cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactivities of thiols in myosin rod: effect of magnesium and ionic strength.

Abstract There are six cysteines in each chain of myosin rod of rabbit skeletal muscle: three are in the S-2 portion, at residues 66, 108 and 410 (Lu, R.C. and Lehrer, S. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 5975–5981). The other three are in the light meromyosin portion, assigned at residues 572, 600 and 770 on the basis of homology between the amino acid sequence in the vicinity of these thiols and that of the rod of nematode myosin (McLachlan, A.D. and Karn, J. (1982) Nature 299, 226–231). Since the thiols are distributed in different regions of the rod, measuring their reactivities under various conditions may provide information on the conformations of these regions. Myosin rod was arboxymethylated with radioactive iodoacetic acid under various conditions. The cysteine-containing peptides were isolated using HPLC from the tryptic digests, and the radioactivity incorporated into each thiol was measured. In the denatured state all six thiols were equally reactive. In the native state, all thiols have low reactivity, the reactivity of Cys-108 or -410 is only 0.1% of that in the denatured state, Cys-600 exhibited the highest reactivity, about 20-times that of Cys-410; Cys-66, -572 and -770 had 2–4-times that of Cys-410. When the rods formed filaments, the reactivities of all cysteines further decreased: Cys-66, -108 and -770 were reduced to 50%, while Cys-410, -572 and -600, located in the middle of the rod, were reduced to 20–30% of their reactivities in the monomeric form. In the presence of Mg 2+ the reactivity of Cys-108 increased by 20%, whereas Cys-572 decreased by 50%. The results are consistent with the view that metal ions affect the conformation of the rod. This may play a role in the mechanism of filament formation and the movement of crossbridges.
Research, Practice, and Policy Perspectives on Evidence-Based Programing for Older Adults

Demographers warn us of the “gray tsunami” approaching our global doorstep (1). Researchers are called upon to document the extent to which the growing burden of chronic conditions impacts America’s aging population and examine the uptake and effectiveness of different intervention approaches for improving the health and well-being of older adults across settings and populations (2). Working in conjunction with researchers, practitioners are asked to develop, adopt, and adapt innovative evidence-based health promotion and disease management programing that can be broadly implemented, disseminated, and sustained as appropriate in community and clinical settings (3, 4). Building on a growing research base and inventory of treatment options, policy makers are charged with identifying and supporting needed care and services that can meet the Triple Aims of health reform (i.e., better health, better health care, and better value) (5, 6). This Research Topic on evidence-based programing for older adults reflects decades of progress by researchers, practitioners, aging service providers, and policy makers working together to understand how to help older adults achieve optimal health and well-being. Such efforts have transformed successful aging from a theoretical concept into an achievable goal (7, 8). The scientific roots of this Research Topic are many, but our (Ory and Smith) personal interest began with the evaluation of the Administration on Aging (AoA)’s national disease prevention initiatives introduced in the 2000s, which will be described in length later in this volume (9–11). With our colleagues in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded Healthy Aging Research Network (12, 13), we began documenting the national roll-out of evidence-based programs for older adults.Wewere concernedwithmany issues: (1)whowere themajor stakeholders in this national effort?; (2) what programs were being offered and who they were reaching?; (3) what could we say about the fidelity, dissemination, and sustainability of different programs?; (4) what was known about the impact of different programs in different populations and settings?; and (5) what were the best strategies for advancing the evidence-based movement? As we explored these questions, we realized the need to look beyond single silos or perspectives to understand how researchers, program developers, and policy makers could work together more closely. Such collaborations are essential to develop, promote, and support evidence-based programing that reflects stakeholders’ perspectives and increases the likelihood of being embedded into existing structures. Ideally, evidence-based programs reflect a translation of testable research theories into key intervention elements that resonate with program adopters and intended participants.
Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 5. Narcotic antagonist irreversible ligands based on endoethenotetrahydrooripavine

Abstract Nine new compounds have been synthesized as potential affinity ligands for specific opioid receptors. The biochemical properties of three of these compounds were examined in detail and one of them, N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-methylfumaroylamido-6, 14-endoethenotetrahydronororipavine (NIH 10236), was found to be a potent irreversible ligand for the delta opioid receptor. It had the properties of a narcotic antagonist, as determined by its effect on adenylate cyclase activity of NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma cell homogenates. It is, thus, the first delta specific alkylating ligand known which is a narcotic antagonist. A second compound, the N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-isothiocyanato-6, 14-endoethenotetrahydro-nororipavine (NIH 10235) was found to be a mu specific alkalyting ligand in brain and a reversible anta
Late pleistocene glacial/interglacial changes in planktonic foraminiferal biofacies and carbonate dissolution patterns in the Vema Channel

