cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental Health and the Pandemic: New Looks.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic I wrote a column on stress in the age of COVID (Flaskerud, 2021). In that column I conveyed the information collected in three rolling surveys of stress experienced i...
Error, Reliability and Health-Related Digital Autonomy in AI Diagnoses of Social Media Analysis.

The rapid expansion of computational tools and of data science methods in healthcare has, undoubtedly, raised a whole new set of bioethical challenges. As Laacke and colleagues (2021) rightly note,...
Abstract PR004: Genetic ablation of adipocyte PD-L1 reduces tumor growth but accentuates obesity-associated inflammation

The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-dependent immune checkpoint attenuates host immunity and maintains self-tolerance. Imbalance between protective immunity and immunopathology due to altered PD-L1 signaling can lead to autoimmunity or tumor immunosuppression. The role of the PD-L1-dependent checkpoint in non-immune system is less reported. We previously found that white adipocytes highly express PD-L1. Here we show that adipocyte-specific PD-L1 knockout mice exhibit enhanced host anti-tumor immunity against mammary tumors and melanoma with low or no tumor PD-L1. However, adipocyte PD-L1 ablation in tumor-free mice also exacerbates diet-induced body weight gain, pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, and insulin resistance. Low PD-L1 mRNA levels in human adipose tissue correlate with high body mass index and presence of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, our mouse genetic approach unequivocally demonstrates a cell-autonomous function of adipocyte PD-L1 in promoting tumor growth and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity. In addition, our work uncovers a previously unrecognized role of adipocyte PD-L1 in mitigating obesity-related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. This abstract is also being presented as PO031. Citation Format: Bogang Wu, Huai-Chin Chiang, Xiujie Sun, Bin Yuan, Payal Mitra, Yanfen Hu, Tyler J. Curiel, Rong Li. Genetic ablation of adipocyte PD-L1 reduces tumor growth but accentuates obesity-associated inflammation [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR004.
Performance Comparison of Clipping Detection Techniques in AC Power Time Series

In this research, a variety of methods were developed to detect clipping periods in AC power time series. AC power data streams associated with 36 unique systems across the United States were collected, and data points representing clipping periods were manually labeled by experts. Using this data set for training and validation, novel logic-based and machine learning (ML) approaches were developed to classify time series values as clipping or non-clipping. These approaches were compared to the RdTools method for detecting clipping periods. The logic-based and ML XGBoost approaches achieved F-scores of 85.0 and 77.6, respectively, when cross-validated against the manually labeled data, as compared to the current RdTools approach (F-score of 56.4), indicating a significant improvement at detecting clipping periods. Additionally, the effects of each clipping filter when evaluating system degradation rates were assessed, using 31 unique systems across the United States. Results indicate that estimated system degradation rate can vary based on the type of clipping filter used, by up to 0.6% degradation rate for some cases.
Campus Stories: Three Case Studies. Part B: The Odyssey Program at Hendrix College.

Campus implementation of experiential education can seem daunting. This chapter shares three case studies of successful implementation at very different types of institutions.
Deposition of Gd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ buffer layers on Ni-based substrates by aerosol spray pyrolysis

Aerosol spray pyrolysis (ASP) was used to deposit Gd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ on pure Ni and Ni(5at%W). The H/sub 2/:H/sub 2/O ratio in the gas stream, consisting of forming gas + the aqueous nitrate mist, was adjusted to 0.75, which prevented the Ni(W) substrate from oxidizing. A dense, /spl sim/600 nm thick layer of Gd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ could be deposited on a textured Ni(5at%W) substrate at 900/spl deg/C in 20 min. The Gd/sub 2/O/sub 3/ was not textured and the surface was rough.
Agrobacterium induces plant cell death in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract The symptoms of gall or hairy root do not occur in the interactions between wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and other monocotyledonous plants, with Agrobacterium tumefaciens or Agrobacterium rhizogenes. However, both bacteria colonized wheat root surfaces at similar levels (2.0 × 107 colony forming U g−1 root) and grew without inhibition in suspension with intact or wounded wheat embryos or root segments present. Suspension-cultured wheat embryo cells grown in 7.4 m M O2 displayed 23% cell death after 1 h exposure to Agrobacterium cells, while the extent of cell death with 2.1 m M O2 averaged 8%. Cultured wheat embryo and root cells rapidly produced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when contacted with A. tumefaciens or A. rhizogenes. Production of H2O2 was lower at 2.1 m M O2 than 7.4 m M O2. Browning and autofluorescence of epidermal cells of callus derived from wheat embryos and wheat roots was observed after inoculation with Agrobacterium. An increase in ferulic acid was detected in the walls of roots exposed to Agrobacterium. However, neither lignin nor callose was detected by diagnostic staining methods. These findings suggest that Agrobacterium induced a resistance-like response in wheat that may reduce the efficacy of transformation and limit the normal symptom formation.
π + − p Interactions Producing Σ + − K + in a Propane Bubble Chamber

