cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Query Optimization for Semistructured Data Using Path Constraints in a Deterministic Data Model

Path constraints have been studied for semistructured data modeled as a rooted edge-labeled directed graph [4, 11-13]. In this model, the implication problems associated with many natural path constraints are undecidable [11, 13]. A variant of the graph model, called the deterministic data model, was recently proposed in [10]. In this model, data is represented as a graph with deterministic edge relations, i.e., the edges emanating from any node in the graph have distinct labels. This model is more appropriate for representing, e.g., ACeDB [27] databases and Web sites. This paper investigates path constraints for the deterministic data model. It demonstrates the application of path constraints to, among others, query optimization. Three classes of path constraints are considered: the language Pc introduced in [11], an extension of Pc, denoted by Pcw, by including wildcards in path expressions, and a generalization of Pcw, denoted by P*c, by representing paths as regular expressions. The implication problems for these constraint languages are studied in the context of the deterministic data model. It is shown that in contrast to the undecidability result of [11], the implication and finite implication problems for Pc are decidable in cubic-time and are finitely axiomatizable. Moreover, the implication problems are decidable for Pcw. However, the implication problems for P*c are undecidable.
An automated method for describing muscle fatigue

This paper reports on the development of a method to extract features related to fatigue from the isometric force (or moment) records of the quadriceps muscle during cyclic contractions. The force record is modelled as a three segment piece-wise linear curve consisting of an initial region of high force (the plateau), followed by a second segment of rapidly declining force production (transition) and a final region of little or no decline in force (steady state). Repeated maximal isometric contractions lasting 2.5 seconds and separated by 0.5 seconds of rest were elicited by applying 20 Hz bursts of tetanizing stimulation at an amplitude of 20 mA and a fixed pulse duration to individuals with complete spinal cord injuries via chronically indwelling percutaneous intramuscular electrodes. Raw data from a load-cell dynamometer were sampled at 100 Hz, reduced by averaging over the constant force portions of each contraction and low pass filtered at 0.25 Hz. The intersections of the three linear segments are first estimated by computing the inflection points of the resulting smooth record. The linearization is optimized by varying the positions of the intersection points until the mean squared error between the processed data and the piece-wise linear model was minimized. The slopes of the three segments and the locations of the two intersection points were recorded and used as features to characterize the fatiguability of the stimulated muscle. The algorithm also computes widely accepted measures such as the time to 50% reduction in initial force (T50), or extrapolates the values from incomplete data records. The procedure may be applicable to continuous contractions and may be valuable for determining the effects of various exercise programs designed to enhance muscular endurance, or to infer muscle fiber composition indirectly from the force record. >
Genetic parameters and predictions for direct and maternal growth traits in a multibreed Angus–Brahman cattle population using genomic–polygenic and polygenic models

Abstract The objectives of this research were to compare variance components, genetic parameters, and EBV rankings for birth weight (BW) direct and maternal, weaning weight (WW) direct and maternal, and postweaning gain from 205 d to 365 d (PWG) direct using three genomic–polygenic and one polygenic model representing four plausible beef cattle genetic evaluation scenarios for growth traits under subtropical conditions in the US southern region. In addition, EBV trends as percentage Brahman increased from 0% to 100% were evaluated for each trait and model. The dataset included 5264 animals from a multibreed Angus–Brahman population born from 1987 to 2013. Genomic–polygenic models 1 (GP1; pedigree relationships for all animals; genomic relationships for genotyped animals), 2 (GP2; pedigree relationships for non-genotyped animals; genomic relationships for genotyped animals), and 3 (GP3; no pedigree relationships; genomic relationships for genotyped animals) used actual and imputed genotypes from 46,768 SNP markers. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using REML procedures. Variance component and genetic parameter estimates from GP1 were the most similar to those from the polygenic model, followed by those from GP2, and the least similar (especially for maternal traits) were those from GP3. Similarly, the highest rank correlations were those between animal EBV from the polygenic model and GP1, followed by those between animal EBV from GP1 and GP2 and between the polygenic model and GP2. Model GP3 performed poorly for maternal traits due to ignoring calf–dam relationships. These results indicated that the polygenic model and genomic–polygenic model 1 should be preferred. However, high genotyping costs still make the polygenic model preferable for commercial beef cattle operations. Brahman animals tended to have higher EBV for BW direct and WW direct, and lower EBV for PWG direct, BW maternal, and WW maternal. However, low regression coefficients for EBV on Brahman fraction ensured that high, medium, and low EBV animals from all breed compositions existed in this multibreed population.
Gifted African‐American children in rural schools: Searching for the answers 1

