cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep Problems in 2- to 5-Year-Olds With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Delays

BACKGROUND: Sleep problems can impact daytime behavior, quality of life, and overall health. We compared sleep habits in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays and disorders and in children from the general population (POP). METHODS: We included 2- to 5-year-old children whose parent completed all items on the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) in a multisite case-control study: 522 children with ASD; 228 children with other developmental delays and disorders with autism spectrum disorder characteristics (DD w/ASD); 534 children with other developmental delays and disorders without autism spectrum disorder characteristics (DD w/o ASD); and 703 POP. Multivariable analysis of variance compared CSHQ mean total score (TS) and subscale scores between groups. Logistic regression analysis examined group differences by using TS cutoffs of 41 and 48. Analyses were adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: Mean CSHQ TS for children in each group: ASD (48.5); DD w/ASD (50.4); DD w/o ASD (44.4); and POP (43.3). Differences between children with ASD and both children with DD w/o ASD and POP were statistically significant. Using a TS cutoff of 48, the proportion of children with sleep problems was significantly higher in children in the ASD group versus DD w/o ASD and POP groups (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.12 [1.57 to 2.87] and 2.37 [1.75 to 3.22], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep problems are more than twice as common in young children with ASD and DD w/ASD. Screening for sleep problems is important in young children to facilitate provision of appropriate interventions.
Impacts of Sub-lethal DDT Exposures on microRNA and Putative Target Transcript Expression in DDT Resistant and Susceptible Drosophila melanogaster Strains

Ten constitutively differentially expressed miRNAs were previously described between DDT-resistant 91-R and -susceptible control Drosophila melanogaster strains, and among their predicted target genes were those associated with metabolic DDT resistance mechanisms. The present study evaluated the inducibility of miRNA expression and putative downstream regulation of cytochrome P450s in response to DDT exposure in a time-dependent manner in 91-R and the susceptible Canton-S strain. Specifically, RT-qPCR analysis showed that DDT exposures led to the significant down-regulation (repression) of miR-310-3p, miR-311-3p, miR-312-3p, miR-313-3p, and miR-92a-3p levels in Canton-S. This is contrasted with the lack of significant changes in 91-R at most time-points following DDT exposure. The levels of expression among miRNAs exhibited opposite expression patterns compared to their corresponding putative target cytochrome P450s at the same time points after DDT exposure. Collectively, results from this study suggest that miR-310-3p, miR-311-3p, miR-312-3p, miR-313-3p, and miR-92a-3p might have a potential role in the control of DDT detoxification through the post-transcriptional regulation of target cytochrome P450s in Canton-S. Conversely, the lack of significant changes of these same miRNAs in 91-R following DDT-exposure suggests a possible adaptive mutation that removes repressive control mechanisms. These data are important for the understanding impact of adaptive changes in miRNA expression on post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism involved in the evolution of DDT resistance in 91-R.
Acting by a deadline: The interplay between deadline distance and movement induced goals

Abstract Human awareness of the passing of time leads to psychological processes designed to handle these inherent temporal limitations. Deadlines serve to energize desired courses of action and are likely to exert effects by leveraging general goals. Movement (e.g., walking, running) and stasis (e.g., standing, sitting), for example, may elicit general action and inaction goals that affect unrelated, time-constrained decisions. Across one field experiment and three lab experiments, prior movement or control conditions (vs. stasis) were associated with general action goals, which in turn had the perceived motivational fit with a behavior with a close deadline. As a result, movement or control conditions (vs. stasis) produced a higher probability of enacting behaviors (e.g., redemption of a coupon, intention to receive a vaccine) by a close deadline.
La Insatisfacción y la Implicación Motivan el Cambio Conceptual en una Búsqueda Naturalista de Internet sobre el VPH

Introduction. Although studies of peoples’ knowledge and beliefs about Human Papillomavirus have provided good information to the medical community, few, if any, have addressed how young people construct an understanding of the virus in realistic contexts. This is problematic because increasingly people are turning to the internet for health information before talking with doctors. To address this gap in the literature, we asked participants to conduct an unguided internet search for information about human papillomavirus. Method. We designed a longitudinal study based on the Conceptual Restructuring of Knowledge Model (CRKM), a cognitive model for conceptual change. Using multiple statistical techniques, we found evidence for key characteristics of the CRKM, including the role of dissatisfaction and engagement during conceptual change. Results. Using multiple statistical techniques, we found evidence for key characteristics of the CRKM, including the role of dissatisfaction and engagement during conceptual change. Additionally, although average performance on the knowledge assessment increased by 32%, we found that important misconceptions regarding HPV were persistent after the search. Discussion and Conclusion. Misconceptions appear to stem from participants failing to alter their knowledge structures regarding the mechanisms of transmission, the diversity of HPV genotypes, and the relationship between virus genotypes and the effect a virus has on its host.
Transport Regulated Electrochemical Reactions in Polyimide Films

