cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Making Forest of Bliss: The Film, the Book, the DVD, and the Breakthrough

Robert Gardner's and Akos Ostor's Making of Forest of Bliss (2002) is a combination book and DVD that contains eight teaching tools for better understanding Gardner's celebrated film Forest of Bliss. After the film was shot in 1985, filmmaker Gardner and anthropologist Ostor recorded a conversation about each image and sound of the film while they screened it again in 1987, and remembered their filmmaking process on location in Benares, India. The feature length (89 minute) documentary about death ritual, reincarnation, the sacred Ganges River, and the very atmosphere of Benares is included as DVD, as are teaching tools such as frame grabs (still images from the film), a mathematically precise shot list, bibliography, important criticism and essays about the film, and the featured in-depth conversation between filmmaker Gardner and anthropological advisor Ostor. This essay articulates the unique breakthroughs in pedagogy, cross-cultural studies, and multidisciplinary analysis such hybrid technology provides.
Presence of RNA methylases in intracisternal A particles purified from a mouse plasma cell tumor.

Intracisternal A particles share several biochemical properties with RNA tumor viruses, including 70-S RNA, reverse transcriptase, and a group-specific protein. In addition they form by budding from cytoplasmic membranes. It has been shown previously that various purified RNA tumor viruses contain N2-guanine RNA methylase; purified A particles were tested to determine if they contained this activity as well. The results showed that instead of a single methylase, six methylases were associated with intracisternal A particles: a cytidine and a uridine methylase, two N2-guanine monomethylases, an N2,N2-dimethylguanine methylase and an adenine methylase. These enzymes were indistinguishable from the cellular enzymes when Escherichia coli tRNAPhe was used as an acceptor RNA and three were shown to have the identical specificity, i.e. N2-guanine methylases for positions 10 and 34 and methylation of adenine in position 73 of the tRNAphe. The specific activity of the core-associated RNA methylases increased approximately twofold over the methylases of the intact particles, indicating that these methylases were associated with the internal structure and not simply adherent to the envelope surface. This suggests that these cellular enzymes are packaged within intracisternal A particles during synthesis. Thus, intracisternal A particles are similar to the oncornaviruses in that reverse transcriptase is the only known enzyme not of cellular origin, but they appear to contain cellular methylases not found in other RNA tumor viruses.
How similar are adult second language learners and Spanish heritage speakers? Spanish clitics and word order

Recent studies of heritage speakers, many of whom possess incomplete knowledge of their family language, suggest that these speakers may be linguistically superior to second language (L2) learners only in phonology but not in morphosyntax. This study reexamines this claim by focusing on knowledge of clitic pronouns and word order in 24 L2 learners and 24 Spanish heritage speakers. Results of an oral production task, a written grammaticality judgment task, and a speeded comprehension task showed that, overall, heritage speakers seem to possess more nativelike knowledge of Spanish than their L2 counterparts. Implications for theories that stress the role of age and experience in L2 ultimate attainment and for the field of heritage language acquisition and teaching are discussed.
Electron affinities of germanium anion clusters, Gen− (n=2–5)

Abstract Gaussian-2 (G2) theory for third-row non-transition elements is used to calculate accurate electron affinities of germanium clusters, Ge n ( n =2–5). The results for n =2–4 are in agreement with experiment while there is some disagreement for Ge 5 . The electron affinities are also calculated using G2 theory modified by adding a diffuse function to the basis set for MP2 geometry optimizations and using the B3LYP density functional method with the 6-311+G(3df,2p) basis set.
Benzothiophene selective estrogen receptor modulators with modulated oxidative activity and receptor affinity.

The regulation of estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is thought to underlie their clinical use. Most SERMs are polyaromatic phenols susceptible to oxidative metabolism to quinoids, which are proposed to be genotoxic. Conversely, the redox reactivity of SERMs may contribute to antioxidant and chemopreventive mechanisms, providing a new approach to improve the therapeutic properties of SERMs. An improved synthetic strategy was developed to generate a family of benzothiophene SERMs. Using computational modeling methods and measurements of antioxidant activity and estrogen receptor (ER) ligand binding, this SERM family was shown to provide both a range of ERα/ERβ selectivity from 1.2- to 67-fold and a range of redox activity. Antioxidant activity was successfully modulated by varying a substituent remote from the OH group; the source of the antioxidant capacity. An efficient synthetic procedure is reported yielding benzothiophene SERMs wherein redox activit...
Hydrogen atom participation in metastable defect formation at SiSiO2 interfaces

Abstract This paper discusses mechanisms for defect metastability with H atom participation at SiSiO 2 interfaces as in field effect transistors. Reaction pathways are associated with differences in defect bonding properties between positively charged (i) Si atoms and (ii) O and N atoms. Defect reaction equations, supported by quantum chemistry calculations, are presented. The metastable defects emphasized here are created by hole trapping followed by H atom attachment.
A contemporary review of the factors involved in complete denture retention, stability, and support. Part I: Retention

