cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recombinant bacterial expression and purification of human fragile X mental retardation protein isoform 1.

Abstract The loss of expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to fragile X syndrome. FMRP has two types of RNA binding domains, two K-homology domains and an arginine–glycine–glycine box domain, and it is proposed to act as a translation regulator of specific messenger RNA. The interest to produce sufficient quantities of pure recombinant FMRP for biochemical and biophysical studies is high. However, the recombinant bacterial expression of FMRP has had limited success, and subsequent recombinant eukaryotic and in vitro expression has also resulted in limited success. In addition, the in vitro and eukaryotic expression systems may produce FMRP which is posttranslationally modified, as phosphorylation and arginine methylation have been shown to occur on FMRP. In this study, we have successfully isolated the conditions for recombinant expression, purification and long-term storage of FMRP using Escherichia coli , with a high yield. The expression of FMRP using E. coli renders the protein devoid of the posttranslational modifications of phosphorylation and arginine methylation, allowing the study of the direct effects of these modifications individually and simultaneously. In order to assure that FMRP retained activity throughout the process, we used fluorescence spectroscopy to assay the binding activity of the FMRP arginine–glycine–glycine box for the semaphorin 3F mRNA and confirmed that FMRP remained active.
Changes in stature, weight, and nutritional status with tourism-based economic development in the Yucatan.

Abstract Over the past 40 years, tourism-based economic development has transformed social and economic conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We address how these changes have influenced anthropometric indicators of growth and nutritional status in Yalcoba, a Mayan farming community involved in the circular migration of labor in the tourist economy. Data are presented on stature and weight for children measured in 1938 in the Yucatan Peninsula and from 1987 to 1998 in the Mayan community of Yalcoba. In addition, stature, weight and BMI are presented for adults in Yalcoba based on clinic records. Childhood stature varied little between 1938 and 1987. Between 1987 and 1998 average male child statures increased by 2.6 cm and female child statures increased by 2.7 cm. Yet, 65% of children were short for their ages. Between 1987 and 1998, average child weight increased by 1.8 kg. Child BMIs were similar to US reference values and 13% were considered to be above average for weight. Forty percent of adult males and 64% of females were overweight or obese. The anthropometric data from Yalcoba suggest a pattern of stunted children growing into overweight adults. This pattern is found elsewhere in the Yucatan and in much of the developing world where populations have experienced a nutrition transition toward western diets and reduced physical activity levels.
The role of iNKT cells in development of bronchial asthma : a translational approach from animal models to human

The iNKT cell represents a unique T-lymphocyte sublineage that has been associated with a broad range of disease processes; including host defense against infectious disease, cancer immunity and allergic autoimmune diseases, such as asthma. Studies in both animal models and human subjects suggest that iNKT cells might significantly affect the course of asthma. This study discusses various aspects of iNKT cell function and how it might lead to an important therapeutic target in asthma (airway hyperreactivity).
Validating the Oracle SQL engine

The query engine is the component inside a database system that is responsible for the compilation and execution of every SQL statement submitted by a database user or application. One of the most important steps of query compilation is query optimization. The goal of query optimization is to find the best execution plan based on metadata and statistics about the objects related to the tables referenced in the statement. There are two distinct kinds of query optimization: logical and physical. During logical optimization the structures of the query are changed by applying transformations such as view merging, subquery unnesting, etc. Physical optimization considers the physical properties of the tables (disk layout, access methods, size) and properties of the relational algebra operations (commuting joins) to find the best execution plan for a given query shape as presented by the logical optimization.The changes made to the SQL statement during query optimization can be temporary (to cost a particular optimization) or permanent (after an optimization is considered final). In this paper we discuss the quality problems that occur during the manipulation of the query structures that take place during query compilation with a focus on query optimization. We propose (1) a method to validate query structure change; (2) a method to validate plans that are discarded during query optimization but that may be picked under different circumstances.
Virus-like particles in erythrocytes of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

Abstract Virus-like particles were found in erythrocytes of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) reared in seawater in Northern California, U.S.A. Erythrocytes from these salmon had numerous rod-shaped cytoplasmic inclusions, ranging in size from 1 to 2 μm. These inclusions were pink to red following Lieshman-Giemsa staining and were present in all of the erythrocytes from several fish. An examination of these erythrocytes by electron microscopy showed numerous spherical virus-like particles. The particles had a mean diameter of 106 nm (s.d. = 2.7, n = 20) and were evident within membranebound vacuoles in the cytoplasm and between the inner and outer aspects of the nuclear envelope. The particles were spherical, sometimes found budding into the cytoplasmic vacuoles, and possessed regular surface projections or spikes on a tightly fitting external envelope. The consistent size and structure of these particles and their absence in normal erythrocytes suggests they may represent a new virus not previously recognized in salmonid erythrocytes.
Acceleration of coagulation time by ultrasound