Abstract A suite of closely spaced giant gravity cores between 1500 and 4500 m on the east flank of the Vema Channel was examined to determine variations in carbonate preservation for the last two interglacials (present day and Isotopic Stage 5e) and glacials (isotopic stages 2 and 6). As had been previously observed, present-day sediment dissolution facies (i.e., foraminiferal and sedimentary lysoclines) are closely related to hydrographic changes in the major water masses which occupy the Vema Channel (NADW and AAWB). Carbonate preservation is systematically better during interglacials than during glacials throughout the entire depth range of the transect. The positions of the foraminiferal and sedimentary lysoclines, however, appear to have remained relatively constant through the glacial/interglacial cycles of the last 140,000 years. The lack of any substantial vertical movement of these dissolution facies during the late Pleistocene suggests that there has not been any significant change in the position of the water masses flowing through the Vema Channel during this time interval. However, the overall poorer preservation of glacial sediments indicates that the glacial equivalents of both NADW and AABW were more corrosive to carbonate than at present. This overall increase in dissolution can most simply be attributed to a general stagnation of deep and bottom flow through this region during glacial episodes.
Mask CD correction method using dry-etch process

In this study, the method for achieving precise CD MTT (critical dimension mean to target) in manufacturing attenuated PSM (phase shift mask) was investigated. As the specification for photomask becomes tighter, more precise control of CD is required. There are several causes to result in CD MTT error. In general mask patterning processes which are from blank material to dry etch, it is difficult to detect CD MTT error before final CD measurement and correct it. It is necessary to apply new process to mask production to correct CD error and control CD MTT precisely. Reducing number of factors which can have an effect on CD and introducing reliable method to correct CD error are important to achieve accurate CD MTT. For the correction of CD error, the reliability of CD in each measurement step such as resist CD or Cr CD before and after resist removal and effect on items related with CD like CD uniformity, isolated-dense CD difference, etc should be considered and evaluated. In this method to correct CD MTT error, Cr CD after removing resist was measured before MoSiN dry etch and additional corrective Cr dry etch using Cr CD information was applied to cancel CD error and then MoSiN dry etch was followed. In this case, factors affecting final CD are additional corrective Cr etch and MoSiN etch. The relationship between CD shift and corrective Cr etch time for masks with various pattern densities was found and necessary corrective Cr etch time was applied to CD correction process. The CD MTT error is canceled by additional corrective Cr dry etch step. As a result, accurate CD control and significant decrease of CD MTT error for attenuated PSM is achieved through the use of this CD correction method.
The Puzzle of Firm Performance in China: An Institutional Explanation

China has achieved phenomenal economic growth in an institutional environment that defies conventional economic rationales. Researchers offer different theories to explain this puzzle. But so far, due to the lack of data, little effort has been made to test these theories at the firm level. We develop a framework of endogenous institutional change to explain this puzzle and we test our framework with firm-level data. We argue that the decentralization from the central to the local governments and from government to firms are the driving forces behind China's institutional changes that have shaped the roles of government and market, which in turn significantly affect firm performance. We then submit our theory to a vigorous empirical test using data from China's industrial census, covering all 2000 counties and over 500 manufacturing industries. The test shows that two results of decentralization, the involvement of low-level governments in business and the process of privatization, positively affect firm performance.
A comprehensive mathematical framework for modeling intestinal smooth muscle cell contraction with applications to intestinal edema

The contraction of intestinal smooth muscle cells (ISMCs) involves many coordinated biochemical and mechanical processes. In this work, we present a framework for modeling ISMC contractility that begins with chemical models of calcium dynamics, continues with myosin light chain phosphorylation and force generation, and ends with a cell model of the ISMC undergoing contraction-relaxation. The motivation for developing this comprehensive framework is to study the effects of edema (excess fluid build-up in the muscle tissue) on ISMC contractility. The hypothesis is that more fluid equates to dilution of an external stimulis, eventually leading to reduced contractility. We compare our results to experimental data collected from normal versus edematous intestinal muscle tissue.
Inhibition of β-Lactamase in Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Sodium Clavulanate

Sodium clavulanate at subinhibitory concentrations affected the activity of penicillin G, ampicillin, or amoxicillin on beta-lactamase-positive strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae as demonstrated by marked reduction in the minimal inhibitory concentrations of the drugs for the organisms. The compound did not affect the activity of these penicillins on beta-lactamase-negative strains of N. gonorrhoeae. It also had no effect on the activity of cefoxitin against either beta-lactamase-negative or -positive strains. The reduction in minimal inhibitory concentrations of the penicillins for the beta-lactamase-positive organisms brought about by sodium clavulanate is probably due to inhibition of the beta-lactamase by the compound.
Robustness of positive real controllers for large space structures