A film of ODA/PMDA polyimide can accept electrons from a cathode in a conventional electrochemical cell. When metal ions, such as Ag+, are included in the electrolyte solution, these can permeate into the film where they are reduced via the polymer to submicron metal particles. Under suitable conditions the deposition process can be controlled to produce a continuous metal interlayer embedded within the polymer. The thickness and position of this interlayer may be controlled with great precision and high resolution patterns can be made.
Chapter 10 – Adenosine Metabolism

Adenosine is a neuromodulator that plays a role in energy metabolism, cellular communication, and DNA methylation. Purinergic signaling can be carried out by two different families of receptors: adenosine (P1) and nucleotide (P2X and P2Y) receptors. Levels of available adenosine in the brain are regulated by various metabolic enzymes, including adenosine kinase (ADK), 5ʹ-nucleotidase (5ʹ-NT), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). Expression levels of these proteins, however, are altered in epileptic tissue. For example, ADK expression is upregulated, resulting in faster metabolism and clearance of adenosine. Adenosine can modulate neuronal activity and exhibits natural antiepileptic effects through its activation of A1 receptors. A reduction in A1 receptor expression, however, is commonly found in epileptic tissue. The combination of these changes diminish the natural anticonvulsant ability of adenosine. Changes in purinergic signaling and metabolism in epilepsy as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting and altering adenosine metabolism will be discussed.
Full-Color MicroLEDs for Display Technologies

Red, green, and blue InGaN/AlGaN nanowire micro-light-emitting diodes (μLEDs) grown on a silicon substrate by molecular beam epitaxy with diameters from 20 to 100μm present stable emissions in the visible spectra, promising for microLED displays.
IgG4-negative pituitary inflammatory pseudotumor with sphenoidal involvement resembling a macroadenoma.

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPTs) are rare benign conditions of unknown etiology that can affect any part of the body. IPTs are most commonly associated with Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease...
Open problems in queueing theory inspired by datacenter computing

Datacenter operations today provide a plethora of new queueing and scheduling problems. The notion of a “job” has become more general and multi-dimensional. The ways in which jobs and servers can interact have grown in complexity, involving parallelism, speedup functions, precedence constraints, and task graphs. The workloads are vastly more variable and more heavy-tailed. Even the performance metrics of interest are broader than in the past, with multi-dimensional service-level objectives in terms of tail probabilities. The purpose of this article is to expose queueing theorists to new models, while providing suggestions for many specific open problems of interest, as well as some insights into their potential solution.
Gut microbiome and Clostridioides difficile infection: a closer look at the microscopic interface:

The pathogenesis of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) was recognized with its link to the use of antimicrobials. Antimicrobials significantly alter gut microbiota structure and composition, which led to the discovery of the association of this gut perturbation with the development of CDI. A number of factors implicated in its pathogenesis, such as advancing age, proton-pump inhibitors, and gastrointestinal diseases, are linked to gut microbiota perturbations. In an effort to better understand CDI, a multitude of studies have tried to ascertain protective and predictive microbial footprints linked with CDI. It has further been realized that CDI in itself can alter the gut microbiome. Its spore-forming capability poses as an impediment in the management of the infection and contributes to its recurrence. Antibiotic therapies used for its management have also been linked to gut microbiota changes, making its treatment a little more challenging. In an effort to exploit and utilize this association, gut microbial restoration therapies, particularly in the form of fecal microbial transplant, are increasingly being put to use and are proving to be beneficial. In this review, we summarize the association of the gut microbiome and microbial perturbation with initial and recurrent CDI.
Identification and trajectory of growth of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants in Houston, Texas, January through April 2021 based on 11,568 genome sequences

Genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are of substantial concern because they can detrimentally alter the trajectory of the ongoing pandemic, and disease course in individual patients. Here we report genome sequences from 11,568 COVID-19 patients in the Houston Methodist healthcare system dispersed throughout the metroplex that were diagnosed from January 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021. This sample represents 94% of Houston Methodist cases and 4.6% of all reported cases in the metropolitan area during this period. The SARS-CoV-2 variant designated UK B.1.1.7 increased very rapidly, and now causes 75%-90% of all new cases in the Houston area. Five of the 2,543 B.1.1.7 genomes had an E484K change in spike protein. Compared with non-B.1.1.7 patients, individuals infected with B.1.1.7 had a significantly lower cycle threshold value (considered to be a proxy for higher virus load) and higher rate of hospitalization. Other variants (e.g., B.1.429, B.1.427, P.1, P.2, and R.1) also increased rapidly in frequency, although the magnitude was less than for B.1.1.7. We also identified 42 patients with a recently described R.1 variant that has an E484K amino acid replacement, and seven patients with the B.1.617 "India" variants. In the aggregate, our study shows the occurrence of a diverse array of concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in a major metropolitan area, documents B.1.1.7 as the major cause of new cases in Houston and heralds the arrival and spread of B.1.617 variants in the metroplex.
Towards Dense and Scalable Soil Sensing Through Low-Cost WiFi Sensing Networks

