cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonverbal social perception and symptomatology in schizophrenia

This study examined the relationship between nonverbal social perception and symptomatology in schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients (n=28) and normal controls (n=28) were given the profile of nonverbal sensitivity test (PONS). Patients' symptoms were rated with the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS). Schizophrenic subjects performed significantly more poorly than normal subjects in their ability to decode nonverbal cues. In addition, normal subjects improved their accuracy significantly more than patients when provided with additional cues per scene to decode. The patients' total PONS score was not significantly correlated with the BPRS summary scores for positive or negative symptoms, but was significantly correlated with the individual positive symptom of conceptual disorganization. Subjects classified as having paranoid schizophrenia (n=11) on the basis of chart diagnoses performed significantly better on the PONS than did undifferentiated schizophrenic subjects (n=13). The discussion reviews how these results contribute to our understanding of social deficits in schizophrenia.
Zinc content of ZDDP films formed thermally and mechanically

Reaction films of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) were formed on flats of polished steel, and the Zn content of the films was determined. Films formed thermally were compared to those formed mechanically in reciprocating wear; both types were formed by using lubricants with a range of ZDDP concentrations. Grazing-incidence X-ray fluorescence was used to quantify the areal density of Zn and to verify that the measured fluorescence was due to a reaction film and not from debris or the bulk oil. The amount of Zn in the films generally rose with increasing ZDDP concentration, but films formed thermally were found to contain more Zn than those formed mechanically. Several possible explanations for this difference have been discussed.
Race and judgment.

When is it appropriate for physicians to incorporate their personal or political values in the treatment of a patient? How do physicians take action against prejudice without jeopardizing the relationship of trust that is the foundation of patient care? Is it possible or even ethical to pick and choose which values are acceptable to incorporate and which are not? Because the most sacred beliefs to some can be the most threatening to others, this paper proposes that the patient’s best interest should guide the actions of the physician, and not their personal beliefs. This requires that the physician not judge their patients, even when it seems ethically or morally justified to do so. Take the following case:
Barcode Modulation Method for Data Transmission in Mobile Devices

The concept of 2-D barcodes is of great relevance for use in wireless data transmission between handheld electronic devices. In a typical setup, any file on a cell phone, for example, can be transferred to a second cell phone through a series of images on the LCD which are then captured and decoded through the camera of the second cell phone. In this study, a new approach for data modulation in 2-D barcodes is introduced, and its performance is evaluated in comparison to other standard methods of barcode modulation. In this new approach, orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation is used together with differential phase shift keying (DPSK) over adjacent frequency domain elements. A specific aim of this study is to establish a system that is proven tolerant to camera movements, picture blur, and light leakage within neighboring pixels of an LCD.
Functional evaluation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in human pathologic states

Abstract The function of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and mitochondria was evaluated in left ventricular papillary muscle obtained from 47 patients with non-ischemic mitral valve disease and chronic heart failure (group I) and in right ventricular crista supraventricularis muscle obtained from 29 patients with congenital subvalvular pulmonic obstruction and right ventricular hypertrophy (group II). Heart muscle was removed approximately 15 min after establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass with hypothermia and about 4 min after first aortic cross-clamping. Cat cardiac tissues were used as a technical control. The SR and mitochondria were isolated by ultracentrifugation. 45 Ca uptake (5 m m sodium oxalate) and binding were quantitated by Swinny Millipore filtration. Oxidative indices were defined polarographically by use of a vibrating platinum electrode. Compared with that of the non-failing patients (group II), the SR of the failing patients (group I) showed a significant depression of Ca uptake and binding at various ATP concentrations in both the absence and the presence of Ca-stabilizing EGTA. Calcium concentration necessary for half-maximal binding ( K M ) to SR approximated 1 × 10 −7 m in each group. There was no significant difference in the Ca-stimulated SR ATPase activity of groups I and II. ADP:O ratios and NADH-linked state 4 respiration were the same in both groups. NADH- and succinate-linked respiratory control and state 3 oxygen consumption rates were significantly lower in the failing group. The addition of ruthenium red, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca transport, led to a significant reduction of NADH- and succinate-linked state 4 respiration in group I, whereas no significant effect was elicited in group II. State 3 respiration rates were not depressed by ruthenium red. In the failing human papillary muscle, a significant reduction in Ca transfer across the SR membranes is, thus, demonstrated; it seems to be accompanied by a significant increase in Ca recycling across the mitochondrial membranes. No direct correlation among biochemical alterations, hemodynamic parameters, and duration of clinical cardiac failure was found.
Theoretical considerations in the calculation of bioavailability of drugs exhibiting Michaelis-Menten elimination kinetics

