cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A widespread nitrogen-fixing invader experiences negative soil feedbacks despite enhancing the abundance of beneficial soil microbes

Plant-soil feedbacks may determine the long-term success of introduced species. Here we examined plant-soil feedbacks of a globally invasive shrub, Cytisus scoparius (hereafter Cytisus), which associates with multiple guilds of microbial mutualists and dominates harvested Douglas-fir forests in the Pacific Northwest. We studied Cytisus root nodulation, mycorrhizal colonization, and growth in two greenhouse experiments. First, we compared invaded to uninvaded field soils. Then we did a soil conditioning experiment with Cytisus (in both invaded and uninvaded field soil) compared to soil conditioned by Douglas-fir. Cytisus grown in invaded soils had 67% more root nodules and 72% more AMF colonization than uninvaded soil. Conditioning uninvaded soil with Cytisus increased root nodules by 14% and mycorrhizal colonization by 55%, compared to Douglas-fir conditioned soil. Despite the increased abundance of mutualists, Cytisus grown in Cytisus-conditioned soils were 41% smaller than in uninvaded soil. Cytisus increased the abundance of its microbial mutualists in soils, but overall plant-soil feedback was still negative, likely driven by soilborne pathogens, nutrient depletion, and/ or reduced benefits of mutualists. Our results do not support the idea that the high densities reached by Cytisus in its invaded range are caused by positive plant-soil feedbacks.
Application of a Reynolds stress turbulence model to a supersonic radiating hydrogen-air diffusion flame

A second-order differential Reynolds Stress turbulence model has been applied to the Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the study of supersonic flows with finite-rate chemistry and radiation. An assumed Beta Probability Density Function is applied to account for the chemical source terms and the radiative flux terms in the conservation equations. A seven-species, seven-reaction finite rate chemistry mechanism is used to simulate the combustion process. The tangent slab approximation is used in radiative flux formulation. A pseudo-gray gas model is used to represent the absorption-emission characteristics of the participating species. The turbulence/radiation interaction is achieved via a new formulation. The resulting formulation is validated by comparison with experimental data on reacting supersonic axisymmetric jets. Results obtained for specific conditions indicate that the effect of chemical reaction on the turbulence is significant. Also, the radiative heat transfer is enhanced by the turbulence.
Mechanical design and thermal analysis of a 12U CubeSat MTCW lidar based optical measurement system for littoral ocean dynamics

In this work, we designed a 12U CubeSat Platform for a Multi-Tone Continuous Wave Lidar system, utilizing coherent detection, which is used as an optical altimetry and velocimetry measurement device. The spacecraft is designed to be operational for a period of 6 to 12 months, and the primary goals are to develop a standalone small spacecraft technology that enables an optical remote sensing. Here, we describe the mechanical design and the thermal analysis of the spacecraft. Due to the random vibration and shock response during launching, a vibration isolation was designed to protect the optical components and alignments. The necessity of high optical power creates thermally localized hot spots that need to be dissipated while remaining in the operational temperature range. We designed thermal dissipation systems, including radiators, heat pipes, thermo-electric coolers, and used space-grade exterior paint to sustain the operation of the MTCW Lidar in the 12U CS.
Evaluating the effect of two hoof trimming techniques on lesion incidence in dairy cattle

Lameness is detrimental to the well-being and productivity of dairy cattle. One recommended procedure to prevent lameness is hoof trimming (HT). The research surrounding the efficacy of HT however is currently limited. The objective of this project was to compare the functional HT method (LIT) to more modeling of the weight bearing claw (BIG) on lesion presence at mid-lactation.
Building Accurate Simple Models with Multihop.

Knowledge transfer from a complex high performing model to a simpler and potentially low performing one in order to enhance its performance has been of great interest over the last few years as it finds applications in important problems such as explainable artificial intelligence, model compression, robust model building and learning from small data. Known approaches to this problem (viz. Knowledge Distillation, Model compression, ProfWeight, etc.) typically transfer information directly (i.e. in a single/one hop) from the complex model to the chosen simple model through schemes that modify the target or reweight training examples on which the simple model is trained. In this paper, we propose a meta-approach where we transfer information from the complex model to the simple model by dynamically selecting and/or constructing a sequence of intermediate models of decreasing complexity that are less intricate than the original complex model. Our approach can transfer information between consecutive models in the sequence using any of the previously mentioned approaches as well as work in 1-hop fashion, thus generalizing these approaches. In the experiments on real data, we observe that we get consistent gains for different choices of models over 1-hop, which on average is more than 2\% and reaches up to 8\% in a particular case. We also empirically analyze conditions under which the multi-hop approach is likely to be beneficial over the traditional 1-hop approach, and report other interesting insights. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes such a multi-hop approach to perform knowledge transfer given a single high performing complex model, making it in our opinion, an important methodological contribution.
Efficiency is not enough; you have to prove that you care: role modelling of compassionate care in an innovative resident-as-teacher initiative.

