cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Proximal Gene Promoter Region for the β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein Provides a Link between Development, Apoptosis, and Alzheimer's Disease

Abnormalities in regulation of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene might be a crucial factor in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our aim is to study the role of a specific proximal APP promoter element under the apoptotic condition. Our transfection studies with APP promoter deletion constructs indicate that each cell type differently regulates promoter activity. The minimum region that was sufficient to drive basal promoter activity in neuronal PC12 and neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells was -75/+104 and -47/+104 bp, respectively. In SK-N-SH cells, the -47/+104 construct displayed the highest promoter activity, and the -75/-46 region acted as a negative regulatory element. Results from the gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicate that the -75/-46 region binds to a distinct DNA-protein complex with nuclear protein(s) from HeLa, PC12, NIH-3T3, and neuroblastoma cells. EMSA results from HeLa cells, which were stimulated by serum starvation (SR), indicate a significant induction in the signal of the DNA-protein complex from controls. EMSA results from PC12 cells, which were subjected to hypoxia, indicate a significant reduction in the signal. Our results suggest that the -75/-46 region binds to a protein that is upregulated in serum starvation, and downregulated in hypoxia. Because serum starvation contributes to the induction of apoptosis, these results suggest a role of the 30-bp proximal APP promoter element in enhanced apoptotic neuronal cell death.
Formation of hydroxyapatite–polyphosphazene polymer composites at physiologic temperature

Aspects of the formation of bone analog composites at 37°C are described. The composites are composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and the calcium salt of a biocompatible polymer and are capable of forming under in vivo conditions. Composite formation involves the formation of monolithic HAp from particulate calcium phosphate precursors while Ca ions liberated to the aqueous medium in which this reaction is occurring form crosslinks with the acidic polymer. The reactants are poly[bis(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] (acid-PCPP), tetracalcium phosphate [Ca4(PO4)2O, TetCP], and anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4, DCPA). The effects of the proportion of polymer (5, 10, or 15 wt %) on the kinetics of HAp formation were studied. Compositional evolution of the solid calcium phosphates present was followed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy analyses. HAp formation through a dissolution-precipitation process provided a mildly alkaline medium suitable for deprotonation of the acid-PCPP and for the formation of the calcium crosslinks, as monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Concurrence of crosslinking of the polymer and HAp formation was established, indicating true composite formation can be realized at physiologic temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Synthesis of the cobalt–alkyne complex (η5-C5H5)(PPh3)Co{η2-(Me3Si)CC(CO2Et)} and structural characterization of trimethylsilyl substituted cobaltacyclopentadiene complexes derived therefrom

The reaction of (η5-C5H5)Co(PPh 3)2 with TMSCC(CO2Et) leads to the formation of the cobalt-alkyne complex (η5-C5H5) (PPh3)Co{η2-(Me3Si)CC(CO2Et)} (6). In benzene-d6 solution containing PPh3, 6 undergoes slow conversion to the cobaltacyclopentadiene complex (η5-C 5H5)(PPh3)Co{κ2-(TMS) CC(CO2Et)C(TMS)C(CO2Et)} (7, TMS = SiMe3). Alternatively, reaction of 6 and PhCCPh forms the metallacyclopentadiene regioisomers (η5-C5H5)(PPh 3)Co{κ2-(R1)CC(R2)C(Ph) =C(Ph)} [9-major, R1 = SiMe3, R2 = CO2Et; 9-minor, R1 = CO2Et, R2 = SiMe3). The metallacycle substitution pattern in 9-major and 9-minor is readily deduced from the 1H NMR spectral resonances of the diastereotopic ethoxycarbonyl hydrogens. When the diastereotopic hydrogens of the ethoxycarbonyl have similar chemical shifts the ester is situated on the β-carbon of the metallacycle. When the methylene hydrogens give rise to well-separated resonances the ethoxycarbonyl is situated on the α-carbon of the metallacycle. The solid state structures of 7 and 9-major were determined by X-ray crystallography. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
On combining multidimensional target location ellipsoids

N.M. Blachman (1989) presented a method for combining the two-dimensional target location ellipses using the equation of an ellipse. A method is presented for combining N-dimensional location ellipsoids by using the location covariance matrix. The general result is formulated in simple matrix form. The results presented contain Blachman's results as a special case. Examples for both two and three dimensions are presented. >
Androgen Receptor Remains Critical for Cell-Cycle Progression in Androgen-Independent CWR22 Prostate Cancer Cells

