cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Species differences in structure-activity relationships of adenosine agonists and xanthine antagonists at brain A1 adenosine receptors

Abstract A series of 28 adenosine analogs and 17 xanthines has been assessed as inhibitors of binding of N6-R-[3H]-phenylisopropyladenosine binding to A1 adenosine receptors in membranes from rat, calf, and guinea pig brain. Potencies of N6-alkyl- and N6-cycloalkyladenosines are similar in the different species. However, the presence of an aryl or heteroaryl moiety in the N6 substituent results in marked species differences with certain such analogs being about 30-fold more potent at receptors in calf than in guinea pig brain. Potencies at receptors in rat brain are intermediate. Conversely, 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine are about 10-fold less potent at receptors in calf brain than in guinea pig brain. Potencies of xanthines, such as theophylline, caffeine and 1,3-dipropylxanthine are similar in the different species. However, the presence of an 8-phenyl or 8-cycloalkyl substituent results in marked species differences. For example, a xanthine amine conjugate of 1,3-dipropyl-8-phenylxanthine is 9-fold more potent at receptors in calf than in rat brain and 110-fold more potent in calf than in guinea pig brain. Such differences indicate that brain A1 adenosine receptors are not identical in recognition sites for either agonists or antagonists in different mammalian species.
Efficient High Performance Computing in the Cloud: Keynote Talk

The advantages of pay-as-you-go model, elasticity, and the flexibility and customization offered by virtualization make cloud computing an attractive economical option for meeting the needs of some HPC users. However, there is a mismatch between current cloud environments and HPC requirements. HPC is performance-oriented, whereas clouds are cost and resource-utilization oriented. The poor interconnect and I/O performance in cloud, HPC-agnostic cloud schedulers, and the inherent heterogeneity and multi-tenancy in cloud are some bottlenecks for HPC in cloud. This means that the tremendous potential of cloud for both HPC users and providers remains underutilized. In this talk, we will go beyond the common research question: "what is the performance of HPC in cloud?" and present our research on "how can we perform cost-effective and efficient HPC in cloud?" To this end, we will present the complementary approach of making clouds HPC-aware, and HPC runtime system cloud-aware. Through comprehensive HPC performance and cost analysis, HPC-aware VM placement, interference-aware VM consolidation, Multi-dimensional Online Bin Packing, malleable jobs, and cloud-aware HPC load balancing, we demonstrate significant benefits for both: users and cloud providers in terms of cost (up to 60%), performance (up to 45%), and throughput (up to 32%).
Sex differences in the comprehension of spatial orientation.

Summary This research examined effects of instruction upon acquisition of Piaget's concept of horizontality and determined sex differences related to this acquisition. Hypotheses tested were that there are no significant differences (a) in performance on perception and prediction tasks, (b) by sex in the ability to comprehend horizontality, (c) by sex in the stage of development after instruction, and (d) by sex after instruction on the number of correct responses on horizontal tasks. Subjects were 18 male and 17 female rural, public school pupils ranging in age from 8 years, 0 months to 9 years, 11 months. Test instruments were a cylindrical bottle half-filled with colored water and eight pictures of bottles positioned at angles from 0 to 315 degrees at increments of 45 degrees. Chi square tests indicated that males performed significantly better than females on perception and prediction, and that instruction significantly improved male performance on prediction and female performance on prediction and p...
Atypical Lipomatous Tumors of the Oral Cavity: A Report of 2 Cases

Liposarcomas, first described by Virchow in 1857, are mesenchymal neoplasms arising from adipose tissue. The most common of all soft tissue sarcomas, liposarcomas account for approximately 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Liposarcomas may arise wherever adipose tissue is normally present, but the great majority occur in the retroperitoneum and deep soft tissues of the proximal aspects of the extremities. Head and neck liposarcomas are uncommon, constituting between 5% and 9% of all liposarcomas. Oral liposarcomas are even less common, comprising 0.3% of 5,435 liposarcomas studied from 1974 to 2000 at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. To date, there have been fewer than 90 reported cases of oral liposarcomas in the English language literature. Of these cases, the most common sites for occurrence are the cheek/buccal mucosa (38%) and tongue (33%), followed by the palate (7%) and the floor of the mouth (7%). The classification scheme for liposarcomas is somewhat controversial. Of the 2 existing classifications, by Stout et al and Enzinger et al, the latter is used by most investigators. Enzinger et al classified these tumors in 1962 into 4 main groups: well-differentiated, myxoid, round-cell, and pleomorphic. Well-differentiated and myxoid liposarcomas tend to recur locally, rarely metastasize, and have a higher 5-year survival rate as compared with the last 2 types. In 1979, Evans et al proposed a modification to this classification scheme as first suggested by Kindblom et al. Based upon a review of 30 cases of welldifferentiated liposarcomas, Evans et al noted that tumors found within superficial tissues only rarely recurred locally, none metastasized, and no patients died from disease. In contrast, tumors located within deep tissues had a high rate of aggressive local recurrence, and several patients died secondary to unresectable tumors. Thus, Evans et al proposed that welldifferentiated liposarcomas located within superficial tissues be distinctly classified as atypical lipomas or atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT). Additionally, histologically and morphologically identical tumors found within deep tissues would remain classified as well-differentiated liposarcomas. This new classification scheme has not been universally accepted. Some investigators believe that the term atypical lipomatous tumor is misleading because the recurrence rate of superficial lipomatous tumors is much higher than that of benign lipomatous tumors, and this confusion could lead to insufficient definitive treatment. Hadju et al prefer the term borderline adipose tissue neoplasm to highlight the high recurrence rate and need for wide local excision to prevent recurrence. However, in 2002 the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the term atypical lipoma or atypical lipomatous tumor as valid terminology and is accepted and used by many investigators. In this article, we present an additional 2 cases of ALT of the tongue. Additionally, the clinical and histologic features, suggested treatment, and review of the literature relative to ALT of the tongue will be presented.
AKT inhibition is associated with chemosensitisation in the pancreatic cancer cell line MIA-PaCa-2.

