cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HYPOGLYCÆMIC EFFECT OF ADIPOSE-TISSUE EXTRACTS IN ADRENALECTOMISED RATS

Abstract Injection of partly purified preparations of extracts of adipose tissue (A.T.E.) from the epididymis of rats into adrenalectomised rats reduced concentrations of blood-glucose significantly. The active principle in the A.T.E. preparations was heat-stable (100°C for 5 minutes) and ultrafiltrable through an ' Amicon UM-2 ' membrane, which allows the passage of substances with a molecular weight below 600. Absorption of the heated and ultrafiltered A.T.E. (pH 6·0) was at its height at 249 mμ and at its lowest at 231 mμ. In IN sodium hydroxide absorption was highest at 251 mμ and lowest at 235 mμ. The hypoglycaemic effect of A.T.E. in the adrenalectomised rats may be due, at least in part, to the activation and utilisation of their circulating inactive bound insulin by the tissues under the stimulation of A.T.E.
Quaternary structural changes in aspartate carbamoyltransferase of Escherichia coli at pH 8.3 and pH 5.8

Abstract Atomic coordinates obtained from the crystal structures of unliganded and liganded aspartate carbamoyltransferase at pH 5.8 yield calculated low angle scattering curves in substantial agreement with experimental curves obtained by Moody, Vachette and Foote at pH 8.3. Thus the major conformational changes produced upon binding of six molecules of ligand, N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA) are very similar at pH 8.3 where the enzyme shows activity and regulation, as at pH 5.8 where the enzyme is inactive.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 is a positive regulator of Sox9 activity in femoral head osteonecrosis

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a juvenile form of ischemic osteonecrosis of the femoral head leading to femoral head deformity and premature osteoarthritis. Femoral head osteonecrosis occurs due to blood supply disruption which results in hypoxic injury to the femoral head. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α) is a master regulator of cellular response to hypoxia. A pig model of ischemic osteonecrosis of femoral head has been shown to have radiographic and histopathologic changes resembling LCPD. Our preliminary studies showed that the cartilage layer was thicker in the hypoxia group compared to the control group. The mechanism underlying this cartilage response is not known. To explore the hypoxia-induced downstream gene activity following the femoral head ischemia, porcine microarray analysis of gene profiles of chondrocytes from normal and ischemic femoral heads was performed. In the ischemic side, the expression of Sox9, a transcription factor required for chondrocyte differentiation, was upregulated along with HIF-1α. Expressions of Sox9 target genes, such as type II collagen and aggrecan, were also increased. Microarray results were confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In addition, immunohistochemistry assay demonstrated that both HIF-1α and Sox9 were upregulated in chondrocytes in ischemic femoral heads compared with normal controls. To investigate the possible molecular mechanisms of hypoxia on Sox9 activity, we tested the effect of HIF-1α on Sox9 expression in vitro. We made a luciferase reporter construct driven by 2kb Sox9 promoter. Transient transfection assay showed that HIF-1α activated Sox9 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. Sox9 is known to activate type II collagen target gene expression. To test the effect of HIF-1α on Sox9-mediated transcription, HIF-1α was cotransfected with Sox9 in type II collagen reporter assay. Our results demonstrated that HIF-1α enhanced Sox9-mediated transcriptional activity. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that HIF-1α associated with Sox9 directly. Taken together, these findings indicate that HIF-1α activates Sox9 expression and enhances Sox9-mediated transcriptional activity and that HIF-1α physically interacts with Sox9. We speculate that HIF-1α upregulation of Sox9 activity may have a chondroprotective role following femoral head ischemia.
Near-real-time biplanar fluoroscopic tracking system for the video tumor fighter

We have developed software capable of the three-dimensional tracking of objects in the brain volume, and the subsequent overlaying of an image of the object onto previously obtained MR or CT scans. This software has been developed for use with the Magnetic Stereotaxis System (MSS), also called the 'Video Tumor Fighter' (VTF). The software was written for a Sun 4/110 SPARC workstation with an ANDROX ICS-400 image processing card installed to manage this task. At present, the system uses input from two orthogonally-oriented, visible- light cameras and a simulated scene to determine the three-dimensional position of the object of interest. The coordinates are then transformed into MR or CT coordinates and an image of the object is displayed in the appropriate intersecting MR slice on a computer screen. This paper describes the tracking algorithm and discusses how it was implemented in software. The system's hardware is also described. The limitations of the present system are discussed and plans for incorporating bi-planar, x-ray fluoroscopy are presented.
Pre- to postoperative physical activity changes in bariatric surgery patients: self report vs. objective measures.

