cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schematic pitch coding: a new, more efficient method for measurement of infant-directed speech

Infant-directed speech is an important but difficult-to-measure aspect of caregiver-infant interaction. Specialized training in speech science is required and processing is computationally intensive and time consuming. We developed a computer-assisted method of measuring infant-directed speech that requires little specialized training, has high concurrent validity with alternative approaches, and has improved efficiency in estimating frequency and temporal parameters. In Schematic Pitch Coding, an operator uses a computer interface to play digitized speech samples, view the corresponding narrow-band spectrograms, and mark points of inflection in fundamental frequency (f0) using a computer mouse. Custom software generates graphic representations of f0 contours and quantitative estimates of the mean and standard deviation of f0, utterance duration, and turn-taking pauses. Our current system, which is not optimized for speed, can process a 30-second sample of infant-directed speech in approximately a half-hour, which makes feasible its application in large-scale studies of infant-directed speech.
Differentiation of bone marrow stem cells on inkjet printed silk lines

Water based silk solutions were successfully inkjet printed for the first time into patterns of parallel lines onto vinyl plastic substrates. Human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSCs) were seeded on the silk printed patterns and cultured in the presence of 100 ng/ml of bone morphogenic protein (BMP-2). After one week of culture cell growth and attachment showed site specificity on the silk printed lines. Both alkaline phosphatase activity and cell morphology indicated hBMSCs differentiation into osteogenic cells along the silk printed lines. After 4 week of culture, the cellular bridging of adjacent silk printed lines took place for all interline distances lower than 1.25 mm. Therefore, commercial inkjet printing technology can produce complex viable cellular patterns with 111 ± 24 μm lateral resolution, through the deposition of bioactive materials. The results provide a first step toward cell specific control using 3D inkjet printing techniques using biocompatible gel systems to regulate cell functions.
Azacalix[3]arene−Carbazole Conjugated Polymer Network Ultrathin Films for Specific Cation Sensing

Developing highly selective and sensitive chemical sensors is a challenge with respect to new materials for chemical recognition. In this study, a new conjugated polymer network precursor, hexahomotriazacalix[3]arene−carbazole has been synthesized and electrochemically cross-linked to form ultrathin films using cyclic voltammetry. The incorporation of hexahomotriazacalix[3]arene moiety as a neutral cation-binding receptor into a conjugated polycarbazole network facilitates high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn2+. The ultrathin films were characterized spectroscopically using UV−vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Surface morphology properties were examined by atomic force microscopy. Electrochemical deposition parameters and sensor transduction was studied by an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, and open-circuit potentiometry techniques. The results indicate that the high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn2+ compared to those of other cations ...
Identification of the nuclear localization signal of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 Vpx.

Abstract The Vpx protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) is a viral accessory protein related to, but distinct from, the Vpr protein of HIV-1. Vpx is packaged into virions and, as a component of the viral preintegration complex (PIC), Vpx is required for efficient virus replication in nondividing cells. Therefore, the localization of Vpx in cells is dynamic and dependent upon discrete domains of the protein. Expressed in the absence of other viral proteins, Vpx localizes to the nucleus of cells. However, if expressed with the Gag protein of HIV-2, Vpx localizes to the plasma membrane of cells. To further understand the regulation of Vpx localization, we fused regions of Vpx to β-galactosidase to identify regions of the protein sufficient to mediate nuclear localization. The minimal transferable region of Vpx that conferred nuclear localization in these assays was aa 65 to 72. Alanine substitution of K68 and R70 in a GFP-Vpx construct abolished nuclear localization, suggesting that the basic residues in this region are important for nuclear import. Analysis of the membrane transport of several GFP-Vpx alanine mutants demonstrated that while separable, the domains of Vpx required for nuclear localization are not distinct from the domains required for membrane transport. The results of heterokaryon shuttling assays indicated that Vpx is not a shuttling protein; however, HIV-2 Vpr did shuttle similar to HIV-1 Vpr.
Psychoanalysis and the idea of a moral psychology: memorial to Bernard Williams' philosophy

I met Bernard Williams when I went to Cambridge over three decades ago: he was my teacher – indeed, he remains my teacher – but we then became colleagues and friends. It is a friendship that spanned – and transformed – my adult life. There is no one I know who more enjoyed gossiping about others, trading anecdotes, offering shrewd insights about what makes people tick; but even more than that Bernard loved philosophical conversation. He delighted in talking philosophy – any time, with anyone – and philosophy came alive in those conversations. It is thus a fitting tribute to the man to have a session of the APA devoted to his philosophy. I shall thus pass over reminiscences, important as they are to the mourning process. Instead, I should like to talk about how Williams’ distinctive approach to ethics leads inevitably and essentially to an engagement with psychoanalytic ideas. This is an unfamiliar claim – both in terms of the general understanding of Williams’ work and in terms of the approach to ethics in the analytic tradition of philosophy. And yet, as I hope to show, Williams’ approach to ethical life requires that we turn to human psychology; and the form of psychology required will have to be of a broadly psychoanalytic bent. We can see Williams working towards this conclusion. In Ethics and the Limits of Philosophy (1985) he raises the possibility that a psychological theory, ‘particularly of a psychoanalytical kind… will support some ethical conceptions as necessary to human happiness’. 1 But because in that book Williams was primarily concerned to argue against the possibility or aspiration of providing a foundation for morality or ethical life, he confined himself to arguing that psychoanalysis could not provide the sought-after foundation. But what if we abandon the aspiration to provide a foundation? What would a non-foundationalist approach to ethical life look like? This was a question which preoccupied Williams over the last two decades of his life.
Regularized discriminant analysis for high dimensional, low sample size data

Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis have been used widely in many areas of data mining, machine learning, and bioinformatics. Friedman proposed a compromise between Linear and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, called Regularized Discriminant Analysis (RDA), which has been shown to be more flexible in dealing with various class distributions. RDA applies the regularization techniques by employing two regularization parameters, which are chosen to jointly maximize the classification performance. The optimal pair of parameters is commonly estimated via cross-validation from a set of candidate pairs. It is computationally prohibitive for high dimensional data, especially when the candidate set is large, which limits the applications of RDA to low dimensional data.In this paper, a novel algorithm for RDA is presented for high dimensional data. It can estimate the optimal regularization parameters from a large set of parameter candidates efficiently. Experiments on a variety of datasets confirm the claimed theoretical estimate of the efficiency, and also show that, for a properly chosen pair of regularization parameters, RDA performs favorably in classification, in comparison with other existing classification methods.
Planning computer memory allocation: A simulation case study

Abstract A simulation of the main memory of the computer system of a large manufacturing organization is described. The impact of adding a new software package (namely CICS) on average memory usage is analyzed. The effect of adding memory capacity on memory utilization is also described.
Biphasic Doppler pattern of the descending thoracic aorta: a new echocardiographic finding in patients with aortic valve stenosis.

A total of 59 patients (≥ 65 years of age) with normal left ventricular function (ejection fraction > 50%) and varying degrees of aortic valve structure and hemodynamics (normal to severely stenotic) were screened; 50 were subsequently enrolled. Continuous wave Doppler echocardiography in the descending thoracic aorta showed two general patterns: (1) in aortic stenosis, the pattern consisted of two peak systolic velocity components (S 1 and S 2 ); and (2) in normal aortic valve function, the pattern was a uniphasic signal with a single peak systolic velocity component. The new Doppler pattern yielded 95% sensitivity and 90% specificity in the detection of clinically significant aortic valve stenosis, and 92% sensitivity and 70% specificity in the detection of severe aortic valve stenosis. Sensitivity was 96% in uniphasic signals during normal aortic valve function by conventional 2-dimensional and Doppler criteria. This article introduces characteristics of this Doppler velocity profile as a new diagnostic finding of aortic valve stenosis.
Chronicling a crisis: media framing of human trafficking in India, Thailand, and the USA

Despite the vast research on human trafficking, little is known about mass media coverage of the issue. This study, a quantitative content analysis of English-language news coverage of human trafficking in the USA, India, and Thailand, analyzes human trafficking coverage before and after the launch of a large-scale international anti-trafficking treaty to determine whether the treaty had an impact on the amount and framing of media coverage on the issue. Findings reveal that while coverage of the issue increased after the treaty, was more localized, and suggested causes and remedies more frequently, it also placed less blame for the problem occurring, focused primarily on crime and policy sides of human trafficking rather than human rights or public health, and lacked the voices of victims. How the news media, and in turn the public, deal with mediating such an issue is a significant and meaningful question, and this paper suggests that United Nations policy-makers need to take proactive steps in order fo...
Sustained Expression of Therapeutic Level of Factor IX in Hemophilia B Dogs by AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy in Liver

We demonstrate that a single intraportal vein injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector encoding canine factor IX (cFIX) cDNA under the control of a liver-specific enhancer/promoter leads to a long-term correction of the bleeding disorder in hemophilia B dogs. Stable expression of the therapeutic level of cFIX (5% of normal level) was detected in the plasma of a dog injected with an AAV vector at a dose of 4.6 x 10(12) particles/kg for over 7 months. Both whole-blood clotting time (WBCT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of the treated dogs have been greatly decreased since the treatment. No anti-canine factor IX antibodies have been detected in the treated animals. Importantly, no bleeding has been observed in the dog that expresses a therapeutic level of cFIX for 7 months following vector administration. Moreover, no persistent significant hepatic enzyme abnormalities were detected in the treated dogs. Thus, a single intraportal injection of a rAAV vector expressing cFIX successfully corrected the bleeding disorder of hemophilia B dogs, supporting the feasibility of using AAV-based vectors for liver-targeted gene therapy of genetic diseases.
Spin statistics, and geometry of random walks