Introduction: The current emphasis on providing holistic competent and efficient healthcare has revealed a need to nurture providers' compassionate and relationship-centred care throughout the continuum of medical education. Methods: Our resident-as-teacher programme trained 41 residents from core clerkships at six clinical sites in the United States of America (USA) to teach and practice compassionate care through role-modelling. The programme focused on resident's demonstrations or failures to demonstrate compassionate care with peers, students and healthcare providers, and engaged residents in disseminating their experience to their colleagues. A mixed-method evaluation assessed short-term outcomes at multiple levels through the collection of resident's: pre- and post-programme scores on empathy scale, performance on standardised patient (SP) exercise, and self-assessment of their performance on relationship-centred care skills; journal reflections; presentations delivered at their site and attendees' evaluation; evaluation of the programme. Quantitative data was analysed calculating descriptive statistics and paired sample t -tests, using SAS. Qualitative data was analysed performing open coding and code frequency counts to identify emergent themes. Results: Residents had empathy scores within the average range, and high scores on SP assessments throughout the programme. The programme had a positive impact on resident's perceptions of their relationship-centred skills. Residents found the programme useful, and emphasised the importance of mindfulness, active presence and slowing down-and were concerned with addressing these needs in daily practice. Eighteen presentations were delivered across sites. Attendees found the presentations useful and necessary in their training. Conclusions: Residents successfully reflected on, embodied and disseminated the programme's core concepts on their rotations. This group required validation of their commitment to compassionate care, and sought strategies to embody their commitment while inspiring other providers, residents and students.
Formation of a Functional Electron Transport System During Growth of Penicillin-Induced Spheroplasts of Haemophilus parainfluenzae

Wright, Elizabeth A. (University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington), and David C. White. Formation of a functional electron transport system during growth of penicillin-induced spheroplasts of Haemophilus parainfluenzae. J. Bacteriol. 91:1356-1362. 1966.-Penicillin in a lactose medium can be used to cause the formation of spheroplasts in Haemophilus parainfluenzae. The resulting spheroplasts grew under conditions which produced rapid formation of the electron transport system in the normal bacteria. The following elements that are incorporated into a functionally active electron transport system were formed in spheroplasts: formate and l-lactate dehydrogenases, 2-demethyl vitamin K(2), cytochromes b(1) and c(1), and the cytochrome oxidases. The catabolic enzymes aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and malic dehydrogenase showed slight increases in activity. These experiments indicated that spheroplasts can form a fully functional electron transport system essentially similar to that formed during normal growth. The various components of the electron transport system were formed at different rates in the growing spheroplasts.
Geo-Social Targeting for Privacy-friendly Mobile Advertising: Position Paper

This position paper is about methods for effective, privacy-friendly mobile advertising. Specifically, we propose a new social-targeting design for using consumer location data from mobile devices (smartphones, smart pads, laptops, etc.) to target advertisements in a manner that is both effective and privacy friendly. This paper introduces the main concepts, provides theoretical background and ties to the literature, presents the design itself, and discusses applications.
A review of string vessels or collapsed, empty basement membrane tubes.

String vessels are thin connective tissue strands, remnants of capillaries, with no endothelial cells; they do not carry blood flow. They occur in numerous species, particularly in the central nervous system, but can occur in any tissue where capillaries have died. String vessels are often associated with pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease, ischemia, and irradiation, but are also found in normal human brains from preterm babies to the aged. They provide a record of the original blood vessel location, but gradually disappear after months or years. There have been numerous studies of string vessels (acellular capillaries) in the retina, because retinal vessels can be seen in great detail in whole mounts after trypsin digestion. Capillary regression occurs by apoptosis, synchronously along capillary segments, with macrophages engulfing apoptotic endothelial cells. Macrophages may cause the apoptosis, or the regression may be triggered by loss of the endothelial cell survival factor VEGF. VEGF expression is induced by hypoxia and promotes capillary growth. Cessation of blood flow eliminates the shear stress that helps maintain endothelial cell survival. Capillaries can re-grow by proliferation and migration of endothelial cells into empty basement membrane tubes, which provide a structural scaffold, replete with signaling molecules. This is a problem in tumor control, but useful for recovery from capillary loss. There is an age-related waning of VEGF expression in response to hypoxia. This causes an age-related decline in cerebral angiogenesis and results in neuronal loss. It may also contribute to the proposed age-related loss of brain reserve.
Fixing Work and the Work of Repair

admits to being a speed fetishist, and he understands all too well that his customers, driven by similar irrational desires, pay him vast sums to realize their motorcycle dreams. Now, I am the last person to begrudge them their consumer pleasures. But to be fair to the rest of us who might fetishize different commodities, it behooves him to clarify why some pleasures are more "soulful" than others. He tries to do this by drawing a distinction between "things" and "devi ces": the former have inherently meaningful qualities that require focused attention and disciplined mastery to fully appreciate (musical instruments are an example), while the latter provoke instant gratification, diver sion, and distraction (e.g., the I-Pod). If only matters were so simple. The problem is that items in material culture do not have
Public Opinion Regarding Congressional Leaders: Lessons from the 1996 Elections

