cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The scrapie agent: "a virus by any other name".

Scrapie is a fatal, central nervous system disease of sheep and goats caused by a serially transmissible agent (Cuille and Chelle 1936) that passes bacterial filters (Cuille and Chelle 1938; Wilson et al. 1950). Serial transmissions at high dilutions of inoculum demonstrate that the agent is self-propagating. Filterability establishes that it is subcellular. Other estimates of size (see below) based on sedimentation velocity, filtration, exclusion chromatography and sensitivity to ionizing radiation place the scrapie agent with the smaller viruses.
IgM response against amyloid-beta in aging: a potential peripheral protective mechanism

The immune system plays a major role in the pathogenesis of age-related dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An insight into age-associated changes in the immune response to amyloid-beta (Aβ) in individuals without AD may be beneficial in identifying mechanisms preventing accumulation of Aβ. We examined the response of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy aged and young subjects to Aβ peptide 1–42, Aβ fibrils, and recombinant, nonaggregated tau-4 protein with a view to understand the role of peripheral immunity in AD. Our studies revealed that DCs from healthy aged subjects display weak reactivity towards the Aβ peptide and no reactivity towards Aβ fibrils and tau compared with their young counterparts. An analysis of old and young PBMCs revealed that there is no significant T-cell memory against Aβ peptide, fibrils, or tau. Remarkably, the plasma levels of IgM antibodies specific to Aβ peptide 1–42 were significantly increased in aged subjects compared with young subjects, while IgG levels were comparable. Aβ peptide-specific IgM and IgG levels were also determined in the plasma of AD subjects compared with age-matched controls to demonstrate that the immune response against Aβ is stronger in AD patients. A decline in Aβ peptide-specific IgM antibodies was observed in AD patients compared with age-matched controls. In contrast, the levels of IgG as well as interleukin-21, the major cytokine involved in class switching, were increased in AD and patients with mild cognitive impairment, indicating a strong immune response against Aβ. Collectively, low immunogenicity of Aβ in healthy controls may prevent inflammation while the generation of specific IgM antibodies may help in the clearance of Aβ in healthy subjects.
Connexive Extensions of Regular Conditional Logic

The object of this paper is to examine half and full connexive extensions of the basic regular conditional logic CR. Extensions of this system are of interest because it is among the strongest well-known systems of conditional logic that can be augmented with connexive theses without inconsistency resulting. These connexive extensions are characterized axiomatically and their relations to one another are examined proof-theoretically. Subsequently, algebraic semantics are given and soundness, completeness, and decidability are proved for each system. The semantics is also used to establish independence results. Finally, a deontic interpretation of one of the systems is examined and defended.
Automated and flexible identification of complex disease: building a model for systemic lupus erythematosus using noisy labeling.

Accurate and efficient identification of complex chronic conditions in the electronic health record (EHR) is an important but challenging task that has historically relied on tedious clinician review and oversimplification of the disease. Here we adapt methods that allow for automated "noisy labeling" of positive and negative controls to create a "silver standard" for machine learning to automate identification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our final model, which includes both structured data as well as text processing of clinical notes, outperformed all existing algorithms for SLE (AUC 0.97). In addition, we demonstrate how the probabilistic outputs of this model can be adapted to various clinical needs, selecting high thresholds when specificity is the priority and lower thresholds when a more inclusive patient population is desired. Deploying a similar methodology to other complex diseases has the potential to dramatically simplify the landscape of population identification in the EHR. MeSH terms Electronic Health Records, Machine Learning, Lupus Erythematosus, Phenotype, Algorithms.
Professional Identity, the Goals and Purposes of Forensic Psychiatry, and Dr. Ezra Griffith.

Dr. Ezra Griffith9s retirement as Editor of The Journal motivated this reflection on his contributions to forensic psychiatry. In 1998, Dr. Griffith published a response to Dr. Alan Stone9s views and Dr. Paul Appelbaum9s theory on ethics in forensic psychiatry. This response has been often labeled as the “cultural formulation” perspective. This article reviews some of the major contributors in the development of ethics and professionalism for forensic psychiatry and offers a perspective on Dr. Griffith9s contributions in this evolving and relatively young sub-specialty within psychiatry. With his scholarly contributions to the field of ethics, Dr. Griffith has offered a bridge that connects past attempts to define our sub-specialty to a future formulation of the goals and purposes of forensic psychiatry, something that the author recommends as a next step.
Grouping affects children’s interpretation of a label for an animal, but not for an artifact:

The authors conducted three experiments examining the effect of grouping on children’s generalization of animal labels. In Experiment 1 (N = 96), first graders (M age = 6 years, 10 months) who had ...
Wirelessly Powered Signal Regeneration to Improve the Remote Detectability of an Inductive Pressure Sensor

