cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Antipsychotic Medications with Novel Mechanisms of Action Based on Computational Modeling of Hippocampal Neuropathology

A large number of cellular level abnormalities have been identified in the hippocampus of schizophrenic subjects. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain how these pathologies interact at a system level to create clinical symptoms, and this has hindered the development of more effective antipsychotic medications. Using a 72-processor supercomputer, we created a tissue level hippocampal simulation, featuring multicompartmental neuron models with multiple ion channel subtypes and synaptic channels with realistic temporal dynamics. As an index of the schizophrenic phenotype, we used the specific inability of the model to attune to 40 Hz (gamma band) stimulation, a well-characterized abnormality in schizophrenia. We examined several possible combinations of putatively schizophrenogenic cellular lesions by systematically varying model parameters representing NMDA channel function, dendritic spine density, and GABA system integrity, conducting 910 trials in total. Two discrete “clusters” of neuropathological changes were identified. The most robust was characterized by co-occurring modest reductions in NMDA system function (-30%) and dendritic spine density (-30%). Another set of lesions had greater NMDA hypofunction along with low level GABA system dysregulation. To the schizophrenic model, we applied the effects of 1,500 virtual medications, which were implemented by varying five model parameters, independently, in a graded manner; the effects of known drugs were also applied. The simulation accurately distinguished agents that are known to lack clinical efficacy, and identified novel mechanisms (e.g., decrease in AMPA conductance decay time constant, increase in projection strength of calretinin-positive interneurons) and combinations of mechanisms that could re-equilibrate model behavior. These findings shed light on the mechanistic links between schizophrenic neuropathology and the gamma band oscillatory abnormalities observed in the illness. As such, they generate specific falsifiable hypotheses, which can guide postmortem and other laboratory research. Significantly, this work also suggests specific non-obvious targets for potential pharmacologic agents.
Episodes of care for abdominal pain in a primary care practice.

OBJECTIVES To explore the usefulness of episodes of care in describing the clinical epidemiology of abdominal pain in the primary care setting and to develop methods to analyze clinician decision-making strategies during abdominal pain episodes. DESIGN Complete episodes of care for nonpregnant adults with nonspecific abdominal pain from an established episode-based clinical information system were supplemented and validated by medical record review. Utilization decisions during episodes were quantified by summing the costs of all visits, services, tests, and referrals ordered or performed by the clinician. A decision model was used to analyze significant influences on utilization decisions. SETTING An established faculty practice site of a Midwestern academic family practice department. SUBJECTS Two hundred ten nonpregnant adults who had nonspecific abdominal pain. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Utilization and costs generated during the episode of care. RESULTS The average abdominal pain episode required 1.32 visits and cost $123.36. In more than half of all episodes (51%), a specific diagnosis was not reached. The most common specific diagnoses were gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (5% each). Bivariate analyses showed that two variables, clinician uncertainty about diagnosis and a nonspecific diagnosis, were significantly associated with episode cost. Patient age, gender, comorbidity, and the presence or absence of specific clinical findings were not associated with episode cost. Stepwise regression modeling resulted in a two-factor model. Clinician uncertainty and complexity explained only 9% of the variance in episode cost. CONCLUSIONS Episodes of abdominal pain most often remained undiagnosed. The decision model did not predict episode cost. Utilization decisions did not seem to be driven by commonly cited clinical risk factors, but by diagnostic uncertainty or individualized decision rules.
Congenital obstructive nephropathy: is the fog lifting?

Renal obstruction is well recognized as causing renal dysfunction and can be reliably repaired, so why is there still a fuss about UPJ obstruction sufficient to prompt many laboratories, particularly Dr. Chevalier's, to invest significant time and effort in trying to define this common entity1? The crux of this issue involves the many neonates with renal dilation, usually detected prenatally, who have no obvious clinical problems and seem to grow and thrive. While we know that some might have demonstrable deterioration of renal function over time, we clearly do not know who these children may be. The controversy regarding congenital obstructive uropathy remains lively and shows no sign of being readily resolved2. Two camps have emerged in the ongoing debate, the "watchers" and the "fixers." The "watcher" assumes that the incidence of renal functional deterioration can be accurately measured, promptly detected, and corrected with specific intervention in these children3, 4. The "fixer" feels that renal deterioration is slowly ongoing, inaccurately measured, and by the time intervention is undertaken, may be irreversible to some degree. These different perspectives seem to follow some cultural and institutional lines, but are often quite unpredictable. This paper attempts to shed further light on this murky debate.
Effects of Various Parameters on Hydraulic Fracturing Geometry

