cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of dementia: regional brain metabolism (FDG-PET) and the CERAD neuropsychological battery.

Abstract The present Investigation examined the biological correlates of the cognitive deficits of Atzheimer's disease and related dementias using the neuropsychological assessment battery of the Consortium to Establish a Registry of Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) and positron emission tomography (PET). Resting state cerebral glucose metabolism was measured using the labelled radiotracer, [18F] Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG), in a sample of patients with mild to moderate dementia ( n = 66). Specific and predictable relationships were seen between regional brain metabolism (left and right, frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes) and the neuropsychological measures of verbal fluency, constructional praxis, and verbal list learning. On tests of naming and delayed verbal recall only diminished FDG uptake in the left frontal lobe and the left temporal lobe, respectively, approached significance. This study demonstrates the expected relationships between neuropsychological performance and regional cerebral metabolism, thereby providing support for the CERAD battery as a valid measure in the clinical evaluation of dementia and for the use of FDG-PET in brain-behavior studies of dementia.
THE USE OF BMP-2 AND SCREW EXCHANGE IN THE TREATMENT OF SCAPHOID FRACTURE NON-UNION

Scaphoid non-union, particularly following internal fixation, is a vexing problem. A retrospective review was conducted analysing the outcome of 4 patients who failed initial open reduction and internal fixation of scaphoid fractures. Three fractures were located in the waist and the fourth in the proximal pole. All patients underwent screw exchange and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP)-2 sponge placement with no additional bone grafting. Patients were immobilised for 4 weeks and followed with serial radiographs in all cases and CT scans in 3 cases. All patients demonstrated evidence of bony union at an average of 53 days from surgery and ultimately returned to pain-free full activity. There were no complications. BMP-2 and screw exchange yielded a 100% union rate in patients with established scaphoid non-union. While this retrospective study represents a small number of patients and clearly requires further investigation, it presents a promising technique for managing a difficult clinical problem.
Arbitrary order description of arbitrary particle optical systems

Abstract The differential algebraic approach for the design and analysis of particle optical systems and accelerators is presented. It allows the computation of transfer maps to arbitrary orders for arbitrary arrangements of electromagnetic fields, including the dependence on system parameters. The resulting maps can be cast into different forms. In the case of a Hamiltonian system, they can be used to determine the generating function or Eikonal representation. Also various factored Lie operator representations can be determined directly. These representations for Hamiltonian systems cannot be determined with any other method beyond relatively low orders. In the case of repetitive systems, a combination of the power series representation and the Lie operator representation allows a nonlinear change of variables such that the motion is very simple and its long term behaviour can be studied very efficiently. Furthermore, it is now possible to compute quantities relevant to the study of circular machines like tune shifts and chromaticities much more efficiently. Besides these aspects, the ability to compute maps depending on parameters provides analytical insight into the system. In addition, this approach allows very efficient optimization, to the extent that in many cases it is almost completely analytic.
Countering amyloid polymorphism and drug resistance with minimal drug cocktails.

Several fatal, progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including various prion and prion-like disorders, are connected with the misfolding of specific proteins. These proteins misfold into toxic oligomeric species and a spectrum of distinct self-templating amyloid structures, termed strains. Hence, small molecules that prevent or reverse these protein-misfolding events might have therapeutic utility. Yet it is unclear whether a single small molecule can antagonize the complete repertoire of misfolded forms encompassing diverse amyloid polymorphs and soluble oligomers. We have begun to investigate this issue using the yeast prion protein, Sup35, as an experimental paradigm. We have discovered that a polyphenol, (-)epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), effectively inhibited the formation of infectious amyloid forms (prions) of Sup35 and even remodeled preassembled prions. Surprisingly, EGCG selectively modulated specific prion strains and even selected for EGCG-resistant prion strains with novel structural and...
Social phobia: an update

The literature on social phobia is reviewed in this article. Social phobia has undergone considerable diagnostic evolution to reach its present form in DSM-IV. Its differential diagnosis includes panic disorder with agoraphobia, avoidant personality disorder, depression, and "shyness." Cross-cultural issues are important to consider because the disorder may manifest differently in different cultures and social settings. It is common, with a lifetime prevalence of 13.3% in the United States according to recent epidemiological studies. Underrecognition of social phobia remains an issue of concern. Comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, including other anxiety disorders, depression, alcohol abuse, and personality disorders, frequently occurs. Current conceptualizations of the etiology of social phobia reflect psychodynamic theories and evidence from family and genetic studies, neurobiological research, and neuroimaging. Drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and beta3-adrenergic blockers have proven to be efficacious, as has cognitive-behavioral treatment, including group approaches.
Comparison of Cytobrush and cervicovaginal lavage sampling methods for the detection of genital human papillomavirus.

