cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Promoting changes in obesogenic behaviors: does coworker social support play a role?

Abstract Purpose. To examine the association between worksite social support and changes in diet, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). Design. Cohort analysis of an underlying randomized, controlled weight gain prevention worksite trial: Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating. Setting. The trial occurred in the greater Seattle area. Subjects. Baseline and follow-up data were obtained on a nested cohort of employees (n = 958–1078) from 33 small- to medium-sized worksites. Measures. Worksite social support, diet, physical activity, and BMI measures were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Analysis. To adjust for multilevel data and multiple time points, we used generalized estimating equations and logistic mixed models. Results. Higher baseline worksite social support was associated with greater changes in fruit and vegetable intake (p = .001; summary food-frequency questions). Conclusion. This study does not support a conclusive relationship between worksite social support and health b...
Spatial regulation of segment polarity gene expression in the anterior terminal region of the Drosophila blastoderm embryo

The effects of mutations in five anterior gap genes (hkb, tll, otd, ems and btd) on the spatial expression of the segment polarity genes, wg and hh, were analyzed at the late blastoderm stage and during subsequent development. Both wg and hh are normally expressed at blastoderm stage in two broad domains anterior to the segmental stripes of the trunk region. At the blastoderm stage, each gap gene acts specifically to regulate the expression of either wg or hh in the anterior cephalic region: hkb, otd and btd regulate the anterior blastoderm expression of wg, while tll and ems regulate hh blastoderm expression. Additionally, btd is required for the first segmental stripe (mandibular segment) of both hh and wg at blastoderm stages. The subsequent segmentation of the cephalic segments (preantennal, antennal and intercalary) appears to be dependent on the overlap of the wg and hh cephalic domains as defined by these gap genes at the blastoderm stage. None of these five known gap genes are required for the activation of the labral segment domains of hh and wg, which are presumably either activated directly by maternal pathways or by an unidentified gap gene.
Diffusion of low energy auroral electrons in the atmosphere

Monte Carlo method used on energy dissipation of electrons in air and applied to diffusion of low energy auroral electrons in atmosphere
Oral habituation in rat pups is in the brainstem

We have previously demonstrated a decremental, oral, experienced-based control of ingestion in rat pups that is potent, diet-specific, and long lasting. This control of ingestion is revealed in the decreases in mouthing responses of rat pups to repeated oral stimulation, a phenomenon that is well described as oral habituation. The present study examined the neural basis for oral habituation by examining the responses of decerebrate 10-day-old rat pups to repeated, brief infusions of a sucrose solution. Like neurologically intact pups, decerebrate pups showed distinct decreases in mouthing responses following a series of oral infusions. Thus, oral habituation is present in the hindbrain. Although intact pups demonstrated sensitization by showing increased responding to the first few stimulus presentations, decerebrates failed to show a sensitization to the stimulation. These results suggest that while the brainstem alone is sufficient for the expression of oral habituation, the forebrain also influences oral responsivity in intact animals.
Economic reform, state capture, and international investment in transition economies

The inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in transition economies are affected by political factors. This paper examines the empirical effects of two factors: (i) the level of economic reform; and (ii) the level of ‘capture’ of the state by political and economic elites, on the level of FDI inflows using both OLS and Tobit models for 18 countries from 1993–97. Both of these factors have large and statistically significant effects on FDI inflows. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear wakefield generation and relativistic optical guiding of intense laser pulses in plasmas

1407_46The generation of nonlinear plasma wakefields by an intense, short laser pulse and the relativistic optical guiding of intense laser pulses in plasmas are studied with a nonlinear, self-consistent model of laser-plasma interactions. Nonlinear steepening and period lengthening of the plasma waves are observed, and expressions are obtained for various nonlinear wakefield quantities. Relativistic focusing with the self-consistent plasma response shows that laser pulse fronts and laser pulses shorter than a plasma wavelength, 2(pi) c/(omega) (rho ), are not relativistically guided and will continuously erode due to diffraction.
Spontaneous increase of DNA turnover in murine systemic lupus erythematosus.

DNA synthesis and release was studied in unstimulated splenocytes of strains of mice known to develop spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease and in non-SLE age- and sex-matched strains as well. Newly synthesized DNA was measured as total acid-insoluble radioactive material present in cell pellet plus supernatant of unstimulated 0–72 h cell cultures [3H]thymidine-pulsed, whereas DNA release was measured as amount of acid-precipitable radioactivity found in supernatant of those cultures. In all strains known to develop spontaneous murine SLE the amount of newly synthesized DNA was 1.3–2.1-fold increased when compared to normal strains studied concomitantly. Furthermore, a significant increase in DNA release into medium, unrelated to cell viability, was observed in those strains as well. These observations clearly demonstrate different metabolic rates of synthesis and release of DNA in murine SLE. This difference suggests the existance of an underlying mechanism responsible for extracellular DNA abundancy, which may be important for the formation of circulating DNA-anti-DNA immune complexes.
Mechanism of Defensive Inflation in the Chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus

The chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus, avoids predation by wedging itself in a rock crevice and inflating its lungs beyond their normal inspiratory volume. Buccal and pulmonary pressures were recorded in S. obesus during defensive inflation and wedging. Maximum pulmo- nary pressure generated during defensive wedging was significantly higher and was achieved faster than that of nonwedging inflation. During inflation and wedging, S. obesus forces air into the lungs by pulsatile contraction of the buccal cavity. Buccal pulse pumping is an ancestral venti- lation behavior of vertebrates that S. obesus uses for defensive inflation. @ 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Defensive inflation has been observed in at least 19 species of lizards, 25 species of snakes and two species of crocodilians (Greene, '88). Despite this widespread occurrence, few studies have examined mechanisms of inflation. Here we report results of our studies of the chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus (Iguanidae), a species that can inflate its lungs to four times their normal inspiratory vol- ume (Salt, '43). Chuckwallas exhibit this inflation ability in a variety of social and defensive con- texts. Lung inflation occurs during intraspecific assertion, aggression and challenge displays (Berry, '74) and defensively in response to the odors of snake predators (Prieto and Sorenson, '75). During predator-avoidance behavior, the chuckwalla flees into a narrow rock crevice and inflates its lungs to wedge itself in place (Stebbins, '85; Berry, '74). The chuckwalla exhibits buccal pumping dur- ing inflation, suggesting that it fills its lungs us- ing a method other than aspiration, the normal mode of breathing in reptiles. During aspiration, air is drawn into the lungs by subatmospheric pressures generated in the expanding thoracic cav- ity (Carrier, '89; Gans and Clark, '78) and no throat oscillation is required. The rhythmic oscil- lations of the throat seen during inflation have led previous investigators to describe the mecha- nism of inflation in Sauromalus obesus as "air swallowing" (Salt, '43) or "deglutition" (Templeton, '64). Salt ('43) proposed that air is forced down the trachea with the tongue, and Templeton ('64)
A theoretical study of lunar variations in ƒ0F2 at low latitude

Abstract In low latitudes ƒ 0 F2 undergoes a regular oscillation in lunar time with amplitude ranges of 0.1–1 MHz and phases such that maxima occur about 4 h after lunar transit in the zone where magnetic dip is less than 10° and 10 h after transit outside this zone. Numerical solutions of the time-dependent electron continuity equation with a lunar electric field included give amplitudes and phases of the lunar oscillation in ƒ 0 F2 consistent with observational results. The phase shift in L(ƒ 0 F2 ) is a consequence of the ‘fountain effect’ which produces the F2 equatorial anomaly.
The evaluation of heat conduction via an electrical analog

Abstract The heat conduction through an object of arbitrary shape whose thermal conductivity is a known function of temperature can be calculated from the electrical resistance of an identically shaped object. This eliminates the need for tedious low temperature heat conduction measurements or computer calculations during design stages. Even in cases where an intermediate temperature heat shield is used (as on a mechanical dewer support) the electrical analog is applicable.
Onset of the nondepolarizing neuromuscular block in humans: Quantitative aspects

The purpose of our study was a unified description of the time course for the onset of the neuromuscular block produced by different muscle relaxants after bolus intravenous injections. The environment of the receptors on the motor end plate was assumed to be a part of the interstitial space of the muscle. A unified consideration of four muscle relaxants was accomplished by expressing the concentrations of each relaxant in the interstitial space as multiples of the relaxant's dissociation constant. A flow-limited model was developed to describe the time course of the relaxant's concentration in the interstitial space as a function of its plasma concentration, the plasma flow to the muscle, and the volume of the interstitial space. The results show that those relaxants whose plasma concentrations decrease rapidly achieve an earlier (4-8 min), but relatively lower, peak concentration in the interstitial space. The relaxants with more sustained plasma concentrations reach the peak concentration later, 9-16 min after the bolus intravenous injection. The model allows the interpretation of several observations encountered with the clinical use of the muscle relaxants.
Uniqueness and parameter dependence of positive solutions of a discrete fourth-order problem

We study a class of nonlinear discrete fourth-order Lidstone boundary value problems with dependence on two parameters. The existence, uniqueness and dependence of positive solutions on the parameters are discussed. Two sequences are constructed so that they converge uniformly to the unique solution of the problems. One example is included in the paper. Numerical computations of the example confirm our theoretical results. Recent results in the literature are extended and improved.
Making the right moves: Guiding alpha-expansion using local primal-dual gaps

This paper presents a new adaptive graph-cut based move-making algorithm for energy minimization. Traditional move-making algorithms such as Expansion and Swap operate by searching for better solutions in some predefined moves spaces around the current solution. In contrast, our algorithm uses the primal-dual interpretation of the Expansion-move algorithm to adaptively compute the best move-space to search over. At each step, it tries to greedily find the move-space that will lead to biggest decrease in the primal-dual gap. We test different variants of our algorithm on a variety of image labelling problems such as object segmentation and stereo. Experimental results show that our adaptive strategy significantly outperforms the conventional Expansion-move algorithm, in some cases cutting the runtime by 50%.
Nasal Mucus Weights in Experimental Rhinovirus Infection

