cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmit–Receive Duplexing Using Digital Beamforming System to Cancel Self-Interference

A near-field cancellation duplexing system is demonstrated using multiple coordinated transceivers with symmetrically arranged antenna elements and a digital backend for baseband waveform phase and amplitude weighting controls. By adapting weights of multiple transmit elements, coupled interference at receiver elements deconstructively interferes, providing up to 50 dB of additional isolation over the coupling of a single transmitter to a receiving element. Bandwidth considerations of the array are presented. It is shown that uncorrelated transmit noise from multiple transmitters can be removed through tunable filtering or through adaptive beamforming of multiple receiving elements, both providing an additional 30-40 dB of interference reduction that is tunable over the frequency range of the system.
Differential expression of degradome components in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas

Although the cure rate for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is high, the diverse spectrum of squamous cell carcinoma has made it difficult for early diagnosis, particularly the aggressive tumors that are highly associated with mortality. Therefore, molecular markers are needed as an adjunct to current staging methods for diagnosing high-risk lesions, and stratifying those patients with aggressive tumors. To identify such biomarkers, we have examined a comprehensive set of 200 histologically defined squamous cell carcinoma and normal skin samples by using a combination of microarray, QRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses. A characteristic and distinguishable profile including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) as well as other degradome components was differentially expressed in squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal skin samples. The expression levels of some of these genes including matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), matrix metallopeptidase 10 (MMP10), parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1), FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene (FOS), interleukin 6 (IL6) and reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK) were significantly differentially expressed (P≤0.02) in squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal skin. Furthermore, based on receiver operating characteristic analyses, the mRNA and protein levels of MMP1 are significantly higher in aggressive tumors compared with non-aggressive tumors. Given that MMPs represent the most prominent family of proteinases associated with tumorigenesis, we believe that they may have an important role in modulating the tumor microenvironment of squamous cell carcinoma.
α‐latrotoxin triggers transmitter release via direct insertion into the presynaptic plasma membrane

α-latrotoxin, a component of black widow spider venom, binds to presynaptic nerve terminals and stimulates massive neurotransmitter release. Previous studies have demonstrated that α-latrotoxin first binds to two high-affinity receptors on nerve terminals, neurexins and CLs (CIRLs and latrophilins), and then executes a critical, second step of unknown nature that stimulates neurotransmitter release. We now demonstrate that incubation of α-latrotoxin with synaptosomes at 0°C results in its peripheral membrane association. Incubation at 37°C, however, converts the toxin into an operationally integral membrane protein, and induces generation of a protease-resistant fragment that consists of the entire N-terminal domain of α-latrotoxin and becomes protease sensitive after lysis of synaptosomes. Our data suggest that α-latrotoxin inserts into the presynaptic plasma membrane after receptor binding, resulting in an intracellular location of the N-terminal sequences. Membrane insertion of the N-terminal domain of α-latrotoxin occurs spontaneously, independently of membrane recycling or transmembrane ion gradients. We postulate that α-latrotoxin acts intracellularly in triggering release, and propose that non-selective cation channels induced by α-latrotoxin may be a by-product of membrane insertion.
A Novel Channel Estimation Scheme on Amplify-and-Forward Cooperative OFDM-Based Wireless LAN Systems

In this paper, we propose a channel estimation scheme on amplify-and-forward (AF) cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based wireless local area network (LAN) systems with one relay. The proposed scheme exploits an Hadamard matrix-based training structure and a maximum ratio combining (MRC)-based estimator for received training signals in two subslots of relaying transmission. The scheme improves estimation accuracy in spite of almost no increase of complexity. We analyze normalized mean square errors (NMSEs) of the scheme and derive its analytical expressions for Rayleigh fading channels. We simulate the NMSE and packet error rate (PER) performance of the conventional and proposed schemes in typical relay location scenarios. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme has better performance than the conventional one in each of the scenarios.
Activity coefficients for ternary systems: VI. The system HCl + MgCl2 + H2O at different temperatures; application of Pitzer's equations

Electromotive-force measurements have been made on HCl−MgCl2−H2O mixtures at 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45°C at eleven different ionic strengths from 0.1–5.0 mol-kg −1 . The results are interpreted in terms of the simple Harned's equations, as well as the more complicated Pitzer ion-component treatment of multicomponent electrolyte mixtures. Activity coefficients for HCl in the salt mixtures obey Harned's rule up to and including I=5.0. For the salt in the acid mixtures, Harned's rule holds true up to and including I=0.5. The contribution of higher-order electrostatic terms (Eθ and E'θ) in the Pitzer equations is important for accurate evaluations of unlike cation-cation interactions (θH,Mg), and cation-anion-cation interactions (ΨH,Mg,Cl). The values ofSθH,Mg and ΨH,Mg,Cl (determined with Eθ and E'θ), θH,Mg and ΨH,Mg,Cl (determined without Eθ and E'θ), as well as the trace activity coefficients of HCl, γ tr A , in solutions of MgCl2 (where ionic strength fraction of the salt,y B = 1) at all the experimental temperatures and ionic strengths, are reported. Results of this study are compared with those for similar systems. At I=0.1 and 25°C, the results of the Bronsted-Guggenheim specific interaction theory are discussed briefly.
Sarcocystis neurona major surface antigen gene 1 (SAG1) shows evidence of having evolved under positive selection pressure