Bariatric surgery patients report significant pre- to postoperative increases in physical activity (PA). However, it is unclear whether objective measures would corroborate these changes. The present study compared self-reported and accelerometer-based estimates of changes in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) from pre- (pre-op) to 6 months postsurgery (post-op). Twenty bariatric surgery (65% laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding, 35% gastric bypass) patients (46.2 ± 9.8 years, 88% female, pre-op BMI = 50.8 ± 9.7 kg/m2) wore RT3 accelerometers as an objective measure of MVPA and completed the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) as a subjective measure before and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Time (min/week) spent in MVPA was calculated for the PPAQ and RT3 (≥1-min and ≥10-min bouts) at pre-op and post-op. Self-reported MVPA increased fivefold from pre-op to post-op (44.6 ± 80.8 to 212.3 ± 212.4 min/week; P < 0.005). By contrast, the RT3 showed nonsignificant decreases in MVPA for both ≥1-min (186.0 ± 169.0 to 151.2 ± 118.3 min/week) and ≥10-min (41.3 ± 109.3 to 39.8 ± 71.3 min/ week) bouts. At pre-op, the percentage of participants who accumulated ≥150-min/week of MVPA in bouts ≥10-min according to the PPAQ and RT3 was identical (10%). However, at post-op, 55% of participants reported compliance with the recommendation compared to 5% based on RT3 measurement (P = 0.002). Objectively-measured changes in MVPA from pre-op to 6 months post-op appear to be much smaller than self-reported changes. Further research involving larger samples is needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether self-report and objective PA measures are differentially associated with surgical weight loss outcomes.
Issues in using landscape indicators to assess land changes

Landscape indicators, when combined with information about environmental conditions (such as habitat potential, biodiversity, carbon and nutrient cycling, and erosion) and socioeconomic forces, can provide insights about changing ecosystem services. They also provide information about opportunities for improving natural resources management. Landscape indicators rely on data regarding land cover, land management and land functionality. Challenges in using landscape indicators to assess change and effects include (1) measures of land management and attributes that are reliable, robust and consistent for all areas on the Earth do not exist, and thus land cover is more frequently utilized; (2) multiple types of land cover and management are often found within a single landscape and are constantly changing, which complicates measurement and interpretation; and (3) while causal analysis is essential for understanding and interpreting changes in indicator values, the interactions among multiple causes and effects over time make accurate attribution among many drivers of change particularly difficult. Because of the complexity, sheer number of variables, and limitations of empirical data on land changes, models are often used to illustrate and estimate values for landscape indicators, and those models have several problems. Recommendations to improve our ability to assess the effects of changes in land management include refinement of questions to be more consistent with available information and the development of data sets based on systematic measurement over time of spatially explicit land qualities such as carbon and nutrient stocks, water and soil quality, net primary productivity, habitat and biodiversity. Well-defined and consistent land-classification systems that are capable of tracking changes in these and other qualities that matter to society need to be developed and deployed. Because landscapes are so dynamic, it is crucial to develop ways for the scientific community to work together to collect data and develop tools that will enable better analysis of causes and effects and to develop robust management recommendations that will increases land's capacity to meet societal needs in a changing world.
The orthopedic management of Rett syndrome.

Musculoskeletal deformity sufficiently severe to require orthopedic surgery is a significant problem in Rett syndrome. Preliminary results from the study of 16 patients suggest deformity in nearly ...
Reversal of aconitine-induced tachycardia by prostaglandins in the rabbit Langendorff preparation

The ability of PGA2, E1 E2, and F2α to alter: (a) the refractory period (as judged by the maximal driving frequency); (b) the rate of automatically beating aconitine-treated papillary muscles; and (c) the rate of both untreated and aconitine-treated Langendorff preparations, was studied. The addition of PGA2 (3.0 μmol), PGE2 (2.84 μmol), and PGF2α (2.1 μmol) to the perfusate returned heart rate to pre-aconitine levels in the Langendorff preparation, but this action was frequently accompanied by atrioventricular dissociation. In contrast, PGE1 (2.82 μmol) was ineffective in antagonising aconitine-induced tachycardia. In the normally beating rabbit Langendorff, PGF2α, (2.1 μmol) produced a slight but statistically significant negative chronotropic effect. Neither cardiac contractile force nor maximal driving frequency was altered by the addition of prostaglandins. These results suggest that PGA2, PGE2, and especially PGF2α may exert antiarrhythmic activity by direct action(s) upon in vitro rabbit myocardial preparations.
Blockade of GABA receptors in superior colliculus protects against focally evoked limbic motor seizures.

