cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pooled inference across sexes for the in vivo micronucleus assay

The Japanese Environmental Mutagen Society has investigated the extent of sex differences in the in vivo micronucleus assay (Sutou et al., 1986). In light of their findings, this manuscript reexamines the statistical analysis of the assay. A test statistic which pools the inference over sexes is introduced. The sensitivity of this statistic is examined in comparison with the more traditional procedure of analysis within each sex. The impact of extra-Poisson variation among animals on the validity and sensitivity of the test procedures is also examined.
Enabling psychological operations in simulation

To support the development of the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE) in Army simulations, an information dissemination framework has been developed that leverages the Civilian Information Infrastructure (CII) model, which has been integrated into OneSAF, to enable the use of psychological operations (psyop) in simulation by one COE opposing force (OPFOR) organization against another. The CII is the collective set of communications, transportation, services and supporting sub-infrastructures that form the backbone for the exchange of information for any geo-political region. The COE OPFOR are the collective set of organizations existing in and acting on the environment in the Blue Force area of operations. In this effort, psyop effects are prompted based on the net change in mood of individual entities and sides as a consequence of; psyop messaging via the CII, psyop related behavior execution, the resultant dissemination of awareness of such events through the population, and the indirect effects of behavior execution that force changes to routine non-combatant behaviors. The enabling framework is composed of the message transport, behavior mood dissemination and civilian response overlay models. These models account for information sent, behavior consequence, secondary dissemination and the indirect effects of the consequences of behaviors.
Scalable noise mining in long-term electrocardiographic time-series to predict death following heart attacks

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death around the world; with ischemic heart disease alone claiming 7 million lives in 2011. This burden can be attributed, in part, to the absence of biomarkers that can reliably identify high risk patients and match them to treatments that are appropriate for them. In recent clinical studies, we have demonstrated the ability of computation to extract information with substantial prognostic utility that is typically disregarded in time-series data collected from cardiac patients. Of particular interest are subtle variations in long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) data that are usually overlooked as noise but provide a useful assessment of myocardial instability. In multiple clinical cohorts, we have developed the pathophysiological basis for studying probabilistic variations in long-term ECG and demonstrated the ability of this information to effectively risk stratify patients at risk of dying following heart attacks. In this paper, we extend this work and focus on the question of how to reduce its computational complexity for scalable use in large datasets or energy constrained embedded devices. Our basic approach to uncovering pathological structure within the ECG focuses on characterizing beat-to-beat time-warped shape deformations of the ECG using a modified dynamic time-warping (DTW) and Lomb-Scargle periodogram-based algorithm. As part of our efforts to scale this work up, we explore a novel approach to address the quadratic runtime of DTW. We achieve this by developing the idea of adaptive downsampling to reduce the size of the inputs presented to DTW, and describe changes to the dynamic programming problem underlying DTW to exploit adaptively downsampled ECG signals. When evaluated on data from 765 patients in the DISPERSE2-TIMI33 trial, our results show that high morphologic variability is associated with an 8- to 9-fold increased risk of death within 90 days of a heart attack. Moreover, the use of adaptive downsampling with a modified DTW formulation achieves a 7- to almost 20-fold reduction in runtime relative to DTW, without a significant change in biomarker discrimination.
Recurrent rhabdomyolysis in a teenager with psychosis-intermittent hyponatremia-polydipsia syndrome.

Objective To report a case of recurrent hyponatremia and rhabdomyolysis in a teenager with psychogenic polydipsia. Case summary A 16-year-old boy was admitted with recurrent episodes of hyponatremia and rhabdomyolysis secondary to psychogenic polydipsia. He was treated with hypertonic saline, intravenous fluids, and supportive care. Discussion Psychogenic polydipsia is a condition characterized by compulsive drinking. Severe hyponatremia is a rare, but serious complication in patients with psychogenic polydipsia. Failure in cell volume regulatory mechanisms, defective osmoregulation, defective urinary dilution, and enhanced secretion of vasopressin are believed to play a role in the development of hyponatremia. Rhabdomyolysis can complicate severe hyponatremia, although the exact mechanism is not known. Antipsychotic drugs are also implicated in rhabdomyolysis. Conclusions Severe hyponatremia and rhabdomyolysis can complicate psychogenic polydipsia. Patients receiving antipsychotic drugs with concomitant severe hyponatremia need to be monitored for rhabdomyolysis.
Hierarchical Assembly for Molecular Electronics

Miniaturizing electronic devices to the molecular scale is the next major step in the electronics revolution. To do this, however, three major unsolved challenges must be overcome. These are: (1) Synthesis of new molecules with functionality that allows them to act as nonlinear electronic elements and to attach them in a specific orientation to contact structures (2) Bridging the molecular (created via bottom-up fabrication) with the lithographic (created via top- down fabrication) length scales for device construction and (3) definition of new lithographic approaches that accommodate molecular installation during processing. Here, an approach and its implementation will be discussed that addresses each of these issues. In addition, the approach is designed to facilitate the demonstration of gain at the molecular level which can result from a state change within the molecular architecture rather than as the response of a molecule to a change in bias of an underlying (macroscopic) gate electrode.
Sample preparation and electron microprobe examination of lignite ash deposits

