cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Complexity of Mitral Valve Prolapse Revealed by Clinical and Genetic Evaluation of a Large Family.

BACKGROUND A genetic component to familial mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has been proposed for decades. Despite this, very few genes have been linked to MVP. Herein is described a four-generation pedigree with numerous individuals affected with severe MVP, some at strikingly young ages. METHODS A detailed clinical evaluation performed on all affected family members demonstrated a spectrum of MVP morphologies and associated phenotypes. RESULTS Linkage analysis failed to identify strong candidate loci, but revealed significant regions, which were investigated further using whole-exome sequencing of one of the severely affected family members. Whole-exome sequencing identified variants in this individual that fell within linkage analysis peak regions, but none was an obvious pathogenic candidate. Follow up segregation analysis of all exome-identified variants was performed to genotype other affected and unaffected individuals in the family, but no variants emerged as clear pathogenic candidates. Two notable variants of uncertain significance in candidate genes were identified: p.I1013S in PTPRJ at 11p11.2 and FLYWCH1 p.R540Q at 16p13.3. Neither gene has been previously linked to MVP in humans, although PTPRJ mutant mice display defects in endocardial cushions, which give rise to the cardiac valves. PTPRJ and FLYWCH1 expression was detected in adult human mitral valve cells, and in-silico analysis of these variants suggests they may be deleterious. However, neither variant segregated completely with all of the affected individuals in the family, particularly when 'affected' was broadly defined. CONCLUSIONS While a contributory role for PTPRJ and FLYWCH1 in this family cannot be excluded, the study results underscored the difficulties involved in uncovering the genomic contribution to MVP, even in apparently Mendelian families.
Stranger support: How former prisoners with mental illnesses navigate the public landscape of reentry.

Abstract Background Prisoners with mental illnesses (MI) are released from prison into environments where they are under-treated and under-supported by our criminal justice, social service, and health systems. Public space and interactions within those spaces have been shown to have positive effects in similar populations, including individuals with MI. This qualitative study explored the role different interactions play during the course of reentry. The study aimed to understand the more everyday relational dynamics that former prisoners with MI experience in public and private spaces. Methods Semi-structured interviews on both experiences of public spaces and interactions within were conducted with 36 former prisoners with MI. Go-along interviews were conducted as a follow-up to these interviews with a subsample of 11 participants in order to identify and describe public spaces and interactions within those spaces. Phenomenological analysis was used to analyze data collected. Results Participants described an array of supportive relationships with familiar strangers fostered in public spaces. Participants also described receiving stranger support from relationships typically associated with conventional and institutional supports. This form of “stranger support” was juxtaposed against the burdens and risks of reciprocal intimate relationships. Implications Public space and public space interactions can provide support streams to counterbalance the more complex support of intimate relationships. Providers might consider the utility of familiar strangers in helping clients to navigate these sometimes risky, but potentially fruitful spaces.
Membrane physiologists of all kinds meet at Woods Hole.

The March issue of the Journal of General Physiology is a collection of peer-reviewed articles contributed by participants of the 72nd Annual Symposium of the Society of General Physiologists (SGP), held in early September last year in Woods Hole, MA. This collection showcases multidisciplinary
Activation of Nrf2 attenuates delayed gastric emptying in obesity induced diabetic (T2DM) female mice.

Abstract Diabetic gastroparesis (GP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Loss of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) led to reduced nNOSα mediated gastric motility and DGE. The molecular signaling of cinnamaldehyde (CNM) mediated Nrf2 activation and its mechanistic role on DGE were further investigated in obese/T2D female mice. Adult female homozygous Nfe2l2−/− (C57BL/6J) and their wild-type (WT) littermates (Nfe2l2+/+) mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD; Obese/T2D model), or normal diet (ND) with or without CNM (50 mg/kg b.w; i.p). Supplementation of CNM attenuated (p
How Berkeley’s Works Are Interpreted

There are different kinds of studies of Berkeley. Some focus on specific areas of his thought; some provide overviews.Of the overviews, some are arranged according to the chronology of his individual works; others are arranged according to topics.Internal, analytic studies examine the cogency of his arguments and show how different interpretations of his texts handle criticisms raised by recent commentators; historical studies describe the background assumptions that inform his thinking.
Call Him Mac: Ernest W. McFarland, the Arizona Years. By Gary L. Stuart. (Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 2018. Pp. 210. $19.95.)