Abstract Blockade of GABA receptors in the rat superior colliculus (SC) has been shown to protect against maximal electroshock-induced tonic convulsions and spontaneous generalized non-convulsive seizures. In the present study, we determined that blockade of GABA receptors in SC could also protect against focally evoked limbic motor seizures. Limbic motor seizures were induced by the unilateral focal application of bicuculline methiodide into area tempestas (AT), an epileptogenic site in the deep prepiriform cortex. Control rats (receiving bilateral infusions of saline into SC) all exhibited convulsive seizures following bicuculline in AT. Rats pretreated (5 min before) with bicuculline (50 pmol) bilaterally in the deep layers of the SC, were protected against that AT-evoked convulsive seizures. Unilateral application of bicuculline in the deep SC or bilateral application in the superficial layers of the SC did not alter the convulsive response to bicuculline in AT. These results indicate that the anticonvulsant action of GABA blockade in SC is not limited to tonic convulsive seizures but extends to the clonic manifestations evoked by seizures originating in forebrain limbic circuits. Given that the deep layers of SC receive inputs from GABA neurons in substantia nigra and that suppression of the activity of nigral neurons is anticonvulsant against a variety of seizures (including those evoked from AT), it is likely that the anticonvulsant action of bicuculline in SC is due to interference with the influence of a nigrotectal GABAergic projection.
Ex Vivo Cytosolic Delivery of Functional Macromolecules to Immune Cells

Intracellular delivery of biomolecules, such as proteins and siRNAs, into primary immune cells, especially resting lymphocytes, is a challenge. Here we describe the design and testing of microfluidic intracellular delivery systems that cause temporary membrane disruption by rapid mechanical deformation of human and mouse immune cells. Dextran, antibody and siRNA delivery performance is measured in multiple immune cell types and the approach’s potential to engineer cell function is demonstrated in HIV infection studies.
Images in clinical medicine. Large atrial myxoma.

A 57-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of leg swelling and dyspnea on exertion. Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 holosystolic murmur at the right upper sternal border and an early diastolic decrescendo murmur at the left lower sternal border.
Generalization of skills through the addition of individualized coaching: Development and evaluation of a social skills training program in a rural setting

There has been recent interest in adding interventions that aid in skill generalization to standard social skills training programs for schizophrenia. Some of these adjunctive interventions are very comprehensive and clearly promising (e.g., IVAST; Liberman, Glynn, Blair, Ross, & Marder, 2002 ), but their overall cost-effectiveness and feasibility in communities with limited financial and staffing resources are of concern. Few studies have investigated the viability of such programs in small communities with few resources. This article reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation of two types of social skills training programs over an 8-month period: weekly group social skills training (based on the manual of Bellack, Mueser, Gingerich, & Agresta, 1997 ) and weekly training with the addition of individual supplementary coaching in the community. Evaluation of this pilot program suggests potential benefits of the adjunctive individualized coaching for clients, particularly in terms of improved skill acquisition and performance, as well as overall social functioning. Client case studies are presented, as are details of the nature of the coaching sessions, with an evaluation of the specific effects of these two social skills training programs. Factors involved in the implementation of these interventions inexpensively in a rural setting are also discussed.
Abstract C52: Induction of homologous recombination by DNA nicks

Homologous recombination (HR) is a major mechanism of DNA repair, such that mutations in HR genes are associated with tumor susceptibility. We have used a recently adapted system for genome engineering to study HR mechanisms in mammalian cells. Clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are prokaryotic adaptive immune systems that specifically cleave nucleic acids of invading pathogens. The effector phase of CRISPR system in Staphylococcus pyogenes consists of two main components, the endonuclease Cas9 and RNA strands that dictate the recognition sequence cleaved by Cas9. The activity of Cas9 resides in 2 nucleolytic domains, HNH-like and RuvC1-like, such that mutating the active site of either of these domains turns Cas9 into a DNA nicking enzyme. Here we applied the commonly used DR-GFP HR reporter to investigate the repair of both DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and nicks induced by Cas9 in human cells. We show that a DSB, introduced by wild-type (wt) Cas9 and a guide RNA (gRNA) directed to the I-SceI site of the DR-GFP reporter, induces HR at levels similar to the I-SceI endonuclease, demonstrating the robustness of the system and confirming the potential of the CRISPR system as a genome engineering tool. Cas9 with mutations in either of the nucleolytic domains also stimulates HR, albeit at much lower levels, suggesting that a nick can also be repaired by HR. Stimulation of HR by DNA nicks is not reduced by PARP inhibition and has the same genetic requirements as DSB-induced HR. Given that SSBs are induced by endogenous DNA metabolic processes as well as by many anti-cancer treatments, our results may advance the understanding of mechanisms responsible for repair of these abundant DNA lesions. Citation Format: Lianne E.M. Vriend, Przemek M. Krawczyk, Maria Jasin. Induction of homologous recombination by DNA nicks. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr C52.
Isolation and characterization of a gene encoding meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase fromGlycine max.