This report summarizes the preliminary findings, challenges and insights of a Javits grant project. Project SEARCH's major goals are to identify and serve potentially gifted rural African‐American children in the regular classroom setting. Screening is done in kindergarten, and the nontraditional identification process includes use of the Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices, Torrance's Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement, a teacher rating scale, and a peer nomination interview. The model's development has required ongoing staff development activities and a search for effective materials and curricula to nurture the talents of young children from rural backgrounds. Three educational agencies work collaboratively in the effort. Curricula tied to the identification process are being piloted in project classrooms, and student portfolios are being collected as part of project evaluation.
Neuronal Gene Expression in the Waking State: A Role for the Locus Coeruleus

Several transcription factors are expressed at higher levels in the waking than in the sleeping brain. In experiments with rats, the locus coeruleus, a noradrenergic nucleus with diffuse projections, was found to regulate such expression. In brain regions depleted of noradrenergic innervation, amounts of c-Fos and nerve growth factor-induced A after waking were as low as after sleep. Phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein was also reduced. In contrast, electroencephalographic activity was unchanged. The reduced activity of locus coeruleus neurons may explain why the induction of certain transcription factors, with potential effects on plasticity and learning, does not occur during sleep.
A comparison of equine recovery characteristics after isoflurane or isoflurane followed by a xylazine-ketamine infusion.

Abstract Objective To determine whether infusion of xylazine (XYL) and ketamine (KET) for 30 minutes after isoflurane administration in horses would result in improved quality of recovery from anesthesia, without detrimental cardiopulmonary changes. Study design Randomized, blinded experimental trial. Animals Seven healthy adult horses aged 6.4 ± 1.9 years and weighing 506 ± 30 kg. Methods Horses were anesthetized twice, at least 1 week apart. On both occasions, anesthesia was induced by the administration of XYL, diazepam, and KET, and maintained with isoflurane for approximately 90 minutes, the last 60 minutes of which were under steady-state conditions (1.2 times the minimum alveolar concentration isoflurane). On one occasion, horses were allowed to recover from isoflurane anesthesia, while on the other, XYL and KET were infused for 30 minutes after termination of isoflurane administration. Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, pH, and blood-gases were measured and recorded at set intervals during steady-state isoflurane anesthesia and XYL–KET infusion. Recovery events were timed and subjectively scored by one nonblinded and two blinded observers. Data were analyzed using a restricted maximum likelihood-based mixed effect model repeated measures analysis. Results Infusion of XYL and KET resulted in longer recovery times, but there was no significant improvement in recovery quality score. Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, infusion of XYL and KET does not positively influence recovery from isoflurane anesthesia in horses. Clinical relevance This study does not support the routine use of XYL and KET infusions in horses during the transition from isoflurane anesthesia to recovery.
The demand for agricultural land and strategic bidding in auctions

A unique feature of land auctions is that the same land is auctioned twice; first the land is broken into tracts and each tract is auctioned individually. Then, the tracts are reassembled and auctioned as a whole parcel. After the two auctions are completed, the seller chooses the one that generates a higher revenue. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an explanation of why such an auction design is employed to sell farmland. We also show that this feature of land auctions leads to interesting interaction among the bidding strategies of the players in each of the two auction stages.
The spatial distribution of p-mode absorption in active regions

The interaction of solar p-mode waves and active regions has been the subject of recent observational and theoretical investigations. Observations show that up to one-half of the power of incident high-degree acoustic may be absorbed in and around sunspots. In this paper the horizontal spatial distribution of high-degree p-mode absorption in solar active regions is explored. An appropriate Fourier-Hankel transform can be used to detect the mean absorption of waves passing through any given point on the solar surface. By repeating the analysis at multiple positions a map of the absorption can be constructed. A technique for optimal computation of absorption maps is developed and applied to observations of several active regions and an area of quiet sun near disk center. By comparing the distribution of p-mode absorption with magnetograms and line-wing intensity images, it is directly observed that the absorption is not limited to the location of the visible sunspots but is also associated with magnetic fields in the surrounding plage. It is estimated that the absorption efficiency scales roughly with the magnetic flux density, although the absorption appears to saturate inside the strongest fields.
Jamming in systems with quenched disorder.

We numerically study the effect of adding quenched disorder in the form of randomly placed pinning sites on jamming transitions in a disk packing that jams at a well-defined point $J$ in the clean limit. Quenched disorder decreases the jamming density and introduces a depinning threshold. The onset of a finite threshold coincides with point $J$ at the lowest pinning densities, but for higher pinning densities there is always a finite depinning threshold even well below jamming. We find that proximity to point $J$ strongly affects the transport curves and noise fluctuations, and we observe a change from plastic behavior below jamming, where the system is highly heterogeneous, to elastic depinning above jamming. Many of the general features we find are related to other systems containing quenched disorder, including the peak effect observed in vortex systems.
Safety and Feasibility of the Teaching Assistant Role of Senior Surgical Residents: A Prospective Randomized Study

