cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of high affinity dihydropyridine binding in L-type calcium channels

The pore-forming alpha1 subunit of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels is pharmacologically modulated by dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ antagonists and agonists. Site-directed mutation of amino acids within transmembrane segments IIIS6 and IVS6 to those characteristic of DHP-insensitive channels revealed 2 mutations in IIIS6 (I1049F and I1052F) and 4 mutations in IVS6 (Y1365I, M1366F, I1372M, and I1373L) with increased KD values for (+)-[3H]PN200-110 binding. A tyrosine residue (Y1048) in IIIS6 that is conserved between DHP-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ channels was also altered by mutagenesis. Y1048F had a KD for (+)-[3H]PN200-110 binding that was increased 12-fold, and Y1048A had a KD at least 1000-fold higher than that of wild-type. These results support the hypothesis that transmembrane segments IIIS6 and IVS6 both contribute critical amino acid residues to the DHP receptor site and that Tyr-1048 within transmembrane segment IIIS6 is required for high affinity DHP binding, even though it is conserved between DHP-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ channels.
Is the solitary dark neuron a manifestation of postmortem trauma to the brain inadequately fixed by perfusion

Dark neurons, classified as solitary because of their sparse occurrence, were discerned in the transitional zones between gray and white matter in various species of laboratory animals fixed by perfusion. These neurons, histologically indistinguishable from dark neurons in immersion fixed material, tended to develop when the saline perfusion was delayed or slow, the amount of the Bouin fixative was excessive, or the autopsy was performed shortly after the perfusion. Under these conditions, the white matter manifested a softer consistency and a paler color than the gray matter. These observations suggest that, as the consequence of regional differences in intensity and speed of fixation, distortion during extraction of the brain may activate a stress force in the transitional zones where incompletely fixed neurons become affected and acquire an abnormal affinity for aniline dyes and silver.
Fetal origins of breast cancer

Susceptibility to breast cancer might be pre-determined in utero. Alterations in the fetal hormonal environment, caused by either maternal diet or exposure to environmental factors with endocrine activities, can modify the epigenome, and these modifications are inherited in somatic daughter cells and maintained throughout life. These epigenetic modifications might lead to changes in mammary gland development, such as increased vulnerability of epithelial targets for malignant transformation. According to this hypothesis, on post-pubertal exposure to an initiating factor, such as a carcinogen, high levels of hormones and radiation, the mammary epithelial targets, perhaps stem cells, in terminal end buds/terminal ductal lobular units would be at an increased risk of malignant transformation. The increased susceptibility for cancer initiation might result from high levels of cell proliferation, reduced apoptosis and/or altered stromal regulation. Thus, maternal diet and environmental exposure might increase the risk of breast cancer by inducing permanent epigenetic changes in the fetus that alter the susceptibility to factors that can initiate breast cancer. Identifying the epigenetically altered target genes and their ligands might lead to strategies to prevent this disease in some women.
Response to 20 generations of selection for open-field activity in mice.

Twenty generations of directional selection for open-field activity in mice have resulted in high and low lines with more than a 6-fold difference in mean activity and virtually nonoverlapping distributions. A correlated response to selection has occurred with respect to open-field defecation, low-activity lines having average defecation scores about three times higher than those of high-activity lines. The selected lines are replicated, thereby reducing the probability of observing spurious associations, and control lines have been maintained throughout the experiment; thus, samples of these lines should provide useful research material for investigations by other behavioral biologists.
Vomiting out of proportion to dizziness in ischemic brainstem strokes

At the onset of ischemic strokes involving the lower brainstem, vomiting may be prominent when dizziness and other neurologic abnormalities are minimal or absent. Errors in interpretation may result in the misdiagnosis of a gastrointestinal disorder. The stroke literature does not clearly refer to this clinical point. The present note draws attention to the phenomenon both for practical diagnostic reasons and to illustrate a distinct form of vestibular vomiting. A 52-year-old hypertensive, diabetic man with a history of myocardial infarction awakened at 1 AM with nausea and vomiting. He vomited hourly until arrival at the Emergency Department at 8 AM. He had no history of dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. On examination the man was alert and afebrile; his abdomen felt normal; and his neurologic status was intact except for peripheral neuropathy. His blood pressure was 220/118 mm Hg. Blood chemistry test results …
Gas chromatographic separation and detection of pentaerythritol nitrates and other organic nitrate esters

Abstract A gas chromatographic method for the separation and quantitation of submicrogram amounts of pentaerythritol tetranitrate and other organic nitrate esters of common therapeutic use is presented. The procedure allows the quantitative simultaneous analysis of pentaerythritol tetranitrate, the trifluoroacetylated derivatives of its lesser nitrate esters and pentaerythritol on a single column. For rapid, routine analysis the flame ionization detection is employed with a sensitivity in the micro- to submicrogram range. With electron capture detection, the sensitivity is in the nano- to subnanogram range. This sensitivity is adequate for quantitating the low levels of pentaerythritol and pentaerythritol nitrate esters in biological fluids.
Characterizing stateful resource attacks using modeling and simulation

