cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Van't Hoff Analysis of ATP Binding to Human P-glycoprotein (ABCB1)

ATP binding to ABC transport proteins is an established step in the mechanism by which substrates are transported. Basal ATPase activity (activity seen in the absence of transported drugs) also facilitates multidrug transport by ABC proteins (Al-Shawi et al. 2003, J. Biol. Chem. 278, 52629). Therefore, we aimed to develop a non-perturbing method for detecting structural changes of P-glycoprotein associated with ATP binding during turnover. To accomplish this we analyzed heat capacity changes during ATP binding to P-glycoprotein by generating van't Hoff relationships for KMATP values for ATP binding and KiAMPPNP values for AMPPNP binding (non-hydrolysable analog of ATP).The rate of ATP hydrolysis by purified P-glycoprotein was measured as a function of ATP and AMPPNP concentrations at different temperatures from 23 to 35°C, in the presence or absence of saturating concentration of drug. Plots of Ln(KaATP) as a function of reciprocal absolute temperature in the presence of verapamil, valinomycin, colchicine and in absence of drug were fit by a nonlinear van't Hoff equation. Changes in heat capacity were derived from the fits. For basal activity, the Ln(KaATP) increased with reciprocal temperature. The heat capacity change was positive. In the presence of verapamil the relationship declined and the heat capacity change was negative. Results obtained with the other drugs were similar. This suggests that P-glycoprotein became more hydrated on ATP binding during basal activity and adopted a more open form. In contrast, in the presence of verapamil P-glycoprotein became less hydrated and adopted a more compact form. Overall, the data support our contention that there are two structurally distinct reaction pathways for ATP hydrolysis by ABC transporters and further help clarify the coupling mechanism of ATP hydrolysis to substrate transport. Supported by NIH grant GM52502.
Effects of phenological stage ofSpartina alterniflora transplant culms on stand development

Spartina alterniflora culms dug from a naturally established seedling stand, and from tall- and dwarf-form stands were transplanted on a coarse (Area I) and a fine textured (Area II) substrate of similar elevation. Soil amendment treatments of 122.0 and 244.0 kg ha−2 each of inorganic N, P2O and K2O and a commercial root dip treatment were applied to the three culm types. The seedling culm type was the superior transplant material in terms of initial survival, rapid tiller production and below-ground biomass accumulation. The dwarf- and tall-form culms were from more mature stands and did not have a comparable flush of growth. Although initial transplant survival was slightly less in Area II, vegetative growth of all three culm types was more rapid than on the coarse textured substrate. Increased water holding capacity and nutrient availability of the fine textured substrate probably reduced osmotic stress between tidal inundation in the summer months and promoted growth throughout the year. At 16-mo postplanting, only the seedling culms were similar to natural stands in the vicinity in terms of culm density. Root: shoot ratios of less than unity for all culm types indicated the stand was still developing.
Surviving and Coping with Emotional Abuse in Childhood

Emotional abuse, even when it is the sole form of abuse, can be psychologically harmful, but there are a number of internal and environmental factors that may protect children from ultimate damage. External factors are of importance to practitioners because they are more amenable to positive change through intervention. The objective of the research was to explore what factors in emotionally abused children’s environments might be important in helping them cope with their abusive childhoods. The method of inquiry was through in-depth, unstructured interviews with 14 adults who had survived significant emotional abuse in childhood. Although a number of external factors was identified by the interviewees, the non-abusing parent did not feature as one of these factors. Other family members, including siblings, grandparents and, particularly aunts, provided support to the majority of interviewees. Friends, teachers and other professionals were all helpful, while religious groups had a positive role for some. ...
Guided Gravitational Waves

By analogy with certain solutions of Maxwell's equations it can be shown that guided gravitational waves are a possibility.
Biacetyl Production by Cultures of Lactic Acid-Producing Streptococci

Summary Certain cultures of S. lactis and S. cremoris grown in milk produced a flavor resembling a mixed culture of lactic acid-producing and citric acid-fermenting streptococci. The flavor and aroma of these cultures suggested formation of biacetyl, volatile acids and CO 2 . The incubation temperature, incubation time and pH required for maximum biacetyl production were variable. The greatest amount of biacetyl produced by a lactic acid-producing streptococcus was 4.0ppm. Many cultures produced little or no biacetyl in milk. No direct relationship existed between the amount of acid produced by a culture and its ability to produce biacetyl. However, there was a correlation between the pH of milk and biacetyl production by cultures. Cultures of lactic acid-producing streptococci formed the largest amounts of biacetyl in milk after they had decreased the pH to 5 or less. With most cultures, maximum biacetyl production was evident in the range of pH 4.2 to 4.75. A culture of S. lactis obtained from a commercial mixed culture by plating and further purified by plating and picking isolated colonies contained both high and low biacetyl-producing strains. The addition of citric acid (0.15 per cent) to milk cultures of lactic acid-producing streptococci generally resulted in slightly higher biacetyl production, although the increases were not as conspicuous as those obtained with mixed cultures of lactic acid-producing and citric acid-fermenting streptococci. Acetylmethylcarbinol production was not increased appreciably by addition of citric acid to milk cultures of lactic acid-producing streptococci but volatile acid production was increased considerably. When citric acid was added to milk, the biacetyl content did not decrease as rapidly as it did in plain milk after maximum production was reached. It is suggested that cultures of S. lactis which produce appreciable amounts of biacetyl be recognized as a variety of S. lactis and be designated S. lactis var. aromaticus in accordance with the method of classification of this group proposed by Hammer and Baker (6).
Tunable multimode interference devices