Gary L. Stuart, a leading figure in the Arizona legal community and the author of ten books, has given the community of historians an excellent short study of the life of Ernest W. McFarland, one o...
Female leaders and citizens' perceptions of political parties

Do female leaders affect voters' perceptions of political parties' placement on the left-right spectrum? Using public opinion data on 269 parties in 35 countries between 1976 and 2016, I show that ...
Certificate of need and the cost of competition in home healthcare markets

We used 2010–16 Medicare Cost Reports for 10,737 freestanding home health agencies (HHAs) to examine the impact of home health (HH) and nursing home (NH) certificate-of-need (CON) laws on HHA casel...
BOOST: A User Association and Scheduling Framework for Beamforming mmWave Networks

The millimeter wave (mmWave) band offers vast bandwidth and plays a key role for next generation wireless networks. However, the mmWave network raises a great challenge for user association and scheduling , due to the limited power budget and beamformers, diverse user traffic loads, user quality of service requirement, etc. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for user association and scheduling in multi-base station mmWave networks, termed the clustering Based dOwnlink UE assOciation, Scheduling, beamforming with power allocaTion (BOOST). The objective is to reduce the downlink network transmission time, subject to the base station power budget, number of beamformers, user traffic loads, and the quality of service requirement at users. We compare BOOST with three state-of-the-art user scheduling schemes. On average, BOOST reduces the transmission time by 37, 30, and 26 percent, and achieves a sum rate gain of 56, 43, and 34 percent, respectively.
Smart Home Beyond the Home: A Case for Community-Based Access Control

As smart devices are becoming commonplace in homes, we need to explore the needs of not just the residents of the home, but also of secondary stakeholders who may be granted access to these devices from outside of the home. We conducted a mixed methods study, which included a survey of 163 smart home device owners and a follow-up interview with 13 individuals who currently share their smart home devices with others outside of their home. Nearly half (47.8%) of our survey participants shared at least one smart home device with someone that did not live with them. Individuals sought greater safety and security by providing remote access to trusted family members or friends. By understanding users' perspectives about privacy and trust in relation to sharing smart home devices beyond the home, we build a case for community-based access control of smart home devices in the Internet of Things.
Vulvar melanoma: an analysis of prognostic factors and treatment patterns

Objective Melanoma comprises 5% to 10% of vulvar cancers and prognosis is poor. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors and treatment patterns for vulvar melanoma using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods The NCDB was queried for patients with invasive vulvar melanoma from 2004-2015. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe clinical and treatment details. Multivariable Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to examine overall survival (OS). Results 1,917 patients with vulvar melanoma met inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time was 32 months (range, 0-151 months). Older age, larger tumor size, advanced disease stage, increased Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, and care at a non-academic center were independent predictors for decreased OS. Surgical management of the primary site, lymph node surgery, and insurance provided a significant survival benefit. Use of immunotherapy for vulvar melanoma has increased over time. Two-year OS with immunotherapy in patients with distant metastatic disease was higher, although this did not reach statistical significance (33% vs. 12%, p=0.054). Conclusions Vulvar melanoma has a poor prognosis for those with regional and distant metastatic disease. Extent of disease, tumor size, and patient age are important prognostic factors. Other favorable factors included insurance and surgical management. The use of immunotherapy has increased over time and may improve survival in those with distant disease. These data support further investigation into the role of immunotherapy for vulvar melanoma to optimize outcomes.
Mixed variational one-dimensional dynamic thermo-viscoplasticity for wave propagation

Abstract In view of recent developments in advanced manufacturing and nanomaterial technologies, which have enabled realization of novel material architectures at small-scale, a mixed variational temperature-dependent rate-dependent thermo-viscoplastic continuum element is proposed and developed for elastic, plastic, and thermal wave propagation problems. The variational scheme is based on a Hamiltonian approach, while for the temporal and spatial discretization scheme a discrete calculus of variations approach is adopted. Within this framework, an exponential temperature dependence for material properties and second sound effects is included. The developed framework sets the foundations that can lead to new class of temperature dependent models for capturing thermoplastic behavior and wave propagation of different materials. The robustness of the proposed variational approach, and aspects of coupled dynamic temperature-dependent thermoplastic response are demonstrated through several case studies. Applications include elastic, plastic, and thermal wave propagation and reflection in semi-infinite and finite length space at small temporal scales.
Oxy-Hydrogen Generator for Improving the Efficiency of an Internal Combustion Engine: A Sustainable Energy Project

Sustainable energy resources are the future of 21st-century energy. This paper presents the experimental work carried out with the goal to use water to produce an oxy-hydrogen gas (a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases) for the purpose of improving the efficiency of an internal combustion engine when hydrogen is fed into the engine's air intake. The oxy-hydrogen gas is produced by the electrolysis of water. The project has been developed to the point of producing oxy-hydrogen gas. The gas is fed into the air intake of a single-stroke combustion engine but the combustion could not be sustained due to the poor coupling of the gas into the engine unit. The students are currently refining this aspect of the project and also developing control systems for controlling the mass flow rate of the produced oxy-hydrogen gas, as well as the mechanical and the electrical components of the entire system. Although the project is still halfway to maturity, this paper shares the authors' progress so far in bringing to reality a project that promises cheap, safe, and environmentally friendly energy to the world.
On the properties of the cosine measure and the uniform angle subspace

