cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivariate analysis of fMRI group data using independent vector analysis

A multivariate non-parametric approach for the processing of fMRI group data is important to address variability of hemodynamic responses across subjects, sessions, and brain regions. Independent component analysis (ICA) has a limitation during the inference of group effects due to a permutation problem of independent components. In order to address this limitation, we present an independent vector analysis (IVA) for the processing of fMRI group data. Compared to the ICA, the IVA offers an extra dimension for the dependent parameters, which can be assigned for the automated grouping of dependent activation patterns across subjects. The IVA was applied to the fMRI data obtained from 12 subjects performing a left-hand motor task. In comparison with conventional univariate methods, IVA successfully characterized the group-representative activation time courses (as component vectors) without extra data processing schemes to circumvent the permutation problem, while effectively detecting the areas with hemodynamic responses deviating from canonical, model-driven ones.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase VHL Regulates Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α to Maintain Regulatory T Cell Stability and Suppressive Capacity

Summary Foxp3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells play a critical role in immune homeostasis; however, the mechanisms to maintain their function remain unclear. Here, we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase VHL is essential for Treg cell function. Mice with Foxp3-restricted VHL deletion displayed massive inflammation associated with excessive Treg cell interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production. VHL-deficient Treg cells failed to prevent colitis induction, but converted into Th1-like effector T cells. VHL intrinsically orchestrated such conversion under both steady and inflammatory conditions followed by Foxp3 downregulation, which was reversed by IFN-γ deficiency. Augmented hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)-induced glycolytic reprogramming was required for IFN-γ production. Furthermore, HIF-1α bound directly to the Ifng promoter. HIF-1α knockdown or knockout could reverse the increased IFN-γ by VHL-deficient Treg cells and restore their suppressive function in vivo. These findings indicate that regulation of HIF-1α pathway by VHL is crucial to maintain the stability and suppressive function of Foxp3 + T cells.
A robotic system for 18F-FMISO PET-guided intratumoral pO2 measurements.

An image-guidedrobotic system was used to measure the oxygen tension ( p O 2 ) in rodent tumor xenografts using interstitial probes guided by tumor hypoxia PETimages. Rats with ∼ 1 cm diameter tumors were anesthetized and immobilized in a custom-fabricated whole-body mold. Imaging was performed using a dedicated small-animal PET scanner (R4 or Focus 120 microPET™) ∼ 2 h after the injection of the hypoxia tracer F 18 -fluoromisonidazole ( F 18 -FMISO). The coordinate systems of the robot and PET were registered based on fiducial markers in the rodent bed visible on the PETimages. Guided by the 3D microPET image set, measurements were performed at various locations in the tumor and compared to the corresponding F 18 -FMISO image intensity at the respective measurement points. Experiments were performed on four tumor-bearing rats with 4 (86), 3 (80), 7 (162), and 8 (235) measurement tracks (points) for each experiment. The F 18 -FMISO image intensities were inversely correlated with the measured p O 2 , with a Pearson coefficient ranging from − 0.14 to − 0.97 for the 22 measurement tracks. The cumulative scatterplots of p O 2 versus image intensity yielded a hyperbolic relationship, with correlation coefficients of 0.52, 0.48, 0.64, and 0.73, respectively, for the four tumors. In conclusion, PETimage-guided p O 2 measurement is feasible with this robot system and, more generally, this system will permit point-by-point comparison of physiological probe measurements and image voxel values as a means of validating molecularly targeted radiotracers. Although the overall data fitting suggested that F 18 -FMISO may be an effective hypoxia marker, the use of static F 18 -FMISO PET postinjection scans to guide radiotherapy might be problematic due to the observed high variation in some individual data pairs from the fitted curve, indicating potential temporal fluctuation of oxygen tension in individual voxels or possible suboptimal imaging time postadministration of hypoxia-related trapping of F 18 -FMISO.
Integrins regulate NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents.

Synapses contain high concentrations of integrins, adhesion receptors known to influence the operation of neighboring transmembrane proteins. Evidence that integrins are important for consolidation...
Pulmonary delivery of liposomes

Abstract An overview of current data on pulmonary delivery of liposomes is provided, entailing fate of aerosols in the respiratory tract, physicochemical characterization of liposome aerosols, their therapeutic applications, pulmonary fate and kinetics, and pulmonary safety. Drugs that have been investigated for pulmonary delivery via liposomes include anticancer agents (ara-C), antimicrobials (enviroxime, amikacin, pentamidine), peptides (glutathione), enzymes (superoxide dismutase), antiasthmatic and antiallergic compounds (metaproterenol, salbutamol, cromolyn sodium, corticosteroids). Promising developments including pulmonary delivery of immunomodulators, antiviral agents and gene constructs (cystic fibrosis, α 1 -antitrypsin gene) are also discussed. Finally, pulmonary deposition and kinetics of drugs delivered via liposome aerosols, and targeting strategies to deliver drugs selectively to infected or impaired phagocytic (alveolar macrophages) and nonphagocytic (epithelial) cells in the lung are outlined. Based on the data on therapeutic efficacy and pulmonary safety currently available, we conclude that liposome aerosols may play an important future role in the therapy of pulmonary diseases including intracellular infections, immunologie disorders, and gene defects.
The economic history of Iran, 1800–1914, and its political impact an overview