A tunable multimode interference (MMI) coupler that operates by modifying the phase of the multiple images that are formed around the midpoint of the MMI section is demonstrated. The phase change is achieved by current injection, and therefore minimizing current spreading is crucial for optimal operation. A zinc in-diffusion process has been implemented to selectively define p-i-n regions and effectively regulate the current spreading by controlling the depth of the zinc doping. Using this process a tunable 3-dB MMI coupler has been fabricated. Our initial results show that the device can be easily tuned all the way from a 90:10 to a 30:70 splitting ratio of the optical power transmitted through the two output ports. We believe that further improvement on the device fabrication will lead to a more symmetric tuning response of the device. Nevertheless, the initial results are very encouraging since, to our knowledge, this degree of tuning has never been experimentally demonstrated in similar MMI devices. Furthermore, this device processing technique can easily be applied to a wide variety of semiconductor photonic switches that operate on MMI effects.
Eplerenone: A New Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist—Are the FDA's Restrictions Appropriate?

Eplerenone is a new aldosterone receptor antagonist that will be used in the treatment of hypertension. Like spironolactone, it is a compound that can be associated with the development of hyperkalemia. Therefore, the same prescription considerations that are applied to spironolactone should be directed to its use. Unfortunately, the label for eplerenone will place more stringent restrictions on its use than is the case for spironolactone. The basis for the multiple contraindications to the use of eplerenone is primarily that of concern for the development of hyperkalemia. This may occur with eplerenone, as has been the case with spironolactone. The presumption in the prescribing information that certain patient subsets, such as diabetics with microalbuminuria and/or patients with mild renal failure, would be highly prone to developing clinically relevant hyperkalemia with eplerenone is not, however, grounded in fact. The favorable experience with spironolactone is important. It should provide us with the landmarks for advancing knowledge on the role of newer aldosterone receptor antagonists in disease state management and one would think, help in establishing criteria for the safe use of new compounds. New compounds in a drug class typically provide advantages over earlier entries into a drug class but not if regressive labeling has occurred. Time and additional clinical experience with eplerenone will establish its safety profile and determine if the original label for this compound was correct.
Tuberculosis as a manifestation of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Tuberculosis has not been well documented as a complication of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We studied 48 cases of mycobacterial diseases among a group of 136 adult patients with AIDS over a 43-month period. Twenty-nine of them had severe and unusual manifestations of disease due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis , predominantly extrapulmonary and disseminated. Tuberculosis was more common among Haitians (4/8) and intravenous drug abusers (24/102) than among homosexuals who did not abuse drugs (0/22). Twelve of 21 patients with tuberculosis who were treated responded well, whereas three developed progressive disease indicative of treatment failure. Severe and unusual presentation of overwhelming tuberculosis in appropriate clinical circumstances may be considered an infection predictive of the presence of AIDS. ( JAMA 1986;256:362-366)
Exposed hydroxyapatite particles on the surface of photo-crosslinked nanocomposites for promoting MC3T3 cell proliferation and differentiation

We present a systematic study for investigating the role of exposed hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles in influencing surface characteristics and mouse pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell behavior using nanocomposites prepared by photo-crosslinking poly(e-caprolactone) diacrylate (PCLDA) with HA. PCLDA530 and PCLDA2000 synthesized from poly(e-caprolactone) diol precursors with nominal molecular weights of 530 and 2000 g mol(-1) were used as the polymer matrices. Crosslinked PCLDA530 was amorphous while crosslinked PCLDA2000 was semi-crystalline. Crosslinked PCLDA/HA composites with different compositions of HA (10%, 20% and 30%) as well as crosslinked PCLDAs were characterized in terms of their composition-dependent physicochemical properties. The tensile, compressive and shear moduli were greatly enhanced by incorporating HA nanoparticles with the polymer matrices. The disk surfaces of original crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites were removed by cutting using a blade to expose HA nanoparticles that were embedded in the polymer substrates. The composition of HA was much higher on the cut surface, particularly in semi-crystalline crosslinked PCLDA2000/HA nanocomposites. The surface characteristics of original and cut crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites were compared and correlated with cell behavior on these nanocomposites. MC3T3-E1 cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation were significantly enhanced when the HA composition was increased in original crosslinked PCLDA/HA nanocomposites due to more bioactive HA, higher surface stiffness and rougher topography. More exposed HA on the surface of cut semi-crystalline PCLDA2000/HA nanocomposites resulted in improved hydrophilicity and significantly better MC3T3 cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation compared with the original surfaces. This study suggests that HA nanoparticles may not be fully exploited in polymer/HA nanocomposites where the top polymer surface covers the particles. The removal of this polymer layer can generate more desirable surfaces and osteoconductivity for bone repair and regeneration.
Dispersion law of exciton polaritons in MQW based photonic crystals

