cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-Resolution Far-Infrared Studies Of Intermediate-Mass Pre-Main-Sequence Objects

We have obtained high-resolution far-infrared maps of nine regions with 10 Herbig Ae/Be stars (intermediate-mass pre-main-sequence stars). Similar maps were obtained for 10 embedded IRAS sources with Sν(100 μm) > Sν(60 μm) and L ~ 200 L☉, which are possible evolutionary precursors of Herbig Ae/Be stars. Single far-infrared sources were found in most maps. The embedded sources have positions in agreement with those of the IRAS PSC, but some of the Herbig Ae/Be stars are offset significantly from the position of peak far-infrared emission. For all objects where it was possible to obtain 100 μm flux densities, they are consistent with those observed by IRAS, but derived 50 μm flux densities are larger than expected. The far-infrared maps reveal that objects in at least 17 of 19 emission regions are significantly extended at the 30''-40'' resolution of the Kuiper Airborne Observatory at 100 μm. Only sources associated with AB Aur and possibly IRAS 05338-0624 have unresolved far-infrared emission. Detailed analyses of the flux densities and positions from our maps suggest the far-infrared emission in regions with Herbig Ae/Be stars may not immediately surround these stars in all cases. Instead, far-infrared emission from these objects may originate from dust heated externally by the Herbig stars, or from dust heated internally by other sources. For other objects arguably surrounded by far-infrared emission, the Herbig stars or embedded IRAS objects have similar mean deconvolved sizes (i.e., 0.10-0.15 pc), but possibly have different mean deconvolved shapes (i.e., aspect ratios). Thus, far-infrared emission here may originate from flattened dust envelopes; the appearance of a far-infrared object as either a Herbig Ae/Be star or an embedded IRAS source may be merely a matter of viewing orientation.
Cerebral hydroxylases: stimulation by a new factor.

Cerebral tryptophan 5-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase are stimulated by a solution of lyophilized, protein-free 30,000g supernatant of brain homogenates (concentrate 1). This preparation can be further purified by passage through Sephadex G-75 and phosphocellulose columns to yield concentrate 2. Unlike concentrate 1, concentrate 2 is unstable after several days of storage even at -27°C. Neither preparation is active without the presence of a reduced pteridine cofactor. The stimulating factor appears to be thermostable, alkali-labile, dialyzable, and light-sensitive.
Relaxation and Decoherence Induced by an External Circuit of a Driven SQUID Flux Qubit

A theory on the dynamics of a driven dissipative multilevel quantum system is applied to investigate relaxation and decoherence induced by an external circuit of a resonantly driven SQUID flux qubit. It is shown that in the case of weak field and weak damping the numerical and analytical results are in excellent agreement. It is also shown that the SQUID qubit can be optimized by varying external circuit parameters.
Bacteriophage P1 Bof protein is an indirect positive effector of transcription of the phage bac-1 ban gene in some circumstances and a direct negative effector in other circumstances.

Previous genetic studies have suggested that the Bof protein of bacteriophage P1 can act as both a negative and a positive regulator of phage gene expression: in bof-1 prophages, the ref gene and a putative phage ssb gene are derepressed, but expression of an operator-semiconstitutive variant of the phage ban gene (bac-1) is markedly reduced. An explanation of this apparent duality is suggested by recent reports that Bof is a corepressor of genes that are regulated by the phage C1 repressor, including the autoregulated c1 gene itself. Here we show, by means of operon fusions to lacZ, that the balance points between Bof-mediated decreases in c1 expression and Bof-mediated increases in C1 efficacy are different among various C1-regulated genes. Thus, expression of Bof by P1 prophages affects some genes (e.g., bac-1 ban) positively, and others (e.g., ref) negatively. Even at bac-1 ban, where the positive indirect effect of Bof is physiologically dominant, Bof can be seen to act as a corepressor if C1 is supplied from a nonautoregulated (ptac-c1) source, eliminating the effect of Bof on C1 synthesis.
Random Host Mutation for Moving Target Defense

Exploiting static configuration of networks and hosts has always been a great advantage for design and launching of decisive attacks. Network reconnaissance of IP addresses and ports is prerequisite to many host and network attacks. At the same time, knowing IP addresses is required for service reachability in IP networks, which makes complete concealment of IP address for servers infeasible. In addition, changing IP addresses too frequently may cause serious ramifications including service interruptions, routing inflation, delays and security violations. In this paper, we present a novel approach that turns end-hosts into untraceable moving targets by transparently mutating their IP addresses in an intelligent and unpredictable fashion and without sacrificing network integrity, manageability or performance. The presented technique is called Random Host Mutation (RHM). In RHM, moving target hosts are assigned virtual IP addresses that change randomly and synchronously in a distributed fashion over time. In order to prevent disruption of active connections, the IP address mutation is managed by network appliances and totally transparent to end-host. RHM employs multi-level optimized mutation techniques that maximize uncertainty in adversary scanning by effectively using the whole available address range, while at the same time minimizing the size of routing tables, and reconfiguration updates. RHM can be transparently deployed on existing networks on end-hosts or network elements. Our analysis, implementation and evaluation show that RHM can effectively defend against stealthy scanning, many types of worm propagation and attacks that require reconnaissance for successful launching. We also show the performance bounds for moving target defense in a practical network setup.
When Is a Cause the “Same”? Coherent Generalization Across Contexts