Two approaches used for bioavailability determination of drugs with Michaelis-Menten elimination kinetics were examined by computer simulation. The first method involved treating the drug as though its clearance remained constant during elimination, and the conventional method of taking the ratio of areas under the curve resulting from the oral and intravenous doses was used to calculate bioavailability. The second approach involved using the Michaelis parameters, Vmax and Km, to determine concentration dependent clearance values, but based these calculations on peripheral drug concentrations rather than on concentrations entering or in the liver. We have developed a simulation method that was used to test the accuracy of the above two methods. In the simulations described, Vmax, Km, and hepatic blood flow were chosen to represent a drug with an extraction ratio of 0.9 under linear conditions, but with Michaelis-Menten kinetics occurring at the doses given. Absorption was assumed to be first-order, and metabolism was assumed to occur only in the liver. These simulations showed that the most accurate determination of bioavailability requires knowledge of the direct contribution of oral absorption to the concentration of drug entering the liver. Unexpectedly, the results also showed that if a drug has a large volume of distribution or a large absorption rate constant, or both, use of the much simpler conventional method of bioavailability determination may be appropriate even in cases where the degree of saturation is substantial.
Progestin-only oral contraception: a comprehensive review.

In order to provide information for the appropriate package insert labeling of progestin-only oral contraceptives (POC) in the US a comprehensive review was made of norgestrel (0.075 mg) and norethindrone (0.35 mg) with the clinical differences indicated where applicable. The goal of this review was to cite primary sources for virtually all research specific to POPs since 1975. Conclusions and the types of studies which support these conclusions are given for each major section. The introductory chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of POCs and the magnitude and prevalence of their use. Future trends are also predicted. Chapter 2 considers the mode of action including ovulation prevention; suppression of midcycle gonadotropin peaks; changes in cervical mucus the endometrium and the fallopian tubes; and clinical implications. Chapter 3 covers pharmacology (pharmacokinetics pharmacodynamics and potency and clinical implications). The next chapter presents information on efficacy and pregnancy outcomes in terms of pregnancy rates compliance and efficacy ectopic pregnancies the outcome of pregnancies conceived while using POCs and fertility following discontinuation. Chapter 5 focuses on metabolic effects specifically lipid metabolism carbohydrate metabolism and diabetes coagulation factors and blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is considered in the next chapter and chapter 7 presents findings on endometrial ovarian cervical breast and other cancers. A host of other medical considerations are discussed in chapter 8 including persistent ovarian follicles; reproductive tract infections; abnormal vaginal bleeding; uterine fibroids; gestational trophoblastic disease; benign breast disease; diseases of the liver gallbladder and bowel; endocrine dysfunction; epilepsy; bone density; sickle cell disease; ocular effects; surgery; and overdose. The last 4 chapters cover interactions with drugs and laboratory tests common side effects breast feeding and effective use of POCs. Information on precautions and contraindications indications use instructions and instructions for appropriate actions after missing a pill is appended.
Simulation and evaluation of chemical synthesis—SECS: an application of artificial intelligence techniques

The problem of designing chemical syntheses of complex organic compounds is a challenging domain for application of artificial intelligence techniques. SECS is an interactive program to assist a chemist in heuristically searching and evaluating the space of good synthetic pathways. The chemist-computer team, linked through computer graphics, develops synthetic plans using a logic-centered backward analysis from the target structure. The reaction knowledge base, written in the ALCHEM language, is separate from the program and control strategies. Performance is demonstrated on the insect pheromone grandisol.
Cross-modality matches of finger span and line length.

Perceived finger span—the perceived spatial separation between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the index finger—was measured by using cross-modal matching to line length. In the first experiment, subjects adjusted finger span to match the length of line segments presented on a video monitor, and conversely, with both hands. Subjects also made estimates of finger span in physical units (“dead reckoning”). Finger spans were measured by using infrared LEDs mounted on the tip of the thumb and the finger tip, so the hand made no contact with any object during the experiment. Unlike in previous studies, the results suggest that perceived finger span is proportional to line length and slightly shorter than the actual span, provided that corrections are made for regression bias. The effect of finger contact was assessed in a second experiment by matching line length both to free span and to spans constrained by the pinching of blocks in the same session. The matching function when subjects were pinching blocks was accelerating, consistent with previous reports. In contrast, matched line length was a decelerating function of free span. The exponent of the free span matching function in the second experiment was slightly smaller than in the first experiment, probably due to uncorrected matching biases in the second experiment.
Evidence that an iron-nickel-carbon complex is formed by reaction of CO with the CO dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum.

