cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticosterone alters G protein α-subunit levels in the rat hippocampus

Abstract The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroid hormones. The hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, contains the highest concentration of corticosteroid receptors in the brain and may play an important role in regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and mediating physiological responses to stress. The corticosteroid hormone corticosterone alters the response elicited by activation of several different G protein-linked neurotransmitter receptors in the hippocampus. In the present study we used Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques to determine the effects of chronic adrenalectomy (ADX), low basal (CT) and high (HCT) corticosterone treatments on G s , G i1 and 2 and G o α -subunit levels and intracellular location in the rat hippocampus. CT treatment increased G s α -subunit levels and HCT treatment increased the levels of G s , G i1 and 2 and G o α -subunits when compared to sham as detected on Western blots. No change in the intracellular location of the G protein α -subunits was detected using immunohistochemistry. Based on our results, we conclude that corticosterone alters G protein α -subunit levels in the rat hippocampus without altering their intracellular location. These results provide an important piece of information towards understanding how corticosteroids alter G protein-linked neurotransmitter receptor-mediated responses.
Independence of "on" and "off" responses of retinal ganglion cells

Recordings of action potentials from retinal ganglion cells that are stimulated repetitively demonstrate two properties (i) variability introduced during the stimulus is not evident in the response that occurs at stimulus offset and (ii) variability in the ON response shows a different temporal structure than variability in the dark. Our findings demonstrate that these responses are generated independently.
Module and vector space bases for spline spaces

Abstract For Δ, a triangulated d-dimensional region in Rd, let Smr(Δ) be the vector space of all Cr functions F on Δ such that for any simplex σ ϵ Δ, F¦ σ is a polynomial of degree at most m. Smr(Δ) is the often studied vector space of splines on Δ of degree m and smoothness r. We define Sr(Δ) = ∨m Smr(Δ). Sr(Δ) is a module over the polynomial ring R [x1,…, xd]. In certain cases a module basis for Sr(Δ) provides vector space bases for the corresponding Smr(Δ) via simple linear algebra. In this work we examine that relationship and consider techniques for finding module bases of spaces Sr(Δ). A basis for Sr(Δ) is reduced if every element F in Sr(Δ) can be represented using only basis elements of degree less than the degree of F. We show the relationship between the dimension of the spaces Smr(Δ) and the degrees of the reduced basis elements of Sr(Δ). Ths result leads to techniques for finding module bases. These techniques are used to find module bases for spline spaces on cross-cut grids.
The LPP1 and DPP1 gene products account for most of the isoprenoid phosphate phosphatase activities in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Two genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, LPP1 and DPP1, with homology to a mammalian phosphatidic acid (PA) phosphatase were identified and disrupted. Neither single nor combined deletions resulted in growth or secretion phenotypes. As observed previously (Toke, D. A., Bennett, W. L., Dillon, D. A., Wu, W.-I., Chen, X., Ostrander, D. B., Oshiro, J., Cremesti, A., Voelker, D. R., Fischl, A. S., and Carman, G. M. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 3278–3284; Toke, D. A., Bennett, W. L., Oshiro, J., Wu, W.-I., Voelker, D. R., and Carman, G. M. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 14331–14338), the disruption of DPP1 and LPP1 produced profound losses of Mg2+-independent PA phosphatase activity. The coincident attenuation of hydrolytic activity against diacylglycerol pyrophosphate prompted an examination of the effects of these disruptions on hydrolysis of isoprenoid pyrophosphates. Disruption of either LPP1 or DPP1 caused respective decreases of about 25 and 75% in Mg2+-independent hydrolysis of several isoprenoid phosphates by particulate fractions isolated from these cells. The particulate and cytosolic fractions from the double disruption (lpp1Δ dpp1Δ) showed essentially complete loss of Mg2+-independent hydrolytic activity toward dolichyl phosphate (dolichyl-P), dolichyl pyrophosphate (dolichyl-P-P), farnesyl pyrophosphate (farnesyl-P-P), and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (geranylgeranyl-P-P). However, a modest Mg2+-stimulated activity toward PA and dolichyl-P was retained in cytosol fromlpp1Δ dpp1Δ cells. The action of Dpp1p on isoprenyl pyrophosphates was confirmed by characterization of the hydrolysis of geranylgeranyl-P-P by the purified protein. These results indicate that LPP1 and DPP1 account for most of the hydrolytic activities toward dolichyl-P-P, dolichyl-P, farnesyl-P-P, and geranylgeranyl-P-P but also suggest that yeast contain other enzymes capable of dephosphorylating these essential isoprenoid intermediates.
Protein design, a minimalist approach

