cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Posterior Cingulate and Lateral Parietal Gray Matter Volume in Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms.

Depressive symptoms occurring late in life are an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The latest research finds that onset of depressive symptoms in late life may herald the development of AD, not only for amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) patients, but also for cognitively-normal older adults. Neuroimaging of brain structure, blood flow, and glucose metabolism indicates that depressive symptoms in late life are accompanied by structural and functional changes in limbic brain regions vulnerable to AD. The present cross-sectional study was guided by the hypothesis that compared to their non-depressed counterparts, older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms have less volume in limbic structures vulnerable to changes in AD—specifically, cortical midline structures such as anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate cortex as well as mesial temporal regions such as bilateral hippocampi and amygdalae. Consistent with our hypothesis, results of a voxel-based morphometry analysis revealed smaller retrosplenial, posterior cingulate, and precuneus gray matter volumes in depressed individuals relative to healthy controls. Right lateral parietal cortex—another region vulnerable to change in AD—was also smaller in the group with depressive symptoms. Contrary to our hypothesis, no volumetric differences were found in the anterior cingulate cortex or mesial temporal lobe. Results of this study show a relationship between geriatric depressive symptoms and brain volume in regions vulnerable to AD. Follow-up of participants over time will tell if brain changes detected here predict development of AD.
AEROELASTIC ANALYSIS OF BRIDGES: EFFECTS OF TURBULENCE AND AERODYNAMIC NONLINEARITIES

Current linear aeroelastic analysis approaches are not suited for capturing the emerging concerns in bridge aerodynamics introduced by aerodynamic nonlinearities and turbulence effects. These issues may become critical for bridges with increasing spans and/or with aerodynamic characteristics sensitive to the effective angle of incidence. This paper presents a nonlinear aerodynamic force model and associated time domain analysis framework for predicting the aeroelastic response of bridges under turbulent winds. The nonlinear force model separates the aerodynamic force into low- and high-frequency components according to the effective angle of incidence. The low-frequency force component is modeled utilizing quasi-steady theory. The high-frequency force component is based on the frequency dependent unsteady aerodynamic characteristics, which are similar to the traditional force model but vary in space and time following the low-frequency effective angle of incidence. The proposed framework provides an effective analysis tool to study the influence of structural and aerodynamic nonlinearities and turbulence on the bridge aeroelastic response. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by utilizing an example of a long span suspension bridge with aerodynamic characteristics sensitive to the angle of incidence. The influence of mean wind angle of incidence on the aeroelastic modal properties and the associated aeroelastic response and the sensitivity of bridge response to nonlinear aerodynamics and low-frequency turbulence are examined.
Visual-Somatosensory Integration and Balance: Evidence for Psychophysical Integrative Differences in Aging

Research detailing multisensory integration (MSI) processes in aging and their association with clinically relevant outcomes is virtually non-existent. To our knowledge, the relationship between MSI and balance has not been well-established in aging. Given known alterations in unisensory processing with increasing age, the aims of the current study were to determine differential behavioral patterns of MSI in aging and investigate whether MSI was significantly associated with balance and fall-risk. Seventy healthy older adults (M = 75 years; 58% female) participated in the current study. Participants were instructed to make speeded responses to visual, somatosensory, and visual-somatosensory (VS) stimuli. Based on reaction times (RTs) to all stimuli, participants were classified into one of two groups (MSI or NO MSI), depending on their MSI RT benefit. Static balance was assessed using mean unipedal stance time. Overall, results revealed that RTs to VS stimuli were significantly shorter than those elicited to constituent unisensory conditions. Further, the current experimental design afforded differential patterns of multisensory processing, with 75% of the elderly sample demonstrating multisensory enhancements. Interestingly, 25% of older adults did not demonstrate multisensory RT facilitation; a finding that was attributed to extremely fast RTs overall and specifically in response to somatosensory inputs. Individuals in the NO MSI group maintained significantly better unipedal stance times and reported less falls, compared to elders in the MSI group. This study reveals the existence of differential patterns of multisensory processing in aging, while describing the clinical translational value of MSI enhancements in predicting balance and falls risk. Language: en
Antireflux ureteroileal anastomosis Experimental technique

A technique for ureteroileal anastomosis with an antireflux extraluminal seromuscular ureteral tunnel was evaluated in 9 dogs. Evidence will be presented to show that this approach is effective in preventing reflux while preserving the integrity of the renal units.
Analysis of systems for the generation of electricity from solar radiation

