cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Respiratory effects of tissue damage on isolated amphibian skeletal muscle

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of surgical damage on oxygen consumption in paired sartorii muscles from small male frogs has been investigated in vitro . 2. 2. Injured muscles increased from an average resting oxygen consumption [mm 3 O 2 (STP)/g (wet wt)/hr] of 50.2 ±2.4 to 301.0 ±23.3. 3. 3. Injury-induced increases in oxygen consumption were transient exhibiting a rapid, steady decline during recovery, eventually reaching 98.4 ± 16.6. 4. 4. Following injury, potassium concentration (mM) in the incubation medium increased only slightly, from 2.74 ±0.16 to 3.23 ±0.18. 5. 5. Causing the muscles to become mechanically refractory prior to injury greatly depressed the normal injury-induced increase in oxygen consumption. 6. 6. Results suggest that the increased oxygen consumption associated with muscle injury could be connected with fibrillations and/or twitching induced initially by cutting.
Structure and composition of the resistant sporangial wall in the fungus allomyces.

The fine structure and chemical composition of the wall of resistant sporangia of Allomyces neo-moniliformis were investigated. Studies with the electron microscope showed that the wall is approximately 1.3 js in thickness and is of complex construction. It consists essentially of three parts: a five-layered outer wall, two layers of "cementing substances," and a single-layered inner wall. The presence of a highly convoluted cell membrane was also demonstrated. Six structural components were found to make up the walls of the resistant sporangia: glucose, glucosamine, chitin, melanin, protein, and lipids. Comparison of the structure and composition of the walls of resistant sporangia with the walls of hyphae and zoospores of Allomyces as reported by other investigators showed that, while the structure is very different, the composition is quite similar with only melanin and lipids apparently being absent from the zoospore and
Angular Correlation of Scattered Annihilation Radiation

If the two photons emitted in an annihilation process are scattered, their initial crosspolarization leads to an angular correlation of the scattered radiation. This correlation effect is calculated, and yields a substantial azimuthal asymmetry. It is shown that one may regard the scattering of one photon as performing a partial analysis of the polarization of the other photon.
Estrogen induced expression of the c-jun proto-oncogene in the immature and mature rat uterus

Abstract The expression of the proto-oncogene c- jun in response to estradiol treatment in immature and mature rat uterine tissue was measured using a cDNA encoding the mouse c- jun proto-oncogene. This probe hybridized to a major RNA band of 2.7 kb and a minor 3.2 kb band. In Northern blots of total RNA from both immature and mature rat uteri, estradiol treatment resulted in at least a 3 fold increase in expression of the 2.7 kb band over control levels by 3 hr post injection. By 12 hr post injection, expression of c- jun mRNA had returned to control levels. A strong induction (>5 fold) of c- jun mRNA expression was also observed in stroma-myometrial tissue isolated from mature rats approximately 3 hours after treatment with estradiol. The similar kinetics of induction of c- fos and c- jun emphasizes the functional significance of the fos / jun heterodimer in control of uterine cell proliferation.
Autoregulation of Free Radicals via Uncoupling Protein Control in Pancreatic β-Cell Mitochondria

Pancreatic β-cells sense the ambient blood-glucose concentration and secrete insulin to signal other tissues to take up glucose. Mitochondria play a key role in this response as they metabolize nutrients to produce ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which are involved in insulin secretion signaling. Based on data available in the literature and previously developed mathematical models, we present a model of glucose-stimulated mitochondrial respiration, ATP synthesis, and ROS production and control in β-cells. The model is consistent with a number of experimental observations reported in the literature. Most notably, it captures the nonlinear rise in the proton leak rate at high membrane potential and the increase in this leak due to uncoupling protein (UCP) activation by ROS. The functional forms used to model ROS production and UCP regulation yield insight into these mechanisms, as many details have not yet been unraveled in the experimental literature. We examine short- and long-term effects of UCP activation inhibition and changes in the mitochondrial density on mitochondrial responses to glucose. Results suggest increasing mitochondrial density while decreasing UCP activity may be an effective way to increase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion while decreasing oxidative stress.
Virgin College Students' Reasons for and Reactions to Their Abstinence From Sex: Results From a 23-Year Study at a Midwestern U.S. University

Sexual activity is normative in college. Thus, college students who are virgins are a minority; they are also an understudied group. This study extended a prior investigation (Sprecher & Regan, 1996 ) that focused on U.S. college virgins' reported reasons for and reactions to virginity. Data were collected from the same university over an additional 18 years and from more than 700 additional virgin students. We found differences between male and female virgins that showed that men are more reluctant virgins. For example, the only reason for being a virgin that male virgins endorsed to a greater degree than did female virgins was "my partner was not willing." Men also had more negative affective reactions to being a virgin than did women. We also found some variation in reasons for and reactions to virginity based on sociodemographic variables such as religiosity and ethnicity. A temporal analysis revealed that reasons for being a virgin that referred to a fear (e.g., fear of AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections) became less important over the 23-year period. We discuss our findings in the frameworks of evolutionary and social exchange theories.
Experimental Aeroelastic Response for a Freeplay Control Surface in Buffeting Flow