Precision agriculture uses precise sensor data collected throughout farmland to give farmers better insight into their land, allowing for greater crop yields and reduced resource usage. However, existing solutions require high hardware costs thus limiting large scale deployments. To address that, we propose a low-cost and scalable solution for sensing physical attributes of soil using IoT based WiFi sensing devices. By understanding variations in WiFi radio signals with channel state information (CSI) and machine learning models, we evaluate the proposed soil sensing system through experiments on physical soil traits such as soil moisture content, soil texture and position. Moreover, we also demonstrate how a mesh network of WiFi sensing devices allows us to predict the physical traits of the soil in the area between each pair of sensors, allowing for an increase in sensing area coverage as nodes are added.
Performance-Oriented Tree Construction

The problem of multilayer routing in MCMs can be decomposed into two subproblems: two-dimensional routing and layer assignment. This chapter discussed the first subproblem, which is sometimes referred to as global routing, planar routing or tree construction. Performance-driven tree construction algorithms using RC and RLC delay models were described. Clock skew minimization under RC delay models was also discussed.
The N-terminal Regions of CYP1A Proteins Affect Their Microdomain Localization in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Cell membranes are composed of numerous lipid species that distribute heterogeneously into microdomains having unique characteristics. Ordered domains are enriched in cholesterol, sphingomyelin and...
Growth temperatures and temperature characteristics of Aeromonas.

Six of the 13 Aeromonas hydrophila, 1 of 10 A. shigelloides, and none of 10 A. salmonicida were found to be psychrophiles. All of the rest of the strains were mesophiles. The μ values (temperature characteristics) could not be used to distinguish psychrophiles from mesophiles.
On the k-operation linear complexity of periodic sequences

Non-trivial lower bounds on the linear complexity are derived for a sequence obtained by performing k or fewer operations on a single period of a periodic sequence over Fq. An operation is a substitution, an insertion, or a deletion of a symbol. The bounds derived are similar to those previously established for either k substitutions, k insertions, or k deletions within a single period. The bounds are useful when T/2k < L < T/k, where L is the linear complexity of the original sequence and T is its period.
A general approach to single-nucleotide polymorphism discovery

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant form of human genetic variation and a resource for mapping complex genetic traits 1 . The large volume of data produced by high-throughput sequencing projects is a rich and largely untapped source of SNPs (refs 2‐5). We present here a unified approach to the discovery of variations in genetic sequence data of arbitrary DNA sources. We propose to use the rapidly emerging genomic sequence6,7 as a template on which to layer often unmapped, fragmentary sequence data 8‐11 and to use base quality values12 to discern true allelic variations from sequencing errors. By taking advantage of the genomic sequence we are able to use simpler yet more accurate methods for sequence organization: fragment clustering, paralogue identification and multiple alignment. We analyse these sequences with a novel, Bayesian inference engine, POLYBAYES, to calculate the probability that a given site is polymorphic. Rigorous treatment of base quality permits completely automated evaluation of the full length of all sequences, without limitations on alignment depth. We demonstrate this approach by accurate SNP predictions in human ESTs aligned to finished and working-draft quality genomic sequences, a data set representative of the typical challenges of sequence-based SNP discovery. We started with 1,268,211 bp finished (less than 1 error per 10,000 bp) human reference sequence of 10 genomic clones, with EST content typical of gene-bearing clones. To initiate the analysis procedure (Fig. 1) to identify human ESTs that originated from these clones, we performed a database search against the public EST set (dbEST) and recovered 1,954 hits (representing potentially multiple exons of 1,365 unique ESTs) for which chromatograms were available. Sequence clusters were constructed as groups of overlapping alignments (147 clusters). Sequence traces were re-processed with the PHRED base-calling program 13,14 to obtain base quality values. Subsequent analyses used the full length of the ESTs, including low-quality portions. Cluster members were multiply aligned with an anchored alignment technique. Unlike traditional algorithms, this method rapidly produces correct multiple alignments even in the presence of abundantly expressed or alternatively spliced transcripts. In total, EST clusters represented 80,469 bp of expressed genomic sequence, 38% of this in regions of single EST coverage and 81% in regions covered by 8 or fewer ESTs (Table 1). Inclusion of sequences representing highly similar regions duplicated elsewhere in the genome may give rise to false SNP predictions, and the presence of such sequence paralogues points to difficulties during marker development. We devised a Bayesian 15
Rho-dependent transcriptional polarity in the ilvGMEDA operon of wild-type Escherichia coli K12.