The development of an accurate method for the detection and typing of genital human papillomavirus is of substantial clinical importance. This virus has been implicated as an etiologic agent in the development of cervical neoplasia. To detect human papillomavirus infection with maximum sensitivity, cells must be collected and assayed for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid. We compared two noninvasive methods of sampling exfoliated cervical cells—cervicovaginal lavage and scrape—Cytobrush. Seventy-four patients newly referred to the colposcopy clinic were divided randomly for cell sampling by either cervicovaginal lavage followed by scrape-Cytobrush or, conversely, scrape-Cytobrush followed by cervicovaginal lavage. Restriction analysis and Southern blot hybridization were used to test all the samples thus obtained for human papillomavirus. Overall, test results from 42 patients (56.8%) were positive for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid. Twenty-six (31.1%) tested positive for human papillomavirus by both sampling methods, and 32 (43.2%) tested negative for human papillomavirus by both methods. One (1.4%) tested positive with scrape-Cytobrush sampling but negative with cervicovaginal lavage, while 15 (20.3%) tested negative with scrape-Cytobrush but positive with cervicovaginal lavage ( p
Induction of oculomotor responses by electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex in the cat.

Abstract The prefrontal cortex of the cat (ence´phale isole´preparation) was explored using minimal electrical stimulation in order to locate as exactly as possible the critical regions from which rapid ocular movements could be induced. Two such regions have been found: one on the mesial face of the hemisphere under the cruciate sulcus, the other within the presylvian sulcus. The extent of these zone and their functional characteristics are described. The problem of the organization of a frontal eye field in the cat is discussed with reference t the monkey.
The Safavid synthesis: from Qizilbash Islam to imamite Shi'ism

The Safavids evolved from a Sufi order (1301) into a messianic movement (1447) before they finally established their imperium with world-conquering aspirations (1501). Isma'il, the first pir (spiritual guide) of the Safavid order to assume the political role of shah, claimed to be the reincarnation of a host of prophets and kingly heroes from Iran's cultural past. "Prostrate thyself! Pander not to Satan! Adam has put on new clothes, God has come," writes Isma'il in his poetry (Divan), composed as he, together with his adepts, the Qizilbash (Redheads), conquered Iran and Iraq (1501-13).' In an attempt to add temporal power to the existing spiritual dominion of the Safavids, the Qizilbash reportedly entered the battlefield unarmed, believing that Isma'il's miraculous powers would shield them.2 They are said to have devoured men alive in submission and devotion to their Godhead. This article attempts to capture some of the beliefs embedded in such intense expressions of Qizilbash loyalty to shed light on the spiritual and political landscapes in which Isma'il wielded power.
A Modular Multi-Word Readout System for Proportional Wire Chambers

This paper describes the design features of a data readout system for multi-wire proportional chambers. The electronic circuitry for this "amplifier-per-wire" system has been designed in modular form to provide ease in system assembly, flexibility, and economy. Fast readout of the hit-pattern data is accomplished by using priority encoder integrated circuits for address generation and bit-parallel transfer of the output data words. About 7000 channels have been implemented using this system and an additional 4000 channels have been ordered. An analysis of cost per channel is given, based on the experience gained thus far.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identifies Unsuspected Liver Abnormalities in Patients after the Fontan Procedure

Objective To determine whether abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects hepatic abnormalities before clinical or biochemical perturbations in patients after the Fontan procedure. Study design Thirty-nine children and adolescents who underwent the Fontan procedure and were referred to a pediatric hepatologist by cardiology services between 2011 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Physical examination findings, routine laboratory tests of liver function, evaluation for chronic liver disease, and abdominal MRI findings were recorded. MRI findings were evaluated relative to time elapsed since surgery by 2 radiologists (blinded). Results Assessment for coexisting chronic liver disease was negative in all patients. All patients had a normal serum albumin level and International Normalized Ratio. Twenty-six of the 39 patients (67%) underwent abdominal MRI, 4 had MRI-incompatible hardware, and 9 did not undergo MRI because of insurance denial. All MRI scans demonstrated morphologic liver changes with varying degrees of reticular contrast enhancement compatible with fibrosis and congestion. Reticular contrast enhancement was often nonuniform, and 9 patients (35%) had multifocal arterially enhancing lesions. Conclusion MRI can identify hepatic abnormalities in patients after Fontan surgery that go undetected by standard clinical and laboratory assessments. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed throughout the liver, and thus assessment by liver biopsy analysis is subject to sampling error.
Brain stem afferents of hypoglossal neurons in the rat.