A partial control surface is constructed near the midspan of a NACA 0012 airfoil model with and without freeplay gaps. Static and dynamic control surface pitch motion measurements were performed in wind-tunnel tests at higher angles of attack including buffet or von Karman vortex street flows. Two typical angles of attack, α=20 and 40 deg, and four freplay gaps in the pitch stiffness, δ=0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 deg, are considered in the tests. This study has measured the static and dynamic responses of the flap pitch motion (with and without freeplay gaps) induced by the buffeting flow. Also, the buffeting frequency has been determined from the measured flap pitch responses. The buffet flow occurs at large angles of attack, and this leads to a larger preload from the aerodynamic forces and a larger static pitch equilibrium position. In this case, there is no limit cycle oscillations of the flap pitch motion induced by the freeplay gap to be found. Because the flap pitch motions are around the upper bound...
Steiner problems in optimal transport

We study the Steiner problem of finding a minimal spanning network in the setting of a space of probability measures with metric defined by the cost of optimal transport between measures. The existence of a solution is shown for the Wasserstein space P p (χ) over any base space χ which is a separable, locally compact Hadamard space. Structural results are given for the case P 2 (ℝ n ).
Auxin-induced expression of the soybean SAUR locus in transgenic petunia

Three auxin-inducible genes of the soybean SAUR (small auxin up RNAs) locus, along with two flanking genes, have been transferred into petunia usingAgrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA transformation. Genomic analysis showed that two transgenic petunia plants contained one copy of the SAUR locus, and one plant contained approximately 10 copies of the transferred locus. Gene-specific probes were used to probe RNA blots, and our results indicated that the three genes were transcriptionally induced by the addition of the auxin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to excised young leaves of the transgenic plants. This suggests that elements involved in auxin-regulated gene expression are strongly conserved in soybean and petunia. The two plants containing one copy of the SAUR locus showed nearly equal expression of all three SAUR genes after 2,4-D induction, while the plant with 10 copies showed a dramatic under-expression of two of the three genes following auxin administration. RNase protection analysis of the transcript for SAUR locus gene 6B showed that the transcription start site for this gene in the three transformed petunia plants was identical to that in soybean.
Etomidate Use and Postoperative Outcomes among Cardiac Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND Although a single dose of etomidate can cause relative adrenal insufficiency, the impact of etomidate exposure on postoperative outcomes is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the association between a single induction dose of etomidate and clinically important postoperative outcomes after cardiac surgery. METHODS The authors retrospectively examined the association between etomidate exposure during induction of anesthesia and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery from January 2007 to December 2009 by using multivariate logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Postoperative outcomes of interest were severe hypotension, mechanical ventilation hours, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Sixty-two percent of 3,127 patients received etomidate. Etomidate recipients had a higher incidence of preoperative congestive heart failure (23.0 vs. 18.3%; P = 0.002) and a lower incidence of preoperative cardiogenic shock (1.3 vs. 4.0%; P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for severe hypotension and in-hospital mortality associated with receiving etomidate was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.58-1.09) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.45-1.24), respectively, and the adjusted hazard ratio for time to mechanical ventilation removal and time to hospital discharge was 1.10 (95% CI, 1.00-1.21) and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.97-1.18), respectively. Propensity score analysis did not change the association between etomidate use and postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In this study, there was no evidence to suggest that etomidate exposure was associated with severe hypotension, longer mechanical ventilation hours, longer length of hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality. Etomidate should remain an option for induction of anesthesia in cardiac surgery patients.
The abundances of zirconium and hafnium in the solar system

The concentrations of zirconium and hafnium have been determined in the Orgueil, Murchison, Allende, Bruderheim, and Alais meteorites by radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The mean Zr/Hf weight ratio in the first four of these meteorites is 31.3 (plus or minus 2.2), indicating no major fractionation of Zr from Hf. Alais contains anomalously high amounts of many refractory lithophile elements, including Zr and Hf. Orgueil contains 3.1 ppm Zr and 0.11 ppm Hf, corresponding to 9.0 and 0.16 atoms, respectively, relative to 1 million Si atoms.
Cyclopean visual evoked potentials: A new test of binocular vision

A new objective method is described to test binocular vision. Identical gratings are presented to each eye, but they are drifted in opposite directions. Uniocular stimulation does not produce a response, but binocular combination of the gratings results in robust visual evoked potentials. Data from cats are presented to illustrate the use of this technique.
Segmentation and Tracking of 3D Neuron Microscopy Images using a PDE Based Method and Connected Component Labeling algorithm

