cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An investigation of implicit memory through left temporal lobectomy for epilepsy.

Abstract Temporal lobe epilepsy patients have demonstrated a relative preservation in the integrity of implicit memory procedures. We examined performance in a verbal implicit and explicit memory task in left anterior temporal lobectomy patients (LATL) and healthy normal controls (NCs) while undergoing fMRI. We hypothesized that despite the relative integrity of implicit memory in both the LATL patients and normal controls, the two groups would show distinct functional neuroanatomic profiles during implicit memory. LATLs and NCs performed Jacoby’s Process Dissociation Process (PDP) procedure during fMRI, requiring completion of word stems based on the previously studied words or new/unseen words. Measures of automaticity and recollection provided uncontaminated indices of implicit and explicit memory, respectively. The behavioral data showed that in the face of temporal lobe pathology implicit memory can be carried out, suggesting implicit verbal memory retrieval is non-mesial temporal in nature. Compared to NCs, the LATL patients showed reliable activation, not deactivation, during implicit (automatic) responding. The regions mediating this response were cortical (left medial frontal and precuneus) and striatal. The active regions in LATL patients have the capacity to implement associative, conditioned responses that might otherwise be carried out by a healthy temporal lobe, suggesting this represented a compensatory activity. Because the precuneus has also been implicated in explicit memory, the data suggests this structure may have a highly flexible functionality, capable of supporting implementation of either explicit memory, or automatic processes such as implicit memory retrieval. Our data suggest that a healthy mesial/anterior temporal lobe may be needed for generating the posterior deactivation perceptual priming response seen in normals.
Generation of Novel Long-Acting Globular Adiponectin Molecules

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has been shown to play important roles in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis. It exists as homotrimers or complexes containing multiple homotrimer units in plasma. The recombinant adiponectin proteins have been difficult to produce, making it challenging for both research as well as potential therapeutic development. Here, we show a novel approach for the generation of globular adiponectin that involves linking three monomer sequences together in tandem to generate one continuous polypeptide, which we have termed single-chain globular adiponectin (sc-gAd). To improve the pharmacokinetic properties of sc-gAd further, we fused it to an Fc fragment. The combined effects of single-chain and Fc fusion improved the plasma half-life from less than 2 h to close to 2 weeks. Using adeno-associated virus as a delivery method, we demonstrate that Fc-sc-gAd improved both fasting glucose levels and the tolerance to a glucose challenge in ob/ob mice without changes in body weight. Therefore, our results demonstrated the feasibility of generating globular adiponectin trimers from a single polypeptide and a long-acting globular adiponectin that could serve as a starting point for adiponectin-based therapeutics. This novel approach could also be applied to other complement factor C1q family members; in particular, this opens the possibility to study the biological functions of precisely defined heterotrimers of various family members that had not been previously possible.
Orientation of caffeine within the active site of human cytochrome P450 1A2 based on NMR longitudinal (T1) relaxation measurements

Longitudinal (T1) relaxation studies were performed in order to examine the interaction of caffeine with the heme of human P450 1A2. Addition of caffeine to this P450 resulted in a small, incomplete conversion of the heme from high spin to low spin, as shown by changes in the optical spectrum. Determination of a relatively large dissociation constant (Ks = 2.6 mM) as well as the relative instability of the P450 after 2 h at room temperature necessitated the performance of these experiments at high concentrations (25 mM) of caffeine. The relaxation measurements on the three sets of methyl hydrogens led to the determination of the corresponding distances between the iron and the methyl groups on the bound caffeine as well as the position and orientation of caffeine within the active site of P450 1A2. The three methyl groups were found to be nearly equidistant from the iron (> or = 4.79-4.89 A), with slight preference for the N-3 position, and thus, the average position of caffeine was parallel to the heme. In vitro incubations with P450 1A2 and 5 mM caffeine led primarily to paraxanthine formation (N-3 demethylation), as expected. However, with 25 mM substrate, the overall extent of oxidation was doubled and there was more equivalent oxidation at each of the four potential sites on caffeine. This latter observation was consistent with the lack of selective positioning of the N-3 methyl group of caffeine relative to the heme.
Photopic mechanisms of early dark adaptation.

Adaptive equivalence has been demonstrated by Crawford for long-term dark adaptation; he showed that after the observer remained a certain time in the dark, increment thresholds equivalent to the absolute threshold were the same for all target diameters used and indicated that a single variable controls the spatial integration of light. Equivalence was investigated in the present study for early dark adaptation using two target diameters (0.25 and 0.96 deg) and four combinations of chromatic test and adapting stimuli (red on red, blue on blue, red on blue, and blue on red). In general, the results showed that adaptive states as produced by steady and transient conditions of adaptation do not appear to be equivalent during this early period of dark adaptation, and indicated that more than one process controls the spatial integration of light under the conditions investigated. It is hypothesized that these processes are excitation and inhibition in the visual receptive field. One subject, however, showed approximate equivalence for the homochromatic conditions (red on red and blue on blue), but none for the heterochromatic conditions (red on blue and blue on red) indicating perhaps interaction between color mechanisms. Spatial effects were also noted as a result of varying target size; these effects suggested lateral interaction of groups of receptors rather than the activity of single receptors during early dark adaptation.
Fast vibrational relaxation of OH( v=9) by ammonia and ozone