Abstract The analysis developed here relates the annual electrical output of any type of solar-electric facility directly to the effective annual insolation received on its solar collectors per unit collector area. A general expression for the capacity factor of such a facility is derived through which the ratio of the actual annual electrical output to the maximum mean annual output without demand, generating and downtime reductions, and storage losses can be determined. A general expression for a solar availability factor is also obtained which measures the ratio of the maximum mean annual output of the solar facility to that of a conventional fuel-fired plant of the same installed capacity generating at full capacity continuously for a year. An expression for the fraction of the total electrical output supplied by the solar facility is also derived. The analysis takes full account of the daily and seasonal cycles of solar radiation and its intermittent stochastic character. All results are given for a unit area of solar collector and are thus independent of the size of the facility. The capital cost of solar-electric facilities is expressed in dollars for each kWh per yr of electrical output rather than dollars per kW of installed capacity as is customary for conventional electric generating plants. This cost in turn is divided among three components: for solar-electric generation, for nonsolar auxiliary power, and for storage. A general expression is derived in terms of actual or estimated component costs, and the results for solar generation and storage are shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The choice of solar collector area and of the relative dependence on storage and auxiliary nonsolar power is also discussed.
Work in progress - FIRST robotics competition from the perspective of a first time mentor

This paper documents the experience of a first time mentor in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). FIRST is an organization whose goal is to inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET). FRC is an annual competition where high school students all over the nation compete in a fun learning experience and are assisted by mentors in the local community. The details of the Oklahoma City (OKC) regional competition are provided and the impact of FRC is assessed through student surveys. The long-term goal of this ongoing work is to quantitatively assess the impact of the FRC program at Capitol Hill High School through statistics of survey results, graduation rates, college enrollment, and CSET majors.
Factors affecting sucrose preference behavior in rats with hippocampal lesions.

Abstract Rats with hippocampal lesions were compared to rats with neocortical lesions and to normal unoperated animals on tests of sucrose preference in both a short (5 min) and a long (24 hr) test session. Sucrose preference behavior was examined on a seven point solution range which extended from water to 48% sucrose. Rats with hippocampal lesions failed to show any preference for sucrose in the 5-min test session, whereas the same animals were identical to controls in the 24-hr test. Additional groups with comparable lesions were also compared on tests of sucrose preference under conditions of both food and water deprivation. The hippocampally-ablated animals showed none or a markedly attenuated preference for sucrose when water deprived. The same animals were identical to the control groups when sucrose preference was tested under food deprivation. Under both deprivation conditions, however, the rats with hippocampal lesions changed significantly more often between the members of the test solution pairs. No differences were found between the cortical and normal unoperated control groups.
Interstate Variation in the Use of Fees To Fund K-12 Public Education.

Abstract In this paper, we first offer economic arguments in support of greater consideration of user charges to fund public primary and secondary education. Second, to better understand why these economic arguments have not had further influence, a regression analysis shows the factors responsible for the observed variance in public school use of charges across the United States in 1991–92. Measures of matching grant activity, average district size, percentage population of school age, educational attainment, political ideology, institutional restrictions on property tax and fee usage, local tax deductibility, and unaccounted for regional variations all help to explain interstate variation in school district user fees. Based upon the regression findings, we offer suggestions on how to increase reliance on public school user charges. Our review of US school district data from 1991–92 suggests that as much as 30 billion dollars in expenditures on auxiliary services, or about 13% of all public school expenditure, could be funded through fees.
Anal duct carcinoma in a 70-year-old male with a history of prostate cancer

Abstract Anal duct (gland) carcinoma is a rare, under-recognized neoplasm of the anal canal. Histologically, it consists of haphazardly oriented neoplastic glands that proliferate beneath intact non-neoplastic squamous epithelium. Frequently, Pagetoid-like spread into the overlying squamous epithelium may be observed. Anal duct carcinoma is characteristically CK7+/CK20− by immunohistochemistry. We report a case of anal duct carcinoma diagnosed in a 70-year-old male with a history of treated prostate cancer. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, histologic features, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of anal duct carcinoma are discussed.
Fungible credentials and next-generation fraud

Digital technology is easing access and lowering barriers for a new generation of criminal.
Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition impairs effector CD8 T-cell functions during skin inflammation

