cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An investigation of document aesthetics for web-to-print repurposing of small-medium business marketing collateral

Businesses have traditionally relied on different types of media to communicate with existing and potential customers. With the emergence of the Web, the relation between the use of print and electronic media has continually evolved. In this paper, we investigate one possible scenario that combines the use of the Web and print. Specifically, we consider the scenario where a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) has an existing web site from which they wish to pull content to create a print piece. Our assumption is that the web site was developed by a professional designer, working in conjunction with the business owner or marketing team, and that it contains a rich assembly of content that is presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Our goal is to understand the process that a designer would follow to create an effective and aesthetically pleasing print piece. We are particularly interested to understand the choices made by the designer with respect to placement and size of the text and graphic elements on the page. Toward this end, we conducted an experiment in which professional designers worked with SMBs to create print pieces from their respective web pages. In this paper, we report our findings from this experiment, and examine the underlying conclusions regarding the resulting document aesthetics in the context of the existing design, and engineering and computer science literatures that address this topic
Ethanol withdrawal-induced motor impairment in mice

Rationale Human ethanol withdrawal manifests as multiple behavioral deficits with distinct time courses. Most studies with mice index ethanol withdrawal severity with the handling-induced convulsion (HIC). Using the accelerating rotarod (ARR), we recently showed that ethanol withdrawal produced motor impairment.
Visualization of Prion Infection in Transgenic Mice Expressing Green Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Prion Protein

Tg(PrP-EGFP) mice express an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged version of the prion protein (PrP) that behaves like endogenous PrP in terms of its posttranslational processing, anatomical localization, and functional activity. In this study, we describe experiments in which Tg(PrP-EGFP) mice were inoculated intracerebrally with scrapie prions. Although PrP-EGFP was incapable of sustaining prion infection in Tg(PrP-EGFP)/Prn-p0/0 mice, it acted as a dominant-negative inhibitor that bound to, and fluorescently marked, deposits of PrPSc generated from endogenous PrP in Tg(PrP-EGFP)/Prn-p+/+ mice. Scrapie infection of these latter animals caused a progressive accumulation of fluorescent PrP-EGFP aggregates in neuropil, axons, and prominently in the Golgi apparatus of neurons. Our results provide an entirely new picture of PrPSc localization during the course of prion infection, and they identify for the first time intracellular sites of PrPSc formation that are not well visualized with conventional immunohistochemical techniques.
What blindness can tell us about seeing again: merging neuroplasticity and neuroprostheses

Significant progress has been made in the development of visual neuroprostheses to restore vision in blind individuals. Appropriate delivery of electrical stimulation to intact visual structures can evoke patterned sensations of light in those who have been blind for many years. However, success in developing functional visual prostheses requires an understanding of how to communicate effectively with the visually deprived brain in order to merge what is perceived visually with what is generated electrically.
Some causal models are deeper than others

Abstract The effort within AI to improve the robustness of expert systems has led to increasing interest in ‘deep’ reasoning, which is representing and reasoning about the knowledge that underlies the ‘shallow’ knowledge of traditional expert systems. One view is that deep reasoning is equivalent to causal reasoning. By analyzing the causal reasoning of a particular medical AI system, we show that this view is naive. Specifically, we show that causal networks omit information relating structure and behavior, and that this information is needed for deeper reasoning. Our conclusion is that deepness is relative to the phenomena of interest, i.e. whether the representation describes the properties and relationships that mediate interactions among the phenomena and whether the reasoning method takes this information into account.
Large scale evaluation of a pattern recognition/expert system for mass spectral molecular weight estimation

Abstract A previously developed fast, personal-computer based method of estimating molecular weights of organic compounds from low resolution mass spectra has been thoroughly evaluated. The method is based on a rule-based pattern recognition/expert system approach which uses empirical linear corrections which are iteratively applied to two mass spectral features to yield estimates. This technique has been extensively evaluated with 400 spectra of volatile and nonvolatile compounds of pharmaceutical interest and with 31378 high quality NIST spectra of compounds of molecular weight 30–500. Subsets of the NIST spectra were evaluated including a 23 989 spectra volatile set. The overall median and average absolute deviations from the true molecular weights of the 400 spectra were 1.5 and 13 daltons. For the large NIST set and volatile subset the overall median and average absolute deviations were 1.8–2.0 and 13–17 daltons. In both sets of spectra the best results were obtained with the nonhalobenzene and unknown classes. Due to misclassification errors better results were obtained by bypassing the classifier. Median errors with spectra with the molecular ion present were ca. twenty times lower than those without the molecular ion. The present system can rapidly produce molecular weight estimates with median absolute errors of 2 (average 15) daltons.
Competition Among Insects, Birds and Mammals for Conifer Steeds

Species of at least 5 orders of insects, 6 families of birds, and 2 orders of mammals, in various combinations, can exploit the cones and seeds of most species of conifers. Lodgepole pine is the exception to this pattern of broad taxonomic diversity of seed predators in that only pine squirrels and coreid bugs attack its serotinous cones. The contrast between lodgepole pine and other conifers demonstrates that large intrinsic variation in the abundance of a resource fosters the evolution of a broad range of taxonomic groups to exploit the resource. The diverse groups'are limited by different predators and alternate resources when conifer seeds independently decrease in abundance.
SH2-B, a membrane-associated adapter, is phosphorylated on multiple serines/threonines in response to nerve growth factor by kinases within the MEK/ERK cascade.

