cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connectivity changes in an isolated molluscan ganglion during in vivo culture

The stability of neuronal connections in the isolated buccal ganglia of Helisoma trivolvis was examined during in vivo culture for periods up to one month. After 4--8 days the characteristic IPSP input to protractor motoneurons (PMNs) was either abolished or reduced in efficacy. This is apparently due to reduced efficacy of chemical synapses, since the input resistance and resting potential of the motoneurons is unchanged and a fraction of spike-evoked IPSPs from premotor neurons (cyberchrons) onto PMNs was absent. PMNs lacking IPSP input nevertheless exhibit vigorous cyclical bursts of action potentials driven by electrical EPSPs. The IPSP of PMNs showed partial or full restoration after 14--32 days of culture despite the lack of reinnervation of normal targets. Existing electrical synapses were apparently more stable during culture, but electrical connections between cyberchrons and PMNs were strengthened. Probably because of the reinforcement of these electrical synapses, regenerative cycles of activity in both cyberchrons and PMNs may often be initiated by brief stimulating of a single PMN in cultured ganglia. This is in marked contrast to normal ganglia in which PMNs possess a limited ability to generate such activity. It is concluded that isolation of the buccal ganglia results in a predictable, functional alteration of its neuronal circuitry. Such a perturbation of connectivity indicates that a significant degree of plasticity can be exhibited by adult molluscan neurons.
Increased specific binding of angiotensin II in the organum vasculosum of the laminae terminalis area of the spontaneously hypertensive rat brain

Three localized sites, the organum vasculosum, lamina terminalis (OVLT) subfornical organ (SFO) and cortex in the brains of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were micro-dissected out. The membranes were assayed for 125I-labelled angiotensin II specific binding. The only significant difference was a 129% greater specific binding in the OVLT in SH compared to WKY rats. Specific binding of 125I-labelled angiotensin II in the SFO and the cerebral cortex was not significantly different between the two strains. SH rats are known to have a greater sensitivity to centrally administered angiotensin II, which may contribute to the hypertension. This data suggests that a difference in central angiotensin II receptors is at least partially responsible for the increased sensitivity.
Prediction of blood flow in tubes with diameters as small as 29 μ

Abstract The flow rate-pressure drop relationship for steady laminar human blood flow in artificial capillaries with diameters as small as 29 μ can be predicted from macroscopic rheological data if the actual average hematocrit of the blood in the capillary is used as an independent variable.
Transition structures for the reaction of difluorocarbene with propene

Abstract Two ab initio transition structures for the reaction of difluorocarbene with propene have been located with gradient techniques and the 3-21G basis set. The activation energy is 1.3 kcal/mol lower than for the reaction with ethylene. Two transition structures with the fluorines approaching syn or anti to the methyl group are identical in energy
The impact of medium architecture of alluvial settings on non-Fickian transport

Abstract The influence of heterogeneous architecture of alluvial aquifers on non-Fickian transport is explored using the Monte Carlo approach. More than two thousand high-resolution hydrofacies models representing seven groups of alluvial settings are built to test the effects of varying facies proportions, mean length and its anisotropy ratio, juxtapositional tendencies, and sub-facies heterogeneity. Results show that the volumetric fraction ( P ( Z ) ) of floodplain layers classified by their thicknesses Z controls the non-Fickian tailing of tracer transport at late times. A simple quantitative relationship S BTC ≈ S P ( Z ) / 2 - 1 is built based on a multi-rate mass transfer analysis, where S BTC is the slope of the power-law portion of tracer breakthrough curve, and S P ( Z ) denotes the slope of the power-law portion of the distribution of P ( Z ) which can be measured, e.g., in core logs. At early times, the mean length of hydrofacies affects the non-Fickian tailing by controlling the channeling of flow in high-permeability non-floodplain materials and the sequestration in surrounding low-permeability floodplain layers. The competition between channeling and sequestration generates complex pre-asymptotic features, including sublinear growth of plume mean displacement, superlinear growth of plume variance, and skewed mass distribution. Those observations of the influence of medium heterogeneity on tracer transport at early and late times may lead to development of nonlocal transport models that can be parameterized using measurable aquifer characteristics.
Evidence for methylation as a regulatory mechanism in HLA-DR x gene expression