Objective The objective of the study was to assess the teaching assistant role of senior surgical residents. Design The study was designed in a prospective randomized fashion. All patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were asked for consent. Consenters were assigned randomly to group A (attending directed) or group B (senior resident directed). In group A, all laparoscopic appendectomies were performed by junior residents (PGY-1, -2, or -3) with the attending faculty as the assistant. In group B, all cases were performed by junior residents (PGY-1, -2, or -3) with the chief resident or PGY-4 acting as a teaching assistant. The allocation sequence was generated before the study by random permutations of 120 assignments, 60 to each arm. The study ended after 60 laparoscopic appendectomies were recorded in each arm. Setting The study was conducted at San Joaquin General Hospital. This 200-bed, county teaching hospital has sponsored the general surgery residency program for the past 60 years. Results No significant difference in duration of surgery, hospital stay, postoperative complication, or baseline values was found between group A (attending faculty) or group B (senior resident). Conclusions Senior surgical residents can act safely as teaching assistants for junior residents. Under faculty supervision, this teaching role can potentially enhance technical skills acquisition for senior residents in training programs without compromising patient safety.
Polymorphisms in Inflammatory Genes are Associated with Term Small for Gestational Age and Preeclampsia

Problem Inflammatory biomarkers are associated with preeclampsia (PE) and poor fetal growth; however, genetic epidemiologic studies have been limited by reduced gene coverage and the exclusion of African American mothers.
Bovine pericardial patch fibrosis requiring reoperation.

Glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium (GFBP) has multiple uses. Its use as a vascular patch material is under investigation. A case report of severe fibrosis causing early reoperation of a GFBP patch used to repair coarctation of the aorta is presented
Evolution of ABCA4 Proteins in Vertebrates

The ABCA4 (ABCR) gene encodes a retinal-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter. Mutations in ABCA4 are responsible for several recessive macular dystrophies and susceptibility to age related macular degeneration (AMD). The protein appears to function as a flippase of all-trans-retinaldehyde and/or its derivatives across the membrane of outer segment disks and is a potentially important element in recycling visual cycle metabolites. However, the understanding of ABCA4’s role in the visual cycle is limited due to the lack of a direct functional assay. An evolutionary analysis of ABCA4 may aid in the identification of conserved elements, the preservation of which implies functional importance. To date, only human, murine, and bovine ABCA4 genes are described. We have identified ABCA4 genes from African (Xenopus laevis) and Western (Silurana tropicalis) clawed frogs. A comparative analysis describing the evolutionary relationships between the frog ABCA4s, annotated T. rubripes ABCA4, and mammalian ABCA4 proteins was carried out. Several segments are conserved in both intradiscal loop (IL) domains, in addition to the transmembrane and ATP-binding domains. Nonconserved segments were found in the IL and cytoplasmic linker domains. Maximum likelihood analyses of the aligned sequences strongly suggest that ABCA4 was subject to purifying selection. Collectively, these data corroborate the current evolutionary model where two distinct ABCA half-transporter progenitors were combined to form a full ABCA4 progenitor in ancestral chordates. We speculate that evolutionary alterations may increase the retinoid metabolite recycling capacity of ABCA4 and may improve dark adaptation.
LANT-6, xenopsin and neuromedin N stimulate cyclic GMP at neurotensin receptors.

The naturally occurring analogs of neurotensin-(8-13), xenopsin, [Lys8, Asn9]neurotensin-(8-13) (LANT-6) and neuromedin N stimulated the production of intracellular cyclic GMP in murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115, an adrenergic neuronal cell type. The order of potency was neurotensin-(8-13)>neurotensin>xenopsin>neuromedin N>LANT-6. Furthermore, xenopsin, LANT-6 and neuromedin N each inhibited the specific binding of [3H]neurotensin to intact N1E-115 cells in a dose-related fashion. The order of affinity of the peptides for the neurotensin receptor was neurotensin-(8-13)>xenopsin>neurotensin N>LANT-6.
The effectiveness of transcutaneous nitrate preparations for angina pectoris