Abstract The origin of afferent connections of the hypoglossal nucleus in rats was investigated using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a retrograde tracer. Pressure injections (0.15–0.17 μl) of 15% HRP were introduced into the rostral, middle and caudal portions of the nucleus. Projections to the hypoglossal nucleus originated from 3 regions of the brainstem: the reticular formation, the spinal V complex and the nucleus of the solitary tract. Bilateral projections with ipsilateral predominance came from the lateral reticular formation: the dorsal aspect of the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis and its caudal continuation, the nucleus reticularis dorsalis. Fewer projections emerged from two nuclei of the medial reticular formation. The dorsal part of the nucleus reticularis ventralis at the spinomedullary junction contributed bilateral with mainly contralateral input to hypoglossal neurons. A few labeled neurons were situated bilaterally in the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis of the rostral medulla. The input from the spinal V complex originated from the dorsal aspect along most of its length but particularly from the pars interpolaris and oralis subdivisions. Labeled neurons were located primarily in the posterior portion of the nucleus of the solitary tract. Projections from the spinal V complex and the solitary nucleus exhibited ipsilateral predominance. These results suggest that somatic and visceral centers of the rat brainstem play an important role in the control of the activity of hypoglossal motoneurons.
Cyclophosphamide in the treatment of common neoplastic diseases of childhood

Cyclophosphamide, a new alkylating agent, was administered to 59 children with neoplastic disease. Long-term continuous therapy was employed. The drug dosage was adjusted by the white blood count since depression of granulocyte production occurred at doses that have little effect on erythrocyte and thrombocyte production. Alopecia and hemorrhagic cystitis were frequent. Temporary remissions occurred in patients with lymphomas and in 6 of 16 children with acute leukemia. There was temporary regression of tumor in patients with neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and malignant teratoma. Cyclophosphamide seemed most useful for palliation or in combination with operation and/or radiation. The likelihood that cyclophosphamide alone will cure any of the diseases treated seems remote.
Characterization of milk properties with a radiative transfer model

To characterize milk through light-scattering measurements, a semianalytical radiative transfer model was used to simulate the backscatter of light in milk having homogenized fat levels from 0.05 to 3.2 wt. %. The input parameters to the model include the incident wavelength, refractive index of particles and medium, and particle number densities. By varying the wavelength, we can obtain a reasonable fit between experimental data and the model for lower fat milks. Results indicate that the model is most sensitive to the particle diameter and size distribution and less sensitive to the number and index of refraction of the particles.
Accounting for Giraffes at a For-Profit Zoo - A Case Study

This case is based on the accounting at a for-profit zoo. It provides students with an opportunity to explore and apply the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) using a real-life example. This case challenges the students to use critical thinking skills to identify the relevant standards, as there is no direct reference in the ASC for accounting at a for-profit zoo. An assessment of the students indicates that the case provides a useful learning experience in interpreting and applying the authoritative Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in a real-life situation. Additionally, the assessment results indicate that the case helps students to enhance their critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. This case could be used in any intermediate or advanced financial accounting class in which students are expected to use the ASC and learn the application of GAAP.
DNA CLEAVAGE BY THE ANTITUMOR AGENT 3-AMINO-1,2,4-BENZOTRIAZINE 1,4-DIOXIDE (SR4233) : EVIDENCE FOR INVOLVEMENT OF HYDROXYL RADICAL

3-Amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide (SR4233, WIN59075, tirapazamine, 1) is a clinically promising antitumor agent that requires bioreductive activation, selectively kills oxygen-deficient cells, and is believed to derive its biological activity from DNA cleavage. Using a xanthine−xanthine oxidase enzyme system as a one-electron reductant to activate 1 for DNA cleavage, it has been found that radical scavengers such as mannitol, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, methanol, and tert-butyl alcohol significantly inhibit drug-dependent DNA cleavage. Compound 1, in concert with the xanthine−xanthine oxidase system, converts DMSO to methanesulfinic acid, a reaction characteristic of hydroxyl radical. In addition, treatment of a 32P-labeled restriction fragment with reductively-activated 1 results in cleavage at every base pair, with little sequence specificity, consistent with involvement of a highly reactive, nonselective agent such as hydroxyl radical. These results strongly support the involvement of radicals i...
Older age increases short-term surgical complications after primary knee arthroplasty.

Background Age is a known risk factor for complications after knee arthroplasty; however, age-related risks for a variety of complications of total and partial knee arthroplasties have not been well quantified.
STRUCTURE, LIFE HISTORY AND SYSTEMATICS OF RHOICOSPHENIA (BACILLARIOPHYTA). IV. CORRELATION OF SIZE REDUCTION WITH CHANGES IN VALVE MORPHOLOGY OF RH. GENUFLEXA1

Rhoicosphenia Grun. is a relatively isolated genus among the biraphid diatoms. Morphological changes in an isopolar member of the genus, Rh. genuflexa (Kutz.) Medlin, were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The fully raphid valve showed changes in its flexure that could be correlated with size reduction during its life history from the initial cells to the smallest cells found in the population. Bands showed changes in number (from three to one) related to size reduction. Rh. genuflexa is morphologically similar to Rh. abbreviata (C. Ag.) Lange-Bert. (=Rh. curvata (Kutz.) Grun.), although the two are distinct taxa. These observations support previous contentions that Rhoicosphenia is a natural taxonomic grouping.
The influence of age and diet on respiration in adult male and female blowflies, Phormia regina.