Small-scale laboratory experiments are performed to study the effects of frictional characteristics on hydraulic fracture growth across unbonded interfaces in rocks. Various lubricants and mechanical preparations of the interface surfaces are used to vary the coefficients of friction on the interface surfaces. It is found that the frictional shear stress that the interface surface can support determines whether a hydraulically driven crack will cross the interface. Experiments also are being performed to study the effects of pre-existing cracks, which perpendicularly intersect the unbonded interface, on hydraulic crack growth across the interface. 17 refs.
The fatty acid composition of cottonseed oil at various stages of solvent extraction

The variation in the fatty acid composition of the glyceride portion of cottonseed oil at various stages of solvent extraction has been investigated. Prime cottonseed meats were flaked and extracted in glassware rate extraction apparatus, using commercial hexane up to different degrees of extractions. The fatty acid composition of cottonseed oil obtained after extracting the flakes to different residual oil contents was determined by gas-liquid partition chromatography. No difference was found.
Transients in sheared granular matter

As dense granular materials are sheared, a shear band and an anisotropic force network form. The approach to steady-state behavior depends on the history of the packing and the existing force and contact network. We present experiments on shearing of dense granular matter in a 2D Couette geometry in which we probe the history and evolution of shear bands by measuring particle trajectories and stresses during transients. We find that when shearing is stopped and restarted in the same direction, steady-state behavior is immediately reached, in agreement with the typical assumption that the system is quasistatic. Although some relaxation of the force network is observed when shearing is stopped, quasistatic behavior is maintained because the contact network remains essentially unchanged. When the direction of shear is reversed, a transient occurs in which stresses initially decrease, changes in the force network reach further into the bulk, and particles far from the wheel become more mobile. This occurs because the force network is fragile to changes transverse to the force network established under previous shear; particles must rearrange before becoming jammed again, thereby providing resistance to shear in the reversed direction. The strong force network is re-established after displacing the shearing surface approximately equal 3d, where d is the mean grain diameter. Steady-state velocity profiles are reached after a shear of < or approximately equal 30 d. Particles immediately outside of the shear band move on average less than 1 diameter before becoming jammed again. We also examine particle rotation during this transient and find that mean particle spin decreases during the transient, which is related to the fact that grains are not interlocked as strongly.
The effect of recognition vs. disclosure on investor valuation: The case of pension accounting

Whether or not the format of financial reporting influences user assessment of the reported information is an important issue to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), and managers. Do investors, in determining security prices, differentiate between information recognized in the balance sheet and that disclosed in the footnotes? The findings indicate that investors appear to consider pension information disclosed in the footnotes as value-relevant, given that an accrued (prepaid) pension liability (asset) is also recognized in the balance sheet. Second, investors attach equal importance to both sorts of pension information.
NOTES ON SOME EFFECTS OF THE VARIETY OF FLINT USED ON THE PROPERTIES OF A HOTEL CHINA BODY

Pebble, sand, rock, and tripoli flint were used in a hotel china composition. The variety of flint was found to have little effect on the water absorption of the body fired to cone 10, on its linear thermal expansion to 300°C, or on its impact strength. The pebble-flint body crazed most easily in a water-dip test, while the sand-flint body was most resistant to crazing. The body containing rock flint was superior in translucency, the sand flint next, the tripoli flint third, while the pebble-flint body was practically opaque.
Timing characteristic of large cylindrical NE213 counters

Abstract The fast neutron time-of-flight resolution of cylindrical NE213 scintillation counters for an energy range 3–21 MeV is measured and compared. Detector dimensions vary from 10.0 cm diameter by 2.5 cm thick to 38 cm diameter by 10 cm thick. Discrete energy neutron groups are produced using the natB(d,n) reaction, Ed = 6.7 MeV, 7.5 MeV.
A Critique of Remedial and Drill Materials in Arithmetic

Experience with the problems of teaching and supervising arithmetic reveals the fact that there are at least three distinct types of drill materials in arithmetic which must be utilized if instruction in this field is to be maintained at an effective level. In the first place, initial instruc tion must be accompanied by adequate opportunity for repeated experi ence with these new facts if they are to be fixed more or less permanently in the mind of the student. Accordingly, drill material to perform this function must be so designed that it places additional emphasis on the more difficult items to be mastered. In the second place, drill must be provided for maintenance purposes. This type of drill is ordinarily characterized by its tendency to sample the several fields which are being emphasized and to provide devices for the more thorough coordination of these skills. The third type of drill is of a remedial nature. Remedial drills are so designed that they furnish the student a complete sampling of each of the basic skills that are presented for initial learning and that finally make for arithmetical accomplishment. These three types of arithmetical drill may be illustrated by some actual examples. The first set of material represents drill exercises de signed to perfect the initial mastery of an easier group of addition facts. It will be noted that this exercise, which is called a "learning lesson," presents each of the five basic facts once, together with the correct initial response. Since these five facts are approximately equal in learning difficulty the supplementary drill on each of these basic combinations is the same. As progress is made in the mastery of these combinations and the more difficult ones are encountered, each more difficult combination is given additional opportunities for initial drill. In this way the greater learning difficulty of each harder combination is compensated for. Drills for maintenance purposes may be illustrated by the accompany ing material which is designed to give mixed drill on facts which have been previously mastered, but which, due to inherent difficulties in learn ing, require additional emphasis. Attention is called to the fact that while this drill deals only with addition of whole numbers it provides a carefully distributed practice with a number of other difficulties, such as, 262
Exchange perturbation theory for electron scattering. Elastic scattering from hydrogen atoms