Using data from a 1996 pre-election survey, the causes and consequences of public approval of Republican congressional leaders in the 1990s are examined. Specifically, this article explores the extent of opinion formation regarding House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and then attempts to account for the sources of these attitudes using multivariate models. Comparing and contrasting these findings as appropriate with what is known regarding public attitudes toward other political entities, the article reveals in particular that economic evaluations work differently for congressional leaders than for either the president or Congress as an institution. In a second section, the electoral ramifications of public attitudes toward Speaker Gingrich in the1996 elections are examined, determining that even in the presence of a host of powerful controls public evaluations of the speaker exercised a significant influence on respondents' vote choice, not just in congressional races also ...
IPAF inflammasome is involved in interleukin-1β production from astrocytes, induced by palmitate; implications for Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract Inflammatory response has been strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms initiating the generation of inflammatory molecules in the central nervous system, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Previously we identified that palmitate can induce primary astrocytes to produce cytokines, causing AD-like changes in primary neurons. Here we investigated and identified that palmitate induced the activation of ice protease-activating factor (IPAF)–apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARD) (ASC) inflammasome in astrocytes leading to the maturation of IL-1β, thereby implicating that not only pathogen-related factors can activate the IPAF-ASC inflammasome. Moreover, downregulating IPAF (which was found to be regulated by cAMP response element-binding protein) in astrocytes through silencing to decrease IL-1β secretion from the astrocytes reduced the generation of amyloid-β 42 by primary neurons. Furthermore, the expression levels of IPAF and ASC were found significantly elevated in a subgroup of sporadic AD patients, suggesting an involvement of the IPAF-ASC inflammasome in the inflammatory response associated with AD, and thus could be a potential therapeutic target for AD.
From Negation to Negotiation: Moving Away from the Management Metaphor

Abstract The purpose of this article is to critique the prevailing metaphor of classroom management. The article depicts three perspectives on classroom relationships that offer differing aims: obedience, responsibility, and solidarity. First, the purposes and uses of authority within an obedience perspective are examined. Then follows a description of recent efforts to widen the interpretation of the classroom management metaphor by shifting the focus from obedience to responsibility. Subsequently, the author discusses how teacher educators might perceive classrooms and schools as sites of negotiation between teachers and students. The purposes, realms, and limits of negotiating are examined, and ideas about how to enact negotiation are presented. A summary section explores the implications of a negotiatory perspective for teacher educators and researchers.
Motivations behind a role play at CFP: repeated assaults on the constitution by extremist property rights advocates

Computer professionals have been arrested for violating the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, and some have refused to attend conferences in the United States or to publish current research because of the threat of arrest. Can we have free speech and unfettered scientific research while protecting digital content? Major players from all sides will present what’s happened so far and what is likely to happen next. This lead-in session is thirty minutes (starting at 3:45 pm) and sets the stage for the sessions that follow: 1. a panel discussion led by Barbara Simons, with Panelists: Alan Adler, Association of American Publishers (AAP) Ed Felten, Professor, Princeton Univ., plaintiff in Felten v. RIAA Robin Gross, EFF Jessica Litman, Wayne State Univ. Law School 2. a Debate on the Future of Intellectual Property (5:30-6:30)
Cytophaga xylanolytica sp. nov., a xylan-degrading, anaerobic gliding bacterium

Gliding bacteria attached in masses to, and dominated the fermentation of, xylan powder in methanogenic and sulfidogenic enrichments from various freshwater sediments. Isolates of such bacteria were all gram-negative, slender rods (0.4×4-24 μm) that formed no endospores, microcysts or fruiting bodies. Representative strain XM3 was a mesophilic, aeroduric anaerobe that grew by fermentation of mono-, di-, and poly-saccharides (but not cellulose) in a mineral medium containing up to 3% NaCl. However, CO2/HCO inf3 sup- was required in media for consistent initiation of growth. Fermentation products included acetate, propionate, succinate, CO2, and H2. Xylan-grown cells had xylanase and various glycosidase activities that were mainly or almost entirely cell-associated, respectively. Strain XM3 was weakly catalase positive, but oxidase negative; it possessed sulphonolipids and carotenoid, but not flexirubin, pigments; and its total cellular fatty acids were dominated by C15:0 anteiso (75%), n (13%) and iso (2%) isomers. Strain XM3 had 45.5 mol% G+C in its DNA, and partial sequencing of its 16S rRNA placed XM3 within the Bacteroides-Flavobacterium phylogenetic group. Similar strains were isolated from marine sediments. Strain XM3 is herewith proposed as the type strain of the new species, Cytophaga xylanolytica. Results, which are discussed in terms of our current concept of the genus Cytophaga, suggest that the importance of C. xylanolytica in anaerobic biopolymer decomposition has not been fully appreciated.
Varicella zoster virus meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia in the absence of rash in an immunocompetent woman

