cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Megakaryocytopoiesis in Mice with Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency

Megakaryocytopoiesis was evaluated in beige and pallid mice, two strains with platelet storage pool deficiency (SPD). The purpose was to determine if the known deficiency of platelet dense body contents would be associated with evidence for abnormalities of the production or regulation of megakaryocytes. Platelet number and size were normal. Megakaryocyte number and ploidy were normal. Mature megakaryocytes in beige mice were slightly larger than those of control C57BI/6J mice. Megakaryocyte size was normal in pallid mice. No other haemopoietic abnormality was detected in either strain. These findings indicated that there is a mild abnormality of megakaryocyte growth in beige mice. However, this could not be attributed solely to the SPD as it was not present in pallid mice.
RESPONSIVE CONSTRUCTIVIST REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING: A PARADIGM

Poor requirements can lead to cost and schedule overruns and are therefore a source of low quality products and stressful work environments. This paper introduces a “responsive constructivist” paradigm for use by systems engineers to address these concerns. The paradigm is “responsive” to stakeholder statements in a nonlinear but methodological manner. “Constructivist” refers to the abstract construction of problem space based on a linguistic understanding of the various stakeholder's worldview of the problem, not necessarily upon the “preordinate positivist” beliefs of science. This paradigm asserts the necessity of approaching requirements such that the human component is more formally embraced. This challenges requirements engineers to evaluate their own stance of curiosity and neutrality. Additionally, questioning types and patterns aid to gather different views of the problem. This responsive constructivist systems engineering paradigm can improve the quality of interpersonal communications, thereby resulting in higher quality requirements and alternate problem abstractions.
Lysosomal physiology in Tetrahymena. IV. Effect of dichloroisoproterenol on the intracellular source of released acid hydrolases.

Abstract Homogenates of control cells prior to and after incubation for 2.5 h in dilute salt solution were sedimented on sucrose density gradients, as were cells incubated for 2.5 h with dichloroisoproterenol. In control cells, acid phosphatase and ribonuclease were located separately in two different high density particles; a third, low density, particle contained both hydrolase activities. Starvation (with concomitant extracellular acid hydrolase release) induced the specific loss of the high density particles, but the presence of dichloroisoproterenol partially reversed this trend. Sedimentation studies also showed that ingested dye particles were located in a high density particle which did not co-sediment with either acid phosphatase or ribonuclease.
Analysis of the red absorption band of chlorophyll a in vivo.

Abstract A precise and sensitive integrating spectrophotometer has been constructed in the shape of a dodecahedron with one photoelectric cell on each side. With the help of this instrument and a computer, the red chlorophyll a absorption band of algae and chloroplasts was resolved (after subtracting the chlorophyll b band) into two Gaussian components, with peaks at 668 and 683 nm★★. The half-width of the two-band envelope is 32 nm; the half-width of each component, about 18 nm. In the blue-green alga, Anacystis and the red alga, Porphyridium (both containing no chlorophyll b ), the two-component bands seem to be in the same positions, but are considerably wider. (However, preliminary analysis suggests that the red band in Anacystis can be interpreted instead as the sum of three components—two belonging to chlorophyll a , and a third one probably due to allophycocyanin.) The relative heights of the two chlorophyll a components vary, in all plants used, only between 0.7 and 0.9, the 668-nm band always being the weaker one. Broadening of chlorophyll a absorption curves by the so-called “sieve effect” may to some extent change the analysis presented here, by causing the component bands in vivo to deviate from the Gaussian shape; this effect calls for further investigation but is unlikely to affect the qualitative conclusions. A comparison of the absorption spectrum so analyzed with that of the “Pigment systems I and II” ( Duysens, French et al.) suggests that in Chlorella, a large portion of chlorophyll a 668 nm belongs, together with a large part of chlorophyll b , to System II, while a large part of chlorophyll a 683 nm must be identified with System I, although some of it probably belongs to System II. The simple identification of chlorophyll a 668 nm with System II, and chlorophyll a 683 nm with System I, as previously suggested, appears to be untenable. In red and blue-green algae, larger parts of both chlorophyll a 668 nm and chlorophyll a 683 nm seem to belong to System I.
Teaching mathematics: Contributions of cognitive research

Many elementary school teachers opt out of teaching mathematics for several reasons including an incomplete understanding of the structure of the subject matter and inadequate training in how to teach it. This paper outlines one possible way to think about teaching mathematics. It docs so by linking concepts and research on (a) subject‐matter structure, (b) student cognitive structure, (c) teacher decision making, and (d) instructional context.
Toward a United States Arctic research policy