A detailed characterization of the lysine biosynthetic pathway in plants is yet to be completed. It is, however, assumed that the diaminopimelic acid pathway exists in the plant kingdom, as commonly described forEscherichia coli.
The crossover temperature in low-capacitance Josephson junctions

Abstract The general condition defining the crossover temperature T * in superconducting Coulomb-blockade electrometers is investigated. For low temperatures, which are of the most interest for these systems, a new rigorous and quantitative perturbative result is given. The effective number of states available for excitation, N eff , is also written in closed form. In addition, further analytic results for an improved incremental system free energy are discussed. If such Cooper pair box systems could be built without the deleterious effects of stray substrate charge, a future application could be quantum logic gates.
Use of the valvular resistance in the separation of normal and stenotic Hancock mitral valves.

Recent data suggests that the pressure-flow relationship for normal bioprosthetic mitral valves is linear. If this is correct, the valve resistance may provide a better indicator of normal mitral function than the Gorlin valve area. We compared the Gorlin valve area to the valve resistance (calculated as flow/pressure) in order to determine which better separated normal and stenotic Hancock mitral valves. Measurements were made using left atrial and left ventricular catheters in 42 patients undergoing Hancock mitral valve replacement. Patients were studied during pacing and isoproterenol infusion for a total of 141 measurements. Stenotic Hancock mitral valve hemodynamics were obtained at cardiac catheterization from eight patients who were studied at rest and during atrial pacing and from an additional eight patients culled from the literature (a total of 23 stenotic measurements). The Gorlin valve area ranged from 1.1 to 4.4 cm2 for the normally functioning Hancock valves and from 0.4 to 1.54 cm2 for the stenotic valves. Six measurements in patients with confirmed stenotic valves yielded Gorlin areas larger than the lowest area found in the normal valves and no value of the Gorlin valve area correctly classified all of the normal and the stenotic valves. The valve resistances of the normal valves ranged from a minimum of 1.0 to a maximum of 5.1 (mean 2.9 ± 0.8) while the resistances of the stenotic valves ranged from 6.6 to 38 (mean 12.9 ± 8.2). There was no overlap of the normal and the stenotic measurements. The valve resistance, which is based on a model of normal mitral valve physiology, appears to better separate normal and stenotic Hancock mitral valves than the Gorlin area, which is based on a model of stenotic valvular flow.
Communication skills programs that last: Face to Face and relapse prevention

Communication skills are basic to effective management. However, communication training programs must not only show evidence that the skills have been learned, but also demonstrate that this learning can be converted into effective on the job behavior. A communication skills program, Face to Face, based on the microtraining model, is described. This model has substantial empirical evidence of successful skill acquisition. A novel approach to skill transfer and retention, the relapse prevention model is proposed as a methodology for maintaining communication skills in the work setting.
XOS: an operating system for the X-tree architecture

This paper describes the fundamentals of the X-TREE Operating System (XOS), a system developed to investigate the effects of the X-TREE architecture on operating system design. It outlines the goals and constraints of the project and describes the major features and modules of XOS. Two concepts are of special interest: The first is demand paging across the network of nodes and the second is separation of the global object space and the directory structure used to reference it. Weaknesses in the model are discussed along with directions for future research.
Classification of Migraine and Tension Headache from a Survey of 10,000 Headache Diaries

SYNOPSIS Descriptions of migraine and muscle tension headaches have been based primarily on retrospective medical histories. To obtain a more accurate picture of symptoms patients use to classify these headaches, a sample of 10,000 headaches was gathered from daily diaries. Patients experiencing both migraine and tension headaches are able to differentiate these disorders consistently, using moderate ratings of intensity, low ratings of disability, and short length for tension headaches, and ratings of relatively high intensity and disability, moderately long duration, and occasional gastrointestinal upset for migraine headaches. These configurations confirm the general view obtained from medical histories.
Development of nonlinear elastic leaf spring model for multibody vehicle systems

In this investigation, a nonlinear elastic model of leaf springs is developed for use in the computer simulation of multibody vehicle systems. In the leaf spring model developed in this investigation, the distributed inertia and stiffness of the leaves of the spring are modeled using the finite element floating frame of reference formulation that accounts for the effect of the nonlinear dynamic coupling between the finite rotations and the leaf deformation. The leaf spring geometry and deformations are modeled using nodal degrees of freedom defined with respect to the spring body coordinate system. By assuming that the leaf deformation can be large but the leaf deformed shape remains simple, component mode synthesis techniques can be used to significantly reduce the number of deformation coordinates. The nonlinear stiffness matrix is first developed for the finite element of each leaf and is used to determine the overall leaf spring stiffness matrix. The pre-stresses, the contact and friction that characterize the nonlinear behavior of leaf springs are discussed. Using the nonlinear leaf spring formulation presented in this study, a detailed multibody model for a sport utility vehicle is developed. It is shown that the proposed leaf spring model that accounts for the effect of windup, contact and friction between the spring leaves can be effectively used for assessing the dynamic stability of sports utility vehicles.
Low-temperature dielectric properties and phase transition in BaMnF/sub 4/