Experimental rhinovirus infection in volunteers has provided important new knowledge on the pathogenesis and treatment of rhinovirus colds. However, the clinical parameters of this illness have not...
Closure phenomena in pinholes irradiated by Nd laser pulses

An experimental investigation has been made on plasma closure in pinholes irradiated by Nd glass laser pulses; 300–500-μm diam pinholes of various materials and thicknesses have been irradiated by 20–100-J 300-psec FWHM pulses on the Janus laser system. Calorimetry measurements have yielded data on pinhole energy transmission and intensity loading on the periphery of the pinhole. Ultrafast streak photography measurements indicate effective closure velocities of 2–5 × 107 cm/sec. Scattered light measurements have shown the transmission loss through a typical spatial filter configuration to be primarily refractive in nature.
Reversible inhibition of induction of mengovirus RNA polymerase and of virus maturation in Novikoff rat hepatoma cells by phenethyl alcohol.

Abstract The addition of phenethyl alcohol (PEA) at 16–24 m M to suspension cultures of Novikoff rat hepatoma cells between 0.5 and 2.5 hours after infection with mengovirus completely prevents the induction of the viral RNA polymerase and the syntheses of virus-specific single-stranded and double-stranded RNA's. Each of these processes is inhibited about 80% by 12 m M PEA, but little affected by 4 m M . If cultures of infected cells are treated with 16 m M PEA at 0.5 hour after infection and the chemical is removed during the next hour, RNA polymerase activity appears in infected cells at the normal time (2.5–3 hours) and rate. If PEA is present between 1.5 and 2.5 hours after infection, on the other hand, the appearance of polymerase activity is delayed by 1 hour. Puromycin affects the formation of viral polymerase in a similar manner. It is concluded that the inhibition of RNA polymerase formation by PEA is a consequence of the PEA-induced inhibition of protein synthesis, and that the elicitation of viral RNA polymerase activity in infected cells requires continuous protein synthesis during the 1-hour period preceding the beginning of its appearance in the cell. The incorporation of viral RNA into virus particles is inhibited by PEA at concentrations (4–8 m M ) which have little effect on the induction of viral RNA polymerase, the syntheses of virus-specific RNA's, or the synthesis of proteins by infected cells. Upon removal of PEA from the cells, virus maturation commences immediately at the normal rate.
Impact of carbon storage through restoration of drylands on the global carbon cycle

Using estimates of land suitable for restoration in woodlands, grasslands, and deserts, as well as estimates of the rate at which restoration can proceed, we estimate that carbon storage in these biomes can range up to 0.8 billion tons of carbon per year (Gt C/yr), for a combination of land management strategies. This corresponds to a reduction in atmospheric buildup of 0.5 Gt C/yr, which represents up to 15% of the average annual atmospheric carbon buildup in the next century, 3.5 Gt C/yr, assuming the IPCC 92d scenario. A global strategy for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration will require the implementation of multiple options. The advantage of carbon storage in restored drylands is that it comes as a side benefit to programs that are also justifiable in terms of land management.
Human rights and the rightless: the case of Gaza refugees in Jordan

Sixty years since their displacement, millions of Palestinians continue to share the condition of a stateless people deprived of their basic human rights. Today, over four million registered refugees live beyond historic Palestine and nearly two million remain within ‘temporary’ refugee camps throughout the Middle East. This paper examines the impact of statelessness upon the human rights of Gaza refugees in Jordan. My analysis concerns the lived experience of rightlessness and the human rights discourse of Palestinian activists and the National Centre for Human Rights in Jordan. Gaza refugees have few options but to articulate their demands for human rights in terms of the right to Jordanian nationality. Their human rights work thus consists of asserting their domestic legal right to Jordanian nationality at the expense of their universal human rights. Jordan's primary human rights organization advocates on the Gazans’ behalf by translating their concerns into the international language of human rights c...
Evaluation of electrical conductivity models for conductive polymer composites

The electrical conductivity of polymeric materials can be increased by the addition of carbon fillers, such as carbon fibers and graphite. The resulting composites could be used in applications such as interference shielding and electrostatic dissipation. Electrical conductivity models are often proposed to predict the conductivity behavior of these materials in order to achieve more efficient material design that could reduce costly experimental work. The electrical conductivity of carbon-filled polymers was studied by adding four single fillers to nylon 6,6 and polycarbonate in increasing concentrations. The fillers used in this project include chopped and milled forms of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber, ThermocarbTM Specialty Graphite, and Ni-coated PAN carbon fiber. Material was extruded and injection-molded into test specimens, and then the electrical conductivity was measured. Data analysis included a comparison of the results to existing conductivity models. The results show that the model proposed by Mamunya, which takes into account the filler aspect ratio and the surface energy of the filler and polymer, most closely matched the conductivity data. This information will then be used in the development of improved conductivity models. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1341–1356, 2002
MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ROOT OF RED PINE, PINUS RESINOSA I. GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS AND PATTERNS OF BRANCHING