Abstract It has been generally accepted that transcriptional polarity in prokaryotic systems is due to an uncoupling of translation and transcription which unmasks latent rho-dependent termination sites in a polycistronic messenger RNA. In this report, we identify and characterize rho-dependent termination sites responsible for transcriptional polarity in the ilvGMEDA operon of wild-type Escherichia coli K12. The ilvG gene in the wild-type E. coli K12 ilvGMEDA operon contains a frameshift site which results in termination of translation in the middle of the gene. Mutations have been characterized which restore the reading frame of this gene. In addition to allowing full-length expression of the ilvG product, these mutations cause a 3-4-fold elevation in the expression of the operon distal genes. This transcriptional polarity effect on operon distal genes also has been shown to be relieved by rho suppressor mutations. We have used in vitro transcription experiments to identify rho-dependent transcriptional termination sites downstream of the frameshift site in the ilvG gene. Three tandem rho-dependent sites have been located in the ilv'GM' gene region using transcription reactions containing linear or supercoiled plasmid DNA templates. Accumulatively, these rho-dependent termination sites account for about 80% in vitro transcription termination, which is in agreement with the in vivo measurements of transcriptional polarity on operon distal gene expression. These transcriptional experiments provide in vitro confirmation for the latent rho-dependent termination site model of transcriptional polarity.
Chapter 2 Pain as a disease

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews pain as a disease that requires careful understanding of the meanings of the words “pain” and “disease”. It also requires the recognition that acute pain and chronic pain have different neural substrates. The chapter describes pain as a byproduct of some disease state, treatment of the underlying disease has been expected to bring relief of pain. Almost all chronic pain states start with an injury, either to peripheral somatic tissues or to the nervous system itself. Some acute injuries lead to changes in the nervous system that perpetuate the painful process long after any peripheral stimulus has been ceased. It recognizes that diseases are often the creation of a society and not tightly linked to underlying pathology. The chapter focuses on the proposition that chronic pain is a disease; acute pain is a symptom. It also discusses that pain management remains chaotic, and it has been so since the early days of this branch of health care. This is owing to the widely divergent explanatory models that are utilized by health care providers. Some are locked into the idea that acute pain and chronic pain have similar biological and psychological substrates and can be treated by the same analgesic strategies. This type of provider aims at symptom relief and tends to ignore all other aspects of chronic pain.
Higher Degree of Left Atrial Structural Remodeling in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

LV Systolic Dysfunction is Related to LA-SRM in AF Patients Background Catheter ablation significantly improves the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and LV systolic dysfunction. In this study, we compared the degree of left atrial structural remodeling (LA-SRM) in patients with normal versus reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). We also studied the impact of LA-SRM on LVEF improvement in patients undergoing ablation of AF. Method and Results We categorized 384 patients into 2 groups based on their cardiac function: reduced LVEF group (LVEF ≤50%; n = 105) and normal LVEF group (LVEF > 50%; n = 279). LVEF was determined prior and mean 8 ± 3 months after catheter ablation for AF. Percentage of LA-SRM was quantified using LGE-MRI and patients were classified into 4 groups based on the amount of structural remodeling in their LA wall: minimal ≤ 5%, mild = 5–20%, moderate = 20–35%, and extensive ≥ 35%. The average preablation LA-SRM (21.5 ± 13.2% vs 15.4 ± 10.0%; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in reduced LVEF group than normal LVEF group. Among the 105 patients with reduced LVEF, while there was a modest 11.7 ± 8.4% average increase in LVEF following ablation, the greatest increase was seen in patients with less extensive LA-SRM (minimal = 19.3 ± 5.1%, n = 3, P = 0.02 and mild = 16.6 ± 9.9%, n = 48, P < 0.001). Patients with moderate and extensive fibrosis had an average EF improvement of 8.7 ± 11.1% and 2.8 ± 6.4%, respectively (n = 39, P < 0.001 and n = 15, P = 0.11, respectively). Conclusion Patients with LV systolic dysfunction displayed a comparatively greater LA-SRM than patients with normal LVEF. Patients with lesser LA-SRM experienced a greater improvement in LVEF after catheter ablation for AF.
Detection of carotid stenosis in African Americans with ischemic heart disease

Objectives This study was conducted to define the frequency of internal carotid stenosis in African American patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods We recruited 101 African American patients with IHD from a university medical center for carotid duplex examination. Results The frequency of >30%, >50%, and >70% stenosis was 21%, 11%, and 5%, respectively. Age >60 years (21% vs 3%, P P 50% and remained significant on multivariate testing. Conclusion African American patients with established IHD have higher rates of extracranial carotid stenosis than community dwelling African American subjects and comparable rates with other populations.
Lateral interference and perceptual grouping in visual detection

