cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biology of Lymphoid Cells Transformed by Epstein—Barr Virus

In 1964, M.A. Epstein and Barr (1964) and Pulvertaft (1964a) reported the first successful attempts to establish Continuous lymphoblastoid-cell lines (LCLs) from expiants of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Subsequent electron-microscopic examination of thin sections of the EB1 Cell line revealed virus particles that were morphologically similar to the herpesvirus group (M.A. Epstein et al., 1964a). In lines derived shortly thereafter from other BL tumors (M.A. Epstein et al., 1964b; Stewart et al., 1965; Rabson et al., 1966; Minowada et al., 1967), viral particles resembling those found in EB1 cells were seen. Such particles were not confined to lines originating from BL tissue, but were also seen in a fraction of cells in lymphoid lines established from patients with various malignancies (Armstrong, 1966; Moore et al., 1966; Zeve et al., 1966), from patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM) (Pope, 1967; Diehl et al., 1968), and from apparently normal individuals (Moore et al., 1967).
Revisiting the reactivity of tetrachloroauric acid with N,N-bidentate ligands: structural and spectroscopic insights

The reactivity of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) with readily accessible bidentate N-donor ligands affords N,N-ligated Au(iii) center complexes. These compounds are useful precursors of stable catalysts, anticancer agents, and building blocks for materials. This report provides detailed insight into intermediates, equilibria, the counter anion effect, and structural variability, using spectroscopy, crystallography and computational tools. Novel mixed-valence Au(i) and Au(iii) complexes [Au(o-phen)Cl2]2[AuCl2][AuCl4] and [Au(o-phen)Cl2][AuCl2] having AuCl2- and AuCl4- anions linearly arranged in the axial sites of the square-planar Au(o-phen)Cl2 cation were discovered. Other competing side products of the reaction studied revealed protonated N,N-bidentate ligands with AuCl4- anions. Quantitative variable temperature NMR studies reveal that for a mixture of target Au(iii) salt and the protonated ligand, the reaction favors the irreversible formation of the side product. Using a rapid (30 min) temperature controlled protocol, the desired coordinated species is accessible in respectable yields while avoiding side products.
A Causality-Guided Prediction of the TED Talk Ratings from the Speech-Transcripts using Neural Networks

Automated prediction of public speaking performance enables novel systems for tutoring public speaking skills. We use the largest open repository---TED Talks---to predict the ratings provided by the online viewers. The dataset contains over 2200 talk transcripts and the associated meta information including over 5.5 million ratings from spontaneous visitors to the website. We carefully removed the bias present in the dataset (e.g., the speakers' reputations, popularity gained by publicity, etc.) by modeling the data generating process using a causal diagram. We use a word sequence based recurrent architecture and a dependency tree based recursive architecture as the neural networks for predicting the TED talk ratings. Our neural network models can predict the ratings with an average F-score of 0.77 which largely outperforms the competitive baseline method.
The prehistoric roots of Chinese cuisines: Mapping staple food systems of China, 6000 BC-220 AD

We conducted a meta-analysis of published carbon and nitrogen isotope data from archaeological human skeletal remains (n = 2448) from 128 sites cross China in order to investigate broad spatial and temporal patterns in the formation of staple cuisines. Between 6000-5000 cal BC we found evidence for an already distinct north versus south divide in the use of main crop staples (namely millet vs. a broad spectrum of C3 plant based diet including rice) that became more pronounced between 5000-2000 cal BC. We infer that this pattern can be understood as a difference in the spectrum of subsistence activities employed in the Loess Plateau and the Yangtze-Huai regions, which can be partly explained by differences in environmental conditions. We argue that regional differentiation in dietary tradition are not driven by differences in the conventional "stages" of shifting modes of subsistence (hunting-foraging-pastoralism-farming), but rather by myriad subsistence choices that combined and discarded modes in a number of innovative ways over thousands of years. The introduction of wheat and barley from southwestern Asia after 2000 cal BC resulted in the development of an additional east to west gradient in the degree of incorporation of the different staple products into human diets. Wheat and barley were rapidly adopted as staple foods in the Continental Interior contra the very gradual pace of adoption of these western crops in the Loess Plateau. While environmental and social factors likely contributed to their slow adoption, we explored local cooking practice as a third explanation; wheat and barley may have been more readily folded into grinding-and-baking cooking traditions than into steaming-and-boiling traditions. Changes in these culinary practices may have begun in the female sector of society.
The potential influence of criminological rationales in considering childhood abuse as mitigating to sentencing.