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks come in a variety of types and can target groups of users, individual users or entire computer systems. With the ever-increasing reliance on networked information systems for command and control of military systems—not to mention communications infrastructures—relatively simple attacks that degrade or deny service can have devastating effects. We have modeled and validated a variety of DoS attacks and have executed these models against a validated target network model, whose architecture and stochastic behavior is varied for analysis purposes. We have conducted a systems analysis using these models and have characterized attack effects. This paper describes the analysis of two attacks, each of which consumes resources at a server. Output from our model includes the probability of denied service and service time under attack and no attack conditions. Our objective is to identify attack classes and characterize attack behavior within a class, so that the behavior of new attacks falling within a class can be anticipated and defended against. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of pretreatment radiographs to orthodontists' decision making

A study was conducted to determine the amount of diagnostic and treatment planning information gained by orthodontists when pretreatment radiographs are added to a set of orthodontic records. Thirty-nine orthodontists evaluated six test cases and formulated a diagnosis and treatment plan. Information was collected about the participants' certainty with their diagnoses and treatment plans, the impact of the radiographs, the number and type of radiographs that were selected, and the difficulty of each case. Results showed that orthodontists were approximately 75% confident of their diagnosis before reviewing any radiograph. There were 741 radiographs ordered, of which 192 produced changes to the diagnostic process. The lateral cephalometric radiograph was the most productive. Panoramic and full-mouth series were productive but provided largely duplicative information.
Radioluminescence studies and radiation damage on single- and polycrystal CsI

Abstract Radioluminescence experiments have been performed on single- and polycrystal CsI at the pulsed TRIGA nuclear reactor of the University of Illinois. 95% of the 100 krad dose (SiO 2 ) was contributed by gamma-rays, the rest by neutrons. The radioluminescence was measured in the near infrared (up to 5.5 μm) and in the visible range. At the peak of the radiation pulse (dose rate of 6.9 Mrad/s), single-crystal CsI emits ∼ 40 mW/cm 2 in the infrared, against virtually nothing for the polycrystal CsI. In the visible range, however, the emission intensity is much larger, ranging from 300 mW/cm 2 for the polycrystal CsI to more than 5 W/cm 2 for the single-crystal CsI. It was also found that dose accumulation by consecutive pulsing causes the luminescence to decrease. The rate of decrease depends on the sample, on the proportion of thallium as a dopant and on the wavelength range considered. Increasing the temperature of CsI also causes a decrease in radioluminescence and repairs the damage to the crystal by annealing the quenching centers, essentially allowing full recovery of the radioluminescence intensity.
Applications of Environmental Valuation for Determining Externality Costs

Analyzing the effectiveness of environmental programs and regulations requires comparing the costs and benefits of reducing different pollutants or further abatement. To make useful comparisons, the various benefits from reduced pollution must be translated into dollars. Unfortunately, estimating the dollar value of environmental damages is complicated, controversial, and generally uncertain. Often these estimates have been misused. This paper identifies the need for benefit estimates, shows how they are constructed, and demonstrates how they can be used to improve environmental policy analysis.
Tera Tool [terahertz time-domain spectroscopy]

The terahertz differential time-domain spectroscopic method is applied to characterize the dielectric and optical properties of a variety of thin films at terahertz frequency. The results of several samples including silicon dioxide, parylene-n polymer film, tantalum oxide film, and protein thin layer samples were presented. The dielectric property of silicon dioxide thin film is well fitted to that of a bulk. The dielectric properties of parylene-n thin films show good agreement with the result measured by the goniometric terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The dielectric and optical properties of the tantalum oxide show reasonable data with previously available data. Some properties in thin films are slightly different from the bulk materials. The origin of this discrepancy is considered due to fine grain formation, mechanical stresses, formation of interfacial layers, or rough interfaces during thin-film deposition process. The terahertz differential time-domain spectroscopy may be applied to the measurement of the dielectric and optical properties of thin films (nanometer to micrometer) of several materials, which cannot be done by any other method.
Ballistic conductance of interacting electrons in the quantum Hall regime.