Chronic pressure monitoring by wireless and batteryless sensors are desirable for maintaining proper function of biomedical implants. Compared to capacitive, piezoelectric, and piezoresistive sensors, inductive sensors are less susceptible to capacitance fluctuation in the environment, and they can convert loading pressure into inductance changes for wireless detection as resonance frequency shifts. However, inductive sensors normally require the use of ferromagnetic materials for frequency tuning; their frequency responses are harder to detect over larger distance separations. Without using ferromagnetic materials, we will utilize two coaxially coupled resonators whose mutual inductance (and thus resonance frequency) is modulated by the thickness of an elastic substrate that can deform under pressure loading. By modifying one of the coupled resonators into a parametric resonator that contains nonlinear capacitors and an extra conductor across its virtual grounds, the sensor can utilize wireless pumping power to enlarge backscattered signals whose peak response frequency is linearly correlated with the loading pressure. This linear relation is observable beyond the near-field region, even though the distance separation between the sensor and the measurement loop is ten-fold the sensor's circuit dimension. This novel concept of wirelessly powered signal regeneration will improve the remote detectability and operation flexibility of various physiological sensors.
RADIATIVE PHASE TRANSITIONS AND CASIMIR EFFECT INSTABILITIES

Molecular quantum electrodynamics lead to photon frequency shifts and thus to changes in condensed matter free energies (often called the Casimir effect). Strong quantum electrodynamic coupling between radiation and molecular motions can lead to an instability beyond which one or more photon oscillators undergo a displacement phase transition. We show that the phase boundary of the transition can be located by a Casimir free energy instability.
Monitors and Equipment for the Ambulatory Surgical Care Setting

As Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) become increasingly popular in the United States, proper anesthesia equipment and monitoring are foundational for ensuring the delivery of safe and efficient anesthetic care. Herein, we will review standard and expected monitoring every ASC should consider in order to meet their stated mission, including pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, electrocardiographic, temperature and capnographic monitoring. We will also discuss the use of the bispectral index, near infra-red spectroscopy and monitoring after the administration of neuromuscular blockade. These guidelines apply to all forms of anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and deep sedation, in both adults and children.
Personality traits predict dietary habits in middle-to-older adults

Personality traits are consistently associated with health behaviors, but little research has examined the role of personality on eating habits among middle-to-older adults. The current study (n = ...
Electronic Cigarette (E-Cigarette) Vapor Exposure Alters the Streptococcus pneumoniae Transcriptome in a Nicotine-Dependent Manner without Affecting Pneumococcal Virulence.

The effects of e-cigarette vapor (EV) exposure on the physiology of respiratory microflora are not fully defined. We analyzed the effects of exposure to vapor from nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquid formulations on virulence and transcriptome of Streptococcus pneumoniae strain TIGR4, a pathogen that asymptomatically colonizes human nasopharyngeal mucosa. TIGR4 was pre-exposed for 2h to nicotine-containing EV extract (EVE+NIC), nicotine-free EV extract (EVE-NIC), cigarette smoke extract (CSE), or nutrient-rich TS broth (control). The differences in the treatment and control TIGR4 were explored using transcriptome sequencing, in vitro virulence assays, and in vivo mouse model of acute pneumonia. The analysis of RNASeq profiles revealed modest changes in the expression of 14 genes involved in sugar transport and metabolism in EVE-NIC pre-exposed TIGR4 compared to the control. While, EVE+NIC or CSE exposure altered expression of 264 and 982 genes, respectively, most of which were involved in metabolism and stress response. Infection in a mouse model of acute pneumonia with control TIGR4 or with TIGR4 pre-exposed to EVE+NIC, EVE-NIC, or CSE did not show significant differences in disease parameters, such as bacterial organ burden and respiratory cytokine response. Interestingly, TIGR4 exposed to CSE or EVE+NIC (but not EVE-NIC) exhibited moderate induction of biofilm formation. However, none of the treatment groups showed significant alterations in pneumococcal hydrophobicity or epithelial cell adherence. In summary, our study reports that exposure to EV significantly alters the S. pneumoniae transcriptome in a nicotine-dependent manner without affecting pneumococcal virulence. Importance With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes amongst cigarette smoking and non-smoking adults and children, and the recent reports of vaping related lung illness and deaths, further analysis of the adverse health effects of e-cigarette vapor (EV) exposure is warranted. Since pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae can colonize the human nasopharynx as commensals, they may be affected by the exposure to bioactive chemicals in EV. Hence in this study we examined the effects of EV exposure on the physiology of S. pneumoniae strain TIGR4. In order to differentiate between the effects of nicotine and non-nicotine components, we specifically compared RNASeq profiles and virulence of TIGR4 exposed to vapor from nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquid formulations. We observed that nicotine-containing EV augmented TIGR4 biofilms and altered expression of TIGR4 genes predominantly involved in metabolism and stress response. However, neither nicotine-containing nor nicotine-free EV affected TIGR4 virulence in a mouse model.
Unmasking Administrative Evil, Fifth Edition

