cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure, stability and in vitro RNAi activity of oligoribonucleotides containing the ribo-difluorotoluyl nucleotide: insights into substrate requirements by the human RISC Ago2 enzyme

Short interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes are currently being evaluated as antisense agents for gene silencing. Chemical modification of siRNAs is widely expected to be required for therapeutic applications in order to improve delivery, biostability and pharmacokinetic properties. Beyond potential improvements in the efficacy of oligoribonucleotides, chemical modification may also provide insight into the mechanism of mRNA downregulation mediated by the RNA-protein effector complexes (RNA-induced silencing complex or RISC). We have studied the in vitro activity in HeLa cells of siRNA duplexes against firefly luciferase with substitutions in the guide strand of U for the apolar ribo-2,4-difluorotoluyl nucleotide (rF) [Xia, J. et al. (2006) ACS Chem. Biol., 1, 176-183] as well as of C for rF. Whereas an internal rF:A pair adjacent to the Ago2 ('slicer' enzyme) cleavage site did not affect silencing relative to the native siRNA duplex, the rF:G pair and other mismatches such as A:G or A:A were not tolerated. The crystal structure at atomic resolution determined for an RNA dodecamer duplex with rF opposite G manifests only minor deviations between the geometries of rF:G and the native U:G wobble pair. This is in contrast to the previously found, significant deviations between the geometries of rF:A and U:A pairs. Comparison between the structures of the RNA duplex containing rF:G and a new structure of an RNA with A:G mismatches with the structures of standard Watson-Crick pairs in canonical duplex RNA leads to the conclusion that local widening of the duplex formed by the siRNA guide strand and the targeted region of mRNA is the most likely reason for the intolerance of human Ago2 (hAgo2), the RISC endonuclease, toward internal mismatch pairs involving native or chemically modified RNA. Contrary to the influence of shape, the thermodynamic stabilities of siRNA duplexes with single rF:A, A:A, G:A or C:A (instead of U:A) or rF:G pairs (instead of C:G) show no obvious correlation with their activities. However, incorporation of three rF:A pairs into an siRNA duplex leads to loss of activity. Our structural and stability data also shed light on the role of organic fluorine as a hydrogen bond acceptor. Accordingly, UV melting (T(M)) data, osmotic stress measurements, X-ray crystallography at atomic resolution and the results of semi-empirical calculations are all consistent with the existence of weak hydrogen bonds between fluorine and the H-N1(G) amino group in rF:G pairs of the investigated RNA dodecamers.
Development, Ultrastructure, and Mode of Transmission of Amblyospora sp. (Microspora) in the Mosquito*

SYNOPSIS. Amblyospora sp. in Culex salinarius (Coquillett) is transovarially transmitted and has 2 developmental sequences, one in each host sex. In females, the entire life cycle is restricted to oenocytes which become greatly hypertrophied due to the multiplication of diplokaryotic cells during merogony and come to lie next to ovaries. Sporulation occurs only after a blood meal is taken and is shortly followed by infection of the oocytes and subsequent transmission to the next host generation. In the male host, infections spread from oenocytes to adipose tissue where diplokaryotic cells undergo a 2nd merogony. During this merognic cylce, the number of diplokaryotic cells greatly increases and the infection is spread throughout the body of the larval host. Sporulation is initiated with the physical separation of the 2 members of the diplokaryon and the simulatneous secretion of a pansporoblastic membrane. Subsequent meiotic division and morphogenesis result in the formation of 8 haploid spores enclosed with a pansporoblastic membrane. Buildup of spores and subsequent destruction of host adipose tissue prove fatal to the male host during the 4th larval stage.
Associations of noninvasive measures of arterial compliance and ankle-brachial index: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background The association between measures of arterial compliance and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is unclear. Early changes in arterial wall compliance could be a useful marker of patients at high risk for developing lower extremity atherosclerosis.
The role of the endogenous opiates in zinc deficiency anorexia

Anorexia is a major symptom of zinc deficiency, but the mechanism(s) for this anorexia are poorly defined. Recent studies have suggested an integral role for endogenous opiate peptides in appetite regulation. Dynorphin, a leucine-enkephalin containing opiate peptide, is a potent inducer of spontaneous feeding. In this study we showed that zinc deficient animals were relatively resistant to dynorphin-induced feeding. Measurement of dynorphin levels using a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay showed that zinc deficient animals had lower levels of dynorphin in the hypothalamus than did ad lib fed animals, with weight restricted animals having intermediate values. [3H]-naloxone binding was significantly increased to isolated brain membranes from zinc deficient animals using 1 nM unlabeled naloxone when compared to ad lib fed controls with the weight restricted animals again having intermediate values. These data suggest that abnormalities in endogenous opiate regulation of appetite may well play a role in the anorexia of zinc deficiency. The effects of zinc deficiency on endogenous opiate action appear to include alterations in receptor affinity, a post-receptor defect and alterations in the synthesis and/or release of dynorphin.
Indirect adaptive control of a class of interconnected non-linear dynamical systems