Abstract Establishing optimal complete denture retention requires an understanding of the factors discussed. Incorporation of these determinants into the prosthesis through proper design and technique contributes to the success of complete dentures.
Decay of localized vibrational states in glasses:mA one-dimensional example

The interaction between three localized vibrational modes is shown to be as relevant for the lifetimes of localized modes as the interaction involving two localized and one extended, and one localized and two extended modes. This contrasts with previous views. I support my arguments by a numerical study of a strongly disordered linear atomic chain.
Gynandromorphism in Dermacentor occidentalis (Acari: Ixodidae)

Campana-Rouget (1959) reviewed the teratology of ticks and included cases of gynandromorphism. She claimed the first discovery of a tick gynandromorph was reported in 1919. Since then, relatively few papers on tick gynandromorphs have been published. Most of the gynandromorphs that have been studied occurred naturally, but according to Campana-Rouget, Pervomaisky obtained several specimens among the progeny of inter-specific, crosses. Observations have been recorded only rarely on feeding, sexual behavior, fecundity, and development of the F1 progeny. Because of this lack, it seems worthwhile to record our probable experimental production of gynandromorphs, and our rearing data on the gynandromorphs and their progeny.
Blood pressure in resting, anesthetized and noise-exposed guinea pigs.

This study investigated blood pressure in guinea pigs while they were 1) alert and free moving, 2) anesthetized with different anesthetics, and 3) exposed to continuous, 115 dB SPL white noise under anesthesia. The animals were prepared with a carotid artery catheter and permitted to recover for 48 h before blood pressure levels were measured. Mean arterial blood pressure in the resting, unrestrained guinea pig was 64 mmHg (+/- 1.38 S.E.). Ketamine Hydrochloride (Ketamine) significantly decreased, and Fentanyl-Citrate significantly increased, blood pressure. Fentanyl-Droperidol produced no substantial blood pressure change. Guinea pigs anesthetized with Fentanyl-Citrate and Fentanyl-Droperidol demonstrated significant blood pressure increases when exposed to noise, with the Fentanyl-Citrate group showing a greater response. Animals anesthetized with Ketamine Hydrochloride exhibited no significant blood pressure changes when exposed to the noise.
An appraisal of the American poets laureate

Since 1919, when California began the state practice of appointing poets laureate, seventeen American states have each designated at least one laureate. Ten of these have each made one appointment to the laureateship. Colorado has named two laureates; California and West Virginia, three each; Georgia, four; Oklahoma, six; and Texas, seven. The state-laureate-naming practice spread from California through five other western states, namely Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Oregon, and South Dakota, and through eleven southern states, namely Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The purposes for choosing poets laureate have been indicated in official documents conferring the honor-for example, in governors' proclamations or in assembly resolutions. Governor Walter M. Pierce proclaimed Edwin Markham the poet laureate of Oregon in recognition of Markham's "character and personality" and "brilliancy as a poet." Governor Clifford Walker proclaimed Frank L. Stanton poet laureate of Georgia because of a desire to honor a beloved man who was a great poet. The California resolution conferred the title, "The Loved Laurel Crowned Poet of California," upon Ina Coolbrith because of her contribution to literature. The Texas Senate Concurrent Resolution
Differential labeling of components in human erythrocyte membranes associated with the transport of glucose

The irreversible inhibition of glucose transport by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FDNB) has been used to identify membrane proteins possibly associated with glucose transport in human crythrocytes. D-Glucose was shown to enhance significantly the rate of FDNB inhibition of transport when present during the reaction, whereas cytochalasin B (CB) and D-maltose retarded this FDNB inhibition of transport. This modulation of the inhibition reaction formed the basis for a double isotopic differential labeling technique using [14C]- and [3H]FDNB followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to distinguish transport-associated polypeptides from bulk membrane dinitrophenylated proteins.Reactions in the presence of CB or maltose revealed the presence of a differentially labeled polypeptide(s), with a molecular weight of approximately 60,000-65,000 daltons. This effect could in part be reversed in the presence of D-glucose but not L-glucose. Reactions in the presence of D-glucose resulted in two regions of differ...
An electrochemical study of the oxidation of L-cysteine

Abstract The oxidation of cysteine has been studied at platinum electrodes by chronopotentiometry, polarography, and controlled-potential electrolysis. Although the major product was found to be cystine, the electrode reaction(s) is kinetically complex and is greatly suppressed by the formation of an oxide film or surface oxygen.
Unified picture of near-edge and extended x-ray-absorption fine structure in low-Z molecules.

