cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an Interferon-stimulated Response Element (ISRE) in the Il23a Promoter

We have demonstrated previously that IFN-γ plays a protective role in the initiation of chronic intestinal inflammation through attenuation of Toll-like receptor-mediated IL-23 induction in macrophages. Here, an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) is identified in a region of conserved nucleotide sequences in the Il23a promoter. This ISRE mediated, in part, Il23a promoter induction by LPS and inhibition of LPS-induced activity by IFN-γ. LPS and IFN-γ recruit interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) to the Il23a ISRE in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Functionally, IRF-1 is a negative regulator of Il23a in LPS-stimulated BMMs. IRF-1−/− BMMs demonstrated enhanced LPS-induced Il23a expression compared with WT BMMs. Moreover, IRF-1 deficiency resulted in prolonged occupancy of RelA on the Il23a promoter. Consequently, IRF-1−/− mice were more susceptible to colonic injury by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, and IL-10/IRF-1 double-deficient (IL-10/IRF-1−/−) mice demonstrated more severe colonic inflammation compared with IL-10−/− mice. The severity of colitis in both models correlated with increased colonic IL-23. CD11b+ lamina propria mononuclear cells, comprising predominantly macrophages, were identified as the major source of IL-23 in colitis-prone mice. Basal and heat-killed Escherichia coli-stimulated levels of Il23a were increased in IL-10/IRF-1−/− compared with WT and IL-10−/− colonic CD11b+ lamina propria mononuclear cells. In conclusion, these experiments characterize IRF-ISRE interactions on the Il23a promoter, which have in vivo relevance as a homeostatic checkpoint in chronic intestinal inflammation.
Proliferation of Hydroelectric Dams in the Andean Amazon and Implications for Andes-Amazon Connectivity

Due to rising energy demands and abundant untapped potential, hydropower projects are rapidly increasing in the Neotropics. This is especially true in the wet and rugged Andean Amazon, where regional governments are prioritizing new hydroelectric dams as the centerpiece of long-term energy plans. However, the current planning for hydropower lacks adequate regional and basin-scale assessment of potential ecological impacts. This lack of strategic planning is particularly problematic given the intimate link between the Andes and Amazonian flood plain, together one of the most species rich zones on Earth. We examined the potential ecological impacts, in terms of river connectivity and forest loss, of the planned proliferation of hydroelectric dams across all Andean tributaries of the Amazon River. Considering data on the full portfolios of existing and planned dams, along with data on roads and transmission line systems, we developed a new conceptual framework to estimate the relative impacts of all planned dams. There are plans for 151 new dams greater than 2 MW over the next 20 years, more than a 300% increase. These dams would include five of the six major Andean tributaries of the Amazon. Our ecological impact analysis classified 47% of the potential new dams as high impact and just 19% as low impact. Sixty percent of the dams would cause the first major break in connectivity between protected Andean headwaters and the lowland Amazon. More than 80% would drive deforestation due to new roads, transmission lines, or inundation. We conclude with a discussion of three major policy implications of these findings. 1) There is a critical need for further strategic regional and basin scale evaluation of dams. 2) There is an urgent need for a strategic plan to maintain Andes-Amazon connectivity. 3) Reconsideration of hydropower as a low-impact energy source in the Neotropics.
Exotic structures on 4-manifolds detected by spectral invariants

On etudie le spectre de l'operateur de Dirac twiste sur l'espace projectif exotique Q 4 construit par Cappell et Shaneson. On demontre que les spectres de l'operateur de Dirac twiste sur RP 4 , repect. Q 4 , ne sont jamais les memes, independemment des metriques choisies
Synthesis of exocellular phosphomannan by protoplasts of Hansenula holstii.

Abstract The biosynthesis of exocellular phosphomannan has been demonstrated with protoplasts of Hansenula holstii NRRL Y-2448. The protoplasts were produced by the snail-gut enzyme, and incubation of the protoplasts with labelled glucose and phosphate led to the formation of an exocellular product which was characterized by its hydrolytic properties at pH 2.5. The products of the hydrolyzed polymer had the same Chromatographie characteristics on Sephadex and on paper as the authentic phosphomannan added as carrier.
TSV open defects in 3D integrated circuits: characterization, test, and optimal spare allocation

Three-dimensional integration based on die/wafer stacking and through-silicon-vias (TSVs) promises to overcome interconnect bottlenecks for nanoscale integrated circuits (ICs). However, TSVs are prone to defects such as shorts and opens that affect circuit operation in stacked ICs. We analyze the impact of open defects on TSVs and describe techniques for screening such defects. The proposed characterization technique estimates the additional delay introduced due to a resistive open defect as well as due to re-routing based on spare TSVs. We also present an optimization method based on integer linear programming (ILP) that allocates spares to functional TSVs such that the spare for a functional TSV is neither too close to a functional TSV (to avoid the case of both functional and spare TSV being defective) nor too far to ensure that the additional delay due to rerouting is below an upper limit. Results are presented using Hspice simulations based on a 45 nm predictive technology model, recently published data on TSV parasitics, and a commercial ILP solver.
The infinite period limit of the inverse formalism for periodic potentials

