cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurorehabilitation: Five new things.

Summary Neurologists have a new toolbox of options for neurorehabilitation of disabling brain disorders such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. An emerging intellectual paradigm for neurologic recovery that includes neural regeneration, repair, and dynamic reorganization of functional neural systems, as well as increasing awareness of behavioral principles that may support best return to function and freedom, brought forward treatments based on experience-dependent learning, neurophysiologic stimulation, and a combination of these concepts. In this article, we summarize five rehabilitative approaches to watch: constraint therapy for motor and language recovery, synergy of motor-language rehabilitation, prism adaptation training and other virtual feedback approaches, and noninvasive magnetic and electrical brain stimulation.
Stimulated echo NMR spectra and their use for heteronuclear two-dimensional shift correlation

Abstract NMR spectra are obtained from Fourier transformation of the latter part of a Hahn stimulated echo. The sequence is 90°-τ a -90°-τ b -90°-τ a -digitize versus τ 2 . This is demonstrated for transfer RNA in H 2 O using the semiselective J ® pulse (90°-τ p -90°), developed by Plateau and Gueron in place of each 90° pulse. 2D correlation between 13 N and protons is obtained by applying a 90°-τ 1 -90° 15 N sequence during τ b and 15 N decoupling while digitizing. The second Fourier transform is performed with respect to τ 1 after discarding the imaginary parts of the first transform, to obtain a real 2D map. Such a 2D spectrum has been obtained for 5 m M 15 NH 4 Cl and several other small molecules. The sequence should be useful for studies of 15 N labeled macromolecules.
Simulation standards: the simulation professional certification program: a status report

Under the auspices of the National Training Systems Association, a program was developed to establish organizations and processes whereby professional certification for the modeling and simulation industry may be conducted in a consistent and dependable way. The Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission (MSPCC) was envisioned with the mission to develop and provide the professional certification. The Implementation Group was formed to define and implement the MSPCC and establish the Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Board (MSPCB), an element of the Commission. This paper provides a status report on the efforts of the Commission and the Board to establish and certification program for modeling and simulation professionals.
α4β1 Integrin Regulates Lamellipodia Protrusion via a Focal Complex/Focal Adhesion-independent Mechanism

α4β1 integrin plays an important role in cell migration. We show that when ectopically expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, α4β1 is sufficient and required for promoting protrusion of broad lamellipodia in response to scratch-wounding, whereas α5β1 does not have this effect. By time-lapse microscopy of cells expressing an α4/green fluorescent protein fusion protein, we show that α4β1 forms transient puncta at the leading edge of cells that begin to protrude lamellipodia in response to scratch-wounding. The cells expressing a mutant α4/green fluorescent protein that binds paxillin at a reduced level had a faster response to scratch-wounding, forming α4-positive puncta and protruding lamellipodia much earlier. While enhancing lamellipodia protrusion, this mutation reduces random motility of the cells in Transwell assays, indicating that lamellipodia protrusion and random motility are distinct types of motile activities that are differentially regulated by interactions between α4β1 and paxillin. Finally, we show that, at the leading edge, α4-positive puncta and paxillin-positive focal complexes/adhesions do not colocalize, but α4β1 and paxillin colocalize partially in ruffles. These findings provide evidence for a specific role of α4β1 in lamellipodia protrusion that is distinct from the motility-promoting functions of α5β1 and other integrins that mediate cell adhesion and signaling events through focal complexes and focal adhesions.
Organizational foundations for maintenance

Maintaining application software for information systems in organizations poses managerial problems. Among these are: How should maintenance be planned? How should the maintenance staff be organized? What information is needed to manage maintenance? In a recent field study, in which we developed twelve cases, we explored the answers to these and other related questions. We found that organizational issues in maintenance may be comprehended in terms of a Relational Foundations Model involving the application systems, the IS staff and the system users. Vignettes from the cases illustrate. A new, organizational view of maintenance is suggested, one which departs from the traditional view of maintenance as a technical, individual programming task.
Snapping algorithm and heterogeneous bio-tissues modeling for medical surgical simulation and product prototyping

This paper presents a novel technique for modeling soft biological tissues as well as the development of an innovative interface for bio-manufacturing and medical applications. Heterogeneous deformable models may be used to represent the actual internal structures of deformable biological objects, which possess multiple components and non-uniform material properties. Both heterogeneous deformable object modeling and accurate haptic rendering can greatly enhance the realism and fidelity of virtual reality environments. In this paper, a tri-ray node snapping algorithm is proposed to generate a volumetric heterogeneous deformable model from a set of object interface surfaces between different materials. A constrained local static integration method is presented for simulating deformation and accurate force-feedback based on the material properties of a heterogeneous structure. Biological soft tissue modeling is used as an example to demonstrate the proposed techniques. By integrating the heterogeneous deform...
Different-orbitals-for-different-spins formulation of the coherent-potential approximation