The question of how the amino acid sequence of a protein specifies its three-dimensional structure remains to be answered. Proteins are so large and complex that it is difficult to discern the features in their sequences that contribute to their structural stability and function. One approach to this problem is de novo design of model proteins, much simpler than their natural counterparts, yet containing sufficient information in their sequences to specify a given function (for example, folding in aqueous solution, folding in membranes, or formation of ion channels). Designed proteins provide simple model systems for understanding protein structure and function.
Directional 3D edge detection in anisotropic data: detector design and performance assessment

A new directional 3D edge detector designed for anisotropic image data is reported. The detector is based on interpolating the image intensity function in a small neighborhood of every voxel by a tri-cubic polynomial. The analytical approximation of the image intensity function is used to compute the intensity function gradients. The developed edge detector uses a maximum average of directional derivatives of the approximated image intensity function over a small neighborhood to determine the gradient direction. Our method is directly applicable to anisotropic image data, and it models the integrative character of data acquisition. With all these features, it remains computationally as expensive as any other convolution-based directional edge detector. Quantitative measures of the 3D edge detection accuracy were employed to compare the performance of our new edge detector to that of the 3D Canny edge detector. 3D edges with step and ramp profiles with varying surface curvatures at the edge point, as well as several levels of noise, were used for the performance testing. The reported edge detector significantly out-performed the Canny edge detector in most experiments in anisotropic data, as well as in data with superimposed noise. Another important property of the new edge detector is the ease of its implementation. Although its design required complex steps, the implementation employs straightforward 3D convolution in the volumetric image data using three precomputed directional masks. A complete description of the gradient implementation is presented.
Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina: A second primary in a diethylstilbestrol-exposed woman?

A clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vaginal remnant in a diethylstilbestrol (DES)-exposed woman developed 20 years after anterior exenteration for a histologically similar stage II vaginal cancer. Arguments favoring a new primary cancer over a late recurrence are presented. This case probably represents the first report of a second primary vaginal clear cell cancer after DES exposure in utero. The implications of a second vaginal primary and the need for long-term surveillance in DES-exposed women are discussed.
The Tower of Babel did not fail

Fred Brooks' retelling of the biblical story of the Tower of Babel offers many insights into what makes building software difficult. The difficulty, according to common interpretations, comes from the communication and organizational problems in software development. But the story contains one more important lesson that people tend to miss: one cannot accomplish impossible goals, which programmers are often asked to do. Software engineering, as a discipline, can overcome poor communication; but as long as we attempt to live up to impossible expectations, we will always fail.
Propagation distances of surface electromagnetic waves in the far infrared

Abstract The propagation distances, L x , of surface electromagnetic waves on metal-air and semiconductor-metal-air systems were measured using the two prism technique in the far infrared (84.2 cm −1 ). Copper, gold, palladium, tungsten, nickel, steel, and platinum metal-air interfaces were studied. Also semiconductor-metal-air systems consisting of Pt films of varying thickness deposited on single crystal GaAs substrates were examined. The experimental values for L x were found to be orders of magnitude lower than theoretical values for these metals.
Long-term measurements of respirable sulfates and particles inside and outside homes

The results of extensive indoor and outdoor monitoring for respirable size particles and the sulfate fraction of these particles are reported. These air pollution measurements were obtained in conjunction with an epidemiologic study in six U.S. cities: Portage, Wisconsin; Topeka, Kansas; Kingston/Harriman, Tennessee; Watertown, Massachusetts; St. Louis, Missouri: and Steubenville, Ohio. The major source of indoor particulate matter is cigarette smoke, which contributes approximately 20 μm−3 to the indoor concentrations for each smoker. Even in homes without smokers, indoor particle concentrations equal or exceed outdoor levels. The indoor respirable sulfate concentrations are consistently lower than outdoor concentrations.
CRITICAL ILLUMINATION AND CRITICAL FREQUENCY FOR RESPONSE TO FLICKERED LIGHT, IN DRAGONFLY LARVAE

Curves relating flicker frequency ( F ) to mean critical illumination ( I m ) for threshold response to flickered light, with equal durations of light and no light intervals, and relating illumination ( I ) to mean critical flicker frequency ( F m ) for the same response, have been obtained from homogeneous data based upon the reactions of dragonfly larvae ( Anax junius ). These curves exhibit the properties already described in the case of the fish Lepomis . The curve for F m lies above the curve of I m by an amount which, as a function of I , can be predicted from a knowledge either of the variation of I m or of F m . The law of the observable connection between F and I is properly expressed as a band, not as a simple curve. The variation of I m (and of F m ) is not due to "experimental error," but is an expression of the variable character of the organism9s capacity to exhibit the reaction which is the basis of the measurements. As in other series of measurements, P.E. I is a rectilinear function of I m ; P.E. F passes through a maximum as F (or I ) increases. The form of P.E. F as a function of I can be predicted from the measurements of P.E. I . It is pointed out that the equations which have been proposed for the interpretation of curves of critical flicker frequency as a function of intensity, based upon the balance of light adaptation and dark adaptation, have in fact the character of "population curves;" and that their contained constants do not have the properties requisite for the consistent application of the view that the shape of the F - I curve is governed by the steady state condition of adaptation. These curves can, however, be understood as resulting from the achievement of a certain level of difference between the average effect of a light flash and its average after effect during the dark interval.
Atypical endogenous opioid systems in mice in relation to an auto-addiction opioid model of anorexia nervosa.