Soit l'operateur de Hill H p =d 2 /dx 2 +v p (x), quand v p (x) est une fonction p-periodique de x. On montre que les formules pour la solution du probleme inverse ont une limite si on prend v p comme une repetition periodique d'une fonction a support compact v(x) et que l'on fait tendre p vers l'infini
Integral quantum Hall effect for nonspecialists

An attempt is made to develop a description of the multielectron quantum state responsible for the integral quantum Hall effect. One goal is to provide intuitive support for the very powerful and general argument of Laughlin that the theoretical relationship is insensitive to complicating details in the interior of the sample. The model the author uses is somewhat more realistic than heretofore in that it is three dimensional, does not ignore the atomic structure of the bulk matter, and does not use an effective-mass approximation. In order to treat the problem quantum mechanically, the complete system, including circuitry external to the system of interest, is replaced by a model closed system consisting of a finite number of electrons. In this model, states with a finite Hall current and voltage are metastable against decay caused by interactions outside the model, such as those with bulk matter excitations. Such states describe the true situation well only in the conductivity plateaus; between plateaus, there would be current flow between the Hall voltage probes corresponding to decaying states. Experimental constraints replace this transverse current by a voltage drop along the direction of current flow. The interactions between the electrons are expressed in terms of a self-consistent potential which gives an independent-particle description as a starting point, and residual interactions which are treated by perturbation theory. The self-consistent potential is found to be important in understanding the properties of the quantum state of the system, such as the existence of the plateaus in conductivity and how the electrons in the (effective) two-dimensional region come to equilibrium with the different Fermi levels in the voltage probes. To all finite orders of perturbation theory, the residual interactions are found not to alter the quantized Hall conductivity.
The Immunogenetics of Autoimmune Diabetes and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Abstract Although medical genetics is a well-developed area of interest, relatively little is known about the diseases caused by the combination of many genes. These multiinfluenced diseases include the autoimmune endocrine diseases. Recent advances in the techniques for whole-genome screening have shown a variety of loci that are linked to the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and similar data are likely to be soon generated in autoimmune thyroid disease. Here, the authors survey the current state of genetic knowledge in these two areas and describe the investigative and analytical techniques that are now available. (Trends Endocrinol Metab 1997;8:63–70). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.
Web Sense: Assisting Individuals with Disabilities and Caregivers to Find Online Health Information

Retrieving online health information can be challenging for many individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Librarians and other informed mediators have an important role to guide consumers and caregivers to web sites posting authoritative, unbiased, and current health information specific to an individual's needs using the mnemonic “A-B-C” (Authority, Bias, and Currency). Users can also identify quality indicators from accrediting or certifying organizations. Reliable information benefits individuals with disabilities and caregivers, facilitating active participation and informed decision making about health. This article provides a brief process for librarians and health educators to use when assisting individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
On the Methods of Determination of Homogeneous Nucleation Rates of Protein Crystals

A recently published analysis of an experimental method to directly determine the homogeneous rates of nucleation of protein crystals or other solid phases of proteins inferred that the method underestimates the homogeneous nucleation rates by several orders of magnitude. Here, we consider the presented arguments and find that the analysis contains certain inconsistencies. We conclude that the homogeneous nucleation rate data produced using the direct determination technique are, most likely, correct.
Rapid measurement of serum pancreatic amylase

A simple, rapid assay for the pancreatic isoenzyme of human serum amylase was developed. The assay utilized an immunoabsorbent prepared by coating latex beads with a monoclonal antibody specific for pancreatic amylase. Treatment of patient serum with immunoabsorbent removed pancreatic amylase, and measurement of residual amylase activity with standard total amylase methodology allowed estimation of the pancreatic amylase content. Extraction efficiency of pancreaticamylase was consistent at amylase concentrations up to 1,000 U/L (y = 0.97 × + 16.7 U/L; r = 0.9995). The assay was standardized with purified pancreatic amylase added to neonatal serum (low endogenous activity). A comparison of patient specimen results with the results of a standard technique (cellulose acetate electrophoresis) yielded an excellent correlation (immunoabsorption result = 0.96 electrophoresis result + 1.2 U/L; r = 0.987). Salivary amylase did not interfere with the assay until levels exceeded 1,000 U/L. Daily analysis of a frozen serum pool yielded a coefficient of variation of 9.2% at mean pancreatic amylase value of 54 U/L (±5 U/L). A normal range study found a strong influence of age, with pancreatic amylase levels increasing dramatically in the first 3 years of life, to stabilize at a range of 0–66 U/L thereafter. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparative Utility of Selected Frameworks for Regionalizing Fish-Based Bioassessments across the United States