SH2-B has been shown to be required for nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neuronal differentiation and survival, associate with NGF receptor TrkA, and be tyrosyl-phosphorylated in response to NGF. In this work, we examined whether NGF stimulates phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines. NGF promotes a dramatic upward shift in mobility of SH2-B, resulting in multiple forms that cannot be attributed to tyrosyl phosphorylation. Treatment of SH2-B with protein phosphatase 2A, a serine/threonine phosphatase, reduces the many forms to two. PD98059, a MEK inhibitor, dramatically inhibits NGF-promoted phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines, whereas depletion of 4β-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-sensitive protein kinase Cs does not. ERKs 1 and 2 phosphorylate SH2-Bβ primarily on Ser-96 in vitro. However, NGF still stimulates serine/threonine phosphorylation of SH2-Bβ(S96A). SH2-Bβ(S96A), like wild-type SH2-Bβ, enhances NGF-induced neurite outgrowth. In contrast, SH2-Bβ(R555E) containing a defective SH2 domain blocks NGF-induced neurite outgrowth and displays greatly reduced phosphorylation on serines/threonines in response to NGF. SH2-Bβ(R555E), like wild-type SH2-Bβ, associates with the plasma membrane, suggesting that the dominant negative effect of SH2-Bβ(R555E) cannot be explained by an abnormal subcellular distribution. In summary, NGF stimulates phosphorylation of SH2-B on serines/threonines by kinases downstream of MEK, which may be important for NGF-mediated neuronal differentiation and survival.
Salt Dispersion in the Hudson Estuary

Abstract The seaward transport of salt by river discharge through an estuary is balanced under steady conditions by landward dispersion effected by various physical mixing processes. Observations of current and salinity in the lower Hudson estuary provide a basis for assessing the relative importance of these different dispersion processes. Wind effects were estimated from two moored current meter records of 1- and 2-months length. There was a significant but weak correlation between wind and currents. Three cross-sectional surveys each lasting 25 h provide estimates of salt dispersion by other processes. Current and salinity data from the surveys were decomposed into various temporal and spatial means and departures from these means. Covariances between the various quantities are interpreted in terms of physical dispersion processes. The largest contributor to salt dispersion in the Hudson is the steady shear of gravitational circulation. Steady shear dispersion varies by a factor of 5 between spring hig...
Uses of Laser Optical Pumping to Produce Polarized Ion Beams

Laser optical pumping can be used to produce polarized alkali atom beams or polarized alkali vapor targets. Polarized alkali atom beams can be converted into polarized alkali ion beams, and polarized alkali vapor targets can be used to produce polarized H- or 3He- ion beams. In this paper we discuss how the polarized alkali atom beams and polarized alkali vapor targets are used to produce polarized ion beams with emphasis on the production of polarized negative ion beams.
Influence of salicylic acid on cytokinesis in a hamster ascites tumor.

Abstract Normal female, ovariectomized, and normal male golden hamsters were treated subcutaneously with salicylic acid, and their serum tested for ability to correct a cell division abnormality, multinucleation, in a hamster ascites tumor. It was shown that serum from salicylate-treated hamsters and estrogen significantly decreased the number of multinucleated tumor cells in vitro . Normal serum did not produce this effect. Estrogen alone had no observable effect on multinucleation. Experiments were performed which indicated that serum from salicylate-treated hamsters contained a factor which formed a complex or third product with estrogen which was the active principle in correcting multinucleation. Platelets from salicylate-treated hamsters differed from normal hamster platelets in that they did not cause activity to develop in normal serum. It was suggested that platelets in salicylate-treated hamsters released a peptidase which altered an α-2-globulin peptide in serum, causing it to become active. Phase microscopy, mitotic figure counts, lack of increased cell ghosts, or cellular debris, and multinucleated cell counts before and after incubation with salicylate-treated serum indicated that the decrease in the number of multinucleated cells resulted from cytokinesis around each nucleus in a multinucleated cell.
Accurate and efficient expression evaluation and linear algebra, or why it can be easier to compute accurate eigenvalues of a Vandermonde matrix than the accurate sum of 3 numbers