The temperature dependences of the static dielectric properties of BaMnF/sub 4/ were investigated from 4 to 300 K at 1 kHz to 9.8 GHz with emphasis on the behavior near the structural phase transition at 247 K. Anomalies in the dielectric constants epsilon'/sub i/ and losses tandelta/sub i/ at the transition were observed along the major crystallographic directions, the main feature being a lambda-shaped anomaly in epsilon' along the polar a axis. This anomaly persists to very high frequencies (9.8 GHz). Anomalies were also observed in epsilon'/sub a/ at approx. 30 K and in epsilon'/sub b/ at approx. 70 K. These are believed to be related to the onset of spin ordering at these two temperatures. The effects of pressure on the dielectric properties and transition temperature T/sub c/ were also investigated. T/sub c/ increases nonlinearly with pressure at low pressures, reaches a maximum and then decreases at higher pressures. This is discussed briefly in terms of the lattice-dynamical origin of the transition. The crystal is highly anisotropic and this is reflected in the epsilon'/sub i/. This anisotropy is due to the lattice contribution to epsilon'/sub i/ and specifically the relevant lattice resonance frequencies. The over-all results and their implicationsmore » are discussed. (AIP)« less
INHIBITORY RECEPTORS, ITIM SEQUENCES AND PHOSPHATASES

A diverse group of inhibitory receptors, including FcgammaRII, killer cell inhibitory receptors, and B22, shares an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM). Recent studies have shown that this motif, when phosphorylated on tyrosine, forms a docking site for the Src homology 2 recognition domains of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and the inositol 5-phosphatase SHIP. A similar motif in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 recruits the related tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. These three enzymes act to inhibit signaling cascades resulting from ligation of the BCR, TCR, FcgammaRIII, and FcepsilonRI, although the relative importance of the tyrosine phosphatases and the inositol phosphatase differs depending on the cell type.
Effects of gender, application, experience, and constraints on interaction performance using autostereoscopic displays

We describe a set of experiments that compare 2D CRT, shutter glasses and autostereoscopic displays; measure user preference for different tasks in different displays; measure the effect of previous user experience in the interaction performance for new tasks; and measure the effect of constraining the user's hand motion and hand-eye coordination. In this set of tests, we used interactive object selection and manipulation tasks using standard scalable configurations of 3D block objects. We also used a 3D depth matching test in which subjects are instructed to align two objects located next to each other on the display to the same depth plane. New subjects tested with hands out of field of view constraint performed more efficiently with glasses than with autostereoscopic displays, meaning they were able to match the objects with less movement. This constraint affected females more negatively than males. From the results of the depth test, we note that previous subjects on average performed better than the new subjects. Previous subjects had more correct results than the new subjects, and they finished the test faster than the new subjects. The depth test showed that glasses are preferred to autostereo displays in a task that involves only stereoscopic depth.
Genetic algorithms are suitable for driving microbial ecosystems in desirable directions

The behavior of natural, biological ecosystems is for a large part determined by environmental conditions. It should therefore be possible to experimentally manipulate such conditions to drive ecosystems in desirable directions. When a set of environmental conditions can be manipulated to be either present or absent, such an exercise becomes a typical combinatorial optimization problem, and one for which a genetic algorithm should be very suitable. In this work, four exhaustive experimental datasets were assembled, containing growth levels of different natural microbial ecosystem as influenced by all possible combinations of a set of five chemical supplements. The ability of a genetic algorithm to search these datasets for combinations of supplements driving the ecosystems to high levels of growth was compared to that of a random search, a local search, and a hill-climbing algorithm. The results indicate that a genetic algorithm is very suitable for driving microbial ecosystems in desirable directions, which opens opportunities for both applied and fundamental ecology.
Energy scaling of SBS pulse compression

A two-cell stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pulse compressor design is presented that can be scaled to large laser pulse energies and a numerical model has been developed which accurately predicts the performance of this pulse compressor system over a wide range of operating parameters. The compression of a 2.5 J input pulse from a width of 15.8 ns to 1.7 ns is demonstrated with 80% energy efficiency.
The Structure of T. aquaticus DNA Polymerase III Is Distinct from Eukaryotic Replicative DNA Polymerases

The crystal structure of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase III alpha subunit reveals that the structure of the catalytic domain of the eubacterial replicative polymerase is unrelated to that of the eukaryotic replicative polymerase but rather belongs to the Polbeta-like nucleotidyltransferase superfamily. A model of the polymerase complexed with both DNA and beta-sliding clamp interacting with a reoriented binding domain and internal beta binding site was constructed that is consistent with existing biochemical data. Within the crystal, two C-terminal domains are interacting through a surface that is larger than many dimer interfaces. Since replicative polymerases of eubacteria and eukaryotes/archaea are not homologous, the nature of the replicative polymerase in the last common ancestor is unknown. Although other possibilities have been proposed, the plausibility of a ribozyme DNA polymerase should be considered.
Bridging Two Worlds: Microfluidic Optomechanics