Two competing psychological approaches to causal learning make different predictions regarding what aspect of perceived causality is generalized across contexts. Two experiments tested these predictions. In one experiment, the task required a judgment regarding the existence of a simple causal relation; in the other, the task required a judgment regarding the existence of an interaction between a candidate cause and unobserved background causes. The task materials did not mention assessments of causal strength. Results indicate that causal power (Cartwright, 1989; Cheng, 1997) is the mental construct that people carry from one context to another.
Digitoxin and its synthetic analog MonoD have potent antiproliferative effects on lung cancer cells and potentiate the effects of hydroxyurea and paclitaxel

Despite significant advances in the understanding of lung cancer biology, the prognosis of cancer patients remains poor. Part of the failure of anticancer therapy is due to intratumoral heterogeneity in these patients that limits the efficacy of single agents. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new anticancer drugs or drug combination regimens that possess increased activity against all cellular subtypes found within the tumor. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antiproliferative activity of the cardiac glycosides (CGs) digitoxin and its synthetic analog MonoD on H460 lung cancer cells grown under different culture conditions. The CGs were tested alone in H460 cells under routine culture as well as in cells growing under short (24-72 h) and prolonged serum starvation (7 days) in order to evaluate the activity of drugs on cancer cells under varied degrees of proliferation. Our results showed that both CGs, and MonoD in particular, have potent antiproliferative activity at clinically relevant concentrations against cells in all the tested culture conditions. In contrast, paclitaxel, hydroxyurea and colchicine were only active in cells growing in routine culture conditions, and relatively inactive in serum-starved conditions. Importantly, both CGs were able to potentiate the effect of clinically relevant concentrations of hydroxyurea or paclitaxel in serum-starved conditions. When paclitaxel was used in combination with CGs, the highest antiproliferative effect was obtained when paclitaxel was administered first, followed by either digitoxin or MonoD. Our results indicate that CGs have potential clinical applications in translational oncology especially in combination with other drugs, and warrants further investigation of CGs in more advanced preclinical models of lung cancer.
Electromagnetically-Induced Transparency in a high aspect ratio magneto-optical trap

We have detected electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) in a cigar-shaped MOT. The asymmetric shape of probe absorption as a function of frequency is consistent with enhancement of optical depth due to wave guiding of the probe.
Nerve Growth Factor Stimulates the Accumulation of β1 Integrin at the Tips of Filopodia in the Growth Cones of Sympathetic Neurons

Addition of nerve growth factor (NGF) to sympathetic neurons that have been starved of it causes a rapid induction of growth cone motility and the resumption of neurite growth. Using immunofluorescence staining, we show that within 10 min, NGF stimulated the accumulation of dense aggregates of β1 integrin [a receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins] at most of the tips of either newly extended or preexisting filopodia. This effect occurred in the absence of ECM proteins and in the presence of 1 mg/ml Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide, which blocks ECM binding to integrin, indicating that occupation of the integrin receptor is not necessary for tip localization. In fact, addition of either laminin or fibronectin caused a rapid withdrawal of β1 integrin aggregates from filopodial tips at a rate comparable to that of the rearward flow of actin filaments in the periphery of the growth cone. Surface labeling of the extracellular domain of β1 integrin while aggregated at the tips of filopodia or withdrawing in response to ECM proteins showed that the receptor is positioned within the membrane. The drug butanedione monoxime, an inhibitor of myosins, blocked the accumulation of β1 integrin at the tips of filopodia without inhibiting the formation of filo-podia, suggesting the involvement of a myosin motor in β1 integrin transport. These results provide the first evidence of NGF-mediated accumulation of ECM receptors to sensory elements of the growth cone and suggest one mechanism whereby soluble and substrate-bound cues coordinate to produce directed neurite growth.
Does breakfast make a difference in school

Abstract This article reviews selectively the literature on the effects of breakfast on cognition and school performance. The focus is on studies published in refereed journals after 1978 that tested those effects on well-nourished and nutritionally at-risk children. In at-risk subjects (defined by clinical history and anthropometry), a morning and overnight fast had adverse effects on cognition, particularly the speed of information retrieval in working memory. Contradictions in the data from different studies prevent definitive conclusions on whether well-nourished children experience similar functional deficits. Nonetheless, available information suggests that brain function is sensitive to short-term variations in the availability of nutrient supplies. Moreover, well-conducted evaluations suggest that the availability of feeding programs in public schools throughout the academic year increases the probability that children will eat breakfast and improve their educational status. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95: 1134-1139.
Knowledge diffusion from MNC R&D labs in developing countries: evidence from interaction between MNC R&D labs and local universities in Beijing