In this paper we introduce our preliminary research results for segmentation and labeling of 3-dimensional microscopy neuron image. We segment each of stacked 2-dimensional image slices using a Partial Differential Equation (PDE) based algorithm and project previous slice segmentation result to the next slide as an initialization condition. Then we label neurons using an efficient connected component labeling algorithm. We show sample results obtained from real neuron image data.
The use of commercial aircraft as platforms for environmental measurements

The use of commercial aircraft for obtaining weather and climate change related information is beginning to accelerate at a rapid pace. A brief history of the use of commercial aircraft for these purposes is provided along with a discussion of the factors that are responsible for the current growth. A major federal program to provide profiles of winds, temperatures, and water vapor is described, along with a description of the new formats and information that will be available to the scientific community. Further details on the water vapor measurements, those expected this year and potential future upgrades, are provided. The advanced technologies that are now available on the aircraft, new advances in in situ and remote sensing, and an entrepreneurial spirit of some package carriers will combine to provide new kinds of measurements via commercial aircraft. A brief review of these factors and a vision of future environmental measurements is provided.
Analytical investigation of the bias effect in variance-type estimators for inference of long-range dependence

Since the publication of the Bellcore measurements in the early nineties, long-range dependence (LRD) has been in the center of a continuous debate within the teletraffic community. While researchers largely acknowledge the significance of the LRD phenomenon, they still disagree on two issues: (1) the utility of LRD models in buffer dimensioning and bandwidth allocation, and (2) the ability of commonly used statistical tools to differentiate between true LRD and other potential interpretations of it (e.g., non-stationarity). This paper is related to the second issue. More specifically, our objective is to analytically demonstrate the limitations of variance-type indicators of LRD. Our work is not meant to advocate a particular modeling philosophy (be it LRD or SRD), but rather to emphasize the potential misidentification caused by the inherent bias in variance-type estimators. Such misidentification could lead one to wrongly conclude the presence of an LRD structure in a sequence that is known to be SRD. Our approach is based on deriving simple analytical expressions for the slope of the aggregated variance in three autocorrelated traffic models: a class of SRD (but non-Markovian) M/G/∞ processes, the discrete autoregressive of order one model (SRD Markovian), and the fractional ARIMA process (LRD). Our main result is that a variance-type estimator often indicates, falsely, the existence of an LRD structure (i.e., H > 0.5) in synthetically generated traces from the two SRD models. The bias in this estimator, however, diminishes monotonically with the length of the trace. We provide some guidelines on selecting the minimum trace length so that the bias is negligible. We also contrast the VT estimator with three other estimation techniques.
What do young children dream about

Young children's dreams can be a way for teachers and caregivers to share with children and an opportunity for children to describe and even draw dreams. In two different preschool settings, in two different geographical locales, 94 children, aged 3–5 years, shared 266 dreams with a trusted, familiar teacher. Dreams were coded anonymously. The number of words in a dream varied from 3 to 157. Younger preschoolers reported significantly shorter dreams. Three-year-olds, contrary to previous research, were able to report dreams. Over 80% of the preschoolers' dreams included specific actions, and over a third of the dreams included three or more actions. More than 36% of the dreamers encountered and struggled with a ‘monster’ protagonist. Family members, human strangers, TV/movie characters, and friends were prevalent in the dreams of young children. Scenarios differed by gender. Girls dreamed more frequently of family members. Boys reported more fighting and chasing. Dream themes of boys, compared with girls,...
Non-steady state modeling of arsenic diagenesis in lake sediments.

A one-dimensional reactive transport model describing the coupled biogeochemical cycling of As, C, O, Fe, and S was used to interpret an extensive geochemical sediment (As, Fe, S, 210Pb, 137Cs, Corg) and pore water (As, Fe, SO42−, ΣS(-II) and pH) data set collected in the perennially oxygenated basin of an oligotrophic lake. Historical variations in atmospheric deposition of As and SO42− were explicitly included as upper boundary conditions in the model calculations. The results show that the depth profile of sediment-bound As reflects both the past changes in As deposition and the diagenetic redistribution of As among the Fe(III) oxyhydroxide and Fe(II) sulfide pools. The model-predicted benthic release of dissolved As to the water column peaks 26 years after the maximum anthropogenic As input to the lake, which occurred around 1950. Two major environmental forcings of the benthic recycling of As are the organic matter degradation in the sediment and the atmospheric sulfate deposition to the lake. More o...
Internal iliac artery revascularization as an adjunct to endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms.