Background Broad-spectrum histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are useful in the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases and malignancy. However, use of more specific HDAC inhibitors might limit the toxicities caused by HDAC inhibition. HDAC6, a member of the HDAC family, is highly expressed on CD8 T cells and has been shown to regulate immune responses through interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. However, the mechanism by which HDAC6 inhibition affects the activation and functions of CD8 T cells is unclear. Objectives We investigated the role or roles of HDAC6 in CD8 T-cell activation and functions during skin inflammation in vitro and in vivo and examined the mechanism by which HDAC6 inhibition modifies T-cell receptor signaling in vitro . Methods We assessed the clinical and biological effects of ACY-1215, an HDAC6-specific inhibitor, by using murine CD8 T cell–related skin disease models, including contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and experimental graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)–like disease. Results ACY-1215, an HDAC6 inhibitor, prevented the development of CHS and GVHD-like disease in vivo by modulating CD8 T-cell activation and functions; abrogated the induction of effector T cells from naive CD8 T cells by means of anti-CD3/CD28 antibody– or antigen–specific stimulation in vitro ; and enhanced the binding of acetylated heat shock protein 90 to lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase in vitro , disrupting lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and leading to impairment of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Conclusion HDAC6, a key modifier of T-cell receptor signaling, might represent a novel target for the treatment of CD8 T cell–related skin diseases, including CHS and GVHD.
Technetium-99m(V)-citrate complex for estimation of glomerular filtration rate.

THE standard compound used for estimating the rate of glomerular filtration is inulin, but its chemical determination is tedious and time consuming. The technique for estimating the filtration rate with inulin requires constant infusion and serial urine collections. 14C-carboxyl-, 131I- and 125I-allyl-inulin have been suggested, but chemical instability, cost and lack of rapid and simple methods of analysis have limited their use1–3. A compound labelled with a gamma emitting isotope and excreted entirely by glomerular filtration would make the study of renal function much easier, and 131I- (also 125I-) dia-trizoate4,5, 131I- (also 125I-) iothalamate6, 57Co-vitamin B12 (refs. 7–9), and 51Cr-ethylenediamine tetraacetate10 have received attention. There are, however, disadvantages in using these labelled compounds for estimating the rate of glomerular filtration when successive examinations are attempted in the presence of poor or rapidly declining renal function. In these conditions, the radioactivity of plasma tends to increase to levels great enough to reduce the accuracy of the measurements, because of the relatively long half life of these nuclides. 57Co-vitamin B12 has two further disadvantages: it is appreciably bound to plasma protein11, and it has a long residence time in the liver so that its repeated use in a patient with seriously impaired renal function would be undesirable.
An empirical evaluation of the Integrated Tower Operations Digital Data System

The Integrated Tower Operations Digital Data System (I-TODDS), designed for use by ground and local control positions in Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs), combines surface surveillance capabilities with electronic flight data management, weather information, digital taxi clearances, and taxiway conformance monitoring. I-TODDS uses a high-resolution touchscreen to simplify flight data management and reduce the controllers need to shift visual attention among disparate sources of information. I-TODDS reduces display clutter by showing only relevant information when needed but still preserving access to the full complement of flight data. Additional tools assist the controller in recording important information, timing operations, providing memory cues, and maintaining awareness of aircraft positions on the surface. This paper provides a basic description of I-TODDS and presents the results from a recent experiment. The experiment compared I-TODDS to current ATCT operations using paper flight progress strips and surface surveillance in zero-visibility operations. Sixteen current controllers served as participants. The results showed that I-TODDS reduced taxi-out operations by an average of 106 seconds per aircraft and reduced taxi-in operations by 35 seconds per aircraft. I-TODDS also produced an operationally significant reduction in the number and duration of departure delays while increasing the number of departures. Controllers thought that I-TODDS would have a positive effect on their ability to control airport traffic and I-TODDS may be able to support the Staffed NextGen Tower concept. The Federal Aviation Administration currently has a U.S. patent pending for the I-TODDS prototype.
How do multicultural university students define and make sense of intercultural contact?: A qualitative study

Abstract In a departure from past intercultural contact research, this study examines how culturally different students define, make sense of, and experience intercultural interaction at a multicultural university in the U.S. By employing a qualitative in-depth interviewing method, the author conducts 80 interviews with students over a 3-year period in which they present their own definitions and accounts of intercultural interaction on campus. She finds that multicultural university students have complex and multilayered interpretations of intercultural interaction that are shaped in part by surrounding ideologies of diversity, specific definitions of culture, and perceptions of the nationality, race, or ethnicity of their interactants.
In situ microscale analyses of activated sludge flocs in the enhanced biological phosphate removal process by the use of microelectrodes and fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Phosphate concentration microprofiles were measured within activated sludge flocs in the enhanced biological phosphate removal EBPR process, and a fluorescent in situ hybridization and clone library analysis were conducted to indentify polyphosphate accumulating organisms PAOs. The center of the flocs had the highest phosphate concentrations, and the stratification of the flocs found by microprofiling indicated that the PAOs were probably distributed evenly throughout the flocs. Under the assumption that the phosphate, which was generated because of phosphate release by microbial activity, was not consumed by microbes and was only transferred from the flocs to the bulk by diffusion during anaerobic conditions, the effective diffusion coefficient Df for phosphate release within the flocs was calculated to be 3.3310 7 cm 2 /s at the end of the anaerobic phase of the EBPR process. These results provide a better under- standing of the phosphate removal mechanism, and this understanding of the internal function of flocs can lead to improvement in the modeling, design, and operation of the biological phosphorus removal process.
The Manihiki Plateau

