cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
K/T redux

A recent series of editorials (D'Hondt 1994, Ward 1995a,b) has argued that the Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) extinction debates are largely over, with evidence favoring the bolide impact scenario now so overwhelming as to render support of any alternative extinction mechanism unreasonable. Such claims have been made throughout the course of the K/T debate (e.g., Alvarez et al. 1984; Kerr 1988; Donovan 1989; Marvin 1990), yet the controversy has continued. At least part of the reason for the lack of consensus among paleontologists (see Hoffman and Nitecki 1985) over the bolide impact scenario is that this issue has become bound up with a separate debate over the observations to be explained and the character of good explanations (Clemens 1986, see epigraph). In this context it is important to remember that the scientific, as opposed to the philosophical, debate actually focuses on three distinct questions that can (and should) be addressed separately (see also Stanley 1987): (1) What is the nature of the K/T mass extinction? (2) Was there a bolide impact at or near the chronostratigraphic K/T boundary? (3) If a bolide impact did take place, did it also cause or influence the magnitude of the K/T mass extinction? Any review of the K/T debate's present status must bear these questions, and the distinctions between them, in mind. With all of the K/T-related activity in the journals and meetings that has gone on since the 1980 proposal of the bolide impact-extinction scenario, the casual observer must readily wonder, "Where is all this discussion leading?" Are we making progress toward resolving any of these questions or has the debate dissolved into little more than partisan bickering? Despite the fact that the K/T controversy remains characterized by high levels of intensity, much progress has been made toward resolving several of the substantive issues. Points of fairly general agreement include the following: 1. A bolide impact of some type did occur at or near the chronostratigraphic K/T boundary, probably at Chicxulub (e.g., Ward et al. 1995). Disagreements continue over the size of the Chicxulub structure, the precise timing of the impact relative to the observed extinction record, and the degree to which the available biotic record supports the impact scenario's predictions of the type/magnitude/duration of proposed environmental after-effects. 2. A major extinction event did take place at or about the close of the Cretaceous. While this might seem too obvious even to mention, many authors who favor neocatastrophist models of the K/T event often make the erroneous claim that those who favor more progressive extinction scenarios are denying the reality of a K/T mass extinction (e.g., Ward 1995a,b). Most parties agree that the K/T event ranks as a mass extinction (see MacLeod and Keller 1994) but differ with respect to their estimates of the event's duration (weeksmonths versus 0.5-1.0 m.y.), which clades were affected by the event, and the nature of the K/T biostratigraphic record.
O14.2 Can community chlamydia trachomatis screening of young heterosexual men help identify infected networks

Background Despite interventions to reduce Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) rates in women, rates have increased or remained stable, particularly for African American (AA) women. Men could be a potential reservoir of infection yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend screening men stating lack of evidence for feasibility and potential to reduce infection in women. The purpose of this study was to explore if venue-based screening is feasible and has high-yield. Methods Venue-based screening (e.g. barbershops, colleges, community events) was conducted between March–December 2018 among AA men aged 15–24 who had sex with at least one woman in the last two months and spent most of their time in New Orleans. Men were offered a modest incentive, were screened for Ct via urine NAAT and underwent an audio/computer-assisted self-administered survey eliciting information about sexual partners Results Of 599 men screened, 590 (98.5%) enrolled. Men enrolled received Medicaid (60.9%), were Ct tested in the last year (29.3%), reported a history of Ct (12.7%), were asymptomatic (97.1%) and 9.3% were Ct+. Men reported 873 partners (average 2.2, s.d. 1.4). Most of these partners were someone he knew for a long time (69.9%) or met through people in his social network (14.4%), were able to be re-contacted (80.1%), and with whom future sexual contact was planned 61.4%. In over one-third of partnerships (35.4%) men believed that their partner was having sex with one of his friends. Most men (53.3%) found out about the program from someone in their social network. Conclusion Venue-based screening of young AA heterosexual men is feasible, detected a high rate of Ct infection, most partners were from social networks and could be re-contacted. Screening of young AA men has the potential to identify infected sexual networks and ultimately could reduce Ct disparities among men and women. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Microglia and Other Myeloid Cells in Central Nervous System Health and Disease.