The major surface antigen gene 1 (SAG1) is conserved among members of Sarcocystidae and may play an important role in parasite pathogenesis. Additionally, generation and selection of different antigenic variants of SAG1 has the potential for inclusion in a subunit vaccine or in the development of a diagnostic assay. In this study, patterns of nucleotide polymorphism were used to test the hypothesis that natural selection promotes diversity in different parts of SAG1 of Sarcocystis neurona. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis of SAG1 from multiple S. neurona isolates identified two alleles. Sequences were identical intra-allele and highly divergent inter-alleles. Also, phylogenetic reconstruction showed sequences clustering into two clades. Tajima’s and Fu and Li’s neutrality tests indicated that selection is more likely to be acting on SAG1. Moreover, a sliding window analysis based on the ratio of silent substitutions to amino acid replacements provided strong evidence that two short segments in the central and 3′ domain of SAG1 have been under positive selection in the divergence of the two alleles, suggesting that it may be important for the evasion of host immune responses and would be a suitable target for vaccine development.
Abstract A52: Paracrine apoptotic effect of the tumor suppressor p53 is mediated by secreted Par-4

The guardian of the genome, p53, is mutated or functionally inactivated in a majority of human cancers. However, p53 in normal cells is intact and functional. In the present study, we tested the potential of wild-type p53 in normal tissues to inhibit the growth of p53-deficient cancer cells. Co-culture experiments of normal fibroblasts with cancer cells revealed that specific activation of p53 in normal fibroblasts selectively induced apoptosis in p53-deficient cancer cells. Moreover, this paracrine apoptotic effect of p53 was attributed to an enhanced secretion of the tumor suppressor Par-4 in response to p53 activation. Mechanistically, p53 represses the expression of UACA, a binding partner of Par-4, by directly binding to its signature motif in the UACA gene. Down-regulation of UACA expression liberates Par-4 from sequestration, and thus induces its secretion. Consistent with our cell culture studies, animal experiments also show that activation of p53 results in an elevation of systemic Par-4 levels in p53 +/+ mice, which can induce apoptosis in p53-deficient cancer cells in ex vivo experiments. By contrast, p53 activators failed to induce this paracrine effect in p53 -/- or Par-4 -/- mice. Thus, by activating wild-type p53, normal cells can be empowered to inhibit tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. Citation Format: Tripti Shrestha-Bhattarai, Ravshan Burikhanov, Nikhil Hebbar, Shirley Qiu, Yanming Zhao, Gerard P. Zambetti, Vivek M. Rangnekar. Paracrine apoptotic effect of the tumor suppressor p53 is mediated by secreted Par-4. [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Conference on Cellular Heterogeneity in the Tumor Microenvironment; 2014 Feb 26-Mar 1; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A52. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CHTME14-A52
The Preference of Tryptophan for Membrane Interfaces

One of the ubiquitous features of membrane proteins is the preference of tryptophan and tyrosine residues for membrane surfaces that presumably arises from enhanced stability due to distinct interfacial interactions. The physical basis for this preference is widely believed to arise from amphipathic interactions related to imino group hydrogen bonding and/or dipole interactions. We have examined these and other possibilities for tryptophan's interfacial preference by using 1H magic angle spinning (MAS) chemical shift measurements, two-dimensional (2D) nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D-NOESY) 1H MAS NMR, and solid state 2H NMR to study the interactions of four tryptophan analogues with phosphatidylcholine membranes. We find that the analogues reside in the vicinity of the glycerol group where they all cause similar modest changes in acyl chain organization and that hydrocarbon penetration was not increased by reduction of hydrogen bonding or electric dipole interaction ability. These observations ...
Aerial image of 3D phase-shifted reticle: 3D fast aerial image model