The robustness of a continuous positive real controller design is established by linking the positivity theory to the standard singular value robustness tests. By application of the singular value test to a model of the deviation from positivity induced by actuators, computational delays, etc., the global stability of the control design can be assured, even with significant modeling errors due to modal uncertainty. Both theoretical and experimental verification of this stability result is presented.
Micro-architecture techniques in the intel® E8870 scalable memory controller

This paper describes several selected micro-architectural tradeoffs and optimizations for the scalable memory controller of the Intel E8870 chipset architecture. The Intel E8870 chipset architecture supports scalable coherent multiprocessor systems using 2 to 16 processors, and a point-to-point Scalability Port (SP) Protocol. The scalable memory controller micro-architecture applies a number of micro-architecture techniques to reduce the local & remote idle and loaded latencies. The performance optimizations were achieved within the constraints of maintaining functional correctness, while reducing implementation complexity and cost. High bandwidth point-to-point interconnects and distributed memory are expected to be more common in future platforms to support powerful multi-core processors. The selected techniques discussed in this paper will be applicable to scalable memory controllers needed in those platforms. These techniques have been proven for production systems for the Itanium® II Processor platforms.
The psychology of the 3D experience

With 3D televisions expected to reach 50% home saturation as early as 2016, understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying the user response to 3D technology is critical for content providers, educators and academics. Unfortunately, research examining the effects of 3D technology has not kept pace with the technology’s rapid adoption, resulting in large-scale use of a technology about which very little is actually known. Recognizing this need for new research, we conducted a series of studies measuring and comparing many of the variables and processes underlying both 2D and 3D media experiences. In our first study, we found narratives within primetime dramas had the power to shift viewer attitudes in both 2D and 3D settings. However, we found no difference in persuasive power between 2D and 3D content. We contend this lack of effect was the result of poor conversion quality and the unique demands of 3D production. In our second study, we found 3D technology significantly increased enjoyment when viewing sports content, yet offered no added enjoyment when viewing a movie trailer. The enhanced enjoyment of the sports content was shown to be the result of heightened emotional arousal and attention in the 3D condition. We believe the lack of effect found for the movie trailer may be genre-related. In our final study, we found 3D technology significantly enhanced enjoyment of two video games from different genres. The added enjoyment was found to be the result of an increased sense of presence.
Correction of fluorescence inner filter effects and the partitioning of pyrene to dissolved organic carbon

Abstract The ability of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to bind pyrene can be monitored by fluorescence quenching. Inner filter effects, caused by DOC, complicate the interpretation of the partitioning coefficient of DOC to pyrene. Since DOC absorbs and fluoresces at the excitation wavelength of pyrene, by fitting the DOC self-quenching curve to a simple empirical model that quantifies the absorbance in the spectrofluorimeter's interrogation zone, one can obtain the necessary information to correct for the inner filter effects. This model can be combined with the Stern-Volmer equation to give a single equation that models the total fluorescence of a quenching experiment, and from which a value for the linear Stern-Volmer quenching constant, corrected for the inner filter effects, may be obtained. The mechanisms of inner filter effects are discussed and then quantified, leading to a mathematical model of a self-quenching curve. This is then reduced to the empirical model of DOC self-quenching.
Christians and the Roman Army A.D. 173–337

The question of the church's stand during the first three and a half centuries on Christians enlisting in the Roman army has received much attention since 1900. With slight overlapping, modern historians of the encounter of Christians with the Roman military fall into three basic groups: Roman Catholic, Protestant pacifist and “establishment” Protestant, primarily Lutheran.
A vector momenta formulation of diffeomorphisms for improved geodesic regression and atlas construction

This paper presents a novel approach for diffeomorphic image regression and atlas estimation that results in improved convergence and numerical stability. We use a vector momenta representation of a diffeomorphism's initial conditions instead of the standard scalar momentum that is typically used. The corresponding variational problem results in a closed-form update for template estimation in both the geodesic regression and atlas estimation problems. While we show that the theoretical optimal solution is equivalent to the scalar momenta case, the simplification of the optimization problem leads to more stable and efficient estimation in practice. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method for atlas estimation and geodesic regression using synthetically generated shapes and 3D MRI brain scans.
Racial and regional disparities in lung cancer incidence.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States (US). We examined data from 2004 to 2006 for lung cancer incidence rates by demographics, including race and geographic region, to identify potential health disparities. METHODS: Data from cancer registries affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), and the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) were used for this study; representing 100% of the US population. Age-adjusted incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals for demographic (age, sex, race, ethnicity, and US Census region), and tumor (stage, grade, and histology) characteristics were calculated. RESULTS: During 2004 to 2006, 623,388 people (overall rate of 68.9 per 100,000) were diagnosed with lung cancer in the US. Lung cancer incidence rates were highest among men (86.2), Blacks (73.0), persons aged 70 to 79 years (431.1), and those living in the South (74.7). Among Whites, the highest lung cancer incidence rate was in the South (75.6); the highest rates among Blacks (88.9) and American Indians/Alaska Natives (65.4) in the Midwest, Asians/Pacific Islanders in the West (40.0), and Hispanics in the Northeast (40.3). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of racial, ethnic, and regional disparities in lung cancer incidence suggest a need for the development and implementation of more effective culturally specific preventive and treatment strategies that will ultimately reduce the disproportionate burden of lung cancer in the US. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to Japaneses B encephalitis virus in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice.