The exciton polaritons dispersion law is analyzed in a one-dimensional multiple-quantum-well based photonic crystal. An effective approach allowing to consider structures with an arbitrary periodic spatial modulation of the dielectric function and the multilevel structure of the exciton spectrum is developed. It is shown that the condition of the Bragg resonance has to be modified to take into account the symmetry of the exciton states and the non-trivial dispersion law of the electromagnetic waves in photonic crystals. For a particular case of a one-level excitonic susceptibility it is shown that the Bragg resonance occurs when the exciton frequency falls to the high-frequency boundary of the photonic band-gap. The polariton's dispersion law is considered. The angular dependence of the spectrum is analyzed. The effect of multiple exciton levels on the polariton spectrum is discussed.
The effects of an electric field on an opposed-jet diffusion flame

The extinction of opposed-jet diffusion flames is studied under an applied electric field of varying intensity and polarity. Experiment reveals that at any particular flame composition, an electric field enables one to support flames with greater apparent flame strengths than without a field. The overall order of reaction varies with both intensity and polarity of the electric field. It is suggested that, below discharge intensity, an electric field may affect combustion kinetics by altering gas concentration gradients, or by contributing new electron molecule reactions.
Marrow transplantation following escalating doses of fractionated total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide--a phase I trial.

Abstract Thirty-six patients with advanced hematologic malignancy were entered into a Phase I study designed to define the maximum tolerated dose of unshielded total body irradiation delivered from dual 60 Cobalt sources at an exposure rate of 8 cGy/min and given in fractions twice daily for total doses ranging from 12 Gy to 17 Gy. All patients received cyclophosphamide, 120 mg/kg administered over 2 days before total body irradiation. Allogeneic marrow was infused from HLA-identical siblings (n = 29) or one locus HLA incompatible family members (n = 3); three patients received cryopreserved autologous marrow and one patient received syngeneic marrow. The maximum tolerated dose of total body irradiation given as 2 Gy fractions twice a day was 16 Gy. One of eight patients receiving 12 Gy, none of four receiving 14 Gy, three of 20 receiving 16 Gy, and two of four receiving 17 Gy developed severe (Grade 3–4) regimen-related toxicity. The primary dose limiting toxicity was pneumonitis, followed by veno-occlusive disease of the liver, renal impairment, and mucositis. Five patients (14%) are alive, four disease-free 798–1522 days posttransplant. Twenty (56%) relapsed posttransplant. Further investigation of regimens containing 16 Gy of hyperfractionated total body irradiation is warranted to assess anti-tumor efficacy.
Effect of temperature and water on microphase separation of PCL–PEO–PCL triblock copolymers

Microphase separation of poly(e-caprolactone-ethylene oxide-e-caprolactone) (PCL–PEO–PCL), with block number-average molecular weights of 9,100–30,400–9,100 g/mol, was studied. Cylindrical morphology was observed in a solvent-cast sample. When the as-cast sample was heated above the melting points of both PEO and PCL blocks, a change in morphology was observed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS). When this sample was cooled to room temperature in the ambient atmosphere, another morphology (lamellae) was observed with SAXS and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). This asymmetric change in morphology suggests a role of kinetics (microphase separation and crystallization) in determining the observed microstructures. Addition of water at room temperature also affected microphase separation of the block copolymer due to hydrophilicity of PEO. As the polymer concentration decreases from 100 to 60%, the morphology changes from cylinders to lamellae. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data show that water addition decreases PEO crystallinity but PCL crystallinity remains.
Abrupt decline in oxycodone-caused mortality after implementation of Florida's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