As is well known, the mask in projection printing is a thin (about 1,am thick) object, composed of numerous variable domains. The various domains contain different complex refractive indices. These refractive indices form a discontinuous "mask function" ,appearing as a coefficient in the Maxwell-Material (MM) equation1 that describes the transmission of the electric field through the 3D mask domain. The right-hand side of this equation involves the gradient of the dot-product of the electric field with the gradient of the log of the refractive index. Within each feature, the refractive index is a constant. Therefore its gradient vanishes, and the resulting local MM equation is the wave equation. However, at a feature boundary (chrome-quartz, phase-i— phase-2, etc.) the complex refractive index is discontinuous, resulting in a highly singular delta-function-like coefficient. The trailing components of the field display the standard Maxwell discontinuity conditions, resulting in two very singular terms, i.e. a derivative of a delta function and a product of two delta functions. Such a source term, with such a remarkable oscillation, will be the origin of extreme instability in the numerical solution of the equations, no matter which direct solution algorithm is employed. Accordingly, the derivation of a preconditioner, namely a function which contains most of the unpleasantness of the equation times a function to be found, is absolutely essential to obtain accurate solutions in a reasonable time. Through an elaborate uniformly asymptotic scheme and scale analysis, we have derived such a preconditioner. The solution of the direct MM equation was compared with the solution using the preconditioner, and it gave us the confidence that we were on the right track. It actually means that one wishes to find the mask's Green function which, when convolved with the electric field incident on the mask, yields the exiting field which then enters the imaging optical system. It is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate the results obtained thus far, as well as to illustrate its implications on defocus linewidth control.
Loss of the tumor suppressor Pten promotes proliferation of Drosophila melanogaster cells in vitro and gives rise to continuous cell lines.

In vivo analysis of Drosophila melanogaster has enhanced our understanding of many biological processes, notably the mechanisms of heredity and development. While in vivo analysis of mutants has been a strength of the field, analyzing fly cells in culture is valuable for cell biological, biochemical and whole genome approaches in which large numbers of homogeneous cells are required. An efficient genetic method to derive Drosophila cell lines using expression of an oncogenic form of Ras (RasV12) has been developed. Mutations in tumor suppressors, which are known to cause cell hyperproliferation in vivo, could provide another method for generating Drosophila cell lines. Here we screened Drosophila tumor suppressor mutations to test if they promoted cell proliferation in vitro. We generated primary cultures and determined when patches of proliferating cells first emerged. These cells emerged on average at 37 days in wild-type cultures. Using this assay we found that a Pten mutation had a strong effect. Patches of proliferating cells appeared on average at 11 days and the cultures became confluent in about 3 weeks, which is similar to the timeframe for cultures expressing RasV12. Three Pten mutant cell lines were generated and these have now been cultured for between 250 and 630 cell doublings suggesting the life of the mutant cells is likely to be indefinite. We conclude that the use of Pten mutants is a powerful means to derive new Drosophila cell lines.
Is firm pricing state or time dependent? Evidence from U.S. manufacturing

Abstract If pricing is state dependent, firms are more likely to adjust whenever aggregate and idiosyncratic shocks reinforce each other and trigger desired price changes in the same direction. Using measures of technology shocks derived from production function estimates for four-digit U.S. manufacturing industries, I find that sectoral inflation rates are more sensitive to negative, as opposed to positive, technology disturbances in periods of higher economy-wide inflation, commodity price increases, and expansionary monetary policy shocks. I argue, using a state-dependent sticky price model that matches salient features of the U.S. microprice data, that these results suggest that pricing is state-dependent in U.S. manufacturing.
Optimality of the Holm procedure among general step-down multiple testing procedures

Abstract We study the class of general step-down multiple testing procedures, which contains the usually considered procedures determined by a nondecreasing sequence of thresholds (we call them threshold step-down, or TSD, procedures) as a parametric subclass. We show that all procedures in this class satisfying the natural condition of monotonicity and controlling the family-wise error rate (FWER) at a prescribed level are dominated by one of them — the classical Holm procedure. This generalizes an earlier result pertaining to the subclass of TSD procedures [Lehmann, E.L., Romano, J.P., 2005. Testing Statistical Hypotheses, 3rd ed. Springer, New York]. We also derive a relation between the levels at which a monotone step-down procedure controls the FWER and the generalized FWER (the probability of k or more false rejections).
Is trehalose special for preserving dry biomaterials

Simple sugars, especially disaccharides, stabilize biomaterials of various composition during air-drying or freeze-drying. We and others have provided evidence that direct interaction, an interaction that we believe is essential for the stabilization, between the sugar and polar groups in, for example, proteins and phospholipids occurs in the dry state. Some researchers, however, have suggested that the ability of the sugar to form a glass is the only requirement for stabilization. More recently, we have shown that both glass formation and direct interaction of the sugar and headgroup are often required for stabilization. In the present study, we present a state diagram for trehalose glass and suggest that the efficacy of this sugar for stabilization may be related to its higher glass transition temperatures at all water contents. We also show that trehalose and trehalose:liposome preparations form trehalose dihydrate as well as trehalose glass when rehydrated with water vapor. Formation of the dihydrate sequesters water, which might otherwise participate in lowering the glass transition temperature to below ambient. Because samples remain in the glassy state at ambient temperatures, viscosity is high and fusion between liposomes is prevented.
Effect of continuous and intermittent elevated temperatures on the in vitro growth of Blastomyces dermatitidis.