We develop and unify two complementary descriptions of propagation of spinning particles: the directed random walk representation and the “spin factor” approach. Working in an arbitrary number of dimensions D, we first represent the Dirac propagator in terms of a directed random walk. We then derive the general and explicit form of the gauge connection describing parallel transport of spin and investigate the resulting quantum-mechanical problem of a particle moving on a sphere in the field of a nonabelian SO(D − 1) monopole. This construction, generalizing Polyakov's results, enables us to prove the equivalence of the random walk and path-integral (spin factor) representation. As an alternative, we construct and discuss various Wess-Zumino-Witten forms of the spin factor. We clarify the role played by the coupling between the particle's spin and translational degrees of freedom in establishing the geometrical properties of particle's paths in spacetime. To this end, we carefully define and evaluate Hausdorff dimensions of bosonic and fermionic sample paths, in the covariant as well as nonrelativistic formulations. Finally, as an application of the developed formalism, we give an intuitive spacetime interpretation of chiral anomalies in terms of the geometry of fermion trajectories.
What Do Intention Scales Measure

Abstract The present study presents evidence that standard 7-point behavioral intention (61) scales, including those recommended by Fishbein and Ajzen (e.g., Ajzen & Fishbein, 1980), actually measure behavioral expectation (BE) much of the time. Three experiments, in which a total of 203 American students were used as subjects, spanned two distinct methodologies for assessing what subjects meant by their BI scale responses, two different 7-point intention scale formats, and 16 different target behaviors. For the behaviors studied, the subjects gave their BEs in response to BI questions 43.6% of the time overall, ranging from 12.8% (smoking cigarettes) to 72.7% (spill food or drink).
Assignment of the ferriheme resonances of high- and low-spin forms of the symmetrical hemin-reconstituted nitrophorins 1-4 by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy: the dynamics of heme ruffling deformations.

The four major nitrophorins (NPs) of the adult blood-sucking insect Rhodnius prolixus have been reconstituted with the “symmetrical hemin” 2,4-dimethyldeuterohemin, and their NMR spectra have been investigated as the high-spin (S = 5/2) aqua and low-spin (S = 1/2) N-methylimidazole (NMeIm) and cyanide complexes. The NMeIm complexes allow assignment of the high-spin hemin resonances by saturation transfer difference spectroscopy. The cyanide complexes were investigated as paramagnetic analogues of the NO complexes. It is shown that the hemin ring is highly distorted from planarity, much more so for NP2 than for NP1 and NP4 (with ruffling being the major distortion mode), for both high- and low-spin forms. For the cyanide complexes, the conformation of the distorted ring changes on the NMR timescale to yield chemical exchange (exchange spectroscopy, EXSY) cross peaks for NP1sym(CN), NP3sym(CN) and NP4sym(CN) but not for NP2sym(CN). These changes in nonplanar conformation are visualized as a “rolling” of the ruffled macrocycle ridges through some number of degrees, the lowest-energy ruffling mode. This probably occurs in response to slow protein dynamics that cause the I120 and L132 side chains in the distal heme pocket to move in opposite directions (up and away vs. down and toward the hemin ring). This in turn changes the out-of-plane displacements of the 2M and 3M of the symmetrical hemin on the NMR timescale. Two other types of dynamics, i.e., changes in heme seating and NMeIm rotation, are also observed. The highly distorted heme and the dynamics it causes are unique to the NPs and a few other heme proteins with highly distorted macrocycles.
Commentary on an article by B.H. Currier, MChE, et al.: "In vivo oxidation in remelted highly cross-linked retrievals"

Total joint arthroplasty is a highly successful procedure; however, the one major issue that remains is wear of the bearing surfaces and the resultant adverse biological response to wear particles. Many studies of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene have indicated that residual free radicals combined with oxygen result in increased brittleness and reduction of mechanical properties. The development of highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with use of irradiation in inert environments, and subsequent free-radical stabilization by either annealing or remelting, provided a bearing surface with the potential for significant reduction of wear. There have been several clinical studies that have confirmed, with use of radiographic techniques, this reduction in wear. However, in the recent radiographic study by Currier et al., an unexpected increase in wear was seen in this ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene after seven years in vivo. This troubling observation requires further study. Currier …
Results of Crawford tube intubation in children

Abstract Between 1987–1991 we inserted Crawford tubes in the nasolacrimal system in 24 children with recurrent epiphora following unsuccessful probing. Twenty-two are free of epiphora and discharge from 6 months to 4 years after the removal of tubes and 2 children show no improvement. Apart from mild epistaxis at the time of the tube insertion and tube displacement within 2 weeks of insertion in 3 children, we report no other complications.
Rapid clearance of herpes simplex virus type 2 by CD8+ T cells requires high level expression of effector T cell functions