We examined the possibility that one mechanism for controlling HLA-DRα gene expression occurs through DNA hypomethylation. We employed the restriction enzyme Hpa II, which recognizes the sequence 5′CCGG3′ but not 5′CmCGG3′, to study DNA methylation. We first compared a DR-positive B lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) with an isogenic DR-negative T-LCL. Using a genomic probe for the DR α gene, we showed that an Hpa II digestion of DNA from the B-LCL resulted in bands of lower molecular weight than that of the T-LCL. This indicates that the B-LCL DR gene is hypomethylated relative to the T-LCL gene. Demethylation of the gene from the B-LCL is incomplete, suggesting that complete demethylation is not required for its expression. We also examined somatic cell hybrids of T-LCL and B-LCL since the DR α gene, which is inactive in the T-LCL, is expressed in the hybrids, providing a system to study DR α gene induction. We examined the hybrid line 174 × CEM.T1, which contains and expresses solely the DR α gene from the T-LCL parent since both copies of the DR α gene from the B-LCL parent, 174, are deleted. The expressed DR α gene from the hybrid was compared with the unexpressed gene from the T-LCL parental line, and again an association between DR α gene expression and DNA hypomethylation was observed. In contrast to the DR α gene from B-LCL, which is not completely demethylated, the DR α gene in this hybrid line is not methylated at either of the Msp I sites covered by our probe. This suggests that different regulatory mechanisms operating through DNA methylation may be involved in the expression of DR α genes from T-LCL and B-LCL. Examination of another hybrid line which has DR α genes from both parental lines supports this contention. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Filling the gaps in the Neogene plant fossil record of eastern North America: New data from the Pliocene of Alabama

Abstract Nine angiosperm taxa are described, based on megafossils from the Citronelle Formation of Alabama, that are significant in either clarifying previous identifications, or in providing the first records of their kind in the North American Pliocene. Liquidambar styraciflua is identified from leaves. Stones are attributed to Cornus sp. and Nyssa aquatica . Although Nyssa stones from the Citronelle Formation were originally described as N. aquaticaformis and later attributed to N. ogeche , the new fossil specimens and a leaf indicate affinity with extant N. aquatica . Fruits of Cyrilla racemiflora are the first North American fossil record of the Cyrillaceae. An endocarp and leaf are attributed to Cocculus . Populus deltoides is represented by two leaves, and a partial leaf is attributed to Gordonia . Planera aquatica was previously identified from the Citronelle Formation from leaves, and a new fossil fruit supports this record. Leaves and a seed provide the first Neogene record of Vitus rotundifolia . The presence of numerous extant taxa suggests climatic conditions similar to those of the region today. However, other recent finds from the Citronelle Formation and fossil localities in Florida and Tennessee indicate that a considerable number of “exotic” taxa persisted into the Pliocene of southeastern North America.
Edaphic, salinity, and stand structural trends in chronosequences of native and non-native dominated riparian forests along the Colorado River, USA

Tamarix spp. are introduced shrubs that have become among the most abundant woody plants growing along western North American rivers. We sought to empirically test the long-held belief that Tamarix actively displaces native species through elevating soil salinity via salt exudation. We measured chemical and physical attributes of soils (e.g., salinity, major cations and anions, texture), litter cover and depth, and stand structure along chronosequences dominated by Tamarix and those dominated by native riparian species (Populus or Salix) along the upper and lower Colorado River in Colorado and Arizona/California, USA. We tested four hypotheses: (1) the rate of salt accumulation in soils is faster in Tamarix-dominated stands than stands dominated by native species, (2) the concentration of salts in the soil is higher in mature stands dominated by Tamarix compared to native stands, (3) soil salinity is a function of Tamarix abundance, and (4) available nutrients are more concentrated in native-dominated stands compared to Tamarix-dominated stands. We found that salt concentration increases at a faster rate in Tamarix-dominated stands along the relatively free-flowing upper Colorado but not along the heavily-regulated lower Colorado. Concentrations of ions that are known to be preferentially exuded by Tamarix (e.g., B, Na, and Cl) were higher in Tamarix stands than in native stands. Soil salt concentrations in older Tamarix stands along the upper Colorado were sufficiently high to inhibit germination, establishment, or growth of some native species. On the lower Colorado, salinity was very high in all stands and is likely due to factors associated with floodplain development and the hydrologic effects of river regulation, such as reduced overbank flooding, evaporation of shallow ground water, higher salt concentrations in surface and ground water due to agricultural practices, and higher salt concentrations in fine-textured sediments derived from naturally saline parent material.
Context in Human Geography: A Multilevel Approach to Study Human–Environment Interactions∗

One of the shortcomings of quantitative methods in human geography is an overreliance on models that can only account for the average outcomes of spatial events. Although methodological advancements in the form of multilevel models now allow human geographers to account for average outcomes as well as deviations about average outcomes of spatial events, it is not without question that such models can fully account for the cultural, political, and social contexts that affect human behavior. In this article I argue for the adoption of a multilevel approach to the study of human behavior to address some of the criticisms of quantitative methods in human geography. Using a transportation geography research agenda as an example, I discuss how a multilevel approach can complement qualitative methods. Such mixed research methods offer human geographers the opportunity to identify the appropriate role for quantitative methods and explore how context affects behavior.
Increasing the appeal and utilization of services for alcohol and drug problems: What consumers and their social networks prefer