Activation of the serine/threonine kinase AKT is common in pancreatic cancer; inhibition of which sensitises cells to the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy. Of the various downstream targets of AKT, we examined activation of the NF-κB transcription factor and subsequent transcriptional regulation of BCL-2 gene family in pancreatic cancer cells. Inhibition of either phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase or AKT led to a decreased protein level of the antiapoptotic gene BCL-2 and an increased protein level of the proapoptotic gene BAX. Furthermore, inhibition of AKT decreased the function of NF-κB, which is capable of transcriptional regulation of the BCL-2 gene. Inhibiting this pathway had little effect on the basal level of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, but increased the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy. The antiapoptotic effect of AKT activation in pancreatic cancer cells may involve transcriptional induction of a profile of BCL-2 proteins that confer resistance to apoptosis; alteration of this balance allows sensitisation to the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy.
Structure of the Proton and Neutron

>Form factors of protons and neutrons are analyzed in the light of new measurements STAPhys. Rev. Letters 7, 141 (1961)!. It is found necessary to attribute a magnetic moment of negative sign to the charge core that previous measurement STAPhys. Rev. Letters 6, 286(1961)! had revealed. (L.N.N.)
Identifying climatic analogs for Wisconsin under 21st-century climate-change scenarios

There is a deep disconnect between scientific and public concern about climate change. One reason is that global climate change is a fairly abstract concept with little perceived relevance, so a key challenge is to translate climate-change projections into locally concrete examples of potential impacts. Here we use climate analog analyses as an alternative method for identifying and communicating climate-change impacts. Our analysis uses multiple downscaled general circulation models for the state of Wisconsin, at 0.1 decimal degree resolution, and identifies contemporary locations in North America that are the most similar to the projected future climates for Wisconsin. We assess the uncertainties inherent in climate-change projections among greenhouse gas emission scenarios, time windows (mid-21st century vs. late 21st-century) and different combinations of climate variables. For all future scenarios and simulations, contemporary climatic analogs within North America were found for Wisconsin’s future climate. Closest analogs are primarily 200–500 km to the south-southwest of their Wisconsin reference location. Temperature has the largest effect on choice of climatic analog, but precipitation is the greatest source of uncertainty. Under the higher-end emission scenarios, the contemporary climatic analogs for Wisconsin’s end-21st-century climates are almost entirely outside the state. Climate-analog analyses offer a place-based means of assessing climate impacts that is complementary to the species-based approaches of species distributional models, and carries no assumptions about the characterization and conservatism of species niches. The analog method is simple and flexible, and can be readily extended to other regions and other environmental variables.
Building stem-cell genomics in California and beyond