The coherent-potential approximation is formulated with different orbitals for different spins to treat correlation in mixed high-conduction polymers or magnetic alloys.
Association of KCNJ1 variation with change in fasting glucose and new onset diabetes during HCTZ treatment

Thiazide-induced potassium loss may contribute to new onset diabetes (NOD). KCNJ1 encodes a potassium channel and one study observed that a KCNJ1 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with changes in fasting glucose (FG) during hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) treatment. We used linear regression to test association of KCNJ1 SNPs and haplotypes with FG changes during HCTZ treatment in the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR) study. We used logistic regression to test association of KCNJ1 variation with NOD in HCTZ-treated patients from the International Verapamil SR Trandolapril Study (INVEST). Multivariate regression analyses were performed by race/ethnicity with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. In PEAR blacks, a KCNJ1 SNP was associated with increased FG during HCTZ treatment (beta=8.47, P(FDR)=0.009). KCNJ1 SNPs and haplotypes were associated with NOD risk in all INVEST race/ethnic groups (strongest association: odds ratio 2.14 (1.31-3.53), P(FDR)=0.03). Our findings support that KCNJ1 variation is associated with HCTZ-induced dysglycemia and NOD.
On a Bayesian estimation procedure for determining the average ore grade of a uranium deposit

Abstract A Bayesian procedure is applied to estimate the average ore grade of a specific uranium deposit (the Morrison formation in New Mexico). Experimental data taken from drilling tests for this formation constitute deposit specific information, E2. This information is combined, through a single stage application of Bayes' theorem, with the more extensive and well established information on all similar formations in the region, E1. It is assumed that the best estimate for the deposit specific case should include the relevant experimental evidence collected from other like formations giving incomplete information on the specific deposit. This follows traditional methods for resource estimation, which presume that previous collective experience obtained from similar formations in the geological region can be used to infer the geologic characteristics of a less well characterized formation.
Studies in Type I glycogenosis: The paradoxical effect of ethanol on lactate

Paradoxically, ethanol, which raises lactate in normal individuals, lowers the elevated levels of lactate in patients with Type I glycogenosis. We found that, although lactate levels fell, pyruvate proportionately declined even more, resulting in an increased L/P ratio which indicates that, as in the normal, the oxidation of ethanol had generated NADH. In type I glycogenosis, the increased level of pyruvate-lactate derives from glycogenolysis. We found that, despite continued glycogenolysis, ethanol had caused less pyruvate-lactate to form. The effect of an increased NADH/NAD+ ratio on the flow of carbon through the Embden-Meyerhof pathway could account for the finding, presumably by its effect on the oxidation-reduction couples with diversion of carbon toward formation of triglyceride rather than pyruvate-lactate.
N3-BENZYLURIDINE EXERTS HYPNOTIC ACTIVITY IN MICE

N3-Benzyluridine (I), a derivative of uracil (II) or uridine (III), has hypnotic effect on mice. The hypnotic effect of I was effected by intracerebroventricular injection. The response was dose-dependent with doses of 1.5-4.0 μmol/mouse. Further, I significantly prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice. In the same doses, II and III have no hypnotic or sleep-prolonging effects. These results suggest that III may be a sleep-promoting substance basically, as reported by Komoda et al.
Development of a screening assay to evaluate the potential of drugs to cause immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions.

AbstractEvidence suggests that bio-activation of drugs to generate chemically reactive metabolites (RM) that act as haptens to form immunogenic protein conjugates may be an important cause of immune-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHR). Although many drugs that form RMs raise concerns about producing IDHR, standard non-clinical testing methods are rarely able to identify compounds with the potential to produce IDHR in humans. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive assay for IDHR that involves: (1) the use of an in vitro drug-metabolizing system to generate the RM that is captured by GSH, (2) conjugating the RM-GSH conjugate to mouse serum albumin (MSA) by using a chemical cross-linker, (3) immunization of mice with RM-GSH-MSA adducts, and (4) ex vivo challenge with RM-GSH-MSA adduct and measurement of lymphocyte proliferation to determine if the RM is immunogenic. The predictivity of the assay was evaluated by using drugs that produce RM and have been strongly, weakly, or not a...
The incidence of clinically diagnosed versus research-identified autism in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1976-1997: results from a retrospective, population-based study.