Abstract Background A large gap exists in the United States between population need and the utilization of treatment services for substance-related problems. Surveying consumer preferences may provide valuable information for developing more attractive services with greater reach and impact on population health. Methods A state-level telephone survey using random digit dialling sampling methods assessed preferences for available professional, mutual help, and lay resources, as well as innovative computerized and self-help resources that enhance anonymity ( N =439 households in Alabama). Results Respondents preferred help that involved personal contact compared to computerized help or self-help, but were indifferent whether personalized help was dispensed by professional or lay providers. Attractive service features included lower cost, insurance coverage, confidentiality, rapid and convenient appointments, and addressing functional problems and risks of substance misuse. Respondents in households with a member who misused substances rated services more negatively, especially if services had been used. Conclusion The findings highlight the utility of viewing substance misusers and their social networks as consumers, and the implications for improving the system of care and for designing and marketing services that are responsive to user preferences are discussed.
Theoretical foundation of the medieval preparations of urinary derivatives.

It has been recently brought to light that the Chinese, as early as 1025, A.D., had already devised a preparation which would extract hormones from urine. This paper attempts to trace the development of Chinese medical thought, from 25 A.D., which had led to such a sophisticated preparation.
Cytokines in dengue virus infections: role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever

Abstract Dengue virus infections are a serious health problem in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Epidemiological and immunological studies have suggested that severe dengue illness, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is induced by immunopathological mechanisms. Recent progress in cytokine research has provided new insights into the pathogenesis of DHF and we speculate that cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2 and IFN-γ as well as other chemical mediators play important roles in the pathogenesis of DHF. In this paper we provide our view of the immunopathological mechanisms of DHF with a focus on cytokines contributing to plasma leakage, the most prominent feature of DHF.
Mev Ion Beam Induced Index of Refraction Changes in Layered GaAs/AlGaAs Waveguides

Previously, we showed that localized optical modifications could be produced without subsequent post thermal annealing in selectively masked planar GaAs/Al{sub .4}Ga{sub .6}As waveguide structures using 10 MeV oxygen ions. In our present investigation, irradiation experiments were performed on masked GaAs/Al{sub .4}Ga{sub .6}As waveguide samples at 298 K using 10 MeV oxygen and 8 MeV carbon ions. The two ion incident energies were chosen to yield the maximum electronic stopping power near the interface separating the top cladding layer and the guiding layer. This localized modification process emphasizes the crucial role that the electronic energy transfer plays on the degree to which the refractive index of the guiding layer is altered. Propagation loss measurements on the fabricated channel waveguides were performed by end fire coupling a laser diode source at a wavelength of 1.3 {mu}m. Observation of the extracted propagation loss values reveal that further optimization of the ion beam parameters are required before practical applications can be achieved. The relative efficiency of the various ions to induce optically altered regions which serve as lateral confinement barriers of laser light shows that this fabrication process is sensitive to the ion beam current.
APPROACHES TO IMPROVING BANK SHARE VALUE USING CREDIT-PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND CREDIT-TRANSFER PRICING

Prudent credit risk management within a bank requires that a number of agents within the firm communicate, agree, and act in a concerted fashion to manage credit risk both at the individual exposure level and at the broader portfolio level. This can be challenging, given the nature of credit portfolios. Even if highly diversified, credit portfolios display heavilyskewedlossdistributionsthatimplyrelativelylongquiescentperiods(duringwhich lossesarelowerthantheirmathematicalexpectationsandthebenefitsofriskmanagement less visible) and occasional periods of much higher losses. This phenomenon makes it difficult to maintain focus on the impact of individual trades or loans on the longerterm risk of portfolio losses, particularly in large organizations. In this nontechnical paper, which draws on and extends portions of Bohn and Stein (2009), we reflect on some of these challenges and discuss mechanisms, such as credit-transfer pricing, by which banks can better align the behaviors of underwriters, risk managers, and senior managers within large institutions while also increasing the communications between thesegroups.Thisapproachgrewoutofindustrypracticeandiscurrentlyinusetovarying degrees by a number of large banks worldwide. While many challenges still persist in its implementation, innovations in both extending credit and modeling credit continue to evolve to address them, making implementation more practically feasible.
Does prolonged β-lactam infusions improve clinical outcomes compared to intermittent infusions? A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized, controlled trials

The emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-negatives (MDRGNs) coupled with an alarming scarcity of new antibiotics has forced the optimization of the therapeutic potential of available antibiotics. To exploit the time above the minimum inhibitory concentration mechanism of β-lactams, prolonging their infusion may improve outcomes. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine if prolonged β-lactam infusion resulted in decreased mortality and improved clinical cure compared to intermittent β-lactam infusion. Relevant studies were identified from searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. Heterogeneity was assessed qualitatively, in addition to I2 and Chi-square statistics. Pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models. Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Prolonged infusion β-lactams were not associated with decreased mortality (n= 982; RR 0.92; 95% CI:0.61-1.37) or clinical cure (n = 1380; RR 1.00 95% CI:0.94-1.06) compared to intermittent infusions. Subgroup analysis for β-lactam subclasses and equivalent total daily β-lactam doses yielded similar results. Most studies had notable methodological flaws. No clinical advantage was observed for prolonged infusion β-lactams. The limited number of studies with MDRGNs precluded evaluation of prolonged infusion of β-lactams for this subgroup. A large, multicenter RCT with critically ill patients infected with MDRGNs is needed.
The spermatogenesis of lebistes reticulatus

The germ cells of Lebistes are found in cysts; the younger cysts are toward the cortex. Mitochondria and Golgi apparatus are present. During maturation leptotene, bouquet, pachytene, and diakinesis figures are seen. The spermatocyte chromosomes number twenty-three; an X-Y pair is probably present, though the evidence is not conclusive. In spermatid formation the centriole divides to form a rodlet and an axial filament; the nucleus segregates into two materials, one of which is extruded; the remainder first contracts to a cup, comes in contact with the rodlet, then again forms a sphere. The mitochondria are arranged along the proximal part of the axial filament; the sphere flattens and elongates; the rodlet sinks into the head substance and is enfolded by it. The Golgi remnant is sloughed off with the residual cytoplasm, which disappears at the same time the Sertoli cells show an increase in size, suggesting their ingestion of the spermatid remnants. The mature sperm form spermatozeugmen, which are stored in the testicular canal; they are transferred to the female by aid of the modified anal fin.
Knowledge About Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Prevention of African-American and Hispanic Adults and Adolescents With Family History of Type 2 Diabetes

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess type 2 diabetes knowledge, perceptions, risk factor awareness, and prevention practices among African American and Hispanic families with a history of diabetes.MethodsNinth and tenth grade Houston area students who had a parent who spoke English or Spanish and had a family history of type 2 diabetes were recruited. Student interviews took place during lunch. Parents were interviewed via telephone. Open-ended questions in the interview guide assessed knowledge of diabetes and risk factors, diabetes prevention practices, and perceived risk. Students reported dietary behaviors. Responses were recorded.ResultsInterviews were conducted with 39 parents (95% female, 49% African-American, 51% Hispanic) and 21 ninth and tenth grade adolescents (71% female, 43% African-American, 57% Hispanic). The majority were overweight. Approximately one-half of both groups reported some knowledge of diabetes. The majority (74%) of parents correctly identified family history as a ri...
Behavioral Aspects of Arterial Hypertension and Its Treatment

Diseases of the heart and the vasculature account for more than half of all deaths occurring annually in the United States. Among the disorders contributing to this statistic, coronary heart disease and stroke are by far the most significant. These clinical manifestations often result from a lifelong accumulation of fatty lesions (atherosclerosis) in the intima, or inner layer, of arteries carrying blood to the heart muscle and the brain. Atherosclerosis produces no symptoms in its early stages of development, but after decades of continued growth and complication, such lesions begin to encroach on the interior of arteries. Ultimately, such obstructions can compromise blood flow to tissues supplied by the affected vessels. A complete blockage of the arterial blood flow, often associated with sudden formation of a clot (or thrombus) within the artery, results in death or degeneration of the distal tissue; this damage is referred to as infarction and has ominous consequences when affecting either the heart (heart attack) or the brain (stroke). It is also possible to experience either heart attack or stroke in the absence of appreciable atherosclerosis, due, respectively, to spasm of the coronary arteries and to embolism or hemorrhaging of the cerebral blood vessels.
The EPR spectrum of a Cu(II/II/III) cluster: anisotropic exchange in a bent Cu(II)2O2 core

Abstract We have analyzed in detail the EPR spectrum of [( N , N , N ′, N ′-tetramethyl- trans -(1 R ,2 R )- cyclo hexanediamine) 3 Cu(II) 2 Cu(III)O 2 ](trifluoromethanesulfonate) 3 , a compound containing the unusual Cu 3 (II/II/III) bis-μ-oxo core, as well as a closely related compound. In this system, the Cu(II) ions are ferromagnetically coupled yielding a S =1 ground state ( J =+7 cm −1 ) that splits due to zero-field splitting. From simulation of the data, the zero-field splitting parameter D is 0.751 cm −1 , which is far too large to arise from only spin–spin dipolar coupling with a Cu(II)Cu(II) distance of 2.71 A. The dominant contribution to the D -tensor is found to be anisotropic exchange. The anisotropic exchange interaction is ferromagnetic and is analyzed in terms of ground state-excited state exchange coupling pathways. The important contributions of the nonplanarity of the Cu(II) 2 O 2 subunit and the covalency of the oxide bridging ligands to these pathways are considered.
Optimum frame interval for ultrasound image motion estimation

