cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrastriatal injection of preformed alpha-synuclein fibrils alters central and peripheral immune cell profiles in non-transgenic mice

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions, the major component of Lewy bodies. Extracellular α-syn aggregates act as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) and the presence of autoantibodies against α-syn species in the cerebrospinal fluid and the serum of PD patients implicate the involvement of innate and adaptive immune responses. In non-transgenic (Tg) mice, intrastriatal injection of preformed fibril (PFF) α-syn results in widespread pathologic α-syn inclusions in the CNS. While the PFF model has been broadly utilized to study the mechanistic relationship between α-syn transmission and other neuropathological phenotypes, the immune phenotypes in this model are not clearly demonstrated. This study aimed to characterize the immune phenotypes during pathologic α-syn propagation by utilizing PFF α-syn–injected non-tg mice. Here, we showed that pathologic α-syn inclusions are prevalent in various brain regions and the gut at 5 months post injection (p.i.), preceding the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra (SN). We discovered a distinct inflammatory response involving both activation of microglia and astrocytes and infiltration of B, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and natural killer cells in the brain at 5 months p.i. Moreover, PFF α-syn–injected mice display significant alterations in the frequency and number of leukocyte subsets in the spleen and lymph nodes with minimum alterations in the blood. Our data provide primary evidence that intracerebral-initiated synucleinopathies in non-tg mice alter immune cell profiles both in the CNS and peripheral lymphoid organs. Furthermore, our data provides support for utilizing this mouse model to assess the mechanistic connection between immune responses and synuclein pathology.
Chronic Illness and Internalizing Symptomatology in a Transdiagnostic Clinical Sample of Youth

Objective In research with community samples, children with chronic physical illnesses have shown elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms, compared to healthy peers. Less is known about whether physical illnesses are associated with elevated internalizing symptoms even among children referred for mental health treatment-a pattern that would indicate distinctive treatment needs among physically ill children receiving mental health care. We investigated the relationship between chronic physical illness and internalizing symptomatology among children enrolling in outpatient mental health treatment. Method A total of 262 treatment-seeking children ages 7-15 and their caregivers completed a demographic questionnaire, Child Behavior Checklist, and Youth Self-Report during a pre-treatment assessment. Physical illnesses were identified through caregiver report. Results There was no overall association between the presence/absence of chronic physical illness and parent- or child-reported symptoms. However, number of chronic physical illnesses was related to parent- and child-reported affective symptoms. Children with two or more chronic physical illnesses had more severe depressive symptoms than those with fewer physical illnesses. Conclusion Having multiple chronic illnesses may elevate children's risk of depression symptomatology, even in comparison to other children seeking mental health care. This suggests a need to identify factors that may exacerbate depression symptoms in physically ill children who are initiating therapy and to determine whether different or more intensive services may be helpful for this group. The findings suggest the potential utility of screening for depression in youth with chronic physical illnesses, as well as addressing mental and physical health concerns during treatment.
Investigating hydration dynamics and protein collective motions by high-precision dielectric spectroscopy

Biological processes often take place at surfaces of proteins, where the dynamic and structural properties of aqueous solvents are modified. Information about solvent properties including hydration dynamics and structure, and protein collective motions can be obtained by measuring directly the dielectric response in the megahertz to terahertz frequencies of aqueous protein solutions. Due to the strong absorption of water in this frequency range, the experiment is challenging. Our home built dielectric spectrometer using a vector network analyzer together with frequency extenders allows us to perform the experiment in a wide range of frequency from megahertz to terahertz with a high dynamical range up to 120 dB. A detailed investigation of the dielectric response has revealed the hydration structure including the tightly, loosely bound layers and the number of water molecules in each hydration layer. These water molecules relax with different time constants at different temperatures. As a result, the dynamics of hydrated protein is also probed at different temperatures. Understanding the hydration structure and dynamics of lysozyme in biological conditions can explain the enzymatic activities of biomolecules.
Understanding students’ social interactions during making activities designed to promote computational thinking

We examine elementary and middle school students social interactions while engaged in making activities designed to promote computational thinking (CT). Participants include 52 students in grades f...
Expanding donor availability in lung transplantation: A case report of 5,000 miles traveled

We present the case of a 41-year-old female who underwent bilateral lung transplantation after the donor lungs were placed on a normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion and ventilation device and flown nearly 5000 miles from Honolulu, Hawaii to Durham, North Carolina. The patient experienced no primary graft dysfunction. One year after transplantation she has remained rejection-free and exhibits excellent pulmonary function. This case highlights the challenge that active organ preservation systems pose to questions of organ allocation and geographic sharing.
Perceptions of Care Coordination Among Homeless Veterans Receiving Medical Care in the Veterans Health Administration and Community Care Settings: Results From a National Survey.