The first two experiments show that recognition of target letters presented briefly in the fovea, exactly at the fixation point, is degraded by masking characters placed beside them and, further, that the amount of degradation is reduced when the masking characters are clustered into a Gestalt group with noise characters that are added to the array. Experiment 3 presents targets in the periphery at well-specified locations for essentially continuous viewing and also shows both lateral masking and the release of masking by grouping of noise characters. These results demonstrate that neither lateral masking nor the release of masking by grouping of noise can be entirely accounted for by uncertainty of location of the target. Gestalt grouping can influence the ways in which an array is searched, but, in addition, it affects the resolving power of the visual system. Implications for theories of lateral masking, feature perturbation, and Gestalt grouping effects are discussed.
The energy momentum spectrum of quantum fields

It is proved, assuming Einstein causality, that the energy-momentum spectrum of a quantum field cannot be bounded. More is known under special assumptions [1, 4]. Our main concern is the method and general applicability of the result.
Early effects of gamma knife radiosurgery on brain metastases: assessment by 201TlCl SPECT and 99mTc-DTPA-human serum albumin SPECT.

Thallium-201 chloride (201TlCl) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to determine tumor viability, and the early and delayed images of technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-human serum albumin (99mTc-HSA-D) SPECT were used to assess tumor vascularity and permeability, respectively, in 17 patients with 18 brain metastases. SPECT was performed before, 1 week after, and 1 month after radiosurgery. The ratios of 201Tl and 99mTc-HSA-D uptake in a tumor were expressed as a ratio to uptake in the corresponding normal contralateral areas (uptake index). Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium was used to determine tumor volume. 201Tl index decreased significantly 1 week (p < 0.05) and 1 month (p < 0.005) after radiosurgery. In contrast, 99mTc-HSA-D indices of early and delayed images obtained at 1 week after radiosurgery were not significantly different from the pretreatment values. However, both were significantly low (p < 0.05) 1 month after radiosurgery. No change in tumor volume was detected 1 week following radiosurgery, but there was a significant decrease (p < 0.005) after 1 month. The reduction in tumor viability that occurs before the appearance of evidence of tumor shrinkage represents the early effect of radiosurgery on brain metastases. Reduction in tumor size, vascularity, and permeability occur subsequently.
Constructing effective and efficient topic-specific authority networks for expert finding in social media

Authority-based approaches are widely used in expert retrieval from social media. However, most of these approaches are applied to either topic-independent networks, or more topic-dependent networks which still contain topic-irrelevant users as nodes and interactions as edges. Therefore, authority estimation over these graphs is still not topic-specific enough. This paper proposes a more topic-focused authority network construction approach which provides more effective topic-specific authority modeling of users. Focusing the computational effort to more topic-specific authority networks also leads to significant gains in running time for authority estimation.
C25 and C30 biogenic alkenes in sediments and detritus of a New England salt marsh

As part of a geochemical study of C25 and C30 biogenic alkenes in estuarine environments, distributions of these compounds in detritus and sediments collected from a New England salt marsh (Round Swamp on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island) have been determined. The alkene assemblages detected, consisting primarily of four acyclic C25 dienes and trienes and a C30 bicyclic diene, qualitatively resemble those previously reported for other sediments in which anoxic conditions were prevalent. These similarities exist despite significant differences in the principal sources of sedimentary organic matter, suggesting that the occurrence of these specific alkenes is more likely associated with an in situ process common to anoxic environments than with a direct input from a specific source. Size fractionation (> 840 μm and < 840 μm to 1·2 μm) of marsh detritus revealed that the larger size fraction, consisting primarily of decaying Spartina debris, contains significant amounts of alkenes. This result, together with alkene subsurface profiles which show high surface concentrations decreasing to near-background levels by 20 cm, suggest that anaerobic bacteria are mediating in situ production of these compounds. Previous studies of bacterial hydrocarbons have not reported the presence of these C25 and C30 alkenes, although similar compounds have been isolated from several species of methanogenic bacteria. However, attempts to induce alkene synthesis by decomposing Spartina anaerobically in the laboratory were unsuccessful. In light of this result, the exact source of alkenes in marsh sediments remains uncertain. The absence from marsh sediments of other C25 alkenes whose sedimentary distributions had been previously correlated with the presence of marine (planktonic) organic matter implies the existence of different origins for structurally related constituents of this hydrocarbon series.
Environmental chromatographic methods and regulations in the United States of America

Abstract The five major monitoring programs the pesticide program administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are reviewed. Gas chromatographic (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods used by each EPA program for organic analysis are described. Quality control is the major difference amoung methods in different programs. Trends for the future of environmental analyses in the US are discussed.
Interconnect compression and its benefits for multi-core systems