Consider a nonempty finite set of nonzero vectors $$S \subset \mathbb {R}^n$$ . The angle between a nonzero vector $$v \in \mathbb {R}^n$$ and S is the smallest angle between v and an element of S. The cosine measure of S is the cosine of the largest possible angle between a nonzero vector $$v \in \mathbb {R}^n$$ and S. The cosine measure provides a way of quantifying the positive spanning property of a set of vectors, which is important in the area of derivative-free optimization. This paper proves some of the properties of the cosine measure for a nonempty finite set of nonzero vectors. It also introduces the notion of the uniform angle subspace and some cones associated with it and proves some of their properties. Moreover, this paper proves some results that characterize the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) points for the optimization problem of calculating the cosine measure. These characterizations of the KKT points involve the uniform angle subspace and its associated cones. Finally, this paper provides an outline for calculating the cosine measure of any nonempty finite set of nonzero vectors.
Angiographic diagnosis for accurate assessment of CPSS and EHPVO in children.

Background Congenital porto-systemic shunt (CPSS) is a rare disease and can cause fatal complications. Accurate angiographic assessment is mandatory for proper treatment. Although technically difficult, we developed assessment techniques and assessed their accuracy. One technique came from evaluating patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). Methods We conducted a single center retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of angiographic diagnostic procedure for the assessment of CPSS and EHPVO, and its impact on patients' subsequent interventions and clinical course. Eight patients with CPSS and two patients with EHPVO who underwent diagnostic angiography were included. Assessment of intrahepatic portal vein was performed in all patients. The route of the shunt, and portal vein pressure under shunt occlusion were also evaluated for patients with CPSS. Evaluation was first attempted with balloon angiographic catheter (standard method). Three additional techniques, 1) direct wedge-catheter injection without balloon inflation, 2) use of occlusion balloon in two patients, and 3) hybrid angiography with sheath placement directly into the superior mesenteric vein were performed as needed. Results The standard method was sufficient in four patients. Contrarily, all three techniques were required in two patients each. One lost contact during follow up, but all other patients underwent optimal intervention. There was no complication related to the angiographic procedure. Conclusions Use of direct wedge-catheter injection without balloon inflation, occlusion balloon, and hybrid catheterization improved the diagnostic yield in patients with CPSS or EHPVO.
Metabolic surgery may protect against admission for COVID-19 in persons with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) disease causes significant morbidity and mortality through increased inflammation and thrombosis. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are states of chronic inflammation and indicate advanced metabolic disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this observational study was to characterize the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 in patients with NAFLD/NASH and evaluate the mitigating effect of various metabolic treatments. SETTING: Retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data of 26,896 adults from a 12-hospital Midwest healthcare system with a positive COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from March 1, 2020, to January 26, 2021. METHODS: Variable selection was guided by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, and multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Multivariable logistic regression and competing risk models were used to assess the odds of being hospitalized within 45 days of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Analysis assessed the risk of hospitalization among patients with a prescription for metformin and statin use within the 3 months prior to the COVID-19 PCR result, history of home glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use, and history of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). Interactions were assessed by sex and race. RESULTS: A history of NAFLD/NASH was associated with increased odds of admission for COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-2.26; P < .001) and mortality (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.45-2.67; P < .001). Each additional year of having NAFLD/NASH was associated with a significant increased risk of being hospitalized for COVID-19 (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.14-1.35; P < .001). NAFLD/NASH increased the risk of hospitalization in men, but not women, and increased the risk of hospitalization in all multiracial/multiethnic subgroups. Medication treatments for metabolic syndrome were associated with significantly reduced risk of admission (OR, .81; 95% CI, .67-.99; P < .001 for home metformin use; OR, .71; 95% CI, .65-.83; P < .001 for home statin use). MBS was associated with a significant decreased risk of admission (OR, .48; 95% CI, .33-.69; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD/NASH is a significant risk factor for hospitalization for COVID-19 and appears to account for risk attributed to obesity. Other significant risks include factors associated with socioeconomic status and other co-morbidities, such as history of venous thromboembolism. Treatments for metabolic disease mitigated risks from NAFLD/NASH. More research is needed to confirm the risk associated with visceral adiposity, and patients should be screened for and informed of treatments for metabolic syndrome.
A microelectrode-based sensor for measuring operando active species concentrations in redox flow cells