Abstract The Manihiki Plateau, a 600,000 km 2 smooth and nearly flat-topped feature, lies in the west equatorial Pacific. Danger, Nassau, Suvorov and Manihiki Islands rise from the southern part of the plateau. Oceanic depths of about 5500 m surround the 2400–3000 m summit area. The top of the plateau is capped by approximately one kilometer of sediment. The sediment cores to the east and west of the plateau contain red clay but the top of the plateau is covered with foraminiferal ooze. Mineral grains and rock fragments in cores and dredge hauls from the east escarpment indicate that basic igneous rocks underlie a ridge that forms the eastern edge of the plateau north of 13°S. Bottom photographs and dredge hauls below 3000 m on the east scarp of the plateau and in the abyssal hills to the east reveal abundant manganese nodules. Most of the botton photographs show evidence of deep-sea currents. The plateau's shape is apparently controlled by faulting although much evidence of basic vulcanism is present in the cores. The occurrence of Cretaceous fossils on the eastern ridge of the plateau indicates that the bevelling of the plateau must have occurred during or before Cretaceous time.
Real-Time Glucose Monitoring in the Hospital: Future or Now?

Jeffrey I. Joseph, DO*, Brian Hipszer, PhD Department of Anesthesiology, Artificial Pancreas Center, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 565 Jefferson Alumni Hall, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA Anesthesiology Program for Translational Research, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Suite 6215 Gibbon, 111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Short stature and the risk of adiposity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes in middle age: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994.

OBJECTIVE —To investigate the association between stature-related measurements (height, leg length, and leg length–to–height ratio) and adiposity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of 7,424 adults aged 40–74 years, from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994). The main outcome measures were percent body fat, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and glucose intolerance based on the World Health Organization’s 1985 criteria for an oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS —Shorter height and leg length, and lower leg length–to–height ratio, were associated with higher percent body fat, especially in women. Lower leg length–to–height ratio was associated with greater insulin resistance estimated by HOMA-IR. In multinomial regression models adjusting for potential confounders, including percent body fat, the relative prevalence of type 2 diabetes per 1-SD lower values in height, leg length, and leg length–to–height ratio were 1.10 (95% CI 0.94–0.29), 1.17 (0.98–1.39), and 1.19 (1.02–1.39), respectively. CONCLUSIONS —Our study supports the hypothesis that adult markers of prepubertal growth, especially leg length–to–height ratio, are associated with adiposity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes in the general U.S. population.
The Relation between Erythrocyte Trans Fat and Triglyceride, VLDL- and HDL-Cholesterol Concentrations Depends on Polyunsaturated Fat

Background Trans fatty acids (TFA) lower HDL and increase triglyceride concentrations while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) lower triglycerides and may decrease HDL concentrations. The effect of the interaction between trans fat and PUFA on lipids is uncertain. Methods Men and women (n = 1032) in the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study were included. Fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes were measured with gas chromatography while data on potential confounders were obtained from questionnaires. To test the interaction between total erythrocyte PUFA (ePUFA) and TFA (eTFA) on lipid concentrations we distributed eTFA into tertiles and dichotomized ePUFA at the median concentration. Results For the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tertiles of eTFA, multivariate-adjusted means±s.e.m for HDL were 46.2±1.1, 46.3±1.1 and 45.5±1.0 mg/dL among those with low ePUFA, respectively, while they were 50.0±1.1, 46.9±1.1 and 44.7±1.1 mg/dL among those with high ePUFA, respectively (P for interaction = 0.01). For the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tertiles of eTFA, multivariate-adjusted means±s.e.m for triglycerides were 178.6±11.3, 144.7±10.9 and 140.8±10.6, respectively, among those with low ePUFA, while they were 133.8±11.3, 145.7±10.9 and 149.3±11.5, respectively, among those with high ePUFA (P for interaction = 0.005). Results for VLDL were similar to those for triglycerides. No significant interactions were observed for LDL or total cholesterol. Conclusions The relation between trans fat and HDL, VLDL and triglycerides may depend on PUFA. The benefit of avoiding trans fat may be greater among individuals with higher PUFA intake. Supplementation with PUFA among individuals with relatively high trans fat intake may have limited benefits on lipid profiles.
Solute rejection in the ultrafiltration of polydisperse organics from natural products