Abstract A suitable technique was developed for preparation of lignite ash deposits for electron microprobe examination. Prepared samples were analyzed for concentrations and distribution relationships of seven elements at four separate positions in the bulk deposit. Fortytwo discrete groups of these elements were identified, each of which may represent more than one chemical compound.
Line widths in the pure rotational spectrum of carbon monoxide

Abstract Self broadened semi-halfwidths of the pure rotational lines J = 7 ← 6 through J = 20 ← 19 have been measured for carbon monoxide, assuming a dipole moment of 0·112 Debye. These widths are narrower than those determined from vibration-rotation bands. The semi-halfwidth decreases anomalously from the J = 9 ← 8 to the J = 10 ← 9 transition. The measurements were derived from two-beam interferometric data and the corrections, due to finite resolution and other instrumental effects, are discussed.
Conserving time in the classroom: The clicker technique

Any technique that conserves classroom instructional time without sacrificing the amount learned is of great educational value. This research compared a laboratory analogue of the clicker technique to analogues of other classroom pedagogical methods that all involve repeated testing during teaching. The clicker analogue mimics the classroom practice of dropping material that is understood by the majority of the class, as revealed by testing with clicker questions, from further lecture. A fact learning and retrieval paradigm was used, in which college students learned facts about unfamiliar countries. Compressing instruction time based on group-level performance produced as much learning as no compression and as compression based on individual-level performance. Results suggest that the clicker technique is an efficient and cost-effective method of conserving instructional time without loss of amount learned.
Crystal field interpretation of 3-d metal substitution and superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract Experimental data on the superconducting critical temperature Tc of YBa2(Cu1−xMx)3O7−y, where M is a 3D transition ion are reviewed and shown to correlate closely with the difference in crystal field stabilization energies for Cu2 sites in the 2D planes and Cu1 sites in the 1D chains respectively. Thus superconductivity is depressed when the 1D chain is modified.
Complete sequences of the ribosome recognition sites in vesicular stomatitis virus mRNAs: Recognition by the 40S and 80S complexes

Abstract Nucleotide sequences of the ribosome-protected translation initiation sites from the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) M and L protein mRNAs have been determined, completing the sequences of the sites from all the VSV mRNAs. A low level of protection at two internal AUG-containing sites in the N mRNA is also described. Small homologies are evident among some of the sites, but there are no obvious features common to all the sites other than a single AUG codon. In contrast, a large homology between the VSV M mRNA site and the alfalfa mosaic virus coat mRNA site (Koper-Zwarthoff et al., 1977) is noted. This homology suggests the existence of a common ancestral gene for these two apparently unrelated viruses. For each VSV mRNA species, the smallest sites protected in either the 40S or 80S initiation complexes are identical. These sites always contained the initiation codon, but only contained the capped 5′ end in those mRNAs having the 5′ end near the initiation site. If 40S ribosomes bind to the capped 5′ end, either they do not protect it from nuclease digestion or the protection is only transitory in some VSV mRNAs. Consideration of the structures of the ribosome binding sites suggests that the differential effects of hypertonic shock on translation (Nuss and Koch, 1976) may be related to the distance between the 5′ end of the mRNA and the initiation codon.
Prescription painkillers and controlled substances: an appraisal of drug information provided by six US pharmacies

Background: Health literacy impacts health outcomes. Health literacy is a measure of a person’s competence to find, access, contextualize, and understand the information needed to make health decisions. Low levels of health literacy have been associated with poor health status. Health literacy can be enhanced by improving the readability of health literature. Misuse and abuse of prescription medicines and controlled substances is rising. It could be argued that improving the readability of the drug-information documents associated with these medicines could serve to alleviate this situation in a small, albeit incremental, manner. This paper provides a readability assessment of 71 such documents. Methods: The readability of drug-information documents associated with 12 commonly misused and abused painkiller medicines and controlled substances published by the top six US pharmacies was assessed. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) indices were used to assess the readability of these druginformation documents. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the readability of the documents. Results: The average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level index score was found to be 11.16. The average Flesch Reading Ease index score was found to be 45.94. The average SMOG index score was found to be 13.60. Pharmacies C and E had the best average readability scores, whereas pharmacies A and B had the worst average readability scores. Conclusion: Access, contents, and formatting of the documents were qualitatively analyzed to make recommendations to improve readability. Pharmacies C and E were used as benchmarks to identify the seven best practices. Good drug-information documents should have: (1) clear purpose, (2) limited scope, (3) summary/brief review, (4) well-placed graphics, (5) informative illustrations, (6) clean layout and lucid formatting relevant to the media, and (7) focus on the intended users.
Pulmonary artery diastolic pressure gradient as an indicator of severity of illness in patients with pulmonary hypertension related to left-sided heart disease