Abstract Vibrational relaxation of OH(X 2 Π ) in the v =9 state by O 3 and NH 3 has been studied via flash-photolysis using high-resolution direct infrared absorption detection of OH in the v =11←9 band. OH( v =9) removal by O 3 occurs with a nearly gas-kinetic rate (k O 3 =1.37(15)×10 −10 cm 3 / s ) . Collisional removal by NH 3 (k NH 3 =7.60(50)×10 −10 cm 3 / s ) is two to three times higher than the hard-sphere collision limit, suggesting a resonant V–V energy transfer induced by long-range dipole–dipole interactions. An upper limit of 5×10 −14 cm 3 / s is placed on OH( v =9) vibrational relaxation by argon.
Pretransplant Obesity: A Weighty Issue Affecting Transplant Candidacy and Outcomes

Because of the global increase in prevalence of obesity, many more overweight and obese individuals are undergoing evaluation for transplantation than in the past. Although obesity seems to provide a survival benefit in dialysis patients, obesity has traditionally been considered a contraindication for transplantation of most organs. It is theorized that obesity will contribute to worse transplant outcomes, including lower rates of graft and patient survival and higher rates of delayed graft function and infection. This review evaluates the available literature evaluating outcomes of obese patients with end-stage organ failure who undergo transplantation. Obesity seems to be associated with increased rates of wound infection after transplantation. However, other adverse transplant outcomes related to obesity seem to be dependent on the type of organ being transplanted and the degree of obesity. For example, a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 may reduce short-term survival in lung transplant recipients; h...
On the boundedness and the unboundedness of the number of generators of ideals and multiplicity

Abstract For an unmixed ideal I in a regular formal power series ring R = k[[x1,…, xn]] with the Krull dim of R I = 1 or dim R I = 2 or dim R I = 3 and R I integrally closed in its field of quotients, one can give an upper bound for the number of generators for I over R in terms of the multiplicity of R I and the embedding dimension of R I . For dim R I = 4 an example is given to show this is not possible, even for prime ideals.
Pair production by gravitational waves in the field of a black hole

Abstract We consider the production of scalar particles by a gravitational wave incident on the static gravitational field of a Schwarzschild mini black hole.
Research enrollment and informed consent

1. Culic V, Eterovic D, Miric D. Meta-analysis of possible external triggers of acute myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol. 2005;99(1):1-8. 2. Simpson EH. The interpretation of interaction in contingency tables. J R Stat Soc Series B Stat Methodol. 1951:238-241. 3. Maclure M. The case-crossover design: a method for studying transient effects on the risk of acute events. Am J Epidemiol. 1991;133(2):144-153. 4. Berlin JA, Santanna J, Schmid CH, Szczech LA, Feldman HI; Anti-Lymphocyte Antibody Induction Therapy Study Group. Individual patientversus group-level data meta-regressions for the investigation of treatment effect modifiers: ecological bias rears its ugly head. Stat Med. 2002;21(3):371-387.
Biremis blandi (Polychaeta: Terebellidae), new genus, new species, caught by D.S.R.V. “Alvin” in the Tongue of the Ocean, new providence, Bahamas

Biremis, n. gen., characterized by an enlarged cephalic lobe, achaetous thoracic segments, and abdominal bilobed uncinigerous pinnules, lacks eyes and branchiae and is, thus, grouped with the subfamily Polycirrinae of the Terebellidae. Biremis blandi, n. sp., has prominent longitudinal muscular ventral ridges, lacking ventral glandular scutes. The avicular uncini, arranged in a single row on each lobe of each abdominal pinnule, are very similar to those of Polycirrus. The new species, collected from D.S.R.V. “Alvin”, was observed resting on and swimming over the sloping walls of the Tongue of the Ocean (25° N; 77°35′ W), at 600 m depth. Its ability to swim may be a requirement for survival on an unstable substratum.
ERBB3: Multifunctional enabler or primary actor in pancreatic cancer?