We report varicella-zoster virus (VZV) meningitis in a healthy adult woman with no antecedent rash and with hypoglycorrhachia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed the presence of VZV DNA, anti-VZV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, and intrathecal production of anti-VZV IgG antibody.
Visual search in cynomolgus monkeys: Stimulus parameters affecting two stages of visual search

Monkeys searched for a target pattern presented at varying eccentricities (from 11 to 57 deg, along the horizontal meridian) with varying numbers of distractor patterns and at two contrast levels. The intercepts of the RT-target eccentricity functions were increasingly elevated as the number of distractors increased within the range presented in training, suggesting that increasing the number of distractors lengthened the time required to confirm the target’s identity following each scanning phase of search. The additional increase of the intercepts when the number of distractors increased even further without benefit of training may be interpreted similarly. Decreasing the pattern contrast increased the slopes of the functions, as did increasing the number of distractors when low-contrast stimuli were presented, implying that these stimulus changes slowed the rate of scanning by increasing the number of fixations, their duration, or both. The slopes of the functions relating RTs to number of distractors (between 0 and 9) were .030 and .035 sec/distractor for the high- and low-contrast conditions, respectively
Dominance of interface effects in SRO-SiO/sub 2/-SRO DEIS structures for EAROMs

Current injection at silicon-rich oxide (SRO)-thermal oxide and SRO-CVD (chemical-vapor-deposited) oxide interfaces is shown to be interface-limited. I-V characteristics for both interfaces fit a model for injection enhancement that depends on the curvature of Si islands in the SRO. Results indicate that only a fraction of the Si islands contribute to the injection. The asymmetry observed in dual-electron-injector structures (DEIS) can be explained by a 2.5-times difference in the number of islands between top and bottom injecting interfaces. >
Effect of folic acid fortification of foods on folate intake in female smokers with cervical dysplasia.

Abstract Objective We investigated the effect of folic acid fortification of enriched cereal grains on folate intake in women of predominantly childbearing age at high risk for cervical cancer. Methods Subjects in this cross-sectional study were 77 women randomized between November 1999 and December 2000 in the Women's Intervention to Stay Healthy (WISH), a clinical trial evaluating the effect of a tobacco control intervention on the progression of cervical dysplasia. All subjects were cigarette smokers, had a previously abnormal Papanicolaou test, and were positive for high-risk human papillomavirus at entry. Dietary intake was assessed with food-frequency questionnaires completed at the baseline visit for WISH. The effect of folic acid fortification on folate intake was assessed by using pre- and postfortification folate databases to estimate folate intake. Results Mean folate intake assessed with the postfortification database was 63% higher than intake assessed with the prefortification database: 417 versus 256 μg/d of dietary folate equivalents (P Conclusions Folic acid fortification resulted in an increased intake of folate in these subjects. However, even with fortification, folate intake in a large proportion of these women remained below recommended levels. These results should be considered before decisions regarding future levels of folic acid fortification are made.
Small cracks in the dam: rare genetic variants provide opportunities to delve into mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders.

The genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders have been explored using common variants (e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]), but the effect size of such common variants is rather small. While common variants, as a whole, might additively confer substantial risk, there are likely thousands of them, making mechanistic investigation daunting. Recent identification of many rare copy number variants (CNVs), each occurring in less than 1% of a disease population, has opened a new venue to explore mechanistic contribution(s) of limited numbers of genes to neuropsychiatric disorders. Rare CNVs enriched in cases of schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), or intellectual disabilities include those at 1q21.1, 3q29, 7q11.23, 15q11-13, 15q13.3, 16p11.2, 17q12, and 22q11.2 (1). A substantial portion of each of these CNV carriers develops neuropsychiatric disorders. For example, one third and one quarter of 22q11.2 hemizygosity carriers are diagnosed with schizophrenia and ASDs, respectively (2). Some of these CNVs might not act alone; 16p11.2 CNV, for example, increases disease risk with a second CNV (3). Several shared characteristics of rare CNVs have emerged. Each variant is often associated with multiple disorders and ignores the clinical boundaries of neuropsychiatric disorders, but phenotypic features often are more restricted at the individual level. Why this happens defies an easy answer. Improved understanding of this phenomenon is likely to provide an expanded glimpse into the mechanisms of phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance observed in many neuropsychiatric disorders and may force us to rethink our current methods for classification of psychiatric disorders from a more mechanistic viewpoint. Despite the robust association between rare CNVs and psychiatric disorders, the exact contributory genes remain elusive, because CNVs are large, involving more than 1 Mb in most cases. Detailed analysis of the impact of each of the genes encoded in a CNV is essential, but there are not many cases of small deletions and duplications, let alone deletion and duplication of a single gene, in case groups. Further, small CNVs are also found in control subjects (without neuropsychiatric disease), making it difficult to narrow down causative individual genes with statistical reliability (4). Attempts have been made to identify individual causative genes by associating SNPs on the remaining copy of genes in hemizygous deletion cases with disease. However, the impact of SNPs is small to negligible; such analyses may ascertain how allelic variants in the remaining genes modify
The little finger superficialis--clinical investigation of its anatomic and functional shortcomings.