The growth characteristics of 9 isolates of Blastomyces dermatitidis were studied at temperatures ranging from 35° C. to 43° C. Generation time ranged from 9–12 hr. Minimum generation time and maximum total growth did not necessarily occur at the same temperature. Maximum total growth was obtained at 35° C. with 5 isolates and at 37° C. with 4 isolates. All of the isolates grew well at 39° C. and only 1 isolate failed to grow at 41° C. Eight of the 9 isolates grew at 42° C. and a minimal amount of growth was obtained with 1 isolate at 43° C. Isolates growing at 37° C. were subjected intermittently to elevated temperatures of 39° C. and 41° C. in order to determine the effect on growth rate and total growth. The results are discussed in relation to published observations on the inhibitory effect of elevated body temperature and experimental mycoses in animals.
Expression of stromelysin-3 (matrix metalloproteinase-11) in macrophages of murine thymus following thymocyte apoptosis.

Abstract High expression of stromelysin-3 (ST-3), also known as matrix metalloproteinase-11, has been implicated in tumor progression and intense tissue remodeling. Nonetheless, details of the cell type(s) expressing ST-3 are less well defined. Here, we report that ST-3 expression was elevated in mouse thymus following thymocyte apoptosis after administration of anti-CD3 Ab. TUNEL analysis revealed that many thymocytes in the cortical region were induced to apoptotic cell death 14 h after the injection. After an additional 2–6 h, ST-3 expression in the thymus was more apparent. Co-staining analysis by anti-ST-3 and F4/80 Abs showed that most F4/80-positive macrophages were also positive for ST-3. Murine peritoneal macrophages were found to constitutively express ST-3, and exposure to apoptotic cells hardly affected ST-3 expression in the macrophages. Taken together, our results indicate that ST-3 is not involved in the execution process of thymocyte apoptosis, and the increased levels of ST-3 in the thymus may be due to the presence of macrophages responsible for clearance of apoptotic cells.
Photic regulation of c-fos expression in neural components governing the entrainment of circadian rhythms

The rapid and transient induction of the proto-oncogene c-fos in mature neurons within the brain occurs in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli. To determine whether lighting conditions influence c-fos gene expression in the primary neural structures mediating the photoentrainment and generation of mammalian circadian rhythms, the expression of the c-fos protein (Fos) and related proteins in the retina and suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus was examined immunohistochemically in rats exposed to a light-dark cycle of 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness (LD 12:12), constant light (LL), or constant dark (DD). The retina exhibited clear light-dark differences in the expression of Fos protein(s), such that immunopositive nuclei were readily evident during exposure to light (i.e., during the day of diurnal lighting or in LL), but were absent during exposure to darkness. In the SCN, the distribution of Fos immunoreactivity within specific subfields was differentially affected by photic conditions. Following exposure to light, a dense population of Fos-immunopositive cells was found in close association with the immunohistochemically distinct cell and fiber populations distinguishing the ventrolateral subfield of the SCN. In dark-exposed animals, Fos-immuno-reactive profiles were distributed throughout the SCN in areas coextensive with the immunohistochemical localization of peptidergic neural elements in both the ventrolateral and dorsomedial subfields. As a consequence of this light-dark difference in the distribution of Fos immunoreactivity, the density of labeled cells was increased within the ventrolateral SCN, but was decreased within the dorsomedial subfield, as a result of exposure to light versus darkness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of different substrate conditions upon interface with plasma sprayed zirconia—a TEM study

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine the effect of different substrate conditions on the interface between a stainless steel substrate and plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The paper focuses on the first-to-form isolated single splats, for which interface with the substrate plays a critical role in determining adhesion of the whole coating. Preheated mirror-polished stainless steel substrates served as a reference point for further comparison with rough, cold or bond-coated substrates. A modified wedge-polishing technique enabled the production of high-quality cross-sectional TEM samples with minimum ion-induced damage and large observable areas. The substrate chemistry, roughness and temperature all play an important role in the splat formation process; nevertheless, the substrate temperature effect is the most prominent of these. It was proposed that adsorbed air molecules on the surface of cold substrates cause turbulence in the spreading of molten ceramic droplets, which ultimately leads to poor splat adhesion. At a certain elevated substrate temperature, air molecules desorb from the substrate surface, thereby allowing substantially better contact and adhesion between splats and the substrate.
Strict bidirectional type checking

Completely annotated lambda terms (such as are arrived at via the straightforward encodings of various types from System F) contain much redundant type information. Consequently, the completely annotated forms are almost never used in practice, since partially annotated forms can be defined which still allow syntax directed type checking. An additional optimization that is used in some proof and type systems is to take advantage of the context of occurrence of terms to further elide type information using bidirectional type checking rules. While this technique is generally effective, we show that there exist bidirectional terms which exhibit asymptotic increases in the size of their type decorations when sequentialized into a named-form calculus (a common first step in compilation). In this paper, we introduce a refinement of the bidirectional type system based on strict logic which allows additional type decorations to be eliminated, and show that it is well-behaved under sequentialization.
Re-examining the Use of Thickened Liquids among Patients with Dysphagia