Abstract Purpose: Endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms may be limited by extension of the aneurysm to the iliac bifurcation, necessitating endpoint implantation in the external iliac artery. In such cases the circulation to the internal iliac artery is interrupted. Bilateral internal iliac artery occlusion during endovascular repair may be associated with significant morbidity, including gluteal claudication, erectile dysfunction, and ischemia of the sigmoid colon and perineum. We have employed internal iliac artery revascularization (IIR) to allow endograft implantation in the external iliac artery while preserving flow to the internal iliac artery in patients with aneurysms involving the iliac bifurcation bilaterally. Methods: A total of 11 IIR procedures were performed in 10 patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (9 men, 1 woman; mean age, 74 years). IIR was accomplished via a retroinguinal incision in 9 cases and a retroperitoneal incision in 2 cases. Six-mm polyester grafts were used for external-to-internal iliac artery bypass in 10 cases and internal iliac artery transposition onto the external iliac artery was used in one case. Endovascular AAA repair was performed using a modular bifurcated device (Talent-LPS, Medtronics, Minneapolis, Minn) after IIR. Bypass graft patency was determined immediately after the surgery, at 1 month, and every 3 months thereafter, using duplex ultrasound scanning and computed-tomography angiography. Mean aneurysm diameters were as follows: AAA, 6.4 ± 0.7 cm; ipsilateral common iliac, 3.7 ± 1.0 cm; contralateral common iliac, 3.9 ± 0.8 cm. Results: Successful IIR and endovascular AAA repair were accomplished in all cases. No proximal, distal, or graft junction endoleaks occurred. Two patients demonstrated retrograde aneurysm side-branch endoleaks originating from the lumbar arteries. One thrombosed spontaneously within 3 months. One perioperative myocardial infarction occurred. Reduction in aneurysm size was documented in 5 aortic, 5 ipsilateral iliac, and 3 contralateral iliac aneurysms. Gluteal claudication, erectile dysfunction, colon and perineal ischemia, and mortality did not occur. All IIRs have remained patent during a follow-up period of 4 to 15 months (mean, 10.1 months). Conclusions: IIR may be used with good short-term to intermediate-term patency to prevent pelvic ischemia in patients whose aneurysm anatomy requires extension of the endograft into the external iliac artery. This may allow endovascular AAA repair to be performed in patients who might otherwise be at risk for developing complications associated with bilateral internal iliac artery occlusion. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:892-9.)
Insensitivity to Negative Dependence of Asymptotic Tail Probabilities of Sums and Maxima of Sums

Abstract Let {X 1, X 2,…} be a sequence of pairwise negatively dependent random variables with distributions F 1, F 2,… on (− ∞, ∞), and let S (n) be the maximum of its first n partial sums S 1,…, S n . This article studies the asymptotic tail probabilities of S n and S (n). Under suitable regularity conditions on the distributions F 1,…, F n , we prove that both P(S n > x) and P(S (n) > x) are asymptotic to as x → ∞, indicating that the negative dependence among the random variables does not affect the asymptotic tail behavior of S n and S (n). For a special case where the sequence {X 1, X 2,…} is generated by pairwise negatively dependent and identically distributed random variables weighted by positive constants fulfilling a certain summability condition, we further prove that the asymptotic relations obtained are uniform for all n = 1,2,….
A File Management for Experiment Control Parameters within a Distributed Function Computer Network

An attempt to design and implement a computer system for control of and data collection from a set of laboratory experiments reveals that many of the experiments in the set require an extensive collection of parameters for their control. The operation of the experiments can be greatly simplified if a means can be found for storing these parameters between experiments and automatically accessing them as they are required. A subsystem for managing files of such experiment control parameters is discussed.
Genomic organization and expression of the human β-synuclein gene (SNCB)

The beta-synuclein protein is highly homologous to the alpha-synuclein protein for which two mutations were reported in some familial cases of Parkinson disease. It has been shown that both alpha- and beta-synucleins may be able to inhibit phospholipase D2 selectively. We have observed that the beta-synuclein gene (HGMW-approved symbol, SNCB) is highly expressed in brain including the substantia nigra, the main region of neuronal degeneration in patients with Parkinson disease. We have determined the intron-exon structure of the beta-synuclein gene and established sequencing assays that will facilitate the search for mutations in the beta-synuclein gene in patients with Parkinson disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.
Waves reflected at the “surface” of the earth: P'P'P'P'

Phases of the 600 km. deep earthquake of April 16, 1957, which have not been reflected at the earth's surface show very sharp beginnings arriving within the limits of error of a few seconds at the calculated times. However, phases which have been reflected at the surface, for example PP, pP', pPP, have more or less emergent beginnings which arrive between a few seconds and as much as 30 seconds too early. These emergent beginnings are followed by an impulse which arrives at nearly the calculated time. In agreement with earlier findings, it is concluded that the emergent beginnings of such waves are caused by waves which have been reflected at the Mohorovicic discontinuity or other discontinuities below the surface. Observations of such early emergent arrivals also include waves of the types P'P', PKSP', P'P'P' which have passed twice or more through the mantle and the core. P'P'P'P' has been observed for the first time. The travel times of P'P'P'P' and the coefficient of absorption calculated from P'P'P'P' and P' agree within the limits of error with the expected values; however, these limits of error are so large that the results cannot be used to improve earlier findings. The periods of P'P'P'P' which has traveled about 50,000 km. through mantle and core do not show a marked change from those observed in P waves which have traveled only a few thousand km. through the mantle.
Quantum dynamics of Kaluza-Klein theories

