cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitrate-based vasodilators inhibit multiple vascular aldehyde dehydrogenases

Nitrate-based vasodilators (NBVs) are commonly used to treat multiple sequelae of atherosclerosis. A commonly used NBV, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is bioactivated by mitochondrial, class 2 aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2). ALDH2 and other ALDHs are NAD(P)+-dependent enzymes critical to the detoxification of cytotoxic lipid-aldehydes elevated in atherosclerotic lesions, such as trans-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). The GTN bioactivation step, however, inac-tivates ALDH2 and may alter the metabolism of these aldehydes. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that multiple ALDH enzymes are inhibited by different NBVs. ALDH2, ALDH3A, and ALDH5A were present in aorta with ALDH2 and ALDH3A localized to the smooth muscle layers. GTN (1 microM) inhibited ALDH2 activity (55 +/- 6% of control) and ablated ALDH3 activity. In contrast, isosorbide-2,5-dinitrate (ISDN, 1 microM) inhibited ALDH3 activity (1.1 +/- 0.4% of control) but did not inhibit ALDH2 activity even up to 50 microM ISDN. In homogenates of rat aorta, GTN (1 microM) inhibited the NAD+-dependent (41 +/- 5% of control) and NADP+-dependent (25 +/- 6% of control) detoxification of HNE. The inhibition of ALDH3A, but not ALDH2, could be prevented by the addition of dithiothreitol. These studies demonstrate that GTN and ISDN possess selectivity for ALDH inactivation with different mechanisms of inactivation.
Structure spaces of regular C∗-algebras

Abstract In this paper, we study the structure spaces of regular C ∗ - algebras . A complex C ∗ - algebra A is regular if the mapping ϕ between the set of regular C ∗ - seminorms on A and the set of primitive ideals of A is onto. We discuss the case of regular C ∗ - algebras where the structure spaces are not T1.
The low intensity X-ray imaging scope /Lixiscope/

A fully portable, small-format X-ray imaging system, Lixiscope (low intensity X-ray imaging scope) is described. In the prototype, which has been built to demonstrate the feasibility of the Lixiscope concept, only well-developed and available components have been used. Consideration is given to the principles of operation of the device, some of its performance characteristics as well as possible dental, medical and industrial applications.
The Tribal Classification of the Rhyparochrominae (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae)

Recent contributions to the tribal classification of the Rhyparochrominae are discussed. The tribes Plinthisini and Megalonotini are substantiated. A new stridulatory mechanism in Plinthisus is described. A key is given to the 14 tribes of Rhyparochrominae as they are presently understood. The cleradine and myodochine complexes are analyzed in detail, and their constituent tribes are described. In the cleradine complex, the following proposals are made: that the Cleradini be restricted to the original concept of Stal, to include a group of haematophagous lygaeids; that the Stygnocorini be restricted to Guide's original concept; that the Phasmosominae of Kiritshenko be reduced to a tribe of the Rhyparochrominae; and that the Ozophorini, a new tribe with an essentially Pantropical distribution, be established. In the myodochine complex, a new tribe, Udeocorini, is segregated from the Myodochini; it is concentrated in Australia, but has a few genera in the New World. Several small taxonomic changes are made.
TiO2 stability landscape: Polymorphism, surface energy, and bound water energetics

The energetics of pure-phase rutile nanorods and spherical anatase nanoparticles have been studied by high-temperature drop solution calorimetry in 3Na2O·4MoO3 solvent at 975 K and water adsorption calorimetry in a wide range of particle sizes (surface area) from 6 to 40 nm (5−270 m2/g). The calorimetric surface enthalpies for rutile and anatase, calculated as 2.22 ± 0.07 and 0.74 ± 0.04 J/m2, respectively, are in general agreement with Ranade et al.'s results (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2002, 99, 6476), although their numerical values are somewhat different because of impurities and unaccounted bound water in the previous work. This study supports the energy crossovers previously proposed for the TiO2 polymorphs. The energetics of water adsorption were measured using a commercial Calvet microcalorimeter coupled with a gas dosing system. This permitted the calculation of differential and integral enthalpies of water adsorption that characterize how tightly water binds to rutile and anatase surfaces an...
LANDING AN UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE: VISION BASED MOTION ESTIMATION AND NONLINEAR CONTROL

In this paper, we use computer vision as a feedback sensor in a control loop for landing an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) on a landing pad. The vision problem we address here is then a special case of the classic ego-motion estimation problem since all feature points lie on a planar surface (the landing pad). We study together the discrete and differential versions of the ego-motion estimation, in order to obtain both position and velocity of the UAV relative to the landing pad. After briefly reviewing existing algorithm for the discrete case, we present, in a unified geometric framework, a new estimation scheme for solving the differential case. We further show how the obtained algorithms enable the vision sensor to be placed in the feedback loop as a state observer for landing control. These algorithms are linear, numerically robust, and computationally inexpensive hence suitable for real-time implementation. We present a thorough performance evaluation of the motion estimation algorithms under varying levels of image measurement noise, altitudes of the camera above the landing pad, and different camera motions relative to the landing pad. A landing controller is then designed for a full dynamic model of the UAV. Using geometric nonlinear control theory, the dynamics of the UAV are decoupled into an inner system and outer system. The proposed control scheme is then based on the differential flatness of the outer system. For the overall closed-loop system, conditions are provided under which exponential stability can be guaranteed. In the closed-loop system, the controller is tightly coupled with the vision based state estimation and the only auxiliary sensor are accelerometers for measuring acceleration of the UAV. Finally, we show through simulation results that the designed vision-in-the-loop controller generates stable landing maneuvers even for large levels of image measurement noise. Experiments on a real UAV will be presented in future work.
The effect of titanium on the lithium intercalation capacity of V2O5 thin films