Abstract Regional frameworks for bioassessment are necessary to stratify natural geographic variation in biotic assemblages and to calibrate bioassessment metrics and indices. In the United States, alternative frameworks have not been evaluated over large geographic extents (nationwide or continent-wide) or compared with neutral models to document the relative utility of existing frameworks. We used the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment fish assemblage data from 1,140 fluvial sites to evaluate the utility of physiographic regions, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ecoregions, aquatic zoogeographic regions, and hydrologic landscape regions (HLRs). A zoogeographic—physiographic (Z-P) region combination was tested along with nesting of HLR within all other frameworks. All frameworks were compared with a hierarchical grid that represented a neutral spatial framework and enabled us to examine effects of spatial autocorrelation. Classification strengths were inferred from the intracl...
Are school psychologists reform‐minded?

This study examined perceptions of reform in the role and function of school psychologists advocated by Reschly (1988). A national sample of 137 psychologists endorsed integrated features of traditional practice and reform on assessment activities and classification issues, but they more strongly favored reform positions on activities associated with consultation/intervention and professional/training issues. The use of and preference for curriculum-based assessment strongly characterized psychologists more favorably disposed toward reform. Reform-minded psychologists included administrators and trainers as well as practitioners who receive relatively few new referrals per year. However, psychologists who conducted few evaluations appeared to do more counseling than consultation or classroom intervention. Discussion focuses on understanding psychologists' conceptualization of their current role and on identifying the characteristics and activities of the more reform-minded. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Forests Without Primates: Primate/Plant Codependency

Detailed studies of primates and fruiting trees have illustrated that these groups of organisms are involved in a very complex set of interactions, with primates relying on fruiting trees as important food resources and fruiting trees relying on frugivores for seed dispersal. Human activities that influence either primate seed dispersal or fruit production have the potential of having unanticipated effects on the other interactants. Here we evaluate what is known and what we still need to learn to evaluate the long-term consequences of disrupting the interactions between primates and tropical forest trees. We do this by first assessing the potential importance of primates at dispersing the seeds of tropical forest trees. Second, we consider possible consequences of hunting primates on recruitment in tropical tree communities. Third, we address the converse by considering the impacts of decreasing resource availability for primates through either logging or through the extraction of nontimber forest products. Finally, we provide a case study from Kibale National Park, Uganda, that contrasts seedling recruitment in 20 forest fragments in which primate seed dispersers have been dramatically reduced with seedling recruitment in areas that have an intact frugivore community. In comparison to the intact forest, the fragments had lower seedling density and fewer species of seedlings. Furthermore, a greater proportion of the seedlings were from small-seeded species that might not require primates for their dispersal, since they probably can be dispersed by small birds. All of these considerations suggest that disrupting the complex interactions between primates and fruiting trees can potentially have negative and possibly cascading effects on ecosystem processes.
Innovative practices in environmental management

This study explores what the literature indicates is occurring in environmentally conscious manufacturing (ECM), versus what companies in the electronics manufacturing sector actually report on their websites. It highlights the differences between the literature and practice, pointing to a proactive trend in ECM among large companies. Adequate measures for reporting the real costs and benefits of ECM appear to be lacking. Using a resource-based view of the firm, an organization with limited resources will only devote those resources to activities where the perceived benefits exceed the cost. In a metrics-oriented world, lack of measurement and reporting can undermine the future growth of ECM. In addition, many of the costs and benefits of ECM may not be explicitly recognized, but rather assumed. This may relegate ECM approaches to be categorized as “necessary for compliance” or “cost centers”, when in fact there may be significant benefits. This could limit ECM to meet regulatory compliance, and little more. To highlight the potential contribution of ECM to the corporation’s success this study compares and contrasts current literature with existing operational practices discovered by gathering secondary data from the websites of environmentally proactive organizations.
Fault tolerance using lower fidelity data in adaptive mesh applications

Many high performance scientific simulation codes use checkpointing for multiple reasons. In addition to having the flexibility to complete the simulation in multiple job submissions, it has also provided an adequate recovery mechanism up to the current generation of platforms. With the advent of million-way parallelism, application codes are looking for additional options for recovery that may or may not be transparent to the applications. In many instances the applications can make the best judgement about the acceptability of the recovered solution. In this paper, we explore one option for recovering from multiple faults in codes using block-structured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The AMR codes have easy access to low-fidelity solution in the same physical space where they are also computing higher-fidelity solution. When a fault occurs, this low-fidelity solution can be used to reconstruct the higher fidelity solution in-flight. We report our findings from one implementation of such a strategy in FLASH, a block-structured adaptive mesh refinement community code for simulation of reactive compressible flows. In all our experiments the mechanism proved to be within the error bounds of the considered applications.
Late Pleistocene mammals from El Hatillo, Panama