Some of the quantum properties of Kaluza-Klein theories are studied. The classical features of these theories are reviewed, and the quantization of the gravitational field in an arbitrary number of dimensions is described. These results are then applied to a detailed analysis of the five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein model. The fifth dimension is taken to be compact and a quantum effective potential, as a function of the five-five component of the metric, is constructed. It is argued that the one-loop computation is reliable as long as the distance around the fifth dimension is large compared to the Planck length. The effective potential separates into two pieces: an induced cosmological constant, independent of the size of the fifth dimension, and a distance-dependent "Casimir" energy. The cosmological term is subtracted, leaving an attractive Casimir potential which will contract the fifth dimension to a size on the order of the Planck length. Consequences of this result are discussed and some of the ways in which it can be generalized are outlined.
Meeting The Common Needs of a More Effective and Efficient Testing and Assessment Paradigm for Chemical Risk Management

Significant advances have been made in human health and ecological risk assessment over the last decade. Substantial challenges, however, remain in providing credible scientific information in a timely and efficient manner to support chemical risk assessment and management decisions. A major challenge confronting risk managers is the need for critical information to address risk uncertainties in large chemical inventories such as high- and medium-production-volume industrial chemicals or pesticide inert ingredients. From a strategic and tactical viewpoint, an integrated approach that relies on all existing knowledge and uses a range of methods, including those from emerging and novel technologies, is needed to advance progressive and focused testing strategies, as well as to advance the utility and predictability of the risk assessment by providing more relevant information. A hypothesis-based approach that draws on all relevant information is consistent with the vision articulated in the 2007 report by t...
The Prostaglandin E2 E-Prostanoid 4 Receptor Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Brain Innate Immunity

Peripheral inflammation leads to immune responses in brain characterized by microglial activation, elaboration of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and secondary neuronal injury. The inducible cyclooxygenase (COX), COX-2, mediates a significant component of this response in brain via downstream proinflammatory PG signaling. In this study, we investigated the function of the PGE2 E-prostanoid (EP) 4 receptor in the CNS innate immune response to the bacterial endotoxin LPS. We report that PGE2 EP4 signaling mediates an anti-inflammatory effect in brain by blocking LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in mice. This was associated in cultured murine microglial cells with decreased Akt and I-kappaB kinase phosphorylation and decreased nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 NF-kappaB subunits. In vivo, conditional deletion of EP4 in macrophages and microglia increased lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory gene expression in brain and in isolated adult microglia following peripheral LPS administration. Conversely, EP4 selective agonist decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory gene expression in hippocampus and in isolated adult microglia. In plasma, EP4 agonist significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, indicating that peripheral EP4 activation protects the brain from systemic inflammation. The innate immune response is an important component of disease progression in a number of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, recent studies demonstrated adverse vascular effects with chronic administration of COX-2 inhibitors, indicating that specific PG signaling pathways may be protective in vascular function. This study supports an analogous and beneficial effect of PGE2 EP4 receptor signaling in suppressing brain inflammation.
Pre- and postsynaptic plasticity underlying augmented glutamatergic inputs to hypothalamic presympathetic neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Increased sympathetic outflow plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Glutamatergic inputs in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus maintain resting sympathetic vasomotor tone in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In this study, we determined the synaptic and cellular mechanisms of increased glutamatergic inputs to PVN presympathetic neurons in SHR. The spinally projecting PVN neurons were retrogradely labelled by fluorescent microspheres injected into the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. Blockade of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors significantly decreased the firing activity of labelled PVN neurons in brain slices in SHR, but not in normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY). The basal frequency of glutamatergic spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and mEPSCs, respectively) of labelled PVN neurons was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. But the frequency of neither sEPSCs nor mEPSCs stimulated by 4-aminopyridine or capsaicin differed significantly between WKY and SHR. Furthermore, the amplitude of postsynaptic NMDA currents elicited by either electrical stimulation or puff application in labelled PVN neurons was significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY. However, the evoked AMPA current amplitude in PVN neurons was similar in WKY and SHR. This study provides new evidence of how the glutamatergic synaptic inputs to PVN presympathetic neurons are increased and how they contribute to the elevated firing activity of these neurons in SHR. The augmented glutamatergic tone in the PVN is maintained by an increase in presynaptic glutamate release and an up-regulation of postsynaptic NMDA receptor function in SHR.
Multimodal signal fusion