Based on clinical experience in the treatment of isolated injury, to the little finger projundus tendon, we hypothesized that the little finger superficialis is functionally deficient in a significant portion of the population. Five hundred twenty-six normal hands were examined using the standard superficialis test, and a subset of two hundred,four normal hands were again examined using a modified superficialis test. We fbund that 33.8% of the little finger superficialis tendons in the normal population could not achieve normal range of flexion at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) when submitted to the standard superficialis test. When the ring finger was allowed to flex along with the little finger, many of the previously deficient appearing fingers achieved near normal PIP joint flexion; however, 15.7% of the population still showed significant superficialis deficiency in the little finger. This portion gf'the population risks complete loss oj'fexion at both interphalangealjoints in the event of isolated projimdus disruption in the little finger.
Breaking bubbles and the water-to-air transport of particulate matter

Abstract Bubbles collapsing at an air-liquid interface eject small, high-speed droplets into the adjacent gas phase. The composition of these aersol-sized droplets may be markedly different from the bulk solution in which the bubbles originate. This bubble-breaking/fractionation phenomenon has major implications for a variety of environmental and industrial processes. In preliminary work reported here we have measured the transfer of micron-size latex particles to jet drops produced by the bursting of one-millimeter diameter bubbles. Jet drop concentration was measured as a function of: bulk particle concentration, bulk ionic strength, and depth of bubble release. Results show the droplet concentration to be relatively insensitive to bulk concentration but strongly dependent on ionic strength and trace contaminants.
Effect of Grain size, dislocation cell size and deformation twin spacing on the residual strengthening of shock-loaded nickel

The effects of grain size, dislocation cell size and intertwin spacing in shock-loaded nickel have been investigated. Three grain sizes (25, 50 and 105 μm) were shock loaded at 150, 250, 350, 450 and 550 kbar peak pressure at a constant pulse duration of 2 μs in order to produce varying dislocation cell sizes without altering the grain sizes as a subgrain refinement. In addition to the formation of cells, deformation twins were observed to occur at a pressure of 350 kbar and higher. The twins occurred preferentially in those grains oriented with [001] parallel to the direction of shock wave propagation. The preponderance of twins increased with increasing shock pressure and decreased in orientations other than (001), especially with decreasing grain size. Residual hardness, yield stress and ultimate tensile stress were observed to increase with decreasing grain size, and 0.1% offset yield stress followed to some extent a Hall-Petch relation when considering dislocation cell size d, intertwin spacing Δ and grain size D. It was known that dislocation cells and deformation twins or twin faults contribute to subgrain refinement and residual strengthening of shock-loaded nickel in a pressure range of 0 – 300 kbar by ρ=ρo+KD−12+K′d−m and in a pressure range of 300 – 500 kbar by ρ=ρo+KD−12+K″d−m+K′″δ−12 where σ is the yield stress, σ0 is a frictional stress, K, K′, K″ and K‴ are constants which may be interrelated and m varies between 0.5 and 1.
THE DETERMINATION OF IRON IN YTTRIUM

>An improved method for determining iron in yttrium metal or Y/sub 2/O/ sub 3/ was investigated further in order to determine its applicability to a wider range of samples. The method consists essentially of the extraction of Fe/ sup 3+/ from a 6M HCl solution into a solution of tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in cyclohexane. The iron is re-extracted into 3M H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/, an equal volume of HCl is added and the iron is again extracted with TOPO. An aliquot of the extract is used for development of the 1,10-phenanthroline complex. The method is almost specific for iron. Only a few elements interfere, even when present in large quantities, and ff these elements all but gallium, tellurium, and silicon produce a warning turbidity in the colored solution. No interference with the determination of 100 mg of iron was caused by 10 mg of Al, Sb/sup 3+/ , As/sup 3+/, Ba, Be, Bi, B, Cd, Ca, Ce/sup 3+/, Ce/sup 4+/, Cr/sup 3+/ Cr/sup 6+/ , Cs, Co, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu/sup 3/ >s/sup +/, Gd, Ge, Au, Hf, Ho, In, I, Ir, La, Pb, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn/sup 2+/, Mn/sup 7+/, Hg/sup 2 / +>s, Nd, Ni, Nb, Pd, P, Pt,more » K, Pr, Re/sup 7+/, Rh, Rb, Sm, Sc, Se/sup 4+/, Na, Sr, Ta, Tb, Tl, Th, Tm, Sn, Ti, V, Yb, Zn; 5 mg of Si, Zr; 1 mg of Mo, W, Ga; 0.1 mg of Te, or U, or 100 mg of Br or T. (auth)« less
Low plasma γ-aminobutyric acid levels in male patients with depression