(1972). The economic history of Iran, 1800–1914, and its political impact an overview. Iranian Studies: Vol. 5, No. 2-3, pp. 58-78.
Manganese toxicity to fungi: Influence of pH

The effects of Mn on mycelial proliferation of fungi and the effect of pH on Mn toxicity were evaluated. Results indicated that the fungi exhibited wide differences in their sensitivities to Mn. Incipient inhibition (i.e., the level of Mn at which growth inhibition was noted initially, P < 0.05) for Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Aspergillus giganteus occurred at 100 ppM Mn; for Rhizopus stolonifer, Arthrobotrys conoides, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma viride, and Penicillium vermiculatum at 500 ppM Mn; for Cephalosporium sp. at 1000 ppM Mn; and for Gliocladium sp. at 1000 to 1500 ppM Mn; growth of Aspergillus clavatus was not inhibited even at 2000 ppM Mn. No growth of S. brevicaulis occurred at 500 ppM Mn and of R. stolonifer at 1500 ppM Mn. The levels of Mn causing incipient and/or total inhibition of mycelial growth of the fungi studied were comparable to the levels reported to inhibit mycelial proliferation of some phylloplane fungi. Only A. conoides showed significant (P < 0.5) stimulation of mycelial growth by Mn; 10, 50, and 100 ppM Mn increased growth rates over control (0 ppM Mn) values. There was no consistent trend in the effect of pH on Mn toxicity to the fungi.more » However, each fungus showed a definitive response to Mn at the different pH levels. Thus, increasing the pH from 5.5 to 8.5 did not significantly affect the toxicity of Mn to Gliocladium sp., P. vermiculatum, or A. niger. The toxicity of Mn to R. stolonifer and T. viride was not different at pH 5.5 and 6.5, but increasing the pH to 7.5 or 8.5 significantly enhanced the toxicity.« less
Optimal fishery management in the presence of illegal activity

Abstract A simple fishery model is developed with legal and illegal markets for fish, the latter market being combated by enforcement efforts put forth by a social regulator. In response to enforcement, violators undertake avoidance activities to escape detection. The possible impacts of illegal activity on optimal fishery management are then explored, and some policy implications are suggested. Concurrently, optimal regulation is calculated when: (a) only legal surplus is maximized versus (b) when both legal and illegal surplus is maximized. The rationale for these two regimes and their divergence in optimal management policies is outlined.
Scaling of the Two-Phase Flow Downstream of a Gas Turbine Combustor Swirl Cup: Part I—Mean Quantities

A production gas turbine combustor swirl cup and a 3×- scale model (both featuring co-axial, counter-swirling air streams) are characterized at atmospheric pressure. Such a study provides an opportunity to assess the effect of scale on the behaviour of the continuous phase (gas in the presence of spray) and droplets by comparing the continuous phase velocity, droplet size, and droplet velocity at geometrically analogous positions. Spatially resolved velocity measurements of the continuous phase, droplet size, and droplet velocity were acquired downstream of the production and 3×-scale swirl cups by using two-component phase-Doppler interferometry in the absence of reaction. While the continuous phase flow fields scale well at the exit of the swirl cup, the similarity deviates at downstream locations due to (1) differences in entrainment, and (2) a flow asymmetry in the case of the production hardware. The droplet velocities scale reasonably well with notable exceptions. More significant The droplet velocities scale reasonably well with notable exceptions. More significant differences are noted in droplet size, although the presence of the swirl cup assemblies substantially reduces the differences in size that are otherwise produced by the two atomizers when operated independent of the swirl cup.
A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 17 Mediates Neointimal Hyperplasia in Vasculature

The requirement of a metalloprotease, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) for the growth of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells has been demonstrated in vitro. However, whether this metalloprotease is responsible for vascular remodeling in vivo remains unanswered. Rat carotid arteries were analyzed 2 weeks after a balloon angioplasty. The neointimal cells were strongly positive for ADAM17 immunostaining. Marked inhibition of intimal hyperplasia was observed in a dominant-negative ADAM17 adenovirus-treated carotid artery. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and phospho-epidermal growth factor receptor-positive cells in the neointima were reduced by dominant-negative ADAM17 as well. In contrast, the neointima formation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, and phospho-epidermal growth factor receptor-positive cells were markedly enhanced by wild-type ADAM17 adenovirus. In conclusion, ADAM17 activation is involved in epidermal growth factor receptor activation and subsequent neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. ADAM17 could be a novel therapeutic target for pathophysiological vascular remodeling.
Plasma nitrite is an indicator of acute changes in ambient air pollutant concentrations.