Mononuclear macrophages derived from the bone marrow (myeloid cells) are key cellular components of the innate immune system in different organs. In this mini-review, we are focused on both brain and blood macrophages known as microglia and monocytes, respectively. We provide a succinct summary of the cells9 functions under both normal and pathological conditions, with particular reference to common neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer9s and Parkinson9s disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this mini-review we aim to summarize available literature on microglial and myeloid involvement in CNS disease, directing the reader towards relevant and translatable interpretations of myeloid cell function in CNS health and neurodegeneration.
QAnon and the Digital Lumpenproletariat

Clyde Barrow’s The Dangerous Class comprehensively chronicles the history and changing conceptualizations of the lumpenproletariat, and the place this unruly population holds in the writings of Mar...
A DECADE OF RESEARCH IN SURVEYING AND MAPPING

In l965, the Research and Development Committee of the ASCE Surveying and Mapping Division prepared and later published an overall program for research in surveying and mapping over the decade l966-l975. Now, 10 years later, this paper measures what has been done against the tasks that were set. Three of the original goals are considered for each of the six basic categories of the research program: Land surveys, engineering surveys, geodetic surveys, cartographic surveys, aerial survey services, and cartography. For each of the goals, an appraisal is made of the status of that objective today. The conclusion is drawn that most of the research goals set 10 yr ago have been attained or are in progress of being attained.
Does preoperative diabetes mellitus affect weight loss outcome after biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Abstract Background Preoperative type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) has previously been reported as an independent predictor for suboptimal (≤40%) weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in patients with T2 DM compared with patients who do not have T2 DM. This association has not been shown to apply to patients who undergo biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS). BPD/DS is currently the most effective bariatric operation to treat T2 DM. Objectives We designed a study to determine if the reported suboptimal weight loss seen in patients with T2 DM undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is also seen in those undergoing BDP/DS. Setting Independent, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Materials and Methods Retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database was performed on data on 152 patients who underwent robotically assisted laparoscopic BPD/DS from 2008 to 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a preoperative diagnosis of T2 DM (Group 1, n=51) versus those without a preoperative diagnosis of T2 DM (Group 2, n=101). Perioperative complications and postoperative weight loss between the 2 groups were compared. Results At 1 month postoperatively, Group 1 had a higher percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) of 20.9% compared with Group 2 of 17.9% ( P P >.05). Thirty-day perioperative complications were higher in Group 1 compared with those in Group 2 (7.8% and 3.9%, respectively). Reoperation rates were similar in both groups (1.9%). No mortality was recorded in this series. Conclusion Patients with diabetes had a similar weight loss outcome after BPD/DS compared with those who did not have diabetes.
Happiness, Womanhood, and Sexualized Media: An Analysis of 1950s and 1960s Popular Culture

America during the 1950s and 1960s was grounded in and centered on the conception of the nuclear family. The suburbanization of white middle class families after World War II yielded unique conditions for both media outlets and the U.S. government to push explicit messages on gender roles to preserve the sanctity of the nuclear family. The widespread affluence of millions of suburban, white middle class families served as a marker of success for the U.S. in the international community, which was a matter of national security during the Cold War. The preservation of the nuclear family, however, was highly dependent on women in their traditional roles as wives and mothers. Women across the nation were responsible for raising the next generation of Americans, approximately 76 million baby boomers from 1946 to 1964. 1American greatness was to be determined in the choices and actions of these baby boomers and therefore many messages on gender roles were strictly dictated to ensure that the nuclear family and capitalism would be upheld for generations to come.
Differences in Binding of 99mTc-Disintegrins to Integrin αvβ3 on Tumor and Vascular Cells

Abstract Disintegrins, which contain an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence in their binding domains are antagonists of integrins such as αvβ3. The purpose of this study was to compare a range of disintegrins with different integrin selectivities for their binding behavior in vitro to vascular endothelial cells bearing αvβ3 and to cultured tumor cells which express αvβ3. Methods Five disintegrins (bitistatin, kistrin, flavoridin, VLO4 and echistatin) and a cyclic pentapeptide, c[RGDyK], were radiolabeled with 99m Tc and tested for binding to cells in vitro. Results 99m Tc-Kistrin, flavoridin and VLO4 had the highest binding, 99m Tc-echistatin had moderate binding, and 99m Tc-bitistatin and 99m Tc-c[RGDyK] had low binding to cells. The observed binding was attributed to αvβ3 to various extents: echistatin, bitistatin>kistrin>flavoridin>VLO4. Cancer cells internalized bound disintegrins after binding, but endothelial cells did not. After binding to endothelial cells, 99m Tc-kistrin was not displaced by competing peptide or plasma proteins. Conclusions These data suggest that radiolabeled kistrin, flavoridin and VLO4 may have advantages over labeled bitistatin and small cyclic peptides for targeting αvβ3 in vivo. Since receptor-bound radioligand is not internalized by endothelial cells, disintegrins may provide an advantage for targeting αvβ3 on vasculature because they bind strongly to surface receptors and are not readily displaced.
Cell-induced conformational change in poliovirus: externalization of the amino terminus of VP1 is responsible for liposome binding