Introduction:Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left-sided heart disease (Group 2 PH) is most commonly due to passive backward transmission of elevated left-sided heart pressures. A subgroup of the...
Mucus Coat, a Dress Code for Tolerance

The gastrointestinal tract is home to the highest density of commensal bacteria in the human body and is a primary site of pathogen exposure. Understanding how the immune system recognizes and responds to friend or foe in the gut is central to developing treatments for allergic and inflammatory diseases. Both specialized cells and structural compartmentalization of the gut are key controllers of immune responses. In particular, a mucus layer covers the entire gastrointestinal tract, physically separating the microbiota from host tissue and preventing pathogen invasion ( 1 ). On page 447 of this issue, Shan et al. ( 2 ) reveal that mucus does more than act as a shield—it also influences the function of intestinal antigen-presenting cells and epithelial cells to sustain the ability of the host to maintain tolerance toward food and commensal antigens.
Association of a negative residual stenosis following rescue/adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention with impaired myocardial perfusion and adverse outcomes among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients

OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that <0% residual stenosis (RS) after rescue/adjunctive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following fibrinolytic administration in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) would be associated with improved outcomes. BACKGROUND Prior studies have associated larger lumen diameters after PCI with reduced rates of restenosis and target vessel revascularization. METHODS Data were drawn from 748 patients with open epicardial arteries and with optimal luminal results (RS <20%) following rescue/adjunctive PCI after fibrinolytic administration in six STEMI trials. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) <0% RS and 2) 0% to 20% RS. RESULTS A RS <0% was associated with greater gains in lumen diameter and smaller reference diameters after PCI (p < 0.001 for each), with a trend toward less frequent Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade (TFG) 3. A RS <0% was associated with a greater incidence of abnormal post-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction myocardial perfusion grades (TMPGs) (odds ratio 2.6 [1.2 to 5.9] for TMPG 0/1/2, p = 0.02), even when the analysis was restricted to patients with post-PCI TFG 3. CONCLUSIONS A RS <0% following rescue/adjunctive PCI after fibrinolytic therapy for STEMI was independently associated with a reduction in the frequency of normal myocardial perfusion. Potential mechanisms of this finding include greater downstream embolization, increased stimulation of arterial stretch receptors with resultant coronary vasoconstriction, and increased vessel-wall injury after PCI. These findings suggest that additional prospective studies are needed to assess optimal RS that minimizes long-term restenosis without adverse effects.
Acoustical emissions from bubble clouds

Abstract Bubble clouds are believed to be responsible for producing acoustical frequencies much lower than the resonant frequencies of the inherent bubbles. Earlier models for determining the resonant frequencies of a cloud were based on a uniform void fraction throughout the cloud. In general, the void fraction in a bubble cloud may not be uniform, especially in oceanic bubble clouds — referred to as plumes. A new model is proposed that accounts for a variation in the void fraction as a function of position in the cloud. In this work, the cloud is modelled as a cylindrical resonant cavity with a void fraction that decreases with radius. Experimental results show good agreement with theory. This research provides further evidence that the source of these lower frequencies is due to the geometry and void fraction properties of the cloud.
Problems in the clinical evaluation in the use of anticonvulsants.

SUMMARY In its earliest years, Dr. William G. Lennox and others associated with him in the American League against Epilepsy did a great deal to stimulate the development of the clinic. It is a pleasure to think especially of the gratification which he must feel as we report the really impressive improvement in the medical control of epilepsy – an improvement which has occurred in the brief twenty years of the Clinic's activity – and an improvement to which the Clinic which he encouraged has contributed significantly. He encouraged open use of the word “epilepsy”. We soon found our patients did not mind coming to an Epileptic Clinic dedicated towards helping them with medicine, as well as aid in securing driver licenses, when seizures were completely controlled for two years. They were satisfied also with the general medical guidance provided whenever problems came up. We conclude this paper with warm appreciation for twenty years of encouragement and help from Dr. Lennox. We are in full agreement with him that the epileptic patients we have cared for are as loyal and devoted a group as we have ever seen. RESUME Le Docteur William G. Lennox et ceux qui lui furent associes ont beaucoup fait au cours des premieres annees de la fondation de la Ligue Americaine contre l'Epilepsie pour stimuler le developpement de la clinique. Nous pensons tout specialement, et avec plaisir, a la satisfaction qu'il doit eprouver lorsque nous temoignons du progres vraiment impressionnant du controle medical de l'epilepsie – progres qui s'est manifeste dans les courts vingt ans de l'activite clinique – et auquel la Clinique qu'il a encouragee a largement contribue. Il a encourage aussi le libre emploi du mot “epilepsie”. Nous avons alors rapidement constate que nos malades venaient sans crainte a une clinique d‘epilepsie destinee a les aider par la medecine et aussi par la surete de conserver leur permis de conduire lorsque, pendant 2 ans, leurs crises auront ete completement maitrisees. La direction medicale generale dont ils ont profite quand survenaient des problemes les a de meme satisfaits. Ajoutons ici notre temoignage de grande admiration pour l'aide et les encouragements dispenses durant vingt ans par le Docteur Lennox. Nous sommes en complet accord avec lui pour dire que les malades que nous avons traites ont forme l'un des groupes les plus loyaux et les plus devoues que nous ayons jamais vus.
Nonperturbative analysis of the evolution of cosmological perturbations through a nonsingular bounce

