cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-23 Receptor Regulation by Let-7f in Human CD4 + Memory T Cells

CD4+ memory T cells include the Th17 cell population, which has been shown to be implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These memory T cells express higher IL-23R and produce more IL-17 compared with their naive counterparts. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate IL-23R expression in human T cells are not completely understood. MicroRNAs play important roles in a wide range of biological events through posttranscriptional suppression of target mRNAs. In this article, we provide evidence that a specific microRNA, Let-7f, inhibits IL-23R expression in human CD4+ memory T cells. Endogenous expression of Let-7f in memory T cells is significantly lower when compared with naive T cells, and Let-7f blocks IL-23R expression through its complementary target sequence within 3′ untranslated region of target gene. Furthermore, exogenous transfection of a Let-7f mimic into memory T cells results in downregulation of IL-23R and its downstream cytokine, IL-17. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism in regulating the IL-23/IL-23R pathway and subsequent downstream IL-17 production, which may provide novel therapeutics for human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
S-band amplification in a thulium doped silicate fiber

We demonstrate significant gain over 1470-1540 nm in a thulium doped silica fiber amplifier. The fiber is compatible with standard fabrication techniques, and can be fusion spliced to standard telecommunications fibers. we report the first demonstration of an S-band thulium doped fiber amplifier (TDFA) using a true silicate fiber host which is readily spliced to standard fibers and compatible with standard fabrication technologies. Modifications in composition are expected to yield improvements in lifetime which may enable a truly practical TDFA.
TOWARDS A LARGE-NC ESTIMATE OF THE O(p6) CHIRAL LOW ENERGY CONSTANTS

I discuss recent progress in large-NC inspired determinations of chiral low energy constants of order p6. I illustrate the general method and then describe how it works in the case of the 〈VAP〉 three-point function.
The role of the thyroid hormone in the effect of p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate in rats.

Abstract Feeding 0·3% p -chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) in the diet to weanling male rats increased liver mitochondrial a -glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) from the basal level of 25 units to about 110 units in 10–14 days, and maintained that level for at least 6 weeks. Liver and adipose tissue malic enzyme were also increased, while the GPD response in other tissues which respond to thyroxine (T 4 ) was sporadic. The magnitude of this liver GPD response was equivalent to the s.c. administration of 4–8 μg T 4 /100 g body wt/day. The daily administration of a 3-μg dose of T 4 along with CPIB had no effect on the rate or magnitude of the response obtained with CPIB alone, but 40 μg T 4 increased both the rate and magnitude. CPIB alone increased liver GPD at a rate which was comparable with that produced by 40 μg T 4 alone. The GPD response to CPIB was inhibited by actinomycin, cycloheximide or ethionine. When new protein synthesis was blocked by ethionine, CPIB did not inhibit the destruction of preformed GPD. CPIB had little or no effect on liver GPD in thyroidectomized (Tx) rats, but the injection of 1 μg T 4 or 0·35 μg T 3 per 100 g body wt/day to Tx rats fed CPIB gave the same liver GPD response obtained in intact rats with CPIB alone. Methimazole (MI) also prevented the CPIB effect on liver GPD. CPIB had no effect on liver GPD in those species which did not respond to T 4 . CPIB had no effect on thyroid weight or histology. It increased the Q o 2 of liver slices but not the metabolic rate of intact rats. The small stimulus for new protein synthesis normally provided by endogenous thyroid hormone was converted into a large liver GPD response by the CPIB.
Reduced nonprotein thiols inhibit activation and function of MMP-9: Implications for chemoprevention

Clinical studies demonstrate a positive correlation between the extent of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation and malignant progression of precancerous lesions. Therefore, identification of effective, well-tolerated MMP inhibitors represents a rational chemopreventive strategy. A variety of agents, including proteinases and thiol-oxidizing compounds, activate MMPs by initiating release of the propeptide's cysteine sulfur "blockage" of the MMP active site. Despite the importance of the propeptide's cysteine thiol in preserving MMP latency, limited studies have evaluated the effects of reduced thiols on MMP function. This study investigated the effects of two naturally occurring nonprotein thiols, i.e., glutathione (GSH) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), on activation, function, and cellular-extracellular matrix interactions of the basement-membrane-degrading gelatinase, MMP-9. Our results reveal that NAC and GSH employ protein S-thiolation to inhibit organomercurial activation of pro-MMP-9. Gelatinase activity assays showed that GSH and NAC significantly inhibited MMP-9 but not MMP-2 function, implying isoform structural specificity. Immunoblot analyses, which suggested GSH interacts with MMP-9's active-site Zn, were corroborated by computational molecular modeling. Cell invasion assays revealed that NAC enhanced endostatin's ability to inhibit human cancer cell invasion. Collectively, these data demonstrate that nonprotein thiols suppress MMP-9 activation and function and introduce the prospect for their use in chemopreventive applications.
Level of haloperidol in plasma is related to electroencephalographic findings in patients who improve.