We consider the class of interconnected non-linear dynamic systems suggested by the problem of longitudinal and lateral control of a platoon of vehicles on automated highways. After describing the physical setting from which the control problem arises, we propose a local indirect adaptive control scheme for this class of interconnected non-linear systems. Then, we establish that the proposed local adaptive control scheme is suitable for monotonically decreasing the magnitude of deviations of each dynamic system's state from its sink manifold provided that (a) the exogenous input is varying sufficiently slowly and (b) the parameter error is sufficiently small. As a consequence, these deviations are bounded with a bound independent of the number of subsystems in the interconnection.
Vitamin A toxicity: When one a day doesn't keep the doctor away

Vitamin A toxicity has been reported to cause severe liver disease and, occasionally, liver failure. Herein we present the case of a 60-year-old male with symptoms of muscle soreness, alopecia, nail dystrophy, and ascites. He continued to deteriorate with the development of refractory ascites, renal insufficiency, encephalopathy, and failure to thrive. A liver biopsy demonstrated presence of Ito cells and vacuolated Kupffer cells without the presence of cirrhosis. His clinical history revealed ingestion of large doses of vitamin A. His worsening clinical situation ruled out the possibility of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation with resolution of symptoms. Vitamin A toxicity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. In conclusion, liver transplantation is a valid option if no improvement occurs in spite of cessation of the medication.
The Structure of Identity Consolidation: Multiple Correlated Constructs or One Superordinate Construct?

This study examined the structure of identity consolidation and its relationship to positive and negative psychosocial functioning in emerging adulthood. An ethnically diverse sample of 234 university students completed measures of identity consolidation from identity synthesis, identity status, and identity capital perspectives, as well as measures of agency and subjective well-being, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and tolerance for deviance. Structural equation modeling analyses suggested that a model with identity consolidation cast as separate correlated processes provided a significantly better fit to the data than did a model with identity consolidation cast as a single process with multiple components. Indexes of identity synthesis were most closely related to both positive and negative psychosocial functioning, whereas identity consolidation indexes drawn from identity status and identity capital were related primarily to positive psychosocial functioning. Implications for identity research are...
SU‐E‐T‐732: Accuracy of Electron Dose from Pencil‐Beam Redefinition Algorithm in Patient‐Like 2D Phantoms

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of electron dose calculated using the pencil‐beam redefinition algorithm (PBRA) in patient‐like 2D phantoms. With the recent availability of bolus electron conformal therapy (ECT), conforming of the 90% dose surface to the planning target volume (PTV) might require a more accurate dose calculation than the Hogstrom pencil beam algorithm (PBA). Methods: PBRA‐calculated dose distributions have been compared to those previously measured in three cylindrical phantoms (retromolar trigone, maxillary sinus, and nose), whose axial cross sections were based on the mid‐PTV CTanatomy for each site. The phantoms consisted of SR4 muscle substitute, SR4 bone substitute, and air. TLD measured doses were reported for a matrix of locations in the SR4 muscle only. Current CT scan data was used for planning with CT to stopping and scattering power tables created based on the chemical compositions and current densities of the materials. Differences between PBRA‐calculated and measured dose were expressed as distance‐to‐dose agreement in regions of high dose gradient (90%–10%) and as a percent of given dose elsewhere. Results: Results from the PBRA for the retromolar trigone phantom showed 100% (27/27) TLD dose points within 5% and 95% (19/20) within 4mm. Similar results for the maxillary sinus phantom showed 79% (26/33) and 100% (19/19), respectively, and results forthe nose showed 96%(23/24) and 100% (38/38), respectively. For each phantom, results were better than previously reported PBA results, e.g. results for the nose showed 81% (26/32) and 60% (18/30), respectively. Dose calculation times for the three sites (single 2.93GHz) were 1min, 45sec, and 1min. Conclusions: Results of this study were consistent with those previously reported, namely that the PBRA is more accurate than the PBA and that it should be suitable for clinical situations where dose accuracy is more important, e.g. bolus ECT. This work was supported in part by a research agreement with .decimal Inc.
Agents for the Decolonization of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria are a common cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections. Persons may have asymptomatic colonization with MRSA in the nares, axillae, perineum, or groin. Since MRSA colonization often precedes infection, and infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, there is great interest in preventing the transmission of MRSA and decolonizing persons who harbor these bacteria. We provide an evidence-based review of MRSA decolonization agents. Our search strategy included the databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1962-May 2008), and EMBASE (1980-May 2008). To identify unpublished trials, abstract books from appropriate major scientific meetings were hand searched, manufacturers were contacted, and pharmacology references were researched for available commercial products, formulations, adverse events, and dosing. The most extensive research in MRSA decolonization has been conducted with mupirocin, which is applied to the anterior nares 2-3 times/day for 5 days. Increased use is correlated to resistance development; therefore, routine decolonization is not prudent unless MRSA colonization is confirmed in the nares or other site. Retapamulin is under investigation for use in nares decolonization. If total body decolonization is necessary, bathing or showering with an antiseptic agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate is recommended in combination with mupirocin applied to the nares to improve the likelihood of eradication. Oral antibiotics have been evaluated for use in decolonization of the skin and nares but should be considered only in conjunction with topical agents and when all other decolonization attempts and environmental controls have been exhausted. Homeopathic and investigational agents may also be effective. Although mupirocin is the standard of care for decolonization of MRSA, several agents demonstrate efficacy and many merit further investigation.
Low-temperature studies of the NMR frequency shift in superfluid 3He-A.