Of all countries bordering on the Arctic, the United States is the only one without a national institute, laboratory, or any other organization devoted to the sustained planning and support of Arctic research. Up to now, the responsibility for planning, implementing, and funding Arctic research has been divided between several federal agencies, the state of Alaska, and private groups whose mandates or objectives are often unconnected. The result of this pluralistic approach to U.S. science in the Arctic is that basic research has been conducted in piecemeal fashion. Individual studies are proposed and supported separately, and their costly logistic requirements must be funded in competition with research carried out under less-demanding environmental conditions in the rest of the country. Fundamental data-gathering and interpretation of information has been the responsibility of public agencies whose missions are separate and whose budgets may not reflect the priorities of Arctic issues.
P300 decrements in teenagers with conduct problems: implications for substance abuse risk and brain development

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of conduct disorder problems, family history, gender, and age on P300 electroencephalographic potentials in teenagers. Methods: The 257 subjects, aged 15 to 20 years, were assigned to one of twelve groups defined by the crossing of three between-subjects factors: 1) gender; 2) ranking below vs above the median number of conduct disorder problems for their gender; and 3) no family history of alcohol or drug dependence vs familial alcohol dependence vs familial heroin or cocaine dependence. Results: P300 amplitude was smaller among subjects reporting a greater number of conduct problems prior to age 15 vs those reporting fewer problems of this type. No family history effects were detected. Another set of analyses examined the effects of age on conduct problem-related decrements in P300. Smaller P300 amplitudes within the posterior scalp region were associated with a greater number of conduct problems among subjects younger than 16.5 years. Among subjects greater than this median age, the effects of these behaviors were only apparent over the frontal scalp. Conclusions: It is concluded that P300 decrements previously attributed to familial alcohol/substance dependence might be the result of a coincident increase in the prevalence of conduct disorder problems. The analysis of age interactions suggests that P300 amplitude decrements observed at posterior scalp sites among subjects with more conduct problems disappear at approximately 16 to 17 years of age. After that age, decrements in frontal brain function may begin to emerge in the subset of conduct problem subjects who are at risk for developing adult antisocial personality disorder.
Neutral Ammonium Citrate Extraction of Biosolids Phosphorus

Abstract Matching biosolids application rates to crop phosphorus (P) needs requires quantifying the P fertilizer replacement value of biosolids. Neutral ammonium citrate (NAC) extraction of P, used for assessing available P in mineral fertilizers, was evaluated for 35 different biosolids. Biosolids NAC‐P was not statistically different (p=0.05) from total P using strong acid digestion (EPA 3051‐P). High P recovery by NAC was attributed to dissolution of P‐containing iron (Fe)/aluminum (Al) oxides under the aggressive extracting conditions (0.88 M citrate at 65°C). Citrate effectively dissolves P‐binding Fe/Al hydrous oxides, the very components that reduce phytoavailability when biosolids are land applied. Greenhouse studies with pasture grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) grown in P‐deficient soils amended with biosolids revealed P phytoavailability was not correlated (r2=0.10) with biosolids NAC‐P. Phytoavailability was inversely correlated (r2=0.66) with biosolids total Al+Fe content. The NAC extraction, d...
Before Taliban: Genealogies of the Afghan Jihad

Before Taliban: Genealogies of the Afghan Jihad. David B. Edwards. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2002. ix. 354 pp., illustrations, photographs, notes, glossary, bibliography, index.
Effects of a Quaternary Derivative of Atropine, N-Benzyl Atropinium Chloride

SummaryQuaternization of atropine by the benzyl or phenacyl group∗ increases the lethality of the compound rather markedly; the resultant compounds have the antimuscarinic properties of their parent but to a lesser degree. They possess, in addition, a hypopneic and a potent, but brief, hypotensive action. The latter is especially marked in N-phenacyl atropinium bromide; it is not mediated through the carotid sinus or carotid body mechanisms or the vagal centers, but is largely peripheral in origin. N-benzyl atropinium chloride (NBA) prevents stimulation of striated muscle by acetylcholine and prevents transmission of excitation to the nictitating membrane from preganglionic fibers of the superior cervical ganglion; NBA has, therefore, antinicotinic properties which are lacking almost entirely in atropine.
Synthetic-aperture-radar motion compensation and feature extraction by means of a relaxation-based algorithm

We study the problem of extracting target features by means of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) in the presence of uncompensated aperture motion errors. A parametric data model for a spotlight-mode SAR system is established. The Cramer–Rao bounds (CRB’s) for the parameters of the data model are also derived. The CRB analysis shows that the unknown motion errors can significantly affect the accuracy of a common shift of the scatterer positions in the cross-range direction but have little effect on other target parameters, including the accuracy of the relative positions in the range direction. A relaxation-based motion compensation RELAX (MCRELAX) algorithm for estimating both target features and motion errors is devised. Simulation results show that the mean squared errors of the parameter estimates obtained by using the MCRELAX algorithm can approach the corresponding CRB’s. We also use a couple of examples to show that MCRELAX can simply be used for motion compensation only and can give good motion-compensation results.
Brief Report: MECP2 Mutations in People Without Rett Syndrome