Late Pleistocene mammals from the El Hatillo locality on the Azuero Peninsula in Panama, originally reported by C. L. Gazin in 1957, are documented here for the first time. The following taxa are present: Hoplophorinae?, Glyptotherium floridanum, Eremotherium laurillardi, Paramylodon harlani, Equus conversidens, Platygonus sp., Odocoileus sp., Mixotoxodon larensis and Cuvieronius hyodon. This is a characteristic assemblage of late Pleistocene mammals from Central America that is dominated by fossils of Eremotherium in association with fossils of Mixotoxodon and Equus. I refer to such associations as EME assemblages and posit that most of these assemblages from Central America are of Late Pleistocene age. EME assemblages represent a mixed fauna of grazers and browsers that was common across Central America during one or more of the Late Pleistocene interstadials.
A commentary on the preface to Hegel's 'phenomenology of spirit'

Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit has come to be regarded by many Hegelscholars as his most important work even though it was his first book, and in many ways is more difficult to read than any of the others he wrote. And it is a matter of further widespread agreement that the Preface to the Phenomenology is the most important part of it. This may be illustrated by the remarks of some eminent Hegel-scholars concerning it, cited by Walter Kaufmann in his introduction to his translation of it': "... it is not saying too much when I claim that anyone understands Hegel's philosophy if he completely masters the meaning of this preface." (Rudolf Haym, 1857). "... [It is] the most important of all Hegel texts .... Whoever has understood the preface to the Phenomenology has understood Hegel." (Hermann Glockner, 1940) "The Phenomenology is preceded by a remarkable Preface, which is a literary as well as a philosophical masterpiece." (J. N. Findlay, 1958) And: "The Preface of the Phenomenology is one of the greatest philosophical undertakings of all times." (Herbert Marcuse, 1941) Kaufmann himself also thinks it is of the greatest importance, as is shown by his publication of his own translation of it by itself, together with a commentary on it. So I will take the importance of the Preface, at least in the context of Hegel's philosophy, to be established on good authority. I myself think that, if one can understand it, one will have understood Hegel's basic conception of what philosophy is and how it ought to be done, and the essentials of his metaphysics as well. It is in my view the best summary of his philosophy he ever wrote; even if it does not contain his arguments for his views. (And, after all, one should not expect to find arguments in a Preface.) In this commentary, I shall attempt to expound and clarify some of the basic points Hegel is making in it, in order to facilitate the understanding of it. Such a commentary is needed, because it is very difficult to understand. Ultimately, of course, the important thing is for one to come
Simple Bunionectomy with Medial Capsulorrhaphy

Bunionectomy with medial capsulorrhaphy was performed on 54 feet (37 patients) and follow-up was obtained on 49 feet (33 patients) at a mean of 4.8 years postoperatively. Results were excellent in ...
Myosin VI mediates the movement of NHE3 down the microvillus in intestinal epithelial cells

The intestinal brush border Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 is tightly regulated through changes in its endocytosis and exocytosis. Myosin VI, a minus-end-directed actin motor, has been implicated in endocytosis at the inter-microvillar cleft and during vesicle remodeling in the terminal web. Here, we asked whether myosin VI also regulates NHE3 movement down the microvillus. The basal NHE3 activity and its surface amount, determined by fluorometry of the ratiometric pH indicator BCECF and biotinylation assays, respectively, were increased in myosin-VI-knockdown (KD) Caco-2/Bbe cells. Carbachol (CCH) and forskolin (FSK) stimulated NHE3 endocytosis in control but not in myosin VI KD cells. Importantly, immunoelectron microscopy results showed that NHE3 was preferentially localized in the basal half of control microvilli but in the distal half in myosin VI KD cells. Treatment with dynasore duplicated some aspects of myosin VI KD: it increased basal surface NHE3 activity and prevented FSK-induced NHE3 endocytosis. However, NHE3 had an intermediate distribution along the microvillus (between that in myosin VI KD and untreated cells) in dynasore-treated cells. We conclude that myosin VI is required for basal and stimulated endocytosis of NHE3 in intestinal cells, and suggest that myosin VI also moves NHE3 down the microvillus.
Resonant Scattering of Gamma Rays from Nuclear Levels with a Linear Accelerator

Several elements have been irradiated with a high-intensity bremsstrahlung beam and a search has been made for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays scattered from nuclear levels. A 6-in.\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5-in.-diameter NaI(Tl) crystal was used as the detector. Resonant scattering was seen from ${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$, ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$, Mg, and Si. Pulse-height spectra for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays scattered from each of these are shown. Application of these spectra to previous experiments in which level widths and branching ratios were calculated is discussed. Levels in ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}$, ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ were observed which have not been seen with this technique previously.
Mechanisms of Leukocyte Production and Release. XII. A Comparative Assay of the Leukocytosis-Inducing Factor (LIF) and the Colony-Stimulating Factor (CSF)