Commentary to: ErbB3 expression promotes tumorigenesis in pancreatic adenocarcinomaJ. Spencer Liles, J. Pablo Arnoletti, Ching-Wei D. Tzeng, J. Harrison Howard, Andrew V. Kossenkov, Peter Kulesza, Martin J. Heslin and Andrey Frolov
Analytic Approaches to Establish the Diagnostic Accuracy of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography as a Tool for Clinical Decision Making

Although 64-slice multidetector coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been reported to have excellent test characteristics for the detection of significant coronary artery disease, current analytic approaches may not appropriately reflect the process of clinical decision making. Thirty-seven patients (29 men; mean age 63 ± 11 years) who underwent coronary CTA for clinical indications followed by invasive coronary angiography within 4 weeks were studied. Computed tomography angiograms were analyzed independently for the presence of significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50% luminal narrowing) by 2 observers blinded to invasive coronary angiographic results. The diagnostic test performance of coronary CTA was determined with and without inclusion of unassessable segments. Because stenosis could not be excluded in unassessable segments, these segments were counted as positive for stenosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values of CTA for detecting significant stenoses on assessable segments were 85% (51 of 60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 76% to 94%), 99% (414 of 416, 95% CI 99 to 100), 96% (95% CI 51 of 53), and 98% (95% CI 414 of 423), respectively. Overall, 13% of coronary segments (70 of 546) were not assessable using CTA (heavy calcium in 48 segments). By including these segments, PPV decreased from 96% to 60% (74 of 123), whereas sensitivity improved from 85% to 89% (95% CI 74 of 83). In conclusion, the clinical utility of coronary CTA may be limited by a low PPV in patients with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease.
Presenting uncertainty in expert systems: an issue in information portrayal

Abstract The issue of portrayal of uncertain information for use in expert system decision aids is addressed in this paper. Emphasis is placed on the clarity and comprehensibility of information displayed to decision makers in an uncertain environment. The influence of cognitive style in the processing of information is discussed, and alternative information portrayal techniques are presented for displaying uncertain information to command and control analysts in a military setting. Recommendations are made for empirical testing to assess the effectiveness of the various information portrayal techniques.
Intestinal Spirochetosis: An Enigmatic Disease

Introduction Intestinal spirochetosis (IS) is a condition in which colonic and appendiceal epithelial cells are colonized by one of two anaerobic spirochetes, either the Brachyspira aalborgi or Brachyspira pilosicoli. There is much debate in the literature as to whether IS is a pathogen or a commensal inhabitant. A recent case of IS at our institution prompted a retrospective database search and review of the literature.
Anatomic variations of the bulbocavernosus muscle

Abstract Two patients with a variant of the normal vulvar anatomy are described. In both patients the bulbocavernosus muscle failed to insert into the central perineal tendon as is normally observed. The fossa navicularis in these patients was poorly defined and the hymenal membrane appeared to be contiguous with the vulvar skin. The variant has no clinical significance but should be recognized to avoid costly evaluations.
Just a Trim, Please: Refining ER Degradation through Deubiquitination

ER-associated degradation clears the secretory pathway of misfolded proteins and mediates the regulated degradation of some ER resident proteins. Only a minor increase in the interaction between a protein and a ubiquitin ligase is sufficient to signal substrate degradation. Zhang et al. have identified deubiquitination as a signal amplifier.
On A New Approach for Self-optimizing Control Structure Design

Abstract Abstract In this paper, a new method for the identification of self-optimizing control structure designs (CSDs) based on generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) is proposed. The method is primarily dedicated to find optimal CSDs where all controlled variables (CVs) are represented by a common set of linear combinations of process variables (PVs). It is shown that the implementation of the GSVD into iterative solution approaches is beneficial in order to find CSDs where an individual PV subset is mapped to each CV. The developments will be tested on a simple process.
The conversion of S-adenosyl-l-methionine to stipitatic acid by extracts of Penicillium stipitatum

Abstract Cell-free extracts prepared from acetone powders of Penicillium stipitatum contain an enzyme system converting [ 14 CH 3 ]- S -adenosyl- l -methionine to radioactive stipitatic acid; the estimated molecular weight is 105 000. The incorporated radio-activity is located at C-7 of the tropolone ring. Addition of putative acceptor compounds had little or no influence on tropolone synthesis. Methylation appears to be an early step in tropolone biosynthesis in this organism.
Rural‐Urban Differences Among the Elderly: Economic, Social, and Subjective Factors

This paper reviews previous research on differences between elderly persons residing in urban and rural locations. While the urban elderly have demonstrable advantages in terms of many “objective” indicators of quality of life, they appear to have no corresponding advantage in terms of subjective or emotional well-being, and perhaps even show a small disadvantage on such dimensions. The paper begins by documenting these differences, then considers some ways in which this paradox might be explained by examining some possible advantages of rural residence for the elderly.
Effect of fluvastatin on low-density lipoprotein peak particle diameter

Abstract In this investigation, there was no appreciable effect on LDL particle diameter and there was no greater or lesser effect in patients classified at baseline as LDL pattern A, B, or I. This investigation indicates that fluvastatin, a 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol, but has no effect on LDL particle diameter and no differential effect on patients characterized by differences in LDL subclass pattern. This contributes additional information on the lack of a differential effect of this statin medication in patients classified at baseline as LDL pattern A, B, or I.
Atomic structure of grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3O7-δ as observed by Z-contrast imaging