Self-consistent X\ensuremath{\alpha} multiple-scattering calculations for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ reveal a close connection between the prominent multiple-scattering ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ shape resonances found near threshold and the weak single-scattering extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) oscillations at higher energy. The ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ shape resonance may be interpreted as the first, enhanced, EXAFS wiggle while the valence electron potential is found to significantly influence the EXAFS, signifying a breakdown of the conventional picture.
Experimental investigation of factors influencing operating rotor tip clearance in multistage compressors

An analysis of compressor rotor tip clearance measurements using capacitance probe instrumentation is discussed for a three-stage axial compressor. Thermal variations and centrifugal effects related to rotational speed changes affect clearance heights relative to the assembled configuration. These two primary contributions to measured changes are discussed both independently and in combination. Emphasis is given to tip clearance changes due to changing loading condition and at several compressor operating speeds. Measurements show a tip clearance change approaching 0.1 mm (0.2% rotor span) when comparing a near-choke operating condition to a near-stall operating condition for the third stage. Additional consideration is given to environmental contributions such as ambient temperature, for which changes in tip clearance height on the order of 0.05 mm (0.1% rotor span) were noted for temperature variations of 15°C. Experimental compressor operating clearances are presented for several temperatures, operating speeds, and loading conditions, and comparisons are drawn between these measured variations and predicted changes under the same conditions.
Conserved cysteine residue in the DNA-binding domain of the bovine papillomavirus type 1 E2 protein confers redox regulation of the DNA-binding activity in vitro.

Abstract The bovine papillomavirus type 1 E2 open reading frame encodes three proteins involved in viral DNA replication and transcriptional regulation. These polypeptides share a carboxyl-terminal domain with a specific DNA-binding activity; through this domain the E2 polypeptides form dimers. In this study, we demonstrate the inhibition of E2 DNA binding in vitro by reagents that oxidize or otherwise chemically modify the free sulfhydryl groups of reactive cysteine residues. However, these reagents had no effect on DNA-binding activity when the E2 polypeptide was first bound to DNA, suggesting that the free sulfhydryl group(s) may be protected by DNA binding. Sensitivity to sulfhydryl modification was mapped to a cysteine residue at position 340 in the E2 DNA-binding domain, an amino acid that is highly conserved among the E2 proteins of different papillomaviruses. Replacement of this residue with other amino acids abrogated the sensitivity to oxidation-reduction changes but did not affect the DNA-binding property of the E2 protein. These results suggest that papillomavirus DNA replication and transcriptional regulation could be modulated through the E2 proteins by changes in the intracellular redox environment. Furthermore, a motif consisting of a reactive cysteine residue carboxyl-terminal to a lysine residue in a basic region of the DNA-binding domain is a feature common to a number of transcriptional regulatory proteins that, like E2, are subject to redox regulation. Thus, posttranslational regulation of the activity of these proteins by the intracellular redox environment may be a general phenomenon.
Interventions to mitigate the psychological effects of media violence on aggressive behavior

The purpose of this paper has been to determine if there have been any successful interventions to mitigate the effect that observation of television violence has on young children. Only two interventions directly aimed at reducing the effect of violent television have been reported in the literature. Studies attempting to increase prosocial behavior by observation of filmed prosocial sequences are also reviewed to see if they have any relevance to the stated purpose of this paper. There were many more such studies. However, they were primarily laboratory experiments, and even though successful in temporarily encouraging prosocial behavior, no long-term effects on such behavior have been noted. Further, for maximum effectiveness, observation of the prosocial programs had to be accompanied by additional training, e.g., role playing. Interventions designed to teach children and/or their parents essential critical viewing skills are then reviewed in the expectation that development of such skills would limit the effect television has on the subsequent behavior of the viewer. Finally, interventions aimed at reducing aggressive behavior without reference to television are reviewed for possible relevance. It appears that interventions that combine both cognitive and behavioral approaches have the most promise. A major difficulty facing all intervention programs is the intractability of aggression itself. Aggression is a problem-solving behavior learned early in life, usually learned well and therefore quite resistant to change.
Chinese Early Childhood Educators’ Perspectives On Dealing with a Crying Child

To study changing beliefs about early childhood education, educators in Beijing were asked to discuss a 20-minute video of a typical day in a Beijing preschool. This paper focuses on reactions to a segment in the video where a teacher, Ms Chang, speaks harshly to a four-year-old girl who cries throughout breakfast. The preservice educators who commented on the videotapeon the whole were unsurprised by and supportive of Ms Chang’s approach to dealing with a crying child. In contrast, the inservice teachers expressed surprise and indignation. The experts (professors and graduate students in early childhood education) were also generally critical, but they saw Ms Chang’s approach as symptomatic of an emphasis on control that remains common even in an era that emphasizes respect for children, creativityand freedom. These disparate reactions expose the tensions and contradictions facing Chinese early childhood educators as they struggle to maintain cultural values while preparing children to compete in the glo...
Radiosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of 2-(N-alkyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin analogs as high affinity agonists for dopamine D-2 receptors