SummaryInfection with T. spiralis larvae greatly increased the susceptibility of mature mice to fatal CNS disease when challenged peripherally with JBE virus 7 days after administration of larvae. By 28 days following T. spiralis infection, susceptibility to JBE virus returned to control levels. It was found that this parasite caused a suppression of the neutralizing and complement-fixing antibody responses to JBE virus, whether challenged at 7 or 28 days. In contrast, infection with N. dubius larvae, or irradiated larvae of either parasite, had no effect on susceptibility or antibody responses to virus. Evidence of T. spiralis larval migration into the brains of infected mice was not observed. Increased corticosteroid hormone levels, suppression of the humoral antibody response, or changes in fixed macrophage phagocytic activity did not appear to constitute potential mechanisms for the increased susceptibility of T. spiralis-infected mice to JBE virus.1
Detection of a metallic glass layer by x-ray diffraction

A simple, precise method for obtaining the average thickness of an amorphous layer formed by any surface treatment has been developed. The technique uses an x-ray diffractoeter to measure the reduction in the integrated intensity of several diffracted x-ray lines due to the near surface amorphous layer. The target material for generation of x rays is selected so that the emitted x rays are strongly absorbed by the specimen. This method permits thickness measurements down to ∼ 100 nm. It has been tested on a specimen of Fe80B20 on which an amorphous layer was produced by pulsed XeCl (308 nm) laser irradiation; the amorphous layer thickness was found to be 1.34 (∼0.1) um.
Psychopathology in the young offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: A controlled pilot study

Studies have suggested that the offspring of parents with bipolar disorder are at risk for a spectrum of psychopathology, but few have focused on children in the youngest age ranges or examined the impact of comorbid parental disorders. We utilized a pre-existing sample of young (mean age: 6.8 years) offspring of parents with bipolar disorder (n=34), of parents with panic or major depression (n=179), and of parents with neither mood or anxiety disorder (n=95). Children were assessed blindly to parental diagnoses using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Epidemiologic version (K-SADS-E). Offspring of bipolar parents had significantly higher rates of disruptive behavior and anxiety disorders than offspring from both of the comparison groups, accounted for by elevated rates of ADHD and overanxious disorder. These comparisons were significant even when lifetime histories of the corresponding categories of comorbid disorders in the parents (disruptive behavior disorders and anxiety disorders) were covaried. In addition, offspring of bipolar parents had increased rates of bipolar I disorder, compared with psychiatric controls. Results support the hypotheses of elevated behavior, anxiety, and mood disorders among offspring at risk for bipolar disorder, and suggest that this psychopathology is already evident in early childhood.
Evaluation of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Summary Measures for assessing daytime sleepiness can be categorized into four general types — behavioral observation, laboratory performance, introspection, and physiological techniques. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. Thus, for example, observational techniques may provide a minimally ‘contaminated’ sample, but inferences may be quite difficult; laboratory performance measures may indicate vulnerabilities associated with sleepiness, but may be limited because of practice effects; introspection provides a personal perspective, but that point of view may be influenced by past history or ability to articulate; physiological measures may provide the most ‘objective measure’, but are difficult to apply to field studies. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is the most thoroughly studied physiological measure of sleepiness relying upon serial assessments of the speed of falling asleep in standard conditions intended to optimize the sleep onset process. Procedures for administering, analyzing, and interpreting the MSLT are presented.
Distribution of phosphate-activated glutaminase isozymes in the chicken: absence from liver but presence of high activity in pectoralis muscle