We survey and unify recent results on the existence of accurate algorithms for evaluating multivariate polynomials, and more generally for accurate numerical linear algebra with structured matrices. By "accurate" we mean the computed answer has relative error less than 1, i.e. has some leading digits correct. We also address efficiency, by which we mean algorithms that run in polynomial time in the size of the input. Our results will depend strongly on the model of arithmetic: Most of our results will use what we call the Traditional Model (TM), that the computed result of op(a, b), a binary operation like a + b, is given by op(a, b) * (1 + δ) where all we know is that |δ| ≤ e L 1. Here e is a constant also known as machine epsilon.
Causal Attributions of Dementia Among Korean American Immigrants

To better understand conceptualizations of dementia, this study explored causal attributions of dementia among 209 Korean Americans, using a self-administered questionnaire in Korean. Findings show that Korean Americans endorsed various causal attributions. Factor analysis yielded 3 dimensions of their attributions including psychological, physical/environmental, and cognitive/social. Bivariate analyses showed that younger age and higher education were related to more physical/environmental attributions, and younger age was related to more cognitive/social attributions. The study provides an understanding of causal attributions of dementia that practitioners need to understand to provide culturally competent practice and highlights a need to customize public education messages by specific ethnic groups.
Nature of the active site for CO oxidation on highly active Au/γ-Al2O3

Abstract The deactivation and regeneration phenomenon during room temperature CO oxidation was studied over a Au/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, which was as active as the most active supported Au catalysts reported in the literature. The initial rapid loss of activity could be prevented if either hydrogen or water vapor was present in the reaction mixture. Otherwise, it could be recovered by exposure of the deactivated catalyst to either hydrogen or water vapor at room temperature. Thermal treatment above 100 °C in a dry atmosphere also deactivated the catalyst. These results suggested that hydroxyl group, most likely associated with a Au(I) cation, is associated with the active site and support the proposal that the active site is an ensemble of Au+OH− together with Au(0) atoms. The CO oxidation reaction was proposed to proceed via the insertion of CO into the Au+OH− bond to form a hydroxycarbonyl, which is oxidized to a bicarbonate. Decarboxylation of the bicarbonate completes the reaction cycle.
Certolizumab Pegol Compared to Natalizumab in Patients with Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease: Results of a Decision Analysis

Introduction A significant proportion of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) lose response to antibodies directed against tumor necrosis factor α (TNF). Prior TNF-antagonist failure is associated with lower rates of response to subsequent TNF-antagonist therapy. In patients failing two anti-TNF agents, a choice exists between using a third-anti-TNF therapy or natalizumab (NAT), an α-4 integrin inhibitor. A cost-effectiveness analysis comparing these competing strategies has not been performed.
Trans-splicing group I intron targeting hepatitis C virus IRES mediates cell death upon viral infection in Huh7.5 cells.

Abstract The HCV-IRES sequence is vital for both protein translation and genome replication and serves as a potential target for anti-HCV therapy. We constructed a series of anti-HCV group I introns (αHCV-GrpIs) to attack conserved target sites within the HCV IRES. These αHCV-GrpIs were designed to mediate a trans-splicing reaction that replaces the viral RNA genome downstream of the 5′ splice site with a 3′ exon that encodes an apoptosis-inducing gene. Pro-active forms of the apoptosis inducing genes BID, Caspase 3, Caspase 8, or tBax were modified by incorporation of the HCV NS5A/5B cleavage sequence in place of their respective endogenous cleavage sites to ensure that only HCV infected cells would undergo apoptosis following splicing and expression. Huh7.5 cells transfected with each intron were challenged at MOI 0.1 with HCV-Jc1FLAG2 which expresses a Gaussia Luciferase (GLuc) marker. Virus-containing supernatants were then assayed for GLuc expression as a measure of viral replication inhibition. Cellular extracts were analyzed for the presence of correct splice products by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. We also measured levels of Caspase 3 activity as a means of quantifying apoptotic cell death. Each of these αHCV-GrpI introns was able to correctly splice their 3′ apoptotic exons onto the virus RNA genome at the targeted Uracil, and resulted in greater than 80% suppression of the GLuc marker. A more pronounced suppression effect was observed with TCID 50 virus titrations, which demonstrated that these αHCV-GrpIs were able to suppress viral replication by more than 2 logs, or greater than 99%. Robust activation of the apoptotic factor within the challenged cells was evidenced by a significant increase of Caspase 3 activity upon viral infection compared to non-challenged cells. This novel genetic intervention tool may prove beneficial in certain HCV subjects.
Initial E-Commerce Efforts in Nine Least Developed Countries: A Review of National Infrastructure, Business Approaches, and Product Selection