CD8+ T cells are important for resolution of HSV-2 lesions from the female genital epithelium. It is uncertain whether optimal clearance of viruses such as HSV-2 that cause a limited, non-systemic infection solely requires expression of effector functions by infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes, or if the clearance rate is reflective of the expression level of critical effector functions. To address this, CD8+ T cells from normal OT-I mice or OT-I mice deficient in IFNγ (IFNγ−/−) or the IFNγ receptor (IFNγR−/−) were activated in vitro in the presence of IFNγ or IL-4 to generate a series of effector populations (Tc1 and Tc2-like respectively) that secreted different levels of IFNγ and expressed different levels of HSV-specific cytolytic function. Compared with Tc1 cells, Tc2-like cells produced the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, exhibited decreased IFNγ secretion, diminished proliferation in vitro, and decreased antigen-specific cytolysis in vivo. Clearance of an ovalbumin-expressing HSV-2 strain (HSV-2 tk− OVA) by adoptively transferred Tc2-like cells was delayed relative to Tc1 cell recipients. Because donor Tc2-like cells proliferated in vivo and infiltrated the infected genital epithelium similar to Tc1 cells, the diminished virus clearance by Tc2-like effector cells correlated with reduced expression of critical effector functions. Together, these results suggest that high level expression of protective T cell functions by effector T cells is necessary for optimal clearance of HSV-2 from the genital epithelium. These results have important implications for vaccines designed to elicit CD8+ T cells against viruses such as HSV-2 that infect the genital tract.
RNA polymerase II transcription complexes are destabilized by ATP or GTP

Abstract In vitro transcription by RNA polymerase II requires hydrolysis of the β-γ bond of ATP after the transcription complex forms, prior to RNA synthesis. It was observed that the presence of ATP during transcription complex formation inhibits subsequent transcription when the remaining 3 rNTPs are added. We now report that ATP or GTP inhibits transcription if either is present during transcription complex formation or added to preformed complexes. This inhibition is not due to purine rNTP degradation and occurs if as little as 2 uM ATP or 50 uM GTP is added to forming or preformed complexes. Deoxy derivatives of ATP inhibit similarly. AMP-PNP, a β-γ imido derivative, neither satisfies the energy requirement not inhibits transcription if added to incubations of forming or of preformed transcription complexes.
A protein from Naegleria amoebae causes apoptosis in chick embryo and CHO cells after they become confluent.

Exposure for less than an hour to a protein isolated from Naegleria amoebae initiates a process that has no apparent effect on the appearance or growth of chick embryo or CHO cell cultures for 4 to 9 days; after the development of confluency, at some unknown signal, all of the cells undergo an apoptotic death within a 12- to 24-hour period. Abnormalities detected among the last mitotic cells include chromosomal breakage and early reversal in metaphase to telo/interphase daughter nuclei with irregular shapes. Additional events in the dying cultures include the development of a cytoplasmic amoebicrelated immunogen, gross DNA fragmentation, cell blebbing, shrinkage, and apoptotic body formation. Culture death included all cells, those present in confluent cultures when the protein was added, and in other cultures, those formed during a more than 30-fold increase in cells as the cultures became confluent. The increase in the number of cells followed by the uniformity and synchrony of their death pattern indicates that the signal to kill has increased and spread throughout the culture; upon an unknown condition related to confluency, events are initiated that lead to the unusual apoptotic death of the culture.
Aerospace Materials for the 21st Centry

A development status evaluation and prospective performance characteristics projection is made for advanced metal-matrix composites, ceramic-matrix composites, high-temperature polymeric composite resins, and the NDE and process-monitoring techniques that may be employed in order to maximize their performance while minimizing their costs. Attention is given to P/M aluminum alloy matrix-based, superplastically formed SiC whisker-reinforced composites, and the materials requirements of the National Aerospace Plane and NASA Space Station.
Isolated Head Drop Triggered by Neck Surgery Following Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy

ABSTRACT Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by severe weakness of neck extension that occurs in isolation or association with a generalized neuromuscular disorder. Multietiologies may be responsible for DHS, including radiotherapy, which may cause a delayed form of DHS. However, DHS acutely triggered by neck surgery after chemoradiotherapy is rare. The author reports a case of acute onset of isolated DHS following selective neck dissection surgery after concomitant chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer.
Spectroscopy and Dynamics of GaSe Nanoparticles and Nanoparticle Aggregates

The spectroscopic characteristics of GaSe nanoparticle aggregates are reported. We find that the lowest energy absorption band shifts slightly to the red and sharpens, while the next band shifts to the blue as the concentration is increased. The spectral changes are reversible and are interpreted in terms of the particles forming strongly interacting aggregates in high concentration, room temperature solutions. The absorption spectra can be semiquantitatively modeled in terms of the lowest two transitions observed in bulk GaSe, quantum confinement effects and dipolar coupling between excited state monomers. From these calculations, the lowest excited state interparticle coupling is estimated to be about -250 cm-1. Polydisperse samples have larger energy differences but comparable couplings between adjacent particles in the aggregates. As a result, the spectroscopic effects of aggregation are less pronounced in these samples. The nanoparticle aggregate spectra are reminiscent of J-aggregate spectra of organic dyes.
Time-dependent changes for Midcontinent Pennsylvania black shales, U.S.A.☆