Controversy persists regarding the usefulness of transcutaneously administered nitrate preparations, especially patches, for prophylaxis of angina pectoris. This controversy has arisen because of conflicting reports of efficacy of these preparations. Many of the studies, however, are poorly designed and do not compare active treatment to placebo. Critical review of published reports allows conclusions regarding the efficacy of transcutaneous nitrate preparations in angina pectoris. Rationale For Transcutaneous Nitrate Therapy Long acting oral nitrates other than isosorbide-5-mononitrate have variable bioavailability as they undergo extensive first pass hepatic metabolism [l]. The transcutaneous route for nitrate delivery in the form of ointment seems ideal as it bypasses first pass hepatic metabolism. However, the ointment has to be applied over a large surface area, has variable intra- and inter-individual absorption and a duration of action of only 338 hours [2-41 necessitating four times a day application. In order to increase the systemic bioavailability and provide constant delivery of nitroglycerin for 24 hours or longer, transdermal delivery systems (patches or disks) in the reservoir or matrix form were formulated. Three commercially available preparations, Transderm Nitro (CIBA-GEIGY), Nitro Dur (Key Pharmaceuticals), and Nitrodisc (Searle Laboratories) were shown to provide fairly constant nitroglycerin levels between 2 and 24 hours after single and repeated applications and were conditionally approved for 24 hour prophylaxis of angina pectoris by the Food and Drug Administration on the basis of bioavailability data. The release mechanisms of these three commercially available patches are somewhat different, but the nitroglycerin delivered in 24 hours varies with the surface
Recent Selection on the Y-to-Dot Translocation in Drosophila pseudoobscura

The Drosophila pseudoobscura dot chromosome acquired genes from the ancestral Drosophila Y chromosome in a Y-to-dot translocation event that occurred between 12.7 and 20.8 Ma. The formerly Y-linked genes mostly retained their testis-specific expression but shrank drastically in size, mostly through intron reduction, since becoming part of the dot chromosome in this species. We investigated the impact of this translocation on the evolution of the both the Y-to-dot translocated region and the original segments of the dot chromosome in D. pseudoobscura. Our survey of polymorphism and divergence across the chromosome reveals a reduction in variation, a deletion polymorphism segregating at high frequency, and a shift in the frequency spectra, all consistent with a history of recent selective sweeps in the Y-to-dot translocated region but not on the rest of the dot chromosome. We do find evidence for recombination primarily as gene conversion on the dot chromosome; however, predicted recombination events are restricted to the part of the dot chromosome outside the translocation. It therefore appears that recombination has resulted in a degree of decoupling between the ancestral Y region and the conserved region of the dot chromosome.
Desertification Control: A Framework for Action

Desertification is a little-understood term that aggregates several land degradation processes occurring in the arid regions of the world. The major processes are vegetation degradation, water erosion, wind erosion, salinization, and soil compaction. Water erosion is the principal threat to environmental stability in both arid and humid climatic zones. Land degradation is generally reversible unless damage is very severe or soils are shallow. Practices to control land degradation are widely available but are not put to use for many reasons. Absence of a food crisis in developed countries is one of the important reasons. A related reason is the perception that no real problem exists. A third reason is that degradation control is not cost effective, except for controlling salinity and compaction. It is time to change emphasis from reducing on-site damage to reducing off-site damage.
Microprocessor Based Near Minimum Time DC Motor Position Control

This article presents the design procedure, discrete time simulation and digital signal processor (DSP) implementation of a near time-optimal control of a DC motor positioning system. A general design procedure for state feedback pole placement is presented to achieve an almost time-optimal response constrained by a system with forward loop saturation. The control scheme uses discrete time state feedback in a DSP. A nonlinear algorithm to prevent integrator windup is given. The device to be controlled is a small permanent magnet DC motor with a spring load; however the design procedure is applicable to a general class of motor positioning control problems. The sample rates required (400 KHz–1 MHz) for the chosen problem are within the capabilities of many DSPs. The system is compared to true time-optimal bang-bang control where much higher sample rates would be required. Other nonlinear effects, including current limits and quantization of feedback signals, are incorporated. Lookup tables for feedback gai...
Bifascicular block: A clinical and electrophysiologic study

Abstract The effect of surgery, antiarrhythmic drugs, and atrial pacing on the atrioventricular conducting system was studied in 39 patients with bifascicular block. Twenty-nine patients underwent 38 operations, 23 of which were major. A temporary cardiac pacemaker was inserted prior to surgery in 13 cases. The remaining 25 operations were performed without prophylactic pacemakers. In no patient did heart block develop either during surgery or in the first postoperative week. Twelve patients with bifascicular block received digoxin and either quinidine or procainamide in the usual doses. In none was exacerbation of the atrioventricular conduction defect observed. Ten patients had His bundle recordings during atrial pacing performed at gradually increasing rates until second degree heart block developed. Only two patients developed atrioventricular block at pacing rates below normal, one proximal and one distal to the His bundle.
Light microscopic observations on the relationships between 5-hydroxytryptamine-immunoreactive axons and dorsal spinocerebellar tract cells in Clarke's column in the cat.