Mutations in Methyl-CpG-Binding protein 2 (MECP2) are commonly associated with the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome (RTT). However, some people with RTT do not have mutations in MECP2, and interestingly there have been people identified with MECP2 mutations that do not have the clinical features of RTT. In this report we present four people with neurodevelopmental abnormalities and clear RTT-disease causing MECP2 mutation but lacking the characteristic clinical features of RTT. One patient's symptoms suggest an extension of the known spectrum of MECP2 associated phenotypes to include global developmental delay with obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results reemphasize that RTT should remain a clinical diagnosis, based on the recent consensus criteria.
Reflections of a Postanesthesia Care Unit Night Nurse

The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses has long held the standard that two licensed personnel will be in the PACU during phase I of recovery. Not all areas of the country have been able to adhere to this standard. This is one nurse's reflections on the time spent "working alone" in the PACU. This article was written before the November 1995 ASPAN position paper on staffing issues. The author strongly feels that with the position paper in place, facilities will make a stronger effort to adhere to the standard and working alone will become a matter of historical record.
An Integrated Framework for Avatar Data Collection from the Virtual World

To mine the rich social media data produced in virtual worlds, an integrated framework combines bot- and spider-based approaches to collect avatar behavioral and profile data.
Iron Inhibits Activation-induced Cytidine Deaminase Enzymatic Activity and Modulates Immunoglobulin Class Switch DNA Recombination

Immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch DNA recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM) are critical for the maturation of the antibody response. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) initiates CSR and SHM by deaminating deoxycytidines (dCs) in switch (S) and V(D)J region DNA, respectively, to generate deoxyuracils (dUs). Processing of dUs by uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) yields abasic sites, which are excised by apurinic/apyrimidinic endonucleases, eventually generating double strand DNA breaks, the obligatory intermediates of CSR. Here, we found that the bivalent iron ion (Fe2+, ferrous) suppressed CSR, leading to decreased number of switched B cells, decreased postrecombination Iμ-CH transcripts, and reduced titers of secreted class-switched IgG1, IgG3, and IgA antibodies, without alterations in critical CSR factors, such as AID, 14-3-3γ, or PTIP, or in general germline IH-S-CH transcription. Fe2+ did not affect B cell proliferation or plasmacytoid differentiation. Rather, it inhibited AID-mediated dC deamination in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition of intrinsic AID enzymatic activity by Fe2+ was specific, as shown by lack of inhibition of AID-mediated dC deamination by other bivalent metal ions, such as Zn2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, or Ni2+, and the inability of Fe2+ to inhibit UNG-mediated dU excision. Overall, our findings have outlined a novel role of iron in modulating a B cell differentiation process that is critical to the generation of effective antibody responses to microbial pathogens and tumoral cells. They also suggest a possible role of iron in dampening AID-dependent autoimmunity and neoplastic transformation.
Determination of the momentum flux at the air-sea interface under variable meteorological and oceanographic conditions: Further application of the wind-wave interaction method

Simultaneous observations of wind, wave, and stability parameters made recently by several authors provide an evaluation of the contribution of these factors to the determination of wind stress on the sea surface. It is shown that under diabatic conditions the wind-wave interaction method of determining wind stress is superior to the method utilizing correction for stability. The implication is that the contribution from waves is more important to the stress than that from stability. Thus, the wind-wave interaction method may be applicable under a variety of conditions. For general meteorological-oceanographic applications, a nomograph is also provided for estimating the wind stress from commonly available wind and wave parameters.
Optimum control of distributed parameter systems with time delays

This paper discusses the optimum control of distributed parameter systems with time delays which are governed by a set of partial differential-difference equations. The technique of dynamic programming is used to derive the functional equations associated with optimization. Specific results are derived for linear systems with quadratic performance index. Also, an explicit condition for the complete null controllability of linear systems is given. The paper concludes with a discussion on the approximate solutions for the minimum energy control of a simple linear parabolic system with a time delay.
Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Epidermal Development and Disease

Keratinocyte (KC) apoptosis plays a critical role in regulating epidermal development and restraining carcinogenesis. Apoptosis balances proliferation to maintain epidermal thickness, contributes to stratum corneum formation and may eliminate pre-malignant cells. Apart from the normal developmental program, KC apoptosis can be triggered by UV light and other stimuli. Dysfunctional apoptosis occurs in some skin diseases, such as psoriasis and skin cancer. Here we review the current state of knowledge of KC apoptosis, with particular focus on apoptotic signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis control, and discuss new insights into the complex role of apoptosis in skin carcinogenesis that are emerging from mouse models.
Uniform random number generators for parallel computers

