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project are to reduce the NO(x) emissions, fuel burn, and noise from turbine engines. In order to help meet these goals, commercially-produced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are being evaluated as parts and panels. The components include a CMC combustor liner, a CMC high pressure turbine vane, and a CMC exhaust nozzle as well as advanced EBCs that are tailored to the operating conditions of the CMC combustor and vane. The CMC combustor (w/EBC) could provide 2700 F temperature capability with less component cooling requirements to allow for more efficient combustion and reductions in NOx emissions. The CMC vane (w/EBC) will also have temperature capability up to 2700 F and allow for reduced fuel burn. The CMC mixer nozzle will offer reduced weight and improved mixing efficiency to provide reduced fuel burn. The main objectives are to evaluate the manufacturability of the complex-shaped components and to evaluate their performance under simulated engine operating conditions. Progress in CMC component fabrication, evaluation, and testing is presented in which the goal is to advance from the proof of concept validation (TRL 3) to a system/subsystem or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL 6).
Substance use among college athletes: a comparison based on sport/team affiliation.

Objective: Prior research shows that college athletes have higher rates of substance use, especially alcohol, than do college students who are not involved in athletics. To augment the literature, the author sought to determine which sports/teams are at the greatest risk for substance use. Participants: The author used data from the 1999 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study, a national survey of college and university students in the United States. Methods: A series of chi-square and logistic regression models examined variation in substance use among college athletes on the basis of sport/team affiliation. Results: Findings indicated that male hockey and female soccer athletes were the most likely to report substance use and that male basketball and cross-country/track athletes reported lower levels of substance use. Conclusion: There is variation in substance use on the basis of sport/team affiliation, and future researchers should examine why certain groups of athletes have higher rate...
Ventral surgical approach to the caudal brain stem in dogs.

Objective— To develop a safe neurosurgical procedure that accessed the ventral pons and medulla of the dog primarily for the removal of brain stem neoplasms. Study Design— In vivo study. Methods— A cadaver study was performed on mesocephalic dog heads to develop a neurosurgical approach to the ventral brain stem. Based on this study, an approach to the ventral brain stem was developed by basioccipital craniectomy. This procedure was performed on 4 young neurologically normal Beagle dogs to assess morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. Morbidity was evaluated by subjective criteria, daily complete neurologic examinations, comparison of preoperative and postoperative brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) tests, and postmortem examinations. Results— Three dogs developed a transient cough but were neurologically normal after surgery. One dog was euthanatized within 12 hours of surgery because of severe postoperative morbidity associated with basilar artery disruption due to improper development of the craniectomy. Prolongations of postoperative BAER latencies were observed in 2 dogs but did not appear to be associated with clinical deficits or histopathologic changes in the brain stem. Minimal histopathologic changes were observed except in the dog with basilar artery disruption. Results of this study indicate that, although technically challenging, this procedure can be performed with minimal morbidity. Clinical Implications— The main indication for this procedure is surgical reduction or biopsy of ventrally located brain stem neoplasms in dogs. The major disadvantage is anatomic restrictions that prevent access to laterally oriented ventral brain stem masses.
Reply to comment by Maier and Kocabas on “A closed‐form analytical solution for thermal single‐well injection‐withdrawal tests”