The distribution of glutaminase expression in a uricotelic species, the chicken, has been examined using cDNA probes to the rat isozymes. The results suggest that chickens do not possess a glutaminase isozyme equivalent to the liver-type isozyme of mammalian liver. Measurements of enzymic activity also showed very low glutaminase activity in chicken liver. Extra-hepatic tissues in the chicken do express a glutaminase isozyme mRNA which is detected by rat kidney-type glutaminase cDNA. The abundance of this mRNA was highest in kidney and breast muscle and relatively abundant in brain, spleen and adipose tissue. Chicken small intestine expressed relatively low levels of the mRNA. The high level of glutaminase mRNA in chicken pectoralis muscle was accompanied by high glutaminase enzymic activity. In contrast, in mixed leg muscle glutaminase mRNA was barely detectable by Northern blot and glutaminase activity was relatively low. Starvation for 48 h resulted in a slight decrease in the activity of glutaminase in pectoralis muscle, but a large decrease in the relative abundance of the mRNA. The results suggest that in the chicken, hepatic glutamine hydrolysis is not quantitatively important, but skeletal muscle may be a major site of glutamine catabolism.
Determinants of tachycardia induction using ventricular stimulation in dual pathway atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Factors determining tachycardia induction using ventricular stimulation in atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia utilizing the slow pathway for anterograde and the fast pathway for retrograde conduction were analyzed in 53 patients. Sixteen patients had tachycardia induced by ventricular stimulation. In 15, tachycardia was inducible with incremental ventricular pacing. In 4 of these 15 patients, the tachycardia was also induced with V1V2 testing, while in 11 patients, the tachycardia was not induced with V1V2 testing. In 9 of the latter 11 patients, tachycardia could be induced with V1V2V3 testing, suggesting that the retrograde effective refractory period (ERP) of the right bundle (RB) or the relative refractory period of the His-Purkinje system (HPS) was the limiting factor for tachycardia induction during V1V2 testing. In the remaining one patient, tachycardia was induced with V1V2V3 testing, which provoked a premature ventricular beat, leading to tachycardia induction. Tachycardia was not induced by ventricular stimulation in 37 patients. Factors deterring tachycardia induction in these patients may be related to the retrograde ERP or functional refractory period (FRP) of the HPS, the retrograde ERP of the fast pathway, and an insufficient conduction delay of the circuit (retrograde fast and anterograde slow pathway) to allow anterograde conduction of the slow pathway. In conclusion, AV nodal reentrant tachycardia can be induced by ventricular stimulation in approximately 30% of patients with incremental ventricular pacing and/or ventricular extrastimulus testing. Induction of tachycardia with ventricular stimulation, nevertheless, is frequently limited by the retrograde FRP or ERP of the HPS, the retrograde ERP of the fast pathway, and possibly by an insufficient conduction delay of the circuit.
Flowering of Primula malacoides in response to photoperiod and temperature

Abstract Primula malacoides Franch. ‘Prima Lilac’ was grown at 16 or 20 °C in combination with short days (SD, 8 h) or long days (LD, 16 h). In addition to uninterrupted growing conditions, plants within each temperature were moved at weekly intervals to the other photoperiod and left until termination. Temperature, but not photoperiod, significantly affected the rate of development from start of treatments (51 days from seeding) to 2 mm visible flower bud (VB). At 16 °C, VB averaged 30 days and at 20 °C, 48 days. Time to flower (first horizontal petals) at 16 °C increased from 56 to 64 days as SD increased from 1 week to continuous conditions while LD decreased time to flower from 64 to 56 days. Time to flower at 20 °C varied from 73 to 87 days with additional SD exposure resulting in slower and LD in faster flowering. These observations of the flowering response in ‘Prima’ are contrary to the photoperiodic classification of P. malacoides as a SD plant.
Bulk Synthesis and Surface Patterning of Nanoporous Metals and Alloys from Supraspherical Nanoparticle Aggregates

Supraspheres (SS) composed of hundreds to thousands of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and crosslinked by dithiol linkers are assembled into larger structures, which are subsequently converted into nanoporous metals (NMs). Conversion is achieved by heating which removes organic molecules stabilizing the NPs and allows for NP fusion. Heating of SS solutions leads to NMs of overall macroscopic dimensions; localized radiation using collimated electron beam is used to prepare metallized surface micropatterns. Depending on the composition of supraspherical precursors, nanoporous materials composed of up to three metals can be obtained. Strategies for controlling pore size and nanoscale surface roughness of these materials are discussed.
Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate inhibits pulmonary vasoconstriction.

The effects of the cell-permeable dibutyryl derivative of cyclic AMP on the vascular reactivity of isolated perfused rat lungs were examined. In lungs perfused with homologous blood, pulmonary arterial infusion of db-cAMP (30µg/min) inhibited hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction (IC50=6.3×10−5 M) and vasoconstriction due to bolus injection of angiotensin II (IC50=8.2×10−5 M). Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibition by aminophylline acted synergistically with db-cAMP in the reduction of hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction. Somatostatin, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, prevented the decay of hypoxic vasoconstriction typically observed in isolated lungs, suggesting that a rise in intracellular cAMP may occur during hypoxic vasoconstriction as a consequence of activation of the adenylate cyclase. In lungs perfused with cell and protein-free salt solution, db-cAMP inhibited both initial and prolonged vasoconstriction following bolus injection of 2µg leukotriene C4. Thus, db-cAMP inhibited pulmonary vascular reactivity nonspecifically.
Effect of responding and failing structural components on the airblast pressures and loads on and inside of the structure