proposed that scientists and clinicians engaged in biomedical research, clinical medicine and basic research create a central data base of information, including molecular, environmental, family history and geographical data on individuals in the medical system. Genomic and epigenomic data would be important platforms in such a model. It is our opinion that, to realize its full potential, human stem-cell science should contribute to these activities and intercalate with this proposed knowledge infrastructure by contributing, at a minimum, molecular characterization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) disease models that can be integrated with longitudinal medical information about the individual who donated the cells. Playing a proactive role in building this knowledge infrastructure will ensure that the needs of all stakeholders in cell therapies are met in the coming decade as medicine transforms to an information-intensive model. For California to take a firm and lasting grip on leadership in stem-cell research—and, as stated in Proposition 71, “advance the biotech industry in California to world leadership as an economic engine for California’s future”— its scientists must have access to these technologies and moreover create a coordinated international enterprise to maximize the reach and impact of stem cell genomics. Genomics is creating a sea change in biomedical research and medicine, and accordingly, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM; San Francisco) can create a process through which stem-cell research can participate and even provide leadership in a new era of medicine. This research will play a key role in providing cellular assays that can drive the development of new compounds and highly refined biomarkers for drug discovery, diagnostics and ultimately cellular therapeutics in the context of personalized medicine. California is well placed to lead this effort, with its superb and well-funded stemcell science, powerful biocomputing capacities, numerous leading genomics companies and experience in facilitating multinational projects with international funding partners. With judicious expenditure of CIRM funds, it should be possible to use existing resources to rapidly and efficiently build an effective stem-cell genomics infrastructure that will be unique in the world, thus positioning California as a leader in this critical area of basic and translational research while genomic technologies build steam in the next five years.
Radiographic and pathologic evaluation of idiopathic infantile arterial calcification.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification is a rare disorder that often results in fetal or neonatal demise. Few reports have detailed an early diagnosis, complete antenatal and postnatal imaging, and postmortem findings. CASE: A patient presented at 33 weeks of gestation with hydrops fetalis. Idiopathic infantile arterial calcification was diagnosed using a fetal echocardiogram, and fetal demise occurred shortly thereafter. A complete postmortem evaluation included radiography and pathology. The patient's postpartum course was complicated by maternal respiratory distress and pulmonary edema. CONCLUSION: Finding calcified vessels in the context of fetal hydrops should lead one to consider idiopathic infantile arterial calcification. This diagnosis has important maternal and fetal implications. The detailed evaluation in this case is useful to clinicians in making a definitive diagnosis of idiopathic infantile arterial calcification. Clinicians should be aware that serious maternal complications can occur in these types of cases.
Time-scale invariance as an emergent property in a perceptron with realistic, noisy neurons

In most species, interval timing is time-scale invariant: errors in time estimation scale up linearly with the estimated duration. In mammals, time-scale invariance is ubiquitous over behavioral, lesion, and pharmacological manipulations. For example, dopaminergic drugs induce an immediate, whereas cholinergic drugs induce a gradual, scalar change in timing. Behavioral theories posit that time-scale invariance derives from particular computations, rules, or coding schemes. In contrast, we discuss a simple neural circuit, the perceptron, whose output neurons fire in a clockwise fashion based on the pattern of coincidental activation of its input neurons. We show numerically that time-scale invariance emerges spontaneously in a perceptron with realistic neurons, in the presence of noise. Under the assumption that dopaminergic drugs modulate the firing of input neurons, and that cholinergic drugs modulate the memory representation of the criterion time, we show that a perceptron with realistic neurons reproduces the pharmacological clock and memory patterns, and their time-scale invariance, in the presence of noise. These results suggest that rather than being a signature of higher order cognitive processes or specific computations related to timing, time-scale invariance may spontaneously emerge in a massively connected brain from the intrinsic noise of neurons and circuits, thus providing the simplest explanation for the ubiquity of scale invariance of interval timing.
Linear models for prediction of ibuprofen crystal morphology based on hydrogen bonding propensities

Abstract Solvents have a significant impact on the final crystal form of organic solids during solution crystallization. The use of polarity scales such as Hildebrand solubility parameter and dielectric constant for solvent selection often proves too generalized and do not provide enough insights into the solvent–solute intermolecular interactions directly affecting crystal growth and morphology. This paper addresses the challenging task of selecting an appropriate single component solvent property index that most accurately and sufficiently characterizes crystal morphology. Cooling crystallization experiments were carried out in a wide range of solvents using ibuprofen as a model pharmaceutical compound. Subsequently, optical microscope images were used for quantitative characterization of morphology. Linear models that correlate ibuprofen crystal morphology with pure solvent properties were developed. Our results show that, in general, there is a negative linear correlation between crystal aspect ratio (morphology) and a given solvent index. Some correlations revealed significant deviations which were explained with the help of infrared spectroscopic measurements. The “acceptance number” was identified as an index that significantly captures the ibuprofen–solvent hydrogen bonding intermolecular interactions. Predictions, using model based on acceptance number, were found to compare very well with experimentally determined aspect ratio data from the open literature. Finally, based on insights gained from this work, a flowchart which serves as a useful solvent selection guideline for crystallization of ibuprofen is proposed.
Evaluation of Reorientation Techniques for Walking in Large Virtual Environments

Virtual environments (VEs) that use a real-walking locomotion interface have typically been restricted in size to the area of the tracked lab space. Techniques proposed to lift this size constraint, enabling real walking in VEs that are larger than the tracked lab space, all require reorientation techniques (ROTs) in the worst-case situation-when a user is close to walking out of the tracked space. We propose a new ROT using distractors-objects in the VE for the user to focus on while the VE rotates and compare our method to current ROTs through two user studies. Our findings show ROTs using distractors were preferred and ranked more natural by users. Users were also less aware of the rotating VE, when ROTs with distractors were used.
γ-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones: α'-phenylsulfonyl groups as regioselective control elements

Abstract The α'-phenylsulfonyl derivative of E-3-penten-2-one ( 3 ) undergoes predominant γ-alkylation with a variety of alkyl iodides when first converted into a trilithiated intermediate with excess lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran-hexane.
The TREC interactive track: an annotated bibliography