We report the first measurements of the longitudinal resonance frequency [${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{long}}$(A)] in $^{3}\mathit{A}$ in the low-temperature limit, as well as new measurements near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$. In the low-temperature limit, our data agree well with theoretically predicted behavior. The data allow us to make the first estimates of the BCS cutoff energy as a function of pressure and of the zero-temperature A-phase energy gap.
A trial of recombinant human superoxide dismutase in patients with Fanconi anaemia

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes to the development of aplastic anaemia and neoplasia. The pathophysiologic hallmark of FA is increased susceptibility to chromosomal breakage. Superoxide metabolism has also been shown to be involved in the cellular pathophysiology of FA. Human SOD (rh-SOD), an enzyme which dismutates superoxide, has recently been cloned and expressed in yeast. We treated four FA patients with a 2-week infusion of rh-SOD (25 mg/kg d daily) to determine whether rh-SOD had any effect on haemopoietic progenitor cell growth or on the abnormal cellular phenotype. We found that lymphocyte chromosomal aberrations induced by diepoxybutane were decreased during rh-SOD treatment in two patients and that bone marrow progenitors were increased in one patient.
The contribution of norepinephrine and orexigenic neuropeptides to the anticonvulsant effect of the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-protein diet used to treat refractory epilepsy. Despite its efficacy and many years of investigation, the mechanism by which the KD exerts its anticonvulsant effect remains controversial and poorly understood. The purpose of this article is to review the available data considering two classes of molecules that may contribute to the anticonvulsant effect of the KD: norepinephrine and the orexigenic neuropeptides galanin and neuropeptide Y.
Influence of recorder affect on the content of behavioural diaries and the recall of behaviours

Two experiments are described. In Experiment 1, supervisors (N = 4) kept daily performance diaries for each of four subordinates over an eight-week period. In Experiment 2, students (N = 48) kept behavioural diaries for their instructor over a three-week period. Daily measures of positive and negative affect were used to predict the favourability, person-typicality and behavioural specificity of diary entries. Diary-keepers tended to record behaviours that were consistent with their affect levels. Analyses of the variability of the favourability and person-typicality ratings further suggested that high negative affect induced diary-keepers to make fine discriminations among events, while high positive affect induced diary-keepers to perceive events as similar. Diary-keeper affect and the three diary content variables were used to predict memory for the diary entries. Diary-keepers in Experiment 1 reported higher recall for negative behaviours than for positive behaviours, particularly if the behaviours were typical of others. This same negativity effect in recall emerged in Experiment 2, but only when there was low consistency in the positive affect experienced by diary-keepers at encoding and recall. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adhesion of hydroxypropyl cellulose films to low energy solid substrates.

The adhesion of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) to well-defined solid substrates was measured as a function of dry film thickness. A well-controlled butt adhesion test, providing a constant slow rate of film detachment, was used to keep the viscoelastic contribution of the film to the adhesion measurement constant. Films were cast or sprayed from solution in either triply distilled water or absolute ethanol onto relatively smooth surfaces of poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene terephthalate), and polyethylene. A linear relationship of increasing adhesion with decreasing dry film thickness was obtained for thin films (< 20-μm thick) on all three surfaces. An adhesion value, A0, determined by extrapolating the adhesion data to zero film thickness, was shown to be proportional to the calculated thermodynamic work of adhesion, Wa, at the film-substrate interface. No significant effect of the method of film preparation, cast or sprayed, on the adhesion measurement was noted. Adhesion for a given film thickness was greater for films prepared from solutions having a higher initial polymer concentration or when using ethanol as opposed to water as the solvent.
A Game Theory Based Approach for Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks

Aiming at the limited resources and the security issues in wireless sensor networks, a routing approach is proposed. In this approach, the factors of reputation, remaining energy, and the distance to the destination are taken into considered while searching a routing path from an original sender node to the destination. A reputation-based mechanism is also proposed, and a node’s reputation depends on its behaviors. The malicious behaviors nodes will be punished and isolated, and the cooperative ones will be rewarded. Simulation results show that our proposed routing scheme can prolong the lifetime of the network and can offers a relatively high throughput than other routing protocols even when there are malicious nodes in the networks.
“Growth waves” in periodic precipitation

This paper responds to a recent observation of “growth waves” in single crystal growth, and shows that a simple computer program, designed to model periodic precipitation (Liesegang Rings) reflects the same growth-rate oscillations. Periodicity in terms of space and time are both outcomes of growth by diffusion, and the zero-sum relationships inherent in nucleation, growth and re-solution.
Spatial signal processing for infrared detection

We conduct a comparative study of the performance of a variety of spatial filtering techniques for detecting small targets against infrared terrain backgrounds. We consider parametric and nonparametric filters as well as an example of a robust estimation technique as applied to a parametric filter. In addition, we consider the effects of a clustering algorithm on filtering performance. Some of the filtering algorithms that we consider are matched filters, Laplacian filters, quadratic filters and the Robinson filter. Several filter dimensions are considered as well as the effects of a guard band. These algorithms are tested against the Lincoln Laboratory Infrared Measurement Sensor database which is comprised of high resolution dual band (3.5 to 5.2 (mu) , and 8 to 12 (mu) ) data taken at a variety of sites under a broad spectrum of atmospheric conditions and times of day. Target insertion effects are modeled carefully, incorporating the straddling of targets across adjacent pixels as well as the effects of diffractive blurring. We find that many of the filters that we have tested show similar performance and all are clutter limited.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ILUS: An incomplete LU preconditioner in sparse skyline format

Incomplete LU factorizations are among the most effective preconditioners for solving general large, sparse linear systems arising from practical engineering problems. This paper shows how an ILU factorization may be easily computed in sparse skyline storage format, as opposed to traditional row-by-row schemes. This organization of the factorization has many advantages, including its amenability when the original matrix is in skyline format, the ability to dynamically monitor the stability of the factorization and the fact that factorizations may be produced with symmetric structure. Numerical results are presented for Galerkin finite element matrices arising from the standard square lid-driven cavity problem.
Generation and regeneration of a novel anti-CD8-resistant cytolytic T lymphocyte population.

We recently reported that the in vivo development of a novel CD8(+), but anti-CD8 mAb-resistant, CTL population is complex and distinct from that of conventional anti-CD8 mAb-sensitive CD8(+) CTL. In this study, we explored the role of the thymus in the generation of anti-CD8-resistant pCTL and in their maintenance once they are generated. We also investigated the capacities of the adult periphery and thymus to support the regeneration of anti-CD8-resistant pCTL after peripheral lymphocyte and/or thymocyte depletion. These studies indicate that the thymus is necessary for the generation but not the maintenance of peripheral anti-CD8-resistant pCTL. These studies also indicate that the adult thymus can produce these pCTL and the adult periphery can support their regeneration, if a new wave of thymic maturation is experimentally induced. These results may have implications for immune reconstitution after treatment for cancer or HIV infection.
The response of mouse lung tumors to combinations of CCNU and misonidazole

Abstract The effect of combining the radiosensitizer misonidazole (MISO) and the chemotherapeutic agent 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) on mouse lung tumors of different sizes and hypoxic fractions was tested. KHT sarcoma lung colonies were treated at volumes of ∼0.7 and 2.0 mm 3 . At these sizes the lung colonies contained ∼5 and 15% hypoxic tumor cells respectively. For the smaller lung colonies response to CCNU or the CCNU-MISO combination was evaluated by determining the percent of mice tumor-free 100 days after treatment. This assay could not be used when 2.0 mm 3 lung colony bearing mice were treated, since at this size only a few animals could be cured with either the single or combined modality therapy. Consequently, tumor response in these experiments was assessed using an increase in lifespan assay or a tumor growth delay assay. When 0.7 mm 3 KHT lung colonies were treated with CCNU plus 1.0 mg/g MISO, the TCD50100 (dose to cure 50% of the mice of their tumors in 100 days) was reduced by a factor of 1.5–1.8 compared to mice receiving only CCNU. However, because the single agent therapy was less toxic than the combination, increasing doses of CCNU ultimately resulted in the same level of cure as could be achieved with the CCNU-MISO combination. In the 2.0 mm 3 lung colonies studies, however, when compared at the maximally tolerated doses, the addition of 0.5 or 1.0 mg/g MISO to CCNU led to a percent increase in median lifespan, which was a factor of 1.4–1.5 greater than could be achieved with CCNU alone. This increase in lifespan was shown, using growth delay studies, to be a direct consequence of an enhanced tumoricidal response to the combination therapy. These findings indicate that in this lung tumor model an improved therapeutic result may be achieved through the addition of MISO to treatment with CCNU.
The impact of small irrigation diversion dams on the recent migration rates of steelhead and redband trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )

Barriers to migration are numerous in stream environments and can occur from anthropogenic activities (such as dams and culverts) or natural processes (such as log jams or dams constructed by beaver (Castor canadensis)). Identification of barriers can be difficult when obstructions are temporary or incomplete providing passage periodically. We examine the effect of several small irrigation diversion dams on the recent migration rates of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in three tributaries to the Methow River, Washington. The three basins had different recent migration patterns: Beaver Creek did not have any recent migration between sites, Libby Creek had two-way migration between sites and Gold Creek had downstream migration between sites. Sites with migration were significantly different from sites without migration in distance, number of obstructions, obstruction height to depth ratio and maximum stream gradient. When comparing the sites without migration in Beaver Creek to the sites with migration in Libby and Gold creeks, the number of obstructions was the only significant variable. Multinomial logistic regression identified obstruction height to depth ratio and maximum stream gradient as the best fitting model to predict the level of migration among sites. Small irrigation diversion dams were limiting population interactions in Beaver Creek and collectively blocking steelhead migration into the stream. Variables related to stream resistance (gradient, obstruction number and obstruction height to depth ratio) were better predictors of recent migration rates than distance, and can provide important insight into migration and population demographic processes in lotic species.
Human brain glial cells synthesize thrombospondin

Thrombospondin, a 450-kDa multinodular glycoprotein with lectin-type activity, is found in human platelets, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, and granular pneumocytes. Thrombospondin interacts with heparin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, collagen, histidine-rich glycoprotein, and plasminogen. Recently, thrombospondin synthesis by smooth muscle cells has been reported to be augmented by platelet-derived growth factor. We present evidence that thrombospondin is present within and synthesized by astrocytic neuroglial cells. Heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography of material derived from a human brain homogenate yielded a protein that, when reduced, had an apparent size of 180 kDa and comigrated with reduced platelet thrombospondin on NaDodSO4/PAGE. Immunoblot analysis with monospecific anti-thrombospondin confirmed the presence of immunoreactive thrombospondin. Indirect immunofluorescence of cultured human glial cells indicated the presence of thrombospondin. Metabolic labeling of glial cell cultures with [35S]methionine followed by immunoprecipitation with monospecific anti-thrombospondin revealed synthesis of a 180-kDa polypeptide that comigrated with platelet thrombospondin on NaDodSO4/PAGE. Cultured human glial cells were incubated for 48 hr in serum-free medium with purified platelet-derived growth factor at concentrations up to 50 ng/ml. Aliquots taken at intervals were analyzed by a quantitative double-antibody ELISA. The growth factor stimulated the release of thrombospondin into the culture medium by as much as 10-fold over control cultures. The presence of thrombospondin within glial cells of the central nervous system and the augmentation of its synthesis by platelet-derived growth factor suggest that thrombospondin may play an important role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions during periods of cell division and growth.
Spatial and temporal variation in cores from Lake Titicaca, Bolivia/Peru during the last 13,000 yrs

We compared the stratigraphy of sediment cores that span the last 13,000 yrs from three sites in the main basin of Lake Titicaca, Boliva/Peru as indicators of regional paleoclimate. The cores show similar patterns of change after ∼6400 calendar yrs before present (cal yr BP) but differ before that time. Site NE98-PC2, which is near the Rio Illave and its delta, shows differences in diatom species composition and in calcium carbonate concentrations relative to cores from the other two sites, particularly during times of inferred high precipitation. In contrast, the carbon isotopic stratigraphy of the three sites is relatively similar. The magnetic susceptibility data suggest that the proximity of site NE98-PC2 to the river and delta resulted in higher loads of detrital sediment prior to 6400 yr BP, whereas pelagic sources contributed most of the sediment at the other sites. These differences highlight the potential for spatial heterogeneity of sediment records in large lake systems and the importance of evaluating multiple cores for robust interpretation of paleoenvironmental history.
A source of hot spots in frequency-tripled laser light

Abstract Laser light, frequency tripled to the ultraviolet (UV), shows numerous, strongly modulated hot spots in the target plane for the OMEGA laser used in laser-fusion experiments. However, at the fundamental frequency in the infrared (IR), the hot-spot modulation is relatively small. High-resolution measurements of the intensity and phase in the laser near field, combined with computer modeling of beam propagation to the target plane, show that the intensity fluctuations are dominated by the near-field phase errors. The appearance of hot spots in the UV and not in the IR are found to be the result of phase-error tripling caused by the frequency conversion.
Shape representation by Gabor expansion