AbstractContext: Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested as a potential mechanism by which ambient air pollution may cause acute cardiovascular events. Recently, plasma nitrite has been developed as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.Objectives: We examined the changes in plasma nitrite concentration associated with increases in ambient air pollutant concentrations in the previous 7 d.Materials and methods: We linked up to three measurements of plasma nitrite concentrations obtained from 49 students to 24-h average concentrations of five criteria air pollutants [particle mass < 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)] measured at two monitoring sites closest to Rutgers University campus (6–15 miles) in New Jersey during the years 2006–2009. We examined the change in plasma nitrite associated with each interquartile-range (IQR) increase in pollutant concentration in the previous 24 h and six preceding 24- h periods, usin...
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and intrinsic asthma

Abstract The case of a patient with emphysema, heterozygous alpha- i -antitrypsin deficiency and intrinsic asthma is presented.
Pregnancy and Steroid Hormones Enhance the Systemic and Regional Hemodynamic Effects of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Rats

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator neuropeptide known to be involved in the regulation of vascular resistance. Several lines of evidence suggest that CGRP plays a role in the vascular adaptations that occur during normal pregnancy; however, the effects of exogenous CGRP on systemic and regional hemodynamics during pregnancy remain unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the hemodynamic effects of systemically administered CGRP in adult pregnant (Day 19) and ovariectomized (ovx) rats using the radioactive microsphere technique. In addition, we also used ovariectomized rats treated for 3 days with estradiol (E 2), progesterone (P4), E 2 1 P4 in sesame oil, or oil only to assess if these hormones regulate the CGRP-induced hemodynamic changes. On the day of study, catheters were inserted into the left cardiac ventricle (through the right carotid artery), right jugular vein, and caudal tail artery. Hemodynamic studies using radioactive microspheres were then performed in conscious rats 3 h after recovery from anesthesia. Blood pressure and heart rate were continuously monitored, and left ventricular pressure was determined immediately prior to each microsphere injection. Microspheres labeled with either 141 Ce or 85 Sr were injected prior to and 2 min following the i.v. bolus injection of CGRP (270 pmol/kg body weight [BW]). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and total vascular resistance in pregnant rats was lower than in ovx rats, and this was further decreased with an i.v. bolus injection of 270 pmol CGRP/kg BW. Cardiac output was elevated with further increases upon CGRP administration in pregnant but not in ovx rats. The CGRP-induced changes in MAP, total vascular resistance, and cardiac output in E 2 1 P4-treated rats were similar to that observed in Day 19 pregnant rats, indicating that CGRP effects on these parameters during pregnancy may be modulated by steroid hormones. Both pregnancy and E 2 1 P4 treatment in ovx rats caused significant decreases in CGRP-induced resistance in mesenteric, coronary, and renal vasculature. Thus, the vasodilatory sensitivity to CGRP during pregnancy may be mediated through decreased total vascular resistance, particularly to coronary, mesenteric, and renal vascular beds. Thus, CGRP-induced vasodilatory effects may play a role in mediating vascular adaptations that occur during pregnancy and that steroid hormones may modulate these CGRP effects. estradiol, neuropeptides, progesterone, steroid hormones
Regional response to forcing in southern Strait of Georgia

Abstract Current meter, STD, and wind data are presented to describe late winter (February–April) mean circulation in the southern Strait of Georgia. The circulation scheme was dominated by strong outward (southeast) flow on the western side of the strait. On the eastern side there was a weaker north-west flow. Mean speeds within a 95% confidence interval from near-surface (5 m) current records were observed to be 16 ± 7 cm s −1 toward the south-southeast in the center of the strait, 26 ± 5 cm s −1 toward south-southeast in Boundary Pass, and 3.7 ± 2.5 cm s −1 toward the northwest on the eastern side. Oceanic waters enter the region at depth through Haro Strait in response to Fraser River runoff at the surface. Superposition on this flow of strong tidal current signal results in augmentation of the flood on the eastern side of the ebb on the western side; however, there is no net tidal northward flow through Rosario Strait. The wind field during this experiment was generally uniform throughout the region. Although winds were uniform, response was not. The deep waters on the western side have relatively little response to wind, and gravitational convection is the dominant driving mechanism. On the shallow eastern side, wind is concluded to be the dominant mechanism driving mean circulation.
The NS-1 polypeptide of the autonomous parvovirus MVM is a nuclear phosphoprotein

Cells infected with the autonomous parvovirus MVM synthesize a major virally coded non-structural protein which accumulates in the nucleus and is phosphorylated to a significant extent. Peptide map analysis shows that this in vivo product has the same primary sequence as the NS-1 protein previously identified in the in vitro translation products of MVM encoded mRNA, and as such is the product of the largest messenger RNA species, a spliced 4.8 kb (R1) transcript. In vivo NS-1 exists in two predominant forms, a phosphorylated 84-85 kDa species and an unphosphorylated or poorly phosphorylated 83 kDa form. Both forms are preferentially extracted from the nucleus using an extraction procedure which enriches for replication complexes.
Hopf bifurcation in creeping cone-and-plate flow of a viscoelastic fluid