Optomechanical systems that enable strong phonon-photon coupling have been with us for a while but have never been demonstrated with non-solid phases of matter.
Mutational analysis of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit gene in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence for association of an intronic polymorphism with attention problems

Recent studies suggest the presence of genetically distinct subtypes of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and that attention problems can be treated with receptor subtype selective nicotine agonists. In this study, individuals with two independent familial subtypes of ADHD defined by latent class analysis were systematically screened for sequence variations in the coding regions and intron/exon junctions of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit gene (CHRNA4). Common polymorphisms were used for transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analyses. A significant association was found for a 5′ intron 2 single nucleotide polymorphism and severe inattention problems (P=0.007, effect size=4, 95% CI 1.3–14.1). The location of the polymorphism is compatible with it affecting pre-mRNA stability or splicing.
A non-equilibrium multiscale simulation paradigm

Abstract A con-current multiscale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics is proposed. The notion of multiscale canonical element ensemble is put forth, which enables us to employ the coarse grain field as a heat bath, and it is accomplished by using a distributed Nośe–Hoover thermostat network . In doing so, it guarantees that the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics returns to a canonical equilibrium state when external disturbances vanish, which may have not been the case for the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics in the literature. We have shown that the non-equilibrium distribution function is canonical.
An Outer-Approximation based algorithm for solving integer non-linear programming problems for Optimal Sensor Placement

There is a growing need across GE businesses to push system operation performance closer to design entitlement through application of advanced controls and optimization. The performance requirements coupled with stringent operability boundaries necessitate systematic design of sensing networks for condition monitoring across applications such as power plants, aviation, etc. This paper addresses the important system level question of an optimal sensor network design through model-based estimation and optimization. The main contribution of this work is the development of an outer approximation based algorithm for solving a pure integer non-linear programming problem that arises when designing an optimal sensor network for on line condition monitoring of systems like a gasifier in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology has been demonstrated in designing a robust and cost-effective sensor network using a simplified gasifier model for an IGCC plant.
Rocket-borne instrument with a high-resolution microchannel plate detector for planetary UV spectroscopy.

A telescope-spectrograph employing a photon-counting microchannel plate (MCP)-CODACON detector has been built, tested, and flown on a sounding rocket. The detector uses a curved-channel MCP proximity focused onto a coded anode array of 1024 channels spaced 25.4-mm center to center. High quantum efficiency is obtained by depositing a cesium iodide photocathode on the front surface of the MCP. The instrument has obtained an ultraviolet spectrum of Jupiter with a spectral resolution of 8 A, which is higher than that of any previously reported observation in this wavelength range.
Mechanistic actions of the risks and adverse events associated with vaccine administration

Vaccine-preventable disease levels in the United States are at or near record lows. Most parents today have never seen a case of diphtheria, measles, or other once commonly encountered infectious diseases now preventable by vaccine administration. As a result, some parents wonder why their children must receive shots for diseases that do not seem to exist. Myths and misinformation about vaccine safety abound and can confuse parents who are trying to make sound decisions about their children's health care. However, we cannot take continued high immunization coverage levels for granted. A successful vaccination program, like a successful society, depends on the cooperation of every individual to ensure the good of all. This review outlines for clinical allergists-immunologists the molecular basis for the risks and adverse events associated with vaccine administration so that they can be better informed as experts on vaccine-associated adverse reactions.
Measurement and modeling of flow and mechanical properties of ASR‐filled polymer composites

Screw extrusion process was used to evaluate the flow properties of ASR/LDPE composite whose rheological properties cannot be obtained from the conventional capillary rheometer measurements. The results show that the viscosity of the mixture increases with increasing automobile shredder residue (ASR) content. Although there exists significant scatter in the results because of the non-homogeneity of the mixtures, the result can be used to roughly predict the flow properties of the materials. Thus, based on linear regression fits of the flow data, a second order polynomial relationship was established between the viscosity of ASR/LDPE composite and ASR concentration. HDPE was used in the mechanical tests. The results also show that the tensile modulus can be predicted, accurately, using a conventional composite model.
Corporate property rights

Corporate property rights present an interesting challenge to the liberal conception of property rights, for it is unclear that the self-respect of individuals is promoted by the existence of a system of property rights for corporations. I argue that it is difficult even to identify who the individuals are who are the owners of large corporations, and why these individuals should be given the same claims, protections and immunities as other property rights holders since the liabilities of corporate property rights holders are not the same as of those, for instance, who own their own homes. In this paper I first try to understand who it is who owns the large corporation. Secondly, I show that the limited liability of these corporate property owners makes the justification of corporate property rights quite difficult, from the classical liberal perspective. I end with a few brief remarks on changes in legal policy which would be consistent with my arguments on the nature and justification of corporate property rights.
ON THE CYPHOPHTHALMI (ARACHNIDA, OPILIONES) TYPES FROM THE MUSEO CIVICO DI STORIA NATURALE ''GIACOMO DORIA''