We propose a quantitative electrostatic theory for a gate-confined narrow channel of the two-dimensional electron gas in the integer and fractional quantum Hall regimes. Our theory is based on the zero-magnetic-field electrostatic solution, which yields a domelike profile of electron density. This solution is valid when the width of the channel is larger than the Bohr radius in the semiconductor. In a strong magnetic field H, alternating strips of compressible and incompressible liquids are formed in the channel. When the central strip in the channel is incompressible, the conductance G is quantized in units of ${\mathit{e}}^{2}$/2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Elzxh}, i.e., there are plateaus in G as a function of the magnetic field H. However, we have found that in a much wider range of magnetic fields there is a compressible strip in the center of the channel. We also argue, based on the exact solution in a simple case, that conductance, in units of ${\mathit{e}}^{2}$/2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\Elzxh}, of a short and ``clean'' channel is given by the filling factor in the center of the channel, allowing us to calculate conductance as a function of magnetic field and gate voltage, including both the positions of the plateaus and the rises between them. We apply our theory to a quantum point contact, which is an experimental implementation of a narrow channel.
Brightness additivity for a grating target.

Abstract Brightness measured by heterochromatic brightness matching or by threshold determinations is not additive, whereas for flicker and minimum border matches brightness is additive. This paper shows that when the metric for the brightness unit is determined by measuring the brightness required to attain a certain acuity, brightness is also additive. However, brightness determined with an acuity criterion is probably additive for a different reason from that advanced to explain the additivity of flicker and minimum border matches.
The immunoreactivity, ligand, and cell binding characteristics of rheumatoid synovial fluid fibronectin

Fibronectin promotes macrophage adherence and expression of Fc receptors, is chemotactic for fibroblasts, and is an opsonin for fibrin and denatured collagen. These properties suggest a role for fibronectin in the modulation of joint inflammation. Since structural modification of the fibronectin molecule has been shown to result in loss or de novo acquisition of opsonic and chemotactic activity, we determined the functional and immunochemical properties of fibronectin isolated from the inflamed joint. Eighty-six percent of synovial fluids obtained from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contained fibronectin fragments, and 39% of the fluids no longer displayed the dimeric form. Compared with native fibronectin, RA peptides were as active in promoting synoviocyte chemotaxis and in glycosaminoglycan binding, but displayed lower affinity for fibrin and gelatin. Although comparable with intact protein in augmenting monocyte attachment to gelatin, the RA synovial fluid peptides did not augment monocyte attachment to fibrin. Analysis of whole synovial fluid and isolated fibronectins by enzyme immunoassay showed that the increased fibronectin immunoreactivity, previously reported in RA synovial fluid, measures intact and nearly intact protein and does not measure extensively degraded fragments.
cAMP signaling induces rapid loss of histone H3 phosphorylation in mammary adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines

The phosphorylation of histone H3 is known to play a role in regulation of transcription as well as preparation of chromosomes for mitosis. Various signaling cascades induce H3 phosphorylation, particularly at genes activated by these pathways. In this study, we show that signaling can also have the opposite effect. Activators of cAMP signaling induce a rapid and potent loss of H3 phosphorylation. This effect is not mediated through a cAMP metabolite since a membrane-permeable form of AMP had no effect on H3 phosphorylation and a phosphodiesterase-resistant cAMP analog efficiently reduced it. cAMP is also the likely regulator of H3 phosphorylation under physiological conditions since only supra-pharmacological doses of cGMP induce the loss of H3 phosphorylation. The loss of phosphorylation is specific for histone H3 since we do not observe drastic losses in total phosphorylation of other histones. In addition, other H3 modifications are unaffected with the exception of lysine 9 methylation, which is elevated. Analysis of cell growth and cell cycle shows that cAMP signaling inhibits cell growth and arrests cells at both G1 and G2/M. Similar effects of cAMP signaling on H3 phosphorylation are observed in a variety of mammary adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines. In syngeneic human breast-derived cell lines, one diploid and non-transformed, the other derived from a ductal carcinoma, the loss of H3 phosphorylation is significantly more sensitive to cAMP concentration in the transformed cell line.
Aerodynamics of vehicle cooling systems

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present some approaches towards a better understanding of the interaction of cooling airflow and aerodynamic performance. A general conclusion is that aerodynamic improvements need not necessarily interfere with cooling requirements.
Effects of noise bandwidth and amplitude modulation on masking in frog auditory midbrain neurons.

Natural auditory scenes such as frog choruses consist of multiple sound sources (i.e., individual vocalizing males) producing sounds that overlap extensively in time and spectrum, often in the presence of other biotic and abiotic background noise. Detection of a signal in such environments is challenging, but it is facilitated when the noise shares common amplitude modulations across a wide frequency range, due to a phenomenon called comodulation masking release (CMR). Here, we examined how properties of the background noise, such as its bandwidth and amplitude modulation, influence the detection threshold of a target sound (pulsed amplitude modulated tones) by single neurons in the frog auditory midbrain. We found that for both modulated and unmodulated masking noise, masking was generally stronger with increasing bandwidth, but it was weakened for the widest bandwidths. Masking was less for modulated noise than for unmodulated noise for all bandwidths. However, responses were heterogeneous, and only for a subpopulation of neurons the detection of the probe was facilitated when the bandwidth of the modulated masker was increased beyond a certain bandwidth – such neurons might contribute to CMR. We observed evidence that suggests that the dips in the noise amplitude are exploited by TS neurons, and observed strong responses to target signals occurring during such dips. However, the interactions between the probe and masker responses were nonlinear, and other mechanisms, e.g., selective suppression of the response to the noise, may also be involved in the masking release.
I shall be your Vasari.