Reply to comment by Maier and Kocabas on “A closed-form analytical solution for thermal single-well injection-withdrawal tests” Yoojin Jung and Karsten Pruess Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA 1. Introduction We appreciate the comment by Maier and Kocabas (2012) on our research article (Jung and Pruess, 2012). In their comment, they raise the following issues: (1) their solutions presented in Kocabas (2010) and Maier and Kocabas (2012) are mathematically simpler and computationally more efficient than our analytical solutions and (2) the insensitivity of thermal breakthrough curve to the flow velocity, which is one of the important conclusions of our study, only holds for the special case where the injection and the withdrawal flow rate is identical. We address each of these comments, along with a few other relatively minor comments and suggestions, below. 2.1. Efficiency of the Analytical Solution Regarding the computational efficiency of the analytical solutions, we agree that the solutions developed by Kocabas (2010) and Maier and Kocabas (2012) using the iterated Laplace transform have a simpler form than our solutions and therefore need a shorter
Intracellular mGluR5 can mediate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is widely expressed throughout the CNS and participates in regulating neuronal function and synaptic transmission. Recent work in the striatum led to the groundbreaking discovery that intracellular mGluR5 activation drives unique signaling pathways, including upregulation of ERK1/2, Elk-1 (Jong et al., 2009) and Arc (Kumar et al., 2012). To determine whether mGluR5 signals from intracellular membranes of other cell types, such as excitatory pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, we used dissociated rat CA1 hippocampal cultures and slice preparations to localize and characterize endogenous receptors. As in the striatum, CA1 neurons exhibited an abundance of mGluR5 both on the cell surface and intracellular membranes, including the endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus where it colocalized with the sodium-dependent excitatory amino acid transporter, EAAT3. Inhibition of EAAT3 or sodium-free buffer conditions prevented accumulations of radiolabeled agonist. Using a pharmacological approach to isolate different pools of mGluR5, both intracellular and cell surface receptors induced oscillatory Ca2+ responses in dissociated CA1 neurons; however, only intracellular mGluR5 activation triggered sustained high amplitude Ca2+ rises in dendrites. Consistent with the notion that mGluR5 can signal from intracellular membranes, uncaging glutamate on a CA1 dendrite led to a local Ca2+ rise, even in the presence of ionotropic and cell surface metabotropic receptor inhibitors. Finally, activation of intracellular mGluR5 alone mediated both electrically induced and chemically induced long-term depression, but not long-term potentiation, in acute hippocampal slices. These data suggest a physiologically relevant and important role for intracellular mGluR5 in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
Heterodyne measurements of 12C16O laser frequencies and improved Dunham coefficients

Abstract Earlier measurements of absolute frequencies of 12C16O laser lines by heterodyning with second harmonics of a 12C16O2 laser have been extended to 15 more lines by use of the rare isotopes 12C18O2 and 13C16O2. Interband difference frequencies for 20 pairs of 12C16O lines have also been measured by beat frequency techniques. These data together with 1438 other previously reported frequency measurements in the microwave and infrared regions have been analyzed to determine coefficients of a Dunham series E vJ = Σ m,n Y mn (v + 1 2 ) m [J(J + 1)] n for the CO electronic ground state. Transition frequencies predicted from the derived coefficients are substantially more accurate than earlier tabulations, having estimated uncertainties of the order of 2 MHz in the strongest laser bands. The coefficient Y31 has been determined for the first time.
Administration of S-methyl-L-thiocitrulline protects against brain injuries after intracerebral hemorrhage

Although intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) increases the level of glutamate in the perihematomal area and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the ICH acute phase, it is unclear whether elevated glutamate activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the ICH brain and whether nNOS is an important target for ICH treatment. Here, we assessed the role of the nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC) in the activity of NADPH-d and ICH-induced brain injuries. An autologous blood intracerebral infusion model in male rats was used. All of the rats were sacrificed 24h after ICH. ICH increased NADPH-d activity in the striatum. Administering SMTC 3h after ICH decreased the activity of NADH-d (p<0.05 vs. the ICH group). The activation of gelatinolytic enzymes in the perihematomal region of the striatum was reduced by SMTC treatment (p<0.01, vs. the ICH group). The loss of laminin- and occludin-stained vessels was significant in perihematomal regions after 24h of ICH and was significantly attenuated by the administration of SMTC (p<0.01 for laminin, p<0.05 for occluding, compared with the ICH group). Neuronal death and neurological deficits after ICH were also decreased in SMTC treatment rats (p<0.01, vs. the ICH group). The results suggest that the administration of the nNOS inhibitor SMTC after ICH protects against ICH-induced brain injuries and improves neurological function.
Both ends of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein S13 are immunochemically accessible in situ.

To investigate the structure ofEscherichia coli ribosomal protein S13 in 30S ribosomal subunits, we have previously generated 22 S13 specific monoclonal antibodies and mapped their specific epitopes to the S13 sequence. The availability of these S13 epitopesin situ has been further examined by incubating these monoclonal antibodies with 30S ribosomal subunits and analyzing formation of monoclonal antibody-linked ribosome dimers by sucrose gradients centrifugation. We have found that none of the 22 monoclonal antibodies makes ribosome dimers individually as do typical antisera. However, one monoclonal antibody, designated AS13-MAb 2, reacts with 30S ribosomal subunits to form immunocomplexes sedimenting faster than subunit monomers. When AS13-MAb 2 is paired with any one of three monoclonal antibodies directed to the S13 C-terminal epitopes, dimer formation is observed. Other pairs of monoclonal antibodies directed to distinct S13 epitopes have been tested similarly for dimer formation. Monoclonal antibody AS13-MAb 22, directed to the N-terminal region of 22 residues, also causes subunits to form typical dimers, but only if paired with one of the three monoclonal antibodies directed to the S13 C-terminal region. The close proximity of the epitopes recognized by AS13-MAbs 2 and 22 has been established by the mutual competition between the antibodies binding to intact 30S subunits. These results corroborate our previous observation, using polyclonal antibodies, that S13 has more than one epitope exposed on 30S subunits. Our finding that sequences on both ends of the S13 molecule are immunochemically accessible provides information about the molecular organization of S13in situ.
Referral and Comanagement of the Patient With CKD