Serotonin (5-HT) exerts a variety of effects on the excitability of motoneurons, interneurons, and ascending tract cells. Spinocerebellar-tract cells in the dorsal horn receive synaptic connections from serotoninergic axons, but little is known about the relationships between serotoninergic axons and dorsal spinocerebellar tract (DSCT) cells in Clarke's column. We studied these relationships by using a combination of immunohistochemical localization of 5-HT-immunoreactive boutons and intracellular staining with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or neurobiotin of identified DSCT cells in vivo. In the adult cat, Clarke's column displayed a lower density of 5-HT-immunoreactive axons and boutons than adjacent regions of the spinal gray matter. Eleven intracellularly stained DSCT cells were analyzed with light microscopy, and six of these cells were entirely reconstructed in three dimensions. A total of 3,739 close appositions (340±101 per postsynaptic neuron: mean±SD) were observed on the labeled DSCT cells. The majority (97%) of the appositions were formed on dendrites, including proximal and distal branches, with an average density of about 1.4 appositions per 1,000 µm2 of dendritic membrane. These results indicate that the bulbo-spinal serotoninergic system(s) provide direct innervation of Clarke's column-DSCT cells in the upper lumbar spinal cord and that the inputs are spread widely over all regions of the target neurons' soma-dendritic membrane.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Rugose Small-Colony Variants Have Adaptations That Likely Promote Persistence in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized for its ability to colonize diverse habitats, ranging from soil to immunocompromised people. The formation of surface-associated communities called biofilms is one factor thought to enhance colonization and persistence in these diverse environments. Another factor is the ability of P. aeruginosa to diversify genetically, generating phenotypically distinct subpopulations. One manifestation of diversification is the appearance of colony morphology variants on solid medium. Both laboratory biofilm growth and chronic cystic fibrosis (CF) airway infections produce rugose small-colony variants (RSCVs) characterized by wrinkled, small colonies and an elevated capacity to form biofilms. Previous reports vary on the characteristics attributable to RSCVs. Here we report a detailed comparison of clonally related wild-type and RSCV strains isolated from both CF sputum and laboratory biofilm cultures. The clinical RSCV had many characteristics in common with biofilm RSCVs. Transcriptional profiling and Biolog phenotypic analysis revealed that RSCVs display increased expression of the pel and psl polysaccharide gene clusters, decreased expression of motility functions, and a defect in growth on some amino acid and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates as sole carbon sources. RSCVs also elicited a reduced chemokine response from polarized airway epithelium cells compared to wild-type strains. A common feature of all RSCVs analyzed in this study is increased levels of the intracellular signaling molecule cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). To assess the global transcriptional effects of elevated c-di-GMP levels, we engineered an RSCV strain that had elevated c-di-GMP levels but did not autoaggregate. Our results showed that about 50 genes are differentially expressed in response to elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels. Among these genes are the pel and psl genes, which are upregulated, and flagellum and pilus genes, which are downregulated. RSCV traits such as increased exopolysaccharide production leading to antibiotic tolerance, altered metabolism, and reduced immunogenicity may contribute to increased persistence in biofilms and in the airways of CF lungs.
Superconductivity and spin-density waves.

Superconductivity in a metal with a spin-density-wave (SDW) broken symmetry is investigated within the framework of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory. The gap equation is solved analytically, leading to a gap that falls to zero at the SDW gap for a spiral SDW, and to a small, but nonzero value, for a linear SDW. The electronic specific heat in the superconducting state acquires a low-temperature tail, far in excess of a BCS exponential falloff. The ultrasonic attenuation exhibits a similar deviation from the usual BCS result.
RNA aptamer-targeted inhibition of NF-kappa B suppresses non-small cell lung cancer resistance to doxorubicin.

Due to the prevalence of tumor chemoresistance, the clinical response of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to chemotherapy is poor. We suppressed tumor resistance to doxorubicin (Dox) in A549 cells, a human NSCLC cell line, both in vitro and in vivo in a lung tumor xenograft model, using a novel adenoviral expression system to deliver an RNA aptamer (A-p50) that specifically inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. By achieving selective, targeted, and early inhibition of NF-κB activity, we demonstrate that NF-κB plays a critical role in Dox-induced chemoresistance by regulating genes involved in proliferation (Ki-67), response to DNA damage (GADD153), antiapoptosis (Bcl-XL), and pH regulation (CA9). This Dox-induced NF-κB activation and subsequent chemoresistance is dependent on expression of p53. We also demonstrate that NF-κB promotes angiogenesis in the presence of Dox via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF) pathway, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of NSCLC resistance to Dox. These studies provide important insights into the mechanisms of Dox-induced chemoresistance, and they demonstrate a novel, effective, and clinically practical strategy for interfering with these processes.
Bone morphogenetic proteins: An update on basic biology and clinical relevance