Abstract This study analyzed interrelationships among plasma level of haloperidol (HAL), electroencephalographic (EEG) changes, and clinical response in 37 acutely exacerbated schizophrenic patients after a 6-week period of treatment. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) EEG theta response to HAL depends on levels of HAL in plasma, and this relationship is expressed in patients showing a clear clinical response (responders). (2) Responders and nonresponders are characterized by a different neuroleptic EEG profile. EEG examinations (resting, waking EEG) were performed at study entry, end point of the placebo period (“baseline”), and weekly during the entire HAL treatment period. EEG response was measured by power spectral changes in four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta); clinical response was assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. There was a significant relationship between HAL plasma levels and EEG theta activity for treatment responders, whereas no relationship was detected for the nonresponders. Furthermore, there were EEG changes (in the delta and alpha bands) that depended on clinical response but did not show any relationship, either in responders or nonresponders, to HAL plasma levels. These results supported both hypotheses.
Eversion carotid endarterectomy versus best medical treatment in symptomatic patients with near total internal carotid occlusion: a prospective nonrandomized trial

Background We sought to prospectively evaluate clinical effects of eversion carotid endarterectomy (ECEA) versus best medical treatment of symptomatic patients with near total internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Methods From January 2003 to December 2006, a total of 309 recently (within 12 months) symptomatic patients with near total ICA occlusion who were eligible for surgery were identified in our institution. Patients were nonrandomly divided into group A (259 patients), who underwent ECEA surgery, and group B (50 patients), who refused surgery. Patients in group B received the best medical treatment based on the opinion of the attending vascular surgeon and/or angiologist. Patients were followed for ipsilateral stroke, transient ischemic accident, and neurologic mortality for 12 months. Results There were no intraoperative and perioperative deaths and strokes in patients who were subjected to surgery. TIA was noted in 4 (1.5%) of these patients. There were no differences between the groups with respect to medications on discharge. Cumulative 12 month incidence of TIA, ipsilateral stroke and neurologic mortality was lower in patients who underwent ECEA than in patients on medical therapy (13 [5%] versus 12 [24%], p p p = 0.034, respectively). Restenosis of the operated ICA was noted in 7 (3%) patients, and progression of near to total occlusion was seen in 15 (37%) patients in group B. Conclusion Our data indicate that recently (within12 months) symptomatic patients with near total ICA occlusion who underwent ECEA have lower incidence of TIA, ipsilateral stroke, and neurologic death during follow-up than medically treated patients. It appears that, at least in high-volume centers, ECEA should be favored over medical treatment for the management of these patients.
CT and MRI-based Image Guided Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Multi-institutional Report

2 plans. One plan was computed by incorporating the contrast enhancement in the IMRT planning optimization and calculation. In the second step, the first plan was recalculated on a modified CT. The CT was modified to remove the effect of contrast by reassigning the tissue density in predominant regions of contrast uptake (i.e., bladder and small bowel) to the average tissue density without contrast. Paired t tests were used to assess if there were any statistically significant differences in the mean doses given with and without contrast to the following structures: planning treatment volume (PTV) lymph nodes (LN), PTV vagina, internal target volume (ITV), bladder, small bowel, rectum, nontarget tissue, and femoral heads. Results: The mean dose to the different targets turned out to be slightly higher when the contrast was removed with the difference in the mean dose reaching a statistically significant level. These results suggest that if oral contrast is used for the pelvic planning CT and an IMRT treatment plan is generated with contrast in the bowel, the target volumes will on a daily basis receive a dose which is higher than the prescribed dose. Conclusions: Caution should be used when utilizing contrast in density corrected planning. If a patient is given oral contrast one should correct for it when planning by assigning standard tissue values. Acknowledgment: This project was supported by NCI grants: U10 CA21661, U10 CA37422, ATC U24 CA37422, and the 2009 Pennsylvania Department of Health Formula Grant 4100050889. Author Disclosure: R. Hashem: None. K. Winter: None. R. Ruo: None. L. Portelance: None. A. Jhingran: None. W. Demas: None. G.M. Jacobson: None. D. Gaffney: None.
The Archaeology of Baseball: Landscape and the Power of Place

That material culture is constitutive of culture as well as being one of its outcomes plays out especially strongly when one looks at the relationships between human communities and their landscapes. Cultural landscapes are created by communities, which in turn adapt to the landscape’s physical and social dimensions. This paper explores the dynamics of the landscape of American baseball through the eyes of the archaeologist, thereby creating an archaeology of baseball.
Load Balanced Tree Embeddings

Abstract When an n-processor architecture T is embedded into an m-processor architecture H with n > m and every processor of H is assigned at least ⌞n/m⌟ and at most [n/m] processors of T, the embedding has a balanced processor load. We present efficient embeddings with a balanced load for the case when both architectures are complete binary trees. We show that T can be embedded into H with a dilation of 1 and congestion of at most min{[n/m], 2 log n}. We also consider embeddings that achieve a balanced l/i load; i.e. every processor of H simulates at most [(n + 1)/2m] leaves and at most [(n − 1)/2m] interior processors of T. We present an embedding that achieves a balanced l/i load, a dilation of 2[log log m] + 1 and a congestion of O(log n). We show that every embedding strategy achieving a balanced l/i load must have a dilation of at least 3. We also consider the embedding problem when every edge of T has a weight associated with it.
Incisional hernia, midline versus low transverse incision: what is the ideal incision for specimen extraction and hand-assisted laparoscopy?