While e-commerce would seem to be a unique opportunity for poor countries with limited local markets to sell goods to richer nations, limited research is available on the current status of e-commerce efforts in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This study reviewed the efforts of the nine countries identified by the UNDP as having the least technological capacity. Statistics provided by the UNDP demonstrate serious national infrastructure problems in each of the countries. Yet a survey of business web sites finds that all but one (Sudan) has some minimal e-commerce efforts underway. A survey sent to companies in three of these countries showed that many companies were being creative in where they were hosting their web sites and were able to keep their web costs low. Yet the vast majority also reported slow sales and a variety of local barriers to success. A review of the products they are offering on their sites found that the product mix might be particularly problematic. The author hopes the results of this study will suggest improved strategies for companies in LDCs seeking to use e-commerce to expand their markets.
A Fast and Near-Optimal Clustering Algorithm for Low-Power Clock Tree Synthesis

Clocks are known to be major source of power consumption in digital circuits. In this paper, we propose a clustering algorithm for the minimization of power in a local clock tree. Given a set of sequentials and their locations, clustering is performed to determine the clock buffers that are required to synchronize the sequentials, where a cluster implies that a clock buffer drives all the sequentials in the cluster. The results produced by the algorithm are often within 1.3 × of the lower bound and have 32% lower costs, on average, than those due to an approximation algorithm with 2.5 × faster runtimes. Compared to competitive heuristic from a vendor tool, the results due to the algorithm on several blocks in microprocessor designs in advanced nanometer technologies show 14% reduction, on average, in clock tree power while meeting skew or slew constraints. The algorithm has been employed for clock tree synthesis for several microprocessor designs across process generations due to consistently significant clock tree power savings over the results due to competitive alternatives.
Morphological skin reactions to 2-chloroethanol.

Abstract The presence of residual 2-chloroethanol has been demonstrated in ethylene oxidesterilized plastic materials. Previous studies from this laboratory have shown 2-chloroethanol to be acutely toxic to various rabbit tissues. The present study was undertaken to assess more accurately the nature of the damage to dermal and epidermal structures. Ic injections of several concentrations of ethanol and 2-chloroethanol were carried out utilizing the shaved back of albino rabbits. Appraisal of the toxic response of each compound with the light microscope revealed a classical inflammatory reaction, the magnitude of which varied directly with the administered concentration. In zones of higher alcoholic concentration, coagulative necrosis of collagen and dermal cellular structures was present. The peripheral areas, like the lower concentration injection sites, showed plentiful polymorphonuclear leukocytes and edema, but no visible changes in fibroblasts or other cellular structures. However, scrutiny with the electron microscope revealed a number of degenerative subcellular changes, including unusually shaped nuclei and nucleoli, vacuolization, intracellular inclusion bodies, plasmalemmal retraction, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, aggregation of ribosomes and tonofibrils and degenerated mitochondria. Both ethanol and 2-chloroethanol exerted similar toxic effects, although 2-chloroethanol was always more potent. The chlorine atom potentiates the lipophilicity of the ethanol molecule, thus enhancing its protein denaturing and lipid solvating properties.
An ecological and evolutionary analysis of photosynthetic thermotolerance using the temperature-dependent increase in fluorescence.

The hypothesis that species inhabiting warmer regions have greater photosynthetic tolerance of high temperatures was tested using the temperature-dependent increase in fluorescence (T-F o). Congeneric species pairs of Atriplex, Salvia, Encelia, and Eriogonum with desert versus coastal distributions were studied in a common environment and in the field. In addition, 21 species with contrasting microclimate distributions were studied at a field site in a northern California chaparral community. The average July maximum temperature within the current distributions of species was quantified using a geographic information system. Four parameters (T crit, T S20, T 50, and T max) of the T-F o response were used to quantify photosynthetic thermotolerance. In the common environment, only the desert Atriplex species was significantly greater for all T-F o parameters when compared to its coastal congener. In the field, desert species had significantly greater T crit, T S20, T 50, and T max when compared to coastal species. The magnitude of variation between species and between genera was similar in the common environment and the field. However, T crit, T S20, T 50 and T max were all significantly greater when measured in the field. There was no relationship between T-F o parameters and the microclimate distribution of the 21 species at the chaparral field site. In addition, T-F o parameters for all 35 species were not correlated with the average July maximum temperature within the species ranges. However, there was a significant negative correlation between the average annual amount of precipitation inside species' ranges and T S20. Our results show that photosynthetic thermotolerance is (1) significantly different between genera and species, (2) highly plastic, (3) not necessarily greater for species with warm climate distributions when measured in a common environment, but (4) significantly greater overall for desert species compared to coastal species when measured in the field.
Growth as a biological marker of inhaled corticosteroid activity

Abstract Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are among the standard therapies used to control symptoms of asthma. Current evidence shows that these agents are available systemically and have the capability of negatively affecting growth when administered to children at labeled doses. However, the impact of growth cannot be predicted by most conventional measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Target organs such as bone are likely involved in this effect. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to review the evidence for systemic adverse effects of ICSs in children, particularly with regard to growth. Results: Results of well-designed 1-year studies comparing ICSs with non-ICS standard care have demonstrated that ICSs administered at recommended doses are capable of causing a mean decrease in growth velocity of ∼1 cm/year (range, 0.5 to 1.8 cm/year) in prepubertal asthmatic children. Conclusions: Children treated with these products should be monitored regularly with stadiometric measurements of growth velocity and titrated individually to the lowest dose that effectively controls their symptoms. It is important for practitioners to recognize the potential systemic impact of these highly effective products in pediatric patients.
Exploring the Digital Divide in Mobile-phone Adoption Levels across Countries: Do Population Socioeconomic Traits Operate in the Same Manner as Their Individual-level Demographic Counterparts?