The assessment of candidate materials for redox flow batteries requires effective diagnostic techniques for monitoring the evolution of electrolyte state of charge and state of health to interrogate time-dependent changes in system behavior. Further, such tools can be applied in practical embodiments to inform maintenance schedules and optimize energy utilization. In this work, we develop and test a flow-through, microelectrode-based electrochemical sensor to continuously measure active species concentrations in redox flow cells. A gold microelectrode (working electrode) and platinum wire (pseudo-reference electrode) are sealed into a stainless-steel fitting (counter electrode), and three-electrode electroanalytical techniques (i.e., voltammetry, chronoamperometry) are performed to correlate steady-state current to concentration. To validate transport and thermodynamics that govern the sensing mechanism, we combine multiphysics simulation with ex situ experimental testing, confirming the device is capable of accurately determining individual species concentrations. We then evaluate the microelectrode sensor in a symmetric redox flow cell, demonstrating the utility of this approach for measuring operando concentrations, and discuss additional considerations for successful implementation (e.g., measurement protocol, material selection, flow cell design). Assembled from commercially available, off-the-shelf components, the sensor can be readily adopted by research laboratories and integrated into existing experimental workflows, making it a promising tool for studying novel flow battery materials.
Using Incremental Evaluation And Adaptive Choice Of Operators In A Genetic Algorithm

The number of fitness evaluations determines the efficiency of a GA. This research suggests incremental evaluation which, if applicable, substantially reduces the complexity of evaluation of some individuals. Incremental evaluation and rational choice of operator based on utility maximization gives a two-fold reduction in computational cost needed to optimize the one-max function.
Epileptic Seizures and Supratentorial Brain Tumors in Children

Brain tumors represent about one third of the pediatric tumors. Epilepsy is overall associated with supratentorial brain tumors, that prevail in children under 3 years and over 10 years. Prevalence of seizures as first tumor symptom is 15–20%. In children under the 3 years of life, epilepsy is more frequent (until 70%), it can persists after the surgical intervention and in some cases an epileptic encephalopathy occurs. Epilepsy can began after surgery in other cases (10–40%), as a consequence of brain damage. Moreover, brain tumors are in a relevant percentage of cases (26–50%) the cause of a drug-resistant epilepsy, that can be successfully treated by surgery. The post surgical evolution is more favorable for patients with some particular tumor types (DNT, gangliogliomas). Pharmacological therapy of the epilepsy related with tumors is difficult, for an high frequency of side effects and of interactions with chemotherapy. The new AEDs are particularly promising not only for the favorable effect, but also for the lower incidence of side effects and of interactions.
Human “Orchestrator” CD11b + B1 Cells Spontaneously Secrete Interleukin-10 and Regulate T-Cell Activity

Immune regulation produced by B cells has been attributed to production and secretion of interleukin (IL)-10, which is a characteristic of mouse B1 cells. In view of the widespread clinical use of B-cell depletion therapies in autoimmune and malignant diseases, it is important to monitor the function and fate of regulatory B cells. However, there is no consensus regarding the phenotypic identity of human IL-10+ B cells. Here we show that human CD11b+ B1 cells, one of two recently described subpopulations of B1 cells, spontaneously produce IL-10 and suppress T-cell activation. In view of the capacity of these B cells to either stimulate T-cell proliferation or suppress T-cell activation, CD11b+ B1 cells are considered to be capable of orchestrating elements of immune responsiveness and thus are termed “orchestrator B1 cells,” or “B1orc,” whereas CD11b− B1 cells that primarily secrete antibody are termed “secretor B1 cells,” or “B1sec.”
Classroom Experimentation and an Application from Sports Economics

“Chalk-and-talk” techniques have historically been used as the predominant mode of economic instruction. In fact, until the end of the twenty-first century, deviation from “chalk-and-talk” was rare and the incorporation of active learning strategies was relatively unheard of. Since that time, there have been substantial changes in technology, the needs and expectations of students have shifted, and research on teaching and learning has highlighted the need to engage students with classroom material. As a result, the incorporation of alternative pedagogy has become increasingly common. Classroom experimentation has moved from a rarely used alternative form of material presentation to a mainstream format. When used effectively, classroom experiments can enhance students’ understanding of material that is technical or difficult to understand. It can also be used as a tool to incorporate economic theories from several fields into a single course. This article provides an overview of the benefits and challenges encountered when creating and incorporating classroom experiments into undergraduate economics courses. It also provides an example of an experiment that has been effectively employed in courses on game theory, sports economics, and principles of microeconomics. The motivation for and structure of the experiment are discussed and possible modifications and implementation strategies are provided. The experiment highlights the importance of randomized strategies by placing students in a scenario where randomization is an essential component of “winning the game.” At the end of the experiment students have shown a deeper understanding of and appreciation for randomized strategies as a solution to simultaneous-move, zero-sum games.
Age-related reductions in gastric mucosal prostaglandin levels increase susceptibility to aspirin-induced injury in rats