Upon attachment to susceptible cells, poliovirus and a number of other picornaviruses undergo conformational transitions which result in changes in antigenicity, increased protease sensitivity, the loss of the internal capsid protein VP4, and a loss of the ability to attach to cells. These conformationally altered particles have been characterized by using a number of sequence-specific probes, including two proteases, a panel of antiviral monoclonal antibodies, and a panel of antisera against synthetic peptides which correspond to sequences from the capsid protein VP1. With these probes, cell-altered virus is clearly distinguishable from native and heat-inactivated virions. The probes also demonstrate that the cell-induced conformational change alters the accessibility of several regions of the virus. In particular, the amino terminus of VP1, which is entirely internal in the native virion, becomes externalized. Unlike native and heat-inactivated virus, cell-altered virions are able to attach to liposomes. The exposed amino terminus of VP1 is shown to be responsible for liposome attachment. We propose that during infection the amino terminus of VP1 inserts into endosomal membranes and thus plays a role in the mechanism of cell entry.
Baseline wander cancelation on trellis for perpendicular magnetic recording

In this work, we consider a perpendicular magnetic recording channel where the data is stored perpendicular to the plane of magnetic media. The perpendicular magnetic recording provides significant aerial density gain compared to the conventional longitudinal magnetic recording. This gain comes at the cost of adding a baseline wander noise which degrades the system performance and affects the data integrity. In this paper, we propose a model for the baseline wander noise. The parameters of the proposed model are computed by posing the problem as minimizing the mean square error. We demonstrate that this problem can be appropriately simplified and posed as finding a least squares problem. The proposed model on the baseline wander noise requires the knowledge of information bits to estimate the noise but this information is unavailable at the time of decoding. We propose a novel technique to cancel the baseline wander effect on the Viterbi trellis. This cancelation is done on the fly in the trellis and obviates the need of the bits information yet provides the performance gain close to the genie performance. Simulation results corroborate the analysis of the proposed algorithm and demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides a significant performance gain.
Augmenting pediatric constraint-induced movement therapy and bimanual training with video gaming technology

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Hemiplegia is among the most common forms of CP and the resulting impaired hand function is one of the most disabling symptoms, affecting self-care activities such as feeding, dressing, and grooming. To date, evidence-based treatments are limited. Recent approaches, however, have capitalized on findings that show children with hemiplegia h ave residual motor capabilities and neuroplastic changes in nervous system function that emerge and improve with practice. Here the etiology and neural basis of hemiplegic CP is first briefly reviewed, followed by a description of the residual motor capabilities in the involved upper extremity and the potentia l role of intensive practice. Two promising approaches that target residual motor function, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) and bimanual training, are then described. Recent evidence suggests that such task-oriented training approaches to re habilitation are enhanced when the tasks are meaningful to the performer. Increasingly, this means use of current technology, specifi cally video gaming, to maintain salience and motivation and target specific motor impairments. Thus a method for using commerc ially available video gaming, including the Nintendo Wii to augment such intensive treatment approaches is described. It is s uggested that with such intensive treatment programs, gaming can be an important compliment to, but not a replacement for, salient task-oriented activities in the real world and that video ga ming and virtual reality training will be an important part o f future rehabilitation efforts.
Clinical validation of biomarkers for predicting risk.

1. Abstract Background: A useful biomarker should improve clinical management in an economically reasonable way. This should be determined from well‐designed outcome studies that show clinical management can be altered on the basis of the biomarker. It is important not to confuse results from testing prior to outcome with outcome studies. Content: This chapter reviews statistical tests used to evaluate studies performed prior to final outcome studies and criteria that assess whether or not a biomarker should be considered for outcome studies at each step. I review how relative risk and odds ratios are related to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) plot analysis. Other statistical techniques such as reclassification and the Hosmer Lemeshow test that have been suggested for evaluation of diagnostic usefulness are considered. Weaknesses of each technique are discussed. Summary: I consider ROC analysis to be a mainstay against which other statistical tests of diagnostic performance should be compared. The importance of expressing data in terms of predictive values is emphasized. Tests showing weak diagnostic associations with a disease are difficult to evaluate for outcome study application, because there is usually great difference in between‐study variance so that the true relationship between the biomarker, its diagnostic ability, and predictive capability are unclear.
Cosmology, Evolution, and Christian Faith

To what extent can what we know from science about the evolution of life in the universe influence our religious attitudes? And, on the other hand, to what extent can religious thought make a contribution to our scientific understanding of the origins and evolution of life in the universe? This twofold question poses the serious risk of transgressing upon the epistemological independence of the various disciplines: theology, philosophy, astrophysics, biology and cosmology, and creating, thereby, more confusion than understanding. It is, therefore, necessary to maintain a consistent posture of preserving the integrity of each of the disciplines, especially that between the natural sciences and theology.
Developmental process in growthoriented groups