Although the adoption of mobile phones has been skyrocketing globally during the current decade, present adoption levels are quite uneven across countries. Such disparities are also found over a range of other information and communications technologies and have been characterized as a “digital divide.” Although the adoption of mobile phones has been the focus of numerous studies, relatively few have systematically and comprehensively investigated the adoption of this technological innovation at the country level of analysis and over a broad range of nations. This study addresses this research gap by examining the effects of three country-level socioeconomic factors paralleling the individual-level demographic traits that in past studies have predominantly predicted early adoption of innovations. We rely on secondary data obtained from several reputable sources to examine this phenomenon across 170 nations. Theoretical, managerial, and policy implications based on our empirical findings, along with direct...
Genetic assessment of a white-collared x red-fronted lemur hybrid zone at Andringitra, Madagascar.

We examined a purported lemur (Eulemur fulvus rufus×E. albocollaris) hybrid zone at Andringitra, Madagascar, using sequences from five genes (one mitochondrial gene (d-loop) and four nuclear introns (hemopexin, malic enzyme, ceruloplasmin, and microsatellite 26 flanking region)), from 60 individuals (E. albocollaris (n = 16), E.f. rufus (n = 14), E. collaris (n = 9), and purported hybrids from Andringitra (n = 21)). Diagnostic (d-loop and microsatellite 26) and private sites (all other genes) were found in all gene regions for E. albocollaris and E.f. rufus. Also, private sites were found for the purported hybrid population in two gene regions (d-loop and ceruloplasmin). When the putative hybrids were examined for diagnostic and private markers, 18 of 21 were found to contain markers from both E. albocollaris and E.f. rufus populations. The remaining three individuals were found to contain only markers for E. albocollaris. These results indicate that the population at Andringitra is a hybrid population between E. albocollaris and E.f. rufus. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Traveling blues: the effect of relocation on partially distributed teams

This experimental study looks at how relocation affected the collaboration patterns of partially-distributed work groups. Partially distributed teams have part of their membership together in one location and part joining at a distance. These teams have some characteristics of collocated teams, some of distributed (virtual) teams, and some dynamics that are unique. Previous experiments have shown that these teams are vulnerable to in-groups forming between the collocated and distributed members. In this study we switched the locations of some of the members about halfway through the experiment to see what effect it would have on these ingroups. People who changed from being isolated 'telecommuters' to collocators very quickly formed new collaborative relationships. People who were moved out of a collocated room had more trouble adjusting, and tried unsuccessfully to maintain previous ties. Overall, collocation was a more powerful determiner of collaboration patterns than previous relationships. Implications and future research are discussed.
Decreased haloperidol‐induced potentiation of zif268 mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and the dorsal lateral striatum of rats lacking cholecystokinin‐A receptors

Evidence suggests that endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK), a neuropeptide that modulates brain dopamine function, may contribute to the therapeutic and motor effects of antipsychotic drugs via activation of CCK-A receptors in the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways, respectively. To determine if CCK modulates the effects of antipsychotic drugs through CCK-A receptors, we measured the haloperidol-induced zif268 mRNA response in the nucleus accumbens (NA) shell, NA core, and dorsal lateral striatum (DLS) in Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats that lack CCK-A receptors due to a spontaneous mutation. OLETF rats and normal Long Evans rats were treated with subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of saline or haloperidol (2 mg/kg). In situ hybridization was performed and zif268 mRNA expression was quantified. The haloperidol-induced expression of zif268 mRNA was significantly decreased in the DLS (P < 0.01) and the NA shell (P < 0.05), but not in the NA core, in OLETF rats compared to LETO rats. These data suggest that CCK-A receptor mechanisms may contribute to the therapeutic and the extrapyramidal motor effects associated with antipsychotic drug treatment.
Analysis of Multi-Material Bonded Assemblies on a Non-Conforming Mesh

Bonded multi-material assemblies arise frequently in design, manufacturing, architecture, and materials design. It is a common wisdom that finite element analysis of such assemblies usually requires all components to be represented by compatible finite element meshes; application of meshfree methods in such situations is often considered problematic due to the need to impose additional interface conditions. Neither approach scales to deal with realistically complex models arising in many applications.We propose a simple extension of meshfree analysis on a non-conforming mesh for linear structural analysis of such multimaterial assemblies. The method is simple, can be implemented within most FEA packages and does not require either compatible meshing or complex interface boundary conditions. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that computed results are in good agreement with known analytical and computational results for well studied multi-material bonded assemblies (lap and butt joints). We also demonstrate application of the proposed method to realistically complex assembly of a mounted sculpture that cannot be easily analysed by other methods.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A PEDF N-terminal peptide protects the retina from ischemic injury when delivered in PLGA nanospheres.