Abstract The effect of Ti incorporation on lithium intercalation capacity of V 2 O 5 thin films prepared by spin coating using metalorganic (MO) and inorganic sol-gel (SG) precursors on indium tin oxide coated glass substrates have been investigated. Earlier studies show that V 2 O 5 –TiO 2 oxide system has a higher cyclic stability than V 2 O 5 . However, there is controversy concerning the capacity of these mixed phases. We observe that upon incorporation of 5% Ti in MO films the lithium intercalation capacity decreases from 47 mC/cm 2 to 27 mC/cm 2 , while for the SG films, the capacity increases from 14 mC/cm 2 to 27 mC/cm 2 . We attribute this difference in the lithium intercalation capacity of the 5% Ti doped V 2 O 5 films prepared by MO and SG precursors to the variation in the nonstoichiometry and the particle size. We find that it is essential to have a critical V:O ratio to achieve high intercalation capacity. Any deviations from this critical V:O ratio leads to a decrease in capacity and films having similar nonstoichiometry have similar values of intercalation capacity and diffusion coefficient.
Dissociation of hypnotic-anesthetic actions of α2 agonists from cyclic AMP in the rat

Abstract α2 adrenergic agonists are used clinically for their anesthetic, analgesic, and sympatholytic actions in surgical patients. All α2 adrenergic receptors, when activated by α2-adren- ergic agonists, are able to inhibit adenylate cyclase. We have examined the α2-adrenoceptor-mediated anesthetic actions of dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist, after pretreatment of the animals with rolipram, a cyclic AMP (cAMP)–specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor. cAMP accumulation and monoamine turnover were measured in the locus coeruleus (LC) and hippocampus (HC) following administration of rolipram [275 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (IP)] and dexmedetomidine (100–500 mg/kg, IP). The hypnotic response to dexmedetomidine was also measured in these animals. In other experiments, rats were stereotactically cannulated in the LC with an indwelling catheter, and after the second day, the tail-flick analgesic response to dexmedetomidine (3.5 mg/0.2 ml LC), following rolipram (275 mg/kg, IP) pretreatment, was assessed. In the presence of elevated cAMP levels, the hypnotic, analgesic, and sympatholytic effects of dexmedetomidine persisted. These data suggest that adenylate cyclase activity does not mediate the cellular responses to α2-adrenergic agonists but instead may act in concert with other α2-adrenoceptor–coupled effector mechanisms to transduce the anesthetic actions of these agents.
Relationships between alpha diversity of plant species in bloom and climatic variables across an elevation gradient

This study analyzes a 20-year record of flowering observations collected near Tucson, Arizona, USA. In contrast to traditional phenological records, this dataset is a record of all species observed in bloom collected in five segments of approximately 1 mile (1.61 km) in length across a 4,158-ft (1,200-m) elevation gradient. The data showed differing seasonal and interannual patterns, demonstrating the influence of climatic factors and elevation on flowering. Miles at higher elevations showed bloom peaks in summer, consistent with temperate and montane communities. Conversely, lower miles demonstrated two distinct flowering seasons, typical of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. Interannual fluctuations in total species observed in bloom were not consistent across the 5 miles (c. 8 km), suggesting that these communities respond to different flowering cues. Consistent with documented flowering triggers in semi-arid systems, the alpha diversity of species in bloom at lower elevations in this study was strongly influenced by precipitation. Upper elevation bloom numbers were heavily influenced by temperature, correspondent with bloom triggers in temperate and montane systems. In general, different life forms exhibited similar bloom triggers within the study miles, believed to be a function of shallow soils. Multivariate community analyses showed that anomalous climate conditions yielded unique seasonal bloom compositions. Over the course of the study, average summer temperature showed an upward trend; the number of species in bloom in summer (July-October) in the highest mile (1,940-2,210 m) demonstrated a concurrent increasing trend. Community analysis suggested a gradual shift in the composition of species in bloom in this mile over the study period.
The moral case for covering children (and everyone else).