Our daily life involves multimodal signals (e.g., visual, audio, text, and signals from various sensors). Multimodal signals are highly correlated. For example, researchers have been using audio activities for video summarization of ball games and violence detection in movies. Multimodal signals are complementary to each other. For example, in multimodal surveillance, audio may carry important information not available in video. Usually, people don't hire a blind or deaf person for surveillance duties, since a human naturally fuses multimodal signals for the best results.
Nonminimum‐phase compensation for nonlinear processes

The design of controllers for nonlinear, nonminimum-phase processes is one of the most difficult control problems currently faced. Current available control algorithms for nonlinear processes rely implicitly or explicitly on an inverse of the process. Linear control methods for nonminimum-phase processes are based on a decomposition of the process into a minimum-phase and a nonminimum-phase part. Such a decomposition is an open problem for nonlinear systems. In this work, a control structure called the minimum-phase output predictor for nonlinear, nonminimum-phase processes is developed. The structure is based on the notion of statically equivalent outputs; a minimum-phase, statically equivalent output is estimated on-line and then an available nonlinear control algorithm is used to control it to set point. The advantage of the proposed formulation is that it is based on the calculation of an output function, not on a decomposition of the process dynamics. The proposed control methodology is applied and its performance is evaluated for a chemical engineering example.
Marriage, Money, and African American Mothers’ Self‐Esteem

This study examined the effects of marital status and family income on the self-esteem of 292 African American mothers. Counter to previous studies with European American mothers, family income moderated the effects of marital status. Those mothers with higher family income had higher self-esteem, regardless of their marital status. For those with less family income, married mothers had much higher self-esteem than unmarried mothers. Low-income married mothers had the same levels of self-esteem as high income mothers. It was concluded that financial resources can buffer the effects of being single, and being married can buffer the effects of being low income. Policy initiatives that focus on reducing the financial hardship on single mothers and increasing the marriage rate among lower income parents were also discussed.
A Sudden Decline in Active Membrane-Bound TGF-β Impairs Both T Regulatory Cell Function and Protection against Autoimmune Diabetes

Autoimmunity presumably manifests as a consequence of a shortfall in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance by CD4 + CD25 + T regulatory cells (Tregs). However, the mechanism underlying the functional impairment of Tregs remains largely undefined. In this study a glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) diabetogenic epitope was expressed on an Ig to enhance tolerogenic function, and the resulting Ig-GAD expanded Tregs in both young and older insulitis-positive, nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, but delayed autoimmune diabetes only in the former. Interestingly, Tregs induced at 4 wk of age had significant active membrane-bound TGF-β (mTGF-β) and sustained protection against diabetes, whereas Tregs expanded during insulitis had minimal mTGF-β and could not protect against diabetes. The Tregs probably operate suppressive function through mTGF-β, because Ab blockade of mTGF-β nullifies protection against diabetes. Surprisingly, young Tregs that modulated pathogenic T cells maintained stable frequency over time in the protected animals, but decreased their mTGF-β at the age of 8 wk. More strikingly, these 8-wk-old mTGF-β-negative Tregs, which were previously protective, became unable to confer resistance against diabetes. Thus, a developmental decline in active mTGF-β nullifies Treg function, leading to a break in tolerance and the onset of diabetes.
Factor Structures for Aggression and Victimization Among Women Who Used Aggression Against Male Partners

Theories and measures of women’s aggression in intimate relationships are only beginning to be developed. This study provides a first step in conceptualizing the measurement of women’s aggression by examining how well three widely used measures (i.e., the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS), the Sexual Experiences Survey [SES], and the Psychological Maltreatment of Women Inventory [PMWI]) perform in assessing women’s perpetration of and victimization by aggression in their intimate relationships with men. These constructs were examined in a diverse sample of 412 African American, Latina, and White women who had all recently used physical aggression against a male intimate partner. The factor structures and psychometric properties of perpetration and victimization models using these measures were compared. Results indicate that the factor structure of women’s perpetration differs from that of women’s victimization in theoretically meaningful ways. In the victimization model, all factors performed well in...
Becoming Oneself: The Central Role of Self-Concordant Goal Selection

Pursuing personal goals is an important way that people organize their behavior and mature as individuals. However, because people are typically unaware of their own implicit motivations and potentials, they may pick goals that do not serve them well. This article suggests that "self-concordant" goal selection is a difficult self-perceptual skill, with important ramifications for thriving. Various means of conceptualizing and measuring goal self-concordance are considered. Then, relevant literature is reviewed to show that goal self-concordance, as assessed by a self-determination theory methodology, is predicted by goal/motive fit; that goal self-concordance in turn predicts more persistent goal effort and, thus, better goal attainment over time; and that self-concordant goal selection is enhanced by personality variables and interpersonal contexts that promote accurate self-insight and personal autonomy. Implications for the nature of the self, the causes of personality thriving and growth, and the free will question are considered.
POROUS SUBSTRUCTURE OF THE GLOMERULAR SLIT DIAPHRAGM IN THE RAT AND MOUSE