With intensive field research in Beijing, this paper investigates the interaction pattern between MNC R&D labs and one important actor in local innovation system – local universities. It further explores whether knowledge diffusion occurs along with the interactions. The empirical findings show that MNC R&D labs actively interact with local universities in Beijing through five different models: pure image-building, outsourcing model, sponsored research model, internship and training programs, and the joint lab model. In-depth analysis of these models based on the interviews and two case studies demonstrates that the joint lab model is the most efficient channel of knowledge diffusion for transferring both codified knowledge and tacit knowledge, which can contribute to local innovation capacity in the long run.
The Blood-Brain Barrier/Neurovascular Unit in Health and Disease

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the regulated interface between the peripheral circulation and the central nervous system (CNS). Although originally observed by Paul Ehrlich in 1885, the nature of the BBB was debated well into the 20th century. The anatomical substrate of the BBB is the cerebral microvascular endothelium, which, together with astrocytes, pericytes, neurons, and the extracellular matrix, constitute a "neurovascular unit" that is essential for the health and function of the CNS. Tight junctions (TJ) between endothelial cells of the BBB restrict paracellular diffusion of water-soluble substances from blood to brain. The TJ is an intricate complex of transmembrane (junctional adhesion molecule-1, occludin, and claudins) and cytoplasmic (zonula occludens-1 and -2, cingulin, AF-6, and 7H6) proteins linked to the actin cytoskeleton. The expression and subcellular localization of TJ proteins are modulated by several intrinsic signaling pathways, including those involving calcium, phosphorylation, and G-proteins. Disruption of BBB TJ by disease or drugs can lead to impaired BBB function and thus compromise the CNS. Therefore, understanding how BBB TJ might be affected by various factors holds significant promise for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases.
Lactose Preenrichment Versus Direct Enrichment for Recovering Salmonella from Deep-Chilled Broilers and Frozen Meat Products

Abstract Each of 160 processed broiler carcass halves was inoculated with 30 cells of one of the following marker organisms which were Salmonella serotypes: S. California, S. montevideo, S. senftenberg, and S. typhimurium. The carcasses were individually bagged, placed in a blast freezer (−40 C) until the internal breast temperature reached −2 C, and stored at −2 C for 30 days. Carcass-halves were then sampled by either a preenrichment procedure (lactose broth) or by a shorter direct enrichment (selenite cystine broth) procedure. The marker organisms were detected on 73 of 79 inoculated carcass-halves when preenrichment was used, and on 79 of 80 when sampling was by direct enrichment. Recoveries were also good when whole carcasses inoculated with either 20 cells of S. heidelberg or S. senftenberg were stored for 3 and 6 months at −23 C. Twenty cells of S. heidelberg or S. senftenberg were frozen at −23 C for 2 and 4 weeks in tubes of phosphate buffer of 1% sodium citrate. S. heidelberg was recovered from 27 of 40 phosphate samples and 2 of 40 sodium citrate samples. S. senftenberg was not recovered from any of the 80 tubes inoculated. When 20 cells of S. heidelberg or S. senftenberg were inoculated into two nonselective growth media (nutrient broth and 1% peptone broth) then frozen for 2 and 4 weeks at −23 C, S. senftenberg was not recovered from any of the 80 tubes, whereas S. heidelberg was recovered from 5 of 40 nutrient broth tubes and 6 of 40 peptone tubes. Sixty samples (20 g each) of comminuted chicken, of ground beef, and of pork sausage (total of 60 samples) were also inoculated with 20 cells of either S. heidelberg or S. senftenberg, then held for 2 and 4 weeks at −23 C. The marker organisms were recovered from all samples by both preenrichment and direct enrichment procedures. The simpler direct enrichment procedure was therefore adequate for detecting low levels of salmonellae and required 24 hr less assay time than the preenrichment procedure.
Impairment of perception by positive and negative affect

Abstract This study examined the perceptibility of affectively charged words. It was hypothesised that the affect elicited via preattentive processing of an impinging word amplifies subsequent, attentive processing. According to this hypothesis, the affect should impair the veridical perception when the word is presented in an extremely impoverished manner and, as a consequence, attentive processing is likely to be misdirected to an irrelevant perceptual code. In Experiment 1, 52 subjects were shown an affectively positive, negative, or neutral target word (128 words in total) with an extremely diminished contrast for 100, 150, or 200msec. They then chose, from a pair of equivalently valenced words, the one presented. As predicted, choice accuracy was lower for both affectively positive and negative words than for neutral words in all the three exposure time conditions. In further support of the current analysis, Experiment 2 showed that once the stimulus contrast was increased, the accuracy was no worse ...
Growth Phase-Dependent Regulation and Stringent Control of fis Are Conserved Processes in Enteric Bacteria and Involve a Single Promoter (fis P) in Escherichia coli