Those who read previous editions of Unmasking Administrative Evil will find a familiar argument in the fifth edition. Through a combination of technical rationality, professional identity, psycholo...
Mixed Transcortical Aphasia in Association with Neurodegenerative Disease (P6.080)

Objective: To describe a novel case of mixed transcortical aphasia in association with neurodegenerative disease. Background: Mixed transcortical aphasia is a rare speech disorder characterized by reduced spontaneous speech and decreased comprehension with intact repetition. This type of aphasia has been seen previously in patients with brain infarction, particularly with ischemia of watershed areas which isolate Broca’s area, Wernicke’s areas, and the arcuate fasciculus from rest of the brain. Design/Methods: A case report. Results: we report a 55 year old right-handed female who gradually developed language difficulties over two years. Symptoms began with difficulty finding words and word production. On neuropsychologic testing, she was found to have impaired spontaneous speech, impaired comprehension and naming, with intact repetition. Her MRI showed atrophy in the left frontal, parietal and anterior temporal lobe, without evidence of ischemia. Conclusions: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disease manifested by a progressive decline in language capabilities. To date, three types of PPA have been described: a semantic variant and two non-semantic variants called nonfluent/agrammatic and logopenic variants. Semantic PPA patients have difficulty comprehending word meaning and anomia but are fluent with grammatically correct speech. Nonfluent variants present with speech apraxia, grammatical errors with preserved word comprehension (Gorno Tempini 2011). To our knowledge this is the first case associated with neurodegenerative disease. Hence, this case represents a new variant of primary progressive aphasia. Disclosure: Dr. Tariq has nothing to disclose. Dr. Parker has nothing to disclose. Dr. Saadatpour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mardani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Leilani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Heilman has received personal compensation for activities with the American Academy of Neurology and Harvard as a speaker. Dr. Heilman has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity.
Misdiagnosis of Diverticulitis After a Prior Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis share clinical features. Misdiagnosed diverticulitis can cause unnecessary antibiotic therapy. Among IBS and non-IBS patients, we compared outpatient, clinically diagnosed (no computed tomography) diverticulitis rates. Among primary-care, diverticulitis-diagnosed IBS patients, we assessed imaged diverticulosis and probable misdiagnosed diverticulitis. Methods: Among 3836-patient IBS and 67,827-patient non-IBS cohorts identified from 2000 to 2002, we retrospectively compared the frequency of outpatient, clinically diagnosed, antibiotic-treated diverticulitis from 2003 to endpoints of December 31, 2017, disenrollment, or death. In IBS patients, we reviewed records of initial, primary care-managed episodes for misdiagnosis. Results: In 3836 clinically diagnosed IBS and 63,991 non-IBS cohorts, followup (median [interquartile range]) was 12.4 (3.9 to 15.0) years versus 10.2 (3.0 to 15.0) years, respectively (P Conclusions: Outpatient, clinically diagnosed, antibiotic-treated diverticulitis was increased 3-fold in IBS patients. Primary care clinical misdiagnosis of initial episodes occurred in 1 of 5 patients, but additional misdiagnosis due to misattribution of IBS pain to diverticulitis is suggested.
Joint Low Dose CT Denoising And Kidney Segmentation

In this research, both image denoising and kidney segmentation tasks are addressed jointly via one multitask deep convolutional network. This multitasking scheme yields better results for both tasks compared to separate single-task methods. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is a first time attempt at addressing these joint tasks in low-dose CT scans (LDCT). This new network is a conditional generative adversarial network (C-GAN) and is an extension of the image-to-image translation network. To investigate the generalized nature of the network, two other conventional single task networks are also exploited, including the well-known 2D UNet method for segmentation and the more recently proposed method WGAN for LDCT denoising. Implementation results proved that the proposed method outperforms UNet and WGAN for both tasks.
The Radial Stapler Facilitates Lung-Conserving Wedge Resections

ObjectiveTo test whether use of the radial stapler facilitates lung-conserving wedge resections compared to the linear stapler.MethodsA video-assisted thoracoscopic simulation lab was established t...
Do Daily Spiritual Experiences Moderate the Effect of Stressors on Psychological Well-being? A Smartphone-based Experience Sampling Study of Depressive Symptoms and Flourishing

Much of the survey research on religion/spirituality and mental health in the U.S. must be assumed to capture stable respondent traits when it is possible temporary states are actually being record...
Sleep duration does not mediate the association between screen time and adolescent depression and anxiety: findings from the 2018 National Survey of Children's Health.

