cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periodic orbit assignment for spectra of highly excited molecular systems

Recent experiments in high-energy molecular spectroscopy have shown that coarse grained molecular spectra are often very simple, characterized by a few frequencies or correlation times. Experiments in molecular scattering such as the hydrogen exchange reactions have demonstrated the existence of short-lived resonances. I show that these seemingly differing experiments may be interpreted and assigned in terms of the normal modes of periodic orbits, which are determined by a linear stability analysis. Specific examples include three-dimensional resonances of the hydrogen exchange reaction as well as three-dimensional high-energy bound states of the H$_{3}^{+}$ molecular ion. A new semiclassical quantization method based on unstable periodic orbits is presented and used to explain the observed scarring of high-energy quantum states.
Religion and HIV: Implications for Research and Intervention

The role of religion in the lives of people with HIV has received relatively little systematic research attention. Even so, extant literature suggests that religion may play complex and varied roles in coping with this disease. Such patterns were evident in data from a sample of HIV-seropositive military personnel. Findings highlight the ambivalent ties to organized religion noted elsewhere, as well as ethnic, gender, disease stage, and stressor differences in religious coping.
Suppression of T-cell lymphomagenesis in mice requires PTEN phosphatase activity

Mice with T-cell–specific loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN early in T-cell ontogeny develop thymic lymphomas that invariably harbor a reciprocal translocation involving the T-cell receptor α/δ locus and c-myc, t(14;15). In addition to its known function as a lipid phosphatase opposing PI3K signaling, PTEN has also been described as playing a prominent role in promoting genomic stability. As a result, it has been uncertain which one(s) of these 2 separable features were required to block the development of lymphoma. Here, using a conditional model in which T cells selectively express 1 phosphatase-dead PTEN mutant (C124S) and maintain 1 null allele, we show that PTEN phosphatase activity is required for preventing the emergence of a malignant T-cell population harboring t(14;15), thus constituting a critical function of PTEN in preventing lymphomagenesis.
A NEW MEASUREMENT OF CP VIOLATION PARAMETER epsilon-prime / epsilon

Abstract The E731 experiment at Fermilab has measured the CP violation parameter Re(ϵ′/ϵ) in K L,S → ππ decay. Four decay modes were collected simultaneously to reduce systematic errors. The result is Re( ϵ ′/ ϵ ) = −0.0005 ± 0.0014 (stat) ± 0.0006 (syst.), and gives no evidence for direct CP violation.
Moving to Maintain Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

Abstract Dunlop DD, Semanik P, Song J, Sharma L, Nevitt M, Mysiw J, Chang RW, for the Osteoarthritis Initiative Investigators. Moving to maintain function in knee osteoarthritis: evidence from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Objectives To investigate the association between baseline physical activity and 1-year functional performance in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design Prospective cohort study of knee OA development and progression with 1-year follow-up. Setting Community. Participants Osteoarthritis Initiative public data on adults with knee OA (n=2274; age, 45–79y) who participated in functional performance assessments (timed 20-m walk and chair stand test) at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure A good 1-year performance outcome (separately defined for walk time and chair stand measures) was improvement from baseline quintile or maintenance in the best quintile. Results Almost 2 in 5 persons with radiographic knee OA improved or maintained high performance at 1 year. Physical activity measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was significantly associated with good walk rate and chair stand outcomes (odds ratio per 40 units PASE [95% confidence interval]=1.13 [1.13, 1.17] and 1.10 [1.05, 1.15], respectively), as were participation in sports/recreational activities (1.45 [1.23, 1.71] and 1.29 [1.09, 1.51], respectively) and lifestyle activities (1.11 [1.06, 1.16] and 1.09 [1.04, 1.14], respectively). An independent protective relationship for these physical activity measures approached significance after adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors. Older adults reported the least baseline physical activity and least frequent good 1-year outcomes. Conclusions These findings support public health recommendations to be physically active in order to preserve function for persons with knee OA. Physical activity messages should specifically target older adults whose low activity levels may jeopardize their ability to maintain functional performance.
A PROPOSED STANDARD FOR THE PUBLICATION OF NEW CHAOTIC SYSTEMS

With the abundance of chaotic systems that have now been identified and studied, it is prudent to establish a standard for the publication of new examples of such systems and to develop acceptable criteria for their characterization.
Three-Dimensional Computational Modeling of Leukocyte Rolling and Adhesion