Abstract Almost all simulational computations require uniformly distributed random numbers. Generators of uniform random numbers are considered and assessed with respect to their possible use on parallel computers. Two recent, commercially available computers are given special attention: the Connection Machine and the T Series. Feedback shift register type generators with a large Mersenne prime are recommended for implementation on these computers.
Fiber length changes and their relation to fiber structure

Deformation processes in polymers are reviewed within the framework of rubber elasticity theory. The effect of hindered rotation on imposed and spontaneous length changes of polymeric fibers is discussed, leading to a new definition of crystallinity as a localized region of hindered rotation. This concept, together with a fringed-micelle model, is used to relate length changes to molecular fine structure of polymers. The details of this model are described and compared with lamellar and paracrystalline models.
Safe and Distributed Kinodynamic Replanning for Vehicular Networks

This work deals with the problem of planning collision-free motions for multiple communicating vehicles that operate in the same, partially-observable environment in real-time. A challenging aspect of this problem is how to utilize communication so that vehicles do not reach states from which collisions cannot be avoided due to second-order motion constraints. This paper initially shows how it is possible to provide theoretical safety guarantees with a priority-based coordination scheme. Safety means avoiding collisions with obstacles and between vehicles. This notion is also extended to include the retainment of a communication network when the vehicles operate as a networked team. The paper then progresses to extend this safety framework into a fully distributed communication protocol for real-time planning. The proposed algorithm integrates sampling-based motion planners with message-passing protocols for distributed constraint optimization. Each vehicle uses the motion planner to generate candidate feasible trajectories and the message-passing protocol for selecting a safe and compatible trajectory. The existence of such trajectories is guaranteed by the overall approach. The theoretical results have also been experimentally confirmed with a distributed simulator built on a cluster of processors and using applications such as coordinated exploration. Furthermore, experiments show that the distributed protocol has better scalability properties when compared against the priority-based scheme.
Sequence and Characterization of a Coactivator for the Steroid Hormone Receptor Superfamily

A yeast two-hybrid system was used to identify a protein that interacts with and enhances the human progesterone receptor (hPR) transcriptional activity without altering the basal activity of the promoter. Because the protein stimulated transactivation of all the steroid receptors tested, it has been termed steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1). Coexpression of SRC-1 reversed the ability of the estrogen receptor to squelch activation by hPR. Also, the amino terminal truncated form of SRC-1 acted as a dominant-negative repressor. Together, these results indicate that SRC-1 encodes a coactivator that is required for full transcriptional activity of the steroid receptor superfamily.
Depression of metallothionein in fetal rat liver following maternal cadmium exposure.

Abstract Pregnant rats were injected subcutaneously on day 10 of pregnancy with 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0 or 3.0 mg cadmium/kg and sacrificed at term (day 21). There were no fetal or maternal deaths following the cadmium exposure with the exception of the 3.0 mg/kg level where a 54% fetal mortality rate was observed. At doses of 1.0 mg/kg or less, non-specific parameters of fetal toxicity including body weight, crown-rump length, and liver weight were not significantly different from control values. The same was true of term placental weight as well as maternal weight gain over the 48-h treatment period. Following gel-filtration of hepatic cytosols from control fetuses, over 70% of the endogenous cytosolic zinc was associated with a peak previosly described as metallothionein. It was found that cadmium exposure at sub-lethal doses caused a depression in both total cytosolic zinc and metallothionein-bound zinc levels in the fetus, whereas both these parameters increased in the maternal liver. In vitro cadmium saturation prior to gel filtration revealed that the cadmium-binding capacity of the metallothionein peak was significantly reduced at all dosage levels in the fetus but increased in maternal liver. These findings suggest that maternal administration of cadmium can depress fetal metallothionein levels and cytosolic zinc levels at doses which do not produce overt fetal toxicity. This reduction in fetal metallothionein is in sharp contrast with the well established finding of induction of metallothionein seen in the adult following exposure to cadmium.
Effects of bile acid administration on bile acid synthesis and its circadian rhythm in man

In man bile acid synthesis has a distinct circadian rhythm but the relationship of this rhythm to feedback inhibition by bile acid is unknown. We measured bile acid synthesis as release of 14CO2 from [26-14C]Cholesterol every 2 hr in three normal volunteers during five separate 24-hr periods. Data were fitted by computer to a cosine curve to estimate amplitude and acrophase of the circadian rhythm. In an additional six volunteers, we measured synthesis every 2 hr from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. only. During the control period, amplitude (expressed as percentage of mean synthesis) averaged 52% and acrophase averaged 6:49 a.m. During administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (15 mg per kg per day), synthesis averaged 126% of baseline (p < 0.1), amplitude averaged 43% and acrophase averaged 6:20 a.m. During administration of chenodeoxycholic acid (15 mg per kg per day), synthesis averaged 43% of baseline (p < 0.001), amplitude averaged 53% and acrophase averaged 9:04 a.m. Addition of prednisone to this regimen of chenodeoxycholic acid to eliminate release of 14CO2 from corticosteroid hormone synthesis resulted in a mean amplitude of 62% and a mean acrophase of 6:50 a.m., values very similar to those in the baseline period. Administration of prednisone alone also did not significantly alter the baseline amplitude (40%) or acrophase (6:28 a.m.). We conclude that neither chenodeoxycholic acid nor ursodeoxycholic acid significantly alters the circadian rhythm of bile acid synthesis in man. Moreover, because this method of measuring synthesis does not require subtraction of large amounts of exogenous bile acid, these data also demonstrate more clearly than ever before that chenodeoxycholic acid causes inhibition of total bile acid synthesis while ursodeoxycholic acid causes either no change or a slight increase in synthesis.
Unilateral blurred vision and dilated retinal veins