Abstract Female Phormia regina , in general, were found to utilize more oxygen than males especially after approximately the sixth day of adulthood on both a μl/specimen and μl/mg basis. The females exhibited cyclic respiratory rates which correlated with the gonadotrophic cycles. Following its final gonadotrophic cycle the respiratory rates of females progressively declined. The male exhibited its highest respiratory rates during the fifth and tenth days after emergence; thereafter, there was a general decline in respiratory rates. Females have a significantly higher fresh body weight than males when both sexes are fed on a protein diet. Females fed on a protein-deficient diet exhibited significantly higher respiratory rates on a μl/mg basis than females fed on a protein diet. This extremely high respiratory rate was directly correlated with the occurrence of a protein hunger drive. Males fed on a protein-deficient diet also exhibited higher respiratory rates on a μl/mg basis than males fed on protein diet. However, the differences were not as great between the males as compared to the female comparison.
Assessment with an "End in View".

This article uses Dewey's (1938) concept of “end in view” to frame one California State University's purposeful action in implementing the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT). The authors provide a chronology of events that reveal the ways in which teacher education faculty were engaged in examining PACT outcomes and candidate performance through informal, “mock scoring” events, and the design of formative, embedded signature assessments, and the resulting changes in the program assessment system, curriculum, and instructional practices. The article closes with concerns and suggestions for sustaining the “end in view” during high-stakes and low-budget circumstances.
Su1674 Incidence of Colonic Neoplasia in Patients With Breast Cancer: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Su1674 Incidence of Colonic Neoplasia in Patients With Breast Cancer: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Jennifer H. Lai, Gavin Park, Lauren B. Gerson* Gastroenterology, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA; Internal Medicine, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA Background: Patients with breast cancer are advised to undergo screening for colon cancer every 5 years due to a perceived increase in cancer risk. Methods: We searched Pubmed (1970-2014) and Cochrane Central Registry of Clinical Trials and included the following search terms: “colorectal neoplasms,” “genes, BRACA1”, “genes BRCA2,” “breast neoplasms,” as well as title words “breast and colorectal” with text word “screening.” The initial analysis included cohort studies that assessed prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with breast cancer. Subsequent analysis focused on case-control studies that assessed prevalence of advanced colonic adenomas and/or cancer in patients with breast cancer. We used Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA, Version 3, Biostat, Inc) to perform the statistical analysis including construction of Forest plots, and assessment of heterogeneity and/or publication bias. For cohort studies, results were reported as pooled prevalence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We determined odds ratios (OR) for casecontrol studies using random effects modeling. Subjects with a diagnosis of breast cancer who had undergone subsequent screening colonoscopy examinations after the initial cancer diagnosis were included. Results: The search yielded 93 articles. We included 30 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies in the analysis. The 30 cohort studies included 2,228,229 patients with breast cancer of whom 21353 (0.9%) developed subsequent colorectal cancer. The pooled prevalence rate of CRC was 0.9% (95% CI 0.7-1%, pZ0). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (IZ99%, pZ0.0) but no evidence of publication bias. In the 4 case-control studies (including 17,827 breast cancer patients and 70,242 controls) reporting numbers of patients subsequently diagnosed with CRC, a non-significant increase in CRC was reported for breast cancer patients (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.4-3.3, pZ0.7). There were 4 case-control studies assessing risk of adenomatous polyps (including 610 patients with breast cancer and 882 controls) demonstrating an increased risk of advanced adenoma that was not statistically significant (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.9-3.8, pZ0.08) with moderate heterogeneity between studies (IZ70%, pZ0.003) There was insufficient data to perform subgroup analyses on the usage of tamoxifen and subsequent CRC risk or mean patient age for cases compared to controls. Conclusions: The overall rate of colorectal cancer did not appear to be increased in patients with breast cancer. Colorectal cancer screening in these patients should occur according to current society guidelines.
Enforcement and compliance trends under IFQ management in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery

United States fisheries are increasingly relying on catch share programs for fisheries management, but the relationship of these programs with compliance and enforcement behavior is not well understood. This study uses historical enforcement records and surveys of fishery participants to investigate how imposition of catch share management in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery has altered patterns of fisheries violations and fisher perceptions of changes in compliance. This fishery has been partially managed under individual fishing quotas (IFQs) since 2007, allowing for comparison of compliance and enforcement prior to and after introduction of catch share management. The shift to catch shares in this fishery has yielded minor but expected changes in enforcement activity. The overall number of cases declined, and the mix of cases shifted: enforcement incidents related to reporting and recordkeeping became more common and catch limit and permit cases declined. These changes are consistent with expectations about the effects of catch shares. However, confidence in these results is limited by the low number of applicable cases, the effects of enforcement effort on case frequency, and the effects of other management system changes during the study—most notably, new vessel monitoring system (VMS) and observer program requirements. Limitations in the enforcement data and survey data both suggest that noncompliance in the Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery is higher than suggested by the low number of relevant records in the federal enforcement database, but that compliance has improved in the sector under catch share management. The study concludes that increased enforcement resources may be justified to ensure continued compliance benefits and to ensure the accuracy of landings records.
Geologic framework of the northern North Carolina, USA inner continental shelf and its influence on coastal evolution

Abstract The inner continental shelf off the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina was mapped using sidescan sonar, interferometric swath bathymetry, and high-resolution chirp and boomer subbottom profiling systems. We use this information to describe the shallow stratigraphy, reinterpret formation mechanisms of some shoal features, evaluate local relative sea-levels during the Late Pleistocene, and provide new constraints, via recent bedform evolution, on regional sediment transport patterns. The study area is approximately 290 km long by 11 km wide, extending from False Cape, Virginia to Cape Lookout, North Carolina, in water depths ranging from 6 to 34 m. Late Pleistocene sedimentary units comprise the shallow geologic framework of this region and determine both the morphology of the inner shelf and the distribution of sediment sources and sinks. We identify Pleistocene sedimentary units beneath Diamond Shoals that may have provided a geologic template for the location of modern Cape Hatteras and earlier paleo-capes during the Late Pleistocene. These units indicate shallow marine deposition 15–25 m below present sea-level. The uppermost Pleistocene unit may have been deposited as recently as Marine Isotope Stage 3, although some apparent ages for this timing may be suspect. Paleofluvial valleys incised during the Last Glacial Maximum traverse the inner shelf throughout the study area and dissect the Late Pleistocene units. Sediments deposited in the valleys record the Holocene transgression and provide insight into the evolutionary history of the barrier-estuary system in this region. The relationship between these valleys and adjacent shoal complexes suggests that the paleo-Roanoke River did not form the Albemarle Shelf Valley complex as previously proposed; a major fluvial system is absent and thus makes the formation of this feature enigmatic. Major shoal features in the study area show mobility at decadal to centennial timescales, including nearly a kilometer of shoal migration over the past 134 yr. Sorted bedforms occupy ~ 1000 km 2 of seafloor in Raleigh Bay, and indicate regional sediment transport patterns between Capes Hatteras and Lookout that help explain long-term sediment accumulation and morphologic development. Portions of the inner continental shelf with relatively high sediment abundance are characterized by shoals and shoreface-attached ridges, and where sediment is less abundant, the seafloor is dominated by sorted bedforms. These relationships are also observed in other passive margin settings, suggesting a continuum of shelf morphology that may have broad application for interpreting inner shelf sedimentation patterns.
Behavioral Couples Therapy for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) is designed for married or cohabiting individuals seeking help for alcoholism or drug abuse. BCT sees the substance-abusing patient together with the spouse or live-in partner. Its purposes are to build support for abstinence and to improve relationship functioning. BCT promotes abstinence with a “recovery contract” that involves both members of the couple in a daily ritual to reward abstinence. BCT improves the relationship with techniques for increasing positive activities and improving communication. BCT also fits well with 12-step or other self-help groups, individual or group substance-abuse counseling, and recovery medications. Research shows that BCT produces greater abstinence and better relationship functioning than typical individual-based treatment and reduces social costs, domestic violence, and emotional problems of the couple's children. Thus, research evidence supports wider use of BCT. It is hoped that this article and new print and Web-based resources on h...
The effect of αMSH on β-adrenergic receptor mechanisms in the rat pineal

Abstract The effects of αMSH on beta adrenergic receptor response of rat pineal cells were studied in vitro. Responses measured were membrane hyperpolarization, measured with a micro-electrode, and cyclic AMP formation, measured by radio immunoassay. Normal resting membrane potential of pineal cells is approximately -40mV. Addition of NE produces a dose-dependent hyperpolarization of these cells. The addition of αMSH in vitro produces a very slight, but significant, depolarization, and markedly attenuates subsequent NE responses. αMSH has no effect on the cyclic AMP content of pineal glands, but again attenuates the action of NE in producing increased cellular cyclic AMP. These results suggest that αMSH may modulate pineal responsiveness.
Novel oligodeoxynucleotide agonists of TLR9 containing N3-Me-dC or N1-Me-dG modifications