In bouncing cosmology, the primordial fluctuations are generated in a cosmic contraction phase before the bounce into the current expansion phase. For a nonsingular bounce, curvature and anisotropy grow rapidly during the bouncing phase, raising questions about the reliability of perturbative analysis. In this paper, we study the evolution of adiabatic perturbations in a nonsingular bounce by nonperturbative methods including numerical simulations of the nonsingular bounce and the covariant formalism for calculating nonlinear perturbations. We show that the bounce is disrupted in regions of the universe with significant inhomogeneity and anisotropy over the background energy density but is achieved in regions that are relatively homogeneous and isotropic. Sufficiently small perturbations, consistent with observational constraints, can pass through the nonsingular bounce with negligible alteration from nonlinearity. We follow scale invariant perturbations generated in a matterlike contraction phase through the bounce. Their amplitude in the expansion phase is determined by the growing mode in the contraction phase, and the scale invariance is well preserved across the bounce.
Zebularine metabolism by aldehyde oxidase in hepatic cytosol from humans, monkeys, dogs, rats, and mice : Influence of sex and inhibitors

To aid in the clinical evaluation of zebularine, a potential oral antitumor agent, we initiated studies on the metabolism of zebularine in liver cytosol from humans and other mammals. Metabolism by aldehyde oxidase (AO, EC 1.2.3.1) was the major catabolic route, yielding uridine as the primary metabolite, which was metabolized further to uracil by uridine phosphorylase. The inhibition of zebularine metabolism was studied using raloxifene, a known potent inhibitor of AO, and 5-benzylacyclouridine (BAU), a previously undescribed inhibitor of AO. The Michaelis-Menten kinetics of aldehyde oxidase and its inhibition by raloxifene and BAU were highly variable between species.
SRY gene expression in the ovotestes of XX true hermaphrodites.

Purpose: The pathogenesis of 46 XX true hermaphroditism is uncertain and the role of the SRY gene in ovotestis development has not been thoroughly evaluated. We ascertained the presence of the SRY gene and SRY protein in the ovotestis.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 8 ovotestes by cytogenetic analysis of fibroblast cell culture and analysis of gonadal tissue by polymerase chain reaction to detect the SRY gene and by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antibody to human recombinant SRY protein.Results: Fibroblast culture of the ovotestes demonstrated a 46XX karyotype. By polymerase chain reaction all 8 ovotestes demonstrated the SRY gene at low levels. By immunohistochemistry SRY protein was detected in all ovotestes, predominantly in Sertoli and germ cells.Conclusions: The SRY gene has a role in ovotestis genesis. Mosaicism with a Y bearing cell line in the gonad is a possible explanation and further study is warranted.
Clustering task graphs for message passing architectures

Clustering is a mapping of the nodes of a task graph onto labeled clusters. We present a unified framework for clustering of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). Several clustering algorithms from the literature are compared using this framework. For coarse grain DAGs two interesting properties are presented. For every nonlinear clustering there exists a linear clustering whose parallel time is less than the nonlinear one. Furthermore, the parallel time of any linear clustering is within a factor of two of the optimal. Two clustering algorithms are presented with near linear time complexity for coarse grain DAGs. The conclusion is that linear clustering is an efficient and accurate operation.
The Catching Efficiencies of a 21.3-Meter (Headrope) Standard Wing Trawl and a 21.3-Meter Electrical Wing Trawl in the Saginaw Bay Area of Lake Huron

Abstract The voltage gradients in a trawl fitted with electrode arrays were determined and the catching efficiencies of an electrical trawl with power on and with power off were compared to a standard trawl without electrode arrays. The voltage gradients, as measured at selected areas between the electrode arrays, showed the electrical field to be heterogeneous: 21.1 volts within 38.1 cm of the cathode array to 1.0 volts midway to 16.9 volts within 38.1 cm of anode array. The catch ratios of the three trawls were influenced by the electrical trawl's rigging—electrode elements spaced 0.6 m apart and by the electrical field. The standard trawl's catch rate in kg was significantly greater than the electrical trawl's catch rate with power on, and the electrical trawl's catch rate with power on was significantly greater than the catch rate with power off. Carp and alewives dominated all trawl catches. The species composition of the catches by the standard and of the electrical trawl with power on were essentia...
FEL experiments to study the effect pulse duration on the biological consequences of laser-induced stress waves