The clotting time of fresh human platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was decreased by 50% immediately following ultrasonic irradiation at intensities within the range 0.4–2.2 W/cm2. PRPs was obtained from adult blood anticoagulated with citrate and irradiated in a cylindrical glass chamber (diameter 1.1 cm, volume 1.5 ml) having acoustically transparent windows of Saran Wrap (®) at each end. This chamber was immersed in a water bath at 30°C and located on axis approximately 0.5 cm in front of a 2.54‐cm‐diam PZT4 1‐MHz transducer, operating at its fundamental frequency. Coagulation times after recalcification were measured with a clinical fibrometer, and showed a marked reduction immediately after irradiation. Subsequent clotting measurements on the same irradiated sample throughout the next 20 min showed a time‐dependent increase in clotting time, presumably due to uptake of clot‐promoting factors by intact platelets. An increase in the intensity of the ultrasound decreased the rate at which these clotting factors were removed from the plasma, indicating that platelets are damaged during irradiation. Irradiation of PRP for 5 min at intensities greater than those above appears to cause irreversible platelet aggregation.
Comparison of several independent population means when their samples contain log-normal and possibly zero observations.

Summary. In this paper, we consider the problem of testing the mean equality of several independent populations that contain log-normal and possibly zero observations. We first showed that the currently used methods in statistical practice, including the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test, the standard ANOVA F-test and its two modified versions, the Welch test and the Brown–Forsythe test, could have poor Type I error control. Then we propose a likelihood ratio test that is shown to have much better Type I error control than the existing methods. Finally, we analyze two real data sets that motivated our study using the proposed test.
The normalized on-the-spot approximation for line transfer problems

Abstract A simple approximation for line transfer problems is presented which is useful when photons scatter only a few times before being destroyed. Comparison is made to solutions of high accuracy.
Expression of cell surface markers on T and B lymphocytes after long-term chemotherapy of acute leukemia.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes in children with ALL in remission, before and after cessation of 3 yr of immunosuppressive therapy. Immunofluorescence of viable cells and rosette formation were the two methods used to identify B and T cells, respectively. Though combination chemotherapy depresses the total lymphocyte population, B lymphocytes were more depressed than T lymphocytes. On the last day of therapy, the population of lymphocytes bearing IgG-M (B cells) was markedly reduced, but the percentage of RFL (T cells) was within normal values. After chemotherapy was stopped, and in the absence of extrinsic antigenic stimulation, there was an immunological rebound in the B cell compartment. During the first 3 months off therapy, there was an increase in intensity of fluorescence and in the proportion of IgG-M-bearing lymphocytes above the levels of normal controls. Assays of lymphocytes bearing IgG, IgM and IgA indicate that there was a rebound of IgG and IgM but not IgA lymphocytes. Changes in the proportion of RFL as a function of time off therapy were inversely proportional to those observed for IgG-M-bearing lymphocytes, that is, the percentage of RFL decreased during the first 3 months off therapy. When the absolute numbers of B and T cells were compared, it was found that B lymphocytes reached a plateau phase after 2–3 months off therapy, but T lymphocytes continued to rise beyond this period, reaching normal levels at 12+ months off therapy. These results provide evidence, at the single cell level, of the immunological rebound that occurs after cessation of therapy and suggest that the kinetics of recovery are different for T and B lymphocytes.
Key Insights from Structural Studies of High-Temperature Superconductors: Is There a Path to Higher Tc?

Structural studies have allowed the development of a model for the “ideal” high- temperature superconductor. For a given compound, the maximum Tc is traditionally achieved by using a chemical variable to adjust the carrier concentration to the optimum value. When comparing different compounds at their optimum doping, the highest Tc is observed for compounds with flat CuO2 planes. Tc can also be enhanced if the charge reservoir region, or blocking layer, is metallic. In general, these three criteria cannot simultaneously be met by adjusting a single chemical/structural variable. Additionally, recent work on HgBa2CuO4+x and 123 compounds as a function of doping suggest that electronically-driven structural distortions may hinder attempts to produce higher Tc’s by chemical substitutions. The ideal high-Tc compound has not yet been discovered. But, in spite of these challenges, the search should continue.
Protein translocation mutants defective in the insertion of integral membrane proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum.