Abstract Background U.S. courts currently show no coherent approach with regard to how evidence of childhood abuse is considered in sentencing. Existing state and federal caselaw suggests that courts rarely place significant consideration on evidence of childhood abuse during sentencing, but the reasons why offenders who have been subjected to childhood abuse rarely receive mitigated or alternative sentences remain unknown. Yet literature has suggested it might be because no convincing rationales have been yet developed for the court in contending that penalties of offenders who were subjected to childhood abuse should be mitigated. Objective This research examines if and how criminological theoretical perspectives linking childhood abuse and later offending (Social Control Theory, Social Learning Theory, General Strain Theory) are persuasive in arguing childhood abuse (neglect, witnessing trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse) as mitigating to criminal sentencing. Participants A national sample of U.S. adults (N = 521). Methods A multi-factorial, vignette-based experiment was conducted, utilizing OLS and mediation analyses. Results Evidence on childhood abuse, and particularly sexual abuse, reduced support for incapacitation (B = -0.13, p ≤ 0.05) and increased support for rehabilitation (B = 0.16, p ≤ 0.01). Social Control Theory was particularly persuasive in arguing childhood abuse as mitigating to prison time and in relation to support for rehabilitative sentencing (mediated by beliefs regarding what the theory conveys about future dangerousness and reduced responsibility). Conclusions Criminological theories appear to be persuasive rationales for arguing childhood abuse as mitigating to sentencing contexts involving incapacitation and rehabilitation. Implications for sentencing guidelines and systems are discussed.
Characteristics of LVAD Turn-Down Study to Predict Myocardial Recovery and Successful LVAD Decommissioning

Purpose Myocardial recovery after left ventricular device (LVAD) implantation is important to identify; however, identifying predictors of successful LVAD decommissioning, and recurrence of heart failure remains a challenge. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on individuals who underwent a protocolized echocardiographic and invasive hemodynamic turn-down study. Patients were selected based on normalized hemodynamics, clinical stability and LVEDD Results A total of 12 patients underwent the LVAD weaning protocol. Of those patients, 42% (5/12) underwent LVAD decommissioning with sustained recovery (SR) (median 13 months) while 58% (7/12) failed recovery (FR) by requiring LVAD re-implantation after decommissioning or failed turn-down study precluding LVAD decommission. In FR versus SR patients LV-end systolic (LVESD) and -end diastolic (LVEDD) diameter were higher at the start (LVESD 4.8 ± 0.4 FR vs 3.5 ± 0.3 SR, p Conclusion In our cohort of LVAD turn-down studies, we were able to identify echo parameters, invasive hemodynamics, and LVAD pump parameters that differed between patients with failed and sustained recovery.
Topological entropy of switched nonlinear systems

This paper studies topological entropy of switched nonlinear systems. We construct a general upper bound for the topological entropy in terms of an average of the asymptotic suprema of the measures of Jacobian matrices of individual modes, weighted by the corresponding active rates. A general lower bound is constructed in terms of an active-rate-weighted average of the asymptotic infima of the traces of these Jacobian matrices. For switched systems with diagonal modes, we construct upper and lower bounds that only depend on the eigenvalues of Jacobian matrices, their relative order among individual modes, and the active rates. For both cases, we also construct more conservative upper bounds that require less information on the switching, with their relations illustrated by numerical examples of a switched Lotka-Volterra ecosystem model.
Discussion of “Measurement of Stiffness Anisotropy in Kaolinite Using Bender Element Tests in a Floating Wall Consolidometer” by X. Kang, G.-C. Kang, and B. Bate

The procedures utilized and results obtained from a newly designed floating wall consolidation device are compared with those obtained from a modified triaxial insert, traditional fixed wall, back-pressure saturated, constant-rate-of-strain consolidation device that incorporated bender elements (BP–CRS–BE). Specifically, the need for additional measurements within the floating wall consolidation device including machine deflection and tip-to-tip measurements are highlighted and discussed. The procedures that were utilized to collect and reduce the measured shear wave and compression wave data, as collected using the newly designed floating wall consolidation device, are also questioned.
Lie Groups and Their Lie Algebras

In this chapter we apply the tools developed in Chapters 17–19 (flows, Lie derivatives, and foliations) to delve deeper into the relationships between Lie groups and Lie algebras.
Role of TCR-Induced Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activation in the Regulation of Early IL-4 Expression in Naive CD4+ T Cells

Although extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activation influences IL-4 production in various experimental systems, its role during Th differentiation is unclear. In this study, we show that Erk plays a critical role in IL-4 expression during TCR-induced Th differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells. Stimulation of CD4+ T cells with a high affinity peptide resulted in sustained Erk activation and Th1 differentiation. However, reduction of Erk activity led to a dramatic increase in IL-4 production and Th2 generation. Analysis of RNA and nuclear proteins of CD4+ T cells 48 h after stimulation revealed that this was due to early IL-4 expression. Interestingly, transient Erk activation resulted in altered AP-1 DNA binding activity and the induction of an AP-1 complex that was devoid of Fos protein and consisted of Jun-Jun dimers. These data show that in the presence of a strong TCR signal, IL-4 expression can be induced in naive CD4+ T cells by altering the strength of Erk activation. In addition, these data suggest that TCR-induced Erk activation is involved in the regulation of IL-4 expression by altering the composition of the AP-1 complex and its subsequent DNA binding activity.
Inhibitors of ribonucleotide reductase. Comparative effects of amino- and hydroxy-substituted pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones.