We present a new perturbation treatment of electron scattering. It is based on determining a primitive wave function which is nonsymmetric with respect to electron exchange. The theory is developed specifically for elastic scattering from atomic hydrogen but appears generalizable to many-electron atoms and to inelastic processes as well. From the first-order wave function, which can be made square-integrable, one obtains the phase shifts through third order. Calculations with a crude spherical-well initial approximation are carried out for illustrative purposes.
Periodontal Status of patients iwht abnormalities of the immune system

Patients with immune system abnormalities were pair-matched to immunocompetent clinic patients by age and Plaque Index. Clinical examination included comprehensive health histories with summaries of antibiotic experience, Plaque Index (P 1.I.), Gingival Index (G.I.), Periodontal Disease Index (P.D.I.), caries experience (DMF-T) and full mouth radiographic surveys. Efficiency of matching was confirmed as tests of significance between sample means for age (11.3, 11.3) and P1.I. (1.33, 1.34) showed no difference between the immunodeficient and clinic patient groups respectively. No clinical or radiographic evidence of attachment loss was noted in either group. A significant and consistent diference was observed in gingival inflammation and caries experience. The G.I. was lower (x=1.05) in immunodeficient patients than that recorded in clinic patients (x=1.46) in all pairs. Similar results were observed for caries experience, and 8 immunodeficient patients demonstrated DMF-T scores of zero.
On the design of the transition region of axisymmetric, magnetically focused beam valves

Assumption of a particular magnetic-field variation in the transition region of an axially symmetric beam-type device (e.g., klystron, travelling-wave tube) leads to the solution of the equations of electron motion by means of an analogue computer. To illustrate this novel method of solution, beam envelopes are presented for Brillouin flow, periodic magnetic focusing, and space-charge-balanced flow. By matching the beam envelopes with those obtained from the theory of the Pierce gun, dimensions are obtained for an electron gun that produces the required beam.
Solid-state actuation based on reversible Li electroplating

Reversible electrochemical compound formation has considerable potential to form the basis of a high-strain high-force multifunctional actuator technology. We present preliminary experimental demonstrations of the reversible work capability of solid-state electroplating. Our experimental test case is the volume expansion incurred during the reversible electrochemical formation of thin-film Li metal from a ceramic lithium ion storage medium, LiCoO2 as part of the standard operation of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery. Reversible work is accomplished through the plating or stripping of the pure Li film against an external load. With the active portion of the structure as a basis, we observe ~10% strain against loads up to 2 MPa, with the load being limited by battery failure. No change in actuation characteristics is observed up to failure.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Inching Toward a Profession—A Plea

sional human relations among us. Hence this urgent quest for taking stock in an objective and democratic way. If we fail to take action soon, we will be doing a disservice to those who have put faith in their professional group by having joined it. Throughout the land within the foreign language teaching ranks there is right now visible and audible dissatisfaction and a growing insistance that professional organizations respond to the rightful demand of the membership for authoritative assistance and significant participation. STOWELL C. GODING
Neonatal intestinal obstruction due to milk curds.

Abstract A new syndrome of neonatal intestinal obstruction due to milk curds is described. The condition is probably brought about if susceptible neonates are fed with high calorie feeds shortly after birth.
Ideal rather than actual body weight should be used to calculate cell dose in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Whether the CD34+ and CD3+ cell doses in allogeneic HSCT should be estimated using actual (ABW) or ideal (IBW) body weight has never been definitively determined. We have shown that CD34+ cell doses based upon IBW are better predictive of engraftment after autologous and allogeneic HSCT. Sixty-three patients undergoing reduced-intensity HSCT after a uniform preparative regimen were evaluated to determine the effect of cell dose. ABW and IBW were 45-147 kg (median 79) and 52-85 kg (median 67) respectively. The ABW-IBW difference was -24% to +133% (median +16%); nine patients were >5% underweight and 41 were >5% overweight. The CD34+ cell dose (10(6)/kg) was 1.4-11.8 (median 5) by IBW and 1.2-9.3 (median 4.5) by ABW. The CD3+ cell dose (10(8)/kg) was 0.9-14.9 (median 3) by IBW and 0.7-19.7 (median 2.7) by ABW. While CD34+ and CD3+ cell doses based upon IBW were found to affect transplant-related mortality, and disease-free and overall survival significantly, those based on ABW were either not predictive of outcome or the differences were of borderline significance. We suggest using IBW rather than ABW to calculate cell doses for HSCT; for statistical analyses and for clinical practice if a specific cell dose is being targeted.
Coordination of germ tube formation and surface antigen expression in Candida albicans.