CKD is a common condition with well-documented associated morbidity and mortality. Given the substantial disease burden of CKD and the cost of ESRD, interventions to delay progression and decrease comorbidity remain an important part of CKD care. Early referral to nephrologists has been shown to delay progression of CKD. Conversely, late referral has been associated with increased hospitalizations, higher mortality, and worsened secondary outcomes. Late referral to nephrology has been consequent to numerous factors, including the health care system, provider issues, and patient related factors. In addition to timely referral to nephrologists, the optimal modality to provide care for CKD patients has also been evaluated. Multidisciplinary clinics have shown significant improvements in other disease states. Data for the use of these clinics have shown benefit in mortality, progression, and laboratory markers of disease severity. However, studies supporting the use of multidisciplinary clinics in CKD have been mixed. Evidence-based guidelines from groups, including Renal Physicians Association and NKF, provide tools for management of CKD patients by both generalists and nephrologists. Through the use of guidelines, timely referral, and a multidisciplinary approach to care, the ability to provide effective and efficient care for CKD patients can be improved. We present a model to guide a multidisciplinary comanagement approach to providing care to patients with CKD.
Increase of nitric oxide by L-arginine potentiates β-endorphin- but not μ-, δ- or κ-opioid agonist-induced antinociception in the mouse

Abstract L-Arginine pretreated i.c.v. produced a time- and dose-dependent potentiation of β-endorphin-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response in ICR mice. However, the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by morphine, DAMGO ([D-Ala 2 ,NMePhe 4 ,Gly 5 -ol]enkephalin), DPDPE ([D-Pen 2 ,D-Pen 5 ]enkephalin or U50,488H given i.c.v. was not potentiated by i.c.v. pretreated L-arginine. The results indicate that L-arginine selectively potentiates antinociception induced by ϵ-opioid receptor agonist, but not μ-, δ- or κ-opioid receptor agonist. L-Arginine pretreated i.t. did not potentiate i.c.v. administered β-endorphin-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response, indicating that the potentiating effect of L-arginine on β-endorphin-induced antinociception is located at the supraspinal sites but not at the spinal sites.
Coincidence probabilities for simple majority and positional voting rules

Abstract With three candidates and an odd number n of voters, let Q ( n , λ , p ) be the probability that the winning candidate under the point-total rule that assigns 1, λ, and 0 points respectively to each first, second, and third-place vote is the same as the simple majority candidate, given that there exists a simple majority candidate, when each voter independently selects a linear preference order on the candidates by a common probability distribution p on the six linear orders on the candidates. With Q ( n , λ ) = Q ( n , λ , p ) when p assigns probability 1 6 to each order, the λ values that maximize Q ( n , λ ) for small n consist of open intervals in [0, 1 2 ]. Using quadrivariate normals, a computational form is developed for the limiting probability Q ( λ ) = lim n →∞ Q ( n , λ ). The function Q ( λ ) = Q (1 − λ ) for each λ ϵ [0, 1] and is differentiable with Q ( λ ) strictly increasing as λ goes from 0 to 1 2 . The maximum value Q( 1 2 ) is approximately. 901189. Effects of nonuniform p distributions on Q ( n , λ , p ) are also discussed.
Alterations in brain monoaminergic functioning associated with septal lesion induced hyperreactivity