Abstract Solute rejection in the ultrafiltration of solutions containing polydisperse solutes was modeled using a spherical solute/cylindrical capillary model, accounting for steric hindrance and wall drag effects. A power law relationship was used for the solute radius-molecular weight relationship. The three parameters in the nondimensional model are the ratio of mean pore radius/solute radius coefficient, the exponent in the solute radius versus molecular weight relationship, and the standard deviation of the logarithms of the pore diameters. Values of the parameters, obtained by fitting the model to rejection coefficient data for solutions containing dissolved organics from wood, were self-consistent and made physical sense. The model provides a useful tool for evaluating ultrafiltration membranes for specific solute fractionation applications.
Time-Interleaved Phased Arrays With Parallel Signal Processing in RF Modulations

The proposed time-interleaved phased array is a functional integration of a space-time domain filter in antenna arrays and a time-frequency domain filter in mixer arrays. Spatially sampled signals by the antenna arrays will be interleaved in time by the mixer arrays to increase modulation speed while leveraging relatively low-frequency carriers. In M-element time-interleaved arrays, the carriers frequency can be reduced by the factor of M to realize an equivalent functionality as in conventional phased arrays based on fundamental carrier modulations. Depending on the array configuration, the time-interleaved phased array can be categorized as “correlated-noise time-interleaved (CNTI)” array or “uncorrelated-noise time-interleaved (UNTI)” array. In the CNTI-array, both signal and correlated noise will be interleaved resulting in the same filter response for the signal and noise, whereas in the UNTI-array only signal will be interleaved in time domain: uncorrelated noise will not participate in the time-interleaving process. An extensive noise analysis for both array types is provided in the paper. To achieve maximum SNR, noise filtering techniques are proposed and verified through CAD behavioral simulations. In essence, the time-interleaved array architecture is a mix of parallel signal processing at RF and LO domains, which can have an advantage in compensating system performance deficits due to an active device speed limitation at high frequencies at the expense of an endurable system complexity.
Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans on various tooth surfaces in negro children

Abstract The incidence of Streptococcus mutans in the dental plaque of 12 Negro school children, ages 7–9, is described. The plaque was obtained from the occlusal pits and fissures, the mesial approximal area, and the buccal smooth surface of cariesfree, lower left first molars. Streptococcus mutans and total streptococci were counted on mitis-salivarius agar. The pits and fissures were the major source of Strep. mutans, where that microorganism constituted 39 per cent of the total streptococci. Fewer Strep. mutans were found on the buccal surface (2.9 per cent) and none were found on the approximal surface.
Was darwin a creationist

Throughout the Origin of Species, Darwin contrasts his theory of natural selection with the theory that God independently created each species. This makes it seem as though the Origin offers a scientific alternative to a theological worldview. A few months after the Origin appeared, however, the eminent anatomist Richard Owen published a review that pointed out the theological assumptions of Darwin's theory. Owen worked in the tradition of rational morphology, within which one might suggest that evolution occurs by processes that are continuous with those by which life arises from matter; in contrast, Darwin rested his account of life's origins on the notion that God created one or a few life forms upon which natural selection could act. Owen argued that Darwin's reliance on God to explain the origins of life makes his version of evolution no less supernatural than the special creationist that Darwin criticizes: although Darwin limits God to one or a few acts of creation, he still relies upon God to explain life's existence.
Computing circles and spheres of arithmitic least squares

Abstract A proof of the existence and uniqueness of L. Moura and R. Kitney's circle of least squares leads to estimates of the accuracy with which a computer can determine that circle. The result shows that the accuracy deteriorates as the correlation between the coordinates of the data points increases in magnitude. Yet a numerically more stable computation of eigenvectors yields the limiting straight line, which a further analysis reveals to be the line of total least squares. The same analysis also provides generalizations to fitting spheres in higher dimensions.
Up-regulation of Endothelial Nitric-oxide Synthase Promoter by the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase γ/Janus Kinase 2/MEK-1-dependent Pathway