The neuroprotective effects of small pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) peptides injected intravitreally as free peptides or delivered in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanospheres, were tested in retinal ischemic injury. We induced transient ischemia in C57BL/6 mice by elevating the intraocular pressure to the equivalent of 120 mmHg for 60 min, then injected these eyes with one of the following: PBS, full-length native PEDF, N-terminal peptides-PEDF(136-155) and PEDF(82-121), blank PLGA nanospheres or PLGA loaded with PEDF(82-121) (PLGA-PEDF(82-121)). Morphometric analysis and TUNEL assays were used to determine the extent of retinal damage. Transient ischemia caused a rapid reduction in the number of viable cells in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer over 48h as compared to non-ischemic retinas. About 76% surviving cells in the RGC layer were observed in the full-length PEDF protein treated group, whereas only 32% of cells survived in the PBS group. Thus, PEDF prevented approximately 44% of the cell death in the RGC layer resulting from transient ischemia. PEDF(82-121) peptide was as effective as full-length PEDF when injected as either a free peptide or delivered in PLGA nanospheres. PLGA-PEDF(82-121) showed longer-term protection of the RGC layer with no noticeable side effects at 7days. PEDF and PEDF(82-121) lessened damage to the IPL as measured by layer thickness. PEDF and PEDF(82-121) also delayed retinal responses to ischemic injury as measured by GFAP immunolabeling in Muller cells. PEDF(82-121) is an effective neuroprotective peptide in retinal ischemia. PLGA-PEDF(82-121) offers greater protection to the retina suggesting that this peptide and the method of delivering therapeutically active drugs have potential clinical advantages for longer-term treatments of retinal diseases.
Structural studies of human chorionic gonadotropin and its subunits using tyrosine fluorescence.

Abstract The fluorescence properties of the tyrosyl residues of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and its α and β subunits have been examined. The effects of pH, guanidine, and disulfide cleavage on the intensity and polarization of the fluorescence suggest that the isolated subunits possess little, if any, tertiary structure beyond that which is stabilized by the disulfide bonds. Essentially all of the fluorescence of hCG and its subunits was accessible to quenching by iodide ions. Similar results were observed for several other proteins whose fluorescence originates from tyrosyl residues. Thus, we have confirmed and extended the conclusion of R. W. Cowgill ((1966) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 120 , 196) that the buried tyrosyl residues in ribonuclease fluoresce with a much lower quantum yield than those which are exposed. The dissociation of hCG into its subunits was accompanied by an increase in fluorescence, suggesting the exposure of tyrosyl residues. This was confirmed by difference absorption measurements which indicate a net exposure of two to three tyrosyl residues upon dissociation of the subunits. An additional 0.6 tyrosine was exposed when the disulfide bonds of the β-subunit were cleaved. The polarization of the fluorescence of hCG-β was high ( P = 0.19) and, unlike several other proteins with high polarization, could not be lowered by denaturing conditions. Only by cleavage of the disulfide bonds could the fluorescence polarization of either subunit be lowered to a value ( P = 0.08) characteristic of a random polypeptide. It appears that the disulfide bonds play an important role in maintaining the rigidity of the fluorescent tyrosyl residues, located at or near the surface of the protein.
Optimal Finite Characterization of Linear Problems with Inexact Data

Abstract. For many linear problems, in order to check whether a certain property is true for all matrices A from an interval matrix A, it is sufficient to check this property for finitely many “vertex” matrices A ∈ A. J. Rohn has discovered that we do not need to use all 2n2 vertex matrices, it is sufficient to only check these properties for 22n−1 ≪ 2n2 vertex matrices of a special type Ayz. In this paper, we show that a further reduction is impossible: without checking all 22n−1 matrices Ayz, we cannot guarantee that the desired property holds for all A ϵ A. Thus, these special vertex matrices provide an optimal finite characterization of linear problems with inexact data.
The interactions of high-energy, highly charged Xe ions with fullerenes

In 1985, Robert Curl and Richard Smalleyl discovered a new form of carbon, the fullerene, C60, which consists of 60 carbon atoms in a closed cage resembling a soccer ball. In 1990, Kratschmer et al. were able to make macroscopic quantities of fullerenes2. This has generated intense activity to study the properties of fullerenes. One area of research involves collisions between fullerenes and atoms, ions or electrons3,4. In this paper we describe experiments involving interactions between fullerenes and highly charged ions in which the center-of-mass energies exceed those used in other work by several orders of magnitude. The high values of projectile velocity and charge state result in excitation and decay processes differing significantly from those seen in studies at. lower energies3. Our results are discussed in terms of theoretical models analogous to those used in nuclear physics and this provides an interesting demonstration of the unity of physics.
Experimental frames in a modern modeling and simulation system