The majority of prostate cancers (PCa) that relapse after androgen deprivation therapy (androgen-independent PCa) continue to express androgen receptor (AR). To study the functional importance of AR in these tumors, we derived androgen-independent CWR22 PCa xenografts in castrated mice and generated a cell line from one of these xenografts (CWR22R3). Similarly to androgen-independent PCa in patients, the relapsed xenografts and cell line expressed AR and were resistant to treatment with bicalutamide. However, expression of the AR-regulated PSA gene in the CWR22R3 cell line was markedly decreased compared to the relapsed xenografts in vivo. Transfections with androgen-regulated reporter genes further indicated that the cells lacked androgen-independent AR transcriptional activity and were not hypersensitive to low androgen concentrations despite constitutive activation of the Erk/MAP kinases. Nonetheless, AR remained essential for androgen-independent growth because retroviral shRNA-mediated AR down-regulation resulted in marked long-term growth suppression. This was associated with increased levels of p27kip1 and hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein but not with decreases in D-type cyclin levels or MAP kinase activation. These results reveal a potentially critical function of AR in androgen-independent PCa that is distinct from its previously described transcriptional or nontranscriptional functions.
Environmental influences on the activity of captive apes

Forty-one zoological gardens in seven European countries were visited to investigate activity level in captive environments for great apes. Forty-three groups of gorillas and 68 groups of orangutans were observed. The seven factors quantified for each of the environments were size of the enclosure, usable surface area, frequency of feeding, number of animals, and number of objects (stationary, temporary, and movable). Activity level of each group was measured by instantaneous scan sampling for one hour on two consecutive days. For both species, the factors most highly related to activity level were number of animals, and stationary, temporary, and movable objects. The usefulness of these variables for predicting group activity level was different for the two species, however. Factors important for gorillas were stationary and temporary objects, while stationary and movable objects were significant for orangutans. These findings suggest that objects within environments may be more important for captive apes than the size or construction of the enclosure. Also, the types of objects that need to be included in environments may be related to the natural behavior of the individual species.
Subcellular Localization of Proinsulin to Insulin Conversion in Isolated Rat Islets

By pulse labeling isolated rat islets with tritiated leucine, it was possible to follow the synthesis of proinsulin and the subsequent conversion of the proinsulin into an intermediate product and insulin. Examination of the islets fractionated at various times indicated synthesis of proinsulin in the microsomal fraction and transfer of the proinsulin to the secretion granule fraction. The secretion, granule fraction was the most important fraction in converting proinsulin to the intermediate product and insulin. The developing secretion granules are implicated in this conversion process. During incubation, insulin was secreted in a bimodal fashion. Insulin precursors were also released into the incubation media. (Endocrinology 86: 88, 1970)
Use of the SADS--C as a diagnostic and symptom severity measure.

Nombre d'instruments diagnostiques sont actuellement en usage chez les chercheurs et les cliniciens interesses par les problemes de diagnostic differentiel. Le test Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia ainsi que le Research Diagnostic Criteria se sont montres de l'avis de tous parfaitement fiables. On a cherche a valider ici une forme abregee du SADS sur un echantillon de 120 patients schizophrenes paranoiaques et non paranoiaques, maniacodepressifs bipolaires, et unipolaires, et sur 26 sujets normaux
Hubble's second decade of observing moves to larger programs

Representatives of the HST user community urged that a sizeable portion (10-30%) of HST's observing program be dedicated to large observing projects, each of 100 orbits or more of telescope time. In the first 10 Cycles of HST observing, this goal was not fully realized. In HST's Cycle 11, large programs make up nearly 40% of the HST General Observer time allocation. We describe the advances in proposal processing that have made this possible, and give examples of the scientific and mission goals that these programs are designed to meet.
Abstract B67: The epigenetic regulator Hmga2 is sufficient to initiate prostate cancer via paracrine Wnt signaling

Carcinomas result from the stepwise acquisition of multiple genetic alterations within the epithelial compartment. The surrounding stroma, including extracellular matrix, blood vasculature, inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, also plays important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Aberrant microenvironment resulting from aging and chronic inflammation as well as tumor stress can provide “field effects” to facilitate the development of multifocal malignant lesions with independent clonal origin. Given the rare frequency of genetic changes identified in cancer associated stroma, it is likely that epigenetic alterations, such as histone modifications and chromatin remodeling, could contribute to the tumor-promoting phenotype of cancer associated stromal cells. Here we utilize high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (Hmga2), a nonenzymatic epigenetic regulator, to modify prostate stromal cells, and demonstrate that perturbation of the microenvironment by stromal-specific overexpression of this chromatin remodeling protein is sufficient to induce multiple high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions from adjacent naive epithelial cells. The growth-promoting effects of Hmga2-expressing stromal cells are predominantly mediated by increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling and preferentially act on prostate stem cells-enriched basal epithelial cells. Enhancement of Hmga2-induced paracrine signaling by overexpression of androgen receptor (AR) in the stroma drives full carcinoma in the adjacent epithelial tissues, indicating that combined targeted therapies against augmented Wnt and stromal AR signaling may represent as an effective treatment strategy for prostate cancer. Our findings provide compelling evidence for the critical contribution of epigenetic changes in stromal cells to multifocal tumorigenesis, and for the first time reveal that Hmga2, a cell intrinsic oncoprotein, could exert its function via paracrine Wnt signaling. Citation Format: Yang Zong, Jiaoti Huang, Owen N. Witte. The epigenetic regulator Hmga2 is sufficient to initiate prostate cancer via paracrine Wnt signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr B67.
Error detection/correction in collaborative writing