Determination of the atomic structure of grain boundaries is the key to fundamental understanding of the critical current density in polycrystalline superconductors. High-resolution images with incoherent characteristics, obtained using a high-angle annular detector on an atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscope, are used to study the atomic arrangements of these technologically important boundaries. The incoherent Z-contrast images do not experience contrast reversals with defocus or sample thickness and display no Fresnel Fringe effects at boundaries. Observed rigid shifts of atomic columns at grain boundaries are independent of sample thickness and objective lens defocus. These characteristics allow unambiguous and intuitive interpretations of the generated images. We find the atomic structures at grain boundaries in YBa2Cu3O7-δ are strongly influenced by the strong tendency of this compound to exist only as complete unit cells terminated at {001} and {100} planes. The weak-link behavior associated with high-angle grain boundaries may follow from this structure in which there is no clear connection between the {100} facets of adjacent grains. Symmetric grain boundaries where adjacent grains share a common boundary plane have also been observed in YBa2Cu3O7-δ. In these boundaries partial structural coupling of the grains is maintained. There is evidence that these two boundary forms produce junctions with very different superconducting properties.
The Roles of Phytochromes in Elongation and Gravitropism of Roots

Gravitropic orientation and the elongation of etiolated hypocotyls are both regulated by red light through the phytochrome family of photoreceptors. The importance of phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB) in these red light responses has been established through studies using phy mutants. To identify the roles that phytochromes play in gravitropism and elongation of roots, we studied the effects of red light on root elongation and then compared the gravitropic curvature from roots of phytochrome mutants of Arabidopsis (phyA, phyB, phyD and phyAB) with wild type. We found that red light inhibits root elongation approximately 35% in etiolated seedlings and that this response is controlled by phytochromes. Roots from dark- and light-grown double mutants (phyAB) and light-grown phyB seedlings have reduced elongation rates compared with wild type. In addition, roots from these seedlings (dark/light-grown phyAB and light-grown phyB) have reduced rates of gravitropic curvature compared with wild type. These results demonstrate roles for phytochromes in regulating both the elongation and gravitropic curvature of roots.
Influence of large woody debris on channel morphology and dynamics in steep, boulder-rich mountain streams, western Cascades, Oregon

This study used 20-year records of stream channel change and wood to test hypotheses about the long-term influence of large woody debris (LWD) on channel morphology, channel stability, and sediment dynamics in a steep, boulder-rich mountain stream. We compared two nearly adjacent reaches of third-order Mack Creek over the period 1978–1997 after virtually all wood was removed from the channel of the lower reach in 1964. We assessed the long-term legacy of wood removal using repeated crosssection surveys, streamflow data, LWD inventory data, and detailed mapping and longitudinal profile surveys. At each of 11 cross sections in the upper reach and 19 in the lower reach, we calculated areas of scour and fill in response to the two largest floods in the record. We used quasi-likelihood logistic regression models to test the proportion of each reach that experienced change between consecutive surveys over the entire record (1978–1997) as a function of flood return periods. The longitudinal profile of the site without LWD was more variable than the reach with LWD at the finest scale (f1 m) due to a greater frequency of boulder steps, but the reach with LWD was more variable at the channel unit scale. LWD-created steps 1 to 2.5 m high in the wood-rich reach accounted for nearly 30% of the total channel fall and created low-gradient upstream channel segments one to three channel widths long. As a result, both reaches have the same average slope (about 9%), but nearly three times as much of the channel in the wood-rich reach had a slope of V5% as in the reach without wood (20.4% of total channel length vs. 7.5% of channel length). The reach with abundant LWD was less responsive to moderate streamflow events (return period <f5 years), but it responded similarly to peak flows with a return period of about 10 to 25 years. Although the average magnitude of crosssection changes was the same during the largest flood in the record (25-year return period), the reach without LWD experienced scour and coarsening of the bed surface, whereas the reach with LWD experienced aggradation upstream of LWD features. Mack Creek may be representative of many steep mountain streams in which channel structure is strongly influenced by nonfluvial processes: a legacy of large boulders from glacial or mass movement processes and a legacy of dead wood from ecological processes. Sediment-limited mountain streams with large boulders, when deprived of LWD, appear to exhibit less morphological variation at the channel unit scale, to store less sediment, and to release it more readily than those with LWD. D 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A geometric deformable model for echocardiographic image segmentation

Gradient vector flow (GVF), an elegant external force for parametric deformable models, can capture object boundaries from both sides. A new geometric deformable model is proposed that combines GVF and the geodesic active contour model. The level set method is used as the numerical method of this model. The model is applied for echocardiographic image segmentation.
Influence of pollen transport dynamics on sire profiles and multiple paternity in flowering plants.