A B S T R A C T Observations were made of the seasonal root growth behavior under natural conditions and under controlled conditions in plant observation boxes. Under natural conditions root growth conformed to the commonly reported pattern of a surge of growth in the spring, a mid-summer low, and a renewed burst in the fall. Growth of individual roots was cyclic. Growth patterns ordinarily varied according to root diameter and branching and in the plantations were modified by soil moisture conditions. Observations of roots during periods of constant elongation showed that the distance from the root apex to the first lateral root primordium varied directly with growth rate. Laterals did not arise in strict acropetal succession, and lateral root abortion was common, particularly in large-diameter, fast-growing roots. Observations of root initiation in relation to seasonal growth increments and to dormancy structures showed an increase in numbers of laterals on both the proximal and distal portions of a seasonal increment. IN AN EARLIER paper (Wilcox, 1964) the root morphology of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) and the anatomical variations in dimensions and configurations of primary xylem that accompany differences in diameter and length of individual roots were described. A scheme of root classification was proposed in an effort to relate roots to one another in field investigations. This classification utilized the separation into contrasting long- and short-root branches and further subdivided long roots into classes termed pioneer, mother, and subordinate mother roots. These classes were delimited on the basis of diameter and closeness of branching. The present paper examines the relationship of such differences in branching to various aspects of growth activity in the root. A subsequent paper will consider these features in relation to the seasonal development of mycorrhizae.
Improvement of measurement precision in absorption spectra by apodization

In in vivo MR spectroscopy studies, it is desirable to determine metabolite peak parameters with good precision and to estimate the uncertainties. How to achieve optimal precision for an apodized MR spectrum by using a weighted least squares estimator is discussed and demonstrated. Analytic methods for calculating the uncertainties of all parameters obtained from least squares estimators are described. The time domain apodization before Fourier transformation can substantially decrease the minimum variance bound in parameters obtained from the frequency domain absorption spectrum. A weighted least squares estimation is needed to reach the Cramer-Rao lower bound. When an unweighted least squares estimation is performed, the time domain apodization also leads to improvement in precision.
Reflections on a Geographic Dichotomy: Archipelago Russia

A noted economic geographer and Sovietologist conceptualizes Russia's current economy as an archipelago, consisting of widely scattered nodes of viable, integrated activity separated by an enormous expanse of "dead space." The dichotomy between metropolitan Russia and its hinterland is developed through an examination of contrasts in such major indicators of well-being as natural gas consumption, access to education, the middle class, retail trade and services, undeclared income, and port-hinterland multiplier effects. Also discussed are the major types of hinterland (classical, or resource frontier, versus backwater), the special case of the Russian Far East and Transbaykalia, and contrasts with developments on the North American continent. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O10, O18, O50. 38 references.
Plasma Fractionation Enriches Post-Myocardial Infarction Samples Prior to Proteomics Analysis

Following myocardial infarction (MI), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels increase, and MMP-9 deletion improves post-MI remodeling of the left ventricle (LV). We provide here a technical report on plasma-analysis from wild type (WT) and MMP-9 null mice using fractionation and mass-spectrometry-based proteomics. MI was induced by coronary artery ligation in male WT and MMP-9 null mice (4–8 months old; n = 3/genotype). Plasma was collected on days 0 (pre-) and 1 post-MI. Plasma proteins were fractionated and proteins in the lowest (fraction 1) and highest (fraction 12) molecular weight fractions were separated by 1-D SDS-PAGE, digested in-gel with trypsin and analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS on an Orbitrap Velos. We tried five different fractionation protocols, before reaching an optimized protocol that allowed us to identify over 100 proteins. Serum amyloid A substantially increased post-MI in both genotypes, while alpha-2 macroglobulin increased only in the null samples. In fraction 12, extracellular matrix proteins were observed only post-MI. Interestingly, fibronectin-1, a substrate of MMP-9, was identified at both day 0 and day 1 post-MI in the MMP-9 null mice but was only identified post-MI in the WT mice. In conclusion, plasma fractionation offers an improved depletion-free method to evaluate plasma changes following MI.
Antiretroviral treatment and research in resource-poor countries.