The intracellular concentration of the Escherichia coli factor for inversion stimulation (Fis), a global regulator of transcription and a facilitator of certain site-specific DNA recombination events, varies substantially in response to changes in the nutritional environment and growth phase. Under conditions of nutritional upshift, fis is transiently expressed at very high levels, whereas under induced starvation conditions, fis is repressed by stringent control. We show that both of these regulatory processes operate on the chromosomal fis genes of the enterobacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Erwinia carotovora, and Proteus vulgaris, strongly suggesting that the physiological role of Fis is closely tied to its transcriptional regulation in response to the nutritional environment. These transcriptional regulatory processes were previously shown to involve a single promoter (fis P) preceding the fis operon in E. coli. Recent work challenged this notion by presenting evidence from primer extension assays which appeared to indicate that there are multiple promoters upstream of fis P that contribute significantly to the expression and regulation of fis in E. coli. Thus, a rigorous analysis of the fis promoter region was conducted to assess the contribution of such additional promoters. However, our data from primer extension analysis, S1 nuclease mapping, β-galactosidase assays, and in vitro transcription analysis all indicate that fis P is the sole E. coli fis promoter in vivo and in vitro. We further show how certain conditions used in the primer extension reactions can generate artifacts resulting from secondary annealing events that are the likely source of incorrect assignment of additional fis promoters.
Comparison of three microsatellite analysis methods for detecting genetic diversity in Phytophthora sojae (Stramenopila: Oomycete).

Analysis of an organism's genetic diver- sity requires a method that gives reliable, reproduc- ible results. Microsatellites are robust markers, however, detection of allele sizes can be difficult with some systems as well as consistency among laboratories. In this study, our two laboratories used 219 isolates of Phytophthora sojae to compare three microsatellite methods. Two capillary electrophoresis methods, the Applied Biosystems 3730 Genetic Analyzer and the CEQ 8000 Genetic Analysis system, detected an average of 2.4-fold more alleles compared to gel electrophoresis with a mean of 8.8 and 3.6 alleles per locus using capillary and gel methods, respectively. The two capillary methods were comparable, although allele sizes differed consistently by an average of 3.2 bp across isolates. Differences between capillary methods could be overcome if reference standard DNA genotypes are shared between collaborating laboratories.
Persistent Surveillance Using Multiple Unmanned Air Vehicles

Search and exploration using multiple autonomous sensing platforms has been extensively studied in the fields of controls and artificial intelligence. The task of persistent surveillance is different from a coverage or exploration problem, in that the target area needs to be continuously searched, minimizing the time between visitations to the same region. This difference does not allow a straightforward application of most exploration techniques to the problem, although ideas from these methods can still be used. In this research we investigate techniques that are scalable, reliable, efficient, and robust to problem dynamics. These are tested in a multiple unmanned air vehicle (UAV) simulation environment, developed for this program. A semi-heuristic control policy for a single UAV is extended to the case of multiple UAVs using two methods. One is an extension of a reactive policy for a single UAV and the other involves allocation of sub-regions to individual UAVs for parallel exploration. An optimal assignment procedure (based on auction algorithms) has also been developed for this purpose. A comparison is made between the two approaches and a simplified optimal result. The reactive policy is found to exhibit an interesting emergent behavior as the number of UAVs becomes large. The control policy derived for a single UAV is modified to account for actual aircraft dynamics (a 3 degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamics simulation is used for this purpose) and improvements in performance are observed. Finally, we draw conclusions about the utility and efficiency of these techniques.
Efficient Routing Algorithms for Multi-Channel Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks

This paper addresses the problem of spectrum-aware data-adaptive routing in multi-channel, single-radio (MC-SR) multi-hop dynamic spectrum access (DSA) networks. We develop a scalable and simple to implement data-adaptive routing scheme that routes varied amounts of data from a given source to a destination through fast routes. For a given amount of data, our routing scheme takes into account the capacity (per unit of time) of the links, the available spectrum, the link disruption probabilities as well as the link propagation time between nodes. We model our routing problem as a combinatorial optimization task with two objectives. Our solution methodology generates Pareto optimal paths in polynomial time as there do not exist paths in general which optimize both objectives simultaneously. We generalize our routing method for broadcasting and multicasting scenarios. To the best of our knowledge this work is the first analytical treatment of the problem of spectrum-aware routing in DSA networks.
The Impact of a Videogame-Based Pilot Physical Activity Program in Older Adults with Schizophrenia on Subjectively and Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Objectives: The purpose of this report is to describe the impact of a videogame-based pilot physical activity program using the Kinect for Xbox 360 game system (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) on physical activity in older adults with schizophrenia. Methods: In this one group pretest posttest pilot study, twenty participants played an active videogame for 30 minutes, once a week for 6 weeks. Physical activity was measured by self-report with the Yale Physical Activity Survey and objectively with the Sensewear Pro armband at enrollment and at the end of the 6-week program. Results: There was a significant increase in frequency of self-reported vigorous physical activity. We did not detect a statistically significant difference in objectively measured physical activity although increase in number of steps and sedentary activity were in the desired direction. Conclusions: These results suggest participants’ perception of physical activity intensity differs from the intensity objectively captured with a valid and reliable physical activity monitor.
Ontogeny of GH mRNA and GH secretion in male and female rats : regulation by GH-releasing hormone