Background Initiatives to expand Veterans' access to purchased health care outside Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities ("community care") present care coordination challenges for Veterans experiencing homelessness. Objective Among Veterans with homeless experiences, to evaluate community care use and satisfaction, and compare perceptions of care coordination among Veterans using VHA services and community care to those using VHA services without community care. Research design Cross-sectional analysis of responses to a 2018 mailed survey. Subjects VHA outpatients with homeless experiences. Measures Self-reported use of community care, Likert-style ratings of satisfaction with that care, and Access/Coordination experiences from the Primary Care Quality-Homeless (PCQ-H) survey. Results Of 4777 respondents, 1325 (26.7%) reported using community care; most of this subsample affirmed satisfaction with the community care they received (83%) and its timeliness (75%). After covariate adjustment, Veteran characteristics associated with greater community care use included female sex, being of retirement age and nonmarried, and having higher education, more financial hardship, ≥3 chronic conditions, psychological distress, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Satisfaction with community care was lower among patients with travel barriers, psychological distress, and less social support. Compared with those using the VHA without community care, Veterans using VHA services and community care were more likely to report unfavorable access/coordination experiences [odds ratio (OR)=1.34, confidence interval (CI)=1.15-1.57]. This included hassles following referral (OR=1.37, CI=1.14-1.65) and perceived delays in receiving health care (OR=1.38, CI=1.19-1.61). Conclusions Veterans with homeless experiences value community care options. Potential access benefits are balanced with risks of unfavorable coordination experiences for vulnerable Veterans with limited resources.
Glial estradiol synthesis after brain injury

Abstract Glial cells are important contributors to the hormonal milieu of the brain, particularly following damage. In birds and mammals, neural injury induces the expression of aromatase in astroglia at and around the site of damage. This review describes the progress in our understanding of the incidence, regulation, and function of estrogens synthesized in glia. Following a quick discussion of the landmark studies that first demonstrated steroidogenesis in glia, the author goes on to describe how the inflammatory response following perturbation of the brain results in the transcription of aromatase and the resultant rise in local estradiol. The author ends with several unresolved questions, the answers to which may reveal the precise manner in which neurosteroids protect the brain from injury, both before and immediately after injury.
Proust, Beckett, and Narration

List of abbreviations Introduction 1. Remembering forgetting: Le drame du coucher 2. Impressions, the instant of artistic consciousness, and history 3. Lying, irony, and power: Proust's deceptive allegories 4. Proust's forgetful ironies 5. Molloy's way: the parody of allegory 6. Moran's way: the forgetful spiral of irony 7. Malone Dies and the impossibility of not saying I 7. The Unnamable: the death of the ironical self and the return of history Notes Bibliography Index.
Evolucion, espacio y adaptacion en grupos cazadores-recolectores

Neste artigo sao discutidos o uso de espaco entre cacadorescoletores e a relacao com a adaptacao geral e evolucao. Os arqueologos frequentemente veem a distribuicao de artefatos similares no espaco como pedacos de territorios humanos, sem nenhum tipo de suporte metodologico que sustente isso. A visao etnografica na explicacao do registro arqueologico esta escondida na variabilidade de respostas humanas aos diferentes meios (natural, social, etc.). Este artigo mostra que a ideia de territorio em arqueologia necessita ser posta de lado e ser usada numa abordagem mais consistente que atinge com maior precisao as propriedades do registro arqueologico.
The Effect of Model Internal Flexibility Upon NEMD Simulations of Viscosity

The influence of model flexibility upon simulated viscosity was investigated. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations of viscosity were performed on seven pure fluids using three models for each: one with rigid bonds and angles, one with flexible angles and rigid bonds, and one with flexible bonds and angles. Three nonpolar fluids (propane, n-butane, and isobutane), two moderately polar fluids (propyl chloride and acetone), and two strongly polar fluids (methanol and water) were studied. Internal flexibility had little effect upon the simulated viscosity of nonpolar fluids. While model flexibility did affect the simulated viscosity of the polar fluids, it did so principally by allowing a density-dependent change in the dipole moment of the fluid. By using a rigid model with the same geometry and dipole moment as the average flexible molecule at the same density, it was shown that the direct effect of flexibility is small even in polar fluids. It was concluded that internal model flexibility does not enhance the accuracy of viscosities obtained from NEMD simulations as long as the appropriate model geometry is used in the rigid model for the desired simulation density.
Use of computer programs in teaching circuits and systems

This paper describes several approaches for using personal computer programs in the teaching of circuits and systems. The programs can be used to efficiently implement a wide range of important topics including numerical analysis in the time and frequency domains, symbolic analysis in the complex frequency domain, studies of sensitivity and effects of parameter variation. The various approaches are illustrated by specific examples of PC software programs. The programs are all available as shareware or as inexpensive student versions of commercial products. >
N-METHYL GROUPS IN BACTERIAL LIPIDS