Abstract The interaction between carbon monoxide and the CO dehydrogenase from Clostridium thermoaceticum was studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. When the enzyme reacts with CO, a paramagnetic complex is formed which previously was shown, by isotope substitution, to be due to a nickel-carbon species. In this paper, we demonstrate that iron is also a component of this ESR-detectable complex. When the iron in the enzyme is replaced with 57Fe, a broadening of 18 G in the g parallel and 7 G in the g perpendicular region is seen. This hyperfine interaction is probably due to more than one iron atom in the complex. Coenzyme A influences this ESR spectrum. In the absence of CoA, the ESR spectrum consists of two superimposed signals, which were simulated using the following ESR parameters: signal 1, with g = 2.074 and g = 2.028, and signal 2 with gx = 2.062, gy = 2.047, and gz = 2.028. CoA converts signal 2 into signal 1. Since iron, nickel, and carbon all are part of this ESR-detectable complex, we propose that these atoms exist in a spin-coupled complex with net spin = 1/2, analogous to other iron-sulfur centers in which the metals are bridged by acid-labile sulfide.
Time travel in a scientific array database

In this paper, we present TimeArr, a new storage manager for an array database. TimeArr supports the creation of a sequence of versions of each stored array and their exploration through two types of time travel operations: selection of a specific version of a (sub)-array and a more general extraction of a (sub)-array history, in the form of a series of (sub)-array versions. TimeArr contributes a combination of array-specific storage techniques to efficiently support these operations. To speed-up array exploration, TimeArr further introduces two additional techniques. The first is the notion of approximate time travel with two types of operations: approximate version selection and approximate history. For these operations, users can tune the degree of approximation tolerable and thus trade-off accuracy and performance in a principled manner. The second is to lazily create short connections, called skip links, between the same (sub)-arrays at different versions with similar data patterns to speed up the selection of a specific version. We implement TimeArr within the SciDB array processing engine and demonstrate its performance through experiments on two real datasets from the astronomy and earth sciences domains.
European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Tunneling and Drought Stress: Effects on Corn Yield

The effect of simultaneous stresses from European corn borer, Ostrtnia nubilalis (Hubner), tunneling and drought stress on corn, Zea mays L., yield was evaluated in a 2-yr field study. Physiological yield losses (i.e., potential yield that was not produced) and potential harvest yield losses (i.e., yield loss from stalk breakage) were both evaluated. European corn borer larvae were manually infested in the plants at corn pollen shed. Physiological yield losses up to 59.1% occurred in plants grown with slight irrigation (5% of full irrigation amount) compared with fully irrigated plants. An infestation of five larvae per plant (corresponding to 3.25 cavities per plant) reduced the corn yield across the irrigation gradient by an average of 18.8 and 13.3% in 1987 and 1988, respectively, compared with undamaged plants. Under conditions of severe drought stress, the percentage yield loss per larva generally increased as the soil moisture level decreased. In 1987, plants grown in soils near the field capacity moisture level suffered a 3.1% loss per larva, compared with a 7.1% loss in plants grown in dry soils (slightly over the permanent wilting point). Yield losses from larval tunneling were primarily caused by a reduction in kernel size rather than a reduction in kernels per ear. Drought stress frequently reduced both kernels per ear and kernel density. In addition, European corn borer tunneling resulted in a 9.3% yield loss from unharvestable ears.
Comparison of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage (PEG-EL) preparation versus standard preparation on small bowel mucosal visualization for wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)

Comparison of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage (PEG-EL) preparation versus standard preparation on small bowel mucosal visualization for wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE)
Functional analysis of the 14 kDa protein of insertion sequence 2

The IS2 sequence encodes five open reading frames (ORF1 to ORF5) that are greater than 150 nucleotides each. Only one protein of 14 kDa was detected when the expression of IS2 genes was examined in minicells. This 14 kDa protein was referred to as InsA in this study and was determined to be encoded by ORF1. A sixfold decrease in IS2 transposition frequency was observed when insA was overexpressed. DNA footprinting results indicated that InsA binds to the sequence 5′-TAAATAA-3′ located at IS2 nucleotide numbers 1286 to 1292. (The IS2 right terminal repeat spans nucleotides 1290 to 1331.) This InsA binding sequence is situated 4 bp upstream from the putative "-10" sequence of the insA promoter that overlaps the right terminal repeat of IS2. The presence of a promoter located in this region was demonstrated by the ability of a DNA fragment containing the right terminal repeat to drive the expression of a promoterless lacZ gene. The transcription of insA was determined to start at the A residue located at nucleotide number 1268. With the same insA promoter-lacZ fusion construct, overexpression of insA in the same cell was found to decrease the β-galactosidase activity. The results of this study suggest that InsA affects IS2 transposition by regulating the transcription of IS2 genes.
Effect of an inhibitor of proteolysis on the size of newly-synthesized protein in HeLa cells

Abstract The size of newly-synthesized protein molecules in uninfeeted HeLa cells is altered by the addition of TPCK (l-chloro-4-phenyl-3-tosylamido-2-butanone), a specific inhibitor of certain proteolytic enzymes. The data suggests that the drug is inhibiting a polypeptide cleavage mechanism which affects the maturation of at least 5% of the polypeptide molecules of the cell near the time of their synthesis.
Anomalous diffusion due to obstacles: a Monte Carlo study