Abstract Thirty male albino rats, individually housed and receiving food and water ad lib were rated on 3 consecutive days for reactivity to handling. The animals were then assigned to behaviorally equivalent groups and received eiter bilateral septal lesions or a sham operation. Following two days of recovery, all animals received an additional behavioral testing session. Immediately following this last test, norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) levels, instantaneous rate constants (k), turnover times (TT) and utilization rates (K) as well as the levels of serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the hypothalamus, limbic system, cortex and pons-medulla were determined fluorometrically. Postoperatively, animals with septal lesions were significantly more reactive to handling, while the behavior of sham-operated controls remained essentially unchanged. Significant reductions in hypothalamic NE and DA and limbic DA were observed in the septal lesion animals. Catecholamine levels in other brain parts were unaffected as were 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in all brain areas. Ratios of NE/5-HT in the limbic system were significantly reduced in animals which received septal lesions. Measures of catecholamine dynamics (k, TT, K) were unaltered by septal lesions. These results support the hypothesis of a catecholaminergic involvement in affective behavior but do not demonstrate any alteration in the functional dynamics of the brain monoamines associated with the hyperreactivity induced by septal lesions.
A Growth Anomaly and Lysis with Production of Virus-Like Particles in an Axenically Reared Microannelid

A Growth Anomaly and Lysis with Production of Virus-Like Particles in an Axenically Reared Microannelid
Pre-crastination in the pigeon

Procrastination is the tendency to delay initiating or completing tasks. Rosenbaum et al. (Psychological Science, May 8, 2014) recently documented the opposite of procrastination: pre-crastination, the tendency to begin or to finish tasks as soon as possible. We devised a simple two-alternative forced-choice task, in which pigeons could choose to switch response location either sooner or later in a sequence of actions eventuating in food reward. Even though there was no economic advantage for doing so, pigeons chose to switch response location sooner rather than later in the sequence, showing pre-crastination to be quite general. Pre-crastination thus joins other anticipatory learning phenomena in challenging rational or optimal accounts of behavioral adaptation.
SU‐EE‐A4‐04: Compartment Modeling Analysis of Cu‐ATSM Dynamic PET Images

Purpose:Copper labeled diacetyl‐bis(N4‐methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu‐ATSM) has been reported to selectively bind to hypoxic tumor cells. This makes Cu‐ATSM PET a promising modality to imagetumor hypoxia. However, intravascular Cu‐ATSM that is not related to hypoxia, can also contribute to the PET signal. The purpose of this study is to use compartment modelinganalysis to separate tumor tissue time‐activity Cu‐ATSM signal into intravascular and extravascular components. Method and Materials: A dynamic Cu‐ATSM PET scanning was performed on tumor‐bearing (R3230 mammary adenocarcinoma) rats. The Cu‐ATSM concentration is separated into an intravascular concentration (Cp) with vascular volume fraction (vp) and extravascular concentration (Ce). The transfer between the intra‐ and extra‐vascular compartments is described by rate constant k. The time activity data of Cu‐ATSM were fed into the compartment model. After non‐linear least square (NLLS) fitting of the model, tumor signal was separated into intravascular and extravascular components. Vascular volume fraction vp and rate constant k were also obtained from the fitting. Results: The time courses of the intravascular and extravascular Cu‐ATSM signals were obtained from the NLLS fitting and are shown in figure 1 in the supporting document. The fitted Cu‐ATSM uptake signals match closely with the measured results. The vascular volume fraction obtained from the fitting for three tumors was 2.4%, 2.3% and 2.9%, and the transfer rate from blood to tissue was 0.045, 0.043, and 0.047 (1/minute), respectively. Conclusion: Compartment modelinganalysis can effectively remove the intravascular Cu‐ATSM signal from the overall tissue signals, reflecting more accurately the tissue uptake and tumor hypoxia. Tumor vascular volume fraction and Cu‐ATSM transfer rate constant can be obtained from the compartment modelinganalysis.
SU‐E‐T‐793: Static‐Gantry and Rotational IMRT with Flattening Filter Free versus Flattening Filtered Beams

Purpose: The flattening filter free (FFF) photon beams offer high dose rate, greatly speeding up treatment delivery. This work aims to evaluate the impact of FFF beam on treatment planning for both static‐gantry (sIMRT) and rotational IMRT (rIMRT). Methods: Both FFF and flattening filtered (FF) photon beams from a Siemens Artiste machine, calibrated to deliver 1 cGy/MU at dmax with a 10×10 cm, 2 field, were used in our study. Both sIMRT and rIMRT plans were generated with either FFF or FF beams for 10 previously treated cases, using a planning system based on direct aperture optimization algorithm (Panther, Prowess). The plans were compared based on dose‐volume histograms with parameters including dose uniformity for planning target volume (PTV) and equivalent uniform dose for organs at risk (OAR), as well as monitor unit (MU) numbers. Results: In general, the plan qualities for rIMRT plans are equal to or slightly better than those for sIMRT, while the plan quality of a FFF‐beam plan is slightly worse than that for the corresponding FF‐beam plan. The plan quality of a FFF‐beam rIMRT plan is close to that for the FF‐beam sIMRT plan, and the former has slightly worse dose uniformity in PTV but slightly better OAR sparing. Both rotational delivery and the use of FFF‐beam require more MUs, with the latter to more extent. The MU increase can be up to 34% for large PTV and complicated OAR configurations. However, FFF‐beam rIMRT has the advantages of high delivery efficiency with overall treatment time reduced by up to 30%. Conclusions: Plan quality degrade associated with FFF beams can be compromised with rotational IMRT technique. The overall treatment time can be reduced with FFF beams, even though the total MUs are increased. FFF beams are more advantageous for a small sized target or less complicated OAR geometry.
A New Reserve Growth Model for United States Oil and Gas Fields