Before the crucial upcoming debate over reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and all of the 10,000 general health reform questions that this discussion will enge...
Sequence and transcription of tRNAVal gene from Xenopus laevis

Abstract A DNA fraction enriched in tRNA genes has been prepared by CsCl density gradient centrifugation of Xenopus laevis DNA in the presence of actinomycin D. This DNA fraction was cut with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI and the fragments 800–900 base pairs in size were cloned into the plasmid pBR325. Recombinant DNAs were screened by hybridization to labeled tRNA and for the ability to support transcription in vitro. The entire sequence of one fragment was determined by sequencing the ends of an overlapping set of deletion fragments. A sequence homologous to tRNAVal from mammalian sources was found in this fragment and it was shown that this sequence corresponds to the region of the fragment that is transcribed. The cloned fragment was also transcribed in vivo after injection into X. laevis oocytes. The RNA that was synthesized in the oocytes was digested with ribonuclease T1 and the oligonucleotides were separated to produce a two-dimensional fingerprint. The results of the analysis of the oligonucleotides are consistent with the sequence determined for the tRNAVal gene. The X. laevis genome has 200–250 copies of the 892 base pair EcoRI fragment and additional copies of a 4100 base pair EcoRI fragment that each contain a tRNAVal gene. Digestion of X. laevis DNA with several other restriction endonucleases reveals that the cloned fragment that contains the tRNAVal gene is part of a longer sequence element that is tandemly repeated in the genome.
The effects of thyroxine on serum and tissue concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) and IGF-binding proteins in the fetal pig.

We have extensively studied the effect of hypophysectomy on the growth and development of tissues in the fetal pig. However, little is known about the effect of hypophysectomy on tissue levels of insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and -II) and how these growth factors are affected by T4 replacement. Fetal pigs were hypophysectomized (Hypox) at 70 days of gestation, and pellets containing 15 mg T4 were implanted into the lateral musculature of the hind limb at either 70 or 90 days of gestation. Fetuses were removed at either 90 or 105 days of gestation, respectively. Control (non-Hypox), Hypox, and T4 (Hypox-T4) fetal weights were similar at 90 days, but Hypox-T4 weighted less than control and Hypox fetuses at 105 days. Hypophysectomy decreased levels of serum T4, LH, cortisol, and IGF-I (105 days) when compared with controls. Heart and liver (105 days and 90 days) and fat, muscle, and kidney (90 days) IGF-I levels were lower in Hypox fetuses when compared with controls. Hypophysectomy decreased c...
Broadband Viscoelastic Spectroscopy: A New Technique for Characterizing Rheological Behavior of Solid Foods

The broadband viscoelastic spectroscopy (BVS) is a new technique for characterizing rheological behavior of solid foods. Conventional methods to obtain rheological behavior of materials over a broa...
Development Of An Integrated-Optics Multichannel Data Processor

An integrated optical system for comparing one set of voltage signals to a reference set will be described. The processor utilizes a hologram written in an outdiffused LiNb03 waveguide to effectively subtract the input signal voltage set from one or many reference sets as a means of pattern recognition. Parallel processing in a one-dimensional format should make possible comparison rates of 100 MHz for data sets containing as many as 100 information channels. The envisioned system contains the following components: A end-fired laser, a metallized-photoresist grating beam splitter and two polished-edge mirrors to form an integrated interferometer, a waveguide hologram in the area of beam recombination, and a lens to project the processed beam onto a butt-coupled detector. In the reference arm of the interferometer, a simple electrode pair is utilized to generate the phase shift required for holographic subtraction, while in the signal arm, a more complicated N-channel electrode structure is employed to electrooptically convert voltage information to spatial phase information on the guided wave. Efforts to build and characterize a three-channel system with integrated beam splitter, mirror, electrodes, and hologram are presented.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Excited delirium as a potentially dangerous diagnosis.

To the Editor: I read with great interest Dr Huesgen's BET on Excited Delirium (EXDS) and Sudden Death.1 Dr Huesgen summarises the complex literature well, but an important caveat debated in the literature is missing from the review. As any urban law enforcement officer or emergency physician will attest …
REACTIONS OF TELLURIUM TETRAHALIDES WITH GLYCOLS

Abstract Tellurium tetrahalides undergo reaction with glycols to yield three different products: O,O'-dioxotrihalotellurates; bis(alkoxy)dihalotellurium (IV) compounds and hexahalotellurates. The course of the reaction appears to be determined primarily by the nature of the glycol. The structure of dichlorobis(cis- 2-hydroxycyclohexyloxy)tellurium(IV) has been determined crystallographically
A British Experiment in the Control of Competition: The Coal Mines Act of 1930

I. Introduction: Position of the British coal industry in 1929, 419; Provisions of the Act of 1930, 420; Nature of the machinery established, 421. — II. Regulation of Output: Procedure, 422; Adjustment of output to market conditions, 424; District allotments, 425; Individual quotas, 425; Compliance, 428. — III. Control of Prices: Procedure, 428; Difficulties encountered, 429; Results, 432; Lack of compliance, 433. — IV. Reorganization of the Industry: The Coal Mines Reorganization Commission, 434; Failure of compulsory combination, 437. — V. Summary and Conclusion: Results of the Act, 438; Obstacles, 438; Attitude toward the Act, 439; the social interest, 440; the Act as a permanent policy, 440.
Central quadriceps free tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract Central quadriceps free tendon provides an outstanding autograft alternative for routine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, allowing preservation of hamstring tendons and eliminating the morbidity of bone plug harvest from the patella. Correct graft harvest technique, proper tunnel/graft sizing, accurate fixation, and adherence to the methods described will permit excellent ACL reconstruction with low morbidity.
Weight cycling did not increase tumor incidence in high fat–fed rats treated with a low-dose 7,12-dimethylbenzyl(1)anthracene