Seven cases of production of ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}{K}^{+}$ by 1.0-Bev ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}p$ interactions have been identified in the Yale propane bubble chamber. In six of these cases, the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ direction was forward in the center-of-momentum system. The cross section derived from these is 0.08 mb. The decay of the ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ is equally divided between the pion and proton decay modes.
Evidence for a New Endonuclease Synthesized by λ Bacteriophage

Infection of nonlysogenic Escherichia coli CR34(S) (Thy(-)) with bacteriophage lambda C(I)857 resulted in the formation of twisted circular double-stranded phage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA; species I). When such infected bacteria were incubated in the absence of thymine, there was a significant decrease in the amount of species I DNA after 60 min of incubation. A similar loss of species I lambda DNA during incubation in a thymine-deficient medium was also observed after infection of the endonuclease I-deficient strain, E. coli 1100(S) (Thy(-)). This destruction of twisted, circular lambda DNA in thymine-deprived cells did not occur in the presence of chloramphenicol nor in lysogenic E. coli CR34 carrying a noninducible lambda prophage. It is therefore concluded that the endonuclease which attacks this circular configuration of lambda DNA is newly synthesized after infection and is directed by the phage chromosome.
Carbon-based terahertz devices

Carbon nanotubes and graphene are promising for diverse terahertz (THz) device applications. Here, we summarize our recent studies on the THz dynamic conductivities and optoelectronic devices of these materials in the THz region. We show that the THz response of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is dominated by plasmon oscillations along the nanotubes, which lead to extremely anisotropic THz conductivities. By utilizing the strong THz plasmon resonance as well as its pronounced anisotropy in aligned SWCNT films, we built THz polarizers with perfect performance and polarization-sensitive THz detectors that work at room temperature. In addition, we studied the THz conductivities of graphene samples with and without electrical gating. We demonstrated excitation and active control of surface plasmon polaritons in graphene, as well as a graphene THz modulator with a high modulation depth, a high modulation speed, and a designable resonance frequency.
5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate synthetase. Purification and mechanism of action.

Abstract The enzyme catalyzing the formation of 5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate has been purified. This enzyme is inactivated by a number of sulfhydryl reagents; however, this inactivation can be prevented by 0.10 m α-ketoglutarate, but not by 0.20 m methylamine. The enzymatic reaction is specific for α-ketoglutarate but a number of primary amines can replace methylamine as substrates for the enzyme. The enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of 5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate is proportional to enzyme over a very narrow range of protein concentration, and the amount of enzyme required to "saturate" the system is dependent on the substrate concentration. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that N-methyl-α-ketoglutaramate, rather than 5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate, is the true product of the enzymatic reaction. Measurements of 5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate formation in the presence of n-propylamine or ethylamine result in alternate substrate inhibition patterns which are consistent with an ordered sequential kinetic mechanism. The enzyme-catalyzed hydrolyses of N-methyl-α-ketoglutaramate and a substrate analogue, α-ketoglutaramate, are noncompetitively inhibited by methylamine when α-keto-glutarate release is used to measure these reactions. However, no inhibition is observed if ammonia release is used as an assay. The decrease in α-ketoglutarate release can be quantitatively accounted for by the formation of 5-hydroxy-N-methylpyroglutamate. These results are consistent with the rate-limiting formation of an α-ketoglutaryl enzyme intermediate.
Revenue Estimation/Scoring by States: An Overview of Experience and Current Practices with Particular Attention to the Role of Dynamic Methods

Revenue estimates or scores identify the expected impact of a change in a tax law or a change in how existing tax laws are administered. The processes used by states to produce these estimates have been given considerably less attention than have those used to create the revenue baseline or forecast, although both are important to creation of fiscally sustainable budgets. A review of state processes shows that estimating responsibility most often is in a legislative agency, that states usually employ microdynamic estimating methods, generally make their work available on the Internet although infrequently showing the methodology used for an estimate, and rarely have formal quality control procedures for the estimates. Macrodynamic estimates are very rare and some states once requiring this approach no longer do so.
Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Fertility and Reproductive Capacity in the Female Rat

The effects of vitamin D deficiency on fertility, reproductive capacity and on fetal and neonatal development were investigated. Female weanling rats were maintained on either a vitamin D-replete or vitamin D-deficient diet until maturity and mated with normal males. Vitamin D-deficient females were capable of reproduction. However, vitamin D deficiency reduced overall fertility by 75%, diminished litter sizes by 30% and impaired neonatal growth from day 6 to day 15 of lactation. Fetal development asjudged by weight gain and viability appeared normal. Neonatal viability was also normal even though growth was retarded. The concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphate in milk from vitamin D-replete and vitamin D-deficient mothers were similar implying that the transfer of calcium and phosphorus from the plasma to the milk is a vitamin D-independent process.
Graft appendiceal fistulas

We report the fifth case of a graft appendiceal fistula. The four previously reported cases are reviewed. This is the first report of the utility of the tagged red blood cell study in the evaluation of a patient with a graft appendiceal fistula.
Hormonal and haemodynamic responses to upper abdominal surgery during isoflurane and balanced anaesthesia.