Extended field of view imaging depends on accurate frame-to-frame estimation of ultrasound images. Using smaller frame increments results in less decorrelation-related inaccuracy but present greater potential for cumulative error due to the increased number of estimates used over any specific dimensional interval. A theory is developed to determine an optimal inter-frame interval that provides the smallest relative dimensional error over a set of accumulated motion estimates. Numerical simulations and practical experiments reflect the same trends as the theoretical results.
Prediction of long-range-dependent discrete-time fractional Brownian motion process

We propose an approach to the linear minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) prediction of a discrete-time fractional Brownian motion (DT-FBM) traffic arrival process, a long range dependent traffic model that well represents the characteristics of observed Internet traces. Linear multi-step forecasts of the future values of the DT-FBM process and the corresponding prediction errors are first derived. We then proposed sliding window finite-memory predictors suitable for practical implementation. Simulations using real-life traffic traces are performed to compare the proposed finite-memory DT-FBM predictors with fractional autoregressive integrated moving average predictors and an empirical predictor. We find that the multi-scale sliding window DT-FBM predictor achieves best performance on forecasting the future traffic level.
Analysis of the attenuation of strong ground motion on the island of Hawaii

Abstract We develop a horizontal peak ground acceleration (PGA) predictive equation for the island of Hawaii by applying the Joyner and Boore (1993, 1994) two-stage regression method to a data set that consists of 51 PGA from 22 events. Magnitudes vary from 4.0 to 7.2, and event depths vary from 4 to 14 km. The resulting equation is log ⁡ 10 P G A = 0.518 + 0.387 ( M − 6 ) − log ⁡ 10 r − 0.00256 r + 0.335 S , where PGA is measured in units of g , M is magnitude, r = ( d 2 + 11.29 2 ) 1/2 , and S is 0 for lava sites and 1 at ash sites. The distance parameter d is the closest distance from the recording site to the surface projection of the fault rupture area and varies from 0 to 88 km for the Hawaii PGA data set. We find that the attenuation of high- frequency strong ground motion is significantly greater than a previous relationship used for the island of Hawaii. The ash site coefficient S , which represents accelerometer sites with shear-wave velocities that vary from 60 to 200 m/sec, is generally larger than the soil site coefficients in other attenuation relationships.
Remnant movement in Tagalog relative clause formation

In this squib, the author argues for a TP-fronting derivation of head-final relative clauses. Chief evidence for this analysis comes from stranding in relative clauses formation in the Austronesian language Tagalog. He shows a clear correlation between stranding and scrambling in this language, on the basis of which he concludes that stranding in relative clauses is also a case of scrambling, followed by fronting of the remnant clause
Stimulation of growth and changes in the hepatic transcriptome by 17β-estradiol in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

The effects of dietary 17β-estradiol (E2) on growth and liver transcriptomics were investigated in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens). After a 3-mo treatment, E2 significantly stimulated an increa...
Differentiation of Rat Ovarian Thecal Cells: Evidence for Functional Luteinization

To determine if thecal cells of rat preovulatory (PO) follicles become functionally luteinized, theca from small antral (SA) and PO follicles were isolated before and 8 h after iv injection of an ovulatory dose (10 IU) of hCG. Thecal explants were cultured for 30 days in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium- Ham's F-12 medium containing 1% fetal calf serum (FCS) with or without 5 ng/ml ovine LH or 10 μm forskolin. Whereas theca from SA, hCG-treated SA, and PO follicles were dependent on LH or forskolin to maintain progesterone (>10 ng/ml) and androstenedione (>10 ng/ml) accumulation, luteinizing theca (hCG-treated PO) accumulated more than 10 ng/ml progesterone and more than 2 ng/ml androstenedione with or without LH or forskolin for 30 days. Granulosa cells were isolated from these same follicles and cultured under similar conditions, including 10 ng/ml testosterone and 25 ng/ml ovine FSH. Only granulosa cells isolated from luteinizing follicles (hCG-treated PO) maintained progesterone (>20 ng/ml) and estr...
Inference of Spatial Scaling Properties of Rainfall: Impact of Radar Rainfall Estimation Uncertainties

The existence of relationships able to connect quantities across different spatio-temporal scales represents an attractive way of describing and characterizing the high spatial and temporal variability of the rainfall process. Several studies investigated the scaling properties of spatial rainfall, and in most of the cases, these analyses were performed using radar-based estimates of rainfall, which are notoriously affected by systematic and random uncertainties. The impact of these errors on the estimated scaling properties of spatial rainfall still remains an open question. By using an empirically based radar rainfall error model, the authors explore this issue by generating ensembles of probable true rainfall fields, conditioned on radar rainfall maps. Fifteen rainfall events over Oklahoma are analyzed, and it is shown how the presence of radar rainfall errors results in biased estimates of the scaling properties of rainfall.
Notes on the CRTDH Group Key Agreement Protocol