Abstract Objective/background Adolescence is a crucial time period in which individuals are at high risk for depression and anxiety. Associations between screen time and adolescent depression and anxiety have been inconclusive. We examined 1) the associations of screen time with adolescent depression and anxiety and 2) whether sleep duration mediates these relationships. Methods This study utilized data from the 2018 US. National Survey of Children's Health, a large cross-sectional population representative dataset with parent/caregiver responses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between screen time and depression and anxiety in separate models. Path models were used to test the mediating role of sleep duration. Confounders, as sex, age, and sociodemographic variables were included in our adjusted models. Results Data of 10,907 adolescents aged 13 to 17 were included in this study. The average screen time was 3.76 h daily. Compared to no screen time, adolescents who used over 4 h of screen time per day had higher odds of depression (OR = 2.23, 95% CI:1.27–3.91) and anxiety (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.26–2.72). Sleep duration did not mediate the associations between screen time and depression and anxiety. Conclusions Further research is necessary to examine the associations of screen time content with depression and anxiety, as well as the effects of sleep quality in conjunction with sleep duration on the relationships of screen time and depression and anxiety.
Vascular lung triculture organoid via soluble extracellular matrix suspension

Abstract Scaffold-free tissue engineering is desired in creating consistently sized and shaped cell aggregates but has been limited to spheroid-like structure and function, thus restricting its use in accurate disease modeling. Here, we show formation of a viable lung organoid from epithelial, endothelial, and fibroblast stable cell lines in suspension culture supplemented with soluble concentrations of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). We demonstrate the importance of soluble ECM in organotypic patterning with the emergence of air space-like gas exchange units, formation of branching, perfusable vasculature, and increased 3D growth. Our results show a dependent relationship between enhanced fibronectin fibril assembly and the incorporation of ECM in the organoid. Endothelial branching was found to depend on both soluble ECM and fibroblast. We successfully applied this technology in modeling lung fibrosis via bleomycin induction and test a potential antifibrotic drug in vitro while maintaining fundamental cell-cell interactions in lung tissue. Our human fluorescent lung organoid (hFLO) model accurately represents features of pulmonary fibrosis which were ameliorated by fasudil treatment. We demonstrate a 3D culture method with potential of creating organoids from mature cells, thus opening avenues for disease modeling and regenerative medicine, enhancing understanding of lung cell biology in health and lung disease.
Information Networks and Collective Action: Evidence from the Women’s Temperance Crusade

How do social interactions shape collective action, and how are they mediated by networked information technologies? We answer these questions studying the Temperance Crusade, a wave of anti-liquor protest activity spreading across 29 states between 1873-1874. Relying on exogenous variation in network links generated by railroad accidents, we provide causal evidence of social interactions driving the diffusion of the movement, mediated by rail and telegraph information about neighboring activity. Local newspaper coverage of the Crusade was a key channel mediating these effects. Using an event-study methodology, we find strong complementarities between rail and telegraph networks in driving the movement’s spread.
The Atlatl: the physics of function and performance

An examination of the physical laws behind the function and performance of the atlatl-both with and without weights-is presented. The increased distance a dart can be thrown with the atlatl is a fu...
One-Sample Means

In Chapter 5 we were introduced to continuous data, and in this Chapter we take our first steps into the realm of inference by focusing on hypothesis testing and estimating confidence intervals for one-sample continuous data. In many ways, the material we introduce here will resemble the material covered in Chapter 2, where we focused on the case of a one-sample proportion. While the specific details will clearly be different, most of the steps we take will be the same in both cases. For instance, in both cases we will summarize our data, generate hypotheses, evaluate the veracity of our assumptions, perform the statistical test, and make inference from the output of that test. Most importantly, since we are only dealing with one sample, we must again pay close attention to the hypothesized value upon which we base our test. Before we get to such a test, we must examine the behavior of the sample mean, much as we did for the sample proportion in Chapter 2.
From Science to Enterprise – Intel’s Grid Activities

The presentation addresses the current status of UNICORE and will describe Intel’s concepts for a new Grid Programming Environment (GPE). UNICORE is now heavily used in academia and industry; the presentation will show some examples of successful application enabling with UNICORE. This includes results of the EUROGRID project as well as work of other Grid projects in and outside Europe. The UNICORE architecture is based on three layers: the client interfaces to the end-user, providing functions for creating jobs to be run and monitoring their progress, the gateway is the single entry point for all users at a centre and cooperates with the firewalls to only allow legitimate users in, and the server schedules UNICORE jobs for execution, translating the specification to the commands appropriate for the target platform. The server also controls transmission of files, including output and result files that can be later retrieved by the user.
Concurrent engineering as an integrated approach to fast cycle development

The author examines the concept of concurrent engineering and presents a model for the management of concurrent engineering. First, the concurrent engineering approach to new product development is contrasted with the traditional approach to new product development. Secondly, a model for the management of concurrent engineering is presented. Lastly, the framework is used to synthesize the major findings from an exploratory study of exemplary practices of concurrent engineering. >
Properties of a Fructose-1, 6-Diphosphate-Activated Lactate Dehydrogenase from Acholeplasma laidlawii Type A