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs activate Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9). Our previous studies have shown the role of hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor groups of cytosine and guanine in the CpG motif and identified synthetic immunostimulatory motifs. In the present study to elucidate the significance of N3-position of cytosine and N1-position of guanine in the CpG motif, we substituted C or G of a CpG dinucleotide with N3-Me-cytosine or N1-Me-guanine, respectively, in immunomodulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (IMOs). IMOs containing N-Me-cytosine or N-Me-guanine in C- or G-position, respectively, of the CpG dinucleotide showed activation of HEK293 cells expressing TLR9, but not TLR3, 7 or 8. IMOs containing N-Me-cytosine or N-Me-guanine modification showed activity in mouse spleen cell cultures, in vivo in mice, and in human cell cultures. In addition, IMOs containing N-Me-substitutions reversed antigen-induced Th2 immune responses towards a Th1-type in OVA-sensitized mouse spleen cell cultures. These studies suggest that TLR9 tolerates a methyl group at N1-position of G and a methyl group at N3-position of C may interfere with TLR9 activation to some extent. These are the first studies elucidating the role of N3-position of cytosine and N1-position of guanine in a CpG motif for TLR9 activation and immune stimulation.
Evolution of multilayer Ar and Ne films from two-dimensional to bulk behavior.

Argon and neon films on graphite have been studied in detail by high-resolution calorimetry, at temperatures from 60% of the bulk triple point (${T}_{t}$) to several degrees above, and at coverages ranging from two to more than 20 molecular layers. Both adsorbates undergo a series of transformations, including layer formation, layer order-disorder transitions, individual layer melting, surface roughening, and surface melting. Layer transitions at thicknesses between two and six layers display Ising-like critical points, which evolve with increasing thickness to a broad roughening anomaly ${T}_{R}$=0.8${T}_{t}$. A distinct series of peaks extending from the region of ordering temperatures to temperatures above ${T}_{t}$ is associated with the formation of each of the first four solid layers next to the substrate. Higher layers exhibit no individuality in their thermal behavior, and melting evolves into continuous surface melting. The thickness of the melt liquid at the surface of thick films corresponds to the predicted temperature dependence of surface melting in solids governed by dispersion forces. In thinner films the temperature dependence indicates short-range effective interactions, attributed to the intrusion of solid crystalline order into the liquid at the crystal-melt interface. A novel technique is developed for determining the profile of the crystal-melt interface, and applied to the Ar and Ne film systems. The profiles of both systems can be fitted by exponential or hyperbolic tangent functions. The experimental interface widths are found to be about six layers in Ne and four layers in Ar.
A quantitative approach for assessing the priorities of software quality requirements

Abstract There are two challenges in software quality requirements specification and analysis: (a) software requirements are usually imprecise; (b) software quality requirements often conflict with each other. Software quality requirements are often prioritized to resolve their conflicts. However, the priorities of quality requirements are very difficult to assess and determine subjectively. In this paper, a quantitative approach is developed to assess the relative priority of requirements based on the trade-off analysis between conflicting requirements. One technique is based on the trade-off analysis between the satisfaction degrees of requirements and another is based on the marginal rate of substitution in decision science, which specifies the maximal amount of a decision attribute the customer is willing to sacrifice for a unit increase in another decision attribute. A technique is then introduced to transform relative priorities into numeric priorities of requirements so that they can be used in aggregation of requirements. The analytic approach developed in this paper enables an objective assessment of priorities of the requirements, which provides a solid formal foundation for resolving conflicts by prioritizing conflicting requirements.
Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a series of increasingly hydrophobic cationic steroid lipofection reagents.

The use of cholesterol-based cationic lipids and the ability of glucocorticoids to reduce local inflammatory response to lipoplexes motivated an investigation of structure-activity relationships for cationic steroids. A one-step synthetic scheme using iminothiolane was developed to link spermine to the 21-OH position of steroids via an amidine linkage. Five steroids (cortisol, dexamethasone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 11deoxycorticosterone) with increasing hydrophobicity of the parent steroid (Log Pster from 1.51 to 3.01) were conjugated with spermine, formulated with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) at DOPE : steroid mole ratios (R) of R = 0.5 to 2, and then complexed with 1 µg enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid DNA at charge ratios (CR) = 2t o 24 amines per phosphate (0.5 to 6 steroids per phosphate). The resulting 105 different formulations of the cationic steroid series were used to lipofect bovine aortic endothelial cells. Transgene expression data at either 24 or 48 h post-lipofection for all formulations was collapsed onto master curves when plotted against a single empirical dimensionless parameter, the lipofection
Comparative ability of certain sugars and honey to enhance saline polydipsia and salt hypertension.