Group key management (GKM) is one of the primary issues for secure group communication (SGC). Contributory group key agreement is crucial for SGC over wireless and mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) when there is lack of a fixed infrastructure and it is difficult to have a central trusted entity. Recently, Balachandran et al. proposed a contributory key agreement protocol for MANETs, called CRTDH (R. Balachandran et al. 2005). This protocol is based upon both the Chinese Remainder Theorem and the Diffie-Hellman key exchange scheme. CRTDH exhibits a very nice idea, but contains some problems that make it not very practical in terms of efficiency and security. We point out these problems and propose a solution to them. Analysis and experiments are also presented which show our improved protocol outperforms the original CRTDH protocol in terms of both efficiency and security.
Carpal arch and median nerve changes during radioulnar wrist compression in carpal tunnel syndrome patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of the carpal arch and median nerve during the application of radiounlarly directed compressive force across the wrist in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Radioulnar compressive forces of 10 N and 20 N were applied at the distal level of the carpal tunnel in 10 female patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Immediately prior to force application and after 3 min of application, ultrasound images of the distal carpal tunnel were obtained. It was found that applying force across the wrist decreased the carpal arch width (p < 0.001) and resulted in increased carpal arch height (p < 0.01), increased carpal arch curvature (p < 0.001), and increased radial distribution of the carpal arch area (p < 0.05). It was also shown that wrist compression reduced the flattening of the median nerve, as indicated by changes in the nerve's circularity and flattening ratio (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the carpal arch can be non-invasively augmented by applying compressive force across the wrist, and that this strategy may decompress the median nerve providing symptom relief to patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1234-1240, 2016.
A remote sensing perspective of alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau: Better or worse under “Tibet Warming”?

Abstract The Tibetan Plateau is a unique cold and dry highland widely known as the Earth׳s 3rd Pole. Its fragile ecosystems, especially alpine grasslands comprising 60% of the plateau, are sensitive to climate change that has been experiencing a distinct warming trend in past decades. Due to limited in-situ accessibility, studies of alpine grasslands have been heavily relying on satellite observations since 1980s. This paper gives an overview of satellite remote sensing of alpine grasslands on the plateau, and controversy findings about their phenological trends and climatic impacts. Implications of cryospheric and hydrologic processes such as snow/glacier melting, lake area change and permafrost retreat on the warming plateau are also discussed. This study reveals that satellite-extracted spatiotemporal patterns of alpine grasslands should be interpreted with caution. Under the rapidly changing climate, alpine ecosystems and their evolution paths on the Tibetan Plateau need more comprehensive, integrated investigation.
Tumor necrosis factor is not involved in exercise-induced elevation in core temperature

Female Sprague-Dawley rats (12:12-h light-dark photoperiod) with access to running wheels have an elevated body temperature (BT) both during exercise (nighttime) and nonexercise periods (daytime). We studied whether the exercise-induced increase in BT is modulated by the release of the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Two weeks after the onset of exercise, nighttime temperatures of exercising rats were elevated approximately 0.5 degree C compared with preexercise values (P = 0.006). By 3 wk after the onset of exercise, daytime temperatures had increased 0.3 degree C (P = 0.03) above control levels. To confirm that endogenously produced TNF can modulate fever in female rats, we injected six rats with antiserum to TNF (300 microliters/rat) and six rats with control serum 24 h before intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (50 micrograms/kg). As occurred in earlier studies on male rats, antiserum-treated female rats had significantly enhanced fevers (P = 0.017). To determine whether endogenously produced TNF was involved in modulating the daytime and nighttime increases in BT, antiserum to TNF (300 microliters/rat, n = 7) or control serum (300 microliters/rat, n = 5) was injected intraperitoneally in exercising rats. Neither injection of antiserum nor control serum had any effect on daytime or nighttime BTs. Because BTs of exercising female rats injected with antiserum against TNF were not affected, we conclude that TNF is not responsible for modulating their exercise-induced rise in BT.
Do You Read Me? How Perceptions of Empathy Shape Self-Monitors’ Brokerage in Social Networks

Social structure matters in organizational life, but our understanding of the origins of social network structure is limited. In this paper, we argue that to fully understand the role of personality in shaping social structures, we must better integrate the macro-structural perspective with the micro-level perspective by emphasizing an intermediate level of analysis: the potential contacts of the focal individual. Our alter-centric perspective builds on earlier evidence that the construct of self- monitoring is associated with brokerage, but suggests that the effect of self-monitoring on brokerage is amplified in those perceived as highly empathic. The mechanism that underlies this effect is the greater propensity of others to reciprocate the attempts at forging ties initiated by high-empathy, compared to low-empathy, high self-monitors. We find support for these predictions in a study of the dynamic emergence of a social network among a complete cohort of MBA students.
Variations of some constituents in the urine of rats receiving dl-serine and dl-alanine.