Recruitment of leukocytes into sites of acute and chronic inflammation is a vital component of the innate immune response in humans and plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis. Leukocytes extravasate into the inflamed tissue through a multi-step process, which involves initial contact of a leukocyte with activated endothelium (tethering or capture), leukocyte rolling, firm adhesion, and transendothelial migration. We developed a computational fluid dynamics algorithm for fully three-dimensional transient simulations of multiphase viscoelastic problems. The algorithm was applied to model leukocyte rolling and adhesion in a parallel-plate flow chamber. In the model, the leukocyte is a viscoelastic cell with the nucleus located in the intracellular space and cylindrical microvilli distributed over the cell membrane. Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions are mediated by cell adhesion molecules expressed on the tips of leukocyte microvilli and on endothelium. We show that the model can predict both shape changes and velocities of rolling leukocytes under physiological flow conditions. Results of this study indicate that viscosity of the cytoplasm is a critical parameter of leukocyte adhesion, affecting the cell’s ability to roll on endothelium.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
CURRENT ISSUES IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

* Presidential address, Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education, St. Louis, MO, October 1977.
A comparative study between injectable low-temperature (70°C) gutta-percha and silver amalgam as a retroseal

This study compared two different dental materials used in endodontic retrosealing procedures. One of these materials was a new low-temperature gutta-percha product, manufactured by the Hygenic Corporation, that involved an injection technique. The second of these materials was silver amalgam. Silver amalgam was selected because it has been recognized by many clinicians as the most effective apical sealing material. Two groups of ten recently extracted teeth were endodontically prepared with one of each of the materials being tested, and the effectiveness of these materials as sealants was determined by their ability to inhibit the penetration of methylene blue dye for a predetermined period of time through the apically sealed root tips. Preliminary results obtained indicated that, although these materials were not 100% effective in inhibiting the dye penetration, each was as effective as the other when evaluated by two observers following completion of the study as determined by its experimental design. No significant difference was exhibited between the amalgam group and the gutta-percha group. The leakage of the dye that was observed in each of the groups might have been caused by the ineffectiveness of, or the ineffective use of, the nail polish or cyanoacrylate used to coat all but the apically sealed tips of the endodonticalled prepared teeth. The function of these coating materials was to prevent penetration of the dye through the surface of the body of the root.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Recombinant human DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase. III. Allosteric control, reaction order, and influence of plasmid topology and triplet repeat length on methylation of the fragile X CGG.CCG sequence.

Abstract Steady-state kinetic analyses revealed that the methylation reaction of the human DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is repressed by the N-terminal domain comprising the first 501 amino acids, and that repression is relieved when methylated DNA binds to this region. DNMT1 lacking the first 501 amino acids retains its preference for hemimethylated DNA. The methylation reaction proceeds by a sequential mechanism, and either substrate (S-adenosyl-l-methionine and unmethylated DNA) may be the first to bind to the active site. However, initial binding of S-adenosyl-l-methionine is preferred. The binding affinities of DNA for both the regulatory and the catalytic sites increase in the presence of methylated CpG dinucleotides and vary considerably (more than one hundred times) according to DNA sequence. DNA topology strongly influences the reaction rates, which increased with increasing negative superhelical tension. These kinetic data are consistent with the role of DNMT1 in maintaining the methylation patterns throughout development and suggest that the enzyme may be involved in the etiology of fragile X, a syndrome characterized byde novo methylation of a greatly expanded CGG·CCG triplet repeat sequence.
Defecation Syncope Secondary to Functional Inferior Vena Caval Obstruction During a Valsalva Maneuver

This report describes a case of defecation syncope secondary to functional inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction. Preoperative hemodynamic assessment revealed a marked decrease in blood pressure and IVC obstruction when the patient performed a Valsalva maneuver. The intraoperative approach included continuous hemodynamic monitoring as well as transesophageal ultrasonography to assess IVC patency during surgical mobilization of the IVC. Functional obstruction of the IVC at the diaphragmatic hiatus was identified, and this obstruction was relieved with extensive mobilization of the IVC and right crural myotomy. This report describes an effective surgical approach to a rare functional disorder involving the IVC.
Eigenvalue distribution theorems for certain homogeneous spaces

Abstract A classical theorem of Szego describes the limiting behavior of the eigenvalues of P n AP n , where A is a multiplication operator on L 2 ( S 1 ) and P n is the projection on the subspace spanned by e ikθ (0 ⩽ k ⩽ n ). A generalization of this is proved, whereby S 1 is replaced by an arbitrary rank one homogeneous space (e.g. S m ), A by a pseudodifferential operator of order zero, and P n by a sequence of spectral projections for the Laplace-Beltrami operator. A by-product is an alternate proof of a theorem of A. Weinstein on the eigenvalue clusters of the Laplacian plus a potential.
Neural substrates of awakening probed with optogenetic control of hypocretin neurons