Abstract Background/Aims: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to cause gastrointestinal mucosal injury in humans and animals. The present study was designed to determine the effect of aging on gastric mucosal eicosanoid formation and aspirin-induced injury in Fischer 344 rats. Methods: In part 1 of the study, rats of three different age groups (3, 12, and 21 months) were killed after an overnight fast, and gastric mucosal formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes was determined. In part 2, rats of various ages were killed 3 hours after receiving aspirin (100 mg/kg intragastrically) or vehicle (for controls). Gastric mucosal eicosanoid formation and gross mucosal injury were assessed. Results: Gastric mucosal prostaglandin formation decreased with aging, whereas no significant changes in mucosal leukotriene formation were noted in any age groups. No gastric mucosal lesions were present in any rats treated with vehicle alone. In contrast, aspirin caused significant mucosal injury in all age groups, but significantly more mucosal lesions were noted in the older rats. Conclusions: These observations indicate that gastric mucosal prostaglandin synthesis decreases with aging in rats and that aged animals are more susceptible to aspirin-induced acute gastric mucosal injury.
Noncommissioned Officers' Perspectives on Identifying, Caring For, and Referring Soldiers and Marines at Risk of Suicide

Objective:Noncommissioned officers (NCOs) in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps were surveyed to identify their ability and willingness to identify, intervene on behalf of, and refer fellow soldie...
Immediate Loading of Single-Tooth Restorations: One-Year Prospective Results

Abstract Immediate loading of splinted implant restorations is a growing trend, but limited clinical documentation hampers evidence-based treatment planning for single-tooth applications. This study prospectively evaluated the clinical efficacy of placing implant-supported, single-tooth restorations into immediate, full-occlusal loading. Sixty consecutive patients (intent-to-treat group) with 1 missing tooth between 2 intact teeth were treated with a total of 69 implants. At placement, final impressions were made and implants were provisionalized with nonoccluding prostheses. Definitive prostheses were delivered 2 weeks later. A claim of noninferiority was made with a 95% confidence interval (Mann-Whitney U test) if the success rates between the experimental group and a 97% historical control was >7%. Standardized radiographs taken at placement and bimonthly intervals were analyzed for crestal bone changes at a type I (alpha) error level of .05; significance levels were not adjusted for multiplicity (Fish...
Addressing Adolescent Substance Use: Teaching Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to Residents.

Background: The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Substance Use recommends screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) at every adolescent preventive and all appropri...
Resource assessment based on 4D seismic and inversion at Ringhorne Field, Norwegian North Sea

Time-lapse (4D) seismic data from Ringhorne Field in the North Sea are used to monitor water movement in both Paleocene- and Jurassic-age reservoir sands, improve existing geologic and simulation models, and enable more cost-effective field operations. The structural complexity of the reservoirs, their proximity to the high-impedance Cretaceous chalk, and a relatively small 4D response has required a significant effort in seismic acquisition and processing which resulted in highly repeatable surveys (Johnston et al., 2010). In addition to the 4D interpretation, VP/VS derived from simultaneous elastic inversion is diagnostic of sand and provides additional constraints on Ringhorne subsurface models. Connected volumes based on VP/VS correlate to areas of water sweep seen in the 4D data and reduce uncertainty in 4D interpretation. Relative P-wave impedance changes calculated from inversion are consistent with presurvey 4D predictions. The 4D seismic data and inversion help explain water breakthrough timing, ...
Mouse "xenotropic" gammaretroviruses, XMRV and their XPR1 receptor

Background Xenotropic/polytropic mouse leukemia viruses (XPMLVs) and the xenotropic murine leukemia virusrelated virus (XMRV) identified in human patient samples rely on the XPR1 receptor for entry into cells. There are 5 functional variants of Xpr1 in Mus species and laboratory mouse strains that differ in their ability to support entry of XMRV and various isolates of XPMLVs. Additional receptor variants are found in nonrodent vertebrate species.
Enantiomer (+)physostigmine prevents organophosphate-induced subjunctional damage at the neuromuscular synapse by a mechanism not related to cholinesterase carbamylation.

The natural alkaloid (-)PHY is a reversible anticholinesterase carbamate, but in contrast, its optical isomer (+)PHY, is a very weak anticholinesterase. We have shown that treatment of rats with atropine and (-)PHY prior to injections of a lethal dose of the irreversible organophosphate sarin (0.13 mg/kg) not only protected 100% of the animals from lethality but also reduced the size of the subneural lesions of the nicotinic synapses of skeletal muscle. Similar protection against lethality is provided by pretreatment with (+)PHY. At the concentration used (0.3 mg/kg), there was no detectable inhibition of AChE activity. We have examined the protection afforded by (+)PHY or (-)PHY against lethality and myopathy due to organophosphate agents such as sarin. The major alterations in the soleus motor endplates 1 hr after drug treatment were as follows: (1) A single sublethal dose of sarin (0.08 mg/kg) produced enlarged, blistered, and severely disrupted subjunctional regions, with muscle damage extendig beyond the endplate to include myofiber necrosis and subsequent phagocytosis; (2) (+)PHY (0.3 mg/kg) produced no obvious damage in the postjunctional region; (3) (-)PHY (0.1 mg/kg) had a selective effect in inducing irregularities of the subjunctional sarcomere band patterns without any gross vacuolization; (4) light microscopic data indicated that the combination of atropine and (+)PHY, or of atropine and (-)PHY (0.1 mg/kg), 30 min prior to a lethal dose of sarin, offered dramatic reduction in the average dimension of lesions. Lesions were detectable in most endplates but recognizable changes were markedly less severe than those seen in sarin myopathy. Few instances of extensive muscle damage and myofiber necrosis were visible. In each of the 3 experimental groups examined, the extrajunctional myopathy was reversible with substantial recovery being observed on days 5 and 10 after drug treatment. In addition to its anticholinesterase activity, (-)PHY is also a powerful ion channel blocker of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. As for (+)PHY, its protective effect almost certainly does not depend at inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, but as with (-)PHY, it my depend on a direct blockade at the nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor and its ion channel.
Evaluation of Carbamazepine and Carbamazepine‐Epoxide Protein Binding in Patients Undergoing Epilepsy Surgery