Background Minimally invasive surgery is associated with smaller surgical incisions than those of traditional midline laparotomy. However, most colorectal resections and all hand-assisted procedures require an incision either for specimen retrieval or insertion of the hand-assist device. The ideal site of this incision has not been evaluated with respect to the incidence of incisional hernia. This study compares the rates of incisional hernia associated with a standard midline laparotomy, a midline incision of reduced length, and a Pfannenstiel incision.
SCREENING FOR FETAL ABDOMINAL WALL DEFECTS

Fetal abdominal wall abnormalities are a common group of birth defects with a reported incidence of nearly 3.5 cases per 10,000 live births. 2 Because of an increase in morbidity, mortality, and chromosomal aneuploidy associated with abdominal wall defects, all ultrasound examinations performed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy should include a screen for their presence. In addition, some patients in whom fetal abdominal wall defects are diagnosed are referred for obstetric complications of increased fundal height or an abnormal maternal serum biochemical screen. Antenatal diagnosis followed by a careful survey for other fetal anomalies results in optimal antenatal management and planned delivery at a facility capable of providing necessary neonatal support. This article describes how the ultrasound screen for fetal abdominal wall defects is performed, with a focus on the two most commonly encountered abdominal wall defects, gastroschisis and omphalocele.
Contextual modulation of spatial discrimination reversal in developing rats.

Reversal of discrimination learning is influenced by manipulation of the training context. In adult and developing rats, contextual changes made between acquisition and reversal aid the learning of the new discrimination, possibly by serving to release proactive interference from the originally acquired discrimination (M. E. Bouton & D. C. Brooks, 1993; N. Spear, G. Smith, R. Bryan, & W. Gordon, 1980). The present study sought to examine this effect in an appetitive T-maze task, as a function of different contextual manipulations. Rats of three ages, Postnatal Day (PND) 19, PND23, and PND30, were tested for their ability to acquire and reverse a position habit in a T-maze. Contextual changes were made between acquisition and reversal sessions and consisted of one of three manipulations: (a) texture; the texture of the maze floor was changed via the addition or subtraction of wire mesh; (b) maze; subjects were reversed in a different maze that was identical in construction to the training maze, but differed in spatial location; (c) texture and maze; subjects were shifted to the new maze, the floor of which differed in texture from the training maze but was otherwise identical in construction. Results showed that the texture–maze combination was an effective aid to reversal learning at all ages tested. The texture alone, however, was not effective at any age. The maze alone also was an effective cue for reversal, but proved to have the greatest effect for PND30 subjects. During ontogeny, the contextual modulation of reversal learning is importantly influenced by the nature and the salience of the contextual cue. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 46: 36–46, 2005.
Quantitative depictions of threatening phenomena in news reports. The scary world of frequency data

Two experiments addressed the question of whether news reports depicting base-rate data indicative of increasing population size over time would assuage the apprehension and victimization risk associated with another news story depicting frequency increases in a threatening phenomenon during the same time period. Men exposed to the population data manifested lower levels of apprehension and victimization risk than men not exposed to such data, but women showed no reduction in either apprehension and victimization risk than men not exposed to such data, but women showed no reduction in either apprehension or victimization risk after exposure to population data. This interaction was replicated in both experiments. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the same interaction can be produced using base-rate data other than that depicting population increases over time and that the effects of the base-rate stories are not merely a product of distraction from the threatening story. Differences in apprehension levels, information processing styles, mathematical problems solving skill, and sex role response sets were considered as alternative explanations for the interaction.
Photoemission, inverse photoemission, and fluctuations in an exactly soluble many-body cluster model of bcc iron.