Goldfine, Howard (Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.), and Martha E. Ellis. N-methyl groups in bacterial lipids. J. Bacteriol. 87:8–15. 1964.—The ability of bacteria to synthesize lecithin was examined by measuring the incorporation of the methyl group of methionine into the water-soluble moieties obtained on acid hydrolysis of bacterial lipids. Of 21 species examined, mostly of the order Eubacteriales, only 2, Agrobacterium radiobacter and A. rhizogenes, incorporated the methyl group of methionine into lipid-bound choline. Evidence was also obtained for the formation of lipid-bound N-methylethanolamine and N,N′-dimethylethanolamine in these two organisms. Two other species, Clostridium butyricum and Proteus vulgaris, incorporated the methyl group of methionine into lipid-bound N-methylethanolamine, but did not appear to be able to further methylate these lipids to form lecithin. The results of this study lend further strength to the generalization that bacteria, with the exception of the genus Agrobacterium, are unable to synthesize lecithin.
Efficient constructions for one-way hash chains

One-way chains are an important cryptographic primitive in many security applications. As one-way chains are very efficient to verify, they recently became increasingly popular for designing security protocols for resource-constrained mobile devices and sensor networks, as their low-powered processors can compute a one-way function within milliseconds, but would require tens of seconds or up to minutes to generate or verify a traditional digital signature [6]. Recent sensor network security protocols thus extensively use one-way chains to design protocols that scale down to resource-constrained sensors [21,29]. Recently, researchers also proposed a variety of improvements to one-way hash chains to make storage and access more efficient [9,18,33], or to make setup and verification more efficient [17,21]. In this paper we present two new constructions for one-way hash chains, which significantly improve the efficiency of one-way chains. Our first construction, the Sandwich-chain, provides a smaller bandwidth overhead for one-way chain values, and enables efficient verification of one-way chain values if the trusted one-way chain value is far away. Our second construction, Comb Skipchain, features a new lower bound for one-way chains in terms of storage and traversal overhead. In fact previously, researchers [9] cite a lower bound of log2(n) for the product of per-value traversal overhead and memory requirements for one-dimensional chains. We show that one can achieve a lower bound by considering multi-dimensional chains. In particular, our two-dimensional construction requires O(log(n)) memory and O(1) traversal overhead, thereby improving on the one-dimensional bound. In addition, the setup cost for the one-way chain is in contrast only O(n/log(n)). Other benefits for both constructions include a faster verification step than the traditional hash chains provide; a verifier can “catch up” efficiently, after having missed some number of previously released hash values (for the Sandwich-chain); and resistance against DoS attacks on authentication values. Moreover, we describe fractal traversal schemes for our proposed structures, bringing down the traversal costs for our structure to the same as those of the simpler “traditional” hash chain. Our new construction is orthogonal to most previously proposed techniques, and can be used in conjunction with techniques for efficient setup or verification of one-way chains.
THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN PREGNANCY.

Abstract The mechanism of thrombus formation and the predisposing factors of thrombophlebitis were discussed. The various forms of treatment proposed for this condition were presented. In pregnancy the incidence of thrombophlebitis was found to be surprisingly low. Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment during gestation were reviewed. The effectiveness of anticoagulant treatment in preventing embolism and death in the expectant mothers was demonstrated after careful analysis of a large number of cases reported in the literature. The dangerous effects of coumarin derivatives on the fetus were recognized, and the relative safety of heparin was shown after tabulation of the cases reported in sufficient details. The use of dextran was proposed for prevention of pulmonary embolism in pregnancy complicated by thrombophlebitis or phlebothrombosis.
Cancer Mortality in a Cohort of Naval Shipyard Workers in Hawaii: Early Findings

A retrospective cohort study was performed in Hawaii among 4,779 male shipyard workers exposed to asbestos and 2,757 similar male workers without known asbestos exposure. Observed deaths from cancer and other causes in the 2 groups were compared with expected deaths on the basis of the general population of Hawaii by the use of a modified life-table method of analysis. A risk ratio for lung cancer of 1.7 was found for the exposed group after 20 or more years of follow-up. No increased risk for lung cancer was seen in the nonexposed group. These findings could not be attributed to differences in smoking habits in the 2 shipyard groups or between the shipyard groups and the general population. Because the maximum duration of follow-up for this analysis was 24 years, greater risks for lung cancer may be seen in the exposed group when the follow-up period is extended.
A characterization of adding machine maps