SummaryThe variations of some chemical constituents in the urine of rats receiving dl-serine have been studied quantitatively. The results have been compared with those of similar experiments in which dl-alanine has been given. In the serine groups, a significant proportion of the administered amino acid is excreted in the urine. In addition, in the first few days of serine administration, the urine contained protein and sugar, and the amounts of bisulfite-binding and of reducing substances were elevated. The presence of ethanolamine in later periods of the experiment appears probable. None of these changes was observed in the urine of animals receiving dl-alanine.The possible bearing of these results to the injurious action of serine is discussed. At any rate, the present data confirm and extend the indication of chemical changes in the urine which are as typical as the other clinical and pathological alterations found in rats receiving dl-serine.
Effects of Prolactin on Galactosyl Transferase and α-Lactalbumin mRNA Accumulation in Mouse Mammary Gland Explants

Studies were carried out to determine the possible mechanism(s) by which prolactin (PRL) stimulates alpha-lactalbumin and galactosyl transferase activity in cultured mouse mammary tissues. In earlier studies it was shown that the onset of the PRL stimulation of galactosyl transferase activity occurs between 4 and 8 hr after adding prolactin to cultured mouse mammary gland explants, and a maximum effect is evoked by 24 hr. In contrast, an effect of prolactin on alpha-lactalbumin activity occurred 24 hr after adding PRL to mammary gland cultures, but not at earlier times. In the present studies, it is shown that prolactin effects an increased tissue accumulation of mRNAs for both alpha-lactalbumin and galactosyl transferase after a 4 to 6 hr culture with prolactin. The lowest concentration of prolactin that stimulates the accumulation of both galactosyl transferase and alpha-lactalbumin mRNA is approximately 10 ng/ml, and a maximum response is achieved with 200 ng/ml. Thus, it is likely that the effect of PRL on the activity of galactosyl transferase is causally associated with the effect of prolactin on the accumulation of its mRNAs. However, the PRL stimulation of alpha-lactalbumin activity is not temporally associated with the tissue accumulation of the mRNA for alpha-lactalbumin.
Factor Analysis of High School Variables and Success in University Subjects for the First Semester in the University

A PREVIOUS study (3) has been made of the relationships between high school scholastic ex perience and success in the first semester i n the University of California at Davis. In this previous study, success in the first semester in the University was measured in four different ways all of which turned out to be practi c a 11 y equivalent. These four variables were b a sed on courses undertaken by the students during their first semester. All students did not take identical programs. If high school experience prepares for some courses better than for others then part of the failure to predict Univer sity success from high school experience com pletely is due to the fact that the programs of the students are not identical. Thus, it becomes important to study success in each subject in terms of preceding high school experience to see to what extent success is ex pressible in terms of high school performance. In this study it is found that the different com mon first semester University courses differ markedly in their profiles with respect to a set of typical high school variables, and, also, with respect to the extent to which high school vari ables determine or measure success in the var ious courses.
Stimulant Effects on Aggressive Behavior and ADHD

The effect of stimulants on overt (physical assault or temper outburst) and covert (cheating, lying, stealing, vandalism) aggression-related behaviors in children with ADHD was determined by literature meta-analysis at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Northeastern University, Boston.
Simulating Interprofessional Geriatric Patient Care Using Telehealth: A Team-Based Learning Activity.

Abstract Introduction More than one-third of Oklahomans live in rural counties, and 63 of Oklahoma's 77 counties are classified as health professional shortage areas, where telemedicine would be be...
Optimizing Outcomes for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in an Era of Endovascular Acute Ischemic Stroke Therapy

Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is a new standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The majority of these patients receive mechanical ventilation (MV), which has been associated with poor outcomes. The implication of this is significant, as most neurointerventionalists prefer general compared to local anesthesia during the procedure. Consequences of hemodynamic and respiratory perturbations during general anesthesia and MV are thought to contribute significantly to the poor outcomes that are encountered. In this review, we first describe the unique risks associated with MV in the specific context of AIS and then discuss evidence of brain goal-directed approaches that may mitigate these risks. These strategies include an individualized approach to hemodynamic parameters (eg, adherence to a minimum blood pressure goal and adequate volume resuscitation), respiratory parameters (eg, arterial carbon dioxide optimization), and the use of ventilator settings that optimize neurological outcomes (eg, arterial oxygen optimization).
Targeting the androgen receptor (AR) in women with AR+ ER-/PR- metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