Abstract The study of interactive information retrieval (IR) has been a small but constant part of the Text REtrieval Conferences (TREC 1–8) from the beginning. The main arena for such work has been the Interactive Track (TREC 3–8). This report presents a bibliography of those efforts together with a summary of the evolving experimental framework within which the studies took place.
Growth hormone (GH) modulates insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and type I IGF receptor mRNA levels in the ovary of prepubertal GH-deficient rats

In order to explore the potential role of growth hormone (GH) in modulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene expression in the prepubertal rat ovary, female rats were rendered GH deficient by neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG). One group of rats received vehicle and served as the control. At 21 days of age, MSG-treated rats received either GH or vehicle for 2 weeks. On days 21, 24, 28 and 31 animals were weighed and subsets were sacrificed for liver RNA extraction. The remaining animals were sacrificed at day 35 when livers and ovaries were collected, and serum was obtained for GH determinations. The IGF-I mRNA levels were estimated by Northern blots and corroborated further by slot-blot analysis. The MSG-treated rats had lower body weights (p < 0.01) and GH levels (p < 0.05) than controls. Growth hormone replacement significantly accelerated the weight gain of MSG-treated rats. At day 24 and thereafter, three RNA IGF-I species (7.5, 1.8 and 0.8-1.2 kB) were seen in the liver. In the ovary, at age 35 days, two major IGF-I mRNA species (7.5 and 0.8-1.2 kb) were seen. The MSG treatment consistently reduced the levels of both IGF-I mRNA species in the ovary. Growth hormone administration partially restored their expression, both in the liver and in the ovary. In addition, ovarian type IIGF receptor mRNA levels were increased in the MSG-treated rats when compared to controls. This trend was reversed by GH replacement.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Racial differences in the perception of lung cancer: the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey.

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities in lung cancer have been described well in the literature; however, little is known about perceptions of lung cancer in the general population and whether these perceptions differ by race. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) survey. The authors used a sample design of random digit dialing of listed telephone exchanges in the United States. Complete interviews were conducted with 5491 adults, including 1872 respondents who were assigned to receive questions pertaining to lung cancer. All analyses were conducted on this subset of respondents. A statistical software program was used to calculate chi-square tests and to perform logistic regression analyses that would model racial differences in perceptions of lung cancer. All estimates were weighted to be nationally representative of the US population; a jack-knife weighting method was used for parameter estimation. RESULTS: Black patients and white patients shared many of the same beliefs about lung cancer mortality, and etiology. African Americans were more likely than whites 1) to agree that it is hard to follow recommendations about preventing lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-3.53), 2) to avoid an evaluation for lung cancer for fear that they have the disease (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.84-5.98), and 3) to believe that patients with lung cancer would have pain or other symptoms before diagnosis (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.27-3.79). CONCLUSIONS: African Americans were more likely to hold beliefs about lung cancer that could interfere with prevention and treatment. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy. Effect of serum factor on nerve cultures

• Sensory neuropathies developed in three of four patients with prurigo nodularis who had been treated with thalidomide. The serum samples of the patients who had neuropathy produced morphologic changes in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells. These observed changes support the postulate that thalidomide induces primary neuronal degeneration. ( Arch Dermatol 1984;120:1466-1470)
Electron affinity of Al13: a correlated electronic structure study.

Neutral and anionic 13-atom aluminum clusters are studied with high-level, fully ab initio methods: second-order perturbation theory (MP2) and coupled cluster theory with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (CCSD(T)). Energies and vibrational frequencies are reported for icosahedral and decahedral isomers, and are compared with density functional theory results. At the MP2 level of theory, with all of the basis sets employed, the icosahedral structure is energetically favored over the decahedral structure for both the neutral and anionic Al13 clusters. Hessian calculations imply that only the icosahedral structures are potential energy minima. The CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ adiabatic electron affinity of Al13 is found to be 3.57 eV, in excellent agreement with experiment.
Effects of Combined Antimicrobial Agents on Fermentation Initiation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a Model Broth System

Effects of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulfite (SO2), butyl p-hydtoxybenzoic acid and their dual combinations were observed against the ability of the wine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Montrachet 522, to begin a fermentation in yeast nitrogen base-glucose broth at pH 3.30. Antimicrobial activities of equal molar concentrations of compounds and combinations of compounds were compared. Butylparaben and combinations involving butylparaben most effectively inhibited fermentation initiation. Combinations involving SO2 had lower antimicrobial activities than either SO2 or the other individual compound alone indicating antagonistic effects between SO2 and the other antimicrobial agents tested. Apparent additive antimicrobial effects were observed for butylparaben/sorbate, butylparaben/ benzoate and benzoate/sorbate.
A simplified isoquinoline synthesis