This paper analyzes the bifurcations which occur in the creeping flow of a viscoelastic fluid subjected to a constant shearing motion in the gap between an inverted cone and a plate. We show that when the Deborah number, a dimensionless relaxation time of the fluid, exceeds a critical value the base `viscometric' flow loses stability and a Hopf bifurcation occurs. The nature of the bifurcation depends on the retardation parameter $ \beta $ , defined as the ratio of polymer viscosity to the zero shear rate viscosity of the fluid. Our analysis shows that for $ 0.98 \leq \beta \leq 1$ , bifurcation is supercritical and subcritical for $ \beta \leq 0.97 $ . The analysis is facilitated by assuming that the gap between the cone and the plate is small. Center manifold theory is then used to derive appropriate amplitude equations in a neighborhood of the critical Deborah number.
Training parents as therapists: A comparison between individual parent-child interaction training and parent group didactic training

Children with home behavior problems frequently are treated via training their parents to become behavior therapists for their own children. One well-established approach has been to use didactic group training. Another approach involves parent training in specific parent-child interaction patterns through the use of modeling, in vivo practice, and immediate feedback. In this study, the effectiveness of these two methods was compared via multiple outcome measures, which included both direct therapist observation and parent report. Twenty-nine children between the ages of 4 and 9 were divided into didactic group-treatment, individual mother-child interaction training, and controls. After five training sessions, therapist observation revealed improvement in the facilitative behavior of the mothers who received individual, in-vivo instruction, as well as improvement in the children's behavior. No significant changes were observed in the group treatment or control conditions. Specific home management behaviors were improved in all three groups according to mothers' reports. The individually trained mothers expressed significantly more satisfaction with the program. It is suggested that direct observation of mother-child behavior, with immediate feedback, reinforcement, and further practice, may be related to the superiority of the individual training method.
Intestinal overexpression of ZNF148 suppresses ApcMin/+ neoplasia.

ZNF148 (ZBP-89, Zfp148) is a multifunctional transcription factor expressed at low levels in most tissues. When overexpressed in gastrointestinal cancer cell lines, ZNF148 inhibits cellular proliferation and induces apoptosis. We sought to determine whether intestinal ZNF148 overexpression would abrogate adenoma development in the ApcMin/+ mouse, i.e., whether ZNF148 is a tumor suppressor. The 13-kb villin promoter was spliced upstream of the ZNF148 cDNA to generate transgenic villin-ZNF148 (ZNF148TgVZ) mice. Intestinal mucosal ZNF148 expression was elevated in four of five ZNF148TgVZ lineages and correlated with increased caspase-3 expression and activation. In addition, DNA fragmentation was increased in ZNF148TgVZ mice relative to wild-type littermates. These results suggested that increased intestinal ZNF148 expression induces apoptosis. ZNF148TgVZ mice were crossed with ApcMin/+ mice to assess the biological significance of intestinal ZNF148 overexpression. The presence of the ZNF148TgVZ allele in ApcMin/+ mice correlated with reduced gastrointestinal bleeding at 5 weeks, a 50% reduction in adenoma burden at 20–22 weeks, and prolonged survival (median survival of 33.5 days vs. 21.5 days), relative to nontransgenic littermates. These data suggest that enhanced ZNF148 expression activates intestinal apoptosis and thereby mitigates disease burden in ApcMin/+ mice. They also suggest that ZNF148 is a therapeutic target to inhibit colon cancer development.
Physical characterization of hFSH and its desialylation products by isoelectric focusing and electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel.

Iodinated and tritiated derivatives of highly purified hFSH were characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) at pH 7.8 and 10.2, 0 C, and by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel (IFPA). 125I— and 3HhFSH appear homogeneous in PAGE, as evidenced by single, linear Ferguson plots at the two pH values, and by a single peak in IFPA. 131I—hFSH in contrast appears heterogeneous. The physical characteristics of hFSH, recognized most comprehensively by the parameters KR (retardation coefficient, a measure of molecular size) and Yo (a measure of molecular net charge) in PAGE, differed significantly between 3H— and 125I—hFSH: it appeared that the tritiated hormone was in an aggregated form at pH 10.2. However, the molecular size of 3H—hFSH appeared the same at pH 7.8 as that of 125I—hFSH at pH 10.2: both values correspond to a mol wt of 36,000, in agreement with literature values. Size discrepancy between 2 variously labeled preparations under a single set of PAGE conditions implies that recognit...
Human Hepatic Testosterone A-Ring Reductase Activity: Effect of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate

ABSTRACT Testosterone A-ring reductase activity was measured in human liver obtained from 6 normal volunteers by aspiration liver biopsy. The base line enzyme activity varied between 62 and 132 nmoles of testosterone metabolized per hr per mg liver protein. Administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate resulted in a 200–500% increase in reductase activity. This was associated with a 28–58% rise in the metabolic clearance rate of testosterone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate appears to increase the metabolic clearance rate of testosterone by raising the A-ring reductase activity.
Indirect optical image reconstruction with a cw He-Ne laser for breast cancer detection

We demonstrate successful image reconstruction based on experimental data obtained with a cw HeNe laser system in a laboratory phantom having two optically distinct regions. The experimental system which presently supplies intensity only measurements exploits a tomographic type of data collection scheme that provides information from which a spatially variable optical diffusion coefficient map is deduced. Different types of boundary constraints have been considered and the images produced indicate that the zero average intensity boundary constraint results in better imaging quality. While the cw optical system used in these experiments is crude, and the physical phantom imaged is highly idealized, the results suggest that tomographic data collection coupled to a finite element image formation algorithm offers a potentially powerful approach for biologically based optical imaging.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
T-cell receptor vbeta deletion and valpha polymorphism are responsible for the resistance of SWR mouse to arthritis induction.