Abstract We have proposed that the atypical opioid system in the mouse may be representative of that in the anorexia nervosa patient and may account for a biological predisposition to the disorder. This is in the context of our auto-addiction model of anorexia nervosa in which endogenous opioids play a critical role in its etiology. Morphine activation of the endogenous opioid systems increases food intake and causes sedation in most species, including normal humans and rats. In contrast in BALB/C mice, morphine causes anorexia and hyperactivity, which we suggest may be true in the anorexia nervosa patient. A variety of atypical opioid systems have been demonstrated in different mouse strains, based on other responses. The present study examines these strains with reference to the responses relevant to our anorexia nervosa model. Three patterns are described - anorexia with hyperactivity (BALB/C and C57BL/6J mice), anorexia without hyperactivity (DBA/J mice), and a biphasic curve with hyperphagia at low doses and anorexia and hyperactivity at higher doses (CF-1 mice). Only female mice were used. These atypical opioid systems may reflect a spectrum of biological predispositions to the disorder. These strain differences may also provide useful correlations of the genetic determinants of various opiate responses and provide useful comparisons in characterizing the essential features responsible for the atypical responses.
Shadowing history: National narratives and the persistence of the everyday

The issue this paper wishes to address is how history, as encoded in historiography of history-writing, is actually based upon its capacity to conceal, disguise and indeed suppress the everyday. This is especially true when you consider that most history is really driven by the nation state and that far from envisaging a history free or rescued from the nation, most history-writing ends up reinforcing it. In other words, history’s primary vocation has been to displace the constant danger posed by the surplus of everyday life, to overcome its apparent ‘trivia’, ‘banalities’ and untidiness in order to find an encompassing register that will fix meaning. With Hegel, narrative was given the role of supplying the maximal unity by which to grasp the meaning of history. What immediately got privileged was, of course, the nation state in the making of world historical events or and ultimately class, subjects who can claim world historical agency. By the same measure, the surplus or messy residues of modern life, ...
Chain rules for functions of matrices

Abstract The Chain Rule that expresses the derivative of exp ( A ( t )) as an infinite series involving iterates of the commutator map ad A ( t ) is well known. We extend this formula, replacing exp with a general analytic function f , and show that its validity now depends on the location of the characteristic values of A ( t ) in the domain of analyticity of f . Conditions under which the Chain Rule reduces to a finite sum are also developed; some of them are closely tied to the possession by A ( t ) of constant generalized eigenspaces.
What Does the Stock Market Tell Us About Real Estate Returns

This paper analyzes the risks and returns of different types of real estate-related firms traded on the New York and American stock exchanges (NYSE and AMEX). We examine the relation between real estate stock portfolio returns and returns on a standard appraisal-based index, and find that lagged values of traded real estate portfolio returns can predict returns on the appraisal-based index after controlling for persistence in the appraisal series. The stock market reflects information about real estate markets that is later imbedded in infrequent property appraisals. Additional analysis suggests that the differences in the return and risk characteristics across different types of traded real estate firms can be explained in part by appealing to real estate market fundamentals relating to the degree of dependence of the real estate firm upon rental cash flows from existing buildings. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of securitized real estate-related firms.
The drama of uncertainty

I am a great devotee of cross country skiing, so tuning in on these events during theWinter Olympics is one of my favorite pastimes. In the 2010 Olympics, the final ofthe women’s 30 K Classic Race was a real cliff hanger and a joy to behold. It had beenforecast (and this certainly is a forecast in the sense that it would be readily verifiableon a short timescale) that the battle for the Gold would be between one of theNorwegian and one of the Polish competitors. This turned out to be a very accurateforecast. They were neck-and-neck (or ski tip-to-ski tip) for the last 200 m, with thelead switching back and forth by centimeters. In the end the Polish contestant inched(or “centimetered”) out the Norwegian, and it was declared a photo finish. This eventbrought to mind some of the issues surrounding the topic of uncertainty and howpeople cope with it in relation to decision making.One of the interesting things about uncertainty is its absolute necessity forthe entertainment value of competitive sporting events. If the outcomes were notuncertain, there would be no competitive sporting events. The uncertainty providesthe drama that makes events so compelling. This is well understood. However, thetypes of decisions that are attached to the outcomes of sporting events are notvery momentous compared to those related to climate change. Personal wealth andprestige of individual countries on the world stage can be affected by the finaloutcomes of the Olympic Games, as well as returns on bets made. But it is more theuncertainties regarding best strategies in the course of sporting events that illustratesa case of decision making under uncertainty.In this cross country classic event, one crucial decision to be made by thecompetitors was whether to change out skis at certain points in the race. Eachcompetitor was allowed to change skis as many as three times. This was a new featureof this event, and skiers had little experience with making this kind of decisionduring a competition. Each ski changeover would of course result in loss of time,usually about 10 seconds’ worth. Hence, a careful benefit/cost analysis on the fly was
Raman and mechanical properties measurements of single walled carbon nanotube composites of polyisobutylene