Abstract Let f :X→X be a continuous map of a compact metric space to itself. We prove that f is topologically conjugate to an adding machine map if and only if X is an infinite minimal set for f and each point of X is regularly recurrent. Moreover, if X is an infinite minimal set for f and one point of X is regularly recurrent, then f is semiconjugate to an adding machine map.
P01-409 - Antiepileptic drugs (AEDS) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders

Objectives The pharmacologic interface between psychiatry and neurology is AEDs as they are utilized to treat both epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Further, AEDs are commonly utilized to treat pain disorders. Thus, AEDs are primarily prescribed for treatment of psychiatric and pain disorders, not for treatment of epilepsy. The choice of which AEDs neurologists will utilize in treatment of epilepsy is most often premised on the classic benefits/risks/alternatives equation; however, consideration should be given to psychiatric co-morbidities and which AEDs might best serve patients in both maximizing seizure control and minimizing psychiatric symptoms as patients with epilepsy (PWE) have a 50-80% lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders with a three-to-five-fold increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. This overview of AED treatment of psychiatric disorders with inclusion of labeled and off-labeled uses can serve as a guide for neurologists and psychiatrists in better treating psychiatric co-morbidities in PWE. Methods Literature review. Results Of 16 AEDs reviewed, clinical studies have addressed > 30 possible uses; however only 5 AEDs (benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, and pregabalin) have received FDA/EMEA psychiatric indications. Most studies are uncontrolled case reports, open-label case series, and underpowered randomized controlled trials with methodological flaws. Regardless of the limited approved indications and in some instances negative pivotal trials, AEDs continue to be utilized adjunctively or in monotherapy treatment for a plethora of psychiatric diagnoses. Conclusions AEDs are pivotal in treating psychiatric co-morbidities in PWE. Further placebo-controlled (augmentation and monotherapy) parallel-arm research with active-comparators is required in this complex field.
Secure Reincarnation of Compromised Servers Using Xen Based Time-Forking Virtual Machines

Mission-critical telecom servers are being ported from their safe PSTN haven to the Internet to cator to the VoIP user base increasing failures due to greater susceptibility to attacks. Virtual machines are becoming increasing popular for deploying servers because they allow checkpointing and live migration facilities. The challenges are dealing with non-virtual state elements, like ongoing network communications that can't be check-pointed, and recovering state changed between failure and the last check-point. Other complications include dependence on human intervention and precise timing so as not to revert to an un-healthy VM already in the state of compromise. This paper describes a Xen based middleware that pervasively detects terminated VM servers and reincarnates them in a safe state such that they don't lose connectivity to their network clients. It also attempts to isolate messages that caused the failure and generates rules to disallow them from effecting the newly reincarnated VM in the future. Since it essentially allows a VM to start a new life from a point in time before it got compromised, we dubbed it: a time-forking virtual machine (TFVM) following the Copenhagen school's "many worlds theory" that postulates that every historical event forks a new universe for every possible outcome. Currently TFVM works in the context of our particular application but we discuss how to extend our model to allow reincarnation of generalized services
Reductive Topotactic Metal Ion Insertion Chemistry of Trivalent Iron III Networks as an Approach to New Magnetic Materials

Abstract The basic magnetism of new magnetic materials obtained by the mild condition metal ion insertion chemistry of inorganic high-spin iron III networks is highlighted.
The Theatre Arts and Care Ethics

In this current political climate, which narrowly defines educational quality by test scores, educators may overlook the importance of building relationships in which students can learn to care and become agents for social justice. Caring for one another and caring about ideas is all the more important now, as students inherit a world faced with local and global political and social crises. This case study chronicles one school's attempt to teach students to care about each other despite differences through an all-school theatre-arts program. The data include teacher and student interviews, discussion groups, surveys, and students' written work concerning a play about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. These data show that (1) the performance aspect necessitated interdependence, fostering relationships; (2) an experience of injustice led to descriptions that reflect learning to care beyond students' individual cultural contexts, arguably a foundation for social justice; and (3) the theatre experience ins...
Ammonia-oxidizing bacterial community and nitrification rates in constructed wetlands treating swine wastewater

The goal of this study was to investigate the correlation between the potential nitrification (PN) rate and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in wetlands treated with swine wastewater. The wetlands showed high efficiency in the removal of NH4+, NO3−, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Nitrification and denitrification occurred concurrently in the wetlands. The most probable number (MPN) value of AOB was highly related to NH4+ (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.05) and NO3− concentrations (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.05), but not significantly correlated with COD. The AOB Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H) and richness (S) which were calculated from digitalized profiles of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) did not correlate with NH4+ and NO3− concentrations. The PN rates in detritus and soil samples highly correlated with NH4+ (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.5). The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and amino-acid-residue sequences of the amoA gene showed that parts of the AOB from the wetlands were affiliated with β-proteobacteria cluster 2, cluster 6a, cluster 7, and Nitrosospira sp. NSP65.
Niemann–Pick C1 Is a Late Endosome-Resident Protein That Transiently Associates with Lysosomes and the Trans-Golgi Network