If the determinants of shape and cell wall topography are independently regulated and induced in germ tube formation in Candida albicans, these processes may be separable in a non-germ tube forming strain. The expression of several preferentially expressed hyphal surface components in a parental, non-germ tube forming variant, and a germ tube forming revertant strain were examined by indirect immunofluorescence. The proportion of germ tubes expressing the determinants and the morphological localization of expression was similar. Few yeast cells in germ tube cultures bound probes and there was no increase in binding by yeast cells of the variant strain. Extraction with β-mercaptoethanol prior to analysis had little effect on probe binding and the shape of yeast cells were similar. These observations suggest the ability to promote apical expansion in germ tube formation and surface expression of certain markers were coordinately regulated.
The effects of temazepam and ethanol on human psychomotor performance.

We have studied the effects of temazepam, alone and in combination with ethanol, on psychomotor performance in six healthy men and women using a battery of five microcomputer-based tasks before and 30, 90, and 150 min after treatment. The tests were pursuit tracking, divided attention, two four-choice reaction time tests and tapping rate. The entire battery required 25 min. The subjects also reported their mood at each testing time using a computerized bipolar mood scales test. Temazepam (15 mg) plus ethanol (peak blood concentration of 11 mmol·1−1) significantly impaired divided attention, tracking, and reaction time over a 3 h period. There was significant impairment versus placebo for each drug alone on some of the tests. Plasma and urine concentrations of temazepam and temazepam glucuronide were measured, but there was no significant temporal correlation between impairment and drug or metabolite concentration in either plasma or urine. The subjects knew when they had taken ethanol, but could not discriminate temazepam from ethanol whether alone or in combination. The subjects rated their performance similarly after each of the four treatment conditions. The performance on the tracking, divided attention, and PAB reaction time tasks used in this study was impaired by a combination of Tmazepam and ethanol in doses which may not cause impairment when each is given alone.
Characteristics of laminar gas jet diffusion flames under the influence of elevated gravity

Laminar gas jet diffusion flames of hydrogen, methane, ethane, and propane, stabilized on small cylindrical burners, were studied at elevated gravity in a centrifuge to investigate the role of buoyancy in such flames. Photographic observation of the hydrocarbon flames indicated that length and carbon luminosity decreased with increasing buoyancy. These flames eventually separated from the burner rim and finally extinguished as gravity increased. Hydrogen flames, however, did not separate or extinguish up to about 31 times earth normal gravity. Length data are reported and interpreted with the aid of a simplified model which describes the flame as a heated vertical cylindrical sheet to which oxygen is supplied by a free convection boundary layer.
Queueing network models of multimicrocomputer networks

Recent developments in very large scale integration have made it feasible to construct a highly parallel computer composed of large numbers of interconnected microcomputers. The modeling problems posed by this approach to parallel processing differ in several significant respects from those associated with traditional queueing network models of computer systems. Among them are the size of the models, the varied interconnection network topologies, and algorithm dependent internode communication patterns. We extend queueing theoretic models to include multimicrocomputer networks with primary emphasis on two areas: characterizing interconnection network workloads and finding efficient solution techniques for the resulting models.
Elevated cyclooxygenase-2 levels in Min mouse adenomas.

Background & Aims: Mutations in the APC gene result C57BL/6J mice were treated with ethylnitrosourea and in an increased propensity to develop intestinal neopla- bred for transmission of germline mutations. A line was sia; however, a complete understanding of the mecha- developed that had multiple intestinal neoplasms (Min). 3 nisms resulting in tumor formation has remained elu- These mice exhibited a phenotype similar to FAP in sive. Min mice possess a mutation in the APC gene humans. Specifically, they developed numerous intestinal and display a neoplastic phenotype similar to that ob- polyps, with a subpopulation exhibiting a neoplastic phe- served in familial adenomatous polyposis coli in hu- notype that was inherited in a fully penetrant autosomal- mans. Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors decrease tu- dominant fashion. Linkage studies revealed that germline mor multiplicity in the Min mouse intestine. The transmission of a mutant allele of the APC gene was present study was designed to determine if there was tightly linked with the multiple intestinal neoplasia phe- an increase in COX-2 in adenomas harvested from Min notype. 4 Subsequently, it was shown that a germline mouse intestine. Methods: COX-2 messenger RNA lev- nonsense mutation in the APC gene was strongly corre- els were determined by Northern blots and reverse- transcription polymerase chain reactions of B6 Min 1 lated with this phenotype. 5 Additional studies have re- 129 mouse-derived tumors. Protein levels and localiza- vealed that a second inactivating mutation in the normal tion were determined by Western blots and immunohis- allele of the APC gene results in adenoma formation. 6,7 tochemical staining. Results: The Northern blots re- This is consistent with Knudson's hypothesis, which vealed an approximately threefold increase in the level states that at least two separate events are required for of COX-2 messenger RNA in Min mouse adenoma com- tumor formation. pared with normal mucosa. COX-2 protein levels in ade- Two cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms have been identi- nomatous tissues were also approximately threefold fied, which will be referred to as COX-1 and COX-2 in higher compared with normal mucosa from the same this report. COX-1 is expressed constitutively in a num- mouse. Immunohistochemical staining with a mono- ber of cell types, whereas COX-2 is inducible by a variety specific COX-2 antibody confirmed that increases in of factors including cytokines, growth factors, and tumor COX-2 immunoreactivity were restricted to dysplastic
Slip velocity of particulate solids in vertical tubes