Autism prevalence studies have often relied on administrative prevalence or clinical diagnosis as case-identification strategies. We report the incidence of clinical diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), versus research-identified autism among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, age ≤21 years, from 1976–1997. The incidence of clinically diagnosed ASD (with 95% CI) was 1.5 per 100,000 (0.0–3.7) in 1980–1983 and 33.1 (22.8–43.3) in 1995–1997, a 22.1-fold increase. In contrast, the incidence of research-identified autism increased from 5.5 (1.4–9.5) per 100,000 to 44.9 (32.9–56.9), an 8.2-fold increase. Only 46.8% of research-identified cases received a clinical diagnosis of ASD. These findings demonstrate the potential for misleading interpretation of results from epidemiologic studies that rely on clinical diagnosis of autism to identify cases.
Mass transfer to a turbulent fluid with and without chemical reaction

Abstract A new theory based on a turbulent boundary layer model is developed to describe mass transfer with a simultaneous, fast, irreversible reaction. Data on dissolution of a rotating cylinder of benzzoic acid into aqueous caustic are compared with this theory and with the theories based on the film and penetration models. Comparison of the data on dissolution into water with a form of the Deissler analogy points up the fact that the various modern analogies between heat, mass and momentum transfer predict that the Stanton number should be proportional to √ f at high Prandtl or Schmidt numbers, whereas the data show direct proportionality. This suggests a basic error in the usual procedure by which analogies are developed.
Microscopic Model of Reflection and Refraction

Reflection and refraction of light from a planar interface is a canonical problem in optics. This work examines reflection and refraction from a microscopic perspective by modeling the optical medium as an array of dipoles.
Steps toward the synthesis of a geodesic C60H12 end cap for a C3v carbon [6,6]nanotube

Abstract Several shape-persistent carbon-rich nanomolecules with diameters exceeding 1.7 nm have been prepared by the aldol trimerization of 20-carbon aromatic ketones bearing chlorine atoms at various sites. These C60H27Cl3 and C60H24Cl6 polycyclic aromatic compounds represent attractive intermediates for the synthesis of a geodesic C60H12 end cap of a C3v carbon [6,6]nanotube.
Surface segregation and structure of Sb-doped Si(100) films grown at low temperature by molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract Sb surface segregation and doping during Si(100) molecular beam epitaxy were studied for growth temperatures of 320–500°C. Surface segregation was analyzed by depth profiling with secondary ion mass spectrometry and the results indicate the existence of several distinct dopant concentration- and temperature-dependent surface segregation regimes: (1) For dilute Sb surface concentrations the measurements reveal a region where bulk and surface concentrations are linearly related, and the surface segregation is described by a constant. However, the experimentally determined temperature dependence of the segregation does not follow simple kinetics theory, and appreciable surface segregation is observed at temperatures ≤ 400°C. (2) At temperatures ≥ 350°C, the surface segregation reaches a maximum for Sb surface concentrations of 0.5 monolayers. (3) For surface concentrations near 1 monolayer, the surface segregation decreases with increasing surface Sb coverage due to dopant interaction within surface and subsurface layers. In cases where films were grown under very high dopant fluxes, we have identified cone-like defects and stacking faults that are the result of the apparent surface concentration exceeding 1 monolayer.
IBM System/390 air-cooled alumina thermal conduction module

Advances in multilayer ceramic (MLC) processing, the use of thin-film metallurgy wiring, and enhancements in thermal dissipation, all described in this paper, represent significant milestones in the evolution of microelectronic packaging technology. The IBM System/390™ air-cooled alumina thermal conduction module (S/390™ alumina TCM) utilizes a 127.5 × 127.5-mm MLC substrate to interconnect as many as 121 VLSI devices and 144 substrate-mounted decoupling capacitors. The substrate provides an array of 648 pads for solder connections to each device, an array of 16 pads for solder connections to each capacitor, and an array of 2772 pins for interconnection with the next package level, and contains approximately 400 m of wiring. The reduced thermal resistance design permits up to 600 W of air-cooling capacity. This paper describes the S/390 alumina TCM fabrication processes and discusses the advances they represent in processing technology, packaging density, and performance. Comparisons to prior technology are made.
Aggressive Waves in the Lemon-Clawed Fiddler Crab (Uca perplexa): A Regional “Dialect” in Fiji

A population of the lemon-clawed fiddler crab (U. perplexa) in Fiji (island of Vanua Levu) was studied for types of communication (i.e., signaling via waving the male’s larger claw). Two types of signals were observed. In addition to the expected territorial display of a large and complex vertical wave that conveys its message over a typical distance of 10–40 cm (with large males signaling to other large males over the greatest distance), a short, rapid, and horizontal wave was typically directed over a much shorter distance, rarely exceeding 10 cm. This latter wave type, seemingly of an aggressive nature, differs from the vertically directed aggressive signal observed in an Australian population of this species and thus appears to be a regional “dialect” for this mode of communication.
Spherical Monovalent Ions at Aqueous Liquid–Vapor Interfaces: Interfacial Stability and Induced Interface Fluctuations