In normal lateral diffusion, the mean-square displacement of the diffusing species is proportional to time. But in disordered systems anomalous diffusion may occur, in which the mean-square displacement is proportional to some other power of time. In the presence of moderate concentrations of obstacles, diffusion is anomalous over short distances and normal over long distances. Monte Carlo calculations are used to characterize anomalous diffusion for obstacle concentrations between zero and the percolation threshold. As the obstacle concentration approaches the percolation threshold, diffusion becomes more anomalous over longer distances; the anomalous diffusion exponent and the crossover length both increase. The crossover length and time show whether anomalous diffusion can be observed in a given experiment.
Personality Subtypes, Coping Styles, Symptom Correlates, and Substances of Choice among a Cohort of Substance Abusers:

To explore the use of normal personality measures in clinical populations, we investigated the usefulness of the Five-Factor personality domains measured by the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI) in identifying subtypes among a cohort of 3,256 substance abusers. Three groups were reliably identified across clustering methods and the groups differed in reported coping style, psychopathological symptoms, and pattern of substance choice. The largest differences between group members' personality dimensions were found for measures of neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Members of groups characterized by elevated levels of neuroticism demonstrated low levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness. The more extreme the group members' levels on these personality dimensions, the higher their reported levels of depressive symptoms, aggressive/hostile cognitions, impulsiveness, maladaptive coping styles, and likelihood of abusing more than one substance. Results support the use of measures of normal ...
Mechanisms of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)-Mediated Inflammation After Cold Ischemia/Reperfusion in the Heart

Background—TLR4 signaling mediates early inflammation after cold I/R. We hypothesized that the TLR4 co-receptor CD14, the intracellular adaptor proteins MyD88 and TRIF would be required for cold I/R induced inflammation. HMGB1 is a putative endogenous activator of TLR4. Therefore, we also assessed the contribution of HMGB1 in cold I/R induced inflammation. Methods—Syngeneic heart transplants were performed in mice deficient in CD14, MyD88, TRIF, or wild-type mice. In other experiments, anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody or control IgG was administered at reperfusion. Donor hearts were subjected to 2 hours of cold ischemia and retrieved after 3 hours of reperfusion. Results—After cold I/R, grafts revealed striking translocation of HMGB1 out of the nucleus in cardiac myocytes. Administration of an anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody resulted in reduced systemic IL-6 and TNFα and ICAM-1 mRNA levels (p≤0.05). Compared to controls, CD14KO mice exhibited significantly lower (p≤0.05) systemic IL-6 and JE/MCP-1 levels after cold I/R. Intra-graft TNFα and IL-1β mRNA levels were also significantly lower (p≤0.05) in CD14KO grafts. MyD88KO mice exhibited significantly lower (p≤0.05) systemic IL-6 levels compared to control mice after cold I/R. Intra-graft TNFα, IL-6, and ICAM1 mRNA levels were also significantly lower (p≤0.05) in MyD88KO grafts. Significantly lower levels (p≤0.05) of serum IL-6, MCP-1 as well as intragraft TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, and ICAM1 were observed after cold I/R in TRIF deficient animals compared to controls. Conclusions—CD14, MyD88, TRIF, and HMGB1 contribute to the inflammatory response that occurs after cold I/R. These results provide insight into the mechanisms of TLR4-mediated inflammation after cold I/R.
Electromagnetic Absorption in a Disordered Medium near a Photon Mobility Edge

A frequency regime in which electromagnetic waves in a strongly disordered medium undergo Anderson localization in $d=3$ dimensions is suggested. In the presence of weak dissipation in $d=2+\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ it is shown that the renormalized energy absorption coefficient increases as the photon frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$ approaches a mobility edge ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{*}$ from the conducting side as $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\sim}{({\ensuremath{\omega}}^{*}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\omega})}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{(d\ensuremath{-}2)\ensuremath{\nu}}{2}}$, $\ensuremath{\nu}=\frac{1}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}$. This mobility edge occurs at a frequency compatible with the Ioffe-Regel condition.
Rapid effects of estrogen to modulate G protein-coupled receptors via activation of protein kinase A and protein kinase C pathways.