Carbamazepine (CBZ) serum concentrations increase after epilepsy surgery. A possible mechanism may be acute changes in protein binding, specifically those involving the acute phase reactant α 1 -acid glycoprotein (AAG). We prospectively evaluated 16 adults (11 receiving CBZ) with epilepsy (mean age 30±8.9 years, 8 women and 8 men) undergoing temporal lobe resections and characterized AAG, albumin, CBZ, and CBZ-epoxide (CBZ-E) free fractions over time. AAG, ALB, CBZ, and CBZ-E free fractions were determined before surgery (baseline) and on postoperative days 1-5, 14, and 30. AAG was measured with a radial immunodiffusion assay method, CBZ and CBZ-E serum concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Free fractions of CBZ and CBZ-E were calculated as the ratio of unbound (determined after ultracentrifugation) to total serum drug concentrations. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t test for paired data when appropriate, with significance assigned at p < 0.05. All data are mean ± SD. AAG concentrations increased significantly from baseline (61.9 ± 21.3 mg/dl), peaking at postoperative day 3 (116.8 ± 20.6 mg/dl) and decreasing to baseline levels between days 14 and 30. CBZ serum concentrations were significantly increased in the immediate postoperative period (day 3), but albumin concentrations and CBZ and CBZ-E free fractions did not differ significantly between baseline and the postoperative time points. Temporal lobe resection results in an acute phase reaction which is manifested in part by significant changes in AAG. Although CBZ and CBZ-E total serum concentrations increased significantly in the immediate postoperative period, epilepsy surgery did not appear to result in significant overall changes in drug binding to plasma proteins. Key Words : Protein binding-Carbamazepine-Carbamazepine-epoxide-Epilepsy surgery.
Emerging topic: flow-related epigenetic regulation of endothelial phenotype through DNA methylation

Atherosclerosis is a multi-focal disease; it is associated with arterial curvatures, asymmetries and branches/bifurcations where non-uniform arterial geometry generates patterns of blood flow that are considerably more complex than elsewhere, and are collectively referred to as disturbed flow. Such regions are predisposed to atherosclerosis and are the sites of ‘athero-susceptible’ endothelial cells that express regionally different cell phenotypes than endothelium in nearby athero-protected locations. The regulatory hierarchy of endothelial function includes control at the epigenetic level. MicroRNAs and histone modifications are established epigenetic regulators that respond to disturbed flow. However, very recent reports have linked transcriptional regulation by DNA methylation to endothelial gene expression in disturbed flow in vivo and in vitro. We outline these in the context of site-specific atherosusceptibility mediated by local hemodynamics.
Early days of microwave scatterometry: RADSCAT to SASS

The use of radar scatterometers on spacecraft to measure the wind vectors on the surface of the ocean is now well established after 5 decades of research and development. These active microwave remote sensors have provided an invaluable 25-year time series global ocean vector winds for numerical weather prediction, meteorological and oceanic scientific research and a number of operational applications including tropical cyclone and severe ocean storm warnings. Professor Richard K. Moore is the father of microwave scatterometry and this paper discusses the history of the instrument development (with emphasis on the early days of aircraft experiments and the first two space instruments: SkyLab's S-193 RADSCAT and the SeaSat-A Satellite Scatterometer). An important goal of this paper is to document Professor Moore's leadership and contributions that he made over more than 40 years of research at the University of Kansas (UK).
Biophysical and pharmacological characteristics of native two-pore domain TASK channels in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Multiple genes of the TASK subfamily of two-pore domain K+ channels are reported to be expressed in rat glomerulosa cells. To determine which TASK isoforms contribute to native leak channels controlling resting membrane potential, patch-clamp studies were performed to identify biophysical and pharmacological characteristics of macroscopic and unitary K+ currents diagnostic of recombinant TASK channel isoforms. Results indicate K+ conductance (gK+) is mediated almost exclusively by a weakly voltage-dependent (leak) K+ channel closely resembling TASK-3. Leak channels exhibited a unitary conductance approximating that expected for TASK-3 under the recording conditions employed, brief mean open times and a voltage-dependent open probability. Extracellular H+ induced voltage-independent inhibition of gK+, exhibiting an IC50 of 56 nM (pH 7.25) and a Hill coefficient of 0.75. Protons inhibited leak channel open probability (Po) by promoting a long-lived closed state (τ > 500 ms). Extracellular Zn2+ mimicked the effects of H+; inhibition of gK+ exhibited an IC50 of 41 μM with a Hill coefficient of 1.26, inhibiting channel gating by promoting a long-lived closed state. Ruthenium red (5 μM) inhibited gK+ by 75.6% at 0 mV. Extracellular Mg2+ induced voltage-dependent block of gK+, inhibiting unitary current amplitude without affecting mean open time. Bupivacaine induced voltage-dependent block of gK+, exhibiting IC50 values of 116 μM at −100 mV and 28 μM at 40 mV with Hill coefficients of 1 at both potentials. Halothane induced a voltage-independent stimulation of gK+ primarily by decreasing the leak channel closed-state dwell time.
The effect of metal chelators and other metabolic inhibitors on the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidus var. Pennsylvanicus.