The neural underpinnings of sleep involve interactions between sleep-promoting areas such as the anterior hypothalamus, and arousal systems located in the posterior hypothalamus, the basal forebrain and the brainstem. Hypocretin (Hcrt, also known as orexin)-producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus are important for arousal stability, and loss of Hcrt function has been linked to narcolepsy. However, it is unknown whether electrical activity arising from Hcrt neurons is sufficient to drive awakening from sleep states or is simply correlated with it. Here we directly probed the impact of Hcrt neuron activity on sleep state transitions with in vivo neural photostimulation, genetically targeting channelrhodopsin-2 to Hcrt cells and using an optical fibre to deliver light deep in the brain, directly into the lateral hypothalamus, of freely moving mice. We found that direct, selective, optogenetic photostimulation of Hcrt neurons increased the probability of transition to wakefulness from either slow wave sleep or rapid eye movement sleep. Notably, photostimulation using 5-30 Hz light pulse trains reduced latency to wakefulness, whereas 1 Hz trains did not. This study establishes a causal relationship between frequency-dependent activity of a genetically defined neural cell type and a specific mammalian behaviour central to clinical conditions and neurobehavioural physiology.
Analytical Electron Microscopic Studies of Doped Dicalcium Silicates

Dicalcium silicates having CaO/SiO2 molar ratios of 1.8 to 2.2 were sintered at 1450°C for 90 min with or without small quantities of dopants (K2O or Al2O3) and were air quenched. The microstructures of the fired samples were characterized using electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and associated microanalytical techniques. There was no evidence for the existence of Ca1.8SiO3.8 or Ca2.2SiO4.2. Amorphous grain-boundary phases were observed between grains and as inclusions within the grains; the amounts decreased as CaO/SiO2 ratios increased. The compositions of the amorphous phases were always rich in dopants and had a CaO/SiO2 ratio close to that of wollastonite. High levels of Al2O3 were observed to enter the β-Ca2SiO4 grains under lime-rich conditions (CaO/SiO2= 2.2) up to a saturation level of about 3.0 wt%. Some additional crystalline phases were observed to form depending on stoichiometry and dopant level.
More efficient and less time-consuming censoring designs for life testing

Abstract The study of self-relocating designs, a class of which was first introduced in Srivastava (1985), is continued. New classes of such (censoring) designs are introduced, and are studied under the Weibull distribution, and partly under certain generalizations of the same. It is shown that these designs are superior with respect to the ‘total expected time under experiment’, as well as the ‘asymptotic variance’ (in a certain sense), compared to the classical type II censoring designs, and thus offer a breakthrough in the field.
Regression analysis of incomplete medical cost data.

The accumulation of medical cost over time for each subject is an increasing stochastic process defined up to the instant of death. The stochastic structure of this process is complex. In most applications, the process can only be observed at a limited number of time points. Furthermore, the process is subject to right censoring so that it is unobservable after the censoring time. These special features of the medical cost data, especially the presence of death and censoring, pose major challenges in the construction of plausible statistical models and the development of the corresponding inference procedures. In this paper, we propose several classes of regression models which formulate the effects of possibly time-dependent covariates on the marginal mean of cost accumulation in the presence of death or on the conditional means of cost accumulation given specific survival patterns. We then develop estimating equations for these models by combining the approach of generalized estimating equations for longitudinal data with the inverse probability of censoring weighting technique. The resultant estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal with simple variance estimators. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed inference procedures behave well in practical situations. An application to data taken from a large cancer study reveals that the Medicare enrollees who are diagnosed with less aggressive ovarian cancer tend to accumulate medical cost at lower rates than those with more aggressive disease, but tend to have higher lifetime costs because they live longer.
SELF-ANTAGONISM: A POSSIBLE MECHANISM OF TACHYPHYLAXIS IN SUXAMETHONIUM-INDUCED NEUROMUSCULAR BLOCK IN MAN

Twelve adults receiving halothane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia for elective surgery were investigated during suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block, using the train-of-four twitch for measurement of both the degree of block and the magnitude of fade (decrease in fourth-to-first ratio). The residual neuromuscular block resulting from prolonged exposure to suxamethonium could be antagonized by bolus injections of suxamethonium itself, in doses which increased the block in Phase I. When self-antagonism was demonstrated, larger doses were necessary to increase the residual block, but only after overcoming the self-antagonizing effect. A biphasic response, first antagonizing then increasing the block, was observed following injection of a single bolus of suxamethonium. The self-antagonizing effect was more obvious in the fourth twitch of the train-of-four, resulting in a marked decrease in train-of-four fade (increase in train-of-four ratio). It was concluded that self-antagonism may be an important cause of tachyphylaxis in suxamethonium-induced neuromuscular block in man.
Not so permanent “permanent employment” in Japan

Rodney Clark. The Japanese Company. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1979. x + 282 pp. $17.50.
Protein kinase C iota protects neural cells against apoptosis induced by amyloid β-peptide