BACKGROUND: In Florida, oxycodone-caused deaths declined substantially in 2012. Multiple important law enforcement, pharmaceutical, policy, and public health actions occurred concurrently, including implementation of a statewide Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). The effects of the PDMP on oxycodone-caused mortality in Florida were evaluated. METHODS: A time-series, quasi-experimental research design with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) statistical models, including internal and external covariates. Data included 120 repeated monthly observations. Monthly counts of oxycodone-caused deaths, obtained from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission (MEC) was the outcome variable. Models included market-entry of tamper-resistant oxycodone HC1 controlled release tablets (OxyContin(®)), enforcement crackdowns (Operation Pill Nation), and regulation by FL House Bill 7095, measured by the monthly count of Florida pain management clinics closed. Two approaches were used to test the PDMP's hypothesized effect: (1) a binary indicator variable (0=pre-implementation, 1=post-implementation), and (2) a continuous indicator consisting of the number of PDMP queries by health care providers. RESULTS: Oxycodone-caused mortality abruptly declined 25% the month after implementation of Florida's PDMP (p=0.008). The effect remained after integrating other related historical events into the model. RESULTS indicate that for a system-wide increase of one PDMP query per health care provider, oxycodone-caused deaths declined by 0.229 persons per month (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate that the PDMP had a significant effect in reducing oxycodone-caused mortality in Florida. RESULTS have implications for national efforts to address the prescription drug epidemic. Language: en
Podcasts Go Platinum

“Podcast,” a noun now firmly entrenched in the vernacular, is a recently minted portmanteau suggested just 10 years ago (1, 2). It is sobering to note that other proposals to name the then-new phenomenon of audio production distributed over the Internet included “Audioblogging” and “GuerillaMedia” (2). As I wrote a draft of this article, I became aware that the predecessor for all of today's mobile media players—the Sony Walkman—just celebrated its 35th anniversary (3). One wonders what Akio Morita, who passed away just 1 year before the advent of the World Wide Web, would think of today's technologies that in many ways are progeny of that once sleek, now bulky, cassette-playing audio device. As might have been anticipated, podcasts were first embraced by traditional broadcast media, but that was quickly followed by …
On Univalent Harmonic Maps Between Surfaces.

Hence the energy defines a functional on the space of Lipshitz maps between M and M'. Critical points of this functional are called harmonic maps. These maps were studied by Bochner, Morrey, Rauch, Eells and Sampson, Hartman, Uhlenbeck, Hamilton, Hildebrandt and others. The first fundamental result was due to Eells and Sampson [3] who proved that, in case M' has non-positive sectional curvature, each map from M to M' is homotopic to a harmonic map. (This result was then extended by Hamil ton [8] to the case where both M and M' are allowed to have boundary.) Later Har tman [7] was able to prove the harmonic map is unique in each homotopy class if M' has strictly negative curvature. This last result of Har tman leads one to believe that harmonic maps between compact manifolds with negative curvature must enjoy a lot of nice properties. In fact, a few years ago, B. Lawson and the second author conjectured the following statement: If f is a harmonic map between two compact Riemannian manifolds of negative curvature and if f is a homotopy equivalence, then f is a diffeomorphism. In this paper, we demonstrate that the above statement is true at least when dim M = d i m M ' = 2 . In other words, we prove that when M' has non-positive curvature and genus M = g > 1, then every degree one harmonic map from M into M' is a diffeomorphism. We also generalize this theorem to the case where both M and M' have boundary, ~M' has non-negative geodesic curvature and the harmonic map restricted to ~M is a homeomorphism from OM to t~M'. It should be noted that in case both M and M' are bounded simply connected domins in the plane, the last theorem was an old theorem and was
Application of ELSP solution techniques to the deterministic robotic scheduling problem

This paper studies the flexible deterministic robotic scheduling problem (FDRSP) where one tool changer (robot) is in charge of several machining operations and overlapping tool changes are not allowed. The relationship between the FDRSP and the economic lot scheduling problem (ELSP) is explored. The most promising solution techniques for the ELSP guaranteeing feasibility in advance are modified and applied to the FDRSP. It is concluded that the basic period approach performs the best in small problems, while the rounding to powers of two approach is superior for medium to large problems.
Endogenous nitrosyl factors may inhibit the desensitization of 5-HT3 receptors on vagal cardiopulmonary afferents.

Abstract The pronounced tachyphylaxis to the Bezold–Jarisch reflex (BJR) responses elicited by systemic injections of the 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) agonists such as phenylbiguanide (PBG) may involve desensitization and/or reduced rate of resensitization of 5-HT3Rs on vagal cardiopulmonary afferents. The presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in vagal afferents raises the possibility that endogenous nitrosyl factors regulate the status of 5-HT3Rs in these afferents. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine whether the inhibition of NOS alters the development of tachyphylaxis to the BJR responses elicited by PBG in conscious rats. The first injection of PBG (100 μg/kg, i.v.) elicited robust reductions in heart rate (HR), diastolic arterial blood pressure (BPD), and cardiac output (CO) but minor changes in total peripheral resistance in saline-treated rats. Subsequent injections elicited progressively smaller responses such that the sixth injections elicited minor responses only. The first injection of PBG (100 μg/kg, i.v.) in rats treated with the NOS inhibitor, l -NAME (25 μmol/kg, i.v.) elicited similar reductions in HR, BPD, and CO as in saline-treated rats. However, the rate of development of tachyphylaxis to PBG was markedly faster in the l -NAME-treated rats. The BJR responses elicited by 5-HT (40 μg/kg, i.v.) were markedly attenuated after the development of tachyphylaxis to PBG in saline- and in l -NAME-treated rats whereas the BJR responses elicited by the S-nitrosothiol, l -S-nitrosocysteine (5 μmol/kg, i.v.), were not attenuated in either group. These findings suggest that tachyphylaxis to PBG was not due to the loss of central or efferent processing of the BJR. Taken together, these findings suggest NOS exists in vagal cardiopulmonary afferents mediating the BJR and that nitrosyl factors influence 5-HT3R function.
Introduction into California of Cold-tolerant Biotypes of the Mealybug Predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri , and Laboratory Procedures for Testing Natural Enemies for Cold-hardiness