A new series of α-(N)-heterocyclic carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazones (HCTs) was studied for their effects on L1210 cell growth in culture, cell cycle transit, nucleic acid biosynthesis and ribonucleotide reductase activity. 3-Aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP) and 3-amino-4-methylpyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AMP) were the most active compounds tested with respect to inhibition of cell growth and ribonucleotide reductase activity. 5-Aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (5-AP) and 4-methyl-5-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thio-semicarbazone (5-AMP) were slightly less active. 3-AP, 3-AMP, 5-AP and 5-AMP inhibited the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA without affecting the rate of incorporation of [3H]uridine into RNA. The uptake and incorporation of [14C]cytidine into cellular ribonucleotides and RNA, respectively, were not decreased by 3-AP or 3-AMP; however, the incorporation of cytidine into DNA via ribonucleotide reductase was inhibited markedly. Thus, a pronounced decrease in the formation of [14C]deoxyribonucleotides from radioactive cytidine occurred in the acid-soluble fraction of 3-AP- and 3-AMP-treated L1210 cells. Consistent with an inhibition of DNA replication that occurred at relatively low concentrations of 3-AP and 3-AMP, cells gradually accumulated in the S-phase of the cell cycle; at higher concentrations of 3-AP and 3-AMP, a more rapid accumulation of cells in the G0G1 phase of the cell cycle occurred, with the loss of the S-phase population, implying that a second less sensitive metabolic lesion was created by the HCTs. N-Acetylation of 3-AMP resulted in a compound that was 10-fold less active as an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase activity and 8-fold less active as an inhibitor of L1210 cell growth. N-Acetylation of either 5-AP or 5-AMP did not alter the inhibitory properties of these compounds. The results obtained provide an experimental rationale for the further development of the HCTs, particularly 3-AP and 3-AMP, as potential drugs for clinical use in the treatment of cancer.
In vivo instability of red-blood-cell-bound C3d and C4d.

Until now, there have been no measurements of the in vivo stability of red-blood-cell-bound C3d and C4d subfragments of the third and fourth components of human complement. We have recently described a radiolabeled antiantiglobulin method for measuring RBC-bound C3d and have demonstrated that small amounts of C3d are present on RBC of all normal subjects tested. In the present study, the method was applied to follow the increments above baseline of RBC-bound C3d and C4d produced by autotransfusing 3 normal volunteers with 160–200 ml of RBC strongly coated in vitro by C3d and C4d. Posttransfusion measurements were carried out over 21–34 days. Immediate and long-term in vivo survival of the transfused RBC was unimpaired by C3d and C4d coating. Of the bound C3d antigen, 85%–95% disappeared from circulating RBC in 5–8 days; the remainder disappeared more slowly, with half-times in the range of 8–29 days. C4d antigen disappeared substantially more slowly, describable by a single exponential function in 2 of the 3 subjects, with half-times in the range of 12–31 days. Recognition of the in vivo instability of RBC-bound C3d helps in interpreting steady-state and changing levels of RBC C3d coating in a variety of alloimmune and autoimmune disorders.
County Sales Tax, Crime Rate, and Prison Bed Use in Florida: Implications for the Misuse of Prison Space

The tragedy of the commons occurs when a resource is held in common and there is no mechanism to discourage overconsumption. This study tests for the existence of a commons problem in the Florida Correctional System by comparing county prison bed use with county prison beds purchased through sales tax across all 67 counties in Florida from 1989 through 1995. County crime measures and other prison use considerations are tested to determine if there is justification for county overuse of prison space. The data indicate that the tragedy of the commons does exist in the Florida Correctional System. Several counties are consuming a disproportionate number of prison beds, and this overconsumption is largely unjustified by their crime rates. This study suggests that the commons problem within the Florida Correctional System could be avoided or at least reduced.
Does Multiracial Matter? A Study of Racial Disparities in Self-Rated Health

How do self-identified multiracial adults fit into documented patterns of racial health disparities? We assess whether the health status of adults who view themselves as multiracial is distinctive from that of adults who maintain a single-race identity, by using a seven-year (2001-2007) pooled sample of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). We explore racial differences in self-rated health between whites and several single and multiracial adults with binary logistic regression analyses and investigate whether placing these groups into a self-reported "best race" category alters patterns of health disparities. We propose four hypotheses that predict how the self-rated health status of specific multiracial groups compares with their respective component single-race counterparts, and we find substantial complexity in that no one explanatory model applies to all multiracial combinations. We also find that placing multiracial groups into a single "best race" category likely obscures the pattern of health disparities for selected groups because some multiracial adults (e.g., American Indians) tend to identify with single-race groups whose health experience they do not share.
Regulated expression of chimaeric genes containing the 5'-flanking regions of human growth hormone-related genes in transiently transfected rat anterior pituitary tumor cells.