Abstract Yeast mutants defective in the translocation of soluble secretory proteins into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (sec61, sec62, sec63) are not impaired in the assembly and glycosylation of the type II membrane protein dipeptidylaminopeptidase B (DPAPB) or of a chimeric membrane protein consisting of the multiple membrane-spanning domain of yeast hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG1) fused to yeast histidinol dehydrogenase (HIS4C). This chimera is assembled in wild-type or mutant cells such that the His4c protein is oriented to the ER lumen and thus is not available for conversion of cytosolic histidinol to histidine. Cells harboring the chimera have been used to select new translocation defective sec mutants. Temperature-sensitive lethal mutations defining two complementation groups have been isolated: a new allele of sec61 and a single isolate of a new gene sec65. The new isolates are defective in the assembly of DPAPB, as well as the secretory protein alpha-factor precursor. Thus, the chimeric membrane protein allows the selection of more restrictive sec mutations rather than defining genes that are required only for membrane protein assembly. The SEC61 gene was cloned, sequenced, and used to raise polyclonal antiserum that detected the Sec61 protein. The gene encodes a 53-kDa protein with five to eight potential membrane-spanning domains, and Sec61p antiserum detects an integral protein localized to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Sec61p appears to play a crucial role in the insertion of secretory and membrane polypeptides into the endoplasmic reticulum.
Epitaxial graphene transistors: Enhancing performance via hydrogen intercalation

We directly demonstrate the importance of buffer elimination at the graphene/SiC(0001) interface for high frequency applications. Upon successful buffer elimination, carrier mobility increases from an average of 800 cm2/(V s) to >2000 cm2/(V s). Additionally, graphene transistor current saturation increases from 750 to >1300 mA/mm, and transconductance improves from 175 mS/mm to >400 mS. Finally, we report a 10× improvement in the extrinsic current gain response of graphene transistors with optimal extrinsic current–gain cutoff frequencies of 24 GHz.
Electric Strength of Unsaturated Hydrocarbon Gases

WE have recently shown1 that the electric strength of the alkanes and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons can be related in a relatively simple manner to the total cross-section, θ (largely elastic), for electron scattering. The results further indicated that this cross-section was composed of separate and additive cross-sections, θc–H and θc–c, for the electrons associated with the carbon–hydrogen and carbon–carbon bonds, respectively. It was found that θc–c was essentially zero, owing presumably to shielding by the electrons of the carbon–hydrogen bonds.
Yeast V1-ATPase AFFINITY PURIFICATION AND STRUCTURAL FEATURES BY ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

V1-ATPase from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was purified via a FLAG affinity tag introduced into the N terminus of the G subunit. The preparation migrated as a single band in native gel electrophoresis and contained subunits ABCDEFGH (with subunit C present at substoichiometric amounts) as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The initial specific Ca-ATPase activity was ∼6 μmol/min/mg. The structure of the yeast V1-ATPase was studied by electron microscopy of negatively stained and frozen hydrated samples. A 25-A resolution three-dimensional model of the complex was calculated from two-dimensional projections by the angular reconstitution technique. The model shows six elongated densities arranged in pseudo-3-fold symmetry around a large central cavity. At the top of the molecule, various protrusions can be seen. At the bottom of the complex, two large masses are visible that are connected to the main body of the molecule. Comparison of the yeast V1 structure with the structure of the intact V1V0-ATPase from bovine brain clathrin-coated vesicles (Wilkens, S., Vasilyeva, E., and Forgac, M. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 31804–31810) indicates that the structure of the isolated V1 from yeast is very similar to the structure of the V1 domain in the intact V-ATPase complex.
Does Private Insurance Adequately Protect Families of Children With Mental Health Disorders

OBJECTIVE: Although private insurance typically covers many health care costs, the challenges faced by families who care for a sick child are substantial. These challenges may be more severe for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) with mental illnesses than for other CSHCN. Our objective was to determine if families of privately insured children who need mental health care face different burdens than other families in caring for their children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) to study privately insured children aged 6 to 17 years. We compared CSHCN with mental health care needs ( N = 4918) to 3 groups: children with no special health care needs ( n = 2346); CSHCN with no mental health care needs ( n = 16250); and CSHCN with no mental health care need but a need for other specialty services ( n = 7902). The latter group was a subset of CSHCN with no mental health care need. We used weighted logistic regression and study outcomes across 4 domains: financial burden; health plan experiences; labor-market and time effects; and parent experience with services. RESULTS: We found that families of children with mental health care needs face significantly greater financial barriers, have more negative health plan experiences, and are more likely to reduce their labor-market participation to care for their child than other families. CONCLUSIONS: Families of privately insured CSHCN who need mental health care face a higher burden than other families in caring for their children. Policies are needed to help these families obtain affordable, high-quality care for their children.
Why reliabilism does not permit easy knowledge

Reliabilism furnishes an account of basic knowledge that circumvents the problem of the given. However, reliabilism and other epistemological theories that countenance basic knowledge have been criticized for permitting all-too-easy higher-level knowledge. In this paper, I describe the problem of easy knowledge, look briefly at proposed solutions, and then develop my own. I argue that the easy knowledge problem, as it applies to reliabilism, hinges on a false and too crude understanding of ‘reliable’. With a more plausible conception of ‘reliable’, a simple and elegant solution emerges.
A pulsar emission model - Observational tests