SummaryExperiments are reported which suggest that separate physiological regulators exist for neutrophil production and release. Sera obtained 2 hr post-iv injection of 4.0 μg E. coli lipopolysaccharide contained both LIF and CSF activity, whereas sera obtained 27 hr after the last of two and the last of five daily ip injections of 100.0 μg E. coli lipopolysaccharide demonstrated only LIF activity. Using the Etoxate test, it was established that neither LIF nor CSF activity could be attributed to endotoxin contamination of test sera.
Capillary electrophoretic separation of enantiomers using the single isomer heptakis-(2,3-dimethyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin as chiral resolving agent in methanol–water background electrolytes

Abstract The utility of the sodium salt of the single isomer heptakis-(2,3-dimethyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin as chiral resolving agent in methanol–water background electrolytes was studied by capillary electrophoresis. The effective mobilities of neutral, weak acid and weak base enantiomers were measured as a function of the methanol concentration in the 0 to 50% (v/v) range, while the heptakis-(2,3-dimethyl-6-sulfato)-β-cyclodextrin concentration was simultaneously varied in the 0 to 100 mM range. The addition of methanol improved the solubility and decreased the effective mobility of the analytes. The methanol-induced reduction in the extent of binding of the analytes to the charged cyclodextrin could be compensated for by increasing the concentration of the charged cyclodextrin in the background electrolyte. Separation selectivities closely followed the theoretical predictions of the charged resolving agent migration model of enantiomer separations.
Real-Time Monitoring of the Etching of GaAs(100) by Surface Photoabsorption

Surface photoabsorption (SPA) has been applied to monitor, in real time, the surface of GaAs(100) during chemical dry etching by a molecular beam of HCl. Changes in the HCl flux to the surface at a constant temperature (840 K) have been used to induce changes in the Ga:As ratio on the surface. These changes in surface stoichiometry have been detected in situ by SPA measurements of the transient fractional change in the reflectance of p-polarized, 488-nm light that is incident onto the surface near the pseudo-Brewster angle. On the basis of results from prior applications of SPA to the study of the atomic layer deposition of GaAs, the changes in the SPA signal as a function of the etching parameters can be correlated with changes in the relative surface densities of Ga and As. The findings are confirmed by independent determinations of the changes in surface stoichiometry made by measuring the time-integrated difference in the fluxes of Ga- and As-containing etching products evolved from the surface as a function of the HCl flux.
Evapotranspiration responses of plants and crops to carbon dioxide and temperature

Summary Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has risen from about 270 mmol (CO2) mol−1 (air) (i.e., mole fraction of dry atmospheric air basis) before 1700 to about 370 mmol mol −1 currently. General Circulation Models (GCM) have predicted a global temperature rise of 2.8 to 5.2°C for a doubling of CO2. This review examines evapotranspiration and water-use efficiency responses of plants to rising CO2 and climatic changes, especially temperature. Doubling of CO2 will decrease leaf stomatal conductance to water vapor about 40%. However, water use by C3 crop plants under field conditions has usually been decreased only 12% or less for two reasons. Firstly, feedbacks in the energy balance of plant foliage cause leaf temperatures to rise as stomatal conductance is decreased. Increases of leaf temperature raise the vapor pressure of water inside the leaf, which increases the leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference. This increased driving force for transpiration offsets in large part the decreased leaf c...
Apoptotic cell death in heart failure

Time for primary review 29 days. Progressive deterioration of left ventricular (LV) function is a characteristic feature of the failing heart. This hemodynamic deterioration, often accompanied by worsening of clinical symptoms, occurs despite the absence of clinically apparent intercurrent adverse events [1,2] and, invariably, culminates in the syndrome of congestive heart failure. The exact mechanisms that drive this process are not known. For years, a so-called ‘vicious circle’ postulate was adopted to explain this phenomenon whereby compensatory mechanisms, elicited to maintain homeostasis, themselves become factors that exacerbate the heart failure state. Such compensatory mechanisms included LV hypertrophy, LV chamber dilation, and enhanced and sustained activity of the sympathetic nervous system and renin–angiotensin system [3–6]. In recent years, we and others have put forward a working hypothesis that progressive LV dysfunction in heart failure may result, in part, from ongoing loss of cardiomyocytes. The notion that progression of heart failure may be due, in part, to ongoing loss of functional cardiac units was based on the presence of ultrastructural degenerative changes of cardiomyocytes in the failed human heart as well as in hearts of animals with experimentally-induced heart failure [7–10]. Structural abnormalities included myofibrillar disruption and disarray [8], abnormalities of mitochondria characterized by disruption of the internal and external membranes, hyperplasia and reduced organelle size [7], and abnormalities of the cardiac interstitium characterized by accumulation of collagen [9]. These observations provided some support, albeit indirect, to the concept that ongoing myocyte degeneration and loss may occur in the failing heart. Objective evidence in support of this concept, however, was only recently put forward [11]. Studies in dogs with heart failure produced by intracoronary microembolizations showed, for the first time, that progressive LV dysfunction was associated with increased volume fraction of replacement fibrosis [11] or, in … * Tel.: +1-313-876-7360; fax: +1-313-876-3001 HSABBAH1{at}hfhs.org
Elastic constants of binary Mg compounds from first-principles calculations