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a severe cell lipidosis characterized by the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in the endosomal/lysosomal system. Recently the primary disease-causing gene, NPC1, was identified, but few clues regarding its potential function(s) could be derived from its predicted amino acid sequence. Therefore, efforts were directed at characterizing the subcellular location of the NPC1 protein. Initial studies with a FLAG-tagged NPC1 cDNA demonstrated that NPC1 is a glycoprotein that associates with the membranes of a population of cytoplasmic vesicles. Immunofluorescence microscopy using anti-NPC1 polyclonal antibodies confirmed this analysis. Double-label immunofluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation studies indicated that NPC1 associates predominantly with late endosomes (Rab9 GTPase-positive vesicles) and, to a lesser extent, with lysosomes and the trans-Golgi network. When cholesterol egress from lysosomes was blocked by treatment of cells with U18666A, the NPC1 location shifted from late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network and lysosomes. Subcellular fractionation of liver homogenates from U18666A-treated mice confirmed these observations. These data suggest that U18666A may inhibit the retrograde transport of NPC1 from lysosomes to late endosomes for subsequent transfer to the trans-Golgi network.
Spatially resolved x-ray laser spectra and demonstration of gain in nickel-like systems

A recent series of experiments have provided spatially resolved near field images of several candidate x-ray lasing transition in neon-like, nickel-like, and hydrogen-like ions from laser-produced plasmas. From these time-gated, spatially, and spectrally re-solved measurements the source size for the J=0-1 and the J=2-1 transitions in Ne-like selenium have been determined. Source regions as small as 50 pm have been observed on transitions with gain-length products >9. In addition, we have obtained the first experimental evidence for the amplification of spontaneous emission in the nickel-like ions of europium and ytterbium. Gains of order 1 cm-1 I,dnd gain-length products of up to 3.8 are observed on the J=0-1,4d-Lip transitions in Eu+35 at 65.83 and 71.00A. Analogous transi tions in Yb+42 have been identified and some evidence for ASE has been observed.
Effect of renal nerve stimulation on responsiveness of the rat renal vasculature

When the renal nerves are stimulated with sinusoidal stimuli over the frequency range 0.04–0.8 Hz, low (≤0.4 Hz)- but not high (≥0.4 Hz)-frequency oscillations appear in renal blood flow (RBF) and ...
The value of direct care nurses with new health care strategies.

Direct care nurses have multiple opportunities to influence quality and safety across the health care continuum. High-quality organizations recognize the value of frontline providers and drive programs to improve care and outcomes. Teamwork, communication, enhanced technology and patient- and family-centered care initiatives will support these processes, which drive the delivery of quality care. Nurses can be leaders in culture change by supporting these processes. AWHONN, 15, 603-616; 2011
Treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fractures

Fracture of distal radius is most commonly an injury of the fit osteoporotic patient. As the population and health of older individuals continue to expand, osteoporotic distal radius fractures will become increasingly common. While many older patients have limited functional demands and can accept some deformity and wrist dysfunction, others remain very active into older age and desire optimal wrist alignment and function. The difficulty obtaining reliable fixation in osteoporotic bone presents a challenge to the surgeon that has been partially addressed by newer implants with screws that directly engage the plate, creating fixed angle bolts that have better fixation in osteoporotic bone. Decision-making is based upon a balance of the goals of the individual patient with the risks of intervention.
Finite dimensionality and compactness of attractors for von Karman equations with nonlinear dissipation

Asymptotic behaviour of dynamics governed by PDE system describing nonlinear vibrations of a shell immersed in a supersonic gas is considered. The undelying dynamics is modeled by a nonlinear hyperbolil-like shell equation with a nonlinear dissipation. It is shown that all finite energy ("weak") solutions converge to a global, compact attractor which is also finite-dimensional.
Polymerization Reactor Modeling in Industry – An Overview of Concepts and Tools

The description of polymerization reactors by means of fundamental mathematical models is a challenging problem. At the same time, these models offer a very powerful tool for process control, monitoring, optimization, scale-up, and operator training and often allow for a better understanding of underlying mechanisms. Some approaches and tools used in industry to meet these challenges are illustrated. The scope and complexity of polymerization models developed and applied to industrial processes are shown. In addition to kinetic aspects of the model development some emphasis is given to the thermodynamic description of phase behavior and phase partitioning in polymerization reactors. Also, the important task of a careful and thorough parameter evaluation is briefly discussed as this is a prerequisite of predictive modeling. Finally, some typical model predictions are illustrated with experimental data.
A neuropeptide-mediated stretch response links muscle contraction to changes in neurotransmitter release.