Abstract Acholeplasma laidlawii A possesses a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent l(+)-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) which is activated specifically by low concentrations of fructose-1, 6-diphosphate (FDP). Studies with partially purified enzyme show that the kinetic response to FDP is hyperbolic. The enzyme is inhibited by inorganic phosphate, adenosine triphosphate, and high concentrations of reduced NAD (NADH). Low activity is demonstrable in the absence of FDP at pH 6.0 to 7.2, but FDP is absolutely required in the region of pH 8. FDP causes an upward shift in the optimum pH of the enzyme, which is near 7.2 in tris (hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer. Activation of the enzyme by FDP is markedly affected by substrate concentration; FDP lowers the apparent Km for pyruvate and NADH. The affinity of the enzyme for pyruvate is also influenced by H+ concentration. The pyruvate analogue α-ketobutyrate serves as an effective substrate for the enzyme; when it is utilized, the enzyme is still activated by FDP. Reversal of the pyruvate reduction reaction catalyzed by the enzyme can be demonstrated with the 3-acetylpyridine analogue of NAD. The catalytic properties of the A. laidlawii enzyme and the known FDP-activated LDHs which occur among lactic acid bacteria are discussed.
Structural Evolution in Atomic Nuclei: Residual Interactions, Quantum Phase Transitions and the Emergence of Collectivity

A synoptic view of the evolution of structure with Z and N in nuclei is beginning to emerge from the confiuence of new experimental results on phase transitional behavior, newly proposed many‐body symmetries for critical point nuclei, a new generation of solvable collective models, powerful approaches to viewing the systematics of nuclear properties based on simple models of residual interactions, and advances in microscopic calculations of medium mass and heavy nuclei. A recent compilation of nuclear masses has contributed by permitting empirical extractions of new p−n interaction strengths of the last protons with the last neutrons in many nuclei across the nuclear chart. A number of these developments will be discussed with an eye to the opportunities and challenges they provide for the future, especially in the era of next‐generation exotic beam facihties throughout the world.
The Predictive Power of Limit Order Book for Future Volatility, Trade Price, and Speed of Trading

We investigate the information content of the limit order book (LOB) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the world’s second largest order-driven exchange1. Microstructure parameters, such as the current cost-to-trade 1% of average daily volume and order book slope, consistently and significantly predict future price volatility, trade prices, and speed of trading. The shape of the LOB on the bid side carries more predictive power than that on the ask side. We also document that the average trade size is the driving force in the standard volume-volatility relationship.
Hybrid closed-loop renewable energy systems: El Hierro as a model case for discrete power systems

This research investigates the application of hybrid closed-loop energy systems that combine multiple clean energy generation and storage technologies as an alternative to diesel fuel fired electrical generators. The El Hierro project in the Canary Islands, an Archipelago of Spain, represents the first major Megawatt-level energy project aimed at coupling continuous wind power generation with potential energy storage by pumping water to high elevation lakes. These are coupled to hydroelectric generators that can be used for load leveling, peak demand, and frequency control of the power supply to the island's grid. This first of a kind project is presented from technical, regulatory, and political perspective.
Deep brain stimulation for obesity: past, present, and future targets.

The authors review the history of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients for treating obesity, describe current DBS targets in the brain, and discuss potential DBS targets and nontraditional stimulation parameters that may improve the effectiveness of DBS for ameliorating obesity. Deep brain stimulation for treating obesity has been performed both in animals and in humans with intriguing preliminary results. The brain is an attractive target for addressing obesity because modulating brain activity may permit influencing both sides of the energy equation—caloric intake and energy expenditure.
Bolus tracer delivery measured by MRI confirms edema without blood-brain barrier permeability in diffuse traumatic brain injury.

Introduction Previous studies have shown that edema formation after diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) with secondary insult is cytotoxic and not vasogenic. This assumption is based on observations of reduced apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and lack of significant accumulation of intravascular tracer in brain tissue. However, ADC reduction does not exclude vasogenic edema, and intravascular tracer can only accumulate when it reaches the tissue and is not perfusion limited. This study aims to confirm tissue delivery of intravascular tracer and lack of BBB opening during a phase of rapid brain swelling after diffuse TBI.
THALLOTOXICOSIS Report of a Case and a Review

A review of the history, pharmacology, manifestations and treatment of thallium poisoning is presented. A case of thallium poisoning is reported in an 8-year-old boy who presented with peripheral neuritis and alopecia. Thallium intoxication was proven by finding thallium in the urine, 1.8 mg./1., 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. The pediatric cases in the American literature since 1935 are summarized. There are 18 reported cases, including the present case. Ten of these eighteen children died. Sixteen patients had nervous symptoms, 11 had alopecia. Eight children gave a history of ingestion of rodenticide and in 5 the source of thallium was not known.
Chapter 18 Methodological approaches to metabolism research