larities in developmental stages among -phe meaning that Luft identifies with psychotherapeutic, encounter, and soconcept is probably the most pop cial work groups. Given certain charujar one among group theorists. It is acteristics such as democratic and Specific and is, for that reason, highly empathie leadership styles, developuseful as a working tool for the practi mental stages are more similar than t;oner. different in these three types of groups. y^e notion 0f process is drawn The purpose of this article is to from the work of Yalom who, in dis examine the concept of process as it cussing the concept as it applies to applies to several different types of gr0Up psychotherapy, "refers to the growth-oriented groups. The question relationship implications of interper to be addressed is whether certain desonai transactions." 3 Yalom observes velopmental processes play a part in further that the life of these groups regardless of their specific objectives. a therapist who is process-oriented con The expression, "growth oriented," cerns himself not solely with the verbal refers to groups (psychotherapy, encontent of the patients utterance, but counter, or social work groups) that with the "how" and "why" of the ut , t j • . i terance, especially insofar as the how have more personal and interpersonal . ,, , „ t f r , and why illuminate some aspects of goals than other groups do. Growththe patien[,s relations'hip t0 others with oriented groups are usually led by prowhom he is interacting." fessionals from various disciplines who value empathie ways of working with Yalom extends the definition of pro people. Affective as well as cognitive cess in a highly useful way to include involvement in the group, an introthe significance of interpersonal be spective atmosphere, interpersonal suphaviors at various levels of psycho port, mutuality of goals, and differlogical and social awareness within entiation of group members' needs, all the dynamics of group life, are important ingredients of the modus As a way of simplifying, yet not operandi. Interventions that promote doing an injustice to a highly complex understanding about the meaning of phenomenon, process will be defined interactions among members are seen here as the change taking place in in as essential sources of learning and teractions among individuals over change. time. This definition takes into con sideration the complexities inherent in
Studies on Mitochondrial Membrane Proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under Different Degrees of Glucose Repression

Mitochondrial membrane proteins synthesized in vivo in the presence of cycloheximide were analyzed on electrofocusing polyacrylamide gels. Five of the six protein bands observed have their isoelectric points below pH 7. The six proteins are not synthesized when both cycloheximide and chloramphenicol are present, and they are absent in a petite mutant lacking mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), leading to the conclusion that the proteins are synthesized on mitochondrial ribosomes. By labeling cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivated in a chemostat under different degrees of glucose limitation, the effect of glucose repression on the synthesis of the mitochondrial membrane proteins was determined. Two of the protein bands showed a relatively reduced synthesis under the strongest glucose repression tested. The specific activity of the cytochrome oxidase and the percentage of mitochondrial DNA in the total DNA were found to be influenced at a lower level of glucose repression.
A chemoselective desulfurization method via homogeneous nickel catalysis

Abstract Isopropylmagnesium bromide in the presence of bis-(triphenylphosphino)- nickel(II) chloride reduces vinyl sulfides stereospecifically to the corresponding olefins without overreduction - a process which serves as a key step in the synthesis of the sex pheromone of the Douglas fir tussock moth.
Participating the Public: Group Process, Politics, and Planning:

The use of new group process techniques in the review of projects and in developing plans and policies can result in meetings that are more civil, more efficient, more satisfying to participants, and more useful in terms of the information that is generated. However, planners need to be aware that facilitated processes can be used to deflect discussion of value issues, to control difficult participants, and to manipulate participative processes. While the techniques of improved facilitation practices are much discussed and new checklists for improved facilitation tactics are being developed, larger issues about deliberative politics, about the relationships between facilitated meetings and agency agendas, and about the criteria for appraising the outcomes of facilitated processes are not yet getting the attention they deserve. This essay describes the extensive use of group processes for planning in a variety of substantive settings in Hawaii. Based on this experience, we offer some norms of good practice...
XANES IN (TMTSeF)2Re04: POLARISATION DEPENDENCE OF THE Se K EDGE

We have measured XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectra) near the Re Li (i=l,II,III) edges in (TMTTF)2Re04 and (TMTSeF) 2Re04 and the Se K edge in the latter com­ pound. An important dependence of the XANES at the Se K edge on the polarisation of the incident beam with respect to the crystal axes was observed, whose interpretation can give information on the symmetry of the unoccupied conduction band states. The positions of the Re L edges were compared with those in several inorganic compounds containing Re in various oxidation states, and were found to be, within experimental error, the same as those in KRe04, suggesting the molecular environment in the organic materials affects little the chemical state of the perrhenate anion.
Operating Characteristics of the PTSD Checklist in a Military Primary Care Setting

The Department of Defense (DoD) is implementing universal behavioral health screening for all DoD health-care beneficiaries presenting to military primary care clinics. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C; Weathers, Litz, Herman, Huska, & Keane, 1993) is used for the identification of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, the operating characteristics of the PCL-C remain unstudied in this population. This study examined the operating characteristics of the PCL-C in a sample of 213 patients from 3 Washington, D.C., area military primary care clinics. Blinded raters independently assessed PTSD using the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (Foa, Riggs, Dancu, & Rothbaum, 1993) as the diagnostic criterion standard. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that PCL-C scores accounted for 92% of the area under the curve. A PCL-C score of 31 optimized sensitivity (0.93) and specificity (0.90), and the multilevel likelihood ratio was 5.50 (95% confidence interval [2.26, 13.37]). Internal consistency (0.97) and test-retest reliability (0.87 after a median 13 days) were strong. Results suggest that a PCL-C score of 31 is the optimal cutoff score for use in a military primary care setting serving active duty service members, dependents, and retirees. These findings offer military primary care providers preliminary data to interpret PCL-C scores and to inform treatment decisions as part of routine clinical practice.
Multiresolution decomposition of heart rate fluctuations during carotid surgery using wavelet transform