Our recent study indicates that lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) enhances Sp1 binding and Sp1-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) promoter activity via the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 (MEK-1) signaling pathway (Cieslik, K., Lee, C.-M., Tang, J.-L., and Wu, K. K. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 34669–34675). To identify upstream signaling molecules, we transfected human endothelial cells with dominant negative and active mutants of Ras and evaluated their effects on eNOS promoter activity. Neither mutant altered the basal or LPC-induced eNOS promoter function. By contrast, a dominant negative mutant of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ (PI-3Kγ) blocked the promoter activity induced by LPC. Wortmannin and LY 294002 had a similar effect. AG-490, a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), also reduced the LPC-induced Sp1 binding and eNOS promoter activity to the basal level. LPC induced Jak2 phosphorylation, which was abolished by LY 294002 and the dominant negative mutant of PI-3Kγ. LY 294002 and AG-490 abrogated MEK-1 phosphorylation induced by LPC but had no effect on Raf-1. These results indicate that PI-3Kγ and Jak2 are essential for LPC-induced eNOS promoter activity. This signaling pathway was sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting the involvement of a Gi protein in PI-3Kγ activation. These results indicate that LPC enhances Sp1-dependent eNOS promoter activity by a pertussis toxin-sensitive, Ras-independent novel pathway, PI-3Kγ/Jak2/MEK-1/ERK1/2.
Hepatitis C virus : evasion of the interferon-induced antiviral response

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an emerging virus of great medical significance. A low drug-response rate and a high frequency of persistent infection have caused HCV to reach pandemic proportions. Many infected individuals go on to develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and HCV is now the leading reason for liver transplants in the United States. Differences in genotype response to interferon therapy suggests that one or more viral genes may participate in evasion of the interferon-mediated cellular antiviral response. This review focuses on the viral genes that interact with the host cell to evade the interferon response and on the insights that these interactions may provide into HCV pathogenesis.
Influence of surface chemistry on particle-particle aggregation as measured by a Coulter Counter in the low concentration regime

The link between particle concentration, surface properties, and particle aggregation has been investigated for polystyrene latex in the low particle concentration regime, volume fractions less than 1 × 10-6. The particles used in this model study were 9.14-μm diameter polystyrene beads, approximately the same size as red blood cells, using a Coulter Counter with a 100-μm aperture as a gauge of clustering. The lower concentrations of beads displayed the same trend as reported in other publications. Albumin and fibrinogen were then attached to the beads and the effect of non-specific binding by the proteins on particle agglomeration was studied. Albumin showed little effect on the number of aggregates encountered whereas fibrinogen increased the number of aggregates, indicating that stronger particle interactions occurred between the fibrinogen coated particles. The addition of stearic acid had no marked effect on the aggregation properties of the beads, coated or uncoated. The addition of sodium stearate,...
Unpacking the Diaspora Channel in New Democracies: When Do Migrants Act Politically Back Home?

Migrant influence on politics back home has arguably become broader and deeper in the wake of a widespread convergence between out-migration and democratization. This article seeks to identify the structural conditions under which migrants from post-1980 democracies are likely to activate the “diaspora channel” of political influence back home. Specifically, I identify, explain, and code two sets of incentives likely to induce migrants to engage in home-country politics from abroad: (1) socioeconomic incentives generated by cross-border linkages and migrant characteristics likely to predispose them toward broader forms of transnational engagement and (2) political incentives generated by diaspora politicization and formal access to the political process in the home country. I score these incentives in 40 developing countries and then generate hypotheses about the degree to which migrants from these countries are likely to activate the diaspora channel through participation in home-country elections, lobbying for policy changes by the home-country government, or transnational coproduction.
Phospholipase A inhibition of opiate receptor binding can be reversed by albumin

OPIATE receptors in animal and human brain have been shown to be tightly associated with cell membranes1–3. Our laboratory has reported the solubilisation of an etorphine–receptor complex4, but to date it has not been possible to obtain an active receptor in soluble form. Nevertheless, it has been possible to study many biochemical characteristics of the membrane-bound receptor. Its sensitivity to sulphhydryl reagents and a number of other protein reagents5,6 as well as to proteolytic enzymes1,7 suggests the participation of protein(s) in opiate binding. The evidence is less clear with respect to a function for phospholipids. Opiate binding activity of cell membrane preparations from rat brain has been shown to be exquisitely sensitive to phospholipase A of Vipera russelli venom (in the ng ml−1 range)8, but very insensitive to phospholipase A present in the venom of Crotalus adamenteus1 or that derived from pig pancreas (Lin & Simon, unpublished). Phospholipase C is inhibitory only in very high concentrations1,8. The great sensitivity of opiate receptors to the Russell's viper enzyme and to ionic and non-ionic detergents4,7 points to a possible role for phospholipids in the binding process. We report here that inhibition of opiate binding by phospholipase A can be reversed almost completely by incubation of the enzyme-treated membranes with bovine serum albumin (BSA).
The influence of glass composition on the crystal growth kinetics of heavy metal fluoride glasses