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the principles, approaches, and applications of the molecular and metabolic techniques. Advances in molecular biology and stable isotope techniques provide an understanding of the biological basis of metabolomics from the level of systemic physiology, to intermediary metabolism, to molecular regulation of critical proteins, and on down to genomic expression. The development of transgenic technologies, such as gene overexpression, knockout, and conditional expression, the physiological roles and metabolic functions of specific genes are explored and individual proteins involved in the control of specific aspects of metabolism are identified. Metabolomics is feasible in crude biological extracts with advances in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry coupled with bioinformatics techniques, and multivariate statistical analyses. Combination of laser capture microdissection with real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) allows expression of selected genes to be quantified in a pure population of defined individual cells. RNA interference is used as a specific and efficient method to silence gene expression in mammalian cells and to confirm gene function on a wholegenome scale.
Temporal and Spatial Fluctuations in Widths of Solar EUV Lines

Analyses of some 300 hours of time sequences of solar EUV line profiles obtained with 0S0-8 show large fluctuations in line widths. At a given location on the sun, line widths fluctuate temporally on time scales ranging from less than a minute to over an hour. At any given time, line widths fluctuate spatially on a variety of scales ranging from active region size to arc second size. Temporal and spatial fluctuations are of approximately the same amplitude. Thus, the sun can be characterized by an aggregate of small cells in each of which line widths are fluctuating in time and which have random phases with respect to each other. Spatial fluctuations in line width are correlated with large scale spatial fluctuations in brightness for some lines but not for Qthers. Temporal fluctuations in width are sometimes correlated with either Doppler shifts or intensity fluctuations, but more often such correlations are absent. For a given line, the line width varies through an extreme r~nge of about a factor of two. Nonthermal components of line width vary from approximately the local sound speed to a small fraction of the sound speed. FORMATION OF THE PROFILES OF ABSORPTION LINES IN THE INHOMOGENEODS MEDIUM R.I. Kostik Main Astronomical Observatory of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences Kiev-127, U.S.S.R.
Reply to Lawson et al.: A synergistic approach to mental health research

Perception and action reflect the interplay of immediate sensory information and knowledge derived from past experience (“priors”). Together, sensory information and priors enable us to form predictions about our environment (e.g., guessing what a friend will say next) and select appropriate behavioral actions (e.g., a response that keeps the conversation going). Recent efforts to understand the phenotypic consequences of autism suggest that the disorder may alter the ability to make such predictions (1–4). As Lawson et al. (5) discuss, this idea can be framed as an imbalance in the relative “precision” (reliability or certainty) of sensory information and priors. The sensory precision of your friend’s words is greater if the conversation occurs in a quiet room than a noisy restaurant. The precision of the prior (what you expect to hear) is greater if you are hearing a story for the fifth time. An increase in the precision of sensory evidence relative to the precision of priors may account for a number of behavioral characteristics observed in autism.
The Yersinia pseudotuberculosis adhesin YadA mediates intimate bacterial attachment to and entry into HEp-2 cells.

Abstract We characterized a bacterium-host cell interaction that is mediated by the Yersinia adhesin YadA. Derivatives of the virulence plasmid pIB1 harboring mutations in yadA, yopE, or yopH or in a low-calcium-response regulatory locus were introduced into a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YPIII strain defective for Inv. The mutant strains were tested for the capacity to attach to and enter HEp-2 cells and express the cytotoxic activities of YopE and YopH. As previously shown, expression of YadA was necessary for bacterial attachment and Yop activity in the absence of Inv (R. Rosqvist, A. Forsberg, M. Rimpilainen, T. Bergman, and H. Wolf-Watz, Mol. Microbiol. 4:657-667, 1990). In addition, bacterial entry into HEp-2 cells occurred efficiently when YadA was expressed in the absence of YopE and YopH. These results demonstrated that YadA mediates intimate attachment of Y. pseudotuberculosis to HEp-2 cells and that phagocytic uptake of bacteria by this pathway is inhibited by the synergistic activities of YopH and YopE. A role for beta 1 integrins as host cell receptors for this bacterial attachment and entry mechanism was supported by HEp-2 cell adhesion and monoclonal antibody neutralization studies.
Acute inflammation induces segmental, bilateral, supraspinally mediated opioid release in the rat spinal cord, as measured by μ-opioid receptor internalization