The presence of non-structural exterior walls can affect the loads on structural columns when high explosives detonate near that column. Numerical simulations and physical experiments were used to determine the effect of exterior (no wall and solid masonry wall) type on the loads on and response of exterior columns. Both the simulations and the experiments indicate that although the exterior wall fails very quickly, it still significantly affects the loads on the column and the airblast pressures entering the structure.
Estimation of a failure time distribution based on imperfect diagnostic tests

SUMMARY Sequentially-administered diagnostic tests used to determine the occurrence of a silent event are sometimes subject to error, leading to false positive and false negative test results. In such cases, standard methods for interval censored data do not give valid estimates of the distribution of the time to the event. We present methods for estimating the distribution of the time to the event that account for multiple types of imperfect diagnostic test, as well as differing periods at risk. We illustrate the methods with simulated data and results from a clinical trial for the prevention of mother-to-infant transmission of HIV in Tanzania.
Bifurcation and adaptation in evolutionary interactive multiobjective linear programming

Abstract This paper shows how a formal modeling framework, Evolutionary Systems Design (ESD), for evolutionary problem definition and solution, can be used for problem adaptation and restructuring in optimization problems, as developed for Multiobjective Linear Programming (MOLP). Restructuring through a heuristic controls/goals/values referral process and adaptation are discussed for interactive MOLP, and illustrated by a numerical example.
Racial differences in well-being and cancer concerns in prostate cancer patients

We analyzed the racial differences in physical well-being, social/family well-being, functional well-being, emotional well-being, and prostate cancer specific worry among men with clinically localized prostate cancer. In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 121 Caucasian and 77 African American men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Participants completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) instrument at baseline and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. To determine the between and within group differences on all functional measures (physical well-being, social/family well-being, functional well-being, emotional well-being, and prostate cancer specific concerns), we used repeated measures ANOVA. Except for education, income and hospital type, the two racial groups had comparable socio-demographic and clinical attributes. At 3 months post-treatment, both groups experienced a decline in physical well-being and increase in prostate cancer specific concerns. Baseline values of these measures were not recovered by 24-month follow-up. In particular, lack of energy was the most prominent contributor to declining physical well-being. The ability to have and maintain an erection was the most severe prostate cancer specific concern. Lack of energy and concern regarding erection ability varied between the two groups over the follow-up period. Our findings provide an insight into not only the overall racial variation in physical health and prostate cancer specific concern, but also the temporal differences in these measures that can occur over a 24-month follow-up. This has important implications for effective management of localized prostate cancer patients from different racial groups and merits further research.
RADIATION-INDUCED POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE IN THE PRESENCE OF n-DIBUTYL DISULFIDE.

The γ-radiation-induced polymerization of pure styrene and styrene-n-dibutyl disulfide mixtures has been studied at a number of temperatures and dose rates. Up to 0.04 Mrad/hr the rates were proportional to the square root of the dose rate. By measuring the rates at a number of disulfide concentrations and at three different dose rates, the relative rates of radical formation were determined by kinetic analysis. Considerable energy transfer from the styrene to the disulfide was found. The relative contributions of energy transfer and radical formation were separated by using the kinetic scheme of Nikitina and Bagdasaryan. Values of 8.5 and 3.1 were found for the relative rates of radical production and energy transfer, respectively. This leads to a G (radical) value of 3.1 for n-dibutyl disulfide. With azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator, the chain transfer constant to the disulfide was determined at 55°C. Finally, the sulfur content of a number of the polymers were determined, an average of two sulfur atoms per polymer chain was found. In general, the rate of polymerization was found to increase in the presence of dibutyl disulfide.
Neurobiology: Reelin mediates form and function.

Reelin choreographs neuronal migration to establish laminar structures during brain formation. A recent paper uncovers a new function for Reelin signaling in specifying dendritic compartmentalization. Reelin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation is responsible for enrichment of ion channels in dendritic tufts.
Alternative approaches for the detection of various phospholipid classes by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The detection of phospholipids (PLs) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was demonstrated nearly a decade ago. However, its use as a conventional tool for PL analysis has been hindered by ambiguities in peak assignments caused by spectral overlaps and difficulties in the detection of some PL classes when analytes with positively charged head groups, such as sphingomyelins (SMs) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) are present. In this work, either a strong cation-exchange resin or CsCl crystals were added directly to the PL samples to reduce spectral complexity and enhance sensitivity. The quantitative exchange resulted in virtually only protonated or Cs+ adducts. To alleviate difficulties in the detection and identification of PL classes with ionization efficiencies lower than those of SMs and PCs, improvements in the sensitivity of negative-ion mass spectra were sought. For this purpose, several neutral and basic matrices were tried. Among them, p-nitroaniline (PNA) proved to be an advantageous alternative to the use of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), the most commonly used matrix in PL analysis. Because of its lower acidity, PNA increased the relative amount of deprotonated species and improved the sensitivity of negative-ion mass spectra. It was possible to confirm peak assignments for PL classes that normally give weak signals when DHB is used. Noteworthy is the detection (in both positive and negative modes) and conclusive identification of species in natural mixtures of phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and PE plasmalogens (PEps). PNA allowed the identification of PEs and PEps even in mixtures containing SMs and PCs. Although some cations related to PCs and PEs overlapped in positive-ion spectra, these interferences were eliminated in the negative mode as only the deprotonated forms of PEs and PEps were detectable and those of SMs and PCs were absent owing to their neutrality.
Effective diet and exercise treatments for overweight and recommendations for intervention.