Abstract The kinetics of crystallization of two heavy metal fluoride glasses, ZrF 4 BaF 2 LaF 3 AlF 3 LiF and ZrF 4 BaF 2 LaF 3 AlF 3 LiFPbF 2 , which are of potential use as core and clad materials for fiber optic waveguides, have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The devitrification processes follow the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami relation, and the values of the kinetic parameters for isothermal and non-isothermal techniques are in excellent agreement. The crystallization activation energies for these glasses are about two-thirds those previously reported for a ternary ZrF 4 BaF 2 LaF 3 glass. The implications of the experimental results for glass stability against devitrifications are discussed.
Major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs)-—Bronchial fistula presenting as tracheotomy bleed

Tracheal hemorrhage is a common occurrence in pediatric patients with long-term tracheotomies. The majority of these events are related to self-limited etiologies, such as granulation tissue or suction trauma. Tracheo-arterial fistula, however, represents a frequently fatal form of tracheal hemorrhage that may initially be difficult to distinguish from other causes. Previous reports have described the pathophysiology, presentation and management of tracheo-arterial fistula involving the innominate artery. We describe a case of a 21-month-old male with a history of significant congenital cardiac malformations and chronic tracheotomy tube dependence who presented with intermittent, brisk bleeding from the tracheotomy tube. He was ultimately diagnosed with and treated for an arterio-bronchial fistula from a major aorto-pulmonary collateral artery. We review the etiology and management of this disorder.
Temperature calibration of a power compensation DSC on cooling

Abstract The temperature calibration of a Perkin-Elmer DSC7 has been performed on cooling using the isotropic to nematic or cholesteric transitions of thermally stable liquid crystals. Correspondence has been established between the actual temperature and the temperature indicated by the instrument at different cooling rates for most heating rate calibrations used in practice. It has been shown that the indicated temperature at any heating rate calibration up to 20°C min−1, and cooling rates up to 20°C min−1, does not differ from the actual temperature by more than 2°C. Therefore, uncorrected results can be used at the heating and cooling rates mentioned. Greater differences were observed at higher heating and cooling rates.
Obituary: Lloyd G. Humphreys: Quintessential Scientist (1913–2003)

Lloyd G. Humphreys died on 7 September 2003, in Urbana, IL, at almost 90 years of age; he was born on 12 December 1913 in Lorane, OR. Humphreys was among the most admired, respected, and talented differential psychologists and methodologists of the 20th century. He had a well-deserved reputation for an uncompromising approach to socially important psychological phenomena, relying on data—typically large samples of it—and methodological and quantitative rigor to shape his views. He was anything but a dry-boned methodologist; he embraced psychological substance. Following Truman L. Kelley, Hugo Munsterberg, and Lewis M. Terman, respectively, he had little time for ‘‘psychological factors of no importance,’’ ‘‘precision without usefulness,’’ or ‘‘elegant trivia.’’ In addition, he resonated to Gregory A. Kimble’s (1994) concern about the huge feeling-to-thinking and jargon-to-substance ratios in the psychological sciences on politically sensitive topics. Humphreys earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon (1935), took a master’s degree from the University of Indiana (1936), where he first learned about factor analysis, and began his career as an experimental psychologist with a Stanford PhD (1938, under Ernest Hilgard). His dissertation research on the partial reinforcement effect (or the Humphreys effect) is a citation classic (Humphreys, 1939). Following a postdoctoral year with Clark Hull at Yale (1938–1939) and a series of excellent experimental publications, Humphreys devoted his energies to methodology and assessing individual differences in human behavior. Humphreys was a member of APA’s 1954 committee on Standards. He played an important role in the early development of construct validity, which he initially called psychological validity (Humphreys, 1949), and he developed the idea of systematic heterogeneity (Humphreys, 1952), a methodology for building measures of important psychological constructs. In other writing, he championed the idea that predictive validity is a critical component of construct validity (Humphreys, 1979, 1985). His note on the multitrait multimethod matrix (Humphreys, 1960a) underscores a reoccurring theme in his writings: The idea that statistical unidimensionality does not necessarily reflect psychological unidimensionality
Examining the Effects of Preschool Writing Instruction on Emergent Literacy Skills: A Systematic Review of the Literature

This article presents the results of a systematic review of the literature involving writing interventions in the preschool setting. The information presented is timely considering the current expectations for young children to write. Framing the empirical literature within different philosophical approaches, trends were analyzed to identify instructional strategies related to increases in emergent literacy outcomes and where gaps in the literature existed. The results from 22 intervention conditions from 1990 to 2013 indicated the overall effect size was g = .44, 95% CIs [.27, .60], suggesting that preschool writing interventions enhanced children’s early literacy outcomes. The findings also highlighted the importance of quality literacy environments and adult involvement. The findings from this article have important instructional implications for writing instruction in the preschool setting.
Murine lupus autoantibodies identify distinct subsets of apoptotic bodies.