Significant shifts of the frequency of the Raman spectra of the tangential mode of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and fluorinated tubes (FSWNTs) in composites of polyisobutylene and SWNTs were observed relative to the pristine SWNTs indicative of interaction between polymer and the SWNTs . Hardness measurements as a function of weight percent SWNTs and FSWNTs in the polymer showed larger enhancements of hardness in the composite with the fluorinated tubes. An enhancement of hardness of 847% was measured in a polymer having 10% by weight SWNTs and stretched to produce partial alignment of the SWNTs as determined by polarization studies of the Raman lines. This is the largest increase in strength observed in any polymer SWNT composite to date.
Oscillating dual-equilibrium steady-state angiography.

A novel technique of generating noncontrast angiograms is presented. This method, called oscillating dual-equilibrium steady-state angiography (ODESSA), utilizes a modified steady-state free precession (SSFP) pulse sequence. The SSFP sequence is modified such that flowing material reaches a steady state which oscillates between two equilibrium values, while stationary material attains a single, nonoscillatory steady state. Subtraction of adjacent echoes results in large, uniform signal from all flowing spins and zero signal from stationary spins. Venous signal can be suppressed based on its reduced T2. ODESSA arterial signal is more than three times larger than that of traditional phase-contrast angiography (PCA) in the same scan time, and also compares favorably with other techniques of MR angiography (MRA). Pulse sequences are implemented in 2D, 3D, and volumetric-projection modes. Angiograms of the lower leg, generated in as few as 5 s, show high arterial signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and full suppression of other tissues. Magn Reson Med 47:513–522, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Determination of the β-adrenergic blocker timolol in plasma by liquid chromatography—atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract A method based on LC—MS—MS has been developed for the determination of timolol in plasma using the (CD 3 ) 3 -labelled species as the internal standard. Timolol is isolated from plasma by a simple solid-phase extraction and converted to its oxazolidin-2-one prior to analysis on a 50 × 4.6 mm reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography column packed with SynChropak, C 18 , 5 μm. The column eluate is passed by means of a heated nebulizer interface into a corona discharge atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source where the analyte and its internal standard are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The very high specificity of this technique permits chromatographic run times of less than 2 min. The method has a lower quantifiable limit of 0.5 ng ml −1 , with intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations less than 10%, and enables the determination of timolol in plasma after ocular administration to volunteers.
Single- and double-headed analogs of pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate as probes for pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate utilizing enzymes

Abstract Single- and double-headed analogs of pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate were synthesized as cleft-depth probes for the catalytic sites of two types of enzymes, viz. those which use pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate as a substrate, i.e., pyridoxamine (pyridoxine) 5′-phosphate oxidase and those which use pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate as coenzyme, i.e., aspartate amino-transferase. These probes were prepared by borohydride reduction of the Schiff's bases formed by the interaction of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate with one or both ends of 1, n -diaminoalkanes (where n = 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 carbons). Kinetic studies using these analogs as substrates for the oxidase revealed that the single-headed analogs exhibit values ranging from 3 K m to K m for pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate in a curvilinear relationship with chain lengths for n = 2 to 12. The short-chain substrates ( n = 2, 4) exhibit V m values greater than for pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate, whereas the long-chain ones exhibit lesser V m values. These observations may indicate the increasing hydrophobicity of the substrate with increasing chain length and thus poorer turnover. Lineweaver-Burk plots of the double-headed substrates were bilinear for the shorter chains ( n = 2, 4, 6) and linear for the longer chains ( n = 8, 12) over the concentration range of study (1 to 500 μ m ). This indicates that the catalytic cleft may impede reorientation for further substrate action of the single-headed amine released from the double-headed substrate. In both cases (>50 μ m ), the high K m values may reflect the ionic repulsion forces established by the different secondary amine functionalities, (CH 2 ) n NH 3 + for single-headed and 5′-phosphopyridoxyl for the double-headed, with active site residues thus effecting binding and ultimate turnover. These same analogs do not act as coenzymes for apo-aspartate aminotransferase or compete with pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate at the micromolar level. They do appear to bind weakly to the enzyme as observed by fluorescence quenching.
Comparison of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet and holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers for incision of urethra and bladder neck in an in vivo porcine model.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate, in an animal model, differences in wound healing and scar formation in healthy urethra and bladder neck incised with the erbium (Er):yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) and holmium (Ho):YAG lasers. Methods In each of 18 domestic pigs, three 1-cm-long incisions were made, two at the bladder neck and one in the mid-urethra, using either the Er:YAG laser (9 pigs) or the Ho:YAG laser (9 pigs). In each laser group, 3 animals were killed on postoperative days 0, 6, and 14. The width of collateral damage, as evidenced by coagulation necrosis and granulation tissue at the wound base, and the incision depth were evaluated during tissue analysis. Results The collateral damage with the Er:YAG laser at postoperative day 0, 6, and 14 was 20 ± 5, 900 ± 100, and 430 ± 100 μm, respectively. The collateral damage with the Ho:YAG laser was 660 ± 110, 2280 ± 700, and 1580 ± 250 μm, respectively. The amount of granulation tissue was significantly less (P Conclusions In this in vivo animal study, incisions in the urethra and bladder neck made with the Er:YAG laser healed faster and with less scar formation than incisions made with the Ho:YAG laser.
P‐236L: Late‐News Poster: Light‐flux Reliability Testing of Trim Retarders for LCOS RPTV Light Engines