Traditional diet and exercise treatments for obesity have been ineffective in reducing the prevalence of overweight in the population. Treatment outcomes for overweight can be measured in terms of physical parameters (e.g. bodyweight, percentage body fat, body mass index), medical terms (e.g. blood pressure, blood glucose control, blood lipid levels), psychological terms (e.g. eating pathology, self-esteem, mood state) and behavioural terms (e.g. frequency of exercise, eating patterns, self healthcare). Regardless of the specific outcome measures used to define successful treatment, the desired outcome must be maintained for several years to be considered effective. Energy restrictive diets cause significant initial bodyweight loss, but are plagued with high dropout- and relapse-rate. Low-fat diets have met with minimal success for bodyweight control, but nonetheless can significantly lower blood lipid levels. High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are claimed to be the most effective in reducing bodyweight, but there are no scientific data to support these claims. Persons on these types of diets are also at the greatest risk for metabolic adverse effects. Nondieting approaches and programmes that stress 'health at any size' have not been researched rigorously, but preliminary data show minimal bodyweight loss with significant improvements in psychological state, eating pathology and well-being. Exercise is the only variable that consistently shows effectiveness in physiological, medical, psychological and behavioural outcomes. A treatment programme that has the greatest potential for success, regardless of outcome measure, is a programme that consists of 4 key components. These components are: (i) pre-evaluation, where historical information is gathered and used to set programme goals, objectives and outcome measures; (ii) exercise, wherein enjoyable exercise is encouraged for health, bodyweight control and well being; (iii) a behavioural plan, which is based on patterns of eating and activity that will lead to the desired outcome measures; and (iv) a maintenance plan, that helps the individual develop skills for maintaining newly developed behaviours.
Real-space pseudopotential calculations of spin-dependent electron transport in magnetic molecular junctions

A real-space pseudopotential approach is developed to calculate the spin-dependent transport in nanoscale junctions. Our method is based on self-consistent solution of the Kohn-Sham equation of density functional theory with asymptotic boundary conditions. This method is applied to a simple magnetic molecule, the Sc dimer, bridging nonmagnetic, planar jellium electrodes for a series of molecule-lead spacing. We find that the spin-dependent conductance within this formalism is rather robust over a wide range of electronic coupling parameters. The minority channel of parallel-aligned ${\mathrm{Sc}}_{2}$ produces a fairly stable conductance of roughly half of a quantum unit $({e}^{2}∕h)$. Other systems show sensitive dependence on the coupling strength. Atomic origins of the dependence are discussed.
Investigation of thiazole polymers for heat‐resistant fibers and films

Seventeen thiazole polymers were prepared by the polycondensation of bis-α-bromoketones with dithioamides, and the polymers were investigated for preparing heat-resistant fibers and films. Tough fibers and films were made from four of the polymers; however, these polymers had low melting points (164–250°C.). All of the other polymers studied except these did not melt below 500°C., and they had excellent thermal stabilities, but they did not have good fiber- and film-forming properties because of their low molecular weights. All of the polymers prepared had some crystallinity. Two of the polymers were soluble in organic solvents; the other were soluble only in strong acids. Model compounds of four of the polymers were prepared, and the properties and structures of the compounds were compared with those of the polymers.
Continuous hydrolysis of tallow with immobilized lipase in a microporous membrane

Thermostable lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus was immobilized in untreated microporous membranes. Melted tallow pumped through the membrane did not wash the enzyme out. From 0.4 to 0.9% of the soluble activity remained after immobilization with half-lives of 1-2 months or more at 50 degrees C. Membranes can be acid/base washed and reloaded with enzyme with no adverse effects. Buffer was required for a long half-life, and recycling the buffer improved the mass transfer of glycerol out of the immobilized lipase reactor. Immobilized activity was unaffected when the pH of the aqueous product changed from 5.5-6.5. 30 references.
An Indirect Data Assimilation Scheme for Deep Soil Temperature in the Pleim–Xiu Land Surface Model