Bifidobacterium bifidus var. Pennsylvanicus , a microaerophilic anaerobe, was grown in the presence of several potential growth inhibitors with the aim of defining its growth requirements and metabolic peculiarities. The following had no effect on its growth: citrate, serum transferrin, serum albumin, colchicine, fluoro-acetate, malonate, and rotenone. The following substances inhibited the growth: fluoride, azide, arsenite, 2, 4-dinitrophenol, hemin, hemoglobin, lactoferrin, α, α′-bipyridyl, and 8-hydroxyquinoline. Ferrous iron was able to negate the inhibition achieved by α, α′-bipyridyl, and 8-hydroxyquinoline. It is concluded that iron, probably in its ferrous state, is an obligatory nutrient for the microorganism, and that iron porphyrin system(s) may be essential for the metabolism of this organism. Because the microorganisms contained in addition to iron large quantities of Mn, Zn, and Cu, it is likely that these metalloelements are crucial for the normal growth of the organism. Growth inhibition by fluoride indicates that Mg-dependent enzymes may also be present in the microorganism.
Respiratory studies of monotremes. IV. Normal respiratory functions of echidnas and ventilatory response to inspired oxygen and carbon dioxide

Abstract Respiratory measurements were made on four resting adult echidnas of mean weight 2.3 kg. Mean values were: V t 18.8 ml; respiratory frequency 8.9 min−1; P a co2, (end tidal) 53 mm Hg. Arterial blood gases were obtained serially in one animal. Mean values were: Pao2 61 mm Hg; Paco2 53 mm Hg; pHa 7.429; HCO−3 37.2 meq/1; P a o2-Pao, 40 mm Hg. Ventilatory response curves indicated a decreased sensitivity to inspired CO2. Doubling of minute ventilation required an increase of approximately 22 mm Hg compared to about 5 mm Hg in the human. Hypoxie response curves revealed a sensitivity close to that of the human and rabbit. There was a delay of at least 30 sec in ventilatory response to changes in inspired CO2 or 02. Single breaths of gas mixtures containing high CO2 or low 02 concentrations did not result in a ventilatory response. These studies suggest that there is an altered peripheral chemoreceptor response in the echidna consistent with adaptation to increased concentrations of environmental CO2.
On-chip coupled power inductor for switching power converters

This paper proposes a design of an on-chip coupled power inductor (OCPI) structure which consists of a layer of ferrite core material and another layer of coupled spiral windings on a silicon substrate. The flux cancellation effect of the two inversely coupled windings significantly reduces the net fluxes in the ferrite layer, which helps increasing the saturation current of the power inductor. An ANSYS®/Maxwell® 3-D physical model of a 5.6mm×5.6mm two-phase OCPI is developed and simulation results are obtained. Simulation results show that the saturation current (7A/phase) of the OCPI is twice the saturation current (3.5A) of the non-coupled power inductor with the same inductance density. Based on a 3.3V/1.5V 4MHz two-phase buck converter, the equivalent steady state inductance and transient inductance of the OCPI are calculated to be equal to 78.1nH and 22.2nH, respectively.
Decompression experiments identify kinetic controls on explosive silicic eruptions