Reserve (or field) growth, which is an appreciation of total ultimate reserves through time, is a well-recognized phenomenon, particularly in mature petroleum provinces. The importance of forecasting reserve growth accurately in a mature petroleum province made it necessary to develop improved growth functions, and a critical review of the original Arrington method was undertaken. During a five-year (1992–1996), the original Arrington method gave 1.03% higher than the actual oil reserve growth, whereas the proposed modified method gave a value within 0.3% of the actual growth, and therefore it was accepted for the development for reserve growth models. During a five-year (1992–1996), the USGS 1995 National Assessment gave 39.3% higher oil and 33.6% lower gas than the actual growths, whereas the new model based on Modified Arrington method gave 11.9% higher oil and 29.8% lower gas than the actual growths. The new models forecast predict reserve growths of 4.2 billion barrels of oil (2.7%) and 30.2 trillion cubic feet of gas (5.4%) for the conterminous U.S. for the next five years (1997–2001).
Synthetic Environment to Evaluate Alternative Trip Distribution Models

In this paper an environment is synthesized to incorporate spatial distributions of population and employees and to simulate travelers' destination choice behaviors following utility-maximization decision rules. In this synthetic environment, two alternative trip distribution models—the destination choice model and the gravity model—are evaluated by comparing estimated model coefficients and trip matrices against their true counterparts. The destination choice model provides reasonable model coefficients and trip matrix when the average trip length is much greater than the zone size. However, when the average trip length comes closer to the zone size as a result of significant spatial aggregation errors the model coefficients appear more biased, and more errors occur in trip matrix estimation. In the gravity model, linear regression does not provide consistent coefficients for trip attraction variables and therefore cannot accurately estimate trip attractions. It is not optional but necessary to apply the...
An improved equivalent linearization procedure for non‐linear systems under bounded random excitations

Taking into consideration that a physically realistic random process must be bounded in variation, a type of non-linear filters is employed to model bounded random processes, which are then used as excitation processes for linear and non-linear dynamical systems. In the case of a linear system, the statistical moments of any order can be obtained exactly for the system response. It is shown that the response of a linear system may be strongly non-Gaussian, especially if the bounded random excitation deviates far from being Gaussian distributed, and/or is narrowly banded in frequency. Based on this discovery, a procedure is proposed to improve the well-known equivalent linearization procedure for the case of non-linear systems under bounded random excitations. In the procedure, the exact statistical moments obtained from the replacing linear system are used to calculate the linearization coefficients; thus, the usual Gaussian assumption is not required. It is shown in numerical examples that the accuracy of the calculated system response can be improved substantially, especially when the system is strongly non-linear and/or the excitation process is far from being Gaussian distributed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population dynamics with age- and time-dependent birth and death rates.

A continous, deterministic mathematical model is used to predict population distributions by age at any time, given the initial distribution and the variation of birth and death rates with age and time. Solutions are obtained on a computer using a semi-discretization algorithm in which time derivatives in the partial differential equations are replaced by finite-difference expressions. The resulting sets of ordinary differential equations are solved by a predictor-corrector method. Graphical results are shown for some examples.
Analysis of Pressure Transient Data in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs With Spherical Flow

Methods for analysis of pressure transient performance in homogeneous reservoirs with spherical flow have been presented by others in the past. This work extends the art to the case of naturally fractured reservoirs with uniform fracture distribution. A reservoir model similar to the double-porosity system described by Warren and Root is employed. The fundamental differential equation and the solution of the equation by the application of the Laplace Transformation serves as the theoretical foundation. A method is then presented for estimation of an average spherical permeability and static reservoir pressure. Also the procedure for estimation of total fluid capacitance (phi/sub 2/C/sub 2/ + phi/sub 1/C/sub 1/) and the fraction of which being contributed by the fracture network (..omega..) is discussed.
Expression and functional role of inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein livin (BIRC7) in neuroblastoma.