We have developed radiotracers based on agonists that may potentially allow the in vivo assessment of the high affinity (HA) state of the dopamine D-2 receptors. The population of HA state, which is likely the functional state of the receptor, may be altered in certain diseases. We carried out radiosyntheses and evaluated the binding affinities, lipophilicity, and in vitro autoradiographic binding characteristics of three dopamine D-2 receptor agonists: (+/-)-2-(N,N-dipropyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (5-OH-DPAT), (+/-)-2-(N-phenethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (PPHT), and (+/-)-2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (ZYY-339). In 3H-spiperone assays using rat striata, ZYY-339 exhibited subnanomolar affinity for D-2 receptor sites (IC50 = 0.010 nM), PPHT was somewhat weaker (IC50 = 0.65 nM), and 5-OH-DPAT exhibited the weakest affinity (IC50 = 2.5 nM) of the three compounds. Radiosynthesis of these derivatives, 2-(N-propyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-5-OH-DPAT), 2-(N-phenethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-PPHT), and 2-(N-cyclohexylethyl-N-1'-11C-propyl)amino-5-hydroxytetralin (11C-ZYY-339) was achieved by first synthesizing 11C-1-propionyl chloride and subsequent coupling with the appropriate secondary amine precursor to form the respective amide, which was then reduced to provide the desired tertiary amine products. The final products were obtained by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification in radiochemical yields of 5-10% after 60-75 min from the end of 11CO2 trapping and with specific activities in the range of 250-1,000 Ci/mmol. In vitro autoradiographs in rat brain slices with 11C-5-OH-DPAT, 11C-PPHT, and 11C-ZYY-339 revealed selective binding of the three radiotracers to the dopamine D-2 receptors in the striata.
Book review: Encyclopedia of Computer Science, Third Edition, edited by Anthony Ralston and Edwin I). Reilly (Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1993)

The new edition of the well-regarded Encyclopedia of Computer Science is truly impressive. It's over 1500 pages long, with over 700 articles. While some articles just define a term in a few paragraphs, others are much more extensive: the article on operating systems is 25 pages long. There's even a twelve-page section of full-color illustrations, with the expected pictures of computer graphics, fractals, and scientific visualization, as well as an unexpected section of illustrations of postage stamps dealing with computing.
Photochemical reactivity of graphene.

We demonstrate a photochemical reaction between graphene and benzoyl peroxide. This reaction introduces spatially localized defects into the graphene basal plane. The reactivity of the single-layer graphene is ∼14 times higher than that of the double-layer graphene. Our result suggests that photoexcited graphene transfers a hot electron to benzoyl peroxide and induces its decomposition to a phenyl radical.
Regenerative medicine in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current position

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible disease of the lung that has no lasting option for therapy other than transplantation. It is characterized by replacement of the normal lung tissue by fibrotic scarring, honeycombing, and increased levels of myofibroblasts. The underlying causes of IPF are still largely unknown. The focus of the current review is the possible use of stem cell therapy, specifically mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a multipotent stromal cell population, which have demonstrated promising data in multiple animal models of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The most studied source of MSCs is the bone marrow, although they can be found also in the adipose tissue and umbilical cord, as well as in the placenta. MSCs have immunomodulatory and tissue-protective properties that allow them to manipulate the local environment of the injured tissue, ameliorating the inflammation and promoting repair. Because IPF primarily affects older patients, the issue of aging is intrinsically linked to many aspects of the disease, including the age of the stem cells. Animal models have shown the success of MSC therapy in mitigating the fibrotic effects of bleomycin-induced PF. However, bleomycin, the most commonly used model for PF, is imperfect in mimicking IPF as it presents in humans, as the duration of the illness is not parallel or reversible, and honeycombing is not produced. Furthermore, the time of MSC dosage has proven to be critical in determining whether the cells will ultimately have a positive or negative effect on disease progression, since it has been demonstrated that the maximal beneficial effect of MSCs occurs during the early inflammatory phase of the disease and that there is no or negative effect during the late fibrotic phase. Therefore, all the current clinical trials of MSCs and IPF, though promising, should proceed with caution as we move toward true stem cell therapy for this disease.
Cognitive models of international decisionmakers and international stability

The evolution to war or peace is discussed in terms of systems evolution and is then described in terms of four stages. Emphasis in this paper is on the stage of precursory or field-reconfiguration phenomena. A major incongruence is suggested to exist between the realities of system structure, dynamics, and behavior on the one hand and the thought processes of world leaders about these systems on the other. A number of systems constructs are examined in terms of simplistic thinking, policy actions based on simplistic thinking, implications of the policy implementations for international stability, and systems thinking. Briefly, these constructs are linearity, direction of causality, determinacy, equilibrium, complexity, and structural change. The origin and nature of different cognitive styles is then discussed as they impact global systems management. Cognitive dissonance leading to cognitive structural change is stressed as a means of systems education. A program for implementing changes in thinking is sketched.
A review of the development of Vascular-Space-Occupancy (VASO) fMRI