Abstract The Pleim–Xiu land surface model (PX LSM) has been improved by the addition of a second indirect data assimilation scheme. The first, which was described previously, is a technique in which soil moisture is nudged according to the biases in 2-m air temperature and relative humidity between the model- and observation-based analyses. The new technique involves nudging the deep soil temperature in the soil temperature force–restore (FR) model according to model bias in 2-m air temperature only during nighttime. While the FR technique is computationally efficient and very accurate for the special conditions for which it was derived, it is very dependent on the deep soil temperature that drives the restoration term of the surface soil temperature equation. Thus, adjustment of the deep soil temperature to optimize the 2-m air temperature during the night, when surface forcing is minimal, provides significant advantages over other methods of deep soil moisture initialization. Simulations of the Weather ...
Digital Rights Management for Video Sensor Network

Video sensor network is evolving from an isolated system to an integral component of the global information infrastructure. In this paper, we argue that when video sensor network becomes a public information source on the Internet, DRM (Digital Rights Management) must be enforced, due to the sensitivity and the privacy natures of sensor content. Moreover, existing DRM solutions do not suffice because the explicit one-to-one mapping between content producer and consumer does not apply in the sensor network domain. We propose a DRM-enabled content service architecture for video sensor network. Within this architecture, we propose a binary-tree-based hierarchical key generation scheme for data encryption, and adopt a label-guided watermarking strategy to address the unique challenges of video sensor content. We present the evaluation results of our solution based on a preliminary video sensor testbed system.
LIPOSOMES AS CARRIERS OF RADIONUCLIDES: FROM IMAGING TO THERAPY

AbstractLiposomes have been studied quite extensively during the last twenty years or so as carriers for a variety of diagnostic molecules, in order to enhance the obtained in vivo target-to-background contrast, thus improve imaging resolution. In such applications, unlike chemotherapy and even more radiotherapy, low radiation doses are generally administered hence, apart from risk assessment purposes, the need for radiation dosimetry is not critical for their success. In the present article we will try to present and analyze critical factors that may affect any attempt to construct and investigate liposomes as carriers of particle-emitting radionuclides for radiotherapeutic purposes. Since dosimetric considerations for this kind of applications are considered essential for establishing radiotoxicity levels and dose-response relations for both healthy and tumor tissues, a description of current dosimetry methodologies will be included. It is aimed that the conceptual differences between imaging and therap...
Sleep and Headache Syndromes

Sleep quality and sleep duration affect pain thresholds in experimental models, and in clinical practice changes in sleep can cause or trigger headache. Obstructive sleep apnea is well documented to cause or trigger certain headache syndromes, in part because CPAP is available as a specific and effective treatment that improves headaches in patients who have both. Patients who have cluster headache have a high frequency of sleep apnea and there are reports of improvement in cluster after CPAP therapy, but no controlled trials. Behavior modification to improve sleep quality seems to improve chronic migraine. The authors appropriate screening for sleep disorders in patients who have headache and that sleep clinicians familiarize themselves with headache syndromes.
Noncompliance with Persuasive Appeals for a Prosocial, Altruistic Act: Blood Donating1

Effects of persuasive messages, responsibility denial (RD), and attitude-accessing on blood-giving attitudes, intentions, moral obligations, and behavior were examined. In Study 1, participants (n= 84) who heard a message emphasizing moral reasons for donating indicated a more favorable postmessage attitude and stronger moral obligation to donate than participants exposed to a message aimed at reducing fear, a combined moral and fear- reduction message, or no message. Combined message participants showed greatest intent to donate, yet only 14% of all participants attended a campus drive. In Study 2, low (n= 52) and high (n= 60) RD individuals heard the message arguments and were asked to access their attitudes. Low compared to high RD individuals stated a stronger sense of moral obligation, particularly when they accessed their thoughts relevant to blood donating, and behavioral intention, especially in the combined message condition. Few participants attended a blood drive (12.5%), yet most were low RD individuals from the nonaccessed attitude condition (83%). Results suggest that few individuals will engage in the altruistic act of blood donating, despite the experimental use of persuasive messages and accessing issue-relevant attitudes.
The Sturm und Drang of anabolic steroid use: angst, anxiety, and aggression

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are illicitly administered to enhance athletic performance and body image. Although conferring positive actions on performance, steroid abuse is associated with changes in anxiety and aggression. AAS users are often keenly invested in understanding the biological actions of these drugs. Thus, mechanistic information on AAS actions is important not only for the biomedical community, but also for steroid users. Here we review findings from animal studies on the impact of AAS exposure on neural systems that are crucial for the production of anxiety and aggression, and compare the effects of the different classes of AAS and their potential signaling mechanisms, as well as context-, age- and sex-dependent aspects of their actions.