The purpose of the study was to compare the protective role of different anaesthetic techniques against surgical stress. Sixty patients undergoing elective laparotomy were randomly divided into six groups of ten patients each: Group I was given 0.65 MAC nitrous oxide (66 per cent inspired) and 0.65 MAC isoflurane (0.75 per cent end-expired); Group 11 was given 0.65 MAC nitrous oxide and 1-1.2 MAC isoflurane (1.2-1.4 per cent end-expired); Group III was given the same anaesthetic management as patients in Group I but with the addition offentanyl (2 μg’kg-1) before the skin incision and & of the initial dose every 15 minutes during surgery; Group IV was treated as patients in Group I with an additional infusion ofiidocaine (30 μg-kg-1- min-1); Groups V and VI were given 0.65 MAC of nitrous oxide andfentanyl, 7.5 and 15 μ g.kg-1, respectively, before skin incision with 1/8 of the initial dose every 15 minutes during the operation; diazepam, 5 mg IV each hour of surgery, was given to prevent intraoperative awareness. Cortisol concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay method and catecholamines were measured by high performance liquid gas chromatography in blood samples at different stages perioperatively.
Use of systematic desensitization in the treatment of airplane phobic patients

Abstract T here have been several studies of the phenomenon of airplane phobia mostly dealing with professional aviators and aircrews (Goorney, 1960; Aitken, 1970). There has also been a report of the use of penthranization in the in vivo desensitization of an airplane phobic patient (Mildman, 1969). Recently one case of successful in vivo desensitization using flight simulators and flight instruction has been reported (Bernstein and Beaty, 1971). This paper describes the application of Wolpe's (Wolpe, 1969) technique of systematic desensitization for persons with an airplane phobia.
Neutrophil Reverse Migration Becomes Transparent with Zebrafish

The precise control of neutrophil-mediated inflammation is critical for both host defense and the prevention of immunopathology. In vivo imaging studies in zebrafish, and more recently in mice, have made the novel observation that neutrophils leave a site of inflammation through a process called neutrophil reverse migration. The application of advanced imaging techniques to the genetically tractable, optically transparent zebrafish larvae was critical for these advances. Still, the mechanisms underlying neutrophil reverse migration and its effects on the resolution or priming of immune responses remain unclear. Here, we review the current knowledge of neutrophil reverse migration, its potential roles in host immunity, and the live imaging tools that make zebrafish a valuable model for increasing our knowledge of neutrophil behavior in vivo.
Comparison of the primary structure of the large and small subunits of fraction I protein from solanaceae plants and other families

Abstract Large and small subunits of fraction I proteins from five plants (tobacco, paprika, tomato, eggplant and potato) of the family Solanaceae were isolated, and the triptic peptides of these subunits were compared after separation by ion exchange column chromatography. Using tobacco as the standard for comparison, 4 (paprika), 5 (tomato), 3 (eggplant) and 8 (potato) out of 27 resolved large subunit peptides were found to be different. On the other hand, 2 (paprika), 3 (tomato), 2 (eggplant) and 7 (potato) out of 15 clearly resolved peptides were found to be different from tobacco in the case of small subunit. These differences were appreciably bigger than those found for different species of the genus Nicotiana to which tobacco belongs. The tryptic peptides of more distantly related plants from tobacco (comfrey, spinach and rape) differed more than those of Solanaceae in either large or small subunit.
Advances and trends in the design and construction of algebraic manipulation systems

We compare and contrast several techniques for the implementation of components of an algebraic manipulation system. On one hand is the mathematical-algebraic approach which characterizes (for example) IBM's Scratchpad II. On the other hand is the more ad hoc approach which characterizes many other popular systems (for example, Macsyma, Reduce, Maple, and Mathematica). While the algebraic approach has generally positive results, careful examination suggests that there are significant remaining problems, especially in the representation and manipulation of analytical, as opposed to algebraic mathematics. We describe some of these problems, and some general approaches for solutions.
Illuminating the in-house provision of emergency services: A test of organizational capacity hypotheses

While much has been written about the importance of organizational capacity, few have examined systematically the influence of organizational capacity on local service delivery arrangements. This paper highlights the importance of organizational capacity in influencing local government decisions to provide services in house in the realm of public safety (e.g., fire, police and emergency medical services). Our empirical study, conducted in Texas, provides evidence that a local government may reduce the risks of contract failure when it produces services in house, especially in the presence of institutionalized evaluation mechanisms. Instead of relying on alternative service providers to acquire, store and move emergency medical supplies and services, local governments are building capacity to better equip themselves to deliver emergency services and plan for disasters.
Time-sharing SKED and OS/8: A new version

A new time-sharing SKED program has been developed to simultaneously conduct up to 12 behavioral experiments while the OS/8 operating system is used in the “background.” The new system provides improved control over the SKED program while allowing the experimenter to develop new programs or analyze data during the experimental session. A minimum of 16K of memory and an OS/8 device is required to use this system.
When and how less is more: reply to Tharp and Pickering.