A review is presented of the initial importation of the Australian mealybug lady beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, in 1891–92 from mild climatic areas of eastern Australia, and the subsequent history of its periodic releases against mealybugs in California. Since its introduction, this predator, which can rarely survive California winters, has been maintained contmuously in insectary culture and redistributed on a world-wide basis without further additions to its gene pool. New clones of the predator, collected in 1972 in 2 of the coldest areas of Australia, were propagated and colonized in California to try to broaden the genetic base for cold-hardiness of the species. Special equipment was designed for laboratory testing of the cold tolerance of this predator. In tests with this equipment at –5.0°C for less than 12 h, the old (1891) race of C. montrouzieri was shown to be less cold-hardy than the newly imported biotypes. Evidence is supplied that a simple test of adult survival after 12–h exposure to –5.5±0.5°C affords an easy procedure for measuring the cold-hardiness of this and other natural enemy species.
Direct and Indirect Pathways between Parental Constructive Behavior and Adolescent Affiliation with Achievement-Oriented Peers

We investigated the direct and indirect pathways through which parental constructive behavior may influence the adolescent’s affiliation with achievement-oriented peers. Using a longitudinal survey data set from nine California and Wisconsin high schools (from 9th through 12th grades, with an approximate age range from 14 through 18) structural equation models were estimated. Our longitudinal analyses confirmed an indirect effect from Time 1 parental constructive behavior and a direct effect from Time 2 parental constructive behavior on an increase in the perceived achievement orientation of friends at Time 2, net of the stability effect from the prior values of the perceived achievement orientation of friends at Time 1. A point to be emphasized is that parental influence on peer affiliation in late adolescence remains significant even as parental involvement in adolescents’ lives diminishes. In addition, the direct effect from Time 2 parental constructive behavior on the perceived achievement-orientation of friends appears stronger for boys than for girls.
Normal body hair--a review.

Cet article est consacre au developpement des follicules pileux et aux types de poils; distribution, modes, vitesse et regulation de la croissance
Heat capacity of 2Al4C3·SiC from 447 to 1447 K and enthalpy of peritectic decomposition of Al4C3, 2Al4C3·SiC, and Al4C3·SiC

Abstract The molar heat capacity of 2Al 4 C 3 ·SiC and the enthalpy of peritectic decomposition of Al 4 C 3 , 2Al 4 C 3 ·SiC, and Al 4 C 3 ·SiC were measured by the Bureau of Mines to provide fundamental data to assist in the development of a carbothermic reduction process for aluminum. The molar heat capacity of 2Al 4 C 3 ·SiC was measured by differential scanning calorimetry from 447 to 1447 K. The enthalpy of peritectic decomposition was calculated from time-temperature thermal analyses of samples, synthetic sapphire (NBS Standard Reference Material 720), and an empty crucible. The value at T = 298.15 K for C p,m o of 2Al 4 C 3 ·SiC is 260.24 J K −1 mol −1 . The enthalpy of peritectic decomposition for Al 4 C 3 at 2429 K is (140 ± 20) kJ mol −1 , for 2Al 4 C 3 ·SiC starting at 2358 K it is (210 ± 50) kJ mol −1 , and for Al 4 C 3 ·SiC starting at 2345 K it is (160 ± 20) kJ mol −1 .
Toward Uniformity of Clusters Across Methods by Reducing Errors in Data

Iterative Intercolumnar Correlation Classification (IICC) computes the correlation coefficients for the entries of every column of a matrix with those of every other column of the matrix. The procedure is iterated until a matrix is generally realized of only two clusters. Every object of each cluster has an index of plus-one with every other object of its cluster. Indices of minus one only mediate between objects across clusters.IICC probably goes to an extreme. It disallows that any object of a cluster can be less than a perfect respresentative of that cluster. This extreme derives from the definition of a cluster by IICC. The stringency of the definition is reduced. This justifies discontinuing iteration earlier.Both initial indices and those of the middle iteration were clustered by four methods.Iteration increases the size and validity of indices, reduces errors in the indices, and increases homogeneity amongst them. Increased similarity in procedures ensues as at least some methods are adapted to mid...
Cognitive impairment and cortisol resistance to Dexamethasone Suppression in elderly depression