The therapeutic applications of laser-induced stress waves have been limited to the disruption of noncellular material such as renal stones, atheromatous plaque, vitreous strands and other ocular membranes. Recent experiments at the Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine have demonstrated that there is also potential therapeutic applications of laser-induced stress waves for cellular processes. It has been established that stress waves can lead to selective killing of the cell cultures. The present studies are designed to investigate in a coherent way the parameters of the stress waves that can most efficiently cause cell death. This work coupled with the characterization of laser-induced pressure waves determine whether the scheme of selective killing of cells meditated by stress waves is a valid concept as a treatment. Laser- induced stress wave generation has unique properties when compared to other methods of generating pressure transients, particularly, ultrasound. These properties allow for the isolation of stress waves some of the other physical phenomena that occur during ultrasound and which frequently overwhelm the more subtle and potentially useful effects of the pressure transients. In combination with drugs, the laser-induced stress waves may offer a unique treatment regimen.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization Of Low-Doped Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Structures Using Pulsed Photoinjection

This method, aimed at determining doping level and minority carrier lifetime of low-doped semiconductors, is based on pulsing the MOS device into deep depletion. A delayed photopulse is then applied to the sample, which causes partial collapse of the depletion region. The changes in fill time and in capacitance versus collected photocharge are measured. The minority carrier lifetime is computed through the dependence of fill time on the magnitude of the photoinjected charge. The doping level is determined by the change in capacitance following the photoinjection. The method is advantageous in: (a) independently supplying the doping level and lifetime, (b) being insensitive to edge injection, and (c) enabling the determination of the diffusion length.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the Number of Topological Types Occurring in a Parameterized Family of Arrangements

Let ${\mathcal{S}}({\mathbb{R}})$be an o-minimal structure over ℝ, $T\subset {\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}+\ell}$a closed definable set, and $$\pi_{1}:{\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}+\ell}\rightarrow {\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}},\qquad \pi_{2}:{\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}+\ell}\rightarrow {\mathbb{R}}^{\ell},\qquad \pi_{3}:{\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}}\rightarrow {\mathbb{R}}^{k_{2}}$$of subsets of ${\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}+k_{2}}$, and $\mathbf{z}\in {\mathbb{R}}^{k_{2}}$, let $\mathcal {A}_{\mathbf{z}}$denote the collection of subsets of ${\mathbb{R}}^{k_{1}}$ $$\{A_{1,\mathbf{z}},\ldots,A_{n,\mathbf{z}}\},$$. We prove that there exists a constant C=C(T)>0 such that for any family ${\mathcal{A}}=\{A_{1},\ldots,A_{n}\}$of definable sets, where each A i =π 1(T∩π 2−1(y i )), for some y i ∈ℝ l , the number of distinct stable homotopy types amongst the arrangements $\mathcal {A}_{\mathbf{z}},\mathbf{z}\in {\mathbb{R}}^{k_{2}}$is bounded by $C\cdot n^{(k_{1}+1)k_{2}}$while the number of distinct homotopy types is bounded by $C\cdot n^{(k_{1}+3)k_{2}}.$This generalizes to the o-minimal setting, bounds of the same type proved in Basu and Vorobjov (J. Lond. Math. Soc. (2) 76(3):757–776, 2007) for semi-algebraic and semi-Pfaffian families. One technical tool used in the proof of the above results is a pair of topological comparison theorems reminiscent of Helly’s theorem in convexity theory. These theorems might be of independent interest in the quantitative study of arrangements.
Electrical properties of undoped and doped potassium tetrafluoaluminate: KAlF4

Abstract The electrical conductivity of nominally pure KAlF 4 crystals and of nominally pure and doped polycrystalline KAlF 4 samples has been studied. The electrical conductivity is highly anisotropic. Intrinsic defects are generated according to a Frenkel mechanism in the potassium ion sublattice. Although BaF 2 and ZrF 4 increase the conductivity due to an increase in potassium ion vacancy concentration, deviations from stoichiometry may lead to fluoride conduction in the extrinsic conductivity region.
Activation of caspase 9 in a rat model of experimental glaucoma.