The usual model for coherent radio emission, curvature radiation from bunches, is applied here to a modified 'hollow cone' model in which only one or a few geometrically fixed flux tubes are radiating into a fan beam. The way that the model handles the basic problems of sufficient radio power output, reasonable spectrum, and narrow pulses as well as the secondary issues of orthogonal mode changing, complex pulse profiles is addressed. Issues that seem more model-dependent, including flux tube scales, nulling, self-absorption, drifting subpulses, and radius-to-frequency mapping, are examined by considering a specific global model.
Refueling and new fuels: An exploratory analysis

Abstract One of the factors impeding the introduction of new transportation fuels is the absence of retail outlets selling those fuels. Surveys of gasoline and diesel car drivers were conducted to explore several hypotheses regarding refueling attitudes and motivational concerns of motorists, and the importance of fuel availability in the decision to purchase nonpetroleum vehicles. Some insights and findings included the following: Attitudes toward refueling and the weighting of refueling considerations in the use and purchase of nongasoline vehicles are apparently better explained by situational and locational variables than by demographic and socioeconomic variables; some drivers are willing to accomodate sparse networks of fuel outlets with little compensation, but more typically drivers would only travel the additional time required to reach the fewer outlets if compensated with reductions in fuel prices roughly comparable in value to the additional travel time required to reach an outlet; and that predictability of fuel station location compensates for reduced fuel availability to the extent that a network about 1/10th the size of the gasoline retail network appears to be sufficiently large to relegate refueling concerns to a relatively insignificant role in the vehicle-purchase decision.
Physical testing of elastomers for cardiovascular applications.

There are presently no short-term in vitro fatigue tests available that can predict long-term in vivo performance of elastomers in physiological environments. Thus, the introduction of new and better elastomers for cardiovascular applications is hampered in the development stage by lack of data about which materials should be commercialized. After development, new materials are also slow to be used because of the lack of comparative data on current elastomers. Thus, short-term fatigue tests are being developed in three U.S. laboratories. In our laboratory, a wide variety of fatigue tests has been conducted using a constant strain fatigue test machine. In most of these fatigue tests, the strain is increased daily until failure occurs. Although blood is generally considered to be a very corrosive environment, our tests indicate that it actually extends the fatigue life of elastomers, compared with air or water environments. A combination of fatigue tests using both cut-initiated and uncut test specimens appears to provide the most predictive information.
DSP-4-induced depletion of brain norepinephrine produces opposite effects on exploratory behavior 3 and 14 days after treatment.

Exploratory behavior of a complex novel environment was examined 3 and 14 days following treatment with the noradrenergic-selective neurotoxin, DSP-4. This toxin significantly decreased norepinephrine concentrations in neocortex and hippocampus but not hypothalamus. DSP-4 significantly increased exploratory behavior in animals tested 3 days after treatment. In contrast, exploratory behavior was decreased in animals tested 14 days after treatment. The effect of DSP-4 at 3 days is similar to treatments that act to inhibit noradrenergic function such as administration of the α1-antagonist, prazosin, or the α2-agonist, clonidine. The effect of DSP-4 at 14 days resembles that observed following treatment with the α1-agonist, phenylephrine, or the α2-antagonist, idazoxan. These data provide additional support for a role of noradrenergic systems in exploratory behavior. The simplest explanation for the time dependent effects of DSP-4 on exploratory behavior is the occurrence of the slow development of a supersensitivity of cerebral systems affected by norepinephrine.
Decohesion of a rigid punch from an elastic layer: Transition from “flaw sensitive” to “flaw insensitive” regime

A cohesive zone model is used to study the pull-off of a rigid flat cylindrical punch of radius c from an elastic layer of thickness h. The adhesion between the punch and the elastic layer is assumed to be sufficiently weak so that pull-off occurs by the growth of a crack from the edge of contact. Our result shows that the pull-off stress, when normalized by the interfacial strength σo, depends on a single dimensionless parameter χf = σc(1−v2) g(ξ)/2πEWad, where E and v are the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the elastic layer, respectively, Wad is the work of adhesion, and g(ξ) is a known dimensionless function of ξ ≡ c/h. χf can be viewed as a generalized Tabor parameter. It characterizes the transition from a “brittle” or flaw sensitive failure regime to a “ductile” or flaw insensitive regime. The result in this work is used to generalize Maugis' theory of adhesive contact to the case where the elastic substrate is of finite thickness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3628–3637, 2005
Expression of allograft inflammatory factor-1 in T-lymphocytes: a role in T-cell activation and allograft rejection