In DeCaro et al. [DeCaro, M. S., Thomas, R. D., & Beilock, S. L. (2008). Individual differences in category learning: Sometimes less working memory capacity is better than more. Cognition, 107, 284–294] we demonstrated that sometimes less working memory (WM) has its advantages. The lower individuals’ WM, the faster they achieved success on an information-integration (II) category learning task adopted from Waldron and Ashby [Waldron, E. M., & Ashby, F. G. (2001). The effects of concurrent task interference on category learning: Evidence for multiple category learning systems. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 8, 168–176]. We attributed this success to the inability of lower WM individuals to employ explicit learning strategies heavily reliant on executive control. This in turn, we hypothesized, might push lower WM individuals to readily adopt procedural-based strategies thought to lead to success on the II task. Tharp and Pickering [Tharp, I. J., & Pickering, A. D. (2009). A note on DeCaro, Thomas, and Beilock (2008): Further data demonstrate complexities in the assessment of information-integration category learning. Cognition] recently questioned whether the II category learning task DeCaro et al. used really reflects procedural learning. In an effort to investigate Tharp and Pickering’s assertions with respect to individual differences in WM, we replicate and extend our previous work, in part by modeling participants’ response strategies during learning. We once again reveal that lower WM individuals demonstrate earlier II learning than their higher WM counterparts. However, we also show that low WM individuals’ initial success is not because of procedural-based responding. Instead, individuals lower in WM capacity perseverate in using simple rule-based strategies that circumvent heavy demands on WM while producing above-chance accuracy.
PRM5 Systematic Review of Cost-Utility Analyses in Asia

PRM5 SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF COST-UTILITY ANALYSES IN ASIA Lin PJ1, Thorat T1, Fang CH2, Neumann PJ1 1Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA, 2Pfizer, New Taipei City, Taiwan OBJECTIVES: To review published cost-utility analyses (CUA) targeted towards populations in Asia. METHODS: We examined data from the Tufts Medical Center Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry (www.cearegisty.org), which contains detailed information on more than 2,900 English-language CUAs in peer-reviewed journals. We focused on articles pertaining to Asian countries, summarized study features for articles published from 2000-2010, and compared those with CUAs in all other countries. RESULTS: Of 2,367 CUAs published during 2000-2010, 87 (3.7%) pertained to Asian countries: Japan (n 34), Taiwan (n 18), China (n 9), Thailand (n 7), Hong Kong (n 5), Singapore (n 5), South Korea (n 5), India (n 4), and Bangladesh (n 1). The CUAs contained 243 standardized incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs, expressed as $US2010 per QALY) and 357 utility weights. The most common type of intervention was pharmaceuticals (52.9%), followed by screening (21.8%), diagnostics (11.5%), and surgery (11.5%). 79 CUAs (90.8%) mentioned a cost-effectiveness threshold; of these, 60 said “good value for money” reflected a threshold below $50,000/QALY. The median reported ICER was $11,000/ QALY, vs. $21,000/QALY for non-Asian studies. 75.7% of the reported ICERs were either dominant (less expensive and more effective) or below $50,000/QALY, compared to 63.9% in non-Asian CUAs (p 0.001). 13.6% of ICERs were either dominated (more expensive and less effective) or greater than $100,000/QALY, compared to 22.4% in non-Asian CUAs (p 0.001). CUAs targeted towards Asian populations generally adhered to good methodological practices, though the average quality score was modestly lower than the overall mean (4.08 vs. 4.43, p 0.001) and significantly more studies did not report funding sources (40.2% vs. 22.2%, p 0.001), compared with non-Asian CUAs. CONCLUSIONS: The number of CUAs in Asia has grown steadily with over half focused on pharmaceuticals. Compared to CUAs in all other countries, significantly more studies in Asia suggest efficient health interventions. These CUAs generally follow good methodological practices though reporting of funding sources could improve.
Piecewise polynomial interpolations and approximations of one-dimensional functions through mixed integer linear programming

Piecewise polynomial functions are extensively used to approximate general nonlinear functions or sets of data. In this work, we propose a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) framework for generating optimal piecewise polynomial approximations of varying degrees to nonlinear functions of a single variable. The nonlinear functions may be represented by discrete exact samplings or by data corrupted by noise. We studied two distinct approaches to the problem: (1) the generation of interpolating piecewise polynomial functions, in which the approximating function values in the extremes of each polynomial segment coincide with the original function values; and (2) a de facto approximation strategy in which the polynomial segments are free, except for the enforcement of continuity of the overall approximation. Our results from the implemented models show that the procedure is capable of efficiently approximating nonlinear functions and it has the added capability of allowing for the straightforward implementation of further constraints on solutions, such as the convexity of polynomial segments. Finally, the models for the generation of piecewise linear approximations and interpolations were applied for the linearization of mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) models extracted from the MINLP library. These models were linearized by the reformulation of their nonlinearities as piecewise linear functions with varying numbers of segments, resulting in MILP models that were solved to optimality and the solutions from the linearized models were compared with global optimal solutions from the original problems.
Administration of IPPB to distinguish the pleural from parenchymal components of an opaque hemithorax