[1] Eruption intensity is largely controlled by decompression-induced release of water-rich gas dissolved in magma. It is not simply the amount of gas that dictates how forcefully magma is propelled upwards during an eruption, but also the rate of degassing, which is partly a function of the supersaturation pressure (ΔPcritical) triggering gas bubble nucleation. High temperature and pressure decompression experiments using rhyolite and dacite melt reveal compositionally-dependent differences in the ΔPcritical of degassing that may explain why rhyolites have fueled some of the most explosive eruptions on record.
Chromosomal analysis of Leptinotarsa and Labidomera species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Chromosomes were examined from 13 Leptinotarsa species: L. decemlineata, L. texana, L. defecta, L. juncta, L. rubiginosa, L. haldemani, L. tumamoca, L. peninsularis, L. behrensi, L. heydeni, L. lineolata, L. typographica, and L. undecimlineata. With the exception of L. undecimlineata, which has 2n=32+XO, all other species have the basic chromosome number 2n=34+XO. Of two Labidomera species also examined, L. clivicollis has 2n=32+XO and L. suturella has 2n=30+XO. Idiograms showed that the majority of the autosomes are submetacentric. All species have a large submetacentric X chromosome. Meiotic pairings were regular with both closed and open bivalents. Chiasma frequencies varied considerably among species and even between populations. No distinct correlation was evident when chromosome numbers and chiasma frequencies were compared with host plant association and geographic distribution patterns of Leptinotarsa species.
Comparing Conservation Priorities for Useful Plants Among Botanists and Tibetan Doctors

Perspectives of diverse constituencies need to be incorporated when developing conservation strategies. In Menri (Medicine Mountains) of the Eastern Himalayas, Tibetan doctors and professional botanists were interviewed about conservation of useful plants. We compare these two perspectives and find they differ significantly in conservation priorities (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks P < 0.05), both in how they prioritized, as well as the priorities themselves. Tibetan doctors first consider which plants are most important to their medical practice and, then secondarily, the conservation status of these plants. Additionally, perceptions of threatened medicinal plants differ among Tibetan doctors who received medical training in Lhasa, who were local trained, and who were self-taught. In contrast, professional botanists came to a consensus among themselves by first considering the conservation status of plants and then considering use. We conclude that, in order to effect community based conservation, opinions from both Tibetan doctors and professional botanists should be considered in establishing conservation priorities and sustainable conservation programs. Furthermore, we set our own research agenda based on combined perspectives.
The role of attribution in the experience of crowding

Abstract The theory that the subjective experience of crowding results from an attribution of arousal process was examined. Specifically, it was predicted that subjects who were aroused by having their personal space violated would experience less crowding if they were led to believe that some other environmental factor was responsible for the arousal. Groups of subjects were placed in a room in which their personal space was either violated or not violated. Some subjects were told that either an arousing or a relaxing subliminal noise would be played into the room. (Actually there was no noise.) Other subjects were told nothing about subliminal noise. The subjects worked on a number of tasks and were then asked to report how crowded they felt. The noise manipulation had no effect on subjects' performance nor on feelings of crowdedness when their personal space was not being violated. However, when there was a violation of personal space, subjects who felt the noise would arouse them reported being less crowded and performed better than subjects in the relaxing noise or no explanation conditions. It was suggested that subjects attributed their arousal to the “arousing noise” and hence felt less crowded.
PIXE analysis of Trojan gold jewelry

Abstract Technological advancements in the production of gold jewelry from the Troad in northwest Anatolia in the third millennium BC are investigated by PIXE. Results indicate a higher percentage of Cu at the interface between joined pieces of gold than exists elsewhere on the jewelry, away from joinings. The results indicate the probable use of copper salts as a flux in the manufacture of jewelry with granulation.
Cytotoxicity and thermomechanical behavior of biomedical shape-memory polymer networks post-sterilization

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are being increasingly proposed for use in biomedical devices. This paper investigates the cytotoxicity, surface characteristics and thermomechanics of two acrylate-based SMP networks as a function of sterilization using a minimal essential media elution test, FTIR-ATR and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Networks sterilized by low-temperature plasma elicited a cytotoxic response and are shown to completely destroy the cell monolayer. FTIR-ATR analysis showed evidence of surface oxidation with an increase and broadening of the absorbance peak from ~3500 to 3100 cm−1, which is associated with an increase in hydroxyl groups. DMA revealed small, but statistically significant, differences in reduction of the glass transition temperatures of both networks when sterilized with gamma irradiation. One network showed an increase in rubbery modulus, which is an indication of crosslink density, after gamma irradiation. Lastly, practical sterilization concerns of SMP devices are discussed in light of the different methods.
Gender and the Meanings of Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Focus on Boys

Many studies of the adolescent period have focused on peer interactions and relationships, but less is known about the character of adolescents' early dating experiences. Researchers have recently explored girls' views of romance and sexuality, but studies of boys' perspectives are noticeably lacking. Theorizing in this area leads to the expectation that as adolescents cross over into heterosexual territory, boys will do so, on average, with greater confidence, while being relatively less engaged emotionally (i.e., the notion that boys want sex, girls want romance), and ultimately emerging as the more powerful actors within the relationship. This article develops a symbolic interactionist perspective to examine the experiences of adolescent boys and girls in the context of the romantic dyad. It focuses on the nature of communication, emotion, and influence within adolescent dating relationships. Findings based on structured interviews with over 1,300 adolescents provide a strong contrast to existing portr...