clamp technique. Isolated rat PA were immersed in EC, UW or LPD and ROS measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (eCL). eCL was also measured in the PA after adding NADPH oxidase inhibitors, diphenyliodonium (DPI) and phenylarsine oxide (PAO). Results: The high K concentration in EC and UW solutions caused membrane depolarization in rat PASMC and inhibited K current (n 3 per solution). The LPD solution did not depolarize the membrane (n 3). Chemiluminescence from PA in EC and UW solutions was higher than that of PA in LPD (35,702 4,353 and 51,289 5,615 counts/ 0.1min vs. 12,537 3,623 counts/ 0.1min, n 6). NADPH oxidase inhibitors DPI (100 M) and PAO (100 M) significantly reduced ROS production induced by EC and UW solutions (n 6 for each group). Conclusion: The preservation solution used in lung transplantation can dramatically increase ROS generation from the PA. High K concentration in EC and UW may cause NADPH oxidase activation and ROS generation through membrane depolarization. Use of LPD, as well as additives such as DPI or PAO, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, could have therapeutic significance by reducing ROS during storage for lung transplantation.
Conditioning of reflectance signals by linear diffusion for improving narrow-band ratio-based remote-sensing bottom depth retrieval in shallow coastal waters

Ratio-based bottom depth-retrieval algorithms are conceptually simple relative to other algorithms and can be effective. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of imposing a spatial-smoothing assumption on three ratio-based, feed-forward remote-sensing bathymetry algorithms: Polcyn et al., Stumpf et al., and Dierssen et al. We consider three smoothing operators: median, Savitzky-Golay, and linear diffusion with data fidelity, applied in three domains: spatial, spectral, and spectral-spatial. Thus, we consider nine smoothing methods. In addition, we consider two points at which smoothing is applied: one before the inversion process (pre-smoothing) and the other after the inversion process (post-smoothing). Our new formulations were tested with synthetic data, in situ remote-sensing reflectance, and simultaneous acoustic bathymetry, acquired in optically shallow waters. Analysis and results from the synthetic-data experiment indicate that pre-smoothing method is more effective than post-smoothing method. The field-data experiments indicate that spatial-domain smoothing is effective regardless of the type of smoothing operator, whereas spectral smoothing is not. Spectral-spatial-domain smoothing is as effective as spatial-domain smoothing, but is prone to over-segmentation. Effectiveness of spatial pre-smoothing was observed with every ratio-based inversion method, which suggests potential universal applicability of smoothing operators to ratio-based algorithms.
Engineered cathodes for high performance SOFCs

Abstract Computational design analysis of a high performance cathode is a cost-effective means of exploring new microstructure and material options for solid oxide fuel cells. A two-layered porous cathode design has been developed that includes a thinner layer with smaller grain diameters at the cathode/electrolyte interface followed by a relatively thicker outer layer with larger grains at the electrode/oxidant interface. Results are presented for the determination of spatially dependent current generation distributions, assessment of the importance of concentration polarization, and sensitivity to measurable microstructural variables. Estimates of the electrode performance in air at 700 °C indicate that performance approaching 3.1 A/cm 2 at 0.078 V is theoretically possible. The limitations of the model are described, along with efforts needed to verify and refine the predictions. The feasibility of fabricating the electrode configuration is also discussed.
Fiber intake and risk of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and stomach

Background Since the 1970s, incidence rates for esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas have risen substantially for reasons that are not well understood. We sought to determine the role of dietary factors in these tumor types.
Criteria for quasi-projectivity

In transcendental algebraic geometry it often happens that one gets complex spaces by analytic operations and one wishes to show that they are actually algebraic. In the case of compact complex manifolds and spaces, one has Kodaira's embedding theorem and Grauert's generalization respectively. Proposition I, which is a natural generalization of Kodaira's theorem, gives differential geometric criteria for the quasi-projectivity of certain non-compact manifolds. One corollary of it that gives its flavour is: Corollary. Let X be Zariski open in a compact complex manifold 2g. Let L be a holomorphic line bundle on X that has a Hermitian structure over X with only L 2 poles at infinity and whose curvature form is the Hermitian form associated to a complete metric on X. Then X is Moisezon and X is quasi-projective with respect to the algebraic structure induced J?om f2. The definition of L 2 poles at infinity is given after Proposition I. It is noteworthy that no upper bounds on the growth of the curvature of the Hermitian structure are required! Section I is devoted to Proposition I and some immediate corollaries. The form of Proposition I was dictated by its application to the study of the quasi-projectivity of the image of the Griffiths-Riemann period mapping that arises in algebraic geometry. One can look at [4-7, 9, 10, 19] for background on the period mapping; the above problem is discussed in [7, pp. 259ff.] and [6 (III), Appendix C]. In Section II it is shown that the period mapping satisfies the conditions of Proposition I when the mapping is proper and has a manifold as an image.
Supporting System-wide Similarity Queries for networked system management