Purpose. We investigated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and activation of caspase 9 in rats with experimental glaucoma. Methods. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) was induced in rats using the Morrison model. Surviving backlabeled RGC were counted and TUNEL staining detected apoptosis. Procaspase 9 expression and activated caspase 9 were studied by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Results. IOP correlated with surviving RGC. TUNELpositive RGC were observed in animals with elevated IOP. Procaspase 9 levels increased with IOP intensity. Cleaved caspase 9 was detected by immunoblot only in rats with peak IOP above 35mmHg for =6 days. Cleaved caspase 9 staining was seen only in the ganglion cell layer of retinas from rats with peak IOP =32mmHg. Conclusions. RGC loss is correlated with IOP in experimental glaucoma. These results support activation of caspase 9, the intrinsic caspase cascade, in RGC death in experimental glaucoma.
Help-Seeking Behavior Among Abused Immigrant Women A Case of Vietnamese American Women

The present study examines help-seeking behavior among abused Vietnamese American women to understand factors associated with their decisions to seek help. Using a qualitative method and data obtained from in-depth interviews with 34 abused Vietnamese American women selected from four different Vietnamese communities in the United States (Orange County, CA; Houston, TX; Boston, MA; and Lansing, MI) and 11 Vietnamese Americans who had contacts with Vietnamese American victims of domestic violence through their jobs, the study found that abused Vietnamese American women have sought help from their personal networks, the criminal justice system, and various victim service agencies. Data analyses suggest that the decisions of Vietnamese American women to reach out are complex and diverse and are shaped by various structural, cultural, and organizational factors. Acculturation on the part of abused women as well as victim services can facilitate the women’s efforts to seek help outside their personal networks.
Photoregulated Adsorption and Association of Amphiphilic Copolymers Containing Azobenzene Side Chains

Abstract The association in aqueous solution and adsorption on polystyrene microspheres of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers containing photochromic azobenzene side chains were studied by light scattering and spectroscopic methods, respectively. Copolymers with a content of azobenzene in side chains, xa, 7 mol% were soluble in water only in the form of aggregates (pseudo-micelles) prepared by a slow increase in copolymer concentration. The adsorption plateau was greater for copolymers with xa 7 mol%. Moreover, the adsorption plateau for molecularly dissolved copolymer (xa 7 mol%). UV irradiation of HPMA copolymer influenced the self-association and adsorption properties due to cis-trans configuration changes of the azobenzene units in the side chains. It was found that aggregates have partially dissociated in response to UV irradiation. UV irradiation also has increased the copolymer adsorption. The effect has been small for molecularly dissolved copolymers (xa 7 mol%). Thus, irradiation induced a 60% increase in the adsorption for copolymers with xa = 11.5 and 12.5 mol% of azobenzene moieties. The changes of the copolymer adsorption upon irradiation have been related to changes in the inter- and intramolecular association and to conformation changes of adsorbed chains.
Syntheses of 5′‐deoxy‐5‐[18F] fluorouridine and related compounds as probes for measuring tissue proliferation in vivo

A rapid synthesis of 5′-deoxy-5-[18F] fluorouridine (3a) from either [18F] F2 or CH3 CO218F is described. Fluorination of 2′,3′-di-O-acetyl-5′-deoxyuridine (1a) with either [18F] F2 or CH3 CO218F in glacial acetic acid at room temperature followed by hydrolysis with sodium methoxide in methanol gives 5′-deoxy-5-[18F] fluorouridine (3a) in radiochemical yields of 20-25% in a synthesis time of 80 min from EOB. The same method also has been used to synthesize 5-[18F] fluorouridine (3b) and 2′-deoxy-5-[18F] fluorouridine (3c) in similar radiochemical yields. Acetyl hypofluorite (CH3 CO2F) is proposed as an intermediate for these reactions.
Stochastic calibration of an orographic precipitation model

In this study a stochastic approach to calibration of an orographic precipitation model (Rhea, 1978) was applied in the Gunnison River Basin of south-western Colorado. The stochastic approach to model calibration was used to determine: (1) the model parameter uncertainty and sensitivity; (2) the grid-cell resolution to run the model (10 or 5 km grids); (3) the model grid rotation increment; and (4) the basin subdivision by elevation band for parameter definition. Results from the stochastic calibration are location and data dependent. Uncertainty, sensitivity and range in the final parameter sets were found to vary by grid-cell resolution and elevation. Ten km grids were found to be a more robust model configuration than 5 km grids. Grid rotation increment, tested using only 10 km grids, indicated increments of less than 10 degrees to be superior. Basin subdivision into two elevation bands was found to produce 'optimal' results for both 10 and 5 km grids.
On Time-Varying FIR Decision Feedback Equalization of Doubly Selective Channels

We consider decision feedback equalization of doubly selective channels modeled via basis expansion models (BEM). Recently there has been some interest in designing time-variant serial FIR (finite impulse response) decision feedback equalizers (DFE) using complex exponential (CE-) BEMs for equalizers in addition to using CE-BEM for modeling the channel itself. In this paper we show that an alternative formulation of the FIR DFE based on a CE-BEM channel model yields the same or an improved BER at a lower computational cost, without incuring the approximation error inherent in CE-BEM modeling of equalizers.
Land use change analysis in the Zhujiang Delta of China using satellite remote sensing, GIS and stochastic modelling