Abstract The objective of this study was to measure opioid release in the spinal cord during acute and long-term inflammation using μ-opioid receptor (MOR) internalization. In particular, we determined whether opioid release occurs in the segments receiving the noxious signals or in the entire spinal cord, and whether it involves supraspinal signals. Internalization of neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1Rs) was measured to track the intensity of the noxious stimulus. Rats received peptidase inhibitors intrathecally to protect opioids from degradation. Acute inflammation of the hind paw with formalin induced moderate MOR internalization in the L5 segment bilaterally, whereas NK1R internalization occurred only ipsilaterally. MOR internalization was restricted to the lumbar spinal cord, regardless of whether the peptidase inhibitors were injected in a lumbar or thoracic site. Formalin-induced MOR internalization was substantially reduced by isoflurane anesthesia. It was also markedly reduced by a lidocaine block of the cervical-thoracic spinal cord (which did not affect the evoked NK1R internalization) indicating that spinal opioid release is mediated supraspinally. In the absence of peptidase inhibitors, formalin and hind paw clamp induced a small amount of MOR internalization, which was significantly higher than in controls. To study spinal opioid release during chronic inflammation, we injected complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the hind paw and peptidase inhibitors intrathecally. Two days later, no MOR or NK1R internalization was detected. Furthermore, CFA inflammation decreased MOR internalization induced by clamping the inflamed hind paw. These results show that acute inflammation, but not chronic inflammation, induces segmental opioid release in the spinal cord that involves supraspinal signals.
An ontogenetic study of lactate dehydrogenase in Porocephalus crotali (Pentastomida)

Abstract 1. 1. The ontogenetic study of lactate dehydrogenase from Porocephalus crotali was undertaken using specific activities, optimal pH values, isoelectric points, Michaelis-Menten constants for lactate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. Large changes in specific activities were noted, ranging from 3·6 in the infective egg to 13·5 in the infective nymph and 12·8 in the adult. 3. 3. Optimal pH ranged from 7·9 to 8·1 and small changes in K m 's for lactate and NAD in all three developmental stages were observed. 4. 4. Anodal polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of Porocephalus crotali eggs, larvae, and adults has shown lactate dehydrogenase to consist of one, five, and five isoenzymes, respectively. 5. 5. LDH-4 is the predominant fraction in the nymphal and adult stages. 6. 6. In terms of electrophoretic mobility, LDH-1 of eggs corresponds to LDH-1 in the nymph and adult stages. 7. 7. Dramatic differences were found when the protein and lipoprotein patterns of the eggs, nymphs and adults were compared. 8. 8. These differences were in the electrophoretic mobility, number and density of the protein and lipoprotein fractions. 9. 9. Isoelectric focusing demonstrated five molecular forms of LDH from the nymph and adult stages while only one was found for the egg.
Identification of a simplified AUV pitch axis model for control design: Theory and experiments

This paper presents an system identification algorithm for the longitudinal motion of a streamlined, tail-controlled, miniature autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The motion of a rigid body in six degrees of freedom is restricted to the dive plane to derive a fourth order dynamic pitch axis model. Based on the mechanical design of the vehicle, we impose symmetry and buoyancy assumptions that allow further model truncation. Basic dependencies between inherent stability of these truncated models and system parameters such as hydrodynamic coefficients are addressed. For the goal to rapidly design an AUV attitude control system, we experimentally show that it is sufficient to consider a second order dynamic model. We identify model parameters by matching the input and output behavior via least squares. Data collected during field trials validates both the system identification and the utility of a second order model for control design.
Molecular simulations of very high pressure hydrogen storage using metal–organic frameworks

Abstract Hydrogen adsorption isotherms in 20 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) were obtained from grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations and used to develop quantitative correlations to quickly estimate the H2 uptake of MOFs at 120 bar from the free volume of the adsorbent. These correlations were then verified with a diverse set of 22 MOFs that were not used in developing the correlations. The simulated high-pressure H2 isotherms in five representative MOFs show that extremely high pressures (∼80,000 bar) are required to completely fill the MOF pores with H2 at 298 K. Nevertheless, much lower pressures (several 100 bar) are sufficient to attain the H2 storage targets for MOFs with large free volumes. For IRMOF-16 with a large free volume (4.322 cm3/g), only modest pressures (170 and 280 bar) are required to achieve the 2010 and 2015 gravimetric targets. However, considerably higher pressures are required for attaining the volumetric targets. In addition, three interesting pressure regions, which are observed in the H2 densities within the MOFs (ρad) up to very high pressures, are analyzed by radial distribution functions between the adsorbed H2 molecules as well as those between H2 molecules and metal corners.
Localization of rapidly adapting receptors in the trachea and main stem bronchus of the dog