Abstract The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “Giacomo Doria,” Genoa, hosts one of the most important historical collections of the Opiliones suborder Cyphophthalmi, including all the known specimens for the type species of the genera Leptopsalis (Stylocellidae), Miopsalis (Stylocellidae), and Parogovia (Neogoveidae), as well as several other types in the families Ogoveidae and Stylocellidae (it is unclear whether specimens in Pettalidae and Sironidae constitute types). These specimens were recently made available to us for study, and given their importance, we discuss and illustrate them here. Study of this collection allows confirmation of the validity of Leptopsalis, considered a synonym of Stylocellus for more than a century, and of Miopsalis, considered a nomen dubium in the most recent catalogue of the group. It furthermore helps to clarify the identity of several other species in the family Stylocellidae. Here we formally resurrect the genera Miopsalis Thorell, 1890, and Leptopsalis Thorell, 1882, a...
Two psychologists in search of a school of information: a personal journey

Having followed a path from the outside in the University of Michigan‘s School of Information, the authors have a broad vision of the school‘s intellectual agenda and the relevance of different conceptual and methodological approaches. As they write in this article, they find it enormously attractive that the school is populated by students and faculty with backgrounds in the humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences and the computational sciences. As their own work evolved to focus on how people use information systems in real work settings, they found it necessary to be eclectic in the ideas and research methods they used. They value being in a school where disciplinary heterogenity is the norm rather than the exception. They like being part of a school where people and their activities are at the center of the study of information systems.
The effects of temporary cover on the behavior of socially housed stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides)

To examine the effects of the provision of temporary cover on the behavior of stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), a single group of 26 animals was observed during 25 testing periods over 7.5 months. During each testing period, the group was observed under two conditions. In the Cover condition, two solid temporary walls 9.6 m in length, were erected within the animals' living compound. In the No-Cover condition, the wall materials were stacked against one solid exterior wall of the compound. The provision of cover significantly reduced the levels of contact aggression, proximity between animals, and locomotion, and reduced the ability of the dominant male to monopolize copulations. It did not effect other measures of affiliation. Inconsistencies between these results and those of other published studies suggest that, while cover can have a significant influence on some kinds of social behavior in some situations, generalizations about the benefits of providing cover to captive animals may be premature.
Learning names for solid substances: Quantifying solid entities in terms of portions ☆

Abstract Objects are quantified in terms of individuals whereas substances are quantified in terms of portions. Soja, Carey, & Spelke (1991) have shown that 2-year-olds take words used to name solid entities as naming objects and quantify them in terms of individuals. One consequence of children's bias to quantify solids in terms of individuals is that they may have problems learning names for solid substances. Previous research suggests that this may be the case. In the study presented here, two experiments investigated 2 1 2 to 3 1 2 - year-olds' knowledge of names for solid substances, their ability to learn names for solid substances, and their knowledge of nonlinguistic properties of solid substances. It was found that children of this age do not know many names for solid substances but can be taught names for them. There was also evidence that children represent the names as mass nouns and possibly adjectives. Finally, it was found that there is development of children's nonlinguistic knowledge of substances between the ages of 2 1 2 and 3 years. The relevance of these results for theories of lexical development are discussed.
Measurement of Atmospheric Transmissivity using Backscattered Light from a Pulsed Light Beam

This paper concerns the use of pulsed light sources of extreme luminance and short duration in measuring the transmissivity of the air along a slant path; the glide approach path to an airport runway is of particular interest. The fundamental pulsed-light-transmissometer technique is described for an idealized atmosphere and an idealized single-ended transmissometer (confocal transmitter and receiver). Complications arising for real conditions are avoided by the following modified technique: A transmitter on the ground projects a series of light pulses up the glide path, during which time a receiving system separated to the side collects light scattered from the transmitter beam at each of a sequence of predetermined ranges and plots the scattered light flux received against time. These return plots are graphically superimposed on a single time base and an envelope of the return peaks is drawn. Equations representing individual returns indicate that their peak envelope can be used to determine the transmissivity at any given range and the average transmissivity over a given path.Signal variations due to clouds and absorbing media are discussed, and the use of the technique in a ceilometer is mentioned. Path length limitations due to equipment features and to secondary scatter under low-transmissivity conditions are discussed. Measurements obtained with an experimental pulsed-light transmissometer are given and compared with measurements by two other systems.
Perspectives in health economics.