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are increasingly recognized as playing important roles in the regulation of neuronal plasticity and survival. Recent findings from studies of non-neuronal cells suggest that atypical isoforms of PKC can modulate apoptosis in various paradigms. Because increasing data support a role for neuronal apoptosis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we tested the hypothesis that PKCiota (PKCι) can modify vulnerability of neural cells to apoptosis induced by amyloid β-peptide (ABP), a cytotoxic peptide linked to neuronal degeneration in AD. Overexpression of PKCι increased the resistance of PC12 cells to apoptosis induced by ABP. Associated with the increased resistance to apoptosis were improved mitochondrial function and reduced activity of caspases. In addition, ABP-induced increases in levels of oxidative stress and intracellular calcium levels were attenuated in cells overexpressing PKCι. These findings suggest that PKCι prevents apoptosis induced by ABP by interrupting the cell death process at a very early step, thereby allowing the cells to maintain ion homeostasis and mitochondrial function.
The influence of threatening parental primes on mothers' versus fathers' policy preferences

Citizens' personal identity groups exert a powerful influence over their preferences, particularly when their identity-related interests are perceived to be under threat. In American political rhetoric, parents are an identity group frequently targeted with fear and anxiety in the hopes of attracting support for particular policies. In this paper, we argue that these appeals to parental concerns do not influence all parents in the same way. With an experimental study of a large sample of parents, we find that threatening parental appeals exert a greater influence on fathers' policy preferences than they do on mothers'. To explain this difference, we rely on existing theories that mothers consistently incorporate parenthood into their preference formation, thereby minimizing their susceptibility to parental priming. For fathers, on the other hand, the relevance of parenthood for preference formation is dependent upon contextual factors, like identity primes. With a second experiment, we find strong support...
Plasmalemmal ATPase calcium pump localizes to inner and outer hair bundles.

Abstract Recent studies demonstrate calcium ion influx at the tips of hair cell stereocilia during mechano-transduction. These ions must be either pumped from the cytosol into the extracellular space or endoplasmic envelope, or else sequestered by binding to specific proteins. A plasma membrane calcium pump (ATPase-type) was analysed in whole-mounts of rat organ of Corti using a monoclonal antibody to a large cytoplasmic loop of this protein. The reactivity was particularly high on the tips of longer stereocilia and was found along the shafts. Inner hair cell stereocilia had much less reactivity than outer hair cells. The reactivity lined the plasma membrane of inner hair cell bodies while a higher reactivity appeared in the cytoplasm of outer hair cells. Supporting cells were unreactive. Ultrastructural examination confirmed the plasma membrane calcium pump location on stereocilia and along the endolymph surface of receptor cells. Reaction product lined the plasma membrane of stereocilia as intense puncta. More reactive puncta occurred near the distal ends of stereocilia and the number decreased toward the ciliary base. The endolymph plasma membrane over the cuticular notch was especially reactive. The finding of more intense pump reactivity at the tips of stereocilia than the base is consistent with the hypothesis that during transduction, calcium ions enter stereocilia, distally, and the ATPase plasma membrane calcium pump rapidly extrudes these ions to the extracellular space.
CD22 attenuates calcium signaling by potentiating plasma membrane calcium-ATPase activity

Binding of antigen to the B cell receptor induces a calcium response, which is required for proliferation and antibody production. CD22, a B cell surface protein, inhibits this signal through mechanisms that have been obscure. We report here that CD22 augments calcium efflux after B cell receptor crosslinking. Inhibition of plasma membrane calcium-ATPase (PMCA) attenuated these effects, as did disruption by homologous recombination of the gene encoding PMCA4a and PMCA4b. PMCA coimmunoprecipitated with CD22 in an activation-dependent way. CD22 cytoplasmic tyrosine residues were required for association with PMCA and enhancement of calcium efflux. Moreover, CD22 regulation of efflux and the calcium response required the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Thus, SHP-1 and PMCA provide a mechanism by which CD22, a tissue-specific negative regulator, can affect calcium responses.
Attributions for smoking behavior: Comparing smokers with nonsmokers and predicting smokers' cigarette consumption

Abstract A revised version of J. H. Coan's (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1973 , 26, 86–104) Smoking Survey was completed by smokers and nonsmokers in two studies. The Revised Smoking Survey was factor analyzed and discriminant function analysis was used to compare smokers and nonsmokers on the resulting nine smoking motives. Nonsmokers gave significantly more agreement to items on the Revised Smoking Survey comprising the following smoking motives: Sophistication, Health-Nuisance, Addiction, Stimulation, Sensorimotor Pleasure. Smokers gave significantly more agreement than nonsmokers to only one smoking motive: Relaxation. Multiple correlations between smoking motives and selfreported cigarette consumption were .754 (Study 1) and .670 (Study 2). The most important motives predicting cigarette consumption were Addiction and Affective Smoking. Results were related to attributional theories of arousal and to research measuring people's (in)ability to accurately explain their behaviors. It was recommended that cigarette smoking cessation programs should provide smokers with skills for relaxation and for coping with withdrawal.
Baryon mass inequalities in quark models.