A 39-year-old woman presented to her ophthalmologist complaining of floaters. This was associated with elevation of the optic disc and late staining of the retinal veins. The differential diagnosis of venous occlusive disease is discussed.
Proteomics-based expression library screening - a platform technology for rapid discovery of pathogen-specific markers of infection.

Background: The development of new management modalities is imperative for reducing the global burden of infectious diseases. Objective: To develop a platform technology for rapid definition of comprehensive pathogen immunoproteomes (the repertoire of microbial proteins that elicit and interact with host immune responses). Methods: Standard molecular biology techniques were coupled with cutting-edge proteomics to develop proteomics-based expression library screening (PELS). Results: Proof of principle of PELS was demonstrated by defining a comprehensive immunoproteome of the human gastrointestinal pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, in bovine reservoirs in just 3 weeks. Conclusions: PELS, an immunoproteomics-based platform technology, is a rapid and inexpensive alternative to protein/antigen arrays/chips. It is applicable to any parasitic, fungal, viral or bacterial pathogen (or commensal) that: has a sequenced genome; can be cultured in the laboratory; and elicits host humoral immune responses during the...
Alpha thalassaemia in American blacks: a study of a family with five cases of haemoglobin H disease.

Five cases of HbH disease were discovered in a large family of American Blacks. Anaemia was mild with PCV ranging from 0.275 to 0.405. The amount of HbH was 2--6%. Studies of haemoglobin synthesis in peripheral blood reticulocytes demonstrated marked deficits in alpha globin production with an average alpha/beta ratio of 0.31 (range 0.22--0.36). Eighteen additional family members had evidence of thalassaemia trait and were provisionally classified as either alpha-thal-1 (average MCV 65.2 fl; range 59--70) or alpha-thal-2 (average MCV 79.6 fl; range 74--88). A subject with altha-thal-1 trait had an alpha/beta ratio of 0.56; the average for five cases of alpha-thal-2 was 0.73. One other family member was thought to be homozygous for alpha-thal-2 trait and exhibited an MCV of 65 fl with an alpha/beta ratio of 0.5. These data reconfirm that in Blacks with alpha thalassaemia the proportion of HbH is lower and the severity of anaemia is less than in certain other racial groups, e.g. Southeast Asians. However, the degree of hypochromia and microcytosis and the imbalance in alpha and beta globin synthesis appear to be similar in Blacks and other races. These results suggest that the milder clinical course of HbH disease in Blacks is not a result of greater alpha globin production in that population of thalassaemics.
Clonal evolution of B cells in transformation from low- to high-grade lymphoma.

An outcome of low-grade B cell non-Hodgkins's lymphomas is the transformation to high-grade diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBL). To investigate the mechanisms of clonal evolution in the transformation to DLBL, we performed longitudinal molecular analyses of immunoglobulin (Ig), VHDJH gene sequences expressed in cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and follicular lymphoma (FL) that transformed to DLBL. Among the neoplastic CLL and SLL cells and their respective high-grade transformants, there was no evidence for a clonotypic shift or acquired mutations in the expressed Ig VHDJH gene segments, as further confirmed by a specific and sensitive PCR-single strand polymorphism analysis. In contrast, among the FL cells there was a high degree of intraclonal diversification with highly divergent VHDJH gene sequences. Despite this intraclonal heterogeneity, the related DLBL expressed a collinear but unique VHDJH gene sequence. The intraclonal genealogical tree for the FL case demonstrated that the DLBL emerged in association with unique VHDJH gene mutational events. Among the intraclonal FL and related DLBL transformants, the nature and distribution of the Ig VHDJH gene mutations were consistent with antigenic selection. Thus, clonal evolution in the transformation from low- to high-grade B cell lymphoma may involve distinct pathways which vary according to the cellular origin and the type of the progenitor B cell tumor.
Principles of chronic venous access: recommendations based on the Roswell Park experience