In this study, multiresolution representations of the heart rate fluctuations using the wavelet transform method were proposed to characterize the autonomie nervous system regulation of cardiovascular activity during carotid surgery. We show that useful information from the approximation of the heart rate fluctuations at resolutions varying from 2j+1 to 2j can be extracted by decomposing the heart rate fluctuations on a wavelet orthonormal basis L2(R). Results suggest that the power in all frequency bands was low during surgery and increased after declamping of the carotid artery.
Comprehensive protein profiling by multiplexed capillary zone electrophoresis using cross-linked polyacrylamide coated capillaries

We have recently developed a new process to create cross-linked polyacrylamide (CPA) coatings on capillary walls to suppress protein-wall interactions. Here, we demonstrate CPA-coated capillaries for high-efficiency (>2 × 106 plates per meter) protein separations by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Because CPA virtually eliminates electroosmotic flow, positive and negative proteins cannot be analyzed in a single run. A “one-sample-two-separation” approach is developed to achieve a comprehensive protein analysis. High throughput is achieved through a multiplexed CZE system. Keywords: protein profiling • multiplexed capillary electrophoresis • capillary array electrophoresis • cross-linked polyacrylamide coating
Forecasting longitudinal changes in oropharyngeal tumor morphology throughout the course of head and neck radiation therapy

Purpose: To create models that forecast longitudinal trends in changing tumor morphology and to evaluate and compare their predictive potential throughout the course of radiation therapy. Methods: Two morphology feature vectors were used to describe 35 gross tumor volumes (GTVs) throughout the course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy for oropharyngeal tumors. The feature vectors comprised the coordinates of the GTV centroids and a description of GTV shape using either interlandmark distances or a spherical harmonic decomposition of these distances. The change in the morphology feature vector observed at 33 time points throughout the course of treatment was described using static, linear, and mean models. Models were adjusted at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 5 different time points (adjustment points) to improve prediction accuracy. The potential of these models to forecast GTV morphology was evaluated using leave-one-out cross-validation, and the accuracy of the models was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Adding a single adjustment point to the static model without any adjustment points decreased the median error in forecasting the position of GTV surface landmarks by the largest amount (1.2 mm). Additional adjustment points further decreased the forecast error by about 0.4 mm each. Selection of the linear model decreased themore » forecast error for both the distance-based and spherical harmonic morphology descriptors (0.2 mm), while the mean model decreased the forecast error for the distance-based descriptor only (0.2 mm). The magnitude and statistical significance of these improvements decreased with each additional adjustment point, and the effect from model selection was not as large as that from adding the initial points. Conclusions: The authors present models that anticipate longitudinal changes in tumor morphology using various models and model adjustment schemes. The accuracy of these models depended on their form, and the utility of these models includes the characterization of patient-specific response with implications for treatment management and research study design.« less
A unique X-linked syndrome characterized by congenital deafness, mild dysmorphic features, mid-phalangeal hypoplasia, hernias, and late-onset pancytopenia

Three males ranging from 54 to 12 years of age in one kindred were evaluated for a syndrome associated with hearing loss at the request of a female relative desiring preconception counseling. Review of their pedigree was consistent with X-linked recessive inheritance as the males spanned 3 generations and were related through female relatives. No consanguinity was noted. Features in 3 of 3 of the affected males included bilateral congenital severe-profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL); mild facial dysmorphisms with telecanthus and unusual ears; mild to moderate mental retardation; telangiectasis; umbilical hernias; dermatoglyphics characterized by a high number of arches; small hypoplastic nipples; and shortening of the mid-phalanges. In addition, the two older males (ages 31 and 54) had microcephaly, short stature and pancytopenia, which was most severe in the 54-year-old man. Both men had normal cytogenetic studies. The clinical course of the 54 year old man was complicated by hypothyroidism diagnosed at 16 years of age, chronic glomerular nephritis diagnosed at 50 years of age resulting in renal failure, and a cataract. Peripheral blood chromosome analysis of the 12-year-old boy revealed a mosaic karyotype of 46XY/45X at birth. He had additional urogenital abnormalities consisting of a bifid scrotum, small testicles and phallus, and absence of the vas deferens and epididymis. Review of the literature, search of the dysmorphology databases, and curbside consultation at a previous American Society of Human Genetics Meeting did not suggest a recognized syndrome. Thus, it seems likely that this is a new X-linked syndrome of SNHL associated with mild dysmorphic features, mid-phalangeal hypoplasia, umbilical hernias, and late-onset pancytopenia. The underlying molecular basis of this syndrome is unclear but it is hoped that analysis of candidate deafness genes on the X chromosome wilt be revealing.
Weak Convergence of Cardaliaguet-Euvrard Neural Network Operators Studied Asymptotically