I was in your club the other day, Guilliamo, for the Art League show. Staid brownstone, its somber rooms recalled to mind our short acquaintance. My career as doctor was just beginning, yours as artist coming to an unexpected end. Your brother had volunteered for Vietnam. He was furious with you, not fighting for your country. Malingerer he had called you, with your recurrent bouts of pain. But that was before we found the cancer. Now there was only time enough to wait. I thought of this through the year of your illness, as we sat in the Salmagundi, talking art and politics over dinner and as I watched you paint our protests, the crowds in gray and black tones, marching up the canvas to Bryant Park. Once again in Bellevue, your bowel obstructed, who jabbed you with needles, forced you to swallow long rubber tubes? It was I who had become more than your doctor. We both knew all help was transitory. You had entered that fierce land in which there was no cure. I could not be your Orpheus, but now as your Vasari, I shall tell of your short life. —January 2001
Treating Suicidality in African American Adolescents with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Methods for preventing adolescent suicide are surveyed, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is explored as a method for serving suicidal African American adolescents. Strengths, limitations, and compatibility of CBT with social work values are examined. Although CBT shows much promise in helping suicidal African American adolescents, research on the efficacy and effectiveness of CBT with this population is lacking. Suicide risk and protective factors and social inequities are evaluated as they relate to African American adolescents generally. In addition to relieving suicidal symptoms, CBT potentially could facilitate social liberation for this population.
Growth and Phenotype of Low-Density Nasal Septal Chondrocyte Monolayers:

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the growth patterns and differentiation of human septal chondrocyte monolayers of different seeding densities.STUDY DESIGN: Chondrocytes from 8 donors were plated at densities ranging from 20,000 cells/cm2 (high density) to 300 cells/cm2 (very low density). Confluency, cellularity, and glycosaminoglycan content were determined from days 1 to 15.RESULTS: Confluency was attained at 5.8, 8.3, 11.0, and 14.8 days for high-, intermediate-, low-, and very low-density monolayers, respectively (P >0.001). Regression growth curves showed typical lag, logarithmic, and stationary phases. Confluent monolayers attained similar cellularity (power = 0.94) and differentiation (power = 0.88), regardless of initial density.CONCLUSIONS: Human septal chondrocyte monolayers reach confluency from very low initial densities. Growth patterns, cellularity, and differentiation are similar to other starting densities.SIGNIFICANCE: Very low-density monolayers expanded cell number 838-fold in 1 passage and there...
Image segmentation using a local extrema texture measure

Abstract An image segmentation technique is proposed which uses a texture measure that counts the number of local extrema in a window centered at each picture point. Four gray level pictures are derived, each of which represents a texture or gray level property of the original image. These intermediate pictures are used to derive the number of segments in which to divide the original image. The segmentation is then performed by assigning each pixel in the original image to a region by using a four-dimensional distance measure on the intermediate pictures, comparing each location to each selected segment. This process is then repeated in a hierarchical structure using decreasing window sizes so that smaller regions within the larger ones are defined. The computations required are amenable to real-time video implementation using state-of-the-art devices.
Is alternate daily dose of atorvastatin effective in treating patients with hyperlipidemia? The Alternate Day Versus Daily Dosing of Atorvastatin Study (ADDAS)

Abstract Background The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of alternate-day dosing of atorvastatin compared with the standard once-daily dose based on mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction from baseline at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 35 eligible patients who met the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel II (ATP II) guidelines for drug therapy, depending on their risk factors, were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg of atorvastatin as an initial dose every day or every other day. Patients were assessed at 6 and 12 weeks as to whether they met the LDL-C goal, and the dose was doubled if the goal was not reached. Results LDL-C decreased by 27% and 38%, in the every-other-day (n = 15) and every-day (n = 15) groups, respectively, at 6 weeks. At 12 weeks, the LDL-C was reduced by 35% and 38% in the every-other-day and every-day groups, respectively ( P =.49). The mean dose was 18 mg (9 mg/d) in the alternate-day group (n = 14) and 12 mg/d in the every-day group (n = 12) at the end of the 12 weeks ( P =.001). Conclusions Although higher doses of atorvastatin were used on alternate days, these results suggest that the alternate-day administration of atorvastatin can produce a reduction in LDL-C comparable to that of daily administration in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and yet provide some cost savings. (Am Heart J 2002;144:674-7.)
Steroid hormones, dendritic remodeling and neuronal death: insights from insect metamorphosis.