Collagen type II-induced arthritis (CIA) develops in susceptible mouse strains after intradermal injections of type II collagen (CII) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Susceptibility to CIA in mice is linked to genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Although the SWR mouse has a susceptible MHC haplotype (H2 q ), it is resistant to CIA. SWR exhibits at least two known immunological defects: (1) it contains a germline deletion of about 50% of T-cell receptor (TCR) Vβ-chain gene segments, and (2) SWR is deficient in complement component C5. It has been shown that T cells that express TCRVα11.1 and TCRVβ8.2 play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of arthritis in the DBA/1 mouse (H2 q ). We generated SWR transgenic (tg) mice to determine whether the expression of pathogenic Vα11.1 and/or Vβ8.2 transgenes would confer arthritis susceptibility. Arthritis was induced in the SWR TCRαβ tg mice, but not in SWR TCRβ tg mice. To address the role of Vα11.1 in arthritis susceptibility, we examined the allelic polymorphisms of the Tcra-V11-gene subfamily members between the arthritis susceptible DBA/1 mouse and the arthritis-resistant SWR mouse strain. The amino acid sequences of the Vα11.1 alleles differ at two positions (codons 18 and 68). Accordingly, these two amino acid changes are sufficient to allow the production of pathogenic T cells in SWR mice. This is the first demonstration of the association of a particular Tcra-V allele and arthritis susceptibility in mice.
Studies on the Eczematous Sensitization

In the study of sensitizations to simple chemicals, there are two somewhat ^ related chemical problems. One is the nature of the union between the sensitizing chemical and the tissues of the host in order to engender the eczematous sensitization, and the other is in what chemical respects can a substance that is capable of evoking a reaction in the already sensitized animal deviate from the parent sensitizing compound? It has been reasonably well shown, originally by v Landsteiner (1) and subsequently confirmed by others, that simple chemical compounds which are capable of inducing the eczematous variety of the delayed type of allergic sensitization enter into some sort of union with the tissues of the host. The simplest hypothesis is that a protein conjugate is made. There seems to be direct chemical evidence for this type of union with certain classes of compounds, such as substituted nitro- and halo-benzenes, especially the di-y nitrophenyls. Such a union may not be true for all substances which yield an eczematous sensitization, e.g., nickel, for, as Gell (2) states: Many chemical compounds which act as sensitizers have one general feature in common: they are capable of reacting with a group or groups in the molecule of a protein to form a conjugate. A second type of sensitizer is not able K itself to combine with protein, but may be metabolized in the body to a deriva-tive possessing such powers of combination. There may be a third category of > sensitizers which do not react chemically but form strong adsorption complexes with protein. In any case the conjugate or adsorption complex so formed will > become antigenically distinct from the parent protein, and if the sensitizer gains access to the tissues of an animal the proteins of the latter may be ren- * dered antigenic.
Semi-autonomous networks: Theory and decentralized protocols

This paper examines the system dynamics of a networked multi-agent system, operating with a consensus-type algorithm, that can be influenced by external agents. We refer to this class of networks as semi-autonomous. We introduce a control scheme for such semi-autonomous networks, involving excitation of the network by the external agents, with the objective of manipulating or steering the network. In this context, we consider the situation where the external agents deliver a constant mean control signal. We proceed to examine the resultant mean and covariance of the network output and relate these quantities to circuit-theoretic notions of the network, quantifying the network's amenability to external signals. Four protocols for tree graphs, to promote and deter convergence and to increase and reduce average variance within the network are then presented. These protocols involve decentralized local edge swaps that can be performed in parallel and asynchronously.
Treatment comparisons based on two-dimensional safety and efficacy alternatives in oncology trials.

Summary. In addition to their desired anticancer effects, most cancer treatments may also cause transient toxicity, permanent organ damage, or death. A critical question in comparing an experimental treatment to a standard is haw much increase in an adverse event rate is an acceptable trade-off for achieving a targeted improvement in efficacy, or vice versa. We consider settings where one may characterize patient outcome as a bivariate (efficacy, safety) variable and quantify treatment effect as a corresponding two-dimensional parameter. A set of target parameters, each representing a clinically meaningful improvement over the standard, are elicited from the physician. Each target is a two-dimensional generalization of the usual one-dimensional shift parameter. We define the alternative hypothesis in the two-dimensional effect space as the convex hull of the sets of parameters that are at least as desirable as each target point. The rejection region is obtained by shifting the alternative toward (0,0) to achieve a given type I error, with sample size computed to achieve a given power at the targets. The method is illustrated by application to two cancer chemotherapy trials.
Demand Spillovers, Combative Advertising, and Celebrity Endorsements