Ion-specific interfacial behaviors of monovalent halides impact processes such as protein denaturation, interfacial stability, and surface tension modulation, and as such, their molecular and thermodynamic underpinnings garner much attention. We use molecular dynamics simulations of monovalent anions in water to explore effects on distant interfaces. We observe long-ranged ion-induced perturbations of the aqueous environment, as suggested by experiment and theory. Surface stable ions, characterized as such by minima in potentials of mean force computed using umbrella sampling MD simulations, induce larger interfacial fluctuations compared to nonsurface active species, conferring more entropy approaching the interface. Smaller anions and cations show no interfacial potential of mean force minima. The difference is traced to hydration shell properties of the anions, and the coupling of these shells with distant solvent. The effects correlate with the positions of the anions in the Hofmeister series (acknowledging variations in force field ability to recapitulate essential underlying physics), suggesting how differences in induced, nonlocal perturbations of interfaces may be related to different specific-ion effects in dilute biophysical and nanomaterial systems.
Proton and Carbon‐13 NMR Studies of Some Tryptamines, Precursors, and Derivatives: Ab Initio Calculations for Optimized Structures

Abstract Proton and carbon‐13 NMR data are presented for 5‐methoxytryptamine, 1; 6‐methoxytryptamine, 2; N,N‐diisopropyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, 3, (5‐MeO‐DIPT); and N,N‐diisopropyl‐5‐methoxyindole‐3‐glyoxylamide, 4, at 300 MHz (1H) and 75 MHz (13C) in CDCl3 at ambient temperature. Compound 3, considered a potential hallucinogen, had been placed into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, effective April 4, 2003, by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Compound 4 can serve as a possible precursor to 3. We believe that these are the first proton NMR assignments obtained at medium field (7 tesla) using selective homodecoupling and two‐dimensional homonuclear chemical shift correlation spectra (using one or more of the COSY45, COSY90, and COSYLR experiments) for rigorous aryl proton assignments in this group of compounds. Significant observed differences in the proton and carbon‐13 NMR spectra should allow facile distinction of the 5‐methoxy series, 1 and 3, from the 6‐methoxy series, 2. Energy minim...
Self-sequencing of amino acids and origins of polyfunctional protocells

The primal role of the origins of proteins in molecular evolution is discussed. On the basis of this premise, the significance of the experimentally established self-sequencing of amino acids under simulated geological conditions is explained as due to the fact that the products are highly nonrandom and accordingly contain many kinds of information. When such thermal proteins are aggregated into laboratory protocells, an action that occurs readily, the resultant protocells also contain many kinds of information. Residue-by-residue order, enzymic activities, and lipid quality accordingly occur within each preparation of proteinoid (thermal protein). In this paper are reviewed briefly the phenomenon of self-sequencing of amino acids, its relationship to evolutionary processes, other significance of such self-ordering, and the experimental evidence for original polyfunctional protocells.
Cognitive-Based Search Strategies for Complex Bio-Nanotechnology Design Derived Through Symbiotic Human and Agent-Based Approaches

Complex systems are challenging for engineers to understand and design. This work demonstrates a synergistic cognitive and agent-based methodology for developing and implementing rule-based strategies that improve human search performance in optimization design tasks. The domain of our study is the design of synthetic myosin-based systems, the biologically-based building block of muscle. We began with an initial cognitive study of users solving design tasks with three varied difficulties using a graphical user interface, and tracked how they manipulated design variables in their search process. User search behaviors resulting in the best and worst designs were then examined. Trends were identified that were used to formulate three strategies automated by computational agents solving the same tasks as the users. The most successful identified strategy implemented by the agents was a combination of univariate searches to learn parameter relationships and then applying that knowledge in greedy local searches. On one of the three tasks, an initial random search improved results. A subsequent cognitive study was conducted with users implementing the best agent-tested strategies. Users implementing the strategy performed significantly better than users performed in the first study with no provided strategy. These results show the power of synergistic human and agent-based approaches, in that cognitive-based findings can provide a starting place for computational search algorithms to begin testing strategies. Experimentation through agent-based methods via fast and extensive automated searches can then produce effective strategies that are given back to users. Our primary findings demonstrate that these agent-tested strategies significantly improve human search performance in designing these complex systems.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Development of Load Rating Procedure for Railroad Flatcar Bridges through Use of Field Instrumentation. II: Procedure Development

Many state and county highway agencies are often forced to develop innovative and economical replacement strategies for deteriorated bridges. One such option is to use a retired railroad flatcar (RRFC) for a bridge superstructure. Many states have found RRFCs to be successful and economical alternatives to more traditional structural systems. Although the performance of RRFCs has been satisfactory, there is little to no guidance in the AASHTO specifications for load rating these structures. This inexperience has led some to take overly conservative approaches when rating these bridges for strength and fatigue. This paper, the second of two companion papers, presents the development of proposed load rating guidelines for RRFC bridges. The guidelines were developed based on previous research found in the literature and through the use of controlled load testing of RRFC bridges as presented in the first companion paper.
The effects of social interaction upon persistence of self-punitive behavior