17β-Estradiol (E2) rapidly (<20 min) attenuates the ability of μ-opioids to hyperpolarize guinea pig hypothalamic neurons. We have used intracellular recordings from female guinea pig hypothalamic slices to characterize the receptor and intracellular pathway(s) mediating E2’s rapid effects. E2 acts stereospecifically with physiologically relevant concentration-dependence (EC50 = 8 nM) to cause a fourfold reduction in the potency of the μ-opioid agonist (D-Ala2-N-Me-Phe4-Gly5-ol)-enkephalin and the GABAB agonist baclofen to activate an inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in hypothalamic neurons. Both the nonsteroidal estrogen diethylstilbestrol and the anti-estrogen ICI 164,384 blocked E2 actions to uncouple μ-opioid receptors. Using a pharmacological Schild analysis, we found that ICI 164,384 competed for this E2 receptor with a Ke of approximately 0.3 nM. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide did not block the estrogenic uncoupling of the μ-opioid receptor from its K+ channel, implying a rapid, nongenomic mechanism of E2 action. The effects of E2 were mimicked by the bath application of the protein kinase A (PKA) activators, forskolin and Sp-cAMP, and the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate. Furthermore, the selective PKA antagonists Rp-cAMP and KT5720, which have different chemical structures and modes of action, both blocked the effects of E2. In addition, the actions of E2 were blocked by the selective PKC inhibitor Calphostin C. Therefore, it appears that E2 can activate both PKA and PKC to cause a heterologous desensitization of both μ-opioid and GABAB receptors, which has the potential to alter synaptic transmission in many regions of the CNS.
Nondestructive strength evaluation of Florida bridges

Throughout the nation there are a number of bridges that for one reason or another, are posted for lower than original design loads. In many cases the proper strength rating of a bridge cannot be achieved by the present methods of analysis. In most cases the bridge is small and may be on an off system road so that it doesn't seriously impact the commercial users. This paper presents the nondestructive method used in Florida for evaluating the strength of existing bridges. The method allows a satisfactory overall strength evaluation of any bridge under question. The experience gained from these tests indicate that load limitations imposed by theoretical analyses are not representative of the structures' real capacities. Proof loading has consistently indicated that structures have greater residual strength. The paper illustrates the use of bridge load testing as a tool for nondestructive evaluation of old or newly constructed prestressed concrete bridge. The load testing procedure, data acquisition, and evaluation of two bridges are presented.
SIMULATION IN SLATE: Construction and Application

This paper reports on the “Execution of Specifications” or “Simulation” at the system-level as it was internally implemented as a prototype at Texas Instruments under the developmental name -System-Level Automation Tool for Engineers (SLATE). The paper reviews original requirements, implementation specifics, actual application on a specific program, and lessons learned from the development and application of the tool.
Genetic Covariance Between γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase and Fatty Liver Risk Factors: Role of β2-Adrenergic Receptor Genetic Variation in Twins

Background & Aims Plasma levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) are associated with risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR), and hypertension. Limited data exist on whether there is genetic covariance between plasma levels of GGT and NAFLD risk factors. Variants of β2-adrenergic receptor gene ( ADRB2 ) have been associated with dyslipidemia, IR, and hypertension, but its effect on GGT secretion is not known. We estimated the heritability of GGT using a twin-study design and examined the genetic covariance between GGT levels, IR, hypertension, levels of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, and ADRB2 variants. Methods We studied phenotypes of 362 twins; the heritabilities of increased GGT activity and genetic covariance with NAFLD risk factors were estimated by variance-component methodology. ADRB2 genotype associations with plasma GGT activity were examined using generalized estimating equations to account for intra-twinship correlations. Results GGT activity was heritable at 49% ± 8% of the twin cohort and had significant covariance with IR; insulin, triglyceride, and uric acid levels; and diastolic blood pressure. In generalized estimating equation models, the most common haplotype of ADRB2 was significantly associated with plasma GGT activity. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms in ADRB2 were associated with levels of GGT; ADRB2 haplotypes displayed pleiotropic effects on GGT and triglyceride levels. Conclusions In a twin study, GGT shared genetic codetermination with traits of metabolic syndrome. The ADRB2 gene had pleiotropic effects on plasma levels of GGT and triglycerides, indicating linked pathways (eg, adrenergic) between genetic susceptibility to NAFLD and metabolic syndrome.
Synthesis: A constructive debate.

Synthetic chemistry has long been used to prepare useful compounds — especially those that are hard to obtain from natural sources. But synthetic biology is coming of age as an alternative strategy. A biologist and two chemists debate the merits of their fields' synthetic prowess.
Dystrophin deficient cardiomyopathy in mouse: Expression of Nox4 and Lox are associated with fibrosis and altered functional parameters in the heart

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD; dystrophin-deficiency) causes dilated cardiomyopathy in the second decade of life in affected males. We studied the dystrophin-deficient mouse heart ( mdx ) using high-frequency echocardiography, histomorphometry, and gene expression profiling. Heart dysfunction was prominent at 9–10months of age and showed significantly increased LV internal diameter (end systole) and decreased posterior wall thickness. This cardiomyopathy was associated with a 30% decrease in shortening fraction. Histologically, there was a 10-fold increase in connective tissue volume (fibrosis). mRNA profiling with RT-PCR validation showed activation of key pro-fibrotic genes, including Nox4 and Lox. The Nox gene family expression differed in mdx heart and skeletal muscle, where Nox2 was specifically induced in skeletal muscle while Nox4 was specifically induced in heart. This is the first report of an altered profibrotic gene expression profile in cardiac tissue of dystrophic mice showing echocardiographic evidence of cardiomyopathy.
Alterations in left ventricular diastolic twist mechanics during acute human cardiac allograft rejection.