An equation using only easily determined physical properties of particles has been developed for calculating the slip velocity of nonspherical particulate solids falling in fluid media in the intermediate flow range where neither the Stokes nor Newton law applies. The variation in Reynolds numbers covered by this work ranged from 12 to 460. Slip velocities calculated from the equation differed from experimental data by an average deviation of only 3.7% when solids of a wide range of diameters (156 to 1,247 microns), densities (71 to 475 lb./cu. ft.), surface shape factors (0.40 to 0.97), and gases of a wide density range (0.01 to 0.31 lb./cu. ft.) were utilized. Thirty-eight different gas-solid systems were studied.
Waveriders with finlets

A generalized analytical method for designing waverider shapes is presented. Waverider configurations that incorporate finlets are of primary interest. These finlets resemble fins on conventional aircraft and might imaginably be used as control surfaces. The design methodology determines the waverider shape by alternatively specifying the planform shape, the freestream-surface trailing-edge shape, the compression-surface trailing-edge shape, or various combinations of the three. A wide variety of shapes is presented, and the aerodynamic properties are calculated by means of hypersonic small-disturbance theory. The effects of finlets are to shift the c.p. aft and to improve static stability. The results are novel, and the analysis is readily usable for a variety of design studies.
Kinesiology Part IV: Application of concepts, principles, and laws

A series of articles to develop a better awareness of the broad involvement of kinesiology in our lives, and in sports in particular, has been constructed. These articles are concerned with the basic hallmarks of the study of kinesiology, or human body motion. In Part IV, there will be a delineation of rules and guidelines, as opposed to laws, concepts, and principles in kine siology, with special emphasis on sports. To under stand this distinction, we will look at some current literature on muscles and movements which relates to kinesiology.
Cellular interactions of phorbol myristate acetate in tumor promotion.

Abstract The radioactivity from tritium-labeled phorbol myristate acetate is bound to mouse skin with a half-life of approx. 24 h. Autoradiographs revealed that most of the label was associated with the kerato-sebaceous layer over the squamous epithelial layer. The major portion of the radioactivity was recovered in the lipid-containing fractions of a Schmidt-Thannhauser extraction. In cell cultures of 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts, maximal binding of [3H]PMA was achieved in 18 h and was stable for up to 4 days in the presence of the labeled tumor-promoting agent. Autoradiographs of formalin-fixed cells showed extensive cytoplasmic labeling with no substantial nuclear activity. Methanol fixation resulted in complete removal of the tritium. Sedimentation analysis in Dextran gradients of subcellular fractions of 3T3 cells exposed to [3H]PMA demonstrated that the bulk of bound label was associated with a Na+-K+ ATPase-rich protein peak which has the properties of cell membranes.
Nonfamilial Adenomatous Polyposis/Nonhereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Hereditary Polyposis and Cancer Syndromes (MAP, Syndrome-X, Muir-Torre, etc)

Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis represent the large majority of hereditary colorectal cancers; however, several additional less common syndromes are also associated with increased risk for developing malignancy. Identification of these syndromes requires an understanding of the phenotype to recognize the disease. Proper management of individuals and families affected by these syndromes provides an opportunity for cancer prevention. The purpose of this article is to provide a concise overview of the hereditary polyposis and colorectal cancer syndromes, exclusive of familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
Design and development of a mobile LVRT testing device

A new type LVRT test device, basing on power electronics technology, has been developed. Compared with traditional reactor VGS, this device overcomes many drawbacks, such as bulky size, difficult to control precision, and difficult to continuously testing. Considering the characteristics of distributed system accessing to the grid by photovoltaic power station, the designed testing platform has the capability of flexible and mobile performance. In this paper, working principle, hardware and software structures, and features have been introduced. Meanwhile, Testing verification and data analysis also have been conducted in laboratory. Based on those procedures, the device has been verified for having excellent effectiveness and practicality. Over that period, the device has been applied and tested on site in the Qinghai, which had got the ideal result as well as in laboratory.
Extraordinary electroconductance in metal-semiconductor hybrid structures.