In the present study, we examined error detection/correction during collaborative writing. Subjects were asked to identify and correct errors in two contexts: a passage written by the subject (familiar text) and a passage written by a person other than the subject (unfamiliar text). A computer program inserted errors in function words prior to the proofreading of both passages. The errors preserved the lexical status of the original words, making the errors difficult to detect by commercially available spell-checking functions. The two passages permitted us to ask whether unfamiliar errors (i.e., errors not committed by the proofreader) would be easier to detect/correct in a familiar text than in an unfamiliar text. It was hypothesized that the proofreader’s substantial familiarity with his/her own writing might make the unfamiliar errors salient, thereby enhancing error detection. Alternatively, this elevated familiarity could impair error detection by increasing the predictability of the text being proofread and thus the likelihood of overlooking errors. The results provided support for the “perceptual salience” account and suggested that an environment that diminishes the proofreaders’ familiarity with their own writing (e.g., substantive typescript changes) can also diminish the salience of the errors committed by others.
Negative Feedback Regulation of Dicer-Like1 in Arabidopsis by microRNA-Guided mRNA Degradation

Abstract Formation of microRNA (miRNA) requires an RNaseIII domain-containing protein, termed DICER-1 in animals and DICER-LIKE1 (DCL1) in plants, to catalyze processing of an RNA precursor with a fold-back structure [1]. Loss-of-function dcl1 mutants of Arabidopsis have low levels of miRNA and exhibit a range of developmental phenotypes in vegetative, reproductive, and embryonic tissues [2]. In this paper, we show that DCL1 mRNA occurs in multiple forms, including truncated molecules that result from aberrant pre-mRNA processing. Both full-length and truncated forms accumulated to relatively low levels in plants containing a functional DCL1 gene. However, in dcl1 mutant plants, dcl1 RNA forms accumulated to levels several-fold higher than those in DCL1 plants. Elevated levels of DCL1 RNAs were also detected in miRNA-defective hen1 mutant plants and in plants expressing a virus-encoded suppressor of RNA silencing (P1/HC-Pro), which inhibits miRNA-guided degradation of target mRNAs. A miRNA (miR162) target sequence was predicted near the middle of DCL1 mRNA, and a DCL1 -derived RNA with the properties of a miR162-guided cleavage product was identified and mapped. These results indicate that DCL1 mRNA is subject to negative feedback regulation through the activity of a miRNA.
Carbohydrate Moieties in Recombinant Human Thyroid Peroxidase: Role in Recognition by Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

We studied the oligosaccharide moieties of recombinant human thyroid peroxidase (hTPO) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and the role of these glycans in hTPO antigenicity in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. To determine whether hTPO carbohydrate moieties were AT-linked, O-linked, or both, and to obtain information about the characteristics of the carbohydrate component(s), we digested hTPO with deglycosylating enzymes of varying specificity. Proteins in CHO-TPO cells were labeled with [35S]methionine, and hTPO was immunoprecipitated with anti-hTPO antibodies present in Hashimoto's thyroiditis serum. Digestion with endoglycosidase (endo) F, which removes both complex and polymannose iV-linked glycans, increased the electrophoretic mobility of the hTPO doublet from approximately 115 kD and 110 kD to 110 kD and 105 kD. Endo H, which acts similarly to endo F, but only on polymannose, and not complex, glycans, had a similar effect. In contrast, O-glycanase and neuraminidase, which remove O-linked glycan...
International Guidelines for Radio-Frequency Exposure, Especially for the Most Successful Application of Electromagnetics in Medicine: Magnetic Resonance Imaging [Telecommunications Health & Safety]

This paper presents an overview of the International Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Commission (ICNIRP) and its role in setting guidelines for radio-frequency fields. While exposure guidelines have been promulgated for magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) operations, there are a number of challenges that warrant further consideration.
The Emergence of Challenging Behaviors in At-Risk Toddlers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

Challenging behaviors including aggression, property destruction, stereotypy, and self injury occur at a high prevalence in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These behaviors are pervasive and chronic. Despite an increased probability and negative consequences, one area which has received little attention is the presence of challenging behaviors in infants and toddlers with ASD. We investigated if this pattern of problem behaviors can be detected in those with ASD at an early age. Six-hundred and twenty-four atypically developing toddlers classified as ASD (n = 297) or non-ASD (n = 327) were studied using the Baby and Infant SCreen for aUtIsm Traits-Part 3 (BISCUIT-Part 3). Participants were divided into four age groups: 12–18 months, 19–25 months, 26–32 months, and 33–39 months. A factorial MANCOVA was used to assess age and diagnostic group differences on BISCUIT-Part 3 domains. A general trend of severity of challenging behavior in infants and toddlers with ASD was noted to occur across age cohorts. Implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
Survival of Post‐larval Litopenaeus vannamei Following Acclimation to Low Salinity Waters at Different Temperatures