When looking at the public-health implications of large-scale antiretroviral drug use in high-prevalence populations the overall benefit in terms of cost to governments and benefits on a population scale in terms of disability-adjusted and quality adjusted life-years needs to be assessed rapidly and continually. Real and perceived pressure from the global pharmaceutical and health communities should be critically and perhaps sceptically reviewed but not ignored and rejected out of hand. (excerpt)
Substructure-based controller design method for flexible structures

In this paper, a decentralized procedure for designing controllers for flexible structures is presented. With decentralized control design methods, the system to be controlled is divided into subsystems for which controllers are designed. These are then combined in some way to form a controller applicable to the original system. In the proposed method, the structure to be controlled is considered as a collection of substructures. For each substructure, a subcontroller is designed with linear quadratic optimal control theory, although any method can be used. Then, a controller synthesis scheme called Substructural Controller Synthesis (SCS) is used to assemble the subcontrollers into a system controller, which is used to control the whole structure. The proposed method is closely related to component mode synthesis methods of structural dynamics and to decentralized control using overlapping subsystems. It is attractive because, unlike most decentralized methods, an explicit decomposition is generally not needed since substructure models often exist a priori. Also, an SCS controller is very adaptable because each subcontroller is designed based on an individual substructure model; therefore, the controller can be updated very economically if part of the structure changes. A plane truss example is used to illustrate the proposed method.
Thirty Years of Intracrinology

ABSTRACT Background: Intracrinology is the study of the intracellular actions, regulation, trafficking, and interactions of extracellular signaling peptides/proteins. Methods: We describe the development of intracrine biology since the term was defined in 1984. Results: Intracrine biology plays a role in many normal and pathological processes and represents a fertile field for the development of novel therapeutics. Conclusion: Although 30 years old, the field of intracrinology is only now becoming widely accepted. Intracrine principles can be applied to the investigation of physiological processes and to the development of new therapies.
Fatty‐acyl iminopolycarboxylates: Lipophilic bifunctional contrast agents for NMR imaging

New fatty-acyl contrast agents, N3-2'-myristoyloxyethyl-N6-2'-hydroxyethyl-1, 8-dioxotriethylenetetraamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (MHE-DTTA) and N3,N6-bis(2'-myristoyloxyethyl)-1,8-dioxo- triethylenetetraamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BME-DTTA) were prepared by sequential alkylation, acylation, and catalytic hydrogenation from bis(hydroxyethyl)-ethylenediamine with satisfactory yields (overall 36-46%). The 1:1 gadolinium complexes of the ligands MHE-DTTA and BME-DTTA were incorporated into liposomes and their relaxivities in vitro were determined. The relaxivities of both agents were similar and were greater than those of Gd3+ aquoion, Gd(EDTA), and Gd(DTPA) at both 0.23 T and 0.47 T. The relaxivities of these two agents increased from the lower to the higher magnetic field, indicating a positive field dependence. This is advantageous because of the widespread use of high-field (B0 greater than 0.5 T) NMR imaging instruments. Stability constants (log K) of Gd(MHE-DTTA) and Gd(BME-DTTA) were found to be 15.27 +/- 2.21 and 16.78 +/- 0.36, respectively. LD50 of both compounds was greater than 0.2 mmol/kg. These stabilities and lower limits of LD50 indicate the possible in vivo application of these agents.
Investigating statistical machine learning as a tool for software development

As statistical machine learning algorithms and techniques continue to mature, many researchers and developers see statistical machine learning not only as a topic of expert study, but also as a tool for software development. Extensive prior work has studied software development, but little prior work has studied software developers applying statistical machine learning. This paper presents interviews of eleven researchers experienced in applying statistical machine learning algorithms and techniques to human-computer interaction problems, as well as a study of ten participants working during a five-hour study to apply statistical machine learning algorithms and techniques to a realistic problem. We distill three related categories of difficulties that arise in applying statistical machine learning as a tool for software development: (1) difficulty pursuing statistical machine learning as an iterative and exploratory process, (2) difficulty understanding relationships between data and the behavior of statistical machine learning algorithms, and (3) difficulty evaluating the performance of statistical machine learning algorithms and techniques in the context of applications. This paper provides important new insight into these difficulties and the need for development tools that better support the application of statistical machine learning.
V1 mechanisms underlying chromatic contrast detection.

To elucidate the cortical mechanisms of color vision, we recorded from individual primary visual cortex (V1) neurons in macaque monkeys performing a chromatic detection task. Roughly 30% of the neu...
Optimizing overall loop schedules using prefetching and partitioning

In this paper, a method combining the loop pipelining technique with data prefetching, called Partition Scheduling with Prefetching (PSP), is proposed. In PSP, the iteration space is first divided into regular partitions. Then a two-part schedule, consisting of the ALU and memory parts, is produced and balanced to produce high throughput. These two parts are executed simultaneously, and hence, the remote memory latencies are overlapped. We study the optimal partition shape and size so that a well-balanced overall schedule can be obtained. Experiments on DSP benchmarks show that the proposed methodology consistently produces optimal or near optimal solutions.
E2A and IRF-4/Pip Promote Chromatin Modification and Transcription of the Immunoglobulin κ Locus in Pre-B Cells