The highly ordered, isoporous substructure of the glomerular slit diaphragm was revealed in rat and mouse kidneys fixed by perfusion with tannic acid and glutaraldehyde. The slit diaphragm was similar in both animal species and appeared as a continuous junctional band, 300–450 A wide, consistently present within all slits formed by the epithelial foot processes. The diaphragm exhibited a zipper-like substructure with alternating, periodic cross bridges extending from the podocyte plasma membranes to a central filament which ran parallel to and equidistant from the cell membranes. The dimensions and spacing of the cross bridges defined a uniform population of rectangular pores approximately 40 by 140 A in cross section and 70 A in length. The total area of the pores was calculated to be about 2–3% of the total surface area of the glomerular capillaries. Physiological data indicate that the glomerular filter functions as if it were an isoporous membrane which excludes proteins larger than serum albumin. The similarity between the dimensions of the pores in the slit diaphragm and estimates for the size and shape of serum albumin supports the conclusion from tracer experiments that the slit diaphragm may serve as the principal filtration barrier to plasma proteins in the kidney.
Lateral inhibition in proneural clusters: cis-regulatory logic and default repression by Suppressor of Hairless

Lateral inhibition, wherein a single cell signals to its neighbors to prevent them from adopting its own fate, is the best-known setting for cell-cell communication via the Notch (N) pathway. During peripheral neurogenesis in Drosophila , sensory organ precursor (SOP) cells arise within proneural clusters (PNCs), small groups of cells endowed with SOP fate potential by their expression of proneural transcriptional activators. SOPs use N signaling to activate in neighboring PNC cells the expression of multiple genes that inhibit the SOP fate. These genes respond transcriptionally to direct regulation by both the proneural proteins and the N pathway transcription factor Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)], and their activation is generally highly asymmetric; i.e. only in the inhibited (non-SOP) cells of the PNC, and not in SOPs. We show that the substantially higher proneural protein levels in the SOP put this cell at risk of inappropriately activating the SOP-inhibitory genes, even without input from N-activated Su(H). We demonstrate that this is prevented by direct `default9 repression of these genes by Su(H), acting through the same binding sites it uses for activation in non-SOPs. We show that de-repression of even a single N pathway target gene in the SOP can extinguish the SOP cell fate. Finally, we define crucial roles for the adaptor protein Hairless and the co-repressors Groucho and CtBP in conferring repressive activity on Su(H) in the SOP. Our work elucidates the regulatory logic by which N signaling and the proneural proteins cooperate to create the neural precursor/epidermal cell fate distinction during lateral inhibition.
The nature and course of subthreshold PTSD

This study investigated rates of subthreshold PTSD and associated impairment in comparison to no PTSD and full PTSD and prospectively followed the course of subthreshold symptoms over 3 years. 3360 workers dispatched to the WTC site following 9/11 completed clinician interviews and self-report measures at three time points each one year apart. At Time 1, 9.7% of individuals met criteria for subthreshold PTSD. The no PTSD, subthreshold PTSD, and full PTSD groups exhibited significantly different levels of impairment, rates of current MDD diagnosis, and self-reported symptoms of depression. At Time 2, 29% of the initial sample with subthreshold PTSD continued to meet criteria for subthreshold or full PTSD; at Time 3, this was true for 24.5% of the initial sample. The study lends credence to the clinical significance of subthreshold PTSD and emphasizes that associated impairment may be significant and longstanding. It also confirms clinical differences between subthreshold and full PTSD.
Transepithelial ion transport is suppressed in hypoxic sinonasal epithelium.

Objectives/Hypothesis Sinonasal respiratory epithelial mucociliary clearance (MCC) is dependent on the transepithelial transport of ions such as Cl−. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the role of oxygen restriction in 1) Cl− transport across primary sinonasal epithelial monolayers, 2) expression of the apical Cl− channels CFTR and TMEM16A, and 3) the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
Critical Role for Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-1 in Controlling Infection of Central Nervous System Glia and Demyelination by Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