Abstract Elastic constants (Cij's) of 25 compounds in the Mg–X (X = As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Ga, Ge, La, Ni, P, Si, Sn, and Y) systems have been predicted by first-principles calculations with the generalized gradient approximation and compared with the available experimental data. Ductility and the type of bonding in these compounds are further analyzed based on their bulk modulus/shear modulus ratios (B/G), Cauchy pressures (C12–C44), and electronic structure calculations. It is found that MgNi2 and MgCu2 have very high elastic moduli. Mg compounds containing Si, Ge, Pb, Sn, and Y, based on their B/G ratios, are inferred as being brittle. A metallic bonding in MgCu2 and a mixture of covalent/ionic bond character in Mg2Si, as inferred from their electronic structures, further explain the corresponding mechanical properties of these compounds.
Molecular pathology of Fabry's disease physical and kinetic properties of α-galactosidase a in cultured human endothelial cells

Abstract Fabry's disease ( α -galactosidase A deficiency) is characterized by the progressive lysosomal accumulation of trihexosyl ceramide primarily in the vascular endothelium. The pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for this preferential site of deposition were investigated in primary endothelial cell cultures established from veins of Fabry hemizygotes and umbilical veins from normal newborns. Morphologically, cultured endothelial cells from Fabry hemizygotes were strikingly different from normal cultured cells; they contained numerous, large, birefringent, cytoplasmic inclusions, presumably substrate-engorged lysosomes, observable by phase-contrast microscopy. The physical and kinetic properties of α -galactosidase A activity in normal cultured endothelial cells were determined, including (1) thermal inactivation at 50°C, T 1 2 ≈ 15 min ; (2) elution profile on DEAE-cellulose; (3) pH optimum, 4.7; (4) specific activity, 349 nmol/h per mg protein; and (5) kinetics, apparent K m = 2.6 mM with the 4-methylumbelliferyl substrate. These results were similar to the α -galactosidase A properties reported for other enzyme sources. In addition, preliminary glycosphingolipid analysis demonstrated relatively low levels of trihexosyl ceramide in normal cultured endothelial cells. Based on these results, a mechanism for the molecular pathology of Fabry's disease was postulated consistent with previously reported findings. It is suggested that in Fabry hemizygotes the accumulated, circulating trihexosyl ceramide may gain access to the lysosomal apparatus of the vascular endothelium by receptor-mediated lipoprotein uptake, where it is accumulated due to the defective α -galactosidase A activity.
TU-C-BRA-01: Predicting Complication Probabilities Beyond the Dose-Volume Histogram: Dose-Mapping to Identify Critical Dose-Volume Risk Factors

The goal of radiotherapy is to eradicate all tumor cells with regenerative capacity while keeping treatment‐related complications to a manageable and subjectively tolerable acceptable level for each patient. Therefore it is paramount that we understand the factors that cause treatment related severe complications. Although clinical, genetic, and other biological factors play a role, dose‐volume patterns are known to be the key driver of toxicity. Until recently, attempts to predict Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) for a given endpoint have relied almost exclusively on analyses that relate dose‐volume‐histogram (DVH) characteristics to the risk of complications through models such as the generalized equivalent uniform dose/Lyman‐Kutcher‐Burman model (Marks et al., (2010) 76:S10–S19.) However, it is known that function and repair processes are not uniformly distributed as independent processes throughout organs or tissues. Therefore, these DVH‐based models discard spatial information that is likely to be important with respect to the development of toxicity. This talk will discuss methods and recent results (published and unpublished) that go beyond the DVH to predict toxicity in multiple ways, for example: by looking at imaging‐based changes during a course of radiotherapy (), or by mapping dose‐distributions from multiple patients to a reference patient to probe point‐by‐point correlations. These methods present exciting new avenues to potential identify more effective risk factors and resulting predictive models. However, they have their limits and require technical advances that will also be discussed, especially in the area of deformable image registration QA and statistical analysis. Learning Objectives: 1. Understanding the process of mapping dose distributions to a reference anatomy to correlate with an outcome variable 2. Understanding key uncertainties including deformable image registration, and a suggested method to evaluate this uncertainty. 3. Understanding the statistical limits of this method, including confounding variability. This research was partially supported by NIH grant R01 CA85181.
The Performance of the Adapted City from the Perspective of Citizens

The authors study 74 cities in 30 states to determine whether citizens in adapted cities are more likely to rate the quality of city services in the top category than are citizens in nonadapted cities. Contrary to the proposed hypothesis, the authors find statistical support that citizens in the 16 administrative cities are more likely to rate the quality of city services in the top category than are citizens in the 52 adapted cities, controlling for important socioeconomic variables. This finding provides preliminary evidence that introducing political institutions and values or constraining the policy-making/executive role of the city manager in traditional council—manager cities can adversely impact service quality—at least from the perspective of citizens.
Automatic qualitative analysis of dynamic systems using piecewise linear approximations

