cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diazepam potentiates GABA-, but not adenosine-mediated, inhibition of neurons of the nigral pars reticulata.

Abstract Experiments were conducted to assess the relative roles of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and adenosine in mediating the inhibition of neuronal activity by diazepam injected intravenously. Recent studies have shown that benzodiazepines inhibit, in a dose-dependent manner, the firing of neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In support of a predominantly GABAergic mechanism for this inhibitory action, a small dose of diazepam (50 μg/kg, i.v.), which itself had little effect on cell firing, significantly potentiated the inhibitory responses of neurons of the pars reticulata to muscimol, a potent GABA agonist given intravenously, and significantly and selectively potentiated the inhibition of reticulata neurons by GABA applied iontophoretically. In contrast to their extreme sensitivity to GABAergic inhibition, neurons of the pars reticulata were comparatively insensitive to systemically and iontophoretically administered adenosine-related drugs. However, in those instances when inhibitions could be achieved with iontophoretically applied adenosine-5′-monophosphate, the inhibitory responses were not significantly modified by a 50 μg/kg (i.v.) dose of diazepam. These findings, considered in light of differences in GABA and adenosine receptor densities within the substantia nigra, suggest that the benzodiazepine-induced inhibition of neurons of the nigral pars reticulata most likely involves potentiation of GABA but not adenosine-mediated influences.
Teachers' classroom assessment practices and fourth-graders' reading literacy achievements: An international study

Abstract This study, through multilevel analyses of the data of four English-speaking nations (i.e., Canada, England, New Zealand and the United States) from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2001 database, investigated the relationship between teachers' uses of various types of classroom assessments and their fourth-graders' reading literacy achievement, reading self-concept, and attitudes toward reading. The results showed varied outcomes associated with teachers' uses of different types of assessments (multiple-choice items, short-answer and paragraph writing, and oral communication) across countries and across aspects of student reading achievement. Implication of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
On representation of source reliability through weights on rules

Rule-based expert systems often require their users assess the state of an event and then “report” to the system that state. the system then uses that report of the event as the basis of inference, that is, the hypothesis. the problem is that the report is just that, a report. the report is not necessarily the same as the underlying event that occurred. the relationship between the report and the underlying event is referred to as the reliability of the report or the credibility of the report. This article integrates the difference between the report and the underlying event into the weights of two different uncertainty representation schemes used in expert systems. In each case the impact of that reliability is explored. For example, it is found that the model without reliability is equivalent to the model with reliability, in the case of complete reliability. Further, in some cases the weights are monotonic functions of reliability. Accounting for reliability is found to have a substantial impact on the value of the weights. Further, one approach is seen as influenced less by a lack of reliability than another approach.
Estimating temporal trends in preferences measured by graded paired comparisons

Abstract A sizable marketing research literature on preference measurement, prediction, and explanation has thus far been more concerned with point estimates of preference than with consistent changes over time. Such temporal trends can be estimated using data collected from graded paired comparisons. An appropriate technique for deriving individual and group trend parameters is first described and then illustrated using data from an experiment dealing with aesthetic preferences. Suggestions are offered concerning its advantages and limitations for applications in marketing.
The contribution of the pleural type 12 interneuron to swim acceleration in Clione limacina.

The pteropod mollusc, Clione limacina, swims by alternate dorsal–ventral flapping movements of its wing-like parapodia. The basic swim rhythm is produced by a network of pedal swim interneurons that comprise a swim central pattern generator (CPG). Serotonergic modulation of both intrinsic cellular properties of the swim interneurons and network properties contribute to swim acceleration, the latter including recruitment of type 12 interneurons into the CPG. Here we address the role of the type 12 interneurons in swim acceleration. A single type 12 interneuron is found in each of the pleural ganglia, which contributes to fast swimming by exciting the dorsal swim interneurons while simultaneously inhibiting the ventral swim interneurons. Each type 12 interneuron sends a single process through the pleural–pedal connective that branches in both ipsilateral and contralateral pedal ganglia. This anatomical arrangement allowed us to manipulate the influence of the type 12 interneurons on the swim circuitry by cutting the pleural–pedal connective followed by a “culture” period of 48 h. The mean swim frequency of cut preparations was reduced by 19% when compared to the swim frequency of uncut preparations when stimulated with 10−6 M serotonin; however, this decrease was not statistically significant. Additional evidence suggests that the type 12 interneurons may produce a short-term, immediate effect on swim acceleration while slower, modulatory inputs are taking shape.
Study on membrane elevation (blebbing) in the rabbit zygote.