Abstract The expression and hormonal regulation of chimaeric genes containing the 5'-flanking regions of the normal human growth hormone (hGH-1), the variant hGH (hGH-2) and chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS-1) genes fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene has been examined after transient transfection into cultured rat pituitary (GC), and non-pituitary (HeLa and Rat 2) tumor cells. As assessed by levels of CAT activity, the hGH-1 and hCS-1 gene hybrids were expressed at 5- to 25-fold higher levels in GC cells than in HeLa or Rat 2 cells. The hGH-2 gene hybrid was expressed at very low levels in all 3 cell types. Triiodothyronine treatment of transiently transfected GC cells had little effect on CAT activity from the hGH-1 gene hybrid but increased CAT activity from the hCS-1 gene hybrid. A slight but significant increase in CAT expression was detected with both genes after dexamethasone treatment. The data indicate that elements present on the hGH-1 and hCS-1 genes' 5'-flanking DNA are required for the efficient expression of these genes in GC cells.
Arsenite oxidation by a poorly-crystalline manganese oxide. 3. Arsenic and manganese desorption.

Arsenic (As) mobility in the environment is greatly affected by its oxidation state and the degree to which it is sorbed on metal oxide surfaces. Manganese oxides (Mn oxides) have the ability to decrease overall As mobility both by oxidizing toxic arsenite (AsIII) to less toxic arsenate (AsV), and by sorbing As. However, the effect of competing ions on the mobility of As sorbed on Mn-oxide surfaces is not well understood. In this study, desorption of AsV and AsIII from a poorly crystalline phyllomanganate (δ-MnO2) by two environmentally significant ions is investigated using a stirred-flow technique and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). AsIII is not observed in solution after desorption under any conditions used in this study, agreeing with previous studies showing As sorbed on Mn-oxides exists only as AsV. However, some AsV is desorbed from the δ-MnO2 surface under all conditions studied, while neither desorptive used in this study completely removes AsV from the δ-MnO2 surface.
Response effort and interresponse time: Effect of additional, response-produced stimulus feedback

Previous studies have shown that greater response effort results in a larger percentage of short interresponse times in an operant task. An explanation, based on differential response-produced stimulus feedback resulting from different degrees of response effort, was proposed. An indirect test of this explanation showed that it was not adequate to account for the findings, and an alternate explanation, based on frustration, was proposed.
Expression of NGF and NGF receptor mRNAs in the developing brain: Evidence for local delivery and action of NGF

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a well-documented target-derived trophic factor in the peripheral nervous system. Recently, proteins as well as mRNAs for both NGF and its receptor (NGF-R) have been detected in diverse areas in the central nervous system (CNS). Considerable evidence suggests that NGF also functions in the target synthesis/retrograde transport mode in the brain. For example, NGF is synthesized in the target hippocampus, as indicated by the presence of NGF message, and interacts with the receptors on terminals projecting from basal forebrain, where receptor mRNA is detectable. Spatial separation of NGF and receptor gene expression is consistent with the target mechanism of action. To ascertain whether local action may also occur in the CNS, we used sensitive nuclease protection assays to study the relationship of NGF and NGF-R expression in the developing brain. Our results indicate that in some brain areas, such as diencephalon, postnatal hippocampus, and olfactory bulb, NGF message was highly expressed, while receptor mRNA was virtually undetectable, suggesting that these areas serve as target sources of NGF for distant afferent neurons. By contrast, in other brain areas, such as cerebellum, striatum, perinatal olfactory bulb, and prenatal hippocampus, NGF and NGF-R mRNAs were coexpressed and coregulated developmentally. Consequently, local delivery and action of the trophic molecule may occur in these areas during these periods. We tentatively conclude that NGF may act through both distant and local modes in the developing CNS.
Synchronous cultures in cytodifferentiation studies.

This paper summarizes work done on the induction of the cytodifferentiation of a soil amoeba. The differentiation involves the synthesis of two cyst walls and results in a dormant cell called a cyst. This cytodifferentiation is called encystment. The following observations result from work on synchronously differentiating cultures. The differentiation is under genetic control, is induced by starvation, and occurs only after an induction period. Massive erosion of intracellular components occurs prior to and during the differentiation and provides the materials for the induction and for the syntheses of the differentiation products. The effects of various inhibitors on this induction are also presented. From results obtained, mainly with FUdR and mitomycin C, the following tentative conclusions are drawn: encystment is normally induced when cells are stalled in the terminal portion of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthetic period. Induction of dormancy probably involves two steps, the unwrapping or loosening of material surrounding the differentiation genes, followed by a specific activation.
Obesity and inpatient rehabilitation outcomes for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury.