One of the major problems associated with multi-core systems is the performance and energy demand it places on the interconnect system. We presents an overall analysis of the compression possibility in the instructions and data communicated on interconnects for improving performance and reducing energy in multi-core systems. Our analysis shows great potential of interconnect compression. In our study, lower compression ratio means better compression. We find that up to 0.71 compression ratios can be obtained for instruction and data transferred on interconnect components and for integer and floating-point applications, up to 0.74 and 0.73 compression ratios can be achieved, respectively.
Effect of Assimilation on Prepurchase External Information-Search Tendencies

Three of the dimensions of the multidimensional construct called assimilation were measured in a sample drawn from the Chinese American population. These 3 dimensions were cultural assimilation, identificational assimilation, and structural assimilation. Each dimension was measured by a separate subscale, resulting in a tripartite measure. This measure was shown to be reliable and valid. The relation between this measure and a microculture individual's external information search prior to the purchase of formal clothing was explored. Cultural assimilation related positively to the individual's tendency to search among a wide array of information sources. Identificational assimilation related positively to the individual's tendency to seek information from advertisements in the mass media. Finally, structural assimilation related negatively to the individual's tendency to consult his or her family and friends.
Lipids and lipid-reactive antibodies as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that targets the central nervous system (CNS). MS initially follows a relapsing–remitting course (RRMS) in which acute attacks are followed by a complete recovery. Eventually, 65% of the RRMS patients go on to develop secondary progressive MS (SPMS), characterized by the progressive and irreversible accumulation of neurological disability. It has been proposed that the transition from RRMS to SPMS results from changes in the nature of the inflammatory response and the progressive accumulation of neurodegeneration. To date, however, there is no reliable method to monitor the activity of the different immune and neurodegenerative processes that contribute to MS pathology. Thus, there is a need for biomarkers useful for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MS patients. In this review, we discuss the potential use of lipids and the immune response against them as biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration for MS.
A quantitative stock prediction system based on financial news

We examine the problem of discrete stock price prediction using a synthesis of linguistic, financial and statistical techniques to create the Arizona Financial Text System (AZFinText). The research within this paper seeks to contribute to the AZFinText system by comparing AZFinText's predictions against existing quantitative funds and human stock pricing experts. We approach this line of research using textual representation and statistical machine learning methods on financial news articles partitioned by similar industry and sector groupings. Through our research, we discovered that stocks partitioned by Sectors were most predictable in measures of Closeness, Mean Squared Error (MSE) score of 0.1954, predicted Directional Accuracy of 71.18% and a Simulated Trading return of 8.50% (compared to 5.62% for the S&P 500 index). In direct comparisons to existing market experts and quantitative mutual funds, our system's trading return of 8.50% outperformed well-known trading experts. Our system also performed well against the top 10 quantitative mutual funds of 2005, where our system would have placed fifth. When comparing AZFinText against only those quantitative funds that monitor the same securities, AZFinText had a 2% higher return than the best performing quant fund.
REF4 and RFR1, Subunits of the Transcriptional Coregulatory Complex Mediator, Are Required for Phenylpropanoid Homeostasis in Arabidopsis

The plant phenylpropanoid pathway produces an array of metabolites that impact human health and the utility of feed and fiber crops. We previously characterized several Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with dominant mutations in REDUCED EPIDERMAL FLUORESCENCE 4 (REF4) that cause dwarfing and decreased accumulation of phenylpropanoids. In contrast, ref4 null plants are of normal stature and have no apparent defect in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Here we show that disruption of both REF4 and its paralog, REF4-RELATED 1 (RFR1), results in enhanced expression of multiple phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes, as well as increased accumulation of numerous downstream products. We also show that the dominant ref4-3 mutant protein interferes with the ability of the PAP1/MYB75 transcription factor to induce the expression of PAL1 and drive anthocyanin accumulation. Consistent with our experimental results, both REF4 and RFR1 have been shown to physically associate with the conserved transcriptional coregulatory complex, Mediator, which transduces information from cis-acting DNA elements to RNA polymerase II at the core promoter. Taken together, our data provide critical genetic support for a functional role of REF4 and RFR1 in the Mediator complex, and for Mediator in the maintenance of phenylpropanoid homeostasis. Finally, we show that wild-type RFR1 substantially mitigates the phenotype of the dominant ref4-3 mutant, suggesting that REF4 and RFR1 may compete with one another for common binding partners or for occupancy in Mediator. Determining the functions of diverse Mediator subunits is essential to understand eukaryotic gene regulation, and to facilitate rational manipulation of plant metabolic pathways to better suit human needs.
Resonant-tee CPW oscillator and the application of the design to a monolithic array of MESFETs

A coplanar-waveguide (CPW) circuit element, referred to as a ‘resonant tee’, is presented along with an X-band oscillator in which it is used to increase the Q-factor of the circuit. The effect of the incorporation of the tee in oscillator arrays on free-running frequencies and locking bandwidths is shown through simulations.
Recognition of conformational determinants on H–2 by cytolytic T lymphocytes