Abstract The present study evaluates the relationship between cognitive impairment and the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST) in elderly persons suffering from depression. Twentynine subjects meeting DSM-III criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) were assessed using the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) and the DST. Plasma cortisol levels before and after receiving 0.5 mg dexamethasone were compared, and correlations were determined between GDS and postdexamethasone plasma cortisol levels. The results show that there is a positive correlation between the GDS scores andpost-DEX cortisol levels ( r = 0.57, p It is suggested that increased activity of the HPA axis, seen in depression, could contribute to the cognitive impairments observed in this disorder .
Retrograde Ca2+ signaling in C2C12 skeletal myocytes in response to mitochondrial genetic and metabolic stress: a novel mode of inter-organelle crosstalk

We have investigated the mechanism of mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk during cellular stress in mouse C2C12 myocytes. For this purpose, we used cells with reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents by ethidium bromide treatment or myocytes treated with known mitochondrial metabolic inhibitors, including carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), antimycin, valinomycin and azide. Both genetic and metabolic stresses similarly affected mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) and electron transport-coupled ATP synthesis, which was also accompanied by an elevated steady-state cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i). The mitochondrial stress resulted in: (i) an enhanced expression of the sarcoplasmic reticular ryanodine receptor-1 (RyR-1), hence potentiating the Ca2+ release in response to its modulator, caffeine; (ii) enhanced levels of Ca2+-responsive factors calineurin, calcineurin-dependent NFATc (cytosolic counterpart of activated T-cell-specific nuclear factor) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent ATF2 (activated transcription factor 2); (iii) reduced levels of transcription factor, NF-kappaB; and (iv) enhanced transcription of cytochrome oxidase Vb (COX Vb) subunit gene. These cellular changes, including the steady-state [Ca2+]i were normalized in genetically reverted cells which contain near-normal mtDNA levels. We propose that the mitochondria-to-nucleus stress signaling occurs through cytosolic [Ca2+]i changes, which are likely to be due to reduced ATP and Ca2+ efflux. Our results indicate that the mitochondrial stress signal affects a variety of cellular processes, in addition to mitochondrial membrane biogenesis.
The relative importance of genetic and environmental factors in determining the precision of gonadotrophin assay.

AT PRESENT, the assay of gonadotrophin must be based on some biological response. According to Bliss (1950), “The inherent precision of the assay may be increased principally by reducing the standard deviations about the dosage response line and less frequently by increasing the slope without change in the standard deviation”. This paper is concerned with determining to what extent individual variation can be decreased by the use of highly inbred animals as compared to random bred (non-inbred) animals. Furthermore, the influence of certain environmental factors on the standard deviation has been studied. materials and methods Immature female rats stemming from the Long-Evans strain were used; one strain was random bred and the other was the result of 15 or more generations of close inbreeding. The first 3 generations were the result of sire-daughter matings whereas later generations resulted from brother-sister matings. All of the inbred animals stemmed from a single brother-sister mating in the eighth ge...
USING VIDEO MODELING AND REINFORCEMENT TO TEACH PERSPECTIVE-TAKING SKILLS TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

We evaluated video modeling and reinforcement for teaching perspective-taking skills to 3 children with autism using a multiple baseline design. Video modeling and reinforcement were effective; however, only 2 children were able to pass an untrained task, indicating limited generalization. The findings suggest that video modeling may be an effective technology for teaching perspective taking if researchers can continue to develop strategies for enhancing the generalization of these new skills.
Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) occurs commonly in patients with asthma but also can affect individuals without asthma. EIB is particularly common in populations of athletes. Common symptoms include cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, and wheezing; however, there can be a variety of more subtle symptoms. In this article, the clinical presentation of EIB as well as the diagnosis and treatment of EIB are outlined.
On the inverse problem for a heat-like equation

Using the integral representation of the solution of the boundary value problem for the equation with one time-dependent coefficient at the highest space-derivative three inverse problems are solved. Depending on the property of the coefficient we consider cases when the equation is of the parabolic type and two special cases of the degenerate/mixed type. In the parabolic case the corresponding inverse problem is reduced to the nonlinear Volterra integral equation for which the uniqueness of the solution is proved. For the special cases explicit formulae are derived. Both minimal and overspecified boundary data are considered.
In Situ Measurements of Heat Generation in a Li/Mesocarbon Microbead Half-Cell