We investigate the experimental frame concept for discrete event simulation. We first give a brief history of experimental frames and then present and discuss the desired properties of a modern approach to experimental frames. Lastly, we describe the experimental frames implemented in the Hierarchical Modeling and Simulation System-Java (HiMASS-j). HiMASS-j is a prototype modeling and simulation system that uses the Hierarchical Control Flow Graph Model paradigm, visual interactive modeling, and the modern approach to experimental frames.
Reduced nitric oxide reactivity of a new recombinant human hemoglobin attenuates gastric dysmotility

The objective of this investigation was to compare the gastric motility effects of two recombinant hemoglobin variants, rHb1.1, and rHb3011, the latter having decreased nitric oxide reactivity via mutagenic alteration. Variants were administered to rats at 750 and 1500 mg/kg, i.v., prior to feeding a meal. The percentage of meal emptied was determined 45 min after feeding. rHb1.1 reduced gastric emptying significantly (48% and 71%), whereas rHb3011 was significant (42%) only at the higher dose (p<0.05). The results suggest that rHb1.1 inhibits gastric emptying by scavenging NO, and this effect is significantly reduced by rHb3011, which has decreased NO reactivity.
Hybrid CMOS-STTRAM non-volatile FPGA: design challenges and optimization approaches

Research efforts to develop a novel memory technology that combines the desired traits of non-volatility, high endurance, high speed and low power have resulted in the emergence of Spin Torque Transfer-RAM (STTRAM) as a promising next generation universal memory. However, the prospect of developing a non-volatile FPGA framework with STTRAM exploiting its high integration density remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we propose a novel CMOS-STTRAM hybrid FPGA framework; identify the key design challenges; and propose optimization techniques at circuit, architecture and application mapping levels. Simulation results show that a STTRAM based optimized FPGA framework achieves an average improvement of 48.38% in area, 22.28% in delay and 16.1% in dynamic power for ISCAS benchmark circuits over a conventional CMOS based FPGA design.
Isolation of cortical mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells

The reliable isolation of primary oligodendrocyte progenitors cells (OPCs) holds promise as both a research tool and putative therapy for the study and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disease and trauma. Stringently characterized primary mouse OPCs is of additional importance due to the power of transgenics to address mechanism(s) involving single genes. In this study, we developed and characterized a reproducible method for the primary culture of OPCs from postnatal day 5-7 mouse cerebral cortex. We enriched an O4(+) OPC population using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) technology. This technique resulted in an average yield of 3.68×10(5)OPCs/brain. Following isolation, OPCs were glial fibrillary acidic protein(-) (GFAP(-)) and O4(+). Following passage and with expansion, OPCs were O4(+), A2B5(+), and NG2(+). Demonstrating their bi-potentiality, mouse OPCs differentiated into either more complex, highly arborized O4(+) or O1(+) oligodendrocytes (OLs) or GFAP(+) astrocytes. This bi-potentiality is lost, however, in co-culture with rat embryonic day 15 derived dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Following 7-14 days of OPC/DRG co-culture, OPCs aligned with DRG neurites and differentiated into mature OLs as indicated by the presence of O1 and myelin basic protein (MBP) immunostaining. Addition of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to conditioned media from OPC/DRG co-cultures improved OPC differentiation into mature O1(+) and MBP(+) OLs. This method allows for the study of primary mouse cortical OPC survival, maturation, and function without relying on oligosphere formation or the need for extensive passaging.
Comorbidity of substance use with depression and other mental disorders: from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM‐IV) to DSM‐V

Aims To arrive at recommendations for addressing co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders in the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-V) criteria. Methods Synthesis of findings of other papers from a consensus conference and from the literature on diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Most of the relevant studies examine co-occurring depression. Results The diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric syndromes that co-occur with substance use disorders has been a source of controversy, fueled in part by limitations of pre-DSM-IV nosologies. The DSM-IV scheme of classifying co-occurring disorders as primary (also referred to as independent) or substance-induced has promise in terms of good predictive validity, although pertinent longitudinal and treatment studies are limited. The substance-induced category answers the need of clinicians for a way to categorize patients with clinically significant psychiatric symptoms that occur in the setting of ongoing substance use. Conclusions DSM-V should retain the primary (independent) and substance-induced categories. In DSM-IV these categories are broadly defined and leave much to clinical judgement. Existing data sets should be brought to bear to refine the criteria, making them more detailed with clearer anchor points and more specificity around particular substances and psychiatric syndromes. More longitudinal studies and clinical trials are also needed. Looking beyond DSM-V, co-occurring psychiatric syndromes are likely to be important in the quest for a nosology founded on pathophysiology.
The Aerodigestive Clinic: Multidisciplinary Management of Pediatric Dysphagia