BACKGROUNDContraction of obliquely oriented left ventricular (LV) fibers results in a twisting motion of the left ventricle. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acute human cardiac allograft rejection on LV twist pattern and the twist-volume relation.METHODS AND RESULTSTantalum markers were implanted into the LV midwall in 15 transplant recipients to measure time-varying, three-dimensional chamber twist using computer-assisted analysis of biplane cinefluoroscopic images. Twist was defined as the mean longitudinal gradient of circumferential rotation about the LV long axis. When plotted against normalized percent ejection fraction (%EF), the resulting twist-normalized %EF relation could be divided into three phases. In systole, LV twist was linearly related to ejection of blood. In contrast, diastolic untwist was characterized by early rapid recoil with little change in LV volume, followed by more gradual untwisting when the bulk of diastolic filling occurred. During 10 acute rejection e...
Amino acid sequence analysis of immunoglobulin light chains by gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric techniques: Structural identity of nominal and latent b9 molecules

Abstract Light chains with latent allotype b9 were isolated by immunoabsorbent techniques from serum samples taken from a pedigreed rabbit with allotype b4b4. Amino acid sequence data obtained for the NH2 terminus of the constant region of these light chains, following acid cleavage of the aspartyl-proline bond at positions 109–110, revealed an NH2 terminal Sequence characteristic of nominal b9 light chains. The analyses utilized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify dipeptides obtained by digestion of the modified light chains with dipeptidylaminopeptidases I and IV. Similar examinations of b4 light chains revealed significant differences from b9 in the dipeptides obtained. These data provide evidence that light chains bearing latent allotype markers are structurally indistinguishable from those expressed as nominal allotypes.
Automated system for welding-based rapid prototyping

Abstract The manufacturing of “form-fit-function” components, rather than just “form/fit” parts, is currently a major issue in rapid prototyping (RP). As a deposition process, gas metal arc welding (GMAW) has shown promise for RP of metallic parts. In current RP systems, slicing and planning are done based on STL files, and system implementation and post-processing are designed according to the deposition processes used. Due to the significant difference between the welding process and the existing deposition processes, the authors have developed a dedicated technology, including slicing/planning, system implementation, and post-processing for RP using GMAW as the deposition process. For form-fit-and-function testing, a special RP system, including software and hardware, is developed. This system is capable of handling tolerance specifications and material properties. A novel metal transfer control technology is used to precisely control the size and frequency of the droplet in order to improve the deposition accuracy. The part to be prototyped is given by a CAD surface or a solid model in the standard IGES format. A friendly and integrated environment, referred to as welding deposition wizard (WDW), has been developed to slice the part, plan the deposition parameters, and control the deposition process. Test results show that the system can process various models in IGES format with general entities. The model is sliced according to a comprehensive survey of the tolerance, the speed, and the implementation feasibility. The minimization of ignition times, the ignition control, and the crater filling control are incorporated in the planning algorithm for deposition parameters. The slicing and planning algorithm also optimizes the transition from interior to outline pass. The planned deposition parameters ensure the required density and deposition height are achieved. In current RP systems, the deposition parameters, for example, the intensity and travel speed of the laser beam in Stereolithography, are constant. In the developed system, the deposition parameters, including the travel speed, torch angle, welding current, and arc voltage, are changed to achieve the required density and geometry. Unlike current STL-based approximation algorithms, the outline of each layer is deposited with vector motions to obtain the original geometry of the part. The interior is filled with a raster fill pattern to obtain a high deposition speed.
Phase diagram and clustering in an anisotropic 3D sandpile model of vortex motion

We explore the phase diagram of a recently introduced gradient driven anisotropic 3D sandpile model of vortex dynamics. Two distinct phases are observed: one is a self-organized critical state characterized by avalanches of vortex motion that obey finite-size scaling and that has a finite critical current density; the other one has vortices that cluster together and occupy only every other lattice site in the X-Y plane. The critical current density is zero in the clustered phase. Detailed results of a finite-size scaling analysis of the avalanches in the self-organized phase is discussed, including critical exponents that differ from the corresponding 2D model.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biological circuit models of immune regulatory response: A decentralized control system

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of immune control based on recently discovered regulatory properties of the immune system. The immune system is a control system which self optimizes over time to eliminate disease while avoiding harm to the host. The controller acts without centralized authority. Recent research has revealed new T-cell populations involved in regulating the immune response. We show how interactions of these populations at the cellular level can give rise to population dynamics which mimic a PID controller with on/off switching. We study these nonlinear dynamics and show stability using Lyapunov analysis. We also include the results of simulation.
Use of antidepressants and rates of hip bone loss in older women: The study of osteoporotic fractures