De8cription of boundary curves (shapes) is an important problem in image processing and pattern recognition. During the last two decades there have been a variety of approaches to the problem. Among these approaches the Fourier description (FD) techniques seem to be the most promising in extracting the features of an object. But the problem of the FD techniques that have been practised is the difficulty in describing local information. A modified FD technique is suggested in this paper which use a combined I requencyposition space as the shape descriptor domain. This new set of position-dependent Fourier descriptors provides the best spectral information along the boundary curve. Experimental results are presented in this paper. 1.
Food- and nutrition-related attitudes of elderly persons living alone

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify food- and nutrition-related attitudes of elderly persons living alone. We interviewed 66 individuals who were retired and 60 years of age or older. The instrument used to assess the attitudes consisted of 97 belief statements relating food and nutrition to food use, cost, convenience, health, social status, aesthetic-sensory perceptions, and quality. We analyzed the responses to all belief statements by factor analysis and calculated attitude scores for each respondent. Four salient attitude factors emerged and were labeled “social-adventuresome,” “frugal-utilitarian,” “qualitative-pleasurable,” and “nutritious-healthful.” Although these attitudes were predominant among the respondents, there was variation to what degree each respondent agreed or disagreed with each attitude factor, as measured by the respondent's attitude score. None of the attitude factors correlated with age. The identified attitude factors have been observed among other population groups, a finding that suggests that segmenting a population by chronological age instead of by needs is not the best approach to the development of a food and nutrition education program.
Cluster Analysis: An Application of Lagrangian Relaxation

This paper presents and tests an effective optimization algorithm for clustering homogeneous data. The algorithm iteratively employs a subgradient method for determining lower bounds and a simple search procedure for determining upper bounds. The overall objective is to assign n objects to m mutually exclusive “clusters” such that the sum of the distances from each object to a designated cluster median is minimum. The model represents a special case of the uncapacitated facility location and m-median problems. This technique has proven efficient for examples with n ≤ 200 i.e., the number of 0-1 variables ≤ 40,000; computational experiences with 10 real-world clustering applications are provided. A comparison with a hierarchical agglomerative heuristic, the minimum squared error method, is included. It is shown that the optimization algorithm is an effective solution technique for the homogeneous clustering problem, and also a good method for providing tight lower bounds for evaluating the quality of solutions generated by other procedures.
First results of tropospheric ozone retrievals from BBAERI

We present the first results of an algorithm to retrieve tropospheric ozone abundances from the 1000 to 1100 cm-1 spectral region. This algorithm will be used to monitor tropospheric ozone and, with meteorological observations, determine the origins of the ozone.
Altered risk-related processing in substance users: Imbalance of pain and gain

a b s t r a c t Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) can be conceptualized as a form of risk-taking behavior with the potential for highly aversive outcomes such as health or legal problems. Risky decision-making likely draws upon several related brain processes involved in estimations of value and risk, executive control, and emotional processing. SUDs may result from a dysfunction in one or more of these cognitive processes. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of functional neuroimaging studies examining risk-related decision making in individuals with SUDs. A quantitative meta-analysis tool (GingerALE) and qualitative approach was used to summarize the imaging results. Results: Meta-analysis findings indicate that individuals with SUDs exhibit differences in neural activity relative to healthy controls during risk-taking in the anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, dor- solateral prefrontal cortex, striatum, insula, and somatosensory cortex. In addition, a qualitative review of the literature suggests that individuals with SUDs may have altered function in the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Conclusions: The neuroimaging literature reveals that several neural substrates involved in the com- putation of risk may function suboptimally in SUDs. Future research is warranted to elucidate which computational processes are affected, whether dysfunctional risk-related processing recovers with sobri- ety, and whether different drugs of abuse have specific effects on risk-taking.
Why We Need to Write Openly About Our Clinical Cases

To learn more about what is and is not effective in the psychoanalytic situation, analysts need to develop a library of detailed analytic case material. Open case writing, by not overconstraining readers, allows them enough access to the analytic couple's affective experience to persuade them of the authenticity and validity of the analyst-author's views. They are then free to rethink the material creatively on their own, to use it as they need to, and to learn from others, in order to enhance their analytic skills. Closed case writing hinders readers' creative freedom to understand and interpret, and hence to learn. To encourage analyst-authors to share their affective experiences in the analytic situation more openly, analysts need to establish a constructively collaborative attitude toward playing with clinical material. They need to take for granted that new readers, even authors themselves newly rereading their work, will discover something new. A dialectical process can then be established in which clinical authors and readers contribute to each other in an ongoing imaginative interchange.
Multiple exciton generation in semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract A review is presented of recent work on (1) the origin of the concept of enhanced multiple electron–hole pair (i.e. exciton) production in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), (2) various experiments based on time-resolved fs to ns spectroscopy (transient IR absorption, transient visible to near-IR bleaching due to state filling, terahertz spectroscopy, and time-resolved photoluminescence) that support the occurrence of highly efficient multiple exciton generation (MEG) in QDs, (3) thermodynamic analyses of the theoretical enhancement of the conversion efficiency in solar cells that are based on MEG in QDs, (4) MEG in QD arrays that can be used in QD solar cells, (5) theoretical models to explain MEG, and (6) some recent controversy about the evidence for MEG.
Free Market Metaphor: The Historical Dynamics of Stamp Collecting