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) has been shown in vitro to increase proliferation of pituitary somatotrophs, to increase transcription of the GH gene, to promote accumulation of GH mRNA, and to stimulate GH release. The in vivo involvement of hypothalamic GHRH in regulating GH mRNA content had never been clearly documented. We studied pituitary GH mRNA and GH contents and serum concentrations of GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in rats of both sexes during pubertal growth spurt and investigated the effects of GHRH deficiency (brought about by neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate, MSG) and exogenous GHRH administration on these parameters. In both sexes, GH mRNA content increased three- to fourfold between 4 and 12 wk of life and declined thereafter toward 33 wk of life. This was accompanied by virtually parallel changes in pituitary GH content and in serum IGF-I. Neonatal MSG abolished the pubertal increases in GH mRNA, pituitary GH, and serum IGF-I and severely impaired growth rate. Exogenous GHRH (25 micrograms/kg sc every 8 h for 7 days) given to intact animals between 6 and 7 wk of life significantly augmented pituitary GH mRNA content but was less effective in MSG-treated rats. We conclude that 1) pubertal growth spurt in both sexes is associated with rising pituitary GH mRNA content; 2) GHRH deficiency abolishes the puberty-associated increase in GH synthesis and secretion and attenuates somatic growth rate; and 3) exogenous GHRH augments GH mRNA content. Thus puberty-associated augmentation of GHRH secretion is an important mechanism of somatic growth.
Genotypic Differences in Behavioral, Physiological and Anatomical Expressions of Age-Related Hearing Loss in the Laboratory Mouse: Original Papers Travaux originaux

The auditory nerve isoelectric thresholds, in response to tone pips ranging from 5 to 20 kHz, are similar in the young C57BL/6 and CBA/J mice, although the latter genotype has somewhat more sensitive responses from 30 to 80 kHz. But their behavioral audiograms, obtained by the classical conditioning technique of Ehret, are very discrepant. Even though the behavioral audiogram of the CBA/J mouse can be predicted by measurements from its auditory nerve, the behavioral thresholds of the young C57BL/6 mouse are approximately 40 dB less sensitive than its electrophysiological measurements. Cochlear hair cell loss was not evident in young mice of either genotype. As the CBA/J approaches the end of its predicted life span, its auditory anatomy, physiology and behavior are not significantly altered; but those rare individuals who exceed their predicted life span by 40% finally develop hearing loss of a mixed nature. By contrast, the C57BL/6 mouse shows a relatively rapid decline of hearing as it ages. By 200 days...
Think Tanks: Educator Forum Highlights

The following is a brief review of selected topics discussed on the NATA Think Tank Educator Forum. Only NATA members can access the archived messages and discussions. To view this forum, go to http://forum.nata.org/thinktanks (login required).
Principles and Applications of Combinatorial Electrochemistry

Over the past decade, the combinatorial approach has received much attention as a powerful tool for simultaneously studying large numbers of parallel experiments, and its applications have been widely extended to DNA recognition [1], antibody research [2], drug discovery [3], chemical syntheses [4, 5, 6], and material discovery [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]. Combinatorial methods have been applied to almost every part of science and technology, and greatly accelerated research and development. Combinatorial methods were first used in electrochemistry research in 1998 when Reddington et al. [14] created a 645-member electrocatalyst array on a conductive carbon substrate and electrochemically studied the samples under constant potential. The catalyst activity was identified at each spot of the array by an optical screening method with a fluorescent acid-base indicator.
Rapid reversal of the effects of the portal signal under hyperinsulinemic conditions in the conscious dog

Experiments were performed on two groups of 42-h-fasted conscious dogs (n = 6/group). Somatostatin was given peripherally with insulin (4-fold basal) and glucagon (basal) intraportally. In the firs...
Pattern Technologies for Structuring Neuronal Networks on MEAs

Much progress has been made over the past several centuries regarding the understanding of the human central nervous system. This progress has taken us from knowing the brain as a functionally homogeneous organ to one with interconnected networks of specialized neurons. The initiating study was conducted by Broca who examined a patient with a left-sided posterior frontal lobe lesion which resulted in dysphasia. Broca concluded that the ability to generate coherent speech resided in the dominant posterior frontal lobe and theorized that distinct regions of the brain functioned uniquely. This theory was further developed by Wernicke who speculated that distinct regions of the brain intercommunicated to achieve the observed complex human behavior. Findings from both electrical stimulation and seizure studies support this theory as motor and sensory functions can be localized to specific regions of the brain (Kandel et al., 2000). These experiments provided the foundation for the interconnected network theory, the details of which are being expounded daily by the numerous functional imaging studies reported in the literature (Kandel et al., 2000). Although the progress in understanding the regional interaction between brain regions has been exceptional, the detailed understanding of the neuronal firing patterns, either in aggregate as in electroencephalography (EEG) or in simultaneous multi-site monitoring as in cortical probes, is desirable. The advantage of understanding the patterns lies in the ability to diagnose diseased states or in cognitive control of exogenous actuators such as robotic arms or input devices to computers (Kandel et al., 2000; Nicolelis, 2001). Diagnosis of seizures is usually confirmed when third-person observation provides suitable symptoms such as absence, tonic or clonic muscular activities, and loss of consciousness, but EEGs can be diagnostic when proper neuronal activities are detected (Kandel et al., 2000). On the other hand, neuronal firing patterns can be harvested to control electronic gadgets as experiments with trained monkeys have shown (Carmena et al., 2003). Thus, knowledge of the patterns of neuronal firing can allow one to decode and predict the state of an organism’s neurological function.
Path integral Monte Carlo calculations of4He and6Li