Abstract Three types of Midcontinent North American black shale types have been recognized based on metal content, organic carbon contents, sulfur isotopes, and various other sedimentological and paleontological characteristics that may reflect fluctuations in bottom-water oxygenation during deposition. Near-shore, Middle Pennsylvanian black shales, exemplified by the Mecca Quarry Shale Member of Indiana, typically yield degree of pyritization (DOP) values near 0.65, the highest measured in the study, consistent with relatively, but not fully anoxic conditions of sedimentation. DOP values for Heebner-type shales, most prevalent in the Upper Pennsylvanian, average 0.27–0.35 barely in the dysaerobic range, which is difficult to reconcile with an origin for black shale dependent upon upwelling bottom water. Positive correlations exist between DOP, metal values and total organic carbon (TOC) in black shale units through the Pennsylvania. These changes can be related to organic carbon production and published sea-level fluctuations, suggesting a change in black shale character in the Midcontinent from the Middle to Late Pennsylvanian. Consistently decreasing values for DOP and TOC through time suggest the likelihood of a progressive ventilation or improved bottom-water oxygenation accompanied by a reduced rate of input from terrestrial organic matter during this time interval.
Cloning of Rat Interleukin-13 (IL-13) cDNA and Analysis of IL-13 Gene Expression in Experimental Glomerulonephritis

Using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction method, a cDNA for the complete coding region and part of the 5′-untranslated region of rat IL-13 was cloned from rat renal cortex RNA following the induction of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis. The coding region of IL-13 cDNA displays 74% and 87% sequence identity with the coding regions of human and mouse IL-13 cDNA, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of rat IL-13 reveals 63% and 79% homology with the human and mouse proteins, respectively. Using the rat IL-13 cDNA as a molecular probe, increased production of IL-13 mRNA in renal and splenic tissue is demonstrated in the first 48 hours of antibody-induced glomerulonephritis in the rat. The data suggest a role for IL-13 in the inflammatory response in vivo.
Facilitating Class Sessions for Ego-Piercing Engagement.

This chapter offers strategies for engaging Millennial students in ways that affirm, rather than challenge, students' egos.
Exhaled nitric oxide decreases in association with attendance at an asthma summer cAMP.

Attendance at a summer asthma camp has been associated with improved outcomes in children with asthma. We hypothesized that one mechanism involved in improved asthma outcomes is reduction in airway inflammation. To investigate this, we measured the fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, FEV1) and asthma control (Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire, ACQ) from children at the beginning and end of a 1-week asthma summer camp. We also obtained a symptoms-only ACQ at 1 and 6 months after the end of camp. We enrolled 10 girls, 17 boys, mean (± SD) age = 9.6 ± 1.3 years. At baseline, FeNO (ppb), median (25–75 IQR) = 11.4 (7.2–21.3); ACQ = 0.86 (0.43–1.21); FEV1 (%pred, mean ± SD) = 87 ± 10. At the end of camp, FeNO = 6.2 (4.4–8.4), a change of −45%, p < 0.0001; ACQ = 0.71 (0.43–1.14), a fall of 14%, p = 0.72; and mean FEV1% predicted remained unchanged. There were no significant changes in the follow-up symptoms-only ACQ at 1 and 6 months. We c...
Preliminary results from a microwave-driven 100 μm wavelength Cherenkov FEL experiment

Abstract Radiation, with the characteristics expected of a Cherenkov signal, has been observed in an rf accelerator-driven, far-infrared Cherenkov laser experiment. The results of the first series of tests will be presented, together with brief descriptions of the major components of the system and a summary of the goals of the work.
β-1,3-Glucan, Which Can Be Targeted by Drugs, Forms a Trabecular Scaffold in the Oocyst Walls of Toxoplasma and Eimeria

The walls of infectious pathogens, which are essential for transmission, pathogenesis, and diagnosis, contain sugar polymers that are defining structural features, e.g., -1,3-glucan and chitin in fungi, chitin in Entamoebacysts,-1,3-GalNAc in Giardia cysts, and peptidoglycans in bacteria. The goal here was to determine in which of three walled forms of Toxoplasma gon- dii(oocyst, sporocyst, or tissue cyst) is -1,3-glucan, the product of glucan synthases and glucan hydrolases predicted by whole- genome sequences of the parasite. The three most important discoveries were as follows. (i) -1,3-glucan is present in oocyst walls ofToxoplasmaandEimeria(a chicken parasite that is a model for intestinal stages of Toxoplasma) but is absent from sporocyst and tissue cyst walls. (ii) Fibrils of -1,3-glucan are part of a trabecular scaffold in the inner layer of the oocyst wall, which also includes a glucan hydrolase that has a novel glucan-binding domain. (iii) Echinocandins, which target the glucan syn- thase and kill fungi, arrest development of the Eimeriaoocyst wall and prevent release of the parasites into the intestinal lumen. In summary,-1,3-glucan, which can be targeted by drugs, is an important component of oocyst walls of Toxoplasmabut is not a component of sporocyst and tissue cyst walls. IMPORTANCE We show here that walls ofToxoplasmaoocysts, the infectious stage shed by cats, contain -1,3-glucan, a sugar polymer that is a major component of fungal walls. In contrast to fungi, -1,3-glucan is part of a trabecular scaffold in the inner layer of the oocyst wall that is independent of the permeability barrier formed by the outer layer of the wall. While glucan syn- thase inhibitors kill fungi, these inhibitors arrest the development of the oocyst walls of Eimeria(an important chicken pathogen that is a surrogate forToxoplasma) and block release of oocysts into the intestinal lumen. The absence of -1,3-glucan in tissue cysts ofToxoplasma suggests that drugs targeted at the glucan synthase might be used to treat Eimeriain chickens but not to treatToxoplasmain people.
Bipolar disorder: candidate drug targets