Although Caenorhabditis elegans has been utilized extensively to study synapse formation and function, relatively little is known about synaptic plasticity in C. elegans. We show that a brief treatment with the cholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb induces a form of presynaptic potentiation whereby ACh release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) is doubled. Aldicarb-induced potentiation was eliminated by mutations that block processing of proneuropeptides, by mutations inactivating a single proneuropeptide (NLP-12), and by those inactivating an NLP-12 receptor (CKR-2). NLP-12 expression is limited to a single stretch-activated neuron, DVA. Analysis of a YFP-tagged NLP-12 suggests that aldicarb stimulates DVA secretion of NLP-12. Mutations disrupting the DVA mechanoreceptor (TRP-4) decreased aldicarb-induced NLP-12 secretion and blocked aldicarb-induced synaptic potentiation. Mutants lacking NLP-12 or CKR-2 have decreased locomotion rates. Collectively, these results suggest that NLP-12 mediates a mechanosensory feedback loop that couples muscle contraction to changes in presynaptic release, thereby providing a mechanism for proprioceptive control of locomotion.
The Power of Human Cognition in the Study of World Politics

This essay demonstrates that the study of world politics should be situated in a cognitive approach, along with the study of foreign policymaking. As I will show, the so-called “rationality-cognitive debate” has become a pseudo-debate. Theories of both foreign policy and world politics must be realistically grounded in the assumptions and knowledge of cognitive actors to advance our grasp of practice as well as theory. The basic assumptions of the approach are described and the accumulated knowledge is reviewed in five critical areas: 1) the content of policymaker beliefs (from general images to specific preferences); 2) the organization and structure of policymaker beliefs (resulting in coherent versus fragmented images); 3) the common patterns of perception and misperception (such as the tendency to categorize and stereotype, simplify causal inferences, and use historical analogies); 4) the likelihood of cognitive rigidity to limit change and learning; and 5) the impact on policymaking (agenda-setting and framing, and formulation and choice). Although sensitivity to variation in cognition across individuals and cultures is increasingly important, international relations scholars cannot ignore the insights about human cognition if their theories are to reflect international realities.
Conservation and restoration of the Pinus palustris ecosystem

The well-documented decline of the Pinus palustris ecosystem has resulted from several anthropogenic influences, such as forest clearing (e.g. pine plantation forestry, agricul- ture) and urban development, both of which are closely related to increases in human populations. Other impacts have arisen from alterations in disturbance regimes responsible for main- taining the structure and function of these ecosystems. Resto- ration and management of degraded pine savanna ecosystems is critical. Identification of ecological processes that deter- mine the structure and function of the intact system are impor- tant because successful restoration efforts should be based on sound scientific understanding. In this paper, we introduce this special issue on the ecology, conservation, and restoration of the Pinus palustris ecosystem. Some global climate change scenarios have suggested that future changes may occur that alter frequency and severity of disturbances such as fires and hurricanes. Such changes may have large effects on pine stands, and ultimately entire Pinus palustris savanna ecosys- tems, thus presenting further challenges to their sustainable management.
Nanoelectronic implementations of reversible and quantum logic

Abstract We describe two different proposals for implementing mathematically reversible and dissipationless logic innanoelectronicsystems. Both are amenable to quantum computation and use interacting single electrons housed in quantum dots to elicit logic functions. In these systems, qubit errors accruing from decoherence events can be partially remedied by quantum error control coding. We present some new results on burst-correcting quantum codes that can addresscorrelatederrors in nanostructures.
Expression of Rab3A GTPase and other synaptic proteins is induced in differentiated NT2N neurons

Postmitotic NT2N cells, which are derived from human NT2 teratocarcinoma cells by treatment with retinoic acid (RA) and mitotic inhibitors, are viewed as a good in vitro model for mature neurons of the human central nervous system. Although NT2N cells exhibit many morphological and biochemical characteristics of neurons, the expression of key protein components involved in regulated exocytosis have not been firmly established. Here we show by immunoblot analysis that mature morphologically differentiated NT2N cells contain readily detectable quantities of the synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, synaptobrevin, synapsin, and synaptophysin. They also express the presynaptic plasma membrane protein, SNAP-25, and a Rab GTPase implicated in the control of Ca2+-dependent exocytosis, Rab3A. These proteins were not detected in untreated NT2 cells or cells exposed to RA for only 6 d. The induction of an array of proteins known to be involved in the docking and fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane provides further support for the validity of NT2N cells as a model for human cortical neurons and suggests that these cells may be useful for in vitro molecular studies of the Ca2+-regulated exocytic pathway in nerve terminals.
Greater capacity for division of labour in clones of Fragaria chiloensis from patchier habitats