Recently conjectured three- (and more-) body mass inequalities are investigated for the quark models of baryons in which it is assumed that baryon masses are the ground-state energies of Schrodinger-type operators with pair potentials V. It is proved that these inequalities hold (even with a “relativistic” form for the kinetic energy) if V belongs to a certain class (which includes many potentials commonly used), but that they do not hold for all V (even in the nonrelativistic case). One example of our results is 2M(cqs)≥ M(cqq) + M(css).
The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane over molybdenum-vanadium-niobium oxide catalysts: the role of catalyst composition

The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane has been studied at atmospheric pressure using molybdenum-vanadium-niobium oxide catalysts in the temperature range of 350–450 °C. The presence of all three oxides together is necessary in order to have active and selective catalysts. The best results have been obtained using a mixture having a Mo ∶ V ∶ Nb ratio of 19 ∶ 5 ∶ 1. Our studies of the variation of oxide composition suggest that the active phase is based on molybdenum and vanadium. Niobium enhances the intrinsic activity of the molybdenum-vanadium combination and improves the selectivity by inhibiting the total oxidation of ethane to carbon dioxide. The apparent activation energies for the conversion of ethane to ethylene, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were 18, 27 and 17 kcal/mol, respectively. The addition of water vapor to the gas stream does not affect the product distribution on this catalyst.
Bequest taxes, inter vivos gifts, and the bequest motive ☆

Abstract This paper investigates the existence of an operative bequest motive by testing whether state bequest taxes influence the giving of inter vivos gifts. A significant positive relation between bequest tax rates and both the probability and level of inter vivos gifts is found, suggesting that at least some portion of bequests is intentional.
Criterion for the Prevention of Core Fracture During Extrusion of Bimetal Rods

Based on the upper-bound theorem in limit analysis, a theoretical model for core fracture in bimetal rods during extrusion has been developed and a fracture criterion established. The variables affecting core fracture are: reduction in area (r%), die geometry, friction (m), relative size of the core and relative strength of the core. Within the wide range of possible combinations of these process variables, only a small range permits extrusion without fracture. With suitable modifications the present analysis can be extended to develop criteria for sleeve fracture during extrusion and for both core and sleeve fracture during drawing.
Scattering from ferrite bodies of revolution using a hybrid approach

The scattered fields from axisymmetric problems containing anisotropic media are found by a hybrid finite element method. In particular a symmetric formulation for bodies of revolution that incorporates a finite element formulation for axially magnetized ferrite materials is presented. The method is applied to a ferrite cylinder with quartz matching layers. A Gaussian beam input is used to predict the Faraday rotation through the ferrite cylinder and display it visually. >
De-embedding of port discontinuities in full-wave CAD models of multi-port circuits

Systematic numerical methodology is proposed for accurate de-embedding of the port discontinuities in full-wave models of the unbounded multi-port circuits. The approach is based on the idea of short-open calibration (SOC). The latter being a numerical analog of the experimental TRL-technique provides a consistent removal of the feed networks in a wide range of frequencies. The treatment of multi-port topologies is achieved through the continuation of the original scalar SOC into the vector space. The new vector short-open calibration (VSOC) method provides a seamless interface with the integral equation based method of moments (MoM) solvers. Owing to the distributed nature of the microwave circuits the method allows for a substantial flexibility in the choice of the excitation mechanisms. Such commonly used MoM driving schemes as the ports locally backed up by the vertical wall, ungrounded-internal differential ports or via-mounted ports can be accurately de-embedded within the framework of the VSOC.
Automated Mitosis Detection of Stem Cell Populations in Phase-Contrast Microscopy Images

Due to the enormous potential and impact that stem cells may have on regenerative medicine, there has been a rapidly growing interest for tools to analyze and characterize the behaviors of these cells in vitro in an automated and high throughput fashion. Among these behaviors, mitosis, or cell division, is important since stem cells proliferate and renew themselves through mitosis. However, current automated systems for measuring cell proliferation often require destructive or sacrificial methods of cell manipulation such as cell lysis or in vitro staining. In this paper, we propose an effective approach for automated mitosis detection using phase-contrast time-lapse microscopy, which is a nondestructive imaging modality, thereby allowing continuous monitoring of cells in culture. In our approach, we present a probabilistic model for event detection, which can simultaneously 1) identify spatio-temporal patch sequences that contain a mitotic event and 2) localize a birth event, defined as the time and location at which cell division is completed and two daughter cells are born. Our approach significantly outperforms previous approaches in terms of both detection accuracy and computational efficiency, when applied to multipotent C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal and C2C12 myoblastic stem cell populations.
The production and use of cells as therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative diseases