The present study tested the hypothesis that weight cycling (WC, repeated weight gain and loss) increases the tumorigenesis in rats exposed to carcinogen. Female Wistar rats consumed a high-fat diet (35% weight per weight) and were divided: (1) ad lib–fed rats that were treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzyl(1)anthracene (DMBA, 2 mg) at 55 days of age (AL-DMBA); (2) WC rats that were treated with DMBA (WC-DMBA); and (3) vehicle-treated WC rats (WC-VEH). In this study, WC did not alter blood parameter concentrations and did not influence insulin sensitivity. Mammary tissue F2-isoprostane concentrations were lowest in WC-VEH and highest in AL-DMBA groups. Tumor incidence and burden were similar among all groups. The data obtained from this study do not support our hypothesis. This may be due to low dose of DMBA used, strain and age of the rats, number of WC cycles, and the amount of trans–fatty acids in the diets.
The Impact of Migration and Remittances on Wealth Accumulation and Distribution in Rural Thailand

This article studies the impact of internal migration and remittance flows on wealth accumulation and distribution in 51 rural villages in Nang Rong, Thailand. Using data from 5,449 households, the study constructs indices of household productive and consumer assets with principal component analysis. The changes in these indices from 1994 to 2000 are modeled as a function of households’ prior migration and remittance behavior with ordinary least squares, matching, and instrumental variable methods. The findings show that rich households lose productive assets with migration, potentially because of a reduction in the labor force available to maintain local economic activities, while poor households gain productive assets. Regardless of wealth status, households do not gain or lose consumer assets with migration or remittances. These results suggest an equalizing effect of migration and remittances on wealth distribution in rural Thailand.
Client Attitudes toward Alcohol Use Self-Report.

ABSTRACT Because psychiatric illnesses and problematic alcohol use frequently co-occur and heavy alcohol use can exacerbate depression and anxiety, mental health clinicians should perform alcohol-use screenings. The aim of this study was to determine if psychiatric patients would be accepting of their mental health clinician screening them for heavy alcohol use. Using a written survey, patients rated their levels of agreement with 9 statements regarding opinions about alcohol screening by their mental-health providers. They also completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C (AUDIT-C), a screening instrument for heavy alcohol use. One hundred fifty-four patients were surveyed in 2 psychiatric outpatient clinics. Nearly 40% screened positively for heavy alcohol use on the AUDIT-C. Nearly 8 out of 10 psychiatric patients were in favor of being screened for alcohol use by either self-report or biomarkers, independent of AUDIT-C status and gender. Thus, mental health clinicians should not be deterr...
Microinfusion of aminopeptidase M into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received aminopeptidase M (AmM) delivered into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Resulting changes in blood pressure were recorded in both anesthetized and alert animals. The findings indicate significant dose-determined decreases in blood pressure in members of both strains with SHR more responsive than WKY rats. The respective drops in blood pressure for members within each strain were equivalent for the anesthetized and alert conditions. Pretreatment with the specific angiotensin receptor antagonist, sarthran, [Sar1, Thr2] Angll, into the PVN greatly diminished these responses, suggesting the involvement of the brain angiotensin system. Additionally, a sympathetic nervous system blocker, hexamethonium, and the arginine vasopressin antagonist, Pmp1, O-Me-Tyr2-[Arg] vasopressin, were peripherally administered to assess the potential contributions of these systems to cardiovascular regulation by the brain angiotensin system. The use of these blockers, individually and combined, attenuated responsiveness to infusion of AmM into the PVN. We conclude that AmM can act as a hypotensive agent in both SHR and WKY rats, and that this decrease in blood pressure is at least partially mediated via the brain angiotensin system although other systems may play a role.
A theory for cleavage cracking in the presence of plastic flow

Abstract A theory is proposed for cleavage cracking surrounded by pre-existing dislocations. Dislocations are assumed not to emit from the crack front. It is argued that the pre-existing dislocations, except for occasional interceptions with the crack front, are unlikely to blunt the major portion of the crack front, so that the crack front remains nanoscopically sharp, advancing by atomic decohesion. The fracture process therefore consists of two elements: atomic decohesion and background dislocation motion. An elastic cell, of size comparable to dislocation spacing or dislocation cell size, is postulated to surround the crack tip. This near-tip elasticity accomodates a large stress gradient, matching the nanoscopic, high cohesive strength to the macroscopic, low yield strength. Consequences of this theory are explored in the context of slow cleavage cracking, stress-assisted corrosion, fast running crack, fatigue crack growth, constraint effects, and mixed mode fracture along metal/ceramic interfaces. Computational models and experiments to ascertain the range of validity of this theory are proposed.
Establishing Chip Scale Packaging (CSP) Capabilities at the University of Alaska Fairbanks: Lessons Learned in Tech Transfer, R&D and Sustaining