Current pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder is generally unsatisfactory for a large number of patients. Even with adequate modern bipolar pharmacological therapies, many afflicted individuals continue to have persistent mood episode relapses, residual symptoms, functional impairment, and psychosocial disability. Creating novel therapeutics for bipolar disorder is urgently needed. Promising drug targets and compounds for bipolar disorder worthy of further study include both systems and intracellular pathways and targets. Specifically, the purinergic system, the dynorphin opioid neuropeptide system, the cholinergic system (muscarinic and nicotinic systems), the melatonin and serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C] system, the glutamatergic system, and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis have all been implicated. Intracellular pathways and targets worthy of further study include glycogen synthase kinase-3 protein, protein kinase C, and the arachidonic acid cascade. Mt Sinai J Med 75:225–246, 2008. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Roundoff and coefficient quantization noise of pipelined scattered look-ahead filters with decomposition

Unified statistical coefficient quantization (SCQ) and round-off noise (RON) analysis for a fixed-point arithmetic model is applied to scattered look-ahead (SLA) with power-of-two decomposition filters. Assumptions under which noise power due to SCQ is the same as RON under single length accumulation are derived. Analytical results are derived for first-and second-order direct-form (DF) and minimum roundoff noise (MRON) basis filters which contradict previous claims. The application of SLA is shown to slightly increase noise for poles near z=0 and to generally decrease noise near mod z mod =1, except that the noise of DF SLA increases greatly for small regions near mod z mod =1 due to closely spaced poles. >
A wider class of lagrange distributions of the second kind

Starting with the second Lagrange expansion, with f(z) and g(z) as two probability generating functions defined on non-negative integers, Janardan and Rao( 1983) introduced a new class of discrete distributions called the Lagrange Distributions (LD2) of the second kind. In this note, this class of LD2 distributions is widened by removing the restriction that the functions f(z) and g(z) be probability generation functions. It is also shown that the class of modified power series distributions is a subclass of LD2.
SCREENING FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH IN ATHLETES: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF BEING DIAGNOSED WITH POTENTIALLY LETHAL DISEASE

Background The purpose of cardiovascular screening in athletes is the identification of disorders at risk for sudden cardiac death. No study has assessed the experiences of athletes diagnosed with a serious cardiovascular condition. Objective To determine the psychological impact of young athletes who are diagnosed with a potentially lethal cardiac condition. Design Semi-structured interview. Setting Young competitive US Athletes. Participants 25 athletes (52% male, 80% Caucasian, median age 17.7) previously diagnosed (>6 months) with potentially lethal cardiac conditions (5 HCM, 8 WPW, 4 LQTS, 3 ASD, 2 SVT, 3 other) voluntarily participated. Assessment of risk factors Athletes shared reactions and experiences regarding diagnosis, lifestyle implications, coping strategies, major concerns, and overall impact on psychosocial functioning. Main outcome measurements Audio interviews were transcribed and analyzed using consensual qualitative research (CQR) to identify themes and sub-themes. Results Athletes recalled anxiety, confusion, denial, and shock shortly after diagnosis. Disqualified collegiate athletes described prolonged emotional impact due to identity change, and had mixed emotions regarding participation in team activities in another role. Disqualified high school athletes were more accepting of their condition and chose to participate in lower intensity sports. Those undergoing simple corrective procedures depicted mentally overcoming their diagnosis quickly with little impact on daily life; however, individuals with cardiomyopathy or channelopathy had persistent reminders such as taking daily medication, monitoring HR during activity, and ensuring the presence of onsite defibrillators in case of cardiac arrest. Only a minority of athletes described emotional support mechanisms from medical programs. Diagnosis often led to new life purposes such as mentoring or coaching. Despite its impact, all athletes were appreciative and would undergo advanced cardiovascular screening again. Conclusions College athletes and those with cardiac conditions requiring disqualification from sport are at greater risk of adverse psychological consequences. Improved support mechanisms from medical programs are needed to assist athletes diagnosed with a serious cardiac disorder.
Medieval Violence: Physical Brutality in Northern France, 1270–1330

Skoda's book deals with violence in a very specific context: Paris and the cities of Artois in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. She likewise has a particular focus: violence as a...
Inferring Temporal Order of Images From 3D Structure

In this paper, we describe a technique to temporally sort a collection of photos that span many years. By reasoning about persistence of visible structures, we show how this sorting task can be formulated as a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP). Casting this problem as a CSP allows us to efficiently find a suitable ordering of the images despite the large size of the solution space (factorial in the number of images) and the presence of occlusions. We present experimental results for photographs of a city acquired over a one hundred year period.
Impact of testability standards on university research and instruction