At Roswell Park Cancer Institute, we have seen a dramatic increase in the need for long-term venous access. Chronic venous catheters are an indispensible part of the treatment provided to oncology patients. Cancer patients are often at higher risk for complications secondary to their underlying disease and treatments. These risks may be minimized by paying close attention to several important aspects of central line placement. These include matching individual patient needs with the access device most suited to those needs, a thorough preoperative assessment, and the safest and most appropriate operative approach for placement. Likewise, the prompt recognition and treatment of complications when they do occur is crucial to the care of these patients. In order to optimize the care of patients with long-term venous access devices, we have reviewed our experience of over 700 vascular access consultations and offer the following recommendations.
Sewn in the sweatshops of Marx: Beuys, Warhol, Klein, Duchamp

Thierry de Duve was invited to author this book in 1987 for an exhibition of the works of the four artists in the subtitle. A noted art critic, curator and professor of art theory, he accepted. The...
Beta1-adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and left ventricular remodeling changes in response to beta-blocker therapy.

ObjectiveLarge variability exists in the improvement in eft ventricular (LV) function from β-blocker treatment. We hypothesized that polymorphisms at codon 389 (Arg389Gly) and 49 (Ser49Gly) in the β1-adrenergic receptor (AR) gene were associated with LV reverse remodeling changes in response to β-bl
Calcium-activated potassium channels in rat visceral sensory afferents.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to describe, at the single-channel level, the activity of a calcium-sensitive potassium channel in rat visceral-sensory neurons which has been suggested to be involved in sensory neuron excitability. Single-channel recordings in the inside-out configuration identified a 220 pS conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa). From a −20 mV holding potential, increasing [Ca 2+ ] i from 0.01 μM to 1.0 μM increased the open probability of this channel 92% (from 0.12 to 0.23). However, from a +20 mV holding potential, increasing [Ca 2+ ] i from 0.01 to 1.0 μM increased the open probability by 326% (from 0.15 to 0.64). In addition, this large conductance KCa channel was blocked by TEA (1.0 μM) and charybdotoxin (40 μM) when applied to the external surface. These results are the first to characterize a large conductance KCa channel in the sensory afferent neurons of the rat nodose ganglia and should further expand the understanding to the ionic currents involved in the regulation of sensory afferent neuronal activity.
Frontolimbic lesions and social behavior in the rat

Abstract The social behavior of rats with chronic lesions to the medial frontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, hippocampus, septum or amygdala was studied in four different situations: large open field, small open field, shock induced aggression and muricide. All lesions altered social behavior but the effects of the different lesions could be dissociated from one another. Lesions to the hippocampus dramatically reduced contact in open field tests and almost totally eliminated shock induced aggression. Lesions to the amygdala and septum also reduced the level of shock induced aggression but whereas amygdala lesions significantly decreased contact, septal lesions did not. Rats with lesions to the medial or orbital aspects of the prefrontal cortex differed from one another as the rats with orbital lesions exhibited consistently low contact scores and the rats with medial lesions did not, while both groups showed increased levels of shock induced aggression. None of the lesions significantly altered muricide.
Enzymatic responses of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle to drought in sorghum and sunflower plants

To determine if responses of H2O2-scavenging enzymes to drought differ in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, C4) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L., C3), we measured activities of the enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle (AGC), ascorbate peroxidase (AP), dehydroascorbate reductase (DR), and monodehydro-ascorbate reductase (MR), as well as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Sorghum and sunflower were grown in a growth chamber. Water stress was induced by withholding water for 5 days. In sorghum, drought decreased cytosolic activities of AP, MR and POD and increased cytosolic DR activity; however, the chloroplastic activities of AP, DR and MR as well as cytosolic activities of CAT and SOD were not affected by drought. In sunflower, drought increased chloroplastic AP activity and cytosolic activities of DR and CAT, but decreased cytosolic POD activity. Activities of the enzymes involved in AGC were higher in the cytosolic fraction than in the chloroplastic fraction in sorghum. But in sunflower, chloroplasts had higher enzymatic activities than the cytosol. Because of the differential localization of the enzymes in the cell fractions, activities of the enzymes in chloroplasts were generally higher in sunflower than in sorghum, whereas activities of the enzymes in the cytosolic fraction were generally higher in sorghum than in sunflower. These results suggest that, to detoxify H2O2, sorghum mainly uses the cytosolic AGC, whereas sunflower primarily uses the chloroplastic AGC.
Planning stable paths for concentric tube robots

Concentric tube robots are continuum robots that can navigate natural pathways to reach locations deep inside the human body. Their operation is based on rotating and telescopically actuating concentric tubes to achieve robot tip pose control. During tube manipulation, the elastic energy stored in the robot structure may give rise to unstable robot configurations and loss of control. This can occur, in particular, for highly curved and elongated tubes that are required for certain surgical interventions. This paper presents a path planning methodology that allows the utilization of such generally unstable concentric tube robots by ensuring that they operate in their stable configuration regions.
Hormone replacement therapy and health behavior in postmenopausal polio survivors