UAF's Office of Electronic Miniaturization (OEM) has successfully transferred technology and established a prototyping chip scale packaging line in Alaska. This was accomplished by carefully managing each operational interface in the academic environment consistent with our mission. Our program offers significant benefits to the University of Alaska system, its academic partners at other universities, governmental agencies that support our activities, the community and its many industrial partners. Chip Scale Packaging is a very successful technology particularly in the consumer electronics sector. It has a proven track record. It has not penetrated as well in high value systems, entrepreneurial technologies, and government sector electronics. Our facility offers an excellent opportunity to apply CSP technologies to many unexplored areas without requiring high volume commitments. OEM is keenly interested in collaborative R&D as well as pilot projects. We welcome inquiries (www.silicontundra.org).
899. Utilizing the Vector Transport Properties of AAV-9 as a Method To Get Widespread Distribution of a Therapeutic Gene within the CNS

The use of gene therapy to treat disorders of the central nervous system has been limited due to the invasiveness of the multiple injections needed for widespread distribution of the therapeutic gene. The use of gene transfer vectors that can deliver the therapeutic gene to a larger brain region with a limited number of injections needs further exploration. Our lab and others have shown that injections of viral vectors expressing genes for lysosomal enzymes can result in retrograde and anterograde transport of the enzyme to certain afferent and efferent projections of the injected nuclei. We have also found, using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors packaged in AAV-9 capsid proteins, that the vector genome can be transported. Based on these findings, our hypothesis was that injecting AAV 9 into regions of the brain with widespread projections, such as the locus coeruleus (LC) or ventral tegmental area (VTA), would lead to wider distribution of vector genome and more extensive dispersal of the enzyme. For this experiment, we unilaterally injected AAV 9 expressing the human lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase (hGUSB) into the LC or VTA of C3H mice, and then looked for vector and enzyme distribution 2 months post-injection. We found that a single injection of AAV 9 resulted in enzyme dispersal from the olfactory bulbs to the spinal cord, due to transport of the vector and enzyme to projection sites of the injected nucleus. This information may be useful for devising new treatment options for genetic diseases of the CNS, where multiple injections are not optimal.
Half-Range Generalized Hermite Polynomials and the Related Gaussian Quadratures

A method is developed for calculating the recurrence coefficients for half-range generalized Hermite polynomials. These are orthogonal polynomials with measure $x^{\gamma}e^{-x^{2}}$on the interval ($0,\infty$). The recurrence coefficients can then be used to generate the weights and nodes of the related Gaussian quadratures. These quadratures allow efficient high accuracy evaluation of many Gaussian integrals encountered in probability functions, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics. The number of steps for an accurate numerical calculation of the recurrence coefficients is proportional to N, the number of coefficients obtained. Extended precision arithmetic is not needed in these calculations.
Convective heating and precipitation estimates for the tropical South Pacific during fgge, 10‐18 january 1979

Heat and moisture budgets are computed during part of the FGGE Special Observing Period-1 for an area containing the South Pacific convergence zone, deriving 12-hour precipitation rate estimates as residuals and comparing them with those derived from a GOES IR technique. Heat budget estimates are generally in good agreement with the IR estimates; the axis of maximum precipitation derived from tne heat budget is well aligned with the lowest values of outgoing long wave excitation, which represent high, cold cloud tops resulting from deep cumulus convection. The vertical advection term is found to be the dominant term in the heat budget; this, together with radiative cooling, yields the approximate balance between adiabatic cooling and diabatic heating.
Projective re-normalization for improving the behavior of a homogeneous conic linear system

In this paper we study the homogeneous conic system $$F: Ax = 0, x \in C\setminus \{0\}$$. We choose a point $$\bar s \in {\rm int}C^*$$ that serves as a normalizer and consider computational properties of the normalized system $$F_{\bar s} : Ax = 0, \bar s^T x = 1, x \in C$$. We show that the computational complexity of solving F via an interior-point method depends only on the complexity value $$\vartheta$$ of the barrier for C and on the symmetry of the origin in the image set $$H_{\bar s} := \{Ax {\bar s}^Tx = 1, x \in C\}$$, where the symmetry of 0 in $$H_{\bar s}$$ is $$ {\rm sym}(0, H_{\bar s}) := {\rm max}\{\alpha : y \in H_{\bar s} \Rightarrow -\alpha y \in H_{\bar s} \}$$. interior-point iterations. In order to improve the theoretical and practical computation of a solution of F, we next present a general theory for projective re-normalization of the feasible region $$F_{\bar s}$$ and the image set $$H_{\bar s}$$ and prove the existence of a normalizer $${\bar s}$$ such that $${\rm sym}(0,H_{\bar s}) \ge 1/m$$ provided that F has an interior solution. We develop a methodology for constructing a normalizer $${\bar s}$$ such that $${\rm sym}(0, H_{\bar s}) \ge 1/m$$ with high probability, based on sampling on a geometric random walk with associated probabilistic complexity analysis. While such a normalizer is not itself computable in strongly-polynomial-time, the normalizer will yield a conic system that is solvable in $$O(\sqrt{\vartheta}{\rm ln}(m\vartheta))$$ iterations, which is strongly-polynomial-time. Finally, we implement this methodology on randomly generated homogeneous linear programming feasibility problems, constructed to be poorly behaved. Our computational results indicate that the projective re-normalization methodology holds the promise to markedly reduce the overall computation time for conic feasibility problems; for instance we observe a 46% decrease in average IPM iterations for 100 randomly generated poorly-behaved problem instances of dimension 1,000 × 5,000.
Effect of group A streptococcal peptidoglycan and group A streptococcal cell wall on bone in tissue culture