The impact of emerging standards on university research and instruction is addressed. Initially, impact on research, specifically research in testing, is dealt with followed by a discussion of the potential impact on instruction. Before treating each of these areas separately, the current impact of standards on research and instruction in the hardware design area in general are briefly reviewed. Two categories, general standards that affect a significant portion of all designs, and special standards that affect only the design of specific subsystems, are briefly reviewed. These are illustrated by the various standards that have an impact on courses in computer engineering at the University of Wisconsin. >
Identification of a Minimal Region of the HIV-1 5′-Leader Required for RNA Dimerization, NC Binding, and Packaging

Assembly of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) particles is initiated in the cytoplasm by the formation of a ribonucleoprotein complex comprising the dimeric RNA genome and a small number of viral Gag polyproteins. Genomes are recognized by the nucleocapsid (NC) domains of Gag, which interact with packaging elements believed to be located primarily within the 5´-leader of the viral RNA. Recent studies revealed that the native 5´-leader exists as an equilibrium of two conformers, one in which dimer-promoting residues and NC binding sites are sequestered and packaging is attenuated, and one in which these sites are exposed and packaging is promoted. To identify the elements within the dimeric 5´-leader that are important for packaging, we generated HIV-1 5´-leader RNAs containing mutations and deletions designed to eliminate substructures without perturbing the overall structure of the leader and examined effects of the mutations on RNA dimerization, NC binding and packaging. Our findings identify a 159 residue RNA packaging signal that possesses dimerization and NC binding properties similar to those of the intact 5´-leader and contains elements required for efficient RNA packaging.
Charge domain recursive filters

A new charge-transfer device architecture has been developed for implementing recursive filters in the minority charge domain. A three pole filter using this architecture has been designed and fabricated. The measured filter characteristics are in close agreement with theoretical predictions to approximately 0.2 percent. The charge domain filter appears to retain the intrinsic CCD shift register advantages (e.g. high-speed, small output capacitance, wide linear dynamic range), while overcoming many of the disadvantages of the present CCD transversal filter architecture.
Selective management of acute type B aortic dissection: Long-term follow-up

Background. Since 1985, we have selectively treated acute type B aortic dissections. Initial treatment lowered blood pressure and heart rate. Transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomographic scans were used to diagnose and follow up the patients. Patients were operated on for organ ischemia, pain, hypertension, or increasing subpleural fluid on computed tomographic scan. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients admitted over a 10-year period to the Mt. Sinai Hospital. Results. From August 1985 to May 1995, 68 patients were seen. Three died soon after admission during initial diagnostic evaluation. Seventeen patients underwent operation without mortality or paraplegia (group 1). Forty-seven of 48 patients treated nonoperatively were discharged; 1 patient died of rupture on day 7 (group 2). Actuarial survival for all 68 patients at 1 and 5 years was 92% ± 4% and 82% ± 8%. Group 1 survival was 93% ± 4% and 68% ± 5%, and group 2 survival was 90% ± 6% and 87% ± 14%. There were no differences between groups. Late intervention was required in 2 group 1 patients (12%) and in 12 of 48 group 2 patients (25%), again without mortality or paraplegia. Conclusions. This experience suggests that selective management of acute type B aortic dissection results in acceptable short-term and long-term survival. Avoiding early operation did not compromise late results.
Father(s?) of Rock & Roll: Why the Johnnie Johnson v. Chuck Berry Songwriting Suit Should Change the Way Copyright Law Determines Joint Authorship

Father(s?) of Rock & Roll utilizes a unique and historic resource — the previously unseen deposition testimony of Chuck Berry and his piano man Johnnie Johnson — to analyze the problems with how copyright law currently determines joint authorship and to propose a new “Berry-Johnson” joint authorship test. We accept as fact that Berry, the self-reliant founding father of rock & roll, wrote his music by himself. However, in 2000, Johnson, who originally hired Berry and who played piano on nearly all the significant songs in the Berry canon, classics such as “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “School Day,” “Sweet Little Sixteen,” and “Back in the U.S.A.,” sued Berry, claiming he co-wrote the music to these songs. Both Berry and Johnson testified extensively in the suit about the songs’ creation. Their testimony has been unavailable for study, until now. Granted access to the case file, I quote and analyze key portions of Berry’s and Johnson’s deposition testimony, using it as a case study of high-level collaborative creativity and exploring what it can teach us about how best to determine joint authorship under U.S. copyright law.Johnson v. Berry exposes the faults in the prevailing judicial joint authorship tests, which misplace their focus on whether collaborators: (1) considered themselves authors, (2) contributed independently copyrightable expression, (3) controlled the creative work, and (4) contributed expression that has audience appeal. Father(s?) of Rock & Roll proposes a new approach, the “Berry-Johnson” test, centered on the creation of the work itself. This test, at its core, asks: did more than one person intend to create a single work and did they each substantially contribute to its essence? If so, these persons are its joint authors. To guide this determination, the test uses (1) the relative impact of each contribution on the work, (2) the views each contributor had regarding the substantiality of the others’ contributions, and (3) industry custom.The Berry-Johnson test thereby better recognizes worthy joint authors while setting a bar high enough that courts will not explode with joint authorship litigation. Courts should adopt the Berry-Johnson test to resolve joint authorship disputes. Better yet, Congress should expressly codify it in the Copyright Act, along with a provision creating a compulsory license for authors’ use of their non-author collaborators’ independently copyrightable contributions, closing a worrisome loophole in the law highlighted by the recent Garcia v. Google case.In this way the testimony of Chuck Berry and Johnnie Johnson should change copyright law and improve how we determine joint authorship in future collaborations.
Theoretical bounds on a non-raster scan method for tracking string-like samples