An exact solution for a two-site crystal model, the smallest body-centered-cubic crystal, is presented for iron. The model consists of five d-like orbitals per site per spin, with interatomic hopping terms and an on-site Coulomb interaction of the fullest generality allowed by atomic symmetry. The ground state, depending on the choice of one-electron parameters, is found in one case to be a fully saturated ferromagnet, and in another to be an unsaturated ferromagnet with strong antiferromagnetic fluctuations. The many-body energy-level spectrum, intracluster charge and spin fluctuations, and photoemission and inverse photoemission densities of states for both cases are calculated and compared with experiment.
Small GTPases and cilia

Small GTPases are key molecular switches that bind and hydrolyze GTP in diverse membrane- and cytoskeleton-related cellular processes. Recently, mounting evidences have highlighted the role of various small GTPases, including the members in Arf/Arl, Rab, and Ran subfamilies, in cilia formation and function. Once overlooked as an evolutionary vestige, the primary cilium has attracted more and more attention in last decade because of its role in sensing various extracellular signals and the association between cilia dysfunction and a wide spectrum of human diseases, now called ciliopathies. Here we review recent advances about the function of small GTPases in the context of cilia, and the correlation between the functional impairment of small GTPases and ciliopathies. Understanding of these cellular processes is of fundamental importance for broadening our view of cilia development and function in normal and pathological states and for providing valuable insights into the role of various small GTPases in disease processes, and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Acute Brain Infarcts After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Study

Background and Purpose— We aimed to determine the prevalence of acute brain infarcts using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods— We collected data on consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to our institution between August 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008 and in whom DWI was performed within 28 days of admission. Patients with hemorrhage attributable to trauma, tumor, aneurysm, vascular malformation, and hemorrhagic conversion of arterial or venous infarction were excluded. Restricted diffusion within, contiguous with, or immediately neighboring the hematoma or chronic infarcts was not considered abnormal. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated potential predictors of DWI abnormality including clinical and radiographic characteristics and treatments. A probability value <0.05 was considered significant in the final model. Results— Among 118 spontaneous ICH patients (mean 59.6 years, 47.5% male, and 31.4% white) who al...
A novel repetitive sequence lies near the gene encoding a cytosine methyltransferase in the cyanobacterium Dactylococcopsis salina

An unusual cluster of tandemly repeated DNA sequences (TRS) was found downstream from the gene encoding DsaV methyltransferase, the DNA modification enzyme in the DsaV restriction-modification system found in a strain of Dactylococcopsis salina (Ds). The repeat unit is about 32-bp long and is present 13 times in the cluster. Each repeat unit can be divided into two distinct parts based on the level of sequence conservation and evolution. Hybridization of Ds DNA with a probe specific for this cluster revealed that there were at least two additional sites within the genome with similar TRS. The TRS units are localized in one region of the Ds genome. They do not share significant sequence similarity with other TRS found in prokaryotes.
The use of polychaete feeding guilds as biological variables

Abstract Polychaete feeding guilds have recently been examined as potentially useful parameters in environmental impact assessment. Densities of polychaete species from three studies in the lower Chesapeake Bay were classified into feeding guilds and correlated with water depth, median phi size and percent silt-clay of the sediment. Polychaete densities were also grouped randomly and correlated with environmental variables. For two of the three studies a feeding guild classification did not give significantly more correlations than expected from random groupings. Problems associated with using polychaete feeding guilds as composite biological variables are discussed.
Lipoprotein (a) and the risk of ischemic stroke in young women.

Background and purpose: lipoprotein (a) (lp (a)) is a lipid-containing particle similar to LDL which has been found in atherosclerotic plaque. The role of lp (a) in ischemic stroke remains controversial, but some studies suggest lp (a) is particularly important as a risk factor for stroke in young adults. We investigated the role of lp (a) as a risk factor for stroke in young women enrolled in the Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study. Methods: subjects were participants in a population-based, case-control study of risk factors for ischemic stroke in young women. Cases were derived from surveillance of 59 regional hospitals in the central Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania and Delaware area. Lp (a) was measured in 110 cases and 216 age-matched controls. Demographics, risk factors, and stroke subtype were determined by interview and review of medical records. Results: lp (a) values were higher in blacks than whites, but within racial groups, the distribution of lp (a) values was similar between cases and controls. After adjustment for age, race, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, coronary artery disease, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, the odds ratio for an association of lp (a) and stroke was 1.36 (95% CI 0.80‐2.29). There was no dose-response relationship between lp (a) quintile and stroke risk. Among stroke subtypes, only lacunar stroke patients had significantly elevated lp (a) values compared to controls. Conclusions: we found no association of lp (a) with stroke in a population of young women with ischemic stroke. Small numbers of patients limit conclusions regarding risk in ischemic stroke subtypes, but we could not confirm previous suggestions of an association of lp (a) with atherosclerotic stroke in young adults. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
High-Voltage QRS Complexes in the Absence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Of an unselected group of otherwise normal electrocardiograms in which the sum of S in V1 and R in V5 exceeded 35 mm., 39 per cent came from patients with no clinical evidence of cardiac disease. Of electrocardiograms in which R in AVL exceeded 11 mm., 29 per cent were from patients without cardiac disease. All of the cases in which the voltage was abnormal in both lead aVL and the precordial leads had evident or possible heart disease. Thus, while the voltage indexes for left ventricular hypertrophy of Sokolow and Lyon are useful and easy to apply, the lack of specificity of voltage changes limits clinical application.
The thermodynamics of the system Zr(Fe0.75Cr0.25)2 + H2 using heat conduction calorimetry