The effects of the peptidoglycan and cell wall on mouse calvaria in tissue culture were investigated. Viability of the cultured bone was shown by autoradiographs demonstrating [14C]-proline uptake, and by cytochrome oxidase staining of cultured bone indicating oxidative metabolism in mitochondria at the time of fixation. The effects of the two agents were evaluated by [14C]-proline uptake and 45Ca release. A single 250 μg dose and multiple 250μg doses of peptidoglycan caused a 20 per cent and a 28 per cent reduction in [14C]-proline uptake, respectively (p < 0.05). One 500 μg dose of cell wall caused a 36 per cent reduction (p < 0.01). A single 250 μg dose of peptidoglycan had no significant effect on 45Ca release, and multiple 250 μg doses of peptidoglycan caused a 104 per cent increase in 45Ca release (p < 0.1). One 500 μg dose of cell wall caused a 175 per cent increase in 45Ca release (p < 0.001). These trends suggest that Group A streptococcal cell wall inhibits synthesis of organic components of bone and induces bone resorption in vitro, and that Group A streptococcal peptidoglycan is the active constituent with respect to inhibition of synthesis of the organic component.
Reconstruction of the human hippocampus in 3D from histology and high-resolution ex-vivo MRI

In this paper, we present methods for the reconstruction of 3D histological volumes of the human hippocampal formation from histology slices. Inter-slice alignment is guided by a graph-theoretic approach that minimizes the impact of badly distorted slices. The reconstruction is refined by iterative affine and deformable co-registration with a high-resolution MRI of the postmortem tissue sample. We present an evaluation of reconstruction accuracy that is based on measures of similarity between boundaries drawn on both histology and MRI. Our methodology is currently being applied to an MRI atlas of the human hippocampal formation, in which atlas anatomical labels are derived from segmentation of reconstructed histology.
Differential effects of cocaine on limbic excitability

Abstract Effects of cocaine on the initiation and maintenance of electrically induced limbic afterdischarges (AD) were studied in cats. Current thresholds for evoking AD in the hippocampus, amygdala and septal region were determined following alternating saline and cocaine administrations. Three subconvulsant doses (1–10 mg/kg, IM) were tested at 96 hour intervals. The cocaine administrations significantly decreased the current required to initiate AD in both the hippocampus and amygdala. This effect was dose-related; it was found when limbic discharges were localized and also after fully developed motor convulsions were evoked. By contrast, septal AD thresholds were unchanged. In addition, dose-related reductions in AD duration were induced at all limbic sites tested. Restrictions in propagation to distant sites occurred during early stages of seizure development. Progressive changes did not develop following either repeated tests of single-dose effects or during a six week period of daily cocaine administration. These results suggest that cocaine has preferential excitatory effects on closely related limbic structures, increasing the sensitivity of the hippocampus and amygdala to direct electrical stimulation. A concurrent, independent inhibitory action is implied by the reduced duration of limbic afterdischarges. The absence of progressive electrophysiological responses suggests that there is no potentiation of limbic excitatory effects following the repeated administration of doses which do not induce focal epileptiform activity.
Usefulness of studies on the molecular mechanism of action of herbals/botanicals: The case of St. John's wort

The use of herbals/botanicals has been gaining wide popularity in recent years in the United States as well as in other parts of the world. The mechanism of action of most of these herbals/botanicals has not been subjected to thorough scientific investigations. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) represents a useful case study in this sense. Traditionally, it is used as a natural treatment for depression; however, in recent years its molecular mechanism of action has been elucidated by a number of laboratories across the world. Such studies have helped understand potential interactions of St. John's wort with drugs and other xenobiotics. St. John's wort activates a nuclear receptor called pregnane X receptor (PXR). PXR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that induces a number of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters including cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4) in humans. Because CYP3A4 alone metabolizes about 60% of all clinically relevant drugs, induction of CYP3A4 may result in the rapid elimination of these drugs and a consequent reduction in drug efficacy. Ironically, such enzyme-inducing effects may not produce any immediate adverse symptomatology in the person taking St. John's wort. Therefore, the case of St. John's wort should serve as a good example of the usefulness and importance of studies on the mechanism of action of the herbals/botanicals, particularly those with widespread use. Scientists, physicians, and other health professionals can make use of the knowledge from such studies as an additional risk management tool. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 19:1–11, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20057
The structural design of superconducting magnets for the large coil program