Temperature and salinity are two factors known to influence the growth potential and survival of the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, acclimated to low salinity waters. In west Alabama, farmers suspect low water temperatures at stocking, in conjunction with low salinity and suboptimal ionic profiles, might be responsible for reduced survival and production at harvest. To determine the influence of temperature and salinity on post-larval (PL) L. vannamei, a series of bioassays were conducted at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Research Station in Auburn, Alabama and Claude Peteet Mariculture Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama. PL L. vannamei of ages 11, 13, and 20 (PL11, PL13, and PL20) were acclimated down to salinities of 12, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.2 ppt at different temperatures ranging from 17.6 to 24.0 C. During the acclimation bioassays survivals were assessed at 24 and 48 h. PL survival of the three age groups examined were significantly reduced at salinities of 1, 0.5, and 0.2 ppt. These results correspond well to those reported at higher temperatures confirming that across the tested temperature range salinity endpoint was the driving factor in determining survival and that suboptimal temperatures had a minimal influence on survival.
“Girney” vocalizations among Japanese macaque females: Context and function

One vocalization in the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) system of communication is the “girney.” Previous studies indicated that the “girney” is used for short range communication and that it tends to occur when subordinate animals approach and groom dominant ones and when females without infants approach females who have infants. Data were collected on the social behavior of adult female Japanese monkeys of the Arashiyama-A troop in Texas in order to test those results. The study indicates that “girneys” are the most frequently occurring vocalizations of females during and following the birth season and that they occur primarily in two contexts. Those are the proximity of a female to another female with a new infant and the proximity of a lower ranking animal to a higher ranking one. The contexts are ones in which the risk of aggression is high, and the “girneys” appear to function as appeasement gestures to reduce the risk.
Reproducibility of glass open tubular columns in a production environment — Two years of experience

The problems associated with the preparation of glass open tubular (capillary) columns are well documented in the literature. These problems are even more evident if column production is done on a routine basis, in a production environment. On the other hand, from the point of the user who wants to rely on a supplier, the reproducible quality of the columns is crucial. Here “quality” does not only mean efficiency but also refers to the reproducibility of the average liquid film thickness (capacity ratio) and the relative retention, as well as the tube treatment influencing the “polarity” of the column tube. In a paper published one year ago [1] our investigation concerning the reproducibility of the column manufacturing process was reported. The present paper continues this investigation. Four different columns will be considered: two types of OV-101 columns with “thin” and “thick” liquid film as well as columns prepared with Carbowax 20M and DEGS liquid phases. The consistency of their characteristics and efficiency will be investigated. Column characteristics include the capacity ratio which is directly related to the thickness of the liquid phase film. Column efficiency is investigated with help of the HETP and peak resolution. The effective and theoretical plate numbers are compared and the incorrectness of the assumption that the former is better suited for column testing is demonstrated. Relative retention reproducibility of even difficult peak pairs shows the consistency of column wall treatment. Finally, the consistency and performance of shorter columns obtained by the breaking of long columns will be discussed.
Extraction of Protein from Slurries of Unfrozen and Frozen/Thawed Dark, Ground Turkey Meat and Skin with Selected Potassium and Sodium Salts

Patty formulations were made from dark, ground turkey meat, skin and selected sodium and potassium salts. Slurries made from unfrozen and frozen/thawed formulations were analyzed for pH and sediment. Supernatant from slurries was analyzed for protein and electrophoretic components. Sediment from extracts generally increased as pH increased for both storage conditions. No association between pH and protein in the supernatant of slurries was observed. Neutral and alkaline polyphosphates combined with NaCl extracted (P < 0.05) more protein than other combinations of salts. Patterns on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels showed that sodium pyrophosphate-glassy sodium polyphosphate (0.5%) extracted 9 protein bands while NaCl (2.0%) extracted 13 protein bands.
The cascading of cosmic-ray nuclei in various media

More than a thousand interactions of primary heavy nuclei of the cosmic radiation with charge ≥10 and energy >1 GeV nucleon−1 in nuclear emulsion have been studied with emphasis on how the primary nucleus fragments. It has been determined that the cases of multiple successive fragmentations that have been observed do not occur more frequently than expected. The fragmentation ofZ>20 nuclei does depend on the target nucleus to some extent so it is important to try to separate the interactions in emulsion by theirNh (number of evaporation prongs). The fragmentation of816O at 2.1 GeV nucleon−1 measured at the Bevalac shows a similar dependence on target nucleus. By using data from these new interactions combined with published data we have simulated on a computer nuclear cascades in both emulsion and air. Results on these cascades are given for both primary silicon and primary iron nuclei. These results are used to discuss the fluctuations expected in extensive air showers produced by heavy primary nuclei.
Predictors of survival in patients with persistent nodal metastases after preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal cancer