Summary o 1. Elevated (blebbing) vitelline membrane is observed only in those glutaraldehyde fixed rabbit eggs (zygotes), that contain spermatozoa in their perivitelline area. 2. On occasion, within the blebs a number of round to oval enclosures can be discerned. 3. Some membranes (blebs) protrude for a considerable distance from the zygote and appear to envelope the supernumerary )non-fertilizing) spermatozoa that are located in the perivitelline area. 4. It is assumed that this mechanism could be a safeguard against the entry of supernumerary spermatozoa into the vitellus of the rabbit egg.
IMAGING A SPINAL FRACTURE IN A KOHAKU KOI (Cyprinus carpio): TECHNIQUES AND CASE HISTORY REPORT

An ornamental pet fish was diagnosed with a spinal fracture and subluxation involving truncal vertebrae 5 and 6 (T5-T6) using conventional radiography, nuclear scintigraphy, and computed tomography. Attempts to evaluate the dynamic nature of the lesion using conventional fluoroscopy in the unanesthetized, moving patient were unsuccessful. Adaptation of imaging techniques to accommodate a fish patient was not difficult and diagnostic images were obtained. The use of multiple imaging techniques was useful in the diagnosis and determination of the treatment plan of the spinal fracture in this patient.
Energetics of vocalization by an anuran amphibian (Hyla versicolor)

The metabolic demands of vocalization byHyla versicolor were determined by measuring oxygen consumption and whole body lactate content of calling animals. A stepwise multiple regression analysis identified both calling rate (calls/h) and call duration (s/call) as significant determinants of oxygen consumption during calling. These two variables accounted for 84% of the total variation in oxygen consumption observed in calling frogs. Aerobic metabolism\(\left( {\dot V_{O_2 } {\text{call}}} \right)\) increased linearly with calling rate and call duration, reaching a peak value of 1.7 ml O2/(g·h) at the highest vocalization effort. For comparison, metabolic rates of the same individuals were also measured during short bouts of vigorous locomotor exercise\(\left( {\dot V_{O_2 } {\text{ex}}} \right)\) induced by mechanical stimulation. The mean value of\(\dot V_{O_2 } {\text{ex}}\) was only 62% of the peak\(\dot V_{O_2 } {\text{call}}\), and 5 of 13 frogs had rates of oxygen consumption during calling that exceeded their\(\dot V_{O_2 } {\text{ex}}\). Whole body lactate levels were measured in two samples of calling frogs, one collected early in the evening (2100–2115 h) and the other 1.5 h later (2230–2245 h). The frogs in the second sample had significantly lower lactate levels (0.10 mg/g) than the frogs collected early in the evening (0.22 mg/g). Hence, vocalization does not entail the use of anaerobic metabolism, although lactate levels may be slightly elevated at the onset of an evening of calling. Calling rates of unrestrained frogs in a large chorus were measured at regular intervals during an evening. During the first half hour of calling, rates increased gradually from an initial mean value of 600 calls/h at 2030 h to nearly 1400 calls/h at 2100 h. These data indicate that acoustic advertisement byHyla versicolor is among the most energetically expensive activities regularly undertaken by any anuran, and indeed, is the most demanding yet measured in an ectothermic vertebrate.
Labeled polymorphonuclear leukocytes:A comparison of methodology

Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes were separated from anti-coagulated whole blood usingthree techniques. The methods employed included volex sedimentation (VS), volex sedimentation with hypotonic lysis (VSHL), and Ficoll-Hypaque gradient separation (FH). The cells were labeled with 111 In-oxine and 111 In-tropolone. Studies were done with both blood from normal human volunteers and with canine blood. From the cell counts and differential, the harvested granulocytes, platelets, and red blood cells per milliliter of whole blood were calculated. Using the granulocyte chemotactic response to E. coli in agarose plates, the ratio of chemotactic migration to random migration (c.m./r.m.) was determined. Survival time for 111 In labeled granulocytes were also determined in a canine model. The studies demonstrated that all procedures yielded 100% viability by the Trypan blue exclusion test. Chemotactic migration and leukocyte survival times were similar amongst all techniques. With the VSHL technique, there were significantly fewer red blood cells and platelets in the final preparation approaching the results of FH separation. The results suggest that for a relatively pure granulocyte preparation VSHL is an acceptable alternative to FH.
3–5 year longitudinal follow-up of pediatric patients after acute renal failure

Few data exist regarding the long-term sequelae of acute renal failure (ARF), and these studies are limited to a few renal conditions. We aim to assess the 3–5-year survival and incidence of renal injury in children who previously developed ARF of varying causes. We queried parents, physicians, and hospital/state vital statistics records to find patient survival in 174 children who previously had ARF and survived to hospital discharge. We assessed the following in 29 children for residual renal injury: (a) microalbuminuria, (b) glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by Schwartz formula, (c) hypertension, and (d) hematuria. The 3–5-year survival of children with ARF who survived to hospital discharge was 139/174 (79.9%). Most deaths (24/35 (68.5%)) occurred within 12 months after initial hospitalization. Combining those who died during initial hospitalization and in subsequent 3–5 years, the overall survival rate was 139/245 (56.8%). In all, 16 children progressed to end-stage renal disease; thus, renal survival was 127/173 (91%). Those with primary renal/urologic conditions had lower renal survival than others (24/35 (68.6%) vs 134/139 (96.4%); P n =9), hyperfiltration ( n =9), decreased GFR ( n =4), and hypertension ( n =6). A pediatric nephrologist was involved in care of only 6/17 (35%) with chronic renal injury. Patients have high risks of ongoing residual renal injury and death after ARF; therefore, periodic evaluation after the initial insult is necessary.
Southern Subculture, Personal Violence (Suicide and Homicide), and Firearms:

A study of the continental United States showed that an index of “southernness” was associated with the homicide rate but not with the suicide rate. However, the rate of suicide by firearms and the rate of lethal accidents with firearms were both associated with this index of southernness. Controls for latitude and longitude did not eliminate these associations.
Location, Time, and Temperature Dependence of Digestion in Simple Animal Tracts

In this paper, we develop plug flow reactor models that simultaneously investigate how reaction and absorption, morphological differences, and temperature influence nutrient acquisition rates in simple, tubular animal guts. We present analytical solutions to the resulting reaction-advection equations that model these processes, and we obtain formulas giving the throughflow speed that maximizes the absorption rate. The model predicts that the optimal digestion speed increases as the ratio of the rate of enzyme breakdown to the rate of absorption increases.
Thrombolytic Therapy for Patients Who Wake-Up With Stroke

Background and Purpose— Approximately 25% of ischemic stroke patients awaken with their deficits. The last-seen-normal time is defined as the time the patient went to sleep, which places these pati...
Theoretical analysis of a conserved nutrient ecosystem

Abstract Theoretical investigations are performed relating to the statics and dynamics of a four-level conservative nutrient ecosystem. In developing the ecosystem model, the concept of a species or a trophic level acting as a transducer is introduced, along with the resulting concept of flow of information. A new and more realistic model for trophic level interaction is presented. The analysis of this ecosystem indicates that many ecological phenomena of various species may result from the system of which they are a part rather than from any direct effect such as weather or DDT. In particular, the ecological effects of changing the concentration of the conserved nutrient such as occurs in water polution is examined.
Glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit: mouse Gclm gene structure and regulation by agents that cause oxidative stress.

Abstract Glutamate–cysteine ligase is a heterodimer comprising a modifier (GCLM) and a catalytic (GCLC) subunit. In mouse Hepa-1c1c7 hepatoma cell cultures, we found that tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ; 50 μM) induces the GCLM and GCLC mRNAs ∼10- and ∼2-fold, respectively, and that these increases primarily reflect de novo transcription. We determined that the mouse Gclm gene has seven exons, spanning 22.3 kb; all exons, intron–exon junctions, and 4.7 kb of 5′-flanking region were sequenced. By RNase protection analysis, we identified two major and several minor transcription start-site clusters over a 300-bp region. The Gclm 5′-flanking region is GC-rich and lacks a canonical TATA box. Transient and stable transfection studies, using luciferase reporter constructs containing incremental Gclm 5′-flanking deletions (4.7–0.5 kb), showed high basal activity but only modest (∼2-fold) inducibility by tBHQ. The only candidate motif for oxidative stress regulation (in the 4.7-kb region we sequenced) is a putative inverted electrophile response element (EPRE) 9 bp upstream from the 5′-most transcription start-site. Site-directed mutagenesis of this −9 EPRE demonstrated minimal (30–40%) decreases in tBHQ induction and no effect on basal activity—suggesting that this EPRE might be necessary but not sufficient. The nuclear erythroid factor-2 (NEF2)-related factor-2 (NRF2) is known to transactivate via EPRE motifs. In the presence of co-transfected NRF cDNA expression vector, however, no increase in Gclm promoter activity was observed. Thus, the endogenous Gclm gene shows robust transcriptional activation by tBHQ in the intact Hepa-1 cell, but reporter constructs containing up to 4.7 kb of promoter (having only the one EPRE at −9) demonstrate a disappointing response, indicating that the major tBHQ-responsive regulatory element of the mouse Gclm gene must exist either further 5′- or 3′-ward of the 4.7-kb region studied.
Enigmatic osteology in Miocene odontocete rostra suggests periostitis

Eight Miocene odontocete partial rostra (six specimens from the Chesapeake Group of Maryland, one from the Chesapeake Group of Virginia, and another from the Hawthorn Group of Florida) exhibit periostitis, of unknown etiology, characterized by proliferative bone growth. Periostitis is an inflammation of the periosteum secondary to a predisposing event such as a fracture or infection. Computed tomography reveals that the lesions are limited to the premaxillae and that they became progressively swollen and gnarled as evidenced by the onion-like layering within the deformity. The level of maturity and degree of organization of the periostitis indicates that it likely developed over a period of months or years in these individuals. Given this length of time, these pathologies seem not to have been life-threatening despite the gross size and shape of most of these periosteal reactions. The fossils range in age from about 11 to 15 million yr and all eight rostra appear to be derived from the same, but as yet unnamed or unrecognized species of odontocete. The family from which these odontocetes derive remains unknown. Un-deformed rostra attributed to this species have not been identified, which opens the possibility that “abnormal” was the new normal for this species of odontocete.
Enzymatic generation of N-[4-dimethylamino)phenyl]acetohydroxamic acid by the action of pyruvate decarboxylase on 4-(dimethylamino)nitrosobenzene