The regeneration of bone is a remarkable, complex physiological process, and BMPs are a formidable clinical tool to promote its regeneration. By defining roles played by BMPs in developmental biology and bone regeneration, significant progress has been made to identify cell-signaling molecules and their regulators. For example, the regulators of BMPs that include noggin, chordin, cerberus, dan, and gremlin may be harnessed as therapies to offset calcification encountered after total hip arthroplasties. Furthermore, exploiting BMPs and Smads may generate new therapeutic options for bone repair. Another compelling clinical consideration is the trans-acting factor osteoblast-specific factor-2, which can promote osteoblast differentiation. Moreover, the affiliation of osteoblast-specific factor-2 with heritable disorders merits exploration. A recognized daunting challenge includes a carrier/delivery system for the powerful morphogenetic therapeutic tools, as well as osteoprogenitor cells and intracellular transduction and transcriptional factors. In addition, the long-term effects of administering superphysiological doses of rhBMPs to patients must be assessed systematically. A new generation carrier/delivery system may be the answer to offset dosing liabilities as well as to provide residence for exogenous, BMP-receptive osteoprogenitor cells (111,112). The areas highlighted in this review offer fertile territory for thought and research to develop rational clinical treatments to promote bone regeneration and to understand some of the biological roles of BMPs.
Catecholamines: The Effects of Maternal Fear and Its Treatment on Uterine Function and Circulation

ABSTRACT: Catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, cause characteristic “fight or flight” responses of increased heart rate and blood pressure, vasoconstriction, and other autonomic responses. In animal studies, either injection of Catecholamines or fright causing secretion of these hormones resulted in lower uterine blood flow and fetal bradycardia or acidosis. Anxious human mothers had weaker contractions and longer labors and higher circulating catecholamine levels. In the presence of lower uterine circulation the normal fetus may compensate by extracting the oxygen needed, while the previously compromised fetus is less able to compensate for the reduced blood supply.
On the design of integrated HF radar systems for Homeland Security applications

In this paper, HCAC's research and development efforts on the development of integrated and low cost HF radar for coastal surveillance and other Homeland Security applications are summarized. The proposed design incorporates electrically small antenna for rapid deployment, supports operation on floating platforms by using enhanced DSP algorithms to mitigate clutter, incorporates improved propagation modeling to more accurately select optimum frequency channels based on atmospheric conditions and overcome the errors due to terrain effects, utilizes Genetic Programming for automatic target recognition and classification, and provides for passive radar operation utilizing existing broadcast transmitters to enable covert operation.
Good Karmic Connections: Buddhist Mothers in Tang China

This essay examines the women's role in Chinese Buddhism through a close reading of epitaphs from the Tang dynasty (618-907). During this period, more than ever before, the religion became instrumental in the development of mothers' identity and in the conceptualization of ideal maternal virtues. According to many Tang dynasty epitaphs (muzhi ming), it would appear that children of Buddhist mothers largely complied with their mothers' desire to leave the household life or to be cremated rather than buried after her death. They were also much more likely than children of Buddhist fathers to become Buddhist believers themselves. What these epitaphs show is that Tang mothers played a vital role in the continuing sinification of Buddhism through the spread of religious devotion and practice in the domestic sphere.
Congruence of Medication Information from a Brown Bag Data Collection and Pharmacy Records: Findings from the Seattle Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT The validity of health information obtained through participants' reports of current medications (e.g., the brown bag method) is an important, but under-studied, area. In the current study, we examined the congruence of medication reports from a brown bag data collection with the pharmacy prescription records for 1430 participants (ages 23 to 97 years) of the seventh wave of the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Overall, the congruence of the brown bag data and pharmacy records was high. Congruence was better for younger participants, healthier participants, and for medications taken for serious conditions or on a regular basis. When the focus is on assessing participants' medications at a specific point in time (e.g., on the day of testing), brown bag data may provide more complete information than pharmacy records. Age and health status of the participants as well as the type of medications of interest should be considered when determining the validity of medication information reported by participants.
Bordism of semi-free S1-actions

We calculate geometric and homotopical bordism rings associated to semi-free S1 actions on complex manifolds, giving explicit generators for the geometric theory. The classification of semi-free actions with isolated fixed points up to cobordism complements similar results from symplectic geometry.
Gender, strategy selection, and discussion satisfaction in interpersonal conflict

The effect of gender on strategy selection and satisfaction with conflict was investigated in a field study of 108 employees from a large corporation. Subjects were grouped into dyads and discussed a topic of personal relevance. Results indicated that the gender composition of the dyad had a significant effect on the selection of influence strategies over three time periods. Male‐male dyads used assertiveness and reason consistently over time, while female‐female dyads shifted from high levels of assertiveness and reason to bargaining. Male‐female dyads used reason and bargaining throughout their interactions. Friendliness was a strategy selected frequently across time by all of the dyads. There were no reported satisfaction differences among the three dyad types.
Dynamic Analysis of a Protein-Ligand Molecular Chain Attached to an Atomic Force Microscope