In many flowering plants individual fruits contain a mixture of half- and full- siblings, reflecting pollination by several fathers. To better understand the mechanisms generating multiple paternity within fruits we present a theoretical framework linking pollen carryover with patterns of pollinator movement. This ‘sire profile’ model predicts that species with more extensive pollen carryover will have a greater number of mates. It also predicts that flowers on large displays, which are often probed consecutively during a single pollinator visitation sequence, will have a lower effective number of mates. We compared these predictions with observed values for bumble bee-pollinated Mimulus ringens, which has restricted carryover, and hummingbird-pollinated Ipomopsis aggregata, which has extensive carryover. The model correctly predicted that the effective number of mates is much higher in the species with more extensive carryover. This work extends our knowledge of plant mating systems by highlighting mechanisms influencing the genetic composition of sibships.
Sequence and Structure Determinants of Drosophila Hsp70 mRNA Translation: 5′-UTR Secondary Structure Specifically Inhibits Heat Shock Protein mRNA Translation

Preferential translation of Drosophila heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) mRNA requires only the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR). The sequence of this region suggests that it has relatively little secondary structure, which may facilitate efficient protein synthesis initiation. To determine whether minimal 5'-UTR secondary structure is required for preferential translation during heat shock, the effect of introducing stem-loops into the Hsp70 mRNA 5'-UTR was measured. Stem-loops of -11 kcal/mol abolished translation during heat shock, but did not reduce translation in non-heat shocked cells. A -22 kcal/mol stem-loop was required to comparably inhibit translation during growth at normal temperatures. To investigate whether specific sequence elements are also required for efficient preferential translation, deletion and mutation analyses were conducted in a truncated Hsp70 5'-UTR containing only the cap-proximal and AUG-proximal segments. Linker-scanner mutations in the cap-proximal segment (+1 to +37) did not impair translation. Re-ordering the segments reduced mRNA translational efficiency by 50%. Deleting the AUG-proximal segment severely inhibited translation. A 5-extension of the full-length leader specifically impaired heat shock translation. These results indicate that heat shock reduces the capacity to unwind 5-UTR secondary structure, allowing only mRNAs with minimal 5'-UTR secondary structure to be efficiently translated. A function for specific sequences is also suggested.
Intrinsic quadrupole tensor in the geometric interpretation of the interacting boson approximation (IBA-1)

For the first time, complete quantal expressions are provided for the intrinsic components of the quadrupole tensor in the geometric Holstein-Primakoff representation of the IBA-1. These expressions are valid throughout the Casten triangle.
Reversibility of Glucose-Induced Changes in Mesangial Cell Extracellular Matrix Depends on the Genetic Background

Adequate glycemic control protects most patients with diabetes from nephropathy, but a substantial fraction of patients develop progressive disease despite lowering glycemia. We isolated mesangial cells (MC) from the glomeruli of mouse strains that model these two outcomes in patients with diabetes, namely those that have the propensity (ROP) or resistance (B6) to develop progressive diabetic nephropathy. We determined the nature and reversibility of changes in selected extracellular matrix-related molecules after chronic exposure to elevated glucose concentration. MC were exposed to 25 mmol/l glucose for 5 weeks followed by 6 mmol/l glucose and 19 mmol/l mannitol for an additional 5 weeks. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) levels increased in B6 MC exposed to 25 mmol/l glucose but returned to baseline levels when the glucose concentration was reduced to 6 mmol/l. MMP-2 and TGF-beta(1) were higher in ROP MC at baseline and increased in response to 25 mmol/l glucose, but remained elevated when glucose concentration was reduced. Type I collagen expression and accumulation increased in a reversible manner in B6 MC exposed to 25 mmol/l glucose. However, type I collagen expression was higher in ROP MC at baseline and remained unaffected by changes in glucose concentration. Thus, 25 mmol/l glucose induced reversible changes in MMP-2, TGF-beta(1), and type I collagen in MC of sclerosis-resistant mice but not in MC from sclerosis-prone mice. Therefore, progressive diabetic nephropathy may be secondary to stable alterations in the phenotype of MC as a result of the interplay between the genetic background and elevated glucose concentrations.
Computation of electric fields from electric charges: Coulomb's law or poisson's equation

Coulomb's Law and Poisson's equation are revisited and compared as algorithms for computer evaluation of electric force fields. In the course of this examination we point to the danger of applying physical laws measured in three-dimensional space to spaces of other dimensionalities. The algorithms based on Coulomb's Law and on Poisson's equation are cast in C-language and are illustrated with a two-dimensional example.
The Role of FcRn in Antigen Presentation.

Immunoglobulins are unique molecules capable of simultaneously recognizing a diverse array of antigens and themselves being recognized by a broad array of receptors. The abundance specifically of the IgG subclass and the variety of signaling receptors to which it binds render this an important immunomodulatory molecule. In addition to the classical Fcγ receptors that bind IgG at the cell surface, the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a lifelong resident of the endolysosomal system of most hematopoietic cells where it determines the intracellular fate of both IgG and IgG-containing immune complexes (IgG IC). Cross-linking of FcRn by multivalent IgG IC within antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells initiates specific mechanisms that result in trafficking of the antigen-bearing IgG IC into compartments from which the antigen can successfully be processed into peptide epitopes compatible with loading onto both major histocompatibility complex class I and II molecules. In turn, this enables the synchronous activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against the cognate antigen, thereby bridging the gap between the humoral and cellular branches of the adaptive immune response. Critically, FcRn-driven T cell priming is efficient at very low doses of antigen due to the exquisite sensitivity of the IgG-mediated antigen delivery system through which it operates. FcRn-mediated antigen presentation has important consequences in tissue compartments replete with IgG and serves not only to determine homeostatic immune activation at a variety of sites but also to induce inflammatory responses upon exposure to antigens perceived as foreign. Therapeutically targeting the pathway by which FcRn enables T cell activation in response to IgG IC is thus a highly attractive prospect not only for the treatment of diseases that are driven by immune complexes but also for manipulating local immune responses against defined antigens such as those present during infections and cancer.
Self‐Assembly and Growth of Smart Cell‐Adhesive Mucin‐Bound Microtubes