Today's networked systems are extensively instrumented for collecting a wealth of monitoring data. In this paper, we propose a framework called System-wide Similarity Query (S2Q) to support a new type of similarity queries on monitoring data for managing complex networked systems. The similarity queries are defined on a novel data model that captures system states, and the implementation includes a streaming algorithm for online state-modeling computation and a companion graph-based indexing technique for fast retrieval of historical system states. S2Q simplifies many systems management tasks through a simple and intuitive query interface available to operators, and two applications are evaluated in the paper: (i) fast diagnosis of repeated failures in enterprise IT systems, and (ii) automated application traffic profiling on computer networks. For the first application, the diagnosis accuracy can reach 95% on a multi-tier web service testbed. For the second application, major network applications were automatically identified in the traffic logs from a large campus wireless network.
DO THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES CYSTOSCOPIC CRITERIA ASSOCIATE WITH OTHER CLINICAL AND OBJECTIVE FEATURES OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

ABSTRACTPurpose: We compared urine markers, bladder biopsy findings and clinical features of patients with symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC) who did or did not meet the cystoscopic criteria defined by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Materials and Methods: Urine markers and symptom questionnaires were measured before and 1 month after bladder distention for IC. Bladder biopsies were taken at the time of distention. At distention patients were defined as meeting or not meeting the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases established cystoscopic criteria for IC. The 2 patient groups were compared.Results: Urine marker levels were similar for the 2 groups, including antiproliferative factor, epidermal growth factor, heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, interleukins 6 and 8, and methylhistamine. Bladder biopsy features were similar for the 2 groups. Bladder capacity with the patients under a...
Radioactive (Chromium-51) Heinz Bodies

HEINZ bodies are refractile granules appearing within erythrocytes and stainable with certain dyes such as crystal violet1–3. In man, their appearance is often associated with anaemia due to drug administration (for example, phenylhydrazine, menadione) or contact with other agents (for example, aniline dyes), particularly in certain sensitive individuals. Although the granules can be readily prepared experimentally by treatment of animals or isolated erythrocytes with various drugs, their chemical composition is only partially resolved and their metabolic disposition is unknown.
General method for the derivation and numerical solution of epithelial transport models

A general method is presented for the formulation and numerical evaluation of mathematical models describing epithelial transport. The method is based on the principles of conservation of mass, and maintenance of electroneutrality within the cells and bathing solutions. It is therefore independent of the specific membrane transport mechanisms, and can be used to evaluate different models describing arbitrary transport processes (including passive, active and cotransport processes). Detailed numerical methods are presented that allow computation of steady-state and transient responses under open-circuit, current-clamp and voltage-clamp conditions, using a general-purpose laboratory minicomputer. To evaluate the utility of this approach, a specific model is presented that is consistent with the Koefoed-Johnson and Ussing hypothesis of sodium transport in tight epithelia (Acta Physiol. Scand.42:298–308, 1958). This model considers passive transport of an arbitrary number of permeant solutes, active transport of sodium and potassium, and osmotically induced water transport across the apical and basolateral membranes. Results of the model are compared to published experimental measurements in rabbit urinary bladder epithelium.
Neurobiological Sequelae of Witnessing Stressful Events in Adult Mice

Background It is well known that exposure to severe stress increases the risk for developing mood disorders. However, most chronic stress models in rodents involve at least some form of physically experiencing traumatic events. Methods This study assessed the effects of a novel social stress paradigm that is insulated from the effects of physical stress. Specifically, adult male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either emotional (ES) or physical stress (PS) for 10 minutes per day for 10 days. The ES mice were exposed to the social defeat of a PS mouse by a larger, more aggressive CD-1 mouse from the safety of an adjacent compartment. Results Like PS mice, ES mice exhibited a range of depression- and anxiety-like behaviors both 24 hours and 1 month after the stress. Increased levels of serum corticosterone, part of the stress response, accompanied these behavioral deficits. Based on previous work that implicated gene expression changes in the ventral tegmental area (a key brain reward region) in the PS phenotype, we compared genome-wide mRNA expression patterns in this brain region of ES and PS mice using RNA-seq. We found significant overlap between these conditions, which suggests several potential gene targets for mediating the behavioral abnormalities observed. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that witnessing traumatic events is a potent stress in adult male mice capable of inducing long-lasting neurobiological perturbations.
Modulation of cocaine and food self-administration by low- and high-efficacy D1 agonists in squirrel monkeys.