The use of thickened liquids is a frequent recommendation by many speech-language pathologists to minimize or eliminate the possibility of oral aspiration of liquids. The basic premise supporting the use of thickened liquids is that increased viscosity results in a slower transit time and allows for greater control of the bolus, thus providing more time to trigger a pharyngeal swallow. In theory, then, the use of thickened liquids should reduce chances of aspiration. In practice, however, this assumption does not always hold true. For example, patients with dementia have been shown to continue to aspirate with thickened liquids of varying viscosity, from nectar to honey-thick liquids [1]. Furthermore, increased viscosity may not necessarily reduce adverse effects associated with aspiration, as evidenced by a higher rate of pneumonia among patients with dementia who were given honey thick liquids compared to those given nectar-thick liquids [2]. To date, there is a paucity of data to support the benefits of thickened liquids [3] but the emerging evidence suggests that the use of thickened liquids not “a one size fits all” approach and individual patient characteristics must be taken into account.
The microtubule-based motor Kar3 and plus end–binding protein Bim1 provide structural support for the anaphase spindle

In budding yeast, the mitotic spindle is comprised of 32 kinetochore microtubules (kMTs) and ∼8 interpolar MTs (ipMTs). Upon anaphase onset, kMTs shorten to the pole, whereas ipMTs increase in length. Overlapping MTs are responsible for the maintenance of spindle integrity during anaphase. To dissect the requirements for anaphase spindle stability, we introduced a conditionally functional dicentric chromosome into yeast. When centromeres from the same sister chromatid attach to opposite poles, anaphase spindle elongation is delayed and a DNA breakage-fusion-bridge cycle ensues that is dependent on DNA repair proteins. We find that cell survival after dicentric chromosome activation requires the MT-binding proteins Kar3p, Bim1p, and Ase1p. In their absence, anaphase spindles are prone to collapse and buckle in the presence of a dicentric chromosome. Our analysis reveals the importance of Bim1p in maintaining a stable ipMT overlap zone by promoting polymerization of ipMTs during anaphase, whereas Kar3p contributes to spindle stability by cross-linking spindle MTs.
A Prospective Study of Carbon Dioxide Digital Subtraction versus Standard Contrast Arteriography in the Detection of Endoleaks in Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repairs

Background The objective of this study is to compare intraoperative endoleak detection by carbon dioxide digital subtraction angiography (CO2-DSA) during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with standard iodinated contrast angiography (ICA). Methods Between 2006 and 2010, 76 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms undergoing EVAR were enrolled in a prospective study. After EVAR, both an ICA and CO2-DSA completion study were performed. Two blinded vascular surgeons who were not involved with the EVAR separately interpreted the ICA and CO2-DSA results for the presence or absence of an endoleak. Identified endoleaks were classified by types. A third, “tie-breaker” blinded observer was used to resolve differences in interpretations. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were calculated for the ability of CO2-DSA to detect endoleaks. Cohen’s κ statistic was used to assess interobserver agreement between the 2 initial interpreting surgeons. Results Of the 76 patients undergoing EVAR, 66 were men with average age of 76 years, a mean aneurysm size of 5.8 cm (range, 4–10 cm), and creatinine of 1 (standard deviation, 0.33). ICA identified 35 type I and 15 type II endoleaks, respectively, while CO2-DSA identified 40 type I and 10 type II endoleaks. Overall, CO2-DSA had a sensitivity of 0.84, specificity of 0.72, positive predictive value of 0.86, and negative predictive value of 0.69 of intraoperative endoleak detection, with respect to ICA as the criterion standard. The interobserver κ between surgeons for ICA was 0.56, for detection of any endoleak or type I endoleak with CO2-DSA was 0.58, and for detection of type II endoleak with CO2-DSA was 0.29. Conclusions Interobserver agreement for the detection of endoleaks is superior with ICA compared to CO2-DSA. However, the sensitivity for detecting any endoleak and both the sensitivity and specificity for detecting type I endoleaks using CO2-DSA are acceptable. For detecting type II endoleaks using CO2-DSA, the sensitivity and positive predictive value are poor. Compared to ICA, CO2-DSA provides adequate images for endoleak detection during EVAR and is an acceptable alternative to ICA in patients at risk for contrast-related nephrotoxicity.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Venous Thromboembolic Disease

The following recommendations summarize the anticoagulation guidelines from the seventh American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) conference on antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy and employ an evidence grading scale (summarized in Table 5), at the end of the chapter (1).
Glial growth is regulated by agonists selective for multiple opioid receptor types in vitro.