Unlike non-clonal plants, clonal plants can develop a division of labour in which connected ramets specialize to acquire different, locally abundant resources. This occurs as a plastic response to a patchy environment where two resources tend not to occur together and different ramets experience high availabilities of different resources. We hypothesized that if division of labour is an important advantage of clonal growth in such environments in nature, then clones from habitats where resource availabilities are negatively associated should show a greater capacity for division of labour than clones from habitats where resource availabilities are more uniform. To test this, we collected clones of Fragaria chiloensis from sand dune and grassland sites in each of three regions of the central coast of California, grew pairs of connected or severed ramets under low light and high N or under high light and low N, and measured leaf area, chlorophyll content and final dry mass. Given that previous work has indicated that high availabilities of light and N show a stronger tendency not to occur together in the dune than in the grassland sites, we expected that clones from dunes would show greater capacity for division of labour than clones from grasslands. Clones from dunes showed a greater capacity than clones from grasslands to specialize for acquisition of abundant N via high proportional mass of roots. Clones from the two types of habitats showed similar capacity to specialize for acquisition of abundant light via high leaf area and chlorophyll content of leaves. Specialization via leaf area and chlorophyll content took place mainly within the first half of the 60-day experiment. These results provide evidence that division of labour in a clonal plant has been selected for in natural habitats where high levels of different resources tend to be spatially separated. Results also show that division of labour can occur, not just via allocation of mass, but also via physiological traits, and that both morphological and physiological specialization can take place within a few weeks. Clonal plants dominate many habitats and include many highly invasive species. Division of labour is one of the most striking potential advantages of clonal growth, and is a remarkable instance of phenotypic plasticity in plants. This study further suggests that division of labour in clonal plants is an instance of adaptive plasticity and could therefore play a part in their widespread ecological success. © 2007 The Authors Journal compilation © 2007 British Ecological Society.
Crystallization of the DpnM methylase from the DpnII restriction system of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Abstract Three proteins, two DNA methylases and an endonuclease, from the DpnII restriction system of Streptococcus pneumoniae recognize the DNA sequence 5′ GATC 3′ but have very different amino acid sequences, which make them interesting subjects for structural determination. A purification procedure was developed that conveniently yields milligram amounts of the DpnM methylase. The DpnM protein tends to precipitate at reduced ionic strength, and this property was exploited to yield well-formed bipyramidal crystals. By X-ray diffraction, the crystals of DpnM were found to be orthorhombic, with cell dimensions a = 56.9 A , b = 68.2 A , c = 84.5 A ; systematic absences identify the space group as P212121. Diffraction extends beyond 3 A, so the crystals may allow structural determination at atomic resolution.
Depression Is a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease in Men: The Precursors Study

Background Several studies have found that depression is an independent predictor of poor outcome after the onset of clinical coronary artery disease. There are few data concerning depression as a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. Objective To determine if clinical depression is an independent risk factor for incident coronary artery disease. Patients and Methods The Johns Hopkins Precursors Study is a prospective, observational study of 1190 male medical students who were enrolled between 1948 and 1964 and who continued to be followed up. In medical school and through the follow-up period, information was collected on family history, health behaviors, and clinical depression. Cardiovascular disease end points have been assessed with reviews of annual questionnaires, National Death Index searches, medical records, death certificates, and autopsy reports. Results The cumulative incidence of clinical depression in the medical students at 40 years of follow-up was 12%. Men who developed clinical depression drank more coffee than those who did not but did not differ in terms of baseline blood pressure, serum cholesterol levels, smoking status, physical activity, obesity, or family history of coronary artery disease. In multivariate analysis, the men who reported clinical depression were at significantly greater risk for subsequent coronary heart disease (relative risk [RR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-3.63) and myocardial infarction (RR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.11-4.06). The increased risk associated with clinical depression was present even for myocardial infarctions occurring 10 years after the onset of the first depressive episode (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0). Conclusion Clinical depression appears to be an independent risk factor for incident coronary artery disease for several decades after the onset of the clinical depression.
Estimating Causal Effects in Observational Studies using Electronic Health Data: Challenges and (Some) Solutions

Electronic health data sets, including electronic health records (EHR) and other administrative databases, are rich data sources that have the potential to help answer important questions about the effects of clinical interventions as well as policy changes. However, analyses using such data are almost always non-experimental, leading to concerns that those who receive a particular intervention are likely different from those who do not, in ways that may confound the effects of interest. This paper outlines the challenges in estimating causal effects using electronic health data, and offers some solutions, with particular attention paid to propensity score methods that help ensure comparisons between similar groups. The methods are illustrated with a case study describing the design of a study using Medicare and Medicaid administrative data to estimate the effect of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program among individuals with serious mental illness.
Bunegin-Albin catheter improves air retrieval and resuscitation from lethal venous air embolism in upright dogs.