Steroid hormones influence neuronal structure and function throughout the animal kingdom, via highly conserved receptor proteins. Insights into steroid effects on neurons and behavior have come from a
Microtubule patterning during meiotic maturation in mouse oocytes is determined by cell cycle-specific sorting and redistribution of gamma-tubulin.

Abstract The topography of microtubule assembly events during meiotic maturation of animal oocytes demands tight spatial control and temporal precision. To better understand what regulates the timing and location of microtubule assembly, synchronously maturing mouse oocytes were evaluated with respect to γ-tubulin, pericentrin, and total tubulin polymer fractions at specific stages of meiotic progression. γ-Tubulin remained associated with cytoplasmic centrosomes through diakinesis of meiosis-1. Following chromatin condensation and perinuclear centrosome aggregation, γ-tubulin relocated to a nuclear lamina-bounded compartment in which meiosis-1 spindle assembly occurred. γ-Tubulin was stably associated with the meiotic spindle from prometaphase-1 through to anaphase-2, but also exhibited cell cycle-specific relocalization to cytoplasmic centrosomes. Specifically, anaphase onset of both meiosis-1 and -2 was characterized by the concomitant appearance of γ-tubulin and microtubule nucleation in subcortical centrosomes. Brief pulses of taxol applied at specific cell cycle stages enhanced detection of γ-tubulin compartmentalization, consistent with a γ-tubulin localization-dependent spatial restriction of microtubule assembly during meiotic progression. In addition, a taxol pulse during meiotic resumption impaired subsequent γ-tubulin sorting, resulting in monopolar spindle formation and cell cycle arrest in meiosis-1; despite cell cycle arrest, polar body extrusion occurred roughly on schedule. Therefore, sorting of γ-tubulin is involved in both the timing of location of meiotic spindle assembly as well as the coordination of karyokinesis and cytokinesis in mouse oocytes.
Magnetic breakdown above the “compressibility collapse” transition in ReO3

Abstract We report a new cross-sectional area of the ReO3 Fermi surface above the compressibility collapse transition. Magnetic breakdown at low fields destroys the gaps at the new Brillouin zone faces of the high-pressure phase so that the observed Fermi surface is essentially identical in both phases at the fields where it can be observed.
Augmentative, Alternative, and Assistive: Reimagining the History of Mobile Computing and Disability

This article explores the linked histories and sociocultural implications of the Texas Instruments Vocaid and the Apple iPad, two technologies produced by consumer electronics companies and used as assistive devices by nonspeaking individuals. Through this brief case study, the author argues that developments in mobile computing and advancements in electronic communication aids are inherently intertwined through the history of their research, development, commercialization, use, and reuse. Although disability is often underrepresented in the history of computing, it has played, and continues to play, a significant role in how computers augment and provide alternatives to human communication and expression.
Black Participation in Health Research: A Functionalist Overview

Abstract Functionalist Theory is presented as a means of explaining and understanding Black participation (and its lack) in health investigations. Black functionality (participation) and dysfunctionality (non-participation) in overall health behavior is viewed as a consequence of their differentiated representation within the social structure. Within this context, this article argues that both theoretical and practical effects of socioeconomics, social stratification, and professional hierarchy hinder more than enhance Black participation in health research. Health educators are advised to consider the consequences of racial stratification and professional dominance which influence participation of Blacks in the health research process.
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of E- and Z-monolignols and their glucosides

Abstract Photoirradiation of the E -monolignols, E-p -coumaryl, coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols gave mixtures of the corresponding E/Z monolignols. Similar treatments of the glucosides, E - and Z -coniferin, Z -isoconiferin and Z -isoconiferin and Z -syringin afforded comparable E/Z mixtures. Without derivatization, separation of the individual E - and Z -monolignols, and the E - and Z -monolignol glucosides could only be obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. This development now permits the long-awaited facile analysis of plant extracts for E/Z monolignol and corresponding glucoside composition.
Autoradiographic and functional development of gastric cholecystokinin receptors in the rat

Abstract To determine the functional role for and the pharmacological specificity of developing gastrointestinal CCK receptors, in vitro pyloric contractility and autoradiographic CCK receptor binding were examined in pups aged 1–20 days. CCK contracted the gastroduodenal junction at all ages, while nonsulfated CCK-8 (d-CCK) was less potent. Autoradiographic studies revealed CCK binding localized to the gastroduodenal junction throughout development. MK-329, a specific type A CCK receptor antagonist, completely displaced 125I CCK-8 binding at all ages, while d-CCK displaced binding at ages at which d-CCK elicited gastroduodenal contractility. The results demonstrate a physiological role for and pharmacological specificity of neonatal gastroduodenal CCK receptors.
Effects of epitaxial strain in Er/Lu thin films