Abstract Fast-adapting tracheo-bronchial receptors were identified by their rapidly adapting dicharge of action potentials, recorded from small filaments in the peripheral cut end of the right vagus nerve, to either a maintained inflation or deflation of the lungs. Their location was visually determined in 19 dogs by probing the airways through a fiberoptic bronchoscope, and thereby eliciting their response to light touch. Only receptors placed in the trachea and in main stem bronchus were considered. Thirty-five receptors were studied, 24 in the trachea and 11 in the right main stem bronchus. The receptive fields to light touch were roughly circular and approximately 1 cm in diameter. Receptors were distributed throughout the ipsilateral hemicircumference of the trachea (4 in the contralateral hemicircumference) and throughout the circumference of the right main stem bronchus. In 9 receptors resection of the mucosal receptive field eliminated the response to local probing, but left intact the response to deflation and inflation in 7 of them. The results indicate that the sensory endings of an ‘irritant’ receptor lie both in the epithelial and in deeper structures of the airway. We infer that mucosal endings provide sensitivity to light touch and that deeper endings mediate the response to gross mechanical deformation.
Correcting for bias when average values are used to compute changes in consumer surplus

Abstract Calculation of a change in consumer surplus is often used when evaluating the welfare impact of a change in the level of a nonmarket good. Unfortunately, because of a lack of data, estimation of the required demand curve is often infeasible. Instead, a proxy measure is often used that combines a measure of average consumer's surplus, such as recreational visitor‐day values, with a prediction of changes in use levels. This article examines the potential biases and cases in which this can be corrected by the use of this benefits transfer technique.
Developing a risk assessment strategy for the Chesapeake Bay

Increased use of the world's natural resources, including water bodies such as the Chesapeake Bay, has resulted in additional burdens being placed on them. If continued, unrestricted use of such resources continues, degradation will occur to such an extent that some areas will be unsuitable for economic, social, and environmental uses. Regional risk assessment strategies must be developed so that actual or perceived risks can be evaluated and predicted on a regional scale. This article presents an initial strategy for the Chesapeake Bay that may be useful to scientists, managers, and elected officials responsible for other bodies of water as well. This article reviews risk assessment practices and proposes a strategy that utilizes appropriate endpoints to ascertain and predict risk.
Noise propagation in a 3×3 optical demodulation scheme used for fiber Bragg grating interrogation

This work presents a statistical model for the propagation of noise through interferometric demodulation processes. Using the case of a 3×3 passive digital demodulation algorithm, an exact transfer function and its associated probability structure for intensity noise propagation through a fiber Bragg grating sensor interrogation system is derived. This new model is generalized to any input noise probability structure and includes the possibility of full or partial correlation among the demodulation input channels. This work then presents results for the specific case of Gaussian intensity noise (with and without channel correlations) and shows explicit interferometer phase influence on output noise statistical moments, which are important for signal-to-noise predictions. The demodulators nonlinear transfer function is shown to induce output bias as well as either attenuate or amplify output variance, depending upon the signal phase. Experimental data are provided to validate the model. This model generalizes to support predicting output noise levels in Bragg grating-based sensing systems.
Use of gesture development in profiling children's prelinguistic communication skills.

Purpose Comparing children’s skills across and within domains of development has become a standard in providing early intervention services. Profiling a child’s strengths and challenges can help in...
Is there a J-curve?

Abstract If the response of the value of the trade balance to movements in the real exchange rate is described by a J-curve, then a real depreciation initially worsens a balance of trade deficit, only improving it over time. This paper investigates whether a J-curve can be detected in the last twenty-five years of American data. No statistically reliable evidence of a stable J-curve is detected. The model is checked extensively to support this finding.
Enhancer trapping in woody plants : Isolation of the ET304 gene encoding a putative AT-hook motif transcription factor and characterization of the expression patterns conferred by its promoter in transgenic Populus and Arabidopsis

Abstract Enhancer trapping is a useful tool in isolation of novel genes and functional characterization of promoters directing tissue-specific expression in trees. Using an enhancer trap approach we isolated a novel gene ET304 from Populus ( Populus : aspens and cottonwoods). Both ET304 enhancer trap line and putative ET304 promoter fused to a GUS reporter gene conferred strongly root-predominant expression patterns and directed expression to specific root tissue and cell types. GUS activity was detected in lateral root primordia, root apical meristem, elongation zone and cortex. ET304 promoter sequence contained a canonic auxin response element (AuxRE) located upstream of the enhancer trap insertion site. In a synchronized lateral root induction system ET304 promoter conferred an auxin-responsive expression in newly emerging lateral roots of both poplar and Arabidopsis . A detailed histochemical examination of poplar transgenics showed that ET304 promoter was highly active in actively growing lateral roots, their primordia and to a lesser extent—in secondary meristems of aerial organs rich in free endogenous auxin. These results were consistent with the expression profiling of ET304 mRNA in various tissues of mature poplar trees. The analysis of Populus genomic sequence suggested that ET304 represents a large family of putative transcription factors containing a conserved AT-hook motif and DNA binding domain.