The immunoglobulin kappa light chain (Igkappa) locus is regulated in a lineage- and stage-specific manner during B-cell development. The highly restricted timing of V to J gene recombination at the pre-B-cell stage is under the control of two enhancers, the intronic enhancer (kappaEi) and the 3' enhancer (kappaE3'), flanking the constant exon. E2A transcription factors have been indicated to be directly involved in the regulation of Igkappa locus activation. In this study, we utilize E2A-deficient pre-B cells to directly investigate the mechanism of E2A-mediated Igkappa activation. We demonstrate that Igkappa germ line transcription is severely impaired and recombination is blocked in the absence of E2A. Reconstitution of E2A-/- pre-B cells with inducible human E2A (E47R) is sufficient to promote chromatin modification of Igkappa and rescue Igkappa germ line transcription and Jkappa gene recombinase accessibility. Furthermore, we show that increased E2A recruitment to kappaEi and kappaE3' correlates with activation of Igkappa in pre-B cells and that recruitment of E2A to kappaE3' is in part dependent on the transcription factor IRF-4. Inhibition of IRF-4 expression in pre-B cells leads to a significant reduction of Igkappa germ line transcription and enhancer acetylation. In the absence of E2A, increased IRF-4 expression is not sufficient to promote Igkappa enhancer chromatin modification or transcription, suggesting that the sequential involvement of IRF-4 and E2A is necessary for the activation of the Igkappa locus. Finally, we provide genetic evidence in the mouse that E2A gene dosage can influence the development of pre-B cells during the phase of Igkappa gene activation.
Fiber-Level Modeling of Dynamic Strength of Kevlar ® KM2 Ballistic Fabric

In recent years, modeling of the high-performance ballistic fabric has gradually shifted from the continuum and yarn length scales to the sub-yarn length scale which enabled establishment of the relationships between the fabric penetration resistance and various fiber-level phenomena such as fiber-fiber friction, fiber twist, transverse properties of the fibers, and the stochastic nature of fiber strength. In general, these sub-yarn modeling schemes involve special numerical techniques (e.g., digital-element method) and customized computational codes. This status of the sub-yarn fabric-modeling methods and tools makes them not readily available to wider academic and industrial research communities. In the present work, an attempt is made to use conventional finite-element methods and tools in order to carry out sub-yarn numerical analysis of the penetration resistance of Kevlar® KM2 ballistic fabric. The goal was to demonstrate that results could be obtained which are comparable to their digital-element method = based counterparts. Specifically, a series of transient nonlinear dynamics finite-element analyses was carried out in order to investigate the role of the following two important sub-yarn phenomena on the penetration resistance of Kevlar® KM2 fabric: (a) fiber transverse properties including nonlinear elastic and plastic response and (b) fiber-fiber friction within the context of stochastically distributed fiber axial strength. It is generally found that the results obtained are consistent with their digital-element method-based counterparts.
CompleteMOTIFs: DNA motif discovery platform for transcription factor binding experiments

Summary: CompleteMOTIFs (cMOTIFs) is an integrated web tool developed to facilitate systematic discovery of overrepresented transcription factor binding motifs from high-throughput chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. Comprehensive annotations and Boolean logic operations on multiple peak locations enable users to focus on genomic regions of interest for de novo motif discovery using tools such as MEME, Weeder and ChIPMunk. The pipeline incorporates a scanning tool for known motifs from TRANSFAC and JASPAR databases, and performs an enrichment test using local or precalculated background models that significantly improve the motif scanning result. Furthermore, using the cMOTIFs pipeline, we demonstrated that multiple transcription factors could cooperatively bind to the upstream of important stem cell differentiation regulators. Availability: http://cmotifs.tchlab.org
Patterns of care, predictors, and outcomes of chemotherapy in elderly women with early-stage uterine carcinosarcoma: A population-based analysis

Objective To examine the patterns of care, predictors, and impact of chemotherapy on survival in elderly women diagnosed with early-stage uterine carcinosarcoma.
Increasing Lumbar Lordosis of Adult Spinal Deformity Patients via Intraoperative Prone Positioning

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective evaluation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the change in lumbar lordosis in spinal deformity patients who underwent an instrumented posterior spinal fusion on the Orthopedic Systems Inc. (OSI) "Jackson" frame. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Intraoperative prone positioning with hip extension may posturally increase lumbar lordosis during adult spinal deformity reconstructive surgery, as has been shown in adult lumbar degenerative surgery. METHODS Radiographs of 44 operative spinal deformity patients (43 females/1 male; mean age, 57.4 years) were analyzed. Diagnoses included idiopathic scoliosis (29), degenerative lumbar scoliosis (9), and other (6). Total lumbar lordosis (T12-S1), segmental disc angles, and C7 plumbline were measured on preoperative upright and supine, intraoperative prone, and postoperative upright lateral radiographs. All patients were positioned intraoperatively with hip extension on the OSI frame. RESULTS Average preoperative upright and supine, intraoperative prone, and postoperative upright lumbar lordosis (T12-SAC) measurements were -38.1 degrees, -46.0 degrees, -46.2 degrees, and -51.8 degrees, respectively (P 5 degrees) during intraoperative prone positioning (n = 25, increased lordosis group) as compared to the preoperative measurement versus those with minimal to no change in lordosis (< or =5 degrees) during intraoperative prone positioning (n = 19, unchanged lordosis group). The corresponding lumbar lordosis measurements for the increased lordosis group were -25.9 degrees, -40.0 degrees, -43.1 degrees, and -48.9 degrees (P < 0.05 for preoperative upright to all other comparisons). The corresponding lumbar lordosis measurements for the unchanged lordosis group were -54.2 degrees, -53.8 degrees, -50.3 degrees, and -55.7 degrees (no significant differences). Preoperative upright lumbar lordosis in the unchanged lordosis group was substantially higher than increased lumbar lordosis group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Adult spinal deformity patients with preoperative hypolordosis who were positioned prone during reconstructive surgery had an enhanced lumbar lordosis via positioning alone compared with theirpreoperative upright radiographs. Conversely, those with substantial preoperative lordosis remained unchanged with intraoperative prone positioning. This knowledge will help in the surgical planning of adult spinal deformity reconstructive surgery to optimize sagittal alignment and balance.
The MOS implementation of low-speed modems