A series of c‐axis Er films ranging in thickness from 400 to 9500 A were grown on lutetium base layers to investigate the effects of epitaxial growth on the magnetic properties of bulk erbium. Neutron diffraction studies show that the basal plane lattice parameter of Er approaches the smaller Lu value as the films are made thinner. Below TN the phase angles of the Er spin modulation are diminished from bulk Er values in the thinner films. For all but two 800‐A films, there is evidence from bulk magnetization and neutron data of a first‐order transition to a conical ferromagnetic state, similar to bulk Er. These phenomena are compared to the properties of Er films grown on yttrium, whose basal plane spacing exceeds that of Er. In these systems the turn angles are greater than bulk and the ferromagnetic phase is suppressed. This contrasting behavior is consistent with predictions from a magnetoelastic energy model of epitaxial constraint developed to describe the Er/Y systems.
Signing an organ donor card: Psychological factors

Personality factors related to organ donor card signing were explored in a sample of 94 students. Nondonors scored higher on Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, Collett-Lester Fear of Death of Self, Death of Others, and Dying of Self subscales, and a scale of physical anxiety. Donors scored higher on a Likert scale reflecting acceptance of dying and, not surprisingly, on self-efficacy to sign an organ donor card. When regrouped on the basis of whether they believed in donation, those nondonors who believed they should donate were intermediate in self-efficacy between donors and those who had no interest in donating. This nondonor/believer group may be most likely to donate but may be restrained by the anxiety factors noted above. Further efforts should focus on clarifying these issues, so as to increase donation of greatly needed organs.
Role of JAK/STAT pathway in IL-6-induced activation of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background/Aims: IL-6, an inducer of the acute-phase response, is linked with the development of vascular disease and atherosclerosis. One mechanism likely involves direct effects o
Stability of feature selection algorithms

With the proliferation of extremely high-dimensional data, feature selection algorithms have become indispensable components of the learning process. Strangely, despite extensive work on the stability of learning algorithms, the stability of feature selection algorithms has been relatively neglected. This study is an attempt to fill that gap by quantifying the sensitivity of feature selection algorithms to variations in the training set. We assess the stability of feature selection algorithms based on the stability of the feature preferences that they express in the form of weights-scores, ranks, or a selected feature subset. We examine a number of measures to quantify the stability of feature preferences and propose an empirical way to estimate them. We perform a series of experiments with several feature selection algorithms on a set of proteomics datasets. The experiments allow us to explore the merits of each stability measure and create stability profiles of the feature selection algorithms. Finally we show how stability profiles can support the choice of a feature selection algorithm.
The potential influence of stimulus overselectivity in AAC: information from eye tracking and behavioral studies of attention with individuals with intellectual disabilities

This paper examines the phenomenon of stimulus overselectivity, or overselective attention, as it may impact AAC training and use in individuals with intellectual disabilities. Stimulus overselectivity is defined as an atypical limitation in the number of stimuli or stimulus features within an image that are attended to and subsequently learned. Within AAC, the term stimulus could refer to symbols or line drawings on speech-generating devices, drawings or pictures on low-technology systems, and/or the elements within visual scene displays. In this context, overselective attention may result in unusual or uneven error patterns such as confusion between two symbols that share a single feature, or difficulties with transitioning between different types of hardware. We review some of the ways that overselective attention has been studied behaviorally. We then examine how eye tracking technology allows a glimpse into some of the behavioral characteristics of overselective attention. We describe an intervention approach, differential observing responses, that may reduce or eliminate overselectivity, and we consider this type of intervention as it relates to issues of relevance for AAC.
The scaling of many-task computing approaches in python on cluster supercomputers

We compare two packages for performing manytask computing (MTC) in Python: IPython Parallel and Celery. We describe these packages in detail and compare their features as applied to many-task computing on a cluster, including a scaling study using over 12,000 cores and several thousand tasks. We use mpi4py as a baseline for our comparisons. Our results suggest that Python is an excellent way to manage many-task computing and that no single technique is the obvious choice in every situation.
Spatial-Depth Super Resolution for Range Images

We present a new post-processing step to enhance the resolution of range images. Using one or two registered and potentially high-resolution color images as reference, we iteratively refine the input low-resolution range image, in terms of both its spatial resolution and depth precision. Evaluation using the Middlebury benchmark shows across-the-board improvement for sub-pixel accuracy. We also demonstrated its effectiveness for spatial resolution enhancement up to 100 times with a single reference image.
Temporal Correlations between Functional and Molecular Changes in NMDA Receptors and GABA Neurotransmission in the Superior Colliculus