Abstract The established ability of pyruvate decarboxylase to catalyze the conversion of nitroso aromatics to hydroxamic acids was utilized to generate the previously unknown hydroxamic acid 2. Although 2 could not be isolated in pure form from enzymatic reactions, evidence for its production is presented in this study. Under the conditions of the enzymatic reaction, 2 undergoes a slower reduction to give the corresponding acetanilide 3, which was isolated and characterized. The isomeric hydroxamic acid 4 was synthesized and its stability compared to that of 2. The much greater reactivity of the hydroxamic acid 2, particularly evidenced by its facile reduction to 3, was explained on the basis of the potential for the formation of the N -acylquinonediimine cation, 9.
Evaluation of thermochemical data on Fe-Mg olivine, orthopyroxene, spinel and Ca-Fe-Mg-Al garnet

Abstract Thermochemical data on Fe-Mg olivine, orthopyroxene, spinel and Ca-Fe-Mg garnet have been tested and reevaluated in reproducing experimental equilibrium data. All data (except of spinel) adjusted in this process lie within the error limits of original calorimetric experiments. For spinel, an enthalpy of −2307.2 kJ/mol and an entropy of 81.5 J/mol-K has been recommended. Recommended interaction parameters for the spinel-hercynite and forsterite-fayalite solutions are as follows: Spinel: Wspinel-hercynite = 9124.0 J/mol. Whercynite-spinel = 0.0 J/mol Olivine: W = 4500.0 J/mol for 1 cation. Excess entropies (on 1 cation basis) necessary to reproduce phase equilibria for the pyrope-almandine and almandine-grossular solutions are as follows: Mg-Fegarnet: Wspyrope-almandine = 11.760 − 0.00167 J/mol-K. Wsalmandine-pyrope = −10.146 +0.0037T J/mol-K. Fe-Ca garnet: Ws = −16.07 + 0.0126T J/mol-K.
Discomforts of the Perimenopause

The transition to menopause is associated with multiple discomforts that affect the whole physical and psychologic self. The physiology of perimenopausal discomforts, treatment modalities, and self‐help measures are described. Nurses can teach women about these multisystem effects and promote comfort and a healthy life‐style during this time.
Using SeisMac to Turn Your Laptop into a Seismograph for Teaching

You probably are familiar with the situation. You're trying to explain the arrival of seismic waves to your class. Or maybe it is your spouse (or child, grandparent, parole officer, whatever). You are excited and enthusiastic, talking about frequencies and wavelengths, dispersion, Hilbert transforms, and so on, and all you get in return is blank stares. They don't get it. The problem is that you are showing them a static black-and-white image of squiggly lines, and you just can't get them to see the dynamic motions and transfers of energy involved. You wish you had an actual seismometer to whip out and use to demonstrate your points. Well, your wish has been granted! In fact, you very well may have access to it already. SeisMac is a free Mac OS X application that runs on a MacBook or MacBook Pro and turns built-in accelerometers into a three-component seismograph. These Mac laptops are installed with a sudden-motion sensor, similar to automobile air-bag accelerometers, that is designed to lock up your hard drive if your laptop falls to the ground. It works. Trust us (or, rather, trust the dents in our laptops). Early on, Mac users discovered this feature and were using it to do things like turn their laptops into Star Wars light sabers (complete with sound effects). However, freelance programmer Daniel Griscom realized the potential and created SeisMac (which he wrote about in Electronic Seismologist for SRL volume 77, issue 6 (November/December 2006) pp. 731–733). With some seed funding and guidance from the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), SeisMac was honed into a real seismograph. Yes, of course, you could achieve the same results by purchasing a separate three-component accelerometer and developing a graphical user interface (GUI) that could display the signal in a user-friendly manner. But most likely, …
A new short proof of Kneser's conjecture

(2002). A New Short Proof of Kneser's Conjecture. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 109, No. 10, pp. 918-920.
HIV Protease Inhibitor Ritonavir Induces Cytotoxicity of Human Endothelial Cells

Objective— Although HIV protease inhibitors have been successfully used against HIV infection, many metabolic side effects and premature cardiovascular diseases are often associated with this therapy. The mechanisms of these complications are not clear. In this study, we investigated the effect of the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir on human endothelial cell cultures. Methods and Results— By using nonradioactive cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays, human endothelial cells treated with ritonavir showed a significant decrease in cell viability and an increase in cytotoxicity in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Mitochondrial DNA was also substantially damaged with ritonavir treatment by long polymerase chain reaction analysis. In contrast, ritonavir had a very limited effect on endothelial apoptosis, as assessed by analyses of DNA fragmentation and cellular caspase-3 activity. Conclusions— These data demonstrate, for the first time, that the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir at concentrations near clinical plasma levels is able to directly cause endothelial mitochondrial DNA damage and cell death mainly through necrosis pathways but not through apoptosis. This study suggests that HIV protease inhibitor–mediated endothelial injury may contribute to its cardiovascular complications.
A Psychophysiological Marker of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—Defining the EEG Consistency Index