Plasma levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were significantly lower in males with primary unipolar major depressive disorder than in healthy controls. Although the difference in means between control and symptomatic depressed patient groups was small, the distribution of plasma GABA in the depressed patients was markedly different from controls. Forty percent of depressed patients had plasma GABA levels below those of controls. Plasma GABA levels correlated positively with duration of illness, and negatively with age at onset of the mood disorder and the total Endogenomorphic Symptom Score on the Hamilton Rating Scale. Plasma GABA levels may be a biochemical marker of vulnerability to depression, as opposed to a consequence of the illness. A low GABA condition in depression fits and complements the prevailing biogenic amine hypotheses of depression.
Role of instantaneous force magnitude and duration on particle entrainment

[1] A new criterion for the onset of entrainment of coarse sediment grains is presented here. It is hypothesized that not only the magnitude, but also the duration of energetic near bed turbulent events is relevant in predicting grain removal from the bed surface. It is therefore proposed that the product of force and its duration, or impulse, is a more appropriate and universal criterion for identifying conditions for particle dislodgement. This conjecture is investigated utilizing two theoretical models, representative of two modes of entrainment: saltation and rolling. In these models, instantaneous, highly fluctuating turbulent forces are simulated as short‐lived pulses of characteristic magnitude and duration, which transfer adequate fluid momentum to the particle, to trigger its entrainment. The analytical solution of the respective equations of motion is employed in deriving representations of threshold conditions in terms of the impulse characteristics. It is shown that hydrodynamic forces of sufficiently high magnitude are capable of entraining a particle only when they last long enough so that their impulse exceeds a critical value. To illustrate further the validity of the critical impulse concept, as well as extend and generalize its application to different entrainment levels of an individual grain, a novel experimental setup is utilized. This setup facilitates observations of angular displacement of a steel mobile particle in air due to electromagnetic pulses of different magnitude and duration. The experimentally obtained conditions for partial or complete entrainment support the concept of a critical impulse.
Control and Coordination of Voluntary Arm Movements

Recent findings related to the control strategies underlying voluntary arm trajectory formation in monkeys will be presented. The respective roles of central preprogramming of movements and feedback modulation from peripheral sensory organs will be discussed. A computer simulation based on mathematical modelling and dynamic optimization of the motion will be presented which predicts observed behaviour within experimental error. The same analysis also predicts observed behaviour of monkeys and humans under widely varying task conditions. Applications to the control of prostheses and manipulators will be discussed.
The Cellular Trafficking and Zinc Dependence of Secretory and Lysosomal Sphingomyelinase, Two Products of the Acid Sphingomyelinase Gene

The acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) gene, which has been implicated in ceramide-mediated cell signaling and atherogenesis, gives rise to both lysosomal SMase (L-SMase), which is reportedly cation-independent, and secretory SMase (S-SMase), which is fully or partially dependent on Zn2+ for enzymatic activity. Herein we present evidence for a model to explain how a single mRNA gives rise to two forms of SMase with different cellular trafficking and apparent differences in Zn2+ dependence. First, we show that both S-SMase and L-SMase, which contain several highly conserved zinc-binding motifs, are directly activated by zinc. In addition, SMase assayed from a lysosome-rich fraction of Chinese hamster ovary cells was found to be partially zinc-dependent, suggesting that intact lysosomes from these cells contain subsaturating levels of Zn2+. Analysis of Asn-linked oligosaccharides and of N-terminal amino acid sequence indicated that S-SMase arises by trafficking through the Golgi secretory pathway, not by cellular release of L-SMase during trafficking to lysosomes or after delivery to lysosomes. Most importantly, when Zn2+-dependent S-SMase was incubated with SMase-negative cells, the enzyme was internalized, trafficked to lysosomes, and became zinc-independent. We conclude that L-SMase is exposed to cellular Zn2+ during trafficking to lysosomes, in lysosomes, and/or during cell homogenization. In contrast, the pathway targeting S-SMase to secretion appears to be relatively sequestered from cellular pools of Zn2+; thus S-SMase requires exogeneous Zn2+ for full activity. This model provides important information for understanding the enzymology and regulation of L- and S-SMase and for exploring possible roles of ASM gene products in cell signaling and atherogenesis.
THE EARLY MODERN JAPANESE STATE AND AINU VACCINATIONS: REDEFINING THE BODY POLITIC 1799–1868

L'histoire de la conception de la sante et de la politique de vaccination redefinies par les Japonais et les autochtones Ainous est analysee entre 1799 et 1868
Methylmercury inhibits cysteine uptake in cultured primary astrocytes, but not in neurons.