Trim retarders (TR) used in LCOS RPTV engines must maintain their retardance characteristics over the service lifetime. A light-flux test platform was developed for predicting TR lifetime using accelerated life testing methodology. The JDSU BCE™ (“Birefringent Contrast Enhancer”) TR is demonstrated to meet target lifetime expectancy for consumer RPTV systems.
An Adapter to Aid in Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy of the Supine Patient

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the supine patient can be achieved with the use of the Zeiss 100/16 slit lamp and an adapter to hang it from the microscope stand. Coaxial, collimated illumination can be used for fundus biomicroscopy with the method described.
Percutaneous radiofrequency treatment of osteoid osteoma

Osteoid osteoma is a small osteogenic tumor usually found in the lower extremity of children and young adults. Although these lesions are benign and rarely progress, they present distinctive pain symptoms that frequently require medical intervention. This article reviews surgical, medical, and percutaneous techniques for treatment of osteoid osteoma, emphasizing the value of percutaneous radiofrequency treatment.
Source credibility as a function of communicator physical attractiveness

Abstract An experimental investigation of the relationship between communicator physical attractiveness and source credibility within a marketing context is reported. Source credibility measures involved perception of trust, expertise, and liking as a function of experimental treatments that differed in only the physical attractiveness of the communicator. Communicator physical attractiveness is operationally defined as the degree to which a person's face is pleasing to observe, and is determined through a consensus of judges. The marketing context involved persuasive communications presented in a printed advertisement mock-up. Generally, the hypotheses were supported by the results of the data analyses. Monotonic relationships were found between communicator physical attractiveness and (a) perceived trust, (b) perceived expertise, and (c) liking for the communicator.
Elucidation of the interaction loci of the human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2·E3BP core with pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and kinase 2 by H/D exchange mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance.

The human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) comprises three principal catalytic components for its mission: E1, E2, and E3. The core of the complex is a strong subcomplex between E2 and an E3-binding protein (E3BP). The PDC is subject to regulation at E1 by serine phosphorylation by four kinases (PDK1–4), an inactivation reversed by the action of two phosphatases (PDP1 and -2). We report H/D exchange mass spectrometric (HDX-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in the first attempt to define the interaction loci between PDK1 and PDK2 with the intact E2·E3BP core and their C-terminally truncated proteins. While the three lipoyl domains (L1 and L2 on E2 and L3 on E3BP) lend themselves to NMR studies and determination of interaction maps with PDK1 and PDK2 at the individual residue level, HDX-MS allowed studies of interaction loci on both partners in the complexes, PDKs, and other regions of the E2·E3BP core, as well, at the peptide level. HDX-MS suggested that the intact E2·E3BP core enhances ...
Improving model predictions for RNA interference activities that use support vector machine regression by combining and filtering features.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a naturally occurring phenomenon that results in the suppression of a target RNA sequence utilizing a variety of possible methods and pathways. To dissect the factors that result in effective siRNA sequences a regression kernel Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach was used to quantitatively model RNA interference activities. Eight overall feature mapping methods were compared in their abilities to build SVM regression models that predict published siRNA activities. The primary factors in predictive SVM models are position specific nucleotide compositions. The secondary factors are position independent sequence motifs (N-grams) and guide strand to passenger strand sequence thermodynamics. Finally, the factors that are least contributory but are still predictive of efficacy are measures of intramolecular guide strand secondary structure and target strand secondary structure. Of these, the site of the 5' most base of the guide strand is the most informative. The capacity of specific feature mapping methods and their ability to build predictive models of RNAi activity suggests a relative biological importance of these features. Some feature mapping methods are more informative in building predictive models and overall t-test filtering provides a method to remove some noisy features or make comparisons among datasets. Together, these features can yield predictive SVM regression models with increased predictive accuracy between predicted and observed activities both within datasets by cross validation, and between independently collected RNAi activity datasets. Feature filtering to remove features should be approached carefully in that it is possible to reduce feature set size without substantially reducing predictive models, but the features retained in the candidate models become increasingly distinct. Software to perform feature prediction and SVM training and testing on nucleic acid sequences can be found at the following site: ftp://scitoolsftp.idtdna.com/SEQ2SVM/ .
COMPLEX FORMATION BETWEEN GLYCEROL AND METAL IONS AS STUDIED BY MEANS OF ESR, NMR, AND OPTICAL ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY.