Although progressive neurodegenerative diseases have very different and highly specific causes, the dysfunction or loss of a vulnerable group of neurons is common to all these disorders and may allow the development of similar therapeutic approaches to the treatment of diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. When a disease is diagnosed, the first step is to instigate protective measures to prevent further degeneration. However, most patients are symptom-free until almost all of the vulnerable cells have become dysfunctional or have died. There are known molecular mechanisms and processes in stem cells and progenitor cells that may be of use in the future design and selection of cell-based replacement therapies for neurological diseases. This review provides examples of conceptual and clinical problems that have been encountered in the development of cell-based treatments, and specific criteria for the effective use of cells in the future treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Typology and evolution of technology clusters-evidences from the hi-tech industries

Clustering is one of the key drivers for regional economic growth. Development of technology clusters is a dynamic process, which is influenced by a variety of internal and external factors. Availability of skilled labor, presence of functioning networks and partnerships, and evolution of the industry are among the key factors. According to Ann Markusen, technology clusters can be distinguished from one another based on their fundamental typology: the Marshallian form, Hub-and-Spoke form, Satellite form, and State-centered form. However, the effect of cluster typology on the development of cluster has not been studied. In this paper, we investigate 15 metropolitan-based technology clusters in the United States, covering communications equipment manufacturing, information technology, and biopharmaceutical sectors. By examining the composition of these high-tech clusters, we observe: 1) how these technology structures have changed their typology over time; 2) differences in cluster typology among different industries. Our analysis results suggest that the map of cluster typology varies significantly for different industries. In addition, our analysis results suggest that the long-term sustainability of a cluster is largely determined by the prosperity of small-and-medium firms within the cluster.
Metabolic reprogramming and cell fate regulation in alcoholic liver disease.

Abstract Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) should be defined as a life-style metabolic disease. Its pathogenesis is driven by altered cell fate of both parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cell types, contributing to different pathologic spectra. A critical turning point in progression of ALD is chronic alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) or alcoholic neutrophilic hepatitis (AH), which markedly predisposes patients to most devastating ALD sequela, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Results Our research identifies the pivotal roles of unique metabolic reprogramming in M1 activation of hepatic macrophages (HM) and myofibroblastic activation (MF) of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in the genesis of inflammation and fibrosis, the two key histological features of chronic ASH and neutrophilic AH. For M1 HM activation, heightened proinflammatory iron redox signaling in endosomes or caveosomes results from altered iron metabolism and storage, promoting IKK/NF-kB activation via interactive activation of p21ras, TAK1, and PI3K. For MF cell fate regulation of HSC, activation of the morphogen Wnt pathway caused by the nuclear protein NECDIN or the single-pass trans-membrane protein DLK1, reprograms lipid metabolism via MeCP2-mediated epigenetic repression of the key HSC quiescence gene Ppar-γ . Conclusions The findings from these studies re-enforce the importance of metabolic reprogramming in cell fate regulation required for the pathogenesis of ALD.
A Multiple-Pathogen System for Bioherbicidal Control of Several Weeds

A novel system using four host-specific fungal plant pathogens applied in a single, postemergent spray to control pigweed, sicklepod, and showy crotalaria was tested under greenhouse conditions. The four pathogens were Phomopsis amaranthicola (a pathogen of pigweed species), Alternaria cassiae (a pathogen of sicklepod and showy crotalaria), Colletotrichum dematium f. sp. crotalariae and Fusarium udum f. sp. crotalariae (pathogens of showy crotalaria). Spore suspensions of each pathogen alone (106 spores mL−1) or a mixture of the four pathogens (1:1:1:1, v/v, 2.5×105 spores mL−1 of each pathogen, total 106 spores mL−1) were tested on four- to six-leaf stage seedlings of the three weed species grown together in pots. One week after inoculation (WAI), all sicklepod and showy crotalaria seedlings were killed, and all pigweed seedlings were killed by 6 WAI when inoculated with their respective pathogen(s) alone or a mixture of the pathogens. None of the weeds inoculated with the root-infecting pathogen F. udum...
Growth and Oxidation of Thin Film Al2Cu

Al{sub 2}Cu thin films ({approx} 382 nm) are fabricated by melting and resolidifying Al/Cu bilayers in the presence of a {micro} 3 nm Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} passivating layer. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measures a 1.0 eV shift of the Cu2p{sub 3/2} peak and a 1.6 eV shift of the valence band relative to metallic Cu upon Al{sub 2}Cu formation. Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM) and Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) show that the Al{sub 2}Cu film is composed of 30-70 {micro}m wide and 10-25 mm long cellular grains with (110) orientation. The atomic composition of the film as estimated by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) is 67 {+-} 2% Al and 33 {+-} 2% Cu. XPS scans of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}Cu taken before and after air exposure indicate that the upper Al{sub 2}Cu layers undergo further oxidation to Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} even in the presence of {approx} 5 nm Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The majority of Cu produced from oxidation is believed to migrate below the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} layers, based upon the lack of evidence for metallic Cu in the XPS scans. In contrast to Al/Cu passivated with Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, melting/resolidifying the Al/Cu bilayer without Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} results in phase-segregated dendritic film growth.
An FGF21-Adiponectin-Ceramide Axis Controls Energy Expenditure and Insulin Action in Mice