Abstract We evaluated the expression of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (IAP) livin (BIRC7) in 59 cases of neuroblastoma (NBL) by quantitative RT-PCR. We also examined the role of livin in protecting tumor cells from chemotherapy drugs. Livin expression varied significantly among tumors. High levels of expression were observed in 17 of 39 patients with advanced stages (stages 3 and 4) and 6 of 20 patients with localized stages (stages 1 and 2). Livin-transfected, MYCN-amplified NBL cells showed increased resistance to doxorubicin and etoposide. Conversely, livin knockdown with siRNA enhanced spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis in NBL cells. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors showed that high livin expression worsened prognosis for patients with MYCN-amplified tumors. Our data suggest that (i) livin is frequently expressed in NBL and protects tumor cells with amplified MYCN oncogene from genotoxic agents; (ii) the antiapoptotic effect of livin in NBL is blocked by siRNA; (iii) in the sample studied, high livin expression enhanced the adverse prognostic impact of MYCN amplification. These findings suggest that livin may contribute to drug resistance in NBL.
A Phenomenological Interview Method for Informal Scienc Learning

In this paper I explore the phenomenological interview as a method of measuring learning outcomes in informal science environments, specifically with respect to the nature of the emotional experience and its impact on learning. The learning outcomes of informal science education include emotional components such as excitement and interest, which are not easily measured with traditional testing and surveys. The phenomenological interview involves open-ended questioning, and responses are analyzed by comparing the common threads between participants. This research method could be helpful in understanding the nature of the emotional experience and what aspects of the environment contributed. It could also be applied to research on other virtual and mixed-reality environments, especially where emotional impact is studied.
Expert’s comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled “Lead toxicity and management of gunshot wounds in the lumbar spine” (by B. Rentfrow, R. Vaidya, C. Elia, A. Sethi doi:10.1007/s00586-013-2805-6)

I read with interest this case report [1] describing late-onset plumbism associated with gunshot wound (GSW) to the spine, with retained lead-based bullet fragments within the intervertebral disc space. I congratulate the authors on their well-written, interesting, detailed, and accurate discussion of the literature pertaining to GSW involving the spine. I particularly enjoyed their description of the various challenges that can be encountered in the treatment of projectile injuries to the spine and the indications for surgical intervention, which include the uncommon cases of spinal instability, the presence of neurological compression with progressive spinal cord injury, recalcitrant infection, and late-onset claudication, in addition to plumbism. The authors go on to describe the challenges that occur when having to address extensive scar formation in the epidural space and around the great vessels, both of which can be predictably encountered when addressing delayed onset plumbism secondary to a bullet fragment. Their case report also emphasizes the difficulties that can be anticipated when trying to remove all bullet fragments due to the potential for proximity and adherence to vital structures, and subsequently, the uncertainty involved in deciding on the need for additional surgery if serum lead levels remain elevated postoperatively or gradually increase again over time in the setting of residual bullet fragments.
Relating meson and baryon fragmentation functions by shower-parton recombination

We relate the fragmentation functions of partons into mesons and baryons in the framework of recombination of shower partons. The results are in reasonable agreement with the data. The implication is that the meson and baryon fragmentation functions are not independent when hadronization of the shower partons is taken into account. The conclusion therefore closes a conceptual gap in the system of fragmentation functions, whose Q{sup 2} evolution has been more extensively studied than the interrelationship among various species of hadrons produced.
Dynamical theory of electron transfer: Inclusion of inner‐shell reorganization

The dynamical formulation of electron transfer rate theory, including inner sphere and outer sphere reorganization terms, electronic structure polarization, and an ab initio treatment of the electrons on donor, acceptor, and bridge molecules, is presented and applied to electron transfer betwen benzene/anion radical and pyridine. The formulation involves the use of mean field (Ehrenfest) relations to obtain the time evolution of electron and vibration operators. This formulation yields an effective density matrix for the time evolution of the electronic system; the elements of this density matrix depend on averages over electronic and vibrational motions. For the electron transfer system actually studied, the rates are strongly dependent upon relative geometry of donor and acceptor, and maximize sharply at geometries such that electronic levels on donor and acceptor become degenerate—the so‐called ‘‘coincidence event’’ geometry.