We previously characterized the expression and function of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in the glia of the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, we describe the role of SHP-1 in virus infection of glia and virus-induced demyelination in the CNS. For in vivo studies, SHP-1-deficient mice and their normal littermates received an intracerebral inoculation of an attenuated strain of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). At various times after infection, virus replication, TMEV antigen expression, and demyelination were monitored. It was found that the CNS of SHP-1-deficient mice uniquely displayed demyelination and contained substantially higher levels of virus than did that of normal littermate mice. Many infected astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were detected in both brains and spinal cords of SHP-1-deficient but not normal littermate mice, showing that the virus replicated and spread at a much higher rate in the glia of SHP-1-deficient animals. To ascertain whether the lack of SHP-1 in the glia was primarily responsible for these differences, glial samples from these mice were cultured in vitro and infected with TMEV. As in vivo, infected astrocytes and oligodendrocytes of SHP-1-deficient mice were much more numerous and produced more virus than did those of normal littermate mice. These findings indicate that SHP-1 is a critical factor in controlling virus replication in the CNS glia and virus-induced demyelination.
Factors affecting morbidity in emergency general surgery

Abstract Background Emergency status adversely affects surgical outcomes. Predictors of increased morbidity of emergency general surgery are unknown. We determined predictors of postoperative complications of emergency general surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of Brigham and Women's Hospital American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients who had an emergency general surgery procedure from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2009. Additional non–American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program variables were collected. Our primary outcome was postoperative complications within 30 days. Results Of 819 cases, 24.7% had 1 or more complications, with 8.9% mortality within 30 days. Common complications were respiratory (47%) and wound occurrences (18%). Age, sex, blood glucose level, creatinine level, albumin level, surgery duration, and smoking were independent predictors of morbidity. Conclusions Emergency general surgery patients with postoperative complications are likely to be older, male, smokers, have increased blood glucose and creatinine levels, lower albumin levels, and longer surgical times. Fluid resuscitation and experienced surgical teams are putative targets to improve outcomes.
Model-free trajectory optimization for wireless data ferries among multiple sources

Given multiple widespread stationary data sources such as ground-based sensors, an unmanned aircraft can fly over the sensors and gather the data via a wireless link. To minimize delays and system resources, the unmanned aircraft should collect the data at each node via the shortest trajectory. The trajectory planning is hampered by the complex vehicle and communication dynamics. We present a method that allows the ferry to optimize a multi-node data collection trajectory through an unknown radio field using reinforcement learning. The approach learns improved trajectories in situ obviating the need for detailed system identification. The ferry is able to quickly learn significantly improved trajectories compared to alternative heuristics.
Towards a More Democratic Performance Measurement

At least since the late 1970s, the performance measurement literature has used different terminologies to describe agency - and citizen generated performance measures. The first type of measures are placed into objective and the second type into subjective categories. This paper argues that this terminology is outdated owing to evidence on the contextual subjectivity of all performance measures. The analysis also examines the potential impact of the dichotomization on the role accorded citizens in helping to develop public-sector performance measures.
Mechanical properties of Nafion and titania/Nafion composite membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Measurements of the mechanical and electrical properties of Nafion and Nafion/titania composite membranes in constrained environments are reported. The elas- tic and plastic deformation of Nafion-based materials decreases with both the tempera- ture and water content. Nafion/titania composites have slightly higher elastic moduli. The composite membranes exhibit less strain hardening than Nafion. Composite mem- branes also show a reduction in the long-time creep of � 40% in comparison with Nafion. Water uptake is faster in Nafion membranes recast from solution in comparison with extruded Nafion. The addition of 3-20 wt % titania particles has minimal effect on the rate of water uptake. Water sorption by Nafion membranes generates a swelling pressure of � 0.55 MPa in 125-lm membranes. The resistivity of Nafion increases when the mem- brane is placed under a load. At 23 8C and 100% relative humidity, the resistivity of Nafion increases by � 15% under an applied stress of 7.5 MPa. There is a substantial hy- steresis in the membrane resistivity as a function of the applied stress depending on whether the pressure is increasing or decreasing. The results demonstrate how the dynamics of water uptake and loss from membranes are dependent on physical con- straints, and these constraints can impact fuel cell performance. V C 2006 Wiley Periodicals,
Dry tofu characteristics affected by soymilk solid content and coagulation time.

The effects of soymilk solid content (°Brix) and coagulation time on the yield, proximate composition, and textural characteristics of dry tofu were investigated. Soymilk °Brix significantly (p < 0.05) influenced tofu yield, fracturability, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness. Among soymilk °Brix of 7.1, 7.8, 8.4, and 9.2 tested, °Brix 9.2 (9:1 water/bean ratio) produced the lowest yield (201g/100g bean), but the highest fracturability, hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness. Coagulation time for 5 min resulted in a significantly lower tofu yield but higher cohesiveness than coagulation for 15 min. The fracturability and hardness of tofu from 9.2 °Brix soymilk coagulated for 5 min were greatest (18.0 and 19.6 kg, respectively). Lower soymilk °Brix and longer coagulation time produced tofu with a significantly higher moisture content. Dry tofu contained approximately 75-78% moisture (wet basis), 55-58% protein (dry basis), and 20-23% fat (dry basis).