We provide the first demonstration of extraordinary optoconductance (EOC) in macroscopic metal-semiconductor hybrid structures fabricated from GaAs and In and the first example of an extraordinary transport (EXX) effect that is based on a perturbation of the relative bulk conductances of the constituents. Four-lead van der Pauw plate structures show a gain of order 500% in the optocondutance when shunted by In relative to unshunted devices. The dependence of the optocondutance on the position of a focussed Ar laser beam has been measured and is in agreement with a Gaussian broadened point charge model that accounts for the Dember effect. We also account quantitatively for the temperature dependence of the EOC.
Structure and regulation of the gene encoding the neuron-specific protein kinase C substrate neurogranin (RC3 protein).

A 13-kilobase pair genomic DNA encoding a 78-amino acid brain-specific calmodulin-binding protein kinase C (PKC) substrate, neurogranin (Ng/RC3; also known as RC3 or p17), has been sequenced. The Ng/RC3 gene is composed of four exons and three introns, with the protein-coding region located in the first and second exons. This gene was found to have multiple transcriptional start sites clustered within 20 base pairs (bp); it lacks the TATA, GC, and CCAAT boxes in the proximal upstream region of the start sites. The promoter activity was characterized by transfection of 293 cells with nested deletion mutants of the 5′-flanking region fused to the luciferase reporter gene. A minimal construct containing bp +11 to +256 was nearly as active as that covering bp + −1508 to +256, whereas a shorter one covering bp +40 to +256 had a greatly reduced activity. Between bp +11 and +40 lies a 12-nucleotide sequence (CCCCGCCCACCC) containing overlapping binding sites for AP2 (CCGCCCACCC) and SP1 (CCCGCC); this region may be important for conferring the basal transcriptional activity of the Ng/RC3 gene. The expression of a Ng/RC3-luciferase fusion construct (−1508/+256) in transfected 293 cells was stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), but not by cAMP, arachidonic acid, vitamin D, retinoic acid, or thyroxines T3and T4. PMA caused a 2-4-fold stimulation of all the reporter gene constructs ranging from +11/+256 to −1508/+256. The stimulatory effects of PMA could be magnified by cotransfection with both Ca2+-dependent and -independent phorbol ester-binding PKC-α, -βI, -βII, -γ -δ, and -e cDNAs, but not by non-phorbol ester-binding PKC-ζ cDNA. The Ng/RC3 and PKC-γ genes have a similar expression pattern in the brain during development. These two genes share at least four conserved sequence segments 1.5 kilobase pair upstream from their transcriptional start sites and a gross similarity in that they possess several AT-rich segments within bp −550 to −950. A near homogeneous 20-kDa DNA-binding protein purified from rat brain was able to bind to these AT-rich regions of both Ng/RC3 and PKC-γ genes with footprints containing ATTA, ATAA, and AATA sequences.
Effect of gravity and diffusion interface proximity on the morphology of collagen gels

Collagen solutions (0.25% w/v) were polymerized in microgravity (STS-77, 10 days) along with simultaneous ground controls. Assembly conditions were achieved by the passage of buffer ions across a dialysis membrane into a reaction chamber containing the dissolved collagen. The gels were analyzed macroscopically and microscopically to assess the influence of gravity and the oriented diffusion of buffer ions on the resulting product. Double-blind rankings based on visual observation of the gels established that all of the flight gels (n = 8) were more uniform in appearance than all of the ground gels (n = 6). Photography using side illumination of the gels revealed the more granular appearance of the ground gels relative to the highly uniform appearance of the flight gels. Scanning electron microscopy established this difference at the microscopic level. Proximity to the dialysis interface and the presence or absence of gravity were both found to control the porosity and uniformity of the matrix.
Open string integrability and AdS/CFT

We present a set of long-range Bethe ansatz equations for open quantum strings on AdS5 × S5 and demonstrate that they diagonalize bosonic su(2) and sl(2) sectors of the theory in the near-pp-wave limit. Results are compared with energy spectra obtained by direct quantization of the open string theory, and we find agreement in this limit to all orders in the ’t Hooft coupling [lambda] = g2Y MNc. We also propose long-range Bethe ans¨atze for su(2) and sl(2) sectors of the dual N = 2 defect conformal field theory. In accordance with previous investigations, we find exact agreement between string theory and gauge theory at one- and two-loop order in [lambda], but a general disagreement at higher loops. It has been conjectured that the sudden mismatch at three-loop order may be due to long-range interaction terms that are lost in the weak coupling expansion of the gauge theory dilatation operator. These terms are thought to include interactions that wrap around gauge-traced operators, or around the closed-string worldsheet. We comment on the role these interactions play in both open and closed sectors of string states and operators near the pp-wave/BMN limit of the AdS/CFT correspondence.
Pulsed Power for High Power Electron-Beam Pumped Lasers