The specificity of cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) differs from that of B lymphocytes insofar as they exhibit a marked preference for recognition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encoded cell surface antigens. In murine systems, this is reflected both in the high frequency of CTL which recognize H–2 alloantigens1–5 and also in the requirement for recognition of syngeneic H–2 antigens in conjunction with cellularly presented foreign antigens, so called MHC restricted recognition6–10. Various models for T-cell recognition have been proposed in an attempt to explain both this predisposition for MHC recognition and the basis for restricted recognition (reviewed in refs 10, 11). Most models have fallen into one of two general categoriesf those which attribute recognition to two independent combining sites on the T cell receptor(s), one specific for foreign antigens and one specific for MHC antigens; and those which accommodate recognition of both molecules using a single combining site which recognizes a neoantigenic determinant composed of a complex of both molecules. In order to understand the basis for determinant recognition, the specificity of individual clones of C57BL/6 CTL induced in response to a point mutation in the H–2Kb molecule has been analysed. Using a series of H–2Kb mutants as targets it was found that a single clone can recognize two or more mutants which, although different from each other with respect to the position of their amino acid substitutions, appear to have independently gained the same new determinant. This strongly suggests that CTL can respond to conformational nuances in self H–2 molecules as shared by these different Kb mutants. On this basis, it is proposed that MHC restricted recognition may represent the recognition of conformational alterations of self resulting from the interaction of MHC molecules and foreign antigens.
Forward discount dynamics in integrated markets

Abstract This paper models the excess return or forward discount (premium) dynamics in integrated markets. Its decomposition at different time frequencies suggests that both stochastic and fundamental processes, as well as exogenous random shocks, are relevant for the determination of the forward discount (premium) over time. A stochastic process within a time-dependent parabolic well appears to capture the empirical findings of the literature and provides the means for the derivation of the equilibrium pricing formula for the forward discount. The mathematical solution that determines the relationship between the stochastic process and the trend allows for an interpretation of the reasons why, in some cases, expectational error appears to be correlated with the forward discount (premium) but not with the forward risk premium. Finally, estimations of the forward discount are carried out using the proposed model, which seems to support the data well.
Mitotic regulation of the anaphase-promoting complex

Orderly progression through mitosis is regulated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a large multiprotein E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets key mitotic regulators for destruction by the proteasome. APC/C has two activating subunits, Cdc20 and Cdh1. The well-established view is that Cdc20 activates APC/C from the onset of mitosis through the metaphase-anaphase transition, and that Cdh1 does so from anaphase through G1. Recent work, however, indicates that Cdh1 also activates APC/C in early mitosis and that this APC/C pool targets the anaphase inhibitor securin. To prevent premature degradation of securin, the nuclear transport factors Nup98 and Rae1 associate with APC/C(Cdh1)-securin complexes. In late metaphase, when all kinetochores are attached to spindle microtubules and the spindle assembly checkpoint is satisfied, Nup98 and Rae1 are released from these complexes, thereby allowing for prompt ubiquitination of securin by APC/C(Cdh1). This, and other mechanisms by which the catalytic activity of APC/C is tightly regulated to ensure proper timing of degradation of each of its mitotic substrates, are highlighted.
An in vivo microdialysis method for the qualitative analysis of hepatic phase I metabolites of phenol in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Abstract Development of reliable and accurate methodologies for determination of xenobiotic hepatic biotransformation rate and capacity parameters is important to the derivation of precise physiologically-based toxicokinetic (PB-TK) models. Biotransformation data incorporated into PB-TK models has, for the most part, depended on in vitro techniques designed to mimic the in vivo environment; however, data from direct in vitro/in vivo comparisons is limited. In this investigation we describe for the first time a method using in vivo microdialysis (MD) to qualitatively assess hepatic xenobiotic biotransformation of phenol in an unanesthetized fish. MD probes were surgically implanted into the livers of adult rainbow trout which were subsequently confined to respirometer-metabolism chambers. Phenol (1–300 mM) was delivered directly to the liver via the MD probe at a perfusion rate of 1 μl min −1 which consistently resulted in a relative delivery of 77–85% of the phenol in the perfusate to the tissue over a 3 day experimental time frame. Location of the probe within the liver was also shown to have no effect on the delivery of phenol or on the type or quantity of phase I metabolites formed. Production of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CAT), the primary phase I metabolites of phenol, was monitored through direct sampling of the hepatic extracellular fluid space via the MD probe. HQ and CAT production increased with increasing time of perfusion and with increasing concentration of phenol delivered to the liver. In the future, data obtained through in vivo MD will be useful in resolving uncertainties in biotransformation rate and capacity parameters, which are central to fish PB-TK modeling of chemical disposition.
Field Evaluation of Methods for Determining the Obstructed Section of Branches of Industrial Ventilation Systems