Expansion of consolidated lung by positive pressure facilitates identification of a pleural parenchymal interface in the baby with an opaque hemithorax.
Dense operators on aKH-module

It is shown that when domain of the modular operator associated with a center-valued weight satisfies certain density condition, the algebra is reduced to the product of a semi-finite algebra and a finite number of properly infinite factors.
Reliability of optic nerve head topographic measurements with computerized image analysis.

We evaluated the reliability of optic disk area and disk rim area measurements obtained with the Humphrey Retinal Analyzer from ten repeat fundus images each of one eye of ten normal subjects and ten subjects with increased intraocular pressure. Variability of rim and disk areas was not significantly different between these two groups (P > .05), nor was it significantly different between images acquired during the same session and those acquired during different sessions (P > .05). Variability was significantly different between subject groups based on the distinctness of the disk edge and the slope of the cup wall (P 2 and 0.47 mm 2 for rim area for the least variable and most variable subject groups based on optic nerve head characteristics, and 0.09 mm 2 and 0.32 mm 2 for disk area for the corresponding subject groups. Operator input contributed significantly to overall variability. Reliability of rim and disk areas in this study was comparable to that reported for other computerized image analyzers.
A spatio-temporal mining approach towards summarizing and analyzing protein folding trajectories

Understanding the protein folding mechanism remains a grand challenge in structural biology. In the past several years, computational theories in molecular dynamics have been employed to shed light on the folding process. Coupled with high computing power and large scale storage, researchers now can computationally simulate the protein folding process in atomistic details at femtosecond temporal resolution. Such simulation often produces a large number of folding trajectories, each consisting of a series of 3D conformations of the protein under study. As a result, effectively managing and analyzing such trajectories is becoming increasingly important. In this article, we present a spatio-temporal mining approach to analyze protein folding trajectories. It exploits the simplicity of contact maps, while also integrating 3D structural information in the analysis. It characterizes the dynamic folding process by first identifying spatio-temporal association patterns in contact maps, then studying how such patterns evolve along a folding trajectory. We demonstrate that such patterns can be leveraged to summarize folding trajectories, and to facilitate the detection and ordering of important folding events along a folding path. We also show that such patterns can be used to identify a consensus partial folding pathway across multiple folding trajectories. Furthermore, we argue that such patterns can capture both local and global structural topology in a 3D protein conformation, thereby facilitating effective structural comparison amongst conformations. We apply this approach to analyze the folding trajectories of two small synthetic proteins-BBA5 and GSGS (or Beta3S). We show that this approach is promising towards addressing the above issues, namely, folding trajectory summarization, folding events detection and ordering, and consensus partial folding pathway identification across trajectories.
PKC activation during training restores mushroom spine synapses and memory in the aged rat.

Protein kinase C (PKC) e and α activation has been implicated in synaptogenesis. We used aged rats to test whether the PKCe/α activator bryostatin and PKCe-specific activator DCP-LA combined with spatial memory training could restore mushroom dendritic spinogenesis and synaptogenesis. Compared with young rats, aged, learning-impaired rats had lower memory retention; lower densities of mushroom spines and synapses in the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons; fewer PKCe-containing presynaptic axonal boutons; and lower activation and expression of two PKCe/α substrates, the mRNA-stabilizing protein HuD and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). PKC activator treatment combined with spatial memory training restored mushroom spines and mushroom spine synapses; rescued PKCe/α expression and PKC/HuD/BDNF signaling; and normalized memory to the levels seen in young rats. These effects were produced by treatment with either bryostatin or the PKCe-specific activator, DCP-LA. Bryostatin also reversed alterations in GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSPs) in aged, learning-impaired rats. Thus, our results support the therapeutic potential of PKC activators when added to cognitive rehabilitation for inducing mushroom spine synaptogenesis and reversing memory decline associated with aging.
Religious Experience, Emotion, and Belief

In the wake of Kant's critique of speculative metaphysics, many students of religion and theology have sought immediate access to the real and a foundation for doctrine and belief in religious experience. It was thought by some that a mode of experience might be discovered that was unscathed by the activity of the imagination in the construction of the forms and categories, and that would be broader than Kant's exclusively moral account of religion. It is not accidental, then, that the phrase “religious experience” has come to be reserved almost exclusively for aspects of experience that are allegedly prereflective, that transcend the verbal, or are in some way free of the structures of thought and judgment that language represents. The search has been for some channel of cognitive immediacy, whether the chosen mode of experience was volitional or affective.
Concentrations, Sources, and Potential Ecological Impacts of Selected Trace Metals on Aquatic Biota within the Little Tennessee River Basin, North Carolina