This study continues our research to further validate the idea that ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) interferes with transition from one task to another and this interference can be quantified by a Consistency Index (CI) derived from a specific mathematical representation of EEG data. We reanalyze 32 previously reported data sets present new data for 35 boys and girls, ages 7-12, ADHD or control. Each data set contains EEG, recorded and digitized while participants perform consecutive 10-min tasks: video, reading, and math. For boys, the CI in ADHD was four times lower than in controls, p < .005, for girls this difference was two times, p < .05. ADHD/control classification based on the CI coincided with the DSM-IV criteria for 88% of the boys and for 67% of the girls. Post hoc analysis indicated that the classification utility of the CI diminished with age. A CI below 40% could be a discriminating, reliable, and reproducible marker of ADHD in young boys.
B lymphocyte memory: Role of stromal cell complement and FcγRIIB receptors

To dissect the influence of CD21/CD35 and FcγRIIB in antigen retention and humoral memory, we used an adoptive transfer model in which antigen-primed B and T lymphocytes were given to sublethally irradiated wild-type mice or mice deficient in CD21/CD35 (Cr2−/−) or FcγRIIB receptors (FcγRIIB−/−). Cr2−/− chimeras showed impaired memory as characterized by a decrease in antibody titer, reduced frequency of antibody secreting cells, an absence of affinity maturation, and significantly reduced recall response. The impaired memory in Cr2−/− chimeras corresponded with the reduced frequency of antigen-specific memory B cells. Interestingly, FcγRIIB−/− chimeras showed a differential phenotype with impaired splenic but normal bone marrow responses. These data suggest that CD21/CD35 on stroma, including follicular dendritic cells, is critical to the maintenance of long-term B lymphocyte memory.
Perception and Homeostatic Control of Iron in the Rhizobia and Related Bacteria

Iron is an essential nutrient, but it can also be toxic. Therefore, iron homeostasis must be strictly regulated. Transcriptional control of iron-dependent gene expression in the rhizobia and other taxa of the Alphaproteobacteria is fundamentally different from the Fur paradigm in Escherichia coli and other model systems. Rather than sense iron directly, the rhizobia employ the iron response regulator (Irr) to monitor and respond to the status of an iron-dependent process, namely, heme biosynthesis. This novel control mechanism allows iron homeostasis to be integrated with other cellular processes, and it permits differential control of iron regulon genes in a manner not readily achieved by Fur. Moreover, studies of Irr have defined a role for heme in conditional protein stability that has been subsequently described in eukaryotes. Finally, Irr-mediated control of iron metabolism may reflect a cellular strategy that accommodates a greater reliance on manganese.
Pilates: what is it? Should it be used in rehabilitation?

Context: The interest and popularity of Pilates is increasing worldwide. In addition to being used in fitness programs, it is being used in some rehabilitation programs.
Enhancement of Efficiency of Integral Equation Solutions of Antennas by Incorporation of Network Principles – Part II

A method is presented for enhancing the efficiency of integral equation solutions for antennas by reducing the number of coupled integral equations to be solved in a method of moments analysis. This method is applied to the accurate modeling of the feed of a simple cylindrical monopole antenna. A microwave network is developed to replace the effects of coupled fields due to one of the unknowns. Computed reflection coefficient values are shown to agree well with values measured on laboratory models and a method of moments solution not incorporating network principles.
The excretion and distribution of I131 following administration of physiologic amounts of labeled iodide, diiodotyrosine and thyroxine in the rat.

PRIOR to the availability of radioactive iodine, the metabolism of iodide, diiodotyrosine and thyroxine had been studied extensively in man and animals, and the pertinent literature has been excellently summarized in the monographs of Salter (1940) and Elmer (1938). These early studies were necessarily conducted by the administration of large amounts of the substances concerned in order that their fate could be followed by chemical determination of iodine. Doubt has always existed, therefore, as to whether the results so obtained with large amounts of material were characteristic also of the endogenous metabolism of these compounds. With the availability of I131, similar studies have been repeated in animals on a number of occasions. Several authors have listed data showing the distribution, fate and excretion of iodide in the rat (Leblond, 1942; Permian, Chaikoff and Morton, 1941 and Stevens, Stewart, Quinlin and Meinken, 1949). Gross and Leblond (1947) have studied the distribution of radiothyroxine at ...
An Experience With Design by Contract

Design by contract uses a formal contractual approach to specify and implement the elements of a software system. Design by contract practice is not widely accepted in the software industry for a variety of reasons. Most notably, there is little research that demonstrates the efficacy of design by contract practices. A yearlong experiment compared design by contract practices with more traditional defensive programming practices. Sixteen software development teams independently designed and constructed an industrial-strength project for Brocade Corporation. The experiment gathered productivity data on each team and metrics on their software artifacts. Detailed analyses were performed on the data to compare and contrast the performance of the teams. This paper describes the project, data collection, analysis and results of the experiment.
Alchemy and Authority in the Holy Roman Empire