This paper studies the economic effects of endorsements. In the publishing sector, endorsements are found to be a business stealing form of advertising that raises title level sales without expanding the market size. If anything, the endorsements decrease aggregate adult fiction sales. This might be a result of the endorsed books being more difficult than those that otherwise would have been pur chased. Economically meaningful sales increases are also found for nonendorsed titles written by endorsed authors. This spillover demand demonstrates the broad range of benefits of advertising for firms operating in a multiproduct brand setting. (JEL L82, M31, M37) C elebrity endorsements are a common advertising tool. Products as varied as cosmetics, apparel, watches, liquor, cars, pharmaceuticals, weight loss programs, financial services, and countertop grilling machines are commonly promoted through an explicit association with celebrities. This form of advertising dates at least as far back as Pope Leo XIII’s 1899 endorsement of the alcoholic beverage Vin Mariani. 1 The effort by economists to understand advertising’s effects on competitors and consumers shares a similarly long history. Early on, Marshall ( 1919) characterized two broad types of advertising for which economic impacts differ significantly. “Constructive advertising” increases sales by attracting new buyers into the market. In contrast, “combative advertising” shifts existing customers between products, and gains to advertising firms are matched by losses for competitors. While the advertising firm obtains increased sales in either case, the effect on competitors’ profits—and therefore the response the advertising firm should anticipate—differs between the two types. In this paper, I study the effects of a particular set of celebrity endorsements. I estimate the direct endorsement sales effect, the impact on other unadvertised products sold under an umbrella brand, and Marshall’s nearly century old question about potential market expanding or business stealing impacts. My results are useful
Asian American Male College Students' Perceptions of People's Stereotypes About Asian American Men

Indiana University BloomingtonAlthough Asian American men are a heterogeneous group with diverse ethnic andsocioeconomic backgrounds, they are frequently depicted in rigid, stereotypical waysthat assume few differences exist among them. Guided by social identity theory, thepurpose of this study was to examine 158 Asian American male college studentsperceptions of peoples stereotypes about Asian American men. Based on a discovery-oriented exploratory analysis of participants open-ended responses, the followingcategories of perceived stereotypes about Asian American men were identi ed: (a)interpersonal de cits, (b) intelligence, (c) intense diligence, (d) un attering physicalattributes, (e) physical ability distortions, (f) perpetual foreigner, and (g) sexual/romantic inadequacies. Next, a latent class cluster analysis was conducted to identifymeaningful clusters of participants based on the foregoing categories of perceivedstereotypes. The results revealed three clusters of participants; these clusters werelabeled Body-Mind Stereotypes, Nerd Stereotypes, and Outsider Stereotypes. Partici-pants in the Outsider Stereotypes cluster reported higher levels of depressive symptomsthan those in the other two clusters, whereas those in the Nerd Stereotypes clusterreported the lowest levels of interdependent self-construal. These ndings are discussedin terms of practical implications for addressing the deleterious nature of stereotypesabout Asian American men.Keywords:
A likelihood based scheme for estimating and limiting rates in coincidence analysis

We show how a likelihood based analysis can be used to set upper limits, obtain confidence intervals or make point estimates in a coincidence analysis. This approach is transparent and provides a unified scheme for a wide variety of situations.
BRIGHTNESS DISCRIMINATION AS A FUNCTION OF THE DURATION OF THE INCREMENT IN INTENSITY.

1. This investigation has been concerned with an analysis of brightness discrimination as it is influenced by the duration of ΔI. The durations used extend from 0.002 second to 0.5 second. 2. ΔI/I values at constant intensity are highest for the shortest duration and decrease with an increase in duration up to the limits of a critical exposure time. At durations longer than the critical duration the ratio ΔI/I remains constant. 3. The Bunsen-Roscoe law holds for the photolysis due to ΔI. This is shown by the fact that, within the limits of a critical duration, the product of ΔI and exposure time is constant for any value of prevailing intensity, I. 4. At durations greater than the critical duration the Bunsen-Roscoe law is superseded by the relation ΔI = Constant. This change of relation is considered in the light of Hartline's discussion (1934). 5. The critical duration is a function of intensity. As intensity increases the critical duration decreases. 6. Hecht's theory (1935) accounts for the data of this experiment if it be assumed that brightness discrimination is determined by a constant amount of photolysis.
High-performance Propane Fuel Cells

IN April 1963, a high-performance fuel cell for saturated hydrocarbons was announced1. The cell contained platinum electrodes, a phosphoric acid electrolyte, and operated in the range 150°–200° C. It was noted also that a number of hydrocarbons, including methane, propane, n-octane, and n-cetane, could be utilized by the cell with complete oxidation to carbon dioxide and water being achieved. More recently an E.M.F.-current density curve and carbon dioxide yield data were published for a propane–oxygen fuel cell operating at 150° C with an electrolyte of 85 per cent (14.6 M) H3PO4 (refs. 2 and 3).
A Tale of Two Collapses: The Twin Declines of the Christian Faith and the Traditional Family