To determine whether one or more opioid receptor types might be preferentially involved in gliogenesis, primary mixed glial cultures derived from mouse cerebra were continuously treated with varying concentrations of opioid agonists selective for mu (mu), i.e., DAGO ([D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]enkephalin), delta (delta), i.e., DPDPE ([D-PEN2,D-PEN5]enkephalin), or kappa (kappa), i.e., U69,593, opioid receptor types. In addition, a group of cultures was treated with [Met5]-enkephalin, an agonist for delta opioid receptors as well as putative zeta (zeta) opioid receptors. Opioid-dependent changes in growth were assessed by examining alterations in (1) the number of cells in mixed glial cultures at 3, 6, and 8 days in vitro (DIV), (2) [3H]thymidine incorporation by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive, flat (type 1) astrocytes at 6 DIV, and (3) the area and form factor of GFAP-immunoreactive, flat (type 1) astrocytes. DPDPE at 10(-8) or 10(-10) M, as well as [Met5]-enkephalin at 10(-6), 10(-8), or 10(-10) M, significantly reduced the total number of glial cells in culture; but this effect was not observed with DAGO or U69,593 (both at 10(-6), 10(-8), or 10(-10) M). Equimolar concentrations (i.e., 10(-6) M) of [Met5]enkephalin or U69,593, but not DPDPE or DAGO, suppressed the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation by GFAP-immunoreactive, flat (type 1) astrocytes. DAGO had no effect on growth, although in previous studies morphine was found to inhibit glial numbers and astrocyte DNA synthesis. [Met5]enkephalin (10(-6) M) was the only agonist to significantly influence astrocyte area. Collectively, these results indicate that delta (and perhaps mu) opioid receptor agonists reduce the total number of cells in mixed glial cultures; while [Met5]enkephalin-responsive (and perhaps kappa-responsive) opioid receptors mediate DNA synthesis in astrocytes. This implies that delta opioid receptors, as well as [Met5]enkephalin-sensitive, non-delta opioid receptors, mediate opioid-dependent regulation of astrocyte and astrocyte progenitor growth. These data support the concept that opioid-dependent changes in central nervous system growth are the result of endogenous opioid peptides acting through multiple opioid receptor types.
The effect of 3D widget representation and simulated surface constraints on interaction in virtual environments

The paper reports empirical results from two studies of effective user interaction in immersive virtual environments. The use of 2D interaction techniques in 3D environments has received increased attention recently. We introduce two new concepts to the previous techniques: the use of 3D widget representations; and the imposition of simulated surface constraints. The studies were identical in terms of treatments, but differed in the tasks performed by subjects. In both studies, we compared the use of two-dimensional (2D) versus three-dimensional (3D) interface widget representations, as well as the effect of imposing simulated surface constraints on precise manipulation tasks. The first study entailed a drag-and-drop task, while the second study looked at a slider-bar task. We empirically show that using 3D widget representations can have mixed results on user performance. Furthermore, we show that simulated surface constraints can improve user performance on typical interaction tasks in the absence of a physical manipulation surface. Finally, based on these results, we make some recommendations to aid interface designers in constructing effective interfaces for virtual environments.
Tools to optimize the functionality of a leukemia clinical trial team

A multidisciplinary approach offers efficiency and quality care by delegating tasks according to individuals' expertise. However, increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, albeit essential for successful conduct of clinical trials, have magnified the workload of research teams. We describe tools that have efficiently addressed regulatory requirements and facilitated the conduct of clinical trials. The research team consisted of a merge of healthcare providers and research staff. Each individual team consisted of a hematologist, a physician assistant and a nurse coordinator, supported by a shared group of clinical research coordinators, an investigational drug pharmacist, a regulatory associate and a data manager. Technology tools, complemented by operational reorganization, optimized knowledge, documentation and communication, and allowed high volume enrollment with consistent regulatory compliance. We conclude that technology combined with a coordinated team care approach can facilitate the integration of trials in clinical practice.
Effects of shoulder muscle fatigue caused by repetitive overhead activities on scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematics

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of shoulder muscle fatigue on three dimensional scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematics. Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study. Three-dimensional scapulothoracic and glenohumeral kinematics were determined from electromagnetic sensors attached to the scapula, humerus, and thorax. Surface electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from the upper and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior and posterior deltoid, and infraspinatus muscles. Median power frequency (MPF) values were derived from the raw EMG data and were used to indicate the degree of local muscle fatigue. Kinematic and EMG measures were collected prior to and immediately following the performance of a shoulder elevation fatigue protocol. Following the performance of the fatigue protocol subjects demonstrated more upward and external rotation of the scapula, more clavicular retraction, and less humeral external rotation during arm elevation. All muscles with the exception of the lower trapezius showed EMG signs of fatigue, the most notable being the infraspinatus and deltoid muscles. In general, greater scapulothoracic motion and less glenohumeral motion was observed following muscle fatigue. Further studies are needed to determine what effects these changes have on the soft tissues and mechanics of the shoulder complex. � 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Physiology and Pathophysiology of IGF-I In the Kidney