The heat generation of mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) in a MCMB/Li cell was measured in an isothermal microcalorimeter. The heat contributions are discussed in terms of reversible and irreversible heat generation. Endothermic and exothermic events observed during the charge and discharge processes are attributed to the stage changes of graphite during the electrochemical lithium insertion-extraction reactions. The initial endothermic peak is attributed to the insertion of the lithium ion into the graphite layer structure; the graphite structure changes from a dilute stage 1' to stage 4 with a positive AS (due to the order/disorder transition). In addition, the heat generation is estimated on the basis of the cell entropy change and cell polarization at a low discharge rate. The open-circuit voltage and AS calculated from the isothermal calorimeter results under low charge/discharge rates have the same range and similar shapes when compared to the experimental results.
Multi-muscle FES control of the human arm for interaction tasks—Stabilizing with muscle co-contraction and postural adjustment: A simulation study

In this paper we present a method to stimulate multiple muscles in a human arm to perform interaction tasks, using an implanted Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) neuroprosthesis. The unstable effect arising from interaction tasks is considered, and the arm stability is directly treated as one of the control objectives in the controller design. By ex- ploiting the kinematic and muscular redundancy of the system, we can control the interaction force and the arm's stiffness property simultaneously, thus ensuring the stable execution of interaction tasks. A representative example of such interaction tasks, namely the "pushing with a stick" task, is simulated. It is found that using our proposed controller, as compared to a previously developed feedforward FES controller that does not consider arm stiffness or stability, the stability of the arm is guaranteed while the task of force control is correctly achieved.
Telemedicine Workplace Environments: Designing for Success

When designing a facility for telemedicine, there are several things to consider from a human factors point of view, as well as from a practicality point of view. Although the future practice of telemedicine is likely to be more of a mobile-based practice and centered more in the home than it is now, it is still very important to consider ways to optimize the design of clinic-based telemedicine facilities. This is true on both ends of a consultation-where the patient is and where the consultant is. On the patient side, the first thing to realize is that most telemedicine clinics are not going to be newly designed and built. In all likelihood they will be existing rooms converted to telemedicine clinic rooms. Quite often the former room will not even have been used for clinical purposes, but may have simply been a storage area cleared out for telemedicine use. Therefore, design is often a challenge but there are a few basic principles that can be followed to create a workable clinical space. This paper will review some of the basic human factors principles to take into account when designing a working telemedicine environment.
Low-Cost Low-Power Self-Test Design and Verification of On-Chip ADC for System-on-a-Chip Applications

This paper presents a low-cost low-power self-test design and verification of on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) applications. A methodology for performing mixed-mode built-in self-test (BIST) simulation was performed along with the BIST architecture. The architecture presented allows for generation of analog test signals of frequency up to 600 MHz, using a 4-b 2.5 Gsamples/s current steering digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Both integral nonlinearity (INL) and differential nonlinearity (DNL ) errors of test signals were obtained about 0.5 LSB by the sine wave histogram testing. The measured power dissipation for generated test signals of 600 MHz at the power supply of 1.2 V is about 5.32 mW. The current steering DAC achieves 22.3 dB of spur free dynamic range (SFDR) for 600 MHz signals.
Thermomechanical Analysis of the Stress History in Heat Set Nylon 6 Carpet Yarns

Tension effects during a commercial heat setting process were investigated through the analysis of the thermomechanical behavior of heat set nylon 6 carpet yarns. The stress history of these yarns was modified by altering the yarn tension level at various positions along the Superba continuous heat setting process. Changes in fiber structure and morphology were characterized by mechanical testing, shrinkage measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermal stress analysis.A model based on the hypothesis that there are two domains of molecular order that respond differently to the effects of stress, such that structural and morphological changes proceed via two distinct mechanisms, was fit to the experimental shrinkage force-temperature curves and described the experimental curves very well. Changes in the calculated curve parameters were highly correlated with the observed changes in shrinkage and initial moduli. Each of these changes was a function of the tension state of the nylon 6 yarns dur...
Selective spectral filtration with nanoparticles for concentrating solar collectors

University of Tulsa, 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104, United StatesAbstract. A spectral fluid filter for potential use in hybrid photovoltaic/thermal concentratingsolar collectors has been developed, targeting maximum absorption above and transmissionbelow a desired wavelength. In this application, the temperature-dependent bandgap of thepotential solar cell is used in the optimization of the filter. Dispersing a mix of colloidal nano-particles in a heat transfer fluid is shown to absorb 86% of sub-bandgap insolation while absorb-ing only 18% above bandgap insolation. Transmission above bandgap light would be directlyabsorbed into the photovoltaic (PV) cell while absorbedphotons transfer energydirectly into theheat transfer fluid ultimately reducing the number of heat transfer steps. Placement of a filter infront of the PV cell is shown to decrease losses by converting an additional 2% of the total solarenergy into thermal energy since it allows recollection of light reflected off the receiver.
Challenges in Extrapolating In Vitro Findings to In Vivo Evaluation of Plant Resources