We have performed Monte Carlo calculations to estimate the exact energies of model problems for4He and theL=0,1, and 2 states of6Li. Using a Feynman path-integral expression for the imaginary-time evolution operator, we recast the ground state energy as a sum over histories, which are then sampled stochastically. Use of a trial wave function dramatically improves the efficiency of the Monte Carlo method. For a state-independent Malfliet-Tjon potential, together with the Coulomb interaction, we find a ground state energy of −28.00+0.20 MeV for4He, and a degeneracy of theL=0,1, and 2 states in6Li at about −59.65+-0.50 MeV. Density distributions for these nuclei are also calculated.
Alteration in myocardial prostaglandin D synthase expression in pressure overload-induced left ventricular remodeling in rats.

We hypothesized that acute pharmacological blockade of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) using nimesulide (Nime) would prevent maladaptive changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function secondary to abdominal aortic coarctation-induced pressure overload (PO). In vivo LV chamber dimension and function were assessed by pressure/volume admittance catheter at 14 days' postsurgery in three groups (n ≥ 6/group): sham-operated (Sham); untreated PO; and selective COX-2 inhibitor nimesulide-treated PO (PO + Nime; 25 mg/kg/d). Treatment was initiated 24 h prior to surgical induction of PO. Relative to Sham, there was a marked increase in LV mass index in the PO groups (2.2 ± 0.01 mg/g versus 2.9 ± 0.10 mg/g Sham versus PO, PO+Nime: 2.5 ± 0.03 mg/g). End diastolic volume, an indicator of chamber size, was significantly decreased in the PO animals compared with Sham (202 ± 17μL versus 143 ± 16 μL Sham versus PO, PO + Nime: 226 ± 9 μL). Collagen levels in PO rats assessed by hydroxyproline analysis were significantly ...
Food and Waterborne Disease in the Greater New York City Area Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012

Objective We aimed to evaluate residence in evacuation areas (storm areas) as a risk factor for food and waterborne disease (FWBD) associated with Hurricane Sandy flooding. Methods We captured 9601 incident outpatient and inpatient FWBD hospital discharge diagnoses for residents of the greater New York City area. We used Poisson or negative binomial regression models to compare the covariate-adjusted risk for a FWBD diagnosis, pre-Sandy (10/28-11/09, 2001-2011) vs. post-Sandy (10/28-11/09, 2012), for residents of “storm” and “non-storm” areas. Results Outpatient FWBD risk was lower for storm area residents after Hurricane Sandy (risk ratio [RR]=0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.74), and varied by age, sex, and county. However, storm area residents 65 years of age or older experienced higher risk after Hurricane Sandy (RR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.11-4.19), albeit based on few cases. Inpatient FWBD risk was lower for non-storm area residents after Hurricane Sandy (RR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.95), and varied by age, race, and county, although there was no significant change for storm area residents (RR=0.86, 95% CI: 0.69-1.08). Those ≥65 years of age were also at lower risk for inpatient FWBD diagnosis, yet the effect was weaker for storm area (RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.67-1.18) than for non-storm area residents (RR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.89). Conclusions Hurricane preparation, mitigation, and response activities in the greater New York City area may have led to “protective” effects for FWBD. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:503–511)
Remodeling of tannic acid crosslinked collagen type I induces apoptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells

Background The naturally-occurring phytochemical tannic acid (TA) has anticancer properties. We have demonstrated that estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells are more sensitive to effects of TA than triple-negative breast cancer cells and normal breast epithelial cells. In the present study, cells were grown on TA-crosslinked collagen beads. Growing cells remodel collagen and release TA, which affects attached cells. Materials and methods The ER+ breast cancer cell line MCF7 and the normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A were grown on TA-crosslinked collagen beads in roller bottles. Concentrations of TA in conditioned media were determined. Induced apoptosis was imaged and quantified. Caspase gene expression was calculated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Both cell lines attached and grew on TA-crosslinked collagen beads where they remodeled collagen and released TA into surrounding medium. Released TA induced caspase-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion TA induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner, with ER+ MCF7 cells displaying more sensitivity to effects of TA.
A Nodal Method for Transient Analysis of Multigroup Neutron Diffusion