Four groups of rats were trained to escape shock in a straight runway prior to institution of punishment conditions in an attempt to assess the effect of the presence of another S upon the persistance of self-punitive behavior. All rats first received the usual 35 shock escape training trials. Then, during extinction when no shock was present in the goalbox or startbox, Ss were put into one of four groups: punished, nonpunished, punished with a naive S, and punished with another punished S. Results showed that punishment produced self-punitive behavior and that the presence of another S decreased the number of trials a punished S would perform. The presence of a naive S had more effect than the presence of a trained S. The results are discussed in terms of generalization decrement, social interaction, and fear.
Spin injection and the interfacial conductance of ferromagnet-superconductor oxide heterostructures

Abstract Bilayers of epitaxially compatible superconducting DyBa2Cu3O7−x (DBCO) and ferromagnetic La2/3Ba1/3MnO3 (LBMO) have been grown using molecular beam epitaxy. In contrast with other investigations there was no buffer layer separating the ferromagnetic and superconducting layers. Structures were patterned into mesas for vertical transport measurements. Electrical leads permitted simultaneous study of the interface conductance and the effect on superconductivity of carrier injection. Conductance measurements exhibited features consistent with several aspects of calculations of spin-polarized transport between ferromagnetic and superconducting layers.
Demographic trends in a captive population of red pandas (Ailurus fulgens)

Birth and survivorship data based upon 39 litters born over a ten-year period are examined and discussed. Reproduction in red pandas is characterized by seasonal breeding, small mean litter size, and relatively high survivorship of young, and in general follows a typical “K-selected” life-history strategy. The mean litter size was two, and the sex ratio at birth was approximately 1 male to 1.11 females. Higher male mortality in the early age classes resulted in a sex ratio in favor of females. Mortality was not correlated with age or experience of the mother but was found to be highly positively correlated with an increase in the inbreeding coefficient of the young. There was no significant difference in mortality among the different litter-size classes, and in general mortality decreased with age. Recommendations concerning future management for the study population are given.
NMR study of InP quantum dots: Surface structure and size effects

We report the results of 31P NMR measurements on trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) passivated InP quantum dots. The spectra show distinct surface-capping sites, implying a manifold of crystal–ligand bonding configurations. Two In 31P surface components are resolved and related to different electronic surroundings. With decreasing particle size the In 31P core resonance reveals an increasing upfield chemical shift related to the overall size dependence of the InP electronic structure.
Vaccination with Dendritic Cells Transfected with BAK and BAX siRNA Enhances Antigen-Specific Immune Responses by Prolonging Dendritic Cell Life

Dendritic cell-based vaccines have become an important approach for the treatment of malignancies. Numerous techniques have recently been designed to optimize dendritic cell activation, tumor antigen delivery to dendritic cells, and induction of tumor-specific immune responses in vivo. Dendritic cells (DCs), however, have a limited life span because they are subject to apoptotic cell death mediated by T cells, hindering their long-term ability to prime antigen-specific T cells. Small interfering RNA targeting Bak and Bax antiapoptotic proteins can be used to allow transfected DCs to resist killing by T cells in vivo. In this study, we show that human papillomavirus E7-loaded dendritic cells transfected with BAK/BAX siRNA downregulate Bak and Bax protein expression and become resistant to killing by T cells, leading to enhanced E7-specific CD8+ T cell activation and antitumor effects in vivo. More importantly, we found that vaccination with E7-loaded DCs transfected with BAK/BAX siRNA was capable of generating a strong therapeutic effect in vaccinated mice, compared with DCs transfected with control siRNA. Our data indicate that transfection of dendritic cells with BAK/BAX siRNA represents a plausible strategy for enhancing dendritic cell-based vaccine potency.
Use of N-ethylmaleimide to prevent interference by sulfhydryl reagents with the glucose oxidase assay for glucose☆

Abstract Interference with the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method of glucose determination by the sulfhydryl agents cysteine and reduced glutathione can be overcome simply by adding N-ethylmaleimide to the assay system. A 30-fold molar excess of N-ethylmaleimide over the amount of glucose present produced no interference of its own and completely prevented the effects of cysteine and glutathione. It is suggested that this agent be added to the reaction mixture whenever it is suspected that low molecular weight sulfhydryl compounds may be present in samples to be analyzed for glucose.
Metformin Induces a Dietary Restriction–Like State and the Oxidative Stress Response to Extend C. elegans Healthspan via AMPK, LKB1, and SKN-1