Rapid land use change has taken place in many coastal regions of China such as the Zhujiang Delta over the past two decades due to accelerated industrialization and urbanization. In this paper, land use change dynamics were investigated by the combined use of satellite remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and stochastic modelling technologies. The results indicated that there has been a notable and uneven urban growth and a tremendous loss in cropland between 1989 and 1997. The land use change process has shown no sign of becoming stable. The study demonstrates that the integration of satellite remote sensing and GIS was an effective approach for analyzing the direction, rate, and spatial pattern of land use change. The further integration of these two technologies with Markov modelling was found to be beneficial in describing and analyzing land use change process.
Learning to connect language and perception

To truly understand language, an intelligent system must be able to connect words, phrases, and sentences to its perception of objects and events in the world. Current natural language processing and computer vision systems make extensive use of machine learning to acquire the probabilistic knowledge needed to comprehend linguistic and visual input. However, to date, there has been relatively little work on learning the relationships between the two modalities. In this talk, I will review some of the existing work on learning to connect language and perception, discuss important directions for future research in this area, and argue that the time is now ripe to make a concerted effort to address this important, integrative AI problem.
Small Heat-Shock Protein Hsp20 Phosphorylation Inhibits β-Agonist-Induced Cardiac Apoptosis

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system is a common compensatory feature in heart failure, but sustained beta-adrenergic activation induces cardiomyocyte death, leading to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. In mouse cardiomyocytes, we recently reported that prolonged exposure to beta-agonists is associated with transient increases in expression and phosphorylation of a small heat-shock protein, Hsp20. To determine the functional significance of Hsp20, we overexpressed this protein and its constitutively phosphorylated (S16D) or nonphosphorylated (S16A) mutant in adult rat cardiomyocytes. Hsp20 protected cardiomyocytes from apoptosis triggered by activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway, as indicated by decreases in the number of pyknotic nuclei, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling, and DNA laddering, which were associated with inhibition of caspase-3 activity. These protective effects were further increased by the constitutively phosphorylated Hsp20 mutant (S16D), which conferred full protection from apoptosis. In contrast, the nonphosphorylatable mutant (S16A) exhibited no antiapoptotic properties. Immunostaining studies and immunoprecipitations with Hsp20 or actin antibodies demonstrated that Hsp20 translocated to cytoskeleton and associated with actin on isoproterenol stimulation. These findings suggest that Hsp20 and its phosphorylation at Ser16 may provide cardioprotection against beta-agonist-induced apoptosis. Thus, Hsp20 may represent a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of heart failure.
Exploring parents' use of strategies to promote social participation of school-age children with acquired brain injuries.

OBJECTIVE. To understand parents' perspectives about the strategies they use to promote social participation of their school-age children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in home, school, and community life. METHOD. A descriptive research design employing a semistructured interview format was used. Interviews were conducted in the homes of 16 families of school-age children with ABI discharged up to 7 years earlier from one inpatient rehabilitation program. Data were examined using content and constant-comparison analyses. RESULTS. Parents needed time to allow the recovery process to unfold for themselves and their children and developed strategies that fit into or assisted with managing family routines. Over time parents developed insight into the activity demands and their child's potential success to participate in desired activities. Based on these insights, parents used "anticipatory planning," which involved previewing upcoming events and activities and using strategies to promote positive and prevent negative experiences for their children. Specific strategies that parents used to promote social participation were classified into three categories: Creating opportunities, teaching skills, and regulating cognitive and behavioral function. CONCLUSIONS. Understanding how families use and integrate strategies within the context of their daily lives and what factors influence strategy use may provide practitioners with insights needed to support families in promoting their children's social participation.
Public Opinion and the Death Penalty: A Qualitative Approach.