FGF21, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily, has recently emerged as a regulator of metabolism and energy utilization. However, the exact mechanism(s) whereby FGF21 mediates its actions have not been elucidated. There is considerable evidence that insulin resistance may arise from aberrant accumulation of intracellular lipids in insulin-responsive tissues due to lipotoxicity. In particular, the sphingolipid ceramide has been implicated in this process. Here, we show that FGF21 rapidly and robustly stimulates adiponectin secretion in rodents while diminishing accumulation of ceramides in obese animals. Importantly, adiponectin-knockout mice are refractory to changes in energy expenditure and ceramide-lowering effects evoked by FGF21 administration. Moreover, FGF21 lowers blood glucose levels and enhances insulin sensitivity in diabetic Lep(ob/ob) mice and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice only when adiponectin is functionally present. Collectively, these data suggest that FGF21 is a potent regulator of adiponectin secretion and that FGF21 critically depends on adiponectin to exert its glycemic and insulin sensitizing effects.
Endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy of cell suspensions for chemopreventive drug monitoring

Cancer chemopreventive agents such as N-4-(hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) are thought to prevent cancers by suppressing growth or inducing apoptosis in precancerous cells. Mechanisms by which these drugs affect cells are often not known, and the means to monitor their effects is not available. In this study endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy was used to measure metabolic changes in response to treatment with 4HPR in ovarian and bladder cancer cell lines. Fluorescence signals consistent with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and tryptophan were measured to monitor cellular activity through redox status and protein content. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of 4HPR and measured in a stable environment with a sensitive fluorescence spectrometer. Results suggest that redox signal of all cells changed in a similar dose-dependant manner but started at different baseline levels. Redox signal changes depended primarily on changes consistent with NADH fluorescence, whereas the FAD fluorescence remained relatively constant. Similarly, tryptophan fluorescence decreased with increased drug treatment, suggesting a decrease in protein production. Given that each cell line has been shown to have a different apoptotic response to 4HPR, fluorescence redox values along with changes in tryptophan fluorescence may be a response as well as an endpoint marker for chemopreventive drugs.
Advances in Optimal Structured Source Code Design

A memoryless equiprobable source with four-letter alphabet is to be trellis encoded at an encoding rate of one code bit per source sample with respect to the Hamming fidelity criterion. Each possible trellis code for this encoding task is characterized by a binary generating matrix of fixed dimensions via which reproduction labels from the source alphabet are linearly assigned to the trellis edges. The selected code is required to be structured in the sense that the irreducible factors of the generating matrix rows are binary primitive polynomials of pre-specified degrees and multiplicities, and the code must be optimal in the sense that the time-averaged expected Hamming reproduction error per source sample is minimized subject to the structural constraint. Methodology is presented to assist in solving this optimal structured code design problem, based upon an embedding of a structured set of trellis codes within an abelian group of odd order.
UNC93B1 mediates differential trafficking of endosomal TLRs

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are proteins that are responsible for recognizing specific molecules associated with invading pathogens, known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Upon detecting these signals, TLRs activate the body's immune response, which fights the infection. A subset of TLRs recognizes nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, enabling the immune system to respond to foreign material from a diverse range of bacteria and viruses. However, some of the body's own DNA and RNA is also found outside cells (e.g., in the bloodstream) and TLRs must be able to discriminate between these nucleic acids and those belonging to pathogens, because failure to tell the difference between the two could result in autoimmune disease. To reduce this risk, TLRs are sequestered inside the cell within membrane-bound compartments known as endosomes. UNC93B1 is a transmembrane protein that is known to control the movement of TLRs from the endoplasmic reticulum—where TLRs are assembled—to endosomes. However, the exact mechanisms by which this protein controls TLR trafficking were unclear. Now Lee et al. reveal that it directly controls the packaging of at least six TLRs at the endoplasmic reticulum: it helps to load these TLRs into vesicles, which are in turn processed by the Golgi apparatus—the organelle wherein proteins are sorted and packaged en route to their final destinations. Surprisingly, UNC93B1 remains associated with the TLRs even after Golgi processing. Lee et al. also reveal that specific endosomal TLRs are subject to distinct post-Golgi trafficking mechanisms. In order for TLR9 to be delivered to the endosome, UNC93B1 must recruit an adaptor protein called AP-2, whereas other TLRs appear to require different actions by UNC93B1. By defining the mechanisms that underlie the differential trafficking of endosomal TLRs, Lee et al. suggest that we may learn how to manipulate distinct aspects of TLR activation, and also gain insights into the causes of certain autoimmune diseases.
Type synthesis of freedom and constraint elements for design of flexure mechanisms