One can hardly envy the temptations confronting an alchemist in the early modern Holy Roman Empire. As Tara Nummedal shows in her fascinating Alchemy and Authority in the Holy Roman Empire, practitioners of the art hoped to use their knowledge to generate precious minerals and gain spectacular wealth. Chasing such ambitions carried considerable risk. The proclaimed ability to elicit valuable metals from baser materials rendered the alchemist suspect in the eyes of his (or her) contemporaries. But the danger was not, as Nummedal reveals, a public perception that only diabolic intervention could transform valueless dross into gold and silver. Rather, the princes who patronized alchemists gambled their own resources and credit on the projects, and the practitioner's failure to meet expectations could precipitate earthly punishments hardly less gruesome than that which met Dr Faustus.
Infantile neuronal degeneration masquerading as werdnig‐hoffmann disease

We investigated two infants whose clinical illness resembled Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (WHD). Motor nerve conduction velocities in one infant were markedly decreased, suggesting a demyelinative neuropathy. Pathological examination of the central nervous system in both patients revealed the expected loss of cell bodies in the anterior horn and motor cranial nerves. In addition, there was widespread neuron loss and gliosis in both gray and white matter of the thalamus, cerebellum, pons, and spinal cord. Motor, sensory, and mixed peripheral nerves of one infant showed evidence of segmental demyelination with only mild fiber loss. These and similar patients previously described have a disorder that should be separated from WHD and can be termed infantile neuronal degeneration.
LeeDeo: Web-Crawled Academic Video Search Engine

We present our vision and preliminary design toward Web-crawled academic video search engine, named as LeeDeo, that can search, crawl, archive, index, and browse ldquoacademicrdquo videos from the Web. Our proposal differs from existing general-purpose search engines such as Google or MSN whose focus is on the search of textual HTML documents or metadata of multimedia objects. Similarly, our proposal also differs from existing academic bibliographic search engines such as CiteSeer, arXiv, or Google Scholar whose focus is on the search and analysis of PDF or PS documents of academic papers. As desiderata of such an academic video search engine, we discuss various issues as follows: (1) Crawling: how to crawl, identify, and download academic videos from the Web? (2) Classification: how to determine the so-called academic videos from the rest? (3) Extraction: how to extract metadata and transcripts from the classified videos? (4) Indexing: how to build indexes for search engines? and (5) Interface: how to provide interface for efficient browse and search of academic videos?
PREVAIL-a high throughput e-beam projection approach for next generation lithography

PREVAIL - Projection Reduction Exposure with Variable Axis Immersion Lenses represents the high throughput e-beam projection approach to NGL which 1BM is pursuing with Nikon as alliance partner. This talk will discuss the challenges and accomplishments of the PREVAIL project. It will focus on the results obtained with the Proof of Concept (POC) system. This system was developed to demonstrate key technical building blocks required for high throughput, high resolution e-beam step and scan projection lithography.
Effect of HIV Housing Services on Engagement in Care and Treatment, New York City, 2011.

The federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program addresses housing needs of low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene oversees 22 HOPWA contracts for over 2,400 clients, and manages the NYC HIV Registry. HOPWA clients (N = 1,357) were matched to a random 20 % sample of other PLWHA (N = 13,489). Groups were compared on HIV care retention, viral suppression, and rebound. HOPWA clients were, on average, 3 years younger and more likely to be concurrently diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. While HOPWA clients were more likely to be retained in care (94 vs. 82 %; mOR = 2.97, 95 % CI 2.35–3.74), they were no more likely to achieve suppression (84 vs. 86 %; mOR = 0.85, 95 % 0.70–1.03) and were more likely to rebound (11 vs. 7 %; mOR = 1.45; 95 % CI 1.10–1.91). HIV care retention does not fully translate to virologic suppression in this low-income service population.
Endocytosis and Recycling of Gangliosides in a Human Melanoma Cell Line: Inhibitory Effect of Brefeldin A and Monensin

The internalization and recycling of glycosphingolipids (GLs), added exogenously to cells, has been shown in a number of systems. In addition, a portion of the internalized GLs becomes elongated by further glycosylation, presumably by passage through the Golgi apparatus, and is recycled to the plasma membrane. We have previously shown (K. Furukawa, I. Thampoe, H. Yamaguchi, and K. O. Lloyd J. Immunol. 142, 848, 1989) that NeuGc-LacCer (GM3), added exogenously to cultured human melanoma cells, is converted to NeuAc-NeuGc-LacCer (GD3) and appears at the cell surface where it can be recognized by a monoclonal antibody (32-27M) specifically recognizing this structure. The mechanism of this process has been investigated by analyzing the effect of monensin and Brefeldin A (BFA), two drugs known to affect vesicular transport and Golgi function, on the recycling of NeuGc-LacCer. Using two different serological assays, BFA was shown to specifically inhibit the recycling process. BFA probably achieves this effect by inhibiting the transfer of endocytosed GL from endosomes and the trans Golgi network to the Golgi stacks by a retrograde route and thus prevents its entry into the biosynthetic compartments. Monensin had a similar, but less clear-cut, effect on GM3 recycling. These results have important implications for understanding the modulation of cell surface glycolipids.
Role of Heme in Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease

Heme is an essential molecule for living aerobic organisms and is involved in a remarkable array of diverse biological processes. In the cardiovascular system, heme plays a major role in gas exchange, mitochondrial energy production, antioxidant defense, and signal transduction. Although heme, as
Cystic Pancreatic Endocrine Neoplasms: A Distinct Tumor Type?