Abstract The system Zr(Fe0.75Cr0.25)2 + H2 has been reported to exhibit one compound hydride phase Zr(Fe0.75Cr0.25)2Hx with x ≥ 1.8. The present in situ free energy/enthalpy measurements indicate a more complex situation involving two compound hydrides, one having the approximate composition 1.8 ≤ x ≤ 2.0, and the other, x ≥ 2.3. The steady state pressure-composition and calorimetric evidence for this is presented and discussed.
Impact of Low-Income Occupant Behavior on Energy Consumption in Hot-Humid Climates

AbstractWithin the residential sector, the low-income segment accounts for a significant amount of energy consumption. In addition to poor housing conditions in the low-income sector, occupant behavior is one of the most important drivers of energy performance. This paper examines specific cases of behavior in low-income housing in hot-humid climates. Given the scant literature available on this subject, this study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches to concurrently analyze both (1) subjective perceptions of low-income occupants and (2) real field data. Using principal component analysis, a wide range of behaviors was categorized into nine independent factors. Then, using multiple regression analysis, those factors were ranked in terms of their impact on household energy bills. The results revealed that the top five behavioral factors that have a significant impact on the energy bills of low-income occupants are the following (in order of importance): (1) cooling set point during summer; (2)...
GONADOTKOP IN SURGE IN INFANTS OF MEN WITH KALLMANN'S SYNDROME

We hypothesized that some infants of men with Kallmann's syndrome (genetically transmitted condition) would show deficiency of the neonatal gonadotropin and sex steroid surge demonstrated in normal infants. Most affected individuals are not identified until the onset of puberty is delayed. Accordingly, we evaluated seven infants fathered by men who became fertile after hormonal treatment for Kallmann's syndrome. Midline facial features and genital anatomy were normal in all. Blood was sampled through an indwelling line every 20 minutes from midnight to 2 AM for LH, FSH, and either estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T), prior to an LHRH test (100 mcg IV). These data indicate that infants of kallmann's fathers have the gonadotropin and sex steriod surch shown for normal infants. We conclude that either our infants do not have kallmann's syndrome, or the neonatal surge remains intact despite protential later loss of gonadotropin release.
Spinal cord lesions block seizures or delay their onset in myelin-deficient rats: Evidence that generalized tonic seizures can be triggered by abnormal spinal cord activity

Abstract The myelin-deficient mutant rat develops generalized tonic seizures and dies during the fourth postnatal week. Surgical constriction of the lower thoracic spinal cord, performed either after the seizures have appeared or before, eliminates the seizures, or delays their onset, and prolongs the life of the animals. These observations support the view that the seizures in these animals can be triggered by abnormal activity originating in the myelin-deficient spinal cord and can be blocked by preventing that activity from ascending to higher levels. Similar seizures and “paroxysmal” phenomena occur in other myelin-deficient conditions including multiple sclerosis.
Evaluation of QuickVue, a rapid enzyme immunoassay test for the detection of serum antibodies to Helicobacter pylori

QuickVue is an enzyme immunoassay test for qualitative detection of serum immunoglobulin-G antibodies to Helicobacter pylori. We evaluated its ability to predict infection by H. pylori in 100 adult and 49 pediatric patients referred for gastric endoscopy. A patient was defined as infected with H. pylori if either culture or histology was positive. Of the 100 adult patients, 64 had H. pylori infection and QuickVue correctly identified 59 of the 64. Of 36 H. pylori-negative patients, 20 were correctly identified as negative by the test. In this sample of patients, QuickVue had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 56%. In the 49 pediatric patients, QuickVue correctly identified nine of 11 infected cases and 34 of 38 noninfected patients. In this group, the sensitivity was 82% and the specificity was 89%. Overall the test had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 73%. The positive predictive value was 77% and the negative predictive value was 89%.
Equivalent circuit of the primitive rotating machine

Transient and steady-state performance of all standard rotating machinery used industrially can be determined by analyzing one generalized machine, the so-called “primitive machine.” The tensorial method enables the engineer to ignore the internal processes of the rotating machine and to concentrate his attention upon the easily visualized external interconnection of the windings. The equivalent circuit of the primitive rotating machine with asymmetrical stator and rotor is derived using this method.
Auditory Event-Related Potentials and Statistical Probability Mapping in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The Current exploratory investigation was undertaken to replicate and extend previous findings of auditory event related potentials (ERPs) observed in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Similar to previous ERP studies, this study revealed a decreased slow wave (SW) (post P300) latency, a trend towards decreased P300 latency and a greater N200 amplitude in OCD subjects than in controls. In addition, the chronicity of OCD symptoms was correlated with the 140-170 millisecond integrated amplitude and the severity of OCD symptoms correlated with the 386-438 millisecond integrated amplitude. Current findings lend additional support to evidence suggesting OCD represents, in part, hyperarousal of the cortex.
A differontial dilatometer

Abstract A device for measuring the differential volume change oceurring between sample and reference liquids has been constructed. Metal bellows take up the expansion or contraction of the samples and their resulting linear movements are detected with a laser interferometer. The sensitivity of the instrument is 2 × 10 −5 ml. Samples can be continuously stirred and equilibrium measurements are possible. Density-temperature data obtained for n -eicosane and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine are in good agreement with literature values.
The water of life: a century of confusion.