This paper identifies the improvements due to large-scale integration [LSI] in the areas of cost, performance, size, reliability, and testing of data communication equipments. An example using Motorola's MC6860 Digital Modem is given. Techniques for implementing linear functions using digital designs and processing methods are discussed along with future technology trends and projections.
Altered spatial learning, cortical plasticity and hippocampal anatomy in a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia-related endophenotypes

Adult rats exposed to the DNA-methylating agent methylazoxymethanol on embryonic day 17 show a pattern of neurobiological deficits that model some of the neuropathological and behavioral changes observed in schizophrenia. Although it is generally assumed that these changes reflect targeted disruption of embryonic neurogenesis, it is unknown whether these effects generalize to other antimitotic agents administered at different stages of development. In the present study, neurochemical, behavioral and electrophysiological techniques were used to determine whether exposure to the antimitotic agent Ara-C later in development recapitulates some of the changes observed in methylazoxymethanol (MAM)-treated animals and in patients with schizophrenia. Male rats exposed to Ara-C (30 mg/kg/day) at embryonic days 19.5 and 20.5 show reduced cell numbers and heterotopias in hippocampal CA1 and CA2/3 regions, respectively, as well as cell loss in the superficial layers of the pre- and infralimbic cortex. Birth date labeling with bromodeoxyuridine reveals that the cytoarchitectural changes in CA2/3 are a consequence rather that a direct result of disrupted cortical neurogenesis. Ara-C-treated rats possess elevated levels of cortical dopamine and DOPAC (3,4-didyhydroxypheylacetic acid) but no change in norepinephrine or serotonin. Ara-C-treated rats are impaired in their ability to learn the Morris Water Maze task and showed diminished synaptic plasticity in the hippocampocortical pathway. These data indicate that disruption of neurogenesis at embryonic days 19.5 and 20.5 constitutes a useful model for the comparative study of deficits observed in other gestational models and their relationship to cognitive changes observed in schizophrenia.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Homologous Factors Modulate Cardiac Calcium Channels

Rationale: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) homologous factors (FHFs; FGF11–14) are intracellular modulators of voltage-gated Na + channels, but their cellular distribution in cardiomyocytes indicated that they performed other functions. Objective: We aimed to uncover novel roles for FHFs in cardiomyocytes, starting with a proteomic approach to identify novel interacting proteins. Methods and Results: Affinity purification of FGF13 from rodent ventricular lysates followed by mass spectroscopy revealed an interaction with junctophilin-2, a protein that organizes the close apposition of the L-type Ca 2+ channel Ca V 1.2 and the ryanodine receptor 2 in the dyad. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that overall T-tubule structure and localization of ryanodine receptor 2 were unaffected by FGF13 knockdown in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes but localization of Ca V 1.2 was affected. FGF13 knockdown decreased Ca V 1.2 current density and reduced the amount of Ca V 1.2 at the surface as a result of aberrant localization of the channels. Ca V 1.2 current density and channel localization were rescued by expression of an shRNA-insensitive FGF13, indicating a specific role for FGF13. Consistent with these newly discovered effects on Ca V 1.2, we demonstrated that FGF13 also regulated Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release, indicated by a smaller Ca 2+ transient after FGF13 knockdown. Furthermore, FGF13 knockdown caused a profound decrease in the cardiac action potential half-width. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that FHFs not only are potent modulators of voltage-gated Na + channels but also affect Ca 2+ channels and their function. We predict that FHF loss-of-function mutations would adversely affect currents through both Na + and Ca 2+ channels, suggesting that FHFs may be arrhythmogenic loci, leading to arrhythmias through a novel, dual-ion channel mechanism.
Diffusion in Axon Guidance