Abstract A simple variation of the Pomeranz-Fritsch cyclization provides a short, efficient route to isoquinolines. Treatment of benzylic halides or mesylates 1 with the sodium anion of N-tosyl aminoacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal ( 2 ) followed by acid-catalyzed cyclization provides an effective, two-step preparation of isoquinolines 4 .
Model Predictive Control of Commercial Office Plug-Loads and Battery Storage Systems

Commercial demand response (DR) has traditionally relied on HVAC and lighting systems as load-shed resources in buildings. However, improvements in technologies such as Energy Information Gateways and smart power strips are making it possible to incorporate distributed plug-loads as an actionable resource. In this paper we explore the addition of a battery storage system (BSS) as a load-shed resource to supplement plug-loads in an office setting. Furthermore we investigate the value of control of BSS battery charging. We develop a model predictive control (MPC) framework for office plug-loads and a BSS. An experimentally derived model of a BSS is presented along with numerical methods for solving the MPC optimization program. Simulations demonstrate the efficacy of a BSS as a load-shed resource. Simulation results also quantify the benefit of BSS controllable charging for DR and load-following scenarios.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The Structure of Xis Reveals the Basis for Filament Formation and Insight into DNA Bending within a Mycobacteriophage Intasome.

Abstract The recombination directionality factor, Xis, is a DNA bending protein that determines the outcome of integrase-mediated site-specific recombination by redesign of higher-order protein–DNA architectures. Although the attachment site DNA of mycobacteriophage Pukovnik is likely to contain four sites for Xis binding, Xis crystals contain five subunits in the asymmetric unit, four of which align into a Xis filament and a fifth that is generated by an unusual domain swap. Extensive intersubunit contacts stabilize a bent filament-like arrangement with Xis monomers aligned head to tail. The structure implies a DNA bend of ~ 120°, which is in agreement with DNA bending measured in vitro. Formation of attR-containing intasomes requires only Int and Xis, distinguishing Pukovnik from lambda. Therefore, we conclude that, in Pukovnik, Xis-induced DNA bending is sufficient to promote intramolecular Int-mediated bridges during intasome formation.
Contact printing of arrayed microstructures.

A novel contact printing method utilizing a sacrificial layer of polyacrylic acid (PAA) was developed to selectively modify the upper surfaces of arrayed microstructures. The method was characterized by printing polystyrene onto SU-8 microstructures to create an improved substrate for a cell-based microarray platform. Experiments measuring cell growth on SU-8 arrays modified with polystyrene and fibronectin demonstrated improved growth of NIH 3T3 (93% vs. 38%), HeLa (97% vs. 77%), and HT1080 (76% vs. 20%) cells relative to that for the previously used coating method. In addition, use of the PAA sacrificial layer permitted the printing of functionalized polystyrene, carboxylate polystyrene nanospheres, and silica nanospheres onto the arrays in a facile manner. Finally, a high concentration of extracellular matrix materials (ECM), such as collagen (5 mg/mL) and gelatin (0.1%), was contact-printed onto the array structures using as little as 5 μL of the ECM reagent and without the formation of a continuous film bridge across the microstructures. Murine embryonic stem cells cultured on arrays printed with this gelatin hydrogel remained in an undifferentiated state indicating an adequate surface gelatin layer to maintain these cells over time.
A visual way to talk to strangers: authentication in wireless pervasive computing

In this paper, we discuss a novel approach to identifying entities involved in ad-hoc wireless communications through using an effficient visual code system called UbiCode. UbiCode, used in an out-of-band channel in order to bootstrap trust between entities unknown to each other, facilitates a mechanism for demonstrative identification of entities involved, thereby enabling secure spontaneous communications among them in wireless pervasive computing environments. We present the design of the visual code system as well as different types of identification protocols leveraging the visual code system. We also demonstrate our approach through a proof-of-concept implementation.
The search for the next Switch

Can Moore's law continue? The Economic and Technical Challenges to Cmos Scaling and the search for the next Switch. What are the Key issues on the Roadmap and what are some of the possible solutions over the next 10 to 15 years?
m2 Muscarinic receptor immunolocalization in cholinergic cells of the monkey basal forebrain and striatum

Abstract Pharmacological studies have suggested that the m2 muscarinic receptor functions as an autoreceptor in the cholinergic axons which innervate the cerebral cortex and striatum. To test this hypothesis in the macaque monkey, we used a subtype-specific antibody to the m2 muscarinic receptor. Immunoreactive cells were well visualized in the nucleus basalis, where some of these cells displayed dense m2 immunoreactivity, while others were lightly labeled. This heterogeneity of labeling intensity was not based on peculiarities of the methodology, because cholinergic cells of the striatum expressed uniformly dense m2 immunoreactivity. Concurrent labeling with choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity proved that most of the heavily m2-labeled cells in the nucleus basalis were also choline acetyltransferase positive. The findings demonstrate that at least 10–25% of the cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of the monkey are densely m2 immunoreactive. In the striatum, concurrent labeling demonstrated that the majority, if not all, choline acetyltransferase-positive cells also contained m2 immunoreactivity. In addition, these experiments identified a population of smaller striatal cells which were m2 immunoreactive and choline acetyltransferase negative. Consecutive labeling with m2 immunoreactivity and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry demonstrated that many of these m2-immunoreactive non-cholinergic neurons belonged to the population of nitric oxide-synthesizing medium aspiny neurons. The findings indicate that the m2 muscarinic receptor may be expressed at high levels in only a subset of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons. In contrast, m2 receptors appear to be expressed by all cholinergic cells of the striatum.
Outcome of patients with chronic abdominal pain referred to chronic pain clinic