The Upper Little Tennessee River (ULTR) possesses one of the most diverse assemblages of aquatic biota in North America, including the endangered Appalachian elktoe mussel (Alasmidonta raveneliana). Populations of the Appalachian elktoe declined significantly following a 2004 flood generated by hurricanes Frances and Ivan. Although the cause(s) of decline have yet to be determined, population declines may reflect exposure to contaminated sediment within the river system. The objectives of this study were to provide a preliminary assessment of the potential impact of sediment-associated trace metals on aquatic biota, particularly the Appalachian elktoe mussel, and to determine the source(s) of trace metals to the axial channel. Total sediment-associated Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn concentrations within the ULTR locally exceeded threshold and probable effect guidelines for aquatic biota. These data are consistent with previous analyses that found particulate and dissolved concentrations of Cu in river waters periodically exceeded aquatic impact guidelines. However, the data conflict with (1) metal speciation analyses that show that Cu, Cr, and Zn are largely associated with the residual, non-available sediment phase, and (2) trace metal concentrations that are higher in mussel shells from the Tuckasegee River, a control site with intact populations, than in the ULTR. Moreover, the analyses suggest that most of the metals are derived from sulfide minerals contained within the underlying bedrock and, in the case of Cu, from locally used pesticides. The importance of the underlying bedrock as a significant long-term trace metal source suggests that Appalachian elktoe mussels were exposed to high levels of Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn both before and after the 2004 event. Thus, it appears unlikely that the decline of Appalachian elktoe populations is related primarily to trace metals.
The Occurrence and Consequences of Electoral Mandates in Historical Context

This study revisits the debate over electoral mandates by assessing the occurrence and consequences of landslide electoral victories since the 1860s. The study builds on Keeler's (1993) formulation of mandates in terms of the opportunities afforded by an election. Viewing elections as creating policy opportunities allows a more straightforward assessment of the relation between election outcomes and the legislative activity that follows. The idea of policy windows also avoids some of the criticisms directed at electoral mandates. Using public laws enacted from 1860 to 1998,1 find that landslide electoral victories precede less active Congresses almost as often as they precede surges of legislative activity. Using qualitative historical information, I further find that the legislative opportunities afforded by a landslide victory are conditional upon unity of the president's party.
HOSPITALIZATION OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO ILLICIT DRUGS IN UTERO. 617

Illicit drug use has been spiraling in United States and this leads to increased environmental and intrauterine exposure of children. We retrospectively identified 190 children born in 1988, 1991 and 1990 with positive maternal drug screen and or maternal drug history. They were 5, 3, and 1 year old respectively at the time of the study. 95 of the drug exposed children were included in the subject group. There was no follow up for the rest. 95 children with no history of drug exposure were randomly matched for age, sex, gender, socioeconomic status and gestational age as control group. Besides hospital admissions and child abuse, diagnosis of developmental delays and seizure disorders were also recorded. Out of 95 drug exposed children 3 were diagnosed with seizure disorder and 5 with developmental delay. The difference from the control group was not statistically significant for both diagnosis; (x=0.29; p=0.59) and (x=0.15; p=0.69) respectively. This was attributed to the small sample size. Even though there was no statistically significant difference in the number of outpatient clinic visits (mean of drug exposed group=0.87, mean of control=1.1; t=0.71, p=0.47), there was a significant difference in hospitalization rate (x=14.6; p<0.0001). Drug exposed children were more likely to have a history of hospitalization (50%) than the control group (22%). Furthermore, drug exposed children were more likely to be hospitalized for accidents, injuries and burns (28%) when compared to control group (5%); (x=3.2; p=0.07). Child abuse and or neglect was reported for 30% of the drug exposed children. These data suggest that children exposed to drugs in utero need to be followed more closely by the pediatrician and interventions in this group may decrease hospital admissions.
A proper set of tools are needed to corral support

The Information Technology Services Department is responsible for providing centralized computing services for the 11,000+ students and the 2,000+ staff/faculty at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and other enterprise computing services for the North Dakota University System (NDUS). To provide efficient and effective support, the NDSU ITS Help Desk uses a wide variety of tools.Our tool set includes:Call management to route and track the incoming and outgoing callsSystem monitoring to know what servers or network devices are up or downProblem tracking system to track problems and their resolutionsRemote assistance to see an end user's computerDocumentation for consistent supportTraining to ensure the staff is providing quality assistance.
A Decision Analysis of Model Selection

This paper describes a conceptual framework within which several alternate model forms for a particular process can be considered simultaneously. The development is in decision theoretic terms with the primary emphasis on the setting of a vector of control variables rather than the selection of a model per se. The argument centers about the role of observed data in altering the state of information about the appropriate model form and its parameters. The basic ideas are illustrated by means of a simple example of modeling a binary source.
Cerium dioxide as a recycle reagent for thermochemical hydrogen production by splitting hydrochloric acid into the elements