Each morning I give thanks for growing up in America, being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and serving on the faculty at Wayne State University, the only school to be honored with three Scudder Orators who spent their entire careers at one institution. Their backgrounds say something about all three entities: Dr Alexander Walt, an immigrant who left his homeland because of apartheid to become my chairman and our president; Dr Anna Ledgerwood, a daughter of tenant farmers from the state of Washington, who became my longterm partner; and now, myself, the son of immigrant farmers—no kings or queens, just working bees. Most Scudder Orations have dealt with philosophical, societal, or trauma system issues. Because my political acumen is lacking and my philosophical leanings are so far off the main stream that I believe that Adam and Eve came to earth on a spaceship, I have decided to discuss my favorite topic, namely, the pathophysiology of hemophagic shock and the resultant protein fluxes. The Lucas clan emigrated from the West Coast of Ireland, where the “water of life” is known by the Gaelic term “uisce beatha.” As one traveled across the Irish Sea to the East Coast of England, the “water of life” took on a new meaning one century ago when the great English physiologist, Ernest Starling, published his famous equation now known as the Law of the Capillary:
Computation of screened two-electron matrix elements

Computational studies are presented for atoms in screening environments. Numerical solution of atomic Hartree–Fock equations in the Slater type orbitals basis are presented for screened Debye electron–electron as well as electron–nucleus interaction. Slater integrals are evaluated using a Gauss–Laguerre quadrature. Detailed numerical results are presented for various atoms and Debye lengths establishing the method as well as showing the opposing effects of electron–nucleus and electron–electron screening that may induce ambiguity in physical properties extracted from experimental plasma data. A detailed discussion of convergence properties is given. The relevant outcome of the present study revealed the fact that the present expansion method and the previously published Legendre expansion method (Winkler, Int. J. Quantum Chem. 2010, 110, 3129) have their best convergence properties in different regions of the Debye screening length. This is important for applications. In addition, the new expansion method can be implemented for other screening potentials, where other approaches fail. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co‐ordinate regulation of the cytoskeleton in 3T3 cells overexpressing thymosin‐β4

In several cell types, short-term increases in the concentration of the G-actin-sequestering peptide thymosin-beta4 (Tbeta4) cause the disassembly of F-actin bundles. To determine the extent of cell adaptability to these reductions in F-actin, we overexpressed Tbeta4 in NIH 3T3 cells. In cell lines with Tbeta4 levels twice those of vector controls, G-actin increased approximately twofold as expected. However, F-actin did not decrease as in short-term experiments but rather also increased approximately twofold so that the G-F ratio remained constant. Surprisingly, the cytoskeletal proteins myosin IIA, alpha-actinin, and tropomyosin also increased nearly twofold. These increases were specific; DNA, total protein, lactic dehydrogenase, profilin, and actin depolymerizing factor levels were unchanged in the overexpressing cells. The Tbeta4 lines spread more fully and adhered to the dish more strongly than vector controls; this altered phenotype correlated with a twofold increase in talin and alpha5-integrin and a nearly threefold increase in vinculin. Focal adhesions, detected by indirect immunofluorescence with antivinculin, were increased in size over the controls. Northern blotting showed that mRNAs for both beta-actin and vinculin were increased twofold in the overexpressing lines. We conclude that 1) NIH 3T3 cells adapt to increased levels of G-actin sequestered by increased Tbeta4 by increasing their total actin so that the F-actin/G-actin ratio remains constant; 2) these cells coordinately increase several cytoskeletal and adhesion plaque proteins; and 3) at least for actin and vinculin, this regulation is at the transcriptional level. We therefore propose that the proteins of this multimember interacting complex making up the actin-based cytoskeleton, are coordinately regulated by factors that control the expression of several proteins. The mechanism may bear similarities to the control of synthesis of another multimember interacting complex, the myofibril of developing muscle cells.
Phagocytosis of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Measured In Vitro and In Vivo in a Rat Model of Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Cirrhosis