Vascular-Space-Occupancy (VASO) fMRI is a non-invasive technique to detect brain activation based on changes in Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV), as opposed to conventional BOLD fMRI, which is based on changes in blood oxygenation. This technique takes advantage of the T1 difference between blood and surrounding tissue, and uses an inversion recovery pulse sequence to null blood signal while maintaining part of the tissue signal. The VASO signal intensity can thus be considered proportional to 1-CBV. When neural activation causes CBV to increase, the VASO signal will show a decrease, allowing the detection of activated regions in the brain. Activation-induced changes in VASO signal, ∆S/S, are in the order of -1%. Absolute quantification of ∆CBV requires additional assumptions on baseline CBV and water contents of the parenchyma and blood. The first VASO experiment was conducted approximately 10 years ago. The original goal of nulling the blood signal was to isolate and measure extravascular BOLD effects, thus a long TE of 50 ms was used in the inversion recovery experiment. Instead of a positive signal change, a slight decrease in signal was observed, which became more pronounced when TE was shortened to 10 ms. These findings led to the hypothesis of a CBV signal mechanism and the development of VASO fMRI. Since its discovery, VASO has been validated by comparison with MION-CBV studies in animals and has been used in humans and animals to understand metabolic and hemodynamic changes during brain activation and physiologic challenges. With recent development of more sensitive VASO acquisitions, the availability of arterial-based VASO sequences, and improvement in spatial coverage, this technique is finding its place in neuroscience and clinical studies.
The Divided Self: Concurrent and Longitudinal Effects of Psychological Adjustment and Social Roles on Self-Concept Differentiation

The relation between self-concept differentiation (SCD), the tendency to see oneself as having different personality characteristics in different social roles, and psychological adjustment was examined in a sample of college students and a sample of middle-aged women. In both studies, Ss with high levels of SCD showed poor emotional adjustment (e.g., depression) and tended to reject social norms and conventions (e.g., low socialization). Longitudinal analyses demonstrated that these same characteristics measured at age 21 predicted SCD measured more than 30 years later in middle age. These findings provide strong evidence that SCD is a sign of fragmentation of the self rather than specialization of role identities. The social context was also an important determinant of SCD; both dissatisfaction with role performance and frequent role changes in relationships and jobs predicted SCD measured 9 years later.
On computation of the radiation pattern of a zoned waveguide lens

The radiation pattern of a zoned waveguide lens is calculated by considering a continuous field distribution over the lens aperture with ring blockages at the steps. The expression for the blockage which is constructed from the results of the measurement of a simplified model is presented here.
Gestational age related changes in cardiac dynamics of the fetal baboon

To provide insight into the maturation of neural mechanisms governing fetal heart rate and rate variability, seven chronically instrumented fetal baboons were monitored under steady state conditions between 120 and 165 days gestation (term ≈175 d). Forty records of 24 h duration (5–7 records/fetus) were evaluated. For each fetus, heart rate decreased with gestational age (mean±SD, r=−0.530±0.324, P<0.05). In contrast, there were increases with age in markers of various components of autonomic control of fetal R-wave to R-wave interval (RRi) variability as reflected in a positive correlation with age for all fetuses of SD RRi (r=0.656±0.347, P<0.01), root mean squared differences in RRi (r=0.686±0.223, P<0.05), and power at low frequency in the RRi spectrum (r=0.800±0.161 P<0.01). In each of the seven fetuses, scatter plots of RRi as a function of the prior RRi (Poincare plots) had increased dispersion around the median with gestational age (0.605±0.371, P<0.05). Additional measures of variability evaluated changes in RRi from one interval to the next (ΔRRi). The incidence of sustained ΔRRi changes, either decelerations or accelerations, rose with gestation (r=0.920±0.057, P<0.001) while the incidence of no detected ΔRRi changes (<±1 ms) diminished (r=−0.649±0.364, P<0.05). Sequential decreases in fetal heart rate, increases in RRi variability and increases in changes in RRi and ΔRRi with age imply an overall maturation in autonomic cardio-regulatory control processes. Increases with gestation in measures of high frequency components of variability are compatible with enhanced parasympathetic modulation of fetal heart rate.
Choline-Induced Spatial Memory Facilitation Correlates with Altered Distribution and Morphology of Septal Neurons

Within the basal forebrain is a population of magnocellular neurons that provides cholinergic innervation to the hippocampus, olfactory bulb, amygdala and cortex. Extensive lesion and pharmacological studies in animals and humans support the hypothesis that these basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, in particular the medial septal nucleus (MSN) and the vertical nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca (DBv), and the nucleus basalis (NB), which project to the hippocampus and neocortex, respectively, have an important role in memory function. Memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease correlates highly with degeneration of NB neurons and with reduction of cortical acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities (Whitehouse et al., 1982; Bartus et al., 1985). In addition, lesions of MSN/DBv and/or NB in rodents, or selective blockade of cholinergic activity by muscarinic receptor antagonists in either animal or human subjects, elicit learning and memory deficits (Davies, 1985; Meck et al., 1987).
Disparate primary and secondary allospecific CD8+ T cell cytolytic effector function in the presence or absence of host CD4+ T cells