Abstract Objectives: Little is known about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use in women with disabilities. The objectives of this study were to explore the health behaviors, health outcomes, and efficacy of HRT in a group of postmenopausal polio survivors and to compare selected outcomes to nationally representative cohorts. Methods: One hundred and thirty-one postmenopausal polio survivors completed self-report surveys on health behaviors, HRT use, functional status, and psychosocial well-being. During a physical examination, fasting cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Independent sample t -tests and Chi-square analysis were used to compare HRT users and non-users on health behaviors and health outcomes; logistic regression was used to predict HRT use. Results: Prevalence of HRT use was 58%. Only BMI predicted HRT use (OR=0.30, CI: 0.11–0.81). HRT users had better high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, total cholesterol/HDL ratios, lower BMIs, were more confident when communicating with their physicians, more likely to discuss menopause with their physician, and experienced greater overall stress. HRT was not associated with health behavior, health-related quality of life, mood, or life satisfaction. Compared to non-disabled women, more of these women had higher total cholesterol, obesity, more sleeping problems, and were less likely to vigorously exercise or smoke. Conclusions: HRT did not confer substantial benefits in these postmenopausal polio survivors to warrant them using HRT at a higher rate than their non-disabled peers. Comparisons to their non-disabled peers suggested they may be at higher risk for adverse health problems associated with postmenopause.
New syntheses for 11-(mercaptoundecyl)triethylene glycol and mercaptododecyltriethyleneoxy biotin amide

Abstract Novel syntheses for mercaptododecyltriethyleneoxy biotin amide and 11-(mercaptoundecyl)triethylene glycol are presented here. Such alkyl thiols are popular components in creating monolayers capable of specifically binding proteins. The development of a variety of functionalized alkyl thiol compounds has a great impact on biosensor substrate design. In our synthesis of mercaptododecyltriethyleneoxy biotin amide, we couple aminotriethyleneoxydodecane disulfide to the NHS-activated biotin; this technique is amenable to attaching a carboxylated molecule of interest in order to create the functionalized alkyl thiol of choice. The 11-(mercaptoundecyl)triethylene glycol synthesis presented here is an alternative method easily completed in three steps.
Binding of monomeric and dimeric Concanavalin A to mannose-functionalized dendrimers.

Because of the central role of Concanavalin A (Con A) in the study of protein–carbohydrate interactions, a thorough understanding of the multivalent functions of Con A is imperative. Here, the association of monomeric and dimeric derivatives of Con A with mannose-functionalized generation two through six PAMAM dendrimers is reported. Hemagglutination assay results indicate relatively low activity of the dendrimers for monomeric Con A, with small increases as the dendrimer generation increases. Isothermal titration microcalorimetry experiments indicate monovalent binding by the dendrimers with monomeric Con A and divalent binding by the dendrimers with dimeric Con A. Continuous (and comparable) but narrowing increases in enthalpy and entropy and the slight increase in association constants with monomeric Con A as the dendrimer generation increases suggest favorable proximity effects on binding. Both the hemagglutination assay and the calorimetry experiments suggest that statistical binding enhancements can be observed with monomeric Con A. The results described here should allow for a more quantitative evaluation of the enhancements that are often observed in protein–carbohydrate interactions for glycosylated frameworks binding to Con A.
A Symbolic Algorithms for Maximum Flow in 0-1 Networks

We present an algorithm for finding the maximum flow in a 0-1 network. The algorithm is symbolic and does not require explicit enumeration of the nodes and edges of the network. Therefore, it can handle much larger graphs than it was previously possible (more than 10^36 edges). The main idea is to trace (implicitly) sets of edge-disjoint augmenting paths. Disjointness is enforced by solving an edge matching problem for each layer of the network with the help of newly defined priority functions.
Calcium and aluminum impacts on sugar maple physiology in a northern hardwood forest

Forests of northeastern North America have been exposed to anthropogenic acidic inputs for decades, resulting in altered cation relations and disruptions to associated physiological processes in multiple tree species, including sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). In the current study, the impacts of calcium (Ca) and aluminum (Al) additions on mature sugar maple physiology were evaluated at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (Thornton, NH, USA) to assess remediation (Ca addition) or exacerbation (Al addition) of current acidified conditions. Fine root cation concentrations and membrane integrity, carbon (C) allocation, foliar cation concentrations and antioxidant activity, foliar response to a spring freezing event and reproductive ability (flowering, seed quantity, filled seed and seed germination) were evaluated for dominant sugar maple trees in a replicated plot study. Root damage and foliar antioxidant activity were highest in Al-treated trees, while growth-associated C, foliar re-flush following a spring frost and reproductive ability were highest in Ca-treated trees. In general, we found that trees on Ca-treated plots preferentially used C resources for growth and reproductive processes, whereas Al-treated trees devoted C to defense-based processes. Similarities between Al-treated and control trees were observed for foliar cation concentrations, C partitioning and seed production, suggesting that sugar maples growing in native forests may be more stressed than previously perceived. Our experiment suggests that disruption of the balance of Ca and Al in sugar maples by acid deposition continues to be an important driver of tree health.
An analysis of 1D finite-volume methods for geophysical problems on refined grids