Abstract This paper explores automating the qualitative analysis of physical systems. It describes a program, called PLR (for Piecewise Linear Reasoner), that formalizes an analysis strategy employed by experts. PLR takes parameterized ordinary differential equations as input and produces a qualitative description of the solutions for all initial values. It approximates intractable nonlinear systems with piecewise linear ones, analyzes the approximations, and draws conclusions about the original systems. It chooses approximations that are accurate enough to reproduce the essential properties of their nonlinear prototypes, yet simple enough to be analyzed completely and efficiently. It derives additional properties, such as boundedness or periodicity, by theoretical methods. PLR's analysis depends on abstract properties of systems rather than on specific numeric values. This makes its conclusions more robust and enables it to handle parameterized equations transparently. I demonstrate PLR on several common nonlinear systems and on published examples from mechanical engineering.
The Development of Cable Television in East Asian Countries A Comparative Analysis of Determinants

This study assesses the country-specific factors that might influence the development of cable television in 10 East Asian countries. Specifically, the authors reviewed the cable markets and their ...
Conservation genetics of an endemic mountaintop salamander with an extremely limited range

Montane regions can promote allopatric speciation and harbor unique species with small ranges. The southern Appalachians are a biodiversity hotspot for salamanders, and several montane endemics occur in the region. Here, we present the first DNA sequence data for Plethodon sherando, a terrestrial salamander recently discovered in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. We sequenced two mitochondrial regions (cyt-b and CO1) from salamanders at reference sites near the center of P. sherando’s range and from two contact zones where P. sherando populations are replaced by Plethodon cinereus, the Northern Red-Backed salamander. We then used these sequence data to examine divergence and hybridization between the two taxa. We found P. sherando and P. cinereus morphotypes from contact zones to be reciprocally monophyletic and highly divergent (~17%). P. sherando exhibited very low sequence diversity (π = 0.0010) as compared to P. cinereus from the same locations (π = 0.0096). Salamander morphology in the contact zone was as distinct as morphology at reference sites, and discriminant function analysis based on morphology successfully classified 98% of salamanders to their mitochondrial lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of cyt-b sequences showed P. sherando to be sister to Plethodon serratus (the Southern Red-Backed salamander) rather than P. cinereus or any nearby mountaintop endemics. Our results suggest that P. sherando is a distinct lineage that is not subject to substantial introgression from P. cinereus and that may have a history of geographic isolation. Given its limited range (<80 km2), we believe P. sherando should merit a conservation status similar to that of other mountaintop salamanders in the region.
Pharmacy students' attitudes about treating patients with alcohol addiction after attending a required mutual support group.

Objective. To implement required attendance at mutual support groups for addiction recovery as a pharmacy skills laboratory exercise, and to evaluate how attendance affected pharmacy students’ attitudes about caring for patients with addiction. Design. Third-year (P3) pharmacy students enrolled in a Pharmacy Skills Laboratory course were required to watch an introductory video about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and then attend 2 “open meetings” during the semester. Students submitted a written reflection as proof of attendance. Assessment. Pharmacy students who agreed to participate in the study completed the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (SAAPPQ) during the course orientation and again at the end of the semester. Mutual support group attendance significantly affected the students’ attitudes within the domains of role adequacy, task specific self-esteem, and work satisfaction. Significant changes were not observed within the domains of motivation and role legitimacy. Conclusion. Mutual support group attendance exposed pharmacy students to the negative effects of alcohol abuse and increased their self-confidence to provide care to patients with alcohol addiction.
Smart Gods, Dumb Gods, and the Role of Social Cognition in Structuring Ritual Intuitions

Religious activities of the Pomio Kivung people of Melanesia challenges a specific claim of Lawson & McCauley’s (1990) theory of religious ritual, but does it challenge the general claim that religious rituals are underpinned by ordinary cognitive capacities? To further test the hypothesis that ordinary social cognition informs judgments of religious ritual efficacy, 64 American Protestant college students rated the likelihood of success of a number of fictitious rituals. The within-subjects manipulation was the manner in which a successful ritual was modified, either by negating the intentions of the ritual actor or by altering the ritual action. The between-subjects manipulation was the sort of religious system in which the rituals were to be performed: one with an all-knowing god (“Smart god”) versus one with a fallible god (“Dumb god”). Participants judged performing the correct action as significantly more important for the success of rituals in the Dumb god condition than in the Smart god condition. In the Smart god condition, performing the correct action was rated significantly less important for the success of the rituals than having appropriate intentions while performing the ritual.
Anaphoric one and NP-ellipsis