Three types of catheters, the single-orifice Sorenson CVP kit catheter, the right atrial (RA) port of an American Edwards 7F Swan-Ganz catheter, and the Cook Bunegin-Albin multi-orifice CVP catheter were evaluated for their ability to retrieve venous air emboli and effect on the success rate of resuscitation from venous air emboli. The catheters were inserted in anesthetized dogs in the prone position. Swan-Ganz catheters were positioned with the RA port just above the junction of the superior vena cava (SVC) and the RA, single-orifice Sorensen catheters with the orifice tip located either just above the SVC-RA junction or in the mid-RA, and Bunegin-Albin multiorifice catheters with the proximal orifice just above the SVC-RA junction and the distal orifice near the mid-RA. Dogs were then given a predetermined lethal dose of air (5 ml/kg) over 30 sec via the femoral vein. Attempts to aspirate venous air emboli were begun with first decrease in expired CO2. The amounts of air retrieved and the incidence of successful resuscitation were compared. Significantly greater percentages of injected venous air were retrieved with the Bunegin-Albin catheter (60 +/- 7%) than with the Sorenson catheter in the SVC (16 +/- 6%), with the Sorenson catheter in the mid-RA (10 +/- 3%) or with the Swan-Ganz RA port (4 +/- 1%). Resuscitation was significantly more often successful with the Bunegin-Albin catheter (six of nine dogs) than with either Sorenson catheter (zero of seven in both groups) or the Swan-Ganz RA port (one of seven).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Double Covalent Coupling Method for the Fabrication of Highly Sensitive and Reusable Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Sensors

A double covalent coupling method for the fabrication of a highly sensitive and reusable electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) chemical sensor for the detection of tertiary amines and ECL aptamer-based (ECL-AB) biosensor for the detection of cocaine is reported. The ECL sensors were constructed by covalent coupling of amino-containing Ru(bpy)32+ derivatives (Ru1, Ru(bpy)32+ = tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)) or cocaine aptamer-Ru1 to the surface of a paraffin-impregnated graphite electrode that had been covalently modified with a monolayer of 4-aminobenzene sulfonic acid via electrochemical oxidations. ECL performance of the newly developed chemical sensors was evaluated using tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) and metoclopramide (MCP) as model analytes. The sensors exhibited excellent sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility with a detection limit of 30 nM for TPrA and 2.0 nM for MCP, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.1% over 90 cyclic potential cycles (0 to 1.50 V vs Ag/AgCl) and 2.6% over 45 c...
Practice patterns among reproductive endocrinologists: further aspects of the infertility evaluation

Abstract Objective: To characterize infertility testing in clinical practice. Design: A cross-sectional study assessing differences in clinical practice based on identifiable practitioner variables, such as gender, age, and type of practice. Setting: A population-based national survey. Participant(s): U.S. board-certified reproductive endocrinologists. Main Outcome Measure(s): Physicians' preferences in the interpretation and performance of the semen analysis, postcoital test (PCT), hysterosalpingography (HSG), laparoscopy, immunologic testing, hamster egg penetration assay, and screening for the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome. Result(s): Younger physicians more often favor the use of Kruger strict morphology for the semen analysis, rely on urine or blood LH measurements for the timing of the PCT, and use a less strict cutoff for the definition of a normal PCT. About half of all physicians use antibiotic prophylaxis before HSG and 90% rely on water-soluble dye for imaging. Eighty percent of physicians in western U.S. practices schedule diagnostic laparoscopy during the follicular phase compared with 50% of their East Coast colleagues. Two thirds of physicians would conduct immunologic testing for infertility, but most would not use the hamster egg penetration test or screen for the luteinizing unruptured follicule syndrome. Conclusion(s): Although most board-certified reproductive endocrinologists agree on the major areas of the performance of infertility testing, there was significant variability in the details of the performance of most testing, especially with respect to physician age and geographic location.
Error resilient video over multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS)

With available data rates for mobile devices constantly increasing, services such as video broadcast and multicast are becoming feasible. A new standard called Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) is being developed by 3GPP to enable new class of spectrum-efficient multimedia services. Multicast services are expected to serve a diverse user base with varying connectivity and capabilities. We analyze the problem of video error resilience in MBMS services that is critical to maintain consistent quality for end users. The existing error resilience techniques for IP multicasting are not applicable in the MBMS environment. In this paper, we present error resilience techniques that are applicable within the context of the MBMS standard. We propose an Intra Block Refresh method for MBMS services and the results show improved performance. We develop a methodology that can be applied to adapting traditional error resilience tools for the MBMS environment.