Objective In patients with esophageal cancer, a complete pathologic response after preoperative therapy is universally regarded as a favorable prognostic factor. However, less is known about factors predictive of outcome in patients with persistent nodal disease. The purpose of this study is to determine which variables affect survival in this patient population. Methods We reviewed a prospectively maintained esophageal cancer database. Patients with positive lymph nodes after preoperative therapy and surgery were selected. Predictors of survival were examined univariately using the log–rank test. Factors identified at P Results Ninety-six patients with 1 or more positive nodes received preoperative therapy. Pathologic T classification was 0 to 2 in 25 (26%) patients and 3 to 4 in 71 (74%) patients. In 29 (30%) patients, nonregional nodal disease was present (M1). Final pathologic stages were IIB in 18 (19%), III in 49 (51%), and IV in 29 (30%). Postoperatively, 44 (46%) patients received additional chemotherapy. On univariate analysis, pathologic stage, pathologic T classification, and number of positive nodes significantly affected overall survival. On multivariate analysis, clinical stage (hazard ratio [HR], 2.25; P = .05), pathologic T classification (HR, 3.06; P = .006), and number of positive nodes (HR 1.03 per node, P = .09) were significant predictors of overall survival. Conclusion Long-term survival can be achieved in patients with esophageal cancer who have persistent nodal disease after neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection. Clinical stage, pathologic T classification, and number of positive nodes best predict survival. Nonregional nodal disease does not adversely affect outcome. Postoperative chemotherapy conferred no additional survival benefit in this patient population.
Analysis of GPS static positioning problems

Global positioning system (GPS) static positioning solution algorithms for solving the receiver's position and clock bias using pseudorange measurements are investigated. The nonlinearized iterative version based on the linearized iterative version of Noe et al.'s algorithm and the iterative version based on the direct version of Bancroft's algorithm have been derived. Noe et al.'s, Bancroft's, and Biton et al.'s algorithms were examined to analyze accuracy and efficiency. The errors in the solutions of the algorithms were very small and there was only a small difference between the solution errors of the algorithms. The direct version of Biton et al.'s algorithm proved to be more computationally efficient on the basis of the execution times and the number of iterations than the other algorithms. However, the differences between the timing results of the algorithms were not significant. All the solution algorithms were also tested using real GPS data. The nonlinearized iterative version of Noe et al.'s algorithm and the iterative version of Bancroft's algorithm give accuracy and efficiency comparable to the other algorithms as well.
Prediction of recovery from traumatic brain injury.

ABSTRACT This paper encompasses the prediction of early and late recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Predictors of the duration of coma and the utilization of posttraumatic amnesia duration to predict residual memory function are discussed. The issues surrounding prediction of long-term neurobehavioral recovery from TBI are considered, particularly the patient and clinical variables that are related to intellectual recovery. Findings from the NIH Traumatic Coma Data are reviewed pertaining to testability as a criterion for outcome. In addition to discussing the relationship of specific neurologic indices of TBI as predictors, the results obtained using a regression model are summarized. Finally, the relationship of neuroimaging findings to neurobehavioral outcome is discussed including directions for future research.
Research In Social Psychology As A Leap of Faith

In recent years social psychologists have become in creasingly self-conscious about their discipline both in terms of what we ought to be investigating and in how these investigations ought to be carried out. In this article, the author discusses some advantages to loosening up, taking risks, and making individ ual (as opposed to group) decisions about which problems are worth researching.
Analysis of clonality using X-linked polymorphisms in a patient with multiple myeloma and myelofibrosis

We describe a patient who presented with a neutrophilic leukocytosis, normal karyotype, and IgAλ multiple myeloma. One year after diagnosis she developed diffuse myelofibrosis as well as multiple lytic lesions of bone. Given the myeloproliferative features of her case, the clonality of her peripheral leukocytes was determined prior to treatment. Analysis of X-chromosome inactivation at the X-linked human androgen-receptor gene locus (HUMARA) proved that granulopoiesis was polyclonal. Subsequent treatment of the myeloma reversed with myelofibrosis and normalized her WBC count. This is the first case of multiple myeloma with myelofibrosis in which a concomitant clonal myeloproliferative disease was ruled out at a genetic level. The myeloproliferative features in this case are presumed to be induced by cytokines produced by the plasma cell clone. Am. J. Hematol. 59:79–82, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How the aphids got their spots: predation drives self‐organization of aphid colonies in a patchy habitat

Using a 30 day time series of aphid Aphis helianthi and coccinellid counts on 107 mapped racemes of Yucca glauca, we demonstrate progressive, predation-induced self-organization of aphid colonies on individual racemes into extremely low and extremely high population sizes. This was driven by a two-attractor structure of density dependence that developed only in the presence of coccinellid predators. Foraging movements of the coccinellids among plants produced a power law relationship (average power = 0.142) between aphid and coccinellid numbers. This resulted in increased predation pressure on mid-size colonies and decreased predation pressure on small and large populations. A field-parameterized mathematical model predicts a two-attractor structure in broad agreement with our observations. The overall system was integrated by the influence of the largest aphid populations, which determined the total number of coccinellids present, and thus the predation pressure throughout the system. Our study provides clear evidence of predator-driven self-organization of prey populations in a patchy environment.
Will the New Keynesian Macroeconomics Resurrect the IS-LM Model?