Abstract Fusion reactor designs based on magnetic confinement will require the use of superconducting magnets to make them economically viable. For a tokamak fusion reactor; large magnetic field coils are required to produce a toroidal magnetic confinement volume. Although superconductors have been used for approximately 20 years, several requirements for their application in fusion reactors are beyond demonstrated technology in existing magnets. The Large Coil Program (LCP) is a research, development, and demonstration effort specifically for the advancement of the technologies involved in the production of large superconducting magnets. This paper presents a review of the status of the structural designs, analysis methods, and verification tests being performed by the participating LCP design teams in the US, Switzerland, Japan, and the Federal Republic of Germany. The significant structural mechanics concerns that are being investigated with the LCP are presented.
Synthesis and electrochemical studies of diiron complexes of 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligands to model features of the active sites of non-heme diiron enzymes.

A bis(μ-carboxylato)(μ-1,8-naphthyridine)diiron(II) complex, [Fe2(BPMAN)(μ-O2CPhCy)2](OTf)2 (1), was prepared by using the 1,8-naphthyridine-based dinucleating ligand BPMAN, where BPMAN = 2,7-bis[b...
OSI and ET: originating source of information and evidence traceability

Originating Source of Information (OSI) is the idea of following all data, facts, and citations that documents rely on for their arguments back their source. OSI then helps people perform Evidence Traceability (ET), which allows them to understand the questions about the different sources used in documents such as how many unique sources were used, where the sources came from, when the sources were obtained, and how the sources were obtained. Answering these questions allows people to better question the validity of documents, reevaluate hypotheses, or continue work or research when original authors are not available.
Improving Logic Test Quality of Microprocessors

Intel's aggressive process technology, used in manufacturing high-end microprocessors, is adding to the already difficult task of meeting very low DPM targets at an acceptable cost. This talk focuses on the challenges in improving productivity and meeting DPM goals for the logic part of our design, as opposed to the cache and I/O sections. We examine the entire HVM test flow and discuss on-going work to improve logic test quality and also highlight research problems that needs solution to achieve our goal
DNA Methylation, H2A.Z, and the Regulation of Constitutive Expression

The most well-studied function of DNA methylation in eukaryotic cells is the transcriptional silencing of genes and transposons. More recent results showed that many eukaryotes methylate the bodies of genes as well and that this methylation correlates with transcriptional activity rather than repression. The purpose of gene body methylation remains mysterious, but is potentially related to the histone variant H2A.Z. Studies in plants and animals have shown that the genome-wide distributions of H2A.Z and DNA methylation are strikingly anticorrelated. Furthermore, we and other investigators have shown that this relationship is likely to be the result of an ancient but unknown mechanism by which DNA methylation prevents the incorporation of H2A.Z. Recently, we discovered strong correlations between the presence of H2A.Z within gene bodies, the degree to which a gene's expression varies across tissue types or environmental conditions, and transcriptional misregulation in an h2a.z mutant. We propose that one basal function of gene body methylation is the establishment of constitutive expression patterns within housekeeping genes by excluding H2A.Z from their bodies.
In situ second harmonic generation measurements of the growth of nonlinear optical ionically self-assembled monolayers

Ionically self-assembled monolayers (ISAMs) have recently been shown to spontaneously exhibit a polar ordering that gives rise to a substantial second order nonlinear optical (NLO) response. Here, the deposition of ISAMs has been studied in situ via second harmonic generation (SHG). We show that the adsorption and ordering of a noncentrosymmetric nonlinear optical polymer is constant over a wide range of concentrations. Upon immersion in the NLO-active polyelectrolyte solution, the SHG rises sharply over the first minute. Immersion in the NLO-inactive partner polyelectrolyte leads to a reduction in the SHG signal. Furthermore, when the film is removed from the NLO-active solution and allowed to dry, the SHG increases rapidly as the water evaporates. These studies provide greater understanding of the processes by which noncentrosymmetric order is formed in ISAM films and allows design of improved self- assembled nonlinear optical materials.
Voltage-offset resistive control for DC-DC converters in photovoltaic applications

Photovoltaic (PV) systems must be able to maintain stable operation near the maximum power point (MPP) regardless of environmental conditions. Voltage-offset resistive control (VRC) exhibits inherently low sensitivity to irradiance changes and supports effective inner-loop control to maintain MPP operation. Small- and large-signal analysis show that VRC employed with a boost converter is stable for PV applications. VRC is tested on an experimental setup using a digital controller, PV boost converter, and dc-link load. Irradiance and control parameter step responses are observed through simulated and experimental results. VRC exhibits stable and fast transient response. Traditional and VRC maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods that utilize sample-and-hold operation are compared through simulation. The fractional open-circuit voltage VRC and MPP-current-based VRC methods are identified as effective, simple control solutions for PV systems that seek to maintain high efficiency under irradiance transients.
Question recommendation with constraints for massive open online courses