The role of CD4 + T cells in promoting CD8 + T cell effector activity in response to transplant Ags in vivo has not been reported. We used a hepatocellular allograft model known to initiate both CD4-dependent and CD4-independent rejection responses to investigate the contribution of CD4 + T cells to the development, function, and persistence of allospecific CD8 + T cell effectors in vivo. Complete MHC-mismatched hepatocellular allografts were transplanted into C57BL/6 (CD4-sufficient) or CD4 knockout (CD4-deficient) hosts. The development of in vivo allospecific cytotoxicity was determined by clearance of CFSE-labeled target cells. CD8 + T cell cytotoxic effector activity was enhanced in response to allogeneic hepatocellular grafts with a greater magnitude of allocytotoxicity and a prolonged persistence of CTL effector activity in CD4-sufficient hosts compared with CD4-deficient hosts. Cytolytic activity was mediated by CD8 + T cells in both recipient groups. In response to a second hepatocyte transplant, rejection kinetics were enhanced in both CD4-sufficient and CD4-deficient hepatocyte recipients. However, only CD4-sufficient hosts developed recall CTL responses with an augmented magnitude and persistence of allocytotoxicity in comparison with primary CTL responses. These studies show important functional differences between alloreactive CD8 + T cell cytolytic effectors that mature in vivo in the presence or absence of CD4 + T cells.
Critical evaluation of hardiness theory: Gender differences, perception of life events, and neuroticism

Abstract Women are entering the workforce in increasing numbers and, as a result, are faced with greater life stress. Personality characteristics such as hardiness have been explored to better understand how people withstand the potentially negative impact of life stress. Hardiness research has recently been strongly criticized for a number of conceptual and methodological limitations. Multiple regression was used in the present study to address three commonly voiced concerns: the presence of possible gender differences, the impact of neuroticism on physical illness, and the relevance of perceived life stress (i.e. severity) as opposed to the simple frequency of life stressors and their effect on physical illness in a sample of adult employees (91 males and 85 females). Kobasa's original hardiness research paradigm (i.e. models based on Frequency scores for men) was not supported in this study. The model based on the perceived severity of life events and self-reported in health identified a hardiness buff...
The effects of indomethacin tocolysis on the postnatal response of the ductus arteriosus to indomethacin in extremely low birth weight infants

The effects of indomethacin tocolysis on the postnatal response of the ductus arteriosus to indomethacin in extremely low birth weight infants
The Virtual Venue: User-Computer Interaction in Information-Rich Virtual Environments

We present a virtual environment application that allows users to access embedded information within an immersive virtual space. Due to the richness and complexity of this environment, efficient and easy-to-use interaction techniques are a crucial requirement. The “Virtual Venue” seamlessly combines both twoand three-dimensional interaction techniques into a single system and utilizes previously reported as well as novel techniques that fit the task of information access. We present tools for user control of the system, travel through the environment, and information retrieval, as well as authoring tools for the creation of information-rich virtual environments. A usability study and its results are also presented and discussed. The study indicates that the use of abstract information that is tightly coupled to the virtual environment can be quite successful in enhancing the relevance of both the environment and the information. Results also show that the set of well-constrained interaction techniques presented here are usable and efficient for information retrieval.
Perceived Humor and Social Network Patterns in a Sample of Task-Oriented Groups: A Reexamination of Prior Research

Nine diverse, task-oriented groups were studied in an effort to relate humor networks and interpersonal relations. Data were collected by means of a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The results did not confirm the assumption that rank-and-file employees are more actively involved in the humor network than are managers. However, in cases where managers were included, they were first accepted as friends. Unlike prior studies, this analysis revealed that when managers were accepted as friends and “admitted” to the humor network they were frequently overchosen as initiators and foci of work-related joking. There was strong evidence that cohesive and noncohesive work groups possess different humor patterns. Interpersonally, overchosen members relative to one criterion of interpersonal relations were overchosen relative to several criteria. Also, in many cases, group members who occupied key humor roles were overchosen on one or more criteria of social interaction. Humor networks were identified as ...
Identification of Thymosin Proteins in Human Bladder Tumor Cells by Mass Spectrometry and Data Base Searching

A study of the induction of metallothionein isoforms in human T24 bladder tumor cells revealed the presence of coeluting unknown proteins that were also heat stable and had molecular masses in the same range. In order to determine any relationship to metallothionein isoforms, these unknown proteins were identified, using database searching based on mass spectrometric determination of molecular weights, tryptic peptide mass maps and partial sequences. This study demonstrates that heat stable thymosin β-4 and β-10 are expressed in human bladder tumor cells.
An Intervention for Parents of Children With Epilepsy and Significant Learning Problems: Lessons Learned From a Feasibility Study:

Children with epilepsy often experience significant learning, mental health, and behavior problems that affect their quality of life. Moreover, their parents report high rates of stress. The objectives of this article are to describe the development of a theory-based cognitive behavioral intervention for parents of these children, changes made to the program based on content validity testing, and the lessons learned from implementation of a feasibility trial. The intervention was designed to foster parents' skills and confidence in advocating for their children when interacting with health care professionals and school personnel and to help parents identify community resources. Four mothers participated in the program to establish feasibility and usability. Using qualitative analysis of discussions following each phase of the intervention, we learned that parents needed more time for epilepsy education and interacting with one another and that the intervention should emphasize forming partnerships with he...
Posttranslational Processing of the Thrombopoietin Receptor Is Impaired in Polycythemia Vera

Recently, we demonstrated a marked reduction in the expression of the thrombopoietin receptor, Mpl, in polycythemia vera (PV) platelets and megakaryocytes using an antiserum against the Mpl extracellular domain. To further examine this abnormality, we raised an antibody to the Mpl C-terminus. Immunologic analysis of PV platelets with this antiserum confirmed the reduction in Mpl expression. However, the C-terminal antiserum detected 2 forms of Mpl in PV platelets in contrast to normal platelets, in which a single form of Mpl was detected by both the extracellular domain and C-terminal antisera. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis studies with isoelectric focusing in the first dimension identified normal platelet Mpl as an 85 to 92 kD protein with an isoelectric point (pI) of 5.5. PV platelets contained an additional 80 to 82 kD Mpl Mpl isoform with a pI of 6.5. Analysis of Mpl expressed by the human megakaryocytic cell line, Dami, showed 2 isoforms similar to those found in PV platelets suggesting a precursor-product relationship. Digestion of Dami cell and normal platelet lysates with neuraminidase converted the more acidic Mpl isoform to the more basic one, indicating that the 2 isoforms differed with respect to posttranslational glycosylation. Futhermore, in contrast to normal platelet Mpl, PV platelet Mpl was susceptible to endoglycosidase H digestion, indicating defective Mpl processing by PV megakaryocytes. The glycosylation defect was specific for Mpl, as 2 other platelet membrane glycoproteins, glycoprotein IIb and multimerin, were processed normally. Importantly, the extent of the PV platelet Mpl glycosylation defect correlated with disease duration and extramedullary hematopoiesis.
The analysis of the etiological surveillance results of hand,foot,and mouth disease in Xicheng district of Beijing in 2009

Objective:To investigate the etiological characteristics of hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)in Xicheng district of Beijing in 2009,and to provide etiological basis for further prevention and control of HFMD.Methods: Throat-swab specimens regularly collected from clinically diagnosed HFMD cases from sentinel hospitals were tested for enterovirus RNA and virus type was identified by real-time RT-PCR.Results: 280 throat-swab specimens were collected and 84.29% cases were under 5 years old.The results of the realtime RT-PCR indicated that 207 specimens were tested positive for enteroviruses,which accounted for 73.93%.Specimens positive for EV71、CoxA16 and other types of enteroviruses were 61(29.47%),114(55.07%) and 33(15.94%),respectively.The positive rate of enteroviruses was higher for male cases compared with female cases(χ2=8.728,P=0.0031).The consistent rates of HFMD etiology from April to December were characterized by dynamic changes.Conclusion: The major causative agents for HFMD in Xicheng district of Beijing in 2009 were CoxA16 and EV71,with CoxA16 being the predominant type.
Implementing Feedback Control on a Novel Proximity Operations Simulation Platform

Recently, The Land, Air and Space Robotics (LASR) Laboratory has demonstrated a state-of-the-art proximity operations testbed that will revolutionize the concept of portable space systems simulation. The Holonomic Omni-directional Motion Emulation Robot (HOMER) permits innite, un-tethered circumnavigations of one object by another. The redundant drive wheels with o-set castor design enables the platform to rotate and translate independently allowing a true, high delity simulation platform ideal for satellite operations. The inertial sensing systems at the LASR Laboratory allow for position and orientation measurements of rigid bodies within the workspace. To allow this platform to operate at the desired performance, an appropriate implementation of feedback control is critical. Before implementing the controller on the hardware, it is necessary to explore the sensitivity of the reference tracking when several combinations of errors are introduced to the system including latency, noise, and errors in mass and moment of inertia estimates.
Effects of Possible Spin-Spin Interactions on EPR spectra of Cu2+ exchanged Faujasite–X (I)

The interpretation of the continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spectra of Cu2+ exchanged in Faujasite zeolite is not straightforward. Recent literature points to the role of both Cu2+ zeolite sites and Cu2+ relationship to lattice Al in determining the parameters of Cu2+ spin Hamiltonian. Our work shows that at low concentration, Cu2+ EPR signals show negligible spin-spin interactions. At higher Cu (II) concentrations, a third CW-EPR spectrum that has contributions from both the CW-EPR and the spin-spin interactions, appears.
Numerical Simulation of Tectonic Stress Field and Hydrocarbon Distribution in North Songliao Basin Deep Strata