The specific modification of autoantigens and their redistribution into blebs at the surface of apoptotic cells contribute to the induction of autoimmune responses. Blebs containing fragments of the apoptotic nucleus separate from the remainder of the cell to form membrane-bound sub-cellular particles (SCPs), otherwise known as apoptotic bodies. To determine whether apoptotic bodies containing nuclear antigens represent a defined subset of SCPs, we examined the heterogeneity of particles generated by Jurkat cells following synchronization of the cell cycle by serum withdrawal and inhibition of topoisomerase I by camptothecin. Particles were purified by filtration, incubated in the presence of anti-nucleosome or anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies, annexin V, and Sytox Orange and analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. We demonstrate that nuclear autoantigens are associated with one clearly defined subset of SCPs that can be distinguished from other products of late apoptosis. Our experiments repre...
Time Dependence of Effect of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition on Cerebral Ischemic Damage

Nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation, may be beneficial in the early stages of focal cerebral ischemia as it may facilitate collateral blood flow to the ischemic territory. Accordingly, the effect of inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis on cerebral ischemic damage may vary depending on the timing of the inhibition relative to the induction of ischemia. We therefore studied the time course of the effect of nitric oxide synthesis inhibition on focal cerebral ischemic damage. The middle cerebral artery was permanently occluded in spontaneously hypertensive rats and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was administered systemically (3 mg/kg) <5 min or 2, 3, or 6 h later. Arterial pressure, rectal temperature, plasma glucose, and hematocrit were monitored. Infarct volume was determined on thioninstained sections 24 h after induction of ischemia. NOS activity was determined in cerebellum from the conversion of l-[3H]arginine to l...
People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts

The article reviews the book “People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts,” by Robert Bolton.
Effects of Estradiol and Dehydroepiandrosterone on the Reproductive Cycle of the Cow. I. Estrous Cycle Length, Ovulation, Temperature Changes, Vaginal Mucus Flow, Initiation and Maintenance of Pregnancy

Summary Levels of 50, 75, 100, or 150μg of estradiol per day injected into four cows during each of 15 estrous cycles did not change the length of cycle, the period of time from the onset of estrus to ovulation, the nature or amount of vaginal mucus secretion, or rectal temperature. Daily levels of 200 to 300μg of estradiol per day decreased the length of the cycle, delayed ovulation, increased mucus secretion and flow elasticity during the middle of the cycle, and increased rectal temperature. Follicles in excess of 20mm in diameter were present on the ovaries of three cows at varied times when 350 fig of estradiol were injected daily. At a level of 3.5mg of estradiol daily, no follicular growth above 10mm in diameter was observed. Estradiol injected at a daily level of 150μg, which did not completely inhibit normal follicular development and ovulation, interrupted the progress of normal pregnancy when injected from the third to the 16th day following breeding. One cow aborted when injected daily with 250 and 350μg of estradiol beginning on the 66th day following conception. Pregnancy and parturition were normal in two cows when 250 to 350μg daily levels of estradiol were initially administered after 100 days of pregnancy. One cow aborted when the same daily levels were injected on the 66th day of pregnancy. Daily injections of 5 or 10mg of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) into each of four cows during eight cycles did not significantly change estrous cycle length, the period of time from onset of estrus to ovulation, the nature of the mucus flow from the vagina, or rectal temperature. DHA at 15 or 20mg per day decreased ovulation time with no significant changes in cycle length. Enlarged follicles were not observed following injections of DHA up to 80mg per day.
Compensated photorefractive phase demodulator for probing object in rapid motion

Summary from only given. Two-beam adaptive phase demodulators are used for noncontact and non-invasive measurements of the small surface displacements produced by ultrasonic waves propagating in an object. As an example the setup of a two-wave mixing-based photorefractive demodulator is shown.
The effect of fluorine in silicon dioxide gate dielectrics

The effect of post-oxide-growth fluorine incorporation in gate dielectrics is reported. Fluorine was introduced through ion implantation into polysilicon and diffused into the gate oxide, as indicated by SIMS measurements. No great decrease in the breakdown field was observed, although a decrease in charge-to-breakdown was seen. Interface characteristics also improved with medium to high doses of fluoride. High doses were found to grow additional oxide. NMOS FETs showed increased immunity to hot-electron-induced stress. These results are explained by a model wherein fluorine bonds to silicon, and the displaced oxygen grows the additional oxide. >