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have experienced a recent boom in interest. Problems students struggle with in the discussion forums, such as difficultly in finding interesting discussion opportunities or attracting helpers to address posted problems, provide new opportunities for recommender systems. In contrast to traditional product recommendation, question recommendation in discussion forums should simultaneously consider constraints on both students and questions. These considerations include (1) Load Balancing - students should not be over-burdened with too many requests; and (2) Expertise Matching - students should not be requested to address problems they are not capable of addressing. In this work, we formulate a novel constrained question recommendation problem to address the above considerations. We design a context-aware matrix factorization model to predict students' preferences over questions, then build a max cost flow model to manage the constraints. Experimental results conducted on three MOOC datasets demonstrate that our method significantly outperforms baseline methods in optimizing overall forum welfare, and in predicting which specific questions students might be interested in.
Can molgramostim enhance the antitumor effects of cytotoxic drugs in patients with advanced sarcomas

Summary Background: A phase I study was designed for the amalgamation of two previously studied antisarcoma regimens (ifosfamide + doxorubicin and mitomycin + doxorubicin + cisplatin) supported by molgramostim. Thus, we hoped to develop a better regimen for the treatment of advanced sarcomas. Patients and methods: Fifteen adult advanced sarcoma patients and six other patients were registered and sequentially assigned to receive three progressively more myelosuppressive levels of chemotherapy: level I - ifosfamide 2500 mg/m2 + doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 + cisplatin 60 mg/m2 all given on day 0, followed by molgramostim 5 ug/kg every 12 hours for 14 days; level II - exactly the same chemotherapy from level I given on day 1 preceded on day 0 by ifosfamide 2500 mg/m2 and an additional four days of molgramostim given on days -6 through -3; level III - same as level II except for the addition of mitomycin 4 mg/m2 immediately prior to cisplatin on day 1. MESNA 500 mg/m2 was given five times on each day that involved ifosfamide treatment. For all levels, treatment was repeated at four-week intervals. Results: Preliminary results and toxicity were reported three years ago (J Natl Cancer Inst 86: 312-4, 1994). Mature results confirm these unexpectedly favorable results with five advanced sarcoma patients still surviving after more than three years (four more than four years). Hypothesis: Molgramostim given subcutaneously in a relatively intensive schedule might enhance the antitumor effects initiated by cytotoxic drugs in patients with advanced sarcomas. This idea should be tested formally in phase III studies.
Protein Binding to Peptide-Imprinted Porous Silica Scaffolds

Of the many types of biomolecules used for molecular imprinting applications, proteins are some of the most useful, yet challenging, templates to work with. One method, termed the 'epitope approach', involves imprinting a short peptide fragment of the protein into the polymer to promote specific adsorption of the entire protein, similar to the way an antigen binds to an antibody via the epitope. Whole lysozyme or the 16 residue lysozyme C peptide was imprinted into porous silica scaffolds using sol-gel processing. After removing template, scaffolds were exposed to lysozyme and/or RNase A, which was used as a competitor molecule of comparable size. When comparing protein- to peptide-imprinted scaffolds, similar amounts of lysozyme and RNase were bound from single protein solutions. However, while whole lysozyme-imprinted scaffolds showed about 4:1 preferential binding of lysozyme to RNase, peptide-imprinted scaffolds failed to show statistical significance, even though a slight preferential binding trend was present. These initial studies suggest there is potential for using peptide-imprinting to create specific protein-binding sites on porous inorganic surfaces, although further development of the materials is needed.
Effectiveness of subsidies in promoting healthy food purchases and consumption: a review of field experiments.

Objective To systematically review evidence from field interventions on the effectiveness of monetary subsidies in promoting healthier food purchases and consumption. Design Keyword and reference searches were conducted in five electronic databases: Cochrane Library, EconLit, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Studies were included based on the following criteria: (i) intervention: field experiments; (ii) population: adolescents 12–17 years old or adults 18 years and older; (iii) design: randomized controlled trials, cohort studies or pre–post studies; (iv) subsidy: price discounts or vouchers for healthier foods; (v) outcome: food purchases or consumption; (vi) period: 1990–2012; and (vii) language: English. Twenty-four articles on twenty distinct experiments were included with study quality assessed using predefined methodological criteria. Setting Interventions were conducted in seven countries: the USA (n 14), Canada (n 1), France (n 1), Germany (n 1), Netherlands (n 1), South Africa (n 1) and the UK (n 1). Subsidies applied to different types of foods such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat snacks sold in supermarkets, cafeterias, vending machines, farmers’ markets or restaurants. Subjects Interventions enrolled various population subgroups such as school/ university students, metropolitan transit workers and low-income women. Results All but one study found subsidies on healthier foods to significantly increase the purchase and consumption of promoted products. Study limitations include small and convenience samples, short intervention and follow-up duration, and lack of cost-effectiveness and overall diet assessment. Conclusions Subsidizing healthier foods tends to be effective in modifying dietary behaviour. Future studies should examine its long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness at the population level and its impact on overall diet intake.