Abstract OBJECTIVE: We determined the outcome of patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown etiology referred by gastroenterologists to a chronic pain clinic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 43 consecutive patients seen by a university-based gastroenterology group was referred to our Chronic Pain Clinic for evaluation and treatment. Pain character and location, the referring diagnosis, and initial Chronic Pain Clinic diagnosis was compared between responders and nonresponders. Early and long-term pain relief was scored by standard questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients with chronic abdominal pain of undetermined etiology, 70% reported complete or substantial pain relief by the end of chronic pain management. Pain character and location and the referring diagnosis were not predictors of pain relief. Long-term pain relief was reported by 35% of patients. CONCLUSION: A substantial group of patients with chronic abdominal pain of unknown etiology benefited from Chronic Pain Clinic services.
5‐[5‐(4‐Methoxy­phenyl)‐3‐tri­fluoro­methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]‐2‐sulfamoyl­benzyl propionate: a novel 1,5‐dirayl­pyrazole class of COX‐2 inhibitor

The title compound, C21H20F3N3O5S, has been made during our research program on COX-2 inhibitors. The mol­ecules are held together by intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the amide N atom with the unsubstituted N atom of the pyrazole ring and with an O atom of the sulfan­amide group, across centers of symmetry.
The two faces of Eve Dopamine’s modulation of wakefulness and sleep

In Parkinson's disease (PD), waking is frequently punctuated by sleep episodes, including rapid eye movement (REM) (i.e., dream) sleep, and sleep is interrupted by motor activities such as periodic limb movements and REM sleep behavior disorder. Because these pathologic behaviors are unaccounted for by contemporary models, this review summarizes the complex effects of dopamine (DA) on normal and pathological waking-sleeping. Maintenance of wakefulness is probably promoted by mesocorticolimbic DA circuits, and suppression of nocturnal movement appears to be influenced by indirect pathways linking midbrain DA neurons with pre-motor structures in the mesopontine tegmentum and ventromedial medulla. A diencephalospinal DA system may have an additional important role in mediating state-specific sensorimotor activity that is relevant to periodic limb movements and restless legs syndrome.
Statistical Modeling of Epistasis and Linkage Decay using Logic Regression

Logic regression has been recognized as a tool that can identify and model non-additive genetic interactions using Boolean logic groups. Logic regression, TASSEL-GLM and SAS-GLM were compared for analytical precision using a previously characterized model system to identify the best genetic model explaining epistatic interaction for vernalization-sensitivity in barley. A genetic model containing two molecular markers identified in vernalization response in barley was selected using logic regression while both TASSEL-GLM and SAS-GLM included spurious associations in their models. The results also suggest the logic regression can be used to identify dominant/recessive relationships between epistatic alleles through its use of conjugate operators.
Growth and Fluctuating Asymmetry of Stepchildren

Abstract Parental caretaking is critical for child health and psychological development. Evolutionary logic and empirical studies suggest that stepchildren sometimes may receive less care and experience more traumas than genetic offspring. In this article, we investigate the effects of stepfamily environment on children's physical growth as part of a 12-year (1988–1999) project investigating child health in a rural village on the east coast of Dominica. Participants were 238 children aged 0–20 (X = 10.53) residing in the village of Bwa Mawego. Information on family environments was collected continuously since 1988. Here we analyze data from a longitudinal series of anthropometric measures collected in 1997, 1998, and 1999. To assess general growth, we measured height, weight, head circumference, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold, and peri-umbilical skinfold. We also collected medical records of weight from birth through 3 years of age. To assess fluctuating asymmetry (FA), we measured bilateral (right and left side) arm circumference, calf circumference, wrist breadth, ankle breadth, ear breadth, ear height, and length of digits 2–5. Coresidence with stepfather was associated with suboptimal growth. Female stepchildren aged 0–10 and male stepchildren aged 10–20 had lower body weight for age than other children, including their coresident half-siblings. Stepchildren and nonstepchildren had similar weights at birth, and similar muscle and fat cross-sections. Contrary to expectations, FA of stepchildren was lower than in other children. Recognition of the high risk of poor growth for stepchildren is important because of subsequent associations with morbidity, psychological problems, and educational performance. Why stepchildren had significantly lower FA than others warrants further investigation.
Modeling biomedical assertions in the semantic web