SummarySucrose, maltose, fructose and honey, each at a 5% concentration in 1% sodium chloride solution used as drinking fluid, were compared in respect to their ability to influence saline consumption and the development of arterial hypertension. Honey was without detectable effect on either of these. The pure sugars, in the order of increasing effectiveness fell into the order sequence fructose, maltose and sucrose. Only sucrose significantly increased consumption of saline throughout the experiment, and was unquestionably the most effective carbohydrate in promoting saline ingestion and in enhancing salt hypertension. The data available from several sources indicate that it is neither sweetness, as the term is commonly understood, nor the calorie value which endows certain sugar solutions with the appeal they have for rats.
Computer vision applications to the study of sea-ice motion in Antarctica

The motion of sea-ice in Antarctica is studied using QuikSCAT scatterometer imagery using methods from computer vision and image processing such as intensity edges and optical flow (OF). Features are computed as differential invariants based on spatial and temporal derivatives at various scales. The first estimates of the motion vector field obtained through optical flow are used as the starting point for a regularization scheme that imposes constraints that bring the estimate closer to feature tracking results and observed motion. Constraints from fluid dynamics are brought in by separating the motion field into its divergence free and rotational free components with another field obtained through a convex combination of these components. The advantages of this approach are that it produces a dense motion field that can be globally processed and locally adjusted to fit data and a model. This study complements the analysis of sea ice motion by application of wavelet theory.
A fundamental analysis of slurry grinding

An analytical approach to mathematical expression of the mechanisms involved in typical slurry grinders is presented. Experimental equipment performance is correlated with developed formulas. Results are expressed in terms of fundamental machine and slurry parameters useful in predicting performance and scale-up.
Rapid Decreases in Blood Pressure from Antihypertensive Treatment were Associated with Increased Cancer Mortality in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program

Background: Research on the association between antihypertensive drug treatment (HTDT) and cancer is equivocal. We tested the hypothesis that large, rapid decreases in blood pressure following HTDT are associated with higher cancer mortality. Methods: Data from the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) with 15-year cause-specific follow-up for mortality were used. We used changes from baseline in seated and standing systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the initiation of HTDT. Hazard ratios adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and competing risk of non–cancer-related deaths were estimated to determine the association between SBP change, as a continuous or time-dependent measure, and cancer-related death. Results: SHEP participants taking antihypertensive medication who exhibited a decrease in seated SBP of 29 mm Hg or more (50th percentile and above) at 3 months were at a 58% greater risk of cancer-related death during a 15-year follow-up compared with those with no decrease in SBP ( P = 0.007, 42% increased risk P = 0.02 for standing SBP). Those participants whose maximal seated SBP change occurred in the first 3 months of treatment had 2.6-times greater risk of cancer mortality compared with those whose maximal seated SBP change occurred at 12 months ( P = 0.004). Conclusions: Large SBP decreases early in HTDT were associated with an increased risk of cancer-related death during a 15-year follow-up. Further studies are needed to confirm and explore the potential mechanisms for this association. Impact: Rapid decreases in blood pressure following HTDT may be a risk factor for cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1589–97. ©2014 AACR .
Autonomy and Relatedness Emotions and the Tension between Individuality and Sociality

This article proposes a new way of examining emotions in a series of hierarchical contexts. Autonomy and relatedness form a set of emotional stances and behavioral interactions. Relatedness is often associated with emotional fields such as caring, nurture and love, whereas autonomy is not usually classified as an emotion. This article examines them as parts of a dialectical and hierarchical pattern of interaction. Autonomy and relatedness can be viewed as social sentiments which work as manifestations of individual behavior, the structure of relations between individuals, cultural patterns between sets of individuals, such as age and gender groups, and finally as qualities which characterize whole societies or communities in their relations with others. By looking at emotions as part of a dynamic set of processes, the article examines how action creates both individual and cultural expectations and practices. The article uses Turner’s concepts of dialectics and hierarchy to examine social and cultural val...
Self Equivalence of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers

The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADM or ADMM) breaks a complex optimization problem into much simpler subproblems. The ADM algorithms are typically short and easy to implement yet exhibit (nearly) state-of-the-art performance for large-scale optimization problems.
Late sodium current in failing heart : Friend or foe?

Most cardiac Na+ channels open transiently upon membrane depolarization and then are quickly inactivated. However, some channels remain active, carrying the so-called persistent or late Na+ current (INaL) throughout the action potential (AP) plateau. Experimental data and the results of numerical modeling accumulated over the past decade show the emerging importance of this late current component for the function of both normal and failing myocardium. INaL is produced by special gating modes of the cardiac-specific Na+ channel isoform. Heart failure (HF) slows channel gating and increases INaL, but HF-specific Na+ channel isoform underlying these changes has not been found. Na+ channels represent a multi-protein complex and its activity is determined not only by the pore-forming alpha subunit but also by its auxiliary beta subunits, cytoskeleton, calmodulin, regulatory kinases and phosphatases, and trafficking proteins. Disruption of the integrity of this protein complex may lead to alterations of INaL in pathological conditions. Increased INaL and the corresponding Na+ flux in failing myocardium contribute to abnormal repolarization and an increased cell Ca2+ load. Interventions designed to correct INaL rescue normal repolarization and improve Ca2+ handling and contractility of the failing cardiomyocytes. This review considers (1) quantitative integration of INaL into the established electrophysiological and Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms in normal and failing cardiomyocytes and (2) a new therapeutic strategy utilizing a selective inhibition of INaL to target both arrhythmias and impaired contractility in HF.
Baselines in requirements tracing