This paper examines high-order unstaggered symmetric and upwind finite-volume discretizations of the advection equation in the presence of an abrupt discontinuity in grid resolution. An approach for characterizing the initial amplitude of a parasitic mode as well as its decay rate away from a grid resolution discontinuity is presented. Using a combination of numerical analysis and empirical studies it is shown that spurious parasitic modes, which are artificially generated by the resolution discontinuity, are mostly undamped by symmetric finite-volume schemes but are quickly removed by upwind and semi-Lagrangian integrated mass (SLIM) schemes. Slope/curvature limiting is insufficient to completely remove these modes, especially at low forcing frequencies where the incident wave can act as a carrier of the parasitic mode. Increasing the order of accuracy of the reconstruction at the grid interface is effective at removing noise from the lowest-frequency incident modes, but insufficient at high frequencies. It is shown that this analysis can be extended to the 1D linear shallow-water equations via Riemann invariants.
Modeling cortical source dynamics and interactions during seizure

Mapping the dynamics and spatial topography of brain source processes critically involved in initiating and propagating seizure activity is critical for effective epilepsy diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. In this report we analyze neuronal dynamics before and during epileptic seizures using adaptive multivariate autoregressive (VAR) models applied to maximally-independent (ICA) sources of intracranial EEG (iEEG, ECoG) data recorded from subdural electrodes implanted in a human patient for evaluation of surgery for epilepsy. We visualize the spatial distribution of causal sources and sinks of ictal activity on the cortical surface (gyral and sulcal) using a novel combination of multivariate Granger-causal and graph-theoretic metrics combined with distributed source localization by Sparse Bayesian Learning applied to a multi-scale patch basis. This analysis reveals and visualizes distinct, seizure stage-dependent shifts in inter-component spatiotemporal dynamics and connectivity including the clinically-identified epileptic foci.
Symbiotic partnerships: The global library community and the ICTD stakeholders

Brokering collaboration between those who develop and/or provide information and communications technologies and the intermediaries whose work is dedicated to providing access to information for all peoples may at first seem redundant; yet on closer examination, the enduring role of library and information professionals in providing access to information in all its forms; in communicating the advantages of the new technologies and in educating the user population in the use of the new technologies has not been recognized in the call to action issued by the signatories to the Millennium Development Goals. Specifically Goal number 8: target 5 calls for the ICTD community to co-operate ��with the private sector�� to ��make available benefits of new technologies, especially information and communications.�� Information professionals must reach out to and educate the ICTD stakeholders � developers, donors, governments and people everywhere � about the invaluable expertise and experience available in our global professional community. We must become the brokers who offer our services to advance the urgent and critical measures required to bridge the ��digital divide�� now existing between developed and lesser developed countries.
On the effectiveness of structural detection and defense against P2P-based botnets

Recently, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks have emerged as a covert communication platform for malicious programs known as bots. As popular distributed systems, they allow bots to communicate easily while protecting the botmaster from being discovered. Existing work on P2P-based botnets mainly focuses on measurement-based studies of botnet behaviors. In this work, through simulation, we study extensively the structure of P2P networks running Kademlia, one of a few widely used P2P protocols in practice. Our simulation testbed not only incorporates the actual code of a real Kademlia client software to achieve high realism, but also applies distributed event-driven simulation techniques to achieve high scalability. Using this testbed, we analyze the scaling, clustering, reachability, and various centrality properties of P2P-based botnets from a graph-theoretical perspective. We further demonstrate experimentally and theoretically that monitoring bot activities in a P2P network is difficult, suggesting that the P2P mechanism indeed helps botnets hide their communication effectively. Finally, we evaluate the effectiveness of some potential mitigation techniques, such as content poisoning, sybil-based and eclipse-based mitigation. Conclusions drawn from this work shed light on the structure of P2P botnets, how to monitor bot activities in P2P networks, and how to mitigate botnet operations effectively.
ANTHROPOLOGY AT THE PROVIDENCE MEETING WITH PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION FOR 1910

The joint meeting of Section H of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Anthropological Association, and the American Folk-Lore Society, held at Columbia University, New York City, December 27th, 1906, to January Ist, 1907, was notable for the number of working anthropologists present as well as for the length and excellence of the program. Conming, as it did, so soon after the International Congress of Americanists in Quebec, fear had been expressed that the New York program might be but the gleanings of a field already well harvested. That new fields were entered may be readily seen by a survey of the program, which included fifty-six numbers in addition to the addresses of the President of the Folk-Lore Society and of the retiring Vice-president of Section H.