This study proposes and evaluates the effectiveness of three methods in determining the location of obstructions and alterations in the branches of industrial ventilation systems. Three branch-screening methods (reference ratio, static pressure ratio, and power loss coefficient methods) were adapted to determine if obstructions lay in four distinct areas of a branch. The areas were the hood, middle, and end sections, with the middle and end sections combined to form the fourth area. These methods were evaluated for their ability to detect obstructions in each specific section and also for their ability to detect obstructions in sections after the branch was surveyed for obstructions using a screening method. The results of this study indicate that each method is very useful in determining the presence and location of an obstruction in every section of the branch except the hood section. Each method performed poorly when determining obstructions in the hood section. However, because of the ability of the m...
BONE MARKING AGENTS FOR THE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF GROWTH IN ANIMALS.

Abstract Agents suitable for marking newly forming bone, and, therefore, of use in animal growth studies, have been assessed. Alizarin red S, trypan blue, terramycin, calcium 45 and acid alizarin blue BB, were found to have the required properties. The dosimetry, toxicity, effect on the growth of bone, and the marking characteristics of these agents were investigated, using the rat as the experimental animal. The use of these agents first singly, and then in combinations, in a serial manner, was found to give a multiple marking technique suitable for assessing the differential growth changes taking place in growing bones.
The Effect of μ-Opioid Receptor Antisense on Morphine Potency and Antagonist-Induced Supersensitivity and Receptor Upregulation

The present study examined the effect of in vivo antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment on naltrexone (NTX)-induced functional supersensitivity and mu-opioid receptor up-regulation in mice. On day 1 mice were implanted S.C. with a NTX or placebo pellet and injected I.T. and I.C.V. with dH2O or oligodeoxynucleotides. The oligodeoxynucleotides were designed so that they were either perfectly complementary to the first 18 bases of the coding region of mouse mu-opioid receptor mRNA, or had one (Mismatch-1) or four (Mismatch-4) mismatches. On days 3, 5, 7, and 9, mice were again injected I.T. and I.C.V. with dH2O or one of the oligodeoxynucleotides. After the final injections on day 9, placebo and NTX pellets were removed, and 24 h later mice were tested for morphine analgesia or sacrificed for saturation binding studies ([3H]DAMGO). Naltrexone increased the analgesic potency of morphine in dH2O treated mice by approximately 70%. In binding studies, NTX significantly increased density of brain (approximately 60%) and spinal cord (approximately 140%) mu-opioid receptors without affecting affinity. The mu-opioid antisense and the oligodeoxynucleotide with one mismatch (Mismatch-1) significantly reduced the potency of morphine by approximately twofold in placebo-treated mice. The oligodeoxynucleotide with four mismatches (Mismatch-4) did not significantly alter morphine potency. When placebo-treated mice were treated with either the antisense to the mouse mu-opioid receptor, Mismatch-4 or Mismatch-1 there were no significant changes in the density of mu-opioid receptors. Thus, mu-opioid antisense significantly reduced morphine potency without changing mu-opioid receptor density. When NTX and oligodeoxynucleotide treatments were combined, there was no change in NTX-induced supersensitivity and mu-opioid receptor upregulation. These data suggest that opioid antagonist-induced supersensitivity and upregulation of mu-opioid receptors does not involve changes in gene expression.
Current meter observations on the U.S. Atlantic continental slope — Variation in time and space

Abstract Two current meters were deployed on the U.S. Atlantic continental slope in approximately 850 m of water for 83 days during the summer of 1976 to evaluate near-bottom fluid motions. Tidal oscillations up and down slope dominate recrods; however, occasional transport events to the southwest parallel to the margin were also present. Maximum velocities recorded were 30 cm/sec, which are believed to be sufficient to move the bottom sediments in the area. Bottom topography was found to influence the direction and magnitude of the bottom currents recorded. The passage of Hurricane Belle over the current meter site produced no measurable effect on the bottom currents.
Performance Analysis of a Web Server

With the rapid development and widespread use of the Internet, Web servers have become a dominant source of information and services. The use of Web servers in business and critical application domains imposes stringent performance requirements on them. These performance requirements cast a direct influence on the choice of the configuration options of the hardware and the software infrastructure on which a Web server is deployed. In addition to the selection of configuration options, for a given level of load and a particular hardware and software configuration, it is necessary to estimate the performance of a Web server prior to deployment
Sharing gene expression data: an array of options

Sharing of microarray data has many advantages for the scientific and biomedical community, and should be advocated by neuroscience journals. The goals of sharing are manifold, and include improving analysis and confidence in results, and facilitating global comparisons between experiments, while at the same time, not penalizing those who share. The sharing of microarray data poses unique challenges relative to more generic data such as DNA sequences. These challenges are surmountable, and various sharing formats are possible. Centralized non-commercial databases are being developed to facilitate this process.