Metformin, a biguanide drug commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, has been noted to extend healthspan of nondiabetic mice, but this outcome, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie it, have received relatively little experimental attention. To develop a genetic model for study of biguanide effects on healthspan, we investigated metformin impact on aging Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that metformin increases nematode healthspan, slowing lipofuscin accumulation, extending median lifespan, and prolonging youthful locomotory ability in a dose-dependent manner. Genetic data suggest that metformin acts through a mechanism similar to that operative in eating-impaired dietary restriction (DR) mutants, but independent of the insulin signaling pathway. Energy sensor AMPK and AMPK-activating kinase LKB1, which are activated in mammals by metformin treatment, are essential for health benefits in C. elegans, suggesting that metformin engages a metabolic loop conserved across phyla. We also show that the conserved oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor SKN-1/Nrf2 is essential for metformin healthspan benefits in C. elegans, a mechanistic requirement not previously described in mammals. skn-1, which functions in nematode sensory neurons to promote DR longevity benefits and in intestines for oxidative stress resistance lifespan benefits, must be expressed in both neurons and intestines for metformin-promoted healthspan extension, supporting that metformin improves healthy middle-life aging by activating both DR and antioxidant defense longevity pathways. In addition to defining molecular players operative in metformin healthspan benefits, our data suggest that metformin may be a plausible pharmacological intervention to promote healthy human aging.
The Büttiker-Landauer model generalized

Buttiker and Landauer studied scattering off an oscillating rectangular barrier in order to shed light on the time aspects of tunneling. The expression for the traversal time resulting from this study is controversial. In addition, doubts have recently been expressed on technical aspects of their work. In an attempt to clarify these issues, we investigate a generalization of their model to arbitrary oscillating barriers,V(x, t)=V0(x)+V1(x)cos ωt. In the process, we confirm that Buttiker and Landauer's work is technically sound. However, we show, by several examples, that no direct general relation exists between the characteristic frequency of an oscillating barrier and the duration of the tunneling process. For a wide range of realistic parameters this characteristic frequency does not even exist.
Somethings's been eating the stars

A hole with hardly any stars has somehow formed in the galaxy's centre. If we could zoom in, we might find out how and test general relativity too
The Spirit of Combination

We find new ideas by starting from where we are and asking the simple question, "Where can we go from here?"
On the Stability of the California Undercurrent off Vancouver Island

Abstract Recent satellite infrared imagery and hydrographic maps of the sea surface temperature of the northeast Pacific reveal a fairly regular pattern of cells or eddies that are aligned north-south about 150 km west of Vancouver Island. The wavelength of this pattern lies in the range 80–100 km Current observations taken near the edge of the continental shelf at a depth of 200 m off Tofino, Vancouver Island, show oscillations with periods of days to about two weeks. At intermediate depths off the coast of Vancouver Island and northern Washington recently derived geostrophic flow patterns show a northward current along the continental slope (the California Undercurrent). In this paper the stability of a two-layer model of the California Undercurrent off Vancouver Island and northern Washington is considered in an attempt to explain the source of the observed spatial and temporal variations. It is shown that the model flow is baroclinically unstable, with the amplifying wave disturbances propagating nort...
Ramified Corecurrence and Logspace

Ramified recurrence over free algebras has been used over the last two decades to provide machine-independent characterizations of major complexity classes. We consider here ramification for the dual setting, referring to coinductive data and corecurrence rather than inductive data and recurrence. Whereas ramified recurrence is related basically to feasible time (PTime) complexity, we show here that ramified corecurrence is related fundamentally to feasible space. Indeed, the 2-tier ramified corecursive functions are precisely the functions over streams computable in logarithmic space. Here we define the complexity of computing over streams in terms of the output rather than the input, i.e. the complexity of computing the n-th entry of the output as a function of n. The class of stream functions computable in logspace seems to be of independent interest, both theoretical and practical. We show that a stream function is definable by ramified corecurrence in two tiers iff it is computable by a transducer on streams that operates in space logarithmic in the position of the output symbol being computed. A consequence is that the two-tier ramified corecursive functions over finite streams are precisely the logspace functions, in the usual sense.
Abstract 3042: Glypican-1 (GPC1) promotes S-phase entry and DNA replication in human glioma cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glypican-1 (GPC1), the most ubiquitously expressed member of the glypican family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), is highly expressed in the developing brain and gliomas. In gliomas, GPC1 is overexpressed in both tumor blood vessel endothelial cells (ECs) and the neoplastic cells. Prior work by us in ECs indicates that GPC1 is overall mitogenic and essential for cell cycle progression and proliferation, implying a role in glioma angiogenesis. The present study focused on the role of GPC1 in glioma cells to explore potential roles in tumorigenesis and growth. The expression of GPC1 in U87 cells, a human glioma cell line with a relatively low basal level of GPC1, was titrated by adenoviral transduction. BrdU pulse-labeling showed a robust induction of S-phase entry and DNA replication by expression of GPC1 in a dose-dependent manner. GPC1 overexpression ultimately led to DNA re-replication and aneuploidy as well as enlarged nuclei and cell rounding. Consistent with these cell cycle effects, ectopic expression of GPC1 significantly induced downregulation of pRb, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 and upregulation of cyclin E, CDK2 and E2F transactivation activity. These cellular and molecular activities of GPC1 were independent of serum concentrations in the growth medium, suggesting that they do not require exogenous growth factors. This activity required intact GPC1 as neither unglycanated GPC1 core protein nor isolated GPC1 HS chains induced the cell cycle and molecular alterations seen after intact GPC1 was added. The more general relevance of our observation to other cell types and the HS-dependency of the GPC1 activity were confirmed by GPC1 transduction of wild-type and HS synthesis-defective CHO cells. Overexpression of GPC1 induced dramatic S-phase entry in wild-type but not in HS-deficient mutant CHO cells. In summary, this work reveals a potent S-phase promoting activity of GPC1 in glioma cells, which may lead to accelerated cell growth and/or increased genomic instability and, therefore, implies a role for GPC1 in glioma tumorigenesis and growth. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3042. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3042
Enalapril in the Management of Hypertension Associated With Renal Artery Stenosis