In this paper, we study the performance of a non-raster-scan algorithm for imaging string-like samples in an atomic force microscope. The algorithm yields high-speed imaging through a feedback control law that steers the tip along the sample, thereby reducing the imaging time by eliminating unnecessary measurements. Under simplifying assumptions, we derive expressions for bounds on the control parameters to ensure accurate tracking of the sample.
Monocyte insulin binding studies in normal and diabetic pregnancies

Abstract Monocyte insulin recepter binding was studied in six nonpregnant control patients and in 40 pregnant patients with varying degrees of carbohydrate tolerance. Competitive binding assays were performed to determine insulin binding to monocytes. Fasting insulin levels were determined. We obtained the following results: (1) When compared to values not associated with pregnancy, the number of insulin receptor sites per cell increases twofold (31,000 versus 16,300); (2) Class A diabetic patients have higher numbers of receptor sites than normal pregnant patients (80,800 versus 31,00); (3) untreated Class B diabetic patients have markedly reduced receptor sites (4,575) and bind less insulin at physiologic concentrations (p
Curriculum, Practice, and Diet Predict Health Among Experienced Taiji and Qigong Practitioners

Abstract Objective: To explore the potential influence of curriculum, frequency of practice, and dietary quality on the health of experienced Taiji and qigong practitioners. Design: Theoretical and cross-sectional study. Methods: Responses from a volunteer sample of Taiji practitioners from across the United States were collected using an online survey. The instrument was designed to collect data on health-related quality of life, diet, and Taiji practice regimens. All experienced (≥4 years) practitioners (n = 94; mean age, 55.82 years [range, 24–83 years]) were included in the analysis. Relationships among self-reported health, diet, experience, practice frequency, and curricular complexity were analyzed. Results: Practitioners' health status did not show the typical negative association with age and was positively associated with complex curricula, practice, and high-quality diets. Significant interaction effects were seen between (1) curricular complexity and additional practice (p < 0.05) and (2) curr...
The Effects of Horizontal Merger Synergies on Competitors, Customers, and Suppliers

In this paper, we employ a novel, hand-collected dataset of management forecasts of merger-related synergistic gains to examine directly the role of product market linkages in the impact of merger synergies on valuation and operating performance of corporate customers, suppliers, and product market rivals of firms merging horizontally. Our empirical evidence generally supports the predictions of a stylized model that we develop to analyze the effects of merger synergies on firms having output or input market linkages with the merging companies and/or with their product market rivals. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that merger synergies are an important determinant of the stock market reaction and of the post-merger change in operating performance of merging firms’ product market rivals, customers, and suppliers, a claim that has been made in the past with very limited empirical support. More broadly, our results highlight the importance of product market linkages in explaining firms’ strategies, valuations, and performance.
Effects of Cotton Allelochemicals on Toxicity of Insecticides and Induction of Detoxifying Enzymes in Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Cotton plant allelochemicals were fed to bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), larvae and effects on responses to insecticides and levels of detoxifying enzymes were measured. Addition of 0.1 % gossypol or lyophilized cotton flower buds induced increased tolerance to the easily metabolized organophosphate insecticide methyl parathion. In contrast, feeding freshly excised flower buds to larvae decreased tolerance to methyl parathion. Neither type of diet affected toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin. Aldrin epoxidation was induced in larvae fed flower bud diets. Data indicated that bollworm larvae use the same enzymatic pathways to respond to plant allelochemicals and insecticides. Differences in responses may relate most closely to variations in the concentration of allelochemicals in the diet.
Molecular Rectifiers: A New Design Based on Asymmetric Anchoring Moieties

The quest for a molecular rectifier is among the major challenges of molecular electronics. We introduce three simple rules to design an efficient rectifying molecule and demonstrate its functioning at the theoretical level, relying on the NEGF-DFT technique. The design rules notably require both the introduction of asymmetric anchoring moieties and a decoupling bridge. They lead to a new rectification mechanism based on the compression and control of the HOMO/LUMO gap by the electrode Fermi levels, arising from a pinning effect. Significant rectification ratios up to 2 orders of magnitude are theoretically predicted as the mechanism opposes resonant to nonresonant tunneling.