The IS-LM model has no greater prospect of being a viable analytical vehicle for macroeconomics in the 1990s than the Ford Pinto has of being a sporty, reliable car for the 1990s. Because of its treatment of expectations, the IS-LM model, as traditionally constructed and currently used, is a hazardous base on which to build positive theories of business fluctuations and to undertake policy analysis. To simplify economic reality sufficiently to use the IS-LM model as an analytical tool, economists must essentially ignore expectations; we now know that this simplification eliminates key determinants of aggregate demand. The last two decades of research have taught economists that the assumption of rational expectations is a powerful part of economic explanations of individual and market behavior, ranging from consumption and investment dynamics to pricing of stocks and bonds. The emphasis on expectations in the macro-model is the end result of a process of building microeconomic underpinnings that was initiated in the 1950s and 1960s, when the goal was to develop dynamic theoretical foundations for the IS and LM schedules; inevitably, consideration of dynamic choice pushed the question of expectations to the forefront. As a result, most of the equations of the IS-LM model are now viewed as summarizing purposeful economic behavior in which choices over time play a central role. However, as we will see, this finding means there is no way to maintain traditional uses of the IS-LM model.
Concomitant Cryptosporidia, Coronavirus and Parvovirus Infection in a Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

A juvenile raccoon (Procyon lotor) was found moribund near Fort Collins, Colorado (USA). Upon examination, the raccoon was dehydrated, had a mucopurulent oculonasal discharge and diarrhea, and was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed emaciation, severe fibrinous gastroenteritis and a small, firm liver. Histopathological findings included blunting of villi, infiltration of lamina propria with neutrophils and plasma cells, and mild bronchopneumonia. Cryptosporidium sp. was demonstrated on intestinal villi and coronavirus and parvovirus were identified in feces. Fluorescent antibody test for rabies was negative and no evidence of canine distemper was found.
The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein suppresses cyclin D1 protein production by altering the nuclear cytoplasmic distribution of cyclin D1 mRNA

The majority of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein is present in nuclear bodies which are altered in several pathogenic conditions including acute promyelocytic leukemia. PML nuclear bodies are found in nearly all cells yet their function remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PML and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF-4E) co-localize and co-immunopurify. eIF-4E is involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport of specific mRNAs including cyclin D1. eIF-4E overexpression leads to increased cyclin D1 protein levels; whereas, overexpression of PML leads to decreased cyclin D1 levels. Neither PML nor eIF-4E cause significant changes in cyclin D1 mRNA levels. The association with eIF-4E led us to investigate if PML could alter mRNA distribution as a possible post-transcriptional mechanism for suppressing cyclin D1 production. We show that overexpression of PML results in nuclear retention of cyclin D1 mRNA and that intact PML nuclear bodies are required. Addition of eIF-4E overcomes PML induced retention and alters the morphology of PML bodies suggesting a mechanism by which eIF-4E can modulate PML function. These results raise the possibility that PML nuclear bodies may participate in the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of specific mRNAs.
Planning for the Future of the US Correctional System

This chapter will discuss the problems our correctional system faces after decades of growing prison populations. We focus specifically on examining the delivery of treatment in the criminal justice corrections system, a long neglected aspect of correctional planning, and promote the use of simulation modeling to explore the outcomes of implementing more cohesive treatment strategies on national and local levels. The treatment plan we advocate is guided by risk-need-responsivity 9RNR) principles that have been shown to impact recidivism levels. We discuss how the adoption of the RNR framework can inform simulation strategies. Throughout this book, authors focus on the various aspects of building appropriate simulation model inputs for national and local models. A discussion of the chapters included in this book will be presented and how each contributes to advancing our capacity to use simulation modeling for the purpose of correctional planning and management.
Approximate string matching by position restricted alignment

Given a collection of strings, goal of the approximate string matching is to efficiently find the strings in the collection that are similar to a query string. In this paper, we focus on edit distance as measure to quantify the similarity between two strings. Existing q-gram based methods to address this problem use inverted indexes to index the q-grams of given string collection. These methods begin by generating the q-grams of query string (disjoint or overlapping) and then merge the inverted lists of these q-grams. Several filtering techniques have been proposed so as to segment inverted lists to relatively shorter lists thus reducing the merging cost. We use a filtering technique which we call as "position restricted alignment" that combines well known length filtering and position filtering to provide more aggressive pruning. We then provide an indexing scheme that integrates the inverted lists storage with the proposed filter thus enabling us to auto-filter the inverted lists. We evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach by thorough experimentation.
Element efficiency and noise in grid arrays