Conflicting evidence exists regarding findings on the biological activity of natural products when extrapolated from the laboratory to the animal. The first approach to testing for the biological activity of a chemical – i.e., against parasites, or to favour rumen function – is to conduct screening procedures in vitro. This is because of the substantial advantages of this methodology such as low cost and rapid turnover, which allows for screening of a large number of compounds in a relatively short period of time. Nevertheless, the advantage of bioprospecting through in vitro testing comes with a cost: A positive in an in vitro test does not necessarily warrant biological activity when the chemical or product is subsequently tested in the animal. Using the same logic, it is also possible that lack of activity by a natural product in an in vitro test does not strictly mean lack of biological activity in vivo.
Visualization of neural-network gaps based on error analysis

Presents a methodology for detection of neural-network gaps (NNGs) based on error analysis and the visualization that is applicable to the n-dimensional I/O domain. The generalization problem in artificial neural networks (ANN) training is analyzed and the concept of NNGs is introduced. The NNGs are highly undesirable in ANN generalization and methods for detecting, analyzing, and eliminating them are necessary. Previous methods for NNG detection, based on two-dimensional (2-D) and three dimensional (3-D) visualization, were not applicable for ANNs with more than three inputs. Experiments demonstrate advantages of this new methodology, which allows better understanding of the NNG phenomena using a quantitative approach.
Lonestar: A suite of parallel irregular programs

Until recently, parallel programming has largely focused on the exploitation of data-parallelism in dense matrix programs. However, many important application domains, including meshing, clustering, simulation, and machine learning, have very different algorithmic foundations: they require building, computing with, and modifying large sparse graphs. In the parallel programming literature, these types of applications are usually classified as irregular applications, and relatively little attention has been paid to them. To study and understand the patterns of parallelism and locality in sparse graph computations better, we are in the process of building the Lonestar benchmark suite. In this paper, we characterize the first five programs from this suite, which target domains like data mining, survey propagation, and design automation. We show that even such irregular applications often expose large amounts of parallelism in the form of amorphous data-parallelism. Our speedup numbers demonstrate that this new type of parallelism can successfully be exploited on modern multi-core machines.
Process to planet: A multiscale modeling framework toward sustainable engineering

To prevent the chance of unintended environmental harm, engineering decisions need to consider an expanded boundary that captures all relevant connected systems. Comprehensive models for sustainable engineering may be developed by combining models at multiple scales. Models at the finest “equipment” scale are engineering models based on fundamental knowledge. At the intermediate “value chain” scale, empirical models represent average production technologies, and at the coarsest “economy” scale, models represent monetary and environmental exchanges for industrial sectors in a national or global economy. However, existing methods for sustainable engineering design ignore the economy scale, while existing methods for life cycle assessment do not consider the equipment scale. This work proposes an integrated, multiscale modeling framework for connecting models from process to planet and using them for sustainable engineering applications. The proposed framework is demonstrated with a toy problem, and potential applications of the framework including current and future work are discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 3332–3352, 2015
Yellowstone plume–continental lithosphere interaction beneath the Snake River Plain

The Snake River Plain represents 17 m.y. of volcanic activity that took place as the North American continent migrated over a relatively fixed magma source, or hotspot. The identification of a clear seismic image of a plume beneath Yellowstone is compelling evidence that the Miocene to recent volcanism associated with the Columbia Plateau, Oregon High Lava Plains, Snake River Plain, Northern Nevada Rift and Yellowstone Plateau represents a single magmatic system related to a mantle plume. A remaining enigma is, why do radiogenic isotope signatures from basalts erupted over the Mesozoic–Paleozoic accreted terrains suggest a plume source while basalts erupted across the Proterozoic–Archean craton margin indicate an ancient subcontinental mantle lithosphere source? We show that ancient cratonic lithosphere like that of the Wyoming province superimposes its inherent isotopic composition on sublithospheric plume and/or asthenospheric melts. The results show that Yellowstone plume could have a radiogenic isotope composition similar to the mantle source of the early Columbia River Basalt Group and that the plume source composition has persisted to the present day.
TIMING OF SHELL RING FORMATION AND PATTERNS OF SHELL GROWTH IN THE SEA SCALLOP PLACOPECTEN MAGELLANICUS BASED ON STABLE OXYGEN ISOTOPES

ABSTRACT The ratio of 18O to 16O in the shell material of bivalves depends on the ambient water temperature at the time the shell material was deposited. By analyzing samples of shell material taken sequentially from the umbo to the shell margin, we obtained the oxygen isotopic records from the shells of 14 sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) and compared the isotope data with the visible rings on the upper valve. Using generalized additive models, we show that ring formation is related significantly to water temperature, and that rings were typically laid down near the annual temperature maximum. Shell ring formation was generally annual, although 2 of the mid-Atlantic scallops appeared to have laid down 2 rings in 1 y. Some of the scallops appear to form new shell material and increase in shell height over the entire year for the first few years of life, and in later years reduce or halt accretion at the shell margin during the coldest temperatures. The isotopic records obtained from near the umbo o...