Using finite element numerical simulation method,this paper studies on the tectonic stress field distribution and evolution of late Yingcheng formation deposition and late Mingshui formation deposition in north Songliao Basin deep strata.In late Yingcheng formation deposition time,main stress concentrates in negative structures while forward structure is relative low.Energy generated by stress concentration can make source rock generate and expel out quickly.In late Mingshui formation deposition,main stress concentrates in south Gulong rift and Xujiaweizi-Yingshan rift.Tectonic stress gradient controls distribution of fluid potential,cause hydrocarbon migrate from high stress region to low stress region.
Homeostasis of naïve, effector and memory CD8 T cells.

Homeostatic control of CD8 T cell populations is essential for defense against infectious pathogens. Our understanding of the mechanisms that control naive, effector and memory T cell populations in the intact animal has increased significantly over the last several years. There have been some surprises. For example, peripheral tissues have been found to harbor unexpectedly large numbers of effector memory T cells. Also unexpected was the finding of programmed T cell proliferation following very brief exposure to antigen. These and other recent advances are summarized in the following review.
Interpreting unique colloidal response of TiO2 nanomaterials to controlled sonication for understanding of their assembly configuration in water

It is important to determine the assembly configuration of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) because assembly configuration influences their fate and transport behavior in the aquatic environment. Aggregated particles are more subject to segregation upon changes of environmental conditions (and vice versa) than agglomerated particles. As a strategic tool for investigating the time-resolved reversible segregating and assembling behavior of ENMs and thus estimating their assembly configuration, a controlled sonication process was proposed. It was hypothesized that the unique colloidal response of ENMs to sonication, with respect to changes in size, might be their intrinsic property associated with assembly configuration. As a model ENM, three different TiO 2 particles with unique properties (commercial P-25 and UV 100 and home-made (HM) TiO 2 ) were examined with programmed sonication processes under various environmental settings. When they were dispersed in water, all TiO 2 particles tested obviously assembled to form much larger clusters. Size of P-25 decreased immediately upon sonication and did not change under the subsequent quiescence step while sizes of UV 100 and HM gradually decreased and then slowly recovered back to their initial sizes. The trend was generally observed in all conditions tested. The unique colloidal response of TiO 2 could be explained by its properties associated with assembly configuration.
Evaluation that counts: A review of climate change adaptation indicators & metrics using lessons from effective evaluation and science-practice interaction

Amid growing effort to move towards implementation of climate change adaptation, serious interest is emerging about how to use indicators and metrics (I&M) to evaluate adaptation success. Cities are among the leading experimenters developing I&M, but many other entities also view I&M as a tool for providing clarity and accountability about the goals and progress of adaptation. The current landscape of this work is scattered: I&M examples, frameworks, and guidance documents reflect motivations, contexts, and approaches as diverse as the field of adaptation itself. This study systematically surveys the “growth industry” of I&M, including a special focus on I&M approaches developed for cities anywhere and by US cities in particular. We classify these I&M efforts into four domains: those developed in academia, by program sponsors, boundary organizations, and on-the-ground implementers. With attention to theory on (program) evaluation and on science-practice interaction, we reveal a broad range of I&M evaluation purposes and collaboration practices. We conclude that evaluation of adaptation progress and effectiveness – if it is to usefully inform the work of cities or other implementers – would benefit from greater attention to the best practices and guidance offered in the related, but largely still separate, fields of evaluation and science-practice interaction.
Metabolomic profiling predicts outcome of rituximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

To determine whether characterisation of patients' metabolic profiles, utilising nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), could predict response to rituximab therapy. 23 patients with active, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on concomitant methotrexate were treated with rituximab. Patients were grouped into responders and non-responders according to the American College of Rheumatology improvement criteria, at a 20% level at 6 months. A Bruker Avance 700 MHz spectrometer and a Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer were used to acquire (1)H-NMR and ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS spectra, respectively, of serum samples before and after rituximab therapy. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed in MATLAB. 14 patients were characterised as responders, and 9 patients were considered non-responders. 7 polar metabolites (phenylalanine, 2-hydroxyvalerate, succinate, choline, glycine, acetoacetate and tyrosine) and 15 lipid species were different between responders and non-responders at baseline. Phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidyserines and phosphatidylglycerols were downregulated in responders. An opposite trend was observed in phosphatidylinositols. At 6 months, 5 polar metabolites (succinate, taurine, lactate, pyruvate and aspartate) and 37 lipids were different between groups. The relationship between serum metabolic profiles and clinical response to rituximab suggests that (1)H-NMR and UPLC-MS/MS may be promising tools for predicting response to rituximab.