Rationale: Dopamine D1 ligands have been proposed as candidate medications for cocaine abuse. Previous studies have shown that the ability of D1 ligands to modulate the behavioral effects of cocaine may depend on agonist efficacy. Objectives: This study investigated the role of agonist efficacy in the ability of D1 ligands to modulate the reinforcing effects of cocaine in monkeys. Methods: Squirrel monkeys trained to self-administer cocaine under a second-order schedule of reinforcement were treated daily with D1 agonists varying in efficacy from low to high (SKF 83959 < SKF 77434 ≤ SKF 81297 < SKF 82958) and the D1 antagonist SCH 39166. Results: D1 ligands, regardless of efficacy, produced dose-dependent reductions in responding maintained by a maximally effective dose of cocaine. Equivalent doses of each D1 ligand reduced responding for food under a similar second-order schedule, suggesting that the suppression was not specific to cocaine self-administration. When studied in combination with a range of cocaine doses, treatment with the agonists SKF 83959, SKF 77434, SKF 81297, and the antagonist SCH 39166 produced overall rightward and downward shifts in the dose–response function for cocaine self-administration. Treatment with the agonist SKF 82958, however, produced an overall suppression of responding, regardless of the dose of cocaine. Conclusions: In contrast to a high-efficacy agonist, low-efficacy D1 ligands modulated the reinforcing effects of cocaine in a manner consistent with at least a partial antagonism of cocaine self-administration. This delineation of the efficacy-dependent profile of effects for D1 ligands should guide research into their utility as cocaine pharmacotherapies.
Dual tasking during postural stepping responses increases falls but not freezing in people with Parkinson's disease

Purpose Although falls in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) associate with dual tasking and freezing of gait (FoG), it is not known whether falls during dual tasking are due to FoG. This study investigated the effects of a cognitive task on the occurrence of falls and FoG when subjects with PD step in response to a postural perturbation.
A ‘just-in-time’ HN(CA)CO experiment for the backbone assignment of large proteins with high sensitivity

Abstract Among the suite of commonly used backbone experiments, HNCACO presents an unresolved sensitivity limitation due to fast 13 CO transverse relaxation and passive 13 C α – 13 C β coupling. Here, we present a high-sensitivity ‘just-in-time’ (JIT) HN(CA)CO pulse sequence that uniformly refocuses 13 C α – 13 C β coupling while collecting 13 CO shifts in real time. Sensitivity comparisons of the 3-D JIT HN(CA)CO, a CT-HMQC-based control, and a HSQC-based control with selective 13 C α inversion pulses were performed using a 2 H/ 13 C/ 15 N labeled sample of the 29 kDa HCA II protein at 15 °C. The JIT experiment shows a 42% signal enhancement over the CT-HMQC-based experiment. Compared to the HSQC-based experiment, the JIT experiment is 16% less sensitive for residues experiencing proper 13 C α refocusing and 13 C α – 13 C β decoupling. However, for the remaining residues, the JIT spectrum shows a 106% average sensitivity gain over the HSQC-based experiment. The high-sensitivity JIT HNCACO experiment should be particularly beneficial for studies of large proteins to provide 13 CO resonance information regardless of residue type.
Image stack stream viewing and access

Abstract Growing amounts of multimedia data (alphanumeric, image, sound and video) are being captured with the increasing deployment of sensors. Data streams from sensors are being increasingly broadcasted via the Internet. We review the image stack stream model or view of data as a convenient basis for both querying and visualizing the situation and changes through time of phenomena buried in the multitude of such variety of data streams. We outline briefly the requirements with motivating queries, and the recommended extensions to the latest object database management developments, particularly the ODMG standard, to support this. The image stack view should be provided whether or not data streams are stored in a DBMS. We present a common user interfaces over the heterogeneity of data stream sources to define, access and view stack streams, illustrating it with a testbed of Internet stream sources in the geophysical domain. A systems architecture and design is outlined. Image co-registration is an important element and we provide a brief on our approach. Performance and scalability are addressed.
Origin of Oligodendrocytes in the Subventricular Zone of the Adult Brain

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes (type B cells) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) generate large numbers of new neurons in the adult brain. SVZ stem cells can also generate oligodendrocytes in vitro, but it is not known whether these adult primary progenitors generate oligodendrocytes in vivo. Myelin repair and oligodendrocyte formation in the adult brain is instead associated with glial-restricted progenitors cells, known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Here we show that type B cells also generate a small number of nonmyelinating NG2-positive OPCs and mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. Some type B cells and a small subpopulation of actively dividing type C (transit-amplifying) cells expressed oligodendrocyte lineage transcription factor 2 (Olig2), suggesting that oligodendrocyte differentiation in the SVZ begins early in the lineage. Olig2-positive, polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule-positive, PDGF receptor α-positive, and β-tubulin-negative cells originating in the SVZ migrated into corpus callosum, striatum, and fimbria fornix to differentiate into the NG2-positive nonmyelinating and mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, primary clonal cultures of type B cells gave rise to oligodendrocytes alone or oligodendrocytes and neurons. Importantly, the number of oligodendrocytes derived from type B cells in vivo increased fourfold after a demyelinating lesion in corpus callosum, indicating that SVZ astrocytes participate in myelin repair in the adult brain. Our work identifies SVZ type B cells as progenitors of oligodendrocytes in normal and injured adult brain.
Management of infection and occlusion associated with vascular access devices