Abstract Stenson KW, Deutsch A, Heinemann AW, Chen D. Obesity and inpatient rehabilitation outcomes for patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury. Objective To examine the effect of obesity on change in FIM self-care and mobility ratings and community discharge for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design Retrospective cohort study analyzing National Model Systems SCI Database data. Setting Fourteen Model Systems SCI programs. Participants Patients (N=1524) with a new traumatic SCI discharged from Model Systems rehabilitation centers between October 2006 and October 2009. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Change in FIM self-care and mobility ratings, discharge destination. Separate analyses were conducted by neurologic category: paraplegia incomplete, paraplegia complete, tetraplegia incomplete, and tetraplegia complete. Results Of all patients with traumatic SCI, approximately 25% were obese at admission. Patients who were obese were more likely to be married and slightly older than nonobese patients. In patients with paraplegia incomplete, obese patients had lower FIM self-care (−1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.4 to −.4) and mobility score gains (−1.5; 95% CI, −2.9 to −.1) than normal-weight patients. For patients with paraplegia complete, obese patients had significantly lower self-care (−2.2; 95% CI, −3.5 to −.8) and mobility score gains (−2.7; 95% CI, −3.9 to −1.5). For patients with tetraplegia incomplete and tetraplegia complete, FIM self-care and mobility ratings for obese patients were not significantly different from ratings for normal-weight patients. Within each neurologic category, the percentage of patients discharged to the community was not significantly different for nonobese and obese patients. Conclusions Obesity appears to be a barrier to meeting self-care and mobility functional goals for patients with paraplegia in inpatient SCI rehabilitation.
Local behavior of complex materials: scanning probes and nano structure

Understanding the behavior of complex materials such as organic self-assembled monolayers, molecular and nano wires, and transition metal oxide thin films, is facilitated by probes of local properties. Recent extensions of scanning probe microscopies that extract electrical potential, capacitance, dielectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficients and impedance, are described. In most cases, these complex properties are accessed by stimulations and/or response function detection with multiple frequency modulations. Several illustrative examples include determination of the electronic structure of individual defects in a carbon nanotube, ferroelectric domain interactions in oxide thin films, and electric potential of an alkanethiol on metal.
Synthesis and evaluation of an RNA editing substrate bearing 2'-deoxy-2'-mercaptoadenosine.

The RNA-editing adenosine deaminases (ADARs) catalyze deamination of adenosine to inosine in double stranded structure found in various RNA substrates, including mRNAs. Here we describe the synthesis of a phosphoramidite of 2 ′-deoxy-2 ′-mercaptoadenosine and its incorporation into an ADAR substrate. Surprisingly, no deamination product was observed with this substrate indicating replacing the 2 ′-OH with a 2 ′-SH at the editing site is highly inhibitory. Modeling of nucleotide binding into the active site suggests the side chain of T375 of human ADAR2 to be in proximity of the 2 ′-substituent. Mutation of this residue to cysteine caused a greater that 100-fold reduction in deamination rate with the 2 ′-OH substrate.
Evaluation of water jet morcellation as an alternative to hand morcellation of renal tissue ablation during laparoscopic nephrectomy: an in vitro study.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and safety of morcellation with a new prototype device that uses high-pressure water flow as a cutting/ablating tool and compare it with standard manual morcellation. Methods Ten porcine kidneys were morcellated with the new water jet device and ten with conventional manual morcellation. Morcellation in all cases was performed in commercially available entrapment bags. The two groups were evaluated for morcellation time, fragment size, and perforation rates (macroscopic and microscopic). Results The kidney size in both groups was similar. Morcellation was significantly (P Conclusions Water jet technology can be used to morcellate renal porcine tissue effectively. It is faster, but the problems of safety and histologic evaluation must be solved before this promising technology can be used in a clinical setting.
Avalanches and Scaling in Plastic Deformation

Plastic deformation of crystalline materials is a complex non-homogeneous process characterized by avalanches in the motion of dislocations. We study the evolution of dislocations loops using an analytically solvable phase-field model of dislocations for ductile single crystals during monotonic loading. We present simulations of dislocations under slow external loading that generate scale-free avalanches and power-law behavior that are characteristics of self organized criticality. The distribution of dislocation loop sizes is given by P(A) {approx} A{sup -{sigma}}, with {sigma} = 1.8 {+-} 0.1. The power law exponent is in agreement with those found in acoustic emission measurements on stressed ice single crystals. In addition to the jerky character of dislocation motion, this model also predicts a range of macroscopic behaviors in agreement with observation, including hardening and dislocation multiplication with monotonic loading and a maximum in the acoustic emission signal at the onset of yielding. At sufficient large stress, the hardening rate drops and the stress-strain curve saturates. At the same time the acoustic emission as well as the dislocation production decreases in agreement with experimental observation.
A plastic explosive by mouth.

C-4 is a plastic explosive substance similar in structure to Semtex that is used by both military and terrorist organizations. It has a reputation for producing a buzz as well as a bang.
A common susceptibility factor of both autism and epilepsy: functional deficiency of GABA A receptors.