A primary consideration for operation of many high power gas lasers is the generation of a high voltage, large area electron beam. Beam parameters are dictated by laser requirements. Historically the electrical system typically has consisted of a Marx generator with pulse shaping stages or a pulse forming line. In the latter case, one or more high voltage switches (spark gaps) are required. Generally, these systems have been single pulse with cold cathode diodes. For repetitive systems, there is a trend to replace the Marx generator with a pulse transformer. For long pulses and large diode impedances, the pulse shaping elements can be placed in the transformer primary circuit. Otherwise, a PFL and high voltage switch are still required. The trend in pulsed power systems is to attempt to increase the range over which the PFL is not required. For short pulses (10's of nanoseconds), cold cathodes provide a stable impedance for at least hundreds of thousands of shots at rates to several tens of hertz. For longer pulses, where impedance collapse becomes a problem, the shot life of cold cathodes becomes short and the use of hot cathodes may be necessary. In either case, issues of beam current uniformity over large areas (including control of pinching) and mitigation of arc formation must be addressed. This paper will review on-going work relevant to the electrical systems and beam sources. State-of-the-art will be described and a modest attempt will be made to extrapolate current trends.
pXAlign: A parallel implementation of XAlign

Proteomics involves the assessment of a large number of protein molecules, and mass spectrometry is a proteomic tool that is used for assessment of these protein molecules. As an example, the Proteome Discovery Pipeline at Purdue University Bindley Bioscience Center carries out data processing and discovery of proteins using mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Each stage of the Proteome Discovery Pipeline does a different computation task, and currently, each stage of the pipeline is executed in a serial manner. The XAlign stage of the pipeline enables data processing and alignment of the protein peaks across different samples. The XAlign stage deals with vast amounts of data, and this can be a potential data processing bottleneck in the pipeline. Moreover, the serial nature of the XAlign code can cause additional bottlenecks. Using commonly used parallelization techniques, MPI and OpenMP, our work introduces parallelism into the XAlign code to investigate possible performance improvements, and as a result, we found a notable speedup of the XAlign software.
Microsomal lipid peroxidation: The role of NADPH — Cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450

The role of NADPH--cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450 in NADPH- and ADP--Fe3(+)-dependent lipid peroxidation was investigated by using the purified enzymes and liposomes prepared from either total rat-liver phospholipids or a mixture of bovine phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PC/PE liposomes). The results suggest that NADPH- and ADP--Fe3(+)-dependent lipid peroxidation involves both NADPH--cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome P450. Just as in the case of cytochrome P450-linked monooxygenations, the role of these enzymes in lipid peroxidation may be to provide two electrons for O2 reduction. The first electron is used for reduction of ADP--Fe3+ and subsequent addition of O2 to the perferryl radical (ADP--Fe3(+)-O2-), which then extracts an H atom from a polyunsaturated lipid (LH) giving rise to a free radical (LH.) that reacts with O2 yielding a peroxide free radical (LOO.). The second electron is then used to reduce LOO. to the lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH). In the latter capacity, reduced cytochrome P450 can be replaced by EDTA--Fe2+ or by the superoxide radical as generated through redox cycling of a quinone such as menadione.
Is nonperforated pediatric appendicitis still considered a surgical emergency? A survey of pediatric surgeons.

Abstract Objective To describe the beliefs and preferences of pediatric surgeons regarding the emergent nature of nonperforated appendicitis. Methods An electronic mailing was sent to all 1052 members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) inviting participation in a 26-item survey, which was administered by Survey Monkey (www.surveymonkey.com). Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used for bivariate analysis. Spearman's rho was used for nonparametric correlation. Results Four hundred eighty-four pediatric surgeons (46%) responded to the survey. Few respondents (4%) considered nonperforated appendicitis to be a surgical emergency. A minority (14%) would come in from home to perform an overnight appendectomy. Most (92%) believe that postponing overnight appendectomy until daytime does not result in a clinically significant increase in perforation. Respondents endorsed surgeon fatigue (56%) and limited operating room availability (56%) most often among factors that would make them more likely to postpone surgery. Sixty-eight percent reported no departmental guideline regarding delay of overnight appendectomy. Conclusions Most pediatric surgeons in our study believe nonperforated appendicitis is not a surgical emergency and prefer to postpone overnight appendectomy.
Evidence, Significance, and Counterfactuals: Schramm on the New Riddle of Induction