The element efficiency of a phased array is the ratio of the radiated-to-available power of a single element, when only that element is excited. We relate this element efficiency to the output noise power generated by a quasi-optical grid amplifier array. Both electromagnetic and thermodynamic derivations are presented. These ideas are used to predict the total noise power and noise radiation pattern of grid arrays. The results are also extended to show that the output noise temperature of the entire array will be the same as the output noise temperature of a single element.
An efficient obstacle avoidance scheme in mobile robot path planning using polynomial neural networks

Application of Polynomial Neural Networks (PNN) in mobile robot path planning with an obstacle avoidance scheme is proposed. Given an environment and a desired goal location (position and orientation), PNN's are built from some selected starting locations to reach this goal. These PNNs comprise the memory of our model. An efficient associative retrieval technique is then applied to make the robot follow a minimal cost polynomial path. In the movement, when it faces an obstacle, the robot uses a contour finding algorithm to get away from the obstacle. The major advantage of using the PNNs is its interpolating capability with a moderate size of data space. Also no preprocessing of the range data is necessary. >
Systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism from deletion of the promoter region of the human β epithelial Na+ channel subunit

Systemic pseudohypoaldosteronism type I (PHAI) is an autosomal recessive disorder that arises from loss of function mutations of the α, β, or γ subunit of Epithelial Na+ Channel (ENaC). In addition to a severe renal phenotype in the neonatal period, patients with PHAI develop a childhood pulmonary syndrome characterized by cough and frequent respiratory infections. We tested a patient, born to consanguineous parents, who presented with dehydration, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, elevated renin and aldosterone levels at birth, and recurrent respiratory symptoms in his first year. He demonstrated defective epithelial Na+ transport in multiple organs (raised sweat Cl−, 120 mM; raised salivary Na+ and Cl−, 118 and 111 mM, respectively; and little nasal amiloride-sensitive potential difference). No deleterious mutation was identified in the coding region of the three ENaC subunits. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of nasal epithelial RNA showed reduced βENaC expression, and inability to ampli...
Using the Electronic Medical Record to Identify Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Toward a Replicable Automated Strategy

Background: Timely information about disease severity can be central to the detection and management of outbreaks of acute respiratory infections (ARI), including influenza. We asked if two resources: 1) free text, and 2) structured data from an electronic medical record (EMR) could complement each other to identify patients with pneumonia, an ARI severity landmark. Methods: A manual EMR review of 2747 outpatient ARI visits with associated chest imaging identified x-ray reports that could support the diagnosis of pneumonia (kappa score =0.88 (95% CI 0.82:0.93)), along with attendant cases with Possible Pneumonia (adds either cough, sputum, fever/chills/night sweats, dyspnea or pleuritic chest pain) or with Pneumonia-inPlan (adds pneumonia stated as a likely diagnosis by the provider). The x-ray reports served as a reference to develop a text classifier using machine-learning software that did not require custom coding. To identify pneumonia cases, the classifier was combined with EMR-based structured data and with text analyses aimed at ARI symptoms in clinical notes. Results: 370 reference cases with Possible Pneumonia and 250 with Pneumonia-in-Plan were identified. The x-ray report text classifier increased the positive predictive value of otherwise identical EMR-based case-detection algorithms by 20–70%, while retaining sensitivities of 58–75%. These performance gains were independent of the case definitions and of whether patients were admitted to the hospital or sent home. Text analyses seeking ARI symptoms in clinical notes did not add further value. Conclusion: Specialized software development is not required for automated text analyses to help identify pneumonia patients. These results begin to map an efficient, replicable strategy through which EMR data can be used to stratify ARI severity.
Modulation of MHC class II antigen expression in human myoblasts after treatment with IFN‐γ

Some investigators have proposed myoblast transfer as a potential therapy for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Little is known about the immunobiology of myoblast transplantation. Transplantation rejection is mediated to a large extent by CD8+ T cells, which recognize alloantigens encoded by class I HLA genes, and by CD4+ T cells, which recognize alloantigens encoded by class II HLA genes. Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is a potent inducer of HLA class II molecules as well as beta 2-microglobulin, which is co-expressed with HLA class I. IFN-gamma may be a critical cytokine involved in graft rejection. We purified human myoblasts by flow cytometry and incubated them in vitro for varying time periods with recombinant human IFN-gamma. The inducibility of HLA-DR and -DP molecules raises a note of caution concerning possible rejection phenomenon which might occur following myoblast transplantation.
Factors associated with depressed mood in chronic pain patients: the role of intrapersonal coping resources.