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is synthesized and released in the nephron1–10 and released into the systemic circulation by the kidneys11,12. Under normal conditions the glomerulus expresses IGF-I mRNA and releases IGF-I peptide1,2. Cell culture studies have shown that glomerular mesangial cells, which are mainly smooth muscle-like cells, express IGF-I13,14. Furthermore, cultured glomerular epithelial cells also release IGF-I (own unpublished observation). Within the nephron IGF-I is expressed in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts but not in proximal tubules1–5. Scattered proximal tubule cells are positive for IGF-I mRNA by in-situ hybridization, suggesting that very small amounts of IGF-I may be synthesized under normal conditions1. In many tissues, growth hormone is the strongest secretagogue for IGF-I. In distal and collecting tubules the synthesis of IGF-I is growth hormone dependent15,16.
Genus- and family-group names in the order Embioptera (Insecta)

All available genus- and family-group names in the Embioptera (Embiidina, Embiodea) are listed along with the original citation, original and current status, and the type taxon and method of designation. The early literature is reviewed, and the following taxonomic acts are established: 1) Embia brasiliensis Gray in Griffith and Pidgeon 1832 is fixed as the type species of Olyntha Gray in Griffith and Pidgeon 1832 (junior homonym, replaced by Embolyntha Davis) using the First Revisor Principle, 2) Embia savignii Westwood 1837 is fixed as type species of Euembia Verhoeff 1904, and 3) Saussurembia davisi Ross 1992 is synonomized with Saussurembia ruficollis Davis 1939. Numerous other taxonomic problems are examined and clarified and the various ordinal names briefly summarized.
How Many Credits Should an Undergraduate Take

Low completion rates and increased time to degree at U.S. colleges are a widespread concern for policymakers and academic leaders. Many ‘full time’ undergraduates currently enroll at 12 credits per semester despite the fact that a bachelor’s degree cannot be completed within 4 years at that credit-load. The academic momentum perspective holds that if, at the beginning of their first year in college, undergraduates attempted more course credits per semester, then overall graduation rates could rise. Using nationally-representative data and propensity-score matching methods to reduce selection bias, we find that academically and socially similar students who initially attempt 15 rather than 12 credits do graduate at significantly higher rates within 6 years of initial enrollment. We also find that students who increase their credit load from below fifteen to fifteen or more credits in their second semester are more likely to complete a degree within 6 years than similar students who stay below this threshold. Our evidence suggests that stressing a norm that full time enrollment should be 15 credits per semester would improve graduation rates for most kinds of students. However, an important caveat is that those undergraduates whose paid work exceeds 30 h per week do not appear to benefit from taking a higher course load.
Developing Symbolic Interpretation Through Literary Argumentation

Literature can be a powerful resource for adolescents’ psychosocial development, as it provides opportunities to experience the world through the perspectives of others and juxtapose these with one’s own experiences. However, gaining access to these perspectives requires going beyond literal words on the page to explore interpretive meanings. This mixed-methods case study addresses the need to better understand how adolescent students learn to interpret literary works. Specifically, 9th-grade students participated in a 5-week instructional module focused on symbolic interpretation and coming of age themes in texts with a variety of sources of complexity. The primary data sources were an intentional sample of classroom discussions and essays written before and after instruction. Analyses indicate that students learned to make interpretive claims around symbolism. Textual evidence to support these claims was evident in whole-class discussions but less so in the written essays. Students also struggled to rea...
Mindfulness and Rehabilitation Teaching Yoga and Meditation to Young Men in an Alternative to Incarceration Program

This study used participant/observation and open-ended interviews to understand how male participants (age 18-24 years) benefited from yoga and mindfulness training within an Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) program. Findings suggest that the male participants (age 18-24 years) benefited from the intervention through reductions in stress and improvements in emotion regulation. Several participants noted the importance of the development of an embodied practice for assisting them in managing anger and impulse control. The young men's narratives suggest that mindfulness-based interventions can contribute positively to rehabilitative outcomes within alternative to incarcerations settings, providing complementary benefit to existing ATI programs, especially for clients amenable to mindfulness training. With many jurisdictions expanding rehabilitation-focused interventions for young offenders, service providers should consider the potential positive contributions that mindfulness-based interventions can have for fostering desistance and reducing recidivism among justice system-involved populations.
Multiparameter Material Model And Source Signature Full Waveform Inversion

We present a time domain full wavefield inversion algorithm to perform the simultaneous inversion of all the source signatures and the multiple parameters representing the material model. The algorithm is based on the inexact Gauss-Newton method with an alternation strategy. To improve the computational efficiency, we use the simultaneous source encoding method presented by Krebs et al. (2009). The wave equation is discretized in space with the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method and in time with Runge-Kutta (RK) time stepping. Two realistic inversion experiments illustrate the algorithmic performance.
Piaget's Problem of Conservation of Discontinuous Quantities: A Teaching Experience