Stamp collecting and industrial capitalism in the United States emerged simultaneously in the mid-nineteenth century. England issued the first government postage stamp in 1840, and other nations quickly adopted the idea. The United States printed its first official stamp in 1847, although it was preceded by the provisionals issued by local postmasters. Postage stamps were a product of the industrial revolution. The adoption of the prepaid penny post in England, while opposed by the General Post Office, was widely supported by large merchants who understood that a low-cost, single-rate system was vital to the communication demanded by an increasingly national market. The adhesive label was originally conceived by the English postal reformer, Rowland Hill, as a convenience for illiterates who would not be able to write addresses on the official envelopes that he preferred as proof of prepayment. Within a decade, almost every major nation in the world had borrowed this device, which became a symbol of the economic transformation of the nineteenth century. I would argue that the collecting of these tokens was a microcosmic performance of the system that created them. Stamp collectors took on many of the key roles of actors in the market economy and played out various conflicts embodied in the larger society in the philatelic arena.
Insertion and β-Hydride Elimination Reactions of Ruthenium/Zirconium Complexes Containing C2 Bridges with Bond Orders of 1, 2, and 3

Carbon dioxide inserts into the Zr-C bond of Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[double bond]CHZrClCp[sub 2], producing the carboxylate complex Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[double bond]CHCO[sub 2]ZrClCp[sub 2]. An [eta][sup 2]-iminoacyl insertion product, Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]Ru-C[triple bond]C-C(N[sub t]Bu)ZrClCp[sub 2], results from insertion of [sup t]BuNC into the Zr-C bond of the dimetalloalkyne complex Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]Ru-C[triple bond]C-ZrClCp[sub 2]. The reaction of Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]ZrClCp[sub 2] with high concentrations of [sup t]BuNC also produces an [eta][sup 2]-iminoacyl insertion product, Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]C(N[sup t]Bu)ZrClCp[sub 2]. At low concentrations of [sup t]BuNC, a competing reaction is [beta]-hydride elimination from Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]ZrClCp[sub 2] to give Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[double bond]CH[sub 2] and Cp[sub 2]Zr(H)Cl, which is trapped by [sup t]BuNC under these conditions to give Cp[sub 2]ZrCl([eta][sup 2]-[sup t]BuN[double bond]CH). The reaction of benzophenone with Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]ZrClCp[sub 2] gives the insertion product Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[sub 2]CH[sub 2]CPh[sub 2]OZrClCp[sub 2]. [beta]-Hydride elimination is also observed from Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]RuCH[double bond]CHZrClCp[sub 2]; in the presence of excess [sup n]BuC[triple bond]CH, the products are Cp(PMe[sub 3])[sub 2]Ru-C[triple bond]C-H and the zirconium vinyl complex Cp[sub 2]Zr(Cl)CH[double bond]CH[sup n]Bu. 25 refs.
Limitations of inclusive fitness

Until recently, inclusive fitness has been widely accepted as a general method to explain the evolution of social behavior. Affirming and expanding earlier criticism, we demonstrate that inclusive fitness is instead a limited concept, which exists only for a small subset of evolutionary processes. Inclusive fitness assumes that personal fitness is the sum of additive components caused by individual actions. This assumption does not hold for the majority of evolutionary processes or scenarios. To sidestep this limitation, inclusive fitness theorists have proposed a method using linear regression. On the basis of this method, it is claimed that inclusive fitness theory (i) predicts the direction of allele frequency changes, (ii) reveals the reasons for these changes, (iii) is as general as natural selection, and (iv) provides a universal design principle for evolution. In this paper we evaluate these claims, and show that all of them are unfounded. If the objective is to analyze whether mutations that modify social behavior are favored or opposed by natural selection, then no aspect of inclusive fitness theory is needed.
The β2-adrenergic receptor activates pro-migratory and pro-proliferative pathways in dermal fibroblasts via divergent mechanisms