Microtubular structures were self‐assembled in aqueous media from a newly synthesized bolaamphiphile, bis(N‐α‐amido‐threonine)‐1,3‐propane dicarboxylate. The self‐assembly process was examined at varying pH. The formed microtubes were then functionalized with the highly glycosylated protein mucin. In nature, the O‐linked saccharides of mucin are generally associated with Thr or Ser residues of protein scaffolds. In this work, peptide microtubes with threonine functionality were prepared synthetically in order to enhance the affinity of the microtubes toward mucin, thus mimicking natural proteins. After binding the mucin to the microtubes, we investigated the biocompatibility of those materials by conducting in vitro cell attachment, cell proliferation, and cytotoxicity studies using normal rat kidney (NRK) cells. The studies revealed that the biomaterials were nontoxic, biocompatible, and showed significant adhesion to the cells. It is well known that natural mucins may degrade into their motifs; however,...
The Effect of Flurbiprofen on Steady-State Plasma Lithium Levels

Study Objective. To evaluate the effects of flurbiprofen therapy on the pharmacokinetics of lithium. Design. Placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover study. Setting. University-affiliated hospital. Patients. Eleven healthy women with bipolar disorder. Interventions. The subjects received therapeutic doses of lithium administered as an immediate-release capsule every 12 hours. In addition, they received one placebo tablet every 12 hours during phase I and flurbiprofen 100 mg every 12 hours during phase II of the study. Measurements and Main Results. Steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters were measured for each phase. Lithium trough plasma concentration (Cmin) and area under the curve were statistically significantly increased (p<0.05) when patients received flurbiprofen. Flurbiprofen also caused decreases in lithium clearance and 24-hour lithium urine excretion, although the changes did not reach statistical significance. Clinically significant increases in Cmin appeared to be associated with a greater than 1000-μg/24 hour decrease in urinary excretion of prostaglandin E2. Conclusion. Patients with clinically normal renal function may experience an increase in lithium levels with the initiation of flurbiprofen therapy.
Dynamic categorization of clinical research eligibility criteria by hierarchical clustering

Objective: To semi-automatically induce semantic categories of eligibility criteria from text and to automatically classify eligibility criteria based on their semantic similarity. Design: The UMLS semantic types and a set of previously developed semantic preference rules were utilized to create an unambiguous semantic feature representation to induce eligibility criteria categories through hierarchical clustering and to train supervised classifiers. Measurements: We induced 27 categories and measured the prevalence of the categories in 27,278 eligibility criteria from 1578 clinical trials and compared the classification performance (i.e., precision, recall, and F1-score) between the UMLS-based feature representation and the ''bag of words'' feature representation among five common classifiers in Weka, including J48, Bayesian Network, Naive Bayesian, Nearest Neighbor, and instance-based learning classifier. Results: The UMLS semantic feature representation outperforms the ''bag of words'' feature representation in 89% of the criteria categories. Using the semantically induced categories, machine-learning classifiers required only 2000 instances to stabilize classification performance. The J48 classifier yielded the best F1-score and the Bayesian Network classifier achieved the best learning efficiency. Conclusion: The UMLS is an effective knowledge source and can enable an efficient feature representation for semi-automated semantic category induction and automatic categorization for clinical research eligibility criteria and possibly other clinical text.
Polyimides—new high temperature polymers: H-film, a polypyromellitimide film

H-Film is a polypyromellitimide which results from polycondensation of pyromellitic dianhydride and an aromatic diamine. Its unique blend of thermal, physical, and electrical properties make it an outstanding candidate for a variety of electrical and non-electrical end-use applications. These properties recommend H-Film for use as Class H (220°C) electrical insulation. Thermal aging of this polymeric film to embrittlement in air will require on the order of ten years at 250°C (482°F), one year at 275°C (527°F), and three months at 300°C (572°F). Even greater thermal durability in inert atmospheres has been observed. Our continuing thermal characterization studies on this polypyromellitimide have resulted in data relating to weight loss and decomposition products.
Allele frequency changes in artificial selection experiments: Statistical power and precision of QTL mapping