Abstract. In this paper, we present the type synthesis of freedom and constraint elements for design of general flexure mechanisms. As an important step in the conceptual design stage, the goal of type synthesis is to qualitatively determine the topology or connectivity of flexure elements and rigid bodies in a mechanism. The synthesis procedure presented here is based on a recently emerging screw theory based approach for flexure mechanisms. We first categorize a list of commonly used atomic flexure primitives including blades, wires, notches and bellow springs etc. We then derive their twist and wrench matrices that mathematically represent their freedom and constraint spaces. The synthesis procedure rigorously follows screw algebra. Freedom elements including R-joints and P-joints are defined as basic motion elements that allow a single rotation or a single translation. By using parallel structures of these flexure primitives, eleven designs of R-joints and eight designs of P-joints are systematically synthesized. As a duality, constraint elements including P-constraints and R-constraints remove a single translation or rotation. In contract to freedom elements, we synthesized serial chains of flexure primitives and obtained six designs of P-constraints and three designs of R-constraints. These freedom and constraint elements form a catalogue of basic building blocks for designing more complex flexure mechanisms. At last we utilize four design examples to demonstrate how to synthesize hybrid structures with serial and parallel combination of these elements.
Specific regulation of Fos family transcription factors in thymocytes at two developmental checkpoints

A central question in T cell development is what makes cortical thymocytes respond to stimulation in a qualitatively different way than any other thymocyte subset. Part of the answer is that AP-1 function changes drastically at two stages of T cell development. It undergoes striking down-regulation as thymocytes differentiate from immature, CD4^–CD8^– double-negative (DN) TCR^– thymocytes to CD4^+CD8^+ double-positive (DP) TCR^(lo) cortical cells, and then returns in the cells that mature to TCR^(high), CD4^+CD8^– or CD4^–CD8^+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes. At all three stages, the jun family mRNAs can be induced similarly. However, we demonstrate that DP cortical thymocytes are specifically impaired in c-fos and fosB mRNA induction, even when stimuli are used that optimize survival of the cells and a form of in vitro maturation. fra-2 expression is induction independent but much lower in DP cells than in the other subsets. Overall Fos family protein induction accordingly is severely decreased in DP cells. Defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes is functionally significant, because antibody supershift experiments show that in activated immature and mature thymocytes, most detectable AP-1 DNA-binding complexes do contain c-Fos or FosB. Thus, defective c-Fos and FosB expression in cortical thymocytes qualitatively alters any AP-1 complexes they might express. The cortical thymocytes are not deficient in mRNA expression for any of the constitutive transcription factors that are known to be needed to drive c-Fos or FosB expression, so it is possible that the activity of these factors is developmentally regulated through a post-transcriptional mechanism.
Using a Computational Grid for Geographic Information Analysis: A Reconnaissance

High performance computing has undergone a radical transformation during the past decade. Though monolithic supercomputers continue to be built with significantly increased computing power, geographically distributed computing resources are now routinely linked using high-speed networks to address a broad range of computationally complex problems. These confederated resources are referred to collectively as a computational Grid. Many geographical problems exhibit characteristics that make them candidates for this new model of computing. As an illustration, we describe a spatial statistics problem and demonstrate how it can be addressed using Grid computing strategies. A key element of this application is the development of middleware that handles domain decomposition and coordinates computational functions. We also discuss the development of Grid portals that are designed to help researchers and decision makers access and use geographic information analysis tools.
Human Glioblastoma Cell Lines: Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein

The status of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and LDL receptor-related protein (LRP) in seven human glioma cell lines was evaluated to extend our knowledge of human glioblastoma multiforme tumor metabolism for future drug design. Cell lines SF-767, SF-763, A-172, U-87 MG, U-251 MG, U-343 MG, and SF-539 were used. Binding of 125I-labeled LDL to these cells at 4 degrees C was carried out to determine the number of LDL receptors on cells and the affinity of LDL for these receptors. The content of LRP was measured by immunoblotting. The presence of specific saturable LDL receptors was proven in six of the cell lines investigated. SF-767 cells revealed high-affinity LDL binding (equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd = 7 nM) and maximum binding capacity approximating 300,000 receptors/cell. Most of the remaining cell lines had relatively lower affinity (Kd = 38-62 nM) but also had very high numbers of receptors (128,000-950,000/cell). All cell lines exhibited LRP, but the expression was variable. The cell lines SF-539, U-87 MG, and U-343 MG were particularly rich in this protein. The data suggest that glioblastoma cells have high numbers of LDL receptors; however, there is considerable variation in binding affinity. Overall, this finding suggests that LDL receptors on glioblastoma cells could potentially be useful for targeting antitumor agents. LRP, a multifunctional receptor expressed on glioblastoma cells, also has the possibility for serving as a therapeutic target.