(1964). Piaget's Problem of Conservation of Discontinuous Quantities: A Teaching Experience. The Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 105, No. 1, pp. 91-97.
Determination of Critical Micelle Concentration and Studies on Micellar States of Surfactants by Ultraviolet Absorption Spectra (Part II)

Author reported a method in the previous paper on the determination of the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of a surfactant, in which a strongly ultraviolet absorbing organic substance (I), such as diethylaniline, was added to the aqueous surfactant solution and the cmc was obtained as the breaking (minimum) point on the curve of the λmax in ultraviolet region vs. surfactant concentration.In the present work, this method was applied to more complex cases, and good results were obtained.When a surfactant had little or no ultraviolet absorption characteristics, such as tetradecyldime-thylbenzylammonium chloride or sodium dodecyl sulfate, the λmax vs. surfactant concentration curve similar to that given in the previous report was obtained even when it contained a builder or impurities, and the concentration at the breaking point agreed well with the cmc determined by other methods. A similar curve was also obtained and the cmc was clearly determined in the case of a binary or ternary surfactant system among these surfactants.Although it is often difficult to determine accurately the cmc of impure or commercial surfactant, it is possible with this method. For example, the cmc of somewhat purified Tween 20 was determined to be 0.117g/100ml at 22°C.When a surfactant had strong ultraviolet absorption characteristics, a slight breaking point appeared on the curve of λmax vs. surfactant concentration, and although the determination of cmc was possible, the types of surfactants to which the method is applicable were limited to pyridinium salts, polyoxyethylene nonyiphenyl ethers etc. (II). The determination was also possible by the addition of (I) to (II), but it was unsuitable when λmax of (I) and (II) overlapped. For example, acetophenone was suitable as (I) for the determination of alkylpyridinium salts. In regard to the determination of alkylphyridinium salt, two breaking points appeared on the curve and the concentration of the lower point agreed with the cmc obtained by another method in the case of both single system and mixed system with other substances.This method is based on the solvent effect for (I) or ultraviolet absorbing portion of the surfactant molecule, and from the results of above-mentioned measurements, it was assumed that the pyridin nucleus of the molecule of alkylpyridinium salt forming the micelle was partially contracted to the water phase, and the micellar state changed considerably with the change of the salt concentration above the cmc.
Experimental Analysis of Smart Structure with Damping Treatment and SMA

The experimental results of a flexible cantilever beam with constrained viscoelastic layer and shape memory alloy layer called smart damping treatment (SDT) are presented. The upper side of the beam is bonded with a viscoelastic layer and then covered with a constraining layer. The lower side is bonded with a shape memory alloy layer, which is used as an actuator. The elastic modulus and loss factor of damping materials are functions of the temperature. The temperature effects on system frequency and loss factor due to heat cycling of SMA layer are evaluated here. It is found that temperature plays an important role on system frequency and loss factor, and thus the temperature effects must be included when discussing such an structure.
Narrative, Acculturation and Ritual: Themes from a Socio-ecological Study of Australian Defence Force Families Experiencing Parental Deployment

Military deployment is typically considered a stressful period for families, generally lasting between 3 to 6 months for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. To date, insufficient research has been conducted concerning children and families who experience deployment within an Australian context. This study seeks to provide valuable insight into families with young children and explore their experiences of military deployment in an Australian context. Using a socio-constructivist approach, where truth is socially constructed both individually and culturally, ADF parents’ perceptions of their experiences are examined. Using Narrative Research, multiple methods of data collection are combined to gather various insights into families’ experiences. Data analysis was conducted using thematic verification identifying two main themes. Embracing an interpretivist epistemology, the researcher aims to create a shared knowledge around families’ understanding and experiences of deployment. Such knowledge will be helpful for effective support of parents, educators and professionals in their role with these children in the community.
Heparinoid-induced inhibition of aldosterone secretion in pregnant women: The role of augmented aldosterone secretion in sodium conservation during normal pregnancy

Abstract Aldosterone secretion is strikingly elevate during normal pregnancy. In order to study the role of the increased aldosterone in sodium conservation, aldosterone secretion was inhibited by administering the heparinoid RO1-8307 for 12 to 18 days to 3 normal pregnant subjects. The lowering of aldosterone was accompanied by the occurrence of natriuresis in all subjects; one subject developed severe sodium depletion. It is noteworthy that natriureses occurred even though aldosterone was not reduced below normal nongravid levels and the reversal of natriureses after heparinoid treatment was stopped did not occur until aldosterone excretion had risen to much higher than normal levels. These results indicate that sodium conservation during pregnancy is dependent upon the augmented secretion of aldosterone and support the proposition that there are potent sodium-losing factors in pregnancy, which result in a compensatory increase in aldosterone secretion.