Background Serotonin transporters have recently been described in bone, raising the possibility that medications that block serotonin reuptake could affect bone metabolism. Methods We assessed current use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and obtained serial bone mineral density (BMD) measurements in a cohort of 2722 older women (mean age, 78.5 years) participating in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling women. Hip BMD was measured at the sixth examination and an average of 4.9 years later at the eighth examination. We categorized women as nonusers (used no SSRIs or TCAs at either examination; n = 2406), SSRI users (used SSRIs but no TCAs at either examination; n = 198), or TCA users (used TCAs but no SSRIs at either examination; n = 118). Depressive symptoms were identified using a cutoff score of at least 6 on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results After adjustment for potential confounders, including the Geriatric Depression Scale score, mean total hip BMD decreased 0.47% per year in nonusers compared with 0.82% in SSRI users ( P P = .99). Higher rates of bone loss were also observed at the 2 hip subregions for SSRI users. Results were not substantially altered when women who scored at least 6 on the Geriatric Depression Scale were excluded from the analysis. Conclusion Use of SSRIs but not TCAs is associated with an increased rate of bone loss at the hip in this cohort of older women.
Application of smoothed probabilistic analysis to perturbation routing

Abstract The on-line estimation of derivatives is of fundamental importance in gradient-based routing algorithm for data networks and other applications. Smoothed perturbation analysis as proposed in this paper requires minimal knowledge about the system statistics. It is shown that smoothed perturbation analysis provides asymptotically unbiased estimates of derivatives. We determine bias and variance of the estimate experimentally and compare them to those of a likelihood ratio estimator.
MORPHOLOGY OF CIGUATERA‐CAUSING PROROCENTRUM LIMA (PYRROPHYTA) FROM WIDELY DIFFERING SITES

Clones of ciguatoxigenic Prorocentrum lima (Ehr.) Dodge 1975 were examined from different geographical areas (Pacific and Atlantic oceans) and compared with the earliest descriptions between 1881 and 1933 and light and electron micrographs of other researchers. Surface morphology of the widely distributed clones was remarkably similar, and morphological variability of ecotypes of this species is minimal. The number of valve pores (58–85 per valve) and marginal pores (55–72 per valve) is characteristic of the species. Marginal pores are located adjacent to the intercalary band in a regular pattern, are readily distinguishable by light microscopy, and are a good criterion for identifying P. lima. The periflagellar area of P. lima is a unique taxonomic feature; however, it can only be seen with the scanning electron microscope at high magnification. The anterior periflagellar area is a broad triangule, where the left valve margin is flat and the right valve has a V-shaped depression. It accommodates a flagellar and an auxiliary pore and a flared, protuberant apical collar enclosed by eight small plates. The protuberant apical collar of P. lima has only been observed in one other Prorocentrum species, P. hoffmannianum, which has an areolated valve surface. In contrast, the valve surface of P. lima is smooth. Cells possess chloroplasts, a centrally located pyrenoid, a posterior nucleus, and two flagella. The shape and size of P. lima are variable and less useful for identifying specimens.
Spectral restoration of speech: Intelligibility is increased by inserting noise in spectral gaps

In order to function effectively as a means of communication, speech must be intelligible under the noisy conditions encountered in everyday life. Two types of perceptual synthesis have been reported that can reduce or cancel the effects of masking by extraneous sounds: Phonemic restoration can enhance intelligibility when segments are replaced or masked by noise, and contralateral induction can prevent mislateralization by effectively restoring speech masked at one ear when it is heard in the other. The present study reports a third type of perceptual synthesis induced by noise: enhancement of intelligibility produced by adding noise to spectral gaps. In most of the experiments, the speech stimuli consisted of two widely separated narrow bands of speech (center frequencies of 370 and 6000 Hz, each band having high-pass and low-pass slopes of 115 dB/octave meeting at the center frequency). These very narrow bands effectively reduced the available information to frequency-limited patterns of amplitude fluctuation lacking information concerning formant structure and frequency transitions. When stochastic noise was introduced into the gap separating the two speech bands, intelligibility increased for “everyday” sentences, for sentences that varied in the transitional probability of keywords, and for monosyllabic word lists. Effects produced by systematically varying noise amplitude and noise bandwidth are reported, and the implications of some of the novel effects observed are discussed.
Attention and Communication: Decision Scenarios for Teleoperating Robots

The economics of robot manufacturing is driving us toward situations in which a single human operator will be expected to split attention across multiple semi-autonomous vehicles, and remotely intercede if necessary. We present an analysis of such situations, with the goal of creating decision aids. Toward this end, the concept of special regions is introduced. In one set of situations special regions designate areas that are dangerous, and require teleoperation. We show how to move through single route and multi-route situations, and prove the later problem NP-Complete. In another set of situations, special regions can be used to represent areas outside direct radio contact. We present a way to minimize communication distance and plan for interventions. We relate our findings to concepts of neglect time, interaction time, and fan-out. We discuss a measure of effective fan-out for transportation tasks, and present simulation results. The work has potential impact to those engaged in emergency response and search and rescue.
Cladophora (Chlorophyta) spp. Harbor Human Bacterial Pathogens in Nearshore Water of Lake Michigan