Background Cystic pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (CPENs) are considered rare, and their behavior is thought to be similar to that of solid pancreatic endocrine neoplasms (PENs). This study aims to describe the characteristics of CPENs in a large patient cohort. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of 170 patients who underwent resections for PENs at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1977 to 2006. Twenty-nine patients (51% men, mean age 53) with CPENs were compared with 141 patients with solid PENs. Differences in clinical presentation, pathologic and radiographic features, and survival were described. Results CPENs comprised 17% of all PENs (29 of 170) and 5.4% of all resected cystic pancreatic neoplasms(29 of 535). Ten (34%) were purely cystic and 19 (66%) were partially cystic. Compared with solid PENs, CPENs were larger (49 mm versus 23.5 mm, p Conclusions This series, the largest report of CPENs in the literature, shows that CPENs are more common than previously thought, so they should be included in the differential of the cystic lesions of the pancreas. CPENs are larger and more likely to be symptomatic then solid PENs. They are also more likely to be associated with MEN-1 and to be nonfunctional, suggesting they may be a distinct tumor type.
Solution of combined-field integral equation using multilevel fast multipole algorithm for scattering by homogeneous bodies

We present an accurate method of moments (MoM) solution of the combined field integral equation (CFIE) using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) for scattering by large, three-dimensional (3-D), arbitrarily shaped, homogeneous objects. We first investigate several different MoM formulations of the CFIE and propose a new formulation, which is both accurate and free of interior resonances. We then employ the MLFMA to significantly reduce the memory requirement and computational complexity of the MoM solution. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and capability of the proposed method. The method can be extended in a straightforward manner to scatterers composed of different homogeneous dielectric and conducting objects.
Evaluating the power of Minitab's data subsetting lack of fit test in multiple linear regression

Abstract Minitab's data subsetting lack of fit test (denoted XLOF) is a combination of Burn and Ryan's test and Utts’ test for testing lack of fit in linear regression models. As an alternative to the classical or pure error lack of fit test, it does not require replicates of predictor variables. However, due to the uncertainty about its performance, XLOF still remains unfamiliar to regression users while the well-known classical lack of fit test is not applicable to regression data without replicates. So far this procedure has not been mentioned in any textbooks and has not been included in any other software packages. This study assesses the performance of XLOF in detecting lack of fit in linear regressions without replicates by comparing the power with the classic test. The power of XLOF is simulated using Minitab macros for variables with several forms of curvature. These comparisons lead to pragmatic suggestions on the use of XLOF. The performance of XLOF was shown to be superior to the classical tes...
How Will They Vote? Predicting the Future Behavior of Supreme Court Nominees, 1937–2006

Previous research suggests that the future behavior of nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court is relatively unpredictable, except for civil liberties cases. We devise a new measure of nominees’ political ideology that more efficiently uses preconfirmation information about the nominees. The measure employs Segal-Cover scores (based on content analysis of contemporary newspaper editorials) as well as DW-NOMINATE indicators, and is scaled into the DW-NOMINATE space. The measure predicts confirmed nominees’ overall immediate, short-term, and longer-term voting behavior, as well as voting in issue-specific domains, much better than do previous measures. It is particularly successful for nominees confirmed after 1957.
Interfacing data destinations and visualizations: A history of database literacy:

I look at journals and popular magazines on computers and information systems from the early 1970s through the early 1990s to see how they construct expertise about databases and address various publics with different “database literacy” levels. During this period, emerging database technologies such as relational database models and menu-driven interfaces made it possible for users to keep a distance from their data. Alongside such technical changes, socially constructed discourse distinguished “information” from “data” and experts (including computer programmers) emphasized that data was too enormous and unwieldy to be handled by common users and prescribed that such users should concentrate on working with information; that is, data processed by the database management systems (DBMSs). By tracing the socio-technical forces that created data–information categorizations and the dynamic interfacing role played by DBMSs, the article attempts to understand how we arrived at notions about where and how our d...
A divide-and-conquer approach to test generation for large synchronous sequential circuits

A method for generating tests for synchronous sequential circuits that does not use the complete circuit description is proposed, to allow true divide-and-conquer to be applied to test generation. The method is based on the generation of primary input sequences such that for as many sequences generated by the adjacent subcircuits as possible, a test sequence for the subcircuit under consideration would result. Repeated application of test sequences is proposed as a means of increasing the probability of fault detection. Experimental results are presented to show that the method is applicable to subcircuits of large sequential circuits. >
Comparing Response to Cognitive Processing Therapy in Military Veterans With Subthreshold and Threshold Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Research suggests that subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology is associated with increased risk for psychological and functional impairment, including increased risk for suicidal ideation. However, it does not appear that any studies to date have investigated whether subthreshold PTSD can effectively be treated with evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment. Accordingly, we tested response to cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in 2 groups of military veterans receiving care at a VA outpatient specialty clinic, 1 with subthreshold PTSD at pretreatment (n = 51) and the other with full, diagnostic PTSD (n = 483). Multilevel analysis revealed that both groups experienced a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms over the course of therapy (the full and subthreshold PTSD groups experienced an average decrease of 1.79 and 1.52 points, respectively, on the PTSD Checklist with each increment of time, which was coded from 0 at pretreatment to 13 at posttreatment). After controlling for pretreatment symptom severity, a between-groups difference was not found. These results suggest that CPT is an effective form of treatment among military veterans, and that its effectiveness does not differ between subthreshold and threshold groups.
Subsurface Geology of the Pamlico Sound Area, Coastal North Carolina: ABSTRACT