An Nth order asymptotic expansion is established for the error of weak approximation of a special class of functions by the well-known Cardaliaguet-Euvrard neural network operators. This class is made out of functions f that are N times continuously differentiable over R, so that all f,f′,…, f (N) have the same compact support and f (N) is of bounded variation. This asymptotic expansion involves products of integrals of the network activation bell-shaped function b and f. The rate of the above convergence depends only on the first derivative of involved functions.
Generation and Characterization of the Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane Radical Anion

The anion derived from B(C6F5)3 has been detected by EPR, and the boron and fluorine hyperfine splitting constants have been determined. Treatment of B(C6F5)3 with the reductant Cp*2Co in THF at −5...
Increasing Secondary Teachers' Behavior-Specific Praise Using a Video Self-Modeling and Visual Performance Feedback Intervention.

Teachers working with students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) in elementary schools can be helped to increase use of an important behavioral strategy, behavior-specific praise statements...
Very large deflection with quadratic voltage dependence of ZnO on Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ bimorph

ZnO on Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ bimorphs have shown large deflections with quadratic dependence on applied voltages. Several effects are suggested that might explain these large deflections. No conclusion on the origin of these large deflections can yet be given. >
Metacontrast masking between cyclopean and luminance stimuli

This study investigated the functional equivalence between cyclopean (global stereoscopic) and luminance (local stereoscopic) stimuli. To do so, a metacontrast masking paradigm was employed to determine the level of perceptual interaction between the two stimulus domains. Four target and mask combinations were used: cyclopean target-cyclopean mask, luminance target-luminance mask, cyclopean target-luminance mask, and luminance target-cyclopean mask. Substantial intradomain masking occurred, with the form of masking being similar for both domains. Moreover, significant interdomain masking also occurred, in equal measure for the cyclopean and luminance stimuli, although the magnitude of masking was one-half that of intradomain masking. These results imply that there is a functional equivalence at some stage of the visual system between the mechanisms representing cyclopean and luminance stimuli.
Exertional dyspnea as a symptom of infrarenal aortic occlusive disease

Advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta can cause severe ischemia in the kidneys, refractory hypertension, and claudication. However, no previous reports have clearly associated infrarenal aortic stenosis with shortness of breath. A 77-year-old woman with hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with exertional dyspnea. Despite extensive testing and observation, no apparent cause for this patient's dyspnea was found. Images revealed severe infrarenal aortic stenosis. After the patient underwent stenting of the aortic occlusion, she had immediate symptomatic improvement and complete resolution of her dyspnea within one month. Twelve months after vascular intervention, the patient remained asymptomatic. In view of the distinct and lasting elimination of dyspnea after angioplasty and stenting of a nearly occluded infrarenal aortic lesion, we hypothesize that infrarenal aortic stenosis might be a treatable cause of exertional dyspnea. Clinicians should consider infrarenal aortic stenosis as a possible cause of dyspnea. Treatment of the stenosis might relieve symptoms.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Corner Stall in a Highly-Loaded Compressor Cascade

Three-dimensional corner stall is one of the most important factors limiting compressor performance. This paper presents a complementary experimental and computational study of corner stall in a highly-loaded compressor cascade subjected to three inlet boundary layer thicknesses, two levels of freestream turbulence intensity and two Reynolds numbers. Experiments included seven-hole pressure probe traverses, airfoil loading and surface oil flow visualization. Measurements were supplemented with the numerical predictions from a commercially available CFD code. It was found that the low momentum boundary layer on the endwall was unable to overcome the large streamwise adverse pressure gradient in this high-lift profile and turned sharply towards the midspan due to the strong cross-passage pressure gradient. The corner stall, with distinct regions of three-dimensional reversed flow, started at 50% chord and occupied a large area of the suction surface as well as the downstream passage. Only a small region of the inlet boundary layer, very close to the endwall seemed to play a role in the corner stall. As such, the flow in the endwall region was found to be nearly independent of the inlet boundary layer thickness, freestream turbulence intensity and Reynolds number. Based on the endwall flow structures, a new topology of corner stall for compressor cascades with high airfoil diffusion factor and high flow turning has also been proposed.Copyright © 2014 by Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada
The sigma receptor agonist SA4503 both attenuates and enhances the effects of methamphetamine.