Activation of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor is required for activity-dependent structural plasticity in many areas of the young brain. Previous work has shown that NMDA receptor currents decline approximately at the time that developmental synaptic plasticity ends, and in situ hybridization studies have suggested that receptor subunit changes may be occurring during the same developmental interval. To establish a system in which the relationship between these properties of developing synapses can be explored, we have combined patch-clamp recordings with mRNA- and protein-level biochemical analyses to study the developmental regulation of NMDA receptors in the superficial layers of the rat superior colliculus. These experiments document an abrupt decrease in the NMDA receptor contribution to synaptic currents that occurs before eye opening and is closely associated with changes in NR1 protein, rapidly rising levels of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2A, and decreasing levels of NR2B. The functional and molecular changes also are correlated with the developmental decline in structural plasticity in these layers. In addition, both physiological and biochemical methods show evidence of GABA-mediated inhibition in the superficial collicular layers beginning after eye opening. This may provide an additional heterosynaptic mechanism for controlling excitation and plasticity in this neuropil by pattern vision. Thus our findings lend support to the idea that high levels of NMDA receptor function are associated with the potential for structural rearrangement in CNS neuropil and that the functional downregulation of this molecule results, at least partially, from changes in its subunit composition.
Genetic susceptibility to atracurium-induced bronchoconstriction.

The goal of this study was to develop a murine model of atracurium-induced bronchoconstriction in which to evaluate the mechanism of action of this airway response. We evaluated nine inbred strains of mice for the development of atracurium-induced bronchoconstriction. The maximal difference in the magnitude of the airway response to atracurium noted between the highly responsive DBA/2 mice and the minimally responsive SJL mice was greater than 20-fold. This phenotype appears to reflect an intrinsic difference in the lungs of these animals because the extent of neuromuscular blockade was not significantly different in DBA/2 and SJL mice. Atracurium-induced airway hyperresponsiveness in DBA/2 mice was eliminated in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment with atropine or pancuronium. These data are consistent with a postganglionic vagal efferent mechanism which produces a differential pulmonary response to this neuromuscular blocker. A genetic predisposition to atracurium-induced bronchoconstriction appears...
Discord of Biological and Psychological Measures in a Group of Depressed African American and White Cancer Patients

Objective: This study examined racial differences in the self-report of depressive symptoms by reference to biological states. Methods: The study used a convenience sample of 20 depressed cancer patients (CES-D � 16) (15 African Americans and 5 Whites). Subjects completed depression assessment on a battery of psychological measures and provided blood and saliva samples. Laboratory tests were performed on biomarkers (serotonin, cortisol and IL-6). T-test was computed to examine racial differences on biological and psychological measures. Results: Depressed Whites had a significantly higher cortisol level than depressed African Americans, but no significant group difference was found on any self-reported psychological measures of depression. There was a trend that African Americans reported fewer depressive symptoms on psychological measures but exceeded Whites on the domain of somatization; however, such group differences did not approach statistic significance in this small sample. Conclusion: African Americans did not appear to underreport depression in consideration of their biological states, but had a tendency to report more somatic symptoms than Whites; this may be attributable to non-depression diseases or reporting behavior rather than somatic sensitivity. African Americans exhibited more mistrust in the health care system, which could affect the self-report of depression. There is a discord between biological and psychological measures of depression. Biomarkers prove to be useful for evaluating racial difference in the self-report of depression. Implication for Nursing: Nurses should be cautious of somatic complaints when assessing African American cancer patient's depression. Establishing trust is essential for an accurate assessment of depression in African American cancer patients.
Antigenic relationship of cotton linters, dust, and dust precursors

Abstract Water-soluble antigens of cotton linters and cottonseed kernel are dissimilar and readily distinguishable by the technique described. House dusts from three sources contained an antigen common to cotton linters of grades commonly used in household furnishings and in manufacture of cellulose products. Presence in house dust extracts of a nonspecific toxic factor which induced anaphylactoid symptoms after intravenous administration to normal guinea pigs is confirmed. This factor was detected in undialyzed extracts, dialyzed extracts, and in dialysates. Extracts of cotton linters, concentrated in the manner described, may induce symptoms of distress and prostration terminating with death or delayed recovery when injected intravenously into normal guinea pigs. Samples of house dust from different sources have been shown to be variable and complex with respect to antigen content, containing antigens identified with cotton linters, egg white, and wool. It has not been possible to demonstrate the existence of a single characteristic antigenic entity in house dust.
Electron leakage and its suppression via deep-well structures in 4.5- to 5.0-μm-emitting quantum cascade lasers