1006 Background: Patients (pts) with ER-/PR- MBC do not benefit from endocrine treatment (tx). Doane et al (Oncogene 2006;25:3994) described a subset of ER-/PR- BC with a gene expression profile si...
Technical considerations for the fully robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Minimally invasive surgery, including robotic surgery, has become the standard of care for many abdominal procedures. However, the technical complexity associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) due to the anatomic location and oncologic characteristics of pancreatic tumors has hindered the widespread application of minimally invasive techniques to this procedure. Recent studies have reported that for experienced surgeons, the application of robotic techniques to PD is associated with equivalent oncologic outcomes and rates of complication when compared to an open operation, and may be associated with accelerated surgical recovery. Despite these encouraging results, robotic PD (RPD) is a procedure attempted by a small group of pancreatic surgeons, leading to the great heterogeneity in the techniques used to perform this operation. Herein we describe our technique for fully RPD and demonstrate its execution with a video supplement.
Civilian-military pooling of health care resources in haiti: A theory of complementarities perspective

The 2010 Haiti earthquake brought attention to the global need for rapid deployment of disaster relief health care services. In such large-scale disasters, a variety of international organisations provide temporary services until the damaged local health care system recovers. However, the disaster environment can pose operational and temporal challenges that may impede the effectiveness of relief services, and research is needed to provide both theory and methods for improving coordination and collaboration among relief organisations. This study investigates opportunities and barriers for relief organisations to pool complementary resources originating from multiple countries, by examining five case studies that represent the breadth of organizational types, including charter (civilian, military, university-affiliated and public/private), facility type (primary, secondary, and tertiary care), and duration of stay. The study yields a set of research propositions that chart avenues for future studies in thi...
Family Involvement in the Clinical Care of Clients With First-Episode Psychosis in the RAISE Connection Program.

Objective:This study described how families were involved in the RAISE Connection Program for clients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and examined factors that predicted family involvement.Methods:Presence of family members at clinical visits for 65 clients with FEP was described. Multiple regressions were conducted to determine whether demographic characteristics, clinical factors, or client-provider discussions regarding family predicted family involvement during the first six months of the program.Results:Most participants (95%) had at least one family member attend a clinical visit during program involvement. Age of the client with FEP, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use predicted the number of days family members attended visits during the first six months of program participation; client-provider discussions about family did not.Conclusions:Family involvement in the ongoing care of clients with FEP is common when efforts are made to engage clients with FEP and their families.
Social Class Divergence in Family Transitions: The Importance of Cohabitation.

Objective This study examined trends in familial transitions by maternal education and whether transitions rose because of changes in prevalence (the share of children exposed to a relationship state, either marriage or cohabitation) or churning (the number of entrances and exits conditional on being exposed to a relationship state). Background Children's experiences of transitions, an important predictor of well-being, have leveled off in recent decades. Plateauing in transitions may reflect heterogeneity by socioeconomic status. Method Data came from the National Survey of Family Growth on firstborn children observed from ages 0 to 5 among mothers aged 15 to 34 at the time of the child's birth (N = 7,265). Kitagawa methods decomposed changes in transitions into those attributable to changes in prevalence and churning. Analyses were conducted separately by maternal education. Results Children born to lower and moderately educated women experienced an increase in transitions because cohabitation increased in prevalence rather than a change in the number of exits and entrances from cohabiting unions. Among this disadvantaged group, children exposed to cohabitation experienced much more churning than children exposed to marriage. Children born to mothers with a 4-year degree did not experience an increase in transitions and predominantly experienced stable parental marriages. Conclusion Transitions only plateaued for children born to highly educated mothers, whereas transitions rose for less-advantaged children. Transitions appear to be another aspect of early family life experiences that contributes to diverging destinies.
Vibration Spectra and Molecular Structure

A brief survey is given of the ideas underlying the interpretation of molecular vibration spectra in connection with molecular structure problems. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons for the appearance or nonappearance in the spectrum of the characteristic frequency at 3400 cm-1 for various molecules containing the OH group. In certain alcohols and glycols this frequency has not been reported in the Raman effect, but it is concluded that this must be due to experimental difficulties. In the carboxylic acids, on the other hand, as well as in certain aromatic compounds containing OH, the characteristic frequency is definitely absent from both the Raman and infrared spectra, and the role of the hydrogen bond in association and chelation is discussed in connection with these cases.
Stereoselective Cyclopropanation of Electron-Deficient Olefins with a Cofactor Redesigned Carbene Transferase Featuring Radical Reactivity.

Engineered myoglobins and other hemoproteins have recently emerged as promising catalysts for asymmetric olefin cyclopropanation reactions via carbene-transfer chemistry. Despite this progress, the...
Correction to: QTL mapping of flowering time and biomass yield in tetraploid alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

In the article [1], in ‘Methods’ section and ‘G x E and heritability’ subsection, there is an error in the formula of heritability (H2).