We present an enhanced version of an ontological framework called MachineProse that is meant to represent the evolving knowledge resulting from biomedical research. This framework bridges the semantic gap between the use of keywords or controlled vocabularies to index articles and the expressive free-text content of research papers. The benefits of the framework are the ability to carry out precise searches to retrieve relevant literature, and novel abilities to provide answers to questions. We illustrate MachineProse with a case study of its application to Evidence Based Medicine.
Physics and common causes

The common cause principle states that common causes produce correlations amongst their effects, but that common effects do not produce correlations amongst their causes. I claim that this principle, as explicated in terms of probabilistic relations, is false in classical statistical mechanics. Indeterminism in the form of stationary Markov processes rather than quantum mechanics is found to be a possible saviour of the principle. In addition I argue that if causation is to be explicated in terms of probabilities, then it should be done in terms of probabilistic relations which are invariant under changes of initial distributions. Such relations can also give rise to an asymmetric cause-effect relationship which always runs forwards in time.
Challenges in RF simulation

RF simulators exploit the nature of RF circuits to overcome bottlenecks that prevent the use of general purpose simulators. While this makes RF simulation possible, it also leads to two significant problems. First, it is difficult to apply RF simulation to larger circuits that are not exclusively RF. Second, it leads to a large number of very specialized analyses, and it is difficult for designers to effectively learn and use the ones they need. Solutions to these two problems are explored in this paper.
Pattern formation in the vertebrate neural plate

Recent advances have been made in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and patterning of the neural plate of vertebrate embryos. Both planar and vertical signaling pathways appear to be involved in the neural induction and axial patterning of the neural plate. The neural plate, behaving as a developmental field, might be patterned by signals emanating from boundary regions: the organizer region and the midline and edges of the neural plate. Here, A. Ruiz i Altaba describes a possible model for anteroposterior patterning involving ;lanar signals for amphibian, avian and mammalian embryos, compares the axial patterning of the neural plate with the patterning of insect epithelia, and discussed possible roles of noggin, follistatin and hedgehog-related genes in neural induction and patterning.
Effects of Salsalate Therapy on Recovery From Vascular Injury in Female Zucker Fatty Rats

OBJECTIVE Salsalate is a dimeric form of salicylic acid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity and to reduce glucose levels, insulin resistance, and cytokine expression. However, the effect of salsalate on vascular injury has not been determined. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of salsalate on vascular injury and repair in a rat model of carotid artery balloon catheter injury. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Salsalate treatment was started in female Zucker fatty rats (insulin resistant) 1 week before carotid artery balloon catheter injury and continued for 21 days, at which time the animals were killed and studied. RESULTS Treatment with salsalate significantly decreased the intima-to-media ratio and upregulated the expression of aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) (ser 1177), and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and reduced serum interleukin (IL)-6 with concomitant downregulation of nuclear factor (NF) κB subunit p65 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the balloon-injured carotid artery of female Zucker fatty rats. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that salsalate treatment decreases vascular damage caused by balloon catheter injury in female Zucker fatty rats. The beneficial effect of salsalate on vascular injury was associated with upregulation of eNOS, p-eNOS, and MnSOD, which reduce oxidative stress and have anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by reduction in serum IL-6 and the downregulation of VEGF and NFκB, which promote inflammation without changing glucose levels. These results suggest that salsalate may be useful in reducing vascular injury and restenosis following interventional revascularization procedures.
Bison grazing increases arthropod abundance and diversity in a tallgrass prairie.

ABSTRACT How grazing-induced ecosystem changes by ungulates indirectly affect other consumers is a question of great interest. I investigated the effect of grazing by American Bison (Bos bison L.) on an arthropod community in tallgrass prairie. Grazing increased the abundance of arthropods, an increase that was present in both herbivorous and carnivorous assemblages, but not in detritivores. The increase in herbivores and reduction in plant biomass from grazing resulted in an arthropod herbivore load almost three times higher in grazed plots compared with controls. Among herbivores, the sap-feeding insect guild was dramatically more abundant, while chewing herbivores were not affected. Herbivorous and carnivorous arthropod richness was higher in grazed plots, although the response was strongest among herbivores. Arthropod abundance on individual grasses and forbs was significantly higher in grazed areas, while plant type had no effect on abundance, indicating that the change was ecosystem-wide and not sim...
Design of Living Ring‐Opening Alkyne Metathesis