Autism and epilepsy are common childhood neurological disorders with a great heterogeneity of clinical phenotypes as well as risk factors. There is a high co-morbidity of autism and epilepsy. The neuropathology of autism and epilepsy has similar histology implicating the processes of neurogenesis, neural migration, programmed cell death, and neurite outgrowth. Genetic advances have identified multiple molecules that participate in neural development, brain network connectivity, and synaptic function which are involved in the pathogenesis of autism and epilepsy. Mutations in GABAA receptor subunit have been frequently associated with epilepsy, autism, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. In this paper, we address the hypothesis that functional deficiency of GABAergic signaling is a potential common molecular mechanism underpinning the co-morbidity of autism and epilepsy.
Iron Kα-fluorescence in solar flares: A probe of the photospheric iron abundance

The X-ray line at 6.4 keV has been observed from solar flares. It is found that Kα-fluorescence of neutral iron in the photosphere due to ‘thermal’ (T ∼ 107 K) X-rays of the gradual phase is its dominant production mechanism. For a given flux and energy spectrum of incident X-rays, the flux at 1 AU of iron Kα-photons depends on the photospheric iron abundance, the height of the X-ray source, and the helio-centric angle between the flare and the observer. Therefore, the flux of iron Kα-photons, when measured simultaneously with the flux and energy spectrum of the X-ray continuum and the flare location, can give us information on the height of the X-ray source and the photospheric iron abundance. Here we present our Monte Carlo calculations of iron Kα-fluorescence efficiencies, so that they might be useful for interpretations of future measurements of the 6.4 keV line (e.g., by a detector to be flown on the Solar Maximum Mission).
Field Equations and Surface Convection with Thermal Relaxation: Illustration for Rapid Sliding Contact

A rigid cylinder slides without friction at constant speed on a thermoelastic half-space. Surface convection occurs, and both it and half-space exhibit thermal relaxation. An analytical solution valid near the contact zone center and for high sub-critical speeds is obtained. Its form resembles that for a half-space with surface friction but no convection. Calculations show that contact zone temperature is sensitive to sliding speed, the relaxation model for the half-space and a dimensionless convection layer constant. In particular, a half-space with one relaxation time predicts decreases in temperature; a double-relaxation time model can give increases as well.
Outcome of HIV-associated Pneumocystis pneumonia in hospitalized patients from 2000 through 2003

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons. Epidemiology of PCP in the recent era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is not well known and the impact of HAART on outcome of PCP has been debated. To determine the epidemiology of PCP in HIV-infected patients and examine the impact of HAART on PCP outcome. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 262 patients diagnosed with PCP between January 2000 and December 2003 at a county hospital at an academic medical center. Death while in the hospital was the main outcome measure. Multivariate modeling was performed to determine predictors of mortality. Overall hospital mortality was 11.6%. Mortality in patients requiring intensive care was 29.0%. The need for mechanical ventilation, development of a pneumothorax, and low serum albumin were independent predictors of increased mortality. One hundred and seven patients received HAART before hospitalization and 16 patients were started on HAART while in the hospital. HAART use either before or during hospitalization was not associated with mortality. Overall hospital mortality and mortality predictors are similar to those reported earlier in the HAART era. PCP diagnoses in HAART users likely represented failing HAART regimens or non-compliance with HAART.
Intelligent Ship Arrangements: A New Approach to General Arrangement

A new surface ship general arrangement optimization system developed at the University of Michigan is described. The Intelligent Ship Arrangements system is a native C++, Leading Edge Architecture for Prototyping Systems-compatible software system that will assist the designer in developing rationally based arrangements that satisfy design specific needs as well as general Navy requirements and standard practices to the maximum extent practicable. This software system is intended to be used following or as a latter part of ASSET synthesis. The arrangement process is approached as two essentially two-dimensional tasks. First, the spaces are allocated to Zone-decks, one deck in one vertical zone, on the ship's inboard profile. Then the assigned spaces are arranged in detail on the deck plan of each Zone-deck in succession. Consideration is given to overall location, adjacency, separation, access, area requirements, area utilization, and compartment shape. The system architecture is quite general to facilitate its evolution to address additional design issues, such as distributive system design, in the future.
Variational method for design sensitivity analysis in nonlinear structural mechanics

This paper describes a unified variational theory of design sensitivity analysis of linear and nonlinear structures for shape, nonshape, and material selection problems. The concepts of reference volume and adjoint structure are used to develop the unified viewpoint. A general formula for design sensitivity analysis is derived. Several analytical linear and nonlinear examples are used to interpret various terms of the formula and demonstrate its use. Such analytical examples give insight into the application of the general formula to more complex problems that must be treated numerically. Adjoint state fields are also interpreted as sensitivities for the functional related to the primary structure.
IN VIVO TIME COURSE OF MUSCLE PHOSPHOCREATINE, PHOSPHORUS, AND ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE DURING TREATMEN OF RICKETS

To assess potential skeletal muscle changes of high energy phosphate compounds and inorganic phosphate (P) in early childhood rickets, a non-invasive but direct estimate of the relative concentrations in gastrocnemius muscle of P, phosphocreatine (PCr), & adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in an infant, age 10 months. He had generalized weakness and low serum P (3.5mg/dl) and Ca (6.7mg/ dl). Therapy was begun with vitamin D & dietary P & Ca, and weekly 31-P MRS spectra were obtained in an Oxford 30 cm, 1.9T magnet. Initially, PCr was approximately 50% reduced compared to that in gastrocnemius of a normal 6-month infant. Tissue P, PCr & ATP gradually normalized, preceding return of serum P & Ca to normal. Data below are serum (Ser) values, & tissue peak heights (mm) and peak height ratio: Functional muscle tone & strength gradually improved in concordance with MRS spectral return to a normal pattern. High energy phosphate depletion may explain the hypotonia of rickets. MRS may uniquely allow definition of individual muscle phosphorus components over time.
A new discontinuous buffer system for the electrophoresis of cationic proteins at near-neutral pH.