One of the most extraordinary stories in the long history of religion is now unfolding in our own time and before our own eyes: the precipitous decline of the Christian faith in its ancient heartland, the West, over the past half-century. This decline is most obvious in Europe, where it has reached the point of being an actual collapse, but in the past decade there has been considerable evidence that a sharp decline has begun in the United States as well. There has also been that other, and parallel, extraordinary story of the revival of the Islamic faith in the Middle East over the past three or four decades. And of course, these two momentous trajectories coexist and conflict with each other—side by side, empty churches and filled mosques—in much of Western Europe itself.
Effects of temperature on hypophyseal (growth hormone) regulation of length, weight, and allometric growth and total lipid and water concentrations in the black bullhead (Ictalurus melas)

Abstract The effects of temperature on the somatotropic function of the pituitary gland were studied in the bullhead ( Ictalurus melas ) by comparing the 16-day length, weight, and allometric growth responses at 12, 18, 24, and 29° of hypophysectomized and sham-hypophysectomized fish versus those of hypophysectomized fish injected with beef growth hormone (bGH). In an experiment beginning 6 days after surgery, hypophysectomized, saline-injected bullheads gained small but significant length increments at 18°, but not 12, 24, or 29°: mean total weights increased 9 to 18%, regardless of temperature. Beef GH (1.0 μg/g body weight, every second day) stimulated length increases of 4.93, 7.13, and 6.51% at 18, 24, and 29°, respectively: weight gains of 49 to 53% were made at all three temperatures. Under similar conditions, sham-hypophysectomized, saline-injected fish added length increments of 3.92, 5.64, 3.42% and weight increments of 24 to 28%. Sham-operated bullheads grew little at 12°; GH-treated animals gained weight (20%) but not length. After 16 days of treatment at a given temperature, relative morphometry and total lipid and water concentrations were generally the same in hypophysectomized and sham-operated control groups. Growth hormone, especially at 18°, caused splanchnomegaly of the nonhepatic viscera and stimulated increases in ponderal condition, relative somatic muscle and skeletal mass, and morphometric indexes of body depth and width. In the same animals, tissue water concentrations, measured only at 18 and 24°, were increased: total lipids were decreased at 18° but not 24°. Growth hormone at 12, 18, and 24° slowed the allometric enlargement of the liver caused by hypophysectomy. Arguments are made that temperature may influence rates of pituitary growth-regulating hormone synthesis, secretion, and turnover, as well as alter levels of tissue responsiveness, and that the growth rates or patterns of individual tissues, organs, and body parts may be differentially influenced by variations in their thermalhormonal environment.
Expansion of CD4+CD25+ suppressive regulatory T cells from rhesus macaque peripheral blood by FN18/antihuman CD28-coated Dynal beads

Summary CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in allograft and self-tolerance and thus have potential therapeutic application in transplantation, autoimmunity, and allergy. Although nonhuman primate (NHP) provide the most accepted preclinical models for translational studies in allograft tolerance and infectious diseases, CD4 + CD25 + Tregs have been rarely studied in NHP. The low frequencies of Tregs in peripheral blood will likely necessitate ex vivo expansion to enable Tregs adaptive immune therapy in NHP and humans. Tregs were isolated by magnetic and flow sorting and then stimulated weekly with antirhesus CD3 clone FN18 and antihuman CD28-coated Dynal beads plus 100 U/ml rhIL-2. Under these conditions, the Tregs were expanded 300- to 2000-fold in 4 weeks. Expanded CD4 + CD25 + Tregs expressed high to moderate levels of FOXP3 as well as CD95, CD62L, CD69, and CCR7 surface antigens. Expanded rhesus Tregs were anergic and suppressed the proliferation of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in a dose-dependent fashion, and the suppression was partially reversed by anti-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 neutralizing antibody (Ab). These results demonstrate that rhesus macaque suppressive regulatory CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + Tregs can be efficiently expanded in vitro under rhesus-specific stimulation, which enables preclinical testing of Treg therapy in the NHP model.
Image depth profiling SIMS: An evaluation for the analysis of light element diffusion for the analysis of light element diffusion in YBa2 Cu3O7–x single‐crystal superconductors

An analytical strategy for quantifying the diffusion of 18O in small, melt-grown single-crystal Yba2Cu3O7-x superconductors by image depth profiling SIMS is presented. This technique was used to obtain data for both in-depth (along the c-axis) and lateral (in theab-plane) diffusion from one superconducting crystal. Cross-sectional images, generated from the image depth profiling data, revealed features of the diffusion processes that would not have been apparent in a standard depth profile. Retrospective selected area depth profiling was used to remove the influence of background species, edge effects and imperfections in the crystals, resulting in processed depth profiles with greater dynamic range. These techniques also were used to study the diffusion behavior of fluorine that was unexpectedly incorporated into the superconduting crystals during preparation. Finally, the influence of detector artifacts on the analytical results was evaluated.
Predictable synthetic bone grafting procedures for implant reconstruction: part two.