The maintenance of adequate intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations is dependent on the availability and transport of the rate-limiting substrate, cysteine. A suggested mechanism of methylmercury (MeHg) neurotoxicity in brain involves the formation of oxygen radicals, and a decrease in intracellular levels of GSH. Recently, we have characterized various cysteine transport systems (both Na+-dependent and -independent) in cerebrocortical astrocytes and hippocampal neurons. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of MeHg on cysteine uptake in both astrocytes and neurons, and to determine whether cysteine transport is differentially affected in the two cell types by MeHg treatment. Sixty-minute pretreatment with MeHg caused significant concentration-dependent inhibition in cysteine uptake in astrocytes, but not in neurons. As most of the cysteine transport is Na+-dependent (80–90% of total), additional studies focused on MeHg’s effect on the Na+-dependent cysteine transporters XAG− and ASC. An additive inhibitory effect on cysteine uptake was observed in astrocytes treated with MeHg (5 μM) plus sub-maximal inhibitory concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 mM) of threo-β-hydroxy-aspartate (THA), a specific inhibitor of the Na+-dependent transporter, XAG−, compared to astrocytes treated with MeHg (P<0.001) or THA alone (P<0.05). There was no additive effect of MeHg and maximal inhibitory concentrations of THA (1.0 and 5.0 mM) on astrocytic cysteine uptake inhibition. Additional studies examined the sensitivity of the Na+-dependent ASC transport system to MeHg treatment. Maximal inhibitory concentration of l-serine (10 mM) alone had a rather modest inhibitory effect on cysteine uptake, and when applied in the presence of MeHg there was no additive effect. These results suggest that the inhibition of cysteine uptake by MeHg in astrocytes occurs through specific inhibition of both the XAG− as well as the ASC transport system.
A Preliminary Report on Treatment of Contact Granuloma With Steroid Injections

This preliminary report discusses the effects of intralesion local steroid injection for treatment of contact granulomas. Four men between the ages of 39 and 59 years and one woman age 33 years, who were diagnosed with contact granulomas and who failed previous management attempts, are discussed. Intralesion steroid injections of triamcinolone were completed in an otolaryngology outpatient clinic. Results showed that the size of contact granulomas was reduced with injection of the steroid in all five patients. Contact granuloma was completely eliminated in one patient. Furthermore, all patients were clinically asymptomatic 3 to 4 months post-injection, although only two of the five granulomas were totally eliminated at the time of long-term follow-up. Clinical improvement was confirmed by direct laryngoscopic evaluation of contact granuloma size 4 months following completion of the steroid injections. A speech-language pathologist's knowledge of this technique may prevent patients with granuloma from endu...
Laser transmission through simulated cirrus clouds

Cirrus clouds regularly cover approximately 20% of the globe 1 . Understanding laser and other electo-optical transmission in the presence of cirrus clouds is an important consideration for astronomical observations, various lidar systems, and new laser systems like the USAF Airborne Laser. Simulated cirrus cloud data generated by the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) is used as input to a laser propagation code developed at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). This code computes realistic laser transmission values through a 1-D cirrus cloud layer. Results are examined for a real data simulation of a thin cirrus case in the FIRE (First ISCCP (International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project) Regional Experiment) Cirrus II field campaign during November 1991.
Xclaim: A graphical interface for the calculation of core-hole spectroscopies

Abstract Xclaim (X-ray core level atomic multiplets) is a graphical interface for the calculation of core-hole spectroscopy and ground state properties within a charge-transfer multiplet model taking into account a many-body Hamiltonian with Coulomb, spin–orbit, crystal-field, and hybridization interactions. Using Coulomb and spin–orbit parameters calculated in the Hartree–Fock limit and ligand field parameters (crystal-field, hybridization and charge-transfer energy) the program calculates X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), photoemission spectroscopy (PES) and inverse photoemission (IPES). The program runs on Linux, Windows and MacOS platforms.
Application of the Multigrid Method and a Flexible Hybrid Coordinate in a Nonhydrostatic Model

Abstract A fully compressible, three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic model is developed using a semi-implicit scheme to avoid an extremely small time step. As a result of applying the implicit scheme to high-frequency waves, an elliptic partial differential equation (EPDE) has been introduced. A multigrid solver is applied to solve the EPDEs, which include cross-derivative terms due to terrain-following coordinate transformation. Several experiments have been performed to evaluate the model as well as the performance of the scheme with respect to tolerance number, relaxation choice, sweeps of prerelaxation and postrelaxation, and a flexible hybrid coordinate (FHC). An FHC with two functions (base and deviation functions) is introduced. The basic function provides constant vertical grid spacing required in the multigrid solver, while the deviation function helps to adjust the vertical resolution.
Middle molecule mass spectrometry (a review)

Abstract This paper reviews some recent advances in the application of mass spectrometry to the analysis of middle molecules in the mass range of 1000 to 10,000 daltons, and of very polar molecules (organic salts). The quantitative analysis of components of mixtures will be illustrated, carried out by creating a spectrum which consists primarily of molecular ion species whose relative intensities correspond to the relative molar concentrations of the various components.
A Fast $I{-}V$ Screening Measurement for TDDB Assessment of Ultra-Thick Inter-Metal Dielectrics

Semiconductor manufacturing economics necessitate the development of novel and innovative techniques that can replace the traditional time consuming reliability methods, i.e., the constant voltage stress time-dependent dielectric breakdown (CVS-TDDB) tests. We show that positive charge trapping is a dominant process when ultra-thick oxides are stressed through the ramped voltage test. Exploiting the physics behind positive charge generation/trapping at high electric fields, a fast I-V measurement technique is proposed that can be used to effectively distinguish the ultra-thick oxides' intrinsic quality at low electric fields. It will be demonstrated, based on experimental data, that our proposed technique can be a suitable replacement for the CVS-TDDB as a quality screening tool.
Homoclinic manifolds and numerical chaos in the nonlinear Schro¨dinger equation