Both humans and rats with liver cirrhosis have increased morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal pneumonia. By use of a rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis, uptake of fluorochrome-labeled Streptococcus pneumoniae by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and alveolar macrophages (AM) was examined by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood PMNL from cirrhotic rats showed no defect in phagocytic or bactericidal capacity for type 10A S. pneumoniae in vitro. However, in vivo, fewer type 3 S. pneumoniae were engulfed by PMNL in the lungs of cirrhotic rats with a concomitant increase in the number of organisms taken up by their AM in comparison with controls. These studies indicate the importance of using more relevant in vivo methodologies for assessing bacterial phagocytosis. In addition, the reduction in uptake of type 3 pneumococci by PMNL within the microenvironment of the cirrhotic rat lung could help to explain the increased susceptibility of cirrhotic rats to pneumococcal pneumonia.
Battering and the Male Rejection of Influence from Women

The propensity of men to reject influence from women and individual differences in this tendency were examined in the present report as potentially related to two types of domestically violent men. We operationalized rejection of influence in sequential analyses of emotional behavior during a 15 min marital interaction. In our previous research, we identified two types of batterers: Type-1, whose heart rates decelerated below baseline during the marital interaction; and Type-2, whose heart rates accelerated. We found that only Type-1 husbands reject any and all influence from their wives. We postulate that Type-1 batterers reject influence as a means of maintaining power and control. Aggr. Behav. 23:375–388, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Parallel Approach Toward Correlation Measurement for Gene Pairs with Time-Lagging Expression Behaviours

Time-lagging in expression occurs when a gene's expression triggers a delayed expression in its co-regulated or anti-co-regulated peers. Arbitrary time-lagging also might appear due to experiment or measurement error. Traditional methods will either under-estimate or completely miss such correlation, which is not unusual and plays important roles. Since the traditional similarity measurement cannot capture the true relationship, a simple time-lagging captured algorithm integrated with some existing time-lagging and similarity measurement techniques is proposed with parallel implementation. Improvements such as isolation of experimental conditions and weighted averages are used to achieve better accuracy and give user flexibility to differentiate different experiments.
Investigation of active torsion bar actuator configurations to reduce vehicle body roll

The increasing popularity of sport utility/light-duty vehicles has prompted the investigation of active roll management systems to reduce vehicle body roll. To minimize vehicle body roll and improve passenger comfort, one emerging solution is an active torsion bar control system. The validation of automotive safety systems requires analytical evaluation and laboratory testing prior to implementation on an actual vehicle. In this article, a computer simulation tool and accompanying hardware-in-the-loop test environment are presented for active torsion bar systems to study component configurations and performance limits. The numerical simulation illustrates that the hydraulic cylinder extension limits the active torsion system’s ability to provide body roll angle reduction under various driving conditions. To compare the control system’s time constant and body roll minimization capabilities for different hydraulic valve assemblies and equivalent hose lengths, an experimental test stand was created. For a ty...
Purification and kinetic characterization of human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases 1 and 2 (IDO1 and IDO2) and discovery of selective IDO1 inhibitors

Abstract Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) catalyzes the first step in tryptophan breakdown along the kynurenine pathway. Therapeutic inhibition of IDO1 is receiving much attention due to its proposed role in the pathogenesis of several diseases including cancer, hypotension and neurodegenerative disorders. A related enzyme, IDO2 has recently been described. We report the first purification and kinetic characterization of human IDO2 using a facile l -tryptophan consumption assay amenable to high throughput screening. We found that the Km of human IDO2 for l -tryptophan is much higher than that of IDO1. We also describe the identification and characterization of a new IDO1 inhibitor compound, Amg-1, by high throughput screening, and compare the inhibition profiles of IDO1 and IDO2 with Amg-1 and previously described compounds. Our data indicate that human IDO1 and IDO2 have different kinetic parameters and different inhibition profiles. Docking of Amg-1 and related analogs to the known structure of IDO1 and to homology-modeled IDO2 suggests possible rationales for the different inhibition profiles of IDO1 and IDO2.
Patients' experiences with navigation for cancer care.

Abstract Objective We examined how navigation, defined as the assessment and alleviation of barriers to adequate health care, influences patients’ perspectives on the quality of their cancer care. Methods We conducted post-study patient interviews from a randomized controlled trial (usual care vs. patient navigation services) from cancer diagnosis through treatment completion. Patients were recruited from 11 primary care, hospital and community oncology practices in New York. We interviewed patients about their expectations and experience of patient navigation or, for non-navigated patients, other sources of assistance. Results Thirty-five patients newly diagnosed with breast or colorectal cancer. Valued aspects of navigation included emotional support, assistance with information needs and problem-solving, and logistical coordination of cancer care. Unmet cancer care needs expressed by patients randomized to usual care consisted of lack of assistance or support with childcare, household responsibilities, coordination of care, and emotional support. Conclusion Cancer patients value navigation. Instrumental benefits were the most important expectations for navigation from navigated and non-navigated patients. Navigated patients received emotional support and assistance with information needs, problem-solving, and logistical aspects of cancer care coordination. Practice implications Navigation services may help improve cancer care outcomes important to patients by addressing fragmented, confusing, uncoordinated, or inefficient care.
Merging Economics and Epidemiology to Improve the Prediction and Management of Infectious Disease