CeO2 (solid) reacts with HCl(g) at 383–625 K to yield CeOCl (solid, Cl2(g) and H2O(g). After removal of Cl2(g), at higher temperatures > 1050 K, the CeOCl (solid) then back-reacts with H2O(g) to yield H2(g) and HCl(g). These two redox reactions selectively produce H2 and Cl2 in a two-step thermochemical cycle by splitting 2HCl(g) into H2(g) + Cl2(g). The solids remain in situ in the quartz reactor; only the gases need to be transported for separation of products and regeneration of solid reactant. Thermochemical calculations show the constraints for practical utilization of CeO2 as the recycle reagent. Cycle efficiency is much dependent on replacement of one oxide in CeO2 in the solid phase with one chloride, with the concomitant valence change at 383 K, and reversal at 1050–1270 K.
Public bureau budgets and jurisdiction size: An empirical note*

This note suggests that the persuit of budget maximization by public bureaus is partially dependent on the size of the jurisdiction in which the bureau is located. The larger is the jurisdiction, the greater is the degree of rational ignorance and the more significant are moving costs, each of which contribute to bureau monopoly power. The additional monopoly power in larger jurisdictions provides the incentive for, and enables, the bureau personnel to exert greater pressure on politicians to expand bureau budgets and benefits to personnel. Our examination of police services showed these hypotheses to be consistent with the evidence. In particular, the size of budgets grew far more rapidly than did population, and the proportion of public employees proved to be a significant variable where personnel expenditures were considered.
Wnt pathway reprogramming during human embryonal carcinoma differentiation and potential for therapeutic targeting

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are classified as seminonas or non-seminomas of which a major subset is embryonal carcinoma (EC) that can differentiate into diverse tissues. The pluripotent nature of human ECs resembles that of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Many Wnt signalling species are regulated during differentiation of TGCT-derived EC cells. This study comprehensively investigated expression profiles of Wnt signalling components regulated during induced differentiation of EC cells and explored the role of key components in maintaining pluripotency. Human embryonal carcinoma cells were stably infected with a lentiviral construct carrying a canonical Wnt responsive reporter to assess Wnt signalling activity following induced differentiation. Cells were differentiated with all-trans retinoic acid (RA) or by targeted repression of pluripotency factor, POU5F1. A Wnt pathway real-time-PCR array was used to evaluate changes in gene expression as cells differentiated. Highlighted Wnt pathway genes were then specifically repressed using siRNA or stable shRNA and transfected EC cells were assessed for proliferation, differentiation status and levels of core pluripotency genes. Canonical Wnt signalling activity was low basally in undifferentiated EC cells, but substantially increased with induced differentiation. Wnt pathway gene expression levels were compared during induced differentiation and many components were altered including ligands (WNT2B), receptors (FZD5, FZD6, FZD10), secreted inhibitors (SFRP4, SFRP1), and other effectors of Wnt signalling (FRAT2, DAAM1, PITX2, Porcupine). Independent repression of FZD5, FZD7 and WNT5A using transient as well as stable methods of RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited cell growth of pluripotent NT2/D1 human EC cells, but did not appreciably induce differentiation or repress key pluripotency genes. Silencing of FZD7 gave the greatest growth suppression in all human EC cell lines tested including NT2/D1, NT2/D1-R1, Tera-1 and 833K cells. During induced differentiation of human EC cells, the Wnt signalling pathway is reprogrammed and canonical Wnt signalling induced. Specific species regulating non-canonical Wnt signalling conferred growth inhibition when targeted for repression in these EC cells. Notably, FZD7 repression significantly inhibited growth of human EC cells and is a promising therapeutic target for TGCTs.
Long-term stabilization of vein graft wall architecture and prolonged resistance to experimental atherosclerosis after E2F decoy oligonucleotide gene therapy

Abstract Objective: We tested the hypothesis that a single intraoperative transfection of rabbit vein grafts with a decoy oligonucleotide that blocks cell-cycle gene transactivation by the transcription factor E2F induces long-term stable adaptation that involves medial hypertrophy and a resistance to neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. Methods: Jugular vein to carotid artery interposition vein grafts in hypercholesterolemic rabbits were treated, using pressure-mediated delivery, with either E2F decoy oligonucleotide, scrambled oligonucleotide, or vehicle alone. E2F decoy inhibition of cell-cycle gene expression was determined by measuring proliferating cell nuclear antigen upregulation and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis were compared between groups at 6 months after operation. Wall stress was derived from the ratio of luminal radius to wall thickness. Normal rabbits exposed to 6 weeks of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia starting 6 months after operation were analyzed in the same manner. Results: The E2F decoy oligonucleotide, but not scrambled oligonucleotide or vehicle alone, inhibited proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Furthermore, this manipulation of cell-cycle gene expression yielded an inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerotic plaque formation throughout the 6 months of cholesterol feeding. In normocholesterolemic rabbits, vehicle-treated and scrambled oligonucleotide-treated vein grafts remain susceptible to diet-induced atherosclerosis as well, whereas resistance to this disease induction remained stable in genetically engineered grafts. Conclusion: A single intraoperative pressure-mediated delivery of E2F decoy effectively provides vein grafts with long-term resistance to neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis. These findings suggest that long-term reduction in human vein graft failure rates may be feasible with this ex vivo gene therapy approach. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;121:714-22)
Using nurse practitioners to implement an intervention in primary care for high-utilizing patients with medically unexplained symptoms

Patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) often are a source of frustration for clinicians, and despite high quality biomedical attention and frequent diagnostic tests, they have poor health outcomes. Following upon progress in depression treatment approaches, we developed a multidimensional treatment protocol for deployment by primary care personnel. This multi-faceted intervention for MUS patients emphasized cognitive-behavioral principles, the provider-patient relationship, pharmacological management, and treating comorbid medical diseases. We deployed it in an HMO using nurse practitioners (NP) to deliver the intervention to 101 patients, while 102 controls continued to receive medical care from their usual primary care physician. Successful deployment of the intervention required training the NPs, continuing support for the NPs in their management of this difficult population, and establishing strong communication links with the HMO. This paper addresses the practical considerations of using primary care personnel to implement a complex intervention in primary care, and it includes a discussion of special challenges encountered as well as solutions developed to overcome them.
Induction of reverse mutations and cross reactivation of nitrous acid-treated phage T4.

Abstract The ability to supply the intact rIIA or rIIB function, or contribute rII + genetic markers, has been measured for nitrous-acid inactivated phages. The results show that at most one out of about ten lethal hits can prevent the rII region from entering the bacterium. Induction of reverse mutations by nitrous acid could be demonstrated for practically all mutants that had been induced by 5-bromouracil or 2-aminopurine. A cruder test showed that mutants induced by nitrous acid also responded in this way. In contrast, a number of spontaneous mutants did not show any induced reversions. In all cases where induced reversions have been analyzed carefully, a single-hit curve has been observed. The frequency of revertants versus survivors was about that expected if the deamination of a single base can cause a mutation. The rates of induced reversion for different mutants, span a range of two powers of 10. This shows that there is a significant mutagenic site specificity in addition to the difference for the two kinds of base-pair transitions.
Neighborhoods of Cauchy horizons in cosmological spacetimes with one killing field

Abstract In this paper we show how to construct an infinite dimensional family of analytic, vacuum spacetimes which each have (i) T 3 × R topology, (ii) a smooth, compact Cauchy horizon, and (iii) a single Killing vector field which is spacelike in the globally hyperbolic region, null on the horizon and timelike in the (acausal) extension. The key idea is to use the horizons themselves as initial data surfaces and to prove the local existence of solutions using a version of the Cauchy-Kowalewski theorem. Factoring by the action of analytic, horizon preserving diffeomorphisms we define a “space of extendible vacuum spacetimes” of the given symmetry type and show (modulo certain smoothness estimates which we do not attempt to derive) that this space defines a Lagrangian submanifold of the usual phase space for Einstein's equations. We also study the linear perturbations of a class of the extendible spacetimes and show that the generic such perturbation blows up near the background solution's Cauchy horizon. This result, though limited by the linearity of the approximation, conforms to the usual picture of unstable Cauchy horizons demanded by the strong cosmic censorship conjecture.
Multilayer antenna with metamaterial using a full wave method

This paper presents a study and development of equations consisting metamaterials of negative refraction index. The equations developed for this structure are based in full wave Transverse Transmission Line (TTL) method. This method allows obtaining concise equations. In order to analyze this structure the complex resonant frequency was determined. The results obtained for this application are presented.
Scientific revealing and firm product pioneering with an emerging fiber optics technology

This article extends research in the resource-based tradition by examining the value of commercial scientific revealing as a mechanism of scientific reputation building affecting product pioneering...
Oxidation of Monosaccharides with Oxygen in Alkaline Solution. Separation, Identification and Estimation of the Aldonic Acids Produced by Liquid Chromatography1,2

Abstract A reliable liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the separation, identification and estimation of the products formed when saccharides are oxidized in alkaline solution with oxygen. The technique was then used to quantitatite the acids produced when glucose is subjected to such an oxidation. The Bio-Rad cationg exchange column HPX-87H+, when eluted with 0.01 N H2SO4 and attached to a UV detector, was found to be satisfactory. Quanitative estimation of the products formed during the oxidation of glucose was achieved by withdrawing aliquots from the reaction mixture and injecting them directly into the chromatographic system. It was found that about 90% of the oxidation products formed were produced via a 1,2-enediol and less than 10% via a 2,3-enediol. The results confirmed the mechanism proposed by Isbell to account for the acids produced.