We summarize the results of our requirements tracing work to date, focusing on our empirical results with open source datasets. Specifically, we describe the problem of after-the-fact requirements tracing for Verification and Validation (V&V) analysts, we provide a brief overview of Information Retrieval methods we have applied as well as measures used to evaluate them, we describe our tracing tool, and we present the results of a number of empirical studies. Two of the open source datasets that we have used are available to the research community at http://promise.site.uottawa.ca/SERepository/.
Semantic Interoperability in Infrastructure Systems

Today’s computing requires integrated systems and share of data and knowledge among different systems and users. This trend has called for development of new methodologies and tools that solve problems in an automated and transparent manner. In other words, integrated systems need to be semantically interoperable. While Geopspatial Information Systems (GISs) have been extensively used in civil engineering and numerous other disciplines, research in semantic interoperability in GISs is scant. Without semantic interoperability, GISs remain complex systems requiring special skills for their efficient interaction, processing and effective use. It is recognized that semantic interoperability can only take place through standards at different levels and for different activities. An example standardization effort focused on problem solving within the civil engineering discipline is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs). In this paper, we discuss the needs, issues and requirements for developing semantic interoperability in infrastructure systems.
Transient Stability of a Multi-Machine Power System Part I: Investigation of System Trajectories

Direct methods of transient stability analysis of a multi-machine power system, using a function describing the system's transient energy, are discussed. By examining the trajectory of the disturbed system, the following fundamental questions are dealt with: the concept of a controlling unstable equilibrium point (u.e.p.), the manner in which some generators tend to lose synchronism, and identifying-the energy directly responsible for system separation. Resolving these issues will substantially improve transient stability analysis by a direct method.
A Meeting of Two Cultures

In this chapter, we explore the experiences of two science teacher educators participating in a Binational Fulbright Commission Teacher Training Initiative with eight public school secondary science teachers from Cairo, Egypt and neighboring communities who came to the United States to study science teacher education. In the first part of the chapter, we examine the preparatory nature of the program. We then identify and analyze the key players in this science education initiative in terms of their assumptions about teacher education, science, and cultural difference. The last section of this chapter describes the reflexive nature of the relationships between teacher educators and the participants in the context of a binational program. The chapter is guided by the following questions: (1) What assumptions were made about the visitors before they arrived? (2) How did perceived cultural differences inform the structure of the program? (3) How did actual cultural differences transform the science methods course? (4) How were the teacher educators transformed by this experience?
Internal Carotid Aplasia/Hypoplasia and Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms: Series of Three New Cases and Systematic Review of the Literature

Background and Purpose. Abnormal arterial flow dynamics and intracranial collateral pathways can be seen in patients with congenital internal carotid artery (ICA) aplasia or hypoplasia. Here we seek to evaluate whether ICA aplasia/hypoplasia is associated with an increased prevalence of intracranial saccular aneurysm relative to carotid rete mirabile. Methods. We combined our experience of three cases with 148 previous publications to form a retrospective series including 132 cases of ICA aplasia, 33 cases of ICA hypoplasia, and 34 cases of carotid rete mirabile. Results. After excluding cases lacking angiograms, ICA aplasia/hypoplasia was more commonly associated with aneurysm (45/158, 27.8%) compared with rete mirabile (2/34, 5.9%). A significantly greater overall aneurysm prevalence was seen among ICA aplasia/hypoplasia patients age 30 years or older (38/101, 36.6%) than in younger individuals (7/48, 14.6%). Conclusions. Intracranial saccular aneurysm is more strongly associated with ICA aplasia/hypoplasia than rete mirabile. An increased aneurysm prevalence among older individuals with ICA aplasia/hypoplasia suggests an acquired etiology. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is recommended in the initial evaluation of ICA aplasia/hypoplasia to evaluate for intracranial saccular aneurysm, particularly after the third decade of life.
Pilocytic astrocytoma in a child with Noonan syndrome

Noonan syndrome (NS; MIM 163950) is an autosomal dominant dysmorphic syndrome characterized by distinct facial features, cardiac anomalies, short stature, and motor delay. Activating mutations in PTPN11, encoding the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, are associated with about 50% of cases. Mutations in other genes in the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway are responsible for many of the remainder of cases. While mutations in this pathway are found in a variety of malignancies, including solid tumors, there are few reports of solid tumors in individuals with NS. We report here a patient with PTPN11 mutation-associated NS and a pilocytic astrocytoma.