Enalapril maleate (MK-421) is a new non-sulfhydryl-containing converting-enzyme inhibitor that has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in patients with essential hypertension. Data on its effectiveness and safety in patients with renovascular hypertension are limited and have involved predominantly short-term observations. This is particularly true with respect to the long-term effects of enalapril on renal function. We report our experience using the combination of enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in a group of nine patients with moderate to severe hypertension associated with renal artery stenosis. The enalapril-HCTZ combination successfully controlled blood pressure in seven patients during a six-week period of study. Adverse effects were not noted, and detailed renal hemodynamic studies did not reveal any significant changes of renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate during this time interval. Five patients were continued on this regimen for a period of six to 18 months. In this group of patients, the regimen continued to be well tolerated and to provide excellent blood pressure control: glomerular filtration rate was maintained in two patients and variable grades of decrease were noted in three. The mechanism of this delayed renal dysfunction as well as its relationship to enalapril treatment remain unclear. The long-term impact of converting-enzyme inhibition on renal function requires further study.
Portal Vein Glucose Entry Triggers a Coordinated Cellular Response That Potentiates Hepatic Glucose Uptake and Storage in Normal but Not High-Fat/High-Fructose–Fed Dogs

The cellular events mediating the pleiotropic actions of portal vein glucose (PoG) delivery on hepatic glucose disposition have not been clearly defined. Likewise, the molecular defects associated with postprandial hyperglycemia and impaired hepatic glucose uptake (HGU) following consumption of a high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFFD) are unknown. Our goal was to identify hepatocellular changes elicited by hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and PoG signaling in normal chow-fed (CTR) and HFFD-fed dogs. In CTR dogs, we demonstrated that PoG infusion in the presence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia triggered an increase in the activity of hepatic glucokinase (GK) and glycogen synthase (GS), which occurred in association with further augmentation in HGU and glycogen synthesis (GSYN) in vivo. In contrast, 4 weeks of HFFD feeding markedly reduced GK protein content and impaired the activation of GS in association with diminished HGU and GSYN in vivo. Furthermore, the enzymatic changes associated with PoG sensing in chow-fed animals were abolished in HFFD-fed animals, consistent with loss of the stimulatory effects of PoG delivery. These data reveal new insight into the molecular physiology of the portal glucose signaling mechanism under normal conditions and to the pathophysiology of aberrant postprandial hepatic glucose disposition evident under a diet-induced glucose-intolerant condition.
Treatment of Syphilis: A Systematic Review

Importance The incidence of syphilis in the United States is increasing; it is estimated that more than 55 000 new infections will occur in 2014. Treatment regimens are controversial, especially in specific populations, and assessing treatment response based on serology remains a challenge. Objective To review evidence regarding penicillin and nonpenicillin regimens, implications of the “serofast state,” and treatment of specific populations including those with neurosyphilis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and pregnant women. Evidence Review We searched MEDLINE for English-language human treatment studies dating from January 1965 until July 2014. The American Heart Association classification system was used to rate quality of evidence. Findings We included 102 articles in our review, consisting of randomized trials, meta-analyses, and cohort studies. Case reports and small series were excluded unless they were the only studies providing evidence for a specific treatment strategy. We included 11 randomized trials. Evidence regarding penicillin and nonpenicillin regimens was reviewed from studies involving 11 102 patients. Data on the treatment of early syphilis support the use of a single intramuscular injection of 2.4 million U of benzathine penicillin G, with studies reporting 90% to 100% treatment success rates. The value of multiple-dose treatment of early syphilis is uncertain, especially in HIV-infected individuals. Less evidence is available regarding therapy for late and late latent syphilis. Following treatment, nontreponemal serologic titers should decline in a stable pattern, but a significant proportion of patients may remain seropositive (the “serofast state”). Serologic response to treatment should be evident by 6 months in early syphilis but is generally slower (12-24 months) for latent syphilis. Evidence defining treatment for HIV-infected persons and for pregnant women is limited, but available data support penicillin as first-line therapy. Conclusions and Relevance The mainstay of syphilis treatment is parenteral penicillin G despite the relatively modest clinical trial data that support its use.
The composition and structure of SIPOS: A high spatial resolution electron microscopy study