Abstract When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone and soft tissue is challenged as a result of the natural resorptive process or from traumatic destruction subsequent to extraction. The diminished structural foundation for prosthetic reconstruction with or without implants can therefore be compromised. Recent technological innovations in computer hardware and software have given clinicians the tools to determine 3-dimensional anatomy, quality, and density of bone, which can aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning for reparative or augmentative grafting procedures. Advanced synthetic bioactive resorbable bone graft (SBRG) materials and innovative surgical techniques have made it possible to predictably alter the defective site to create favorable osseous conditions for implant placement. The synthetically derived, resorbable, cluster-like, hydrophilic, particulate, bone-grafting material, having similar mechanical and chemical properties as the host bone, can provide the means to modify existing bo...
A stand-alone method for anatomical localization of NIRS measurements.

Abstract Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive cortical imaging technique that provides many of the advantages of cortical fMRI with additional benefits of low cost, portability, and increased temporal resolution—features that make it potentially ideal for clinical diagnostic applications. However, the usefulness of NIRS is contingent on the ability to reliably localize the measured signal cortically. Although this can be achieved by supplementing NIRS data collection with an MRI scan, a much more appealing alternative is to use a portable magnetic measuring system to record the locations of optodes. Previous work has shown that optode skull measurements can be projected to the brain consistently within reasonable error bounds. Yet, as we show, if this is done without explicitly modeling the geometry of the holder securing the NIR optodes to participants' heads, considerable bias in the projection loci results. Here, we describe an algorithm that not only overcomes this bias but also corrects for measurement error in both optode position and skull reference points (which are used to register the measurements to standard brain templates) by applying geometric constraints. This method has been implemented as part of our NIRS Analysis Package (NAP), a public domain Matlab toolbox for analysis of NIRS data.
Qualitative Applications of the NMR Spectra of Alkylpyridines: Part II. Chemical Shifts of the Protons of the Alkyl Substituents

The NMR chemical shifts of protons on alkyl groups attached to pyridine rings are discussed. Data on 31 alkylpyridines are included. The spectra and tabulated differential shifts of 15 monosubstituted pyridines in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and hexadeuterobenzene (Bz-d6) are given; and the data on the chemical shifts and the differential shifts in the solvents CCl4 and C6H6 or Bz-d6 for the di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted pyridines are tabulated. A paramagnetic shift is noted for some protons on alkyl groups attached alpha to the pyridine nitrogen. The use of the data in a qualitative identification of two pyridine homologs is demonstrated on a fraction from shale oil.
Magnetically Actuated Micromirror for Endoscopic Applications

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies are ideal for use in sub-millimeter scale actuatable transcatheter optical devices. Such technologies enable precise light path control in very small packages for applications such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photodynamic therapies. Indeed, there have been numerous published reports of such devices that utilize silicon-based MEMS technologies and actuation methods including piezoelectric, electrostatic, thermal expansive, and electromagnetic [1–4]. We report a novel, dual axis, magnetically actuated micromirror for endoscopic applications that is fabricated from a photopatternable polymer using photolithographic techniques. Our approach provides improvements over other actuation methods and silicon-based devices.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The detection of a conformational change in the antibody molecule upon interaction with hapten.

Abstract The technique of differential sedimentation is used to detect any change in sedimentation coefficient and in frictional coefficient of the γ-G immunoglobulin molecule upon interaction with hapten. Interaction of anti-lactoside antibody with the univalent haptens, lactose and p-(p-dimethylaminobenzeneazo)-phenyl β-lactoside, results in a slight increase in sedimentation coefficient of the antibody molecule, which corresponds to a decrease in frictional coefficient. The interpretation is that the antibody molecule assumes a more compact configuration upon interaction with univalent hapten.
A CAM-based keyword match processor architecture

This paper demonstrates a keyword match processor capable of performing fast dictionary search with approximate match capability. Using a content addressable memory with processor element cells, the processor can process arbitrary sized keywords and match input text streams in a single clock cycle. We present an architecture that allows priority detection of multiple keyword matches on single input strings. The processor is capable of determining approximate match and providing distance information as well. A 64-word design has been developed using 19,000 transistors and it could be expanded to larger sizes easily. Using a modest 0.5 μm process, we are achieving cycle times of 10 ns and the design will scale to smaller feature sizes.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist extends survival in transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of motoneuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) both in humans and transgenic mouse models. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are involved in the inflammatory process. Agonists of PPAR-alpha, -gamma, and -delta show anti-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the therapeutic effect of pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonist, in the G93A SOD1 transgenic mouse model of ALS. Orally administered pioglitazone improved motor performance, delayed weight loss, attenuated motor neuron loss, and extended survival of G93A mice as compared to the untreated control littermate group. Pioglitazone treatment extended survival by 13%, and it reduced gliosis as assessed by immunohistochemical staining for CD-40 and GFAP. Pioglitazone also reduced iNOS, NFkappa-B, and 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in the spinal cords of G93A transgenic mice. These results suggest that pioglitazone may have therapeutic potential for human ALS.