A simple mathematical model of genic directional selection is developed to study frequency changes of genetic marker alleles that are partially linked to a quantitative trait locus (QTL) under artificial selection. The effects of population size, number of generations of artificial selection, recombination between marker locus and QTL, and the strength of selection on the change in allele frequency are analysed by the diffusion equation approach and by stimulation. Using these results, we investigate the power of statistical tests for the detection of QTLs based on the observation of significant marker allele frequency changes in selection experiments. The probability of inferring the correct location of a QTL is also obtained.
How Technology Can Help or Hinder the Crisis Negotiation Process

We live today in a world that's very different from the way it was just a couple of short decades ago, thanks in large part to advances in electronics and communications technology. Twenty years ago, few people owned cell phones or personal computers, and most of those who did have computers used them as glorified standalone word processors or number crunchers, not as communications devices. The Internet was still a mystery to most outside of universities and certain divisions of government. Today we live in a world where connectivity is key to many of our day-to-day activities. According to tech analysis firm iSuppli, 264 million personal computers shipped in 2007 (Evans, 2007). In 2008, for the first time shipments of portable (notebook) computers—most of which come with built-in wireless communications capability—surpassed that of traditional desktop machines (Kioskea.net, 2008).
Internal, external and location factors influencing cofiring of biomass with coal in the U.S. northern region

The use of biomass as a source of energy has been identified as a viable option to diminish reliance on fossil fuels. We parameterized the effect of selected internal (e.g. coal-fire presence), external (e.g. price and renewable energy mandates) and location (e.g. biomass availability, infrastructure) variables on the likelihood of using biomass in cofiring with coal by building a two-stage econometric model. The first stage controlled for factors driving the spatial location of coal power plants and the second stage concentrated on factors influencing cofiring. The empirical model was applied in the Northeast quadrant of the U.S. where the unit of observation was an individual county. Results of our model stress the significant effect of existing flexible coal feeding systems that permit the incorporation of biomass, transportation infrastructure and biomass availability (woody biomass in particular in the form of residues from the wood products industry). State-level renewable energy portfolio standards showed no statistically significant effect on the adoption of cofiring biomass with coal. Further developments of biomass cofiring in the U.S. northern region are most likely to take place in the Great Lakes region.
Novel Nuclear Signaling Pathway Mediates Activation of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Gene by Type 1 and Type 2 Angiotensin II Receptors

In bovine adrenal medullary cells synergistically acting type 1 and type 2 angiotensin II (AII) receptors activate the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) gene through a unique AII-responsive promoter element. Both the type 1 and type 2 AII receptors and the downstream cyclic adenosine 1′,3′-monophosphate- and protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathways activate the FGF-2 promoter through a novel signal-transducing mechanism. This mechanism, which we have named integrative nuclear FGF receptor-1 signaling, involves the nuclear translocation of FGF receptor-1 and its subsequent transactivation of the AII-responsive element in the FGF-2 promoter.
SINEMO: an IP-diversity based approach for network mobility in space

IETF proposed network mobility (NEMO) basic support protocol (BSP) to support network mobility. NEMO BSP is an extension of Mobile IP v6 (MIPv6), and inherits all the drawbacks of MIPv6 (like inefficient routing, high handover latency and packet loss rate). Satellites equipped with several IP-enabled devices are an example of network mobility in space networks. In this paper, we propose an IP-diversity based network mobility architecture called SINEMO, and show that SINEMO can exhibit better performance than NEMO BSP in satellite IP networks.
Developing Dam-Break Flood Zone Ordinance

An interagency task force has been assembled to work with Gwinnett County, Georgia, on a dam-break flood zone ordinance and to develop a model ordinance for Georgia counties and municipalities. The purpose of the model ordinance is to control development downstream of low-hazard dams so that these dams remain in a low-hazard category. Guidelines developed to assist state agencies in determining dam-break flood zones are presented. The guidelines assemble a great deal of data and theoretical developments applicable to simulating dam-break floods. The level of effort required in delineating dam-break flood zones in Gwinnet County is discussed, and the model ordinance is presented in its entirety.
What the Psychiatrist Needs to Know About Ventricular Assist Devices: A Comprehensive Review.

Background The number of patients with end-stage heart failure using mechanical circulatory support has dramatically increased over the past decade. Left ventricular assist devices, the most common type of mechanical circulatory support, can be used as a bridge to transplant, destination therapy, and as a bridge to recovery. As this patient population continues to grow, consultation-liaison psychiatrists will become increasingly involved in their care. A thorough biopsychosocial assessment is required to ensure adequate recognition and management of medical, psychiatric, social, and ethical challenges posed by this population. Methods We performed a literature review to identify key issues relevant to the practice of consultation-liaison psychiatrists. Results General functioning of left ventricular assist devices, device types, system components, life with a left ventricular assist device, preoperative evaluation, treatment of psychiatric comorbidities, and end-of-life decision-making are discussed. Conclusions Consultation-liaison psychiatrists need to be familiar with the high prevalence of psychopathology in patients implanted with left ventricular assist devices. A detailed biopsychosocial formulation is required to adequately identify and, if possible, resolve a myriad of medical, psychiatric, social, and ethical challenges presented by this population. Future efforts should accurately identify and report specific psychiatric disorders and adverse events within this cohort.
The GATA transcription factor GtaC regulates early developmental gene expression dynamics in Dictyostelium