Strong public support for capital punishment is arguably the number one reason why the death penalty continues to be used as a form of correctional policy in the U.S. criminal justice system. Therefore, it is fundamental that the measure of death penalty opinion be heavily scrutinized. Utilizing a methodological approach not typically employed in this area, the current study conducted six focus groups to gain a better understanding of the complexity of these opinions. During the focus groups, participants were asked to state their general beliefs concerning the death penalty, respond to scenarios, and respond to research findings regarding the death penalty (i.e., costs, deterrence, wrongful convictions, race, etc.). The findings suggest that participants’ views regarding the death penalty are more multifaceted than previously believed. This study further suggests that current methods used to measure public support of the death penalty fail to capture the complexity of sentiment on this issue. Key Words: Death Penalty, Public Opinion, and Focus Groups Over the past few decades American correctional policy has focused on a “get tough” approach toward crime and punishment. In order to cast themselves as “tough on crime,” both Democrats and Republicans have continuously supported measures to increase the punishment allocated to criminal offenders. The most punitive type of punishment in the United States is arguably the death penalty. Unlike other types of punishments (such as prison or jail), the death penalty is the only punishment with a mobilized opposition that continues to fight against its use. Political leaders, criminal justice administrators, judges, and citizen groups throughout the United States look at public opinion on capital punishment to support its continued use. In fact, strong public support is arguably the number one reason the death penalty continues to be used as a form of correctional policy in our criminal justice system. Bohm (2003) argues that public support for the death penalty contributes to its continued use in at least five ways. First, strong public support can sway legislators to vote in favor of the death penalty and against any statutes seeking its repeal. Second, he argues that prosecutors may seek the death penalty for political rather than legal purposes. Third, it may influence judges to impose death sentences or uphold death sentences on appeal. Fourth, governors may be less likely to veto death penalty legislation or commute a death sentence due to fear of risking re-election. Lastly, and what Bohm argues is the most important, is that supreme court justices (both state and federal) examine support for the death penalty as a measure of “evolving standards of decency” to decide whether the death penalty violates the U.S. Constitution’s 8th Amendment “cruel and unusual punishment” clause.
Differential effects on the achievement of males and females of teaching the particulate nature of chemistry

Chemistry concepts in three 2-week modules were presented to a treatment and control group of high school students from 10 different high schools. The treatment group was taught using three representations of matter (macroscopic, particulate, and symbolic), whereas only two representations (macroscopic and symbolic) were used with the control group. The treatment group scored significantly higher across the combined score of all three modules. When the data were analyzed for gender–group interactions, females who were taught the particulate representation scored as well as males whereas those who were not taught the particulate representation scored significantly lower than males. Teaching males the particulate representation did not significantly affect males' achievement. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 911–927, 2002
CD4+ T‐cell memory: generation and multi‐faceted roles for CD4+ T cells in protective immunity to influenza

We have outlined the carefully orchestrated process of CD4+ T-cell differentiation from naive to effector and from effector to memory cells with a focus on how these processes can be studied in vivo in responses to pathogen infection. We emphasize that the regulatory factors that determine the quality and quantity of the effector and memory cells generated include (i) the antigen dose during the initial T-cell interaction with antigen-presenting cells; (ii) the dose and duration of repeated interactions; and (iii) the milieu of inflammatory and growth cytokines that responding CD4+ T cells encounter. We suggest that heterogeneity in these regulatory factors leads to the generation of a spectrum of effectors with different functional attributes. Furthermore, we suggest that it is the presence of effectors at different stages along a pathway of progressive linear differentiation that leads to a related spectrum of memory cells. Our studies particularly highlight the multifaceted roles of CD4+ effector and memory T cells in protective responses to influenza infection and support the concept that efficient priming of CD4+ T cells that react to shared influenza proteins could contribute greatly to vaccine strategies for influenza.
Self-discrepancy theory: What patterns of self-beliefs cause people to suffer?

Publisher Summary The basic premise of self-discrepancy theory is that it is the relations between and among different types of self-beliefs or self-state representations that produce emotional vulnerabilities rather than the particular content or nature of the actual self or of any other individual self-belief. To distinguish among different types of self-state representations, self-discrepancy theory proposes two psychological parameters: the domains of the self and the standpoints on the self. The chapter presents the reports of associations between particular types of discrepant self-beliefs and particular kinds of discomfort that are generally consistent with the predictions of self-discrepancy theory. However, the effect of the magnitude of different types of self-discrepancies on the intensity of different kinds of discomfort has been tested. For the vulnerability associated with a particular self-belief pattern to eventuate in an episode—that is, an occurrence of suffering—the self-belief pattern must be activated. The chapter explains the various factors that can increase the likelihood that a stored construct will be activated. One source of activation is the applicability of the construct to a stimulus event. According to self-discrepancy theory, the interrelations among attributes constituting an actual/ownself-guide discrepancy represent, as a whole, a negative psychological situation that functions as a construct. Thus, the negative psychological situation represented by such a discrepancy and the emotional-motivational state associated with it are more likely to be activated when the negative psychological situation is applicable to a stimulus event than when it is nonapplicable.
Organogermane homopolymers and copolymers with organosilane

The first high molecular weight soluble, formable organogermane homopolymer (n-Bu2Ge)n was synthesized by the sodium coupling of n-Bu2GeCl2 in toluene. Soluble organogermane/organosilane copolymers [(X2Ge)x(YZSi)y]n were prepared by sodium coupling of X2GeCl2 and YZSiCl2 in different molar ratios (X = n-bu, Ph; Y = n-hexyl, cyclohexyl; Z = Me). Germanium-containing polymers and copolymers with organosilanes are highly absorbing between 300–360 nm, with the absorption maxima dependent on the nature of the substituent and the ratio of X2Ge:YZSi in the polymer. These polymers are photoactive and display bleaching behavior with photoscission.