The purpose of this study was to examine processes through which chronic pain can result in depressed mood and to determine whether intrapersonal coping resources, namely high self- esteem and optimism, affect these processes. We hypothesized that pain severity contributes to depressed mood largely because pain interferes with involvement in important pursuits. We then examined whether intrapersonal resources are directly associated with pain severity, interference, and depressed mood and whether resources moderate associations between pain and interference or between interference and depressed mood. Structured interviews containing psychometrically robust measures were conducted with 141 outpatients of a university hospital-affiliated chronic pain center. As predicted, interference mediated much of the association between pain severity and depressed mood, and high resources were associated with less severe pain, less interference, and lower depressed mood. The association between pain severity and interference was stronger for people with high than people with low intrapersonal resources. The pattern of results that emerged from this study illustrates that intrapersonal coping resources may affect chronic pain patients through a variety of differentiated mechanisms. Pain severity appears to have greater adverse impact on the activity of people who possess highly positive self-views and outlook, but these resources are also associated with better emotional status. Perspective: Pain had greater adverse impact on the activity of people with highly positive self- views and outlook, but these coping resources were also associated with better emotional status. Chronic pain sufferers with few resources may require different interventions than those with more positive views of themselves and the world around them.
Impact assessment and emerging technologies

This paper uses an expanded version of a graphic model which integrates the pursuit of core competencies with methodologies of impact assessment. Since such complicated views of the future of technologies are much easier drawn than done, the paper also suggests practical methods of implementing the approach.
Delooping the total Stiefel-Whitney class

Let FH ( X ) denote the group of units of the classical cohomology ring H(X) = Π n ≥0 H n ( X ; Z /2) of a CW -complex X . The total Stiefel–Whitney class can be viewed as a group homomorphism where is the reduced real K -theory of X . Both and FH ( ) are representable functors, with representing spaces BO and FH , and thus w can be represented by a map w : BO → FH . By the Bott periodicity theorem, BO is an infinite loop space, and by a theorem of G . Segal[9] so is FH . However, it is well known that w is not an infinite loop map; this was first shown in [10]. The purpose of this paper is to prove the following: Theorem 0·1. w : BO → FH is a loop map but not a double loop map .
Elimination of charge-enhancement effects in GaAs FETs with a low-temperature grown GaAs buffer layer

The use of a low temperature grown GaAs (LT GaAs) buffer layer in GaAs FETs is shown via computer simulation and experimental measurement to reduce ion-induced charge collection by two to three orders of magnitude. This reduction in collected charge is associated with the efficient reduction of charge-enhancement mechanisms in the FETs. Error rate calculations indicate that the soft error rate of LT GaAs integrated circuits will be reduced by several orders of magnitude when compared to conventional FET-based GaAs ICs.
Selective alkylation reactions with vinamidinium salts

Abstract Vinamidinium salts react readily with enolates of ketones, esters, and lactones to produce multifunctional, synthetically-useful, dienaminones.
Distributed Assessment Systems: An Emerging Paradigm of Research, Assessment and Decision-making for Environmental Change

University's Global Environmental Assessment Project (NSF Award No. SBR-9521910), the Center for International Earth Science Information Network, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Center for Integrated Study of the Human Dimensions of Global Integrated Assessment Center at Carnegie Mellon University (NSF Award No. SBR-9521914). I thank William Clark, Jill Jaeger, Susanne Moser, Eileen Shea, and Anne Weiss for critical review of earlier drafts. *Corresponding author. Tel.: 1#617-496-9330; fax: 1#617-4960606. E-mail address: david}cash@harvard.edu (D.W. Cash). Global Environmental Change 10 (2000) 241}244
Crystallization kinetics of polyethylene terephthalate. I. Isothermal crystallization from the melt

The crystallization behavior of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was investigated as a function of molecular weight, temperature of crystallization, and polycondensation catalyst system. A detailed analysis of the crystallization course has been made utilizing the Avrami expression. The crystallization rate constants and the Avrami exponents were calculated. The results show that the rate constant and the mechanism of crystallization are dependent on the molecular weight, temperature, and the polycondensation catalyst system. The catalyst system often exhibits a more significant influence than the molecular weight in controlling the rate of crystallization of PET.
Molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic modeling of NaCl–KCl–ZnCl2 ternary system

Abstract The NaCl–KCl–ZnCl2 ternary system is examined and modeled using the CALPHAD methodology in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In particular, MD simulations are used for calculating liquid enthalpies of mixing as a function of composition for the ternary and its binary sub-systems. In addition, key structural features are obtained from MD that is then used for informing the employed two-sublattice ionic liquid model (Na+1, K+1: Cl−1, ZnCl2), which describes the ternary liquid phase. The structure of the simulated liquid systems show that Zn+2 cations primarily exhibit 4-fold coordination in addition to a smaller percentage of 5-fold followed by 3-fold coordination; in contrast, the coordination of both Na+ and K+ cations are distributed between 2- and 4-fold states. The optimized self-consistent thermodynamic model parameters show good agreement with MD data obtained in this work and available experimental literature data.