The purpose of the nodal model developed is to analyze the fast transient behavior of the reactor cores on the basis of time dependent multigroup neutron diffusion equation and precursor density equations given below. Although the current form of the model, which analyzes the transient behavior in one dimension without introducing the affects of the any feedback mechanisms such as temperature and Doppler affects, it is useful for gaining experience for further development of the model.
Quantitative Analysis of Boron in Co-Cultures of Human Glioblastoma T98G Cells and Normal Cell Lines within the Same Field of View of Ion Microscopy Imaging

Compounds newly designed for use as therapeutic boron delivery agents in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) of cancer need to be examined not only for their subcellular localization characteristics in tumor cells, but also for their selectivity for tumor versus normal cells. This information on selectivity is especially critical for compounds designed to deliver boron specifically to tumor cells by targeting receptor sites on tumor cells, such as epidermal growth factor receptors. Strict cryogenic sample preparation, which preserves the native chemical and morphological makeup of the cell, permits a potentially powerful method for obtaining this information: tumor and normal cell lines can be mixed together and co-cultured in vitro, identified optically after cryogenic sample preparation based on their distinctive morphologies, and simultaneously and quantitatively analyzed for boron in the same ion microscopic field of view. Ion microscopy, based on secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), provides visual images of isotopic distributions from H to U in a one-to-one relation to cell morphology with a spatial resolution of 0.5 µm and sensitivities in the ppm to ppb range.1,2 In the present study, we have employed ion microscopy to examine the feasibility of using mixed cultures by examining the subcellular distribution of boron from BPA-F and BSH in mixed cultures of the T98G human glioblastoma cell line, a tumor cell line derived from a human glioblastoma multiforme tumor, with two different normal cell lines—LLC-PK1 porcine kidney epithelial cells and GM3448 human skin fibroblasts.
The Thermodynamic Properties of Oxygen from 20° to 100°K

This paper presents a consistent set* of thermodynamic properties for oxygen from 100°K to a temperature at which the vapor pressure of the solid is about 10-6 mm Hg. Published experimental data were used to compute the vapor pressure and heats of vaporization and sublimation at 2° intervals over the temperature range 20° to 100°K, and enthalpy and entropy for the saturated condensed phase, the two-phase region, and the superheated region at 2° Intervals over the range 30° to 100°K. These calculated values were used to construct a temperature-entropy diagram having lines of constant enthalpy H, constant pressure P, constant volume V, and constant quality x. A similar thermodynamic diagram has been reported earlier for parahydrogen[2,3].
Formation and Dehydration Enthalpy of Potassium Hexaniobate

The formation energetics of hydrous and dehydrated potassium hexaniobates are investigated using high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The enthalpies of formation of K4Nb6O17 and K4Nb6O17•3H2O from oxides are (–864.42 ± 10.63) and (–899.32 ± 11.48) kJ/mol, respectively. The formation enthalpy of K4Nb6O17 from elements is (–7289.64 ± 12.50) kJ/mol, and of K4Nb6O17•3H2O is (–8181.94 ± 13.24) kJ/mol. The enthalpy of dehydration (ΔHdehy) for the reaction K4Nb6O173H2O (xl, 25 °C) = K4Nb6O17 (xl, 25 °C) + 3H2O (l, 25 °C) is endothermic and is 34.60 ± 7.56 kJ/mol. The ΔHdehy per mole of water, 11.53 ± 2.52 kJ/mol, indicates the water molecules in K4Nb6O17•3H2O are not just physically adsorbed, but loosely bonded in the K4Nb6O17 phase, presumably in specific interlayer sites. As a result, the loss of this water near 100 °C on heating is consistent with the weak bonding of water.
Computed torque control of fully-actuated nondeterministic multibody systems

Multibody dynamics plays a key role in the modeling, simulation, design, and control of many engineering problems. The dynamics of these complex systems can be highly sensitive to uncertainty. In this paper, the method of Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) is extended and integrated with Computed Control Torque Law (CTCL) to model and control fully-actuated nondeterministic multibody systems. PCE provides an efficient mathematical formulation to introduce and propagate uncertainty through the system’s dynamics by compactly projecting each stochastic response output and random input onto a space of appropriate independent orthogonal polynomial base functions. In this paper, a new mathematical formulation is further generated to express CTCL in the PCE scheme. The PCE-based CTCL presented is able to overcome the system’s nonlinearities by using feedback linearization to evaluate generalized driving forces, thus making the nondeterministic multibody system follow the desired trajectory. Herein, this method is applied to control a fully-actuated four-degree-of-freedom Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) with multiple uncertainties in the system parameters. The comparison between the time efficiency and accuracy of the PCE-based CTCL and the traditional Monte Carlo method indicates that PCE can provide the desired accuracy in a more time effective manner for some engineering problems.
Effects of Propranolol on Social Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (S18.002)