A simple, discontinuous buffer system for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis near neutral pH is described. The buffer is MOPS (3-[N-morpholine]propanesulfonic acid), the leading ion K+ and the trailing ion histidine. The system offers improved resolution of cationic proteins.
Elastic constants and anisotropy of forsterite at high pressure

We have determined from first principles the athermal elastic constant tensor of Mg2SiO4 forsterite with the plane wave pseudopotential method over a wide range of pressure (0–100 GPa) that encompasses the full range over which forsterite has been observed experimentally. The computed elastic constants are in excellent agreement with experimental data up to the maximum pressure of the experiments (16 GPa). We calculate the single-crystal elastic anisotropy from the elastic constants. We find that the anisotropy is strong (azimuthal P- and S-wave anisotropy: 25% and 20%, respectively, polarization anisotropy: 15%), in agreement with experiment, and that it depends weakly on pressure over the range 0–25 GPa, in contrast to the behavior of other silicates and oxides.
Autonomic alterations in cocaine-exposed infants.

Abstract Background Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic control of the heart. After intrauterine cocaine exposure, asymptomatic newborn infants within 72 hours of life have decreased HRV. It is unknown whether these alterations are transient (acute effect) or persist in older infants and possibly reflect a teratogenic effect of cocaine. Methods This study prospectively evaluated HRV in 2- to 6-month-old infants who were exposed to cocaine in-utero (Group 1, n = 71). Their data were compared to normal controls (Group 3, n = 77) and to newborns exposed to drugs other than cocaine (Group 2, n = 89). Based on our previous study, heavy and light cocaine exposure was also defined a priori as the amount of cocaine used during the pregnancy that was more than or less than the 70th percentile, respectively. Results At the age of 2 to 6 months, infants with in-utero cocaine exposure had higher vagal tone and higher HRV (total power) than normal controls (no exposure to drugs). Most of this increase in vagal tone occurred in the light-cocaine-exposure group. HRV and vagal tone in the heavy-cocaine-exposure group were similar to the noncocaine-exposed group. Conclusions At 2 to 6 months of age, asymptomatic infants exposed to cocaine in-utero have recovered from lower HRV seen within 72 hours of age. Infants exposed to light cocaine recovered by a rebound by increasing their vagal tone to above-normal levels. A similar response was blunted in heavily-cocaine-exposed infants. These alterations noted at follow up suggest a possible teratogenic effect of cocaine on the developing autonomic system. (Am Heart J 2002;144:1109-15.)
Isolating and sequencing the predominant 5'-ends of a specific mRNA in cells. II. End-labeling and sequencing.

T4 polynucleotide kinase has been used to end-label specific RNA purified by multiple hybridizations to nitrocellulose-bound DNA. The pico moles of ends of a specific mRNA transcribed from the chromosome, even from several liters of Escherichia coli, give concentrations perhaps 2000-fold below the Km value of the kinase-RNA substrate. In such a reaction, optimal incorporation was observed with increasing ATP concentration to greater than or equal to 7 microM (greater than or equal to 15 mCi of carrier-free [32P]ATP in a 300-500 microliter reaction). The unreacted ATP (greater than 150-fold excess) could best be eliminated by multiple gel filtrations rather than by precipitation, ion exchange chromatography or dialysis. The [5'-32P]RNA was digested with T1 or pancreatic RNase and the [5'-32P]oligonucleotides separated by size in a 20% polyacrylamide gel. Oligonucleotides of a specific size were separated sufficiently by a second dimension electrophoresis on cellulose acetate. We have used partial alkali digestion in sequencing the purified oligonucleotides. As opposed to other digestions, alkali produces 5',3'-diphospho-oligonucleotides whose mobilities can differ from those of the monophosphates, e.g., much longer running times in conventional homochromatography.
The Role of Large Producers in Industrial Districts: A Case Study of High Technology Systems Houses in Southern California

SCOTT A. J. (1992) The role of large producers in industrial districts: a case study of high technology systems houses in Southern California, Reg. Studies 26, 265–275. A generalized concept of industrial districts is proposed. The concept hinges on the intertwined notions of the social division of labour, external economies and locational agglomeration. It is argued that large production units often play an important part in sustaining the growth and development of industrial districts and that such districts need not be composed solely of small production units. The argument is illustrated by means of a case study of the role of large systems houses within the high technology industrial districts of Southern California. It is concluded that neither large establishments nor the internationalization of the economy necessarily threaten the continued viability of industrial districts. It is also suggested that industrial districts represent a very widely developed phenomenon in time and space. SCOTT A. J. (...
A supersoft variable low-luminosity X-ray source in the globular cluster M3