Abstract Crossings of homoclinic manifolds is a well known mechanism underlying observed chaos in low dimensional systems. We discuss an analogous situation as it pertains to the numerical simulation of a well known integrable partial differential equation, the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. In various parameter regimes, depending on the initial data, numerical chaos is observed due to either truncation effects or errors on the order of roundoff. The explanation of the underlying cause of the chaos being due to crossing of homoclinic manifolds induced by the numerical errors is elucidated. The nonlinear Schrodinger equation is prototypical of a much wider class of nonlinear systems in which computational chaos can be a significant factor.
Usability evaluation of a commercial pocket PC phone: a pilot study

Advanced mobile phones, such as Smartphones and Pocket PC phones, can potentially provide cost-effective ubiquitous IT access. Towards evaluating their potential and discovering their usability problems, we distributed state-of-the-art Pocket PC phones to 10 mobile users and employed a triangulation of research methods to study their usage for two months. Our research methods included qualitative inquiries in the form of focus groups and structured interviews, and quantitative measurements in the form of in-situ logging. Unlike most previous studies that focused on a single design aspect, our study provides a comprehensive picture regarding the holistic usability of advanced mobile phones.
Simulation of linear viscoelastic flow behavior in the Buss Kneader

Viscoelastic flow in a Buss Kneader in which the screw has both rotating and oscillating motions is simulated. Linear viscoelastic responses are considered using both the Maxwell model and the Boltzmann superposition model. Calculations are made first in a basic screw element and subsequently in Kneader screw modules where we consider leakage flows through the interrupted screw flights. Our study includes filled length variation in the crosshead screw extruder, screw characteristics of Kneader screw elements, and pressure profiles along the modular Kneader machine.
Lysosomal exocytosis in response to subtle membrane damage following nanosecond pulse exposure

The cellular response to subtle membrane damage following exposure to nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP) is not well understood. Recent work has shown that when cells are exposed to nsEP, ion permeable nanopores (< 2nm) are created in the plasma membrane in contrast to larger diameter pores (> 2nm) created by longer micro and millisecond duration pulses. Macroscopic damage to a plasma membrane by a micropipette has been shown to cause internal vesicles (lysosomes) to undergo exocytosis to repair membrane damage, a calcium mediated process called lysosomal exocytosis. Formation of large pores in the plasma membrane by electrical pulses has been shown to elicit lysosomal exocytosis in a variety of cell types. Our research objective is to determine whether lysosomal exocytosis will occur in response to nanopores formed by exposure to nsEP. In this paper we used propidium iodide (PI) and Calcium Green-1 AM ester (CaGr) to differentiate between large and small pores formed in CHO-K1 cells following exposure to either 1 or 20, 600-ns duration electrical pulses at 16.2 kV/cm. This information was compared to changes in membrane organization observed by increases in FM1-43 fluorescence, both in the presence and absence of calcium ions in the outside buffer. In addition, we monitored the real time migration of lysosomes within the cell using Cellular Lights assay to tag LAMP-1, a lysosomal membrane protein. Both 1 and 20 pulses elicited a large influx of extracellular calcium, while little PI uptake was observed following a single pulse exposure. Statistically significant increases in FM1-43 fluorescence were seen in samples containing calcium suggesting that calcium-triggered membrane repair may be occurring. Lastly, density of lysosomes within cells, specifically around the nucleus, appeared to change rapidly upon nsEP stimulation suggesting lysosomal migration.
Dragma Hippomanicum VIII. A new species of Astragalus section Strigulosi (Leguminosae) from Oaxaca

Astragalus cenorrhynchus Barneby is related toA. oxyrrhynchus Hemsl., endemic to the Valley of Mexico, but differs in diminished stature, few-flowered racemes of yellowish flowers, and plumper, apically unilocular pod.
An Automatic Method for PET Target Segmentation Using a Lookup Table Based on Volume and Concentration Ratio

Accurate evaluation of functionally significant target volumes in combination with anatomic imaging is of primary importance for effective radiation therapy treatment planning. In this study, a method for rapid and accurate PET image segmentation and volumetrics based on phantom measurements and independent of scanner calibration was developed. A series of spheres ranging in volume from 0.5 mL to 95 mL were imaged in an anthropomorphic phantom of human thorax using two commercial PET and CT/PET scanners. The target to background radioactivity concentration ratio ranged from 3:1 to 12:1 in 11 separate phantom scanning experiments. The results confirmed that optimal segmentation thresholding depends on target volume and radioactivity concentration ratio. This information can be derived from a generalized pre-determined “lookup table” of volume and contrast dependent threshold values instead of using fitted curves derived from machine specific information. A three-step method based on the PET image intensity...