Dynamic numerical simulation of a protein-ligand molecular chain connected to a moving atomic force microscope (AFM) has been studied. A sinusoidal base excitation of the cantilevered beam of the AFM is considered in some detail. A comparison between results for a single molecule and those for multiple molecules has been made. For a small number of molecules, multiple stable static equilibrium positions are observed and chaotic behavior may be generated via a period-doubling cascade for harmonic base excitation of the AFM. For many molecules in the chain, only a single static equilibrium position exists. To enable these calculations, reduced-order (dynamic) models are constructed for fully linear, combined linear/nonlinear and fully nonlinear systems. Several distinct reduced-order models have been developed that offer the option of increased computational efficiency at the price of greater effort to construct the particular reduced-order model. The agreement between the original and reduced-order models (ROM) is very good even when only one mode is included in the ROM for either the fully linear or combined linear/nonlinear systems provided the excitation frequency is lower than the fundamental natural frequency of the linear system. The computational advantage of the reduced-order model is clear from the results presented.
New classification techniques for electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and a real-time EEG control of a robot

This paper studies the state-of-the-art classification techniques for electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Fuzzy Functions Support Vector Classifier, Improved Fuzzy Functions Support Vector Classifier and a novel technique that has been designed by utilizing Particle Swarm Optimization and Radial Basis Function Networks (PSO-RBFN) have been studied. The classification performances of the techniques are compared on standard EEG datasets that are publicly available and used by brain–computer interface (BCI) researchers. In addition to the standard EEG datasets, the proposed classifier is also tested on non-EEG datasets for thorough comparison. Within the scope of this study, several data clustering algorithms such as Fuzzy C-means, K-means and PSO clustering algorithms are studied and their clustering performances on the same datasets are compared. The results show that PSO-RBFN might reach the classification performance of state-of-the art classifiers and might be a better alternative technique in the classification of EEG signals for real-time application. This has been demonstrated by implementing the proposed classifier in a real-time BCI application for a mobile robot control.
Understanding mechanisms of γ-globin gene regulation to develop strategies for pharmacological fetal hemoglobin induction

The developmental regulation of gamma-globin gene expression has shaped research efforts to establish therapeutic modalities for individuals affected with sickle cell disease (SCD). Fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) synthesis is high at birth, followed by a decline to adult levels by 10 months of age. The expression of gamma-globin is controlled by a developmentally regulated transcriptional program that is recapitulated during normal erythropoiesis in the adult bone marrow. It is known that naturally occurring mutations in the gamma-gene promoters cause persistent Hb F synthesis after birth, which ameliorates symptoms in SCD by inhibiting hemoglobin S polymerization and vaso-occlusion. Several pharmacological agents have been identified over the past 2 decades that reactivate gamma-gene transcription through different cellular systems. We will review the progress made in our understanding of molecular mechanisms that control gamma-globin expression and insights gained from Hb F-inducing agents that act through signal transduction pathways.
Tuber culosis in Pregnancy: This Old Disease Is Presenting New Challenges

Tuberculosis (TB) is an old disease that continues to present new challenges. The upsurge in cases seen in the late 1980s and early 1990s has subsided, but certain groups of childbearing-age women remain at risk for infection. To prevent and control this disease, it's necessary to screen groups of women at risk for TB, identify those who are infected or have active disease and effectively treat them. An ideal opportunity to accomplish this for childbearing-age women is during pregnancy.
High Outpatient Pain Intensity Scores Predict Impending Hospital Admissions in Patients with Cancer

Abstract Context Pain intensity scores (PIS) are frequently collected in the outpatient setting. The implications for patients with high PIS have not been well-studied. Objectives This retrospective review was designed to determine whether high outpatient encounter PIS identify patients at risk of hospital admission. Methods Numerical PIS (0–10) were collected from all outpatient medical and radiation oncology encounters at the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2004 to 2006. These were merged with an inpatient database to identify admissions occurring within 30 days of the outpatient encounter. PIS were categorized as 0–3 (mild), 4–6 (moderate), and 7–10 (severe). Odds ratios for hospital admission were calculated using generalized estimating equations. Results Of 119,069 encounters, 116,713 (98%) were evaluable, and 5,089 encounters (4.5%) had PIS of 7–10. Twenty-nine percent of these high PIS encounters had hospital admissions within 30 days. Encounters with PIS of 7–10 and 4–6 were 96% and 43%, respectively, more likely to result in hospital admission within 30 days compared with encounters with PIS Conclusion Outpatients with cancer and high PIS are at increased risk of hospital admission within 30 days. This high-risk group should be targeted for early supportive care interventions aimed at reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life.
The Early Neuropsychological and Behavioral Characteristics of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) represent a constellation of disorders that may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, despite being fairly common presenile neurodegenerative diseases. Although the cognitive disorder can be difficult to document, particularly early in the dementia course, neuropsychological evaluation can assist in the diagnosis. Neuropsychologists are in an excellent position to draw from related disciplines like personality theory and social psychology to better assess the types of changes that characterize the prodromal and early phases of the disease. This review summarizes the current state of the field in the diagnosis of FTLD and discusses the emerging role of neuropsychology in elucidating the brain organization of complex processes including empathy, behavioral control and inhibition, reward systems, appetitive behaviors, emotional regulation, and goal-orientation. As this review underscores, frontotemporal dementia remains a powerful model for studying brain–behavior relationships.
Is burning semen syndrome a variant form of seminal plasma hypersensitivity