Abstract Background Methamphetamine's behavioral effects have been attributed to its interaction with monoamine transporters; however, methamphetamine also has affinity for sigma receptors. Method The present study investigated the effect of the sigma receptor agonist SA 4503 and the sigma receptor antagonists BD-1047 and BD-1063 on methamphetamine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release from preloaded rat striatal slices. The effect of SA 4503 on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and on the discriminative stimulus properties of methamphetamine also was determined. Results SA 4503 attenuated methamphetamine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release in a concentration-dependent manner. BD-1047 and BD-1063 did not affect release. SA 4503 dose-dependently potentiated and attenuated methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity. SA 4503 pretreatment augmented the stimulus properties of methamphetamine. Conclusions Our findings indicate that SA 4503 both enhances and inhibits methamphetamine's effects and that sigma receptors are involved in the neurochemical, locomotor stimulatory and discriminative stimulus properties of methamphetamine.
TH-A-BRF-03: Evaluation of Synthetic CTs Generated Using MR-SIM Data

Purpose: To describe and evaluate a novel algorithm for generating synthetic CT images from MR-SIM data for dose calculations in MR-only treatment planning. Methods: A voxel-based weighted summation method was implemented to generate synthetic CT (synCT) images. MR data were acquired using Philips 1.0T Panorama high-field open MR-SIM. Retrospective patient data from seven prostate patients and one brain patient (three lesions) enrolled in an IRB-approved study were used. 3D T1-weighted fast field echo and 3D T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences were utilized for all patients. A 3D balanced turbo field echo sequence using spectral presaturation with inversion recovery was acquired for prostate patients, but 3D ultra-short echo time (UTE)-DIXON was instead acquired for the brain patient to amplify bone signal for semi-automatic bone segmentation. Weight optimization was performed using a training subset of patients. HU value differences between planning CT and synCTs were analyzed using mean absolute error (MAE). Original patient CT-based treatment plans were mapped onto synCTs, dose was recalculated using original leaf motion and MU values, and DRRs were generated. Dosevolume metrics and gamma analysis were used for dosimetric evaluation. Results: Average whole-body MAE of synCTs across all patients was 75+12 HU. In prostate cancer patients, average HU difference between planning and synCTs was 0.9±1.0% for soft tissue structures and 4.3±2.5% for bony structures. DRRs were generated from synCTs and qualitatively showed good geometric agreement with planning CT-generated DRRs. D99, mean dose, and maximum dose to CTV calculated using the synCT remained within 1.2% of planning CT-based dose calculations. All gamma analysis evaluated at 2%/2mm dose difference/distance to agreement) pass rates were greater than 95% with an average of 99.9±0.1% for prostate patients and 98.4±2.2% for three brain lesions. Conclusion: SynCTs were generated with clinically acceptable accuracy comparable to planning CTs, enabling dose computations for MR-only simulation. Research supported in part by a grant from Philips HealthCare (Best, Netherlands).
Self-Neglect Among the Elderly

Combinging three years of quantitative data from the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Reporting System with in-depth interviews of a purposeful sample of elder abuse investigators, this study examines differences between substantiated cases of self-neglect and cases of maltreatment by others. Living arrangements were highly associated with the type of maltreatment for which elderly were likely to need service. Mental illness, drug or alcohol problems, and dementia were moderately associated, while being male, white, and older were weakly associated. Referred by a formal support system was also weakly related to receiving services for self-neglect. Qualitative data suggested that family context may also be an important factor. The implications of these findings for policy, programs, and practice aimed at preventing self-neglect are discussed.
Testable Implications of Pareto Efficiency and Individualrationality

This paper investigates the testable implications of Pareto efficiency and individual rationality on finite data sets in exchange economies with finitely many commodities and agents. Efficiency alone provides no restrictions other than a trivial “no waste”-condition. Efficiency together with individual rationality implies robust restrictions
Analysis of the 3′ Cμ region of the rabbit Ig heavy chain locus

The immunoglobulin D (IgD) antibody class was, for many years, identified only in primates, rodents and teleost fish. The limited distribution of IgD among vertebrates suggested that IgD is a functionally redundant antibody class that has been lost by many vertebrate species during evolution. The recent identification of IgD in artiodactyls, however, suggests that IgD might be more widely expressed among vertebrates than previously thought, possibly serving a unique role in immunity. IgD expression has been searched for but not detected in rabbits. In order to search directly for a rabbit Cδ locus encoding the constant region of IgD, we determined the nucleotide sequence of 13.5 kb of genomic DNA downstream of the rabbit Cμ locus. We did not find a rabbit Cδ locus in this region, but found instead that this region is densely populated by repetitive elements, including a long interspersed DNA element repeat, six C repeats, and two processed pseudogenes. We conclude that the rabbit probably does not express IgD because there is no Cδ locus immediately downstream of the rabbit Cμ locus.
Effect of treatment medium on induction of aneuploidy by nocodazole in saccharomyces cerevisiae