Mathematical epidemiology, one of the oldest and richest areas in mathematical biology, has significantly enhanced our understanding of how pathogens emerge, evolve, and spread. Classical epidemiological models, the standard for predicting and managing the spread of infectious disease, assume that contacts between susceptible and infectious individuals depend on their relative frequency in the population. The behavioral factors that underpin contact rates are not generally addressed. There is, however, an emerging a class of models that addresses the feedbacks between infectious disease dynamics and the behavioral decisions driving host contact. Referred to as “economic epidemiology” or “epidemiological economics,” the approach explores the determinants of decisions about the number and type of contacts made by individuals, using insights and methods from economics. We show how the approach has the potential both to improve predictions of the course of infectious disease, and to support development of novel approaches to infectious disease management.
Using annotations to reduce dynamic optimization time

Dynamic compilation and optimization are widely used in heterogenous computing environments, in which an intermediate form of the code is compiled to native code during execution. An important trade off exists between the amount of time spent dynamically optimizing the program and the running time of the program. The time to perform dynamic optimizations can cause significant delays during execution and also prohibit performance gains that result from more complex optimization.In this research, we present an annotation framework that substantially reduces compilation overhead of Java programs. Annotations consist of analysis information collected off-line and are incorporated into Java programs. The annotations are then used by dynamic compilers to guide optimization. The annotations we present reduce compilation overhead incurred at all stages of compilation and optimization as well as enable complex optimizations to be performed dynamically. On average, our annotation optimizations reduce optimized compilation overhead by 78% and enable speedups of 7% on average for the programs examined.
Is there a genomically imprinted social brain

Imprinted genes (IGs) are expressed or silenced according to their parent-of-origin. These genes are known to play a role in regulating offspring growth, development and infant behaviors such as suckling and ultrasonic calls. In adults, neurally expressed IGs coordinate several behaviors including maternal care, sex, feeding, emotionality, and cognition. However, despite evidence from human psychiatric disorders and evolutionary theory that maternally and paternally expressed genes should also regulate social behavior, little empirical data from mouse research exists. This paper discusses data from a recent study (Garfield et al., 2011) that the IG Grb10 governs unique aspects of mouse social behavior and interprets the relevance of these findings for the future of this field.
Expedient Estimation of the Maximum Amplification Factor in Damped Mistuned Bladed Disks

This paper focuses on the formulation and validation of a novel approach for the expedient estimation of the maximum amplification factor induced by mistuning in damped bladed disks. This computational approach is based on earlier analytical results yielding an upper bound of the maximum amplification factor in the limit of zero damping. Extensions of these results are derived first to broaden the applicability of the methodology. Next, the computational technique is described: it involves the components of one of the mode shapes of the mistuned disk and the associated frequency as the variables over which the optimization is carried out. Further, the initial guess for these variables is obtained from the analytical estimates of the upper bound. This approach removes the limitations of earlier analytical efforts, i.e. damping is considered, and the actual value of the maximum amplification factor and the corresponding mistuning of the blade properties are obtained. Limitations on the magnitude of the mistuning could also be considered in the algorithm if desired. This novel approach was applied for the parametric study of the maximum amplification factor as a function of damping in two single-degree-of-freedom per blade disk models as well as in a reduced order model of a blisk. The results obtained in connection with the two single-degree-of-freedom systems very closely match the global maxima predicted by an existing, more tedious algorithm introduced earlier to avoid convergence to one of the many local maxima known to often exist.© 2007 ASME
Ca2+ uptake in reconstituted sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles

The reconstitution of functional sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles capable of Ca2+ transport has been achieved. Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles are first solubilized with deoxycholate and then reassembled into membranous vesicles by removal of the detergent using dialysis. The Ca2+ pump protein can, by itself, be reconstituted to form membranous vesicles capable of energized Ca2+ binding and uptake. The lipid content of the reconstituted vesicles is about the same as that of the original sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. The reconstituted vesicles have an elevated ATPase activity. Ca2+ binding and uptake in the presence of ATP are restored to about 25% and 50%, respectively.
Activities of sucrose metabolising enzymes during sucrose accumulation in developing acid limes

Abstract The development of acid lime juice cells was characterised by a transient accumulation of sucrose. The capacity for sucrose synthesis and/or sucrose breakdown was estimated by measuring the maximal activities of sucrose synthesising (sucrose phosphate synthase, SPS) and sucrose degradative (sucrose synthase (SS), acid and alkaline invertase) enzymes throughout development. The maximal potential for sucrose breakdown always exceeded the potential for sucrose synthesis. When SS was assayed in the breakdown direction and acid invertase at physiological vacuolar pH values, the balance of the sucrose metabolising enzymes paralleled the patterns of sucrose accumulation in the fruit throughout development. Results show that in acid lime juice cells the potential for sucrose accumulation is linked to the activities of sucrose metabolising enzymes as modified by intracellular conditions and not to their maximal activities.