The nanostructure and chemical distribution in semi-insulating polycrystalline oxygen-doped silicon (SIPOS) deposited on (001) Si and its isothermal transformation behavior at 900 °C were investigated by high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) and electron energy loss nanospectroscopy (EELS). The structure of the as-deposited film, which contained 15 at. % oxygen, was amorphous. No evidence for nanocrystalline second phases was found. It was similar in appearance to amorphous silicon. After annealing for 30 min at 900 °C in an inert environment (N2), a dispersion of small nanocrystals, identified as silicon by imaging, diffraction and EELS, formed in the amorphous SIPOS matrix, with a thin precipitate free zone (PFZ) adjacent to the Si substrate. The SIPOS matrix oxygen concentration increased to 36 at. % and the matrix remained amorphous after annealing. No other phases were observed in annealed specimens. Changes in Si–L near edge fine structure and low loss peaks in EELS spectra from SIPOS with increasing oxygen concentration indicated that it is a solid solution supersaturated with silicon. Microstructures indicated that the Si nanocrystals formed during a homogeneous precipitation reaction.
The Changes of the Orbital Elements and Estimation of the Initial Velocities of Stream Meteoroids Ejected from Comets and Asteroids

The values of the initial velocity of the meteoroids ejected from the parent bodies are small and as a result, the most of the young meteoroid streams have similar orbits to their parent bodies. Assuming that the members of the observed meteor stream evolved under the influence of gravitational perturbations mostly, Pittich [1991, Proceedings of the Conference on Dynamic of Small Bodies of the Solar System, Polish-Slovak Conference, Warsaw, October 25–28, 1988, pp. 55-61], Williams [1996, Earth, Moon, Planets72, 321–326; 2001, Proceedings of the Meteoroids 2001 conference, Kiruna, Sweden, August 6–10, 2001, pp. 33–42] estimated the ejection velocities of the stream meteoroids. Equation relating the ejection velocity Δυ and the change Δa of the semi-major axis, Williams (2001), was applied with two slightly different variations. In the first one (M1) as Δa the difference between the mean orbit of the stream and the orbit of the parent body was substituted, in the second one (M2), as Δa the dispersion of semi-major axes around the mean orbit of the stream was used. The results obtained by these two methods are not free from discrepancies, partly explained by the particular orbital structure of the stream. Kresak [1992, Contrib. Astron. Obs. Skalnate Pleso22, 123–130] strongly criticized the attempts to determine the initial velocities of the stream using the statistics of the meteor orbits. He argued that this is essentially impossible, because the dispersion of the initial velocities are masked by much larger measuring errors and by the accumulated effects of planetary perturbations. In our paper, we study the reliability of M1 and M2 methods. We made a numerical experiment consisting of formation of several meteor streams and their dynamical evolution over 5000 years. We ejected meteoroids particles from the comets: 1P/Halley, 2P/Encke, 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, 109P/Swift-Tuttle and from minor planets (3200) Phaethon and 2002 SY50. During the integration, the ejection velocities were estimated using both M1 and M2 methods. The results show that the velocities obtained by M1 method are unstable: too high or too low, when compared with the known ejection velocities at the time of the stream formation. On the other hand, the velocities obtained using M2 method are too small, mostly. In principle, M2 estimates the dispersion of the distribution of the ejection velocities around the mean value, not the mean value itself. Applying more accurate Equation relating Δυ and Δa we decreased the bias of the results, but not their variation observed during the evolution of the streams and the parent bodies. We have found that the variability of the estimated ejection velocities was caused mainly by the gravitational changes of the semi-major axis and eccentricity of the parent body. In brief, we have found that the reliability of the results obtained by M1 or M2 method are low, and have to be used with great care.
Whole body protein kinetics measured with a non-invasive method in severely burned children

Persistent and extensive skeletal muscle catabolism is characteristic of severe burns. Whole body protein metabolism, an important component of this process, has not been measured in burned children during the long-term convalescent period. The aim of this study was to measure whole body protein turnover in burned children at discharge (95% healed) and in healthy controls by a non-invasive stable isotope method. Nine burned children (7 boys, 2 girls; 54 � 14 (S.D.)% total body area burned; 13 � 4 years; 45 � 20 kg; 154 � 14 cm) and 12 healthy children (8 boys, 4 girls; 12 � 3 years; 54 � 16 kg; 150 � 22 cm) were studied. A single oral dose of 15 N-alanine (16 mg/kg) was given, and thereafter urine was collected for 34 h. Whole body protein flux was calculated from labeling of urinary urea nitrogen. Then, protein synthesis was calculated as protein flux minus excretion, and protein breakdown as flux minus intake. At discharge, total protein turnover was 4.53 � 0.65 (S.E.) g kg body weight � 1 day � 1 in the burned children compared to 3.20 � 0.22 g kg � 1 day � 1 in controls