In a recent paper in this journal, Schramm (Erkenntnis 79:571–591, 2014) presents what he takes to be an answer to Goodman’s New Riddle of Induction. His solution relies on the technical notion of evidential significance, which is meant to distinguish two ways that evidence may bear on a hypothesis: either via support or confirmation. As he puts his view in slogan form: “confirmation is support by significant evidence” (p. 571). Once we make this distinction, Schramm claims, we see that Goodman’s famous riddle is dissolved, and we are no longer forced into the “intolerable result” that anything confirms anything. Schramm makes a number of incisive observations in his paper, but I do not think he has solved the New Riddle. There are two reasons for this. First, Schramm has an overly narrow conception of what the Riddle amounts to; I would venture to guess that it is narrower than that of most contemporary philosophers. Thus his proposal does not address the primary concern. Second, Schramm’s notion of significant evidence relies on a counterfactual condition that bears more than a passing resemblance to that made famous by Jackson in his (J Philos 72:113–131, 1975) paper on the topic. However, Jackson’s proposal faces several well-known counterexamples (and even charges of petitio principii), some of which can be adapted into Schramm’s framework. Schramm’s solution thus inherits a number of outstanding problems from Jackson’s proposal, which he has not shown us how to handle.
Carrier transport and density of state distributions in pentacene transistors

We present a density of state model for the transport properties of pentacene field effect transistors. Using a one-dimensional transistor model we study the effect of different localized trap distributions on the current-voltage characteristics of such devices. We find that a distributed trap model with a steep exponential band tail of donors and a shallower exponential tail of acceptors inside the band gap can describe consistently our experimental data obtained from bottom-gate polycrystalline pentacene transistors for different gate dielectrics and under various external conditions.
A rice cab gene promoter contains separate cis-acting elements that regulate expression in dicot and monocot plants.

The major light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding proteins of the photosynthetic apparatus are encoded by families of nuclear cab genes. The expression of most cab genes is tissue specific and photoregulated in angiosperms. In transgenic tobacco plants, expression of the reporter gene beta-glucuronidase (GUS) is photoregulated and tissue specific from 59 upstream sequences of the rice cab1R gene; deletion of sequences upstream from position -170 with respect to the transcription start site eliminates the enhanced and photoregulated expression in the transgenic plants. Using an in situ transient expression assay, we have determined that the sequence OCT-R, an octamer repeat that lies within the -269 to -170 region of cab1R, is essential for photoregulated expression of the chimeric GUS gene in leaf cells of maize and rice but is not required for expression in illuminated tobacco leaves. Conversely, box III*- and G-box-like sequences found near OCT-R in cab1R are necessary for high-level transient expression of the reporter gene in tobacco leaf tissue but are not required for transient expression in maize or rice leaves.
The “wonderland” of virtual teams

Virtual reality, virtual space, virtual organizations, virtual teams; the word “virtual” is today’s organizational buzzword. One of the fastest‐growing, high‐tech office trends today is “virtual teams”. These teams cross time, space, and cultural boundaries and do so effectively with the use of technology. This paper will look at the changing nature of work, give a definition of virtual teams, discuss the qualities needed for successful virtual team membership, and view the communication challenges existing for virtual teams in the twenty‐first century.
Teaching Strategies in Inclusive Classrooms With Deaf Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate teacher speech and educational philosophies in inclusive classrooms with deaf and hearing students. Data were collected from language transcripts, classroom observations, and teacher interviews. Total speech output, Mean Length Utterance, proportion of questions to statements, and proportion of open to closed questions were calculated for each teacher. Teachers directed fewer utterances, on average, to deaf than to hearing students but showed different language patterns on the remaining measures. Inclusive philosophies focused on an individualized approach to teaching, attention to deaf culture, advocacy, smaller class sizes, and an openness to diversity in the classroom. The interpreters' role in the classroom included translating teacher speech, voicing student sign language, mediating communication between deaf students and their peers, and monitoring overall classroom behavior.
Spinal cord sarcoidosis: a new finding at MR imaging with Gd-DTPA enhancement.

Three patients with histologically confirmed sarcoidosis with spinal cord involvement were examined with high-field-strength magnetic resonance imaging (1.5 T) before and after the administration of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. In addition to intramedullary expansion, areas of patchy, multifocal, parenchymal enhancement and areas of linear peripheral enhancement were seen in all three patients; these findings have not been previously reported and are unusual for other more common spinal cord lesions. This observation led to a correct diagnosis and a limitation of the extent of biopsy in two of the cases. Unfortunately, this enhancement pattern is not specific for sarcoidosis, as the authors have observed similar findings in two cases of biopsy-proved myelitis and multiple sclerosis. The peripheral enhancement is thought to be located in the leptomeninges due to leptomeningeal involvement, which was proved histologically in one case. This pattern of involvement, while not specific, is cer...