OBJECTIVE: Examine the effects of single doses of propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist, on social functioning in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). BACKGROUND: Many current pharmacologic treatments for ASD target psychiatric symptoms such as agitation, and repetitive and obsessive behaviors. Few target core symptomatology such as social functioning. Individuals with ASD report greater generalized anxiety and social anxiety, which may contribute to difficulties in social situations. Therefore, it may be possible to increase sociability in ASD by pharmacologically reducing anxiety. One promising agent is propranolol, a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist with known anxiolytic effects. Propranolol blocks the noradrenergically-mediated sympathetic response, leading to reductions in perceived stress and anxiety, which may lead to enhanced sociability in ASD. One case study found that propranolol reduced aggression and increased speech and sociability, which the authors attributed to reduced hyperarousal. Previous research from our laboratory found that single doses of propranolol resulted in significant improvements in verbal problem solving and semantic verbal fluency in ASD. Given these findings, we wished to investigate the effects of propranolol on social functioning in ASD. DESIGN/METHODS: Participants were administered 40mg propranolol or placebo in a double-blinded, counterbalanced manner. After one-hour, the General Social Outcomes Measure (GSOM) was administered, a semi-structured assessment of social functioning for the following domains of social functioning during a conversation with the researcher: staying on topic, sharing information, reciprocity, transitions/interruptions, nonverbal communication, and eye contact. RESULTS: In an initial sample of participants from this ongoing study, significantly better performance on the GSOM was found for the propranolol condition relative to the placebo condition. CONCLUSIONS: These initial results suggest propranolol may increase general social functioning in individuals with ASD. Subsequent work will determine whether participants with the greatest psychophysical indices of arousal will be the best responders. Having this knowledge will help guide future clinical trials, and ultimately treatments for ASD. Supported by: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) R40MC19926. Disclosure: Dr. Beversdorf has received research support from Seaside Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Ferguson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reznicek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lewis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Christ has received personal compensation for activities with BioMarin Pharmaceutical as a consultant. Dr. Christ has received research support from BioMarin Pharmaceutical. Dr. Stichter has nothing to disclose.
Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease involving degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons leading to muscle spasticity, hyperreflexia, atrophy and weakness. Muscles crucial for normal swallowing and respiratory function are impacted resulting in sensorimotor impairments, specifically dysphagia and dystussia in these individuals. Current interventions consist of symptom management, including feeding tube placement, compensatory swallowing strategies, and dietary modifications. Although exercise has historically been contraindicated, preliminary evidence in animal and human research indicate potential benefits of early intervention, mild-moderate intensity exercise to preserve bulbar function for as long as possible. Additional research is warranted to identify efficacious treatment regimens to maintain and improve swallowing and respiratory function in individuals with ALS.
THE PRECERAMIC POLYMER ROUTE TO SILICON-CONTAINING CERAMICS

Silicon-containing ceramics include the oxide materials, silica and the silicates; the binary compounds of silicon with non-metals, principally silicon carbide and silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride and the sialons; main group and transition metal silicides, and, finally, elemental silicon itself. While there is vigorous research activity throughout the world on the preparation of all of these classes of solid silicon compounds by the newer preparative techniques, in this report we will focus our attention on silicon carbide and silicon nitride.
Improved direct transformation via particle bombardment of split-immature embryo explants in soybean (Glycine max)

An improved direct transformation method via particle bombardment of split-immature zygotic embryo explants with intact embryonic axis is reported. This method involves abiotic stress (cold treatment and plasmolysis) treatments of explants prepared from immature embryos of 8–10 mm size for improved somatic embryogeneis. Transgenic events were produced using optimized bombardment conditions and selection with hygromycin or glufosinate. Transgenic somatic embryos developed within as little as 4 weeks after bombardment of explants. Transgenic plants were regenerated 4–5 months after bombardment and the entire process from bombardment to T1 seed production took 7–9 months. Plants regenerated from the system were fertile and showed more than 90% heritability of the transgene to the next generation. Transformation frequencies of 5.4 and 2.7% (based on the number of bombarded split-immature embryo explants) were observed with hygromycin and glufosinate selection, respectively.
Growth Factor and Receptor Messenger RNA Production in Human Lacrimal Gland Tissue

The lacrimal gland produces the complex aqueous portion of the tear film which contains numerous components, including many proteins that arc discussed in other chapters of this proceedings. The components of this tear film are essential for maintaining a healthy ocular surface that is needed to provide the optical quality necessary for optimal visual function. The primary interest in our laboratory has been the production of growth factors, cytokines, and receptors in human lacrimal tissue and how the production of these modulators relates to the maintenance of the ocular surface and to corneal wound healing.1 The direction of our work has been to initially identify the different modulators that are produced in lacrimal tissue as a prelude to the more difficult task of determining their functions in the lacrimal tissue and at the ocular surface. The method that we have used to begin this task has been to apply the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, with a blotting technique to demonstrate the specificity of the amplified products, in order to provide evidence that a particular modulator or receptor may be produced in the lacrimal tissue. Prior to detailing the specific results obtained in our laboratory, as well as the work of others, it is important to point out the limitations of our method and other methods that have been applied to this difficult problem.