The subsurface of the Pamlico Sound area in North Carolina contains the state's thickest drilled succession of Mesozoic-Cenozoic strata. The subsurface geology of approximately 1,800 mi2 of northern Pamlico Sound was investigated using logs and cuttings from seven wells and about 135 mi of multichannel reflection seismic line. Crystalline basement rocks dip about 1.2° east-southeast. The overlying strata, which range in thickness from 5,145 ft (Albemarle Sound area) to 9,860 ft downdip (Cape Hatteras), are not significantly affected by faulting. Jurassic(?) through Eocene sediments all appear to have accumulated within a gently subsiding, marine-shelf environment. Four distinct lithofacies characterize these strata. The basal Unit 1 (La Casitan-Trinitian) reflects a westward transgression of coastal sandstone, outer shelf mud, and carbonate across shallow shelf to lagoonal deposits. Unit 2 (Trinitian-Washitan) is an upward-coarsening detrital sequence which terminates with discontinuous, marine-shelf sandstones that reflect a northerly source. An abrupt transition into marine-shelf mudstones and limest nes marks the base of Unit 3 (Woodbinian-Austinian); these are abruptly overlain by interbedded shelf sandstones that merge to the southwest. Unit 4 (Tayloran-Claibornian), the uppermost interval studied, is characterized by thick, widespread marl, which grades into glauconitic sandstone and finally marine limestone. Continuous seismic reflectors occur at the basement interface and the top of Units 2 and 4. A reflector, possibly a stratigraphic discontinuity, occurs at the top of the Cretaceous in Unit 4. Well-developed prograding seismic sequences occur above Unit 4. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1442------------
Characterization of the plasma lipoproteins of the genetically obese hyperlipoproteinemic Zucker fatty rat.

The plasma lipoproteins of the Zucker fatty rat were characterized with respect to lipid and apoprotein composition, and results were compared with those obtained from lean con- trols. Information on apoproteins was obtained from gel filtra- tion experiments and electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were increased several- fold in fatties, and 78% of their mass was triglycerides com- pared with 60% in the controls. Low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins were increased by a factor of 2, al- though their compositions were similar to those of the controls. Levels of apoVLDL, apoLDL, and apoHDL were five, two, and two times higher, respectively, in the fatties, and the two most rapidly moving subunit peptides on polyacrylamide gels were disproportionately elevated in the apoproteins. The slower of these two bands was present in relatively greater amounts than the faster one in fatties. If the slower peptide is an activator of lipoprotein lipase, analogous to the comparable subunit pep- tides of human apolipoproteins, plasmas of fatties could contain up to 10 times more lipase activator activity than control plas- ma. This finding, and the fact that adipose tissue lipoprotein li- pase activity of fatties was about 150% of controls, suggests that fatties have increased capacities for VLDL catabolism. We have previously shown that hepatic VLDL secretory rates are higher than normal in these animals. The increased capacity for catab- olism may be a response to the altered secretory rates.
Mucopolysaccharidase of Treponema pallidum.

Treponema pallidum (Nichols strain) exhibited mucopolysaccharidase activity. Acidic mucopolysaccharides were broken down more rapidly by viable treponemes than by heat-inactivated treponemes or membrane filtrates of treponemal suspensions. Ouchterlony immunodiffusion demonstrated the occurrence of antibodies to the hyaluronidase-like enzyme within syphilitic sera. After intratesticular inoculation of 2 × 107 to 6 × 107 treponemes, these anti-mucopolysaccharidase antibodies were detected between 9 and 35 days postinoculation. In addition, acidic mucopolysaccharides were present in the serum of infected animals 9 and 16 days postinoculation. Immune serum that contained antibodies to the mucopolysaccharidase restricted treponemal breakdown of acidic mucopolysaccharides. It has been previously demonstrated that immune rabbit serum contains a factor that blocks attachment of T. pallidum (Nichols strain) to cultured mammalian cells. This factor was effectively absorbed by prior incubation with bovine hyaluronidase. It is postulated that T. pallidum attaches to acidic mucopolysaccharides on the surface of cultured cells through the mucopolysaccharidase enzyme at the surface of the organisms. These findings are discussed in terms of the histopathogenesis of T. pallidum with applications to the healing immune response.
Diabetes: T2DM risk prediction in populations of African descent.

Although the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is higher in African-American than in white individuals, equations developed to predict T2DM are more effective in white individuals. A new study by Lacy and colleagues highlights the need to re-examine current paradigms and identify new biomarkers to determine the earliest features of T2DM risk in populations of African descent.