Abstract The purposes of this article are (a) to explore the relationship between pediatric upper airway obstruction and dysphagia and (b) to highlight the benefits of using a multidisciplinary app...
Insomnia in Alcohol Dependence: Predictors of Symptoms in a Sample of Veterans Referred from Primary Care

Objective: Patients with alcohol dependence presenting for treatment may have multiple associated co‐morbid conditions and limited social supports, which complicate treatment. Each of these factors has been independently associated with complaints of insomnia. In this preliminary study, we investigated the relations between insomnia complaints and socio‐demographic factors and psychiatric co‐ morbidity in treatment‐seeking patients with alcohol dependence. Method: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 84 consecutive patients referred to the Behavioral Health Laboratory of the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center for evaluation of psychiatric and substance use disorders. Patients met DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence and completed a series of self‐assessments of sleep. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to examine the relations amongst the variables of interest. Results: In multivariable models, Sleep Latency was significantly greater in individuals without partners (p ¼ .01), those with psychiatric disorders (p ¼ .03) and smokers (p ¼ .01), with a non‐ significant trend for those with past‐year suicidal ideation. No significant predictor of Wake Time After Sleep Onset was seen. Poor Sleep Quality was predicted by younger age (OR ¼ .93 [.88, .98], p ¼ .004) and the presence of a psychiatric disorder (OR ¼ 20.80 [4, 102], p ¼ .0002), with a non‐significant trend for suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Insomnia symptoms in treatment‐seeking alcohol dependent patients should prompt consideration of the individuals’ psychiatric and psychosocial features. (Am J Addict 2013;22:266– 270)
Cracked shells under skew-symmetric loading☆

The general problem of a shell containing a through crack in one of the principal planes of curvature and under general skew-symmetric loading is considered. By employing a Reissner type shell theory which takes into account the effect of transverse shear strains, all boundary conditions on the crack surfaces are satisfied separately. Consequently, unlike those obtained from the classical shell theory, the angular distributions of the stress components around the crack tips are shown to be identical to the distributions obtained from the plane and anti-plane elasticity solutions. Results are given for axially and circumferentially cracked cylindrical shells, spherical shells, and toroidal shells under uniform in-plane shearing, out of plane shearing, and torsion. The problem is formulated for specially orthostropic materials, therefore, the effect of orthotropy on the results is also studied.
Vasodilation by in vivo activation of astrocyte endfeet via two-photon calcium uncaging as a strategy to prevent brain ischemia

Decreased cerebral blood flow causes brain ischemia and plays an important role in the pathophysi- ology of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. In this study, we photomodulated astrocytes in the live animal by a combination of two-photon calcium uncaging in the astro- cyte endfoot and in vivo imaging of neurovasculature and astrocytes by intravital two-photon microscopy after labeling with cell type specific fluorescent dyes. Our study demonstrates that photomodulation at the endfoot of a single astrocyte led to a 25% increase in the diameter of a neighboring arteriole, which is a crucial factor regulating cerebral microcirculation in downstream capillaries. Two-photon uncaging in the astrocyte soma or endfoot near veins does not show the same effect on microcirculation. These experimental results suggest that infrared photomodulation on astrocyte endfeet may be a strategy to increase cerebral local microcirculation and thus prevent brain ischemia. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
Left-Brain versus Right-Brain: Competing Conceptions of Creativity in Intellectual Property Law

An ongoing debate at the heart of intellectual property law pits those who argue for efficiency objectives versus those who seek to advance other social goals. Proponents of the former model focus on the need for intellectual property regimes to provide incentives, while proponents of the latter aspire to protect natural rights or secure an environment for greater human flourishing. Typically lost to both observers and participants in these disputes is that most conceptions of intellectual property actually share a common ambition - the desire to promote creativity. Promoting creativity serves both the incentive goals of intellectual property and advances more holistic personal, cultural, and social interests. Psychological, neurobiological, and cultural research now provide a wealth of information on how to actually promote creativity. Unfortunately, intellectual property law has failed to recognize these insights, instead remaining moored in doctrine derived from archaic stereotypes about creativity and the creative process. We see these distorting stereotypes, for example, in the law concerning joint authors and joint inventors. Based on historical, textual, temporal, and comparative law evidence, this article argues that joint creator law has evolved, at least in part, not from its traditionally identified sources, but from commonly held stereotypes about left-brain scientists versus right-brain artists. Modern research shows that these stereotypes of creativity are not only false, but that as a result, joint creator law specifically, and intellectual property law more generally, likely do not promote progress to the extent feasible, hindering both creativity and valuable collaboration in important contexts. Leveraging these interdisciplinary teachings yields valuable insight for how to revise patent and copyright law to better serve their creative objectives.