Es wurden die ESR-, NMR- und die optischen Absorptionsspektren fur Fe3+, Cu2+ und Mn2+ in Wasser- oder Glycerollosungen bestimmt. Die untersuchten Metallionen bilden einen Komplex mit Glycerol.
Post-optimality analysis of the optimal solution of a degenerate linear program using a pivoting algorithm

This paper gives a theory and method that specifies how the optimal solution of a linear program changes when the right-hand side of the original problem is changed and when the original optimal solution exhibits primal degeneracy. The method determines an optimal change vector as the resource availabilities change, and it calculates a range for which this vector is valid. Resource availabilities are allowed to change simultaneously in any arbitrary proportion, and the concept of an ''efficient resource bundle'' is introduced. The geometry of the optimal change vector is presented from which the desired results are derived. The connection between the geometrical results and their algebraic calculation in tableau-form is shown. Our method uses a pivoting algorithm and the relationship with post-optimality results from interior-point methods will be established.
Occupational exposure to chlorophenol and the risk of nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers among U.S. men aged 30 to 60.

Background Elevated rates of nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers have been associated with wood-related occupational exposures, including chlorophenols, formaldehyde, and wood dust. Methods Occupational information was obtained from 43 nasal carcinoma cases, 92 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases, and 1909 controls, by interview. Exact conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of these cancers with chlorophenol exposure, estimated from a review of verbatim responses. Results Both nasal and nasopharyngeal cancers were significantly associated with estimated duration of chlorophenol exposure. For nasopharyngeal cancer, elevated risk was observed among those who held jobs assigned medium or high intensity chlorophenol exposure (nexposed=18, OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.03–3.50) and among those with 10+ years in jobs assigned high intensity with high certainty (nexposed=3, OR=9.07, 95% CI=1.41–42.9). Controlling for estimated formaldehyde and wood dust exposure did not alter these findings, as much of the estimated chlorophenol exposure was among machinists. Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that occupational exposure to chlorophenol is a risk factor for nasal and nasopharyngeal cancer, although the role of machining-related exposures warrants further assessment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 37:532–541, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Increased Foxp3 expression in guinea pigs infected with W-Beijing strains of M. tuberculosis

There is increasing evidence that clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that belong to the W-Beijing genotype of newly emerging strains are often of very high virulence when tested in small animal models, including the mouse and guinea pig. In this report we provide further evidence to support this contention, and show that two W-Beijing strains are of very high virulence when introduced by low dose aerosol into outbred guinea pigs. In addition to severe lung pathology, each of these infections was associated with large influxes of activated CD4 and CD8 T cells into the lungs. Large influxes of macrophages were also observed, but the fraction of these showing evidence of activation by Class-II expression was relatively low. A progressive increase in neutrophils was also seen, with highest levels accumulating in the lungs of the W-Beijing infected animals. In the case of these two infections mRNA levels for TH1 cytokines was elevated early, but these then declined, and were replaced by increasing levels of message encoding for Foxp3, IL-10, and TGFβ. These observations support the hypothesis that W-Beijing strains are potent inducers of regulatory T cells, and that this event may enhance survival and transmission of these bacilli.
Supporting Successful Transition to Kindergarten: General Challenges and Specific Implications for Students with Problem Behavior

The purpose of this review is to present factors that impede and promote successful transition to kindergarten, with a focus on the specific needs of students with problem behavior. The review addresses competencies that teachers report are critical for success in kindergarten, traditional transition practices, and challenges in implementing transition practices. Suggestions are provided to begin to attend to some of the issues affecting successful transition for children with challenging behavior and include an overarching framework to better support transition practices and specific suggestions for appropriate supports. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 765–778, 2005.
Self-assembly of low-dimensional phase-change nanomaterials for information storage

Low-dimensional phase-change nanomaterials offer advantages over their bulk counterpart in data storage due to reduced threshold energies for phase transition. These features contribute to low power, scalability, and fast write/erase. We reported synthesis approach and material studies of 1-D chalcogenide materials including GeTe, In2Se3, and Ge2Sb2Te5 nanowires targeted for nonvolatile memories. The phase-change nanowires were synthesized via thermal evaporation under VLS mechanism. The crystal structure, morphology, and composition of the synthesized nanowires were investigated by SEM, EDX, HR-TEM and XPS. The nanowires are structurally uniform with single crystalline structures. Chalcogenide nanowires exhibit significantly reduced melting points, low activation energy and excellent morphology, making them promising nano media for data storage with low energy consumption and excellent scalability.
On the charge polarization of cosmic systems.