Cladophora glomerata, a macrophytic green alga, is commonly found in the Great Lakes, and significant accumulations occur along shorelines during the summer months. Recently, Cladophora has been shown to harbor high densities of the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci. Cladophora may also harbor human pathogens; however, until now, no studies to address this question have been performed. In the present study, we determined whether attached Cladophora, obtained from the Lake Michigan and Burns Ditch (Little Calumet River, Indiana) sides of a breakwater during the summers of 2004 and 2005, harbored the bacterial pathogens Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter. The presence of potential pathogens and numbers of organisms were determined by using cultural methods and by using conventional PCR, most-probable-number PCR (MPN-PCR), and quantitative PCR (QPCR) performed with genus- and toxin-specific primers and probes. While Shigella and STEC were detected in 100% and 25%, respectively, of the algal samples obtained near Burns Ditch in 2004, the same pathogens were not detected in samples collected in 2005. MPN-PCR and QPCR allowed enumeration of Salmonella in 40 to 80% of the ditch- and lakeside samples, respectively, and the densities were up to 1.6 x 10(3) cells per g Cladophora. Similarly, these PCR methods allowed enumeration of up to 5.4 x 10(2) Campylobacter cells/g Cladophora in 60 to 100% of lake- and ditchside samples. The Campylobacter densities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the lakeside Cladophora samples than in the ditchside Cladophora samples. DNA fingerprint analyses indicated that genotypically identical Salmonella isolates were associated with geographically and temporally distinct Cladophora samples. However, Campylobacter isolates were genetically diverse. Since animal hosts are thought to be the primary habitat for Campylobacter and Salmonella species, our results suggest that Cladophora is a likely secondary habitat for pathogenic bacteria in Lake Michigan and that the association of these bacteria with Cladophora warrants additional studies to assess the potential health impact on beach users.
Efficient Proxy-Based Internet Media Distribution Control and Privacy Protection Infrastructure

Massive Internet media distribution demands pro longed continuous consumption of networking and disk band widths in large capacity. Many proxy-based Internet media distribution algorithms and systems have been proposed, implemented, and evaluated to address the scalability issue. However, few of them have been used in practice, since two important issues are not satisfactorily addressed. First, existing proxy-based media distribution architectures lack an efficient media distribution control mechanism. Without protection on the Internet, content providers are hesitant to use existing fast distribution techniques. Second, little has been done to protect client privacy during client accesses. Straightforward solutions to address these two issues independently lead to conflicts. For example, to enforce distribution control, only legitimate users should be granted access rights. However, this normally discloses more information (such as which object the client is accessing) other than the client identity, which conflicts with the client's desire for privacy protection. In this paper, we propose a unified proxy-based media distribution protocol to effectively address these two problems simultaneously. We further design a set of new algorithms for cooperative proxies where our proposed scheme works practically. Simulation results show that our proposed strategy is efficient
Targeting endothelial adhesion molecule mRNA to control inflammation: novel insights into potential anti-inflammatory effects of IL-19. Focus on “Interleukin-19 decreases leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions by reduction in endothelial cell adhesion molecule mRNA stability”

activation of vascular endothelial cells is required for trafficking of leukocytes to sites of inflammation, a process underlying innate immunity and numerous acute and chronic diseases. Typically, activation refers to an inflammatory stimulus-dependent upregulation of adhesion molecule expression
Scalable parallel implementation of exact inference in Bayesian networks

We present a scalable parallel implementation for exact inference in Bayesian networks. We explore two levels of parallelization: top level parallelization which uses pointer jumping to stride across nodes; and node level parallelization which parallelizes the node level computations which are independent from each other. For a junction tree with n cliques, using p processors, the worst-case running time is (n/p(log n)) * r/sup w/ where w is the clique width and r is the maximum range or number of states of the variable. We have implemented the algorithm using MPI and OpenMP. We consider three different types of input junction trees: linear junction trees, balanced trees and random junction trees, and obtained speedups of 203, 181 and 190 respectively over 256 processors.
ADE omnidirectional dual reflector antennas

In this work an axially-displaced-ellipse (ADE) dual-reflector antenna is suggested for the achievement of an omnidirectional coverage. Its geometry is briefly presented and some relevant features are compared against previously suggested reflector antennas, designed for the same purpose. The present antenna configuration is capable of yielding the desired aperture illumination with relatively smaller reflector dimensions, providing a compact arrangement suited for use at the base station of point-to-multi-point radio links. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed reflector antenna.