The globular cluster M3 (NGC 5272) was observed twice with the ROSAT high-resolution imager in order to study the low-luminosity X-ray source 1E 1339.8 + 2837. In 1992 January 1E 1339.8 + 2837 had an X-ray luminosity of 2 x 10 exp 35 ergs/s over an order of magnitude brighter than it was when observed with the Einstein Observatory. The source was unresolved and very soft; such supersoft outbursts would be difficult to detect in the vast majority of globular clusters which are more heavily absorbed than M3. In 1992 June the source was too faint to be detected. The soft outburst luminosity and the blackbody radius suggest that 1E 1339.8 + 2837 is a cataclysmic variable in which much of the luminosity is generated by steady nuclear burning of accreted material on the surface of the white dwarf primary.
Nitrogenase: a draft mechanism.

Biological nitrogen fixation, the reduction of N2 to two NH3 molecules, supports more than half the human population. The predominant form of the enzyme nitrogenase, which catalyzes this reaction, comprises an electron-delivery Fe protein and a catalytic MoFe protein. Although nitrogenase has been studied extensively, the catalytic mechanism has remained unknown. At a minimum, a mechanism must identify and characterize each intermediate formed during catalysis and embed these intermediates within a kinetic framework that explains their dynamic interconversion. The Lowe–Thorneley (LT) model describes nitrogenase kinetics and provides rate constants for transformations among intermediates (denoted En, where n is the number of electrons (and protons), that have accumulated within the MoFe protein). Until recently, however, research on purified nitrogenase had not characterized any En state beyond E0.In this Account, we summarize the recent characterization of three freeze-trapped intermediate states formed d...
The impact of furanoid fatty acids and 3-methylnonane-2,4-dione on the flavor of oxidized soybean oil

Oils from soybeans with high or low contents of furanoid fatty acids were evaluated during storage for flavor intensity of soybean oil (SBO) off-flavor, but no significant differences were found. In addition, the compound 3-methylnonane-2,4-dione (MND), a breakdown product of furanoid fatty acids suggested by other researchers to contribute to reversion flavor of SBO, was evaluated for its contribution to off-flavor. The compound was synthesized in the laboratory and purified by gas chromatography (GC) on a Silar 10 C column. GC analysis of the purified MND on a nonpolar SPB-1 column showed two well-separated main peaks that have been suggested to represent keto and enol forms. Between these two peaks, a bridge of poorly resolved compounds may have represented various possible enol forms or an equilibration among these forms during the GC separation. MND had an intense straw-like and frulty odor when evaluated at the outlet of a gas chromatograph. Sensory evaluation of MND in a mineral oil/water emulsion system showed that its flavor intensity increased almost imperceptibly with increased concentration (from 0.09 to 2.56 ppm). An explanation for this unusual flavor response may be that, when molecularly dispersed in air, MND has an intense odor, but when placed in a mineral oil or soybean oil emulsion, MND may exist in a form with relatively low flavor intensity, or it may be bound by the media. The concentrations of MND in SBO at various peroxide values were measured at 0 to 0.804 ppb, which were far less than concentrations tested in mineral oil/water emulsions during sensory evaluation and below published odor threshold values for MND in oil. Therefore, these results do not support the theory that furanoid fatty acids or MND contribute strongly to the reversion flavor of SBO.
Group tracking of occluded targets

Tracking algorithms typically rely on point-to-point correlation of sensor positional data. When target positional or identification data is obscured, missing, or noisy, tracking algorithm performance degrades and may lose track before a subsequent measurement is available. There are many cases when partial target detection results such as when a target travels behind an obstacle or is occluded by trees or industrial camouflage. In an effort to design tracking algorithms that can track through missing, occluded or data dropout, we seek to use a group tracker technique to solve the occluded target tracking problem. Two methodologies are employed to compensate for a partially observable target state and covariance: (1) a coasting individual targets (CIT) method and (2) a group-updated track (GUT) method. The coasting method is analogous to the tracking prediction equations and the novel group tracking update method recovers the unobservable target position state from the other members of the group.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electronic transport measurements in the AsTeI chalcogenide glasses

Abstract The Hall mobility, conductivity, and thermoelectric power have been measured as a function of temperature in several As 50 Te 50− x I x glasses where x varies from 0 to 20. Optical absorption measurements were also carried out at room temperature on all compositions. The Hall mobility is low, typically 10 −2 to 10 −1 cm 2 /V sec at room temperature, n-type, and shows an exponential variation with temperature. The thermopower measurements, on the other hand, indicate p-type conduction in all the specimens studied. The results from the electrical and optical measurements are compared with structural data to construct a model for transport in these materials based on the existence of As 2 Te 3 ribbons in the glassy matrix. The low, exponentially activated, n-type Hall mobilities and the p-type thermoelectric powers are consistent with the predictions of theories concerning the small-polaron hopping motion of holes in the particular site geometry which is expected to occur in these ribbons.