The equations for threshold-current density Jth and external differential quantum efficiency ηd of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are modified to include electron leakage and the electron-backfilling term cor- rected to take into account hot electrons in the injector. We show that by introducing both deep quantum wells and tall barriers in the active regions of 4.8-μm-emitting QCLs, and by tapering the conduction-band edge of both injector and extractor regions, one can significantly reduce electron leakage. The characteristic temperatures for Jth and ηd, denoted by T0 and T1, respectively, are found to reach values as high as 278 and 285 K over the 20 to 90 ◦ C temperature range, which means that Jth and ηd display ≈ 2.3 slower variation than conventional 4.5- to 5.0-μm-emitting, high-performance QCLs over the same temperature range. A model for the thermal excitation of hot injected electrons from the upper laser level to the upper active-region energy states, wherefrom some relax to the lower active-region states and some are scattered to the upper miniband, is used to estimate the leakage current. Estimated T0 values are in good agreement with experiment for both conventional QCLs and deep-well QCLs. The T1 values are justified by increases in both electron leakage and waveguide loss with temperature. C 2010 Society of Photo-Optical
Upregulation of costimulatory molecules induced by lipopolysaccharide and double-stranded RNA occurs by Trif-dependent and Trif-independent pathways

Both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) are adjuvants for the adaptive immune response, inducing upregulation of costimulatory molecules (UCM) on antigen-presenting cells. Trif, an adapter protein that transduces signals from Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR3, permits the induction of many cytokines, including interferon-beta, which signals through the type I interferon receptor. We show here that LPS-induced UCM was strictly dependent on the TLR4-->Trif axis, whereas dsRNA-induced UCM was only partly dependent on the TLR3-->Trif axis. But both LPS- and dsRNA-induced UCM were entirely dependent on type I interferon receptor signaling. These findings show that UCM involves an autocrine or paracrine loop, and indicate that an alternative TLR3-independent, Trif-independent pathway contributes to dsRNA-induced UCM.
Peripheral arterial disease - epidemiological aspects

As many as 10 million people in the USA have peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with a prevalence over 10% in people aged more than 60 years old. Generally, men have a higher prevalence of PAD than women. The risk factors for PAD are similar to those for coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD), but diabetes and cigarette smoking have a particularly strong association with PAD. Patients with PAD also have CAD and CBVD as co-morbidities, although the extent of co-morbidity depends on the sensitivity of assessment. The risk of mortality is proportional to the severity of PAD, and the relative risk of all-cause mortality due to PAD is unaltered by the presence of CAD or CBVD. PAD is under-recognized and under-treated, even though it should be regarded as a severe disease leading to significant death and disability from stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, accurate diagnosis of PAD could provide an early indication of the need for intervention and help prevent future morbidity and mortality.
Application of a Compaction Simulator to the Design of a High-Dose Tablet Formulation. Part I

AbstractThe compaction properties of an investigational drug are studied by the use of a compaction simulator. The effects of punch velocity over the range of 30-640 mm−1 on the compaction properties of the pure drug and a variety of formulas incorporating a high dose of the active compound have been investigated. The data were analyzed by applying the Heckel equation. The pure drug was found to have a high yield pressure at a relatively low punch velocity of 31 mm−1. As the punch velocity was increased there was a decrease in crushing strength, primarily as a result of increasing yield pressure. These findings indicate that the pure drug predominantly consolidated by fragmentation and elastic deformation, with a slow plastically deforming component. The information obtained on the consolidation mechanism of the pure drug and, subsequently, on model formulas were instrumental in the design and selection of a robust formula and granulation process. The advantages of conducting dosage form design and charac...
Developing Fracture Assessment Methods for Fusion Reactor Materials with Small Specimens

Design and operation of fusion reactors will require a temperature-dependent effective toughness [K e (T)] data base. Effective toughness is a function of intrinsic metallurgical/microstructural factors, degraded by irradiation, and extrinsic factors, such as size and geometry. Standard fracture mechanics is inadequate, since the presumption of geometrically independent crack tip stress/strain fields does not apply to either small specimens or in thin-walled structures with shallow cracks. More general approaches to measuring and applying Ke(T) data are described for cleavage initiation in steels and vanadium alloys. The critical stress-critical area (σ*/A*) mechanism of cleavage initiation is demonstrated using a confocal microscopy/fracture reconstruction method that can also directly measure K e . The σ*/A* model is combined with finite element method (FEM) simulations of crack tip fields to: a) predict Ke(T) for F-82H as a function of size; and b) directly adjust Ke(T) data to a common test geometry. A simpler master curve-(temperature) shift method is also described. Changes in yield stress due to irradiation or strain rates can be related to the shifts. Indeed, tensile properties as a function of temperature, strain rate and alloy condition are required by all assessment methods. Physically-based small specimen methods will reduce enormously what would otherwise be a prohibitive amount of testing.
A heuristic global router for polycell layout

A novel heuristic global routing algorithm has been developed and implemented. The advantage of using heuristics for routing is that they can achieve a close-to-optimal solution in a reasonable amount of computation time. It is shown that in most cases the router achieves as good or better layout area and total wirelength as the TimberWolf global router which uses the inherently time-expensive technique of simulated annealing. It is concluded by using good heuristics that the potentially computation-intensive problem of optimal global routing can be solved efficiently without trading off a significant amount of optimality. >