Traditional accounts take anaphoric one to be a pro-form appearing instead of a full noun (Jackendoff 1977, Ross 1967, and Hornstein & Lightfoot 1981, among others). I propose that one is a phonological support for the number morpheme in the DP, which is inserted in cases of NP-ellipsis in the head of the Number projection when the conditions that would enable to license an empty Num° are not available. I also argue that the conditions currently assumed to license non-referential empty categories in the NP-ellipsis construction can be reduced to conditions licensing empty functional heads in the DP system.
Microcellular and nanocellular solid-state polyetherimide (PEI) foams using sub-critical carbon dioxide II. Tensile and impact properties

Abstract Microcellular foams, closed-cell polymer foams with cells of order 10 μm, have been studied for over two decades. These foams have shown significant improvements in mechanical properties, such as strength-to-weight ratio, over conventional foams with cells on the order of 1 mm. Will an additional 100-fold reduction in cell size yield further improvement in properties? Here we answer this question in the solid-state PEI–CO 2 system, a unique gas–polymer system in which cellular structures can be created throughout the polymer volume at either micro or nano scales. The tensile and impact behaviors of microcellular (cells in 2–5 μm range) and nanocellular (cells in the 50–100 nm range) structures are experimentally compared for foams with relative densities, to that of the starting solid, in the range of 0.75–0.90. We found that nanofoams show a significantly higher strain to failure, resulting in an improvement in the modulus of toughness by up to 350% compared to microcellular foams. Falling weight impact tests show evidence of a brittle-to-ductile transition in nanofoams resulting in impact energies that are up to 600% higher compared to microcellular foams. These results point to the promise of nanofoams as an important new class of materials.
Do School-Based Social Skills Training Programs Prevent Alcohol Use Among Young People?

School-based social skills training programs are among the most popular form of alcohol misuse prevention strategies employed in the USA. This paper reviews published evaluations of this strategy, in an attempt to assess consistency of findings across studies. The majority of studies show that social skills training programs, while not detrimental, have little or no impact upon participants in terms of their alcohol use behavior. Reasons why such programs are ineffective are discussed, and suggestions made concerning the direction of future primary prevention research.
Interfacial rheology of uniform polymer dispersions

The effects of high oscillatory shear on the viscosity of a model polymer dispersion of solid particles was investigated. A dispersion of glass beads in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) is uniform and free of any agglomeration. When sheared at low stress levels, the dispersion remains uniform. At high stresses under oscillatory shear, two processes can take place. One is spatial ordering (threading) of the spherical beads that does not occur in steady shear. The other is molecular interfacial slip due to high interfacial stress in samples containing fluoro-silane treated glass beads, leading to a lower suspension viscosity than that of samples containing bare non-treated beads.
Detection of cyclic sleep phenomena using instantaneous heart rate.

Abstract The development of the Heart Beat Domain and the Fourier transform of the Heart Beat Domain (which we call the Beatquency Domain) has provided new and useful tools for the quantitative analysis of sleep level patterns. This method of analysis has produced remarkable intersubject as well as intra-subject consistency and the only physiologic parameter required in the analysis is beat-by-beat heart rate. This analytical tool was designed to aid in the detection of sleep cycles, or more specifically, the rhythmic transitions from REM+ (awake Stages 1 and REM combined) to NREM (Stage 2, 3 and 4 combined) over a normal night of sleep. Employing this method on minute-by-minute sleep recordings from 9 normal sleep subjects, 2 complete nights each, we were able to distinguish between the REM+ and NREM stages with an average accuracy of approximately 80%. Considering that beat-by-beat heart rate was our only criteria, we felt that the algorithm performed with significant success.
2005 Speical Issue: Graph kernels for chemical informatics

Increased availability of large repositories of chemical compounds is creating new challenges and opportunities for the application of machine learning methods to problems in computational chemistry and chemical informatics. Because chemical compounds are often represented by the graph of their covalent bonds, machine learning methods in this domain must be capable of processing graphical structures with variable size. Here, we first briefly review the literature on graph kernels and then introduce three new kernels (Tanimoto, MinMax, Hybrid) based on the idea of molecular fingerprints and counting labeled paths of depth up to d using depth-first search from each possible vertex. The kernels are applied to three classification problems to predict mutagenicity, toxicity, and anti-cancer activity on three publicly available data sets. The kernels achieve performances at least comparable, and most often superior, to those previously reported in the literature reaching accuracies of 91.5% on the Mutag dataset, 65-67% on the PTC (Predictive Toxicology Challenge) dataset, and 72% on the NCI (National Cancer Institute) dataset. Properties and tradeoffs of these kernels, as well as other proposed kernels that leverage 1D or 3D representations of molecules, are briefly discussed.
Comparison of the effects of antipsychotics on a delayed radial maze task in the rat

Rationale The cognitive impairments evident in many schizophrenics are related to the severity of their negative symptoms and ability to function in society. Drugs that alleviate cognitive impairments, in addition to other psychotic symptoms, may have an important influence on treatment outcome and the course of the illness.