While studying ways to improve responsiveness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain D61.M to agents that induce aneuploidy, we noted that nocodazole, which strongly induces aneuploidy when yeast cells are treated in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YEPD) medium, had no effect when a synthetic complete (SC) medium was used. Further study revealed that the presence of peptone was necessary for induction. Other aneuploidy-inducing agents, including ethyl acetate, acetone, and methyl benzimi-dazoie-2-yl-carbamate (MBC), were equally active in either medium. Benomyl, which degrades to MBC, was less active in SC than in YEPD medium.
An Air-Sea Interaction Model for Cold-Air Outbreaks

Abstract A two-dimensional dry model for the atmosphere is coupled with a two-dimensional primitive equation model for the ocean to investigate how cold fronts interact with the Gulf Stream and its adjacent waters during cold-air outbreaks. The development of a cross-stream frontal circulation under the influence of the ocean surface heating and its impact on the ocean circulation are determined for various frontal and synoptic conditions. The diabatic heating under an offshore wind is shown to generate a convective boundary layer over the ocean, which deepens seaward. The interaction of the convective boundary layer and the seaward-moving cold front decreases the speed of the frontal propagation and induces a downdraft behind the front and an updraft near the nose of the front. This process is largely independent of the vertical shear of the offshore wind. The postfrontal downdraft over the coastal ocean intensifies the low-level southward wind, which in turn weakens the Gulf Stream transport. To lowest ...
Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive Levetiracetam Therapy in Pediatric Intractable Epilepsy

To investigate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam adjunctive therapy in childhood intractable epilepsy, data were reviewed for 130 children who had ≥4 seizures per month, whose seizures were intractable to an initial ≥2 antiepileptic drugs, and who could be monitored for at least 6 months after levetiracetam add-on. Reduction in seizure frequency and related variables were investigated. Sixty-two of the 130 patients (48%) showed a seizure reduction of ≥50%, and 28 patients (22%) became seizure-free. A reduction in seizures by ≥50% was observed in 33/64 in children with partial seizures (52%) and in 29/66 children with generalized seizures (44%). Efficacy did not differ significantly among seizure types. Overall efficacy was unaffected by abnormalities evident from magnetic resonance imaging, by mental retardation, or by maintenance dose of levetiracetam. The mean maintenance dose of levetiracetam was 47.0mg/kg per day (S.D. = ± 29.7), and mean follow-up duration was 13.4 months (S.D. =± 8.7). No demographic features differed significantly between patients with seizure freedom and without seizure remission. Levetiracetam was discontinued in 24 children at last visit (retention rate, 82%). The most common complaint was irritability (5%), and none of the adverse events were life threatening. In conclusion, levetiracetam adjunctive therapy is effective and safe for childhood intractable epilepsy.
Toll-like receptor 7 agonists are potent and rapid bronchodilators in guinea pigs.

Background Respiratory tract viral infections result in asthma exacerbations. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 is a receptor for viral single-stranded RNA and is expressed at high levels in the lungs. Objective Because TLR7 polymorphisms are associated with asthma, we examined the effects of TLR7 agonists in guinea pig airways. Methods We induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs in vivo by means of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve or intravenous administration of acetylcholine and measured the effect of a TLR7 agonist administered intravenously. We induced contraction of airway smooth muscle in segments of isolated guinea pig tracheas in vitro and measured the effect of TLR7 agonists, antagonists, and pharmacologic inhibitors of associated signaling pathways administered directly to the bath. Results TLR7 agonists acutely inhibited bronchoconstriction in vivo and relaxed contraction of airway smooth muscle in vitro within minutes of administration. Airway relaxation induced by the TLR7 agonist R837 (imiquimod) was partially blocked with a TLR7 antagonist and was also blocked by inhibitors of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels; prostaglandin synthesis; and nitric oxide generation. Another TLR7 agonist, 21-mer single-stranded phosphorothioated polyuridylic acid (PolyUs), mediated relaxation that was completely blocked by a TLR7 antagonist. Conclusions These data demonstrate a novel protective mechanism to limit bronchoconstriction and maintain airflow during respiratory tract viral infections. The fast time frame is inconsistent with canonical TLR7 signaling. R837 mediates bronchodilation by means of TLR7-dependent and TLR7-independent mechanisms, whereas PolyUs does so through only the TLR7-dependent mechanism. TLR7-independent mechanisms involve prostaglandins and large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels, whereas TLR7-dependent mechanisms involve nitric oxide. TLR7 is an attractive therapeutic target for its ability to reverse bronchoconstriction within minutes.
User-Driven Acquisitions: Allowing Patron Requests to Drive Collection Development in an Academic Library

In 2007 Texas A&M University (TAMU) Libraries adopted an approach to monograph collection development that uses an unconventional fund structure and sets aside funds for user requests, called Suggest a Purchase. After initiating this change, the libraries realized that its patrons had become actively engaged in selecting materials for the collection. Data will be presented describing user and librarian levels of satisfaction with the Suggest a Purchase program. Additional data will be presented describing what was requested, what was ordered, how much the materials circulated, who requested materials, and the increase in requests over time.