The positive electric charge density associated with the internal electric fields of self-gravitating systems in hydrostatic equilibrium can be canceled by nearby external flowing plasmas, such as winds. For example, it can be shown that the positive electric charge of a star is likely to be completely screened by its stellar wind. Because winds and other nonstatic phenomena are widespread, the electrical polarization due to the positive charge on static systems such as stars should occur on relatively local scales, in contrast to the universal scale recently suggested by Bally and Harrison. The latter viewpoint would be correct only if the entire universe were in strict hydrostatic equilibrium.
Fracture toughness of PMMA as measured with indentation cracks

Fracture toughness of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was evaluated with indentation cracks. The cracks were developed by indenting in a liquid acetone environment, as suggested by previous researchers. Due to the inconsistency in crack configurations with varying indentation loads and to the negligible residual stress from indentation, the application of the indentation strength method was limited in evaluating fracture toughness of PMMA. The semielliptical crack approximation, however, particularly at a low indentation load of 9.8 N, resulted in reasonable agreement with the value determined by three conventional fracture toughness testings using the compact tension (CT), double cantilever beam (DCB), and single edge notched beam (SENB) specimens. Measurements at other indentation load typically were in poor agreement with conventional methods due to poorly developed crack configurations.
TRANSIENT LOWER EXTREMITY NEURAPRAXIA ASSOCIATED WITH RADICAL PERINEAL PROSTATECTOMY: A COMPLICATION OF THE EXAGGERATED LITHOTOMY POSITION

AbstractPurpose: We assess the incidence and risk factors associated with lower extremity neurapraxia following radical perineal prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: The medical records of 111 consecutive patients undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy at Duke University Medical Center between June 1994 and June 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were interviewed by telephone to ascertain whether symptoms had resolved.Results: Neuropraxia developed in 23 patients (21%). Symptomatology was variable, including sensory and motor deficits of the lower leg and foot. Although lower extremity neurapraxia occurred in a significant number of patients undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy, it appeared to resolve in most.Conclusions: Careful attention to detail when positioning the patient and limiting the time in the exaggerated lithotomy position appear to be the most critical aspects to prevent neurapraxia.
Antenna excitation for maximum gain

The problem of obtaining the excitation of an antenna array for maximum power gain is considered in terms of network parameters defined at the input terminals. The reciprocal problem of loading an antenna for maximum absorption area is also considered. The network parameters may be either calculated by solving appropriate boundary value problems, or measured on arrays already constructed. Some procedures for experimentally determining the excitation for maximum gain are presented. If the array elements are closely spaced, supergain antennas are obtained. Formulas for estimating the frequency sensitivity, or Q , of such supergain arrays are given, and the gain-bandwidth product is discussed.
Nemo: a high-fidelity noninvasive power meter system for wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of Nemo -- a practical in situ power metering system for wireless sensor networks. Nemo features a new circuit design called shunt resistor switch that can dynamically adjust the resistance of shunt resistors based on the current load. This allows Nemo to achieve a wide dynamic current range and high measurement accuracy. Nemo transmits real-time power measurements to the host node solely through the power line, by modulating the current load and the supply voltage. This feature leads to a noninvasive, plug & play design that allows Nemo to be easily installed on existing mote platforms without physical wiring or soldering. We have implemented a prototype of Nemo and conducted extensive experimental evaluation. Our results show that Nemo can transmit high-throughput measurement data to the host through voltage/current load modulation. Moreover, it has satisfactory measurement fidelity over a wide range of operating conditions. In particular, Nemo yields a dynamic measurement range of 250,000:1, which is 2.5X and 7X that of two state-of-the-art sensor network power meter systems, while only incurring an average measurement error of 1.34%. We also use a case study to demonstrate that Nemo is able to track the highly dynamic sleep current consumption of TelosB motes, which has important implications for the design of low duty-cycle sensor networks that operate in dynamic environments.
The effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) treatment at elevated temperatures on murine fibrosarcoma, FSa-II.