In many systems, including the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, development is often marked by dynamic morphological and transcriptional changes orchestrated by key transcription factors. However, efforts to examine sequential genome-wide changes of gene regulation in developmental processes have been fairly limited. Here we report the developmental regulatory dynamics of GtaC, a GATA-type zinc-finger transcription factor, through the analyses of serial ChIP- and RNA-sequencing data. GtaC is essential for developmental progression, decoding extracellular cAMP pulses during early development and may play a role in mediating cell-type differentiation at later stages. We find that GtaC exhibits temporally distinctive DNA-binding patterns concordant with each developmental stage. We identify direct GtaC targets and observe cotemporaneous GtaC-binding and developmental expression regulation. Our results suggest that GtaC regulates multiple physiological processes as Dictyostelium transitions from a group of unicellular amoebae to an integrated multicellular organism. Development involves dynamic transcriptional changes. By serial ChIP- and RNA-sequencing, here, the authors show that GtaC, a GATA type transcription factor, exhibits temporally distinctive DNA binding and regulation of gene expression concordant with the development in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum.
Generalized Reciprocity in Peer-to-Peer Networks

Written with Lian Jian. Prior theory and empirical work emphasize the enormous free-riding problem facing peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing networks. Nonetheless, many P2P networks thrive. We explore two possible explanations: private provision of public goods and generalized reciprocity. We investigate a particular form of private incentives to share content: redistributing traffic in the network to the advantage of the sharing peer. Our preliminary model suggests that this incentive is likely insufficient to motivate equilibrium content sharing in large networks. We then approach P2P networks as a graph-theoretic problem and derive sufficient conditions for sharing and free-riding to co-exist in the absence of direct sharing benefits or an explicit incentive mechanism.
Gross spinal anatomy and limb use in living and fossil reptiles

The spinal quotient (S.Q.) is an osteologically defined estimate of the enlargement of the spinal cord at limb levels over that at interlimb levels. It is an efficient predictor of limb use in living reptiles and birds and may be used to predict limb function in fossil vertebrates. Among living reptiles, this ratio of limb to interlimb innervation is greatest in arboreal genera, followed by terrestrial sprawlers, aquatic forms, and undulatory forms. Birds show a wide range of brachial S.Q. values that are roughly commensurate with flight ability. S.Q. values for the manipulative forelimbs of some dinosaurs fall well above those of locomotory limbs. Dinosaur hind-limb values are either well within ranges predicted by living reptiles and birds (most taxa), or highly inflated (stegosaurs, sauropods). This inflation may be the result of presence of a glycogen body similar to that of birds. In no case does the lumbosacral S.Q. support the presence of a “sacral brain.”
Procrastination Beats Prevention: Timely Sufficient Persistence for Efficient Crash Resilience

Preserving the integrity of application data across updates in the presence of failure is an essential function of computing systems, and byte-addressable non-volatile memory (NVM) broadens the range of fault-tolerance strategies that implement it. NVM invites database systems to manipulate durable data directly via load and store instructions, but overheads due to the widely used mechanisms that ensure consistent recovery from failures impair performance, e.g., the logging overheads of transactions. We introduce the concept of Timely Sucient Persistence (TSP) mechanisms, which is relevant to both conventional and emerging computer architectures. For a broad spectrum of faulttolerance requirements, satisfactory TSP mechanisms typically involve lower overheads during failure-free operation than their non-TSP counterparts; hardware and OS support can facilitate TSP mechanisms. We present TSP variants of programs representing two very di↵erent classes of sharedmemory multi-threaded software that store application data in persistent heaps: The first employs conventional mutexes for isolation, and TSP substantially reduces the overhead of a fault-tolerance mechanism based on fine-grained logging. The second class of software employs lock-free and wait-free algorithms; remarkably, TSP is very easy to retrofit onto a non-resilient design and enjoys zero runtime overhead .E xtensive experiments confirm that TSP yields robust crash resilience with substantially reduced overhead.
Morphological Factors Regulating Flight in Bats

The role of certain morphological structures in the various modes of of flight occurring in 12 species of bats was studied. Techniques for determining the volumes of the entire body and of individual flight muscles, shapes of wings and surface areas of flight membranes were developed and appropriate measurements taken. It was found that the surface areas of flight membranes, within groups having similarly shaped flight membranes, increase by approximately .66 times as the total volume of the body increases once. Futhermore, the surface area of the flight membrane per volume of the entire body is greater in those species with a lower aspect ratio than in those species with a higher aspect ratio. The total volume of all the ventral thoracic flight muscles increases approximately 1.16 times as the total body volume increases once, irrespective of the shape of the flight membrane. The sum of the volumetric proportions of the pectoralis major and serratus magnus (inferior) remains approximately constant.