This paper, originally presented at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, October 12, 1993, provides a perspective on envisioned changes in the practice of health economics. Foreseen changes include: (1) Study of more homogeneous units of analysis; (2) More original data gathering; (3) Increased attention to uncertainty and the supply of and demand for information; (4) Increased attention to institutional structures and their effects on economic behaviour; (5) Expansion of relevant tools for studying economic issues in health care; and (6) Continuing breakdown of disciplinary barriers between health economics and other disciplines. Of these, the two overriding features will be increased emphasis on understanding the many roles of uncertainty in economic behaviour, institutions, and outcomes in health care, and in the use of more and more ‘micro’ data to study these issues.
Norm Extremity and Interpersonal Influences on Consumer Conformity

Abstract The ability of norm extremity (i.e., the extent to which referent others' judgments are thought to deviate from perceived reality) to moderate the strength of normative and informational influences on consumer conformity is examined in two experiments. Normative mechanisms are examined in study 1 in which it is predicted that increases in group size will lead to greater increases in conformity when norms are extreme rather than moderate. Informational influences are investigated in study 2 in which increases in group expertise were hypothesized to lead to greater increases in conformity when norms are moderate rather than extreme. The results revealed that conformity increased with increasing group size only when norms were extreme and with increasing group expertise when norms were moderate. However, the effects for both studies were unexpectedly qualified by significant interactions with subjective knowledge, such that the observed effects were most consistent with the hypotheses for low knowledge subjects
The effect of music amplitude on the reaction to unexpected visual events

Abstract The effects of music amplitude on participants' response time to randomly presented, unexpected, visual events were investigated. Ninety participants completed a motor-reaction task without music and with music played at 60, 70. or 80 dBA. Males preferred more intense music than females did, with males selecting a comfort level of 72 dBA and females, 66 dBA. However, participants' reaction time and the total time to respond to a randomly activated red light were independent of gender. All participants responded more quickly when the music was played at 70 dBA (close to their comfort level) than when it played at lower (60 dBA) or higher (80 dBA) amplitudes. It is proposed that people may react more quickly to visual events (e.g., the sudden appearance of a plane on the screen of an air traffic controller, or the unpredictable activation of a car's rear brake lights when driving) with music playing at a volume preset to maintain individual comfort levels against other situational background noise.
Scaling relations for multiplicative quantum mechanical operators

Scaling relations are derived for the matrix elements of a multiplicative quantum mechanical operator. While the relations have been set down earlier, the present derivation is, we believe, more transparent. In order to satisfy certain attractive properties, the coefficients in these relations have previously been identified as the principal values of improper integrals. We show here, however, that the scaling relations can be rewritten in terms of scaling coefficients which are given as proper integrals and which satisfy the same attractive properties.
An Attributional Analysis of Gender and Cancer-Related Stigma

This experiment examined the impact of gender on cancer-related stigma from Weiner’s (An attributional theory of motivation and emotion. Springer, New York, 1986) attributional perspective. Undergraduates (n = 204; 59% female; 71% White) and community members (n = 85; 62% female; 64% White) in the northeastern U.S. were assigned randomly to listen to an audiotaped interview of a target person with lung cancer in which gender and smoking status (nonsmoker, smoker, or unspecified) were manipulated. Participant and target gender predicted participants’ perceptions of disease controllability and anger toward the target person. The target person’s smoking status also predicted participants’ perceptions of disease controllability and emotional responses to the target person. Findings partially support Weiner’s (An attributional theory of motivation and emotion. Springer, New York, 1986) theory and suggest that the relationship between gender and cancer-related stigma deserves further investigation.
Gene Expression Analysis of Endometrium Reveals Progesterone Resistance and Candidate Susceptibility Genes in Women with Endometriosis

The identification of molecular differences in the endometrium of women with endometriosis is an important step toward understanding the pathogenesis of this condition and toward developing novel strategies for the treatment of associated infertility and pain. In this study, we conducted global gene expression analysis of endometrium from women with and without moderate/severe stage endometriosis and compared the gene expression signatures across various phases of the menstrual cycle. The transcriptome analysis revealed molecular dysregulation of the proliferative-to-secretory transition in endometrium of women with endometriosis. Paralleled gene expression analysis of endometrial specimens obtained during the early secretory phase demonstrated a signature of enhanced cellular survival and persistent expression of genes involved in DNA synthesis and cellular mitosis in the setting of endometriosis. Comparative gene expression analysis of progesterone-regulated genes in secretory phase endometrium confirmed the observation of attenuated progesterone response. Additionally, interesting candidate susceptibility genes were identified that may be associated with this disorder, including FOXO1A, MIG6, and CYP26A1. Collectively these findings provide a framework for further investigations on causality and mechanisms underlying attenuated progesterone response in endometrium of women with endometriosis.