The effect of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP) on the murine fibrosarcoma cells was investigated in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro experiments tumour cell suspensions containing a given amount of cis-DDP were treated in water bath maintained at a desired temperature, and cell survival was determined by the lung colony assay. The D0 or the time to reduce survival from 1 0 to 0–37 on the exponential portion of the survival curve was determined and 1/D0 was plotted as a function of 1/T, where T stands for the absolute temperature. The slope of this Arrhenius plot indicated that the activation energy for chemical reaction of cis-DDP was 44 kcal/M between the temperature range from 37 to 41°C. For in vivo experiments tumours were transplanted into the foot and treated by immersing the animal foot into a water bath when each tumour reached an average diameter of 4 mm (35 mm3). The drug was injected i.p. immediately before hypothermia. The tumour growth (TG) time or the time required for a tumour to r...
Latest Quaternary North Pacific surface-water responses imply atmosphere-driven climate instability

A full sequence of brief interstadials (Dansgaard-Oeschger [D-O] cycles) are recorded from 60 to 25 ka in Santa Barbara basin, California, Ocean Drilling Program Hole 893A, by planktonic foraminiferal isotopic and assemblage changes at unparalleled high resolution for the oceans. Synchronous climatic response between north Pacific surface waters and the Greenland ice sheet during D-O cycling is strongly indicated by remarkable similarities in speed, magnitude, and character of rapid oceanic and atmospheric reorganizations. Inferred sea-surface temperature warmings of as much as 5 °C within a few decades, and brief warming overshoots of as much as 3 °C suggest involvement of an atmospheric amplification. Top-down, in situ atmospheric warming of the ocean is implied by differential responses (partial decoupling) in the changes recorded in surface and thermoclinal waters.
An Assessment Of Hybrid Optical Systems For Information Processing

Optical processing methods appear to have a viable future when used as a component part of a hybrid system. The other parts of the hybrid systems are combinations of electronic, electro-optical, and digital subsystems. The important components that are linked with the optical systems are: input transducers for incoherent to coherent light conversion and for acoustic or electron beam to coherent light conversion, addressable filters, microprocessors, single fast detectors and detector arrays. The various classes of systems that use either Fourier plane or image plane detection are reviewed with illustrative examples given for each of the major classes of systems.
Screening for Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: With the use of comprehensive neuropsychological assessments, a substantial proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis have been found to have substantial cognitive impairment. Although data generated from comprehensive examinations are useful in making recommendations for treatment interventions and compensatory strategies, the cost of such assessments prohibits their use with all patients. Objective: To develop a screening battery to detect cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis that is sensitive, specific, brief, and cost-effective, and could identify patients who might benefit from a more comprehensive neuropsychological examination. Design: On the basis of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery, the presence of significant cognitive impairment was determined in patients with multiple sclerosis. The screening battery consisted of a subset of tests from the comprehensive battery. Performance on the screening battery was then used to predict presence of cognitive impairment on the comprehensive battery in validation and crossvalidation samples. Severity of impairment on the screening battery was also regressed on ratings of functional impairment derived from the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: In the validation sample, the screening battery had 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 88.1% overall diagnostic accuracy. In the cross-validation sample, the screening battery had 100% sensitivity, 81.8% specificity, and an overall diagnostic accuracy rate of 90.7%. × 2 tests showed that the accuracy of the screening battery was significantly better than chance in both samples. Performance on the screening battery also predicted the level of disability ratings on the Expanded Disability Status Scale and functional systems scales. Conclusions: The screening battery had a high degree of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, while maintaining a brief administration time and high cost-effectiveness. The screening battery also predicted higher levels of disability and functional impairment as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. Despite its advantages, the findings do not suggest that the screening battery may be an effective substitute for a more detailed examination.
Probabilistic prediction of microdamage progression in bone

Age-related bone fractures are a major health concern to the elderly population. In addition to the loss of bone mass, the deterioration of bone quality is another major reason for such fractures. The decline of bone quality is manifested with the accumulation of microdamage in bone with age [1]. Two major types of microdamage have been observed in bone tissue: linear microcracks and diffuse damage [2]. Linear microcracks are individual cracks at a size of microns or larger and are usually visible under an optical microscope. On the other hand, diffuse damage is detectable only by staining and consists of an extensive network of fine, ultrastructural-level defects. The mechanisms for the formation of these two distinct types of microdamage in bone are still unclear. In this study, probabilistic finite element models of mineral-collagen composites were used to study the progression of microdamage in bone, thereby exploring the conditions under which linear microcracks and diffuse damage are produced in bone.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Acid secretory responses to histamine and pentagastrin in conscious monkeys

Acid secretory responses to intravenous pentagastrin and histamine have been studied in rhesus monkeys chronically restrained in primate chairs. The acid response to the dose range of 0.02–0.08 mg/kg/hr of histamine acid phosphate and 1.5–15 μg of pentagastrin was determined in 8 monkeys. For both stimulants the dose response curves were similar to those described for man with respect to sensitivity to stimulus, onset of acid response, and the response to supramaximal stimulation. Histamine was the less variable stimulus, resulting in higher maximal acid response in 3 of the 8 monkeys. The reason for this individual variation in the response to pentagastrin remains undefined.