Objective: To provide an overview of the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of infections and occlusions that occur with venous access devices (VADs). Conclusions: The two major complications of VADs are infections and occlusions. Several strategies have been attempted to prevent and treat infections and occlusions; however, one specific method has yet to be determined. As a result, major controversies exist regarding the best method to manage these complications. Controlled randomized studies are needed to examine each type of VAD in relation to preventive and treatment strategies. Implications for nursing practice: Preservation of VADs demands the development of and adherence to specific guidelines for maintenance care as well as an awareness of the incidence, presentation, and management of complications. Clearly, prevention is the key to effective management of infection and occlusion associated with VADs. Nurses must be familiar with institutional policies and procedures for the care of VADs.
Band-notched UWB equiangular spiral antenna

A band-notched ultra-wideband equiangular spiral antenna is presented. With the spiral antenna on the top layer, bottom side is used for a secondary resonant structure to create a notch filter response. VSWR of 2:1 is achieved for the FCC UWB band, which is 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. Notch response is created over the IEEE 802.11a band, 5.15 to 5.85 GHz, VSWR reaching 12:1 at the center of the band at 5.5 GHz. Suppression of radiation in this band is evident in its gain profile over frequency and in current density plot around the resonant structure as well.
Ghost Imaging in Reflection: Resolution, Contrast, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio

United States. Army Research Office. Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (Grant no. W911NF-05-1-0197)
Tectonic state: its significance and characterization in the assessment of seismic effects associated with reservoir impounding

Abstract Any analysis of seismicity associated with the filling of large reservoirs requires an evaluation of the natural tectonic state in order to determine whether impoundment is the basic source, a mechanically unrelated companion feature, or a triggering stimulus of the observed seismicity. Several arguments indicate that the associated seismicity is usually a triggered effect. Among the elements of tectonic state considered here (existing fractures, accumulated elastic strain, and deformational style), deformational style is especially critical in forecasting the occurrence of impoundment-induced seismicity. The observational evidence indicates that seismicity associated with impounding generally occurs in areas that combine steeply dipping faults, relatively high strain rates, and either extensional or horizontal-shear strain. Simple physical arguments suggest: (1) that increased fluid pressures resulting from increased reservoir head should enhance the likelihood of seismic activity, whatever the tectonic environment; (2) that stress changes resulting from surface loading may increase the likelihood of crustal failure in areas of normal and transcurrent faulting, whereas they generally inhibit failure in areas of thrust faulting. Comparisons with other earthquake-producing artificial and natural processes (underground explosions, fluid injection, underground mining, fluid extraction, volcanic emissions) indicate that reservoir loading may similarly modify the natural tectonic state. Subsurface loading resulting from fluid extraction may be a particularly close analogue of reservoir loading; “seismotectonic” events associated with fluid extraction have been recognized in both seismically active and otherwise aseismic regions. Because the historic record of seismicity and surface faulting commonly is short in comparison with recurrence intervals of earthquake and fault-slip events, tectonic state is most reliably appraised through combined studies of historic seismicity and faulting, instrumentally measured strain, and the geological record, especially that of the Quaternary. Experience in California and elsewhere demonstrates that the character and activity of recognized faults can be assessed by means of: instrumental earthquake investigations, repeated geodetic measurements, written history, archeological studies, fault topography, and local stratigraphic relations. Where faults are less easily distinguished, appraisals of tectonic state may be based on both the regional seismicity and the regional history of vertical movement as shown by: repeated levelling and sea-level measurements, written history, archeologic investigations, terrace and shoreline deformation, and denudation and sedimentation studies.
Implicit theories of account-giving: influence of culture and gender

Abstract This study examined the influence of culture, gender, and hierarchical level of account recipient relative to participant on face concerns and implicit theories of account-giving. One hundred and ninety-three participants completed an instrument that asked them to imagine themselves conveying bad news to a superior and a subordinate from outside their cultural group. Respondents were provided with a list of possible explanations (accounts) that could be used in the situation, and rated each account on likelihood of use, perceived effectiveness, and face concerns. The results suggest that gender influenced account-giving, with women reporting greater concern for others’ face and greater likelihood of use and perceived effectiveness of mitigating accounts compared to men. Also, account-giving and face concerns were more likely to vary by relative hierarchical level for Mexican Americans than for Anglo Americans. When communicating with superiors, Mexican Americans reported greater emphasis on others’ face concerns and mitigating accounts than Anglo Americans. When communicating with subordinates, Mexican Americans reported less emphasis on face concerns and greater likelihood of use and perceived effectiveness of aggravating accounts compared to Anglo Americans. These findings can increase our understanding of implicit theories of account-giving in inter-cultural contexts and, thus, increase our sensitivity to the norms and assumptions held by others.