Despite the tremendous impact of alkene ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) on the design and the synthesis of polymers and functional materials, examples for the analogous alkyne ROMP remain scarce. This imbalance can be rationalized by the limited availability of commercially available catalysts and the lack of alkyne metathesis monomers. We present here the synthesis and a systematic study of the ROMP reactivity of an easily functionalized alkyne precursor derived from a ring-strained dibenzo[a,e][8]annulene. We find that both tungstenand molybdenumbased catalysts yield high-molecular-weight polymers with alternating alkane and alkyne linkages along the poly(orthophenylene) backbone. A systematic study of different phenols and alcohols as the activating ligands in the trialkoxymolybdenum(VI) alkylidyne elucidates the design rules to create living alkyne ROMP. Previously we found that the ROMP reaction of 5,6didehydrodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene proceeds with Schrock s tungsten catalyst. Unfortunately this monomer cannot be easily derivatized because of its poor thermal and photochemical stability. The poor stability also leads to high polydispersity and a non-living polymeric system. To overcome this limitation we substituted the olefin bridge in the 5,6-didehydrodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene with a saturated ethyl linker, 1a–c (Scheme 1). These strained alkynes (1a–c) can be conveniently synthesized on a multigram scale starting from the readily available 1,2-bis-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethanes 2a–c as depicted in Scheme 1 (synthetic details are in the Supporting Information). Reaction of 2a–c with tetrachlorocyclopropene and AlCl3 yields the intermediate aromatic dichlorocyclopropenes that were hydrolyzed in situ to give the cyclopropenones 3a–c. Cleavage of the methyl ethers and subsequent alkylation of the hydroxy groups in 4a–c with solubilizing alkyl chains provides 5a–c. Photochemical decarbonylation of the cyclopropenone produces the substituted [8]annulenes 1a–c in 77–89% yield. These monomers are far superior to other strained alkynes used in ROMP because they are indefinitely stable under ambient conditions and exposure to light. The structure of 1a–c is consistent with its previously reported derivatives. The ring strain stored in the compression of the triple bond angles from 1808 to 1558 (Figure 1) is Scheme 1. Reaction conditions: a) AlCl3, tetrachlorocyclopropene, CH2Cl2, 78 8C to 24 8C, 60–81%; b) BBr3, CH2Cl2, 78 8C, 99%; c) NaH, C12H25Br, DMF, 24 8C, 51–63%; d) THF/MeOH, hn, 24 8C, 77– 89%.
Normalizing Desire Stigma and the Carnivalesque in Gay Bigmen’s Cultural Practices

Girth & Mirth (G&M) is a social group for big gay men who face exclusion and discrimination from both mainstream and gay communities. Based on extensive ethnographic research and interview data, we...
Development of Novel Water-Gas Shift Membrane Reactor

This report summarizes the objectives, technical barrier, approach, and accomplishments for the development of a novel water-gas-shift (WGS) membrane reactor for hydrogen enhancement and CO reduction. We have synthesized novel CO{sub 2}-selective membranes with high CO{sub 2} permeabilities and high CO{sub 2}/H{sub 2} and CO{sub 2}/CO selectivities by incorporating amino groups in polymer networks. We have also developed a one-dimensional non-isothermal model for the countercurrent WGS membrane reactor. The modeling results have shown that H{sub 2} enhancement (>99.6% H{sub 2} for the steam reforming of methane and >54% H{sub 2} for the autothermal reforming of gasoline with air on a dry basis) via CO{sub 2} removal and CO reduction to 10 ppm or lower are achievable for synthesis gases. With this model, we have elucidated the effects of system parameters, including CO{sub 2}/H{sub 2} selectivity, CO{sub 2} permeability, sweep/feed flow rate ratio, feed temperature, sweep temperature, feed pressure, catalyst activity, and feed CO concentration, on the membrane reactor performance. Based on the modeling study using the membrane data obtained, we showed the feasibility of achieving H{sub 2} enhancement via CO{sub 2} removal, CO reduction to {le} 10 ppm, and high H{sub 2} recovery. Using the membrane synthesized, we have obtained more » <10 ppm CO in the H{sub 2} product in WGS membrane reactor experiments. From the experiments, we verified the model developed. In addition, we removed CO{sub 2} from a syngas containing 17% CO{sub 2} to about 30 ppm. The CO{sub 2} removal data agreed well with the model developed. The syngas with about 0.1% CO{sub 2} and 1% CO was processed to convert the carbon oxides to methane via methanation to obtain <5 ppm CO in the H{sub 2} product. « less
Predictors of aspiration pneumonia following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Objectives: Aspiration following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is a common event, but not all patients with aspiration will develop pneumonia. Our aim was to identify predictors of pneumonia in patients with aspiration following radiotherapy for HNC. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 52 patients referred for modified videofluoroscopic barium swallow (MVBS) testing at our institution from 2003 to 2007 in order to identify clinical variables associated with the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. Results: Independent risk factors for the development of pneumonia were tracheobronchial aspiration on MVBS testing (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 20.5; p = 0.025), malnutrition (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 14.7; p = 0.018), and smoking history (OR, 1.04 per pack-year; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.011). Through logistic regression analysis, we developed a bivariate predictive model with a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value of 79%, and a negative predictive value of 77% for the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. Conclusions: Depth of aspiration on MVBS testing, malnutrition, and smoking history were strongly associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. The use of clinical variables to determine the risk of aspiration pneumonia is feasible and may help identify high-risk patients.