Axon guidance by target-derived diffusible factors plays an important role in the development of the nervous system. This paper considers the constraints imposed on this process by the mathematics of diffusion. A point source continuously producing a factor into an infinite three-dimensional volume is considered as a model for both the in vivo and in vitro situation. Basic constraints for effective guidance are assumed to be that the concentration falls between certain maximum and minimum limits, and that the percentage change in concentration across the width of the growth cone exceeds a certain minimum value. The evolution of the shape of the gradient over time is analysed. Using biologically reasonable parameter values, it is shown that the maximum range over which growth cone guidance by a diffusible factor is possible for large times (several days) after the start of the production of the factor is 500-1000 microm. This maximum distance is independent of the diffusion constant of the diffusing molecule, applies to both chemoattractants and chemorepellents, and agrees with experimental data. At earlier times, however, the constraints may be satisfied for distances up to several millimetres. The time it takes for this maximum guidance distance to fall to the asymptotic value depends on the diffusion constant. This time is a few hours for a small molecule but as much as a few days for a large molecule. The model therefore predicts that guidance over distances larger than 1000 microm is possible if the start of production of the factor is carefully matched to the time when guidance is required.
Review of ADHD Pharmacotherapies: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Clinical Pearls.

Pharmacotherapy for the treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) originally consisted primarily of stimulant medications in immediate-release preparations dosed multiple times per day. Data demonstrating the efficacy of these stimulant medications for the treatment of ADHD and their role in treating children was well established by the 1970s. Multiple formulations of the stimulant medications have subsequently been developed during the past 40 years. Recent studies, including the NIMH Collaborative Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Preschool ADHD Treatment Study, have helped to clarify the role of stimulant medications in the treatment of ADHD. 1Y5 Significant data supporting the use of nonstimulant pharmacotherapy have also emerged in the last decade. 1 This review summarizes the recent advances in ADHD treatment, providing advantages, disadvantages, and clinical pearls for the use of these treatments. SHORT-ACTING STIMULANT PREPARATIONS Advantages: The stimulant medications have an extensive database supporting their safety, robust efficacy, and rapid onset of action. Studies of the stimulant medications have consistently shown that approximately two of every three patients treated with stimulants respond, with an effect size generally cited at around 1.0. 3 Their absorption is rapid, with clinical effects noticeable as early as 30 minutes after ingestion. Disadvantages: The shorter duration of action limits consistent efficacy as well as compliance because these medications must be taken two to three times daily.
COMPARATIVE HYDROLYSIS OF GELATIN BY PEPSIN, TRYPSIN, ACID, AND ALKALI

A comparison has been made of the relative velocity of hydrolysis of the various peptid linkings of the gelatin molecule when hydrolyzed by acid, alkali, pepsin or trypsin. It has been found that: 1. Those linkages which are most rapidly split by pepsin or trypsin are among the more resistant to acid hydrolysis. 2. Those linkages which are hydrolyzed by pepsin are also hydrolyzed by trypsin. 3. Trypsin hydrolyzes linkages which are not attacked by pepsin. 4. Of the linkages which are hydrolyzed by both enzymes, those which are most rapidly hydrolyzed by pepsin are only slowly attacked by trypsin. 5. Those linkages which are attacked by trypsin or pepsin are among the ones first (most rapidly) hydrolyzed by alkali. In general it may be said that the course of the early stages of hydrolysis of gelatin is similar with alkali, trypsin, or pepsin and quite different with acid.
Comparison of reconstruction algorithms for optical diffraction tomography

A recently developed inverse scattering algorithm [A. J. Devaney and M. Dennison, Inverse Probl., 19, 855 (2003) and M. Dennison and A. J. Devaney, Inverse Probl., 20, 1307 (2004)] is described and applied in a computer simulation study of optical diffraction tomography (ODT). The new algorithm is superior to standard ODT reconstruction algorithms, such as the filtered backpropagation algorithm, in applications employing a limited number of scattering experiments (the so-called limited-view case) and also in cases where multiple scattering occurs between the object being interrogated and the (known) background in which the object is embedded. The new algorithm is compared and contrasted with the filtered backpropagation algorithm in a computer simulation of ODT of weakly inhomogeneous cylindrical objects being interrogated in a limited number of scattering experiments employing incident plane waves. Our study has potential applications in biomedical imaging and tomographic microscopy.
Cognition and aging in psychopathology: focus on schizophrenia and depression.

Aging has effects on many features of normal functioning, particularly in the domains of cognition and adaptive life skills. Several psychiatric conditions also affect cognition and adaptive functioning; most of the research on these topics has been performed on patients early in their lives. The amount of research on older patients is smaller than in younger patients, but there is a developing research literature in several aspects of aging and psychopathology. This chapter reviews aging effects on two major psychiatric conditions: schizophrenia and depression. We examine changes in symptoms and cognitive functioning with aging and the functional implications of the development or worsening of cognitive performance. We also identify risk factors for cognitive changes within each condition and examine the implication of early- versus late-life onset. We believe that cognitive changes with aging are potentially predictable, possibly sharing a mechanism with normal aging-related changes and certainly laden ...