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To identify an index population of Gulf War couples with burning semen syndrome and to determine whether burning semen syndrome was secondary to seminal plasma hypersensitivity. METHODS: Questionnaire surveys, screening laboratory testing for underlying medical disorders, including sexually transmitted diseases and immunoglobulin G and E immunoassays specific for seminal plasma protein, were performed. If subjects met the criteria for seminal plasma hypersensitivity, the Gulf War male veteran’s seminal plasma proteins were used to desensitize his female sexual partner. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent (188 of 211) of respondents had either personally experienced burning after contact with their own semen or had a sexual partner who had burning after contact with their semen. Asymptomatic female partners (three of five) of Gulf War veterans who exhibited specific immunoglobulin E skin and antibody responses to seminal plasma proteins responded successfully to rapid desensitization. Treatment results were confirmed by a provocative office challenge, consisting of instillation of whole seminal fluid into the female’s vaginal vault and, if negative, subsequently by natural coitus. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that seminal plasma hypersensitivity may present as burning semen syndrome in a subpopulation of Gulf War couples. Proper screening of Gulf War couples with clinical features of burning semen syndrome should include assessment for seminal plasma hypersensitivity reactions, as seminal plasma protein desensitization may induce remission of burning semen syndrome.
Faceting of the interface between Al2O3 and anorthite glass

The {l_brace}10{bar 1}0{r_brace} and {l_brace}11{bar 2}0{r_brace} Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} surfaces have been equilibrated in contact with anorthite liquid at 1,600 C. The structure of the resulting Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/glass interfaces has been characterized using transmission electron microscopy. Both interfaces were unstable in the presence of the liquid and reconstructed to give regular arrays of facets. The (10{bar 1}0) interface developed (10{bar 1}1) and ({bar 1}012) facets while the (11{bar 2}0) interface developed {l_brace}hh{ovr 2h}3{r_brace} facets. It is proposed that the (10{bar 1}0) glass/crystal interface is thermodynamically stable, but that the (11{bar 2}0) interface facets due to interface-step migration. The microstructure thus shows that both the crystallography and the anisotropic interface energies are important in determining the wetting/dewetting behavior of glass on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}.
Cerebrospinal Fluid and Behavioral Changes After Methyltestosterone Administration: Preliminary Findings

Background Anabolic androgen steroid abuse is associated with multiple psychiatric symptoms and is a significant public health problem. The biological mechanisms underlying behavioral symptom development are poorly understood. Subjects and Methods We examined levels of monoamine metabolites, neurohormones, and neuropeptides in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 17 healthy men, at baseline and following 6 days of methyltestosterone (MT) administration (3 days of 40 mg/d, then 3 days of 240 mg/d). Subjects received MT or placebo in a fixed sequence, with neither subjects nor raters aware of the order. Potential relationships were examined between CSF measures, CSF MT levels, and behavioral changes measured on a visual analog scale. Results Following MT administration, levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) were significantly lower (mean ± SD, 103.8 ± 47 vs 122.0 ± 50.7 pmol/mL;P Conclusions Short-term anabolic androgenic steroid use affects brain neurochemistry, increasing CSF 5-HIAA and decreasing MHPG. Changes in 5-HIAA levels caused by anabolic androgenic steroids are related to the behavioral changes we observed. In this small sample, we did not observe a significant relationship between behavioral measures and either dose of MT or CSF and plasma levels of MT.
An Enzyme-Linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot Assay and Glycoprotein Antigens for Diagnosing Human Cysticercosis (Taenia solium)

An enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay was developed for immunodiagnosing human cysticercosis. The assay uses lentil-lectin, affinity-purified glycoprotein antigens. A battery of 532 serum and 46 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (148 cases of parasitologically confirmed cysticercosis, 54 healthy controls, and 18 types of heterologous infections [376 cases]) were used to ascertain the assay's efficacy. All but three of the samples from cases of confirmed cysticercosis were positive; none of the samples from healthy controls or heterologous infections reacted to any of the diagnostic bands. Thus, the assay is 98% sensitive and 100% specific. We identified seven major glycoprotein bands that are commonly recognized by virtually all serum and/or CSF samples from patients with confirmed cysticercosis. There was no significant difference in test performance when CSF was compared with serum. The EITB assay is highly reproducible and simple to perform, and the reagents (including the antigens blotted onto strips) are very stable.