Dermal fibroblasts are required for skin wound repair; they migrate into the wound bed, proliferate, synthesize extracellular matrix components and contract the wound. Although fibroblasts express beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-AR) and cutaneous keratinocytes can synthesize beta-AR agonists (catecholamines), the functional significance of this hormonal mediator network in the skin has not been addressed. Emerging studies from our laboratory demonstrate that beta2-AR activation modulates keratinocyte migration, essential for wound re-epithelialization. Here we describe an investigation of the effects of beta2-AR activation on the dermal component of wound healing. We examined beta2-AR-mediated regulation of biological processes in dermal fibroblasts that are critical for wound repair: migration, proliferation, contractile ability and cytoskeletal conformation. We provide evidence for the activation of at least two divergent beta2-AR-mediated signaling pathways in dermal fibroblasts, a Src-dependent pro-migratory pathway, transduced through the epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and a PKA-dependent pro-proliferative pathway. beta2-AR activation attenuates collagen gel contraction and alters the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion distribution through PKA-dependent mechanisms. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized role for the adrenergic hormonal mediator network in the cutaneous wound repair process. Exploiting these divergent beta2-AR agonist responses in cutaneous cells may generate novel therapeutic approaches for the control of wound healing.
Neurogenesis in the vomeronasal epithelium of adult garter snakes. 2. Reconstitution of the bipolar neuron layer following experimental vomeronasal axotomy.

Summary Postnatal neurogenesis and reconstitution of the neuronal layer of the vomeronasal epithelium have been demonstrated in adult garter snakes following vomeronasal axotomy. Two weeks following axotomy the vomeronasal epithelium was depleted of its bipolar layer but the basal, undifferentiated cells were actively proliferating. In subsequent weeks the undifferentiated cell layer continued to increase its cell population through mitosis and began to occupy the neuron-depleted zone of the receptor cell column. Four weeks following axotomy the denervated epithelium contained an expanded Ud cell layer which occupied the basal one-half to two-thirds of the receptor cell column. The cells at the base of the expanded Ud cell layer were morphologically similar to Ud cells in a normal epithelium whereas the cells at the apex of the columns resembled normal differentiating neurons. A few neurotic cells could still be detected within the apical, cell-depleted zone. By the eight post-operative week the receptor cell column was fully occupied with cells formed as a result of Ud cell proliferation. The most apical cells, 6–10 cells deep, were morphologically similar to normal bipolar neurons with a dendritic process reaching the lumen of the VN organ. The remaining cells were morphologically similar to normal differentiating or Ud cells. Sixteen weeks following axotomy a larger proportion of cells in the receptor cell column were fully differentiated bipolar neurons. The Ud cell population was reduced and, as in the normal epithelium, occupied only the basal portion of each receptor cell column. The regenerated neurons of the VNO were capable of synthesizing and transporting macromolecules to the telencephalon as demonstrated by autoradiography following intraepithelial injections of [ 3 H]proline. Newly formed axons terminated in the accessory olfactory bulb within 8 weeks following axotomy. These results support the view that the basal Ud cells are the source of neurons in the regenerating vomeronasal organ and demonstrate a dynamic process of neuronal proliferation, differentiation and maturation in the denervated vomeronasal epithelia of adult garter snakes.
The profit benefits of category management

Цель данной работы – описание преимуществ управления товарной категорией в целях извлечения скрытых источников прибыли. Для количественного измерения дополнительной прибыли от управления товарной категорией автор разработал модель оптимального ценообразования на продуктовую линейку. В основе модели лежит убеждение в том, что управление товарной категорией более выгодно, чем бренд-менеджмент. Модель позволяет измерить, насколько менеджмент категории прибыльнее бренд-менеджмента. Модель также позволяет определить оптимальные цены и прибыли для фирмы при различной структуре ценообразования. Затем автор иллюстрирует применение своей методологии на реальных и симулированных данных.
BAYESIAN m‐GROUP REGRESSION APPLIED IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM

The purpose of the study was to compare classical multiple regression with Bayesian m‐group regression, complete with cross‐validation of both methods. The context of the study was to predict first‐quarter grade point average in various curricula in a comprehensive community college for those students who had completed developmental studies programs. The major findings were: (1) informal counselor prediction was the largest contributor to the final regression models, and (2) no difference was found between classical multiple regression and Bayesian m‐group regression.
Reaching the Model Minority: Ethnic Differences in Responding to Culturally Embedded Targeted- and Non-Targeted Advertisements

Abstract This study examined differences in Chinese and white consumers' psychological responses to advertisements that feature varying levels of ethnic-specific cultural cues. To achieve different levels of cultural cues or “cultural embeddedness” in ads, two product advertisements that contain white or Chinese characters were digitally manipulated to vary the race of the characters and the nature and strength of ethnic-specific cultural cues present in each ad. The results indicate that Chinese consumers responded more favorably to high Chinese culturally embedded advertisements than they did to low Chinese culturally embedded ads. However, there is some evidence that white character ads may be just as effective in reaching Chinese consumers as high culturally embedded Chinese ads. The results also demonstrate that whites' responses to a Chinese-character ad were mixed. Sometimes they were indifferent to the character's ethnicity, whereas other times they preferred a white character to an Asian character.